James McIlwean Descendants  

Contributed by Clair Hadley donandclair@verizon.net. Clair would like to thank Gene McIlwean for his permission to use& MCILWEAN material from his articles in the Craven County Heritage book.

Surnames for the McIlwean family.

CASWELL  CAMPBELL  COLSON CROOM  DUFFY  EMERY  GASTON  GATLIN  GREEN  GRUND HARPER HERITAGE  JERKINS  LYTLE  MARTIN  MCCLURE  MURPHREY  NIXON   SHEPPARD  SHINE  STREET  STRINGER  TILLMAN TORRANS  WHITE  WINGATE

First Generation

1. James MCILWEAN was born in 1694 in Ayrshire, Scotland. He died in 1767 in
Craven Co., Nc.
 
James Mcilwean, born ca. 1700, came to New Bern around 1738 Records indicate he married
Elinore Shine The marriage is not proved.. 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. 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, 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. She
may also have been older 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
Gof1746 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 and james 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
 
 
James married Elinore SHINE ?.
 
The surname for James' wife Elinore is not proved.
 
 
James and Elinore had the following children:
 
+ 2 M i. Francis MCILWEAN was born in 1720 and died in 1774.
 
 
+ 3 M ii. John MCILWEAN was born in 1724.
 
4 F iii. Hannah MCILWEAN was born in 1727.
 
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.
 
 
Hannah married 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 Rev. Fame, would then be brothers..
 
 
5 F iv. Margaret MCILWEAN was born in 1728.
Margaret married John CAMPBELL. John died death 1749.
 
+ 6 F v. Anne(Nancy)E. MCILWEAN was born in 1730 and died before1780.
 
+ 7 F vi. Mary MCILWEAN was born in 1732.
 
+ 8 F vii. Sarah MCILWEAN was born in 1735.
 
 
Second Generation
 
2. Francis MCILWEAN (James) was born in 1720. He died in 1774.
 
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 labelled 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( his brother-in-law's) farm, seven miles west of Craven
Courthouse.Francis also helped Richard Caswell in organizing the militia to fight for
Independence .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, whic lot or lotts so parcelled out to each respective child or childten, I give and
bequeath to them and their heirs forever (that is to say) to my children Hannah, Elizabeth,
Gatsey, Mary, Eleanor, Mancy, 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 pruchased 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
 
 
Francis married (1) Elizabeth STRINGER, daughter of Dr Francis STRINGER and
Hannah SHINE. Elizabeth died 1760 ca.
 
They had the following children:
 
9 M i. John Stringer MCILWEAN was born in 1754. He died in 1796.
 
SOURCE:Craven Co. Records 1735 9compiled 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
 
 
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 M iii. Francis MCILWEAN was born in 1769 and died in 1803.
 
12 F iv. Mary MCILWEAN.
 
+ 13 F v. Gathra MCILWEAN.
 
14 F vi. Elinore MCILWEAN.
 
15 F vii. Penelope MCILWEAN.
 
SOURCE: Ila Gray and Gene McIlwean":We went to the Col. Simpson
cemetary 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"
 
 
Penelope married Gen. Samuel SIMPSON.
 
Gereral simpson married 2nd Eleanore White, the niece of his first wife
Penelope McIlwean.
 
 
+ 16 F viii. Anne MCILWEAN.
 
+ 17 F ix. Mary MCILWEAN died in 1801.
 
+ 18 F x. Mary MCILWEAN died in 1801.
 
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:
 
+ 19 F i. Elizabeth Williams MCILWEAN was born in 1755 and died in 1801.
 
+ 20 M ii. John Sturgis MCILWEAN was born in 1757 and died in 1788.
 
6. Anne(Nancy)E. MCILWEAN (James) was born in 1730. She died before1780.
 
The marriage of Anne to Martin Caswell is not proved. However, Martin's older children carry
the McIlwean name. His 2nd marriageto Nancy Murphrey is proved, and she is not old enough
to have borne Martin's older children.There is a large gap in the ages of his first four children
and the last two. Those factors indicate that Anne was Martin's first wife, as many researchers
have concluded..
 
 
Anne(Nancy)E. married Martin CASWELL, son of Richard CASWELL Sr. and Christian
DALLAM,1754 ca. Martin was born on 2 Feb 1733 in Joppa MD. He died in Jun 1789 in
Johnston Co, Nc.
 
MARTIN, b..15 Feb. 1733 , d .June 1789- was Sheriff of Johnston County NC from 1754 to1756.
He became Justice of Johnston County in 1756 and continued to serve as a Justice forDobbs
County when Dobbs County was formed from eastern Johnston County in 1759. In1763, 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 summer of 1789.
He was a Colonel in the North Carolina Militia during theRevolutionary War. Martin is probably
buried in the Caswell Cemetery located at "The Hill"where his mother and father are buried.
Martin Caswell may have married about 1754. The name of his 1st wife is not verifiable since
some historians have recorded it as Anne McIlwean, and others recorded it as "Nancy".Records
prove his 2nd wife was Nancy Murphrey, dau. of Capt. John Murphrey and Elizabeth Harrison.
Martin was married to Nancy Murphrey by 1769 and possibly earlier. In Sept. 1769, a letter of
Gayle Murphrey, Nancy's sister, tells of a visit to Tower Hill where "Sister Caswell" was born of
a fine son". The names of six children of Martin Caswell have been proved Martin Jr, Mary,
James, Francis, William, and Nancy . Many records exist of the descendants. of Martin jr.,
James, Francis and Mary ,all of whom migrated to GA. William remained in Craven and Lenoir.
 
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 4,045"
 
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. 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: 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..."
 
