Written by Ed Tatum
Ed tells me that his grandmother learned about her family history from her grandmother who lived
with them in New Orleans. Ed in turn learned from his grandmother.
The
three Williams brothers who settled in the Scotland Neck area are Elisha, Solomon and Joshua.
Joshua at one time lived near Looking Glass Swamp neighboring our Sarah's brother James Josey. Elisha and Solomon lived between Cypress Swamp and the Roanoke
River near the James Josey Sr land. Elisha, who died ca 1755, was
wealthy, and he purportedly left his home to his brother Joshua who then passed it on to his son Elisha. This is presumably the "messuage" our Elisha sells from Franklin NC.
I have ordered copies of the original wills of Elisha (1755) and Joshua (1761) to verify all this. That should be proof positive that our Elisha was the son of Joshua.
As to why a boy of around 12 would inherit a plantation, below is what a NC State archivist
has to say on the subject. The original wills may also give more detail. For example, the widow Sarah may have had use of the plantation for the rest of her
life, but Joshua left it in his son Elisha’s name to keep it in the family. Thomas,
the older son, was already established in his own home when Joshua died, which may be the reason he only inherited land.
This is what the state archivist has this to say
about minors inheriting property in the case MATTHEWS-HUGH/2000-09/0969417505. This case is about a 7-12 year old boy who
gets land from his father.
“My name is Mark Valsame, and I work as
an archivist at the North Carolina State
Archives in Raleigh. I have been doing extensive genealogical
research for over 20 years and I am the author of a 1991 genealogy entitled ‘Nimrod and Amanda Johnson Stephenson of
Pleasant Grove Township,
Johnston County, North Carolina:
Their Ancestors and Descendants.’ Copies of my genealogy are available for inspection at the Genealogical Services Branch
of the North Carolina State Library in Raleigh, NC and at
the Johnston County Heritage
Center in Smithfield, NC. In 1988, I also compiled a book entitled "Stevenson Genealogy: Preliminary Sketches
and Abstracts," which includes detailed sketches on Solomon Stevenson, Sr. and his seven known children.
“To answer your questions regarding Solomon
Stevenson, Sr. and Hugh Matthews, the grandchild mentioned in Hugh Matthews' will of November 7, 1747 is Solomon Stevenson,
Jr. Some of the grandchildren mentioned in the will of Hugh Matthews were indeed minors. In the 18th century, a minor could
inherit land just as an adult, he merely could not dispose of that property except through a guardian until he attained the
age of 21 years. Indeed, Jacob Matthews, son of Joseph, who also received a residual interest in land bequeathed to his
father, was only a minor child at the time. All evidence shows that he was probably born about 1735-1740.” [which would make him only 7-12
years old when he inherited the land].
Sorting the two Elisha Williamses
We know our Elisha was in Franklin NC during the 1790s
when he appears in the county court records and where his children listed their residence on entering school.
It is also highly likely our Elisha is the one listed in
the 1790 census for Franklin, given the numbers and ages in
his household as well as the number of slaves. [The Elisha Williams in the 1790
Halifax NC census had only
1 slave).
1790
US Federal Census, Franklin,
NC (no township listed):
Elisha Williams, p 13.
1 free white male > 16 (Elisha, born before 1774)
3 free white males < 16 (William, Elisha and Josiah,
born after 1774. Joshua, perhaps, had either died or was born after 1790)
4 free white females (Sarah Josey, Betsy Norfleet Hunter, Martha and unknown)
13 slaves
This fits well with the 1800 census for Franklin:
1800:
US federal census for Franklin NC (Louisburg):
Elisha Williams, p 21.
1 free white male > 45 (Elisha,
born before 1755)
1 free white male 16-25 (William,
age 24 at Harvard)
3 free white males 10-15 (Joshua,
Elisha and Josiah)
1 free white female 26-44 (Elizabeth
Norfleet Hunter, age 22 and married?)
1 free white female over 45 (Sarah
Josey, age abt 49)
42 slaves
Elisha is listed directly above Nicholas Long in 1800,
whose father Col. Nicholas Long had also lived near Scotland Neck in Halifax. Note the large number of slaves. By comparison,
in 1850 Sarah Josey Williams had 9 slaves, her son William had 41 slaves and $20,000, and her son Josiah Frederick had 30
slaves and $15,000.
We know our Elisha moved to Franklin
from Halifax, based on the reported birthplaces of both William
Williams and Josiah F. Williams, his sons, as well as the following deed:
9 Feb 1801:
Halifax Deed 1148-(932) Elisha Williams of Franklin
Co., to Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax Co., 9 Feb 1801. $12,000. 2 tracts containing 666 acres: 1 (messuage) in Scotland
Neck, joining William Smith, Norfleet, Simmons J. Baker, Williams, Cypress Swamp; the
other tract, joining William Smith, Norfleet, James Smith, Ann Smith, Robert Smith, Thoas Barnes. Sig: Elisha Wililams.
Wit: Arthur Bell, Hen. Baker. May Ct 1801. L Long. CCt.
N.B. $12,000 was a very large sum of money at the
time, and this shows he was already acquiring the fortune for which he was noted. Compare
to William’s and Josiah Frederick’s holdings in 1850 above.
We also know from the deeds and wills previously discussed
that there were two Elisha Williamses from the same generation living in the Scotland Neck area of Halifax at the same time, and of the right generation to marry Sarah Josey. One was the son of Joshua Williams, and the other was the son of Joshua’s brother Solomon Williams. Joshua and Solomon were sons of Richard Williams of Isle of Wight (now Southampton), VA.
Since the 2 Elishas show up simultaneously in the Halifax records pre-1790, and it is likely that one had moved to Franklin
by 1790, it is also highly likely that the other Elisha (i.e. his first cousin) is the one listed in the 1790 census for Halifax.
