This post goes from 1732 to about 1810 (or a few years later).
Here are the generations, like links in a chain, at a glance:
Richard → Robert? → Peter → WILLIAM → Cairy m. William C. Wilbourn → Champion → Amonet Washington → William Harvey → Ella Washington (Rae) (our grandmother)
Robert has a question mark only because the evidence that links him to Peter is circumstantial–though strong– and not based on court-sworn documents. From Peter, onward, however, we do have sworn documents. There is no guesswork about their links.
See also Cairy Hudson Wilbourn in her own post.
A Sketch
William
William was born by 1732 in Henrico County, Virginia. He married Sarah (maiden name unknown so far), after October 3, 1758 and before May 15, 1760, probably in Lunenburg County, Virginia. He died after November 28, 1809, when he wrote up three deeds of gift, in Edgefield District, South Carolina.
More about him
He was of age (not a minor) when his father Peter’s will was written in 1752 and probated in 1753. So he was born by 1732, or several years earlier, for he may not have been the youngest child. On October 3, 1758, Lunenburg County, Virginia, William sells 400 acres. A wife is absent from the standard deed’s dower relinquishment section. Though sometimes documents are inconsistent, this absence indicates he was not married by that date. Yet he sells land May 15, 1760, and his wife Sarah is named in the dower relinquishment section. So we now know he married between those two dates, certainly before May 15, 1760. If he was born before 1732, he was getting close to 30 in 1758-1760, mature indeed for a single man at that time in history.
William outlived his wife. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t appear in the land sale to Samuel Hudson in 1804, nor in the deeds of gift, November 28, 1809, to his three daughters in Edgefield and Laurens Districts, South Carolina. Or since he is bequeathing land and property to their children, she doesn’t need to appear in the documents.
If William Hudson was born around 1730 and he died after November 1809, then he was at least 79 years old at that latter date. This is about the age of Thomas Wilbourn when he died (two of Thomas’s sons married two of Hudson’s daughters). And Thomas’s wife Hannah Lamkin died when she was about 89-90.
Sarah
We don’t know very much about her. The census records of her grown child Polly (Hudson) Wilbourn strongly suggest Sarah married William in her mid-teens. She died before November 28, 1809, when her husband William Hudson’s three deeds of gifts were written to their three daughters, but she is not named in them.
Revolutionary War Contribution
On April 9, 1782, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, William and Sarah (though she is unnamed) contributed for Continental use 7 cwt Beef, 7 cwt Flour, and 4 ½ bushels of corn (Mecklenburg County Court Order Book 5, p. 126)
On April 10, 1782, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, William and Sarah (though she is unnamed) contributed about 350 cwt of beef on the hoof during the Revolutionary War, for Continental use (Order Book 5, p. 134). This qualifies him to be a patriot, per DAR standards.
William’s sister Judith Harris and Thomas Wilbourn appear in the same lists of contributors. Thomas’s two sons William and Jeremiah marry William’s two daughters Cary and Polly, respectively. So this patriotism was a family affair.
DAR has approved William and Sarah’s service:
Ancestor #: A207374
Service: VIRGINIA
Rank: PATRIOTIC SERVICE
Birth: (CIRCA) 1746
Death: (POST) 11-28-1809 EDGEFIELD DIST – LIV SOUTH CAROLINA
Service Source: ABERCROMBIE & SLATTEN, VA REV PUB CLAIMS, VOL 2, PP 655, 659, 660
Service Description: 1) FURNISHED SUPPLIES
Residence 1) County: MECKLENBURG CO – State: VIRGINIA
Link directly to DAR and William and Sarah’s page.
William and Sarah’s Children
The birth order could be rearranged, but this one is chosen because it fits the most facts.
1. Ursula
She married James Pool, who was born April 5, 1746 or 1756, Brunswick County, Virginia (his grave marker says 1756). He died July 29, 1839, Laurens District, South Carolina. James and Ursula married July 11, 1782 (see links below). It is also said she was born January 1, 1762. This is consistent with her parents’ range of marriage years (1758-1760). She died November 25, 1846, Laurens District.
More about them
James and Ursula had nine kids. He names them in his pension application, namely Rebecca (born 22 April 1783), William (born 2 February 1787), Salley (born 9 March 1789), Polley (born 23 June 1791), Gabriel (born 9 November 1793), Betsey (born 6 November 1796), John (born 16 July 1799), and James Jr (born 15 March 1804). He started selling these lands in 1809, first to son William Pool
In the 1810 Census, Laurens District, Capt. Wm. Robertson’s Company, p. 28, James Pool is the head of household. Males: one is 1-16; one is 16-26; and two are 45+. Females: two are 16-26; one is 26-45. There are three slaves.
