Chowan County NcArchives Biographies.....Deans Family, William And Rachel (Taylor) 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
James Elliott Deans Jr. deansje@gmail.com October 20, 2012, 8:28 am

Source: Personal research
Author: E. Preston Grissom

                    Roots on the Banks of the Chowan

RACHAEL TAYLOR DEANES AND WILLIAM DEANES OF THE COUNTY OF CHOWAN STATE OF 
NORTH CAROLINA AND THEIR DESCENDANTS

A Family Biography by E. Preston Grissom descendant of Issac Taylor Sr. with 
updates by James Elliott Deans Jr. descendant of William/Rachel Taylor Deanes.

                             Early Years

Rachael Taylor Deanes, the oldest surviving child of Issac, Sr. and Mary 
Taylor, was born during a quiet but exciting, peaceful and prosperous time in 
our nation's history. Based on a compilation of her birth years as reported in 
the censuses from 1790 to 1870, the best estimate of the year of her birth is 
1795. The 1850 Census, the first census in which she was specifically named, 
reported her age as 52 years, an indication that she was born in 1798. The 
1860 Census reported she was 65 years of age while the 1870 Census reported 
she was 76. The Rachael Taylor Deanes, the oldest surviving child of Isaac, 
1860 Census is more consistent with the indicated ranges of her age reported 
in the census from 1790 to 1840, hence 1795 appears to be the best estimate, 
though allowance must be made for 1798 as a possible date. (1)
 
George Washington was still President while serving his second term. The new 
Constitution, now including the Bill of Rights adopted in 1791, was taking 
hold. The population was beginning to sense the impact of democracy. A fresh 
concept of freedom was taking hold. Although America had failed to complete 
its journey towards achieving the goal of individual freedom for all, the 
feeling of individual liberty was sinking in. In absence of any obvious 
attempt to romanticize the situation, John W. Moore in describing the 
conditions in Hertford County during this period writes, "The black people 
were in a great degree free and untrammeled. The strict and odious statutes, 
curtailing their privileges, were not then in existence. They participated 
largely in the festivities and social enjoyments of their owners..." (2)

Being the first born, Rachael would have assumed the role of care-taker at an 
early age. The 1810 Census reports a female child in the household under ten 
years of age who is unknown, raising the possibility of a child either dying 
during early childhood or perhaps an orphan living in the household. In 
addition, John B. Taylor was born in 1806 and four years later, Isaac, Jr. is 
born. Rachael likely became very experienced in the art of natal care.

Education during her early years was limited to home-schooling if and whenever 
time permitted. Rachael's grandfather, Walter McFarlane, who served as a 
schoolmaster when living in Bertie County, no doubt was an influence and 
contributed to the task of teaching the basics. (3) 

Living in the same neighborhood was the family of Matthias Deanes, who lived 
three census households from the Joseph Perry family, a family name that would 
later become a namesake. Matthias Deanes was the son of Daniel Daines/Deanes a 
migrant to Hertford County from the Western Branch area of Lower Norfolk 
County, Virginia about 1768. (4)  While early Norfolk county tax records are 
sparse it appears likely that Daniel Daines/Deanes was a descendant of William 
Daynes, born in England, who received a 400 acre land grant from the Virginia 
Colony Apr 26, 1646 in Lower Norfolk County in that Western Branch area on the 
James River east of today's Hoffler Creek. (5)

The names of other neighbors in the Hertford 1810 Census suggest that the 
Matthias Deanes family lived in the vicinity of the Cross Roads and the mill 
SE of present day Harrellsville, NC. A male of 10 and under 16 was a member of 
the household. It is believed that he is William Deanes, son of Matt Deanes. 
(6) It is likely that Rachael and William knew one another well while growing 
up as children.

Rachael must have accepted a tremendous burden of responsibility when her 
father Isaac left for Norfolk in September 1814 to serve in the War of 1812. 
She was 19 years of age by this time and along with the help of John B., she 
likely would have attended to the tasks normally assumed by her father. In any 
case, Rachael's emotions upon his safe return in February 1815 can be easily 
imagined.

                         The First Decade

Rachael and William were married at some point prior to 1820. The 1820 
Hertford County Census is the first census that lists William Deans as a Head 
of Family. It included a male child under ten years of age, a male of 16 to 
26, a female of 16 to 26 and an older female of 26 to 45. (7) The first born 
is believed to be Noah Perry Deanes who is likely the male child under ten. 
The male and female of 16 to 26 are William and Rachael. The older female is 
unknown. She possibly could have been a McFarlane aunt.

The surname of either Deanes or Deans is used interchangeably for family 
members in legal documents and other writings over the period of the next 
fifty years. It is only following the death of Rachael that the "e" is dropped 
from the surname altogether. The spelling that appears in the source reference 
corresponding to a subject in this writing will be used in discussing the 
subject. Also, Rachael's given name is most often spelled Rachel but will 
likewise be spelled consistent with the spelling in any corresponding 
reference source.

William's age in 1820 is known to be 21 based on the 1850 and 1860 Census. The 
reported ages of Rachael indicating her age is 25 makes her four years older 
than William. Such an age difference was not uncommon. A reasonable estimate 
of the year of their marriage may be determined by assuming that William was 
at least 19 when he married. If this is the case, they were united in 1818 and 
Noah Perry was born in 1819, being one year old or less at the time of the 
census.

The family's close neighbors were the households of James Todd, Joseph 
Lawrence, Benjamin Francis, James McGlohon, Christian Scott, Robb Simony, Mary 
Eagleston, Andrew Olive, Elizabeth Mansfield, John Bacon, Dempsey Rooks, Robb 
Rooks, Keil Floid and Watson Lewis. Their names represent old line Hertford 
County families.

Several of the family names are associated with the area located between the 
Bertie County line and present day Christian Harbor Road.

Another son named Thomas T. Deanes was born in the year 1824. (8) His middle 
initial suggests that his middle name was Taylor. (9)

In 1828, a daughter, Winnie Malinda, is born. It appears that Rachel named her 
after her grandmother Winnefred. Winnie will later be called Balinda. (10)

The notes of William Hamilton Welch reflect that William and Rachel had a 
daughter named Irene who "died young". Her birth year is speculative but the 
1840 Census allows for the possibility that her birth occurred either in 1826, 
two years following Thomas, or perhaps in 1830, two years following Winnie 
Melinda. (11)

                            East Bank Move

It is unclear where the family is located in 1830. It is not listed in the 
Hertford County Census. "Willy Deans" is the first entry under Heads of 
Families in the 1830 Bertie County Census, suggesting perhaps that this family 
resided close to the county line. Close neighbors were John T. Johnston, 
Joseph J. Ryan, Jonathan S. Taylor and Martha Pruden. (12) This household 
consists of only one child, namely a male 15 to 20 (1811-1815) who appears too 
old to be a child of William and Rachel. Other age ranges are consistent with 
both William and Rachel and the elder unknown female reported in the 1820 
Census; however, it is puzzling that Noah Perry, Thomas, Winnie or Irene do 
not appear as members of the household. This void casts doubt on whether it is 
William and Rachel's family. On the other hand, census enumeration errors, 
troubling times or perhaps a brief temporary situation pending a move could 
serve as an explanation.

William attended the estate sale of the William Downing Estate in Hertford 
County on December 8, 1830. He purchased "1 trunk & umberala" for 26 cents 
and "1 Lot of Knives & forks" for $1.00. William McFarlane was one of the 
larger purchasers. Other familiar names present were William McFarlane, Jr., 
Sipha Smith, Lewis Deverson, James A. Moore, Lemuel Valentine and other Taylor 
neighbors. Members of the Isaac Taylor family must have been engaged in 
another activity that day as their names were noticeably absent from the list 
of purchasers. (13)

In 1830, William and Rachel were assisted by William Nowell, husband of Mary 
Mitchell Nowell and father of Nancy Emily Nowell. William Nowell died in the 
Spring of 1832. The inventory of his estate discloses that, along with several 
other neighbors, William had borrowed $2.67 from Mr. Nowell and executed a 
note that fell due on March 1, 1831. The final accounting of Mr. Nowell's 
estate reflects payment in full with interest in the sum of 15 cents. (14)

Whatever the circumstances were at the time of the census taking, it becomes 
clear that if the family was in Bertie County, it was only a temporary 
sojourn. At the 1832 May Term of Court in Hertford County, a Bill of Sale from 
Matt Deans to William Deans was acknowledged in open court and was registered. 
(15) The court minutes do not reflect the nature of the property that was 
transacted. Considering the fact that the document was not followed by a deed, 
it likely pertained to a transfer of personalty rather than realty. It may 
have been associated with an event that was about to occur. Shortly 
thereafter, the family would experience a dramatic move. This time it was 
across the River to settle in Chowan County.

Meanwhile, Robert Taylor, brother of Isaac, Sr. and uncle of Rachael, died in 
Gates County in January 1832. (16) Robert's second wife was Fruza McFarlane 
Taylor, sister of Mary Taylor and likewise Rachael's aunt. Robert and Fruza 
had moved from Chowan County to Gates County some time around 1830 following 
Robert's inheritance of Joseph Taylor's plantation; however Robert had 
retained ownership of his Chowan County land that he acquired in 1804 from 
Edward Welch, the father of his first wife, Thamor.

On May 19, 1832, "Nathan Nixon and Fruza Taylor, Executor and Executrix of the 
last will and testament of Robert Taylor, dec'd, both of the County of Gates" 
executed a deed to William McFarlane conveying land described as, "bounded as 
followeth by the lands of Hillery Taylor heirs Catherine Creek and the lands 
of Miles Welch...it being all the lands that Robert Taylor possessed in Chowan 
County containing by estimation 250 acres." Jno Taylor and Walter McFarlane 
witnessed the deed. It was registered on oath of John Taylor on September 28, 
1832. The Hillery Taylor land referred to above was that formerly owned by the 
departed brother of Isaac Sr. and Robert.

