THOMAS HODGES ESQ.

(Brother of Henry)

1750-1806

In a letter written by Capt. Robert Hodge of Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas, about 1880, to his brother Josiah Bryant Hodge is one of the many clues indicating that Thomas was the brother of Henry. The letter was published in The San Antonio Express June 27, 1882. The letter came in possession of Mrs. Helen M. Rice, daughter of Josiah Bryant Hodge, after his death on May 30, 1882.

Dear brother; You know that our grandfather was named Henry Hodge, he had his brother Thomas who lived and died in N.C. he had children. The other brother was named Anthony. Our father named Edwin’s oldest boy Anthony after his uncle. He lived and died in South Carolina. He had a family of children. Old Anthony Hodge and family claimed the old family name Hodges. Our family and old Thomas Hodge of N.C. shortened the name, and spelled it Hodge Now can you remember the given name of these three brothers I mean our great grand father Hodge? It is important. One Joseph Hodge, for whom Uncle Harry Hodge named his son Joseph died in England nearly one hundred and two years ago. His estate was then worth over one hundred millions of dollars. He made a will that his estate should be divided before the expiration of one hundred years This time has now been out for nearly two years. The interest has been accumulating for one hundred and two years. I have met with several of Anthony Hodges descendants, very intelligent men, and are commission merchants of New Orleans. They remember hearing their grand father speak of his two brothers Henry and Thomas of North Carolina. Now I have no doubt that we are heirs of Joseph Hodges deceased, of England, but the difficultly is how do we identify our kinship? I am investigating this matter as I can and want all you know about it. So, begin to answer to me the following questions. What was the name of our great grand father? What time did he emigrate from Wales, England to Virginia. Have you any knowledge when our grandfather, Henry Hodges two brothers left Virginia for the Carolinas? Do you know when our family abbreviated our name from Hodges to Hodge? It may become necessary for me to jog your memory again, as I proceed in this investigation. A gentleman friend of Fidella Hodge will sail to London the 1st of May. I will make a statement of all the facts, I know in the case and all I can gather and sent it to J.P. Benjamin, who is the Queen’s Counsel at London. He was in the cabinet of Jeff Davis with J.H. Reagan.

Your young brother, Robert Hodge

Thomas Hodges was born circa 1750 in Virginia. He was a planter, justice and large slaveholder of Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Thomas does not appear in Edgecombe County deed records until 1776; “Isaac Beacham & Susanna (x) Beacham of Edgecomb Co to Thomas Hodges of same. 26 Nov 1776. 413₤ proclamation. 600 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Crooked Swamp, Moors Swamp, Benjamin Hart, Swanson, Proctor. Wit: Jacob Sessums, Wm (x) May. Jul. Ct. 1777. Edward Hall CC”.[Edge. Co. DB 3; 911-(144)]. On July 26, 1777, Thomas Hodges and wife Sarah sold 110 acres on the east side of Tranters Creek in Pitt County for 60₤ to Luke Mount, a ship’s carpenter. A month earlier, on June 24, 1777, Thomas Hodges had purchased 272 acres in Pitt County from Winifred Wilson. Thomas and wife Sarah sold this land on November 20, 1784, after which no record of them appears in Pitt County. Most of his lands were on the south side of Fishing Creek near Sessums Bridge about 10 miles north of Tarboro and on the Crooked Swamp in the northern part of what is now Nash County. In the 1780s and 1790s he purchased a number of slaves. The 1790 census shows that he owned 22, which made him one of the twenty largest slaveholders in the county. In his will, he mentioned 24 different slaves by name. He served as a guardian for several orphans and as executor or administrator for a number of his neighbors and apparent relatives such as: Col. Isaac Sessums (1785) and William Northern (1790). William Northern’s estate was divided between his three daughters Caty, Nellie (wife of Robert Hodge Sr.) and Lucy. Thomas signed the inventory in 1793 and in 1795 this estate was divided among the heirs. In 1800 he was appointed a justice of the Edgecombe County Court, which indicated that he had some political influence in Edgecombe County.

Thomas died in 1806 and in the May term of that same year his will was probated in the Edgecombe County Court at Tarboro. On August 14, 1807, Robert Hodge and Spear Coffield of Livingston County, Kentucky, gave power of attorney to Thomas Hodge (son of Henry G. Hodge Sr.) of Livingston County, Kentucky to settle claims against the estate. On January 28, 1810, Thomas Hodge of Livingston County appointed his brother James to act as his attorney to collect from the administrator of Thomas’ estate.

Thomas married Sarah “Sally” Sessums. Sally was the daughter of Solomon Sessums of Edgecombe County. There is reason to believe that she may have been married prior to her marriage to Thomas. In her will she mentions a daughter Polly Latham who is not in Thomas’ will or any of the litigation that involved Thomas’ heirs. Sarah does not appear as a head of household on the 1810 census, but the 1815 Edgecombe County tax list shows her with 230 acres valued at $1035 and 1 slave.

