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I (Marty Grant) am a 4th Great Grand nephew of John Edwards.
John Edwards was born ca 1790/94 per census analysis. He was only listed on one census (1820) where he was enumerated as age 26-44 or born ca 1775/94. Looking at his parents census entry in 1810, I think he was home age 16-25 (1784/94) that year. Backing up to 1800, his parents had three apparent sons of compatible age, two born ca 1784/90, and one born ca 1790/1800. It is not possible to determine which was John for sure, so it might be more accurate to list his birth date at ca 1784/94.
John Edwards was born in Wayne County, North Carolina somewhere in the vicinity of Yellow Marsh Branch, west of present day Goldsboro.
John Edwards is a proven child of David and Lydia (---) Edwards, and was named in his father's Will of 1838.
John did not seem to be home with his parents for the 1790 census, for they only had one apparent son that year, a male under 16 (born 1774/90), and I think that was probably Stephen Edwards instead of John.
John was probably home with his parents for the 1800 census, aged 10-15 (born ca 1784/90) or age "under 10" (born ca 1790/1800).
John was probably home with his parents for the 1810 census, aged 16-25 (born ca 1784/94).
On 1 Aug 1810 John Edwards (and his brother Stephen Edwards, and cousin John Edwards) witnessed the Will of their grandfather John Edwards.
The 1810 Will of John's grandfather shows an important thing, namely that there were three adult men named John Edwards in Wayne County at that time. That means there could be some confusion about which record pertains to which John Edwards. John Sr died in 1810, so that leaves him out of any records after that date.
On 4 Mar 1811, J. Edwards and E. Slocumb witnessed a deed from John Wilson to Stephen Edwards (John's brother). "J. Edwards" could be John Edwards, or it could be their uncle James Edwards. (Duplin Co, NC Deed Book U page 420).
John Edwards married someone in Wayne County (presumably) prior to 1817. I think that his wife was Sarah "Sally" Minshew based on a few bits of compelling circumstantial evidence. First of all, Nathan Minshew made his Will in Wayne County on 16 Apr 1818 and named (among others) his daughter "Sally Edwards". This shows that his daughter was married to a Mr. Edwards prior to 1818. The next bit is that John Edwards' son Gabriel married Pearcy Peal (or Peel) who was also a grandchild of Nathan Minshew. Since a large percentage of marriages in those days were among first cousins, it seems reasonable to assume this was also the case, for if Gabriel's otherwise unknown mother was Sarah Minshew, then that would make his wife his 1st cousin, as she was a daughter of Patty Minshew, Sarah Minshew Edwards' sister. This isn't conclusive proof in and of itself, but it adds to the pile of evidence. Next is the fact that John Edwards died not too long after marriage (died in the 1820's), and the 1830 census shows a Sarah Edwards listed as a widow, and she did have an apparent son that matches Gabriel Edwards in age, and he has not been located anywhere else that year.
So, if my theory is correct (and I'm reasonably sure it is), John Edwards married Sarah Minshew between 1810 and ca 1817. She was born ca 1794/1800 in Wayne County, daughter of Nathan Minshew and Elizabeth Bryan.
John Edwards was listed on the 1820 census in Wayne County. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who his neighbors were or where he was living exactly.
1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1820 Wayne Co, NC pg 465 John Edwards 100010-10100 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 26-44 (1775-1794) John EDWARDS (1790/94) s/o David 1 Male(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Gabriel EDWARDS (1815/6) son 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1794-1804) Sarah MINSHEW Edwards (1794/1800) wife 1 Female(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Daughter? (1810/20)
On 24 Apr 1820, Asher Flowers deeded property to John Edwards Sr. I don't have the details of this deed yet, nor who the witnesses were. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 12 page 481).
It is interesting that John was listed as "Sr" in this deed (he was also listed as "Sr" in his father's 1838 Will). This can only mean that a younger John Edwards was around then but who was of age (21 or older), or close enough to cause confusion (16-20 years old). That was the only reason "Sr" and "Jr" was used in those days. It did not signify any sort of relationship. This "other" John Edwards may be his cousin John Edwards (1790/1800) son of Sampson Edwards, or it could be John Edwards (c1795) who married Burnety Tyner. The next one is John Edwards (c1800) who married Easter Capps. These two other Johns appeared in Wayne County records in the 1820's.
