Nathaniel Stewart (c1772-aft 1860) and Elizabeth — of Virginia (Patrick), North Carolina (Surry, Buncombe, Macon) and Tennessee (Polk)

Marty and Karla Grant

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[Stewart Home] - [Table of Contents] - Nathaniel Stewart (c1772-aft 1860)

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I am not related to Nathaniel Stewart as far as I can prove. However, he lived in many of the same places as my own Stewart ancestors and at the same times. This suggests a relationship, but could be coincidental.

Nathaniel Stewart (often Stuart) was born ca 1771/72 per his age on the 1850 census (68) or ca 1770/71 per his age on the 1860 census (79). Those are very compatible with each other and also match his earlier census records excluding 1830 where he’s listed born in the 1780s.

His 1850 and 1860 census entries agree that he was born in Virginia. I don’t know which county. He had connections to Patrick Co., VA which borders Surry Co., NC where he also lived. Patrick did not exist in 1772, but that area was part of Pittsylvania then, and became part of Henry in 1777. Patrick was formed in 1791.

I don’t know who Nathaniel’s parent are. I think the two prime suspects are an older Nathaniel Stewart (bef 1755-1824) or that Nathaniel’s likely brother John Stewart (d 1807). John had a proven son named Nathaniel, and it could indeed be the one born ca 1772 as that is within range of John’s other children. I lean toward John and Rachel being Nathaniel’s parents.

There are several records in the 1789-1802 period for Nathaniel Stewart in Surry Co., NC and bordering Patrick Co., VA. It isn’t entirely clear which Nathaniel these records are for in each case.

On 20 Feb 1789 Thomas Rabon, of Surry Co., NC, made a deed to Nathaniel Stuart of the same place for 70 pounds for 150 acres on Little Fisher River. Thomas Rabon and his wife Sarah Rabon both made their marks. Witnesses were Thomas Norman, Hampton Stuart and Silraner? Rabon. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book D, pp. 421-422.)

The above is almost certainly the older Nathaniel, as the one we are studying on this page was only about 17 in 1789.

The deed does establish a connection between Nathaniel (elder) and Hampton Stuart (1760/70). They may be father and son.

Little Fisher River rises in north Surry County very near the Virginia line (Carroll County), and flows southeasterly a few miles until it joins the Fisher River near the town of Dobson.

Nathaniel (c1772) would have been about 18 for the 1790 census. He was not listed as a head of household in North Carolina. This census is lost for Virginia. Nathaniel (the elder) was in Surry Co., NC on that census. He had one male over 16 (himself), and five under 16 (born ca 1774/1790), which doesn’t really work for Nathaniel (1772) being there with him. The only Stewart household in Surry in 1790 that had more than one male over 16 was William Stewart who had two. William was listed next to Nathaniel (Sr) in an alpha list, but it was alpha within communities, so they were probably in the same general area if not actual next door neighbors. I don’t know how or if William is related to Nathaniel.

Since William is the only one with a son old enough in 1790, does this mean that William is Nathaniel’s father? It could mean that, but it’s certainly not enough to go on. It’s entirely possible that Nathaniel (1772) was still in Virginia in 1790 with his parents there. He was not listed on the 1790 Henry Co., VA tax list. Only two Stewarts were listed, Thomas and apparent widow Catherine. Catherine did have a male tithable with her over age 16, so that certainly could be Nathaniel.

1790 Census Surry Co., NC

p. 511 Hambleton Stewart 1-2-3-0-0

p. 511 James Stewart 1-0-3-0-0

p. 511 William Stewart 2-4-1-0-0

p. 511 Nathaniel Stewart 1-5-3-0-0

p. 515 David Stewart 1-2-3-0-0

p. 523 Cornelius Keith 3-3-2-0-0 * In fold, hard to make out numbers.

p. 523 John Stewart 1-1-2-0-0

1790 Tax List Henry Co., VA

Catherine Stewart 1-0-0-3

Thomas Stewart 1-0-0-1

On 14 Aug 1790, Nathaniel Stuart of Surry Co., NC, made a deed to Henry Norman of Surry for 75 pounds for the 150 acres he purchased from Thomas Rabon the year before. Nathaniel Stuart signed with a mark (N) and his wife Mary Stuart signed with her mark (M). Witnesses were William Norman, George Keith and Joseph Holder. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book E, p. 79.)

