Updated November 25, 2022
Background:
Oglethorpe County was originally part of a large tract of land surrendered by Creek and Cherokee Native Americans to the Colony of Georgia in the treaty of 1773. The county itself was founded on December 19, 1795, and is named for Georgia's founder, General James Oglethorpe.
Overview:
Ezekiel Giham, son of Thomas Gilham of Virginia, settled in Oglethorpe County, GA.
Bible
The Bible of Sarah [Clements] Gilham, wife of Ezekiel Gilham
Marriages
2 Dec 1805
Daniel Gillom and Sally Goode
17 Jun 1816
Elijah Gilliam and Mary Gunnels
13 Sep 1817
John Gilliam and Patsey Link
14 Dec 1836
Nancy Gillam and James H. Britain
Wills
20 Oct 1795
Will of Zaccheus Wilson, Sr. of Oglethorpe County, farmer
Son: Zaccheus, land whereon I now live, negro named Gay and boy named Daniel, and woman named Nell
Wife: Frances, negro woman Dinah, at her death to go to son, Zaccheus
Daughters: Anney, Margaret,
Sons: Joseph, James, Isaac, William, Zaccheus
Friend: William Brown
Wit: James Young, Thomas Gillham
Rec: 3 Jun 1796
6 Nov 1799
Will of Ezekiel Gilham
In the name of God Amen. I, Ezekiel Gillham of the state of Georgiaand the county of Oglethorpe, being sick and weak of body, but of perfectmind and memory thanks be giving unto God, calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this, my last will and testament, that is to say principaly and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and my body recommended to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial, at the discretion of my exs. Nothing doubting, but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same againby the Almighty Power of God, and as touching such worldly estate as ithas pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give _____ and dispose of in the following manner and form.
1st I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah my gray mareher saddle and bridle, and also all my household and kitching furniture of every kind.
2nd Item I give and bequeath to my beloved son Jacob Gillham three dollars
3rd Item I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Polley Good three dollars.
4th Item I give and bequeath to my beloved son Thomas Gillham three dollars
5th Item I give and bequeath to my beloved son Charles Gillham three dollars
6th Item I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Peggey Mooney three dollars
7th Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Nancy Griffin three dollars
8th Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Ezekiel Gillham three dollars
9th That my Negro fellow Ralph be sold at my wife's decease, and equally divided between my two beloved daughters, Ruth Gillham and Edith Gillham
10thly After all my lawful debts and that legatirs are paid I leave and bequeath to my beloved wife all and singular the property that I possess to dispose of amongst her children as she may think best
Lastly I hereby constitute make and ordain my dearly beloved wife Sarah Executrix and beloved sons Thomas and Charles Gilham executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this sixth day of November seventeen hundred and ninety nine, and in thetwenty fourth year of American Independence.
Sig: Ezekiel Gillham
Signed sealed and acknowledged
by the said Ezel. Gilham to be his
last will and testament in
presents of us
Wit: Richard McCree, William McCree
Recorded July the Tenth day 1800
Oglethorpe County, GA, Will Book A, 1703-1807, pages 97-98.
Sources
- Oglethorpe County, GA, Will Book