In the 1820 Census, Laurens District, James Pool is the head of household. There is one male 16-18; one is 16-26; and one is 45+. Females: two are under 10; four are 10-16; and one is 26-45.
In the 1830 Census, Laurens District, p. 224, James Pool is the head of household. There is one male under 5; one is 15-20; one is 20-30; one is 30-40; and one is 70-80. There is one female 60-70. There are four slaves.
We include one deed because it names William Wilbourn, our direct ancestor.
July 10, 1810, James Pool sells to John Pyles for $45.00, 20 acres on Beaverdam Creek of Reedy River, bounded on William Wilbourn, Wm. Arnold. Witness: Wm Arnold, Micajah Jones. Z. Bailey J.P.; dower relinquished by Ursula Pool; Benjamin Arnold, J. Q.; recorded 3 September 1810
For more information on the Pools and Ursula Hudson’s relationship with them, go to the next link and scroll down to the big section “Ninety-Six and Laurens District”; the relevant section is now crossed out because there is a question about James Pool’s ancestry. Ursula is still William Hudson’s daughter.
We got the above information from that link.
Also go here for the quick facts on their family.
Finally, Ursula and James received a deed of gift from her father William Hudson. Here is a transcription of most of it. William Wilbourn married William Hudson’s daughter Cairy, and they are our direct line.
State of South Carolina
Edgefield District
Know all men by these presents that I William Hudson of the district and state aforesaid, in consideration for the natural love and affection which I do have and bear towards my son in Law James Pool & my daughter Ursula Pool of Laurens County District, and William Wilbon [sic] another Son in Law & Cary his wife, also my son in Law Jeremiah Wilbon [sic] and my Daughter Polly his wife, of the aforesaid District of Edgefield and all of said state, have given and granted and by these presents do give and grant two tracts and parcels of land, the one situate and lying and being in Laurens District in the state aforesaid on Beaver Dam Creek, a branch of Reedy [Ruby?] River and the waters of Saluda River, adjoining land to the south of [cut off in binding, but probably Allen] Mitchell, east by John Taylor, North by John Lyley [Lyles?], West by Thomas Williamson; the other tract situate, lying, and being in Rutherford County, North Carolina, [M]ark Beach, a branch of Simms River, of Little Broad River, of bigg [sic] Broad River, together with all and singular the rights, mimbers [sic], hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises, belonging or in any wise incidental or appertaining, to have and to hold all & singular the said premises before mentioned unto the said before mentioned persons, in the following proportions, that is to say: one half of the above mentioned land to William Wilbon [sic], one fourth to James Pool, and the other one fourth to Jeremiah Wilbon [sic], their heirs and assigns against myself and & my heirs and against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof —
Witness my hand and seal this 28th Day of November in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and nine, in the thirty fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America;
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Anderson Crowder, Jo’s Fields;
Signed William X Hudson
South Carolina
Edgefield District
Personally appeared Anderson Crowder, who being duly sworn, made oath that he did see William Hudson sign seal and as his act of deed deliver the within instrument of writing to & for the uses and purposes above mentioned and did also see Joseph Fields with himself subscribe his name as a witness to the due execution thereof
Sword to before me this 28th day of November 1809
Anderson Crowder
John Lyon Q U
Above record of the original 18th April 1810
Atty John Garlington R, M, C
Source: Laurens County Deed Book I, p. 146A and B
Here is Ursula’s burial site:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=34143623
James is buried in the same place:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=34143679
2. Cairy
She is our direct line, so read about her in the posts, here:
William Wilbourn and Cairy Hudson
3. Mary / Polly
Her census data in Edgefield District, South Carolina, and Taliaferro County, Georgia, vary in her time of birth. The 1810 Census says Polly, though unnamed, lives in Jeremiah Wilbourn’s household and is between 16 and 25 (birth range = 1785-1794). The 1830 census has her down as 30-39 (birth range = 1791-1800). The only puzzle is her mother Sarah Hudson. How old was she while giving birth to Polly? See Polly’s census section, below, for a discussion. We also look at Jeremiah and Polly’s possible marriage dates in that section.
More about them
In any case, since Jeremiah appears in the deeds for the first time in 1809, in Edgefield District, as a buyer, not a seller, it could be that he and Polly moved there from Mecklenburg County, later than the rest of his Wilbourn family, who moved there before February 1799. For all we know, Jeremiah and Polly may have helped her elderly father William Hudson move there, before November 28, 1809, when he left them a deed of gift. But all of these details are an unsolved mystery. Jeremiah died before November 2, 1829, when his will was probated, in Taliaferro County, Georgia. He predeceased his mother Hannah who lived to an advanced age. He may have predeceased his father Thomas, who died before March 20, 1830. It is not known yet when Mary (Polly) died.
