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Thomas Stewart (bef 1740-1778) and Catherine of North Carolina (Mecklenburg, Cabarrus)

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

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I am not related to Thomas Stewart as far as I can tell. However, he lived in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Co., NC as did my own ancestor John Stewart (1730/40-1830). I don’t know if their time there overlapped. Even if it did, that doesn’t mean they were related. Thomas does have a proven son named John, however, he is much younger than my John.

Thomas lived on Anderson Creek in old Mecklenburg, now Cabarrus Co., NC. Anderson Creek rises in southern Cabarrus County and flows eastward into Rocky River. This is east of Charlotte and south of Concord.

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

Thomas Stewart (also Stuart) birth date is unknown, but it was ca 1740 or before, considering his oldest child was born ca 1758, and assuming Thomas was at least 18 then.

I don’t know where he was born or when he came to Mecklenburg, though he was there by 1778. His son Thomas (Jr) claimed to have been born in 1760 in Cumberland Co., PA, so that would put the Stewarts there at that time.

His wife was Catherine, maiden name unknown. They would have married ca 1759 or earlier. Some list her as an Allen, but I don’t think that is correct. More on that subject later.

Thomas Stewart owned land which he devised in his 1778 Will. However, I have not found any deeds or grants showing how he obtained that land. In fact, the Will and his estate papers are the only records I’ve found for Thomas Stewart thus far.

On 10 Jan 1778, Thomas Stewart made his Will in Mecklenburg Co., NC. He named:

∙           wife Catherine Stewart

∙           Brother Andrew Carrothers

∙           son William Stewart ... part of plantation ...

∙           son Thomas Stewart

∙           daughter Agness Stewart

∙           Mary

∙           My two youngest children John and Ann

∙           My children Thomas, Olivia, Mary, Elizabeth, John & Ann

∙           son John remainder of plantation survey and claim ...

∙           My trusted friends and Brethren Thomas Davis and Andrew Carothers my Executors.

Thomas Stewart signed.

Witnesses: Francis Newell, Jane Newell, Archibald White

I think “Brother” Andrew Carruthers was a Brother in the church sense, not his actual sibling. I could be wrong though.

Thomas was dead before Oct 1779 per dates in his probate records.

An undated receipt in Robert Stewart’s estate file says: This is to certify that I have received in full of that part of my decs’d husband’s estate specified in his will. Cetron Stewart.

This is almost certainly in the wrong file as Robert’s wife was named Isabel. He died around the same time as Thomas and someone in the years since mixed up that one document, which is clearly for Catherine, widow of Thomas.

A document in Thomas’s estate dated 31 Mar 1792 is signed by his children.

We do hereby certify that we Thomas, Olive, Mary, Elizabeth, John and Ann Stewart have received severally the full sum of three hundred and fifty three pounds in money together with all other articles specified in our deceased father’s will received by us 31 day of March 1792

Thomas Stewart

Olive Stewart

Mary Stewart

Elizabeth Stewart

John Stewart

Ann Stewart

The signatures are all in the same handwriting, so this is hand made copy and not the original receipt. Note that neither William or Agnes signed the 1792 document.

I found several undated documents in the estate file with Catherine’s name on it including a list of estate items sold which she purchased. William Stewart and Thomas Stewart also made purchases.

There are two “Widow” Stuarts listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. It is fairly clear that one is Elizabeth, widow of Alexander, 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. That means the other one could be Catherine, widow of Thomas Stewart. She was in the same grouping with several Carruthers, so that fits. Francis Newell, who witnessed Thomas’s Will is also in that group. There is also a William and John Stuart in that grouping and a Samuel.

1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 354 Widow Stuart 0-0-2-0-0 * This is probably Elizabeth.

p. 374 Widow Stuart 1-0-4-0-0 * This is probably Catherine.

In 1792, Cabarrus County was formed from the north eastern portion of Mecklenburg. That included where these Stewarts resided.

I didn’t find Catherine on the 1800 census. She may have been dead by then or residing with one of her children, thus not listed by name.

I have no additional data on Catherine Stewart except for one thing.

