C H A P T E R 7




James, William, and Samuel Ewing

James2, Ewing (Alexader1, Robert A)

William2, Ewing (Alexader1, Robert A)

Samuel2, Ewing (Alexader1, Robert A)


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Go to Chapter 6 Alexander Ewing parents of James, William, and Samuel

                                                                                                                                     

GENERATION NO. 2


This chapter will cover three , James, William, and Samuel Ewing, of the four brothers all being sons of Rebeckah and Alexander Ewing {66}. John's family, the fourth brother, will be presented in Chapter 10. The deeds and wills presented in this chapter will also help us to establish the correct families for their two sisters, Eleanor and Margaret that are presented in separate chapters. The name Ewing, for this family, is carried forward only through John, since James, William, and Samuel all died without issue.In the earlier chapter for Alexander Ewing {66}, a 1750 deed was presented for James Ewing when he sold the land that he inherited from his father. That deed helps to establish this family. It also helps with establishing where the sons of Alexander were living in 1750 as well as where some marriages most likely took place. The marriage records for Cecil County, Maryland for that period do not exist. Some records of marriages and births can be found in church records. In 1750, James, John, and William based on the following deed and James based on a deed presented in an earlier chapter were living in Cecil County, Maryland.


Cecil County, Maryland Deed Book 7, pages 183-185


On June 14, 1750, a deed was recorded dated March 7, 1750. A portion of that deed records the following:

Between James Ewing of Cecil County in the Province of Maryland Planter of the one Part and John Ewing and William Ewing Both of the Same Place Planters of the other Part Witnesseth that the said James Ewing for and in Consideration of the sum of forty two Pounds Ten shillings lawful money of the Province of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by the said John and William Ewing . . . sell . . . a Certain Tract of Land being part of a Tract of Land called the Levells Addition lying in the said County of Cecil on the West Side of Octoraro Creek and on the west side of a Branch of the aforesd Creek by some called Greens Branch. . . .


When the above deed was recorded, John and William Ewing paid two shillings and three Pence Sterling for one Alienation fine for the within Land for the use of the property.

In order for William to make a transaction for land, he would have to be twenty-one years old. From the Bible record printed in the Southwest Virginia Enterprise Newspaper in 1939, presented in the prior chapter, we took William's birth to be 8 January 1728/29. At the time the above transaction took place, 7 March 1750, William had reached the age of twenty-one years little over a year before the deed was executed. His age of twenty one years, at this time, also supports his birth date.


The information shown for the 1750 Cecil County, Maryland deed gives an indication of the money that was used at this time of our history. In this case, the land is being paid for with Pennsylvania money although the transaction took place in Maryland. The value of a Pennsylvania pound may not be the same value as a Virginia pound.

 

           ii.     James Ewing {69}, born 8 Aug 1723 in Ulster, Ireland, died about 1791 in Wythe County, Virginia.

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His will was recorded 8 November 1791 in Wythe County, Virginia. The full text of his will is presented later in this chapter.

 

When the will of his father, Alexander Ewing, was recorded in Cecil County, Maryland, it was noted that James was the oldest son. Based on James' will we have assumed that James was never married and had no children. The fact that James might not have been married is supported by a remark "he shall be maintained for as long as he lives" recorded in the will of Samuel Ewing, a brother. It appears that James may have been living in the home of his brother, Samuel, when Samuel wrote his will in June 1783. At that time, James would have been about sixty years old.


From the two deeds executed in 1750 in Cecil County by James, it appears that he has sold all of his land. We do not find any additional deeds for James until he purchases 80 acres of land in Virginia from his brother, Samuel in 1774 on the south side of New River. That area became part of Wythe County when it was created in 1789 from Montgomery County.


We do not know if James continued to live in Cecil County after he sold his land in 1750, or if he moved to Virginia. He could have lived with relatives in Virginia and joined his brothers after they moved from Maryland to Virginia.

 

           iv.    William Ewing {70}, born 8 Jan 1728/1729, most likely in Chester County, Pennsylvania and he died about 1793 in Wythe County, Virginia. He married Jane Ewing {3779}. (See Number 39 on page 82). She was born about 1732 most likely in Cecil County, Maryland. She was the daughter of Samuel Ewing {84} and Margaret ____?____ {3776}.

