William Cathey (bef 1755-1812) and Rebecca Holeman of North Carolina (Burke, Buncombe, Haywood, Macon) and VA (Shenandoah)

Marty and Karla Grant

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[Cathey Home] - [Table of Contents] - William Cathey (bef 1755-1812)

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William Cathey and Rebecca Holeman are my 6 times great grandparents.

Refer to this page for quick outline of the various contemporary William Catheys.

Special thanks to Guy Davenport for getting me started with this family way back when. Also thanks to Lawrence Wood, Dottie Jackson and others for sharing data on this family. Also thanks to Boyt H. Cathey (1927-2011). He included much information on William in his book Cathey Family History And Genealogy Volume I 1700-1900, 1993. Unfortunately, he, and the rest of us at the time, had this William mixed up with William (1741) son of Andrew Cathey, son of James (d 1756) and Ann. We now know that is a different William.

William Cathey was born before 1755 per his age on the 1800 census (45 and up). Based upon his father’s supposed birth date of 1735 (probably incorrect), and his siblings birth dates, I think that William was likely born no earlier than 1750, so we might list his birth as ca 1750/1755. Knowing that his brother George was born in January 1755, we can probably safely narrow William’s birth down even more to ca 1750/54.

He is a proven son of George Cathey (1725-1790). George’s only proven wife was named Margaret, but there is a tradition that he had a wife named Ann Price. If so, she would have to be his first wife since Margaret outlived him by about a decade. Thus, Ann would have to be William’s mother. This is somewhat supported by William naming his first two children George and Ann, presumably after his parents. Of course he did name a daughter Margaret as well.

In the 1750s, George Cathey resided in Anson Co., NC in the part that became Mecklenburg County in 1762/63. Thus, William would have been born in what was then Anson Co., NC, later Mecklenburg. He would have moved around with his parents and wound up in far western Rowan County by the early 1770s in the section that became Burke County in 1777.

However, for some reason open to speculation, William Cathey left North Carolina by 1772 and traveled northward to the Shenandoah valley of Virginia where he married Rebecca Holeman before 24 Nov 1772 in what was then Dunmore Co., VA. This is the same general area where they Cathey’s had resided in the 1730s through ca 1750s so perhaps William went there to visit some relatives still in the area then met Rebecca and married her there.

Rebecca Holeman was born ca 1750/55, presumably in Frederick Co., VA (now Shenandoah Co., VA), a proven daughter of Daniel Holeman and Elizabeth Cartley (not Cathey as some list her). It is notable that William and Rebecca’s third and fourth children were named Daniel H. Cathey and Elizabeth Cathey, presumably after Rebecca’s parents.

On 24 Nov 1772, William Cathey and Rebecca his wife, late Rebecca Holeman, sold their interest in the estate of her father, Daniel Holeman, deceased, to her brother Jacob Holeman of Dunmore Co., VA, for 5 shillings and six slaves: William, Normid?, Joe, Dolly and her two children Sall and George. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book A, p. 126).

They were back in Burke Co., NC by 1774 when son George was born there.

Burke County was formed from western Rowan in 1777. Unfortunately, Burke County lost most of its early records during the Civil War when union soldiers burned them in 1865. Only a precious few early records survive.

William Cathey built his home into a fort in 1776 that became known as Cathey’s Fort. This was to protect his family from the increasing Indian attacks that were happening due to the Revolutionary War, encouraged by the British and Loyalists. The fort was on his land near Turkey Cove in what is now McDowell Co., NC. For a time Cathey’s Fort was westernmost Fort in North Carolina during the war. William sold the land to Col. William Wofford in 1779 and it became known as Wofford’s Fort after that.

In 1777 William Cathey was one of the Captains assigned to Cathey’s Fort along with Capt. Cain (possibly his brother-in-law Robert Cain), Capt. William Johnson, Capt. Thomas Lytle, Capt. Joseph McDowell and Capt. Joseph White. William Cathey was under the command of Col. Charles McDowell. North Carolina Patriots 1775-1783: Their Own Words, Volume 2 - The Provincial and State Troops (Part 1), J. D. Lewis, 2012.

William Cathey is listed as a Major by some researchers, but I haven’t yet seen where he was promoted from Captain to Major. Such a record may exist though. I have seen a Haywood Co., NC deed referring to Maj. William Cathey, but it was clearly George Cathey’s son, William (1777-1864) who was a Major during the War of 1812.

On 23 Feb 1778 William Cathey entered 100 acres on the North Fork of Catawba “adjoining survey of George Cathey including Spring said William Cathey takes his drinking water out of and a lime kill (kiln) of Henry Young.” Warrant ordered (meaning it was granted to him). Huggins, Vol 1. Land Entries # 276 p 93

It isn’t clear what survey of George Cathey is being referenced. However, the above was granted to William Cathey on 20 Sep 1779, Grant No. 95, for 64 acres. The grant refers to entry number 277 dated 10 Oct 1778 neither of which agree with the original entry, but it is clearly the same entry based on the description. The actual grant is described as On the So. West side of the North Fork of Catawba River. The survey is dated 10 Dec 1778. George Cathey isn’t mentioned in the survey suggesting his entry was rejected by this time. Note that Limekiln Creek is in present day McDowell County. It rises in the north part of the county and flows easterly into the North Fork of The Catawba River. This is north of the present town of Marion near the Woodlawn community. Note that William Cathey entered 640 acres in this same area later that was described as originally being George Cathey’s entry. That is probably what was being referenced in this entry.

On 24 Feb 1778, James Greenlee, Charles McDowell, Thomas Little and William Cathey, together entered a 400 acre tract on West fork of Caney River in Burke Co., NC. For some inexplicable reason it took 28 years before this was actually granted to them, which was on 22 Dec 1806. By then the area was Buncombe Co., NC. (NC Land Grants Book 121, p. 405 22 Dec 1806. Warrant 24 Feb 1778 Entry No 273. File 1580. See more on this in Dec 1806 below).

