The Family of Richard and Sarah Williams
Did Elisha Williams who migrated to Nashville, TN in 1804 come from this family?
Larry Feldhaus (feldhaus@comcast.net), September, 2007
Comments in black are Ed Tatum’s. Comments
in red are mine.
Drew Smith is the key.
I assumed that because Thomas Blount Whitmell shows up so often with Elisha, his aunt Elizabeth
(Whitmell) Williams was the link back to William. But Thomas was married to Drew
Smith’s daughter which explains his presence with Elisha as you will see below.
The earlier Drew Smith witnesses the will of Joshua’s brother Elisha Williams in 1751 so clearly a connection
between Drew and these Williams brothers.
|
This Williams family discussed below consisted of Richard and
Sarah Williams and their children Elisha (d 1755), Joshua (d 1761) (son named Elisha), Solomon(d 1761) (son named Elisha), George,
Mathew, Daniel,
John, Mary
married Robert Carr), and Elizabeth
(not named in will below) married John Daughtry).
This group is not to be confused with Samuel Williams who married Elizabeth Alston This group was further south,
Palmyra and beyond. Their children are William who married Elizabeth Whitmell
(this is the the wealthy William of Martin County
for who, some say, Williamston is named), Solomon who married Temperance Boddie (Elk Marsh, left 1794 will in Warren), Joseph John, father of the Joseph John who married our Betsy
Norfleet Hunter Williams. And Samuel who left the following will:
Warren County Wills, P 213. (A) Will of SAMUEL
WILLIAMS. 21 Feb.1791; Feb. Ct.1791. Names: Brother SOLOMON WILLIAMS, Extr.;
Brother JOSEPH JOHN WILLIAMS, Extr.; SAMUEL &
WILLIAM, sons of his brother WILLIAM WILLIAMS; children of ELISABETH JOHNSTON, dtr. of his brother WILLIAM. Land devised is homeplace, including mill (bought from MONTFORT)
& land in Halifax Co., on Fishing Creek & land bought
from SUMNER which last he leaves to 8 of his slaves who are to be free. Co-Extrs: Friends JAMES ALSTON & GABRIEL LONG.
Wit: WM. WILLIAMS (Jurat) & SAMUEL WILLIAMS
(Jurat). |
Williams, Richard - will dated 8 Nov 1737 recorded 27 Feb 1737. Legatee son john land where Arthur Edwards
now lives; son Solomon land where John Row did live;
son Mathew; daughter Mary; wife Sarah; son Elisha land in nansemond joining William West; son George land in Nansemond; son
Joshua land in Nansemond; son Daniel land in Nansemond;
frined William Wiggins to my young children. Exc. son Daniel
Williams; witness John Johnston, James Garner and Elisha
Williams . (4:193)
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http://members.aol.com/eleanorcol/ColsonLand.html
16 Dec 1741 Bertie County, NC Deed Book F, p. 368: Susannah COLLSON and John COLLSON (her son) to Thomas BLOUNT and Thomas WHITMELL,
16 December 1741. 19 June 1742. 500 pds. for 600 acres "...Executors of the Last will and Testament of John COLLSON, Sen Dec'd
. . . except for thirty two pounds quit rents Deducted to us paid by Thomas Collins . . . " Land on SS Rocquis Creek. Part of tract to Luke Meazle and conveyed to Timothy Trulove and
by Trulove to George Clark Glover Dec'd. And by Jonathan Taylor, legatee, and James Williamson, administrators, " . . . by
and to this s'd George Clarks will conveyed by deed to John COLLSON Sen Dec'd . . . out of this COLLSON sold three hundred
acres . . . " Land adj. John Stevenson, ____ Hays. Wit: Edward Collins, Mary Collins. August Court 1742. Henry DeLon C/C.
|
Thomas Blount and Thomas
Whitmell buy land in Bertie County on SS Rocquis Creek
http://www.saponitown.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2987
The
North Carolina Gazetteer by William Stevens Powell 1968 Chapel Hill,
Pg. 425
“Roquist
Creek rises in west Bertie County and flows
southeast into Cashie River.
Many spellings (Rocquis, Rakwis, Rocquist, Roquewhist, etc.) have been used in the past, but Roquist is the accepted spelling.
The word is Tuscarora for “turtle“. Mentioned in local records as early as 1723.” “Roquist Pocosin, southwest Bertie
County.” {my note here Pocosin means swamp}
|
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All of the folliowing
are from Abstracts of Deeds from Edgecome Precint, Edgecombe
County NC 1732-1758 by Margaret
M. Hofmann. All of the deeds in this book fall in present day Halifax
County:
===============================
Aug 1744: William Bryan of Edge Co to Drew Smith
of Edge Co 26 pounds 100 acres joining Arthur Bryan and a swamp all houses, orchards etc. Wit: James Spier (his X mark) Elisha
Williams. Reg. Edge Co Aug Ct 1744. R. Forster C.Ct.
|
Drew Smith was a friend
of Elisha Williams(1) |
===============================
31 Feb 1745: Richard Sessums of Edge Co to Richard
Smith of Edge Co 30 pounds VA money 100 acres joining Davie
Hopper, all edices, orchards etc. Wit: Elisha Williams, Drew Smith. Reg Edge Co Feb Ct 1745. R. Forster C.Ct.
===============================
|
1749-1751 Our Elisha Williams is born. |
===============================
19 Nov 1751: Drew Smith of Edge Co to James Stevenson
of Northampton Co 24 pounds 1 shilling 3 pence curr money of VA 160 acres on the north side of Tar River, joining a pond and
the river as by patent of 24 Feb 1728 to John Steward. Wit: Thomas Edwards, John Edwards, Jr. Reg Edge Co Nov Ct 1751.
B. Wynns C.Ct.
|
Drew Smith buys 160 acres
on the north side of the Tar River, witnessed by Thomas Edwards. |
===============================
20 Jan 1752: John Gray of Granville Co
to Elisha Williams of Edge Co 17 pounds VA money 100 acres on
Morrattock River joining Drew Smith, the said Williams and the River all houses orchards etc. Wit: John Dawson, John
Perrit, Nicholas Perrit, reg Edge Co Feb Ct 1752. B. Wynns C.Ct.
Moratock was the old name
of the Roanoke.
