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I will post my file on many Edmondsons who settled and lived in Halifax County, NC in the 1700's and later. Some are clearly descended from Thomas the Immigrant of Essex County, Virginia. Major questions need to be answered on the ancestry of several families. The reader's help will be appreciated.
EDMONDSONS IN HALIFAX COUNTY, N.C.
The northern section of Edgecombe County became Halifax County in 1758. See early Edgecombe County records for territory later in Halifax. The land trans-actions below appear to apply to Halifax. It was part of original Albemarle County from which Chowan was formed and Bertie from Chowan. Halifax was settled principally by Virginians. The towns of Halifax, Roanoke and Scotland Neck are in the county. Wills and deeds in the courthouse pre-date the Revolution. Part of present day Martin County was once in Halifax and Edmondsons shown later in the Martin records had not moved but were included in Martin when it was formed in 1774.
Oct. 18, 1751. William Reeves of Edgecombe County deeded to Francis Myrick of Edgecombe for 60 pounds Virginia money 320 acres on both sides of Great Quankey Creek, (the northeast half of a patent to Ralph Hedgpeth 11 April 1745). Witnesses: Benjamin Haile, Bryant Edmondson, James Crewin. Registered May Court, 1752 (Edgecombe County Deeds, 1732-1758, Deed Book 4, p. 257.
Oct. 29, 1751. Bryant Edmundson and wife Mary of Edgecombe County, N.C. deeded land in Essex County, Virginia, to Hugh Wilson of Virginia. In 1718, Bryant Edmundson deeded land in Essex County to James Edmundson, given him by his father Thomas Edmundson. (Genealogies of Virginia Families, Vol. I)
1753. James Reeves and his wife Millicent of Edgecombe County, N.C. deeded to Bryant Edmondson of Edgecombe County, N.C. for 25 pounds current money of Virginia 200 acres more or less on the south side of Great Quankey Creek joining former lands of Peter Jones, Thomas Matthis and Robert Wood. All houses, edifices, etc. Part of a grant to William Williams for 344 acres, 7 May, 1730. Witnessed by John Potts, William Carptender. Registered May Court, 1753. (Edgecombe County Deeds, 1732-1758, Deed Book 4, p. 448)
Oct. 3, 1754. Bryant Edmondson was chain carrier for survey of a Granville grant to John Eelbank, in Halifax County, parish of Edgecombe, joining James Reeves, McCullohs Corner and little Quankey Creek. William Edmondson was a second chain carrier and Jno. Haywood was surveyor. (Granville Grants, Vol. II, by Hofman). It is this man who likely was the grantee in the deed from James Reeves above. He is probably a son of Bryant and Mary Haile Edmondson. He appears to have arrived in this area as early as Bryant and Mary and possibly earlier. The deed below would seem to support a family connection.
1754. Granville grant to Alexander McCollock cites bounding landowners including “the widow Edmonds” (Halifax Deeds 1754-1760, Vol. 2, pp 389-390). (Information provided by Lee Edmundson, 2003).
August 15, 1755. Bryant Edmondson and Sarah his wife of Edgecombe County deeded to Mary Edmondson of Edgecombe for 15 pounds current money of Virginia 100 acres more or less on the south side of Great Quankey Creek, joining Brewer’s Branch and the creek part of the tract said Bryant purchased of James Reeves. Witnessed by Benjamin Haile, Thomas Smith and Joseph Edmondson. Registered Nov. Court, 1755.
(Edgecombe County Deeds, 1732-1758, Deed Book 2, p. 363)
November 7, 1755. Thos. Edmundson witnessed a Granville grant to Henry Robertson in Edgecombe County, Edgecombe parish, bounded by Nimrod Ferguson, John Silenworth and Dogwood Branch. A second witness was John Haywood, who was also the surveyor. (Ref. Granville Grants, Vol. I, Hofman). This land would lie in later Halifax County.
March 6, 1756. Bryant Edmondson witnessed a deed of Daniel Elbank of Lunenburg County, Virginia, to Montfort Eelbeck of Edgecombe County, N.C., 1730 acres on both sides of Quankey Creek, for 556 pounds. John Eelbank was a second witness. Registered November Court, 1757. (Deed Book 6, p. 227)
April 22, 1756. Joseph Edmondson was chain carrier for a Granville grant survey for Alexander McCullock in Edgecombe County, Edgecombe Parish, on Jenoto Branch, bounded by Wm. Reeves and Lod. Alford. The second chain carrier was Thomas Brewer. Surveyor: Jno. Haywood. (Ref. Granville Grants, Vol. I, Hofman).
1756. A survey of land for Joseph Brewer cites “McCollers” (McCollock), Mary “Edmonsons” and Bryant “Edmonsons” land bounding the surveyed tract (Secretary of State, Granville Proprietary Land Office, S.108.271, frame 1196. Information provided by Lee Edmundson, Mendocino CA, 2003).
July 7, 1758. Joseph Edmondson was chain carrier for survey of a Granville grant to Lodowick Alford of Granville County, the grant in Edgecombe County, Edgecombe Parish, on both sides of Marsh Swamp. Other chain carrier was Joseph Bradwell. Surveyor: Jno. Haywood. (Granville Grants, Vol. I, Hofman)
Sept. 8, 1758. Edgecombe Precinct. Lodwick Alford and his wife Sarah of Granville County deeded to Thomas Gardner of Edgecombe County, 182 acres on both sides of Marsh Swamp adjoining Hill’s Spring Branch, for 40 pounds Virginia money. Wit: Joseph Edmondson. Registered September Court, 1758. Deed Book 6, p. 347.
Feb. 9, 1759. Mary Edmondson of Halifax County deeded to William Trent for 5 pounds, 2 shillings, 100 acres on the south side of Quankey Creek, adjoining Brewer’s Branch. Wit: Jonathan Haile, James Bloyce. Deed Book 7, p. 43.
Joseph Edmondson and wife Marrianah deeded to George Hill 80 acres on south side of Marsh Swamp adjacent to Gardner, George Hill and the Little Falls and 20 acres adjacent to Gardner, Valess, and John Duncan for 20 pounds (1759?). Witnesses were Major Pryor and Daniel Gardner. Halifax County DB 7, p. 94.
1760. William Edmondson witnessed a deed from Charles Daniel to Peter B. for land adjacent to Holland’s Branch. DB 7, p. 179, Halifax County.
March 10, 1760. A Granville grant to John Edmondson was surveyed, 280 acres adjoining Marmaduke Norfleet and John Royal. Jas. Edmonson was a chain carrier. Grant was dated Dec. 10, 1760, and registered in Halifax Court, March, 1762. Parish of Edgecombe. (Grants, Granville District, by Hofman). Deed Book 8, p. 35.
