Dedpepl: Notebook - North Carolina #2, Part 3

Bass, Cora. Marriage Bonds of Duplin County North Carolina, 1749-1868, Southern Historical Press, 1983.

Harris, Daniel x, Abbe Sanders, 21 Apr. 1801 bond David Durall. wit. Wm. Dickson, CC

Bean, Eugene. Rowan County (N.C.) Records Early Settlers, Washington, DC: Carnahan Press, 1914.

Adams, Garner, Goodnight, Hinkle

Bradley, Stephen, ed. Will Book C Franklin County, North Carolina, 1804-1812, no imprint, nd

[74] Will of Jacob Fox. March 22, 1807. Executors to sell as much of stock as needed to pay debts. To son Robert Fox the negroes Mary, Ned Burkly. To son Isham Fox negroes Adam, Nat, Noah. To son Richard Fox negroes Pat, Cyrus, Reuben. To son Arthur Fox negroes John, Peter Kere. To daughter Nancy Smith negroes Hannah, Gooden. Lend to wife Elizabeth Fox the use during her life of all lands, all household and kitchen furniture; the use of the negroes Mark, Tom, Lucy, Easter and her child; the use of all livestock (after debts paid). After her death to son Richard Fox all my lands; to Nancy Smith Tom and Lucy; remainder of estate be divided equally among Robert Fox, Isham Fox, Arthur
Fox, Nancy Smith. Executors: Elizabeth Fox, Robert Fox. Signed. Witnessed: Nathan Perry, Jones Cook, Jer. Perry, June Court 1807.

Enochs, Richard. Rowan County, NC, Vacant Land Entries, 1778-1789, 1988. [added to 1/8/2022]

The year 1728 was a big one for the colony of Carolina. William Byrd drew the dividing line between Carolina and Virginia, settling a dispute that had been going on for half a century to the detriment of both colonies, and thereby Carolina reclaimed some of its rightful area. Also, seven of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina sold their shares back to the King, then George I, and the area became Crown or Royal Colony.

One of the Lords Proprietors declined to sell; he was the Right Honourable John Earl Granville, Viscount Carteret and Baron Carteret, of Hawnes, County of Bedford, Kingdom of Great Britain, Lord President of his Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Born in 1691, Granville, as a four year old, had inherited one-eight of Carolina. His land was set off to him in 1744 by a deed, and it was roughly the upper half of North Carolina, as strip sixty miles in depth bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Pacific. The southern border of the Granville Proprietary was roughly the southern line of Rowan County.

Granville died in 1763, having never seen his North Carolina lands. His land office closed, and his heirs fully expected to resume business but never succeeded. Many people, unable to secure title to vacant land in the Rowan County area, merely settled as squatters. Possessing no legal title to the land on which they lived, they remained virtually invisible in the records, not appearing on tax lists, in deed books, nor in will books, since they lacked ownership of real property.

The newly formed State of North Carolina opened its land office in 1778. The Clerk of the Court served often as the entry-taker. The crush at the doors of the land office in counties within the Granville Proprietary was tight as men who may have been living on the land for as many as fifteen years sought to gain legal title to their places and to stake a claim for other desirable unoccupied land. . . .

The vacant land entries include references to families who lived in Rowan and left during the 15 year period as "where John Jones formerly lived." The deed to the land may reflect land that had been occupied by the family for up to 15 years before being recorded. It is not necessarily the date they first arrived in Rowan County. . . .

Sometimes there is a great lapse of time between entry and perfected deed. Sometimes the land is entered by the father and the deed granted to his surviving son/sons. Sometimes there is a great variance in the amount of the property shown in the entry and that described in the final deed. It is possible the surveyor did not find as much vacant land as the prospective buyer though was there or there was more. . . .

Rowan County in 1778 included all of the present counties of Davidson, Davie, Iredell, and Rowan in addition to that part of Alexander divided from Iredell in 1847 and parts of Forsyth adjusted from Davidson. . . . Watercourses were the only system of organization available to identify location. All land was situate on either a watercourse or its watershed. All land in the 1778 Rowan County was on the watershed of three river systems: Catawba, Uwharrie or Yadkin. . . . It should be noted that time has altered geography, e.g. construction of Lookout Shoals Lake and Lake Norman in Catawba, High Rock Lake on the Main Yadkin, Tom-A-Lex Lake on Abbotts Creek, and City Lake on Farmers Creek. Land entered at the mouth of Abbots Creek or Davidson Creek could now be underwater.

After a person selected a piece of vacant land, he would enter a claim or apply for it by describing its features to a government official or entry-taker. The entry-taker would record the description. These descriptions show the name of the person seeking the land, a description of the land, the number of acres, the name of adjacent land owners and the date the entry was made.

4 Feb. 1778 - #46 Robert Gardner 300 acres on south side Middle Creek Fork of Crane Creek bounded west by John Gardner's line to include an improvement made by said Robert Gardner.
4 Feb. 1778 - #57 Charles Hinkle 640 acres bounded east by Sapenfield & Clodfelter's lands & extending west . . .
4 Feb 1778 - #73 William Miller 200 acres on Dutch Buffelow Creek bounced on south by David Miller, on east by William Anderson& on north & west by vacant land. 9:625
5 Feb. 1778 - #74 Francis Gardner 200 acres on Crane Creek adj. Fanning's north corner, to John Gardner's line running east & west to John Berd's line adj. John McConnell's line, & to the beginning. 9:50
5 Feb. 1778 - #80 Samuel Miller 100 acres on Cathey's Mill Creek adj. James Brandon, Andrew Kerr, John Silliman, Andrew Steel & his own line.
5 Feb. 1778 - #137William Miller 200 acres adj. John Ford & the remainder bounding on vacant land where the aforesaid land bounds on John Ford is on west line of said land.
5 Feb. 1778 - #186 Moss Miller 250 acres on Potts Creek adj. west side of Zebulon Beard & north end of John Ford crossing said creek.
5 Feb. 1778 - #199 William McDowell 640 acres beginning at NE corner of Richard Robinson, then E, then S, then adj. Andrew McClane & William Robinson on Second Creek. Made over to Andrew Ferguson 10:147
9 Feb. 1778 - #329 George Miller 200 acres on Abbots Creek adj. his own deededland on W. Fredrick Goss on N, Cunrod Graves on E & vacant land on S
9 Feb. 1778 - #330 George Miller 150 acres on Abbots Creek adj. his own deeded land on E, his improvement & formerly Anthony Cooper's on S, James Scrivnor on W & John Rickert's Improvement on N.
9 Feb. 1778 - #331 John Miller 150 acres on Abbots Creek & adj. his own deeed land on N, the said creek on E, John Billing's improvement on S & James Scrivnor's improvement on W.
13 Feb. 1778 - #386 Windle Miller 300 acres on N fork of Dutch Second Creek adj. his owns lands to W and the rest unbounded.
17 Feb. 1778 - #430 Martin Miller 600 acres on Second Creek adj. Wendel Miller, John Hoovier, Michael Pealor, Cunrod Lingle, Christopher Rentleman & William Philips, 10:207
5 Mar. 1778 - #533 Henry Miller 100 acres on waters of Muddy Creek & bounded by Fredrick Pickle, hos own line, & vacant land on other side.
5 Mar. 1778 - #534 John Miller 400 acres at mouth of Muddy Creek bounded by John Hampton, Thomas Felps & other sides lye vacant 9:593
6 Mar 1778 - #535 Henry Miller 400 acres on W side of Muddy Creek bounded by the Wacovia Line & vacant on all other sides. 10:46
6 Mar. 1778 - #536 Michael Miller 300 acres on waters of Muddy Creek bounded by John Miller, Wacovia and the other sides vacant land. 10:54
10 Mar. 1778 - #564 Fredrick Miller 500 acres on Cool Branch in Rich Fork of Abbots creek & beginning on Michael Houk's line on the Guilford Road, running S 37 chains to SW corner of Houk's survey, then E 14 chains, then S 75 chains, then W 10 chains, then S 18 chains, then W 48 chains, then N 58 chains to said road & then along said road to the beginning.
13 Mar. 1778 - #601 Windle Miller 200 acres on both sides of Stoney Run Branch of Second Creek & on W side of Michael Hartman Tillows [Dillow's] land & runs W towards our crossing to Old Pee Dee Road for compliment.
23 Mar. 1778 - #622 Francis Gardnor 100 acres on S side of Middle Fork of Crane Creek bounded by John Brown on W, Michael Brown on N, the Mt. & then to Robert Gardnor's entry including both sides of the Pee Dee Road & the head of Dunn's Back Branch.
5 May 1778 - #739 Philip Gardner 300 acres on both sides of Abbots Creek & adj. Abraham Goss, Adam Lewey, George Burkhart, Daywalt Kipley & Philip Peck 9:440
18 May 1778 - #818 Francis Gardnor 300 acres on both sides of South fork of Crane Creek bounded by John Hampton & Joseph Hickman.
27 May 1778 - #839 William McDowell 400 acres on both sides of Middle Fork of Rockey Creek & bounded by Robert Boyd, John Wallace & vacant land elsewhere.
20 June 1778 - #965 Jonathan Miller 600 acres on boths dies of Davidson's Creek adj. David Criswell & Daniel Wallin & including his improvement. 9:307
14 July 1778 - #1036 Windle Miller 500 acres on N side Dutch Second Creek following former lines including his improvement beginning between Widow Leonard & Thomas Brown at the road from said Miller to Fredrick Fisher at Thomas Brown's Spring Branch & then W etc. for compliment.
14 July 1778 - #1037 Windle Miller 500 acres on both sides of Dutch Second Creek adj. Michael Holtzhouser on E & Jacob Glutz on W including his improvement.
1? July 1778 - #1183 Jacob Haneline 250 acres on No. Creek of Dutchmans Creek adj. Enoch Tucker & old lines of Rudolph March, dec'd., including his own improvement.
5 Aug. 1778 - #1299 Thomas Fox 500 acres on both sides of Hanby's Creek, including his own & his father's improvements.
5 Aug. 1778 - #1304 Casper Hinler [Hinkle?] 400 acres on Four Mile Branch adj. Francis Hedrick & John Lookinbill including his own improvement
6 Aug 1778 - #1322 Michael Miller 150 acres on Potts Creek above the forks adj. Mr. Chambers' land, formerly Peter Feagley's on No & bounded by Edward Pool's improvement on E 9:626
11 Aug. 1778 - #1363 Michael Young 400 acres Bounders Fork waters of Abbots Creek, adj. Frederick Smith, Leonard Carn, Capser Hesler & George Wennant, including his improvement 10:450
27 Aug. 1778 - #1428 John Johnston 300 acres on Bryant's Mill Creek, adj. Isaac Adams & running down said creek for compliment. A claim sett up by Benjamin Ford 9:572
27 Aug. 1778 - #1429 John Johnston 300 acres on Bryant's Mill Creek adj. his former entry & running down said creek for compliment. Made over to Adam Black.
27 Aug. 1778 - #1430 John Johnston 300 acres in forks of Yadkin on Cubb Creek adj. Robert Johnston's entry & running down both sides of said creek for compliment. A claim sett up by William Brown. 9:572
27 Aug. 1778 - #1431 John Johnston 400 acres on waters of Dutchmans Creek & adj. Abraham Wilson, including Allin Jones' improvement.
27 Aug. 1778 - #1433 George Gonder [Conder?] 300 acres on both sides of main branch of Beaver Dam creek on E side & foot of Rich Mountain running E etc. made over to Allin Sarratt.
27 Aug. 1778 - #1434 George Gonder [Conder?] 400 acres on main branch of Beaver Dam creek on S side of Rich Mountain above Mulbury Ford & running S, etc. including both sides said creek. Warrant issued by A.O.
29 Aug. 1778 - entries #1447 to #1457 to Simon Davis, John Gardnor & Robert Barkley