William McFarlane, Fruza's brother and son of old Walter McFarlane was 
Rachael's uncle. He was around 55 years of age at the time the deed was 
executed. His son Walter was in his early twenties at the time he witnessed 
the deed. The transaction was likely an investment by William. There is no 
indication that William planned to live in Chowan County. He paid $100.00 for 
the land. (17)

On January 23, 1833, "Wm McFarlane of the County of Hertford" conveyed to "Wm 
Deanes of the County of Chowan" the land as described above. The consideration 
paid was $150.00. Joseph Fairies and Asa Hoffler witnessed the deed. It was 
not registered until November Term 1835. Several Welch families are close 
neighbors. (18)

It is significant that William Deanes was already "of Chowan County" at the 
time the deed was executed. It suggests the possibility that Rachael and 
William were residing on the farm as tenants until they were able to purchase 
the land. It appears that William McFarlane made a reasonably good return on 
his investment.

It was not long thereafter that the fifth child, a son and the first born in 
Chowan County, was added to the family. He was born in 1833. They named him 
William D. Deans, presumably after his father and his great grandfather, 
Daniel Deanes. (19)

William and Rachel would have reason to cross the River in late December 1834 
or early January 1835. The death of her father Isaac would bring the Taylor 
family together once again.

Three years later, on May 26, 1838, William again crosses the River. Along 
with, Isaac Taylor, Jr. and others, he attends the Rubin Evans estate sale. He 
purchases "1 Gun" for $3.00. (20) Later that same year, on November 22, 1838, 
he attends the Agatha Perry estate sale. Agatha Perry was the widow of Joseph 
Perry who died in 1829. William purchased "1 p. cloth" for .25 and "10 bbls. 
Corn" @ 3.68 per barrel for a total of $36.80. Others attending the sale were 
Preston Perry, John B. Taylor, Simeon Taylor, Joseph Smith, Abner Harrell, 
Joseph Fairies, H. B. VanPelt, Daniel Valentine, William D. Pruden, Johnson 
Perry, Watson Lewis, E. D. Lewis, John Egleston, Mikaja Blanchard, Isaac 
Sowell and others. (21)

Rachel undoubtedly took advantage and visited relatives on these occasions. 
The latter sale provided the opportunity for a Thanksgiving celebration with 
family and friends. It also called for a fully loaded cart on their return 
ferry ride across the wide Chowan.

                           A Painful Decade

In 1840, the Family of William Deans included 1 male 5 and under 10 years of 
age (1831-1835), who would be William D.; 2 males 15 and under 20 (1821-1825), 
one of whom is unknown and the other representing Thomas; 1 male 20 and under 
30 (1811-1820), who would represent Noah Perry; and 2 females 10 and under 15 
(1826-1830), who represent Winnie Melinda and Irene. A male and a female who 
are both 30 and under 40 (1791-1800) are obviously William and Rachel. Of the 
eight members of the household, four are reported to be engaged in 
agriculture. (22)

It is significant that no slaves or "free colored" persons were reported under 
the Deans family listing in 1840. Rachel inherited "Eady" under her father's 
will upon her mother's death. It is unknown whether Rachel's mother, Mary, is 
still living in 1840 as she is not named as a Head of Household in the 
Hertford County Census. She was either living in someone else's household or 
perhaps both Mary and "Eady" died following the death of Isaac in 1835. The 
latter circumstance is probable since she is unaccounted for in any of the 
Taylor households in the 1840 Census.

The year 1841 proves to be a productive and promising year for the Deans 
family. On June 6 1841, William acquires 92.25 acres of additional land from 
William G. Welch for the sum of $276.00. (23) William H. Elliott and Daniel S. 
Hobbs witness the deed. On August 10, 1841, he acquires an additional 50 acres 
from William G. Welch for the sum of $112.00. (24) 

Dorsey Welch and Baker F. Welch witness the deed. Then again on September 21 
he acquires 30 acres for $1,000.00. Elisha Bunch and James Wright witness this 
deed. (25) These acquisitions now bring the total acreage of the Deans farm to 
422.25 acres. In 1841 $1388 was a substantial amount of money and a possible 
source for much if not all could have been William's receipt of an inheritance 
from his father Matthias' estate but since Matthias was in the 1840 Hertford 
County census he would have had to pass away shortly after the census and the 
estate settlement/sale would have to have been relatively rapid. (26)

William paid an approximate average per acre cost of $3.65. While it sounds as 
though the size of the farm operation was above average for the time, much of 
the high land was sandy soil. In the days before irrigation and fertilizers, 
even a lot of hard work and perfect weather conditions would not necessarily 
produce a bountiful yield. A mild draught at the wrong time would wipe a crop 
out altogether. Total dependence on the land, therefore, was unlikely the case.

In 1841, William is elected Constable for the northern district of Chowan 
County and executes a bond for the office. (27) A Constable was the county 
official who kept the peace in his district, served legal papers, summoned 
persons to list taxes and performed other similar duties. It is likely the 
family was hopeful of benefiting from supplemental income, although the amount 
of compensation was usually very small.

Figure 1 Part of Map Prepared June 1996 by the NC Center for Geographic 
Information & Analysis. William Deans homesite near (P). (see Images page)

Figure 2 William Deans 1845 Constable Bond. (see Images page)

On January 2, 1842, Noah P. Deanes purchases 300 acres of pocosin (sandy swamp 
land near a river, subject to flooding and of little agricultural value) 
located adjacent to the Chowan River from William G. Welch for the 
consideration of $10.00. The land had been willed to Welch by his late father, 
Miles Welch. The Deanes family now owns the entire northwest corner of Chowan 
County.

Hillary Taylor, Rachel's youngest brother, who apparently was visiting on the 
east bank, is one of the subscribing witnesses to the deed. (28) For reasons 
that will become partly apparent, the deed was not registered until February 
1845.

Strangely, in January 1843, Rachel's first cousin, Edward Taylor, the son of 
Robert Taylor by Robert's first wife, Thamor Welch, hires a Negro woman named 
Juley from William for the sum of $5.00 per year to be returned "in good class 
on January, 1844." There is no evidence pointing to the source of "Juley". 
(29) There is some background information that may possibly relate to the 
transaction.

Figure 3 Chowan County Estates Records, William Deans Folder with Rachel 
Deanes actual signature. (see Images page)

In 1832, Edward and his brother David were bequeathed "two negroes, namely 
Dinah and Joe" who were to remain in the possession of their father's wife, 
Fruza McFarlane Taylor, Edward's step-mother. The bequest was subject 
to, "until my son Edward becomes free, after which time it is my will and 
desire that the said negroes with their increase should be equally divided 
between my two sons Edward & David Taylor."

At 1836 November Term of Court, Edward and James Freeman, as Admr. of David 
Taylor's Estate, filed a petition reporting that Edward was now 21 years of 
age; that David Taylor "has departed this life intestate"; that one child was 
born of Dinah who is still living; and that an equal division would be 
impracticable. The petitioners requested an order of sale and an equal 
division of the proceeds. The results of this proceeding are not recorded and 
are unknown.

Although the transaction for the hire of "Juley" is 6 years following Edward 
Taylor's petition, in light of the very low consideration being paid for one 
year's labor, it is seemingly possible that William was in some manner 
involved in accommodating Edward in achieving a division of the bequest he had 
received under his father's will. Later circumstances lend support to such 
speculation.

The more significant feature of the written transaction is that Rachel 
attested the transaction in her own hand, evidencing her ability to write at 
that time.

While the 1840's started off as a promising period with the election of 
William as Constable, the decade was anything but a bright and pleasant time 
for the Deanes family. The ordeals were perhaps seemingly of nightmarish 
proportions at times. It was probable that Irene died in the early years of 
this decade in that she does not appear in the 1850 Census and family notes 
state she "died young."

It is more clear that tragedy strikes the family during the period of December 
1842 and January 1843, perhaps around the time of the transaction 
involving "Juley." First, across the River in Hertford County, Rachel's 
younger brother, Isaac, Jr., at age 32, a man of young age even for that day, 
passes away.

Then, Noah Perry, Rachel and William's first born, dies during the same time 
period at an even younger age of 23. His father qualified as the Administrator 
of his estate at February Term 1843. He gave bond in the sum of $500.00 on 
February 6, 1843. (30)

In Hertford County, William D. Valentine, son of Lemuel Valentine and long 
time neighbor of the Isaac Taylor family, made the following entry in his 
diary:

"Oak Lawn Sat. 21st Jan. 1843"

"Though this is a warm clear day, the breeze, a stiff one, being south, I with 
my gun and dog took a hunt, going a good part through the woods as far as 
Bethel. I got my papers from the post office-I learned that death is making 
its ravages. Two more gone to their homes, and others writhing low in disease 
expected soon to follow. All these deaths and diseases are not in this 
immediate neighborhood, but some in Bertie, Gates and Chowan. Some dreadful 
and so far fatal disease defying medical remedies is making serious havoc of 
human life, at this healthy season of the year. It appears to be one disease. 
I do not learn that the physicians know what it is. So far it baffles their 
skills. From the fact of four in one family being afflicted with it - two of 
whom died, a young man and his young sister grown however, it may be inferred 
that it is an epidemic. It does not dispatch soon, but is long and lingering. 
It is to be supposed if there be any skilful physicians and the disease when 
understood be within medical control, it might be arrested, it holding on so 
long before it produces death I feel truly sorrowful for the loss of these 
people and sympathise with their attending physicians whose misfortune it is 
to lose so many patients. Dr. Brown I suppose must feel sadly hurt- He has 
lost in succession within a month or five patients and probably is doomed to 
lose more, by this terrible destroyer It is of course a gloomytime. The warmth 
of the weather in mid winter inspires anything else than cheerfulness, And 
these deaths and increasing sickness, with such cheerlessness must throw a 
melancholy and sorrow over us all. Well these things do often happen. I have 
in my short time often seen the like and more. I killed no game." (31)

It may be that the brother and sister that Valentine mentions in his diary 
note are none other than Noah and Irene. The sting of death experienced by 
Rachel in the loss of a father, mother and brother over a short seven year 
span must have taken its toll. It is even more difficult to sense her 
emotional and physical state when considering the greater painful loss of two 
of her children. It was indeed a "gloomy time.

