Alexander Mackey and Susannah Lewis of Albemarle Co, VA and Rutherford Co, NC

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• 11 Feb 2009 Restored page (removed about a year ago) and reformatted by Marty Grant, probably a 5th great grand nephew, though my link to him isn't completely proven.

Alexander Mackey (Jr) was born ca 1726, presumably in Ireland. I dont know the basis for that birth date, but he was probably born prior to ca 1737, if he was at least 21 when he appeared on his first public record (in 1758).

At some point (presumably in or before the 1750's), Alexander Mackey married Susanna Lewis in Albemarle Co, VA. She was born ca 1726 in Hanover Co, VA, daughter of David Lewis and Anne Terrell.

On 16 Dec 1758, Alexander Mackey Jr, Henry Carter and Prudens Lewis witnessed a deed from David Lewis (his father-in-law) to Joel Terril (brother-in-law of David Lewis). (Albemarle Co, VA Deed Book 2 page 94.)

On 25 Oct 1766 Jacob Sneed of Fredricksvill Parish, Albemarle County sold 50 acres to Alexander Mackey Jr of same place. Witnesses were William Terrell Lewis (Alexanders brother-in-law), Joel Terrill (Alexanders Uncle-in-law), Nathaniel Whitlock and Sarah Lewis (probably William Terrell Lewis wife). (Albemarle Co, VA Deed Book 4 page 366.)

On 23 Feb 1767, Alexander Mackey Jr, Alexander Mackey Sr and Gray Haggard witnessed a deed from Nathaniel Harlow to Samuel Boyd. (Albemarle Co, VA Deed Book 4 page 440.)

Sometime after 1767, but before 1775, Alexander Mackey Jr moved his family to the North Carolina frontier and settled in what was then Tryon County (now Rutherford County). Several members of his wifes Lewis and Terrell families also made the same move. Alexanders sister Mary and her husband Lewis Musick also moved there.

In January 1777 Tryon County Court, a deed of sale was proven in court by Samuel McFaddon a witness to the deed from John Baxter to Alexander Mackey for 300 acres. I dont have the deed itself, but it was dated 14 Oct 1775 per the court record. This (1775) may be the first record for Alexander Mackey in North Carolina.

On 10 May 1777, Alexander Mackey Jr witnessed a deed between Anna Terrell, Steven Willis and William Terrel of Louisa Co, VA. The deed is significant in that it establishes several relationships (all of these were relatives of Alexander Mackeys wife Susanna Lewis). The deed mentioned Joel Terrell of Albemarle Co, deceased, late husband of Anna, left her certain property, and that she was about to marry Stephen Willis, this deed protected her inheritance (this is a "marriage contract", an early version of the "pre-nuptial" agreement). With full consent of her intended husband, she deeded all that property to William Terrell of Louisa Co, VA (perhaps her son). This Anna was a sister to Susanna Lewis Mackey. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 5 page 224.)

Alexander Mackey was listed as a juror in January 1779 Tryon County Court.

In 1778 (effective 1779), Tryon County was split into Rutherford and Lincoln Counties. The Mackeys were in the Rutherford County section.

In the 20 Oct 1779 Will of John Lewis (Alexanders brother-in-law) he named his executors as his son Taliaffero Lewis, and Alexander Mackey and Jonathan Hampton, Esquire. (Rutherford Co, NC Wills and Miscellaneous Records Book A page 2.)

In July 1782, Alexander Mackey (and Anthony Dickey) was Security (bondsman) for the Rutherford County Administration of the John Musick estate by Lewis Music, Administrator.  (NC Secretary of State Papers. Probates.)

In October 1782 Rutherford County Court, Alexander Mackey and others (including his son-in-law Robert Young) were listed as jurors in the case against John Goodbread charged with Treason and Felony against the State of North Carolina (for alleged Tory activities during the War).

Also in October 1782 court, Alexander Mackey and Mary Musick (his sister) were appointed Administrators of the estate of Lewis Musick (brother-in-law). James Miller and Thomas Rowland were securities.  (Secretary of State Papers. Probates)

Susanna Lewis Mackey died ca 1784 in Rutherford County, North Carolina of Small pox. (Per "The Lewis Family of the Seventeenth Century").

