William Stewart (bef 1755-c1817) and Priscilla Mullis of North Carolina (Anson)

Marty and Karla Grant

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William Stewart (bef 1755-c1817) and Priscilla Mullis of North Carolina (Anson, Union)

[Stewart Home] - [Table of Contents] - William Stewart (bef 1755-c1817)

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I am not related to William Stewart as far as can be determine via the paper trail. However, it has been theorized that he and my ancestor John Stewart (1730/40-1830) could be brothers. While possible, it is far from proven. The connection is based on family tradition linking our Stewart family to Franky Stewart Silver, who was William’s granddaughter.

I should note that a court house fire in 1868 destroyed most of the Anson County records. However, the deeds and wills survived, and those are certainly valuable records. However, the lack of court records, marriages and probate records are a serious limiting factor in doing Anson research.

William had land on Richardsons Creek which was primarily in Anson, but partly in Mecklenburg. Now all of it is in Union.

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

William Stewart (sometimes spelled "Stuart") was born before 1755 per his age on the 1800 census (45 and up). I currently have no other records for him to help narrow it down any further. The first record I found for him in Anson Co., NC was dated 1782 when he was listed as among he debtors in an estate. If we assume he was at least 21 then, that only puts his birth at ca 1761 or earlier, which is no help.

I don’t know where William was born, nor who his parents were.

William Stewart married Priscilla before ca 1775, perhaps in North Carolina, perhaps elsewhere. She was also born before 1755 per her age on the 1800 census. Various undocumented online trees list her as a Mullins. However, records seem to indicate she was actually a Mullis. Is Mullis a variation of Mullins? The name was spelled Mullis fairly consistently in the early records, including an 1810 deed where several Mullis heirs, including William Stewart, sold land. One alternate spelling that appeared more than once was Mullice.

William Stewart does not appear in Anson County records prior to 1782 as far as I’ve found. Of course I’ve already noted that a court house fire destroyed most early records other than deeds and wills.

There was a James Stewart in Anson in the 1750s through 1770s. There was also a John Stewart there in the 1750s. It is possible one of these is William’s father, though I have nothing whatsoever to link them together other than being in the same county. It’s entirely possible, if not highly likely, that William was a later arrival to Anson and not connected to those early Stewarts there. I could be wrong of course.

On 2 Jan 1782, William Stewart is among the list of debts to the estate of Isaac Nichols. (Anson Co., NC Wills and Estates Book 1, p. 155).

On 18 Aug 1784, John Tailar of Anson, Planter, made a deed to William Stuart, also of Anson, Planter for 100 acres for L100. The land was described as on the south west side of Pee Dee River and both sides of Richardsons Creek. John Tailor signed with a mark. Witnesses were Thomas Gilbert and Solomon Mullis. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book DE, p. 207).

Richardson Creek rises a few miles south of Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, and flows north easterly for several miles. Once north of Monroe, it is joined by Stewarts Creek, which must be significant, though I don’t know which Stewart it was named for. Richardsons continues to flow northeasterly across Union County until it passes into Anson County and ends where it joins the Rocky River. Keep in mind that Union is a fairly new county formed 1842 from portions of Mecklenburg and Anson, thus the entire run of Richardsons would have been in what was Anson County prior to that, though it’s possible some of the headwaters was in old Mecklenburg. I’m not sure where that line was precisely.

If Stewarts Creek was named for William, then that suggests he lived there, which is north and north east of Monroe.

There are two William Stewarts in Anson County for the 1790 census. The entries are identical so this may be duplication. Then again it could be two different men of the same name with similar family enumerations. The first one was listed between John Parker and William Hinson, the second one between Josiah White and John Cone? There were no other Stewarts listed in Anson in 1790.

1790 Census - Anson County, North Carolina

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
192	William Stewart	1	3	3	~	~
195	William Stewart	1	3	3	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 16+ (before 1774) William Stewart (bef 1755)

3m -16 (1774/1790) 1. Isaiah Stewart (c1775) son

2. James Stewart (c1765/84) son

3. William Stewart (1770/75)

3f no ages (before 1790) 1. Priscilla Stewart (bef 1755) wife

2. Daughter?

3. Daughter?

On 16 Nov 1790, William Stewart received a state land grant for 20 acres on E side of Richardsons Creek in Richard Griffin’s line. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book DE, p. 206).

The above was entered 27 May 1789, the survey was dated 30 May 1789. William Harrison? and George Ford were chain bearers.

On 9 Jul 1794, William Stewart received a state land grant for 100 acres described as on Stewarts line on the east side of Camp Branch and crossing Richardsons Creek. The land was entered 29 May 1792. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book DE, p. 205).

I haven’t identified Camp Branch yet, but the land was bordering the property he already had. The survey for the above, dated 1 Nov 1791 (before the entry date, somehow), had William Halcom and Isaiah Stewart as chain bearers.

On 2 Jan 1797, William Stewart entered 100 acres on “John Tailor’s old line” on Richardson Creek. The survey is dated 9 Apr 1798 with Solomon Mullice and William Stewart Junr as chain bearers. I didn’t see where this was actually granted to him. The index card says it was 40 acres not 100.

On 10 Jul 1797, William Stewart received a state land grant for 80 acres between Richardsons Creek and “Negro” Creek. It mentions a warrant dated 15 Oct 1794 for the same. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book Z, p. 11).

This same creek is called “Negro Head Creek” in another deed. I don’t know where this is. It’s almost certainly been renamed since then. The survey for the above was dated 25 Jan 1795 and had Isaiah Stewart and Joseph Rogers as chain bearers.

On 16 Jul 1798, William Stewart entered 200 acres on Megethas Path at his own line. The survey was dated 24 May 1799 with no chain bearers listed. I didn’t see where this land was actually granted to him.

On 9 Mar 1799, William Stewart received a state land grant for 150 acres on the Ready Branch waters of Richardsons Creek. Mentions Halcomb’s line and Polks line. The land was entered 6 Jan 1798. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book FG, p. 97).

I haven’t identified Ready (Reedy?) Branch yet. The warrant says the land includes the “Red Hill Spring” it being an entry made by Thomas Griffin, transferred to William Stewart. The survey is too faded to make out.

On 17 May 1799, William Stewart of Anson, Planter made a deed to William Jenkins of Anson, Cooper for 75 pounds, 150 acres on north side or Richardsons Creek. Mentions Morgans corner, Holcombs line, Polks line. William Stewart signed with a mark. His son Isaiah Stewart witnessed with a mark. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book FG, p. 63). This appears to be the same land granted to him earlier that year on 9 Mar 1799.

On 26 Nov 1799, William Stewart was granted 100 acres that Henry Marshall entered on 20 Sep 1795 on Richardsons Creek and transferred to William Stewart. The survey is dated 20 Sep 1795 with Doctor Joseph Wilson and William Stewart Junr as chain bearers.

William Stewart is listed on the 1800 census in Anson Co., NC. The only other Stewarts listed are his son Isaiah, and Thomas Stewart, relationship unknown, neither listed near him.

1800 Census - Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

208

William Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1755) William Stewart (bef 1755)

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) James Stewart (1765/84) son

1m 10-15 (1784/1790) William Stewart (1770/75) son

3m 0-9 (1790/1800) 1. Son?

