Martin Caswell Family

Martin Caswell Family  

 

 

THE MARTIN CASWELL FAMILY

Martin Caswell was the third of five sons born to Richard Caswell, Sr. and Christian Dallam, He was born on Feb 15th, 1733, and was three years younger than his famous sibling, Richard, jr. While Richard learned the trade of surveying from his future father-in-law, James McIlwean, Martin followed the path of his father and older brother William, who served as clerk and deputy clerk of the Johnson county court. Martin’s long career as Clerk of the Court in Dobbs Co. may not have been as illustrious as that of his brother Richard, but nonetheless impacted the lives of the families in the area to a significant degree. His name was probably as familiar as that of his brother in the early years because the clerk of the court was also the register of deeds. The position was one of great influence in local government, Charles Holloman notes, because the clerk was usually called upon to recommend persons to the royal governor for justices and other county offices. The given name Martin, Holloman adds, can be attributed to Martin Caswell. One hopes that the use of his name in the area indicates that he was well thought of and respected.

 

I can find no indication of how close the brothers or their families were on a personal level. Martin lived at Tower Hill for many years, so there were undoubtedly occasions when the brothers gathered at their parents’ home nearby or at the home of their in-laws, the Mackilweans, who also lived at Tower Hill. Sadly, the only correspondence discovered thus far relating to the two brothers is a letter wherein Richard makes note of Martin’s death, four short months before Richard himself died. “My brother Martin left this world 14 days ago. He labored long in great distress of dropsy". Martin was 56 years old at his death.

 

Martin was probably named after his colorful grandmother, Elizabeth Martin, wife of Richard Dallam. Evidently she was a very beautiful woman. There is a famous couplet ascribed to a disappointed suitor about Elizabeth. " Pretty Elizabeth (Bettie) Martin, tiptoe fine, couldn’t find a husband to suit her mind." Bette lived to the advanced age of 110 years; she was able to walk about the room the day before her death; to the last remaining her brilliancy of eye and freshness of complexion. Five generations sat at a table with her the last week of her life and the very day upon which she breathed her last, a grandson of the sixth generation was born-William Middlemore Dallam, MD. Two distinguished grandsons were Governor Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Maryland, and Governor Caswell of North Carolina. She died at "Cranberry" in 1778. [Excerpt from the Hays-Archer Tree].

 

Elizabeth married her wealthy neighbor, Richard Dallam, of Harford Co., MD, who owned “The Cranberry” plantation. In 1712, William Smith, the uncle of Richard Caswell, Sr., arrived in America with his young nephew and settled on a 230 acre plantation called “Sterling’s Purchase”. They became friends of the Dallams, and when Richard Dallam died, William Smith married his widow, “Pretty Elizabeth”. Thus Smith became the stepfather of young Christian Dallam, then 8 years old, and her brother William. When Christian was 18, she married Richard Caswell, Sr. Richard was by that time 38 years of age, old enough to be Christian’s father. Meanwhile, William Smith and Elizabeth had children of their own. Their daughter Elizabeth married John Paca and they had William Paca, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and became Governor of Maryland in 1782. Thus, the “cousins”, William Paca and Richard Caswell, Jr., were governing their respective states at the same time.

 

Richard Sr. prospered in the mercantile business and he and Christian raised a large family. They attended St. Johns Anglican Church of Joppa, Maryland where Caswell was a vestryman. He also served as Justice of the Baltimore County Court and was a Captain of the Militia. The boys received their early education at St. Johns’ parish school. Over time, the growth and importance of the Baltimore harbor caused business in the Joppa harbor to decline drastically. Thus, Richard Caswell, Sr. sent his two oldest sons to North Carolina in 1745, there to seek a new life. Within a few years, Martin, and the rest of the family joined William and Richard; by 1750 they lived at “The Hill” where his parents remained until their deaths.

 

At the age of 21, about the time of his first marriage, Martin became Sheriff of Johnston County. After two years of service, from 1754 to 1756, he became Justice of Johnston County. He continued to serve as a Justice for Dobbs County when Dobbs County was formed from eastern Johnston County in 1759. In 1763, Martin gave up the Office of Justice to become Clerk of the Court for the newly formed Dobbs County. Martin held the Office of Clerk of the Court for 26 years until his death. In the “Census of 120 years ago” (Kinston Semi-Weekly Free Press, March 16, 1910), the author, who calls himself “Citizen” writes that Charles Westbrook was the only man who could break the Caswell hold on the courthouse for 50 years.

 

It is interesting to note that, in addition to training Governor Richard’s eldest son William to be clerk of the court, he passed on his professional skills to his son James. Genealogist Mae Hooten notes that Martin’s son James served as sheriff of Screven County, GA, which he helped to found, in 1795-1796 and thereafter was Clerk of the Superior Court in Screven, continually until 1809. Many other descendants in Martin’s family served as sheriffs, lawyers, and clerks of the court. Of particular note was Paul Edward Caswell (1907-1998), who was a GA. state representative, Solicitor General, and Judge of Superior Courts in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit.

 

Martin became active in the colonial militia at age 16. By 1761 he was captain of a company in the Dobbs militia, and he served at the battle of Alamance in 1771. In his brother Richard’s letter of May 11, 1775, he tells his son William to exhort his uncles Samuel and Martin “to arm and form Companies of Independents, to elect officers and meet often to go thro’ the exercise.” Martin was a Lt. Colonel in the North Carolina Militia during the battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge and became a colonel in 1779.

 

Martin first married about 1754. It is widely thought that his first wife was Anne McIlwean, daughter of James and Elinore McIlwean, though this marriage is not of record. Support for this marriage includes a letter found in an old Caswell bible in GA where the writer identifies himself as a great grandchild of Mary Caswell Wingate, Martin’s oldest daughter. The letter says, “Martin, son of Martin and Miss McIlwean.” Mrs. Ladson, a genealogist and friend of Bessie Carman, says that Martin Caswell married a daughter of James McIlwean Three of the four witnesses to Francis McIlwean’s will of 1774 were his brothers-in-law, Richard and Martin Caswell, and John Shine, and, finally, the name McIlwean carries on through generations of Martin’s descendants in Georgia. Over time, the spelling of the name became McElwain in Georgia.

 

Anne (b.1730) was two years older than her sister Mary, the first wife of Richard Caswell, and she was three years older than Martin. To this marriage were born three children, Martin James Caswell, jr., Mary, and James Alexander. Many records exist of these children , all of whom migrated to GA. Martin, Jr. was the "first settler" of Taylor's Creek in Liberty Co., GA. His younger brother James was a founder of Screven Co., GA. His daughter Mary and her husband Isaac Wingate, also moved south to Georgia.

 

Several records prove that his 2nd wife was Nancy Murphrey, the daughter of Capt. John Murphrey and Elizabeth Harrison. Martin was married to Nancy Murphrey by 1768. In September of 1769, a letter of Gayle Murphrey, Nancy's younger sister, tells of a visit to Tower Hill where "Sister Caswell" was born of a fine son". At the opening of Tryon palace in 1770, Gayle mentions that she went with Mr. Green and “Brother” Caswell to “the setting of the govournment in their new chambers”. Nancy is named wife of Martin Caswell in the Settlement of the estate of Capt. John Murphrey in 1776 and Elizabeth Harrison Murphrey bequeaths land to her daughter Nancy, “wife of Martin Caswell” in her will of 1788- “My daughter Nancy Caswell and her Heirs are to have the track of woodlands at Sandy Bottom adjoining Croom and the river”.

 

There are scattered records of Martin’s son Francis, many of which suggest that he was a somewhat of a rapscallian. In 1804, he was indicted and proven guilty of instigating a riot and assaulting Hardee Croom, along with four other young men, including Richard Francis McIlwean. In another suit, he was accused of stealing and killing a hog belonging to Hardee Croom, but, in this case, he was judged not guilty. It will be remembered that the Croom family had bought all of the Caswell lands, which were ordered sold to satisfy claims on Richard Caswell’s estate. I would be surprised if the antagonism between Croom and Francis Caswell wasn’t related in great part to the bitterness associated with that devastating financial loss. In 1813, William Easterling, former Sheriff of Lenoir County directed that the goods, chattles, lands of Francis Caswell should make the sum of ___ which was awarded against him the sd Francis Caswell for cost of suit wherein Hardee Croom was plantiff. After 1813, there are no further records on Francis.

 

Francis had a family in the 1800 census, but nothing is known of them. Also, little is known of Martin and Nancy’s daughter, Nancy, though it appears from a property deed that she may have married fairly late in life.

 

Their youngest son William, born about1780, is first listed as head of his own household in the Pitt Co. census of 1810. In 1806 he sold land belonging to his father Martin except for two acres of dower lands reserved for his mother, Nancy the Elder. With that $1100.00, he moved to New Bern, and went into business. He seems to have been fairly successful, if owning a great deal of family silver is any measure.

 

Martin died on the 16th of July 1789. In his collection of index cards, Charles Holloman cites a letter of Richard Caswell "There is a letter of Gov. Caswell of about this date which says, " My brother Martin left this world 14 days ago. He labored long in great distress of dropsy". In all likelihood, Martin is buried in the Caswell Cemetery located at "The Hill" where his mother and father are buried. There was evidently a will, as referenced by the “citizen” who commented on the census of 120 years ago. He wrote that he had often had occasion to refer to Martin Caswell’s will.

 

In conclusion, I would say that, while Martin will always be in the shadow of his famous brother, he made significant contributions to the life and times in which he lived. His lasting legacy was a life of dedication and service to the people who were his neighbors and friends.

 

NOTE: Francis Hodges noted that the best source for discussion of the Simon Brights is by Charles R. Holloman in Powell, William S., ed. Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, Vol. 1. That same volume, p.341, is also the best soource for biographical information on Martin Caswell.

 

 

 

MURPHREY FAMILY

 

Because there is a dearth of information on Martin’s personal life, I have included several letters written by Gale Murphrey, the younger sister of Martin’s second wife Nancy. Letters courtesy of Ernie Murphrey.

 

Nancy Murphrey was the 2nd wife of Martin Caswell and the mother of my ancestor, William Caswell. Luckily there are narratives and letters ,which shed light on the Murphrey family in a personal way. First is a family tale of how Capt. John (Jack) Murphrey, Nancy’s father, met and wooed his wife Elizabeth Harrison. She is thought to be of the Jamestown Harrisons and thus tied to both President Harrisons.

 

This narrative is believed to have been written by Martha Suggs Dixon (1829-1904), the wife of Rev. Henry Aldridge Dixon. It begins, "Both my father and my mother were related from Old Capt. Jack Murphrey from across Contentnea from Snow Hill. This old gentleman was revered almost as a tribal god amongst his offspring and descendants who were numerous and intermarried with the oldest and best families in the area." The narrative says Capt. Jack was married to Betsey Harrison, whose family lived at Harrison's Landing near Richmond, before he left Virginia. It describes a fair they attended at Williamsburg during their courtship at which a greased pig contest was held. No one could catch the pig. Capt. Jack said he didn't know why everyone was having such a hard time. Elizabeth challenged him to try; he wanted to know what was in it for him. She replied that if he failed to catch the pig, he would have to buy her a new pony and saddle; if he should catch it, she would agree to marry him. Capt. Jack took his coat off, laid down in the pen, stuck a carrot in one ear and when the pig came up to bite the carrot, Capt. Jack caught him. Elizabeth married him shortly thereafter.

Thanks to Steve Dixon for sending me this story.

 

In Sept. 1769, a letter of Gayle Murphrey, Nancy's younger sister, tells of a visit to Tower Hill where "Sister Caswell was born of a fine son".

 

Gale writes of the devastating hurricane of 1769 in this letter. One can imagine the family huddled in the front hall of their home at Beare Garden. Elizabeth, her son Jethro, and Gale had just returned from a visit to Martin Caswell and Nancy at Tower Hill. There is no record that the “fine son” survived to adulthood,

 
 
Dear Brother                                            The Beare Garden 14 Sept. 1769
 
We received yours of the 9th inst. by cozin Dixon when he returned from down the countrie and we was right glad to here from you.  We have had a frightful time of it here.  Mama, Jethra, & me went down to Tower Hill to see sister Caswell who had been brought to bed of a fine new son. All are or were well there; we not hering from them since the gale, God only knows how they are. We was going to stay the night at Mrs. Shepards but made good time owning to the rds being firm & the chariott having no problems we got to Contentney & took the ferry on home. And good we did. The winds rose in the evening & becoming more violente begun to rattle the hole house. Mama was quite stricken with fright & would not be consold.  Papa gatherd us together & set us all in the hall as it was the most inner place.  In the early morning it stopped but came up again & lasted the better part of the day.  Two of the biggest oak trees in the yard are down - one right on the barn.  All the chimneys are knocked down and the negra houses gone.  Most of the contents of the houses are now in the yard.  Papa is much upset & swears he is ruind most of the tobacca being destroied & the store also.  Cozin Holliday at Hawlanding faired bad also not a single house left standing on his planta.  Dixon says Newbern is much destroied also and the country round abouts.  Most of the roads are not passable owning to the high water and fallen trees and he said he had a rough go of it getting up the river. Please take cear of yourself there & hurry home.
                                   Your loving Sister 
                                   Gale
 

 

 

Another letter of Gale Murphrey, Martin Caswell’s delightful young sister-in-law, describes the ball celebrating the opening of Tryon palace in 1770. Her descriptions are wonderful.

 

 

 

 

THIS LETTER DESCRIBES THE FESTIVITIES SURROUNDING THE OPENING OF TRYON, THE GOVERNOR’S PALACE in NEW BERN.

 

You can feel Gale’s excitement at being allowed to attend the ball. She is writing to her brother, Billy Murphrey.

 

 

 

 
Dear Billy,                                                                            New Berne  10 Decr. 1770
 
  We arrived here all safe & sound of Body.  The weather has been pleasant and warm.  The gods must surely smile on our festivities.  We are not at Mr. Blackladges as was planned because of fever amongst his people but are instead with Mr. Coor.  I have rooms at the top of the house with Sally and can see from river to river and well up the neck from this high point.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 “ This is such a bustling busy place after the solitude of our forest clearing.
  We have done much shopping and visiting abouts. There are so many old friends and acquantenses here and a great number of Dobbs folks are down.  Saw many of them at Church a Sunday.  We shared a pew with old Hannah Hill and Spyrs Singleton and family.
 

*Elizabeth Murphrey was Anglican so they would have worshiped at Christ Church.

As late as 1800, Christ Church is described as a small Georgian period

brick edifice,with a square tower, cupola, and bell. It was completed about

1751 and was the only place of Worship in the town. It was rebuilt in 1824.

 

 “ On Celebration day the town was decked out as to appear a fair.  Everyone in their finery & entertainments at every corner.  We went with Mr. Green & Brother Caswell to the setting of the Govournment in their new Chambers but could naught but stand below windows such was the press.  Papa was made door keeper for the Assemblage in that the regular keeper was a bed with the ague. The Government closed business for the day when the point guns saluted and everyone repaired to prepare for the ball.  The Govournment House is indeed grand.  Mama says that it is even grander that the gouvernors house in Virginia.  I heard it said by a gentleman who is much travelled that it is an English house in the finest London taste.
                                                        
                                                                               FRONT VIEW OF TRYON’S PALACE, 

Photo online from “ PICTORIAL FIELD BOOK OF THE REVOLUTION. Vol. II. BY BENSON J. LOSSING, 1850”

 
   “Oh, I wish you could have seen the ball. It dazled the eyes & mind of the beholder.  Such finery & jewels.  Mother never looked younger or in more health.  She wore the blue spittlefelds gown Papa brought for her and Grandmother B's diamonds set her off to perfection.  And you should have seen our little Polly all in green & yellow satin with plumes and turban.  She has become quite the city lady.When presented to the Governour & Lady he spoke at some length with Mother his having met her cousins while in Virginia.  We danced and danced the long part of the evening and ate a great number of delicasys which we have only for weddings & funerals. The lawn before the house was set to form a large feast for the general public who were not at the ball and the whole night ended with a great fire show.  Parson Reed danced with me three times & the dear old gentleman would make to have great liberties of speech with Mother who laughed like a girl at such flirtations.  Papa played the part of the jealous husband quite well to the merryment of all.  On the day after the ball we walked over to Reed's & set upon porch for a while until he took Jethra & Papa to view the school and talk of tuition with Thomason.
 

“ We drank tea with Mrs. Reed and later came Mrs. Frank, Mrs. Roads and young Mrs. King a relation of Mrs. Roads from down the country. We supped at Cornell's to a large company and afterwards I played the harpsichord for all and Mother lost 4 L. to Mrs. Cornell at quadrille which caused Papa's blood to rise. The town is still in a festive mood, We have seen two horseraces and a concert by the young men of the town. We are to be home in less than a weeks time to prepare for the holydays. We have all or most of the items you wished, papa at present still haggling with Old Hard Money over credit and goods. Tell (torn) the bolts of cloth she wanted and the set of China. Tell her the ladies are wearing the most charming knots and over skits and ribbons this season. Mama has found the most charming Irish seamstress and you really must bring (torn) to town that she may make up dresses for her also. I really must close now (torn) is having a dance tonight & I have to begin (torn)t.

Love to All

Your sister Gale

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the following excerpts from Gale, we see her father, John Murphrey’s, sense of fun, zest for racing, and even musical talent!
 

 

Elizabeth Harrison Murphrey

Ca. 1712 &endash; 1788

Photo from The Heritage of Craven County, vol.1, 1984, p.251
 
“Papa entered his horse Marc Anthony in the heats but lost to Major Crooms filly Royal Flush.  Abe Shepard's horse Donegale won the second heat and Billy Sutton's Jupitar the last.  The track was some muddy which Pa accounts for Marc’s bad showing.”
“On Monday Papa threw a BirthDay ball for Mama.  A real tearing Ball it was too.  Papa felt his Spirits and he & Billy Hooker play'd their fiddles most of the night.  I danced till I was out winded and Justice Speight lost his wig during a reel with Mama.  Oh, how she was aback and how we laughed at his little crop'd head.”
 
It is heartening to think that Martin was a part of the large and fun-loving Murphrey family.
 
 

JAMES MCILWEAN

 

Martin Caswell and his brother Gov. Richard Caswell married the daughters of James and Elinore McIlwean. Here is a brief summary of James McIlwean. As there are several Caswell-McIlwean ties, the McIlwean family will be treated in a separate section of the booklet.

 

The McIlvain Lairds of Grimmet "had three castles in Scotland: Grimmet, Attiquin and Thomaston...only one (Thomaston) is still able to give a feeling for what it once was. The other castles have been torn down and rebuilt into substantial farm houses." (The House of Grimmet, edited by William L. Ordway)

 

James Mackilwean, the progenitor of the family, came from Ayrshire, Scotland to New Bern in 1738. He soon became the surveyor general for the area, and hosted the two Caswell boys when they arrived from Md. in 1745. Richard, jr. lived with the family on their 850 acre plantation at Tower Hill, near Kinston and quickly learned the trade. He became deputy surveyor, got his first land grant, and built a home for his parents and their children called The Hill (renamed Newington-on-the-Hill). James Mackilwean had two sons and five daughters.

 

Francis, son of James, was my ancestor. He was about the same age as Richard and Martin Caswell and they became close friends as well as business and political associates. He was the first treasurer of the town of (Kingston) Kinston, a representative in the Colonial Assembly, and a member of the General assembly for Craven County from 1770-1773. All three of these men were involved in organizing the militia in the fight for independence, and Richard and Martin Caswell were both witnesses to his will of 1774. Francis was also responsible for changing the spelling of the family name from Mackilwean to the shortened version, McIlwean.

 

The close ties continued in the next generation. Gov. Caswell’s two oldest sons married Francis’s daughters by his 2nd wife, Mary Nixon. Martin Caswell’s youngest son William married Francis’ granddaughter by his first wife, Elizabeth Stringer. Her name was Hannah Mcilwean. Hannah married Thomas Emery, and their daughter, Harriett McIlwean Emery, married William Caswell.

 

 

FRANCIS STRINGER

 

Another family closely associated with the McIlweans was that of Dr. Francis Stringer. He arrived in Craven in 1737, just a year before James McIlwean arrived, and they were friends and close neighbors in the Tower Hill Area. Elizabeth , Dr. Stringer’s only child at the time of his will in 1749 married James McIlwean’s younger son, Francis.

 

Biographical Sketch of Francis Stringer

 

One of the most prominent settlers in the area now known as Lenoir County was Dr. Francis Stringer. A native of Virginia, he was the son of Dr. Thomas and Mary Stringer. His great-grandfather was Dr. John Stringer who was prominent in the affairs of Accomac and Northampton County in Virginia until his death.

 

Dr. Stringer came to the area in 1737 and began operating a ferry across the Neuse River, some two miles east of present-day Kinston. He was undoubtedly the first physician to proactive medicine in this remote frontier. In those days, the practice of medicine was passed down from generation to generation and Dr. Stringer was of the fourth generation of doctors in the Stringer family. Dr. Stringer was also a justice of the peace and served a number of terms in the General Assembly. He was married to the former Hannah Shine (sometimes Susannah), the sister of John and Daniel Shine. They had a daughter, Elizabeth. Dr. Stringer left a will written January 8, 1749 and died in 1753.

 

Perhaps because he was a physician and could be consulted by travelers, his ferry became the most popular river crossing in the region, serving land traffic from all directions. Two other ferries were operated on the Neuse, one by Abraham Taylor and the other by John Irons. Dr. Stringer's home was a popular meeting place of the day whenever official business affecting settlers was to be discussed.

 

Francis also owned one of the numerous taverns or ordinaries that dotted the streets of New Bern and the countryside of Craven. From 1741-1760, approximately ten to fifteen were licensed by the court. Many of the owners were men of prominence, including such justices and assemblymen as John Powell, Walter lane, George Bould, James Mcilwean, Francis Stringer, and John Carruthers. Others were just beginning their public careers-Richard Caswell, Richard Cogdell and Thomas Sitgreaves.

 

Another interesting fact was that for a brief period, from 1758-62, the capital of North Carolina was located at Stringer's Ferry at a bluff called Tower Hill. Land owned by James McIlwean was sold to Gov. Dobbs for the purposes of building government houses. Gov. Dobbs was dissatisfied with New Bern due to the high cost of living and the unhealthiness of the area. (Evidently he had had several relapses of Fevers and Agues)

 

Information on Francis Stringer provided by Guy Potts and Alan D. Watson’s A History of New Bern and Craven County

 

 

I have decided to present Martin Caswell’s genealogy as a modified register of five generations. Notes on each individual follow the register.

 

 

 

 

 

Descendants of Martin Caswell

 

First Generation

 

      1. Martin Caswell was born on 2 Feb 1733 in Joppa MD. He died on 16 Jul 1789 in Dobbs Co, NC.

Martin married (1) Anne (Nancy) McIlwean, daughter of James McIlwean and Elinore Shine ?, in 1754. Anne was born in 1730. She died calculated 1768.

 

They had the following children:

 

+          2 M        i.   Martin James Caswell jr. was born about 1758.

 

+          3 F        ii.   Mary Caswell was born in 1759 and died in 1834.

 

+          4 M      iii.   James Alexander Caswell was born in 1765 and died before 31 Dec 1822.

 

Martin also married (2) Nancy Murphrey, daughter of Capt. John Murphrey and Elizabeth Harrison, in about 1768. Nancy was born in Dobbs, now Green Co, NC.

 

They had the following children:

 

+          5 M      iv.   Francis Caswell was born calculated 1776.

 

+          6 M       v.   William Caswell was born about 1780 and died in 1844/1850.

               7 F       vi.   Nancy Caswell was born about 1782.

Nancy married Mr. Pickle (marriage not proved) in 1831.

 

 

Second Generation

 

      2. Martin James Caswell jr. (Martin) was born about 1758. He died in Bullock Co. GA.

Martin married (1) Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Martin Martin, about 1782 in Liberty Co. GA.

 

They had the following children:

 

+          8 M        i.   Martin McElwain Caswell died in 1842.

 

Martin also married (2) Elizabeth Tillman in 1804 in Bullock Co. GA.

 

      3. Mary Caswell (Martin) was born in 1759. She died in 1834 in Richmond Co. GA.

Mary married Isaac Wingate. Isaac died in 1802 in Ga.-probably Richmond Co.

 

They had the following children:

               9 F         i.   Sarah Ann Wingate.

Sarah married Alexander Irvine on 9 Jun 1806.

 

 

 

      4. James Alexander Caswell (Martin) was born in 1765 in Dobbs Co., NC. He died before 31 Dec 1822 in Tattnall Co., GA.

James married (1) Eleanor Williams about 1786 in NC. Eleanor died about 1791 in Screven Co., GA.

 

They had the following children:

             10 F         i.   Piercy Caswell was born in 1787 in Dobbs Co., NC. She died before Dec 1822.

Piercy married William Branch on 15 Mar 1821 in Tattnall Co, GA.

             11 F        ii.   Nancy Caswell was born in 1789.

 

James also married (2) Chloe Colson.

 

 

James and Chloe had the following children:

             12 M      iii.   James Caswell.

 

+        13 M      iv.   Matthew Madison Caswell was born in 1810.

             14 F        v.   Christian Caswell.

             15 M      vi.   Martin Caswell.

             16 M     vii.   Madison Caswell.

             17 F     viii.   Eleanor Caswell.

 

+        18 M      ix.   Francis Neuman (Frank) Caswell was born in 1812.

             19 M       x.   Norman Caswell.

 

      5. Francis Caswell (Martin) was born about 1776.

 

He had the following children:

             20           i.   daughter Caswell was born between 1790-1800.

             21 M       ii.   Son (Thomas?) Caswell.

 

      6. William Caswell (Martin) was born calculated 1780 in Dobbs Co, NC. He died in 1844/1850 in Lenoir Co., NC.

William married (1) Harriett McIlwean Emery, daughter of Thomas James Emery and Hannah McIlwean, calculated 1806 in Pitt Co., NC. Harriett was born no later than 1779 in Craven Co., NC. She died in Jan 1827 in New Bern, NC. and was buried on 10 Jan 1827 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC.

 

They had the following children:

             22 M        i.   son Caswell was born in 1809.

             23 F        ii.   Harriett McIlwean Caswell was born calculated 1807 in Pitt Co., NC. and was christened April 29, 1855 (confirmation) in Christ Church, New Bern, NC. She died on 18 Jun 1862 in New Bern, NC..

 

+        24 F       iii.   Rosaline T. (or M.) Caswell was born on 25 Dec 1817 and died Oct-Nov 1864.

 

William also married (2) Margaret T. after 1827.

 

 

Third Generation

 

      8. Martin McElwain Caswell (Martin James, Martin) died in 1842 and was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery Liberty Co, GA.

Martin married Ellender Darcy on 13 Dec 1827 in Hinesville, Liberty Co. GA. Ellender was born about 1802. She died in 1870 and was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery Liberty Co, GA.

 

They had the following children:

             25 M        i.   Raymond H. Caswell was born on 15 May 1830 in Florida. He died in Feb 1857 and was buried Taylor's Creek Cem., Liberty Co,.GA.

             26 F        ii.   Isabella Caswell was born on 21 May 1832 in Florida. She died on 8 May 1909.

Isabella married Stephen Godfrey Baxter on 18 Dec 1853. Stephen was born on 25 Dec 1832. He died on 21 Mar 1904.

 

+        27 M      iii.   James McElwain Caswell was born on 28 Sep 1837 and died on 23 Mar 1920.

 

    13. Matthew Madison Caswell (James Alexander, Martin) was born in 1810 in Screven Co., GA. He died in Ga..

Matthew married Elizabeth Ward on 18 Sep 1822.

 

They had the following children:

             28 F         i.   Eliza Ann Caswell was born about 1823.

 

             29 M       ii.   John Winston Caswell was born on 19 Dec 1827. He died on 21 Dec 1907.

             30 M      iii.   James Russell Caswell was born on 8 May 1830. He died on 7 Dec 1884.

             31 M      iv.   William Carroll Caswell was born about 1833. He died in Nov 1864.

             32 M       v.   Thomas Jefferson Caswell was born on 3 Mar 1834. He died on 19 Apr 1909.

 

    18. Francis Neuman (Frank) Caswell (James Alexander, Martin) was born in 1812 in Screven Co., GA.

Francis married Harriet Coursey on 27 Jun 1833 in Tattnell Co., GA. Harriet was born in 1817 in Tattnell Co., GA.

 

They had the following children:

             33 M        i.   James Monroe Caswell was born in 1834 in Tattnall Co., GA.

             34 F        ii.   Ann Jane Caswell was born in 1837 in Tattnall Co., GA. She died calculated 1900 in Clinch Co., GA.

Ann married James M. McLaughlin on 31 Dec 1852 in Tattnall Co., GA. James was born in 1829 in GA.

             35 M      iii.   Andrew Jackson Caswell was born in 1838 in Tattnall Co., GA.

Andrew married Martha (Mattie) Smith. Martha was born in 1846.

             36 M      iv.   Francis Marion (Frank) Caswell was born in 1839 in Tattnall Co., GA.

 

             37 F        v.   Harriet Caswell was born in 1841 in Tattnall Co., GA.

Harriet married Franklin Stafford Knight.

 

+        38 M      vi.   Madison Matthew Caswell was born on 23 Feb 1843 and died in Mar 1923.

 

    24. Rosaline T. (or M.) Caswell (William, Martin) was born on 25 Dec 1817 in New Bern, NC. and was confirmed in 1853 at Christ Church, New Bern, NC. She died Oct-Nov 1864 in New Bern, NC and was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Bern, NC.

Rosaline married William Purnell Hall, son of George Hall and Rebecca Porter (parentage not proved), on 13 Jul 1839 in New Bern, NC. William was born in 1810 in Maryland. He died Oct-Nov 1864 in New Bern, NC and was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Bern.

 

They had the following children:

 

+        39 M        i.   George Washington Hall was born on 3 Apr 1840 and died on 28 Feb 1909.

             40 F        ii.   Harriett Ann Edwards (Hattie) Hall was born 25 May1842 in New Bern, NC.She died on 18 May 1910 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried on 21 May 1910 in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md..

             41 M      iii.   Henry C. Hall was born on 11 Jan 1844 in New Bern, NC. He died on 19 Jan 1844 in New Bern, NC.

 

+        42 M      iv.   William Henry Clay (Billie) Hall was born on 4 Aug 1846 and died on 11 Dec 1931.

             43 F        v.   Caroline Wearing (Carrie) Hall was born on 17 Nov 1848 in New Bern, NC.. She died on 16 Dec 1893 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Dec 1893 in Greenmount cemetery, Baltimore, Md.

             44 M      vi.   Benjamin Franklin Hall was born on 9 Sep 1850 in New Bern, NC. He died on 14 Sep 1850 in New Bern, NC.

             45 M     vii.   John Harvey Hall was born on 30 Dec 1853 in New Bern, NC. He died on 30 Jun 1854 in New Bern, NC.

 

+        46 F     viii.   Sarah Lucretia (Sallie) Hall was born on 16 Apr 1856 and died on 17 Oct 1919.

 

 

Fourth Generation

 

    27. James McElwain Caswell (Martin McElwain, Martin James, Martin) was born on 28 Sep 1837. He died on 23 Mar 1920.

James married Clementine Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Angus Martin and Margaret Daniel, on 7 May 1857. Clementine was born on 15 Feb 1838. She died on 1 Sep 1920 in Hinesville GA.

 

 

James and Clementine had the following children:

             47 M        i.   Raymond A. Caswell was born on 19 Feb 1858 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA. He died on 13 Jul 1927.

Raymond married Ann Prescott on 20 May 1893.

             48 M       ii.   James McElwain Caswell Jr. was born on 26 Aug 1859. He died on 12 Apr 1931 and was buried in Bonventue Cemetery, Savannah, GA.

James married Rosa Jane Ryon. Rosa was born on 4 Mar 1872. She died on 26 Feb 1948 and was buried in Bon Ventue Cemetery, Savannah, GA.

 

             49 M      iii.   John B. Caswell was born on 24 Mar 1861 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA. He died on 12 Mar 1943 in Hinesville Cemetery.

John married Sula Bagley.

             50 M      iv.   Enoch H. Caswell was born on 6 Dec 1863 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA. He died in 1948 in Hinesville Cemetery.

Enoch married Ellen Long. Ellen was born in 1864. She died in 1949 in Hinesville Cemetery.

             51 F        v.   Margaret Eula Lee Caswell was born on 17 Feb 1866 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA.

Margaret married Henry Carlos Laing on 17 Mar 1886.

             52 M      vi.   Daniel Booth Caswell was born on 18 Nov 1867 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA. He died on 20 Jun 1935.

Daniel married Ellousy Prescott.

             53 F      vii.   Mary Elizabeth "Mamie" Caswell was born on 14 Sep 1869 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA. She died on 1 Apr 1932 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA and was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery, Liberty Co, GA.

Mary married F.D. Brinson on 1 Jul 1897.

             54 F     viii.   Ellendor "Ellen" Caswell was born on 27 Jun 1871 in Taylor's Creek Liberty Co, GA. was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery Liberty Co, GA.

Ellendor married E.T. Gainey on 2 Jul 1895.

             55 M      ix.   Thomas Edgar Caswell was born on 3 Aug 1873. He died on 9 Feb 1925 and was buried in Hinesville Cemetery.

Thomas married Florence Eva Lee on 25 Oct 1905. Florence was born on 4 Oct 1884. She died on

8 May 1972 in Hinesville Cemetery.

             56 F        x.   Adeline Jeanette Caswell was born on 21 Jan 1875.

Adeline married S.M. Rogers.

             57 M      xi.   Benjamin Darcy Caswell was born on 8 Dec 1876. He died on 22 Sep 1897 and was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery Liberty Co, GA.

             58 F      xii.   Susan Isabella (Sue Bell) Caswell was born on 22 Jan 1880. She died on 15 Mar 1965.

Susan married Oliver Capers on 2 Jul 1900. Oliver was born on 8 Apr 1879. He died on 26 Jun 1942.

 

    38. Madison Matthew Caswell (Francis Neuman (Frank), James Alexander, Martin) was born on 23 Feb 1843 in Tattnall Co., GA. He died in Mar 1923 in Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA and was buried in Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA.

Madison married Sarah Smith on 18 Oct 1870 in Clinch Co., GA. Sarah was born in 1850 in GA. She died on 24 Jun 1930.

 

They had the following children:

             59 M        i.   Francis M. "Frank" Caswell was born on 26 Sep 1871 in Homerville, Clinch Co., GA. He died young.

             60 M       ii.   Lodowick M. "Loddie" Caswell was born on 25 Dec 1873 in Homerville, Clinch Co., GA. He died on 28 Aug 1951.

Lodowick married Mary Idella Nelson on 12 Mar 1891 in Valdosta, Lowndes Co, GA. Mary was born on 7 Aug 1873 in Lowndes Co, GA.

             61 F       iii.   Frances "Fannie Lott" Caswell was born on 7 Dec 1875. She died Died Young.

             62 M      iv.   Reppard B. Caswell was born on 21 Nov 1877 in Homerville, Clinch Co., GA. He died in 1927.

             63 F        v.   Masse C. "Maude" Caswell was born on 14 Oct 1879 in Homerville, Clinch Co., GA.

 

             64 M      vi.   Gordon Caswell was born in Jun 1881 in Homerville, Clinch Co., GA and was employed as Carpenter in Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA.

             65 M     vii.   Charles Granger Caswell was born on 17 Feb 1885. He died on 9 Feb 1897.

             66 F     viii.   Ellen Ruth Caswell was born on 24 Dec 1889 in Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA.

Ellen married George H. Harper on 2 Feb 1920.

             67 F       ix.   Annie Caswell was born in Sep 1891 in Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA.

Annie married Walter D. Jones on 1 Feb 1937.

 

    39. George Washington Hall (Rosaline T.(or M.) Caswell, William, Martin) was born on 3 Apr 1840 in New Bern, NC. He died on 28 Feb 1909 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried on 2 Mar 1909 in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.

George married (1) Jennie F. Norwood, daughter of Thomas W. Norwood and Phoebe Ann Cissell, by 1865. Jennie was born in 1845. She died on 4 Jul 1872 in Baltimore, Md and was buried in Mt Olivet at death; reinterred at Greenmount Cemetery 8 April 1890.

 

They had the following children:

             68 F         i.   Rosaline Rust Hall was born on 8 Nov 1868 in Baltimore, Md. She died March 1927 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Loudon Park Cemetery, Balt. Md.

Rosaline married John Hugh Roy Peabody Scott Duncan, son of John Fletcher Duncan and Virginia Taylor Morgan, on 14 Apr 1897 in Trinity Church (Episcopal), Balt., MD. John was born on 11 Nov 1866 in Balt. Md. He died on 20 Oct 1950 in Balt. Md and was buried on 23 Oct 1950 in Loudon Park Cemetery, Balt. Md.

