Return to the previous page or HOME
McDonald Poe, in his book Samuel
Poe of Essex County, Virginia, published in 1975, made many assumptions and
jumped to numerous conclusions in regard to Samuel Poe
who died in 1725 in Essex County, Virginia and his progeny. Among McDonald’s
assertions was that the William Poe who married Elizabeth Bray is one and the
same person as the “my son William”
mentioned in the 1793 will of Simon Poe, Sr. Recent analysis casts doubt on
this connection. There appears to be other possibilities for “my son William.”
The analysis below attempts to identify the name William Poe mentioned in the
records for North Carolina, presenting the reasoning for making
identifications.
Consideration 1
Muster Roll of Capt. Joab
Brook's Co.
19 Pvt Benjamin Poe
27 Pvt William Poe
53 Pvt John Poe
104 Pvt Charles Poe
Other names of significance include
Jeremiah Melton – is associated with John Poe above (also,
Melton went with the Major James S. Poe family to Anson Co, then to Fayette Co.
AL)
Philip Siler – the Siler farm was near the place William Poe
is first located.
John Siler
Wilmer Siler
Henry Ramsower – daughter of Henry Bray, Sarah married a
Ramsour
Michel Ramsower
James Wilkerson – a Wilkerson witnessed William Poe / Henry
Bray deed
Thomas Dowdy – Dowdy is connected to James Poe and Mary Watts
(father Benjamin Watts)
Analysis: The fact that these men served in a single company
lends to the idea that they were close relatives living in a family community.
The names Benjamin, William and John can be found just prior to this in
Culpeper County, Virginia. They could be sons (or other close relations) of
William Poe and Lydia who settled in Culpeper County, VA by 1737.
Chatham County was created
in 1770. The earliest records for Poe family members in the area that became
Chatham County mention Simon Poe, Jr., Stephen Poe, and James Poe, sons of
Simon Poe, SR or Caroline County, Virginia. This group settled an area near
Pittsboro on the Haw River.
The “Muster Roll” group appears to be different set from
the Pittsboro Poe family.
From Chatham County records for August 1761
Ordered that Argulus Henderson, Simon Fooshe, Thomas Shields, John
Stuart and his tythables, William Marsh Junr. Simon Poe Junr. Stephen
Poe, James Poe, Joseph Fooshe*, Cornelius Roe, William Tucker, Elathan Davis, Charles Clanton, Benjamin
Clanton, Robert Colley, Samuel Marsh, William McDaniel? (sic) and his
Tythables, Zachariah Martin Junr. Robert Martin, Thomas North, John Books, John
Crow, John Cullis, John Webster and Charles Webster do work on the road from
Haw river to Roberson's Ford being William Petty Senr District.
Consideration 2
2 February 1773 -- David
Smith to William Poe - 20 pds - 50 a.
being part of a track of land originally conveyed to Herman Husbands from the
Earl of Granville by a pattent bearing date the 11 December 1762 and called
Dessolute Meadows - on Loves Creek.
Wit:
Henry Bray David Smith
Adam Ramsover* Mary Smith
Job Ward
From Historical Notes Concerning Hickory Mountain United
Methodist Church Pastor Charles S. Hubbard, 1983 …
Chatham County in 1800 and many years later, was thinly populated. The roads
were paths or cart-tracks, incapable of handling even a 4 wheel wagon. The people
were self sufficient. They grew corn, what, pigs, cattle and made liquor. They
could not expand for they had no way to get crops to market. Hogs and cattle
had to be driven many miles on foot. There were o towns. Pittsboro was
struggling to begin, and what is now Siler City, was Love's Creek with
the Siler Farm nearby. The regional roads, or tracks were built on the ridges.
The farms were in the lowlands. You could ride through Chatham and see hardly a
soul. Also, there is a Love's Creek
Baptist Church Cemetery, Siler City, North Carolina.
Consideration 3
Orange County
1773
Debtors of Col. John McGee
long list includes William Poe (spelled Pow in the record)
The Southwest corner of Orange
County crosses the Haw River comprising lands on the north and south. This is
north central Chatham County. The brief mention does not say where William Poe
lived, only that the debt was registered in Orange County by Col. McGee. This
probably still is Siler City William, particularly given that no other William
is record in this time period. This William need never have lived in Orange
County to owe debt to Col. John McGee (the nature of the debt is not mentioned,
but one imagines acquisition of farm tools, seeds, livestock, etc.).
Consideration 4
7 February 1775
John Gunter, Jr. and Richard
Gunter Executors of the Last Will and Testament of John Morton Decd. to William Poe - 20 pds. 7 sh. - 22 a. on the
South side of Poes Creek - being a peace of land left by John Morton Decd. to
be sold by his Executors - beginning at a White Oak at the Spring Branch and
running North 74 ples to the said Poes Creek
Wit: none shown John (X) Gunter
Richard
Gunter
Proved in open Court by George
Herndon and ordered to be registered
Analysis: Five months prior to a sale (or transfer?) of land
from William Poe of Siler City to Henry Bray (his wife’s father), a William Poe
acquires 22 acres of land from the heirs of John Morton. This is land adjoining
Stephen Poe and other descendants of Simon Poe, Sr. This is the first
appearance of a William Poe in the Haw River area settled by Simon Poe’s
family. Conceivably, this William Poe only recently came of age to leave home
and acquire his own land. Otherwise, this William may only now be joining his
brothers, coming late from Caroline County (although William Poe can still be
found in Caroline County after this date and on until 1799)
It is notable that this 22 acres costs as much the 50 acres of
land near Siler City owned by William Poe/ Henry Bray. At this point, there
could be two William Poes in the Chatham County records. One lives near Siler
City in the Love’s Creek area. The other along the Haw River / New Hope Creek
area adjacent to Stephen Poe. What makes the most sense at this point is that
the Siler City William Poe is connected to the “Muster Roll” group mentioned in
1772 and that he transferred his land to his father-in-law to avoid land
seizure for a debt. The “Muster Roll” men (except Charles) appear also in
Culpeper County, VA records and could be sons of William Poe and Lydia. The
William Poe now living adjacent Stephen Poe probably is Stephen Poe’s brother –
the “my son William” mentioned in the 1793 will of Simon Poe, Sr.
