References in Virginia

Louisa County Deed Books
1762	Jun 17		Bk(C-151)
	Samuel Gentry of Lunenburg Co VA to Zacharia Colley (Corley) of Louisa Co for 10 pounds, sold 125 acres on north side of Dirty Swamp, being part of a larger tract of 700 acres, granted said Samuel Gentry 13 Jul 1742...Wit: Joseph (X) Gentry, Richard Gentry, Simon Gentry, Richard Hargard (HAGGARD). Signed: Samuel (S) Gentry...Proved 10 Aug 1762 Richard Gentrey & Simon Gentrey.
Lunenburg County Deed Books
1752	Dec 5		Bk(3-147)
	Joseph Minor, Planter of Lunenburg Co VA to Joseph Gentry, for 165 pounds, sold 490 acres on south side of Reddy creek, being part of 350 acres granted to Michael Mackey, 13 Jun 1743 at Williamsburg and the other being part of 448 acres granted 1 Oct 1747 to Abraham Cocke at Williamsburg... Wit: Paule Covington. Recorded 5 Dec 1752.
1756	Oct 29		Bk(4-335)
	Joseph Gentry and Agness, his wife, to William Shelton of Albemarle Co VA for 77 pounds, sold 274 acres on Reedy Creek. Wit: Geo Walton, Simon Gentry, Nicholas Gentry...
1757	Dec 3		Bk(5-246)
	Richard BROOKS to Elisha BROOKS for 20 pounds, sold 200 acres on both sides Reedy Creek adj. Joseph Gentry, Embry, a line to a branch that runs through the plantation wheron the said Richard BROOKS lately dwelt; line laid off for Richard BROOKS, Junr., deceased (see #8), thence to a line laid off for David Gentry, being part of larger tracts (1) of 130 acres granted 16 Sep 1750 to Wm Embry; and (2) 448 acres granted 1 Oct 1747 to Abram Cocke and 200 acres (probably recorded in Brunswick Co) and sold by said Cocke to Richard BROOKS. adj lands of Wm Embry, Wm Edwards, Thos Edwards. Signed: Richard (R) BROOKS. Recorded 4 Jul 1758.
1758	Aug 2		Bk(5-293)
	Joseph Gentry to Moses Cockerham, both of Lunenburg Co VA for 20 pounds, sold 60 acres on lower side of Reed Creek and both sides of Horsepen Branch; granted 13 Jun 1743 to Michael Mackey and conveyed to Joseph Minor, who conveyed to Joseph Gentry...Wit: Thomas Pettis, John Hix. Signed: Joseph (J) Gentry. Recorded 1 Aug 1758.
1759	Oct 4		Bk(5-564)
	David Gentry of Johnson Co NC to William Cross of Amelia Co VA, for 50 pounds, sold 112 acres, adj. James Chiswell on Flat Rock Creek...Wit: Richard Gentry, Joseph Gentry, William Burgamy, Robert Hawkins...Signed: David (mark) Gentry. Recorded 1 Feb 1760...
1759	Dec 3		Bk(5-528)
	Richard BROOKS and Elizabeth, his wife, and Elisha BROOKS and Frances, his wife, of Lunenburg Co VA to Everard Dowsing of Yorkhampton Par., York Co for 290 pounds, sold (blank acres), being part of a tract of 448 acres granted to Abraham Cocke 1 Oct 1747 and part of 133 acres granted Sep 1740 to Wm Irby (Embry), being on both sides of Ready Creek adj. Joseph Jentry (Gentry), Wm Irby, land where said Richard BROOKS lately dwelt, Richard BROOKS, Junr, deceased, David Gentry and Cockerham. Wit: Moses Cockerham, Joseph Gentry, Nicholas Gentry, Robert BROOKS. Signed: Richard (R) BROOKS, Elisha (X) BROOKS, Elizabeth BROOKS, Frances BROOKS. Recorded 4 Dec 1759.
1759	Dec 3		Bk(5-530)
	Joseph Gentry and Agness, his wife, of Lunenburg Co to Everard Dowsing of Yorkhampton Par., York Co, for 37 pounds, sold 37 1/2 acres, conveyed from Michael McKey to Joseph Minor, who conveyed to Joseph Gentry]...Wit: Nicholas Jentry (Gentry), Robert BROOKS, Henry Williams. Recorded 4 Dec 1759.
1760			Bk(6-39)
	John Hanna of Lunenburg Co VA to Joseph Gentry for 4 pounds, sold 8 acres on Horsepen Creek, a branch of Reedy Creek, being part of land that Joseph Minor bought of Michael McKey, being 350 acres granted 13 Jun 1743 unto Michael McKey...Recorded 6 May 1760...Signed: John Hanna Smith...
1762	Jan 13		Bk(7-149)
	William Shelton of Albemarle Co VA to Tyre Glen of Lunenburg Co VA for 100 pounds, sold 274 acres on east or lower part of a tract Joseph Miner purchased of one Mackie and said Minor sold to Joseph Gentry and said Gentry sold to William Shelton. Wit: Nathaniel Williams, William Smithson, Jeremiah Glen...
1762	May 5		Bk(7-104)
	Daniel Mason of Dinwiddie Co VA to Joseph Gentry of Lunenburg Co VA for 15 pounds, sold 60 acres on south side of Horsepen Branch, adj. Minor's line...Hawkin's corner...Recorded 5 May 1761.
1762	Feb 2		Bk(7-152)
	Joseph Gentry, Planter, to Moses Cockerham, Planter, both of Lunenburg Co VA for 20 pounds, sold 68 acres, being part of two tracts, (1) being part of 350 acres granted 13 Jun 1740 to Michael Mackey and (2) being part of a tract granted 16 Dec 1760 unto Daniel Mason, both sold to Joseph Gentry...Wit: Thos Pillas?, Trans Barnes. Signed: Joseph (his mark) Gentry. Recorded 2 Feb 1762.
1762	May 5		Bk(7-104)
	Daniel Mason of Dinwiddie Co VA to Joseph Gentry of Lunenburg Co VA for 15 pounds, sold 60 acres on south side of Horsepen Branch, adj. Minor's line...Hawkin's corner...Recorded 5 May 1761.
1767	Sep 10		Bk(11-76)
	Joshue Winfield to Michael Mackie, for 70 lbs, 128 ac in Lunenburg Co., purchased of Moses Cockrum [Cockerham], both side Horse Pen Crk, up Turkey Pen branch to Blackwell, Joseph Gentry.
1770	Dec 13		Bk(11-423)