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Jane died after 11 June 1793, when she signed a deed for land, most likely in Wythe County, Virginia. William died between 29 January 1793 and 11 June 1793. William's will was recorded 9 July 1793 in Wythe County. The full text of his will is presented later in this chapter. In Wythe County, Virginia Deed Book 1 page 327, an articles of agreement made between William Ewing and Alexander Ewing {52} on 29 January 1793 was recorded and a deed from Jane Ewing to Alexander Ewing {52} was recorded 11 June 1793. That deed indicated William was deceased.


William and Jane had no issue. He served as Sergeant Major from Botetourt County, Virginia during the American Revolution. Based on the date William's father, Alexander, purchased land in Cecil County, Maryland in 1731, we have assumed that the family was living in the area of Chester County that became Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1729 a short time after William was born. Chester County was one of the original counties in Pennsylvania.

 

           vi.    Samuel Ewing {71}, born 10 Mar 1736/1737 in Cecil County, Maryland and he died about 1786 in Montgomery County, Virginia. He married Mary (Porter) Purnal {3888} about 1770. His will was recorded 23 May 1786 in Montgomery County, Virginia. The full text of his will is presented later in this chapter.

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Samuel married a widow, Mrs. Mary Purnal, who has been reported to have been a Porter before her marriage. They had no issue. Based on a marriage date of 1770 (estimated) or earlier, Samuel and Mary would have gotten married in the Cecil, Chester, or Lancaster county area. Mary had one daughter, by her former marriage, referred to in the will of Samuel Ewing as Fanny Purnal. In the will of James Ewing she is referred to as Euphamy Purnel.


On 11 Sep 1786 in Montgomery County, Virginia, Euphemy Purnal (sic) married an Alexander Ewing. On 2 Dec 1786, Euphame Purnell (sic) was a witness to a deed. It is not known why she would have used her maiden name if she was married. A good identification of the Alexander Ewing has not been made. It is possible that Alexander is the same Alexander {52} that is discussed in a later chapter. If that is the case, then Euphamy must have died early, very possible during the birth of a child and she and the child both died since the wife of Alexander who lived in Davidson County, Tennessee is known to be Sarah Smith.


In 1995, while researching at the Tennessee State Library in Nashville, I talked with a lady that was doing research for a client. She was searching for Euphemy Purnal and Alexander Ewing. She had no information that she could share with me.

 

1745    It appears that Jane's father had moved to Amelia County, Virginia.

 

1750    William Ewing {70} was living in Cecil County, Maryland when William and his brother, John, purchased land from their brother James. See above for deed information (Deed Book 7, page 183.).

 

1759    A power of attorney was written in Cecil County, Maryland by William Ewing {70}. See extract of text below.

 

1770    A deed was executed in Prince Edward County, Virginia by Jane and William Ewing {70} and others. By this time, Jane and William had moved to the area of Virginia which ended up being in Wythe County, Virginia. This deed was executed by the heirs after Margaret and Samuel Ewing had both died. The names of the heirs are presented in the deed following the Power of Attorney below.


After Samuel Ewing (an immigrant and half-brother to Nathaniel) the father of Jane Ewing died in Prince Edward County, Virginia, William Ewing {70}, a son of Alexander, needed someone to represent he and his wife's interest in what they were to receive from the will of Jane's father. William Ewing appointed his brother-in-law, [Colonel] Andrew Porter {3849}, to represent him in this effort. Andrew Porter {3849} married Margaret Ewing {73}, a sister of William.


POWER OF ATTORNEY

Prince Edward County, Virginia Deed Book 2 page 17


Know all men by these present that I William Ewing Junr of the Province of Maryland . . . do constitute appoint and ordain Andrew Porter of the County of Prince Edward in the Colony of Virginia my rightful & lawful attorney in fact to do transact & Manage all & all Manner Business wherein I am any ways concerned and Interested for me in My Name and I do hereby give my said attorney full power and authority to commence & Prosecute suits for me in my Name in as full and ample a Manner as myself might . . . signed December 12, 1759 by William Ewing. This power of attorney was recorded in Prince Edward County on February 12, 1760.


Prince Edward County, Virginia Deed Book 3 pages 448-450


[This is land the heirs of Samuel {84}, an immigrant and half-brother to Nathaniel, and Margaret Ewing are selling.)


