Matthew Stewart and Elizabeth Stewart of North Carolina (Mecklenburg, Union)

Marty and Karla Grant

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Matthew Stewart (c1720-1808) and Elizabeth McCall of North Carolina (Mecklenburg, Union)

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

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I am not related to Matthew Stewart as far as I can tell. However, he lived in Mecklenburg Co., NC for a time 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. Matthew did name one of his sons John Stewart, but since that’s such a common name, it doesn’t necessarily suggest a connection.

Matthew had land on Goose Creek, which rises in eastern Mecklenburg and flows SE into Union County, where it turns NE and flows into Rocky River at the Stanley County line. Most of its run, if not all of it, was entirely within Mecklenburg until 1842 when Union County was created. He also had land on Paddle Creek and Crooked Creek both of which are within Union County now.

Matthew was affiliated with the Rocky Spring Meeting House which is near present community of Mint Hill in present Mecklenburg County. Goose Creek rises near there.

The area described above was all part of Anson County when Matthew Stewart first arrived there and became Mecklenburg in 1762.

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

Matthew Stewart was born prior to 1741. Since his oldest proven child was born in 1759, that suggests Matthew was born ca 1741 or earlier if at least 18 when that child was born. This also works with a land grant he received in 1764. One had to be 21 to purchase or patent land, thus born ca 1743 or earlier. This agrees with his 1800 census entry which shows him as 45 and up, or born before 1755. Online trees, sans documentation of course, show Matthew was born 1720 in Scotland. If that’s correct, then he was already 39 when his first child was born, which is possible, but seems questionable. On the other hand, he did have to retire as Captain during the Revolutionary War due to his old age. If born ca 1720, he would have been in his 50s or 60s during the war.

Matthew married Elizabeth, maiden name unknown, marriage date unknown. Online trees, without documentation, show her to be Elizabeth McCall, born Wales. I don’t know if this is correct or not. Their oldest child was born 1759, so they would have married ca 1758 or earlier.

On 25 Jun 1764, Arthur Dobbs, Esqr, Captain General & Governor and Commander in Chief of North Carolina, and his wife Justina, deeded 100 acres of land to Mathew Stewart of Mecklenburg Co., NC. It was described as being on both sides of Goose Creek, a branch of Rocky or Johnston River. It was signed by Arthur Dobbs and Justina Dobbs. Witnesses were John Davis Junr and Arthur Mackay. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 2, pp. 663-665.)

On 5 Feb 1771, Abner Nash and wife Justina deeded 45 acres to Matthew Stewart. There was no landmarks mentioned but referred to as tract “number two.” Abner and Justina signed. Clement Nash witnessed. Note that Abner’s wife Justina was the widow of former Governor Dobbs. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 6, p. 54.)

On the same date (5 Feb 1771), Abner and Justina Nash deeded another tract to Matthew Stewart, this one 35 acres. It mentioned David Moore’s corner and the south bank of Paddle Creek. Same signatures and witness. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 6, p. 55.)

On 16 Apr 1771, Thomas Polk, Abraham Alexander and Jeremiah McCafferty of Mecklenburg, made a deed to Samuel McCombes of Charlotte for Lots in Charlotte on Tryon Street. Mathew Stewart and Samuel Jack were witnesses. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 6, pp. 378-379.)

On 25 Mar 1772, Abner Nash of Halifax Co., NC made a deed to Mathew Stewart of Mecklenburg. For L10, he sold 51 acres on the north side of Goose Creek. A. Nash signed. Witnessed by R. Smith. It was noted that a receipt was made on 15 Jan 1776 for L10 paid by Matthew Stewart. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 9, pp. 249-250.)

According to statements made by his son William, Matthew Stewart served as a Captain during the Revolutionary War until his old age forced him to resign.

On 3 Apr 1778, Thomas Polk, Esqr, of Mecklenburg, made a deed to Joseph Galbreath, Mill Wright, also of Mecklenburg for land on Goss Creek, which I wonder if is a misspelled Goose Creek. Witnesses were Mathew Stewart and Eph. Brevard. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 7, pp. 472-473.)

