Descendants of Francis Wilkinson of
County Antrim, Ireland

Wilkinson

Generation #2

Samuel (1Francis) Wilkinson of Chester Co PA

Samuel Wilkinson was born c. 1720 to the Wilkinson Family of Ballinacree, County Antrim, Ireland. Samuel's personal circumstances in Ireland are unknown. However as an Irish Quaker, Samuel joined the Scot-Irish Migration Stream to America. The biography of John W. Wilkinson's (b. 5/27/1793 in North Carolina) states that Samuel, three brothers--Joseph, Thomas, William--cousin Francis, and three unnamed sisters migrated en masse to Pennsylvania by 12/1737.

Proof of Samuel's place of birth is found in the Quaker records of Chester Co PA. Note, this history was written in 1902 and is not a list of 1712-1715 Quaker families:

Of the twenty-two persons taxed in New Garden in 1715, fifteen were Irish Friends, as follows: Mary Miller, 9s.; Michael Lightfoot, 2s.; William Halliday, 2s. 7d.; Margaret Lowden, 2s.; James Lindley, 4s. 6d.; Thomas Jackson, 3s.; James Starr, 3s.; Francis Hobson, 2s.; Joseph Garnett, 2s.; Robert Johnson, 2s.; John Sharp, 3s. 6d.; Joseph Sharp, 2s.; John Wiley, 2s. 4d.; Thomas Garnett, 3s. 9d.; Benjamin Fred, 2s. 1d.

At first the Friends of the New Garden settlement attended Kennett Meeting, but soon they were allowed to hold a meeting of their own, as evidenced by the following extracts from the "Minutes of Chester Quarterly Meeting."

12 Mo. 2, 1712.--"Newark monthly meeting requests that there may be a first & fifth Days meeting settled at John Miller's. This meeting, considering thereof, thinks fit to Refer the further Consideration thereof to the next Quarterly meeting."

John Cane, a Friend, who with his wife Ann came over from County Armagh about 1713, was one of the first settlers of London Grove, but he did not long survive to enjoy his new home. John Allen, who was an Irish Friend, arrived as early as 1714 and located in the Township on the north-west line of New Garden.

    "Our Lindley Line," Personal Web Page, No date, Immigration of the Irish Quakers into Pennsylvania,1902 <http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~monticue/Lindley.htm> 22 March 2005.

1742 In addition to those just mentioned, the following were some of the immigrants to this region: Thomas McClun or McClung, from County West Meath; William McNabb, from Oldcastle, County Meath; Neal O'Moony, John Boyd and sons William and Samuel, James Hunter, Samuel Wilkinson, and William Courtney, from Ballinacree, County Antrim; William Evans, from County Wicklow; John Griffith and son Christopher, from Grange near Charlemont; Jonas Chamberlin, from King's County; James Love and Thomas Nevitt, from County Cavan; Isaac Steer and sons John and Nicholas, from County Antrim; James Smith, from County Armagh; Thomas Bulla and Lawrence Richardson, from Grange, probably near Charlemont; and Thomas Lindley (son of James Lindly), a representative to the Provincial Assembly.

    Albert Cook Myers, Immigration of the Irish Quakers into Pennsylvania (1682-1750), 1902 quoted in "An Chabh`ain, Al Beagan"s Genealogy Notes of County Cavan [Ireland]," 23 November 2003 <http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlcav/cavan.htm> 24 July 2005.

Samuel is first documented on 2/23/1737 in Ballinacree, County Antrim, Ireland, where he received a letter of release from the Ballinacree Quaker Meeting to immigrate to America. Note, this is the same day brother Joseph received his letter of release.

On 12/6/1737 Samuel was received at Sadsbury MM (vic. Gap PA). And, Samuel lived out near Gap until 2/15/1742 when he was released by letter to Goshen MM (now West Chester PA). 

On 2/24/1746 in Goshen, Chester Co PA Samuel married Dorcas Elleman b. 5/12/1728 Goshen, Chester Co PA. From that point, Samuel was tied to the larger Elleman Family and their migration south to the Carolinas.

