Will Stephen Harris (Colored Man) May 13, 1834. Recorded Book T. Page 794
I Stephen Harris of the City of Wilmington in the State of Delaware (Coloured Man) being advanced in age, but of Sound mind do make my last Will and Testament in manner following to wit.
Imprimis. I wish all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid soon after my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Grandson John Harris, son of my dec’d. daughter Betsey, all my wearing apparel, my chest, and all other my Furniture in the room where I lodge.
Item. Of all the residue and remainder of my property, which consists principally of an obligation on John Riddle for the payment of two hundred and thirty dollars with interest, and another on Peter Hubbard, secured by Mortgage, on a brick tenement and Lot I sold him, also with interest, I give and bequeath the one equal third part of all the Said residue of my property the same more or less, to my daughter Rachel Queens; one other equal third part thereof to my Grand daughter Mary, child of my deceased daughter Dolly: one equal sixth part Thereof to my Grand daughter Jane Bayard, child of deceased daughter Betsey, and the remaining one equal six part thereof to my Grandson John Harris above named. The said bequests are intended to include all my property; as well what monies I may die possessed of, as the proceeds of the obligations above mentioned.
Lastly, I nominate and constitute William Paxson and Samuel C Morton to be the Executors of this my last will,
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ___ day of the ___ month in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. Stephen Harris his mark {seal}
Signed Sealed and declared by thesaid Stephen Harris to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request, in his presence and in the presence of each other have Hereunto set our hands as witness. Sam’l S Poole. Wm S Poole Thomas Sirles
New Castle County Ss. Personally appeared Samuel S. Pool and William S. Pool, two of the subscribing witnesses to the above Will, who upon their solemn Affirmations did severally say: that they saw Stephen Harris the Testator (by way of making his mark) sign and seal the above Instrument of writing, and heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will & Testament That at the time of his so doing he was (to the best of their belief) of a sound and disposing mind and memory – That it was at the request of the Testator in his presence, and in presence of each other, they severally subscribed their names, thereto as witnesses and at at the same time saw Thomas Sirles subscribe as an other witness to the same.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at NewCastle the 13th day of May A.D. 1834. Evan H. Thomas; Register.
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Appraisers Return of S Harris’ effects.
We the Subscribers, appointed by the Register appraisers of the Goods & chattels of Stephen Harris deceased, do on affirmation respectively say, that the goods and chattels in this inventory, have been appraised by us, at the sums set down against the same respectively, and that the said Sums are, according to the best of our skill and judgment, the true value of said goods and chattels in money; dated 20th day of the 10th month 1835.
1 two story frame dwelling house……………………….$250.00
1 Chest………………………………………………………………………….2.00
1 Wood saw & horse……………………………..……………………..1.25
$253.25
John Buttock Mahlon Betts
1834 5 Month 19 – By Cash recd from Savings Fund Society being to the credit of S Harris – $56.38
New Castle County ss -William Paxson acting Executor of the last will and testament of Stephen Harris dec’d taketh affirmation and safety that he hath made diligent inquiry concerning the goods chattels and money of Stephen Harris dec’d and that this Inventory doth contain all the Goods Chattels & money of the said Stephen Harris which have come to the possession or knowledge of this affirming. W Paxson Exr
Affd Subscribed to January 20 1837 – Wm Drill[?]
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Sales made October 27, 1835 of House belonging to the Estate of Stephen Harris deceased and Sold by order of William Paxson and Samuel C Morton Executors –
1 Frame House on Kent Street between Orange & Tatnall Streets to David Bayard 275.00
1 Horse & Saw .81
Dollars 275.81
Attest. Wm H Naff. Auctioneer
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U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1676-1971, New Castle, Register of Wills, Harris, Jacob C-Hart, Garret, 1904
Transcribed 20 Jun 2026 by Nancy Maliwesky
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