Individual Details

May have been Ann Armistead, daughter of Robert & Catharine, born Gloucester Co VA Sep 12 1756. No this Ann was married to John Singleton, June 1778, Gloucester, VA precluding any such possibility.

CAswell Co NC 1800 Census: Ann Brookes, head of household, age 26-45, 1m 10-16 (John); 1m 16-26 (Wm Bird); 1f 16-26 (Frances). If Ann's age is correct in this census she would have been very young when daughter Ann Smith was born - possibly Richard was married earlier?

Left Will dated 4 Mar 1806; probate January Court 1808 leaving her estate to her grandchildren. Nothing was left to the children of Ann Smith (Brooks) Graves. However, Ann Smith may have died soon after her marriage, leaving no issue. Another possible suggestion this Ann was not the mother of Ann Smith. There was also no mention of Betsy or John; probably both deceased. William B. was executor.
Caswell WB E, p.379. The will named son William B. Brooks; nine grandchildren: Wm B. Brooks sons, John Robert & William, and daughters Betsy, Ann, & Joanna. Frances A. Sheppard's daughters Ann, Betsy, and Polley. Exec: Wm. B. Brooks. Wit: Sol. Graves [husband of Ann Smith Brooks], S. Graves, John L. Graves.

In the name of God Amen – I Ann Brooks of the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina – on this 4th of March 1806 – being in perfect mind, health and memory thanks be given unto the Supreme being for the same calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is once appointed for all men to die, recommending my spirit to God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian-like burial at the discretion of my Executors; nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again through Christ, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it pleased God to bless me with in life I give demise and despose of the same in the following manner -
To Wit. I give to William B. Brooke’s son Jno. my young Sorrell Mare at my death Item I give the resideue of my estate to my nine grand children Viz. William B. Brooks’s sons John Robert and William and daughters Betsey, Ann, and Joanna, and Frances A. Shepard’s daughters Ann Betsey and Polly to be equally divided at my death and my three granddaughters Ann Betsey and Polly Shepard equal parts to remain in the hands of my Executor until they marry or arise to lawful age and then paid by my Executor to them as they come of lawful age or marry.
Lastly I constitute and appoint my beloved son William B. Brooks the whole and Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament – revoking and annulling all other wills and testaments heretofore made by me and declaring this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I Ann Brooks doth set my hand and affix my seal the day and year above within signed and sealed in the presence of
Sol Graves (Jurat)
S. Graves Jr
John L. Graves
Ann Brookes(sealed)
Caswell County Lawful court 1808
The Executor of this will was duly proved in open court by the oath of Solomon Graves Esquire one of the subscribing witnesses thereto and on Motion ordered to be recorded. At the same time William B. Brooks qualified Executor.
Test A Murphey CC
Recorded Book E folio 379
Test A Murphey CC


Sale of her estate was held in February of 1808; proceeds were 135.0.10. Many of the articles bought by William B. & Jonathan Brooks. Caswell Co Original Estates. CR.020.508.8. Ann Brooks. 1808.

Inventory of Estate January Court 1808. Caswell Co NC

Birth	Abt 1755
Death	Bef Jan 1808	Caswell County, North Carolina
Marriage		Richard Brookes

Spouse	Richard Brookes (1732 - 1790)
Child	Ann Smith Brookes (1770 - )
Child	William Bird Brookes (1774 - 1836)
Child	Betsy Brookes ( - 1808)
Child	Frances Armistead Brookes (1780 - )
Child	John Brookes (1785 - 1808)