Martha Caroline "Mat" Davidson

Other Events:

• 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
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 20558220
• 1850 Census: 10 Oct 1850, Coffee County, Tennessee
• 1860 Census: 2 Jun 1860, Coffee County, Tennessee
• 1870 Census: 26 Jul 1870, Christian Township, Independence County, Arkansas
• 1880 Census: 3 Jun 1880, Big Bottom Township, Independence County, Arkansas
• 1900 Census: 2 Jun 1900, Big Bottom Township, Independence County, Arkansas
• Alt. Burial: Aft 14 May 1933, Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas

Notes:

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20558220

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

1870 Census:
Oil Trough PO, p. 64a
Knight, Lewis E.     38  M  W   Farmer     $1000  $600   Tennessee         citizen
---, Cyntha A         37   F  W   Keeping House                   "
---, James A          17  M  W   Works on Farm                   "
Norton, Martha C   34  F  W   Domestic Servt.                    "
Nichols, James     29  M  W   Works on Farm                 Missouri
Prince, Lewis E      1  M  W                                           Arkansas

Davidson, William A    29  M  W   Farmer  $1000  $400   Tennessee     citizen
---, Susan                  63   F  W   Keeping House            Kentucky
---, Sophie                 19  F  W                                      Tennessee
Turner, Gustavis           8  M  W                                     Arkansas

1880 Census:
ED 126, p. 3
Adams, William     W  M  49   Head  Md   Farmer               TN  TN  TN
---, Martha C         W  F  44    Wife  Md   Keeping House   TN  NC  TN
---, Robert            W  M  12     Son  S                               AR  TN  AR
---, John              W  M  10     Son  S                               AR  TN  AR
... 1 Boarder, 1 Servant
Raney, Thomas     W  M  4   Nephew  S

1900 Census:
ED 32, sheet 3B
Adams, Bill     Head  W  M  Jan   1829  69  Md  24            TN  TN   TN   Farmer
---, Marthie     Wife   W  F  May  1835  65  Md  24  0  0     TN  NC  TN
... 1 servant

Alt. Burial:
FindaGrave :      83502287

Martha married Joseph W. Norton on 2 Oct 1860 in Coffee County, Tennessee. Joseph was born about 1811; died in 1862. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002
Name: J M Norton
Spouse: Martha C Davidson
Marriage Date: 3 Oct 1860
Marriage County: Coffee
Marriage State: Tennessee
By License

Martha married William F. "Bill" Adams on 19 Dec 1875. William was born on 31 Jan 1829 in Tennessee; died on 30 Jan 1906 in Newark, Independence County, Arkansas; was buried after 30 Jan 1906 in Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch ID: LZZ7-QX4
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 109556639
• 1850 Census: 10 Oct 1850, Coffee County, Tennessee
• 1860 Census: 2 Jun 1860, Coffee County, Tennessee
• 1870 Census: 26 Jul 1870, Christian Township, Independence County, Arkansas

Notes:

From FindaGrave:

Susan was the daughter of Charles McLean and Sarah Vance.

On February 27, 1822 at Winchester, Coffee County, Tennessee she married Hugh Davidson, son of John and Martha Davidson.

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 Susan is buried at Blue Springs but not proven.

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LZZ7-QX4

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/109556639

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

1870 Census:
Oil Trough PO, p. 64a
Knight, Lewis E.     38  M  W   Farmer     $1000  $600   Tennessee         citizen
---, Cyntha A         37   F  W   Keeping House                   "
---, James A          17  M  W   Works on Farm                   "
Norton, Martha C   34  F  W   Domestic Servt.                    "
Nichols, James     29  M  W   Works on Farm                 Missouri
Prince, Lewis E      1  M  W                                           Arkansas

Davidson, William A    29  M  W   Farmer  $1000  $400   Tennessee     citizen
---, Susan                  63   F  W   Keeping House            Kentucky
---, Sophie                 19  F  W                                      Tennessee
Turner, Gustavis           8  M  W                                     Arkansas

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:

• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 9122243
• Alt. Birth: 1776
• Alt. Death: 18 Dec 1825, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee
• Alt. Burial: 20 Dec 1825, McLean Watkins Cemetery - Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee

Notes:

From FindaGrave:

Charles McLean was the son of Ephraim McLean and Elizabeth Davidson. He married Sarah Vance March 20, 1800 in Buncombe County, NC and together they had 11 children:

David Vance McLean, Ephraim Baxter McLean, Susan Howard McLean, Charles Grandison McLean, Priscilla Brank McLean, Elizabeth Davidson McLean, Alney Hurt McLean, Sarah Jane McLean, William Walter McLean, Robert Brank McLean, Cynthia Ann McLean.