More evidence needs to be
presented showing a simultaneous presence of a William Poe in the Siler City
area following acquisition of the Morton lands in the Haw River area by a
William Poe.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncchatha/deedsrel.htm
5 March 1773 - John Morton, Junr. and
Ruth his wife to John Morton, Senr. - 133 pds proclamation money - 30 a. - part
of a tract of land obtained of my Lord Granvilles Agent - joins Stephen Poes
Branch down the branch to the Creek thence down the creek to the River all
on the South side of the Creek - concluding the Plantation the said Morton now
lives on
Wit: Stephen Poe John Morton
Richard Gunter Ruth (X) Morton
Consideration 5
20 July 1775
William Poe to Henry Bray - 20 pds. 50 a. - being part of
a tract of land originally conveyed to Herman Husbands from the Earl of
Granville by patent bearing date the 11 December 1762 and called Dessolate
Meadows on Loves Creek.
Wit:
John Wilkerson William
(W) Poe
John McGesland Elizabeth
(X) Poe*
Analysis: Two years after mention of a debt to Col. McGee and
after purchase of 50 acres of land from David Smith, William Poe registers the
sale of the 50 acres to Henry Bray. The will of Henry Bray mentions his
daughter, Elizabeth Poe, leading to the conclusion that Henry Bray is William’s
father-in-law. If William Poe remained in the Siler City area, perhaps the sale
was actually a transfer of land to his wife’s father in order to safeguard it
against collection of the debt to Col. McGee (William bought the 50 acres for
20 pds from David Smith and sold it to Henry Bray for 20 pds – not making any
profit). The actual deed could have been dated earlier, but registered in 20
July 1775.
Consideration 6
1775?
Abstract of
Minutes of Orange County, NC 1777-1778
William Poe
(child)
aged
2 years old last may (year?), to be bound to James Guthrie until he arrives at
21 years.
13 May 1783
William Poe orphan of Simon Poe dec'd be bound unto William
Burns until he comes to lawful age he now being fourteen years of age to learn
the trade of Black Smith
Analysis: These young William Poes may be two people, the 14 year old a son of Simon Poe, JR and
the two year old a son of Stephen Poe, who also died in 1773. At any rate,
neither appear to be “my son William” of Simon Poe’s will.
Consideration 7
Land Entries
No. 774 - Peter Rennolds
February 8, 1779 enters his warrant for 640 a on Little Bruck (spelling? hard
to read my note. Probably Brook or Brush) Creek beginning William Graves deeded
line branch for camp and including William Poe's
improvements
Analysis: Whichever William this is, at whatever place, the
record does not show that William Poe is currently living on the land in
question. The “improvements” could have been made at any time. In fact, that
the improvements mentioned are part of land sale, causes one to think that the
improvements were made prior to 1779 by a past owner. It seems that we can draw
no conclusions from this record about the identity of the William mentioned.
Consideration 8
10 April 1779
State of North Carolina to Richard
Straughan - 50 sh. for every 100 a. - 348 a. on the South side of Haw River
and both sides of Cain Island Creek - joins Joseph Stewart,
Richard Straughans land, William Poes land,
John Thomas's land, Cain* Island Branch and Band of Haw River.
Analysis: This appears to be the land that the heirs of John
Morton deeded to William Poe. Richard
Straughn was the husband of Lucy Poe, daughter of Simon Poe, Sr. This William
Poe should be the son of Simon Poe, Jr. More of the historical record for the
Siler City area should indicate simultaneous habitation there by a William Poe,
showing that the William Poe who married Elizabeth Bray is likely connected to
the Culpeper County Poe family and the William Poe who acquired the “Morton
Heirs” land is the son of Simon Poe, Sr.
* See also: Cain of North Carolina
Consideration 9
1 July 1779
p. 371 State of North
Carolina to William Poe, Hasting Poe and Larkin
Poe orphans of Stephen Poe
Deceased – 50 sh. for every 100 a. – 281 a. on the South side of Haw River –
joins said Poes corner
Analysis: A small wonder that by 1779 the courts would note
acreage on the south side of Haw River as “Poe’s Corner.” This William is clearly
identified as a son of Stephen Poe, deceased, almost certainly the son of Simon
Poe, SR. In order for the state to grant lands to these orphans, must they be
21 years of age? If so, this may be the “William Poe, Junr” mentioned soon,
perhaps to differentiate him from the elder William Poe who acquired lands from
the heirs of John Morton’s heirs.
Consideration 10
12 August 1779
Archebald Cain and Patty his
wife to Elisha Cain - 2000 pds. - 375 a. on the Waters of Little Oak - surveyed
2nd September 1771.
Wit:
William Poe Archebald
(A) Cain
William (X) Cain Patty (S) Cain
Arthur (X) Hood
12 August 1779
William Blyth to Archibald
Cain - 2000 pds. - 175 a. on the West side of Newhope - joins Parker's line.
Wit:
Elisha Cain Wm. Blyth
William Poe
May Term 1780 the above deed
duly proved in open Court by oath of William Poe
Junr. and ordered to be Registered.
Analysis:
The Waters of Little Oak must refer to some part of the “waters of
Newhope.” Te first records of Poe in
North Caroline are for warrants to Stephen Poe for lands on the “waters of New
Hope Creek,” west side of Haw River and both sides of Rocky River and Cape Fair
Road (Cape Fear). It is probable that the records for Orange County and Chatham
County are somewhat confusing. This must refer to the Haw River area near Pittsboro where the Simon Poe family
settled en masse.
Note that there is an area
of the Simon Poe family settlement area called “Cain Island Creek.”. A report
on the Cain family mentions Cain family
presence in Orange County from 1788 on, however, refers to Newhope Creek. Could
this be upstream on the same river? The mention of both the Haw River / Newhope
Creek area of Chatham County as well as the Newhope Creek area of Orange County
is confusing.
