Book: "CAIN" by Margaret and Mildred Ezell - Cain and Associated Families of Amite County Mississippi. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Mildred and Margaret Ezell ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced by the Sd William /s/ William Cane Cane as his Last will and Testament William Ricks Thomas Whitfield Jacob Barnes Edgecombe ) June Court County ) The within will was in open court .. by the .. therein named and prove & by the oath of William Ricks & Thos. Whitfield two of ....... Sarah Cain qualified as an Executrix which is ordered to be certified and the will to be recorded. Test. Saml Wall C Clerk Wills were abstracted for Edgecombe Co. by Williams and Griffin and reads for William Cane 13 Aug 1757 June Court 1761, wife and Exx Sara Jane plantation & reversion to children where I live; son Elisha cattle south side Neuse River son Archey plantation where I live and half the land of said tract; son William other half where I live. Exr Edward Moore. Wit. William Ricks, Thos. Whitfield Sr., Jacob Barns. We are grateful for the missing names. I believe one can determine from the xerox copy that the wife's name is Sarah Cane. Probably this error came in by the name Cane being interpreted as Jane. Also please note that William acknowledges that he did not name all his children in his will. I believe the Sarah Cane named in the will of James Braswell as his daughter on 27 Sep 1760 is the wife of William Cane who died 1761, both wills in Edgecombe. See p.C-19 this compilation. Note on page C-10 this compilation that James Cain named two brothers-in- law Edward Moore and William Walker as his exrs. I believe that William Cane appointing Edward Moore his exr (with his wife) proved this William is of our family. Further study of William Cain reveals: Bertie Deed C-27 Jacob Pope to Benjamin Lane 10 Aug 1728 for 40 pds 120 ac on south side Morattock River, part of pat 7 Nov 1723 at mouth of Small Branch which makes into Looking Glass pocoson.. Wit. William Cain, Robert Sims. Bertie Deed D-206 Edward Anderson and Thomas Bryant to William Bodie 17 June 1734 for 30 pds 440 ac on north side Bridgers Creek and north side Morattock River. Wit. John Dawson, William Cain Bertie Deed D-168 William Cain to Thomas Taylor of west branch of Elisebeth River VA 12 May 1735 for 18 pds 290 ac adj William Bennett. Wit. J. Edwards, William Thomas. Edg Deed 1-225 24 Aug 1737 William Cain of precinct of Edg to Capt Thos. Bryant of Bertie precinct for 10 pds 640 ac in the fork between Fishing Creek & Deep Creek, grant to William Cane pat 28 Feb 1726. /s/ William Cain. Wit. Andrew Taylor, Thos Bryant Jr. Edg Deed 1-243 Capt Thomas Bryant of Bertie to John Oneal of Edg 10 May 1738 for 20 pds 640 ac on the fork between Fishing Creek & Deep Creek on north side Tarr River, pat to William Cane 28 Feb Page C31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS 1726 & to me 26 Aug 1737 by William Cane Jr. the eldest son & heir of the sd grantee. Wit. Bridwell Bridgers, William Dees. Bertie Deed E-474 Phillip Thomas to William Thomas 22 June 1739 for 40 pds 180 ac on Yourahaw woods & north side Morratock River ..about half of pat to Henry Sims 1 Mar 1719 adj. William Cain. Wit. John Dawson Jurrat, John Boddie, Thomas Smith Edg Deed 1-278 Samuel Horsford to John Pirks 18 Aug 1739 for 10 pds, ac not given on north side Pamlico river & Fishing Creek adj William Cain and land formerly of Thomas Bryant. Wit. Arthur Crawford, John Baker. Bertie Deed E-514 William Whitehead to James Guye 1 Oct 1739 for 10 pds, 100 ac north side Roanoke River adj Capt Thomas Bryant, William Cain, part of patent to William Whitehead for 490 ac 10 Aug 1720. Wit. J. Edwards, Jolen (John?) Pope. Edg Deed 1-267 James Cane of Edg precinct for 10 pds to William Caine 320 ac on south side Fishing Creek where sd James Cane now lives adj Emmanuel Rogers. /s/ James Cane Wit Jno Dawson, Thos Bryant. Edg Deed 1-429 John Oneal to Samuel Ruffin 19 Nov 1741 for 50 pds 640 ac in fork of Deep Creek & Fishing Creek as by pat to William Cane 28 Feb 1726 & to sd Oneal 13 May 1738 & 86 ac adj Arthur Crafford, Samuel Horsford. Wit Walter McFarlin, Robert Hilliard. Edg Deed 5-118 John Perks to Arthur Crawford for 10 pds 100 ac on north side of Pampleas River & Fishing Creek, adj William Cains line, Thos Bryant, John Oneal. 17 Oct 1742. Pat to John Oneal for 336 ac 2 Aug 1727. Wit. Richard Hurlock, Saml Ruffin, Andrew Irwing. Edg Deed 3-77 Richd Kemp to William Cain for 4 pds 16 sh 9 pence 300 ac on Deep Creek, east side of little Swamp adj Joseph Brafswells, part of pat to Richard Kemp. Wit. John Cornelius, Thomas Cockrell, Wm Magee. Edg Deed 5-347 William Cain of Edg for 30 pds to Thos Drake 320 ac on south side Fishing Creek whereon James Cain now lives adj Emmanuel Rogers. 3 Jan 1744/5. /s/ William Cane. Wit. William Morris, Wm. Willdey. Edg Deed 5-264 16 May 1744 William Jones to Francis Jones of N'hampton Co. NC, 200 ac on Rocky Swamp, pat to sd Wm Jones for 400 ac 28 July 1740. Wit Wallis Jones, James Mathis Jur, William Cain. Edg Deed 5-436 10 Feb 1745 Samuel Williams to William Cane 2 pds 130 ac on Stony Creek, north side Tarr River, pat to Saml Williams 1 Dec 1744 Wit. Wallis Jones, Wm. Jones. Edg Deed 5-403 Arthur Crafford to Jacob Hobbs for 12 pds 2 Apr 1745 land on north side Fishing Creek on William Cain's line, formerly Thos Bryants & John Oneals cor 2 Aug 1727 pat of John Oneal. Wit. Nathaniel Griffin, Boswell Bridges. Pat #633 p.148 William Cane 25 Mch 1749 193 ac in Edg Co. adj Joseph Thomas & Stoney Creek /s/ William Cain. Wit. Jos Lane, Edwd Moore Surv. 30 Jan 1748 chain carriers Robert Young, Richd Thomas, Jos Lane survr. Page C32 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Pat #1300 p.306 Robert Young 25 Mar 1749 440 ac in Edg Co. on both sides of Pigg Basket Creek adj William Braswell. Wit. W. Churton, Benj. Wynns. Surv. 15 Apr 1749. Chain Carriers William Caines, Samuel Pittman?, James Alston, Surv. Edg Deed 4-17 28 Jan 1750 William Cain of Edg to Jacob Flowers of S'hampton Co. VA. for 40 pds 85 ac on Tarr River adj Joshua Dawson and William Cain, pat to Robt Warren 26 July 1743. /s/ William Cain. Wit. Edwd Moore, Richd Ricks, Thos. Logelle. Edg Deed 3-499 13 June 1750 Capt Robert Warren to William Cane for 25 pds, 85 ac on lower half on north side of Tar River part of pat to Robert Warren 26 July 1743. /s/ Robert Warren. Wit. Edward Moore, Jno Bradford. Edg Deed 3-487 26 Nov ____ William Cain to Thomas Whitfill for 35 pds 130 ac in fork of Peachtree Creek & Pigbasket Creek. /s/ William Cain. Wit. John Thomas. Pat #1191 p.282 Richard Thomas 2 May 1752 258 ac in Edg Co. Par of Edg on both sides of Stoney Creek adj William Cain. Wits Jno Haywood, Wm Haywood. Edg Deed 4-357 21 Nov 1752 George Wimberly and wife Sarah to William Cane 50 pds 300 ac on south side Maple Creek, pat to Andrew Rofs 1745. Wit. Richd Whitaker, Richd Lewis. /s/ George Wimberly, Sarah Wimberly. Edg Deed 2-105 William Cane of Edg to George Blackwell for 200 pds 4 July 1753 200 ac on south Bide Tosnote Swamp. Wit. Duncan Laman, Jefse Blackwell. Edg Deed 2-180 21 Jan MDCCLV John Drew of Par & Co. of Edg to Elias George of Surry Co. VA for 6 pds 275 ac on north(?) side of Deep Creek at mouth of Cabin Branch & on the Run of Deep Creek adj John ONeals line, part of grant to William Cane by pat 28 Feb 1726 & part of pat to John ONeal 2 Aug 1727. /s/ John Drew Junr. Wit. Jos Harte, Benjm Harte, William Bates. Edg 4-583 24 Jan 1754 Joseph Braswell to John Hobgood 175 ac in fork on Deep Creek .. Little Swamp adj Joseph Braswell and William Cane. Wit. Henry Guston Kineny, Arthur Bell, Wm. Williams. Note: A deeds index for orange Co. begins in 1753. Edge Deed 2-76 18 Feb 1754 William Cane of Edg and Sarah his wife to George Blackwell for 20 pds 200 ac on south side of Tosneat Swamp adj Benjamin Johnson, plantation of George Blackwell, pat to William Cane 1745. /s/ William Cain, Sarah Cain. Wit. Edward Moore, Edward X Grandy, Theo. Manchson. Edg Deed 2-85 Jacob Hobby to Samuel Ruffin for 10 pds land on north side Fishing Creek adj William Cain formerly Thomas Bryant & John Oneal, pat to John Oneal 7 Aug 1727. Wits. Thos Wells, John Drew Junr, Marget Howell. Aug Court 1754. Edg Deed 2-235 23 Apr 1755 Walter Bryan to William Blan for 35 pds 160 ac on south side Connchow Creek adj Buxton, being land Walter Bryan Junr purchased of Robert Bryan. Wit. Wm Taylor, John Hooks, William his W mark Cane. Page C33 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Orange Deed index 9 Dec 1755 Benjamin Blake purchased from John McCullers 490 ac at a sale, Wit. Arthur Cook. The index book seems to be all that is available to me of this date. Note: Many of the records of Orange County pre-Revolutionary War are missing. In 1781 when Hillsboro fell to the British, James Munro, a Tory with a grudge against the State, seized the Deed Books and buried them. Not properly protected, the Deed Books rotted before they were recovered. Only one pre-Revolutionary War Deed Book survives. Deed Book 2 contains a few deeds of this period. There was a loss also of some of the court minutes. ORANGE COUNTY RECORDS VOL.1, GRANVILLE PROPRIETARY LAND OFFICE, ABSTRACTS OF LOOSE PAPERS by William D. Bennett. Edg Deed 6-146 12 June 1756 William Cane of Edg to Jesse Thomas, grant of William Cane 25 Mar 1749 193 ac adj Joseph Thomas, on north side of Sting Creek. /s/ Wm Cane. Wit. Edward Moore, Wm. Thomas, Richd Thomas. Feb Court 1757. Orange Min of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Court of Sep 1757 Petit juror failed to show: Daniel Cane. Ibid Mch 1758 Qualified as grand juror: Daniel Cane. Ibid Sep 1758 Daniel Cain granted license to keep tavern in the house where William Reed formerly lived. Ibid Mch 1760 Daniel Cain apptd constable in the district where Samuel Stewart lives near the courthouse. Ibid Aug 1760 Daniel Cain apptd constable in room of John Thomas. Orange Deed 13 Mch 1759 Earl of Granville to David Cain 428 ac. Wit. Wm. Churton. Edg Court Min 25 Sep 1759 Ordered that a Road be layd out from Osborn Jeffries Road at the Granville Line thence near Micajah Thomas's to Tarr River Road at or near William Caine & that some twelve of the following persons being qualified, be a jury to lay off the same: ..Mathew Drake, Jacob Braswell, Willm Caine.... From the loose papers by Bennett, (see above) is the following: Warrant of Dempsey Rawls 7 Mch 1761, 700 ac on White Oak Creek, waters of New Hope, below William Tumor Thomason. Surveyed 2 Sep 1761. "Elisha Cane to direct this Survey". As noted by Bennett, many individuals who acquired land in the area never lived in the county. When a person is named as a chain carrier, he was on that land on that