Lydia Eva WHITAKER

Other Events:

• _UID: A79891316F7140ABA9E16E0C8419EFA80475

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 Census
Name: Lydia E Litton
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1828
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 54, Russell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Family Number: 85
Household Members:
Name Age
John W Litton 21
Lydia E Litton 22
Louisa C Litton 3
Moses W Litton 2

1860 Census
Name: Lydia Sitton [Lydia Litton]
Age: 33
Birth Year: abt 1827
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Washington, Virginia
Post Office: Abingdon
Family Number: 63
Household Members:
Name Age
John W Litton 30
Lydia Litton 33
Lavica Litton 14
Moses Litton 12
Lafayette Litton 10
Lilburn Litton 8
Donaldson Litton4

1870 Census
Name: L E Liten [L E Litton]
Age in 1870: 42
Birth Year: abt 1828
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Division 3, Washington, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Abingdon
Household Members:
Name Age
L E Litton 42
Moses Litton 22
Lilburn Litton 17
Dolison Litton 14
Clemetime Litton 9
Cordelia Litton 5

1880 Census
Name: Lydia A. Littin [Litton]
Age: 51
Birth Year: abt 1829
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Saltville, Washington, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Occupation: Keeping House
Household Members:
Name Age
Lydia A. Litton 51
Moses W. Litton 31
Lilburn Litton 26
Donelson Litton 22
Clementine Litton 19
Mollie Litton 15
Rachel Woodward 70 [boarder]
Thomas Grady 21 [boarder]
William Johnson 22 [boarder]
James Leonard 32 [boarder, huckster] born Ireland

1900 Census
Name: Liddie E Lytton
Birth Date: Jun 1829
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Saltville, Washington, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Mother: number of living children: 7
Mother: How many children: 8
Occupation: Farmer
Months not employed: 0
Can Read: No
Can Write: No
Can Speak English: Yes
House Owned or Rented: R
Farm or House: F
Household Members:
Name Age
Liddie E Lytton 70
Rebecca Welch 67 [housekeeper]
Caraline Mcreylolds 38 [boarder, school teacher]
James Mcreylolds 44 [boarder, day labor]
 
Moses Whitaker left in his will land to Lydia with the notation "The land was not to be in the hands of John Litton - if he was alive" -. He wasn't.  From family stories handed down, John Whitley Litton III was a gambler and kept race horses. It is told the Litton Plantation was a good place to raise hell on weekends.

Family stories having John joining the US Army after the war ended and supposedly dying in the Mountain Meadow Indian Massacre in 1867 Utah. This was the story told by his son, Lilburn to cover the fact that he may have deserted his family. This story is documented in "Russell County, Virginia: History Revealed Through Biographical and Genealogical Sketches of Its Ancestors" M. Secrist, Lulu Press, Inc, Feb 18, 2013.

However, the massacre took place in 1857. The Mountain Meadows Association has the following information showing he was not a victim of the is massacre.

http://www.mtn-meadows-assoc.com/john_w__linton.htm

The MMA investigates every person who is believed to have died in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. According to a family tradition, John Whitely Litton died in a "Mormon Indian Massacre in Utah", in 1867. Although the Mountain Meadows Massacre took place in 1857, stories usually get some facts wrong, and he was investigated as a possible victim.

John Whitely Litton was the son of John S. Litton and Catherine Younce, born 5 March 1830 in Elk Grove, Russell County, Virginia. He married Lydia Eva Whitaker on 14 May 1845 in Russell County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Moses Whitaker and Polly Bowman. In the 1850 census, they are enumerated in Russell County, Virginia, and in the 1860 census they are enumerated in the Western District of Washington County, Virginia. Lydia (Whitaker) Litton is enumerated as a widow in both the 1870 and 1880 census for Washington County, Virginia. These census records indicate that Litton probably died sometime between 1860 and 1870, and not before 1860, which would have been the case if he was a victim of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in September 1857.

John W. Litton was in Wade's Regiment, Local Defense (Washington County VA Militia), in April 1862, before he enlisted in the Confederate Army. Litton served the Confederacy during the Civil War, in Company A (originally Stevenson's Company, Ferguson's Battalion) of the 16th Virginia Calvary. This Company was primarily made up of men from Russell County, Virginia. John W. Litton was a wagon master in the Civil War. Most Confederate records from Virginia were burned in Richmond, however a copy of a Company Muster roll for 31 October 1863 to 1 April 1864 shows he enlisted 5 August 1862 at Lebanon, VA. for a period of 3 years. He was signed in by Capt. Stevenson. He appears on a Receipt Roll for pay on 31 December 1863. He was paid $.25 for service from 1 August 1863 to 31 December 1863. These records indicate that Litton was still alive in at the end of December in 1863. There is no record of Litton's wife filing for a widow's pension.

Lydia (Whitaker) and John W. Litton had seven children. The two youngest children were Clementine Catherine Litton, born in September 1861, and Mary Cordelia Litton, born 31 March 1865. The birth of Litton's youngest daughter indicates that he was living in 1864. The census records, military records, and birth date of his youngest daughter, prove that he was not a victim of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Another family story states that when he returned from the Civil War, he didn't like the reconstruction, so he enlisted in U.S. Army and was sent to Utah, where he died as an Indian fighter. A different story said that he settled in Texas and married again. He was rumored to have several children and was living in Campbell County, Texas. [Note: There is no Campbell Co. TX. There is the town of Campbell in Hunt Co. TX] No evidence, that would support either story, has been found.

In Lydia (Whitaker) Litton's father's will of 31 March 1874, proved 22 November 1875, Moses Whitaker left her land, and other property, and further stated that the "devise to Lydia E. Litton, dau., are not to be liable for any debts due for any one from her husband, John Litton, if he is now alive." When and where John Whitely Litton died remains a mystery. It is evident, from her father's Will, that as late as 1874, Litton's wife did not know what happened to her husband. She never remarried, and Lydia Eva (Whitaker) Litton died 14 May 1901 and is buried in the Hayter Cemetery in Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia.

© 2013 A.C. Wallner for the Mountain Meadows Association. All rights reserved

There may be records of him in Texas around 1880.

BURIAL 

She is buried Hayter/Litton Cemeter in Poor Valley, VA. Her tombstone is shared with her father, Moses.  One side says 'father' with name and information and the other side states 'daughter'. 

Buried:
Grave location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=46430990

Lydia married John Whitley LITTON, III 14 May 1845, Elk Garden, Russell Co. VA. John (son of Solomon Caleb LITTON and Catherine YONTS) was born 28 Mar 1830, Elk Garden, Russell Co. VA; died Aft 1880, Texas. [Group Sheet]

1. Luvicia Caldonia LITTON was born 20 Oct 1846, Elk Garden, VA; died 12 Feb 1933; was buried , Hayter Cemetery, Washington Co. VA.
2. Moses Whitaker LITTON was born Feb 1848; died Aft 1920.
3. Lafayette Monk LITTON was born 23 Apr 1850, Elk Garden, VA; died 9 Jun 1925; was buried , Hayter Cemetery, Washington Co. VA.
4. Lilburn Rutus LITTON was born 14 Dec 1852, Elk Garden, VA; died 22 Aug 1933.
5. John Davidson (Jerre) LITTON was born 17 Mar 1856, Washington Co. VA; died Aft 1920.
6. Clementine Yontz LITTON was born 1861, Washington Co. VA; died Aft 1920.
7. Mary Cordelia Lydia LITTON was born Abt 1865, Washington Co. VA.

Other Events:

• _UID: 2538EFF61BB54D74896391A55C88F54D1B24

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children. Five sons and four daughters. Other research by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel[Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Nov 25, 1814 WCV [Deed Bk 6, page 21; page 319 in DB index] Richard Whitechor [Whitaker] and his son, Moses purchased two [2] tracts of land belonging to Charles Thurman and his wife, Barbara, all of Washington Co. VA for $600. containing 113 acres, patent bearing date of 10 Sept 1787 and 50 acres, patent bearing date of 5 Nov 1798, lying on both sides of the North Fork of the Holston River.  The 113 acres begins at a beech tree in an island corner to John Lee and crossing the river and a corner to John Lee on the south side of Little Mountain. p.6

Moses and his father bought the first 113 acres which lay on both sides of the North Fork of the Holston River a few miles from Hayters Gap near present-day Tumbling Creek.

CENSUS U S 1820 Washington cty VA next page as father Richard & James, same page as Aaron.

May 15, 1839...Chancery Execution Book A, Page 182, Moses Whitaker and wife and others VS Samuel Bowman and others over the estate of Mary's father Esaias Bowman. This cause came on the 15th day of May 1839 to be heard upon the bill, the answer of Uriah Bowman and the verdict of the jury rendered upon the issues to ascertain whether the paper in the bill mentioned is the last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and was argued by counsel, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the specifications and conditional order has been returned executed on Samuel Bowman, Benjamin Bowman, Esaias Bowman and Aaron Bowman more than four months before the commencement of this term, and they still failing to appear and answer, the bill as to them is taken as confessed..and it also appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the order of publication, awarded at the rules in the Clerk's office against the defendants, Absalom Bowman and George Washington Bowman, has been duly posted and published, and they still failing to appear and answer, the bill as to the, is taken for confessed..and Wm. S. Logan, Sheriff of Washington County, to whom the estate of Esaias Bowman, deceased, with the bill annexed, was committed to be administered having consented that this cause might be heard and determined at this term..it is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed, that the paper in the bill mentioned purporting to be the last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and which bears date on 24 Aug of 1837, and which was admitted to record in the county court of Washington County on 23 day of Oct 1837, is the true last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and therefore, it is further ordered and decreed the plaintiffs ill be dismissed and that the defendants recover their costs by them about their defense in this behalf expended.
 