 
Martin and Anne(Nancy)E. had the following children:
 
+ 21 M i. Martin James CASWELL jr. was born calculated 1758.
 
22 F ii. Mary CASWELL 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..
 
 
+ 23 M iii. James CASWELL was born in 1765.
 
24 M iv. Francis CASWELL was born in Dobbs 1790 census. He died in Ga..
 
Francis is the son of Martin, but his mother may have been Nancy Murphrey
rather than Anne McIlwean.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 tht Nancy, "sister Caswell" had
a fine new son.That may have been Francis, tho' he is 16-26 in the 1800
census. . In the 1790 census Anne has 1 son over 16 (Francis) and 1 son
under 16 (William).Francis does not appear in any NC census after 1800. It is
assumed he went to Ga. as did his brothers James and Martin and his sister
Mary. however, Mae Hooten, who has tracked the Ga. descendants thoroughly,
shows no records for him.
 
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 bedqueathed 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: Land grant to Francis Caswell 1804 (p. 196 #276) 5 acres Farmer's
swamp adjoining Wm. Arrundall, MartinCaswell, dec
.
SOURCE: 1790 Federal Census: Francis seems to be in house of his mother
Ann Caswell and is over 16 years of age. he disappears from NC censusus
after 1800. probably moved to Ga.
 
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 he would be too young to be her father), a
woman--wife?, 16-26 and a woman 45 and up (probably his mother)*note-only
age brackets are given in census; I'm surmizing that the children are his son &
daughter and a sister.. He would be born no earlier than 1774 if this census is
correct.
 
 
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. (Mulberry Point).
He died on 10 Nov 1789 in Fayetteville, NC and was buried in Kinston, NC.
 
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. By the time he returned to
North Carolina, Colonial Governor Josiah Martin had fled the Royal Palace, Tryon, at New Bern,
taking refuge on a British warship at themouth 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 constitutuion, 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
************************************************************
 
*Note-Richard Caswell and his second wife Sarah raisedtheir 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.(d.1788). In addition, he appears to have taken in William
and Elizabeth Lovick,nephew & niece of his wife Sarah Sarah also took in Benjamin John
Caswell(b.c1793) following John Caswell's death in 1795.
SOURCE: 1790 census- Sarah Caswell has two males over 16, two boys under 16, and 3
females (including herself) and 21 slaves.
******************************************************************
 
Copy obtained from the North Carolina Archives. Submitted by Clair Hadley
 
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. I have this in my file
 
**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 thousandeight 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 twelvehundred acres....3rd. I give to my son Bryan Croom in Florida, all
thenegroes 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 twothousand 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 PLACEwhere Wingate now lives(**I think
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 bymy 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
handwritten notation stating that Mrs. Waitman Thompson Hines (Leone Hardy) died
December 4, 1958.)
 
 
Richard and Mary had the following children:
 
25 F i. stillborn daughter CASWELL was born on 15 Sep 1753.
 
+ 26 M ii. Gen. (Rev. War) William CASWELL was born on 24 Sep 1754 and died on
6 Jan 1785.
 
8. Sarah MCILWEAN (James) was born in 1735 in Ayrshire, Scotland.
 
Sarah married John SHINE, son of Capt. Daniel SHINE and Elizabeth GREEN. John was born
on 25 Nov 1725.
 
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
 
 
John and Sarah had the following children:
 
27 M i. James SHINE was born on 6 Aug 1753.
 
28 F ii. Elizabeth SHINE was born on 6 Aug 1754.
 
+ 29 F iii. Elonore (Lany) SHINE was born on 24 Sep 1756.
 
30 M iv. Francis Stringer SHINE was born on 24 Mar 1761.
Francis married Agnes Anne TORRANS on 7 Feb 1795. Agnes was born in 1775.
 
31 F v. Hannah SHINE was born on 18 Jun 1763.
 
32 F vi. Elizabeth SHINE was born on 7 Jun 1765.
 
33 M vii. William SHINE was born on 26 Sep 1768.
 
34 M viii. Daniel SHINE was born on 3 Jul 1771.
 
35 F ix. 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 Thomas James Emery of Newbern. They had Harriet McIlwean Emery and a
son, James Reed Emery SOURCE:.(notes of genealogist Bessie Carman in Eliz. Moore's PC
1406.9, NC Archives) This daughter Harriet was born no later than 1780, since her father died
in 1779. Her brother James was born in 1773. I believe she married William Caswell, son of
Martin and Nancy Caswell of Dobbs I have found no record of their marriage. ,
 
 
Hannah married (1) Thomas James EMERY. Thomas died in 1779 in New Bern, NC..
 
They had the following children:
 
+ 36 M i. James Reed EMERY was born in 1773.
 
 
+ 37 F ii. Harriett McIlwean EMERY (NOT PROVED) was born 1779 (approx)
and was buried on 10 Jan 1827.
 
 
Hannah also married (2) Gen & Dr. William MCCLURE on 10 Aug 1782. William died on
18 Nov 1804.
 
SOURCE:Court House Records, NewBern, NC 1735, (coppiled bt 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 dau. Hannah is to live with Wm. McClure's sister rathar 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.
 
 
William and Hannah had the following children:
 
38 M iii. John MCCLURE was born by 1784.
 
This son is not mentioned in his father's will,0f 1794 but is mentioned in his gr
grandmother's will (Hannah Shine) in 1784. Presumably he died young.
 
 
+ 39 F iv. Hannah MCCLURE was born after 1784 and died on 23 Jan 1844.
 
11. Francis MCILWEAN (Francis, James) was born in 1769 in Dobbs Co. NC. He died in
1803 in Craven Co. NC.
 
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 mariied 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: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.!
 
