Louisa YOW

Other Events:

• _UID: C33F9F2A087C47A292D05E509EAA0429BD8C

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Louisa Yow
Age: 23
Birth Year: abt 1827
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1850: Wilcox, Alabama
Gender: Female
Family Number: 426
Household Members:
Bradley Yow 44
Nancy Yow 52
Louisa Yow 23
Spencer Yow 18
Winny Yow 18
Eli Yow 16

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Louisa Kirk
Age in 1860: 34
Birth Year: abt 1826
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1860: Western Division, Wilcox, Alabama
Gender: Female [in household of her husband James J. Kirk]
Post Office: Prairie Bluff

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Louisa Clark
Age in 1870: 44
Birth Year: abt 1826
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1870: Lower Peach Tree, Wilcox, Alabama
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Lower Peach Tree
Household Members:
James D Clark 50
Louisa Clark 44
Nancy J Kirk 13
James B Kirk 11
Lavinia Kirk 9
Anna J Kirk 6
William Clark 2

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Louisa Clark
Age: 54
Birth Year: abt 1826
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1880: Lower Peach Tree, Wilcox, Alabama
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: J. D. Clark
Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
Occupation: Assists In Farm
Household Members:
J. D. Clark 62
Louisa Clark 54
James B. Kirk 21
Lavinia Kirk 18
Anna Kirk 16
Willie Clark 12


Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=clark&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=3&GScnty=38&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=32129548&df=all&

Louisa married James J. KIRK. James (son of James Johnston KIRK, Sr. and Jane WALKER) was born ca 1824, Clarke Co. AL; died 21 Dec 1863, Rock Island, IL Prisoner of War Camp; was buried , Grave No. 44, Rock Island, IL Prisnor of War Camp. [Group Sheet]

1. Nancy Jane KIRK was born 09 Mar 1857, Clarke Co. AL; died 1 Feb 1940, Camden, Wilcox County, AL; was buried , Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Clarke Co. AL.
2. James Bradley KIRK was born 30 Apr 1859, Lower Peach Tree, Wilcox Co. AL; died 21 Nov 1910, Wilcox Co. AL; was buried , Choctaw Corner Cemetery, Thomasville, Clarke Co. AL.
3. Lavinia KIRK was born 22 Jun 1861, Lower Peach Tree, Wilcox Co. AL; died 27 Dec 1931, Clarke Co. AL; was buried , Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thomasville, Clarke Co. AL.
4. Anna J. KIRK was born Nov 1863, Lower Peach Tree, Wilcox Co. AL; died 05 Sep 1906, Clarke Co. AL; was buried , Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thomasville, Clarke Co. AL.

Louisa married James D. CLARKE. James was born 28 Sep 1818, Warren Co. TN; died 05 Jun 1880, Clarke Co. AL; was buried , Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thomasville, Clarke Co. AL. [Group Sheet]

1. William E. CLARKE was born 28 Sep 1868, Wilcox Co. AL; died 07 May 1926, Arlington, Tarrant Co. TX; was buried , Handley Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant Co. TX.

Other Events:

• _UID: A8164D0F003043FFAF07FD8AB7CB9AD7BCF9

Notes:

Burial: Yow Plantation, Pine Hall, AL
Info is from Carol Lawrence Vidales larrance421@yahoo.com

CENSUS RECORDS

1840 Wilcox,AL Bradley Yow
males: 3 <5 1 5-10 1 20-30
females: 1 10-15 1 30-40
slaves: 1 10-24
total of 8 in household, 3 employed in agriculture

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Bradley Yow
Age: 44
Birth Year: abt 1806
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1850: Wilcox, Alabama
Gender: Male
Family Number: 426
Value of real estate: $1500
Household Members:
Bradley Yow 44
Nancy Yow 52
Louisa Yow 23
Spencer 18
Winney 18
Eli 16