	Joseph Gentry of North Carolina, Agness Gentry his wife, Allen Gentry, Mary Gentry his wife of Lunenburg Co. and Cumberland Parish to Samuel Jeter of the same county, for 100 lbs ... sell 118 ac in Lunenburg Co. on the lower side of Ready Creek adj. Jeremiah Glen, John Mellenor, Michael Maccy, down Horsepen Creek to Everard Dowsing's line to Ready Creek then down the creek as is meanders to the beginning; said tract of land part of a larger parcel originally granted to Michael Macey and conveyed to Joseph Minor and by him conveyed to Joseph Gentry Signed: Joseph ("X") Gentry,Allen ("A") Gentry. Wit: Wm Jeter, Francis Degraffenreidt, Wm Jeter Jr. Ack by Joseph Gentry and Allen Gentry; Mary on examination relinq. her dower rights.
1771	Sep 27		Bk(12-108)
	To Jacob Bonn and James Marck, Esq. Gentlemen of Surry Co. NC, greeting. Joseph Gentry & Agness, his wife, and Allen Gentry, & Mary, his wife, by their deed of Dec. 13, 1770 sold to Samuel Jeter 118 acres in Lunenburg Co. on Reedy Cr. Agness, the wife of said Joseph Gentry, cannot conveniently travel to our county court to make acknowledgement of the deed. You are therefore authorized to go to Agness to receive her acknowledgement. Signed 11 Jul 1711: Wm. Taylor. Agness relinquished her right of dower. Signed 27 Sep 1771: Jacob Bonn, James Merck. Recorded 9 Apr 1972.
1778	Apr 8		Bk(13-138)
	Everard Dowsing to son William Dowsing, both of Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg Co., for love and affection, 200 ac land in Lunenburg Co. on the E side of Reedy Crk, adj. Samuel Jeter near the horsepen crk, Sam Winn, Jonathan Patteson, and reserving to sd. E. Dowsing 37 1/2 ac bought of Joseph Gentry. Signed Everard Dowsing Wit: Joseph Goode, Henry Towner; Recorded 14 May 1778
1780	Dec 14		Bk(13-367)
	Samuel Jeter to William Parrott, both of Lunenburg Co., £20,000(?), 318 ac; Lunenburg Co., Reedy Crk, 2 tracts by deed to Jeter in 1770 (Joseph Gentry) and 1772 (John Milner), horsepen crk, adj Everard Dowsing, Robt. Estes, John Hix, Mackie. Signed Samuel Jeter Recorded 14 Dec 1780 Mene wife of Jeter, relinquished dower rights.
Cumberland Parish Records
Landon C. Bell, "Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg County, Va, 1746-1816, Vestry Book 1746-1816", Richmond, VA, 1930 (Note. Cumberland Parish Vestry Book is missing processioning records for 1751 and 1755. Records pertaining to Gentrys begin with 1760 returns.)
1760	May 4	(p.506)	Processioning returns
	Line between Mrs Embry & Drury Hawkins, and between Wm Hawkins & John Blaxton, and between Blaxton & Mrs. Embry - present Joseph Gentry at all three lines. Line between Drury Hawkins & Edward Dowsings - present Jos. Gentry. Line between John Hannah & Moses Cockerham - present Joseph Gentry. Line between Moses Cockerham & Edward Dowsing - present Jos. Gentry & Richard Brooks. Line between John Hannah & Joshua Hawkins - present Joseph Gentry & Richard Brookes. Line between Joshua Hawkins & Joseph Gentry--present "Wards overseer".
1763	Joseph Gentry for keeping Stephen Crump...
1763/64		(p.512)	Processioning returns
	Lines between John Hix & Jonathan Pattison & John Bacon - present Joseph Gentry. Lines between Joseph Gentry & Rich'd Hanson and between Joseph Gentry & Everard Dowsing - present Joseph Gentry.
1768	Mar 29	(p.528)	Processioning returns
	Line between Joseph Gentry & Jeremiah Glen - present Allen Gentry.
Lunenburg County Court Order Books
1752	Nov Court		Bk(2 1//2, p.394)
	Indenture of sale between Joseph Minor and Joseph Gentry ack by Joseph Minor and recorded.
1756	Nov 2 Court		Bk(4-228)
	Indenture of agreement between Joseph Gentry and Agnes his wife, and William Shelton (Agnes relinquishing her rights of dowry) for the conveyance of land. Ordered to be recorded.
1757	Aug Court		Bk(4-343)
	John Hix appointed surveyor of road leading from Cal'v Wittons Road to Reedy Creek; ordered that Simon Gentry, Joseph Gentry, Richard Brooks, Elisha Brooks, Nicholas Gentry [among others] ordered to clear and keep in repair the said road.
1757	Nov Court		Bk(5-5A)
	John Hix [with others including Simon Gentry, Joseph Gentry, Richard Brooks, Elisha Brooks, Nicholas Gentry, William Embry's male labouring tithables, Robert Brooks] ordered to keep in repair the road for which John Hix is surveyor. When the said road is cleared, William Embry is ordered to appoint such hands as he shall think fit to work on the said road with the said John Hix.
1759	Aug Court		Bk(5-105B)
	Indenture of bargain and sale between Joseph Gentry and Moses Cockerham acknowledged by Joseph Gentry and ordered to be recorded.
1759	Aug Court		Bk(6-23B)
	Joseph Gentry, a witness for Robert Brooks ordered to be paid for 2 days attendance.
1759	Oct Court		Bk(6-31A)
	Indenture of bargain and sale between David Allen & Allen Gentry of the one part and Richard Haggard of the other part. Proved by witnesses and ordered to be recorded.
1759	Nov Court		Bk(6-39A)
	Judgment against Joseph Gentry for profane swearing.
1759	Dec Court		Bk(6-49A)
	Indenture between Joseph Gentry & Agnes his wife and Everard Dowsing acknowledged by Joseph Gentry & Agnes his wife (who relinquished right of dower). Ordered to be recorded.
1760	May Court		Bk(6-91B)
	Indenture between John Hannah and Joseph Gentry acknowed by John Hannah and Martha his wife (who relinquishes right of dowery). Ordered to be recorded.