Again, this is probably the elder Nathaniel, not the one born ca 1772.

Nathaniel Stewart appears on the 1794 and 1795 tax lists in Patrick Co., VA. Each time he has three tithable males over 16, which would be himself and two older sons. This strongly suggests these entries are for the older Nathaniel Stewart, and perhaps his sons Charles (c1775) and Jacob (c1777) both of whom would have been over 16. This doesn’t really leave room for Nathaniel (c1772) to be in this family.

Patrick Co., VA Personal Property Tax Lists

1794 Nathaniel Stewart 3-0-0-2

1795 Nathaniel Stewart 3-0-0-1

On 21 Mar 1795, Cornelius Keith of Surry Co., NC, made a deed to Nathaniel Stuart of Surry Co., NC for 100 pounds for 130 acres in Patrick Co., VA on the branches of Stuarts Creek. Cornelius Keith made his mark. Witnesses were Asaph Moore Colegate, Charles Stuart and John Dockery. (Patrick Co., VA Deed Book 3, p. 82.)

I don’t know which Nathaniel this is, but I suspect it’s the elder one.

Stewarts Creek (modern spelling) rises where the North Fork Stewarts Creek and South Fork Stewarts Creek meet in Carroll Co., VA. It flows southeasterly several miles, crossing the state line into Surry Co., NC where it continues to flow southeasterly for several more miles before joining the Ararat River south of Mount Airy. It’s a rather lengthy stream and widens enough near the end to be considered a river.

Carroll County was formed in 1842 from eastern Grayson County. However, the part of modern Carroll where the Stewart Creeks are located was part of Patrick County until 1810 when Grayson took that section of county from Patrick.

There were no Stewarts listed in Patrick Co., VA on the 1791, 1792 or 1793 tax lists. As noted, Nathaniel Stewart was there in 1794 and 1795. No Stewarts were listed there 1796 through 1806.

On 24 Mar 1795, just three days after the last deed (21 Mar 1795), Cornelius Keith of Surry Co., NC made another deed to Nathaniel Stuart, this time listed as a resident of Patrick Co., VA. For 40 pounds, Keith sold him another 130 acres, this tract on the waters of Fish River, on the county line (didn’t specify what county), and crossing a branch of Stuarts Creek. Cornelius Keith made his mark. Witnesses were Charles Stuart and John Dockery. (Patrick Co., VA Deed Book 3, p. 81.)

Only a very small amount of Fishers River is in Virginia (now Grayson County). It’s about four or five miles from Stuarts Creek as the crow flies.

On 25 May 1797, Cornelius Keith of Pendleton Dist, SC sold 100 acres to Nathaniel Stuart of Surry Co., NC for 40 pounds for 100 acres on the west side of Stuarts Creek at the Virginia line. Cornelius Keith made his mark (K). Witnesses were J. Mackey, Matthew Keith and John Keith. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 87-88.)

On 30 Nov 1797, Nathaniel Stuart of Patrick Co., VA made a deed to William Perkins of the same place for 100 pounds for 130 acres on the branches of Stuarts Creek. (Same land he purchased from Cornelius Keith on 21 Mar 1795). Nathaniel Stuart signed (no mark). Witnesses were James Carlan, Abraham Hawks and William Carlan. (Patrick Co., VA Deed Book 1, p. 709.)

* Abraham Hawks married Nancy Stewart daughter of John Stewart “Sr” (d 1807) and Rachel.

On the same date, 30 Nov 1797, Nathaniel Stuart made another deed to William Perkins, this time for 30 pounds for 90 acres being part of the other 130 acre tract purchased from Cornelius Keith (on 24 Mar 1795), on the waters of Stuarts Creek. This time Nathaniel Stuart made a mark. Same witnesses as the prior deed. (Patrick Co., VA Deed Book 1, p. 710.)

On 23 Jan 1799, Nathaniel Stuart of Surry Co., NC made a deed to David May of same place for ten pounds, for 40 acres on waters of Fish River in Patrick Co., VA, being the remaining part of the 130 acres he purchased from Cornelius Keith. Nathaniel Stuart made his mark (N). Witnesses were Joseph Stewart, Abraham Hawks and David Turney. (Patrick Co., VA Deed Book 2, p. 449).

