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John "Swamp John" Clayton

John "Swamp John" Clayton

Male 1785 - 1868  (82 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  John "Swamp John" Clayton was born on 31 Dec 1785 in Rowan County, North Carolina (son of Lambert Clayton and Sarah Davidson); died on 20 Aug 1868; was buried after 20 Aug 1868 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Swamp John Clayton
    • Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
    • Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
    • Residence: 1791; ____, Buncombe Co., NC
    • 1810 Census: 1810
    • 1820 Census: 1820
    • 1830 Census: 1830
    • 1840 Census: 1840
    • 1860 Census: 10 Aug 1860, Henderson County, North Carolina
    • Alt. Death: 2 Mar 1868

    Notes:

    Swamp John Clayton, who lived in the low lands on the northern bank of the French Broad River, was for sometime Chairman of the Buncombe COunty Court.  He served in the North Carolina House of Commons in 1826, 1827, and 1828 and again in 1831, 1832, and 1836.  He was a member of the North Carolina Senate in 1833.

    Group:
    Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

    Group:
    Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

    1810 Census:
    ____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 85, 00100-20100-00

    1820 Census:
    ____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 110, 300010-22010-2

    1830 Census:
    ____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 217, 110 400 100 0000 - 111 211 000 0000

    1840 Census:
    ____, Henderson Co., NC, p. 134, as John Clayton Sr., 011 100 010 0000 - 311 100 100 0000

    1860 Census:
    Davidson River PO, p. 872 (p. 172)
    John Clayton          72  M   Farmer  $6000  $4000  (NC)
    Susan                    73   F      
    Elizabeth                31   F
    Florida                    10   F                                                   school
    Zoriah                      8   F                                                      "
    George W Wilson   19  M   Farm Laborer

    Mary A Clayton       42  F                ----         ----     SC
    Thomas                   17  M                                        NC        school
    John                        15  M                                                          "
    Esther                      13  F                                                          "
    David                       12  M                                                          "
    Esther Leaster        73  F                                         SC

    John married Susan Wetzel on 1 Feb 1806 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Susan (daughter of Jacob Wetzel and Margaret Summy) was born on 25 Nov 1787 in Lincoln County, North Carolina; died on 26 Sep 1872 in Transylvania County, North Carolina; was buried after 26 Sep 1872 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Ruth Clayton was born on 28 Nov 1808 in North Carolina; died on 19 Sep 1885.
    2. Ann Clayton was born in 1809; died in Unknown.
    3. Sarah Clayton was born in 1810; died in Unknown.
    4. Thomas Davidson Clayton was born on 25 Sep 1813 in North Carolina; died on 31 Oct 1850; was buried after 31 Oct 1850 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    5. George Clayton was born on 9 May 1815 in North Carolina; died in Unknown.
    6. Jane L. Clayton was born on 6 Jul 1817 in North Carolina; died on 29 May 1871.
    7. John Clayton was born about 1819; died before 1840.
    8. Rachael Clayton was born on 13 Jun 1821; died on 28 Mar 1847.
    9. James Wiley "Jim" Clayton was born on 2 Mar 1823 in North Carolina; died on 19 Jan 1908; was buried after 19 Jan 1908 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    10. Elizabeth Clayton was born about May 1826 in North Carolina; died in Unknown.
    11. Ephraim Bradshaw Clayton was born on 25 Dec 1828 in North Carolina; died on 4 May 1929; was buried after 4 May 1929 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    12. Mary Ann Clayton was born on 3 Jun 1832; died in 1914.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Lambert Clayton was born on 22 Jun 1755 in Rising Sun near Dover, Kent County, Delaware (son of George Clayton and Sarah Dodson Lambert); died on 12 Jul 1828 in Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 12 Jul 1828 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.

    Other Events:

    • Alt. Death: Buncombe County, North Carolina
    • Alt. Birth: 22 Jan 1755, Dover, Kent County, Delaware
    • 1790 Census: 1790, Iredell County, North Carolina
    • 1800 Census: 1800
    • 1810 Census: 1810
    • 1820 Census: 1820
    • Alt. Burial: Aft 12 Jul 1828, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, North Carolina

    Notes:

    One of the key mysteries of Lambert Clayton is the identity of his wife. He married Sarah Davidson on 14 Dec 1782.   We know her name, but there is serious uncertainty in who her parents were.

    Marriage Certificate for Lambert Clayton and Sarah Davidson: (from "Lambert Clayton", by Maxwell)

    "Be it remembered that we have bound ourselves and each of us and each of our heirs, heirs executors, and administrators, jointly and severally firmly by these present to the state of N. C. in the sum of 50 pounds special on the following conditions to-wit, that there shall not hereafter appear any lawful cause why the rites of matrimony should not be solemnized between Lambert Clayton and Sarah Davidson agreeeable to a license of equal date with this obligation.  Witness our hand and seals this the 14 day of Dec. anno Domini 1782.
                            Lambert Clayton (Seal)
                            Jas. Ker  (Seal)

    "Test:
        S. H. C.
    North Carolina, Rowan County.

       I, John Giles, Cleark of Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the marriage bond of Lambert Clayton taken from the original files of my office.
       In witness I have herein set my hand and office seal of said court at office the 12th day of April A. D. 1844.
                                John Giles, Clerk, by John H. Hardie, D. C."

