There are 2 Elizabeth Myers (Miers) listed on the 1800 Bertie County census that are 45 years and older. It would appear that Elizabeth Outlaw Myers (Miers) is the individual listed on page 62/63 line number 30 with one male 10 – 16 years of age (Ralph), two males 16 – 26 years of age (Miles and William?), one female 45 years and up and 7 slaves. I would remind you that there were no individuals listed as slaves in Nathan Miers April 7, 1800 will nor on his estate appraisal.

On the 1810 census there was one woman above the age of 45 living with William Myers, a son of Elizabeth and Nathan. There were no listings for a woman over 45 years of age living with any of her sons on the 1820 census. She could have been living with a daughter or she could have died by that time. You may remember that in the Samuel Miers autobiography that I posted earlier Samuel states that Ralph Miers made a trip to Carolina sometime between 1817 and 1819. If Ralph’s mother died during this time frame Ralph may have traveled from Ohio to Bertie County to settle his portion of his father’s estate.

Another instance where facts have proven that I am fallible.
I had previously mentioned on the Time Line for Ralph Outlaw that a male had to be 21 years of age to own property in North Carolina. That is not true, he could own property in his name but could not sell the property in his name until he reached the age of 21.

I have no proof that these 2 early deeds mentioning Ralph Outlaw (1739 and 1742) are my 4th great grandfather Ralph Jr. or my 5th great grandfather Ralph Sr. but they appear to be the only Ralphs in the area of the correct age.

November 3, 1739. Bertie County Deed Book F, Page 92. Isaac Lewis to William Moor of Ahoskey. 22 Pounds “within mentioned lands” (described in the previous deed from Samuel Sizemore of Chowan Precinct to Isaac Lewis dated July, 1720 for Land adjacent Ralph Outlaw “a place settled and built upon by one Thomas Rode on Catewhiske Swamp commonly known & called by the name Rodes folly…” Witnesses are Thomas Jones, Peter Peircy. Recorded May Court 1740. ***I did not see the original clerks copy of this abstract so I do not know if this property was adjacent to Ralph Outlaw in 1720 or at the later date of 1739. If Ralph owned this property in 1720, it would have had to have been Ralph Sr. my 5th great grandfather.

The following deed abstract.
Colony of North Carolina : abstracts of land patents, 1735-1764, Hofmann, Margaret M., Roanoke News Co., 1982, page 198.
2825 pg 220 Thomas Outlaw 7 May 1742 620 acres in Bertie County on the South Easterly side of Stoney, Loosing, and Quoyokason Swamps and opposite to the Mouths of Ayhotskey and Cainain Swamps, joining Joseph Barradel , Ralp Outlaw, and the sd. Swamps

1757 H 442 Michael Ward to James Ward (son of Michael) July 9, 1757. 30£ for 100 acres on NS Quayoccason Swamp. Adj. Ralph Outlaw. Wit: George Barlow, Thomas Ward. July Ct 1757.

Ralph was probably a fairly close neighbor of the Cale family. William Cale had died by 1768 and Ralph signed a bond for William’s widow and later helped appraise William’s estate and then helped divide the estate.

1762 K 156 Edmund Hodgson merchant of Hertford Co to William Cale of Bertie Co. 12 Mar 1762. 25£ proclamation. By an agreement with George Barlow dec'd late of Hertford Co. Sd. Hodgson to have land in Bertie & Hertford which sd Barlow had title to except one plantation called Honey Creek. Thus to Cale: 200 acres (messuage) which Richard
Ward sold to sd Barlow 27 July 1757, joining William Colthred, William Freeman, Cabbin Branch, Patience Warren, Quooyocason Road, William Wood. Wit: Archibald McNeale, Ralph Outlaw. Recorded July Court 1762.

TIMELINE FOR RALPH OUTLAW JR,, BORN CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ABOUT 1718-22 AND DIED IN BERTIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1790.





Signature And remnants of wax seal from a bond issued in Bertie County 1767.

(*) marking before the date indicates that I have a copy of the original document or a clerk’s copy.
{+}marking before the date indicates the resource: Historical Southern Families,
John B. Boddie (Editor), Boddie Mrs. John Bennett, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1/1/2000.

About 1718-22 born in Chowan County, North Carolina.

February 1740. From Minutes of the Lower House of the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina. General Assembly, February 05, 1740 - February 27, 1740
Volume 04, Pages 492-534.
“Resolved that the following list of Jurymen now produced to this House be added
to the former List Vizt
FOR CHOWAN COUNTY.
Ralph Outlaw”
This listing could have been for Ralph Outlaw Jr., Ralph’s father had been named on this list in 1723. Jurymen were freeholders or property owners and taxpayers. Since Ralph Jr. would have had to have been twenty one to own property, this indicates that he was born in 1718 or 1719.

Some time between February 1740 and 1751, Ralph Jr. moved from Chowan County to Bertie County. Ralph sold land in Bertie County as early as 1747 but I could not find a record that he was living there at the time. I could not find any record of Ralph having purchased or being granted the property that he sold in 1747 and 1750. On page 12 of the above book Mr. Boddie makes reference to a land grant for Ralph in 1747 but gives no documentation. A search of land grants at the State Archives of North Carolina made no mention of Ralph Outlaw at this time period, at least not to me.

(*)April 12, 1742. Chowan County Court.
“we in obedience to a order of cort we of ye Jury have met & Laid out a Road from Benits creek Bridg to mechaein fery Causway against francis Pugh’s fery formaly called & have all agreeded whos hands is under written providing that the company have sum asistancce of other companyis to help clear up Sd, with in Road hear mentioned at ye first clearing of it”
Attached is a list of jury members and Ralph Outlaw is the third name.
This is the best that I could do with the transcription. Yes, this Ralph could be Ralph Sr. my 5th great grandfather or Ralph Jr. my 4th great grandfather.

{+}1744-47. Daughter “Elizabeth Outlaw probably the oldest child and born 1744-47...”.

(*)March 14, 1747. This bit was found in the loose papers of the Court in Chowan County and since the name Outlaw appears on the page, I have included it here. Granted, it could have been either Ralph Sr. or Jr. or a brother of either, but I included it for the
historical value.
“XX: My Negro fellow gabrill has Bin Runaway from me Ever since this day weak: this Night I do Expect he Will be at Mr: Outlars with his wife which I deseer you to go with the Barrer to his wifes house about two or three ours within Night an if he is there pray ty him fast and send him home by the fellow and will onnerably__________ sattisfy you for your Trouble
But if it Should hapen that he is not there to Night Nor to Morrow Night then I Begg that you will have an Eye Every Now and then in Suspected places & ketch him and will make Satisfaction for the Same
Mar_ 14 1747 This is from Your Humb : Sert Jno: Thach”

{+}December 2, 1747. Ralph Outlaw to Thomas Eason of Chowan County 300 acres on the South side of Ahoskey (Ahoskie) Swamp, William Outlaw and William Humphrey witnesses. Bertie County Deed Book F, page 131.

{+}1748-49. Eldest son David Outlaw probably born 1748-49.
{+}October 24, 1750. Ralph Outlaw to James Hinton 500 acres on the South side of Ahoskey (Ahoskie) Swamp, William Humphrey and Thomas Outlaw witnesses. Bertie County Deed Book F, page 317.
{+}1750-51. “…Ralph Edward Outlaw…born 1750-51”.
{+}1751. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with one slave.

About 1753. Daughter Priscilla Outlaw (also listed as Drusilla Outlaw) born about 1753.

(*)February 4, 1754. Bertie County Court. This is a bond that is water stained and the ink is faded and extremely difficult to read. From what I can decipher, this bond is to guarantee that Ralph appears in Court on the second Tuesday of (unreadable) next. An interesting thing here is that the bond has been witnessed by a Mary Outlaw, who signs with her mark (M). I do not know if this was a sister, sister in law or an aunt. Of course, if it was his wife, because of the date, this would have had to have been his first wife.

(*)February 19, 1754. The Bertie County Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of Ralph Outlaw and guarantee his appearance at Court on the second Tuesday of May next to answer a suit brought against him by Henry Hill and Thomas Jones. There is an unreadable line in this warrant so I am not sure if this is for two cases or just one.

