The Ancestors Of

This book traces the ancestors of my mother’s father, Billy Edwin Brooks.

BROOKS

C-1-1 Ransom Garfield Brooks (3). My grandfather Billy Edwin Brooks was the son of Ransom Garfield Brooks and Edith Martha Blackburn (C-4-1). They had the following children.^1,52

1. Harrel Gene (Sonny) Brooks 9/ 8/1928

2. *Billy Edwin Brooks 7/25/1930 – 12/ 3/2006

3. Dorothy Lee Brooks 2/20/1933

4. Jimmy Tot Brooks 6/11/1940 - 1/ 9/1983

They lived in the Cherry Lane section of Alleghany Co, NC, on Pull Tail Rd, on the south side of the Parkway. Their one-room schoolhouse was down the road on the opposite side.⁵² Ransom died in 1947 and Edith remarried to Floyd Billings.³ They had a daughter Barbara Ann Billings who was born on 1/26/1950.³

The 1930 Alleghany Co census includes this family in Cherry Lane, page 11A, house #197: Ransom G. Brooks (26), Edith M. (wife, 22), and Harold J. (son, 1y, 7m). He was married at age 23, while she was 19. He was listed as a blacksmith doing public work and was not a veteran.²¹²

1. Sonny’s name on his birth certificate was originally “James Herald”, but was changed in 1976 (Alleghany Bk 6, p562).⁶⁵ He married Mildred Johnson.¹ “Harold Brooks” is mentioned in The Alleghany Times newspaper for making the first grade honor roll in November and December 1935.²⁴⁴ “Harrel Brooks” made the honor roll in October 1936 in January, October, November, and December 1937, and in January 1938.²⁴⁴ Harrel had perfect school attendance for his third grade year that ended in April 1938.²⁴⁴

Ref 244: (11/28/1935, p4), (12/26/1935, p4), (10/29/1936, p8), (2/4/1937, p5), (11/11/1937, p1), (11/25/1937, p1), (1/13/1938, p1) , (2/17/1938, p5), (4/28/1938, p1). [b^52,65]

2. Bill was born in Alleghany Co where his delayed birth certificate was issued on 8/4/1948. It gives his full name as “Edwin Billy Brooks” (Bk D7, p27).⁶⁵ He married Lois Billings on 8/29/1953. He served in the Navy from 1948 to 1952 and in the Air Force from 1955 to 1971, causing them to move frequently between VA and FL. He later worked as a mailman in Massillon, OH, before returning to Alleghany Co in 1992.⁵²

He is mentioned in 1936 in The Alleghany Times newspaper in the article “Cherry Lane School Honor Roll For Month Of October” which includes “Billy Brooks” among seven students in the first grade.²⁴⁴ He is again listed on the honor roll for the months of January, October, November, and December in 1937, and also for January 1938.²⁴⁴ On 11/11/1937, the newspaper included this article:²⁴⁴

Hallowe’en Party Held By Pupils of Cherry Lane School

The Cherry Lane school pupils enjoyed a Halloween party on Friday afternoon, November 5. All the 41 pupils were present, and also several patrons.

The children wore costumes and masks and games and contests were entered into in the true Hallowe’en spirit.

Those winning in the various contests were: apple-bobbing, Cecil Crouse; ball-throwing, Billy Brooks, and candy-eating, Paul Rash.

Hallowe’en cups filled with salted peanuts and candy were served.

Ref 244: (10/29/1936, p8), (2/4/1937, p5), (11/11/1937, p1), (11/25/1937, p1), (1/13/1938, p1), (2/17/1938, p5). [b^52,65]

3. Dorothy was born in Alleghany Co (Bk 6, p702).⁶⁵ She married Preston Gilbert.¹ [b^52,65]

4. Jimmy was born in Alleghany Co (Bk 12, p73).⁶⁵ He first married Polly Lucas and second Phyllis DeBorde.¹ He lived in Alleghany Co, but died in Winston-Salem, NC.¹⁹³ He is buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸ [b^48,65,193, d^48,193]

On 8/3/1933, Ransom Brooks sold 5.5 acres to (his wife) Edith Brooks for $192.50. The land was located on Bull Head Rd. The record was filed on 5/5/1934 and states that Ransom Brooks personally appeared on that date. (Alleghany DB 41, p293).⁶⁷ At the time of the filing, he had been held for three months in prison awaiting the court’s decision. Five days later, he pleaded guilty to several charges which sent him to prison for over five years.

On 8/25/1941, Ransom Brooks and his wife Edith sold 5.5 acres to Andy Brooks and his wife Mae for $150. The land was on Bull Head Rd, adjacent to Andy Brooks, Sherman Rash, and others. (Alleghany DB 50, 45).⁶⁷

C-1-2 John A. Brooks (4). Ransom Garfield Brooks was the son of John A. Brooks and Meadie Ann Edwards (C-11-1). They had the following children.^1,212 Ref 221, p57.

1. Cora Velonie Brooks 7/26/1886 - 5/31/1979

2. Maggie Jane Brooks 3/12/1889 - 8/ /1982

3. Troy McClellan Brooks 6/19/1892 - 9/10/1971

4. Andrew Alexander (Andy) Brooks 3/27/1896 - 12/12/1990

5. Sarah Ella Brooks 10/19/1899 - 6/13/1997

6. *Ransom Garfield Brooks 9/23/1903 - 1/22/1947

They are listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co, NC, census in Glade Creek Township, house #140: John A. Brooks (41, born 6/1858 NC, farmer), Medie A. (35, born 12/1864, 5 children, all living), Cora V. (13, born 7/1886), Maggie J. (11, born 3/1889), Troy M. (7, born 6/1892), Andrew A. (4, born 3/1896), and Sarah (7 months, born 10/1899). John and Meadie had been married 14 years, and they were renting their home. John’s father was born in TN, while all others and their parents were born in NC.^152,212

They are listed in the 1910 Alleghany Co census in Cherry Lane, p5B, #92/93: John A. Brooks (53, farmer), Margaret A. (46, wife, 6 children, 6 living), Cora V. (23, dau), Maggie J. (20, dau), Troy M. (17, son), Andrew A. (13, son), and Ransom G. (6, son). They had been married 26 years.²¹²

They are listed in the 1920 Alleghany Co census in Cherry Lane, house #75/76: John A. Brooks (61), Meadie A. (56, wife), Troy M. (26, son), Andrew A. (22, son), Ella (19, daughter), and Ransom G. (16, son). John stated that he was a farmer and that his father was born in TN.²¹²

They are listed in the 1930 Alleghany Co census in Cherry Lane, p5A, #89: Troy M. Brooks (34, farmer), Cindy (24, wife), Hellen (2y, 3m, daughter), Wayne (1 month, son), and Media A. (64, mother, widow).²¹²

1. Cora married Samuel M. Cheek on 6/19/1914 in Alleghany Co at her father’s home.⁶⁶ They moved to MD¹ after 7/13/1933 when they are mentioned in The Alleghany Times newspaper for entertaining guests.²⁴⁴ They are buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,221

Ref 244: (7/13/1933, p4).

[(1920 Alleg, Glade Cr #15, p9B, #165/167)²¹²] [b^{48,152,221,252}, d^48,221]

2. Maggie married Walter A. Bennett on 10/22/1919 in Alleghany Co in Cherry Lane.^1,66,221,252 They moved to Bluefield, WV.^52,221 Her last residence was in Tazewell Co, VA.¹⁹³ Her delayed birth certificate was recorded in Alleghany Co in 1952 (Bk 8, p44).⁶⁵

[(1920 Alleg, Cherry Ln #12, p5A, #76/77)²¹²] [b^{65,152,193,221,252}, d^193,221]

3. Troy was born in Alleghany Co where his delayed birth certificate was issued on 12/20/1955 (Bk D9, p32).⁶⁵ He married Cindy Warren on 8/28/1926 in Alleghany Co.^66,221,442 He served in WWI.¹ He owned a large section of land between the Parkway and the top of the mountain. He lived in the two-story white house which was handed down from his father. With the use of a generator, he was one of the first in the area to have electricity.⁵²

On 8/15/1931, Troy Brooks and John (Doss) Spicer were charged in Wilkes Co with housebreaking, and larcency and receiving. The case was continued until 3/19/1932 when the prosecution decided not to drop the case.³⁷³ Ref 373 (Vol 26, p296; Vol 27, p22,59)

On 4/1/1938, Troy and his mother were in Alleghany Co Superior Court asking for compensation for the land that was taken from them in the construction of the “Scenic Highway”, known as the Blue Ridge Parkway. The case states that they own a 56 acre tract on Little Glade Creek. Also, the 25 acres that were taken contained an orchard of 72 trees. The new Parkway now separates some grazing land from water. They asked for $4,000 in damages. A team of three were appointed to appraise the land, and on 7/19/1938, their recommendation was for a compensation of $1,000.¹⁷¹

On 5/5/1938, The Alleghany Times listed him as part of a Superior Court Grand Jury which convened three days earlier.²⁴⁴ On 8/28/1941, the Alleghany Star-Times mentioned that a baptizing in the Cherry Lane area would take place “near Troy Brooks’”.²⁴⁴

They are buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,221 He lived in Glade Valley, Alleghany Co at the time of his death.¹⁹³

[b^{48,65,152,193,221,252}, d^48,193,221] Ref 244 (5/5/1938, p1), (8/28/1941, p3).

4. Andy served in WWI. He first married Carrie Williams on 3/26/1923 in Alleghany Co in Sparta.^53,66,244 In Wilkes Co Superior Court on 3/8/1934 he and brother Ransom Brooks were charged with housebreaking and larceny. The case was continued on 3/14/1935, and its resolution is not yet known.³⁷³

He was granted a divorce from Carrie on 9/25/1934 in Alleghany Superior Court (Minute Docket Bk H, p346-7).^171,244 According to his complaint, they had been separated since February 1929.¹⁷¹

He married his second wife Mae Higgins on 1/1/1936 in Sparta, Alleghany Co.^1,66,221 He is mentioned in The Alleghany Times on 5/12/1938 regarding cases being held in Superior Court: “In matter of Edwin Duncan, guardian of Nonna Williams, an order was issued to Duncan to purchase A. A. Brooks land for minor heir.”²⁴⁴

On 4/3/1965, on p1, The Daily Times-News of Burlington had a story titled “Moonshine Ring Is Indicted”. Four people were indicted by a federal grand jury for shipping Wilkes Co moonshine to Michigan industrial cities. They were Frank Hutchinson (45, Traphill), James Clifton Sidden (30, Traphill), William Lynn Joines (42, Traphill), and Alexander Andrew Brooks (60, Sparta). The story was also covered by The Holland, Michigan, Evening Sentinel on 3/29/1865, p9; and also by the Mansfield, Ohio, News Journal on 3/28/1965, p2a.⁴³⁰

He died in Alleghany Co and is buried with his second wife at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,221 His delayed birth certificate was recorded in Alleghany Co in 1951.⁶⁵

[b^{48,65,152,221,252}, d^48,221] Ref 244 (5/12/1938, p8), (5/9/1940, p6), (5/23/1940, p2); Ref 373 (Vol 28, p128,457).