On 20 Oct 1821, John Edwards deeded property to Bryan Sollis. Witnesses were Stephen Jones and B. Carraway. I'm not totally sure which John Edwards this was, but the Carraway connection makes it seem likely it was this same John, for they were neighbors to the Carraways, and related by marriage.
On 12 Apr 1822, some of the land of John Edwards "of Wayne" Co, NC was sold by the Sheriff to John Killet (son-in-law of Sampson Edwards). This land was sold by virtue of a "Writ of Fieri Faacas" (Court order) against John Edwards, convicted of debt. I'm not sure which John Edwards this refers to. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 12 page 300).
John Edwards died sometime in the 1820's. I didn't find a Will nor an Estate record for him, so I don't know exactly when he died.
There were two John Edwards listed on the 1830 census, but they were the other two I mentioned earlier, and not this John. Sarah Edwards, whom I believe to be widow of this John was listed as head of household on the 1830 census in Wayne County. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who her neighbors were, nor where she was living exactly. Although the census was alphabetical, it was alphabetical within various groups, and Sarah was listed in the same little group with David Edwards, who was John's father, so this lends weight to the theory that she was John's wife.
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Wayne Co, NC pg 506 Sarah Edwards 0010000000000-1000010000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) Gabriel EDWARDS (1816/17) son 1 Female(s) 30-39 (1790-1800) Sarah MINSHEW Edwards (1794/1800) wd/o John 1 Female(s) 0-4 (1825-1830) Daughter? (1825/30)
John's father David Edwards made his Will on 13 Dec 1838 in Wayne Co, NC and stated: "Item give and bequeath to Gabriel Edwards son of John Edwards Senr, decd two thirds of my whole Estate". He does not name any other children of John, so it could be that he had no siblings living at that point. He named all three of his deceased son Stephen's children, so it seems likely he would have done the same for John.
I did not find Sarah Minshew Edwards listed on the 1840 census. Her son Gabriel Edwards was listed as head of household that year, but Sarah did not seem to be living with him. She may have died before then, or remarried.
John Edwards and Sarah Minshew seem to have had only one child: Gabriel Edwards. The 1820 and 1830 census record seems to show two additional daughters who may have died young, or else just unidentified.
Unknown Daughter (1810/20). John Edwards seem to have a daughter this age with him for the 1820 census (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20). She was not with widow Sarah for the 1830 census, so possibly married or dead by then. She was not named in the 1838 Will of her grandfather David Edwards.
Gabriel Edwards was born ca 1816/17 (per 1850 census) in Wayne County, North Carolina. He seems to have been home with his parents for the 1820 census (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20), and home with his widowed mother in 1830 (age 10-14, born ca 1815/20).
Gabriel's grandfather David Edwards made his Will on 13 Dec 1838 in Wayne Co, NC and stated: "Item give and bequeath to Gabriel Edwards son of John Edwards Senr, decd two thirds of my whole Estate".
At some point in the late 1830's, Gabriel Edwards married Pearcy Peal (or Peel), probably his 1st cousin. She was a daughter of John Peal and Patty Minshew.
On 21 May 1839, Gabriel Edwards and William Cox witnessed a deed from William L. Edwards of Lowndes Co, AL (Gabriel's first cousin) to John Cox of Wayne County. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 19 page 328).
On 12 Oct 1839 Gabriel Edwards sold John Cox the land he had inherited from his grandfather David Edwards, described as 341 acres. Witnessed by Edmond Cox Jr and Saunders Jennett. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 20 page 479).
Gabriel Edwards was listed on the 1840 census in Wayne County in Fork River Township. He did not seem to be listed near any known relatives.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Wayne Co, NC pg 222 Gabriel Edwards 0000010000000-1000100000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 30-39 (1800-1810) Gabriel EDWARDS (1816/17) s/o John 1 Female(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) Pearcy PEAL Edwards (1813/14) wife 1 Female(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Edney EDWARDS (1840) daughter
On 22 Feb 1844, Henry Roberts sold land to Gabriel Edwards. Witnesses were James Peel (brother-in-law) and Elizabeth Peel. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 21 page 163).
On 2 Apr 1846, Gabriel Edwards deeded property to James Peal (brother-in-law). Witnessed by Sally Peal. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 20 page 192).
Gabriel was mentioned in a deed dated 4 Oct 1848 between Henry Roberts to Elisha Pipkin, as an adjoining landowner for land on Cabbin Creek, adjoining Elisha Pipkin, Lewis Whitfield Sr, Anna Roberts, Gabriel Edwards. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 21 page 113).