             69 F        ii.   Harriett Caswell Hall was born on 8 Mar 1872 in Baltimore, Md. She died on 5 Jan 1920 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried on 7 Jan 1920 in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.

 

George also married (2) Jane in Baltimore, Md. Jane was born in 1855. She died in 1884 and was buried in Greenmount cemetery, Baltimore, Md.

 

They had the following children:

             70 M      iii.   Edward W. "Eddie" Hall was born on 29 Oct 1881. He died on 18 Mar 1886 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.

             71 M      iv.   Purnell P. (Paul) Hall was born on 4 Dec 1882 in Baltimore, Md. He died on 28 Nov 1889 and was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.

 

    42. William Henry Clay (Billie) Hall (Rosaline T.(or M.) Caswell, William, Martin) was born on 4 Aug 1846 in New Bern, NC. and was christened on 1 May 1853 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC. He died on 11 Dec 1931 in Baltimore City, Md. and was buried on 14 Dec 1931 in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md..

William married Annie M. Adams on 25 Oct 1876 in Baltimore, Md. Annie was born on 9 Jan 1850 in Carroll County. Md. She died on 25 Jul 1885 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried 2 Jul 1885 in Loudon Park. On 16 Apr 1890 she was moved to Greenmount Cemetery.

 

They had the following children:

 

             72 M        i.   William Purnell Hall was born in 1877 in Baltimore City, Md. He died on 9 Aug 1940 in

Baltimore City, Md. and was buried in Druid Ridge Cemetery, Balt., Md..

William married Charlotte (Lottie) Washington Barnes, daughter of William Wilburforce Barnes and Martha W Williams, on 11 Jun 1901. Charlotte was born on 22 Feb 1879 in Norwich, Connecticut. She died on 27 Jul 1970 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Druid Ridge Cemetery, Balt., Md..

             73 F        ii.   Carrie Melissa Hall was born in 1879 in Baltimore, Md. She died on 15 Jul 1942 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried on 17 Jul 1942 in Greenmount cemetery, Baltimore, Md.

             74 F       iii.   Sarah L. "Sallie" Hall was born on 28 Sep 1883 in Baltimore, Md.. She died on 11 Jan 1885 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Greenmount cemetery, Baltimore, Md.

 

    46. Sarah Lucretia (Sallie) Hall (Rosaline T.(or M.) Caswell, William, Martin) was born on 16 Apr 1856 in New Bern, NC. She died on 17 Oct 1919 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried on 20 Oct 1919 in Greenmount Cemetery NE #282.

Sarah married Richard A. Miller. Richard was born on 18 Sep 1853 in Md.. He died on 25 Jul 1917 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Jul 1917 in Greenmount Cemetery. NE #282

 

They had the following children:

             75 M        i.   William Miller was born in 1875 in Md.

             76 M       ii.   Richard A., jr."Rich" Miller was born in 1875 in Md. He died in 1949 in Baltimore, Md. and was buried in Greenmount Cemetery.

Richard married Elizabeth J."Bessie" Wheeler. Elizabeth was born in 1873.

 

 


 

Appendix A - Notes

 

1. Martin Caswell

 

SOURCE: The main source for biographical information on Martin is from Charles R. Holloman in Powell, William S., ed. Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, Vol 1 (A-C). See “Caswell, Martin”, p.341

 

SOURCE: Caswell’s letter of 11 May 1775;

Lenoir County Historical Association. The Heritage of Lenoir County. Winston-Salem: Hunter, 1981. See “The Story of Richard Caswell,” p.10

SOURCE: couplet “Pretty Bettie tiptoe fine”. The Hay-Archer Tree. Data prepared by Mrs. Bisland McCaleb, nee Olivia D. Archer deceased. http://www.archercousins.com/notes.htm

SOURCE: Martin’s children by Anne McIlwean: Hooten, Bernice Mae Caswell, “The Caswells; some Decendants of Richard Caswell. Sr.”(1998) s.n. 1vol.colli11. 29 cm: Ladson Genealogical Library, Vidalia, Georgia

                                 

SOURCE: [1750s] Commissions for Johnston County

Martin Caswell, Capt. of the Company, lately commanded by Francis Mackelwean, who resigned

 

SOURCE: Dobbs County, NC 1780 tax list: Martin Caswell is enumerated on a in the Kennedy District (1)Lenoir County,NC, from Kinston west, but north of the Neuse River] #4. Martin (Col.) Caswell 4,045acres.

 

SOURCE: Colony of North Carolina 1735-1764 Abstract of land Patents Vol. 1 by Margaret M. Hoffman, p.377:" 5320 pg. 254 MARTIN CASWELL 3 March 1759. 250 acres in Johnston Co on the south side of Great Contentey, joining Edwards Mill Run, John Suggs, Thos. Edwards, William Lewis, Wm. Ham, and Robert Hill.

 

SOURCE; on the Murphreys: Leroy Alfred Calder Journal 1914-1992; The Murphree Quarterly-genealogy vertical file; The Murphrey Quarterly, March 1978, Vol.VII. No.1- at NC State Library

NOTE of Dixie Ferris: Nancy "Anne"Murphrey Caswell's sister, Elizabeth "Betsy" Murphrey married John Sugg and Nancy Caswell's sister Patsey "Martha" Murphrey married Robert Hill

 

SOURCE: Murphrey letters, courtesy of Ernie Murphrey http://users.aol.com/emurphrey/murph.html

Letter of agreement to build the Little Goshen Chapel.

Little Goshen Chapel

pp. 92 -93

At the Vestry held for St. Patrick Parish the 3 day of May 1770 -

Present; The Revd Willm Miller, Simon Bright, Drew Aldrige, William Bell, Robert Williams, Martin Caswell, Major Croom, John Tilmon, Thomas Edwards

“To the Hon. Abraham Shepherd & Capt. John Murphrey Trustees

It is agreed that a Chapel should be built on some part of the old field belonging to the said Shepherd & Murphry called Little Goshen to be 60... “

 

SOURCE: Wayne Co. deeds

On 3 Jan 1786 a deed was filed in Wayne County by Richard Caswell (former Governor) and John Herritage, who were Executors of the Last will and Testament of William Herritage, late of Craven County, Deceased, who, in turn, was executor for the Will of George Roberts, late of Craven County. They sold 200 acres in Wayne County, NC to Martin Caswell of Dobbs Co, NC. The land was on the North Side of the Neuse River being a patent to George Roberts, Esquire from King George II dated

3 Mar 1738. Also transferred was a 1000 acre patent to George Roberts dated 5 Jun 1739. George Roberts had been dead over 40 years when this land was sold. The deed mentioned his Will dated 7 Nov 1741 and that this land was "formerly in Craven County, but now in Wayne". (Wayne Co, NC Deed

Book 3 page 105).

 

On the same date, 3 Jan 1786, Richard Caswell, of Dobbs Co, NC sold to Solomon Pope of Wayne Co, NC, 300 acres in Wayne County, on the North Side of the Neuse River in the North Roundabout, being the same land above sold back to Richard Caswell from Martin Caswell, being part of George Roberts lands. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 115).

 

SOURCE: Notes of Russell King, genealogist

Martin Caswell died 16 July 1789 Dobbs County of Dropsy

 

SOURCE: NC, Dobbs, Newspaper, The Kinston Semi-Weekly Free Press (Microfilm Roll KiKFP.1)

Wednesday, March 30, 1910

The Census of a Hundred and Twenty Years Ago for the County

of Dobbs, Now Lenoir and Greene *note - refers to1790 census-author unnamed

Let us now see where we are, I have an old land deed in my possession in which Aaron Pool "Doth grant bargain, sell, alien and convey unto the said Reubin Freeman, situated in the fork of Gum Swamp and Reedy Branch and runs up said swamp to Richard Caswell’s line, then with his line to the branch, then with the branch to the beginning, being a part of a tract of land surveyed for Richard Caswell. This paper was signed by Aaron Pool and witnessed by Samuel and Josiah Pool, three of the men written above. At that time William Caswell, son of Martin, was the clerk of the court when this deed was proved and D. Caswell was register. This Martin was brother of Richard Caswell and the clerk of the court from 1765 until his death in 1789, 24 years at least and perhaps further back than 1765. James Caswell was the son of Martin. I do not remember Ann Caswell only that she was a widow. Moses Westbrook perhaps was the father of Charles Westbrook, clerk, who was the only man who could break the Caswell hold on the courthouse for 50 years or more. Richard Caswell was deputy clerk, of then Johnson County, in 1749. ....The Honorable Richard Caswell, Esq., died in 1789. Isaac Wingate, no doubt the son-in-law of Martin Caswell, whose will I have had occasion to quote, was perhaps dead at this time. His wife Mary Wingate was taken, in that part of Craven next to Lenoir.

 

 

:SOURCE: Quarterly Review of E. Carolina Genealogical Society, vol.4, pp.21-25

(Proof of Ann (Nancy) Murphrey's marriage to Martin Caswell)

Papers pertaining to the settlement of the estate of John Murphrey found among some old papers formerly belonging to William Lyman Murphry. These papers were typewritten in about 1920 and were in bad condition. The originals were into there and had probably deteriorated with age, thus causing the typed copies to be made.

"...She also sheweth that her said husband at his death left children ten of whom are still living within this

Government vizc. Michael, John, William, Patsey, wife of Robert Hill, Elizabeth, wife of John Sugg, Anne, wife of Martin Caswell, Gale of Lawful age, Jethra, Eleanor and Sarah under lawfull age of 21 years who on acct. of their infancy are unable to assign to Your Petitioness her Dower or claim their just portion of sd, Estate without the assistance of this court to the end therefore that Your Petitioness may have her Dower and also a distribution share of his estate, real and personal set off to and allotted sd, Petitioness and sd, orphans..."

 

SOURCE: Elizabeth Murphrey's will of 1788..."My daughter Nancy Caswell and her heirs are to have the track of woodlands at Sandy Bottom adjoining Croom and the river..."

 

 

1S. Anne (Nancy) McIlwean

Ann was the older sister of Mary McIlwean, first wife of Gov. Caswell, Martin's older brother. She was three years older than Martin. Although her marriage to Martin Caswell is not proved, Martin's older children passed down the McIlwean name.Martin's 2nd marriage to Nancy Murphrey is proved, and she is not old enough to have borne Martin's three oldest children.

 

SOURCE: Genealogist Mae Caswell Hooten's notes sent to me in 2002

Circumstantial evidence of this marriage includes a letter found in a Caswell family bible. Although the letter is unsigned, the writer identified him or her self by referring to Mary Caswell Wingate as being his or her great grandmother. In the letter, the writer says"...Martin, son of Martin and Miss Mackilwean..."

 

 

1S. Nancy Murphrey

Nancy was the wife of Martin Caswell and the mother of my ancestor William Caswell. She is named wife of Martin Caswell in the Settlement of the estate of Capt. John Murphrey in 1776. Martin died in July of 1789.

 

CENSUS: 1790 Dobbs Co., NC

Ann Caswell: 1 M over 16, 1 M under 16, 2 F

Those sons would be Francis, b. ca 1774 and William, b.ca1780. The females are Ann and her daughter Nancy. A letter of Gale Murphrey (younger sister of Nancy) dated 14 Sept 1769 says she went to Tower Hill to see "sister Caswell" who had just delivered a "fine son". So Martin was married to Nancy by 1768.

 

North Carolina Dobbs County July Session 1776 (Settlement of the estate of Capt. John Murphrey)

To the Worshipful the Justices of the County Court Aforesd. The Petition of Elizabeth Murphry widow of Capt. John Murphry dec'd. respectfully sheweth that John Murphry her late husband depart'd this life in the Month of May inst., a greatly lamented event caused by his being thrown from his riding Chair, which accident fractured his skull, Your Petitioness sheweth that her late husband died intestate and being duly distressed as to the nature of these times and the distribution of her sd. husband's estate amongst herself and orphans she is advised she is entitled to her Dower and the Orphans to their Inheritance in the lands which said John Murphry died possessed of and also to a distribution share of his personal Estate. She further sheweth her sd, husband at his death was seized in fee simple and possessed of sundry lots tracks or parcels of land lying and being in Dobbs County, to Witt: One Track in the Beare garden whereon the Mansion house standeth, one other called the Panther Swamp quarter adjacent (now in the tenure of Michael Murphry), one other adjacent called and known as Sweetnin quarter, two Tracks adjoining the Mansion farm, the Meadow track on Mill Swamp and Muskettoe quarter on Contentny River whereon stand the mill landing and the Dutch house, sd, quarter now in the tenure of John Murphry the Younger, also Two other tracks, one purchased of William Wade (in the tenure of William Murphry) and one called and known by the name of Longbridge adjacent to Nahuney Swamp (for a more particular description of all the sd, lands she begs leave to refer to the title papers of the said John Murphry, decd. She also sheweth that her said husband at his death left children ten of whom are still living within this Government vizc. Michael, John, William, Patsey, wife of Robert Hill, Elizabeth wife of John Sugg, Anne wife of Martin Caswell, Gale of Lawful age, Jethra, Eleanor and Sarah under the lawfull age of 21 years who on acct. of their infancy are unable to assign to Your Petitioness her Dower or claim their just portion of sd. Estate without the assistance of this court to the end therefore that Your Petitioness may have her Dower and also a distribution share of his estate, real and personal set off to and allotted sd. Petitioness & sd. orphans. May it please Your Worships to grant a writ or writs of sub Poene to the sd. Michael, John, William, Jethra, Patsey, Elizabeth, Ann, Elleanor, Gale, Sarah and any other children that may be found still living outside this government commanding their answer or appearance and that Your Worship would make such order respectful of sd. infant children as may be right & proper to be directed to Benja. Caswell, Sheriff to Dobbs County commanding him to summons a lawfull Jury to lay off and allot to Your Petitioness her Dower in the land of sd. John Murphry decd. and also her share of his personal estate.

  Benja. Exum    Att'y for Petr.

Note; Murphry Dixon, cousin to the dec’d., named and appt. Guardian pro.hoc vice for the underage children.

 

 

2. Martin James Caswell Jr.

 

SOURCE: Mae Caswell Hooten has written a book on the descendants of Martin Caswell *see sources for Martin Caswell.. I do not have the book, but she kindly sent her research on the Georgia descendants.

 

SOURCE: Taylors Creek, Story of the Community and Her People Through 200 Years, Bird and Paul Yarbrough, Editors, A Project of Taylors Creek Cemetery Association, Press of The Atkinson County Citizen, Pearson, Georgia, 1963. A copy of this book can be found at the Georgia Historical Society, Savannah, Georgia. This book has an updated and revised version printed in 1985. (page 17)

 

"As the period now under discussion came to a close, at least nine families who were to play a prominent role on the community's history were already settled there. CASWELL: first settler Martin James Caswell, b. in Kingston, NC, the son of Martin Caswell and the grandson of Richard Caswell....." At least one of his sons, Martin McElwain Caswell, born in Bullock, returned to settle at Taylor's Creek, where he married Elinor Darcy Dec 13, 1827. Martin was in Liberty County, GA in 1792. It is not known whether Martin married before leaving NC, only that his son was born in 1797.

 

GEORGIA GENEALOGICAL MAGAZINE - July Issue 1965, No 17, Liberty Co, GA Deed

Records 1. Book B - p 555 - Henry Wood, Sheriff, Liberty Co to Abraham Leggett of Savannah, John Couper, merchant of North Newport Bridge, Lib. Co. Sheriff's deed dated May 25 1792, conveying 1380 acres on the great Satilla River in Camden Co, bounded SE by the river and other sides by vacant land; levied on and sold as property of the JOHN HARDY estate in the hands of Mary Hardy, Joseph T. Hardy, and John Graves, Administrators, to satisfy fifa from Liberty Superior Court in favor of MARTIN CASWELL of the State of North Carolina. WIT: Jacob Wood, Nathaniel Bacon. Mary Hardy, widow of said John Hardy in a separate instrument recorded with the deed, waives all her dowry rights in said property, Nov 10 1792.

 

SOURCE: New Bern Superior Court Papers submitted by Sue Guptill

Folder: 1790

Information: Arrest warrant for Martin CASWELL, junr. for failing to appear as a

witness in the case against Stephen SHEPHERD and others, then for failing to appear

when summoned to explain previous failure. Now to appear and remit fine charged against

him. (On back: Not to be found, the Defendant removed out of the County. s/Benja. Caswell, Shr.)

Date: May term, 1790

Date of: Term of court (only date I can find)

County: Dobbs

*Note-shows that Martin, Jr. was out of NC by 1790.

 

3. Mary Caswell

The Honorable Richard Caswell, Esq., died in 1789. Isaac Wingate, no doubt the son-in-law of Martin Caswell whose will I have had occasion to quote was perhaps dead at this time. His wife Mary Wingate was taken, in that part of Craven next to Lenoir.

From the census of 120 years ago author unknown *that would be census of 1790.

 

 

3S. Isaac Wingate

Augusta Chronicle: 11 Aug 1802

Mary Wingate appointed administrator of Isaac Wingate's estate

 

 

4. James Alexander Caswell

James Alexander Caswell moved to Georgia about 1792. He settled in Effingham Co., GA. He was one of the founders of Screven Co., GA, which was formed from parts of Effingham and Burke Counties. He served as sheriff in 1795-1796 and thereafter was Clerk of the Superior Court in Screven, continually until 1809. Documentation shows James and Eleanor had two daughters, Nancy and Piercy, as a legal document shows Samuel Williams in 1798 left the remainder of his estate to them. James was also the tax collector for Screven from 1805-1806 and commissioned a Captain in the Screven Militia.

 

CENSUS: 1790 Dobbs Co., NC pg. 464

James Caswell: 1 M 16 and up, 1 M under 16, 3 F

 

CENSUS: 1820 Tattnall Co., GA - Image: 9 of 18

James Caswell: 1 M to 10, 1 M 45 and over, 1 F to 10, 1 F 26-45

 

EVENT: 1792 James bought 100 acres of land in Screven from John and Mercy Moore.

 

SOURCE: Lovit Hines Vol.2 as viewed in Eliz. Moore Pc 1406.9 NC Archives

On February 2, 1793, James Caswell of Georgia bought 200 acres for 175 pounds from Isaac Taylor of Lenoir Co., NC, part of two surveys taken, one by Richard Caswell and the other by Martin Caswell, on Bryry Branch and the Great Meadow beginning at Solomon's Wright's and John Crooms corner in Richard's patent line, also in the corner of Martin's patent line.

 

EVENT: On May 3, 1803 James bought another 200 acres of land from Samuel Parrish in Screven.

 

EVENT: 1805 James was granted 100 acres of land in Screven.

1807 He was granted 1000 acres in Screven.

1809 He was granted an additional 100 acres in Screven.

1815 James moved to Tattnall Co., GA.

1818 He was granted another 200 acres in Screven.

1819 He granted 896 acres to his daughter Nancy.

 

EVENT: Thanks to the Caswell Family Site there are many sources and records already proven on James Caswell and his family as well as documentation of his ancestry to Martin and Richard Caswell. We also now have copies of the information of the family bible.

 

:SOURCE: Huxford, Folks, compiler Pioneers of Wiregrass Georgia.(Huxford Genealogical society, 1982)

 

Father: Martin CASWELL b: 15 FEB 1733 in Joppa, Baltimore Co.,MD

Mother: Anne "Nancy" E. MCILWEAN b: 1730

 

Marriage 1 Eleanor WILLIAMS

Married: Abt 1786 in NC 1 2 3

Children

Piercy CASWELL b: 1787 in Dobbs Co.,NC

Nancy CASWELL b: 1789

 

Marriage 2 Chloe COLSON b: Abt 1785 in Effingham Co., GA

Married: 1808 in Effingham Co., GA 1 2 3

Children

James CASWELL

Matthew Madison CASWELL b: 1810 in Screven Co., GA

Frances Newman "Frank" CASWELL b: 1812 in Screven Co., GA

Christian CASWELL

Martin CASWELL

Eleanor CASWELL

Sources:

Title: Robert Lee Robinson, Memoirs, published 1963. The life of Robert L. Robinson as written by himself.

Date: 24 JAN 2002

Title: GEDCOM File : Mathew McLaughlin Tree 4-19-02.ged

Date: 20 APR 2002

 

 

4S. Eleanor Williams

Eleanor died sometime prior to 1808

 

 

5. Francis Caswell

Records included below show that Francis led a troubled life. He didn't pay a debt, he was indicted for instigating a riot and assault of Hardee Croom, and he was charged with killing a hog belonging to Hardee Croom. He lost his goods, lands, and chattles in 1813; they were awarded to Hardee Croom. Book 23 (1805-10) of the Dobbs grantor index indicates that he had a son Thomas. There is no information on Thomas. Although it is possible that he went to GA. to join his older brothers James and Martin and his sister Mary, Mae Hooten, who has tracked the GA. descendants thoroughly, shows no records for him in Georgia. I suspect he died before the 1820 census.

 

Francis is the son of Martin. His mother was Nancy Murphrey, Martin's 2nd wife. Francis was over 16 in the 1790 census and was of age by 1792 and 1793 because he bought and sold land. Gale Murphrey, a sister of Nancy Murphrey, writes in Sept. 1769 that Nancy, "sister Caswell", had a fine new son.

LOVIT HINES Vol. 2 2-1-1795 Francis Caswell of Lenoir Co. to John Tull for 50 lbs Current money, 88 acres of land on the south side of Briery Branch, being the land Martin Caswell bought of the estate of Richard Caswell, Jr.and by the said Martin devised and bequeathed to the said Francis beginning at Isaac Taylor's corner to John Tull's near Great meadow to Caswell's Corner. Wit: Francis Shine, Wm. Witherington

 

SOURCE: CENSUS: 1790 Dobbs Co., NC Francis seems to be in house of his mother Ann (Nancy) Caswell and is over 16 years of age.

Ann Caswell: 1 M over 16, 1 M under 16, 2 F

Those sons would be Francis, b. ca 1774 and William, b.ca 1780. The female besides herself is Nancy.

 

SOURCE: 1800 US Census Lenoir County Francis is head of house, age between 16-26 years. There is one boy 0-10 years, one girl 0-10, one girl 11-16 (this may be his sister Nancy as Francis would be too young to be her father), a woman--wife?, 16-26 and a woman 45 and up (probably his or his wife's mother). I'm surmizing that the children are his son & daughter and the female 16-26 his sister Nancy. He would be born no earlier than 1774 if this census is correct. He disappears from the NC census after 1800.

 

SOURCE: Land grant to Francis Caswell 1804 (p. 196 #276) 5 acres Farmer's swamp adjoining Wm. Arrundall, Martin Caswell, dec’d.

 

SOURCE: CRAVEN COUNTY, NC - COURT - New Bern District Court Records

Dobbs Co. and others, part 24, 1804 submitted by Sue Guptill

New Bern District Court Records

DSCR 206.326.5

Folder: 1804

Information: Arrest warrant for Francis CASWELL, William HILL, Robert ARGON, & Richard MCILWEAN to answer a charge of riot.

Date: 15 Jan 1804

Date of: Warrant

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Indictment of Francis CASWELL, Benajah WHITE, William HILL,

Robert ARGOW, & Richard MCILWEAN for riotously assembling and assaulting Hardy

CROOM with clubs of the length of 5 feet, at his home.

Date: 15 Oct 1803/January term 1804

Date of: Event/Indictment

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Summons for William HARDEE, Nicholson WASHINGTON, & Daniel HICKS

to appear and testify against Francis CASWELL & others.

Date: 15 Jan 1804

Date of: Summons

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Summons for Ambrose JONES, Peggy CASWELL, & William WAYNE to appear and testify on behalf

of Benajah WHITE & others.

Date: 15 Jan 1804

Date of: Summons

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Indictment of Francis CASWELL for stealing a sow from Hardy CROOM. Date: 10 Jan 1801/July term

1801. [Back: William MARTIN listed as witness].

 

Date of: Event/Indictment

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Indictment of William MARTIN for perjury in the case against Francis CASWELL, in which CASWELL was indicted for stealing a blue sow from Hardy CROOM. MARTIN testified in that case that he saw CASWELL steal and kill the sow.

Date: 6 Jul 1801/July term 1802

Date of: Perjured testimony/indictment

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Oath by Thomas KING that he heard William MARTIN state that he had rendered false testimony in the case against Francis CASWELL, and if said CASWELL would not make up and compromise all differences between them, he would go to Saint Mary's.

Date: 26 Jan 1802

Date of: Oath

County: Not given

 

Folder: 1804

Information: 1) Indictment of Francis CASWELL for stealing 1 white and 1 blue sow, property of Hardy CROOM.

Jury: John WHITFIELD, foreman, Richard BYRD, John LOFTIN, Benjamin FORGASIN, Isom UZZAL, Richard CAULEY, John SUTTON, James INGRAM, & Moses SHERLEY. 2) Attached: Bill of indictment traversed, and defendant found not guilty. Jury: Edward BYRD, Joel HINES, Aron RATTIFF,

Ezekiel WHALEY, John ROUSE, Caleb HOOTEN, John DISMOND, Thomas BYRD, William FALKNER, Gershom WIGGINS, Ila LOFTIN, Miles HUTCHINS.

Date: 1) October term 1801 2) April term 1802

Date of: Indictment/Traverse of indictment

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Appears to be list of potential witnesses in case State vs. MARTIN: Jas INGRAM, Ben FERGUSON "to prove his swearing"; Thos. KING, [smeared, probably Slade-sbg] GATLIN "to prove his confession"; Francis CASWELL; Bryan WHITFIELD, Geo. DARNELL, Wm. MOSELEY, Gershom WIGGINS, Jesse WATERS "to prove what to jurors before the first Grand Jury"

Date: Not given

Date of:

County: Not given.

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Appearance bond for William MARTIN with Hardee CROOM bondsman to appear and abide by the decision of the court in the case against him.

Date: 7 Oct 1801

Date of: Bond

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Appearance bond for William MOSLEY and Thomas KING to appear and testify in the case against William MARTIN

Date: 7 Oct 1801

Date of: Bond

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Based on oath of Francis CASWELL that William MARTIN falsely swore before the Grand Jury, order to arrest William MARTIN to answer the above complaint.

Date: 7 Oct 1801

Date of: Order

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1804

Information: Oath by Hardy CROOM that Francis CASWELL, one of the jurors in

the case against Arthur CRAWFORD is not to his knowledge a freeholder.

Date: 26 Jul 1804

Date of: Oath

County: Not given

 

Folder: 1804

Information: "Arthur CRAWFORD maketh oath that he was not informed nor did he

know or believe until after the Jury were impanelled in the trial of the

Indictment against him, that he had cause of exception to either of the said

jurors & particularly he had no knowledge or reason to believe that Francis

CASWELL of said jury was not a freeholder."

Date: 26 Jan 1804

Date of: Oath

County: Not given

 

 

SOURCE:JOHNSTON/DOBBS/LENOIR COUNTIES GRANTOR INDEX - BOOK 23 - LENOIR COUNTY

1805 and 1806 and to August 1810

Grantor Grantee page #

Croom, William Thos. Caswell 216

(Francis)

 

Folder: 1806

Information: Certification from the records of Lenoir County court on the first Monday in July, 1803 before James BRIGHT, Benjamin HEARTSFIELD, William CROOM, and Lemuel BYRD, justices: On the 1st Monday in October, 1801, Francis CASWELL by his attorney William BLACKLEDGE charged William MARTIN with trespass with damages of 500 pounds. William MARTIN by his attorney Benjamin H. MARTIN responded with the plea, Genl. issue Justification Stat. Limt. with leave to add pleasø and puts himself upon his Country for tryal. The matter was then continued from term to term until the present [July 1803-sbg], where a jury consisting of Joseph WILSON, William HURST, William WILLIAMS, Ezekiel CREECH, James COX, Joseph WILLIAMS, Abimileck HEARTSFIELD, John KENNEDY, William TRUIT, John JACKSON, Simon HOUSE, and Josiah HARRELL found MARTIN guilty. The defendant appealed and the case was referred to Superior Court in New Bern. MARTIN entered into an appearance bond with Hardee CROOM and Henry ROUSE, bondsmen.

Date: 7 Nov 1803

Date of: Certification

County: Lenoir

 

Folder: 1806

Information: Appeal bond by William [X] MARTIN with Hardy CROOM and Henry [X] ROUSE, bondsmen to Francis CASWELL. CASWELL brought suit against MARTIN, and county court found in favor of CASWELL.

Date: 7 Jul 1803

Date of: Bond

County: Lenoir

 

 

SOURCE: Lovitt Hines

 

INDENTURE - WILLIAM EASTERLING TO JOSEPH HARDEE

13 April 1813 - Indenture - WILLIAM EASTERLING former Sheriff of Lenoir County (or) to JOSEPH HARDEE

(ee) - Superior Court in New Bern in day of______ directed that the good, chattles, lands of Francis Caswell should make the sum of ___ which was awarded against him the sd FRANCIS CASWELL

for cost of suit wherein HARDEE CROOM was plantiff. Sheriff advertized tract of 500 acres - adj WILLIAM ARANDALE & MARTIN CASWELL, JOHN GARROTS (sic) --- Sheriff sold to AMBROSE JONES for 5 pounds-

JONES transferred to JOSEPH HARDEE

WIT JAS. BRIGHT

To Court July Term 1813 - C. WESTBROOK

Enrolled 15 July 1813 JAS. BRIGHT, Reg

 

 

6.     William Caswell

William Caswell (b.ca.1780,d.ca 1849) of Dobbs, Pitt, Craven & Lenoir Co, NC was the youngest son of Martin Caswell, younger brother. of Gov. Richard Caswell. His mother was Nancy Murphrey, daughter of Capt. John Murphrey and Elizabeth Harrison Murphrey. There is some evidence that Elizabeth Harrison was connected to the Ben Harrisons of VA, "the James River Harrisons" and thus to presidents Ben Harrison and William Harrison. (not proven). William. appears in the 1790 census of Dobbs in the house of his widowed mother Nancy, and siblings. He was under 16 in 1790 Dobbs census and between 26-45 in 1810 Pitt census. He is not listed in the 1800 census.

Several Pitt deeds-Deed books Q & V (1805,6 &8)-show that he sold his land there for $1100 except for 2 acres of dower lands to his mother Nancy.

 

It appears that he moved to New Bern about 1815. In the 1816-18 tax list, he owns an improved lot on Craven St. in New Bern. valued at $400.00. From the neighbors on the 1820 census, it appears that the house was located 2 doors from the "Stephens Brick block", built by Marcus Cicero Stephens in 1818, which occupied 220-226 Craven St.

Another neighbor in the 1820 census was James Riggs, who built the Riggs house at 223 Craven in 1829.

Another near neighbor is William G Taylor, who may have been the son of Isaac, who built the beautiful Taylor home, still standing, at 228 Craven It seems that William used the $1100.00 from the sale of his property in Pitt to buy a house in Craven, which may have been a shop for a business as well as the family residence. In 1816, he apprenticed James Sevile, an orphan of 15, as a trunk-maker. In the 1820 census, he has one male (0-10), his wife, and eldest daughter Harriet, b. ca 1807.

 

There is strong circumstantial evidence* that William married Harriett McIlwean Emery, b.ca.1778, daughter of Thos. James Emery (d. 1779) of New Bern and Hannah McIlwean. William's wife evidently died in 1827 and he appears to have moved back to Lenoir by 1830. It's possible that the William in Lenoir could have been a GA descendant who returned, but also probable that William remarried and moved to Lenoir-perhaps to conduct his business better from there. Perhaps James Sevile & Harriet Caswell coordinated the business in New Bern. A family bible calls his wife Margaret T. I believe she was his 2nd wife, and perhaps the recorders of the bible did not know of his first wife.

 

By 1830 he appears to be on the property bequeathed to his mother Nancy Murphrey by her mother Elizabeth Harrison Murphrey in her will of 1788. That land was a tract at Sandy Bottom in Lenoir. He remained in the Srtabane area until after 1844. On the 1844 Lenoir tax List he has 175 acres and 1 black pole. He is 40-50 in Lenoir 1830 census and 50-60 in 1840 Lenoir census.

 

In the 1860 Lenoir census, there is an Alice Caswell, age 55, living in the same area. She may have been his 2nd wife. I cannot find where he is buried. I cannot find where his wife was interred either, just her service at Christ Church. There seem to be many unidentified graves in the Caswell memorial plot in Kinston. Perhaps he is one of those. Gov Caswell had 2 half acre plots reserved in perpetuity for his family members.

William Caswell and his wife Harriett had 2 daughters, Harriett McIlwean, b. 1810, and Rosaline T., b.1817. They also had 1 son. (unknown). Rosaline was my gggrandmother; As previously noted, it is likely that William's wife was the "Mrs (Blank) Caswell" buried at Christ Church, New Bern on Jan. 10,1827.( Daughters Harriett and Rosaline were confirmed at Christ Church)

 

William left his 2 daughters Harriett, (b.1807, d1862), of age, and Rosaline (b.1817, d.1865) in New Bern; they are there alone in the 1830 census (Harriett is head of house, with Roz and 1 slave). Rosaline married Purnell Hall and remained there until the end of the Civil War.

 

SOURCE: 1830 census Lenoir

Caswell, William 1C1G (male 10-15, male40-50), 1G(female 40-50) /2ms-3fs; located in Sandy Bottom *This wife may have been Margaret T. "Peggy" Caswell .

 

Lenoir County, NC - Overseers Reports, 1826-1862

William S. Caswell - extending from the centre of South West bridge to Johns branch below said Caswells and work the usual hands.

 

 

SOURCE: 1840 Lenoir census

Caswell, William 1E,1H,1I/1D,1G/2ms-1fs/1fm located in Strabane, Trent township #2, abt a mile from his 1830 location

 

William Caswell's Deed transactions in Pitt County

 

Compiler :Ellis Found at Genealogy library, NC ARCHIVES

DEED BOOK Q (1804-1807) Pitt has the following transaction concerning William Caswell, son of Martin Caswell and nephew of Gov.Richard Caswell. Page 111 10-14-1805

Grantor-Reading Jackson Grantee-William Caswell 200a. 700 pounds.

Adj. Joseph Jackson, William Wooten. Wit; William Wooten, John

Jackson

 

DEED BOOK Q Page 339 1-6-1806 Grantor-William Caswell Grantee-Nancy Caswell

the Elder (LENO) 2 A for life; dower lands. Wit; Ambrose Jones, Former Owner: Martin Caswell,

dec., father of William Caswell, grantor, and former husband of Nancy Caswell the Elder, grantee.

 

DEED BOOK V p. 26 12-25-1808 Grantor-William Caswell

Grantee-William Wooten 200 A; $1150. Men,:Nancy Caswell, mother of William Caswell. wit;Wm.

Broome(Croom?), Sherwood Hines.

*NOTE-Ambrose Jones bought Martin Caswell's land from son Wm. before 1807. He also bought property bequeathed to Shine Caswell in will of Gov. Richard Caswell-see following deeds:

FROM LOVITT HINES *Note- Elinor Caswell, "Lany", wife of Samuel, is living in 1805. Shine Caswell was son of Samuel & Lany.

 

JONES FOLDER - 1803 From Lovett Hines Box 1

1. Be it known that I, SHINE CASWELL, of Lenoir County sell AMBROSE JONES

of same - 114 acres for $1,140 NS Neuse adj WILLIAM WHITE (**NOTE-Wm. White was husband of Gov. Caswell's dau. Anna) including houses and plantation where ELEANOR CASWELL now lives - beginning at MCILEWAINS corner below the hill where Pado ?? SHINE lived, main road to Kinston, COURT'S field (now

WHITES), LEYLINGER old field, Cypress gut, Boxes corner

WIT JOHN WOOTEN, D. CASWELL

 

October Court 1803 on oath of C. WESTBROOK, Clk

 

Enrolled Liber --- pages --- 21 Nov 1803 - W. M. LOVICK, Regr

( *DUPLICATE OF ABOVE DEED COPIED FROM ELIZ MOORE COLL PC 1406.9-abstracts from Lovett Hines

vol.2) Note the differences in price and date of transaction!)