So this proves that Joshua’s brother Elisha at least did own land on the Roanoke
joining Drew Smith. [Elisha’s will was written in 1751 but not probated
until 1755 believe it is this Elisha who is mentioned above).
|
Elisha buys 100 acres
on the Roanoke River joining his friend Drew Smith. |
===============================
12 May 1753: John Williams of Edge Co to John Brown
of Edge Co 18 pounds curr money of VA 186 acres near Looking Glass Swamp joining Thomas Davis and Joshua
Williams a grant to the said John Williams 12 Apr 1753. Wit: John Pope, Barnaby Pope, Reg Edge Co May Ct 1753. Bejamin
Wynns C.Ct,
John Williams is
presumably the brother of Joshua and Elisha mentioned in Elisha’s 1751 will. This
is the only indication of where Joshua Williams owned land, although it does not mean it was where he was living at the time
of his will. According to http://www.tngenweb.org/maury/fgs/bynum-williams.html Looking Glass swamp was a creek of the Roanoke River located in the southeastern
part of what is now Halifax County,
near the present site of Spring Hill. According to a description of similar
land at http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/Edwards-NCVA/2006-12/1166483346 it was “in Halifax County about five miles from Scotland Neck.”
|
John Williams sells 186
acres he received in a grant a month before. The land was located near Looking
Glass and joining his brother Joshua’s property. Looking Glass Swamp "Looking Glass Swamp" was also known as "Arthur's Swamp," A
deed of 1729 "Looking Glass Swamp" was defined as SS Morattuck [Roanoke] River, a survey made for William Gray and by him
"lapsed" then granted to John Gray on Apr 1, 1727, who on May 13, 1729 sells to RICHARD LEWIS. Kay G. By a 1741 deed this
land was now located in Edgecombe County. |
===============================
13 Aug 1751: Last will of Elisha Williams, written 13 Aug 1751, probated Feb 1755 Edgecombe, NC
County: Names: Brothers: Solomon Williams, George Williams, Daniel Williams,
Joshua Williams, John Williams. Nephew: Richard Williams (son of John Williams) Sisters: Mary Carr, Elizabeth Daughtry.
Executor: Joshua Williams. Witnesses: James Smith, Drew Smith, George Bell. Clerk of the Court: Benjamin Wynns.
|
Elisha Williams(1) dies
with no indication he has a wife or children. His friend Drew Smith witnesses
the will. |
===============================
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/8563/ncarolin.htm
Bertie County
NC Tax List - 1757
1st=whites; 2nd=black; 3rd=totals Thomas
Whitmell 2 11 13
|
Thomas Whitmell is living
in Bertie County
with eleven slaves. |
===============================
3 Aug 1757: John Fort of Edge Co to Jordan Thomas
of Edge Co 50 pounds VA money 100 acres joining Marmaduke Norfleet, Cane marsh, James Smith and the said Jordan Thomas,
land John Richardson transferred to the said Fort all houses buildings, orchards etc part of a grant to John Nairn for 640
acres 5 Apr 1720. Wit: Drew Smith, Williams Waller, Arthur Smith. Reg Edge Co Aug Ct 1757. J. Montfort C. Ct.
Also remember Marmauke
Nortleet was the father of James Harris’s first wife.
|
Jordan Thomas buys 100
acres next to his existing property and also next to Marmaduke Norfleet and James Smith.
Drew Smith and Arthur Smith witness the deed. |
===============================
16 Mar 1758: William Bryan and Arthur Bryan to James
Smith of Edge Co 20 pounds current money of VA 190 acres on Cypress Swamp land John Bryant bequeathed to his 2 sons. Wit:
Drew Smith, John Young, Joshua Williams. Registered Edge Co June
Ct 1758. J. Montfort C.Ct.
|
James Smth buys 190 acres
on Cypress Swamp, between the Roanoke River and Scotland
Neck. The deed is witnessed by Drew Smith and Joshua Williams. |
===============================
12 May 1758: Thomas Turner of Edge Co to James Smith
of same 30 pounds curr money of VA 90 acres joining Cattail Marsh
and Marmaduke Norfleet. Wit: Drew Smith, Joshua Williams, Jordan Thomas. Reg Edge Co June Ct 1748
[sic]. J Montfort C.Ct.
|
James Smith buys 90 acres
joining Marmaduke Norfleet near other land he owns there. The deed is witnessed
by Drew Smith, Joshua Williams and Jordan Thomas. |
===============================
Halifax
was formed from Edgecombe in 1758. The following comes from The Deeds of Halifax County North Carolina 1758-1771:
===============================
Note Jordan Thomas here and in the May 1759
deed below. He is the same Jordan Thomas I had mentioned to Larry and Gerri whose
family previously looked connected to our Elisha somehow. I thought his group
had potential for a “Miss Thomas” mother to Elisha.
===============================
Finally a little more on Jordan Thomas from the Halifax
book:
18 Dec 1759: James Barnes and Ann his wife of Halifax Co to Cullen
Edwards of Northampton Co 225 pounds proclamation money 180 acres on the south side of Roanoke River joining Cullen
Pollock, Lewis Davis, Colo. Burwell. James Barnes, Ann Barnes. Wit: J. Edwards, Jord. Thomas. 23 Feb 176?. Deed proved
by oath of John Edwards in Chowan Co. CJ. Charles Berry.
===============================
1 Jan 1760: Jordan Thomas of Halifax Co to Michl. Smalley of same 67 pounds 10 shillings of VA money 100 acres which said Thomas purchased
from John Fort on south side of Marrtock “now called Roanoke” River joining Marmaduke Norfleet, James Smith,
Cane Marsh, Thomas’s own line. Wit: Charles Cotton, Thomas Hayles, Ruben
Procter (x). Mar Ct 1761. CC: J. Montfort.
|
Jordan Thomas adds
100 acres joining Marmaduke Norfleet and James Smith. |
===============================
15 Dec 1760: Arthur Smith of Halifax
to James Smith of same 10 pounds VA money 100 acres which was part of a tract deeded to James Binum 25 Mar 1749 and given
by deed of gift to said James Smith and Arthur Smith 10 Aug 1755 on the north side of Deep Creek joining Merritt, Reedy Branch,
Arthur Smith. Wit: Drew Smith, J. Williams, Walter Gibson. Dec Ct 1760. CC: Jos Montort.
Is J. Williams here Joshua
Williams?
|
Arthur Smith sells James
Smith 100 acres of his property located on the north side of Deep Creek, witnessed by Drew Smith and Joshua Williams. Deep Creek is just to west of present day Scotland Neck. |
===============================
Now to the will of Joshua himself
:
ca 1761: pp.