Gabriel Edwards was listed on the 1850 census in Wayne County. He was 3 houses from his widowed mother-in-law Patty Minshew Peal, and a few houses from Anna Hines Roberts, a cousin of mine (but not related to Gabriel). The birth places for everyone (but one) in the household was blank, which meant they were born in Wayne County (which is how I wrote it below). The census taker recorded the actual county of birth for everyone, but to avoid the repetition, left it blank for those born in Wayne County.
1850 WAYNE CO, NC Page House/Family # 463/ 463 -- SOUTH OF NEUSE R. Twp EDWARDS GABRIEL 33 M W FARMER WAYNE CO, NC 1816/1817 EDWARDS PEARCY 36 F W WAYNE CO, NC 1813/1814 EDWARDS EDNEY 9 F W WAYNE CO, NC 1840/1841 EDWARDS MARTHA 7 F W WAYNE CO, NC 1842/1843 EDWARDS SALEY 5 F W WAYNE CO, NC 1844/1845 EDWARDS LYDIA 3 F W WAYNE CO, NC 1846/1847 EDWARDS PEARCY 1 F W WAYNE CO, NC 1848/1849 MYERS NATHAN 13 M W BOUND BOY WAYNE CO, NC 1836/1837 BUDD WILLIAM 15 M W GREENE CO, NC 1834/1835
In the 1850's Gabriel made many land transactions, and it would seem he was just land speculating for profit, and not to live on any of this land. As best as I can tell, he lived somewhere in the vicinity just west of Seven Springs near Hines Crossroads. To avoid all the typing, I'll just a brief index of the many deeds he was involved with in this period:
1 Jan 1853 (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 24 page 105) William EPPES, Elisha PIPKIN, Gabriel EDWARDS, to Samuel LOFTIN. Witness: E.A. SOULS, James DUNN
15 Jan 1855 (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 24-94) Thomas BENNETT to James R. PARKER, Gabriel EDWARDS, and W.G. MARTIN of Wayne Co, NC, land in Sampson Co, NC. Witness: C. BELLE, William VERNON
12 Apr 1855 (24-235) Gabriel EDWARDS to Laban W. LEWIS, 350a. Witness: Robert PEEL
19 May 1855 (24-226) Julia A. BUNTING to Gabriel EDWARDS. Witness: John G. SLOCUMB
11 Oct 1855 25-452 Gabriel EDWARDS to Polly BRADY. Witness: William VERNON, Elizabeth VERNON
24 Feb 1856 26-269 Gabriel EDWARDS to Mary REAVES. Witness: A. KORNEGAY, James KELLY
6 Nov 1856 25-118 Gabriel EDWARDS to David B. EVERITT and David F. McKINNE land purchased from Mrs. Julia A. BUNTING. Witness: George V. STRONG
6 Nov 1856 25-119 David B. EVERITT and David F. McKINNE to Gabriel EDWARDS. Witness: George V. STRONG
16 Dec 1856 25-185 Gabriel EDWARDS and wife Pearcy EDWARDS to John B. BOWDEN. Witness: James H. EVERETT
-- --- 1856 25-320 John D. PEARSALL to Gabriel EDWARDS and Alexander T. GRADY on Wilmington and Weldon R.R. near Town of Milton. Witness: W.T. DORTCH
11 Jul 1857 25-369 Joel LEWIS to Gabriel EDWARDS. Witness: A.T. GRADY
17 Sep 1857 25-541 Gabriel EDWARDS, A.T. GRADY, Trustee for John D. PEARSALL to James M. KORNEGAY, land in Milton. Witness: Lemuel A. BYRD, William KORNEGAY
2 Feb 1858 25-607 David B. EVERITT, David F. McKINNE, Gabriel EDWARDS to William KORNEGAY. Witness: A.T. GRADY
10 Mar 1858 25-585 William A. WOODARD to James KELLY, Gabriel EDWARDS, land in Goldsboro
31 Dec 1858 26-269 James KELLY, Gabriel EDWARDS to William H. WOODARD, Land in Goldsboro. Witness: W.G. MARTIN
21 May 1859 26-348 William A. THOMPSON, Sheriff of Wayne Co, NC to William K. LANE, land won from Gabriel EDWARDS, Alex T. GRADY, James KELLY
Gabriel Edwards was listed on the 1859 Wayne County tax list in Indian Springs District.
