Thomas Ridge and Benjamin Boucher
Families of Old Rowan County, North Carolina
Early Records of Cody, Ridge
& Boucher Families in North Carolina
Thomas Ridge of Bladen, Anson, and Rowan
Counties
While Thomas Ridge was being hunted by the Sheriff of Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1746,
he had removed to the colony of North Carolina to the Yadkin River Valley (the lower
reaches called the PeeDee River) in the area of present day Randolph and Montgomery
Counties. The following land records (1) placed him in Bladen County in 1746 on the Yadkin
River (PeeDee River) in an area that later became Anson County in 1750.
1746 November 20 Court at Wilmington. Jno FitzJarrald, entry
and warrant for 200 acres, Bladen County, beging on Thos Redg lower line
on the So side of Great P. D. at a place called Pleasant Hill.
1750 James Denson, Senr to Wm Downs, both of Anson
County, 310 Virginia currency, 100 acres on north side of
the Peedee, on the river bank, patented by said Denson
November 22, 1746. Witnesses: Thomas Ridge, Luke Blakely, Samuel Armstrong;
recorded 1750
Thomas wrote a will in 1748 (2), and although the county was not
mentioned, it would have been Bladen County.
Thomas Ridge's Will. Lts Issued. Recorded in the Sec.
Office Book K p 95 CN
The Due Execution of the Within Will was proved in open
Court by the oath of Dan'l McPeters one of the Subscribing Evidencers. Test. Jno Dunn Clk.
In the Name of God amen the seventeenth Day of February 1747/8
I Thomas Ridge of the County and Province of North Carolina planter, being very
sick and weak in body but of specific mind and memory thanks be given unto God there that
it is appointed for all men one to Dye Do make and ordain this may Last Will and testament
that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of
God that give it and my Bodey I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Deacent Christian
Buriell Att the Discretion of my Executors nothing Douting him att the generall
Resurection I shall Receive at the saime again by the mighty power of God and as liking
[?]such Worldly Estate where with it hath pleased God to Bles me in this Life I give
Demise and Despose of the Saime in the following manner and form-
Inspiring I give and bequeath at Godfrey Ridge my
Dearly beloved Son two negroes Wenches and a negro fellow and a negro boy which is Sherye
Hanah Jack and Nanay which negos is to be left in the care of my Dealy beloved Wife
Elizabeth Ridge and to his Dispose til he comes to the age of twenty years and
if his mother marey before he comes to age I order my Executor to ta [torn] the [?] said
negro [torn] Jack kipe him until
[next line is unreadable due to crease] then Delivered to
him and his ears for ever.
Item I give and bequeath to William Ridge my
Dearly beloved son one neagro fello named Will to his proper use and be his for
ever and likeways I order my still and funiture to be sold and the money I order my
Executor to kipe till my Son William Ridge comes to the age of twenty years old
then to be given to him and his Ears for ever.
Item I give and bequeath to my Dearly beloved Daughter
Anne Ridge one negro girl named Hester to hir and hir Hears for ever
Item I give and bequeath to Mary Ridge one neagro
boy Jaim to hir and hir Hears for ever
Item I geve and bequeath to Elizabeth Ridge my
Derly Beloved Wife one neagro Wench named Kent to hir and hir Hears for ever to
Whom I give all my good mars cows and mears and hougs and Chatls to Whom I make Constitue
and ordain my sole Executor of this my Last Will and testment Revoke and Disanull all and
every other former testament Will, Legacis and Bequeaths and Executors by me in any Way
before nemed I set no other to be my Last Will and Will and testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
the Day and year above writen named Dealed published pronounced and Declared by the said Thomas
Ridge as his Last Will and testament in the presons of us the subscribers
Thomas his + mark Ridge
Benjamin Burgess
Elizabeth her + mark Mcgee
Daniel McPeters
Thomas named sons William and Godfrey, both underage, and hence
born after 1737, and daughter Anne. He named his wife Elizabeth as sole executor. He also
left a legacy to Mary Ridge, but did not call her a daughter. Thomas did have a sister
named Mary.
Although Thomas Ridge stated being sick and weak, he lived at
least until 1752 and was involved in several land transactions. Thomas and Elizabeth
farmed on Richland Creek in Anson County (3-6). Rowan County was formed in 1753 from
Anson.
1751 Land Entry. Anthony Hoggot enters 640 acres in Anson
County On north side of Richland Creek, border: Thomas Ridge's land
1751 Land Entry. Joseph Hoggot enters 640 acres in Anson
County On branches of Hughwarrey River; border: about a mile from Ridge's Southward.
1751 Land Entry. Mordicai Mendenhall enters 640 acres in Anson
County On Richland Creek;
border: Ridge's last line & runs down said creek.