date. He also noted that a chain carrier did not necessarily have to be age 21, but had to be old enough to testify in a court action which was considered to be age 14 in some instances. One would believe a man had to be at least age 21 and on the land at that date to be directing a survey. It has been seen above that many of the grants of N.C. before the Revolutionary War were awarded by the Earl of Granville. Bennett explained: "When the Lords Proprietors sold the Carolina Grant to the King in 1729, Lord Carteret refused to sell his interest. In 1744 the King allotted Lord Carteret, later Earl Granville, his one eighth share of the Colony. The Granville Grant was a sixty mile wide strip running from the Atlantic Ocean to the 'South Seas' Page C34 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS bordering on the Virginia Line. This included all vacant land in what was to become Orange County. The procedure for obtaining land from Granville began with filing an 'Entry' briefly describing the tract of land desired and the number of acres. The grantee signed the Entry and on occasions also signed the Entry Book maintained by Granville's agents. The next step was to secure a 'Warrant to the Surveyor' to have the land surveyed. This warrant gave the same information concerning the land as appeared on the Entry. The surveyor would then survey the land and return the Warrant with three copies of a plat of the land including the metes and bounds. Then two copies of the deed were prepared, signed by both Granville's agent and the grantee. One copy was for the grantee, the other for Earl Granville. A copy of the plat was attached to each copy of the deed. The third plat was filed with the Entry and Warrant and kept by Granville's agent. With the death of Granville in 1763, most of the Granville Proprietary Land Office Papers remained in private hands. In 1777 the General Assembly passed an act providing for the State to acquire all of these papers which had survived. It is apparent, from the record, that many of the papers had become scattered by this time. Those papers located were filed with the Secretary of State. Sometime during the early part of this century, probably when Bryan Grimes was Secretary of State, part of the collection came into the hands of the North Carolina Historical Commission and were eventually deposited at the North Carolina State Archives. In 1985 both collections were merged at the Archives. Those papers needing it were laminated and the collection arranged by counties. All documents concerning a particular tract of land are filed in folders labeled with the name of the last known claimant to the land. These folders are arranged alphabetically within the county. It should be borne in mind that these papers could be assigned. Therefore it is possible to find that an Entry was made by one individual and assigned to a second individual in whose name the Warrant was issued. The warrant could be assigned to a third individual in whose name the Survey was made. The entire group of papers could be assigned to a fourth individual in whose name the Deed was issued. . .Several years ago the North Carolina State Archives acquired the surviving copies of the deeds sent to Earl Granville. These are arranged in alphabetical order for the researcher." Bennett, ABSTRACTS.., p. iii. It is possible that when studies are made of all these records that much can be added to our fund of knowledge on our Cain family. Edg Co. Court Min. 23 June 1761 The Last will and Testament of William Cain deceased was Exhibited into court & proved by the oath of Wm Ricks and Thos. Whitfield two of the subscribing witnefs's and at the same time Sarah Cain the widow qualified thereto. Note. Further probate of William Cain's will did not take place in Edg nor was any of his sons named as exrs. One believes William's family had been moving on. Pat #747 p.176 Jacob Flowers 23 July 1761 629 ac in Edg Co. on north side of great branch adj Edward Moor and William Cane. /s/ Jacob X Flowers. Wit. Dun Lamon, Jno Lasslie. Page C35 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Edg. Co. Court Min. July 1763 Ordered that William Cane orp of William Cane be bound to Francis Palmer to learn the art and mistery of a carpenter and joyner. The genealogy of William Cain: William Cain, b c.1705 (his father William and mother. Elizabeth in Bertie Precinct, N.C.by 1722), d c.1761 Edgecombe Co., N.C. (his will 3 Aug 1757 / June Court 1761); m c.1735 Sarah ____. She is believed to be Sarah Cain, named in the will of James Braswell as his daughter on 27 Sep 1760. They had issue.. m 1) Elisha Cain, b c.1739 probably Bertie Precinct N.C., d after 1805 but not known where; m Martha Blake, dauqhter of Benjamin Blake whose will written 2 Apr 1783, recorded May Court 1783 in Orange Co. Will Bk. A-275. Elisha was willed his father's cattle on the south side Neuse River. m 2) Archibald Cain. was willed the plantation home and one half the land in Edgecombe Co. m Patty ___. m 3) William Cain was willed the other half of the plantation land in Edgecombe Co.; m Lucy Berry, dau of Richard & Fanny Berry. 4) Other children not known. The descendants of Hardy Cain (who died 1813 Amite Co., MS) claim descent from this Elisha Cain and Martha Blake. The will of Benjamin Blake 2 April 1783, recorded May Court 1783 in Orange Will Bk. A-275, reads.. (See p. C-104) In the name of God Amen I Benjamin Blake of the County of Orange in the State of North Carolina planter being weak in body but of purfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God calling unto mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to Die Do make and Ordain this my Last will and Testament That is to say principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Body to the earth to be buried in Decent Christian burial and my Soul to almighty God that gave it and as touching such worldly Estate which it has Pleased God to Blefs me in this life I give demise and Dispose of the same in the following manner First I give & bequeath to my daughter Martha Cain Ten pounds in Specia with what she had forever. Also I have and bequeath to Son Benjamin Blake fifty pounds in Specia with what he had forever. Also I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Braswell Eighty five pounds in Specia forever. Also I give and bequeath to my Daughter Rebeckah Mafson Eighty eight pounds in Specia forever. Also I give and bequeath to my grandaughters and son of Thomas Philips named Penelope, Mary, Ann, Obedience and Hardy Philips, the sum of Fifty pounds in Specia when they are of Lawful age to be equally Divided between them forever. Also I give and bequeath to my grandchildren Sarah Cain and Absalom Cane, Son and Daughter of Elisha Cain the sum of Sixty pounds in Specia as they become of Lawfull age, equally to be Divided between them forever. Also I give and bequeath to my Daughter Penelope Blake one hundred pounds in Specia forever. Also I give and bequeath to my Daughter Page C36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Ann Blake one hundred pounds in Specia forever. Also I give & bequeath to my Daughter Bethana Blake one hundred pounds in Specia forever. Furthermore it is my will that my three youngest Daughters Penelope, Ann and Bethana Blake Shall be brought in a good respectable Decent manner until they are of Lawful age and as they become of Lawful age to receive their above said Legacies out of my Estate Real or Personal. I likewise appoint my Trusty friend Edward Tric. (my Neighbbur), Trustee of this my last will and Testament. Lastly I give bequeath and Devise after my Lawful Debts are paid all the residue or remainder of my whole Estate Lands and Teniments claims of Lands, Household Goods, Negroe Slaves, Cattle, Horses, Bills, Bonds Book Debts with all manner of Moveables whatsoever to my Son Jones Blake and his heirs forever whom I Likewise Constitute make & Ordain my Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament and I do hereby utterly Revoke and Disannul all & every other former Testaments, wills Legacies Bequeasts and Executors by me in anywise before named, willed and bequeathed, Ratifying this and no other to be my last will and Testament. In witnefs whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixd my Seal this Second Day of April In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty three. Signed Sealed published pronounced /s/ Benjamin Blake Seal and declared by the said Benjamin Blake as his Last will and Testament in the presence of us Enuch Lewis ) Note word (and his heirs forever) James Trice ) interlined before Sealed in the 23d line William Trice) Orange County May Court 1783 The Execution of the within will of Benjamin Blake Decd was duly proved in open Court by the oaths of James Trice and William Trice subscribing witnefses thereto and ordered to be recorded. Test illegible. The records continue: Orange Co. loose paper (from Bennett p.53) Avin, Joseph, survey 21 Feb 1763, 350 ac on Shaddock Creek, Haw River; Elisha Cane and Bracket Woods, chain bearers. Ibid, Avin, Joseph, survey 23 Feb 1763, 350 ac on Shaddock's Creek; Elisha Cain and Bracket Wood, sworn chain carriers. Orange Co. Court (pleas & Qtr Session) p.30 May 1763 Elisha Cain apptd constable in room of James Callers. Ibid Aug 1763 Ordered that Oldham Hightower by apptd overseer of road in the room of Elijah Cain beginning at Isaac Collins to John Pitts plantation and that all the hands in the fork of Haw River and New Hope River are to assist. p.61. Dempsey Rolls (Rawls) apptd overseer of road in room of Elijah Cain and that all the hands within 6 miles assist ... p. 61 Ibid May 1765 John Dowell vs Henry Brasewell & Elijah Cain, debt. p.403 Ibid Aug 1766 Thomas Rainburne who was ec(?) for Joseph Stewart adsum.