SOURCE:(email enquiry from Sue Guptill includes the following)
 
- Note from James Galtin 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 mentionned in settlement of accts.(Thomas Applewhite 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.
 
 
Francis married Hollon NIXON, daughter of Richard NIXON and Sarah GREEN, in 1798.
Hollon died in 1806.
 
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.
 
 
Francis and Hollon had the following children:
 
40 F i. Sarah Green MCILWEAN was born in 1799. She died in 1862.
 
Sarah McIlwean Tillman lived at "Gull Harbor" in New Bern; it is a lovely huse,
still standing. She married Col. Ben Tillman in 1826. he died in 1827
 
 
Sarah married Benjamin TILLMAN on 21 Jun 1826 in Craven Co. NC. Benjamin died Died
Aug. 18 1827.
 
+ 41 M ii. Francis Niixon MCILWEAN was born on 2 Feb 1802 and died
in 1872.
 
13. Gathra MCILWEAN (Francis, James).
 
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. He died on 6 Jan 1785 and was buried in Johnston Co. NC.
 
.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 Philiadelphia 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 misreable winter
at Vallley 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 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 HERITAGE.
 
 
William and Gathra had the following children:
 
+ 42 M i. Richard William CASWELL was born on 17 May 1784
and died on 5 May 1810.
 
16. Anne MCILWEAN (Francis, James).
 
Anne married Col. Thomas STRINGER. Thomas was born in Ireland.
 
Information on the children comes from an old family bible.
 
 
Thomas and Anne had the following children:
 
43 F i. Elizabeth STRINGER.
Elizabeth married Charles DUFFY.
 
44 M ii. Francis STRINGER.
 
45 M iii. Thomas STRINGER.
 
17. Mary MCILWEAN (Francis, James) died in 1801 in Kinston, NC.
 
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, who was married to Gov. Caswell's daughter Anna.
 
 
Mary married (1) Richard CASWELL Jr., son of Governor Richard CASWELL and Sarah
HERITTAGE, on 26 Mar 1782 in Harmony Hall, Kinston NC. Richard was born on 15 Sep 1759.
He died in 1784.
 In Dec. 1784 Richard was a successful merchant in Kinston; he made a voyage to Charlston,
SC to purchase a cargo of goods fro 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 ofd. It is
presumed the ship was taken by pirates He and his wife Mary lived at Harmony Hall.
 
 
Richard and Mary had the following children:
 
46 F i. Sarah Richard CASWELL was born in 1783 in Kinston, NC.
 
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.
 
 
Sarah married Grove WRIGHT in 1801.
 
 
Mary also married (2) Benejah WHITE, son of Robert WHITE, c1788 in Lenoir Co. NC.
 
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.
 
Benejah White was a brother of NC Sec. of State Wiliam 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 g.dau. 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.
 
SOURCE:DSCR 204.508.2 Hillsborough District Equity case (1805)-names Benejah as
guardian of Sarah Richard Caswell and Richard Francis and Sarah McIlwean.
 
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,adn 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
 
That period before "in 1828" makes this confusing.Is the marriage going to be in 1828? Is he
claiming the land as part of a marriage agreement?(sort of a pre-nuptial thing?)
 
I was looking at Mary Allen as a possible wife of Richard Francis McIlwean. did she marry
Benejah? Or did she marry "Mr. Smith"
 
 
Benejah and Mary had the following children:
 
+ 47 F ii. Elenore WHITE.
 
18. Mary MCILWEAN (Francis, James) died in 1801 in NC.
 
She had the following children:
 
48 F i. Sarah Richard CASWELL.
 
19. Elizabeth Williams MCILWEAN (John, James) was born in 1755. She died in 1801.
 
1.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
 
2.SOURCE: records of Elizaberh 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 b. Apr. 5, 1787,died May 12, 1816"
 
 
Elizabeth married Blaney HARPER, son of Lt. Francis HARPER sr. and Elizabeth BRIGHT.
Blaney was born c 1757. He died in 1821.
 
SOURCE: Bible record provided by Francis Hodges.
Yes. 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-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.
 
 
Blaney and Elizabeth had the following children:
 
49 F i. Mary Jones HARPER was born on 5 Apr 1787. She died on
12 May 1816.
 
20. John Sturgis MCILWEAN (John, James) was born in 1757. He died in 1788.
 
John married Sarah CASWELL, daughter of Governor Richard CASWELL and Sarah
HERITTAGE,in 1779 in Dobbs Co. NC. Sarah was born on 26 Feb 1762. She died in 1786.
 
They had the following children:
 
50 F i. Sarah MCILWEAN was born in 1780.
 
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.
 
 
Sarah married Ridgen WHITE in 1798.
 
Ridgen White was the brother of Sec. of State William White who had 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
 
 
51 F ii. Elizabeth MCILWEAN was born in 1782. She died in infancy.
 
+ 52 M iii. Richard Francis MCILWEAN was born in 1784.
 
21. Martin James CASWELL jr. (Anne(Nancy)E. MCILWEAN, James) was born
calculated 1758. He died in Bullock Co. Ga.
 
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.
 
 
Martin married (1) Elizabeth MARTIN calculated 1782 in Liberty Co. Ga..
 
They had the following children:
 
+ 53 M i. Martin McElwain CASWELL.
 
 
Martin also married (2) Elizabeth TILLMAN in 1804 in Bullock Co. Ga.
 