1752 March 25 Lord Granville to Thomas Ridge for 534
acres in Anson county on Rich Land Creek; witnesses: John Haywood, Jas Carter, surveyed 18 March 1751; chain
carriers: Charles Quail, Jos Boy (?), Jas Carter, D.S.; ordered recorded.
1752 June 12 Deed. Thomas Ridge of Anson County,
planter, to Mordecai Mendenhall of same, lease 5 shillings, release £1 Virginia money,
1,134 acres on north side of Richland Creek below Benjamin Well, 2 tracts granted to Ridge by Earl of
Granville 15 March 1752. Signed: Thomas Ridge (seal); witnesses: James Carter, Elijah
McCoy
1767 July 6 Mordecai Mendenhall & wife Charity [Beeson] to
Moses Mendenhall for 20 shillings sterling, 200 acres on
Richland Creek granted to Thomas Ridge 25 Mar
1752. Mordecai Mendenhall, Jr., William Millikan. Proved July 1767.
1767 July 6 Mordecai Mendenhall & wife Charity [Beeson] to
Thomas Mendenhall for 25 shillings sterling, 200 acres granted to Thomas Ridge 25
Mar 1752. Mordecai Mendenhall, Jr., William Millikan. Proved July 1767.
1772 May 12, Guilford County, North Carolina Deed Book 2, p. 100, Mordicai
Mendenhall of Guilford, planter, & Charity [Beeson] his wife to Stephen Mendenhall of
same, planter, twenty shillings, 200 acres, land in possession of Stephen Mendenhall,
begin at a red oak saplin, S20E 136 p. to a hicory, N70E 282 p. to a red oak, N20W 186 p.
to a hicory, N70E 282 p. to first station, part of a tract from Granville to Thomas
Ridge 25 March 1752; signed: Mordicai Mendenhall, Charity Mendenhall; witness:
Jno. Odeneal, Sam. Martin; acknowledged May 1772 Term.
p. 103, 12 May 1772, Mordical Mendenhall & Charity his wife of Guilford, planter, to
Stephen Mendenhall of same, planter, five shillings, 200 acres, [this and preceding deed
are a lease & release of same tract].
Thomas Ridge may have died as early as 1753. Court minutes state
that a bill of indictment against Thomas was rescinded (7).
14 December 1753. Mr. Underhill moves that the bill against Thomas
Ridge be quashed.
Thomas Ridge was dead by 3 March 1754 (8) when his will was
proved by his son, William Ridge, and by Daniel McPeters in Rowan County, as recorded in
the court minutes (which are in very poor condition). :
3 Tuesday March 1754
[torn] __by [torn] __niel McPeters and [torn]
son of the Testator Tho's Ridge praying Letter[s
of][torn]
[torn] [Adminis]tration with the s'd Will Anexed--- [torn]
[torn] I_ [torn] ordered that the same Be Granted and the
[torn]
[torn] being under age Chose John Hanby Esq [torn]
[torn] __en __esry who has given Security Accordin[torn]
[torn] Viz James Carter & Edward Hughes Esq'r
for On[torn]
[torn] _tion of s'd Will and the s'd William Ridge
[torn]
[torn] [and John Ha]ndby Took the Oath as by
law apointed [torn]
[torn] _ation of s'd Administrators--------.
[torn] the Testator Dying in the [torn]
[torn]
and Elizabeth Ridge wife of the Testator the
Execu[tor torn]
Nominated in s'd Will Dying in the lifetime of s'd
Tho's [torn]
and
(2 other cases were briefly discussed, then a short adjournment)
Memorandum that s'd [torn]
Produced his Acc't by [torn]
[torn] unto the followi[ng] [torn]
[torn] any [torn]
[torn] [unreadable] [torn]
[torn] to D'o. Maha__ [torn]
Geo Smith Esq of 2:2:0. To D'o. [torn]
by John Hanby Esq'r £ 0:7:0 [torn]
To the Expense for the guard'n aforesa[id] [torn]
£ 1:10:0
(end of page)
(next page) 3 other cases were discussed then:)
[torn] McPeters be allowed [mileage] [torn]
[torn] by Law apointed for one day attendance [torn]
[torn] _oarding a _____ordonce to prove th_ [torn]
[torn] Ridge Deceased and also mileage [torn]
[torn] ___ & Signed
[torn] Ja's. Carter
1754 July 12. Jonathan Hunt, Geo Smith, Esqr's and John Hunt
appointed appraisors of the Goods & Chattels of Thomas Ridge, Deceased and
ordered that the said appraiser return and inventory upon Oath to our next Court.