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9122243

Charles married Sarah "Sallie" Vance on 20 Mar 1800 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Sarah (daughter of Col. David Vance and Priscilla Brank) was born on 23 Jun 1778 in Burke County, North Carolina; died on 16 Oct 1847 in Midland, Rutherford County, Tennessee; was buried after 16 Oct 1847 in Williams-McLain Cemetery, Midland, Rutherford County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 9122366

Notes:

From FindaGrave:

Sarah was the daughter of David Vance and Priscilla Brank. She married Charles McLean March 20, 1800 in Buncombe County, NC.

Together they had 11 children:

David Vance McLean, Ephraim Baxter McLean, Susan Howard McLean, Charles Grandison McLean, Priscilla Brank McLean, Elizabeth Davidson McLean, Alney Hurt McLean, Sarah Jane McLean, William Walter McLean, Robert Brank McLean, Cynthia Ann McLean.

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9122366

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:

• Group: American Colonial Immigrants
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Group: Immigrant Ancestors
• Group: Veteran of Revolutionary War or Patriot
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 9122587
• 1820 Census: 1820, Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

Notes:

From FindGrave:

Ephraim McLean was the son of John McLean and Margaret Mary Moore. He married Elizabeth Davidson in 1761 in Iredell County, North Carolina, daughter of John Davidson and Margaret Morrison. Together Ephraim and Elizabeth had 12 Children: John McLean, Margaret McLean,
Jane McLean, George McLean, Charles McLean, William McLean, Samuel McLean, Ephraim McLean, James McLean, Alney McLean, John Davidson McLean, and Robert Davidson McLean.

He was a member of the North Carolina House of Commons and represented Burke County at the North Carolina General Assembly of 1777.

He served his country in many capacities. He was commissioned a Captain of a regiment of Tryon County foot soldiers. He was wounded at the Battle of Kings Mountain; a memorial monument there bears his name. He served on the Rowan County Committee of Safety. He served as a Justice of the Peace. He served as a Minuteman in the Militia. He was a builder, blacksmith, surveyor and he was a Founding Member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
__________________

From the Stockard Letter:

Dr. Ephraim Bevard was the author of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence which was so enthusiatically ratified by the Convention assembled at Charlotte in May 1775.

The Convention then and there (assembled) appointed what they called a Committee of Safety, a kind of Legislature, which held regular monthly meetings at Salisbury in Rowan County. Ephraim McLean was a member of that committee.

At the meeting of the committee, October 1775, it was ordered that three additional brigades should be raised. Thomas Polk was appointed Colonel, Charles McLean, Major of one of those brigades.
...

From Wheeler's History of North Carolina: Ephraim McLean was present at the meeting of the Committee of Safety at Salisbury on the 22nd of October 1875. His name does not appear at any subsequent meeting of that body.

According to the Stockard letter, : "I suppoise he must have moved soon after this to Kentucky. He went to Harrodsburg, in that state where he remained but a short time, when he moved to Cumberland River and settled on that stream four miles above where Nashville now stands, on a six hundred acre tract of land near a bend of the river, which is now known as McLean's bend. At the time of Nashville's centennial celebration in 1880, a history of the early settlers of that sity was published in the papers of the city, in which Ephraim McLean was mentioned as one of the three trustees of the school at that place.

"I suppose he left Nashville soon afrter, for I have been told that his youngest son, Robert, was born in Harrodsbirg, Ky., in 1782. Sometime towards the close of the last century he moved to Maury County, Tenn., and settled on Knob Creek, where he remained until 1820. He was ninety years old, and being worn out with age, he went back to Kentucky to spend his few remaining days with his sons, Alney and Robert, who lived at Greenville, His son, Alney, had a house built in the yard for his father and mother to live in, He lived three more years and died at the age of ninety-three, and I have never learned whether Grandmother survived him or not.