#1447 200 acres on waters of Uary River including the improvement Jacob Cobble now lives on
#1448 200 acres on the waters of Abbots Creek & including the improvement William Roberts now lives on. Made over to Elijah Merril.
#1449 150 acrs on waters of Uary River, including Godfrey Crum's improvement. Made over to Godfry Crum.
#1450 150 acres on waters of Cabbin Creek & including Francis Saunder's improvement. Sold by Sherrif's vendue to Benjamin Todd.
#1451 150 acres on Lick Creek including the improvement of John Yant
#1452 150 acres on the waters of Lick Creek including Fredrick Low's improvement. Made to Thomas Todd.
#1453 150 acres on waters of Lick Creek including Peter Huskey's improvement. Made to Richard Quick.
#1454 150 acres on waters of Cabbin Creek & including John Reazey's improvement. Made to Richard Quick.
#1455 150 acres on waters of Beaver Dam creek including Peter Salter's improvement.
#1456 150 acres on waters of Beaver Dam creek including Lazerus Burkhart's improvement.
#1457 150 acres on waters of Cabbin Creek . . .

31 Aug. 1778 - #1459 Richard Shaffer 640 acres on waters of Dutchmans Creek & adj. Christopher Knatzer, including Marches' improvements. Claim Sett up by George March.
8 Sep. 1778 - #1494 Honicle Clubb 400 acres in Forks of Yadkin adj. Rudolph March's old lines on branches of No Creek waters of Dutchmans Creek, including his improvement [made] by Samuel Estep.
14 Sep 1778 - #1508 Fredrick Miller 300 acres on head of Farmers Creek, adj. Adam Grimes & David Johnston 9:456
14 Sep 1778 #1509 Fredrick Miller 250 acres on waters of Brushy Fork Abbots Creek adj. the Moravian line & his own land.
17 Sep. 1778 - #1525 Charles Hinkle, 400 acres on waters of Abbots Creek adj. William Smith & Michael Houk, including an improvement made by Michael Hinkle.
17 Sep. 1778 - #1526 Charles Hinkle, 400 acres on waters of Abbots Creek adj. Felix Motsinger, Barny Houke and William Spurgion and including an improvement. Mad[e] over to John Groff. Isued to Jane Spurgeon.
25 Sep 1778 - #1579 Michael [Dinney?] 25- acres on waers of Muddy Creek, bounded by John Miller & George Hartman, including the improvement whereon he now lives.
25 Sep 1778 - #1570 Leonard Bumgardnor 100 acres on Reedy Creek [Margin note: Nicholas Jacobus.]
25 Sep 1778 - #1571 Leonard Bumgardnor 200 acres on the waters of Muddy Creek & including the improement whereon he now lives.
8 Oct 1778 Amelia Gardnor 100 acres on waters of Ceader Creek adj. Joseph Bryant, Philip Howard & Christopher Howard, including her improvement.
28 Nov 1778 - #1778 Benjamin Hinkle 150 acres on head of Henly's Creek adj. Joseph Bryant, Cornelius Howard & Joseph Woolfsgale, including his own improvement 10:266
13 May 1779 - #2173 John March, 400 acres on waters of Dutchmans Creek, adj. Jacob Hainley and George March including his Improovment [sic], being part of old entry by Rudolph March, Sen'r. [9:479]
13 May 1779 - #2174 George March 400 acres on waters of Dutchmans Creek, adj. Christopher Knatzer & Jacob Hunter including his own Improovment & Rudolph March's, it being a part of an old entry made by Rudolph March, Sen'r. [9:516]
13 May 1779 - #2191 Edmond Howard 250 acres on North Creek, adj. Elijah Owens, Rudolph March & Widow Stinchecom, beginning at Owens' line & runing for Compliment, including his Improovment. [9:564]
3 Mar 1780 - #2502 George Miller 80 acres on the waters of Abbots Creek between his late survey & Doctor John Billings & adj. his deeded land on E, surplus of former survey 9:428
20 Mar. 1780 - #2522 William McDaniel 400 acres on waters of Carters Creek adj. John Brinegar & his own entry. Made over to Jonathan Fife on the head of Mill Creek adj. G: March.
28 Mar. 1780 - #2544 Josephus Arnold & Stephen Gentle 400 acres on North Fork Chesnutt Run, adj. Peter Hammons.
28 Mar. 1780 - #2545 Josephus Arnold & Stephen Gentle 200 acres on south side Carters Creek & adj. Abraham Hawkins & Christopher Howard.
9 Aug. 1783 - #2630 Richard Wright 140 acres on waters of Uary [Uwharrie] River & adj. James Carn & Adam Powers for Compliment. Made to William Wright.
12 Aug. 1783 - #2633 Catherine Richards 800 acres on Brushy Fork of Abbots Creek, adj. Felix Motsinger, Henry Lowry, the Moravian Line & John Groves, including her improovment. [11:124]
21 Aug. 1783 - #2640 Alexander Rosenbum 100 acres on the waters of Soakass(?) [Crk], adj. Henry Hooser, Martin Ebert, Adan Tash, Philip Fox, including a small Improovment. Made over to Jacob Fox.
29 Sep. 1783 - #2668 Anthony Hinkle 150 acres on waters of Brushey Fork of Abbots Creek adj. Matthias Sapenfield & Peter Hinkle, including the Improvement wher[e]on he now lives. Made over to John Grove.
4 Oct. 1783 - #2671 John Acriman 150 acres on Lick Creek branch of Muddy Creek, adj. Mark Hains, Surry [Co.] line, John Sircker & Philip Fox.
7 Nov 1783 - #2689 Elizabeth Hinkle 200 acres on waters of Frey's Creek, adj. Adam Tash & Christian Frey including an improvement bought of Adam Weaver.
15 Jul. 1784 - #2762 Henry Speer 93 acres on waters of Dutchmans Creek adj. south side of his own land, on north of Thomas Stockstil, & west of Nathaniel Brothers, etc. for Compliment.
4 Aug. 1784 - #2765 Peter Workman 200 acres on the waters of Hamby's Creek adj. John Shiers, Thomas Fox & Charles Burns.
25 Sep 1784 - #2790 Casper Hinkle & William Botenhammer 400 acres on Jimmey's Creek adj. Charles Drurey's line on N & S side of his land & running down said creek for compliment.
5 Nov. 1784 - #2817 Philip Fox, Sen'r., 200 acres on head of Reedy Creek of Brushey Fork Abbots Creek, adj. the Moravian line & including his improvement. Issued to son.
5 Nov. 1784 - #2818 Philip Fox, Sen'r., 200 acres on the waters of Sokeass waters of Muddy Creek & adj. his own land.
5 Nov. 1784 - #2819 Anthony Hinkle, for the son of Charles Hinkle, deceased, 300 acres on the waters of Farmers Creek & Brushey Fork of Abbots Creek adj. Edward Burk & Charles Hinkle's old lines.
30 Nov 1784 - #2834 Elizabeth Hinkle 200 acres on waters of Frey's Creek adj. Adam Tash & Christian Frey including an improvement. Withdrawn. Philip Summory.
18 Mar. 1785 - #2883 Thomas Fox 200 acres on the branches of Hanby's Creek, adj. Philip Knoy & Charles Drury. Transfer'd. to John Moore.
5 Nov 1785 - #2952 Benjamin Hinkle 140 acres on head of Buffalo Cree, adj. his own line, Joseph Bryant, Joseph Wolfsgale & William Linville for compliment, including a small improvement.
no date - #3006 George Miller 300 acres on Big Branch & Ryals creek, including a lick in the fork of said branch & his improvement running up said branch & creek.
12 Aug. 1786 - #3033 Henry Lowrey 100 acres on head of Sokeass [Creek] of Muddy Creek between his line and a conditional line between him and Philip Fox on west side of his own land.
no date #3091 Thomas Prather 100 acres in the Forks of Yadkin, adj. Joseph Bryant, William Linville, Joseph Wolfsgate & Benjamin Hinkle. Made over to Jacob Baker.
no date #3093 Benjamin Kelly 200 acres on waters of North Creek adj. his own line, Edmond Howard, Ruth Stinchicum, John March, Philip Dowell, Hugh Harrell, and Thomas Owens. This place [illegible].
8 Feb 1787 - #3098 Isaac Wilborn 45 acres on the waters of Abbots Creek adj. his own line, Barney Weyars, Felix Motsinger & Jacob Graff.
no date #3100 Jacob Fox 125 acres on waters of Sokeass Creek adj. Martin Evert, John Hains, Ockerman & his own land
no date - #3106 Jacob Clinard 100 acres on waters of Abbots Creek, adj. Luke White, Edward Burk & Anthony Hinkle.
no date - #3120A John Groff 200 acres on the head of Brushey Fork of Abbots Creek, adj. Jacob Fox, Robert Doyle, & Philip Fox.
no date - #3127 Alexander Rosinbum 600 acres on waters of Brushey Fork adj. Adam Harmon, George Loughanour, Frederick Miller, Philip Fox & his own line, including his own Improvement.

