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.