Sifting through various Pryor lines to determine who is connected to my projected line and who isn’t connected. That’s what took me to Halifax County, North Carolina records. When I looked at the will of John Pryor — husband of Lucretia, father of Luke, John and Elizabeth— and the will was witnessed by William Pryor.
Will of John Pryor, Signed 1769
In the Name of God Amen. I John Pryor of Halifax County Being in Perfect and sound Health and strength of memory thanks be to almighty God for the same do make and Ordain this my Last will and testament in manner and Form following viz first I recommend my soul to Almighty god that gave it hoping thro’ my ever blessed Redeemer to receive Salvation and my body to be Deciently buried at the Discretion of my Exers. herein after mentioned and as for what worldly goods is hath Pleased Almighty god to besto on me. I give and Bequeath in manner and Form Following first I desire all my just Debts be paid. Item my will and desire is that my Negro Peter be sold with all my year’s crop. Crop of corn —? much as my loving wife Lucresa can spar with what stock and household furniture she shall Direct to pay my just Debts. Item I lend to my Loveing wife all my whole estate be it ow what kind so ever During her Natural Life. She raising what money out of my Estate to school my Two children Jno. and Elizabeth and after her decease to be Equally Divided Between by two Children Jno. and Elizabeth. Item I give to my son Luke Pryor one bed, one Desk, three plates to him and his heirs which he hath Now in his possession. Lastly I constitute and Appoint my loving wife Lucresa whole and sole Excx. of this my last will and Testament Revoke all other former wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Third day of September 1769.
John Pryor {seal}
Witness
William Pryor
Halifax County —-? May court 1770. Then this will was exhibited in open court and Duly proved by the oat of Wm. Pryor a witness thereto who on his oath did say that he —? the Testator Jno. Pryor signed Published and Declared the same to be his Last Will and Testament and that he subscribed his Name as a witness thereto in the presents of the Testator and his request where upon the said will was ordered to be recorded.
Test. Jos. Montfort, CoC