Section One: Vann Ancestry and Early History

by Jim Farmer

Jims-email@hotmail.com
February 15^th, 2016

A Time before Virginia

Generation I

I.1 – Edward Vaughan

Generation II

II.1 – William Vahan

Generation III through V

III.1 – John Vann

IV.1.1 – John Vann, Indian Trader

IV.1.2 – Edward

V.1.2.1 – Joseph Vann

V.1.2.2 – Edward Vann

V.1.2.3 – James Vann

V.1.2.4 – Edith Vann

V.1.2.5 – Clement Vann

V.1.2.6 – Avery Vann

V.1.2.7 – Susannah Vann

IV.1.3 – William Vann

V.1.3.1 – Jesse, Dempsey and William Vann

IV.1.4 – Henry Vann

III.2 – William Vann

IV.2.1 Edward Vann

V.2.2.1 – John Vann

V.2.2.2 – William Vann

V.2.2.3 – Thomas Vann

III.3 – Edward Vann

IV.3.1 – Edward Vann

V.3.1.1 – William, Cader, King and Michael Vann

III.4 – George Vann

III.5 – Joseph Vann

IV.5.1 – George and Jacob Vann

V.5.1.1 – William Vann

Addendum

Mary Vann

Azariah Vann

References

Footnotes

The purpose of this post is to discover the details of the history of John Vann, Indian Trader to the Cherokee. It is also to unscramble his ancestry using the existing records still available after courthouse fires and the perils of time. Section 1 is called “Vann Ancestry and Early History” and will include only John Vann’s ancestry up to his generation. Then, in Section 2, John Vann’s own records will be presented as unembellished as can be in order to glimpse him at work as a Chickasaw packman, Cherokee trader and government translator. Many people have provided the research, resources and references to make this happen. I am especially indebted to: James R. Hicks, Lew Griffin, Clarence Williams, Sally Moore Koestler, Marilyn Leonard Edmond, and Jerry L. Clark. They were here early on and led the way.

A Time before Virginia

Fig. 1 – Bristol England in 1610

Clues regarding John Vann’s lineage strongly suggest that the spelling of the name changed after the family arrived in Virginia. The family’s surname was more commonly spelled “Vaughan.” The Vaughan name has deep ancestral roots in Wales. In fact, the Vann family in Alabama remembers their family’s Welsh roots.[1] In Welsh “Vaughan” means “little” and was used early on as an appellation that eventually became a surname. By the 1600s many Vaughans throughout various Welsh counties held important offices and titles:

An Act for an Assessment upon England at the Rate of Sixty thousand Pounds by the Moneth, for three Moneths.[2]

June 1657 Assessors for the Counties [of Wales]

County of Cardigan: … John Vaughan, Henry Vaughan,…Walter Vaughan…Esquires.

County of Carmarthen: … John Vaughan of Plasgwyn… Gentlemen…

County of Merioneth: …William Vaughan… Robert Vaughan… John Vaughan of Trowscoed, Howel Vaughan … Esquires

County of Montgomery: … Edward Vaughan… Edward Vaughan of Tyrennynich,… Esquires.

By the time John Vann’s ancestor came to the colonies, the family was probably English, living in southwest England, but still close to Wales. Bristol was the heart of that part of England and many Virginia immigrants left from its ports. Few came alone. Immigrants often came with family and neighbors. They also often came under the leadership of an important family. In the case of the earliest Vanns, this leadership came from the Bennett family of Somersetshire and their associates, the Nosworthys, who were from Devonshire. Both counties are in the southwestern part of England below Bristol. If this location proves correct, a record that could pertain to an actual ancestor of John Vann appears in Somersetshire’s records in 1619.

Fig. 2 - The Will of an Edward Vaughan 1619

Will of Edward Vaughan, Yeoman of Farleigh Hungerford, in the Countie of Somerset[3]

In Dei nomine amen I Edward Vaughan of Farleighe Hungerford, co. Somerset., yeoman, being weake of bodie but of good and perfect memorye thanks be given to Almighty God, I make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following:

First I bequeathe my Soule into the hand of Almighty God to dispose of me according unto his fatherlie goodness nothing doubting but that whatsover my Lord and Savour Jesus Christ hath done for the salvation of man I hope he hath done yet for my selfe as well as for any other.

And for for my worldlie goods my meaning is they shalbe distributed as followeth:

Imprimis. I give unto my son Edward Vaughan fortie poundes to be paid unto hym at the age of the twentie years with the promise that then my wife shall place hym in my commonhould for tearme of his life then to be freelie in her power whether she will pay him his Legarcy or not.

Item. I give unto my daughter Margaret Vaughan twentie pounds to be paid unto her by her mother at the age of twentie years.

Cf[?] all the rest of my goods and chattle whatsover movable and unmovable I make and ordaine my loving wife Grace Vaughan my whole yecnturess[?] (my Debtes and Legarcy discharged)

And I do appoionte being ordained my loving neighbours William Walter and Edward Wademan to be my overseers to see all things performed … for my meaning alone satisfied …unto them toward their paynes and twentie shillings to be equallie divided between them.

In witness that this is my last will and testament I have here to subscribed my marke: Edward Vaughan.

This will made in the presents of Michaell Stoke, John Stokes

The records of Somersetshire for this era are not very complete so it would be very lucky if the record above referred to John Vann’s ancestor, but it is possible that the young Edward, son of Edward and Grace, mentioned in the will was the same person who would sail to Virginia and be John Vann’s great-grandfather. A young boy who lost his father early on would be a likely candidate to take the adventure to go to the new world.

Generation I

I.1 – Edward Vaughan

· Born c1610-1630 in Southwest England

· Married after 1644 in Nansemond County, Virginia to wife (name unknown)

· Died in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Son William Vahan

Fig. 3 - Copper engraving of ships 17th century. Source: Wikipedia

1642 was the start of the English Civil War being fought between King Charles I’s supporters and the Long Parliament leaders. The city of Bristol at first hoped to remain out of the fray but Parliamentarians soon assumed control of the city. They held it until July 26, 1643 when its walls were stormed by Royalist troops. The city did not return to Parliamentary control until 10 September 1645.

The Bennetts and the Nosworthys, for the most part, continued to bring people to Virginia throughout this time. Even before the war, since the early 1620’s, Edward Bennett and his family members had been bringing over Puritans to settle the south side of the James. The Bennetts called their settlement New Town Haven and located it early on in Isle of Wight County. By the time of the civil war, with the Jamestown government leaning more to the Royalist side, the Bennetts and their associates began to focus on settling down river from Isle of Wight into Upper Norfolk County. Incentives to immigrate to the colonies at the start of the war were high. Many hoped to practice their Puritan faith without intimidation by English church.

Edward Vaughan, the ancestor of our Vanns, was one of these individuals who set sail for the new world as part of a Puritan labor force. He arrived in colonial Virginia in 1644. He did not come alone. Francis Vaughan also came with him. The location that would become their home, on the south side of the James River, was called Upper Norfolk County. Two years later its name was changed to Nansemond County.

Since today Nansemond County has no extant records covering the time before the Civil War, it is mainly through land patents kept in England that any history on the early Vann family can be discovered. (The spelling found often in the records is “pattern.”) Fortunately, there are enough details in the patents to suss out a small bit of the life of those involved. Each patent contains the name of the person acquiring the land, where the land was, and how many acres they were patenting. It also includes the names of the people whose “headrights” were used to claim the patent. The colony of Virginia at that time promised every new person arriving in the colony a “headright” of 50 acres. This headright was given in the form of a receipt that could be used as collateral or sold outright in order to cover the cost of the voyage.

When the two Vaughan men, Edward and Francis, arrived in Virginia, a wealthy “gentleman” named John Hill acquired their headrights along with the headrights of 6 other individuals. With eight headrights John Hill was able to patent 400 acres. Epaprhoditus Lawson, a Puritan associated with the Bennett family, had assigned the land to him.

At this time, early in the establishment of Nansemond County, a person who held the headrights normally contracted with the individual for their labor for a set time. At the end of the contracted time, the individual was supposed to receive their 50 acres and supplies to begin living on their own. In the language of the day, John Hill “indentured” the immigrants as “servants.”

John Hill’s 400 acres was acquired because of its virgin forest. This was not going to be a tobacco plantation as found in many other counties in Virginia. Nansemond County offered an abundance of pine trees which meant unlimited naval stores. John Hill only needed the labor to harvest the stores. Being indentured to John Hill meant Edward, Francis and the other men were there for that purpose. Hill’s land was located at the head of the Nansemond River. Their labor was to be spent making naval stores to send back to England: tar, pitch, turpentine as well as timber and lumber. Only after their term of service, which was often four or more years, were the indentured servants given their own 50 acres of land for their own use. All of this we can surmise from John Hill’s patent, the first known record for the Vann family.

Virginia Patent[4]

John Hill

To All et Whosoever et Now Know yee that I the Said Sr. William Berkeley Knt. Doe with the advice and Consent of the Councill of Sate accordingly give and grant unto John Hill, Gent. four hundred acres of Land in the County of Upper Norfolk on the western branch of Nanfemond river about the head of the Said Branch beginning at a hickory Marked with three Notches on Each side and runeth East and by South for the Length by a fmall brooke side which parteh from the Land of John Stall to a great red oake and runeth for the breadth North by East two hundred poles by the main branch Side to a great white oak Marked as afore is Mentioned and runeth again for Length East and by South to a great Poplar Markes as aforesaid, The Said four hundred acres of Land being due unto the Said John Gill by assignment from Epha. Lawson and by and for the Transport of Eight persons into this Colony whose Names are mentioned under the receipts under this Patent to have and to hold etc. to be held etc. Yielding and paying unto our Said Sovereign Lord the King his heirs and thereforth for Every fifty acres of Land hereon by these prefents given and granted to the feett of St. Michael the Archangel the fee rent of one Shilling to his Majties vse which payment is to be made Seven years after the Date here of and not before the Date the Second Day of April 1644.

Edward Allen } Francis Vaughan,

Ralph Thamnes } Edward Vaughan

George Turner } William Rolles

Jno. Brook's } Robt. Yenny.

Fig. 4 - Edward and Francis Vaughan listed in John Hill's patent 1644.

At the time John Hill acquired the 400 acres of land at the head of the Nansemond River, he also acquired a patent for land near Tristum Nosworthy nearer the James River. Nosworthy was a brother-in-law to the Bennetts. The land John Hill received in the second patent may have been part of the Epaphroditus Lawson‘s patent in 1644 for 1400 acres at New Town Haven River.[5] He acquired it from Lawson since Lawson was patenting land in Rappahannock County, in northern Virginia, and would soon move away from Nansemond County.[6] As the civil war in England took a turn for the Royalists, the Virginia government followed suit making it more difficult for the Puritans who had already settled there to follow their faith’s tenets. Other Puritans from Isle of Wight and Nansermond were removing to Maryland, preferring to be as far away as possibly from Jamestown’s control. For John Hill, remaining in Nansemond was a business venture. No doubt, his second site located near the James River would have allowed his labor force a place to load the naval products they had produced onto waiting ships bound for England.

Virginia Patent[7]

JOHN HILL, Gent., 200 acs. Upper Norfolke, Apr. 1, 1644, Page 4.

Upon Ewd. side of N. W. br. of Nansimond River, adj. William Eyres [Ayres]. Due by assignment from Apha. [Epaphroditus] Lawson for trans, of 4 pers.: his own per. adv., Mr. Wm. Hill twice, Robt. Tows.

Earlier, in 1638 Tristrum Nosworthy patented land near the James River. One of the persons whose headright he acquired was named Thomas Vaughan. The location of this land was next to the land John Hill would acquire. Both patents refer to neighbor William Ayres.

Virginia Patent[8]

Tristrum Nosworthy, 100 acs. upon a place called by the name of the long pond, W. upon William Eyres land, E. upon John Seaward. 10 May 1638, p. 530. Trans, of 2 pers: Thomas Vaughan, John Hodges.

While it is clear from the patent records that all three Vaughans would have known each other, it is not known how they were related. No further record of Francis has been found but Thomas did leave descendants behind. And from their records, it seems clear they were not members of the same family. In the later generations Thomas’ family spelled their name “Vaughan,” while Edward’s chose to spell their name “Vann.”

Fig. 5 - Virginia in 1650. (www.mapsofpa.com/17thcentury/1650farrer.jpg).

It took 18 years before Edward Vaughan patented his own land in Nansemond County. No doubt, with his service completed for John Hill, he remained in the area until he could acquire enough money to pay for his own land. His patent included three parcels. One of them was most likely his own plot given to him by John Hill at the end of Edward’s indenturement. The other fifty acres mentioned as a separate parcel may have been that which had been given Francis Vaughan from John Hill. Since the records of Nansemond County are missing, no will or court document gives any details on what happened to Francis. Nor do we know what happened to this original land that Edward first patented.

Virginia Patent[9]

Edward Vahane, 250 acres

…unto Edward Vahane Two hundred and fifty acres of land lying in the southern branch of nansemond River. 200 acres thereof at the Eastern side of the branch beginning at …corner tree of Thomas Harwood’s [Harrell’s] Land running …by Wm Wrights Land …runing …in the swamp …containing [first parcel of] 150 acres the other [second parcel of] 50 acres adjoining to Corner Tree of Thomas Harwood [Harrell]… which containeth in all 200 acres and 50 acres the residue at the Eastern side of the River beginning at the marsh side of Hemlock Creek runing by Thomas Adkinson’s line…to the marsh side…this is a [third] parcel which goeth for 50 acres. The said land being due unto the said Edward Vahane for the importation of Five persons & To Have & Hold & To be held & yielding and paying & provided & Dated the 9^th of April 1662.