On 4 Feb 1780, Samuel Montgomery of Mecklenburg made a deed to Adam Alexander, James Harris, Mathew Stewart, John Ford and John Querry, Trustees for Congregation of Rocky Spring. For L5, he deeded them 3 acres including Rocky Spring meeting house burial ground. Samuel Montgomery signed. Witnesses were Alexander McGinty and John McKinnan. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 11, pp. 71-72.)

Click here for information about the above cemetery. Or here for the Findagrave entry. There are no Stewarts buried there, or at least none with markers.

On 12 Nov 1789, George Graham, late Sheriff of Mecklenburg, made a deed to Mathew Stuart for 145 acres on Goose Creek. George Graham signed. There were no witnesses. He acknowledge the deed himself in Jan 1796 court. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, p. 148.)

On 20 Feb 1790, Edward Harris of Iredelle (sic) Co., NC made a deed to Mathew Stuart of Mecklenburg. For L2, he sold him land in the “Western District” (Tennessee), on the waters of the Long Creek, Thomas K. Sharp’s corner, James Rutherford’s corner, being land granted to Harris in 1788. I didn’t see any acreage listed. Ed. Harris signed. Witnesses were Evan Alexander and John Stuart. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 13, pp. 865-866.)

Who is this John Stewart? This is almost certainly Matthew’s proven son named John, who would have been 14 or older at this time, if old enough to witness a deed.

On 17 May 1790, Edward Harris of Iredell Co., NC made another deed to Mathew Stuart of Mecklenburg, for — [torn] hundred pounds, land in the Western District (Tennessee) on Clover Lick Creek, mentions Blounts Corner, a tree marked “HR” (that is probably surveyor Henry Rutherford), corner of No 2337 and 2227. No acreage listed. Ed. Harris signed. Witnesses were [torn] Graham, and [torn] Alexander. (Evan Alexander proved the deed in April 1791 court). (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 13, pp. 866-868.)

Matthew is listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. No other Stewarts are listed in his section.

1790 Census, Mecklenburg Co., NC

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
378	Mathew Stuart	2	1	2	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

2m 16+ (before 1774) 1. Matthew Stewart (bef 1743)

2. John Stewart (bef 1765) son

1m under 16 (1774/1790) Reuben Stewart (1775/80) son

2f no ages (before 1790) 1. Elizabeth Stewart (bef 1755) wife

2. Daughter? (1774/84)

On 16 Aug 1793, Andrew Alexander, Sheriff of Mecklenburg, made a deed to Mathew Stewart, planter, of Mecklenburg for 404 acres on Goose Creek in 4 tracts. The Sheriff signed the deed. Witnesses were John Stewart and Wm McCall. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, p. 73.)

On 1 Jan 1794 Matthew Stewart and his wife Elizabeth Stewart of Mecklenburg, made a deed of gift to their son John Stewart of the same place. Being 45 acres on both sides of Crooked Creek on both sides of the “Waggon Road.” Mathew and Elizabeth signed. Witnesses were John Hall and Danl Neil Hall. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 16, p. 138.)

I didn’t find any deed where Matthew Stewart acquired land on Crooked Creek. Perhaps it was his wife’s land when they married, hence her also signing the deed.

Matthew is listed on the 1800 census in Mecklenburg. No other Stewarts are nearby.

1800 Census, Mecklenburg Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

578

Matthew Stuart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1755) Matthew Stewart (bef 1743)

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) Reuben Stewart (1775/80) son

1m 0-9 (1790/1800) Eli Stewart (c1794) son

1f 45+ (before 1755) Elizabeth Stewart (bef 1755) wife

1f 16-25 (1774/1784) Daughter? (1774/84)

On 18 Aug 1803 Mathew Stewart of Mecklenburg, made a deed to William McCall for $125, he sold him 250 acres in the Western District (Tennessee) on Clover Lick Creek. Mathew Stewart signed. William Stewart and William Black witnessed. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 31.)

