Andersons of Colonial N. Carolina

I admit it… I’ve been sucked into conspiracy stuff… Its just fun.

http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/28279

Oddly enough, I have my own conspiracy going on.  I have a page on a place I call Foltera Fort.  And to be honest the place may only exist in my head.  But I still have fun with the theory.

http://andersonnc.com/foltera-fort/

And this is the Roanoke imaginary fort, not mine… I have MY imaginary fort on my own page.

My head hurts…. I think I have reached my limit….  I am running out of hair to pull out.

Joani Taylor and I are trying to unravel the spaghetti pile of Pitt folks in IOW… she is focused on her guy James Pitt who wanders down to Edgecombe County, NC about 1797 or so and dies…

a little background…

Joseph Godwin d. c1760

1) Matthew Godwin

a) Joseph Godwin

b) James Godwin

2) James Godwin

a) James Godwin

b) Joseph Godwin

3) Jonathan Godwin

a) Jonathan Godwin

b) Samuel Godwin

4) Patience Godwin m. James Pitt

a) Joseph Pitt

5) Martha Milner

6) Thomas Godwin

7) Samuel Godwin

8) Elizabeth Smith

WILL OF JOSEPH GODWIN OF ISLE OF WIGHT, VA

In the name of God Amen I Joseph Godwin of the County of Isle of Wight being

very sick and weak but in my perfect sensce and memory do ordain this my last

Will and Testament as followeth ~

I give unto my two Grandsons Joseph & James Godwin Sons of my Son Matthew two

hundred acres of land that I bought of Thomas Underwood joining the Old

Plantation and bounded by a line of marked trees and known by the name of the

Cyprus Pocosin and Ten Pounds Cash apeace to be paid unto them when they come

of age by my hereafter mentioned Exors and if either of them should die

before they come of age then their part to go to the other ~

I give unto my Grandson James Godwin son of my son James half of the crop of

corn now upon the ground & two younf heffers I give unto my Grandson Joseph

Godwin son of my son James Two Young Heffers and five pounds cash which money

I desire may be paid out of my stock ~

I give unto my Grandson Joseph Pitt forty Shillings cash to be paid unto him

immediately after this my will is proved and one young heffer ~

I give unto my two grandsons Jonathan and Samuel Godwin sons of my son

Jonathan my negro girl called Pegg to be equally divided between them ~

I give unto my daughter Patience Pitt fifty pound the money that (last ??)

was valued to ?? ~

I give unto my daughter Martha Milner two cows and one younf heffer ~

I give unto my son Thomas Godwin one bed and furnioture and my wearing

clothes ~

I give unto my son Samuel Godwin my negro man Saul ~

I leave my negro Pink to be sold and Ten Pounds of the money to be given to

my son Jonathan Godwin ~

I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Smith five pound cash to be raised out of

my stock ~

I give unto my daughter Martha Milner ten pound if so much left after my

other legacies is paid~

And all the rest of my estate to be disposed of at the descretion of my

hereafter mentioned executor among my grandchildren after my just debts is

paid ~

And I do appoint and ordain my Son in Law James Pitt my Whole & Sole Executor

of this my Last Will & Testament in Witness hereof I have hereunto set my

Hand and fix my Seal this 17th day of November 1757 ~

Joseph Godwin (S S)

Sealed & Signed in presence of us]

Thomas Godwin

Samuel Bridger

James Godwin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At a Court held for Isle of Wight County January 1st 1761 ~

The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Godwin Deced was presented in Court by

James Pitt the Executor therein named who made oath thereto and being proved

by the Oath of Thomas Godwin and Samuel Bridger two of the witnesses thereto

is ordered to be recorded ~

Test Richard Baker Cl

—————-

Got it?   Simple enough…. James married Patience…              Nope… lots of controversy….

PATIENCE GODWIN

source:

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bfulgham&id=I18789

Chapman’s Isle of Wight County Marriages records the marriage of John Pitt and ……(Prob. Patience) Godwin, sister of Thomas Godwin, in 1748. This date is not considered accurate based on John Pitt’s death date of 1748 and the fact that he and Patience had six children. The will of Joseph Godwin, father of Patience and Thomas, and grandfather of Joseph Pitt, appears to add credibility to the assumed marriage of John Pitt and Patience Godwin

Chapman’s Isle of Wight County Marriages records the marriage of James Pitt and Patience Godwon, daiughter of Joseph Godwin, in 1757. Patience’s first husband, John Pitt, had died in 1748. Her father, Joseph Godwin. lists James Pitt as son-in-law in his will of 1757. Although Patience and John Pitt had six children, it is unclear if Patience and James Pitt had any children.

I think I can figure out the problem above…  a John Pitt marries a daughter/sister, (whatever) “Patience” of Thomas Godwin…  and a James Pitt marries a daughter “Patience” of Joseph Godwin………..    simple.

from Sallys Place  (she seems to agree with me)

http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/MulberryGrove/godwint.htm

Children of Col. Thomas Godwin II died 1714 and Martha Bridger:

1. Col. Thomas Godwin III ca 1680 – 1734/40

married Mary Godwin his first cousin

2. Joseph Godwin ca 1680/5 – 1761 Isle of Wight Co will

Burgess for Isle of Wight 1714, 1723; high sheriff and of the court in1719,  1720

names grandsons , Joseph, Jonathan.

a. Samuel Godwin bef 1717 –

b. Elizabeth Godwin bef 1717 –

c. Matthew Godwin

i. Joseph Godwin

ii. James Godwin

d. Thomas Godwin

e. Jonathan Godwin ca 1710 – 1769

i. Samuel Godwin

ii. Jonathan Godwin

f. Patience Godwin

            married James Pitt

               James Pitt married 2nd Mrs. Mary Rand Smith

g. James Godwin 1715/20 – 1750

married Elizabeth

i. James Godwin

ii. Joseph Godwin

married 2nd Mary Moscrop

dau of Thomas Moscrop and wife Susanna will 1745 Isle of Wight

h. William Godwin

 I have “smoking gun” proof that one James Pitt did in fact marry Mary Rand Smith…

Pitt _IOW to Edgecombe

But there is a John Pitt that dies in 1748 and another in 1760… my head is starting to throb….

The will of John Pitt dated Nov 17 1748 named legatees: son John; son Edmond; daughter Elizabeth; daughter Mary; daughter Lidia; son Joseph. Executors: brother Joseph Pitt and brother-in-law Thomas Godwin. Witnesses: Charles Fulgham, Joseph Bridger, Jr., & John House. Recorded March 9 1748.

I’m guessing the sister of Thomas Godwin was named Patience?  But then again, she evidently has died by the time of the 1748 will… she is not mentioned. (So Chapman was correct in her abstract where she said   “______ Godwin married John Pitt, sister of Thomas Godwin.”   I have no idea what her name was.)

Pitt, John – will dated 6 Dec 1760 recorded 5 Mar 1761. A suit now depending for 500 acres that Captain John Monro died in possession of to be continued for my son; wife Priscilla; son John; daughters Elizabeth and Priscilla; son William Pitt. Witness William Casey, Elizabeth Cutchins and Samuel Cutchins Jr. [7:61]

And now the lawsuits start….