Samuel's family's migration from Goshen, Chester Co PA to Orange Co NC can be traced through records of Moses Embree who married Dorcas' sister, Margaret Elleman. In 1752 Moses and Margaret were married at Exeter MM in Berks Co PA. On 7/26/1753 Moses and Margaret were released by certificate to Cane Creek MM near Snow Camp, Orange (now Alamance) Co NC where they were received in 1754. On 6/2/1759 Samuel and Dorcas were also received at Cane Creek MM, Orange Co NC.

After peace was reached between the British and French in 1764, King George III prohibited settlement beyond the Appalachians. This decree forced settlers seeking new lands to look south into the newly opened lands of the Valley of Virginia. As family migration was the rule as opposed to the exception, it is reasonable to believe that Samuel Wilkinson, John Elleman, Moses Embree, et. al. migrated en masse to Orange Co NC. Their journey would have taken them down the Great Wagon Road south and west into the Valley of Virginia and central North Carolina.

Samuel's son, Francis, is first found recorded in their new North Carolina home in a 1769 Orange Co NC Quaker Meeting rent record. Samuel is first documented in a 1779 Caswell Co NC land grant. Samuel died in Caswell Co NC sometime between 10/1781 when he wrote his will and 3/1782 when it was probated.

Members of the family migrated en masse in about 1782 to Washington Co VA after Samuel's death. Of note, this family's continuing migration south and west into Tennessee can be traced through the descendants of Moses Embree as found in the 1790 Washington Co NC (now TN) Tax Lists.

Sadsbury MM Record:
Samuel Wilkinson, received 12/6/1737; dated 2/23/1737 from Ballinacree Meeting, County Antrim, Ireland.
Monthly Meeting at Sadsbury, 6-6-1739. Andrew Moore and John Chamberlain appointed to make enquiry as usual and prepare a certificate for Samuel Wilkinson he being removed into the verge of Goshen Monthly Meeting.
Chester Co PA Quaker Records:
2-15-1742. Samuel Wilkinson certificate from Sadsbury Monthly Meeting.
Ency of Quaker Genealogy, By Hinshaw
Cane Creek MM, Orange Co NC
1759,8,4. John (Elimon) roc.
1759,8,4. Mary (with h) & dt, Dinah, rocf Exeter MM.
1759,10,6 Dorcas [Wilkinson] rocf Exeter MM
Samuel Wilkinson was granted 150 acres of land on both sides of Negro Creek in Caswell County, North Carolina, on Mar. 23, 1779.
Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
Will of Samuel Wilkinson
In the Name of God, Amen, the 28th day of October 1781. Samuel Wilkinson being sick in body but of good and sound memory. Thanks to Almighty God, and Calling to mind the uncertain State of the Transitory life and that all flesh yield to death when it shall please God to call. I do make, constitute, ordain & declare this to be my last will and Testament in Manner & form following, Revoking & Annulling by these presents All and Every Will heretofore by me made and Declared either by Word or writing and this to be Taken & none other.
First being sorry from the Bottom of my heart for my past Sins and Humbly beg forgiveness, for the same. I Give and Commit My Soul to Almighty God my Savior & Redeemer, and my Body to be Buryed in Such Place as my Execators Shall appoint, 
And second for the Setling of my Temporal Estate and such goods & Chattels as it has pleased God to Bestow on me, I do order, Give and Bestow, in the following manner;
That is to say first I Will to my son Francis and my Daughter Ann all my goods & Chattels that's on [the] Clinch [River] to be Equally Divided Between them
and after my Just Debts being payed, here I bequeath to my Loving Wife all my Lands, Goods and Chattels during her life in Widowhood & then to be disposed of as follows, to wit, to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar, to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my Wife's and son Thomas' discretion. In wish & whereof I have hereunto set my hand at the day & year above Written
[signed] Samuel Wilkinson
Test: John Ashburn, John Taylor

March Court 1782
This Will was Duly Proved in open court by John Ashburn & John Taylor & ordered to be recorded

    Children

    1. Francis Wilkinson b. c. 1747 Chester Co PA

    2. Ann Wilkinson 

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. Will of Samuel Wilkinson. I will to my son Francis and my Daughter Ann all my goods & Chattels that's on [the] Clinch [River].

