**The following information was taken from Rebecca Leach Ddozier's book, "Twelve Northhampton County, North Carolina Families 1650-1850, published by Gateway Press, INC., Baltimore, MD 2004; page 330:

Arthur ((Abraham(2), John Stephenson(1)), son of Abraham and Ann (mnu) Stephenson, was born in Northampton Co., NC. Prior to 26 Feb. 1754, he married an Elizabeth whose surname is unknown.(35) He received as a "deed of gift" three slaves, George, Sall, and Sedler from his father on 1 Aug. 1762(36). His son Arthur Stephenson, Jr. and his nephew, Abraham Stephenson Jr., son of Abraham, witnessed this "deed of gift." Arthur Stephenson and Joseph Woodard sold 212 acres to Abraham Wall on 15 April 1773(37). Arthur Stephenson, Jr. witnessed this deed. During May of 1778, Arthur gave his daughter Suky Stephenson one Negro boy named Daniel, a bed, and some furniture. He gave his daughter, Bytha Stephenson one Negro girl named Tanner, a bed, and some furniture. Arthur gave to his son Abraham Stephenson all of his land, one copper still cap and worm, a Negro boy named Luke, and a Negro girl named Lucy, on 3 Dec. 1779(38). on the 1786 Northampton County census Arthur was listed as having two males under 21 or over 60 years of age, two females, and two slaves of undetermined ages living in his home. Arthur wrote his will on 26 Oct. 1789, and it was probated during the December Court of 1792(39). In his will, Arthur mentioned his grandson William Stephenson and his daughters Mary Jones, Elizabeth McCone, Martha Vick, Mildrred Smith, Tabitha Stephenson, Lucy clifton, and his son Abraham. He indicated his wife was living, but he didn't give her name. Witnesses to Arthur's will were Winborne Jenkins, John d. Houseman and Jacob Boon. He names his executors as son Abraham Stephenson, and Benjamin Boon and Jacob Boon, Jr. One of Arthur's executors, Jacob boon, owned land that joined Arthur's land(40). Jacob also witnessed several deeds executed by Arthur(41).

(35)Hofmann, Margaret M., Abstracts of Deeds, Northampton co., NC. Public Registry, Deed Book One and Deed Book Two, p. 101, DB 2, p. 150, named an Elizabeth as the wife of Arthur Stephenson.

(36)Bradley, Stephen, The Deeds of Northampton Co., NC 1769-1774, p. 20; DB 3, p. 188.

(37)Bradley, Stephen, The Deeds of Northampton Co., NC 1774-1787, p. 23; DB 6, p. 246.

(38)Northampton, Co., NC, DB 6, pp. 286, 288, 299.

(39)Hofmann, Margaret M., Northampton co., NC 1759-1808, Gen Abstracts of Wills, p. 79; Arthur Stephenson's will. 

(40)Bradley, Stephen, The Deeds of Northampton Co., NC 1769-1774, pp. 17, 45, 78; DB 3, p. 162, DB 4, p. 30, DB 5, p. 334.

(41)Ibid.
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This information was provided to me by Ed Barnes, about 1999.

Census:

1784-1787 State Census, Northampton County, Capt. Bennett's District, page 15:

Arthur Stevenson - WM under 21 & above 60 (2), WF all ages (2), Blacks (6)

Abraham Stevenson - WM 21-60 Yrs (1), WM under 21 & above 60 (2), WF all ages (2), Blacks (3)

William Stevenson - WM under 21 & above 60 (1), WF all ages (1), Blacks (0)

Note: Arthur, son Abraham and grandson William Stevenson were listed in succession providing strong evidence that they were of the same family.

1790 US Census:
Arthur Stephenson - FWM 16 & upwards (1), FWM under 16 (0), FWF all ages (2), Slaves (6)

Abram Stephenson - FWM 16 & upwards (2), FWM under 16 (4), FWF all ages (3), Slaves (4)

William Stephenson - FWM 16 & upwards (1), FWM under 16 (0), FWF all ages (4), Slaves (0) \par Note: Abram and son, Arthur Stephenson, were listed ajoining each other and grandson, William Stephenson, listed in general neighborhood but with 18 households between Arthur and William. In their neighborhood are listed two families of Deberrys and fairly large slave holdings. Could this indicate that they were living between Galacia and Conway around Deberrys Mill?

