Consider the Randolph County Bastardy Bond naming an Elizabeth Diffee as the mother. Does this answer why she named Thomas Allred in her will?
(transcribed as written)
State of North Carolina ) Whereas Elisabeth Diffey
Randolph County ) Single Woman This Day, taken an
Oath before us two Justices of the pice for R. County that she has
Been Delivered of A Bastard Child Which Child may Become
Chargeabile to the County afore s.d and Whereas on that
Examanation of the s.d Elisabeth on oath before us
She the s.d Elisabeth did charge James Dunbar
of Randolph [smudged] afore said labourior to have begoten
the same these are Therefore to Command
you in the name of the State to take the s.d James
Dunbar and Bring him before us Justices of the
Peace for s.d County to Be Examined Concerning
the primmises and to be further Dealt With according
to Law given under our hands and Seals this
the 13th [?] Day of march ~ 1788 [?].
W Richards JP Seal
To iney Lawfull [?] officer Jacob Sheen jp Seal
Copy of the transcribed document below coming soon.
State of North Carolina
Randolph County
William Richards and Jacob Sheen Justices of the peace for s’d county this thirteenth day of March 1788 Elizabeth Diffey Bring Duly Sworn and Commend sayeth that on or about the first Week of february to the Best of her knowledge James Dunbar Labourer had Carnal knowledge of her Body Did Beget her With Child and that she has since Been Delivered Which Child is a Bastard Sworn and Examined this the 13th day of March 1788.
Richards Jp (seal)
Jacob Sheen Jp (seal)