Their daughter Elizabeth married Starling Diggs, an Edgecombe County lawyer, who was hated by Thomas. Starling was the son of Robert Diggs, member of the General Assembly for Edgecombe County from 1781 to 1787. Robert served with Isaac Sessums on the General Assembly in 1782 and 1784.

THOMAS HODGES SR., b. ca. 1750, Va.; d. 1806, Edgecombe Co., NC.; m. ca. 1774, SARAH "Sally" SESSUMS (b. 1754, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. 1828, Edgecombe Co., NC.) dau. of Richard and Sarah Sessums Jr.

Issue:

1. WILLIAM HENRY HODGES., b. ca. 1774, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. Jan. 1804, Edgecombe Co., NC; m. ELIZABETH __________.

Issue:

(1). HENRY WILLIAM HODGES, b. ca. 1800, Edgecombe Co., NC

2. THOMAS HODGES JR., b. ca. 1776, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. 1810, Edgecombe Co., NC. Never married.

3. ELIZABETH HODGES, b. ca. 1778, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. bef. 1822; m. bef. 1800, STARLING DIGGES (b. ca. 1775; d. aft. 1806) son of Robert and Elizabeth (Lawson) Digges.

Issue:

(1). NANCY DIGGES, b. ca. 1800, Edgecombe Co., NC.

(2). SARAH DIGGES, b. ca. 1800, Edgecombe Co., NC.

(3). WILLIAM DIGGES, b. ca. 1800. [Receipt from Mrs. Elizabeth Digges to Mr. Henry Hodge Sr. “Welfare of This My only begotton son” (signed)….On Acct of Mr. Henry Hodges Senr.” Date of Receipt is March 4, 1807.]

4. NANCY HODGES, b. ca. 1780, Edgecombe Co., NC.; m. (bond) 1800, Edgecombe Co., NC., MOSES SMITH (b. ca. 1780, Va.; d. 1864, Halifax Co., NC.)

Issue:

(1). ARABELLA SMITH, b. ca. 1801, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. aft. 1870; m. Apr. 3, 1819, Edgecombe Co., NC., BOAZ KITCHIN (b. 1790, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. 1886, Edgecombe Co., NC.) son of Boaz and Elizabeth (Weeks) Kitchin

5. SARAH HODGES, b. ca. 1784, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. ca. 1862, Mt. Pleasant, Marshall Co., Miss.; m. ca. 1808, JEREMIAH HUDDLESTON CLOUD (b. ca. 1780, Henry Co., Va.; d. ca. 1858, McNairy Co., Tn.) son of Jason and Sarah (Haley) Cloud.

Issue:

(1). HENRIETTA CLOUD, b. 1814, Madison Co., Ala.; d. 1871, Marshall, Ms.; m. 1831, Tn., JOHN C. BARRETT SR. (b. ca. 1807, NC.)

6. ANTHONY HODGES, b. ca. 1790, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. Mar. 1811, Edgecombe Co., NC. Never married.

7. PENELOPE “Penny” HODGES, b. 1794, Edgecombe Co., NC.; d. Mar. 17, 1855, Edgecombe Co., NC.; buried Calvary Episcopal Cem. Tarboro, Edgecombe Co., NC.; m. JAMES M. ABBINGTON. No known children.

Thomas Hodges

Last Will & Testament

In the name of God Amen

I Thomas Hodges of the County of Edgecombe and State of North Carolina do make & ordain the following to be my last will & testament.

Imprimis I cummend my Soul to Almighty God and my body I wish decently buried as my executors and friends may direct.

Item I lend to my loving and affectionate wife Sally Hodges for & during her natural life & no longer the House and plantation whereon I now live including the out Houses & the use of the land belonging to my plantation. I further lend to my loving & affectionate wife during her natural life & no longer the following Negroes to wit Mose, Orston, Isaac, Rose, Trease the elder I further lend to my affectionate wife during her natural life and no longer one good Bed bedstead & furniture the old riding chair &harness one horse called the Doctor also the buffatt one dozen mulberry chairs all the furniture that belongs to the buffatt one walnut table two pine tables one chest & one set bed curtains and two cows & calves.

Item I give bequeath & devise to my daughter Nancy Smith a tract of land bought by me of Lemuel Jelks & Jelks of Henry Philips situate and being in the County of Edgecombe; also four Negroes towit Jim Lewis mingo & Jenny and her increase besides other articles which I have already put in her possession to her & her heirs forever.