William, losing no time in administering Noah's estate, certified the 
inventory during the month of February. It consisted of 4 items as pictured 
below.

Figure 4 Chowan County Estates Records CR 024.508.32, Noah P. Deans, NC State 
Archives. (see Images page)

The inventory suggests that Noah was an enterprising young man. Whatever his 
occupation, whether a shingle maker, saw miller or an employee of the school 
system in some capacity, he apparently earned enough income to be able to loan 
money to two neighbors.

The deed of January 1842 was not registered prior to Noah's death. Nor does 
the estate file reflect ownership of real estate. Although the administration 
of an estate of one who dies intestate (without a will) does not ordinarily 
include the administration of real estate, it is usual that some reference to 
the intestate's land is mentioned in at least one document contained in the 
estate file. We would be left with the assumption that Noah did not own land 
except for the deed that ultimately was registered in February Term 1845, some 
two years following his death. The deed was proved at the courthouse in 
Edenton upon the oath of Hillary Taylor. Perhaps illnesses or a late discovery 
of the document was a cause for the delay.

William continued to serve as Constable for the northern district of Chowan 
during the remainder of the 1840's. It is possible that his service was for a 
longer period, although the only bonds surviving in archival files that were 
executed by him for the office, are those signed each year from 1841 through 
1848.

                            Better Times

The family of William Deans is listed in the 1850 Census, the first census 
that reported the names and ages of each member. William's age is reported as 
51. Rachael is reported to be 52. The other members are Thomas, age 26, 
William, age 17 and a fifth member named Adaline McFarlane, age 14. William is 
listed as a Farmer owning land valued at $1600. (32)

William reported the cash value of the farm consisting of 150 acres of 
improved land and 265 acres of unimproved land was $1250.00. Work animals 
consisted of 3 horses, 12 milch cows (cows that produce milk), and 4 oxen. He 
possessed 30 heads of cattle, 9 sheep and 30 swine, having a total value of 
$549.00. During the year, the farm produced 25 bushels of wheat, 650 bushels 
of Indian corn, 12 pounds of wool, 150 bushels of peas and beans, 20 bushels 
of irish potatoes, 260 bushels of sweet potatoes, 50 pounds of butter and 3 
tons of hay. The value of homemade manufactures was $10.00 and the value of 
animals slaughtered was $150.00. (33)

Activities and/or products not listed are also helpful in understanding the 
extent of the farming operation. Mules, for instance, were not in vogue. 
Neither cotton nor tobacco was grown. There were no orchard products, wine or 
beeswax or honey produced. Neither flax, flax seed nor silk cocoons were 
produced. Overall, the Deanes farm operation was above average for the 
neighboring area.

In 1850, William owned a family of slaves including 1 male 45 years of age, 1 
female 25 years of age, two young girls, ages 16 and 8 and a small boy, age 2. 
The schedule does not provide for their names. Whether "Juley" who was hired 
to Edward Taylor was a member of this family is unknown. There is no record of 
a transaction relating to the family. (34)

The 1850 Census reports that Rachael cannot read or write and is disabled in 
some capacity. This description is particularly puzzling considering the clear 
legibility of her signature in January 1843. Whether she was a victim herself 
of the 1842-43 epidemic or had suffered a stroke or severe depression because 
of the circumstances is unknown. Either of the possibilities is understandable.

Adaline McFarlane is the daughter of either William McFarlane or Walter 
McFarlane sons of the older William McFarlane and grandsons of old Walter 
McFarlane. The younger William McFarlane died in 1845 leaving widowed 
Elizabeth Smith McFarlane, who was probably his second wife. (35) Although the 
time of Walter's death is unknown, it appears that he died sometime during the 
decade as he does not appear in the 1850 Census. (Two McFarland children, Mary 
age 13 and Julia age 9, apparently named for their aunts, are residing in the 
household of Thomas Beasley in Bertie County in 1850).

In 1850, Elizabeth Smith McFarlane is living with her sister, Pleasant 
Trevathan, in Hertford County. Her age at the time of William's death is 
established as 21. Young Walter McFarlane, age 5, is in the Household of 
Marmaduke and Sarah Smith, Elizabeth's parents, who resided next door to the 
Trevathan and Hillary Taylor families in 1850 in Hertford County. (36)

Elizabeth will later marry John B. Taylor, Rachael's brother, following the 
death of her sister Sophia Taylor, who was John B.'s first wife. Sophia died 
in 1853. Elizabeth's first child by John B. was born in 1857. A third 
McFarlane child is living in the John B. Taylor family in 1860. (37)

During 1847 February Term of court in Hertford County, William 
McFarlane, "orphan of William McFarlane dec'd, aged about Ten years" was bound 
to Simeon Taylor to be taught farming. (38)

The close family ties help to explain Adaline's presence in the Deans 
household. She was around 9 years of age at the time of William McFarlane's 
death in 1845. If she was William's child, she would have been a child by a 
marriage prior to his marriage to Elizabeth in light of their age differences. 
On the other hand, a female within Adaline's age range was a member of 
Walter's family in 1840 and so it is possible that she is the daughter of 
Walter. In either event, given the circumstances in the Deanes household, 
Adaline's presence was likely a blessing to all.

Further evidence of that likelihood is the noticeable absence of Winnie 
Melinda among family members in 1850. Winnie, who by this time is known as 
Balinda, married Turner Perry of Bertie County in February of that same year. 
Her marriage bond is dated February 19, 1850. It is witnessed by Thomas 
Cochran, Jr. (39)

By the time the census was enumerated in September 1850, Belinda and Turner 
Perry were living in Bertie County in the area between Colerain and the 
Hertford County line. Perry is 26 and described as a Farmer. Belinda is 22. 
Their first child, Milly Perry, is born in December. (40)

Next to their dwelling in Bertie County was the family of Edwin Askew wherein 
resided Mary Taylor, Isaac Jr.'s widow, who married Edwin Askew following 
Issac Jr.'s death in the 1842-43 epidemic. The children of Isaac Taylor, Jr., 
Rachael's deceased brother, are members of the household. Their names are 
Martha, William Thomas and Isaac Rebecca Taylor. (A fast forward to the next 
generation will find that Milly Perry's future brother-in-law, William 
Alexander "Bunk" Cale, will marry William Thomas Taylor's oldest daughter, Ida 
Taylor.) The families of Hester Perry and Jacob Perry also live close by.

On July 28, 1851, William Deans conveyed five acres located on the southern 
end of the farm to his son Thomas. (41) Thomas eventual house location is a 
few hundred yards south southeast of his father William's house. The gift was 
quite timely as brighter times are anticipated considering Thomas's expected 
marriage to Mary Frances Howell of Gates County. Their marriage bond is dated 
January 15, 1852. Thomas and Mary settle on this parcel.

Rachael must have been pleased with all these decisions especially when the 
end of the Christmas season was brightened by the birth of another grandchild. 
Thomas and Mary have their first child, William Miles Deans, who was born 
December 29, 1852. (42)

Balinda and Turner Perry also gave birth to another child in 1852, a daughter, 
who is named Caroline.

During May Term of court in 1853, William Deans, Baker F. Welch, Drew Welch, 
James Cannon and Dorsey Welch are appointed Commissioners to divide and 
partition lands belonging to the heirs of their former neighbor, Josiah 
Spivey. Spivey formerly operated a mill in the neighborhood. The division and 
plat was completed on November 23, 1853 and the land was divided accordingly. 
(43)

The year 1855 was another year for dual births. Balinda and Turner Perry give 
birth to their daughter Annie, and Thomas and Mary give birth to their son, 
Thomas Jefferson Deans. Clearly the child was named for our third president 
President Thomas Jefferson who died on July 4, 1826, 50 years to the day after 
the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas was 2 years old at the 
time. The parents no doubt wished to honor their child with the memory of one 
of our Founding Fathers in appreciation of their freedom.

Also in 1855, Thomas Deans acquires 4.5 acres of land from Dorsey Welch lying 
between the road and his parents home place. (44)

In 1858, Thomas and Mary give birth to another son. They name him Patrick 
Henry. A second namesake for another Founder is a sure sign that a strong 
spirit of patriotism existed in the Deanes family. (45)

                           Decade of Conflict

On the pleasant, peaceful and prosperous eve of the most horrific storm in our 
nation's history, William and Rachel appear to have an "empty nest." There are 
no children listed as members of the household in the 1860 census information. 
One may imagine they had slowed down, were looking forward to enjoying their 
grandchildren and watching their childrens' families grow. William's age is 
recorded as 61. Rachel's age is recorded as 65. William is listed as a Farmer. 
The value of real estate is reported to be $1,050.00. The value of personalty 
is $6,245.00. Significantly, there is no indication that Rachel is unable to 
read or write or is otherwise disabled when this census was taken. (46)

Their family dwelling was much larger than the one in which they were raised 
by their parents. The house had a big room, a dining room, a bed room, a back 
bed room and an upstairs, which may have been a loft. Three outbuildings 
consisted of a kitchen, a smokehouse and a pea house, the latter apparently 
being a storehouse for harvested crops and implements. (47)

Furnishings were more than adequate. In the big room were two tables, a desk, 
five large chairs, two looking glasses, a number of books and a picture. 
Fireplace items included a pair of andirons, one can and a belar. The dining 
room contained a "bofat" (Old English pronunciation for buffet that served as 
a cupboard for the crockery), one lot of crockery, a pine table, six "shuck" 
bottom chairs, one clock, one small glass comb case, one bed and bedstead and 
furniture, one milk bucket and irons.