The names of the five persons Edward paid to import were: Ann James, Mary Stephens, Wm. Shinte (?), Peter Mills, and Stephen Norman.[10]

Fig. 6 - Edward Vaughan Patent - 1662

As will be seen, the family of neighbor Thomas “Harwood” later spelled their name “Harrell.” He had arrived in the colony under the patronage of Bennetts in 1638 and no doubt worked alongside Edward. (The Harrell family remained associates of the Vanns for generations.) Also listed in the patents is Sylvester Baker. He too will be found living near the Vanns later when he enters his own patents.

Virginia Patent

Mr. Phillipp Bennett, 515 acs. Up. Norf. Co., Dec. 20, 1643, Page 932.

Lying on the E. side of Bennetts Cr., near land of Richard Bennett & Epaphroditus Lawson. Trans, of 11 pers: John Hodges, Silvester Baker, Tho. Harwood, John Boid, William Turner, William Harris, Jon. Robinson, Tho. Chaddworth, Jon. Symons, Jon. Richards, James Ahoshew (?).

Edward did not patent his land with the same purpose as John Hill. He would be expecting to farm at least part of his land. Some of it may have already been cleared of trees. While he did purchase headrights, presumably he did not indenture all of the owners of the headrights. Some of those may have found service or indenturement under someone else. Also, some of those now arriving were actually returning to Virginia, having gone to England and returned. Headrights were given each time a person arrived in the colony, even when it was a second time. Four years later, the second piece of property that Edward Vaughan patented included 100 acres. It was next to his earlier patent. Thomas Harrell and Mr. Wright are still listed as neighbors.

Fig. 7 - Edward Vaughan's 2nd Patent - 1666.

Virginia Patent[11]

Edward Vaughan, 100 acs. in the upper parrish of Nancimond Co., Patent Book No. 5 569 29 Mar. 1666, p. 544, (668).

Beg. at cor. tree of Silvester Bakers land, run- ning S.W. 320 po. on the miles end of Randolph Crewes land, butting on land of Rich. Parker, S.E. &c. joyning land of Mr. Wright & Tho. Harrowes [Harrell] &c. Trans, of 2 pers: Jno. Olliver, Walter Brookes.

”Miles end” mentioned above was a surveyor's term referring to the end point of a 320-pole line measurement. 1 mile equals 320 poles. The patents and records of neighbors William Wright and Sylvester Baker better identify the location of Edward’s land.

Virginia Patent[12]

Wm. Wright, 200 acs. at the head of Parkers Cr. 15 Feb. 1655, p. 18, Patent Book No. 4 327 (27).

Trans, of 4 pers: Wm. Wright, Dorothy Hall, Alexander Flaminge, Marie Owen. Renewed in his name 18 Mar. 1662.”

Capt. John Blake, 150 acs. at the head of Parkers Cr., adj. land of Silvester Baker. 1 Apr. 1658, p. 141, (208).

Trans, of 3 pers: Franciscoe a Negro, Francis Deplace, Jno. Carpen- ter. Renewed 30 Oct. 1662.”

Silvester Baker, 250 acs. 1 Apr. 1658, p. 142, (209).

Beg. at the head of Parkers Cr., joining his own land. Trans, of 5 pers: James Mote, Alexander Jemmison (or Jennison), Bryan Farrell, Margarett Farrell, Wm. Lowder. Renewed 18 Mar. 1662.

The final history of Edward Vaughan is not known because of the loss of the Nansemond County Records. What is available shares a picture of his time and place. In 1672, George Fox, the leader of the Quakers in both England and America, made a trip to Nansemond. The diary of his travels give a glimpse into what the community was like for Edward living near Somerton.

The Arrival of George Fox[13]

On the 5th [of November 1672] we [George fox and company] set sail for Virginia, [leaving Maryland] and in three days came to a place called Nancemond, about two hundred miles from Maryland. In this voyage we met with foul weather, storms, and rain, and lay in the woods by a fire in the night. … Next day we had a great meeting there, of Friends and others.

… After this our way to Carolina grew worse, being much of it plashy, and pretty full of great bogs and swamps; so that we were commonly wet to the knees, and lay abroad at nights in the woods by a fire.

One night we got to a poor house at Sommertown, and lay by the fire. The woman of the house had a sense of God upon her. The report of our travel had reached thither, and drawn some that lived beyond Sommertown to that house, in expectation to see and hear us (so acceptable was the sound of Truth in that wilderness country); but they missed us.

The next day, the Last of the Ninth month, having travelled hard through the woods and over many bogs and swamps, we reached Bonner's [Bennets] Creek; and there we lay that night by the fireside, the woman lending us a mat to lie on.

This was the first house we came to in Carolina. Here we left our horses, over-wearied with travel. Thence we went down the creek in a canoe, to Macocomocock [Chowan] River, and came to Hugh Smith's house, where the people of other [religious] professions came to see us (for there were no Friends in that part of the country), and many of them received us gladly.

…Then passing down the river Maratick in a canoe, we went down the bay Coney-Hoe, and came to the house of a captain, who was very loving, and lent us his boat, for we were much wet in the canoe, the water splashing in upon us. With this boat we went to the Governor's house; but the water in some places was so shallow that the boat, being laden, could not swim; so we were fain to put off our shoes and stockings, and wade through the water some distance.

…The 9th of the Tenth month we got back to Bonner's[Bennets] Creek, where we had left our horses, having spent about eighteen days in the north of Carolina. Our horses having rested, we set forward for Virginia again, travelling through the woods and bogs as far as we could well reach that day, and at night lying by a fire in the woods. Next day we had a tedious journey through bogs and swamps, and were exceedingly wet and dirty all the day, but dried ourselves at night by a fire.

We got that night to Sommertown. As we came near, the woman of the house, seeing us, spoke to her son to keep up their dogs; for both in Virginia and Carolina (living lonely in the woods) they generally keep great dogs to guard their houses. But the son said, "There is no need; our dogs will not meddle with these people." When we were come into the house, she told us we were like the children of Israel, against whom the dogs did not move their tongues. Here we lay in our clothes by the fire, as we had done many a night before.

Next day we had a meeting; for the people, having been informed of us, had a great desire to hear us; and a very good meeting we had among them, where we never had had one before; praised be the Lord for ever!

Generation II

II.1 – William Vahan

· Born c1650 in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Married c1680 to Ann (possibly James)

· Died after 1704, possibly before 1714, in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Sons John, William, Edward, George, and Joseph Vann

Fig. 8: North Carolina and Virginia showing Somerton and the Great Dismal Swamp[14]

Edward Vaughan had a son named William. Because William passed on the name Edward to his own son and because he can be found living in 1704 at the same location as Edward’s patents, William is considered to be Edward’s son.

In the early days of the colony, young people born in Virginia often wanted to go see what their Mother Country looked like. They had heard the stories from their parents of towering cathedrals and cities that stretch for miles. Nothing, not even in Jamestown, compared to the tales they were told of England, Bristol, and London. Therefore, many youths, male and female, took the opportunity go abroad when they turned 14 or 15. Fortunately, the headright system gave them the opportunity. Once they returned they would be rewarded with a headright for 50 acres. It, no doubt, helped defray some of the cost of their adventure back to England.

The first record of William, Edward’s son, is considered to be his headright acquired from his own trip back to England as a young boy. It was purchased by William Porteen. This record suggests that William was born about 1650 or shortly after Edward ended his indenturement to John Hill.

Virginia Patent [15]

MR. WM. PORTEEN, 500 acs. Low. Norf. Co., in the E. br. of Eliz. River, 9 May 1666, p. 496, (607).

… Transportation of 10 pers: Isaack Barrington, Edward Gage, Jno. the Indian, Wm. Porteen, Mary Boddin, Joane Ravening, Wm. Vahan, Eliz. Gwin, James Carpenter, Mary Jones.

William married a woman named Ann. Her last name is not known, but she may have been the Ann James whose headright was listed in William’s father’s patent in 1663. Ann would have been about 15 years old in 1663. If Ann was an indentured servant, working either for Edward or a neighbor, her time of service would have been much longer than a man’s. Children and women were expected to serve for 10 to 15 years since they could not perform the same heavy labor a man could. This may be why she and William did not start their family until about 1680 when they both were in their thirties.

Ann Vann did leave behind a record and in it she gave her age in 1726 to be 78, making her born in 1648. The information about her age was written on a back of a bond intended for Thomas Hammond. Why it was included there is unclear.

North Carolina Records.[16]

Carroll Case against Cook

25 May 1724. Thomas Hamond Jr late of Virginia & Thomas Parris of Edenton in Chowan Precinct give their bond to Christopher Gale Chief Justice in the sum of £250. ....

On back:

Ann Vann age 78 testified that she knew Joseph Daniel dec’d late of Nansmond Co VA & that he now has 3 living Sons & 1 daughter, namely, Joseph, Simon, & William Daniel the sons & [blank]

Her relationship to the Daniel family is not known. However, one of William Vann’s sons patented land in 1714 which was on the same day as Joseph Daniel's patent, the man Ann Vann said she knew.

Virginia Patent[17]

Joseph Daniel, 205 acres Up. Par. of Nansemond Co; on W. side of the Honey Pot Sw; adj. Col. Baker, on Bennet's Cr; 16 Dec 1714, p. 204.

Imp. of 4 pers: Abigal Fitzgarrell, Dinah Millour, Wm. Ogle, James Watkinson.

Since Ann knew Joseph Daniel, it seems most likely she was a mother-in-law to one of the Daniels. William Daniel, son of Joseph lived near the Vanns and continued to have close connections to the Vanns.

North Carolina Land Grants[18]

William Daniel patent at NW side of Bennetts Creek, Chowan County, lines: Baker. [no date c1721] Book: 3 pg: 82,

North Carolina Records[19]

[no date] Ordered that William Daniel & Edward Vann Senr. procession all the lands on the East side of Coles [Sarum] Creek to where the Road crosses the Knotty Pine Swamp thence down the said road to Kitterells Road thence along the Road to George Williams and from thence to the head of the White Potts, then down the said swamp to Bennets Creek, thence down the said Creek to the first station.

Jul 1737 - Ordered that Wm. Daniel be overseer in the room of Jos. Van.

William Vann was listed in the 1704 “Quit Rents Roll” for Nansemond County. The Quit Rents Roll was created in order to identify the amount each person was required to pay to the King per their patent agreement. This confirms that William owned 100 acres at the time and it is most likely the 100 acres Edward patented in 1666. The order of the Nansemond listing also provides the names of William Vann’ nearest neighbors.

1704 Quit Rent Rolls for Nansemond County.[20]

Thomas Harrald [Harrell] 652

Richard Baker 40

Samuell Smith 230

Wm Hood 200

Thomas Roundtree 350

Henry Hill 175

Jno Larkhum 500

Wm Vann 100

Joseph Cooper 267

John Harris 600

Francis Copeland 513

Elizabeth Price 150

Wm Hill 150

Thomas Spivey 200

The names of many of his neighbors are familiar. Harrell, Baker, and Hill are all families that Edward Vaughan, William’s father, would have known early upon arriving in Virginia. Records identify the location of William’s neighbors Joseph Cooper and Thomas Harrell and suggests that William Vann’s 100 acres remained as part of Nansemond County, even after the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina places many of his neighbors in North Carolina. Both identify a nearby creek as Plumtree Branch.

Virginia Patent[21]

Cooper, Joseph. Grantee.

Land grant 24 April 1703. Nansemond County. 276 acres on both sides of the plum tree branch.

Nansemond Co., VA, Deeds, Conveying Land in the Upper Parish[22]

9 Sept. 1802. Thomas Harrell and Martha, "his now wife", of the Upper Parish to Edward Riddick, of the Upper Parish. For 93 Pounds, 93 acres, a tract of wood-land in the upper Parish on Plumtree branch, "but now called the Golden Spring Branch", adjoining land of Abraham Harrell, John Norfleet, and others, Joseph Cowper's patent. Signed: Thomas Harrell, Martha Harrell. Witnesses: Amos Harrell, James Riddick, James Lassiter. Recorded in Nansemond County Court, 13 Sept. 1802. Teste: Wm. M. Poole.

27 May 1824. Edward Riddick and Ann his wife, of the Upper Parish, to Willey [Wiley] Parker, of the Upper Parish. For $137.00. 25 acres in the Upper Parish, "part of the Land said Riddick bot of Thomas Harrell", adjoining the "Golden Spring Branch (formerly Plumtree Branch)", corner of Willey Parker's other land, and land of Abram Harrell. Signed: Edward Riddick, Nancye Riddick. Witnesses: Jethro Riddick, Reuben Harrell, James Byrd. Deed acknowledged 29 May 1824. Teste: John T. Kilby, D.C. Recorded 31 May 1824, "Book No. 19, page 312".

In addition to the 100 acres held in 1704, William Vann also patented 130 acres. It was miscopied in a register as 530 acres, but the patent for 130 can be tracked to the later holdings of the family near Sarum and Knotty Pine Swamp.