    The Lambert Clayton book goes on to say that "Sarah Davidson ...  was the daughter of John Davidson and Nancy Brevard, both of whom were killed by the Indians on the headwaters of Catawba River, in North Carolina, prior to the Revolutionary War, the exact date and place is not known.  The daughter escaped by reason of being on a visit to her grandfather, John Brevard, and she was raised by her uncle, Dr. Ephraim Brevard.

    "John Davidson was a brother (first cousin) of Genl. Wm. Davidson and (uncle of Gen.) Ephraim Davidson, both of whom took part in the War of the Revolution."

    Robert Stephens Hand in his book on the Davidson Family points out that there are several problems with this assignment.  John Davidson was the son of Col. George Davidson and Catherine Penelope Reese who were married in 1749, probably in Stateville area of North Carolina.  John Davidson was their first child, and he was born about 1750.  He married Nancy Brevard who was born about 1757.  Rowan County records place their marriage as being 27 Nov 1779.   The date of the massacre has been suggested to be either about July 1776 or 1782.  If they were not married until 1779, then 1782 is a more reasonable date for the massacre.  But anyway, any child of that marriage would only be 3 years old at the most.  And that is the year that Lambert Clayton was married!  Were Sarah Davidson to be 14 when she was married, John Davidson would then be about 18 at her birth and Nancy Brevard would be 11.  Further, Sarah Davidson Clayton is quoted as being born in 1759.   Whereas this date is a reasonable date for the date of birth for the wife of Lambert Clayton, this date is not reasonable for a daughter at the massacre as she would be somewhere between 17 and 23 at the time.
    _____________

    SACRED
    to the Memory of
    LAMBERT CLAYTON
    who was born near Dover, Delaware
    June 22, 1755
    and died July 12, 1828

    Having entered the American Army, 1776, he
    served his country faithfully during the whole war;
    was present at the battles of Kings Mountain,
    Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs,
    and received, at the close of the war,
    an honorable discharge

    Notes: His service in the Revolution may be as depicted above; however, he never mentioned any of this in his Pension application and documentation has been found for only one year's service.

    His Pension papers in which he gives his age indicates that he was born, maybe 1760/61.

    Also nothing in the claim supports what is on his tombstone for service. However, the known documents support what is in the Pension Application.

    Virginia

    ============================================================

    Original Claim
    Declaration, in order to be placed on the pension list, under the act of the 18th March, 1818

    County of Buncombe, State of North Carolina
    On this 23rd day of June, 1825, personally appeared in court being a court of
    record by the laws of this state, Lambert Clayton resident in said County,
    aged sixty four years, who being first duely, according to law doth on his oath
    make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the provision made the
    acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, & the 1st May 1820:  that he the said
    Lambert Clayton, enlisted for the term of one year, on the twelfth Day of May in
    the year 1781, in the State of North Carolina in the company commanded by
    captain John G. McKee, in the first regiment commanded by Col Sumner in the line
    of the state of North Carolina, on the ( blank    ) continental establishment;
    that he continued to serve in said Corps until the 12th day  of May 1782,
    when he was Discharged from the service at Stono, in the State of South
    Carolina:--
    ___________

    Lambert Clayton entered the American Army in 1776 and served during the whole War.  He was present at the battles of Kings Mountain, Guilford Courthouse, Eutaw Springs.  He received an honorable discharge at the end of the war.

    According to the pension rolls of the U.S.A., Vol 3, pages 25 and 514; private allowance, $96.00; annual sum $259.16.

    N. C. Continentals
    January 31, 1826
    June 23, 1825
        Age 70
    Buncombe County

    Lambert Clayton, Sergeant of Company commanded by Capt. McLees in first Regiment commanded by Col. Sumner.  Discharged at Stono, SC.

    1790 Census:
    p. 389 
    George Clayton          1-2-5-0-1
    ...
    Lambert Clayton         1-4-2-0-1
    ...
    Joseph Davidson       1-0-1-0-2
    Alexander Davidson  1-3-5-0-0

    1800 Census:
    ____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 165, 03010-30010-01

    1810 Census:
    ____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 84, 10101-21101-00

    1820 Census:
    ____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 110, 001101-00101-2

    Lambert married Sarah Davidson on 14 Dec 1782 in Rowan County, North Carolina. Sarah (daughter of Thomas Davidson and Sarah [--?--]) was born on 25 Dec 1759; died on 20 Mar 1843 in Henderson County, North Carolina; was buried after 20 Mar 1843 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Sarah Davidson was born on 25 Dec 1759 (daughter of Thomas Davidson and Sarah [--?--]); died on 20 Mar 1843 in Henderson County, North Carolina; was buried after 20 Mar 1843 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Sarah Scott Davidson
    • Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
    • Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
    • Alt. Death: Buncombe County, North Carolina
    • Alt. Death: 20 Mar 1813
    • Alt. Death: 1815

    Notes:

    After Lambert's death, Sarah Davidson Clayton lived with her daughter Henrietta and her husband Elijah Young.
    ______________

    Sarah Davidson Clayton died the 20 March 1843.  This is on her tombstone, in her obit, and in the Pension papers where she drew a Rev. War Widows Pension.  She is buried in Davidson River Cemetery, now in Transylvania County, NC, but was in Henderson County when she died.  [This is one of those spots that was in Rutherford County when the Clayton's moved there, was then in Buncombe County, then Henderson County, and finally today is Transylvania County.]
    _____________

    I have been trying to identify the true parentage of Sarah Davidson, wife of Lambert Clayton.  One of the clues that I noticed in studying the names of her children and grandchildren was that most of the time the name Thomas was given, the middle name of Davidson was given.

