The Bennett Family of North Carolina

Richard Bennett Sr

In 1764 Richard Bennett wrote his will in Bute County, North Carolina. This is the father of Richard Bennett Jr. (My great grandfather)

In the will he mentioned:

• daughter Christian Langston wife of Absolom Langston
• daughter Sarah Langston wife of Solomon
• son Richard Bennett
• son Mark Bennett
• son William Bennett
• son Moses Bennett
• daughter Martha Bennett
• son James Bennett
• daughter Ann Bennett
• daughter Amy Bennett
• wife Ann

It was recorded 3 Aug 1764 in Bute County, proven by the oaths of James Thompson and Drucilla Thompson subscribing witnesses.

In 1741 Richard received 200 acres on Buffalo Creek in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.

George the Second Know ye that I have given to Richard Bennett a tract of land containing 200 acres lying and being in the County of Edgecomb beginning at poplar on ye lower side of the Buffalo branch then north 53 along a branch 179 poles to a maple then So.37 E 179 poles to the center of 3 Red Oaks then So 53 W 179 poles to a red oak on the branch then along the branch to the first station to hold yielding to paying four shillings proclamation money for every hundred acres yearly cultivating three acres for every hundred with three years- given this month dated the 11th day of Augt 1741 Gab Johnson (Governor)  Halifax Co. NC Vol II pg 340

John Earl of Granville to Richrd Bennett of Halifax Co. indenture bearing date of 17 Sept 1744, 400 acres southside Roanoke River, mouth of Cypress Swamp by David Meand's corner, Beaver Dam Swamp for the sum of 10 shillings paid by Richard Bennett.  Halifax Co. NC Vol 5. pg 334 

Richard Bennett of Edgecomb Co. from Jno Thomkins of the province of South Carolina Land on Buffalo Creek Branch, a land grant to Tomkin 9 June 1738 proven Edgecomb court Feb 1744 180 acres for 18 pounds current money of Virginia. Wit: William Bobbit, Jr. Charles Thomson   Halifax Co NC Vol 5 pg 490

Richard Bennett of Edgecombe Co. NC to Lewis Brantley of Isle of Wight Co. VA. a parcel of land on Buffalo Branch for 8 pounds current money of Va 18 Feb 1745 

 

In 1746 Edgecombe was divided and the area he lived in became Granville County.

Richard Bennett gives to son Willliam land on the fork of Buffalo Branch, northside of Great Fishing Creek. To have land after my death and death of my wife Ann Bennett, 100 acres, part of the tract where I now live, beginning at Richard Bennett's Spring Branch. given 1762, recorded May 1762  Granville Co. NC Bk F page 379

Richard Bennett to my son Mark Bennett - I, Richard Bennett of the County of Granville and St. John's Parish, give to my loving son, Mark, 85 acres on Buffalo Creek. Wit: John Bennett and John Smart 1762 - proved in Aug Court 1763 Halifax Co. NC Vol 8 pg 419

Richard Bennett of the County of Granville to Solomon Atkinson of Halifax Co. 200 acres for 7 pounds proclamation money. Land is on southside of Roanoke River in Halifax Co. and adjacent land of David Mead's, adjacent Beaver Dam Swamp and Cypress Swamp. 

John Smart to his son-in-law Richard Bennett Jr. To all christian people whom these present writing shall come. I, John Smart of the County of Granville and province of North Carolina planter send greeting know ye that I John Smart for divers and good causes and valuable consideration one here unto moving hath given and granted and by these present do give grant and confirm unto Richard Bennett Junior of the County and province aforesaid forty five acres of land lying and being in the county of Granville on a branch of the buffalo branch of great fishing Creek beginning at a white Oak on the bank of a branch at Smart Corner. Running along Smarts line North forty five degrees West one hundred and forty pole to a hickery then south seventy two poles to a white oak then sought forty five East one hundred and six poles to an Ash on the aforesaid branch then upon the Meadow to the first station to have and to hold all the said tract of land and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging whatsoever of me the said John Smart unto the said Richard Bennet his heirs of assigns from henseforth forever to his and their proper use and uses thereof  and therewith to do order and dispose at his or their wills and pleasures as of their own proper land free and peaceably and quietly without any manner of lot trouble hindrance denial or molestation of me the said John Smart or any other person or persons whatsoever of all and which premises I the said John Smart have put the said Richard Bennett in full and peaceable possession by virtue of these presents. In witness whereof I the said John Smart have hereunto given under my hand and seal this second day of November and in the first year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third by the grace of good King of Great Britain France & Ireland kind defender of the faith and in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven sixty and one (Granville Co. 1st Nov Court 1761)

 This area became Bute County. The area eventually became Warren County.

Warren County NC Records:

Feb Court 1769 - Solomon Langston Guardian of James Bennett, orphan of Richard Bennett, dec'd, bond, dated 15 Feb 1769.