(?) (at the suit of) Jackson's Exrs brings him into open Page C37 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS court & surrenders him up whereupon Elijah Cain & John Stewart enters themselves special bail. Edg Estate Record Oct Ct. 1763 William Bryant and Jonathan Cane qualified as exrs of the will of Thomas Harrell. Orange Deed is May 1764 John Cain sold to John Rainey 250 ac. Wit Wm. Reed. Orange Deed 13 Aug 1765 Richard Parker to Elijah Cain 40 ac. Wit. Richard Parker. Ibid. 10 Nov 1767 Thomas Webb to William Cain 200 ac. Wit. William Glenn.. Ibid 10 Nov 1767 Hugh Woods to Hugh Cain 60 ac. Chatham Co. was created about 1770 from Orange Co. Chatham Co. Deed A-3 1 Aug 1771 Richard Parker to John Booker, planter for 50 pds, acreage not stated on north side of Haw River on waters of Bush Creek adj James Kirby. where John 0. Booker now lives. wit. Isiah Hogan, John Wood, Elisha Cain. Chatham Deed A-81 17 Sep 1771 Elisha Cain to Francis Cypart for 125 pds 148 ac on east side New Hope Creek, Cain's deed 28 Oct 1764. /s/ Elisha Cain Wit. John Brown, William Lassiter. Chatham Deed A-128 6 Nov 1772 David Griffen and wife Sarah to Elisha Cain for 90 pds, two tracts adj each other; adj Theophilus Petty, Charles Clanton, William Petty Jun, grant of James Ray for 102 ac. also on Little Creek 60 ac. /s/ David Griffin, Sarah X Griffin. Wit. Jesse George, William X Cain. Chatham Deed A-192 14 Jan 1773 David Griffin to Richard Kennon 60 pds, personality. Wit. Elisha Cain. Chatham Deed A-261 16 Sep 1773 Elisha Cain Esq as sheriff of Chatham to Ralph Macnair of Orange, etc. Chatham Deed A-295 no date Francis Berry, John Berry, Pretteman Berry and Exrs of Richd Berry decd,. all of Chatham to William Johnston of Orange Co. 30 pds, sale of negro. Wit. John Maclellan, Elisha Cain. c.1774 Chatham Deed B-3 15 Feb 1775 William Bynum of Chatham to Jacob Flowers of Edg for 300 pds 382 ac on north side Haw River on Bush Creek, land to Wm. Bynum by John Hally 21 Jan 1763; also 215 ac adj above tract & John Hattey, conveyed by John Falconer to Wm. Bynum 31 Jan 1763. wit. Bromfield Ridley, Elisha Cain. Chatham Deed B-42 3 Aug 1774 Jacob Rogers to Bias Rogers for 50 pds 200 ac, part of 400 ac grant to sd Jacob Rogers by John Wheeler, deed 21 Feb 1766; now deed the lower half on east side New Hope Creek. Wit. Elisha Cain, Isam Rogers. Chatham Court Mm. (Pleas & Quarter Sessions) May 1774. Elisha Cain apptd overseer of road in room of John Pitts. The Court voted for sheriff as follows: Abner Hill for Elisha Cain, Francis Drake for Elisha Cain, Jedethan Harper for Elisha Cain The governor to appoint the sheriff for the ensuing year. Page C38 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Ct. Min for May 1774. Elisha Cain resigned office of Coroner for the Co. Elisha Cain produced a Commission from the Governor appointing him Sheriff of Co. of Chatham. He entered into bond with Jedethan Harper, Mial Scurlock, Richard Kennon, Wm. Lasiter, Zacha Harman, Wm. Clark & Matthew Jones and was qualified. Ibid 9 Aug 1774. Adm of Estate of William May decd granted William May Junr and Henry Garner, sec. Matthew Jones and Elisha Cain. Processioners for Capt. Cain's Dist: Elisha Cain & Gray Barby. Ordinary lycence granted to Elisha Cain, he having given Bond with John Kinchen and John Auld. mid Aug 1775. Wm Cain relinquished his securityship for widow Fanny Berrys ferry and thereupon Volentine Braswell entered himself security in the room of the sd William Cain. Ibid Nov. 1775. John Gregory apptd overseer of the road in the room of Elisha Cain Esqr. Ibid May 1777 Elisha Cain & Francis Sypart appt commissioners for letting to the lowest bidder for repairing Newhope bridge near the sd Francis Syparts. The county of Chatham to be laid out into 8 districts as: ..#1 All the lands on the north side of Haw river below the road that leads from the Sevin Islands to the county line by Elisha Cains. #2 All the lands on the north side of Haw River in this co. above the road that leads from Seven Islands by Elisha Cains to the county line. The following persons be apptd assessors in the following dists: Joshua Rosser, Elisha Cain & Gidion Goodwin #2. Archibald Cain apptd overseer of the road in the room of John Gregory. Ibid Aug 1777 Elisha Cain foreman of Grand Jury. William Cain, Prettiman Berry, John Thomas & George Dismukes apptd patrolers in Capt Clarks dist the ensuing year. Isaiah Hogan Esq sheriff bond with Bondsmen Elisha Cain, Ibid Aug 1778 A road be laid out the best way from Orange Co. line near Henry Beazley's down by Gray Barbys crossing the north east branch of Newhope above the mouth and from thence near Archibald Cains into the road that leads by Robert Cobbs to Atkinses ferry on Cape Fear & any 12 of the following to be a Jury to lay Out the same: ... Elisha Cain .. Wm. Cain.. The following Gentlemen be recommended to the General Assembly as persons properly qualified to be added to and put into the Commission of the Peace, to wit:.. Elisha Cain ... Archibald Cain, a jury member Elisha Cain & Richard Parker commissioners to let the building of a bridge over Newhope near Francis Syparts. Bias Rogers aptd overseer of road in room of Archibald Cain. Chatham Deed B-128 2 Mch 1778 Fanny Berry, relict of Richard Berry decd, Pretteman Berry & wife Sarah, William Cain and wife Lucy to Richard Kennon for 226 pds 100 ac on south side Haw River at mouth of Berry Branch adj Herculas Henderson. /s/ Pretyman Berry, William X Cain, Fanny X Berry, Sarah x Berry, Lucy X Cain. Wit. Isaiah Hogan, Elisha Cain, Roger Griffith. Chatham Deed B-142 9 Feb 17.76 John & Levy Murphree and wife Rebeckah to Archibald Cain for 40 pds 375 ac on Little White Oak. Page C39 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS /s/ John Murphree, Levy X Murphree. Wit. Elisha Cain, William Blyth, William X Cain. Orange Land Entry #28 2 Mar 1778 Robt Abercombie enters a claim to 200 ac land on a branch of Le Hlo River adjoining Wm Cain & Wm. Cleary to the south of them including an entry made by Capt. Wm McCain. Wm Cain sets up a claim to the entry. Ibid #33 2 Mar 1776 Richd Cates enters a claim to 400 ac land on the drains of Little River & Enoe adj Hugh Woods, Wm & Timy Cain & Wm Clennys lines including Wm Clark, John Greys & my own Entry. John Grey sets up a claim to this entry. Ibid #119 10 Mch 1778 John Nicholds enters a claim to 200 ac land lying on the waters of Little River hounding on his own land & the lands of Thomas Clark, John Woods.. Ibid #304 22 May 1778 John Gray enters a claim to 400 ac lying on the dranes of Little River & Eno adj Hugh Woods, Wm & Timy Cain & Wm Clenny's lines... Ibid $487 Aug 10 1778 Stephen Wilson enters a claim to 150 ac .. on the west side of Little River by the lands of Heny Eastace, McCulloch, Stephen Wilson & Jas Cain. Ibid #696 5 Oct Wm Dunnegan enters a claim to 300 ac. on the waters of Dunnegans Mill Creek a Branch of little River adj his own line & the lines of Wm Cain & Baney Grimes including the improvement which he purchased from Saml Akin. Orange Co. Mm of Inferior Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions: May 1777 Wm Cain Esq. J.P. Deed from Wm Bebane to Wm & Timothy Cain proved by John Gray. Feb. 1778 Road to be opened from Caswell Co. line near Taps Mill thence by Thos Gibbons & James Cains to a road leading from Johnstons Ordinary to Capt Charles Abercrombies.. Feb 1778 Wm Cain ... Esqrs apptd to take the oath of allegiance of "all male persons above the age of 16 yrs".. This proves the Cains were not Torys. Justices to receive Lists of Taxable property from Inhabitants: William Caine for St. Marys District. The following to value Taxable property: .. Timothy Cain for St. Marys Dist. Aug 1778 Wm. Cain collector for St. Marys dist., bond with Wm. Courtney & Wm Cluny. Nov 1778 The following hands to work in opening a new road from Caswell Co. line to the widow Words near Wm Johnstons: ... James Caine, William Ray, John Moore Sen, James Moore. Benj. Blake on next jury. Feb 1779. Wm Cain Magistrate apptd for St. Marys Dist. Last will & Testament of Jacob Cain decd proved by oath of Wm. Johnston. wits. Jacob Allin & John Cain qual. as exrs. From Will Bk. A-208: Jacob Cain will dated 6 Aug 1779, proved 1779. He names wife Joanna who is pregnant. Wit. James Fen, Wm. Leathers, Wm. Johnston. Orange Co. Court Min. Nov 1791 Last will of Hugh Cain decd proved by Moses Leathers & Wm. Johnston. Hugh Cain qual as exr. Note: This will is dated 21 June 1761, recorded Nov. 1781 in Orange Page C40 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS names daughter Ann; song William, Hugh, James, Allan, cousin Elizabeth McKinley. Son William's children: John, James, Ann, twins Fanny and Margaret .. Wit. Moses Leathers, Wm. Johnston. Exrs sons William and Hugh. After Chatham County was cut off from Orange Co. in 1770, the sons of William (died c 1761 Edg.) all seemed then in Chatham, though there were Cains left in Orange. A very prominent William Cain was there who left his will dated 14 Dec 1927 proved Nov 1934 who could have been son of an earlier William in Orange who d c.1780 but the records do not prove it. The William who d 1834 named dau Polly Southerland; Brother Timothy; son in law Willie P. Mangum and his wife Charity; son William Cain, dau Ann Davis wife of Edward Davis; grandchildren William Cain, William R. Southerland and William Cain Davis, dau Peggy Cain, to Eliza Moore, dau of Philip Moore; decd dau Martha. Exrs friend Duncan Cameron & son William. Wits. Thos D. Bennehan, Saml Yarborough. This William with William Ray owned a mercantile business in Hillsboro. He was a very prominent and wealthy man of the county. In 1800 was one of the three largest landowners with 4417 acres. He was a state senator 1789, had 14 slaves in 1790, was a trustee of the Hilisborough Academy in 1801. I do not know how these Cains connect to our set of Cains. But as I believe these of orange Co. are of a different set of Cains from ours, I have given only a few of the earliest records and will now concentrate on the Chatham Co. Cains. Chatham Co. Land Entry #24 16 Feb 1778 Elisha Cain enters 400 ac beginning at Zacha Harmans south line where the road crofses leading to Crop Creek, then south 12 cuts crofs the Camp branch to a corner, thence west to the road leading to the Iron Works on Deep river ... whereon Thos Molone lived which he bought of him. There was a caveat on this land by Mial Scurlock and the warrant was granted to Scurlock at the May Court. Ibid #52 1778 Archd Cain enters 400 ac being an improvement he bought of James Murphy lying on both sides of White Oak the waters of New Hope, beginning at the corner of his own deeded land running from thence to Wm. Turner Tomersons line thence along his line south & from thence around for complement. Caveat by Randol Wade. #152 Richard Strawn enters 300 ac on both sides Cain Island Creek 13 July 1778 the waters of Haw river beginning at the head of sd creek running down for complement... #213 William Dilliard enters 640 ac on 14 Aug 1778 on waters of Camp Branch adj John Dilliard, Wm Petty, Zacha Harman, Elisha Cain, Wm Clark, the Gulph road & crofs Creek road to the South. #244 31 Aug 1778 Elisha Cain enters 400 ac beginning at Archd Cains west corner the upper side of White Oak running west to a branch below his own plantation thence down said branch to Thos Cyperts corner thence along sd line south acrofs white oak then East to Henry's Braswell then to Archd Cains line and along sd line to the first station including the plantation whereon he and Sion Rogers lives. Page C41 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Land Entry #246 31 Aug 1778 Francis Sypert enters 640 ac on both sides Newhope begining on the Creek at a black oak his own corner running along his line east of Elisha Cains line, thence along sd line south to a corner thence west across Newhope and thence west to the first station. Warrt ifsd 18 Dec. #247 Francis Sypert enters 640 ac in behalf of his son Robert a Soldier absent in the service of the U.S. on the west side of Newhope beginning in William Blyths line. Warrt ifsd 19 Dec. #248 Thomas Sypert enters 200 ac on New Hope beginning at Francis Syperts north corner running north to Elisha Cains corner thence east along Cains line thence to the Reedy branch, then down nd branch to Hatleys line. Warrt ifsd 18 Dec. #279 17 Sep 1778 Adam Akeman enters 500 ac on White Oak the waters of Newhope, beginning at a pine adj John Pitts Junr & Archd Cain. #349 28 Oct 1778 Elisha Cain 350 ac on great beaver creek beginning on north side on Wake County line running west to Rhodes line thence south acrofs the creek thence east up sd Creek to the county line & along sd line including the improvement where on Arthur Hood now lives & to the first station for complement. Warrt ifsd Mar 1st. #779 10 Feb 1779 Elisha Cain 25 ac beginning at his own south corner tree runing west to the Gulph road thence north along sd road to this thence east to his upper corner thence to his own line south to the begining. Warrt Ifsd 19 June in the name of Zachr Harman by consent. /s/ Ramsey. Chatham Deed B-305 20 Aug 1779 State of N.C. to William Dillard 640 ac on Camp Branch at Harmans Corner, adj Petty, John Dillard, the old chapel path, across Gulph road,. Ashfords corner, Giffords & Scurlocks corner, entered by Cain. Ibid B-325 19 Nov 1779 Daniel Booker to Bias Rodgers 1000 pds 122 acres, crosses Walnut Branch, on waters of Newhope Creek, survey 30 Aug 1775. Wit. James Bell, Elisha Cain Chatham Deed B-341 12 Aug 1779 Archibald Cain and wife Patty to Elisha Cain 2000 pds 375 ac on waters of Little Oak survey 2 Sep 1771. /s/ Archebald (A) Cain, Patty (S) Cain. Wit. William Poe, William X Cain, Arthur X Hood Chatham Deed B-344 1 July 1779 State of N.C. to Archibald Cain 399 ac adj his own land and Turner Tomlinson. Chatham Deed B-364 12 Aug 1779 William Blyth to Archibald Cain 2000 pds 175 ac on west side Newhope adj Parker. /s/ Wm. Blyth. Wit. Elisha Cain, William Poe. Chatham Deed B-375 9 Nov 1779 Elisha Cain and wife Mary to Zachariah Harmon 3500 pds, 2 tracts adj each other; 1 adj Theophelus Petty, Charles Clanton and William Petty Jr. on Little Creek, Haw Branch, grant of James Ray 100 ac; also on Little Timber Branch 60 ac. /s/ Elisha Cain. Wit. Jas Williams, A. Clark. Chatham Deed B-407 6 Mar 1780 James Willis to Robert Russel 1000 pds 358 ac. Wit. Elisha Cain, Jam. Seller. Page C42 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Ct. Min. Feb 1779 p.179 The order of. the Court be renewed for laying out a road from Orange County line near Henry Beazley's down by Gray Barbees crossing the north east branch of New Hope, above the mouth and from thence near Arch'd Cains into the road that leads by Robt Cobbs to Adkins ferry on Cape Fare, & that any 12 of the following persons be a Jury to lay off the same... Elisha Cain... Ibid p.181 The following persons summoned as Jurors to attend the next Supr Court to be held for Hillsborough Dist: Elisha Cain. Ibid May 1779 p.184 The order for laying out a road from Orange Co. line near Henry Beazleys down to Gray Barbys crossing the North East branch of Newhope above the mouth & from thence near Arch'd Cains into the road that leads by Robert Cobbs to Atkinsons ferry on Cape fear be renewed. Ibid p.192 Elisha Cain security on bond of John Birdsong Esq. as sheriff. Chatham Land Entry #795 13 Feb 1779 Lewis Griffin 200 ac beginning in Archd Cains line on Jerry Henrys Branch runing south to Elisha Cains line of his Reaves Creek plantation and round for compt. Ibid #836 29 Mch 1779 Elisha Cain enters 300 ac begining at his own corner - a pine on the north side great beaver creek thence south acrofs sd creek to Duncan Bohanan line and along his line south 12 ___. thence east to Wake County line thence along sd line to his own line. Warrt ifsd 19 June. Ibid #843 31 Mch 1779 Elisha Cain for 300 ac on both sides of White Oak begining on his own line & runing west adj Frans. Sykerts line & round according to Law for compl. Warrt ifsd 19 June. Ibid #854 Elisha Cain enters 300 ac on 5 Apr 1779 beginning on Thomas Syparts corner runing east & round for complement. Warrt ifsd June 19th. Ibid #856 6 Apr 1779 Sim Rogers 200 ac begining on Elisha Cains upper corner runing east to Lewis Griffins and round for compt. Warrt ifsd 22 Oct. Ibid #859 7 Apr 1779 Thomas Sypert enters 100 ac between the lines of Elisha Cain & Thomas Adams beginning at Adams corner & runing east & round for compt. warrt ifsd 22 Oct. Ibid #954 28 Sep 1779 Elisha Cain enters 100 ac. This Entry in the Original Book is obliterated so that no efsential part of it can be transcribed. Warrt ifsd. An additional note stated The original is destroyed owing to the Book having been hidden in the earth in the time of the War to prevent it falling into the hands of the Enemy. Note by ME: The land entries here were all transscribed, I suppose, because of the condition of the books after the War. This is an example of the Patriots burying the books. Tories were very active in both the Carolinas and protecting the records as well as lives was a serious consideration. Ibid #17 28 Mch 1791; Benjamin Fourman 150 ac begining at a pine in Johnsons old line. Running south and round agreeable to law for complt. Page C43 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Ct. Min. Nov 1781 Ordered that John Griffin be apptd overseer of the road leading from Elisha Cains towards Newbern to the Wake line in the room of Elisha Cain. Ibid Feb 1782. Elisha Cain presided at the Chatham courts. Ordered that Elisha Cain be allowed the sum of 2500 pds for his trouble as afsefsor for the county for the year 1781. Ibid Ordered that Elisha Cain have leave to turn the road that runs through his plantation to begin at the upper end of Francis Cyprets plantation runing round the sd Cain plantation leading the same to the right hand and into the former road near the Rocky Branch. Ibid May 1782 On 23 May 1782 Justices apptd to receive the list of Taxable property in the different districts: No. 4 Elisha Cain. Archabald Cain was Juror in suit state vs Barnwell Kendrick. Ibid Feb 1783. Ordered that the sheriff summon the following persons to attend at Hillsborough the next superior court to serve as Juror. Archibald Cain & Elisha Cain Esq. Ordered that Edmond Browdes have leave to build a grist mill acrofs New Hope & that Elisha Cain, Francis Sypert Senr, Matthew Davis & Joseph Crunch be apptd to value one acre land on the creek side.. Ordered that Elisha Cain, William Ragland & James Sellars Senr be apptd to appraise estate of Charles Thompson decd. Ibid Aug 1783. Ordered that William Cain, Bry Grigory & Thos Cypert be apptd Patrolers the ensuing year in Dist No. 2. Ordered that there be a road laid out by the following persons beginning at the Orange Co. line near Henry Beasleys Senr runing down by Gray Barbeys plantation crofsing near the mouth of the northeast from thense the most nearest and best way to hit the head of a road caled Cobbs road: ... William Cain ... Elisha Cain, Thomas Cypert, Francis Cypertt Junr .. Suit Archiblad Cain agst John Ragan. Ibid Nov 1783. Ordered that a Dedimus Pikstation Ifsure to John Re Depossions of William Cain in the suit John Milton Glascock agst Elisha Cain. D B. Ibid Feb 1784 Ordered that Thomas Sypart be apptd overseer of the road from New Hope Bridge to Wake County line and that the following hands work on the same to wit Francis Sypert, Elisha Cain ... Ordered that Thos Gregory be apptd overseer of the road from the luke? Branch the new road to Wake County line to wit ... Wm Cain Ordered that the following Justices be apptd to receive the list of Taxable property for the ensuing year in the different districts as follows to wit: Elisha Cain Esq in Dist No. 1. Ibid Aug 1784 Ordered that John Wilson be apptd overseer of the road leading out of Seven Island road near John Pettys at the head of Cobbs road to Wake County line as was laid out by a Jury & that the following hands work in the same: ..Francis Sypert, Archebald Cain, Thos Sypert, ... William Cain.. Ibid Nov 1784. Ordered that Archebald Cain & Thomas Sypert be allowed 33 pds 10 sh for building New Hope Bridge & that the sheriff pay the same. Page C44 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Ordered that the following hands work on the road under Thomas Sypirt ... William Cain. Chatham Deed C-141 Elisha Cain and Balsan Thompson wit. 9 Feb 1784 Zachry Harman & wife Rebeccah to Adam Mosy for 50 pds 390 ac on north side Rockey River beginning at Hukry Bush. Chatham Deed C-268 21 Mch 1778 State of N.C. No. 363 Grant to Elisha Cain 400 ac beginning at Archebald Cains west corner. Chatham Deed C-268 State of N.C. No. 411 Grant to Elisha Cain 262 ac beginning at Thomas Coperts, Rodgers line, Pattersons line, Rutherfords corner, Cain old line. 31 Mch 1780. Chatham Deed C-269 #432 State of N.C. grant to Elisha Cain 196 ac beginning on his own corner, bank of Beaver Creek ... at the county line. 1 Apr 1780. Chatham Deed C-271 State of N.C. grant to Elisha Cain 350 ac on great Beaver Creek ... Wake Co. line across Beaver Creek. 31 Mch 1780. #373. Chatham Deed C-272 #298 State of N.C. grant to Elisha Cain 300 ac ... both sides White Oak Creek waters of New hope .. Cains line .. Ciperts line. 31 Mch 1780. Chatham Deed C-339 24 Apr 1783 Archibald Cain of Chatham to William Cain of same 100 pds 399 ac .. his own deeded land. Turner Tomlinsons line. /s/ Archabald his A mark Cain. Wit. Elisha Cain, William Brown, William Halley. Chatham Deed C-373 7 Aug 1784 William Willis from William Rhoads 100 pds 150 ac on Beaver Creek at Elisha Cains line, grant of Wm. Rhoads /s/ William Rhodes. Wit. Elisha Cain, Betty Ann Willis. Chatham Ct.Min. Feb 1785 On the grand jury: Wm Cain Ordered that Sarah Braswell be apptd gdn to her children: Cynthia Braswell, Bleak Williams Braswell. Sec. on bond Elisha Cain and Archd Cain. Elisha Cain travelled 50 miles to Hillsborough on Co. business. Ibid May 1785. Ordered that the following Justices be apptd to receive the list of Taxable Property for the present year: Capt. Ridles Company - Elisha Cain. Volentine Braswell decd orphans. Note: 5 years of the court minutes are missing here. Chatham Deed D-64 Prettiman Berry to Wm. Cain for 40 pds .. 