Hugh Davidson

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: LH2F-PBZ
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant Samuel Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Group: Proven Davidson DNA Family 001
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 109567862
• 1830 Census: 1830, Bedford County, Tennessee
• 1840 Census: 1840, Coffee County, Tennessee
• 1850 Census: 10 Oct 1850, Coffee County, Tennessee
• 1860 Census: 2 Jun 1860, Coffee County, Tennessee

Notes:

The following is a biography abstracted from the book "Genealogy of the Davidson Family of the Duck River Valley" by Ede Davidson Neil, John Q. Davidson, and Hugh Davidson (Nashville, 1907):

"Hugh Davidson was the oldest child of John Davidson (The Third).  At one time lived upon his farm on Duck River, several miles above trhe farm of his uncle, Hugh Davidson.  He married Susan McLean.  The had several children.  He removed, with is family, to Arkansas many years ago, and we regret we are unable to learn anything more of them."
___________

From FindaGrave:

Hugh was the son of John Davidson and Martha Davidson.

On February 27, 1822 at Winchester, Coffee County, Tennessee he married Susan Howard McLean, daughter of Charles McLean and Sarah Vance.

Together they had 11 Children: Sarah J., Margaret E., Priscilla E., Quincey A., Charles M., Cynthia A., Martha C., Clementine, William A., Mary Niles and Sophia E.

It is likely that Hugh is buried at Blue Springs but not yet proven.

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LH2F-PBZ

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

Group:
Descendants of immigrant Samuel 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:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/109567862

1830 Census:
p. 71
Hugh Davidson    011 210 001 0000 - 110 010 010 0000
...
D. V. Davidson    100 010 000 0000 - 010 010 000 0000
Hugh Davidson    200 001 000 0000 - 220 010 000 0000

Census Analysis:

Male     30-40 : Hugh Davidson, b. 1795
Female 20-30 : Susan Howard McLean, b. 1806
Female   5-10 : ? Sarah Jane Davidson
Female   5-10 : ? Priscilla Emaline Davidson
Female    < 5  : Margaret Elvira Davidson, b. c. 1825
Female    < 5  : Quincy Adams Davidson, b. 1828
Male         < 5 : ?
Male         < 5 : ?

1840 Census:
p. 158,

010 000 100 0000 - 122 201 000 0000

Census Analysis:

Male     40-50 : Hugh Davidson, b. 1795
Female 30-40 : Susan Howard McLean, b. 1806
Female 15-20 : ? Sarah Jane Davidson
Female 15-20 : ? Priscilla Emaline Davidson
Female 10-15 : Margaret Elvira Davidson, b. c. 1825
Female 10-15 : Quincy Adams Davidson, b. 1828
Female   5-10 : ? Cynthia Ann Davidson
Female   5-10 : Martha Caroline Davidson, b. c. 1834
Male       5-10 : Charles McLean Davidson, b. c. 1831
Female     < 5 : Clementine Davidson, b. c. 1837

1850 Census:
Sixth Civil District, p. 43a
Hugh Davidson    55  M  W   Farmer  ----  NC
Susan      "          44  F  W                       Ky
Quincy     "          21  F  W                       Tenn     school
Charles    "          19  M  W   Laborer           "           "
Martha     "          16   F  W                         "           "
Clemtine   "          13  F  W                         "           "
William     "          10  M  W                         "           "
Mary        "            5  F  W                         "           "

1860 Census:
6th Civil District, Manchester PO, p. 85
Hugh Davidson    65  M  Farmer  $2500  $10,325   NC
Susan     "           54  F   Domes                            Tenn
Charles   "           30  M   Carpenter
Martha    "           25   F   Domes
Mary A    "          14   F
William A   "        19  M   Con Labor
Sofia          "         8   F