Virginia Patents (not found in Cavaliers and Pioneers^{^[23]}

A list of Patents “prepared to be signed” October 1706

Nansemond 130 [acres] William Vann [grantee] Thomas Milner [surveyor] Mar. 20-1705/6
do [ditto] 42 [acres] William Spight do [ditto] Mar. 23-1705/6

A list of Patents “signed” October 1706

Nansemond 530 [acres] William Vann [grantee] Thomas Milner [surveyor] Mar. 20-1706/6
do [ditto] 42 [acres] William Spight do [ditto] Mar. 23-1705/6

Fig. 9: Map of the border between North Carolina and Virginia showing Speight's Inn.[24]

The original 100 acres William lived on in 1704 cannot be tracked further most likely because the location remained in Nansemond when the two colonies, Virginia and North Carolina, had their boundary surveyed in 1728. The results of the survey struck a chord with the Vanns' neighbor William Speight and this was captured by William Byrd II in both his history and in his diary of the surveying that established the dividing line. At the time, Byrd was one of the Virginia commissioners supervising the activity.

Dividing Line betwixt Virginia and North Carolina[25]

From the History

April 1. The Surveyors getting now upon better Ground, quite disengag’d from Underwoods, pusht on the Line almost 12 Miles. They left Sommerton Chappel near two Miles to the Northward, so that there was now no Place of Publick Worship left in the whole Province of North Carolina.

The high Land of North Carolina was barren, and cover’d with a deep Sand; and the Low Grounds were wet and boggy, insomuch that serveral of our Horses were mir’d, and gave us frequent Opportunitys to show our Horsemanship.

The Line cut William Spight’s Plantation in two, leaving little more than his dwelling House and Orchard in Virginia. Sundry other Plantations were Split in the same unlucky Manner, which made the Owners accountable to both Governments.

From the Secret Diary

April 1. We prepar’d for a March very early, & then I discharg’d a long Score with my Landlord [Thomas Speight], & a Short one with his Daughter Rachel for some Smiles that were to be paid for in Kisses. We too leave in form of the whole Family, & in 8 miles reach’t Richard Parkers, where we found Young Astrolabe & some of our Men. …Then we proceeded by Somerton Chappel (which was left 2 miles in Virginia) as far as the Plantation of William Speight, that was cut in Two by the Line, taking his Tobacco House into Carolina. Here we took up our Quarters & fared the better for a Sid of fat Mutton sent up by Captain Baker.

William presumably died in Nansemond County sometime before 1714 when his son William would re-enter the patent the 130 acres near Sarum's Creek. The date is suggested because his son William was not called Junior in the patent. As for Ann his wife, she was alive until 1726, when she witnessed the bond.

Generation III through V

Fig. 10 - St. Paul's Parish Church, Edenton. Built 1736.

III.1 – John Vann

· Born c1680 in Nansemond County, Virginia.

· Died after 1755 in place unknown

· Sons John (Indian Trader), Edward, and William Vann

Records point to John Vann as being old enough to be a brother to William, Edward, George and Joseph, the sons of William and Ann Vann of Nansemond. John’s own son John was called “John, Jr.” in a Bertie deed in 1734. At a minimum, his son had to be sixteen to be witness. His son Edward registered his own cattle brand by 1737. Both of these sons were well over 16 at this time. This suggests John was born about 1680.

Bertie County Deeds[26]

Book D, p 196 Abraham Odam of Chowan Precinct to Walter Brown
May 14. 1734. 10 pds. for 100 acres on South side of Cutawitsky Meadow at mouth of Long Branch adjacent Bryan O’Quin. Wit: James Barnes, John Vann, Junr. May Court 1735. John Wynns, Deputy Clerk of Court.

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina[27]

[no date. entry above was proved April 8, 1737.]

Edward Vann, son of John Vann. Mark of stock: A cross and half moon and hole in right ear, cross and two lists in the left ear.

Edward Vann, Sr., Swallow fork in right ear, half moon and hole in left ear.

Unlike his brothers, John Vann left no patents for land grants in the records. This could have been because John inherited the 100 acres shown in the 1704 quit rent under his father’s name. This also suggests that John records were in Nansemond, which would now be lost to us. As will be shown below, his sons did not live near Sarum in North Carolina, but first appear with people living closer to the Virginia line.

Owning land as an adult was important at this time. It gave the owner, if he was a man, the right to be on a jury and to elect the county’s burgesses. However, no record has been found for John’s land. He did server on a jury to lay out roads, so the assumption is he did own land.

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina[28]

Jan 1737

Orderd that the following persons be appointed as a Jury to Lay out ye Roads from Bennets Creek Bridge to Meherrin Ferry (Vizt) Henry Guston, Jno. Vann, Thos. Norris, James Wilson, Andrew Ross, George Hughs, Wm. Daniel, Edmd. [Edwd.] Vann, Jno. Alston, Thos. Speight, George Williams. Michl. Goulding & make return at ye next court.

As shown previously, along with his brother William, John Vann witnessed his brother Edward’s will in 1738. Other records do exist for John in Chowan, but they do not identify him as a resident of precinct or county:[29]

“John Vann was a defendant in several lawsuits in Chowan County NC in the 1730s and 1740s. The last time he appeared in court was April of 1745. The next lawsuit was brought by James SUMNER in April of 1748, and John VANN lost the suit by default, meaning that he did not appear or defend himself in October of 1748.”

Even the last records that mention him reveal little except that he had another son, named William. Sometime after 1756, when he filed a petition for debt, John Vann died. Where and when are not known but the most likely place is in Nansemond County, were the records are lost.

Chowan County Records- (Suits Dismissed & Court Papers 1746-1756.)[30]

Suits Dismissed & Court Papers 1746-1756

On 3 April 1755 the sheriff of Chowan was commanded to summon William VANN son of John Vann for an in debt to Samuel Reddick.

In April Court 1756 John Vann filed a petition for an in debt to Abraham Gumbs.

IV.1.1 – John Vann, Indian Trader

· Born c 1710 in Nansemond County, Virginia

John Vann, son of John Vann, left behind only one record in North Carolina. It was a deed where he acted as witness. Most importantly, the deed locates him living near Abraham Odum and Bryan O’Quin of Chowan County, even though the land itself was in Bertie County. Odum was married to Sybil Barnes, the sister of Mary Barnes who married Edward Vann, John’s brother. Bryan O’Quin was a neighbor near the original Vann property at Cypress Swamp. Later on he moved to Bertie County.

Chowan County Deeds[31]

Virginia Patents[32]

Oquin, Bryan. grantee Land grant 26 April 1684. Description: 550 acres in the upper parish of Nanzemund, on the South side of the Cypress Swamp.

By the time of this deed John Vann “Junior” was already traveling into the Indian lands but had not taken up residence in South Carolina. The continuing history of John Vann, son of John Vann, and his life as an Indian Trader is in the following Section Two: John Vann, Indian Trader.

IV.1.2 – Edward Vann, son of John

· Born c1710 in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Married to wife Mary Barnes, daughter of Richard and Mary Barnes

· Died after 1758 in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina

· Sons John, Edward, Joseph, James, Clement, and Avery Vann, daughters Edith and Susannah Vann

Edward Vann, son of John, eventually followed his brother John, the Indian Trader, to the Ninety-Six District in South Carolina, but his first record identifies him as the son of John. (A reference online stated that in 1708 Edward Vann, son of John Vann, witnessed a conveyance of land. No source is given.[33] If this is accurate, Edward would have been born about 1692.) The following record suggests a birth date in 1710:

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina[34]

[no date. entry above was proved April 8, 1737.]

Edward Vann, son of John Vann. Mark of stock: A cross and half moon and hole in right

Edward married Mary Barnes about 1730. Mary was the daughter of Richard and Mary Barnes. He and his wife received an inheritance from Mary Barnes, the widow of Richard Barnes. Richard died sometime before 1730. Mary died much later. Both of their wills were probated in 1759.

Probate records of Chowan County[35]

Book x:80

Jan 1759 Order to divide the estate of Richard Barnes and Mary Barnes:

Estate of Richard Barnes to be divided between "Thomas Barnes and Andrew Hamilton who married Rachael the sister of the said Thomas Barnes, Joseph Braddy married Lydia another sister...& Prudence Barnes an unmarried sister of the said Thomas Barnes in equal shares.”

The estate of Mary Barnes to be divided between "the said Thomas Barnes, Andrew Hamilton, Joseph Braddy, Prudence Barnes, Edward Vann who married Mary the daughter of Mary Barnes, Alexander Carter who married Ann another daughter, Abraham Odam who married Sibil another daughter & John Thompson who intermarried with Sarah another daughter of said Mary Barnes."

Richard Barnes had died in 1728 and most likely left a will that left out his younger daughters, Mary, Ann, Sibil, and Sarah.

Fig. 11 Richard Barnes' patent 1723

Richard Barnes’s patents show that they lived close to the Virginia line and not near Sarum. This was closer to the original Vann property.

North Carolina Land Grants[36]

To all etc. we hereby give and grant unto Richard Barnes a tract of land containing one hundred and Sixty acres lying in Chowan precinct beginning at a live oak on the Pine Swamp E. 170 poles to William Packers thence to the Spring Branch then S. 30 W. 380 to an ___[blank] on the branch then N. to the first Station. To hold etc. Given etc. Witness etc. 29^th day of march 1723 – Wm Reed, Richd Sanderson, Fran. Foster, J. Lovick, M. Moore –

Deeds also suggest a date when Mary Barnes became a widow. She received land in her own name in 1730 from Moses Odum. She sold land in 1733. She would not be able to do that if she was still married to Richard.

Conveyances of Chowan County[37]

p 107

Moses Odam to Mary Barnes. December 14, 1730: 56 acres called “Moses’ Old Field.” Test. Charles King. Alexander Carter.

Mary Barnes to Alex. Carter. 160 acres on Pine Swamp; patent granted to Richard Barnes; 29 March 1733. Test, Jno Langston, Eph Hunter, Wm Hunter; April 17, 1733.

Another date is important. Abraham Odum and Sibil Barnes were married before 1727.

Chowan County Wills[38]

Abraham Odom (Odium), on the 11 May 1727, sold to Wm. Jones “50 acres on S side of Cypress Swamp, adjoining lands of Jacob ODOM, given by will of Richard Odom, will dated 12 Aug. 1728.” Sibellah [Odom] and Richard Odom, witnesses.

Edward and Mary his wife may have moved to Bertie early on. A deed there was witnessed by Edward Vann and by Henry Vann. There were two Edwards in Bertie, but the other younger one did not appear there until much later.

Bertie Precinct [39]

Book E p 160 John Coward & Wife Elizabeth to Joseph Wimberly

March 28, 1737. 50 pds. for 150 acres adj. William Charlton. Wit. Edward Van, Henry Van, Jonathan Taler.

1757 Bertie Co Tax List[40]

A list of taxables taken by Jos. Jordan for ye Year 1757

Edwd. Vann Jur. and Jno. Canady -2

The list of theyables for the year 1757˛ submitted by John Harrell

John Harrell 3

Wm Holloway 1

James Barfeald 1

Edward Vann 2

Joseph Minton Senr 1

Joseph Minton Junr 1

In the same year as the tax list, Edward Vann and Mary sold their land and removed to South Carolina.

Bertie County Deeds[41]

Book H p 440. Edward Vann & Wife Mary to John Lakey

July 23, 1757. 13 pds. 15 sh. For 200 acres on the NWS of Easternmost Swamp adj. John Howell, William Coleman, Thomas Jackson, Alexander Ford, James Graves. Wit. Jas. Butterton, Hardy Hunter. July Court 1757.

Edward and Mary Barnes left Bertie in 1757 and acquired land in South Carolina the next year in 1758.

In 1758, when Edward acquired the patent in South Carolina for 200 acres, the condition to receive the land patent was that the patentee could received 50 acres for each member of his family. The four individuals needed to qualify to patent 200 acres would have been: him, his wife, Clement age 12, and Avery, age about 10. His older sons applied for patents on their own, even though these cannot be found. His daughter Edith married A. A. Coody about this time. Lastly, daughter Susannah could have been born soon after the date of the patent.

One of Edward grandsons, named Edward, confirms the date for the arrival of the Vann family into the Ninety-Six District of South Carolina. The 1850 US Census for Abbeville listed the younger Edward as being 88 years old and born in South Carolina[42] making the family present by 1762.

The 200 acres of land they received was located near his brother John’s “land or plantation” near what will soon be Fort Charlotte. [43] The patents that Edward and Mary’s older sons would receive were not far away. His brother’s land would default to Trader Robert Goudy about this time and became the track where Fort Charlotte was built.

Fig. 12 – Colonial Plat showing Fort Charlotte and “the Path to Vanns.”

South Carolina Patents[44]

Plat - Date: 4/10/1765

Description: Bull, Liet. Gov. William, For His Majestys ue, Plat for 430 acres on the Savannah River.

…formerly known by the name Vanns or Goudys then esteemed at 400 acres. but now resurveyed at 430 bounding on the Savannah River and northwesterly on Edward Vann, Southeasterly on Richard Johnston."

Note: "Path to Vanns" tranverses the plat and crosses the Savannah above the fort.

No further record exists for Edward or his wife. He presumably died shortly after 1758. He left no will and the lands he patented do not appear to have remained in the family.

(The following record is often assigned to Edward Vann to show the name of his second wife. The date places this well outside Edward’s expected time to be married and have a small child.