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Bradley Gow [Yow]
Age in 1860: 52
Birth Year: abt 1808
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1860: Western Division, Wilcox, Alabama
Gender: Male
Post Office: Prairie Bluff
Value of real estate: $3000
Household Members:
Bradley Yow 52
Nancy Yow 63
Winsie Yow 27

LAND RECORDS

U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907

Name: Bradley Yow
Issue Date: 12 Jun 1834
Acres: 80.45
Meridian: St Stephens
State: Alabama
County: Wilcox
Township: 12-N
Range: 5-E
Section: 27
Accession Number: AL0370__.113
Metes and Bounds: No
Land Office: Cahaba

Name: Bradley Yow
Issue Date: 22 Sep 1835
Acres: 40.1
Meridian: St Stephens
State: Alabama
County: Wilcox
Township: 12-N
Range: 5-E
Section: 34
Accession Number: AL0980__.133
Metes and Bounds: No
Land Office: Demopolis

Name: Bradley Yow
Issue Date: 1 Jan 1852
Acres: 40.1
Meridian: St Stephens
State: Alabama
County: Wilcox
Township: 12-N
Range: 5-E
Section: 34
Accession Number: AL3500__.230
Metes and Bounds: No
Land Office: Demopolis

Name: Bradley Yow
Issue Date: 2 Feb 1852
Acres: 80
Meridian: St Stephens
State: Alabama
County: Wilcox
Township: 11-N
Range: 10-E
Section: 4
Accession Number: AL1910__.304

Bradley married Nancy HARRIS 20 Feb 1830, Randolph, NC. Nancy (daughter of Capt. John Harris, Jr. and Martha Ann (Patsy) Hunter) was born ca 1797, Mecklenburg Co. NC; died Aft 1860, Wilcox Co. AL. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 16DBEED2E04D460D8C6DDAD3625E3D5529EA

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Yow
Age: 52
Birth Year: abt 1798
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1850: Wilcox, Alabama
Gender: Female
Family Number: 426
Household Members:
Bradley Yow 44
Nancy Yow 52
Louisa Yow 23
Spencer Yow 18
Winny Yow 18
Eli Yow 16

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Gow [Yow]
Age in 1860: 63
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1860: Western Division, Wilcox, Alabama
Gender: Female
Post Office: Prairie Bluff
Household Members:
Bradley Yow 52
Nancy Yow 63
Winsie Yow 27

Notes:

Married:
North Carolina, Marriage Index, 1741-2004
Name: Bradly Yow
Spouse: Nancy Harriss
Marriage Date: 20 Feb 1830
Marriage County: Randolph
Marriage State: North Carolina
Source: County Court Records at Asheboro, NC & Family Hist

Name: Bradey Yow
Gender: Male
Spouse: Nancy Harriss
Spouse Gender: Female
Bond Date: 20 Feb 1830
Bond #: 000115396
Level Info: North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868
ImageNum: 003433
County: Randolph
Record #: 01 312
Bondsman: Dudley Willett

Other Events:

• _UID: 7C1F87F40A5D427EB718DB60D522AB210A63

Notes:

Henry Yow and Joshua Cox built Yow's Mill about 1840. In the 1850 census, Henry is listed as a miller with a real estate value of 1900.

Will of Henry Yow, dated 3 Jan 1859, Randolph Co. NC Book 11 p265:

CENSUS RECORDS

1810 Federal Census
Name: Henry You [Henry Yow]
Home in 1810 (City, County, State): Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1 [Bradley]
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1 [Henry]
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1 [Mary]
Number of Household Members Under 16: 1 [Bradley]
Number of Household Members: 3

1820 Federal Census
Name: Henry Yow
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Moore, North Carolina
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 3 [John, Spencer]
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1 [Henry]
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 1 [Wincy]
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1 [Mary]
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - Under 16: 5
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 7

1830 Federal Census
Name: Henry Yow
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Regiment 1, Randolph, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Free Colored Persons - Males - 36 thru 54: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 5
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Free Colored Persons: 1
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 8