"Ephraim McLean was was the father of twelve children. His oldest son, John, was killed by Indians, and his youngest, a daughter, died in infancy. He raised to manhood and womanhood eight sons and two daughters.

"His sons were George, Ephraim, Charlesm Samuel, Alney, William, James and Robert. His daughter married and lived in Kentucky.

"One of them married Gen. Robert Ewingm a brother of Rev. Finis Ewing. She (possibly Jane) was the mother of Judge Ephraim Ewing, a distinguished lawyer of that state. He represents Ky. in Congress, and was appointed Sureme Judge of that Statem a position he held until his death. And he is the Ewing that endowed a professorship in Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tenn.

"The other daughter (possibly Margaret) married Robert Brank, and she was the mother of Houston Brank and Ephraim Brank. Houston Brank studied law in the office of Judge Alney McLean, and in a class with John McLean, the eldest son of Rev. Ephraim McLean.

"George McLean married his cousin, a daughter (possibly Pamela) of Gen. William Davidson. He settled in Logan County, Ky., twelve miles west of Russellville, about one hundred years ago. His youngest son, Andrew Jackson, died on the same farm since at the age of seventy six years. Alney McLean and Ephraim Brank married sisters, and they are said to have been refined and accomplished ladies. His second son, Thornton, was a Presbyterian minister of line ability who went to Mississippi and died there. His third son, Robert Davidson, was a lawyer, lived at Grenada, Miss. and was judge of the Circuit Court of that District. He died there in 1878 abd his wife and two daughters died there of yellow fever when it visited that place with such fatal results in 1878. His oldest daughter Anna, married a McBride. They moved to Mississippi and there he died. She was an accomplished lady - so it was said. His second daughter Tabitha, was also very accomplished; she never married. She is now seventy-one years old and living with her twin brothers, Charles and Alney, at Greenville.

"Uncle Robert married a Miss Wilson, and had five children; three sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Robert, was a practicing physician in Muhlenburg County. Edward and Alney went with their father to Miss. and settled there. Celia married Robert Russell, and they still live in Clarkesville, Tenn. Her father died at her house at the age of ninety. I don't know what became of the other daughter, Eliza.

"Finis McLean, the youngest son of Rev. Ephraim McLean, once wrote me that he had a conversation with Uncle Robert, who told him that he was eighty years old and that he had not felt a pain in his body for thirty years and was then an active practitioner of his profession.

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

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

Group:
Immigrant Ancestors

Group:
Revolutionary War Patriot or Soldier.

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9122587

1820 Census:
p. 143
Alney McLean      420 210 - 20010 - 0203
Ephraim McLean   000 001 - 00001 - 0000

Ephraim married Elizabeth Davidson in 1760 in Rowan County, North Carolina. Elizabeth (daughter of John Davidson and Jane Tucker) was born before 19 Apr 1741 in Augusta County, Virginia; was christened on 19 Apr 1741 in Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, Beverly Manor, Fishersville, Augusta County, VA; died after 1820 in Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky; was buried after 1820 in Caney Station Cemetery, Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Betty Davidson
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 9122718
• Alt. Death: 1820, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

Notes:

Christened:
Recorded in the book "The Tinkling Spring, Headwater of Freedom" (by Rev. Howard McKnight Wilson, 1954, p. 473) as Elisabeth Davison, bp. 19 April 1741, daughter of John Davison.

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

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9122718

Other Events:

• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 28756449
• Cenotaph: Aft 13 Jan 1813, Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, Buncombe County, NC

Notes:

Col. David Vance is considered the founder of the Vance family of North Carolina.  Gov. Vance and Sen. Vance were two of his descendants.
______

From FindaGrave:

Inscription:

Soldier of the Revolution, Lieut 2nd N.C. Continental Rect, Brandy Wine, Germantown, Monmouth, Valley Forge, Kings Mountain. Member of General Assembly N.C. 1785-6-9. State Boundry and Land Coms. Colonel of Militia; Clerk of Buncombe Court.