On 3 Apr 1778 Richard Morrow entered 640 acres of land in Burke Co., NC (entry no 399), which was granted to him on 14 Mar 1780. The warrant reads thus: On the North side of the Catawba River in the North Cove, the land that was surveyed for Alexander Cathey by virtue of a warrant issued out of the Late Earl Granville’s office and now Reentered by the said Richard Morrow entered April 3d, 1778.

The survey, dated 4 Sep 1779, is even more interesting: Surveyed for Richard Morrow a tract of land containing 640 acres lying on both sides of the No. Fork of the Catawba River between the lands of William Cathey and Pepper.*

Wm Cathey, Robt Cain, Chain Bearers.

* This is likely Robert Peper/Pepper who died before 1784 in Burke.

William Cathey was George’s (1725) son. Robert Cain was George’s son-in-law, thus William’s brother-in-law.

On 8 Jul 1778, William Cathey entered 640 acres of land on Turkey Cove described as land George Cathey formerly entered and had surveyed by warrant out of late Earl Granville’s office, and now re-entered by Cathey this 8 Jul 1778. Huggins, Vol 1. Land Entries # 474 p 158.

The above was granted to William Cathey on 20 Sep 1779, grant number 45, described as entry 474 dated 19 Oct 1778 (a few months after originally entered). It isn’t clear why George Cathey’s original entry was invalidated, or perhaps he simply transferred it to his son. The land was on “Slime Kiln” Creek (now Limekiln Creek), which is north of Marion in present day McDowell County.

Late 1779 or early 1780 is probably when William moved his family north to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia to where Rebecca’s people were still living. That area was much safer than where they had been living in Burke County. They remained there a few years, though may have made some return trips to NC to visit before finally moving back permanently after the war was over.

When Rebecca grew up there, it had been Frederick Co., VA. Then in 1772 Dunmore County was formed, named for the Royal Governor at the time. In 1778, during the war, the locals stripped the county of that name and renamed it Shenandoah County.

To complicate matters there was another William Cathey in Shenandoah County. He was a little younger than our William, so listed as William Jr on many records while both men resided there. The use of “Sr” and “Jr” has caused many to incorrectly assume the two were father and son. However, there was no more than 12 years difference in their age. I believe they were most likely 1^st cousins. They were definitely related because they both married into the Holeman family. The younger William married Jacob Holeman’s widow Margaret in 1784. That made the two William’s brothers-in-law in addition to whatever blood relation they had. Unfortunately I don’t know who the younger William’s father was.

The tax lists for Shenandoah County, Virginia survive beginning in 1782. Our William was the only one listed in 1782, but both were listed after that for a few consecutive years prior to ours permanently returning to North Carolina.

1782 Shenandoah Co., VA Tax List

Name	Total Tithables	Horses	Cattle
Willm Cathey	9	10
Elizabeth Holdman	3	1	7
Jacob Holdman	14	13	26
John Seahorn*	1	2	7

* John Sehorn married Elizabeth Cathey (1758-1819), presumed sister of William Cathey Jr.

Although in Virginia by this time, William Cathey and some of his kin were named among the accounts for the estate of John Montgomery, Jr in 1782. This doesn’t prove they were related to him, only that they had done business with him.

Huggins, Vol 1. p. 176 Estate Papers 1777-1795

20 Oct 1782 John Montgomery, Jr. Adm. Bond: Margaret Montgomery, Hamilton Montgomery. Many papers and accounts. Names: Thomas Womack, William Morrel, James Davidson, JP, Cornelos Reddick, Daniel Russell, Robert Cain, Elizabeth Cain, Jas Dever, Wm Farris, George Cathey Sr, John McClatchey, William Sharpe, David Vance, William Cathey Jr, Joseph McDowell, Robert Mitchell, John Hardin JP, Robert Patton, John McCulloh decd, Henry Graham, Wm Harris, Jonathan Kemp, Willm Moral, John Chambers, Willm Cathey Juner. Receipts to John Montgomery, Sr. adm of John Jr July 19 and 20 1786.

Robert Cain’s wife Elizabeth was a daughter of George Cathey 1725. Robert Patton was married to Rebecca, daughter of George Cathey 1725.

Why was William Cathey listed as “Jr” and “Juner” in these accounts? George’s son William (c1750/55) was the only William Cathey in Burke at the time, wasn’t he? The only other known William Cathey was a small child at this time so why the distinctive suffix? I believe this suggests there was indeed a second adult William Cathey in the area, though perhaps only for a short time. The question is who was that other William? Was he older than George’s son or younger? There weren’t many other known William Catheys of age ca 1782. There was William of Lincoln Co., NC. He was probably older than George’s son, but was he ever in Burke? We think that one is Andrew’s son, born 1741. There was William son of John Cathey (c1718-1764) of Rowan. We lost track of that William after 1764 in Rowan. He could have passed through Burke. Next is Alexander Cathey (1707-1766)’s son William (1747-1799). He certainly could have been in Burke briefly. We do know his father had entered land there per the records I mentioned earlier.

Both Williams are listed on the 1783 tax list for Shenandoah County. The younger William is living with Jacob Holeman who died later that year. William “Jr” married Jacob’s widow Margaret in 1784.

Name	White Tithes	Slaves 16+	Slaves -16	Horses	Cattle
William Cathew Senr. Slaves Bill, Peters, Jarnes?, Luck, Doll, George, Jo	1	5	2	5	21
Daniel Holdman. Slaves John, Nan and Belly	~	2	1	7	9
Jacob Holdman & Will Cathey. Slaves Boatswain, Nan, Tom, Jack, James, Mary, Reuben, Sarah, Sue, Winny, Doll, Ann, George and Jenny	2	8	6	18	21

There was another 1783 list made which was published in First Census of The United States 1790 Records of The State Enumerations: 1782 to 1785 Virginia. That only listed one William Cathey, with 8 whites and 8 blacks. I don’t know if that is our William or the younger one. Our William had at least 7 known family members by 1783, so it could be ours.