1779 - 19 Aug - recorded in November - Anne Bennett to son-in-law John Capps and Martha Bennett a gift of slaves (John Capps was married to Amy Bennett)

16 Mar 1780 - From John Capps and Martha Bennett of the County of Warren NC to Richard Bennett of same 500 pounds proclamation money for 200 acres land in Green Swamp on James Island adjacent John Young's line, Atkinson's line. Signed John Caps, Martha Bennett, Amey Capps Wit: Jesse Person, Isom Bennett, Henry Capps, Patsey Bennett

1785

• 27 Apr. - Ordered that Absolom Bennett have license to keep an ordinary at his house, who with Richard Ellis, his security, entered into and executed a bond for that purpose.
• 26 Jul - On motion a license is granted to Richard Bennett to keep an Ordinary at this house, who with John Weathers, his security, entered into and executed a bond for that purpose.
• 2 Nov - Richard Bennett acknowledged a deed to Isham Bennett, and on motion the same is ordered registered.

1786

• 31 Jul - John Bennett replaced by John Hawkins as overseer of the road.
• 30 Oct - On a motion a license is granted to Richard Bennett to keep an Ordinary in his house.
• 31 Oct - William Bennett is a member of the jury

1814 - Tax Roll

• Fishing Creek

Bennetts mentioned: Isham, Thomas, Richard, Moses, James C.

Richard Bennett Jr. was married to Sylvia Smart the daughter of John Smart. Peter Smart's daughter. Priscilla, married James Collins. John and Peter Smart are my six times great grandfathers. They are both in the same area about the same time. When Peter sold land to Thomas House, Richard Bennett was a witness. What is the relationship between John and Peter? Could John and Peter been brothers?  Time to dig into that!

The question remains, was Richard Bennett Sr. from Brunswick County, Virginia? It has been suggested that he was from Isle of Wight, VA. 

Time to look into the Bennett's of Isle of Wight and see if I can make a definitive connection...

The Governor of early Virginia, Richard Bennett, has been hinted as the ancestor of Richard, I have to say, I doubt it. His son Richard died in Maryland from drowning. But I will continue to dig into records and see what I can find....

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie

The Bennett Family of North Carolina

The Bennetts of Virginia

There appears to be a lot of information about this family. Unfortunately, documentation is scarce. After doing my own research, this is what I have found. 

Richard Bennett of Warren County is my five times great grandfather. I guess he is my double great grandfather because two of his daughters are my grandmother. More about that later.

 Can I go further back? Let's see....

I started my search in Brunswick County, Virginia records. Why? I have found many of my ancestors that settled in this part of North Carolina migrated from Brunswick County. Looking at some of the names found with the Bennett family in Virginia are names that also appear in North Carolina.

10 Jul 1745 - A Land Patent was issued to James Bennett

The Poll list of 1748 in Brunswick names James Bennett

26 Sep 1760 - A Land Patent - Benjamin Bennett to Reuben Bennett

In Will Book 3 of Brunswick I found the following:

• 27 Mar 1751 - At the estate sale of Hubbard Farrell held in 1749, Samuel Bennett is listed as a buyer
• 31 Mar 1752 - The Will of James Bennett Sr. was presented in court. The will was written on 11 Nov 1751. Listed in the will are the following: Wife - Mary, Sons - Benjamin, James Joseph, Reuben, Daughters - Mary Proctor, Frances Sims, Priscilla Dugger and Brambley Bennett Witnesses - John Duke, Edward Parrish and John Dugger
• 22 Jun 1756 - returned to court the estate sale of Capt. Michael Wall held in 1749 - 1750, James Bennett was listed as a buyer
• 27 Jul 1756 - Returned to court the appraisal of the estate of Thomas Whitley. Appraisal done by George Clarke, Richard Pilkinton, and James Bennett
• 25 Jul 1758 - at the estate sale of Battle Peterson, James Bennett is listed. The sale was held in 1751.
• 25 Jul 1758 - The Will of Battle Peterson was presented in court. In his will he lists his daughter, Elizabeth Bennett
• 28 Jul 1760 - The estate sale of William Lifsay Jr. was returned to court. It was held on 8 Jun 1758 and lists both James and John Bennett
• 24 Nov 1760 - The estate sale of Joseph Hensley was returned to court and lists James Bennett.
• 24 Aug 1761 - The estate sale of John Dennis was returned to court and lists John Bennett
• 24 Nov 1760 - The estate sale of Joseph Hensley was returned to court and lists James Bennett
• 24 Jun 1765 - The estate sale of James Massie was returned to court and lists James Bennett
• 27 Apr 1767 - The estate sale of William Fox was returned to court and lists James Bennett

The Poll list of 1768 in Brunswick names: Joseph Bennett, Absolum Bennett, Reuben Bennett, James Bennett, Benjamin Bennett.

