PART TWO: BY ROBERT A. IVEY
ELIZABETH HENDERSON, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Williams Henderson, married JOHN (JACK) BECKHAM, son of William Benjamin and Phyllis Mackey Beckham, on August 12, 1761, in Oxford, Granville County, North Carolina. (RootsWeb’sWorldConnect Project: AWT—Beckham—Ela by Timothy Beckham)
William Williams was bondsman at John Beckham’s marriage to Elizabeth Henderson. Bond was dated August 12, 1761, and consent was given by Elizabeth Henderson, her mother.
Elizabeth was born on February 19, 1738, in Hanover County, Virginia. John was born in Orange County, Virginia, on December 1, 1735. (RootsWeb’s WorldConect Project: A Goode American Family—David Goode; Elizabeth “Libby” “Betty” Henderson Beckham (1738-1831)—Find a Grave Memorial—Elretta Weathers)
William Benjamin Beckham, son of William and Phillis Randolph Beckham, was born in Essex County, Virginia, January 9, 1708. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project, Entries 333301, Contact–Joann Sovelenko)
He married Phillis Mackey, daughter of John Mackey, in Essex County, Virginia, in 1725. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Southern Families and Beyond, Contact–Theresa Buchanan; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Compton’s Place of Georgia Connections, Contact–William Kerr)
She was born on Turkey Island, Virginia, in 1709. (RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: Stevenson—Koenig Family Tree by Walter Stevenson)
She had a brother, John Mackey, Jr., who was a Patriot soldier during the American Revolutionary War. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—page 10—Google)
William and Phyllis moved their family to Hanover County, Virginia, where their first child, Simon Beckham, was born in 1728, and their second child, Thomas, was born in 1729.
They were living in Orange County, Virginia, in 1730, when their son, William Beckham, Jr., was born. Their other children: Phyllis, John and Mary were also born in this county. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—pages 14-15—Google)
He moved his family to Granville County, North Carolina, in 1746, the year the county was formed. He settled on Beckham’s Pigpen Branch of Fishing Creek. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—page 12—Google)
On October 8, 1754, William Benjamin Beckham was a private in the Granville County, N. C. Militia. The Regiment was commanded by Colonel William Eaton, and the Company was commanded by Captain Sugar Jones. His sons, Simon, Thomas and William Jr. also served in this militia. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—page 10—Google)
In 1760, he gave to his sons, Simon and John Beckham, 350 acres of land in Granville County, N. C., at the head of Fishing Creek. It was part of a tract granted to him by the Earl of Granville, August 26, 1760. Simon received 150 acres of the tract and John received 200 acres on both sides of Long Branch. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—page 12—Google)
On June 13, 1763, William Beckham and his son, John, sold John’s 200 acres to Benjamin Kimball. It was the tract of land in Granville County on the Long Branch that included William’s old Plantation of 200 acres. The land was granted to William by Lord Granville on the 25 of August 1760. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—page 13—Google)
William Benjamin’s will was signed June 4, 1776, and proven at the November court of 1777, in Granville County, N. C. (The Beginning of Beckham Families—pages 13-14—Google) He died in 1777, in Granville County, N. C. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Ashley Jo West Family Tree, Contact–Ashley West)
After the death of his wife, Phyllis, John, his son, was to receive the slave, Peter. She died after 1777, in Granville County, N. C. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Compton’s Place of Georgia Connections, Contact–William Kerr)
John Beckham received a grant of 400 acres of land from North Carolina in the Grindal Shoals area of what later became Union District, S. C., circa 1765. His land was adjacent to the 300 acre grant on both sides of Pacolet River, above Carroll Shoals, that Joab Mitchell received from Mecklenburg County, N. C., on February 20, 1767. (North Carolina Land Grants in South Carolina by Brent Holcomb, page 95) John Beckham was a chain bearer when the plat for the above land was drawn on April 27, 1767.
John and Elizabeth’s first two children: Nathaniel and Mary Leah Beckham were born in Granville County, N. C.
Nathaniel died in 1771, while they lived on the 400 acre tract at Pacolet River. Thus was born the Beckham cemetery that later became known as the Hodge cemetery. John Beckham, Jr. was born in 1766, after they had moved to Pacolet River in the Carroll (Grindal) Shoals area. (Elizabeth Henderson Beckham “1738-1831”—Find a Grave Memorial, Created by Elreeta Weathers; Alan Ray’s Genealogy Page No. 113, Generated by Personal Ancestral File)
Richard Henderson, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Williams Henderson, received grants for 1200 acres of land in the Carroll (Grindal) Shoals section of what later became Union District, S. C., in 1767 and 1768. (North Carolina Land Grants in South Carolina by Brent Holcomb, pages 70, 140 and 156)
By 1771, or before William Henderson, brother of Elizabeth Beckham, had purchased his brother, Richard Henderson’s grants in the Carroll (Grindal) Shoals area. (South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 28, No. 1, April, 1927, pages 108-111, Article by B. F. Taylor on General William Henderson)
According to John H. Logan, he lived for awhile with his sister, Elizabeth, and her husband, John Beckham, while they lived on John’s 400 acre grant on both sides of the Pacolet River. He was single at this time. (A History of the Upper Country of South Carolina, Vol. II, page 38, by John H. Logan)
By 1775, John Beckham sold his land on the Pacolet River to William Hodge and moved to land owned by his brother-in-law, William Henderson.
An article on William Henderson, in the Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, states that William was a merchant. He may have established a store on his land that was later run by John Beckham Sr. Rev. J. D. Bailey states in his History of Grindal Shoals that Beckham operated a store.
Rev. J. D. Bailey wrote: “He engaged in hunting and trapping as game was plentiful. As a horse trainer, he was considered an expert, and paid a good deal of attention to horse racing.”
Rev. J. D. Bailey also wrote: “A short distance above the Shoals (Grindal) on the west side of the river, a spring may be seen, that is yet known as the Chisholm spring. Here John Chisholm obtained a tract of land and settled prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century. He was a devotee to race-horses and horse-racing. His race tracts were long seen in the level field in front of the residence of Major Starke Sims.”
Elretta Weathers wrote: “John Beckham never wore the uniform of an American military man, but performed invaluable service in the process of winning our freedom from the British. John was an effective scout and spy for the Colonies in South Carolina.” None of the Patriot Militia wore a uniform. They simply wore their hunting clothes.
During the Revolutionary War, Wade Hampton I was a member of the First South Carolina Continental Regiment. He became a lieutenant and paymaster during 1776. He was engaged in the Battle of Fort Sullivan at Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776.
Two days later the Indians attacked his family near present day Greer, S. C., and killed his father, Anthony Hampton, his mother, Anne Elizabeth Preston Hampton, his brother, Preston, and their grandson, Anthony, son of their daughter, Elizabeth Hampton, wife of James Mason Harrison Jr. (The Venturers, The Hampton, Harrison and Earles Families of Virginia, South Carolina and Texas by Virginia Meynard, published by Southern Historical Press, 1981)
Rev. J. D. Bailey in his History of Grindal Shoals, page 47, wrote, “The marauding expeditions of the Indians began in July 1776. They (the Indians) visited the house of Anthony Hampton and as they came up, old Mr. Hampton gave the chief a friendly grasp of the hand, but had not more than done this, when he saw his son, Preston, who was standing in the yard, fall from the fire of a gun.
The same hand that he had grasped only a moment before sent a tomahawk through his skull and immediately his wife met the same fate. An infant grandson was dashed against the wall of the home, which was spattered with its blood and brains. The house was set on fire and burned. When the savages were gone the murdered Hamptons were buried in one grave near the yard.”
A History of the Jefferies Family found in the Cherokee County Library states that Nathaniel Jefferies and Wade Hampton were in the same regiment. Though records are limited, it is possible that they both fought in the Battle of Fort Sullivan.
The story states that Nathaniel Jefferies was with Wade when he received word that his parents, brother and nephew had been killed. Nathaniel then went with Wade to assist him in the burial of his mother, father, brother and their infant grandson. Nathaniel offered Wade his home as a place of residence, when he was not engaged in the army.