 

8-19-1813-Shine Caswell for $140 paid by Ambrose Jones of Kinston, land on the north side of Neuse River, adjoining Wm. White, including the house and plantation where Elenor Caswell now lives, beginning at McIlwean's corner where "auld" Mr. Shine lived, 114 acres.xx Boxe's corner. Wit. John Wooten. D. Caswell

 

6. 3 March 1805 - AMBROSE JONES of Lenoir to WILLIAM CROOM of Lenoir

- $1700 - NS Neuce adj WILLIAM WHITE including house and plantation

where ELEANOR CASWELL now lives - adj McIWEANS corner below the hill

near where Old WM. SHINE lived - road leading to Kinston, DURNEU ??,

W. COART's field now W. WHITEs, KIDDENING'S ?? old field, to river at

mouth of Cypress Creek, BOX'S Corner - 114 acres - another tract of 100

acres part of a part of a patent granted to DOCTOR STRINGER - adj

PLEASANT POTTS - also one half of 100 acres, part of a tract deeded

to BENJAMIN SHEPPARD and JAMES MCILWEAN - adj where FRANCIS SHINE lives

- 100 acres to be equally divided between BENJAMIN SHEPPARD and FRANCIS SHINE, - 264 acres free and clear of all lawful claims

WIT W. CASWELL, WM LOVICK *NOTE-W. Caswell must be my William since Winston Caswell died in 1799

January Court 1815 on oath of WM. LOVITT C. WESTBROOK, Clk

Enrolled 15 Jan 1815 - JA BRIGHT,

 

4. 28 January 1809 - Indenture - AMBROSE JONES of Lenoir to JOSEPH WILLIAMS

of same - 950 pds - tract - NS Neuse - adj McILEWEAN, below the hill where old W. SHINE formerly lived, road to Kinston, W. COART'S field now W. CROOM'S field, KEELING'S old field, river at mouth of Cypress gut, BOXES' corner - 114 acres; another tract - adj above tract, and DOC. STRINGER, PLEASANT POTTS - being part of a patent granted to DOC. STRINGER of 100 acres; another tract adj to above being part of a patent granted to BENJAMIN SHEPPARD, adj McILWEAN, adj land where FRANCIS SHINE lived and that 100 acres to be equally divided between BENJAMIN SHEPPARD and FRANCIS SHINE - total of 365 acres

WIT WM. CROOM, JOHN HORRELL

April Court 1809 on oath of WILLIAM CROOM - C. WESTBROOK, CC

Enrolled 15 April 1809 - JAS. BRIGHT, Regr

From Lovitt Hines Collection

1811 - 1820

 

Also from Lovitt Hines-refers to 8 April transaction

INDENTURE - AMBROSE JONES TO HARDIE CROOM

p 169 - 8 April 1807 - Indenture - AMBROSE JONES of Lenoir (or) to HARDIE CROOM of Lenoir (ee) - $2550 -

several tracts on NS Neuse - first tract granted to MAJOR CROOM 30 March 1754 - adj corner mentioned in patent - 100 acres; another tract beginning at a line granted to JOHN WILLIAM adj RATCLIFF, corner of MAJOR CROOM'S patent, WILLIAM WILLIAMS - 120 acres; another tract above Tom's Branch, JOHN WILLIAMS, RICHARD CASWELL, Flat swamp Branch, beginning at land granted to SAMUEL CASWELL in 1770 - 15 acres; another tract adj above tract, SAML CASWELL, WILLIAM WILLIAMS, to dividing line of HILL Plantation -granted to SAMUEL CASWELL in 1764 - 30 acres; another tract granted to RICHARD CASWELL, bank of Falling Creek to River - 115 acres; another tract - adj land I bought of DALLAM CASWELL in May 1800, goes to the river and my other line - 60 acres; a total of 440 acres

WIT Wm CROOM, WM LOVICK

To Court Jan Term 1811 on oath of WILLIAM LOVICK - C. WESTBROOK Clerk

Enrolled 15 January 1811 - JAS. BRIGHT, regr

 

SURVEY FOR ABOVE LAND

 

p 179 - The Course of land sold by _____ survey A. JONES to H. CROOM regt.

The Will. CASWELL land & the Great Island lands or JOHN GATLIN

 

Additional description identical to above Indenture

*Note- seems to show that Martin lived at Tower Hill and that his son William sold this land to Ambrose Jones, who sold it to Hardee Croom in 1807-see following transaction.

 

INDENTURE - WM. CROOM AND OTHERS TO JOSEPH HARDIE

p 191 - ____ 1812 - Indenture - WILLIAM CROOM (or) (who purchased the shares of RICHARD G. CROOM,

WILLIAM BRYAN and wife OLLIVE, ISAAC HARDEE and JONATHAN ROUSE and wife CATHERINE, who were heirs at law in and to a part of the real estate of HARDIE CROOM dec and also between MARY KENNEDY, OLIVE HARDIE, and JESSE H. CROOM and wife SUSANNA who were also heirs in and to a part of the real estate of this said HARDEE CROOM decd) to JOSEPH HARDEE (ee) - sum of $1565 pd by JOSEPH HARDEE --- we the said WILLIAM CROOM, MARY KENNEDY, OLIVE HARDEE, JESSE H. CROOM and wife SUSANNA --- the following tracts in fee simple which was formerly the property of HARDEE CROOM dec and which was alloted and laid off to the heirs of SARAH HARDEE and JOSHUA CROOM who were heirs of the aforesaid HARDEE CROOM dec -NS Neuse - 1st tract patented by MAJOR CROOM on 30 March 1754 - 100 acres;

2nd tract - beginning in line of land granted to JOHN WILLIAMS adj RATCLIFF, patent line of MAJOR CROOM, WILLIAM WILLIAMS line - 120 acres; 3rd tract - adj Tom's Branch, JOHN WILLIAMS, RICHARD CASWELL, Flat swamp to line of land granted to SAML CASWELL in 1770 - 15 acres; 4th tract -Adj. SAML CASWELL, WILLIAM WILLIAMS, HILLS Plantation to line patented by SAML CASWELL, JOHN WILLIAMS - 30 acres ---- total of 265 acres it being the land whereon MARTIN CASWELL dec formerly lived and which was transferred by deed from WILLIAM CASWELL to AMBROSE JONES and from JONES to HARDEE CROOM on 8 April 1807.

No further information

 

*Note-the land on which Martin lived was transferred from William Caswell to Ambrose Jones sometime before 1807.

 

*Note-By 1828 William Croom seems to be in possession of most or all of Gov. Richard Caswell's properties-see will below:

Will of William Croom - June 2, 1828 From original at the NC Archives, Raleigh, NC. Abstracted and contributed by Guy Potts

.In the name of God, Amen, I, William Croom of Newington, Lenoir County,North Carolina,at the home of George Whitfield on my way to Florida, do on this 2nd day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, make and declare this instrument of writing, written on one sheet of paper, to be my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following,viz.1st. I give to my beloved wife Elizabeth Croom for and during the termof her natural life my Newington plantation and lands adjoining called the Red Hill plantation, containing in the whole about twelve hundred acres....3rd. I give to my son Bryan Croom in Florida, all the negroes I have then in his possession, also Jacob and John, in the possession of Joshua St. Byrd, and all my right of lands in Florida. Also two thousand dollars to be paid him out of the sales of my estate to aid him in purchasing more lands in Florida, to him, his heirs and assigns forever.....5th. I give to my son William Croom my Tower Hill plantation, beginning at Neuse River, ..6th. I give to my two daughters Anne and Eliza Croom all my lands below Tower Hill lands, given to William, including the Collier, McIlwean place where Wingate now lives and the Stonington lands where David Evans lives to be equally divided by three competent commissioners chosen by my Executors for that purpose, to them, their heirs and assigns forever.."

 

PARROTT FOLDER (Lovitt Hines Coll. Box 1)

1. 17 October 1833 - Indenture - THOMAS HOOD and CLARISA HOOD his wife of Lenoir to JACOB PARROTT of the same - $1700 - NS Neuse - one tract beginning in JAMES A. HODGES line known as the corner of the second and third division of WILLIAM ARANDALL'S land given by sd ARANDALL to CLARRISA HOOD and JAS. A. HODGES - adj FRANCIS HILL, Hull Road, CASWELL, TULL, DESMOND, MAJOR CROOM'S Survey - 424 acres - grave yards excepted; another tract - on Big meadow - adj HENRY TULL, FRANCIS HILL, CASWELL - 11 acres; another tract on both sides of Little Briery, Hull road, line of patent of SOLOMON WRIGHT on 1 August

1768 - Reedy Branch - 78 acres; another tract - deeded by WM. CASWELL to WILLIAM ARANDALL - beginning in the division line of MAJOR CROOM survey - 1 ¾ Acres.

Both signed

WIT JAS. A. HODGES, ELIZABETH HOOD

 

To Court 19 October 1833 - CLARISA was privately examined by THOMAS LETTLE,JP

Enrolled 10 April 1834 - ? BRIGHT by WILL. LOVICK

 

*Note-Wm. Arundell and the Pools were immediate neighbors of Martin's widow Anne in 1790.First census of United States 1790-Newbern District-Dobbs county (photocopied at Archives); not alphabetical

Column 1-free white males of 16 & upward Column 2-Free white males under 16

Column 3- Free white females including head of house

column 4-all other persons

column 5-Slaves

p.136*

Arundell, William 1,1,6,...3

Pool, Aaron

Pool, Joseph

Caswell, James1,1,3...

Caswell,Ann1,1,2...3 1

 

Land in Pitt referred to:(Bryan collection )http://searches1.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/nc/lenoir/records/bryan.

txt following land in Pitt - Croom and Blount land of 2500 acres, Caswell track of 100 acres; and also land in Johnston and Jones Counties - (not identified) Petitioners wish to have land divided

 

JOHNSTON/DOBBS/LENOIR COUNTIES GRANTOR INDEX - BOOK 27 - LENOIR

COUNTY - October 1828 to 1833

Grantor Grantee page #

Pickle, Nancy Ann & Wm. Richard Pickle 34

Caswell

JOHNSTON/DOBBS/LENOIR COUNTIES GRANTOR INDEX - BOOK 28 -

LENOIR COUNTY - 1833 to December 1838

Caswell, William Richard Moore 308

Washington, John & Jno. C. William L. Caswell 254

 

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/lenoir/court/overseer.txt

OVERSEER"S REPORT LENOIR CO

July 1837. William S. Caswell - extending from the centre of South West bridge to Johns branch below said Caswells and work the usual hands.

October 1837

William G. Caswell - extending from the centre of South West bridge to the centre of bridge at Daughety's mills and work the usual hands

April 1839

Lenoir County, NC - Overseers Reports, 1826-1862

John Daughety - extending from the centre of South West bridge to the centre of the bridge at Daughety's mills and work the usual hands.

April 1840

George Moy - extending from the centre of South West bridge to the centre of the bridge at Daughetys mills and work the usual hands.

April 1841 . David Evans - extending from the centre of South West bridge to the centre of the bridge at Daughetys and work the usual hands

 

JOHNSTON/DOBBS/LENOIR COUNTIES GRANTOR INDEX - BOOK 31 - LENOIR COUNTY

- 1 July 1846 to Dec 1849

Transcribed from the Grantor Index and checked against the Grantee

Index by Martha Mewborn Marble

Caswell, William Isaac Anderson 342

 

 

 

 

6S. Harriett McIlwean Emery

Harriett was without either parent by 1796 when her mother Hannah died. Hannah had remarried Gen. Wm. McClure after Thomas Emery died and he became the guardian for James Emery, but not for Harriet. I think she may have gone to live with her great aunt Lany Caswell, widow of Samuel Caswell."Lany" was Elinore Shine, sister of Hannah Shine; Hannah Shine had married Dr. Francis Stringer and they had Elizabeth Stringer. Remember that Elizabeth was the wife of Francis Mcilwean II, the mother of Hannah, and the grandmother of James and Harriet Emery. The Stringers, Shines, Mcilweans and Caswells were friends as well as relatives.One last piece to this puzzle is provided by the burial record at Christ Church, New Bern. On 10 January 1827 only three people were buried. The first was Elizabeth Green Nixon,, the sister of Richard Nixon.. The second person was a Mrs.-------Caswell, adult. I'm sure this was Harriet Emery Caswell, wife of William. The third person was Capt. David Wallace. He was the 2nd husband of Janet Emery; Janet had been married first to James Reed Emery, Harriet's brother. Was it a coincidence that these 3 were buried the same day? Perhaps, but I think it likely that the Caswells-Wm. and Harriet-and the Wallace's-Janet and David-were celebrating Christmas with Sarah and Elizabeth out at the Nixon plantation and all contracted a flu which resulted in their deaths. Sarah also died in 1827. The affiliation of these families to Christ Church (Anglican) dates back to abt. 1770 when James Reed was the first pastor of Christ Church. His wife was none other than Hannah Shine Stringer, widow of Dr. Francis Stringer The McIlweans, however, became connected to the Baptist church, so Sarah would not have been buried at Christ church. After their mother's death in 1827, the Caswell daughters, Harriet McIlwean Caswell and Rosaline T. Caswell remained in Newbern; both were baptized and confirmed-as adults- at Christ Church. They remained close to their half siblings, Sarah and Francis McIlwean, as witnessed by the fact that Alonzo T. Jerkins was the executor of Harriet McIlwean Caswell's will in 1858.The Sarah McIlwean that Alonzo married was the daughter of Richard Francis McIlwean.*

 

SOURCE: Early Records of Christ Church Episcopal New Bern to 1848:Burials:

1827 Jany 3. Mrs.------Caswell adult; David Wallace,do; Mrs. Eliz. Nixon

 

*Note All were related. This MUST be Harriett Caswell because there were no other Caswells in Craven at that time. David Wallace was the 3rd husband of Jannett Reed. Jannett was the 2nd wife of Harriett's brother James Reed Emery. Elizabeth Nixon was the sister of Richard Nixon. Richard's sister Mary was the mother of Sarah and Francis McIlwean. And they were half brother and sister to Harriett. I think it likely that they were all together over Christmas. Sarah Green McIlwean also died in 1827 but would have been buried in the Baptist church.

NOTE: Women are always hard to track; the ONLY reference to Harriet Mcilwean Emery's existence in in Bessie Carman's notes. She is listed as a daughter of Thomas Emery and Hannah McIlwean. I was happy to find her from such a reliable source!

 

 

6S. Margaret T.

A family bible lists Margaret T. as the wife of William L. Caswell and the mother of Rosaline M. The bible has 4 different recorders and has some errors. We don't know who the bible belonged to or when the information was recorded. Since a Mrs.-----------Caswell was buried at Christ Church in New Bern in 1827, I think Margaret T. was William's 2nd wife. He moved to Lenoir and re-married. There is also a possibility that Peggy may have been the widow of William's brother Francis.

 

Information: Summons for Ambrose JONES, Peggy CASWELL, & William WAYNE to appear and testify on behalf of Benajah WHITE & others.

Date: 15 Jan 1804

Date of: Summons

County: Lenoir

 

 

7. Nancy Caswell

 

It would appear that Nancy may have married a Mr. Pickle.

The following deed is of record.

 

JOHNSTON/DOBBS/LENOIR COUNTIES GRANTOR INDEX - BOOK 27 - LENOIR

COUNTY - October 1828 to 1833

Grantor Grantee page #

Pickle, Nancy Ann & Wm. Richard Pickle 34

Caswell

 

The 1860 census for Lenoir has an Alice Caswell, age 55, living with Caroline Pickle age 28

I think Alice must have been William Caswell's 2nd wife and she, now a widow, is living with her niece Caroline, the daughter of Nancy Ann Pickle.

 

 

8. Martin McElwain Caswell

Enlisted in the county Militia that marched immediately to join Andrew Jackson's Command on its way to attack the Seminole Indians in Florida. He was discharged as a Sergeant in April 1818. It is believed that they moved to Florida after his marriage to Ellender in 1827 to live where all three of their children were born. It would appear that he moved back to Liberty Co., GA after the 1840 census and before his death in 1842. The 1850 census of Liberty County lists Ellender and her three children and reflected that their state of birth was Florida. Martin died in 1842. Ellender lived about 28 years after Martin died. Both are buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery in Liberty County, GA.

SOURCE: MAE HOOTEN: Hooten, Bernice Mae Caswell, “The Caswells; some Decendants of Richard Caswell. Sr.”(1998) s.n. 1vol.colli11. 29 cm: Ladson Genealogical Library, Vidalia, Georgia

 

BOOKS: Taylors Creek, Story of the Community and Her People Through 200 Years, Bird and Paul Yarbrough, Editors, A Project of Taylors Creek Cemetery Association, Press of The Atkinson County Citizen, Pearson, Georgia, 1963. A copy of this book can be found at the Georgia Historical Society, Savannah, Georgia. This book has an updated and revised version printed in 1985. (page 17)

"As the period now under discussion came to a close, at least nine families who were to play a prominent role on the community's history were already settled there.

CASWELL: first settler Martin James Caswell, b. in Kingston, NC, the son of Martin Caswell and the grandson of Richard Caswell....." At least one of his sons, Martin McElwain Caswell, born in Bullock, returned to settle at Taylor's Creek, where he married Elinor Darcy Dec 13, 1827.

 

 

8S. Ellender Darcy

1850 Federal census Liberty County, GA

Caswell Elenor, Mrs. 42 318B pg315a.txt The 17th District

Caswell Isabella 18 318B pg315a.txt The 17th District

Caswell James M. 13 318B

Caswell Raymond H. 20 318B pg315a.txt The 17th District

 

 

10. Piercy Caswell

Piercy received a land grant of 1000 acres in 1827 in Screvern County, GA

 

 

11. Nancy Caswell

No record of any marriage. She received a land grant of 896 acres in 1819 in Screven Co., GA.

 

 

12. James Caswell

Went to Tattnell Co., GA

 

 

13. Matthew Madison Caswell

Matthew moved to Lowndes co., Ga. According to County Probate Records, Matther Madison Caswell was the Justice of the Peace in 1850 amd 1851. The length of his tenure has not been determined.

 

 

18. Francis Neuman (Frank) Caswell

Name: Frances Newman "Frank" CASWELL

Sex: M

Birth: 1812 in Screven Co.,GA

Death: 1848

Note: BIOGRAPHY: 1839-1841 Francis was the Sheriff of Tattnall Co., GA.

 

Father: James Alexander CASWELL b: 1765 in Dobbs Co.,NC

Mother: Chloe COLSON b: Abt 1785 in Effingham Co.,GA

 

Marriage 1 Harriet COURSEY b: 1817 in Tattnall Co.,GA

Married: 27 JUN 1833 in Tattnall Co.,GA 1 2 3

Children

James Monroe CASWELL b: 1834 in Tattnall Co.,GA

Ann Jane CASWELL b: 1837 in Tattnall Co.,GA

Andrew Jackson CASWELL b: 1838 in Tattnall Co.,GA

Francis Marion "Frank" CASWELL b: 1839 in Tattnall Co.,GA

Harriet CASWELL b: 1841

Madison Matthew CASWELL b: FEB 1843 in Tattnall Co.,GA

 

Sources:Rootsweb worldconnect; http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2866087&id=I152

Title: Robert Lee Robinson, Memoirs, published 1963. The life of Robert L. Robinson as written by himself.

Abbrev: Robert Lee Robinson, Memoirs, published 1963. The life of Robert L. Robinson as written by himself.

Date: 24 JAN 2002

Title: GEDCOM File : Mathew McLaughlin Tree 4-19-02.ged

Date: 20 APR 2002

Title: GEDCOM File : FamilyTree.ged

Abbrev: GEDCOM File : FamilyTree.ged

Date: 1 MAR 2004

 

18S. Harriet Coursey

Visit 260

CARSWELL Harriet 35 1815 F w Farmer Scriven

James 16 1834 M w Tattnall

Jane 13 1837 F w Tattnall

Andrew 12 1838 M w Tattnall

Francis 10 1840 F w Tattnall

Harriet 8 1842 F w Tattnall

Madison 7 1843 M w Tattnall

 

 

21.  Thomas? Caswell

The following deed indicates that Thomas may have been the son of Francis Caswell.

JOHNSTON/DOBBS/LENOIR COUNTIES GRANTOR INDEX - BOOK 23 - LENOIR COUNTY

1805 and 1806 and to August 1810

Grantor Grantee page #

Croom, William Thos. Caswell 216

(Francis)

 

 

23. Harriett McIlwean Caswell

HARRIETT was born in 1810 in New Bern, NC. She was the eldest daughter of William Caswell and Harriett McIlwean Emery. In the 1830 census she was head of house at age 20 with her sister Rosaline, age 12, and one female slave. She was unmarried and always lived with her sister Rosaline (HALL) Harriett died on June 10, 1862. In her will, dated Jan. 12, 1858 , Craven Co., she left all her estate and property to her sister Rosaline and, after Rosaline's decease, to her three nieces Harriett, Caroline, and Sarah. It should be noted that she bought William P. Hall's property Aug. 12, 1857 and made her will shortly thereafter. Strangely, it was not probated until 1886 by the eldest niece, Harriet A. Hall. She (or her mother) was the original owner of silver marked HMC . Several spoons were donated to Tryon Palace in 1971 by Mrs. John Wolfe because of the connection to Richard Caswell, first governor of North Carolina. Mrs. John Wolfe was Dorothy Hall, a granddaughter of Wm Henry Hall.

 

SOURCE: Christ Church register

.BAPTISM RECORD: SOURCE the original register at Christ Church; the records are available on microfilm at Newbern Library-(CRAVEN COUNTY Christ Church, Newbern 1818-1946 vol.1-8 (in vol.1):March 1852/3 Harriet Caswell, adult, white, baptized at home in private ceremony, Mrs.E. Coart sponsor.

 

CONFIRMATION RECORD: (same microfilm): April 29, 1855 by Rt. Rev. Thos Atkinson

Harriet McIlwaine Caswell (*looks like Carwell)...on the previous page of the film is "Rosaline T. Hall"-the date is too hard to read, but must be the confirmation class just preceding Harriet's.

 

BOOK OF WILLS E, Folio 401 Craven County, North Carolina (NC ARCHIVES)

WILL OF HARRIET M.CASWELL 12 January 1858  

In the name of God Amen! I Harriet M. Caswell of the Town of Newbern being of sound mind and memory do make and published this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:                   I give to my sister Rosalina the wife of Purnell Hall for and during her natural life all my estate and property of every description (except what I shall herein loan to John Street.) After the decease of my sister Rosalina I desire and direct my property to be distributed in the following manner: that is to say I give to Harriet, Caroline, and Sarah Hall, children of my sister Rosalina, all my household furniture of every description, the northern part of Lot No. 18 on Middle Street being fifty six feet on the front of said by one hundred and seven feet three inches (for a more particular description reference is made to the deed from Purnell Hall to me dated 3rd day of August A.D. 1857 with all the buildings improvements ec..I lend to John Street during his natural life and no longer the upper rooms with the kitchen and candle house and the privilege and right to use the passage in the framed wooden building which I own standing on lot. no. 253-on the north side of Broad Street in Newbern the parts of said house I give my sister Rosalina during her natural life-All the rest and residue of my estate and property of every description I give to my three nieces Harriet, Caroline, and Sarah Hall after the decease of their mother to be equally divided between them-Lastly I appoint Alonzo T. Jerkins my executor-In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 day of Jan.1858.

Signed Sealed and published by the testatrix in the presence of Wm.P. Moore Stephen B. Forbes

STATE OF MARYLAND CITY OF BALTIMORE: I herebye certify that on this 15th day of February in the year 1886 before me the subscriber a notary public duly commissioned by his Excellency the Governor of the State of Maryland and in the City of Baltimore personally appeared Harriet A. Hall, and made oath in due form of law, that she was well acquainted with Harriet M. Caswell now deceased, to witt this paper writing is attached: that she knows her handwriting and that the signature to the will herewith exhibited is the proper signature and in the handwriting of the said Harriet M. Caswell-That said testatrix died 18th day of June 1862 and that ever since her death said will has been in custody and keeping of this deponent-In witness whereof I hereunto subscribed my name and affix my

Notorial Seal the day and year herein above written-(signed)Harriet A. Hall Subscribed and Sworn to before me this 15th day of February 1886.(signed) Felix R. Sullivan, notary Public No. 5 Chamber of Commerce Baltimore, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CRAVEN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 403 : It being proven that Wm. P. Moore and Stephen B. Forbes the subscriber witnesses to the Will aforesaid, are dead and Henry J. Lovick and Wm. G. Bryan, being examined upon oath as to their knowledge of the signatures of said Wm. P. Moore and Stephen B. Forbes, doth depose and say they are well acquainted with the handwriting of said Wm. P. moore and Stephen B. Forbes, the subscribing witnesses as aforesaid, that they have examined the signature which purports to be the signatures of Wm. P. Moore and Stephen B. Forbes, the subscribing witnesses to the Will aforesaid, and declares said signatures to be the genuine hand writing of the said Wm. P. moore and Stephen B. Forbes.(signed) Henry J. Lovick ,Wm. G. Bryan

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 3rd day of March 1886 (signed)E. W. Carpenter C.S.C.It is ordered that the said Will with the foregoing & annexed proof, probate , thereof be recorded and filed and that Letters Testamentary issue. Witness my hand & official seal of office in Newbern this 3rd day of March 1886.(signed) E. W. Carpenter, Clerk Sup Court .

 

DEATH June 18, 1862. I cannot find where she was buried. Watson's book describes rampant typhoid by the summer of 1862. He tells of soldiers who were buried in open trenches at Christ Church; often the pall-bearer was the next to go, he says. He surmizes that the bones dug up when the parsonage was built were those of the 1862 victims. I do know that the family was "under the protecton of a yankee office" (who probably lived in their house)' so undoubtedly had wide exposure to some soldiers. Perhaps Harriet caught typhoid and is buried in an unmarked grave at Christ Church.

DISPOSITION of Property-will probated in 1886; property sold in 1887

NEW BERN PROPERTY

The House they lived in in New Bern in 1850-60 on Broad St, lot #253, bequeathed in the will of Harriet Caswell (on the death of her sister Rosaline) was finally sold in 1887.The 1858 will was not probated until 1886. Deed kindly researched by Librarian Victor Jones.

"The will of Harriet Caswell gave John Street life estate in part of the property. It is possible that Street lived until 1886 or so, when Harriet and her sisters could claim the property for themselves. (I cannot find a listing for John Street in the Craven County Cemeteries.)

As for the property, the three sisters: Harriet A. Hall, Caroline W. Hall, Richard A. and Sarah L. Miller his wife, sold the property to Thomas A. Green of Craven County on 4 Apr 1887 for $1800. (Craven County Deed Book 95 page

536 ff.) If Street had died earlier, the sisters may have been renting the property from the time of his death until 1887, when for some reason they decided to sell." Victor Jones feels both properties were sold to T A Green. Still puzzling why they kept it for so long.

.

 

CH Notes- BAPTISM RECORD: Christ Church, New Bern, May 1, 1852 or 1853 (same microfilm) William Henry Hall ,age 6 years, at church, parents-Purnell and Rosaline Hall, sponsor: Rev. A.F.N.Rolfe

*NOTE-in Alan Watson's book, A HISTORY OF NEW BERN AND CRAVEN COUNTY,p 342, A.F.N. Rolfe is mentioned. Referring to the New Bern Academy.."The ebb and flow of the school's fortunes continued. After another relapse in the late forties, the academy reopened under Dr. E.A. Seiker, assisted by A.F.N.Rolfe, who had previously operated a private school in New Bern." I find it very interesting that Rev. Rolfe was the sponsor for Wm. Hall; it suggests that he was a close family friend of Rosaline and Harriet. I wonder if the girls went to Mr. Rolfe's school in the 1820's, or if perhaps one or both taught there?? Whatever the tie, the friendship lasted until 1852.

 

 

24. Rosaline T. (or M.) Caswell

Rosaline was born in New Bern in 1818. She was the younger daughter of William Caswell and Harriett McIlwean Emery. She married William Purnell Hall on July 13, 1839 in New Bern. She was his second wife. Records indicate that Wm Purnell Hall was born in Md. He doesn't appear to be connected to any of the Hall families of New Bern. In 1840 they lived with her older unmarried sister, Harriett McIlwean Caswell , who had bought lot 253 on the North side of Broad St. adjoining the Washington Hotel. By 1858 the family had acquired lot 17 &18 on Middle St. Middle Street was the main business section, so this property, now a successful restaurant, may have been a business of some sort. Letters from her oldest son George's wife from Baltimore City in 1865 suggest that the rest of the family was still in New Bern in 1865. One letter of July 1865 mentions grieving over Rosaline's recent death. Both she and her husband Purnell died in the yellow fever epidemic of 1864-5. An article published in Nov 1864 lists their names. They were buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in a plot called "the yellow fever plot".

We will not have exact death dates.

 

SOURCE: CONFIRMATION- from original church records, Christ Church, New Bern:

 

"Rosaline T. Hall" The date is May, but the year is indecipherable: the next confirmation class-that is, the next one in the record book, which is obviously not in sequence- was on April 29, 1855.

 

Her older sister, Harriet McIlwaine Caswell(*looks like Carwell), was confirmed on that day. Her younger son William Henry Hall was baptized at Christ Church in 1853*see note below

 

SOURCE: MARRIAGE: copy of original marriage record from NC ARCHIVES. Craven County, 13 July, 1839 Purnell Hall and Rosalina Caswell Wit: Leroy White, James Carter

 

SOURCE: DEATH: email from Victor Jones with the following:

Benjamin, W.S. "The Great Epidemic in New Berne and

Vicinity, September and October 1864, by One Who Passed

Through It." (New Berne, N.C.: Geo. Mills Joy, 1865) *Note-See Wm Purnell Hall.

 

NOTES:

1.I believe the "Mrs Caswell" whose burial is recorded at Christ church on Jan.10th, 1827,

was Harriet McIlwean Emery, wife of William Caswell.

 

2. I also found baptism records for Rosaline's sister Harriet and Rosaline's son, Billie.

Baptism records are on microfilm at Newbern Library-(CRAVEN COUNTY Christ Church, Newbern 1818-1946 vol.1-8 (in vol.1: March 1852/3)

Baptism record: Harriet Caswell, adult, white, baptized at home in private ceremony,

Mrs.E. Coart sponsor.   

Baptism record: May 1, 1852 or 1853(same microfilm) William Henry Hall, age 6 years,

at church, parents-Purnell and Rosaline Hall, sponsor: Rev. A.F.N.Rolfe

 

24S. William Purnell Hall

In the few records I've gathered, he called himself "Purnell". William Purnell Hall was born in 1810 in Maryland. There are records that indicate that the Hall family first settled in the Berlin/Snow Hill of Worcester Co., Md. Purnell arrived in New Bern as a young man. His first marriage was to Aseneth Turner on Aug. 8, 1838. He married second Rosaline Caswell July 13, 1839 in New Bern. He is listed as a sailor until 1850, and then a sea captain in 1860 Craven Co. census. He and his wife Rosaline both died in Oct-Nov. 1864 during the yellow fever epidemic which killed est. 1300 people. They are buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in an unmarked plot for victims of the yellow fever plague. A Hall cousin said his family had been told that Purnell transported lumber from New Bern to Baltimore.

 

 

SOURCE: MARRIAGE #1

Bride: Asenath Turner

Groom: Purnell Hall

Bond Date: 09 Aug 1838

County: Craven

Record #: 02 145

Bondsman: Solomon Chadwick

Witness: J. G. Stanly

Bond #: 000026713

SOURCE: MARRIAGE #2 : original record NC ARCHIVES.

13 July, 1839 Purnell Hall and Rosalina Caswell Wit: Leroy White, James Carter

 

SOURCE: Charlotte Ruffner's family records - Purnell Hall and Rosaline M. Caswell A. D. were married 13 July, 1839 by Geo. W. Dixon, esq.

 

SOURCE: email from Ila McIlwean White

It is interesting that George W. Dixon is one of the characters at Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens. (usually played by Paul Switzer) He was born in the early 1800's, owned a tailor shop in partnership with Spencer Willis, purchased the lot on corner of George and Pollock St. in 1826 built a house ( 1830) in the federal side hall plan which is one of sites to visit at TPHS&G. He was married to Antoinette Hunt, was a member of St.John's Masonic Lodge, the Methodist Church and served as mayor of New Bern for a short time.

 

NOTES on the Hall family bibles by Clair Hadley

 

The following pages from two Hall bibles were kindly provided by Chaarlotte Ruffner of VA, a descendant of Wm Henry Hall (1846-1931), on Feb. 20, 2005.The pages are in her scrapbook and have been removed from two family bibles. The information in the first three catagories listed -Births, Marriages, and Deaths-is from one bible. The 2nd Deaths listing and the Memoranda section are both from a 2nd bible. We don't know when the information was recorded or by whom. I suspect the maiden Hall sisters, Carrie and Hattie, did the recording and perhaps Wm. Henry's daughter, Carrie Melissa , or his wife Annie was the third recorder. I have a sample of William Henry Hall's signature and it does not match any of the recorders.

 

NOTES on BIRTHS: The handwriting for Rosaline, Geo., Harriett Ann, Henry Clay., William Henry, John Harvey and Sarah Lucretia is the same (recorder #1). The record for Caroline and Benjamin Franklin is by a 2nd recorder.The record for Harriet M. Caswell is by a third recorder-added later- who obviously a mistake as the incomplete date of 185 makes clear. Harriet M. Caswell died 10 june, 1858 as her will states. I also note that the original Christ Church, New Bern baptism record clearly has Rosaline T. Caswell rather than Rosaline M. Caswell. My final observation is that Harriet M. Caswell died June 10, 1858 and the two sisters had her will from her death until 1886 when it was probated. Harriet A., and Caroline Hall, and Sarah Hall Miller appeared for probate and Harriet declared that the will had been in her possession. Recorder # 3, who made the Harriet M. error, was obviously not aware of Harriet M. Caswell's birthdate

 

NOTES on DEATHS: The record for Henry C. and John Harvey is done by recorder #1

The record for Benjamin Franklin is done by recorder #2.

NOTES on Marriages: Purnell and Rosaline's marriage is written by recorder #1.

Sarah and Richard Miller's marriage is done in blue ink by a fourth recorder.

 

BIBLE # 1

BIRTHS

Rosaline M. Caswell daughter of William L. & Margaret T. Caswell was born 25th day of December A.D. 1817.

Geo. Washington Hall son of Purnell & Rosaline M. Hall was born April 3rd 1840.

Harriet Ann Edwards Hall daughter of Purnell and Rosaline M. Hall was born May 25th A.D. 1842

Henry C. Hall son of Purnell and Rosaline M. Hall was born January 11th A.D. 1844

William Henry Clay Hall son of Purnell & Rosaline M. Hall was born August 11th A.D. 1846

Caroline Wearing Hall daughter of Purnell and Rosaline M. Hall was born Nov.17 A.D. 1848

Benjamin Franklin Hall Son of Purnell & Rosaline M. Hall was born 9th day of September A.D. 1850

John Harvey Hall son of Purnell & Rosaline M. Hall was born Friday, Dec 30, 1853

Sarah Lucretia Hall daughter of Purnell & Rosaline M. Hall was born Monday April 16th at 8 O clock A.M.*year is Missing Harriet M. Caswell was born Friday September 20th 185 * last digit is missing.

 

MARRIAGES

Purnell Hall and Rosaline M. Caswell were married by Geo. W. Dixon, Esq. July 13th A.D. 1839.

Richard A. Miller and Sarah L. Hall were joined together in holly wedlock on the 19 of November 1873 by the Rev. William T. Speake *holy is misspelled in the record.

 

DEATHS

Henry C. Hall son of Purnell & Rosaline M. Hall departed this life January 19th A.D. 1844 Age 8 days

Benjamin Franklin Hall Son of Purnell & Rosaline Hall departed this life September 14.A.D. 1850 Aged 5 Days.

John Harvey Hall son of Purnell & Rosaline Hall died Saturday June 30 1854 at 7 O' clock P.M. & was buried next day at 5 O'clock P.M.

 

Bible #2

DEATHS (The border on this page and the Memoranda page is different from the preceeding pages; I assume it was from a different, more recent bible)

Sarah Lucretia Hall, departed this life at twenty minutes past seven Sunday morning the seventh day of January in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty five.

Hattie A. Hall died Wed. May 18 at 5 minutes past three p.m. Born May 25, died May 18, 1910.

Wm. H. Hall died Freday, December 11, 1931 at 1:15 p.m. Age 85 years.

Wm. Purnell Hall died Friday Aug.9, 1940 at 6:10 p.m. Age 62 years

Carrie M. Hall died Monday, July 15, 1942 at 8:15 a.m. age 62 years.

 

MEMORANDA

William H. Hall born Aug. 4th, 1846, married October 25th 1876 to Annie Adams Born January 9th, 1850

Carrie M. Hall was baptized Sunday, May 3rd 1903 at Grace Baptist Church by Rev. W.H. Baylor.