There were three adult William Stewarts in Mecklenburg on the 1800 census. I suspect this one may be Matthew’s son, but he doesn’t fit in the 1790 or 1800 census analysis for Matthew’s family, so either older than the others and already moved out before 1790, or not his son after all. Online trees do show Matthew with a son named William born 1763.

On the same date (18 Aug 1803), Mathew Stewart deeded land to John Black Senr, being 400 acres on Clover Lick Creek in the Western District (Tennessee). Witnesses were Samuel Black, James Osborne and William Stewart. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 118.)

On 20 Dec 1804 Mathew Stewart made a deed to Azariah Coburn for $600. The land was 310 acres on both sides of Goose Creek “including the old house.” Also mentions the mouth of Paddle Creek. Witnesses were David Moor son of Hugh, and Samuel Black. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 150.)

On 10 Aug 1805 Mathew Steward of Mecklenburg, made a deed of gift to Reuben Steward of same place, his son. 400 acres on both sides of Goose Creek in two tracts. Witnesses were Samuel Black and Azariah Coburn. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 18, p. 209.)

Matthew Stewart made his Will on 26 Jan 1808, and may have died that same day or soon after. That is the death date used on his tombstone, placed more than a hundred years after his death. His marker is at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mint Hill, Mecklenburg Co., NC, which is very close to where he lived.

In his Will he named his wife Elizabeth. After her death land was to be divided between William McCall and Samuel Black, his son-in-laws. He also named sons Henry, William, James and Reuben Stewart, and daughter Sarah Coburn, and son John. He named his son-in-law Samuel Black as sole executor. He signed the Will with a mark. Witnesses were David Moor and Reuben Stewart and Azariah Coburn. The Will was proven in court April 1808, meaning he had died by then. I would suggest that is probably closer to when he died than the actual date of the Will, but I could be wrong. One document in his probate papers was dated 7 Mar 1808, so that means he was dead by then for sure.

Elizabeth’s name is on the same marker as his, but with no dates.

Children

Matthew’s Will proves eight children, though two of the daughters weren’t listed by name, only by their husband’s names. Their names (Elizabeth and Jane) are proven by other sources.

1. Henry Stewart (1759-aft 1850)

2. Elizabeth Stewart (c1760-c1853) married William McCall.

3. William Stewart (1763-1856)

4. Jane Stewart (1760/70-1840) married Samuel Black.

5. John Stewart (before 1765-1826) married Agnes Moore.

6. Sarah Ann Stewart (c1774-aft 1850) married Azariah Coburn.

7. Reuben Stewart (1775/80-1840s)

8. James Stewart

Henry Stewart was born 1759 in Anson, now Mecklenburg Co., NC, date and place per his Revolutionary War Pension affidavit made in 1836. He also stated that he was the son of Matthew Stewart, proving that it was the same Henry Stewart then in Taliaferro Co., GA. He resided in Mecklenburg until after the war when he moved to Georgia in what is now Taliaferro County but was then Wilkes, later Green due to county line changes and new counties being formed.

There were no land records for Henry Stewart in Mecklenburg County.

Henry would have already been in Georgia for the 1790 census. Unfortunately that census is lost, as is the 1800 and 1810 censuses for Georgia.

I didn’t find him on the 1820 census.

He was listed on the 1830 census in Taliaferro Co., GA.

p. 363 Henry Stuart 0100110010000-0000010000000

He was also there in 1840, in his 80s and listed as a pensioner, age 81. Reuben H. Stewart, William Stewart and Amos Stewart, were nearby.

1840 Taliaferro Co., GA

p 17 Henry Stewart 000000100100-010000010000

He is still there for the 1850 census, living with William F. Stewart, presumably his son or grandson. Ellen Stewart, 60, is with them. Is she Henry’s wife or daughter?

