Corn, Tobacco and .... Oysters

I came across an interesting deed while researching my Great Great Grandfather, David W. Fulford. His family lived on the same piece of land in North Carolina for almost 300 years. After most of his children moved to Florida in the 1880s he and his younger sons remained behind. In 1908 when he was 76 years old he sold his home to his youngest son Marvin. Along with the property was deed to his Oyster Garden located in Fulford's Creek ( now called Sleepy Creek) in the Straits, Carteret County NC.

David Fulford owned a lot of land and was listed as a Farmer on most of the census records. I've been out to Sleepy creek and there aren't any signs of the Oyster Garden but you have to wonder if the Oysters that folks get from those waters are descendants of those David Fulford put out there one hundred years ago.

State of North Carolina Carteret County
This Deed, made this 1st day of April 1908, by David W. Fulford of Straits Carteret County and State of North Carolina, of the first part: to Marvin C. Fulford of Straits Carteret County and the State of North Carolina, of the second part:

Witnesseth That said David W. Fulford in consideration of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars, to him paid by Marvin C. Fulford, the receipt which is hereby acknowledged has bargained and sold, and by these presents do bargain, sell and convey to said Marvin C. Fulford and his heirs and assigns a certain tract or parcel of land in Straits Township, Carteret County, State of North Carolina adjoining the lands of Josiah Willis, Ralph Pigott and John Nelson and others, bounded as follows, viz:

On the north by Pigott Lane on the east by the Josiah Willis land, on the south by waters of Straits and on the west by Ralph Pigott and John Nelson lands. All of the two tracts of land which I bought of the heirs of Washington Styron and John D. Pigott both improved and woods lands being 49 acres more or less. Another tract of land containing thirty acres adjoining the land of John B. Lewis on the east, Fulfords creek on the South, Stephen Fulfords on the west being a part of the land from my father’s estate.

Also my Oyster Garden in Fulford’s Creek.

I reserve my life estate.(houses, furniture, tools)

To have and to hold, the aforesaid tract or parcel of land, and all privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to the said Marvin C. Fulford, his heirs and assigns to their only use and behalf forever.

And the said David W. Fulford covenants with said Marvin C. Fulford his heirs and assigns that he is seized of said premises in fee and has right to convey in fee simple; that the same are free and clear from all encumbrances and that he will warrant and defend the said title to the same against the claims of all persons whomsoever.

In testimony whereof, the said David W. Fulford has hereunto set my hand and seal, this day and year first above written.

David W. Fulford (Seal)
Filed for registration June 11, 1908