Isle of Wight Co., VA, Order Book 1772-1780, p. 216

abstracted by Matt HARRIS [brackets, line breaks & surname capitalization mine]

[p] 216

[At a court held for Isle of Wight Co. 5 Nov 1773]

Put in the County of Isle of Wight of the demise of John PITTS ~

This day came as well the Plaintif by his Attorney as Jonathan GODWIN who

was admitted defendant in this Suit in the Room of the said Nicholas WAIL, by

their Attorney, and thereupon also came a Jury, to wit, Joseph FULLGHAM,

Richard WILLIAMS, Nathan WHITLEY, William HODSDEN, Henry PITT [would this Henry Pitt be on this “Jury” if he was “related” John Pitt?], Joseph

ATKINSON, Robert DRIVER, Thomas CUTCHIN, Thomas PARKER, John SMELLY, Aaron

SPIVEY and William BELL, who being elected tryed and Sworn the truth to speake

upon the Issue Joined upon their Oath do say that the defendant is Guilty in

manner and form as in the declaration against him is alledged, and they do

assess the Plaintifs damages by occasion thereof to one penny besides his

Costs, Therefore it is considered that the Plaintif Recover against the

defendant his term yet to come of and in the premmises together with his

damages aforesaid in form aforesaid assessed and his Costs by him about his

Suit in this behalf expended and the said defendant may be taken &.c ~

[margin note] Costs 256 Cs Gross Tob.o & 30/ or 300 D Tob.o ~

———————————————–

William DAVIS………………..Plt.}

against                         }  In Debt upon a bond by consent of the

}  parties without a Suit

Nathaniel BURWELL……………Deft.}

This [‘day’] came as well the plaintif by his Attorney as the defendant

in his proper person and the said defendant acknowledgeth to owe to the

Plaintif the sum of fifty four pounds the debt in the said bond mentioned,

Therefore It is considered by the Court that the plaintif Recover against the

defendant the said fifty four pounds and his Costs by him about his Suit in

this behalf expended and the said defendant in Mercy &.c  But this Judgement

is to be discharged by the payment of twenty seven pounds with Interest for

the same to be computed after the Rate of five Per Centum Per Annum from 25.th

day of October 1773 ’till payment and the Costs ~

[margin note] Costs 61 Cs Gross Tob.o & 15/ or 150 D Tob.o ~

———————————————–

Present  Arthur SMITH & Daniel HERRING Junior Gent.

———————————————–

Absent  Brewer GODWIN Gent. ~

———————————————–

A writing purporting the last Will and Testament of Ann FULLGHAM deceased

being produced and Read and heard on the depositions taken and Returned and

the validity thereof strongly contested, It is the opinion of the Court that

the said Writing is the true last will and Testament of the said of the said

Ann FULLGHAM as to such personal Estate as she died seised of, and it is

Ordered to be Recorded ~

———————————————–

John PITT by Joseph CUTCHIN his Guardian}

and next friend…………………….}….Plt.}

against                                     }  In Detinue

Thomas CAMPBELL………………………..Deft.}

This day came as well the Plaintif by his Attorney as the defendant by

his attorney and thereupon the case agreed in this Cause in lieu of a special

Verdict being Solemnly argued, it seems to the Court upon the whole matter

that the law is for the Plaintif ~

[page break]

And here is the lawsuit that makes my head hurt…  because “I think” this John Pitt mentions a brother “James”… which could be Joani’s guy… but then again, She burned the damn will!

http://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=093-1790-008

There are 17 pages in the link…                  click on these images below a couple times to enlarge…

“…That a few days after the death of Jno Pitt she heard Elizabeth / now Mitchell sister of the said Pitt ask Priscilla Cutchings her mother for the said Will who went to the desk & took the said Will & read it to the said Elizabeth, & that she the said Elizabeth read it herself at the same time _ that the said Elizabeth then informed this deponent that her brother John Pitt had given all the land & everything else away from her which she did not believe until she had seen it herself _ a few days after this _ the said Elizabeth confessed (crossed out) told this deponent in a conversation that she would endeavor to destroy the said Will…”

My question is…

James Pitt married Patience Godwin… did they have any children?

And… is there any proof he remarried to Mary Rand Smith? Any children?
——————

After reading the account… it seems this John Pitt, writing his will in 1780, did NOT refer to a “brother” James. His accounting is “my brother(s) James and Joseph Cuchings”. Apparently his only heir being his sister Elizabeth.

The scam evidently fooled her husband until his death at about the same time…

Will and Administrations of Isle of Wight County Virginia 1647-1800
RICHARD WEST
13Jan1781
1Mar1781
To brother RALPH, horse which was taken into public service by Capt. WILLIAM SPILLER; dau PRISCILLA PITT WEST; wife ELIZABETH, estate she inherited from her brother, JOHN PITT; son JOHN PITT WEST.
Exec: brother RALPH WEST, also the guardian to dau PRISCILLA PITT WEST.
Wits: JOHN SCARSBROOK WILLS, JOSIAH CUTCHIN, JAMES CASEY.
Security: THOMAS KING, JAMES WILLS.

She then remarried James Mitchell… she apparently was left nothing in both wills… after the sparks settled down.
————–
If you start putting all these jigsaw pieces together a picture begins to emerge…

From the 1773 lawsuit, Joseph Cutchin is acting on behalf of an underage John Pit.  Joseph Cutchin married his mother Priscilla Pitt …

Pitt, John – will dated 6 Dec 1760 recorded 5 Mar 1761. A suit now depending for 500 acres that Captain John Monro died in possession of to be continued for my son; wife Priscilla; son John; daughters Elizabeth and Priscilla; son William Pitt. Witness William Casey, Elizabeth Cutchins and Samuel Cutchins Jr. [7:61]

John Pitt d.1760 was the father of John Pitt d.1780.

—————-

I slammed Joani with a challenge… What proof is there that John Pitt d 1748 is the father of John d1760? 

She comes back with a record of 2 slave’s names…. not bad…. remember that my proof for the death of Jame’s brother Henry was a “ring”… c’mon folks we are grasping at straws.

At a court held for Isle of Wight County March 9th 1748. The last Will and Testament of John Pitt deceased was presented in Court by Joseph Pitt one of the Executors therein named who made oath thereto and being proved by the Oath of Charles Fulgham and Joseph Bridger Junior two of the witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

from his will:

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son John Pitt my Negro Man called Luke and my Negro Man called Peter.

and from the estate papers of John Pitt d 1760:

John Pitt 1761 his wife md Joseph Cutchin
John Pitt
Date: Dec 6, 1760
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record ID: 23446
Description: Testator
Prove Date: Mar 5, 1761
Book-Page: 7-61

Remarks: John Pitt. Leg.-a suit now depending for 500 acres, that Captain John Monro died in possession of, to be continued for my son; wife Priscilla; son John; daughter Elizabeth; daughter Priscilla; son William Pitt.

This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.

6) John 1761 slaves
– PETER, JUDAH, WILL, BEN, JACOB, HARRY, LUKE

That’s it folks …. that is the proof… if you don’t like it make a comment and show where we are wrong.

Further back, the father of John 1748 was Henry Pitt d 1719 (his Executor was brother Joseph and bro in law Thomas Godwin)… so this entire line of “Johns” traces to the first Robert Pitt.

 

———————

From this newly found will of 1780 several questions may be answered….  it seems that John Pitt d.1780 has only ONE heir… his sister Elizabeth.  Which means the other siblings in the will must be dead (Priscilla and William).   Apparently he felt his sister was taken care of by her marriage to Richard West so he left his property to his mother and half brothers James and Joseph Cutchin.