This record reveals that Thomas' wife, Elizabeth died before
Thomas. John Hanby and William Ridge, still underage, were appointed administrators of the
estate. There are other court minutes that confirm John Hanby was also appointed William's
guardian, which ended in 1756, thus establishing William's birth year as c1735 (9, 10).
Jonathan Hunt, George Smith and John Hunt were appointed to appraise the estate (11).
Thomas Ridge McGee stated in a deposition to the Superior Court in Salisbury that he was the
half-brother of William Ridge (12). Thomas Ridge McGee, in his revolutionary war pension
application, gave his birthday as 19 February 1749/50 (13).
These facts, together with the statement that Elizabeth died before Thomas Ridge, suggests
that Elizabeth died in 1748-1749 and Thomas remarried immediately thereafter. Thomas and
his second wife had a son, Thomas (aka Thomas Ridge McGee). After Thomas died in 1753, his
second wife possibly remarried to a McGee. Thomas Ridge McGee, moved to Pittsylvania
County, Virginia.
There is an alternative explanation that does not require a
second marriage after Elizabeth Ridge's death. Elizabeth would have been the mother of
Thomas Ridge McGee, and her death may have occurred at the time of Thomas Ridge McGee's
birth. However, the Elizabeth McGee who witnessed Thomas Ridge Sr's' will may well
have been his sister, Elizabeth Ridge, who had married a McGee. Elizabeth Ridge McGee
likely raised young Thomas Ridge (aka Thomas Ridge McGee). This would also explain
her involvement in lawsuits over probate of Thomas' will to assure that Thomas Ridge McGee
received his legacy.
Thomas Ridge's estate settlement was contested in 1754-1755 in
Superior Court of Rowan County. William Ridge sued Elizabeth McGee. Elizabeth McGee also
contested the settlement and counter-sued John Hanby, the executor. William Ridge,
Elizabeth Frazier and Michael Myers were summoned to testify (14, 15).
1754 October, 3rd Wednesday. Ridge vs. McGee. Petition
profowed by Wm Ridge praying a citation against E McGee to issue. The matter
show in court n__ on oath. Ordered accordingly.
1755 June 4 Elizabeth McGee vs John Hanby, Executor of
Thomas Ridge; Summons for Elizabeth Frazier, wife of Robt. Frazier, William
Ridge & Michael Myers, all of Rowan County...to testify... on
behalf of Elizabeth McGee in a certain Matter of Controvercy in our fair Court
depending, and then and there to be tried between Elizabeth McGee, Plaintiff, and John
Hanby, Executor of Ridge, Defendant...; to November Superior Court 1756;
Michael Myers, William Ridge & Elizabeth Frazier duly summoned, David Jones, Sh[eriff]
The identities of Elizabeth McGee, Elizabeth Frazier and Michael
Myers are unknown. Elizabeth McGee could have been the second wife of Thomas Ridge,
however, she would have invalidated any legacy in her own right to Thomas Ridge's estate
by witnessing the will. She could have been suing the estate in the right of Thomas Ridge
McGee, as his guardian or his mother.
A William McGee was a Constable in Rowan County, and was a buyer
at the estate sale of Benjamin Boucher in 1762, along with the Ridge and Cody families
(see below). Was he the second husband of Elizabeth McGee? More records are needed to sort
out the McGee family in Rowan County, North Carolina and Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
Thomas Ridge's estate sale, given in its entirety below, is an
extensive listing of personal property, including much livestock.
1755 July 17, An Acco't of Sales of The Estate of Thos Ridge
Deced [recorded July Court, 1755] was exhibited by John Hanby, Esqr.