Georgia Record[45]

Charity Vann, August 11, 1782, A "distressed refugee" with 1 child.”)

V.1.2.1 – Joseph Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born abt. 1730 in Chowan or Bertie County

· Died after 1772 in Wilkes County, Georgia

Joseph Vann acquired his own land near Cedar Creek and Horns Creek (old Noble Creek) before 1767 in the Ninety-Six District in what would later be called Edgefield District. However, his own patent or memorial is not recorded. Only his name is recorded. It is found in descriptions of his neighbors land records.

South Carolina Land Record[46]

Platt - Date: 8/22/1769 [date on plat is 22 August 1767]
Description: Jamison, Grizell, Plat for 100 Acres on Stephens Creek.
Names indexed: Jamison, Grizell; Strother, George; Troup, John; Vaus, Joseph [plat shows Joseph Van,]

Memorial - Date: 10/16/1768
Description: Dickey, Mary, Memorial for 100 Acres near Beaver Dam Creek, Granville County.
Names indexed: Dickey, Mary; Evans, John; Van, Joseph

Plat - Date: 8/28/1771
Description: Parsons, James, Plat for 1,000 Acres Between Saludy and Savannah Rivers on Cedar Creek.
Names indexed: Anderson, Allen; Bremar, John; Dillard; Kirkland, Moses; Mosley, William; Nue, Lawrence; Parsons, James; Stranders, George; Vann, Joseph

This last patent was sold to Moses Kirkland who filed the memorial. Joseph’s name is incorrectly entered as John in the South Carolina Archive’s index. The plat shows Joseph's location before he and his family moved to Wilkes County, Georgia, just on the other side of the Savannah River.

South Carolina Land Record[47]

Memorial - Date: 6/6/1772
Description: Kirkland, Moses, Memorial for 1,000 Acres between Saludy And Savannah Rivers on Cedar Creek.
Names indexed: Anderson, Allen; Kirkland, Moses; Mosey, William; Parson, James; Rambo, Lawrence; Strawder, George; Thomas, Dillard; Thomas, James; Vann, John [plat says Joseph Vann]

Wilkes County Land Grants[48]

November 16^th, 1773

Vann, Joseph—S.C. [of South Carolina], a wife 3 sons 4 daus. From 16 to 7 years old. 500 acres on the north fork of Long creek.

V.1.2.2 – Edward Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born abt. 1730 in Chowan or Bertie County, North Carolina.

· Died after 1793 in South Carolina

Like his brother Joseph, Edward acquired his own land at Cedar Creek or Horns Creek (old Noble Creek) before 1771. And like Joseph, there is no record of his patent, either as a plat, memorial, or land grant.

South Carolina Land Entry[49]

Memorial - Date: 7/3/1772
Description: Salley, John, Memorial for 200 acres on Stevensons Creek, Granville County.
Names indexed: Salley, John; Vann, Edward

Plat - Date: 7/10/1772
Description: Spencer, William, Plat for 100 acres in Granville County.
Names indexed: Bremar, John; Colman; Goode, William; Robertson, David; Spencer, William; Van, Edward
Locations: Cedar Creek; Granville County; Nobles Creek

1793 Edward Vann acquired 1000 acres in Beaver Dam Creek Edgefield.

South Carolina Land Grants[50]

Plat - Date: 4/20/1793
Description: Vann, Edward, Plat For 1, 000 Acres on Beaver Dam and Turkey Creeks, Goughs and Lick Branches, Edgefield County, Ninety Six District, Surveyed By William Coursey.
Names indexed: Allen, John; Coursey; Coursey, William; Holmes, Fred; Key; Killerea; Logan; Minter; Thurmond; Vann, Edward
Locations: Beaver Dam Creek; Edgefield County; Goff Branch; Lick Creek; Ninety Six District; Savannah River; Turkey Creek

V.1.2.3 – James Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born before 1742 in Bertie County, North Carolina

· Married before 1773 in South Carolina or Georgia

James Vann, son of Edward and Mary, acquired a land grant in Georgia about the time of his marriage.

Wilkes County Land Grants[51]

Wrightsborough December 7^th, 1773

Vann, James-S.C. himself wife and one child. 100 acres on Savannah river adj. Alexander Machan.

Deed Book “C C” 1787

Walton George, late of the county of Wilkes to Thomas Wingfield of said county 1150 acres adj. the town of Washington, orig. granted 1784 to said Walton. Aug 16 1786. James Vann, Arthur Cordy, Henry Nail, John Crutchfield. Test.

V.1.2.4 – Edith Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born about 1740

· Died after 1783 in the Ninety-Six District, South Carolina

Edith married Arthur Coody before 1758 since she was not counted in Edward’s household for a land grant. Her husband died by April 21, 1783. She was administrator and her brother Edward Vann was an appraiser.

Ninety-Six District Journal of the Court[52]

43-4 An Inventory of the Estate of Arthur Coodie, Intestate, made the 21^st of April 1783 by Lilleston Pardue, Drury Murfey, & Edward Vann, appraisers. Edeth Coodie, Adminx. Includes Negroes Jude, Toney, Coggo, Jene, January, Sam. Total amount L477 17 6, sterling.

V.1.2.5 – Clement Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born 1747 in Bertie County, North Carolina

· Died after 1829 in Cherokee Nation

Two records show the location and age of Clement Vann.

Tennessee Passport[53]

March 11, 1797 Silas Dinsmoor sends a report to Secretary of War that "names of all persons residing in the Cherokee Country not natives of the land."

Eve Vann

Clement Vann [employment unknown]

Deposition[54]

Clement Vann in a deposition given by him at the head of the Coos River on December 1, 1829, stated that he was then 82 years old, and that he had come into the Cherokee country about fifty years before and that he had lived there ever since.

V.1.2.6 – Avery Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born 1749 in Bertie County, North Carolina

Avery was called a younger brother of Clement when he visited Spring Place in 1807. [55]

V.1.2.7 – Susannah Vann, son of Edward and Mary

· Born after 1758

· Married

· Died

Susannah born after 1758 at Fort Charlotte, Ninety-Six District since she was not counted in Edward’s household for his land grant. She was called the sister to “old Ned Vann” in the Moravian journals in 1818 and was married to John Crutchfield. [56]

She and her family were listed in the Wilkes County, Georgia, records after she was married to John Crutchfield:

Wilkes County Deeds[57]

Deed Book “C C” 1787Crutchfield, John, Indian Trader and wife Susannah to Wm Greaves 200 on Golden Grove creek, orig. granted 1787 to said John. May 8, 1787. Basil Lamar, Quilla Vann, Test.

Walton George, late of the county of Wilkes to Thomas Wingfield of said county 1150 acres adj. the town of Washington, orig. granted 1784 to said Walton. Aug 16 1786. James Vann, Arthur Cordy, Henry Nail, John Crutchfield. Test.

IV.1.3 – William Vann, son of John, died <1775 o:p="">

· Born c1710 in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Married to wife name unknown

· Children were Keziah Harrell, Mary Whitney, Dempsey Vann, Elizabeth Jernigan, William Vann, Sarah Vann, Jesse Vann, Winifred Vann, and Nathan Vann.

William Vann, son of John was identified in a summons filed in Chowan County. Like his brother Edward, he lived in Bertie County.

Chowan County Records[58]

Suits Dismissed & Court Papers 1746-1756.

On 3 April 1755 the sheriff of Chowan was commanded to summon William Vann son of John VANN for an in debt to Samuel Reddick. In April Court 1756 John Vann filed a petition for an in debt to Abraham Gumbs.

Bertie County Deeds[59]

Book F p 518 Needham Bryan & wife Sussanah [sic] to William Vann

May 8, 1744. 17 pds. 10 sh. For 100 a on the north side of Flaggey Run adj. John Harrell. Wit. John Collins, William Collins. Mary Court 1744.

Book F p 520 Needham Bryan & wife Sussanah [sic] of Society Parish to Barnaby Bryan(t)

May 8, 1744. 17 pds. 10 sh. For 100 on NS of Flaggy Run adj dividing line between Barnaby Bryan & William Vann. Wit. John Collins, William Collins. May Court 1744.

William was not listed in the 1757 tax list which suggests he was already a constable. Constables did not have to pay a poll tax. In 1759 he was noted as a constable when he presented his own tax list.

Bertie County, North Carolina Tax List 1759

Bertie County list of William Vann, constable 1759

William most likely married Charity Herrell, but it is not clear if he married the daughter or the mother.

Bertie Co Probate[60]

David Harrell, Bertie Co., Jan. 5, 1767. Wife Charity, sons David and Noah, daughters Charity, Sarah, Mildred and Chloe Harrell, (Joseph Harrell, David Harrell and Noah Hinton Exrs.) Test, Benj. Wimberly, Wm. Vann.

David Harrell, Bertie Co., May 24, 1781; May Court 1779. Wife Celia, also
appoint her my executor. Test, Arthur Thompson, Edea Moore, Charity Vann.

In 1765 William Vann and Thomas Barnes signed a bond for Elizabeth Riddick to administer the estate of William Riddick.[61] Ten years later, before August 1779 William died. His will lists his children as Keziah Harrell, Mary Whitney, Demsey Vann, Elizabeth Jernigan, William Vann, Sarah Vann, Jesse Vann, Winifred Vann, and Nathan Vann.

Bertie County Wills[62]

Adm. of estate granted to son William Vann 12 May 1774 Bertie Co – adm granted to David Harrell 21 Feb 1775 Div. 7 Aug 1775
Record signed by Noah Hinton, Charles Averet, and Thomas House
1. Solomon Harrell son of Kaziah Harrell who was a daughter of the dec.
2. Mary Whitney, a daughter
3. Demsey Vann, a son
4. Elizabeth Jernigan, a daughter
5. William Vann, a son
6. Sarah Vann, a daughter
7. Jesse Vann, a son
8. Winefred Vann, a daughter
9. Nathan Vann, a son
acct. current 9 Nov 1799

His sons Jesse and Dempsey may have been listed on the 1786 census along with the sons of his older cousin, Edward, who left a will in Hertford County in 1762.

1786 Gates County Census[63]

p. 1

John Vann 1 wm 21-60
Thomas Vann 1 wm 21-60, 4 wm under 21 or over 60, 3 wf, 1 b 12-50, 6 b under 12 or above 50
William Warren

Joseph Brady

Edward Vann 1 wm 21-60
Frances Speight

p. 2
John Odum

Jesse Vann 1 wm 21-60, 3 wm under 21 or over 60, 5 wf, 4 b 12-50, 1 b under 12 or above 50
Demsey Barnes

p. 6
William Vann 2 wm 21-60, 4 wm under 21 or over 60, 3 wf, 1 b 12-50, 1 b under 12 or over 50

IV.1.4 – Henry Vann, son of John

There is only one record of Henry Vann. He witnessed a will along with Edward Vann in Bertie County, suggesting he was a brother of the Edward.

Wills of Bertie County[64]

Coward, John Bertie Precinct

March 8, 1737 August Court 1737
Sons: William and John (plantation whereon I now live), Bevard. Wife: Elisabeth. Executor: Joseph Wimberly. Witnesses: Edward Vann, Henry Vann, Jonathan Taler. Clerk of Court Jno. Wynn.

III.2 – William Vann , died bef. 1740

· Born c1680 in Nansemond County, Virginia.

· Married to wife Sarah

· Died Bef. 11 Aug 1740

· Son William, daughters Sarah Hughes or Hodges, and Ann Van

William Vann, son of William and Ann Vann, appears to be the only member of his generation to go to England. He would have traveled there about 1701-1702 and was, like his father, probably only a young boy. Upon his return Thomas Milner, a neighbor, used William’s headright to patent land in 1703. The location was near Cypress Swamp, close to where the Vanns lived in Nansemond County.

Virginia Patent[65]

Milner, Thomas. grantee. Land grant 24 April 1703. Nansemond County.

Description: 300 acres on the north east side of the Cypress Swamp a branch of Summerton Creek. Beg.g &c. by the swamp side it being a corner tree of John Lee’s land.

Fig. 13 - William Vann listed as headright for Thomas Milton, 1703.

By 1714 William filed a patent for land his father had previously applied for. The location was not near his father’s land. It was further south near Bennetts Creek and a place called Sarum. The place is still identifiable today and is near Knotty Pine Swamp (now called Buckland Mill Branch).

Virginia Patents[66]

Willliam Vaun (or Vann), 130 acs. Up. Par. of Nansemond Co; at a place called Starrum [s/b Sarum]; adj. Peter Phebus; & Charles Scott's line; 16 Dec 1714, p. 203. Imp. of 3 pers: Patrick Lawler, Eliza Lawler, David Lawler.

Another example of a son re-patenting his father’s land was made by Thomas Harrell’s son.

Virginia Patent[67]

Thomas Harrell 150 acs. 23 Apr 1681.

…in Nanzemund, at head of Parkers Cr. "part of 250 acs. granted Silvester Baker 1 Apr 1658; renewed in 1662. & now in possession of the aforesaid Thomas, as heire of his father, Thomas Harrell, who purchased from sd. Baker."

The names found in William’s patent may show a family returning to Virginia or else the children arriving for the first time. Patrick Laughler (sometimes spelled Lawler) had acquired a patent on land in North Carolina previous to William’s patent date. This land may be near or the same land William patented in Virginia. Having both colonies claiming and allowing patents on the same land happened until 1726 when the dividing line was finally surveyed.