1850 Census, Taliaferro Co., GA, Division No 78

Page 382, House 247, Family 247

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Wm F. Stewart	30	M		Farmer	2000	GA
Henry Stewart	91	M		Farmer		NC
Ellen	60	F				GA

That’s all I have on Henry at present. He presumably died before the 1860 census.

Elizabeth Stewart was born ca 1760. She married William McCall in 1778 in Mecklenburg at her father Matthew Stewart’s home, per a statement made by William Stewart for her pension application. This proves she is Matthew’s child. There are several online trees that give her name as Agnes Elizabeth, but I’ve seen no evidence to support that name thus far.

Much information is given in the pension file under name William McCall. He died in 1827, she in 1853, both in Mecklenburg.

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 376 William McCall 1-3-2-0-0

1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 604 William McCall, Esq 42201-01110-0-1

1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 491 Wm McCall 02211-00001-0-5

1820 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 192 Will McCall 000101-00001-0-Slaves=1100-1100

I didn’t find Elizabeth on the 1830 or 1840 censuses. She was probably residing with one of her children.

I found Elizabeth, I think, on the 1850 census in Mecklenburg, listed as head of household. Her son and a granddaughter were with her, and labeled as such, which is an unusual notation for this census as relationships weren’t required to be given.

1850 Census, Mecklenburg Co., NC, Sardis District

Page 89, House [cut off], Family 1457

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Elizabeth McCall	91	F			300	NC
James (her son)	70	M		Non		“
Sarah (gr dtr)	27	F				“

Elizabeth Stewart McCall died ca 1853. I don’t know the source for that date yet. It may be in her widows pension application which seemed to continue beyond 1853, so perhaps she didn’t die that year. The pension record is extensive and I haven’t read every page. Perhaps her death is mentioned therein.

William Stewart was born 10 Jan 1763 in Mecklenburg, where he enlisted for service during the war and lived until April 1806 when he moved to Livingston Co., KY where he applied for his pension in 1832.

There are two William’s listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. I can’t say which is William (1763).

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 374 William Stuart 1-2-4-0-0 Samuel Stuart and Widow Stuart in same group.

p. 383 William Stuart 2-0-2-0-0 John Stuart in same group.

Of the above, I’d suspect the second one is William (1763), but can’t be sure, obviously.

There were three Williams on the 1800 census in Mecklenburg.

1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 546 William Stuart 01010-11110-0-0

p. 563 William Stuart 20010-00100-0-0

p. 602 William Stuart 20010-31010-0-1

He stated that he moved to Kentucky in 1806. He is listed there on the 1810 census.

1810 Livingston Co., KY

p. 709 William Stewart 11101-31010-0-0

This entry doesn’t reconcile well with any of the three from 1800 Mecklenburg.

He is in the same place for the 1820 census.

1820 Livingston Co., KY

p. 5 Will Stewart 220001-10010-0-0

He is there still for the 1830 census. Robert C. Stewart (1800/10) next door, probably his son. William appears to have been widowed by this time. The woman in the household could be a second wife or a daughter.

1830 Livingston Co., KY

p. 19 William Stewart 0000000010000-0000100000000

He is still there in 1840.

1840 Livingston Co., KY

p. 163 Wm Stewart 1100000001000-0100010000000

His entry above does not have anything in the pensioners column, but he is listed in the summary section as a pensioner, William Stewart, 77.

William is on the 1850 census in Crittendon Co., KY with his son R. C. Stewart (Robert C.). Listed as William Stewart, 89, born SC.

On 20 Mar 1855, William Stewart, then of White Co., IL, aged 92, applied for bounty land for his service.

William died on 19 Nov 1856 and is buried at “The Old Graveyard” in White Co., IL.

Jane Stewart was born either 1760/70 (per 1830 census) or 1770/80 (per 1840 census). I suspect the 1760s are more accurate. She married Samuel Black before 1790.