Go to this link that has a list of names and nicknames, and Polly can indeed be a nickname for Mary.
Census Records
1810
The 1810 Census, Edgefield District, puts Jeremiah in the 26-44 years old column (birth range = 1766-1784). The unnamed adult female is in the 16-25 age column (birth range = 1785-1794). They have only two girls under 10.
If Polly was born in 1785, then her mother Sarah got married in her mid-teens. This was done often enough, back then.
Specifically, Sarah married William Hudson before May 15, 1760, because she first appears in a deed’s dower relinquishment section dated then, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. If Polly was born in 1785, then her mother Sarah must have been a mid-teen when she married, for she was giving birth to Polly while Sarah was in her early 40s. This young age of marriage and late age of child birth were done often enough back then. So things work out.
We cannot find Jeremiah and Polly in the 1820 Census. They may have been in transit to Georgia in that year, for Jeremiah drops out of the records back in Edgefield South Carolina, after 1817. Any help would be appreciated in finding him in the 1820 Census.
Before November 2, 1829, Jeremiah died. So he does not appear in the 1830 or 1840 Censuses. A search for him “confirms” his absence in those censuses.
The 1830 Census, Taliaferro County, Georgia shows a Mary Willbourn between 30 and 39 years old (birth range = 1791-1800), and this seems too young to be Polly, unless she and Jeremiah got married around 1806-07 and she was a mid-teen. This is a definite possibility. In that case, her mother Sarah Hudson was giving birth in her mid 40s, if she married in her mid-teens, before 1760. That is also a possibility. Or maybe the census taker marked Polly down in the wrong age column. In any case, if Jeremiah and Polly got married around 1806, they may have moved from Mecklenburg County, Virginia, southward to Edgefield District, South Carolina, with her father William, who left Mecklenburg after 1804 and arrived in Edgefield before 1809.
To finish out the 1830 census, living with Mary are 2 boys 10-14, and 1 boy 15-19, and no girls. Jeremiah’s daughters were not minors when he died. In fact, they were married. So they had left the household in 1830, which confirms this census. But Jeremiah indeed has two minor sons (Thomas and George) and one non-minor son (James) at his death (see his probate at the Thomas Wilbourn link, below). So we have some matches with this census and his probate, for age of maturity or majority was a little more fluid back then, than it is today. This is the right Mary (Hudson) Wilbourn and her family, in the 1830 Census.
In the 1840 Census, District 11, Columbia County, Georgia, a certain Mary Willborn appears, between 60 and 69 (birth range = 1771-1780). Mary lives with 1 girl 15-19 years old, and 2 boys, 20-30. But more research needs to be done to establish her possible move to this county. Mary is a common name, and other Wilbourns, not immediately related to our lines, lived in Columbia County. Plus, there are mismatches with the known facts about Jeremiah Wilbourn’s family. Therefore, we don’t believe this census is about Jeremiah’s family, but we place it here only for your consideration.
More information about Jeremiah and Polly, such as their deeds and probate, can be found in the post on the descendants of Thomas Wilbourn and Hannah Lamkin, here:
Thomas Wilbourn and Hannah Lamkin
Deed of Gift
Before you click on the link, however, you can peruse Polly’s father William Hudson’s deed of gift to her on November 28, 1809, in Edgefield District, South Carolina. It says she’s his daughter and married to Jeremiah (Deed Book 30, p. 40).
Here’s a transcription:
William Hudson to J. Wilborn & Wife, Deed Gift
South Carolina
Edgefield District
Know all men by these presents that I William Hudson of the district and state aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have and do bear toward, my beloved Son in Law Jeremiah Wilborn and Polly Wilborn, them and their heirs forever the following Property, to wit: one negroe [sic] fellow named Barnett one negroe [sic] boy named Emmanuel, Two mares and a colt and one Cow and Yearling and Sundry other Articles of household furniture, all of which property is herewith delivered To have and to hold to their proper behest [?] and behoof. And I do hereby bind my Self and my Heirs to warrant and defend the right and title to the said property from the claim of all and every person or persons whomoever. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-eighth day of November 1809.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presents [sic] of us Anderson Crawford [sic, read Crowder?], Jo’s Fields
William (X) Hudson
South Carolina,
Edgefield District
Personally appeared Anderson Crawford [sic] who being duly sworn made oath that he did see William Hudson sign seal and as his act and Deed deliver the written Instrument of writing to and for the uses and purposes within mentioned and did also see Joseph Fields with himself subscribe his name as a witness to the due execution thereof.
Sworn to before me the 28th day of November 1809, Anderson Crawford [sic, read Crowder?]
John Lyon, Q.U.