May 16, 1760. Thomas Brewer and wife Mary of Halifax County sold to Timothy Haine 62 acres adjoining Jeneto Swamp. Wit: George Zillicoffer, Joseph Edmondson. Deed Book 7, p.79.
May 22, 1760. Marmaduke Norfleet, Halifax County, Parish of Edgecombe, received by Granville grant, 220 acres in Halifax, surveyed 21 May, 1760. James and Thomas Edmondson were chain carriers. Jos. John Williams, surveyor. Land was bounded by John Jones, Stocking Branch, M. Norfleet, Sr., and Conneto Pocoson. ( Grant Book II, Acct. No. 2987, p. 155. Ref. Granville Grants, Vol. II, Hofman). Registered November Court, 1797. Deed Book 18, p.68. (Abstracts of Granville Grants, Halifax County, Public Registry, Hofman)
28 June, 1760. Joseph Edmondson of Halifax County received by Granville Grant, 317 acres on Cades Branch, Princess Branch and Great Branch, joining Joseph Blake. Witness: Richard Vigers, Jos. Montfort. Registered Halifax County, November Court, 1797. Granville Grantee Deed Book 18, Halifax County, N.C.
July 3, 1760. John Ellbank received 675 acres in Halifax County. Bryant and William Edmondson were surveyor’s helpers. Granville Grant Book II, Account No. 2921, p. 131.
Dec. 10, 1760. John Edmondson, planter, received title by Granville Grant to 280 acres in the parish of Edgecombe, joining the land of Marmaduke Norfleet and John Royal and a large branch. James Edmondson was surveyor’s helper. Surveyed March 20, 1760, by Joseph John Williams. Witnesses: Wm. Lucas, Jo. Montfort. Deed Book 8, p. 35. (Granville Grant Book II, Account No. 2927, p. l34.) Registered Halifax Court, March, 1762. See Granville Grants, Vol. II, by Hofman. (Howard Edmondson, Falkville, AL, a descendant stated this land was cut into Martin County when it was formed and about 1800 was shifted to Edgecombe County when the county line was moved between Martin and Edgecombe. The family remained on the same land).
March 9, 1761. Joseph Edmondson and wife Marrianah deeded to William Hargrave of Hanover County, Virginia, for 89 pounds 317 acres (which had been a Granville Grant to Joseph Edmondson dated June 29, 1760). The land was bounded by Marsh Branch, Paces, Cades Branch and Joseph Black. Witnessed by Thomas Gardner and George Pace. Deed Book 7, p. 225.
Thomas Edmondson was witness to a deed by Eelbeck in 1761. DB 7, p. 320.
March 4, 1761. Bryant Edmonson is listed as a bounding landowner to a Granville grant to Edward Crossland of Edgecombe County, St. Mary’s Parish, 658 acres surveyed April 13, 1756. Other bounding owners: Lod. Alford, Thomas Smith, McCuller’s line and Mary Edmonson. Chain carriers: Robert Williams and Joseph Edmonson. Surveyor: John Haywood. Deed Book 7, p. 287. Granville Grants, Vol. I, by Hofman. (Lee Edmundson, Mendocino CA, provided a similar reference to Edward Crossland’s grant which cites McCollocks line, Mary “Edmonds” line and Bryant Edmondsons corner. Halifax Deeds 1754-1761, Vol. 7, 287. He had reviewed copies of this deed and affirms the textual accuracy).
(St. Mary’s Parish was the southern part of original Edgecombe County. It appears then that the Edmondsons lived on the county line between Halifax and Edgecombe).
Dec. 8, 1760. Bryant Edmondson of Onslow County sold land to John Potts, “being on the south side of great Quankey Creek in Halifax the same being the plantation wherein the said Bryant Edmondson live …” The land was adjacent to John Eelbeck and Brewer’s Branch. 100 acres for 12 pounds. Witnesses: John Eelbeck, Wm. Clement, Wm. Green, Jr. DB 7, p. 165. (Halifax Deeds 1754-1760, Vol. 7, pp. 165-166, provided by Lee Edmundson, Mendocino, CA).
(Bryant Edmundson, carpenter, bought land in Onslow County in 1758 and died in 1769. He sold land in 1767 in Onslow when his wife Sarah relinquished her rights. It appears Bryant moved from Edgecombe to Onslow just after he sold 100 acres to Mary Edmundson. She was likely his mother, widow of Bryant Edmundson, who moved from Caroline County, Virginia, and in 1751 deeded land in Essex County to Hugh Wilson. The Hailes and the Edmondsons were associated for generations in Virginia and elsewhere. It is almost certain that Mary was a Haile. Essex County Virginia records show the will of John Haile, dated August, 1744, which names six children: Francis Haile, John Haile, Thomas Haile, Benjamin Haile, Susanna Allen and Mary Edmondson. John Haile’s wife was probably the Mary Haile who presented the will Oct. 16, 1744, for probate. Elizabeth Edmondson, daughter of Richard who died in 1788, married Richard Haile, her first husband, who died in 1783. One of Richard Haile’s executors was Humphrey Edmondson, Elizabeth’s brother. It is likely her father Richard Edmondson who moved to Franklin County, VA was a son of the Bryant Edmondson who with Bryant Edmondson, Jr. moved to N.C. This compiler strongly suspects that Thomas Edmondson was another son of Bryant as he settled in the Quankey Creek area near Bryant. Joseph might be yet another son and William and John others. If so, Bryant and Mary Haile Edmondson would be parents of (1) Richard, who moved to Franklin County, VA; (2) Bryant who moved to Halifax County and on to Onslow; (3) Thomas who remained in the Halifax/Edgecombe area; (4) William; (5) Joseph who married Mariannah; (6) John. A third Bryant Edmondson, still living in Halifax County in 1782 to 1794 would appear to be a son of one of these men. Thomas and Elizabeth Smith Edmondson’s children have names quite similar to those of Richard Edmondson of Franklin County, VA, further supporting a close family connection. It appears Bryant Edmondson SR died between 1751 and 1753, probably in NC).
Jan. 24, 1762. Joseph Edmondson was adjacent landowner named in a deed from Thomas Brewer to Stephen Hargrove, 63 acres for 12 pounds. Other bounding landowners: William Clements, Timothy McHaney and Jenito Swamp.
Witnesses: John Mills, Jr., and Charles Coleman. DB 8, p. 350.
March, 1763. John Edmondson is listed as bounding landowner to 350 acres deeded by Thomas Hill to Thomas Brown, Jr., for 10 pounds proclamation money, March 1763. Land was on south side of Coneto Swamp. Other bounding landowners were Thomas Hill, Marmaduke Norfleet, Thomas Brown and Col. Conner. Halifax County Deed Book 8, p. 262.