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC p. 376

Samuel Black 1-0-1-0-0

1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC p. 604

Samuel Black 30010-10010-0-0

1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC p. 491

Saml Black 02001-30110-0-2

1820 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 168 Samuel Black 000011-12101-0-Slaves=1000-0100 <— this one is him.

p. 171 Saml Black 000010-01010-0-Slaves=1001-0100

p. 187 Saml Black 000100-00000-0-0

Samuel Black made his Will on 11 Jul 1829 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. It was proven Feb Term 1831.

1830 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 334 Samuel Black 000010001-000110001 <---

p. 367 Samuel Black 0000011-0000001

Widow Jane made her Will on 21 Mar 1838, proven Oct Term 1840.

1840 Mecklenburg Co., NC p. 263

Mrs. Jane Black 0-000010001

John Stewart was born before ca 1774. He witnessed a deed of his father’s in 1790. One had to be 14 to do that, so born before ca 1776. His father had a male 16+ (before 1774) with him in 1790 and one under 16 (born 1774/1790). The latter is probably Reuben (1775/80) so the former could be John, unless he was already away from home by then. Using the 1810 census entry as a guide, it would seem that John was born before 1765. However, keep in mind there were three Johns listed that year and it isn’t certain which is this John.

There were two or more John Stewarts in Mecklenburg at the same time and it would be very easy to mix them up in the records. The oldest is John (bef 1755), son of Alexander. The other is this 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 1 Apr 1780, Ezekiel Polk of Mecklenburg made a deed to Samuel Hemphill, also of Mecklenburg. For 500 pounds he sold him Lot 65 in the Town of Charlotte on the south side of Tryon Street, it being ½ acre. Ezekiel Polk signed. Witnesses were John Stuart and Hugh Pollock. John Stuart proved the deed in April 1780 court. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 11, pp. 22-23.) We know that Matthew Stewart had lots in Charlotte on Tryon Street, and had a son named John, so this is probably Matthew’s son.

There were two Johns listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. Neither of these is Matthew’s son. The first one is almost certainly the son of Thomas Stewart (d 1778) as he’s in what is now Cabarrus County. The second one is almost certainly the son of Alexander Stewart (d 1789) as he seems to be on Fourmile Creek judging by his neighbors. That means John son of Matthew was still at home with his parents in 1790.

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

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

p. 384 John Stuart 2-3-4-0-0

John Stewart married Agnes Moor(e) sometime before 1793, presumably in Mecklenburg.

On 19 Apr 1792, John Stewart entered 70 acres described as on the waters of Waxhaw and Cain Creek adj Alexander Carnes and his own land and the state line. The survey turned up only 68 acres. George White and Daniel Carns were chain bearers. The 68 acres was granted to John Stewart on 9 Jul 1794 (Grant # 1187). (North Carolina Land Grants and Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 14, p. 202.)

The entry and grant says the land bordered his own land, but I’ve seen no record of him acquiring any other land on Waxhaw or Cain Creek before then. It could be that his other land was in South Carolina across the line. With this record, John, son of Matthew, has 68 acres total.

On 31 Jul 1793, Rebecca Moor, Archibald Walker and Hugh Coffey, heirs of William Moor deceased, made a deed to John Stewart, all of Mecklenburg. Mentions John Stewart’s wife Agnes was willed property. Land on East side of Waxhaw Creek, 100 acres. Another tract on Cain Creek ... John Barnett’s old line ... 93 acres. Combined 193 acres. Signed Rebeckah Moor (her mark), Archibald Walker, Hugh Coffey. Witnesses were William [faded], John Coffey, John Lemond? (Faded). (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, p. 54.)

With this record, John, son of Matthew, now has 261 acres on Waxhaw & Cain Creeks.

On 31 Jul 1793, Rebecca Moore, Archibald Walker and John Stewart, being lawful heirs of William Moore, deceased, to Hugh Coffee, 200 acres on Waxhaw Creek. Signed by Rebeckah Moore (her mark), Archibald Walker and John Stewart. Witnessed by William Query and John Coffee. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 16, pp. 68-69.)