Recorded 8th February 1810
Source: Edgefield Deed Book 30, p. 41
We keep track of the remarkable slave Barnett’s life. Did he commit adultery, while a member of a Baptist church? See his own post here.
5. William Jr.
We only know for sure that William Hudson has a son of the same name because he is sometimes called “Senior.”
It is not clear if the following documents concern William Junior, but they could be.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1789Land/11.jpg
At that above link William Hudson has no land in 1789. It is not clear who he is.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799LandA/15.jpg
This record, above, does not say Junior, so he could be another William.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Halifax/1798PersonalA/14.jpg
This record, above, does not say Junior, so he could another William. Note Grief Hudson on the same page.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799PersonalA/16.jpg
In that record, William Hudson is next to William Hudson Senior, and both are near Samuel Hudson, so this could be William Junior. Note that he is a constable.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799LandB/11.jpg
In that record, William Hudson is a constable, so he’s likely the same one whose personal property was assessed in 1799 (see 1799 Personal in the http address).
6. Samuel
He is not legally proven to be William and Sarah’s son, but strong circumstantial evidence supports the relationship. It is not clear to us when he was born, but since he was getting involved with land transactions in 1791, he reached his majority by then. So he was born around 1770. He married Nancy White February 8, 1790. He died between June 20, 1828, when his will was written, and August 18, 1828, when his will was recorded.
More about them
One person who links William and Samuel together is the slave Lucy. See more about her, at her own post here.
We have not traced Nancy White’s ancestry, so we don’t know when she was born. But surely she’s around the same age as her husband, probably a little younger, so she was born in the early 1770s.
The next two deeds show William Hudson and his wife Sarah selling to his (probable) Samuel on Bluestone Cr., Mecklenburg County, Virginia, exactly where the Wilbourns lived. This setup gives Cary and Polly, two daughters of William and Sarah, ample opportunity to marry the two Wilbourn boys William and Jeremiah.
However, let’s focus on the two deeds to Samuel for now. The X means they signed with their marks.
February 14, 1791: William and Sarah Hudson sell 400 acres to Samuel Hudson, for 500.00 pounds, on the Branches of the Middle Bluestone Cr., bounded by Chavis, Winn, and Glaspie. Wit: John McGuire, Thomas Graves, William Graves; signed: William X Hudson and Sarah X Hudson (Deed Book 8, p. 159)
December 4, 1804: William and Sarah Hudson sell 324 acres to Samuel Hudson, for 350.00 pounds, on the Middle of Bluestone Cr. bounded by Jacob Chavis, Th. Vaughn, and Samuel Hudson. Wit: Howel (sic) Rose, Robert Harris, William Thomas. Proved by oaths of Robert Harris, William Harris, and Howel (sic) Rose; signed: Wm X Hudson and Sarah X Hudson (Deed Book 12, p. 232)
Since these deeds are located near William and Sarah’s property – indeed were their property – we can assume Samuel is their son. But so far no record has ever surfaced that legally proves his parentage. For all we know at this point, Samuel could be William’s nephew.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1790PersonalA/18.jpg
In that record, William Senior and Samuel are both assessed on May 10
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799LandB/10.jpg
In that record, look for the second name from bottom.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799PersonalA/16.jpg
In the above record, Samuel Hudson (note William Hudson Senior on same page); slaves: Lucy and Sarah
Samuel’s will:
Written: June 20, 1828
Recorded: August 28, 1828, so he died between those two dates
Daughter: Sally [should it be Polly?] Puryear, wife of John Puryear; they married December 12, 1808.
Daughter: Sally Graves, wife of Nicholas Graves
Daughter: Ursula Dedmon, wife of Samuel Dedmon
Daughter: Nancy Willis, wife of James Willis
Daughter: Elizabeth Hudson
Daughter: Jane Hudson
Wife: Nancy Hudson
Source of will and marriage date: J. Porter Hudson, A Notebook of Early Hudson History, of Halifax County, VA, 1991, who says the will is in Will Book 10, p. 400, Mecklenburg County, Virginia. The marriage date for Polly Hudson and John Puryear was found by another Hudson researcher.
Stages in William and Sarah’s Life
Let’s return to William and Sarah, the subject of this post. Their life and be divided into these stages:
- Lunenburg County, Virginia
- Mecklenburg County, Virginia
- Rutherford County, North Carolina
- Edgefield District, South Carolina
- Lauren District, South Carolina
1. and 2. Lunenburg and Mecklenburg Counties, Virginia
Mecklenburg was formed from Lunenburg in 1764/5, so we combine them in this section.
The Court Order Books are for Lunenburg County, Virginia. Also, there are Lunenburg and Mecklenburg County deeds that go much later than the ones recorded here, but it’s not possible to determine whether they belong to our William (William is a very common name), so they are omitted here.