David May was married to Susannah Stewart, daughter of John Stewart Sr and Rachel. Joseph Stewart was a son of John and Rachel. Abraham Hawks was married to Nancy Stewart daughter of John and Rachel. John and Rachel also had a son named Nathaniel Stewart. Was this him in these deeds? I think that the elder Nathaniel and the elder John were brothers (not proven), so it could still be the elder Nathaniel here.

I didn’t find Nathaniel Stuart (c1772) on the 1800 census. The elder Nathaniel was in Greenville Dist., SC that year. Cornelius Keith, who may or may not be related, had also moved to South Carolina by then.

As noted earlier, there were no Stewarts on the 1796-1806 tax lists in Patrick Co., VA. Charles Stewart appeared there in 1807, but was gone after that.

On 3 May 1801, William Burrus of Surry Co., NC made a deed to Joseph Stuart of the same place for Little Fish River. Witnesses were Charles Stewart and Nathaniel Stewart Junr. (Surry Co., NC Deed I, p. 525).

This is the first deed I found that tries to distinguish one Nathaniel from another. The “Junr” means this was a younger man than another, but doesn’t necessarily clear up which one it is. We can assume it’s not the elder Nathaniel since he was in SC by this time, unless he’d returned. Thus it’s either Nathaniel (1772) or the one who is a son of John and Rachel, assuming they are not one and the same person.

On 19 Jan 1802, Nathaniel Stewart and Charles Stewart witnessed a deed from John Hawks of Pendleton Dist, SC to Edward Stewart of Surry Co, NC, for 100 acres on Naked Creek, a branch of Stewarts Creek. This deed is listed in the Surry County Grantor index as being in Book I, page 551. However, it isn’t in that deed book on that page or nearby, so I wasn’t able to confirm this deed.

On 13 Oct 1802, Nathaniel Stewart of Surry Co., NC made a deed to William Fleming of Surry for 50 pounds for 100 acres on west side of Stuarts Creek at the Virginia line ... (the same he purchased from Cornelius Keith on 25 May 1797. Nathaniel Stewart made his mark (N). No wife signed, so perhaps not married yet. Witnesses were Jesse Snow and Frost Snow (made his mark). (Surry Co., NC Deed Book I, p. 516).

The above record (13 Oct 1802) was the last (as far as I know) record found in Patrick Co., VA or Surry Co., NC for Nathaniel Stewart.

As noted, I don’t know if any of those records just cited are for this same Nathaniel (1772). They might not be.

This may be irrelevant, but consider these 1790 census entries all near each other:

1790 Census Cheraws District, South Carolina, St. Thomas Parish

p. 360 Cornelius Keith 1-0-6-0-0 Line 4

p. 360 John Stewart Senr 1-5-3-0-0 Line 10

p. 360 Charles Stewart 1-1-1-0-0 Line 14

p. 360 John Stewart Junr 1-3-2-0-0 Line 18

I mention the above because of the Stewart association with Cornelius Keith in Surry Co., NC and Patrick Co., VA and that he was a South Carolina resident afterwards. These similar names in Cheraws could be a coincidence since this area later became Darlington County, which isn’t where any of our Stewarts ever lived as far as is known. There was also a Cornelius Keith in Surry Co., NC in 1790 in the same grouping with John Stewart as noted earlier.

Nathaniel Stewart (1772) was not listed on the 1800 census. He would have been about 28 then, but perhaps still unmarried. The elder Nathaniel Stewart was in Greenville Dist., SC in 1800 two houses from his son (or brother?) Edward Stewart. Neither had any males the same age as Nathaniel (1772) with them, nor did any of the other Stewarts in Surry or Greenville in 1800. Nathaniel was not listed on the 1800 Virginia tax lists in either Patrick or Grayson Counties nor any other nearby counties as far as I could determine.