2. Joseph Stewart (c1793) son

3. John Stewart (c1800) son

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

2f 0-9 (1790/1800) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

On 6 Jan 1800, William Stewart of Anson, Planter, made a deed to John Mullis, planter. For 162 pounds, 10 shillings, he sold 300 acres on the south side of Richardsons Creek in the fork of Richardsons and “Negroe Head” creek. The deed was signed by William Stewart, and witnessed by James Deel and Joseph Stewart (not William’s son). (Anson Co., NC Deed Book NO, p. 272).

The above deed may be a combination of several tracts because I didn’t find William receiving 300 acres with similar description all at once.

On 10 Feb 1806, William Stewart received a state grant for 200 acres on both sides of Rutherfords Branch. It was entered 8 Apr 1805. (Anson Co., NC Deed LM, p. 315).

The survey for the above was dated 5 Oct 1805. Joseph Stewart and James Jenkins were chain bearers. Is this his son Joseph? He would have been about 12 then, so while probably not legal, it may still be him.

On 10 Jun 1809, William Stewart of Anson, made a deed to William Jinkins (Jenkins) also of Anson. For $200, Stewart sold him 200 acres on both sides of Rutherfords Branch. (This appears to be the land granted to him 10 Feb 1806.) William Stewart signed with a mark that looks like a “W.” J. Taylor and Winburn Jinkins were witnesses. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book S, p. 204.)

William Stewart is listed on the 1810 census in Anson. His son James is next door, and daughter “Feby Cook” is next door on the other side, and son-in-law Jesse Barnett is next to Phoebe. William’s son William (Jr) is listed a couple of pages away. You can tell which one is which by their ages.

1810 Census - Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

Wm Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1765) William Stewart (bef 1755)

2m 16-25 (1784/1794) 1. Son?

2. Joseph Stewart (c1793) son

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) John Stewart (c1800) son

1m 0-9 (1800/1810) Son?

1f 45+ (before 1765) Priscilla Stewart (bef 1755) wife

1f 0-9 (1790/1800) Daughter?

On 13 May 1810, William Stewart, Solomon Mullis, John Mullis, Mary Mullis, Charles Griffin and Thomas Griffin made a deed to Thomas Polk. For $100, they sold 50 acres on the N side of Richards Creek. Mentions Polks line and Richardson Creek. The land included the plantation “where James & Mary Mullis now lives.” The deed was signed by William Stewart, Solomon Mullis, John Mullis, Mary Mullis, Charles Griffin and Thomas Griffin, all of whom signed by mark except for Thomas Griffin. Witnesses were Obediah Curlee and James Mullis. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book R, p. 92.)

The above deed seems to represent Mullis heirs selling land they jointly inherited, thus likely proving that William’s wife Priscilla was a Mullis.

On 6 Jul 1812, William Stewart received a state grant for 200 more acres on Rutherford Branch joining Jenkins land. It mentions Pinyon’s Line in the description. It was entered 19 Jul 1807. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book S, p. 469).

The survey for the above was dated 15 Jul 1810 with Ebenezer Ross and William Cook as chain bearers.

On 25 Dec 1813, William Stewart made a deed to Rebeccah Waller, for $100, he sold her 200 acres on Rutherfords. Mentions James Jinkins corner and Pinyons line. William Stewart signed with a mark. Witnesses were William Hamilton and Joseph Stewart. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book Y, pp. 375-376).

On 25 May 1816, William Stewart of Anson made a deed to James Jinkins of Anson. For $50, he sold Jinkins 100 acres described as on the west side of Richardsons Creek and Weatherfords Branch, Halcome’s corner on the east side of Pinions Branch, Ross’s line. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were Thomas Griffin and Joseph Stewart. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book U, p. 324).

On 9 Nov 1816, William Stewart Senr made a deed to Joseph Stewart (his son, though not listed as such in the deed). For 100 pounds, he sold Joseph 100 acres described as on South West Side of Peedee River, on both sides of Richardsons Creek. William signed the deed. Witnesses were Thomas Griffin and James Jinkins. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book R, p. 527).

On the same date, 9 Nov 1816, William Stewart Senr made a deed to John Stewart (his son, though not listed as such in the deed). For 100 pounds he sold him 100 acres on W side of Richardsons Creek, crossing the Camp Branch. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were Thomas Griffin and John Halcome. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book R, p. 533.)

On 25 Nov 1816, William Stewart made his Will. He named:

• Beloved wife Priscilla.

• My two sons Joseph Stewart and John Stewart.

• My Daughter Phebe Cook.

• To the heir of my daughter Delilah Halcom.

• My son Isaiah Stewart.

• My daughter Francis Hinson.

• My son James Stewart.

• My son William Stewart.

• Heirs of my daughter Mary Barnet.

• He named his wife Priscilla and son Joseph Stewart as executors.

He signed with a “W” mark.

Witnesses were Jacob Little and Thomas Griffin.

It was proven in court Feb 1817, meaning he had died between 25 Nov 1816 and Feb 1817.

I don’t know when Priscilla died. She was not listed as a head of household on the 1820 census. However, someone her age is with their son Joseph in 1820. Someone her age is with son John in 1830 and 1840. I can’t say with any certainty it’s her, but it could be.

William’s Will is the last record I have for Priscilla by name. If that’s her with Joseph in 1820 and John afterwards, she lived until 1840 at least.

Some, if not all of the area where the Stewarts lived in Anson became part of Union County in 1842. Most of the Stewarts were dead or gone from the area by then, but some, like Joseph, remained.

Children

William Stewart and wife Priscilla Mullis had nine children as named in his 1816 Will, thus proving his family very nicely. However, his married daughters husband’s weren’t named, so I haven’t identified all of them yet. Keep in mind that we don’t know if Priscilla was William’s only wife, so she might not be the mother of all the children. There are some other Stewarts in Anson nearby who are almost certainly related to William, though not his own children. I’ve included them below as well.

1. Phoebe Stewart (1765/75-aft 1820), married — Cook.

2. Delilah Stewart (d bef 1816) married — Halcom (Holcomb).

3. Isaiah Stewart (c1775-1836) married Barbara Howell.

4. Frances Stewart married — Hinson.

5. James Stewart (1765/84-aft 1816).

6. William Stewart (Jr) (1770/75-aft 1830).

7. Mary Stewart (1784/94-1810/16) married Jesse Barnett.

8. Joseph Stewart (c1793-1866) married 1) Keziah —, 2) Martha.

9. John Stewart (c1800-aft 1880) married Mahala —.

10. Probable relative: Joseph Stewart (before 1770-aft 1800)

11. Probable relative: John Stewart (1770s-?)

12. Probable relative: Jackson Stewart (c1786-aft 1829)

13. Probable relative: Littleberry Stewart (c1798-aft 1850)

Phoebe Stewart was born 1765/1775 per her ages on the 1810 census (26-44, ca 1765/84) and 1820 census (over 45, before ca 1775). She was presumably born in Anson County if her family was already in Anson at that time. They might not have been.

She was named first in father’s Will as daughter “Phebe Cook” and left her one dollar. This suggests she was already well provided for.

I have not identified her husband yet, but he apparently died between 1800 and 1810. The only Cook in Anson on the 1790 census was Charles Cook. I should note that another Charles Cook and Robert Cook were grouped together in 1790 in neighboring Mecklenburg County. I mention them because they were in Anson for the next census and are related to the Charles who was already in Anson.

1790 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
198	Charles Cook	1	2	1	~	~

In 1800 there were four Cook households in Anson: Mary, Charles Sr, Charles Jr and Robert. Mary can be removed from consideration, leaving Charles Sr, Charles Jr and Robert as potential spouses for Phoebe Stewart. Charles Sr can also be removed because he has no spouse listed in 1800, suggesting he was widowed.