    There are several examples of this:

       Thomas Davidson Clayton, s/o Lambert & Sarah Davidson
       Thomas Davidson Clayton, s/o John Clayton & Susan Wetzel
       Thomas Davidson Neill, s/o George Clayton Neill & Nancy Ann Clayton
       Thomas Davidson Brittain, s/o William Brittain & Rachel Clayton
    and more in the following generations. (Surprisingly, it is not seen in the Orr family that I have found.)

    The only other grandchildren named Thomas that I am aware of are:

       Thomas Young, s/o Elijah Young & Henrietta Clayton
       Thomas L.(?) Clayton, s/o Ephraim Clayton & Nancy McElroy

    And the use of Davidson as a middle name in those generations was exclusively used with a forename of Thomas.

    And there was no Thomas Davidson that I am aware of in the Old Buncombe county area in this time period. So, as a working assumption, I theorized that maybe her father's name was Thomas Davidson.

    Here is what we know about Sarah:

    * According to her tombstone she was born on or about 25 Dec 1759.
    * She married in Rowan County, NC on 14 December 1782.
    * She died in what is now Transylvania county 20 March 1843, probably at the home of her daughter Henrietta Young.
    * She was buried in Davidson River Cemetery. Tombstone Reading:
       SACRED
       to the memory of
       SARAH
       relict of
       LAMBERT CLAYTON who was born
       December 25, 1759
       and died March 20, 1843

    Then there's a statement that I can't read all of in this picture
         "With her patriotic spirit
           of the women of - 70
          she (can't read this part)
          that made her (can't read)
          beloved (not lamented)"

    The tombstones for Lambert and Sarah appear to be of the period of about 1850.  I suspect his was not erected when he died, but both were probably put up shortly after she died.

    * Lambert Clayton was born in Delaware in 1755 and served in the Rev War.
    * Iredell County was broken off from Rowan County in 1782.

    Census Data:

    Lambert Clayton
    1790  Iredell Co., NC, p. 155 (389), 1-4-2-0-1
    1800  Buncombe Co., NC, p. 165, 03010-30010-01 (Sarah 26-45, Sarah b. 1755-1774)
    1810  Buncombe Co., NC, p. 84, 10101-21101-00 (Sarah >45, Sarah b. bef 1765)
    1820  Buncombe Co., NC, p. 110, 001101-00101-2 (Sarah >45)

    James Neill
    1830  Buncombe Co., NC, p. 206, 120 021 000 0000 - 000 001 001 0000 (?Sarah 60-70)

    Elijah Young
    1830  Buncombe Co., NC, p. 223, 200 001 000 0000 - 010 010 001 0000 (?Sarah 60-70)
    1840  Henderson Co., NC, p. 131, 322 001 000 0000 - 011 001 000 1000 (Sarah 70-80)

    The census data is consistent with her birth in 1759/1760, probably no later than 1765.

    It is time to review various existing theories.

    The Mary Maxwell 1927 Lambert Clayton book says that "Sarah Davidson ... was the daughter of John Davidson and Nancy Brevard, both of whom were killed by the Indians on the headwaters of Catawba River, in North Carolina, prior to the Revolutionary War, the exact date and place is not known.  The daughter escaped by reason of being on a visit to her grandfather, John Brevard, and she was raised by her uncle, Dr. Ephraim Brevard."

    Robert Stephens Hand in his book on the Davidson Family points out that there are several problems with this assignment.  Judge John Davidson was the son of Col. George Davidson and Catherine Penelope Reese who were married in 1749, probably in Statesville area of North Carolina.  John Davidson was their first child.

    John was born about 1750 in Rowan Co. (known as Anson Co. at the time). Nancy Brevard was the daughter of John Brevard and Jane McWhorter of Rowan County, and she was born about 1757.  They were married in Rowan County, NC on 27 Nov 1779.

    The date of the massacre has been suggested to be either about July 1776 or 1782.  If they were not married until 1779, then 1782 is a more reasonable date for the massacre.  But anyway, any child of that marriage would only be 3 years old at the most.  And that is the year that Lambert Clayton was married!  Clearly, these dates do not match up. What is clear is that this raid is real; and Sarah Davidson was not the child who survived.

    However, Indian attacks on the Carolina frontier were common. Maybe the legend of an Indian attack killing her parents is real, but the names of parents were confused.

    Another theory that has been recently proposed to me is that she was the daughter of John one eye Davidson and Jane. This promoted by two items:

    * first, the names of the first children of Lambert and Sarah were John and Jane whose names do not fit the family. (However, Jane ?Tucker (Davidson) Morrison may have recently died, and this is a way of honoring John and Jane Davidson - see below.)

    * second, there was supposedly an inscription on Sarah's tombstone indicating that her parents were One eye John and Jane; however, recent photos and readings do not bear this out.

    I believe that several Davidsons of this family have vision problems, notably lazy eye or crossed eye. The designation "One Eye" might refer to a number of people, but in this time period, it was the common nickname for Col. George's youngest brother John, who was born in 1744 in Augusta County, VA and died in 1825 in Maury Co., TN. The key challenge that I have NOW with this is that John was in Burke county - his mother JANE ?Tucker married William Morrison after the death of his father John Davidson in 1749, and William and Jane removed to Burke county with family where they lived, as recorded in 1790 census. Sarah was married from Rowan county. And the ages are also a challenge. Of course, there could be an issue of an out of wedlock child, but ...