Thomas Edmondson was deeded land by John Eelbeck, May 25, 1763, 200 acres for 25 pounds Virginia money. The land lay between the two Quankey creeks and adjacent to John Eelbeck. Witnessed by David Crawley and Richard Thompson. Deed Book 8, p. 376.
Thomas Edmondson witnessed sale of land by Eelbeck in 1763. DB 8, p. 379.
August 23, 1764. Joseph Edmondson witnessed a deed from William Trent to Benjamin Crooker for 200 acres for 80 pounds, Halifax County. The land was adjacent to Hays and Thompson. Other witnesses were John Mills and Henry Dawse. Deed Book 9, p. 288. (Trent bought land from Mary Edmondson, 100 acres, in 1759).
Oct. 15, 1764. John Edmondson of Halifax County deeded 140 acres on Reedy Branch (in Martin County ?) to Thomas Edmondson . Witnessed by Robert Savage and James Dehorty. Halifax County Deed Book 9, p. 107.
Dec. 8, 1764. Joseph Edmondson was an adjacent landowner named in a deed , by Stephen Hargrave, “taylor”, of Halifax County to Archibald Hamilton, 63 acres for 20 pounds. Other boundaries were Genito Branch (a stream), Timothy Makeny, and William Clements. Witnessed by Geo. Meek and Malachi Murden. DB 9, p. 203.
I.A. Collett’s 1768 map of Northampton, Halifax and Bertie counties shows north-west of Halifax Town near a chapel : “Edmondson Ord.” (ordinary). This is thought to be the property of Joseph Edmondson.
July 14, 1768. The will of Thomas Hill, Halifax County, gives to his son Slaughter Hill 150 acres “up the swamp where John Weaver now lives joining John Edmondson”. Will Book 1, p. 236. Proved Feb. Court, 1769. (Gen. Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax County, by Margaret Hofman).
Nov. 16, 1768. Edward Crossland and wife Sarah deeded to Henry Caveness, 152 acres, for 20 pounds. Adjoining Mary Edmondson, Edward Crossland and Abraham Jones. Witnesses: George Zillicoffer, Henry Evans, John Hargrove. Deed Book 10, p. 270.
Nov. 4, 1769. Edward Crossland deeded to John Alston and Nicholas Long, the church wardens of Edgecomb Parrish, 2 acres for 20 shillings, near Edmondson’s Ordinary whereon a chappel is errected. Deed Book 10, p. 479.
August 21, 1771. Ed. Crossland deeded to Wm. Gardner 49 acres for 10 pounds, adjoining Edmondson Road, Chappel Road and Joseph Edmondson Road. Wit: Henry Caveness and Wm. Thompson. Deed Book 12, p. 24.
Oct. 19, 1771. Joseph Edmondson sold land to Wm. Hamilton and Company for 300 pounds which Joseph had acquired from Guthage Alford. Wit: Henry Eelbeck, Rob’t Cotton. Deed Book 12, p. 252. (Alford died in 1757).
Dec. 11, 1771. Thomas Edmondson was deeded 175 acres for 10 pounds proclamation money by Thomas Brown, Jr., adjoining Thomas Hill and John Edmondson. Witnesses: Wm. Brown, Henry Medford. DB 12, p. 161.
May 21, 1772. Joseph Edmondson deeded to Young Miller and Company, merchants, both of Halifax, household goods for 46 pounds 11 shillings 3 pence. Wit: Wm. Rose, Henry L. Martin. Deed Book 12, p. 308.
July 15, 1774. Wm Gardner of Halifax deeded to George Gardner for 20 pounds Virginia money land adjoining Edmondson Road, Joseph Edmondson Road and Chappel Road. Wit: Wm. Brown and Camp Gardner. Deed Book 13, p. 165.
Nov. 22, 1775. Henry Caverness and wife Elinor deeded 152 acres to William-son Haile, for 100 pounds, adjoining Mary Edmondson, Abraham Jones and Edward Crossland. Wit: Ed. Crossland, Thos. Haile, Grace Haile. Deed Book 13, p. 367.
July 16, 1777. Arch. Hamilton and Company of Halifax deeded to Edward Barrott of Wilmington 320 acres for 305 pounds which had belonged to Joseph Edmundson and had been called Edmondson’s Ordinary, adjoining Gardner, Garland, Clement (now Martin), Crossland and Marsh Swamp. Wit: Stephen Pott, A. Miller, John Ring. Deed Book 14, p. 7.
Oct. 20, 1777. Archibald Hamilton and Company of Halifax deeded to Edward Moore of Granville County, 413 acres for 500 pounds. One tract belonged to Joseph Garland on Elk Marsh. One tract belonged to Samuel Garland on Marsh Swamp. One tract on the north side of Marsh Swamp adjoining Joseph Edmond-son, Jenito Branch, Timothy Milton, Wm. Clements. Deed Book 13, p. 653.
May 10, 1778. John Powell, Jr. and his wife Susanna of Edgecombe County deeded to William Edmondson of Halifax 200 acres for 100 pounds of Virginia money, adjacent to Holland’s Branch. Witness: Ptolemy Powell. DB 11, p. 697.
October …., 1781. Indents of payments relative to Revolutionary Claims. #2844. State of N.C., Halifax District. This certifies that Elizabeth Edmondson was allowed Three pounds Two shillings E…… pence Specie as per the report of Board of Auditors.
January 8, 1782. Indents of payments of Revolutionary Claims. # 3365. State of N.C., Halifax District. This certifies that Wm. Edmondson was allowed one pound Nineteen Shillings & Eight Pence Specie as per Report of the Board of Auditors.
January 10, 1782. Indents of payments relative to Revolutionary Claims, State of N.C., Halifax Dist. #4247. This certifies that Thomas Edmunson was allowed sixteen pds Nine Shillings and four pence specie as per Report of the Board of Auditors.
5th ………, 1782. Indents of payments relative to Revolutionary Claims, State of N.C., Halifax District. #6600. This certifies that Wm. Edmonson was allowed Nine pounds Six Shillings ………as per report of the Board of Auditors.
Elizabeth Edmondson (widow of Thomas ?) owned 200 acres in 1782 and 80 acres in 1783 in District 4 (Weldon).
Ambrose Edmondson (son of Thomas and Elizabeth?) was a single male with no land in 1783, District 4.
