Re: WILLIAM RATCLIFF -RATLIFF 49 ANNUAL REUNION
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In reply to:
Re: WILLIAM RATCLIFF -RATLIFF 49 ANNUAL REUNION
Jay Stein 5/12/05
My inquiry is sideways to Ratcliff genealogy.My people are the Fellow family of Maryland and North Carolina, intermarried with the children of Richard Ratcliff.
In Clarence Ratcliff’s book he references North Carolina deeds where Benjamin Ratcliff sold land to Robert Fellows.
Richard Ratcliff of Lancashire, England and Talbot County Maryland - by Clarence Earl Ratcliff 1972
(1J3E) Benjamin Ratcliff, thought to be a son of John & Sarah, (no
proof) probably born in Talbot Co., Md., 1725-1730, sold land in Johnston
Co., N. C., in 1754, to his uncle Robert Fellows. Said to have married Jane
Porter, Johnston Co., N. C. (no proof).
John Ratcliff made entry for 100 acres of land in Craven Co., N. C., 13
Oct 1738, (103a).Apparently this land was at the juncture of the Neuse
River and Lower Falling Creek, some 5 or 6 miles west of present day
Kinston, N. C.
John Ratcliff petitioned Newton Council, 20 Feb 1739, for a warrant for
300 acres in Craven Co., N. C. (104a).Apparently this petition was denied.
John Ratcliff bought 400 acres of land in Craven Co., N. C., 18 Mar 1745,
from his brother-in-law, Robert Fellows.This land was along the north side
of the Neuse River and along the east side of Lower Falling Creek, and
included part of Tom's Pocosin, a swamp like area.According to N. C. State
Dept. records this plantation was called "Ratcliff's Chance", but this
writer believes the name was really "Ratcliff's Choice" as the home
plantation in Talbot Co. had been called.
John Ratcliff petitioned the Council at Bath Town, N. C., 12 Mar 1745/6
for a warrant for 50 acres of land in Craven Co., N. C. (104c).
Do you have or know who has a copy of these deeds digitized?I have only seen extracts of this deed and need to determine if the relationship is spelled out, or only assumed.The Robert Fellow involved could have been my ancestor, nephew of Robert Fellow (born 1694)
In 1746 my ancestor Robert Fellow returned to Maryland to sell land and is clearly named as “grandson of Robert Fellow [died 1717 Maryland] and son and heir of John Fellow”.Other properties bought by Robert Fellow in the 1750 time frame in North Carolina descended in the family and presumably were purchased by the younger man.
From my research, I have only found descendants of John Fellow (born 1697) in North Carolina.I have not seen proof that Robert Fellow (born 1694) left Maryland for North Carolina.The Quaker record sited by Clarence Ratcliff only mentions the families of John Ratcliff andJohn Fellows.
Richard Ratcliff of Lancashire, England and Talbot County Maryland - by Clarence Earl Ratcliff 1972
"At a monthly meeting held at our meeting house at the head of Tread Avon
Creek the 25th and 26th of the 10th month 1734, James Ratcliff (1J2) informs
this meeting that his brother John Ratcliff (1J3) and John Fellows intend to
remove themselves and families unto some part of the government of Carolina
and desire a few lines by way of certificate. This meeting appoints Thomas
Atkinson and James Ratcliff to hear conversation and circumstances so that
care may be taken that they leave on our part in honor and provide a
certificate against the next monthly meeting with approbation and signing."
(118i).
Thanks for your help
Cynthia
PS. The deed showing the gift of land from John & Phebe Fellow to Mary James is available online at Maryland State Archives.http://mdlandrec.nethttp://mdlandrec.net has digitized images of all these old deeds.You need to request a password to gain access.