28-9, I Joshua Williams...give to my Eldest son Thomas
Williams Five negroes that is to say Abraham, Isaac, Jenney, Betty & Judith with their increase...also...my Distill, one
horse called Derick, a sorel mare colt, one bed & furniture also three sows & twelve shoats also 200 acres also one
gun.
To my daughter Temperance two negroes named Peter & Nanny, one mare called Jenney and a woman
saddle, eight head of cattle, one bed & furniture, one trunk.
To my daughter Sarah, two negroes named Cezar & Amey, one horse called Prince & four pounds five shillings
to buy her a saddle, eight head of cattle, a black walnut chest.
To my son Elisha Williams the plantation where I now live with all the land...four negroes named
Nan, Jacob, James & tom, one mare & colt, a young horse named Parrot, one bed and furniture, one horse called Blase.
To my daughter Martha one negro called Hager.
To my loving wife one negro named London
during her life of widowhood, also one bed and furniture, seven cows & calves and a three year old stear, one gray mare
called Jenney & a horse called Diment, two dishes, four plates, two basons and one desk.
To Celea Dickens one negro called Cezar which
she is to be possest of when she arrives to the age of twenty one years...but she dieing before she comes of age the negro
to fall to my son Elisha Williams...the negro to be hired out and the money converted to the said girl... Joshua Williams.
Proved October 1761 court, Sarah Williams widow. Halifax County Will Book Volume 1, 1758-1774.
Notice the
name of the slave Martha inherited: Hager. In 1768 Martha wife of John Joyner receives a slave named Hagar. At that time in NC, Martha’s property would have transferred to her husband,
and it looks like here he is making sure she gets to keep her father’s bequest.
|
Joshua Williams dies and leaves his son Elisha the home place. Seems that is our Elisha was born between 1749 and 1759 he would have been only 12 years old at best. One wonders why Joshua would have left the home place to someone so young when he
had an older son. The number of children, two sons and three daughters,
doesn’t agree with family history that our Elisha’s father had three sons and several daughters. Also, the names Thomas and Temperance don’t show up in the family although Joshua, Sarah and Martha
do. |
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8/36 19 Jan 1762 John Drew and wife Patience of Nansemond County VA to Solomon Williams of Halifax Co. For 49 pounds, 15 shillings, a tract of 200 acres on Elk Marsh
that Patience had inherited. An inquiry was held to determine if legal damage would result if the land were sold. Since the
lands were not contiguous with other Drew lands in Halifax County, permission was given to sell. This land adj. Alexander McCulloch, Hamlin Haynes,
William Scoggan, and said Solomon Williams. Wit. Thomas
Kitching, Read Godwin, Hona. Durley.
|
http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/Rayner/drewj2.htm
Capt. John Drew ca 1725 - ca 1772 & Patience Brewer ca 1730 – ca 1797 lived in
Nansemond County, Isle of Wight, VA and owned considerable land in the Scotland Neck, NC area.
There are many deed records on this web site. |
===============================
Drew Smith was living along this same
stretch of the Roanoke too.
Here is an incomplete abstract of Drew’s will from http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/halifax.htm:
Halifax NC p.57, I Drew Smith...lend to
my Loving wife Elizabeth Smith five Negroes (to wit) one Fellow Named Dick another Named Mingo, another named Jacob, one Wench
Nam'd Rose, another Namd'd Hannah, during her life & then they and their increase to be equally divided among my four
Daughters...to my Daughter Millea the land whereon Nathan Marley now lives...one Negro Girl Nam'd Lucy...to my Daughter
Anne the plantation where on Francis Besthel Haynes now lives...also I give to my daughter Ann one Negro Girl Named Olive...22 February 1762. Drew Smith (signed). March Court 1762.
Daughter Anne is the one who married Thomas
Blount Whitmell.
Not sure where Francis Bythal Jaynes was
living at the time, but the land that both Anne and Priscilla Smith inheritied was obviously close together and neighboring
Elisha’s.
|
Drew Smith dies and leaves his land to two daughters although he has four. |
===============================
Here’s
the full version of Drew Smith’s will.
22 Feb 1762: Drew Smith 22 Feb. 1762 Mar. Ct. 1762 Lend wife Elizabeth Smith
negroes during her life and at her Death the sd. negroes and their increase to be divided among my 4 daughters: Priscilla
Smith, Millea Smith, Temperance Smith, and Ann Smith. Lend wife the Plantation
whereon I now live during her life. Daughter Priscilla plantation whereon Richard Peters now lives and the sd. Peters to
have the use of it during his life, also to her the plantations whereon John Hancock and Mary Bell now live. Should Priscilla
die without heirs the same to go to daughter Temperance. Daughter Temperance the land whereon I now live and the land thereto
belonging and should she die without heirs the same to go to daughter Priscilla, it being the said land joining Widow Bell,
Cypress Swamp, and Arthur Smith. Daughter Millea the land whereon Nathan Marley now lives, 1 negro, etc. and should she die
without heir the same to go to daughter Ann. Daughter Ann the plantation whereon Francis Bythel Haynes now lives joining
Solomon Williams, Cypress Swamp, the river, and Arthur Smith and should she die without heirs the same to go to daughter
Millea. Residue of estate to be equally divided between my 4 daughters. Nedon/Nathan (?) Bryant the son of Arthur Bryant by
my sister Mary the land I bought of Arthur Bryant on the south side of Kehukee Swamp and is part of the patent John Whitaker
now lives on and money when he arrives at 21 and should he die without heirs the same to go to his brother Nicholas Bryant.
To Nicholas Bryant son of the aforesaid Arthur and Mary Bryant the other 1/2 of the land bought of Arthur Bryant and money
when he is 21. Wit: Henry Daffin [Ruffin?], Ann Haynes, Henry Collins Extrs.: my brothers James Smith and Arthur Smith.
|
The fuller version of Drew Smith’s will also shows that the land daughter
Ann inherited (she was Thomas Blount Whitmell’s wife) joined Joshua's brother Solomon Williams and Cypress Swamp.
Solomon Williams then leaves to his son Elisha Williams his land on Kehukey in 1770. Is this the
same land that joined Ann Smith’s and/or Priscilla Smith’s? |
===============================
20 Apr 1763: Ann Thomas of Halifax
Co to Michael Smalley of same. 67 pounds 10 shillings VA money.