4
1 |
Pewter Dishes
Do Bason |
} |
William Ridge |
|
2
1 |
Pewter Basons
Tin Funnel |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-6- |
|
Pewter Plates
Do. Spoons |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-12-3 |
| 1 |
Iron Pott |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-7-0 |
|
[unreadable] idge |
} |
John Handby |
0-1- |
|
Do. Do. |
} |
John Hanby |
0-2-4 |
| 2 |
Pewter Potts |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-3-3 |
| 1 |
Trunk |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-3-8 |
| 1 |
Small Looking Glass |
} |
Joseph Roy |
0-0-9 |
| 1 |
Plowshear
Coffer |
} |
William Ridge |
0-16-3 |
| 4 |
Clivises |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-5-3 |
| 1 |
Pewter Bason |
} |
John Handby |
0-1-10 |
| 1 |
Grinding Stone |
} |
Wm Ridge |
[torn] |
| 1 |
Box Iron & Heater |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-5- |
| 1 |
Pair of money scales &
weights |
} |
Wm Harrison |
0-3-3 |
| 1 |
Hammer Taper bit & small pad
lock & 1jug |
} |
John Riggs |
0-2-1 |
| 1 |
Beaver Trap |
} |
Benj'm Boucher |
0-5-6 |
| 1 |
Hammer |
} |
Joseph Roy |
0-1-7 |
| 1 |
Coopers Jointer |
} |
Thomas Evans |
0-6-6 |
| 1 |
Fluke Shear |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-2-3 |
| 1 |
Whip Saw |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
0-17-6 |
| 3 |
Coats |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1-10-0 |
| 1 |
Washing Tub/Piggin |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-0-10 |
| 1 |
Small Powdering Tub |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-1-1 |
| 1 |
Pail |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-0-7 |
| 1 |
Churn |
} |
Mrs John Hanby |
0-0-6 |
| 1 |
Pint Bottle |
} |
Mrs John Hanby |
0-0-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pewter Bason |
} |
Benj'm Boucher |
0-0-3 |
| 1 |
Stone Mug |
} |
Patrick Carty |
0-0-4 |
| 1 |
Old side saddle |
} |
Mrs Sam'l Isaacs |
0-2-1 |
| 8 |
Yards of [?]Kersey |
} |
Thos Cowdy |
2-18-8 |
| 24 |
Yards of [?]Drugget |
} |
Benjm Boucher |
4-0-0 |
| 8 |
Yard of Geru [unreadable] |
} |
John Hanby |
2-16-0 |
| 1 1/4 |
Half Truks |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0- |
| 1 |
Feather Bead Bolster
& 1 Beadstead |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1- |
| 1 |
Feather Bead & bolster
2 Sheets & Blanket |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1-10-6 |
| 1 |
Do. Bed & Bolster, Pillows
1 Sheet & Rug 1 Bed
Stead and Cord |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1-16-6 |
| 2 |
Stears 2 Cows |
} |
Wm Ridge |
4-0-6 |
| 1 |
Cow Wm Ridge |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1-5-6 |
| 2 |
Yearling Calves |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-15- |
| 1 |
Cow |
} |
John Hanby |
1-1-0 |
|
Cow |
} |
Thos Evans |
1-13-0 |
| 2 |
Heifers |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
1-10-6 |
| 4 |
Yearling Calves |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1-0-1 |
| 2 |
Yearling Do. |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-10-0 |
| 1 |
Cow |
} |
John Riggs |
1-1-0 |
| 1 |
Cow & calf |
} |
Thos Cowdy |
1-3-0 |
| 1 |
Cow & calf at Benjm
Bouchers |
} |
Benjm Boucher |
1-2-3 |
| 1 |
Black Mare |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
4-9-0 |
| 1 |
White Mare |
} |
John Dunn |
6-?-0 |
2
1 |
Barrow Hoggs [entry crossed out]
Sow |
} |
John Dunn |
1-4-0 |
| 1 |
Gelding [entry crossed out] |
} |
Wm Ridge |
3-4- |
| 1 |
Cow & Calf [entry crossed out] |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
1-14- |
| 1 |
Black Yearling Mare |
} |
John Dunn |
3-2-0 |
2
1 |
Barrow Hoggs
Sow |
} |
John Dunn |
1-16-0 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
Gelding |
|
Wm Ridge |
3-11 |
| 1 |
Cow and Calf |
} |
Wm Whiteaker |
1-14- |
| 1 |
Mare [entry crossed out] |
} |
Mark Whiteaker |
9- |
| 1 |
Mare |
|
John Dunn |
9-2-0 |
| 1 |
Gelding |
|
William Harrison |
7-0-0 |
|
Barrow Hogg |
} |
Wm Whiteaker |
0-10-0 |
|
Gelding |
} |
Wm Ridge |
4-5-6 |
|
Mare |
} |
William Ridge |
7-5-6 |
| 1 |
Choat |
} |
Robert Strawbridge |
0-5-0 |
| 1 |
Table Cloath |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-5-3 |
