Alexander Stewart (d 1789) and Elizabeth (d ca 1804) of North Carolina (Mecklenburg)

Marty and Karla Grant

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[Stewart Home] - [Table of Contents] - Alexander Stewart

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I am not related to Alexander Stewart as far as I can tell. However, he lived in Mecklenburg Co., NC as did my own ancestor John Stewart (1730/40-1830). I think their time there overlapped. Of course that doesn’t mean they were related. Alexander did have a son named John, but his son is a younger man than mine.

I think there is a reasonable chance that Robert Stewart (d 1777) and Alexander Stewart are brothers for they lived near each other and some of their children and grandchildren were associated with each other.

Alexander Stewart had land on Sugar Creek and McMichael Creek. Sugar Creek rises just west of Charlotte where Irwin Creek joins Taggart Creek. Irwin Creek is called Stewart Creek further upstream, perhaps named for members of this Stewart family.

A map showing the waterways in old Mecklenburg where Stewarts had land.

Alexander Stewart (also Stuart) birth date is unknown, but it was ca 1735 or before, perhaps long before. I don’t know where he was born or when he came to Mecklenburg, though he was there by 1771.

His wife was Elizabeth, maiden name and birth date unknown. They married prior to 1755.

On 3 Apr 1771 Joseph Lee made a deed to Nathaniel Irwin, both of Mecklenburg, for land on Garrisons Creek joining James McCord and John Henry. Witnesses were Thomas Polk and Alexander Stuart. Alexander signed with a mark that resembled a capital A. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 8, pp. 77-78.)

On 12 Apr 1771, Thomas Polk of Mecklenburg made a deed to Alexander Stuart for £55 for 285 acres on Sugar Creek and McMichal Creek joining Henry Walker, William Alexander and James Norris. Being same land granted to Polk on 4 May 1769. Signed by Thomas Polk. Witnesses were Robert Elliot and William Pattison. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 5, pp. 358-360.)

Alexander Stewart made his Will on 10 Nov 1789 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. He named:

∙ Wife Elizabeth.

∙ Grandson Andrew Stewart. Did not say who his parents were.

∙ Son John Stewart.

∙ John’s son Alexander Stewart.

∙ Son David Stewart.

∙ To Sarah Stewart. No relationship stated, but indicated she was a widow.

∙ To Frances Grier. No relationship stated.

∙ Later mentioned, without names, his two sons and two daughters, which suggests that Sarah and Frances were his daughters.

He named his sons John and David as Executors.

Alexander Stewart signed the Will. Witnesses Alexander Campbell, Elias Alexander and Hezekiah Alexander. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Will Book F, pp. 182-184.)

Alexander gave the entire plantation he lived on to his wife Elizabeth (with some exceptions, mentioned later) for her natural life. After her death he desired the plantation to be sold and the money divided among the named heirs. One half to his grandson Andrew Stewart. One half to be divided equally between sons John and David.

He stated that Sarah Stewart (no relationship given) was to have the house she now lives in and liberty to cultivate ten acres of the plantation during her widowhood.

I didn’t find any probate records, but we can assume Alexander died shortly after making his Will, likely before 1790 since he did not appear on that census.

There are two “Widow” Stuarts listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. It is fairly clear which one is Elizabeth based upon the neighbors. She must be the one in the same grouping with William Pattison and Thomas Polk, both of whom were associated with her late husband.

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 354 Widow Stuart 0-0-2-0-0 * This is probably Elizabeth, as near Thomas Polk, etc.

p. 374 Widow Stuart 1-0-4-0-0 * Near Samuel, William and John Stuart.

Elizabeth was probably still alive in 1800, but she wasn’t listed as head of household, thus was probably with one of her sons or daughters. She does not seem to be with son John though.

I believe she was dead by 24 Jan 1804, for on that date John Stewart sold their father’s plantation on Sugar and McMichal Creeks. The Will had stipulated it was to be sold after Elizabeth’s death. He sold it to his brother David, so it did remain in the family. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 51.)

Children

Alexander’s Will proves four children, sons John and David, and daughters Frances and Sarah. They were all grown by then. He also named two grandsons, Andrew (parents not given) and Alexander, son of John.

1. John Stewart (Bef 1755-aft 1820)

2. David Stewart (Bef 1755-aft 1807)

3. Sarah Stewart (d aft 1789) m — Stewart (d bef 1789)

4. Frances Stewart (d aft 1789) m — Greer

5. Andrew Stewart (grandson)

John Stewart was born before 1755 per his age on the 1800 census. He was named in his father’s 1789 Will as his son and also named as one of the executors. Alexander also named John’s son Alexander in the Will. It was sometimes a custom for a man to leave something to any of his namesake grandchildren.