On 16 Aug 1793, Andrew Alexander, Esqr, late Sheriff of Mecklenburg, deeded land to John Stewart, Planter, of Mecklenburg. 196 acres C??? creek (indexed as Croatan, but might be Crooked Creek). Mentions the waggon road. Signed by Andrew Alexander. Witnessed by William McCall and Matthew Walker. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, pp. 51-52.)

With this record, John, son of Matthew, now has 457 acres total on Waxhaw, Cain and Crooked Creeks.

There was another Sheriff’s deed on that same date (16 Aug 1793), this one to John’s father Matthew Stewart for land on Goose Creek. John Stewart witnessed that deed along with his brother-in-law William McCall. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 15, p. 73.)

With this record, John, son of Matthew, now has 502 acres total on Waxhaw, Cain and Crooked Creeks. John held onto this 45 acre tract until his death in 1826 and devised it to one of his children in his Will, which proves that the John who died in 1826 is the same as the John who was son of Matthew.

On 23 Jul 1799, John Stewart entered 15 acres on Waxhaw Creek joining Wm Curiton, Samuel Lathen and his own line. Surveyed 15 May 1800, William Stewart and John Stewart, Chain Bearers. (North Carolina Land Grants, Entry # 51.) I didn’t see any record of this actually being granted to John Stewart.

William Stewart is John’s brother. With this record, John, son of Matthew, now has 517 acres total on Waxhaw, Cain and Crooked Creeks, assuming this was actually granted to him, otherwise he still only had 502 acres.

There is only one John Stewart listed on the 1800 census in Mecklenburg, which is interesting. There should be more.

1800 Census Mecklenburg Co., NC

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

It is a bit difficult to determine which John it is. His age and the number of children strongly suggests he’s John (bef 1755-aft 1816) son of Alexander Stewart (d 1789). Furthermore, he is listed next to an Alexander Stewart. John son of Alexander had a proven son also named Alexander. However, his Alexander might not have been old enough to be head of household in 1800. As a counter point, Samuel Black and William McCall are nearby, and those are brothers-in-laws of John son of Matthew Stewart. Archibald Walker is also nearby, and he was an heir to William Moore same as John son of Matthew.

Going by enumerations alone, the entry would have to be Alexander’s son. Going by neighbors, it has to be Matthew’s son. How do we reconcile this? One thing we should consider is that John, son of Matthew, had land bordering South Carolina state line, and he might actually have resided in South Carolina at this point. However, a quick check of the 1800 census for Lancaster Dist., SC (where Waxhaw Creek flowed), shows no John Stewart listed there. There was a John in nearby York Dist., SC, but I have no reason to think that’s John son of Matthew.

There are three Johns on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg.

1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 476 Jno Stewart 42110-20010-0-1 Son of Matthew.

p. 487 Jno Stewart 22010-10010-0-0 Son of Thomas.

p. 493 Jno Stewart 03201-11301-0-1 Son of Alexander.

The one on page 476 is likely this John, judging by neighbors, and number and ages of children.

There are numerous deeds for John Stewart between 1810 and 1820 for land on Waxhaw and Cain Creeks as well as Crooked and Goose Creek wherein John acquired much more land.

There are two Johns on the 1820 census in Mecklenburg.

1820 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 196 John Stewart 100010-10100-0

p. 196 Jno Stewart 210301-11110-0-Slaves=2000-3002 <— Probably him

John Stewart made his Will on 14 Sep 1826 in Mecklenburg. He named:

∙ Son William W. Stewart

∙ Son Eli Stewart.

∙ Son Hugh Stewart

∙ Son Josiah Stewart

∙ Son James

∙ Joseph

∙ Son John Stewart

∙ Son Samuel

∙ Son Silas Plummer

∙ Daughter Margaret

∙ Daughter Sally

∙ Sons Hugh and John Executors.