Item I give & devise to my daughter Elizabeth Digges that tract of land purchased by me of Lemuel Jelks, Jelks of John Dolvin & Dolvin of George Cotton situate and joining the lands of Moses Smith. I further give to my daughter Elizabeth Digges two Negroes to wit Lunner & Milly, one Bed bedstead & furniture, one trunk, one side saddle also the Bed cloathing which she got by her own industry one young Horse called pinkney to her & her heirs forever. I also lend to my daughter Elizabeth Digges that tract of land being over the crooked swamp purchased by me of Lemuel Jelks and Jelks of John Dolvin & Dolvin of Joshua Procter until me grand son Henry William Hodges arrives to the age of Ten years and no longer. But it is my desire and wish that he may have the sole entire and separate enjoyment of the said property without the same being liable or subject to the interference of her husband Starling Digges in any manner whatsoever nor shall the same be liable to pay or satisfy any of the debts which are or may be hereafter become due by the said Starling Digges; this legacy being intended for the only and separate maintenance of my said daughter and after her death it is my will and desire that the said property shall belong to her child or her children should she have any but should they die leaving no lawful issue of their body then it is my desire that the above mentioned gift of land be sold to the highest bidder & the money arising therefrom be equally divided amongst all my children. And in order to carry my intention aforesaid with respect to this legacy more completely into effect and to secure the said property to my daughters use as aforesaid I desire my executors to assist and protect her in the use of the same in such a manner that it may best answer the purpose aforesaid; and I hereby give to my executors and to each of them for that purpose all and every necessary and competent power and authority over the said property and every part of it.

Item I give & bequeath to my daughter Sally Hodges the following negroes towit; Daniel, William, Frank, and Treasy that I purchased of Doctor Haywood I further give to my daughter Sally one Bed bedstead & furniture also Bed and window curtains together with some bed quilts which she has acquired by her own industry; I further give to my daughter Sally the new riding chair, one Bay Horse called jack purchased by me of John Bolt one trunk and one side saddle. I further give to my said daughter Sally after the death of my wife the Negro man Mose which I lent to said wife during her natural life.

Item I give bequeath & devise to my Son Thomas Hodges that tract of land and plantation whereon I now live to him and his heirs forever reserving the use of it to my wife as above mentioned during her natural life. I further give to my Thomas one Negro man named Sam, the sorrel mares colt, one Bed bedstead & furniture & one mans saddle which he now claims.

I lend to my Son Thomas Hodges diring the life of his mother and no longer the following fields belonging the tract of land which I purchased of Richard Sessums to wit the Mill field the Champen field & the Cumberland field so called also the uncleared land within the bounds of the myrtle branch & the creek adjoining the above fields.

Item I give bequeath and devise to my Son Anthony Hodges all the tract of land and plantation which I purchased of Richard Sessums to him and his heirs forever except twenty acres which was purchased off of William Bryans land reserving the use of the fields as above mentioned to my son Thomas during the life of his mother. I further give to my Son Anthony Hodges one Negro land named Jim one saddle which he claims one Horse called Jack and one Bed bedstead & furniture to him & his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Penny the following Negroes to wit Mingo, Jeffry, Mary and Amelia. I further give to my daughter Penny one Rone filly called flower one trunk & one Bed bedstead & furniture to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Nancy Digges one Negro girl named Alce one Negro Boy named Orston which I have lent to my wife during her natural life and parcel of feathers which her mother has procured her to make her a bed to her and her heirs forever--; but in case she should die without issue, then it is my desire that her mother Elizabeth Digges should have the whole subject to the same regulations & restrictions as the legacy given to my daughter Elizabeth digges.

Item I give bequeath & devise to my Grandson Henry William Hodges that tract of land being over the Crooked Swamp purchased by me of Jeffry Jelks of Dolvin & Dolvin of Joshua Procter. I further give to my Grand Son twenty acres of land purchased by me of Richard Sessums & was purchased off of the lands of William Bryan which said twenty acres lies joining the lower side of the above mentioned Jelks tract to him & his heirs forever, but in case he should die before he arrives to the age of eighteen years then it is my desire that it be equally divided among my two daughters Sally and Penny. I further give to my Grand Son one Negro Boy named Isom to him and his heirs forever but should my Grand son as aforesaid die before he comes to lawful age then it is my will that my wife have the use of him during her natural life & no longer & after the death of my wife it is my desire that he be divided among my two sons Thomas & Anthony.

Item It is my will & desire that so much of my corn & meat remain unsold as will support my family plentifully the present year the remainder together with all the residue of my estate which is not already lent or given away I desire should be sold & the money arising therefrom be applied to the discharge of my just & lawful debts but should there not be a sufficiency to pay the same it is my desire that the following Negroes to wit Mingo, Isom, Sam, Jim & Daniel be hired out & the plantation which I purchased of Richard Sessums I desire should be rented out and continue to be hired & rented from year to year in order to discharge my debts as aforesaid. And it is further my will & desire that no division of my estate should take place untill all my debts be Finally settled.