His mother Priscilla Pitt Cutchin dies 1787…

Cutchin, Priscilla

Leg: Son Joseph, James Cutchin

Grandson: John West

Ex: Son Joseph Cutchin

D. October 8, 1787

R. June 5, 1788

Wit: Willis Wilkinson, David Dick

Security: John S. Wills

.

Elizabeth Pitt West has a rocky time with her husband Richard West…  they go to court … he dies in the middle of it all apparently and she marries James Mitchell….. whew.

…her lawsuit…

http://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=093-1782-002

————–

It all did seem to work out for Elizabeth Pitt West Mitchell however…. several deeds were crafted in 1784 which refer to at least some of the land of her brother John Pitt:

JAMES/ELIZABETH MITCHELL and JOHN PITT WEST
In the left margine of this deed it is written
” September 3 , 1810 debtr to Maj. Jos. Cutchin”
This indenture made 1st day of December 1783 between JAMES MITCHELL of Newport In Co. of IOW and ELIZABETH his wife of the one part and JOHN PITT WEST of the same parish and county of the other part – whereas on JOHN PITT late of said County and IOW was in his lifetime at the time of his daeath seized and possessed of a very considerable estate in lands lying and being in the parish and county aforesaid and being so seized departed this life making any proper legal dispostion of the same by virtue – -whereby the said lands of the said JOHN PITT hath by law descend and come to the aforesaid Elizabeth, party herto, as the only sister of the whole blood and heir at law of the said JOHN PITT deceased now this indenture – – therefore witnesseth that the said JAMES MITCHELLand ELIZABETH his wife for the natural love and affection and for and in consideration of the sum of 5 shillings current money of Virginia by JOHN PITT WEST to the said JAMES MITCHELL and ELIZABETH his wife in hand paid – – hath granted – – unto JOHN PITT WEST and his heirs – – a parcel of land – -200 acres being part of the lands which have descended and come to the said ELIZABETH as the only sister and heir of law of the said JOHN PITTdeceased bounded as followeth –
to wit beginning at an oak a corner tree of JAMES MITCHELL’S running so 45 poles along a line of marked trees to a corner pine – thence souht 20 degrees west along a line of marked trees – 225 poles to the SANDY RIDGE ROAD then up the said road to a marked tree standing near the road thence north 57 degrees east along a line of marked trees across the swamp called the GREAT SWAMP to CUTCHIN’S line then
along a line of marked trees southwardly to a gum and corner tree of PRISCILLA CUTCHIN’S thence eastwardly along a line of marked trees to the first station – – and all houses, edifices, buildings, gardens orchards, waters, water courses – – -unto the said John Pitt West his heirs – –  Signed      JAMES MITCHELL ( his seal)
ELIZABETH MITCHELL (her seal)
In presence of – THOMAS SMITH, JAMES PEDEN, JAMES WILLS
Proved 4th March 1784

—————————————————

.

And nowhere in that spaghetti is a “James Pitt”…..   so I figure I’ll back up to the Joseph Godwin will of 1757… remember James Pitt is the Executor…

My motto is “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see”…

So it may NOT have been James Pitt in that will… it may have been a William Pitt??????

 

Here is the 1792 court case…

http://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=093-1792-006

Got a headache yet?

…

………. a little tidbit about the author of the GODWIN family in Boddie’s book…

And true to her word Miss Holladay delivered this will to the Nansemond folks in 1918… 6 years prior to the Civil War her father obtained a copy of it.

.

Copy of the Will of THOMAS GODWIN
Old Nansemond Will Book 7, Page 261
[Suffolk Court House, Virginia]In the name of God Amen I, THOMAS GODWIN of Nansemond County being very sick
do make this my last will & testament in manner and form following:First I give and bequeath unto my son THOMAS GODWIN the land and plantation
whereon John Samson now lives to him and his heirs.It: I give and bequeath unto my son JOHN GODWIN all the land and plantation I
purchased of William Campbell to him & his heirs forever.Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my two sons READE and JEREMIAH GODWIN all
the lands I purchased of my brother EDMOND GODWIN to be equally divided
between them, beginning at the main Creek and taking its length outwards to
them and their heirs forever.Fourthly, I give and bequeath unto my son JAMES GODWIN my watter mill with
her stones and tackling to him and his heirs.  As for the rest of my estate
of what nature or kind soever I desire it may be equally divided between my
loving wife, MARGARET GODWIN and seven children, THOMAS GODWIN, JOHN GODWIN,
READE GODWIN, JEREMIAH GOEWIN, JAMES GODWIN, MARY GODWIN, SAMUEL GODWIN.I appoint my two sons THOMAS GODWIN and JOHN GODWIN my Executors of this my
last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal this 11th day of December 1749.THOMS.
GODWIN, (S.S.)
Signed, sealed & delivered
in the presence of us
Thos. Davis
JOSHUA GODWIN
BURGH GODWIN
MATTHEW GODWIN

At a Court held for Nansemond County, February 12th 1749.

The last will and Testament of THOMAS GODWIN Gent:  deceased, was proved by
the oaths of JOSHUA GODWIN, BURGH GODWIN and MATTHEW GODWIN, three of the
witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded.

Teste,
J. Wright Cl. Court

At a Court held for Nansemond County April 9th, 1750.
THOMAS GODWIN and JOHN GODWIN, the Executors named in the LAST WILL AND
Testament of THOMAS GODWIN, Gent: deced, refusing to take upon them the
bother of the execution thereof; on the motion of MARGARET GODWIN, relict of
the said THOMAS GODWIN dec’d who made oath according to law: certificate is
granted for her obtaining letters of Administration on the estate of the sd.
THOMAS GODWIN with his said will annexed in due form:  Whereupon she with
EDMOND GODWIN, John Reade, James Pitt, and JOSHUA GODWIN, her securities
entered into bond for that purpose.

Teste,
J. Wright Cl. Cur.
A copy Teste; Peter B. Prentis, Clerk

VIRGINIA:

In the Clerk’s Office of Nansemond County Circuit Court, the 13th, day of 
April, 1918. The foregoing Copy of Will with certificates thereon was 
produced by Miss Mildred M. Holladay to the Clerk of said Court and on her 
application is recorded anew, the Will Book from which the same was copied 
having being destroyed by the burning of the Clerk’s Office and the records 
on the 7th day of February, 1866.

Teste: G. E. Bunting, Clerk
By: Ruby V. Benton, D.C.

source:    http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/GODWIN/2002-06/1024883915

——————————————————

This is the earliest “smoking gun” reference I’ve found for this James… other than the 1702 will of Col. John Pitt.  

.

And if you connect the dots from the burning of the “Nansemond” Will Book on 7th day of February, 1866… any “hard” record for this James Pitt went up in flames.  I think any record to be found now will be his “shadow” where he may be a witness here and there to an “Isle of Wight” record… of which, most of those records survived the Civil War.   

——————————————————

This is roughly the area I am talking about…

Everyone who plays this genealogy game needs a worthy opponent to keep them straight… chess, checkers.. whatever.

A dear email friend is a “direct” descendant of the Pitts from IOW.  She is running me through my paces.  We are in to the nitty gritty and having a ball… join in.  I think we are breaking some new ground.

