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I (Marty Grant) don't know how I'm related to Lewis Jenkins, but I'm sure he is somehow closely related to my ancestor Osborne Jenkins (c1803).
Lewis Jenkins was born ca 1735 or earlier, based on his appearing on public record dated 1756 and assuming he was at least 21 then. On 3 Feb 1756 he sold some land, and you had to be at least 21 to make a deed. The 1800 census record for Lewis shows him aged 45 and up, or born before 1755. Lewis Jr received property in deeds in 1748 and 1750, but I can't use those to determine his approximate birth date, because there was no minimum age to receive property, in fact, a 1 day old infant could be deeded property, but you had to be 21 to sell (or give) property.
Lewis Jenkins was presumably born in Onslow Precinct, North Carolina, though it should be noted that Onslow was not formed until 1734. Prior to that it was still part of New Hanover Precinct. ("Precincts" became "Counties" in 1739). New Hanover was formed in 1729 from Craven Precinct, so his "technical" place of birth depends on his actual birth date, though it seems likely he was born in what is now Onslow County, NC.
Lewis is a proven son of Lewis Jenkins and Isabella ---. Lewis Sr was the first of that name in Onslow County, and Lewis Jr was the second. By the late 1700's, there were three adult men in Onslow named "Lewis Jenkins" so in some cases their records are probably indistinguishable as to which Lewis is being referred to. However, up until the death of his father (in 1763), father and son distinguished themselves by using "Sr" for the father and "Jr" for the son. After his father's death, Lewis "Jr" dropped the "Jr", as there was no longer any need for it. However, later on, he began using "Sr" himself when another Lewis came of age (perhaps a son of this Lewis).
On 29 Jun 1748, Lewis's father Lewis Jenkins (Sr) deeded 100 acres to him ("son" Lewis Jenkins), described as being on Morrissett's line and Jeremiah Barnes' line. Witnesses were Allex. Grant and Arthur Powell. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book C page 18, from Records of Onslow County, North Carolina, Vol I by Zae Harget Gwynn, and all subsequent deeds cited on this page are from this book or Vol II, except for those in Deed Books 23 and later which I abstracted myself from the original Deed Books).
On 20 Dec 1750 Lewis Jenkins deeded a negro "Hannah" to "daughter" Isabella Jenkins, and to "my sons" Henry Jenkins and Lewis Jenkins. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book C page 51).
On 25 Oct 1754 a muster list was taken of Onslow Militia members in John Starkey's company under Captain Thomas Hicks. The list included Lewis Jenkins, George Jenkins (Uncle?), Henry Jenkins (brother) and William Jenkins (Uncle?). It is possible that this was Lewis Sr in the Militia instead of Lewis Jr. I'm not sure what the age requirement was, as "Jr" would have been roughly 19 in 1754.
On 3 Feb 1756, Lewis Jenkins Jr deeded 50 acres to Thomas Roper, being part of the 100 acres "given to me by my father Lewis Jenkins". Described as being on the west side of New River adjoining Roads line, below my father's plantation. Witnesses were John Averitt and John Hunt. This is the first record that I've found that was initiated by Lewis Jenkins Jr, so I suspect he had just recently turned 21 by this date. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 10).
On 10 Jun 1756, Lewis Jenkins Sr deeded land to "my sons" Lewis Jenkins Jr and Henry Jenkins. The land was on New River, and Lewis Jenkins Sr and wife Isabella Jenkins, "mother and father of Henry and Lewis" retained their life right to live on the land as long as they lived. Witnesses were Robert Simpson, Elizabeth Lee and Sarah Simpson. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 14).
On 29 Jul 1756, Lewis Jenkins Jr was mentioned in a deed from John Averitt to Lewis Jenkins Sr. The deed was to Lewis Jenkins and his wife Isabella, but after their death it was to go to Lewis Jenkins Jr. Witnesses were Francis Thorowgood, Henry Jenkins (brother), and John Thorowgood. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 18).
I've not found any records on this, but I would guess that Lewis Jenkins Jr married someone in this timeframe (mid to late 1750's). I have not found a record yet showing the name of his wife.
On 2 Sep 1757 Lewis and his brother Henry Jenkins apparently swapped some land. They made two deeds for the same amount (25 pounds), so probably no money actually changed hands. Lewis Jenkins Jr deeded 50 acres to Henry Jenkins on Southwest side of New River on Warrens Creek. Henry deeded to Lewis Jenkins Jr 120 acres "whereon my father now lives". Both deeds were witnessed by Joseph Loyd and John Averitt. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 29 and 30).
