County:  Chowan
Mother:  Jude Asbill
Date:  Sept. 1802
Bondsman:  Thomas Forehand
Bondsman:  Luke Hollowell
Bondsman:  Jacob Jordan Sr.

According to the book "Bonds were posted because of the birth or
impending birth of a bastard child.  These bonds were intended to
protect the county or parish from the expense of raising the child."
"When the pregnancy of a woman or birth of a child was brought to the
attention of the court, a warrant was issued and the woman brought into
court.  She was examined (questioned) under oath and asked to declare
the name of the child's father.  The reputed father was then served a
warrant and required to post bond.  If the woman refused to name the
father, she, her father or some other interested party would post
the bond."