When I first started researching the Jernigan family in earnest some 10 years ago, I started by creating a Jernigan Research tree. My starting point was Richard Jernigan’s, The Family. I cross checked this Research Tree against Lillian Worley’s, Jernigan Reunion, and Marion Hargrove’s analysis in The Jernigan Connection. One of the more frustrating Jernigan ancestors is George Jernigan. Which George Jernigan am I talking about? Hence my frustration!
During my ongoing research transcribing Bertie Co., NC deed and County Court records to create a timeline. I have identified 12 separate and distinct George Jernigan references from 1700 to 1780. Undoubtably several of these references belong to the same George. Matching these references to the correct George is an ongoing effort. I am hopeful that we can crowdsource our collective research to find correct lineage. Due to the volume of the information, I am going to address these George’s in smaller increments.
Let’s start with George Jernigan, Sr. who gifted 150 acres lying on the Northeast side of Loosing Swamp and Wild Cat Swamp dated 6 March 1777 “for and in consideration of Love good will and affection which I have and do Bear towards my beloved son George Jornagan hodam” [1] and names Feraba in his Will, “Bequeath unto Feraba my Beloved Wife” dated 6 March 1778.[2]
Why did George and Feraba children carry Hodom after Jernigan in their surname?
On 3 July 1761, “George Jernigan of the Loosing Swamp” was brought before the Deputy Sheriff to post a bond to answer the charges of “living in Adultry with Faraba Odam”. Appearing with George was David Jernigan, Jr. & John Mikkel.[3] During the Colonial period, a child born out of wedlock belonged to the mother and would carry her name. If the child was accepted by the father, then often the father’s surname would also be used in conjunction with the mother’s last name. I have identified five children that I believe were born out of wedlock between George Jernigan and Feraba Odom. They are:
George Jernigan Hodom (c1755 – 1830)
Godwin Jernigan Hodom (1755 – 1820)
Samuel Jernigan Hodom (1767 – 1825)
Priscilla Jurnegan/Hodom (listed on 1779 Bastardly Bond)
Lewis Jernigan Hodom
Lillian Worley reasoned George was married twice and had a son from each wife, which he named George. To help identify which George belongs to which mother, Hodom was added to the George whose mother was Feraba Odom. Like Ms. Worley, I believe Hodom is a derivation of Odom. Ms. Worley identifies George’s first wife as Hannah and the George from this first marriage was George who married Lydia. Since George and Feraba had at least five children that carried Hodom in their surname, I give more credence to these children being born out of wedlock and were given their mothers last name as per Colonial English Law.
How many times was George Jernigan, Sr. married?
Is George Jernigan who married Hannah Unknown the same George who was involved in an adulterous affair with Feraba Odum?
Yes, I believe this is the same George as proved by land transactions.
First let’s see what Lillian Worley wrote about this relationship. I encourage the reader to review pp. 141-2 in the “Jernigan Reunion”. Ms. Worley references 6 deeds that involved George Jernigan. Her conclusion is:
“The signatures of the three aforementioned George Jernigans are definitely not alike, so we know there were three men in Bertie County named George Jernigan during the years from 1753 to 1782.
We think that George Jernigan who identified himself as George Jernigan, Senr., was the elder. Then, George Jernigan the Planter, his son by a wife named Hannah, and George Jernigan Hodom, the son by a later wife named Ferebee (possibly Odom). Surely, if George Jernigan Hodom was the only son named George, he would have been known as a Junior.”
Ms. Worley concludes that the George identified as a planter was the son of George, Sr. (the elder) and Hannah. Furthermore, George the planter is the George who married Lydia and moved to Wayne County, NC. Richard Jernigan in his work, “The Family” does not address the George who resided along Loosing Swamp and Wildcat Swamp.
Let’s take a closer look at the land records. During George Jernigan, Sr.’s lifetime, it appears that he acquired 400 acres lying on the head of Wild Catt Swamp, 200 acres lying on the east side of Loosing Swamp, and 300 acres lying on the north side of Quarter branch, including the northeast side of Loosing Swamp. These tracts of land lie along Wild Catt Swamp and Loosing Swamp.