"This Indenture made this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy ~ Between George Ewing, Alexander Ewing, William Ewing and Jane Ewing, John Caldwell and Ellinor Caldwell, James Ewing Jr and Margaret Ewing and Ann Ewing of Prince Edward and Botetourt County in the Colony of Virginia of the one part and John Thompson, Smith, and Abraham Thompson of Prince Edward County . . . for and in the consideration of one hundred and twenty pounds current money of Virginia . . . one certain tract or parcel of land on both sides of the North Fork of Fort Creek containing by estimation three hundred and ninety five acres. . . ."


When Jane Ewing signed the deed she used her mark. It is true in many cases, the men received some education and were usually able to sign their name and the women did not receive any education and were not able to sign their name.


Based on the short time line presented above, the power-of-attorney, and the above deed information, I wonder when Jane and William Ewing {70} got married. It appears that Jane's father, Samuel Ewing {84}, had moved to Virginia by 1745 and we know that William was living in Cecil County, Maryland in 1750, when he purchased land, and in 1759 when he executed the power-of-attorney to his brother-in-law, Andrew Porter {3849}. If they married before Jane's family moved, she would have been about thirteen years old and William would have been about sixteen years old. That does not appear to be very likely.


We know from deeds recorded in 1750 in Cecil County that William was a resident there. Is this a case of two people being in love and then separated by a few hundred miles based on Jane's family moving to Virginia? Since they had no children, we can not use the birth of a child to estimate when Jane and William married. We can assume that they married at a very young age or William went to Virginia to get his bride after her family had moved to Amelia County.


Based on some transactions recorded in the county records, we know that there was some traveling done between different areas at this time. We do not have any diaries that tell us more about the families. Since a number of relatives moved from the Maryland and Pennsylvania area to Virginia, there could have been more traveling between the two areas than what we might expect based on the kind of transportation they had to use. All of the families were farmers, therefore, they had some time that they could be away from home for a period of time after planting or harvesting the crops except for the farm animals that had to be looked after.


How long did these brothers, James, William, and Samuel, live in Cecil County, Maryland before they moved to Virginia? The deeds executed in Maryland and Virginia will give us a good indication as to the time that they moved to Virginia. Information from some of the Cecil County deeds are listed below:


Cecil County, Maryland Deed Book 11, pages 54-56


       "This Indenture made the Twelfth Day of September In the year of our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred Sixty and Seven Between John Ewing and William Ewing both of this County of Cecil and province of Maryland whereas Alexander Ewing late of the county aforesaid Deceased Father of the said John Ewing and William Ewing being in his life time _____ in Fee of and in one messuage or tract of land being part of a tract of land called Livil (Levell) situated and being in the County aforesaid did in and by his last will and Testament Give Devise and bequeath the said messuage and Tenement Here delaments and promises above mentioned with the appurtenances unto the said John Ewing and William Ewing and to their Heirs and assigns forever as by the said will may appear ~ Now This Indenture witnesseth that the said John Ewing for and in consideration of having already conveyed and secured to him his part of the above messuage and Tenement Here dilaments and premises as also for and in Consideration of the sum of eight pounds Ten shillings lawful money of the province of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by the said William Ewing the receipt whereof he the said John Ewing do hereby acknowledge have given, granted, bargained, sold . . . unto the said William Ewing . . . Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of . . .

                                                            John Ewing [Seal]


Recd the 12th of September 1767 of William Ewing the within granted the Sum of four Shillings and five pence Sterling money of Great Britain the Fine due to the Lord Proprietary on the Alienation of the within Land.

                                                Recd by me     Frans Key

Recorded 12th of September 1767 and Examined."               Francis Key


The year 1772 appears to be about the time that John and Samuel Ewing, brothers, and maybe Robert Porter, a nephew, moved their families to Virginia. In 1772, John Ewing executed a document where he was selling his household goods and that would indicate he was getting ready to move. Apparently, William was already in Virginia since he purchased a negro boy in March 1772. See below. As mentioned earlier, James could have moved earlier, or possibly about this time.