Both William Catheys are listed on the 1784 tax list in Shenandoah Co., VA, the younger William residing with Jacob’s widow Margaret Holeman who he would marry in December. It should be noted that our William had a son James Cathey born Oct 1784 in North Carolina, meaning they probably visited awhile later in the year.

Name	White Tithes	Slaves 16+	Slaves -16	Horses	Cattle
Wm Cathey & Jno Camper	2	5	3	4	22
Margaret Holeman & Wm Cathey & Thomas Edgell	2	7	6	19	23
Daniel Holeman	1	2	1	6	8
John Seahorn	1			2	4

On 4 Aug 1784, both William Cathey Jr and William Cathey Senr witnessed a deed from Reuben Dobkins and wife Elizabeth to Jacob Steigel for land Elizabeth inherited from her father Jacob Holeman. William Cathey Jr was soon to become the step-father to Elizabeth Holeman Dobkins and Jacob Steigel’s wife Rachel Holeman, when he married their widowed mother in December 1784. Elizabeth and Rachel would be nieces to William Cathey Sr’s wife Rebecca Holeman. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book D, p. 421).

Both Williams are listed on the 1785 tax list in Shenandoah meaning our William had returned to VA by tax time.

Name	White Tithes	Slaves 16+	Slaves -16	Horses	Cattle
William Carthey Senr	4	~	1	4	16
William Carthey Junr	6	~	6	8	17

There is another 1785 list, as published in First Census of The United States 1790 Records of The State Enumerations: 1782 to 1785 Virginia that includes both William Cathey’s.

William Cathey Senr 5 white souls, 1 dwelling, 2 other buildings

William Cathey Junr 11 white souls, 1 dwelling, 6 other buildings

On 4 Jun 1785 George Cathey made a statement in court. It isn’t clear whether this would be George Sr or his son George Jr. However, it proves William and Rebecca were back in Burke Co., NC around that time or sometime shortly before.

Estate Papers 1777-1795 Huggins, Vol 1. p 173

23 Apr 1783 William Gray. Adm. Bond Lydda Gray, Greenberry Wilson, William England. Inv. July 7, 1783 by Lydda Gray. Statement by George Cathey June 4, 1785 re “Lyday Gray, deft., that Mrs. Rebecca Cathey took up a negro wench of Willm Gray decd and brought to Cathey’s house.” Jas. Davidson, JP.

Mrs. Rebecca Cathey is the wife of William Cathey.

This same incident is referenced again in Burke County North Carolina Land Records and More Important Miscellaneous Records 1751 - 1809 Volume 3, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, 1987.

p. 96 1784. Robert Patton vs. Lydia Gray, Sept. 12; appealed. (2) Sept. 10. Judgment for pltff. Wits: Henery Glaspay and George Cathey, the latter stated he heard Lydda Gray’s husband promise to pay Miss Rebecca Cathy.

On 18 Sep 1785, William Cathey entered land on a military warrant issued to John Deal and was granted 380 acres in Davidson Co., TN on 20 May 1793. This wasn’t for his own service, but for John Deal’s. Deal must have sold his warrant to William Cathey. (Davidson Co., TN Deed Book D, p. 187).

Both William Catheys are again listed on the 1786 tax list in Shenandoah Co., VA.

Name	White Tithes	Slaves 16+	Slaves -16	Horses	Cattle
William Cathey Sen	3	3	1	7	26
William Carthy	2	2	3	8	14

On 8 Aug 1786 William Cathey (don’t know which one of them) witnessed a deed between Reuben Moore and John Branner. Richard Branham and William Branham also witnessed. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book F, p. 312).

On 23 Oct 1786, William Cathey of Shenandoah Co., VA appointed Michael Turney to be his attorney to make a conveyance to Peter Turney for a certain tract of land in Davidson Co., NC (now TN) on a branch of Cumberland River, being the land he purchased from Peter Turney. The deed was signed by William Cathey. Witnesses were Richard Branham and John Skeen. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book F, p. 345).

The deed above is significant as it, and one other, are the proof that William Cathey of Shenandoah Co., VA and William Cathey of Burke Co., NC are one and the same man. See 20 Oct 1796 below for a continuation of this.

Both William Catheys are again listed on the 1787 tax list in Shenandoah Co., VA.

Name of Whites over 21	White 16-21	Slaves 16+	Slaves -16	Horses	Cattle
William Cathey Jr, Jno Collins	1	5	4	10	12
William Cathey Sr	~	4	~	5	22

On 28 Oct 1787, William Cathey (not sure which one) witnessed a deed from George and Mary Ruddle to Mounce Byrd. Other witnesses were Richard Branham, Isaac Goare and Abraham Savage. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book F, p. 518).

The 1787 list tax list, or the Oct 1787 deed if it was him, was the last time our William Cathey appeared in Shenandoah records. The other William Cathey was the only one listed in 1788 and later. This signifies the move back to Burke Co., NC, which may have had something to do with his father dying around this time.

As far as I can tell, none of Rebecca’s Holeman kin came to this part of North Carolina, though she did have some uncles in Rowan County and Wilkes County.

George Cathey Sr apparently left a Last Will and Testament ca the late 1780s. However, that, along with most other Burke County Wills, probate and estate records for this era were destroyed in 1865 during the Civil War. An 1823 Wilson Co., TN Court case states that William Cathey and George Cathey (Jr) were the executors of George Cathey Sr.’s Will.

We have one reference to the Will in a deed from 1812:

Bedford County, Tennessee Deed Book D, p. 82

20 Feb 1812 Violet Cathey of Bedford Co., TN and Joseph McDowell of Maury Co., TN to John Dysart of Bedford Co., TN. For $200, 200 acres in Bedford on the waters of Rock Creek being part of a tract of 2,500 acres granted to George Cathey by grant No 107 and by his Last Will & Testament devised to Violet Cathey, Esther Cathey and Ann Moore and being part of Violet Cathey’s lot agreeable to a division amongst the legatees ... Joseph C. McDowell ...