It was not long before Wade Hampton I learned about John Beckham’s ability to train race horses. Wade had an early love for these fine animals. After he met Beckham, he was invited to live with him and his wife between his days in the army.
In his History of Grindal Shoals, pages 46, Rev. J. D. Bailey wrote: “Wade Hampton made his home at Beckham’s for quite a while, and figured prominently in the Grindal (Shoals) society.”
Miss S. A. Sims, in her history of Grindal Shoals on the Pacolet wrote: “Wade and John Hampton in their early youth were familiar characters about Grindal, where they came to hunt and trap for animals. These youths were always the guests of Mrs. Beckham (Elizabeth) and her husband, John Beckham, being also fond of hunting.” (Published in the Carolina Spartan, December 1, 1894, and the Gaffney Ledger, June 2, 1918)
John H. Logan in his History of the Upper Country of South Carolina, Volume II, pages 38-30, wrote: “John Beckham was a most active Whig and fearless scout. While Morgan (General Daniel) was encamped on Grindal’s Shoals, he kept him in constant motion, and he did valuable service.”
The Reverend James D. Bailey in his book, History of Grindal Shoals, page 54, wrote: “After the battle of Blackstock, in November, 1780, Sumter retreated towards King’s Mountain by way of Grindal Shoals. Tarleton followed in pursuit, encamping for a night at the house of Jack Beckham on Sandy Run.”
Elizabeth Ellet in her book, The Women of the American Revolution, Vol. I, pages 295-296, wrote: “John Beckham’s wife was the sister of Colonel Henderson (William) of the continental army. Mrs. Beckham saw for the first time this renowned officer while standing in her yard, and ordering his men to catch her poultry for supper. She spoke civily to him, and hastened to prepare supper for him and his suite, as if they had been honored guests.
When about to leave in the morning, he ordered the house to be burnt, after being given up to pillage, but on her remonstrance, recalled the order. All her bedding was taken, except one quilt, which would soon share the same fate.”
Rev. J. D. Bailey wrote in his, History of Grindal Shoals, page 54: “The next morning a little after sunrise he (Tarleton) and his army came to Hodge’s (William’s) house and made him a prisoner. His provender was seized, his stock shot down and his house and fences burned to the ground.
John Beckham, the noted scout, was sitting on his horse, eating breakfast from a widow (at William Hodge’s) when Tarleton came up.”
Logan wrote: “When closely pressed by the Light Horse of Tarleton (Col. Banastre), he plunged headlong down a fearful bank into the river, and made his escape.
The spot is still well known, and often pointed out. It was on the plantation of old William Hodge, who was also a true Whig. A comrade named Easterwood (Lawrence), from whom the shoals take their name, was with him in this race. Easterwood rode a big clumsy horse and was big and heavy himself. His horse striking his foot against a log, Easterwood fell sprawling and was made a prisoner.
Beckham’s mare, a magnificent animal, soon left them in the rear. He could have got off easier, but stopping at Hodge’s to light his pipe, (he was an incessant smoker), the British were close upon him, while he was holding the fire. He swore he would light it before he budged a foot. After gaining the opposite side of the Pacolet (River), he slapped his thigh, and looking back at his pursuers, ‘Shoot and be d____d,’ he cried, his pipe still in his mouth. He is said to have done all his scouting and fighting with his pipe in his mouth.”
The house that Tarleton burned was the cabin that John Beckham had built, and where his family had lived until he sold the land to William Hodge in 1775. In the Union County Will Abstracts book by Brent Holcomb, page 17, August 27, 1784, is found the following:
“Personally appeared John Hodge and John Grindal Senr. Before J. Thompson, J. P. and state that they saw John Beckham of Ninety Six District in the year 1775 or 76 deliver to William Hodge of Pacolet River and said district, a lease and release for 400 acres, being the plantation whereon William Hodge now lives.”
William Hodge had lost the title to his property when Tarleton burned his house. The lease and release prove that Hodge was living in the house that John Beckham had built.
Elizabeth Ellet, in her Women of the American Revolution, Vol. I, page 296, wrote: “At another time Mrs. Beckham went to Granby, eighty miles distant, for a bushel of salt, which she brought home on the saddle under her. The guinea appropriated for the purchase, was concealed in the hair braided on the top of her head.”
A biographical account of Elizabeth Beckham was written in the American Monthly Magazine, Vol. 19, p. 67. The magazine was produced by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The names of four of her children were mentioned: John, Susan, Elizabeth, and Henrietta.
The Reverend J. D. Bailey, in his History of Grindal Shoals, page 24, wrote that when the war was over “Wade Hampton I, who had spent much time in the Beckham home, gave him employment as a trainer of (his) race horses.”
On June 18, 1785, Lawrence Easterwood of Ninety Six District (now Union County, S. C.) sold John Beckham 200 acres of land on the south side of Pacolet River for 100 pounds sterling. It was above the place where Zachariah Bullock was then living. He sold this property to Robert Thompson on May 13, 1787. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, pages 19 & 48, by Brent Holcomb)
He and his wife, Elizabeth, sold a plantation originally belonging to William Marchbanks to Moses Wright on April 29, 1789. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 69, by Brent Holcomb)
John Beckham Sr. sold a 50 acre tract of land, on the north side of Pacolet River, to Joseph Cowen on July 9, 1791. The land was originally granted to Joab Mitchell and was conveyed by him to John Beckham. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 114, by Brent Holcomb)
There is no deed abstract recorded that refers to William Henderson giving any land to the Beckhams. Apparently, there must have been a document written before the will was made, giving title to the Beckhams for 200 acres. It was never recorded but was made a part of the settlement of William Henderson’s estate. John Beckham must have sought the sale of the land, which his son purchased.
In Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. 4, pages 167-168, by Brent Holcomb, is found the following: John Henderson and Douglas Stark, executors of William Henderson, deceased, one of Ninety Six District, and the other in the District of Camden, for 100 pounds sterling, on December 14, 1791, sold John Beckham Jr. of Ninety Six District, a 200 acre tract on Big Sandy Run, a branch of Pacolet River.
The property was opposite to the mouth of Beckham’s Spring Branch, and included the plantation “whereon John Beckham Sr. now lives”. The transaction was witnessed by John Haile and John Sanders. It was proven by the oath of John Sanders in a court in Claeborn County, Tennessee, on August 2, 1825.”
The writer does not fully understand the statement that appeared in the Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 208, by Brent Holcomb:
“John Henderson Esq’r. of Union County, executor of William Henderson deceased, bound to Susannah Beckham, Nancy Beckham, Henrietta Beckham and Terese Beckham, daughters of John Beckham Senr., in the penal sum of 500 pounds sterling, 5 Sept 1797, never to claim any part of the land given by William Henderson deceased, 200 acres, ‘whereon John Beckham now lives’. Witnessed by Stephen Heard and Adam Potter.”
This was probably written and made a part of the settlement to keep the daughters from making any claims to the land given to the Beckhams by William Henderson.
According to Union Country, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 164, John Beckham Sr. was still living on March 17, 1807. Henry Fernandes sold a tract of 44 acres granted to him on May 3, 1802, to John Jefferies. This transaction took place in March of 1807, and the land was adjacent to land belonging to John Beckham. This indicates that Beckham was still living at this time.