So which Elisha is which?
Elisha Williams of Franklin
NC is the same one who owned the land adjoining the James Josey Sr land
This is proven by the following. (The blue bolded descriptions refer to the same tracts neighboring one another
over the years, as the owners change).
9 Feb 1801:
Halifax Deed 1148-(932) Elisha Williams of Franklin
Co., to Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax Co., 9 Feb 1801. $12,000. 2 tracts containing 666 acres: 1 (messuage) in Scotland
Neck, joining William Smith, Norfleet, Simmons J. Baker, Williams, Cypress Swamp; the other
tract, joining William Smith, Norfleet, James Smith, Ann Smith, Robert Smith, Thoas Barnes. Sig: Elisha Wililams. Wit:
Arthur Bell, Hen. Baker. May Ct 1801. L Long. CCt.
Drew Smith’s 1762 will left the “land whereon
I now live” to daughter Temperance, “it being the said land joining Widow Bell, Cypress Swamp, and Arthur Smith.”
This same land willed to Temperance was sold to Asahel
Brunson, where it is now described as near Scotland Neck, so it joins Cypress
Swamp and is near Scotland Neck:
1 Jan 1791:
Halifax Deed 731-278. James Alston
of Moore Co, the eldest son of Philip Alston and his wife Temperance to Ashael Burnson [Brunson] of Halifax Co. 5 shillings
sterling (no acres) which had been willed by Drew Smith dec'd to his daughter Temperance who had married Philip Alston
and sd Philip had conveyed sd land to sd Asahel Brunson 29 Apr 1789 on south side of Roanoke River near Scotland Neck.
James Alston relinquishes his title to the land. Sig: James Alston. Wit: Jno Bell Jr., Shadrack Rutland. Feb Ct 1791. CC:
William Wootten. Abstracts and Deeds of
Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
Here was the
sale:
29 Apr 1789:
Halifax DB 17. Philip Alston of Moore Co to Asahel Brunson of Halifax Co, 1537 pounds
4 shillings specie. 427 acres on the south side of Roanoke River joining
Arthur Smith, Cypress Swamp,
John Bell, Drew Smith. Sig: Phil. Alston. Wit: J. Dawson, Joab
Cotton. Aug Ct. 1790. CC. Wm Wootten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
John Bell was the son of Widow Bell.
The Arthur Smith
who joined Temperance’s land in the 1762 will of Drew Smith was Drew’s brother.
He married Ann Ruffin and died in 1789 leaving his land to his sons Arthur, Drew, James, William and Robert Ruffin
Smith in a will.
Arthur Smith
the son then sells a portion of that land joining Bronson, John
Bell, and Cypress Swamp
to his mother Ann Smith:
21 Nov 1791:
Halifax Deed Book 17, 851-(353) Arthur Smith of Halifax Co. to his mother Ann Smith of same. 21 Nov 1791. 750 pounds Virginia. 258 acres, joining Bronson,
John Bell, Cypress Swamp, James Smith, Elisha Williams. Sig: Arthur Smith. Wit:
Drew Smith, Elisha Dixon. Nov Ct 1791. CC: Wm Wootten.
Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax,
North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
Note Elisha
Dixon witnesses. Is this the same Elisha Dixon who witnessed the will of
Joshua Williams’s daughter Temperance Harris, and who in his own will in 1796 left our William Williams a horse?
Which takes us
back to the 1801 deed showing our Elisha’s land next to the heirs of Arthur Smith (of the 1789 will):
9 Feb 1801:
Halifax Deed 1148-(932) Elisha Williams of Franklin
Co., to Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax Co., 9 Feb 1801. $12,000. 2 tracts containing 666 acres: 1 (messuage) in Scotland
Neck, joining William Smith, Norfleet, Simmons J. Baker, Williams, Cypress Swamp; the other
tract, joining William Smith, Norfleet, James Smith, Ann Smith,
Robert Smith, Thoas Barnes. Sig: Elisha Wililams. Wit:
Arthur Bell, Hen. Baker. May Ct 1801. L Long. CCt.
Therefore, this is also the same Elisha Williams whose
land joined Arthur Smith’s (of the 1789 will) in 1780:
19 Apr 1780:
832-(352) Thomas Hunter and Priscilla his wife of Nash Co. to James Bryan, Thomas Blount Whitmill and Arthur Smith
all of Halifax Co. 19 Apr 1780. 533 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. 260 acres which Drew Smith willed
to his daughter sd Priscilla, joining Arthur Smith,
Elisha Williams. Sigs: Thomas Hunter, Priscilla
Hunter, James Bryant, Thomas B. Whitmill. Wit: Barbara Fort, Drew Smith. 20 Apr 1780. Sam. Spencer, J.S.C. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax County, North
Carolina 1771-1786, Vol II.
…and the same Elisha whose land joined the Josey
and Thomas lands in 1769:
30 Mar 1769:
Halifax NC Deed Book. 1450 (433) James Josey and Sarah his wife of Northampton Co to Edward Whitaker
of Bertie Co 30 Mar 1769, 85 pounds VA money, 100 acres on the south side of Roanoke River joining Thomas Hunter, Elisha
Williams, Josey, Thomas. Sigs: James Josey,
Sarah Josey. Wit: Thomas Hunter, Lemuel Wiggins, James Josey Jr., Aug
Ct 1769. Examined by William Branch Esq. Sarah Josey relinquished her right of
dower. CC: Jos. Montfort.
1 Apr 1769: Edward Whitaker of Bertie Co to Michael Smalley and Jacob Williams of Halifax
100 acres on the south side of the Roanoke joining Thomas Hunter and Elisha
Williams, Thomas. Sig: Edward Whitaker. Wit: Ann Thomas, Wm. Thomas, Cullen Cotton. May
Ct 1769. CC: Jos Montfort.