On 10 Oct 1757 Lewis Jenkins Jr, Henry Jenkins (brother) and Lewis Jenkins Sr (father) witnessed a deed from Andrew Fullwood to Thomas Brown. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 36).
On 13 Jun 1758, Henry Jenkins (brother) deeded 50 acres to Lewis Jenkins Jr. The land was on southwest side of New River on Warren's Creek. Witnessed by John Campbell. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 41).
The above deed seems to be another swap, for on the same date (13 Jun 1758) and for the same price, Lewis Jenkins Jr deeded land to Henry Jenkins, being 120 acres, part of tract "where my father now lives". Witnessed by John Campbell. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book E page 41).
On 22 Feb 1760, Lewis Jenkins was elected Onslow County Register. I'm not sure if this was Lewis Sr or Jr. Lewis Sr had held this position earlier. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book F page 1).
On 25 Feb 1762, Lewis Jenkins Jr deeded 50 acres to Henry Jenkins (brother). Witnessed by Joseph Enet and George Simmons. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book F page 39).
Lewis Jr's father made his Will on 25 Jul 1763, and named his "son" Lewis in the Will. (Onslow Co, NC Will Book 2 page 89).
On 12 Mar 1765 Lewis Jenkins Jr and Henry Jenkins (brother) witnessed a deed from George Brinson to Jethrow Rogers. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book H page 8).
On 21 Oct 1765 Lewis Jenkins deeded 50 acres to John Averitt. Witnesses were George Brown and Henry Rhodes. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book H page 21).
The above deed is the first record I've found where Lewis Jenkins Jr dropped the "Jr" from his name, so it would seem that his father was dead by then, so it was no longer necessary to try to distinguish themselves in the public record.
In an undated deed (ca 1768), Lewis Jenkins and David Jones witnessed a deed from George Simmons to John Averitt. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book H page 80).
Lewis Jenkins was listed on the 1769 Onslow County tax list.
There seem to be no records for Lewis Jenkins (Jr) for the next several years, or at least I've not found any until 1784. The American Revolution (1775-1783) probably accounts for this seeming gap in the record.
By the time of the next record (1784) that I've found for Lewis, there was already another Lewis Jenkins of age in the county, and that other one was now using "Jr" to distinguish himself from his elder relative, and this Lewis Jenkins (c1735), formerly known as "Jr" was now known as "Sr". I don't know how this younger Lewis is related, but he certainly could be a son of Lewis (c1735).
On 11 Nov 1784, John Lester deeded 200 acres to Lewis Jenkins. The land was described as on Black Creek. Witnesses were Jono Jones, Lewis Jenkins Jr and Matthew Brinson. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book N page 30).
Only one "Lewis Jenkins" was listed in Onslow County for the 1786 state census. I believe it is the elder Lewis, but I could be mistaken in that assumption, however, his household seems to roughly match that of the next census record for Lewis (1735), so I think it is him.
1784-1787 NC census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1787 Onslow Co, NC pg 120 Lewis Jenkins 1-5-2-2-2 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 21 - 60 (1726-1765) Lewis JENKINS (c1735) s/o Lewis & Isabella 5 Male(s) -21 +60 (1765-1786) Son? (1774/84) Son? (1774/84) Son? (1774/84) Son? Son? 2 Female(s) all ages (bef 1786) Wife? Daughter?
I did not find Lewis Jenkins (c1735) listed on the 1790 census, though "Liuis Jenkins Jr" was listed, and used the "Jr" in his name, so that means "Sr" should have been around somewhere, but was not listed for some reason.
In an undated deed (ca 1789-1792), Lewis Jenkins deeded 200 acres to Samuel Webb, described as on the south side of Southwest branch of New River at Harry's Creek. Witnesses were Jonas Jones and Lewis Jenkins Jr. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book R page 37).
Around this time (ca early 1790's) a third Lewis Jenkins (1770) came of age, further complicating the proper sorting of the records for "Lewis Jenkins". However, this Lewis (c1770) seemed to avoid the "Sr" and "Jr" issue by just using "Lewis Jenkins" while the older Lewis (c1735) used "Sr" and the younger Lewis (c1755) used "Jr" (or so it seems).
On 14 Dec 1799, Lewis Jenkins Sr deeded 110 acres to William Thompson, "son of Thomas Thompson". The land was on south side of Harry's Creek. Witnesses were John Jones and James Murray. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book V page 9).
Lewis Jenkins Sr was listed on the 1800 census in Onslow County. He was listed next to Lewis Jenkins Jr (c1755). This census reveals the fact that Mrs. Jenkins had died before then, for there was no older woman listed in the household. There was a female age 16-25 (born ca 1774/84), who could be a second wife, or an unmarried daughter.