Will:
Northampton County Will Book I, Arthur Stephenson, dated October 26, 1792, Probated December Court 1792

In the name of God, Amen, I, Arthur Stephenson of Northampton County and the State of North Carolina being at this time of a disposing mind and memory thanks be to god for it therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all flesh once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the following manner and form: \par First: I will that all my just debts be paid.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Grandson William Stephenson five shillings to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Jones five shillings to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth McCone five shillings to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Martha Vick forty pounds current money of the State to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mildred Smith forty pounds current money of the State to her and her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Tabitha Stephenson forty pounds current money of the State to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Lucity Clifton forty pounds current money of the State to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I lend the labour of all my Negroes and the lent of the other part of my estate to my wife as long as she lives a widow.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my Son Abraham Stephenson all the remainder part of my estate of whatsoever kind it be unto him and his heirs forever.

And I do appoint my son Abraham & my friend Benjamin Boon and Jacob Boon, Junr, Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking and making void all wills heretofore by me made.

Witness my hand and seal the 26th day of October 1789.

Arthur (x) Stephenson

Signed Sealed and Declared in the presence of Winbourne Jenkins, Jno, D. Housemann(?), Jacob Boon, Senr.

Northampton County December Court 1892(?) The will of Arthur Stephenson dec'd was exhibited into Court and proved by the oath of Winbourne Jenkinson one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, at the same time Abraham Stephenson & Benjamin Boone qualified Executors thereof. _____________________________________________________________________________________

The following information was provided by Alan C. Stephenson, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, March 25, 2010:

Arthur Sr.'s birth date is estimated based on the assumption that he was at least 21 years old at the date of the 1739 deed from Nicholas boon (deed 1 below).

The father-son relationship of Abraham Sr. and Arthur Sr. is assumed based on (1) the deed of three slaves from Abraham Sr. to Arthur Sr. dated August 1, 1762, witnessed by Abraham Jr. and Arthur Jr. (see deed 12 below), although a family relationship among these four men is not stated in the deed; (2) the 1739 deed from Nicholas Boon to Arthur, witnessed by Abraham, described below (deed 1); and (3) the fact that Arthur's November 1761 land grant was originally surveyed for Abraham Stevenson (see items 10 and 10A below). It is likely that the Arthur Stevenson who was a grantor, along with Abraham and his wife Ann, in deed 9 under Virginia Deeds and Land Grants above was Arthur Sr.

The father-son relationship of Arthur Sr. and Arthur Jr. is assumed based on the following facts. Arthur named a grandson William in his will quoted below. Later records for Arthur's only other known son, Abraham, do not show Abraham had a son by the name of William. The deeds marked with an asterick below indicate that there were two Arthurs in Northampton County during the 18th century. The land conveyed in deed 25 was part of the land acquired by an Arthur deed 22. Deed 25 indicates that Arthur Jr. was living in Orange County, North Carolina in January 1774. An Arthur died in Orange County in 1776 and his will named Joshua Johnston (see deed 21 below), John McCone (see deed 26 below) and Abraham Stephens as executors. See Will under notes for Arthur Jr. The Abraham named in the 1776 will was likely the only recorded son of Arthur Sr. John McCone was probably the husband of Elizabeth McCone, daughter of Arthur Sr. See deed 2 under Notes for Abraham (d. Abt 1823). However, it is not clear who the Arthur Jr. in deed 32 below was because the Arthur who left a will in Orange County had died four years earlier.

Deeds and Land Grants:

Several of the following deeds do not involve Arthur Sr. However, all deeds prior to the death of Arthur Sr. that involve an Arthur or an Arthur Sr. or Jr. are listed together for ease of reference.