There were two John Stewarts in Mecklenburg at the same time and it would be very easy to mix them up in the records. The oldest is this John (bef 1755), son of Alexander. The other is John (1765/74-1826) son of Matthew. While Alexander’s son is older, they didn’t use Sr or Jr to distinguish themselves in the public records, thus the difficulty knowing which record is for which John. Since my own ancestor John Stewart (1730/40) was in Mecklenburg at some point, I’ve created a page just for records for the various men named John Stewart of Mecklenburg.

On 7 Sep 1778, James Way sold land to Robert Arthur. It was 227 acres on both sides of Fourmile Creek joining Henry Downs and Thomas Harris. Mentions Harris and Craig’s corner. Signed by James Way. Witnessed by John Stuart and Benjamin (B) Allet. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 10, pp. 73-75.)

John would have been 22 or older by 1778.

Henry Downs and Thomas Harris were associated with Robert Stewart (d 1777). This suggests a connection between Alexander Stewart and Robert Stewart.

On 14 Feb 1780, the same 227 acres from the 7 Sep 1778 deed was sold by Robert Arthur and wife Sarah to James Kenedy. The land description was the same. Robert Arthur and Sarah Arthur both signed. Witnesses were John Flenniken and John Stewart. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 11, pp. 2-4.)

On 27 Sep 1787 Robert Galbreath entered 100 acres on both sides of Four Mile Creek. Southwest side of David Moore’s place that he now lives on and his own land. Entered by Robert Galbreath, assigned to John Stewart. Near John McCreevan line, David Moore’s corner. Surveyed 10 Oct 1790. Michal Hubbart, Robert Galbreath, CB. Granted 20 Dec 1791, Grant Number 979. (North Carolina Land Grants.)

Note, “his own land” probably refers to Robert Galbreath, not John Stewart, since Galbreath was the originally patentee.

On 2 Feb 1790, John Stewart of Mecklenburg made a deed to Abraham Miller, of Mecklenburg, for 100 pounds for 68 acres on south east side of McCalpins Creek, joining his own land. The land was further described as being a patent to John Starr (no date), who died intestate, then fell to Arthur Starr eldest son of John Star, who now has full power to convey the same, as now does John Stewart who conveys it Abraham Miller. The wording of that (not quoted) is a bit confusing. I would normally assume this meant Arthur Starr conveyed it to Stewart who then conveyed it, in this deed, to Abraham Miller, which makes sense. However, I’ve found no deed where Arthur Starr conveys this land to Stewart. Is it suggesting John Stewart is also an heir of John Starr? John Stewart signs the deed. Witnesses are Will Miller, Alexander Stewart and Query Hinds (dim, might say Levicy Hinds). The deed was acknowledged in April 1796 court. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, p. 170, one of two deeds on same page.)

On 23 Jul 1790, the same two parties made another deed, that is John Stewart to Abraham Miller, this time for 200 pounds for 140 acres on south east side of McAlpins Creek, including John Stewarts improvements, suggesting Stewart had been living on the land. It was further described as being part of a 240 acre tract John Starr purchased from Henry E. McCullogh, then John Starr dying intestate, fell to Arthur Starr. It is worded the same as the prior deed, though once again I found no record of Arthur Starr conveying it to John Stewart. John Stewart signed the deed. The section with the witnesses is mostly illegible but Will Miller’s name can be made out. This deed was also acknowledged in April 1796 court [by John Stewart]. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, p. 170, second of two deeds on same page.)

Note that Fourmile Creek and McAlpine Creek run parallel for several miles before Fourmile joins McAlpine. This land may have been near the conjunction.

Also note that John Starr had sons Arthur, John and Thomas Stewart Starr. That middle name for Thomas is probably not a coincidence. John Starr’s wife Mary is listed as a Stewart by some online trees, sans documentation of course. However, it would explain the Stewart middle name for Thomas.

As noted above, I found no record of how John Stewart acquired either of these tracts. Did he inherit them via his wife? Was she perhaps a daughter of John Starr?

John Stewart is listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. In fact, there are two of them. One has a small family and the other a large one. Alexander’s son is most likely the one with the large family.

CENSUS:1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 374 John Stuart 1-0-3-0-0

p. 384 John Stuart 2-3-4-0-0 <— probably this one

The 1790 Mecklenburg Census was alphabetical by companies or districts (untitled).