Hugh married Susan Howard McLean on 27 Feb 1822 in Winchester, Franklin County, Tennessee. Susan (daughter of Charles McLean and Sarah "Sallie" Vance) was born on 27 Jan 1806 in Logan County, Kentucky; died on 21 Jul 1875 in Newark, Independence County, Arkansas; was buried after 21 Jul 1875 in Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Sarah Jane Davidson was born on 18 Feb 1823 in Bedford County, Tennessee; died on 25 Feb 1858 in Manchester, Coffee County, Tennessee.
2. Margaret Elvira Davidson was born on 30 Dec 1824 in Bedford County, Tennessee; died in 1894 in Cooke County, Texas.
3. Priscilla Emaline Davidson was born on 28 Nov 1826 in Bedford County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.
4. Quincy Adams Davidson was born on 28 Nov 1828 in Bedford County, Tennessee; died on 20 May 1894 in Cooke County, Texas; was buried after 20 May 1894 in Spring Creek Cemetery, Cooke County, Texas.
5. Charles McLean Davidson was born on 26 Sep 1830 in Bedford County, Tennessee; died on 5 Nov 1869 in Arkansas.
6. Cynthia Ann Davidson was born on 15 Jan 1833 in Bedford, Bedford County, Tennessee; died on 30 Dec 1879 in Fannin County, Texas.
7. Martha Caroline "Mat" Davidson was born on 8 May 1835 in Bedford County, Tennessee; died on 14 May 1933 in Newark, Independence County, Arkansas; was buried after 14 May 1933 in Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.
8. Clementine Davidson was born on 30 May 1837 in Tennessee; died on 12 Dec 1927 in Wayland, Stephens County, Texas; was buried on 13 Dec 1927 in Wayland Cemetery, Wayland, Stephens County, Texas.
9. William Alney Davidson was born on 23 Sep 1840 in Coffee County, Tennessee; died on 19 Feb 1904 in Arkansas City, Desha County, Arkansas.
10. Mary Niles Davidson was born on 10 Jan 1844 in Manchester, Coffee County, Tennessee; died on 13 Mar 1934 in Lamesa, Dawson County, Texas; was buried after 13 Mar 1934 in Hancock Cemetery, Hancock, Dawson County, Texas.
11. Sophia Elizabeth Davidson was born on 28 Jul 1851 in Coffee County, Tennessee; died in 1877.

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: LKSB-DYT
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Group: Proven Davidson DNA Family 001
• Occupation: Farmer
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 22910458
• Alt. Birth: 4 Oct 1764, North Carolina
• 1800 Census: 1800, Morgan, Buncombe County, North Carolina
• Residence: 1804, Buncombe County, North Carolina
• 1810 Census: 1810, Tennessee; Not Located
• 1820 Census: 1820, Tennessee; Not Located
• 1830 Census: 1830, Bedford County, Tennessee
• 1840 Census: 1840, Bedford County, Tennessee

Notes:

The following is a biography abstracted from the book "Genealogy of the Davidson Family of the Duck River Valley" by Ede Davidson Neil, John Q. Davidson, and Hugh Davidson (Nashville, 1907):

"John Davidson (The Third) was the oldest son of Maj. William Davidson and his wife, Margaret (McConnell) Davidson.  He married his cousin, Martha, daughter of James Davidson, and came to the 'Duck River country' with his brother, Hugh Davidson, about 1815, and settled near the head of Knob Creek, Bedford County, Tenn.  To them were born five children -- Hugh, George, Andrew, James, and Margaret.  He was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, enlisting three times.  For the first enlistment, Samuel Davidson was his captain.  In his second and third enlistments Daniel Smith commanded his company.  Joseph McDowell was his Colonel."

Birth:
His gravestone gives this date.