As mentioned above, the
notation, William Poe Junr may not indicate that he is the son of a William
Poe, but rather that he is the younger of the two Williams mentioned in the
court record (this was not an uncommon means of differentiating between men of
the same name). If so, the elder William Poe is the acquirer of the Morton
lands and the younger is the son of Stephen Poe (died 1773).
Supporting
references and notes
Note: Orange County was formed in 1752,
largely from Granville County, partly from
Bladen and Johnston.
(Granville was formed from Edgecombe in
1746). The western boundary of
Orange was indefinite until Rowan County was
formed about a year later.
Then Rowan became the western border.
From Orange County were taken: All of Chatham
and Wake in 1771, all of
Caswell in 1777 (Person formed from Caswell in
1792), all of Alamance in
1849, part of Durham in 1881 (the other part
of Durham County was taken
from Wake, which was formerly Orange.).
From the Morgan-L list on Rootsweb
Mark
Morgan owned approximately 27,000 acres of land in early Orange and
Chatham Co NC. His original land grant was for 500 acres and was situated
between the Haw River and Newhope Creek about
15 miles above where the Haw
River (where my Charles Morgan had a ferry and
mill) and the Newhope Creek
dump into the Cape Fear River, which has been damned to form the B.
Everett Jordon Lake.
The first records for Poe in North Carolina
are for Warrants acquired by Stephen Poe on the “waters of New Hope Creek” ,
west side of Haw River and both sides of Rocky River and Cape Fair Road.
Stephen
Poe
Warrant
17 March 1758
640
acres on waters on New Hope Cr. joins Francis Day, begin on the Bank of
Rocks.
Entered
2 November 1757
Assigned
to Richard Straughan*
Surveyed
6 May 1758
*
Richard Straughn married Lucy Poe, daughter of Simon Poe, SR who by 1793 was married
to Richard Straughn.
Stephen
Poe
Warrant 6 February 1759
640
acres on west side Haw R., adjoins Argalus Henderson.
Entered
12 September 1758
Surveyed
23 October 1759
Stephen
Poe
Survey 23 October 1759
339
acres on both sides Rocky R. & Cape fair Road; Woolrick (Woolfrick?) White,
John White: CB. (chain bearer?)
Consideration 11
20 August 1779
State of North Carolina to
John Thomas – 50 sh. for every 100 a. – 159 a. – joins William Poe, Straughans corner, the
South side of the Cain Island Creek, the Haw River and
Widow Morton.
13 February 1781
Alexander Clark and Pheby
his wife to James Howard* - 4700 pds. - 350 a. - all that tract or
parcell of land whereon Simon Poe
formerly lived - joins Mrs. Hannah Poe,
William Poe Junr. and the land
formerly belonging to Morten (Morton) and Richard Kennon and the
land whereon Younger Neil now lives.
Wit:
John Auld Alexr.
Clark
Jacob Dardin Pheby
(X) Clark
Analysis: We still
seem to be in the presence of the William Poe who acquired the Morton lands and
the William Poe who is the son of Stephen Poe and Hannah (probably referred to
as junior to differentiate him from the older William). In the last record,
rather than refer to a William again, the court seems to identify the elder
William’s property as the “land formerly belonging to Morton.”
Consideration
12
13 May 1783
William Poe orphan of Simon Poe dec'd be bound unto William
Burns until he comes to lawful age he now being fourteen years of age to learn the
trade of Black Smith
Analysis: Another William Poe appears on the scene.
Consideration
13
Chatham County
9 October 1783
State of North Carolina to
James Williams – 50 sh. for every 100 a. – 170 a. on the South side of Haw
River at the mouth of Brooks Creek – joins William
Poe and Charles Morgan.
13 November 1784
John Crawford, Plantar to James
Massey*, Planter – Whereas John Morton of the County of Chatham
being entitled to a fee simple Estate of in and unto a certain tract of land
containing upwards of 100 a. or thereabouts lying on Haw River on the South
Side – joins John Thomas, William Poe,
James Howard** and William Howard he the sd. John Morton by his last
will and testament made some years ago divided the same to his wife Ruth during
her Widowhood or Marriage and after Marriage or decease to go to his Children
John, William, Polly and Betsey and their Heirs – and Whereas after the making
of the said Will the said John Morton departed this life and his daughter
Polly hath since intermarried with the said John Crawford who is agreeable
to the said Will entitles to the reversion of one fourth part of the before
described premises and the said John Crawford hath agreed to sell all his right
title and interest of in and unto the same unto the said James Massey – 5 pds.
– ¼ part of the said recited and described premises – (premises not decribed).
Wit:
Stephen Neal John
Crawford
Pretyman Berry*
Bernd McGuckin
The Juries below include a single William Poe who is associated
with people close to the Simon Poe, SR family. Nicholas Nall is close to the
Bray family.
12 May 1783
Grand Jury Sworn as Follows To Wit, Isaac Brooks, Foreman,
William Graves, William Petty, James Petty, Thomas Brooks, Spencer
Stewart, John Petty, James Massey, Henry Bray, Thomas Adams,
Gedion Goodwin, James George, Ishum Gunter and Nicholas Queshenberry.
(Note: James Massey was married to Jane Poe, daughter of Simon
Poe, SR. A Sarah Petty married James Poe, d. 1812, which DNA tests of a
descendant indicate – as records indicate – that he was a son of Simon Poe, JR.
The George family married with the Simon Poe family and as mentioned in various
places, Henry Bray Sr’s daughter Elizabeth was marred to William Poe – Simon Poe,
SR had a son named William).
15 May 1783
The following persons to attend as jurors to the next Court To Wit Presley George,
Thomas Grigory, Grey Barbee, Jacob Flowers, Matthew Davis, Luke Bynum, William
Griffin, Burwell Williams, Solomon Chapman, John Hatley Sen'r, Nicholas Nall,
William Duncan, Samuel Temples, William Barber Sen'r, Joseph Stephens, John
Wilkins, Willis Phillips, Daniel Brown, William Burns, William Marsh,
William Hackney, Joseph Hackney, William Poe, David Maddox, Abraham
Warmock, Henry Welch, Joseph Johnson, John Petty (marked out), Briton Drake,
Benjamin Brantley, Deberry Chapman, Joseph Crump & Edmond Browder.