END BIBLE

 

SOURCE: DEATH

Benjamin, W.S. "The Great Epidemic in New Berne and Vicinity, September and October 1864, by One Who Passed Through It." (New Berne, N.C.: Geo. Mills Joy, 1865) p.33

 

On a hunch, I checked an often overlooked source for deaths in New Bern in the 1864-1865 era.That is the year of the Yellow Fever epidemic in New Bern and the North Carolina Times published a booklet from the various newspaper articles published at that time. In the booklet, on page 31 is "The following list [of those who died in the epidemic] was published in the North Carolina Times, November 26, 1864:" on page 33 "Hall, Purnell, Capt.; Hall, Purnell, Mrs.;"

By the end of the epidemic, over 1300 people had died. Most were buried in an unmarked plot in Cedar Grove Cemetery in mass graves known as the "Yellow Fever Plot"

Thanks to Victor Jones, Librarian, Craven Co Library E-mail: vjones@ncsl.dcr.state.nc.us

 

SOURCE: CENSUS:

1840 Craven Co. Census

William Purnell Hall

one male under 5, one male 30-40, one female 20-30, one female 40-50

* note-next door is Witchord White. Leroy White was witness for the marriage of William and Rosaline

 

1850 Craven Co. census

#515 Hall, Purnell 40 sailor b. Maryland

Rosaline 33 bNC

Geo W. 9 b NC in school

Harriet 7 b NC in school

William 3 b NC

Caroline 1 b NC

* Note-in # 514 Rosaline's sister Harriet is listed with John Street. In # 516 is the old Washington

Hotel run by William R Street, hotel keeper. *The Washington Hotel was torched by the retreating Rebel troops in 1862. Evidently, the Hall home was occupied by a Union officer during the war. At least, family lore has it that the family was "under the protection of a Union officer". Most of the large homes were occupied by the Union army throughout the war and this is the reason damage to the city was minimal.

 

 

1860 Craven Co. census, ward 1, New Bern

# 566. Pernel Hall ,Sea Captain, aged 50, born in Maryland $100.00

Rosalind (42, f)

Harriet (18, f)

William H. (14, )

Caroline (12, f)

Sarah L. (5, f)

 

Harriet M. Caswell (50, f)

 

*Oldest son George Washington Hall is found in the 1860 census of Baltimore City in ward 3. He is apprentice to a tinner.

*2007-Sandy Fisher Hall Handcock-said that her family had been told that Wm.Purnell Hall ferried lumber from New Bern to Baltimore. If so, that may have been why George Washington Hall came north in 1860.

 

 

26. Isabella Caswell

ID: I14560

Name: Isabella Caswell

Sex: F

Birth: 21 MAY 1832 in Liberty, GA

Death: 8 MAY 1909 in Riceboro, Liberty, GA

Burial: Baxter Cemetery, Reboro, GA

Change Date: 8 MAY 2004 at 08:58:57

 

Father: Martin McElwain Caswell b: 15 MAR 1798

Mother: Elllender Darsey b: 4 MAR 1806

 

Children

Ann Eliza Baxter b: 1855 in Liberty, GA

Raymond Shelman Baxter b: OCT 1858 in Liberty, GA

Susan Agnes Leile Baxter b: 1860 in Liberty, GA

Joseph Jackson Baxter b: 7 APR 1862 in Liberty, GA

Mary Elizabeth Baxter b: 1865 in Liberty, GA

Olivia Tallulah Baxter b: 1868 in Liberty, GA

James William Baxter b: APR 1870 in Liberty, GA

John Allen Baxter b: 19 AUG 1875 in Liberty, GA

 

 

26S. Stephen Godfrey Baxter

Stephen Godfrey Baxter; born Dec 25, 1832 in Gadsden County, Florida just prior to his parents' return to Liberty County, Georgia. He grew up at Taylors Creek, community about three and one-half miles southeast of the village proper. On Dec.18, 1883, he married Miss Isabella Caswell, daughter of Martin McElwain Caswell and Elender

(Darsey) Caswell (1808-1870). The couple made their home on a tract six hundred acres received from the groom's father John H. Baxter . On Aug 27, 1861, Stephen G. Baxter enlisted in Company I, 25th Regiment, GA Volunteer Infantry, C.S.A., led by Capt George Troupe Dunham, and later by Baxter's first cousin Capt. James M. Smith. He served in this company as a corporal throughout the War. After the War, the couple acquired a portion of Hunters Hall Plantation east of Riceboro and relocated there. Stephen G. Baxter died on March 21, 1904. His wife, born in Liberty County on May 21, 1832 died May 8, 1909. Both are buried in the family cemetery on the property. They had eight children, all of whom were born and reared in Liberty County, Georgia. Part of the Hall was still standing in 1985 the cemetery was located behind the ruins.(inserted by Charlotte Baxter Hensley(1999).

 

 

27. James McElwain Caswell

Served in the Civil War as first sergeant in the Liberty County guards from April 1861 to April 26, 1865.

Owned and operated the Caswell hotel on Market St, now Main St, Liberty County, GA.

 

 

 

TAYLORS CREEK METHODIST CHURCH CEMETERY - (White)

Fort Stewart Cemetery Number 12, located in Area E-1. Land Acquisition Tract Number: 562. Acreage: 4.49.

Former Property Owner: Taylors Creek Methodist Church. Map Grid Coordinates - Vertical: 33.3, Horizontal: 38.8.

North on GA-119 toward Pembroke to FS-144. Left on FS-144 to cemetery on right.

Death dates on some of the markers predate the establishment of the cemetery. These markers were moved by familymembers from the Daniel Family and Hendry Family cemeteries when the land was acquired in 1941 by the federal government for Camp Stewart.

For the history of the Taylors Creek Methodist Church and Cemetery, see TAYLORS CREEK, 1760-1960 published by the Taylors Creek Cemetery Association.

138 Caswell, James McElwain, Sept 28, 1837-Mar 23, 1920.

139 Brinson, Mamie E., Sept 14, 1869-Apr 5, 1932.

140 Caswell, Benjamin D., son of J.M. & E.C. Caswell, Dec 8, 1876-Sept 22, 1897.

141 Caswell, Infant of J.M. & C.E. Caswell, no dates.

142 Caswell, Infant of J.M. & C.E. Caswell, no dates.

143 Long, Eliza A., Aug 9, 1828-Jun 19, 1868.

144 Caswell, Ellender, Mar 4, 1806-Aug 14, 1870.

 

 

34. Ann Jane Caswell

 

Name: Ann Jane CASWELL

Sex: F

Birth: 1837 in Tattnall Co., GA

Death: Abt 1900 in Clinch Co., GA

 

Father: Frances Newman "Frank" CASWELL b: 1812 in Screven Co., GA

Mother: Harriet COURSEY b: 1817 in Tattnall Co., GA

 

Marriage 1 James M. MCLAUGHLIN b: 1829 in Laurens Co., GA

Married: 31 DEC 1852 in Tattnall Co., GA 1 2 3

Children

James Algeron MCLAUGHLIN b: 17 NOV 1853 in Tattnall Co., GA

Indianna MCLAUGHLIN b: 1855

Rowan Marion MCLAUGHLIN b: 6 DEC 1857 in Tattnall Co., GA

William H. MCLAUGHLIN b: MAR 1860 in Holmesville,Appling Co.,GA

Ann Jane MCLAUGHLIN b: 2 JUL 1861

 

 

35. Andrew Jackson Caswell

It was recorded in the Wiregrass obit. and Death Notices that the " honorable A.J. Caswell, one of the most prominent citizens of Homerville, Clinch Co., GA is dead. He was county treasurer at the time of his death".

 

Andrew Jackson was a member of the Board of Education from 1872-1889. He served as President of the Board in 1888 and resigned 10 Sept 1889. He was the Clinch county Treasurer and served in that position until he died.

 

CENSUS: 1860 Clinch Co., GA - Magnolia P.O., Enumeration Date: 8 Jul 1860

Image 40 of 68 at Ancestry.com - Dwelling 277, Visitation 241

Caswell, A.J.: 22 M, Farmer, Value of Personal Estate: 140, Born: GA

 

CENSUS: 1870 Clinch Co., GA - Homerville - Enumeration Date: 13 Jun, pg143, Image 7 of 100 at Ancestry.com,

Dwelling: 135, Visitation: 135

Caswell, Andrew J.: 32 M, Merchant/Grocer, Value of Estate: 1000, Personal Estate: 300, Born: GA

Martha: 22 F, Born: GA

I.F.: 1 F, Born: GA

J.M.: 2/12 M, Born: Apr, GA

Algeron McLaughlin, his sister Ann's son, is boarding and a J. Dowdy.

 

CENSUS: 1880 Clinch Co., GA - Homerville- Enumeration District: 39,Enumeration Date: 4 Jun, Image 4 of 29 at

Ancestry.com

Dwelling: 50, Visitation: 51

Caswell, Andrew J.: 42 M, Farmer, Born: GA, Parents Born: GA

Mattie: Wife, 34 F, Born: GA, Parents Born: GA

Ida F.: Daughter, 11 F, attending school, Born: GA

James: Son, 9 M, attending school, Born: GA

Andrew: Son, 7 M, attending school, Born: GA

Allen N.: Son, 5 M, Born: GA

Tildon F.: Son, 3 M, Born: GA

William L.: Son, 2 M, Born: GA

Riley Smith, a 22 male, is boarding.

 

BIBLE:

on 20 March, 1881, Raymond Harvey Caswell was born.

On Aug 4 1885 Annie J Caswell was born and died at age 14 months.

On 22 Oct 1887 Thomas Norwood Caswell was born. He married Birdie Pearl on 21Aug 1921.ID: I155

 

38. Madison Matthew Caswell

CENSUS: 1840 Lowndes Co., GA - Image 33 of 44 at Ancestry.com

M.M. Caswell: 1 M under 5, 1 M 20-30, 1 F 20-30

 

CENSUS: 1860 Lowdnes Co., GA

Name: Madison Matthew CASWELL

Given Name: Madison Matthew

Surname: Caswell

Sex: M

Birth: 23 Feb 1843 in Tatnall County, Georgia

Death: Mar 1923 in Valdosta, Georgia

Burial: Mar 1923 Valdosta City Cemetery

 

Note: Enlisted in Company A, 29th Georgia Volunteer Infantry on Sept. 9, 1861. He lost his left arm above the elbow during battle at Franklin, Tenn. on Dec. 1, 1864 and was captured. Confined to Federal Prison at Pt. Lookout, Va. He was released on June 5, 1865 and took up residence in Homerville, Georgia. There he served as Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Commissioner before moving to Valdosta around 1890. His occupation there was insurance agent, and he was the 1910 census enumerator for Lowndes County

 

CENSUS: 1870 Clinch Co., GA - Homerville - pg. 143 Image 7 of 100 at Ancestry.com - Enumeration Date: 13 June

1870

Dwelling: 135 Visitation: 135 - Andrew Jackson Caswell Sr. Household

Caswell, M.M.: 24 M, Grocery Merchant, Value of Real Estate: 100, Of Personal Estate: 600, Born: GA

 

CENSUS: 1880 Clinch Co., GA - Homerville - Enumeration District: 39,Enumeration Date: 4 Jun, Dwelling: 56,

Visitation: 59

Caswell, Madison: 36 M, At Home, Maimed or Cripple/Disabled, Born: GA, Parents Born: GA

Sarah: Wife, 29 F, Born: GA, Parents Born: GA

Franklin M.: Son, 8 M, Born: GA

Loddie M.: Son, 6 M, Born: GA

Ceppard B.: Son, 2 M, Born: GA

Masse C.: Daughter, 8/12 F, Born: Oct in GA

 

CENSUS: 1880 Clinch Co., GA - Madison Caswell was the Enumerator. He also lived just a few houses from his Brother, Andrew J.Caswell.

 

CENSUS: 1900 Lowndes Co., GA - Valdosta City, District 663 &endash; Enumeration District: 70, Sheet: 18B, Enumeration

Date: 12 Jun 1900, Crane Ave.

 

House: 215, Dwelling: 316, Visitation: 403

Line 74 Caswell M.M.: Head, Born: Feb 1843, 57 M, Married: 20 yrs.,Born: GA, Parents Born: GA, Owns House,

Mortgaged

Sarah: Wife, Born: Oct 1850, 49 F, Married: 20 yrs., Born:GA, Parents Born: GA

Frank M.: Son, Born: Sep 1871, GA, 28 M, single, Carpenter

Maude: Daughter, Born: Oct 1879, GA, 20 F, single, Salesmanin Dry Goods

Gordon: Son, Born: Jun 1881, GA, 18 M, single, Carpenter

Ellen: Daughter, Born: Dec 1889, GA, Attending School

Annie: Daughter, Born: Sep 1891, GA, Attending School

 

CENSUS: 1920 Lowndes Co., GA - Valdosta City, Enumeration District: 125,Sheet: 4B, Enumeration Date: 13 Jan

1920, Image 8 of 19 at Ancestry.com -Dwelling: 92, Visitation: 103, House# 215

Line 58 Kaswell, Madison: Head, Owns House, Free of Mortgage, Age 76,Married, Can Read/Write, Born: GA,

Father: NC, Mother: GA

Sarah: Wife, 69 F, Married, Born: GA, Parents Born: GA, Can Read/Write

Daughter, 25, single, Born: GA, Can Read/Write

Annie: Daughter, 24, single, Born: GA, Can Read/Write, Sales Body, Dry Goods, Wage

Madison and son Gordon are neighbors.

 

Name: Madison Matthew CASWELL

Sex: M

Birth: FEB 1843 in Tattnall Co.,GA

Death: MAR 1923 in Valdosta, Lowndes Co.,GA

Burial: Valdosta, Lowndes Co.,GA

Note:

38S. Sarah Smith

ID: I518899991

Name: Sarah SMITH

Given Name: Sarah

Surname: Smith

Sex: F

Birth: 23 Oct 1850 in Homerville, Clinch Co.,Georgia

Death: 24 Jun 1930 in Valdosta, Georgia

Clinch Co., Ga. Misc. Marriages - various years - various names

93. Madison M. Caswell and Sarah Smith on Oct. 18, 1870

 

 

39. George Washington Hall

George Washington Hall was born in 1840 in New Bern, N.C and died in Baltimore Feb 27, 1909. He was the eldest child of William Purnell Hall and Rosaline T. Caswell. He was twice married. He moved to Baltimore about 1859 as a young apprentice to a tinner, but returned to New Bern to enlist when the Civil War began. During his brief stay, he lived in the home of his future bride, Jane Norwood, then 15.His mother, his younger brother Billy, and his sisters Harriett, Caroline, and Sarah remained in New Bern until sometime after the summer of 1865. The four siblings were all in Baltimore by the 1870 census. George, and later his brother Billie, founded a ship's chandler buiness at 221 McElderry Wharf, Baltimore. His sister Sarah's husband, Richard A. Miller, became the third partner. George retired when his business was destroyed in the Baltimore fire of 1904. The business was carried on, however. He died Feb. 28, 1909. At the time of his death, he lived at 1011 E. Preston St, Baltimore, Md., just two doors from his brother Billie. George is buried at Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore, Md.

 

SOURCE: CENSUS:

1850 Craven County, NC census; NC Archives

#515 Hall, Purnell 40 sailor b. Maryland

Rosaline 33 bNC

Geo W. 9 b NC in school

Harriet 7 b NC in school

William 3 b NC

Caroline 1 b NC

# 514 Rosaline's sister Harriet is listed with John Street. Next door, in #516, was the gracious old Washington Hotel on Broad Street, run by William R Street, hotel keeper.

 

1860 CENSUS Baltimore, ward 4 ,p.33. visitation 214, family #291

#291 Frank Winship (sp??) age 56, House Carpenter from MD, cannot read/write

Mary Winship (sp??) age 23 from M

#292 Rachael Norwood age 30

Jane Norwood 15

John 9

William 2

Harvey 4/12 (as of 13 June 1860)

Joseph Harryman 24 Segar maker b. PA

George Hall, age 20, Apprentice to Tinner , b. NC

 

.

1870 CENSUS for Baltimore City, copied at Md. State Archives., enumerated 16 August, 1870:

Third Ward, Dwelling #1422, family #1897

WIMSATT, Frances-Head, age 68 -Keeping house, personal estate-$100., b. MD, parents not of foreign birth

Norwood, Pheby, age 38- Seamstress, b. Md

Hall, Jane age 24-, b. Md. Seamstress,

Johns, Willie, age 12, b.Md. .

Hall, George, age 35-Tin and Sheet Iron maker, born NC.

Hall, Rose, age 3, born MD.

Wimsatt, Ellen, age 90, b. Md

Wimsatt, Maria age 16-Seamstress, b.Md.

 

1880 CENSUS Baltimore City, Ward 3, Enumeration district 28 sheet.13 House 112 132.

Enumerated June 3, 1880 by Wm. Caldwell

District 28 was south.of Pratt St, W. of Broadway, N of Gough, E of Caroline St. The

S. Bond St address is on the soundex card but not on the actual census.

 

Wimpsay, Frances C age 80, widow, keeping house, born Maryland, father b. NC,

mother b. Md.

Norwood, Eva age 48, single, granddaughter, seamstress, born Md.

Father born Ireland,

Mother b. Md.

Hall, George W. age 40, widower, son-in-law, joiner, father born NC,

mother born Md

Rosa R. age 13, single, granddaughter, at school, father born NC,

mother born Md.

Hattie C. age 10, single, granddaughter, at school, father born NC,

mother born Md.

Johns, William age 22, single, boarder? , Ship Chandler, father born Md,

mother born Md.

Johns, Henry(?) age 20, single, boarder?, Ship Chandler, father born Md

mother born Md.

The 1880 soundex card adds that the family lived on S. Bond St (maybe # 119)

 

SOURCE: NC Archives NC CIVIL WAR RECORDS, Co.1, 2nd Regiment N.C. State Troops, p.465

Hall, George W. Resided in Craven County where he enlisted at age 21 May 29, 186, for the war. Mustered in as Corporal and promoted to Sergeant, May-June 1863. Captured at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July1-4, 1963, and confined at DeCamp General Hospital, Davids Island, New York harbor. Transferred on Dec. 17, 1863 to Point Lookout, Md., where he was released after taking the Oath of Allegiance on Feb.6, 1864.

 

SOURCE: Baltimore City Directory, 1890.

Baltimore, MD: R. L. Polk and Co., 1890.

 

Geo W Hall tinner 1011 E. Preston Baltimore, MD 1890

 

SOURCE: OBITUARY GEORGE W. HALL March 1, 1909 (Baltimore Sun)

Mr. George W. Hall, a retired merchant of 1011 East Preston St. died Saturday morning

at St. Joseph's Hospital after a short illness following an operation. Mr. Hall was a native

of Newberne, North Carolina and after the Civil War, moved to this city, where he engaged

in business at 221 McElderry's wharf, being the senior member of the firm of Hall, Miller & Co.

 

He retired after the fire. Although very young, when the call was made for volunteers during the Civil War, Mr. Hall promptly enlisted his services in the cause of the South and went to the front as a member of the Second North Carolina Regiment. He served throughout the War.Mr. Hall was a descendant of the Caswells of North Carolina, Gov. Richard Caswell of that State being his great uncle. He is survived by his two daughters, Mrs. John H. Duncan and Miss Hattie C. Hall and William H. Hall, a brother, and his two sisters, Miss Hattie A. Hall and Mrs. Richard G. Miller.

 

SOURCE: DEATH CERTIFICATE C20014 Maryland State Archives

Place of Death St Joseph's Hosp

Full Name George W Hall

Residence: 1011 E. Preston St.

Duration of Residence in Baltimore: 43 years

Date of Birth: April 3 1840

Date of Death: Feb 28, 1909

Age: 68 years, 8 months, 25 days

Widowed

Birthplace: North Carolina

Father: Purnell Hall

Birthplace of Father: Md

maiden name of Mother: Rosaline Caswell

Birthplace of Mother: N Carolina

Occupation of Deceased: Retired

Informant: R.A. Miller

Address: 2028 Kennedy Av.

Place of Burial: Greenmount Cemetery

Date: March 2, 1909

Cause of Death: Acute dilations of Heart

 

SOURCE: GREENMOUNT CEMETERY RECORD provided by cemetery employee Mary Murray, by phone.

Northeast area Slot 138 owned by George Washington Hall; no date of purchase, but probably early 1890

just before he re-interred his family members

Hall, Paul P. 28 Mar 1890

Hall, Jane and Edward W. 8 April 1890, re-interred at Greenmount from Loudon

Hall, Jennie 8 April 1890 re-interred at Greenmount from?

Hall, Sallie L. 16 Apr 1890 re-interred at Greenmount from ?

Annie M. removed from? Apr 16, 1890

Carrie W. Dec 17, 1893

George Washington Hall March 2, 1909

Hattie A. Hall may 21, 1910

Hattie Caswell Hall Jan 7, 1920

Wm H. Hall Dec.14, 1931

Carrie Melissa Hall July 17, 1942

*Note the re-interments

 

SOURCE: GREENMOUNT CEMETERY RECORD for Sallie Hall and husband

Richard A. Miller

NE 282-just yards from the Geo W. Hall plot Information supplied by Mary

Murray by phone

Owner Richard. Miller. Verified by visit to the cemetery.

William Miller Oct 30, 1895

Elizabeth Miller Jan 29, 1879

William J. Aug 12 , 1912

Richard Miller July 28, 1917

Sarah Oct 20, 1970 *error by cemetery should be 1917

Richard, jr. no date

 

39S. Jennie F. Norwood

Jane, known as Jennie, was born in Maryland in 1845, the year after her parents married in St. Mary's County, Md. She appears to be their only child. The family is living in Baltimore in the 1850 census, but by 1860, she and her mother Phoebe were living with her grandmother, Frances Wimsatt. A young George W. hall is a boarder in the house in 1860, so we know how they met. There is no Thomas Norwood in the 1860 census, so we can assume her father had died. Jennie, as she was called, married George W. Hall sometime between his release from Pt. Lookout prison camp in 1864 and July of 1865, the date of her letters to N.C. She died very young, at age 27, leaving her 2 small daughters, Rosaline and Harriett. She was originally buried with her mother, Phoebe A. Norwood, and her

grandmother, Frances Wimsatt in Mt. Olivet Cemetery on July 4, 1872, but was re-interred in 1890 by her husband, George W. Hall, when he bought a plot a Greenmount Cemetery large enough for his family and that of his brother Billie.

 

SOURCE: MARRIAGE RECORD Margaret K. Fresco, Marriages and Deaths St. Mary's County, Maryland

1634-1900, (no place: no publisher, 1982).

Fresco: Thomas Norwood of Eastern Shore, MD m. Phoebe Ann Cecil of SMC, 1/11/1844 at St. Andrew's Epis.

 

 

 

 

SOURCE: 1850 CENSUS

 

310 John Norwood Baltimore 3rd Ward 1824 26 Painter MD

Harriet I/J. (Harris) Norwood Baltimore 3rd Ward 1825 25 MD

Henrietta I/J. Norwood Baltimore 3rd Ward 1846 4 MD

Sarah Wiley Baltimore 3rd Ward 1834 16 MD

William Ecworth Baltimore 3rd Ward 1815 35 Sailor MD

Mary Ecworth Baltimore 3rd Ward 1830 20 England

310 Thomas Norwood Baltimore 3rd Ward 1826 24 MD

Phiba Ann (Cissell) Norwood Baltimore 3rd Ward 1824 26 MD

311 Jane F. Norwood Baltimore 3rd Ward 1845 5 MD

Frank ?Warnpsey (fenmale) Baltimore 3rd Ward 1809 41 MD

 

 

SOURCE:1860 census Baltimore, ward 4 ,p.33. visitation 214

291 Frank Winship (sp??) age 56, House Carpenter from MD, cannot read/write

Mary Winship (sp??) age 23 from M

292 Rachael Norwood age 30

Jane Norwood ,age 15

John 9

William 2

Harvey 4/12 (as of 13 June 1860)

Joseph Harryman 24 Segar maker b. PA

George Hall 20 Apprentice to Tinner , b. NC

 

SOURCE: Vol #.1( A-D) Cemetery Records of Mt Olivet Cemetery

From Vol. 1:sections A-D of the caretaker records of Mt. Olivet Cemetery Baltimore, Md.

Dates of interment

Lot 301-A: owner Frances A. WINSATT (their spelling)-Remains, Apr.16,1855;

 

Columbus NORMAN, Mar.28, 1853;

Child of EMORY, July 19, 1856;

Mr. COSLEY, May 1, 1863;

Rose BEAN, Feb. 28,1872;

Jennie HALL, July 4, 1872; **-Jennie was re-interred in Greenmount on April 8, 1890 by George W Hall (per

Greenmount records)

Frances F. WINSETT, Aug. 6, 1881;

Phoe(be) A. NORWOOD, Dec 31, 1891

Ann HALL, Apr. 19,1895.

 

SOURCE: original letters in the possession of Duncan Yeagar, passed down from his mother, Nancy Lou Duncan Yeagar. Duncan kindly photocopied them and other family information in his possession. They are written by George Washington Hall’s wife Jennie from Baltimore to New Bern, NC shortly after the death of Purnell and Rosaline Hall in 1864.

 

Baltimore City July 22, 1865

Dear Carrie,

I received your kind and welcome letter and felt extremely happy to hear from you and to hear that you and your family was well. We are all well excepting George my husband and he is very sick. He has to come home from the store this afternoon. I don't know what is the matter with him. I am going to send for the Doctor now in a few moments or as soon as Ma goes downtown so as I may know what to do for him. and if he gets worse why I will ? and let you know

.

Dear Carrie Baltimore July 22, 1865

I received your kind and welcome letter and felt extremely happy to hear from you and to hear that you and your family was well. We are all well excepting George my husband and he is very sick. he has to come home from the store this afternoon. I don't know what is the matter with him. I am going to send for the doctor now in a few moments as soon as Ma goes down town so as I might know what to do for him and if he gets worse why I will write and let you know.

*on same page

Dear Carrie,

I thought as I was writing I inform you of the death of Dr. Gamberio Daughter's death she died this week. Carrie, write soon and give mine and Husbands love to all your family and Hattie when you hear from her.

Excuse bad writing

no more from Jennie

 

Dear Carrie Aug. 9th 1865

You wrote me word in your letter that if it was not for your Dear Sisters and Brother you would be willing to die for the sake of being with your dear Mother. I know it greaves you, my Dear, to know she is no more and that you miss her at the fireside but you must try to resign yourselves to the will of the Lord for he doeth all things well. She has only gone a little while before you can go and meet her where parting is no more. I know it is hard for us to part with our friends and particularly a parent- for three weeks past I have been with the sick and the dieing, I have seen the Old Grey headed man bent in prayer and tears over his daughter and in another case I have seen the daughter and the wife weeping over a father and husband and in another case I have seen parents and sisters weeping over a very Dear Brother, but you see it was God's will to send this dreadful affliction upon us and they have to bear it although very hard and why not you and Hattie and Billy and Sallie do the same. I hope you will, for God's sake and my sake and your Brother's sake try to do so. As it is growing late I will have to close. Give mine and George's love to all the family and keep a part for yourself. No More. I remain as ever your affectionate

Sister-in-law

Jennie

PS. Tell Hattie I was very happy to hear that she enjoyed herself and hope she will condesend to write me a letter now and also tell Billy I received the paper and was very mutch obliged to him for it.

Write soon again.

Jennie

 

NOTES:

1.Thomas Norwood is not listed in the 1860 census. His brother, John, is in ward 3, three houses from John Duncan. John Norwood has stayed in the same spot it appears. Assuming that Thomas died, it seems that Phoebe, now a widow, moved in with her mother, Frances Wimsatt by the 1860 census. There are many errors in the 1860 household. ( for example, Rachel Norwood should be Phoebe and Frank Winship should be Frances Wimsatt)

 

39S. Jane

Jane was GWH's 2nd wife.

Jane's remains were removed from Loudon Park to Greenmount by her husband George W Hall on April 8, 1890.

She and their 2 young sons "Purnie" and "Eddie" were originally interred at Loudon Park Cemetery Section G 24

North half. In that plot were the following people:

Jane and Edward W. Hall 1890

Paul P Hall 1891(age 6)

Wilhelmina M. Gabrio no burial year (age52)

Wilhelmena Gabrio 1892

Frederick Gabrio 1899

Michael J Lang 1932 (age 66)

Barbara Lang 1941(age 72)

 

*Barbara was the daughter of Wilhelmina and Frederick Gabrio She married Michael Lang. (matched names and ages in the 1870 and 1880 census.

I think Jane Hall must have been a Lang. I have studied all the Gabrio and Lang families every applicable census. I find no Jane in either family, but there is a "Eugenie" Lang the right age living in ward 4, dau. of George and Margaret Lang, schoolteachers.

 

 

40. Harriett Ann Edwards (Hattie) Hall

Harriett A. Hall was unmarried; she did not probate the will of her aunt, Harriett McIlwean

Caswell, until Feb.15, 1886, 24 years after Harriet's death. This seems quite odd. We get

a little hint of her personality in the 1865 letters of Jennie, Geo W's 1st wife. Jennie says

she is glad Hattie enjoyed herself (she must have come for a visit) and hopes that Hattie will

"condescend' to write to her. Jennie seems intimidated by Hattie.

 

SOURCE: 1870 census Baltimore ward 6

series M593 roll 574 page 430 dwelling 1961 family 2306

Hall, Hadda, 25, b NC

Hall, William, 23, b NC

Hall, Carrie, 20 b NC

Hall, Sallie, 14, b NC at school during previous year

 

Harriett lived with William and Annie Hall in the 1880 census in Baltimore.

 

SOURCE: BIBLE in possession of Charlotte Ruffner of Centreville, Va.

Hattie A. Hall died Wed. May 18 at five minutes past three P.M.Born May 25, 1842, died May 18, 1910

 

SOURCE: Sale of New Bern property

Harriet A. Hall, Caroline W. Hall, Richard A. and Sarah L. Miller his wife, sold the property

to Thomas A. Green* of Craven County on 4 Apr 1887 for $1800.

(Craven County Deed Book 95 page 536 ff.)

NOTE on Thomas A Green. This is probably the Green who purchased the property.

Thomas A. Green rose from being a poor, self-educated carpenter’s apprentice to affluence

as a merchant and banker. He was a leader in the Masonic Orders, the Oxford Orphanage,

the local and state volunteer firemen, the public schools and the Methodist Church.

He married Harriett Howard Meadows. His ancestor, Thomas Applewhite Green, had a

close family connection to the Caswells.

 

 

42. William Henry Clay (Billie) Hall

William Henry was the younger son of William Purnell Hall. At the time of his death in 1931, he lived at 1015 E Preston St, Balt., just 2 houses away from where his older brother George lived, at 1011 E. Preston, at his death in 1909. Billy was the junior partner in the ship's chandler's business of Hall, Hall, and Miller at 221 McElderry Wharf in Fells Point, Md. Richard A Miller, his brother-in-law, was the 3rd partner. He is called "Billy" in letters of 1865 and "Uncle Bill" by my cousin Nancy Lou, his great niece. He is buried in Greenmount Cemetery NE area slot #138, with his brother GW Hall & family, his 2 sisters Hattie and Carrie, and his 2 daughters Sallie and Carrie.

 

SOURCE: BAPTISM (from Christ Church Register ) William Henry was baptized at Christ Church,

New Bern on May 1, 1853 ; sponsor, Rev A.F N Rolfe, Parents Rosaline and Purnell Hall. His age was six.

 

SOURCE: MARRIAGE certificate: Baltimore, Md. William H. Hall and Annie M. Adams Oct 25, 1876;

L. M. Gardiner, minister of the Gospel

 

 

SOURCE: CENSUS: 1850 Craven census

#515 Hall, Purnell 40 sailor b. Maryland

Rosaline 33 b C

Geo W. 9 b NC in school

Harriet 7 b NC in school

William 3 b NC

Caroline 1 b NC

*In # 514 Rosaline's older unmarried sister Harriet (age 45) is listed next door with John Street. In 1860 census, she is age 50.

In # 516 is the old Washington Hotel run by William R Street, hotel keeper

 

1860 CENSUS NC, Craven County, New Bern, ward 1

# 566. Pernel Hall ,Sea Captain, aged 50, born in Maryland $100.00

Rosalind (42, f)

Harriet (18, f)

William H. (14, )

Caroline (12, f)

Sarah L. (5, f)

Harriet Caswell (50, f). They were living in the first ward of New Bern, house #566

 

1870 CENSUS Baltimore ward 6

series M593 roll 574 page 430 dwelling 1961 family 2306

 

Hall, Hadda, 25, b NC

Hall, William, 23, b NC

Hall, Carrie, 20 b NC

Hall, Sallie, 14, b NC, at school during previous year

 

1880 CENSUS: Baltimore #67 S. Bond St

William Hall- Tinner, age 32, b.NC, Father b NC, Mother b NC

Annie Hall , wife, age 31,Keeping House b Md, Father born Md, mother born Md.

William Hall, son, age 3, at home, b.Md, father b. MD, mother born Md.

Hattie Hall, age 33, sister, at home B NC, father b NC mother b NC

Caroline Hall, age 10 months, dau, at home, b. Md, father born Md, mother born Md

Caroline Hall, age 28 sister, at home, b. NC, father b. NC, mother born NC

Place Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland Family History Library Film 1254498

NA Film Number T9-0498

Page Number 535D

 

*Richard Miller and Sarah L Miller lived next door in 1880. Sarah was the youngest

of Purnell & Rosaline's children

 

SOURCE: Baltimore City Directory, 1890. Baltimore, MD: R. L. Polk and Co., 1890.

 

Wm H Hall; R A Miller Hall, Miller & company; stoves; 221 McElderry's whf

Baltimore MD 1890

Wm H Hall- Hall Miller & company 1015 E. Preston Baltimore MD 1890

 

SOURCE: DEATH CERTIFICATE # E 74710 Health Department City of Baltimore

1015 E. Preston St 10-14 Ward

Length of Residence in city 60 years

Full name Wm H. Hall

Residence No 1015 E Preston St

Widowed

Husband of Annie Adams

Date of Birth Aug. 4, 1846

Age 85 years and 4 months

Occupation: Sheet Iron (Retired)

Birthplace: NC

Father Purnell Hall, Birthplace Md

Mother Roslyn Caswell, birthplace NC

Informant Miss Carrie Hall 1015 E. Preston St.

Burial: Greenmount Cemetery on Dec 14 1931

Date of Death Dec 11, 1931 at 1:15 pm

Cause of Death-Carcinoma of Liver

there was an autoposy

Signed Hubert C Knapp (or Knaff), MD

1216 E Preston St.

 

SOURCE: Death notice-Baltimore Sun Dec 13, 1931

HALL-on Dec.11, 1931, William H., husband of the late Annie Adams Hall. Funeral

from his home, 1015 E. Preston St, on Monday at 2 pm. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend services.

 

SOURCE: Burial Announcement:

William H. Hall Burial Tomorrow

Funeral services for William H. Hall, age 85, will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow from his home, 1015 East Preston St.He will be buried in Greenmount Cemetery. Mr. Hall was ill about 2 months. He was the husband of the late Mrs.Annie Adams Hall and was the father of William Purnell Hall of the Baltimore bar.

 

SOURCE: Notice of Burial (probably Sun, no heading or date on clipping)

 

WILLIAM H. HALL

Funeral services for William H. Hall, who died Friday, were held at 2 P.M. yesterday at the home, 1015 E. Preston St. The Rev. John D. Musson, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, officiated. Mr. hall was the late husband of Mrs. Annie Adams Hall, and the father of William Purnell Hall, Baltimore attorney. His death followed an illness of two months. Besides his son, he is survived by a daughter, Miss Carrie M. Hall.

 

SOURCE: family BIBLE of Charlotte Ruffner

Wm. H. Hall died Friday, Dec.11, 1931 at 1:15 P.M. Age 85 years

42S. Annie M. Adams

Annie's middle name could be May. There is an entry in Rosaline Duncan's autograph book with no date beside it, just "May Adams". Most of the autographs date from 1881-1890.

Annie's death certificate says she lived in Baltimore 17 years. If correct, she and her family moved to Baltimore in 1868. William arrived from New Bern sometime between 1865 and 1870, when he appears in the 1870 census. Annie, however, is not listed with William in the 1870 census. I have no marriage date for them, but it must have been after 1870.

 

She was only 35 when she died. Their daughter Sallie L. died just a few months before Annie's death. I have checked Carroll County, her place of birth, in the 1850 and 1860 censuses. No Adams with a daughter Ann. In 1870, there is an Annie Adams, age 20, in Baltimore, ward 3, p.337. She is listed as a machine stitcher and is living in the house of Patrick Quinn and his wife Mary. They lived fairly close to George Washington Hall and family. The ward and enumerator are the same in the 1870 census and 10 days separate the visitation of the two families. I don't know how many families he averaged in one day, but approximately 80-90 families were covered on Aug. 26th. It may be that

 

Annie worked with Jennie Hall (wife of GWH) and/or her mother Phoebe Norwood, both of whom were seamstresses in ward 3 in the 1870 census. Perhaps she met William through them. It appears that her parents were no longer living in 1870.