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LKSB-DYT

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:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22910458

Alt. Birth:
Some sources give his birthdate as 4 October 1764

1800 Census:
p. 167
John Davidson     10010 - 20010
...
John Davidson     40010 - 01010   (The female age 10-16 enumerated with family is not identified.)
Samuel Davis       20010 - 10010
Isaac Davis          20010 - 01010
Benjn. Davidson   01001 - 10501

Residence:
ABSTRACTS FROM DEEDS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, DB "A" pp 156-160, 1804.
Deed of Gift from William Davidson. l/lOth each to his 9 children? JOHN, GEORGE, HUGH, SARAH, MARY SMITH, ELIZABETH ALEXANDER, RUTH WILLIAMS, WILLIAM MITCHELL DAVIDSON, AND SAMUEL WINSLOW DAVIDSON, all of Buncombe Co., NC, and l/lOth to 5 grandchildren, children of JEAN DAVIDSON (deceased), his daughter, and her husband, THOMAS DAVIDSON. These grandchildren were, MARGARET LATTA DAVIDSON, JOHN DAVIDSON, WILLIAM DAVIDSON, EPHRAIM McLEAN DAVIDSON, and SALLY (or DOVEY) DAVIDSON; all grandchildren being from Logan County, KY except WILLIAM of Buncombe Co., NC. SAMUEL WINSLOW DAVIDSON, 3,000 and 2,000 acres on Obion and Duck River, TN.

1830 Census:
p. 68
John Davidson    000 100 001 0000 - 000 100 010 0000

Male     60-70 : John Davidson, b. 1764
Female 50-60 : Martha Davidson, b. 1770
Male     15-20 : Andrew M. Davidson, b. 1811
Female 15-20 : Mary Davidson, b. 1812

1840 Census:
p. 10
John Davidson           000 000 000 1000 - 000 100 000 1000   John Davidson, age 77
William F. Thompson  000 010 000 0000 - 000 010 000 0000
John Thompson         101 310 010 0000 - 123 030 100 0000

John married Martha Davidson before 1795. Martha (daughter of James Davidson and Mary McConnell) was born about 1770; died in Apr 1842 in Bedford County, Tennessee; was buried after Apr 1842 in Davidson Cemetery, Union Ridge, Bedford County, TN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant Samuel Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 22910505
• Alt. Birth: 1779, Rowan County, North Carolina

Notes:

Martha died in 1842 at 63 years of age, according to her tombstone.

Based on 1800 census Martha was born 1755-1774.

Group:
Descendants of immigrant Samuel 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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22910505

Buried:
Martha's tabletop crypt is scattered, with the top either leaning against a tree, or the tree grew through the grave.

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: LYZR-R3X
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Group: Proven Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Veteran - Army
• Group: Veteran of Revolutionary War or Patriot
• Occupation: Soldier and Farmer
• 1790 Census: 1790
• 1800 Census: 1800
• Land: 1804, Buncombe County, North Carolina
• 1810 Census: 1810

Notes:

Major William Davidson was born in Ireland in October 1737.  Some sources list his birth year as 1739.  Samuel Davidson was his twin brother.  His family moved about 1750 to what was then Center Church in Rowan County, NC.  This area is now in Iredell County.

He married Margaret McConnell.

When the Revolutionary War broke out, he was living in western Rowan County at a place called "The Glades", now in McDowell County, NC, on the Catawba River near Greenlee.

Soon after the war, he removed from "The Glades" a place not far from the present village of Old Fort in McDowell County, NC, on the Catawba River to the Swannanoa River in what is now Buncombe County, NC, where he resided till his death at age 78 on 16 May 1814.  The home was in the mountains at the mouth of Bee Tree Creek and remained in the family for about a century.  He is buried on the estate.

The following is a biography abstracted from the book "Genealogy of the Davidson Family of the Duck River Valley" by Ede Davidson Neil, John Q. Davidson, and Hugh Davidson (Nashville, 1907):

"William Davidson was a patriot in every sense of the word, and was by appointment of the Provincial Congress, April 22, 1776, a Major in the Fourth North Carolina Regiment.  He was a member of the Continental Congress from North Carolina from 1818 to 1821  [Sic. -  This is impossible.  By 1818, he was dead and the Continental Congress no longer existed.], and was also the first Senator in the Legislature of North Carolina from the county of Buncombe.  The county of Buncombe was organized at his home, and the first County Court was held there.  From an old record we get the following:

"'B.'
"'North Carolina, Buncombe County, April 16th, A.D. 1792. -- Agreeable to a commission to us directed, the County Court of said county was begun, opened, and held at the house of Col. William Davidson, Esq.  Present: James Davidson, David Vance, William Whitson, William Davidson, James Alexander, James Brittain, Philip Hoodenpile.'