1840 Federal Census
Name: Henry Yow
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): South Division, Randolph, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 8

1850 Federal Census
Name: Henry Yow
Age: 65
Birth Year: abt 1785
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1850: Southern Division, Randolph, North Carolina
Gender: Male
Family Number: 486
Occupation: Miller
Real Estate: $1900
Household Members:
Name Age
Henry Yow 65
Phebe Yow 50
Elisha R Yow 18
Alfred L Yow 16
Hugh H Yow 13


Buried:
Grave location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=yow&GSfn=henry&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=29&GScnty=1726&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=105211499&df=all&

Henry married Mary GARNER. Mary (daughter of Bradley GARNER and Barbara ANDREWS) died Bef 1830. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 6EC66332FE8A4900847D1D5336A47E98FB4E

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1800 Federal Census
Name: John Harris
Home in 1800 (City, County, State): Salisbury, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 2
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
Number of Household Members Under 16: 3
Number of Household Members Over 25: 3
Number of Household Members: 7

or

Name: John Sloan [John Harris Esquire]
Home in 1800 (City, County, State): Salisbury, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 3
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Number of Slaves: 3
Number of Household Members Under 16: 5
Number of Household Members Over 25: 2
Number of Household Members: 10

1820 Federal Census
Name: John Harris
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 18: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1
Slaves - Males - Under 14: 2
Slaves - Males - 14 thru 25: 1
Slaves - Females - Under 14: 1
Slaves - Females - 14 thru 25: 2
Slaves - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 2
Free White Persons - Under 16: 2
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Slaves: 7
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 14

or

Name: John Harris
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves - Males - Under 14: 3
Slaves - Males - 14 thru 25: 1
Slaves - Males - 45 and over: 1
Slaves - Females - Under 14: 2
Slaves - Females - 45 and over: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total Slaves: 8
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 10

Birth:
Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970
Name: Captain John Harris
SAR Membership: 28542
Birth Date: 1763
Birth Place: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Death Date: 26 Sep 1824
Death Place: Big Steele Greek, North Carolina
Spouse: Martha Hunter
Children: Nancy Agnes Harris

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32812975

John married Martha Ann (Patsy) Hunter 31 Mar 1790, Mecklenburg Co. NC. Martha (daughter of John Hunter and Mary Harper) was born 1761, North Carolina; died 06 Oct 1830, Mecklenburg Co. NC; was buried , Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co. NC. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32813112

Notes:

Married:
North Carolina, Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868
Name: Martha Hunter
Gender: Female
Spouse: John Harris
Spouse Gender: Male
Bond Date: 31 Mar 1790
Bond #: 000081495
Level Info: North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868
ImageNum: 003992
County: Mecklenburg
Record #: 01 096
Bondsman: James McRee
Witness: Isaac Alexander

Other Events:

• _UID: 3CC709DA6A0C449DBEE0A5F12A6D7BF0731A

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1767 NC Census
Name: Christopher Yew
State: NC
County: Cumberland County
Year: 1767
Database: NC Early Census Index

1790 Federal Census
Name: Christopher Yow
Home in 1790 (City, County, State): Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 16: 5
Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 2
Free White Persons - Females: 4
Number of Household Members: 11

1800 Federal Census
Name: Christopher Yow
Home in 1800 (City, County, State): Fayetteville, Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 2
Free White Persons - Males -10 thru 15: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2
Number of Household Members Under 16: 6
Number of Household Members Over 25: 1
Number of Household Members: 8

1810 Federal Census
Name: Christopher You [Christopher Yow]
Home in 1810 (City, County, State): Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Number of Household Members Over 25: 1
Number of Household Members: 2


He was a land owner and a Cumberland CountyConstable. He owned lands on Lick Creek, Upper Little River and GaresCreek, in Cumberland County, North Carolina (now present day Lee County,near and even inside present day Sanford, North Carolina)

After the death of his first wife, Susannah, he gradually sold off those lands and moved to the North West corner of the county, now Moore county,on a 1st Kings grant, later a state grant, on Grassy Creek, one mile south of the present day Needhams Grove Church, Junction RPR 1003 and RPR1422, on old Salem Road. Land is presently owned by heirs of Walter Boyce Yow. Walter Boyce Yow was a direct descendant of Christopher's oldest son, Andrew, by his wife, Parthena.