Lastly I constitute & appoint my worth friends Jeremiah Hilliard Jacob Battle and Dempsey Battle whole & sole executors of this my last will & testament revoking all others heretofore made In witness whereof I have hereunto set my land & seal this 19^th February Anno Domini 1800

Signed in the presence Thomas Hodges

R. Harrison

Richd Hart

The original will is in box 15, Edgecombe County Wills, North Carolina State Archives (Raleigh)

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Edgecombe County May Court 1806

The within last Will & Testament of Thomas Hodges decd.—was exhibited in open Court and offered for probate and was proved by the oaths of R. Harrison and Richd Hart the only two subscribing witnesses thereto. But the executors therein named refused to qualify—administration therefore with the will annexed was granted to Randolph Cotton on the estate of the said decd—He was lawfully qualified and the Will ordered to be recorded.

Test E. Hale CC

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Inventory taken by Randolph Cotton, admr., May 30, 1806, Nov. Ct. 1806. Account of sale of part of the estate of the admr., Jun. 12, 1806. Sally Hodges, Thomas Jr. was a buyer. Additional sale held Dec. 23, 1806 with Sally Hodges the principal buyer and Thomas Hodges bought. Account current with the admr. Audit and settlement of account, Aug. Ct. 1810.

Thomas Hodges of Livingston County Kentucky apptd James Hodge of same as attorney to collect from admr. of Thomas Hodges decd. and others-Jan. 20, 1810.

Sarah Hodges

Last Will & Testament

In the name of God Amen I Sarah Hodges of Edgecombe County and state of North Carolina being at this time in a state of weak capacity in body, nut of sound & perfect mind & memory, thank god for the same, but calling to mind that it is appointed for all flesh once to die, do make & ordain this to be my last will & Testament in manner & form following. (Viz)

1^st I recommend my soul to the hands of almighty God hoping through the merits of death & passion of my savior Jesus Christ to have full & perfect pardon & forgiveness of all my sins, to inherit everlasting life; my body I commit to the earth, to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named & as touching the disposition of all such worldly estate that I leave; that I have in this world, which it hath pleased the almighty God to bestow upon me I give & dispose thereof as followeth.

2^nd My will & desire is that my Executor hereafter named sell the whole of my Estate consisting of my stock of all kinds; also every species of my estate, (except my cloathing) that I am at this time possessed of may hereafter accumulate including my personal property etc.

3^rd My will & desire are all my just depts. Be paid.

4^th I give & bequeath unto my daughter Polly Latham forty pounds.

5^th I give & bequeath unto my daughter Penny Abbington thirty pounds.

6^th I give & bequeath unto my grand son Henry William Hodges thirty pounds when he arrives to the age of twenty one years. If there should be any surplus remaining after the above mentioned Sums I give & bequeath it to the two last named Penny Abbington & Henry William Hodges to be equally divided.

7^th I give & bequeath my cloathing unto my four daughters Polly Latham, Nancy Smith, Sarah Cloud & Penny Abbington to be equally divided.

Lastly I do nominate & appoint Ephraim Dicken my whole & sole Executor of this my last will & Testtament & I do hereby disannul & disown every other will & Testament & I do ratify & confirm this & no other to be my last will & testament.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & cause my seal to be affixed this 10^th day of December 1822

Signed, Sealed & delivered

Sarah (x) Hodges (Seal)

In presence of mark

Jacob Sessums

Ephraim Dicken

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Edgecombe County May Court 1828

The within last Will and Testament of Sarah Hodges decd was exhibited in open Court for probate and was proved by the oaths of Jacob Sessums and Ephraim Dicken the subscribing witnesses thereto. And Ephraim Dicken the Executor therein named at the time qualified thereto.

Ordered that the same be certified & the will recorded

Test Mich Hearn

WILLIAM HENRY HODGES. Inventory taken by Elizabeth Hodges, admrx., Jan. 5, 1804, May Ct. 1804. Accounts of sales by the admrx., Feb. 2, Mar. 16, and Jul. 30, 1804. Thomas Hodges and Elizabeth Hodges were buyers, Feb. Ct. 1806. Account current with the admrx., Feb. Ct. 1806.

THOMAS HODGES JR. Inventory taken by Wm. Dicken, admr., Sept. 20, 1810, including two “Claronettes”, Nov. Ct. 1810.

Anthony Hodges

Last Will & Testament

In the name of God Amen. I Anthony Hodges of the County of Edgecombe & State of North Carolina being in my perfect Senses blessed be God for the same & as a languishing Bed think it proper time settle my worldly affairs Therefore I make this my last will & Testament Revoking all other will or Wills heretofore by me make or cause to be made formerly but do as before & constitute & appoint this my last will & Testament (Vis)

First & Principally I commend my Soul to the hand of almighty God hoping he will be pleased to see’d the same Secondly I Leave my (?) to be accentely intonned according to the (?) of (?) & as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow on me same worldly goods its my will & desire that They should be deposed of as Follows –

1^st Item I give & bequeath to my beloved nephew Henry Hodges one negro man named Jim to him & his heirs forever.