1800 Census Surry Co., NC

p. 593 John Stewart 00010-00101-0-0

p. 611 Joseph Stuart 10100-00100-0-0

p. 611 Stuart Stuart 00000-00000-1-0

p. 612 John Stuart 10001-00101-0-0

p. 613 John Stuart 32010-20100-0-0

1800 Census Greenville Dist., SC

p. 247B/97 James Stewart Junr 10010-10100-0-0 Line 151

p. 247B/97 William Stewart 11010-20100-0-0 Line 152

p. 247B/97 James Stewart Senr 20001-00101-0-0 Line 153

p. 248/100 Edward Stewart 10110-11110-0-0 Line 184

p. 248/100 Nathaniel Stewart 01101-01001-0-0 Line 186

p. 258B/119 Alexd. Stewart 20010-30100-0-0 Line 592

p. 258B/119 Joseph Stewart 00010-10100-0-0 Line 593

p. 258B/119 William Stewart Senr 02201-00101-0-0 Line 605

p. 258B/119 John Stewart 10010-20110-0-0 Line 606

p. 259/122 William Stewart 10100-00100-0-0 Line 616

Nathaniel Stewart (1772) married Elizabeth before ca 1803. Since she was born in South Carolina as was their oldest suspected son, I figure they married there. She was born ca 1770/71 per her age on the 1850 census (79). I don’t know her maiden name. There is the possibility that Elizabeth wasn’t his first wife. Her 1850 census entry was “Elizabeth” and age 79, but that doesn’t fit her 1830 census age of 40-49 (1780/90) which matches her 1840 census age of 50-59 (1780/90). This could mean the 1850 census is in error (it does have other issues, see more on that later). His wife in 1860 was Isabella age 68, or born ca 1791/92, which isn’t a good match either.

Nathaniel Stewart was listed on the 1810 census in Buncombe Co., NC just five houses from the elder Nathaniel Stewart who is either his father or his uncle. They seem to be in the Avery Creek area. Nathaniel Jr was listed between Robert Wilson and George Story. Nathaniel had an extra adult male with him, his same age group. I suspect this was his brother Edward Stuart (c1782), but can’t prove it obviously.

1810 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

263

Nathaniel Steward

263

Nathaniel Steward Junr

My Analysis (who each person *might* be):

2m 26-44 (1765/1784) 1. Nathaniel Stewart (c1772)

2. Edward Stuart (c1782) brother

3m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Son? Shementer Stewart (c1803) son

2. Son? Austin Stewart (c1806) son

3. Son? Daniel Stewart (c1808) son

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Elizabeth — Stewart (c1771) wife

Since both Nathaniel Sr and Jr were in Buncombe at the same time, it’s possible I've mixed up some records between them except in those rare cases where they actually included the Jr or Sr with their names.

On 2 Oct 1812, Nathaniel Stewart Junr entered 450 acres on the west side of the French Broad River beginning on a ridge between waters of Averys Creek joining John Evans and George Penland and Jacob Stewart. The survey was dated 31 Oct 1814 with William Prater and Middleton Prater as chain bearers. The survey mentions “Evans line formerly now Thomas Rogers line.” This land was granted on 4 Dec 1815. (North Carolina Land Grants and Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book H, p. 157.)

On 2 Oct 1812, Nathaniel Stewart Junr entered another tract of land, this one 200 acres on the west side of French Broad on waters of Averys Creek near Robert Rogers line. The survey, 31 Oct 1814 had the same chain bearers as the one above. This one was also granted on 4 Dec 1815. (North Carolina Land Grants and Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book H, p. 158.)

On 9 Jun 1814 Zachariah Candler made a deed to Nathaniel Steward Senr for several tracts on Averys Creek, etc. Zachariah signed. Witnesses were Charles Stewart and Nathaniel Stewart Junr. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book H, pp. 231-233.)

On 21 Mar 1815, Jacob Stewart sold Nathaniel Stewart 150 acres on French Broad River for $100. This deed does not say Jr or Sr for Nathaniel, but when he sold this same land he was listed as Jr. I believe Jacob is Nathaniel’s first cousin. The land was described as on Benjamin Merrill’s line, Robert Pendland’s line (sic, Penland), originally granted to John Young. Jacob Stewart made his mark. Witnesses were John Miller and James Able. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book G Page 356).

On 12 Jan 1816 Charles Stewart of Buncombe made a deed to Nathaniel Stewart of Buncombe. For $250 he sold him 250 acres on both sides of McDowells Creek. He included a second tract of 50 acres joining the above on the northwest corner. Charles Stewart signed. Witnesses were Jacob Stewart and William Cockerham (his mark). (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book H, pp. 247-248.)