"He was also a member of the Committee of Safety for Rowan County.  At a meeting of this committee held on Wednesday, November 8, 1775, we find the following resolution:

"'Resolved, That John Brevard, John Dickey, Moses Winsley, and Hugh Brevard, or any three of them, attend at Capt. William Davidson's, on the 20th instant, to see that the company of minute men, whom he has enlisted, are embodied, and able, effective men, and make report to the next committee.'

"An old family record shows that William Davidson died May 16, 1814, aged 78 years.  His wife Margaret (McConnell) Davidson, died November 13, 1806, aged 58 years; yet the monument erected by the D.A.R.'s gives the year of his death as 1810.  The following is a copy of what appears on his monument:

"'MAJ. WM. DAVIDSON
          1744-1810
  Soldier of the Revolution.
  House of Commons, 1790.
  Senate,                      1792.

One of the earliest settlers of the French Broad Valley.
He was prominent in the organization of Buncombe County.'

"On the reverse side:

"'  Erected by the
        D.A.R.'

"In 'King's Mountain and Its Heros' the following appears:

"'A little incident, worthy of relation, occurred while the British Troops were encamped at William Davidson's place.  A soldier was tempted to kill a chicken and enjoy a savory meal: but he was discovered by Mrs. Davidson, who reported the theft to Ferguson.  He had the culprit punished, and gave the good lady a dollar in compensation for the loss. This was certainly creditable to Ferguson's sense of justice: but it was, like an oasis in the desert, a circumstance of very unfrequent occurrence.'

"This Mrs. Davidson was Margaret McConnell, wife of William Davidson, our ancestor, and must have been a woman of considerable courage, as Ferguson was known as 'The Great Wolf of North Carolina,' who often showed his bloodthirsty temper.

"On another occasion, while the British were on the lookout for 'rebels,' they went ot the home of William Davidson: and young Morrison, her husband's half-brother, attempted to frighten her into revealing the hiding place of her husband by pointing a gun at her in a threatening manner.  He failed to get any information.

"By way of explanation we will say that some of the 'Duck River' branch of the Davidsons have been a little confused by the fact that there were two William Davidsons, which can be easily explained.  We descend from William Davidson, son of John Davidson (The First).  Gen. William Lee Davidson, who was killed at Cowan's Ford, February 1, 1781, while resisting the advance of the British forces, under command of Colonel Hall, was a son of George Davidson, brother of John Davidson (The First).  A renegade Tory, Frederick Hager, was Colonel Hall's guide on this occasion; and it was thought by General Davidson's friends that it was Hagar who killed him, as he was shot through the body by a bullet from a small-bored gun -- the only one in the Bristish command -- and was carried by Hager.  After the war, it was entirely 'too hot' for Hager in North Carolina, and he came to Tennessee and settled near Cascade Falls, in what is now Coffee County.  Several years later John Davidson (The Third) and his brother, Hugh Davidson, came to the Duck River country and settled, the latter about four miles east of Normandy.  Hager, learning this fact, removed again westward, going into the wilderness of Arkansas, and died near Lone Post, leaving a large family."
_________

PACOLET, Spartanburg County, SC
March 11, 1875
Friend Spartan:

The other day I saw a  veritable Centennial curiosity. Just below the old Grindal shoals, on Pacolet  river, stands a large beech tree about three and half feet in diameter, upon  which is carved the initials " W.D., 1776 " and tradition says it was CAPT.  WILLIAM DAVIDSON, who was in command of a picket at that memorable ford, while  some troops were making their way to Charleston. On the South side of the river,  a considerable number of torys lived- hence the " rebels", in camping always  used the precaution to guard the ford. That WILLIAM DAVIDSON must have been a  good scholar or at least expert in carving as the letters and figures are well  made and beautifully proportioned. On another beech close by, is inscribed  LEMUEL FERNANDES, 1804. This old ford has long since, from necessity, gone out  of use. In olden times there was here a fine shoal and boats sluices, but not a  vestage of it is to be seen. The natural bed of the river, I suppose, has been  elevated five or six feet and mostly ruined the once magnificent water  power of that place.
PACOLET.