On 18 April 1788, Alexander Mackey proved his attendance in court in the suit of John Cummins against James Miller on behalf of the defendant for nine days at 4 shillings per day. (This was to pay his expenses for traveling to the Court House and being away from his regular work, which was most likely his crops).

At the same time (18 Apr 1788), Alexander Macky proved his attendance in court as a witness in the suit of John McClain Senior against William Green on behalf of the plaintiff, for 20 days.

Alexander Mackey was listed on the 1790 census in Rutherford County. They were in the 1^st Company, and listed next to his son David Mackey on one side and Robert Taylor on the other. Sister-in-law Ann Terrell was two houses away, and next to her was her future husband Stephen Willis (who married Ann shortly after this). Andrew Grant (who married Martha Mackey) was 3 houses away. This is more evidence (albeit circumstantial) that Martha Mackey Grant is somehow related to the Alexander Mackey family.

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Rutherford Co, NC pg 116 Alex Macay 2-0-2-0-1
Analysis:
2 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774)	Alexander MACKEY (c1726) s/o Alexander
					William Lewis MACKEY (1773) son
2 Female(s) any age (before 1790)	Daughter?
					Daughter?

Alexander Mackey made his Will on 23 Feb 1793 in Rutherford County. He named son John Mackey, daughter Mary (no surname given), daughter Susanah (no surname given), daughter Rebekah (no surname listed), son David Mackey, son William Mackey. Friend Nancy Walker. He mentioned land deeded by Anna Willis (sister-in-law) including the "Big Spring". He named his sons David Mackey and William Mackey and also Thomas Wheary as Executors. Witnesses were Robert Young and John Young (both were sons-in-law).

Alexander Mackey died sometime between 23 Feb 1793 and 21 Mar 1796, for on that latter date, several of his heirs made a deed transferring the 50 acres he bequeathed to Anna Willis to her son instead (with her consent). The deed was from David Mackey and William Mackey and Thomas Wharey, all of Rutherford County, as Executors of Alexander Mackey, sold Joel Terrell 50 acres on Main Broad River, granted to Alexander Mackey on 28 Oct 1782, willed to Anna Willis, and transferred to her son Joel. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 209)

Alexander and Susanna had six children as named in his 1793 Will. Additional information on some of these children was published in William Terrell Lewis, Genealogy of the Lewis family in America, from the middle of the seventeenth century down to the present time. 1893

1. John Mackey
2. Mary Mackey
3. Susannah Mackey
4. Rebecca Mackey
5. David Mackey
6. William Lewis Mackey

John Mackey was named in his fathers 1793 Will as his son "John".

I have no birth date for John, but he was likely born in the 1750's or before, and either in Ireland or Albemarle Co, VA.

According to the Lewis book, John Mackey never married, and died in Robertson Co, TN.

I found him on the 30 Oct 1777 Roster of Captain Robert Porters Tryon County Company of soldiers (Revolutionary War). I would assume he was at least 16 or older at that time, so born before 1761.

He was not listed on the 1790 census. He may have been with his father, but I dont think so. Alexander did have two males over 16, one being himself, but I rather suspect the other one was William L. Mackey (c1773) and not John.

On 23 Feb 1793, John was named in his fathers Will as "son John".

I have no other record of him, though I have found one or more John Mackeys in Tennessee (one in Blount Co, TN in 1800, one in Greene Co, TN that same year, and one in Rutherford Co, TN in 1810). I have not attempted to do any research on him in Robertson County, Tennessee so far.

There were no Mackeys in Robertson County in 1820 census.

The 1830 Robertson County census showed a David Mackey but no other Mackeys. I dont know if this David is Johns brother, or some other person.

Mary Mackey was named in her fathers 1793 will simply as daughter "Mary" with no surname given. The Lewis book stated that she married a Mr. Powers and died in Kentucky. This is fairly vague, so it may be next to impossible to find out more.

I have not found any record to suggest when Mary was born, though it certainly was at least between ca 1750 and ca 1770, probably in Albemarle Co, VA or in Ireland.

I also dont know when Mary married Mr. Powers, though it was before 1793.

There were no Powers in Rutherford Co, NC in 1790, so it is possible that either she wasnt married yet then (Alexander did have two apparent daughters with him still for the 1790 census), or that she was already off to Kentucky by then. Unfortunately, the 1790 and 1800 census for Kentucky is lost.