On 2 Sep 1790, Agnes Allen made her Will in Mecklenburg Co., NC and named several children including her daughter Catherine Stewart to whom she left $1 and one book. She didn’t say who Catherine’s husband was. However, Agnes later stated that John Stewart was indebted to her and that the debt was to be forgiven. She didn’t say who John was to her, whether Catherine’s husband or son.

Could the above Catherine Allen Stewart be the same Catherine who is wife of Thomas Stewart? I’ve seen online trees that make this connection. However, it doesn’t work. Agnes Allen’s daughter Catherine was also named in her father John Allen’s Will of 23 Feb 1778 as his daughter “Catherine Allen” meaning she was still single at that time. As you’ll note, Thomas Stewart made his Will in January 1778, naming his wife Catherine, which is a month before John Allen made his will. Thus, Catherine Allen Stewart is not Thomas Stewart’s wife Catherine.

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Children

Thomas’s Will proves eight children, sons William, Thomas and John, daughters Agnes, Olivia, Mary, Elizabeth and Ann Stewart.

 

1.         William Stewart (c1758-aft 1822)

2.         Thomas Stewart (1760-1839)

3.         Agnes Stewart (c1760s-aft 1778)

4.         Olivia Stewart (1765/70-1846) m James Callen

5.         Mary Stewart

6.         Elizabeth Stewart (Bef 1774-1800/02) m John Cromwell

7.         John Stewart (Bef 1770) m Mary Davis.

8.         Ann Stewart (1770/74-aft 1830) m Thomas Carothers

 

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William Stewart inherited part of his father’s property per his 1778 Will with a description given, but no acreage.

William was named first in the Will suggesting he was the oldest son. However, since he wasn’t named Executor, it may be safe to conclude he wasn’t yet 21. The Will was dated 1778, so that means William probably wasn’t born before 1757. However he entered land in 1779 and one had to be 21 for that, so that suggests he was born late ca 1757 or early 1758. His next brother Thomas was born in 1760, so that fits.

William Stuart made a land entry on 16 Oct 1779 for 308 acres on both sides of Anderson Creek. The survey was dated 1 Mar 1783? Robert McEachern and William Newell were chain bearers. It was granted to him on 7 Aug 1787. The description included Archibald White’s corner, John Caldwell’s old line, Samuel White’s land formerly Andrew Carothers, William Newell’s corner, Joseph Biggars land. (NC Land Grants and Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 13, p. 304.)

Note that the long delay between entry (1779) and granting (1787) was due to the war.

William Stewart married Jean before 1790, probably as far back as ca 1779/80. I don’t know her maiden name.

There are two William Stewarts listed on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. The second one is almost certainly the son of Robert Stewart judging by his neighbors. That means the first one is probably Thomas’s son William. He is listed in the same group with Widow Stuart, who is likely his mother Catherine. Archibald White and other known neighbors are also in the group.

CENSUS:1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 374 William Stuart 1-2-4-0-0 <– probably son of Thomas

p. 383 William Stuart 2-0-2-0-0 <– son of Robert

On 28 Feb 1791, William Stewart and wife Jean of Mecklenburg, made a deed to John Stewart of Mecklenburg. For 10 shillings, they sold him 124 acres on Anderson Creek. The description states it is part of the original grant to William Stewart. (Original was 308 acres.) William signed. Jean made her mark. Witnesses were William McAnulty and William Newell. (Cabarrus Co., NC Deed Book 2, pp. 331-333.)

Cabarrus County was created from Mecklenburg in 1792. William’s property fell into the new county.

On 22 Jan 1794, William Stuart, with Robert Gervin and Thomas Walson, were assigned as jurors for the next court in Capt. Joseph Purviance’s company. (Cabarrus Co., NC Court Minutes 1793-1797, published).

On 23 Apr 1794, William Stuart, with Charles Dorton and Hugh Rodgers were assigned as jurors for the next court in Capt. Joseph Purviance’s company. (Cabarrus Co., NC Court Minutes 1793-1797, published).

On 22 Jul 1794, William Stewart was on a jury. (Cabarrus Co., NC Court Minutes 1793-1797, published).