Her right of dower to 100 acres which had been sold to Smalley by Jordan Thomas 21Jan 1760. Ann Thomas. Wit:
James Barnes. Richd. Whitaker. Apr Ct. 1763. CC: Jos Montfort.
|
Jordan Thomas is still around. |
===============================
2 Apr 1765: Division of the lands of Marmaduke Norfleet Jr., dec’d,
son of Mr. Thomas Norfleet, dec’d. To John Young and Sarah his wife a tract of land where James Hogun now lives on Beaverdam
Swamp and Cypress Swamp and 38 acres which was part of 114 acres joining Beaverdam and Blount. To James Harris and Elizabeth
his wife her part of the estate, being part of a tract where James Hogun now lives (graves mentioned in the bounds) and
38 acres which was part of 114 acres joining Beaverdam Swamp, Blount, Joshua Bell. To
Joshua Bell and Pheriby his wife her part of the estate a part of a tract where James Hogun lives joining Cypress Swamp, Wyatt
and 38 acres which was part of 114 acres joining Beaverdam Swamp and Blount. 2 Apr 1765.
Signed by William Williams, Moses Horne, Xpher Haynes, James Smith, Michl. Smalley, Oct Ct 1765. CC: J. Montfort
|
Marmaduke Norfleet dies. His land lies
in the neck of the Roanoke River between the river and Scotland
Neck. William Williams and James Smith witness the deed. This is the first we see of this William Williams. |
===============================
18 Feb 1768. Halifax NC.
pp.273-4, I John Joyner...after wife's decease plantation to my Beloved son Henry Joyner...four negroes Vizt. Tudy(?),
Jack, Willis, & Lucy likewise a feather Bed and furniture my Riding saddle and gun...to my beloved Daughter Martha Joyner
five Negroes Vizt. Rachel, Duches, Anssy, Vilit & Cmmbrig also a feather Bed & furniture...to my loving wife Martha
Joyner three Negroes Viz: Nancy, Padan, & Hagar to her forever and likewise one Negroe Vizt Ramoth...18 February
1768. (signed). August Court 1770.
Notice the name of the slave Martha inherited from her father: Hager. In 1768 Martha wife of John Joyner
receives a slave named Hagar. At that time in NC, Martha’s property
would have transferred to her husband, and it looks like here he is making sure she gets to keep her father’s bequest.
===============================
First, assuming
the Elisha who married Sarah Josey is the same one who lived next door to her parents in 1769, notice his land joins Thomas Hunter:
30
Mar 1769: Halifax
NC Deed Book. 1450
(433) James Josey and Sarah his wife of Northampton Co to Edward Whitaker of Bertie Co 30 Mar 1769, 85 pounds VA money,
100 a on the south side of Roanoke Riv joining Thomas Hunter. Elisha Williams. Josey. Thomas. James Josey,
Sarah Josey. Wit: Thomas Hunter, Lemuel Wiggins, James Josey Jr., Aug Ct 1769. Examined
by William Branch Esq. Sarah Josey relinquished her right of dower. CC: Jos.
Montfort.
|
James and Sarah Josey sell 100 acres of their land next to Elisha (son of Joshua)
Williams and Thomas James, the first time Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams shows up owning land. It could be our Elisha since he could be 21 and eligible to own land if born in 1749. |
In Feb 1755 John Drew and Patience his wife sold land in Edgecombe Co, "inherited from father Wm.
Drew" to Joseph Richardson.
10 Nov 1769:
1481-(487) Halifax DB. Wm. Richardson of Johnson Co to Ely
(Elias) Harris of Halifax Co, 10 Nov 1769, 133 pounds VA money, 155 acres which was part of land Joseph Richardson purchased
from John Drew, joining John Blunt. Wm Richardson (x). Witnesses: Elisha Williams, John Young, James Harriss.
Nov Ct 1769. CC: Jos Montfort
===============================
1 Apr 1769: Edward Whitaker of Bertie Co to Michael Smalley and Jacob Williams of Halifax 100
acres on the south side of the Roanoke joining Thomas Hunter and Elisha Williams,
Thomas, Edward Whitaker. Wit: Ann Thomas, Wm. Thomas, Cullen Cotton. May Ct 1769. CC: Jos Montfort.
These 2 continue to place Elisha at Scotland Neck:
|
Thomas Hunter joins Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams’s land. |
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Note that Sarah Josey’s brother
James also had land on Looking Glass:
14
Aug 1769: Halifax Deed 1448-(429) John Whitaker Sr and Olive his wife, Edward Whitaker and Sarah his
wife of Halifax Co to James Josey of same. 200 pounds proclamation money. 241 acres on south side of Looking Glass Swamp
joining Panther Pocosin, John Whitaker Jr, Champion. John Whitaker Sr, Edward Whitaker, Sarah Whitaker. Wit: Robert
Caruthers, Ethelred Webb, Eliza. Webb(x), Aug Ct 1769: Jos. Montfort.
|
Sarah Josey’s brother James buys 241 acres close to Elisha (son of Joshua)
Williams’s land. |
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27 Jan 1770:
1520-(16). Halifax
DB. Isham Webb of Halifax Co to John Young and James Harris of same. 280 pounds proc money. 6 negroes: Sisane, Ezekiah,
Abram, Alice, Hannah, Jack. Isam Webb.
Witness: Elisha Williams, Marmaduke Young. Feb Ct 1770. CC: Joseph Montfort
===============================
15 Aug 1770: Will #161 Pg. 277 Solomon Williams (dated) 15 Aug 1770 (probated) Nov. Ct.
1770. Son Charles Williams Plantation whereon I now live, negroes
son Elisha Williams land on Kehukey containing 486 acres
etc. daughter Lydia Williams and Menia Williams (?) negroes each
wife to enjoy Plantation for her natural life and no longer daughter Lynea Barrow negro for her life and at her death
the sd. negro and her increase to go to the sd. Lynea's heirs or to my son
Solomon Lawrence Williams my 5 daughters to have 2 rooms in my house residue of estate to be divided after wife's death
among my 4 children: Lucy Williams, Solomon Lawrence, Sarah Williams And Elizabeth Williams.
|
Solomon William dies and leaves his son
Elisha 468 acres on Kehukey in Scotland
Neck. Our Elisha would have been barely 21 years old at this time (bn 1749-51).
Written by Henry Philips Williams,
February 17, 1892 “Since
Cousin Jack’s death I feel sure that there is not a single member of the Williams connection that would be able
to give the genealogical table that I furnish you, except myself. When I was in Arkansas
last fall, I talked a good deal with Cousin Jack, and it was he who furnished me with most of the data I give you.