The main bed room included one bed, bedstead and furniture, a chest, one 
folding table, one bottle case and bottles, two guns, a watch, a gigbox, a 
flat iron, one chamber mug, a scrap basket, one straw 'sachel' two trunks, one 
stew kettle and a closet with contents. The back room contained a bed, 
bedstead and furniture, one table and a looking glass, and a wash bowl and 
pitcher.

The upstairs may have formerly served as a bedroom. Now it apparently is used 
for storing items that perhaps were not used as often as in the past. It also 
possibly served as an area for spinning. It included a hammock and bed, two 
chests, two pair of trunks, two spit boxes, one small box, one box of green 
tea, one box of cattle hair, one old gun, one basket, one box, two jugs, one 
large easy chair, one lot of cotton, one linen wheel and one chair box.

From the list of items, it would appear there would be plenty of space for the 
grandchildren to sleep over.

The family of slaves, now consisting of only one adult who is a female 30 
years of age, also includes 5 girls whose ages are 17, 12, 7, 4 and 1, and 1 
male age 10.

The information in the 1860 Agriculture Schedule for the year ending June 1, 
indicates that the farming operation is substantially similar to that of 1850, 
but it is clear that some changes were made indicating a slow down in 
activity. The cash value of the farm is the same as reported in the Population 
Census, which was $200.00 less than the value reported in 1850. The number of 
acres of improved land have decreased from 150 acres to 120 acres while the 
number of unimproved acres increased from 265 acres to 285 acres. Part of this 
change is no doubt due to the transfer made to Thomas in 1851.

While the number of horses did not change over the 10 year period, milch cows 
and working oxen were less in number. There were 5 less milch cows and 1 less 
oxen, each numbering 7 and 3 respectively. The number of cattle are the same, 
but swine have increased in number from 30 to 47. The 9 sheep reported in 1850 
are gone and no wool was reported as having been produced. The value of all 
livestock is $570.00, compared to $549.00 in 1850.

The total number of bushels of wheat produced during the year was 52, an 
increase of 27 bushels over 1850. Also, rye has been introduced with a report 
of 100 bushels, a rare product for the immediate neighborhood. Indian corn 
produced numbered 500 bushels, a decrease of 150 bushels. Produce also showed 
a decline, consisting of 60 bushels of peas and beans, 20 bushels of irish 
potatoes and 100 bushels of sweet potatoes. Neither butter nor hay was 
reported nor was any value given for homemade manufactures. The value of 
animals slaughtered was $189.00, an increase of $30.00 over the 1850 value. 
(48)

Overall, it appears that William and Rachel managed quite well in maintaining 
their investment in the family farm during the past 10 years. This is 
especially true since most of the differences are accounted for in the 
listings of Thomas and William D in the Agriculture Schedule.
In the 1860 Population Census, Thomas Deans is 38, Mary 26, William is 7, 
Thomas is 5 and Henry is 2.

The Agriculture Schedule reports Thomas as owning 5 acres of improved land and 
104 acres of unimproved land having a cash value of $150.00. He owns $25.00 
worth of farming implements and machinery. He has 1 horse, 1 oxen and 9 sheep. 
These are likely the ox and the sheep missing in William's schedule. He also 
owns 25 swine bringing the total value of his livestock to $279.00. (49)

He produced 20 bushels of wheat and 150 bushels of Indian Corn. The 9 sheep 
yielded 7 lbs. of wool, 5 less than the 9 sheep that William owned in 1850. 
Also produced were 20 bushels of peas and beans, 12 bushels of irish potatoes, 
100 bushels of sweet potatoes and 2 tons of hay. The value of homemade 
manufactures is $6.00 and the value of animals slaughtered is $140.00.

Turner and Balinda Perry are living next door to the K. T. Pruden family in 
1860 near Colerain in Bertie County. K. T. Pruden was the fourth husband of 
Mary Nowell, Taylor, Askew, Pruden, the widow of Isaac Taylor, Jr. Mary 
married Mr. Pruden following the death of James Askew. Isaac Rebecca, the 
daughter of Isaac Jr., and James Askew, the son of James Ed Askew are living 
in the household. William Thomas is noticeably absent. In Turner and Balinda's 
household are Amelia, age 8, Caroline, age 6, Amenia, age 4 and Lavenia, age 
1. (50)

William D. Deanes does not appear in the 1860 Population Census. Around this 
same time, he married Martha Ann Williford of Hertford County, daughter of 
Richard F. Williford. The date of their marriage from county records is 
unknown because all marriage records for Hertford County were destroyed in the 
1830 and 1862 fires. Martha's 1900 census entry however implies they were 
married in 1858. (51) Also Martha is not a member of her father's household in 
1860, an indication that the marriage had occurred prior to the census. It may 
be more than mere coincidence that his first cousin, William Thomas Taylor, 
likewise does not appear in the 1860 Census. William Thomas married Lucy 
Malone in December 1859 in Bertie County but soon thereafter appeared in 
Hertford County. It is possible that both families were living in Hertford 
County in a household that was left uncanvassed by the Census Marshal. William 
D. is 27 in 1860. Martha Ann is 24.

Strangely though, a second "Wm Deans" is listed in the 1860 Agriculture 
Schedule for Chowan County who is separated from Thomas Deans only by 3 names. 
Considering the items reported it leaves little doubt that the listing refers 
to William D. It reports he has 100 acres of unimproved land having a value of 
$33.00 and farm implements worth $15.00. He has 1 horse and 16 swine having a 
value of $225.00. He produced 125 bushels of Indian Corn, 25 bushels of peas 
and beans, 6 bushels of irish potatoes and 300 bushels of sweet potatoes. Also 
produced was 1 ton of hay, 12 lbs. of flax and 1 bushel of flaxseed. 
Apparently, William D. was making the best of the low lands that the family 
inherited from his brother Noah. At some point he left to cross the Chowan 
only long enough to bring Martha back with him to the east bank.

By February 1862, the record is clear that William D. is a resident of Chowan 
County. He enlisted at Edenton in the 11th North Carolina Infantry (Bethel 
Reg't) on February 15, 1862, three days after the Federal fleet arrived at 
Edenton and about the same time that Union gunboats with large numbers of 
troops began entering the Chowan River. It is recorded that William D. was by 
occupation a farmer. (52)

The 11th was organized at Camp Mangum near Raleigh and remained there until 
May when it was ordered to move to Wilmington. It later moved on October 5, 
1862 to the Blackwater River Line in Virginia. William D.'s Compiled Service 
Record indicates that he was absent at every monthly muster call from May 
until he was discharged by the Surgeon on October 3 upon a medical 
certification that he was physically "unfit for duty." Remarks on one of the 
Muster Rolls state that he was "Home on sick furlough". (53)

There may be other reasons why William D. was "Home on sick furlough" other 
than the certified illness.

First, the couple's first child, a son, William Judson Deans, was born in 
1863. (54) Martha may have been pregnant at the time the Regiment moved from 
Raleigh to Wilmington.

Secondly, a group of lawless men, consisting mostly of deserters from the 
Confederate Army and fugitive Negroes, began congregating at Dr. R. L. 
Dillard's Wingfield Plantation during a time the Dillard family was in 
Virginia. Wingfield was located on the River four miles directly south of the 
Deans family farm. The group began to terrorize innocent and helpless people 
in the neighboring countryside. The band of bushwackers came to be known as 
the "Buffaloes." By August 1862, with the assistance of the New York Mounted 
Rifles from Suffolk, the band of misfits came into complete possession of the 
premises. A military stronghold was established. It provided the base for 
the "Buffaloes" to serve as a home guard unit for the Union.

Dr. Dillard later described the setting:

'Wingfield was in Colonial days the home of the Brownriggs, who emigrated from 
the Vale of Avoca in Wicklow County, Ireland. The house was finished in 1762, 
and was built of brick. It was a large square central building with wings on 
either side and fronted directly on the river. The bank, which is quite bold 
at this point, was terraced down to the river shore: Long rows of Catalpa 
trees, planted with reference to use in shipbuilding, stretched from the main 
house to the main road, three quarters of a mile. Few gates were used about 
the premises, old fashioned English stiles, with broad platforms, took their 
places.

The house was destroyed by fire which originated in the laundry wing in 1772, 
and was not rebuilt until 1790, the new building, though a wooden structure, 
preserving the beauty and form of the old one: Formerly an old wind mill stood 
sentinel upon the river bank, and away to the south, at the mouth of Indian 
Creek, which bounds the estate, nestled the fishery, with its long low 
shelters, the first one ever established in this section. It was a idyllic 
spot; the sunshine spilled in diapered patterns of light and shadow upon the 
lawn through the rifts of the foliage of the stately ancestral trees, and the 
ancient river lapped the shore at the back of the beautiful old garden. Such 
was Wingfield at the time of its occupation by the Buffaloes. Wheeler, our 
historian, says: 'This section of the state suffered sadly from the ravages of 
warfare, for after the fall of Roanoke Island the sounds and navigable rivers 
were open to the enemy's gunboats. These coasted up and down and bore off the 
means and necessaries of life, living freights of fugitive negroes, and the 
low and skulking Buffaloes. These were shameless and mean whites, who turned 
traitors to their friends and betrayed them to their unrelenting foes: They 
were held in abhorrence and contempt. They established a stronghold at 
Wingfield, the lovely, homestead of the Brownrigg family, afterwards occupied 
by Dr. Dillard, but the Buffaloes took possession, and the spacious halls, 
once the scene of elegance and beauty, were occupied by afoul and cowardly 
crew, who became such an intolerable nuisance that the building was fired. 
These miscreants plundered alike the plate and pianos of the rich, as also the 
poultry and breadstuffs of the poor.' (55)

Even the Federals once referred to the Buffaloes as our "Home guard thieves." 
It is also written, "In gangs of usually a dozen or so men, they infested the 
swamps, emerging at night to visit their former neighbors, especially those 
who sympathized with the South, and to perpetrate every type of violence and 
crime". (56)

The Buffaloes were under the command of John A. (Jack) Fairless, "a hard-
drinking, fast living Gates County farm boy from Mentonville who had deserted 
from the Fifty-second North Carolina. Fairless and his group pillaged, 
plundered, burned, and decoyed off slaves in their forays into Chowan and the 
neighboring counties of Bertie, Perquimans, Hertford, and Gates."