17 Feb 1772:
Halifax DB 77-121. James Smith executor of Michael Smalley
dec'd of Halifax Co. to Jacob Williams of same. 13 £ 7 S 6 P proc. money. The
transaction for the lifetime of Sarah Josey, wife of James Josey Sr. 100 acres which Michael Smalley had purchased
from James Josey Sr joining Jacob Williams, Elisha Williams,
William Thomas, James Smith. Wit: Barbary Bryant (x), Turner Smith, Feb Ct 1772. CC: Jos Monfort. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax County, North
Carolina 1771-1786, Vol II.
All of the following are likely our Elisha, given the names
and location. Here he is described as “of Halifax”
so has not yet made the move to Franklin.
Nov Ct 1784:
46- Ordered that James Smith, Jery Nelms, Elisha Williams and Thomas
Blount Whitmell or any Two of them Sette & divide the Estate of Thomas Edwards dec'd., & report &c.
"Halifax County, North Carolina Court Minutes 1784-1787."
13 Feb 1788:
Halifax Deed Book 17. 359-(40) James Smith of Halifax Co. to Thomas
Blount Whitmal and Jacob Barrow. 50 pounds proclamation money. 100 acres on south side of Roanoke
River, joining Drew Smith, Arthur Smith, Elisha Williams.
Sig: James Smith. Wit: Marmaduke Norfleet, Elisha Williams. Aug Ct.
1788. CC: Wm. Wooten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax,
North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
24 Mar 1788:
Halifax Deed 298-(11) Philip Alston and his wife Temperance
of Moore Co. to Elisha Williams of Halifax Co., 2721 pounds
specie. 567 acres, joining Roanoke River, Arther Smith, David Smith, John Bell. Sigs:
Philip Alston, Temperance Alston. Wit: Lawrence
Williams, Jacob B. Brazill. MAY CT. 1788. CC: Wm Wooten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
13 Aug 1788:
Halifax Deed Book 17. 487-(108) Elisha Williams of Halifax Co. to Phillip Alston of Moore Co. 2800 pounds specie.
570 acres, joining Drew Smith, Widdow Bell, Cypress Swamp, Arthur Smith, Gray, Bryant, Brewer. Sig: Elisha Williams. Wit: John Carrell, James
Alston, Joab Cotton. 3 Apr 1789. P.R. L. Long. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
Here, after 1790, the deeds just refer to the land our Elisha kept in Halifax, during the time he actually was a resident of Franklin. Again, the descriptions in blue joined the tract our Elisha Williams of
Franklin sold in 1801:
20 Dec 1791:
Halifax Deed Book 17. 1047-(480) State of N.C. (No.315) to Thomas Blount Whitmill.
20 Dec 1791. 290 acres on south side of Roanoke River, joining
Brunson, Robert
Riffin Smith, Elisha Williams.
Alex. Martin. J. Glasgow, Sec. Reg. 31 Dec 1792 in Halifax
Co. . Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax,
North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
10 Feb 1796:
Halifax Deed Book 17. 1652-(860) Thomas B. Whitmall
of Halifax Co. to Thomas Barrow of same. 10 Feb 1796. 900 pounds. 145 acres on south side of
Roanoke River known as Whitmill Island,
joining Whitmill, Asahel Brunson, Robert R. Smith, Elisha Williams. Sig: Thos. B. Whitmall. Wit: Marcus Bishop, Drew
Smith. Feb Ct 1796. CC: L. Long. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
Back to the other tract Elisha of Franklin sells in Scotland
Neck:
9 Feb 1801:
Halifax Deed 1148-(932) Elisha Williams of Franklin
Co., to Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax Co., 9 Feb 1801. $12,000. 2 tracts containing 666 acres: 1 (messuage) in Scotland
Neck, joining William Smith, Norfleet, Simmons J. Baker, Williams, Cypress
Swamp; the other tract, joining William Smith, Norfleet, James Smith, Ann
Smith, Robert Smith, Thoas Barnes. Sig: Elisha Wililams. Wit: Arthur Bell, Hen. Baker. May Ct 1801. L Long. CCt.
Simmons Jones Baker had
inherited land on Cypress Swamp from James
Smith (Drew’s brother), where it is shown to be on the east side of Cypress
Swamp, therefore between
the Swamp and the River.
10 May 1796: Halifax DB 17. 1735-(916). James Smith of Halifax Co to his granddaughter Polly Turner
Baker and her husband Simmons Jones Baker for “love, good will and affection” 1 tract on east side of
east side of Cypress Swamp which had been purchased from H…?, Council(?) Jones….” Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
Halifax Co NC Elisha
Below is the other Elisha Williams who stayed in Halifax.
1790: Federal
Census for Halifax NC (Edgecombe). Note: Edgecombe Parish and Edgecombe Precinct were names for the part of Edgecombe
Co (originally Bertie Co) that became Halifax Co in 1758 and encompassed Scotland Neck.
Elisha Williams, p. 9
1 free white male
> 16 (Elisha, born before 1774)
5 free white males < 16 (unknown)
3 free white females (unknown)
1 slave
The two Elishas appear together in the following deed,
when one is listed as Elisha Jr to distinguish him from the older Elisha whose deed he is witnessing here. My hunch is that Joshua’s son Elisha was the older of the two, and that he is the one who’s
selling. Solomon’s son is probably the younger or “Jr” of the
two, and he is witnessing the deed since it involves the home plantation that once belonged to Solomon. It doesn’t really matter which Elisha is which here, though, since the land passes out of their hands
and is no longer relevant, but it’s very useful in proving Solomon (and therefore his brothers Joshua and Elisha) back
to Capt Richard Williams of Isle of Wight:
15 Jan 1783:
Halifax DB 1045-654. Elisha Williams of Halifax Co
to James Bryant of same. 400 pounds. 150 acres which was part of land acquired by Arthur Davis who conveyed it to Richard Killingsworth on south side of Roanoke River, joining
Cypress Swamp,
James Barnes dec’d. Sig: Elisha Williams. Wit: Elisha Williams Jr, Charles Williams. Feb Ct 1783. CC: Wm Wootten.