North Carolina Patents[68]

[#123 - Patrick Lawlin [sic] of Albemarle County, Patent for 300 acres, NE side of Bennett’s Creek. 10^th day of Xber 1712.

#124 - Patrick Laughlin of Albemarle County, Patent for 300 acres, SE side of Bennett’s Creek. 10^th day of Xber 1712.

Chowan Precinct Deeds^{^[69]}

Deed Book W#1

#409 pg 199 Patience Laughler of Chowan Prect. To Thomas Wiggins of Chowan Prect. – Apr 1714. Appointment of attorney to acknowledge for me Deed of Sale to John Alston dated 28 Nov 1713 and another Deed to the said Alston dated 16 Apr 1714 and 1 other deed to William Vance [sic] dated 16 Apr 1714. Wit. __ Martin, __ Vance [sic]. Reg. 2 Feb 1714.

#414 pg 202 (part of a deed) Patrick Laler of Chowan Precinct and Patience Laler to Mr. John Alston. 28 Nov 1713 for 1000 pounds of Tobacco 50 acres more or less on the south east side of Bennetts Creek and is part of a patent dated 17 March 1704/5. Witness: __ Laler (“DL” his mark), Treddel Keefe, William Vann “V” his mark. Reg. 8 Feb 1714/15.

#415 pg 203 (part of a deed) Patrick Laughler of Chowan and Patience my wife to ___ 16 Apr. 1714 for 5000 pounds of Tobacco the back Swamp Plantation. Wit. Thomas Martin, Thomas Wigans, William Vann V his mark. Reg. 8 Feb 1714/1715.

In the following road order, both William and his brother Edward Vann were included in the jury to select the way to lay out a road between Bennetts Creek Road and Pughs Ferry at Meherrin Pocoson.

Chowan County Records[70]

July Court anno Dom 1739
Present His Majestys Justices, these may Certifie that on the motion of John Alston Esqr. it was then & there ordered that the following persons be & they are hereby appointed a Jury to lay out a Road from the halfway run on Bennetts Creek Road to Meherrin Pocoson against Pughs Ferry Vizt: Henry Gaston, William Daniel, George Williams, Alexander Carter, Edward Vann, Senr., Thos. Peyland, Thos. Speight, Jos. Green, William Reddick, Wm. Bonner, Jams. Wilson, Wm. Vann, Wm. Baker & Henry Baker and to make return of their proceedings to the next Court and that the Caram (Sarum) Creek Company make the sd. Road when laid out & that Thomas Norris be overseer of the same. By Ordr. James Craven, Cle. Cur.

In 1740 William Vann and his brother John were listed as freeholders in Chowan County and were on the county’s jury list.^{^[71]} This is the last record of William before he died. William Vann left a will in Chowan County identifying his wife Sarah, and children Edward, Sarah (Hughs), Ann, and a grandson named William.

Chowan County Wills[72]

In the name of God amen Aprill the 16^th Day 1735 I William Vann of Chowan precinct-in North Carolina being sick and weak of body but sound mind and perfect memory praise be to Almighty God for it Do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first and principally I commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the meritorious Death and passion of our Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and to Inherit Everlasting Life and my body commit to the earth to be decently buried at the descresion [sic] of my Executors hereafter named and as touching all such Temporall Estate as it hath pleased Almighty God to besto [sic] upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth First my will is that all my just debts and honorable charges be honestly paid and discharged.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Edward Vann my plantation I live on and all the land belonging to it and also all of the land I have on the swamp between Thomas Haris and Stephen Shepard I give the said plantation and also the low land to him during his natural life and after his death to my Grandson William Van the son of Edward Van I give to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give to my son Edward Van a piece of land I have on the ridge between Joseph Braddy and James Braddy I give to him and his heirs forever Item I give to my daughter Sarah Hughs one shilling Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Vann all the cattell Horses mares and hogs that is now called hers I give to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give to my grandson William Vann the son of Edward Vann my gun.

Item I give to my son Edward Vann my hand mill and iron doages and after his decease to my grandson William Vann.

Item I give to my son Edward Vann my riding horse bridle and saddoll [sic] and mare and yearling coalt [sic] and a two year old horse and my wearing cloes [sic] I give to him and his heirs forever

Item I give my loving wife Sarah all the remainder part of my estate both within doors and without I give to her and to her own disposing.

And lastly I nominate and appoint my dear loving wife Sarah and my son Edward Vann to be sold and lone executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other will or will [sic] that hath been made by me heretofore In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal the day and year above written. William Vann XI (his mark)

James Braddy X(his mark)

John Brady (signature)

Henry Goodman (signature)

August ye 11^th 1740 Came before me James and John Braddy and made oath that they saw William Vann sign seal and publish ye above as his last will & testament, that he was of sound & disposing mind at that time & that Henry Goodman signed as a witness thereunto.

IV.2.1 Edward Vann, son of William, died bef. 1762 in Hertford

· Born c 1730 in Chowan County, North Carolina

· Married Mary

· Died before 1762, in Hertford County, North Carolina

· Sons William, Thomas, possibly others: Jesse, Charles, John Vann

Edward the son of William is identified in his father’s will, but also in the records when he was appointed constable. His uncle, also named Edward died in 1755, so some records may not refer to him. But since his father’s land remained in the family through Edward’s sons William and Thomas, his location is well documented.

North Carolina Records[73]

21 Oct 1743 Edward Vann son of Wm. Vann appointed constable in the place of William Daniel.

Chowan County Deed[74]

1744, 18 March – Bk C Chowan Co – Joseph Vann of Chowan precinct to William Vann 200 ac. Wit: Edward Vann.

Chowan County, North Carolina Cross Index to Deeds - Grantees 1696-1878 Vol B

Deed to Edward Vann from John White 1747

North Carolina Records[75]

p 169-270 13 Jan 1753 A deed of sale of land from Simon Daniel to James Brady, Junr. was duly proved in Open Court by the oath of Edward Vann on evidence thereto and on Motion is ordered to be Registered. Fees in part 20:5:0.

Vestry Minutes of St Paul’s Parish[76]

1756 – Edward Vann present when the lines of John Lewis were processioned by William Powell and Richard Felton.

They also did the lines of John Vann, himself present and the lines of Mary Vann she present. the line between William Huggs and Mary Vann both present.
Edward Vann present when Jacob Odom and James Bradey processioned,

Edward Vann his land dun, James Bradey his land dun
26 March 1756 George Vann his land dun, Jacob Vann his Land dun, present George Van, Jacob Rogers, Jacob Vann, Elizabeth Vann

Hertford County was formed in 1759 from parts of Bertie County, Chowan County, and Northampton County. The only Vann to initially fall into the new county was Edward, son of William. His will is listed in an index of wills. This will has never been found, only the listing in an index at the Archives.

Hertford County Index of Wills

(Hertford Co wills and administrations list filed with Sec of State.)

1762 – 15 Oct – Will of Edward Vann granted to William Vann and Mary Vann.

Gates County was formed from Hertford, Chowan, and Perquimans Counties in 1779. At its formation it included the original Vann patent at Sarum re-patented by Edward’s father William. A tax receipt book for Herford County is possibly the best source for knowing whom his sons might be. It shows Edward's widow Mary paid a tax in 1769.

William Murfree Tax Receipt Book [Hertford County]^{^[77]}

· T. Vann received money from Aaron Mainer [1768 and 69] for B Wynns Jr. tax collector.

· Charles Vann paid 1 tax in 1769 and 1770

· Demsey Vann paid 1 tax in 1770

· Jesse Vann paid 3 taxes for each of the years 1768, 1769, 1770

· Mary Vann paid 1 tax in 1769 and 1770

· William Vann paid 2 taxes in 1768, 2 in 1769 and 4 in 1770

· William Vann Jr paid 1 tax in 1770

V.2.1.1 John Vann, son of Edward, died before 1763

· Born bef 1731 in Chowan County, North Carolina

· Married Mrs. Ann Peterson (maiden name unknown)

· Died before January 1763 in Chowan County, North Carolina

John Vann’s father is considered to be Edward who left a will in Hertford in 1662. He himself lived in Edenton, where he ran a tavern until his death. In 1758 the Committee of Public Claims met at John Vann’s house in Edenton.[78] John left no will of his own. Only the record of administration exists.

Marriage Records of Chowan County[79]

1752 Marriage Bond John Vann and Mrs. Ann Peterson. Feby 25. Peter Payne. Witnessed by Joseph and Edward Vann.

Chowan County, North Carolina Cross Index to Deeds - Grantees 1696-1878 Vol B

Deed to Demsey Parker from John Vann 1752

Deed to Saml Plomer from John Vann 1752

Power of Atty to Vann John from Wm Downing 1758

Deed to Francis Corbin from Jno Vann 1760

Deed to John Vann from Francis Corbin 1762

Mortgage to George Brownrigg from John Vann 1762

Vestry Minutes of St Paul’s Parish[80]

____ 1756

Edward Vann present when the lines of John Lewis were processioned by William Powell and Richard Felton. they also did the lines of John Vann, himself present and the lines of Mary Vann she present. the line between William Huggs and Mary Vann both present.
Edward Vann present when Jacob Odom and Jeames Bradey processioned
Edward Vann his land dun, James Bradey his land dun
26 March 1756

George Vann his land dun, Jacob Vann his Land dun, present George Van, Jacob Rogers, Jacob Vann, Elizabeth Vann

Chowan Militia Roster[81]

On 8/22/1754 Captain Miles Gale was appointed as commissioner in the district from Edenton to Hoskins Mill and also during that year served as captain in the Chowan County Militia, later under the Honorable Francis Corbin. The following list of men commanded by Captain Miles Gale was taken on 11/26/1754.

…John Vaun,…

Colonial and State Records of North Carolina[82]

Bond from Thomas Jones for performance as clerk of the Chowan County Court

September 20, 1756. Bondsmen: Thomas Jones, John Vann, John Villars Pollexfin

…Sum of four hundred Pounds procln Money, To be paid to the Said Richard Spaight Esq. his Heirs Extors Admors or assigns To the which payment well and truly to be made We bind ourselves our Heirs Executors & administrators Jointly and Severally firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals and Dated this Twentieth day of September anno Dom 1756.

Horniblow’s Tavern, Edenton[83]

Horniblow's Tavern, on King Street, was in the middle of the block between the Courthouse Green and the corner of Broad Street (see Sauthier map). Operated as early as 1753 by a John Vaun, the tavern was run by John Horniblow by the spring of 1768.

Chowan County Records[84]

1763, Jan – George Brownrigg, Esq and Will Halsey sign a bond for Ann Vann to adm. the estate of John Vann – – Chowan Co adm.

V.2.1.2 William Vann, son of Edward, died before 1789

· Born abt 1720 in Chowan County, North Carolina

· Married Rachel (lastname unknown)

· Died before August 1789 in Gates County, North Carolina

After the death of his grandfather, William Vann acquired 142 acres from his uncle Joseph near to his father’s land at Knotty Pine Swamp. He also purchased land from uncle George. This land was probably the land his uncle George had patented. William sold the land to Dempsey Sumner.

Chowan County Deeds^{^[85]}

In 1744 William Vann bought from Joseph VANN for 100 barrels of tar, 142 acres on Knotty Pine Swamp, and 200 acres for 25 barrels of tar. (Chowan Co.,C Deed Book E. p52 & 54).

Chowan County, North Carolina Cross Index to Deeds - Grantees 1696-1878 Vol B

Deed to Vann William from George Vann 1749, Bk C2, p 177

Chowan County Deeds^{^[86]}

In 1752 William Vann of Chowan sold to Dempsey Sumner for 30 pounds the two tracts of land bought from Joseph Vann. land whereon William Vann liveth. (Chowan Co., NC Deed Book G p.1).

With the creation of Hertford County, his property would have become part of the new county. Again in 1779 it would change again when Gates County was created.

1786 Gates County Census[87]

p. 1

John Vann 1 wm 21-60
Thomas Vann 1 wm 21-60, 4 wm under 21 or over 60, 3 wf, 1 b 12-50, 6 b under 12 or above 50
William Warren

Joseph Brady

Edward Vann 1 wm 21-60
Frances Speight

p. .2
John Odum

Jesse Vann 1 wm 21-60, 3 wm under 21 or over 60, 5 wf, 4 b 12-50, 1 b under 12 or above 50
Demsey Barnes

p. 6
William Vann 2 wm 21-60, 4 wm under 21 or over 60, 3 wf, 1 b 12-50, 1 b under 12 or over 50

William left his will in Gates County. It includes the names of his wife Rachel and son William. The other children’s names are not listed. There were six other ones according to the census taken two years earlier.

Gates County Wills[88]

Will of William Vann

In the name of God, Amen. I, William Vann of Gates County in the State of North Carolina, being in sound mind and memory think proper to make this writing my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following. My desire is that my loving wife RACHEL VANN take all my living in her care and my young children and given them schooling provided she lives single if she marres for to have one bed and furniture and one forth part of the movebles and JESSE VANN to take care of the rest and to do as he thinks best with it if the children and my wife dont agree for JESSE VANN to take care of them as he thinks best and not bind them out but let them be raised on the Estate and when the youngest comes of age to divide the living amongst them all and my land amongst my sons but for them not to see only to one another.

