At some point, a branch of the DeLoach family that remained in the eastern border area of Virginia and North Carolina began using the variant spelling DeLoatch or De Loatch. It appears that it may have begun with this family. Francis DeLoach was the son of William DeLoach/Eleanor Collins., and grandson of Michel DesLoges/Jane Griffith.

Will of Francis DeLoatch, 31 March 1770

In the name of God, Amen. I, Francis DeLoatch of Northampton County North Carolina being very sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect sense and memory thanks be to Almighty God, therefore and calling to mind the certainty and death do make this my last will and testament.

Imprimis. I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God that gave it me in sure and certain hope of the glorious Resurrection unto eternal life and my body to be buried at the discretion of Exr's hereafter named.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son William the plantation whereon I now live to him and his heirs assigns forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas the plantation whereon he now lives in at Northampton County on the south side of Wild Cat Swamp to him and his heirs or assigns forever. I also lend to my son Thomas one negro David for nine years at which time the said negro to be equally divided between my sons Francis and Solomon hereafter mentioned to them and their heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Michael one tract of land by estimation six hundred and fifteen acres in Northampton County lying on the Gum Branch to him his heirs or assigns forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Francis all the land I own on the North side of the Cypress Swamp which I purchased of William Hill to him his heirs or assigns forever. I also give my son Frank one negro girl Susannah and her increase to him or his heirs and assigns forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son Solomon one plantation lying in Northampton County on the South side of Braddy's Pond, which I purchased of John Long Cotton to him and his heirs or assigns forever. I also give to my son Solomon one negro girl Kate and her increase to him his heirs or assigns forever.

Item. I give all my negroes not heretofore mentioned with all my other estate whatsoever after my just debts be paid and funeral expenses to be equally divided among the following children: William, Michael, Francis, Charlotte, and Solomon. When my son Francis shall come to the age of twenty one years to be equally divided in quantity and quality according to the judgement of Thomas Brantley, John Blunt and William Blunt to them and their heirs or assigns forever.

And I do appoint my sons William, Thomas and Michael whole and sole exr's of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal the 31st day of March 1770.

Signed, sealed and delivered in Presence of
Thomas Brantley
James Sikes
William Blunt
S/ Francis X DeLoatch

Dec 1770. This will of Francis DeLoatch was proven by the oath of Thomas Brantley and James Sikes and William, Thomas and Michael DeLoatch were qualified as Exr's.
Ordered to be certified and recorded.
Teste - William Jones, Clerk.

Transcribed by Lamar De Loatch