Pub Regr Jno. Geddy. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax
County, North Carolina 1771-1786, Vol II.
14 May 1784:
Will #350 - pg. 108 - James Bryan - 14 May 1784 - Feb.
Ct 1785 lend wife Lucy Bryan lands and plantation, negroes etc. for her natural life or widowhood and at her death the sd.
negroes to be divided between my 2 daughters Sarah Bryan and Mary Bryan when son James Bryan comes of age estate to be divided
between my 3 children James, Sarah, and Mary lied wife 430 acres on Cahuca which I purchased of Jacob Pollack and at her death
the sd. land to go to my 2 daughters son James the home plantation
and the land I purchased of Elisha Williams the land purchased to Theophilus Cotton and Levy Lancaster to be
leased Wit: Thomas Whitaker, Sarah Cotton, Ann, Newman. Extrs: James Smith, Nicolas Bryan, Thomas Blount Whitmill(?)
and Drew Smith (a very difficult wll to read). "Genealogical Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824,
Halifax County, North Carolina",
Margaret M. Hofmann.
The older of the 2 Elishas (again, probably Joshua’s
son) had previously purchased this land from Charles Williams, where it is proven to be the same land on which Solomon Williams
had lived:
18 Aug 1778:
660-37. Charles Williams of Halifax
to Elisha Williams of same. 18 Aug 1778. 230 pounds proc. money. 150 acres where Solomon Williams dec'd had lived which had been
part of land owned by Arthur Davis and conveyed by Davis
to Richard Killingsworth on south side of Roanoke River joining Richard Smith, Cypress Swamp, James Barnes dec'd. Signed by Charles Williams, Olive Williams. Wit: Joshua Barker,
Henry Cotton. Aug Ct 1778. Examined
by John Justis Esq. Olive Williams relinquished her right of dower. Abstracts and Deeds
of Halifax County, North Carolina
1771-1786, Vol II.
and which Charles inherited from his father:
15 Aug 1770:
Halifax NC p.277, I Solomon Williams...unto my son Charles Williams the plantation
whereon I now live with all the land and two Negroes named Dick and Jude likewise a horse name Jack...to my son
Elisha Williams a certain tract of land containing 486 acres...two Negroes named Jim and Adam and one Mare called Polley....to
my Daughter Lydia Williams two negroes Ben & Venus...to my Daughter Menia one negroe named Eve...my negroe Wench Cate
shall be sold & the money to go towards paying just demands...lend to my Daughter Lynea Barrow one negroe Girl Venus...15
August 1770. (signed). November Court 1770.
15 Aug 1770:
Will #161 Pg. 277 Solomon Williams (dated) 15 Aug.1770 Probated Nov.
Ct. 1770. Son Charles Williams Plantation whereon I now live, negroes son Elisha Williams land on Kehukey
containing 486 acres etc. daughter Lydia Williams and Menia Williams (?) negroes each wife to enjoy Plantation for her natural
life and no longer daughter Lynea Barrow negro for her life and at her death the sd. negro and her increase to go to the sd.
Lynea's heirs or to my son Solomon Lawrence Williams my 5 daughters to have 2 rooms in my house residue of estate to be divided
after wife's death among my 4 children: Lucy Williams, Solomon Lawrence, Sarah Williams And Elizabeth Williams.
The following proves that this same land where Solomon
lived was bounded by both the Moratock (Roanoke)
River and Cypress Swamp, and that
1746 is probably the timeframe when Solomon moved from Virginia to Halifax:
3 Dec 1746: pg 51. [Edgecombe/now Halifax deed] William Killingsworth
Jr of Edgecombe Co to Solomon Williams of Virginia. 30 pounds VA money. 150 Acres on the south side of Marattock River,
joining Richard Smith, the Cypress Swamp, James
Barnes and the river, part of a patent to Arthur Davis for 300 acres and by him conveyed to Richard Killingsworth
and by birth right fell to the said William. Wit: Richard Hurlock, David Hopper, Elisha Williams, Thomas Hogood. Reg.
Edge. Co. Feb Ct 1746/7. R. Forster C.Ct. Abstracts
of Deeds from Edgecome Precint, Edgecombe County NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
As a side
note, it looks like the other half of the 300 acre grant that Arthur Davis had conveyed to Richard Killingsworth (and which
then passed to William Killingsworth) was sold to John Barnes of Northampton County and is possibly near the location of Barnes
Ferry:
16 Oct 1744: pg 214. [Edgecombe/now Halifax deed] William Killingsworth
of Edge Co to John Barnes of Northampton Co, 100 pounds current VA money, 150 acres of the south side of Morattock River,
joining Arthur Davis, Richard Killingsworth and three branches. Wit: William Levingston, Abraham Hood, Michael
Turner, Reg. Edge Co Feb Ct 1752. B. Wynns C.Ct. Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome
Precint, Edgecombe County NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
Solomon’s move in 1746 from VA to NC is confirmed
by the following Virginia deed in which Solomon Williams had sold the land he inherited in Southampton VA from his father
Richard Williams to Fleet Cooper on 24 Feb 1746 (1745 old style, 1746 new style calendar):
9 Mar 1757:
Southampton County, Virginia Deed Book 1 - 1749 to 1753 Pages 192-195: Fleet Cooper of Nansemond County
to Ephraim Lawrence of Nansemond County dated 9 Mar 1757 446 acres on the west side of the Blackwater (contained in
two patents, 280 acres and 380 acres, to Richard Williams, decd.,
on 3 Oct 1726 and given to his son Solomon in a will, Fleet purchased the land on 24 Feb 1745/6), 2) 166 acres
(granted to Nicholas Cobb in 1734 and sold to sd. Fleet on 24 Feb 1745/6), S: Fleet (signed) Cooper, W: Rachael (R) Daughtry,
John (signed) Winbourne Jr, and Henry (signed) Daughtry.