(Note: The George married into the Simon Poe family. William Burns took in William Poe, orphan of Simon Poe, JR. Simon Poe, SR marred in his old age the widow Marsh. The Nall family was closely associated with the William Poe who married Elizabeth Bray, daughter of Henry Bray, Sr).
In the Suit John Ragland vs Patrick Travers and Henry Lightfoot
Esq'r the following Jury Sworn to wit, William Poe, Josiah Rogers
(marked out), Henry May, Richard Barber, Thomas Sypert, Thomas Bell, Archobald
Cain, Nicholas Nall, Andrew Culbertson, William Griffin, Hugh Danill,
John Kirk and Richard Straughan verdict in favour of Plaintiff 82 pds 10
shill.
(Note: Richard Straughan was married Lucy Poe, daughter of Simon Poe, Sr. Nicholas Nall lived near Henry Bray.
17 May 1783
The following Persons fined for non attendance as Jurors to this
Term To Wit, Pressley George, Matthew Davis, Samuel Temple, Willis Phillips,
Thomas Grigory, Henry Welch, William Griffin, Nicolas Nall, William
Poe, Jacob Flowers, John Wilkins, and Briton Drake
18 May 1783
In the Sit the State of North Carolina against Joseph McGee the
following Jury Sworn to Wit, John Wilkens, William Poe, George Kirk,
John Kirk, Robert Wallace, Samuel Brooks, William Richardson, William Brantly, George
Herndon, William Lasater Sen'r, James Ray, Josiah Rogers and Verdict in
favour of Sate Guilty - Reason of Arrest to be Pleaded this Term.
(Note: George Herndon was a relative of the Herndon who was the second husband of Lucy Poe, daughter of Simon Poe, SR)
19 May 1783
In the Suit the State of
North Carolina against Joseph McGee the following Jury Sworn to Wit: John
Wilkens, William Poe, George Kirk, John Kirk, Robert Wallace, Samuel
Brooks, William Richardson, William Brantly, George Herndon, William
Lasater, Sen’r, James Ray, William Brantly, George Herndon (a second time in
the source), William Lasater, Sen’r., James Ray and Josiah Rogers and Verdict
in favour of State Guilty – Reasons of Arrest to be Pleaded this Term.
21 May 1783
In the Suit Samuel Stewarts vs James Williams Esq’r the
following Jury Sworn to wit, Benjamin Watts, Vincent Self, James Willet,
Henry Bray, Zacharia Martin, Joseph Morgan, Jacob Flowers, Thomas
Grigory, William Poe, John Wilkins, William Griffin, Simon Foushee.
Verdict in favour of Deft.
21 May 1783
In the Suit Archibald Cain against John Ragan the
following Jury Sworn (to wit) Benjamin Watts, Vinson Self, Henry Bray,
Zacharia Martin, Jacob Flowers, William Poe, Junr., John Wilkins,
William Griffin, Simon Fooshee, Samuel Stewart, Henry Cook and Walter
Welch and Verdict in favour of the Plt.
(Note: A William Poe who left estate to be settled, papers from which exist for 1804 had a son named James C (Cain?) Poe. This William’s wife probably was a Cain for the son to have this name. Benjamin Watts, who is closely associated with Henry Bray, was the husband of James Poe, son of Simon Poe, SR. Henry Bray was the father of the wife of William Poe. William Poe, Junr is assumed to be the son of William Poe who married Elizabeth Bray. The most logical identification here is that the elder William Poe is the one married to Elizabeth Bray and is the son of Simon Poe, SR mentioned in his will).
12
November 1783
A Deed
from Benjamin Watts and wife to James Poe, Jr. proved by the Oath
of John Berry, Jr.
A
Deed from the Same to the Same proved by the Oath of the Same.
Deed
from Benjamin Watts to John Berry ack’d.
Deed
from James Poe to John Berry ack’d.
Deed
of Gift from Sarah Herndon to George Herndon proved by the Oath
of Carnelius Herndon.
William
Poe be fined ten pounds for Swearing in Open Court and other Contempt offer’d
the Sd. Court.
13
November 1783
The
fine on William Poe for ten pounds for Swearing and Contempt be remitted and
that he only pay twenty Shillings.
.
11 February 1784
The following Persons be Appointed to Serve as Jurors to the
next Court To Wi, James Barbe, Thomas Adams, Matthew Davis, Solomon S. Chapman,
Frances Drake, Moses Durden, Ishum Rogers, Lewis Womberly, William Poe,
William Riddley, Joseph Stephens, Isaac Brooks, William Goldston, Vachell
Clark, Elijah Hunter, Samuell Brooks, Thomas Brooks, Jur., Andrew Heddon, Mark
Brooks, Stephen Crow, David Madox, William Ragland, William Dillord (Dillard),
John Brantley, William Cain, John Pitts, Matthew Ramsey, Adam Ateman,
Henry Braswell and Lemuell Harwell.
10 August 1784
In the Suit Mary Brandy against James Christian the following
Jury Sworn to Wit, Henry Bray, William Marsh, Robert Poe, William
Hill, Benjamin Watts, Joseph Johnson, Aron Terrell, Richard Riddle,
Thomas Sypert, John Pitts, Thomas Beal, Andrew Culbertson and Verdict for Pltf.
10 August 1784
In the Suit Nicholas Nall Assignee of Daniel Brown against
James Williams the following Jury Sworn to Wit, William Marsh, Robert Poe,
William Hill, Benjamin Watts, Joseph Johnson, Aron Terrell, Richard
Riddle, Thomas Sypress, Thomas Beal, John Christian, William Poe,
Herculas Henderson and find the Deft. endebted.
11 August 1784
In the Suit John Nall(s) Excu’r against John Hunnicut the
following Jury Sworn to Wit, John Christian, Joseph Stehens, Richard Barber,
Phill Herren, Giles Kelly, Willam Rhoads, Frances Dossett, Jermiah Milton
(Melton), Andrew Culbertson, William Marsh, William Poe, Thomas Bell,
and Verdict for the Pltf.