The Will of Thomas Edmondson, dated July 12, 1778:
I, Thomas Edmondson of Halifax County in the province of North Carolina, planter, being sick and weak but of a sound memory and understanding, Thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and trusting in the meritorious death and passion of my beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to obtain pardon and redemption of all my sins, do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following viz:
And first I bequeath my Soul to God that gave it to me and as for my body I desire it may have a decent burial at the discretion of my Executors. Hereafter
Mentioned and as for all my worldly goods and chattells that it hath pleased God to bless me with, I will and bequeath in the manner following:
ITEM: I lend to my well beloved wife, Elizabeth Edmondson, the use of all my whole estate both real and personal during her widowhood or natural life to enable her to raise my children thereon and in case that my wife should marry after my decease my will ordaines that my whole estate should be sold by my executors and my wife to have the third part of my whole estate and the overplus to be equally divided amongst my surviving children in manner following:
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, WILLIAM EDMONDSON, two ewes and lamb of between 5 shillings proclamation money over and above what I have already given him.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter, JUDA EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be raised out of my whole estate at my wife’s death or on the day she may remarry, to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, AMBROSE EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of my whole estate at my wife’s death or marriage and likewise one horse colt by the name of Champion to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, HUMPHREY EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate at my wife’s death or marriage and that the money coming to him to lie deposited in one of his brothers hands wherein he may choose to live with to maintain him therein by occasion of his lunacy.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter SALLEY EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage, to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter ELIZABETH EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage, to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son THOMAS EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my youngest son WILLIE EDMONDSON the plantation on which I now dwell with one hundred acres of land to him and his heirs forever, it being the one half of my two hundred acres of land to be equally divided at the death or marriage of my wife.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my grandson, DANIEL EDMONDSON fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage to him and his heirs forever.
Furthermore, it is my will and desire that if my estate when sold should not hold out for to pay my children the legacies as I have left them that they be contented with each an equal part of my whole estate, it is my will and desire that if my estate when sold should amount to more than I have left in legacy that this overplus be equally divided among my living children after my wife’s death or marriage, my wife William only excepted. I then constitute and appoint my loving wife ELIZABETH EDMONDSON Executor and my trusty friend WILLIAM BROWN Senr. Executor of this my last will and testament, utterly revoking and disannulling all other wills and Testaments that may formerely by me be made, and in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this (4th or 12th) day of July in the Year of Our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Signed, sealed and delivered in Presence of:
Phillip Corlew
his
Joseph (B) Peek
Mark
Yeyse Gutherte
Halifax County District, February Session, 1792.
This will was exhibited in open court and duly proved by the oath of Phillip Corlew, one of the subscribing witnesses thereof and on motion ordered to be recorded. Test. Wm. Wootten, Clk. of Ct.
(Copy of will provided by Melton Meek, M.D., Lawton, Oklahoma. See EFAB No. 47. Facsimile copy of original court record provided by Lee Edmundson, with his transcription).
HINTON AND RELATED FAMILY HISTORY, 2nd Edition, p. 129:
Thomas Edmondson and wife Elizabeth had a daughter, Sarah Edmondson, born 1764, who married Christopher Hinton about 1785. He was born in 1760 and died in August, 1827, Warren County, Georgia. Hinton was on the 1782 Taxpayer List for Halifax, with 1 poll, 1 negro, district 15, right after Ambrose and Elizabeth Edmondson. Hinton signed a deed for property as a witness in 1787, land bought by Ambrose Edmondson. He later bought half this property from Ambrose, his brother-in-law. Ambrose Edmondson married Elizabeth Green who was born Sept. 17, 1763 (family Bible). She died June 5, 1849, in Sallis, Mississippi. Ambrose sold 300 acres in Nash County, NC, Feb. 15, 1799, having bought land in Warren County GA in 1795. Ambrose Edmondson died in Warren County, GA, May 29, 1824.
(Christopher and Sarah Hinton moved to Warren County, Georgia, with Ambrose, Thomas Edmondson and William G. Edmondson. William G. Edmondson died in Warren County, GA in 1831. See Warren County, Georgia, records compiled by Stephen W. Edmondson).
Nov. 4, 1782. Report of Board of Auditors showed Indent No. 6502 for payment of Revolutionary War claim in NC to Ambrose Edmondson, 10 pounds, 7 shillings allowed.
Sept. 13, 1784. Will of Elizabeth Mason. Proved in November Court, 1784. Witnessed by William Edmondson and Nancy Green. (Gen. Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax County, by Margaret Hofman).
Bryant Edmondson, William Powell and William Martin proved the will of John Powell, Nov. 1, 1785, Halifax County. (Abstracts of Will Book No. 1, 1758-74, by Margaret Hofman).
Bryant Edmondson owned:
1782 170 acres District 16
1783 59 acres District 16
1786 170 acres District. 16
1787 170 acres District 16
William Edmondson owned:
1786 200 acres District 4
1787 200 acres District 4
He or another William Edmondson owned land in District 16. There appears to be two William Edmondsons at this time in Halifax.
State Census of North Carolina, 1784-87, shows in Halifax County:
p. 60. District 5, taken by Giles Lang, Jan. 21, 1786.
Joseph Edmonson, head of household.
1 wm under 21 or above 60.
2 wf all ages.
p. 70. Dist. 16, taken by Ptolem Powell, January 2, 1786.
Bryant Edmondson, head of household.
2 wm under 21 and above 60
1 wm 21-60
2 wf all ages
Jann Edmondson, head of household
1 wf
William Edmondson, head of household
1 wm 21-60
1 wf
(William Edmundson of Lunenberg County, VA, son of Thomas, grandson of Benjamin, great-grandson of Thomas the immigrant, sold land on Miles Creek to his brother Richard Coleman Edmundson in 1762. His descendant, Charles Christopher Edmondson, of New Rockford, N.D., states William was born in 1730 and died in Halifax County, N.C. in 1786. He is possibly the William Edmundson who with Bryant Edmundson helped to survey land near Great Quankey Creek but would more likely be the other William Edmundson living in the area. The Eelbanks were from Lunenberg and were neighbors. Bryant of Caroline County,VA, owned land on Great Quankey where his wife Mary lived after his death and his son Bryant sold land before moving to Onslow).
Census of 1790 (abstract done by Barbara Yarberry)
William Edmondson
1 wm over 16
1 wm under 16
5 wf
1 slave
Thomas Edmondson
1 wm over 16
Elizabeth Edmondson
1 wm under 16
4 wf
Bryant Edmondson
1wm over 16
3 wm under 16
3 wf
March 26, 1791. Will of William Smith. Proved in August Court, 1791. To son Moses Smith all the land that I have. To daughter Elizabeth Edmundson 1 Negro and she is to pay for the sd Negro in 6 months. Executor to sell the rest of the estate and divide the money among the following children: Catherine Harris, the said Elizabeth, Judah Harris, Mary Powell, Ann Harris, and Lucy Powell. Witnesses: Samuel Brazington, Thomas Shaw (his mark). Executor: Peter Smith, Sr. (Gen. Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax County, by Margaret Hofman).