Afterwards the head of the house,
William Williams (my father’s grandfather) moved up to a place called Shoco or Shoeco, in Caldwell
or Halifax, County, N.C., where he bought a large and fine property and lived the life of a country gentleman, having
his farm on the river, his Negro quarters and his overseers. He had, I think, three sons and several daughters.
One of these sons was my grandfather, Elisha
Williams, born in 1746, and afterwards owning the homestead, besides several farms in Franklin County, where I am told they kept
Negro quarters managed by overseers.”
Just based on the above one might believe
Solomon Williams was the father of our Elisha. The number of sons fit
and five daughters qualify as “several”. However, the names Charles,
Solomon, and Lucy don’t show up in the family. The names Sarah and Elizabeth
do, however our Elisha’s wife is named Sarah and Elizabeth
is a very common name. Not much to go on.
Other evidence is more persuasive that Joshua is the father of our Elisha. |
===============================
77-121. James Smith executor of Michael Smalley dec'd of Halifax Co. to Jacob
Williams of same. 17 Feb 1772. 13 £ 7 S 6 P proc. money.
The transaction for the lifetime of Sarah Josey, wife of James Josey Sr. 100 acres which Michael Smalley had purchased
from James Josey Sr joining Jacob Williams, Elisha Williams, William Thomas, James Smith. Wit:
Barbary Bryant (x), Turner Smith, Feb Ct 1772. CC: Jos Monfort.
|
So our Sarah Josey's mother is still alive in 1772. What is going on here?
Did James Sr die, and are they letting the widow Sarah live on his former land for the rest of her life? We may need
to pull the original deed to see what this means. Sarah may also still have been alive in 1774 when a Sarah Josey
witnesses the will of Samuel Cotton, who was James Josey Sr's neighbor in Northampton
and involved with him there. If James is dead by now, though, and both Joshua and Solomon are dead, it fits with the Davidson
Co History's statement that both Elisha Williams and Sarah Josey were both orphans.. |
===============================
The
NC Marriage Bond is shown as # 000003817 on image # 004381 of the NC Marriage Bonds 1741-1868.
|
Name: |
Elisha Williams |
|
Spouse: |
Sarah Josey |
|
Marriage Date: |
24 Mar 1775 |
|
Marriage County: |
Bertie |
|
Marriage State: |
North Carolina |
|
Source Vendor: |
County Court Records at Windsor,
NC and FHL # 0418142 item 2 |
|
|
24 March 1775 our Elisha Williams marries Sarah Josey in Windsor, NC with John Johnston as a witness. John Johnston’s name appears as a witness to several marriages in Windsor about this time. |
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Jun 1777:
A Certain woman by the name of Dawson, in the town of Windsor, N.C., had reason to hope her soul was converted, saw baptism to be a duty for a
believer to comply with, and expressed a great desire to join the church at Cashie, under the care of Elder Dargan. Her husband,
who was violently opposed to it, and a great persecutor, had threatened that, if any man baptized his wife, he would shoot
him; accordingly, baptism was deferred for some considerable time. At length, Elder Tanner was present at Elder Dargan's meeting,
and Mrs. Dawson applied to the church for baptism, expressing her desire to comply with her duty. She related her experience,
and was received; and, as Elder Dargan was an infirm man, he generally, when other ministers were present, would apply to
them to administer the ordinance in his stead. He therefore requested Elder Tanner to perform the duty of baptism at this
time. Whether Elder Tanner was apprised of Dawson's threatening or not; or whether he thought it was his duty to obey God
rather than man, we are not able to say; but so it was, he baptized sister Dawson. And, in June following, which was in the
year 1777, Elder Tanner was expected to preach at Sandy Run meeting house, and Dawson, hearing of the appointment, came up
from Windsor to Norfleet's Ferry, on Roanoke, and lay in wait near the banks of the river, and when Elder Tanner (who
was in company with Elder Dargan) ascended the bank from the ferry landing, Dawson, being a few yards from him, shot him with
a large horseman’s pistol, and seventeen shot went into his thigh, one of which was a large buckshot, that went through
his thigh, and lodged between his breeches and thigh on the other side. Elder Burkitt was present when the doctor (who was
immediately sent for) took part of the shot out of his thigh. In this wounded condition Elder Tanner was carried to the house
of Mr. Elisha Williams, in Scotland Neck, [Halifax County, NC] where he lay some weeks,
and his life was despaired of; but, through the goodness of God, he recovered again. Dawson
seemed somewhat frightened, fearing he would die, and sent a doctor up to attend him. And, after Elder Tanner recovered, he
never attempted to seek for any recompense, but submitted to it patiently as persecution for Christ's sake. From Lemuel Burkitt & Jesse Read, A Concise History of the Kehukee
Baptist Association - From Its Original Rise Down to 1808; Henry L. Burkitt, Lawrence, TN, editor, 1850. – jrd.
|
This could be either Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams or Elisha (son of Solomon)
Williams, however this ferry was closer to the land owned by Elisha (son of Joshua). |
===============================
660-37. Charles Williams of Halifax
to Elisha Williams of same. 18 Aug 1778. 230 pounds proc. money. 150 acres where Solomon Williams dec'd had
lived which had been part of land owned by Arthur Davis and conveyed by Davis to Richard Killingsworth on south
side of Roanoke River joining Richard Smith, Cypress Swamp, James Barnes dec'd [as in Barnes Ferry? - Ed]. Signed by Charles Williams, Olive Williams. Wit: Joshua
Barker, Henry Cotton. Aug Ct 1778. Examined by John Justis Esq. Olive Williams relinquished her right of dower.
|
Charles Williams who married Olive Whitaker was Solomon’s son who inherited
the home place. This 150 acres was on the south side of the Roanoke River and
joined Richard Smith, Cypress Swamp
and James Barnes deceased. So Elisha Williams. Son of Solomon, ends up with the
home place in addition to the 468 acres he inherited from his father. |
===============================
Thomas Hunter’s
wife Priscilla inherited this land from her father Drew Smith. It also adjoins
Arthur Smith who turns out to be Drew’s brother.
19 Apr 1780:
832-(352) Thomas Hunter and Priscilla his wife of Nash Co. to James Bryan, Thomas Blount
Whitmill and Arthur Smith all of Halifax Co. 19 Apr 1780. 533 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. 260 acres which Drew Smith
willed to his daughter sd Priscilla, joining Arthur Smith, Elisha Williams. Thomas Hunter, Priscilla
Hunter, James Bryant, Thomas B. Whitmill. Wit: Barbara Fort, Drew Smith. 20 Apr 1780. Sam. Spencer, J.S.C.