(*)May 15(?), 1754. The Court orders the Sheriff of Bertie County to take the body of Ralph Outlaw and guarantee his appearance at Court to be held at Cashy on the second Tuesday in May next to answer a suit brought against him by Henry Hill. Also, a bond for Ralph Outlaw signed with his mark RO.

{+}1755 – 65. It appears that Ralph served as a constable for Bertie counties during these years.

(*)February 14, 1755. The Court orders the Sheriff to summon five men, one being Ralph Outlaw, to be witnesses for Edward Outlaw, plaintiff, in a lawsuit.

(*)February 14, 1755. Court order, same as above, but listing only Ralph Outlaw.

(*)April 24, 1755. The Court of Common Pleas for Bertie County orders the Sheriff of Chowan County to summon Edward Binscon to give evidence in a case where Ralph Outlaw is defendant on the fourth Tuesday in July next.

(*)November 14, 1755. The Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of “Ralph Outlaw Junior” and guarantee his appearance at Court to be held on the second Tuesday in February next to answer a suit brought against him by Robert Jones. This warrant has some water damage and I have not yet been to read all of the lines.

January 23, 1756. Ralph’s father Ralph Outlaw Sr. writes his will.

(*)January 30, 1756. Bertie County Court orders the Sheriff of Chowan County to summon Dempsey Sumner to appear on the fourth Tuesday of April next to give testimony in a case where Ralph Outlaw is the defendant.

April 26, 1756. Warrant to Benjamin Wynns to survey 640 acres in Bertie County, joining Col. Robert West, Thomas Slatter, John Wynns and Thomas Outlaw. Entered March 27. /s/ Fras Corbin. Back of document reads: “Grant 27 November 1760”.
The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763: abstracts of land grants, Volume 4
Margaret M. Hofmann, Roanoke News Co., 1993, page 46, item #484.

1757. Ralph Outlaw was one of the individuals who made tax lists for Bertie County.

1757. I have little information on the next child, daughter Mary Outlaw, so I am just putting her here. The only records that I could find are her mention in the will of Ralph and the last listing below which gives the name of her husband as David.

1760. Ralph Outlaw Sr. dies in Chowan County and his will is probated July 18, 1760. This Ralph Sr. was the father of Ralph Jr. and therefore my 5th great grandfather. Ralph is mentioned in his father’s will to receive “1 negro” and "my riding beast and saddle and bridle". Here I am assuming that he means a horse and not some mythical, winged, fire breathing beast.

(*)October 16(?), 1760. The Court orders the Sheriff to summon Ralph Outlaw to appear in Court on the second Tuesday next to give evidence in a case.

October 14, 1761. Bertie County land entries, Ralph Outlaw, a warrant to --------- Williams to survey 700 acres with reference of land being adjoining --------- Stewart, William Bryant and Joseph Collins. /s/ Benjamin Wynns.
The Granville District of North Carolina, 1748-1763: abstracts of land grants, Volume 4
Margaret M. Hofmann, Roanoke News Co., 1993, page 46, item 485.

(*)April 15, 1762. Ralph Outlaw signs a bond, as security, for Edmund Hodges. This is a copy of the bond but contains the signature of Ralph Outlaw.

(*)July 14, 1762. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of William Kirk, dancing master and guarantee his appearance at Court on the second Tuesday in October next to answer a suit brought against him by Ralph Outlaw.

(*)July 14, 1762. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of “Danil Simon“, laborer and guarantee his appearance at Court on the second Tuesday in October next to answer a suit brought against him by Ralph Outlaw.

(*)October 3 (?), 1762. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of Ralph Outlaw, Inn holder and guarantee his appearance at Court on the second Tuesday in October next to answer a suit brought against him by John Cake Sr..

(*)October 5 (?), 1762. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of Ralph Outlaw, Inn holder and guarantee his appearance at Court on the second Tuesday in October next to answer a suit brought against him by (unreadable).

{+}1763. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with one white servant named Moses Chappell.

{+}1763-65. Charity Outlaw “…probably born c 1763-65”. I think that it more likely that she was born 1760-63. Sometime after 1781 she is mentioned as marrying “the Rev. John Alexander, a minister of the Church of England and a Tory during the Revolution.”

(*)June 4, 1763. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of Ralph Outlaw and guarantee
his appearance in Court on the fourth Tuesday in August next to answer a suit brought by
John Cake Junr for fifteen pounds. **I assume that this order and the order of July 23, 1763 were for the same John Cake, either Junior or Senior.

(*)July 23, 1763. Ralph Outlaw signs a bond to guarantee his appearance in Court
on the last Tuesday in August next to answer a suit filed against him for fifteen
pounds by John Cake Senr.

(*)December 3, 1763. Court orders the Sheriff to take goods and chattels of John Cake Senr and Robert Cake, Bail of John Cake Junr and cause to be made the sum of fifteen pounds proclamation money which the court has recently adjudged to Ralph Outlaw for his damages which he sustained by reason of the speaking and publishing of certain false and scandalous words of the said Ralph and also the sum of six pounds seventeen shillings and seven pence proclamation which the court taxed and adjudged to the said Ralph for his costs and charges. The Sheriff was ordered to appear in Court on the last Tuesday in February next and pay the said Ralph his damages costs and charges.
(*)March 2, 1764. Court orders the Sheriff to summon William Wheeler to appear in Court on the last Tuesday in May next to answer the Petition of “Ralf Outlaw” exhibited against him.

(*)March 2, 1764. Court order to the Sheriff to take the body of Ralph Outlaw and guarantee his appearance at Court on the last Tuesday of May next to answer a suit brought against him by Thomas (unreadable).

(*)April 2, 1764.. Court orders the Sheriff to summon William Wheeler to appear in Court on the last Tuesday in May next to answer the Petition of “Ralf Outlaw” exhibited against him.

August 28, 1764. Charles Hardee, Planter to Ralph Outlaw, planter Witnessed by
Wm. Hardy son of Lamb, and David Standley. Bertie County Deeds, Volume K, part 2, pages 407 and 408.

August 28, 1764. Ralph Outlaw to Titus Edwards. Witnessed by Wm. Hardy son of Lamb, William Lakey, and David Standly. Bertie County Deeds, Volume K, part 2, pages 427 and 428.

August 29, 1764. Hezekiah Mohun to John Cook. Witnessed by Ralph Outlaw and Thos. Whitmell. Bertie County Deeds, Volume K, part 2, page 415.

September 15, 1764. Nathan Miers signs a bond declaring his intention to marry Elizabeth Outlaw, daughter of Ralph Outlaw.

(*)“2d day of No ber 1764”. I am not sure what this document should be called so I have transcribed it.
“This day appeared Richard Willeford and Benton Willeford and Ralph outlaw and acknowledged them XXX Selves to Stand Indebeted to our X Sovereign Lord the king viz the Willfords Each of them in the Sume of Ten Pounds and Ralph outlaw in the Sume of five Pounds for Each of them acknowledged before me this 2d day of No ber 1764 Jonathan Standley J:P”

November 28, 1764. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of John Cake and guarantee his appearance at court on the fourth Tuesday in March next to satisfy and pay unto Ralph Outlaw the sum of twenty two pounds thirteen shillings proclamation money which was due to him by the reason of Cake having spoken certain scandalous words of him.

{+}1765. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with 2 white servants, names not given.

March 27, 1765. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of John Cake and guarantee his appearance at court on the fourth Tuesday in June next to satisfy and pay to Ralph Outlaw the sum of twenty two pounds, eleven shillings and four pence proclamation money. **This appears to be the same lawsuit, continued, as the one listed on November 28, 1764.

(*)September 26, 1765. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of John Cake and guarantee his appearance in court on the fourth Tuesday of December next and then and there to satisfy and pay unto Ralph Outlaw the sum of 23 pounds 13 shillings proclamation money which was due to him by reason of Cake having spoken and published certain unfair and scandalous words of him.
(*)September 27, 1765. (Document fragment.) Court orders the Sheriff to summon John Hill to appear in Court on the fourth Tuesday in September next to answer a suit filed against him by Ralph Outlaw. Also the Petition of Ralph Outlaw stating that John Hill is indebted to him for “five pounds Seventeen Shillings and seven pence by account“.