Source: Andersons of N. Carolina (www.andersonnc.com).
The only record where Hannah is referenced is the land transaction dated 13 October 1753.[4] George and Hannah sell 200 acres lying on Wild Cat to William Kail. George signs the deed with a unique mark, +++. Witnesses are John (I his mark) Lewis, William (W his mark) Wood and William [Colthesed]. This 200 acres were part of the 400 acres George Jarnagan acquired from John Wynn dated 13 May 1747 “lying at the head of Wild Catt Branch”.
There are two additional documents where George signs the deed using this mark. On 22 July 1755, George (+++ his mark) Jornakan sells to Ralph Outlaw 20 acres lying on Wild Catt from the 400 acres on Wild Catt Swamp, adjacent to Kail and Ralph Oulaw.[5] Witnesses are William (4 his mark) Wood, William [Colstred] and Edward Brisco, and on 4 April 1761, George Jarnakan (+++ his mark) sells 200 acres lying on the east side of Loosing Swamp he acquired from John and Martha Weston, on 10 September 1753, to James Sowell.[6] Witnesses for his sale of the 200 acres are John Sawhitt and William [Kaile].
[Note: We must keep in mind that the deeds recorded in the Deed Books are recordings of the Deeds and not the actual deeds. We must rely on the Court Clerk to copy the deed and signature and any marks as they appeared on the original document.]
We do not find Hannah as a party to the sales on 22 July 1755 and 4 April 1761 deeds. What happened to Hannah? Did she die?
As mentioned previously, on 3 July 1761, George Jarnigan “of the Loosing Swamp” is ordered to appear at the next Court to answer the charge of “Living in Adultery” with Faraba Odom. David Jernigan, Jr. along with John Mikkel posted Bond for George Jarnigan. [Note: I believe David Jernigan, Jr. is George, Sr.’s first cousin.]
In Colonial America the definition of adultery was gender specific and involved only intercourse with a married woman. Therefore, if a married woman and a single or a married man engaged in intercourse then the crime was adultery. If, however, a married man slept with a single woman, the crime was only considered fornication.[7]
So, it appears Feraba Odom was married. Later in George’s Will, he names Feraba as his wife, so it appears they eventually marry. We are not certain if Hannah was still alive and married to George.
6 February 1767, George Jernigan sells 140 acres lying on Quarter branch to David Jarnikin, Jr.[8] Witnesses are Feraba Odom and Dempsey Jernakin. This land appears to be part of the 300 acres lying along the north side of Quarter branch which empties into Loosing Swamp that George acquired 24 September 1753 from Joseph and Elizabeth Watford (Joseph Watford acquired the 300 acres from his North Carolina land grant dated 2 August 1727). Although it would have been nice to see the +++ used as his mark, Feraba Odam is a witness to the deed, as was Dempsey Jernakin. Who is this Dempsey?
6 March 1777, George Jornagan, Senior gives to George Jornegan Hodam, his son for love and affection 150 acres lying on the Northeast side of Loosing Swamp and Wild Cat Swamp.[9] This land being part of the 300 acres acquired from Joseph and Elizabeth Watford on 24 September 1753.
The balance of his land, 180 acres lying on Wild Catt branch and 10 acres on the north side of Quarter branch to Feraba via his Will dated 6 March 1778.[10] In Feraba’s (Phereby Jurnigan) Will dated 11 March 1801 she does not leave any land to her heirs. So, what happened to the balance of George, Jernigan’s land?
I have transcribed Bertie County, NC deeds involving Jernigan’s through 1794, Deed Book P. I will continue to transcribe the land deeds and hopefully I will locate transactions of the remaining land.
Based on records reviewed to-date, I believe the George who was married to Hannah is the same George Jernigan, Sr. who gifted land to George Jernigan Hodom and named Feraba Jernagn as his wife in his Will. Although possible, I do not find any evidence that George and Hannah had any children.