23. James CASWELL (Anne(Nancy)E. MCILWEAN, James) was born in 1765 in
Dobbs Co..
 
Lovit Hines Vol.2 as viewed in Eliz. Moore Pc 1406.9 NC Archives: 2-11-1793 James Caswell
of the State of Georgia and county of Effingham to.I saac Taylor of Lenour Co., house carpenter,
for 175 lbs, 200 acres of land, part of 2 surveys-one taken up by Richard Caswell Esq. and the
other by Martain Caswell, 200 acres on Bryry Branch and the Great Meadow beginning at
Solomon Wright's and Uohn Crooms corner in Richard Caswell's patent line. Also the corner of
Martain Caswell's patent line. Wit: Wm. Martin , Francis Caswell.
James Caswell moved with his family to Ga abt. 1792. he settled in Effingham Co. He was one
of the founders of Screven County which was formed from parts of effingham and Burke. He
served as Sheriff in 1795 and 6 snf threafter he was clerk of the Superior Court in Screven Co.
continuously until 1809. it would Martin & Eleanor haave only 2 daughters in 1798, as a legal
document of Samuel Williams, leaving the remainder of his estate to Piercy & Nancy. he was a
commissioned a Captain in the Sev. Co Militia, was tax collector for the County in 1805 &6
 
 
James married (1) Eleanor WILLIAMS calculated 1786 in NC.
 
They had the following children:
 
54 F i. Piercy CASWELL was born in 1787.
Piercy married William BRANCH on 15 Mar 1821.
 
55 F ii. Nancy CASWELL was born in 1789. She died in Ga..
 
 
James also married (2) Chloe COLSON.
 
They had the following children:
 
56 M iii. James CASWELL.
 
57 M iv. Matthew Madison CASWELL was born in 1810. He died in Ga..
 
58 F v. Christian CASWELL.
 
59 M vi. Martin CASWELL.
 
26. Gen. (Rev. War) William CASWELL (Mary MCILWEAN, James) was born on
24 Sep 1754. He died on 6 Jan 1785 and was buried in Johnston Co. NC.
.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 Philiadelphia 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 misreable winter
at Vallley 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 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 HERITAGE.
 
 
William married Gathra MCILWEAN, daughter of Francis MCILWEAN and Mary NIXON,
on 22 Dec 1782 in Christ Church, new bern, NC.
 
They had the following children:
 
 
29. Elonore (Lany) SHINE (Sarah MCILWEAN, James) was born on 24 Sep 1756.
 
Elinore's parents are not proved by me.
 
 
Elonore 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 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.
 
 
Samuel and Elonore had the following children:
 
61 F i. Charlotte CASWELL was born on 3 Mar 1776.
 
62 F ii. Sally CASWELL was born on 3 Jul 1778.
 
63 M iii. Shine CASWELL was born on 23 Mar 1782.
 
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; which one is right?
 
 
64 F iv. Elizabeth CASWELL was born on 22 Jul 1783.
 
 
Fourth Generation
 
36. James Reed EMERY (Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James) was born in 1773.
He died in NewBern, NC..
 
SOURCE: The North Carolina Gazette vol 6. Sat., Dec.14, 1793 (no.414)
(184) On the first of J. at the Courthouse, will be rentedfor 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
 
 
James married Mrs. Jannett ADAMS on 2 Jul 1796 in Craven Co, N.C..
 
Jannett lived to be 78 years of age. She ran a large boarding house in New Bern-probably
between her 2ndt marriage to James Emery and her 3rd marriage to Capr.David Wallace.
 
 
James and Jannett had the following children:
 
65 M i. James EMERY.
 
37. Harriett McIlwean EMERY (NOT PROVED) (Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James)
was born 1779 (approx) in Craven Co., NC. She died in New Bern, NC. and was buried on
10 Jan 1827 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC.
 
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, I think,
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. She was
the 2nd wife of Harriett's brother James Reed.
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. I was happy to find her from such a reliable source!
 
 
Harriett married William CASWELL, son of Martin CASWELL and Nancy MURPHREY, in
1809 in Pitt Co., NC. William was born 1780 (approx) in Dobbs Co, NC.. He died in 1844/1850
in Lenoir Co., Nc..
 
William Caswell (b.ca.1780,d.ca1849) 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 with his widowed mother Nancy, and siblings. He
was under 16 in 1790 Dobbs census and between 26-45 in 1810 Pitt 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 mother Nancy.
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.
1. He is not married in 1809 (re:deeds) but is married in 1810 Pitt with 1 infant son and 1 infant
daughter.
2. In the 1820 Craven census.the ages of all William's family members match.those in 1810,
and he is the only Caswell listed Also, in the New Bern taxables list for 1816-1819 there is an
unnamed Caswell in 1818 owning an improved lot valued at $400.00 on Craven St.
3. .William's daughter Harriett Mcilwean was probably named for her mother and there are no
other Harriet McIlweans in the McIlwean family .
4. My gr grandfather's obit. and family Civil War stories all report that we are descendants of
Gov. Caswell.
.Family spoons labeled HMC (Harriett McIlwean Caswell) were donated to Tryon Palace many
years ago by a family member, Mrs. John Wolfe.
5.. Harriet McIlwean Caswell, ( daughter of William) had Alonzo T. Jerkins as executor of her
will in 1858; Alonzo was married to Sarah McIlwean who was half sister to Harriett.Therefore he
is related by marriage.
6. Alonzo had no natural children; he left only one personal item -his watch and chain-to Sallie
Caswell , suggesting a strong family tie.
For these reasons, I believe William Caswell married Harriett Emery and moved to Craven
from Pitt to be near her family. His brothers are all in GA. by 1820.
.Here are her relatives who lived nearby in New Bern:
1. Harriett Emery (born ca. 1778) had a brother James Reed Emery, B.1773 of
Craven;James married Mrs. Jannett Adams of Craven 2 July 1796.(Jannet married Capt.
David Wallace 3rd).Janett ran a boarding house near where the Caswells lived..
2.Harriett had an uncle living in New Bern - John Stringer McIlwean,b.1754. He and Harriet's
mother Hannah were children of Francis McIlwean and his 1st wife Elizabeth Stringer..John
Stringer McIlwean married Sarah James of Craven, daughter of Jerimiah James. No issue.
3 .Harriett had a cousin living in New Bern or close by. He was Richard Francis McIlwean, son
of John Sturgis Mcilwean and Sarah Caswell,b,1762 (dau. of Gov Richard Caswell.) Richard
 