Foote, William. Sketches of North Carolina, Historical & Biographical, New York, NY: Robert Carter, 1846

Scotch Irish
Battle of Kings Mountain
Battle of Guilford Courthouse

Holcomb, Brent, ed. Marriages of Granville County, North Carolina, 1753-1868, Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1981

Bass, Thomas & Phanney Parish, 9 Sept. 1790; Drury Pettiford bm; Step. Sneed, wit.
Briggs, Howell & Lucey Parrish, 17 June 1812; John Duncan, bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Brintle, Jacob & Mary Parish, 28 Dec. 1819(?); John Jinkins, bm; James M. Wiggins, wit.
Brinkley, John H. & Jane Parrish, 3 Dec. 1832; Ralph Parish bm; David Laws, wit.
Brogden, James & Crissey Cash 6 Nov. 1811; William Cash bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Brown, Jonathan F. & Mary R. Parish, 14 May 1838; Peter Evans bm; J.M. Wiggins, wit.
Brummitt, Wm. C. & Ann E. Parish, 1 Jan. 1846; Chas. Blackley bm; J.M. Wiggins, wit.
Cozart, Carrington & Ailcy Parrish, 15 Oct. 1851; J.P. Hester, bm; m. 15 Oct. 1851 by Jno. Nance, JP
Denton, Benjamin & Sealah Wiggins, 18 Nov. 1772; Miles Williams bm; Reuben Searcy, wit.
Denton, John & Sarah Starks, 24 Feb. 1797; Howel Morse, bm; Sterling Yancey, wit.
Denton, Reubin & Eliner Harrison, 14 Jan. 1804; John Denton bm; A.H. Sneed, wit.
Denton, Samuel & Elisabeth Mitchell, 3 May 1798; Howel Morse, bm; Step. Sneed, wit.
Dutton, John & Omey Parish, 14 Jan. 1806; Zachariah Dutton, bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Dutton, Zachariah & Judith Parish, 23 Nov. 1798; Leonard Henderson bm; James Sneed, wit.
Eaks, Timothy & Susanna Parish, 8 Aug. 1786; William Parish, bm; Reuben Searcy, wit.
Floyd, George & Keziah Parish 19 Dec. 1786; Hesekiah Hefil (?), bm; B. Searcy, wit.
Griggs, Robert & Susannah Cash, 16 Aug. 1781; Fruitrel Hall, bm; Bennet Searcy, wit.
Howel, Allen & Malinda Parish, 12 March 1847; Henderson Floyd bm; N.H. Wiggins, wit.
Kinnamon, John & Dize Parish, 8 Oct. 1793; Joseph Booker, bm; Step. Sneed, wit.
Lankford, Jesse & Betty Johnston Parish, 30 Dec. 1779; Elijah Parish, bm; Reuben Searcy, wit.
Mangum, Jesse & Polley Parish, 7 Jan. 1819; Willie Robards, bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Mann, Arnold & Rebecca Wright, 16 Nov. 1779; Nathan Harris bm; Asa Searcy, wit.
Parish, Claibourne & Judith Parish, 6 Feb. 1779; David Parish, bm; Rebuen Searcy, wit.
Parish, David & Ellender Shemwell, 13 Dec. 1787; Isaac Shemwell, bm; Reuben Searcy, wit.
Parish, Ellison & Tempy Harriss 28 Oct. 1817; Jesse Whitlow, bm; R.N. Herndon, wit.
Parish, George & Jane Brown 24 June 1837; Hillyard Parish, bm; Jas. M. WIggins, wit.
Parish, James W. & Mary E. Blackley, 14 Oct. 1857; Thos. F. Brummett, bm; A. Landis, wit; m. 15 Oct. 1857 by D.P. Paschall, JP
Parish, John & Polley Harris, 26 Dec. 1798; Archer Johnson bm; Step. Sneed, wit.
Parish, Langford & Lidia Parham 29 Dec. 1802; Saml. Parham, bm; P. Bullock, 2it.
Parish, Presley & Aggness Malory, 4 Aug. 1818; Nathl. Robards, bm; James Wiggins, wit.
Parish, Ransom & Celia Goss, 18 March 1809; James Cooper bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Parish, Sherwood & Dilly Parish, 17 Nov. 1799; Valentine Parish, bm; James Sneed, wit.
Parish, Volentine & Betsey Parish, 23 Dec. 1789; Wm. Parish, bm; A. Henderson, C.C. wit.
Parish, Woody & Beersheba Lumpkin, 6 May 1819; Solomon Satterwhite bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Parker, Cader & Phebah Wright 25 Dec. 1801; Jordan Wright, bm; P. Bullock, wit.
Parrish, Absolem Duke & Judy W. Roffe, 30 Jan. 1817; Woodson Roffe, bm; Step. K. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, Barsher & Sucky Highfield, 11 Dec. 1803; Reubin Parrish, bm; A.H. SNeed, wit.
Parrish, Chas. H. & Ann E. Knight, 5 May 1845; Edwin W. Kittrell bm.
Parrish, Charles T. & Ruthy Smith 6 Aug. 1850; Johnathan Woodlieff, bm.
Parrish, David & Peggy Volentine, 22 March 1817; William Beck, bm; Step. E. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, David & Lively Muller, 4 Feb. 1828; Richd. H. Umstead, bm; David Laws, wit.
Parrish, Edward & Miss Mildred Bryant, 4 June 1829; William Dutton bm
Parrish, Elba L. & Harriet Ellington, 1 Dec. 1836; Reuben Parrish bm; J.M. Wiggins, wit.
Parrish, Elijah & Jane Spaigg, 29 Nov. 1800; James Bradley, bm; P. Bullock, wit.
Parrish, Elijah & Gilla Clopton, 30 Sep. 1851; A. Landis, Clk.; m. 7 Oct. 1851 by Saml. S. Hicks, JP
Parrish, Elijah & Gilla Clopton, 30 Sep. 1851; F. Harrington, bm; A. Landis, wit.
Parrish, Erasmus & Seley M. Wheeler, 4 Aug. 1829; Alfred Jones, bm; David Laws, wit.
Parrish, George & Happy Parrish, 1 Feb. 1827; Reuben Parrish, bm; Step. K. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, Hilliard J. & Ava Jane Inscore, 15 Dec. 1846; H.c. Lashly bm.
Parrish, J.W. son of J.M. & N.A. Parrish, & Ellanoro A. Marshall, daughter of Wm. P. & Susan Marshall, 21 Aug. 1867; m. 21 Aug. 1867 by E.L. Parrish, JP
Parrish, John & Elisabeth Suit, 13 Jan. 1797(?); George Harrison, bm; Step. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, John & Nancy Howel, 15 July 1820; Bartlett Andrews, bm; Step. K. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, John M. & Julia E. Finch, 27 Feb. 1861; John M. Ellington, bm; m. 27 Feb. 1861 by Wm. (-?-)
Parrish, Nelson & Martha Clay, 2 May 1843; B.C. Cozort, bm; Wm. H. Whitfield, wit.
Parrish, Nelson, son of David & Polly Parrish, & Mary Moore, daughter of Hesler & Ann Moore, 17 Dec. 1867; m. 25 Dec. 1867 by F.J. Tilley, JP
Parrish, Nelson G. & Laura W. Hailey, 23 Jan. 1866; Francis J. Tilley, bm.
Parrish, Octon & Messa Starks, 21 July 1792; Volentine Parrish, bm; W. Norwood, wit.
Parrish, Pleasant & Salley Driskel, 22 May 1804; Auston Parrish, bm; A.W. Parham, wit.
Parrish, Presly & Nancy Alen, 8 July 1806; William Dodson, bm; Richd. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, Presly & Elizabeth Vincent, 18 Nov. 1834; Fleming Lumpkin, bm; Benja. Kittrell, wit.
Parrish, Ralph & Mary Ann Upchurch, 10 Sep. 1838; G.C. Wiggins, bm; S.G. Shearmon, wit.
Parrish, Robert & Lucy Demont, 11 Dec. 1850; D.A. Paschall, bm; Sam. W. Dickerson, wit.
Parrish, Rubin & Elizabeth Hyfell, 1 Nov. 1801; Brasy Parrish, bm; A. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, Samuel & Margaret Bryant, 11 May 1821; Gideon Davis bm; Jas. M. Wiggins, wit.
Parrish, Shadrack & Betsey Smith, 16 Sep. 1807; John Sear, bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, Sihon & Celia Robards, 9 Dec. 1808; George Robarts, bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, Sion & Sarah Adams, 22 Nov. 1823; Francis M. Worsham, bm; Jas. M. Wiggins, wit.
Parrish, Sterling L. & Lucy Ann Wright, 8 Aug. 1865; A. Landis, bm.
Parrish, Thomas & Nancey Lankford 1 June 1787; Stephen Lankford, bm; John Searcy Junr., wit.
Parrish, William & Sabey Parrish, 12 Jan. 1781; William Desha, bm; Asa Searcy, wit.
Parrish, William & Polly Jones 2 Nov. 1820; John Jarret, bm; S.K. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, William & Elizabeth Hicks, 28 April 1827; John Jenkins (of William), bm; Step. K. Sneed, wit.
Parrish, William B. & Elizer Cheatham, 19 Dec. 1833; Ralph J. Parrish, bm; S. Harris, wit.
Parrish, William & Sally Roberts, 3 Aug. 1833; Alfred Jones, bm; Benja. Kittrell, wit.
Parrish, William & Agnis Hopkins, 14 Jan. 1835; T. Lewis, bm; Benja. Kittrell, wit.
Parrish, William & Charlotte Roberts, 5 Nov. 1847; William Suit, bm; Jas. M. Wiggins, wit.
Parrish, William S. & Mary A.W. Veazey, 3 Nov. 1846; Moses H. Roberts, bm.
Parrish, Williamson & Isabella Clement, 29 Oct. 1827; James T. Terry, bm; David Laws, wit.
Parrish, Willis & Mary Smith, 27 Aug. 1809; Thomas White, bm; A. H. SNeed, wit.
Ross, John & Tabitha Parish, 22 June 1808; John Amis, bm; J.J. Tanar, wit.
Sears, John Junr. & Mary Parrish, 27 Jan. 1808; Richard Grisham, bm; W.M. Sneed, wit.
Smith, Sterling & Catherine Parish, 1 Jan. 1817; David Thrift bm; Step. K. Sneed, wit.
Starke, William & Massey Parish, 11 March 1788; Timothy Eaks bm; Reuben Searcy, wit.
Umstead, Abraham & Beedy Parish, 22 Feb. 1822; Jeremiah Bullock, bm; Step. K. Sneed, wit.
Wilkerson, Burwell & Patsey Parrish, 7 Aug. 1807; Stephen Satterwhite, bm; Jun. Sneed, wit.
Wilson, Lewis & Jane S. Parrish, 21 Sep. 1851; A. Landis, bm; Wesley W. Young, wit.
Worsham, Francis & Nancy Parish, 17 Nov. 1812; William Robards, bm; Thos. J. Hicks, wit.
Wright, George & Morning Hunt, 17 Feb. 1825; Randol Minor, bm; L. Gilliam, wit.
Wright, Gideon & Nancy Kittrell, 17 Nov. 1805; George W. Harris bm; Jas. Sneed, wit.
Wright, James & Tabithey Smith, 7 Dec. 1793; George Moore bm.
Wright, Jordan & Polley Nellums, 27 Dec. 1804; Cader Parker, bm; E.W. Parham, wit.
Wright, Joshua K. & Martha E. Kittrell, 20 Aug. 1828; Benja. Kittrell, bm.
Wright, Priesly & Nancy O'Brien, 5 Feb. 1828; Wm. Jones, bm; Daid Laws, wit.
Wright, Richard & Elisabeth Phillips, 1 Nov. 1800; John Moore, bm; Philip Bullock, wit.
Wright, Thomas & Anne Haynes, 18 June 1809; David Landers, bm; Jun. Sneed, wit.
Wright, Thomas & Mary Brantly, 20 Jan. 1825; Willie Jones, bm; W. Hayes Owen, wit.
Wright, William & Mary Harter, 0 Jan. 1797; William Hester, bm; Step. Sneed, wit.