Pitt _IOW to Edgecombe

This gives me something to ponder when reading descriptions of the colonial homes of the 1700s…. course this is pretty modern…

http://www.viralnova.com/retired-mathematician-cabin/

A commenter (Joel Hutto) is looking for leads on an ancestor from Edgecombe County…

Marc

I am really enjoying looking over your site. I feel my ancestor is from this line, but I cannot figure out how he fits in. I think he is probably from a son of Thomas’s whose probate and/or will does not name children. My guy’s name was Willie Price b ca 1785, his wife was names Mary b ca 1783 and their children were Priscilla, Oren Wiley, Elizabeth, Alfred and Drusilla, all born in NC but the family moved to Henry County TN sometime in the 1830′s. My Willie is in the 1810 census next to a Hardy Price and on the page after where Joel Price is listed (the son of Jesse Price). In 1806 Wilie Price bought 65 acres adjoining Jesse Price, Dempsey Battle, John Sumner and sold it to William Price in 1809. In 1810 he then purchase 100 acres in South Side of Swift Creek beginning at Indian Branch adjoining Nasworthy Mials/Mails. In 1833 Willie Price of TN sold that land to Willis Wells. In 1815 Willie Price was listed as a buyer for the estate of Joel Price and a year later in 1816 of Joel’s widow Nancy. Willie is neither an heir to Joel, nor to Joel’s father Jesse who died a couple of years earlier. This leads me to believe Willie was most like a cousin to Joel, thus a child of one of Jesse’s brothers, possibly Elijah or William.

In 1824, my Willie Price was the Administrator to the Estate of an Elizabeth Mials of Edgecombe County. Some buyers include Richard Manning, Willis Wells, Burwell Rose, Willie Price and Micajah Rose.

In 1847, Willie Price was Administrator of the Estate of Exum Manning in Henry County TN. After more searching, I realized he was the son of Thomas Manning who died in Edgecombe County, NC abt 1824. In Thomas’ will he lists his wife Mourning, and sons Richard, Exum, Nathan and Thomas, the latter 2 both minors. It appears Exum may have gone to Henry County with the Price’s and his brother Thomas went to Robertson County TN with a Richard M. Rose and his family. Both Exum and Thomas appeared to remain single and their brothers seem to have married and stayed in Nash and Edgecombe Counties.

If you have run across this Willie Price (pronounced Wiley), I would certainly appreciate a heads up! I cannot find out which family he is from, nor his wife’s maiden name and yet I keep solving mysteries of other families he was involved with.

—————————————–

I haven’t found any hard leads but did find this mention in the estate file for Jonanthan Price in 1817.

Jonathan Price (wife “Polly”…which may be a nickname? A web comment suggests she may be Mary Oneal?) appears to have left 7 children (Asa, Elizabeth, Redman, Tempy, Joel, Jackson and 2 who were of age in 1823/4,  Joab and Pricilla. (see Familysearch.org   NC, Edgecombe, Probate Records, Accounts, 1820-1828  image 302).

If anyone has anything to offer, feel free to comment… the Price folks are a tangled mess to document. The Familysearch.org website has numerous Price documents to ponder…
—————————————

In 1811, Jonathan Price was Executor for Isham Oneal…. mentioned below are James and William Anderson (sons of William Anderson d1789) The wife of William Anderson Sr was Mourning Price (daughter of Thomas Price d 1779).
The Swift Creek area was northside of the Tar River… many of the folks above mentioned lived around that area.

—————————————

Edge. Co. Db 19, page 479, deed date 18 Nov 1829, recorded Nov Ct
1829, Willis Wells to John H. Wells, each of Edge. Co, for one dollar,
a tract on the south side of Swift Creek beginning at two pines on the
edge of Indian Branch then south 75 west 12 ½ poles to three black gums
on said Indian Branch Willie Price’s corner then up the same the
various courses thereof to a small drain, a sweet gum & pine then up
said drain to a red oak then south 26 poles to the center of two post
oaks & red oak then south 87 east along a line of newly marked trees to
a stake in Wm Roses’ line then north to the beginning, containing 50
acres, signed Willis Wells, wit James George, Bryant G. Pope (proved).
Abstracted 3 May 07, NCA film C.037.40015. CTC.

Edge. Co Db 21, page 4, date of deed 18 Nov 1833, date recorded Nov
Ct. 1833, Willie Price, of Tenn., no county stated, to Willis Wells,
Edge. Co. for $157.80, a tract of land beginning at a black gum
standing in Indian Branch then along Harrod Pitman’s line south to four
gums on a prong of said branch then up the various courses of said
branch to the head then west a line of marked trees to a black gum and
pine then north to a pine then down the said branch to the beginning
containing 100 acres, signed Willie Price, wit. Thomas L. Maner, John
H. Wells. Abstracted 9-15-01, FHC film 0370237, CTC.

——————-

An aside…

One has to be very nitpicky when trying to figure out where an ancestor lived…  I was intrigued concerning the “Indian Branch” mentioned in the above deeds… I think it has been long forgotten and can only be re-found by a careful study of the original deeds (if they can be found).

Note this deed of 1782…

Edge. Co. Db E, page 411, deed date 28 Oct 1782, recorded Nov Ct 1783,
NC grant #150 to John Jones, a tract containing 100 acres on the south
side Beach Run beginning on the county line that divides Edgecombe and
Nash Co at a pine in Jeremiah Hilliard’s line standing on the head of
the Indian Branch then by said Hilliard’s line east 256 poles to the
corner a pine then by his other line north 36 poles to his corner pine
then by said to his corner pine then by said line west 83 poles to the
corner a red oak then by his other line north 56 poles to the center of
two pines on or near said line then west 110 poles to a pine in said
county line in said county line then by the county line to the
beginning, signed Alex. Martin, wit J. Glasgow, Sec. Abstracted 8-29-
04, NCA film C.037.40006, CTC.

another deed in 1853…

Edge. Co. Db 26, page 521, date of deed 24 Sep 1853, date recorded
Feb. Ct. 1855, pursuant to an order of Halifax and Edgecombe Courts, to
run and mark the dividing line between Halifax and Edgecombe County
beginning at a large pine the corner of Martin County at or near the
head of the Indian Branch and on the south side of the head or
(pocoson) thereof then down the meanders of said branch to Deep Creek
then up the various courses of said creek to the mouth of Marsh Swamp
then up the various courses of said swamp to the fork thereof then
running south 88 west 800 poles to a sycamore on Fishing Creek below
Biggs Old Mill site, signed L.C. Pender, R.S. Petway (Edge), Lemuel S.
Savage, Samuel Hyman (Halifax). Abstracted 10 Feb. 01 FHC film 0370240,
CTC.

I rest my case… don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see… just sayin’…

I think Willie Price lived somewhere between Swift Creek, Beach (Beech)Run and north of the Tar River… not necessarily on the original property of Thomas Price of 1779 but near it.  Similarly, if you study the deeds you find online, there is a Buck Swamp which is south of the Tar River a couple miles west of Walnut Creek or the area known as Heartsease…. I think there is another forgotten and lost area known as Buck “Run” which is noted with some of the folks mentioned above (NORTH of Tar River).  Needless to say, you won’t find them on modern maps.

(When I mentioned “deeds you may find online”… they usually will end with that odd phrase “CTC”… and thanks to my email friend Tracy Thompson, it can be attributed to a guy named Tommy Colbert… who I must thank profusely for his contribution to all our efforts to find our ancestors… thanks Tommy)

—————————-

Joani Taylor of Hawaii sent this map of some waterways of Edgecombe (she says Aloha)….