1760	May Court		Bk(6-95B)
	Joseph Gentry served as security for Robert Siverall who was granted letters of administration for estate of Joseph Litchfield decd.
1760	Aug Court		Bk(6-163B)
	Joseph Gentry, serving bail for John Colvin, Deft in suit by Henry Blagrave. Deft did not appear and by default judgment against Deft and his bail for debt and costs.
1761	May Court		Bk(7-5B)
	Indenture between Daniel Mason and Joseph Gentry acknowledged by David Mason.
1761	Sep Court		Bk(7-130A)
	Joseph Gentry, assignee of William White, vs John Glen (?), Deft. Plt appeared by his attorney, but Deft appeared not but made default acknowledging conditional order of court against Deft and his bail John Savsiah(?). Debt and interest assessed to Deft.
1761	Oct Court		Bk(7-156A)
	Joseph Gentry vs James Blackwell in Assault and battery. Suit dismissed.
1762	Feb Court		Bk(7-203A)
	Indenture between Joseph Gentry and Moses Cockerham acknowledged by Joseph Gentry.
1762	Mar Court		Bk(7-236B,237A)
	Joseph Gentry served on jury.
1762	Mar Court		Bk(7-237B)
	Robert Brooks, witness for Joseph Gentry awarded payment for one days attendance.
1762	Apr Court		Bk(8-12A)
	Joseph Gentry vs Richard Hanian. Both came by their attorneys and in person. Judgment for the Deft for his costs.
1762	Apr Court		Bk(8-13A)
	John Jennings, a witness for Joseph Gentry awarded payment by said Gentry for 3 days attendance.
1762	Apr Court		Bk(8-14A)
	John Hawkins, a witness for Joseph Gentry awarded pay by said Joseph for 2 days attendance.
1762	Jul Court		Bk(8-57A)
	Joseph Gentry vs William Tissel Mills on Assault and Battery. Parties came with their attorneys and a jury. Judgment for the Plt.
1762	Jul Court		Bk(8-59A)
	Robert Wade Junior, witness for Joseph Gentry, awarded payment by William Mills for 1 day attendance and for coming and going 25 miles.
1762	Dec Court		Bk(8-150A)
	Joseph Gentry, assignee of Joseph Simpkin vs Thomas Wright. Suit dismissed.
1763	11 Aug Court		Bk(9-163)
	Joseph Gentrey, assignee of Joseph Simpkin, Plt vs Charles Mason, Deft on a petition. Deft not appearing, judgment for the Petitioner.
1764	May Court		Bk(10-39)
	Joseph Gentry vs William Brooks, On an attachment, suit dismissed.
1764	May Court		Bk(10-46)
	William Mountgomery and Sons vs Joseph Gentry "Sd Deft comes not" - judgment for the Plts. Ordered that attached effects be released.
1764	May Court		Bk(10-63)
	William Eddins vs Joseph Gentry, special bail for William Price, Deft. Deft not appearing, judgment entered for the Plt.
1764	Aug Court		Bk(10-128)
	Joseph Gentry vs Elisha Brooks in Case. Both parties appeared, Deft acknowledges Plt's action for £10. With the assent of the Plt, ordered that sd Plt recover against sd Deft, the sum afd and his costs. Order stay execution 'til Christmas next.
1764	Oct Court		Bk(10-179)
	Paul Carrington vs Joseph Gentry. Deft comes not. Ordered that Petitioner recover against the Deft.
1763	10 Marr Court		Bk(11-20)
	William Eddins vs William Price, Deft in Debt. Joseph Gentry came for the Deft and offered to pay judgment if necessary, then came Deft in person and judgment ordered against him.
1763	Mar Court		Bk(11-29)
	John Colvin granted license to keep an ordinary at his house in L for 1 year provided he gives bond with Joseph Gentry, David Hopkins and William Miller.
1764	14 Jul Court		Bk(11-133)
	Richard Witton, Sheriff vs Matthew Wells, Joseph Gentry, Henry Mays, and Hezekiah Gentry, Defts in Case.
1765	Apr Court		Bk(11-7)
	Thomas Tabb, Plt, vs Hezekiah, David, and Joseph Gentry. In Debt. By agreement suit discontinued and Defts to pay Plt his costs.
1765	May Court		Bk(11-67)
	Grand Jury returned a Bill of Indictment against Joseph Gentry, found to be a true bill.
1765	Jun Court		Bk(11-73)
	Everard Dowsing apptd Surveyor of the Road in Precinct of John Nix, following hands apptd a gang to work on said road and keep it in repair, to wit: [among others - William Embry, dec'd his estate, Joseph Gentry, Nicholas Gentry, and Richard Gentry].
1765	Aug Court		Bk(11-126)
	Abraham Maury, assignee of Joseph Gentry vs John Tisdale, Debt due by Note. Petitioner came by his atty, Deft came not. Judgment for Plt.
1765	Aug Court		Bk(11-134)
	Motion of Henry VanDyck, a witness for Joseph Gentry a the suit of Joseph Hightower. Gentry to pay for 6 days attendance.
1765	Oct Court		Bk(11-165)
	Joseph Hightower vs Joseph Gentry, Deft in Case. This day came the parties by their attys and a jury who say Deft is not guilty. Gentry to recover against the Plt for costs and ordered to pay costs of [2] witnesses and Hightower to pay costs of another.
1765	Oct Court		Bk(11-168)
	Charles Crenshaw vs Joseph Gentry, in Debt. Plt came by his atty and Deft came not. Plt ordered to recover against Deft by payment with interest.
1765	Oct Court		Bk(11-169)
	Joseph Gentry ordered to pay Drury Hawkins for attendance at suit by Joseph Hightower.
1765	Nov Court		Bk(11-169)
	Due Joseph Gentry 7 lb tobacco for 1 levy overcharged last year.
1766	Aug Court		Bk(11-188)
	Paul Carrington vs Joseph Gentry and John Gentry, Defts in Debt. Defts not inhabitants of this county, suit abates.