 

DEATH CERTIFICATE # 85432 ward 7

Date of Death: 25Jul 1885

Full name: Annie M. Hall

Age: 35 years

Birthplace: Carroll Co., Md

Duration of Residence in Baltimore: 17 years

Place of Death: 208 E Preston St

Place of Burial: Loudon Park Cemetery

Date of Burial: 27 or 8 July 1885

 

*CH note-the certificate is hard to read.

 

Annie was originally buried in Loudon Park in section G 212 South 1/2. on 27 Jul 1885.Her remains were moved to

Greenmount Cemetery on April 16, 1890. She has a beautiful stone next to her husband William.

 

SOURCE: GREENMOUNT CEMETERY Slot 138 NE

Transcriptions on the tombstones are as follows:.

Wm. H. Hall 1846-1931

.In Memory of Annie M. Wife of Wm H. b Jan 9, 1850 , died July 25 1885

"Sallie" Sarah L. Sept 1883-Jan 11, 1885, dau Wm H. Hall (small stone)

 

 

43. Caroline Wearing (Carrie) Hall

Carrie, as she was called, lived with her brother William in the 1880 census. She never married and is buried with her siblings. She is the recipient of the 1865 letters written by Jennie, Geo W's 1st wife. Carrie was devastated at her mother's death (in Oct-Nov 1864) and said were it not for her dear brothers and sisters, she would rather go to join her mother. Jennie Norwood writes that she prays Carrie will accept the difficult passing of her mother as it is God's will. Carrie's death certificate says she resided in Baltimore as of 1867. That is approximately when her brother William and her sister Sallie came to Baltimore. If the death certificate for Hattie is correct, she didn't come to Baltimore until a little later.

 

SOURCE:DEATH CERTIFICATE permit # A 62915 City of Baltimore ward 7

Date of Death 16 Dec 1893

full name of Deceased: Carrie W. Hall

Birthplace; N. Carolina

Duration of Residence in Baltimore: 26 years

Place of Death: 1015 E preston St.

Place of Burial: Greenmount Cemetery

Date of Burial; 20 Dec 1893

 

 

46. Sarah Lucretia (Sallie) Hall

Sallie is the subject of a well-told Civil War family story. New Bern was being evacuated in 1862 and the train station was chaos. Sally broke away from her mother and ran home to get her dolly. The train left without the family and they remained in town for the duration of the war under the protection of a Yankee officer who knew of the Caswell family.

 

Sallie married Richard A Miller, a "tinner" like her brother William. Perhaps he was an employee of Geo W Hall's shop and that is how they met. He became a partner in the business. Aunt Ruth (Ruth Duncan Chiles Betts) in a letter to Roz remembers Sallie (she thought it was Carrie). She Says, " I can still remember her and the diamonds she wore. What she couldn't wear, she carried in a small pouch tied to her corset. She was married to Richard Miller and they had one son Rich Miller. He was married to Bessie Miller, whom Cousin Carrie (it was Sallie) had no use for.

But when she became very ill, they took her to their home and, when she passed away, all those beautiful jewels were kept by Bessie.

*CH The "jewels" must have come from the estate of Rosaline, or were bought with the profits from the sale of the New Bern property.

 

SOURCE: OBITUARY Baltimore Sun Oct 19, 1919

MILLER On October 17, 1919, SALLIE L., widow of Richard A. Miller and daughter of

the late Capt. Purnell and Rosaline Hall. [Newbern NC papers please copy]

Funeral from the residence of her son R.A. Miller, Jr. 549 east thirty-eighth St, Monday

morning October 20 at 10 o'clock. Interment private.

 

SOURCE: BURIAL: Greenmount Cemetery

NE 282-(just yards from the Geo W. Hall plot) From Cemetery Record from Mary Murray

by phone

Owner Richard. Miller

William Miller Oct 30, 1895

Elizabeth Miller Jan 29, 1879

William J. Aug 12 , 1912

Richard Miller July 28, 1917

Sarah Oct 20, 1970 *error by cemetery should be 1917

Richard, jr. no date

 

46S. Richard A. Miller

1864 Balt directory

Miller Elizabeth 157 S Caroline

*could be mother of Richard-in the same neighborhood

 

1880 census p 535D (familysearch.org) They lived next door to William Hall's family

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace

Richard MILLER Self M Male W 27 MD Tinner MD MD

Sarah MILLER Wife M Female W 22 NC Keeping House NC NC

Richard MILLER Son S Male W 4 MD At Home MD NC

William MILLER Son S Male W 5 MD At Home MD NC

Place Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland

Family History Library Film 1254498

NA Film Number T9-0498

Page Number 535D

 

1910 US census Baltimore City, 9th ward, enum April 19th, p.145, house number looks like 2128

Miller, Richard A. Head, M, W , age 56, married 36 years, B. Md., parents b. Md., merchant, stove, employer, owns home

Miller, Sallie L., wife, age 52, married 36 years, 2 children born, 1 living, B. Md., father B. Md, mother B. NC

He is listed as Richard A. in the property deed of sale on the New Bern house in 1887.. Richard was the third partner in the Ship's chandler business of his brothers-in-law GW and Wm H Hall. He lived very close to the Halls.

 

OBITUARY Baltimore Sun July 26 1917

MILLER On July 25, 1917, at his residence, No.1720 N. Caroline St. Richard A., aged 63 years, beloved husband of Sallie L. Miller. Due notice of funeral will be given.

 

BURIAL Greenmount Cemetery Slot 282 northeast Richard A. Miller and Sallie L. Miller on same stone. Located very near the G.W. Hall plot.

 

50. Enoch H. Caswell

The Enoch Caswell house orignally stood near the first Bradwell Institute. It was used for offices for the Hinesville Gazette and later the Liberty County herald. It was moved to its present location and became the residence of Enoch Caswell and his wife.

 

 

51. Margaret Eula Lee Caswell

(photo)The Magnolia Hotel was built across the street from Bradwell Inatitute by Olin Carlyle Smith and his wife, Ida Farmer Smith, as a residence. The Smiths were early settlers and Mr. Smith was sherriff of the county for a number of years. Later the house was owned by J. Carlos Laing and his wife, Eula Caswell Laing. The house was operated as an inn by both families.

 

55. Thomas Edgar Caswell

Thomas was first buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery and then moved to the Hinesville Cemetery where his wife Florence is buried.

 

58. Susan Isabella (Sue Bell) Caswell

Had 10 children.

 

 

60. Lodowick M. "Loddie" Caswell

ID: I518899814

Name: Lodwick Mershon "Loddie" CASWELL

Given Name: Lodwick Mershon "Loddie"

Surname: Caswell

Sex: M

Birth: 25 Dec 1873 in Homerville, Clinch Co.,GA

Death: 28 Aug 1951 in Cross City ,Dixie Co.,FL

Change Date: 14 Jan 2003

Note:

The 1900 Lowndes County, GA census finds Loddie and Mary Ida living in the Cat Creek district, not too far from the Griffins, Mary Ida's sister and brother-in-law. Moved to Perry, FL before 1910, occupation grocer. Later moved to Cross City, FL where they are buried in the Cross City cemetery.

 

 

62. Reppard B. Caswell

Died unmarried.

 

 

68. Rosaline Rust Hall

Rosaline Rust Hall was born Nov. 8, 1868 and was the eldest child of George Washington Hall and Jane Norwood. She married John Hugh Roy Scott Duncan on April 14, 1897 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Baltimore. She was his 2nd wife and raised two sons by John's former marriage to Rose Sanner. There were six children in all: Roy Singleton and Arthur Sanner plus her own four-Mildred Virginia, b.1898, Rosaline Caswell, b.1901, George Hall, b. 1902 and Frances Ruth, b. 1908. Her older maiden sister, Harriett C. Hall, also lived with the Duncans after the death of her father, George W. Hall, in 1909. Rosaline died at age 59 of a stroke; she is buried at Loudon Park in Baltimore

beside her husband. Roy and his wife Myrtle, Arthur, Rosaline and her husband William Batt, Mildred, and Robert Baldinger, husband of Roy's daughter Margaret, are also buried at Loudon Park. Aunt Ruth said in her letter that Rosaline, before her marriage, took care of her half brothers Purnie and Eddie, sons of George Washington Hall's 2nd wife Jane, who died in 1884 .Both boys died very young, by 1889.

 

The Rust name came from her gr grandmother, Frances F. Rust.

Personal information of Clair Hadley

 

SOURCE: St Mary's County marriages-online

Benedict WIMSATTMarriage(s):

 

Spouse: Frances E. RUST

Marriage: 29 Mar 1842

Saint Andrews Parish, Saint Marys, Maryland (Episcopal)

 

SOURCE: Obituary Baltimore Sun

DUNCAN-Suddenly, on 27 March, at her late residence 2705 N. Calvert street, ROSALINE H., wife of John H. Duncan and daughter of the late George W. Hall. Funeral services at the above residence at 2p.m. Interment at Loudon Park Cemetery. (Please omit flowers)

*The 27 May date not be the correct day as the number is blurred.

 

 

68S. John Hugh Roy Peabody Scott Duncan

John Hugh Roy Peabody Scott Duncan was born on Nov. 11, 1866 in Baltimore, Md and died Oct. 20, 1950 in Baltimore. He was the son of John Fletcher Duncan and Virginia Taylor Morgan and one obituary states that his maternal grandmother was the first cousin of President Zachary Taylor.He was twice married. His first wife was Mary Alice Sanner, daughter of Eleanora and Isaac S. Sanner They had two sons, Roy Singleton Duncan and Arthur Sanner Duncan. .His second marriage was to Rosaline Rust Hall, daughter of George Washington Hall and Jane Norwood. They were married at Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church on 14 April, 1897. The church register for 1894-1903 (pp.230-31) states they were married by Rev. Julius E. Grammar in the rector's parlor and "a large party was in attendance". In the 1900 census, they lived at 1321 Caroline

St. and also owned the farm "Wilna" in Harford Co near Joppatown. They had four children: Mildred Virginia, Rosalind Caswell, George Hall, and Frances Ruth. By the 1910 census, John had bought their residence at 2705 N. Calvert St. His first employment after leaving school as a lawyer was a Clerk in the Record Office of the Superior Court of Baltimore City. He left that employment after 12 years to join the Title Guarantee and Trust, where he became Vice President. He then became President of the Old Town National Bank. In later years, he went into the real estate and insurance business and had an office in the Emerson Hotel. He was appointed to the Board of School Commisioners in 1926 and re-appointed for a further 6 years. He served on the Board of Rice Bakery and was elected Treasurer of the West Baltimore General Hospital at its founding.

He had a long and prestigious Masonic career of 43 years and was buried by the Grand Commandary of Maryland with Past Commandants as pallbearers. He is buried in Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore (Bethel section, lot 9).

SOURCE: US CENSUS 1900 ( T623 page 6 ) Baltimore City 9th ward, 7th precinct

1321 Caroline St 9th ward Baltimore

Duncan, John, Head, B Nov 1866, Secretary and Treasurer

Rosalyn R, wif,e B.Nov 1868

Mildred V, daughter, b, June 1898

Roy S., son, b Dec 1889

Authur S. son, b.Oct 1891

Gillon, Agnes, Servant, white female

 

SOURCE:US CENSUS 1920 Baltimore City

2705 N Calvert

Duncan, John Head, age 53, Vice president, trust company

Rosaline, wife, age 52

Mildred V, daughter, age 21

Rosaline C, daughter, age 19

G Hall, son, age 17

F Ruth, daughter, age 12

Hall, Hattie C, sister-in-law, age 48

 

SOURCE: US CENSUS 1930 Baltimore City

2705 N Calvert

Duncan, John H., age 64, (occupation illegible), b. Md., parents born VA.

Batt, William H., age 38 Accountant, accounting firm, b. PA, parents born PA

Batt, Rosaline D. age 33

Batt, Rosaline W. age 5

 

69. Harriett Caswell Hall

Hattie lived with her sister Rosaline and family after her father died in 1909. The family was at 2705 N. Calvert at the time of her death in 1920. She never married.

 

71. Purnell P. (Paul) Hall

"Purnie" as his gravestone reads, was the son of Jane, ( 2nd wife) and Geo W Hall. He died at age 5-6. Removed from vault #1976 to Greenmount Cemetery on March 28,1890 to his father's plot. The Loudon plot was with his mother's family

 

72. William Purnell Hall

Wm Purnell Hall (1877-1940) was the son of William Henry Hall (1846-1930) and the grandson of Wm. Purnell Hall (1810-1864). He graduated from the Johns Hopkins University and went on to become a lawyer. He and his family lived at 1621 Caroline St for many years before moving to Tunbridge Rd. His cousin, Rosaline and husband John Duncan also lived on Caroline St. at 1321 when their families were young. He died Aug. 9, 1940 and is buried in Druid Ridge cemetery with his wife" Lottie". He was 62 years, 11 months, and 23 days old when he died.Purnell was the informant on the death certificate of his aunt, Hattie A Hall, who lived with her brother Wm Henry Hall; On the death certificate in 1910, Wm Purnell is listed at 1621 N Caroline St. He was called "Cousin Will" by Hall Duncan, youngest son of John H. Duncan.

 

SOURCE:daughter-in-law Emily Hall by phone Apr 2002

William Purnell studied law under Governor Whyte and worked for the Governor. He and Lottie lived in Homeland on Tunbridge Rd.

 

SOURCE: John Wolfe, jr.

William was a lawyer in Baltimore. He worked in the Knickerbocker building in downtown Baltimore.

 

SOURCE: family BIBLE in possession of Charlotte Ruffner

William Purnell Hall and Lottie W. Barnes were married June 11nineteen hundred and one. The wedding announcement in the book says "At Home after June twenty seventh, 1503 North Carolone St. Wm. Purnell Hall died Friday Aug. 9, 1940 at 6:10 p.m. Age 62 years.

 

SOURCE: Obituary Baltimore Sun, Sunday 10 Aug 1940

HALL - On Aug. 9th, 1940, at his home 112 Tunbridge Road. WILLIAM PURNELL, beloved husband of Lottie Barnes Hall. Funeral services will be held at William J. Tickner & Sons. North and Pennslyvania avenues, of which due notice will be given.

 

HOUSE of DELEGATES Balt.City District 2 (1904-22) 1914, 1916,1917, 1922

http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/speccol/sc2600/sc2685/house/html/bchse2.html

SOURCE: Edward C. Papenfuse, et al., Archives of Maryland, Historical List,

new series, Vol. 1. Annapolis, MD: Maryland State Archives, 1990.

 

 

 

72S. Charlotte (Lottie) Washington Barnes

SOURCE: Birth certificate her birthdate is given as 1879.

SOURCE: family Bible gives her birthdate as 1877.

"Lottie was 91 years old when she died on 27 July 1970. She is buried with her husband in Druid Ridge Cemetery. She was living at 1732 Dunwoody Rd.

Baltimore 21234 (in 1969)

 

SOURCE: Obituary, Baltimore Sun - Sunday 28 April 1970

HALL - On July 27, 1970, CHARLOTTE B., beloved wife of the late William R. Purnell Hall. Services and interment private.

*NOTE

The Mrs. John Wolfe who donated the 4 spoons marked H.M.C. lived at 1724 Dunwoody Rd. 21234. She was Lottie's daughter, Dorothy Hall, 2nd wife of John Wolfe Sr.

 

73. Carrie Melissa Hall

She never married, and was at home with her father until her death in 1942. She is the last burial in the family plot at Greenmount Cemetery.

SOURCE: Family bible in the possession of Charlotte Ruffner, Centreville, Va.

Carrie M. Hall was baptized Sunday May 3, 1903 at Grace Baptist Church by Rev. W. H. Balor

Carrie M. Hall died Monday July 15, 1942 at 8:15 a.m. Age 62 years.

 

74. Sarah L. "Sallie" Hall

SOURCE: family bible in the possession of Charlotte Ruffner of Centreville, VA.

 

DEATHS: Sarah Lucretia Hall, departed this life at twenty minutes past seven Sunday morning the eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty five.

Greenmount Cemetery

. "Sallie" Sarah L. Sept 1883-Jan 11, 1885, dau Wm H. Hall (small stone)

 

76. Richard A., Jr."Rich" Miller

1890 directory

Richd A Miller watchman 2016 Fairmount avenue Baltimore MD 1890

Richard A Miller, jr salesman 2016 Fairmount avenue Baltimore MD 1890

 

In 1919, Richard Jr. lived at 549 E. 38th St. He was informant for his son J William's death certificate. He is listed as a clerk for Bethlehem Shipyard in the 1920 census.

 

Clair R. Hadley

 

June 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

THE MCILWEAN FAMILY

 

 

The McIlweans deserve pride of place in any discussion of the families most closely associated with Governor Richard Caswell. James Mackilwean gave young Richard a home, a career, and a bride. James’ son Francis was Caswell’s close personal friend throughout a lifetime, and they shared military and political ties as well. Later, Richard and Francis’ children married and cemented further the rich relationship between these two families. Examples of ties other than the many marital connections include the following;

 

In 1761 Major Francis Mackilwean and Col. Richard Caswell served with the militia at the Battle of Alamance. In 1762 Francis Mackilwean and Richard Caswell were among the constituted directors and trustees for designing, building, and carrying on the said town of Kingston. Francis Mackilwean was appointed Town Treasurer. A marker with their names is in front of the Court House in Kinston. In 1771 Francis Mackilwean and Richard Caswell were on the Board of Trustees for the first North Carolina school in New Bern. In 1775 John S. McIlwean, son of John Mcilwean, and William Caswell, son of Governor Richard Caswell, enlisted in the Continental Army as ensigns and served together at Valley Forge under General George Washington. James and Francis Mackilwean and Richard Caswell held seats at various time in the General Assembly.

 

There are many stories handed down through the generations about the first McIlweans who came to the colony of North Carolina. James Mackilwean would have been a brave and courageous man to leave his home in Scotland and Ireland to seek his fortune in America. To become the man of wealth and prominence that he was, he must have possessed high intelligence, knowledge of surveying, industriousness, perseverance and hard work ethics.

 

When he arrived in North Carolina, James Mackilwean was granted eleven head rights, 1100 acres, and acquired much more property. After he served in the French and Indian War, he was known as Captain Mackilwean. He probably lived in New Bern and then moved to the northern side of the Neuse River near the ferry which was operated by his friend Dr. Frances Stringer. He and Dr. Stringer served together in the early North Carolina Assembly.

 

Governor Author Dobbs had a plan to build a permanent capital for the colony in an area known as Tower Hill on the northern side of the Neuse River on 400 acres of land that he had purchased from James Mackilwean. He proposed that all the families who served on the council or were involved in the government live in the area. He developed a map showing all roads in the colony leading to Tower Hill. Unfortunately, he was never able to get it approved and the colonial capital was built in New Bern instead.

 

James Mackilwean became a mentor for young Richard Caswell from Maryland who learned to be a surveyor under his guidance. James’ oldest son, Francis, was a close friend of Richard. They served together many times and worked on projects such as the creation of Kingstown, named for King George III. Richard married Francis’ sister, Mary, who owned 200 acres of land. They had 3 children, but only William survived. He served at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. After Mary died in childbirth, Richard remarried and had 8 children. Richard Caswell became the first Governor of the State of North Carolina.

 

James Mackilwean and his son Francis were distinguished citizens in the colony serving as officials in many appointed and elected offices. Francis served with Richard Caswell in the Militia in the battle of Alamance and in the Revolutionary War. They also served in the Assembly.

 

In the 1762 colonial records there is a report by Francis Mackilwean Esq. (member of a Commission of Peace) to investigate problems the government was having in establishing the border between North and South Carolina. It seems a group of squatters, about 150 people, had taken up on Governor Dobbs’ and Mr. Selwyn’s land and refused to move. They rebelled against paying taxes and made slanderous remarks about the King. When the sheriff and the posse when out to take care of the situation they were beaten up; so they retreated. The report concluded that the government in South Carolina was partly responsible for the dispute.

 

Education was important to the Mackilweans. Francis signed a petition, “Memorial of the Inhabitants of Newbern: in 1765 requesting an annual salary for a head master. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the first school in North Carolina in New Bern; known as the Academy. Traditionally, McIlwean children have boarded in New Bern homes and attended New Bern High School as my father, his siblings, my brothers and sisters and I did. In the will of Francis Mackilwean he states “…then my desire is that she (wife, Mary Nixon ) choose as many out of the remaining negroes as will make up that number and the remainder to be hired out yearly and money arising from such hire to be applied toward the education and maintenance of my children”.

 

The McIlwean name, spelled several different ways, weaves through many family histories. Even though descendants of James McIlwean live throughout the United States, many still live in eastern North Carolina.

 

In our own branch of the McIlwean family, there are many values passed down from those early families. The search for freedom of religion and Christian beliefs are evidenced in early documents. Education, good citizenship, community service, and industriousness, are all a part of our heritage that we are proud to claim from our forefathers.

 

 

Earl C. McIlwean and Ila McIlwean White

 

 Return to "Caswell Connection" title page

 

 

DESCENDANTS OF JAMES MCILWEAN

 

First Generation

 

      1. James McIlwean was born on 11 Jun 1688 in Ayrshire, Scotland. He died in 1767 in Craven Co., NC.

James Mackilwean was born in1688 in Ayrshire Scotland. In 1738, he was granted 400 acres of land on the north side of the Neuse River known as Tower Hill near Kinston. A highway history marker stands there today. James and Elinor had several children; Francis, John, Margaret, Hannah, Anne/Nancy, and Mary. Several of their children and grandchildren married into the Caswell family. In 1745 Richard Caswell Sr. from Maryland sent two of his sons, 19 year old William and 17 year old Richard with letters of introduction from the royal governor of Maryland to North Carolina to find work. North Carolina Surveyor-General James Mackilwean took on Richard Caswell as an apprentice. Richard lived and worked with the Mackilwean family and in 1750 was named Deputy Surveyor-General for North Carolina. Richard was married first to Mary Mackilwean and second to Sarah Heritage.

 

James married Elinore Shine ?.

 

They had the following children:

 

+          2 M        i.  Francis McIlwean was born in 1720/1724 and made a will in 1774.

 

+          3 M       ii.  John McIlwean was born in 1724.

 

+          4 F       iii.  Hannah McIlwean was born in 1727.

               5 F       iv.  Margaret McIlwean was born in 1728.

Margaret married John Campbell. John died in 1749.

 

+          6 F        v.  Anne (Nancy) E. McIlwean was born in 1730 and died about 1768.

 

+          7 F       vi.  Mary McIlwean was born in 1732.

 

+          8 F      vii.  Sarah McIlwean was born in 1735.

 

 

Second Generation

 

      2. Francis McIlwean Francis Mackilwean was born in 1720 and died in 1774 in Dobbs County. Francis was first married to Elizabeth the daughter of an adjacent landowner, Dr. Francis Stringer who ran the ferry. Francis and Elizabeth had two children John Stringer and Hannah. After Elizabeth died in 1760, Francis married Mary Nixon and they had 6 children.

Francis married (1) Elizabeth Stringer, daughter of Dr Francis Stringer and Hannah Shine, in 1754. Elizabeth was born about 1736. She died about 1760

 

They had the following children:

               9 M        i.  John Stringer McIlwean was born in 1754. He made a will in1796.

John married Sarah James, daughter of Jerimiah James. Sarah was born in Craven Co. NC.

 

+        10 F        ii.  Hannah McIlwean was born in 1757 and died in 1796.

 

Francis also married (2) Mary Nixon, daughter of Col. Richard Nixon and Mary Graves, in 1760/1765. Mary was born in 1740/1745. She died in 1781.

 

They had the following children:

 

+        11 F       iii.  Gathra McIlwean was born ca1761 and died in 1785.

 

+        12 F       iv.  Mary McIlwean was born ca1763 and died in 1801.

             13 F        v.  Elinore McIlwean was born ca1765.

Elinore married Mr Leonard.

 

+        14 F       vi.  Anne McIlwean was born ca 1767.

 

+        15 F      vii.  Penelope McIlwean was born ca 1772.

 

+        16 M    viii.  Francis McIlwean was born in 1769 and died in 1803.

 

      3. John McIlwean (James) was born in 1724.

John married Zilpha Williams *not proved. Zilpha was born in 1709. She died in 1758.

 

They had the following children:

 

+        17 F         i.  Elizabeth Williams McIlwean was born in 1755 and died in 1801.

 

+        18 M       ii.  John Sturgis McIlwean was born in 1757 and died in 1788.

 

      4. Hannah McIlwean (James) was born in 1727.

Hannah married Benjamin Sheppard, son of Abraham Sheppard.

 

They had the following children:

 

+        19 M        i.  Col. Benjamin Sheppard was born in 1751 and died ca October1798.

 

      6. Anne (Nancy) E. McIlwean (James) was born in 1730. She died ca 1768.

Anne married Martin Caswell, son of Richard Caswell Sr. and Christian Dallam, in 1754. Martin was born on 2 Feb 1733 in Joppa MD. He died on 16 Jul 1789 in Dobbs Co, NC.

 

They had the following children:

 

+        20 M        i.  Martin James Caswell jr. was born ca 1758.

 

+        21 F        ii.  Mary Caswell was born in 1759 and died in 1834.

 

+        22 M      iii.  James Alexander Caswell was born in 1765 and died before 31 Dec 1822.

 

      7. Mary McIlwean (James) was born in 1732.

Mary married Governor Richard Caswell, son of Richard Caswell Sr. and Christian Dallam, on 21 Apr 1752. Richard was born on 3 Aug 1729 in Joppa, Md. He died on 10 Nov 1789 in Fayetteville, NC and was buried in Kinston, NC.

 

They had the following children:

             23 F         i.  stillborn daughter Caswell was born on 15 Sep 1753.

 

+        24 M       ii.  Gen. (Rev. War) William Caswell was born on 24 Sep 1754 and died on 6 Jan 1785.

             25 F       iii.  Dau. (Alice?) Caswell was born on 4 Feb 1757.

 

      8. Sarah McIlwean (James) was born in 1735 in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Sarah married John Shine, son of Capt. Daniel Shine and Elizabeth Green, on 22 Mar 1752. John was born on 25 Nov 1725. He died on 12 Dec 1783.

 

They had the following children:

             26 M        i.  James Shine was born on 6 Aug 1753.

             27 F        ii.  Elizabeth Shine was born on 6 Aug 1754.

Elizabeth married Major George Farragut.

 

+        28 F       iii.  Eleanore (Lany) Shine was born on 24 Sep 1756.

             29 M      iv.  John Shine was born on 22 Nov 1758.

             30 M       v.  Francis Stringer Shine was born on 24 Mar 1761.

Francis married Agnes Anne Torrans, daughter of Mr. Torrans, on 7 Feb 1795. Agnes was born in 1775.

             31 F       vi.  Hannah Shine was born on 18 Jun 1762.

Hannah married Wade Amos on 9 Sep 1789 in Craven County, NC.

             32 F      vii.  Mary Shine was born on 11 Dec 1763.

             33 F     viii.  Elizabeth Shine was born on 7 Jun 1765.

             34 M      ix.  William Shine was born on 26 Sep 1768.

             35 M       x.  Daniel Shine was born on 3 Jul 1771.

Daniel married Elizabeth Brice Fonvielle, daughter of William Brice Fonvielle Jr. and Sarah Becton, on 22 Sep 1824. Elizabeth was born in 1804. She died on 24 Dec 1834.

             36 F       xi.  Nancy Shine was born on 14 Oct 1772.

 

 

Third Generation

 

    10. Hannah McIlwean (Francis, James) was born in 1757. She died in 1796.

Hannah married (1) Thomas James Emery. Thomas died in 1779 in New Bern, NC.

 

They had the following children:

             37 M        i.  James Reed Emery was born in 1773. He died in New Bern, NC..

James married Mrs. Jannett Adams on 2 Jul 1796 in Craven Co, N.C.

             38 F        ii.  Harriett McIlwean Emery was born 1779 (approx) in Craven Co., NC. She died in Jan 1827 in New Bern, NC. and was buried on 10 Jan 1827 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC.

Harriett married William Caswell, son of Martin Caswell and Nancy Murphrey, about 1806 in Pitt Co., NC. William was born ca 1780 in Dobbs Co, NC.. He died between 1844-1850 in Lenoir Co., NC.

 

Hannah also married (2) Gen & Dr. William McClure on 10 Aug 1782. William died on 18 Nov 1804.

 

They had the following children:

             39 M      iii.  John McClure was born by 1784.

             40 F       iv.  Hannah McClure was born after 1784. She died on 23 Jan 1844.

Hannah married William Gaston Esq on 6 Oct 1805. William was born on 19 Sep 1778.

 

    11. Gathra McIlwean (Francis, James) was born ca1761. She died in 1785.

Gathra married Gen. (Rev. War) William Caswell, son of Governor Richard Caswell and Mary McIlwean, on 22 Dec 1782 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC. William was born on 24 Sep 1754 in Johnson Co., now Lenoir County, NC. He died on 6 Jan 1785 in Dobbs County, NC and was buried in Dobbs County, NC.

 

They had the following children:

             41 M        i.  Richard William Caswell was born on 17 May 1784. He died on 5 May 1810 and was buried in the Lytle graveyard, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Richard married Sarah Lytle, daughter of Capt. William Lytle and Nancy Taylor, on 27 Nov 1806 in Nashville, TN. Sarah died in Murfreesborough, TN.

             42 F        ii.  Mary (legatee in father's will) was born before 1785.

 

    12. Mary McIlwean (Francis, James) was born ca1763. She died in 1801 in Kinston, NC.

Mary married (1) Richard Caswell Jr., son of Governor Richard Caswell and Sarah Herritage, on 26 Mar 1782 in Harmony Hall, Kinston NC. Richard was born on 15 Sep 1759. He died in 1784.

 

They had the following children:

             43 F         i.  Sarah Richard Caswell was born in 1783 in Kinston, NC. She died on 10 Jun 1807 in New York City.

Sarah married Grove Wright on 14 May 1801.

 

Mary also married (2) Benejah White, son of Robert White and Eleanor Hope, c1788 in Lenoir Co. NC.

 

They had the following children:

             44 F        ii.  Elenore White.

Elenore married (1) Burton Allen, son of John Allen and Anne Grice Bryan, on 14 Oct 1809. Burton died in 1821.

Elenore also married (2) Gen. Samuel Simpson on 15 Aug 1822.

 

    14. Anne McIlwean (Francis, James) was born calculated 1767.

Anne married Francis Stringer, son of Thomas Stringer. Francis was born ca 1760/1762. He died in Aug 1818 in Craven County, NC. *Note - The Stringer line needs more research.

 

They had the following children:

             45 M        i.  Francis (Frank) Stringer.

             46 F        ii.  Elizabeth Stringer was born ca1785. She died in 1835.

 

Elizabeth married Dr. Charles Duffy. Dr. Duffy was born in 1777. He died in 1840.

             47 M      iii.  Thomas Stringer.

 

    15. Penelope McIlwean (Francis, James) was born calculated 1772.

Penelope married Gen. Samuel Simpson.

 

They had the following children:

             48 F         i.  Eliza H. Simpson was born in Apr 1796. She died in 1808.

             49 F        ii.  Mary Nixon Simpson.

Mary married Rev. W.P. Biddle.

 

    16. Francis McIlwean (Francis, James) was born in 1769 in Dobbs Co. NC. He died in 1803 in Craven Co. NC.

Francis married Hollon Nixon, daughter of Richard Nixon and Sarah Green, in 1798. Hollon died in 1806.

 

They had the following children:

             50 F         i.  Sarah Green McIlwean was born in 1799. She died in 1862.

Sarah married Benjamin Tillman on 7 Jul 1826 in Craven Co. NC. Benjamin died Died Aug. 18 1827.

             51 M       ii.  Francis Nixon McIlwean was born on 2 Feb 1802. He died in 1872.

Francis married Julia Elizabeth Sears Jerkins, daughter of Thomas JERKINS and Grizzell SEARS, on 27 Jul 1826. Julia was born on 3 Mar 1809. She died on 10 Apr 1879.

 

    17. Elizabeth Williams McIlwean (John, James) was born in 1755. She died in 1801.

Elizabeth married Blaney Harper, son of Lt. Francis Harper sr. and Elizabeth Bright. Blaney was born c 1757. He died in 1821.

 

They had the following children:

             52 F         i.  Mary Jones Harper was born on 5 Apr 1787. She died on 12 May 1816.

 

    18. John Sturgis McIlwean (John, James) was born in 1757. He died in 1788.

John married Sarah Caswell, daughter of Governor Richard Caswell and Sarah Herritage, in 1779 in Dobbs Co. NC. Sarah was born on 26 Feb 1762. She died in 1786.

 

They had the following children:

             53 F         i.  Sarah McIlwean was born in 1780.

Sarah married Ridgen White, son of Robert White and Eleanor Hope, in 1798. Ridgen died by 1852.

             54 F        ii.  Elizabeth McIlwean was born in 1782. She died in infancy.

             55 M      iii.  Richard Francis McIlwean was born in 1784.

Richard married Mary Cannon, daughter of Lewis Cannon and Sarah Allen * not proved.

 

    19. Col. Benjamin Sheppard (Hannah McIlwean, James) was born in 1751. He died ca October 1798 in Greene Co., near Snow Hill.

Benjamin married (1) Elizabeth Ruffin.

 

They had the following children:

             56 F         i.  Mary Gray Shepppard died by 1798.

Mary married (1) John Caswell, son of Governor Richard Caswell and Sarah Herritage, in 1793 in Kinston, NC. John was born on 24 Jan 1772. He died on 14 Apr 1795.

Mary also married (2) William M. Lovick, son of George Phenney Lovick and Ann Herritage. William was born in 1769. He died in 1858.

 

Benjamin also married (2) Martha Jones Glasgow.

 

    20. Martin James Caswell jr. (Anne (Nancy) E. McIlwean, James) was born calculated 1758. He died in Bullock Co. GA.

Martin married (1) Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Martin Martin, calculated 1782 in Liberty Co. GA.

 

They had the following children:

             57 M        i.  Martin McElwain Caswell died in 1842 and was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery Liberty Co, GA.

Martin married Ellender Darcy on 13 Dec 1827 in Hinesville, Liberty Co. GA. Ellender was born ca 1802. She died in 1870 and was buried in Taylor's Creek Cemetery Liberty Co, GA.

 

Martin also married (2) Elizabeth Tillman in 1804 in Bullock Co. Ga.

 

    21. Mary Caswell (Anne (Nancy) E. McIlwean, James) was born in 1759. She died in 1834 in Richmond Co. GA.

Mary married Isaac Wingate. Isaac died in 1802 in Ga.-probably Richmond Co.

 

They had the following children:

             58 F         i.  Sarah Ann Wingate.

Sarah married Alexander Irvine on 9 Jun 1806.

 

    22. James Alexander Caswell (Anne (Nancy) E. McIlwean, James) was born in 1765 in Dobbs Co., NC. He died before 31 Dec 1822 in Tattnall Co., GA.

James married (1) Eleanor Williams about 1786 in NC. Eleanor died about 1791 in Screven Co., GA.

 

They had the following children:

             59 F         i.  Piercy Caswell was born in 1787 in Dobbs Co., NC. She died before Dec 1822.

Piercy married William Branch on 15 Mar 1821 in Tattnall Co, GA.

             60 F        ii.  Nancy Caswell was born in 1789.

 

James also married (2) Chloe Colson.

 

They had the following children:

             61 M      iii.  James Caswell.

             62 M      iv.  Matthew Madison Caswell was born in 1810 in Screven Co., GA. He died in GA.

Matthew married Elizabeth Ward on 18 Sep 1822.

             63 F        v.  Christian Caswell.

             64 M      vi.  Martin Caswell.

             65 M     vii.  Madison Caswell.

             66 F     viii.  Eleanor Caswell.

             67 M      ix.  Francis Neuman (Frank) Caswell was born in 1812 in Screven Co., GA.

Francis married Harriet Coursey on 27 Jun 1833 in Tattnell Co., GA. Harriet was born in 1817 in Tattnell Co., GA.

             68 M       x.  Norman Caswell.

 

    24. Gen. (Rev. War) William Caswell (Mary McIlwean, James) was born on 24 Sep 1754 in Johnson Co., now Lenoir County, NC. He died on 6 Jan 1785 in Dobbs county, NC and was buried in Dobbs county, NC.

William married Gathra McIlwean, daughter of Francis McIlwean and Mary Nixon, on 22 Dec 1782 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC. Gathra was born ca1761. She died in 1785.

 

They had the following children:

 

 

 

    28. Eleanore (Lany) Shine (Sarah McIlwean, James) was born on 24 Sep 1756.

Eleanore married Samuel Caswell, son of Richard Caswell Sr. and Christian Dallam, on 22 Jun 1775 in Dobbs Co NC. Samuel was born on 28 May 1742 in Joppa, Md. (Mulberry Point). He died on 5 Jan 1785.