Gabriel and family were listed on the 1860 census in Indian Springs District of Wayne County. They were not near any other Edwards.
1860 WAYNE CO, NC Page House/Family # 964/ 964 -- INDIAN SPRINGS DIST Twp EDWARDS GABRIEL 45 M W FARM LABOR NC 1814/1815 EDWARDS PIERCY 46 F W NC 1813/1814 EDWARDS EDNEY A 20 F W NC 1839/1840 EDWARDS MARTHA J 16 F W NC 1843/1844 EDWARDS SALLY P 14 F W NC 1845/1846 EDWARDS LYDIA E 13 F W NC 1846/1847 EDWARDS PIERCY P 12 F W NC 1847/1848 EDWARDS GABRIEL 5 M W NC 1854/1855
Gabriel was not listed on the 1862 or 1863 tax lists for Wayne County.
On 3 Jan 1863 Gabriel Edwards made a deed to Lyman Lilly. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 27 page 316).
On 16 Aug 1866, James Kelly and Gabriel Edwards deeded property to Thomas T. Hollowel. (Wayne Co, NC Deed Book 27 page 598).
Gabriel and children were listed on the 1870 census in Wayne County in Brogden Township. Pearcy was not home, so it would seem that she had died in the 1860-1870 timeframe. There were a couple of very young children at home, but they are children of Martha Edwards.
1870 WAYNE CO, NC Page 28B House/Family # 445/ 445--BROGDEN Twp GOLDSBORO P.O. EDWARDS GABRIEL 53 M W FARMER 75 NC 1816/1817 EDWARDS EDNEY 29 F W NC 1840/1841 EDWARDS MARTHA 26 F W NC 1843/1844 EDWARDS LYDIA 24 F W NC 1845/1846 EDWARDS PEARCY 21 F W NC 1848/1849 EDWARDS GABRIEL 13 M W NC 1856/1857 EDWARDS LAURA 3 F W NC 1866/1867 EDWARDS JAMES 0 M W 10/12 Sep NC 1869/1870
Gabriel Edwards apparently died in the 1870's, for he was not listed on the 1880 census, but several of his unmarried children were all residing together in Indian Springs Township.
Unknown Daughter (1825/30). John Edwards seem to have a daughter this age. She with widow Sarah for the 1830 census (age "under 5", born ca 1825/30). She was not named in the 1838 Will of her grandfather David Edwards.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. John1 Edwards, born 1790/94 in Wayne Co, NC; died 1821/30 in Wayne Co, NC, son of David Edwards Pvt and Lydia (---). He married in 1810/17 in Wayne Co, NC Sarah "Sally" Minshew, born 1794/1800 in Wayne Co, NC; died aft 1830 in Wayne Co, NC, daughter of Nathan Minshew and Elizabeth Bryan.
Children of John Edwards and Sarah "Sally" Minshew were as follows:
+ 2 i Gabriel2 Edwards, born 1816/17 in Wayne Co, NC; died 1870/80 in Wayne Co, NC. He married Pearcy Peal.
Generation 2
2. Gabriel2 Edwards (John1), born 1816/17 in Wayne Co, NC; died 1870/80 in Wayne Co, NC. He married in 1830/40 in Wayne Co, NC Pearcy Peal, born 1813/14 in Wayne Co, NC; died 1870/80 in Wayne Co, NC, daughter of John Peal and Patty Minshew.
Children of Gabriel Edwards and Pearcy Peal were as follows:
3 i Edney A3 Edwards, born 1840 in Wayne Co, NC.
+ 4 ii Martha J3 Edwards, born 1842/43 in Wayne Co, NC. She married unknown.
5 iii Sarah P "Sally"3 Edwards, born 1844/45 in Wayne Co, NC; died aft 1860 in Wayne Co, NC.
6 iv Lydia E3 Edwards, born 1846/47 in Wayne Co, NC; died aft 1870 in Wayne Co, NC.
7 v Pearcy P3 Edwards, born 1848/49 in Wayne Co, NC; died aft 1870 in Wayne Co, NC.
8 vi Gabriel3 Edwards, born 1855 in Wayne Co, NC.
Generation 3
4. Martha J3 Edwards (Gabriel2, John1), born 1842/43 in Wayne Co, NC. She married Not married unknown.
Children of Martha J Edwards were as follows:
9 i Laura4 Edwards, born 1866/67 in Wayne Co, NC.
10 ii James4 Edwards, born Sep 1869 in Wayne Co, NC.
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