2^nd Item I give & bequeath unto my beloved niece Nancy Deggs one half my Lands & half my interest in Lands after my mothers death to her & her heirs & assignees forever

3^rd Item I give & bequeath to my beloved sister Penny Hodges the other half of my Lands & half my interest in Lands after my mothers death - to her & heir heirs forever

4^th Item I give & bequeath to my beloved sister Nancy Smith the sum of five shillings to heir & her heirs forever

5^th Item I give & bequeath to my beloved sister Sarah Cloud the sum of five shillings to her & her heirs forever

6^th Item I allot my perishable estate & crops to pay my debts

7^th Item I give & bequeath to my beloved sister Elizabeth Deggs the sum of five shillings to her & her heirs forever

And lastly I do appoint & ordain Trusty Friends Elias Bryant & William Bellamy my whole & sole executors to excute this my Last Will & Testament

Sealed with my Seal & signed this 28^th day of February 1811.

Signed Sealed in presents

of us

undersigned below assigned

(Seal)

/s/ Anthony Hodges

/s/ Alex Sessums

/s/ Jacob Sessums

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Edgecombe County May Court 1811

The within last Will and Testament of Anthony Hodges dec’d was exhibited into Court for Probate and was duly proven – and Elias Bryant and William Bellamy the Executors named in the said Will came into open Court & refused to qualify

Therefore - On motion ordain that the same be certified & the will be recorded

Test E. Hall CC

Hodges Anthony

Rec’d “E” Page 17

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Inventory taken by David Barnes, admr., Dec. 6, 1811, Feb. Ct. 1812. Account of sale by the admr., Dec. 18, 1811. Sarah Hodges and Penny Hodges were buyers, Feb. Ct. 1812. Account current with the admr. Audit and settlement of account, Nov. Ct. 1813. Petition (dated November 1812) for a division of the estate of the said Anthony Hodges by James M. Abington and wife Penelope, and also by Nancy Diggs with Exum Lewis her guardian, stating the deceased died testate and bequeathed to them 700 acres on Fishing Creek adj. Alexander Sessums and Jacob Sessums.

PENELOPE HODGES. Dk 14, Page 406: Allotment to James M. Abington in right of his wife, Penny, and to Nancy Digges of the real estate of Anthony Hodges, decd., according to his will, Dec. 1812.

DK 26, Page 41: Penelope Abington sold Lot #1 of the division of the lands of Anthony Hodges, decd. Allotted to Jas. M. Abington and wife, Penny, Nov. 22, 1852. “Kinfolk of Edgecombe County” by Joseph Watson.

Penelope mentioned in the Edgecombe County will of Elizabeth Sessoms in 1835. Penelope’s will written in 1846 named her main heirs; John L. Dancy and Nancy Dancy, wife of William E. Dancy, for whom she set up a trust fund. After Nancy Dancy’s death, the remaining funds to be divided between Nancy’s four daughters.

TIMELINE

Monday, September 12, 1774 - Halifax County, North Carolina

Will #211 pg. 374 Benjamin Merryman

Daughter Frances Merrimon/Merryman manner plantation whereon I now live with all lands except 100 acres whereon THOMAS HODGES now lives and the sd. 100 acres to go to the sd. HODGES and he to pay 40 pounds to Benjamin Merryman residue of estate to be divided between wife Margaret Merryman and daughter Frances when wife marries or died or daughter comes of age whichever is first. Wit: Spencer Watts, Griffin Morris/Norris (?) X his mark. Extr. Thomas Daniel

Hofman, Margaret M.. Genealogical Abstracts of Wills 1758 through 1824 Halifax County, North Carolina. Weldon, North Carolina: The Roanoke News Company, 1970.

Note: This is the other Thomas Hodges that lived in Halifax County, NC.

Tuesday, November 26, 1776 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 3, page 911-(144) Isaac Beacham & Susanna (x) Beacham of Edgecomb Co to THOMAS HODGES of same. 26 Nov 1776. 413£ proclamation. 600 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Crooked Swamp, Moors Swamp. Benjamin Hart, Swanson, Proctor. Wit: Jacob Sessums, Wm (x) Sessums, Wm (x) Mecenney. Jul Ct 1777. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 2: 1768-1778. Virginia Beach, Va: 1995.