If you reference the deed description you note the “head of Indian Branch”… all of which seems to be pretty reasonable to me…

——————————

Well, not finding anything with my searches for Willie (and the equally elusive Hardy Price), I figure what the hell, I’ll look for dirt…

Traci mentioned an “older woman” in one census for Willie… could it be his mother?

Edgecombe Minutes, 1775-1785, Book III, Haun

[28] Jul 1775
Mary PRICE a base born Child of the body of Eliz. PRICE aged about 12 years is bound to John FLANNAGEN untill she is of Lawful age.

[192] Nov 1782
Ordered that Amos NUNNERY pay to Elizabeth PRICE the sum of Forty shillings Specie for her expences of lying in of a Bastard child begotten by the sd. NUNNERY also that he further pay her the sum of Five pounds like money for one years maintainance of the sd. child.

From the RW pension application of Amos Nunnery in 1832:

“I was born in Edgecombe County North Carolina 17 January 1762.
I have no record of my age. The Prayer book in which it was made has been lost many years. I was living in the County of Edgecombe when I entered the Service, since the War ended I
have most generally resided in the County of Cumberland & now reside there.”

Click to access s8923.pdf

———————————-
A DNA match to a “Nunnery” would be interesting…..
———————————-

Edge. Co Db 21, page 657, date of deed 19 Oct 1837, date recorded Nov
Ct. 1837, Elizabeth Price, Edge. Co. to Wm. H. Dicken, Edge. Co. for
$100 a tract of land containing 50 acres, beginning at four bays and
three gums in a small branch then down the meanders thereof south 50
east 20 poles then south 25 east 20 poles to a sicamore stake persimmon
and oak then south 41 poles to a sicamore stake in the patent line then
with the patent line west 115 poles to a sicamore stake then north 70
poles to a sicamore stake then east 92 poles to the beginning, being a
part of a tract of land granted to Thomas Price bearing date 13 June
1760, signed Elizabeth Price (X), wit. William S. Baker. Abstracted 10-
31-01, FHC film 0370237, CTC.

This woman is obviously too old to be the widow of Thomas Price but what about his daughter/granddaughter? This Elizabeth Price still had a chunk of the original property in 1837.

And there are some more suspicious deeds to ponder…

Edge. County Db 19, page 65, date of deed 24 Sep, 1827, date recorded
Nov Ct. 1827, William Dancy, of the first part, Lucy Dancy, wife of
said William Dancy, of the second part and Robert Joiner and William E.
Bellamy, of the third part, all of Edge Co.; William and Lucy have
agree to “separate and live apart”… sell land and Negroes to Joiner
and Bellamy; Nellie Bellamy is the daughter of William and Lucy. FHC
film # 0370237. 11-5-99             Hmmmmm… wonder why???

Edge. Co Db 22, page 194, date of deed 2 Nov 1838, date recorded Nov
Ct. 1838, William Dancy, Edge. Co. to John Robert Dancy, son of the
said William Dancy, by Elizabeth Price of Edge. Co. for natural love
and affection for his son, reserving a life estate for William Dancy, a
tract of land beginning at a white oak on the bank of Fishing Creek
Francis L. Dancy, Sen corner then up the various courses of said
Fishing Creek to the mouth of String Branch then up the various courses
of said Spring Branch as follows, south 75 west 13 poles to a little
stake then north 67 west 12 poles to a stake then south 31 ½ west to
the back line between the said William Dancy and his brother Francis L.
Dancy, Sen. then with said line south 80 east to an old hickory then
south 85 east 128 poles to a Spanish Oak then south 4 east 30 poles to
the beginning, containing 203 acres, also, “for the consideration
aforesaid the following Negroes Harry and Luke with same life estate to
William Dancy, signed William Dancy, wit. J.R. Lloyd, (Ru??) Chapman,
Henry Hyman, Thes. Hyman. Abstracted 12-10-01, FHC film 0370237, CTC.

Edge. Co Db 22, page 195, date of deed 2 Nov 1838, date recorded Nov
Ct. 1838, William Dancy, Edge. Co. to James Alexander Dancy, son of
Elizabeth Price by said William Dancy, all of Edge. Co. for natural
love and affection for his son, reserving life estate for said William
Dancy, a tract of land beginning at the mouth of Spring Branch on the
bank of Fishing Creek then up the various courses of said Spring Branch
as follows south 75 west 13 poles to a stake then north 67 west 13
poles to a stake then south 31 ½ west to the back line between William
and Francis L. Dancy then north 80 west to a red oak Francis L. Dancy’s
corner then along a line of marked trees as follows north 32 west 39
poles then north 31 west 30 poles then north 33 west 24 poles then
north 39 west 28 poles to a stake William Savage’s and W.H. Dickens
corner or near the road side then with said road as follows north 2
east 46 poles north 4 east 84 poles to a hickory north 62 east 50 poles
to a stake then south 82 east 172 poles to a black gum on the creek
bank then down Fishing Creek with its various courses to the beginning,
containing 262 acres, also for the same consideration reserving life
estate for William Dancy, the following Negroes, to wit Wilis and Edy,
signed William Dancy, wit. (J.R.) Lloyd, ( ) Chapman, ( ) Hyman,
(TH ) Hyman. Abstracted 12-10-01, FHC film 0370237, CTC.

Edge. Co Db 22, page 196, date of deed 2 Nov 1838, date recorded Nov
Ct. 1838, William Dancy, Edge. Co. to Mary Ann Dancy, daughter of
Elizabeth Price by the said William Dancy, of Edgecombe Co. for natural
love and affection, after the death of said William Dancy, Negro
slaves, to wit Charlotte, Maria, Boston and Suckey, signed William
Dancy, wit. J.R. Lloyd, (Rapt) Chapman, Henry Hyman, Theo. Hyman.
Abstracted 12-10-01, FHC film 0370237, CTC.

I don’t have a source for this deed but it is interesting…

In 1777 Jonathan Coleman sold William Dancy  160 acres on the north side of Tar River at the mouth of Beach Run, it being part of tract granted to Charles Coleman in 1745.
Wit: Sherwood Haywood, Richard Strother, John Sumner.

The area described is very near the original Thomas Price grant of 1760….  also Jonathan Coleman married a Price daughter in 1763  (Kiziah Price).

—————————————–

Ooops… well that was fun while it lasted…. I checked the will of William Dancy (1841) and I think it states Elizabeth is the daughter of Samuel Price… he did set her up nicely though.

——————-

Back to the hunt….

My day job has been a hassle lately so I haven’t been getting my genealogy fix.  It is probably best though… a slump forces me to sit back and peer “objectively” at some of my theories.  Some of my early stuff from ten years ago or so can even make me shake my head.  The “match” to my ancestor has to be around 1730 and all the culprits I research are just “snatches in time” with no beginning and no end.  But such is the game.

Speaking of theories…

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/08/29/newser-mars/2726485/

Hell… some of my whoppers aren’t even in that league.  Good grief.

But then… maybe the old boys were abducted?   Yeah, yeah… go ahead and laugh.

Maybe some were bastards…. maybe not?