5. Ella married John Gentry in 1926 according to the 1930 census.^1,212 They moved to Statesville, Iredell Co, NC,⁵² when he was a deliveryman for an ice factory.²¹² She died at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Forsyth Co, NC.¹³¹ She was buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.¹³¹

[(1930 Iredell, Statesville #7, p21B, #452/458)²¹²] [b^131,152,252, d¹³¹]

6. Ransom married Edith Blackburn on 2/15/1928 in Alleghany Co at the home of the Justice of the Peace in Cherry Lane.^66,221 He died of pneumonia⁵² in Alleghany Co and is buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,221 His death certificate was not found in Alleghany Co.⁶⁴

It has been said that Ransom’s Model ‘A’ Ford had a hidden tank for storing liquor. He would meet someone out on the road and sell them the illegal liquor while dressed as a member of the clergy. He would wait a few minutes after the customer left before changing into his sheriff’s uniform. He would then chase after them and retake the liquor, keeping the money and the liquor for himself.²⁵²

As stated in The Alleghany Times, on 1/24/1934, Ransom was arrested in Sparta as the ringleader of a gang who had been committing various crimes for several months. He spent over three months in the Forsyth Co, NC, jail in Winston-Salem under a $10,000 bond. The Daily Times-News of Burlington had a story on p3 on 2/17/1934 with a datline of the day before in Winston-Salem which stated that Ransom Brooks (39) and Odell Holbrook (18) were being held “on charges of highway robbery in connection with holding up of motorists” in Alleghany Co.^430,446

Ransom’s case was heard in Alleghany County Superior Court on 5/10/1934. He pleaded guilty to all charges against him including highway robbery with firearms, two charges of impersonating an officer, and one of assault. He was sentenced to serve from six to eight years in the state penitentiary. His actions caused him to be known as the “Bull of Bullhead Mountain”.²⁴⁴

In the midst of his Alleghany Co case, charges were also filed in neighboring Wilkes Co. In Superior Court on 3/8/1934 he and brother Andy Brooks were charged with housebreaking and larceny. The case was continued on 3/14/1935, and its resolution is not yet known.³⁷³

On 5/9/1934 the charges against him were recorded in Alleghany court records (Minute Docket Bk H, p299,300,303,328). He was charged with: larceny and receiving; highway robbery with firearms; carrying a concealed weapon; attempt to rob; and representing an officer. To all charges, he pleaded guilty. The minutes state, “It is the judgment of the court that the defendant Ransom Brooks, in this case be imprisoned, at hard labor in the State prison at Raleigh for a term of not less than six nor more than nine years.”¹⁷¹

His prison admittance is recorded on the next to last page of the NC State Prison Descriptive Register, Vol 13. He was prisoner #29415 admitted on 5/12/1934, but his 6 to 9 year sentence had begun five days earlier. The offense was listed as “Robbery with FA”, or robbery with a firearm. Other information shows that he was born, resided, and was tried in Alleghany Co. He was 30 years old, married, and a mechanic. He was 6’-3/4” tall and 171 pounds with blue eyes, black hair, and a fair complexion.³⁶⁹

He was released from Central Prison on 7/29/1939 after five years and two months.³⁷⁴ However, his name is again found in the Alleghany Times-Star on 8/1/1940. Law enforcement officers raided “quite a large distillery” near Cherry Lane on 7/22/1940 and apprehended Ransom Brooks and Ed McCann. A hearing was held on 7/29/1940 at which time Brooks was discharged. McCann was ordered to appear at the November court in Wilkesboro.²⁴⁴

[b^48,221, d^48,221]

Ref 244: (2/22/1934, p1,4), (3/8/1934, p1,4), (3/15/1934, p1), (4/26/1934, p1), (5/3/1934, p1), (5/10/1934, p1), (5/17/1934, p1,4), (8/1/1940, p1); Ref 373 (Vol 28, p128,457).

On 2/1/1896, J. A. Brooks and his wife M. A. sold 40 acres to Robert Holcomb for $50. The land was in Glade Creek Township, adjacent to Charlie Edwards and others. (Alleghany DB M, p508‑10).⁶⁷

On 11/13/1897, J. A. Brooks and wife M. A. sold 68 acres on the headwaters of Mill Creek to A. J. Todd for $215. The land was adjacent to Abraham Evans. (Alleghany DB L, p333‑4).⁶⁷

On 12/5/1908, J. A. Brooks and his wife M. A. sold 42 acres to M. L. Gentry for $210. The land was on Little Glade Creek, adjacent to A. A. Woodruff and Hugh Crouse. (Alleghany DB 29, p1).⁶⁷

On 5/13/1940, a case was brought before the Wilkes Co Superior Court against “Mrs. J. A. Brooks” for unpaid taxes in Traphill Township for 1937. It was noted that the taxes had been paid and the charge was dropped.³⁷³ It is possible that this refers to someone else. Ref 373 (Vol 31, p589).

C-1-3 Hardin Brooks (5). John A. Brooks was the son of Hardin Brooks and Cassia Sparks (C-18-1). They had the following children.^1,228

1. D. Robert Brooks 10/30/1845 - 11/28/1929

2. Nancy C. Brooks 1848

3. Sarah Emaline Brooks 1851 - 1924

4. William Matthew Brooks 3/ 8/1854 – 11/16/1939

5. Clarissa Elizabeth Brooks 7/ 5/1856 - 1923

6. *John A. Brooks 6/ 6/1858 - 7/26/1926

7. Calton B. Brooks 1860

8. James H. Brooks 1862

9. Martha A. Brooks 1/ /1866 - 1934

10. Rufus Monroe Brooks 4/24/1871 – 6/30/1926

They are listed in the 1850 Wilkes Co, NC, census in house #952/952 as follows: Harden Brooks (26, farmer), Cassey (19), Robert (4), and Nancy (2). Their real estate was valued at $150.^113,279

They are listed in the 1860 Surry Co, NC, census in Nixon District, Jadesville PO, p64, house #491/491: Hardin Brooks (36, farmer), Cassy (28, cannot read or write), D. R. (14, male), N. C. (12, female), S. E. (9, female), Wm. (7, male), C. E. (3, female), and John (1, male). Their real estate was worth $100, and their personal property was valued at $151.²¹²

They are listed in the 1870 Alleghany Co, NC, census, Cherry Lane Township, house #30/30: Hardin Brooks (45, farmer), Cassa (40), Sarah (18, at school), William (17, at school), Clarisa (15), John (13), Calton (11), James (9), and Martha (6). Cassia, Clarissa, John, and Calton could not read and write. Their real estate was valued at $200, while their personal estate was valued at $187.¹¹³

They are listed in the 1880 Alleghany Co census, Cherry Lane Township, house #72/78: Hardin Brooks (56, farmer), Cassia (42), John A. (21), Jas. H. (16), Martha A. (14), and Rufus M. (7).¹¹³

They are listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co census, Cherry Lane Township, District 1, #89/91, on page 5B: Hardin Brooks (75, farmer, born 6/1824 TN) and Cassay (72, wife, born 1828 NC). They had been married 56 years, with all 10 of their children still living.^152,212

1. Robert stated that he enlisted in Co F, 37^th Batallion, VA Cavalry on 5/1/1864 in his pension request dated 7/7/1913 when he was 67 years old. He was ¾ unable to do manual labor. His request was denied, apparently because he served for the state of VA. He again applied on 7/4/1914 on the grounds that he suffered from “chronic Brights disease” and heart problems. The words “disapproved, VA” are marked out, and “OK” is written to indicate that the request was approved. A letter dated 1/16/1915 from the Commonwealth of Virginia states that records show his enlistment in the Cavalry on 6/20/1864 and that he was present on 12/29/1864.³⁶⁷

He first married Sarah Ann Royall about 1867 according to the 1900 and 1910 censuses.^1,212 He married his second wife (niece of his first wife) Sarah Jane Sanders on 8/19/1916 in Sparta, Alleghany Co at her home in Gap Civil.⁶⁶ “They lived in Alleghany Co, NC, near where the Cable Car Road intersects the Dewitt Road near the Blue Ridge Parkway.”¹ He was a farmer.⁶⁴ He died in Alleghany Co and was buried near his home (Bk ?, p283).^64,228

On 5/24/1930, his widow applied for his pension. Her request was denied due to her age; she was only 58 years old.³⁶⁶

[(1870 Alleg, Cherry Ln, p5, #31)²¹²; (1880 Alleg, Cherry Ln, p8, #73/79)²¹²; (1900 Alleg, Ch Ln, Dist 1, p5B, #92/94)²¹²; (1910 Alleg, Gap Civil #12, p7A, #56)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Gap Civil East, p10B, #173/177)²¹²] [b^1,64,212, d^1,64,366]

2. Nancy [b¹]

3. Sarah married James Thomas Snow in Alleghany Co on 9/19/1870.^66,174,228 They lived in Alleghany Co, NC, and Grayson Co, VA, before settling in Surry Co, NC, south of Dobson, near the Copeland community.¹⁷⁴ She is buried at Liberty Prim Bap Ch.¹⁷⁴

[(1880 Surry, Bryan #172, p39A, #5)²¹²; (1900 Grayson VA, Elk Creek 40, p19A, #351/354)²¹²; (1920 Surry, Dobson 248, p4B, #70/72)²¹²] [b^1,174, d¹⁷⁴]

4. William married Charity Lucinda Harris Royal in Alleghany Co on 2/20/1873.^1,66,228 They moved to Brownstown, Jackson Co, IN, and are buried in Butlerville Cem.²²⁸

[(1900 Alleg, Ch Ln, Dist 1, p5A, #83/85)²¹²; (1910 Jennings IN, Campbell 101, p10A, #176/178)²¹²; (1920 Jennings IN, Campbell, p8B, #189/192)²¹²] [b^1,228, d²²⁸]

5. Clarissa married Charlie Ingle Nichols at her father’s home in Alleghany Co on 3/5/1876.^66,295

[(1900 Alleghany)²⁹⁵] [b^1,295, d²⁹⁵]

6. John’s middle name may be Alexander.²⁵² He was certified to teach third grade in Alleghany Co on 10/12/1883. His teaching certificate shows his scores in eight subjects ranging from a 74 in NC History to an 85 in Reading.²⁵² He married Meadie Ann Edwards on 10/11/1885 in Alleghany Co according to notes kept in a family Bible.²⁵² He died of “chronic nephritis and pillagra due to old age”.⁶⁴ They are buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch where he served as Elder.^48,221,252 [b^{48,64,152,221}, d^48,64,221]