_____________
Timeline
1745, 20 April — Bertie Co., N.C. — John Wynn is granted 400 acres at the head of Wild Catt Branch for fealty to the manor (the individual is not identified) of East Grunwick in our County of Kent. John Wynn registered the deed at Bertie County on 13th of May 1747 the same day he sold the grant to George Jarnagan.[11]
Beginning at a Pine Wm Westons Corner, running thence on Joseph Wotford line N 216 Pole, to a Pine Wotsfords corner, thence Et 4 Pole to a Pine, William Westons corner, thence on said Westons line No 16 E 64 Pole to the center of a Maple, White Oak & a Red Oak, thence So 75 Et (230 or 280) Pole to the center of four Pines, thence So 228 Pole to the center of four Pines, thence So 70 Wt 20 pole to a Black Oak Wm Westons corner, thence on said Westons line the last mentioned course continued 160 Pole to the center of three Pines Westons corner, thence on said Westons Line No 65 Wt 84 Pole to the first station —
1747, May 13 — Bertie Co., N.C. — George Jarnagan acquires John Wynns land patent.[12]
1753, 10 September — Bertie Co., N.C. — John Weston and his wife Martha sell 200 acres lying on East side of — Loosing Swamp to George Jernigan. Witnesses are John Sowell and Benj. Wynns.[13]
Beginning at a white oak on the Loosing Swamp running thence up the swamp the meanders thereof to a cypress thence up a small branch along line of marked trees to a pine. Thence North 25° West to a white oak thence North 88° East to the centre of two pines & a red oak. Thence Nth 10° East to the centre of three pines thence N 65° West 220 pole to a Red Oak thence S 80° West 120 pole to the center of three Pines thence S 25 [?] to a pine, thence S 65 W 60 pole to the first station.
1753, 24 September — Bertie Co., N.C. — Joseph Watford and Elizabeth, his wife, sell to George Jernagan 300 acres lying along the north side of Quarter branch which empties into Loosing Swamp. Witnesses are Thomas Ward and James Ward. Joseph Watford acquired the 300 acres from his grant dated 2 August 1727.[14]
Beginning at a Maple on the North Side of the Quarter branch Canaan Woods thence E 160 Pole to a Pine thence S 260 Pole to a gum on the head of a branch that emptys itself into the Loosing Swamp thence along that branch to a gum by the mouth thereof on the North Side of the said Swamp thence down the said swamp to the first station.
1727, 2 August — Bertie Co., N.C. — Joseph Watford receives a grant on Quarter Branch in Canaan Woods and Loosing Swamp for 300 acres.[15]
Do hereby give and grant unto Joseph Watford of our said County a tract of land containing 300 acres lying in Bertie precinct beginning at a Maple on the North side of the quarter branch in Canaan Woods thence E.160 pole to a pine, thence South 260 pole to a gum on thee head of a Branch that empties itself into the Loosing Swamp thence along that Branch to a Gum by the mouth thereof on the North East side of said Swamp thence down the said swamp to the first station. To Hold etc. Given etc. 2nd day of August 1727. Witness etc. R. Everard, C. Gale, E. Mosely, R. Sanderson, T. Pollock, T. Harvey, E. Gale.
1753, 13 October — Bertie Co., N.C. — George ( his mark) Jarnagan and his wife Hannah (+ her mark) sell 200 acres lying on Wild Cat to William Kail. Witnesses are John (
I his mark) Lewis, William (W his mark) Wood and William [Colthesed]. [16]
Beginning at the [Road] then up the said [Road] to the [Witten] [prong] of Wild Catt the[n] up the north east of the said [prong] till it comes to the [road] again by the old patten Line containing by estimation two hundred acres be the same more or less …
1755, July 22 — Bertie Co., N.C. — George (+++ his mark) Jornakan to Ralph Outlaw 20 acres lying on Wild Catt, adjacent to Kail and Ralph Oulaw. Witnesses are William (4 his mark) Wood, William [Colstred] and Edward Brisco.[17]
Beginning on the south side of Wild Catt branch thence running on the [western] prong to Kails line, a pine then the corner in Ralph Outlaws cornfield thence along to the first station.