Christopher married Sarah Parthena 1776. Sarah died , Grassy Creek area, Moore Co, NC. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 656BBB7A7283479CA675E3852DCAE88AC9F6

Other Events:

• _UID: AA1552DFB8624AA6BDD4F886B758365CAA08

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1790 Federal Census
Name: Bradley Garner
Home in 1790 (City, County, State): Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 16: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females: 2
Number of Slaves : 1
Number of Household Members: 5

1800 Federal Census
Name: Bradly Garner
Home in 1800 (City, County, State): Fayetteville, Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 3
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 3
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 4
Number of Slaves: 4
Number of Household Members Under 16: 7
Number of Household Members Over 25: 5
Number of Household Members: 16

1830 Federal Census
Name: Bradley Garner Senior
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Moore, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 3
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59: 1
Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 3
Slaves - Males - 55 thru 99: 1
Slaves - Females - 36 thru 54: 1
Slaves - Females - 55 thru 99: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 4
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Slaves: 6
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 13

OTHER RECORDS

General Assembly; Box: Apr - May 1782 [North Carolina State Archives]; Call Number: Folder: Joint Petition; Page Number: 3; Family Number: 21
Name: Bradley Garner
Gender: M (Male)
State: North Carolina
County: Guilford County
Residence Year: 1780
Household Remarks: Petition, 8 May 1782, to the Gen. Assembly from the ?Freemen? of Guilford Co. saying that the ?Paper Curennsy? had depreciated in value so much they should be paid for the beef, cows, and wagons they

North Carolina, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890
Name: Bralley Garner
State: NC
County: Moore County Regiment
Township: Fourth Company
Year: 1812
Database: NC 1812-1814 Muster Rolls

U.S., War of 1812 Service Records, 1812-1815
Name: Bradley Garner
Company: 17, 18, AND 19 CONSOLIDATED REGIMENT LOUISIANA MILITIA.
Rank - Induction: PRIVATE
Rank - Discharge: PRIVATE
Roll Box: 78
Microfilm Publication: M602

Bradley married Barbara ANDREWS. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 30382282047744F59A7D2ACBAC3F4F959B1E

Notes:

Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970
Name: John Harris
SAR Membership: 41089
Birth Date: 1727
Birth Place: Monaghan, Ireland
Death Date: 8 Jun 1808
Death Place: Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Spouse: Eleanor Reynolds
Children: Hugh Harris

CENSUS RECORDS
1800 Federal Census
Name: John Harris
Home in 1800 (City, County, State): Salisbury, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 2
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
Number of Household Members Under 16: 3
Number of Household Members Over 25: 3
Number of Household Members: 7

---------------

"Our Kith and Kin: or, A history of the Harris family, 1754-1895, Mary Letitia Chalmers, Philadelphia

John and Eleanor (Reynolds) Harris, the ancestors of the 'Harris Family', were parishioners of Rev Thomas Clark, M.D. and natives of Monaghan County, Ireland.

They were amoung the number of fithful followers who accompanied Dr Clark to prison in January 1754, for their youngest son James Harris, the author of a little work on Psalmody, known as the 'Plowman's Letter' says in the book: "I heard my mother mention to Dr. Clark that she remembered that on their way to jail they sang the 29th verse of the 18th Psalm (old version), which promises were made good to him, for he was honorably acquitted."

John and Eleanor had their marriage solemnized by Dr C lark, during his incarceration, the latter part of January 1754. A few months later they sailed for America. Their ship was detained in quarantine for a length of time, during which detention their first born saw the light. After landing they settled and remained for several years in Lancaster County, PA. Then they moved to North Carolina and located temporarily on 'Goose Creek' in either Mecklenburg or Union County, N.C. This removal probably took place about the year 1767 or 1768.