Huggins, Edith. Burke County, North Carolina Land Records 1779-1790 & Important Miscellaneous Records 1777-1800, Vol. II, Southern Historical Press, 1981.

Tavern Bonds 1784-1800 - John Davidson, Jan. 30, 1794; John Spears, Jas. McDowell, J.E. Erwin

Apprentice Bonds - Philip Pitts, 12, orphan; John Speer, "taylor," April 24, 1789. James Davidson, Alexander Erwin.

July 1794. The following petitioners possessed land on South UpperCreek where wagon road runs through from Wilks to the North Cove "which may be injuring": Charles Baker, John White, David Beck, Joshua Penley, John Penland, J. McGimsey, Thomas Smith, John Simpson, Samuel Alexander, William Penland, Benjamin Parks, Noble Alexander, John Trammel, Reuben White, Nimrod Brewer, Jonathan Penly, Thomas White, Bartlet Henson, John Jones, James Harbison, William Harbison, John Penley, James Penland, Christian Sheffler, John Fox, Peter Lyon. On reverse: John Mackey, Walter Smith, Jos. Fort, Patrick Onell, James West, Jno. Tate, Jno. Spear, Will Walton, Jo . . . [not legible], Will Welch, Jos. Greenlea, Jo. Morgan, Philip Brittain, John H. Stevile, James Mackey, Wm. Whoot.

October 29, 1794. Petitioners for road crossing the Catawba at John Henesy, to Bradford's Blacksmith Shop, crossing the lower creek at Hugh Macays, falling into the Wilks road near Powell's Meeting hosue: Thom. Welcher, James Henesy, Wm. Gibson, Conrod Winkler, Abr. Copeny, Esq., John Tate, Capt. Tompson, Jacob Baldon, John Henisey, Edmond Fears, James Fears, Wm. Welch, Jacob Tips, Hugh McCoy, Frederick Cryder, John Spier, Daniel Ingland, John Ingland, Joseph Baker, John Clarke, Benjamin Coffey, William Sumter, R.Q. Milles (Miller?), G. . . app B . . . , Albert Corpening, Thos. James, John Spear, John Cooper, Benjamin Parks, Philip Brittain, Robt. Logan, John Williams, Edmund Fears, John Tate, Wm. Welch, Thos. Welcher.

Land Papers & Deeds 1778-1794 - Thomas Young vs. John Spears, Sept. 2, 1791. Prom. note of Speer for 25 bu. good salt in Morganton, Oct. 1st; wit: Hezekiah Oneill. A. Wood for pltff. Note for 18.10.0, 1790 at Oct. Court and "1 coat pattern of light blue color, some pewter, tinns, linning."

Huggins, Edith. Burke County, North Carolina Land Records & More Important Miscellaneous Records 1751-1809, Vol. III, no imprint

Land Grants - 1789 - Charles McDowell (issued), James McDowell (issued), John McDowell (issued)

Land Grants - 1790 - James McDowell & Thomas Hemphill (issued), John McDowell, Matthew Patten, Robert Patten (issued), Jacob Spear

Land Entries 1790 Index - McDowell, James 244-7; Speers (?) Jacob 216; Stout, Samuel 199

Road Papers, Overseers, Petitioners, Orders, Juries, 1796-1800

April 1799: Ord. Patrick Oneal, Jr. overseer of new road from the Fish Dam fork leading to the Great Road, to the house of John McDowell, Esq. Hands from Jonas . . . , at Dobson's old place, Patrick Oneal, Sr., William McDowell, George McDowell, James McDowel, William McDowell, and hands on Little Silver Cr., Ambrous Carlton and Robert Sherman.

Ord. John Erwin, Jr. overseer of new road from Fish Dam to Arthur Erwin's mill, beginning at Canoe Creek fork to Philip Anthony's Creek. Hands: Samuel Summers, Jacob Grimes, James Murphy, Esq., John Tribble, Peter Holt, John Grive (?), . . . Hinkle, Philip Anthony.

Petition of Richard Hight for road to be turned round some parts of his plantation on Franklin Creek and prays for jury to view. Appointed viewers: John Hight, Jno. Moore, Lot Estes, Nathan Fox, Reuben Estes, Samuel Kneely, Jno. Church, Laban Estes, Reuben Fletcher (marked out), Thos. White, Reuben White, James Wenn, Jr.

Ord. Hugh Fox overseer from Nathan Austin's to Jones Mill, in room of Henry Baker. Returned: Nathan Austin, Jehu Barns.

Ord. John Erwin overseer from Fish Basket to Arthur Erwin's mills, beginning at Canoe Creek to Philip Anthony's, with hands of James Murphy, John Tribble, John Tribble, Jr., (last two marked out), peter Holt, John Grove, . . . Hinkle, Philip Anthony, Samuel Summors, Jacob Grimes, Ferdinand F. . . . (marked out), Archibald Carmon, Michael Baker, Robt. Penland, Alex. Harbison.

Court Minutes 1792-1804 of Wills, Estates, Orphans

July 1792 - p. 44, Gen. Charles McDowell Adm. of estates of Wm. Filson & John Black
Oct. 1792 - p. 52, Jo. McDowell as gdn. of Wm. Lavender's orphan Milissa
Apr. 1795 - p. 271 Joseph McDowell dec'd. will
Jan. 1796 - p. 342 Exrs. of will of Joseph McDowell, dec'd: Gen. Jo. McDowell, Col. John Carson, Capt. James Murphy. Took oaths as Exrs.
April 1796 - p. 362 Robert Potts dec'd.; Admrs. vs. John Spear and Sluyter Bouchell.
p. 363 Minor orphan, John Reddick, chose John McDowell as gdn.
p. 378 Col. Joseph McDowell estate accts. to be examined.
Oct. 1803 - p. 434 John McDowell, son of Joseph McDowell of P.G. (Pleasant Garden), dec'd., chose John Carson as gdn.
p. 441 Gen. Joseph McDowell's estate to be settled.

Miscellaneous Papers of Civil & Criminal Cases 1755-1790

The following, of necessity in brief detail, are small original handwritten court papers: law suits, subpoenas, affidavits, depositions, attachments, orders, appeals, judgments, promissory notes, petitions, articles of agreement, partnerships, bonds, receipts, accounts, narrative cases, jurymen, suspended land grants, controversies, administrations, estates records, executions, land disputes, professions, road overseers and hands, with valuable historical and genealogical information. Many papers bear signatures, some in German.

Many reasons for court cases will be intentionally omitted, due to possible embarrassment to families. In some cases the names of the acting officers will not be listed because of tedious duplication of name.

If a particular item or signature is of value to one, it may be obtained from the Department of Archives & History, the Search Room, 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, in xerox form. To be utterly frank, due to the vast amount of these small faded, loose handwritten papers that would have to be read, a search should be made personally or through the facilities of a genealogist. . . .

Webster's definition of terms used in court cases are:

Attachment - seizure by legal authority, or the writ or process commanding it.
Injunction - act of a judicial process or order requiring the person or persons to whom it is directed to do or (more commonly) not to do a particular thing.
Ejection - act of dispossessing
Caveat - legal notice to some officers to suspend a certain proceeding until the notifier is given a hearing.
Subpoena - a writ or process commanding the person on whom it is served to appear in court under a penalty for failure.
Appeal - to apply for the removal (of a cause) to a higher court, (or) to refer a cause or a judicial to a higher court.
Affidavit - a written declaration upon oath, especially one made before an authorized official.
Deposition - the giving of testimony under oath . . . especially a statement made under oath . . . in writing, to be used in court in place of the production of the witness.

Abbreviations:

account(s) - acc't(s)
acknowledge(d) - ack.
administration - adm.
administrator - Adm.
affidavit - affid.
attachment - attach.
attorney(s) - atty(s)
balance - bal
caveat - cav.
deceased - dec'd.
defendant(s) - deft(s)
deposition - dep.
ejectment - eject
executor(s) - exr(s)
injunction(s) - inj(s)
ordered - ord
petition(s) - pet(s)
promissory - prom.
received - rec'd.
regarding - re:
signature(s) - sig(s)
subpeona(s) - sub(s)
versus - vs.
witness(es) - wit(s)

The following records are arranged according to files in the Department of Archives & History, the Search Room, where each of the hundreds of papers read and recorded under the years listed:

1783 - Benjamin Johnson vs. Nathan Baker, Michael Sprinkle, Levi Spears, Val Martin, Abr. Wood, Jr., referred to Col. Robert Lenoir, Col. Benj. Herndon, and John Brown, Esq., Sept.
1784 - John Roberts vs. John Fox, July. Bail: Wm. White
Affidavit, Samuel Greenlee, Esq. took oath Spruce Macay marked by order of Gen. McDowell as Atty., the back of the writ in suit of Catherine Piper vs. Archibald Clinton, also in suit vs. John Waggerly vs. Clinton. no date
File 1789 (no. 1): Chas. McDowell vs. John Kearns. "To Sheriff of Hawkins County, a subpoena to John Kearns. John Hunt stated the deft. living in one of the Lower stations, so that it was impractible and dangerous to go to his house."
File 1789 (no. 1): David Witherspoon vs. John Blanton and Henry Wood. Bond: Jos. Morgan, Jos. McDowell, March 12, 2 papers
File 1789 (no. 1): John McConnell vs. Jos. Morgan. "Maid known in presence of John Ren (?) and Alex. Barst (?)" J. McDowell.
File 1789 (no. 1): March Petition: William Davidson, David Vance, Col. Jos. McDowell, Wm. White, John England, Sr., peter Mull, Geo. Brown, Alex. Erwin, Arthor Erwin, Capt. Henry Reed, Capt. Peter Thompson, Andrew Woods, Saml. Woods, Jas. McDowell, Wm. Neill, Benjamin Burgin.
File 1789 (no. 1): James Murphy vs. John Spears, July Oct. 2 papers. Affidavit of Murphy. Atty: Alex. McGinty.
File 1789 (no. 1): Jacob Keller vs. Jas. Greenlee. Bond: Jno. McDowell, Sept. 13
File 1789 (no. 1): Charles McDowell vs. Isaac Perkins, April
File 1789 (no. 2): George Killion vs. Thos. Black. John McDowell will be wit. in Aug. Joseph Dobson, Jr. notice to James Greenlee, JP "Notified as gdn of May Bowman, heiress of John, purchaser under sd. Thos. Black." Signed: Joseph Dobson. "Serveses done in Presence of David Vance." July
File 1789 (no. 2): Attachments: Chas. McDowell vs. Isaac Perkins, April
File 1789 (no. 2): Attachments: Nathan Dever vs. John McDowell, Pleasant Gardens, Oct.
File 1789 (no. 2): Subpoenas to: John Spears, Jas. Sellers, Jas. McEntire, John McElwrath, David McElwrath in case of Thomas Hemphill vs. James Johnson, Oct.
File 1789 (no. 2): Subpoenas to: Chas. McDowell in case of Joseph Smith vs. Samuel Hughey and James Murphy, July.
File 1789 (no. 2): Subpoenas to: Jas. Boys, Andrew Lyde "to Cap. Smith of James Chambers summon a guard sufficient" in case of State vs. Samuel Wilson and William McDaniel (passing counterfeit money). Jo. McDowell, JP, Feb. 17.
File 1790 (no. 1): William Tate vs. Joseph McPeters and Joseph McDowell, Sept. 20
File 1790 (no. 1): William Graham vs. Wm. Hamby, referred to Jos. McDowell, Jas. Lock, John Carson, Wm. Willson, James Willson (?), April
File 1790 (no. 1): Jas. McEntire vs. Alex. Cummings. Bond: Jas. McDowell, Sept. 20
File 1790 (no. 1): William Murphy vs. John Spear, appeal bond, April 28. Isaac Martin, William James, Prom. note by Wm. Colman.
File 1790 (no. 1): Promissory Notes to: John & William Tate to Chas. McDowell, David Vance and . . . (?) assigned by McDowell to Capt. Robert WEar; Wit: James English. Assigned by Wear to Jas. McEntire. Oct. 15
File 1790 (no. 1): Subpoenas to: John Speer & Alex. Erwin in case of John Tate vs. Isaac Martin, July.
File 1790 (no. 1): Subpoenas to: People in Capt. John McDowell's Co. at Catawba River at William Moore's last Fri., Aug. and at south side at Francis Patton's on Sat. by R. Montgomery, JP. Executed by Thomas Biell, July 30.
File 1790 (no. 2): William James vs. John Spears. Bond: James McDowell, Oct., Dec., with Peter Mull, H. Sher.
File 1790 (no. 2): Charles McDowell vs. Jacob Beeke, garnishes of Blake Pearcy, Oct.
File 1790 (no. 2): John Spear prom. note to Robert Craig, June 10.
File 1790 (no. 2): John & Joseph McDowell vs. William Sharpe, Oct.
File 1790 (no. 2): Chas. McDowell vs. William Johnson, Jan.
File 1790 (no. 2): Subpoenas to: Charles McDowell in case of John Armstrong Erwin vs. William Littlejohn, July
File 1790 (no. 2): Subpoenas to: John H. Stevelie and John Spear in case of Jas. Greenlee vs. William James, July.

Huggins, Edith. Burke County, North Carolina Records 1755-1821 Including Wills Index 1784-1900, Vol. IV, no imprint

Land Entries 1790

199 Samuel Stout
227 Joseph Dobson joining flower garden beginning John McDowell's
244 Thomas Hemphill and James McDowell, Moores or Jonathan Creek of PR near Indian houses

1791 Entries from Entry Takers Book: Benjamin Austin, Jr., Jacob Speirs, A. Huntsucker; J. Greenlee, John Mackey, Wm. Morris

Deeds Recorded in Court Minutes 1791-1796 - July 1792 p. 38 - Thos. Patton to John McGahey 100 acres, proved Joseph McDowell

p. 41 James McDowell to Jno. Carzon 87 acres acknowledged

p. 78 Commsrs. of Morganton to Jno. Spears, house and lott, July 22, 1791, proved James Greenlee, Esq.

p. 79 John McDowell, Sen. to William Whitson, land on Swannanoa, Jan. 24, 1792 ack.

p. 79 Charles McDowell to John Stillwell, 140 acres south Fork Catawba River Oct. 18, 1791 ack.

April 1793 p. 98 - Thomas Patton to John McGahey, 100 acres, July 17, 1791, proved John McDowell

p. 102 - Charles McDowell, John Blanton, Alex. Erwin, Commissioners to Arthur Graham, a lot, July 24, 1793, proved William Foster

p. 103 - John McDowell & Joseph Exrs. to Jonathan Fear 200 acres, April 25, 1793 ack.

p. 105 - Samuel Luck to Henry McKinney for bay horse, March. 28, 1793, proved John Spears

p. 154: John Speer to Peter Mull, 376 acres, June 21, 1793, ack.

p. 156: Receipt from Joseph McDowell of Ann Dobson by Thomas Smith, 723 lb. 15 sh.

p. 156: James McDowell to John Carson, Negro woman, Sall, and child, Rose, Apr. 9, 1793, ack.

p. 159: Hance Hamilton of Guilford to Waightstill Avery, (many slaves), Dec. 26, 1793, Wit: Ad. Osborn, J. McDowell, Alex. Erwin.

April 1794, p. 188: Alexander Erwin, Esq. & Brig. Gen. McDowell to Joseph Hughes, lot on E. Green Street, May 2, 1794, proved. John Tate.

1798 Capt. England's Company (one half page, torn, both sides) (acreage and polls):

John Grove 300, 1
Charles McDowell, 4830, 5
Joseph McDowell [no acreage or polls given]

1798 Capt. John Fox Company (poor condition, only the following names legible):

Nathan Fox . . .
Noah Fox . . .
Allen Fox . . .
Titus Fox . . .
David Fox . . .
James Fox . . .

Linn, Jo. Abstracts of the Deeds of Rowan County, North Carolina 1753-1785, Vols. 1-10, Salisbury, NC: Linn, 1983

4:283 22 Feb. 1759. Granville to William Parry for 10 sh sterling, 635 acres on Reedy fork & Beaver Creek, Geo. Disbrowr, W. Churton, proved May Court 1759
5:60 10 May 1762. Granville to John Miller for 10 sh proc. 453 acres on both sides Sparkes Creek. Jno. Agar, John Frohock, proved Oct. Court 1762
5:175 10 Aug. 1762. Granville to Gideon Wright for 10 sh proc, 69 acres on east side Yadkin River opposite Benjamin Pettitt. Jno. Agar, John Frohock, proved Oct. Court 1762.
5:366 8 Oct. 1763/ Arthur Parr & wife Margaret (X) of Orange Co., NC to Richard Wright of sd. co. for ￡20 proc, 320 acres in Rowan on Mears fork of Haw River granted William Wiley by Granville 23 May 1758 & sold to sd. Parr. Thos. Donnell, William Hamilton, proved Oct. Court 1763
5:371 29 Apr. 1763. Archibald Cathey to Robert Horner for ￡100.1, 315 acres on Sills Creek near Marlings bridge adj. George Cathey, 1/2 tract granted George Cathey Sr. by Granville 25 Mar. 1752 & sold to Archd. Cathey at public vendue by Benjn. Milner sheriff 20 Oct. 1759. John Braly, Geo. Magoune, David McDowell, proved Oct. Court 1763.
5:432 11 Jan. 1764. John Kirkpatrick to John Miller 300 acres adj. John Brandon on north side of Buffalo Creek, granted by Granville 11 Nov. 1756. Jas. Miller, John Braly, proved Jan. Court 1764.
5:523 1 Feb. 1764. John Gillespie to Arthur Patterson for ￡23 proc, 100 acres adj. Samuel Blythe & James Dogharty, part of 665 acres granted Blythe by Granville 25 Mar. 1752 which he sold Gillespie 16 Nov. 1759. John Braly, David McDoweld [McDowell?], proved July Court 1764.
5:531 12 Sept. 1763. John (N) Dills to Benjamin Pettitt for ￡40 proc, 339 acres on south side Yadkin River adj. sd. Dills. Gideon Wright, James Jones, proved July Court 1764.
6:230 31 July 1764. William (+) Perry & wife Elizabeth (X) to Simeon Taylor for ￡100 VA money, 635 acres on Reedy fork & Beaver Creek. Daniel Dillon, Thomas (X) Eldridge, proved Oct. 1765.
6:340 9 Oct. 1765. John Miller [signs in German] to Frederick Bockel for ￡15, 100 acres on Sparks Creek adj. George Hartman, granted 10 May 1762. George Hartman, Adam Spaugh, proved Jan. Court 1767.
6:342 2 Jan. 1767. Hermon Husband & wife Emey of Orange Co. NC to Wm. Robertson of Lancaster Co., PA, for ￡80 proc, 320 acres on Haw River, 1/2 tract granted Wm. Wiley 23 May 1758, sold to Arthur Parr who sold it to Richard Wright. Archd. Dick, Stephen (S) Owen, proved Jan. Court 1767.
6:369 6 June 1765. Adam Sell (11) to Henry Boyer for ￡50 proc, 203 acres on north side Yadkin River, part of 587 acres granted Wm. Linville 28 Apr. 1753, sold to sell 16 June 1753. Samuel Wright Adam Elrod, Jan. 1767.
6:380 15 Apr. 1767. John Howard & wife Mary to John Mitchell mercht for ￡40, 103 acres on Grants Creek adj. Geo. Bruner, granted 4 Apr. 1761. Solomon (S) Sparks, Michael Miller, proved Apr. Court 1767.
6:384. 15 Apr. 1767. John Howard & wife Mary to John Mitchell for ￡80 proc, 314 acres on north bank Yadkin River at upper end of Fairfield granted Edwd. Hughes 27 Oct. 1752. Solomon (S) Sparks, Michael Miller, Apr. 1767.
7:225 1 Mar. 1764. Adam (11) Sell to Adam Elrod for ￡20 proc, land on north side Yadkin River, part of 587 acres granted Wm. Linville 28 Apr. 1753 who sold it to Sell 16 June 1753. Samuel Wright, Henry (H) Boyer, proved May Court 1770.
7:245 18 July 1770. William Morrison Sr. to William Morrison Jr. for ￡100 NC money, 640 acres on both sides Third Creek adj. James Morrison, granted 9 Nov. 1753. Sam'l Murphey, James Miller, Aug. Ct. 1770.
8;531 17 Sep. 1778. William Milsaps & wife Nancy (N) to John Wright for %500(?) proc, 313 acres on Swearing Creek adj. Frohock, Greene. John Ford, B. Booth Boote, Proved 17 Sep. 1778.
8:537 19 Mar. 1773. William Robertson of Hanover Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, yeoman, to Hugh Robertson of Letterkeny Twp., Cumberland Co., PA for ￡175 PA money, 320 acres on Haw River, half a tract granted by Granville to William Wiley 23 May 1758 for 640 acres. He sold it to Arthur Parr who sold it to Richard Wright who sold it to Hermon Husband from whom William Robertson bought it. James Andrew, William McClure, proved Nov. Court 1778.
9:24 4 Aug. 1778. Timothy Anderson & wife Elizabeth (o) of Camden Distr., SC to John Wright for ￡300, 280 acres in Surry & Rowan on south side Yadkin River between mouth of Coalf branch, granted to Saml Bryan 31 Dec. 1760, who conveyed it to Elisabeth Sloan now Elizabeth Anderson, wife of Timothy. Archibald Davie, Cornelius Anderson, Robert Carr. Prvd. Camden Dist. 4 Aug. 1778 by Cornelius Aug. Court 1779.
9:140 1 Jan. 1768. Saml (X) Blythe & wife Sarah (0) to Wm. McKnight for 195.16.8, 250 acres on east side Blythe Creek adj. Jacob Nichols & David McDowel, part of grant dated 25 Mar. 1752. John Braly, Sarah Braly, proved Feb. Court 1782.
9:145 3 July 1779. William Slaven & wife Jean to Christopher Beekman of Burke Co., for ￡60, lot #3 in west square from Benj. & Ealce Robinson to Jane Bailie, Thomas Bell, George Reed. proved May Ct. 1782.
9:147 10 Dec. 1781. Paul Brock to Stephen Pearson for ￡50 gold, 100 acres on Dutchmans Creek in forks of Yadkin adj. Christian & Mathias Brock & Wm. Butler, part of 412 acres granted by Granville to Paul Brock dec'd. Dugless Hadden, John Smith, Sary Brock also signs, proved May Court 1782.
9:154 18 May 1782. John Wright & wife Catherine (x) to John Randleman for ￡30.8.6 in gold & silver, 167 acres on Potts Creek adj. Henry Doland/Dormand. Joseph Cunningham, John Dancy, Myrick Davis, proved Aug. 1782.
10:143 4 Nov. 1784. State Grant #1015 & 50 sh the 100 acres to Valentine Dove [Tarr?], 150 acres on Second Creek adj. his own survey & Richard Wright.
10:145 4 Nov. 1784. State Grant #794 & 50 sh the 100 acres to Charles Parke, 100 acres on both sides Cabin Creek adj. Phineas Runyon & Allen Park.