In John Haile Sr.’s will he left an old tract to his sons, Samuel and John, that was adjacent to Mrs. Beckham’s. The will was written
on August 15th of 1807, and this indicates that John Beckham was deceased at this time. (Union County Will Abstracts, page 96, by Brent Holcomb, Will of John Haile)
On October 8, 1808, Elizabeth, John Beckham’s widow, purchased 200 acres on Little Sandy Run, waters of Pacolet River, from Peter Howard of Greenville, S. C., for $100.00. It was known by the name of Peter Howard’s old place. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. 2, page 211, by Brent Holcomb)
The tract of land was originally settled by Peter Howard and his wife, Sarah Ann Portman. Peter was the son of Alexander Howard and Joanna Trippels and was born in 1738, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Hendricks and Related Families, Contact–Timothy Hendricks)
He married Sarah Ann, daughter of John and Hannah Sheffield Portman, circa 1759. She was born circa 1740. (RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: Descendants of Richard Bray of New England, Contact–Mary Foster Ludvigsen)
John Portman Sr., son of Richard and Elinour Rice Portman, was born May 9, 1703, in Bromyard, Herefordshire, England. He married Hannah Sheffield, daughter of William and Margaret ? Sheffield. She was born in 1706, in Stoke Lacey, Herefordshire, England. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Carter To Charlemagne; RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: James Jones and Sons, Bootmakers of Alfrick)
John Portman Sr. received a 200-acre grant of land from Mecklenburg County, N. C., on both sides of the Pacolet River on March 15, 1765. He received another grant for 200 acres on March 15, 1766, on Island Creek. (North Carolina Land Grants in South Carolina, page 103, by Brent Holcomb)
He, his wife and family were among the early settlers of Carroll (Grindal) Shoals community. He moved to South Carolina from Pennsylvania. (A History of Kentucky Baptists, Vol. II, by J. H. Spencer, page 583)
His son, John Portman Jr., married Sarah McWhorter, daughter of John McWhorter Sr. and his wife, Eleanor Brevard McWhorter, circa 1770. (RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: Geer Ancestry, Contact– Samuel Taylor Geer)
He was a Patriot soldier in the American Revolutionary War and fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain. He served under Col. John Thomas. (Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 780, by Bobby Gilmer Moss; A History of Kentucky Baptists, Vol. II, by J. H. Spencer, page 583)
He, with his father, moved their families to Christian County, Kentucky, in the latter 1790s. His grandson, Jesse Coffee Portman, was “one of the most popular and efficient preachers that ever labored in his part of the state (Kentucky).” Jesse Coffee preached in the South Kentucky Baptist Association. (A History of Kentucky Baptists by J. H. Spencer, Vol. 2, page 583)
John Portman Jr. was the brother of Peter Howard’s wife, Sarah Ann Portman.
Peter Howard knew the settlers of old Carroll (Grindal) Shoals and purchased land on Tyger River from Nicholas Jasper of Grindal Shoals on September 17, 1786. (Spartanburg County/District South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827, page 7, by Albert Bruce Pruitt)
His wife was related to the Portmans of the Sandy Run area of Union District, S. C. They were living in Greenville District, S. C. in 1790. (1790 federal census of South Carolina)
Peter’s son, Thomas, served as a Patriot soldier in the American Revolutionary War, serving under Col. Benjamin Roebuck. (Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 466, by Bobby Gilmer Moss)
Peter’s brother, John Howard, was born in 1728, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He left Virginia, with his brothers, Peter and Alexander, and traveled to Granville County, N. C. (John Howard—Find A Grave Memorial—Google)
He married Avis ? in 1758, in Amelia County, Virginia. They left Amelia County, moved to North Carolina, and then to South Carolina.
“While in a wagon train from North Carolina to South Carolina, they were attacked by Indians and many of the settlers were killed. Avis was scalped, but the Indian, in pulling up her long hair, cut only the hair and the skin of the scalp, and did not break the skull. She lived, but always had a bald spot on the top of her head, which she covered with a cap.” (Family History & Genealogy Messages: Who was Avis, wife of John Howard—Amelia—Google)
John inherited land from his brother, Alexander Howard Jr., in Granville County, N. C., and sold it on May 14, 1768. He moved from Granville County to Craven County, S. C., prior to February 11, 1767. He received a grant for 350 acres of land on July 2, 1768, in Craven County, S. C. It was “situated, lying & being on a branch of Enoree River”. This land was in what later became Laurens District, S. C. (John Howard–1728-1818—Find a Grave Memorial—Google)
He was a Patriot soldier in the Amercian Revolutionary War and was the great, great, great, great grandfather of the writer. He enlisted during August of 1775 in the Charleston, S. C., Volunteer Militia and fought under Captain Charles Drayton (Patriot Index Supplement).
(Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 466, by Bobby Gilmer Moss.
He was a private in Lt. McCullough’s Company and was in Col. Archibald McDonald’s Light Dragoons. He fought in the Battle of Fort Sullivan and was at the Fall of Charleston for 75 days. (American Revolution Roster, Fort Sullivan—1776-1780—Fort Sullivan Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, page 184)
“He moved his family from Laurens District to Greenville District in South Carolina, and was living in Greenville District by 1790, or before. (1790 federal census of South Carolina)
John Howard lived in the Simpsonville area of Greenville District, S. C. He received a land grant for 100 acres in Simpsonville, Greenville District in 1793. “He was a very prosperous planter, owning over 2,000 acres of land in and around what is now Simpsonville, S. C., during his life time.
John and Avis were on the roll of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Greenville District, in 1800. In 1804, John and Avis were on the roll of the Clear Spring Baptist Church in Greenville District.” (John Howard–1728-1818–Find a Grave Memorial—Google)
John and Peter were sons of Alexander and Johanna Trepples Howard.
John H. Logan, in his book, A History of the Upper Country of South Carolina, Vol. II, pages 38-39, wrote: “He (John Beckham) lies buried on Hodge’s plantation.” William Rice Feaster, in his book, Union County, S. C., page 18, states that he died in the Santuc section of Union District. There was no Santuc community until circa 1891, so this area could have been considered a part of the Brown’s Creek section.
John Beckham and his wife, Elizabeth, may have been visiting with their daughter, Molly, and her husband, James Clayton Stribling, when he died in 1807.
“She died on August 17, 1831, and was buried by her husband (and children) in the Hodge graveyard. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Russell-Jones-Wallace-Tressler-Olmsted, Contact—Linda Smith; Elizabeth “Libby” “Betty” Henderson Beckham—1738-1831—Find A Grave Memorial, Contact–Elreeta Weathers, Google)
The Beckham’s only (living) son (John Beckham Jr.) removed to Kentucky and his daughters (those who lived to maturity) married and moved to the west.” (A History of the Upper Country of South Carolina, Vol. II, page 39, by John H. Logan)
A couple of writers speak of John Beckham as “a ne’er-do-well”.
This writer does not agree with this statement. Let’s ask General William Henderson, his brother-in-law, who was given a place to stay by Beckham in his younger unmarried days, if he thought Beckham was “a ne’er-do-well”.
Let’s ask Colonel Wade Hampton who was given a place to live at the Beckhams after his parents’ untimely deaths, if he thought John Beckham was “a ne’er-do-well”.
Let’s ask General Daniel Morgan who was dependant on Beckham’s information about the movements of Col. Banaster Tarleton, if he thought John Beckham was “a ne’er-do-well”.
Bailey wrote: “Some time after her husband’s death she (Elizabeth), in looking over his accounts, found that something was due her from Wade Hampton. She resolved to visit him and see what he would do for her.
Her family and friends advised against it; that Hampton was now a very rich and distinguished man living in grand style in Columbia (S. C.). The old lady said, ‘she would trust him,’ that she had known Wade in his youth; her house was then open to him, and she could not believe that he would forsake her now.
So mounting ‘Derrick’, her faithful old horse, she set off to Columbia all alone. She made the trip and returned safely. The family, eager to hear the result of her visit, gathered around her.
Mrs. Beckham was delighted. ‘How did he receive you?’ she was asked. ‘Receive me! he received me as if I had been a queen; nothing in his grand house was too good for Mrs. Beckham. Child, I was put in a fine chamber with a great mahogany bedstead covered with a canopy, and so high that there were steps to climb into it, and they were carpeted. He paid me, and more than paid me.’
It is probable that this heroic old lady returned with more money in her pocket than she had had in many a day. (History of Grindal Shoals, pages 25-26, by Rev. J. D. Bailey)
According to Elreeta Weathers, the Beckhams had fifteen children, five sons and ten daughters:
(1). Nathaniel Beckham was born July 10, 1762; Died March 24, 1771.
(2). Mary Leah Beckham was born December 28, 1763; Died November 23, 1777.
(3). John Beckham Jr. was born June 6, 1766; Died 1849.