The Will was signed by John Stewart and witnessed by Wm Nesbitt, Abel Nelson and Jesse Scott.

Since no wife was named, she must have died prior to 14 Sep 1826.

Joseph was mentioned in a way that suggested he’d already been mentioned, so I think it might be a misspelled Josiah instead of a son named Joseph.

Son Silas Plummer was listed that way each time. One might assume he was a step-son or a son-in-law, but his name was actually Silas Plummer Stewart as proven by other records. He and Sally (Sarah Ann) were minors at the time as proven by other records.

To confuse matters, John Stewart “Jr” died in 1827 and their estate records are a tad mixed up. This is the son of John who died 1826. John Jr’s estate was administered by Eli Stewart. John Jr left minor heirs Ann M., Mary and John A. Stewart and widow Elizabeth Stewart.

Sarah Ann Stewart was born ca 1774 (per her age on the 1850 census of 76). She was named in her father’s 1808 Will as “daughter Sarah Coburn.” She married Azariah Coburn before 1808.

I didn’t find any Coburn or similar in Mecklenburg for the 1790 census. There was a John Cobourn listed there in 1800. It appeared to be just John and his wife in the household. I didn’t find Azariah Coburn listed anywhere.

We know Sarah was married before 26 Jan 1808, the date of her father’s Will, and perhaps as early as 20 Dec 1804 when Matthew Stewart deeded Azariah Coburn land.

They are listed on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg or at least I think it is them. It is badly misspelled.

p. 499 Azariah Coubins 00110-01020-0-1

They are in Mecklenburg for the 1820 census just a couple of houses from Eli Stewart and Reuben Stewart (Sarah’s brother).

p. 185 Azariah Coburn 101121-00002-0-Slaves=2100-2110

Azariah Coburn died before 1830.

I couldn’t find Sarah on the 1830 or 1840 census in Mecklenburg or elsewhere.

In a deed dated 1838, Sarah A. Coburn, with Josiah H. Stewart, deeded slaves that she said her late husband Azariah Coburn willed to her. However, I didn’t find a Will for him in Mecklenburg or elsewhere.

Sarah A. Coburn is on the 1850 census in Union Co., NC with Josiah H. Stewart, which would be her nephew. I would guess that perhaps he’s also her son-in-law, but I don’t know that for certain. One of his apparent sons is named Azariah C. Stewart, so that’s a big clue.

1850 Census, Union Co., NC

Page 45, House 663, Family 663

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Josiah H. Steward	39	M		Farmer	6000	NC
Sarah A. C.	16	F				“
Ezariah C.	14	M				“
Josiah P.	1	M				“
Sarah A. Coburn	76	F				“

I didn’t find Sarah Ann Stewart Coburn on the 1860 census.

Reuben Stewart was born ca 1775/80 per his census records. He was under 16 in 1790 (born 1774/1790), age 16-25 in 1800 (born ca 1774/84). In 1810 he was 26-44 (1765/1784). In 1820 he was 26-44 (1775/94), and in 1840 he was 60-69 (1770/80). All of those work out to ca 1775/80.

1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 40 Reuben Stewart 00010-00000-0-0

1820 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 185 Reuben Stewart 000010-00000-0-0 Next to Eli Stewart (1794)

I didn’t find him on the 1830 census.

1840 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 333 Reubin Stuart 0000000010000-0000000000000

I didn’t find him in 1850, so probably dead by then.

It appears that he was single on each of his census entries, so perhaps never married.

James Stewart was named in his father’s Will of 1808. That is all I know for certain about this James.

James was not listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. There is one there in 1800 and two 1810, but none by 1820.

1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 600 James Stuart 40010-00010-0-1

1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 474 Jas Stewart 02001-10101-0-1 a few houses from Joseph Stewart

p. 477 Jas Stewart 61010-00010-0-1

I don’t know if any of those above are Matthew’s son James. He could have moved away earlier.

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

Revised: May 12, 2024

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