And Lastly I constitute and appoint my Loving sife RACHEL VANN and JESS VANN and my son WILLIAM VANN my hole and sole Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revolking all former wills by me hearby have made and confirmed this to be my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have set my hand and fixed my seal this first day of May Anno Domm 1788. Signed Sealed Published and declared in the Present of WILLIAM VANN (seal) Attest: James Bristow, Judith Baker, Willian Vann, Jr.

August Court 1788: exhibited by RACHEL VANN, JESSE VANN and WILLIAM VANN, executors, proved by the oath of JAMES BRISTOW.

V.2.1.3 Thomas Vann, son of Edward

· Born abt. 1730

· Married

· Died

Thomas Vann’s father is considered to be Edward who left a will in Hertford in 1662. He himself lived at the family property once owned by Edward. Through a deed he entered later, his connection between him and his grandfather William Vann can be identified.

1786 Gates County Census[89]

p. 1

John Vann 1 wm 21-60
Thomas Vann 1 wm 21-60, 4 wm under 21 or over 60, 3 wf, 1 b 12-50, 6 b under 12 or above 50
William Warren

Joseph Brady

Edward Vann 1 wm 21-60
Frances Speight

p.2
John Odum

Jesse Vann 1 wm 21-60, 3 wm under 21 or over 60, 5 wf, 4 b 12-50, 1 b under 12 or above 50
Demsey Barnes

p. 6
William Vann 2 wm 21-60, 4 wm under 21 or over 60, 3 wf, 1 b 12-50, 1 b under 12 or over 50

Gates County Deeds[90]

THIS INDENTURE made the fourteenth Day of May in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Nine BETWEEN Thomas Vann of Gates County & State of North Carolina of the one part and Mills Lewis of the same place of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Thomas Vann for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five pounds Current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Mills Lewis …hath bargained sold …unto the said Mills Lewis his heirs & assigns forever a certain parcel of land situate Lying and being in the County aforesaid & is the same tract of land whereon the said Thomas Vann now lives containing sixty five acres be the same more or less with all & singular its appurtenances thereunto belonging … and is bounded and described as followeth

Beginning at the end line of the said patent South easterly to a corner gum of the said patent thence North East two hundred & Sixty four poles along an old line of Marked Trees to a corner pine thence North Westerly along the line of Other end of the patent to the Beginning Red Oak, and is intended for one Moiety of Tract of Land Granted by Patent to William Vann Bearing the date One Thousand Seven Hundred and Five Pucorse [sic] being had thereto will Appear & is bounded by the land of Willis Hughs to the South West, Easterly on the Land of James Baddy [sic] & Joseph Holland North Easterly on the Land William Warren & Westerly on the Land of William Vann

To have and to hold …to the said Mills Lewis …and the said Thomas Vann for himself his heirs Executors Administrators & Assigns Doth … Defend the aforesaid… whereof he hereunto his had hat set & seal affixed thie day and year above written. ..Thomas Vann

Witnesses: John Lewis, Edward Gatling. Recorded May Court 1789

Fig. 14 Subdivision of the Vann home site[91]

III.3 – Edward Vann, died bef. 1752

· Born about 1685 in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Married to wife Mary

· Died Bet. 1739–1752 in Chowan County, North Carolina

· Sons Edward Vann, daughters Sarah, Ann, and Elizabeth Vann

Edward Vann the son of William and Ann Vann was born in Nansemond County, Virginia. With the loss of the county records, nothing else is found of his except a land patent. Like his brother William, Edward also patented land presumably after the death of his father. The 284 acres was located near his brother at Sarum and would fall in Chowan Precinct in North Carolina after the dividing line was surveyed in 1726.

Virginia Patent[92]

Vaun, Edward. grantee

Land grant 24 January 1717. Summary Location: Nansemond County. Description: 284 acres at a place called Salem [Sarum]. Beg.g &c.(standing on the eastward side of Knotty Pine swamp,) a corner tree of John Butlers.

“two hundred eighty four acres lying and being at a place called Salem in the upper parish of Nansemond County and bounded as followeth.

To Wit. Beginning at a white oak standing on the Eastward side of Knotty Pine Swamp a corner tree of John Butlers and runs thence bounding on the said Butler North Easterly Eighty one degrees and one hundred and sixty poles to a red oak thence northeasterly thirty two degrees two hundred and twelve poles to a pine thence northwesterly eleven degrees fifty six poles to a pine in a branch of the said swamp thence Northwesterly fifty two degrees running down the said branch ninety six poles to a pine standing in the mouth thereof at the aforesaid swamp hence running down the said Swamp its several courses and bounding thereon to the first station…”

Edward increased his holding in 1730 with a purchase of 263 acres from John Alston.

Chowan Abstract of Conveyances[93]

John Alston to Edward Vann, July 20, 1730. 263 acres patented by said Alston, March 6, 1723. Test, Wm Hansand, Richard Bond.

Since Edward was a landowner, the precinct or county court could assign Edward to be on a jury. In some cases jurors could be called on to select the best route of a new road. Edward and his brother John, along with John Alston and other neighbors were called on to lay out the road from Bennetts Creek to the ferry across the Meherrin River. Edward also registered how he would mark his cattle’s ear in order to identify them. Most likely, he and his nephew John had cattle running free on unclaimed land.

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina [94]

1737

[no date. entry above was proved April 8, 1737.]

Edward Vann, son of John Vann. Mark of stock: A cross and half moon and hole in right ear, cross and two lists in the left ear.

Edward Vann, Sr., Swallow fork in right ear, half moon and hole in left ear.

Edward witnessed a will in 1739. He did not use “Senior” in his signature, but court records included it to distinguish him from his nephew Edward. In the same year he witnessed the will, he was ordered to help lay out other roads, along with his brother William Vann, William Daniel, and other neighbors.

Willis of Bertie County[95]

Henry Baker

January 9, 1737. May 1, 1739. Children: Henry, John, Blake, David, Mary, Sarah, Ruth, Zadock. Wife Ruth. Brothers and Executors: William, James, and Lawrence Baker. Witnesses: Edward Vann, John Brady, Edward Warren. Proven before W. Smith, C. J.

Chowan County Court Orders[96]

July Court anno Dom 1739

Present His Majestys Justices, these may Certifie that on the motion of John Alston, Esqr. it was then & there ordered that the following persons be & they are hereby appointed a Jury to lay out a Road from the halfway run on Bennetts Creek Road to Meherrin Pocoson against Pughs Ferry Vizt: Henry Gaston, William Daniel, George Williams Alexander Carter, Edward Vann, Senr., Thos. Peyland, Thos. Speight, Jos. Green, William Reddick, Wm. Bonner, Jams. Wilson, Wm. Vann, Wm. Baker & Henry Baker and to make return of their proceedings to the next Court and that the Caram (Sarum) Creek Company make the sd. Road when laid out & that Thomas Norris be overseer of the same. By Ordr. James Craven Cle. Cur.

--- --- --- Road. Not all agreed?. Enclosed in 1739 Oct 12 Report of Jury appointed to lay out road.
Enclosure 1739 July Order of Court for laying out road.

p [86]-87 Octobr. the 12th. 1739. With Obedience to an Order of Court We of the Jury find that the conveniantest Way from the Half Way Run to the foot of Pughs Coscey is the Oald road to the foot of Bakers New Road then along the New Road to the Oald Mehearin Road then along the Mehearin Road to Jno. Thomas’s and then along the Neigh Way to the Road againe then to Pughs Cossey Assigned by We the Subscribers. Alexander Carter (AC his mark), William Vann, Edward Vann, Wm. Daniel, George Williams, William Boner (sic), Wm. Reddick, Henry Baker, James Willson.

The vestry records for the Parish of St. Paul’s in Chowan begin in 1701. St. Paul’s Parish Church, in Edenton, was started in 1736 and still stands today. Each member of the parish had to pay a poll tax according to amount of land they owned. In order to determine the size, neighbors walked the bounds of each property. This was called “processioning.” Here Edward and William Daniel processioned their land at Knotty Pine Swamp. Sarum Creek is called Cole’s Creek in this record.

Vestry Minutes of St. Pauls Parish[97]

1744, 28 June –– William Daniel and Edward Vann to procession “all land on the east side of Coles Crk. to where the road crosses Knotty Pine Swamp Thence down the said road to Kitterells Road thence along the Road to George Williams and from thence to the head of the White Potts, then down the said Swamp to Bennets Creek, thence down the said Creek to the first station.”

Edward died sometime before 1752. He had written his will in 1738 and had it witnessed by both of his brothers, William and John. His nephew William, son of William was most likely the one who probated Edward’s will in 1758. (He had another nephew William, son of John who was old enough but lived in Bertie County.)

Chowan County Wills[98]

1738 – Will of Edward Vann written – proved 4 June 1752

In the name of God Amen, February the fourteene day one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight, I Edward Van of Chowan pet being sick and weak of boddy but sound and perfit memory praise be to almighty God for it do make and ordain this my last will and testament in mannor and form following that is to say first & principally I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God having through the meritorious death and passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and to inherit everlasting life and my body comit to the earth to be decently buried at the descretion of my executors hereafter named and as touching all such temporal estate as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth

First my will that all my just debts and honorable charge be honestly paid and discharged ———

Item I give my dearly beloved wife Mary my plantation which I live on during her lifetime or widowhood.

Item I give my son Edward Vann free priviledge to build him a house where he will upon my land.

Item I give unto my son Edward Van part of a tract of land I have upon the head of Brady Pine Swamp lying on the north side of the swamp and from the head of the swamp after it north to the line I give to him and his heirs for ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Vann the other part of it the tract on the south side of the swamp and so through to the line I give to her and her heirs forever only if their mother had a notion to make use of that tract of land on the head of the knotty pine swamp for want in the time of her widowhood shall sell it to another for —- of herself and her young children.

Item I give to my daughter Sarah one shilling.

Item I give to my daughter Elizabeth one shilling.

Item I give to my daughter Ann four butter dishes and two cows and yearlings one feather bed and furniture belonging to it.

Item I give to my son Edward one feather bed and furniture belonging to it I give him three cows and yearlings and —– of hogs that he —-.

Item I give to my wife Mary —- Negro Boy during her lifetime or widowhood and every —— within and without and lastly nominate and appoint my dear beloved wife Mary and my son Edward to be executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills or wills that hath been maid by me heretofore in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal

Signed and sealed in the presents of us Edward [his :V mark] Vann

John [his IV mark] Vann
William Vann [signed]
John Lewis [signed]

William Vann proved the will 4th June 1752 before Gab Johnston

July Ct 1752

IV.3.1 Edward Vann, son of Edward, died 1770 in Bertie

· Born about 1730 Chowan Precinct, North Carolina

· Married Mary King

· Died between 4 Apr 1770 - Sept Ct 1770 Bertie County, North Carolina

· Sons William, Cader, King, and Michael Vann, daughters Elizabeth and Sarah Vann

Edward Vann, son of Edward, would have been born in Chowan County but he does not appear to have any records there. His cousin Edward, constable for Chowan most likely is the only one mentioned there. For this Edward, he moved to Bertie County and can be found there purchasing land in 1749 and 1751.

Bertie Precinct Deeds[99]

Book G p 227. Arthur Williams to Edward Van

[No date. Circa Nov 1749] 20 pds. for 212 acres on East Side of Roquiss Pocoson. A survey granted to John Williams Aug. 8, 1720. Wit: William King, Joshua Lang. November Court [1749] John Lovick C/C.

Book G p 407. Alexander Ballandine “alias Vollantine” cooper, to Edward Vann for Benjamin Baker.

Aug 24, 1751. 4 pds. 10 sh. For 140 acres. “land whereon said Vann lately dwelt” on South side of Killum adj. John Wynns, John Baker, Alexander Ballandine. Wit. Arthur Williams, Tredle Keepe. Nov. Court. 1751.

By 1757 Edward and his household are listed in Bertie County. Since he was younger than his cousin Edward, son of John, he was listed as Edward Vann, Jr. He is listed with a John Kennedy in his household, as none of his sons were over 16 yet.

1757 Bertie Co Tax List[100]

A list of taxables taken by Jos. Jordan for ye Year 1757

Edwd. Vann Jur. and Jno. Canady -2

The list of theyables for the year 1757˛ submitted by John Harrell

John Harrell 3

Wm Holloway 1

James Barfeald 1

Edward Vann 2

Joseph Minton Senr 1

Joseph Minton Junr 1

By 1758, since his cousin Edward had left the state, the Edward mentioned in the 1761 inventory was referring to him.

Records of Estates, Bertie County[101]

Inventory 14 April 1761 by the administrator. Account of sale (no date). Buyers: Benjamin Scott, Edward Cusion, William Williams, Humphrey Nicholls, Edward Vann, Henry Averet, Joseph Turner, John House, John New, George House Jr., James Moore, Matthew Turner, Charles Averet, Mary Holland, Joseph Turner, Mrs. Butler, Edward Toole, Edward Toole Sr., Jonathan Toole

Edward, son of Edward left a will listing his wife Mary, and children William, King, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Cader. (See Michael King Vann’s “History of the Vann Family” for the further genealogy of this family as they moved to Sampson County, South Carolina. Digitized manuscript held online at Family Search. Digitized by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 2013.)