On 29 Feb 1796, William Stewart and wife Jean of Cabarrus made a deed to Aaron Wallace, also of Cabarrus for £30, 12 acres on both sides of Horse Branch. Being part of William Stewart’s “old survey.” William Stewart signed. Jean made her mark. Witnesses were Charles McKinly and Samuel White. (Cabarrus Co., NC Deed Book 2, pp. 510-512.)

On 4 Mar 1796, William Stewart and wife Jean of Cabarrus made a deed to Charles McKindley (sic) also of Cabarrus. For £244, they sold him 184 acres on both sides of Anderson Creek. This appears to be the remainder of William’s original 1787 land grant. William Stewart signed. Jane made her mark. Witnesses were Aaron Wallace and Samuel White. (Cabarrus Co., NC Deed Book 4, pp. 33-34.)

William moved into neighboring Mecklenburg County by 1799, for on 17 Oct 1799, William Stewart of Mecklenburg, made a deed to Thomas Neely of Cabarrus. For £200, he sold land in three different tracts:

1. On the head of Horse Branch a branch of Rocky River. ... William McNulty’s line ... David McKinley’s corner ... 130 acres.

2. On the Horse Branch a branch of Rocky River ... on the line of number 1 above ... John & George McCrakan? Corner ... 31 acres.

3. On the drafts of Anderson Creek ... David McKindley’s corner, William McNulty’s corner ... Archibald White’s line ... 20 acres.

These deeds conveyed by original grants to Charles McKindley and from him to William Stewart. William Stewart signed. Witnesses were Samuel White and John Brown. (Cabarrus Co., NC Deed Book 4, pp. 58-59.)

While the above deed says that William Stewart obtained those tracts from Charles McKindley, I didn’t find any such deeds in Cabarrus or Mecklenburg between Charles McKindley (or McKinley, etc.) and William Stewart. They are either not filed, or aren’t in the index.

There are three William Stewarts on the 1800 census in Mecklenburg (none in Cabarrus). None of these area real good match with William’s 1790 entry, though the one on page 546 is the closest match as far as enumerations go. One of these is a son of Robert (probably 602), one a son of Matthew, leaving one (page 563) who is possibly Thomas’s son. I base that on William Gilmore being nearby, and he was a known neighbor per an 1802 deed.

CENSUS:1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 546 William Stuart 01010-11110-0-0 < probably son of Matthew

p. 563 William Stuart 20010-00100-0-0 < probably son of Thomas

p. 602 William Stuart 20010-31010-0-1 < probably son of Robert

On 15 Nov 1802, John Benson made a deed to William Stewart for $300. He sold him 167 ½ acres on “waters of Rocky River” mentioning Kings line and John Harris field. John Benson signed. James Curry and William Gilmore witnessed. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 17, p. 812.)

I don’t know for certain that the above deed is William son of Thomas, but I suspect it is since the land is along the Rocky River, though well upstream from where William had been in Cabarrus County. This would be north of Charlotte somewhere just east of Lake Norman.

There are again three William Stewarts in Mecklenburg for the 1810 census. The first one listed (p. 480) is most likely Robert’s son. The second one (p. 481) is too young to be Thomas’s son. That leaves the third one (p. 514). However, it’s not a perfect match to his 1800 entry, and he doesn’t have the same neighbors as in 1800, so perhaps this is an entirely different William Stewart. It’s difficult to say.

CENSUS:1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 480 Wm Stewart 21010-01210-0-5 < probably son of Robert

p. 481 Wm Stewart 01100-01001-0-0 < too young.

p. 514 Wm Stewart 21110-40110-0-0 < best match.

There are two Williams on the 1820 census in Mecklenburg. The one on page 181 is near Jonathan Potts as was the one from page 514 in 1810, so that is clearly that same William. However is it William, son of Thomas? I can’t say for certain.

CENSUS:1820 Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 181 William Steward      111210-22110-0-Slaves=3000-0000 < best match.

p. 197 William Stewart       000001-01101-0-0 < next to Othneal Stewart. Maybe son of Robert.

On 20 May 1822 James Wilson, Sheriff of Mecklenburg, sold 250 acres of William Stewart’s land to settle debts. It was sold to James H. Houston. The land was described as on headwaters of Rock River, mentioned John Potts line and that it included two surveys. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 19, p. 391).