September Court 1754:
Jonathan Davis, constable, informed court of tobacco seconds tended / growing at house of Rich’d Thompson, Moses Cockerham, Minor Wilkes, Wm Hudson, Francis Amos, Rich’d Williams; prosecution ordered (Order Book 3, p. 190)
October Court 1754:
Samuel Jordan assignee Wm Jeffris (sic) v. William Hudson; suit dismissed; defendant to recover his costs (Order Book 3, p. 196)
Thos. Ellis, witness for Wm Hudson at suit v. Samuel Jordan, to be paid by Hudson for two days attendance and one coming and returning 29 miles; Young Allen, witness of Wm Hudson v. Samuel Jordan; to be paid by Hudson for three days attendance and once coming and returning 29 miles (Order Book 3, p. 202)
September Court 1755:
Wm Hudson v. Bryant Lester; plaintiff to recover debt and costs (Order Book 3, p. 427)
November Court 1755:
Wm Hudson, witness for Evan Own in his suit v. Henry Bolton, to be paid by Own for one day attendance (Order Book 4, p. 32)
February Court 1756:
Samuel Jones and for the King v. Field Jefferson, defendant; jury: John McDaniel, Rich’d Coleman, Rich’d Lunday, Stephens Evens, Thos Avery, Jas Robert, Jr., Wm Hudson, Jas Arnold, Geo Abbet, (sic) Wm Read, Jos Ship, John Calleham (sic); defendant not guilty of false return (Order Book 4, p. 98)
February Court 1756:
Mathew Marable v. Jas. Burton, defendant; jury: Roger Madison, Rich’d Coleman, Mark Thornton, Even Owen, Wm Read, Wm Rivers, Joseph Ship, John Hobson, Wm Hunt, Stephen Evens, Wm Hudson, Wm Harris; plaintiff to recover costs (Order Book 4, p. 101)
February Court 1756:
Wm Mullins, infant under age 21, by father John Mullins v. Field Jefferson, defendant; jury: Roger Madison, Rich’d Coleman, Mark Thornton, Even Owen, Wm Read, Wm Rivers, Jos Ship, John Hobson, Wm Hunt, Stephen Evens, Wm Hudson, Wm Harris, foreman; defendant to recover costs v. plaintiff to false clamor (Order Book 4, p. 103)
February Court 1756:
Robert Shields v. Marriot Bland, defendant; jury: Roger Madison, Rich’d Coleman, Mark Thornton, Even Owen, Wm Read, Wm Rivers, Jos Ship, John Hobson, Wm Hunt, Rich’d Ship, Wm Hudson, Wm Harris; plaintiff to recover damages v. defendant for nonperformance (Order Book 4, p. 104)
February Court 1756:
Drury Stith copartner / surviving Sterling Clack decd, v. John Cox (Irishman), defendant; jury: Roger Madison, Rich’d Coleman, Mark Thornton, Even Owen, Wm Read, Wm Rivers, Jos Ship, John Hobson, Wm Hunt, Rich’d Ship, Wm Hudson, Wm Harris; plaintiff to recover damages v. defendant for nonperformance (Order Book 4, p. 105)
February Court 1756:
Jas Roberts Jr. v. Wm Harris, defendant; jury: Roger Maddison (sic), Rich’d Coleman, Mark Thornton, Evan Owen, Wm Rivers, Thos, Jones, Wm Read, Jos Ship, John Hobson, Wm Hudson, Wm Jones, Rich’d Ship; plaintiff to recover damages for nonperformance (Order Book 4, p. 109)
February Court 1756:
Mathew Marable v. Jos Williams, defendant, in account for goods, wares, merchandizes; jury: Roger Madison, Rich’d Coleman, Mark Thornton, Evan Owen, Jas Roberts, John Hobson, Wm Hudson, Wm Rivers, Thos. Jones, Rich’d bonds, Stephen evens, Wm Jones; defendant’s attorney states said amount appeared to be for goods etc. delivered to Richard Ship by order of said defendant; plaintiff fined for false clamor, appeal (Leonard Claiborne, Jr., for his security) granted for next court; memo notes that defendant’s offer tendered in court to plaintiff was refused, but lodged with the clerk seven pistols (weighing £7 10 shillings in money) for discharge of what he is indebted in said account for good etc. delivered to him (Order Book 4, p. 109)
November Court 1756:
Evan Owen v. Henry Bolton, defendant; on testimony of Wm Hudson; petitioner to recover debt; Wm Hudson, witness for Evan Owen in his suit v. Henry Bolton, to be paid by Owen for 14 days attendance (Order Book 4, p. 237)
April Court 1758:
Wm Hudson v. Hutchins Burton; plaintiff (sic) left colony without giving security for payment of court costs; suit dismissed (Order Book 5, p. 73)
October 3, 1758:
William Hudson of Lunenburg Co. sells to Peter Fontaine of Hanover Co., for £100, 400 acres lying in Lunenburg Co. on north side of Stanton R. on upper side of Buffalo Cr., being part of tract granted to Peter Hudson, decd, and containing 3280 acres on 24 Aug 1754 and adjacent lands of said Fontaine and James Hudson; signed William (X) Hudson; acknowledged Oct 3, 1758 (Deed Book 5, p. 316; Order Book 5, p. 115)
November 6?, 1759:
William Harris of Lunenburg Co. sells to William Hudson of the same place for the £30, 100 acres, lying in said co. on the east or low side of Middle Bluestone Cr., it being the other part of tract granted to said Harris 15 Dec. 1749, beginning at Wm Hunt’s corner white oak on said creek, adjacent lands of said Harris; wit: Christopher Hudson and Joel Elam; signed: William Harris; acknowledged 6 Nov. 1759 (Deed Book 5, p. 508; Order Book 6, p. 36)
April 29, 1760:
Peter Fontaine of Hanover Co. sells to William Hudson of Lunenburg Co., for £120, 400 acres, made over to him by said Hudson and lying in Halifax Co. on the Staunton (sic) R., being part of larger tract lying on droughts of Terrible Creek on lower side adjacent lands of Richard Smith and William Drews; wit: Abraham Maury, Thomas Green, Charles Sevilinant (sic); signed Peter Fontaine; acknowledged 29 Apr 1760; Elizabeth Fontaine relinquished her dower rights (Deed Book 5, p. 406).
May 15, 1760:
William Hudson of Lunenburg Co. sells to Filmer Wells of Halifax Co. for £70, 400 acres, being part of 3200 acre tract lying in Halifax Co., bounded and beginning at a white oak in the line of Richard Smith, thence southward etc. and adjacent lands of Wm Drew; wit: Edward Booker, James Mauraw (sic), Elijah Hunt; signed: William (X) Hudson and Sarah (X) Hudson (Deed Book 2, p. 155)
September Court 1761:
Stephen Wood and (unnamed) wife v. Sherwood Walton, executor of Jos Johnson, decd, defendant; jury: John McNeese, Wm Dabbs, John Hix, John White, Wm Hunt, foreman, David Hopkins, Wm Hudson, Drury Smith, Benjamin Pollard, John Clement, Wm Harvey, Rich’d Swepstone; jury finds that sometime in 1733 (1755?) Jarred Willingham married. Mary Johnson (dau of Jos Johnson); before said marriage, said Jos Johnson promised to make the fortune of said dau Mary equal in value to said Jarrel (sic) (£400 or 500); said Willingham and wife prosecuted their suit in Chancery v. said Johnson, but parties later compromised: they would dismiss their suit and relinquish their claim, in consideration of which said Johnson would pay them £50 on next two Christmases and £100 apiece to all Johnson’s other children; jury finds that said Johnson claimed extortion by Willingham and never paid plaintiffs any part of said £100 prior to his death; Stephen Wood abused the decd Johnson, calling him “old villain” etc. and that if he got the money he was not obliged to him for it, or that he was compelled to do it; jury finds for the plaintiffs and assesses their damage to £50; jury finds for defendant, and his cause continued next court (Order Book 7, p. 117)
September Court 1761:
Wm Hudson v. Wm White, Sr. Jury: Jarrel Willingham, David Hopkins, Rich’d Swepstone, Wm Harvey, Jacob Womack, Jos Johnson, David Johnson, Wm Dabbs, John Hearndon, Stephen Wood, John Cargill, John Glan; plaintiff to recover damages (Order Book 7, p. 119)
September Court 1761:
Wm Harris (S W), witness for Wm Hudson in his suit v. Wm White, to be paid by Hudson for two days attendance; Jas. Burton, Jr., witness for Wm Hudson in is suit v. Wm White, to be paid by Hudson for two days attendance; John Rowland, witness for Wm Hudson in his suit v. Wm White, to be paid by Hudson for one day attendance (Order Book 7, p. 119)
February 2, 1766:
William Hudson of Mecklenburg Co. sells to Daniel Hudson of Charlotte Co. for £25, 350 acres lying in Charlotte Co. on head of Cargill’s Cr. and bounded by lands of Edward Mosely – Blanks and Scrugs (sic), being part of 700 acres granted to William Hudson and Daniel Hudson, jointly by deed from David Hudson; signed: William (X) Hudson; acknowledged 2 Feb 1767 (Deed Book 1, p. 118) It is not clear this is our William Hudson, but it probably is.