Robert Cook is next door to Phoebe’s brother Isaiah Stewart on this census. He’s also just a few houses from Charles Cook Sr.

1800 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

198

Mary Cook

222

Charles Cook Jr

223

Charles Cook Sr

223

Robert Cook

I found Phoebe on the 1810 census next to her father, already apparently widowed. She is also listed again many pages away with nearly identical enumerations. Her second entry was several houses from Charles Cook, the only other Cook in the county at the time. I don’t know if this is Charles Sr or Jr from the 1800 census.

1810 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

Feby Cook

Pheby Cook

Chas Cook

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) Son? Brother?

1m 16-25 (1784/1794) Son?

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) Son?

2m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Son?

2. Son?

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Phoebe Stewart Cook (1765/75)

1f 10-15 (1794/1800) Daughter?

Can we prove whether Robert Cook or Charles Cook (Jr) was Phoebe’s husband? One of the two Charles Cooks left a Will dated 7 May 1819 naming wife Mary, sons Robert and Charles, daughters Susanna, Sary, Frances, Dianna, and some grandchildren. If this was Charles Sr, then both Charles Jr and Robert are his sons. The wording of the Will (abstracted) suggests both were still living in 1819 though, meaning neither would be Phoebe’s husband since she was apparently widowed by 1810.

Using census analysis alone, Charles Cook Jr from 1800 is the best match with Phebe Cook of the 1810 census. However, that doesn’t mean he was her husband, though it does make him a prime suspect.

There was a William Cook who was one of the chain bearers for a survey for William Stewart dated 15 Jul 1810. Was that Phebe’s husband if still alive? Or one of her sons? Son seems more likely considering the date.

Phoebe Cook is listed on the 1820 census in Anson. Her brother Joseph Stewart is a few houses away. There is also a John Cook a few houses more. He could be her son, though that’s a guess right now. They are both in Capt. Stewart’s company. I’m assuming Joseph is Capt. Stewart.

1820 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

None

Phebe Cook

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Son?

1m 16-17 (1802/1804) *

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

1f 45+ (before 1775) Phoebe Stewart Cook

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

I wasn’t able to find Phoebe on the 1830 census. She may have died before then, or simply been residing with one of her children, thus not listed by name. I checked for her in 1840 and 1850 without finding her. She died sometime after 1820, last seen in Anson Co., NC.

Delilah Stewart Holcomb was apparently dead when her father made his Will on 25 Nov 1816, for her left $1 to “the heir of my daughter Delilah Halcom.”

The transcribed version of the wills reads “heir” singular, not heirs, plural. This is either a typo, or she only had one heir.

Her spouse’s name wasn’t given. “Halcom” is a variation of Holcomb, which is a variation of Holcombe.

I have not been able to determine who she was married to.

There was only one in Anson on the 1790 census, and he was just ten houses from William Stewart.

1790 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
195	William Halcomb	1	~	2	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 16+ (before 1774) William Holcomb

2f no ages (before 1790) 1. Wife?

2. Daughter?

William Halcom, with Isaiah Stewart, was a chain bearer for a survey dated 1 Nov 1791 for William Stewart. This shows they were associated.

William Hallcome received a state grant on 19 Jul 1794 for 100 acres north side of Weatherfords Branch, Morgans line. Coincidentally (or not), this was the very next grant after William Stewarts grant on Richardsons Creek of the same date. Both were on the same page. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book DE, p. 205).

I didn’t find any Halcom, Holcomb, etc., on the 1800, 1810, 1820 or 1830 census in Anson.

I found no Halcom/Holcomb, etc., deeds in Anson prior to the 1860s other than the 1794 grant already mentioned. I found no record of that land being disposed of.

Isaiah Stewart was born ca 1775, give or take a decade! His approximate birth date has been very difficult to come by. Evidence used:

• 1800 census, aged 16-25, ca 1774/84.

• 1810 census, aged 26-44, ca 1765/84

• 1820 census, aged 45+, before ca 1775.

• 1830 census, aged 40-49, born ca 1780/1790.

If we exclude the 1820 census, we could conclude that Isaiah was born ca 1780/84 and it would fit three out of four of his census entries. If we exclude 1830 instead, we could conclude he was born ca 1774/75, which would fit three out of four census entries.

Isaiah Stewart was one of the chain bearers/carriers for a survey dated 1 Nov 1791 for land his father entered. He also served that same duty on another survey dated 25 Jan 1795. Normally, a person had to be at least 14 to do something like witness a deed, choose their own guardians, etc. However, how old did one need to be to be a chain carrier? If he was born ca 1780, then he was only 11 for that first one, which seems unlikely. If born ca 1775, then 16, which works.

As noted, Isaiah was listed on a 1791 and 1795 survey.

He married Barbara Howell sometime before 1800, presumably in Anson Co., NC. She is also listed as “Barbary” on some records. She was born ca 1777/78 in Virginia, both facts per her 1850 census entry. I don’t know who her parents were. There were nine Howell households in Anson in 1790: Joseph, Hardy, Hopkin, John, Joseph, Lewis, Lewis, Stephen and William. There were only five listed there in 1800: John, Richard, Henry, Stephen and Joseph. None were listed near the Stewarts.

Isaiah Stewart is listed on the 1800 census in Anson, between Robert Cook and Thomas Rogers.

1800 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

223

Isaiah Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might be)

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) Isaiah Stewart (c1775)

1m 0-9 (1790/1800) Son? (Littleberry Stewart c1798 perhaps)

1f 16-25 (1774/1784) Barbara Howell Stewart (c1778) wife

Isaiah Stewart is either not listed on the 1810 census, or he’s listed as “Josiah” by mistake. The entry is probably for Isaiah, but there is room for doubt. It’s a very full household. Who are all the extra people?

1810 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

Josiah Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1765) Father-in-law?

2m 26-44 (1765/1784) 1. Isaiah Stewart (c1775)

2. Brother? Brother-in-law?

1m 16-25 (1784/1794) Brother? Brother-in-law?

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) Son? (Littleberry Stewart c1798 perhaps)

3m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Son? (Charles Stewart c1800 perhaps)

2. Jackson Stewart (1807) son

3. Son?

1f 45+ (before 1765) Mother-in-law?

2f 26-44 (1765/1784) 1. Barbara Howell Stewart (c1778) wife

2. Sister? Sister-in-law?

1f 16-25 (1784/1794) Sister? Sister-in-law?

1f 10-15 (1794/1800) Sister? Sister-in-law?

2f 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

Keep in mind that the above entry might not be Isaiah Stewart at all.

On 29 Dec 1812, Isaiah Stewart entered 200 acres joining Jackson Stewart. The survey was dated 8 Jul 1813. Solomon Trull and Mark Rogers were chain bearers. It doesn’t look like the land was actually granted to Isaiah Stewart though.

On 8 Jan 1816 Isaiah Stewart entered 200 acres joining Jackson Stewart and John Pearce. The survey was dated 3 May 1817 but it came out to 50 acres instead of 200. Littleberry Stewart and William Stewart were chain bearers. I didn’t see where this land was actually granted to Isaiah Stewart.

Isaiah Stewart was named in his father’s Nov. 1816 Will as “my son Isaiah Stuart.” He was left $1. He was the fifth child named, which suggests he was the fifth child born, though doesn’t prove that.