Figure 5 View in 2004 of the Chowan River East Bank Site of Former Wingfield 
Plantation. (see Images page)

Fairless was notorious even before the war began. He was known for heavy 
drinking and, in fact, he was on bond awaiting trial for stealing a mule and 
cart when he enlisted in a company of Confederate volunteers. (57)

It is ironic that Jack Fairless was the son of Joseph Fairless, who was the 
son of Fruza McFarlane Fairless and John Fairless. Fruza, who married Robert 
Taylor after John Fairless's death was not only Jack Fairless's grandmother 
but also was Rachel's aunt. (58) Fairless's family disapproved both his 
behavior and his alignment with the Union forces.

Joseph Fairless was a subscribing witness to the 1833 deed from William 
McFarlane conveying the original 250 acres to William. William and Rachel 
would have been well acquainted with his son, Jack Fairless.

On one occasion following his establishment at Wingfield, Fairless forced his 
way into the home of Mary Virginia Taylor Wiggins, Fruza's daughter and his 
step-aunt, who was also Rachel Deans' first cousin and thus Jack was Rachel's 
first cousin once removed. He started upstairs where he knew the family stored 
their provisions. "She planted herself in his path and asserted if he went any 
further it would be over her dead body." (59) It is reported that he backed 
off; however, a family letter recites that Jack Fairless was responsible for 
the imprisonment of Mary's husband, James Wiggins, who was held as a prisoner 
at the Union's Fort Wool near Fortress Monroe in Virginia on charges of 
smuggling supplies and weapons for the Confederacy. (60)

Considering these circumstances, William D.'s illness, whatever it may have 
been, was perhaps a family blessing. Family oral tradition holds that members 
of the Deanes family participated in blockade runs from Bermuda involving the 
smuggling of supplies and provisions for the Confederate cause. Their land was 
ideally situated for that kind of activity. William and Rachel needed all the 
protection and assistance that could be mustered.

The misdeeds of the Buffaloes and Fairless's behavior were so vile that even 
the Federals became concerned. Eventually, Fairless was shot and killed by one 
of his own men and ultimately Wingfield was successfully defeated by the 
Confederates in April of 1863. Threats to the security of family welfare 
nonetheless continued as ongoing activity of Federal forces continued 
throughout the region.

Amidst this chaos, Thomas and Mary are caring for another infant, a daughter 
named Ella, who was born in 1862. (61) Belinda and Turner Perry also gave 
birth to their fourth child in 1862, a son whose name is Jacob. (62)

While the war wore on, two more grandchildren are born in 1864. Belinda and 
Turner Perry gave birth to Phillip Turner Perry, Jr. in Bertie County. One may 
wonder whether Rachel crossed the River for the occasion. If circumstances 
prohibited it, it is likely she nevertheless found herself busy and consoled 
with the arrival of Joseph Perry Deans to William D. and Martha on April 27. 
(63) Joseph Perry's namesake may have been the 1810 census Joseph Perry family 
near that of Matthias Deanes.

For North Carolinians, the war ended upon the surrender of General Joseph E. 
Johnston to General William T. Sherman at Bennett's Farmhouse near Durham on 
April 26, 1865. As with every family, the war took its toll on the family of 
William and Rachel Deanes.

Social activity was likely rare but probably an absolute necessity in times 
such as these. It is probable that the family gathered for the spring herring 
run along with their neighbors to discuss the war's end and just to be with 
one another. Cannon's Ferry was the likely spot. It is located just short of 
three miles south of the Deans home place. The site has been preserved for the 
enjoyment of visitors today. A descriptive sign located at the present day 
site is pictured below. Reflecting the activities of by-gone years, it serves 
to provide some insight into the activities of William and Rachel during this 
time.

Figure 6 Cannon's Ferry. (see Images page)

Cannon's Ferry was not only a place to fish and to gather on occasions. It was 
also a perfect site to stand and look out over the Chowan, to direct the eye 
just off the south tip of Holiday Island, and ponder as to just what kin folks 
may be doing just beyond the Harbor on the other side. One can imagine this of 
Rachel in such times of uncertainty.

Figure 7 Looking Slightly WNW from Cannon's Ferry location-east bank Chowan 
River. Taller trees at right center are south end of Holiday Island. (see 
Images page)

Figure 8 Cannon's Ferry location 2004 - Stephen Perry, Grandson of Jasper L. 
Deans pictured on walkway. (see Images page)

At first, it would appear that the family experienced a sense of real hope for 
the future. On April 23, 1865, William conveyed 10 acres to William D. near 
the main farmhouse at the northern end of the property. It is likely that 
William D. and Martha had been residing with William and Rachel during the war 
years. (64)

Two sons and their families were now in place to carry on full farming 
operations. On June 3, 1865, Thomas and Mary are blessed with another son, 
James Edward Deans. (65)

Shortly thereafter during the same month, age and stress, understandably due 
to all the uncertainty, fears, mounting debts and threats to life and property 
during the past four years, took their final toll on William Deanes. There was 
no will, an indication that the period of expectation, if any, was brief.

Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas by the court on November 6, 
1865. Thomas filed an "Inventory of "Wm Deanes deceased" on November 10, just 
four days after he was granted Letters of Administration. It is clear from the 
documents and those that follow that the family had spent considerable time 
and effort in organizing matters of the estate prior to the filing of the 
papers. (66) Unquestionably, every decision was made amidst a climate of 
extreme uncertainty. The totality of the impact of the war on all the families 
in the area and the aftermath of reconstruction were yet to be felt and 
perhaps for the most part were unforeseeable.

Page 1 of the inventory pictured below lists a number of accounts and debts 
owing to William that are classified as "doubtful." These apparently are 
account payable items listed in William's ledger. Considering the maturity 
dates on most of them, the term "doubtful" is an expression of doubt as to 
whether the debt is still outstanding or otherwise recoverable, based perhaps 
on conversation with the debtor or other information.

The item stating "amt of specie" is the amount of coined money on hand. 
Included also on page 1 are a list of banks in which William had deposits. 
Eight banks are in North Carolina, one in southwest Virginia and one in New 
York. Deposits total $90.00. The last item listed is "United States 
Money .lOcts." The question raised is whether the funds on deposit in Virginia 
and North Carolina represent Confederate money or U. S. money.

Page 2 of the Inventory consists of twelve different notes or accounts of 
items owed to William. Among those individuals listed are Edward Taylor, 
Robert Taylor, Wm Lassiter, Wm H. Elliott and Joseph A. Fairless. The latter 
is the only one on page 2 that is classified as "doubtful."

Figure 9 Estate of William Deans Inventory Pg. 1 Chowan County Estates Records 
CR 024.508.32. (see Images page)

Figure 10 Estate of William Deans Inventory Pg. 2. (see Images page)

Following normal and customary procedure, Rachel filed a Petition requesting 
that a Justice of the Peace and three freeholders be appointed to allot one 
year's provision for her support out of the assets of the estate. James I. 
Cannon, J. P., Joseph W. Nowell, Calvin Brinkley and William H. Elliott, 
Commissioners, met at Rachel's home on November 29 and after determining her 
needs, filed their report.

Figure 11 Rachel Deans Widow's Provisions Allotment Chowan County Estates 
Records CR 024.508.32 NC State Archives. (see Images page)

Figure 12 Rachel Deans' Provisions Allotment Pg. 2. (see Images page)

One thousand pounds of pork and 50 bushels of potatoes may seem a bit much for 
one year's provision but the times must be considered. One may sense the 
presence of Thomas and William D. encouraging the maximum allotment to assure 
sufficient support and protection for their mother against any claims that may 
be made against the estate.

Also filed was a Petition for Dower praying that a writ be issued commanding 
the Sheriff to summon twelve disinterested freeholders to view the land and 
allot to her one-third part thereof in value, including the dwelling house and 
all the out houses, buildings and improvements, for the term of her natural 
life. The Petition states that the William Deanes land contained by estimation 
425 acres. M. S. Eure served as Rachel's attorney.

On November 29, the same day the Commissioners met to determine Rachel's 
allotment, twelve Jurors appointed by the court met and viewed the land to 
determine Rachel's dower interest consisting of one-third of the real estate 
for her natural life. The description reported to the court and later allotted 
to her reads as follows: ".. .that part of the land, beginning at the road 
gate running North to a chopped pine, thence West Course to a persimmon tree, 
thence from said tree to Brayal Branch, thence up the branch to Dingdary Road 
so called, thence along said road , east to Dorsey Welch line to the first 
station." The area is essentially the northern most section of the farm.

November 29, 1865 was a red letter day in the life of the Deanes family. Not 
only were Rachel's entitlements determined but an estate sale was also 
conducted. A total of 222 individual and groups or "lots" of items were sold. 
Rachel purchased 55 items consisting mostly of kitchen, household furniture 
and related items. Among them was '1 Bible', which she purchased for 25 cents.