This same land that Solomon had inherited from his father
Richard is confirmed in the following:
27 Feb 1737/38:
Williams, Richard: Isle of Wight (now Southampton Co), VA. Leg.
son John, land on which Arthur Edwards now lives: Son Solomon, land on which
John Row did live; son Matthew, daughter Mary, wife Sarah; son Elisha my land in Nansemond Co., adjoining William West;
son George land in Nansemond; son Joshua land in Nansemond, son Daniel land in Nansemond; friend William Wiggins; to
my young children, Ex. Son Daniel Wiliams. D. Nove 8 1737 R. Feb. 27, 1737.
So
even though Solomon’s home plantation was on Cypress Swamp, it was sold off,
leaving only one Elisha on Cypress, the one who was already living there next to the Josey land before Solomon wrote his will
and divided up his land. This has to be Joshua's Elisha.
The land that
Solomon’s son Elisha inherited was on Kehukee
Swamp:
15 Aug 1770:
Halifax NC p.277, I Solomon Williams...unto my son Charles Williams the
plantation whereon I now live with all the land and two Negroes named Dick and Jude likewise a horse name Jack...to my son
Elisha Williams a certain tract of land containing 486 acres...two Negroes named Jim and Adam and one Mare called Polley....to
my Daughter Lydia Williams two negroes Ben & Venus...to my Daughter Menia one negroe named Eve...my negroe Wench Cate
shall be sold & the money to go towards paying just demands...lend to my Daughter Lynea Barrow one negroe Girl Venus...15
August 1770. (signed). November Court 1770.
15 Aug 1770:
Will #161 Pg. 277 Solomon Williams (dated) 15 Aug.1770 Probated Nov.
Ct. 1770. Son Charles Williams Plantation whereon I now
live, negroes son Elisha Williams land on Kehukey containing
486 acres etc. daughter Lydia Williams and Menia Williams (?) negroes each wife to enjoy Plantation for her natural life
and no longer daughter Lynea Barrow negro for her life and at her death the sd. negro and her increase to go to the sd. Lynea's
heirs or to my son Solomon Lawrence Williams my 5 daughters to have 2 rooms in my house residue of estate to be divided after
wife's death among my 4 children: Lucy Williams, Solomon Lawrence, Sarah Williams And Elizabeth Williams.
This was probably
the land that Solomon’s son Elisha inherited:
5 Jul 1760:
Halifax Deed 372-47. Granville grant to Robert Whitaker
of Halifax Co 5 Jul 1760 603 acres on the north side of Kehuky
Swamp joining Whitaker, Solomon Williams,
Henry Hobgood, Tobias Whitehead, William Whithead, John Whitaker. Sig: Thos Child for Granville. Wit: Thos Jones, Richd Vigers,
Jos. Montfotrd. Nov Ct 1788. Montfort Elbank attested to Child's signature. CC: Wm Wootten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
And this is probably Solomon’s son Elisha, since
Solomon’s son Solomon Laurence Williams is witnessing:
12 May 1788:
Halifax Deed Book 17. 306-(16). Drury Merrit of Halifax
Co to Elisha Williams of same, 225 pounds specie, 357
acres on the north side of Deep Creek, joining Farmer’s Branch, Little Deep Creek, Penelope Burgess, Great Deep Creek.
Sig: Drury Merrit. Wit: Solomon Laurence Williams, William
Henderson. May Ct 1788. CC: Wm. Wooten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
1791: 802-(325)
Elisha William of Halifax Co. to Drury Merritt of same.
(no day, month) 1791. 225 pounds specie. 357 acres on north side of Deep Creek, Farmers Branch, Little
Deep Creek, Great Creek, Penelope Burgess. Elisha Williams. Wit: Williams Vaughan. Aut Ct. 1791. CC: Wm Wooten. Abstracts and Deeds
of Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
Solomon’s children:
27 May 1776:
Halifax DB 514-501.
Theophilus Carter [Cotton?] and Jemima his wife of Halifax Co to Jesse Dickson of same. 230 pounds proc. money 200
acres which sd Jesse Dickson had purchased from William Barrow, on south side of Roanoke River, joining Kehukey Bridge,
Tarborough Road, William Dew, John Bell, Blackburns Branch, Charles
Williams, Elisha Williams, Solomon Dawson,
Cahukey Swamp. A deed from sd Dickson to Cotton mentioned.
Sig: Theophilus Cotten, Jemima Cotten (x). Wit: Solomon Dawson, Edward Whitaker, Charles Williams. Aug Ct 1777. CC: Ben McCulloch.
Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax County,
North Carolina 1771-1786, Vol II.
16 Mar 1778:
William Barnes of Halifax Co to Charles Williams of
same 100 acres on south side of Roanoke River joining Lewis Davis, Mr. Cullen Pollock, Wm. Barnes. Wit: Bartholomew Barnes,
Elisha Williams. Feb Ct 1779. CC: Ben McCulloch. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax County,
North Carolina 1771-1786, Vol II.
28 Oct 1782: Halifax DB 15, 1115-(22). State of NC
(no 72) to Charles Williams. 32 acres joining Solomon
Dawson, Whitehead, Kehukey Swamp,
Robt. Whitaker, William Simms. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax County, North Carolina 1771-1786, Vol II.