Francis married Lettice James, sister of Sarah James.
4.. Finally, Harriett had a half sister and half brother, Sarah and Francis McIlwean,b.1799, living
just outside New Bern. They were children of Francis McIlwean and Hollon Nixon. All three
were grandchildren of Francis McIlwean,b.1720-25; Harriett was the granddau. of Francis and
1st wife Eliz. Stringer. Sarah and Francis were grandchildren of Francis and his 2nd wife Mary
Nixon.
5.Mary Nixon was the sister of wealthy planter Richard Nixon of Craven. Richard married Sarah
Green and they lived 7 miles west of New Bern next to the McIlweans (Beech Grove). Sarah
Green Nixon lived until 1827 and brought up her grandchildren Francis and Sarah.
*********************
William Caswell and his wife Harriett had 2 daughters, Harriett McIlwean,b. 1810, and
Rosaline T.,b.1818.They also had 2 sons (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)
After his wife's death, William moved back to Lenoir; very possibly he had remarried. By 1830
he is on 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.
 
William left his 2 daughters Harriett, (b.1810, d1862) and Rosaline(b. 1818,d.1865) in New
Bern; they are there
alone in the 1830 census(Harriett is head of house, with Roz and 1 slave) and are the only
Caswells in Craven. Rosaline married Purnell Hall and remained there until the end of the Civil
War,
 
**William's older brothers Martin, James and Francis were born between 1754.1770. Some or
all may have been sons of a possible first marriage of Martin to Anne McIlwean, dau. of James &
Elinore McIlwain as their children carry on the McIlwain name. These sons migrated to GA. and
the name McIlwain was changed to McElwain
 
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.
 
 
.
 
 
William and Harriett had the following children:
 
66 M i. son CASWELL was born in 1809.
 
67 F ii. Harriett McIlwean CASWELL was born in 1810 in Pitt Co., NC.
and was christened April 29, 1855 (confirmation) in Christ Church, New Bern, NC.
She died in Jun 1862 in New Bern, NC..
 
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 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.
 
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 neices 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 hereinabove 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 .
 
.BAPTISM RECORD: SOURCE:saw the original records at Christ Church;they
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 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 confirm class just
preceding Harriet's.
 
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,p342, 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.
 
 
+ 68 F iii. Rosaline T. CASWELL was born in 1818 and died in 1865.
 
69 M iv. Son CASWELL.
 
39. Hannah MCCLURE (Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James) was born after 1784.
She died on 23 Jan 1844.
 
Hannah McClure was William Gaston's 2nd wife. He remarried after her death.
 
 
Hannah married William GASTON Esq on 6 Oct 1805. William was born on 19 Sep 1778.
 
They had the following children:
 
70 M i. Alex F GASTON was born on 1 Jan 1807.
 
+ 71 F ii. Hannah GASTON was born on 18 Mar 1811 and died on
16 Mar 1835.
 
41. Francis Niixon MCILWEAN (Francis, Francis, James) was born on 2 Feb 1802.
He died in 1872.
 
:SOURCE: CRAVEN COUNTY NC MARRIAGE RECORDS
178 Groom: 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/Mc ilwean box, Whitford folder located in N.C.
Archives, Raleigh: Note 3: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-
 
 
Francis married Julia Elizabeth Sears JERKINS, daughter of Thomas JERKINS and
Grizzle SEARS, on 27 Jul 1826. Julia was born on 3 Mar 1809. She died on 10 Apr 1879.
 
They had the following children:
 
72 F i. Sarah Nixon MCILWEAN was born on 10 Dec 1827. She died on
12 Jun 1846.
 
73 M ii. Francis MCILWEAN was born on 23 Jun 1829. He died on
17 Jan 1831.
 
74 F iii. Grizelle Sears MCILWEAN was born on 14 Nov 1831. She
died in 1914.
Grizelle married Cicero GREEN in 1851.
 
75 F iv. Julia MCILWEAN was born on 10 Oct 1833. She died on 30 Mar
1899.
Julia married Louis H. FRENCH on 14 Oct 1851.
 
76 F v. Emma Tillman MCILWEAN was born on 23 Jan 1838. She died on
7 Nov 1852.
 
 
77 M vi. Francis Jerimiah MCILWEAN was born on 9 Apr 1846. He died
on 29 Apr 1870.
Francis married Louisa Montfort French STREET in 1863 in Craven Co. NC. Louisa was
born on 27 Aug 1835. She died in 1925.
 
42. Richard William CASWELL (Gathra MCILWEAN, Francis, James) was born on
17 May 1784. He died on 5 May 1810 and was buried in Lytle graveyard, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
 
Richard was killed when he was thrown from his horse; he was only 25 years of age.
 
 
Richard married Sarah LYTLE on 27 Nov 1806 in Rutherford Co. Tenn. Sarah died Murfreesborough, TN.
 
They had the following children:
 
78 F i. Jane Eliza CASWELL was born on 16 Mar 1808 in Spring Hill Tenn.
She died on 17 Jun 1887 in McMinnville TN..
Jane married John Rogers GRUNDY on 12 May 1825. John was born on 7 Dec 1803 in Bardstown, Ky.
He died on 5 Jun 1836 in Columbus Miss.
 
