Further tracking of the same given name shows a different man, by the given name Needham as one of three witnesses to the will of Robert HOGGES, dated 30 Mar 1740 in Bertie Co., North Carolina and probated in the August term of court 1740. An abstract reads, " HOGGES, Robert, Bertie Co. March 30, 1740. August Court 1742. Sons: John, Richard and Elias. Daughters: Ann MOORE, Olive WIGONS Martha WILLIAMS and Sarah CAINE. Wife: (not named but is said to be Ann BRANCH, daughter of George BRANCH and Ann ENGLAND.) Executors: Elias and Richard HOGGES (sons) and Isaac WILLIAMS (son-in-law). Witnesses: Needham BRYAN, Adam RABEY and William BRYAN.

"1743 Lease to Noah Pridham", Miscellaneous Land Records 1720-1861: Leases B-W, C.R.010.408.3, Bertie County (NC) Original Records, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC. shows a lease of one acre of land next to the Bertie County Courthouse signed by a Needham Bryan who signed Robert Hodges’s will in 1742. I have a copy of this original record.

On 30 March 1721, a man by the name Needham Bryan received a grant of 640 acres in Chowan County on the Northeast side of Morattuck River adjoining Henry Jones (Land - Patent 1838). His signature would not be on this document.

Action: In my judgment we should obtain a copy of this deed in order to pinpoint its location and determine its disposal after Needham’s acquisition.