The land that these brothers owned in Virginia was located on or near Cripple Creek and the New River. As information is presented from the deeds and wills, you will notice that the County name changes. That is due to new counties being organized as the population increased. Today, Cripple Creek is in Wythe County, Virginia. For the years that we are interested in, the land was in the following counties:


       NAME      ORGANIZED           FROM 

       Orange            1734                    Spotsylvania

       Augusta          1738-45               Orange 

       Botetourt         1769                    Augusta

       Fincastle         1772                    Botetourt

            (Fincastle was discontinued in 1777)

       Montgomery   1776-7                 Botetourt

       Wythe             1789-90               Montgomery

       Grayson          1792-3                 Wythe & Patrick

       Carroll            1842                    Grayson & Patrick


The following information is extracted from deeds obtained from film from the Virginia State Library through the inter-library loan program:


Fincastle County, Virginia Deed Book A, pages 21-22

       On 1 March 1773, William Ewing and Jane, his wife, of Fincastle County sold to James Douglass and George Douglass of said county 330 acres of land lying in Fincastle County on Cripple Creek at branch of New River


Fincastle County, Virginia Deed Book A, pages 54-56

       On 1 April 1774, Samuel Ewing purchased from Robert Sayers heir at law of Alexander Sayers of Fincastle County 650 acres


Fincastle County, Virginia Deed Book A, page 61

       On 2 March 1772, William Ewing purchased from Alexander Caldwell of County of Fincastle a negro boy named Archy for the sum of twenty three pounds Current money.


Fincastle County, Virginia Deed Book A, pages 75-77

       On 27 July 1774, Samuel Ewing of the County of Fincastle & Colony of Virginia sells to James Ewing of the said County and Colony for the sum of fifty pounds Current money of Virginia 80 acres by estimation being part of a 650 acre tract.


Montgomery County, Virginia Deed Book A, pages 259-260

       On 6 August 1782, William Ewing of Montgomery County and State of Virginia purchased from John Montgomery Attorney in fact for Alexander Noble of the State of South Carolina 550 (556) acres of land lying and being in the County of Montgomery on a branch of New River called Cripple Creek.


Montgomery County, Virginia Deed Book A, page 289-90

       On 17 September 1782, William Ewing of Montgomery County purchased from John Reaugh heir at law of Robert Reaugh deceased of Montgomery County 12_ acres of land lying and being in the County of Montgomery on a branch of New River called Cripple Creek.


The wills of Samuel, James, and William Ewing are presented in the order that they were presented to the courts to be recorded.



The will of Samuel Ewing

Montgomery County, Virginia, Will Book B page 81


Montgomery County in the State of Virginia In the name of God Amen yeoman. I Samuel Ewing being of a rite mind and Disposing will. I will and do ordain this my last will and Testament I First desire that my land on Cumberland River in State of North Carolina containing nineteen hundred and twenty Acres also my land at Kantuckey containing two hundred Acres two hundred on Clinch be sold to pay my Debts and Funeral Charges and the balance to be Equally Divided between the Legatees that will follow. I do as follows Give unto my Loving Wife Mary Ewing the tract of Land where on I now live during her Life. Also I leave unto my loving wife my Negroe fellow Pippin and my Negroe wench Nane for ever. I also lend my Negroe fellow Jeb and my Negroe wench Cats unto my loving wife Six years after my Decease. I also leave all my House hole goods and Stocks unto my wife During her Life I also leave unto my wife the crop that is now in the ground forever I also leave unto my Brother John Ewing Son Alexander Ewing Junr my silver watch or her value which I allow To be five pounds Sterling I also desire that my Brother James Ewing may be maintained as long as he Shall live with my wife and in case she should dissease before him my Brother Jas Ewing it is my desire that he Shall also be maintained as long as he lives, and after the decease of my loving wife. I leave unto Robert Porter son of my Sister Margaret Porter the half of my land is to be the lower end him the said Robert Porter to pay unto Betty Porter and Fanny Purnal Forty pounds a piece when of Age. I also leave unto my sister Margaret Porter Son Samuel Porter the other half of my land after the decease of my wife him the said Samuel Porter to Margaret Porter and Sarah his Sisters Forty pounds a peace when of Age. I also leave unto my Sister Margaret Porters Daughter Elender Porter my Negroe fellow Jeb at the expiration of Six years after my Decease forever. I also leave unto my Sister Margaret Porters Daughter Rebecah Porter my Negroe wench Cats Six years after my Decease forever. I also leave it that my stock and house hole goods I left to my loving wife During her life after her decease may be sold and equally divided between the legatees I also ordain and declare this my last will and Testament and lastly. I do hereby Constitute ordain and appoint my loving wife Mary Ewing and James White both of Montgomery County my Executors where unto I have set my hand and seal this third day of June one Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three.