1761, 4 April — Bertie Co., N.C. — George ( his mark) Jarnakin to James Sowell containing 200 acres lying on the East side of Loosing Swamp. Witnesses are John [Sawhitt] and Wm. (X his mark) [Kaile].[18]
East side of the Loosing swamp the Meanders thereof to a cypress, thence up a small branch along a line of marked trees to a Pine thence North 25 West to a White Oak thence North 88 Degrees East to the center of two pines & a red oak thence No [42] East to the center of three pines thence No 65 Wt 220 Pole to a Red Oak thence So 82 Wt [120] to the center of three pines thence So 25 Wt to a pine, thence So 65 Wt 60 poles to the first station.
1761, 3 July — Bertie Co., N.C. — Rocogn:~ George Jarnigan & David Janagan & Jno Mikkel Security. Principle in £ 20 & Secirity in £ 10 each.[19]
Bertie County}
Be it Remembered. That George Jernigan of the Loosing Swamp was brought before me Geo. Mewborne Deputy Ser~ for living in Adultry with Faraba Odam & produced David Jernigan, Junr & Jno Mikkel & Surities for his appearance at our next Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions to be held for the said County on the Second Tuesday in July next. Geo. Jernigan the Principle acknowledged himself to stand indebted to our Sovereign Lord the King in the sum of Twenty Pounds procl money & David Jernigan & Jno Mikkel in the sum of Ten Pounds like money each. To be levied of their goods & Chattels Lands & Tenements for these of our said Lord the King & Acknowledged before me this 3d day of July 1761.
Jno Hill J.P.
1767, 6 February — Bertie Co., N.C. — George Jernigan sells 140 acres to David Jarnikin, Junior lying on Quarter branch. Witnesses are Feraba Odom and Dempsey Jernakin.[20]
“lying on the north side of Quarter Branch with the plantation & all the lands as for as the Road”
1772, November 16 — Bertie Co., N.C. — David and Ann Jarnagan sell to James Sowell 140 acres lying on the Quarter branch. Witnesses are Abraham Taylor and David Jarnagan.[21]
“lying on the north side of Quarter branch with the plantation and all the land as far as the road.”
1777, March 6 — Bertie Co., N.C. — George Jornagan, Senior gives to George Jornegan Hodam, his son for love and affection 150 acres lying on the Northeast side of Loosing Swamp and Wild Cat Swamp.[22]
North Caroline State }
Bertie County }Know all men by these presents that I George Jarnagan Senr of the County and State aforesaid for and in consideration of Love good will and affection which I have and do Bear towards my beloved son George Jornagan hodam of the County and State aforesaid have given granted and by these Presents do freely and absolutely give and grant unto him the said George Jornagan Hodam his heirs & assigns forever one certain Tract or Parcel of Land containing by estimation one hundred & fifty acres be the same more or less Situate Lying and being in Bertie County aforesaid on the No. East of Loosing Swamp & Butted & Bounded as followeth
Beginning at a Pine Running thence down a small Branch to Wild Cat Branch thence running down the said Branch to the run of the Loosing Swamp Running thence the various courses of the run of the said swamp to a cypress thence along a line of marked trees on the north side of Cypress pond branch to a pine a corner on the head of said branch and thence by a line of marked trees to the first station.
To Have and to hold the said Land with all appurtenances Privileges and Commodities to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining to him the said George Jornegan Hodam his heirs and assigns forever and further I the said George Jornagan Senr do covenant and promise grant and agree to and with the said George Jornagan Hodam that before the Ensealing and delivery hereof I am the true sole and lawful owner of the said Land and have in myself good rightfull power and lawful authority to give and dispose of the same in manner above said in fee simple and further I the said George Jornagan Senr Do bind myself myself my heirs executors & administrators firmly By these Presents to Warrant and defend the said Land unto him the said George Jornagan Hodam his heirs and assigns forever against the Lawful Claims or Demands of any Person or Persons free and clear from all Incumbrances of what kind or nature soever Quit Rents only excepted. In Witness my hand and seal this 6 day March [5,] 1777 —
George (X his mark) Jornagan (Seal)
Signed Sealed & delivered in presence of us }
Herbert Prithcard, James Weare }Bertie County} May Court 1778
Proved in due form of Law in Open Court by the Oath of Herbert Pritchard one of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be registered. Test. John Johnston C.C.
