John Leander Smith

Other Events:

• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 9004578
• 1820 Census: 1820
• 1830 Census: 1830
• 1850 Census: 10 Sep 1850
• Alt. Burial: Aft 14 Oct 1861, Old Zion Cemetery - Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee

Notes:

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9004578

1820 Census:
Not Located.

1830 Census:
____, Maury Co., TN, p. 409, as John L. Smith, 110 001 000 0000 - 110 001 000 0000

1850 Census:
District 9, Maury Co., TN, p. 275a, age 58, b. NC

John married Jane Davidson Williams in 1820 in Maury County, Tennessee. Jane (daughter of Gen. Samuel Humphries Williams and Ruth Davidson) was born on 18 May 1799 in Carter County, Tennessee; died on 13 Jan 1870; was buried after 13 Jan 1870 in Zion Presbyerian Church Cemetery, Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Maria Ruth "Mary" Smith was born in 1824 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.
2. Samuel Humphreys Smith was born in 1826 in Tennessee; died in Unknown.
3. Daniel Smith was born in 1828 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.
4. Daughter Smith was born on 25 Nov 1829 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died before 1830.
5. Justina F. Smith was born in 1830 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.
6. Sarah Elizabeth Smith was born in 1831 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.
7. Elizabeth Smith was born in 1832 in Tennessee; died in Unknown.
8. John E. Smith was born about 1834 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.
9. Rowena Jane Smith was born on 21 Nov 1836 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died on 15 Jul 1839 in Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee.
10. Daughter Smith was born on 25 Jun 1838; died before 1850.
11. Joseph Williams Smith was born on 2 May 1840 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died on 30 Sep 1881 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee.
12. Catherine Lavinia Jane Smith was born on 28 Aug 1843 in Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; died in Unknown.

Other Events:

• 1790 Census: 1790, Rutherford County, North Carolina
• 1800 Census: 1800
• 1810 Census: 1810
• 1820 Census: 1820

Notes:

Col. Daniel Smith, originally from New Jersey, was a celebrated frontiersman and Indian fighter.  He was a hunter and a Patriot soldier, a Captain in the Burke County, NC, militia during the Revolution, and a Colonel in the Buncombe County, NC, militia after the War.  Daniel was prominent among the men who crossed the mountain to avenge the death (in 1784) of Samuel Davidson.

Family records indicate that he moved directly from New Jersey to North Carolina in 1776; however, records exist in Augusta County, VA, that a Daniel Smith lived there.  (see Hand, p. 30)
____________________

Born in New Jersey in 1757. Died in Asheville, Buncombe county, North Carolina. Enlisted in the Burke county, North Carolina militia and stationed at the head of the Catawba River to defend the frontiers against the Indians. He fought in the battle of Kings Mountain and other battles in the region. He is buried at the Old Newton Academy Cemetery on Biltmore Ave in Asheville, Buncombe county, North Carolina.

Family was known at one time as "Smithson"
___________

Daniel Smith is listed in the 1800 census of Buncombe county, North Carolina as head of a household consisting of 2 males under 10, 2 males 10-16, 2 males 26-45, 3 females under 10,1 female'10-16, 1 female 26-45, 1 slave.

Daniel Smith was a native of New Jersey born in 1757. According to some entries in the family Bible Smithson was the name used by this family at one time.

Daniel Smith lived in Rowan and Burke Counties, North Carolina during the Revolution, and served from 1776 to the close ot the Revolution, principally against the Indians, as Captain of North Carolina Militia, a part of the time under Col. Charles McDowell and Gen. Gritfith Ruthertord.

In the fall ot 1781 Daniel Smith and Mary McConnell Davidson were married at the ''The Glades" home. Her father was Major William Davidson in Burke County, (now McDowell County) North Carolina. Mary Davidson was a niece of Samuel Davidson who was killed by Indians at his homestead on Christian Creek near Swannanoa in 1784. It is said but not certainly known that Samuel Davidson's wife was a sister ot Daniel Smith.