(4). Mary (Molly) Beckham was born June 10, 1768; Died May 26, 1859.
(5). Elizabeth Beckham was born June 24, 1771.
(6). Phyllis Beckham was born April 24, 1773; Died June 9, 1779.
(7). Susanna (Susan) Beckham was born April 13, 1775; Still living in 1797.
(8). Ann Beckham was born December 2, 1777.
(9). Henrietta Beckham was born October 10, 1779; Not married until after 1797. Died January 12, 1862.
(10). Theresa (Trecy) Beckham was born October 5, 1781. She was still living in 1797, and unmarried at this time.
Children with no dates given, nor order of birth:
(11). Sarah Beckham.
(12). Nancy Beckham. Still living in 1797.
(13). Simon Beckham.
(14). Thomas Beckham.
(15). William Beckham.
(Elizabeth “Libby” “Betty” Henderson Beckham–1738-1831—Find A Grave Memorial—Created by: Elreeta Weathers, Google)
Children still living in 1797:
John Beckham Jr., Mary (Molly) Beckham, Susanna (Susan) Beckham, Henrietta Beckham, Theresa Beckham and Nancy Beckham.
Four sons and five daughters had already been buried in the Beckham-Hodge cemetery at this time: Nathaniel, Mary Leah, Elizabeth, Phyllis, Ann, Sarah, Simon, Thomas and William.
Mary (Molly) Beckham and John Beckham, Jr. were married before 1797.
Susanna, Henrietta, Theresa and Nancy were mentioned in 1797, in a deed abstract. These daughters were not married at this time. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 208)
The writer has marriage records of only one of these daughters. No additional information was available from the databases.
All but six of their children died very early and were buried in the Beckham-Hodge cemetery. The writer believes that the rocked walled section of the Hodge cemetery probably contains the Beckham burials and early Hodges. It was first known as the Beckham cemetery for several Beckhams were buried there before John Beckham sold the property to William Hodge.
JOHN BECKHAM JR., son of John and Elizabeth Henderson Beckham, was born at Carroll (Grindal) Shoals June 6, 1766.
(Alan Ray’s Genealogy, page 113, generated by Personal
Ancestral File, Google)
He married Rachel Susan Moseley, daughter of John and Ann Abernathy Moseley, in 1791, at Grindal Shoals. She was born circa 1776, in Union District, S. C. (Susan was born too early to be the child of Baxter and Henrietta Fowler Moseley; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Dr.)
Her family had originally lived in Ninety Six District, (later Union District, S. C.) but sold their property in January of 1776, and several months later moved to Chester District, S. C. They had returned to what was later called Union District, possibly by 1780. (Union County Deed Book A, pp. 322-323; Union County Deed Book E, pp. 107-111; James Moseley’s Pension Application No. S9421)
In RootsWeb: BECKHAM-L ARCHIVES, Jack Beckham Jr.: Jack Duke wrote: “In 1791, John Jr. began operating a store at Grindal Shoals in partnership with Monecrieff & MacBeth. This store may have been first run by his father. By 1793, John Jr. and his partners were having trouble. They brought a suit against John in 1793, which lasted for a number of years, and stated that he refused to keep proper accounts, and that he was planning to run out on them.”
The official name of his business was: Beckham and Company. (Union County, South Carolina, Minutes of the County Court, page 472)
ALEXANDER MACBETH AND COMPANY
John Beckham Jr.’s partners were merchants: Alexander Macbeth, a merchant in Union District, S. C., and John Moncrieff, a merchant in Charleston, S. C. (Union County, South Carolina, Will Abstracts,
1787-1849, page 102)
Their firm name was: Alexander Macbeth and Company. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 77 (B, 315-317)
Alexander Macbeth was born in Drumduan, Auldearn, Nairn, Scotland on December 10, 1749. He arrived in Charleston, S. C., on the Ship Olive Branch from London, December 21, 1784. He made several trips to London. On October 29, 1785, he proposed a plan for the Santee Canal. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project, Alexander Macbeth, Contact—Mary Megeaski)
He was living in Union District, S. C., in 1789, or before, where he established his company. On January 12, 1789, his company purchased a ½ acre lot in Union Court House from John McCool
and Jane, his wife. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 77)
On Monday, December 28, 1789, his company made an application to the Union District Court for a retail license to sell Spiritous Liquors. Macbeth and Company received their license to retail Spirituous Liquors from the Court. Their Tavern was on lot No. 45 in the city of Unionville S. C. (Union County, South Carolina, Minutes of the County Court, December 28, 1789, pages 234-235; Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I., page 155, by Brent Holcomb)
Macbeth and Company also had retail outlets in Spartanburg and Greenville, S. C. In an internet article on Descendants of William Grant, it states that he built a two story frame house and other buildings in Rutherfordton, N. C., which he financed with a mortgage from Alexander Macbeth and Company, merchant, in Spartanburg, S. C. (Family Tree Maker’s Genealogy Site: User Home Page, Genealogy Report Descendants, page 2, Google)
The Macbeth Company lent money to the farmers in the area for their farming operations. They also assisted small business and became their partners. The Hernandis’ and Beckham’s stores in Grindal Shoals area were two such places of business that had their assistance.
Alexander Macbeth and John Moncrieff purchased nine lots in the city of Union from Capt. Nicholas Jasper on November 11, 1795. Each lot contained ½ acre. The lots were originally granted to John McCool and conveyed to said Nicholas Jasper by deed. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, pages 181-182, by Brent Holcomb)
Alexander’s brother, John, who also lived in Union District, S. C., assisted his brother in his enterprises. There is an Alexander Macbeth store ledger for 1794, in the Greenville County Library System’s South Carolina Room.
Since John married Martha Townes, daughter of William B. and Obedience Allen Townes of Greenville, S. C., it is possible that he married her while overseeing their operation in Greenville. They lived in Union District, S. C., after their marriage. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project, Martha Townes, Contact—Mary Megeaski)
Their son, Col. Robert Macbeth, served as sheriff of Union District, S. C., four different five year terms and one 13 year term for a total of thirty three years. He was a Confederate veteran. He died May 6, 1891, and was buried beside his uncle, Alexander, in the Presbyterian cemetery of Union, S. C., in a marked grave.
(RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: Robert Macbeth, Contact—Mary Megeaski; Union County Sheriffs by Mrs. Rae Hawkins from Union County Jail Books, Google; Union County Cemeteries, compiled and edited by Mrs. E. D. Whaley Sr., page 150)
John’s wife, Martha Townes, died in May of 1809, in Union, S. C., and was buried in the Village Cemetery. After the death of his first wife, John married Rachel Young.
John died August 16, 1843, in Unionville, S. C. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Martha Townes, Contact—Mary Megeaski; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project, John Macbeth, Contact–Mary Megeaski; Union County, South Carolina, Will Abstracts, 1787-1840, page 149)
Alexander’s brother, James, remained in Charleston, S. C., and had a partnership with Robert Henry and Henry Ker, merchants in that city. They made several loans in Union District, S. C. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 35)
James married Catherine Johnston, daughter of Charles and Mary Mackenzie Johnston, on April 3, 1798, in Charleston, S. C. He was a Director of the S. C. Insurance Company and was a member of a Committee on Education of the St. Andrews Society. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project, James Macbeth, Contact–Mary Megeaski; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Catherine Johnston, Contact—Mary Megeaski)
Their son, James, married Mary Vanderhorst Barksdale, eldest daughter of Thomas and Serena Payne Barksdale. James and Mary inherited Youghal plantation in Mount Pleasant, S. C. James changed the name to Oakland. He was a cotton broker at Exchange Warf and a merchant at Vanderhorst Warf. He died on December 17, 1872, and was buried at Youghall (Oakland) plantation.
(RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: James Macbeth Jr., Contact—Mary Megeaski; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Mary Vanderhorst Barksdale, Contact—Mary Megeaski; South Carolina Plantation—Mount Pleasant, Charleston County, S.C., page 2, Google)
James Sr. died on June 26, 1821, and was buried at the First Scots Presbyterian cemetery in Charleston, S. C. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: James Macbeth Sr., Contact—Mary Megeaski)
John Moncrieff, Alexander’s partner, was born in Scotland. He was
a merchant from Perthshire, who settled in Charleston, S. C., in 1772. He was a Loyalist in 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. He died on May 12, 1821, in Charleston and was buried in the Old Scots Church cemetery. (Scots in the Carolinas, 1680-1830, Vol. II, by David Dobson)
Alexander Macbeth, son of Alexander and Isabel Isobel Peterkin Macbeth, was never married. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Ray Stephens–1107, page 1)
He died June 1, 1819, in Charleston, S. C. His will was written on April 10, 1819, and probated in Union District, S. C. He was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery in the city of Union, S. C., and his grave was marked.
He left his plantation on each side of the Fairforest Creek, with the mills, to his brother, John. He left several slaves to children of John.
“The residue of my estate both real and personal, that in my own private name, and that in which I am one half concerned with John Moncrieff of Charleston, to my brothers, James and John, both of South Carolina, and four sisters: Elizabeth, Jennett, Mary and Henrietta, all in that part of Great Britain called Scotland.”
He left his gold watch “to my friend Alexander Hay”. James Macbeth of Charleston, S. C., and John Macbeth and Alexander Hay of Union District, were selected as his executors. William White, James Berry and John Macbeth, were witnesses to his will. (Union County, South Carolina, Will Abstracts, 1787-1849, page 102)
Alexander Hay was born in the Parish of Aubdearn, Nairnshire, Scotland, on December 14, 1770. He and Henry Fernandis witnessed a transaction between John McDonald and Alexander Macbeth and Company, on May 7, 1796. The land mortgaged was 100 acres on the branches of Brown’s Creek. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, pages 182-183, by Brent Holcomb)
Hay probably married after coming to Union District, S. C. His son, Alexander Jr., was born on October 1, 1806. His gravestone states that the son was born in Scotland, but this is probably inaccurate. (Directory of Scots in the Carolinas, 1680-1830, by David Dobson, Google Books)
Name of his wife is unknown to this writer. He was naturalized and became a citizen of this country on March 12, 1810. (Naturalization, Union County, South Carolina, Genealogy Trails, page 1)
Alexander established a post office in Cedar Grove of Union District, S. C., on March 20, 1824, and was its first postmaster. (All Known SC Post Offices, 1785-1971, Google)
Alexander died on August 16, 1837, and his son, Alexander Jr., died August 28, 1838. They were both buried in the Holcombe Cemetery in Union District, S. C., and their graves were marked. (Union Country Cemeteries, compiled and edited by Mrs. E. D. Whaley Sr., Holcombe Cemetery, page 77; South Carolina Historical Society, Macbeth Family Papers, 1810-1854, SCHS 1066.00, Container 11/272)
(The South Carolina Historical Society has a collection of letters regarding the Macbeth and Hay families. There are letters of James Macbeth of Charleston to Alexander Hay and John Macbeth of Union District. There are also letters regarding the Hay family.)
JOHN BECKHAM JR.’S FIRST COUSIN, BETSY HENDERSON
John Beckham Jr.’s first cousin, Betsy Henderson, married Henry Fernandis. Fernandis also opened a store at Grindal Shoals. J. D. Bailey in his History of Grindal Shoals, page 33, wrote: “Alexander Macbeth, discovering that Fernandis possessed high qualifications as a business man, set him up in a mercantile business. Hard times and reverses came on, and he failed. Prosperous times having come, he reopened the store at the Shoals.”
John Beckham Jr. purchased a slave, named Peter, on April 4, 1791, for 65 guineas from his father. Peter was about 30 years of age at the time. This was the slave that William Beckham had left to his wife, Phillis. Peter was to be given to John Beckham Sr. following the death of his mother.
This transaction was proven by Benjamin Haile on January 17, 1802, before B. Birdsong, J. P. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, pages 26-27, by Brent Holcomb)
He bought 385 acres of land on the south side of the Pacolet River from Nicholas Murry on January 11, 1793. This land was adjacent to lands owned by William Hames, John Foster and William Gossett.
He purchased a sorrel steed horse named, Kimmas, from Nicholas Murry for 30 pounds sterling on June 1, 1793. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 125, by Brent Holcomb)
On May 3, 1794, he bought 93 acres of land on the north side of the Pacolet River from Benajah Thompson for 40 pounds. The land was adjacent to lands belonging to: Robert Chesney, John Watson and Benajah Thompson. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 36, by Brent Holcomb)
John Watson sold him 13 acres on the north side of Pacolet River on December 10, 1794, for 13 pounds sterling. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 37, by Brent Holcomb)
Robert Chesney Jr. sold John Beckham Jr. 350 acres on Pacolet River, part of a tract granted to Robert Chesney Sr. It was the part where Robert Chesney Jr. lived and was adjacent to land owned by Alexander Purdy. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, pages 37-38, by Brent Holcomb)
He bought 150 acres of land from Thomas Hobson Thompson on October 5, 1795, on the north side of Pacolet River. (Union County South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 38, by Brent Holcomb)
John Beckham Sr., Ellis Fowler and Capt. John Pridmore were appointed to appraise the Estate of John Jasper Sr. on November 16, 1799. (Union County, South Carolina, Minutes of the County Court, page 522, by Brent Holcomb)
John Jr. purchased a tract of land originally granted to John Thompson. The property, 560 acres, was conveyed to him on April 26, 1798, by John Henderson, Sheriff. He sold this land to Henry Fernandis on October 30, 1799. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 260, by Brent Holcomb)
He sold 200 acres of land granted to him on October 6, 1794, on the north side of Pacolet River, to Dr. Thomas Hancock, February 4, 1804. The property was on the dividing ridge between Pacolet River and Thicketty Creek and was adjacent to lands belonging to Thomas Cook. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 110, by Brent Holcomb)
John Jr. moved his family to Warren County, Kentucky, in 1805. While a resident of this state, he sold 679 acres in Union District, S. C., to Thomas Murray on June 1, 1805. The land was granted to him and James Phillips on February 26, 1805. The transaction was witnessed by Elijah Dawkins and Samuel Stone. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 112, by Brent Holcomb)
John Beckham Jr. was a Surveyor and Civil Engineer in Kentucky. He engaged in farming and surveying, laying out both roads from Bowling Green to Glasgow. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Toth Covell History, Contact—Timothy Toth; Alan Ray’s Genealogy Page No. 113, Generated by Personal Ancestral File # 3380)
John Jr. and his family lived in both Warren and Barren counties in Kentucky. (Allan Ray’s Genealogy, Page 113, Generated by Ancestral File, Google)
They had ten children, five sons and five daughters. Their first three children: William M.; John; and Nathaniel Henderson Beckham were born at Grindal Shoals. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Hoosier Pioneers)
Their last seven children were born in Kentucky: Elizabeth; Cayton Stribling; Samuel Henderson; Pleasant Henderson; Teressa; Arrency; and Susan Beckham. (Alan Ray’s Genealogy Page No. 113, Generated by Personal Ancestral File)
John Beckham Jr. sold 280 acres of land to Aaron McCollum of Union District, S. C., on both sides of Big Sandy Run, opposite the mouth of Beckham’s Spring Branch, October 14, 1825. Purchase price was $1400.00. He was living in Warren County, Kentucky, at the time of the sale. This sale included his father’s home place. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. IV, page 178, by Brent Holcomb)
John Jr. died in Harrison, Warren County, Kentucky, in October of 1849, and Rachel Susan Moseley Beckham died in Warren County, Kentucky, in 1850. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: A Goode American Family, Contact—David Goode)
MARY (MOLLY) BECKHAM, daughter of John and Elizabeth Henderson Beckham, was born on July 10, 1768, at Carroll (Grindal) Shoals, S. C., in Ninety Six District. She married James Clayton Stribling, son of Thomas and Ann Kincheloe Stribling, on November 11, 1787, in Union District, S. C. (Mary “Molly” Beckham Stribling, 1768-1859, Find A Grave Memorial, Google)
James Clayton Stribling was born January 9, 1762, in Prince William County, Virginia, and was the third child of Thomas and Ann Kincheloe Stribling. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: My Family Branches, Contact—Ed Elam; Nancy Ann Kincheloe Stribling, 1731-1822, Find A Grave Memorial, Contact—Jeanette Lea)
His parents moved from Virginia to the Sandy Run area of Grindal Shoals, S. C., circa 1778. They were living at Berryville, Frederick County, Virginia, when they moved to South Carolina. Their youngest daughter, Nancy Ann, was born in the Grindal Shoals area of what later became Union District, S. C. (Stribling Genealogy, Google; Thomas Stribling II, Google; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Forrester & Watts, VA>TN>AR>TX>OK>CA, Contact—Bob Foster)
On April 9th and 10th of 1785, Thomas Stribling II of Ninety Six District purchased 300 acres of land on a small branch of Broad River called Brown’s Creek from Samuel Farrow of the same district. His son, Clayton, probably lived on his Brown’s Creek lands. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 2, by Brent Holcomb)
At a Union County Court on June 26, 1786, Thomas Stribling II petitioned the court for a License to keep a Tavern or public House and offered Joseph Hughes and William Johnson, as his Securities. It was approved by the court, and he obtained a License. (Union County, South Carolina, Minutes of the County Court, 1785-1799, page 52, by Brent Holcomb)
He lived on the eastside of Sandy Run Creek and received a grant for this land on June 6, 1791. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 252, by Brent Holcomb)
Thomas Stribling II, and his, wife, Nancy Ann Kincheloe Stribling, moved with their son, Thomas Stribling III, and his family to Old
Pendleton District, S. C.