Minutes of the General Court of North Carolina

… The Francis above might be explained by these records…

9 Sept 1742 francis Brown proved his Rights to wit francis Brown, Jane Brown, Francis Brown Jr, Mary Brown, William Brown, John Brown, Sarah Brown, Jane Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Benjamin Brown, James Fairchild: whites  Bertie Ct Records

 Will of Francis Brown, the elder  written 7 Nov 1748 – proved May Ct 1750
Son Francis Brown – plantation which I purchased of Daniel Brown, to be divided from where I now dwell.
Son William Brown – 160 acres adj the mouth of the Plumbtree Branch adj. John Wynn, Flatt Swamp.
Son John Brown – all my land on Cyprus Swamp estimated at 440 acres.
I have already given gifts to my daughters Anne, Mary, Sarah, Jane, and Elizabeth.
Remaining estate to my youngest son Benjamin Brown, reserving its use and possession for my wife Jane during her widowhood.
Ex. friend John Wynns
Wit: Isaac Hill, Dan’l VanPelt, George [x] Rives
Probate indicates Francis Brown, Junr qualified as exr.

found at Sally’s site

http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/Neighbors/BrownFrancis.htm

But what about that pesky Daniel Brown that Francis sued in 1745 and that he purchased some property mentioned in his will?  I can see a couple brothers having a fistfight but not going to court.  Of course it is possible… but my hunch is these were different families.  The more I dig into Browns in this area the more they turn up. Like locusts I tell ya!

I know very little about this guy… just wetting a finger and holding it up to see if any wind is blowing.

A couple of deeds reference him as “adjoining” land near Meherrin River. Not sure where.  Other deeds reference Ahoskey Swamp… which is south of there near Wiccacon Creek area.

Now for some of my rocket genealogy… 3 generations are shown in these references… so he was not a young pup in 1720.

His father was one William Brown (who dies before 1719).  Also in 1719 a son of Beale Brown named William is mentioned.  (three generations… and the son William appears to be of age).

Chowan Co, NC Deed Book F #1 pg 123 Edward Howcott of Chowan Prect and Tamar his wife to John Parry of the upper Parish of Nansemond in Va. 17 Apr 1721 50£ sterling money of Great Britain 250 acres on Wicacon pocosin joining the Pequosen and is the land formerely surveyed for George Gladstaine and by him assigned to William Browne and the sd. Browne dying, the sd. Land descended to his son Beale Browne and the sd. Beale assigned to the above sd. Howcott. Wit: Thomas Spires, Abraham Hill. Reg. Chowan Ct. Apr. 1721. Test: Thomas Henman, Clerk. M M Hofmann’s abstract

Bertie Co, NC Deed Book B pg 166 Beale Brown & wife Sarah to James Howard 13 May 1726 100£ for 450 A. known by name “Little Ahoskey.” Adj. John Perry on Ahosky Marsh. By patent dated 18 Oct 1721 to William Brown; now held by his son, Beale Brown. Wit: John Dickenson, James Holland, Rd. Horsley/ August Ct. 1726. Bell’s abstract

Bertie Co, NC Deed Book B pg 169 Beale Brown & wife Sarah to James Howard 12 May 1726 5 sh. For 450 A. lease for land known as “Little Ahosky” Adj. John Perry on Ahosky Marsh. By patent dated 18 Oct 1721 to William Brown; now held by his son, Beale Brown. “- – -and paying thereof the rent of one pepper corn on the last day of the said term – – -” Wit: John Dickenson, James Holland, Rd. Horsley/ August Ct. 1726. Bell’s abstract

Per Hathaway… William Sr was dead prior to 1719… son Beale Brown apparently swaps some land near Ahoskey Swamp with Edward Howcott… (same day; same witnesses)

Beale A. Brown, to Edward Howcott.  200 acres north side Ahotakey Swamp; Oct 17, 1719.  Test, John Hardy, Rebecca Hardy

 Edward Howcott to Beale Brown.  640 acres at Melton’s cabin; Oct 17, 1719.  Test, John Hardy, Rebecca Hardy.

And here is the grandson in a will…

Benjamin Ricks will      Chowan County

March 31,1719. November 30,1721. Brothers: James, Robert, Abraham and Isaac Ricks. Nephew: Robert Ricks, Jr. (land on Notaway River). Sister: Jane Ricks. Other legatees: Patience Ricks (niece) and William Brown, son of Beale Brown. Wife and Executrix: Sarah. Witnesses: Bridget Rogers, Mary Rogers, John Phipps. Proven before C. Eden, Governor.

“Item- I give and bequeath unto William Brown the son of Beale Brown two cows and two calvs and one feather bed and _____ and the plantation wherein I now dwell to the said William Brown and his heirs lawfully begotten or to be begotten by the sd William Brown and for want of such issue then the said plantation to go to Patiance Ricks daughter of the said Abraham Ricks her heirs and assigns for ever after the decease of my loveing wife Sarah Ricks”  (from will  online at NC Archives)

Does that mean this William Brown married the niece Patience Ricks?

Caution- (brazen, wild speculation)… Beale’s wife was named Sarah (per a deed reference)… Rick’s wife was also a Sarah.  Could Beale’s wife be a Ricks?  Could this William be a young lad and grandpa is just setting him up?

In any event if this son is of marrying age, say 20, then Beale Brown is likely born by 1680 or earlier… his father William by 1660?

My interest is to separate this Brown clan from the John Browne 1639-1713? that I chronicle.  I don’t see an obvious connection and I have another William Brown I attempt to connect as a son… so this Beale Brown simply doesn’t fit.

This map shows “roughly” where the original Beale Brown property was (middle of map)… my hunch is he settled around Kirby’s Creek and the Meherrin River to the north of Ahoskey Creek.  Perhaps Benjamin Ricks was also in that area?

Roanoke R. to Chowan 1863 Civil War map

This mention in NC Archives… no further info…

File No. 133, Beal Brown

Office of Secretary of State

230 acres, Book 3, Nov 7, 1723

S.E. side of a branch of Horse pasture creek

This tidbit from the Colonial Records adds some weight to the area of Meherrin River… the Meherrin Indians were in the area of where the bend of the river turns to flow into the Chowan… Beale must have been fairly near for this to take place:

At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Edenton the 3d day of August Anno Dom 1726

Read the Petition of the Meherron Indians Complaining against divers of the Inhabitants of this Government for molesting them in their settlements and taking up their Lands And at the same time was Read also the Petition of Beal Browne Edwd Powers in behalf of themselves and others living near the said Indians for molesting them

Ordered That the Parties on each side Do attend this Board at their Sitting in October next And that in the mean time Neither of the sd Parties give one another any Disturbance in their Settlements.

—————

I found a mention at Familysearch.org:

Edgecombe County Probate Records, Estates 1730-1747 page 11

Estate of James Millikin dec’d… no date…1737?

List of debtors

“Beall Brown for L 14 Bills Do. for 1000lb pork”

James Millikin was a merchant and Indian Trader who lived near the modern town of Halifax… he died around 1737.