Bertie County Willis[102]

Will of Edward Vann 4 Apr 1770 - Sept Ct 1770 Bertie County

". . .being sick and weak of body. . . " to my Wife Mary Vann - I lend Negro Nane for her lifetime with reversion to my daughter Mary Vann. to my Wife Mary - bed. to my Son William Vann - all that is due me and the use of the Negroes I have loaned him, and he is to maintain his mother and younger children. to my Son William Vann - my plantation and land where I live, reserving their use for my wife Mary Vann. to my Son William Vann - I lend Negroes Dick, Tarte, Nat and Beck until my son King Vann is twenty one. to my Son William Vann - Negro Dick. to my Daughter Elisebeth - Negro Beck when she marries or is twenty one. to my Daughter Sarah Vann - Negro Nat. to my Son Cader Vann - land on the south of Roquis Swamp between Thomas Leary and Mary Hill. to my Son Cader Vann- Negro Pat. to my Son King Vann - land on Cashi Swamp, also cow and calf, bed, etc. to my Son King Vann - Negro Tarte.

Ex: son William; Wit: Michael King, Wm. King, Charles King

III.4 – George Vann

· Born about 1695 in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Died after 1749 in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina

An early record suggests that William and Ann Vann had a son named George. He entered a patent in 1727. The following patent was not found in the North Carolina Land Grants online, but was listed in the Albemarle County records.

North Carolina Patents-Albemarle Records[103]

1728, 30 Oct – Patent to George Vann for 230 acres on East side of Knotty Pine Swamp – old Albemarle Records.

By 1749 George deeds land to his nephew William Vann, the constable. He may have left Chowan to settle in Bertie, but the Bertie record could also refer to George, son of Joseph.

Chowan County, North Carolina Cross Index to Deeds - Grantees 1696-1878 Vol B

Deed Bk C2, p 177

1749 - Deed George Vann to William Vann

Bertie County Deeds[104]

Bk H p 299

December 8, 1755, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Peter Hays and wife,
Bether [Butrice?], sold 100 acres to Thomas Hays for £10 on the south side
of Cashy Swamp. The witnesses were William Poythress, George Vann and John
Bryan.

III.5 – Joseph Vann, died bef. 1753

· Born c 1700 in Nansemond County, Virginia

· Married Ann Odum, daughter of Richard Odum

· Died between April 27, 1752-April Court 1753 in Chowan County, North Carolina

· Sons George and Jacob Vann, daughters Ann Langston, Dorcas, Mary, Elizabeth, and Judith Vann

A website referred to a very early record for Joseph Vann, however its source has not been found. The date seems to be too early for Joseph. It stated

Unknown Source[105]

“… soon after [1704] Joseph bought 400 acres near him [William Vann]. In the deed he is called "Joseph VANN, tar-burner."

The earliest record found for Joseph Vann is a lease for 200 acres on Knotty Pine Swamp in 1725. He was a neighbor to his brothers, William, Edward, and George and the third fourth one of them to have land there.

Chowan Precinct Court Records[106]

Vol ? p 291

William Hughes to Joseph Vann. Lease for 200 acres adjoining land of Rich'd Odom and Knotty Pine Swamp; July 30, 1725. Sarah Williams, Geo. Hughes, Sr.

The will of William Crawford gives the name of Joseph's wife, Anne.

Chowan County Wills Page 86[107]

William Crawford Chowan Co

May 12 1732. January 13, 1735.

Daus: Elizabeth, wife of Alexander Oliver, Honnor, wife of Edward Dillday. Granddaughter Mary Oliver. Wife and Executrix: Mary. Grandson Wm. Crawford (appointed Executor). Thomas Jenkins. Wit: Joseph Vaun, Anne Vaun, Richard Taylor. Will proven before W. Smith, C.J.

Since Joseph leased land next to Richard Odum in 1725 and Richard listed a granddaughter Ann Vann in his will in 1727, his daughter Ann is most likely Joseph’s wife. Joseph continued to be associated with Richard’s family after Richard left his will. (Grimes’s abstract of the will does not mention the granddaughter. Hathaway’s abstract does.)

Chowan County Wills[108]

Odum, Richard

August 12, 1727. January 24, 1728.

Sons: Richard and John, Abraham, Jacob and Aaron (to each is given a plantation). Daughters: Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Jane Odum. Wife: Anne, Executors: Richard and Aaron Odum (sons). Witness Edward Warren, Edward Vann, James Brady, and Richard Taylor.

Chowan Abstract of Conveyances[109]

Odom, Richard, Chowan, August 12th, 1729. Eldest son Richard, 2nd son John, sons Jacob, Aaron and Abraham, daughters, Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth and Jane, grand-daughter Ann Vann, sons Richard and John Executors. Test, Edward Vann, James Brady, Edward Taylor.

Joseph left other records, confirming his neighbors to be Abraham Odum, William Daniel, and others. A Bertie deed stands out, but its grantee was John Alston, a Chowan resident of Bennets Creek.

North Carolina Records[110]

Jul 1737 Ordered that Wm. DANIEL be overseer in the room of Jos. Van.

Chowan Abstract of Conveyances[111]

Abraham Odom, to Epahoroditus Boyce. 270 acres in Mossy Hill Pocosin, patented by said Odom and Edward Doughtie [sic], 640 acres in patent: Nov. 25, 1735. Test. Joseph Vann, Christopher Boyce, Henry West

John Langston to Richard Green, Jr. Nov. 26, 1739. 150 acres at a place called Sarum, beginning at a gum standing near Rogers Pocosin, then along the head line of the patent to a pine, then to the Doctors road, Etc. Test. John Langston, Jr., Thomas Langston, William Langston, Joseph Vann.

Chowan County, North Carolina Cross Index to Deeds - Grantees 1696-1878 Vol B

Lease/Release to Joseph Vann from Wm Hughes 1735

Deed to William Vann from Joseph Vann 1744

Bertie County Records, p P 123

Book E p 121.

John Alston of Chowan Precinct to Thomas Piland

Feb 18, 1736. 40 pds. for 124 acres on SES Ahoskey Swamp by patent dated April 1, 1723 to George Powell. Conveyed by deed to Alston August 11, 1726. Wit: Henry Baker, Joseph Vann, Mary Norris. May Court 1737.

Chowan County Deeds[112]

1744, 18 March – Deed Bk C p 52

Chowan Co – Joseph Vann of Chowan precinct to William Vann for 100 barrels of tar 142 ac. On Knotty Pine Swamp. Wit: Edward Vann.

Chowan Co – Joseph Vann of Chowan precinct to William Vann for same 25 barrels of tar for 200 acres.

Joseph left behind his will in Chowan County. His wife Ann is not mentioned, but he lists his children as: George, Jacob, Ann Langston, Darkes (Dorcas), Mary, Elizabeth, and Judey.

Chowan County Wills[113]

Vann, Joseph

April 27, 1752. April Court 1753.

Sons: George, Jacob ("my manner plantation"). Daus: Ann Langston, Darkes [Dorcas], Mary, Elizabeth and Judey. Executors: George and Elizabeth Vann (children). Witness: Jacob Odum, Thomas Langstone, Sary Langstone. Clerk of Court James Craven.

IV.5.1 George and Jacob Vann, sons of Joseph

· Born about 1730 in Chowan County

· Died or moved before 1779 from Gates County, North Carolina

George Vann and Jacob were the sons of Joseph. They were born in Chowan county, near to the Knotty Pine Swamp.

After their father died before the April Court date in 1753 when his will was probated, George and Jacob received the home place. They processioned their inheritance in 1756 along with their neighbors and cousins Edward and John sons of William.

Vestry Minutes of St Paul’s Parish[114]

____ 1756

George Vann his land dun, Jacob Vann his Land dun, present George Van, Jacob Rogers, Jacob Vann, Elizabeth Vann

Brother George Vann or possibly his uncle enlisted in the milita of Chowan County.

A List of Men Commanded by Capt. Charles King taken Nov 23^rd 1754[115]

… Edward Warrin

Thomas Barnes

… George Vann

By 1759 Hertford County was created from parts of Chowan placing the Vann home place in the new county. Almost all of Hertford’s records are lost. Presumably, the history of George and Jacob was in those records. Both either moved or died before 1779 when Gates County was created from Hertford and Chowan. Their sister Dorcas was listed in the 1786 census nearby alongside a man named William Vann. Could William be George or Jacob’s son?

1786 Gates Co VA[116]

——p 14
Darcase Vann 3wf, 1 b under 12 or above 50
—– p 15
William Vann 1 wm 21- 60, 2 wm under 21 or over 60, 2 wf

Addendum

Mary Vann, died 1738

The following record shows a child born to Mary Vann and raised by John Williams.

Vestry minutes of St. Paul's Parish, Chowan County[117]

1738 Vestry minutes – 22 July 1738 — John Williams proposed to this Vestry to take and keep of the Parish, a Child born of ye body of one Mary Vann Single woman of this county & prish, she Being Dead, for the consideration of the Sum of fifteen pounds — him by the prish and have the Child bound to him till it Cums of age– it is Considered and ordered.

Azaria Vann

Azariah Vann’s connection to the other Vann’s is not known. He left a number of deeds in Chowan County and he married Elizabeth Waddell in Tyrrell County.

Chowan County, North Carolina Cross Index to Deeds - Grantees 1696-1878 Vol B

Deed to Bass Jno Agariah Vann 1764

Deed to Bass Agariah Vann 1764

Lease to Howes Jno Azariah Vann 1764

Lease to Blair Geo Azariah Vann 1764

Release to Howes Jno Azariah Vann 1764

Release to Blair Geo Azariah Vann 1764

Marriages of Tyrrell County[118]

Vann, Azariah to Waddell, Elizabeth 3-Apr-1769 Tyrrell Co.

Works Cited

Bell, M. B., 1963. Colonial Bertie County NC Deed Books A-H 1720-1757. Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press.

Bradley, S. E. J. D., 1992-2000. Early Records of North Carolina, Vol. 9. s.l.:s.n.

Butcher, J. B., 1981. Probate records in Chowan County, N.C.. North Carolina: author.

Cognets, L. d. J., 1958. ENGLISH DUPLICATES OF LOST VIRGINIA RECORDS. Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co..

Firth, C. H. & Rait, R. S. e., 2016. Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum, 1642-1660. [Online]
Available at: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/acts-ordinances-interregnum

Fouts, R. P., 1983. Vestry minutes of St. Paul's Parish, Chowan County, North Carolina 1701-1776. Edenton, N.C.: author.

Gammon, D. B., n.d. Records of Estates, Bertie County, North Carolina, Volume 2, 1734-1788. s.l.:s.n.

Grimes, J. B., 1910. Abstracts of North Carolina Wills. Raleigh: E. M. Usell & Co..

Hathaway, J. R. B., 1900. The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Volumes 1-3. s.l.:s.n.

Hicks, J. R., 2003. Cherokee Lineages. Alexandria, VA: author.

Higginbotham, D. E., n.d. The Papers of James Iredell. [Online]
Available at: http://www.archive.org/details/papersofjamesir1976v1ired
[Accessed 11 March 2016].

Hoffman, M. M., 1976. Chowan Precinct, North Carolina Genealogical Abstracts of Deed Books 1696-1723. s.l.:s.n.

Human-Kirkland, S., n.d. Suzi Human-Kirkland's Family Tree:Information about John Vann. [Online]
Available at: http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/h/u/m/Suzi-Human/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0889.html
[Accessed 11 March 2017].

Koestler, S. M., n.d. Edward Vann. [Online]
Available at: http://sallysfamilyplace.com/edward-vann/
[Accessed 11 March 2016].

Library of Virginia, 2016. Land Office Patents. [Online]
Available at: http://lva1.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com

Nugent, N. M., 1934. CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS Vol.1, Abstracts Of Virginia Land Patents And Grants 1623-1666. Richmond: Library of Virginia.

Nugent, N. M., 1977. CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS Vol.2, Abstracts Of Virginia Land Patents And Grants 1666-1695. Richmond: Libarary of Virginia.

Nugent, N. M., 1979. CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS Vol.3, Abstracts Of Virginia Land Patents And Grants 1695-1732. Richmond: Library of Virginia.

PCC, P. C. o. C. w. i. s. P. 1., 2016. Wills 1384-1858. [Online]
Available at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d. Online Records Index. [Online]
Available at: http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/
[Accessed 2016].

State Archives of North Carolina, n.d. North Carolina Land Grant Images and Data. [Online]
Available at: https://nclandgrants.com/
[Accessed 11 March 2016].

Storey, A. C. & Wilsey, O. E., n.d. The Generations of Jacob Vann. [Online]
Available at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mendocem/the_generations_of_jacob_vann.pdf
[Accessed 11 March 2016].

Vann, E. E., n.d. PEARCE/MCDANAL: Wm Vann entry "History of the Vann Family". [Online]
Available at: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:1970152&id=I0096
[Accessed 11 March 2017].

Winborne, B. B., 1906. The Colonial and State History of Hertford County, N.C.. Hertford County (N.C.): s.n.

Footnotes

[1] (Vann, n.d.)

[2] (Firth & Rait, 2016)

[3] (PCC, 2016) PROB 11/135/707. Also found in: Abstracts of Wills, J. H. Lea, 1620. Boston, Mass., 1904.