1778, March 6 — Bertie Co., N.C. — Will of George Jernigan, Sr. is probated by his wife Feraba Jernigan and his son George Jernigan Hodem.[23]
In the Name of God Amen March 6th day 1778
I, George Jornagan Sen’r of Bertie County being Sick & Weak of Body but of perfect and Sound Mind and Memory thanks be to God and Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed to all men once to Die Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament that is to say principally and first of all I recomend my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be Buried in a decent and Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executors and as Touching such Worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this Life I give and demise and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
Imprimis: I give and Bequeath unto Feraba my Beloved Wife all my Land and Houshold Good and three Negros Named Dick Patience and Cader and all my Stock of Horses Cattle Hogs Sheep Poultry and all sorts of my Goods within doors and without that is my whole Estate to her her heires and Cossigns forever.
Item: I likewise Constitute and appoint my Beloved Wife Ferabay and George Jornagan Hodem my Son Executrix & Executor of this my Last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly disanull revoke and Disanull all and every other Last Will or Testaments by me & in any ways before made or Named Ratifying and Conforming this and none Other to be my Last Will and Testament
George (his X mark) Jornagan (Seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the said George Jornagan as his Last Will and Testament in presence of:
Hubert Pritchard, Jur’t
Cary West, Jur’t
George Jernagan hodamBertie County Tst
May Court 1778Proved in due form of Law in open Court by the Oaths of Hubert Pritchard and Cary West two of the Subscribing Witnesses and Ordered to be Recorded
Test, John Johnston, CC
1801, March 11 — Bertie Co., N.C. — The last Will and Testament of Phereby Jurnigan.[24]
In the name of God Amen. I Phereby Jurnigan do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following [et. al.] my sole will and desire that after my debts be paid in full that all or whateer property doth or may any way belong to me that the same be it more or less should be the property of my niece Winniford Jernigan. In Witness whereof have hereunto set my hand & seal this 11th day March 1801.
Phereby (X her mark) Jernigan (Seal)Test James [Sanifur], Charles Ward
State of No Carolina } Feby Term 1804
Bertie County }The last Will & Testament of Phereby Jurnigan Decd was proved in open Court by the oath of Charles Ward one of the subscribing witnesses & ordered to be recorded — George Grey C.C.
[1] George Jornagan To George Jornagan Hodom, Deed, 6 March 1777 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. M 1772-1785, Deed Book M, Pages 354, Film 18255, Image Group 7510493 > images 408 of 816.
[2] George Jornagan, Sr., 1778 March 6, Will. North Carolina. Superior Court (Bertie County), & North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Bertie County). (1942). Bertie County wills, 1761-1942; index, 1761-1961. images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 17 March 2023), Bertie > Wills, v. A-C 1761-1784, Will Book B, Page 119, Film 18221, Image Group 4753826 > Image 301 – 302 of 445.
[3] “North Carolina, Civil Action Court Papers, 1712-1970,” images, FamilySearch www.familysearch.org : 19 January 2023), Bertie Civil action papers, 1760-1763 6.C.R.0010.325 > images 427 and 428; Department of Archives and History, Raleigh. George Jernigan
[4] George Jernagan, et. ux. to William Kail, Deed, 13 October 1753 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 54 – 55, Film 18251, Image Group 7510489 > images 72 – 73 of 492.
[5] George Jornakan To Ralph Outlaw, Deed, 21 July 1755 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 193 – 194, Film 18251, Image Group 7510489 > images 215 – 216 of 492.
[6] George Jarnakin To James Sowell, Deed, 4 April 1761 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. K 1761-1767, Deed Book K, Pages 78 – 79, Film 18253, Image Group 7510491 > images 95 of 96.
[7] Norton, Meghan E. B., “The Adulterous Wife: A Cross-Historical and Interdisciplinary Approach’, Buffalo Woman’s Law Journal, (Volume 16, Article 5, 1 September 2007, p. 4).
[8] George Jernakin To David Jarnakin, Jr., Deed, 6 February 1767 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. L 1763-1772, Deed Book L, Pages 266, Film 18254, Image Group 7510492 > images 264 of 351.
[9] George Jornagan To George Jornagan Hodom, Deed, 6 March 1777 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. M 1772-1785, Deed Book M, Pages 354, Film 18255, Image Group 7510493 > images 408 of 816.