 

Samuel and Eleanore had the following children:

             71 F         i.  Charlotte Caswell was born on 3 Mar 1776.

             72 F        ii.  Sally Caswell was born on 3 Jul 1778.

             73 M      iii.  Shine Caswell was born on 23 Mar 1782.

Shine married Frances Blount in Jan 1807 in Sampson Co.

             74 F       iv.  Elizabeth Caswell was born on 22 Jul 1783.

Elizabeth married Rev. William Hill (not proved) in Jul 1811 in New Bern.

 

 

 

 

  Courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History

 

This 1910 photograph of the Caswell burial site has recently come to light. It is significant because it shows an exact location of the Governor’s burial site. He is buried between his two wives, Mary Mcilwean and Sarah Herritage. The one stone still standing today is that of his daughter, Susannah Caswell Gatlin. The citation at the bottom reads as follows:

 

#1 grave of Richard Caswell’s First wife

#2. Grave of Richard Caswell under tree

#3. Grave of Richard Caswell’s second wife

#4. Grave of Susan Gatlin, daughter of Richard Caswell and mother of Richard Gatlin, inventor of the Gatlin gun. Tree is 8 ft in circumference and one foot from the grave.


 

Appendix A - Notes

1. James McIlwean

 

Note:

James McIlvaine (McIlwean) is believed to have been the brother of Robert and Andrew, sons of John McIlvane of Grimet and Sarah Clark, who moved to Ireland. It is also believed that he is the James who came to America with Robert and Andrew.

Apparently all three tried their fortunes in South Carolina as early as 1732, and, while Robert and Andrew returned to Pennsylvania about 1738-1740, James and his family remained in Craven County, North Carolina. James was a man of considerable influence and prominence. He was Justice of the Peace for Chowan in 1739; Chairman of a Peace Commission, 1739; and a member of the House of Burgesses 1736 . The family name was Mackilwean. The name is spelled in North Carolina records as McKlveen, Macklevian, McLewean, McElvain and McClewean, etc.

 

James Mcilwean, born about 1700 in Ayrshire, Scotland, came to New Bern around 1738. Records indicate he married Elinore Shine The marriage is not proved, but several records name Elinore. They moved to Dobbs County and settled in the area of Kinston on his plantation called "Tower Hill". It was an 850 acre plantation located at Stringer's Ferry on the Neuse River near present Kinston.. James received several grants of land in Craven, Johnston, Dobbs, and Anson Counties , NC. Apparently he had a large family in 1740 In 1735 he is listed with 11 head rights.

 

The following is a quote from minutes in the North Carolina Colonial Records Book 4, pp 594: "At a Council held 21st May 1741... Present His excellency the Governour .......Members of Council......'Sundry Persons appeared before the Governour and Council and made oath to the N of Souls of which their families respectively consist in order to their being entitled to take up Land in such proportion as his Majesty has been pleased to direct by his Royal Instructions viz' Armand DeRoset of New Hanover to 6 Persons, Jno Montgomery Esq Chowan 16, Edward Moseley Esq N. Hanover 91, James Murray Quinter Ditto 6, William Henderson Craven 3, James McLewain Ditto 11, Jno Grady Bladen 9. .........Granted" James Mackilwean received 100 acres of land in Craven County for each person. He accumulated much land in addition.

.He was a neighbor and friend of Dr. Francis Stringer, who was also a member of the General assembly.

In 1739 he was a Justice of the Peace for Chowan Co, and in 1746 he was one of the representatives for Craven Co. to the Assembly at New Bern. He was a justice of the Peace for Craven in 1750 and Anson in 1751. In 1755 he was a surveyor on the Yadkin River and was appointed to run the line and make the boundary for that part of Craven County which was annexed to Dobbs in 1764. Richard Caswell (later Governor) lived with James and Elinore and married their daughter Mary. Richard's next brother Martin also married a daughter, Anne. This marriage is not proved. However, the McIlwean name is given to Martin's grandson by his eldest son Martin, Jr

*Note-the ages of James' children are not proved. They come from a record sent me by Susan Hoffman. Submitter's email obsolete.

 

SOURCE: From Court House Records, New Bern, NC Craven County 1735.*Note-compiled by Frances B. Claypoole

1749 Land A. Francis Mackilwean-Earliest Record of James Mackilwean

1739 Land to James McIlwean 1743 to Mary Mackilwean-+note-dau. who married Gov. Caswell

1738 Nov. 7-Dobbs Co. 400 acres land patent to James McIlwean-Gabriel Johnson, Governor. North side of Neuse river, up Dr. Stringer's line (this item found in Kinston NC Court House.

1745 James McIlwean to Larrimore-Witness-Francis Stringer

1746 James Mackilwean to Francis Stringer-In Presence: Francis Mackilwean and Ann Gof 1746 Book 4

Francis Stringer, Surveyor of the Province Craven deed land to Francis Mackilwean

1748 April, Book 4,p.147 (Deed) James Mackilwean of New Bern, to John Campbell of same town and Province and

Margaret, his wife, one of James Mackilwean's daughters, Deed of love and affection. signed: James Cove and Margaret his wife. June court 1748

 

1745 Book 3,p.149 Captain James Mackilwean-two lots New Bern, Cedar Creek, land of the King's patent an Jjames

Mackilwean

1743 Precinct now called Craven

1760 James and Francis Mackilwean,con. Johnston Co

1751 William Herritage and wife Susannah (dau. of Martin Frank (Martin Frank came to NC with DeGraffenreid)

In Presence of: Webster, Francis Stringer, and Pollock

1754 James McIlwean to James Caldwell

 

 

1S. Elinore Shine ?

SOURCE: Court House Records, NewBern, 1735, compiled by Frances Claypoole, New Bern

1757 Book 2, p.331 Deed to Francis McIlwean. Francis Mackilwean from James Reed and wife Hannah ("Rev. James Reed"). Land on which Francis McIlwean now lives, formerly lands and inheritance of Francis Stringer, descd., late husband of Hannah Reed. Witnesses: Eleanor Macilwean, Hannah Stringer, Mother, Richard Caswell, Esq. Elizabeth Stringer)

 

 

2. Francis McIlwean

Francis McIlwean, the son of James and Elinore McIlwean, was born between 1720 and 1725.and died in 1774 .He lived in the Kinston area at a plantation called "Old Ford" along the Contentnea Creek. He was a close associate of his brother-in-law, Gov. Richard Caswell, and was the first treasurer of the town of Kinston-as noted in the town minutes He was a representative in the Colonial assembly and also served in the General Assembly for Craven from 1770-1773. A seal from a broken wine bottle, labeled F. McIlwean 1767, was found during the restoration of Tryon palace (ca.1950), indicating that he spent some time there; it matched a seal found on Col. Richard Nixon’s ( his brother-in-law) farm, seven miles west of Craven Courthouse. Francis also helped Richard Caswell in organizing the militia to fight for Independence ( NC Col. Rec.Vol xxiii p. 310). Lewis DeRosset, Col; Simon Bright, Lt. Col. Samuel Smith, Major; Francis McElweane, Capt.).He was married twice, first to Elizabeth Stringer (d.1760) and second to Mary Nixon, sister of Col. Richard Nixon.

 

SOURCE: Court House Records, NewBern, 1735, compiled by Frances Claypoole, New Bern

1757 Book 2, p.331 Deed to Francis McIlwean. Francis Mackilwean from James Reed and wife Hannah *Rev. James Reed*.Land on which Francis McIlwean now lives, formerly lands and inheritance of Francis Stringer, descd., late husband of Hannah Reed. Witnesses: Eleanor Macilwean, Hannah Stringer, Mother, Richard Caswell, Esq. Elizabeth Stringer)

 

SOURCE: WILL copied at NC Archives from Elizabeth Moore, PC 1406.9

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN.I Francis Mackilwean of the County of Dobbs and Province of North Carolina being sick and weak in body, but sound mind and disposing memory and calling to mind the mortality of the body, and knowning that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent christian manner at the discretion of my executors herein and after named, and as touching my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I give and bequeath in the following manner.

Impremis. First my will and desire is that my funereal charges and my just debts be paid as soon as possible after my decease.

Item. My will and desire is that immediately after my death all my negroes not herein after otherwise particularly bequeathed be divided into nine equal lots and that my beloved wife Mary Mackilewan shall choose one of the said lotts of negroes, which said lott so chosen I give and bequeath to my loving wife her heirs and assigns forever, together with one young mare, bridle and saddle.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, John Stringer Mackilwean five negroes, viz. Judy, Joe, Peter, Ben, and Phillip, also three horses by name Silverheels, Picture (?) and Cale, five cows and calves and five sows and piggs and one half of my wearing apperral which said several slaves and other articles, I give and bequeath to him and his heirs forever, and which he is to take possession of immediately after my death.

Item. my will and desire is that after my beloved wife hath chose her ninth part of my negroes that she chose out of the remaind (not herein otherwise disposed of) five negroes which I lend her the use of untill the first of my children are married or arrives at the full age of twenty one years, then the said negroes to be returned into the general stock and my executors to divide them so as to give out to such child or children an equal proportion of the negroes and if in any division or divisions so made, any of the five negroes lent to my wife should chance to be taken, then my desire is that she choose as many out of the remaining negroes as will make up that number and the remainder to be hired out yearly and the money arising from such hire to be applied toward the education and maintenance of my children. Furthermore, my desire is that my executors observe the same rule as above in giving out each child their proportion of my negroes, which lot or lotts so parcelled out to each respective child or children, I give and bequeath to them and their heirs forever (that is to say) to my children Hannah, Elizabeth, Gatsey, Mary, Eleanor, Nancy, Penelope and Francis one ninth part of my negroes each except those given to John Stringer. Item. I lend my beloved wife Mary Mackilwean the use of my new plantation during all the days of her natural life and after her death I give and bequeath the said plantation together with a certain tract or parcel of land lying below my new place which said land I purchased of James Reed, to my son Francis McIlwean his heirs and assigns forever. Item: My will and desire is that if my beloved wife Mary should be now with child that such child should have and enjoy my plantation known by the name of Old Ford on Great Contentnea Creek and other plantation which I bought of Samuel Lambert, which said land together with a proportionate part of my negroes not herein otherwise disposed of, I give and bequeath to such child, its heirs and assigns forever, but in case my wife should not be with child, then and in that case, I give and bequeath the said plantation to my son Francis, his heirs and assigns forever. Item. My desire is that my Executors sell at public vendue all my estate not herein before given, both real and personal at six months credit and the money arising from the sales to be equally divided between my wife and my children, Hannah, Elizabeth, Gatsey, Mary, Eleanor, Nancy, Penelope, and my son Francis share and share alike and I do hereby empower the executors and executrix of this my will the survivor or survivors of them to make good and sufficient titles in law to the purchaser or purchasers of such real estate and to secure the same to them and their heirs and assigns forever. And I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Mary Mackilwean Executrix and my loving friend, Farnifold Green and Richard Nixon of Craven County my executors to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this 8th day of February 1774. Signed, sealed , published and declared by the testator as and for his last will and testament in presence of us. R. Caswell, Simon Bright, John Shine, Martin Caswell.

FRANCIS MACKILWEAN

 

The within last will and testament of F. Mackilwean, deceased, together with the codicil thereto annexed were severally proved before me this 10 day of March 1774, by the oath of Simon Bright, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, who swore that he was present and did see the testator sign and publish and declare the same to be and contain his last will and testament, and at the time thereof, he was of sound and disposing mind and memory and Farnifold Green and Richard Nixon, two of the executors in the said will named having taken the oaths of Executors and qualified agreeable to law. It is ordered that letters testamentary issue thereof accordingly. JO. MARTIN

 

2S. Elizabeth Stringer

SOURCE: Court House Records, New Bern, 1735, compiled by Frances Claypoole, New Bern

1757 Book 2, p.331 Deed to Francis McIlwean. Francis Mackilwean from James Reed and wife Hannah("Rev. James Reed". Land on which Francis McIlwean now lives, formerly lands and inheritance of Francis Stringer, descd., late husband of Hannah Reed. Witnesses: Eleanor Macilwean, Hannah Stringer, Mother, Richard Caswell, Esq. Elizabeth Stringer)

 

2S. Mary Nixon

Grant book No.1, p.82 Record No. 1 Entries-Lot. No.175-1785 to Richard Nixon-land known as the five sisters: Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Ann, and Sarah. Land formerly belonged to Graves. Recd. No. 1-22 March, 1785.

 

 

3. John McIlwean

.SOURCE:SETH TISON BIBLE 1755-1850 (Greene/Pitt)

Blana Harper married Elizabeth McIlwean, daughter of John McIlwean and Zilpha Williams

Mary J Harper, daughter of Blana Harper and Elizabeth McIlwean was born April 5, 1787 and died May 12, 1816

SOURCE: Records of Elizaberh Lawrence, found in the Bill Murphy collection no. 746

Elizabeth Williams McIlwaine (1755-1801) wife of Blana Harper (1762-1797)

 

SOURCE: tombstone still standing in Eastern NC 1930: reads "Mary Jones Harper Sheppard, daughter of Blana Harper and his wife Elizabeth McElweane, b. Apr. 5, 1787,died May 12, 1816"

 

 

4. Hannah McIlwean

The marriage of Hannah to Benjamin Sheppard is not proved. Many researchers have found that Benjamin Sheppard married a daughter of James and Elinore, but only one has that daughter named.

 

 

4S. Benjamin Sheppard

This marriage is not proved. Many researchers have indicated that a daughter of James and Elinore married a Benjamin Sheppard. Only one reference has been found which names that daughter as Hannah. There is a possibility that this Benjamin's father may have been Abraham Sheppard. Benjamin and Col. Abraham of Revolutionary fame, would then be brothers.

SOURCE: Shine McIlwean bible

________McIlwean married Benjamin Sheppard

 

5. Margaret McIlwean

1748 April, Book 4,p.147 (Deed) James Mackilwean of New Bern, to John Campbell of same town and Province and Margaret, his wife, one of James Mackilwean's daughters, Deed of love and affection. signed: James Cove and Margaret his wife. June court 1748

 

 

5S. John Campbell

1748 April, Book 4,p.147 (Deed) James Mackilwean of New Bern, to John Campbell of same town and Province and Margaret, his wife, one of James Mackilwean's daughters, Deed of love and affection. signed: James Cove and Margaret his wife. June court 1748

 

 

6. Anne (Nancy) E. McIlwean *See register for Martin Caswell

 

6S. Martin Caswell *see register for Martin Caswell.

 

7. Mary McIlwean

1739 Land to James McIlwean 1743 to Mary Mackilwean *Note-dau. who married Gov. Caswell

 

 

7S. Governor Richard Caswell

Richard Caswell was the first Governor of the independent state of North Carolina. He was the only one ever to serve for six one year terms, and the only one ever from Lenoir (then Dobbs) County. Caswell was distinguished also among governors of the newly independent states for having directly participated in the Revolutionary battles.

While serving in the militia with rank of colonel in 1771, Caswell saw action under Governor Tryon in the Battle of Alamance. Three years later the First Provincial Congress met at New Bern to name delegates to the First Continental Congress, opening in Philadelphia on September 5, 1775. In May 1775, while enroute to the Continental Congress, Colonel Caswell learned of the April 19th battles at Lexington and Concord. Shortly after he returned to North Carolina, Colonial Governor Josiah Martin fled the Royal Palace, Tryon, at New Bern, taking refuge on a British warship at the mouth of Cape Fear River. Military preparations increased throughout North Carolina and Caswell was named commander of the militia in one of the six military districts. Then, at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge on Feb. 27, 1776, Caswell led some 1,100 Whig troops who ambushed the Tories, upset British invasion plans, and made him a hero of the Revolution.

 

In 1776, after the Provincial Congress enacted the Halifax Resolves, military preparations escalated and Caswell was promoted to brigadier general of militia. Later he was to command all North Carolina militia and was to join General Horatio Gates in the unsuccessful action against Cornwallis at the battle of Camden. In the meantime, Caswell served as chairman of a group to draft a state constitution, which was adopted, following the Declaration of Independence, by the Continental Congress. General Caswell was chosen and reelected Governor of North Carolina by the general assemblies of 1777, 1778, and 1779. The constitution permitted only three successive terms for governor. It was in 1777, his first year as constututional governor, that Caswell bought Harmony Hall; according to Dr. Charles Holloman, Caswell occupied Tryon Palace for a brief period, but then moved the government to Kinston, feeling the palace presented too exposed a target for British warships. Caswell was again elected N.C. Governor in 1785 and was re-elected for the full legal limit of three successive terms, serving until 1788. He suffered a fatal paralytic stroke while presiding over the state senate in the general assembly at Fayetteville in the Fall of 1789. He died on 10 Nov. 1789 and is believed to be buried at Kinston in what is now Caswell Memorial Park. The park houses the Caswell museum and Visitors Center Since Caswell left no land or houses and precious momentoes, his wealth having been sorely depleted as a result of the war, only Harmony Hall remains as the restored proof of his courage and service to the State and the Nation.

 

SOURCES: Harmony Hall LH 08288-6 Lenoir Community College

History of Lenoir County by Charles Holloman

 

SOURCE: Family bible from the Archives

CASWELL FAMILY BIBLE

 

Joseph Winstone Caswell (mentioned on the reverse side) departed this life on Wednesday (about 12 o'clock at night) the 28th of January 1761. In the 22d year of his age & was interred the Saturday following by his father.

 

Anna Caswell (mentioned in the following side) departed this life on Sunday (about noon) the eleventh day of January 1784 & was interred the Tuesday following by her father.

 

Christian Caswell who had been the widow of Richard Caswell upwards of 31 years departed this life at Newington in the 83d year of her life on Sunday eight on the morning of the 18th of February 1787 and was interred by her said husband at the Hill on Tuesday following.

 

Richard Caswell arrived in Maryland the 2d day of February, in the Year of our Lord 1712.

 

Richard Caswell & Christian Dallam were married the 12th day of January 1723.

 

Elizabeth Daughter of Richard & Christian Caswell was born the 27th Day of October 1724, and then departed this life the 25th Day of November 1725.

 

William the first son of Richard & Christian Caswell was Born ? 1725

 

Richard the 2d Son of Richard Caswell & Christian was Born the 3d Day of August 1729.

 

Mary the 2d Daughter of Richard Caswell & Christian his wife was Born the 1st Day of August 1731.

 

Martin, third Son of Richard Caswell & Christian his wife was Born the 15th Day of February 1733.

 

Joseph (intended) the fourth Son of Richd & Christian Caswell was >C Still Born 3d of May 1736

 

Christian & Benjamin Daughter & Son of Richd & Christian were Born the 20th of April 1737.

 

Joseph Winstone the Sixth Son of Richd Caswell & Christian his wife was born the 1st of December 1739. (see his death side before this)

 

Samuel & Anne son & Daughter of Richd Caswell & Christian his wife were Born the 28th May 1742.

 

Richard Caswell Departed this life on Thursday the 24th Day of April 1755 (2 o'clock afternoon) and was interr'd Saturday following.

 

William Caswell (son of Richd & Christian) Departed this life the 13th Day of August 1755 a quarter past Seven in the morning, on Board Capt. Jacob Walters on his passage from Barbadoes to Maryland

 

Christian Caswell (Daughter of Richd & Christian) was married to William Williams the 16th Day of August 1757. By whom she had a Daughter named Elizabeth Born the 23d Day of June 1758. And the said Christian Departed this life on Tuesday the first Day of August 1758 and was interr'd on Thursday following by her father.

 

Richard Caswell (son of Richd Caswell & Christian his wife) was Married to Mary Mackilwean on Tuesday the

21st Day of April 1752.

 

The said Richd and Mary had a Daughter Still Born the 15th Day of September 1753.

 

William Son of said Richard & Mary was Born on Tuesday the 24th Day of September 1754.

 

Mary wife of Richard Caswell was delivered of a Daughter on Friday night the 4th Day of February 1757. And on Monday the 7th of Said Month she (said Mary) Departed this life in the 25th year of her age and was interred on Wednesday following.

 

Richard Caswell was Married to Sarah Herritage on Tuesday the 20th Day of June 1758.

 

Richard Son of the above said Richd & Sarah was Born on Saturday the 15th of September 1759.

 

Sarah Daughter of Richd & Sarah Caswell was Born on Thursday the 26th Day of February 1762.

 

Winstone, Son of said Richd & Sarah Caswell was Born on Monday 7th May 1764.

 

Anna Daughter of Richd & Sarah Caswell was Born on 4th Day of December 1766.

 

Dallam Son of Richd & Sarah Caswell was Born on Thursday the 15th June 1769.

 

John Son of Richd. & Sarah Caswell was Born on Friday the 24th of January 1772

 

Susannah, Daughter of Richard & Sarah Caswell was Born Thursday the 16th of February 1775.

 

Christian intended, Son of Richard & Sarah Caswell was Born at Newington the 7th of January (Wednesday) and died the 9th following 1779 and was buried there.

             

*Note-Richard Caswell and his second wife Sarah raised their grandson Richard William after Caswell's son (by first wife Mary Mcllwean) William's death (Jan.6, 1785) and wife Gatsey's death (1785) They also raised Sarah Richard, dau. of his son Richard ,jr (d.Dec. 27,1784) and Mary McIlwean. Mary married Benejah White shortly after Gov. Caswell's death (c.1790) so it is unclear where Sarah Richard was by 1790 census. They also reared Richard Francis McIlwean and his 2 sisters Sarah and Elizabeth, children of his daughter Sarah (d.1787) and her husband John Sturgis McIlwean (d.1788). In addition, he appears to have taken in William and Elizabeth Lovick, nephew & niece of his wife Sarah. Sarah also took in her grandson, Benjamin John Caswell (b.c1793), the only son of John Caswell, who died in 1795.

 

SOURCE: Tax list of 1780

Caswell was by far the wealthiest man in Dobbs County in 1780. The next wealthiest was Major Croom with 33, 268.

DOBBS COUNTY, NC, 1780 TAXLIST (Caswell is by far the wealthist man in Dobbs ) Transcribed and contributed by Allen J.Barwick

District # 1 KENNEDY

Lenoir County - From Kinston west, but north of Neuse River.

DIST/Payee FIRST LAST NAME   VALUE COMMENT

1 1 Richard (Maj.Genl) Caswell 59,118

 

SOURCE: 1790 census- Sarah Caswell has two males over 16, two boys under 16, and 3 females (including herself) and 21 slaves.

 

WILL OF GOVERNOR RICHARD CASWELL

 

In THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I, Richard Caswell, of Dobbs County in the State of North Carolina, Do this second day of July, in the Year of our Lord, one thousand, Seven hundred and eighty seven, make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament as the one I made on the death of my dearly beloved son, William Caswell, will not suit with my present circumstances. I declare the and all former Wills and Testaments by me made, null and void, holding this and this only for firm and effectual, which is as follows:

First, I reserve for the use of a burying ground for all those of my family and Connections who may choose to bury their Relations and friends there, one half acre of land where the Bones of my dear father and Mother lie, at a place called the Hill, to be laid out East, West, North and South so as to leave those Bones near the center of the said half Acre of Ground, and I also reserve in like manner, one half Acre of Land where the Bones of beloved wife (and) son, William, now lie near the red house, to be laid out in the same manner and for the same purpose as the above half Acre is directed; and these two half Acres to be reserved for the uses afores'd forever. And its likewise my Will that those who wish to bury their Dead at either of the said places and coming with in the meaning of the description above, shall always have liberty of Egress, Ingress and regress to, at and from the said respective burying grounds to bury the dead or repair or raise an enclosure to the same. Secondly, to prevent any kind of Dispute which might arise between my Brother Martin Caswell, or his heirs or Assigns With those claimings under me, I declare all the land comprised within his Title from Samuel Caswell of the Title to Samuel Caswell or Nathaniel Bird, I have no claim to, notwithstanding my patent may be of a Younger date, than the Deed I granted to Nathaniel Bird for the same.

Thirdly, Whereas my Brother, Samuel Caswell, in his life time and myself, agreed for two hundred acres of Land whereon he lived, immediately before his death, which was to begin at Mackilwean's (corner) next to the river, near Mrs. Skiners dwelling and run up Mackilweans to Dosiers out corner, then with his line to the flat branch near the end of Mr. Caosts field, then with the side of the said Flat and land down to where a small branch empties into the said Flat branch, which runs through Kellings old field, then a direct line to the mouth of the Cypres Gut. Then down the river a small distance to Boxes corner, then with his line out to my corner and then to the Beginning, which included part of Dosiers, Kellings, Boxes and my own former claims, for three hundred pounds and notwithstanding a very small part of that Sum was paid me in my said Brother's life time, and knowing it would very much distress his family was I to require the remainder, therefore, I leave the use of the Land aforesaid with the plantation and appurtenances to my sister, Eleanor Caswell, the widow of said Brother, until her son, Shine Caswell, arrives to the age of twenty one Years, at which time I give and devise the same to him, the said Shine Caswell, his heirs and Assigns for ever.

Fourthly, I give to my Grandson, Richard William Caswell, a Negro boy named Boson, and his assigns forever.

Fifthly, I give to my Grandson, Richard Francis Mackilwean, a Negro boy named Daniel, and to his Assigns forever.

Sixthly, if Jonathan Morris chooses to take the land whereon old Jack lives, which I bought at the vendue of Richard Caswell, Junr's estate at the price I gave for it, I desire that the Title may be made to him for the same,

Seventhly. Whereas I purchased at the Vendue of the Estate of my Son, Richard Caswell, one Lot and half a Lot of Land in Kinston, with the house wherein Mrs. Caswell now lives and the appurtenances, one Negro Woman named Sarah, one Negro girl named Sall, one Negro boy named Charles, and one Negro boy named Jim, which Lot and Half and premises with the said Negroes, I leave the use of to my Daughter in Law, Mary Caswell, until my Niece, Sarah Caswell, her daughter, arrives to the age of eighteen Years, if my said Daughter should so long live, and at that period or at the time of my said Daughters Death, if it should happen before my said granddaughter arrives to the age aforesaid, I give, devise and bequeath the said Lot, half Lot, an premises with the said negroes, to my said Grand Daughter, her heirs and Assigns forever, to be delivered over to her free of any charges or incumbrances on account of the maintenance and support of my said grand Daughter. And as it is uncertain into whose hands she may fall, or it may so happen that she may fall into distress unless provided for by me, I therefore desire the Executors of this will in such case to find her reasonable and decent support, in cloathing and board, and attend to her Schooling and Education, which they shall themselves pay to those who may be intitled to receive the expenses of the same, without its going through other hands, and shall be a charge against my Estate, which support in the case aforesaid, I direct shall be made and continued to her until she arrives at the age of eighteen years or marries.Eighthly, and, as I have heretofore virtually given to my daughter, Anna Fonvielle, the land I hold on the east side of the Atkin branch form the road down to the river and down the same to the mouth of the Cypress gut, bounded by the lines form thence of the Land herein given to Shine Caswell, and John Coasts lines and my own lines to the road, and then with the road to the Beginning, including all the land I claim adjoining the Atkin and Neuse, below the road, is what is called the Walnut Hill and contains about three hundred acres. I have also verbally given to my said daughter, Anne, Negroes Peter and his wife Barbara, and Doll, these verbal gifts I now confirm to the said Anna Fonveille, her heirs and Assigns forever. Ninthly, Whereas I am engaged to pay very considerable sums of money of account of purchases made of my dear son, Richard's estate, and as the articles then purchased will by no means bring a sum sufficient, and as I cannot now discriminate what of my property may be best to dispose of, to raise money sufficient to pat all my debts, I hereby direct the Executors hereof or such of them as may be acting at the time it may become necessary to dispose of such part of my real or personal estate, as he or they Judge necessary and on such terms, I think twelve months credit will be best, may appear most for the advantage of my Estate and I hereby empower such Executor or Executors or acting Executor to make Legal and authentic conveyances to the purchasers for the same.

Tenthly, After my debts are paid and the expenses of my household, and schooling of my children, with every other incidental charge so as a fair and just inventory of the remainder of my estate can be made, of both real and personal property, I require my Executors or acting Executor to return such inventory with his or their account of the whole transactions relative to my estate, to my friends Spyers Singleton, Robert White, John Heritage, Jesse Cobb, Francis Childs, Simon Bright, Joshua Croom, Benjamin Caswell and John Coart, or the majority of them or of the Survivors of them, and I request such majority, will arrange the personal estate into five equal divisions or parts as near as may be, of which parts, I give my wife, Sarah Caswell, one, which I request she may be allowed to choose, at the same time, I request such majority of my friends may set apart for my said wife, in lieu of her dower of my Lands, as she may choose to live on, and such part I leave her the use of during her natural life; the other four remaining parts of my personal property, I request may be drawn for by my three sons, Winston, Dallam, and John, and Susannah, and such lot I give to the respective drawers, his or her heirs and Assigns forever.

Lastly, I nominate and appoint my said Sons, Winston, Dallam, and John Caswell, Executors of this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say, Winston to act alone until Dallam arrives at twenty one Years of age, then those two to Act until John arrives to the age of twenty one, after which the whole to act as Executors until the business is compleat, and I appoint my good friend James Glasgow, in trust to advise and direct the due Execution hereof, which I beg he will attend to.In testimony of the premises, I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal, the day and year first herein written, contained on five sides.

R. Caswell (Seal)

Executed in presence of us, who have subscribed our names as Witnesses in presence of the Testator, and of each other:

Simon Bright

James Bright

 

A codicil to the foregoing last will and Testament of Richard Caswell, made and executed the same day of the will and is to be considered as a part of the same, that is to say, I give to my son, Winston Caswell, Negroes Venus and Diamond, and to his Assigns for ever, to be appraised in like manner and by the persons named in my will, and the value deducted from his one fourth part, with my sons, Dallam, John, and Daughter Susannah. It is further my will, that in case of the death of any of my now living children, to wit, Winston, Anne, Dallam, John, and Susannah, before marriage, arriving at lawful age or legally disposing of any of the property, herein given then that such property shall go to my surviving children and their heirs and Assigns, to hold forever.

Witness my hand and seal which is affixed to the string which binds these two sheets together.

R. Caswell (Seal)

Executed in presence of:

Simon Bright

James Bright

 

State of North Carolina, Dobbs County January Court 1790

Then was the within Last Will and Testament of Richard Caswell, deceas'd, exhibited into Court and proved by the oaths of Simon Bright and James Bright, the only Subscribing witnesses thereto, who swore that they saw the Testator sign, seal, publish and declare the dame to be and contain his last Will and Testament, and that they also saw him Sigh and Seal the Codicil thereto, and acknowledged it to be a part of his Will; and to the best of their knowledge, he was at that time of perfect mind and memory. At the same time, Winston Caswell, one of the Executors therein named appeared and Qualified as such.

Ordered that Letters Testamentary issue accordingly.

Test. W. Caswell, Cler.

(Official Seal)

Copy of Original Will, filed in the office of the Secretary of State

 

SOURCE: DSCR204.508.2 Hillsborough District Equity Case against estate of Hon Richard Caswell by Gov. James Turner.

 

*NOTE-By 1828 William Croom was in possession of most or all of Gov. Richard Caswell's properties.

 

WILL of WILLIAM CROOM - June 2, 1828 From original at the NC Archives, Raleigh, NC.Abstracted and contributed by Guy Potts

.In the name of God, Amen, I, William Croom of NEWINGTON, Lenoir County, North Carolina,at the home of George Whitfield on my way to Florida, do on this 2nd day of June inthe year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, make and declare this instrument of writing, written on one sheet of paper, to be my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following ,viz.1st. I give to my beloved wife Elizabeth Croom for and during the term of her natural life my NEWINGTON PLANTATION and lands adjoining called the RED HILL plantation, containing in the whole about Twelve hundred acres....3rd. I give to my son Bryan Croom in Florida, all the negroes I have then in his possession, also Jacob and John, in the possession of Joshua St. Byrd, and all my right of lands in Florida. Also two thousand dollars to be paid him out of the sales of my estate to aid him in purchasing more lands in Florida, to him, his heirs and assigns forever.....5th. I give to my son William Croom my TOWER HILL plantation, beginning at Neuse River, ..6th. I give to my two daughters Anne and Eliza Croom all my lands below Tower Hill lands, given to William, including the Collier, MCILWEAN PLACE where Wingate now lives(*Note- Wingate must be related to the Isaac Wingate who married Martin's daughter Mary) and the Stonington lands where David Evans lives to be equally divided by three competent commissioners chosen by my Executors for that purpose, to them, their heirs and assigns forever.."

*Note-other former Caswell lands are also mentioned. This Bryan is probably the Bryan lost in the wreck??? and perhaps the William is the one who married Sarah R. Caswell

 

Mrs. W.T. Hines of 207 East King Street has in her possession a list of the persons buried in the Caswell graveyard, which was given to her by Mrs. Sue Bond, granddaughter of Dallam Caswell, son of Richard Caswell, on April 2, 1914.

 

The following graves are on the list:

Richard Caswell, born August 3, 1729, died November 10, 1789; Susan Caswell Gatlin,

died March 5, 1843 at 67 years of age; Sarah C. Reavis, daughter of John and S. Gatlin,

died March 24, 1838, age 23 years; Lewis C. Desmond, born April 19, 1812, died

October 24, 1868. Joshua Desmond, born November 26, 1827, (epitaph reads "Here lies a

good man"); Eliza W., wife of Lewis Demond, born September 1804, died September,

1844 (granddaughter Richard Caswell); Mary E. Fonville, daughter of Lewis and Eliza

Desmond, born July 25, 1823, died April 18, 1900; John Gatlin, died June 20, 1830, age

67 years; Walter Davenport, a native of Connecticut, died 1832, age 32 years; Mary

Catherine, wife of J. Chestnut and great granddaughter of Richard Caswell, died February

23, 1854, age 24 years; Mary McIIwain, first wife of Richard Caswell; William Caswell;

Dallam Caswell and Holland Caswell West, daughter of Dallam Caswell and wife of William B. West.

 

The list notes the unmarked graves of several children. Indisputable evidence as to the people buried in the several remaining graves has never been secured. Governor Caswell's grave was marked by the Masons in 1908. "Until then the only marker was one erected by nature--a giant oak tree, still standing."

 

(The article had to have been printed in the newspaper prior to 1958, because there is a

hand written notation stating that Mrs. Waitman Thompson Hines (Leone Hardy) died

December 4, 1958.)

 

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by

Guy Potts <gpotts1@mindspring.com>

Wayne County, NC - Newspaper Resources

Reprinted with permission of the News-Argus and cannot be reproduced without permission.

 

Caswell Wasn't A Fiery Rebel

 

Goldsboro News-Argus

 

Editor's note: This is another in a series of articles on Wayne County's history from 1700 to 1900 provided in conjunction with the American Revolution Bicentennial observance.

By Ernie Wood

 

By the standards of the day, Richard Caswell may not have been North Carolina's most fiery Revolutionary leader.

Although an official in the colonial government, he was highly regarded by royal governors. And it was not until the Battle of Lexington & Concord in April of 1775, that he began to turn openly against British rule.

 

"Some will object that it will be acting against the government," he wrote to his son soon after his sentiments began to crystalize behind the Patriot cause. "Answer them that we are preparing ourselves to defend our country & to support our liberties."

 

Caswell would become a military leader in the Patriot forces here. He not only would serve as first governor of the sovereign state of North Carolina, but he would serve more terms than any other governor in the state's history.

 

Born in Maryland August 3, 1729, Caswell came to North Carolina at the age of 17 in 1746. During the next 10 years, he held a series of public offices, including deputy surveyor of the province, clerk of court for Johnston & Orange counties & sheriff of Johnston County. Ultimately, he became Johnston County's representative to the General Assembly, a position he held from 1754 to 1773.

 

In the 1750s & 1760s, he acquired thousands of acres of land in eastern North Carolina & became an officer in the militia.

 

But it was in 1770 that Caswell began his rise to prominence. That year, he was elected speaker of the lower house of the General Assembly, a position of power & influence in which he not only was leader of the colonists in opposition to the royal governor, but in which he commanded the respect of the governor himself.

 

Governor Josiah Martin, the state's last royal governor, in fact, thought well of Caswell for his conciliatory stance. But Caswell was by no means a Tory, even in the early days of the Revolution. The state's First Provincial Congress in 1774 elected him a delegate to the First Continental Congress. He served in the Second Provincial Congress some months later. The Third Provincial Congress, which met in Hillsborough in August 1775, appointed Caswell commander of the Minute Men of the New Bern district. He resigned the seat in the Continental Congress to accept the post.

 

The same Provincial Congress named him treasurer of the Southern district of the colonies in charge of collecting taxes for the maintenance of the Revolutionary army & government.

