Updated November 25, 2022
Background
Halifax was formed in 1758 from Edgecombe. The act was to become effective in January 1759. It was named in honor of George Montague, Second Earl of Halifax. It is in the northeastern section of the State and is bounded by Bertie, Martin, Edgecombe, Nash, Warren and Northampton counties. The present land area is 725.36 square miles. The first court was held at Enfield. Halifax was made the county seat by an act passed in 1758.
Overview
Census
1790
William Gillum
Edgecombe, Halifax, North Carolina
Number of Free White Males Under 16: 3 (John, William and Thomas)
Number of Free White Males 16 and Over: 1 (William)
Number of Free White Females: 3 (Mary, Lucy and Sally)
[This appears to be the William Gilliam who leaves a Will in Wilkes County, NC in 1831 who mentions nephew Elisha Bagby. This William of Halifax is listed adjacent to Davis Bagby and near William Bagby.]
Wills
9 Feb 1761
Will of James Jackson Sr
Son Thomas Jackson money I lent him to pay for his land.
Son James Jackson money
Son John Jackson Land I took up joining John Muston, Edward Good and Wells
Daughter Ann Henderson money when recovered of Turner Jackson of Charles City County, VA
Daughter Lucy Gylum money and slaves and after death of daughter Lucy the said slave and her increase to be divided amongst all my children
Wife Ann Jackson lend residue of estate to pay just debts and raise my children . . . should wife waste estate it should be immediately taken away from her by my executors . . .
Wit: John Corlew, Phil Corlew, Hannah (her X mark) Corlew
Executors: Sons Thomas Jackson, James Jackson, and William Jackson
Halifax County, NC, Will Book 1, Will #38, page 45
[Lucy daughter of James Jackson of Charles City County, VA married a Mr. Gilliam, who also likely hails from Charles City County. James Jackson in Charles City administered the estate of Minerva Stone. The estate was appraised by Epaphroditus Gilliam, among others.]
Sources
- Halifax County, NC, Will Books