Pickett-NC-Will-1807

There are several slave graves in my family cemetery located in present day Durham, NC. Interested in any information that may lead to the identification of the individuals buried there. William PICKETT came to the Orange/Chatham/Durham area in 1755. He died in 1807. The land remained in the family until 1926 when it was sold to Murray Jones, a front man for Duke University. The cemetery is still maintained.

PICKETT Durham, NC 1807

"In the name of God, Amen. I, William Picket, of the State of North Carolina and County of Orange, being of perfect mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament after recommending my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner. I dispose of my property worldly goods in the following manner --

Viz - First, I lend to my beloved wife, Elizabeth Picket during her life or widowhood four Negroes, Viz - Jinny and Milly and Sarah Jinny Milly's children,
. . . Item/ I give to Judith Picket, daughter of my son Jessee Picket, after my wife's death, the old wench Jinny and Jiny the younger, but if the said Jessee Picket should have other daughters that the increase of the girl Jinny be equally divided amongst them.
. . . Item/ I leave to my two granddaughters, Tempe and Edy Rigsby, daughters of Jessee Rigsby, my Negro girl Sarah after my wife's death, and if the said Rigsby have other daughters by his present wife that they shall be entitled to an equal share of the increase of said girl Sarah.
. . . Further, I lend to my daughter Elizabeth Rigsby after my wife's death my Negro woman Milly, and it is my will that she enjoy the labor of said Negro or the profits arising therefrom as shall by my executive be deemed most proper during her life
. . . Item/ After the death of my daughter Elizabeth Rigsby, I give and bequeath to all my granddaughters that are living the said Negro Milly and her increase to be equally divided amongst them not before named in the will"

Contributed by: Richard Pickett  mahdi5@naxs.com