Thomas II died in Old Pendleton District on March 17, 1819. He wrote his will on September 24, 1818, and it was proved June 7, 1819. He left a portion of his estate to his son, Clayton. His wife, Nancy, died in Old Pendleton District, S. C., December 2, 1822. (Stribling Genealogy, Google; Thomas Stribling II, 1730-1819, Find A Grave Memorial, Google)
Clayton was a Patriot soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He served one tour of duty in Virginia, before moving to South Carolina, and several tours of duty in South Carolina. He enlisted in S. C., on February 3, 1779, and served under Capts. Joshua Palmer, Benjamin Jolly, Joseph Hughes and Col. Thomas Brandon. (Taliaferro: Message RE “Taliaferro” James Clayton Stribling, Google; Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 903, by Bobby Gilmer Moss)
William E. Cox in his book, Battle of King’s Mountain Participants,
King’s Mountain Military Park, 1972, states that Clayton Stribling fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain.
Dr. Bobby Moss in his book, The Patriots of Cowpens, page 223, states that Clayton fought in the battle of Cowpens.
“Clayton made application for a pension in Union District on December 5, 1828. In a part of his testimony he stated that: “In an engagement near Stidhouse Mill at Brandon’s Defeat, while in the service of my country, I was wounded in the head by a ball, which said wound deprived me of my senses for a considerable time and destroyed the organ of hearing in one ear from that day to the present moment.”
“He also spoke of the loss of ‘his horse, saddle, bridle and a good rifle gun, worth about eighty to one hundred dollars.’ He stated that he had four slaves, some land, stock and some kitchen and household goods, but was unable because of his advanced age and the suffering from his war injuries, to work.
John Rogers certified that ‘Mr. Clayton Stribling was a Gentleman of high respectablity and entitled to the fullest confidence.’ He offered affidavits from William Sartor, E. Y. Farr and Elizabeth Young concerning services rendered.” (Taliaferro: Message RE “Taliaferro” James Clayton Stribling, Google)
Clayton and Mary (Molly) Beckham Stribling had twelve children: six sons and six daughters. (Mary “Molly” Beckham Stribling, “1768-1859”, Find a Grave Memorial, Google)
Clayton died at his residence in Brown’s Creek of Union District, S. C., on March 11, 1831. (My Griffin Family “Past and Present” Information about James Clayton Stribling, Google)
Molly applied for a widow’s pension on October 22, 1840, in Union District (W6208), S. C., while living on Brown’s Creek and was granted a pension on her application.
“Personally appeared Major Joseph McJunkin of the District & State aforesaid before me and made oath that he knew Clayton Stribling, deceased, in the service of his country in the time of the revolution, that he continued to know him from the close of the war until the day of his death.
On March 1, 1841, while living in Neshoba County, Mississippi, the widow (Molly) filed for the transfer of her pension benefit to the Mississippi agency stating that she has moved to Mississippi because the greater part of her children had moved West and more particularly on account of her youngest daughter having removed to the state of Mississippi, and she broke up house and came with her daughter.”
She actually moved to Mississippi with her next to youngest daughter, Mary Leah Stribling, and Mary’s husband and cousin, James Madison Stribling. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Fisher and Grimes Ancestors, Contact—John Merrill Fisher; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Alleys, Striblings and Thousands of Others, Contact—Suzanne Alley Wilson)
Molly was granted a pension at the rate of $34.88 per annum commencing March 4, 1848.
“On April 26, 1855, while living in Neshoba County, Mississippi, the widow (Molly), giving her age as 87, filed for her bounty land entitlement as the widow of Clayton Stribling.” She was granted 160 acres.” (Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Roster, Transcribed by Will Graves)
“Mary (Molly) Beckham Stribling died August 26, 1859, aged 91 years, 1 month and 16 days. ‘She was a faithful member of the
Baptist Church for 57 years.’ Burial was in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery, Philadelphia, Neshoba County, Mississippi.” (Mary Molly Beckham Stribling-Photo-McKleroy/McElroy/MackKleroy Web Site, pages 1-2, Google)
James Clayton Stribling and his brother, Thomas III, were third cousins of President James Madison. (Capt. Thomas Stribling III, “1763-1825”—Find A Grave Memorial, Google)
Clayton’s brother, Thomas Stribling III, was born April 9, 1763, in William County, Virginia. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: McCollum Family, Contact—Davis McCollum)
He served as a Patriot soldier in the American Revolutionary War from April 1, 1782, to June 29, 1782, under the command of Capt. Joseph Hughes and Col. Thomas Brandon. (Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 903, by Bobby Gilmer Moss)
He married Elizabeth Haile, daughter of Capt. John Haile, and his wife, Ruth Mitchell Haile in 1789. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Blick’s Family Workbook, Contact—Phyllis Blickensderfer)
Thomas Stribling III married Elizabeth Haile, daughter of John and Ruth Mitchell Haile, in 1789, in the Grindal Shoals area of Union District. She was born January 24, 1772, at Grindal Shoals. RootsWeb WorldConnect Project: The Porter Family Forest, Contact—David Porter)
Databases are incorrect about the place of Elizabeth Haile’s birth. She was born in Grindal Shoals, Union District, S. C., for that’s where her father and mother lived. (Check Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts.)
Elizabeth’s father, John Haile, was a Patriot soldier in the American Revolution. In the book, Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 399, by Bobby Gilmer Moss, is found the following: “John Haile was a horseman and quartermaster under Capt. John Thompson and was a captain under Col. Thomas Brandon. He lost a horse in service during 1779.”