    OK.

    This led me to research all of the known Davidson families in the area to see where a Sarah could fit.  (E.g., Family of Joseph, Family of Alexander, Family of Samuel of Augusta Co., VA - including sons James and Benjamin, John Davidson of Mecklenburg Co., NC, George Davidson - Old John's Brother).  I needed to find a Sarah, born about 1759, and most families already had a Sarah accounted for.

    I also looked into the possibility that Sarah might have been a young widow.  But I could not within those families find a man who had married a Sarah, who could have been born in 1759, who had died before 1782.  But this is trickier as we are now looking 20 years later when more families entered the area and more possibilities exist.

    I also searched through the known Davidson lines in the area for any Thomas Davidsons that might have been old enough to have had a daughter born in 1759-1765 time frame.

    The most likely Thomas that I could find was the most obvious: Thomas (b. abt. 1730, Ireland), son of old John Davidson (b. abt 1709 - d. 1749) who was the brother of Col. George, Samuel, Maj. William, and John One-eye Davidson and whose family history has not been documented anywhere that I have found.

    Little has been recorded about this Thomas Davidson. What was known in family stories is that he went to Charleston and died there and left a family. It had also been alluded to that he was the Thomas Davidson who served in the Revolution and was at Cowan's Ford with Gen. Davidson.

    Based on this, I began inquiries with the South Carolina Dept. of Archives and History concerning wills, deeds, and any other documents extant mentioning Thomas Davidson.  I found two distinct individuals.

    1.  I found a Thomas Davidson of Culleton Co. who was married to a Rosanna, who served in the War and drew a pension, and died in November 1807. I have not yet found a will for this individual or any estate papers. The papers that I do have talk about a man with young children. Based on the census reports, I am going to suggest that this Thomas Davidson was born in the 1760s. This is not my candidate.  However, based on the documents that I now have, I think that this individual could somehow tied into the family.

    2.  I found a Thomas Davidson who left a will in 1764 in Charleston County. He addressed it to two of his brothers George and William to act as his executors.  His wife's name was Sarah and he mentions a daughter Sarah. His land was based on a grant from Matthew Rowan on Fishing Creek given in 1754 that because of a boundary change between North and South Carolina became part of South Carolina.

    I have the following documents:

        * WPA transcript of this will;

    Will of Thomas Davidson - Will Book, 1760-1767, p 419.

    Thomas Davidson, wife Sarah, dau. Sarah Davidson.  1 March 1764
    George and William Davidson are executors.
    Samuel West, Andrew Neill, Samuel Davidson, - witnesses
    Proved: 6 sept 1764. Qualified William and George Davidson as Executors.

        * copy of the original clerk's copy that the WPA transcript was made from;

        * copy of a Mar 1775 document - part of a series of actions that were being made at the time to sort out land that was changing province as a result of the new boundary between NC and SC: from George Davidson that identifies the source of the land patent from Matthew Rowan to Thomas Davidson, deceased.  It also identifies George Davidson as the current owner;

        * copy of an Indenture made 3 June 1778 between Sarah Davidson of Rowan County and Thomas and Samuel Carson of Camden District, Craven Co., SC regarding the sale of the land.

    I believe that this Thomas Davidson is the son of Old John Davidson, and that he and his wife Sarah are very likely to be the parents of the Sarah Davidson who married Lambert Clayton.

    Further, I believe, although more work needs to be done in North Carolina records, that Sarah Davidson and her daughter went back to Rowan County to live with the family of Col. George Davidson, her brother-in-law, (or maybe she went to live with her own family in Rowan Co. that is still unidentified.)

    Some additional commentary: Thomas Davidson would have been in his early 30s at the time of his death in the 1760s. It could be assumed that his daughter would be young so the time frame of our Sarah is appropriate. As he had just one child mentioned in the will also suggests that the Thomas Davidson of the will was young.

    A young death could be disease or accident, but it could also be because of an Indian raid. It is also possible that his wife died as we have no record of her remarriage. The Sarah Davidson in 1777 could have been either daughter or mother.

    What is left to be proved?

    First, we need to find some way to prove that this daughter Sarah was the Sarah who married Lambert Clayton.  This may prove difficult unless we can find some record of her mother's death and a will to go along with it.

    Second, who was Sarah Davidson's mother. There is one story that the name Scott is somehow involved with the family. Some people actually give her name as Sarah Scott Davidson. There was definitely a Scott family in the area where they lived in SC as I have a document signed by a Scott. Sarah, who would have been born about 1740, could also be from a number of the early families in Rowan County. I suspect that because of the story dealing with the Brevard family, that she might turn out to be a Brevard. And that she might have lived with them after Tom's death and not with the Davidsons.

    We need to look into more probate and land records in North Carolina to see if we can find solid additional clues.

    I welcome comments and suggestions.

    John Lisle
    Nashua, NH
    16 September 2003

    Group:
    Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

    Group:
    Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

    Buried:
    SACRED
    to the memory of
    SARAH
    relict of
    LAMBERT CLAYTON who was born
    December 25, 1759
    and died March 20, 1843

    "With her patriotic spirit
    of the women of - 76
    she (can't read this part)
    that made her (can't read)
    beloved (not lamented)"

    The tombstones for Lambert and Sarah appear to be of the period of about 1850.  I suspect his was not erected when he died, but both were probably put up shortly after she died.