North Carolina References

Surry County Deed Books - References to Joseph Gentry
1774	Aug 9		Bk(A-76)
	Joseph Gentry deeds to Samuel Gentry 50 acres of land that Joseph now has on south side of Yadkin River ["south side" referred to right bank of the river, going downstream]...it being part of a tract of land granted by John Earl Granville to Edward Hughs bearing date of 10 January 1748 and now in the possession of Samuel.
1774	May 21		Bk(A-91)
	Robert and Joseph Farbis to Joseph Gentry 331 acres of land on south side of Yadkin River below Eagleton, it being a tract of land granted by John Earl Granville to Edward Hughs bearing date of 10 January 1748 and now in the possession of Joseph; witnessed by William Ridins, Samuel Gentry and John Wood.
1775	Feb 14		Bk(A-182)
	Joseph Gentry to Math. BROOKS, 181 acres of former Granville Tract, on S. side of Yadkin River ... [same starting description as A-91] to the branch that runs through said Joseph Gentry's land ... being part of a tract of land granted by John Earl Granville to Edward Hughes 10 Jan 1768 [sic] [Lord Granville died in 1763, grant date of 1748 in previous deeds is more accurate] and now the possession of said Mathew Brookes.
1787	Nov 9		Bk(C-377)
	State grant to Joseph Gentry, 150 acres on east side of Fishers River.
1787	Aug 30		Bk(F-286)
	Charles Parker to Samuel Kerby 100 ac ... on the north side of the Yadkin River and branches of Bishops Creek, adjoining William Douglasson, Thos. Smith, and Leander Hughes. Wit: John Lynch, Joseph Gentry, John Sater.
1789	Apr 9		Bk(D-425)
	Joseph Gentry and Samuel Gentry deed to John Ridens [Ridings] 110 acres of land on south side of Yadkin River [adjoining land Ridens owns] ... witnessed by Sarah Gentry, Math. BROOKS and Andrew Speer.
1789			Bk(I-325)
	Joseph and Agnes Gentry, his wife, to Math. BROOKS, 40 acres on Yadkin River at the mouth of Jacobson (?) branch. Wit: John Ridens, Zachariah Martin.
1793	Dec 23		Stples County, North Carolina, Deed Bk(2-60)
	John Colvard, Surry Co NC to Christian Smith for 10 pounds, sold 2 acres on both sides west fork of Double Creek, formerly the property of Joseph Gentry, adj. Jos. Williams old line...Wit: Jno Roberson, John Smith. Signed: John Colvard.
1799			Bk(H-234)
	State grant to Joseph Gentry, 50 acres on Kelly' Creek, adjoining his own land.
1801			Bk(I-185)
	State grant to Shelton Gentry 100 ac both sides Fisher's River, entered 15 Nov 1799 and granted 13 Apr 1801...100 acres beginning at Ephraim Phillips's line, to and along Hodge's line, to and along Joseph Gentry's line, then crossing Fishers River to beginning.
1803			Bk(K-89)
	Deed for 100 acres on north side of "iron works" [along Wilkes Co. line], from Nathaniel Moxley to Simon Leakey; witness Jos. S. Gentry.
1827			Bk(T-80) Bill of Sale
	Shelton Gentry to Thomas Snow for 1 negro man, Shelton acting as executor for his father Joseph Gentry, dec'd.
Surry County Deed Books - References to Shelton Gentry
1791	Dec 20		Bk(D-232)
	State grant to Shelton Gentry 100 ac ... on Fishers River beginning at the mouth of a branch on the south side of said river ... to north side of river ... to beginning.
1793	May 11		Bk(F-4)
	Shelton Gentry to Ben Potter 100 ac ... on both sides of Fishers River...warrants said line...except 10 acres lying on north side of said river adjoining Micajah Oglesby's line including a spring.
1800			Bk(I-111)
	John Roberts to Shelton Gentry 50 ac S. side of "the Creek" on S. Gentry's line adjoining his [Gentry's] line. Wit: John Hughes, Ephraim Phillips.
1800			Bk(I-112)
	John Roberts to Shelton Gentry 100 ac beginning on south side of Gentry's Creek, and including land on both sides of creek. Wit: John Hughes, Ephraim Phillips.
1801			Bk(I-185)
	State grant to Shelton Gentry 100 ac both sides Fisher's River, entered 15 Nov 1799 and granted 13 Apr 1801...100 acres beginning at Ephraim Phillips's line, to and along Hodge's line, to and along Joseph Gentry's line, then crossing Fishers River to beginning.
1815			Bk(N-137)