North Carolina Genealogical Society. Journal, Raleigh, NC: Nov. 1982

McBride, Ransom. Burke County, NC List of Taxables for 1805

The following list of Taxables for 1805, Burke County, North Carolina, was abstracted from the original document, which is filed at the North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, under Stack File Number C.R. 014.703.2. All information in this document has been abstracted except for the number of "studs." Surnames were not capitalized in the original document, however they have been capitalized below.

Capt. Johnson's Company

64. John Speer - [blank] acres, [blank] polls, (2/3 town lot)

North Carolina Genealogical Society. Journal, Raleigh, NC: Feb. 1983

Revolutionary War Service Records & Settlements - 91. Castelloe, Thomas. Pay account of the U.S. with Thomas Castilloe, Private from Jan. - Jul. 1777. - Statement of TEM: Pick'g. A.G. [Timothy Pickering, Adjutant General] that "Whereas Thomas Castaloe hath been discharged from the 4th North Carolina Regm't . . . Colo. Thomas Polk Command, that he the said Castaloe made it appear by two Evidences, Namely Isaac Waters & Philip Fox that he was detain'd in the Service of the U.S. Fourteen Months over and above the time he Engage'd for by the orders of J. Muhlinburg M.G. at headquarters Near Germantown Pennsylvania this 14th day of August 1777." [on reverse]: Wilmington April 4, 1779 "the within Thos. Castaloe is exempted from all duty during the War -."

North Carolina Genealogical Society. Journal, Raleigh, NC: Nov. 1983

Lists of Taxables in Rowan County, 1768 - Rudolph March . . . Rudolph March Junr. 2

List of Gideon Wright (about 1768 - determined by Wm. Kizziah, late Register of Deeds of Rowan Co., NC. It has not been further researched for confirmation.) (CRX 244, Rowan Co., NC) (probably in the Yadkin - Wilkes Cos. areas; taxables 221) (listed alphabetically by given name

Edmund Denny 1
Hezekiah Wright 1
James Shepherd 5
Sam'l Wright [torn]

Revolutionary War Service Records & Settlements - 66. Gurley, Joseph. Deposition of Joseph (X) Gurley before Justice of the Peace William Good of Craven Co., NC, that said Gurley was drafted into the Continental Army for twelve months, which time he served. He never received a furlough, being absent with Capt. Robt. Raford at the time the Army was disabled. Dated 19 Feb. 1789, Craven Co., NC

Deposition of Joseph (X) Gurley before Justices of the Peace Everit Pearce of Johnston Co., NC repeating information contained in deposition above. Dated 22 June 1790, Johnston Co., NC.

Patriot Resistance in Rowan & Mecklenburg Counties, NC, 1780-1781 - It was evident, and it had been frequently mentioned to the King's Officers, that the counties of Mecklenburg and Rohan (Rowan) were more hostile to England than any others in America. The vigilance and animosity of these surrounding districts checked the exertions of the well affected, and totally destroyed all communication between the King's troops and the loyalists in the other parts of the province. No British Commander could obtain any information in that position, which would facilitate his designs, or guide his future conduct. Every report concerning the measures of the governor and Assembly would undoubtedly be ambiguous; accounts of the preparations of the Militia could only be vague and uncertain; and all intelligence of the real force and movements of the Continentals must be totally unattainable.

The foraging parties were every day harassed by the inhabitants, who did not remain at home to receive payment for the produce of their plantations, but generally fired from covert places to annoy the British detachments. Ineffectual attempts were made upon convoys coming from Camden, and the intermediate post at Blair's Mill; but individuals with expresses were frequently murdered. An attack was directed against the picket at Polk's Mill, two miles from the town: The Americans were gallantly received by Lieutenant Guyen of the 23d regiment; and the fire of his party from a loop-holed building adjoining the mill, repulsed the assailants. Nothwithstanding the different checks and losses sustained by the Militia of the district, they continued their hostilities with unwearied perseverance; and the British troops were so effectively blockaded in their present positions that very few, out of a great number of messengers, could reach Charlottetown in the beginning of October, to give intelligence of Ferguson's situation.

[Extract from Tarleton's History of the Southern Campaign of 1780 & 1781, pages 160-161, as found in N.C. Legislative Papers, Box #605, at NC State Archives; Sir Banastre Tarleton (1754-1833) was a Lt. Col. of the British Cavalry who supported Sir Henry Clinton in the taking of Charleston, SC, in 1780, and marched with Cornwallis into Virginia, where the British forces surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781.] [page 163 on digital copy.]

North Carolina Genealogical Society. Journal, Raleigh, NC: May 1984

Queries - 129-84. Need info on ancestry of Thomas Price & wife Mary "Polly" M. (-?-) of Wayne Co., NC. Is Thomas son of Wm. Price & wife Polly Ivey? Their children: Eliza (md. John H. Morris); Sarah Jane (b. 1850; md. Jesse Johnson Baker, 1868); Ellen Jerusha (1853-1927; md. Calvin L. Gurley, 1870); Martha Mildred (b. 1856; md. John Westley Strickland, 1875); Nancy T. (died young?); & Julia Ann (md. Calvin B. Capps, 1853).

130-84. Need information on Walter Scott McCaskill who md. Mary Virginia Gurley of Wayne Co., NC, 26 Jan. 1888. Mary was the daughter of Daniel & Edith (Phillips) Gurley.

131-84. Need info on John Wiggs (1758-1841) & wife Cherry (-?-) of Wayne Co., NC who were md. in Spring of 1782, Sampson Co., NC. Of five children, three were named in Rev. War pension records: Daniel (b. 1783; living in AL 1843); Raiford (b. 1785); and Gracie (b. 1787; md. Rev. Lewis Gurley). Raiford & Gracie lived in Wayne Co., NC. Would like to exchange info with living relatives or anyone who has info to share. John Wiggs was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. (1984). [all three queries from] Donald Gurley, Walnut Creek, CA

North Carolina Genealogical Society. Journal, Raleigh, NC: November 1985

Wight, Grace. Family Bible of Benjamin Eaton (b. 1785) of Rowan Co., NC

This Holy Bible . . . was printed in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Sir J.H. Blair & J.Bruce, printers to the King's most Excellent majesty copyright 1800. The Bible is in fairly good condition considering its age. Some of the pages are missing, but the most important names, dates of births, and some deaths remain intact. This particular Eaton family came from Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the mid-1700s and settled in the part of Rowan Co., NC, which later became Davie Co. The Bible is now in possession of Grace Wight (above).