The first John Stewart listed (p. 374) is in the area that later became Cabarrus County. He was in the same district with Joseph Biggars, William Black, James Crumel (Cromwell), John Crumel (Cromwell), Thomas Davis, John Harris, David McKinley, William Newell, Francis Newell, Samuel Stuart, William Stuart, Widow Stuart, Archibald White and others associated with Thomas Stewart (d 1789) of Mecklenburg/Cabarrus. This means this is most likely John (bef 1770) son of Thomas. Widow Stuart was his mother, Catherine. William was his brother. Samuel might be related, but wasn’t his brother.

John Stewart on page 384 was in the same district with many of the same names we see on the deeds for John Stewart (bef 1755-aft 1820), son of Alexander (d 1789), so it’s probably this John. Some of those listed were also associated with Robert Stewart (d 1777), suggesting Alexander and Robert could be brothers.

On 19 May 1791, John Stewart entered 80 acres on Fourmile Creek joining land he bought of Robert Galbreath. Joining James Buchanan, Widow Wily, Gordon Potter. David Stinford, Thos G. Black, CB. Granted 28 Nov 1792, grant number 1505. (North Carolina Land Grants.)

With this record, he has 180 total acres on Fourmile Creek.

On 25 Feb 1793, John Stewart entered 25 acres on waters of Fourmile Creek Joining John McCreevan, Widow Finney, Polks Land, Wm Young, & his own land. Duncan McCreevan and John McCreevan were chain bearers for the survey (I failed to get survey date.) The land was granted on 9 Jul 1794 (Grant Number 1169). (North Carolina Land Grants.)

With this record, he has 205 total acres on Fourmile Creek.

On the same date (25 Feb 1793), John Stewart also entered 125 acres on waters of Fourmile Creek joining Gordon Potter and William Young. The survey was dated 2 Feb 1794 with Duncan McGreevan, John McCreevan as chain bearers. The land was granted on 9 Jul 1794 (Grant Number 1201, North Carolina Land Grants.)

With this record, he has 330 total acres on Fourmile Creek.

On 17 Jul 1797 John Stewart of Mecklenburg made a deed of gift to Alexander Stewart of Mecklenburg, for love and affection to my son ... both sides of 4 Mile Creek ... David Moor’s corner ... 100 acres. Another tract ... widow Faney’s corner ... William Young’s corner ... 25 acres, combined being 125 acres. Signed John Stewart. Witnessed by Thos Hutson?, Thomas Barber. Proven by the grantor Aug 1816 court. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 20, pp. 240-241).

With this record, his 330 acres on Fourmile Creek is reduced to 205 acres.

John is listed on the 1800 census next to his son Alexander.

CENSUS:1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 604 John Stuart 42001-22110-0-0

p. 604 Alexander Stuart 00010-00100-0-0

On 23 Dec 1800, John Stewart of Mecklenburg made a deed to his son Alexander Stewart for 100? (Hard to read first digit) pounds, on Fourmile Creek, first tract ... James Buchanan’s line ... 80 acres. Second tract ... Gordon Potter’s line ... William Young’s line ... 125 acres, total of 205 acres. Signed by John Stewart. Witnessed by Thomas Huston? And Thomas Barber. John Stewart acknowledged the deed in August 1816 court. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 20, pp. 241-242.)

With this record, his 205 acres on Fourmile Creek is reduced to zero. As far as I can tell he has no other land on Fourmile Creek at this time and is presumably residing with his son Alexander.

On 10 Apr 1803, James Neel, Esquire, Sheriff of Mecklenburg, made a deed to Alexander Stewart, of Mecklenburg, land formerly the property of John Stewart known by the place he now lives ... Alexander Stewart being highest bidder ... $61 for 250 acres ... Gordon Potters line ... The waggon road ... both sides of 4 Mile Creek and includes John Stewarts improvements ... Signed by James Neil, Sheriff. Witnessed by J. McKnitt Alexander and William Neel. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 106).

This deed is a little confusing because John had already deeded all of his land to son Alexander Stewart. This appears to be his 100 acres (1787), 25 acres (1793) and 125 acre (1793) tracts, leaving his 80 acre tract out. Why was this deed necessary? Normally a Sheriff’s deed is to settle a court ordered debt. If that was the case, then John had the debt, lost the court case, and his land was ordered sold to cover the debt. His son Alexander purchased it at auction which kept it in the family at least. This, despite Alexander already owning it, which is the confusing part. Perhaps at this point Alexander didn’t have clear title to it yet. The two deeds to him (1797 and 1800) weren’t actually registered until 1816, so that might be the reason.

