Gates County. North Carolina Guardian Bonds, 1810-1836

By: Raymond Parker Fouts, Pub. 1989, reprinted 2024, 144 pages, Index, 8 1/2" x 11" softcover, ISBN #978-1-63914-191-3.  Gates County was created in 1778 from Hertford, Chowan and Perquimans counties, N.C. It is located in the Northeastern corner of the state bordering Virginia. It is surrounded by the counties of Camden, Chowan, Hertford, Pasquotank, Perquimans counties N.C. and by Nansemond County, VA. Many inhabitants of the "BURNED" counties of Hertford, N.C. and Nansemond, VA.  Children whose father had died were designated as "orphans", even though their mother was still living and required the protection of a guardian until they came of age.  Bonds were issued by the county court to responsible parties who were required to report their accounts with their wards back to the court being held in February.  Some guardian bonds were issued to fathers for their own children.  This indicates a gift, or inheritance, to those children whose interests were required to be protected until they turned the age of 21.  Individuals with mental or physical disabilities were appointed guardians to help protect them protect their property too.  Information that will be found within: Name or Orphan, Name of deceased parent, Name and relationship of Guardian; amount & date of bond.