John Fox [torn] [uncle, son of Philip Fox & Amelia Catherina (Rosenboom) Fox]
Catherine Hinkel [partly torn] was born [month?] the 25th 1767 [aunt, cousin, daughter of Anthony Hinkle]
John Fox & Catherine Hinkel was married October 30th 1783
Births of thare [sic] children:

Elizabeth was born June the 12th 1785
Philip was born October the 19th 1786
Amelia was born October the 7th 1788
Charles was born November the 21st 1790
Mary was born December the 30th 1792
Jacob was born January the 17th 1795
Margaret was born August the 30th 1797
Susanah was born November 23rd 1798
John was born August the 14th 1802
Lidia was born December the 1st 1805

Benjamin Eaton was born June 22, 1785
And his wife Amelia was born October 7, 1788 [see Amelia Fox above]
Benjamin Eaton & Amelia Fox was married Dec. 4, 1808
Births of thare children:

Peater was born October the 1st 1809
John Eaton was born January the 5th 1812
Joseph was born January the 17th 1814
Benjamin was born April the 1st 1816
Catherine was born July the 5th 1818
Grace was born December the 1st 1820
Simeon was born May 29, 1824
Jacob was born June 24th 1825
Philip was born November 27, 1827

Philip Eaton was born November the 27th 1827 and Sarah H. Furches, his wife was born April the 25th 1828. Philip Eaton and Sarah H. Furches was married April 22, 1847
Births of their children and deaths of the same
Thomas F. Eaton was born November the 13th 1848. Thomas F. Eaton departed this life January 26, 1892
Amelia A. Eaton was born April the 25th 1850. Amelia A. Tatum, daughter of Philip and Sarah Eaton departed this life April 2nd 1877
Francis Munroe Eaton was born November 21st 1851. Francis Munroe Eaton departed this life April the 21st 1868
Elizabeth F. Eaton was born September the 12th 1853. Elizabeth F. Eaton departed this life November the 9th 1854
Louis A. Eaton was born February the 23rd 1856. Louis A. Eaton departed this life August the 3rd 1864.
Alice M. Eaton was born February the 23rd 1858. Alice M. Eaton departed this life March the 23rd 1877
Ida H. Eaton was born March the 10th 1860
Jacob Eaton was born February the 26th 1862. Jacob Eaton departed this life October 18th 1864
Frances C. Eaton was born April the 28th 1864
Sarah N. Eaton was born November 27, 1866
Emma Grace Eaton was born January the 30th, 1869
Ninner Sedalia Eaton was born February 22, 1872
Philip Eaton departed this life December 17th 1878
Sarah Hall Eaton departed this life June 24th 1895

Thomas Furches Eaton was born November 13th 1848
Emma Bell Tatum was born Jan. 15, 1855
Thomas F. Eaton and Emma Bell Tatum was married December 28, 1873
Births of ther [sic] children and deaths of the same
Jacob Tatum Eaton, son of T.F. & E.B. Eaton was born March 8th, 1880. Jacob Tatum Eaton departed this life December 25th 1912
Peggy Azelia was born November 13th 1883. Peggy Azelia departed this life 1884
Beatrice was born April 8th 1885. Beatrice departed this life April 9th 1885
Phoebe Talmage was born September 11, 1886
Philip Eaton was born October 13th 1889. Philip departed this life November 1st 1889
Timothy Francis was born December 19th 1890
Thomas Eaton departed this life January 26th 1892
Emma B. Tatum Eaton departed this life October 11, 1894

Miscellaneous names found written in various places in this Bible were:

Charles Fox was born November 21st 1790 [son of John & Catherine (Hinkle) Fox above]
Patsy Whitaker was born April 4th 1802
Charles Fox and Patsy was married October 28th 1819
Marmaduke Coker was born in the year of our Lord May the 4th 1811 and embraced religion August the 28th AD 1832
Rebecca Coker was born in 1827 the year of our Lord January [smeared]

Butcher, Jonathan. 1787 Census Return for Pearson's Company, Rowan County, NC.

The 1784-1787 State Census is incomplete for North Carolina returns known to exist for 24 of the 50 counties extant in 1787. No returns for Rowan County were known to exist until recently. One district of this county lately turned up in a folder marked "Lists of Taxables, Undated" in Rowan County File Box #CRX 244 at the NC State Archives. This return covers Capt. Pearson's District, identifiable as the Forks of the Yadkin area in what is now Davie County, constituting approximately its southeast quarter. In 1778, this area appeared as Capt. Lyon's District for tax purposes.

This return is clearly identified as a Census return because non-taxable categories are included. As to the date, the heading (which has been marked through) provides a clue - "A List of the Taxables for '87." Pearson's District first appears in the County Court Minutes Rowan Co. in May 1781. From that year until the Federal Census of 1790, only the State Census of 1784-87 is known to have been ordered. This return contains the name of Jane Bartelson, widow of Richard Bartelson, whose will was signed on 11 November 1778 and probated on 6 February 1787. These facts strongly support this return as being that of 1787.

Two additional notes should be made regarding this return. The Laws of NC for 1784 clearly identify the categories to be tabulated for the State Census, however, it appears the enumerator of this district misinterpreted his instructions using the age of 50 instead of 60 for the white males and the age of 60 instead of 50 for all blacks. The columns from left to right in this return below are identified as follows:

White males under 21 and above 50 (instead of 60)
White males above 21 and under 50 (instead of 60)
White females of all ages
Blacks between 12 and 60 (instead of 12-50)
Blacks under 12 & above 60 (instead of "upwards of 50).

Secondly, it appears that for a section of names from Frederick Vehund to William Walter the digits have been mistakenly entered one column to the right of their proper location. Except for the capitalization of surnames, the transcript below is true to the original.

John March 3-1-3-0-0
George March 3-1-4-0-0

Phifer, Edward Jr. Burke County: A Brief History, Raleigh, NC: NC Dept. of Cultural Resources, 1979.

Major Roads & Thoroughfares - From the beginning, the types of roads utilized in Burke County depended largely upon the type of traffic they were required to carry. The earliest trails and trading paths were adequate for the aboriginal traders and hunters as well as for the pioneer white men engaged in the same pursuits. These intrepid souls, and the somewhat less idyllic explorers who followed them, moved on foot, as did a surprisingly high percentage of the population during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The employment of the horse required a slightly improved trail or bridle path, but it was not until the wheeled vehicle appeared in the county that roads became a necessity. The roads of the pre-motorcar period were accommodated to animal-drawn vehicles. The road surfaces were soft under hoof, steep grades were avoided at all cost, and low-speed motion made sharp, unbanked curves no handicap whatsoever. The early road builders, in order to avoid grading, followed closely the contour of the terrain.

An examination of the early cartographers reveals a broad concept of early road development. The Collet map of 1770 (drawn seven years before Burke County was formed) discloses a trading path running north from "Perkins" on 2 Little River (John's River) across the Blue Ridge west of Table Rock and into Virginia. The only road from the east (Salisbury) terminated at Oliphant's Mill in Iredell County. The Mouzon map of 1775 shows the path or Indian Road from Perkins extending southwest, as well as north, into the Cherokee Lands and terminating at the Cherokee town of Tugeloo. The east-west road is shown to stop short of the Old Burke line. The Nickajack Trail, an east-west Indian trading path, has been described by several sources as traversing the northern part of Old Burke and extending into the Linville area and probably farther west. The trail evidently existed long before the white man reached western North Carolina.

In 1777 the North Carolina General Assembly created a commission "to lay off and mark a Road by the nearest and best Way from the House of Charles Robinson where the Court hath been held in the County of Washington [present Tennessee], to the House of Edward Smith where the Court hath been held in the County of Burke . . . " Evidence suggests that there was a well-established road to Jonesboro (county seat of Washington County) before June, 1799, and probably before 1788, inasmuch as Burke County lawyers attended court there in that year.

Other roads, or at least thoroughfares, have been mentioned in sundry records as existing in the eighteenth century. The "Great Waggon Road," a main east-west artery across the county, was in general use prior to the Revolution. (Present U.S. 70 is believed to parallel the route traversed by the early roadway.) The old "Ridge Road" from Morganton to Wilkesboro corresponded generally to the route of NC Highway 18. "Bright's Trace" (named for Samuel Bright, an early Toe RIver settler) was a thoroughfare of sorts. It appears to have been the precursor of present US 19E and was a connecting link between the upper Toe River and East Tennessee. The "over-mountain men" followed this route on their way to Kings Mountain in 1780. The "Laurel Road" (NC18 south) also dates from the late eighteenth century, as does the "Silver Creek Road," an apparent ancestor of US 64 south.

The Price-Strother Map of 1808 shows six main road out of the county seat: two routes north into Wilkes County, two routes to Statesville, one south-southwest road into eastern Rutherford County with a branch to Rutherfordton, one west-southwest road to Rutherford's Plantation (Bridgewater) and Carson's House (beyond the present town of Marion), and a sixth road going west into Tennessee.

A prospective traveler from Raleigh to Morganton in 1816 was directed to spend three days on the trip from Salisbury to Morganton, to travel either by horseback or in a gig, and to stop overnight at Iredell Center Meeting House (now Mount Mourne) and at Lincolnton. In 1818 legislation was passed to appoint a commission to extend the east-west road (referred to as the Fayetteville Road) to the Tennessee line (an act passed the previous year directed that a road be laid out between Fayetteville and Morganton).

Fords, Ferries & Bridges - The need for ferries and bridges was not considered imperative in Burke County's early days. In the eastern part of Old Burke (present Catawba County,) however, ferries were much more of a necessity and therefore much more numerous. Among the best known of the fords on the Catawba, ranging from west to east, were Corpening's, Brandon's Bottom, Greenlee's, McDowell's, Fleming's (called Blanton's Ford at an early date), Rocky and Lovelady. Well-known fords int he eastern portion of Old Burke included the Horse, Oxford and Island fords.

A study of retrievable records suggests that the oldest ferry in present Burke County was that operated by Thomas England above the Rocky Ford. The General Assembly in 1834-1835 passed an act authorizing William Alberto Erwin, son of William Willoughby Erwin, to establish a ferry at the same spot, where he owned a plantation. Meanwhile, in July, 1833, the Burke County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions had approved the establishment of a ferry across the Catawba River below the mouth of John's River at the plantation of Col. John Sudderth. The rates established for these ferries were as follows:

Wagon and 4 horses, loaded, 75 cents; wagon and 4 horses, empty 50 cents; wagon or carryall and 2 horses, 37 1/2 cents; carryall and one horse, 25 cents; carriage and 4 horses 75 cents; gig and horse 25 cents; sulky and horse, 25 cents; man and horse 12 1/2 cents; horses by the hand 6 1/4 cents. . . .

Bridges were rarely constructed in Burke County during the antebellum era. The required materiel and engineeringitt, A.B. skills were not available to build bridges high above the water, and flimsily built wooden bridges were easily washed away. Man and beast were accustomed to fording streams, and the practice was not regarded an undue hardship.

Stagecoach Lines - Before 1803 mail was carried largely by post riders, and there were no stagecoach lines in North Carolina. The earliest recorded coach line through Burke County was instituted in January 1816; it ran from Charlotte to Wilkesboro and returned once a week through Beattie's Ford, Graham, Lincolnton, Morganton, and Fort Defiance. Weekly coaches shuttled from Raleigh to Salisbury and also from Raleigh to Salem, but whether there was a connection with Charlotte or Wilkesboro is not known. Before 1825, however, a route was in operation from Salisbury to Wilkesboro, and in 1824 a route existed from Salisbury to Asheville. Both of these passed through Morganton.