7. Calton moved to Surry Co before 1880 when he is living with his wife and son.²¹² He married Ardelle about 1879.²¹² No Alleghany Co marriage record has been found for him.⁶⁶ “Ardillia” is listed as a widow, living with her son’s family in 1920.²¹²

[(1880 Surry, Bryan #172, p39A, #2)²¹²; (1920 Surry, Franklin 252, p4B, #25/26)²¹²] [b^1,113,252]

8. James married Mary Brooks on 12/24/1882 in Alleghany Co in Cherry Lane.^1,66,228 [b^113,252]

9. Martha first married William Lewis Royall on 8/2/1883 in Alleghany Co²²⁸, however, I could not find the marriage certificate.⁶⁶ They moved to Fowlerton, Grant Co, IN, about 1899.^212,228 She married her second husband James H. Ford in the 1910s.^1,212,228

[(1900 Grant IN, Liberty 38, p5B, #120/124)²¹²; (1910 Grant IN, Fairmount 60, p3B, #70/71)²¹²; (1920 Blackford IN, Washington 14, p3A, #53/54)²¹²; (1930 Madison IN, Van Buren 62, p1A, #15)²¹²] [b¹]

10. Rufus married Theresa Annie Tilly on 5/3/1892 in Alleghany Co in Cherry Lane.^66,228,305 His grandson writes, “Around 1900 a cotton mill was built on the New River in Grayson County. The company built houses for the workers and the town was named Fries after the founder of the mill. The company sent recruiters throughout the neighboring counties to recruit workers to come and live in the company houses and work in the mill. Rufus and his fmaily moved to Fries for this reason. He became disenchanted and moved back to the farm in NC. My grandmother liked living in Fries where she kept a boarding house. She and Rufus divorced and she married a Mr. Brown. This marriage only lasted a short while and ended in divorce. In the mean time Rufus had become very ill (from what I don’t know). My grandmother brought him back to Fries and took care of him until his death.”³⁰⁵

In 1900 he was living with his wife and two daughters.²¹² However, by the 1910 census, he was listed alone, having been divorced.²¹²

[(1900 Allegh, Ch Ln, Dist 1, p5B, #88/90)²¹²; (1910 Alleg, Ch Ln, p9A, #163/165)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Ch Ln 12, p9A, #153/154)²¹²] [b^1,212,305, d³⁰⁵]

On 4/4/1856, a state grant (#5809) was issued to Hardin Brooks for 75 acres at a cost of 12.5 cents per acre. The land was located in Wilkes Co on the waters of Roaring River, adjacent to land owned by William Woodruff. (Alleghany DB G/7, p83).⁶⁷

C-1-4 Stokes H. Brooks (6). Hardin Brooks was the son of Stokes H. Brooks and Clarissa H. Reynolds (C-2-1). They had the following children.^1,54,164,228 Ref 13, p113; Ref 164, p113-7.

1. Larkin C. Brooks 11/ 2/1822 - 6/25/1904

2. *Hardin Brooks 6/ 1/1824 - 1903

3. William E. Brooks 8/13/1826 - 1/ 5/1901

4. Matthew Brooks 5/ 5/1828 - 8/ /1864

5. Permelia (Amelia) Brooks 5/14/1830 - 8/28/1914

6. Mary (Polly) Brooks 5/24/1832 - 9/ 8/1893

7. Elbert Brooks 12/ 4/1834 - 6/ 4/1847

8. Robert Pinckney Brooks 9/21/1836 - 5/12/1862

9. Jesse F. Brooks 8/11/1842 - 4/21/1862

10. John N. Brooks 10/15/1844 – 12/29/1921

The 1830 Wilkes Co census lists the family of Stokes H. Brooks with two males (under 5), two males (5-10), one male (20-30), one female (under 5), and one female (20-30).²⁷⁷

The household of Stokes H. Brooks is listed in the 1839 Wilkes Co, NC, agricultural census. In that year he had/produced 2 horses, 6 cattle, 7 sheep, 11 swine, $5 poultry, 8 bushels of wheat, 80 bushels of oats, 8 bushels of rye, 150 bushels of corn, 8 pounds of wool, 5 pounds of wax, 20 bushels of potatoes, 1 ton of hay, an orchard worth $5, and homemade goods worth $75.¹⁷⁹

The 1840 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Stokes H. Brooks in Capt. Wellborn’s District, Wilkesboro, with two males (under 5), two males (10-15), two males (15-20), one male (30-40), two females (5-10), and one female (30-40).^113,179,278

The 1850 Wilkes Co census includes this family in house #946 and #947: Stokes Brooks (48, farmer, born VA), Clara (49), Nathan (21), Permelia (18), Mary (17), Robert (13), Jesse (8), and John (6). Their real estate was valued at $300.²⁷⁹ While the handwriting looks like “Nathan”, it surely refers to Matthew.

The 1860 Wilkes Co census includes this family in house #95, Haymeadow Township: Stokes Brooks (58, farmer, born VA), Clarissa H. (59), Robert P. (23), Jessy F. (17, school), John N. (15, school), Amelia Adams (30), and Clarissa Adams (4). Their real estate was valued at $500, while their personal estate was valued at $1000.^113,280

The 1870 Wilkes Co census lists them Walnut Grove Township in house #29/29: Stokes H. (68, farmer), Clarisa H. (69), Amelia Adams (40, spinster), John N. Brooks (25), Susannah (22), John C. (9, black), Milly A. (7, black), Martha E. (11 months, black). Their real estate was valued at $300, while their pesonal estate was valued at $368.^113,242 Susannah may be John N. Brooks’ wife.

1. Larkin married Mary Brown on 11/16/1843.¹⁶⁴ He served as a sergeant for the Union in Co H, 10^th TN Cav during the Civil War.^{1,48,54,61,165} He served from 11/8/1863 to 8/1/1865, and was the only immediate family member not to join the Confederacy.^61,165 He was listed as a miller in the 1880 census.²⁸¹ They are buried at Garden Creek Cem.^48,54,164 His will was written on 5/16/1904 (Wilkes WB 7, p219).¹⁶⁴

[(1850 Wi, #949)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, State Rd, #864)^113,280; (1870 Wi, Traphill, #68)²⁴²; (1880 Wi, Traphill, p31, #214/217)²⁸¹] [b^1,54,164, d⁷⁹]

2. Hardin married Cassia Sparks in 1844 and lived in Alleghany Co, NC.^1,164,212 About 1/11/1896 he was a three-day witness in an Alleghany court case against M. V. B. Norman.³⁷⁰ They are buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,164 [b^{1,48,54,152,164,252}, d^1,48]

3. Will married Rebecca E. Brown.^1,164,429 They first lived on Garden Creek, and later on Widow's Creek, both near Stone Mountain.¹⁶⁴ In 1900 he is a widow, living with his son’s family.²⁸² They are buried at Garden Creek Cem.⁴⁸

[(1850 Wi, #950)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Traphill, #381)²⁸⁰; (1870 Wi, Traphill, #132)²⁴²; (1880 Wi, Traphill, p36, #305/308)²⁸¹] [b^{1,48,54,164,282}, d^1,48,164]

4. Matthew married Abigail Jane Stutz and they lived next to his parents.^1,54 He died in the Civil War.^54,164 [(1860 Wi, Hay Meadow, #96)²⁸⁰] [b^1,54,164, d^1,54]

5. Amelia married William Harrison Adams on 5/29/1852.^1,13,164 They divorced in 1860.¹³ She is living with her daughter’s family in 1880.²⁸¹ She is living with her brother John, managing the Wilkes Co Poor House in 1900.²⁸² She died in Wilkes Co and was buried at Baptist Home Ch according to her death certificate (Wi Bk A, p204).⁶⁴

[(1880 Wi, Wilkesboro, p127, #74/74)²⁸¹; (1900 Wi, N. Wilkesboro, p161A, #168)²⁸²] [b^1,64,164,286, d^64,164,286]

6. Polly married A. Jack Rose in 1851, and they lived in Ashe Co, NC.^1,54,164,228

[(1860 Wi, Traphill, #383)²⁸⁰] [b^1,54,164,228, d²²⁸]

7. Elbert [b¹, d¹]

8. Robert was killed in the Civil War.^1,13,164 [b^1,13,54,164, d^1,13,54]

9. Jesse was killed in the Civil War.^1,13,164 [b^1,54,164, d^1,54]

10. John married Susannah Jennings on 12/27/1866.^1,13,282,366 They are buried at Baptist Home Ch according to his death certificate (Wi Bk 7, p177).⁶⁴

He survived the Civil War and became a Baptist minister.^54,164 He later managed the Wilkes Co Poor House for 16 years.^54,164 In 1900 he, his wife, 3 daughters, 2 sons, and sister Permelia are listed in the census in the town of North Wilkesboro. In the same ‘household’ are 19 inmates and one hired hand. While the term ‘inmate’ makes it sound as if they were prisoners, this must be the Poor House since many inhabitants are elderly and four of them are children.²⁸²

On 7/7/1919, at the age of 75, he applied for his Civil War pension stating that he enlisted in Co F, 52^nd NC Reg on 11/1/1863. However, the pension was denied because he owned too much property to declare need.³⁶⁶

A year later on 7/5/1920 he tried again stating that while he was camped at Chancellorsville, VA, on 11/20/1863 he “received no wound”. He explains this by stating, “I received no wounds while in the service but I have now become disable to work from old age being 76 years old, and the condition of my small amount of property is such that I do not receive from it enough to support my wife and myself.” An attached letter from the Board of Pensions explains their decision to make an exception in this case. They state that even though his property is worth $1000, it is “of such character that he is unable to make a support from it for himself and wife; that his land was largely rendered unproductive by the flood of July 1916” and that most of his land is not worth cultivating. They state that he and his wife are “old and feeble” and unable to work.

John died in 1921, and on July 3, 1922, his wife, age 74, applied for widow’s pension. The request was approved. On 4/28/1937 she successfully applied to be upgraded from a Class B pensioner to Class A. At the age of 89 she was “totally disabled on account of mental condition; has to have someone with her all the time.”³⁶⁶

[(1900 Wi, NW, p161A, #168)²⁸²] [b^{1,54,64,164,282}, d^13,64,164] Ref 13, p288.

C-1-5 Rebecca Brooks (7). Stokes H. Brooks was the son of Rebecca Brooks. She had the following children.^54,164 Ref 164, p114-5.