| 1 |
Old Bible and Some of
Old Books |
} |
Hugh McCrory |
0-2-6 |
| 1 |
Ivory Comb |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-2-6 |
| 1 |
Do. |
} |
John Hanby |
0-2-6 |
| 1 |
Do. |
} |
Robert Heaton |
0-2-6 |
| 1 |
Wollen Cap |
} |
John Hanby |
0-2-6 |
| 1 |
Small Box of Pepper |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-3-3 |
| a |
Parcel of Coat and Bre__
Buttons & Shanks of felt |
} |
John Hanby |
0-2-0 |
| 2 |
Hanks of Thread |
} |
Mrs John Hanby |
0-1-0 |
| 1 |
Pair of Pinchers |
} |
Wm Harrson |
0-2-2 |
| 1 |
Spinning Wheel |
} |
Benjm Boucher |
0-11-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 11 |
Head of Hoggs & Shoats |
} |
[John-crossed out] Isaac Anderson |
1-14-6 |
| 42 |
Head of Ditto |
} |
Wm Harrison |
4-13-0 |
| 1 |
Shoat |
} |
Wm Loamax |
0-3-6 |
| 21 |
Head of Hoggs |
} |
Elizabeth McGee |
4-2-0 |
|
[?]Acigore& Drawing knife |
} |
Patrick Carty |
0-3-7 |
|
Pair of Cards |
} |
Elizabeth McGee |
0-4-1 |
| 1 |
Plain 1 Chisel 1 Adze |
} |
Thos Evans |
0-3-4 |
|
Mill Irons |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
1-10-0 |
| 4 |
Cyclers |
} |
Henry Horak |
0-4-0 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sledge & [?]Buttrodge |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
0-4-7 |
| 1 |
Saw & Gimblet |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-5-10 |
| 1 |
Hammer |
} |
Wm Ridge |
1-1-10 |
| 1 |
Gun |
} |
Patrick Carty |
0-17-0 |
| 3 |
Hoes 1 Pitching Ax |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-8-2 |
| 1 |
Pair of Pistols |
} |
Capt. John Handby |
1- |
| 2 |
Axes |
} |
Mark Whitaker |
0- |
| 1 |
Saddle |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0- |
| 1 |
Saddle |
} |
Elizabeth McGee |
0-1-0 |
| 2 |
Potts |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-16- |
| 1 |
Gun |
} |
Rob Fraser |
0-15- |
| 1 |
Bridle |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-4-7 |
| 1 |
Ax |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-5-0 |
| 3 |
Chairs |
} |
Wm Ridge |
0-4-0 |
| 1 |
Waggon |
} |
Wm Ridge |
11-0-0 |
| 1 |
Horse |
} |
John Handby |
1-14-0 |
| 1 |
Mare |
} |
John Handby |
3-0-0 |
| 1 |
Colt |
} |
John Handby |
1-10-6 |
| 1 |
Coult |
} |
John Handby |
1-12- |
| 1 |
Stallion |
} |
William Ridge |
6-13-0 |
| 1 |
Colt |
} |
James Harper |
2-10-6 |
| 1 |
Mare |
} |
Robt. Gamble |
7-14-6 |
| 1 |
Colt |
} |
Robt Gamble |
3-11-6 |
| 1 |
Horse |
} |
James Harper |
10-16- |
| 1 |
Gun |
} |
Wm [Ridge- crossed out] Ryo [Roy] |
1-3-0 |
| 1 |
Rifle |
} |
James Howard |
1-12 |
| 1 |
Horse |
} |
John Handby |
7-5-0 |
| 1 |
Mare |
} |
Jonathan Hunt |
1- |
| 1 |
Hoggs [entry crossed out] |
} |
Patrick Carty |
6- |
| 2 |
Mares |
} |
Wm Ridge |
5- |
| 1 |
Horse |
} |
Jonathan Conger |
5-7-0 |
| 1 |
Horse |
} |
Jonathan Hunt |
9-14 |
| 1 |
Mare |
} |
John Handby |
3- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
|
William Ridge was active in settling his father's estate. (16,
17):
1755 (No county) Will of Joseph Toops; no probate; brother
John, all my estate; executor: George Smith, Charles Hunter; Witnesses: James Macay,
Zubulan Stout. Debts owed by or to said Toops: John Finly, Benjamin Rowgerson, Thomas
Evans, James Gill, Swearington, Richard Parris, James Dylon, Marmaduke Chaimbrell
[Kimbrough], John Hamby, James Deason, Daniel Garrot, Edward King, Vallentine,
William Adam, Wm Ridge, Scoton Davis, William Harrison, John Parker, Capt.
Bryuan, John Morris.
18 April 1758. This day came William Ridge and produced
a Bill of Sale from John Williss to Thomas Ridge for a Negro man named Caneer.
Dated & proved before James Gill, Justice in South Carolina. Proved by John Anderson.
19 April 1758. Bill of Sale from William Ridge to John
Frohock for a Negro wench named Mary Ann aged about 15 years & a Negro male
child about 3 months old on April 10 1758.
William Ridge had not attained legal age by 1756 since John Hanby
and William Ridge were still settling the guardian account (18, 19).
27 October 1756 Citation to William Ridge,
Administrator of Thomas Ridge, to appear next court to adjust his accounts with John
Hanby, his guardian.