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LYZR-R3X

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:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

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

Group:
Veteran of the United States Army

Group:
Revolutionary War Patriot or Soldier.

1790 Census:
____, Burke Co., NC, p. 109, 4-2-4-8

1800 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 166, 00201-01001-08

Land:
ABSTRACTS FROM DEEDS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, DB "A" pp 156-160, 1804.
Deed of Gift from William Davidson. l/lOth each to his 9 children? JOHN, GEORGE, HUGH, SARAH, MARY SMITH, ELIZABETH ALEXANDER, RUTH WILLIAMS, WILLIAM MITCHELL DAVIDSON, AND SAMUEL WINSLOW DAVIDSON, all of Buncombe Co., NC, and l/lOth to 5 grandchildren, children of JEAN DAVIDSON (deceased), his daughter, and her husband, THOMAS DAVIDSON. These grandchildren were, MARGARET LATTA DAVIDSON, JOHN DAVIDSON, WILLIAM DAVIDSON, EPHRAIM McLEAN DAVIDSON, and SALLY (or DOVEY) DAVIDSON; all grandchildren being from Logan County, KY except WILLIAM of Buncombe Co., NC. SAMUEL WINSLOW DAVIDSON, 3,000 and 2,000 acres on Obion and Duck River, TN.

1810 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 80, w/Samuel Davidson, 10101-20020-09

Buried:
William has a Headstone at this cemetery that was placed as a memorial, long after his death by the DAR. It has an incorrect birth and death years. He was likely really buried at his farm on Davidson Road nearby. The monument confuses Maj. William Davidson with Col. William Davidson, his likely cousin.

The following is a copy of what appears on his monument:

MAJ. WM. DAVIDSON
          1744-1810
Soldier of the Revolution.
House of Commons, 1790.
Senate,                      1792.

One of the earliest settlers of the French Broad Valley.
He was prominent in the organization of Buncombe County.

On the reverse side:

Erected by the
        D.A.R.

William married Margaret McConnell in 1758 in French Broad Valley, ____, North Carolina. Margaret (daughter of John McConnell, Sr. and Mary Winsley) was born about 1742 in Brunswick County, Virginia; died on 13 Nov 1806 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: LCFN-XG2
• Alt. Birth: Abt 1747, North Carolina

Notes:

Margaret McConnell Davidson died in Buncombe County, NC, on 13 November 1806 in her 58th year.

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LCFN-XG2

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: LVGB-NFY
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant Samuel Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Alt. Death: Unknown, Davidson River, Transylvania County, North Carolina
• 1790 Census: 1790, Burke County, North Carolina
• 1800 Census: 1800, Morgan, Wilkes County, North Carolina
• Will: 2 Mar 1816, Rutherford County, Tennessee

Notes:

Christened:
Recorded in the book "The Tinkling Spring, Headwater of Freedom" (by Rev. Howard McKnight Wilson, 1954, p. 473), as James Davison, bp. 23 Aug. 1741, son of Samuel Davison.

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LVGB-NFY

Group:
Descendants of immigrant Samuel 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

1790 Census:
p. 109,
James Davidson  2-0-6-3

1800 Census:
p. 35
James Davidson   00011 - 22201 - 0(11)

Census Analysis :
Male       > 45 : James Davidson, b. 1741
Female   > 45 : Mary McConnell, b. abt 1745
Male     26-45 : ? John Davidson, b. abt 1774
Female 16-26 : ?
Female 16-26 : ?
Female 10-16 : ?
Female 10-16 : Cynthia Davidson, b. abt 1785
Female   < 10 : ?
Female   < 10 : ?