If Beale Brown did not have a son by the same name then by 1747 he was in Edgecombe County…  if he was born ca. 1680, then he would be pushing 70 years old…

1747 – May 22, Robert Hilliard and wife Elizabeth of Edgecombe to
Nathaniel Edwards of same, £60, 300 acres on N side Fishing Creek,
joining Henry West, Beal Brown and the creek, part of 640 acre grant
to Henry West 17 Oct 1735. Wit Thomas Turner, Stephen Weaver, Walter
McFarlen. Recd May 1747. (Edg 81=3-84 – Daniel Website)

Brown is mentioned in several later deeds but my hunch is it is only references to his property… such as this in 1764:

Hal 814=8-408 Nimrod Ferguson and wf Rebeckah (x) of Hal to Thomas Meggs of Brunswick VA 14 Mar 1764, £100, 300a part of 540 pat to Henry West 17 Oct 1735, jng Fishing Ck, Harry West, Beal Brown. 430a jng Ferguson’s own corner, John Hardy, David Ward. wit Jos Eelbeck, Burwell Lamm(?). wf relinq 14 Mar 1764

Hal 1581=11-192 Thos Meggs and wf Catharine (x) to Egbert Haywood of same 7 May 1770, £130, 630a jng Fishing Ck, Henry West, Beal Brown, John Hardy, David Ward, Silvanus Stanton. wit James Auld, John Auld, Mial Scurlock. wf relinq, exam by Saml Weldon Esq. recd Nov 1770.

Of course I do not know if he had a son by the same name?   His son William, in my eyes, is still mixed in the soup of Browns of Colonial eastern NC.

A commenter, Ellen, has alluded to one of those frustrating conundrums that drive us all nuts trying to figure out.  She referenced Sally’s site here:

http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/MulberryGrove/browne2.htm

Another site I highly recommend is by Helen Sharpe… she mentions this John Brown deed and connects the Elizabeth Brown to a John Joyner (son of Bridgeman Joyner).  She has done a remarkable job sifting out the numerous  Joyners.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=sharpefamily&id=I3329

And I too have with struggled with that befuddling deed…  who the heck was that John Brown?

Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County, NC, DB A-H, 1720-1757

Bell, C 167(160)  Susanah Brown, John Warren & wife Grace, Sylvester Brown and ____ to Elizabeth Joyner

Feb. 12, 1727/28. *. 256 A. “…love… for our sister Elizabeth Joyner…” Land formerly belonging to our father, John Brown dec’d.  Patent July 28, 1713.  On WS Chowan adj. J. Curlee, J. Smith.  Wit: Fincher Hayne, Charles Brown.  Court  *.  Thomas Crew D. C/C.

Sally and her friend have attempted to tie the deed to one John Brown, son of Edward Brown of Isle of Wight. I respectfully disagree… or not so much disagree as simply offer another theory…

Some thoughts on the deed itself… It does not say WHEN John Brown died; just that he was “deceased”. The deed is dated 1727/28, so John Brown could have lived until just prior to 1727.  My theory is that a John Brown(e) of Kingsale, 1639-1713? was the original owner of the property mentioned in the deed.  I think he had a son named John, also, who could be the father of the descendants mentioned in the deed.  The land may have simply devolved from father to son.  The major problem with the theory is that neither man left a death record.  Dontcha just hate that. (smiling)   My attempt at proving the theory is frustrating because all the key players are phantoms in the records.  But John Sr and his son? are in the records enough to provide some tantalizing “circumstantial” evidence. 

I think I have identified WHERE the property was… roughly.  That would be on or near Wiccacon Creek and the Chowan River.  I have a map here with some detailed notes…

Roanoke R. to Chowan 1863 Civil War map

I am convinced, and I think beyond a reasonable doubt, that the John Brown I chronicle on the  map page above is the Indian Trader from Kingsale. Of course, the money question is whether or not he is the John Brown mentioned in the 1727 deed above?  I think he is and the later John is his son.  Below are some notes from my “Page” on Brown… It is difficult to follow even for me  (and I wrote the damn thing). 

Pay attention to the neighbors… particularly the James Curley and John Smith mentioned in the 1727 deed above. Most of these guys were cronies and Indian Traders.  Most gave testimonies in 1707 and in 1710 concerning the boundary dispute between VA and NC at the time.
——————————————

1713…John Browne  died intestate?

Not finding a plausible will for John Browne in IOW, Grimes or elsewhere, I assume he died intestate.  A possible event is succinctly noted by Hathaway:  ” John Browne dead.  April 7, 1713.”, p. 34, Vol. 1, The North Carolina historical and genealogical register.  This note was in his listing of wills prior to 1760 and gives no context but hints of a possible record somewhere, perhaps a court record.

Now I’m a bit frustrated…I have the Hofmann book in front of me which “should” have the Court Minutes of 1713 of which Hathaway quotes freely for much of his work (written 1900 if I remember correctly).  Unfortunately the Hofmann abstracts are missing the 1713 section… it has 1711 and begins anew at 1714.  DARNIT! either this section is misplaced or missing.  Hathaway also mentions that he quoted from the Secretary of State records but the NC Archives online does not mention a Brown will of 1713 that I can find.

A bit more speculation…

Thomas Joyner, Jr and Bridgeman Joyner each signed the petition for the pardon of William West in 1677 after Bacon’s Rebellion.  Whether or not they participated is open to debate.  John Rogers Sr was found guilty of carrying away property belonging to Mr. Robert Caufield “during the late horrid rebellion”, (Order Bk. 1671-90, p. 165), and on the same date John Rogers, Sr. was found guilty of seizing Arthur Allen’s house, etc. (p. 167, Boddie).  All these “horrid” accounts are written from the “winners” perspective of course… the “rebels” point of view would have been different I am sure.   This John Rogers appears to relocate from Surry County to Nansemond.  John Rogers (Sr or Jr?) is purported to marry Mary, the sister of Richard Booth who devises property to Rogers in 1681.  All of these gents are of the same generation.  Thomas Joyner Jr. and Bridgeman Joyner settle near the Kingsale Swamp area of IOW.  Another neighbor, Thomas Mann married Elizabeth, another sister of Richard Booth.  Also nearby, in Kingsale, is John Browne.  In 1690 Hodges Councell, “the younger” and Thomas Man Jr. patent 200 acres “beg. at a marked gum John Brown’s corner tree in Kingsale swamp”.  All of these folks were “confederates” if you will…   J.B. Boddie, in one of his Historical Southern Families volumes, attempts to connect this Brown with Bridgett Williams… I disagree.

Other researchers have attempted to tie John Joyner, son of Bridgeman Joyner, to a 2nd marriage to one Eizabeth Brown. I suggest that if there is a connection of an Elizabeth Brown she may have been a daughter of John Browne.  Bridgeman Joyner and John Browne lived very near each other in the area of Kingsale Swamp… this easily sets the stage for their children to meet and wed. This John Browne relocates to North Carolina about 1700 near Wiccacon Creek, along with Richard Booth and Booth’s nephew Thomas Mann, Jr.  With that being said, I have to further speculate that the Elizabeth Browne who marries John Joyner may need to be the daughter of John Browne Jr… and hence, the granddaughter of John Browne the Indian Trader.  Yeah, I know I’m tap dancing… but remember the deed has to be reconciled for all this to work…   This deed shows that John Joyner died around 1749 so it appears that Elizabeth Brown could well be the “granddaughter”… simply from an age point of view.  (John Browne Sr. dies 1713…Junior dies by 1727… daughter Elizabeth carries on to 1740s.)

IOW WB 5-187: John Joyner: Estate appraised by Henry Dawson, Joshua Dawson, James Turner. Signed Absalom Joyner R. 1 June 1749.