11 August 1784
In the Suit Nicholas Nall Against Henry Bray &
Josiah Rogers the following Jury Sworn to Wit, Stephen Crow, Aaron Terrell,
William Davis, John Pitts, William Griffin, Matthew Ramsey, John
Ferrenton, James Howard, William Ramsey, Abnor Laster, Thomas Stone,
Hugh Daniel and Verdict in favour of the Deft
11 August 1784
James Poe
Appointed Overseer of the road from Cashatts Creek to Luttrell’s Branch.
11 August 1784
In the Suit Joseph Kirk Against William Kinchian (Kinchen)
Admrs. the following Jury Sworn To Wit, Richard Barber, Joseph Stephens, Henry
Bray, Traves Harper, Phillip Herren, Laurence McManis, John Welch, William
Poe, Robert Cobb, William Ramsey, Matthew Davis, James Massey
and find for the deft.
11 August 1784
John Wilson Appointed Overseer of the road leading out of the
Seven Island road near John Petty’s to the head of Cobb’s Road to Wake County
line and the following hands work on the Same to Wit, William Wilson, Stephen
Wilson, Bumer Wilson, John Christian, Henry Hillery, Nathan Jones, John Prince,
Thomas Adams, Frances Sypert, Burgess Clark, Archabold Cain, Robert
Edwards, John Pitts Shadrick Weaver, Thomas Sypert, David Br ___ (water spot),
_____ Weaver, Arthor Wood, James Bullens, ______s Tudor, William _____ sdl,
John Richerson, Joseph Pitts, John Caudle, Thomas Berr____, _____hman
Hales, Vencet Carter, Bleeker Caudle, David John, Joseph Griffin, Denis
Browder, William Cain, Joseph Stewart, Rich Riddle, Richard Straughn,
John Petty, Stephen Durden, Briton Warmack, John Booker, Benjamin Poe,
Jesse Tatum, John Wood, William Dillard, Younger Burt, John Burt, Jjames Booker,
John Osley, Richard Burt, Josiah Durden, and John Lambert. (water spotted).
* Presley George (or
another man of last name George) was married to Mary Straughn, daughter of Lucy
Poe and Richard Straughn. Lucy was a daughter of Simon Poe, SR
10 November 1784
Cloey Morton Orphan of William Morton be Bound unto Robert
Poe to Learn the Mistry of Housewifry until She arrives to Lawfull age, she
being Judged now to be about Eleven years.
(Note: This record
lends to the idea that Robert Poe was a son of William Poe Senr. William Poe
purchased land from the Morton heirs, next to the Simon Poe family.
11 November 1784
The following person Jurors to the Next Court, to Wit, Vincent
Self, Will Dunkin, Will West, Stepen Crow, John Ferrington, John Hatley, Sen’r,
Thomas Bell, Thomas Branton, Thomas Laseter, James Bullard, Joseph Griffen,
Thomas Grigory, John Grigory, William Cain, Britain Drake, Robert
Wallis, Benjamin Harris, John Trip, John Brantley, David Maddox, Joseph May,
Levy Branson, James Steward, James George, Thomas Steel, William Poe,
Thomas Stone, Simon Foshee (Foushee), Lenuel Harwell & William
Goldston.
14 February 1785
Richard Bishop appointed overseer of the Road from John Lamberts
on Haw River to Browders Mill on New Hope & the following hands work on
Said Road, Viz., John Lambert, William Lambert, Derias Browder, John Browder,
Thomas Bell, Thomas Lassiter & Henry Hunt, Benjamin Poe
15 February 1785 Deed from John Pilkinton & Sarah his wife
Proved by John Poe
16 February 1785
In the Suit Nathan Bryant against Nicholas Nall the following
Jury Sworn Viz: William Moody, William Poe, Vincent Self, Richard Strawan
(Straughan), Joel Patterson, Richard Strawan (again), Thomas Stone, Thomas
Lassiter, Parish Self, Robert Thompson, James Poe, & James Willit.
10 May 1785
Roger Griffith high Sheriff of Chatham Co., North Carolina to Samuel Holaday – a Writ issued to him – you are hereby commanded that of the goods and Chattels and lands and Tenements of John Lindly in your Bailiwick you cause to be made the sum of 138 pds. 8 sh. and 3 pc. Which lately in the County Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions Samuel Holaday recovered against John Lindly – sale of a tract of land – Samuel Holaday being the highest bider for the price of 100 pds. – 200 a. – it being a tract of land conveyed from John Cartret to George Williams.
Wit: Roget
Griffith
Jas. Scurlock
1 May
1786
William
Petty to Matthew Jones - 350 pds land - 145 a. beginning at a stake in George
Lucases line running West 2 feet around the town till it intersects with
the line thou? Zachariah Harman,
and his wife, Rebeckah's deed granted to William Petty thence along that line
to John Cotton's line and round the various lines to the first station
William
(W) Petty (his mark)
'Wit:
Roger Griffith
William Poe
William
Petty to Matthew Jones – 350 pds. Current money – 145 a. – joins George
Lucas, land that Zachariah Harman and his wife Rebeckah granted to
William Petty by deed and John Cotton
Wit:
Roger
Griffith William
(W) Petty
Analysis: These records appear to refer to the William Poe
(senior) who acquired lands from the heirs of John Morton. The name Petty, Harmon,
Sculock, Berry, Neal, Howard, Massey, are all names closely associated with the
Simon Poe, Sr family
Recap before Continuing
Up to May of 1786, there appears to be only one
elder William Poe in the records for North Carolina, the one that first appears
in Chatham County in 1772 (shortly after its formation from Orange County).
This William Poe must have lived close to Benjamin Poe, John Poe and Charles
Poe who appear with William Poe in a muster roll in 1772, perhaps near Siler
City. This group appears to be separate from the earlier migration of
descendants of Simon Poe, SR from Caroline County, which began with the arrival
in 1758 of Stephen Poe, son of Simon Poe, SR., and later continued with the
arrival of his brothers James Poe and Simon Poe, Jr. prior to 1761. The elder
Simon Poe appears to have arrived around the same time or shortly thereafter.