1/3 part of negro Agge left me by will of my father Richd Berry decd. 30 Jan 1786. /s/ Pretymon Berry. Wit. Elisha Cain, Rebeker X Cain. Chatham Deed D-103 1 Oct 1785 Archabald Cain to Robert Parker 200 pds 175 ac on west side Newhope Cr on Parkers line. /s/ Archabald his A mark Cain. Wit. Robt Edwards, Daniel Owen. Chatham Deed D-117 9 May 1785 Francis Sypeart Senr to Thomas Sypeart 100 pds 100 ac, grant to sd. Francis Sypeart 31 Mch 1780 on east side New Hope Creek, Elisha Cains line. Wit. Elisha Cain, James Cain. Chatham Deed D-208 10 June 1786 Matthew Jones to Elisha Cain 7 pds Page C45 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS 2 lots of land #66 & #95 in town of ___, purchased of William Petty. /s/ Matthew Jones. Pittsborough? Chatham Deed E-39 18 Dec 1787 William Cain to Isaac Horsey, both of Chatham 20 pds 84 ac, grant 31 Mch 1780 adj Cain, Akiman, Wilson, Pitt. /s/ William X Cain. Wit. E. Cain, Smith Morsey. Chatham Deed E-95 25 Dec 1789 Robert Sypeart of Green Co. N.C. to Francis Sipeart Junr of Chatham 50 pds 160 ac between two roads known by name of Redfield & Seven Island Road, part of 640 ac survey to Francis Sipeart Senr on west side Newbope adj William Bleth, Francis Sipeart. /s/ Robert Seypeart. Wit. John Johnson, Catharine Jones, Thomas Lambeth. Chatham Deed E-234 15 Nov 1791 Sheriff deed to Francis Jones.. whereas Archabald Cain instituted a suit agst Isam Rogers & Others, sd Archabald became lyable for the payment of cost of sd suit.. 228 ac sold on east side of Newhope Creek bounded by John Hatley, David Brumbe. .22 Oct 1784. Chatham Deed E-293 5 Mch 1789 Elisha Cain to William Goodwin of Wake 100 pds 400 ac grant of 31 Mch 1780 on north side Beaver Creek on Wake Co. line /s/ Elisha Cain. Wit. Wm Thrailkill, Jno X Jenkins Chatham Deed F-39 4 Jan 1788 William Cain to Isaac Harvey 122 pds 363 ac adj Elisha Cain, Adam Akinson, tract from Archibald Cain to sd William by deed 24 Apr 1783. /s/ William X Cain. Wit. John Gordon, E. Cain, Smith Horsey. Chatham Deed F-133 22 Oct 1785 David Brumbelow to Archd Cain 65 pds 228 ac, deed of 23 Sep 1782 from Bias Rogers to sd Brumbelow on east side New hope Creek, John Hatley. Wit. Elisha Cain. Chatham Ct.Min. May 1790 Ordered that John Candle by apptd overseer of the road the ensuing year in room of Elisha Cain Esqr from New Hope bridge along the Johnston road to Wake Co. line. Ordered that Justices take the lists of Taxables this year: Capt Bishops dist. Elisha Cain. Ibid Aug 1790 Ordered that Hardy Cain be apptd constable in Capt Quishinburys Dist who enters into bond with Elisha Cain in the sum of L250. Note: We believe this Hardy Cain is Hardy who died 1813 in Amite Co. MS. Probably the James who signed Deed D-117 above as a witness was his brother. See page B-3 of the S.C. records. Note also there seems to be a brother William age between James and Hardy. Ibid May 1791 p.85 Ordered that Dempsey Cain be apptd Constable in Capt Hy Bishops dist who qualified & gave bond with Elisha Cain Esq., sheriff agreeable to law. Ibid Aug 1791 p.91 Ordered that Arthur Jones be apptd overseer of the new road from a Branch at Thomas Wamker? to Gideon Goodwins Mill Pond & hands: John Hatley Senr, James Moore, Hardy Hatley, Benjamin Foreman and Hardy Cain.... p.93 To attend next superior Court: Elisha Cain. Page C46 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Ct.Min Nov 1791 Dempsey Cain resigned his office of Constable. Ibid Feb 1792 p.129 Ordered that Hardy Cain be apptd overseer of the road from the Redfield Fourd to New Hope bridge in the room of Labon Smart & .. hands: Robert Parker, John Halley Senr, Hardy Haltey. Ibid May 1792 Ordered that Hardy Cain be apptd overseer of road the ensuing year from the Redfield found on Maw River to New Hope bridge... Ibid Aug 1792 p. 189 Chosen as juror member Benjamin Foreman. Ibid May 1793 p. 219 Ordered that Hardy Cain be apptd overseer of the road the Ensuing year in the room of Joseph Pitts from New Hope Bridge to Wake Co. line. Ordered the Coleman Ledbetter be apptd overseer of the road the ensuing year in the term of Hardy Cain from the Redfield foard in Haw River to Newhope Bridge ... p. 260 Elisha Cain app'td overseer of the road in the room of Joseph Pitts from Newhope Bridge to Wake Co. line. p. 260 Coleman Ledbetter overseer from the Redfield fourd to New Hope bridge in room of Hardy Cain. Ibid Nov 1793 p. 302 Ordered that the following work under Elisha Cain from New hope Bridge to the Wake Co. line the Halifax Road.. Ibid Feb 1794 p. 313 Ordered that Elisha Cain ... be apptd commissioners to let to the lowest bidder the building a bridge over New hope Creek at or near Cyperts old Bridge &. p. 316 Ordered that Hardy Cain, Willm Cain & John Bond be apptd pattrollers in Capt Goodwins dist in the ensuing year. Elisha Cain to attend next Hillsboro Superior Court. Bill of sale from Elisha Cain to James Cain proved in open court. Ibid May 1794. Elisha Cain one of Justices to elect a sheriff. To take list of taxes..: In Capt Bookers Dist, Elisha Cain. Ibid Aug 1794 p.4 Ordered that Hezekiah Lafsater be apptd overseer of road the ensuing year in room of Coleman Ledbetter from the crossroads down to Newhope Bridge & .. hands ..: John Haltey, Gideon Goodwin, Hardy Halley, Hardy Cain .... p. 11 Petition of Sundries for opening a new road a direct course from Cyprets Bridge to the University. granted. The jury to lay off the sd road: Elisha Cain... p.18 Ordered that William Cain be apptd overseer of the road in room of Elisha Cain Esq from Newhope Bridge to Wake Co. line the coming year. Ibid Nov 1794 p.23 Ordd that the order of the last court appointing a jury to lay off a new road from Lucas's Bridge to the Univ. be renewed & hands be added: Hardy Hatten, Hardy Cain ... Ibid Feb 1795 p. 33 Benjn Foreman chosen a Juror. Note He never served. Ibid May 1795 p. 36 Ordd that the sheriff summon the jury to lay off a road from Lucus's Bridge on Haw River to Cyprets Bridge on New Hope: .. Willm Cain. p.38 .. be fined for not attending court being legally summoned: Benjn Foreman. Ibid Aug 1795 p. 55 Wm Ledbetter apptd overseer of the cutting open the road from Parkers Creek on the Seven Island Road near Jacob Lasseters toward the University as far as back creek.. hands: .. Hardy Cain ... Page C47 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Ct.Min p.55..That Nicholas Quakenberry be overseer of cuting open the road from Bush Creek towards the University as far as the arranged line 7 ... hands: .. James Cain Goodwin. p.56 Ordd that Hardy Cain, Hardy Hatten, Willm Cain & Labon Smart be apptd Patrollers in Capt. Goodwins Dist. Ibid Nov. 1795 p. 60 Grand juror: William Caine p. 65 ordd that Sherwood Willis be apptd overseer of the road instead of William Caine ... p. 68 Feb. 1796. The Last will & Testament of Benjamin Foreman exhibited in open court & duly proven by the oaths of John Hatty, Abner Hattey & Susannah Hattey the subscribing witnefses thereto and on motion ordered to be recorded whereupon Hardy Cain the Exr therein named was duly qualified and returned an inventory of sd estate. Ibid May 1796 p. 98 Justices to take list of Taxables: Capt Goodwins dist 13 - Elisha Cain. Ibid Aug 1796 ..That Francis Stone be apptd overseer of road from Jacob Lassaters to Bush Creek .. hands: Hardy Cain, Hardy Hally, John Halley Senr, Joab Halley, Eunah Halley, William Halley. p.102 William Cain apptd constable in Capt Goodwins Dist, bond with Elisha Cain L250. Ibid Nov 1796 p. 114 An account of Sales of Benjamin Foreman decd amounting to one hundred & seven pounds Sixteen Shillings & 9p returned in court by Hardy Cain & ordered to be recorded. Ibid Feb 1797 p.134 Ordered that Abram Hatty by apptd overseer of the road .. in the room of Robt Parker ... hands: Hardy Cain, William Hally Senr, John Hatty Senr ..... p. 147 Elisha Cain apptd to Justice for ensuing year in Capt. Brantley's Dist. Ibid Aug 1797 p. 156 Adm on the estate of Jeremiah Taylor decd granted unto Elisha Cain. Ibid Nov 1797 p.166 Ordered that Hardy Cain be allowed four pounds twelve shillings as Juror? to Hillsbo. Oct term 1796 and that the sheriff pay the same out of the county tax. Ibid Feb 1798 p. 177 Justice Elisha Caine to appt co. surveyor. Ibid May 1798 p.190 Elisha Cain a juror to help select sheriff. Ibid Aug 1798 p. 198 Ordered that Elisha Cain & William Edwards be apptd to settle the estate of William Short ... Ibid Nov. 1798 p. 211 Ordered that Robert Edwards & Jachh Harman be apptd a committee to settle with Hardy Cain Exr of the Estate Benjamin Foreman & report to next court. p.212 Deed from Hardy Cain & Polly Cain to Ignatious Simmons ack. Ibid Feb 1799 p. 218 James Stewart vs James Cain. Ibid May 1799 p. 231 Justices to appt sheriff: Elisha Cain not named. p.233 Justices to receive taxables for year 1798. in Capt Brantleys dist - Thomas Griffis. No Elisha Cain on list. Ibid Nov 1799 p. 243 Elisha Cain deed to Dempsee Cain ackn. Ibid May 1800 Deed Thomas Cypert to Elisha Cain ackn. Deed Elisha Cain to William Cain ackn. p.268 Ordered that William Cain be apptd overseer of the road from New Hope Bridge to Wake Line & ..Hands: ... Chatham Deed J-37 20 ___ 1796 Elisha Cain to Nathaniel Jones of Wake Co. 15 pds 90 ac on south side white oak creek, branch of Newhope ... John Kilby, sd Jones, Cains line. /s/ E. Cain. Wit. John Kilby, Hezekiah Utty. Page C48 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Chatham Deed J-38 4 May 1796 Elisha Cain to Nathaniel Jones of Wake Co 36 pds 100 ac east side Newhope adj John Kiby, Adams Branch, sd Adams line, part of grant to sd Cain 31 Mch 1780. /s/ Elisha Cain. Wit. Francis Jones, William Cain. Chatham Deed K-74 15 Oct 1798 Hardy Cain and wife Polly of Chatham to Ignatious Simons 203 pds 122 ac on Walnut branch, waters of Newhope Creek, survey of 30 Aug 1755; also adj 150 ac on Johnstons old line, Cookers line. /s/ Hardy Cain, Polly X Cain. Wit. E. Cain, John Simmons, Absalom Cain. Proved Nov. 1798 by Hardy Cain and wife Polly Ibid K-520 17 Sep 1799 Elisha Cain of Chatham to Dempsey Cain of Lexington, SC 25 pds #66 town lot. /s/ E. Cain. Wit. Thos Bell. Ibid L-63 13 July 1795 Thos Sypeart to Elisha Cain 60 pds 100 ac on south side White Oak Cr water of Newhope .. adj Thos Adams, Cains line, Cains old corner. Wit. Michael Wilson, Ibid L-71 3 May 1800 Elisha Cain of Chatham to William Cain of same 130 pds 322. ac on south side White Oak branch of waters of Newhope adj Mofs. /s/ E. Cain. Wit. Williamson X Johnston, Cynthia Cain, Sally Cain. Ibid N-27 ___ 1802 Elisha Cain of Chatham to Jefse Horton of same 136 pds 248 ac on White Oak Creek. /s/ Elisha Cain. Wit. Williamson X Johnson, Cynthia Cain. Proved Nov 1802 by oath of Williamson Johnson. (Note this is the first deed of Elisha's that he did not prove in court himself. He fades from