    Children:
    1. Jane Clayton was born on 6 Nov 1783 in Buncombe County, North Carolina; died on 1 Mar 1873 in Transylvania County, North Carolina; was buried after 1 Mar 1873 in Orr Cemetery - Little River, Transylvania County, North Carolina.
    2. 1. John "Swamp John" Clayton was born on 31 Dec 1785 in Rowan County, North Carolina; died on 20 Aug 1868; was buried after 20 Aug 1868 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    3. George Clayton was born on 11 Mar 1788 in North Carolina; died on 16 Nov 1876.
    4. Thomas Davidson Clayton was born on 26 Jul 1790 in North Carolina; died on 14 Nov 1872 in Cecil County, Maryland.
    5. Nancy Ann Clayton was born on 7 May 1793 in North Carolina; died on 1 Aug 1840; was buried after 1 Aug 1840 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    6. Sarah S. Clayton was born on 19 Oct 1798 in Buncombe County, North Carolina; died on 26 May 1874; was buried after 26 May 1874 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    7. Rachel Clayton was born on 8 May 1799 in Buncombe County, North Carolina; died on 21 Oct 1884; was buried after 21 Oct 1884 in Mills River Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Mills River Twp., Henderson County, NC.
    8. Henrietta Clayton was born on 13 Mar 1802; died on 17 Feb 1849.
    9. Col. Ephraim Clayton was born on 9 Mar 1804 in North Carolina; died on 9 Aug 1892 in Emma, Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 9 Aug 1892 in Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, Buncombe County, NC.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  George Clayton was born about 1723 in King and Queen County, Virginia (son of George Clayton and Ann Read); died in 1786 in Rowan County, North Carolina.

    Other Events:

    • Residence: ____, Rowan Co., NC
    • Alt. Birth: 1715, King and Queen County, Virginia

    George married Sarah Dodson Lambert about 1745. Sarah was born about 1724 in Dover, Kent County, Maryland; died on 30 Oct 1800 in Iredell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Sarah Dodson Lambert was born about 1724 in Dover, Kent County, Maryland; died on 30 Oct 1800 in Iredell County, North Carolina.
    Children:
    1. Jane Henrietta Clayton was born about 1745 in North Carolina; died in 1816 in Bedford County, Tennessee; was buried after 1816 in Round Hill Cemetery, Belfast, Marshall County, Tennessee.
    2. Rebecca Clayton was born in 1747; died in Unknown.
    3. Rachel Clayton was born about 1749; died before 1776.
    4. George Clayton, III was born about 1751 in North Carolina; died about 1814 in Iredell County, North Carolina.
    5. Margaret Clayton was born about 1753; died before 14 Sep 1797.
    6. 2. Lambert Clayton was born on 22 Jun 1755 in Rising Sun near Dover, Kent County, Delaware; died on 12 Jul 1828 in Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 12 Jul 1828 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.
    7. Anna Clayton was born in 1757; died in Unknown.
    8. Hannah Clayton was born in 1760 in Burke County, North Carolina; died after 1855 in Bedford County, Tennessee; was buried in Bills Cemetery - Farmington, ____, Tennessee.

  3. 6.  Thomas DavidsonThomas Davidson was born about 1733 in Ireland (son of John Davidson and Jane Tucker); died about 1764 in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina.

    Other Events:

    • Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
    • Group: Davidson DNA Family 001

    Notes:

    Settled in South Carolina.  Left many descendants.

    Group:
    Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

    Group:
    Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

    Thomas married Sarah [--?--] before 1759. Sarah was born before 1742; died after 1778. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  Sarah [--?--] was born before 1742; died after 1778.

    Other Events:

    • Land: 3 Jun 1778, York County, South Carolina

    Notes:

    Land:
    York Co., SC Deed Book F., page 274;
    Signed 3 June 1778
    Sarah Davidson of Rowan County, NC by virtue of an agreement with James
    Carson, now deceased, sold 640 a. on a fork of fishing Creek to Thomas Carson
    and Samuel Carson of Camden Dist., SC.
    Witnessed by James Kerr and James Carson

    Children:
    1. 3. Sarah Davidson was born on 25 Dec 1759; died on 20 Mar 1843 in Henderson County, North Carolina; was buried after 20 Mar 1843 in Davidson River Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, Transylvania County, NC.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  George Clayton was born about 1698; died in 1767.

    George married Ann Read before 1723 in King and Queen County, Virginia. Ann was born before 1708; died in 1763. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Ann Read was born before 1708; died in 1763.
    Children:
    1. 4. George Clayton was born about 1723 in King and Queen County, Virginia; died in 1786 in Rowan County, North Carolina.

  3. 12.  John DavidsonJohn Davidson was born about 1700 in Ireland (son of George Davison and Miss [--?--]); died about 1749 in North Carolina.