20 January 1757/8 John Hanby, guardian of William
Ridge, exhibited his accounts
In January 1757, Godfrey Ridge chose his brother William Ridge as
his guardian, thus signifying that Godfrey was younger than William, and that William had
achieved legal age. Since Godfrey was allowed to chose his guardian, he was at least 14
years of age (20). Later, Godfrey paid bail for a John Sheppard in 1762 (21) and so had
possibly attained legal age. From these facts we can estimate Godfrey's birth year as
1741-1743.
20 January 1757/8 The the Court adjourned until tomorrw 8
o'clock. The Orphan Cout opened imediately [sic]
Godfree Ridge came into Court & Chose William Ridge his brother
as guardian untill the next Court in course
19 January 1762. Godfrey Ridge came into court &
delivered up John Sheppard in discharge of being his bail.
Benjamin Boucher of Anson and Rowan Counties
Benjamin Boucher had also moved to Anson County from Orange
County, Virginia (22).
1750 William Turner of Beckly County, South Carolina, Planter,
to Samuel Davis of Anson County, Planter, for 3390 bills of South Carolina, land on north side of Great Pee Dee...upper
corner of land laid out for George Lenoir...400 acres sold to William Turner by Solomon
Hews 13 Sept 1746. William Turner (seal) Witness: Benjamin Bowcher, Issachar
Willcocks.
Benjamin Boucher and Thomas Cody were buyers at the estate sale
of Thomas Ridge, along with Thomas' family and others. This corroborates that these were
the same Boucher-Ridge-Cody
families as those found in Spotsylvania County, Virginia in the
1730-1740's. Benjamin Boucher left a will in Rowan County in 1762 (23). He apparently had
no living children or wife, so he left his estate to a young Godfrey Ridge. It is
transcribed here in entirety due to the poor quality of the surviving transcription in the
will book:
1762 In the Name of God Amen I Benjamin Boudger of Nort
[torn]
Carolinia in the County of Roan Tailor being in a perfect
[torn]
Memory & caling to mind the mortality of my Body I
here [torn]
Body to the ground to be ____ buried & my soul to God
[torn]
it and my Estate & Efects I bequath and dispose of
[torn]
I give & bequath to Gotfrey Ridge son of William
Ridge all my my [torn]
land & Cattel & Hougs and likewise all that I
possess __rly Goods
or Estate & I do hearby contute and and appoint William
Ridge
to be the hole and sole Execiter of this my last Will and
Testament
and I do hereby __rly revoke and [torn] if else all former
Bequeath [unreadable] assign [torn]
___aring retifing and confirming this and no other to be
be my last
will and Testament. In witness whearof I have hearunto set
my hand
and seal this twenty third Day of March in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred
and sixty two.
Signed: Benjamin Bowcher
Signed sealed published and delivered by the within named Benjamin
Boudger to be his last Will & testament in the presance of us who subscribed our
names in the presance of the said Benjamin Boudger: William Draper John
Thomson William (his + mark) Roy
Probated July 20, 1762.
This important document names a Godfrey Ridge as the son of
William Ridge. William Ridge did have son Godfrey who lived in Surry County, North
Carolina, along with William during the Revolutionary War years. This Godfrey would be an
infant (born about 1758-1762), son of William and his first wife, and grandson of Thomas
Ridge (died c1753). William Ridge, the executor, was the main buyer at the estate sale
(24). William and John Cody were also purchasers.
1762 July 26 The Last Will and Testament of Benj. Bougar
proven in open __ by the Oath of William Ridge who was qualified accordingly on
motion was ordered that Letters Testamentary issue accordingly.
1762 Estate sale of Benjamin Boucher. Buyers at sale: William
Ridge, Owen Grifen, Edward Williams, William Morris, William Draper, Wm.
Roye, John Codey, Wm Brucksher [Brookshire], George Roye, Wm Megee,
Robert Anderson, Wm Robason, John Blalock, Henry Thomson, Wm Codey.