We know from his 1793 will that Simon Poe, Sr. had a son named William. One has to wonder why William does not show
up in the North Carolina records prior to 1772 along with Stephen, Simon, Jr.
and James.
The name William Poe appears
in the Caroline County records contemporaneously with Stephen Poe, James Poe
and Simon Poe, Jr. At least some of the records pertaining to a William Poe in
the Caroline County, Virginia records around 1750 onward to 1799 refer to a son
of Samuel Poe, Jr. The family of Samuel Poe, Jr appears to have remained the
longest in Caroline County, farming a remaining 105 acres left from the
original 905 acres of lands once possessed by Samuel Poe who died in 1725 after
various heirs disposed of their portion. The William Poe of Simon’s will may be
the youngest of his sons, which would explain his relatively late appearance in
the records.
It is important to note at
this point that William Poe and Lydia, who settled in Culpeper County, VA in
1737 had a son, William Poe Jr, who appears in Culpeper County records in 1755.
After that, it is unclear what became of him. The simplest answer is that he is
the William Poe associated with Benjamin, John and Charles, listed in the
Muster Roll of 1772. What became of
Benjamin Poe, John Poe, and Charles Poe who were in the muster roll with
William Poe, and what became of this William?
Charles Poe appears to have
become mentally disturbed, perhaps resulting from the Revolutionary War
violence. Whatever the cause, Charles needed government assistance by 1775.
Benjamin Poe next appears in
a Randolph County tax list in 1779 and is still there in 1781. By 1990,
Benjamin is located in Wake County. At no point is he found in proximity of the
Haw River and the Simon Poe family.
However John Poe (he is
called Sr. implying the possibility, in this case, of a son John), can be found
in 1773/5 associated with James Poe (son of Simon Poe SR) along Harlands Creek,
an area rural to Pittsboro and the Haw River. John may have lived farther up
Harlands Creek and James Poe closer to its mouth at Haw River. All these men in
Chatham at the time are either brothers or, perhaps, first or at most second
cousins.
So, it appears that Benjamin
Poe went east to Wake County following association in the 1772 muster roll and
John Poe went west to Deep River, perhaps close to Guilford County. According
to the description below, Deep River is 125 miles long and joins the Haw River,
where the Simon Poe family dwelt. However, Deep River also runs through West
Guilford County. One important point is that the families would have been able
to navigate along Deep River between their home in Guilford County and Chatham
County. This may explain why it is not easy to differentiate the groups at
times, based on court records. They could have traveled to support each other
by witnesses court documents and providing testimonies when necessary – not to
mention possibly intermarrying.
However, it is unclear exactly where on Harlands
Creek John Poe lived, and certainly unclear to which family he belongs,
although his association in the Muster Roll implies he is of the Culpeper
County Poe family. At any rate, it appears that by 1779, a John Poe migrated to
Wilkes County. There remains a John Poe in Chatham County in 1780, living along
the north side of Bear Creek. In October of 1780, a John Poe received from the
state an additional 640 acres on both sides of Bear Creek. The present day city
of Bear Creek is over 10 miles from Siler City and over 15 miles from
Pittsboro. Conceivably, the younger John Poe went to Wilkes County to start a
out in life and the elder John Poe stayed on, acquiring over 640 acres along
Bear Creek.
In 1790 we see a John Poe and William Poe in Wilkes
County, both with young children under 16 years of age in the household. It is
possible that that this John Poe and William Poe are brothers, sons of the
elder John Poe who appears to remain along Bear Creek with quite a large
plantation.
Misc. Chatham County, Records, Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions
17 February 1775
Ordered that Charles Poe an infirm man
& afflicted with fits be recommended to the next General Assembly as a proper
person to be exempt from the payment of taxes for the future
Randolph County (formed from Guilford County
in 1779)
1782 Tax List
Benjamin Poe 1 m >16,
2 m <16, 4 f
Chatham County
Ordered that a road be laid out and turned the
nearest and best way from where Jacob Fudge turned out of the Quakers road, to
run across Barr Creek below George Hendrys field along a ridge in a
straight course to the ford on Deep River, & any 12 of the following
be a jury to lay out the same, Vis: John Poe, George Hendry (sic,
believe it is Hendricks), Daniel Brown, Jeremiah Melton, Willis Barger,
Jr., John Brown & William Popland.
* Deep River , c.125 mi/201 km long, N central N.C., in W Guilford co.; rises E of Kernersville; flows SE past High Point and Randleman, passes NE of Asheboro, then E pass N of Sanford, joins Haw R. near Haywood to form Cape Fear R.
John Poe Sr be appt
overseer of the road from Harlands Creek* to Evan's Mill & that the
following hands work thereon, Viz: his own hands, James Poe's, Thomas
Griffin's, John Griffens, William Haley's, Richard Haley's, Benj. Harris',
Aaron Evan's, the hands living on Henry Bagley's plantation, & Charles Harrington's.
* Harland’s Creek, Deep River and Haw River … (an environmental impact study includes
an) area encompasses the entire Town of Pittsboro, as well as
outlying rural areas. The study area is bounded by the Haw River to the
east, Rocky River and Deep River to the south, Harlands Creek to the west,
and Russell Chapel Road (SR 1520) to the north.
Wilkes County
Land entries
1779
Benjamin Herndon 200 ac Great Elkin B. Herndon marked out John Poe
written in
William Powe
(6) 2m<16, 1m>16; 3 f
Note: Aaron Kennedy between
these entries
John Powe
(5) 2m>16; 1m<16; 2 f
.
Chatham County
31 March
1780
State of
North Carolina to John Nall* – 50 sh. For every 100 a. – 600 a. on Bear
Creek at the Rackoon Ford where the near Road Crosses – joins John Nalls old
line and John Poe’s land.
State of North Carolina to John Nall –
50 sh. for every 100 a. – 300 a. on the North side of Bear Creek – joins
Stephen Powell and John Poe.
State of
North Carolina to John Poe – 50 sh. for every 100 a. – 640 a. on both
sides of Bear Creek.
