Moses Champion Napier was born on October 28, 1779, in Fluvanna, Virginia, the son of Elizabeth Champion and Robert Napier. He married Sarah Martin (daughter of Martha Drannen and Robert Martin) on December 5, 1810[1] in Rockingham County, North Carolina and had, at least, 5 known children (according to Moses will) :
Both Moses and Sarah are buried in the Speedwell Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rockingham County.
MOSES C. NAPIER LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA October 14, 1855 Page 210
I, Moses C. Napier of the County of Rockingham & State of North Carolina, being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say~
First - That my executor (hereinafter named) shall provide for my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my family and friends, and pay all funeral expenses, together with any just debts, whatsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the moneys that may first come into his hands as a part or parcel of my estate~
Item - I loan to my beloved wife, Sarah Napier, all my real and personal estate, except what is hereinafter to be mentioned, that is to say, the tract or parcel of land I now own lying and being situated on Big Rockhouse Creek in the said County of Rockingham, containing by original survey five hundred and twenty acres, adjoining the lands of Rueben Johnson, the WIDOW WALL, Sims’ line & others. And further, I loan to said wife Sarah Napier, twenty-seven negroes (Vis): Old Lydia, Bob, Charlotte, Martin, Sylvia, Milton, Nancy, Sarah, Hamilton, Big Liza, Marshall, Sam, Adaline, Caroline, Matilda, Alfred, Old Woman Massa, Joe, Kitty, Jonas, James, Charles, Malissa,, Susan, Franklin, Rueben and Old Man Harry, and further I give and bequeath to my said wife, Sarah Napier, absolutely and without limitation or contract, five Negroes, that is to say - Little Liza, Martha, Agnes, James, Little Lydia together with all my stock. (vis) Three head of horses, eighteen head of cattle (cows) eighteen head of sheep and the poultry on hand, and all my farming utensils and other things necessary to the wants and conveniences of my family (viz) one rockaway & harness, one two horse waggon, one carry all, all the ploughs and hoes and gear of every description that I own , and one pair of mill stones and mill irons, and all my household and kitchen furniture consisting of six beds and furniture, five bedsteads, one bureau, four tables (two larege & two small ones) a dozen chairs, one cupboard and furniture, two clocks and two looking glassses, two trunks, one Bible & all the books of every kind that I possess, and also all the provisions on hand, and the present crop of corn, wheat,and tobacco, which includes all I propose giving to her.
Item - I give and bequeath to my oldest son, Robert M.Napier, fifteen (15) negroes (viz) Harry, Lydia, Massa, Bob, Charlotte, Martin, Sylvia, Milton, Nancy, Joe, James, Charles, Malissa, Susan & Franklin, and I give also to my said oldest son, R.M. Napier the tract of land I now own lying and being situated on Big Rockhouse Creek in the said County of Rockingham containing by survey five hundred and twenty acres acres of land. The better to enable him the said R.M. Napier, to provide for, and maintain the family that it will devolve on him to support after my decease, the above devises so made to him to be subject to the lifetime interest of my wife, as aforesaid Sarah Napier as herein before provided.
Item - I give and devise to my daughter Elizabeth C. Napier, seven (7) Negroes (Viz) Big Liza, Marshall, Sam, Adaline, Caroline, Matilda and Alfred and should the said Elizabeth die without marrying, my wish and desire is that the Negroes divided to her should go to my Granddaughter MARY E. WALL.
Item - I give and devise to my youngest son, John Napier, Three (3) Negroes (Viz) Reuben, Kitty & Jonas, which I deem sufficient for his support, with ordinary prudence in the management of what I have devised unto him.
The above devises as made to my daughter Elizabeth C. Napier, and to my son John Napier to be subject to the lifetime interest of my wife, Sarah Napier, as aforesaid, & viewing the unfortunate situation of my said daughter, Elizabeth, a providential visitation, the detriment of her mind and reason, and the helplessness and idiotary of my said son John, my wish, will, and desire is that they the said Elizabeth and John be kept with the family, and as members of the same, and that my said elest son, R.M. Napier act as their guardian in the management of what I have devised to them, without being held to security for the same.
Item - I give and bequeath to my granddaughter, Mary E. Wall nine (9) Negroes (Viz) Minerva, Lucinda, Flora, Alamance, Marilla, Moses, Ann, Chester, & Margaret, and one bay filly or mare.
And lastly, I do hereby constitute my son, Robert M. Napier, my lawful Executor, to all intents and purposes to excute this my last Will and Testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof, hereby revoking and declaring utterly void all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made.
In witness whereof, I the said Moses C. Napier do hereunto set my hand and seal, this 14th day of October A.D. 1855.
Signed, sealed published & declared Moses C. Napier {Seal} by the said Moses C. Napier to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us, who at his request & in his presence do subscribe our names as witnesses thereto. Lewis B. Phillips James G. Sims
State of North Carolina Rockingham County, May Term 1855
A paper writing purporting to be the last will and Testament of Moses C. Napier is exhibited in open court for probate by Robt M.Napier, the Executor therein named and the clear execution thereof by Moses C. Napier is proved by the oaths and examinationof Lewis B. Phillips and James G. Sims the subscribing witnesses thereto, and thereupon the court doth acjudge the said paper writing and every part thereof is the last Will and Testament of said Moses C. Napier, and the same is ordered to be recorded.
And Robert M. Napier, the Executor, under takes his said office, and qualified by taking the oath prescribed.
Test: W.M. Ellington, C.C.C
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