Signed Sealed in the presents of


Menitree Jones                                   Samuel Ewing[seal]

George Birde [signed with his mark]

William Birde [signed with his mark]


       At a court held for Montgomery County the 23rd of May 1786. The within last Will and Testament of Samuel Ewing decd was proved by the oaths of Manitree Jones George Birde and William Birde the Witnesses thereto and ordered to be Recorded.

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The will of James Ewing

Recorded Wythe County, Virginia Book 1, page 15


In the name of God, Amen, I, James Ewing of Montgomery County, and colony of Virginia, being through the abundant mercy and goodness of God though weak of body yet of sound and perfect understanding and memory, do constitute this my last will and testament and desire it to be received by all as such.


First of all I give my soul into the hands of the Lord. I will and positively order that all my debts be paid and the remainder I give, bequeath and dispose of in the following manner and form. I give and bequeath unto my brother Samuel Ewing and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body, all my estate both real and personal forever, he allowing Euphemy Purnel one breeding mare to the value of ten pounds, but in leave of issue lawfully begotten by him, the said Samuel Ewing, I give and bequeath the whole and remaining part, after Euphemy Purnell gets her mare, the one moiety to Robert Porter's children to be equally divided amongst them and the other moiety to Andrew Porter's children and their heirs lawfully begotten forever ratifying and confirming this and no other thing to be my last will and testament. Lastly I do constitute and appoint my brother Samuel Ewing and Mineter Jones Executors and trustees of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affix my seal this 31st day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and eighty three.


                                                            James Ewing  (Seal)


Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us


James Newell, Jr.

William Porter

Lewis Fotner


At a court held for Wythe County on Tuesday, 8th of November, 1791, the last will and testament of James Ewing, decsd, was exhibited in court and proven by the oaths of James Newell Jr, William Porter and Lewis Fotner, the witnesses thereto and thereupon it is ordered to be recorded.

                                                            Teste D. McGavock D. C.

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Will of William Ewing

Recorded Wythe County, Virginia Will Book 1, page 22


Wythe County in the State of Virginia. In the name of God, Amen, yeoman, I William Ewing being of a right mind and disposing will I will and do ordain this my last will and testament. I first desire that all my lawful debts be paid and that my burying be directed with decency. I also lend unto my loving wife, Jane Ewing my negro man Jacob and my negro woman Luce, my negro girl Sal during her life. I also lend unto my loving wife Jane Ewing the half of my land whereon I now live including the buildings during her life. I give unto my Brother John Ewings's senior son Alexander Ewing the other half forever. I give also the above half at the decease of my loving wife to the said Alexander Ewing forever. I also give the half of the crop now on the ground to my loving wife Jane Ewing also my black horse and my bottom horse plough and harnessing also the half of my household furniture, also four milk cows and one beef, also the half of my hogs and sheep during her life also give unto my sister Margaret Porter's son Robert Porter my negro man Jacob at the dissease of my loving wife forever. I also give unto my sister Margaret Porter's son Sam Porter my negro woman named Luce at the decease of loving wife forever. I also give unto my sister Margaret Porter's daughter Rebecca Porter my negro girl Sal at the decease of my loving wife forever. I also give unto my brother John Ewing's son Alexander Ewing my negro boy Harry at the decease of my loving wife forever. I also give unto my Brother John's son William Ewing my negro woman Dephney forever. I also give unto my sister Elanor Porter's grandson, Andrew Porter my negro girl Peg forever. I also give unto my brother John Ewing's son William Ewing my tract of land lying on the Lenace containing six hundred and forty acres forever. I also give unto William Ewing my tract of land lying on the head of Cumberland if obtained forever. I also give unto my sister Margaret Porter's son Robert Porter my stud horse forever. The remainder part of my personal estate after my lawful debts being paid and funeral charges taken off to be appraised by my executers and equally divided amongst the legatees. I also ordain and declare this my last will and testament and lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint John Stephens, Robert Buchannan, Robert Porter and Samuel Porter my executors whereunto I have set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety one. Signed and sealed in presents of Samuel Ewing


                                                            William Ewing (Seal)

Marks Hart [signed with his mark]

Peter Powers [signed with his mark]


At a court held for the County of Wythe on Tuesday the 9th day of July, 1793 this last will and testament of William Ewing deceased was exhibited in court and proven by the oaths of Samuel Ewing and Peter Powers, two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and thereupon it is ordered to be recorded.

                                                            Teste:  D. McGavock, D. C.