On that same date, 20 May 1822, the Sheriff made another sale of William Stewart’s land to James H. Houston, this time 40 acres on headwaters of McDowells Creek, mentioning lines of David Smith and James Brinkley. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 19, p. 391).

Note that McAlpin’s Creek is not near the Rocky River. Are the two deeds above the same William Stewart in each case? If not, it’s a big coincidence both had court ordered land sales for debt conducted on the same date. It seems highly likely both deeds are for a single William Stewart. The next question is whether this is William, son of Thomas. I still can’t say with any certainty.

There is only one William Stewart in Mecklenburg for the 1830 census (aged 50s, born ca 1770/80) and I’m reasonably sure it’s the one who had land on McDowell Creek, not this one with the Rocky River land who would be much older.

Did our William die in the 1820s? Or move away somewhere? I didn’t find a Will or estate record for him in Mecklenburg, nor any deeds that showed him selling off all his land, except the 1822 Sheriff deeds, which may have wiped him out, which could have precipitated a move “west” as was often the case. However, he would have been around 64 in 1822, so perhaps too old to migrate.

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Thomas Stewart was born 13 Jan 1760 in Cumberland Co., PA per a statement in his Revolutionary War Pension application. He served from Mecklenburg County. He stated that he moved away about two years after the war ended, moving first to Wilkes and Green(e) Co., GA, then to Montgomery Co., AL then to Autauga Co., AL in 1821.

That part of Alabama was Creek territory until 1815, so he probably didn’t move there until after then. Montgomery County was formed in 1816, and Autauga in 1818 from Montgomery.

I didn’t find him on the 1830 census in Autauga. He was probably with one of his children.

He is listed on the 1835 pensioner roll in Autauga as Thomas Stewart, private, served NC State Troops, placed on the rolls 12 Aug 1833. Age 76.

His Pension file shows that he died on 13 Feb 1839 in Coosa Co., AL. Coosa bordered Autauga.

He left no widow, but left children: Mary Grier, Sarah Grier, George A. Stewart and John N. Stewart. The Grier (Greer) connection makes me wonder if there is a connection to Alexander Stewart (d 1789 Mecklenburg) because he had a daughter named Frances Grier (Greer).

Could be a coincidence though.

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Agnes Stewart was named in her father’s Will dated 10 Jan 1778.

Judging by the order she’s listed in the Will, I’m estimating she was born in the 1760s, presumably in Cumberland Co., PA.

I don’t know who she married or what became of her. She did not sign the 1792 receipt that the younger children signed.

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Olivia Stewart was born 1765/70, presumably in Cumberland Co., PA or perhaps in Mecklenburg Co., NC. She was named in her father’s Will dated 10 Jan 1778. She also signed the 1792 receipt showing she’d received her share of her father’s estate. She was still a Stewart at that time.

On 22 Jul 1794 James Callens obtained a marriage bond in Cabarrus Co., NC to marry Abbaja Stuart. John Stewart (her brother) was bondsman.

I never would have connected “Abbaja” and “Olivia” but it seems they are the same person according to other researchers. I have not seen the original bond, only an abstracted version, so I don’t know if it is just poorly written, illegible, or actually says Abbaja.

James Callen(s) was born ca 1765/70.

They are on the 1800 census in Cabarrus County.

CENSUS:1800 Cabarrus Co., NC

p. 680 James Callen            20010-10010-0-1 age 26-44 (1755/1774)

They are still in Cabarrus in 1810.

CENSUS:1810 Cabarrus Co., NC

p. 364 James Callens           02010-31010-0-5 age 26-44 (1765/1784)

The 1820 census for Alabama is lost, but a state census of the same year shows James Callan in Dallas Co., AL.

CENSUS:1830 Dallas Co., AL

p. 88 James Callen               000000001-000001001       age 60-69 (1760/70)

CENSUS:1840 Dallas Co., AL

p. 53 James Callens             0000000001-000001001    age 70-79 (1760/70)

James Callen made his Will on 10 Dec 1841 in Dallas Co., AL naming wife Olivia and several children, William Callen, Elizabeth George, Mary Choate, Anna Martin, Catherine Callen, grandson James Callen George son of Alexander George. He named William Choate executor. Witnesses were James Chambliss and John Manderson. The Will was proven April 1842.