On 23 Feb 1793, Mary was named in her fathers Will as "daughter Mary".

The 1800 census shows a Thomas Powers (bef 1755) in Rutherford Co, NC. He was the only one of that surname in the county. Could he be Marys husband? His apparent wife was age 45+ (bef 1755) or age 26-44 (1755/74). Either one would work. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I cant tell if he was near the Mackeys.

I dont believe this Thomas Powers was Mary Mackeys husband, but I could be wrong. This Thomas married a second time (apparently) in 1807 in Rutherford Co, NC to Nelly Wiggins.

The 1810 census showed no Powers in Rutherford County. This is also the first census available for Kentucky, where Mary Mackey Powers was supposed to have moved. A check of the census index shows 18 Powers households in Kentucky that year. Without further info, there is no way to know which of these (if any) is the family of Mary Mackey Powers. Just for the record, here are the names and counties. One of these might be Marys husband: John Powers (Bourbon County), George A. Powers (Fayette), Joseph, John and Henry Powers (Fleming), Jacob Powers (Greenup), William and Tillman Powers (Livingston), Joseph Powers (Mason), Charles Powers (Nelson), John, John and Isaac Powers (Ohio County), James and William Powers (Pendleton), Richard, Robert and Joseph Powers (Scott).

Since several of Marys siblings were supposed to have lived "on the Ohio River", perhaps she did as well. If we consider the 1810 census entries for counties bordering the Ohio River, we can narrow the list down to those Powers found in Livingston and Ohio Counties. That would be William Powers and Tillmam Powers in Livingston County, and John Powers, John Powers and Isaac Powers in Ohio county. Of course this is all just speculation.

Perhaps coincidentally, but probably not, both a Robert Young and John Young were also listed in Livingston County, Kentucky in 1810. They are both married to daughters of Alexander Mackey, so it stands to reason that one of the Livingston County Powers might be the one married to Mary Mackey. In fact, William Powers and John Young are just a few houses from each other in 1810. More research is needed though.

Both William Powers and Tillman Powers were born ca 1765/84 (per their age in 1810), as were their apparent wives, so both of them fit with possible daughters of Alexander Mackey.

Susannah Mackey was named in her fathers 1793 will simply as daughter "Susannah" with no surname given. The Lewis book stated that she married Robert Young and died "near the Ohio River". This could be either Kentucky or Ohio, though Id wager Kentucky is more likely.

I have not found any record to suggest when Susannah was born, though it certainly was at least between ca 1750 and ca 1770, probably in Albemarle Co, VA or in Ireland.

Susannah married Robert Young, presumably before 1793, though I dont know for sure when they married. Robert Young was a witness to Susannahs fathers 1793 Will.

In October 1782 Rutherford County Court, Robert Young and others (including his father-in-law Alexander Mackey) were listed as jurors in the case against John Goodbread charged with Treason and Felony against the State of North Carolina (for alleged Tory activities during the War).

On 18 Dec 1788, Robert Young signed as the bondsman for the marriage bond of Andrew Grant and Mashew Mcy (Martha Mackey) in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Martha may be his sister-in-law, or perhaps his aunt-in-law.

Robert Young was listed on the 1790 census in Rutherford County. He was listed in the 12^th company (not near the Mackeys or Grants). He was just a few houses from two different John Youngs, one of whom was probably his brother who married Rebecca Mackey. Robert Young had a very full household, so he may have had other relatives (besides wife and children) living with him.

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Rutherford Co, NC pg 119 Robert Young 3-2-3-0-3
Analysis:
3 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774)	Robert YOUNG
					Son?
					Son?
2 Male(s) under 16 (1774/1790)		Son?
					Son? 
3 Female(s) any age (before 1790)	Susannah MACKEY Young, wife
					Daughter?
					Daughter?

On 31 Dec 1792 Robert Young signed as the bondsman for the marriage bond of Littleton Sims and Hannah Mitchell in Rutherford County.

On 23 Feb 1793, Susannah was named in her fathers Will as "daughter Susanah". Her supposed husband Robert Young was a witness to the Will.

On 17 Jul 1793, Robert Young sold two slaves (Tom, age 28 and Harry age 20) to James Miller. Witnesses were Richard Lewis and Jams Norris. The 1790 census showed that Robert Young had 3 slaves that year. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book A page 18.)