79 M ii. Major General William Richard CASWELL was born on 22 Oct
1809 in Tennessee. He died in Aug 1862.
 
William Richard Caswell, was a Major General for the
Confederacy in Tennessee. He was the great grandson of Gov. Richard Caswell.
William Richard Caswell ( born 22 Oct. 1809 d. Aug. 1862) was the son of
Richard William Caswell and Sarah Lytle. Richard William was the only son of
General William Caswell and Gathra McIlwean. General William Caswell (b.24
Sept. 1754,d.Jan, 1785) was the only surviving child of Gov. Richard Caswell's
first marriage to Mary McIlwean.
 
William Richard Caswell attended Nashville University. He held the rank of
Captain in the Mexican War. A lawyer by profession, he was appointed
attorney general for the 12th Judicial Court of Tennessee in 1843, and
attorney general for the 12th Solicitorial Court in 1849. Each appointment
was for six years.
 
He was one of the early advocates of the Confederacy in Tennessee and was
appointed a Brigadier General by Gov. Isham G. Harris, commanding
Tennessee
 
troops until they were turned over to the Confederate government. On 17 Nov.
1847 he was commissioned as Major General of the 1st Division of the
Tennessee Militia. Major General William Richard Caswell was murdered in
August 1862, being found about a half mile from his home with his throat
cut. Newspaper clippings indicate that the murderer was not known at the
time and that blame was placed on a runaway slave and a group of
unidentified men who supposedly ambushed him. He was 52 years old when
hewas killed.
At the time of his death, The Knoxville Register contained comments about
General Caswell:
 
"One of the most universally esteemed and respected of our citizens. Perhaps
no man who occupied as prominent a position as a public man ever enjoyed
more personal popularity. Affable in his demeanor to everyone, kind and
generous and upright, and just in all his transactions, it is remarkable
that he should have an enemy so desperate a character as his slayer must
have been". This information was kindly sent me by Mae Hooten.
 Clair
 
 
47. Elenore WHITE (Mary MCILWEAN, Francis, James).
 
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 fGeneral Samuell 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:: Bessie Carman's Notes in Eliz. Moore's Pc1409.6 At NC Archives.
 
 
Elenore married (1) Burton ALLEN, son of John ALLEN and Anne Grice BRYAN,
on 14 Oct 1809. Burton died in 1821.
 
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.
 
SOURCE: RR 26Oct. 1809 Burton Allen to Ellen White on Oct. 15 New Bern
SOURCE:Craven County Marriage Records by Ingmire give Elenore White and Burton Allen with
above marriage date
 
 
Burton and Elenore had the following children:
 
80 F i. Ann ALLEN.
 
 
Elenore also married (2) Gen. Samuel SIMPSON on 15 Aug 1822.
 
Gereral simpson married 2nd Eleanore White, the niece of his first wife Penelope McIlwean.
 
 
52. Richard Francis MCILWEAN (John Sturgis, John, James) was born in 1784.
 
 
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 deah of Sarah Caswell
in 1794. Richard Francis had a son, Lewis S. McIlwean and possibly a daughter Sarah who
would have been born in 1809. A Sarah McIlwean married Alonzo T. Jerkins in 1831 Her birth
on the tombstone was 1809.
A Richard McIlwean was detached from the 2nd regiment 3rd Co.(Pitt Co) in 1812
 
A Richard McVain is listed in the Pitt 1820 census with a wife , a male 0-10 (doesn't match
Lewis S's birth of 1807) and a female 10-16 years of age.
*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 in the 1830's could be this land.
 

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
 
 
 Richard and his spouse had the following children:
 
81 M i. Lewis S MCILWEAN was born in Aug 1807.
 
It has not been proved that Lewis and Sarah were children of Richard and Mary.
SOURCE: Pitt Deed book DD (1825-30) p. 34; date: 10-12-1824 Grantor:
Matthew Manning Grantee: Lennington Manning 25A +3A; $50. Former
Owners: Charles Jinkins, dec. Joseph Jackson. Wit: Edward Sturdivant, Lewis
McIlwean
 
SOURCE:Pitt Co. Deed book EE (1826-1832), p. 463 date: 5-6-1829 grantor;
Lewis S. McIlwean Grantee: William Gardner negro: $180.oo Wit; I. B.
Hutchens
 
 
+ 82 F ii. Sarah MCILWEAN was born on 28 Jul 1809 and died on 13 Sep 1874.
 
53. Martin McElwain CASWELL (Martin James CASWELL, Anne(Nancy)E. MCILWEAN, James).
 
Martin married Ellender DARCY in 1827 in Liberty Co. Ga..
 
They had the following children:
 
83 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.
 
84 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.
 
85 M iii. James McElwain CASWELL was born on 28 Sep 1837. He died on 23 Mar 1920.
James married (1) Clementine Elizabeth. Clementine was born on 15 Feb 1838. She died on 1 Sep 1920 in Hinesville GA.
James also married (2) Clementine Elizabeth. Clementine was born on 15 Feb 1838. She died on
1 Sep 1920 in Hinesville GA.
 
60. Richard William CASWELL is printed as #42 on page 26.
 
 
Fifth Generation
 
68. Rosaline T. CASWELL (Harriett McIlwean EMERY (NOT PROVED), Hannah MCILWEAN,
Francis, James) was born in 1818 in New Bern, NC. and was christened in 1853 in
Christ Church, New Bern, NC. She died in 1865.
 