On 22 Dec 1819, Isaiah Stewart was granted 100 acres in Anson, which he entered on 4 Sep 1818, described as adjoining his own land on east side of Sider (Cedar) Fork. The survey was dated 4 Sep 1818 with Luke Bentley and Littlebury Stewart as chain bearers. Littleberry might be his son or a nephew. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book S, p. 428 and NC Land Grants.)

Isaiah is on the 1820 census in Anson.

1820 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

Isaiah Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1775) Isaiah Stewart (c1775)

2m 16-25 (1794/1804) 1. Son? (Littleberry Stewart c1798 perhaps)

2. Son? (Charles Stewart c1800 perhaps)

1m 16-17 (1802/1804) * Should be one of the above two sons

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) Jackson Stewart (1807) son

2m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Joseph Stewart (1813) son

2. Blackstone Stewart (c1817) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Barbara Howell Stewart (c1778) wife

1f 0-9 (1810/1820) Frances Stewart (1810/15) daughter

On 8 Mar 1823, Isaiah Stewart of Anson sold land to Charles Stewart of Anson for $200, being 175 acres on Cedar Branch, Taylor Road, Luke Bentley’s line, Susannah Hardens line, William Trull’s line, Jackson Stewarts line. Signed by Isaiah Stewart. Witnesses were B. Stewart and Jackson Trule (Trull). (Anson Co., NC Deed Book U, p. 440).

I would assume that “B.” Stewart above was Littleberry, alias “Berry” Stewart. Charles Stewart is almost certainly Isaiah’s son. Charles Stewart sold that same land on 10 Nov 1825, still a resident of Anson County, to Isaac Marsh for $175. Charles signed. Witnesses were J. Bentley and Luke Bentley. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book Y, p. 242.)

On 14 Nov 1825, Isaiah Stuart made a deed to William Stuart for $150 for 150 acres. The land was on the “old Camden Road,” and Isaiah Marsh’s corner. Isaiah signed with a mark. Witnesses were William Pope and Ruby Warrack. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book X p. 164).

Isaiah and family moved to Burke Co., NC during the mid or late 1820s. They are listed there on the 1830 census. Son Jackson was nearby. Son Charles was a few houses away, next to James Howell (1780/90), perhaps related to Barbara. Isaiah was listed between John Riddle and Samuel Reed.

1830 Census, Burke 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+

203

Isaih Steward

My analysis (Who each person *might* be)

1m 40-49 (1780/1790) Isaiah Stewart (c1775)

2m 15-19 (1810/1815) 1. Joseph Stewart (1813) son

2. Son?

1m 10-14 (1815/1820) Blackstone Stewart (c1817) son

1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Barbara Howell Stewart (c1778) wife

1f 15-19 (1810/1815) Frances Stewart (1810/15) daughter

On 22 Dec 1831 an event occurred that changed this family forever. Isaiah’s daughter Frances “Frankie” or “Franky” Stewart murdered her husband Charlie Silver(s). This story is rather famous, or infamous, so I won’t say much about it here. Several books have been written about it. Several of Frankie’s family members wound up in jail with her including her parents, at first. There was a jail break that landed several more in jail including her uncle from Anson, Jesse Barnett.

Frances was hung for the crime on 12 Jun 1833 despite numerous well to do people asking for clemency on her behalf.

The section of Burke County where they lived became Yancey County in 1833.

Isaiah Stewart is said to have been killed by a falling tree in 1836. He was dead by 25 Apr 1836, for on that date his wife Barbara presented an inventory of his estate as administrator and wife. For some reason this was filed in Burke County instead of Yancey. Perhaps they lived in Burke at that time.

Barbara is not listed on the 1840 census. However, someone her age (60-69, born ca 1770/80) is with her son Joseph in Burke County. That is very likely her.

She was in Yancey for the 1850 census with her son Blackston(e).

1850 Census, Yancey Co., NC

Page 429B, House 644, Family 678

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Blackstone Steward	33	M		Farmer	200	NC
Berry	10	M				“
Joseph	7	M				“
Levina	33	F				“
Louisa E.	12	F				“
Barbary	72	F				VA

That is the last record I have for her. She may have died in Yancey in the 1850s.

She may have died in the section of Yancey that became Mitchell in 1861.

Isaiah and Barbara had numerous children per the various census records. I believe only a few are proven though, and the others supported by strong circumstantial evidence. Some are yet unidentified.

1. Son born 1790/1800. Home in 1800, under 10 (c1790/1800). Home in 1810, age 10-15 (c1794/1800), gone by 1820. This may be Littleberry Stewart born ca 1798.

2. Son born 1800/1804. Home in 1810, aged under 10 (1800/10). Home in 1820 aged 16-25 (1794/1804). Gone by 1830.

3. Son born 1800/1804. Home in 1810, aged under 10 (1800/10). Home in 1820 aged 16-25 (1794/1804). Gone by 1830. I believe this is Charles Stewart (c1800) who was in Burke in 1830, 1840 and 1850, no record after that.

4. Son born 1804/1810. Home in 1810, aged under 10 (1800/10). Home in 1820 aged 10-15 (1804/1810). Gone by 1830. This is probably Jackson Stewart (1807).

5. Daughter born 1800/1810. Home in 1810, aged under 10 (c1800/10). Gone by 1820.

6. Daughter born 1800/1810. Home in 1810, aged under 10 (c1800/10). Gone by 1820.

7. Son born 1810/1815. Home in 1820, aged under 10 (c1810/1820). Home in 1830 aged 15-19 (c1810/15). This is certainly Joseph Stewart born 1813.

8. Son born 1810/1815. Home in 1820, aged under 10 (c1810/1820). Home in 1830 aged 15-19 (c1810/15).

9. Daughter born 1810/1820. Home in 1820, aged under 10 (c1810/1820). Home in 1830 aged 15-19 (c1810/15). This is certainly Frances Stewart.

10. Son born ca 1815/1820. None home in 1820 unless he’s one of the 1810/20 ones listed above. Home in 1830 aged 10-14 (1815/1820). This is certainly Blackstone Stewart born ca 1817.

From the above we can see there is one apparent son born ca 1800/04 who is unaccounted for. There is another one born ca 1810/15. There are also two daughters born in the 1800/10 period who are unidentified.

Frances Stewart Hinson was named in her father’s 1816 Will as “my daughter Francis Hinson” to whom he left $1. Her spouse’s name wasn’t given. There were Hinsons in proximity to the Stewarts on some census records.

I have not been able to determine who she was married to. There were eleven Hinson households in Anson in 1790: Benjamin, Charles, Daniel, Elijah, Henry, John (4), William (2).

There were also eleven there in 1800: John Jr, John Sr, Benjamin Jr, William, Charles, Isham, Benjamin Jr, Charles, Charles Jr, Daniel and Henry.

There were thirteen there in 1810: Obadiah, Nathan, Benjamin, Francis*, Edward H., Charles, Sampson, John, William, John, Barttel, Charles and Benjamin.

*Francis is a male, thus not William Stewart’s daughter Frances Stewart Hinson.

There were eleven in Anson in 1820: John Sr., Brooks, Mourning, Charles, John, Isam, Nancy, Sampson, Joshua, Bartlet and Daniel W.

Census analysis is impractical due to the large number of Hinsons in Anson between 1790 and 1820. Other records will be needed to determine which of them, if any, is the husband of Frances Stewart.