Among those attending were Rachel's younger brother, Hillary Taylor and 
Hillary's oldest son, William Patrick Taylor. Hillary purchased 1 lot of nets 
for 45 cents. William Patrick purchased "1 Hammock" for 5.30, "1 gig box" for 
11 cents, "1 Folding Table" for 4.15, "1 Sturgeon net" for 6 cents, and "1 Ox 
cart" for 3.30. Turner Perry was also present and purchased several items.

Other purchasers were M. L. Brinkley, Elisha Hobbs, William Hudson, E. Bagley, 
J. D. Wiloford, J. L. Ames, William Elliott, Jas Baker, Jos Fareless, Aron 
Ward, C. R. Brinkley, Jos. W. Nowell, Jacob Jordan, Daniel Hobbs, Jos Parrish, 
John Peal, Moses White and Jas Rountree. William Deanes and Nathan Parker 
purchased the greatest number of items.

Although honey was not reported as being produced on the farm in 1850 and 
1860, Nathan Parker purchased more than 8 stocks of bees and William Hudson 
purchased 22.5 lbs of honey. Apparently shingles also had been produced on the 
farm. Nathan Parker purchased 1044 shingles for 2.50.

The estate sale yielded the total amount of $523.53.

At this point, it appears that the family may well survive with holdings 
intact. However, the picture becomes bleaker. By the turn of summer, it 
becomes clear there are more debts owed by the estate than can be covered by 
available cash or income generated from the farming operation. More decisions.

It is helpful to understand more fully the circumstances facing the family by 
considering a general description of the era written in a publication of the 
North Carolina Division of Archives and History entitled NORTH CAROLINA DURING 
RECONSTRUCTION. Two excerpts from the publication follow:

The war had damaged North Carolina in several ways. Most tragic of all the 
effects of the conflict was the death of over 40,000 of the state's best men. 
Both state and local governments had collapsed at the end of the war. One of 
the main sources of labor had seemed to disappear when the slaves gained their 
freedom. The banks, which would be needed to help restore the state's economic 
system, were about to fail because they had lent money to the Confederacy and 
to the state and would never be repaid. Countless individuals had borne losses 
of both loved ones and possessions that could never be replaced.

While the politicians wrangled with each other and tried to keep their parties 
in power, the people of North Carolina went about their day-to-day affairs, 
trying to make a decent life for themselves and their children. Most of them 
were people who in one way or another lived close to the land and depended on 
it for existence. For men who lived this way the ten years after the Civil War 
were difficult ones. Much of their farm equipment, buildings, and fences had 
gone to ruin during the war. The chief villain in the destruction was not the 
army, but lack of love and attention. The men had not been at home to simply 
look after things. The land was still there of course, but before it could be 
fruitful a number of handicaps had to be overcome. There was a shortage of 
horses and mules needed for plowing and cultivation. Little money could be 
borrowed to buy new equipment and seed. Even when a farmer grew a good crop he 
would have trouble getting it to market because so many of the roads and 
railroads were in bad condition or destroyed. And when he did get his goods to 
market he found that the prices he got for them were going down. Cotton, in 
particular, was hard to sell for a good price. It brought only about half as 
much in 1875 as it did in 1865. Another burden the farmer faced was high 
taxes, or at least taxes higher than they should have been. The farmers were 
paying an unfair share of the total taxes paid to the state because of the 
high taxes on land at a time when prices for agricultural products were low. 
Because of these conditions, and some other circumstances, the value of farm 
land was dropping sharply during the Reconstruction period. Thousands of 
farmers had to sell their land because they could not pay their taxes, and 
when they put their farms up for sale the price of land dropped even lower. 
(67)

The family was most fortunate in that neither Thomas, William D. nor Turner 
Perry were lost in the war and no doubt they counted their blessings. In fact, 
Thomas and Mary added to their household with the birth of their sixth child, 
Charles Cecil Deans in 1866.

The family's real plight, however, was debt with no apparent means to pay it 
off other than to sell the land. The first transaction indicating the nature 
of the difficulty is a deed dated the 7th of August 1866 by which William D. 
conveys to his mother Rachel, the 10 acres of land he received from his father 
in April the previous year. The deed is witnessed by R. D. Simpson and Thomas 
Deans. The transaction is unexplainable. We may only speculate that William D. 
had fear of losing his land for some reason. (68)

At November Term 1866, Thomas Deans as Administrator filed a petition to sell 
the real estate to pay the debts of the estate. He alleges that the personal 
estate to be administered is around $300.00 with charges of $50.00 for 
administration. He further alleges that debts owed by the estate amount to 
around $1300.00. The land is described as "bounded on the North by Catherine 
Creek, on the East by the lands of Dorsey Welch's heirs, on the South by the 
lands of Nancy Lassiter, and West by Catherine Creek containing by estimation 
four hundred fourteen acres worth about three dollars per acre." He prays that 
the land be sold subject to the widow's dower interest in order to pay the 
debts of the estate.

The very next transaction is a Deed of Gift dated December 29, 1866 by which 
Rachel conveys to Martha Ann Deans and upon her death to "her children she may 
leave surviving her the issue of her marriage with William Deans" the same 
land that William conveyed to his mother Rachel on August 7th. The deed 
recites that the conveyance is in "consideration of natural love and affection 
which the said Rachel has and bears to the said Martha Ann, her daughter-in-
law and her children the grandchildren of the said Rachel." Rachel signed by 
making her mark. The deed is witnessed by James B. Evans and Thomas Deans. (69)

Perhaps William D. is facing either a debt situation or a critical medical 
condition. In any event, some circumstance obviously created the need to 
protect the family's interest in that protecting the ownership of William D.'s 
land appears to be the objective. The thought of losing the four hundred acre 
tract must have been devastating enough.

The petition to sell the estate land was not considered by the court until May 
Term 1867. On November 6, 1867, one year following the filing of the petition, 
the land was offered for sale at a public auction on the courthouse steps in 
Edenton. James I. Cannon and Nathan L. Cullins made the last and highest bid. 
The price was struck at $500.00. A later document shows that James Cannon was 
the agent for Nathan L. Cullins.

In 1868, Virginia Clifford, the fourth child of William D. and Martha, is 
born, while Thomas and Mary have their seventh child, Walter A. Deans, and 
over in Bertie County, William Perry is added to the household of Turner and 
Balinda Perry. (70)

It was not until January 10, 1869, more than one year following the sale of 
the farm, that Thomas Deans executed the deed to Nathan Cullins of Hertford 
County. The time delay is puzzling. Even more perplexing is that the deed was 
not registered until January 12, 1871, two full years following its execution 
and more than four years since the filing of the petition. (71)

A partial explanation for the delay is provided by a transaction that took 
place just 3 months following the January 1869 deed. Nathan Cullins conveys 75 
acres of the "Deans tract of land" back to Thomas Deans by deed dated April 
14, 1869. The land described lies between the William D. Deans parcel and the 
acreage already owned by Thomas. This deed likewise was not registered until 
January 1871 when it was registered along with the January 1869 deed to 
Cullins. (72)

Throughout the whole ordeal one can sense an effort to hold on in hopes that 
the economy would take a favorable turn and permit the farm to generate 
income. Thomas apparently managed to salvage a part. It also appears that 
Nathan Cullins was in no hurry to secure his ownership. Even after the deed to 
him was executed he delayed recording his ownership interest. It appears 
likely he was serving more as a lender than a purchaser and was holding the 
deed as security until such time as it could reasonably be determined if the 
principle could be paid.

Figure 13 Estate of William Deans Final Account Chowan County Estates Records, 
CR 024.508.32 NC State Archives. (see Images page)

                             Hope and Faith

At this point, it appears that Thomas is in a good position to make a fresh 
start, but what about William D. and his household? The 1870 Population Census 
reports that Rachel is now a member of William D.'s household.

The year surely starts out for the family on a positive note. On January 
19,1870, the marriage between Isaac Byrum, Jr. and Penelopy Taylor was 
solemnized at the home of William Deans with the Rev. Judson Knapp presiding. 
(73) Isaac Byrum, Jr. resided in Chowan County. Penelopy is the daughter of 
James and Peninah Taylor who live in the area of the mill and cross roads 
across the river in Hertford County. Though the families resided close to one 
another, efforts to date have failed to establish the kindred connection 
between James Taylor and the Isaac Taylor family. A family relationship could 
very well have been the reason why the wedding was celebrated at the Deans 
home place.

There have been no transactions up to this point indicating William D.'s 
ability to redeem his interest in the land. The census records, on the other 
hand, indicate that some provision must have been made.

The 1870 Agriculture Census reveals that William was in possession of 45 acres 
of improved land and 355 acres of woodland. Thomas possessed 15 acres of 
improved land, 69 acres of woodland and 100 acres of other unimproved land. 
Together they possessed a total of 584 acres. This total does not account for 
the entire farm as it likely includes the 300 acres of pocosin land inherited 
from Noah, the acreage that Thomas and William D. owned individually and 
Rachel's dower land. It does appear, however, that William D. possessed 
additional land. (74)

William D.'s activity, however, is apparently constrained. For instance, he 
produced one-third the quantity of sweet potatoes produced by Thomas and the 
value of his livestock was less than one-half. William D. possessed neither 
sheep nor bees while Thomas had 19 sheep, produced 15 lbs. of wool, 4 lbs. of 
beeswax and 25 lbs. of honey. William D. did produce 30 bushels of peas and 
beans whereas none were produced by Thomas. The values of animals slaughtered 
by William D. and Thomas were $84.00 and $265.00 respectively. The value of 
products produced by William D. was $427.00 while Thomas produced $722.00 
worth.