May 17, 1839..Chancery Execution Book A, page 14, Samuel, Benjamin, Uriah, Absalom, Aaron and George W. Bowman VS Moses Whitaker and Polly, wife, and Sheldon Thompson and Anny, his wife.  Decree May 1839 for $56.63 defending suit in chancery. Levied forthcoming bond taken and forfeited.

Nov 23, 1846..page 4  Minute Book 8, WASHINGTON CO. VA Moses Whitaker appointed overseer of road leading to Russell County, VA through Hayters Gap.

Aug 13, 1850 Washington Co. VA Census  67th Dist. HH 453/453  Moses Whitaker,55, Farmer, born NC, Polly, 51, born TN, Anne, 32, Wm, 28, Calvin, 26, Lydia, 24, Moses, 19, Rufus, 17, Julia, 14, Adaline, 11.

Oct 9, 1852 Deed Book 21, WASHINGTON CO. VA  Page 240/41..James C. Hayter, Tabitha, wife, one and Moses Whitaker, other..$40.00 land both sides NFHR; 95 acres, formerly belonging to James Fuller, Sr. dec. which by death willed to his children and heirs, 9 of them. Tabitha is one. 27 Dec 1852.

Moses purchased land with his father, Richard from Charles Thurman and his wife, Barbara. In 1855, Moses purchased 200 acres of land from Andrew J. Hayter, Washington County, Virginia. Deed Book 22, page 345.  This land in Poor Valley, on the south side of Clinch Mountain to the top of Piney (Little Mountain). This was land Andrew Hayter and his wife  Talitha Fullen had inherited from her father, James Fullen, Sr.

March 28, 1855 Deed Book 22, page 345 Andrew Hayter and Sally (Woodward) wife, to Moses Whitaker, $1,095...land in Poor Valley willed to him by Esau Hayter, father and mother Sarah Elizabeth Allison.

Sept 16, 1858..WASHINGTON CO. VA DB 24..Moses Whitaker and Calvin Whitaker $40.00, both sides of NFHR, 95 acres about, being a tract of land which formerly belonged to James Fullen, Sr., deceased..descended to his children and heirs, 9 of them..Land conveyed to Moses Whitaker by James C. Hayter and Tebitha, wife Oct 27, 1852. 16 Sept 1858 adm. to record.

1860 WASHINGTON CO. VA Census..HH #62.. Moses, 61, Polly, 55, Rufus, 25, Elizabeth, 20, Caroline, 4, Jane 8 months. They are living next door to daughter, Lydia Whitaker Litton.

The Whitakers lived on his property and farmed until his death on September 14, 1875. He is buried in a cemetery on his property, now called the Hayter-Litton Cemetery near Hayters Gap, Virginia. His stone is marked Moses Whitaker, "Father."  Next to Moses is buried his daughter, Lydia E. Whitaker Litton.  Her stone reads Lydia E. Litton, daughter.

March 31, 1871 Will written - Nov 1875,,WASHINGTON CO. VA Will Book 19, page 3..Will of Moses Whitaker:
 
Daughter, Lydia E. Litton to get land purchased from Andrew J. Hayter.  The land is not to be under control of Mr. Litton if he is still alive.  (Mr. Litton was a soldier and died in Utah and did not return.)
 
Deceased daughter, Julina O. Ferrell, her children who are my grandchildren; Moses and Arkansas P. and William Ferrell, a tract of land on the North Fork Holston River near David Worley's homeplace.
 
Daughter, E. A. Davenport, wife of Henry Davenport, lands on south side of Clinch Mountain purchased by me from W.Y.C. White and $400.00.

Son, Calvin, $300.00.

Granddaughter, Ellen, wife of David Worley, $100.00.
 
Granddaughter, Helen Woodward, wife of Newton, $100.00.

Granddaughter, Julina O. Webb, wife of Newton Webb, $100.00.
 
Children of my son, Moses Whitaker, Jr and his wife, Ann, now living in Washington County, Arkansas, $300.00.
 
Absolum Rufus Whitaker, my son, $100.00 All he gets of my estate. This was written in large letters and underlined.
Daughter, Lydia E. Litton, son, Calvin, and the three children of my son, Moses and his wife, Ann, now living in Arkansas what ever I am entitled to as heir of my deceased son, William, who died in the state of Illinois.  This be equally divided among them.

Lydia, Calvin and the children of Moses to have all my personal property to be divided equally.

Clementine Litton to have a bay mare called "Sal".
 
Written March 31, 1871, signed Moses X. Whitaker. Witness: Alexander Little, Branson Little, A. Little, Teste H. Davenport, W. J. Henderson. Securities for Bond $4000.00..James C. Hope, David Worley and F. N. Webb.
 
Dec 4, 1875.Sale bill of personal property of Moses Whitaker. Appraisement of the Personal property of dec...1 red cow, 1 Dun cow, 1 red & white cow and calf, 2 calves, 7 head of hogs, 1 cupboard, 2 iron kettles, 1 churn and lard can, 2 steel traps, 1 half bushel, pitcher, wash tin cup, 1 falling leaf table, 1 bureau, 1 clock and 1 book, 24 stacks of hay, two off south and half on southern, 2 bed steads at 3 each, 1 old still, 1 broad axe and old irons., 6 Windsor chairs, 2 split bottom chairs, 1 old kettle and oven, 1 old anvil, 1 small falling leaf table, 1 cupboard, 1 pot trumble, Fire dogs, 1 old vise and 17 Harrow teeth. Henry Davenport, Adm of Appraisement; Witnessed by Andrew J. Taylor, Branson Little and John C. Johnson.

Calvin Whitaker bought the chairs (all 8 of them), Lydia Litton, bought 1 bedstead, 1 old still, among other things; a Mrs. Akers bought the kettle and oven.

18 May 1876..WASHINGTON CO. VA..In the Clerk's office of this County Court of Washington County, the foregoing Appraisement of the personal property of Moses Whitaker, dec. was delivered and admitted to record.
 
Henry Davenport, Administrator of will for Moses Whitaker..In account with the estate. To amount in hands of Administrator $284.63..By amount paid L. Baugh on fees..$21.25 leaving balance of $263.38. Received from Margaret Burke debt $27.00. Paid $67.78 to attorneys, White & Buckanan for A.S. Gregg, guardian of C.H. and E.J. Whitaker. Paid attorneys $135.55 for William Whitaker. Paid $119.89 to Daniel Trigg, Trustee of William K. Heiskell. Paid $25.00 to Leonidas Baugh for claims & fees. Paid Lydia Litton and Calvin Whitaker 1/3 of amount received from Margaret Burke. Leaving a balance to the estate of $75.54.

Who is Margaret Burke? Could this have been a sister to Moses Whitaker? 

Also this estate received money from a lawsuit...from Campbell and Trigg, attorneys on debt vs H. C. Gibbons and White..$1300.00; amount received from same debt $588.81; amount received from Sheriff on same debt..$340.00. The people named in Moses Whitaker's will were paid..S.N. Honaker, Trustee for Julia O. Webb, $40.00; David Worley and wife, Newton Woodward and wife were each paid $50.00.

Buried:
Grave location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=WHIT&GSfn=M&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=48&GScntry=4&GSsr=81&GRid=46430950&

Moses married Mary (Polly) BOWMAN. Mary (daughter of Esias BOWMAN and Ann Cawood) was born Abt 1805, TN; died 10 Feb 1870, Washington Co. VA; was buried , Esaias Bowman's Farm, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 51D04029439F4799A1AE4C2D040A5439AF77

Notes:

Buried at Bowman Farm Cemetery on her father's farm on the Holston River, Washington Co. VA below the big bridge on Logan's Road.  The cemetery was overgrown and lost for years, but appears to have been found in the 1980's.

Had a son who appears in the 1820 WASHINGTON CO. VA Census, probably died before 1830.

May 15, 1839...Chancery Execution Book A, Page 182, Moses Whitaker and wife and others VS Samuel Bowman and others over the estate of Mary's father Esaias Bowman. This cause came on the 15th day of May 1839 to be heard upon the bill, the answer of Uriah Bowman and the verdict of the jury rendered upon the issues to ascertain whether the paper in the bill mentioned is the last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and was argued by counsel, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the specifications and conditional order has been returned executed on Samuel Bowman, Benjamin Bowman, Esaias Bowman and Aaron Bowman more than four months before the commencement of this term, and they still failing to appear and answer, the bill as to them is taken as confessed..and it also appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the order of publication, awarded at the rules in the Clerk's office against the defendants, Absalom Bowman and George Washington Bowman, has been duly posted and published, and they still failing to appear and answer, the bill as to the, is taken for confessed..and Wm. S. Logan, Sheriff of Washington County, to whom the estate of Esaias Bowman, deceased, with the bill annexed, was committed to be administered having consented that this cause might be heard and determined at this term..it is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed, that the paper in the bill mentioned purporting to be the last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and which bears date on 24 Aug of 1837, and which was admitted to record in the county court of Washington County on 23 day of Oct 1837, is the true last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and therefore, it is further ordered and decreed the plaintiffs ill be dismissed and that the defendants recover their costs by them about their defense in this behalf expended.


Buried:
Grave location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Whiteaker&GSiman=1&GScnty=2893&GRid=105311837&

Other Events:

• _UID: CDFDA936E78348BFA469B23A8407826B8B7C

Notes:

Richard Whitaker of North Carolina and Washington County, Virginia by Joye Boardman

The significant portion of the information on Richard Whitaker and Rachel Bentley's descendants comes from Joye Boardman's book which is out of print. She kindly provided me her material via email with permission to post on this website.

"For a time it was thought Richard Whitaker, born 1752, was a son of Richard,Sr. and wife, Elizabeth Cary of Halifax Co., NC. After careful and extended research from many different sources,this Richard is not a son of the Halifax County Whitakers. It is possible he is a relative of the large Whitaker family from Virginia and North Carolina but that must be researched further." 