	Bartholomew Hodges to Shelton Gentry somewhat more than 37 acres ... beginning on east bank of Fisher's River and extending northwesterly. Wit: James Jervis, George A. Jervis.
1823			Bk(T-143)
	State grant to Shelton Gentry 22 ac ... adjoining Joseph Gentry beginning at his old line at Robertson's corner, then west crossing Fisher's River, then north crossing river again, then to and along James Robertson's line to the beginning.
1838			Bk(Y-350)
	Abram. W. Howard trustee of [Shelton?] Gentry to Robert R. Gentry deeds tract of land [acreage missing] on Fisher River, willed to Joseph Gentry by Shelton Gentry, dec'd, as described in Shelton Gentry's will [which is missing from court records]. Wit: George A. Jervis.
1822			Bk(T-194) Bill of Sale
	Shelton Gentry to Stephen Jervis for negro boy. Wit: James Jervis, William Bolles.
1832			Bk(U-309)
	Shelton Gentry to Tyne R. Gallesby for a Negro boy. Wit: Joseph Gentry, Drury Hodge.
1840			Bk(Y-361)
	Robert Gentry trust deed to Joseph Howard. Whereas Jesse Thompson by the request of Robert Gentry has stood his security for a bond payable to James Jervis, dec'd, in the amount of $270, Robert Gentry deeds 175 ac willed to said Robert Gentry by his father Shelton Gentry, lying on the Fisher River...bounded by Jesse Thompson on the west, Joseph Howard on the southwest, Robert Gentry on the east, and Joseph Hodges on the north...whereas if Robert Gentry shall fail to pay said bond, then Joseph Howard shall take possession of the above land, advertise for sale, and sell publicly at the court house at Rockford to the highest bidder, the proceeds to go to pay said bond, any remainder to go to Howard for any costs, and any balance thereafter to Robert Gentry...said Gentry is to remain in possession of the lands until and unless said Gentry shall fail as aforesaid. Wit: Flavius H. Hodges.
Surry County Court Order Minutes
1772	Aug 6	Bk(3-365)
	Joseph Gentry licensed to keep a public ferry at his Own Landing Oposit to David Stewards Fishing Place. Rates: 5sh for wagon & team; 3sh for cart & team; 6d for man & horse; 4d for footman.
1773	Feb 4	Bk(4-8)
	[12 men] to lay out road from Josph Gentry's Ferry on So. side River to Fox Knobbs leading to Allens Iron Works [at Wilkes Co. line] & on No. side to [Moravian setttlement of] Salem etc.
Mrs. W. O. Absher and Mrs. Robert K. Hayes, "Surry County, North Carolina, Court Minute Abstracts", Vol * (1768-1785) and Vol II (1768-1785).
1783	Nov 13	Vol (I-32)	Witness to Will of James Glen.
1785	Aug 12	Vol (I-75)	Joseph Gentry's road checked.
1785	Nov 13	Vol (I-81)	Affidavit of Henry Speer & J. Gentry.
1785	Nov 19	Vol (I-82)	"An award under hands of Henry Speer, John Armstrong, Joseph Gentry proved oath of Martin Armstrong.
1786	Feb 14	Vol (II-1)	Grand jury
1786	Aug 19	Vol (II-15)	Jury duty
1786	Nov 16	Vol (II-17)	Jury duty
1787	Aug 16	Vol (II-36)	Jury duty
1787	Nov 13	Vol (II-39)	Jury duty
1788	Nov	Vol (II-62)	Security for John Logan as guardian of Elizabeth Logan.
1789	Feb	Vol (II-62)	Jury duty
1789	Feb	Vol (II-67)	Jury duty
1789	May 14	Vol (II-71)	Jury duty
1789	Nov 12	Vol (II-80)	Amasa Dean, orphan, bound to Joseph Gentry until age 21 (now 15) to learn "Art and Mystery of Planter"
Agnes M. Wells and Iris M. Harvey, "Surry County, North Carolina, Court Minutes" Vol I (1790-1795)
1790	May	Vol (I-7)	Joseph Gentry called for jury
1791	May 10	Vol (I-41)	Joseph & Shelton Gentry [+ others] to view and lay off road from Wilkes Line to Rockford. Old road leading to Richmond to be no more a public road.
1792	May 18	Vol (I-77)	Joseph & Shelton Gentry [+ others] to view and lay off a road from Rockford to the Wilkes County Line on Fishers River.
1792	May 18	Vol (I-86)	Robert Lanier's executors vs. Joseph Gentry on appeal; judgment of £10 11/10 and -/6 cost.
1792		Vol (I-95)	Joseph Gentry on jury.
1792		Vol (I-97)	Sale from Joseph Gentry to Samuel Gentry proved.
1793	May 14	Vol (I-108)	Joseph & Shelton Gentry [+ others] to view and lay out a road from Fishers River at or near John Hughes into the Hollow Road near Thomas Words.
1794	Nov 14	Vol (I-163)	Deed from Shelton Gentry to Benjamin Potter proved and registered.