 

Six months later, on February 27, 1776, Caswell was one of the Patriot leaders who routed loyalist forces at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. The battle, which took place about 18 miles from Wilmington, has been called "The Lexington & Concord of the South." Maneuvered into a vulnerable position by the Patriot General James Moore, the loyalists fell into a trap that Caswell & Col. Alexander Lillington had set up at the bridge. The Patriots had removed much of the flooring from the bridge & greased the remaining logs so that the loyalists attempting to cross slipped into the water.

 

TULL FOLDER - 1804 - 1848

 

1. 3 January 1804 - Indenture - DELHAM CASWELL of Lenoir sole surviving executor of the last Will and Testament of RICHARD CASWELL, dec of the first part; EDWARD GRAHAM, Clerk for the district of Newbern of the 2nd part and JOHN TULL of Lenoir of the 3rd part - whereas RICHARD CASWELL by his last Will executed 2 Jan 1800? Did direct (to raise money sufficient to pay all his debts) his executors to dispose of such estate as necessary; whereas by a decree of the Court of Equity held for the district of New Bern at July Court 1803 made in a certain cause wherein NATHAN SMITH was the complainant and the executor of RICHARD CASWELL, dec were defendants --- directed part of the estate to be sold to pay complaint - JOHN TULL, Senior became purchaser at public sale at Courthouse in Kinston on 3 Jan 1804 - for 1500 pds - tract known as RESKES and ROUSES land - NS Neuse about 2 miles from Kinston - now in tenure or occupation of WILLIAM LOVICK - between 600 and 700 acres - mouth of branch at river called deep bottom Branch, public road, back line of JANE FIELDS patent, LAZARUIS TURNER'S patent of 640 acres, JOHN ROUSE, line of Red House patent

 

WIT J. COBB, GEO. LANE

Jan Court 1804 - C. WESTBROOK, Clk

 

 

8S. John Shine

FROM THE SHINE BIBLE

Copy of original Bible found in the SHINE PAPERS - Private Collection #914.1 at the North Carolina Archives, Raleigh, NC

John Shine and Sarah Mackelwiain Was married the 22 March 1752

 

1. James Shine the Son of Jno Shine and Sarah his wife was born the 30th of January in the year of Our Lord 1753

2. Eleazabeth Shine was born in the year that of August 1754

3. Eleanor Shine was born the 24 of Septm 1756

4. John Shine was born the 22nd of Novr 1758

5. Francis Shine was born the 24 of March 1760

6. Hanah Shine was born the 18 of June 1762

7. Mary Shine was born the 11 of December 1763

8. Eleasabeth Shine was born the 7th of June 1765

9. William Shine was born the 26 of Septm 176 ?

10. Danl Shine was born the 23 of July 1771

11. Nancey Shine was born the 14 of October 1772

The Ages of John Shines Children Deceased December the 12, 1783

 

Source: Dobbs Co. Bible records, vol. 2&3 p. 56 , #62.,DAR library, Wash. DC Quoted as :follows:

 

SHINE-McILWEAN BIBLE 1753-1904 :(Lenoir)

This record deals with the family of James Mcilwean and his wife Eleanor. This couple appear to have moved to Dobbs County from New England and settled in the area of Kinston on his plantation called "Tower Hill". This couple had six children but only two, Sarah McIlwean Shine and Francis McIlwean are :given any coverage in this record. This record was found among the records of the late Louisa Dixon Jones of New Bern and Charleston, S.C.

Richard, son of Alexander Torrans & Hollan his wife born July 18, 1806

Francis Nixon McIlwean, son of Francis & Hollan McIlwean was born Feb. :15, 1802

Francis McIlwean, the son of Francis N. McIlwean and Julia his wife was :born June 23, 1829, Tue. AM between 1 &2 o'oclock

Sarah N McIlwean, the daughter of Francis N McIlwean & Julia his wife was born Dec. 1827

Shine children of Sarah McIlwean & John Shine

James Shine born Aug. 6 1753

Elizabeth Shine born Aug. 6 1754

Elinor Shine born Sept 24,1756

Francis Stringer Shine born Mar.24, 1761

Hannah Shine born :June 18, 1763

Elizabeth Shine born June 7, 1765

William Shine:born Sept. 26,1768

Daniel Shine born July 3, 1771

Nancy Shine :born Oct. 14, 1772

Francis Stringer Shine born Mar. 24 1761 married :Agnes Ann Torrans, Feb 7, 1795 Their daughter Margaret :married Judge Kellen of Johnston Co, NC (his 2nd marriage)

Francis J. McIlwean was born Apr. 9 1846. He died Apr. 29 1870. He :married Louisa Monfort French Street Dec. 1863 Their children were:

Francis Nixon McIlwean born Nov. 12 1864 died July 7 1888

Sarah Tillman McIlwean born Aug. 14, 1866 died July 26 1889

Charles Wesley McIlwean born March 10 1870 died Dec 17 1904 (note the date discrepancies)

Charles Wesley McIlwean born May 10 1870 died Dec. 7 1904 aged 34 years

Their children:

Emma Kate born Sept. 29 1897

Burness Duffy :born Dec 11 1898

Charles Nixon born Sept 24 1900

Ray Montfort :born Feb 22 1902

Earl Class born Aug 12 1903

  MARRIAGES OF:JAMES & ELINOR MCILWEAN"s CHILDREN

Mary McIlwean married Richard :Caswell. He was an important man in NC. He became Governor 3 separate times

Margaret McIlwean married John Campbell

----McIlwean :married Benjamin Sheppard

 

 

9. John Stringer McIlwean

SOURCE:Craven Co. Records 1735, compiled by Frances Claypoole, Book 23, p.282-1778

"Deed between John Stringer Mackilwean, grandson of Doctor Francis Stringer, late of Dobbs Co., NC, deceased."

 

Book 25,p.293-1780-Oct.6, 1780 "John S. McIlwean and Sarah-to Hannah Emery (J.S.M. sister) 7000a." In Presence: Spyers Singleton Witness: James Green, jr.

 

Record 25-1784"John Stringer Mackilwean of Dobbs Co. and Sarah Mackilwean deed to James Reed Emery. If no heirs to his (note-that is, John's sister) sister-Hannah McClure, wife of William McClure.

 

Book 32-516-1790 (or 96) JOHN STRINGER MACKILWEAN'S WILL "To Charles James parcel of land which had been bequeathed to J.S. Mackilwean of Lenoir Co. by John Fowler in March 1773. EXCRS: Winston Caswell and William White

 

 

10.   Hannah McIlwean

SOURCE: Notes of genealogist Bessie Carman in Eliz. Moore's PC 1406.9, NC Archives.

Hannah married Thomas James Emery of New Bern. They had Harriet McIlwean, b.ca 1779, and a son, James Reed , b.1773.

*Note-Harriet was born no later than 1780, since her father died in 1779. I believe she married William Caswell, b.ca 1780, son of Martin and Nancy Caswell of Dobbs, though I have not found the record of their marriage.

 

Bride: Hannah Emery

Groom: William McClure

Bond Date: 10 Aug 1782

County: Craven

Record #: 02 222

Bondsman: James Green

Witness: Jno. MacKilwean

Bond #: 000028008

 

SOURCE: New Bern Sup. Court papers submitted by Sue Guptill

Folder: 1779

Information: Indictment of William SHORE, carpenter for breaking and entering and burglarizing the home of Mrs. Hannah EMERY.

Date: 20 Sept 1779 about the hour of 12 in the night.

County: Craven

 

 

10S. Gen & Dr. William McClure

SOURCE: Court House Records, New Bern, NC 1735, compiled by Frances Claypoole, Book B-207-1804

WILLIAM MCCLURE'S WILL 20 Oct. 1794-Wife Elizabeth-dau-Hannah-sister Margaret. Wish and desire that his dau Hannah live with Mrs. Margaret Gaston, son of Alexander Gaston. Elizabeth must have been 2nd wife to Wm. McClure, and desire to have daughter by Hannah McIlean, under Mrs. Gaston's care." Note-This sounds confusing, but simply means Hannah Mcilwean's daughter, Hannah, is to live with Wm. McClure's sister rather than with his wife Elizabeth. Hannah later married William Gaston, Margaret's son ( his 2nd wife)

*Note-William McClure was made guardian of James Reed Emery (he rents out slaves belonging to James) and is noted as his guardian. But he is not guardian of Harriett McIlwean Emery, James's sister. This would seem to indicate that Harriet was under one of the Caswell's care-or that she died young.

 

SARAH DAVIS (from Craven County Heritage book) #163

Sarah Davis married William McClure, according to her father's will dated 1783. Her father was James Davis, the printer. William McClure, who lived and died in Craven County, North Carolina, was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. For his service he was granted land in Smith County, Tennessse. His Will was dated 20 October 1794 in Craven County. He leaves his wife, Elizabeth (his second wife) all of my "Long Neck" land with my grist mill. He names his daughter, Hannah Mcclure; this only daughter, Hannah McClure, had married William Gaston of New Bern, and. at her death the land of her father descended to her three children. One of her sons was Alexander Gaston of Yancy, North Carolina, who. married Eliza W, Jones. The land that the three children were to receive was deeded to William Murphrey by Alexander Gaston, in which deed provisions were made for protection of the heirs: Wlliam, Susan and Hugh Gaston of Yancey. These heirs were to receive a tract of land between the Neuse and Trent River, a little above New Bern with the grist mill and saw mill, ''where William McClure lived and died."

- Natalie J. Sugg

 

 

11. Gathra McIlwean

Gathra was her husband’s first cousin.

 

 

11S. Gen. (Rev. War) William Caswell

William Caswell (b. 24 Sept 1754 - d. 06 Jan 1785)

William grew to manhood and attained distinction during the Revolution. He was a Farmer, County Official, State Legislator and a Continental Army Captain and became a Brigadier General. He also served as the North Carolina Adjutant General. His father, Richard Caswell Jr, wrote him a letter telling him of the hardships and dangers that were soon to be his lot as a soldier of the Revolution. The letter was written from Philadelphia on 11 May 1775 and it described the growing spirit of the Revolution and advised him to prepare to risk his life in the service of his country.

 

William was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine and spent a miserable winter at Valley Forge with Gen. George Washington. When William was 28 years old, he married Gathra (Gatsey) Mackilwean on 22 Dec 1782, a daughter of his mother's brother, Francis Mackilwean and his wife Mary. They had a son, Richard William Caswell, born 05 May 1784. On 06 Jan 1785, William died from an illness probably brought on by the wounds and wartime hardships, leaving a wife and a son who was just a little over a year old. His wife Gathra died later that same year. Their child was an orphan who was taken in by Richard CASWELL Jr. and his 2nd wife, Sarah Herritage.

 

William worked under his uncle, Martin Caswell, as registrar of deeds. Martin was clerk of the court.

April Court 1774 on oath of John Harrell &endash; Martin Caswell, Clk

Enrolled Register WC Liber A page 102 &endash; 22 April 1774 &endash; Wm. Caswell, Regr

 

SOURCE: Russell King, genealogist

William Caswell son of Richard Caswell has Uncle Capt. Bright

 

Dobbs County, NC - Will of William Caswell, 1785

 

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

 

In the name of God Amen

 

I William Caswell of Dobbs County in the State of North Carolina, being very weak in Body but of sound mind and understanding, and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to Die, Do this Twenty Seventh Day of December in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and eighty four make and Declare this to be & contain my last Will and Testament

 

First I most humbly recommend my Soul to almighty God from whose Bounteous hands I received the same, in hope that in and through the merits of Jesus Christ and his Sufferings, the same will enjoy Peace, Happiness and rest in the Glorious World to come

Secondly I desire my remains may be interred at the Burial Ground near the Red House, in a plain decent and Christian like manner

Thirdly I desire that all just Debts from me owing and the Expences of my Funeral be paid as soon as the same can conveniently be done

Fourthly The remainder of my estate both Real and Personal (wherewith God hath blessed) Except such part I shall herein after otherwise dispose of I give Devise and bequeath to my dear and well Beloved Son Richard Caswell to hold to my said Son and his Heirs and assigns for ever, But as all Human things are Transitory and tis very possible my said Son may die before he arrives at Lawfull age, that is, twenty one years, and if such event shall happen then and in such case I give Devise and bequeath all the Real and personal estate so as above given to my said son, to my Brothers Dellam Caswell, and John Caswell share and share alike to hold each his respective share and to their respective Heirs & assigns forever.

 

And as it is my very great desire that my son Richard Caswell be Educated in the best manner possible consistent with his property I impower the Executors of this my last Will and Testament to sell and dispose of any part of my Real and personal estate before mentioned for that purpose and to make Titles to the same, and to pay such monies to my Esteemed, Trusty and Honorable Friends Richard Dobbs Spaight and John Sitgreaves Esquires who I constitute and appoint Guardian to my said son during his Nonage and most earnestly recommend him to their (paper missing) Beseeching them to do me this last Friendly office and to spare expences that can with any degree of propriety be supposed to be consistent with my son's fortune

 

Fifthly I give and bequeath to Mary the Daughter of Bridget Conner one negroe Girl called Seal and a negro Boy named Bill the son of Binah if the said Mary shall live to be of the age of eighteen years, if she dies under that age then the said Negroe Girl and Boy to go to my Son Richard under the Limitation above mentioned, (paper missing) the said Mary to have the benefit of the said negroe Girl Seal and Boy Bill so long as she may Live, if the (paper missing) Contingency happens

 

Lastly I nominate constitute and appoint Winston Caswell, William White Executors of this my last Will and Testament and request they will execute the same according to (paper missing) true intent and meaning

In Witness whereof I have hereunder (paper missing)

my hand and seal at Newington the day and Year (paper missing) above written

 

Signed Sealed published & declared }

by the Testator as and for his last } Wm. Caswell {Seal}

Will & Testament in presence of us }

 

Wm. White

John (his x mark) Lovick

Winston Caswell

Rd Caswell

 

State of North Carolina }

Dobbs County } April Court 1785

 

Then was the within last Will and Testament of William Caswell esquire exhibited into Court and proved by the Oaths of Richard Caswell Esq'r, Winston Caswell and William White &endash; Subscribing Witnesses thereto who swore that the said last Will & Testament was Written and Signed in the presence of the Test(paper missing) at his special instance and request, in his last Sickness and (paper missing)

Source: David L. Swain Papers PC 84.7

North Carolina Archives & History

 

David L. Swain, Buncombe County, jurist, legislator, Governor (1832-1835), UNC president (1835-1867) & founding member of North Carolina Historical Society

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Guy Potts - gpotts1@nc.rr.com

 

12. Mary McIlwean

Mary McIlwean was the first wife of Richard Caswell, Jr., the son of Gov. Richard Caswell. After Richard's untimely and sad death in 1784, she married Benejah White in 1804, brother of Sec. of State William White. William was married to Gov. Caswell's daughter Anna.

 

 

12S. Richard Caswell Jr.

In Dec. 1784 Richard was a successful merchant in Kinston; he made a voyage to Charleston, SC to purchase a cargo of goods for transport to New Bern. His ship sailed on Dec. 27, 1784. Neither ship nor any person aboard was ever seen again. He was then 25 years old. It is presumed the ship was taken by pirates. He and his wife Mary lived at Harmony Hall and had one child, Sarah Richard. Sarah and her mother Mary went to live with Gov. and Sarah Caswell after Richard's untimely death.

 

 

12S. Benejah White

SOURCE: 1800 Lenoir County Census-Benjah has one boy 0-10, one boy 11-16, himself 27-45, one girl 0-10 (probably Eleanor), one girl 11-16 (probably Sarah Richard) and one woman 26-45 (probably wife Mary Caswell) and 25 slaves.*Note-Mary died in 1801. They had one daughter Elinore.

1810 CENSUS ONLINE-There is no Benejah White in Craven, Lenoir, Green, Pitt, Jones. When did he die? He is alive and living in Craven in April 1809

* In a deed 3 Apr 1809, William White of Wake County, N.C., Ann Goodman of Lenoir Co. N.C., Benejah White of Craven Co. N.C., Rigdon White of Lenoir Co., N.C., Elizabeth Garland of Wayne Co. N.C., heirs of Robert White deceased, sell to John Becton land they had from Clement Prichard, deceased.

So Richard Francis McIlwean couldn't have married Ben.'s wife, Mary Allen and fathered his 2 children, Sarah and Lewis, b.1807 and 1809.

 

Benejah White was a brother of NC Sec. of State William White, who married Gov. Caswell's daughter Anna.

Benejah married Mary Caswell, widow of Gov. Richard Caswell's son Richard, jr. Gov. Caswell had provided for the widow Mary and daughter Sarah Richard in his will and had taken them in.

 

SOURCE: Bessie Carman's notes in Eliz. Moore's PC1406.9

After Benejah married the widow Mary, he brought a lawsuit against the estate of Gov. Caswell (Court papers 1802-6,Clark's office, New Bern), claiming 1000 lbs spent in schooling and maintaining Sarah Richard Caswell over and above the property willed to Sarah and her mother He demanded reimbursement from the estate of Gov. Caswell. Dallam Caswell, the surviving executor of Richard Caswell, deceased, was the defendant. In the deposition of William White, dated Jan.22, 1802, acting trustee stated that the house and lot in Kinston, NC left by the will (was?) the house of the deponent and that Benejah White had married the said Mary Caswell widow, and had moved to another house in less than a year before the testator died. Deposition of Wm. Heritage filed July term of Court 1800 in Lenoir County stated that he---1788 was having some conversation with Gov. Caswell who, his father said, had bought some slaves at the vandue of Ric. Caswell Jr, dec'd,, and Gov. Caswell had bought them for his granddau. Sally because the widow of Rich. Caswell had remarried. In the deposition of of Francis Caswell he states that he is of age and lived near Sarah and her grandfather. It was brought out in the suit that Sarah had been reared in a manner and befitting the grand daughter of the Gov. and that her estate was sufficient. Gov. Caswell's will was probated in Jan. Court 1790, and Winston and John Caswell, two of the executors, had since died.

 

Lenoir County, NC - District Supreme Court Abstracts for Dobbs, Lenoir, Greene, Wayne, Craven, Onslow and Jones counties, 1762-1806

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Russell King

DSCR 206.508.1

Richard Caswell estate - 1787 - heirs: Sarah Caswell, widow, Winston Caswell, Delham Caswell, John Caswell, Susannah Lovick - 1793 J.P. Bryan Whitfield, Joshua Croom, Moses Westbrook, Miles Hutchins - jurors: Phillip Miller, James Griffith, Arthur Graddy, Hardee Croom, Ephraim Vause, John Hamilton, Simon Griffin, William Arrendale, Joseph Pool, James Skipper, Esler Kilpatrick, /William Aylor - Benajah White gdn to Sarah Caswell granddaughter to Richard Caswell - Joseph Elliott - Faithy Brewer - 5 May 1789 John Garland and Richard Caswell bond to John Heartsfield wit: Job Williams, Armstrong Walters, John Hartsfield - Benjamin Hartsfield - John Hartsfield Jr. - Susannah Lovick wife of John - Major Crooms ,J.P. Dobbs County - Richard Caswell Jr. owes Nathan Smith money - 1785 - Benajah White married Mary Caswell widow of Richard Caswell Jr. and mother to Sarah Richard Caswell -

Winston Caswell - 1805 - William Lovick & Ambrose Jones to Dallam Caswell gdn to Elizabeth Greene Caswell heir of Winston Caswell - 3 Apr 1805 - Lenoir County - Wm. Lovick rents Newington plantation for five years

 

SOURCE: DSCR 204.508.2 Hillsborough District Equity case (1805)-names Benejah as guardian of Sarah Richard Caswell and Richard Francis and Sarah McIlwean.

 

DSCR 206.508.10

1805 Richard McIlwean - minor - 1805 - Lenoir County - Shade Gatlin vs. Richard McIlwean - Benajah White gdn. to Richard - Benjamin Hartsfield JP - John Cox Constable - Jas. Bright JP - John Louis Taylor JSCJ -

 

SOURCE: Bessie Carman's notes in Eliz. Moore's PC 1406.9 NC Archives

"In the suit Benejah White et al v. Mary Smith, 10-4-1808, Benejah White is administrator"do bonis non" of John Allen, dec.

In Book 36, p.564, New Bern, NC dated 1-1-1805 is the marriage settlement between Benejah White of Lenoir County and Mary Allen of Craven regarding the property given to her by her father, John Allen, dec'd , and as a marriage is intended shortly between the said Benajah White and Mary Allen. In 1828 and (an?) inventory of the estate of Benejah White is listed."

 

SOURCE: Craven Co. Marriage records and RR of 4 Jan 1806 record the marriage of Benejah to Mary Allen on 31Dec.1804.

SOURCE: New Bern Sup. Ct. criminal papers

Summon BENJAH WHITE for State vs STEPHEN SHEPPARD Dobbs

State vs STEPHEN SHEPPARD planter, FREDRICK FAIRCLOTH, planter and ROGER ROBERT, planter, for assault upon BENJAH WHITE Dobbs

 

Capias STEPHANUS SHEPPARD, GRAVES BRIGHT, JESSE LASITER, WILLIAM FAIRCLOTH JR and JAMES HELMS to answer indictment for assault Dobbs Co

 

Summon JOHN HERITAGE, MARMADUKE COX, MARTIN CASWELL JR and WILLIAM JOHN LONG on behalf of State vs STEP.SHEPHARD and others

 

14. Anne McIlwean

New Bern dist. Loose Papers 1775-1810, bk 201, p.61 Francis McIlwean

July Ct. 1800 Petition of Francis Stringer & wife Ann. they stated that sd Ann was a daughter of Francis McIlwean who d. with will in 1774, appointing his widow, Rich. Nixon, & Farniflod Green his excrs; said widow never qualified; the widow and Rich. Nixon are now dead. Proceeds of the sale of real and personal est. were to be div. between said Ann & her brothers & sisters, namely Hannah who died several years ago with no heir.

 

Bessie C. Carman Collection

New Bern, North Carolina

1746-1898; 1931

PC 390

Reference in this collection is made to the 1796 letter from Francis Stringer, Armagh, Ireland, to Samuel Simpson, Greenville, NC, telling of his fathers provision for Stringer's wife Anne of a hundred pounds a year in the event her husband died first and a copy of a "deed from the Registry of Deeds, Ireland," giving the details.

 

Deed is typed with the following shown in the margins:

Solicitor's Name - Jean Stephenson

When Lodged - 12th June 1931 - No. 473

[Far right side of page] 1796.493.323621

[Has three Irish stamps at the top]

 

Registry of Deeds (Ireland)

Attested Copy of Memorial

Stringer to Stringer

FEES 4/0

Duty Stamp

 

TO THE REGISTER APPOINTED BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT FOR REGISTERING DEEDS WILLS

CONVEYANCES & SO FORTH

A MEMORIAL OF AN INDENTED DEED OF ANNUITY bearing date the eighteenth day of June one thousand seven hundred & ninety six and made BETWEEN FRANCIS STRINGER late of New Burn North Carolina United States of America but now of the City of Armagh Esqr. and ANNE STRINGER orwise McILWAIN his wife now resident of Craven County State aforesaid of the one part and THOMAS GREER of said City of Armagh Mercht. and JOHN SMALL of the City of Dublin Gent. Attey. of the other part RECITING that Thomas Stringer late of Armagh aforesaid deceased did by his last Will and Testament by him duly executed among other devises give devise & bequeath all his estate and interest in the land of Ballytrodden & in and to the Mill of Alistragh and the lands held therewith and the lands of Tullygconigen County of Armagh subject as therein mentioned to his second Son Ralph Stringer during his life with remainder in failure of issue of said Ralph to said Francis Stringer AND RECITING that sd. Testator by said will did impower said Ralph by Deed under his hand and seal to charge sd. Lands with a jointure not exceeding one hundred pounds a year as a provision for any Wife he should marry in case of her surviving with power of distress on said lands & RECITING that said Ralph Stringer had died in the lifetime of his said Father and that said Francis Stringer had become possessed of said lands by virtue of said Will AND WITNESSING that in pursuance of the power granted by said Will and in order to secure a provision for said Anne Stringer in case of her surviving her said Husband he said Francis Stringer did give grant and confirm unto the said Thomas Greer and John Small their heirs exors. & admors. and the survivor of them & the heirs exors. and admors. of such survivor one annual sum of yearly rent of one hundred pounds Sterg. to be issuing out of all and singular the lands and premises before particularly mentioned to commence from the death of the said Francis Stringer and to be payable during the life of the said Anne Stringer in case of her said husband on the days and times in said Deed particularly mentioned with power of entry and distress on said lands and premisses for the same and the said Thomas Greer and John Small did declare the said annuity to be granted to them for use of the said Anne Stringer upon the event above mentioned WHICH said Deed of which this writing is a Memorial & this Memorial are witnesseth by George Halloran of Britain St. Hair Dresser & Thomas Dowling of Georges Hill Gent. Attey. both of the City of Dublin

/JNO. SMALL

 

 

14S. Francis Stringer

SOURCE: Watson, Alan D, A history of New Bern and Craven County, Tryon Palace commission, 1987

SOURCE: Bessie C. Carman Collection

New Bern, North Carolina

1746-1898; 1931

PC 390

Reference in this collection is made to the 1796 letter from Francis Stringer, Armagh, Ireland, to Samuel Simpson, Greenville, NC, telling of his fathers provision for Stringer's wife Anne of a hundred pounds

a year in the event her husband died first. [letter follows]

 

Mr. Samuel Simpson Armagh, Ireland, 24th Febr'y 1796

Dear Sir

I now take the oppertunity of a ship sailing from Dublin for Philadelphia of informing you that I mean to leave this country by the 1st April, my stay here has been longer than I expected and could not foresee remote that was to take place and did, know doubt you have heard of the death of my brother and by that demise I am left four hundred pounds a year independant of my own property here, my father had directed a jointure to be settled on Mrs. Stringer of one hundred pounds a year in case anything should happen to me, this in a particular kindness in the old man unexpected, the writings are compleated and recorded in Dublin, I thought it best to have the settlement compleated during my fathers life than after his decease, as perhaps some dificualtys might be started unknown, therefore have put that out of the question altogether and secured the business for my Dr Nancy, my estate here goes to my son Frank and in failier of justice of him to my next earthen mail or femail so that none of us can roll any part of property in tail hereafter.

 

I wish I was safe in Carolina again without the pleasure of the voyage, I have understood that the government of England intends to purchase a large quantity of horses for their cavalry that are going to the West Indias, if this be the case horses will be in great demand in the United States and I think it very prudent in government to think of this measure as you no that our horses are better calculated for a Southeran climate than European ones, I hear it in contemplations to apply to government for a contract for 1000 horses to be purchased in North Carolina, I think it could be done early in the Western Country however I will make further inquiry into the business before I engage in any contract whatever Give me bear to ask you how Mrs. Simpson is and your daughter I hope they are both well and that your are quite recoverd of your indisposition, for my part, I have been quite in good health since my arrival in this Kingdom You'l please to apply to Capt. William Gorahm for my two beds blankets and sheets I left on board him which he promised me he would take care of for me with some other

things I left in his care also with love to Mrs. S, Your Br John, Mr & Mrs Caron, mother and sister, I remain Dr Sam'l Your

affec't friend

Fras Stringer

 

P.S. I must beg the favour of you to see Mrs. Stringer and make inquiry of her if she wants any necesssarys and should she please to furnish her with any she may stand in need of, until my return though I wrote Mrs. Reams to let her have as much as was necessary to my return to Newbern. Frank McAlwean promised to pay her what he stood in debt

to me about 25 pounds exclusive of the price of Domell and the £8 R.O. due by Colon Nixon on account F.S.

 

Copyright. All rights reserved.

http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Guy Potts - gpotts1@nc.rr.com

 

Craven County, NC &endash; COURT - STRINGER &endash; EJECTMENT

 

Source: New Bern District Superior Court. Ejectments, 1798-1802.

D.S.C.R.206.403.3

(Stamped in a circle in the corner of the first page of this document is: ONE HALF PENNY)

Arthur Jacob Macan Esqr. Sovereign and Portrieve of the Ancient City and Borough of Armagh in the Kingdom of Ireland

To the Judges for the Superior Court of Law And Equity in the District of Newburne North Carolina in the United States of America,

That in Pursuance of the order of your Court Made and done at Newberne the Nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety five and hereunto Annexed And in like Manner in Pursuance of My Authority as Sovereign and Portrieve of the Borough of Armagh I have this day Proceeded on the Examination of Mary Russell widow aged Sixty years and upwards and John McFadden Gentleman Farmer aged Seventy years and upwards both of the City and Vicinity of Armagh & in said order Named of and Concerning the right Birth and Kindred of Francis Stringer Now of our Said City of Armagh Esqr. one of the Partys Named in a Certain Cause depending before you in your Court for Judgment Who upon their Several and respective oath by them Made and Taken on the holy Evangelists Jointly and Severally Say ~~~~~~~~

 

They Knew and was well acquainted with Ralph Stringer Long Since of the City of Armagh aforesaid who afterwards Lived and resided at or Near Newburne in North Carolina aforesaid who as Deponts believe is Long Since Deceased. That Thomas Stringer of the City of Armagh now also Deceased was his Natural and Lawfull Son and Legal Representative (William his Brother having died without any Lawful Issue).

That Francis Stringer Esqr the Party in Said Cause is Now the only Son, heir at Law and Legal representative of his father the said Thomas Stringer~~~~~~~Thomas William and Ralph his Brothers being all Dead Intestate and without any Issue Lawfully begotten wherefore these Deponts Say from their Long Knowledge of the family of the said Francis Stringer there is No Issue Male Living and Lawfully Begotten of his family in these Kingdoms in anywise Entitled to the Property in Question Save and Except the Said Francis to the Knowledge hearsay or belief of these Deponents.

Mary Russell John Macan

Sworn before me at Armagh in the County of Armagh aforesaid the Second Day of May 1796 and I Know the Deponts to be persons of Veracity Credibility and Truth in Testimony whereof I have Hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of My Said Borough

A J Macan

Signed & Acknowledged and Sworn in the Presence of us James Wilson }James Wilson, W Kean

 

District, of Newbern

To Arthur Jacob Macan - Esquire, Greetings

KNOW YE, That We, in confidence of your prudence and fidelity have appointed you, and by these presents do give unto you full power and authority, in pursuance of an order of our Superior Court of Law for the District aforesaid, made in a cause wherein Doe on the demise of Fras. Stringer is Plaintiff against Thomas Philips Defendent, at such time and place as you shall think fit;to take upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God, the deposition of John McFadden & Mary Russell touching and concerning what they may know in and about the said controversy: And that you take such deposition in writing, and return the same, closed up under your hand and seals, to our court, to be held for the District aforesaid, on the nineteenth day of September next, at the Court-House in Newbern together with this writ,

WITNESS Silas Cooke Clerk of the said Court, at Newbern the 19th day of March A. D. 1795.

Silas Cooke

Original spelling retained.

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Grace Williamson Turner

 

Misc. Records of Superior Court DSCR 206.508.6

Francis McIlwean - 1774 - daughter Ann married Francis Stringer - daughter Hannah dec'd no heirs - Elizabeth dec'd no heirs - Gatsey dec'd no heirs - Mary wife of Benjamin White Esq. of Lenoir county - Elinor dec'd no heirs - Penelope dec'd no heirs - Francis son

widow dec'd by July 1800

 

 

15. Penelope McIlwean

SOURCE: Ila Gray and Gene McIlwean. “We went to the Col. Simpson cemetery on Biddle road in Fort Barnwell and found a tombstone with the following: "In memory of Eliza H. Simpson, daughter of Samuel Simpson and Penelope, born April 29 1796 died May 13 1808"

 

 

15S. Gen. Samuel Simpson

General Simpson married 2nd Eleanore White, the niece of his first wife Penelope McIlwean.

 

Will 1834 'wish to be buried beside my wife and children. No estate settlement until Mary Biddle satisfies herself." grandson Samuel Simpson Biddle."

 

 

16. Francis McIlwean

Francis McIlwean II (b.1769-d. 1803) was the son of Francis and Mary Nixon Mcilwean and the grandson of James and Elinore McIlwean. He came to Craven Co. when he married Hollon Nixon in 1798. Hollon Nixon was the daughter of Col.Richard Nixon and Sarah Green Nixon. So Francis married his first cousin. They evidently lived on the Nixon plantation 7 miles west of New Bern and adjoining the Mcllwean plantation in the Beech Grove community. After Francis died, Hollon married Alexander Torrans. They had Richard Torrans in 1806 and Hollon died the same year.

 

SOURCE:(email from Sue Guptill) Estate of Francis McIlwean

Francis McIlwean: 1794

Administrator: Richard Nixon, 1794; Samuel Simpson, 1805

Widow: Hollan Torans, decd. by 1805

Heirs: Richard Torans, Francis McIlwain, Sarah McIlwean

Note from James Gatlin and Wm. Branton for hire of Negroes from the estate.

Note from William Croom for $2,400

James Gatlin one of commissioners to divide Negroes.

Widow named (1803) as Holland McIlwean

General Thomas A. Green mentioned in settlement of accts. *Note-Thomas Applewhite Green was guardian to Francis N. and Sarah-and probably Richard-after parents died.)

Release of administration from Hollan McIlwean to Samuel Simpson, Dec 1801

Mentions land described in will of Richard Nixon.

Francis McIlwean: 1832.

Next document identifies Alexander as heir at law of Richard Torrence, and allots to Alexander 47 acres adjoining to the lands of Richard decd. in a former division it being equivalent to his part of the lands whereon was the dower of Sarah Nixon decd. Then describes land to Francis McIlwean and Sarah Tillman.

 

SOURCE: Filed Nov. term 1830 To the Justices etc... Petition of Francis McIlwean and Sarah Tillman show that: Richard Nixon, late of Craven County, devised unto his daughter Hollon Torrans a parcel of land about 500 acres on the South side of Batchelor's Creek, being part of a patent granted to Joseph Benney and conveyed to the said Richard Nixon by Richard D. Speight and others.

Your petitioners further show that said Hollon Torrans died leaving themselves and their brother Richard N. Torrans his heirs at law, to the said land, and that said Richard Torrans is also dead, having left his son Alexander Torrans heir to his portion of the said land: Your petitioners desire partition and pray that process may duly issue to Alexander Torrans calling on him to show cause, if any he have, why such partition should not be made, and that your worship will appoint five commisioners to effect the same agreeable to the Acts of Assembly in such cases made.

s/ John H. Bryan, Sol.Francis McIlwean and others Petition Filed Nov. Term 1830 Thos. Pasteur, Richard G. Fonvielle, John Rhem, Richard Richardson. service accepted.---?------Gdn. of Alexr. Torrans, minor.

 

 

16S. Hollon Nixon

CRAVEN COUNTY, NC - VITALS - Deaths, 1799 - 1825

From the Elizabeth Moore Papers, Collection 322, East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.

Permission to publish granted. Transcribed by Florence Fulford Moore.

DEATHS

Mrs. Alexr. Torrans, New Bern. Sept., RR, Sept. 22, 1806

NOTE: RR = Raleigh Register newspaper

 

Hollon McIlwean was the daughter of Richard Nixon and Sarah Green. She and Francis had 2 children, Sarah Green b. 1799-d. 1862, and Francis III, b. 1802, d. 1868) When her husband Francis died, Hollon married Alexander Torrans. They had Richard Torrans in 1806 and Hollon died the same year. Two years later, Alexander died, leaving all 3 children to be raised by their grandmother, Sarah Green Nixon. Records show that their Grandmother Sarah died in 1827 and left the Nixon estate to her 3 grandchildren. She also left 2 lots in the town of New Bern to Francis and Sarah.

 

SOURCE:From Elizabeth Moore P.C. 1406.9, Caswell/Mcilwean box, Whitford folder located in N.C. Archives, Raleigh:

Note :BIBLE RECORDS Bible of John (Jack) Green, owned by Mrs. Chas. McIlwean, R.F.D. 2, New Bern, N.C.

 

Richard, son of Alexander Torrans and Holland his wife was born July 16, 1801 and died February 24, 1833

Francis N., son of Frank N. and Julia his wife was born June 23, 1829 on Tuesday evening between 1 &2 o'clock.

James W. Green, son of Thomas A. Green and Sarah his wife was born Aug. 22, 1790.

Eliza C. Caswell, daughter of Winston Caswell and Hollon his wife was born July 9, 1791

Sarah N. Mcilwean, daughter of Francis and Julia his wife was born Dec. 1, 182_ in the morning between 1& 2.

Francis N. McIlwean, son of Francis and Julia his wife, was born between 1 & 2 June 23, 1829

Francis McIlwean died Jan. 17, Monday morning at sunrise aged 1 year, 6 months and 24 days

Julia, daughter of Francis N. McIlwean and Julia McIlwean his wife, was born Thursday morning at 5 o'clock Oct. 10, 1833

Emma Tillman, daughter of Francis and Julia McIlwean was born Jan. 23,1838 on Tues. night twenty minutes of nine.