David Whitaker, son of Benjamin and grandson of Richard, tells in the History of Oregon, page 886, that "Grandfather Richard Whiteaker emigrated from Wales previous to the Revolution and settled in North Carolina, where he married Rachel Bentley and reared a family of five sons and four daughters. He was a participant in the Revolutionary war and lived to be eighty-two years of age."

Richard may be the son of either Mark Whitaker or James Whitaker whose adjoining plantations lay southeast of the Bentley plantation on Bear Creek.

Cheryl Duke's notes: The evidence is pointing in this direction for several reasons. No immigration record has been located o his coming from Wales, nor is there any record of his being an indentured servant.

Given the patterns of families and neighbors migrating from one location to another,it was unusual for a man without any ties to come into an area and be readily accepted. Especially to marry into an extended family like the Bentley's. Also, a person needed to have farming and survival skills to settle on the frontier. Coming from Wales and settling in the wilderness, a person would need friends or family to help in the process of adjustment. With the Whitaker's and the Bentley's both being from counties in Maryland that were close to each other, there would probably be a comfort and connection that would make it easier to establish communication and being neighborly.

So it is more likely that Richard is the son of James Whitaker, as the name Mark doesn't appear in the names of his son or his descendants. On the other hand, Mark Whitaker Jr.'s offspring do continue its use. Only DNA evidence will ultimately confirm what written records do not.

Continuation of Joye Boardman's research

NORTH CAROLINA COURT AND LAND RECORDS

The Rowan County North Carolina Court Minutes dated 8 Aug 1778 list those persons who "refused of neglected" to take the Oath of Allegiance to the state. Included in the list for Capt. Lyon's District is the name Daniel Bentley, and the names of Bentleys neighbors: Mesheck Davis, John Willcockson, Snr., Mark Whitacre, Adam Hall Snr., Samuel Willcoxson and Israel Willcoxson being also on the list.

From Civil Action Papers, Lincoln Co., NC Richard Whitaker vs Michael Buff. In same papers, Whitakers on a 1782 List of Rowan County property owners, summoned with regard to confiscation of their property: Alexander, Henry, James, Jiles, Richard. See Rowan County Register August 1988 by Jo White Linn.

A list dated 3 November 1782 details the names of men living in Capt. Pearson's Company who were summoned by William Butler, constable, to show why their property should not be confiscated. Included in the 1782 list are the names of Anthony Pealor [Peeler], John Wilcockson, Danul [Daniel] Lewis, and "Richard Whitaker Runaway." "Runaway" simply meant the individual was no longer in the area. This was Richard Whitaker's case as he moved with Thomas Bentley's family in 1782 to Lincoln County, North Carolina, having married Thomas Bentley's daughter, Rachel Bentley.

Note from Cheryl Duke: It appears the families were victims of claim jumping, In 1777, a confiscation act was passed during during the Revolutionary War, seizing the lands of Lord Granville for the state of North Carolina. Settlers on Granville lands had to reapply for a new state land grant to their farms, and many lost everything to claim jumpers. Also on this list were John, Henry, Alexander and James Whitaker, along with Jiles Whitaker listed as a runaway (meaning he was no longer in the area).

Rowan County, North Carolina Tax Lists 1757-1800 Annotated Transcriptions, by Jo White Linn, 1995, Preface pp. xi - xv. "Because Rowan County lay within the Granville Proprietary and because the Granville Land Office snapped shut in 1763 and never reopened, there was no way for a person to gain title to vacant land for the fifteen year period until the State Land Office opened in 1778. Because many of the settlers who flooded into the area during the period could not gain title to land, their names do not appear in the deed records and cannot readily be confirmed by other records."

"Conscientious objectors, such as Quakers, Moravians, Menonists, and Dunkers, and those who refused to swear allegiance to the State were charged a three fold tax." Mark Whitaker was listed on the list of those not taking the oath of allegiance, so if the family was percieved as being Loyalists or Tories, then they paid in money and enmity from Patriot neighbors.

In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannah's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC.

Rachel's sister Mary married Aaron Freeman according to the Rowan County records. "Freeman, Aaron to Mary Bently, 17 dec 1769, Bentamin Bently, bondsman, Thomas Frohock, wit consent from Thos. Bently for his daugher Mary, 17 dec 1769, Benjamin Bently, James Freeman, wit."

Richard Whitaker was a very good friend of Aaron Freeman, and they named their sons Aaron, Benjamin & Thomas.

On 1 September 1795 the widow Hannah Bentley and her son, Daniel, sold to George Savage and Catherine Bollinger the plantation on which Hannah lived.

1 September 1795. Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley of Lincoln County to George Savage & Catherine Bollinger, both of Lincoln County, for 20 pounds, a tract of land that Thomas Bentley bought of Thomas Welch in Lincoln County on the waters of Indian Creek on the south side of the creek, it being the plantation she [Hannah Bentley] now lives on. It being the land [25 acres] that was accepted [excepted] in the deed that Daniel Bentley made to Jacob Bollinger [doesn't give boundaries] Signed: Hannah Bentley (her mark), Daniel Bentley. Witnesses: Benj. Moore, Richard Whiteakker, William Yonts. Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 18, page 146.

Richard and wife, Rachel, moved to Washington County, Virginia, from the Lincoln County area of North Carolina. This is where Richard resided until his death on 18 October 1838.

WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA RECORDS

Richard Whitaker came into Washington County, Virginia from North Carolina sometime around 1796.  [Ref: Washington County, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840].  Listed are Giles Whiteacre and Richard Whiteacre. Richard Whitiker  is listed with various spelling of the name from 1796 until his death. The 1810 Index to the Census of Virginia lists Richard Whitaker living next door to James Whitaker.  Isaac Whitaker is listed under a different household.
 
It can only be conjectured as to why Richard and his sons came into Washington County, Virginia; perhaps they were attracted to the salt deposits on the North Fork of the Holston River.  They evidently had means as they purchased land shortly after coming in the County. Dr. Joseph E. Williams, Professor at Emory & Henry College suggested they perhaps came for the salt at Saltville, VA.

Benjamin Whitaker  stated he had 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Absalom Rufus Whitaker, grandson of Richard named seven brothers and three sisters in his Bible.  Why the others were not named remains a mystery. They could have been older or died as youngsters. 

1810 Federal Census Washington Co., VA. Richard Whitaker is listed with 1 free white male, 10-16 [Thomas}, 2 males 16-26 [Benjamin & Moses], 1 male, 45 or older, [himself], 2 free white females under 10, [Mary & Elizabeth], 1 female, 10-16, [Catherine], 1 female 26-45, [Rachel]

Nov 25, 1814 Washington Co VA [Deed Bk 6, page 21; page 319 in DB index]  Richard Whitechor  [Whitaker] and his son, Moses  purchased two [2] tracts of land belonging to Charles Thurman and his wife, Barbara, all of Washington Co VA for $600. containing 113 acres, patent bearing date of 10 Sept 1787 and 50 acres, patent bearing date of 5 Nov 1798, lying on both sides of the North Fork of the Holston River. The 113 acres begins at a beech tree in an island corner to John Lee and crossing the river and a corner to John Lee on the south side of Little Mountain. p.6

1815 SW VA Tax Assessments : Julius Davenport, one farm on the North Fork Holston River joining Richard Whitarker.

1820 Census
Name: Rickard Whitecar [Richard Whitaker]
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Washington, Virginia
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1
Free Colored Persons - Males - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - Under 16: 1
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 5
Total Free Colored Persons: 1
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 6

1822 Washington County VA:  Richard and John Whitaker  witnessed the will of Rev. Isaac Chapman in 1822, the year Chapman died.  Richard went bond to settle his estate which was settled in 1825.

1824  Washington County VA Deed Book 8, 1822..25, pages 300/301  between John Logan, one and William S. & John Logan, Richard Whitaker, William Apperson, Jacob Morrell, Trustees of Maiden Springs Meeting House and lot-land and tract conveyed to John Logan to Henry's corner Jan 1804.  Recorded 20 July 1824.

1830 Census
Name: Richard Whitaker
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Washington, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 2
Free Colored Persons - Males - 10 thru 23: 2
Free Colored Persons - Males - 24 thru 35: 1
Free Colored Persons - Males - 36 thru 54: 2
Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 3
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 23
Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: 8
Slaves - Males - 55 thru 99: 1
Slaves - Females - Under 10: 5
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 2
Slaves - Females - 36 thru 54: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 3
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Slaves: 43
Total Free Colored Persons: 5
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 55

WILL

Will Book, page 158 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA dated Jan 13, 1834, probated May 25, 1840.... My wife, Elizabeth to have 1/3 of the land the rest of her natural life. [Elizabeth Blair Chapman married Richard in 1829 and was in his household in 1830 CV Census]
 
My three grandchildren, Ruth E. Whitaker, Mahala Whitaker and James G. Whitaker to receive the other 2/3 of said estate. [NOTE: These three grandchildren were children of his daughter Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry.  See 1830/1840 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Census] p7
 
At my wife's death, the plantation is to be sold and equally divided among my three grandchildren.
 
My son, Moses, to get $1.00
 
My son, Benjamin, the $40.00 which I owe him.
 
I appoint James Whitaker my Exor.
 
Signed: Richard Whitaker  Witnesses: David Campbell, Michael S. Fleenor and John L. Taylor, Bond $1000. Security by N. Snead.

REFERENCES

The following are the references from Joye Boardman's book Richard Whitaker of North Carolina and Washington County, Virginia along with contributions from fellow Whitaker researchers and related families.

Washington County, Virginia Birth, Death, Marriage, Deed Records

1810 Index to Washington Co.Virginia Census

1810 Federal Census

Washington County, Virginia Census.

Hayter/Litton Cemetery, Washington Co.VA.

Washington Co., VA Death Register

Obiturary: Hettie Woodward, Chess F. Woodward, and Dorothy Woodward Montgomery.