[4] (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 2, 1643-1651, p. 5 (Reel 2)

[5] (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 1, 1623-1643 (v.1 & 2), p. 822 (Reel 1)

[6] (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 1, 1623-1643 (v.1 & 2), p. 941 (Reel 1); No. 2, 1643-1651, p. 180 (Reel 2)

[7] (Nugent, 1934, p. 83)

[8] (Nugent, 1934, p. 83)

[9] (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 4, 1655-1664, p. 387 (Reel 4)

[10] (Nugent, 1934, p. 393)

[11] (Nugent, 1977, p. 115)

[12] (Nugent, 1934, pp. 137, 388, 258)

[13] (Fox & Jones, 1667)

[14] Taken from the Jefferson-Fry map of Virginia 1751.

[15] (Nugent, 1934, p. 361)

[16] (Bradley, 1992-2000)

[17] (Nugent, 1979, p. 160)

[18] (State Archives of North Carolina, n.d.) File no.: 517, MARS: 12.14.46.495

[19] (Bradley, 1992-2000)

[20] (Cognets, 1958, p. 91). Also see https://archive.org/stream/plantersofcoloni00wert/plantersofcoloni00wert_djvu.txt

[21] (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 9, 1697-1706 (v.1 & 2 p.1-742), p. 531 (Reel 9).

[22] Virginia Genealogist, Volume 11, #4, whole number 44, October - December, 1967

[23] (Cognets, 1958, pp. 85, 80, 199)

[24] Online at “The Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts”

[25] (Byrd, 1969, pp. 104, 105)

[26] (Bell, 1963, p. 106)

[27] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 112)

[28] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 448)

[29] Online at http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/l/e/o/Marilyn-Leonard-Edmond/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0823.html

[30] (Human-Kirkland, n.d.)

[31] (Human-Kirkland, n.d.)

[32] (Nugent, 1977, p. 280)

[33] (Koestler, n.d.)

[34] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 112)

[35] (Butcher, 1981) also see The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, 1981.

[36] (State Archives of North Carolina, n.d.) Issued: 29 Mar 1723, Book: 3 pg: 118, File no.: 563, MARS: 12.14.46.541

[37] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 107)

[38] (Grimes, 1910, pp. 272, 43)

[39] (Bell, 1963, p. 125)

[40] Online at http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie/census/1757h.txt, http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie/census/tax1757.txt

[41] (Bell, 1963, p. 255)

[42] Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; Census Place: Savannah River Regiment, Abbeville, South Carolina; Roll: M432_848; Page: 39A; Image: 84

[43] (South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d.) Series: S213184, Volume: 0008, Page: 00273, Item: 01

[44] (South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d.) Series: S213184, Volume: 0008, Page: 00007, Item: 02,

[45] Online at www.genealogy.com/ftm/h/i/c/James-R-Hicks-VA/GENE1-0002.html

[46] (South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d.) Series: S213184, Volume: 0017, Page: 00232, Item: 02; Series: S111001, Volume: 0008, Page: 00286, Item: 003; Series: S213184, Volume: 0019, Page: 00060, Item: 00.

[47] (South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d.)Series: S111001, Volume: 0011, Page: 00244, Item: 002..

[48] (Davidson, n.d., p. 17)

[49] (South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d.) Series: S111001, Volume: 0011, Page: 00298, Item: 005; Series: S213184, Volume: 0021, Page: 00263, Item: 01

[50] (South Carolina Dept of Archives and History, n.d.) Series: S213190, Volume: 0033, Page: 00291, Item: 003

[51] (Davidson, n.d., pp. 23, 264)

[52] (Holcomb, 1978, pp. 12, 30)

[53] (Potter, 1982, p. 329)

[54] Online at http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lpproots/Neeley/cvann.htm

[55] Moravian Journals research at http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/h/i/c/James-R-Hicks-VA/GENE1-0004.html

[56] Moravian Journals research at http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/h/i/c/James-R-Hicks-VA/GENE1-0004.html

[57] (Davidson, n.d., p. 264)

[58] (Koestler, n.d.)

[59] Ber (Gammon, n.d.) p 185.

[60] (Hathaway, 1900) pp 336, 337 and 338

[61] (Koestler, n.d.)

[62] (Koestler, n.d.)

[63] Online at files.usgwarchives.net/nc/gates/census/1786cens.txt

[64] (Koestler, n.d.)

[65] (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 9, 1697-1706 (v.1 & 2 p.1-742), p. 301 (Reel 9).

[66] (Nugent, 1979, p. 160)

[67] (Nugent, 1977, p. 221)

[68] (State Archives of North Carolina, n.d.) File no.: 123; MARS: 12.14.46.123; File no.: 124; MARS: 12.14.46.124.

[69] (Hoffman, 1976, p. 50)

[70] (Koestler, n.d.)

[71] (Winborne, 1906, p. 154)

[72] (Storey & Wilsey, n.d.) and (Grimes, 1910, p. 387)

[73] Online at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lewgriffin/g0/p877.htm

[74] Research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[75] Online at http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=griffinlew&id=I15466

[76] (Fouts, 1983) research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[77] (Koestler, n.d.)

[78] (Winborne, 1906) p 154.

[79] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 128)

[80] (Fouts, 1983) research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[81] Online at http://gale-gaylefamilies.com/christopher-edmundand-miles-gale-of-north-carolina.html

[82] Online at http://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.html/document/csr05-0231

[83] (Higginbotham, n.d.)

[84] Research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[85] (Koestler, n.d.)

[86] (Koestler, n.d.)

[87] Online at files.usgwarchives.net/nc/gates/census/1786cens.txt

[88] Online at https://www.geni.com/people/William-Vann/6000000047627309164

[89] Online at files.usgwarchives.net/nc/gates/census/1786cens.txt

[90] Research of (Storey & Wilsey, n.d.)

[91] (Storey & Wilsey, n.d.)

[92] (Nugent, 1979, p. 199) and (Library of Virginia, 2016) No. 10, 1710-1719, p. 358 (Reel 10).

[93] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 45)

[94] (Hathaway, 1900, pp. 448, 112)

[95] (Grimes, 1910, p. 15)

[96] (Hathaway, 1900, pp. 448, 112)

[97] (Fouts, 1983) research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[98] (Koestler, n.d.); also (Grimes, 1910, p. 386)

[99] (Gammon, n.d., pp. 202, 217)

[100] Online at http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie/census/1757h.txt, and http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie/census/tax1757.txt

[101] (Gammon, n.d., p. 18)

[102] (Koestler, n.d.)

[103] Research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[104] (Gammon, n.d., p. 247)

[105] (Vann, n.d.)

[106] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 291)

[107] (Grimes, 1910, p. 86)

[108] (Grimes, 1910, p. 272)

[109] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 360)

[110] (Bradley, 1992-2000)

[111] (Hathaway, 1900, p. 133)

[112] Research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[113] (Grimes, 1910, pp. 386-387)

[114] (Fouts, 1983) research of (Koestler, n.d.)

[115] Online at http://www.rafert.org/colonial/King1754.htm

[116] Online at files.usgwarchives.net/nc/gates/census/1786cens.txt

[117] (Fouts, 1983) from the research of (Koestler, n.d.).

[118] Online at http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/tyrrell/vitals/tyrremar.txt

15 comments:

AnonymousMay 11, 2017 at 10:33 PM
Hello -- this is excellent information, and exactly what I have been looking for. I descend from that Jonathan Williams shown across the river from Charles Vann and William Vann in section 90, Gates County deeds. Jonathan Williams' wife was named Melia/Mildred/Milley. I match a great number of Vann descendants on AncestryDNA, specifically those who descend from Thomas Vann. I have wondered if she was his sister, but I cannot find any reference to a Milly Vann in the records. Is this at all a possibility, that there was another sibling who was just not mentioned in various estate records?
Kathy Jo BryantFebruary 17, 2018 at 5:29 AM
This comment has been removed by the author.
Wade HarrisonFebruary 18, 2018 at 3:44 PM
I would sure like to read Section 2:

"John Vann’s own records... presented as unembellished as can be in order to glimpse him at work as a Chickasaw packman, Cherokee trader and government translator."

Is it available anywhere?
UnknownOctober 15, 2018 at 6:45 AM
Hello Mr. Farmer my husband is working on his dissertation which includes this family. I have emailed you and we would love to read Section 2 and discuss other valuable aspects of your research.
Allen VannFebruary 1, 2019 at 10:32 AM
Awesome information! I am a direct descendant of John "Trader" Vann. My lineage includes his son John the translator, then his son John Issac Vann, then his son Dennis Vann, his daughter Margaret vann, her son Henry Vann, his son Robert Vann, his son Freddie vann who was my grand father.
LfolkDecember 31, 2019 at 11:20 AM
Trying to find out if an Asher Been b. 1809 in North Carolina is connected to the Vann family in this account. Thank you.
ShanonMay 16, 2020 at 2:43 PM
Great info, but i'm stumped on my Daniel Vann. Ancestry.com says Daniel was the son of Joseph john Vann the trader. But your records and Wikipedia say Avery Vann was Daniel Vann's father. Is the information on Wikipedia correct and if so why isn't his wife Mary Polly Mccombs mentioned? I'm the 4th great grand daughter of Daniel Vann. Thank you. My email is shansangelwings87@gmail.com
ShanonMay 16, 2020 at 2:52 PM
Great info, but i'm stumped on my Daniel Vann. Ancestry.com says Daniel was the son of Joseph john Vann the trader. But your records and Wikipedia say Avery Vann was Daniel Vann's father. Is the information on Wikipedia correct and if so why isn't his wife Mary Polly Mccombs mentioned? I'm the 4th great grand daughter of Daniel Vann. Thank you. My email is shansangelwings87@gmail.com
ShanonMay 16, 2020 at 2:52 PM
Great info, but i'm stumped on my Daniel Vann. Ancestry.com says Daniel was the son of Joseph john Vann the trader. But your records and Wikipedia say Avery Vann was Daniel Vann's father. Is the information on Wikipedia correct and if so why isn't his wife Mary Polly Mccombs mentioned? I'm the 4th great grand daughter of Daniel Vann. Thank you. My email is shansangelwings87@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

John Vann, Trader among the Cherokee - Section One

Section One: Vann Ancestry and Early History

Table of Contents

A Time before Virginia

An Act for an Assessment upon England at the Rate of Sixty thousand Pounds by the Moneth, for three Moneths.[2]

Will of Edward Vaughan, Yeoman of Farleigh Hungerford, in the Countie of Somerset[3]

Generation I

I.1 – Edward Vaughan

Virginia Patent[4]

Virginia Patent[7]

Virginia Patent[8]

Virginia Patent[9]

Virginia Patent

Virginia Patent[11]

Virginia Patent[12]

The Arrival of George Fox[13]

Generation II

II.1 – William Vahan

Virginia Patent [15]

North Carolina Records.[16]

Virginia Patent[17]

North Carolina Land Grants[18]

North Carolina Records[19]

1704 Quit Rent Rolls for Nansemond County.[20]

Virginia Patent[21]

Nansemond Co., VA, Deeds, Conveying Land in the Upper Parish[22]

Virginia Patents (not found in Cavaliers and Pioneers[23]

Dividing Line betwixt Virginia and North Carolina[25]

Generation III through V

III.1 – John Vann

Bertie County Deeds[26]

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina[27]

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina[28]

Chowan County Records- (Suits Dismissed & Court Papers 1746-1756.)[30]

IV.1.1 – John Vann, Indian Trader

Chowan County Deeds[31]

Virginia Patents[32]

IV.1.2 – Edward Vann, son of John

Chowan Precinct, North Carolina[34]

Probate records of Chowan County[35]

North Carolina Land Grants[36]

Conveyances of Chowan County[37]

Chowan County Wills[38]

Bertie Precinct [39]

1757 Bertie Co Tax List[40]

Bertie County Deeds[41]

South Carolina Patents[44]

Georgia Record[45]

V.1.2.1 – Joseph Vann, son of Edward and Mary

South Carolina Land Record[46]

South Carolina Land Record[47]

V.1.2.2 – Edward Vann, son of Edward and Mary

South Carolina Land Entry[49]

South Carolina Land Grants[50]

V.1.2.3 – James Vann, son of Edward and Mary

V.1.2.4 – Edith Vann, son of Edward and Mary

Ninety-Six District Journal of the Court[52]

V.1.2.5 – Clement Vann, son of Edward and Mary

Tennessee Passport[53]

Deposition[54]

V.1.2.6 – Avery Vann, son of Edward and Mary

V.1.2.7 – Susannah Vann, son of Edward and Mary

Wilkes County Deeds[57]

IV.1.3 – William Vann, son of John, died <1775 o:p="">

Chowan County Records[58]

Bertie County Deeds[59]

Bertie County, North Carolina Tax List 1759

Bertie Co Probate[60]

Bertie County Wills[62]

1786 Gates County Census[63]

IV.1.4 – Henry Vann, son of John

Wills of Bertie County[64]

III.2 – William Vann , died bef. 1740

Virginia Patent[65]

Virginia Patents[66]

Virginia Patent[67]

North Carolina Patents[68]

Chowan Precinct Deeds[69]

Chowan County Records[70]

Virginia Patents (not found in Cavaliers and Pioneers^{^[23]}

Chowan Precinct Deeds^{^[69]}

William Murfree Tax Receipt Book [Hertford County]^{^[77]}

Chowan County Deeds^{^[85]}

Chowan County Deeds^{^[86]}

A List of Men Commanded by Capt. Charles King taken Nov 23^rd 1754[115]