1. *Stokes H. Brooks 1/ 6/1802 - 6/12/1886

2. Young Nathan Brooks 3/29/1805 - 4/13/1886

Rebecca never married and her two sons are probably half brothers, named after the last names of their fathers. Both Stokes and Young were born in VA according to the 1860 census.²⁸⁰ Stokes’ daughter’s 1914 death certificate says he was born in Halifax Co, VA.⁶⁴ They lived in Halifax Co, VA, until around 1820, when the three of them moved to Wilkes Co, NC. Young went on to Iredell Co, NC, but eventually returned to Wilkes Co.⁵⁴

1. Stokes married Clarissa H. Reynolds on 1/1/1822.^1,13,164,172 He attended several churches in the area throughout his life¹, and was a Baptist minister for many years.⁵⁴ He helped to organize Woodruff Prim Bap Ch in 1850.⁸

They are each buried in “the Dehart section at Hays, NC, in an unmarked grave.”¹ The cemetery is “on the Dehart Road before you get to the church. There is a deep curve. There is an old house there (2003)…. The old house is where Stokes lived.”³⁹⁰ His obituary says that he joined Brier Creek Bap Ch, was ordained a deacon at Fishing Creek Ch in 1839, and was a member of Dehart Bap Ch at his death.¹⁷² [b^1,164,172, d^1,172] Ref 13, p113,399.

2. Young married Elizabeth Murdock on 3/21/1837 in Iredell Co.^8,164 In 1840 he was listed as a voter in the Wilkes Co census.³⁴¹ He was a “poor plantation manager”. He persistently borrowed money, and by 1842 he was totally in debt. In September 1842, all his property was auctioned to the highest bidder, with the money going to pay his debts. In 1843, he moved to Hunting Creek (probably Iredell Co). On 2/16/1846, he bought a 196 acre plantation on Hunting Creek for $120. However, around 1849 he moved to Wilkes Co, near his brother Stokes. On 12/10/1856, he bought 100 acres on Widow’s Creek, near Stone Mountain, at 5¢ per acre, from the State of NC. On 5/25/1863, Young owned 204 acres of land.⁵⁴ His will was probated in June 1886 (Wilkes Co WB 6, p278).⁷⁹ They are buried in Garden Creek Cem.^1,48

[(1840 Iredell, Cowan’s)²¹²; (1850 Wi, #951)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Traphill, #507)^113,280; (1870 Wi, Traphill, #151)²⁴²; (1880 Wi, Traphill, p36, #308/312)²⁸¹] [b^1,48,164, d^1,48]

According to a letter written in 1972 by Nora W. Gilliam to Orella Chadwick, “Rebecca Brooks was Scotch-Irish and came from Ireland. She first lived near Statesville, NC, and later came to Wilkes Co and lived on Garden Creek. She had two sons Stokes H. Brooks and Young N. Brooks. She was never married. She lived to be 99 years old and was buried at old Roaring River Church.”¹⁶⁴ She appears to be living with son Young in the 1840 census, age (80-90).²¹²

“My Mother's first cousin, Arlie Brooks, told me while he was living that our line of Brooks came from Ireland to PA, but I can't trace it that far -- only to VA. … Uncle Preston Brooks told me that Stokes’ father was a Stokes. He had never heard anything about the father of Young. But there are now Young families in VA and NC.”¹⁶⁴

REYNOLDS

C-2-1 John Ashley Reynolds, Sr. (7). Clarissa H. Reynolds (C-1-4) was the daughter of John Ashley Reynolds, Sr. and Nancy Cleveland (C‑3-1). They had the following thirteen children according to his Bible.¹³ Sources: Ref 13, p398-9; Ref 203, p99.

1. Harden Reynolds 2/ 6/1796 - 9/ 9/1823

2. Alice (Alley) Reynolds 9/ 1/1797 - 8/22/1880

3. Larkin C. Reynolds 8/10/1799 - 1872

4. *Clarissa H. (Clara) Reynolds 10/25/1801 - 1878

5. Nancy Blackburn Reynolds 5/ 3/1803 -

6. Sarah Reynolds 2/16/1805 - 6/ 3/1875

7. John Ashley Reynolds, Jr. 12/ 2/1806 -

8. Mary Reynolds 12/22/1808 - 1880

9. Francis Reynolds 3/ 5/1811 - 1863

10. Jeremiah Reynolds 12/14/1813 -

11. Micah (Mickey) Reynolds 9/ 6/1815 - 6/27/1871

12. William Elisha Reynolds 11/17/1817 - 1/ 7/1870

13. Elza B. Reynolds 1/14/1821 - 3/ /1895

They lived “on the north side of the Yadkin River at the mouth of Mulberry Creek”¹³ in Wilkes Co, NC. This is the Rock Creek area, four miles below what is now North Wilkesboro.²⁰³ John was a farmer and a slave owner.¹³

The 1796 tax list for Wilkes Co includes John Reynolds in Hickerson’s District with no land and one poll.¹⁵⁸ He is listed in the same district in 1797 with one poll and 100 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1799 he is listed in the same district with one poll and no land.¹⁵⁸

The 1800 Wilkes Co census includes the family of John Reynolds with two males (under 10), one male (26-45), one female (under 10), and one female (16-26).²⁷⁴

The 1810 Wilkes Co census includes the family of John Reynolds with one male (under 10), two males (10-16), one male (26-45), four females (under 10), one female (10-16), one female (26-45), and two slaves.²⁷⁵

The 1820 Wilkes Co census includes the family of John Reynolds with three males (under 10), one male (10-16), one male (over 45), three females (under 10), one female (10-16), one female (16-26), one female (26-45), and three slaves.²⁷⁶

The 1830 Wilkes Co census includes the family of John Reynolds with one male (5-10), two males (10-15), one male (15-20), one male (20-30), one male (50-60), two females (10-15), one female (50-60), and nine slaves.²⁷⁷

The household of John Reynolds, Sr. is listed in the 1839 Wilkes Co agricultural census. In that year, he had/produced 3 horses, 15 cattle, 15 sheep, 40 swine, $5 of poultry, 40 bushels of wheat, 30 bushels of rye, 500 bushels of corn, 30 pounds of wool, 10 pounds of wax, 10 bushels of potatoes, 100 pounds of tobacco, and 150 bales of cotton.¹⁷⁹ He was certainly one of the wealthier landowners in the area.

The 1840 Wilkes Co census includes the family of John Reynolds, Sr., in Capt. Wellborn’s District, Wilkesboro, with one male (age 15-20), one male (20-30), one male (60-70), and one female (60-70). He had nine slaves: two males (0-9), two males (10-23), one male (35-54), one female (0-9), two females (10‑23), and one female (35-54).^113,179,278

The 1850 Wilkes Co census lists them in house #446/446 as follows: John Reynolds (76, farmer), Elizabeth (52), Elza (28), Susan (27), and David Brooks (13). Their real estate was valued at $2,125.¹¹³ Elizabeth Brooks was John’s second wife. Susannah Jennings was Elza’s wife.

1. Harden married Elizabeth Talbot in Washington, Wilkes Co, GA, on 1/9/1822.^13,302 He died in Wilkes Co, GA.¹³ [b^13,111,203, d^13,203]

2. Alley married Jacob Hutchinson on 12/12/1815.^13,203 She was living with two granddaughters in 1880.²⁸¹ She died in Wilkes Co.²⁰³

[(1850 Wi, #1160)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Wilkesboro, #513)²⁸⁰; (1870 Wi, Walnut Grove, #68)²⁴²; (1880 Walnut Grove, p58, #153)²⁸¹] [b^1,13,111,203, d^1,13,203]

3. Larkin moved to Greenville Co, SC.^13,212,434 His wife Elizabeth was ten years older, and they were both still living in 1860.²¹² In 1867, a will refers to “L. C. Reynolds, magistrate of Greenville District”.⁴³⁴ He died in Greenville Co, SC.²⁰³

[(1830 Greenville, SC, p328)²¹²; (1840 Greenville)²¹²; (1850 Greenville, #200)²¹²; (1860 Greenville, Oil Camp, p176, #1358/1231)²¹²] [b^13,203, d²⁰³]

4. Clara married Stokes H. Brooks on 1/1/1822 and they are buried in Hays, NC.^1,203 [b^1,13,111,203, d¹]

5. Nancy married David Cauthren and moved to Cherokee, AL.^13,203

[(1850 Cherokee AL, Dist 27, #843)²¹²] [b^13,111,203]

6. Sarah married Absalom Eller on 1/3/1824.^13,203 They lived on Parlears Creek.¹³

[(1850 Wi, #1901)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Red. River, #825)²⁸⁰; (1870 Wi, Lewis Fork, #75)²⁴²] [b^13,203, d^13,203] Ref 13, p187.

7. John Ashley, Jr. left Wilkes Co.^13,203 [b^13,111,203]

8. Mary first married Jeffrey Johnson on 6/11/1828 and second Joshua Waites.^13,203 She died in Phelps, MO.^13,203 [b¹³, d²⁰³]

9. Francis never married and died in Sullivan Co, IN.^13,203 [b^13,111,203, d^13,203]

10. Jeremiah died in Hardiman Co, TN.^13,203 If his family is the one found in McNairy Co, TN, in 1850, then his wife’s name was Dury.²¹²

[(1850 McNairy TN, Dist 4, #998)²¹²] [b^13,111,203]

11. Mickey married Owen Hall, Sr. of Traphill.^13,203 They are buried at Roaring River Bap Ch.^48,132

[(1850 Wi, #497)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Traphill, #490)²⁸⁰; (1870 Wi, Walnut Grove, #116)²⁴²] [b^13,111,203, d^13,203]

12. William married Susannah Adams on 1/11/1849 (or 1/7/1849)²⁰³.¹³ He was a farmer and county surveyor. He joined Zion Prim Bap Ch in August 1864. They are buried in unmarked graves on their homeplace in the Haymeadow Township, Wilkes Co.¹³

[(1850 Wi, #391)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Haymeadow, #72)²⁸⁰] [b^13,111, d¹³]

13. Elza married in April 1843 (and later divorced) Susannah Jennings.^13,203 In 1860, he is living with Tempy Estep (age 35).²⁸⁰ In 1870, her last name is listed as Reynolds²⁴², apparently by mistake. In 1870, he is listed as blind with no occupation.²⁴² In 1880, her name is again Tempy Estep, listed as single and head of the household.²⁸¹ He was listed as divorced and blind.²⁸¹

[(1850 Wi, #446)²⁷⁹; (1860 Wi, Wilkesboro, #574)²⁸⁰; (1870 Wi, Traphill, #77)²⁴²] [b^13,111,203, d^13,203]

The will of John Reynolds, Sr. was written on 7/24/1858. He mentioned two small tracts of land on Rock Creek. He asked that his two servants (husband and wife) be sold together to his children. He also asks that the $2000 bond given to him by his sons L. C. and Wm. E. be collected by them and paid out to his heirs. He mentioned his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Nancy B. and her husband David Cauthren, and daughter Micky and her husband Owen Hall. The will was proven in January 1860. (Wilkes Co WB 5, p248).⁷⁹

C-2-2 John Francis Reynolds (8). John Ashley Reynolds, Sr. was the son of John Francis Reynolds and Anne Blackburn (C‑4-7). They had the following children.¹³ Sources: Ref 13, p398-9.