24 May 1773 - Parishioners of St. Andrews Parrish: John Bennett, Joseph Bennett, James Bennett, Absolum Bennett

In the Will Book 2 of Brunswick I found the following:

• 6 Oct 1774 - Samuel Bennett was a witness to the will of Richard Ransom. His will was written 27 Jun 1748
• 23 Feb 1784 - Absolum Bennett was the guardian to the orphans of Barnett Randle
• 26 Apr 1784 - Absolum Bennett was a witness to the will of Mary Moore. Her will was written 27 Mar 1784
• 23 Aug 1784 - At the estate sale of Edward Scarbrough held on 7 Feb 1782, John and Richard Bennett were listed as buyers
• 24 Jan 1785 - At the estate sale of William Boswell held on 12 Feb 1782, John Bennett was listed as a buyer

Benjamin Bennett made his will in Brunswick which was probated 26 May 1783. In his will he named his sons; John, Benjamin, Richard, William, Charles and James. Daughters; Sarah Sadler, Mary, Elizabeth, Priscilla and Frankey Nancy. Wife; Sarah

In Warren County, NC, Richard Bennett is on a jury 10 May 1780. (My grandfather)

In the 1780s we find Richard, Alsolum, Mary, Reuben and James Bennett in the Warren County records. 

In future posts I will share Warren County records AND I will look back into Isle of Wight, Virginia. Brunswick County was formed in 1720 from Prince George, Surry and Isle of Wight.

West - Currin - Crews – Johnson – Massie Families

Following the Crews

When Mildred Currin married Thomas West on 18 Dec 1838 in Granville County, NC, she brought with her a history that includes Crews, Johnson and Massie families.

Mildred was the daughter of Jemima Crews and Wyatt Currin. They were married on 16 Oct 1810 in Granville County, NC. In Wyatt’s probate records are several mentions of his heirs, in this case it is of interest that it was Thomas West and his wife Mildred.

Jemima Crews was the daughter of Gideon Crews and Jemima Wicker. In Gideon’s probates he mentions his daughter Jemima Currin.

Gideon was born in Hanover County, Virginia about 1730. (The date on his tombstone). Gideon was the son of Joseph Crews and Massey Johnson. Joseph and Massey were Quakers living first in New Kent County, Virginia and later in Hanover County, Virginia.

On 4 July 1761, Gideon and his two brothers, James and Caleb, were dismissed from the Society of Friends for declining the principles of Friends and misconduct.

By 1778 Gideon and his brothers were in Granville County, NC. Gideon took the oath of Allegiance in Granville that year.

Joseph Crews and Massie Johnson were married on 12 Jun 1725. Their marriage contract names their fathers. Both were John. Joseph was from Charles City at the time of the contract. 

Marriage Contract

John Crews was an original member of the Curles Friends Meeting.

In 1699/1700 he gave 400 pounds of tobacco towards the building of a new meetinghouse.

 In 1706 the meetings were held at the home of John Crews before moving to William Ladd’s. 

In the early 1700s the Quakers suffered from persecution, but their numbers continued to grow. In 1724 three Quakers were reported in prison. John Crew was arrested and held in custody.

From the meeting notes:

19 Aug 1706 – John appointed to represent Old Man’s Creek Meeting

8 April 1711 – John was appointed clerk of the meetings. He resigned 10 July 1714

1 Aug 1714 - Sarah, daughter of John, married Robert Elyson

14 Mar 1717 - John, son of John - Charles City County, married Agatha Elyson the daughter of Robert Elyson.

12 Feb 1720 - Andrew, son of John - Charles City County married Hannah Elyson, daughter of Robert Elyson.

 9 Oct 1724 - Mary, daughter of John - Charles City County and Sarah, married John Ladd

6 Dec 1725 - Joseph, son of John - Charles City County, married Massey Johnson daughter of John – Hanover County

3 July 1726 – John Sr. had taken from him 1 mare for fines for refusing to bear arms and paying tithes; also 76 lbs. of tobacco, a gun and 5 pewter dishes

7 Feb 1728 – John Sr. imprisoned and fined for refusing to bear arms.

26 Dec 1727/28 - Jane, daughter of John – New Kent County married John Sanders

8 July 1729  - William, son of John – New Kent County, married Hannah Sanders

11 June 1733/34 – Anne, daughter of John married William Lane

11 Sept 1733/34 – David, son of John, married ?

5 July 1747 – John Sr. had a horse seized for fines

6 May 1758 – Sarah dies (wife of John)

1 Nov 1760 – John Sr. resigned as treasurer of the meeting because of ill health. He may have died shortly after this.

4 July 1761 – James, Caleb and Gideon, sons of Joseph deceased, Hanover County, dismissed for declining the principles of Friends and misconduct

As you can see there were several marriages between the Crews and Ellyson families. There were also marriages between the Johnson and Ellyson families.

John Johnson, father of Massie Johnson, had another daughter Agnes that married William Ellyson. All these families were members of the Friends of Society or Quakers. 

Thank goodness for the detailed records kept by the Quakers. So many early records in Virginia were destroyed by fire or during wars.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Up Next? Probably the Johnson or Massie Families.. 

Check back to see....

Pattie