Feb. 12, 1727/28. *. 256 A. “…love… for our sister Elizabeth Joyner…” Land formerly belonging to our father, John Brown dec’d.  Patent July 28, 1713.  On WS Chowan adj. J. Curlee, J. Smith.  Wit: Fincher Hayne, Charles Brown.  Court  *.  Thomas Crew D. C/C.

This account by Boddie gets my attention… well actually it just confuses the hell out of me… or it is another John Brown that is muddying the water?

Historical Southern Families Vol. 1

Pg. 23 John Brown died in Surry Co. 1714, wife Eliza Brown 6-6-1714 left 1 son and 4 daughters as follows:

1. Sylvester Brantley Bertie Co. NC  (is this a typo?… is this a step-son?… is this a female?)

2 Hester Brantley, the will of Hester probated in 1727 in Surry Co. VA mentioned her daughters Priscilla and Elizabeth and her 2 sisters Eliza Joyner and Grace Warren. Appoints James Wilson and James Piland executors.

3 Eliza married to Nehemiah Joyner   (is this an Elizabeth Brown different from the one I am researching?… if so this can get VERY confusing!))

4 Grace married John Warren of Bertie Co. NC

5 Susannah Brown

There is a missing link here… I’m wondering if it may be a son John Jr that left this will in Surry County?   Or not?

—————-

That account has caused speculation of a JOYNER connection to these deeds in North Carolina in 1727…

Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County, NC, DB A-H, 1720-1757

Bell, C 167(160)  Susanah Brown, John Warren & wife Grace, Sylvester Brown and ____ to Elizabeth Joyner

Feb. 12, 1727/28. *. 256 A. “…love… for our sister Elizabeth Joyner…” Land formerly belonging to our father, John Brown dec’d.  Patent July 28, 1713.  On WS Chowan adj. J. Curlee, J. Smith.  Wit: Fincher Hayne, Charles Brown.  Court  *.  Thomas Crew D. C/C.

(I note that this does not state that their father died in 1713… it merely says the patent is dated 1713)

C 171  Susanna Brown & Sylvester Brown to William Evans  Nov 22, 1729.  5 pds  for 100 A.  On Horse swamp.  Adj. John Thomas, Lazarus Thomas.  Wit: Richard Williford, Mary Luden (Laden?).  Feb Court 1729.  Thomas Crew D. C/C.

and again in 1741…

F 344  Soloman Joyner of Edgecombe Co., & John Joyner & wife Elizabeth of Isle of Wight Co, Va. to Joseph Witherington of Surry Co, Va. Feb 7, 1741. 25 pds, for 256 A.  A Patent granted John Brown for 256 A. July 28, 1713 on “Bank of the River” adj. James Curlee, John Smyth  Wit: James Washington, Henry Crafford, Morning Crafford, John Sherard, William Plyant, John Fort (FOORT).  May Court 1742.  Thomas Crew C/C.

So the Elizabeth Joyner who received the Brown property by gift in 1727 was the wife of John Joyner… (of Isle of Wight in 1741).  And this is apparently the rationale that this Elizabeth was a “Brown”.  The property passed from Brown to Brown descendants since 1727… it seems logical.

all of which relates to this patent…

Margaret Hoffman, PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA ABSTRACTS OF LAND PATENTS 1663-1729

3313  pg. 285  John Brown  date (not given)  256 acres on the W. side of Chowan River, joining the bank of ye river, James Courlee, and John Smith  Witnesses: (not given)

The half dozen patents before and after that one are in the date range of 1713-1716… so logic dictates that the date of July 28, 1713 is probably correct and was referenced in the later deeds… my problem with this is a “death” reference for “a” John Brown in 1713 (Hathawy).

” John Browne dead.  April 7, 1713.”, p. 34, Vol. 1, The North Carolina historical and genealogical register. If this is the same guy then the patent may have been issued after his death OR it was perhaps re-issued to a son of the same name.  My theory is that it was devised to a John Brown Junior.  And this is the John Brown that died sometime before 1727 and was the father of the Brown children who gifted the property to their sister Elizabeth who married John Joyner of Isle of Wight.

Now I haven’t exactly pulled this John Brown Junior out of thin air… I do have some proof:

3 Jun 1690…. John Browne, the Elder, to Richard Shewll…. 100 acres (being part of 600 acres) on Broadneck Swamp adjoining Wolf Pit Branch.

Wit: Edward (X) Floid, Henry Baker and Thomas (X) Wickins.

2 Dec 1692….   John Browne, Sr. appoints John Browne as his attorney in the difference with Capt. Hugh Campbell.

Wit: Daniel Leigh and Mary (X) Browne

Consider this deed of Susanna Brown & Sylvester Brown again from 1729… mention of Lazaris Thomas… note where he and they seem to be living:

C 171  Susanna Brown & Sylvester Brown to William Evans  Nov 22, 1729.  5 pds  for 100 A.  On Horse swamp.  Adj. John Thomas, Lazarus Thomas.  Wit: Richard Williford, Mary Luden (Laden?).  Feb Court 1729.  Thomas Crew D. C/C.     (How, pray tell did Sylvester Brantley of Boddie’s account above become this Sylvester BROWN?… my head hurts).

JAMES PEEK to JOHN WARREN, Aug 9 1727, 10 pds for 100 a. SS Chowan River, adj. LAURANCE MARTIN,LAZARUS THOMAS at Horse Swampe. Wit: John Beverley, John Sutton. November Court 1729, (Bertie Co Deed Book C p181)

JOHN EARLY to DAVID RYAN, heir of THOMAS RYAN, deceased. 1754, 350 a.. for discharge of a bond from John Early to Thomas Ryan land between JAMES WILKON’s line and the Holley Swamp at Horse Swamp” adj. ISAAC LEWIS, JAMES WILLIAMSON, LAZARUS THOMAS, WILLIAM WARREN to the Wiccacon Swamp. Wit: John Cricket, Thomas Kinsey, John Nichols Jr. Aug Court 1754 (Bertie Co Deed Book H p111)

Note that John Warren was in the 1727 deed with Susanna Brown and Sylvester Brown gifting the property to Elizabeth Joyner…

BK B PG. 112

1715 – Elinor Merrett/Meriet to William Nixon/Mixon (melton) 16 Apr 1715 p of atty to act in open Court 130 A for ye said William Merret unto James Peeke. Witnesses: Peter Evens, Rich Barfield.

Ellinor Merritt to Wm. Mixon. Power of Attorney to acknowledge deed to Rich’d Barefield for land sold by my husband Charles Merritt and Peter Evans to said Barefield, 280 acres on Deep Creek branch, Test. Wm. Mixon, Peter Evans.

Same to acknowledge deed to James Peake, of Boston, Executed by my husband Charles Merritt for 130 acres on south side of Chowan River, at ye mouth of Deep Branch; Apl. 16, 1715. Test, Peter Evans, Richard Barefield (NCHGR 138).

…from will of James Peake 1728…

“Item my will is that my executors hereafter mentioned do grant & give to

John Warren of the precinct a good and lawfull deed for one hundred acres of 

land that he now lives on he paying at his ens__ling the said deed Tenn

pounds currant mony of North Carolina not withstanding not withstanding

(sic) any thing that is before mentioned to the contrary.”

Charles Merrit was an old croney Indian Trader with John Brown and Richard Booth.

——————————–

 The whole perplexing account is here…

TTT John Browne of Kingsale, 1639-1713, Indian Trader