1. Hannah Reynolds

2. *John Ashley Reynolds, Sr. 1774 - 11/20/1859

3. Ann Reynolds 1775 - 1827

4. Lois Elizabeth Reynolds 1777 -

5. Nancy Reynolds

6. William Elisha Reynolds 1778 -

7. Jenkins Reynolds

8. Mary Reynolds

9. Sarah Evoline Reynolds

10. Silas Reynolds 2/13/1784 - 1850

11. Martha Reynolds 1785 -

12. Elzy Baker Reynolds 4/ 4/1792 - 8/26/1863

They lived in Wilkes Co, NC. “Francis Reynolds was a planter and large land owner”. “His wife and some of his children are listed as members of Brier Creek Bap Ch in 1790.” He was listed as a member of Old Roaring River Bap Ch in the minutes dated 3/10/1792.^13,203 Ref 203, p91.

The 1771 tax list for Surry Co, NC, includes Francis Runnalds with one poll. The 1774 Surry Co tax list includes Francis Runnals listed with three polls (himself, William Jones, and negro Sal). The 1775 Surry Co tax list includes Francis Reynolds listed with three polls (himself, William Jones, and negro Sarah).²⁰³ Ref 203, p89.

The 1782 tax list for Wilkes Co in Capt. Natha. Gordon's District includes Francis Rinnolds with 1140 acres of land, 3 negroes, 12 mules and horses, and 23 cattle.¹⁵⁸

The 1784 tax list for Wilkes Co includes Francis Reynolds with five polls and 1290 acres of land.¹⁵⁸ The same list for 1785 is similar, listing Francis Reynolds with five polls and 1141½ acres of land.¹⁵⁸ The 1786 list for N. Gordon's Dist. includes Francis Reynolds with five polls and 1141 acres of land.¹⁵⁸ The 1788 Wilkes Co tax list for N. Gordon's Dist. includes Francis Reynolds with six polls and 791½ acres and an additional 750 acres of western land on the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.¹⁵⁸ He was included in the same district in 1789 with an unreadable number of polls, 840 acres of land, and 250 acres of western land.¹⁵⁸

The 1787 Wilkes Co census lists the family of Francis Reynolds in Gordon’s District with one male (21-60), four males (under 21, over 60), seven females, three blacks (12-50), and three blacks (under 12, over 50).²⁷²

The 1790 Wilkes Co census lists the family of Frank Reynolds in the Second Company, with four males (over 16), three males (under 16), seven females, and six slaves.^133,273

The 1791 tax list for Wilkes Co for N. Gordon’s District includes Francis Reynolds with five polls and 940 acres of land.¹⁵⁸ In 1792 he again has five polls, but only 740 acres.¹⁵⁸ He is listed in the same district in 1793, but no information is given for him.¹⁵⁸ In 1794, he is in Hickerson’s District with four polls and 1250 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1795, in the same district, he is listed with four polls and 1340 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1796 Wilkes Co tax list for Hickerson’s District includes Francis Reynolds with five polls and 1500 acres.¹⁵⁸ The 1797 tax list for the same district lists him with no white polls, four black polls, and 1240 acres of land.¹⁵⁸ The 1799 list for the same district includes him with four polls and ??50 acres of land.¹⁵⁸

The 1800 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Francis Reynolds with one male (under 10), one male (16-26), one male (26-45), one male (over 45), two females (10-16), one female (16-26), one female (over 45), and two slaves.²⁷⁴

The 1810 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Anne Reynolds with one male (16-26), one female (over 45), and nine slaves.²⁷⁵

1. Hannah married Reuben Parks, Esq. on 11/11/1788.^13,203 Ref 203, p94,98.

2. John Ashley, Sr. first married Nancy Cleveland about 1795 and second Elizabeth Brooks on 10/15/1846.^13,203 He died “of heart dropsy after an illness of thirty days. He is buried in an unmarked grave on his homeplace where Mulberry Creek enters the Yadkin River.”^13,203,280 [b^13,111, d^13,280]

3. Ann married James Patton in 1794. They moved to Buncombe Co, NC, near Asheville and became prominent citizens.^13,203 [b^13,203, d²⁰³] Ref 203, p94.

4. Lois married Isaac H. Robinette on 7/5/1799 and moved to MS.^13,203 [b¹³] Ref 203, p94.

5. Nancy married Samuel Sale on 3/1/1813.^13,203 Ref 203, p94.

6. Elisha married Elizabeth Greer on 2/8/1802 (or 2/8/1800)^203,397, and they moved to Warren Co, TN, in the 1810s.^13,203,397 He is listed in the 1812 Warren Co tax list.^396,397 He appears to be a widower in 1850, age 72.²¹² He died in the 1860s.²¹²

[(1810 Wilkes NC)²¹²; (1820 Warren TN, p290)²¹²; (1830 Warren TN, p348)²¹²; (1840 Warren TN, Lusk’s Dist)²¹²; (1850 Warren TN, Dist 8, p195, #1334)²¹²; (1860 Warren TN, McMinnville PO, p36, #273)²¹²] [b²¹²] Ref 203, p98.

7. Jenkins first married Mary Vannoy on 5/22/1802 and second Margaret Greer on 11/5/1804.^13,203,397 He moved to Warren Co, TN, about 1807.^13,203,397 “Jenkin Reynolds” is mentioned in an 1826 Warren Co deed. He may have left Warren Co,³⁹⁷ however, a TN land grant dated 9/15/1828 refers to “the heirs of Jenkin Reynolds”. Ref 203, p94,98.

8. Mary married John McCord on 3/12/1804 and left Wilkes Co.^13,203 Ref 203, p94.

9. Sarah married George Tomlinson and moved to Buncombe Co, NC.^13,203 Ref 203, p98.

10. Silas first married Parmelia Bartlett on 3/27/1817 and second Nancy Bartlett on 9/11/1827.¹³ There was also a “Silas Reynolds” who married a 46 year old, two-time widow Elizabeth Pritchett Moore Johnson in Coweta Co, GA, on 6/7/1841.³⁹⁵ This Silas is thought to have died before the 1860 census, suggesting that he could be the same person.³⁹⁵ In 1827 Silas was elected tax collector for Coweta Co, GA.³⁹⁴ He died in Coweta Co.^13,203,394 [b^13,394, d³⁹⁴] Ref 203, p94.

11. Martha married James Galbraith.^13,203 A Martha Gilreath is listed in the 1850 Wilkes Co census presumably living with her son’s family.²⁷⁹

[(1850 Wi, #344)²⁷⁹] [b²⁷⁹] Ref 203, p98.

12. Elzy moved with his mother to Wilkes Co, GA, by 1813.²⁰³ He first married Susan P. Welborn on 9/13/1824 (or 10/29/1820)²⁰³ in Wilkes Co, GA.¹³ He married his second wife Rowena Catherine Evans in Dekalb Co, GA, in 1827.²⁰³ He died in Dekalb Co, GA, and is buried in the Decatur City Cem which is located about five miles east of downtown Atlanta.^13,203

According to his headstone he enlisted in the War of 1812 in Buncombe Co, NC, served as Clerk of the Inferior Court of Dekalb Co from 1832 to 1846, and was second postmaster of Marthasville.²⁰³ In 1850 he was listed as an agent of W&A Railroad.²¹² In 1860, at the age of 88, he appears to be running a profitable boarding house where the 30 residents include a doctor, an auctioneer, a jeweller, and a printer.²¹²

[(1850 Dekalb GA, Atlanta, p222, #366/368)²¹²; (1860 Fulton GA, Atlanta Ward 5, p151, #1014/1094)²¹²] [b^13,203,212, d^13,203] Ref 203, p94,98.

The will of Francis Reynolds was proven in October 1803. Being “weak in body”, he gave his wife Anne two negro men and one negro woman. He also left her two tracts of land “where I now live for her until my son Silas comes of lawful age or marries”. He mentions the lower tract of land near where his son John lives. He leaves the upper tract to his wife until their son Elzy Baker Reynolds arrives at full age. At that time, his wife and son Elzy should divide the land.

He also leaves his wife a tract of 120 acres which he purchased from his brother Elisha Reynolds. He mentions his two work horses called Rock and Dick, and a breeding mare called Fancy. He leaves all livestock and other items to his wife until she dies. At that time, it should all go to his five children: Mary, Sary, Patsy, Silas, and Elzy B. Reynolds. To Silas and Elzy he leaves the first tract lying on New River, known as the Cow Camp in Ashe Co, NC. He leaves one female slave to each of his daughters Mary, Sarah, and Patsy (probably same as Martha). Patsy must wait until she is 16 years old. He left his still to his sons John and Silas. He left a horse to Elzy when he reaches 18 years old. Son-in-law Reuben Parks was mentioned. Wife Anne, brother Elisha, and James Willborn were the executors. (Wilkes Co WB 2, p100).⁷⁹

On 4/12/1765, Francis Renelds is mentioned in a deed of 313 acres on the north bank of the Yadkin River below Mill Creek and Mullberry Fields. The land is described as “adjoining Morgan Bryant above Francis Reneld’s Improvement”. (Rowan Co DB 6, p265-6).²⁰³ Ref 203, p89.

In 1769, John Howard, innholder, sold 40 acres to Francis Reynolds. The land was on both sides of the Yadkin River, below Mulberry Creek, adjoining Reynolds’ land. (Rowan Co DB 7, p90-1).²⁰³ Ref 203, p89.

On 2/22/1772, “Francis Runnels maketh oath David Preston is indebted to him, it is ordered Estate of said Preston be attached for enough money to satisfy said Reynolds.” In the February 1773 court, the sheriff returned that he had levied on Sundry Goods not sufficient to satisfy the plaintiff.²⁰³ (Surry Co, NC, Civil Action Papers) Ref 203, p89-90.

On 5/1/1778, land entry grant #86 was to Francis Reonalds for 360 acres on the north side of the Yadkin River near the spring branch on his deeded land at the mouth of Rock Creek. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

On 6/2/1778, land entry grant #153 was to Francis Reynolds for 200 acres on the west side of a branch of Roaring River, below Little Mountain. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

On 7/3/1778, a jury decided that the land claim of John Simson was “unjust and of no validity and that the warrant of survey for the said land ought to issue to Francis Reynols in preference to him.” The land was lying on the north side of the Yadkin River at the mouth of Rock Creek, including the plantation whereon James Reynolds now lives. (Wilkes Co Civil Action Papers).²⁰³ Ref 203, p90.

On 8/5/1779, land entry grant #1108 was to Francis Reynolds for 150 acrews on the waters of Little River including a small improvement made by William Hill. He also received land grant #1109 for 150 acres on the waters of Little River, including Taylor’s Camp.²⁰³ Ref 203, p90.