James died 20 Feb 1842, and Olivia 18 Jul 1846, both in Dallas Co., AL. I don’t know the sources for those dates.

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Mary Stewart was named in her father’s Will dated 10 Jan 1778. She also signed the 1792 receipt with her siblings showing that she’d received her portion of the estate. She was still a Stewart at that time.

I don’t know who Mary married or what became of her. There were no marriage records for her in Cabarrus County. I’ve seen several online trees that show her dying 1809 in Mecklenburg Co., NC, but none have any sources for that. 

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Elizabeth Stewart was named in her father’s Will dated 10 Jan 1778. She also signed the 1792 receipt with her siblings showing that she’d received her portion of the estate. She was still a Stewart at that time.

On 11 Nov 1796, John Cromwell obtained a marriage bond in Cabarrus Co., NC to marry Elizabeth Stewart. John Stewart was bondsman.

There are three John Cromwell’s on the 1800 census in Cabarrus, assuming those listed as Crumwell should actually be Cromwell. If not, then there is only one John Cromwell.

1800 Cabarrus Co., NC

p. 675 John Crumwell                         00001-20000-0-0 next to James Crumwell

p. 705 John Crumwell Senr                01001-00201-0-0 near Robert McEachern, Archibald White and others associated with the Stewarts.

p. 706 John Cromwell                         10100-10010-0-0 Near Charles McKinley and Francis Newell, associated with Stewarts.

Based on the 1796 marriage date, it would be a natural assumption that the one on page 706 is John and Elizabeth.

On 2 Apr 1802, John Cromwell obtained a marriage bond in Cabarrus Co., NC to marry Mary Dorton. Jonathan Dorton was bondsman.

If the 1802 marriage is our John Cromwell, then Elizabeth Stewart had died between 1800 and 1802. However, it is entirely possible this is a different John Cromwell, but I suspect it’s the same man and Elizabeth had died. I could be wrong about that of course.

There was only one John Cromwell in the entire region for the 1810 census, and he was in Buncombe Co., NC. This is a pretty good enumeration match with John of 1800 Cabarrus page 706.

1810 Buncombe Co., NC

p. 86/271 John Cromwell   01010-11010-0-0

John Cromwell enlisted for the War of 1812 on 24 Dec 1814, aged 40, listing his birth place as Mecklenburg Co., NC.

I didn’t find any John Cromwell within our area of interest on the 1820 census. I believe the one from 1810 Buncombe had moved to Tennessee by 1820, and that census is lost for the eastern half of that state where he likely was.

John Cromwell is on the 1830 census in Blount Co., TN. I’m reasonably sure it’s the same one from Buncombe, and Cabarrus before that. There is an Andrew Cromwell (1780/90) listed also, and there was one of that name in Cabarrus earlier, so that makes it more likely this is the same John from Cabarrus.

1830 Blount Co., TN

p. 263 John Cromwell         00010001-00011001          Both in their 50s, born ca 1770/80.

I believe the same John from 1830 Blount is in Polk Co., TN for the 1840 census.

1840 Polk Co., TN

p. 4 John Cromwell             000010001-000110001      Both in their 50s, born ca 1770/80.

The above John was still in Polk for the 1850 census with wife Mary.

1850 Census, Polk Co., TN, Second Civil District, The 25^th Subvision E.D.

Page 213, House 295, Family 299

John and Mary both seem to have died in the 1850s for Margaret, Elizabeth and Louisa are living together without them on the 1860 census in Polk Co., TN.

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John Stewart was named in his father’s Will dated 10 Jan 1778 as his youngest son. He also signed the 1792 receipt with his siblings showing that he’d received his portion of the estate.

In the Will he inherited part of his father’s plantation.

John is listed on the 1790 census as head of household. The household consists of him and three women. Is that a wife and two young daughters? Or perhaps three of his sisters?