Will:
RUTHERFORD COUNTY , TENNESSEE , WILLS,INVENTORIES AND SETTLEMENTS,VOLUME III, 1814-1816 - AGLL FILM NO. V202-72, Item 11 (PAGE 121)

Will James Davidson -
In the name of God, Amen, I, James Davidson of the State of Tennessee, Rutherford County, being of perfect mind & memory, and calling to mind the mortality of my body, do make and ordain this my last will & testament, revoking all others, that is first of all I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent plain manner, and as for my worldly estate, it is my will to dispose of it in the following manner:-

first my lawful debts to be paid out of my estate,

second it is my will that my son John Davidson should be the executor of my estate -

I give and bequeath to my son John Davidson, four hundred dollars to be paid to him after my decease,

I bequeath to my son John Davidson all my wearing apparel, my saddle horse & saddle.

I give & bequeath to Rebecca Young, my daughter, ten shillings.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha Davidson four hundred dollars.

Further it is my will that Sara Lusk, my daughter shall have four hundred dollars,

also it is my will that my daughter Mary Johnson should have fifty dollars.

I also give and bequeath to my daughter Ruby McGee?, ten shillings.

I also give and bequeath to my daughter Sinthy Hubbard ten shillings,

also it is my will that Martha Benson fifty dollars, also fifty dollars to her sister Jane, it is to remain in my sons hands until they are married or their father dies.

I give and bequeath to my grand-daughter Polly Kirk fifty and unto Sara Davidson my grand-daughter fifty dollars.

I do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and fix my seal this 2nd of March 1816.

James Davidson x his mark
Test. Sam'l Killough - William Wilson.

State of Tennessee, Rutherford County - April session 1816 - I Blackman Coleman, clerk of Rutherford County Court, do certify the above will was duly proven in open court by the oaths of Samuel Killough and William Wilson, subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and is recorded in book No. three, folio 122 - this 7th day of May 1816.
Signed Blackman Coleman, Clerk.

(Page 175)

Inventory of the estate of James Davidson, deceased, as returned to July term 1816 by John Davidson, executor -

One note given by Samuel Hix to said James Davidson for ten hundred and fifty dollars, dated the 28th day of March 1814 - payable eight years after date with interest on same from and after the first day of April 1817, which I will account for when collected $1050.00.

One note on Joseph Mast for five hundred dollars due the __ day of __which I will account for when collected $500.00 -

One note on I. Whittington for sundry other notes on different people amounting in all to $26.25 which I will account for when collected - One black horse, saddle and bridle. Wearing apparel $11.25, six books.

John Davidson, Admr. State of Tennessee , Rutherford County Court, July term 1816.

This Inventory was returned into court at the above term and ordered to be recorded and is recorded in Book no. three, folio 175 this 25th day of July 1816

Test. B. Coleman, Clk.

James married Mary McConnell before 1769. Mary (daughter of John McConnell, Sr. and Mary Winsley) was born about 1745 in Lunenburg County, Virginia; died about 1801. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: G38L-3M4

Notes:

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/G38L-3M4

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]

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

Other Events:

• 1790 Census: 1780
• 1800 Census: 1800

Notes:

1790 Census:
____, Iredell Co., NC, p. 388, 1-0-1-0-8

1800 Census:
____, Iredell Co., NC, p. 655, 00011-00211-05

John married Mary Winsley about 1742. Mary (daughter of Benjamin Winsley and Mary Beverly) died in 1812 in Iredell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Also known As (aka): Mary Winslow

Other Events:

• Name: Samuel Davison
• Group: American Colonial Immigrants
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant Samuel 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
• Residence: Aft 1739, Beverly Manor, Augusta County, Virginia
• Residence: Aft 1760, Tryon County, North Carolina