Surry County Probate and Estate Records

1813	May Court		Will Book (3-107)
	Will of Joseph Gentry written 17 Nov 1804; rec'd for probate
	In the name of god Amen. I Joseph Gentry of surry County, and State of North Carolina Being weak in Body, but sound in mind do Constitute and Appoint To my Beloved wife Agnes Gentry, all my estate real and personal during her Lifetime except such property as I shall Otherwise Bequeath.
	Item	I bequeath to my son Shelton Gentry seventy five Acres of Land more or less on which he now Lives to be Laid off Agreeable to the Conditional line between us.
	Item	I bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Spiere one Negro girl named Hannah and her increase at the death of my wife Agnes.
	Item	I Bequeath to Mary Gentry daughter of My son William Gentry dec. twenty five pounds.
	Item	It is my will that at the death of my wife Agnes the Remainder of my property real and personal be equally divided Between my sons, Samuel and Shelton, & my daughters, Anna, Aggy, Judith, Sarah, and Susannah.
		I Bequeath to my Beloved wife her own Bed & furniture & ye negro woman Jemima to be her real property and she ____? my wife Agnes to Dispose of them at her death as she thinks proper.
	also I constitute Samuel Gentry, Shelton Gentry & my wife Agnes Gentry, Executors of this my Last will & testament as witness my Hand this 17th day of Nov AD 1804. Judith is entered before I signed. Joseph Gentry, his mark signed sealed in presence of Ida Hughes, ____?, Archy Hughes, Wm L Dobson
Papers in estate records for Joseph Gentry:
1813	May Court	Jess Franklin Mathews, M. Hughes, and Charles Taliaferro appointed as a committee to settle accounts of Shelton Gentry, guardian of Joseph Gentry, with the executors of said Joseph.
1813	Jul 9	Accounting for Joseph's estate recorded in court, including debts and credits for various transaactions dating from Feb 1809 to Apr 1813. Last item is dated 28 Apr 1813, "debit to cash for Nixon for coffin, 12/-". [All listed as pounds, shillings, and pence and converted at exchange "dollars at 8/-"].
1813	Aug 9	Receipt for negro girl named Hannah, willed to Joseph's daughter Elizabeth Speer. Signed by husband Andrew Speer. Witnessed by James Jervis, Nancy Gentry.
1813	Nov 17	Receipt for $282.92 to Shelton Gentry for full payment for his share of [Joseph Gentry] estate as far as divided. Signed by Elisha Isaacs. (Ditto) Signed by Judy Hodges and Amos Hodges, her husband. (Ditto) Signed by William Hodges. (Ditto) Signed by Jn. Ridings. (Ditto) Signed by William Hodges as attorney for Samuel Gentry. (Ditto) Signed by Joseph Ratcliff. Promissory note: "On or before the death of Agness Gentry, we or either of us promise to pay Shelton Gentry the first and full sum of $147.70 for values received of him as ext for Joseph Gentry deceased as witness our hands and seals this [date]. The above note to bear interest from this date. Signed Joseph Ratcliff, Elisha Isaacks.
(undated) [17 Nov 1813]		Handwritten note by Shelton Gentry without formal signature acknowledging his equal share ($282.92) of estate sold by consent of his mother.