{+}1766. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with 2 white servants, Moses Chappell and his son David Outlaw.

(*)March 26, 1766. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of John Cake and guarantee his appearance in Court on the fourth Tuesday in June next to satisfy and pay to Ralph Outlaw the sum of “Twenty four pounds & one shilling and four pence”.**I am assuming here that Mr. Cake did not care for Ralph and was not about to pay any fines and damages. I could not find any records as to whether Mr. Cake ever paid any of these charges.
(*)June 27, 1766. Court orders the Sheriff to summon Jacob Parker to appear in Court on the fourth Tuesday of September next to answer the Petition of Ralph Outlaw exhibited against him. Also, the Petition of Ralph Outlaw stating that “Jacob Parker is indebet to him for the Sum of three pounds Two shillings & six pence by note of hand”.

Bertie Co. NC Court Minutes 1763-1771 Book III by Weynette Parks Haun,
pg. 9-10 #628-629 (no date)
“Ralph Outlaw exhibited into Court his Petition Praying leave to Build a
House of Entertainment upon the Land Appurtaining to the Court House Ordered
that he have leave to doe so on (his -marked through) the following
conditions towit if the said Ralph Outlaw doe and soon? will Build a good and sufficient
House not less than Thirty eigh_ or forty feet in Length and Eighteen in
Bredth which house shall be of proportionable Higth to its Dementions in
Length and Bredth with at least one Good Brick Chimney the said House to be
Build (on the -marked through) on the Ground-----appurtaining to the Goal on the South (side - marked through) End of the said Goal with a Passage at least Ten feet in bredth through it opposite to the Door of the said Goal & the said Ralph Outlaw to Inclose the said Goal with Strong Post Rails & Fa.les not less than Tenn feet high all which shall XX
be Compleated in Twelve Months after Date & no person shall be permitted to
Keep the said House but a Person whom the Court shall approve of as a proper
person for a Goaler”

(*)September 25, 1766. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of Henry Hunter, Gentleman and guarantee his appearance in Court on the fourth Tuesday of December next to pay or settle an account of a law suit brought and won by Ralph Outlaw.

(*)September 25, 1766. Court informs the Sheriff of Bertie County that Ralph Outlaw has recovered, against Henry Hunter, “the Sum .of. Five pounds. Seventeen Shillings, & ten pence, proc for Damages …. Also the Sum of Six pounds & one penny Proclamation Money…..besides other indorsed Fees, for Costs of Suit…..wherein he is convicted ….yet Execution thereof to the said Plaintiff still remains to be made: And as Humphy Nickol, High Sheriff _______________ for the County aforesaid, who in that Suit Became Security and liable….”. This order goes on for a full printed page however I think it appears that the Court is telling the Sheriff to make sure that Henry Hunter and the Sheriff are in Court on the 25th day of December next to pay Ralph the money that the Court has adjudged or go to jail.

(*)September 25, 1766. Court orders the Sheriff to take goods and chattels of Jacob Parker to pay money to Ralph Outlaw for his debts, costs and charges against Parker in court on the fourth Tuesday of December next. Here I assume that some goods and chattels of Jacob Parker were sold and the money given to Ralph Outlaw.

{+}1767. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with 3 white servants, Moses Chappell, his son David Outlaw and his son Edward Outlaw.

(*)June 1, 1767. Ralph Outlaw signs a bond, as security, for Thomas Outlaw. Bond guarantees Thomas Outlaw’s appearance in Court on the fourth Tuesday next. This is an original copy of the bond and contains Ralph Outlaw’s signature and the remnants of a wax seal.

September 1768. Ralph Outlaw signs a bond, as security, for Sarah Cale to be the administrator of her husband William’s estate.

March 1769. The county justices ordered Joshua Freeman, Jonathan Standley, and Ralph Outlaw to divide William Cale’s estate among his widow and children. Standley and Outlaw subsequently valued the estate, comprised of real and personal property, at approximately £70.

April 28, 1769. Marriage bond for Ralph Outlaw and Mary Knott. 2nd marriage for both. Ralph’s eldest son, David, signed as surety.

{+}1769. Ralph Outlaw to son David Outlaw 200 acres, "land on which I now live". Bertie County Deed Book L, page 181.

November 5, 1770. Ralph and David Outlaw to Society Parish Witnesses John Freeman
and Benjamin Williams. Bertie County Deed Book L, page 281.
"The Episcopalian Clergy were often extremely loyal. The Rev. Francis Johnston of
Bertie County's Outlaw Chapel was one example......in 1770 the Rev. Francis Johnson
located in Bertie County as rector of Society Parish. Indications are that his work established Outlaw's Chapel near the "Cashie" community. By 1777 Rev. Johnston
was banished for his loyalty to the King..." Resource: Loyalists in North Carolina During the Revolution, Robert DeMond, 1940, Duke University Press.

{+}1771. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with 8 slaves.

October 25, 1771. George Outlaw, only child of Ralph and Mary Knott Outlaw, is born in Bertie County. Resource: Dictionary of North Carolina Biography: Volume 5, page 408. Edited by William S. Powell. University of North Carolina Press.

December 25, 1771. Ralph signs a bond, as security, for Joshua Freeman to be guardian
of John Cale.

January, 10, 1774. Priscilla (listed as Drusilla) married William Frazier in Bertie County.

{+}July 27, 1773. Son David Outlaw marries Martha Standley in Bertie County.

April 5, 1774. Lazarus, Susanna & Winborn (son) Summerlin to Ralph
Outlaw. Witnesses James Sowell, Joseph Watford, Edward Outlaw and Jeremiah Bunch Jr. Bertie County Deed Book M, part 1, page 131.

May 18, 1779. Priscilla Outlaw Frazier married 2nd William Watford in Bertie County.

{+}May 25, 1779. Ralph Outlaw to his granddaughter Charity Frazier, and his grandson Wright Frazier, slaves, and in case heirs be wanting," to be divided between my youngest son George Outlaw and Ralph Outlaw, son of David Outlaw". Bertie County Deed Book M, pages 415 and 422.

August 14, 1779. Ralph and Mary Outlaw were witnesses to a land sale, James Sowell to Peter Clifton. Bertie County Deed Book M, part 1, page 465.

Undated record, probably 1776 to 1781.
DAR Associated Ancestor (Revolutionary) Record
Outlaw, Ralph Ancestor #: A084959
Service: North Carolina Rank: Patriotic service.
Birth: Circa 1720 North Carolina. (Born in Chowan County, North Carolina.)
Death: Ante 11- -1790 Bertie County, North Carolina. (Correct death date unknown but PRIOR to November of 1790 when his will was filed.)
Service Source: North Carolina Revolutionary War pay vouchers #200 and #3412
(This information taken from DAR records and I am assuming these vouchers appear on microfilm roll S.115.115. The record does not state where the microfilm roll is located.)
Service Description: Paid for services rendered.

An entirely different set of numbers for the information listed above from John B. Boddie.
{+}”apparently the Ralph Outlaw who received payments in the Army Accounts at Raleigh (Vol. 10, Bk. 14, p. 111, and Vol. 10, Bk. 19. P. 8).”

And then this from the State Archives of North Carolina.
13.30.42977 (Box), Volume and Page References: Volume:C; Page:7, Volume:IX; Page:109; Folio:3, Volume:X; Page:21; Folio:4

{+}August 14, 1781. Ralph Outlaw to youngest daughter Charity Outlaw, 173 acres. Bertie County Deed Book M, page 497.

{+}August 14, 1781. Ralph Outlaw deed of gift of 350 acres to son George Outlaw. Bertie County Deed Book M, page 499.

{+}August 14, 1781. Ralph Outlaw deed of gift to son George Outlaw of 6 slaves "after my decease, and if he dies in his infancy, to be divided among all my surviving children after his mother's decease or widowhood". Bertie County Deed Book M, page 503.

{+}January 16, 1785. Ralph Outlaw deed of gift to George Outlaw of three lots in Windsor. Bertie County Deed Book M, page 740.

{+}1785. Ralph Outlaw to Edward Outlaw 150 acres. Bertie County deed book N, page 24.