the deed records here.) Chatham Ct. Min The minutes of this court are missing 1801-1805. May 1805 p.21 Absalom Cain on a Jury. Ibid Feb 1806 p.70 William Cain apptd constable in Capt Richarsons dist for the year 1806. Ibid Aug 1806 p.107 State vs Absalum Cain. Ibid Nov 1806 p.105 Ordd that James Cain Poe be discharged from the payment of taxes due for year 1806 for a negro woman Joan. p.108 Henry & Wm Davis assignees of Nimrod Watts vs William Cain, William Goodwin & John Richardson. p.117 William Clark apptd overseer of the road in room of Absalom Cain from Newhope Bridge to Lucas's Bridge... p.131 William Cain renewed his bond as constable in Capt Oliver Prenus? dist for 1807, sec George Barber & Thomas Moore Junr. Ibid Feb 1808 p.195 William Cain apptd overseer of road in room of William Fealas... As stated elsewhere, Elisha left Chatham County but it is not known where he went. He was picked up on the 1790 census in Chatham Co. (See p. C- 23); 1800 an Elisha Cain showed nowhere in N.C. or S.C. (p. C-25); 1810 one Elisha showed in Mecklenburg Co. N.C. and reads: p. 35 Elisha Cain M 1(under 10) 1(26-45) F 2(under 10) 1(16-26) 1(26-45). This is not the elderly Elisha Cain. It should be remembered that no GA census survives before 1820. However, the first GA land lottery, the only one for which all draws has survived, shows no Elisha Cain. These draws were made 1803-4 and it should be remembered also that only those who had been in the state at least 3 years were eligible. A later Elisha Cain was in Hancock Co., GA. Page C49 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS The marriages below might be of interest: James Cain to Elizabeth McKinly 21 Dec 1781, bondsman William Cain (Junr) Orange Co. This is probably brother to our Hardy Cain. William Cain to Salley Dudley 28 May 1783, Orange Co. Elisha Cain to Catherine Lewis 6 Feb 1805, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Much fierce fighting was done in N.C. during the Revolution and some of it was done in Chatham Co. One would suspect that all men between 16 and 60 took part even if not in an organized unit. There was never a pension nor has there been a service record for them found in the National Archives in Washington D.C. which means they were not a part of the Continental Army. I am hot aware of what records are available at the N.C. Archives that would prove service in the N.C. Militia A few records of service are found in THE COLONIAL RECORDS OF NORTH CAROLINA by William L. Saunders, Secretary of State and THE STATE RECORDS OF NORTH CAROLINA by Walter Scott, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, published before 1900 in 25 volumes. Proof was found of Elisha serving as 2nd Major of the Minute Men. There was no mention of Hardy, but this is not proof he did hot serve as very few names were given in this reference. The following records were copied from these two volumes: Elisha Cain served as a grand jury member in the Superior Court for Orange District at the court house in Hillsboro 22 Sep 1768. Colonial Records, Vol. 7, p.842. Estimates of balances due from sheriffs and Collectors of Public Taxes to the public of N.C. for Chatham Co.: Elisha Cain L478 S6 d8. Ibid Vol. 9, p.572. It is in volume 10 for 1775-1776 where the proceedings of the first council by the people of N.C. after the Royal Governor Martin fled the Capitol, is recorded and Elisha Cain was a delegate for Chatham Co., thus taking part in some of the most momentous happenings ever in the assemblys of the State of N.C. For those who wish a more detailed account than given here, it is suggested that one might study the happenings as recorded in the records and also in the Prefactory Notes at the beginning of each volume shortly before and during the War. A brief history would be helpful here. Prior to the adoption of the state constitution in Dec 1776, there were three kinds of government. First the Proprietary Government which ended around 1731; then Royal Government under five governors, Martin being the 5th which ended May 1775; then there was government by the people before the state adopted its Constitution in Dec. 1776. In May 1775 a group of Mecklenburg Co. citizens drew up a Declaration of Independence, now known as the Mecklenburg Declaration. This was sent to the Governor, then to King George and was published in the newspapers of the day. This Declaration pre ceded the Declaration of Independence proclaimed by the Colonies. In less than a week, the Governor fled from the Capitol Page C50 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS at Newbern to refuge at Fort Johnson, later to a ship where he was held as a prisoner by the Militia of N.C. In 30 days a meeting of delegates from the counties in the Cape Fear section was held and an association was formed in which the delegates declared themselves justified in resisting force by force, to stand ready whenever the Continenatal or Provincial Councils should deem it necessary and if need be to sacrifice their lives and fortunes to secure their countries freedom and safety. 50 days from the Declaration a public call was made for the election of delegates to a new Congress to be held at Hillsborough. In 60 days the American forces attacked the Fort where Gov. Martin was and drove him onto a ship in the harbor, dismantled the fort and carried away the guns. In 90 days, in spite of the furious proclamation from Gov. Martin issued from the deck of his Warship forbidding the people to elect members of a new Congress and offering rewards for the arrest and delivery of the leaders in sedition, elections were held openly throughout the entire province, delegates sworn, and the Congress met in open session at the time and place appointed. An unprecedentedly large number of delegates were elected -- 214 and 184 were present. Every county and town was represented. The Congress was in session twenty days with an amazing number of things accomplished. Before Gov. Martin fled the Capitol, there was organized in every county Committees of Safety and they formed the beginning of the government by the people. A Committee of Safety was then formed for each of several districts; then a Committee was formed for the State and these functioned until the adoption of the permanent State Constitution in Dec 1776. Within 48 hours after their organization, a "test", solemnly binding the members, was adopted -- see below where Elisha Cain was a signer of the "test". Out of 184 members present, all signed it. A committee was appointed to report a plan of government, rendered necessary, it was said, by reason of "the absence" of Governor Martin. A new currency was set up. Etc. etc. By way of putting the colony in a state of defence, six battalions of minute men, one for each district, each battalion to consist of ten companies of fifty men each, were raised, in addition to which the militia was at once re-organized. The troops of N.C. for the Continental line consisted of two regiments of regulars of 500 men each. All this and much more was done a full month before the Continental Congress advised the Colonies to change the form of their governments. The brunt of the hostilities planned by England fell upon N.C. Governor Martin assured the King that a large number of Scotch (newly arrived in the Colony) and Regulators were ready to take up arms in behalf of the King. The Regulators had been most active in Orange County before the War. They were men organized against oppression of corrupt officials of the King but on a defeat, they had been forced at the point of a bayonet to pledge their allegiance to the King. The new Congress by the people had offered these men pardons if they would be loyal to their cause. It was found there were few Regulators who took up arms in behalf of the King. Page C51 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS It can only be speculated what service our Cain men took part in. The first battle was the Battle of Moores Creek fought from 3 Feb to 27 Feb 1776, which had drawn troops from 200 miles apart, and was fought from Fayetteville to Moore's Creek bridge, 60 miles up and down the Cape Fear, and was victorious for the Americans. The British in the summer of 1776 incited the Cherokee Indians against the Americans to attack on the frontiers while the British attacked from the Coast. Expeditions were sent into the Cherokee Country and finally their power was broken when their homes were burned, their crops destroyed and their livestock killed. The Tories were very active in Chatham Co. by 1780-1781. Below is found the record of our Cains as taken from Vol. 10 of THE COLONIAL RECORDS OF NORTH CAROLINA: The Journal of the proceedings of the provincial Congress of N.C. held at Hillsborough 20 Aug A.D.1775. August 21, 1775 at a General Meeting of Delegates of the Inhabitants of this Province at Hillsborough the twenty first day of August A.D. 1775 aforesaid ..Chatham .. Elisha Cain. P.164. The respective counties and Towns having certified that the preceeding Persons were duly elected Delegates to represent the said Counties and Towns in General Congress to be held at Hillsborough the 20th day of August instant pursuant to which the following Persons appeared, to wit, ... Elisha Cain... Note, The meetings were scheduled to begin on the 20th but not all the delegates had arrived, hence the delay. Wednesday August 23, 1775. The association entered into by the General Congress at Philadelphia on the 20th day of Oct 1774 and signed by the members thereof was read. Resolved that this Congress do highly approve of the said Association and do for themselves firmly agree and promise to adhere thereto and do recommend it to their constituents that they likewise adhere firmly thereto. The Committee direct to prepare and bring in a Test for the members of the Congress to sign, report that they had prepared a Test which they begged leave to lay before the Congress for Approbation. Ordered the same be read; which was accordingly read, approved of, ordered to be entered on the Journal and signed. We the Subscribers professing our Allegiance to the King, and Acknowledging the Constitutional executive power of Government, do solemnly profess, testify and declare that we do absolutely believe that neither the Parliament of Great Britain, nor any Member or Constituent Branch thereof, have a right to impose Taxes upon these Colonies to regulate the internal police thereof; and that all attempts by fraud or force to establish and exercise such Claims and powers are Violations of the peace and Security of the people and ought to be resisted to the utmost. And that the people of this province, singly and collectively, are bound by the Acts and resolutions of