An 1812 deed shows that William Hinson of Chesterfield Dist., SC was an heir of Phillip Gathings Sr, deceased. William’s wife wasn’t named, but was presumably Gathings’ daughter, thus not Frances Stewart.

Benjamin Hinson Sr made his Will in 1813 naming wife Mourning and sons Bartlet, Benjamin, Obediah, Edward, Harriod, Charles and John. Daughters Elizabeth Diggs, Lydia Diggs, Sally Fields, Winefred Akins, Polly Gathings, Mary Jomikan, Nancy Williams and Morning (no surname). Grandson Brooks Hinson.

That connects many of the Hinsons seen on the census records. It also proves that the elder Benjamin was not Frances Stewart’s husband.

An 1818 deed names Bartlett Hinson as one of the heirs of Edward Curtis, presumably as his son-in-law, thus probably not married to Frances Stewart.

An 1822 deed shows that Brooks Hinson’s wife was named Susannah.

An 1823 deed shows that John C. Hinson’s wife was named Mary.

Bartlett Hinson made his Will in 1823 naming sons: Daniel, Brinkley, Hadley, Philip, Pleasant, Benjamin and Burwell. Daughters Margaret Short, Harriet Hinson, Nancy Bennett, Maurn Diggs, Eliza Knotts, Rosanna, Jane and Winefred Hinson, grandchildren Ann Daniel Short, and Harriett Jane Bennett. No wife was named.

An 1832 deed shows that James Hinsons’ wife was named Susannah.

I found no land records in the name of Frances Hinson (or Henson) in Anson. I found several deeds that prove the spouses of some of the Hinson men, as noted above.

I jumped ahead to the 1850 census to see if perhaps Frances Stewart Hinson was still alive then. There was a Fanny Hinson, 65 (c1785) in Haywood Co., NC apparently widowed, residing with Griffin Hinson 26, presumably her son. Henry Henson 28 was next door. There were a considerable number of Hensons in Haywood. I don’t know if they are connected to the Anson family or not.

I found no other potential matches. Unless the one in Haywood is ours, I suspect Frances Stewart Hinson died before 1850, or else was widowed and married someone else before then.

James Stewart was born between 1765 and 1784 per his age on the 1810 census (26-44). I haven’t been able to narrow it down more than that.

James married someone before 1810, presumably in Anson Co., NC.

In 1807 (no date given in deed other than the year), Charles Cook Senr made a deed to James Steward for 290 acres for $200. The land was on Lick Branch to the mouth of Haw Branch. Charles Cook signed. Witnesses were Stephen Parker and Job Rogers. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book LM, p. 418).

On 28 Dec 1808, Charles Cook of Anson, sold land to Jackson Steward also of Anson, for $150. 150 acres on Beaver Dam Creek. Charles Cook signed. Witnesses were James Steward (signed with mark) and Thomas Rogers. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book LM, p. 382).

He is listed on the 1810 census in Anson next to his father, William.

1810 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

Jas Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) James Stewart

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Wife? Sister?

1f 16-25 (1784/1794) Wife? Sister?

On 22 Aug 1812, James Stewart sold 293 acres to Thomas Rogers, it being the same land he bought in 1807. James Stewart signed. Witnesses were David Griffin and Job Rogers, both of whom made marks. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book NO, p. 284)

James was named in his father’s 1816 Will, which is the last record I have for him.

I didn’t find James Stewart on the 1820 census in Anson. As one might expect there were numerous men of that name listed elsewhere. I currently have no way to determine which of those, if any, are the same James from Anson.

One possibility is a James Stuard listed in Buncombe Co., NC in 1820 next to a John Holcomb. He is interesting because James of Anson had a sister married to a Holcomb.

There are two problems with James of 1820 Buncombe being the same as James of 1810 Anson. One, James of 1820 Buncombe had one child born prior to 1810. James of 1810 Anson had no children at all. Two, James of 1820 Buncombe was also in Buncombe back in 1810, unless that was a different James.

Analysis of the 1830 and 1840 censuses are practically impossible considering the large number of James Stewarts listed in potential migrations places.

However, looking at the 1850 census for any James Stewart born ca 1765-1784, I find several potential matches:

• Chambers Co., AL age 73 (c1777)

• Coosa Co., AL, age 70 (c1780)

• Dade Co., GA age 60 (c1790)

• Randolph Co., GA, age 74 (c1776)

• Lawrence Co., IL age 80 (c1770)

• Shelby Co., TN, age 75 (c1775)

Any of those could be James of Anson, or perhaps none are if he died prior to 1850. More research on those listed above might help narrow the search down.

William Stewart (Jr) was born ca 1770/75 per census analysis.

On 2 Jan 1797, William Stewart entered 100 acres on “John Tailor’s old line” on Richardson Creek. The survey is dated 9 Apr 1798 with Solomon Mullice and William Stewart Junr as chain bearers.

William seems to have married between 1800 and 1810, presumably in Anson. (Early marriage records lost.)

He is listed on the 1810 census in Anson.

1810 Census - Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

Wm Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) William Stewart (1770/75)

2m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Son?

2. Son?

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Wife?

William is on the 1820 census in Anson. It’s alphabetical so we can’t determine neighbors. He was in Ratcliff’s Company.

1820 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

William Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1775) William Stewart (1770/75)

2m 10-15 (1804/1810) 1. Son?

2. Son?

3m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Son?

2. Son?

3. Son?

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Wife?

I didn’t find any record of William Stewart disposing of the above land.

William is listed on the 1830 census in Anson.

1830 Census, Anson 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+

103

William Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 50-59 (1770/1780) William Stewart (1770/75)

2m 15-15 (1810/1815) 1. Son?

2. Son?

1m 10-14 (1815/1820) Son?

1m 5-9 (1820/1825) Son?

1m 0-4 (1825/1830) Son?

1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Wife?

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

I didn’t find William Stewart on the 1840 census in Anson, nor was any apparent widow listed there. Likewise, I found no obvious match for him on the 1850 census. There is a William Stewart, 73 (c1777), wife Catherine, 63 (c1787), living with their son John, 45, in Richmond Co., NC in 1850. That is a decent age match, but is it them? There was no William Stewart listed in Richmond in 1840. I’ll include the full listing here though I don’t really know if this is the same William who had been in Anson. Keep that in mind.

1850 Census, Richmond Co., NC, Rockingham District

Page 288B, House 555, Family 556

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
John Stewart	45	M		Mechanic		NC
William	73	M		Laborer		“
Catherine	63	F				“
Margaret	23	F				“
James Thompson	24	M		Laborer		“
Flora	27	F				“

That same William and Catherine of 1850 were still in Richmond in 1860, next door to John C. Stewart and Margaret Adeline Moton, who he married in 1858.

1860 Census, Richmond Co., NC, Steels District, Bosticks Mills PO

Page 340B, Houses 125 & 126, Families 125 & 126

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
125/125
William Stewart	84	M		Farmer	400	50	NC
Catharine	71	F		Domestic			Atlantic Ocean
126/126
John C. Stewart	54	M		Farmer			NC
Margaret A.	32	F		Domestic			“
Sarah Moton	17	F		“			“

I didn’t find William or Catherine after 1860.

Don’t forget that I have no proof at this time whether or not this William of 1850 and 1860 Richmond is the same man from Anson. My gut feeling is that they are not the same William Stewart, but I could be wrong.