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams is still around Scotland Neck along with the Arthurs, the Hunters, and James Bryant. |
===============================
Martha Joyner
then witnesses the will of Temperance Williams wife of James Harris.
1783: Halifax NC. Will of Temperance Harriss names daughters: Pharaby (sic) Harriss, Mary Harriss,
Sally Harriss, Elizabeth Harriss; son James Harriss; son-in-law Norfleet Harriss [meaning step-son, Ed]. Witnesses:
Elisha Dixon, Martha Joyner. Pheraby (sic) Harriss.
Temperance is often attributed to William Williams and Elizabeth Whitmell, but why then would
Martha Joyner witness her will if Martha was Joshua’s
daugher? Women generally only witnessed wills for very close relatives.
Notice the name of the slave Martha inherited from her father: Hager. In 1768 Martha wife of John Joyner receives a slave named Hagar. At that time in
NC, Martha’s property would have transferred to her husband, and it looks like here he is making sure she gets to keep
her father’s bequest.
The
fact that Elisha also witnesses for James Harris, husband of the Temperance above, lends further credence to the thought
that Elisha Williams, Martha Joyner and Temperance Harris are three of the children mentioned in Joshua Williams’ will.
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams’s sister Temperance Williams Harris dies and
her will is witnessed by her sister Martha Williams Joyner. |
===============================
This 1796 Drew Smith must be the same one
who shows up below. Has to be related to the first Drew.
14 May 1784: Will
#350 - pg. 108 - James Bryan - 14 May 1784 - Feb. Ct 1785 lend wife Lucy Bryan lands and plantation, negroes etc. for her
natural life or widowhood and at her death the sd. negroes to be divided between my 2 daughters Sarah Bryan and Mary Bryan
when son James Bryan comes of age estate to be divided between my 3 children James, Sarah, and Mary lied wife 430 acres on
Cahuca which I purchased of Jacob Pollack and at her death the sd. land to go to my 2 daughters son James the home plantation
and the land I purchased of Elisha Williams the land purchased to Theophilus Cotton and Levy Lancaster to be leased
Wit: Thomas Whitaker, Sarah Cotton, Ann, Newman. Extrs: James Smith, Nicolas Bryan, Thomas Blount Whitmill(?)
and Drew Smith (a very difficult wll to read). "Genealogical Abstracts of Wills,
1758-1824, Halifax County, North Carolina",
Margaret M. Hofmann.
|
James Bryan dies and leaves land he purchased of Elisha Williams. Executors are James Smith(2?), Thomas Blount Whitmill and Drew Smith(3?).
|
===============================
Thomas Edwards is of note. More on him in Franklin NC.
Nov Ct 1784: 46- Ordered that
James Smith, Jery Nelms, Elisha Williams and Thomas Blount Whitmell or any Two of them Sette & divide the
Estate of Thomas Edwards dec'd., & report &c. "Halifax County, North Carolina Court Minutes 1784-1787."
|
Thomas Edwards who first showed up in 1751 dies and James Smith, Elisha (son of
Joshua) Williams and Thomas Blount Whitmell settle the estate. |
===============================
And then Elisha Williams witnesses
this strange will below involving what looks like illegitimate children of Martha Joyner as well as those of a Mary
Williams.
1 Nov 1784:
Will Abstract [Abstract from the North Caroline Journal, Halifax, North Carolina 1781-1824 Volume
III, Compiled by Raymond Parker Fouts, Gen Rec Books USA.] Will Bk #3, page 67. Will
#328 pg. 80 William Jarvis 1
Nov. 1784.
Feb. Ct. 1785 Martha Joyner negro etc. Easton Haynes son of Mary Haynes negro and the land on Kehuka on the road from Barnes
Ferry to Whitmill Hill's mill Mary Young daughter of Dice Young negro and the land I bought of Worrly etc.
William Doles son of Sarah Doles negro etc. and the land on John Dawson's Mill swamp my daughter Lucy Williams daughter of Mary Williams
plantation whereon I now live which I bought of John Doles my mother Catherine Jarvis and sisters Patiena Jarvis and
Sarah Jarvis 50 pounds each (a mention is made in this will of Nancy Hicks daughter
of Nancy Hicks in Maryland residue of estate to my daughter Lucy Williams and son John Joyner son of Martha Joyner
Wit: Alexander Comb, Henry Sherrod, William Boykin, John Dawson, Sr. Extrs: Jeremiah Nelms, Thomas Boykin and Elisha Williams.
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams witnesses the will of William Jarvis who lives nearby. Mr. Jarvis names his son John Joyner who apparently was married to Elisha’s
sister Martha Williams Joyner
According to Ed Tatum. James
and Sarah Josey's home was below Bridgers Creek along the river itself. James Josey Jr and Joshua Williams lived about
where 258 crosses the river. The other Williams land was between 258 and Kehukee
Swamp, and we know there was a ferry near Kehukee
Swamp, as the swamp was between the ferry and Whitmill Hill's mill in
the following. It's not a very big area we're talking about here, and land is divvied up among a limited number of familes
with a lot of connections to each other... |
===============================
Looking at the pieces of Drew Smith’s
will I’ve been able to get off the web:
"Drew Smith lived on land he devised to
his daughter Temperance on the Roanoke river which was bordered on the west by the home
plantation of his brother Arthur Smith." From http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/Neighbors/Alston.htm
===============================
6/322 31 May 1758 John Drew of Nansemond to Samuel Gainer of Edgecombe For 30 pounds, 100 acres in
Scotland Neck, adj. Foreman. Wit.
Arthur Bell, Thomas Kitchen, William Gainer
12 Feb 1785:
15/309 12 Feb 1785 William Gainer of Halifax Co. to John Drew of same For 333 pounds, 6 shillings, 8 pence. 100 acres
in Scotland Neck on South side of Roanoke
River, adj. Benjamin Fourman. Wit. Elisha Williams, Thomas Gray, Thomas Boyakin
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams witnesses the sale of 100 acres in Scotland Neck to John Drew. |
===============================
Further indication of the proximity:
13 Feb 1788:
359- (40) James Smith of Halifax Co. to Thomas Blount Whitmal and Jacob Barrow. 13 Feb 1788.
