In the 1850 Wayne County, North Carolina Census; South of the Neuse; page 239a; Dwelling 340; Family 340, Susy Lilly is listed as the head of household. She was 28. Three children were enumerated with her. To view census image click here. She was also listed as head of family in the 1840 and 1860 census returns. In the 1840 Census there are two females in the household. To view this image click here. In the 1860 Census only her youngest son, Gibson Lilly, is listed with her. To view this image click here.
Because there was no husband listed in either census, and because there were no other Lilly families or individuals in Wayne County in the early decades of the nineteenth century, and because in all three census returns she is listed with children, I conclude that Susan was never married.
Here is the information I have on Susan Lilly at present:
Wayne County, North Carolina Wills; Will Book 5; Page 124; North Carolina State Archives; Raleigh, North Carolina
The will was written in 1823 and probated in 1824. The children of John Harris are all listed in the will of John Harris, Sr. He listed seven daughters: Penelope, Elizabeth, Nancy, Sally, Susan, Rachel, and Edith. He also had two sons. One was named John Harris, Jr. and the other was named William Harris. All of these children were born between 1804 and 1823. According to the 1850 and 1860 census records Susan Lilly was born in 1822.
Wayne County, North Carolina Estate Settlement; North Carolina State Archives; Raleigh, North Carolina
Susan is listed in the records of the settlement of her father's estate as Susan Harris from December, 1826 through December, 1834. But in January, 1840 she is called Susan Lilly
Wayne County, North Carolina Bastardy Bonds; North Carolina State Archives; Raleigh, North Carolina
Susan Lilly posted her own bond and refused to name the father.
Wayne County, North Carolina Register of Deeds Office; Book 19; Page 327, 328
This deed from Susan Lilly to Elizabeth Harris was dated 1844. Susan, at that point deeds to Elizabeth Harris a portion of the land John Harris deeded to his seven daughters: Penelope, Elizabeth, Nancy, Rachel, Sally, Susan, and Edith.
Wayne County, North Carolina Register of Deeds Office; Book 27; Page 316, 317
Susan Lilly purchased 2 1/2 acres of land from Gabriel Edwards on the west side of the Wilmington Weldon Railroad in Brogden Township in 1863. The land adjoined that of William Vernon and Dempsey Newell. Susan Lilly deeded the lower portion of this land to her daughter, Catherine Lilly thompson who, in turn, sold it to Thomas Bradley in 1882. In 1887 Bradley sold the parcel to W.F. English.
Three children were born to Susan Harris/Lilly. Their names were:
Catherine Lilly, born 15 August, 1837; married Josiah Thompson;
William David (W.D.) Lilly, born 29 August, 1841;
Gibson Lilly, born 8 May, 1844.

Marty and Karla Grant Homepage (this page contains information on the family of Gabriel Edwards who sold land to Susan Lilly in 1863).

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