On 2 Jun 1795, Abraham Musick Sr, Robert Young and Jannet Musick, all of Rutherford, sold 50 acres to John McKinney, this being the same land granted to John Musick deceased on 8 Oct 1783 on the head waters of Skiwaka Creek known by the name of the "Great Table of Tryon Mountain". Witnesses were Allin Twitty and David McBryer. I believe this shows that Robert as well as Abraham and Jannet Musick were the executors or Administrators of the estate of John Musick, deceased. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book Q page 121.)

Robert Young was not listed on the 1800 census in Rutherford County, North Carolina, so perhaps he had moved his family to "near the Ohio River" by then. Unfortunately, the 1800 census is lost for Kentucky.

The 1810 census for Kentucky shows 8 men named "Robert Young" in Kentucky. These were in Bourbon, Caldwell, Clark, Cumberland, Floyd, Green, Henry and Livingston Counties. Of these only Henry and Livingston were on the Ohio River, so perhaps we should narrow the search to there. Though some of the other counties might qualify as being "near the Ohio River", though they didnt border it. Interestingly, the Livingston County Robert was too young, but there was also a John Young there and two Powers families, all of which might be part of the Mackey family.

The Robert Young in Livingston County in 1810 was listed as age 16-25, or born ca 1784/94, which is far too young to be the same Robert. The one in Henry County was age 26-44, or born ca 1765/84 which is closer, but possibly too young as well.

I did not check all the other ones. More research is needed to sort out this family.

Rebecca Mackey was named in her fathers 1793 will simply as daughter "Rebekah" with no surname given. The Mackey book stated that she married John Young and died "near the Ohio River". This could be either Kentucky or Ohio, though Id wager Kentucky is more likely.

I have not found any record to suggest when Rebecca was born, though it certainly was at least between ca 1750 and ca 1770, probably in Albemarle Co, VA or in Ireland.

She married John Young, presumably before 1793, though I dont know for sure when they married. John Young was a witness to Susannahs fathers 1793 Will. It seems reasonable to assume that John was a brother, or other close relative to Robert Young who married Susanna Mackey.

John Young was listed on the 1790 census in Rutherford County. He was listed in the 12^th company (not near the Mackeys or Grants). He was just a few houses from Robert Young. In fact, there were two John Youngs listed near each other, so I dont know for sure which one was this John.

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Rutherford Co, NC pg 119 John Young 2-0-4-0-0
Analysis:
2 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774)	John YOUNG
					Son?
4 Female(s) any age (before 1790)	Rebecca MACKEY Young, wife
					Daughter?
					Daughter?
					Daughter?

On 23 Feb 1793, Rebecca was named in her fathers Will as "daughter Rebekah". Her supposed husband John Young was a witness to the Will.

On 20 Sep 1797, John Young was mentioned in a deed from Archibald Young of Rutherford, as agent and attorney for John Young to sell property to David Miller, being on Walnut Creek, formerly belonging to John Young Sr. Witnesses were D. Dickey, and Thomas Grant. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 7 page 76.)

John Young was not listed on the 1800 census in Rutherford County, North Carolina, so perhaps he had moved his family to "near the Ohio River" by then. Unfortunately, the 1800 census is lost for Kentucky.

The 1810 census for Kentucky shows 32 men named "John Young" in Kentucky. Eliminating all but those in Ohio River border counties, I find these likely suspects: 1 in Livingston County, and 2 in Jefferson County. There are no guarantees that any of these are the same John Young, but they should certainly be considered suspects. There is also a Robert Young in Livingston, but he is too young to be Johns supposed brother.

I did not check all of the other ones in Kentucky in 1810. More research is needed to sort out this family.

David Mackey was born before 1774, possibly as early as the 1750's. He was probably born in Albemarle Co, VA. He was named in his fathers 1793 Will as son "David" and also named as one of the Executors.

On 29 Oct 1788, David Mackey obtained a marriage bond in Rutherford County to marry Sally Potts. Henry Lewis (probably a 1^st cousin) was the bondsman. Sarah "Sally" Potts was probably born in the same time frame as her husband. I dont know who her parents were, but there was a widow Mary Potts in 1790 Rutherford Co, NC census, and a David Potts in neighboring Lincoln County that year. Mary Potts could be Sarahs mother.