[10] George Jornagan, Sr., 1778 March 6, Will. North Carolina. Superior Court (Bertie County), & North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Bertie County). (1942). Bertie County wills, 1761-1942; index, 1761-1961. images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 17 March 2023), Bertie > Wills, v. A-C 1761-1784, Will Book B, Page 119, Film 18221, Image Group 4753826 > Image 301 – 302 of 445.
[11] North Carolina to John Wynns, Deed, 20 April 1745 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. G 1744-1753, Deed Book G, Pages 114 – 115, Film 18250, Image Group 7510472 > images 130 – 131 of 588.
[12] John Wynns to George Jarnagan, Deed, 13 May 1747 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 115 – 116, Film 18250, Image Group 7510472 > images 131 – 132 of 588.
[13] John and Martha (his wife) Weston to George Jernigan, Deed, 10 September 1753 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 2 – 3, Film 18251, Image Group 7510489 > images 19 – 20 of 492.
[14] Joseph Watford, et. ux. To George Jernagan, Deed, 24 September 1753 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 73, Film 18251, Image Group 7510489 > images 92 of 492.
[15] Joseph Watford patent, 2 August 1727, Bertie Co. File No. 271, MARS: 12.14.32.270, Bertie Book 3, page 214, State Archives of NC microfilm reel S.108.160-1, Frame 514 – Chowan County File No. 271; (North Carolina Land Grant Images and Data, https://nclandgrants.com/ accessed 24 March 2023).
[16] George Jernagan, et. ux. to William Kail, Deed, 13 October 1753 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 54 – 55, Film 18251, Image Group 7510489 > images 72 – 73 of 492.
[17] George Jornakan To Ralph Outlaw, Deed, 21 July 1755 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. H 1753-1757, Deed Book H, Pages 193 – 194, Film 18251, Image Group 7510489 > images 215 – 216 of 492.
[18] George Jarnakin To James Sowell, Deed, 4 April 1761 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. K 1761-1767, Deed Book K, Pages 78 – 79, Film 18253, Image Group 7510491 > images 95 of 96.
[19] “North Carolina, Civil Action Court Papers, 1712-1970,” images, FamilySearch www.familysearch.org : 19 January 2023), Bertie Civil action papers, 1760-1763 6.C.R.0010.325 > images 427 and 428; Department of Archives and History, Raleigh. George Jernigan
[20] George Jernakin To David Jarnakin, Jr., Deed, 6 February 1767 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. L 1763-1772, Deed Book L, Pages 266, Film 18254, Image Group 7510492 > images 264 of 351.
[21] David and Ann Jarnagan To James Sowell, Deed, 16 November 1772 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. M 1772-1785, Deed Book M, Pages 84 – 85, Film 18255, Image Group 7510493 > images 139 – 140 of 816.
[22] George Jornagan To George Jornagan Hodom, Deed, 6 March 1777 “North Carolina, Deeds 1722-1857; general index 1722-1924,” images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 20 January 2023), Bertie > Deeds v. M 1772-1785, Deed Book M, Pages 354, Film 18255, Image Group 7510493 > images 408 of 816.
[23] George Jornagan, Sr., 1778 March 6, Will. North Carolina. Superior Court (Bertie County), & North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Bertie County). (1942). Bertie County wills, 1761-1942; index, 1761-1961. images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 17 March 2023), Bertie > Wills, v. A-C 1761-1784, Will Book B, Page 119, Film 18221, Image Group 4753826 > Image 301 – 302 of 445.
[24] Phereby Jurnigan, 1801 March 11, “North Carolina. Superior Court (Bertie County), & North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Bertie County),” Bertie County wills, 1761-1942; index, 1761-1961, images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org: accessed 17 March 2023), Bertie > Wills, v. D-E 1784-1805, Will Book E, Page 253, Film 18222, Image Group 4753827 > image 271 of 291.
Genetic Genealogy GuidePost 
FWIW… there is another Wildcat Swamp that branches northerly off of Potecasi Creek.
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Of course there is …
Seems everywhere these Jernigan’s lived many of the watercourse names were the same.
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