Pruitt, A.B. Abstracts of Land Entries: Duplin County, North Carolina 1778-1795 Sampson County North Carolina, 1784-1795 & 1853-1860, no imprint, 1990

Sampson County - 1960 (533) Mar. 29, 1794 John Dural enters 200 acres on waters of NE [River]; border: Jacob Kornegy, Samuel Tanner, & his own line.

Walton, Thomas. Sketches of the Pioneers in Burke County History, Southern Historical Press, 1984

Being reminiscenses and sketch prepared by the late Colonel T. G. Walton for the old Morganton Herald. . . . The articles comprising the first section of this book, pages 5 through 67 were written in 1894, and published in the old Morganton Herald in 1924, beginning April 10, and were found in the papers of Elisa M. Pearson. Those from pages 68 through 89 were copied from manuscripts of Col. Walton now in the possession of his granddaughter Mrs. Harry Boggs.

Having recently been in the habit of speaking of scenes, occurences and anecdotes, characteristic and illustrative of the early settlers of Burke County, as well as of persons contemporaneous with myself, many of whom have gone to that "bourne from whence no traveler returns," at the request of a number of the citizens of the county I have concluded to jot down, in a desultory way, reminiscences of the past in connection with some of our leading citizens and others. The author of "The Seasons" said, "Old age becomes garrulous." As the writer has passed by some years the age allotted to man. I may not be an exception; however this may be, I will set down naught in malice.

My first recollection of Morganton and its environs was at the age of three years, in the month of December 1819, when my brother, Wm. M. [McEntire] Walton, was born. At that time my father, Thomas Walton, was living in a house in which he was merchandising, at the intersection of Union and Green streets. I remember distinctly the crying of the babe. There was snow upon the ground, and my two elder brothers, James and John, were engaged in catching snowbirds under a dead-fall in the garden. My long tried and beloved friend, the late Gov. [T.R.] Caldwell [1818] (born about two years after I was, in the same town) and myself, speaking of our first recollections, in proof of my wonderfully tenacious memory in having related this incident, replied: "Why, Tom, I can beat that all hollow; I was at Cherry Fields a short time since, talking with my mother about how lasting impressions were made in early life. I remembered distinctly the death of a child of Major [Jacob of Cedar Grove] Forney's, caused by falling on a pair of pointed scissors. She responded, "Well done, Tod; you have the most remarkable memory of anyone I ever knew, for that happened ten years before you were born!" So, my readers of these reminiscences will note the possibility of my making the same mistake in some of the incidents spoken of as did my friend.

Burke county was erected out of a part of Rowan county at a General Assembly held at Newbern [New Bern] on the 8th day of April, 1777, Richard Caswell being Governor, and Samuel Ashe, Speaker of the Senate; Abner Nash was Speaker of the Commons. Beginning at the Catawba river on the line between Rowan and Tryon counties thence running up the meanders of said river to the north end of an island known as the three-cornered island; thence north to the ridge that divides the Yadkin and Catawba waters; then westerly along the ridge to the mountain known as the Blue Mountain, - which divides the eastern and western waters; covering all that portion of Rowan that lies west and south of said line, - covering a large territory from which, from time to time, had been erected many other counties.

Morgan district was made up of the counties of Burke, Wilkes, Rutherford, Lincoln, Washington and Sullivan. The Superior Court of this district was held twice a year at the court house in Morganton, and in 1788 Col. Sevier, one of the Kings Mountain heroes, was brought here a prisoner and arraigned under a charge of treason, for attempting to form a state out of North Carolina territory west of the Blue Ridge, under the name of the State of Franklin. The sympathies of the people were aroused for one who had done so much to secure their independence by his heroism in bloody and successful battles with British, Tories and Indians. The court house was crowded with his friends, McDowells, and others, who had been with him at the defeat of Ferguson; a fleet horse had been prepared for him a short distance from the court house, of which he was informed, a signal given, and he quietly and uninterrupted walked out of the room, made his escape, and the matter dropped.

Among the first settlers of Burke county of whom I had either personal knowledge or from information received from old residents during my early years, were the McDowells, Bowmans, Greenlees, Erwins, Averys, Pickens, Carsons, Morrisons, Tates, Hemphills, Murphys, Perkins, Hildebrands, Caldwells, Pearsons, Forneys, Walkers, Brittains, Newlands, Collins, Millers, Lenoirs, McEntires, Waltons, Stevelies, Duckworths, Ballews, Bouchelles, and others too numerous to mention by name. These were men of mark, many of whom were distinguished for their patriotism during the Revolution; others had won the esteem and respect of the people, as evidenced by their selection as representatives in congress, legislature, and offices of trust and profit of the county. Morganton, the county seat, was located shortly after the erection of the county in 1777, being nearly central, measuring from the crest of the Blue Ridge, and in some measure owing to the existence at that of a small hamlet, settled before the Revolution, near the present residence of Mrs. C.M. Avery. Charles McDowell, senior, and Alexander Erwin were appointed Commissioners by the Legislature held at Newbern, 1777, to select a site, purchase or have donated land, to erect public buildings, etc., and a survey was made, a plot drawn, public square laid off, streets named, lots sold, and Morganton became a living town nine months after the Declaration of Independence. Professor Mitchell of the University (who discovered that the Black Mountain was the highest east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States) in a published statement said Morganton was the most beautifully located town in the State.

The old court house was a frame building, used until the present building was completed, in 1835 or 1836, by James Binnie, a Scotchman, at a cost of $15,000. Owing to the distance from which the largest and best stone was hauled, from a quarry five miles distant, crossing Fleming's ford of the Catawba, with a team made up of a pair of oxen and a mule, making one load a day, caused a delay of several years before the building was completed, and in consequence, the contractor was bankrupted. Col. I.T. Avery, R.C. Pearson, and Thomas Walton were Commissioners. A mason from Tennessee, who had a high reputation as a builder of fine edifices, made a proposition to build the court house of brick, on the plan of the stone one, for $10,000. I asked my father why Lyle's proposition was rejected, being cheaper, and, as I knew, he thought it would be handsomer. He replied in his usual facetious manner: "Pearson and I tried, but Col. Avery had stone in his head, and Pearson and I could not hammer it out." . . .

The McDowells, Bowmans, and Greenlees came from Virginia to Burke county previous to the Revolution. [Late 1750] [Joseph McDowell's grant on Quaker Meadows was 1749]. They were all related by marriage or consanguinity. Joseph McDowell, senior was of Scotch descent, and emigrated from North Ireland to America. He was born in 1715 and emigrated with his wife at an early age, having offended his wife's relatives, the proud O'Neals, the descendants of the ancient Irish kings, by his marriage with their sister, Margaret O'Neal. Wheeler, in his History of North Carolina, writes as if they (Joseph and his wife) had only two sons, Generals Charles and Joseph. On the contrary there were four: Hugh, Charles, Joseph and John. Charles died the owner of Quaker Meadows; Joseph died the owner of the fine plantations on Johns River, where the widow of the late Dr. Jno. McDowell lives. Dr. McDowell was the grandson of Major [Joseph] McDowell, of Pleasant Gardens, the son of Hunting John McDowell, the brother of Joseph McDowell, senior. Hugh McDowell was the father of Margaret, who married Capt. James Murphy, and the only child [John Hugh] was the offspring of this marriage. He married Margaret [Stringer] Avery, a niece of Col. Waightstill Avery, senior.

John Bowman, the husband of Grace Greenlee, came from Virginia about the same time as the McDowells and others. He was killed at the battle of Ramseur's Mills; he had but one child, a daughter, [Mary] who married William Tate, senior, of Hickory Grove, the old homestead of John Bowman; his widow, nee Grace Greenlee, married Gen. C. [Charles] McDowell. Major R. [Robert] McDowell Tate is the only living child of Wm. Tate, senior James Greenlee, senior, owned the place on which I live, [Creekside] and was living there before and during the Revolution. He, by his thrift, foresight and industry, was possessed of large and valuable bodies of land in North Carolina and Tennessee. He had five sons by his wife, Mary Mitchell, who was his cousin, viz: Col. John M. Greenlee, Ephraim M., William, James and David. He was regarded as the wealthiest man in the county. I remember an anecdote characteristic. On one occasion, during the war, a number of mounted Tories came to his house and demanded food for themselves and their horses. It was in the fall: he pointed to a field containing about three acres, telling them to turn their horses in the corn; the Tories lived in the county and he knew them: noting their names, he quietly waited until the termination of the war. There was a move made to indict all Tories and confiscate their property. Mr. Greenlee made these men a domiciliary visit, calling to each one's recollection the raid made upon his premises: frightened, they readily came to terms, and doubtless the damages were fully satisfied.

John McDowell, fourth son of Joseph McDowell, senior, [Quaker Meadows] left two daughters; they married brothers, John and Robert McElrath, both of whom were good and highly respected citizens of this county. The extensive lands on which they lived and died, were inherited by their wives from their father.

The elder Greenlees, McDowells, Tates and many of their relatives and descendants, at their decease, were interred on an eminence overlooking the beautiful low grounds of Quaker Meadows and the adjacent lands of the Catawba. Col. Joseph McDowell, [Ash Hill] as well as his brother, Gen. Charles, [of Quaker Meadows] were highly distinguished in the Revolution. They were very popular and held in high esteem by all who knew them. They were leading men in the days that tried men's courage and patriotism.

I have heard my mother speak in terms of the highest laudation of Gen. Joseph McDowell, his benevolence and sympathy with all suffering from any adversity; as a proof of this, he even shielded the Tories when the Whigs who had fought under his command (after the war) would threaten to maltreat and drive them out of the town. He would in words which they dared not disobey, command them to cease their persecutions; that the war was over, and we must live in peace and harmony. He died in 1801 at the early age of 45, and is buried by the side of his elder brother, General Charles McDowell. I went to his nephew, the late Capt. Charles McDowell, several years previous to the late war [Civil War], to find his grave, thinking it might throw some light on a private matter in which we were personally interested. On a rough, unhewn stone, rudely carved, was his name. In a short time, if not already, the name will be obliterated and the humble resting place of this hero and good man, can no longer be recognized. It will meet with the approbation of every good citizen of Burke county, if some members of this senatorial district, elected to the next Legislature, will ask the assembly to vote an appropriation for the erection of a monument to the memory of one who aided so much in obtaining the liberties we enjoy.

Revised 1/8/2022

Dedpepl

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

Notebook - North Carolina #2, Part 3

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