    Other Events:

    • Name: John Davison
    • Group: American Colonial Immigrants
    • Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
    • Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
    • Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
    • Group: Davidson Head of Line Immigrant Ancestor
    • Group: Immigrant Ancestors
    • Group: Proven Davidson DNA Family 001
    • Alt. Death: 1749, Davidson Creek, Anson County, North Carolina

    Notes:

    John and Jane Davidson with their children migrated first to Augusta County, Virginia, now Rockbridge County.  The first land surveyed for John was in Beverly Manor in May of 1738 on Christian Creek.  By June 5, 1739, he had bought 785 acres.  On February 18, 1747, he sold 485 acres of the Beverly Manor land and 350 acres of land on Buffalo Creek that runs into the upper portion of James River.  Jane had also signed these land sales when they took place.  Elizabeth and her sister Margaret and her brother John were all born while living there in Virginia.  Elizabeth had been baptized April 19, 1741, by Rev. John Craig at Tinkling Spring. She was the first of John and Jane's children to be born on American soil

    After some eight to ten years in residence of Virginia, John moved into North Carolina with his family.  He chose land on Davidsons Creek, named for him.  It was located in the northwest corner of what is now Mecklenburg County and the southwest corner of present Iredell County, just a short distance north of present Charlotte. Centre Presbyterian Church was only a short distance to the south.

    The first of the Granville lands surveyed in what was then Anson County, now Iredell County, was dated November 13, 1748.  The Granville surveyor was Charles Robertson for John McDowell on McDowell's Creek.  The second survey was for John Davidson on November 26, 1748.  John had the land titled jointly with his first born son, George Davidson.  This old practice of first born son getting sole title was still in practice from the medieval times.  It wouldn't change till America became free after the Revolution.  John made application for the land and moved onto it, and George has assisted as a chairman in the survey.  John never saw the completion of the paperwork, due to his untimely death.  The land on Davidson's Creek followed the creek southwest to join into the Catawba River.

    Surveys for the Granville land in the area of Davidson's Creek area were made December 1, 1748, for John McConnell and then followed by other surveys for James Templeton, George Davidson, Samuel Baker, John Thompson, James and John McCullock, Moses White, John Reed, Benjamin Winsley, John McDowell, William Morrison, Hugh Lawson, John Parks, John Brevard, and Edward Givens.  These names will show up again in the history of the Davidsons and McLeans.

    After only two years in the North Carolina lands John had died, leaving most of his estate to his son George.  After John's death, Jane, later on, married William Morrison and had her last child, William Morrison, Jr.  William Morrison helped Jane to close out inventory of John's last Virginia lands, for the aid of his new wife.  He was noted to be the present husband of the "said Jane Davidson."

    Before moving on I'd like to list the children of John and Jane Davidson.

    Col. George Davison born in 1728 in Ireland
    Rachel Davidson born abt. 1730 in Ireland
    Thomas Davidson born abt. 1733 in Ireland
    Samuel Davidson born 1736 in Ireland, twin
    Maj. William Davidson born 1736 in Ireland, twin
    Elizabeth Davidson born 1741 in Virginia
    Margaret Davidson born 1742 in Virginia
    John (One Eyed) Davidson born 1744 in Virginia

    http://www.tennkin.com/bios/johnandeph_bio.htm
    _______________________

    John Davidson was born in Ireland about 1709. Although we have suggested a parentage for him, this parentage is speculative. For most of his life, he seems to have spelled his name as "Davison"; however, he added the second "d" to make it Davidson when he entered land in North Carolina.

    The first fairly concrete evidence of his existance is a proof of importation that was entered into the Orange County Virginia Order Book in 1740. This documents announces that John Davison and his wife Jane and sons George, Thomas, William, and Samuel had arrived in America in Philadelphia and had now migrated to the Virginia Colony to acquire land. This document places their arrival in America as sometime between 1737 and 1740 as the twins William and Samuel were born in 1737. The were looking to acquire land in the Tinkling Springs Beverly Plantation, near where the city of Stanton in Rockbridge county, VA is today. In 1840 it was part of Orange County. Then in became part of Augusta County in the 1740s; and later still Rockbridge County.

    A key research understanding is that several other John Davidsons or John Davisons were in the same area at the same time. And all of them claim to be the John Davison referred to in this document. A key reason why it should be accepted for this John Davidson is that there is other evidence to document the existance of the sons and their birth order. In most other cases, they only have one son that they can document.

    While John Davidson was in Tinkling Spring, he had three more children and they were baptised there and records exist of those ceremonies.

    About 1748 inexpensive land was being made available by Lord Granville in northwestern North Carolina. John and his son George travelled there to claim some land. George served as a surveyor laying out a claim in what it now Iredell County. During the next year his family began selling the land in Virginia and moved to North Carolina.

    Shortly after the move, John Davidson died. His wife Jane, with the help of William Morrison, a neighbor whom she married, sold off the remaining properties in Virginia by 1753. It is said that Jane had a son William by William Morrison. Evidence is unclear if the son is hers or it is his by a previous marriage.

    However, her marriage to William Morrison has been the basis for a legend that is documented in many early histories of this family. The legend assumes that a Mister Morrison was her first husband and that he died in transit to America and that she married John Davidson afterwards. This would place the birth of the young William Morrison at about 1720. The William Morrison half-brother or step-brother who retained Tory sympathies during the War was obviously a young man - a man still raising a family about 1800.

    John Davidson was buried on the family farm in North Carolina. Unfortunately, no marker exists. But his presence is felt in the large numbers of people who can point back and call him their ancestor.

    THE LEGEND

    According to family tradition, Mister Morrison was a young unmarried, Irish Protestant who became enamored of a young, unmarried Irish Catholic lady.  Her father, an ardent Catholic, opposed the marriage, and the young couple ran away, were married, and embarked for America.  Mister Morrison died on the way and his young widow reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a destitute condition.