1. Nicholas Boon (of Bertie Precinct) to Arthur Stevenson dated October 17, 1739, 20 pounds silver money for 125 acres at the time in the possession of Arthur, reference to a patent dated December 3, 1720 [likely the patent to William Boon referred to in the deed from Elias Fort to Abraham; see deed 2 under Deeds and Grants in Notes for Abraham Sr.], on the south side of the Meherrin River adjoining Carolus Anderson, Elias Fort, Joseph Strckland, William Eldridge and the line of marked trees made by Robert Cobb and Arthur Stevenson; witnessed by Joseph Cobb, Robert Cobb [with a mark] and Abraham Stevenson [no mark indicated]. Bertie DB E:525.

2. Nicholas Boon (of Bertie Precinct) to Robert Cobb (of Bertie Precinct) dated October 17, 1739, 20 pounds silver money for 165 acres on the south side of the Meherrin River adjoining John Deberry, Nicholas Boon, William Eldridge and a line of marked trees made by Arthur Stephens and Robert Cobb; witnessed by Joseph Cobb Jr., Charles Anderson [with a mark] and Abraham Stevenson [no mark indicated]. Bertie DB E:553.

3. Arthur Stevenson to Robert Cobb dated December 3, [year illegible; recorded 1746], 25 pounds Va. for 125 acres on the south side of the Meherrin Rover adjoining the river, Carolus Anderson, Elias Ford [Fort?], Joseph Strickland and William Eldridge; Arthur signed [with a mark]; witnessed by ???? Deberry Benjamin Cobb [with a mak]. NH DB 1:272.

4. Joseph Cobb to Arthur Stevenson dated February 22, 1746/7, 7 pounds 10 shillings Va. for 150 acres on the southeast side of Corroroy Swamp adjoining a branch and the swamp; witnessed by Samuel Carter, Joseph Strickland and John Wade. NH DB 1:311.

5. Oliver Woodard to Arthur Stevenson dated December 21, 1751, 27 pounds Va. for 150 acres on the south side of Corriroy Swamp adjoining the swamp, Mandew's [Mandue's?] branch and a branch; 100 acres part of a lapsed patent granted to John Farrow dated November 5, 1728, and 50 acres part of a patent dated April 1, 1723 to Thomas Mandew [Mandue?]; also signed by wife Anne; witnessed by John Woodard and John Smith. NH DB 2:72.

6. Robert Smelly to Arthur Stevenson dated October 17, 1752, 9 pounds for 300 acres on the fork of Coriroy Swamp and Kirby Creek adjoining the swamp, John Woodard and John Smelly; part of a 1749 grant to Smelly; also signed by Elizabeth Smelly; witnessed by Robert Monger, Benjamin Morrell and John Smelly. NH DB 2:106. 

7. Arthur Stevenson to John Austin Finnie (of Prince George Co. Va.) dated February 28, 1753, 10 pounds 6 shillings Va. for 100 acres on the south side of Cororoy Swamp adjoining the swamp and Mandew's [Mandue's?] branch; part of 150 acres purchased from Oliver Woodard; Arthur signed [with a mark]; witnessed by William Baker and William Liles. NH DB 2:105.

8. Arthur Stevenson to James Massingall Sr. dated February 26, 1754, 20 pounds for 150 acres on the south side of Corroroy Swamp adjoining the swamp, Benjamin Cobb, Arthur Stevenson and pine log branch; [Arthur's signature shown as "Arthur A"]; Elizabeth Stevenson also signed [with a mark]; witnessed by Robert Monger, Richard Reynolds and John Smith. NH DB 2:150.

9. Land grant from John Earl Granville to Arthur Stevenson dated March 3, 1761, for 581 acres adjoining Joseph Powell's corner, Nicholas Tyner's corner, Gust [or Great?] Branch, Thomas Liles' corner, Austin Finney, James Masingal, Corriroy swamp and Benjamin Cobb's old patent; surveyed for Arthur Stevenson January 24, 1756; Richard Reynolds and William Reynolds chain carriers. [See deeds 11, 16, 18, and 19 below].

10. Land grant from John earl Granville to Arthur Stevenson dated November 20, 1761 for 698 acres adjoining Thomas Liles' corner, Nicholas Tyner's corner, Joseph Powell and Patty's Delight; surveyed for Abraham Stevenson March 29, 1756; Richard Reynolds and Jacob Boon chain carriers. [It appears that the grant was to have been originally obtained by Abraham; see item 10A below.] [See deeds 14 and 15 below.]

