Settlement of Samuel Reed's Estate

Recent finds bring us closer to discovering exactly how Samuel Reed Sr.'s estate was finally settled. 

We know from his will found here exactly what his wishes were.  Looking further in his probate record, we see that his son Samuel, executor of the estate, proceeded with the usual bonds, inventories, vouchers, and accountings until October 1830.  Then, there is a gap in activities until 1846 after Mary Clark Reed's death.  On 10 December 1846, another inventory was ordered (see here).   A sale of personal property was held on 18 January 1847 (see here). 

Samuel Reed Jr. died on 26 May 1847 before the remainder of the estate was settled. 

Two of Samuel Sr.'s grandsons-in-law were willing to help settle the estate, but neither petition was granted: 

On 17 January 1848, William J. Fickling requested to be made executor (see here).  He was the husband of Jane Elizabeth Reed, a daughter of Hugh Reed & Jane McSpeddon.  (William J. Fickling died 10 months later on 26 November 1848.)

On 7 February 1848, Benjamin F. Simmons requested to be made executor (see here).  Benjamin Simmons was husband of Mary Reed, daughter of Samuel Reed Jr. and Elizabeth Boylston Reed. 

Recently at the SC Archives, I found a copy of an agreement dated 25 February 1848 between the heirs of Samuel Reed Sr. and Elizabeth Boylston Reed, wife of Samuel Reed Jr.  The image and transcription of the main text are below.  (Click on image enlarge.) 

Agreement of Reed, Boylston & Others with Elizabeth Reed

Feb. 25, 1848

We the undersigned heirs have this day agreed to settle the Estate of Samuel Reed Senr. deceased and Mary Reed his wife in the following manner, viz  First, those who have notes gone out of date agree to pay the principal of the money, but no Interest.  Secondly, we nominate and designate Elizabeth Reed to hold the papers of the Estate, collect, settle with the heirs, take receipts, She agreeing to act in correspondence with the instructions of the heirs and with the undersigned do Severally and Jointly agree to bind our selves in the sum of one Thousand Dollars, to abide by the foregoing stipulations.

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I've made quite a few trips to the archives this summer, but I've only begun to view the rich treasures to be found there.  More to come ... much more ...