Tuesday, June 24, 1777 – Pitt County, North Carolina

DB F, page 504, deed dated 24 Jun 1777, Winifred Wilson to Thomas Hodges 272 acres; ₤55. Butted and Bounded on the So. by the main road, on the west by the Iron Mind, and No. by the courses of sd. patton as Reference is had thereunto and on the Et. By Simon Taylors line. Wit.: Moses Hodges

Tuesday, July 15, 1777 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 3 978-(221) THOMAS HODGES of Edgecombe to Isaac Sessums of same. 15 Jul 1777. 16£13s4p proclamation. 125 acres on the west side of Fishing Creek, joining Proctor, Crooked Swamp, Richd Swanson. Wit: John Jolly, HENRY (x) HODGE

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 2: 1768-1778. Virginia Beach, Va: 1995.

Saturday, July 26, 1777 – Pitt County, North Carolina

DB F, page 319, deed dated 26 Jul 1777, Thomas Hodges and Sarah, wife to Luke Mounts, ship carpenter, 11 acres; ₤60. ES Tranters Creek, B. & running up with the meanders of Tranter’s Creek up to the mouth of a spring near Jon. Knowis salt ____called & known by the name of Pink Spring, thence from a ___ wood at the head of sd. Spring ____ Philip Hollands corner with said line to head of a branch in the Division Between said Hodges & Holland, thence with ? sd. Branch down into the Beaver dam thence along the water courses of sd. Beaver damn to mouth & place of Beginning. Wit.: Phillip Holland, Matthias Johnson.

Saturday, October 24, 1778 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 3, 51-(361) John Lowry & wife Winnefred (x) of Edgecombe Co to HENRY HODGES of same. 24 Oct 1778. 1450£ proclamation. 200 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek. Wit: Ephraim Dicken, THOS HODGE. Sd Winnifred relinquished right of dower. Nov Ct 1778. Edward Hall CC

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Wednesday, November 18, 1778 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 3, 50-(359) Richard Ship & wife Frances (x) of Edgecomb Co to THOMAS HODGE of same. 18 Nov 1778. 1000£ proclamation. 250 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining William Nelms, Sessums. Wit: Isaac Sessums, Wm Cotton. Sd Frances relinquished right of dower. Nov Ct 1778. Edward Hall CC

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Wednesday, July 7, 1779 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 3, 180-(506) THOMAS HODGES & wife SARAH (x) of Edgecombe Co to John Batchelor of Norfolk Co VA. 7 Jul 1779. 3000£ 200 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining William Nelms, Sessums, Meadow or Spring Branch. Wit: Isaac Sessums, Wm Cotton Sr. Nov Ct 1779. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Tuesday, August 24, 1779 - Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Will of Wrightson Dixon proved by THOMAS HODGES, and Isaac Sessums qualified as executor of the will.

Dorman Jr., Marvin K. Edgecombe County North Carolina Abstract of Court Minutes 1744-56, 1756-94. 1968.

Thursday, March 23, 1780 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB E, 303-(85) Richard Ship & wife Frances (x) of Edgecombe Co to John Batchelor of same. 23 Mar 1780. For 3 negros [not named]. 200 acres which was part of a 620 acre survey granted to Thomas Price, joining the south west side of Fishing Creek, Ephraim Dickens, Elizabeth Horn, William Price or Jocob Sessums, THOMAS HODGES. Wit: Ephr Dicken, HENRY (x) HODGES, Babel Raiffield. Sd feme relinquished right of dower. Aug Ct 1781. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

November 1780 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Ct summoned THOMAS HODGES to Nov 1780 session to show cause why he held a “young Woman of mixed Blood named Bet…of free Parents” in slavery. Portess vs Hodges.

Byrd III, William L. In Full Force and Virtue: North Carolina Emancipation Records, 1713-1860: 1999