    John Davidson, a young bachelor, was an emigrant from Ireland to America on the same ship and there became acquainted with the Morrisons.  His sympathy was awakened in behalf of the young widow, especially, when on their arrival at Philadelphia, he learned of her necessitous condition.

    He procured for her a home with a family of some of his friends and and advanced her some money to defray her expenses in the interval.  On returning to the city after several months, her learned that her family had refused her any aid and that she had given birth to a son of her marriage which was adding to her distress.  Again, he came to her relief, and eventually that ripened into affection.  They were married and raised a large family.

    He raised his family in Pennsylvania, probably in Lancaster County. About 1750 the family moved to Rowan County, North Carolina in an area known as Center Church.  That area is now in Iredel County.
    _____________________

    George Franklin Davidson, son of Ephraim Davidson, grandson of Col. George Davidson, great-grandson of John Davidson, wrote a letter in 1840 that is one of the most important clues to the family ancestry.
    __________________

    Irdele Co., N.C.  Sept. 20, 1840

    Dear Cousin: -

         Since my return I have seen the letter you wrote to Father, making inquiries about the family of Davidsons, and he has attempted in some degree to answer them.  The oldest members of the family who came to this country were John and George Davidson.  George married a widow Simmeral and was the father of General Wm. Davidson, killed in Revolution, and another son who died a young man before that time.

         John was the father of Grandfather George D., and also 4 other sons, viz:  Thomas who lived and died near Charleston, S.C. –  William and Samuel (twins) both lived and died inn Buncombe (the latter was killed by Indians  -- the first was father of Col. Samuel Davidson who now lives in Buncombe on the same plantation)  -- the 4th brother was the one-eyed John D. who lived in Murry Co. Tenn  --  and a half brother, William Morrison, whose family went to Kentucky.

         Great G. Father John had three daughters, Rachel and Peggy who married John and David Alexander, some of whose descendents are now living in Buncombe and Tennessee  --  and Betty who married Ephraim McLean, and lived in Kentucky.

         G. G. Father and mother Reece died about 1800, the former, who first name was William, aged 100, the latter, name was Penelope Groner, aged 75.  Grandfather George Davidson was born in 1728, died in 1814; Grandmother born in 1731, died 1814.

         Our family emigrated from Rockbridge, Virginia about 1748.  G.G. father died about 2 years after. and was buried on his plantation.

         There are some of the particulars about which you wished to be informed and I expect are mostly correct.  I hope they will meet your wishes and enable you to effect your purpose.

         We are all well at present time, tho Father has recently had a dangerous spell of sickness.

         There is little news here.  I should be gratified to hear from you. Father sends his best wishes, etc.

    Yours etc.

    Geo. F. Davidson

    Source: T. P. Davidson, Memphis, Tenn  (Copied July 3 1896)
    ____________________

    SAMUEL  and JOHN DAVISON, both acquired land in Beverley Manor, Orange (Augusta in 1745) County, VA on the same date in 1739. Both had children baptized at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church in the 1740's.

    ORANGE CO., VA DEED BK. #3  1738-1744    4-5 June 1739. Pgs. 242-247.
    Wm. Beverley, Gent. of Essex Co. to Samuel Davison of Orange Co., lease and release (consideration blank) 353A in Beverley Manner on the south fork of Shenandore river, corner to Capt. James Pattin. (Refer
    to map of Beverley Manor).  Signed by Wm. Beverley, witnessed and proven by same three persons who witnessed deed to John Davison--(See below).
    28 June 1739.

    5 June 1739   Pgs. 237-242.
    Wm Beverley of Essex Co., Gent. to John Davison  of Augusta Co. lease and release for 23 pd. 11 sh.
    current money, 785A,  part of Manner of Beverley, at Christie's white oak. (Actually, John Christian's).

    GEORGE and SAMUEL went in the 1760's as some records show, to Tryon Co., NC which became part of Mecklenburg and Lincoln Cos., NC and Camden Dist., SC. There was an ongoing border dispute between NC and SC and when it was settled, SAMUEL fell into York Co., Camden Dist., SC. Deeds to his land were recorded in Mecklenburg Co., NC and in York Co., SC. (Some abstracts listed below). SAMUEL'S home was only a few miles from King's Mtn. where an important victory over the British was fought. Sons, WILLIAM, JAMES, and BENJAMIN participated and were given Revolutionary grants in Western NC where they settled. SAMUEL remained in York Co. where he died in 1787.

    Some Land Records of SAMUEL DAVIDSON,
    Crown Grants, Wm. Tryon, Royal Governor, #871,  Bk. 18, Pg. 30l.

    26 Sept 1766. SAMUEL DAVIDSON, 300A in Mecklenburg on both sides of Turkey Creek including mill seat, joining JAMES BRYSON'S.

    Crown Grants, Gov. Tryon, Royal Governor. Patent Bk. 23, Pg. 43.

    26 Apr 1767.   SAMUEL DAVIDSON, 35A in Mecklenburg on Bullock's Creek joining Curtis Caldwell, Wright's line, Moore's beginning, (a point), nearly with Stephenson's line and the foot of a mountain.