 
ROSALINE was born in New Bern in 1818. She was the 2nd 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. In 1840 they lived with her older unmarried sister Harriett McIlwean , 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. suggesting a business of some sort. According to
family stories, Rosaline moved to Baltimore following the release of her son from the Union
prison camp at Pt. Lookout, Md. She died there presumably. ( However, she is not buried at
Greenmount cemetery with her sons and daughters). Letters from her daughter "Carrie" dated
July 1865 mourn the recent loss of her mother..
SOURCE: copy of original marriage record from NC ARCHIVES. 13 July, 1839 Purnell Hall and
Rosalina Caswell Wit: Leroy White, James Carter
.BAPTISM RECORD: SOURCE: the original records at Christ Church;they are also on microfilm
at Newbern Library-(CRAVEN COUNTY Christ Church,Newbern 1818-1946 vol.1-8 Iin 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 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.
 
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 *NOTE-in Alan Watson's
book, A HISTORY OF NEW BERN AND CRAVEN COUNTY,p342, 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
.
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 neices 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 BALTIMORE CITY I hereby 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 hereinabove 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, Md.
 
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
 
 
Rosaline married William Purnell HALL on 13 Jul 1839 in New Bern, NC.. William was born
in 1810 in Maryland.
 
WILLIAM PURNELL was born in 1810 in Maryland. He married first Aseneth Turner Aug. 8,
1838. He married second Rosaline Caswell July 13, 1839 in New Bern. He is listed as a sailor
until 1850, then a sea captain in 1860 Craven Co. census. He is not listed thereafter in NC or
MD. He and Rosaline had 5 children: 1. George Washington, b. 1841 2. Harriett A. b. 1842 ( 3).
William H., b.1846,( 4.) Caroline, b.1848, ( 5.) Sarah L. b.1855. He sold his property (Lot 18 on
Middle St) to Harriett M. Caswell, his sister-in-law, on Aug. 12, 1857. She made her will shortly
thereafter on June 12, 1858 and left her entire estate to her sister Rosaline and her three
nieces. This seems rathar odd. It suggests that Purnell needed money (for what?) and that
Hariett had money either from a business or an inheritance.
SOURCE: copy of original marriage record from NC ARCHIVES. 13 July, 1839 Purnell Hall and
Rosalina Caswell Wit: Leroy White, James Carter
 
 
William and Rosaline had the following children:
 
+ 88 M i. George Washington HALL was born in 1841 and died Obit.
March 1, 1909.
 
89 F ii. Harriett A. HALL was born in 1842 in New Bern, NC.. was buried
on 21 May 1910 in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md..
 
Harriett A.hall was unmarried; she did not probate the will of her aunt, Harriett
McIlwean Emery, until Feb.15, 1886, 24 years after Harriet's death. This seems
quite odd.
 
 
+ 90 M iii. William Henry HALL was born in 1846 and was buried on
14 Dec 1931.
 
+ 91 F iv. Caroline HALL was born in 1848.
 
92 F v. Sarah L. HALL was born in 1855 in New Bern, NC.. was buried
in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.
 
71. Hannah GASTON (Hannah MCCLURE, Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James)
was born on 18 Mar 1811. She died on 16 Mar 1835.
 
Hannah married Mathias E. MANLEY on 16 Feb 1832 in Craven Co, N.C..
 
Mathias and Hannah had the following children:
 
93 F i. Jane MANLEY.
 
94 F ii. Hannah MANLEY.
 
82. Sarah MCILWEAN (Richard Francis, John Sturgis, John, James) was born on
28 Jul 1809. She died on 13 Sep 1874 in New Bern, NC and was buried in Cedar Grove cemetery.
 
This Sarah McIlwean is the most likely one to have married Alonzo Jerkins as his wife Sarah's
birthdate on her tombstone matches. I had thought Sarah, sister of Francis mcIlwean was the
correct one; Francis married Alonzo's sister and thus it seemed likely. However, that Sarah was
born in 1799.
SOURCE: Lois Neale, ABSTRACTS of VITAL RECORDS 1830-1839:#3054 JERKINS:M. at
Fort Barnwell on the 29th ult. Mr. Alonzo T. Jerkins of New Bern to Miss Sarah McIlvain
RaNCSw Thurs. 14 July 1831 3:6
 
 
Sarah married Alonzo Thomas JERKINS1, son of Thomas JERKINS and Grizzle SEARS, on
28 Jun 1831 in Ft. Barnwell Craven Co NC. Alonzo was born on 2 Jun 1807 in Craven Co. NC.
He died on 7 Apr 1895 in New Bern, NC and was buried in Cedar Grove cemetery.
 
SOURCE: Years of Light: History of St. John's Lodge, no.3 by Gertrude Carraway.p.141
ALONZO T. JERKINS
The New Bern Mason during the middle of the 19th century who took the most active part in
Grand Lodge activities was Alonzo Thomas Jerkins, who served as North Carolina's 24th Grand
Master, elected in 1850, 1851 and 1852, the fifth member of St. John's Lodge to hold this
exalted position and a worthy successor to the first four-Richard Caswell, Judge John Louis
Taylor, Robert Williams, and Gov. Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr.
Born June 2, 1807, in the brick house at 39 Johnson Street built by his father, he was the son of
Thomas Jerkins, A mason and sea captain who operated ships between New Bern and the
West Indies. A native of Beaufort County, the father had settled here in 1804. While he was
away on one of his long voyages, his wife died. After that he stopped his sailing trips and
remained in New Bern. The epitaph on the tombstone at the wife's grave in Cedar Grove
cemetery, erected in 1824, reads: "Look where the silent marble weeps
A friend, a wife, a mother sleeps."
 