1790 Census Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 374 John Stuart 1-0-3-0-0                               This is John Stewart (bef 1770), son of Thomas Stewart (d 1789).

p. 384 John Stuart 2-3-4-0-0                               This is John Stewart (bef 1755) of Fourmile Creek, son of Alexander Stewart (d 1789).

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. The other John is clearly Alexander’s son.

On 28 Feb 1791, William Stewart and wife Jean of Mecklenburg, made a deed to John Stewart of Mecklenburg. For 10 shillings, they sold him 124 acres on Anderson Creek. The description states it is part of the original grant to William Stewart. (Original was 308 acres.) William signed. Jean made her mark. Witnesses were William McAnulty and William Newell. (Cabarrus Co., NC Deed Book 2, pp. 331-333.)

One had to be 21 to purchase land, so we can estimate that John Stewart was born ca 1770 or earlier per the 1791 deed.

Cabarrus County was created from Mecklenburg in 1792. John’s property fell into the new county.

On 22 Jul 1794 John Stewart was the bondsman for the marriage of his sister Olivia (“Abbaja”) Stewart to James Callen (“Cullens”).

On 22 Jul 1795, John Stewart, with John Powell and William Bug? were named as jurors for the next court in Capt. Kiser’s company. (Cabarrus Co., NC Court Minutes 1793-1797, published, p. 103.)

On 25 Sep 1795, John Stewart obtained a marriage bond in Cabarrus Co., NC to marry Mary Davis. Jonathan Davis was bondsman. He was no doubt closely related to Mary, perhaps her father, brother or uncle.

On 18 Oct 1796, John Stewart served as a juror in Cabarrus. (Cabarrus Co., NC Court Minutes 1793-1797, published, p. 155.)

On 11 Nov 1796 John Stewart was the bondsman for the marriage of his sister Elizabeth Stewart to John Cromwell.

On 19 Jan 1797, John Stewart and others were tasked for road work on a road to be laid out from Charlotte to Fayetteville through the lower part of Cabarrus from the Mecklenburg line. (Cabarrus Co., NC Court Minutes 1793-1797, published, p. 175.)

On 8? Mar 1797, John Stewart made a deed to Charles McKindley, both of Cabarrus County. For 50 pounds lawful money, John sold him a portion of his land, taken from the west end of his tract, described as on Biggers Mill Creek, Joseph Biggers’ line, 53 acres and 50 poles. The deed was signed by John Stewart. Witnesses were Samuel White and John White. (Cabarrus Co., NC Deed Book 4, pp. 27-28.)

I didn’t find where John obtained the above land. It might be part of that he inherited from his father, or a portion of the land he purchased from his brother William in 1791.

I didn’t find any record of John selling the remainder of his land in Cabarrus Co., NC.

I also didn’t find John on the 1800 census. There is a John Stewart in Cabarrus that year, but it’s a much older man than this John would have been. In fact, I think this particular John is my ancestor John Stewart (1730/40). I could be wrong though.

1800 Cabarrus Co., NC

p. 693 John Stuart               01201-20101-0-0

The above John was born before 1755 per his age on this census (45+). John, son of Thomas, should have been in the 26-44 age group, or born ca 1755/1774, and he certainly wouldn’t have had as many children as this John did already. He was next to James Love who had a lot of land in various places, including some that bordered Archibald White who we know was associated with Thomas Stewart.

I should point out that the John who is listed is probably the same one from the 22 Jul 1795 court record naming jurors for the next term from Capt. Kizer’s company. He was near George Kizer (who I don’t know if was the Captain or not), and just a page away from William Bugg who was also named on that court record. This strongly suggests John of the 1800 census was the juror, but doesn’t necessarily mean he was the same John son of Thomas. However, in those days, they generally only used landowners as jurors.

If John of 1800 Cabarrus is the same John, son of Thomas, then the enumerations are way off. However, if it is not him, then where did John, son of Thomas go?

I think he was only a couple of miles away in neighboring Mecklenburg County (as was his brother William).