On 10/8/1779, land entry grant #1238 was to Francis Reynolds for 100 acres on the dividing ridge of mountains between the south and north forks of New River, near Elk Mountain. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

On 1/24/1780, land entry grant #1552 was to Francis Reynolds for 200 acres at Rockey Fork of Mulberry Creek, near the head of Little Fork of Rock Creek. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

On 1/24/1780, land entry grant #1553 was to Francis Reynolds for 100 acres on the south side of Roaring River on Camp Branch. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

In June (probably 1780), land entry grant #1845 was to Francis Reynolds for 350 acres on the north side of the Yadkin River. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

On 3/1/1780, North Carolina granted Francis Reynolds 360 acres on the east side of the Yadkin River, beginning in his yard near his spring branch to the river bank and including an idland to a large hanging rock (entry #121).²⁰³ Ref 203, p91.

C-2-3 John Reynolds (9). John Francis Reynolds was the son of John Reynolds and Sarah Rebecca Jenkins. They had the following children.¹³ Sources: Ref 13, p398.

1. *John Francis Reynolds 1734 - 10/12/1803

2. Eliza Reynolds

3. Sarah Reynolds

4. James Reynolds - 1809

5. William Reynolds

6. Jenkins Reynolds 1753 - 9/ /1779

7. Elisha Reynolds 4/ /1755 - 12/13/1836

8. Charles Reynolds

Before 1734 John Reynolds moved from VA to NC where his children were born. They lived in Bladen Co, NC, on the Yadkin River near Mulberry Creek. This area later became Rowan Co and eventually Wilkes Co.¹³

1. Francis married Anne Blackburn in 1770.¹³ They lived on the Yadkin River in Wilkes Co, NC, where he died.¹³ On 9/30/1779, he stood before one of the Wilkes Co justices “and made oath that he is threatened by John Orare and Daniel his son and that he is afraid that (they) will kill, beat, maim, or wound (him) or some of his family.”²⁰³ Apparently he was safe enough, because his will was recorded 24 years later in Wilkes Co.^13,79 [b¹³, d^13,79] Ref 203, p91.

2. Eliza married a Sidden.¹³

3. Sarah married Joseph Porter, Sr., and they lived in Wilkes Co.¹³

4. James first married Mary Baker and second Mrs. Jane Hickerson Miller on 2/20/1806. He died on Fishing Creek.¹³

[(1787 Wi, Gordon’s)²⁷²; (1790 Wi, Second)²⁷³] [d¹³]

5. William married Martha Cook on 4/4/1781.¹³

6. Jenkins married Martha Sale.¹³ [b¹³, d¹³]

7. Elisha served in the Revolutionary War “with (Ben) Cleveland at King’s Mountain; and shortly after Col. Cleveland’s capture by the Tories early in 1781, he went with Capt. Johnson and others, and broke up the Tory gang who captured him. He was a lieutenant in the latter part of the war, and rendered his country good service.”¹¹ He married Judith Eddins on 8/5/1786, and they lived on Mulberry Creek.¹³ There are two Elisha Reynolds listed in the 1787 Wilkes Co census.²⁷² An account of his estate in March 1838 totaled $382.615 (Wilkes WEB 4, p228).⁷⁹ [b¹³, d¹³]

8. Charles

C-2-4 Robert Reynolds, Jr. (10). John Reynolds is believed to be the son of Robert Reynolds, Jr. and Grace Clark.¹³ They had the following children.⁷¹ Sources: Ref 13, p398.

1. Nicholas Reynolds

2. Mary Reynolds

3. *John Reynolds 10/ 5/1710 - 1756

They lived in Norfolk Co, VA.¹³ More research is needed to substantiate this relationship.

1. Nicholas

2. Mary

3. John was born in Norfolk Co, VA, and married Sarah Rebecca Jenkins.¹³ He died in Rowan Co (now Wilkes Co), NC.¹³ On 4/22/1756, Francis Reynolds was appointed administrator of the estate of John Reynolds, deceased. Edward Hughes and John Harman were bondsmen according to a document found in the Wilkes Estate Records at the NC Archives. While it does not name a county on the form, the area of Wilkes Co was Rowan Co at that time.²⁰³ [b¹³, d¹³] Ref 203, p89.

Grace Clark died in 1711.⁷¹

C-2-5 Robert Reynolds, Sr. (11). Robert Reynolds, Jr. was the son of Robert Reynolds, Sr. and Elizabeth. They had the following children.⁷¹

1. *Robert Reynolds, Jr. 1685 - 1709

2. Susana Reynolds

3. Elizabeth Reynolds

4. Nathaniel Reynolds 1700 -

5. Thomas A. Reynolds

6. William Reynolds

7. John Reynolds

Robert Reynolds, Sr. settled in Fauquier Co, VA. The family later moved to Norfolk Co, VA, and then Surry Co, VA.⁷¹

1. Robert, Jr. was born in Norfolk Co, VA. He married Grace Clark and died in Surry Co, VA.⁷¹ A Robert Reynolds is listed in the 1704 Rent Rolls of Surry Co, VA, with 150 acres of land.⁹⁷ Since his father Robert, Sr., died in 1702, this may be Robert, Jr., even though he would have been only 19 years old.

2. Susana

3. Elizabeth

4. Nathaniel

5. Thomas

6. William

7. John

Elizabeth Reynolds is listed in the 1704 Rent Rolls for Surry Co, VA, with 150 acres of land.⁹⁷ It is possible, that this Elizabeth is the widow of Robert Reynolds, Sr., who died in 1702. There is also an Elizabeth Reynolds in the 1704 Rent Rolls of Isle of Wight Co, VA, listed with 100 acres of land.⁹⁷ These records might refer to a different Elizabeth Reynolds.

C-2-6 Nicholas Reynolds (12). Robert Reynolds, Sr. was the son of Nicholas Reynolds and Alice Gregory. They had the following children.⁷¹

1. *Robert Reynolds, Sr. 1665 - 1702

2. Frances Reynolds

Nicholas Reynolds settled in Surry Co, VA.⁷¹

1. Robert, Sr. married Elizabeth.⁷¹ His will was recorded in Surry Co, VA, on 1/30/1702 when he was about 60 years old.²⁰³

2. Frances

Alice Gregory was the widow of Roger Delk.⁷¹

C-2-7 Richard Reynolds (13). Nicholas Reynolds was the son of Richard Reynolds and Ann Harrison. They had the following children.¹²⁵

1. William Reynolds 1606 -

2. Robert Reynolds 1606 -

3. Edward Reynolds

4. *Nicholas Reynolds

5. John Reynolds 1612 -

6. James Reynolds

7. Gilbert Reynolds

8. Christopher Reynolds

They lived in County Kent, England, before settling in Sussex County, England. They later moved to York Co, VA.^71,125 William and Robert were twins.¹²⁵ There were also several daughters in this family.¹²⁵

1. William married Margaret Exton, and they settled in Chester Co, PA. “He engaged in commerce and trade and made repeated trips to England, and died in England while on one such trip.”¹²⁵ [b¹²⁵]

2. Robert [b¹²⁵]

3. Edward

4. Nicholas married Alice Gregory.⁷¹

5. John [b¹²⁵]

6. James

7. Gilbert

8. Christopher

C-2-8 Christopher Reynolds, Sr. (14). Richard Reynolds was the son of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. He and his wife had the following children.^71,125

1. George Reynolds, Sr. 1555 - 1634

2. Christopher Reynolds, Jr.

3. Mary Reynolds

4. John Reynolds

5. Thomas Reynolds

6. Cornelius Reynolds

7. *Richard Reynolds 1575 –

8. Robert Reynolds

9. William Reynolds

They lived in London, England.⁷¹ There were also several more daughters.¹²⁵

1. George, Sr. was born in County Kent, England, possibly in 1563.⁹¹ He married Thomasyn Church on 1/20/1585.^71,91 He died in London.⁹¹ [b^71,91, d^71,91]

2. Christopher, Jr.

3. Mary died young.⁷¹

4. John

5. Thomas

6. Cornelius

7. Richard married Ann Harrison about 1605.¹²⁵ He was the head of “a vast shipping and commerce business.” This business was based in Sussex Co, England, but had branches in Virginia, the New England area, and Bermuda. He died in either York Co, VA, or York County, England.¹²⁵ [b¹²⁵]

8. Robert

9. William

Christopher Reynolds, Sr. was born in 1530 in County Kent, England. He “engaged in commerce and trade” in London, England.⁷¹ He got married in 1554 and died in London.⁹¹

Christopher had a brother Nathaniel Reynolds who worked with him in commerce. He also had a sister Dorothy Reynolds who married William Tilghman on 8/11/1567.¹²⁵ It is possible that they are children of Robert Reynolds who was born in 1505 in East Bergholt, England, married in 1526 in Kent, and died in 1580 in Kent.^91,125

CLEVELAND

C-3-1 Robert Cleveland (8). Nancy Cleveland (C-2-1) was the daughter of Robert Cleveland and Alice Mathis. They had the following children.¹³ Sources: Ref 13, p156-7.

1. Mathis Cleveland 9/30/1770 -

2. Larkin Cleveland 10/31/1772 - 4/19/1852

3. Jeremiah Cleveland 12/ 7/1774 - 12/ 2/1845

4. *Nancy Cleveland 3/ 9/1777 - 2/ 1/1846

5. Presley Cleveland 9/16/1779 - 5/31/1861

6. Eli Cleveland 10/ 1/1781 - 11/23/1859

7. Elizabeth Cleveland 7/15/1783 - 11/ 4/1850

8. Jesse Cleveland 2/ 8/1785 - 11 /3/1851

9. Martin Cleveland 1/ 7/1787 - 6/17/1849

10. Sarah Cleveland 11/10/1789 - 6/ 8/1876

11. Alice (Alley) Cleveland 11/ 2/1790 -

12. Mary Cleveland 12/ 2/1791 - 10/11/1850

13. infant girl 12/ 2/1791 - 12/18/1791

The first three children may have been born in Fauquier Co, VA.⁸⁷ They lived in a house in the Purlear/Parsonsville area of Wilkes Co, NC, on Lewis Fork Creek. It was a two-story house built about 1779 with two rooms downstairs and one large room upstairs.²⁹¹ In the late 1980s, after two years of work and over $130,000, the home was refurbished and moved to Wilkesboro by the Wilkes Co Historical Society.²⁹¹ It is now located behind the old courthouse. It is “supposed to be the oldest house in Wilkes Co.”¹³

The 1782 Wilkes Co tax list for Capt. Kees' District lists Robt. Cleveland with: 640 acres of land, 5 negroes, 3 mules and horses, and 13 cattle.¹⁵⁸