John Haile was the first clerk of court in Union District, S. C., having been appointed to the office in 1785. He resigned the office in 1793, and His son, Benjamin, replaced his father as clerk, April 1, 1793. (Union County SCGenWeb Project “H” Queries, Google; Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 122, by Brent Holcomb)
Benjamin Haile married Sarah “Sally” Henderson, daughter of John and Sarah Hinton Alston Henderson. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Gatlin, Poynor, Sweeney, Contact—Julia Baldy; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Tangled Web)
They were related on the Henderson side. Benjamin’s mother, Ruth, was the daughter of Mary Henderson Mitchell. Mary was John Henderson’s sister. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: New Updated Family Tree For Seaver/Sanders, Contact—David Weaver; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Ancestors and Descendants of Harold and Jeanne Rarden, Contact—Harold W. Rarden)
Thomas Stribling III purchased 337 acres of land on the branches of Buffalo and Brown’s Creek from the Reverend Alexander McDougal on September 20, 1789. He sold this land to Charles Webb on June 10, 1794. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 74 & 141, by Brent Holcomb)
He was sheriff of Union District, S. C., from 1791 to 1795. (Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County, South Carolina, List of Sheriffs compiled by Mrs. Rae Hawkins from Union County Jail Books)
On July 30, 1791, Thomas Stripling III sold 603 acres of land on branches of Sandy Run to Robert Gibson. The property was adjacent to lands owned by Daniel Huger and John Haile. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, pages 97-98, by Brent Holcomb)
On August 11, 1792, Daniel Huger of Fairfield District, S. C., sold Thomas Stripling III, 540 acres of land on waters of Brown’s Creek and Rocky Creek. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 109, by Brent Holcomb)
On March 2, 1796, Thomas Stribling III, mortgaged 540 acres of land (Brown’s Creek area) to Alexander Macbeth and John Moncrieffe of the Alexander Macbeth and Company. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 183, by Brent Holcomb)
Thomas and his wife, Elizabeth, sold this 540 acres of land to Alexander Macbeth and John Moncrieffe under the firm of Alexander Macbeth and Company on January 7, 1797. The Reverend Christopher Johnson, father of David Johnson (later Governor) lived on the land at this time. Thomas Stripling III was living in Pendleton District, S. C., when this transaction was made. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. I, page 194, by Brent Holcomb)
They lived in the Brown’s Creek area of Union District, S. C., before moving to Pendleton District, S. C., circa 1797. They settled on Deep Creek near Seneca River on 800 acres of land. (Capt Thomas Stribling III, 1763-1825, Find a Grave Memorial, Google)
“Their son, Cornelius Kincheloe Stribling, joined the United States Navy on June 18, 1812, as a Midshipman and was assigned to the captured British frigate, Macedonian, at New York City. On July 1, 1850, he was appointed Superintendent of the United States Naval School.
On October 14, 1864, he became Acting Rear Admiral of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, which covered the Florida coast from Cape Canaveral to Pensacola, Florida. He retired on August 6, 1865. (Adm. Cornelius Kincheloe Stribling “1796-1880”—Find A Grave, Google)
Thomas and Elizabeth had four sons and three daughters. She died on April 29, 1807, in Old Pendleton District. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: The Porter Family Forest, Contact—David Porter)
He was married a second time to Catherine Hamilton, daughter of James and Catherine ? Hamilton. Her father was born in Scotland. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Carolina Kin and Beyond, Contact—Joyce Sammons)
Thomas III was one of the founders of the (Old) Pendleton District, S. C., Farmers Society in 1815. He was Executor of his father’s estate in 1819, for which he received a double portion. He died in Pendleton District, S. C., on April 8, 1825. (Capt. Thomas Stribling III, 1763-1825, Find A Grave Memorial, Google)
Lucy Stribling, sister of James Clayton Stribling and daughter of Thomas II and Nancy Ann Kincheloe Stribling, was born July 1, 1767, in Prince William County, Virginia. (Databases are incorrect concerning her place of birth. She was born in Virginia, where her parents lived before moving to Ninety Six District, S. C., now Union District, S. C.; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Arkansas Is the Center of the Universe)
She married Obadiah Trimmier, son of William and Lucy Watson Trimmier, on November 24, 1786. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Canternury’s of West Virginia, Contact—Gordon K. Lacy; Obediah Trimmier m. Lucy Stribling—Stribling—Family History & Genealogy Message Board; Descendants of William Trimyear, Google)
Lucy’s mother and father moved to the Grindal Shoals area of Union District, S. C., circa 1778. (Stribling Genealogy, Google)
Obadiah Trimmier was born in Louisa County, Virginia, on November 1, 1759. At an early age, he became a Patriot soldier in the American Revolutionary War. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Canternury’s of West Virginia, Contact—Gordon K. Lacy; Obadiah Trimmier m. Lucy Stribling—Stribling—Family History & Genealogy Message Board)
His father, William, died in 1773, in Louisa County, and in his will, left the land and plantation, where he lived to his wife, Lucy. It was to go to his son, Obadiah, after the death of his mother, Lucy. Obadiah was fourteen years of age when his father died. His mother served as an executrix to the will, but must have died shortly after the settling of the estate. (RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: Chaffin, Contact—Lane Chaffin)
“He was a member of the Louisa County Militia and was appointed Ensign February 12, 1781, and participated in the battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens.” (Reference: Historical Record of Virginians in the Revolution by John Gwathmey, 1987, page 782)
He registered to paid taxes in Louisa County, Virginia, in 1882. These taxes were on the house that had belonged to his father and mother and was now his by right of inheritance. (Camp/Evans Venturers Into NC, TN and GA: Information about Obadiah Trimmier)
In 1786, he served as a Justice of the Peace, performing marriages, while residing in Spartanburg District, S. C., and was elected State Representative from Spartanburg District in the South Carolina General Assemblies of 1792 and 1794.
He served as Lieutenant Colonel of the 10th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division of the South Carolina Militia, commencing in 1792. (Camp/Evans Venturers Into NC, TN, and GA.: Information about Obediah Trimmier)
After moving to Pendleton District, S. C., in 1800, he again served in the South Carolina Legislature in 1814. He was elected to the Senate for the 21st South Carolina General Assembly. He served on the banking, religion, roads, bridges, ferries and military committees.
He was elected Senator from Pendleton District, S. C., in 1816, and 1818. He served on the rules committee. (Camp/Evans Venturers Into NC, TN, and GA.: Information about Obadiah Trimmier)
He and Lucy were neighbors to James (Horseshoe) Robertson and his wife, Sarah Morris Headen Robertson, while living in Spartanburg District and after moving to Pendleton District. (Rootsweb’s WorldConnect Project: Wall Family Tree, Contact—Eric Wall)
It was at the residence of Obadiah Trimmier that John Pendleton Kennedy received stories from James “Horseshoe” Robertson about some of his exploits in the war years. These stories, Kennedy incorporated into a book he wrote entitled, Horseshoe Robinson, and published in 1835.
Kennedy visited his home in the winter of 1818. The following is taken from the book, History of Spartanburg County, page 459, by Dr. J. B. O. Landrum: “In Mr. Kennedy’s famous novel, ‘Horse-Shoe Robinson’, the colonel referred to is Obadiah Trimmier, father of William, who was the father of Colonel T. G. Trimmier.
The absent lady referred to was Lucy Trimmier, wife of Obadiah. She was a Stribling. Her (his) grandfather was a Watson. The violin boy was William Trimmier mentioned herein; the boy thrown from the horse was Thomas, brother of William. The two small boys mentioned were Obadiah Watson and Marcus Tullias, sons of Obadiah and Lucy Trimmier, who were living on Toxaway. ‘Horse-Shoe’ Robinson (Robertson) lived on Chauga, in Pickens county, S. C.”
Lucy was living at the time, but must have died shortly after the visit of John Pendleton Kennedy and James ‘Horseshoe’ Robertson.
(Horse-Shoe Robinson, pages 5-10, by John Pendleton Kennedy)
They had five sons and seven daughters. Lucy Died in Pendleton District, S. C., on November 25, 1818, and Obadiah died in the same district on January 22, 1829. They were buried in the Toxaway Creek Baptist Church cemetery, now called Poole’s cemetery. (RootsWeb’s World Connect Project: Bothast/Warstler Family Tree, Contact—Raquel Bothast; My Genealogy Home Page: Information About Lucy Stribling; Obadiah Trimmier “1759-1829” –Find a Grave Memorial)
HENRIETTA BECKHAM, daughter of John and Elizabeth Henderson Beckham, was born October 10, 1779, in what later became Union District, S. C. She married Nicholas Aquilla Cavenah, son of Aquilla and Joyce Wooten Cavenah. He was born August 29, 1777, in Chatham County, North Carolina. (Alan Ray’s Genealogy Page No. 113, Generated by Personal Ancestral File, page 2, Google; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Cavanaugh, Contact—Wendy Marani)
On January 12, 1810, Elias Drake of Chatham County, N. C., sold 200 acres of land to Aquilla Cavenah on both sides of Gilkies Creek in Union District, S. C. The property was near the wagon road that led from Smith’s Ford to Grindal Shoals. (Union County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts, Vol. II, page 272, by Brent Holcomb)
They had seven children: Aquilla, William Beckham, John William, Elizabeth Henderson, James Henry, Susan Henrietta and Mary Alzira Cavenah. Their four sons and three daughters were all born in Union District, S. C. (Alan Ray’s Genealogy Page No. 113, Generated by Personal Ancestral File, Google)
The land on which they lived is today in Cherokee County, S. C. Aquilla moved his family to Fayette County, Alabama, in 1824. After Aquilla died in 1837, in Fayette County, his wife, Henrietta, moved to Lowndes County, Mississippi, where she died January 12, 1862.