Dec. 15, 1794. Will of Bryant Edmondson, Halifax County, probated Feb. Court, 1795, named wife Salley. Children were mentioned but not named but land was to be divided among them at Salley’s death or marriage. Executors were wife and Jesse Parker. Witnesses: Elisha Willis, Davis Bagby. (Abstracts of Halifax County, N.C. Wills, 1768-1830).
(This man would not be Bryant Edmondson, Jr., son of Bryant Edmondson and grandson of Thomas of Essex County, Virginia. Who is he related to? SWE)
1806-07. Members of the Downs family moved from Halifax County to Georgia. David Downs was married to Elizabeth Edmundson and settled in Greene County. William Downs was married to Sarah Edmundson, sister of Elizabeth. They settled in Morgan County. William Downs died in 1824 and Sarah about 1816. (information from Llewellyn Rinald, Gen Forum, 10 Feb 2003. Elizabeth Edmondson relinquished her dower rights to land given to her by Bryan Edmondson. David and Elizabeth Edmondson Downs has a son Wiley and daughters Nancy and Sarah. Sarah Downs married Sion Wheelis and moved to Tallapoosa County, AL. Nancy Downs married Albert Few in Morgan County, GA.
Were Elizabeth and Sarah daughters of Bryant Edmondson above, in the 1790 Census and whose will was dated 1794?
Census of 1810
John Edmondson, p. 739
Pollard Edmondson, p. 738
Thomas Edmondson, p. 740
Orpha Edmondson, p. 738
Census of 1820
Census of 1830
Elias Edmondson, p. 304
Thomas Edmondson, p. 304
William Edmondson, p. 304
Census of 1840.
Jno. Edmondson, Microfilm Roll 362, p. 45.
His signature is found on p. 26 and p. 48.
May 19, 1845. Will of William Edmondson, Halifax County, probated in November, 1845, listed no wife. Daughters: Mary Edmondson, Caty Edmondson,
Sarah Edmondson, Elizabeth Hawkins. Son: William A. Edmondson and wife Lucy.
Census of 1850, Halifax.
JOHN Edmonson, 45, p. 5. Farmer. Born in Edgecombe Co., NC.
Ann, wife, 40, b. in Edgecombe Co. Ellen, 18; Levinia, daughter, 16; Dunford, 13, son; William, son, 11. Born in Halifax County. The three older children were born in Edgecombe.
ALFRED Edmonson, 49, p. 12. Farmer. Born in Edgecombe County. Susanna Lucinda, 48, wife. McLou, 18, son; Henretta, 12, daughter. John, 5. Wife and children born in Edgecombe County, NC.
PATRIC Edmonson, 23, p. 12, b. in Edgecombe Co. Tempy, 8; Lucy, 6. No wife listed. (It is likely Patric is son of Alfred and brother of the two children listed with him).
ALFRED Edmonson, 50, p. 15, b. in Edgecombe Co., NC. Lucinda, wife, 50, b. in Edgecombe. Lemuel, son, 16. Henretta, daughter, 17. John, 6. (This appears to be a second family headed by a man named Alfred Edmondson).
POLLARD Edmonson, 40, p. 15, b. in Edgecombe County, NC. Tempy, daughter, 7; Lucy, 5. Children born in Edgecombe County. (Are these the same children listed with Patric Edmonson above?).
PATRICK EDMONSTON, 31, p. 15, b. in South Carolina. Farmer. Catherine, 26, b. in Raleigh, NC. Rachel Jones, 4, b. in Halifax County, NC. (This was Patrick Edmonston of the Charleston SC family who married Catherine Devereaux.)
Marriages, Halifax County.
Lemuel Edmondson married Polly Gray, May 22, 1821. Bondsmen: Joseph Edmondson and S. M. Johnson.
William A. Edmondson married Lucy Shaw, Dec. 19, 1831. Henry R. Harper, bondsman.
Ellen J. Edmondson m. John H. Speed, April 22, 1850
Pollard Edmondson m. Absala Gammon March 31, 1852. Alfred Pittman, bondsman.
Larena Edmondson m. William Grimmer, April 21, 1854. Bondsman: Rufus Barrinton.
(William Edmundson, Editor of Edmondson Family Bulletin for many years, firmly believed Pollard Edmondson had proven Maryland connections. I have never seen this proof).
Wills.
1795
Bryan Edmondson of Halifax County names wife Sallie and mentions children.
Estate Papers:
March 31, 1875. Settlement of the will of Catherine A. Edmondston who wrote a book “JOURNAL OF A SECESH LADY”. Her husband was from Charleston, SC, of a family who moved there from England in the early 1800’s and very wealthy.
Catherine was a Devereaux.
Sept. 1, 1873. Final settlement of the estate of Capt. Patrick Edmondston, Catherine’s husband. (These people were Edmondstons, not Edmondsons).
Nov. 22, 1892. Pollard Edmondson died intestate. Charles Harrell is guardian to Hattie Edmondson, age 4. Harrell is brother of Hattie’s mother. Pollard Edmondson was Hattie’s grandfather.
Nov. 29, 1892. Settlement of the estate of Pollard Edmondson who died testate. Inventory was valued at $12,000. Mentions final account with Wm. M. Edmondson, John Evans, Dora Jones, Gatsy Council, William Edmondson and Hattie Edmondson, all of whom resided in Edgecombe County. All are of full age except John Evans and Hattie Edmondson, minors. Also mentioned were Wiley Edmondson, Wright Edmondson and George Edmondson as buyers at the sale.
Sept. 13, 1894. Settlement of the estate of D. Edmondson. Estate valued at $30,000. Heirs included Mary P. Edmondson, Etta Josey, Minnie Taylor and the children of Minnie Taylor.
May, 1902. Settlement of the estate of Mary P. Edmondson. R.C. Josey
administrator.
Cemetery, Scotland Neck, Halifax County, NC (copied by Chan Edmondson)
Ann B. Edmondson May 29, 1809-September 12, 1859
John Edmondson May 26, 1805-April 15, 1863
Kathrine Ann Edmondson October 9, 1832-January 3, 1875 Wife of P.M. Edmondson
Patrick Mair Edmondson August 6, 1819-August 1871 Husband of Kathrine Ann.