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The will of James Ewing was most likely very clear to him what he wanted to do with the distribution of his estate. However, after more than one hundred and fifty years had passed and the researchers of today did not know all of the families involved, the incorrect path was taken when they considered the family of Margaret Ewing Porter, a sister to these brothers.


The information contained in the above will names the following people:


Mary, the wife of William

Alexander Ewing, a nephew, a son of Samuel's brother, John Ewing

James Ewing, a brother.

Margaret Porter, a sister of Samuel

Robert Porter, a son of Samuel's sister, Margaret

Betty Porter

Fanny Purnal

Samuel Porter, a son of Samuel's sister, Margaret

Sarah Porter, a sister to Samuel Porter

Elender Porter, a daughter of Samuel's sister, Margaret

Rebecah Porter, a daughter of Samuel's sister, Margaret


Wythe County, Virginia - Will Book 1, page 17

James Ewing, Inventory of personal estate, 10 January 1791.


                                      £       S   D

1 young bay horse         20     0    0

1 black mare                   7      0    0

1 Sorrell horse               12     0    0

1 sorrel colt                     0      0    0

1 Feather bed 2 blankets

            & Coverted        6       10  0

1 bed stead & Cord        0        3   9

1 Chest                           0        3   0

1 Large Iron pot             1        0   0

1 dutch oven                  0        7   0

2 pot racks                     0       10  0

1 foot adze                     0        4   0

1 steel trap                     0       10  0

1 flax hackle                  0        5   0

1 peper side                   0        4   0

1 Large bible                 0        6   0

5 pueter plates               0        4   0

2 broker deskes              0        1   0

1 bason                          0        1   0

1 salt seller                    0        0   3

1 pr Spoon moles           0       10  0

1 prayer book                 0        1   6

1½ yds durrant                0        3   0

yds blue broad Cloath           2       10  0

1 old sadle                     0        0   6

1 sack bag                      0        2   0 

1 pr Leather breeches     0        2   6

1 Green Jackett              0       10  0

1 hats 10/1 Great coat 6d 0     12  0

1 small coat                   0       10  0

1 Collee Coat & Jacket  0        6   0

2 old shirts                     0        3   0

1 brand & Iron               0        2   0

1 __ Steelyards              0        0   0

1 Quilt Trunk                 0        2   0

1 bottle                           0        0   6

2 pr stockings                0        2   0

3 razers 1 Strap              0        0   6

1 Vial                             0        0   2

1 old Spur                      0        1   0

1 Grind stone                 0        2   0

2 bells                            0        3   0

1 Candle stick                0        0   6

1 base Iron                     0        0   1

1 pr Garters                    0        0   6

1 Vial                             0        0   1

1 quantity of flax           0        0   0

1 barrell                         0        1   0

1 Side leather                 0       10  0

a quantity of wry }        2        0   0

a quantity of wheat }

17 S. ___ buttons }

Jas Newell

Robt Sanders

Robt Sayers

                        Stephen Sanders


At a Court held for the County of Wythe on Tuesday the 10th day of Jany 1791 This Inventory and appraisement of the Personal Estate There appearing to be no slaves of Jas Ewing Decd was returned to Court and ordered to be Recorded.

                                     Test                  D. McGavock                      D.C.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wythe County, Virginia Will Book 1:17