| An Account of Sale of the Estate of Benj'm Boudger |
£ |
s |
p |
| William Ridge |
to one Linen Wheal |
0 |
22 |
0 |
| Edward Williams |
to one pare of Cards |
0 |
5 |
0 |
| William Morris |
to one pare of Cards |
0 |
7 |
0 |
| William Ridge |
to one fying pan |
0 |
8 |
0 |
| William Ridge |
to one Smooth bore goon [gun] |
1 |
12 |
0 |
| Owen Grifen |
to one Jacket Cloth |
0 |
11 |
8 |
| William Ridge |
to one Silk Cap |
0 |
7 |
11 |
| William Ridge |
to one Bible |
0 |
7 |
4 |
| William Draper |
to three Rasors & a hone |
0 |
7 |
0 |
| William Ridge |
to wooden ware |
0 |
5 |
0 |
| William Ridge |
to Churn & Tubs |
0 |
7 |
11 |
| William Ridge |
to Pails & Pigens |
0 |
11 |
1 |
| William Ridge |
to a pare of Stockens & wool |
0 |
7 |
5 |
| Oen Grifen |
to a pare of Stockens |
0 |
6 |
0 |
| William Ridge |
to two Sifters |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Wm Roye |
to one Judg |
0 |
2 |
6 |
| Owen Grifen |
to one box Iron |
0 |
8 |
5 |
| Wm Ridge |
to Seven yards of Linen |
2 |
6 |
4 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one trunk |
0 |
6 |
8 |
| Oen Grifen |
to one Chest |
0 |
6 |
0 |
| Owen Grifen |
to one pott & hucks |
0 |
11 |
5 |
| Wm Ridge |
to two axes |
0 |
18 |
6 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one Pott |
0 |
16 |
2 |
| Owen Grifen |
to one pound of Steel |
0 |
1 |
8 |
| John Codey |
to one how [hoe] |
0 |
4 |
0 |
| John Codey |
to one how [hoe] |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Oen Grifen |
to one Looking Glass |
0 |
1 |
7 |
| Owen Grifen |
to one Mattock |
0 |
10 |
0 |
| John Codey |
to knives & forks |
0 |
7 |
0 |
| Wm Brucksher |
to Spoons |
0 |
9 |
|
| Wm Ridge |
to Six plates |
0 |
19 |
0 |
| Wm Brucksher |
to six plantes |
0 |
18 |
0 |
| Wm Brucksher |
to two Dishes |
0 |
13 |
6 |
| Wm Ridge |
to three Dishes |
1 |
5 |
1 |
| Wm Ridge |
to four basons |
0 |
8 |
10 |
| Wm Brucksher |
to a seimer & salt seller |
0 |
2 |
4 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one bed |
10 |
1 |
2 |
| Wm Megee |
to one bedd |
6 |
12 |
0 |
| Wm Morris |
to one han[d] saw |
0 |
3 |
0 |
| Gorge Roye |
to one woolen Wheal |
0 |
2 |
6 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one horse |
8 |
15 |
0 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one horse |
9 |
16 |
0 |
| Robert Anderson |
to one mare and Colt |
9 |
1 |
0 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one mare and Colt |
13 |
15 |
0 |
| Wm Robasen |
to one horse |
9 |
0 |
0 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one horse |
4 |
8 |
0 |
| John Blalock |
to one horse |
14 |
10 |
0 |
| Wm Moris |
to one Plow |
0 |
15 |
10 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one Plow |
2 |
2 |
0 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one set of fresents |
0 |
7 |
2 |
| Wm Ridge |
to four Cows & Calves |
7 |
0 |
2 |
| Wm Ridge |
to Steares |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| Wm Ridge |
to two hefers |
1 |
12 |
2 |
| Wm Ridge |
to one old hefer |
1 |
6 |
3 |
| Wm Ridge |
to hogs |
6 |
5 |
2 |
| Henry Thomson |
to one hamer |
0 |
1 |
10 |
| Wm Codey |
to one Goose |
0 |
4 |
0 |
| William Megee |
to a pare of Sheares |
0 |
1 |
8 |
| William Ridge |
to one mare |
12 |
1 |
6 |
| Williamr Rige |
to one horse |
6 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
| William Robason his hand and pen, Rit the same,
December ye 13d 1762 |
127 |
16 |
5 |
| 130 |
16 |
5 |
Benjamin Boucher called himself a tailor in his will, which is
amply supported by the items sold at his estate sale, including linen and wool spinning
wheels, linen cards, yards of linen, jacket cloth
Move to Upper Yadkin River Valley. William Ridge and son
Godfrey moved after 1762 to the western part of Old Rowan County, now Surry County, North
Carolina. William died in the Tory militia in 1780 at the Battle of Hanging Rock, South
Carolina. William and Godfrey Cody, sons of Pierce Cody, also moved to the area of present
day Surry County by 1768. Thomas and John Cody remained in the area of present day
Randolph County until the mid 1770's and then they moved to Surry County.
Family Remaining in Lower Yadkin River Valley. Godfrey
Ridge, son of Thomas (died c1753), remained in the area that was later Randolph County,
along with the James Cody, son of Pierce Cody. They were the progenitors of the Ridge and
Cody families that settled and multiplied into Davidson, Randolph, Montgomery, Davie and
Lincoln Counties.
References Cited
1. Bladen County, North Carolina, Land Entry and Warrent [20
November 1746], In: Court of Claims Entries for Warrants, March 1742/3 - September 1749,
Secretary of State Papers S. S. 591, North Carolina State Library and Archives, Raleigh,
NC; Anson County, North Carolina Deed Book A , In: McBee, M. W. (1950) Anson County,
North Carolina. Abstracts of Early Records, Greenwood, MS.