May 12, 1766:
Daniel Hudson of Charlotte Co. and William Hudson of Mecklenburg Co. and David Hudson of Halifax Co. sell to David Hudson for £30, 700 acres in Charlotte Co. on the head of Cargill’s Cr. adjacent land of Edward Moseley and Jesse Scrugs (sic), etc.; wit: Edward Parker, Mosey Lister, and Peter Hudson; signed: David Hudson and Anne (X) Hudson; proved 1 Sep 1766 (Deed Book 1, p. 184)
This is a type copy from another researcher of a deed from Charlotte Co. V 3 Aug 1771 Patent Arthur Griffin Junior, (Anthony Griffin) ….1350a Charlotte Co VA on the brs. of Buffalo Creek adj. William Hudson, Fontaine, Williams, Ashworth, Cornish, Binton/Burton & Richard Hudson…Whereas by Patent 24 August 1754 granted unto Peter Hudson dec’d containing 3280 Acres in Charlotte formerly Lunenburg County And whereas Peter Hudson & Robert Hudson Executors &c of the sd Peter Hudson dec’d in whom the right & title of 1350 Acres part is since become vested have failed to pay Quitrents as to the sd 1350 Acres and Anthony Griffin junr. hath made humble Suit and obtained a Grant for the same… William Hudson’s Corner on Benaja’s Branch.
Same people, same land.
September 19, 1778. William Hudson is an executor of the will of William Harris. Judith Harris is William Hudson’s sister.
Will Book 1, page 297
Will: William Harris
Dated September 19, 1778; Recorded June 14, 1779
Names: Wife – Judith Harris
Children: Peter Harris, William Harris, James Harris, Sherwood Harris,
Reuben Harris, Charles Harris, Samuel Harris, John Harris,
Claiborne Harris, Robert Harris, Martha Harris.
Specific bequests made to all children.
All remainder of estate, both real and personal to wife Judith Harris.
Executors: Sons William Harris and Reuben Harris, William Hudson and Mark Moore.
Witnesses: Richard Ragsdale, Alexander Poole, and Mark Moore.
Source: Early Wills, 1765-1799, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott, South Hill, Virginia
William now has 724 acres as confirmed in the 1782 Tax List of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on Binn’s website. And from that tax list we find William Hudson, Samuel Hudson and slave name Andrew. So Samuel was at least 16 at the time. Records show that Samuel Hudson married Nancy White February 2, 1790 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.
Recall that William and Sarah Hudson sold property to their son Samuel, on Bluestone Cr., Mecklenburg County, on December 4, 1804. See those records, above, under Samuel’s name.
Sarah may have died shortly afterwards, because she does not appear in any records after that one. This may have allowed or motivated William to move to South Carolina.
February 14, 1791:
William and Sarah Hudson sell 400 acres to Samuel Hudson, for 500.00 pounds, on the Branches of the Middle Bluestone Cr., bounded by Chavis, Winn, and Glaspie. Wit: John McGuire, Thomas Graves, William Graves; signed: William X Hudson and Sarah X Hudson (Deed Book 8, p. 159)
December 4, 1804:
William and Sarah Hudson sell 324 acres to Samuel Hudson, for 350.00 pounds, on the Middle of Bluestone Cr. bounded by Jacob Chavis, Th. Vaughn, and Samuel Hudson. Wit: Howel (sic) Rose, Robert Harris, William Thomas. Proved by oaths of Robert Harris, William Harris, and Howel (sic) Rose; signed: Wm X Hudson and Sarah X Hudson (Deed Book 12, p. 232)
If any of the following links go dead, search at this one, typing in the right name:
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/
This William is most likely ours. 1764 St. James’ Parish, Lunenburg County (p. 265):
http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/sun007.txt
Is this our William Hudson, or someone else? April 15, 1783, Lunenburg County (p. 388):
http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/sun007.txt
In Lunenburg County, April 29, 1789, a certain William Hudson had two unnamed whites in his household who were taxable. Is he ours?
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Lunenburg/1789PersonalB/06.jpg
In the next link, William Hudson is taxed, but we cannot be sure he’s ours. He is now in Mecklenburg County.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1790PersonalB/21.jpg
In the following link, William Hudson Senior and Samuel Hudson are both assessed the same day – May 10. Note William’s two slaves Andrew and Burnet (Barnett). The slave Barnett means we’re tracking the right William Hudson, because he bequeaths Barnett to his daughter Polly.
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1790PersonalA/18.jpg
William Hudson Senior is on this page, here:
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799LandB/09.jpg
Look for William Hudson Senior in the next link, here:
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799PersonalA/16.jpg
His slaves were Phoebe, Barnett, Jane, Barton, all over 16 years old.