Both the 1784 and 1785 Wilkes Co tax lists include Robert Cleveland with three polls and 478 acres of land.¹⁵⁸ In both the 1786 and 1787 lists he is in Capt. Brown's Dist. still with 478 acres, but with four polls.¹⁵⁸ In 1788 in Capt. Brown's Dist. he is listed with four polls and 440 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1789 Robert Cleveland was in Capt. Cleveland's Dist. and is listed with five polls and 440 acres.¹⁵⁸

The only Cleveland family found in the 1787 Wilkes Co census is that of Robert Cleveland in Brown’s District with one male (21-60), seven males (under 21, over 60), three females, four blacks (12-50), and four blacks (under 12, over 50).²⁷²

The only Cleveland family found in the 1790 Wilkes Co census is that of Robt. Cleveland in the Third Company with four males (over 16), four males (under 16), six females, and ten slaves.^133,273

Robert Cleveland is listed in the 1791 Wilkes Co tax list in Cleveland’s District with five polls and 449 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1792 he was in the same district with five polls and 531 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1793, 1794, and 1795, he was listed with six polls and 528 acres.¹⁵⁸ However, the 1796 list for the same district lists Robt. Cleveland with one poll and 528 acres.¹⁵⁸ The list for the same district in 1797 includes Robert Cleveland with six polls and 476 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1799 he is in the same district with six polls and 439 acres.¹⁵⁸

Robert had four more children by his second wife Sarah Johnson. They were James Harvey (1796), Fanny (1797), Alfred (1800), and Benjamin Franklin Cleveland (1804).^13,87

The only Cleveland family listed in the 1800 Wilkes Co census is that of Robert Cleveland with two males (under 10), one male (10-16), one male (16-26), one male (over 45), four females (under 10), two females (10-16), one female (26-45), and twelve slaves.²⁷⁴

The only Cleveland family in the 1810 Wilkes Co census is that of Robert Cleveland with two males (under 10), one male (over 45), two females (10-16), one female (26-45), one female (over 45), and 15 slaves.²⁷⁵

The 1820 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Sarah Cleavland with one male (16-18), one male (16-26), and one female (over 45).²⁷⁶ It appears that Robert’s widow Sarah is living with her youngest son Benjamin.

1. Mathis never married and died in Charleston, SC.¹³ He was the only child not mentioned in his father’s will.³⁷⁵

2. Larkin married Sarah Buchanan and they moved to Coosa Co, AL.¹³ The 1850 census lists his age at 78 born in VA, and hers at 62 born in GA.²¹²

[(1850 Coosa AL, Coosa, p163, #1132)²¹²] [b^13,212]

3. Jeremiah married Sarah Vannoy on 8/31/1801.¹³ He died in Greenville Co, SC.¹³

4. Nancy married John Ashley Reynolds, Sr. in 1795.¹³ They are buried on their homeplace in Wilkes Co.¹ [b^13,111, d¹³]

5. Presley married Elizabeth Johnson in 1814. He died in Monroe Co, TN.¹³

[(1820 Wi)²⁷⁶]

6. Eli married Mary Regan in 12/29/1803.²⁰⁰ He was the executor of his father’s will from 1812 to 1814.³⁷⁵ He was a Baptist minister and owned land in Ashe Co, NC, before he moved to Monroe Co, TN, where he died in N. Philadelphia.^13,200 On 4/10/1803 he sold 50 acres on Little River in Ashe Co to Jacob Crouse for $30 (DB B, p169).⁶⁷ [b²⁰⁰, d²⁰⁰]

7. Elizabeth married John Yates, Jr. on 5/13/1803.^13,200 They lived in her parents’ cabin on the 604 acre plantation on Lewis Fork Creek.^13,200 John bought it from Elizabeth’s brother Presley who moved to TN.²⁰⁰ [b²⁰⁰, d²⁰⁰]

8. Jesse married Mary Blassingame on 8/8/1814. He died in Spartanburg, SC.¹³ [b²⁰⁰, d²⁰⁰]

9. Martin first married Mary Gambrell about 1808.^13,155,200 He married his second wife Anna Griffith on 10/9/1832.^155,200 She had first been married to Andrew McPheeters, having three children.¹⁵⁵ In 1830 he had nine slaves.²¹² The 1840 census shows him with a household of 16 people in addition to his ten slaves.²¹² Martin died in Grainger Co, TN, and was buried in a family cemetery there.^155,200

"He was a surveyor and prominent citizen of his community in rural Grainger Co, TN. He owned a lot of land, but also had a lot of debts upon his death. Based upon the items noted at his estate sale, he had quite a large home support operation much like his father Robert had. He was a Captain in the Militia soon after his arrival in TN, but it appears that he did not participate in the War of 1812. There is no evidence that he did. I believe he was a Justice of the Peace at one point and he was active in community politics and the legal system."¹⁵⁵ Some reports claim he was a State Legislator and that the city of Cleveland, TN, was named for him. However there is no evidence that he was a Legislator, and the city was named after his uncle Benjamin Cleveland.¹⁵⁵ A different source says he was a “farmer, surveyor, served 4 terms in the legislature and 3 in the Senate”.²⁰⁰

[(1830 Grainger TN, p365)²¹²; (1840 Grainger TN, Tate’s Dist)²¹²] [b^13,200, d^155,200]

10. Sarah married Jesse Rector and was living in SC in 1855.^13,200 [b²⁰⁰, d²⁰⁰]

11. Alley married Morton Jones, Jr. on 6/10/1807 and moved to TN.^13,200 [b²⁰⁰]

12. Mary married a Robbs²⁰⁰ and died in Greenville, SC.¹³ [b²⁰⁰, d²⁰⁰]

13. She was Mary’s twin and died at home.^13,200 [b²⁰⁰, d²⁰⁰]

Alice (or Aley, Allay) Mathis was born on 12/11/1750 in KY and died on 12/18/1791 in Wilkes Co, NC.^1,13

Robert Cleveland’s will was written on 4/26/1812 and was probated in August 1812.^79,292 He said he was “sick and weak of body” and gave “the part of the plantation from the still home branch” to his wife Salley. He mentions sons Presley and Harvey. He gave his granddaughter Patty Cleveland $100 when she married or turned 21. His sons Larkin, Jeremiah, and Eli were the executors. He signed with his mark (X). (Wilkes Co WB 3, p35).⁷⁹

His estate was valued at $5,847 at the January 1814 court. After expenses were paid, the remaining $5438.75 was divided among 15 legatees with each receiving $362.50. The legatees were (1) Edward Wadkins, (2) Jesse Rector, (3) Alexander Robbs, (4) John Yates, (5) Morton Jones (by Jesse Cleveland), (6) Jesse Cleveland, (7) Presley Cleveland, (8) Jeremiah Cleveland, (9) John Reynolds, Jeremiah Cleveland in behalf of (10) Harvey Cleveland, (11) Martin Cleveland, (12) Larkin Cleveland, William Johnson (guardian for (13) Alford and (14) Franklin Cleveland), Griffen Summerlin in behalf of (15) Polley Cleveland (alias Polley Summerlin his wife).³⁷⁵ Ref 375, p33-34.

On 10/1/1779, land entry grant #1222 was to Robert Cleveland for 150 acres on the north side of Lewis Fork, adjacent to Col. Benjamin Cleveland. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).^168,292

On 10/1/1779, land entry grant #1223 was to Robert Cleveland for 50 acres on a branch of Lewis Fork, adjacent to Col. Benjamin Cleveland. (Wilkes Co Land Entry Book).¹⁶⁸

On 8/9/1787, Robert Cleveland was granted 150 acres on the north side of Lewis Fork adjacent to his own land. (Wilkes DB A1, p183).²⁹²

On 4/3/1788, Robert Cleveland bought 38 acres on the north fork of Lewis Fork from Nathaniel Vannoy for £40. (Wilkes DB B1, p24).²⁹²

On 12/6/1799, Robert Cleveland received grant #1928 for 50 acres joining his own land. (Wilkes DB D, p650).²⁹²

On 12/6/1799, Robert Cleveland received grant #1929 for 50 acres on Little Fork and north fork of Lewis Fork. (Wilkes DB D, p649).²⁹²

On 5/22/1800, Robert Cleveland bought a negro girl named Esther (age 15) for $300 from Francis Reynolds. It was witnessed by William Lenoir. (Wilkes DB D, p650).²⁹²

On 9/8/1801, Robert Cleveland bought 200 acres on Millers Creek and Reddies River. The land was purchased from the sheriff, being land lost by William Reynolds to satisfy Reuben Fletcher. (Wilkes DB C1, p326-7).²⁹²

On 11/18/1805, Robert Cleveland was granted 26 acres at the corner of his old survey at the wagon road. (Wilkes DB F1, p265).²⁹²

On 6/8/1809, Robert Cleveland bought for $75 from Thomas Fletcher, 75 acres on the north side of the wagon road. (Wilkes DB GH, p35-6).²⁹²

On 6/9/1809, Robert Cleveland sold 50 acres on Little Fork of north fork of Lewis Fork to William Cash for $100. (Wilkes DB GH, p75).²⁹²

C-3-2 John Cleveland, Sr. (9). Robert Cleveland was the son of John Cleveland, Sr. and Elizabeth Coffey (C-8-1). They had the following children.^13,87,292 Sources: Ref 13, p156.