2. North Carolina Secretary of State Papers. Wills. 17 February
1748, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
3. Anson County, North Carolina, 24 October 1751, In: Pruitt,
A.B., Colonial Land Entries in North Carolina, Vol. 2 (1753-1756)
4. Anson County, North Carolina, 24 December 1751, In: Pruitt,
A.B., Colonial Land Entries in North Carolina, Vol. 2 (1753-1756).
5. Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book B, p. 29 [12
June 1752]. In: McBee, M. W. (1950) Anson County, North Carolina. Abstracts of Early
Records, Greenwood, MS (kindly provided by Erma Day)
6. North Carolina Patent Book 11, p. 18 [25 March 1752],
In: Hofmann, M. M., (1986) The Granville District of North Carolina 1748-1763.
Abstracts Of Land Grants, Vol. 1, Roanoke News Co., Weldon, NC, p. 12; Anson County,
North Carolina Deed Book A, p. 63, [22 June 1750], In: McBee, M. W. (1950) Anson
County, North Carolina. Abstracts of Early Records, Greenwood, MS 1950, p.
7. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I, p. 24 [14 December 1753], In: Rowan County Minutes of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm C.085.30003, State of
North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
8. Rowan County, North Carolina, Orphan's Court, Book I, p.
39-46, 3rd Tuesday in March, 1754, North Carolina State Library and Archives, Rowan
County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3,
Microfilm C.085.30003.
9. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I, p. 154 [27 October 1756], In: Rowan County Minutes of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm C.085.30003, State of
North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
10. Rowan County, North Carolina,
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, Book I, p. 162 [20 January 1757], North Carolina
State Library and Archives, Rowan County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm C.085.30003.
11. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I, p. 46 [12 July 1754] In: Rowan County Minutes of the Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm C.085.30003, State of North
Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
12. Rowan County, North Carolina, Deposition of Thomas Ridge aka
Thomas Ridge McGee, Estate Records, Folder: William Ridge (1785), North Carolina State
Library and Archives, CR092.508.58, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh,
NC.
13. Revolutionary War Service Pension Application S4194 of Thomas
McGee, 1833 Humphrey Co., TN
14. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I [3rd Wednesday, October 1754], In: Rowan County Minutes of the Court
of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1795, vol 1, 2, Microfilm C.085.30001, State of
North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
15. Rowan County, North Carolina, Loose Estate Papers of Thomas
Ridge, 1755, State of North Caroliana Library and Archives, CR085.508.136, State of North
Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
16. Office of the Secretary of State, North Carolina, 26 July
1755, In: Bradley, S. E. Jr., Early Records of North Carolina, Volume VII Wills:
1750-1755, From The Secretary Of State Papers, 1994, Keysville, VA 23947, p. 101.
17. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book II, p.224 [19 April 1758], North Carolina State Library and Archives, Rowan
County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm
C.085.30003, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
18. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I, p.65 [27 October 1756], North Carolina State Library and Archives, Rowan
County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm
C.085.30003, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
19. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I, p.162 [20 January 1757], North Carolina State Library and Archives, Rowan
County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm
C.085.30003, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
20. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book I, p.163 [10 January 1757], North Carolina State Library and Archives, Rowan
County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm
C.085.30003, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
21. Rowan County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions, Book II, p.382 [19 January 1762], North Carolina State Library and Archives, Rowan
County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1753-1772, vol 1, 2, 3, Microfilm
C.085.30003, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
22. Anson County, North Carolina Deed Book A, pp. 29-30 [13
October 1750], In: Holcomb, B. H. (1980) Anson County, North Carolina. Deed Abstracts
1749-1766. Abstracts of Wills & Estates 1749-1795, Geneal. Publishing Company,
Baltimore, 1974, p.
23. Rowan County, North Carolina Will Book A, p. 11, [23 March
1762], In: Rowan County Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1753-1772,
Vol. 1, 2, 3, Microfilm C085.30003, State of North Carolina Library and Archives,
Raleigh, NC
24. Rowan County, North Carolina Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions Book 2, p. 418 [26 July 1762], In: Rowan County Minutes of the Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions 1753-1772, Vol. 1, 2, 3, Microfilm C085.30003, State of North
Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC; Rowan County, North Carolina Loose Estate
Papers of Benjamin Boudger, 1762, CR085.508.14, State of North Carolina Library and
Archives, Raleigh, NC.
Top of Page
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and Associated Families
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Records: Tory Combs and Allied Families of Surry and Wilkes County, North Carolina
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Sincerely, George Baumbach, Email:
© 1998, 1999, 2000 George A Baumbach, All Rights Reserved