William Ewing, Inventory of personal estate, September Court, 1808


                                                        £       S    D

1 Negroe man named Jacob            35 

1 Do boy names Harry                    25

1 Do woman named Lucy            35

1 Do do do Peggy                45

1 Do do do Sally                45

1 Do do child do Nancy         15

1 Black Horse                                  6

1 Do         Do                                  8

1 Bay        Do                                 12

1 Bay        Mare                             10

1 Stud Horse                                   18

1 Black mare & colt   17

1 Bay Horse                                    20

1 Bay Mare                                     12

1 Oxen                                             8

4 Cows and 4 Calves  10

2 Beef Cows                                    4     10

5 Young Cattle                                4     10

1 Waggon & 5 pr Geers                   8

1 Cart with Yoke & 2 Chains          5

1 Cut Saw                    1                 5

1 pr Steelyards                                -       15

1 Iron Square                                  -        2   6

5 Augurs 1 Gouge & chissel           -       10

1 Broad ax                                      -        6

3 poal axes                                      -       12

2 Iron Wedges                                -        4

1 Mattock 1 Grubing hoe                -       10

1 Carpenters Hammer                      1

Sundry old hoes and Broken Iron    5

1 Hand Saw                                    -        6

4 Reap Hooks                                 -        4

1 Conk Shell                                   -        5

1 Lantern and Candle Box              -        3

1 Churn & 1 Small fat Tub             -        6

1 Small Churn 2 pickling Tubs

                  2 Wash Tub                  -        7

1 Large pott with Hooks                  1

5 Bee Hives                                     1     10

1 Two Horse plow three and

                   Clevices                        1

1 Large pott with Hooks                  1     10

1 Curry comb 1 Iron coffee Mill     5

1 Large Oven 2 pott Racks              1     14

2 Small potts with Hooks               -       14

2 Spinning Wheels 1 Bakeing Iron -       15

1 Flax Heckle 1 Half Bushell         -        9

5 peals and one Cooler                   -       -              7

5 Small pewter Beasons 3 dishes

10 plates 4 knives & forks

3 spoons                                           -       1    5

18 Sheep                                         -        5    8

1 Table                                            -       -      5

1 Candle Stick and Candle Moul    -        2   6

1 Pickling Tub                                -        2   6

1 Old Copper Kettle                       -       -     6

4 Plow & 2 horse tree                     -       -     12

1 Do           Do                               -       -     10

1 Piece of Iron                                -        1   8

1 Dozen of Chains                          -       -     19

1 Grinding Stone                            -       -      4

1 Gun & Powder Horn &c              -       -     15

1 Spike Gimblet & Double  

Screw                                               1     3

1 Ben with sundry old Iron & Hinges            10

18 Harnes teeth 1 Old axe                              10

1 Cutting Box & Knives                                 10

7 Geese                                                           14

1 Duck                                                      2  15

1 Round Table                                          1

1 Bed Stead & Furniture                           6

1 Branding Iron the Letter W                          2

1 Chest                                                             6

1 Chest of Drawers                                   5

1 Bed Stead & Furniture                           8

1 Do           Do         Do                7

1 Sett of & Irons                                       1

1 Looking Glass                                        1  10

1 Hay Fork & Stable Do                                3

1 Bag of Wool                                                10

1 Spinning Wheel                                           12

1 Ben of nails                                                 15

2 Bibles                                                          14

1 Cussion of Faith                                          5

1 Steel Trap                                                    12

1 Pr of Spoon Moulds                                     7      6

     Amt carried forward                    107 7        7


Sundries Old Irons                                           5

1 Whet Stone                                                   1

1 Red Cow                                                2  10

1 mans saddle 1 Bed Stead                             16

1 needle Wrought Pockett Book                      6

17 Weavers Spools                                          4

1 Adze                                                             3

8 Ducks                                                           6

1 Water Can                                                    2

Hogs                                                         4  14

                  Bond &c

William Land     1 Bond 10

Hugh Montgomery      2 Do          15

Joseph Vanpelt           1 Do Note 5       8

George Powers           1 Do            3     16  9

Nicholas Fantz            1 Do           15     17  9

------------------                                -------------

£ 466 - 5 . 1 Errors Excepted      466 5    1

===========                               ========

                                                                           } Wm Neelly

Wythe County September Court 1808             } John Newland

                                                                           } Thos Gannaway

This Inventory & Appraisement of the Estate of William Ewing Decead was Returned to Court & Ordered to be Recorded