At the time of the death of his mother, who was a sister of Capt. George Sears, Alonzo Jerkins
was a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But for her death he would
probably have remained there to graduate. For some time he taught school at his local home
assisted by his wife. The young man became an active merchant, shipper, banker, and
business man in general here, long recognized as one of the community's outstanding citizens.
In 1850 he represented his section in the State House of Commons. He served as president of
the Bank of Commerce here, and was a prominent official of the First Baptist Church….After an
active career in business and civic life, he died here on April 7, 1895. He is buried in Cedar
Grove cemetery in a family lot near the Confederate Monument. Near him are the graves of his
two wives: Sarah, born July 28, 1809, who died Sept. 13, 1874; and Susan Carr, who survived
him, having been born March 14, 1836, and dying Feb. 19, 1911.
 
Alonzo was the executor of Harriet McIlwean Caswell's will of 1858. I believe she chose him
because of the family connection of his first wife, Sarah McIlwean. She may have been the
daughter of Richard Francis Mcilwean and thus her ousin.
 
SOURCE: The final accounting of Susan C. Jerkins , EX. of A.T. Jerkins, deceased, Cr.
wherein he leaves his only personal item, his watch and chain, *noted as $400.00 to Sallie E.
Caswell *note-. Don't know who she was.
 
 
 
Alonzo and Sarah had the following children:
 
95 F i. Susan JERKINS. She was related to her parents by adoption.
 
Susan was adopted.
 
 
Susan married John Durant FLANNER on 16 Feb 1854.
 
 
Sixth Generation
 
88. George Washington HALL (Rosaline T. CASWELL, Harriett McIlwean EMERY
(NOT PROVED), Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James) was born in 1841 in New Bern, NC..
He died Obit. March 1, 1909 and was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.
 
George Washington Hall was b. 1841 in New Bern, N.C. He was the eldest child of William
Purnell Hall and Rosaline T. Caswell.
 
CIVIL WAR RECORD He enlisted in the Confederate army May 29, 1861 in Co. 1, 2nd
Regiment N.C. State Troops, mustering in as Corporal. He was promoted to Sargeant May-
June 1863. He was captured at Gettysburg, confined at DeCamp General Hospital, Davids
island, New York harbor and on Dec. 17, 1863 was transferred to Point Lookout, Md. where he
was releaed after taking the oath of allegiance on Feb.6, 1864. He then moved to Baltimore
with his mother, his brother William Henry,b.1846, and his sisters Harriett, Caroline, and Sarah.
In 1870 Baltimore City census, however, he is living with his wife's mother, Phoebe Norwood,,
and her family. While family lore has it that they all came to Baltimore together, it may be that
his sisters and brother remained in New Bern for a while.His mother may have died in New
Bern (1865). George and his brother William had a ship's chandler buiness at 221 McElderry
Wharf, Baltimore, and his sister Caroline's husband, Richard Miller, was also a partner.George
retired when his busines was destroyed in the Baltimore fire of 1904. He died Feb. 28, 1909
and is buried at Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore, Md. His wife "Jennie", his brother William
and wife Annie Adams and their daughter Carrie, his daughter Harriett and his 2 young sons,
Edward and Purnell, are also buried there
 
. SOURCE: obituary of March 1, 1909 (Baltimore Sun) states he was a descendant of Gov.
Richard Caswell of NC.
.
SOURCES:1870 Census for Baltimore City, copied at Md State Archives., enumerated 16
August, 1870: Third Ward, Dwelling #1422, family #1897
 
WIMSATT, Frances-Head of House, age 68 -Keeping house, value of personal estate-$100.,
born MD, parents not of foreign birth Then are listed (2) Norwood, Pheby, age 38- Seamstress,
(3) Hall, Jane age 24- Seamstress, (4).Johns, Willie, age 12, (5). Hall, George, age 35-Tin and
Sheet Iron maker, born NC, (6). Hall, Rose, age 3, born MD.(7)Wimsatt, Ellen, age 90, (8)
Wimsatt, Maria age 16-Seamstress
 
NOTE: George Hall's age is wrong-he was born in 1841. Rose was born in Md.. Which means
GWH had moved to Baltimore by 1867 or earlier, substantiating the family story. However, his
brother ,Wm. Henry, and his 3 sisters are not in this household. Where are they?
 
 
George married Jane (Jennie) NORWOOD, daughter of NORWOOD and Phoebe Anne
WIMSETT, Jane Norwood.
 
They had the following children:
 
+ 96 F i. Rosaline Rust HALL was born on 8 Nov 1868 and died Mar ch 1927.
 
97 F ii. Harriett H. HALL was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.
 
98 M iii. Purnell HALL was born in Baltimore, Md.. He died young and was
buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.
 
99 M iv. Edward HALL died young and was buried in Greenmount Cemetery,
Balt., Md.
 
90. William Henry HALL (Rosaline T. CASWELL, Harriett McIlwean EMERY (NOT
PROVED), Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James) was born in 1846 in New Bern, NC. and
was christened on 1 May 1853 in Christ Church, New Bern, NC. was buried on 14 Dec 1931
in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md..
 
William married Annie M. ADAMS. Annie was buried on 16 Apr 1890 in Greenmount Cemetery, Balt., Md.-removed to.
 
They had the following children:
 
100 F i. Carrie Melissa HALL was buried on 17 Jul 1942.
 
91. Caroline HALL (Rosaline T. CASWELL, Harriett McIlwean EMERY (NOT PROVED),
Hannah MCILWEAN, Francis, James) was born in 1848 in New Bern, NC..
 
Caroline married Richard MILLER.
 
They had the following children:
 
101 M i. Richard MILLER jr.
Richard married "Bessie"
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