{+}February 7, 1786. Ralph Outlaw to George Outlaw Jr., 170 acres. Bertie County deed book N, page 53. **Ralph's son George started using Jr. to separate his identity from his uncle George Outlaw, sometimes he used George Outlaw the younger.

(*)January 23, 1787. The last will and testament of Ralph Outlaw written.

May 27, 1789. David Outlaw, son of Ralph Jr. died in Bertie County.

{+}1790. Bertie County tax list shows Ralph with 13 taxable slaves, 2 carriage wheels and 1650 acres of land.

(*)1790. Will ordered to be recorded in the November term.

(*) An undated two page inventory of the estate of Ralph Outlaw. The estate inventory states “19 Negroes”.

(*)February 20 (28?), 1791 (92?). “A Inventory of the Estate of Ralph Outlaw Decd” 5 items listed and signed George Outlaw. On reverse, “An additional Inventory of the Estate of Ralph Outlaw Decd Recorded in Book (F) page 78”.

(*)February 21, 1791. Court orders the Sheriff to take the body of Edward Outlaw and guarantee his appearance in Court on the third Monday in May next then and there to answer George Outlaw the elder and George Outlaw the younger surviving executors of Ralph Outlaw deceased of a plea that he render to them four minor individuals listed as slaves which from them he unjustly detains to their damage five hundred fifty pounds. **It appears that Edward and George the younger are sons of Ralph and that George the elder is Ralph's brother. George the younger’s birth date is listed as October 25, 1771*; I guess that while a male could not sell property in North Carolina until the age of 21, he could be an executor of a will. In Ralph's will he also lists his son David as an executor, David died prior to his father‘s death on May 27, 1789.
*Dictionary of North Carolina Biography: Volume 5, page 408. Edited by William S. Powell. University of North Carolina Press.

March 5, 1791. A summons from the Edenton District Superior Court to Mary Ray, wife of David Ray and daughter of Ralph Outlaw, deceased, to appear before them on the 6th day of April next concerning a suit against the estate of Ralph Outlaw. Summons available online from the State Archives of North Carolina. Edenton is located in Chowan County so I assume that David and Mary Outlaw Ray lived in Chowan County.

TIME LINE FOR THE PEOPLE NAMED NATHAN MIERS IN BERTIE AND CHOWAN, NORTH CAROLINA THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY RELATED TO RALPH MIRES.

Okay, this is a bit difficult to explain….I am starting with the latest date and going back to the earliest date. Trying to follow a string of individuals all named Nathan is made more difficult when each seem to have been a Junior and as one passed away became a Senior in the records. I do have a between date for my 3rd great grandfather Nathan, he wrote his will April 7, 1800 and it was filed in the May court term but no clue on the dates of his father Nathan nor his grandfather Nathan nor, perhaps even, his great grandfather Nathan.

1804, February Term Court ordered an audit to settle the accounts of William Watford, executor of “Nathan Mires” estate. **Ralph’s father.

August 4 (or 11), 1800. Appraisal and sale of some of the property of Nathan Miers, deceased, held by the executors of Nathan’s will, William Watford and William Morris. **After rereading the will, I am assuming this sale was necessary to pay some bills that had been left by Nathan. The appraisal listed 400 acres of land but no land appears to have been sold at this time. Most of the items sold were purchased by Elizabeth his wife and George and Nathan Jr. his sons. **This is the estate of Ralph’s father.

April 7, 1800. Will of Nathan Miers, Senior written in Bertie County. Will probated May term Bertie County court. **This is Ralph’s father.

May 12, 1800. Miles Miers, about eighteen years of age. bound to Nathan
Miers. cooper. Signer: W(illia)m Gray. Witness: none. Bertie County Apprentice Indentures . **This is Ralph’s brother Miles and, in all likelihood, this Nathan is brother to both Ralph and Miles.

December 3, 1795. Winifred Farmer was unmarried and pregnant and stated Nathan Miers was the father of the child. Nathan Myers Jr., and Nathan Myers Sr. were bound for 300 pounds (Bertie Co. NC Bastardy Bonds 1739-1805). **This would appear to be Ralph’s brother and father.

May 11, 1795. Winifred Farmer signed to have her daughter Milbery bound to Elizabeth Miers to learn to spin, weave, sew, and knit. Bertie County Apprentice Indentures. Elizabeth Miers appears to have been the wife of either Nathan Miers Jr. or Sr..

August 3, 1793. Winifred Farmer was unmarried and pregnant and declared Jessie
Wood as the father of her child. Jessie Wood, Samuel Miers, and Joseph Ashell were
bound for 100 pounds onto the overseers and wardens of the poor of the Parish of
Society (Bertie Co. NC Bastardy Bonds 1739-1805). **Samuel was Ralph’s brother.

October 7, 1791. Winifred Farmer was unmarried and pregnant and charged
Samuel Miers as the father of her child. Samuel Miers, and Nathan Miers were
bound for 100 pounds (Bertie Co. NC Bastardy Bonds 1739-1805). **It might appear that Miss Farmer was a bit of a “professional” and that the Miers boys were a bit randy. **Samuel and Nathan were Ralph’s brothers.

March 6, 1785 (?). Ralph Miers born.

June 26, 1784. Land deed Nathan Miers, Junr. to Daniel Davenport. Tyrrell County Deed Book 6, page 21. **I have a copy of this deed and with the date being 1784 this Nathan was , in all likelihood, Ralph’s father. Since the law allowed a male to sell land only if he was 21 years of age or older and Nathan and Elizabeth Outlaw Miers were married in September of 1764, Ralph’s brother could not have been of age to sell the property.

About 1782. Miles Miers, Ralph’s brother, born.

1781-1787. A Bill of Sale for two negroes from Nathan & Benjn. Mires to Robert Hobdy was proved in open Court in due form of Law by the Oath of Zedk. Stone one of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be registered. Book V. **No other information.

1777. Nathan Miers sells land to Joseph Collins, Deed Book M, page 307. **No other information.

November 21, 1773. Nathan Miers to James Sowell Wit: John Clifton & James
Ward. Deed Book M, 1772-85 Part 1, page 139. **With the deed listed below it appears that it may have been a lease and release. Appears to have been Ralph’s grandfather.

November 9, 1772. Nathan Miers Sr. to James Sowell Wit: King Freeman &
Nathan Miers Jr.. Deed Book M 1772-85 Part 1, page 215. **In this case, it appears that the Nathan Miers Sr. mentioned would have been Ralph’s grandfather and the Jr. would have been his father. Ralph’s older brother Nathan would not have been old enough to have witnessed a deed.

December 24, 1767. The Justices of the Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Bertie County command the Sheriff “to take the Body of Nathan Miers” and to keep him safe so that he appears “on the fourth Tuesday of March next; then and there to answer to John Hodgson of a plea of Trespass upon the case & Damage fifteen pounds proc money” **Nathan would have been able to post a bond with the sheriff and be allowed to go free.
It appears that Nathan was having a problem paying his bills in 1766 and 1767. **Appears to have been Ralph’s father.

June 24, 1767. A petition by David King to the Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions stating that Nathan Miers Junr is indebted to him for “Four pounds nineteen Shilling and Two pence”. Also an order to the sheriff to summon Nathan to appear at court on the “Fourth Tuesday in September next” to answer this charge. **Appears to have been Ralph’s father.

June 6, 1767. “Nathan Miears” signs a bond for “Twenty Pounds Proclamation money” to guarantee his appearance at the Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions to answer to Thomas Ballard “…on a Plea of XXXX of Damage Ten pounds Proclamation Money…” “on the Fourth Tuesday next…” **This bond is a copy but it has Nathan’s signature. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father.

March 26, 1767. An order to the Sheriff of Bertie County to “Take the body of Nathan Meirs” to guarantee his appearance in court to answer a suit against him brought by John Hurst. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father.

March 26, 1767. Court order to the sheriff of Bertie County to summon Nathan Miers to appear “(unreadable) in March to answer the Petition of James Sanders exhibited against him”. Also the petition of Sanders claiming that Nathan owes him “three pounds proc by note of hand”.

February 7, 1767. Nathan Miers Junr, with Titus Edwards as security, sign a bond for “Thirty pounds proc money” to guarantee his appearance at the session of the court listed above. **And no, I don’t know why the date of the bond precedes the date of the summons. Titus Edwards was also the bondsman for Nathan’s marriage bond. This would have been Ralph’s father. This bond is a copy but has Nathan’s signature.