    Sources:
    1. Camden Dist., SC Wills & /Administrations, 1781-1787. (SAMUEL)
    2. "The McConnell Families" by Benjamin McConnell.  (JAMES)
    3. Cemetery Records of Morgan Co., TN. (WILLIAM)
    4. Methodist Bishop Asbury's journal entry of 13 Nov 1800, also another dated 7 Nov 1802. (BENJAMIN)       5. DAR Records and History of the Gullick Family. (BENJAMIN)
    6. Camden Dist., SC Wills & Admin. dated 1 Jan 1788 show advances made to widow (not named) & to JOHN
    GULLICK  in the right of his wife, REBEKAH &  to WILLIAM DAVIDSON.
    7. " Roster of Soldiers & Patriots Buried in TN." (WILLIAM)

    8. Tombstones of BENJAMIN & ANN in Davidson River Cemetery, Boilstown
    Twp., Transylvania Co., NC:
      BENJAMIN DAVIDSON                 A. D.
    NC Troops Rev. War     D. 1833  Aged 85
    (No dates shown)                        (Handcarved stone)

    Robert Winslow Davidson
    mrbdavis@swbell.net
    3 June 2000

    Birth:
    I know of no reliable source for when he was born. The only marker that we have on his age is that his first known son George was born in 1728. If you assume that he married about 1726, then you can estimate that he was born about 1700. Most likely he was born between 1695 and 1705.

    We know that he came to America from Ireland based on the 1740 Import Certificate filed on Orange County, VA. However, we can only assume that he was born in Ireland. It is also possible that he was born in Scotland or even northern England before going to Ireland.

    I think it is telling that his family spelled their name as Davison as that seems to be more common amongst Scots born in the North English counties. And as we believe that he was a Presbyterian, we know he was ethnically Scottish.

    Group:
    Immigrants from the UK who came to United States or Canada before the Revolutionary War

    Group:
    Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

    Group:
    Direct Descendant of any immigrant Davidson

    Group:
    Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

    Group:
    Davidson Immigrant Ancestors who are designated as the Head of a Family Line

    Group:
    Immigrant Ancestors

    Group:
    Proven as a descendant of DNA Family 001 by YDNA test of a direct descendant

    John married Jane Tucker about 1728 in Ireland. Jane was born about 1712 in Ireland; died in Unknown in North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 13.  Jane TuckerJane Tucker was born about 1712 in Ireland; died in Unknown in North Carolina.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Jane [--?--]
    • Group: American Colonial Immigrants
    • Group: Immigrant Ancestors

    Notes:

    According to some Morrison family data that has not been corraborated by documentation, Jane Tucker married John Davidson in Ireland and began raising a family. About 1737, they came to America landing in Philadelphia and first settling in Beverly Manor, Augusta Co., VA. About 1748, John Davidson and son George went to North Carolina to survey for new land in what is now Iredell County. Within a year, John Davidson was dead, and his wife remarried to a William Morrison.

    The Legend

    There is a tale that has been documented that does not have any basis in known fact.

    According to family tradition, Margaret - a young, unmarried Irish Catholic girl, became enamored to a Mister Morrison, a young unmarried, Irish Protestant.  Her father, an ardent Catholic, opposed the marriage, and the young couple ran away, were married, and embarked for America. Mister Morrison died on the way and his young widow reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a destitute condition.

    On board, they were befriended by John Davidson, a young batchelor, who was also emigrating to America from Ireland on the same ship.  His sympathy was awakened in behalf of the young widow, especially, when on their arrival at Philadelphia, he learned of her necessitous condition.

    He procured for her a home with a family of some of his friends and and advanced her some money to defray her expenses in the interval.  On returning to the city after several months, he learned that her family had refused her any aid and that she had given birth to a son of her marriage which was adding to her distress.  Again, he came to her relief, and eventually that ripened into affection.  They were married and raised a family.

    Group:
    Immigrants from the UK who came to United States or Canada before the Revolutionary War

    Group:
    Immigrant Ancestors

    Children:
    1. Col. George Davidson was born in 1728 in Ireland; died on 22 Sep 1814 in Iredell County, North Carolina; was buried after 22 Sep 1814 in Centre Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Mount Mourne, Iredell County, NC.
    2. Rachel Davidson was born about 1730 in Ireland; died in 1796 in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
    3. 6. Thomas Davidson was born about 1733 in Ireland; died about 1764 in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina.
    4. Capt. Samuel Davidson was born on 10 Oct 1736 in Ireland; died in 1784 in Swannanoa Gap, Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 1784 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina.
    5. Maj. William Davidson was born on 10 Oct 1736 in Ireland; died on 16 May 1814 in Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 16 May 1814 in Piney Grove (Swannanoa) Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Swannanoa, Buncombe County, NC.
    6. Elizabeth Davidson was born before 19 Apr 1741 in Augusta County, Virginia; was christened on 19 Apr 1741 in Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, Beverly Manor, Fishersville, Augusta County, VA; died after 1820 in Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky; was buried after 1820 in Caney Station Cemetery, Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
    7. Margaret "Peggy" Davidson was born before 5 Dec 1742 in Orange County, Virginia; was christened on 5 Dec 1742 in Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, Beverly Manor, Fishersville, Augusta County, VA; died in Unknown in Tennessee.
    8. John "One-Eye" Davidson was born before 25 Nov 1744 in Beverly Manor, Augusta County, Virginia; was christened on 25 Nov 1744 in Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, Beverly Manor, Fishersville, Augusta County, VA; died on 25 Feb 1825 in Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee; was buried on 18 Feb 1825 in Reeses Chapel Cemetery, McCains, Maury County, Tennessee.
    9. Robert Davidson was born before 5 Apr 1747; was christened on 5 Apr 1747 in Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, Beverly Manor, Fishersville, Augusta County, VA; died in Unknown.