In 1870, William Deanes is 37 years of age and is listed as a Farmer. Martha 
is 34 and is "Keeping House." Other members of the household are Judson, age 
7, Joseph, age 6, Clifford, age 2 and Rachel age 76. Rachel is apparently able 
to read but is unable to write. The household also includes John Deanes, a 
mulatto, who is 17 years of age. The value of William's land is $245.00. (75)

Between the census households of Daniel Welch and William Deanes resides the 
mulatto family of Jacob Taylor, who is 31 years of age. Though it is possible 
that Jacob could have been a descendant of the slave family belonging to 
either Robert or Edward Taylor, his age would preclude any probability that he 
was of the family owned by William and Rachel in 1850 or 1860.

Thomas Deanes is listed as a Farmer and is 48 years of age in 1870. Mary is 36 
and is "Keeping House." Other members are William, age 17, Thomas, age 15, 
Henry, age 12, Ella, age 8, Edward, age 5, Charley, age 4 and Walter, age 2. 
Also, barely making the census is Thomas and Mary's eighth child, Jasper 
Leroy, named "Lee" in the census, who was born on April 15. The value of 
Thomas's land is $800.00. (76)

A mulatto family also resides between Thomas and William D., an indication 
that the family resides on the Deans farm. It includes Harvy Read, age 37, 
Ann, age 20, John age 2 and Martha age 6 months. Likewise, none of their ages 
match the ages of the slave family members in 1850 or 1860.

In Colerain Township of Bertie County, Turner Perry, Farmer, is 47 and Balinda 
is 40. Children are Milly, age 20, Caroline, age, 18, Annie, age, 15, Jacob, 
age 8, Phillip, age, 6 and Wm. T., age 2. (77)

The 1870 census marks the beginning of a new era offering promise and hope for 
families who have experienced a decade of sacrifice and suffering. For the 
Deanes family, however, its mark reflected, rather than promise and hope, more 
so the end of an era. Before the passage of 30 days from the time of the 
enumeration of the census in June, it is apparent that Rachel suffers an 
illness that has become critical. She executes her last will and testament on 
July 7, 1870. The family's tower of strength passes away shortly thereafter. 
Her death unquestionably marks the end of an era in the life of the Deanes 
family.

Rachel nominated William D. as Executor of her Will. William offers the Will 
for probate on November 14, 1870 and qualifies as Executor. William T. 
Brinkley and William D. Welch, witnesses to the execution of the Will, 
testified at probate, whereupon it was admitted to probate and ordered 
recorded. (78)

Rachel bequeathed her entire belongings to her three children. She was 
particular in referring to Balinda as "my daughter Winney Malinda wife of 
Turner Perry" to whom she left 1 bed and furniture (already in her 
possession), 1 cherry folding table and 1 chest. She gave to Thomas all 
the "chattle property now in his possession." William D. was bequeathed the 
residue of her estate.

William D. conducted an estate sale on December 28, 1870. A total of 113 
articles or groups of articles, consisting of household furniture, personal 
curios, cooking and kitchen items, were sold. Purchasers at the sale were 
Stephen Smith, James L. Baker, Andrew T. Ward, M. L. Brinkley, Daniel Welch, 
James Brinkley, John Birk, Edward Brinkley, Francis Smith, Jacob Taylor, Edgo 
Cullins, W. D. Welch, George Lassiter, Dorsey C. Ward and Allen C. Ward. A 
total of $81.44 was received. (79)

Figure 14 Last Will and Testament of Rachel Deans. (see Images page)

Figure 15 Last Will and testament of Rachel Deans, Pg 2. (see Images page)

Figure 16 Last Will and testament of Rachel Deans, Pg 3. (see Images page)

Figure 17 Estate of Rachel Deans. (see Images page)

Letters of Administration

Within a matter of days following the sale, the deed dated January 10, 1869, 
conveying the farm sold in 1868 to Nathan Cullins was finally registered. Also 
registered at the same time, was the deed dated April 14, 1869, from Nathan 
Cullins and his wife Sarah, to Thomas Deans, conveying 75 acres back to Thomas 
as an individual. It is almost as if Rachel's death had prompted the 
registrations. Indeed, Rachel may have been the very reason that the Nathan 
Cullins transaction was not finalized until after her death.

Rachel Deanes was a Taylor but she was also a McFarlane descendant. Her 
grandfather was old Walter McFarlane, a schoolmaster from Bertie County who 
settled in Hertford County in the 1780's. Sarah Cullins, Nathan's wife, was 
the daughter of William Lassiter, the largest landowner in the Mill Neck 
section of Hertford County. In August 1865, Sarah's father gifted her a 
portion of his land that later came to be called the Cullens Farm. (80) The 
land formerly owned by Walter McFarlane was a part of the Cullens Farm. (81) 
Matthias Deanes had also lived in the same neighborhood. Sarah and Rachel 
would have known each other since childhood. It is understandable that Sarah 
would come to the aid of her life long friend in a time of such distress that 
existed for so many families at the end of the Civil War.

Less than a month following the registration of the Cullins deed, on February 
1, 1871, Nathan Cullins and Sarah, his wife convey 200 acres of the Deans 
tract to a Deans neighbor, Jeptha Ward. The deed is registered in March 1871. 
It would appear at first glance that William D. has lost out altogether on 
sharing in the residue of the farm. It is significant, however, that "Wm 
Deans" witnessed the deed, an indication that it was an open, friendly and 
above board transaction. (82)

Later the same year, on November 2, 1871, William D. conveys to Thomas all of 
his interest in the land they inherited from his brother Noah. William D. was 
apparently unable to derive benefit from the pocosin and forest land, a 
portion of which bordered on the east bank of the Chowan. (83)

The following year, William D. and Martha have their fourth child, a girl, 
named Lula A. Thomas and Mary have their ninth child, Mary Francis, in 1874. 
(84)

It becomes apparent that William D. has continued to possess the land despite 
the conveyance to Ward. The struggle to save the land has been a continuing 
process. On March 30, 1875 William D. purchases a load of guano from W. P. 
Taylor Co. W. P. Taylor is Hillary Taylor's oldest son, William Patrick. 
Following the war, he opened a general merchandise and lumber company across 
the river in Winton. William D. provided a lien on a sufficiency of cotton to 
cover $30.00 as security for his promise to pay on November 1, 1875. The 
record is void of foreclosure evidencing payment in full. (85)

Eventually, brighter times appear on the horizon, and the struggle begins to 
appear worthwhile. On April 20 1876, William D. purchases the 200 acres from 
his neighbor Jeptha A. Ward and his wife, Harriet A. Ward for the sum of 
$300.00. (86) William D.'s efforts pay off. He succeeds in sharing in the land 
his mother and father worked so hard to acquire and maintain.

Martha Sarah Deans is born of William D. and Martha on March 1, 1878.

In the 1880 Census, Thomas is age 62 and Mary F. is 47. William M., son, is 
27; Patrick H., son, is 20; Ella D., daughter, is 18; James E., son, is 15; 
Charles C., son, is 14; Walter A., son, is 12; Jasper, son is 10; and Mary F., 
daughter, is 6.

William D. is 47 and Martha A. is 42. William J., son is 18; Joseph P., son, 
is 16; Virginia C., daughter, is 12; Louvenia A. (Lula), daughter, is 8; and 
Martha S., daughter, is 2.

The 1880 Census is somewhat confusing as to Winnie Malinda. It appears that 
Turner is no longer living. Two children, Millie, age 29 and Philip, age 15, 
are in her household with another daughter Annie. W. E. Peel (Annie's husband 
and Winnie's son in law) and a grandson named R. W. Peel, age 1 are also 
present.

Thomas J. Deans, the second son of Thomas T. and Mary F. Deans, marries Lucy 
Cornelius Cross of Gates County on the day after Christmas December 26, 1882. 
(87) Lucy is the first of three Cross sisters that will marry Chowan County 
Deans surname men.

William D. and Martha Deans' oldest son William J. Deans marries Margaret Ann 
Russell in Gates County January 14, 1885 where they would later live on a farm 
eventually with a large family of their own to include at least twelve 
children. (88)

On December 28, 1887, Ella, daughter of Thomas and Mary, married William R. 
Jones of Gates County. The marriage ceremony was conducted by a Baptist 
minister, H. T. Williams, at the home of Mrs. Mary Frances Deans.

Though Ella was married by a Baptist minister, oral tradition holds that the 
Deans family was primarily Methodist in the family of Thomas and Mary and 
Baptist in that of William D. and Martha. The Methodist Church at Centre Hill 
was 10 miles distant but was the church nearest the Deans Farm. Dr. Richard 
Dillard describes the scene that Rachel, William and their children would have 
experienced:

The ancient name of Centre Hill was "The Punch Bowl" from a well defined 
natural depression now almost obliterated, in the grove near the site of the 
present Methodist Church. Five main arteries of traffic concentrate there like 
spokes in the hub of a great wheel, it therefore very early in our history 
became a sort of civic and communal centre for religious services, schools and 
picnics, a place for muster, and a voting precinct, where whig and democrat 
contended for supremacy. It could hardly then have been designated as a 
village, more properly speaking a hamlet, or what the Norwegians would call a 
townlet, consisting as it did of less than a dozen homesteads, a church, a 
schoolhouse and a store. ... They had comfortable houses surrounded by stately 
old trees, that beat back the summer heat from the sweltering fields, and 
wheeled their cooling shade aslant the long piazzas. There were orchards, and 
the available scuppemong vine upon its arbor. On the back were the gardens 
with rows of fig bushes and raspberry vines, while tall hollyhocks and 
sunflowers lifted their fairy wands above the greenery. (89)

The location no doubt provided the family another social outlet in addition to 
the active site at Cannons Ferry.

