Orphans were an important part of colonial  North Carolina
society because of high mortality rates and the large number of
children present in the population. As early as 1665, William
Drummond , the colony's first governor, complained that
something needed to be done "to save the rights of orphans."
This warning would become one of the guiding standards of the
colony. Orphans were primarily treated according to their "rank
and degree," with wealthy individuals being granted more
attention by the law. A guardian, often a relative, was
appointed to competently maintain the minor's estates-land,
animals, buildings, and physical wealth such as slaves, money,
and plate-and to support him or her from the interest produced.
Each year this trustee was required to report on the progress of
the estate, his disbursements, and the well-being of his charge.
A guardian was not permitted to abuse the orphan, to neglect
care or education, to misuse the legacy, or to marry the child
if it was female. In the event that a cour