    3. John Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . .to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar, to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.

    4. William Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 3 (1798 - 1806), p. 416:
November 30, 1798 between Stephen Woolsey of Green Co., TN and Nathan Wilkinson, adm. William Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkinson, heirs of Francis Wilkinson, decd...125 ac in the New Garden on Whitesides fork of Thompsons Creek, the waters of Clinch River...Beginning on the east side of a ridge near a spring...gap of a ridge...Signed: Nathan Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, William Wilkinson, Henry Grey, Thomas Wilkinson by his atty William Wilkinson. Witnesses: John Wear, Sr. & John Wear, Jr.
Russell Co VA Deed Book 3 (1798-1806):
1803 Indenture from Nathan Wilkerson, William Wilkenson, Enoch Moore [Carter], Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkenson by atty William Wilkenson to Stephen Woolsey, certified by Daniel Kennedy, Clerk of Greene Co., TN, recorded, p. 262.

    5. Thomas Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.
Elias Mackey had a land grant in Greene Co NC (now TN)  in 1787 along with William Wilson and Thomas Wilkinson.
WILKINSON, Thomas & WILSON, Elizabeth on 17 Feb 1789
Partial Census of 1787 to 1791 of Tennessee as taken from the North Carolina Land Grants, pt. 2:
Thomas Wilkison (#2494) who had 100 acres on the waters of the Nolachucky in 1791
Greene County Deed Book 4, pp. 177, 189:
2/4/1796 Thomas Wilkinson sold George Jones 100 acres on the south side of the Nolichucky River "for sum of 60 pounds Virginia currency to him in hand."
2/5/1796 George Jones paid John Jones twelve pounds for a second 100 acres on Little Lick Creek, south of the river [Creek Store, Greene Co TN].
Taxable Returns of Captain Reese Gullock's Company for the year 1798:
Name Land White
Polls		 Black
Polls		 Stud
Horse		 Squirrel
Scalps
Thomas Wilkinson 63 1     25
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 3 (1798 - 1806), p. 416:
November 30, 1798 between Stephen Woolsey of Green Co., TN and Nathan Wilkinson, adm. William Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkinson, heirs of Francis Wilkinson, decd...125 ac in the New Garden on Whitesides fork of Thompsons Creek, the waters of Clinch River...Beginning on the east side of a ridge near a spring...gap of a ridge...Signed: Nathan Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, William Wilkinson, Henry Grey, Thomas Wilkinson by his atty William Wilkinson. Witnesses: John Wear, Sr. & John Wear, Jr.
Russell Co VA Deed Book 3 (1798-1806):
1803 Indenture from Nathan Wilkerson, William Wilkenson, Enoch Moore [Carter], Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkenson by atty William Wilkenson to Stephen Woolsey, certified by Daniel Kennedy, Clerk of Greene Co., TN, recorded, p. 262.
Thomas Wilkerson enlisted Caswell Co , Dec 1780. Applied 08/14/1832 now 75, residing (on Jennings Creek near North Springs) Jackson Co, Tenn. Pension started 4/30/1833.

    6. Elizabeth Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.
Greene Co TN Marriages:
#29. Henry Grey m. Elizabeth Wilkinson-June 22,1797
Enoch Carter & George Parman were the bondsman.