1827	Sep 25	Court settlement completing administration of estate of Joseph Gentry as divided by the consent of Mrs. Gentry in her life term.
			Total estate: Hannah [slave girl] as per will Negro man Charles, sold after decease of Agness Gentry Tract of land Tract of land	$2249.50.    400.00    484.50    110.00      52.12 1/2   3296.12 1/2
		Balance due estate in settlement as administrator		54.59 3/4   3350.72 1/4
		Paid out:   (10 vouchers plus commission)		2767.84
		Paid to Polly Gentry as per will [Mary, daughter of William]		50.00
		Remaining in hands of executor and administrator and to be divided by seven, the number of legatees (each to receive $76.12)		532.88 1/4

1826	Feb Court	Will Bk(3-169)
	Will of Agness Gentry, written 30 Sep 1813. Names son Shelton...to have negro Jemima, left me by my husband ... to granddaughter, Nancy Gentry, daughter of Shelton ... Wit: Matt. M. Hughes, Archd Hughes. Proved by former...
Other References to Wills and Estates
Jo White Linn, "Surry County, North Carolina, Will Abstracts Vol I-III, 1771-1827" abstracted by, Salisbury. NC 1974
1774	Nov Court	Bk(i-3) (p.6)
	Inventory of estate of James Bohanon; [among debts due: Joseph Gentry]
1777	Mar 17
	Will of James Glenn, 28 Mar 1777; proved (and witnessed by) Joseph Gentry and James Blackwell
1790	May Court	Bk(2-162) (p..77)
	Return of estate of Kezia Dean by James [sic][but check of original showed Joseph] Gentry and Welcomb Wm Hodges

Surry County, North Carolina, Tax Lists

Reference to Sources
1.	Data for Gentry names were transcribed by the author in 1982 from original documents on file in the State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC. As a minimum, the names listed were present in the lists, but it is possible that additional names were missed. Originals are filed in the Archives by year of enumeration except for a few series of lists that are filed together as undated documents. By comparison of land holders, and format of the lists, some of the undated documents have been assigned tentative dates as indicated below.
2.	William Johnson,"Surry & Wilkes County Taxables, 1771-1777", vol 1, 1974.
3.	"North Carolina Genealogy", vol 17, p.2688 (1971)
4.	Luther Byrd, transcribed 1771, 1774-5, 1784-1786, 1813 records, 1744 (filed with original records in State Archives files).
5.	"North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal", vol 8, p.39-47 (1982)
Year	Refr	District Captain	Individual	Acres	White Polls
[Estimated 1768 date for tax listings for area of Rowan County separated as Surry County in 1770]
	3	Wright	Hezekiah Gentry Joseph Gentry Nicholas Gentry		1 1 1
[Estimated 1768-1770 date for Rowan (?) County listing]
	5	Spurgin	Joseph Gentry Samuel Gentry		2 1	negro "Ned"
Remaining records list only Joseph Gentry or sons, other Gentrys in same districts omitted.
[Undated records, may be 1772?]
	1	Lanier	Joseph Gentry   Shelton Gentry   Billey Gentry   [Joseph's brother?] Samuel Gentry		1 1 1   1	["William" crossed out]
1774	2	Armstrong	Joseph Gentry   Shelton Gentry		2
1775 - 1780		- - No records
[Undated Records, may be 1781?]
	1	Mosley	Joseph Gentry Samuel Gentry   Shelton Gentry	71 ["deeded"] 50 ["deeded"] 50 ["improv"]		4 horses, 1/2 cow 2 horses, 1/2 cow   1 horse, 3 cows
1782	1	Underwood	Joseph Gentry	150		4 horses, 5 cows
	1	Sheppard	Joseph Gentry   Shelton Gentry	150   0		3 horses, 10 cows; Big Fish R. 2 horses, 2 cows
	1	Martin	Samuel Gentry	120		Branch of Yadkin R
1783	1	Mosley	Joseph Gentry	266		1 black; 5 horses, 15 cows
1784	1	Casen [Carson?]	Samuel Gentry Samuel Gentry Samuel Gentry	200 100 100	1	Branches of Yadkin R Branches of Yadkin R Branches of Yadkin R
1785	1	Mosley	Joseph Gentry	266	2	1 black
1786	1	Mosley	Joseph Gentry	266	2	1 black
	1	Carson	Samuel Gentry	400	1
1787	1	Willis	Shelton Gentry	150	1
1788	1	Colvard	Joseph Gentry	195	0	1 black; [acreage blotched, middle digit uncertain]
	1	Edwards	Shelton Gentry	150	1
	1	Glenn	Samuel Gentry	200	1
1789	1	Edwards	Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	150	2 1
	1	Glen[n]	Samuel Gentry	200	1
1790	2	Glenn	Samuel Gentry	200
	1,2	Edwards	Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	125 75	2 1
1791	1	Edwards	Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	125 75
	1,2	Scott	Samuel Gentry	200	1	1 black
1792	1	Edwards	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry	75 125	1 2
	1	Scott	Samuel Gentry	200	1	1 black
[Undated records, may be 1793?]
	1	Oglesby	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry	75 125	1
1794	2	Edwards	Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	125 75
	2	Glenn	Samuel Gentry	300
1795	1,2	Oglesby	Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	125 75	1 1
	1,2	Scott	Samuel Jentry Matthew Jentry	300	1 1	1 black
[Undated records, may be missing 1796 records]
	1	Scott	Mathew Gentry Samuel Gentry	0 300	1 1
1796	- - Original dated records missing
	2		Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	120 50
1797	- - Few original records, none containing Gentrys
	2		Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	100 50
1799	2		Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	125 75
	1,2	Scott	Matthew Jentry Samuel Jentry	0 300	1 1	1 black
1800	2		Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	125 225
	1,2	Scott	Samuel Gentrey Mathew Gentrey	300 0	2 1
1801	[Year recorded]
	1	Oglesby	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry	225 125	1 1	1 black
1801	[No Year Listed, Misfiled?]
	1	Oglesby	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry Mathew Gentry	175 125 0	1 2 1
1802	1	Witcher	Matthew Gentry Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	100 225 175	1 2 1
1803	1	Parker	Samuel Gentry	350	1
[Undated records, may be 1803?]
	1	Witcher	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry	175 225	1 2
1804	1	Rafter	Mathew Getrey Saml Gentrey	100 350	1 1
1805	1	Rafter	Samuel Gentry Matthew Gentry	350 100	1 1
[Undated records, may be 1805?]
	1	Witcher	Matthew Gentry Joseph Gentry Shelton Gentry	150 325 175	1   1	3 black
1806	1	Welcher [Witcher?]	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry	175 315	1 0	3 black
	1	Rafter	Saml Gentrey	350	1
1807	1	Hughes	Shelton Gentry Joseph Gentry	175 325	0 0	4 black
1811	1	Welcher [Witcher?]	Shelton Gentry	225	5	Agent for Joseph Gentry
1812	1	Witcher	Michael Gentry Shelton Gentry Shelton Gentry	100 175 225	1 0 5	Agent for Joseph Gentry
1813	4	Witcher	Michael Gentry Shelton Gentry Shelton Gentry	100 212 225	1 0 0	Exec for Joseph Gentry dec'd
1814	1	Witcher	Shelton Gentry Shelton Gentry	212 225	0 0	1 black 2 black Agent for Agnes Gentry
[Undated records, may be 1820-1822?]
	1	Potter(?)	Shelton Gentry Agnes Gentry	246 225	1 2	Fishers R Fishers R
1823	1	Marcher [Marshall?]	Shelton Gentry Agness Gentry Robert Gentry Joseph Gentry [Jr.]	212 225 0 0	0 0 1 1	1 black 1 black
1824	1	Marshes [Marshall?]	Robert Gentry Joseph Gentry [Jr] Shelton Gentry   Agness Gentry	0 0 212   225	1 1 0   0	1 black; Fishers R adj Agness Gentry 1 black; Fishers R adj John Hughes
No further entry for Joseph Gentry [Sr] or Agnes Gentry (died 1826)