the Continental and the Provincial Congresses, because in both they are freely represented by persons chosen by themselves; and we do solemnly and sincerely promise and engage, under the Sanction of Virtue, honor, Page C52 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS and the sacred Love of Liberty, and our Country to maintain and Support all and every the Acts, Resolutions and Regulations of the said Continental and Provincial Congresses, to the utmost of our power and Abilities. In Testimony whereof, we have hereto set our Hands this 23d of August 1775 ... Elisha Cain... Resolved, That his hor. the President .. be a Committe of Secrecy for the purpose of procuring Arms and Ammunition and to report to this Congress what sums of money will be necessary for that purpose ... etc. P.171. Saturday 9 Sep 1775. The house taking into Consideration the appointment of the Field Officers of the Minute Men, came to the following Resolution: Resolved That the following persons be appointed, to wit: Chatham ... Elisha Cain, 2nd Major. p.204 From Miscellaneous records in office of Secretary of State Journal of the Provincial Conference at Halifax, N.C. At a Congress begun and held at the town of Halifax in the county of Halifax, the 4th day of April in the year of our Lord 1776. It being certified that the following persons were duly elected and returned for their respective counties and town, to wit: Chatham ... Elisha Cain. P.500. Monday April 8th 1776 ... Mr. Elisha Cain, for the county of Chatham .. appeared, subscribed the test and took their seats in Congress. p.505. Thursday April 18th 1776. Resolved, That every member of this Congress consider himself, under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his Country, not to divulge, directly or indirectly, any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress, during the time of debate, or before the ___ shall be determined, or after the determination thereof, which the President at the request of the mover thereof, openly shall direct to be kept secret, without leave of the Congress, or a majority thereof and that every person who shall violate this agreement shall be expelled the Congress, and considered an enemy to America; and that every member signify his consent thereto by signing his name. /s/... Elisha Cain ... P.523. Friday Nov 29th 1776. The Journal of the Provincial Congress of N.C. held at Halifax Nov. 29, 1776. It being represented to the House that Mr. Matthew Ramsey Commissary of the militia in the western parts of this State on an expedition against the Tories, in the settlement of his accounts last Congress, had made sundry erroneous charges therein. Ordered That Matthew Jones, Alexander Clark, Matthew Davis and Elisha Cain of Chatham Co. be summoned as evidences to support the said charge and that Matthew Jones be appointed to execute this order. P.948. The Prefatory Notes in vol. 11 by Walter Clark stated each county was to raise at least 1 company of 50 men to be known as Minute men (2 were set up for Chatham). The minute men were enlisted for 6 months and were paid bounties for enlisting and we re to be paid while in active service and be under strict military discipline. The army accounts of the NC. line: Vol. XVII 1781-65 Page C53 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS #1680 Dempsey Cain 185 L 5s 8d - Recd by John Price #1736 Thomas Cain 185 14 - Recd by Wm. Faircloth #471 James Cain 17 16 8.5 - Recd by Willie Faircloth Elisha Cain fades from these records now and William Cain of Orange Co. becomes prominent in the records. House Journal Oct 1784 State of N.C. In the House of Commons. At a General Assembly begun and held at New Bern on the 22 Oct 1784 in the 9th year of the Independence of the Said State, it being the first session of this Assembly. The returning officers for the Several and respective counties certified that the following persons were duly elected as members of the General Assembly to represent the same in this House? Chatham, Elisha Cain and Joseph Stewart. Vol. XIX p. 717. The petition of Archibald Cain was passed from Committee a number of times before an explanation was given. 28 Nov 1787. Received from the Senate the Report of the Committee of Propositions and Grievances on the Petition of Archibald Cain. Endorsed In Senate, read and concurred with; which report being read was concurred with by this House and returned. 27 Nov 1787 Senate First Journal. The Committee of Propositions and Grievances to whom the Petition of Archibald Cain was referred reports that the said Archibald became bound in a recognizance in the sum of 50 pds for the appearance of a certain Price Hays at Hillsborough Superior Court to answer the same charge to have been exhibited against him. That previous to the period for Hays appearance it was reported be was shot and killed which report not being sufficiently authentic to influence the court, said Cain's recognizance became forfeited. Your Committee maturely considering the premises beg leave to recommend, that by a Resolve of your Ho use the said Cain may have an indulgence until the next General Assembly to adduce such legal testimony of the death of the said Hays as may entitle him to a remission of the pains and penalties of said forfeiture. /s/ John Johnston, Chr. The House taking this report into consideration, Resolved That they do concur therewith. XX, p.335. Vol. XXII p.61 Revolutionary War pensioner of the state of N.C.: James Cain Senr. private. He is obviously not our James Cain who moved on to MS where he died. 1835. Vol. XXIV Laws 1777-1788. On p.774 An Act for Establishing a Town on the Lands of Mial Scurlock decd in Chatham Co. Elisha Cain was appointed one of the trustees for the town, the name of which was not given. Passed 29 Dec 1785. The records for Hardy Cain who died 1813 in MS are all found in the deeds and court minutes for Chatham Co. above. The Court Minutes show he was executor of the will of Benjamin Foreman. The xerox of Foreman's will found on p. C-107 this compilation could carry his original signature as the will sent to me from the N.C. Archives could have been from the loose papers there. The will is dated 24 Aug. 1795, proved Feb 1796, Recorded p.71. It reads: Page C54 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS In the Name of God Amen I Benjamin Foreman of Chatham County and State of North Carolina being weak in body but in perfect mind and Memory Thanks be to God and calling to mind the mortality of my Body and that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament That is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul unto the hand of Almighty God that gave it me and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the descretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the Same by the Mighty power of God and as touching Such worldly estate wherewith it hath please God to blefs me with in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in following manner and form First I will that all my just debts be paid I lend to my wife one negro girl named Esther one feather bed and furniture in dureing her natural life Item I give my daughter Mary Cain land and plantation containing two hundred and Seventy two acres Item I give to my daughter Ezebel Hatley after my wife's death one negro girl of the Name of Esther Item I give to my daughter Milicent Rofe one cow and calf and the Remainder of my estate to be divided into four parts the first part to my daughter Mary Cain and the Second part to my daughter Ezebel Hat ley and the third part to my daughter Elizabeth Goodwin the fourth part to be divided between my daughter Milicent three children that she had by William Hackney. And constitute and ordain Hardy Cain whole and Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament in witnefs whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and fixt my Seal this 24th day of August 1795. Signed and Sealed in Presence of /s/ Benjn Forman (Seal) John Hatley Senr Abner Hatley Zacharriah Hatley Chatham County February Sefsion 1796 The Execution of this will was duely proved by the oaths of all three of the Subscribing witnefses thereto and ordered to be recorded. Test John Ramsey Ck Recorded in the Clerks Office Book Page 71 /s/ John Ramsey. In the book EARLY MARRIAGES OF NASH CO. N.C. by Williams and Griffin on p.193 entitled Marriages proved from Deeds, Wills, Court Minutes and Inventories, on a list compiled by Watson is the following: Hardy Cain m Mary Foreman, dau of Benjamin Foreman c. 1780; William Hackney m Milly Foreman. Wit. Jethro Denson, Joseph Denson. Abstracts of Will Book, Nash Co. p.51: William Hackney will dated 6 Mar 1787, no probate date, names wife Milly, son Jennings, daus Elizabeth and Penelope. Exr. Benjamin Foreman. Wit. Jethro Denson, Joseph Denson. I am not sure what record in Nash Co. proves the marriage of Hardy Cain, but I would not doubt the marriage took place there. Page C55 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS It seems to me from a close Study of the above N.C. records that there is sufficient "proof" that our Hardy Cain of MS did marry Mary Foreman, dau of Benjamin Foreman. That our Hardy Cain was the son of Elisha Cain and his wife Martha Blake, dau of Benjamin Blake. In the absence of a will of Elisha, it seems that we can accept the names of his children as found in the will of his son Dempsey Cain who named his siblings in his will in Kershaw Co., S.C. See p. B-3. That Elisha Cain was the son of William Cain (will 1757) and his wife Sarah who could be the dau of James Braswell, the connection not showing in the records as firm as the ones above. Hopefully, a future genealogist can find more proof though the connection seems highly likely to me at this time. This William (will 1757) was the son of William (will 1732) and his wife Elizabeth ___. The records of Benjamin Foreman seem to show there were more than one contemporary Benjamin Foreman. The antecedents of the female lines did not seem clear, but some of their records are now given for your evaluation. Page C56 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS Dr. R.B. Braswell, 1429 Williston, Pampa, TX wrote of the Braswell family in FOLLOWING THE BRASWELLS ON THE MOVE WESTWARD IN AMERICA 1600-1973. He showed the family in chart as: RICHARD BRASWELL London, England 1612 | | ROBERT BRASWELL 1612-1668 Isle of Wight Co., VA | | +-------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+ | | | | | Jane Rebecca ROBERT BRASWELL, JR Ann Richard Stokes West 1650-1702 Bagnall wife Sarah | | +-------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+ | | | | | James Richard WILLIAM I Ann Elizabeth Chowan Co. Riggs | | +------------------+-----------------+ | | | James WILLIAM II Benjamin Edgecombe Co. 1705-1785 Wife-Margaret | | +-----------+-------+------------+-----------+--------+-------+ | | | | | | | William,Jr Arthur Samuel JACOB BRASWELL Dorces Patience Pattey w/Martha w/Sarah Nash County Hooks West Bridgers 1738-1823 Quoting from the above reference: The Braswell story, as it is presently known, began in the city of London, England. over three hundred years ago. There a certain Richard Bracewell lived in the year 1612 when a son Robert was born. Little is known of the family prior to this date except that they and others of this same name in England were said to have fled from Scotland during the rebellion against the tyrannical rule of the kings. At the age of fourteen young Robert Bracewell was sent to Oxford College to be educated for the ministry. Records of colonial Virginia show that Robert Bracewell, son of Richard Bracewell of London, England, Gentleman, entered Hart Hall, Oxford University 22 February 1627 at the age of fifteen and graduated with an A.B. Degree November 1631. This information had been certified of recent years by an Oxford Registar. (THE BRASWELL FAMILY - Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall). A period of almost twenty years elapses before Robert Bracewell Page C57 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS is again heard from. During the latter part of this period, England and Scotland were passing through difficult times under Charles I, who was determined as his father James I had been to force the Anglican form of worship on the Puritans of England and Scotland and the Presbyterians of the latter. As a result both England and Scotland were in constant rebellion and civil war. Many prominent churchmen were forced to flee to other countries. During the Cromwellian rebellion and subsequent rule ( 1640-1660), many Royalists fled England and Scotland. Most of these refugees settled in the American Colonies. The circumstances which resulted in Robert Bracewell's coming to the New World and settling in the Isle of Wight Co., VA, sometime prior to 1649. He was at this time an Episcopal Clergyman. The first time his name is found in the records of colonial Virginia was when he a witness to an agreement between Ambrose Bennett and Thomas Webb for the use of a mill and adjacent land, 29 April 1650. (Deed 1-426). When Captain John Upton made his will in January 1651, he mentioned 300 ac land he had sold to Mr. Robert Bracewell. (will & Adm Bk. A-32-33.). As water was a most important means of transportation in colonial times, most of the early settlers established themselves on same body of water or stream. So, too, Robert Bracewell's plantation was located on the Blackwater River, some miles south of the James River and the colonial town of Jamestown, a few miles NW of where the town of Smithfield, VA now stands. Robert Bracewell's pastorate, known as Lawn's Creek Parish was changed to the Soutwark Parish in 1737. In 1653 the Reverend Robert Bracewell was elected to the House of Burgesses in VA. At this time in history separation of church and state was the subject of much agitation in both Europe and America. According to the records of the 1653 session of the House of Burgesses, "It is ordered that Mr. Robert Bracewell (cleric), be suspended since it is unprecedential and may produce bad consequences." (Hemming I-376.) Whether the Reverend Robert Bracewell was a wealthy man before coming to VA, or whether he accumulated his wealth after coming to the New World has not been established, but at the time of his death in 1668, he was the possessor of considerable property. He was referred to in WILLIAM AND MARY QUARTERLY, Vol.7 as a notable minister". (THE BRASWELL FAMILY - Elizabeth B. Pearsall.). Robert Bracewell's will was made 15 Feb 1617. It was one of the earlier wills made in this country. It is found in Deed & Will Bk I-9, Isle of Wight records of VA. In his will, Robert Bracewell directed that his two underage sons Robert Jr., and Richard were to receive in the bulk of his estate and were to share the 700 ac home plantation and 800 ac on the Nansemond River. They were to share also in the new mill when it was completed. He named two friends and neighbors, - George Gwillen (Welch for William) and Richard Izard - to act as guardians for the children, each to receive four shillings with which to buy himself a ring. He further directed that his two sons be placed in a school to learn to read and write. Page C58 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS His three married daughters were to receive three cows each and an indentured servant. Elizabeth Hall was to. Receive a heifer. Seven of his friends were to receive one cow and his son-in-law William West a cow and a yearling. Included in the inventory of his property were 63 head of livestock, a servant boy, a library worth 500 pounds of tobacco, a sloop, silverware and numerous articles of clothing and household furnishings, total value 35,800 pounds of tobacco. Will & Deed Bk 1-55. The children of the Reverend Robert and Rebecca Bracewell were: Jane who married Robert Stokes; Robert Eley; John Roberts; Rebecca married William West; Anna married James Bagnall; Robert Jr. m Susanna Burgess; and Richard m Sarah _____. Robert Bracewell JR was the elder son of the Reverend Robert Bracewell and his wife Rebecca, of the Isle of Wight Co., VA. He was born abt 1650; m Susanana Burgess, dau of John and Mary Burgess (SOUTHSIDE VA FAMILIES - Boddie). This is further affirm ed by Joyce Cripps, who in her will referred to Susannah Bracewell, my sister's daughter. Deed & Will Bk 2-202. Beginning 3 Feb 1674, Robert Bracewell Junr sold 500 ac in three separate lists. The 300 ac where his father had lived he sold to his sister Ann and her husband James Bagnell 31 Mar 1674. On 9 Mar 1680 James Bagnall escheated (forfeited) the 300 ac and a mill. once the property of the Rev. Robert Bracewell. Deed 1-457. When Roger Toole made his will 5 Nov 1692, he named the 3 youngest children of Susannah Bracewell: Richard, William, and Elizabeth, each to receive one third of an estate of land at the age of 17 yrs. (Book 3-323) Toole's will is evidence that the four eldest children of Robert and Susannah Burgess Bracewell were born before 1692 which helps to establish the approximate dates of their births. 27 Mar 1696 Robert Bracewell Junior appointed his wife Susannah Bracewell to act as his attorney. Deed 1-627. The last time Robert Bracewell's name appears in the Isle of Wight records was 9 Apr 1702, when he witnessed a deed for Owen Bourn. (Deed 1-351) No Will was recorded in his name and there is no record of his death. Susannah Bracewell will 22 Oct 1714,, probated 26 June 1732 left the home plantation to her son Richard, who she named as her executor and to Son William the old plantation house with 40 ac and various household items. She left small bequests to her dau Ann, her granddau Elizabeth Bracewell and her grson John Riggs, and the remainder of her estate to her eldest son James Bracewell. This same James later moved to Edg Co. N.C. and became the direct ancestor of the late James Craig Braswell of Rocky Mount, N.C. Will Bk 3-304. - - The dau Ann mentioned in Susannah's will and the Elizabeth in the will of Roger Tolle, might have been the same person or Elizabeth might have been deceased at the time Susannah's will was made. The children of Robert Junr and Susannah Burgess Braswell: James William Elizabeth Richard Ann Braswell Riggs There is proof that William Braswell was the son of Robert Junr Page C59 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NC CAINS and Susannah Burgess Braswell and that he was born about 1680. The records show that another William Braswell witnessed a deed for this first William Braswell as early as 1714. (Chowan Co. NC Deed 8-179. This and later records of another William Braswell have caused some confusion among genealogists. It seems that Richard Braswell, brother of Robert Junr also had a son William. If so, he would not have been included in the will of Richard as he had preceded his father who made his will 1725. Although there is some uncertainty as to which William is which, both are descendants of the Rev. Robert Braswell of Isle of Wight Co., VA. In 1711 our William Braswell and his wife Mary were Chowan Co. NC. He was the first of his family to move to NC but was soon joined by four of Richard's sons -- Richard Junr, Robert, Valentine and Jacob with whom he was closely associated during his short life there. Toward the latter part of the 17th century, the vast unsettled lands of NC had been opened for homesteaders. After the Tuscaroras Rebellion was crushed in 1712, there was a rush to secure choice plantation sites in the new territory. William and Mary Braswell took advantage of the demand for land and became land speculators. The first time they appeared in the records of Chowan Co was when they patented two 640 ac tracts on Cypress Swamp, Issuing out of the Moratuck (Roanoke) River. Grant Bk 2- 173-4. During the next nine years William and Mary Braswell patented 4 more large tracts of land in Chowan Precinct and purchased other parcels of land to over 5340 ac and resold portions of it from time to time. There are numerous records for them. On 1 Apr 1720 William Braswell was listed among the members of Capt Robert Patterson's militia. Hathaway V.1-443. During the latter part of 1720 William Braswell d intestate in Bertie Co. His eldest son William Braswell inherited all the lands of his father subject to his mother's dower rights. Mary Braswell, widow Pd tax on 1600 ac in 1721. The children of William and Mary Braswell: William Jr.; James, and Benjamin. There is definite proof that a William Braswell Sr. had a son named James as a James Braswell, son of William Braswell, bought land south of Roanoke River in Edg Co. on 4 Jan 1741. Deed 5-51. There was a Benjamin Braswell who might have been a son of William Bracewell Sr., as he was consistently associated with this same James Bracewell. Mary, the widow of William Bracewell Sr., was remarried some years later to Moses Guinn. (Bertie C-119). Chowan Precinct, which had formerly been a part of Albemarle Co., became a part of Bertie Precinct in 1722. In 1741 the area where William and his family had lived became a part of Hertford Co. William Bracewell Jr. was born about 1707 in the Isle of Wight Co., VA. His parents, William and Mary Bracewell moved to Chowan Co., N.C. when William was a young child. 28 May 1728 the former Mary Bracewell and her second husband Moses Guinn quit claimed to William Bracewell Jr. the estate left by his Page C60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------