Greene County, Tennessee Tax List
Taxables of Captain Captain Whitehead's Company for the year 1800
Name Land White Polls Black Polls Squirrel Scalps
Edward Gray 250 1 12
Robert Gray 215 1
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 3 (1798 - 1806), p. 416:
November 30, 1798 between Stephen Woolsey of Green Co., TN and Nathan Wilkinson, adm. William Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkinson, heirs of Francis Wilkinson, decd...125 ac in the New Garden on Whitesides fork of Thompsons Creek, the waters of Clinch River...Beginning on the east side of a ridge near a spring...gap of a ridge...Signed: Nathan Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, William Wilkinson, Henry Grey, Thomas Wilkinson by his atty William Wilkinson. Witnesses: John Wear, Sr. & John Wear, Jr.
DESCENDANTS OF EAST TENNESSEE PIONEERS by Olga Jones Edwards and Ina Wear Roberts. The book draws from a journal manuscript written by Nathan Wilkinson, grandson of John Wear:

John Wear took his wife Nancy, son John (who was 18 at the time), and daughter Rebeckah and her husband Nathan [Wilkinson] and her four children to scout out some land prospects he had in Cape Girardueau, Missouri the summer of 1800. Everyone caught malaria. John Jr., his mother Nancy, and three of Rebeckah's four children all died that October of malaria. If it were not for the help of friendly Indians, they would have all surely perished. What was left of the family finally managed to stagger back to Sevier Co TN in 1801.
Greene Co TN Marriage Record:
Elizabeth Wilkinson, former wife of Henry Guy married John Johnson in Greene County, Tenn.  Marriage recorded on October 22, 1805 but performed "10:00 a.m." September 20, 1800. 
Witnesses Nathan Wilkinson, William Smith and L. Lorimier, Commander of the Cape Girardeau [MO] District.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA LAW ORDER BOOK 3 (1799 - 1808) Part 1:
P262 - 8/23/1803 Indenture from Nathan Wilkerson, William Wilkenson, Enoch Moore, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkenson by atty William Wilkenson [heirs of Francis Wilkinson] to Stephen Woolsey, certified by Daniel Kennedy, Clerk of Greene Co., TN, recorded
8/14/1832 Elizabeth Johnson testified for brother Thomas' Revolutionary War Pension. 

    7. Nathan Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 3 (1798 - 1806), p. 416:
November 30, 1798 between Stephen Woolsey of Green Co., TN and Nathan Wilkinson, adm. William Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkinson, heirs of Francis Wilkinson, decd...125 ac in the New Garden on Whitesides fork of Thompsons Creek, the waters of Clinch River...Beginning on the east side of a ridge near a spring...gap of a ridge...Signed: Nathan Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, William Wilkinson, Henry Grey, Thomas Wilkinson by his atty William Wilkinson. Witnesses: John Wear, Sr. & John Wear, Jr.
DESCENDANTS OF EAST TENNESSEE PIONEERS by Olga Jones Edwards and Ina Wear Roberts. The book draws from a journal manuscript written by Nathan Wilkinson, grandson of John Wear:

John Wear took his wife Nancy, son John (who was 18 at the time), and daughter Rebeckah and her husband Nathan [Wilkinson] and her four children to scout out some land prospects he had in Cape Girardueau, Missouri the summer of 1800. Everyone caught malaria. John Jr., his mother Nancy, and three of Rebeckah's four children all died that October of malaria. If it were not for the help of friendly Indians, they would have all surely perished. What was left of the family finally managed to stagger back to Sevier Co TN in 1801.
Greene Co TN Marriage Record:
Elizabeth Wilkinson, former wife of Henry Guy married John Johnson in Greene County, Tenn.  Marriage recorded on October 22, 1805 but performed "10:00 a.m." September 20, 1800. 
Witnesses Nathan Wilkinson, William Smith and L. Lorimier, Commander of the Cape Girardeau [MO] District.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA LAW ORDER BOOK 3 (1799 - 1808) Part 1:
P262 - 8/23/1803 Indenture from Nathan Wilkerson, William Wilkenson, Enoch Moore [Carter], Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkenson by atty William Wilkenson [heirs of Francis Wilkinson] to Stephen Woolsey, certified by Daniel Kennedy, Clerk of Greene Co., TN, recorded		 
1850 Federal Census: Lawrence County, Missouri
HN  FN  LAST      FIRST      AGE Sex Occup. BIRTH
==================================================
333 337 WILKERSON Nathan     83  M   Farmer NC 
                  Rebecca    79  F          VA 
                  John W     57  M          TENN
                  Jane       43  F          TENN