50 pounds proclamation money. 10:0 acres on south side of
Roanoke River, joining Drew Smith, Arthur Smith, Elisha Williams. James Smith.
Wit: Marmaduke Norfleet, Elisha Williams. Aug Ct.
1788. CC: Wm. Wooten. "Abstracts of Deeds, Halifax
County,North Carolina, 1786-1796."
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams)’s neighbor, James Smith, sells 100 acres
joining Drew and Arthur Smith. |
298-(11) PHILIP ALSTON and his wife TEMPERANCE
of Moore Co. to ELISHA WILLIAMS of Halifax Co., 24 Mar 1788. 2721 pounds specie.
567 acres, joining Roanoke River, ARTHER SMITH, DAVID SMITH, JOHN BELL. PHILIP ALSTON,
TEMPERANCE ALSTON. Wit: Lawrence
Williams, Jacob B. Brazill. MAY CT. 1788. CC: WM WOOTEN
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams) buys 567 additional acres joining Drew and Arthur
Smith. |
Halifax Co., NC Deed Book 17
487-(108)
ELISHA WILLIAMS of Halifax Co. toPHILLIP ALSTON of Moore
Co. 13 Aug 1788. 2800 pounds specie. 570 acres, joining DREW SMITH, WIDDOW BELL, Cypress Swamp, ARTHUR SMITH, GRAY,
BRYANT, BREWER. ELISHA WILLIAMS. Wit: John Carrell, James Alston, Joab Cotton. 3 aspr 1789. P.R. L. Long
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams) sells 570 acres joining Drew and Arthur Smith. |
===============================
Undated
but ca 1790s: Division of estate of
Jesse Mabry, decd - To Anne, wife of John Terry, received her 1/7th part. Commissioners William Pleasants, Jordan Hill,
Elisha Williams, John Thomas. Undated - p. 16. Bradley, Will Book B,
Franklin Co., NC, 1795-1804.
===============================
The 1790 Census of Edgecomb County,
North Carolina shows: Philips: Arthur,
Benjamin, Etheldred, Hartwell, Henry, Joseph, Sarah, Solomon
In the BATTLEBORO area: Philips: Joseph, Benjamin, Sara
In the Swift Creek, Tar River area: Philips, Etheldred
In the Speed area: Philips: Henry
|
Our Elisha Williams was a close friend of this Joseph Philips who moved to Nashville in 1791 and convinced Elisha to move there around 1804. Battleboro was about twenty miles from Shocco Creek where we believe our Elisha Williams
was living in 1790. |
===============================
The
1790 Census of Franklin County, where Elisha was said to be living on Shocco creek in the Williams family history written by Henry Philips
Williams, Elisha’s grandson, about 1890, contains the following information about heads of households with the family
name Williams.
1790
Census
Franklin
County, Halifax District
1st # free
white males 16 year upwards including heads of families
2nd #
free white males under 16 years
3rd #
free white females and head of families
Williams, Benj..................2-1-3-3-6
Williams, John..................1-3-5-0-4
Williams, Floyd J.....,........1-3-4-0-0
Williams, Huckman....,.,,,.....1-2-3-0-0
William, Harriss...............1-1-1-0-0
Williams, Leeman.......,,......2-3-5-0-5
Williams, Floyd................1-2-6-0-0
Williams, John.................1-2-4-0-0
Williams, Rich'd...............3-0-2-0-3
Williams, Elisha...............1-3-4-0-13
Williams, Sam'l........,.......1-0-2-0-2
|
Elisha was listed as having 3 free white males under 16 years old (William-age 14,
Elisha-age 8, and Josiah-age 4), 4 free white females and female head of families (Wife Sarah, Betsey, and Marsha plus one
unknown female), and 13 slaves. This is very likely our Elisha. |
===============================
20 Dec 1791:
1047-(480) State of N.C. (No.315) to Thomas Blount Whitmill.
20 Dec 1791. 290 acres on south side of Roanoke River, joining Brunson, Robert Riffin
Smith, Elisha Williams. Alex. Martin. J. Glasgow, Sec. Reg. 31 Dec 1792 in Halifax Co.
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams’s neighbor Thomas Blount Whitmill buys 290
acres nearby. |
===============================
802-(325) ELISHA WILLIAM of Halifax Co. to DRURY MERRITT of same. (no day, moth) 1791. 225 pounds specie. 357
acres on north side of Deep Creek, Farmers Branch, Little Deep Creek, Great Creek, PENELOPE BURGESS. ELISHA
WILLIAMS. Wit: WILLIAMS VAUGHAN. Aut Ct. 1791. CC:
Wm Wooten
|
Elisha (son of Solomon?) Williams sells 357 acres on north side of Deep Creek to
Drury Merritt. |
===============================
851-(353) ARTHUR SMITH of Halifax Co.
to his mother Ann SMITH of same. 21 Nov 1791. 750 pounds
Virginia. 258 acres, joining BRONSON, JOHN BELL, Cypress
Swamp, JAMES SMITH, ELISHA WILLIAMS. ARTHUR SMITH. Wit:
DREW SMITH, ELISHA DIXON. Nov Ct 1791. CC: Wm Wootten
|
Arthur Smith sells 258 acres joining James Smith and Elisha Williams (son of Joshua)
to his mother. |
===============================
1047-(480) State of N. C. (No. 315) toTHOMAS BLOUNT WHITMILL. 20 Dec 1791. 290 acres on south side of
Roanoke River, joining BRUNSON, ROBERT RUFFIN SMITH, ELISHA WILLIAMS. Alex. Martin. J. Glasgow, Sec. Reb. 31 Dec 1792 in Halifax
Co.
|
Thomas Blount Whitmill buys 290 acres on the river next to Elisha (son of Joshua)
Williams. |
===============================
The will of Benjamin Williams, Edgecomb County, North Carolina, 1793, names children Simon,
Elisha, Mary and Benjamin.
|
Here’s another Elisha Williams nearby. |
===============================
1422-(701) JAMES JOSSEY and his wife Lydia of Halifax Co. to SAMUEL PITMAN of same. 24 Feb 1794. 480 pounds. 160
acres which JAMES JOSSEY dec'd willed to his son JAMES JOSSEY, on north side of Looking Glass Swamp,
joining JOHN JOSSEY, MR. POLLOCK, BENJAMIN CHAMPION, JOHN EDWARDS. James JOSSEY, LYDDA JOSSEY (x) Wit: Robert
JOSSEY, R. H. PITMAN. Nov Ct. 1794. CC: L. Long
|
Robert Jossey married Mary Pittman/ Pitman in 1790 in Halifax Co. He was the
eldest son of James Jossey IV and Margaret "Peggy" Whitaker. |
===============================
10 Feb 1796:
1652-(860) Thomas B. Whitmall of Halifax Co. to Thomas Barrow of same. 10 Feb 1796. 900 pounds.