On 1 Mar 1817 Nathaniel Stewart made a deed to Edward Steward Sr for $50 for 200 acres on west side of French Broad on waters of Avery Creek near Rogers line ... being land granted to Nathaniel on 2 Oct 1812 (sic, that’s the entry date, not the grant date). Nathaniel Stewart signed. Witnesses were Jacob Steward and Charles Steward. In Jul 1818 court, Jacob B. Steward proved the deed. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 11, pp. 476-477.)

Note that it’s not unusual to find the name spelled different ways in the same deed.

On the same date, 1 Mar 1817, Nathaniel Stewart made another deed to Edward Stewart Sr for $500, 450 acres west of French Broad River waters of Avery Creek bordering Evans, George Penland, Jacob Stewart. Nathaniel signed. Witnesses were Jacob B. Steward and Charles Steward. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 11, pp. 434-435.)

On 1 Aug 1817, Nathaniel Stewart Jr sold 150 acres on the West Side of French Broad River to Edward Stewart Sr for $100. Nathaniel Stewart signed. Witnesses were Jacob Stewart and Charles Steward. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 11 Page 431).

On 5 Dec 1818 Nathaniel Stewart received a land grant of 150 acres on McDowells Creek, joining Allen Twitty’s line, Zachariah Candler and his own line. It was entered 7 Jan 1817. The survey was dated 23 Oct 1818. Nathaniel Stuart and Wiley Crasly? were chain bearers. (North Carolina Land Grants and Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 12, pp. 456-457.)

Nathaniel was listed on the 1820 census in Buncombe. There were actually four Nathaniel’s listed in 1820. However, two were probably duplicates. Many names were duplicated this way on this particular census for some reason. The enumerations are not identical in each case though.

1820 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

117

Nathan Stuart

117

Nathan Stuart

125

Nathaniel Stuart (Jun)

128

Nathaniel Stuart

Those on page 117 were listed side by side with no other Stewarts nearby. The one on page 125 was next to Jacob Stuart and two houses from Charles Stuart and four from Edward Stuart. The one on page 128 was next to Edward Stuart. I think the ones on page 125 and 128 are the more trustworthy entries, but I could be wrong.

My analysis (who each person *might* be) (page 125 entry):

1m 45+ (Before 1775) Nathaniel Stewart (c1772)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Son? Shementer Stewart (c1803) son

1m 16-17 (1802/1804) * Same as above

2m 10-15 (1804/1810) 1. Son? Austin Stewart (c1806) son

2. Son? Daniel Stewart (c1808) son

2m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Son?

2. Son? Nathaniel Stewart (1810/20) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Elizabeth — Stewart (c1771) wife

3f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter? Mary Stewart (c1816) daughter

3. Daughter? Sarah Stewart (c1818) daughter

On 19 Dec 1821 (or 1820), Nathaniel Stuart received a 100 acre State land grant on waters of McDowells Creek between John Johnston, Nathaniel Stuart and Charles Stuart land and near Thomson Collins’s land. The land entry was made 6 Oct 1818. The survey was dated 26 Oct 1819 and had Benoni? Caine and Nathaniel Stuart as chain bearers. (North Carolina Land Grants and Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 13 Page 28).

The older Nathaniel died ca 1824 for in Oct 1824 court, Edward Stuart was granted letters of administration. Charles Stuart was his bondsman. I believe those two are sons of the elder Nathaniel. Unfortunately, any actual probate records were lost.

On 24 Jul 1827, Nathaniel Stuart sold 100 acres on the French Broad River to William Terry for $100. I’m not sure but I think this is part of one of his land grants, but I don’t know which one. Nathaniel Stewart signed. Witnesses were John Hagerty and William Bridges. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 15 Page 299).

On 6 Jan 1829 Nathaniel Steward entered 150 acres on waters of McDowells Creek including the Piney Gap on the west side of the French Broad River. The survey was dated 10 Nov 1830 and included Seaborn Spann and Nathaniel Steward as chain carriers.(North Carolina Land Grants.)

On 27 Feb 1830, Nathaniel Stuart sold land to Seaborn Spain. 100 acres bordering Twittus survey, which probably means Twitty’s. It also mentions William Terry’s line, who he sold property to in 1827. Nathaniel Stuart signed. Witnesses were Shem Stuart (made his mark), and Josiah Alexander (made his mark). (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 16, p. 128).

