WILLS
New Hanover County, N.C.
Unfortunatley, only two Wills were recorded in New Hanover County for the ROCHELLE/ROTCHEL surname.
The 1st will is of our earliest ancestor, John ROTCHEL. He wrote his will on 7 December 1780; and apparently died late 1783/or early 1784 when his will was probated in Court at the January Term in 1784.
(Please note: both of the original Wills listed below, are housed at the N.C. State Archives in Raleigh, N.C.---CR070.801.23)
Will of John ROTCHEL
In the name of God, Amen. I, John ROTCHEL of Holly Shelter in the County of New Hanover and State of North Carolina being of sound body and mind do make this my last Will and Testament in the form following:
Imprimis: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann SCARBOROUGH, wife of John SCARBOROUGH, twenty shillings currency.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Dorcas WILLIAMS, wife of Charles WILLIAMS; twenty shilling currency.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Amos ROTCHEL, twenty shillings currency.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Etherington ROTCHEL a tract of land where I now live containing sixty acres with all its improvements whatsoever with every other article which I now possess, after the decease of my wife Sarah ROTCHEL who is to be allowed every priviledge which she enjoyed in my life time during her life.
This is my Last Will and Testament made this Seventh day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty.
Signed: John ROTCHEL
Witness: William GREEN, SAMUEL GREEN, Tho's. BISHOP
CODICIL: I consitute and appoint my wife Sarah ROTCHEL executrix and my son Etherington ROTCHEL executor.
Signed:John ROTCHEL
Witness:William GREEN, Samuel GREEN, Tho's. BISHOP
_________________
The Within Last Will and Testament of John ROTCHEL was exhibited in court and proved in due form of law by the Oath of Wm. GREEN a subscribing witness thereto. At the time Etherington ROTCHEL delivered into court on oath an Inventory of the Estate of the said John ROTCHEL, deceased; and qualified as an Executor agreeable to law.
Thos. MACLAIN, Clk.
Witness: Sarah ROTCHEL, Etherington ROTCHEL
___________________________________
Recorded in Book C, page 349
By Order of the Court of New Hanover County, N.C. at the Sept. Term: 1845.
Teste:L.H. MARSTELLER, Clrk.
SOURCE-Clerk of Court's Office-New Hanover County, N.C.-Bk. C., p. 369
I have not been able to find an Inventory of Estates for John ROTCHEL, or his wife Sarah.
The next will is that of John ROTCHEL'S grandson, Benjamin ROCHELLE.
Benjamin ROCHELLE wrote his will on the 12th day of June 1817; and it was probated March Term 1826 in Court.
Will of Benjamin ROCHELLE
In the name of God, Amen.
I, Benjamin ROCHELL of the State of North Carolina and county of New Hanover being of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God) do this 12th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight and seventeen, 1817; make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner following; that is to say:
First: I give and bequeath to my dear wife Susannah ROCHELL all my personal and real property in the State and County aforesaid.
Secondly: It is my wish that all my debts be paid, and after which, all such property as may be left for her to have and to hold during life, and after my debts are paid should there remain any of any personal property, it is my wish as above mentioned for her to hold during her life. Furthermore, it is my desire and wish that at her death all such landed property as may be then left to be equally divided among my dear children----
And I hereby make and ordain my worthy friend Jacob JAMES executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness, whereof, I the said Benjamin ROCHELL have to this my last will and testament, set my hand and Seal, the day and year above written.
Signed: Benjamin ROCHELLE (Seal)
Signed, Sealed, and declared, By the said Benjamin ROCHELL the testator, As his last Will and Testament; In the presence of us, who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof:
Test: Samuel JAMES, Bryant WOOTEN, Stephen S. WOOD, L. H. MARSTELLEY, Mag.
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New Hanover County Court
March Term, 1826
The within Last Will and Testament of Benjamin ROCHELL exhibited to court and proved by the Oaths of Sam'l JAMES, Bryant WOOTEN, and Stephen S. WOOD, subsequent witnesses and ordered to be filed.
Witness: Thomas F. DAVIS, Clrk.
No children were named in Benjamin ROCHELL'S will.
If someone can explain to me why this will of 1826 and the will of John ROTCHELL, dated 1784; were both recorded at the September Term of Court, 1845--please let me know!!!
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Pictures of ROCHELLES from Maple Hill
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İOct. 2000, Sloan S. Mason