Wm. Sheppard Sec. Alex. Martin
Consideration
14
1787 Census
John Poe:1 male
21-60, 2 male (under 21 and above 60), 2 female all ages
William Poe: 1 male
21-60, 3 females all ages
Analysis: As noted in the recap above, these could be
brothers, sons of the elder John Poe who acquired over 640 acres along Bear
Creek in Chatham County. The elder John Poe could be brother to Benjamin Poe
and Charles Poe. The three could be sons of William Poe and Lydia who settled
in Culpeper County in 1737.
Consideration
15
Surry County
9 August 1787
Bk I, p. 201 William Poe and Elizabeth
Poe of Surry Co., NC to Isaac Hudson of Rowan Co, NC. 150 pounds 270
acres adjoining William Petty; part of 400 acres granted to George Wooton by
deed on 9 August 1787.
Nicholas
Masters
William
Poe (X) seal
Elizabeth
Poe (X) seal
Daniel
Hudson
Duly
proven in Surry Co. Court Aug Term 1801 by oaths of Nicholas Masters &
Daniel Hudson & ordered to be registered. Test Jo Williams, C.C.
Analysis: The 1790 census shows a William Poe in Surry County
with three young boys and at least four unmarried daughters. If this is William
Poe and Elizabeth Bray and if William Poe was born as late as 1750, this could
be that couple. It is equally possible that this is another William of another
family. One has to wonder how long this William Poe and Elizabeth had been
there by 1787. Why are they selling their 270 acres land to Isaac Hudson?
Considering the 1792 showing a sale of Surry County land to William Poe by
George Wooten, land adjoining William Petty, it is very possible this William
Poe is connected to the James Poe family of Guilford County. Simon Poe, JR has
a son William Poe, born around 1770, who probably was brother of James Poe of Guilford
County. James Poe is said to have married Sarah Petty. This Surry County
William Poe could be the son of Simon Poe, JR.
The following are still under consideration
Caswell County
William Poe*
Deed
Book E p. 182
James Chandler of Granville Co.,
NC to Mary Harrison, for 40 lbs, 200 A on lick fork of Moon's Cr adj Jos Ellot
(Elliot / Ellits ?), David Porter. 3 January 1787. Wit: William Poe, Robert
Bevell
William Poe (9) 1 m
>16, 3 m < 16, 5 f
[Edmund
Poe]
William Powe (6)
2m<16, 1m>16; 3 f
Note: Aaron Kennedy between these entries
John Powe (5) 2m>16; 1m<16; 2 f
William Poe (7) 1 m >16, 2 m <16, 4 f
12 March 1792 George Wooten to William Poe 150 pds 270 a adjoining William Petty
Ephraim (X) McLimore
Henry Poe (X)
George (X) Wooten
5:161 12 December 1793 Stafford Lednam of Molbery
Co., SC to William Moon of Randolph Co. for 80 pds 200a in Randolph Co. adj.
Onstat and Masser. Signed Stafford Lednam; Wit: William Rhodes, William Poe
1:126 10 May 1794 – Soloman Evens to Alexander Wilson
for 100 pds., 100a on Big Brush Creek, Deep River waters
signed: Soloman Evins; Wit: Obediah Williams, William Poe Rec. August 1794 by Soloman Evins.
Others include Israel Elliott to William Elliott on
waters of Polecat Creek
Simon Poe, SR will 1793
Also William Poe, the son of Stephen Poe one other childs part; my son William Poe and my son James Poe
Wilkes
County
1795 William Poe enters 50 ac. In Wilkes Co. on
waters of Big Elking R. border: Benjamin Herndon’s. N. Corner [line _____ lined
out]; includes my barn.
Surry County
8 February 1796 A deed from George Wooten to William Poe was proved by Henry Poe and ordered to be registered 6 paid.
Wake County
Benjamin Poe* of Wake Co. to Jonas Lassiter of same, Dec. 12,
1796, for 75 pds. a 150 acre tract of land and plantation on the east side of
Log Branch, a branch of Kniels Creek, adjoining Liptrot. Wit: Johnson Poe, William
Poe, Mark Myatt.
Wilkes County
1799
Thomas Lenoir enter 150 ac in Wilkes on Elk Creek William Poe' line
1799 Robinett (sic) 100 ac on Elk Creek William Poe and runs E.
1799 Witnessed land transaction William Poe* and Henry Poe
1 January 1799 Between Jacob McGrady and Hezekiah
Hall … torn.. 100 ac N. fork Mulberry Creek … including plantation said Hall
now lives on. Wits: Luke Jinnings, William Poe (X) & Henry
Poe. Signed: Jacob McGrady
states will dated October 13, 1799
Sale of Estate of William
Poe, deceased
Susannah, administratrix
Chatham County NC - Hillborough District - 1800 Federal Census
William Poe Sr
one male over 45
one female over 45
John Poe 1 >45
William Poe 2<10, 1 10/16, 1 26/45; 2<10
2 10/16, 1 26/45; 2 <10, 2 10/16, 1 26/45
1800 Ashe (Wilkes)
Edmund Poe 2<10, 1 16/26; 1<10, 1 26/45
Henry Poe 2
< 10, 1 16/26, 1 26/45; 4 <10, 2 10/16, 1 16/26, 1 26/45
William Poe 2m 16/26, 1m >45; 1f >45
1800
Will Book A, page 14
No Date
Sale of the Estate of James Patterson,
deceased
William Poe – phaeton
(Ramsey, Massey, Dismukes, Howard, Fooshee, and the
usual Haw River people
Surry
County
1801
Bk
I, p. 201 William Poe and Elizabeth Poe of Surry Co., NC to Isaac Hudson
of Rowan Co, NC. 150 pounds 270 acres adjoining William Petty; part of
400 acres granted to George Wooton by deed on 9 August 1787.
Nicholas
Masters
William
Poe (X) seal
Elizabeth
Poe (X) seal
Daniel
Hudson
Duly
proven in Surry Co. Court Aug Term 1801 by oaths of Nicholas Masters &
Daniel Hudson & ordered to be registered. Test Jo Williams, C.C.