S: Violet (X) Cathey, J. C. McDowell

Witnesses: Alexander Neill, Francis Dysart

Unfortunately no other portion of his Will has been discovered so far. Fortunately, the 1823 Wilson County court case proves his family rather well. More on that later.

On 5 Jul 1788 a deed from William Wofford to William Cathey for 240 acres was proven in court by James Dever, one of the witnesses. The actual deeds for this era were burned during the civil war. Burke County North Carolina Records 1755-1821 (Including Wills Index, 1784-1900) Volume 4, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, 1987. p. 12 Deeds Recorded in Court Minutes 1791-1796

William Cathey was listed on the 1790 census in Burke Co., NC between James McDowell and Andrew McClure. Brother in law Robert Reed was four houses away. William Dever (Deaver), perhaps related, was two houses away.

1790 Burke County, North Carolina, Morgan District, 1^st Company

Pg	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
88	William Cathey	3	4	5	-	3

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

3m 16+ (before 1774) 1. William Cathey (c1750/54)

2. Son?

3. George B. Cathey (1774) son

4m -16 (1774/1790) 1. Daniel H. Cathey (1774/84) son

2. William Cathey (1782) son

3. James Cathey (1784) son

4. Andrew D. Cathey (1784/90) son

5f (before 1790) 1. Rebecca (Holeman) Cathey (1750/55) wife

2. dau? Sister? Sister-in-law?

3. Elizabeth Cathey (c1775) dau

4. Ann Cathey dau

5. Margaret Cathey (c1790) dau

3 slaves ? --> gone by 1800

? --> gone by 1800

Buncombe County was formed from part of Burke in 1791, but the Catheys didn’t fall into the new county, rather moving there soon after. The section of Burke they lived in at the time remained Burke for fifty more years and is now McDowell County, North Carolina.

On 17 May 1793, a deed from William Cathey to Daniel Brown for 250 acres was proven in court by Joseph Young, a witness. The actual deeds for this era were burned during the civil war. Burke County North Carolina Records 1755-1821 (Including Wills Index, 1784-1900) Volume 4, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, 1987. p. 21 Deeds Recorded in Court Minutes 1791-1796

William Cathey is listed on the 1793 tax list in Burke Co., NC taxed for no land, 1 white tithe and 4 stud horses. According to this he owned no land at this time, or at least wasn’t taxed for any. The deed mentioned in January 1793 court may have been all of his land.

On 25 Oct 1794 James Neill resigned as the overseer of the road from Pleasant Gardens to the Turkey Cove. He recommended either William Cathey or George Cathey be appointed in his place. They chose George Cathey. Burke County North Carolina Land Records, 1779-1790 Volume II, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press. Road Papers, Petitions and Orders 1787-1795

On 22 Aug 1795 William Cathey was granted 50 acres in Burke Co., NC on North Fork of Hawkins Branch on Guardian Creek. The land was entered 22 Oct 1792. The land was surveyed – Dec 1794. George Cathey and Robert Reed were chain carriers (William’s brother and brother-in-law). (NC Land Grants Book 88, p. 45, No. 1356. File 2297.)

William Cathey is listed on the 1795 Burke Co., NC tax list and taxed for 387 acres and 3 polls. He apparently acquired some land after the 1793 tax list. Burke County North Carolina Records 1755-1821 (Including Wills Index, 1784-1900) Volume 4, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, 1987. p. 113.

William Cathey is listed on the 1796 Burke Co., NC tax list and taxed for 219 acres and 3 polls. He apparently sold some land after the 1795 tax list. Burke County North Carolina Records 1755-1821 (Including Wills Index, 1784-1900) Volume 4, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, 1987. p. 116.

In July 1796, William Cathey and others were chosen as jurors to review the road from Pleasant Garden to Samuel Davidson’s old fort. His brother-in-law Elijah Patton and cousin William Givens were also included.

Road Papers, Overseers, Petitions, Orders, Juries, 1796-1800

p. 32 July 1796. Jurors to review road from Pleasant Garden to Samuel Davidson’s old fort: Josiah Brannon, Robert Hodge, Sr., Robert Hodge, Jr., Thos Little, Patrick Slone, Richard Fortune, Thomas Ellison, William Giverns (sic), Benj. Bird, Thomas McEntire, Elijah Patton, William Cathey, Meshack Birchfield, William England, Thomas Davis, John Pertillow, Edward Jackson, Zebulon Brevard.

From Burke County North Carolina Land Records and More Important Miscellaneous Records 1751 - 1809 Volume 3, Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, 1987.

On 21 Sep 1796, William Cathey of Burke Co., NC, sold his 380 acres in Davidson Co., TN to his brother-in-law Andrew Neill of Logan Co., Ky for £194. This was the land granted to William Cathey in 1793. John Reed (brother-in-law) and James Carson were witnesses. (Davidson Co., TN Deed Book D, p. 183).

On 20 Oct 1796, Peter Turney of Tennessee, sold 140 acres in Davidson Co., TN to William Cathey of Burke Co., NC for $500. Witnesses were William Ketton and Oliver Williams. This deed, and another one dated 20 Oct 1797 are a continuation of a deed William Cathey made in Shenandoah Co., VA in 1786, which proves that William and this William are one and the same person. (Davidson Co., TN Deed Book D, p. 463).

On 18 Oct 1797, William Cathey of Buncombe purchased 640 acres from John Carson of Burke for £200. The land was described as being on both sides of the East Fork of Richland Creek, both sides of the path General Rutherford’s Army marched to the Cherokees. This deed shows us the approximate time the Catheys moved to that area. This is present day Haywood County around the town of Waynesville. John Carson signed the deed. Witnesses were James Rutherford and George Cathey. This could be William’s brother or son. Can’t be sure which one. James Rutherford was married to William’s 1^st cousin Margaret Moore. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 4 page 262).

John Carson, if this is the same one, was a long time associate of the Cathey family, and probably a cousin via his McDowell wife.

