Does anyone know anything about the young JOHN REED of the will of Henry REED? I have a John Clement Reid/Reed whose son JESSE REID was born in 1803 in Wake Co., NC (Bible entry). Jesse spent most of his life in Guilford Co., NC. My understanding is that apprenticeships lasted until the boy reached 21 years of age, and he could marry then. I think my Jesse Reid was the oldest of John Clement Reid's children (other younger sons Nathan & Green Reid), although I don't have the name of female offspring. One of the children of Jesse Reid was named William Fletcher Reid b. 1839 and another was John Clement Reid II b. 1827, plus Henry Alton Reid b. 1855, and Alexander Gattis Reid b. 1858==all born in Guilford Co.,NC. I have a suspicion that Jesse's mother was an Eliza or an Elizabeth since that was the name of his first female child. My Julia Anne was Jesse's 2nd daughter. It is said that originally my Read/Reid/Reed family came down to NC from VA in the mid-1700s. Betty Pace ========= Date:Sun, 21 Aug 2005 13:50:05 -0500 From:"Karl & Cecy Rice" <kcecyr@swbell.net> To:REED-L@rootsweb.com Subject:Henry REED will, Guilford Co, North Carolina (NC) 1789 Anyone know about this family? Cecy Rice Will of a Henry REED in Guilford County in 1789. I am hoping it is my family but no proof. It reads(edited by me): 1789 April 12 (written), August 1789 probated Guilford County, NC Court Minutes, Book 11, p.51 "Item 1 - to my wife Agnes REED a child's part of all my estate real and personal to enjoy forever and -- of the plantation I now live on while she remains a widow to raise & school my children. Item 2 - the rest to be divided between my children share and share alike, daughters as well as sons (doesn't name them), only a horse and paddle to my wife above her equal part. Item 3 - My Executor to pay my debts. Item 4 - there be a sale so wife will have money to raise the children (I'm leaving out some) Wm Gowdy? and Wm Scott, executors Witnesses: Wm. Graham, Moses McCuistian and Wm REED. (a older son?) Court ordered that an orphan boy, son of Henry REED dec'd. named John REED be bound to Robert Ketruhork until he arrives at full age to learn the trade of tailor - he giving him the sum of ten pounds and to learn him to read write and cypher as far as the rule of three and usual freedom dues." Agnes REED dies 1800 April - Guilford Co, NC Vol III, p.35 Court Minutes: Ordered that William DENNEY be appointed guarding for James REED, John REED, Elizabeth REED and Henry REED, orphans of Henry REED, dec'd. who gave bond in the sum of 100lb. Witnesses: James Protis? and William Sokey.