January 11, 1767. Charles Hardie to Nathan Miers Sr. Wit: Robert Hardy &
John Low. Deed Book L, 1763-72, page 90. **It would appear that this Sr. could have been either Ralph’s grandfather or his father.

September 25, 1766. Court order to the sheriff of Bertie County to take goods and chattels of Nathan Miers to total “…Six Pounds One Shilling & nine pence…” and “…Your own fees…” “…so that you have The Money…On the fourth Tuesday of December next…to Render to the sd Blount & Co their Debs Costs & Charges aforesaid” **This record also includes a listing of the charges and costs however I have not been able to decipher the hand writing. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father.

September 25, 1766. Court order to the sheriff of Bertie County to take the body of Nathan Miers and assure that he appear at the Court on the fourth Tuesday of December next to satisfy his debt to Samuel Dunscomb for thirteen pounds seven shillings and one penny. **This record also includes a listing of the charges and costs however I have not been able to decipher the hand writing. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father.

September 25, 1766. Court order stating that the court has ruled against Nathan Miers and awarded Samuel Dun scum “Eight pounds fourteen shillings & four pence” plus damage money. The court orders the sheriff to summon James Mitchell who signed as security for Nathan to appear in court on the “25 Day of December next” to settle the account. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father. Some clerk seems to have forgotten Christmas.

June 26, 1766. A petition from Blount and Company to the Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, for the County of Bertie stating that Nathan Miears is indebt to Blount & Company for “…four pounds six shillings…”. Also on the same sheet is an order to the sheriff to summon Nathan Miers to appear “…on the fourth Tuesday in September next…” to answer the charge. **Appears to have been Ralph’s father.

June 7, 1766. Nathan Miers, with James Mitchell as security, signs a bond to guarantee Nathan’s appearance in court “on the fourth Tus Day of June next” to answer a suit against him by Samuel Danscom. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father.

March 26, 1766. An order to the Sheriff of Bertie County to “Take the body of Nathan Meirs” to guarantee his appearance in court on the “fourth Tues Day in June next” to answer a suit against him brought by Samuel Dunscomb. **This appears to have been Ralph’s father.

June 3, 1765. Bond in Chowan County Court. Samuel Parsons agrees to pay to Nathan Miears the sum of “sixty two Pounds ten shillings Proc: money on or before the first day of april next with lawful interest for Value Received…..” **Have copy of bond. Appears to have been Ralph’s grandfather.

September 15, 1764. Marriage bond for Nathan Miers and Elizabeth Outlaw with Titus Edwards as security. A second abstract of this marriage bond spells Nathan’s last name Miears. **Ralph’s mother and father.

September 3, 1760. Nathan Miers sells to Charles King for 150 pounds, 295 acres of land by estimation. “Devised and Bargained premisses with the appurtenances free and clear and freely and clearly acquitted Exonerated and Discharged of and from all and all manner of former and other gifts grants bargains sales leases mortages wills intails Jointures Dowers Judgements Executions Encumbrances and extents.” **Appears to have been Ralph’s grandfather.

1757. Bertie Co. N.C. 1757 478 Nathan Miers warrant 6 Jan 1757 to Benj Wynns to survey all the vacant land in Bertie Co joining Samuel Calhoon, Aaron Ellis, Jno Gray, Martin Gardner and the low grounds entered 6 Dec 1756. On the back of the document, “Deed 13 Apr 1759” **This appears to have been Ralph’s grandfather.

1757. Nathan Miers appears on the Bertie County tax rolls. **This information is vague. The listing is simply the name and the number 6 without any explanation of what the number 6 means. **It would appear this was Ralph’s grandfather.

October 29, 1756. Nathan Myars named on a list of twelve men to serve on a Petit Jury for Bertie County “…. on the fourth Tuesday in January next…”. **This would appear to be Ralph’s grandfather, his father would not have been old enough.

January 18, 1753. Michel King sells to Nathan Mires for 28 lbs, 72 acres on Broad Branch ajoining John Williams Jr., Samuel Herring. witness: Wm. King and Henry Roads. Deed Book G, page 493, Chowan County, North Carolina. **This would appear to have been Ralph’s grandfather.

October 2, 1746. Summons issued for Nathan Myers to appear “….at our next court … on ye Second Tuesday in Novr next … to give Evidence … “. **This would appear to have been Ralph’s grandfather.

May 1, 1742 Samuel Herring of Craven County sold to Nathan Meirs 300 acres in Bertie,
County. This property was granted to Samuel Herring by the Council at New Bern. **This would appear to have been Ralph’s grandfather or great grandfather.

March 7, 1727. Nathan Miers and wife Mary sells to John Welsh 100 acres on North side of Poplar Run. Teste, John Parker, Paul Palme. No additional information. **This appears to have been Ralph’s great grandfather.


Bertie County was originally formed in 1722 as Bertie Precinct from the part of Chowan Precinct on the west side of the Chowan River, both of these precincts where part of Albemarle County, North Carolina. In 1729 parts of Bertie and several other precincts were combined to form Tyrrell Precinct. When Albemarle was abolished in 1739, all of the precincts became counties. In 1741 parts of Bertie County were taken to form Edgecombe and Northampton counties. And then Bertie County was further reduced in size in 1759 when parts of several counties including Bertie were taken to form Hertford County.

Will of Ralph Outlaw as found by Jon Lockhart and transcribed by Robert Burlingame
North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch, Bertie Wills, 1784-1797, Vol. D, images 168 to 173 of 393.
I corrected the spelling of Rockquest Island and have make some upgrades to present grammar and spelling. Some of the names have various spelling in the text – I have not changed them to be consistent. Items in [ ] are by Robert Burlingame. Numbered items () are by Jon Lockhart, comments appear at bottom..

State of North Carolina, Bertie County, November term 1790
[words for previous will deleted]
In the name of God, amen, I Ralph Outlaw of Bertie County, in the state of North Carolina, being weak of body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, thanks be to God for the same, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, 23 Jan 1787, in manner and form as follows Viz: Imprimis, I give and bequeath onto my eldest son DAVID OUTLAW my manor plantation whereon I now live, also the land bought of Thomas Weston on the south side of (1.) Wind Cat (?) swamp, also one negro wench named Batt (?), one negro boy named Ben, one negro girl named Hannah, one negro fellow named River Bob, one negro wench named Hagar, and all their increase, one still, one desk, one table, one yoke of oxen, two feather beds, two pair of dog irons (2.) (?), one looking glass, one case and bottles, six chairs, to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son EDWARD OUTLAW the land I bought of Joseph Collins joining (3.) Cashi (?) with my water grist mill, one negro boy named Andrew, one named Cezar (?), one named Charles, one negro wench named Cate (?). But in case my son EDWARD OUTLAW dies without male heir, lawfully begotten of his body, my desire is that the said plantation, mill, and said Negros, Andrew, Cesar, Charles and Kate, shall henceforth belong to my youngest son GEORGE OUTLAW to him and his heirs forever, for although the above mentioned Cate and her increase was by me attempted to be given to the said son EDWARD OUTLAW, before said wench properly belonged to me, and before the division whereby my wife obtained her in right of dower of her former husband's estate, I now find the said Negros, Andrew, Cesar, Charles and Cate to be in my disposal notwithstanding the aforesaid attempt. I do therefore think fit to give and dispose of them on the conditions aforesaid.

Item: I give and bequeath to my son Edward Outlaw one negro man named Cuff, one bed and furniture, to him and his heirs.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my eldest daughter ELISABETH MIERS, besides what I have formerly given her, the sum of five shillings sterling.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter MARY RAY, besides what I formerly gave her, the sum of five shillings sterling.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter PRISCILLA WATFORD five shillings sterling. I also give and bequeath to my said daughter Priscilla Watford my right to negro Sylvia and her increase, which negro I formerly gave to my grandson WRIGHT FRAZIER, deceased, to her and her heirs forever. [Note from RS Burlingame -- Priscilla Outlaw's first husband was William Frazier, second was William Watford.]