Alonzo Thomas Jerkins, son of Francis and Julia McIlwean-

 

 

 

17. Elizabeth Williams McIlwean

SOURCE: SETH TISON BIBLE 1755-1850 (Greene/Pitt)

Blana Harper married Elizabeth McIlwean, daughter of John McIlwean and Zilpha Williams

Mary J Harper, daughter of Blana Harper and Elizabeth McIlwean was born April 5, 1787 and died May 12, 1816

 

SOURCE: Records of Elizabeth Lawrence, found in the Bill Murphy collection no. 746

Elizabeth Williams McIlwaine (1755-1801) wife of Blana Harper (1762-1797) ,dau. of James McElwaine: Proof: tombstone still standing in eastern NC 1930: reads "Mary Jones Harper Sheppard, daughter of Blana Harper and his wife Elizabeth McElweane, born Apr. 5, 1787, died May 12, 1816".

 

 

17S. Blaney Harper

SOURCE: Bible record provided by Francis Hodges.

We have a Bible record for his death, which was 1821. in his 64th year, So he was born about 1757, son of Francis Harper Sr. and Elizabeth Bright (daughter of Simon Sr and sister of Simon Jr). His second wife was Elizabeth Edwards, which has lead to some confusion , since both of his wives were named Elizabeth.

*Note from FRHodges-no record for this marriage; information of marriage from Francis Hodges; putting him as this Elizabeth's husband was my decision, as she is the only Eliz. McIlwean in Craven at that time. There was only one McIlwean family. All other daughters are accounted for.

 

19. Col. Benjamin Sheppard

Colonel Benjamin Sheppard - 1792 - heirs: Catherine wife of Graves Bright, Mary Gray wife of Wm. Lovick, Nancy wife of Wm. Henry Haywood, Betsy/Elizabeth, wife of Theophilus Edwards, Feddy/Ferebee Glasgow wife of James Pasteur, James Glasgow Sheppard, Benjamin Caswell, Dobbs Blount Sheppard , Abraham Sheppard children and heirs at law of said Benjamin -

 

SOURCE: Ruth Fentriss

Benjamin Sheppard md (1)Elizabeth Ruffin md (2)Mary Jones Glasgow. From 1st marriage, he had 4 daus (named in Benjamin Sheppard's Estate Papers found in NEW BERN DIST.,NC, LOOSE ESTATE PAPERS 1775-1810, No. 272, abstracts by Dr. Stephen E Bradley, Jr., 1994.) Also found in Edgecombe Co. Ct Minutes, Bk III by Haun.

My entries in the Bright material explain who the 4 daus of Benj Sheppard's 1st marriage married. It was correct the last time I checked. Mary Gray m (1)John Caswell (2) Wm Lovick, as I believe it states

 

Folder: 1794

Information: Document with a series of entries: 1. Complaint by John DEN against Richard FEN. States that on 10 May 1791 Benjamin SHEPPERD had granted a 10-year lease to DEN for a piece of property in Glasgow Co. on the NS of Great Contentnea Cr. (gives description). Land originally granted to Benjamin CASWELL on 10 Nov 1762, and by sundry conveyances came to be the property of SHEPPERD. Lease began on 31 Mar "last past" to last for 10 years. On 10 May Richard FEN with force and arms entered the tenement and drove out and moved John DEN from the form.. DEN suing FEN for £100. 2. Order to Thomas SHARP to act as defendant on behalf of Richard FEN. [Note: This is a legal mechanism in ejectment cases. The names "DEN" and "FEN" are aliases. The true case is Benjamin SHEPPERD vs. Thomas SHARP. SHARP is the tenant being ejected by the property owner, SHEPPERD]. 3. Mar 4 1794: To Mr. Thomas SHARP tenant in possession of the premises or some part thereof: I John HOLLIDAY of Glasgow maketh oath...that the declaration and notice of ejectment was served on SHARPE and unless he appears there would be a judgment against him by default and he would be turned out of possession.

Date: Mar 1794

Date of: Last date given in document

County: Glasgow

 

 

19S. Elizabeth Ruffin

Three other daughters were named;

 

20. Martin James Caswell jr. *See register for Martin Caswell

21. Mary Caswell *See register for Martin Caswell

21S.Isaac Wingate *Ibid

22. James Alexander Caswell *Ibid

22S.Eleanor Williams *Ibid

 

24. Gen. (Rev. War) William Caswell *See 11S

.William Caswell (b. 24 Sept 1754 - d. 06 Jan 1785)

 

24S. Gathra McIlwean

Gathra was her husband’s first cousin.

 

 

25. Alice Caswell

*Note-Holloman has named this daughter, who died young, Alice. No other record of this child’s name exists.

 

 

28. Eleanore (Lany) Shine

1800 Lenoir cnesus by Russell King. Lany lived on the property at Graniger Hill where Samuel's parents had lived.

CASWELL, Lany 1C/1C1E/1FP-the one son here would be Shine Caswell.

 

28S. Samuel Caswell

Holloman says Samuel Caswell had a family bible in the NC Hall of History.

Samuel Caswell, b.ca 1740, served in the Revolutionary War in the militia. As Commander of the guard at Kinston, he was responsible for the large powder magazine located there. In 1779, 1780 and 1783 records show that he was also Register of Deeds of Dobbs Co. Samuel married first Mary Irons ,d. 1767. They had one son, John, b. Nov. 1765. Samuel married second Elinore "Lany" Shine June22, 1775; evidence indicates she was the daughter of Francis Shine, a close friend of Gov. Caswell. The couple lived near the Tower Hill plantation. They had one son, Shine Caswell, b.1784, and three daughters, (1) Charlotte, b. March 3, 1776 , (2) Sally, b. July 3, 1778, and (3) Elizabeth, b. July 22, 1783. Property transactions in Lenoir and Craven show Shine was alive in 1813.

 

 

 

35S. Elizabeth Brice Fonvielle

The Spectator

Thursday-December 25th, 1834

Died on Wednesday on the 24th inst. After a prolonged illness Mrs. Elizabeth SHINE consort of Mr. Daniel SHINE.

 

 

37. James Reed Emery

North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868

 

Bride: Jennet Adams

Groom: James R Emery

Bond Date: 30 Jun 1796

County: Craven

Record #: 01 102

Bondsman: Francis Webber

Witness: S Chapman, Clerk of Court

Bond #: 000025996

SOURCE: The North Carolina Gazette vol. 6. Sat., Dec.14, 1793 (no.414)

(184) On the first of J. at the Courthouse, will be rented for one year, the dwelling house where Silas Cooke Esq. lives...At the same time and place will be hired the negroes belonging to Mr. James R. Emery. Wm. M"Clure, Guardian. Dec. 21

SOURCE : James R. Emery is listed on page 321 of the 1800 Craven County Census with the following:

1 male to 10; 1 male to 26; 1 female to 10; 1 female to 26; and 17 slaves.

 

SOURCE: Bradley's Loose Estates Craven Co:

#349 Hannah Mcclure15 Jan 1801 To Craven Co: Summons to James Reed Emery to answer Hannah McClure by her

gdn Wm McClure for debt.

16 Jul 1802 To Craven Co. Summons to Bonetta Macartney to appear in Hannah McClure by her gdn vs James R. Emery.

16 July 1802 In sd. case: Notice to Gen. William McClure to produce at the trial an almanac for 1776 or 1777 which had belonged to Thomas James Emery in which sd Thomas had written the birthdate of James R. Emery.

 

 

37S. Mrs. Jannett Adams

Bride: Jane Emery

Groom: David Wallace

Bond Date: 11 Apr 1822

County: Craven

Record #: 03 357

Bondsman: Sam Wilkins

Bond #: 000030267

 

Jannett lived to be 78 years of age. She ran a large boarding house in New Bern-probably between her 2nd marriage to James Emery and her 3rd marriage to Capt.David Wallace.

 

38. Harriett McIlwean Emery *See register for Martin Caswell

38S. William Caswell *See Register for Martin Caswell

 

39. John McClure

This son is not mentioned in his father's will of 1794 but is mentioned in his gr grandmother's will (Hannah Shine) in 1784. Presumably he died young.

 

 

40. Hannah McClure

Hannah McClure was William Gaston's 2nd wife. He remarried after her death.

SOURCE: Bradley's Loose Estates Craven Co:

#349 Hannah McClure 15 Jan 1801 To Craven Co: Summons to James Reed Emery to answer Hannah McClure by her gdn Wm McClure for debt.

16Jul 1802 To Craven Co. Summons to Bonetta Macartney to appear in Hannah McClure by her gdn vs James R. Emery.

16July 1802 In sd. case: Notice to Gen. William McClure to produce at the trial an almanac for 1776 or 1777 which had belonged to Thomas James Emery in which sd Thomas had written the birthdate of James R. Emery.

 

 

41. Richard William Caswell

Source: Holloman; see the Richard William Caswell manuscript in UNC Library (Whitford Collection)

Richard was a student at NC Chapel Hill in 1799 and his tombstone may be seen in Rutherford Co., TN.

Richard was killed when he was thrown from his horse; he was only 25 years of age.

 

43. Sarah Richard Caswell

Sarah Richard 's father, Richard Caswell, jr, died in 1784. She and her mother lived with Gov. Richard until Sarah's mother married again.. Her mother Mary remarried Benejah White, brother of William White. When her mother died, Sarah Richard went to live with her aunt, Anna Caswell White, in Raleigh. Sec. of State William White was Anna's husband. Sarah Richard was mentioned in Gov. Caswell's will.

 

SOURCE: Notes of Charles Holloman

Raleigh Register of June 25, 1807 Died at New York, New York City, on the 10th, after a painful and lingering illness, which she bore with great fortitude and resignation, Mrs. Sarah R. Wright, wife of Grove Wright, formerly of Pitt County, and niece of Mrs. [William] White of this city [Raleigh]

 

44.   Elenore White

SOURCE: Bessie Carman's Notes in Eliz. Moore's Pc1409.6 At NC Archives.

Elenore is half sister to Sarah Richard Caswell. Elenore White first married Burton Allen, the son of John Allen. Her father Benejah had married Burton's mother, Mary Allen-or at least a marriage was agreed to in 1808. She married 2nd General Samuel Simpson's. Note that Gen. Simpson's first wife was Penelope McIlwean Simpson . Penelope was an aunt to Elenore. She and Mary McIlwean were sisters

 

SOURCE: RR 26Oct. 1809 Burton Allen to Ellen White on Oct. 15 New Bern

 

44S. Burton Allen

SOURCE: Notes of Bessie C. Carman from Eliz. Moore's PC 1409.6 at NC archives

Notes the marriage of Burton to Elenore White, dau. of Benejah White and Mary McIlwean. Gives the date of the marriage and the date of Burton's death. Notes Elenore's 2nd marriage to Gen. Samuel Simpson.

 

44S. Gen. Samuel Simpson

Gereral Simpson married 2nd Eleanore White, the niece of his first wife Penelope McIlwean.

 

SOURCE: Will 1834 'wish to be buried beside my wife and children. No estate settlement until Mary Biddle satisfies herself." grandson Samuel Simpson Biddle."

 

 

46. Elizabeth Stringer

*Note-CRH

Elizabeth's Death date was gotten from Craven Co Heritage book #176 by Charles Duffy, jr.

According to family lore in the article mentioned, Elizabeth was born in NC and then traveled with her family to Ireland. There she grew up, married Dr. Charles Duffy, had 13 children, and died in Ireland in 1835. However, there is a letter written by Francis Stringer (whom the article names as Elizabeth's father) in 1796, on board ship en route to NC from Ireland. The letter is to Samuel Simpson (husband of Ann's sister Penelope McIlwean Simpson) which makes clear that Anne is in NC awaiting his return. In that letter, he states that he and Ann have only one child, "Frank" at the time the letter was written. He also says he is sure Sam'l has heard that his brother is dead. Therefore, I am assigning Elizabeth as Francis' sister, daughter of the son (deceased by 1796). She could not have been a daughter of Francis and Ann McIlwean Stringer.

 

46S. Dr. Charles Duffy

 

 

50.   Sarah Green McIlwean

Major Benjamin Tillman to Sarah G. McIlwaine, June, Craven County, RR, July 7, 1826

 

Sarah McIlwean married Ben Tillman; she lived at "Gull Harbor" in New Bern; it is a lovely house, still standing. She married Col. Ben Tillman in 1826. He died in 1827.

 

50S. Benjamin Tillman

MARRIAGE: Major Benjamin Tillman to Sarah G. McIlwaine, June, Craven County, RR, July 7, 1826

 

CRAVEN COUNTY, NC - VITALS - 1826 and 1827 Death Notices

Colonel Benjamin S. Tillman, of Craven County, May 18, Milton, RR, June 26, 1827

 

51. Francis Nixon McIlwean

In 1850, the value of his real estate is $2,800.00 *

 

:SOURCE: CRAVEN COUNTY NC MARRIAGE RECORDS 178

Groom: MCILWEAN, Francis N. Bride: Julia E. Jerkins: Date:07/27/1826

 

SOURCE; Craven Co. Estates:

Filed Nov. term 1830 To the Justices of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions: Petition of Francis McIlwean and Sarah Tillman show that: Richard Nixon, late of Craven County, devised unto his daughter Hollon Torrans a parcel of land, about 500 acres on the South side of Batchelor's Creek, being part of a patent granted to Joseph Benney and conveyed to the said Richard Nixon by Richard D. Speight and others.Your petitioners further show that said Hollon Torrans died leaving themselves and their brother Richard N. Torrans, his heirs at law, to the said land, and that said Richard Torrans is also dead, having left his son Alexander Torrans heir to his portion of the said land:

Your petitioners desire partition and pray that process may duly issue to Alexander Torrans, calling on him to show cause, if any he have, why such partition should not be made, and that your worship will appoint five commisioners to effect the same agreeable to the Acts of Assembly in such cases made.

s/ John H. Bryan, Sol.

Francis McIlwean and others Petition Filed Nov. Term 1830 Thos. Pasteur, Richard G. Fonvielle, John Rhem, Richard Richardson. service accepted.---?------Gdn. of Alexr. Torrans, minor

 

SOURCE: Jack Green Bible;

From Elizabeth Moore P.C. 1406.9, Caswell/Mcilwean box, Whitford folder located in N.C. Archives, Raleigh:

Note:

BIBLE RECORDS Bible of John (Jack) Green, owned by Mrs. Chas. McIlwean, R.F.D. 2, New Bern, N.C. Richard, son of Alexander Torrans and Holland his wife was born July 16, 1801 and died February 24, 1833 Francis N., son of Frank N. and Julia his wife was born June 23, 1829 on Tuesday evening between 1 &2 o'clock. James W. Green, son of Thomas A. Green and Sarah his wife was born Aug. 22, 1790. Eliza C. Caswell, daughter of Winston Caswell and Hollon his wife was born July 9, 1791 Sarah N. Mcilwean, daughter of Francis and Julia his wife was born Dec. 1, 182_ in the morning between 1&2. Francis N. McIlwean, son of Francis and Julia his wife, was born between 1 & 2 June 23, 1829 Francis McIlwean died Jan. 17, Monday morning at sunrise aged 1 year, 6months and 24 days Julia, daughter of Francis N. McIlwean and Julia McIlwean his wife, was born Thursday morning at 5 o'clock Oct. 10, 1833 Emma Tillman, daughter of Francis and Julia McIlwean was born Jan. 23,1838 on Tues. night twenty minutes of nine. Alonzo Thomas Jerkins, son of Francis and Julia McIlwean-

 

 

53. Sarah McIlwean

SOURCE: Hillsborough District Equity Court Case: James Turner, The Governor vs. the heirs of the Hon. Richard Caswell.

Filed 27 Aug 1807. Mentions marriage of Ridgen White and Sarah. Also that Sarah's sister Elizabeth died in infancy.

 

 

53S. Ridgen White

Ridgen White was the brother of Sec. of State William White, who married Gov. Caswell's daughter Anna. He is also the brother of Benejah White, who married the widow of Gov. Caswell's son Richard jr. He was a wealthy man

 

CENSUS 1810 Lenoir 300101101 30 slaves

3males 0-10

1male 26-45

1female 0-10

1female 10-16

1female 26-45

 

Census 1820 Lenoir

1 male 0-10

2males 10-16

1male 16-18

1 male over 45

2 females 0-10

1 female 10-16

1 female over 45

 

Deeds:

Oct 1827, Rigdon White of Lenoir Co. N.C. gave to daughter Sally Laroque, wife of James B. Laroque.

 

6 Aug 1852. Stephen White of Lenoir Co.,N.C.- land in Jones county where the Shady Grove Meeting house formerly stood and was conveyed by my deceased father, Rigdon White, to John Koonce, an elder of the Baptist Church. (for "love and affection", which probably means that a daughter of Rigdon White married John Koonce.)

 

 

55. Richard Francis McIlwean

 

Richard Francis was born in 1784 and was taken in by his grandfather, Gov. Richard Caswell, and wife Sarah after his mother's death in 1787. His mother, Sarah Caswell, was a daughter of Gov. Caswell. He was left a negro boy in his grandfather's will. He and his sister Sarah were taken in by Benejah White and his second wife, Mary Allen following the death of Sarah Caswell in 1794. Richard Francis had a son, Lewis S. McIlwean (b.1807) and a daughter Sarah , born in 1809. That daughter, Sarah McIlwean, married Alonzo T. Jerkins in 1831 Her birth on the tombstone was 1809.

 

SOURCE: JERKINS BIBLE (proves Lewis was his son)

Sarah McIlwean the daughter of Richard and Mary McIlwean was born the twenty eighth day of July A. D. 1809. [Entered after 1846, publication date of the Bible.]

Lewis Stringer McIlwean, son of Richard and Mary McIlwean was born August 30, 1807. [Entered after 1846, publication date of the Bible.]

Sarah McIlwean the daughter of Richard and Mary McIlwean was born the twenty eighth day of July A. D. 1809. [Entered after 1846, publication date of the Bible

 

Richard's wife was named Mary. One theory is that she may have been an illigitimate daughter of Lewis Cannon of Craven by Rebecca Gardiner

SOURCE: Craven County Inferior Records, March 1783.

Lewis Cannon for begetting a bastard child by Rebeckhah Gardiner, fined 25 shillings.

*Note-This would account for the division of the Gatlin land in the following deed where Lewis Cannon bequeathed "Gatlin land" to his grandchildren, Lewis & Sarah McIlwean. The other half of the land appears to have gone to a William Gardiner. Perhaps he was the brother of Mary.

 

SOURCE: Pitt Co.Deedbook I I, p.352

William Gardiner to Moseley Buck Deed; indenture 3 Nov. 1835 Pitt Co. twenty ?(page cut off at left )hundred and 50 dollars paid by Mosely Buck; tract of land ..west side of clayroot one half of the Gatlin land deeded from Edward Gatlin.(word cut off here, could be Lewis).Cannon divided by order of court between Lewis S Mcwain and Sally McWain, being the remaining part of the land beginning at a Gum below the mouth of creeping swamp..to the run of clayroot to a cypress, laid out for.251 acres. signed William Gardner.

 

A Richard McIlwean was detached from the 2nd regiment 3rd Co.(Pitt County) in 1812

 

SOURCE: CENSUS

 

There is no Richard in the 1810 Pitt census

 

Richard McVain, age 26-45, is listed in the Pitt 1820 census with a wife, age16-26, a male 0-10 (doesn't match Lewis’s birth of 1807) and a female 16-18 years of age.

 

1830 Federal Census, Pitt Co., NC

Capt. Samuel Smith's District page 52

Richard McIlwean one male age 40-50

 

*Note There are land transactions which strongly suggest that Richard Francis married a daughter of a Lewis Cannon.

.

SOURCE: Pitt Deed Book Q, p.357 date:2-10-1805 Grantor: Shadrach Allen Grantee: Richard McIlwean 100A +95A + 110 A; $1500. Former owners; Peter Nelson; Henry Smith, Sr. (Pat. 1746); Robert Palmer (Pat. 1759); Stephen Pugh (Pat. 1787). Adj. Dennys Cannon, Hugh Pugh, sr. Wit: Simon Burney, Charles Tripp

*Note: Shadrach Allen was probably the brother of Sarah Allen who married Lewis Cannon. Perhaps Richard Francis McIlwean married another Allen sister? If so, then the Lewis Cannon land that was divided between Lewis and Sarah McWain (McIlwean) in the 1830's could be this land

 

Notes for Sarah Allen:

Pitt Co DB N, p. 155, 22 Oct 1795; John Allen (Craven Co) to Shadrach Allen, brother; 572 a. with love & affection.

Former owners: Shadrach Allen (1760), father of John and Shadrach Allen, grantor and grantee; David Smith; William Tutle; Sarah Cannon, sister of John & Shadrach Allen and wife of Lewis Cannon. Wit: Simon Burney, David Hicks.

 

SOURCE: Pitt Co Deedbk GG p.332/333

Alonzo T Jenkins (Jerkins) & wife to Henry Smith 15 Dec 1834 between Alonzo and Sarah his wife, of New Bern and Henry Smith of Pitt Co. for the sum of $1000.00. the land of Lewis Cannon, the grandfather of said Sarah Jerkins, formerly Sarah McIlwane lands lie in Pitt Co. in Clayroot Swamp, adjoining the lands of Sith and Dan'l Chapman, and which was devised to the said Sarah Jerkins by her grandfather, estimated to contain 250 acres, more or less, known as the Gatlin land, which said land was alotted to said Sarah Jerkins by commisioners appointed by the Court at August Term 1829 to make partition of the land of Lewis Cannon, deceased. Signed Alonzo Jerkins, Sarah Jerkins in presence of Lewis Smith.

 

SOURCE: Pitt Deed Book Q (1805-7) p. 192 Date: 3-18-1806 Grantor: Richard Francis McIlwean Grantee: Guilford Murphey . Negro: $500.00 Wit: Harmon Handcock

 

SOURCE: Pitt Deed Bk Q. p. 195, Date: 5-14-1806 Grantor Richard McIlwean Grantee: John Washington (Lenoir) Mtg. yellow boy 6lbs. Wit: Samuel Braxton, Richard Washington

 

SOURCE: Estates for Wards from Stephen Bradley's New Bern Loose Estates1775-1810

#350 Richard McIlwean 9 Oct. 1805 Benejah White testified that he had been gdn. of Richard McIlwean for several years, that Slade Gatlin sold goods to sd McIlwean who is still a minor & is now suing for the debt.

11 Oct. 1805 To Lenoir Co. Order to record the proceedings in Slade Gatlin vs Richard McIlwean, in which Benejah White gdn. to said Richard McIlwean complained of the judgement.

 

SOURCE: Pitt Deed Book Q (1805-7) p. 192 Date: 3-18-1806 Grantor: Richard Francis McIlwean Grantee: Guilford Murphey . Negro: $500.00 Wit: Harmon Handcock

 

 

 

55S. Mary Cannon

between 26 and 45 in the 1820 census. Born between 1775-1794. She may be the daughter of the Craven County Lewis Cannon or the daughter of a Pitt county Lewis Cannon.

 

SOURCE: Jerkins family Bible (proves that Mary was name of Richard McIlwean’s wife)

Sarah McIlwean the daughter of Richard and Mary McIlwean was born the twenty eighth day of July A. D. 1809. [Entered after 1846, publication date of the Bible.

 

 

56. Mary Gray Shepppard

There is some evidence that her father, Benjamin Sheppard, was not married to Hannah McIlwean.

 

The said BENJAMIN SHEPPARD left eight children who were his heirs and next of kin, to wit, CATHARINE now the wife of BENJAMIN EVANS, MARY GRAY, who died leaving two children her heirs, to wit, JOHN B. CASWELL & ELIZABETH LOVICK whose guardian is WILLIAM LOVICK, ANN HAYWOOD the wife of WM. HENRY HAYWOOD, ELIZABETH, the wife of THEOPHILUS EDWARDS, FEREBE G. PASTEUR who has

died without issue, and your orators, his youngest children.

 

 

56S. John Caswell

SOURCE: NC, Craven/Dobbs, Court, New Bern District Court Records 1790, folder

The said BENJAMIN SHEPPARD left eight children who were his heirs and next of kin, to wit, CATHARINE now the wife of BENJAMIN EVANS, MARY GRAY who died leaving two children her heirs, to wit, JOHN B. CASWELL & ELIZABETH LOVICK whose guardian is WILLIAM LOVICK, ANN HAYWOOD the wife of WM. HENRY HAYWOOD, ELIZABETH, the wife of THEOPHILUS EDWARDS, FEREBE G. PASTEUR who has died without issue, and your orators, his youngest children.

*Note-John and Mary Grey’s son is referred to as John B. There is a John Caswell in the 1820 Craven census who may be this son.

 

Folder: 1790

Information: Summons for William CROOME, Edward TUTLE, John TUTLE, Stephen HERRING

to appear and testify against William GOODMAN, Groves SHARPE, Charles MARKLAND,

Nathan MARKLAND, & John CASWELL

Date: 20 Nov 1789

Date of: Summons

County: Dobbs

 

Folder: 1793

Information: Summons for John Charles PONSONBY, John CASWELL, & Stephanus SHEPPARD

to forfeit bond for failure of PONSONBY to appear and answer charge against him.

Date: 19 Sept 1792

 

56S. William M. Lovick

William Lovick lived in Harmony Hall, with wife Elizabeth Bright.

 

1850 census Lenoir Co by Russell King

LOVICK, William 1770 Craven Co. - 26 Apr 1856 buried 28 Apr 1856 St. Mary's Kinston F: George Phoenix M: Ann HERITAGE

GF: William HERITAGE

Md: 1st Mary Gray SHEPPARD F: Benjamin

Md: Elizabeth BRIGHT died Nov 1844 Kinston - buried 3 Nov 1844

St. Mary's Cemetery, Kinston F: Simon M: GRAVES

Nancy 1813

(Obit leaves 3 daughters - several grandchildren; aged sister in Florida - near relative of Gov. Richard CASWELL - nephew to Richard CASWELL through his wife Sarah HERITAGE)

#122 200 acres

 

Lenoir County, NC - Will of William Lovick, 1858

 

WILL OF WILLIAM LOVICK

Found in North Carolina Supreme Court Case #7462 &endash; Tull vs Tull

 

In the name of God, amen. I, William Lovick of the County of Lenoir and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and disposing memory (blessed be God) do, this twenty first day of December, in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty &endash; do make and ordain and publish this, my last will and testament, in manner and form following, that is to say &endash;

In the first place, It is my will and desire that my body, after death, to be decently interred, and that all my just debts and funeral expences shall be full paid off and discharged, by my executor herein after named.

Secondly. I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Eliza A. Green, my two negroes Lettice and Alfred, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.

Thirdly. I give and bequeath unto my three grand children, Oscar, James and Theodore Bright, children of my beloved daughter Fanny Bright deceased, my two negroes Hagar and Amelia, and the future increase of the same, to be divided equally between them, share and share alike, which I give to them their heirs and assigns forever.

Fourthly. I loan unto my beloved daughter Mary A. Kilpatrick, during her natural life, the plantation, whereon I now reside, and after her death I give and bequeath the said plantation to her son George Lovick Kilpatrick, to him his heirs and assigns forever. I do, also, loan to my said daughter Mary, my negroes, Jack, Amy, Luncinda and Franklin during her natural life and at her death to be equally divided (with the increase of the females thereof) between all the children. She, the said Mary, shall leave at the time of her death (except George L.) which I give to them, their heirs and assigns forever.

Fifthly. I loan unto my beloved daughter Nancy H. Tull during her natural life my negro woman Mary and her children Jane, Eliza, and William and the future increase of the same, and at her death I give and bequeath the same, to be divided between the children of my two daughters, Fanny Bright dec'd. and Mary A. Kilpatrick, which I give to them their heirs and assigns forever, provided nevertheless, that in case my said daughter Nancy H. should leave any issue of her body at her death, who shall attain the age of twenty one years, I give the said negroes and their future increase unto him, her or them, their heirs and assigns forever, I give to my daughter Nancy H. Tull her heirs and assigns forever, one bed, bedstead and furniture.

Sixthly. Whereas, as guardian to Sidney Lovick second daughter of my son George T. Lovick deceased, I shall be owing about seven hundred and sixty dollars, perhaps on final settlement, it is my will and desire that my two negroes Sanders and Emanuel shall be sold and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the payment of said Guardian debt and the balance if any be applied to my other liabilities due at the time of my death. (Having provided for their father, in his lifetime, and settlement being had, with Elizabeth Neale, sister of said Sidney Lovick, heretofore.)

Seventhly. I give and bequeath to the children of my beloved daughter, Sarah Mariah Kincey deceased my negroes America, Danza, and Simon, to be equally divided between them, to them and to their heirs and assigns forever.

Eighthly. It is my will and desire that all my property of every nature and kind soever, not herein before specified and given away to be sold and applied to the payment of my debts and the balance, if any to be equally divided, between my heirs at Law, share and share alike, which I give to them their heirs and assigns forever &endash;

Lastly. I do hereby constitute and ordain my friends Warren Kilpatrick and Thomas Woodley, executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and cancelling all other a former wills heretofore by me made. In testimony where, I the said William Lovick have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this, day and date first above written.

Wm. Lovick

 

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said William Lovick, the testator, as his last will and testament in the presence of us, who was present at the time of signing and sealing of the same.

Samuel H. Rountree

George Gray

 

State of North Carolina, Lenoir County

Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions July Term, 1856

 

A paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Wm. Lovick, is exhibited for probate in open Curt by Thomas Woodley one of the executors therein named and the due execution thereof by the said Wm. Lovick is proved by oaths and examination of S. H. Rountree and George Gray the two subscribing witnesses thereto. It is therefore considered by the Court, that the said paper writing and every part thereof, is the last will and testament of the said Wm. Lovick, and the same is ordered to be recorded and filed; and thereupon the said Thomas Woodley, one of the executors as aforesaid duly qualified as such by taking the oath required by law.

N. Hunter, Clk

Enrolled in the Clerk's Office of Lenoir County, Aug. 6th 1856

N. Hunter, Clk

 

State of North Carolina, Lenoir County

I, N. Hunter, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the last will and testament of William Lovick deceased, as found on file in this office. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Kinston, the 5th day of January 1858.

N. Hunter, Clk.

 

TULL/LOVICK DEEDS

Indenture - 1 Sept 1852 - William Tull of the first part, Nancy Lovick of the 2nd part and Thomas Woodley of the third part - all of Lenoir Co - in consideration of the marriage this day intended between William Tull and Nancy Lovick for the settling and aspering the share and portion in full which I have to the following slaves to wit one negro man named James, one negro woman named Beck and one negro girl named Betsey to and for the several uses, intents and purposes, hereinafter limited and declared pursuant to the agreements made upon the contract of the said intended marriage and for consideration of $1.00 to each of them - the said William Tull and Nancy Lovick in hand paid by the said Thomas Woodley party of the third part - acknowledged the said Nancy Lovick hath sold and the said William Tull hath released and forever quit claim unto the said Thomas Woodley the following named slaves - James, Beck and Betsey and all their increase - after the marriage the slaves entrusted for the sole and separate use of the said Nancy Lovick during the existence of the said marriages yet nevertheless in case the said Nancy Lovick shall consent thereto entrust to permit and suffer the said William Tull and his heirs to receive and take the profits of the said above mentioned property to his and their own proper use and benefit during the marriage but if Nancy should die without making any other desposition of the negroes and their increase then Woodley shall hold the negroes for the benefit of any children of Nancy who attain the age of 21 but if Nancy should have no children then Woodley to hold for the benefit of Oscar G. Bright and James D. Bright sons of Mortimer Bright deceased - William Tull agreed to this - if Woodley to die in the lifetime of Nancy, another person would be chosen to be trustee

William G. Tull and Thos Woodley signed and Nancy used a mark

WIT Jesse Vause, W. B. Vause

 

To Court Sept Term 1852 on oath of Jesse Vause W. C. Loftin Clk

Enrolled 7 November 1852 Stephen White, Regr.

Deed of Gift

2 December 1854 I Ann Heritage Tull (wife of William Tull) of Lenoir County having a right and privilege reserved and vested in me under the marriage articles between myself and my husband to dispose of by sale, gift, otherwise of certain negroes slaves to wit Jim Becky and Betsy - for the natural love and affection which I have for my aged and beloved father, William Lovick of same county and for the sum of $1.00 paid by said Father do convey to said Father the above named slaves

signed Ann H. (x) Tull

WIT T. Woodley, Warren Kilpatrick

 

To Court December 9 1854 on oath of Warren Kilpatrick N. Hunter, CCC

Enrolled 9 December 1854 Stephen White Regr

 

 

57. Martin McElwain Caswell *See Register for Martin Caswell

57S. Ellender Darcy *Ibid

59. Piercy Caswell *Ibid

60. Nancy Caswell *Ibid

61. James Caswell*Ibid

62. Matthew Madison Caswell*ibid

67. Francis Neuman (Frank) Caswell*Ibid

67S. Harriet Coursey*Ibid

 

73. Shine Caswell

SOURCE: Lovitt Hines Vol 2 as found in Elizabeth Moore PC 1406.9 NC Archives: 8-19-1813 Shine Caswell for $140 paid by Ambrouse Jones of Kinston, land on the North side of Neuse River, adjoining Wm. White, including the house and plantation where Elinor Caswell now lives, beginning at Mcilwean's corner where "auld" Mr. Shine lived, 114 acres, xx Boxes corner. Wit: John Wooten. D. Caswell **NOTE This appears to be the same transaction as in 1803; There is a Shine Caswell in the Sampson Co, NC census of 1810. Within 3 households is a Chestnut (Joshua) and an Elisa Torrans family is the next family listed after Shine.

 

74. Elizabeth Caswell

*Note-I'm surmizing that this is the Eliza Caswell who married Rev. Wm.Hill because of her age and because she is the only Eliza Caswell I have found who is not accounted for.

 

74S. Rev. William Hill

SOURCE: Raleigh Register 5 July 1811 3:4/ RM Fri. July 12 1811/RaNCSw Fro 5 July 1811 107.4

M. At Newbern on Thurs Week, The Rev. William Hill of the Methodist church, to Miss Eliza Caswell.

MB. ___Elizabeth Caswell 27 June 1811

John Mclin(w) J.G. Stanly

 

Lois Neale's 3 vols of newspaper abstracts are reliable. I've also seen this record in other Craven Marriage

abstracts, done long before familysearch was on the screen. The notice was posted in 2 newspapers, RR and RaNCSw and Elizabeth's name appears as Caswell in two places in the notice. So I'm not puzzled about the existence of the marriage. What's interesting is who the Rev.Wm. Hill might be (i.e.could he be connected to the Hills/Murphreys of Greene and thus would have ties to the Caswells through Martin's marriage to Nancy Murphrey?) I can't find such a connection so far-tho' Natalie Suggs (in CC heritage bk) has an interesting history of the Robt Hills and the Craven property which bears closer scrutiny.

In Sandbeck's book on historic architecture of New Bern & Craven, we find that " The Methodists appear to have been the first to break ground...with the construction of St. Andrews Chapel in 1802" It was on Hancock & Church Alley and evidently had a thriving congregation according to a little poem written abt the church in 1818.

In the marriage notice, Hill is referred to as "Rev. Hill of the Methodist church" I was happy to discover that there WAS a methodist church in New Bern that early-it seems likely that he may have been the minister.

 

The only other reference I've found to a William Hill in New Bern is in Watson's book. In the election of 1803, the 4 federalists running for the State legislature (in Craven) were defeated-they were Grove, Henderson, William Henry Hill and Stanly. Note that Stanly was the witness on the marriage bond. Whether a former legislator could also be a minister-or have become a man of God after his defeat I've no idea. (Or whether it was even the same Wm Hill)

 

Now as to who Elizabeth Caswell -of marriageable age in 1811-might be---there aren't that many candidates. Dallam's dau. Elizabeth married Lewis Desmond in 1828. So, the only Elizabeths unaccounted for are:

1.Samuel's daughter Elizabeth, b.1783. The family lives fairly close to the Hill- Murphrey family. She is the most likely bride.

2. Francis Caswell, son of Martin, has one unnamed daughter 0-10 yrs of age in the 1800 Lenoir census. But Francis does not appear in the NC census after 1800. May have moved to GA. or may have died. His brothers Martin & James were in GA.by 1800, and his brother William did not have any extra children in his house in 1810. So the liklihood is that this daughter was raised by James or Martin, jr in GA-if she survived to adulthood.

 

Prepared by

Clair R. Hadley

 

Research by

Clair R. Hadley

Earl C. McIlwean

Ila McIlwean White

David A. French

Caswell Connections

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