Dorothy Ann Callahan Serber, Damascus, VA...Information of Callahan family.

Reserach on Callahan Family by D. B. Callahan, Saltville, VA.

Marriage Records, Smyth Co., VA.

Camp Chase, Ohio Register, Death Record, Grave # 1581.

Russell County, Virginia Census, Birth Records

Washington County, Virginia Wills

Research: On Richard Whitaker and James Whitaker by Joseph E. Williams, Emory, VA.

Marriage Records Washington Co., Virginia

Research by Thomas Colley, Hancerville, AL

Research by Jack Hockett, St. David's, PA

Marriage record research by Linda Gilley, Bristol, TN.

Research by Joye Boardman, Palm Coast, FL

Research by Charles Nelson, Alexandria, VA

Poston Research, Jack Hockett, Thomas Colley

Whitaker Cemetery, Independence, Oregon..Stones copied in 1973 by Mrs. James L. Dyal.

Pinckney's Map of Lee County, Illinois

Williamette Valley Genealogical Society

State Library, Salem, Oregon

The Oregon Argus, Oregon City, Oregon

Frank T. Gilbert, Historical Sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties.

Hiram Ogden's Description of the Trip across the Plains (2700 Miles).

County Court House, Walla Walla, WA

Polk Co Census, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1889, 1900, 1910.

Oregon Donation Land Claims Book 1, 1241 Book V, #1241

Pacific Christian Advocate Newspaper

History of Willamette Valley, 1885   by H. O. Long

Photographs sent by Bette Hardinge, Palmdale, California

History of Oregon

Lyman's History of Walla Walla County, Vol 1, Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.

Walla Walla, WA Court record,

Polk Co., Oregon Marriage Records

Probate Records, Walla County, WA.

1870 Washington Territory, Waitsburg Township Census

Birth, Marriage, Death Records, Wills Washington Co.VA; Russell Co., VA.

Research by Betty Hardinge, a great-great-great granddaughter of Benjamin Whitaker. Bette died in Florida in 1994 from a heart attack.

J. Gareth Pearson - Information on Benjamin Whitaker line.

Research sent to me on Martha Ann Snodgrass by Mildred Elaine Wilburn Spencer, Houston, Texas.
 

Updated all along Corrections and Additions send to:
Joye Boardman
396 445-8343
7 Waldron Place
Palm Coast, Florida 32164
 

Birth:
Other possibilities are Wales according to his grandson.

Name:
In legal documents he spelled his name Whiteaker.

Richard married Rachel BENTLEY Abt 1782, North Carolina. Rachel (daughter of Thomas BENTLEY and Hannah) was born 1750, Frederick Co. MD; died Bef 1810, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: BD7EAB91C23A465891ED380F485F1AA53C07

Notes:

It is believed Rachel is also a daughter, due to Richard Whitaker signing as witness to the Bentley land deed.

About 1782 Rachel Bentley married Richard Whitaker while her parents were yet living on Bear Creek in the Forks of the Yadkin.

Rachael Bentley married Richard Whitaker. No record of this marriage has been found either in North or South Carolina, however the proof of their marriage comes from a statement made by their son, Benjamin Whitaker, taken from "The History of Oregon", where he states his parents were Richard Whitaker and Rachel Bentley. In later years, a great-great granddaughter stated Richard and Rachel were married in North Carolina about 1781. Recent research shows the marriage date is probably much earlier as the older sons would have been born by ca 1774. In this same report, Benjamin Whitaker states he was born in North Carolina.

In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannahâ's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC.

Other Events:

• _UID: 8267C9137DB24CF7AB14DE5C44F5B9F1137D

Notes:

DNA testing of his descendants confirm that Esias was a free man of color based on the sub-Saharan (African) markers.

Most African Americans free in Virginia and nearby states in the colonial period were descended from relationships between indentured servants or free persons, and African or African-American indentured servants, free or slave. This reflected the fluid nature of relationships among the working classes before slave rules were made strict.

Paul Heinegg, Free African Americans in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware and Maryland, 1999-2005, Baltimore, Maryland: Clearfield, 2005, found that 80 percent of the people listed as "other" or "free Negroes" and "free people of color" in North Carolina in censuses from 1790-1810 were descended from African Americans free in Virginia during the colonial period. In 1822 Virginia, a person was considered legally white with up to one-fourth African ancestry (equivalent to one grandparent) Anyone interested in the origins of free African Americans should study his work, some of which is freely available online.

http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/

Many free African Americans, along with European-American neighbors, migrated to frontier areas of Virginia, North Carolina, and then further west. Such families sometimes settled in insular groups and were the origin of some isolated settlements, which have long claimed or were said to be of Native American or Portuguese ancestry.

In the 18th, 19th and early 20th-centuries, some Americans of mixed European and African ancestry claimed Mediterranean, Arab or Native American heritage to explain skin color and features differing from northern Europeans.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, most free people went by appearance. If they looked white, were accepted by neighbors and fulfilled community obligations, they were absorbed into white or European-American society.

However, at the start of the 20th century in Virginia, Walter Ashby Plecker, the first registrar of Virginia's Bureau of Vital Statistics from 1912-1946, drafted and lobbied for the passage of the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. It institutionalized the one drop rule, meaning any person with "one drop of black blood" was considered black. It recognized only two races, "white" and "colored" (black). This did away with the existing law, which had classified persons as white who had one-sixteenth (equivalent to one great-great-grandparent) or less black ancestry.

Because Plecker believed there were few "real" Indians left, as they had intermarried over time with other ethnic groups, he thought "colored" people were attempting to pass as "Indian." He ordered state agencies to reclassify most citizens' claiming American Indian identity as "colored," although many groups of Virginia Indians had continued in their cultural identity, practices and communities.

Plecker's policies had a devastating effect on those with Native American or mixed race ancestry. If they couldn't "pass" for white then they were considered black. No diversity allowed until the 1960's.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR SERVICE

Esaias Bowman fought at the Battle of King's Mountain in the Revolutionary War. He was one of five men of color fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain. The others were Andrew Ferguson, Primes (no last name), Ismael Titus, and John Broddy.

COURT RECORDS

He was a slave-owner. On November 9, 1814, a court document states that he had seven slaves: "Seasor, Tiller, Hannah, William, Jerry, Ruth and Joseph". In 1826, he mortgaged Hannah to one David Campbell for $130.92.

Washington County, VA Slave Importations, Washington County, VA Will Book 4 Pg. 110 [Extracted & Transcribed by Billy Markland]

A Statement of Negroes brought into this State by Isaiah Bowman moveing [sic] from the State of Tennessee viz,

Seasor a Negro man about six feet high & about 30 years of age of a dark complexion, also Tiller his wife about five feet five inches high & about 25 years of age dark complexion, Also four children Hannah a girl Eight years of age of a dark complexion, Also William a boy about six years of age of a dark complexion, Also Jerry a boy about four years of age of a dark complexion, Also Ruth a girl of about two years of age dark complexion, And Joseph a Negro man about Eighteen years of age and of a dark complexion and about five feet six inches high.

[Esaias?] Bowman

Washington Co. Va. Court Minutes Vol 2, p. 214 Moses WHITACRE for benefit of Isaiah Bowman plt. vs. John RUNNELS. Money owed from Dec. 1819.

Washington Co. VA Estray Book 1, 1813-1860, p. 107: estray steer shewn to us by HIRAM FLEENOR; white steer with red speck;¦ $4 18 Dec 1832. /s/ ESAIAS BOWMAN

WILL AND PROBATE

In his will of August 24, 1837, he freed all of his slaves upon his death, which at that time included Teller ("age about 56"), Jerry ("about 27 next Sept 3"), Ruth ("age 34 next Mar 6"), and Agnes Dinah ("age 21 May next 27").

WASHINGTON CO. Va. Chancery Order Bk. A 1831-47
p. 32 May 1843 Moses Whitaker and wife and some others say living children of ESIAS BOWMAN, deceased divided estate without dividing for dead children?s decedents.

p. 182 Moses Whitaker and wife and others vs. Samuel BOWMAN and others. p. 182 Will to be filed as last will and test. of Esaias BOWMAN, dec.

Esias married Ann Cawood. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 0723F602DC2F488AA2051E044215FBE8022A

Notes:

Name:
Also spelled Keywood.

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the father of Richard Whitaker, but the evidence suggests it is highly likely he is. Richard probably would not have been mentioned in his father's will as Richard was established in North Carolina with the Bentley Family while his father, James had migrated to Kentucky. This is a work in progress.

MARYLAND RECORDS

James Whiteaker bought 50 acres "Stony Batter, September 1743, Baltimore County, Maryland
LGB/690, LGE/164

James Whiteacre bought 50 acres " Whiteacre's Chance", June 12, 1749, Baltimore County, Maryland
TI4/167, BYI1/254

James Whitaker bought 525 acres "Stony Batter", December 18, 1755, Frederick County, Maryland
BC/313, BC9/393

14 Feb 1756 James Whitaker recorded stray mare on Feb 17 page 86

May 12, 1758, Frederick County, Maryland Land Record F.443
Made between James Whitaker of Frederick County and Province of Maryland Planter of the one part and Beale Owings of Baltimore County and Province of Maryland of the other part for part of a tract of land called Stony Batter containing 270 acres of land for 75 pounds. Prudence wife of James Whitaker relinquished her right of dower in said land.

Deed was recorded May 19, 1758, Frederick County, Maryland Land Record F.447
Made between James Whitaker of Frederick County and Province of Maryland Farmer of the one part and Joseph Wells of Baltimore County, and Province of Maryland Farmer for a part of a tract of land called The Resurvey on Stony Batter containing two hundred and forty seven acres of land.
Prudence wife of James Whitaker released dower.