On 24 Jan 1804, John Stewart made a deed to David Stewart, “both of Mecklenburg” for $400. The deed was for land Sugar Creek and McMichal Creek ordered to be sold per the Will of Alexander Stewart (indicating that Elizabeth, his widow had died by this time, apparently). It was 229 acres, which is less than the original 285 acres. John Stewart signed. Witnesses were James Campbell and James Neill. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 51.)

With this deed, John Stewart had no land left in Mecklenburg County as far as I can tell. However, a deed dated 1821 (see below) suggests he did still have land.

There are three John Stewarts on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg. This one is the oldest one.

CENSUS:1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 476 Jno Stewart 42110-20010-0-0

p. 487 Jno Stewart 22010-10010-0-1

p. 493 Jno Stewart 03201-11301-0-1 <– probably this one.

There are two John Stewarts on the 1820 census in Mecklenburg. If either of them are this John, it would have to be the older one. However, I don’t know if it is him or not. It may be Matthew Stewart’s son John instead. If it is Matthew’s son, then Alexander’s son was either dead or moved away by 1820.

CENSUS:1820 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 196 John Stewart 100010-10100-0-Slaves=1000-0000

p. 196 Jno Stewart 210301-11101-0-Slaves=2000-3002 <– Maybe?

On 30 Nov 1821, James Willson, Esqr, Sheriff of Mecklenburg, sold land to James Morris, being seized from John Stewart Senr via court order (debts). The land was described as on both sides of Fourmile Creek including John Stewart’s old improvements. William B. Alexander and Duncan McCraven’s corner ... Morris’s corner ... 150 acres. Signed by James Willson, Sheriff. Witnessed by Cyrus Query and Robert M. Owens. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 19, p. 372.)

I found no record of John coming by this land, unless some of that which he deeded/gifted to his son Alexander wound up in his hands again. It does look like that might be the case. Although the deed was dated 1821, it mentioned the auction was on 31 Aug 1820. It did not give the date of the court action, which would be the last date we know that John Stewart was still living.

Thus, we know for certain he was still alive in Aug 1816 when he acknowledged two deeds in court. One of the two Johns on the 1820 census could be him, but not necessarily. The deed dated 1821, referring to auction in 1820 may indicate he was still alive in 1820, but not for certain. He may have died between 1816 and 1820. Locating the court order would help narrow it down more.

John Stewart was not listed on the 1830 census in Mecklenburg. Did he die before then or move away?

I didn’t find estate records or a Will for this John Stewart. Matthew Stewart’s son John died in 1826 leaving a Will, and his son John Jr died in 1827 without a will, but his estate papers named several minor heirs.

David Stewart was born before 1755 per his age on the 1800 census, if the person I found is the same David. I’m not 100% sure it is.

David was named in his father’s 1789 Will.

David is listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. There were no other Stewarts listed in the grouping he was in. The size of his family (six apparent children) indicates he’d been married at least ten years by then, perhaps more.

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 356 David Stuart 1-3-4-0-0

On 29 Oct 1793, William Patterson petitioned to have land surveyed in order to correct errors and inaccuracies from earlier surveys. It was signed by Ezekiel Wallace, Mathew Wallace, Elias Alexander, Alexander Camble, Samuel Graham and David Stuart with William Black, surveyor. Thomas Polk was also mentioned. The land in question was 100 acres on McAlpins Creek patented Feb 1775. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 14, pp. 400-401.)

On 19 Jul 1794, David Stewart received a state land grant for 213 acres on McMichals Creek joining James Orr, George Allen and his own land. He entered this land on 27 Apr1791. The survey was undated. John Walker and David Stewart himself were chain bearers. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 14, p. 274 and Land Grants.)

On 30 Nov 1796, David Stewart received a state land grant of 100 acres on Sugar Creek. Mentions James Norris line, Alexander Stewart line. The warrant was issued 13 Aug 1779, so, unless that’s an error, it took nearly 20 years to be granted. The survey was dated 24 Feb 1796. Elias Alexander and James Willson were chain bearers. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 14, p. 274 and Land Grants.)

David Stewart moved to neighboring Lancaster Dist., SC before 1800. He is listed there on that census. There is an Isaac and William in Lancaster in 1800 also, but not listed near David.

1800 Lancaster Dist., SC

p. 11 David Stuart 20001-61001-0-0

The above deed indicates David was living in Mecklenburg, but he was probably still in Lancaster at the time, though could have made a temporary move.