On the same date (27 Feb 1830), Nathaniel Stuart sold several tracts to Seaborn Spain. The first is 250 acres on both sides of McDowells Creek. The second is 100 acres joining the above tract on the south side. The third tract contained 50 acres joining the first tract on the north west corner. Same signature and witnesses, except “Josiah” Alexander is now “Joshua” Alexander. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 16 page 156).

Only one Nathaniel Stewart was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe County. He was either on McDowell Creek (in present Henderson County) or nearby. His neighbors on either side were David M. Carson and William Brittain. Richard Stewart was on the same page but not nearby (18 households away). I think Richard might be Charles’s son since he named his own eldest son Charles.

1830 Census Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

215

Nathaniel Stuart

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 40-49 (1780/1790) Nathaniel Stewart (c1772)

1m 20-29 (1800/1810) Son? Daniel Stewart (c1808) son

1m 15-19 (1810/1815) Son? Nathaniel Stewart (1810/20) son

1m 5-9 (1820/1825) Son? Jacob Stuart (c1821) son

1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Elizabeth — Stewart (c1771) wife

2f 10-14 (1815/1820) 1. Daughter? Mary Stewart (c1816) daughter

2. Daughter? Sarah Stewart (c1818) daughter

1f 5-9 (1820/1825) Daughter?

2f 0-4 (1825/1830) 1. Daughter?

2. Nancy Stewart (c1828) daughter

On 15 Oct 1830, Nathaniel Steward sold 100 acres on McDowells Creek to Gordan Anderson for $100. This is his 19 Dec 1820 land grant as stated in the deed. Nathaniel Stewart signed. Witnesses were William Bridges and John Ray. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 20 page 385).

Sometime after 1830, but before 1835, Nathaniel moved his family to nearby Macon County.

Nathaniel Stuart was listed on the 1835 Congressional Voter List in Macon Co, NC, in Vandykes Store Precinct. Shem Stuart and Nathaniel Stuart Jr (suspected sons of Nathaniel) were also listed as voters in that district.

On 2 May 1836, Nathaniel Stuart made a land entry for 200 acres on Middle Creek in Macon Co., NC. The entry description was interesting ... “below the Gasey Nob place could Bill Fords improvement in the 13^th District on the waters of Middle Creek including the improvement for us Nathaniel Stuart Jun and Delila Stuart.” The survey was dated 14 Sep 1837 with James Rogers and Alfred Write as chain bearers. (North Carolina Land Grants.)

On the same day, 2 May 1836, Nathaniel Stuart made another land entry for 200 acres on Middle Creek, “on the Grassy Nob ... crossing a trail between Garland and Thomas Mill including the improvement for us Nathaniel Stuart Junr, Delyla Stuart.” The survey was the same date as the other one (14 Sep 1837) with the same chain bearers. (North Carolina Land Grants.)

Both of the above seem to be for Nathaniel Jr, who in this case, would be the one born ca 1810/15, likely a son of Nathaniel (c1772). This also suggests that Nathaniel Jr’s wife was named Delilah. Alfred Wright married Mary Stewart on 21 May 1836 in Macon, so was Nathaniel Jr’s brother-in-law.

On the very same date (2 May 1836), Poly and Elizabeth Stuart also made a land entry for 100 acres on Middle Creek. Their survey was 28 Sep 1837 but with the same chain bearers. (North Carolina Land Grants.)

I believe that Polly (Mary) is a daughter of Nathaniel, who married Alfred Wright that same month (21 May 1836), and Elizabeth is either her mother, Nathaniel’s wife, or a sister of the same name.

None of the above entries have associated grants in file nor deeds recorded in Macon County, so none of it was actually granted to them. In fact, Michael Lafayette Wikle made an entry on 12 Jan 1839 for 50 acres on waters of Middle Creek “including the improvements where Nathaniel Sturd now lives on part of his improvement.” That land was granted to Wikle on 6 Dec 1839. (North Carolina Land Grants.)

In January 1840 Court, in Macon County, Nathaniel Steward was ordered to appear at the next court as a Juror. (Macon Co, NC Court Minutes 1838-1855 page 67).

Nathaniel was listed on the 1840 census in Macon County next door to suspected son Austin Stuart. Nathaniel was listed as Sr. His suspected son Nathaniel was listed several pages away.