20 Jan 1785: Halifax DB 16, 43-(84). Charles
Williams of Halifax Co to Joshua Barker of same, 50 pounds specie, 32 acres which had been patented by said Charles
Williams 28 Oct 1782 joining Solomon Dawson, Whithead, Kehukey
Swamp, Robert Whitaker, William Simens. Sig: Charles Williams. Wit: Thomas Whitaker, William Barrow. Aug Ct. 1786. CC. Wm Wotten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
20 Jan1785:
Charles Williams of Halifax Co. to Joshua Barker of
same for 50 pounds 32ac which had been patented by said Charles Williams 28 Oct 1782 joining Solomon Dawson, Whithead, Kehukey Swamp, Robert Whitaker, Wm Simmons. /s/ Charles
Williams. Wits: Thomas Whitaker, Wm Barrow
These, on the other hand, probably refer to Joshua’s
son Elisha, since they concern Joshua’s son-in-law James Harris.
10 Nov 1769:
1481-(487) Halifax DB. Wm. Richardson of Johnson Co to Ely
(Elias) Harris of Halifax Co, 10 Nov 1769, 133 pounds VA money, 155 acres which was part of land Joseph Richardson purchased
from John Drew, joining John Blunt. Wm Richardson (x). Witnesses: Elisha
Williams, John Young, James Harriss. Nov
Ct 1769. CC: Jos Montfort
27 Jan 1770:
1520-(16). Halifax
DB. Isham Webb of Halifax Co to John Young and James Harris
of same. 280 pounds proc money. 6 negroes: Sisane, Ezekiah, Abram, Alice, Hannah, Jack.
Isam Webb. Witness: Elisha Williams, Marmaduke Young. Feb Ct 1770. CC: Joseph Montfort
24 Feb 1772:
Halifax DB 134-224. John Whitney of Halifax Co to James Harris of same. 100 pounds proc. money. 75 acres “lying
in Scotland Neck,” joining Pierce, John Drew. Sig: John Whitney.
Wit: Elisha Williams, Thomas Hodges. May Ct 1772. CC:
Jos Montfort. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax County, North Carolina 1771-1786,
Vol II.
This, also, is likely our Elisha because of the location,
and because “Mr.” at the time was a sign of wealth.
Jun 1777:
A Certain woman by the name of Dawson, in the town of Windsor, N.C., had reason to hope her soul was converted, saw baptism to be a duty for a
believer to comply with, and expressed a great desire to join the church at Cashie, under the care of Elder Dargan. Her husband,
who was violently opposed to it, and a great persecutor, had threatened that, if any man baptized his wife, he would shoot
him; accordingly, baptism was deferred for some considerable time. At length, Elder Tanner was present at Elder Dargan's meeting,
and Mrs. Dawson applied to the church for baptism, expressing her desire to comply with her duty. She related her experience,
and was received; and, as Elder Dargan was an infirm man, he generally, when other ministers were present, would apply to
them to administer the ordinance in his stead. He therefore requested Elder Tanner to perform the duty of baptism at this
time. Whether Elder Tanner was apprised of Dawson's threatening
or not; or whether he thought it was his duty to obey God rather than man, we are not able to say; but so it was, he baptized
sister Dawson. And, in June following, which was in the year 1777, Elder Tanner was expected to preach at Sandy Run meeting
house, and Dawson, hearing of the appointment, came up from Windsor to Norfleet's Ferry, on Roanoke, and lay in wait
near the banks of the river, and when Elder Tanner (who was in company with Elder Dargan) ascended the bank from the ferry
landing, Dawson, being a few yards from him, shot him with a large horseman’s pistol, and seventeen shot went into his
thigh, one of which was a large buckshot, that went through his thigh, and lodged between his breeches and thigh on the other
side. Elder Burkitt was present when the doctor (who was immediately sent for) took part of the shot out of his thigh. In
this wounded condition Elder Tanner was carried to the house of Mr.
Elisha Williams, in Scotland Neck, [Halifax County,
NC] where he lay some weeks, and his life was despaired of; but, through
the goodness of God, he recovered again. Dawson seemed somewhat
frightened, fearing he would die, and sent a doctor up to attend him. And, after Elder Tanner recovered, he never attempted
to seek for any recompense, but submitted to it patiently as persecution for Christ's sake.
From Lemuel Burkitt & Jesse Read, A Concise History of the Kehukee Baptist
Association - From Its Original Rise Down to 1808; Henry L. Burkitt, Lawrence, TN, editor, 1850. – jrd.
And this is likely our Elisha, because Joshua’s daughter
Martha married John Joyner.
1 Nov 1784:
Will Abstract [Abstract from the North Caroline Journal, Halifax, North Carolina 1781-1824 Volume III, Compiled by Raymond
Parker Fouts, Gen Rec Books USA.] Will Bk #3, page 67. Will #328 pg. 80 William Jarvis 1 Nov. 1784 Feb. Ct. 1785 Martha Joyner negro etc.
Easton Haynes son of Mary Haynes negro and the land on Kehuka on the road from Barnes Ferry to Whitmill Hill's
mill Mary Young daughter of Dice Young negro and the land I bought of Worrly etc. William Doles
son of Sarah Doles negro etc. and the land on John Dawson's Mill swamp
my daughter Lucy Williams daughter of Mary Williams plantation
whereon I now live which I bought of John Doles my mother Catherine Jarvis and sisters Patiena Jarvis and Sarah Jarvis 50
pounds each (a mention is made in this will of Nancy Hicks daughter of Nancy
Hicks in Maryland residue of estate to my daughter Lucy Williams and son John Joyner son of Martha Joyner Wit: Alexander Comb, Henry Sherrod, William Boykin, John Dawson, Sr. Extrs: Jeremiah Nelms, Thomas Boykin and Elisha Williams.