Suggested Family Genealogy in Halifax County:
Bryant Edmondson married Mary Haile in Essex or Caroline County, Virginia, and moved to Halifax County, NC. about 1748-51. He sold land in Essex in 1751. He died soon, leaving his widow, Mary, living near Quankey Creek and Brewer’s Branch. She sold 100 acres in 1759, on the south side of Quankey Creek and on Brewer’s Branch. Proposed children:
1. Richard Edmondson, b. in Caroline County and moved to Franklin County, Virginia, where he died in 1788.
2. Bryant Edmondson, Jr., who married Sarah, moved with Bryant and Mary to Halifax County and lived near them until he sold his land and moved to Onslow County where he died. In 1761, Bryant Jr. owned land in Halifax adjoining that of Mary Edmondson, Thomas Smith, Crossland, Alford, McCullar, in St. Mary’s Parish. This land was near the border of Halifax and Edgecombe. He sold land in 1760 south of Great Quankey Creek, adjoining John Eelbeck.
3. Thomas Edmondson. Deeded land by John Eelbeck in 1763, between the Quankey creeks. Married Elizabeth, probably daughter of William Smith., who left Elizabeth Edmondson a slave in his will in 1791. Smith named a son, Moses Smith, in the will and made Peter Smith, Sen., his executor. Thomas made a will in 1778, naming a number of children. See account below. Thomas died by 1792 when his will was probated.
4. Joseph Edmondson who married Mariannah owned an ordinary in Halifax County at one time. Arrived in Halifax about the same time Bryant, Sr. and Mary came. Had land near Jenito Swamp. Joseph Edmondson Road and Edmondson Road were cited in early deeds. He and wife Marrianah sold 80 acres south of Marsh Swamp adjacent to Gardner, George Hill and the Little Falls and 20 acres adjacent to Gardner, Valess and John Duncan about 1759 (Deed Book 7, p. 94). In 1760 bought a Granville Grant of 317 acres on Cades Branch, Princess Branch and Great Branch which he sold the next year. He is listed in the 1784-1787 NC Census in Halifax County, in 1786. 1 wm under 21 or above 60. 2 wf. He appears to have died soon as he is not found in the 1790 Census of Halifax. . Thus, he would have been born before 1726. No information on children though Joseph Edmondson in the 1790 Census of Martin county, 1 male under 16 with 3 white females might be related. .
5. William Edmondson. He is probably the chain carrier mentioned in a deed Oct. 3, 1754, for survey of a Granville Grant to John Eeelbank, the land joining James Reeves, McCulloh’s Corner and little Quankey Creek. Bryant Edmondson was another chain carrier, presumed to be William’s brother. William received pay for Revolutionary service of some sort but that William might be a younger man, son of Thomas Edmondson and Elizabeth. William Edmondson witnessed a deed in 1760 from Charles Daniel to Peter Brewer for land adjoining Holland’s Branch in Halifax. Deed Book 7, p. 179. July 3, 1760, he and Bryant Edmondson were surveyor’s helpers for a survey when John Ellbank received a Granville Grant of 675 acres in Halifax.
(John Edmondson who bought land in 1760, a Granville grant, adjoining Norfleet and Royal, could be another son but might belong to Dr. Thomas Edmondson. James Edmondson, the chain carrier, was probably a brother of James. This land was far south of the Quankey Creek area in northern Halifax and was near the line between Edgecombe and Martin counties. See my later notes on this).
BRYANT EDMONDSON, JR. ( 1720?-1769?)
Bryant Edmondson, the younger, is almost certainly a son of Bryant and Mary Haile Edmondson. He arrived in North Carolina about the same time, 1751, and owned land adjoining theirs south of Great Quankey Creek. If their son, he would have been born in Caroline County, Virginia, and would have grown up there with Richard Edmondson and other siblings, a grandson of Thomas Edmundson of Essex, the immigrant. He is probably the Bryant Edmondson to whom James Reeves and his wife Millicent deeded 200 acres for 25 pounds Virginia money on the south side of Great Quankey Creek, joining former lands of Peter Jones, Thomas Matthis and Robert Wood, settled land with buildings mentioned in the deed. Deed Book 4, p. 448. This was part of a grant to William Williams for 344 acres in 1730. Halifax County had not been split from Edgecombe at this point. Oct. 3, 1754, he was a chain carrier for a survey of a Granville Grant to John Eelbank which joined James Reeves, McCullohs Corner and Little Quankey Creek. William Edmondson, his brother, was a second chain carrier. A Granville Grant in 1754 to Alexander McCollock cited “the Widow Edmonds”, surely the Widow Edmondson, as a bounding landowner. Halifax Deeds, 1754-1760. August 15, 1755, Bryant Edmondson of Edgecombe and Sarah his wife deeded to Mary Edmondson of Edgecombe
For 15 pounds current money of Virginia 100 acres on the south side of Great Quankey Creek, joining Brewer’s Branch and the creek part of the tract said Bryant purchased of James Reeves. Benjamin Haile, Thomas Smith and Joseph Edmondson witnessed the deed. Deed Book 2, p. 363, Edgcombe County Deeds. He witnessed a deed, March 6, 1756, from Daniel Eelbank o Lunenburg County, Virginia, to Montfort Eelbeck of Edgecombe County, NC, for 1730 acres on both sides of Quankey Creek. John Eelbank was a second witness. Deed Book 6, p. 227. That same year a deed for survy of land for Joseph Brewer cited “McCollers”, Mary Edmonsons and Bryant Edmonson land as boundaries for the tract. July 3, 1760, Bryant and William Edmondson were surveyor’s helpers for a Granville Grant to John Ellbank for 675 acres in Halifax County. John Eelbank was a neighbor . Dec. 8, 1760, Bryant Edmondson of Onslow County sold land to John Potts “being on the south side of great Quankey Creek in Halifax the same being the plantation whereon the said Bryant Edmondson lived”. This land was adjoining John Eelbeck and Brewer’s Branch, 100 acres for 12 pounds. Witnesses: John Eelbeck, Wm. Clement, Wm. Green, Jr. Deed Book7, p. 165, Halifax County.
Bryant moved to Onslow. Who was the Bryant Edmondson who owned land in District 16, Halifax, in 172-1787, 170 acres? Did he return to Halifax in his late years?
THOMAS EDMONDSON (b. 1726?-1792)
Thomas, if a son of Bryant and Mary Haile Edmondson, was born in Essex County, possibly in the area which became Caroline in 1727. He would have spent his childhood in Caroline and might have settled in some other part of Virginia before he bought land in Halifax County in 1763. He probably was married in Virginia to Elizabeth, who appears to be the daughter of William Smith. William Smith of Halifax County, NC, left Elizabeth Edmondson a slave in his will in 1791. Smith named his son, Moses Smith, in the will and made Peter Smith, Sen., his executor.
Thomas was deeded land in the same area where several of Bryant and Mary Edmondson’s children had already settled, near Great Quankey Creek. The seller was John Eelbeck, May 25, 1763, 200 acres for 25 pounds Virginia money. The land lay between Great Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek, adjoining land Eelbeck still owned. Witnessed by David Crawley and Richard Thompson. Deed Book 8, p. 376. Thomas witnessed the sale of other land by Eelbeck about the same time.