Wilkes County
1800 Witnessed
land transaction William Poe
1810 William Poe 100 acres on
big Elkin Creek joins his old line etc.
Gideon Kirksey
Dated: 23 May 1803
Wife: Mary
son: Abraham
Sons:
William Gideon
Isaac Hackney
Daughter:
Sarah Owens
Mary Moseley
Wit:
William Edwards
John Ray
N-27 ___ 1802 Elisha Cain of Chatham to Jesse Horton
of same 136 pds
248 ac on White Oak Creek. /s/ Elisha Cain. Wit.
Williamson X Johnson,
Cynthia Cain. Proved Nov 1802 by oath of Williamson
Johnson. (Note this
is the first deed of Elisha's that he did not prove
in court himself. He
fades from the deed records here.)
Chatham Ct. Min The minutes of this court are missing
1801-1805.
May 1805 p.21 Absalom Cain on a Jury.
Ibid Feb
1806 p.70 William Cain apptd constable in Capt Richarsons dist
for the year 1806.
Ibid Aug
1806 p.107 State vs Absalum Cain.
Ibid Nov
1806 p.105 Ordd that James Cain Poe
be discharged from the
payment of taxes due for year 1806 for a negro woman
Joan. p.108 Henry &
Wm Davis assignees of Nimrod Watts vs William
Cain, William Goodwin &
John Richardson.
1798-1818
Page ---- Isaiah Straughan bought at sale of William Poe (Wm in book)
21 June 1806
Will of Alexander Kinchen, deceased
my loving wife Elizabeth, and my dear little son William Poe
1810 Guilford County Census
4 males under 10; 1 male over 46
difficult to see where the line goes across, I think
the female listing is
1 female 10/15; 1 female 16/26; 1 female over 49
Note: these are adjacent entries
John Poe 1 10/16, 1 >45; 1>45
William Poe 2<10,
1 10/16, 2 16/26, 1>45; 1 <10 , 3 10/16
Guilford Co., North Carolina : will
abstracts, 1771-1841. Irene B. Webster. [Madison, N.C.] : Webster, c1979
A: 0296
9 February 1812
James Poe (deceased)
Sarah Poe (wife)
William Poe
9 Feb. 1812
Wife Sarah - estate as long as she remains my widow.
All my ch: Gabril, Nancy, Metildy, Betsey, Sandy, William, Reney, Hannah,
James, Polly, John. Exrs: William Poe, Joshiah Unthank
Chatham County
November 23 1813
Page 140
Estate of Charles Marsh, decd. with the admr of said estate
Names: (include) Jesse Millican, J. T. Taylor, Ransom Poe, Spencer Marsh, William Poe, Isaiah Straughan, Feribe Morgan,
Fray Marsh, William Straughan, Winship Stedman, Happy Fooshee,
Joseph Blalock,
Pursuant to an order of the Court of 2nd Monday,
November 23. Account of administrator of estate of Charles Marsh, decd. was
examined by Edward Rives, Miles Scarborough, H. D. Bridges
18 February 1814
Poe: married at Pittsboro, Chatham County, on the
10th Mr. William Poe to Mill Elizabeth Harmon 18 Feb 1814
1 August 1814 - Joseph Harman to William Poe son-in-law
1820 Guilford County
Gabrish [Gabriel P] Poe*
Sally Poe
William Poe
[David Poe]
4 January 1821
David Poe (son of William Poe and wife, Sarah) married Abigail
Wilson
5 December 1821
page 26
Inventory and account of sales of estate of John A. Ramsey
decd. made 5 December 1821 by Philip Alston admr.
Buyers were:
(Includes) Wm.. Foushee, John Caudle,
Wm. Watson, Jordan Holleman (Holiman?), Joseph Scurlock, Winship
Stedman, John Fooshee, M. McMillan*, , Wm.
Neal, Wm. Ramsey, Abner Gunter, David Poe,
Wm. Neal, Wm. Ramsey,
* Margaret McMillan (b. 1783), daughter
of Amon McMillian, married Simon Poe (1782-1875), son of Major James Simon Poe,
son of Simon Poe, SR, probably son of Samuel Poe (d. 1725)
There follows a long list of judgments and accounts:
(includes)
Redin Bryan, David
Poe, Jesse Petty, William Caudle, John Caudle,
Hezekiah Harman, William Poe,
James Saunders, Jesse Caudle, Wm. Marks, James Watson, William Utley, John Griffin
5 October 1822
Inventory of Sales of Estate of William Petty, Sr.
dec'd 2 and 5 of October 1822
Purchasers include Joseph
Poe
29 October 1822
page 14
Inventory and account of Sales made of Estate of
William Hamlet dec'd (Hamblet)
Buyers: (similar list to above)
cash in had at death of Wm. Hamlet $140
sales ---
Total --------------- 1071.91
a note of Joseph J. Alston for $216 payable 26 Mary
1818
a note on Charles Chalmers for $58.19
an order for William
Poe for $5
(son of Capt. Stephen Poe)
15 January 1823
Will Book B, Page 86
Will of Stephen Poe,
deceased
my son William Poe
21 January 1823
Page 134
Estate of James A. Marsh
Names
(includes)
James Harman, Merriman Harman, J. W. Bynum,
James Brantley, Lewis Freeman, Roderick Cotton, Zachariah Harman, R. V.
J. Marsh, Robert Marsh, William Neal, Charles Marsh, William Poe, William Lasater, Winship
Stedman, George Harman, Hasten Poe,
John Fooshee, Dorcas Howard, John
Bland, Rebecca Harman, J. W. Bynum, W. W. Stedman, Elijah Fooshee,
Joseph Scurlock
Account examined by the commissioners:
R. Freeman
H. D. Bridges
H. J. Boooks
William Poe
John Poe
Guilford County Wills
B: 0667
William Poe*
20 September 1830
Probated May 1832
Wife: Sarah
- maintenance on Plantation , my bay horse, land to be sold at decease of
remarriage of wife and divided
* Almost surely the son of James Poe d.
1812 in Guilford County
Return
to the previous
page or HOME