On 26 Nov 1802 land was granted to John Stewart in Land Grant Number 1755, being 30 acres on Back Creek. Entered 13 Aug 1801. Joining lines of Jos McGinnis, Daniel Caldwell, and his own. Survey was dated 17 Aug 1801, Wm McKinsie, Joseph McGinnis, CC. (North Carolina Land Grants and Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 17, p. 86.)

Back Creek rises in the north east part of Charlotte and flows generally north easterly into Cabarrus County where it enters the Rocky River. The larger portion of the creek is in present day Cabarrus County. That is what makes me believe this is John Stewart (1770), son of Thomas Stewart (d 1778) of Mecklenburg/Cabarrus. None of the other known Mecklenburg John Stewarts lived in that area.

When this land was sold in 1817, he was listed as John S. Stewart, and his wife was Mary. We know John of Cabarrus married Mary Davis in 1795, so that seems further evidence this is that same John. Am I 100% certain? No, but it fits rather well.

There are three John Stewarts on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg.

1810 Census Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 476 Jno Stewart 42110-20010-0-0                 John (bef 1765) son of Matthew

p. 487 Jno Stewart 22010-10010-0-1                 John S. (c1770) son of Thomas (d 1778)

p. 493 Jno Stewart 03201-11301-0-1                 John (bef 1755) son of Alexander (d 1789)

I concluded that the John on page 487 is likely this John. I base that on him having the same neighbors as mentioned in the 1802 land grant or when it was sold in 1817, including Caldwells, Robert Query, etc. In fact, his next door neighbors were Robert Query (witnessed the 1817 deed), and Samuel Howie (Howey). John’s brother William was married to Jean Howey who had a nephew named Samuel. There was also a William Davis. Was he related to John’s wife Mary Davis?

On 7 Jan 1817 John S. Stewart and wife Mary of Mecklenburg made a deed to Hugh Dickson of same place. For $460 they sold land described as on waters of Back Creek. Wm Davies corner ... Querrys line ... Robt Mitchell’s line ... being 96 acres. The deed was signed by John S. Stewart and Mary Stewart. Robert Query was witness. It was proven “by grantors” in August court 1831. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 22, p. 188.)

 

Note that the 1817 deed was for 96 acres whereas the 1802 grant was just 30 acres. They had added some land between 1802 and 1817. I didn’t find a record of that though.

If the 1817 deed was all of their land, then they probably moved away around that time. However, since they themselves acknowledged the deed in court in 1831, fourteen years later, perhaps they didn’t move away, or didn’t move far.

There are two John Stewarts listed in Mecklenburg on the 1820 census, both of whom were on the same page and only five households apart. The older of these two has to be either John (bef 1755) son of Alexander, if still living, or John (bef 1765) son of Matthew, who was definitely still living. That means the younger of the two, aged 26-44, born ca 1775/1794 could be John S. Stewart, son of Thomas. However, he has none of the same neighbors as before. The enumerations aren’t a good match with his 1810 entry either, thus I conclude it’s not the same John. I suspect it is John “Jr” son of John (bef 1765-1826) son of Matthew, but I could be wrong about that.

1820 Census Mecklenburg Co., NC

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

p. 196 Jno Stewart 210301-11101-0-Slaves=2000-3002 

If neither of the above are John S. Stewart, then where was he in 1820? I found several of their neighbors from 1810 still there in 1820, but no sign of the Stewarts nearby. For example, Samuel Howey (listed as Huie this time) and William Davis were next to each other on page 176. That is where the Stewarts should be if they still lived on Back Creek.

We know they were still living in 1831, so where were they for the 1830 census? There is only one John Stewart in Mecklenburg. It certainly could be him, but the ages are off.

1830 Census Mecklenburg Co., NC

p. 341 John Stewart            2010001000000-0200010000000    Not the same John.

This John Stewart is in his 40s, or born in the 1780s, his wife in her 30s, born ca 1790s. These ages don’t work. He’s next door to James Wilson (1780/90) and near George Allen (1760/70). A James Wilson died in 1776 leaving a Will naming a daughter Mary Wilson. When James’s widow Margaret died in 1802, she named the same daughter as Mary Stewart. James and Margaret Wilson had a son named James Wilson. This James on the 1830 census seems too young to be their son though.