1840 Census Macon Co., NC

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

145

Nathnl Stuart Sr

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 60-69 (1770/1780) Nathaniel Stewart (c1772)

1m 20-29 (1810/1820) Son? Jacob Stuart (c1821) son

1f 50-59 (1780/1790) Elizabeth — Stewart (c1771) wife

1f 20-29 (1810/1820) Daughter?

1f 15-19 (1820/1825) Daughter?

1f 10-14 (1825/1830) Nancy Stewart (c1828) daughter

1f 5-9 (1830/1835) Daughter?

I wasn’t able to find Nathaniel Stewart on the 1850 census anywhere. However, the other day I think I accidentally discovered him. The problem is that he isn’t listed as a Stewart. His suspected son Austin Stewart is listed on the 1850 census in Polk Co., TN with his entry beginning at the top of the page. I looked at the previous page, as I often do, for potential nearby relatives when my eye caught the family at the bottom of that page, which means next to Austin. Look at the entry transcription to see why it jumped out at me.

1850 Census, Polk Co., TN, 25^th Sub Div E Dist TN

Page 263, House 981, Family 990

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
A. Boring	20	M		Farmer	200	TN
Lenora	18	F				TN
John L.	1/12	M				TN
Nathaniel	68	M		Farmer		VA
Elizabeth	69	F				SC
Nancy	22	F				NC

I thought it was interesting that Austin’s next door neighbor had the very same given name I was seeking. However, he seems to be a Boring, not a Stewart / Stuart. I did a little research on the Boring family but found no record of a Nathaniel Boring (c1771) on the 1840 or 1830 censuses. Boring researchers don’t list this man (A)braham Boring as being a son of Nathaniel Boring but of someone else. That made me think perhaps this was Nathaniel Stewart whose surname was mistakenly left off making him appear to be a Boring, and furthermore was probably the father-in-law. However, that isn’t correct. Lenora is a Mitchell as proven by a marriage record and by the death certificate of one of their children. There may be some Stewart family connection there, but maybe not.

It is my belief that Nathaniel Stewart (or Stuart) suffers from the 1850 equivalent of a typo. The census taker, when copying his field notes to the new forms simply failed to transfer his surname and to change him to the next house and family number. I’ve seen this type of thing plenty of times before. Can I prove without a doubt this is actually Nathaniel Stewart? No, but the name, age, birth place and location are all great matches.

Nathaniel was listed on the 1860 census in Polk Co., TN still without his proper surname. He, and most of his nearby Stewart / Stuart kin were listed as Stouts, which might just be a sloppily written Stuart.

His wife was now Isabella. Is this an error? Or was the name Elizabeth in 1850 an error? Elizabeth certainly could have died in the 1850s and Nathaniel married again to an Isabella before 1860. If the 1860 entry is accurate, Isabella was born ca 1791/92 in South Carolina. I don’t know what her maiden name was.

Nathaniel’s probable son Daniel Stuart was next door in 1860.

1860 Census, Polk Co., TN, 7 District, Benton PO

Page 420, House 778, Family 778

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
Nathaniel Stout	79	M		Farmer	300	50	VA
Izabella	62	F					SC
Margret	14	F					TN

I didn’t find either Nathaniel or Isabella on the 1870 census. They probably died in the 1860s in Polk Co., TN.

Unfortunately Polk County suffered a court house fire in 1895 that destroyed almost all the old records, thus there are no wills, probates, deeds, etc., that might help us with the Stewarts there.

Children

Nathaniel Stewart had numerous children per the 1820 through 1850 census records. The only one I’d consider “proven” is daughter Nancy who was with them in 1850. The others are based solely on proximity and census analysis.

1. Unknown Son (1802/04). Nathaniel had three sons under 10 with him in 1810 (born 1800/10). In 1820, one of those was age 16-17 (born ca 1802/04). I strongly suspect this one is Shementer Stewart (c1803). The evidence, besides him fitting here age-wise, is that he was in Buncombe Co., NC in 1830, Macon Co., NC in the 1830s, then after his death, his widow went to Polk Co., TN. He also witnessed two of Nathaniel’s deeds in Buncombe County. He had a son named Nathaniel Austin, all of which are strong clues that he belongs in this family.