I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter MARY WATFORD one feather bed and furniture, one cow and calf, one sow and pigs, to her and heirs forever.

Item: I lend to my daughter CHARITY ALEXANDER one negro wench named Cherry and her increase of one negro boy named Mingo, one negro boy named Io, one negro girl named Eda, likewise two feather beds and furniture whereof >>>>one she now has in possession, during her natural life and then I give the aforesaid negroes and their increase unto my granddaughters Elisabeth and Mary Alexander to them and their heirs forever.

Item: I give unto my daughter CHARITY ALEXANDER one chest already in possession, four cows and claves, four sows and pigs, two ewes and lambs, one horse saddle and bridle already in possession, three dishes, three basins, six plates and all the furniture in the buff (?), six chairs, one tea table to her and heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson RALPH OUTLAW, son of DAVID OUTLAW the one half of my plantation in Rockquest Island and half the stock, hereon at my decease, and one negro named PETER to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson JOHN RAY one negro girl named Pen (?) and her increase to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter CHARITY FRAZIER one negro girl named Venus and he increase to the said Charity and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten, but in case of no such heirs, then my desire is that the said negro and her increase be equally divided between my son George Outlaw and by grandson Ralph Outlaw, son of David, to them and their heirs forever. I also give and bequeath unto my said granddaughter Charity Frazier all my stock on Roanoke at ??? Rays to her and her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter ANNA OUTLAW daughter of EDWARD OUTLAW, one negro girl named Venus and her increase to her and her heirs forever, and in case of no heir lawfully begotten of her body, then to be equally divided between my surviving daughters.

Item: I lend unto my daughter ELISABETH MIERS one negro wench named Pegg and her increase but at the decease of my said daughter ELISABETH, the said negro Pegg and her increase I give unto my grandson RALPH MIERS.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son GEORGE OUTLAW the plantation which I bought of Robert West, the plantation that I bought of Melborn, he plantation that I bought of Doctor Williams, the one-half of my plantation in Rockquest Island, three front lots in the Windsor that I bought of Doctor Darley and four negro men, Bob, Tom, York (?) and Moses, one negro wench Inde (?), five negro girls Hagar, Pleasant and Elsa and Rose and Dinah, ten feather beds and furniture and all the household furniture in the house at Windsor. To him and his heirs forever.

Item: I lend unto my beloved wife MARY OUTLAW the use of all the remainder of my estate, not already herein devised, during the time of her widowhood, but as the expiration of her widowhood or death then to belong to my youngest son GEORGE OUTLAW, to him and his heirs forever. And my desire is that my said wife shall by no means waste, embezzle or unreasonably squander any part of my said estate, but nevetheless that she shall be dutifully and decently supported during her widowhood by her son, the said GEORGE OUTLAW, when he is past his minority. [Comment from RS Burlingame: From his wording, it appears that Mary Outlaw only had one child - George Outlaw, the eldest son is normally responsible for his mother's support. I will leave Anne Outlaw as the mother of the remainder of the children. At the date 1787, George Outlaw was in his minority - I will assume he was born about 1777. The other children are much older, since some of their marriage dates are known.]

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son George Outlaw all the remainder of my estate and in case of my son GEORGE OUTLAW dies without heir of his body, my desire is that his land at his decease shall belong to his brother DAVID OUTLAW, and the movable estate to be equally divided between all his brothers and sisters to them and their heirs forever.

Lastly, I do hereby name and constitute and appoint my son DAVID OUTLAW, my son GEORGE OUTLAW, and my brother GEORGE OUTLAW, executors to this my last will and testament utterly revoking all manner of will or wills by me heretofore made and confirming only this to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed published and declared by the said RALPH OUTLAW this to be his last will and testament in the presence of us the underwritten witnesses
DAVID STANDLEY, HARDY LEWIS, ANDREW SOUTH (?)

The state of North Carolina, Bertie County November term 1790
The last will and testiment of Ralph Outlaw, deceased, was proven in open court in due form of law by the oath, DAVID STANDLEY, one of the witnesses ???, and ordered recorded. STEVENS GRAY CC [County Clerk]


(1.) Perhaps Wild Cat Swamp.
(2.) Dog irons. Fireplace equipment.
(3.) Cashie was the name of the county seat in Bertie County until the 1750’s or 1760’s. The name appears in court orders and summons as Cashie or the location is given as near Cashie bridge. Town seems to have been named after Cashy River…...Town now gone and lost to time.

This will was difficult to deal with, first to find and then seeing the callous way the in which the individuals (slaves) were dispersed. Ralph Outlaw is the first direct relative that I have found to own this many individuals (According to estate inventory, 19.), and the only relative who had not freed their bound individuals by 1813.

Last will and testament of Nathan Miers, Bertie County, North Carolina, 1800.
Volume E, pages 105 to 108. (Not an exact transcription.)

In the name of God amen, I Nathan Miers of the state of North Carolina in the County of Bertie being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks to the to Almighty God, therefore 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 princepally and first of all I give and recommend my soul to you that gave it and my body recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executor nothing doubting that the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate whereof it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give and dispose of the same the following manner and form.

Item I lend unto my loving wife Elizabeth Miers during her natural life or widowhood my plantation and all the land to me belonging also all my horse kind. all my cattle, hogs, sheep, geese, pots, pewter, all my working tools together with all my household goods and furniture and after her decease or marriage I give and dispose of the same as followith.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Polly Asbell sixty five acres of land bounded by Mathias Mitchell's line and the plantation branch in a line of marked trees from said plantation branch from the meadow to said Mitchell's line to her, her heirs and assigns forever____

Item I give unto my daughter Mary Jernagan two sows and pigs and one ewe and lamb to her, her heirs and assigns forever______

Item I give unto my daughter Winny Jernagan five shillings sterling to be raised and levied out of my estate.

Item I give and bequest to my son Samuel Miers one hundred acres of land joining the plantation where Godwith Jernagan did formally live also the mare I bought of William Smith if he the said son Samuel shall pay thirty good dollars to the said William Smith to him, his heirs and assigns forever_____

Item I give and bequeath to my son Nathan Miers seventy acres of land lying on the North side of Samuel Miers' also one gray mare named Delf he the said son Nathan paying thirty five dollars to William Smith to him, his heirs and assigns forever______

Item I give and bequeath unto my son David Miers seventy acres of land lying on the South side of the plantation branch beginning on said branch at Thomas Mitchell's corner so down said branch to Joseph Abell's thence a southerly course as far as will make seventy acres to him, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son William Miers the plantation whereon I now live and land bounded by the plantation branch, Joseph Abell's line, Siguer swamp and the branch that divides said land and Thomas Mitchell's land to him, his heirs and assigns forever_________

Item I give and bequeath all the remainder part of my land not here to for mentioned to my two sons Miles Miers and Ralph Myers to be equally divided between them by my executors to them, their heirs and assigns forever. Also, my will and desire is that my six son to wit Samuel Miers, Nathan Miers, David Miers, Miles Miers, Ralph Miers and William Miers shall pay five pounds apiece towards settling with the estate of David Outlaw, deceased, for the said lands_______

Item I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Hoggard's five shillings sterling to her, her heirs and assigns forever_______

Item I desire the remainder part of my estate not here to for given may be equally divided amongst my four sons David Miers, Miles Miers, Ralph Miers and William Miers to them, their heirs and assigns forever________

Lastly I have point make and ordain my beloved friends William Watford (?) and William Morris executors of this my last will and testament making void all other and former will or wills by me made.

In witness whereof, I the said Nathan Miers Senior have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of April one thousand eight hundred.

Signed sealed published Nathan (his mark) Miers
Pronounced and delivered in the presence of James Barradial, Sarah (her mark) Barradial.

State of North Carolina, Bertie County, May term 1800. The last will and testament of Nathan Miers decd proved in open court by the oaths of James and Sarah Barradial the to subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded.
George Gray CC

Some additional notes for the Myers family. Warning!!!! I had intended these notes to help clear the fog and state clearer, more precise information. After rereading the entries about apprentice Indentures, property that may have been in Warren County and total acreage in Ralph Mires estate, I tend to doubt that I was able to accomplish that task.