I mentioned George Allen because John (d 1778) and Agnes Allen (d 1790) had a son named George Allen. They also had a daughter named Catherine Allen who married a John Stewart between 1778 and 1790. This John Stewart on the 1830 census is much too young to be the same one, but perhaps connected. Regardless, it isn’t John son of Thomas unless his age is off by mistake.

Robert Query is on the 1830 census just two houses from Berry Stewart (1800/10). Is Berry a son of John S. Stewart and Mary Davis? I don’t know.

Wherever John and Mary were living in 1830, they were in Mecklenburg in August 1831 to acknowledge the 1817 deed in court.

There is only one John on the 1840 census in Mecklenburg, a man in his 50s, born ca 1780s, wife in her 40s, born ca 1790s. This is the same from 1830 most likely, but not John S. Stewart and Mary Davis Stewart.

I didn’t find John and Mary on the 1850 census, nor did I find the John (1780s) of 1830 and 1840 Mecklenburg either.

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Ann Stewart was named in her father’s Will dated 10 Jan 1778 as his youngest daughter. She also signed the 1792 receipt with her siblings showing that she’d received her portion of the estate. She was still a Stewart at that time.

On 10 Feb 1797, Thomas Carothers obtained a marriage bond in neighboring Mecklenburg Co., NC to marry Ann Stewart. John Phillips was bondsman.

First of all, I don’t know that the marriage bond is for our Ann Stewart, but as Thomas Stewart was associated with Andrew Carothers (Carruthers), this certainly leapt out at me. We also know that some of the Cabarrus Stewarts went to Mecklenburg around this time, so it’s reasonable to think that Ann went with them, thus married there.

Is it a coincidence then that we find this Thomas Carothers (I think it’s the same one) in Cabarrus for the 1800 census? This is more circumstantial evidence that his wife Ann was the same Ann we seek.

1800 Cabarrus Co., NC

p. 699 Thomas Caruthers   00010-00010-0-0

From the census above we can see husband and wife were both 26-44, or born ca 1755/1774. That works for our Ann who was probably born in the early 1770s.

They were still in Cabarrus for the 1810 census.

1810 Cabarrus Co., NC

p. 368 Thomas Caruthers   20010-30010-0-0

They were both still in the 26-44 age group, or born ca 1765/84, so we can narrow their birth range to 1765/74 by combing with their 1800 census ages.

They were not listed on the 1820 census in Cabarrus. I found a Thomas in neighboring Mecklenburg, but it seems to be a younger family.

There were several other Thomas Carothers listed in likely migration areas, but I couldn’t say if any are this same Thomas without additional research. For example, one in Bedford Co., TN was a decent enumeration match with Thomas of 1810 Cabarrus. He seems the best match.

1830 Bedford Co., TN

p. 53 Thos Caruthers          00131001-00010001          both age 50-59 (1770/80)

If the above is them, then we can narrow down Thomas and Ann’s birth dates to ca 1770/74.

I didn’t find them on the 1840 census.

Jumping ahead to 1850, I found two Thomas Carothers who were of age and had NC connections:

∙           Thomas age 80, born VA in McNairy Co., TN with son William S. 42 born NC. This Thomas was widowed.

∙           Thomas age 72, born NC in Sumner Co., TN, wife Sally 70 NC. There is an 1804 marriage record for these two in Sumner, which probably precludes this being the same Thomas from Cabarrus who was still in Cabarrus through 1810 at least.

Upon further examination, the first one above (in McNairy) is our Thomas Carothers, based on that son William S. Carothers being named William Stewart Carothers per his tombstone. That marker is a modern one, placed at least a century after his death, but if accurate, then this has to be the right Thomas, or else a major coincidence.

There is also a new marker for Thomas Carothers 1773-1852 in that same cemetery (Mars Hill Cemetery, McNairy Co., TN).

1850 Census, McNairy Co., TN, Eleventh District

Page 111/111B, House 1539, Family 1540

From these records we can determine that Ann Stewart Carothers died sometime between 1830 and 1850, and Thomas after 1850.

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For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Thomas and Catherine Stewart

Revised: May 13, 2024

Copyright © 1996-2024 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

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