For Jane’s remarkable life, see her own post, here:
http://genforum.genealogy.com/aa/messages/2532.html
For Barnett’s remarkable life, see his own post here:
http://genforum.genealogy.com/aa/messages/2532.html
We can’t be sure if this is our William Hudson in the next link:
http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/VirginiaTaxListCensuses/Mecklenburg/1799LandB/09.jpg
William Hudson (AC) is in that link, above. We’re not sure what the initials mean.
3. Rutherford County, North Carolina
May 23, 1797 (patent no 1227 or 96): William Hudson buys 300 acres in Rutherford County, North Carolina, for the sum of “thirty-three shillings for every one hundred acres,” located on the first marked beach of first Broad River, bordered by Robert Crowder’s line, Isaac White’s line, and William William’s line. Gov. Samuel Ashe signed the grant December 20, 1796. (Deed Book 4, pp. 38-39)
However, it is not clear that he and Sarah lived on this property for any extended period. Further, this is about the same time that Thomas Wilbourn buys land in Edgefield District, South Carolina. This district is not too far from Rutherford County. Recall that Thomas’s two sons William and Jeremiah married William’s two daughters Cary and Polly, respectively.
It seems the residents of Mecklenburg County, Virginia had the itch to move, southward.
4. Edgefield District and 5. Laurens County, South Carolina
William moved to those two counties in South Carolina, after the Mecklenburg County deed to his son Samuel dated December 4, 1804, and before he bequeathed all of his goods and land to his three daughters Ursula Pool, Polly Wilbourn, and Cary Wilbourn in these two counties, before November 28, 1809.
See transcriptions of those deeds of gift, above.
Summary of William and Sarah’s Life
We don’t know much about Sarah, other than the fact they had five children. So we focus on William.
William comes from common Virginian stock: Peter Hudson. William was born in or before 1732, Henrico County, Virginia.
But the common stock owned a lot of land, so William started out with some income. He spent most of his adult life in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He owned slaves. He bought and sold land. He appeared as a juryman. He helped rebuild and clear out roads. He contributed to the Revolutionary War, for our troops.
Then sometime around December 4, 1804, he moved to Edgefield District, South Carolina. He did not own land in the new county – that is, no deed has been found – so he most likely lived with his daughters (our) Cary or Polly or Ursala. He bequeathed all of his North Carolina and South Carolina land and goods to each of his three daughters, besides those two, Ursula, November 28, 1809.
When did he die? In 1809 he was at least 77. Folks back then could live into their 80s and 90s. So his old age is not necessarily a clue. He does not appear in the 1810 Census (there’s another William Hudson in Edgefield, but he’s proven not to be ours).
So we don’t know when he died, but probably the latter half of 1809 to the first half of 1810, between the deeds of gift in 1809 and the 1810 Census.
Related
Early Hudsons of Three Virginia Counties (key post)
Bibliography
Evans, June Bank. Lunenburg County, Virginia Deed Books 1 and 2 (1746-1752). New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid, 1989.
—. Virginia Deed Book 3 (1752-1754). New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid, 1990.
— . Lunenburg County, Virginia Order Book 2 ½ A, 1752-1753. New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid, 1997.
—. Lunenburg County, Virginia, Order Book 2 ½ B, 1753-1754. New Orleans: Bryn Ffylliaid, 1998.
Hart, Donald Claire. Hudson Records of Virginia. Vols. 1, 2, 3, Longview, Texas: Hudson Family Association (South), 1984-1986.
Hudson, J. Porter, a Notebook of Early Hudson History, 1991.
Annotation on Porter: His notebook is excellent, except there are a few omissions and discrepancies. On the same page, for example, he says William Hudson married Susannah Hill and Sarah Hill, as if there was only one marriage. It is now believed that Sarah Hill is not our William Hudson’s wife. Next, Porter says William Hudson died in Virginia, and left a will, but it does not name Samuel, though Porter says Samuel was a son of William. Finally, Porter does not consider that William moved from Virginia to South Carolina, so Porter omits any discussion of Ursula, Polly, and Cary and William’s three deeds of gift to them. However, the slave Barnett proves that this William Hudson moved southward, settling in South Carolina.
Lunenburg County, Virginia, Deeds, 1746-1752. T. L. C. Genealogy, 1990.
Lunenburg County, Virginia Court Orders, 1746-1748. T. L. C. Genealogy, 1990.
Weisiger, Benjamin B. Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part One, 1654-1737. Published privately, 1976.
Source for Road Orders: http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/93-r17.pdf
In Edgefield District, South Carolina, William Wilbourn’s probate and lawsuit are Equity Case #397.
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