Two days later, on 20 Oct 1797, William Cathey of Buncombe sold Jason Carson of Burke Co., NC, 640 acres of land in Davidson Co., TN which was originally granted to Peter Turney, a surgeon during the war. William sold the land for £1,500. Witnesses were Charles Reese, John Cooke and John Carson. (Davidson Co., TN Deed Book N, p. 251).

Around this time (ca 1798), William Cathey (1777), son of our William’s brother George, came of age. That means that there may be some confusion in the records as to which William was which from this point forward. Generally, our William used "Sr" and William (1777) used "Jr", but not always.

William is listed on the 1800 census in Buncombe as was his nephew William Cathey Jr (son of George). This census was alphabetical so we can’t determine neighbors.

1800 Census - Buncombe County, North Carolina

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

165

William Cathey

165

William Cathey J.

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1755) William Cathey (c1750/55)

2m 16-25 (1774/1784) 1. Daniel H. Cathey (1774/1784) son

2. William Cathey (1782) son

2m 10-15 (1784/1790) 1. James Cathey (1784) son

2. Andrew D. Cathey (1784/90) son

3m 0-9 (1790/1800) 1. Jacob Cathey (1790/1794) son

2. John Cathey (1794/1800) son

3. Thomas Cathey (1797) son

2f 45+ (before 1755) 1. Rebecca (Holeman) Cathey (1750/55) wife

2. Sister? Sister-in-law?

1f 10-15 (1784/1794) Margaret Cathey (c1790) dau

1f 0-9 (1790/1800) Sarah Cathey (1790/1794) dau

On 17 Apr 1800, Richard Lewis of Rutherford Co., NC sold William Cathey of Buncombe, 640 acres on the Pigeon River. Richlands Creek flows into Pigeon River, so this is probably near where William lived. William paid £500. Witnesses were Felix Walker and James Holland. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 5 page 230).

On 28 Oct 1800, William Cathey sold 140 acres of his Pigeon River land to John Gooch for $165. Witnesses were Henry West and Daniel Cathey (William’s son). (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 7 page 357).

On 1 Dec 1800, William Cathey Sr sold some of his Pigeon River land to Spencer Rice for $450. The acreage wasn’t given but it included an island of about 3 acres. Witnesses were son-in-law William Mahaffey and son William Cathey. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 328).

On 31 Dec 1800, William Cathey sold 73 acres of his Pigeon River land to his son-in-law William Meheffy (Mahaffey) for $100. This was part of the 640 acres he’d purchased from “Mr. Lewis of Rutherford.” Neighbor Richard Morrow was the only witness. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 5 page 222).

On 10 Oct 1802, William Cathey sold 230 acres of his Pigeon River land to Robert Gillespie, his son-in-law, for $333. Witnesses were John Morrow and James Morrow, likely relatives of Richard Morrow. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 4 page 689).

On 13 Dec 1802, William Cathey sold 200 acres of his Richland Creek land to John Hide for $500. It was described as “where I now live” meaning he was apparently about to move. Witnesses were John Fergey and Elijah Johnston. It is possible this deed is for William (1777) son of George Cathey and not our William Cathey. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 8 page 272).

Around this time (c1803), our William’s son William Cathey (1782) came of age, so that means there were now three adult men named William Cathey in the area, further complicating the public records.

On 10 Dec 1804, William Cathey (not sure which one) received a land grant of 100 acres on Ocunalufty Creek (River). The land was entered 2 Jan 1802. The land was surveyed 28 Mar 1804. John Fergus and Joseph Turner were chain carriers. The only neighboring land owner named in the survey was Holland. (NC Land Grants Book 120, p. 87, File 1347).

On 13 May 1806, William Cathey Sr sold 7 ½ acres of his Richland Creek land to William Allen. This was part of the 640 acres he purchased from John Carson. John Colvard and George Strother were witnesses. (Neither are known to be related.) (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book A page 468).

On 22 Dec 1806, James Greenlee, Charles McDowell, Thomas Little and William Cathey, together were granted a 400 acre tract on West fork of Caney River in Buncombe Co., NC. The land was entered by them on 24 Feb 1778, some 28 years earlier when it was still in Burke Co., NC. I’m not sure what became of William Cathey’s share of this land. Perhaps he sold his part to one of the others while it was still in Burke Co., NC. Unfortunately the Burke deeds are lost. (NC Land Grants Book 121, p. 405 22 Dec 1806. Warrant 24 Feb 1778 Entry No 273. File 1580.)

In 1806, residents of western Buncombe Co., NC petitioned the state for the creation of a new county named Haywood. William Cathey was one among several of his kin to sign. Note just how many William Cathey’s were on the list: six of them! Of those, William Cathey Sr is ours. William Jr is his son. One of the others is George’s son William (1777). There may be some duplicate signatures for I don’t think there were this many adult William Cathey’s in the area at the time.

(Only names of interest abstracted, anything in brackets was added by me)

Daniel Cathey [Son of William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

James Cathey [Son of William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

George Cathey, Pigeon [George 1755-1840 brother of William 1750/55-1812]

William Mehaffey [Son-in-law of William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

George Cathey [Son of William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

George Cathey Jr [Son of George 1755-1840]

James Cathey [Son of George 1755-1840]

William Cathey, Pigeon [Son of George 1755-1840]

William Cathey [?]

William Cathey Sr [William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

William Cathey Jr [Son of William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

Andrew Cathey [Son of William Cathey 1750/55-1812]

James Cathey [?]

William Cathy, Ens. [?]

William Mehafey, Ens. [?]

In 1808 Haywood County was created from western Buncombe, including Richland Creek and Pigeon River areas where the Catheys were.

William Cathey Sr is listed on the 1810 census in Haywood Co., NC as was his son William and nephew William. The census was alphabetical so we can’t determine neighbors.