On 31 Dec 1788, David Macky, William Grant, Jeremiah Smith and Charles Grant, all witnessed a deed from Edward Hagon to his wife Christian Hagon. (Rutherford Co, NC Wills and Miscellaneous Records Book A page 34.)

David Mackey was listed twice on the 1790 census, both times in the 1^st Company of Rutherford Co, NC. It is possible that there were two David Mackeys, but since both listings were the same, I assume one was an accidental duplicate. The first entry had David next door to his father Alexander on one side, and Uncle Stephen Willis on the other side. The second listing showed David between John Evans and James Morris. Since both listings are the same, Ill only include one transcript:

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Rutherford Co, NC pg 116 David Macay 1-0-2-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774)	David MACKEY (bef 1774) s/o Alexander & Susanna
1 Female(s) any age (before 1790)	Sarah POTTS Mackey wife

On 23 Feb 1793, David was named in his fathers Will as "son David". He was also named as one of the Executors of the Will.

On 21 Mar 1796, David and William Mackey and Thomas Wharey, all of Rutherford County, as Executors of the Will of Alexander Mackey, made note that he (Alexander) had bequeathed 50 acres to Anna Willis, and that she has agreed for the executors to make the deed over to her son Joel Terrell, for land on Main Broad River. This being land granted to Alexander Mackey on 28 Oct 1782. Witnesses were Robert Dickey and David Dicky. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 209.)

David Mackey was listed on the 1800 tax list in Christian Co, KY. His kinsman Charles Grant had also moved there.

In Christian County court on 14 Oct 1805 and 12 Sep 1809 William and David Grant, orphans of Charles Grant were brought to court by David McKey and Charles Taylor to choose a guardian. (Christian Co., KY Court Orders Book B part I and Book B part II).

David Mackey was listed on the 1810 census in Christian Co., KY.

1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1810 Christian Co., KY page x David Macky 02010-10010-0-0

Analysis:

1 Male 26-44	(1765/1784)	David Mackey (1765/74)

2 males 10-15	(1794/1800)	1-Son?

				2-Son?
1 Female 26-44	(1765/1784)	Sarah Potts Mackey (1765/84) wife

1 female 0-9	(1800/1810)	Daughter?

0 Slaves

The Mackey book states that David and Sally resided at New Madrid, Missouri, where Sally died, leaving two little children. The book further states that he prepared to move, placing his two little children on a boat, and went by land in order to carry his stock, and that he got sick and died on the road, dying in the Choctaw Nation, and that his children were never heard of afterward.

I have not done any research in Missouri to follow up on this family.

William Lewis Mackey was born ca 1773 in Albemarle Co, VA. He was named in his fathers 1793 Will as son "William" and also named as one of the Executors. I have no primary source for his middle name being "Lewis".

William was probably at home with his father for the 1790 census, and listed in the age 16 and up category (born before 1774).

On 23 Feb 1793, William was named in his fathers Will as "son William". He was also named as one of the Executors of the Will.

On 24 Jan 1794, William Mackey was the bondsman for the Rutherford County marriage bond of Samuel Parks and Pheby Cauldwell.

According to the Mackey book, William Mackey married Elizabeth Ashbrook ca 1792 in Rutherford Co, NC. There was a Moses Ashbrooks in 1790 Rutherford Co, NC. Perhaps he is Elizabeths father.

On 21 Mar 1796, David and William Mackey and Thomas Wharey, all of Rutherford County, as Executors of the Will of Alexander Mackey, made note that he (Alexander) had bequeathed 50 acres to Anna Willis, and that she has agreed for the executors to make the deed over to her son Joel Terrell, for land on Main Broad River. This being land granted to Alexander Mackey on 28 Oct 1782. Witnesses were Robert Dickey and David Dicky. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 209.)

William Mackey was not listed on the 1800 census in Rutherford, nor anywhere else that I could find. He was probably in Tennessee already, and the 1800 census is lost for that state as is the 1810 census.

Another researcher told me that this family moved to Maury Co, TN. I did find a William Mackey there on the 1850 census, age 73, born NC. This may be the same William. I have not followed up on this to prove or disprove the connection.

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