Deed was recorded March 26, 1795 made "between James Whitacre of Madison County and State of Kentucky farmer of the one part and Joseph Wells of Frederick County and State of Maryland Framer of the other part for "all the remainder of a Tract of Land lying and being in Frederick County and State of Maryland and known by the name of The resurvey on Stoney Batter", excepting that part conveyed by "James Whitacre to a certain Beale Owings:.
The wife of James Whitacre was not a part to this deed. No acreage is given. Frederick County, Maryland Land Deeds W.R. 13-142

NORTH CAROLINA RECORDS

James moved his family to Rowan County, NC in around 1761-62, and his half-brothers Thomas and Mark also moved to the area at about the same time or shortly after.

Granville grant to James Whitaker, 695 acres on Anthony's creek on the forks of the Yadkin
Rowan County, North Carolina Land Deeds, 21 December 1761

James and half brother Mark Whiteaker lived side by side before the Revolutionary War near Peeler (also known as Weaver Creek) in what is now present day Davie Co., NC. James had land on Weavers Creek next to Mark Whiteaker on Anthony's Creek. From Weldon Whitaker,"But I have plotted out old land deeds and found that Weavers Creek is the same as present day Peelers Creek and near to the west is Anthony's Run."

James Whitaker served on Grand Jury, 20 October 1762.
Rowan County, North Carolina Court

July 14, 1764, On Motion of John Dunn Ordered that a road be laid out the Neares & Best way from John Howards Ferry to the road from Bethabara to Salisbury near Reedy Creek, running up from said ferry in the fork to Boon's Road & persons following appointed to lay of said road: John Roberts, Edward Turner, Nicholas White, Edward Williams, Isaac Holdman, Capt. Avinton Felps, Mathew Sparks, William Sparks, Francis Taylor [James' step father], Thomas Jones, James Whitaker.

Abstracts of Deeds of Rowan Co, NC 1753-1785, Jo White Linn
p.90; DB 6/482 17 Sep 1767 Mathew Sparks and wife Sarah to William Haden for £150, 172 acres in the fork of the Yadkin R adjacent William Sparks grant of 4 Apr 1767. Wit: Benjamin Taylor [possible step brother], James Whitaker.

James applied for a license to operate an "Ordinary" [tavern] in Oct. of 1767

James Whitacre, Sr. to William and Thomas Frohock, 695 acres , 14 August 1777, proved by John Lowery
"The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 230
James Whitacre, Sr. to William and Thomas Frohock on Anthony's Creek on forks of Yadkin. Rowan County Land Deeds, 14 August 1777

William and Thomas Frohock to James Whitaker, 290 acres on Anthony's Creek. Rowan County Land Deeds, 12 October 1777

April 6, 1778, Joseph Williams, 250 acres bounded by James Whitaker, Samuel Busey's old line on a former survey, line of James Carson, Decd. and for compliment, including his improvement. "Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

Case Jury , 7 May 1778, John Mitchell vs James Whitacre (£ 18.2.9 and costs) "The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 152

August 5, 1778, Mark Whitaker, 300 acres on Weavers Creek adjoining Caleb Osborn's deeded land on one side and James Whitaker on the other side."Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

August 5, 1778, John Rowland, 250 acres on waters of Weavers Creek and Adjoining James Whitaker's deed land, Benjamin Bently, Anthony Pealor, and Mark Whitaker.
"Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

September 25, 1778, John Huntprater, 300 acres adjoining James Whitaker."Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

September 28, 1778, Thomas Frohock and William Frohock, in right of John Frohock, Decd., 640 acre in forks of Yadkin River, begining at a White Oak where James Whitaker's line crosses Waggon Road near the Whitstone Branch, running across its head to Carson's line, down his and Whitaker's line and including his and Standrage's old improvements.
"Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789

October 6, 1778, Humphrey Marshall, 400 acres in the forks of Yadkin adjoining James Whitaker, Thompson, Henry Hillyard, and widow Murphy, including Prater's improvement.
"Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789

Capt. Lyon's District, Rowan County, North Carolina Tax List of 1778:
Alexander Whitacre
James Whitaker
John Whitacre
Mark Whitacre
Mark Whitacre, Jr.
Richard Whitacre
Thomas Whitacre

6 November 1779, William and Thomas Frohock to James Whitaker, 290 acres, 19 October 1779, ackn. "The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 230"

Rowan County, North Carolina 1782 List of Men Facing Confiscation of Property:
Alexander Whitaker
Henry Whitaker
James Whitaker
Jiles Whitaker
John Whitaker
Richard Whitaker

7 August 1788, William Raney vs James Whitaker and wife £ 8.
"The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 5, page 168

6 November 1788, John L. Beard vs James Whitacre. Guilty £ 10 and costs. "The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 184

KENTUCKY RECORDS

James Whiteaker appears on the Madison County, Kentucky tax lists for the years: 1794, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1805, 1806 and 1807.

Birth:
Shown in the St. George's Parish Register, on the same page as Rachel McElroy born August 7, 1713, daughter of John & Francis Mackelroy, is James Whitaker born February 8, 1721 son of Mark and Elizabeth Whitaker, and Peter Whitaker born May 6, 1716, son of John and Ann Whitaker

Source: Register of St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church, pages 215

Died:
He was on the Madison County, KY dole the last few years and that stopped with the 1809 payment. [Source: Gary Whitaker garywmail@charter.net]

James married Prudence Giles 1740. Prudence (daughter of John Giles and Sarah Welsh) was born 1720, Maryland; died 1777, Madison Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

She is not yet proven as the mother of Richard Whitaker, but the evidence suggests it is highly likely she is.

She may have been married before as some researchers have the name of Stodsgill with her name. Needs more research.

Other Events:

• _UID: 4168F341AC0F4C7284C37E08BFEE534568B0

Notes:

Conjecture on his reasons for migrating to Maryland from James W. Miller:

"I was always told that there were two Bentley boys ousted from England. I always thought that one of them was Thomas. But I just assumed the other was a brother never thought to ask the name of the other. I was told that they were ousted for shaving on Sunday which was aganist their relegious belief in England.

On the Registers of Servants sent to Foreign Plantations web site, there's a listing of a Benjamin Bentley from St. Olave, Southwark, Surrey, age 19 in Nov 12 1739, occupation cordwainer, destination Maryland, 4 year indenture, father and mother dead, Nathaniel Wilson, London, agent. I wonder if this could be Thomas' brother?"

The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb 27, 1734
Run away from Henry Smith's plantation above Tulpehocken, the 12th Inst a servant man named Tho. Bently, aged eighteen years, fresh colour'd, something freckled, had on a brown Kersey, blue coat cloth cap, Indian shoes and stockings, a garlix shirt; took with him the following goods belonging to his master; twelve yards of strowds, three Indian blankets, twelve pounds of powder, twenty bars of lead, two dozen clasp knives, one shot gun, a roan horse marked I.D. on the near shoulder or buttock, or both, with a narrow white slip on his forehead; the said servant went in company with Wm Mark, a hired man to the Henry Smith, pretending to go Indian trading. Whoever takes up the said Bently, and brings him to Philadelphia, to Edward Shippen, shall have three pounds and reasonable charges paid by, Edward Shippen.

His age being given as 18 years would have him being born about 1716, the right age of "our" Thomas Bentley. Between the years 1734 and 1739 Thomas's masters may gave changed. Thomas would have been about 23 at this time.

He may have been an indentured servant in the service of Rev. Joseph Hooper in 1739 in Maryland "with 2 years to serve."

On Friday, July 12, 1739, the Rev. Joseph Hooper , Rector of St. Paul's Parish of the Episcopal Church of England of Baltimore Co. passed away. Included in the inventory in his will are several indentured servants, among them a "Thomas Bentley serv w/ 2 years to serve".

Thomas, in wishing to come to America, evidently indentured himself to someone who was willing to pay his passage by ship. Clara W. Shook of Taylorsville was one of the first researchers in western North Carolina to make the connection that Thomas Bentley of North Carolina was from the Frederick County, Maryland, area.

His indenture would have ended in 1741, and the one thing which probably kept him in the area was a certain young woman named Hannah, who would later become his wife.

MARYLAND RECORDS

Thomas Bentley received a patent in Baltimore Co., MD, for 50 acres named Hill Spring, the patent reading 'hath due unto him fifty acres" indicating it may have been land allowed by law of the time period to which indentured servants were entitled to for meeting the "conditions of plantation." In later records Thomas Bentley has been referenced as a "planter."

Thomas Bently Pat[ent] 50 acres Hill Spring}

SOURCE: MSA No. SM2, Land Office (Patent Record), Volume PT 1, pp. 165-166, abstracted by Mary Kay Coker

"Know ye that for and consideration that Thomas Bentley of Baltimore County hath due unto him fifty acres of land within our said province by virtue of a warrant for that quantity granted him the twenty eighth day of July Anno Dom Seventeen hundred forty four as appears in our land office and upon such conditions and terms as are expressed in our conditions of plantation of our said province...[on instructions of various dates made in London]...We do therefore hereby grant unto him the said Thomas Bentley all that tract of land called Hill Spring lying on the south side of great pipe creek...for fifty acres more or less...Given under our great seal of our said province of Maryland this twenty second day of January Anno Dom Seventeen hundred forty four [1745]. Witness our Trusty and well beloved Thomas Bladen Esq Lieutenant General and chief Governor of our said province of Maryland chancellor and keeper of the great seal."


Settlers of Maryland 1679 - 1783, Consolidated edition. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., (2002), page 49, gives the following references concerning Thomas Bentley:

1) Bal[timore] Co., Hill Spring, 50 acres, 22 Jan 1745, ref[erence] PTI/165 (Patents 1743-1747, [microfilm number] SR7482.

2) Fdk [Frederick] Co., Carolina Addition, 35 acres, 3 Apr 1761, ref BC21/266; BC 23/188 Certificates 1761-1764, SR7518; Patents 1762-1765, SR7520.