In a short time they secured a large tract of land, known as 'Indian Land' situated partly in Mecklenburg County, NC and in York District, SC. Here they found a permanent home and spent the remainder of their days.

This last settlement was likely made prior to 1775, as we learn from a "History of Steele Creek" by Rev J. B. Watt that as early as 1775 a few families from Lancaster County, PA, originally from Ireland, settled in Steel Creek, and from that time till their organization in 1792/93, received supplies by ministers direct from Ireland and Pennsylvania, and amoung others 'Clark' is named. (Rev Thomas Clark we presume)

John and Eleanor Harris preceded Dr. Clark to this country by at least 10 years, and 'tradition' says that John Harris rode all the way from SC to NY on horseback, leading an extra horse for the doctor to ride back, and that in this way he made his first visit to the South. Dr. Robert Lathan, in his "History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South' says that Dr. Clark visited that portion of his congregation which went to SC. It is evident from the referenced book that Dr. Clark made at least 4 seperate visits from NY to SC, and during these visits and after his permanent settlement in SC, he was a welcome visitor at the comfortable home of John and Eleanor Harris.

In his last publication, a "Pastoral Letter" written from Long Cane, Abbeville County, SC in 1792, to the Associate congregation in Ballybay, Ireland, and printed in Salem, NY in 1811, Dr. Clark says that while imprisoned "one young couple of your number came and got their marriage solemnized in prison, viz: John Harris and Eleanor Reynolds, now settled here by the Catawba River. She lately died an eminent Christian, and her children still act as firm friends to religion, and are in comfortable crcumstances."

John and Eleanor had four sons; Hugh, Robert, John and James. The two oldest sons (Hugh and Robert) were in active service during the whole of the Revolutionary War. Once they were captured and imprisoned in Camden, SC, but with other prisioners effected their escape and rejoined the American Army.

John Harris Sr, and three of his sons, Hugh, John Jr and James were prominent in the organization of Lower Steele Creek or Blackstock's Church, in 1792/93. James was elected and ordained one of the first ruling elders.
-------------

"Our Kith and Kin: or, A history of the Harris family, 1754-1895, Mary Letitia Chalmers, Philadelphia

Our story begins with a marriage solemnized within the gloomy walls of a prison. We sometimes witness marriages in churches, brilliantly lighted, with elaborate decorations, large audiences and the music of the deep toned organ; somtimes in ancestral halls among friends and relations who load the happy pair with costly presents and congratulations; somtimes in the humbler walks of life with but few to witness; and occasionally a "Gretna Green" affair.

But in the case of JOHN HARRIS and ELEANOR REYNOLDS, our worthy and esteemed ancestors, how very different.

On 23 January 1754, Rev Thomas Clark, M.D., the beloved pastor of JOHN and ELEANOR, at Ballybay Congregation, Ireland, was arrested by the civil authorities, at the instigation of his Socinianized Presbyterian enemies, while in the very act of moderating in a call in the congregation of New Bliss.

The charge was disloyalty, because he refused to swear by "Kissing the Book," believing it to be unsciptural, and also because he refused to take the "Oath of Abjuration," inasmuch as it recognized the king as the head of the Church, though he had proven his loyalty be entering the army while a theological student and fighting against the Pretender.

Here is Dr. Clark's own statement of the affair: "They well knew that the Associate Synod of Scotland, to which I belonged, scrupled at the form of 'Book Kissing,' so in hopes to drive me out of the kingdom they summoned me on the Lord's day to swear the State Oath and Kiss the Book, which I refused to do. They fined me and afterward cmmitted me to jail."

All that night, after his arrest, he was kept under guard in a tavern, and the next day taken to Monaghan Jail. Many of his people accompanied him, and instead of allowing them to rescue him as they would have done, they sang portions of the 18th Psalm.

