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Reeves, Moses (c1730 ? - 1794 NC)

Reeves_Moses_4433

Reeves, Moses

Summary

Father: Unknown
Mother:

Birth: probably circa 1770 1730
Birth Source:

Death: before 12 Feb 1794, Orange County, North Carolina
Death Source: Report of Coroner's Inquest

Spouse1: Unknown

Narrative

A Coroner's Inquest on Moses Reeves death was held in Orange County on the 12th of February 1794. The inquest states that the cause of his death was drowning. His body was found near the house of Lysias Durham and it was determined that he had drowned in the course of crossing the branch. The Coroner's Jury ruled the death accidental on that date.

There is very little information regarding Moses Reeves life, beyond his small Orange County estate file and several deeds. Moses appears to be part of the family of George Reeves, Sr. of that county.

George Reeves, Sr. made bond on 26 Feb 1794 as administrator of Moses Reeves' estate.

The only other records currently found are references to Moses in deeds where he was one of the witnesses. Those deeds involved Lysias Durham, husband of Sarah Reeves and son-in-law of George Reeves, Sr.
20 Jan 1794 - Orange County, North Carolina Deed Book 8, Page 41 - Deed from William Lindsey Durham of Orange to Lysias Durham of same, £50, 100 acres, on East side of Indian Camp Branch, beginning on branch at the Old Corner on a black oak, North to outside corner to a post oak, East to a stake, South by a dividing line to the Old Line, along old line to beginning. Signed: William Lindsey Durham. Witnesses: Mark Durham & Moses Reeves. Acknowledged May Term 1799. Delivered William Durham. (William Doub Bennett)

20 Jan 1794 - Lysias Durham of Orange County deeded to William Lindley Durham of same 100 acres beginning at the Road, by a dividing line, west on dividing line to Matthew Durham's west line, south to corner of Durham's line, east to road, up road to beginning. Signed: Lysias Durham. Witnesses: Mark Durham, Moses Rives and Isaac Durham.

George Reeves died in 1821 leaving a will naming his children who were living at that time. It is possible that Moses was a son of George Reeves and simply unnamed because he was deceased and left no heirs. However, after recent perusal of the items listed in the inventory of Moses Reeves' estate, it seems more likely that Moses Reeves may have been an older individual, a brother or even been the father of George Reeves.

Research Notes

The fact that there are no deed records for Moses as either grantor or grantee seemed to initially indicate that he was fairly young, but closer examination of the items in his estate inventory may indicate otherwise. The items in his estate inventory are more consistent with an older individual who was a hatter, as was George Reeves, since hatter's tools are listed among his belongings. The inventory also lists 5 acres which were rented and would account for the absence of deed records for property owned by him. Since he was a tradesman, his residence was most likely located in town rather than on farm land with acreage. Other than one cow, the only livestock listed is a horse with saddle, bridle and saddle bags. Other items listed would indicate a somewhat refined individual and not a farm laborer. In his personal items listed there are numerous waistcoats, shirts, breeches, stockings, a great coat, etc., knee buckles, shoes and buckles, a Bible and household furniture.

It is interesting to note that several documents in Moses' estate file bear what appears to be the original signature of George Reeves who signed his name REVES just as the William Reeves family of neighboring Wake County. The signature is undoubtedly that of George, Sr. as the signature of his son George Reeves, Jr. found in his father's estate file does not match the signature on Moses' estate records. However, this is extremely puzzling since a recently obtained copy of what appears to be the original will signed by George Reeves, Sr. clearly shows he signed his name as REEVE.

Sources

Coroner's Report, Image 160
Administrators Bond filed 26 Feb 1794, online at Family Search
Orange County NC Deed Records online at Family Search