10A. Land grant from John Earl Granville to John Martin dated August 1, 1762, of 675 acres on Patty's Delight adjoining a branch, the mill prong of Patty's Delight, Benjamin Deberry, Abraham Stevenson's corner maple in the head of Patty's Delight and James Holland; surveyed June 20, 1762. [The reference to the land adjoining Abraham rather than Arthur further indicates that the adjoining property may have been originally owned by Abraham or part of the land grant described in item 10 above that was originally surveyed for Abraham.]

11. Arthur Stevenson and wife Elizabeth to Jacob Woodard dated February 1, 1762, 7 pounds Great Britain for 140 acres adjoining Jacob Boon, a branch, Manders [Mandue's?] branch, Austin Fenner [Finnie?] and ???? Boon; part of the March 1761 grant to Arthur; signed by Arthur [with a mark "A"] and by Elizabeth [with a mark "S"]; witnessed by Joseph Woodard and Mary M. Shelly [Smelly?] NH DB 3:162.

*12. Abraham Stevenson, Sr. to Arthur Stevenson dated August 1, 1762, deed of three slaves, George, Salt and Sedler, "for divers good causes and valuable consideration"; signed by Abraham Sr. [with a mark"A"]; witnessed by Abraham Jr. [no indication of a mark] and Arthur [with a mark "A"]. NH DB 3:188. [A family relationship among these four men is not stated in the deed. The 1788 will of Abraham Jr. was signed and signature of the 1789 will of Arthur was signed with a mark. No will of the senior Abraham.has been found.]

13. Arthur Stevenson and John Clifton to Ephraim Justice (of Southampton, Co. Va.) dated April 30, 1763, 20 pounds 10 shillings Va. For 180 acres adjoining Jacob Powell, Arthur Stevenson, Benjamin Clifton, ???? Bryant, the great branch and "the fork"; signed by Arthur [with a mark "A"]; witnessed by John Britte, Benjamin Clifton and ???? Massingall. NH DB 3:250.

14. Arthur Stevenson to George Brewer dated February 6, 1764, 20 pounds Va. for 100 acres adjoining Indian branch, Joseph Woodard, the road to Squire Washington's Ferry, Capt. Williams road and the road to Squire Murfree's Ferry; part of Nov. 1761 grant to Arthur; signed by Arthur [with a mark "A"]; witnessed by William Mabry and Moses Owen. NH DB 3:366.

15. Arthur Stephenson to William Mabry dated February 6, 1764 (but not recorded until Jan. 19, 1778), 50 pounds for 500 acres adjoining Joseph Woodard, the road to Squire Washington's Ferry, Capt. Williams road, the road to Squire Murfree's Ferry, Indian branch, formerly Carolus Anderson's line, William Rix [Ricks?], Joseph Powell and Patty's Delight; part of Arthur's Nov. 1761 grant; signed by Arthur [no indication of a mark]; witnessed by Moses Owen and George Brewer. NH DB 6:201.

16. Arthur Stevenson to John Wilkenson (of Southampton Co. Va.) dated August 7, 1764, 30 pounds Va. for 172 acres on Coryroy Swamp adjoining the swamp, Mirie branch, John Finnie, Manders [Manduc's?] branch and ???? Massengill; 50 acres part of deed from John Austin Finney and 122 acres part of March 1761 grant to Arthur; signed by Arthur [with a mark "X"]; witnessed by Thomas Clifton Jr. NH DB 3:328.

17. Arthur Stevenson to Jacob Powell dated December 6, 1764, [illegible] pounds Va. for 30 acres on Coriroy Swamp adjoining Jacob Powell, gust branch, Great branch and the swamp; signed by Arthur with wife Elizabeth [both with a mark "X"]; witnessed by John Wade and West Woodard. NH DB 3:365.

*18. Jacob Woodard to John McCone dated August 6, 1766, 30 pounds for 140 acres adjoining Jacob Boon, a branch, Manders [Mandue's?] branch and Austin Finnie; part of March 1761 grant to Arthur; witnessed by Arthur Stevenson Jr. [with a mark "X"], David Jones and John McCone. NH DB 4:30.