In 1787 Daniel Smith was apparently in the party that formed the first settlement on Bee Tree Creek but moved on west and settled on the east side of the French Broad River on the ridge north of the confluence of the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers. He and William Forster, the second of the name, being the first two men 'to settle in what is now the City of Asheville. The land was part of a grant of 640 acres made by the State of North Carolina to William Stewart dated August 7, 1787. It bears the signature of Richard Caswell, Governor of the state. In the year 1796 William Stewart conveyed 308 acres to Daniel Smith in consideration ot "one hundred pounds of lawful money of said State of North Carolina."

One ot the artifacts from this period of history, inherited and preserved through the Reynolds family and carefully guarded by Pack Memorial Library is the special musket carried and prized by Daniel Smith throughout his litetime. It was a pre-revoIutionary smoothbore flintlock dubbed "Long Tom" and his constant companion as he travelled extensively about this part of the country in search of food and furs, and for defense of the settlement. With the opening of the Smith-McDowell House in June 1981 it "came home'' for display on property that he pioneered.
___________

Colonel Daniel Smith, apparently in the party that formed the first settlement on Bee Tree, a hunter and an American soldier in the Revolutionary War, settled immediately east of the railroad at the first branch above the passenger station at Asheville, on the ridge, just north of the branch where his cabin stood for many years. The site is now in Asheville; he and William Forster, the second of the name, being the first two men to settle in what is now the City of Asheville. In his home there, Colonel Daniel Smith died. He was buried where Fennihurst is now, but about 1875 his grave was removed to the Newton Academy graveyard. The following is the interesting inscription on his tombstone:

"In memory of Col. Daniel Smith, who departed this life on the 17th of May, 1824, Aged 67. A native of New Jersey, an industrious citizen, an honest man, and a brave soldier. The soil which inurns his ashes is a part of the heritage wrested by his valor for his children and his country from a ruthless and savage foe."

He married Mary Davidson, daughter of Major William Davidson and niece of Samuel Davidson. It is said but not certainly known that Samuel Davidson's wife was a sister of Colonel Smith. Samuel Davidson and Daniel Smith were close friends and hunted together, sometimes west of the Blue Ridge where, on one occasien at least they were chased by a band of Cherokees.

Prominent among the men who came across the mountains to avenge the death of Samuel Davidson was Daniel Smith. His old gun is still in Asheville. Mrs. Mary Smith, his widow, died April 29, 1842 and is buried by his side.

One day when Colonel Daniel Smith was hunting on Beaucatcher a gunshot from the direction of his home was heard and he hastened home to find that some friends visiting him had found a large black bear bathing in his spring and had shot the too familiar animal.

Colonel Smith hated Cherokees. One day he saw two Indians crossing French Broad River in his canoe. Rushing to the bank of the stream he shot and killed both Indians. As this happened to be a time when there was peace between the races Colonel Smith narrowly escaped an indictment for murder in killing these trespassers.

As he was a militia Colonel, he was buried with military honors by the Buncombe Militia. ____

Daniel and Mary (Davidson) Smith had nine children.

1. Their first son William Davidson Smith was born October 1, 1784. He married December 31,1808 Sarah Carson. One of their daughters Mary Monnett Smith married William Turner Johnson and have descendants living in Buncombe and Henderson Counties.

2. Their second son James McConnell Smith was born June 14, 1787 and was reputed to have been the first child of white parentage born in what is now the City of Asheville. He married June 28,1814 Mary (Polly) Patton daughter of Col. John Patton and Ann Mallory. He became one of the leading citizens of Asheville and acquired a large fortune. He ran the Buck Hotel at the corner of N. Main Street (now Broadway) and College Street. He was in the mercantile business and was a large land owner. His most famous claim to fame is still standing today as a memorial to its builder, the Smith-McDowell House on Victoria Road. James McConnell and Mary (Polly) (Patton) Smith had seven daughters and two sons. They all married except one son John Patton Smith. They married into prominent families of the area and have many descendants still living in Buncombe County. Their fitth daughter Sarah Lucinda Smith married William Wallace McDowell in 1846. The McDowells reared nine children and lived in the brick house on Victoria about twenty-five years.

3. Daniel and Mary (Davidson) Smith's first daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Smith was born April 1,1789 and married Mallory Brandon Patton August 10, 1814. Mallory Brandon Patton and Mary (Polly) Patton were brother and sister.