Page	Name	M0-9	M10-15	M16-25	M26-44	M45+	F0-9	F10-15	F16-25	F26-44	F45+	FPC	Slaves
59	William Cathy	1	-	1	1	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	-
60	William Cathy	1	1	-	1	-	1	-	2	-	-	-	-
61	William Cathy Sr	-	2	1	-	1	-	-	2	-	1	-	-

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1765) William Cathey (c1750/55)

1m 16-25 (1784/1794) Jacob Cathey (1790/1794) son

2m 10-15 (1794/1800) 1. John Cathey (1794/1800) son

2. Thomas Cathey (1797) son

1f 45+ (before 1755) Rebecca (Holeman) Cathey (1750/55) wife

2f 16-25 (1784/1794) 1. Margaret Cathey (c1790) dau

2. Sarah Cathey (1790/1794) dau

On 27 Dec 1811, John Strother of Rutherford Co., TN, by his agent, Robert Love, deeded 525 acres to William Cathey for $2100. It was land granted to Strother 9 May 1803 by patent number 1076 on the west side of Richland Creek. Andrew Welch witnessed the deed. (Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 146).

The above deed is referenced in a bond William Cathey made with his son James Cathey in an undated record. It refers to the Strother deed as not yet having been made so it had to be before 27 Dec 1811.

Know all ye presents that I, William Cathey Senr am held and firmly bound unto James Cathey in the full and just sum of five hundred dollars to be void on condition that I do make or cause to be made a good and sufficient deed of conveyance to the one sixth part of the tract of land whereon I now live in which division quantity and quality is to be considered (?) and to include the improvement now ocupied (sic) by the said James the title to be made in a reasonable time after I receive a title for the same from John Strother the the (sic) above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full form and virtue.

Test R. Love JuratWm Cathey {Seal}

Thos Love

State of North Carolina Haywood County SS December session A.D. 1813. The within deed was proven in open court by R. Love one of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered t be registered.Certified Ro. Love, Clk

Registered the 22 day of February 1814.

H. Battle R.H.C. by his Deputy Ro. Love

(Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 254)

William made an identical deed to William Cathey Junr, same witnesses, same registration dates, etc. (Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 255).

William then made an identical deed to Daniel Cathey, the only difference is that this one was registered on the 23 day of February 1814 instead of the 22^nd like the prior two. (Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 255).

The records above show that those three sons of William Cathey Sr were residing on the John Strother tract of land already.

William Cathey died on 23 Dec 1812 (per family bible record) in Haywood Co., NC, aged between 58 and 62. It isn’t known where he was buried. His grave has been lost to time.

He did not leave a will.

An Inventory of his Estate was made in September 1813 by Rebecca Cathey and Thomas Love, Administrators. Several household items were mentioned including two "testaments" and one "Explanatory of a testament", which of course is a Biblical commentary. I mention this because it is this Biblical commentary that the surviving family record was written on.

An Estate sale dated 23 Oct 1813 shows several familiar names purchasing estate items including: Rebecca Cathey (widow) John Bryson, Mimey Cathey (Jemima Cathey), and William Cathey among others.

Unfortunately there is no list of heirs among the estate papers. However, the family bible and some deeds makes up for that.

The following series of deeds by William’s administrators were to fulfill the bonds William Cathey Sr made to four of his sons a year or so before he died, though I didn’t find a bond for Jacob, but the deed below refers to it. (Deeds abstracts below are summarized, not transcribed verbatim.)

Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 301-302

28 Jun 1814 Thomas Love and Rebecca Cathey, admrs of William Cathey Decd to Jacob Cathey, in pursuance of a bond given by said William, 80 acres more or less, on Allens Fork on the W side of Richland Creek part of a tract originally granted to John Strother by patent no 1076 on 19 May 1803, and conveyed to William Cathey; beginning on a sycamore corner of James Cathey’s on the W bank of Richland Creek.

S: Rebeckah (X) Cathey, Thomas Love

W: Robert Henry, Robert Love.

Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 302-303

28 Jun 1814 Thomas Love and Rebecca Cathey, admrs of William Cathey Decd to James Cathey, in pursuance of a bond given by said William, 100 acres more or less, on Allens Fork on the W side of Richland Creek part of a tract originally granted to John Strother by patent no 1076 on 19 May 1803, and conveyed to William Cathey; beginning on a sourwood of John Bryson’s line on the W bank of Richland Creek.

S: Rebeckah (X) Cathey, Thomas Love

W: Robert Henry, Robert Love.

Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 303-304

28 Jun 1814 Thomas Love and Rebecca Cathey, admrs of William Cathey Decd to William Cathey, Junr, in pursuance of a bond given by said William, 104 acres more or less, on Allens Fork on the W side of Richland Creek part of a tract originally granted to John Strother by patent no 1076 on 19 May 1803, and conveyed to William Cathey.

S: Rebeckah (X) Cathey, Thomas Love

W: Robert Henry, Robert Love.

Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 309

28 Jun 1814 Thomas Love and Rebecca Cathey, admrs of William Cathey Decd to Andrew D. Cathey, Jane Cathey & Violet Cathey the right heirs of Daniel Cathey late of said county, in pursuance of a bond given by said William, 95 acres more or less, on Allens Fork on the W side of Richland Creek part of a tract originally granted to John Strother by patent no 1076 on 19 May 1803, and conveyed to William Cathey;

S: Rebeckah (X) Cathey, Thomas Love

W: Robert Henry, Robert Love.

Widow Rebecca Holeman Cathey was not listed on the 1820 census, but I believe she is with her youngest son Thomas that year. He wasn’t yet married but listed as head of household.

1820 Census - Haywood County, North Carolina

Page	Name	M0-9	M10-15	M16-17	M16-25	M26-44	M45+	F0-9	F10-15	F16-25	F26-44	F45+
217	Thomas Cathey	-	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	2

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Thomas Cathey (1797)

2f 45+ (before 1775) 1. Rebecca Holeman Cathey (1750/55) mother

2. Unknown

Macon County was formed in 1828 from western Haywood and newly opened Cherokee territory. This did not take in any of the Cathey lands, but some moved there pretty quickly.