19. John Wilkinson (of Southampton Co. Va.) to John Bryant dated July 9, 1766, 32 pounds 10 shillings Va. for 172 acres adjoining Coryroy Swamp, Mirie branch, ???? Massengil, Arthur Stevenson's other land and John Finnie; 127 acres part of March 1761 grant and 59 acres part of "patent" from John Austin Finney to Arthur that has since become vested in John Wilkinson; witnessed by Matthew Williamson and Elizabeth Wilkinson. NH DB 3:437.

20. James Massingale to Abraham Massingale dated February 27, 1768, 5 shillings for 150 acres on the south side of Coyroy Swamp adjoining the swamp, Benjamin Cobb, Arthur Stevenson and pine long branch; witnessed by Joshua Johnson and William Fly. NH DB 4:113.

*21. Samuel Edwards and Ann Johnson to Arthur Stevenson Jr. dated August 6, 1768, 30 barrels of merchantable tar for 75 acres on the south side of Kirby Creek adjoining the creek, a small branch and Mander's [Mandue's?] branch; witnessed by William Fly and Joshua Johnson. NH DB 4:211.

22. Abraham Starling to Arthur Stevens dated December 9, 1768, 20 pounds 10 shillings Va. for 435 acres on the south side of Kirby Creek adjoining the "old field", William Liles and the creek; 108 acres whereon is the plantation where Starling now lives; part of grant to Isaac Starling dated October 29, 1753; witnessed by James Williamson, John Wilkinson and John batten. NH DB 3:253.

*23. Robert Bagley to Henry Gay dated March 13, 1770, 11 pounds 15 shillings Va. for 100 acres adjoining Robert Bagley Jr., Moses Adams, a branch, ???? Tyner, formerly 's line Arthur Stevenson Jr.; witnessed by William Mabry and William Corbit. NH DB 5:173.

*24. Arthur Stephenson Sr. and Joseph Woodard to Abraham Wall dated April 30, 1773, 15 pounds Va. for 212 acres adjoining Great branch, Jacob Boon, Thomas Pency, Arthur Stephenson and Isaac Vick; Arthur signed [with a mark "X"]; witnessed by Jacob Boon Sr., Arthur Stephenson Jr. [no mark indicated] and Jacob Boon. NH DB 6:246.

*25. Arthur Stevenson Jr. (of Orange Co. NC) to William Fly dated January 7, 1774, 30 pounds Va. for 180 acres on the north side of Kirby Creek adjoining Prong branch, Joseph Futrel, a branch near Poplar spring, Adam Starling, Kirby creek and formerly William Liles' line; part of 1753 patent to Isaac Starling and by divers conveyances became vested in said Arthur Stevenson; signed by Arthur [no mark indicated]; witnessed by Jacob Boon and Brittain Garner. NH DB 6:344. [See deed 22; either the Arthur and Arthur Jr. in deed 22 and in this deed were the same person, or part of land in deed 22 may have been conveyed by Arthur, the grantee in that deed, to Arthur Jr., the grantor in this deed.]

*26. Arthur Stephenson Sr. to John McCone Jr. dated September 13, 1774, 20 pounds Va. for 70 acres adjoining Manders [Mandue's?] branch, John McCone Sr., Jacob Boon and John Bryant; Arthur signed [with a mark "X"]; witnessed by Tabitha Stevenson [with a mark "X"], John McCone [with a mark "X"] and Joshua Cone [?]. NH DB 6:28.

27. Arthur Stephenson to Benjamin Farrow dated may 13, 1778, 60 pounds Va. 125 acres adjoining Paties delight, Arthur Stephenson and Moses Owens; Arthur signed [with a mark "X"]; witnessed by William Love, Stephen Williamson and William Peele. NH DB 6:252.

28. Arthur Stevenson to Bytha Stevenson dated 3, 1778; deed of gift to daughter Bytha [probably a nickname for Elizabeth] Stephenson of one slave, girl Tamer, and one feather bed and the furniture; Arthur signed [with a mark]; witnessed by Winborn Jenkins, Jacob Boon and Daniel Johnson. NH DB 6:388.