3) Fdk [Frederick]Co., Slavery, 100 acres, 21 Nov 1763, ref BC26/321; BC27/292 Patents 1762-1767, SR7523; Certificates 1762-1765, SR7524.

One wonders if Thomas Bentley, if having served time as an indentured servant, was making a statement in naming the 100 acre tract "Slavery."

Thomas Bentley's land lay on the Great Pipe Creek (also called Big Pipe Creek). His first land grant of 50 acres, Hill Spring, was in at the time Baltimore County from which Frederick County would be formed later and which is today in Carroll County. Deeds of successive land owners referenced Bentley's Branch which was named after Thomas Bentley.

Hill Spring, the land first patented to Thomas Bentley is now part of the historic Shriver mill/museum in Union Mills, MD, Carroll County.

On 21 June 1751 Jacob Banker purchased the Hill Spring tract from Thomas Bentley of Frederick Co., MD. His wife, Hannah, relinquished her dower rights to the said land.

"Jacob Banker [purchaser] recorded 21 June 1751. Made 29 May 1751 between Thomas Bentley of FC [Frederick County], for 39 pcm [pounds current money], tract called "Hill Spring," on south side of Great Pipe Creek, M&B [metes and bounds] given; for 50 acres. Signed Thos. Bentley, before Nath Wickham, Nathl Wickham 3d. Thomas Bently ack. deed, and at same time Hannah Bentley, wife of Thomas Bentley examined apart released dower [before Nath Wickham and Tho Beatty]. Receipt. AF [alienation fee] paid."

SOURCE: Frederick County Maryland Land Records, Liber B Abstracts, 1748-1752, by Patricia Abelard Andersen, p. 45 (and copy from courthouse)

On 5 June 1767 Thomas Bentley of "Roan" [Rowan] Co. NC sold land to Jacob Banker. Hannah again relinquished her dower rights.

"Jacob Banker [purchaser] recorded 6 June 1767, made 5 June between Thomas Bently of the County of Roan in the Province of North Carolina, for 168 [pounds] Penn., sells parcel called Carolina, and also one tract called Addition to Carolina, containing 108 acres and 35 acres. M&B given. Said tract Carolina containing 280 acres taken up by Dr. Charles Carroll and sold to Thomas Bentley in 1751. Signed Thomas Bently before Jos Wood, Joh Fee [in German]. Receipt. Ack. and Hannah wife of Thomas Bentley released dower, before Jos Wood, Thomas Price. AF paid."

SOURCE: Frederick County Maryland Land Records, Liber K Abstracts, 1765-1768, by Patricia Abelard Andersen, p. 100 (and copy from courthouse)

The List for rent Due on Land in Frederick County, 1768-69, lists "Thomas Bentley, gone to Carolina."

Perhaps the reason Thomas Bentley sold his Pipe Creek area land in Frederick Co., MD, was because the Germans/Pennsylvania Dutch(German) and Brethren were beginning to move into his valley. Thomas may have wanted to be more aligned with the Quakers and thus his move to the Bear Creek area of Rowan(Davie) County, NC. He lived here within a just a few miles of the Lewis Quaker meeting house.

NORTH CAROLINA RECORDS

Thomas Bentley first appears in Rowan Co., NC, in the 1768 tax list where he and his son, Benjamin Bentley, are listed at one poll each.

Rowan Co., NC, List of Taxables, 1768

List of Morgan Bryan, Davie Co., NC, "Forks of the Yadkin" of today)

Thomas Bentley 1 [poll]
Benjamin Bentley 1 [poll]

Source: Rowan County List of Taxables, 1768, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC, CRX 244)
------------

Source: Jackson, Ron V., Accelerated Indexing Systems, comp.. North Carolina Census, 1790-1890. Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.

Name: Thomas Bently
State: NC
County: Rowan County
Year: 1768
Database: NC Early Census Index
--------------

Thomas Bentley probably made excursions into the present day Forks of the Yadkin area from Maryland seeking the land he wished to claim before he moved his family. The French and Indian War began in 1754 and attacks of the Cherokee Indians forced many settlers in the area to flee to safer parts.

In 1759 the Squire Boone family (father of Daniel Boone) was forced to flee to Virginia for a short time Squire Boone's home was in northern Davie County. With the end of the Indian War in 1763, some of the earlier settlers began to return to their lands. However, this area was part of the Earl of Granville's district. No settler was able to obtain a land grant in the district from the time of Granville's death in 1763 until the state of North Carolina opened its land office in 1778.

Benjamin Bentley was quick to obtain a state grant for the Bentley land in 1780 to protect the Bentley house and holdings. Others applying for lands grants were his adjoining neighbor, John Wilcockson, who had married Sarah Boone, sister of Daniel Boone; Daniel Lewis, Alex Cearns/Carns, Anthony Peeler, James Carson and Thomas Maxwell.

On 17 December 1769 Thomas Bentley wrote a letter requesting that his son be permitted to sign the Rowan County marriage bond, issued by Thomas Frohock, allowing Aaron Freeman to marry his daughter, Mary Bentley, as follows:

Sr [Sir] if you please to let Aaron Freeman have licence for my daughter Marry [sic] Bentley I am Sattisfied so far let my son sign the licence bond I hope you are in better health then when I saw you last No more at present but your humb servt [humble servant]

December ye 17th day 1769 [signed] Thos Bentley

Wits [Witnesses] present

Benjamin Bentley (his mark)

James Freeman (his mark)


Rent Rolls 1771-1772

Frederick County, Maryland

Rent Due on Land in Frederick County, 1771-1772

A List of Persons who stand charged with lands on Frederick County which are under such circumstances as rendered it out of the Power of George Scott, Farmer of the said County to collect the Rents and therefore Claims Allowance under his articles for the same - from March 1771 to March 1772.

Included in the alphabetical listing are the names:

Jacob Banker

Thomas Bentley

At the 9 August 1771 session of Rowan County Court, Thomas Bentley's flesh mark, or livestock brand, was recorded as a "Crap and a Hole in the Right ear & a Crap of the Left."

The minutes of Rowan County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, book four, page 128, show that Thomas Bentley, among others, appeared in court 4 November 1777 and swore an oath of fidelity to the State of North Carolina.

Thomas Bentley appears to have been a patriot in his political conviction for he and others, including neighbors, Wm. Frohock and Anthony Peeler, appeared in Rowan County Court and swore an Oath of Fidelity to the State of North Carolina. The Forks of the Yadkin was a hotbed of Tory, or Loyalist, activity during the Revolutionary struggle for independence.

An excerpt from James W. Wall's Davie County: A Brief History, page 24, details the following concerning sentiments in the forks of the Yadkin during the struggle for independence:

"Extreme cruelties, persecution, murder, and looting were practiced by members of both philosophies. The Moravian records note that in 1776 'we heard that up on the Yadkin many who sided with the King were driven from house and home by persecution; and that these people were hiding in the woods in our neighborhood.' This is the first mention of 'Outlyers,' as they were called. The year 1780 seems to have been the worst. The Moravian records refer to 'infrequent acts of robbery and murder' in that year. On October 4, 1780, the Moravians reported, 'We hear that on the Atkin [Yadkin] a party of Tories has fallen on the people, but only on those who had formerly done the same to them.'"

Thomas and his son, Benjamin, sold supplies to the revolutionary cause as can be found the Revolutionary Army Account is the State Archives in Raleigh, NC. Thomas' son, Daniel, received a pension for serving as a soldier.

The following is a transcript by James Miller of the original voucher which can be found in Revolutionary Army Accounts in the NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.

"No. 246 State of North Carolina, Rowan County, This may Certify that as Commissioner for the County aforesaid, I have purchased from Thomas Bently thirty five Bushels Corn at the Prices ascertained in Spanish milled dollars, by a resolution of Congress dated the 25th February 1780 amounting in the whole to Twenty Six & one fourth Spanish milled dollars, which Sum is to bear Interest at 6 pcent until paid, agreeable to the act of General Assembly in such case made. By me this 6th day of Decr in the year 1780. Alexander Long, C. P."

"No. 148. State of North Carolina. Rowan County, This may Certify that as Commissioner for the County aforesaid, I [have] purchased from Benjamin Bently Thirty bushells Corne at the Prices ascertained in Spanish milled Dollars, by a resolution of Congress dated the 25th February 1780, amounting in the whole to Twenty two & on[e] half Spanish milled Dollars, which Sum is to bear Interest at 6 P[er] Cent until paid, agreeable to an Act of General Ass[embly] in Such Case made. By me this 13th day of Decemr in the Year 1780. Alexander Long, Commiss."

Thomas Bentley was paid for services or supplies rendered to the Revolutionary cause as detailed in a manuscript volume in the custody of the North Carolina State Archives titled "Revolutionary Army Accounts."

Hillsborough, Treasury Office, "A list of Specie and Currency Certificates, received from the County Treasurers, Entry Takers" October the 3rd 1785.

John Brevard, Sheriff of Rowan County, paid Thomas Bently the principal amount of 10 pounds, 10 shillings and interest of 2 pounds, 10 shillings.

His descendants can enroll in the DAR based on this service. Mrs. Margie Bertie of Titusville, FL, had Thomas Bentley's name added to the roster in 1987, DAR National Number 06918939 A658, DAR Computer code Number 3-037-FL.


Thomas was also in the same district at Richard Whiteaker, 1778 Rowan Cty, N C

In the 1778 Rowan tax list of Capt. Lyon's District, lists is one "Thomas Bentley junr" with property valued at 609 pounds and who is evidently Benjamin's father, since no record has been found to verify or substantiate Thomas Bentley had a son named Thomas, Jr.

In Walter Clark's The State Records of North Carolina is found an undated petition where Thos. Bentley subscribed his name along with twenty-six other individuals who were residents of the Bear Creek area of Davie County. This petition, directed from John Crouse to North Carolina's Governor, Thomas Burke, can be dated as 1781 or 1782 as these were the years Burke served as governor.