Friday, February 2, 1781 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB E, 318-(97) THOMAS HODGES of Edgecombe Co to Isaac Sessums. 2 Feb 1781. 4000£ NC. 50 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining sd HODGES, Crooked Swamp, sd Sessums. Wit: Jacob Sessums, Lewis (x) Balley. Aug Ct 1781. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Saturday, February 24, 1781 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB E, 305-(87) THOMAS HODGE & his wife SARAH of Edgecombe Co to John Batchellor of same. 24 Feb 1781. 18£ proclamation. 30 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Spring Branch, Sessums, a meadow, a meadow and branch. Wit: Jacob Sessums, John Lakey. Aug Ct 1781. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Monday, October 28, 1782 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, (769) 57, deed date 28 Oct 1782, recorded Feb Ct 1784, NC. (grant #310) to Isaac Sessums, a tract containing 233 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek beginning at a gum his own corner in the Crooked Swamp then south 60 east 194 poles along his own line to a pine his other corner on Fishing Creek then south 80 west 196 poles along another of his own lines to a dogwood in Joshua Proctor’s line then north 80 west 118 poles to a gum in the Crooked Swamp the said Proctor’s corner then up the said swamp along his other line north 23 west 76 poles to his other corner maple then up said swamp along his own line north 45 east 19 poles to his corner maple then along THOMAS HODGES’ line up said swamp north 52 east 96 poles to his corner maple then along his other line north 45 east 144 poles to a gum about the middle of the Crooked Swamp then down the said swamp south 9 west 136 poles along one of his other lines to the beginning, signed Alex. Martin. wit: J. Proctor. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Thursdays, March 20, 1783 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB E, 527-(267) THOMAS HODGE & his wife SARAH of Edgecombe Co to Isaac Sessums. 20 Mar 1783. 200£ specie. 217 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining sd HODGES & Sessums, Moores Swamp, Absalom Savidge, George Cotton, Crooked Swamp. Sd feme relinquished right of dower. Wit: Richard Putney, Augustin Newsom Anderton. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Thursday, May 22, 1783 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB E, 528-(269) Richard Ship & wife Frances of Edgecombe to THOMAS HODGES of same. 22 May 1783. 500£ specie. 200 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek.

Sd feme relinquished right of dower. Wit: Isaac Sessums, William Batchelor. May Ct 1783. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Friday, October 31, 1783 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, 726-(14) William Batchelor Batchelor & wife Mary (x) of Edgecombe Co to Richard Ship of same. 31 Oct 1783. 666£12s4p specie. 450 acres, joining the south side of Fishing Creek, Horn, William Price, Jacob Sessums, sd Richard Ship, THOMAS HODGES. Sd feme relinquished right of dower. Wit: Micajah Little. Nov Ct 1783. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Saturday, July 31, 1784 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, 845-(118) Thomas Wells of Edgecombe Co to Moses Borrow of same. 31 Jul 1784. 266£13s4p NC. 187 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Glovyer, the mouth of Deep Creek. Wit: THOMAS HODGES, Richard Putney. Aug Ct 1784. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E.. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Thursday, October 21, 1784 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, 886-(156) Isaac Sessums of Edgecombe Co to THOMAS HODGES of same. 21 Oct 1784. 20£ specie. 20 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek joining Crooked Swamp, joining THOMAS HODGES, Sessums. Wit: Benjamin Dicken, Moses Barrow. Nov Ct 1784. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

November 14, 1784 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Will of Isaac Sessums 14 Nov 1784. son Richard Sessums - all my estate, lands, negroes, sell perishables, discharge just debts. Exr: THOMAS HODGES Wit: Robt. Digges, John Dolvin.

Saturday, November 20, 1784 – Pitt County, North Carolina

DB I, page 427, deed dated 20 Nov 1784, THOMAS HODGES and SARAH HODGES to Godfrey Williams, 272 acres; ₤ __. Adj. James Bonner, Simon Taylor.

Tuesday, February 8, 1785 - Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Will of Isaac Sessums proved by John Dolvin and Robert Degges. An inventory of the estate of the deceased exhibited; the sale of the perishable part of the estate ordered; and, THOMAS HODGES appointed guardian to Richard Sessums, orphan of the deceased.

Dorman Jr., Marvin K. Edgecombe County North Carolina Abstract of Court Minutes 1744-56, 1756-94. 1968.

September 23, 1785 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, 27-(439) State Grant 529 to THOMAS HODGES. 23 Sept 1785. 50 acres, joining his own corner, Fishing Creek, Short Swamp, Ephraim Dicken, Maryann Harrison. Aug Ct 1786. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E.. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Tuesday, January 18, 1785 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, 937-(192) Joshua Procter of Edgecombe Co to John Dolvin of same. 18 Jan 1785. 320£ NC. 240 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Sessums, Crooked Swamp. Wit: THOMAS HODGES, William Rollins, Jacob Procter. Feb Ct 1785. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 3: 1778-1786. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Tuesday, February 6, 1787 - Edgecombe County, North Carolina

THOMAS HODGES returned an account of his guardianship of Richard Sessums, orhan of Isaac Sessums, dec’d.

Dorman Jr., Marvin K. Edgecombe County North Carolina Abstract of Court Minutes 1744-56, 1756-94. 1968.