(RootsWeb: Alfayett-L-“Alfayett-L”–Roll Call, Google; Henrietta Beckham Cavenah Profile, Google)
She was 84 years of age and was buried in Oaklimb Cemetery. (Oaklimb Cemetery, Lowndes County, Mississippi, Google)
SIMON BECKHAM was JOHN BECKHAM’S oldest brother. He was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1728. He married Susannah McMillan, daughter of Alexander and Phoebe ? McMillan, on January 2, 1759, in Granville County, N. C. She was born circa 1730, in Granville County. (The Beginning of Beckham Families, Google; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Garner-Becham ancestors plus many peripheral lines; Susannah McMillan Beckham (1730-1790)—Find a Grave Memorial, Google)
In 1754, he was a member of the Granville County, North Carolina, Militia and served under Col. William Eaton and Capt. Sugar Jones.
(Colonial and State Records of North Carolina, Muster Roll for the Granville County Militia, William Eaton, October 8, 1754, Vol. 22, Pages 370-380, Google)
Information from the Beckham Family Tree on the Internet: “He was residing in St. George’s Parish, later Columbia County, Georgia, during the Revolutionary War. He provided quarters at his plantation on Germany’s Creek for a company of infantry known as Clark’s Riflemen, commanded by his son, Capt. Samuel Beckham.
For his services in assisting the Revolutionary cause, Simon Beckham was granted 284 acres of land in Washington County, Georgia, Certificate of Colonel Greenbury Lee, 25 February 25, 1784. Three of his sons served in the Revolutionary War: Solomon, Samuel and Allen. They were attached to Col. Elijah Clark’s Regiment. (Prepared by: Mrs. Anne Stevens Parker, Fort Frederica Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Copy at the Washington Memorial Library, Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.)
Simon and Susannah had eight sons and four daughters. He died in Washington County, Georgia, on December 29, 1785. She died in 1790, in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia. (Simon Beckham, Beckham Family Tree, Google; Susannah McMillan Beckham (1730-1790)—Find A Grave Memorial, Google)
THOMAS BECKHAM was one of John Beckham’s older brothers. He was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1729. He married Mary Hughs, daughter of Dempsey Hughs, circa 1746, in Granville County, North Carolina.
She was born circa 1730, in Hanover County, Virginia. Her father was born circa 1700. (Ancestry.com, Mary Hughes, page 1, Google)
On October 8, 1754, Thomas was serving in the Granville County Militia under Colonel William Eaton and Capt. Sugar Jones. (Colonial and State Records of North Carolina, Muster Roll of the Granville County Militia, William Eaton, October 8, 1754, Vol. 22, Pages 370-380)
He was a resident of South Carolina by 1778. Bobby Gilmer Moss gives the following description of his services as a Patriot soldier in his book, Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution:
“He served as a lieutenant under Col. LeRoy Hammond during 1778 and 1779, and was at the Siege of Savannah. When Charleston fell (in 1780), he was imprisoned.
He was a first lieutenant under Capt. John Martin and Col. Samuel Hammond and was at the Siege of Augusta, the taking of Brown’s Fort and the taking of Grearson’s Fort.
Although Col. LeRoy Hammond was released from patrol and resummed the command of a militia unit, he remained with Col. Samuel Hammond as a light dragoon. This unit joined General Andrew Pickens to march north of the Broad River, where they joined General Nathaniel Greene. He was at the Battle of Eutaw Springs.”
His son, Thomas Beckham Jr. served in General Andrew Pickens Brigade. (Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, page 57, Bobby Gilmer Moss)
Thomas Sr. lived on Stevens Creek in Edgefield County, South Carolina, where he received a grant for 100 acres. He and his wife, Mary, had nine children: six sons and three daughters. (Thomas Beckham Jr., Beckham Family Tree, Google; Ancestry. com, Thomas Beckham, Google)
He died in Edgefield County on October 10, 1796. His wife, Mary, was living in Washington County, Georgia, in 1820. (Alan Ray’s Genealogy Page No. 123, Generated by Personal Ancestral File, Page 1, Google)
WILLIAM BECKHAM was also an older brother of John Beckham. He was born in 1730, in Orange County, Virginia. He married Ann Green circa 1751, in Granville County, N. C. She was born in Granville, N. C., circa 1732, the daughter of James Randolf and Malinda Green. (Genealogical Data Page 221, Google; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: The Family of Joseph Alston and Caroline, page 2, Contact—Jean Hirsch; Ancestry.com, Nancy Ann Green, Google)
He was listed as a member of the Granville County Militia Regiment commanded by Col. William Eaton on October 8, 1754. His company was commanded by Capt. Sugar Jones. (Colonial and State Records of North Carolina, Muster Roll for the Granville County Militia, William Eaton, October 8, 1754, Volume 22, Pages 370-380)
He served as a Patriot soldier while residing in North Carolina. He was paid for services rendered by a voucher in 1781, at Halifax, and in 1786, by a voucher from Warrenton, North Carolina. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: The Family of Joseph Alston and Caroline, Contact—Jean Hirsch)
He and Ann had thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, all born in Granville County, North Carolina. (Ancestry.com, Nancy Ann Green, Google)
He and most of his family moved to South Carolina after the Revolutionary War. They were living in Ninety Six District, S. C., when the 1790 federal census was taken. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Janet Ariciu Family Bush, Contact—Janet Ariciu)
His wife, Ann, died at Beaver Creek, in Kershaw County, S. C., before 1796, and William died at Beaver Creek, in Kershaw County before August 7, 1799. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect, Project: The Howe Family Tree—Illinois, Contact—Bill Howe; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: The Family of Joseph Alston and Caroline, Contact–Jean Hirsch)
PHILLIS BECKHAM, sister of JOHN BECKHAM, was born in Orange
County, Virginia, in 1737. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Dr.; RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: My North Carolina Roots, Contact–Deloris Williams)
She first married William Williams, son of John and Mary Womack Williams, circa 1755, in Granville County, N. C. He was born March 11, 1733, in Hanover County, Virginia. He received a commission as “captain in the Granville (North Carolina) Regiment of Militia” on January 18, 1769. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: My North Carolina Roots, Contact—Deloris Williams)
He and Phillis had five children: John (died unmarried), Samuel Farrar, Mary, Salley and Betsy. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Branching Out)
He was killed in Boonesboro on December 27, 1775, during an attack by the Cherokee Indians. He lived long enough to write a will on his deathbed of which one of his witnesses was his brother, Charles Williams. He was buried at Boonesboro, Kentucky. His will was probated in Granville County, North Carolina, in 1777. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: My North Carolina Roots, Contact—Deloris Williams)
Phillis next married John Mitchell, son of James and Amy Ann Davis Mitchell, on December 22, 1777, in Granville County, N. C. He was born in 1727, in Lunenburg County, Virginia. John died in May of 1787, in Granville County, N. C. (RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Dr.)
Phillis’ will was written on January 10, 1791. She died 1791/1792, in Granville County, N. C. She gave her son, Sam, a slave named, Anthony. She gave her daughter, Elizabeth Yancey, a slave named, Sarah. She gave her daughter, Sally, slaves named: George, Phan, Billy and Easter. (Granville County, North Carolina, Will Book 2, Pages 318-319)