Also likely ours because of the location:
12 Feb 1785:
15/309 12 Feb 1785 William Gainer of Halifax Co. to John Drew of same For 333 pounds, 6 shillings, 8 pence. 100 acres
in Scotland Neck on South side of Roanoke River,
adj. Benjamin Fourman. Wit. Elisha Williams,
Thomas Gray, Thomas Boyakin. Feb Ct 1785. CC: Wm Wootten. P.R. Jno. Geddy. Abstracts
and Deeds of Halifax County, North Carolina
1771-1786, Vol II.
Early references to Joshua’s land, before he purportedly
inherited the land on Cypress from his brother Elisha.
21 Apr 1753: Halifax
NC Deedbook 17, 378-(50). Granville grant to John Williams of Edgecomb Co 186
acres joining Thomas Davis, Joshua Williams. Sig: Jas Jones for Granville.
Wit: John Haywood, Jas Conner. Nov Ct 1788 [sic]. Montfort Elbank attested to the signatures. CC. Wm. Wootten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax,
North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol. III.
12 May 1753: John Williams of Edge Co to John Brown of Edge Co 18 pounds curr money of VA 186 acres
near Looking Glass
Swamp joining Thomas Davis and Joshua Williams a grant to the said John Williams 12 Apr 1753. Wit: John
Pope, Barnaby Pope, Reg Edge Co May Ct 1753. Bejamin Wynns C.Ct. Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome Precint,
Edgecombe County NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
Abstract of Elisha’s will, original to follow
whenever it arrives:
This was the uncle of our Elisha. He provides for no spouse or children.
13 Aug 1751:
Last will of Elisha Williams, written 13 Aug 1751, probated Feb 1755
Edgecombe [now Halifax], NC County: Names: Brothers: Solomon Williams,
George Williams, Daniel Williams, Joshua Williams, John Williams. Nephew: Richard Williams (son of John Williams) Sisters:
Mary Carr, Elizabeth Daughtry. Executor: Joshua Williams. Witnesses: James Smith, Drew Smith, George Bell. Clerk of the Court:
Benjamin Wynns.
Early references to some of “Uncle” Elisha’s
land
16 Aug 1744:
pg 294. [Edgecombe now Halifax deed]. John Gray and Ann my wife of “Bartie” Co, surveyor, to Elisha Williams
(co. not identified) 40 pounds VA money, 230 acres near the mouth of Cain
branch and Morattock River.
Wit: Reading Blount, Joseph Bryan, R. Forster. Reg: Edge Co. Aug Ct.
1744. Robert Forster C.Ct. Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome Precint, Edgecombe County
NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
Cain branch
is no longer used, or found on any map that I’ve been able to locate, but it too was Scotland Neck as shown by:
1 Apr 1791:
Halifax Deed 808-328. John Thomas of Franklin Co
to Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax Co, 1000 pounds VA money, 280 1/2 acres on south side of Roanoke River in Scotland Neck joining Norfleet, Cane Branch, Smith, Nelms. Sig: John Thomas. Wit: Thos. Stokes, Milly Dinskes. Aug Ct 1791.
CC: Wm Wootten. Abstracts and Deeds of
Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
Cattail is another name no longer used that I can determine,
but seems to be Cypress Swamp
vicinity.
12 May 1758: Thomas Turner of Edge Co to James Smith of same 30 pounds curr money of VA 90 acres joining Cattail
Marsh and Marmaduke Norfleet. Wit: Drew Smith,
Joshua Williams, Jordan Thomas. Reg Edge Co June
Ct 1748 [sic]. J Montfort C.Ct. Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome Precint, Edgecombe County NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M.
Hofmann.
2 May 1743:
pg. 156. [Edgecombe now Halifax
deed]. James Turner of VA to Elisha Williams of Edge Co, 80 pounds current
money of VA, 295 acres joining John Gray, Thomas Turner,
the Cypress Swamp, and Arthur Bryant. All houses, orchards, etc. Wit: Thomas Turner (X his mark), Simon Turner (X his
mark). Reg, Edge. Co. May Ct 1743. Abstracts
of Deeds from Edgecome Precint, Edgecombe County
NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
John Gray and Arthur Bryant are the key to
pin “Uncle” Elisha’s land down to the Arthur Smith location and the tract our Elisha of Franklin
sells in Scotland Neck. [I did not copy the full deed trail at this stage, as
I hope the wills will make all that work unnecessary, but include a few glimpses here as to the general location].
Here is another indication of where Joshua was living after
his brother Elisha died ca 1755:
16 Mar 1758:
William Bryan and Arthur
Bryan to James Smith of Edge Co 20 pounds current money
of VA 190 acres on Cypress Swamp land
John Bryant bequeathed to his 2 sons. Wit: Drew Smith,
John Young, Joshua Williams. Registered Edge Co June Ct 1758. J. Montfort C.Ct.
Further indications
of where “Uncle” Elisha lived:
17 May 1743:
pg. 156. [Edgecombe now Halifax
deed]. Elisha Williams of Edge. Co, gentleman
[which means he had enough money to live without working] to William Uvale (?) [sic] of Edge Co, blacksmith, 7 pounds
10 shillings current money of VA, 50 acres more or less on the north
side of Cypress Swamp,
joining Thomas Turner, a pond and the swamp. Wit: Samuel Holiman, Robert Counsell. Reg Edge Co May Ct 1743, Robert Forster
C.Ct. Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome Precint, Edgecombe County NC
1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
Again, the north side of Cypress Swamp was the land between the swamp and the river.