I had hoped to find some additional information about where the Myers children, Nathan, Mary and Ralph, were placed after their father, Ralph, died. The only information that I have is that Samuel was indentured to a weaver by the name of Abram Allen who lived near Wilmington, Ohio and Ralph seemed to live with his uncle, Elijah Mills who was a half brother of Prudence, and that Mary and Nathan were placed in “good homes” (Quoting Samuel Myers, from his autobiography.). Samuel also states that “Jonah Farquar (Farquhar) was appointed guardian“, however he does not make it clear if Mr. Farquhar was appointed guardian of all of the children or just of Samuel and, after a search of probate and guardianship records in Clinton County, I have not been able to find any additional information in the court records. The children seem to have been dispersed about 1821. (Jonah Farquhar was a neighbor of Ralph Mires, operated a tannery and lived on Turkey Run Creek, his name appears on several deeds concerning Ralph and was a witness to Ralph’s will.)

From the deeds from Clinton County, Ohio that I have found, Nathan’s share of the sale of his father’s estate property was $537.83 and then, add another $300 for the sale of Nathan’s property in New Burlington for a total of $837.83. To add perspective, Nathan had just purchased 160 acres in Hamilton County, Indiana for $200. I had hoped to find an inventory of Ralph’s estate but Clinton County tells me that the inventory is listed in Book A which they do not have… The sale of land from the Ralph Mires estate totaled 172.75 acres, the total acreage does not match the total found in the deeds nor the tax records that I have been able to find.

On a previous posting I had mentioned that I had hoped to find some additional information about Ralph’s purchase of property from Sarah E. Murray (mentioned above) in land records of Warren County, still no answer from Warren County. Okay, today I received information from Warren County and they have no information on any deeds from Sarah E. Murray.

I found a 2nd group of papers in the North Carolina Archives, an inventory of the estate of Ralph Outlaw, Ralph Mires’ grandfather. Ralph Mires’ parents were Nathan and Elizabeth Outlaw Mires, Elizabeth was the daughter of Ralph Outlaw. Ralph Mires is mentioned in Ralph Outlaw’s will. Yes, I know that the abstract below does not mention what Ralph Outlaw is lending to his daughter Elizabeth and then willing to Ralph Mires…..I found the book and page number for Ralph Outlaw’s will but the Bertie County recorder told me that they are very under staffed and that if I wanted a copy I would have to come in to the office and make a copy. If you are related to me, you know that under those terms, I won’t ever see a copy. If you didn’t figure it out, Ralph Outlaw is one of my 4th great grandfathers.

Abstract of Ralph Outlaw will.
In the name of God, I Ralph Outlaw of Bertie County, in the state of North Carolina ... do make my last will and testament 23 Jan 1787. I give and bequeath onto my eldest son DAVID OUTLAW my manor plantation ... I give and bequeath unto my son EDWARD OUTLAW the land I bought ... and the negros Andrew, Cezar, Charles, and Cate. But in case my son EDWARD OUTLAW dies without male heir, my desire is that the said plantation and said negros shall henceforth belong to my youngest son GEORGE OUTLAW to him and his heirs forever. For although Cate and her increase was by me attempted to be given to EDWARD OUTLAW before Cate properly belonged to me, and before the division whereby my wife obtained her in right of dower of her former husband's estate, I now find the said Negros to be at my disposal notwithstanding the aforesaid attempt. I do therefore think fit to give and dispose of them on the conditions aforesaid. I give and bequeath unto my eldest daughter ELISABETH MIERS ... I give and bequeath unto my daughter MARY RAY ... I give and bequeath unto my daughter PRISCILLA WATFORD my right to negro Sylvia which I formerly gave to my grandson WRIGHT FRAZIER, deceased, to her and her heirs forever. I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter MARY WATFORD ... I lend to my daughter CHARITY ALEXANDER ... during her natural life and then to my granddaughters ELIZABETH ALEXANDER AND MARY ALEXANDER. I give unto my daugher CHARITY ALEXANDER ... I give and bequeath unto my grandson RALPH OUTLAW son of DAVID OUTLAW ... I give and bequeath unto my grandson JOHN RAY ... I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter CHARITY FRAZIER ... I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter ANNA OUTLAW daughter of EDWARD OUTLAW ... I lend unto my daughter ELISABETH MIERS ... but at the decease of ELISABETH I give it to my grandson RALPH MIERS. I give and bequeath unto my son GEORGE OUTLAW ... I lend unto my beloved wife MARY OUTLAW the use of all the remainder of my estate, but at the expiration of her widowhood or death to belong to my youngest son GEORGE OUTLAW. My desire is that my wife shall by no means waste, embezzle or unreasonably ??? any part of my estate, but nevetheless that she shall be dutifully and decently supported during her widowhood by her son, GEORGE OUTLAW, when he is past his minority. Lastly, I do hereby name and constitute my son DAVID OUTLAW, my son GEORGE OUTLAW, and my brother GEORGE OUTLAW, executors to this my last will and testament... Witnesses: David Standley, Hardy Lewis, Andrew South Bertie County November 1790, proved by David Standley. Stevens Gray CC.

Well, here is something that I did not think I would find…….While searching for some information on the Outlaw family I found this information:
The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Volume XVI, No. 3. August 1990. North Carolina Apprentice Indentures Through 1850, Part 9, page 149 & 150. “…….The retention in public custody of two copies of the single indenture, especially where both lack the master’s signature, may indicate the apprenticeship never went into effect. ....”
“12 August 1805. Jesse THOMAS, Thirteen years of age last March, bound to Ralph MIRES. Cooper. Signer Tim(oth)y HUNTER. Witness: None. A second copy of the preceding.”

Okay, you may remember that a while back, in one of the postings, I mentioned that Ralph had a brother Miles and a brother Nathan and that brother Miles was apprenticed to brother Nathan to learn the art of barrel making (a cooper) in 1800. It appears that some of the Mires sons and some of the Outlaw sons were coopers and that both families took on apprentices to learn the trade. I assume that Ralph was apprenticed to his brother or an uncle to learn the trade also, however I have not been able to find a record of this.

Now then, getting back to Ralph Mires. If the birth date for Ralph (from Herman Myers’ family history) is correct, Ralph would have been 20 years old in 1805. Since both copies of the indenture are in public custody and neither is signed by Ralph, it is likely that the indenture never went into effect.

A summary of what I know OR think that I know about Ralph Mires, 1785-1820.

6 March 1785, Ralph born in Bertie County, North Carolina to Nathan and Elizabeth Outlaw Mires. Birth date information from Myers family history written by Herman Myers. Reminding family, Herman was a son of Alva Myers who was a son of William Penn Myers who was a son of Nathan Myers who was a son of Ralph Mires. Another fact, Dortha Myers Lockhart was Herman’s aunt.

23 January 1787 Ralph Outlaw, Elizabeth Outlaw Mires’ father, wrote his will mentioning Ralph.
November court term 1790, Ralph Outlaw will probated in Bertie County.

7 April 1800, Nathan Mires’ will recorded in Bertie County mentioning Ralph as a son .
12 August 1805, Ralph Mires is named as a cooper (barrel maker) in Bertie County apprentice indenture records.

About 1810 Ralph marries or forms a union with Prudence Taylor Elmore. No records have been found.
18 October 1810, Ralph Mires purchases rights to 160 acres in Miami County, Ohio from the United States government.

21 May 1811, Nathan son of Ralph and Prudence Taylor Elmore Mires born in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio.

4 November 1812, Samuel son of Ralph and Prudence Taylor Elmore Mires born in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio.

21 August 1814, Mary daughter of Ralph and Prudence Taylor Elmore Mires born in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio.

About 1815, Ralph, son of Ralph and Prudence Taylor Elmore Mires born in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio.

About 1815, Ralph assigns (sells) his rights to 160 acres in Miami County, Ohio to David Patty.

About 1816-1817 Prudence Taylor Elmore Mires, Ralph’s wife, dies. Sometime during this period, Ralph travels to either North or South Carolina. (Samuel Myers’ autobiography, 1888.)

3 May 1817, Henry and Sarah Fletcher sell to Ralph Myers, all of Clinton County, 69 acres for $345. Tract being part of Survey No. 777. Recorded 20 November 1819, Deed Book C, pages 100, 101.