Monday, August 4, 1788 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 4, 277-(695) Mary Ann Harrison to Henry Harrisn. 4 Aug 1788. 100£ NC. 434 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining John Goodwin, sd Mary Ann Harrison,

THOMAS HODGE; reserving 1/3 of the land & 1/3 of the apple orchard for my lifetime. Wit: John Goodman, William Cotton Sr. Aug Ct 1788. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Monday, October 26, 1789 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 5, 449-(229) Grisham Coffield of Edgecombe Co to THOMAS HODGES of same. 26 Oct 1789. 400£ NC. 446 ACRES, joining Fishing Creek, Ephram Dicken

(being John Wall’s former property), Joseph Braddy, Benjamin Dicken, Nicholas Long. Wit; Benjamin Dicken, Jos Hart. Nov Ct 1789. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Monday, November 2, 1789 – Grisham Coffield, Edge. Co to THOMAS HODGES, county aforesaid 2 Nov 1789. 20£ Negro Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Edge. Co NC Db 5, 486-(280) girl, Hannah, signed Grisham Coffield. Wit. Benj Dicken, Jos Hart, D. Coffield. Feb Ct 1790. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Tuesday, November 3, 1789 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 5, 481-(273) Grisham Coffield, Edge. Co to THOMAS HODGES county aforesaid. 3 Nov 1789. 80 £ Negro man named Manaca signed Grisham Coffield,

Wit: Benjamin Dickens, J. Hart, D. Coffield. Feb Ct 1789. Edward Hall CC

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Monday, November 9, 1789 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 5, 450-(231), Grisham Coffield, Edge. Co to THOMAS HODGES of same. 9 Nov 1789 , 80£ for a Negro man named (Essex), signed Grisham Coffield, wit Jos Hart, David Coffield. Nov Ct 1789. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Thursday, August 5, 1790 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 5, 647-(525) THOMAS HODGES of Edgecombe Co to HENRY HODGES of Halifax Co. 5 Aug 1790. 600£ specie. 400 acres which was part of a grant to James Smith 24 Mar 1740, on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Ephraim Dicken, Joseph Brady, Benjamin Dicken, Nicholas Long. Wit: John Bell Jr, Bolin Bishop. Feb Ct 1791. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Friday, December 10, 1790 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 5, 666-(551) Notice to Elisha Battle, Etheldred Phillips & Bythal Bell esquires of Edgecombe Co. The commissions of THOMAS HODGES, Henry Harrison & John Batts as Justices of the Peace for sd county. 10 Dec 1790. Feb Ct 1791. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

May 1791 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 6, 716-(78) Allen Dorman, Edgecombe Co to THOMAS HODGES of same. May 1791.150£ NC. Negro man named Sam, signed Allen Dorman, wit Jacob Proctor. May Ct 1791. Edward Hall CC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Tuesday, March 6, 1792 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 6, 909-(381) deed date 6 Mar 1792, recorded May Ct 1792, John Lackey, Edge. Co to THOMAS HODGES, county aforesaid for 100 pounds, a Negro girl, Sall, signed John Lackey (Mark), wit Edwin Dancey. Abstracted 12-16-04, NCA film C.037.40007, CTC.

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 4: 1786-1794. Virginia Beach, Va: 1996.

Thursday, February 26, 1793 - Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Will of William Northern proved by Alexander, Alice, and Rebecca Sessums. THOMAS HODGES qualified as executor of the will.

Dorman Jr., Marvin K. Edgecombe County North Carolina Abstract of Court Minutes 1744-56, 1756-94. 1968.

Tuesday, May 28, 1793 - Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Kathy Northern, orphan of William Northern, dec’d., chose as her guardian THOMAS HODGES, who was also appointed guardian to Nelley and Lucy Northern, orphans of the deceased.

Dorman Jr., Marvin K. Edgecombe County North Carolina Abstract of Court Minutes 1744-56, 1756-94. 1968.

Note: That same year Nelly Northern would marry Robert Hodge son of Henry Hodge.

Thursday, August 29, 1793 - Edgecombe County, North Carolina

THOMAS HODGES, guardian of Richard Sessums, orphan of Isaac Sessums, cited to court.

Dorman Jr., Marvin K. Edgecombe County North Carolina Abstract of Court Minutes 1744-56, 1756-94. 1968.

February 19, 1795 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 8, 295-(343) John Dorman of Edgecombe to THOMAS HODGE of same. 19 February 1795. 250 silver dollars. Negro man Lonnon. Wit. S. Savage, A. Sessums. Proved Aug Ct 1795. Edward Hall CC

Bradley Jr., Dr. Stephen E. Edgecombe County, North Carolina Deeds Volume 5: 1794-1798. Virginia Beach, Va: 1998.

May 1795 – Edgecombe County, North Carolina

DB 8, 270-(314) 1795. Division of the lands of William Harris dec’d (ophan of Thomas Harris dec’d) between the surviving brothers & heairs of sd William dec’d. The surviving brothers were Thomas & Joseph Harris & the heirs of Arthur Harris dec’d & James Harris dec’d. The land was 169 ½ acres, joining the north side of Fishing Creek, John Bryant, Harper, Barlow. The low was divided into 4 lots. Commissioners were Thomas Foxhal, Jas Procter, THOMAS HODGES, Wilkinson Mabrey, John Batts. Proved May Ct 1795. Edward Hall CC