Thomas made his will in 1778.
The Will of Thomas Edmondson, dated July 12, 1778:
I, Thomas Edmondson of Halifax County in the province of North Carolina, planter, being sick and weak but of a sound memory and understanding, Thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and trusting in the meritorious death and passion of my beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to obtain pardon and redemption of all my sins, do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following viz:
And first I bequeath my Soul to God that gave it to me and as for my body I desire it may have a decent burial at the discretion of my Executors. Hereafter
Mentioned and as for all my worldly goods and chattells that it hath pleased God to bless me with, I will and bequeath in the manner following:
ITEM: I lend to my well beloved wife, Elizabeth Edmondson, the use of all my whole estate both real and personal during her widowhood or natural life to enable her to raise my children thereon and in case that my wife should marry after my decease my will ordaines that my whole estate should be sold by my executors and my wife to have the third part of my whole estate and the overplus to be equally divided amongst my surviving children in manner following:
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, WILLIAM EDMONDSON, two ewes and lamb of between 5 shillings proclamation money over and above what I have already given him.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter, JUDA EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be raised out of my whole estate at my wife’s death or on the day she may remarry, to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, AMBROSE EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of my whole estate at my wife’s death or marriage and likewise one horse colt by the name of Champion to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, HUMPHREY EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate at my wife’s death or marriage and that the money coming to him to lie deposited in one of his brothers hands wherein he may choose to live with to maintain him therein by occasion of his lunacy.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter SALLEY EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage, to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter ELIZABETH EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage, to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son THOMAS EDMONDSON, one hundred pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my youngest son WILLIE EDMONDSON the plantation on which I now dwell with one hundred acres of land to him and his heirs forever, it being the one half of my two hundred acres of land to be equally divided at the death or marriage of my wife.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my grandson, DANIEL EDMONDSON fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid out of the remaining part of my estate after my wife’s death or marriage to him and his heirs forever.
Furthermore, it is my will and desire that if my estate when sold should not hold out for to pay my children the legacies as I have left them that they be contented with each an equal part of my whole estate, it is my will and desire that if my estate when sold should amount to more than I have left in legacy that this overplus be equally divided among my living children after my wife’s death or marriage, my wife William only excepted. I then constitute and appoint my loving wife ELIZABETH EDMONDSON Executor and my trusty friend WILLIAM BROWN Senr. Executor of this my last will and testament, utterly revoking and disannulling all other wills and Testaments that may formerely by me be made, and in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this (4th or 12th) day of July in the Year of Our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Signed, sealed and delivered in Presence of:
Phillip Corlew
his
Joseph (B) Peek
Mark
Yeyse Gutherte
Halifax County District, February Session, 1792.
This will was exhibited in open court and duly proved by the oath of Phillip Corlew, one of the subscribing witnesses thereof and on motion ordered to be recorded. Test. Wm. Wootten, Clk. of Ct.
(Copy of will provided by Melton Meek, M.D., Lawton, Oklahoma. See EFAB No. 47).
Though weak in body in 1778, Thomas survived. He is probably the Thomas Edmunson who was allowed sixteen pounds nine shillings and four pence specie, per the Board of Ausitors, for payment of Revolutionary claims, State of NC, Halifax District, Indent No. 4247, Jan. 10, 1782. He might have died soon after, though the will was not probated until 1792. Elizabeth Edmondson owned 200 acres in 1782 and 80 acres in the Weldon area, District 4, in 1783. If not his widow, who was she? The Census of 1790 lists Thomas Edmondson, living alone, 1 wm over 16, probably son of Thomas and Elizabeth. Elizabeth Edmondson is shown with 1 wm under 16 and 4 white females, probably she and her three daughters. .
Children of Thomas and Elizabeth:
1. William G. Edmondson was apparently the eldest who had property before 1778 when the will was made. It is possibly he who bought 200 acres May 10, 1778, from John Powell, Jr., and his wife Susanna of Edgecombe for 100 pounds Virginia money, adjacent to Holland’s Branch. This is shown in 1786 and 1787 in District 4, 200 acres owned by him. He moved to Warren County, Georgia, in the 1790’s with his brothers and sister and had property on Long Creek. The Census of 1830 shows him, a male between 70-80, his wife apparently living, age 50-60. He died Feb. 14, 1831. his estate settled by William Hurt.
2. Juda Edmondson, daughter, Single in 1778. No information.
3. Ambrose Edmondson was born June 5, 1759, in NC. Ambrose is rarely used in the Essex Edmondson lineages. What is the source? Ambrose Gresham lived in 1744 near Ann Smith in southern Essex County, Virginia. Samuel Smith also lived near her. Ambrose was paid for a Revolutionary War claim by the Board of Auditors, Nov. 4, 1782, 10 pounds, 7 shillings, Indent No. 6502. He was a single man with no land in 1783, District 4. He and Elizabeth were living in Nash County in 1786. He bought land in District 15 in 1787. Ambrose married Elizabeth Green who was born Sept. 17, 1763 (family Bible). They moved to Warren County, Georgia, about 1795. Ambrose sold 300 acres, north of the Tar River in Nash County, NC, Feb. 15, 1799. He died in May 29, 1824, possibly in Mississippi. His wife died June 5, 1849, in Sallis, Mississippi.
4. Humphrey Edmondson, stated in the will to be lunatic in 1778. Humphrey is used for a son’s name by Thomas’s presumed brother, Richard, the nephew born and reared in Caroline County and moving eventually to Wilkes County, Georgia. No known marriage or descendants of this son and no further information on him. Could he be Daniel’s father?
5. Sarah (Salley) Edmondson was born in 1764 and was single in 1778. She married Christopher Hinton about 1785. Hinton was a taxpayer on the 1782 list with 1 poll, 1 negro, listed right after Ambrose Edmondson and Elizabeth Edmondson. Christopher Hinton lived next door to Ambrose I Nash County in 1786. Hinton witnessed a deed for property bought by Ambrose in Nash County in 1787 and later bought half this property. Hinton was born about 1760 and died August, 1827, in Warren County, Georgia, to which he and Sarah moved in th 1790’s. Sarah died in Sallis, Mississippi. .
They moved to Warren County, Georgia, in the 1790’s with her brothers. She died in Sallis, Mississippi.
6. Elizabeth Edmondson
7. Thomas Edmondson who moved to Warren County, Georgia, about 1800.
8. Wiley (Willie) Edmondson. No information on his life after 1778. Was it he who married Ann Smith in the early 1800’s?
A grandson, Daniel, was living in 1778. Whose son was he?