                                                                Teste  John P. Mathes D.C.M.C.

~~~~~~~~~~


Wythe County, Virginia Deed Book 1 page 140


This indenture made on the 20th day of July (sic) in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three between Jain (sic) Ewing Relict of William Ewing deceased of the one part and Alexander Ewing of the other witnesseth that whereas the said Wm Ewing deceased by his last will and testament of record in the Court of Wythe did devise unto the said Alexander Ewing a certain tract of land lying in the said county of Wythe on Cripple Creek Containing by estimation three hundred and 46 acres granted to the said William by pattent bearing date the 6th day of August one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two and being the same tract of land whereon the said William resided when living Subject however to an Estate for life is one moiety of the same which by the same last Will was devised to the aforsd Jean Ewing for and in Consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds paid her in land by the said Alexander the receipt whereof she doth hereby acknowledge hath by these presents granted bargained sold unto the aforesaid Alexander all the Estate right Claim intrust of and Title which she hath in the said tract of land whereon William Ewing deceased resided before his death and whereon his family upon the day of his death did reside in the sd County of Wythe and containing by estimation 346 acres as afore is said together with all the appertenances to have and to hold the same primisses and appurtanances so the said Alexander and his heirs to his and their sole use and behoof and the said Jain Ewing doth warrant for her self and her Heirs with the said Alexander and his Heirs that he and they shall have hold and enjoy the same peaceably and quietly free from all hindrance and molestation of her the said Jain Ewing or any person Claiming under her. In testimony whereof she said hath hereunto set her hand and seal this day and year above first written

                                                               Jean Ewing [signed with her mark]

Attest: William Davis, Nehemiah Bonham, Robert Sims 

At a Court held for the County of Wythe on Tuesday the 11th day of June 1793 -- (sic) This Instrument of writing between William Ewing and Alexander Ewing proven by the Oaths of the Witnesses thereto and Ordered to be recorded

                                                      Test

                                                               David McGavock    D.C.


Wythe County, Virginia DB 1:327


Articles of an agreement made and conducted between William Ewing of the County of Wythe and State of Virginia of the one part, and Alexander Ewing nephew of the sd William of the County of Davidson State of North Carolina on the other part. Witnesseth that the sd William Ewing for and in Consideration of the naturall affaction he has and bears towards his said Nephew and in order to precure his assistance in the management of his Domastic and foreign business, doth hereby agree and obligate himself to give, by devise unto his said Nephew, Alexander Ewing and his Heirs forever the whole of his plantation lying on Cripple Creek in the aforesaid County of Wythe being the same whereon the sd William now dwells except the legal Dower of his wife, during her natural life in case the Coverture should not be previously dissolved by her death and at the death of him the sd Wm Ewing, the sd Alexander or his Heirs & is to have full free and ample possession of the aforesaid tract of Land and the appurtenances thereunto belonging without further molestation or interruption. The sd Alexander on his part is to render to his said uncle William Ewing every possible assistance in the transaction of his Business during the life of the sd Wm or that of him the sd Alexander.

            For the true performance of the above agreement the parties aforesaid bind themselves each to the other in the penal sum of three thousand pounds to be paid be the party, his heirs &c neglecting or refusing to the party observing: In witness they do hereunto alternately set their Hands and seals this 29th day of January 1793 in the 17th year of the Commonwealth

            Attest

            D. McGavock                                     Wm Ewing      [seal]

            John Montgomery

            M. Friel                                                           Alex. Ewing   [seal]


            At a Court held for the County of Wythe on Tuesday the 11th day of June 1793--- This article of agreement between William Ewing and Alexander Ewing was proven by the Oaths of David McGavock John Montgomery and Manasses Friel the witnesses thereto and their upon it is ordered that the same be Recorded                         teste

                                                                        D. McGavock D.C.


Tennessee Cousins by Worth S. Ray, he uses some of the same information that he used in other books that he published. For some reason, he seems to be off track when he mentions the names of individuals that are in my Ewing family. On page 754 from Tennessee Cousins under the heading PROOF THE EWINGS CAME FROM CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND, we find the following:


"Dec. 12, 1759: I, William EWING, JR. of the Province of MARYLAND, appoint ANDREW PORTER of Prince Edward Co. Va. my Attorney. Witnessed by JOHN CALDWELL, JAMES EWING and GEORGE EWING SR.


"The William Ewing, JR. of the "Province of Maryland" was probably brother in law of ANDREW PORTER, and his son ANDREW EWING. (Nashville Andrew) named for him.”


Mr. Ray extracted and printed information from the will of Alexander Ewing of Cecil County and then he writes the following:


"The son JAMES EWING, then had children: James, John, WILLIAM, and MARGARET. The WILLIAM, son of JAMES was perhaps the father of ANDREW EWING, the NASHVILLE ancestor.


People that are researching one of the above names do not realize that Mr. Ray has made some bad assumptions. From the above paragraph, Andrew Ewing of Nashville is a descendant of William Ewing of Rockingham County, Virginia which is a different family and that family is not included in this genealogy.


The William Ewing of the Province of Maryland is indeed the brother-in-law of Andrew Porter of Prince Edward County. Virginia.


If you read all of this chapter, you will readily realize that James Ewing, a son of Alexander Ewing {66} did not have any children. He willed his estate to the children of Andrew Porter and Robert Porter.


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Go to Chapter 6 Alexander Ewing, parents of James, William, and Samuel