***29 December 1818, Ralph Mires sells 100 acres in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio to Jonah Farquhar for $300. Tract being part of Survey No. 2231. Recorded 30 March 1819, Deed Book C, pages 25, 26. There is no record of Prudence signing the deed or relinquishing her dower rights which proves that she had died by this date. (***check note at end of this posting.)

***29 December 1818, Benjamin Farquhar and Jonah Farquhar sell to Ralph Myers, all of Clinton County, 175 acres for $525. Tract being part of Survey No. 2231. Recorded 20 November 1819, Deed Book C, pages 101, 102. (***Check note at the end of this posting.)

1820, Ralph is listed in records from Newberry County, South Carolina as guardian of Mahala Elmore, his step daughter.

24 April 1820 Ralph wrote his will.

Some time between the date above and the date below, Ralph dies in Chester Township, Clinton County.

13 October 1820 Ralph’s will recorded.

Will abstract of Nathan Mires of Bertie County, North Carolina.
The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register: Volume 2, James Robert Bent Hathaway, January 1, 1901.

“Miers, Nathan, April 7, 1800; May Term 1800. Wife Elizabeth, daughters Patty Asbell, Mary Jernagan and Winney Jernigan, sons Samuel, Nathan, David and William, sons Miles and Ralph, daughter Elizabeth Hoggard, Wm. Watford and Wm. Morris Exrs. Test, James Barradail, Sarah Barradail"

From what I have been able to find, Ralph was Nathan and Elizabeth Outlaw Mires’ youngest child. If Herman Myers was correct about Ralph’s birth date, he was 15 when his father died.
*** I entered these 2 items in the order that they were recorded HOWEVER I think that, after reviewing the deeds, the Farquhar brothers sold Ralph 175 acres and then Ralph sold BACK to Jonah Farquhar 100 acres of the same property on the same day. Why, you may ask?…. and I would answer that I have no idea……….

Nathan Myers in Clinton County, Ohio.
For several years I have been looking for any documents of Ralph and his son
Nathan Miers, Myers in Ohio. After receiving a copy of the autobiography of his
brother, Samuel Myers, from a distant cousin I have been able to find clues and
actually find some deeds concerning property sales of interest. I am sure the
deeds that I have abstracted here are not the entire story, but they are all that
I have at the present time. Thanks to the Clinton County clerk I was able to find
these deeds at the archives and records section of the Clinton County Recorder.
I would also mention that I have been told by another distant cousin that there
is a record indicating that Nathan was a life stock dealer during the time he lived
in Clinton County, I have been unable to verify this.

Deed Book C, pages 25 and 26, Clinton County, Ohio.
Property sale dated 29 December 1818. Ralph Mires sells to Jonah Farquhar both
of Clinton County one tract of land of 100 acres in Clinton County being part of the
survey 2231, for $300.
Signed Ralph Mires.
Entered for record 27 March 1819, recorded 30th the same month. Since Ohio law
required the wife to sign deeds relinquishing her dower rights, the absence of any
mention of a wife would be proof that Prudence had died before 29 December 1818.

Deed Book I, pages 95 and 96, Clinton County, Ohio.
Property sale dated 28 April 1834. Robert and Sally Mihous sell to Nathan Myers
all of Clinton County, Ohio one lot of land, lying and being in Clinton County the
part of entry No. 570 being on the north side of Buck run near Bullskin road for
$25.75 containing 1 acre and 46 poles.
This lot was located in the village of New Burlington. This area is now located
In the bounds of Caesars Creek Park.

In my last posting I quoted the following from Samuel Myers' autobiography.
"....Nathan and Mary were in Indiana. They wanted me and William to buy their
interest. We agreed to pay them five hundred dollars apiece, and the first move
we made was to sell 100 Poplar trees, the smallest two feet in diameter for 300
dollars. Some of the trees were 60 feet to the first limb, some of them so large
they would make 1000 feet of lumber in a 12 foot log. We sold the land to different
parties, made a small advance, and so ended the patrimony my father had left us."
Above, when Samuel speaks of buying their interests, he means that Nathan and his sister
Mary wanted Samuel and William to buy their interest in Ralph Myers' estate.
The following seems to disprove that statement by Samuel.

Deed Book K, pages 499, 500, 501, Clinton County, Ohio.
Property sale dated 10 October 1835. Thomas Roberts and Mary his wife of Wayne
County, Indiana, William's T. Elmore and Sarah Jane his wife, Nathan Myers and Mary
his wife, Samuel Myers and Rebecca Caroline his wife all of Clinton County Ohio sell
two certain tracts of land in Clinton County to Jonah Farquhar of Clinton County for
the sum of $763 the two tracks of land being in Clinton County, part of Survey # 2231
a part of which was deeded to Ralph Myers by Sarah E. Murray and the other part was
deeded to the said Myers by Jonah and Benjamin Farquhar. The tract deeded to Myers
from Sarah E Murray containing 56 acres more or less. The second track deeded to Myers
by Jonah and Benjamin Farquhar containing 2 3/4 acres.

The above Thomas Roberts and Mary his wife are in fact Thomas and Mary Myers
Robards, Nathan's sister and brother-in-law all of the other names should be
self-explanatory. This deed was signed by all of the Myers parties and one of the
witnesses was Mahala Elmore Arnold the Myers children's half sister. This deed
also proves that Nathan and Mary Myers were still living in Clinton County as late
as 10 October 1835. I would also mention that Nathan's wife is listed as Mary,
not Demaris, in all of these records.
Another point of interest in the above deed, Sarah E. Murray sold a tract of land
to Ralph Myers (Mires). I asked Clinton County to do a search for this deed and
they could not find any mention of it. So, a bit of history, in 1815 a section
of land on the eastern side of Warren County was taken from Warren and added to
Clinton County. Part of that addition became Chester Township; the property
mentioned in the deed is located in Chester Township. So, being the ever brilliant
person I am, after several emails and several phone calls and several days I was
able (hopefully) to find the correct people to ask if Warren County had a record
of this deed......I'm still waiting for a reply.

Deed Book K, pages 366 and 367, Clinton County, Ohio.
Property sale dated 8 February 1836. Thomas and Mary Roberts of Wayne County Indiana and Nathan Myers and Mary his wife of Hamilton County Indiana and Samuel Myers and Rebecca Caroline his wife and William T. Elmore (and) his wife sell to Henry Fletcher of Clinton County a tract of land containing four and 1/2 acres in Clinton County for $55. This property being part of a tract of land sold by Henry Fletcher to Ralph Myers.
This deed was signed by all of the Myers parties and one of the witnesses was Mahala Elmore Arnold the Myers children's half sister. Notice Nathan and Mary Myers had moved to Hamilton County by this date.

Deed Book K, pages 590 and 591, Clinton County, Ohio.
Property sale dated 25 September 1836. Nathan Myers and Mary his wife of Hamilton County, Indiana and Samuel Myers and Rebecca Caroline is wife of Greene County, Ohio and Thomas Roberts and Mary his wife of Wayne County, Indiana sell to William Elmore of Clinton County, Ohio for the sum of $1000 two tracks of land located in Clinton County being part of the land owned and willed by Ralph Myers, deceased. The first tract being part of survey # No. 777 containing 64 and a half acres being part of said survey No. 777 being the land conveyed by Henry Fletcher and wife to the said Ralph Myers, by deed the 3rd of 5th month 1817. The second tract of land being part of the original survey No. 2231 containing 45 acres, this land being part of the land conveyed to the said Ralph Myers by deed dated December 29, 1818.
Deed signed by all of the Myers children and their wives at also witnessed by Mahala Arnold.

Deed book M, pages 143 and 144, Clinton County Ohio.
Property sale dated 23rd day eighth month 1837. Nathan Myers and Mary his wife of Hamilton County, Indiana sell to William Edwards of Clinton County, Ohio for $300's one lot of land in Clinton County the part of entry No. 570 being on the North side of buck run containing 1 acre and 46 poles.

Signed Nathan Myers
Signed Mary Myers
Recorded on December 1838. This is the same property that was mentioned in Deed Book I, pages 95 and 96 listed above. It would appear, because of the price rise, that they had built some sort of building on this property, possibly a house.