29. Arthur Stevenson to Sucky Stevenson dated December 3, 1778; deed of gift to daughter Sucky Stevenson of one slave, boy Daniel, and one feather bed and the furniture; Arthur signed [with a mark]; witnessed by Winborn Jenkins, Jacob Boon and Daniel Johnson. NH DB 6:386.

30. Arthur Stevenson to Abraham Stevenson dated December 6, 1778; deed of gift to son Abraham of "my plantation and all the lands I am possessed with one Copper still cap and Worm" and two slaves, boy Luke and girl Lucy; Arthur signed [with a mark]; witnessed by Winborn Jenkins, Jacob Boon and Daniel Johnson. NH DB 6:299.

31. Land grant from the State to Arthur Stevenson dated December 31, 1778, for 250 acres adjoining Arthur Stevenson, Patty's Delight, the road, John martin, ???? Deberry, Arthur Davis, ???? Cobb, gust branch, Great branch and Thomas Liles; surveyed by Howell Edmunds; Abraham Wall and Abraham Stevenson chain carriers.

*32. Arthur Stevenson Jr. (of Northampton Co.) to Joseph Woodard dated March 4, 1780, 7 pounds Va. for 75 acres on the south side of Kirby's Creek adjoining the creek, a small branch and Mander's [Mandue's?] branch; Arthur signed [with no mark indicated]; witnessed by Benjamin Boon, Jacob Boon and Jacob Boon Jr. NH DB 7:40. [It is unclear who this Arthur Jr. was. The only Arthurs in Northampton County known to be alive at this time were Arthur Sr. and Arthur (d. 1823), a grandson of Arthur Sr.]

33. Arthur Stephenson to Elizabeth Vick dated march 8, 1780, 20 pounds specie for 115 acres adjoining the road in Patty's delight, Martin's corner, a branch and Patty's Delight; Arthur signed [with a mark "X"]; witnessed by Etheldred Martin Jr., Jacob Boon, Abraham Stevenson [no indication of a mark] and Richard Clifton. NH DB 8:160.

34. Arthur Stephenson to Abraham Stephenson [no relationship stated] dated March 1, 1788 [not recorded until March 16, 1790], 10 pounds for 200 acres adjoining Arthur Stevenson, the dividing line between Abraham Stevenson and Martha Vick, and Powell's corner; Arthur signed [with a mark]; witnessed by Benjamin Boon Jr., [name torn off] Stevenson and illegible]. NH DB 8:185.

35. Land grant from the State to Arthur Stevenson dated May 26, 1788, for 315 acres adjoining Arthur Stevenson, Mirry branch, Patty's Delight, John Martin and Powell's corner; surveyed by Howell Edmunds; Jacob Boon and Jeremiah Allen chain carriers.

36. Arthur Stephenson and Abraham Stephenson to Jacob Boon dated August 19, 1790, 5 pounds for 18 acres adjoining Jacob boon, a branch and the road; Arthur and Abraham signed [with no indication of a mark]; witnessed by Benjamin Boon and John Stancill. NH DB 10:140.

[In view of the number of land transactions in which Arthur Sr. was a party, he appears to have been a speculator in land. For example, he resold much of the land he received in both of his Granville land grants in 1761 (items 9 and 10 above).]

Will dated October 26, 1789 (proved 1792) (NH WB 2:20):

"In the name of God amen. I Arthur Stevenson of Northampton County and State of North Carolina being at this time of a disposing mind and memory thanks be to God for it. Therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all flesh once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the following manner and form. First I will that all my actual debts be paid.

Item I give and bequeath unto my grandson William Stevenson five shillings to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Jones five shillings to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth McCone five shillings to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha Vick forty pound current money of this State to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mildred Smith forty pound current money of this State to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Tabitha Stevenson forty pound current money of this State to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Suckey Clifton forty pound current money of this State to her and her heirs forever.