145 acres on south side of Roanoke River known as Whitmill
Island, joining Whitmill, Asahel Brunson, Robert R. Smith,
Elisha Williams. Thos. B. Whitmall. Wit: Marcus Bishop, Drew Smith. Feb Ct 1796. CC: L. Long
|
Elisha (son of Joshua) Williams’s neighbor Thomas Blount Whitmill buys 145
acres joining his and Elisha’s land. |
===============================
And finally
on to Franklin.
Will $595 pg. 311. Halifax County Will
Abstracts 1758-1824 by
Margaret M. Hoffmann.
ELISHA DIXON 21 May 1796 Nov. Ct. 1798 Friend WILLIAM WILLIAMS son of ELISHA WILLIAMS of Franklin Co horse, saddle et. ELISHA
HAYES and JAMES HAYNES sons of MOLLEY HAYNES rest of my estate and if they died
under 21 or without heirs
I give the same to the sd MOLLEY Wit: Hen BAKER, Robert RICKS Extrs: CHRISTOPHER HAYNES Sr and SHADRACK BELL.
|
This will places an Elisha Williams with a son named William in Franklin County in 1796. At that time William would have been a student at Harvard
Law School. |
===============================
1797:
Division of estate of Thomas K. Wynne, decd - Division includes 6 negroes: Miss Nancy Hill
Wynne received Peter and Charles; Miss Evalina Belmont Wynne received Dick and Sarah; Robert Hicks Wynne received Frank. [name
of 6th slave missing from record, but was probably awarded to RHW.] July
1, 1797. Signed by William Green, John Thomas and Elisha Williams, p. 4. Bradley, Will Book B, Franklin Co., NC, 1795-1804.
|
Elisha Williams first shows up in the division of the estate of Thomas K. Wynne. No way to know which Elisha this is but Thomas Knibb Wynne is said to have married Nancy
Thomas daughter of Jordan Thomas. William Green is said to be the father
of Jordan Hill below. Jordan Hill in turn said to be a grandson of Jordan
Thomas. Thomas Knibb Wynne also said to have married Mary Edwards niece
of Thomas Blount Whitmell who may be connected to the Edwards estate that Elisha Williams helps settle. All this worth looking into I believe and further indication that the Elisha in Franklin is the same one who lived next to the Joseys. |
===============================
In the 1800 U.S. Census for Louisburg,
Franklin County,
NC Elisha Williams is listed as head of household. Louisburg is very near (about 16 miles) the location on Shocco Creek where I believe Elisha
was living and is the nearest city.
Elisha Williams
Free White Males under 10
0
Free White Males 10 through 15 3 (Joshiah- age 14, Joshua- age ?, Was their another child that died?)
Free White Males 16 through 25 1 (Elisha Jr. – age 18, William- age 24 is at Harvard Law School)
Free White Males 26 through 44 0
Free White Males 45 and over 1 (Elisha- age 49-51)
Free White Females under 10 0
Free White Females 10 through 15 0
Free White Females 16 through 25 0
Free White Females 26 through 44 1 (Elizabeth- age 22)
Free White Females 45 and over 1 (Sarah
Josey Williams- age about 49)
Slaves
42
Daughter Martha either wasn’t yet
born or was deceased by then.
|
This census data fits fairly well with what we know about the family of our Elisha.
|
===============================
1148-(932) ELISHA
WILLIAMS of Franklin Co., to MARMADUKE NORFLEET of Halifax Co.,
9 Feb 1801. $12,000. 2 tracts containing 666 acres: 1 (messuage) in Scotland Neck, joing WILLIAM SMITH, NORFLEET, SIMMONS
J. BAKER, WILLIAMS, Cypress Swamp; the other tract, joining WILLIAM SMITH, NORFLEET,
JAMES SMITH, ANN SMITH, ROBERT SMITH, THOAS BARNES. ELISHA WILILAMS. Wit: ARTHUR
BELL, HEN. BAKER. May Ct 1801. L Long. CCt.
|
In 1801 an Elisha Williams of Franklin
County sells Marmaduke Norfleet of Halifax
County 666 acres in Scotland
Neck.
Ed Tatum comments: What's
probably going on here is that the Elisha who married Sarah Josey and moved to Franklin before
the 1790 census is selling off his land in Scotland Neck joining
the other Elisha Williams who stayed in Halifax. But
I want to lay all the pieces on the table so that we're all comfortable there's no room for any other possibilities. Or is the last Elisha the one who signed the deed? |
===============================
http://docsouth.unc.edu/true/philanthropic/philanthropic.html
REGISTER OF MEMBERS OF THE PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY of the University of North Carolina
for the year 1803, Non-Graduates: WILLIAMS, JOSIAH . . . . . Franklin Co.
According to Gerri Williams, the UNC records show Joshiah Frederick Williams being
enrolled 03-04, 1807 which I interpret to mean that he attended the school year 1803-1804 and would have been in the graduating
class of 1807 had he stayed in school.
|
This establishes that Joshiah’s father, Elisha, was living in Franklin County in 1803. |
===============================
|
Ed Tatum comments:
To really prove
that Joshua was the father of the Elisha Williams who lived next to the Joseys, I think all we really have to do is show that
Joshua lived on the south side of the Roanoke adjoining Drew Smith or his brother Arthur, since Joshua willed the plantation
where he lived to Elisha, and Drew willed the plantation where he lived to his daughter Temperance along this same stretch.
Unfortunately
that description does not exist in the deed books. But, where you find Drew
and Arthur Smith, you usually find Joshua Williams and his brother Elisha. This
is hard for me to ignore:
Seems to me given Drew Smith’s close
links to Joshua, plus the apparent kinship between Elisha Williams, Temperance Harris and Martha Joyner, that there’s
just no getting around the likelihood that the land Elisha had adjoining the Joseys was same plantation willed by Joshua in
1761. It also explains why the purchase of the land is not recorded (since it
was inherited) and why the names Joshua and Elisha run in our family.
Does anyone see any holes in this? |