Mary Stewart Barnett was apparently dead already by the time her father made his Will in Nov 1816 for he left $1 “to the heirs of my daughter Mary Barnet.” He didn’t say she was deceased, but mentioning her heirs heavily implies it. Unfortunately, he didn’t say who those heirs were. Fortunately, we know that her husband was Jesse Barnett thanks to the Franky Stewart Silver trial in which he played a part. He was involved with her escape from the Burke County jail pending her trial for murdering her husband Charlie Silver in 1831. This was long after the death of his wife Mary, but apparently still closely allied with the Stewart family.

Mary Stewart was born ca 1784/94 per her age on the 1810 census (16-25). She married Jesse Barnett before 1810, presumably in Anson Co., NC. He was born ca 1770/80 per his age on the 1830 census.

They are on the 1810 census two houses from Mary’s father William. Matthew Barnett, about the same age as Jesse, was a few houses away.

1810 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

Jesse Barnett

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) Jesse Barnett (1770/80)

1m 0-9 (1800/1810) Son?

1f 16-25 (1784/1794) Mary Stewart Barnett (1784/94) wife

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

Mary Stewart Barnett apparently died between 1810 and Nov 1816 when her father made his Will.

Jesse Barnett is listed on the 1820 census several houses from Matthew Barnett, a potential brother. There was an older female in Jesse’s home. Did he remarry? Or was Mary actually still living at the time? I don’t know. He was listed in Capt. Stewart’s district, which is probably brother-in-law Joseph Stewart. Jesse himself seems to be listed in too young of an age category.

1820 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

None

Jessee Barnett

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Jesse Barnett (1780/90)

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) Son?

1f 45+ (before 1775) Wife? Mother? Mother-in-law?

1f 10-15 (1804/1810) Daughter?

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

On 2 Feb 1824, John Smith sold Jesse Barnett 118 acres on the east side of Gourd Vine Creek. It mentions William Barns’ corner. John Smith signed with a mark. Witnesses were John Rushing and Solomon Mullis. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book U, p. 448).

I didn’t find any record of Jesse Barnett selling or disposing of the above land. In fact, the only other Barnett deeds in Anson were from the 1750s and one in 1791 for a William Barnett.

Jesse is listed on the 1830 census in Anson. I didn’t find Matthew Barnett this time. Jesse had a 30 something woman with him. She could be a second wife.

1830 Census, Anson 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+

106

Jesse Barnett

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 50-59 (1780/1790) Jesse Barnett (1780/90)

1f 30-39 (1790/1800) Wife?

On 22 Dec 1831, Jesse’s niece Franky Stewart Silver murdered her husband Charlie in Burke Co., NC. Jesse Barnett was involved in her escape from prison, and he himself spent time in jail for that.

I didn’t find him on the 1840 census. He either died or moved away before then.

Joseph Stewart was born ca 1792/93 per his age on the 1850 census (57), or ca 1791/92 per his 1860 age of 68. Those are very close to each other, so ca 1792 would work for both.

Joseph seems to be with his parents for the 1800 census, aged under 10 (born ca 1790/1800).

He seems to be home with his parents for the 1810 census, aged 16-25 (born ca 1784/94).

On 25 Dec 1813, Joseph Stewart witnessed a deed between his father William Stewart and Rebeccah Waller. Joseph would have been about 20 then. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book Y, pp. 375-376).

On 9 Nov 1816, William Stewart Senr made a deed to Joseph Stewart. For 100 pounds, he sold Joseph 100 acres described as on South West Side of Peedee River, on both sides of Richardsons Creek. William signed the deed. Witnesses were Thomas Griffin and James Jinkins. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book R, p. 527).

The deed above does not say that Joseph was William’s son. However, William’s Will, made two weeks later (25 Nov 1816) does name Joseph as his son, and also named him as Executor along with William’s wife Priscilla. Joseph and his brother John were to inherit all the property after the death of Priscilla. (See William’s section above for more on the Will.)

Joseph is listed as head of household on the 1820 census in Anson County. I don’t think he was married yet. The other people living with him are probably his mother and a brother and perhaps some nieces. His sister Phoebe Cook was a few houses away. He was next door to John Mullice (Mullis) (bef 1775), probably his uncle. They were in Capt Stewart’s district. I believe Joseph was Capt. Stewart.

1820 Census, Anson Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

None

Joseph Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1775/1794) Joseph Stewart (c1793)

1m 15-25 (1794/1804) John Stewart (c1800) brother

1f 45+ (before 1775) Priscilla Mullis Stewart (bef 1755) mother?

2f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Daughter? Niece?

2. Daughter? Niece?

On 25 May 1822, Joseph Stewart of Anson, made a deed to Solomon Mullis Senr, also of Anson. For $160, he sold 100 acres on south side of Peedee River “on side of Richardsons Creek.”

Joseph Stewart signed. Thos. Griffin was the only witness. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book U, pp. 216-217).

I don’t know what land the above is. I can’t find where Joseph acquired it. Perhaps it was land inherited from his father via the Will.

On 19 Dec 1822, Joseph Stewart entered 150 acres adjoining Reubin Pinyons land, Rogers land and his own land. The survey was dated 8 May 1823 with William Manos and Richard Falton as chain bearers. I didn’t see where this land was actually granted to him.

On 3 May 1823, Joseph Medley, Esquire, Sheriff of Anson County sold land to Ingoe D. Cash, it being Joseph Stewart’s 100 acres that he purchased from his father in 1816. It was sold for debts. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book U, pp. 366-367).

Joseph Stewart married Keziah in the 1820's. I don’t know her maiden name. She was born ca 1791/92 per her age on the 1850 census.

They are listed on the 1830 census in Anson.

1830 Census, Anson 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+

Joseph Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 40-49 (1780/1790) Joseph Stewart (c1793)

2m 0-4 (1825/1830) 1. John W. Stewart (1828) son

2. Coleman Stewart (c1829) son

1f 20-29 (1800/1810) Keziah Stewart (c1792) wife

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

They are still in Anson for the 1840 census.

1840 Census, Anson 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+

Jos. Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 40-49 (1790/1800) Joseph Stewart (c1793)

2m 10-14 (1825/1830) 1. John W. Stewart (1828) son

2. Coleman Stewart (c1829) son

1m 0-4 (1835/1840) Culpeper Stewart (1838) son

1f 30-39 (1800/1810) Keziah Stewart (c1792) wife

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

2f 5-9 (1830/1835) 1. Nancy Stewart (1831) daughter

2. Maria Jemima Stewart (1833) daughter

1f 0-4 (1835/1840) Martha C. Stewart (1835) daughter

In 1842 Union County was formed from western Anson and eastern Mecklenburg. Joseph Stewart and family fell into the new county.

They are listed on the 1850 census in Union. Their son Coleman Stewart is listed next door.

1850 Census, Union Co., NC

Page 83, House 1211, Family 1211

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Joseph Stewart	57	M		Farmer	500	NC
Keziah	58	F				“
Nancy	17	F				“
Maria	16	F				“
Martha	15	F				“
Culpeper	13	M				“

Keziah Stewart died in the 1850s.

Joseph Stewart married Martha in the 1850s. I don’t know Martha’s maiden name, but she was born 19 Nov 1825 per her tombstone.

She may have been a widow because their 1860 census household is full of children including several who predate their marriage but weren’t with Joseph in 1850. They are listed as Stewarts though, a common census error. Joseph named a stepson William Bryant, in his Will. Martha must have been married to a Bryant prior to Joseph. Joseph’s sons Coleman and Culpeper are listed near them in 1860.