Such a man might suffer trouble as an evil does, even unto bonds, but the word of God could not be bound. During his imprisonment, like the great apostle to the Gentiles when a prisoner at Rome, Dr. Clark wrote frequent letters of instruction and comfort to his devoted people, who cheered and brightened the gloomy hours of their pastor's prison life by many tokens of love and loyalty. He preached to as many of them as could convene on the Sabbath, poured the baptismal waters upon the brows of thirteen little children, and married at least one couple, JOHN HARRIS and ELEANOR REYNOLDS. This last tender and beutiful act of devotion to their pastor on the part of two young lovers must have made a deep and lasting impression upon Dr. Clark, for nearly forty years afterwards he refers to it with manifest pleasure in the last document his hand ever wrote.

When the day of trial came his commitment was found to be erroneous and the whole thing a fraud and he was immediately discharged. He was urged to prosecute his persecutors with every assurance of success, but he refused, saying: "Vengence is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."



Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=103139529

John married Elinor Reynolds. Elinor was born ca 1726, County Monaghan, Ulster, Ireland; died 22 Aug 1789, Mecklenburg Co. NC; was buried , Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co. NC. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970
Name: Eleanor Reynolds
SAR Membership: 54905
Birth Date: 1726
Death Date: 22 Aug 1789
Spouse: John Harris
Children: Hugh Harris

Unsourced

John and Eleanor (Reynolds) Harris, the ancestors of the 'Harris Family', were parishioners of Rev Thomas Clark, M.D. and natives of Monaghan County, Ireland.

They were amoung the number of fithful followers who accompanied Dr Clark to prison in January 1754, for their youngest son James Harris, the author of a little work on Psalmody, known as the 'Plowman's Letter' says in the book: "I heard my mother mention to Dr. Clark that she remembered that on their way to jail they sang the 29th verse of the 18th Psalm (old version), which promises were made good to him, for he was honorably acquitted."

John and Eleanor had their marriage solemnized by Dr C lark, during his incarceration, the latter part of January 1754. A few months later they sailed for America. Their ship was detained in quarantine for a length of time, during which detention their first born saw the light. After landing they settled and remained for several years in Lancaster County, PA. Then they moved to North Carolina and located temporarily on 'Goose Creek' in either Mecklenburg or Union County, N.C. This removal probably took place about the year 1767 or 1768.

In a short time they secured a large tract of land, known as 'Indian Land' situated partly in Mecklenburg County, NC and in York District, SC. Here they found a permanent home and spent the remainder of their days.

This last settlement was likely made prior to 1775, as we learn from a "History of Steele Creek" by Rev J. B. Watt that as early as 1775 a few families from Lancaster County, PA, originally from Ireland, settled in Steel Creek, and from that time till their organization in 1792/93, received supplies by ministers direct from Ireland and Pennsylvania, and amoung others 'Clark' is named. (Rev Thomas Clark we presume)

John and Eleanor Harris preceded Dr. Clark to this country by at least 10 years, and 'tradition' says that John Harris rode all the way from SC to NY on horseback, leading an extra horse for the doctor to ride back, and that in this way he made his first visit to the South. Dr. Robert Lathan, in his "History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South' says that Dr. Clark visited that portion of his congregation which went to SC. It is evident from the referenced book that Dr. Clark made at least 4 seperate visits from NY to SC, and during these visits and after his permanent settlement in SC, he was a welcome visitor at the comfortable home of John and Eleanor Harris.

In his last publication, a "Pastoral Letter" written from Long Cane, Abbeville County, SC in 1792, to the Associate congregation in Ballybay, Ireland, and printed in Salem, NY in 1811, Dr. Clark says that while imprisoned "one young couple of your number came and got their marriage solemnized in prison, viz: John Harris and Eleanor Reynolds, now settled here by the Catawba River. She lately died an eminent Christian, and her children still act as firm friends to religion, and are in comfortable crcumstances."