1. Mary Cleveland 5/26/1731 - 1/ /1828

2. John Cleveland, Jr. 1737 - 1829

3. Benjamin Cleveland 5/26/1738 - 10/ /1806

4. Elizabeth Cleveland 6/ 6/1742 -

5. *Robert Cleveland 1/ 8/1744 - 4/10/1812

6. Jeremiah Cleveland 1746 - 1806

7. Larkin Cleveland 4/ 6/1748 - 7/ 9/1814

8. Martha Cleveland 1750 –

9. Reuben Cleveland 1752 -

They lived on Blue Run in Orange Co, VA.^13,87 “All nine of their children, six sons and three daughters were born on Blue Run, in Orange Co, VA.”¹²¹

1. Mary was born in either 1731¹³ or 1736⁸⁷. She married Bernard Franklin in Orange Co, VA, in 1752.¹²² They settled on the headwaters of Mitchell River in NC in 1778 or 1779.⁴ She died in Surry Co, NC.¹³

Their son Jesse Franklin was a congressman, Senator, and Governor of NC from 1820 to 1821. Jesse “was a conscientious governor. He urged reform in the treatment of criminals, stressing rehabilitation rather than punishment and the abolition of the practice of cropping ears.”⁹⁴ [b^13,87, d¹³]

2. John, Jr. was born in either 1730¹³ or 1737⁸⁷. He settled near his brother Robert and married Mary McCann.^13,87,175 He was a chaplain at King’s Mountain⁴ and also pastored at Brier’s Creek Ch⁴ and, in 1786, at Old Roaring River Baptist Ch⁴. He died in Tugaloo, SC.¹³ [b^13,87, d¹³]

3. Ben was born in Prince William Co, VA, but, when he was young, his family moved to Orange Co, VA, on Bull Run Creek.⁹ There he married Mary Graves before 1764.¹³ A book could be written about this man who was just under six feet and reached 450 pounds.^9,95,96 “About ten years before his death he was operated on, and a quantity of fat was physically removed from his body. His family said it only seemed to make him fatter.”⁹

In 1769 he came to what was then Rowan Co, NC, (later Surry, now Wilkes) with his family and settled on Roaring River.¹¹ He later moved to a bend in the river called Roundabout.¹¹ The town of Ronda was named by shortening Roundabout.¹² “By trade he was a carpenter and builder.”¹³ He loved “hunting, good jokes, lively music, vivacious companions and a general good time.”¹⁰

“In the summer of 1772, accompanied by four ‘long hunters’, he set out to hunt and to explore the Kentucky wilderness. The party was seized and robbed by a band of Cherokees. The Indians took everything, leaving the tattered band to find its way back through miles of wilderness. Cleveland was a fighter and a man of action. Delaying only long enough to regain his strength and to select a party of riflemen, he boldly returned to the Cherokee country, retrieved his horses, and returned in triumph to the Upper Yadkin, his reputation as an Indian fighter solidly established.”⁹⁵

Benjamin was also severe in his treatment of those who did not support the revolution, known as Tories; he often hanged them. “In the fall of 1779, two Tories were hanged by Cleveland scouts, and for this act he was indicted for murder in the superior court of Salisbury; he was ultimately pardoned by the governor. Cleveland himself was once captured by the frontier Tories, but the quick action of his brother, Robert, brought about his rescue.”⁹⁵

In 1778 he was promoted to Colonel of the militia and was chosen to represent Wilkes Co in the House of Commons.¹¹ He was one of the commanding officers at the Battle of King’s Mtn.⁹ on 10/7/1780. Cleveland Co, NC, was named for him.¹² The 1782 Tax List for Wilkes Co lists him in Capt. Wm. Rennolds' District as Benja. Cleveland, Esq. with 6800 acres of land, 13 negroes, 15 mules and horses, and 100 cattle.¹⁵⁸ Listed in Cleveland’s District in 1796, Benjn. Cleveland was listed with 2000 acres.¹⁵⁸ However, in 1797 he only had 1200 acres.¹⁵⁸ These numbers are some of the highest in the county, indicating that he was one of the wealthiest.

Because of a better title to his land at Roundabout, he moved to Oconee Co, SC, in late 1785 and served as a judge.^10,96 He was known for frequently falling asleep during the court procedings.⁹⁶ He died there and was buried on his farm.¹⁰ [b^{3,9,10,13,87,95}, d^3,10,13,95] Ref 13, p156.

4. Elizabeth married David Gillespie of VA.^13,87 [b⁸⁷]

5. Robert first married Alice Mathis and settled in the New Hope Baptist Ch community of Wilkes Co, NC,⁴ about 1775.¹³ He married second Sarah Johnson.¹³ He was a captain under his brother Ben and fought with him at King’s Mtn.¹ In the 1790 census he is listed as having ten slaves.⁴ He held many political offices and “was elected for the sixth presidential election in 1809. His will is recorded in Wilkes Co.”¹³ He was buried with his first wife beside his cabin in Wilkes Co.¹ Their cabin has since been moved to behind the old Wilkes Co courthouse in Wilkesboro and is open to the public.

An article in a local newspaper The Chronicle dated 1/7/1891 (page 4) was written by his grandson Jesse Yates:²²⁵

“Well is this grand and beautiful valley the home and burying ground of heroes. One of the Kings Mtn. heroes, Capt. Robert Cleveland, my grandfather, is buried here. He was a great terror to the tories in the Revolutionary War.

“There are many interesting incidents relating to that period. We will refer to one. There was one noted cattle thief. So Capt. Cleveland had him caught and tied a‑straddle of a four year old wild heifer. She was then turned loose and went bounding away with her new rider. A week afterwards the rider was discovered still sitting on the heifer, but the briers and bushes had torn from him his clothing and he was perfectly naked. He was unloosed and let go, and was never afterwards known to steal another cow. He had lost his love for the business.”

[b^13,87, d^1,13]

6. Jeremiah married Mary Gentry and died in Albemarle Co, VA.^13,87 [b^13,87, d^13,87]

7. Larkin married Frances Wright in Bedford Co, VA, in February 1773.^13,87 He settled on Roaring River in NC near his brother Ben.⁴ He was a high ranking officer (Lt., Capt, or Col.) and may have been shot and wounded on the Catawba River in the spring of 1779.^4,13 The next year he was at King’s Mtn.¹¹ He later moved to Franklin Co, GA, before moving to Pulaski, TN, where he is buried.²⁰¹ [b^13,87, d^13,201] Ref 13, p328; Ref 201, p3-4.

8. Martha married James Smith on 11/9/1775.^13,87 [b⁸⁷]

9. Reuben married Elizabeth.⁸⁷ He died before 2/9/1792.⁸⁷ [b⁸⁷]

C-3-3 Alexander Cleveland, Sr. (10). John Cleveland, Sr. may have been the son of Alexander Cleveland, Sr. and Mary. They had the following children.^87,108

1. Alexander Cleveland, Jr. 1712 -

2. *John Cleveland, Sr. 7/31/1714 - 1778

3. Grace Cleveland 9/ 1/1716 -

4. William Cleveland 2/23/1718 -

5. Benjamin Cleveland 11/21/1721 -

Records in Abingdon Parish, Gloucester Co, VA, give the birth years for the children. These records say that Benjamin Cleveland was the son of Alexander and Mary Cleveland, implying that Mary was the mother of these children.¹⁰⁸

Alexander Cleveland, Sr. moved from Abingdon Parish to Spotsylvania Co, VA, in 1725. He was working on a road there at that time. Alexander, Jr., John, and Grace Cleveland lived in the part of Spotsylvania Co that became Orange Co, VA, in 1734.¹²¹ They probably lived near Blue Run. “The family is thought to have been one of carpenters, and it’s likely that they spent some time in Prince William Co.” Some of their children may have been born there.⁸⁷

Ref 55 states that John Cleveland, Sr. was the son of Alexander Cleveland, Jr. and grandson of Alexander Cleveland, Sr., who was born in England in 1620. However, this book was published in 1899 and includes many errors on this Cleveland family.¹²¹ In 1958, an article was published in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (Vol 46, Num 3, Sept. 1958) which suggests that Roger Cleveland was actually the progenitor of this Cleveland line.¹²¹ It is not known if there is any connection between the two lines.⁸⁷ More research is needed to verify the ancestry of this family.

1. Alexander, Jr. was baptized on 5/25/1712.¹⁰⁸ He married Margaret Doolittle.⁸⁷ [b¹⁰⁸]

2. John, Sr. was baptized on 8/24/1714.¹⁰⁸ He was a house builder¹³ and married Elizabeth Coffey.⁸⁷ They both died on Blue Run.¹³ [b^87,108, d^13,87]

3. Grace was baptized on 9/30/1716.¹⁰⁸ She married Edward Coffey, Jr.⁸⁷ [b¹⁰⁸]

4. William was baptized on 3/22/1718.¹⁰⁸ He married Mary.⁸⁷ [b¹⁰⁸]

5. Benjamin was baptized on 11/28/1721.¹⁰⁸ [b¹⁰⁸]

C-3-4 Roger Cleveland (11). Alexander Cleveland, Sr. was probably the son of Roger Cleveland and his wife Dorcas. They had the following children.^87,108

1. John Cleveland 1678 -

2. Elizabeth Cleveland 1684 -

3. *Alexander Cleveland, Sr. 1687 -

They lived in Abingdon Parish, Gloucester Co, VA.^87,108

1. John’s baptism is not found in the Abingdon Parish records since records before 1678 are not available.¹²¹ [b⁸⁷]

2. Elizabeth was baptized on 10/31/1684.¹⁰⁸ [b¹⁰⁸]

3. Alexander, Sr. was baptized on 7/31/1687.¹⁰⁸ He probably married Mary.¹⁰⁸ [b¹⁰⁸]

Roger Cleveland may have been born about 1650.⁸⁷ His wife Dorcas may have been born about 1660.⁸⁷ There is a record in the General Court of Colonial Virginia that mentions a Roger Cleaveland. Dated 4/8/1671, Robert Bryan, landlord for Roger Cleaveland, appealed an order of a lower court dated 11/16/1670. The dispute was with Valentine Love over a barrell and a half of corn, and on whose land it was grown. Robert Bryan did not appear in court, and was therefore ordered to pay Valentine Love for damages and costs.¹⁰⁷

BLACKBURN

C-4-1 John Franklin Blackburn (4). Edith Martha Blackburn (C-1-1) was the daughter of John Franklin Blackburn and Carrie Ella Harris (C‑5‑1). They had the following children.^{24,113,191,243} Ref 243, 3/22/1945, p1.

1. Vaudie B. Blackburn 11/ 1/1903 - 5/ 6/1966

2. Roy William Blackburn 7/ 9/1905 – 5/ 9/2001

3. *Edith Martha Blackburn 2/29/1908 – 2/16/2007

4. Ruby P. Blackburn 1/11/1910

5. Belva Ethel Blackburn 7/ 8/1911 - 9/ /1994

They are found in the 1910 Wilkes Co, NC, census, Traphill Township, on Wilkesboro Rd and Traphill Rd, house #206/206: John F. Blackburn (24, farmer), Carrie (23, wife), Vaudie B. (6, dau), Roye (3, son), Edith M. (2, dau), and May (3 months, dau). They had been married seven years. She had four children, all still living.¹¹³

The 1919 Wilkes Co school census for Traphill District 1, Traphill PO, includes the children of J. F. Blackburn ages 6 to 21: Vaudy (15, born 11/1/1903), Roy (14, born 7/9/1905), Edith (11, born 2/28/1908), Ruby (9, born 1/11/1910), and Belva (7, born 8/8/1912).¹⁹¹

They are listed in the 1920 Wilkes Co census, Traphill Township, house #55/55: John F. Blackburn (35), Carrie E. (38), Vaudie B. (15), William R. (13), Martha E. (11), Ruby P. (10), and Belva E. (8). Everyone over ten years old could read and write.¹¹³

The 1930 Wilkes Co census lists them in Traphill Township, p3A, #44/44: John F. Blackburn (43, married at 18) and Carrie (48, wife, married at 22). They owned their farm worth $1,500.¹¹³

1. Vaudie married Guy Joines.²⁴ She died in Traphill as a member of Union Bap Ch where she was buried.^193,243 Her death was not recorded in Wilkes Co.⁶⁴

[b^{113,191,193,243}, d^193,243