1860 Census, Union Co., NC, Olive Branch PO

Page 382, House 538, Family 524

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
Joseph Stewart	68	M		Farmer	270	997	NC
Martha	36	F		Domestic			“
John	17	M		Farmer			“
William	14	M					“
George	11	M					“
Francis	7	M					“
Caroline	1	F					“
Roan Hinson	16	M		Farm Labor			“

Joseph Stewart made his Will in Union County on 1 Apr 1866. He named:

∙ Wife Martha J. Stewart.

∙ My five children:

∙ John W. Stewart

∙ Coleman Stewart

∙ Nancy Godwin

∙ Jemima Curlee

∙ Martha C. Nance

∙ To Culpeper Stewart ...

∙ My Stepson William H. Bryant

He signed with a mark. Witnesses were D. M. Smith and Joseph S. Dunn, Jr.

In a postscript he named his son Coleman Stewart as executor.

Joseph’s widow Martha married Thomas Birmingham on 6 Dec 1866 in Union Co., NC.

John Stewart was born 18 Mar 1800 per his tombstone. That is supported by his age on the 1850 census (50) and 1870 census (70). His other two census entries are slightly different: 45 in 1860 (c1815), 78 in 1880 (c1802).

There is an older John Stewart in Anson records and there is certainly room for confusion between the two.

William’s son John seems to be with his parents for the 1800 census, aged under 10 (born ca 1790/1800).

He seems to be home with his parents for the 1810 census, aged 16-25 (born ca 1784/94).

On 21 May 1816, James Ginkins deeded land to John Stewart for $50. The land was 100 acres on West side of Pinyans Branch, in Rebecca Wallers line. James Ginkins signed. Witnesses were Thomas Griffin and Joseph Stewart. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book PQ, p. 23).

I don’t know where Pinyans Branch was. I also don’t know if this is the older or younger John Stewart in this deed. The younger was only 16 then, but it could still be him instead of the older man.

On 9 Nov 1816, William Stewart Senr made a deed to John Stewart (his son, though not listed as such in the deed). For 100 pounds he sold him 100 acres on W side of Richardsons Creek, crossing the Camp Branch. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were Thomas Griffin and John Halcome. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book R, p. 533.)

John Stewart was named in his father William’s Will dated 25 Nov 1816. He, along with his brother Joseph, was left the bulk of the estate after the death of William’s wife Priscilla Stewart.

On 13 Dec 1817, John Stewart received a state grant for 200 acres on Richardsons Creek, on his own line on Camp Branch. The entry was dated 6 Dec 1816. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book U, p. 125).

The survey for the above was dated 15 Nov 1817. Francis Mullice and Samuel Jenkins were chain bearers.

John is not listed on the 1820 census. However, I believe he is residing with his brother Joseph Stewart that year. See Joseph’s section above for that entry.

I don’t know what became of John’s 100 acres on Pinyan Branch nor the 200 acres on Camp Branch of Richardsons Creek. Perhaps both were dealt with via probate or court action, which records have been lost.

John Stewart entered 59 acres in Anson Co., NC on 20 Sep 1828. Only 25 acres was granted to him on 27 Nov 1829. It was described as joining Burwell Benton and Ingoe D. Cash on the Camp Branch. The survey was dated 3 Apr 1829. Reubin James and Jordan James were chain bearers. This is almost certainly William’s son John, for the older John had been missing from the Anson records for awhile by then.

John Stewart married Mahala Gurley, presumably in Anson, ca 1830. She was born May 1815. Her maiden name is proven by the death certificates of her daughters Jane and Sarah.

They are listed on the 1830 census. An older woman is with them, presumably John’s mother Priscilla, or Mahala’s mother perhaps.

1830 Census, Anson 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+

John Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 30-39 (1790/1800) John Stewart (c1800)

1m 0-4 (1825/1830) Son?

1f 80-89 (1740/1750) Mother Priscilla Stewart? Or unidentified mother-in-law?

1f 15-19 (1810/1815) Mahala Stewart (1815) wife

They are still in Anson for the 1840 census. The older woman is still with them, now in her 90s. Was that his mother or Mahala’s?

1840 Census, Anson 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+

John Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 40-49 (1790/1800) John Stewart (c1800)

1f 90-99 (1740/1750) Mother Priscilla Stewart? Or unidentified mother-in-law?

1f 20-29 (1810/1820) Mahala Stewart (1815) wife

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

They moved to Burke Co., NC by 1850. This put them very close to brother Isaiah’s family, some of whom were in Burke, others in neighboring Yancey.

1850 Census, Burke Co., NC

Page 377, House 517, Family 518

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
John Stewart	50	M		Farmer		NC
Mahala	35	F				NC
Drucilla	9	F				NC
William	8	M				NC
Phanell	6	F				NC
Jane	5	F				NC
Sarah	3	F				NC

They moved to Yancey before 1860 and were listed there on the census that year. They had property, so there should be land records for them.

1860 Census, Yancey Co., NC Bakersville PO

Page 395, House 337, Family 337

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
John Stewart	45	M	W	Farmer	1000	186	NC
Haley	43	F					“
Drucila	19	F					“
William	18	M		Farmer			“
Minerva J.	15	F					“
Sarah E.	13	F					“
Margret A.	9	F					“
Elmira	7	F					“

Mitchell County was created in 1861 from part of Yancey and took the Stewarts into it.

They are listed on the 1870 census in Mitchell County. It’s rather frustrating that every other person on this section of this census had their full birth place listed (county and state), yet for the Stewarts they only listed “NC” except the youngest child. Of course we know, more or less, where they were each born, but it’s nice to have confirmation. It’s still good that this census taker recorded that extra information for nearly everyone else. It’s valuable and rare data.

1870 Census, Mitchell Co., NC, Bakersville Township, Bakersville PO

Page 325B, House 109, Family 109

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
John Stewart	70	M	W	Farmer			NC
Halah	50	F	W	Keeping House			NC
Drusiller	26	F	W	At Home			NC
Jane	24	F	W	At Home			NC
Sarah	19	F	W	At Home			NC
Miry	16	F	W	At Home			NC
Harriett	2	F	W				Mitchell Co, NC

They were still in Mitchell for the 1880 census.

1880 Census, Mitchell Co., NC, Bakersville Township

Page 9, House 141, Family 145

Name	R S	Age	Rel	Ms	Occupation	Birth Places
John Steward Sr	W M	78		M	Farmer	NC-NC-NC
Mahala	W F	59	Wife	M	Keeping House	NC-NC-NC
Silla	W F	31	Dau	S	At Home	NC-NC-NC
Mira	W F	22	Dau	S	At Home	NC-NC-NC
Harriett	W F	12	Gr-Dau	S	At Home	NC-NC-NC
William Willson	W M	7	Gr-Son	S		NC-NC-NC
Jasper	W M	5	Gr-Son	S		NC-NC-NC
George	W M	1	Gr-Son	S		NC-NC-NC

John Stewart died 22 Feb 1892 in Mitchell and is buried at Mine Creek Baptist Church.

Mahala is listed on the 1900 census in Mitchell Co., NC.

1900 Census, Mitchell Co., NC, Bakersville Township

Page 23, House 200, Family 200

Name	Rel	R S	Birth	Age	Ms	Ch	Birth Places	Occupation
Mahala Stewart	Head	W F	May 1815	85	W	7-5	NC-NC-NC	Farmer
Priscilla	Dau	W F	Apr 1847	53	S		NC-NC-NC
Charley	Son	W M	Jul 1882	17	S		NC-NC-NC	Farm Labor

Mahala Gurley Stewart died on 15 Jun 1909 and is buried at Mine Creek Baptist Church in Mitchell County.