Rebecca Cathey was listed on the 1830 census in Macon Co., NC. Her son Jacob was there too, but not listed nearby. She was listed between Levina Duckworth and John Johnston. No known relatives were near her. There were several Gillespie’s nearby, perhaps related to her late son-in-law Robert Gillespie. I think they were on or near Tellico Creek. This is just a mile or so south of the present Swain County line.

1830 Census - Macon County, North Carolina

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

Rebecca Cathy

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 30-39 (1790/1800) Thomas Cathey (1797) son

2m 15-19 (1810/1815) 1. Grandson?

2. Grandson?

1f 70-79 (1750/1760) Rebecca Holeman Cathey (1750/55)

I didn’t find Rebecca Holeman Cathey on the 1840 census. None of her children alive in 1840 seemed to have her at home with them, nor did the widowed sons or daughters in laws, though I couldn’t locate Jacob’s wife, also named Rebecca. I suspect Rebecca Holeman Cathey died in the 1830s, likely in Macon Co., NC, aged 80 to 90.

Children

William Cathey and Rebecca Holeman have 12 children as proven by a combination of several records: deeds from 1811, 1814, 1826, 1827, a family bible record (which doesn’t state relationship, but they can be inferred), and an 1823 court case in far away Wilson Co., TN. Those records all combine to prove this family quite nicely, more than making up for William Cathey’s lack of a Last Will and Testament.

The deeds from 1811 and 1814 from William Cathey Sr (and later from his estate) to Daniel Cathey, William Cathey Jr, James Cathey and Jacob Cathey don’t state that those are his sons but it’s heavily implied since the deeds involved no money changing hands. Those deeds were given above in the William and Rebecca time-line.

In May 1823, Robert Neill (c1761-1840), brought a suit in Wilson Co., TN regarding land his father William Neill had once owned. The land had been originally entered by George Cathey (1725-1790) (father of our William Cathey) and William Campbell. They entered it in 1784 on behalf of William Neill who they immediately signed it over to. That should have ended the Cathey’s involvement with the land. However, some dispute about ownership of the land arose among the Neills a few decades later, long after William Neill and George Cathey had died. Since both William Neill and George Cathey were dead by May 1823, many of their heirs were named in their place. This included William Cathey’s heirs since he too was dead by then. The pertinent section:

Also Robert Gillespie and his wife Anne grand daughter of said George decd by his son William Cathey and George Cathey, James Cathey and Andrew Cathey and William Mahafy and his wife Betsey grand sons and daughters of said George deceased by his son William Cathey now dead.

(Wilson Co., TN Court Minutes, May 1823 Robert Neill vs. George Cathey, et al.)

The above record is incomplete for they left out several of William’s children, namely William Cathey Jr, Margaret Campbell, Sarah Robinson, Jacob Cathey and Thomas Cathey. That’s understandable considering the distance involved and the fact that the Neill’s probably hadn’t had contact with William’s family in several decades. In addition to proving a few of William Cathey’s children, this record also proves he is a son of George Cathey.

Next we have a deed from 1826 that names all of the heirs of William Cathey except his widow Rebecca, though she was still living at that time.

Haywood Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 398-400 (Summarized, not transcribed)

1826 Ann Allen wife of (blank) Allen of the state of Alabama, George Cathey, the heirs of Daniel Cathey, decd, Elizabeth Mahaffy wife of William Mahaffy, William Cathey, James Cathey, Sarah Robison (sic) wife of Samuel Robinson, Margaret Campbell wife of Allen Campbell, & Thomas Cathey, all of Haywood Co., NC (except Ann Allen), to Jacob Cathey of Haywood Co., NC, for in consideration of the sum of (blank) for 37 acres on the Main Fork of Richland Creek ... Signed

Witnessed by Joseph Mahaffy.George Cathey, Elizabeth Mahaffy

Allen Campbell, Thomas Cathey

Andrew Cathey, Samuel (X) Robison

Violet Cathey, William Cathey

Jane Cathey, James Cathey

April Term 1827 the deed was proven in court by Joseph Mahaffy, certified on 9 Apr 1827, registered on 22 May 1827.

A similar deed was made on 26 Jun 1827, though this one didn’t include all the heirs.

26 Jun 1827 William Cathey, James Cathey, the heirs of Daniel Cathey decd, Jacob Cathey & Thomas Cathey all of Haywood Co., NC to Benjamin E. Hartield (later listed as Hatfield) of same place. For $200 they sold him 162 acres on the West Fork of Richland Creek. Witnesses were Thomas Cathey, Hugh Brown and Andrew D. Cathey. The deed was signed by Andrew Cathey, William Cathey, Violet Cathey, James Cathey, Jane Cathey, Jacob (X) Cathey and Thomas Cathey. (Haywood Co., NC Deed Book B, p. 414).

William, James, Daniel, Jacob and Thomas are all sons of William Cathey Sr. Andrew, Violet and Jane are children of Daniel Cathey who was dead by this time. The witness Andrew D. Cathey is a son of William (1782). I’m not at all sure who witness Thomas Cathey was. He was the one who proved the deed in court that same year. Who was he? William Sr’s son Thomas (1797) was a party to the deed so he couldn’t also be a witness. The copy of the deed we have is the court house copy so it’s in the clerk’s handwriting, thus we can’t compare signatures to see if the two Thomas Cathey’s are in the same hand.

Note that the deeds above seems to prove ten of William Cathey’s children. It also proves Daniel Cathey’s children who signed even though not mentioned by name in the deed. The two remaining children of William who were not named in the deeds were Andrew D. Cathey and John Cathey who both had died before then without heirs. We only know their names thanks to the bible records.

The aforementioned bible record was probably not William and Rebecca’s bible, but likely their son William’s, or James’s as both their families are included in it. The births of William (Jr)’s children are included as are the births of James Cathey’s children.

There is a page of deaths.