30 Jan 1752/3:
p. 195. [Edgecombe now Halifax
deed]. John Gray of Granville Co to Elisha Williams of Edge. Co, 17 pounds current VA money, 100 acres on Morattock River joining
Drew Smith, the said Williams and the river, all houses, orchards etc. Wit: John Dawson, John Perrit, Nicholas
Perrit. Reg: Edge Co Feb Ct 1752. B. Wynns C.Ct. Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome
Precint, Edgecombe County NC 1732-1758 by Margaret M. Hofmann.
And, finally:
Franklin Co NC Elisha (just repeating these here
as a reminder of the Thomas connection:
Undated but
ca 1790s: Division of estate of Jesse Mabry, decd - To Anne, wife of John Terry, received her 1/7th part. Commissioners
William Pleasants, Jordan Hill, Elisha Williams, John Thomas. Undated - p. 16. Bradley, Will Book B, Franklin Co., NC, 1795-1804.
1 Apr 1791:
Halifax Deed 808-328. John Thomas of Franklin Co
to Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax Co, 1000 pounds VA money, 280 1/2 acres on south side of Roanoke River in Scotland
Neck joining Norfleet, Cane Branch, Smith, Nelms. Sig: John Thomas. Wit: Thos. Stokes, Milly Dinskes. Aug Ct 1791. CC:
Wm Wootten. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina, 1786-1796.Vol.
III.
16 Nov 1793:
Halifax Deed 1069-496. John Thomas of Franklin Co to
Thomas B. Whitmill of Halifax Co 100 pounds 240 acres joining William Champion, Whitehead, William Whitehead, Solomon Dawson,
Sims, John Bell. Sig: John Thomas. Wit: Drew Smith, Shadrach Bell. Feb Ct 1793. CC: L.Long. Abstracts and Deeds of Halifax, North Carolina,
1786-1796.Vol. III.
21 May 1796: Elisha Dixon 21 May 1796 Nov.
Ct. 1798 Friend William Williams son of Elisha Williams of Franklin Co horse,
saddle et. Elisha Hayes and James Haynes sons of Molley Haynes rest of my estate
and if they died under 21 or without heirs I give the same to the sd Molley Wit:
Hen Baker, Robert Ricks Extrs: Christopher Haynes Sr and Shadrack Bell. Halifax County
Will Abstracts 1758-1824
by Margaret M. Hoffmann, pg. 311.
1797: Division of estate of Thomas K.
Wynne, decd - Division includes 6 negroes: Miss Nancy Hill Wynne received Peter and Charles; Miss Evalina Belmont Wynne
received Dick and Sarah; Robert Hicks Wynne received Frank. [name of 6th slave missing from record, but was probably awarded
to RHW.] July 1, 1797. Signed by William Green, John Thomas and Elisha Williams, p. 4. Bradley, Will Book B, Franklin Co., NC, 1795-1804.
17 Apr 1799: Elisha Williams of Franklin
Co to Robert Freeman of Warren Co tract in Franklin between Fox Swamp and Mill Swamp, north side of Halifax Road, conveyed
by Jos Hill and Jos Thomas to the said Elisha, approx 74 ½ acres. Sig: Elisha Williams. Signed and sealed in
the presence of Jos. Wynne, Wm. Green. Franklin Co March Sessions. Test G. Hill
Jr, C.C. Reg. Test. Jer. Perry P.R.
11 Jul 1802:
Will of Benjamin Hill - July 11, 1802 - to two brothers Robert Hill and Thomas Hill; Extrs to keep control of negroes
Harper, Noah and wife, Cresse, to be kept in Franklin Co. and hired out until oldest child of Sarah Adams comes of legal age
and then the negroes to be divided equally among the 4 sons of Sarah Adams. To Polley Huckaby, negro Peggy; Extrs, friend
John Foster and John Huckaby. Signed. Witnessed by William Thomas and Starling Cooper. No date - p.69
9 Nov 1802:
Will of Thomas Mitchell - wife Mourning Mitchell and three children: Betsey, Luico, Kikomasa, all property to be
divided equally among them with the following exceptions: "in consideration of the uncommon attention diligence and care of
my daughter Betsey in my last sickness beyond what was to be expected in so early a life" to her a young mare about 2 1/2
yers old, called Nancy. The land is to be sold or rented at wife's discretion "and that they remove themselves to some more
convenient place not so thickly settled and having better range," she to purchase or rent as she sees fit. Extrs: friends
John Hunt, Elisha Williams, John Foster. November 9, 1802. Signed. Witnesses John Foster, John Gholson, Nancy Brickell.
Undated - p. 93
Thomas Mitchell married Mourning Thomas 4 FEB 1789 in Franklin Co NC.
1803: University of North Carolina Register
of Members of the Philanthrophic Society: Josiah Williams (non-graduate); residence at time of entering: Franklin
Co, NC.
7 Aug 1804: Elisha Williams to William Williams
“for natural love and affection” 2 tracts, one for 200 acres in Frankln Co on Sutherlands Mill Swamp, the other
approximately 237 acres coveyed by William Brickell to Elisha Williams; also 3 other tracts in Franklin Co lying on Flat Rock,
Lyon’s Creek, on both sides of the main post road, approx 626 acres “in the hole” conveyed by Benjamin Rush
to Elisha Williams, also 15 ½ acres on the east branch of Fox Swamp, coveyed to the said Elisha Williams by James Green.
Sig: Elisha Williams. Ack’d Franklin Co Sept Sessions 1804. Signed and sealed in the presence of Benj.an Mayfield, Willis
B. Dawson. Test. G. Hill Jr. C.Cy. Registered. Test. Jer. Perry P.R.
1807:
Williams, Josiah 1807 (03-04) Franklin
County. University of North Carolina.
[Probably means he matriculated with the Class of 1807 but only attended 1803-04?]