Joseph Stewart is probably closely related to William Stewart. William did have a son of this name, but there was an older Joseph in the records too, though he either died or moved away before William’s son came of age.

This Joseph was born before 1770. This is based a 1791 land entry he made. A person must be 21 or up to patent land, so based on this he had to be before prior to ca 1770. He also witnessed a deed in 1800. One only had to be 14 to do that, so born before ca 1786 per that record.

Joseph was not listed on the 1790 census in Anson Co., NC. There was a Joseph in neighboring Mecklenburg that year. Was it this same man? Maybe.

1790 Census, Mecklenburg Co., NC

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
380	Joseph Stuart	1	1	2	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 16+ (before 1774) Joseph Stewart

1m under 16 (1774/1790) Son?

2f no ages (before 1790) 1. Wife?

2. Daughter?

On 18 Dec 1797, Joseph Stewart received a state land grant for 100 acres on the north west side of Richardsons Creek. It mentions a warrant dated 17 Nov 1791. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book S, p. 468).

The survey for the above is dated 15 Oct 1796. Charles Hinson and Solomon Mullis were the chain bearers.

On 6 Jan 1800, Joseph Stewart witnessed a deed between William Stewart and John Mullis. (See William’s section for more details). (Anson Co., NC Deed Book NO, p. 272).

This record shows that Joseph and William were almost certainly related. Were they brothers? Father and son? Uncle and nephew? Unfortunately we can only speculate at this time.

Joseph Stewart was not listed on the 1800 census in Anson. There was one still in neighboring Mecklenburg that year. I don’t know if it’s the same one who had land in Anson, but I think it’s likely the same one who was listed in Mecklenburg in 1790.

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

594

Joseph Stuart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (before 1755) Joseph Stewart

1m 10-15 (1784/1790) Son?

2m 0-9 (1790/1800) 1. Son?

2. Son?

1f 26-44 (1755/1774) Wife?

1f 10-15 (1784/1790) Daughter?

2f 0-9 (1790/1800) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

I didn’t find this Joseph Stewart on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg, Anson or anywhere else in the region.

There are two Joseph Stewarts in Mecklenburg in 1820, but neither seem old enough to be the same one from 1790 and 1800. I didn’t find a likely match for this Joseph in 1820. He may have died or moved away before 1810.

I have no other data on Joseph. The one in Anson was born before 1770, the one in Mecklenburg born before 1755. They could be one and the same person, but I don’t know that for certain.

John Stewart is probably closely related to William Stewart. William did have a son of this name, but there was an older John in the records too, though he either died or moved away before William’s son John came of age.

He was born in the 1770s or 1780s, I would guess. I have to guess because I haven’t found him on any census records. John had a son born prior to ca 1798, so if we assume he was at least 18 by 1798, then he was born ca 1780 or earlier.

John was not listed on the 1790 or 1800 census in Anson. See the page for my ancestor John Stewart for an analysis of regional John Stewarts on the 1790 and 1800 census. This John might be among those.

I didn’t find John on the 1810 census, though the index shows one in Anson County that year. However, it’s actually James Stewart, not John.

On 15 Jul 1812, William Douglas deeded land to John Stewart, both of Anson Co., NC. For $190, John purchased 95 ½ acres on south side of South Prong of Jones Creek. William Douglas signed. Witnesses were Murdock Stewart and Normand (X) McLeod. Murdock Stewart proved the deed in court in Oct 1812. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book NO, p. 158).

The above deed shows that Murdock Stewart was at least 14 by this time, so born ca 1798 or before. Jones Creek is in south eastern Anson County, below Wadesboro. This is a few miles from Richardsons Creek where William Stewart lived.

On 15 Jun 1816, John Stewart of Anson gave a deed of gift to his son Murdoch Stewart. The land was 95 ½ acres on South Prong of James (Jones) Creek. John Stewart signed. Witnesses were Paul May and William May. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book T, pp. 173-174).

On 17 Feb 1818, Murdock Stewart of Anson deeded land to Daniel May for $300, it being the 95 ½ acres his father gave him on the south prong of James Creek. Murdock Stewart signed. Witnesses were Benjamin Teal and Samuel Teal, both of whom made marks. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book T, p. 146).

I didn’t find John Stewart on the 1820 census in Anson. His proven son Murdoch was listed in 1820 though, with a rather full household. Perhaps John had died between 1816 and 1820, and his widow and children were with Murdoch on that census? Either that, or John had moved away before 1820.

1820 Census, Anson Co., NC, Mays

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-17

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

Murdoch Stewart

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1775/1794) Murdoch Stewart

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) Brother?

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

1f 45+ Before 1775) Mother? Mother-in-law?

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Wife? Sister?

2f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Daughter? Sister?

2. Daughter? Sister?

I didn’t find Murdoch Stewart on the 1830 census. There was one in Smith Co., TN in his 50s (born ca 1770/80) which could be a match with the one from 1820 Anson if he’s older than we suspect. Smith County Murdoch was next to a John C. Stewart (1770/80), likely a brother since the same age.

There is a 59 year old Murdoch in 1850 in Macon Co., TN. He is with a Patric(k) age 62 and Dolla age 47, all born in Virginia. They are next to Elisha Stewart 40, also born Virginia. I doubt this is the same Murdoch from Anson.

Jackson Stewart was born ca 1787. If that date is accurate, he is old enough to be one of William’s sons. However, he wasn’t named in William’s 1816 Will. He was clearly associated with the family though, so must be related somehow.

I base Jackson’s 1787 birth date on him purchasing land in 1808. One had to be at least 21 to purchase land, thus born ca 1787 or earlier.

I didn’t find Jackson Stewart on the 1810 or 1820 census.

On 27 Nov 1829, Jackson Stewart of Burke Co., NC, sold 150 acres for $200 to Hardy Horton of Anson. The land was in Anson on Beaver Dam Creek (Same as deeded to him in 1808). Jackson Stewart Senr signed with a mark. Witnesses were Julius Holly and Sally Holly. (Anson Co., NC Deed Book Z, p. 609.)

Note that he was listed as Jackson “Senr” on the 1829 deed. That is because his nephew of the same name, son of Isaiah, was of age and also residing in Burke at that time. The younger Jackson was about 22 then.

I didn’t find Jackson Stewart on the 1830, 1840 or 1850 censuses.

Littleberry Stewart was born ca 1797/98. He was associated with Isaiah Stewart and could be his son, but I don’t know if he is or not. He is almost certainly a grandson of William Stewart though.

I didn’t find Littleberry Stewart on the 1820, 1830 or 1840 censuses. I found him, or someone of the same name, in Jackson Co., TN in 1850.

1850 Census, Jackson Co., TN, Dist No 5

Page 231B, House 1011, Family 1017

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Littleberry Stewart	52	M				TN
Cyntha Morell	30	F				KY
John Stewart	14	M				KY
Katherine	12	F				KY

The Tennessee and Kentucky birth places may indicate this isn’t the same Littleberry Stewart, but he is the only one I found that could be the same person.

I didn’t find Littleberry nor either of his children from the 1850 census on the 1860 census.

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for William Stewart and Priscilla ---

Revised: May 11, 2024

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