Notes:

I have no proof that Samuel is a brother of George and John; however, he lived near John in Beverly Manor, and they bought their land at the same time. There is suggested evidence that Samuel might have made the land purchase for John who was not yet in the colonies. Further,  two of his children were close with John's children in Burke and Buncombe counties. DNA evidence shows that he was at least closely related.
_____

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
_______________

From Jennings-Davidson Genealogy, pp. 140ff

"Samuel Davison, b. prob 1705-1710, in Ulster, Norther Ireland, and emigrated to America with his parents, settling in Spottsylvania, Co., VA which was later divided into Augusta and Albemarle Cos.

"On page 41, Kegley's "Virginia Frontiers" is a list of the first settlers in Beverly Manor whose title deeds were recorded in Orange Co., VA, which shows John Davison, 785 acres, and Samuel Davison, 253 acres. It further recites that 'although many of the inhabitants were on the ground from 1732 on, no deeds were recorded before February 1738.'

"He had four sons who were in Virginia military service in 1757, as he collected wages for George, John, and James in that year." Another son seems to have collected his own pay.

Children of Samuel and his wife (unknown):
a. George Davison, b. Aug 27, 1738; died KY 1823. m. Mar 17, 1763, Mary Woods. Name later spelled Davidson.
b. James Davidson, signed a receipt for military service
c. John Davison, signed a receipt for military service
d. A son of military age."

The book only follows George's line.

George Davison, b. 27 aug 1738, PA; d betw. May 23, 1825 (date of will) and 10 July 1826 (the date of proving the will), in KY. Buried in the homestead burying ground, near Stanford, KY. m. 17 mar 1763 in Albemarle or Greenbrier Co., VA to Mary Woods, dau. of Wm. Woods (son of Michael Woods and Mary Campbell) and his wife Susanna Wallace, first settlers of the Blue Ridge regions of Virginia. About 1783, migrated to Lincoln Co., KY.

Children: (born Albemarle Co., VA)
a. Samuel Davidson, b.1766, d. 12 sept 1845; m. 15 feb 1797, Sarah (Sallie) Logan.
b. Susannah Davidson, b. abt 1767-1768, d. bef. 1825, m. 8 Aug 1785, John King
c. Jane Davidson, b. abt 1771, m ?? KY, had dau. Jane ???
d. Polly Davidson, unmarried
e. Martha (Mattie) Davidson, b. abt 1769, m. 27 sept 1784, Hugh Leeper.
f. John Davidson, b. abt 1775, unmarried., d. aft 1825.
g. James Davidson, b. 13 nov 1777, d. 31 may 1861, m. 24 aug 1819, Harriett Ballenger
h. Michael Davidson, b. 13 nov 1777, m. 8 aug 1817, Lucretia Ballenger
i. Nancy Davidson, b. 8 feb 1785, m 18 nov 1806, James Robertson
j. William Davidson, d. age 20
k. George Davidson, d. young"

Birth:
Samuel Davison is the most elusive of the three likely brothers. He seems to be the youngest brother based on the fact that his oldest child George was born no earlier than the late 1730s. This would place his marriage at, likely, no sooner than 1735. That would suggest a birth between 1700 and 1710.

There is a purported genealogy of Samuel in the Jennings-Davidson Genealogy that has serious errors in the earliest generatiions.

Samuel did have sons old enough in 1757 to fight with him in the French and Indian War. Brothers George, John, and James are mentioned in various records and father Samuel collected some pay packets for the sons which suggests they were under age.

It also tells us that Samuel was still in Virginia long after John had left for North Carolina.

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

Group:
Descendants of immigrant Samuel 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

Residence:
Sometime after the French and Indian War, Samuel seems to have gone South to what was then called Rowen county but later became Tryon County, North Carolina. And later still was moved into York or Union County, South Carolina.

Samuel married Margaret [--?--] before 1736. Margaret died in Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Maner

Notes:

Many sources suggest that her name was Maner. I have seen no evidence of that.