Item I lend the labour of all my Negros and the lent of all the other parts of my estate to my wife so long as she lives a widow.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Abraham Stevenson all the remainding parts of my estate of whatsoever kind it be to him and his heirs forever and I do appoint my son Abraham Stevenson and my friend Benjamin Boon and Jacob boon Junior executors of this my last will and testament, revoking and making void all other wills heretofore by me made as witness my seal the 26 day of October 1789.

Arthur (his mark) Stevenson

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of

Winborn Jenkins
D. Hassmann [?]
Jacob Boon Jr."

Census Records:

1. 1786 census for Northampton County prepared pursuant to an act of the General Assembly, Laws of North Carolina, 1784 (the "1786 NH Census") (page 15 in Capt. Bennet's District): Arthur Stevenson, next to Abraham Stevenson (who is followed by William Stevenson and Martha Vick)-2 white males under 21 or above 60; 2 white females all ages; 1 black 12-50; 1 black under 12 or above 50.

2. 1790 Federal Census (page 579); Arthur Stephenson, next to Abram Stephenson-1 white male 16 and upwards; 2 white females all ages; 6 slaves.

Tax Records:

1. 1780 Tax List for NH Co: Arthur Stevenson, next to Abraham Stevenson (who is two up from Martha Vick)-shown as married with 5 polls and with taxable property value at 1,463 pounds, taxed at 109 pounds. \par Note: The wealthiest man listed in the 1780 tax list was Cullen Pollock with taxable property valued at 92,954 pounds, taxed at 6,960 pounds.

History of North Carolina Land Grants:

Originally, Carolina was a proprietary colony as the result of the grant in 1663 by Charles II of ownership and governing rights of the colony to eight Englishmen including Sir George Cataret. In 1729, the proprietors other than Cartaret sold their rights back to the Crown. One-eighth of Carolina was retained by the Cartarets, and in 1742 George II ordered the Cartaret share to be separately identified and surveyed. This area became known as the Granville District after Sir john Cartaret, Earl Granville, the great grandson of George Cartaret. The Granville District was in the northern part of the colony of north Carolina and encompassed a strip 60 miles wide bonded on the north by the border with Virginia. The Granville District, which included present Northampton County, contained about two-thirds of the population of the colony and much of its resources. Until 1776, when the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, land grants in the Granville District were made by the land office of Lord Granville in Edenton to those with an interest in receiving grants and an ability to pay for the grant. See William S. Powell, North Carolina Through Four Centuries (1989) ("Powell"), p. 93. Accordingly, the grant document will read as a conveyance of ownership rights from John Earl Granville to the grantee. The procedure for obtaining a grant appears to have been similar to the procedure for state grants described below. The potential grant, or patent, was identified, surveyed, fees paid and the grant issued. After the Revolutionary War, the heirs of Earl Granville sought to recover their rights to land in the Granville District confiscated by the State. Their claim was rejected by the United States District Court in Raleigh, and the heirs failed to perfect an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Powell, p. 94.

Beginning about 1778, the State of North Carolina established a procedure for state grants of vacant land, including land confiscated from the Crown and the Granville heirs. A multi-step procedure was involved. First, the land claim was recorded with the entry Taker for the county where the land was located and a land entry fee was paid. Second, after a waiting period of at least three months, a land warrant was issued by the Entry Taker to the county surveyor. Next, the land was surveyed and a plat made and the survey fee was paid. Then the warrant and two copies of the survey were sent to the Secretary of State. The grant itself was then filled out with a description of the land from the plat and the grant fee was paid. Next, the grant was signed by the Governor and another fee was paid to his secretary for the state seal. Then the grant was recorded by the Secretary of State, who kept the warrant and one copy of the survey. Finally, the grant was returned to the grantee, who had 12 months to record it in the county. State grants read as a conveyance by the Governor on behalf of the State to the grantee. See Land Grant Procedure (1778-1959), provided by the North Carolina Division of Archives and History.
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Some information from Familysearch.org ___________________________________________________________________

In looking on Ancestry.com his birth seems to move around a bit, between 1718 to 1725. I guess we don't know the real year. Originally he was born in Bertie County, but new lines were drawn in 1741 and that part of Bertie County became Northampton County.
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