A lot in Fayetteville to Joseph and Phillis Dennis.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

John P. Leonard to Joseph & Philis Dennis.

This indenture made the twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen between John P. Leonard of the Town of Fayetteville and State of North Carolina on the one part and Joseph Dennis & Fillis Dennis of the Town and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John P. Leonard for and in consideration of Two hundred dollars to me in hand paid by the said Joseph Dennis and Fillis Dennis and before the signing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained, sold conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do bargain sell convey and confirm unto the said Joseph Dennis & Fillis Dennis their heirs executors administrators and assigns the one half of a certain lot of land in the Town of Fayetteville bounded as follows Beginning at James McRackins So Et corner on the West side of North Street, thence along said Street to the centre of the Lot West to the back line being 5 chains it being the upper half of a lot which I bought of Samuel Pearce containing half an acre. To have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises with the appurtenances thereof unto them the said Joseph Dennis & Fillis Dennis their heirs and assigns forever to their own proper use and behoof and against the claim or claims of any person or persons whatsoever.

In witness whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first above written. /s/ John P. Leonard   Test D. Smith, Samuel Brooks

Deed Book 32, Page 20, Register of Deeds Office, Cumberland County Courthouse, Fayetteville.

[Sidenote: The styling of their names suggests that Joseph Dennis and Fillis Dennis were not married, but were siblings or other kin. Though Phillis Dennis’ enslaved husband was named Joe, he could not have purchased property with her. — LYH]