(7/20/2002)

Addendum
Documents located in North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC by the author.
1.  Shelton was appointed guardian of his father by a court order of Nov 1809, as a consequence of:

"It being represented to the court that Joseph Gentry is not able to attend to his business its therefore ordered that a writ of insanity issue to the Sheriff to summon a jury to enquire into the matter and make return to this court. Verdict returned find he is not capable to manage his estate"

Shelton posted $2000 bond for this guardianship which was revoked at the time of Joseph's death and receipt of Joseph's will for probate.

2.  An original copy of the will of Shelton Gentry has been found in the loose records of the North Carolina State Archives. This will was written 9 Jun 1830, and witnessed by James Jervis and James Robinson. It can be summarized as follows with editorial corrections to Shelton's creative spelling and grammar.

"I Shelton Gentry of Surry County and State of North Carolina being weak of body but sound in mind do [give] my last will and testament disposing of my property [as follows].
First. I bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Gentry ... all my estate Real and personal during her life time except such as I shall otherwise bequeath.
Item. I bequeath to my son Joseph my land ... and that land where he now lives.
Item. I bequeath to my son Robert the land where he now lives and one hundred acres...
Item. I bequeath to my daughter Nancy one negro gal named Let.
Item. I bequeath to my daughter Agness fifty acres of land where she now lives and one hundred dollars in property at the death of my wife.
Item. I bequeath to my daughter Katy one negro gal the name of hanna.
Item. I bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth two hundred dollers at the death of my wife.
Item. I bequeath to my daughter Susanna one negro gal name Jemmima one fether [sic] bed and furniture desk and bookcase one cow and calf.
Item. I bequeath to my wife all my household property and where we [now] live with the household property to [whom she pleases] at her death.
[Also] for my daughter Susanna to ... have the land where I now live as long as she lives [single].
Item. I bequeath to the children of Michel Gentry deceasd forty dollars to be equal[ly] divided betwixt them at the death of my wife.
Item. I bequeath to my wife [the right] to sell such property as she may think best which is not otherwise bequeathed to pay my just dets [sic].
Item. After the death of my wife [all my estate be equally] divided among my children as follows viz. Nancy, Agge, Caty, Joseph, Robin [Robert], Elizabeth and Susanna Considering the foregoing estate do constitute my last will and testament revok[ing] all others and ap[p]oint my wife Elizabeth Gentry my son Joseph and Robin [Robert] Executors as witness where unto I set my hand and seal this 9 day of June 1830.

The original document was marked on the outside, Will Book 4, Page 68, May term 1834, and is accompanied by three handwritten copies of the will in the folder. The will book reference establishes a probable time of death for Shelton as spring, 1834, in agreement with the conclusion in JGG, vol 2, issue 7 in which we estimated his death as between 1832 and 1834.

(4/14/2003)

© 2002, W.M. Gentry - All rights reserved. This article may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial purposes provided that proper attribution (including author and journal name) is included.