David Vance was grandfather of N.C. Gov. Zeb. Vance. He moved to Reems Creek Valley about 1780 and built or bought the Vance House in 1795. Gov. Vance was born in the house across the highway from the cemetery.

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28756449

Cenotaph:
FindaGrave:        12500441

Note: This ia a monument to David Vance and not his actual burial site. His burial place, according to the Park Service, is in the Vance Cemetery across the street and atop the hill from the old Vance homesite of Zebulon B. Vance, former governor of North Carolina - see memorial 28756449 (vance@ncdcr.gov) - (this info from Judi Lancaster)

David Vance was born about 1750 in Frederick County, Virginia to Samuel Vance and Sarah (Colville) Vance. He married Priscilla Brank on September 21, 1775. They were the parents of Jane, Sarah, Samuel, Priscilla, Elizabeth, David, Robert Brank and Celia.

David moved into the Piedmont region of North Carolina with the tide of Scotch-Irish immigrants of the mid-eighteenth century. He reportedly settled in the Catawba River Valley in what is now known as Burke County.

According to Leslie Ann Johnson Hager, David joined the Continental Army and was later promoted to the rank of captain. He took part in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and was with Washington at Valley Forge. He also served in the battle of Kings Mountain.

Sometime between 1785 and 1790 Vance moved his family from the Catawba Valley to Buncombe County, on Reems Creek 12 miles north of Asheville. "There in 1795 he bought the land on which his noted grandson, Zebulon B. Vance (former governor of North Carolina), was born 35 years later."

In 1796 Captain Vance was appointed by the North Carolina General Assembly as one of three commissioners to settle the boundary line between North Carolina and Tennessee. He served four terms in the state legislature. He was appointed clerk of court for Buncombe, a position he filled faithfully until his death.

He died in 1813 in North Carolina.
_______

From Grace (Cronin) Schmitt -
FAG 12500441 is confused as to his death date, giving both 1811 and 1813. The following will help.

Buncombe County, NC, Archives, Obituaries. . File contributed by Carolyn Shank, Nov. 7, 2008.
"Fri., Feb. 5, 1813, Raleigh Minerva. *** DIED, in Buncombe County, on the 13th, COL. DAVID VANCE, another Revolutionary Patriot, in the 64th year of his age. A pulmonary complaint terminated the useful and well-spent life of this worthy and intelligent citizen." ["on the 13th" = 13 January]

His burial place is also confused between the 'old Vance Cemetery" and the Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC. According to the National Parks Service it was in the Vance Cemetery.

David married Priscilla Brank on 21 Sep 1775 in Rowan County, North Carolina. Priscilla (daughter of Robert Brank and Miss [--?--]) was born in 1756 in Rowan County, North Carolina; died in Oct 1835 in Reems Creek, Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after Oct 1835 in Vance Cemetery, Weaverville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FindaGrave Memorial ID: 28756556
• Alt. Death: Aft 2 May 1835
• Cenotaph: Aft 1836, Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, Buncombe County, NC

Notes:

FindaGrave Memorial ID:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28756556

Cenotaph:
FindaGrave:   12500458

Inscription
Wife of David Vance. Born in Rowan County, N.C. in 1756 of German parentage. Reared a family of eight children and died in 1836.
___________

Priscilla (Brank) Vance was born in 1756 in Rowan, North Carolina. She married 21 September 1775 (some sources say 21 Aug) to David Vance, Sr. They were the parents of Jane, Sarah, Samuel, Priscilla, Elizabeth, David, Robert Brank, and Celia. Priscilla died 1836 in Weaverville, Buncombe, North Carolina at 80 years of age.

This is a cenotaph only (memorial stone).

From Kerby Price: "Priscilla (and her husband, sons David and Robert, and grandson James Noel) are buried in the Vance Cemetery in Weaverville. Priscilla's grave is unmarked, as are the graves of Robert and James Noel, but she is resting next to her husband. The marking in Riverside was built to memorialize four of the family members buried in the Vance Cemetery."

Buried:
From FindaGrave:

here is no marker, but officials at the Gov. Zebulon Vance Birthplace across the street said Priscilla is buried in the cemetery with her husband, David, and son, David Jr. A Marker for David was placed by the DAR, but David Jr.'s original marker still exists.