2. Unknown Son (1804/10). Nathaniel had three sons under 10 with him in 1810 (born 1800/10). In 1820, two of those were aged 10-15 (born ca 1804/1810). I strongly suspect this is Austin Stewart (c1806). The evidence is that he was in Buncombe and Macon at the same time, and in Polk Co., TN at the same time, and even next door to Nathaniel in 1850. Furthermore, Austin named one of his sons Nathaniel.

3. Unknown Son (1804/10). Nathaniel had three sons under 10 with him in 1810 (born 1800/10). In 1820, two of those were aged 10-15 (born ca 1804/1810). He was still home in 1830, aged 20-29 (1800/10). I’m reasonably sure this is Daniel Stewart (c1808). He was in Buncombe and Macon and Polk. In 1860 he was next door to Nathaniel.

4. Unknown Son (1810/20). Nathaniel had two sons under 10 with him in 1820 (born 1810/1820). This one was not with him in 1830. I don’t know who he might have been. I have no strong suspects to fill this position. It’s certainly possible he died before 1830.

5. Unknown Son (1810/15). Nathaniel had two sons under 10 with him in 1820 (born 1810/1820). He was home in 1830 aged 15-19 (born 1810/15), but gone by 1840. I suspect this is Nathaniel Stewart (1810/20) who was on the 1840 census in Macon Co., NC near other members of this family. I don’t know what became of him after 1840. There is a Nathaniel B. Stewart (c1810 NC) in Washington Co., VA in 1850 who could be him. He fits age-wise. That Nathaniel named his first son “Charles” which suggests he could be a son of Charles Stewart instead.

6. Unknown Daughter (1810/20). Nathaniel Stewart had three daughters under 10 with him for the 1820 census (born ca 1810/20). This one is gone from his household by 1830, probably married or dead by then. However, by 1840 someone aged 20-29 (1810/20) was with Nathaniel, so perhaps it is the same person, just missed in 1830 for some reason. She was not with Nathaniel in 1850. There might be a daughter named Elizabeth (see 1836 land entry mentioned earlier). This could be her. I don’t know who she married or what became of her.

7. Unknown Daughter (1815/20). Nathaniel Stewart had three daughters under 10 with him for the 1820 census (born ca 1810/20). She is home in 1830 aged 10-14 (born ca 1815/20), but gone by 1840. I’m reasonably sure this is Mary Stewart (c1816) who married Alfred Wright in Macon Co., NC in 1836. They were in Macon for the 1840 census, and in Polk Co., TN in 1850 near Nathaniel.

8. Unknown Daughter (1815/20). Nathaniel Stewart had three daughters under 10 with him for the 1820 census (born ca 1810/20). She is home in 1830 aged 10-14 (born ca 1815/20), but gone by 1840. I’m reasonably sure this is Sarah Stewart (c1818) who married Stephen Queen in 1839 in neighboring Rabun Co., GA. They are on the 1840 census in Macon Co., NC near the family, and in Polk Co., TN in 1850 very close to Nathaniel and the others.

9. Unknown Son (1820/25). Nathaniel had a son aged 5-9 with him on the 1830 census (born ca 1820/25). In 1840 the only son he had was aged 20-29 (born ca 1810/20). Those can be reconciled if born ca 1820 or if one of the two entries is slightly off. I strongly believe this is Jacob Stuart (c1821). He was in Polk Co., TN near the rest of this family. He named one of his sons Nathaniel.

10. Unknown Daughter (1820/25). Nathaniel had a daughter aged 5-9 with him in 1830 (born ca 1820/25) and aged 15-19 with him in 1840 (1820/25). She wasn’t with him in 1850 so married or dead by then.

11. Unknown Daughter (1825/30). Nathaniel had two girls aged under 5 with him in 1830 (born 1825/1830). This one wasn’t with him in 1840 unless listed aged 5-9 (born ca 1830/35) which could work if born ca 1830.

12. Nancy Stewart was born ca 1827/28 per her age on the 1850 census (22). She was apparently with her folks in 1830, aged under 5 (ca 1825/30) and with them in 1840 aged 10-14 (1825/1830), and with them in 1850 (“Nancy” age 22, born NC.) I didn’t find her in 1860 so probably married or dead by then.

13. Unknown Daughter (1830/35). Nathaniel Stewart had a daughter this age (5-9) with him on the 1840 census. She wasn’t with him in 1850 so perhaps married or dead by then.

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Nathaniel Stewart (c1772) and Elizabeth ---

Revised: June 19, 2024

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