John and Eleanor had four sons; Hugh, Robert, John and James. The two oldest sons (Hugh and Robert) were in active service during the whole of the Revolutionary War. Once they were captured and imprisoned in Camden, SC, but with other prisioners effected their escape and rejoined the American Army.

John Harris Sr, and three of his sons, Hugh, John Jr and James were prominent in the organization of Lower Steele Creek or Blackstock's Church, in 1792/93. James was elected and ordained one of the first ruling elders.

Unsourced

Our story begins with a marriage solemnized within the gloomy walls of a prison. We sometimes witness marriages in churches, brilliantly lighted, with elaborate decorations, large audiences and the music of the deep toned organ; somtimes in ancestral halls among friends and relations who load the happy pair with costly presents and congratulations; somtimes in the humbler walks of life with but few to witness; and occasionally a "Gretna Green" affair.

But in the case of JOHN HARRIS and ELEANOR REYNOLDS, our worthy and esteemed ancestors, how very different.

On 23 January 1754, Rev Thomas Clark, M.D., the beloved pastor of JOHN and ELEANOR, at Ballybay Congregation, Ireland, was arrested by the civil authorities, at the instigation of his Socinianized Presbyterian enemies, while in the very act of moderating in a call in the congregation of New Bliss.

The charge was disloyalty, because he refused to swear by "Kissing the Book," believing it to be unsciptural, and also because he refused to take the "Oath of Abjuration," inasmuch as it recognized the king as the head of the Church, though he had proven his loyalty be entering the army while a theological student and fighting against the Pretender.

Here is Dr. Clark's own statement of the affair: "They well knew that the Associate Synod of Scotland, to which I belonged, scrupled at the form of 'Book Kissing,' so in hopes to drive me out of the kingdom they summoned me on the Lord's day to swear the State Oath and Kiss the Book, which I refused to do. They fined me and afterward cmmitted me to jail."

All that night, after his arrest, he was kept under guard in a tavern, and the next day taken to Monaghan Jail. Many of his people accompanied him, and instead of allowing them to rescue him as they would have done, they sang portions of the 18th Psalm.

Such a man might suffer trouble as an evil does, even unto bonds, but the word of God could not be bound. During his imprisonment, like the great apostle to the Gentiles when a prisoner at Rome, Dr. Clark wrote frequent letters of instruction and comfort to his devoted people, who cheered and brightened the gloomy hours of their pastor's prison life by many tokens of love and loyalty. He preached to as many of them as could convene on the Sabbath, poured the baptismal waters upon the brows of thirteen little children, and married at least one couple, JOHN HARRIS and ELEANOR REYNOLDS. This last tender and beutiful act of devotion to their pastor on the part of two young lovers must have made a deep and lasting impression upon Dr. Clark, for nearly forty years afterwards he refers to it with manifest pleasure in the last document his hand ever wrote.

When the day of trial came his commitment was found to be erroneous and the whole thing a fraud and he was immediately discharged. He was urged to prosecute his persecutors with every assurance of success, but he refused, saying: "Vengence is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=103139283

Notes:

He came to America with his mother, wife, Mary, and son Robert in 1759 aboard the ship "Helena," landing in Charleston in August of that year. In 1761 moved to Mecklenburg County.

CENSUS RECORDS

1790 Federal Census
Name: John Hunter
Home in 1790 (City, County, State): Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females: 3
Number of Slaves : 1
Number of Household Members: 5

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=hunter&GSiman=1&GScid=257584&GRid=9304883&

John married Mary Harper. Mary (daughter of William Harper and Margaret Knox) was born 1723, Ulster, Ireland; died 09 Nov 1810, Mecklenburg Co. NC; was buried , Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co. NC. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Came to America with her husband John, and son Robert in 1759 aboard the ship "Helena," landing in Charleston in August of that year. In 1761 moved to Mecklenburg County.

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9304889