Andrew D. Cathey Departed this life Decr 1st 1808

Daniel H. Cathey Do Do Do Oct 30th 1810

William Cathey Do Do Do Decr 23rd 1812

John Cathey Do Do Do April 7th 1815

Sarah Cathey Do Do Do May 23rd 1817

George Cathey Do Do Do July 17th 1828

Jacob Cathey Do Do Do May 28th 1836

(Note: “Do” was shorthand for “ditto” and often used this way on documents in that era.)

It seems rather clear that all the entries above are for William and Rebecca’s children, except the entry for William himself. Unfortunately, Rebecca’s date of death wasn’t included which suggests to me that she was still living at the time the records were copied into this bible. Since the last death recorded was in 1836, perhaps she didn’t die until after then. It does seem likely she was dead by 1840 though. It’s also possible there was another page of death records that didn’t survive.

Thus, from the various records mentioned we have a list of 12 children for William and Rebecca Cathey, all proven to be theirs.

1. Mary Ann Cathey (c1755/74-aft 1826) married 1^st Robert Gillespie (d 1818) and married 2 — Allen between 1818 and 1821. She is a proven child of William Cathey as named in the 1823 court case and the 1826 deed. She may have been named in part for her maternal grandmother Ann Price Cathey, and in part for her aunts Mary Cathey McDowell Neill and Ann Cathey Moore Neill. Mary Ann Cathey married Robert Gillespie just before 1800 in Buncombe (now Haywood) Co., NC. They were on the 1800 census in Buncombe but not found in 1810 there or in Haywood, however, Robert Gillespie proved a deed in Haywood court that year so they were there at least part of the year 1810. They moved to northern Alabama (Coteca County, now Morgan County) where he died in 1818. She married a Mr. Allen between 1818 and 1821. The 1820 census is lost for Alabama. The 1826 deed is the last record I’ve found for her.

2. George Barius Cathey (1774-1828) married Sarah Rice ca 1801 in Buncombe (now Haywood) Co., NC. She’s a daughter of Spencer Rice (c1756-c1807). George is proven by the 1823 court case and the 1826 deed as well as the bible record. George’s middle name is supposedly Barius, though I don’t know the origin of that. His son George Barius Cathey Jr was listed as “Biers” on one record. Byers is a common surname in western NC, so could it be that instead? George and Sarah had nine children.

3. Elizabeth Cathey (c1775-aft 1860) married William Mahaffey (c1761-1850s) ca 1790s in Buncombe Co., NC (now Haywood Co., NC). Elizabeth is a proven child by the 1823 court case and the 1826 deed. William and Elizabeth had at least ten children.

4. Daniel H. Cathey (1774/84-1810) married Jemima Oliver (c1785-aft 1860). He was born in Virginia. He seems to have been named for his maternal grandfather Daniel Holeman, though I don’t know that his middle name is Holeman. Daniel H. Cathey died in 1810 in Haywood. Jemima remained in Haywood through ca the 1830s when she went with her children to Forsyth Co., GA then to McMinn Co., TN, finally to Independence Co., AR by 1860. She may have died in that county. Daniel and Jemima had three children as proven by several documents including the 1826 and 1827 deeds that prove Daniel is William’s son.

5. William Cathey (1782-1850s) married Elizabeth Bryson (1787-c1872). He was born in Virginia. They lived in Haywood until the 1830s when they moved to Union Co., GA (now Towns Co., GA). William died there in the 1850s. Elizabeth lived there until the 1860s when she moved with some of her children to Jackson Co., NC (now Swain Co., NC). She died there ca 1872. William and Elizabeth had five children.

6. James Cathey (1784-1856) married Sarah Bryson (1789-1880). He was born in NC. he may have been named for his uncle James Cathey who appears to have died a year or two earlier. They moved to Macon Co., NC by 1831 and remained there until the mid 1840s when they moved to Union (now Towns) Co., GA where he died. Sometime later Sarah moved to Jackson Co., NC where she died. They had six children.

7. Andrew D. Cathey (1784/1790-1808). Andrew is only known thanks to the family bible entry recording his death. I don’t think he married. His middle initial of “D” might be for Dever or Deaver though I have no direct proof of that. However, he had several namesakes most of whom were named Andrew Deaver/Dever. As far as the original Andrew D. Cathey (d 1808), I don’t know who he was named for. I’ve yet to find any record of a man named Andrew Dever or Deaver that he himself might have been named for. There was a William Deaver (1762) son of an older William Deaver (1731), one of whom was associated with the Cathey family early on. Perhaps he’s a partial namesake. I don’t know if he’s a relative though.

8. Margaret Cathey (c1790-aft 1860) married Allen Campbell (c1788-1860). She may have been named for her grandmother (or step-grandmother), Margaret Cathey or her aunt Margaret Cathey Patton or both. She lived out her adult life in Haywood Co., NC. She and Allen had nine known children.

9. Sarah Cathey (1790/94-1827) married Samuel Robinson (c1799-1872). I don’t know anyone in the family she might have been named after. She died in her 30s in Haywood Co., NC. Samuel married again (Nancy Kirby) in 1828, but it doesn’t seem he had any children with his second wife. Samuel and Sarah had two children only one of whom married.

10. Jacob Cathey (1790/94-1836) married Rebecca --- sometime before ca 1818 in Haywood Co, NC. They are on the 1820 census in Haywood, the 1830 in Macon. I didn’t find widow Rebecca in 1840, but by 1850 she is in Rabun Co., GA where she remained. They had three known children.

11. John Cathey (1794/1800-1815). John Cathey died between age 15 and 21, presumably unmarried. His death is recorded in the family bible record mentioned earlier. He, nor any of his heirs, were mentioned in the deeds or court records proving the other children of William Cathey.

12. Thomas Cathey (1797-1869) married Mary Ann Ingram in 1831. They lived in Macon Co., NC until just before 1840 when they moved to neighboring Cherokee Co., NC. They remained there awhile, returning to Haywood by 1850 and to Buncombe by 1860. They had nine known children.

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for William Cathey and Rebecca Holeman.

Revised: September 3, 2023

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