Many of the subscribing witnesses to Jacob Crouse's petition, who were living in the Forks of the Yadkin area, share a Frederick County, Maryland, connection; some also lived in the Great Pipe Creek area where Thomas Bentley owned land before moving to the "Forks" area.

NC State Records Book 19, pg 926-927, Petition on behalf of John Crouse, " Petitioner of the Society of Dunkards", 1782. This petition to the governor of the state of NC includes the names of 27 Dunkards/ Brethren/ Quakers from the area of Dutchman's Creek in the forks of the Yadkin River in NC. Many of these men apparently are named in Rowan Co deeds of 1770-1790's, including Thomas Bentley. This document very likely establishes Thomas' religion as Brethren, or Quaker.

It is interesting to note that the Quaker's migration route from PA in early 1700's went south to MD to the Pipe Creek area which is the location of Thomas' first land deed. Many of these MD Quaker settlers eventually went on down south to the Yadkin River area in NC, where Thomas settled as well.


On 7 December 1779 Thomas Bentley made entry for 100 acres of vacant land lying on the water of the South Yadkin River adjoining Benjamin Bentley, Anthony Peeler, and Carson's [James Carson] land, which he made over, or assigned, to Alexander Carons [Cairns/Carnes].

In Wynette Parks Haun's Halifax District North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity 1785-1790 (Bills & Answers), 1797-1805 (Minutes) , pages 135-137, is found the Inventory of the Sale of the Estate of William Frohock, Jan 28, 17__. Thomas Bentley and many of his neighbors from the "forks of the Yadkin" were at this sale since William Frohock was a near neighbor. On page 134 of the court minutes the Court ordered that the Clerk of the County Court of Rowan issue letters testamentary to Thomas Frohock, executor of the estate of William Frohock, deceased, with the will annexed. This was the same Thomas Frohock to whom Thomas Bentley wrote the letter about his daughter Mary's marriage to Aaron Freeman. At the Frohock sale Thomas Bentley purchased one check reel at the price of 1 pound, 1 shilling , 6 pence.

On 1 January 1783 Thomas Bentley bought 100 acres for 30 pounds on both sides of Indian Creek in Lincoln County from Robert Armstrong and Hugh Beaty, executors of the last will and testament Francis Beaty, deceased, of Mecklenburg Co., NC. ; originally grated to Francis Beatty 22 December 1768 & No. 101. Robert Armstrong (seal), Hugh Beaty (seal); Wit: Francis Beaty, Wallace Beaty. Recorded Oct Term 1783. ( Lincoln County, NC, Deed Book 2, pages 631, 632)

In 1783 Thomas and Hannah Bentley purchased property from Thomas Welch on Indian Creek, NC. 

Also on 1 January 1783, Thomas also bought 120 acres from Thomas Wilsh (Welch), planter, for 20 pounds; part of 200 acres originally granted to Thomas Welsh 5 May 1769 & No. 343, and the remainder of the tract is lost by an older right. This land also lay on both sides of Indian Creek. Thomas Welsh (his mark); Wit: Forney G. Norman, Wallace Beatty. Recorded October Term 1783. (Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 2 page 636.)

Thomas Bentley died in 1789 and this property went to their only sons, Daniel & Benjamin with 25 acres reserved for Hannah. 

In 1789 Thomas, about 73 years old, may have begun to experience poor health as on the fourth of May ...

"To All People to Whom These Presents Come, I, Thomas Bentley of Lincoln County in the State of North Carolina & on the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine Send Greeting Know ye, that I, Thomas Bentley, for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I bear & have unto Hannah Bentley, my beloved wife and for also other good causes and considerations met thereunto moving here given granted and by these presents do give grant & confirm unto the said Hannah Bentley, all my goods, chattels, Lesses, debts, plate, jewels, working tools, one Negro man named Saul, and all my other substance."

In presence of Thomas Bentley (his B mark)

Test. Francis McNemar

Lamuel Saunders

Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 3, page 508


In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannah's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC.


CENSUS U S North Carolina 1790 Sixth District Lincoln County.

In Maryland, Thomas Bentley was very involved with the families of German Baptist Brethren (Dunkards) and also Quakers. His wife, Hannah, is most likely the daughter of one of these families in the Frederick County area. Likewise, he was associated with families of these same faiths in the Bear Creek area of the Forks of the Yadkin area of old Rowan County in what is today southern Davie County, North Carolina.



ABOUT THE BENTLEY HOUSE

Mr. Armand T. Daniel purchased the former Bentley property in 1945. His research and remodeling efforts of the log house were featured in the Davie County Enterprise Record, August 7, 1975, page 1B, as follows:

The Bentley House Over 200 Years Old

For over two years Armand Daniel tried to sell what he thought was just an old frame house on his property.

It wasn't until years later he discovered underneath the exterior of boards and paint was an old log house dating back more than two centuries.

Benjamin Bentley, according to Daniel's research, was apparently in this vicinity when the Boone expedition first came this route through Davie County. His research shows this location as being the first known community in the county and it was named "Bentley."

Daniel says there was the Bentley School, Post Office trading post, and in fact it was the community for the entire group of our first settlers.

Archibald G. Carter lived in this old log house. He purchased Bentley around 1823 and the school was then known as the "Baldy Carter School."

The original house was two 20 ft. x 20 ft. square rooms downstairs separated by a 10 foot wide entrance way and they were studded together by four 50-foot long logs. The upstairs floor space was the same.

Daniel, who is in the process of restoring the old house, recently moved one of the 50-foot logs with the help of nine other men. "It took ten of us to get that log down," Daniel said, "and I just wonder how many men it took to put it up there."

And after more than 200 years, these logs are just as solid as ever.

Daniel has a map of the entire farm, dated in 1800, which has helped him considerable in his research.

He has also found on the land an old ice pond, where ice was frozen then cut into blocks and stored in the ice house, located near-by. He is in the process now of filling in the pond.

Behind the main house is what he called a summer house.

"This is where the kinds slept in the summertime because it was too hot upstairs in the main house," he explained.

The summer house was three stories, including a basement and two stories above.

When Kerr Clement purchased this tract of land in 1929, he remodeled the house and it has since been remodeled again. In the original portion of the house the double rafters are significant of the remodeling. The old rafters of the log cabin are easily detected.

When Daniel bought this property 35 years ago and even rented the house, he had no idea it was an original log cabin built over two hundred years ago. Daniel's research shows this to be the best house in Davie County when it was built in the 1700s and remains today one of the better built houses, he says.

Daniel has now torn away all except the original log cabin and when the renovation is complete he says it will be good for another 200 years.

His remodeling plans include building seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms along with the other necessary rooms.

"And I'm gonna build an outdoor kitchen, he said, with a patio between it and the main house."

Daniel plans to invest a great deal of time and money into this project. Upon completion he says he will move his family here from their present location, which was formerly the John Wilcoxson House featured in another edition.

Mr. Daniel was never able to complete his remodeling of the Bentley House before he passed away in 1979. During the four years he worked on the house he was able to add a two-story addition to the rear of the house, plus adding a brick façade to the exterior, three dormers across the front roof, and a slate roof on the entire house. The house sat empty for 26 years until 2005 when it was lost to an unforgivable act of arson.

Davie County Enterprise-Record
Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005 page 1.

Teens Charged With Setting Fire To House
by Mike Gunning
Davie County Enterprise-Record

Two students at South Davie Middle School were charged with arson after they confessed to burning down a 200-year-old house in Cooleemee. Police have not released their names because of their ages.

The boys, ages 14 and 13, cut school last Thursday and during the morning hours entered the Family Dollar Store on Wilkesboro Street, said Davie Sheriff's Detective Robert Trotter. They were charged with larceny of one cigarette lighter and a box of cigars, which the boys smoked after breaking into the unoccupied house at the corner of Daniels Road and Carter Lane, the detective said.

At 11 a.m. neighbors reported seeing smoke billowing from the structure and called the fire department. "I could see the smoke all the way from the firehouse. It was coming up pretty good," Chief Wayne Williams of the Jerusalem Fire Department said. Jerusalem is approximately three miles from the scene.

William's unit was the first to respond, and he immediately noticed the fire had spread to the woods behind the house. Williams knew he had to call in back up.

"We were concerned with the way the wind was blowing that day." Williams said. "Plus, it was difficult to put the fire out because the house was being used to store hay for feed."

Cooleemee and Mocksville departments assisted. Lt. Andy Lipscomb of the Mocksville Fire Department said there was not much left of the house when they arrived.

"It was burned up pretty good," Lipscomb said. "The house was a total loss."

Trotter and Detective Stuart Parker investigated. Trotter said that neighbor's reported seeing two boys in the area. After driving around, Trotter said they spotted the boys who matched the description.

"We asked a few questions, then brought all the parents in for a complete interview at the sheriff's department," Trotter said, "they admitted to starting the fire and stealing a lighter from the store. It was no accident."

According to court records, one of the suspects has a prior arson conviction, and is on probation for that offense. The other child has no prior convictions.

Letter to the Editor, Davie County Enterprise-Record, March 3, 2005, written by Evelyn Daniel, Marjorie D. Foster, and the Daniel Family.