(Notes on the Smiths in Halifax: Census of 1784-87. District 5. William Smith, Jan. 21, 1786. 1 wm 21-60. 2 wm under 21 or above 60. 3 wf all ages. 3 blacks. Moses Smith lived in District 5, two doors from Elizabeth Edmons (was this Edmondson?)
WILLIAM EDMONDSON
This sketch covers the William Edmondson assumed to be a son of Bryant and Mary Edmondson who moved from Caroline County, Virginia, to Edgecombe County NC about 1750-51. His association with the Edmondsons who settled around Great Quankey Creek in Halifax strongly indicates a connection. He was probably the William who was a chain carrier mentioned in a deed Oct. 3, 1754, for survey of a Granville Grant to John Eeelbank, the land joining James Reeves, McCulloh’s Corner and little Quankey Creek. Bryant Edmondson was another chain carrier, presumed to be William’s brother. William received pay for Revolutionary service of some sort but that William might be a younger man, son of Thomas Edmondson and Elizabeth. William Edmondson witnessed a deed in 1760 from Charles Daniel to Peter Brewer for land adjoining Holland’s Branch in Halifax. Deed Book 7, p. 179. July 3, 1760, he and Bryant Edmondson were surveyor’s helpers for a survey when John Ellbank received a Granville Grant of 675 acres in Halifax. May 10, 1778, John Powell, Jr. and Susannah his wife sold William Edmondson of Halifax, 200 acres fo r100 pounds Virginia money, adjacent to Holland’s branch, witnessed by Ptolemy Powell, who took the census in District 16 a few years later. Deed Book 11, p. 697. He might be the William Edmondson who witnessed the will of Elizabeth Mason, Sept. 13, 1784, with Nancy Green. He is probably the William Edmondson who owned land in District 16 of Halifax County and is shown in the NC State Census, Jan. 2, 1786, in District 16, 1 white male 21-60 with 1 white female. The Halifax County census for 1790 lists William Edmondson, 1 white male over 16, 1 white male under 16, 5 white females and 1 slave. This does not sound like this subject but is probably the older son of Thomas and Elizabeth Edmondson.
Possible children:
1. I suspect Bryant Edmondson who lived in the same district in 1786 is his son: 2 white males under 21 or over 60, 1 white male 21-60 and 2 white females, probably a younger man with two sons and one daughter. Jann Edmondson, a white female, lived next door to Bryant. Who was she? Tax lists show Bryant Edmondson owning land: 1782, 170 acres, District 16; 1783, 59 acres, District 16; 1786, 170 acres, District 16; 1787, 170 acres, District 16. He, William Powell and William Martin proved the will of John Powell, Nov. 1, 1785. Will Book No. 1. The 1790 Census shows Bryant Edmondson, with 1 white male over 16, 3 white males under 16 and 3 white females. Dec. 15, 1794, Bryant Edmondson of Halifax County named his wife Salley and mentions children, not named. His land was to be divided among them at Salley’s death or marriage. Executors were his wife and Jesse Parker and witnesses were Elisha Willis and Davis Bagby. Davis Bagby lived in District 5 in Feb., 1786, near Joseph Edmonson. Christopher Hinton, William Downs and Elizabeth Edmons lived in District 4. Another William Downs lived in District 16.
2. Sarah Edmundson who married William Downs and moved from Halifax Coiunty NC to Morgan County, Georgia, about 1806-07 might be a daughter. She died about 1816 and William Downs in 1824. In 1786, William Downs lived in District 16. David Downs, a single man, lived not far away. Need proof.
3. Her sister Elizabeth Edmondson married David Downs and settled in Greene County, Georgia. Need proof of parents.
JOHN AND JAMES EDMONDSON appear in the Halifax records March 10, 1760, when John had a survey for a Granville Grant for 280 acres adjoining Marmaduke Norfleet and John Royal. James Edmondson was a chain carrier. The grant was dated Dec. 10, 1760, and registered in Halifax Court, March, 1762. Parish of Edgecombe. Deed Book 8, p. 35. Howard Edmondson of Falkville, Alabama, a descendant, stated this land was cut into Martin County When it was formed and then about 1800 was shifted to Edgecombe when the county line was moved. The family remained on the same land but show in different counties. I believe John and James Edmondson might be sons of Dr. Thomas Edmondson, just arriving in NC and taking up land. This family took up other land in what was southern Edgecombe County in 1833, near Wayne County. The following references pertain to them, I think.
A survey May 21, 1760, for a Granville Grant of 220 acres to Marmaduke Norfleet was done with James and Thomas Edmondson as chain carriers. This land was bounded by John Jones, Stocking Branch, M. Norfleet, Sr., and Conneto Pocoson. The grant was approved May 22, 1760.
March, 1763. John Edmondson is listed as bounding landowner to 350 acres deeded by Thomas Hill to Thomas Brown, Jr., for 10 pounds proclamation money, March 1763. Land was on south side of Coneto Swamp. Other bounding landowners were Thomas Hill, Marmaduke Norfleet, Thomas Brown and Col. Conner. Halifax County Deed Book 8, p. 262.
Oct. 15, 1764. John Edmondson of Halifax County deeded 140 acres on Reedy Branch (in Martin County ?) to Thomas Edmondson . Witnessed by Robert Savage and James Dehorty. Halifax County Deed Book 9, p. 107.
July 14, 1768. The will of Thomas Hill, Halifax County, gives to his son Slaughter Hill 150 acres “up the swamp where John Weaver now lives joining John Edmondson”. Will Book 1, p. 236. Proved Feb. Court, 1769. (Gen. Abstracts of Wills, 1758-1824, Halifax County, by Margaret Hofman).
Dec. 11, 1771. Thomas Edmondson was deeded 175 acres for 10 pounds proclamation money by Thomas Brown, Jr., adjoining Thomas Hill and John Edmondson. Witnesses: Wm. Brown, Henry Medford. DB 12, p. 161.
These deeds were clustered in one section neighboring Marmaduke Norfleet and Thomas Hill. Martin County was formed in 1774 from Halifax. However, the NC State Census in Feb. 1786 shows Marmaduke Norfleet living in District 3, Halifax County. No Edmondson is shown in District 3. In Martin County, June Court, 1787, in District 5: Jno. Edmondson, 1 wm 21-60, 2 white males under 21 and over 60, 2 females. William and Thomas Edmondson are four households away. These men would seem to be a different family, sons of Thomas Edmondson and Howard Edmondson’s family. Were John, James and Thomas in the earlier references closely related? The sons of Dr. Thomas Edmondson, John and James, located farther south in what would eventually became Greene, Wayne, etc.
Compiled by Stephen W. Edmondson. Revised January, 2009. .
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