1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1800 Onslow Co, NC pg 170 Lewis Jenkins Sr 00301-00100-0-1 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 & up (before 1755) Lewis JENKINS Sr (c1735) s/o Lewis & Isabella 3 Male(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) Son? (1774/84) Son? (1774/84) Son? (1774/84) 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) Daughter? (1774/84)
On 14 Dec 1807, Lewis Jenkins deeded 200 acres to George Gibbons. The land was on West Side of New River, both sides of Black Creek. Witnessed by William Rigby and Esther Jenkins. This seems to be Lewis Sr (c1735) because he had 200 acres on Black Creek which was deeded to him in 1784. I don't know who Esther Jenkins was. Could she be Mrs. Jenkins? Or is she a daughter of Lewis? (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 126).
On 3 Feb 1808 Lewis Jenkins Sr and Jonathan Melton witnessed a deed from Stephen Shepard to William Norman and David Gornto. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 2 page 185).
On 12 Mar 1808 Lewis Jenkins sold 100 acres to James King, land on Harry's Creek. Witnesses were George Gibbons and John Jones. I'm not sure if this is the same Lewis or not, but it seems likely since Lewis (1735) had land on Harry's Creek, and had just sold land to George Gibbons a few months before. (Onslow Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 156).
Lewis Jenkins died sometime between 12 Mar 1808 (date of above deed) and 24 Nov 1809, for on that latter date, an Inventory of his estate was made by David Jenkins, Administrator. David is probably a son of Lewis. (Onslow County Loose Estates, Lewis Jenkins - 1809, North Carolina Archives).
On 8 Jan 1810, David Jenkins, James King and David Gornto made an Administration Bond for David Jenkins to be Administrator of the estate of Lewis Jenkins, deceased (though he was already the Administrator per the 1809 record above). (Onslow County Loose Estates, Lewis Jenkins - 1809, North Carolina Archives).
Lewis Jenkins (1735) and wife had a number of children with them for the 1786 and 1800 census records. Unfortunately I've found no record proving the names of any of their children, though it seems highly likely that David Jenkins and Lewis Jenkins (c1755) are his sons, mainly by association. Unfortunately, Lewis (1735) did not leave a Will, nor was a list of heirs included in his Estate records.
Unknown Son (1765/86). Lewis Jenkins had an apparent son this age. He was home with him for the 1786 state census (aged "under 21", born ca 1765/86). I don't know if he was still home in 1790, for I have not located that record for Lewis, but he was gone by 1800, so probably married or dead by then.
This could be David Jenkins (1765/74), for he was Administrator of Lewis's Estate, so clearly related somehow. It often fell to the oldest son to be Administrator. Lewis (c1755) would be the oldest, but he was gone from the county by the time Lewis (1735) died.
Unknown Son (1765/86). Lewis Jenkins had an apparent son this age. He was home with him for the 1786 state census (aged "under 21", born ca 1765/86). I don't know if he was still home in 1790, for I have not located that record for Lewis, but he was gone by 1800, so probably married or dead by then.
I don't have any strong suspects for who this son was.
Unknown Son (1774/84). Lewis Jenkins had an apparent son this age. He was home with him for the 1786 state census (aged "under 21", born ca 1765/86). I don't know if he was still home in 1790, for I have not located that record for Lewis, but he was still home in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84).
I have no suspects for who this might have been.
Unknown Son (1774/84). Lewis Jenkins had an apparent son this age. He was home with him for the 1786 state census (aged "under 21", born ca 1765/86). I don't know if he was still home in 1790, for I have not located that record for Lewis, but he was still home in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84).
I have no suspects for who this might have been.
Unknown Son (1774/84). Lewis Jenkins had an apparent son this age. He was home with him for the 1786 state census (aged "under 21", born ca 1765/86). I don't know if he was still home in 1790, for I have not located that record for Lewis, but he was still home in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84).
I have no suspects for who this might have been.
Unknown Daughter (1774/84). Lewis Jenkins had an apparent daughter this age. She was home with him for the 1786 state census (no ages, born before 1786). I don't know if she was still home in 1790, for I have not located that record for Lewis, but she was still home in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84).
I have no suspects for who this might have been.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. Lewis1 Jenkins, born bef 1735; died 1808/09 in Onslow Co, NC, son of Lewis Jenkins and Isabella (---). He married abt 1755 in Onslow Co, NC (---) ?, died bef 1800 in Onslow Co, NC.
Children of Lewis Jenkins and (---) ? were as follows:
2 i David2 Jenkins, born 1765/74 in Onslow Co, NC; died aft 1827 in Onslow Co, NC.
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