Firefighters Tried to Save Historic Structure

To the editor:

With life moving at the speed of light, sometimes it's easy to overlook the simple acts of kindness and bravery. Like the dedication, commitment and work ethics of our volunteer firefighters. On Thursday, Feb. 17, one of the oldest homes in Davie County was destroyed by fire. My family has owned the old log "Bentley House" since 1945. According to the historical records and genealogical research done by my late father, Armand T. Daniel, the home was constructed between 1780 and 1784. Benjamin Bentley is credited with the original construction of one grandest and largest homes in the area now called Davie County. The original house consisted of two rooms, 20x20 ft. each, constructed of hand hewed forest pine logs spanning 20 feet each. The rooms were spaced 10 feet apart leaving a total of 50 feet of width. Two 50-ft. pine logs were then laid on top of the structure across the front and back. An upstairs story, called a garret, of the same size was placed on top with addition 50-ft. logs spanning the width. The original Bentley House was 2,000 square feet, a very large home for the period. In the early 1800s, a 20x20 kitchen was added 15 feet away and later enclosed for a dining room. Other floors and rooms had been added throughout time. My father, during his period of restoration before his death in 1979, had added more rooms for a total of 8,500 square feet. Unfortunately, he was never able to complete his dream but he had uncovered the history of the home and had the major architectural designs on display.

The log framing in the house and the enormous additions made it a unique place. Although restoration had to be abandoned after my father's death, it held many memories of my childhood while he worked on it in his final years. Many historians have come from as far away as Ohio just to view the home. The 225-year-old logs went up in a flash. The slate roofs came crashing down. The volunteers of the Jerusalem Fire Department and others spent the entire day pumping water and foam on the remains. We knew the structure could not be saved, but hoped the surrounding buildings, trees and land could be spared. The wind made for a terrible day to fight a fire. The smoke was horrendous, yet the firefighters stood among the rubble for more than eight hours. They had to cut a very old burning oak tree near the structure along with employing the use of a bulldozer. All of this was a very dangerous job. I did mention a volunteer job. Most fire departments in the county were involved in some way, either assisting or on backup call. The refilled water and foam trucks just kept coming. As I understand it, at least 55,000 gallons of water, that's more than 42 tanker truck loads, plus 25 gallons of concentrated foaming solution at a cost of over $650 were used in the containment of the fire. We especially want to thank the brave men and women of the Jerusalem, Mocksville and Cooleemee departments for the majority of the work. There may have been other departments that I failed to see, but we want to thank any and everyone who assisted in controlling the calamity. The sheriff's department, the EMTs, the US Forest Service, the Fire Marshall, the NC Wildlife, we had them all. Everyone worked well together, and we understand the responsible parties have been detained. It;s a sad day when we lost part of our history to such a senseless act perpetrated by two teen-age boys.

The moral here is, please support your local fire departments. Let them know you are thankful for their dedication and humbled by their unselfish donation of their own time to help someone in need. Buy their chicken pie dinners or whatever else they sell. Or, lend a hand, it's the least we can do.

Marjorie D. Foster, Evelyn Daniel and the Family of the late Armand T. Daniel Mocksville

Sources used in the article "Thomas Bentley of MD, and Old Rowan/Lincoln Counties, NC (2006)"

Walter Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XIX (Goldsboro, NC: Nash Brothers, 1901), pp. 926-927.

Jo White Linn,"List of Taxables in Rowan County, 1768," North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal (November 1983), p. 207 [NC State Archives stack file number CRX 244, Rowan Co., NC].

Rowan County, Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

Jo White Linn, Abstracts of the Rowan County Minutes of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 1775-1789, p. 26
.
Jo White Linn, "List of Men Whose Property was Threatened with Confiscation," Rowan County Register, III (August 1988), p. 630.

Richard A. Enochs, Rowan Co., N.C., Vacant Land Emtries 1778-1789, entry number 2374.

Rowan County Deed Book 9, p. 277.

James W. Wall, Davie County: A Brief History, (Raleigh: North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1976), p. 25.

North Carolina State Archives, "Revolutionary Army Accounts," Volume IX, p. 104, folio 4.

Rowan County Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

Perry County, Kentucky, Order Book A, p. 221, November term 1830.

Lincoln County Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

James Bentley's Power of Attorney to William Hines, Iredell County, NC, Deed Book T:387.

Lincoln County Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

Transcription by Joanne Smith Pirkle Wright, Birmingham, AL, of NC Revolutionary War Pension Application #2747 made by Meshack Davis; transcript made from microfilm in Birmingham Public Library.

Died:
LINCOLN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA DEATH BOOK, BOOK 17 PG 211

Thomas married Hannah 1746, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 29BE86B77C894422BE194D0F57DE1AC7D887

Notes:

She was most likely a daughter of one of the Quaker families who resided in the area.

On 21 June 1751 Jacob Banker purchased the Hill Spring tract from Thomas Bentley of Frederick Co., MD. His wife, Hannah, relinquished her dower rights to the said land.

On 5 June 1767 Thomas Bentley of "Roan" [Rowan] Co. NC sold land to Jacob Banker. Hannah again relinquished her dower rights.

Lincoln Co., NC Deeds Book 18, Sept 1, 1785, Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley to George Savage & Catharine Bollinger [all of Lincoln Co.] for 20 sold 25 acres on waters of side of Indian Creek, being plantation she lives on; being land accepted in the deed that Daniel Bently made to Jacob Bollinger and being tract the was left to Hannah Bentley by "infremtion"; part of tract sold by Thomas Welch to Thomas Bentley.  Signed Hannah's mark and Daniel Bentley.  Witness, Benj Moore, Richard Whitaker and William Yonts. [Note: Husband of Margaret Bentley]
3 Wit. oath Jan 1797 by Benjamin Moore. Book 18, page 145. [Note: Benjamin Moore was the Constable. 

1879 fourth of May that year he conveyed to his wife, Hannah for the natural love and affection "which I bear & have unto Hannah Bentley, my beloved wife" all his goods, chattels, leases, plate jewels, working tools and one negro man named Saul.

To All People to Whom These Presents Come, I, Thomas Bentley of Lincoln County in the State of North Carolina & on the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine Send Greeting Know ye, that I, Thomas Bentley, for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I bear & have unto Hannah Bentley, my beloved wife and for also other good causes and considerations met thereunto moving here given granted and by these presents do give grant & confirm unto the said Hannah Bentley, all my goods, chattels, Lesses, debts, plate, jewels, working tools, one Negro man named Saul, and all my other substance.

In presence of Thomas Bentley (his B mark)

Test. Francis McNemar

Lamuel Saunders

Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 3, page 508


In the 1790 Lincoln County census, Hannah Bentley was listed as the head of household with three other females in her house which are probably the younger daughters, or grand-daughters, which are not yet married, and one slave. Thus it can be determined Thomas died between the dates of May 4, 1789, and the census of 1790. Hannah sold to her "daughter," Margaret Bentley, all her goods, chattels, and plantation for "natural love and affection" on April 1, 1793.

To all People to whom these Presents shall come, I, Hannah Bentley, of Lincoln County in the State of North Carolina and on the first day April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three send greeting know ye that I, Hannah Bentley for and in consideration of the natural love and affection I bear and have unto my daughter Mergert Bentley and also for other causes and considerations met hereunto moving have given and granted and by these presents do give grant & confirm unto the said Mergret Bentley all my goods & chattels my land & plantation my debts plate, jewels working tools one negro man named Saul and all my other substance whatsoever moveable & immoveable of what kind Nature & Quality soever the same are and in what place or places. Soever the same shall be found as well as in my custody of possessions as in the possession or hands power & custody of any other person or persons whatsoever, or all those goods & chattels land & plantation, debts and all the other aforesaid premises unto the said Margaret Bentley her heirs Executors & admrs [administrators] to her and their own proper use forever and I the said Hannah Bentley all & singular the aforesaid goods & chattels & premises to the said Margaret Bentley her executors admrs I assign against all persons & do warrant and do forever defend and by these presents. In witness thereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal the day & year first above written.

Test. Francis McNemar Hannah (her mark) Bentley

Lydia (her mark) McNemar

Lincoln County April Sessions 1793) The within deed was proved in open court by the oath of Francis McNemar and ordered to be registered. Witness: Jo Dickson Cle [Clerk]

Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 16 page 371.

During the January 1795 court session for Lincoln County, the court ordered that "Hannah Bentley be notified to attend our next County court to administer on the Estate of Thomas Bentley her late husband otherwise Letters [of administration] will issue accordingly." At the April 1795 court session letters of administration were issued to Hannah, "?widow & relict," with Jacob Ricard and Jacob Bollinger as her securities in the sum of 400 pounds.

Hannah Bentley, acting as administrator of her deceased husband's estate, stated in a document to the Lincoln County Court dated 8 July 1795 that Thomas Bentley, in his life, had at different times given parts of his property to his children to provide for and to advance them and that also before his death had made a deed of appointment for the purpose of supporting her in the event that she survived him. She knew of no debts due from the estate.

Hannah proceeded to name the articles that had been conveyed to her, consisting of livestock, household articles, a negro boy named Saul, one big Bible, and other farm and clothing articles. Hannah signed her mark upon the document.

On 1 September 1795 the widow Hannah Bentley and her son, Daniel, sold to George Savage and Catherine Bollinger the plantation on which Hannah lived.

1 September 1795. Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley of Lincoln County to George Savage & Catherine Bollinger, both of Lincoln County, for 20 pounds, a tract of land that Thomas Bentley bought of Thomas Welch in Lincoln County on the waters of Indian Creek on the south side of the creek, it being the plantation she [Hannah Bentley] now lives on. It being the land [25 acres] that was accepted [excepted] in the deed that Daniel Bentley made to Jacob Bollinger [doesn't give boundaries] Signed: Hannah Bentley (her mark), Daniel Bentley. Witnesses: Benj. Moore, Richard Whiteakker, William Yonts. Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 18, page 146.

Hannah seems to have lived with son, Benjamin, in Alexander County, NC after Thomas' death. 

Hannah was approximately 70 -75 years old when she sold this land. She had sold all her possessions to her daughter, Margaret Bentley, two years earlier. It is possible Hannah sold her goods and land so she could migrate with the families of her son Daniel Bentley and son-in-law Richard Whitaker to Washington County, Virginia, where they appear in the personal property tax lists for the years 1803, 1804 and 1805. Hannah probably died in Washington County, Virginia. She was not enumerated in the 1800 Lincoln County, NC, census.