4. Their second daughter Mary Polly) Smith was born Nov 25,1795 and married John Hawkins and moved to the Action Section of Buncombe County.

5. Daniel Smith, Jr. was born Feb. 5,1798 and married Margaret McRee in 1820. (Jack Woodward's Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather)

6. John L. Smith; no record (was living in 1844 according to Pension claim)

7. Nancy A. Smith was born March 14, 1800 and married G. William Burnett Sept. 26, 1822.

8. Moses Smith was born March 14, 1502 and married Hannah Lane.

9. Jane 0. Smith was born Oct. 18,1804 and married Alfred Fortune.

On March 7, 1845 David Lowry Swain, President of the State University at Chapel Hill wrote a letter in relation to Col. Daniel Smith of Buncombe. Excerpts of that letter follow: "I was born on fhe 4th Jan. 1801 (at the head of Beaverdam). In the winter of 1806/7 my father settled in Asheville within two miles and a half of Col. Smith's residence. I went to school with his children from 1807 until 1820. I knew him familiarly, wrote his will, wrote his epitaph for his tombstone, and was one of a company which about the last of May 1824 buried him with military honors. He was sentimentally proud of his revolutionary services, frequently referred to that in conversation, and was universally esteemed by his neighbors. An old soldier of much more than common intrepidity his circumstances were good and his reputation that of a brave and honest revolutionary officer."

Daniel and Mary (Davidson) Smith are buried in Newton Academy Cemetery and the epitaph written by David Lowry Swain reads as follows:

"In memory of Col. Daniel Smith who departed this life on the 17th May 1824 Native of New Jersey an industrious citizen, an honest man and a brave soldier. The soil which inurns his ashes is part of the heritage wrested by his valoor for his children and his country from a ruthless and a savage foe."
Mrs. Frances A. McDowell (Mrs. Edward E.)

Devault Beck served on the Rowan county, North Carolina jury from Capt Daniel Smith's District on Aug 8, 1778.
_____________

"Daniel is an enigma. His headstone says he was born in New Jersey. He was a Smithson and changed his name. He was in Rowan County when he married Mary Davidson. Later he was involved in building Davidson's Fort (now Old Fort, NC) and was business partner with Samuel (one-eye) Davidson there. Samuel was married to Daniel's sister Mary Smith. Samuel was Mary Davidson's uncle, her father William was his twin brother. After Samuel was murdered by the Indians, the Davidsons and Smiths moved alittle further west and Mary's parents are buried in the Bee Tree Community near Swannanoa. Daniel and Mary are buried at the Newton Grove Cemetary which is now pretty close to downtown Asheville. There are many stories about Daniel's hatred for the Indians after the murder of Samuel and he considered himself an Indian fighter. He served in the Revolutionary War and was called Captain Smith (don't think that was really his rank) and was well respected as a soldier. I understand from staff at the Smith McDowell house that Daniel was a little rough around the edges for the tastes of the up and coming Smiths and that he remained a pioneering, Indian fighting, Soldier up to the end."--e-mail from Sheila Quinn - saquinn@goldenminutes.com

1790 Census:
13th Company, Rutherford Co., NC, p. 146
Daniel Smith  1-3-3-0-0
(probable)

1800 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 188, 22020-31010-01

1810 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 88a, 20101-23101-02

1820 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 84, as Daniel Smith Sr., 110010-11120-0200

Daniel married Mary McConnell "Polly" Davidson in Oct 1781 in "The Glades", Rowan County, North Carolina. Mary (daughter of Maj. William Davidson and Margaret McConnell) was born on 4 Oct 1760 in Rowan County, North Carolina; died on 27 Apr 1842 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 27 Apr 1842 in Newton Academy Cemetery - Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Polly Davidson
• FamilySearch ID: L8SW-S32
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Alt. Birth: 1 Oct 1762, Rowan County, North Carolina
• Residence: 1804, Buncombe County, North Carolina
• 1830 Census: 1830
• 1840 Census: 1840

Notes:

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/L8SW-S32

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

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:
Not Located

1840 Census:
Southern Division, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 163, as Polly Smith, 000 000 000 0000 - 000 001 001 0000

Mister married Miss [--?--]. Miss died in Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

• 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