He was back in Lancaster by 16 Aug 1806, for on that date David Stewart of Lancaster made a deed to James Orr of Mecklenburg. For $500 he sold 100 acres on Sugar Creek. The deed mentions James Orr’s line, Alexander Stewart’s line. David Stewart signed. Witnesses were George Allen and Isaac Campbell. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 335, one of two deeds on same page for David Stewart.)

This is the 100 acre land grant that David Stewart received in 1796.

On 6 Mar 1807, David Stewart of Lancaster made a deed to Isaac Campbell of Mecklenburg. For $403, he sold 226 acres on McMichael’s creek. David Stewart signed. Witnesses were James Wilson and James H. Frazer. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 335, second of two deeds on same page for David Stewart.)

This was their father’s plantation that David had purchased from brother John in 1804, though the acreage was 226 acres here, 229 acres in the prior deed.

I didn’t find a record of David selling his 1794 land grant of 213 acres on McMichael’s Creek.

David Stewart was not listed on the 1810 census in Lancaster Dist., SC, Mecklenburg Co., NC, nor anywhere else nearby as far as I could find. Did he die between 1807 and 1810? Or did he moved “west” somewhere? The 1810 census is lost for many of the western territories.

There were several David Stewarts listed on the 1820 census in potential migration points, but I didn’t check them all.

I checked the deed indexes for Lancaster Co., SC, and there were none for David Stewart buying or selling land.

Sarah Stewart was named in her father’s will as “Sarah Stewart” without stating a relationship. He later mentioned his “Two daughters” so it seems likely she was one of them, as he also mentioned a Frances Grier without stating a relationship.

He stated that Sarah Stewart was to have the house she now lives in and liberty to cultivate ten acres of the plantation during her widowhood.

The way the above is written suggests that Sarah is his daughter and was married to another Stewart who had died before 1789. Alternately, she could be a widowed daughter-in-law whose husband was a deceased son of Alexander.

Alexander also mentioned a grandson named Andrew Stewart but didn’t specify who his parents were. It is certainly possible he is Sarah’s son by her late husband, an unknown Mr. Stewart. If Sarah is Alexander’s daughter, then her Mr. Stewart is most likely a close cousin.

I’ve found no records so far to help identify who her husband was.

Frances Stewart was named in her father’s 1789 Will as “Frances Grier.” He didn’t leave her any land, so she probably already had some via her husband. “Grier” is probably “Greer.”

I don’t know who her Mr. Greer was. There were three men of that name in Mecklenburg on the 1790 census:

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 352 Thomas Greer 1-2-3-0-5 next to James

p. 352 James Greer 2-2-3-0-2 next to Thomas

p. 383 John Greer 1-1-1-0-0 same group with William Stuart 2-0-2-0-0 and John Stuart 2-3-4-0-0

The John Stewart in the same group with John Greer is almost certainly Frances’s brother, so that makes this John Greer a potential husband for her, but by no means proves that he is the one.

There were no Greer households in Mecklenburg for the 1800 census.

The deed index shows some Greer listings:

∙ George (1764, 1764, 1764, 1778, 1779)

∙ Robert (1775)

∙ Andrew (1763, 1763, 1772, 1772, 1775)

∙ Joseph and Nancy (1778)

∙ Joseph (1800)

∙ Thomas (1778, 1797, 1799, 1799)

∙ Leonard (1779)

∙ John (1795)

∙ James (1798, 1798)

∙ And others after 1800.

∙ No Frances listed though.

Andrew Stewart was named in Alexander Stewart’s 1819 Will as his grandson. He didn’t state who his parents were, nor mention whether he was a minor or not. That he was mentioned at all, when other grandchildren weren’t (except for one*), suggests that he might have been orphaned by that time, which makes me think he was Sarah Stewart’s son by her Stewart husband. I could be wrong on that of course.

* Alexander, son of John, was mentioned but probably only because he was a namesake.

Andrew was not listed on the 1790 census. He was probably home with relatives. His widowed grandmother had no males in her household so he wasn’t there. His uncle David Stewart had three boys under 16 at home. One of those could be Andrew. Uncle John Stewart also had three boys that age, one of whom could be Andrew.

Andrew Stewart/Stuart is not in the Mecklenburg County deed indexes, so he was apparently never a landowner there.

I didn’t find Andrew on the 1800 census either, nor on the 1810 census. There was one in Shelby Co., KY in 1810, but I have no clue if it’s the same Andrew Stewart or not. That one was born ca 1765/1784 which fits, but isn’t enough to go on.

I jumped ahead to 1850 and found no Andrew Stewart/Stuart listed who could be this one, assuming he was born in North Carolina prior to 1789.

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Alexander and Elizabeth Stewart

Revised: May 13, 2024

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