    8. Catherine Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 3 (1798 - 1806), p. 416:
November 30, 1798 between Stephen Woolsey of Green Co TN and Nathan Wilkinson, adm. William Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkinson, heirs of Francis Wilkinson, decd...125 ac in the New Garden on Whitesides fork of Thompsons Creek, the waters of Clinch River...Beginning on the east side of a ridge near a spring...gap of a ridge...Signed: Nathan Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, William Wilkinson, Henry Grey, Thomas Wilkinson by his atty William Wilkinson. Witnesses: John Wear, Sr. & John Wear, Jr.
Flag Branch Baptist Church Minutes:
1816 Catherine Woolsey asked Flag Branch Church [now Mountain View Baptist vic Whitesand TN] for a letter.

    9. Mary Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.

    10. Fannie Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.

    11. Susannah Wilkinson

Caswell Co NC Will Book A-B, p. 185:
10/28/1781. . . to my son John half a dollar, to my son William half a dollar,  to my son Thomas three hundred acres of Land up the  creek to be made to him when of age, to my daughter Mary I give half  a dollar. all my other lands, Goods & Chattels to be Divided equally  between Cathrine, Nathan, Fanny, Elizabeth, Susannah at my  Wife's and son Thomas' discretion.
Enoch Carter m. Susan Wilkinson-Feb.27,1794, Greene Co. TN.
William Wilkinson was the bondsman.
Taxable Returns of Captain Reese Gullock's Company for the year 1798:
Name Land White
Polls 		Black
Polls 		Stud
Horse 		Squirrel
Scalps
Enoch Carter 83½ 1     25
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 3 (1798 - 1806), p. 416:
November 30, 1798 between Stephen Woolsey of Green Co TN and Nathan Wilkinson, adm. William Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkinson, heirs of Francis Wilkinson, decd...125 ac in the New Garden on Whitesides fork of Thompsons Creek, the waters of Clinch River...Beginning on the east side of a ridge near a spring...gap of a ridge...Signed: Nathan Wilkinson, Enoch Carter, William Wilkinson, Henry Grey, Thomas Wilkinson by his atty William Wilkinson. Witnesses: John Wear, Sr. & John Wear, Jr.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA LAW ORDER BOOK 3 (1799 - 1808) Part 1:
P262 - 8/23/1803 Indenture from Nathan Wilkerson, William Wilkenson, Enoch Moore [Carter], Henry Grey & Thomas Wilkenson by atty William Wilkenson [heirs of Francis Wilkinson] to Stephen Woolsey, certified by Daniel Kennedy, Clerk of Greene Co., TN, recorded
State of Tennessee, Smith County, Term 1805:
This the written Last Will and Testament of William Pharris was duly Proven in open court by James Carter and Susannah Carter subscribing witnesses Thereto and order to be recorded
S. Williams, Clerk
Enoch Carter is on Jackson Co TN tax records in 1814, 1815.
"Nathan Pharris v Catherine Pharris and Enoch Carter," Chancery Court, Jackson Co TN
  • Testimony from Mary Lemons, who is identified as Enoch's sister
  • Lawsuit for misuse of the estate of William B. Pharris filed by William's son, Nathan
  • Susannah Carter was a witness to Williams Pharris' will in 1805
  • Enoch lived with William's second wife Catherine "Katy" Johnson Pharris.
Males Born After

#

 Carter Females Born After # Carter
45+   0   45+   0  
25-44 1775  0   25-44 1775  1 Susannah
18-25 1795  1 ? 16-25 1795  0  
16-18 1802  1 ?
10-15 1805  1 ? 10-15 1805  1 Susannah
to 10 1810  0   to 10 1810  0  

Generation #3

Caveat
This site is provided for reference only. Except where specifically cited, information contained is conjecture and should not be considered as fact.
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