Ella's marriage license contains disturbing information. It declares that 
Ella's father is dead and that her mother is living in Chowan County. It is 
unknown how long Thomas had been dead prior to the marriage in 1887. The 
application for Letters of Administration for the Thomas Deans Estate was not 
officially filed until October 1889. Mary Frances, his widow, was appointed 
Administrator. Thomas is survived by eight children. Only Walter who was born 
in 1868 is missing. (90)

Figure 18 Estate of Thomas Deans Application For Letters of Administration and 
List of Heirs. (see Images page)

Mary conducts an estate sale of the personal property on January 7,1890. A 
Petition for Partition and Dower was also filed by Mary and the children. It 
includes a description of the land that Thomas owned at his death. Two tracts 
consisted of the "Brinkley-Baker" tract located on the north side of the 
Virginia Road adjoining the lands of John M. Forehand containing 65 acres and 
the Thomas Deans home place tract containing approximately 300 acres. The 
Brinkley-Baker tract was sold to John M. Forehand for $1,000.00. Further 
research is required to determine the ultimate disposition of the farm land. 
(91)

On April 3, 1888, Virginia Clifford Deans, daughter of William D. and Martha, 
is married to John Goodwin, age 53, son of Ephraim and Penelope Goodwin. The 
ceremony is performed at the William D. Deans home place (former home of 
William/Rachel) by C. J. Burke, Justice of the Peace. (92)

In 1890 William Miles Deans and his first cousin and partner Joseph Perry 
Deans begin their significant purchases-about 25 separate deeds-of Bertie 
County farmland. (93) These purchases will continue until about 1905. It is 
reasonable to assume that both are now resident in Bertie County, NC near or 
in Colerain as that is the general location of their land purchases. From 1890 
and into the early years of the 20th century they will conduct significant 
farming operations on this land.

About 1893 assuming a year before the date of the birth of their first child, 
Mary Virginia Deans, William Miles Deans marries Gatcie Ellen Cross sister of 
Lucy.

In Norfolk, Virgina on July 17, 1894 Joseph P. Deans, son of William D. & 
Martha, marries Annie Laurie Cross sister of both Lucy and Gatcie, all of 
Gates County and the daughters of James E. 'Norman' Cross and Georgianna 
Howell. Georgianna is the sister of Thomas T. Deans' spouse Mary Frances 
Howell. (94) The 1900 Bertie census lists Joseph P. and William M. Deans as 
partners both living in the Joseph P. Deans Colerain household with their 
families. (95) That census also indicates that William M. Deans is already 
widowed from Gatcie with their only known child Mary Virgina Deans now 6 years 
old. Joseph P. Deans' first daughter Irma Leigh Deans b 1895 will, in 1917, 
marry William T. Lineberry the son of R. B. Lineberry the Pastor of Christian 
Harbor Baptist Church (organized by Issac Taylor a cousin of Rachel Taylor in 
1881) of Hertford county. In 1941 W. T. Lineberry, then a Navy surgeon 
stationed in Guam, is captured by the Japanese during WWII. Irma does not know 
whether he is still alive until the end of the war. When released he weighs 
about 90 lbs but he is able to recover and lives until the age of 73 about 20 
years later. (96)

On November 11, 1894, another daughter of William D. and Martha is married. 
Lula A. marries Henry H. Hurdle, son of William B. and Priscilla M. Hurdle. 
Lula is also married by a Justice of the Peace but the wedding takes place at 
Centre Hill. (97)

On January 30, 1896 Charles C. Deans, son of Thomas and Mary, is married to 
Margaret H. Freeman age 25, daughter of James H. and Rebecca Freeman in Gates 
County. (98)

On December 21, 1898, Jasper L. Deans, son of Thomas and Mary, is married to 
Martha (Mattie) Lou Elliott, daughter of Richard D. and Martha J. Elliott of 
Smalls Crossroads in Chowan County. The wedding takes place at Centre Hill 
Methodist Church with the Rev. J. A. Homaday officiating. (99) Jasper will be 
the last Deans to reside on and farm some of the original family property of 
William/Rachel Deans and their son Thomas. He lives on and farms Thomas Deans' 
old home lands at least past the funeral of his wife Mattie Lou Deans in early 
March of 1932. Sometime, later in the 1930's, the old Thomas Deans' house 
burns down and Jasper moves to his daughter Pauline D. Perry's home in New 
Hope, Perquimans County, NC bringing down the curtain on the Deans family 
farming operations in the far north west corner of Chowan County over a 
hundred years after it began. (100)

On July 11, 1901, James Edward Deans, son of Thomas and Mary, is married to 
Mattie Elliott Deans' sister, Pauline E. Elliott. Their wedding takes place at 
the residence of Jasper L. Deans, James parent's former home, with the Rev. C. 
P. Jerome, Minister of Centre Hill Methodist Church presiding. The license 
declares that Mary, James's mother, is living, but that she is a resident of 
Wilkes County, NC where her son James resides as a jewelry store proprietor 
and where he will soon return with his new bride. (101) Mary F. Deans remains 
at her former and now son Jasper's home until she passes away sometime before 
1910. (102)

In Hertford County on July 22, 1903 Martha S. Deans, daughter of William D and 
Martha, marries Joseph H. Fairless. This Fairless family is still at the 
William D. Deans old home place in the 1910 census with the widow Martha but 
has moved to another part of Chowan County by the 1920 census. (103)

William D. died intestate on July 15, 1907. Letters of Administration were 
granted to Lycurgus Hill, Administrator. Martha Ann, William D. Deans' widow, 
filed a Petition for Dower and Partition on November 10, 1908. Though she was 
able to sign her name, her signature shows signs of weakness. Noticeably, the 
children are not named in the Petition. It is established that William D. and 
Martha were able to retain their interest in the home place and land bordering 
on Catherine Creek.

Hill files an Inventory of personal property and Martha is allotted her 
provisions and a one-third interest for life in the real estate. The Final 
Accounting filed by Hill includes a statement of distribution of the estate to 
W. J. Deans, J. P. Deans, Martha S. Fairless, Lavenia (Lula) H. Hurdle and 
Martha A. Deans, widow. Virginia Clifford Goodwin who would be 40 years of age 
is missing and likely deceased at that time. 

Martha continues house keeping at her home place, now living with her daughter 
Martha and husband Joseph H. Fairless, until her death from pneumonia on April 
8, 1917, at the age of 80 years and 7 months. (104)

Figure 19 Deans Farm Cemetery-center brushy area-on land formerly owned by 
Thomas Deans contained unmarked and three marked graves as of 2004. (see 
Images page)

Figure 20 Footstones of Jasper L. Deans, Mattie Lou Deans and Jasper E(lliott) 
Deans were the only markers found. Their remains later moved to a Hertford, 
Perquimans county area cemetery about 2006. (see Images page)

                            A New Century

Rachel and William with their children, through difficult periods of hardship, 
uncertainty and suffering, provided a firm foundation for their descendants. 
Survivors as of 1900 numbered 46 people including Winnie Malinda Deans Perry 
age 74, the oldest known daughter of Rachel and William, then living with her 
son Turner Perry Jr. in Bertie county. Also living in 1900 was William Daniel 
Deans, youngest surviving son of Rachel and William, age 67, then living in 
his Chowan county farm home and thus beginning the 20th century.

Their generations spanned a period of American history from the late 1700 
presidency of George Washington through the Civil War to that of Theodore 
Roosevelt as vice president in 1900.

It is a record that can be remembered with pride.

E. Preston Grissom November 2004
James Elliott Deans Jr. June 2012

(1) U. S. Population Census for Hertford, Bertie and Chowan Counties, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(2) John Wheeler Moore, Historical Sketches of Hertford County as transcribed 
by David Powell, Liberty Shield Press, Winton, NC 1998, p. 33.
(3) Bradley, Dr. Stephen E. The Deeds of Bertie County 1772-1785, p. 10 
abstracting Deed Book M, p107, hereinafter cited as Bradley, Bertie County 
Deeds.
(4) Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables 1751-1765 by Elizabeth Wingo. Pgs 61, 
86, 170 and 188.
(5) Vol I Cavaliers and Pioneers-Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants 
1623-1666 by Nell Marion Nugent, p160.
(6) 1810 U.S. Census, Hertford County, p93.
(7) 1820 U. S. Census, Hertford County, Family of William Deans.
(8) 1850 U. S. Census, Chowan County, District Above Edenton, Household of 
William Deans, pg. 81, NC State Archives.
(9) Information supplied by son P. H. Deans about his father for the death 
certificate of William Miles Deans d 1/19/1917 Colerain, Bertie County who was 
Thomas T. Deans' first son.
(10) 1850 U. S. Census, Bertie County, NC, Household of Turner Perry; Marriage 
Bond, Chowan County Marriage Register, Chowan County Register of Deeds Office, 
Turner Perry to Balinda Deans.
(11) Notebook of William Hamilton Welch, 1930-1950; 1840 U. S. Census, Chowan 
County, Family of William Deans, NC State Archives.
(12) 1830 U. S. Census, Bertie County, NC, Head of Families Willy Deans, Roll 
118, pg. 338, NC State Archives.
(13) Raymond Parker Fouts, Record of Accounts Inventories & Sales of Estates 
Hertford County, NC 1830-1831 Vol I, pgs 61,62. Gen Rec Books, Cocoa, FL 1988
(14) Raymond Parker Fouts, Record of Accounts Inventories & Sales of Estates 
Hertford County, North Carolina 1832-1834 Volume II, pg. 30, 68. Gen Rec Books 
Cocoa, FL 1989.
(15) David Powell, Records and Remembrances of Hertford County North Carolina, 
Vol I Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, p. 77.
(16) Will of Robert Taylor, W. B. 2, pg. 297, Clerk's Office of the Superior 
Court of Gates County, NC, Gatesville, NC.
(17) Deed Book K2, pg. 190, Office of the Register of Deeds of Chowan County, 
NC, Edenton, NC.
(18)Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB K2. p. 674.
(19) 1850 U. S. Census, Chowan County, NC, District Above Edenton, William 
Deans Family, pg. 81, NC State Archives.
(20) Record of Accounts, Hertford County NC, Account Sale of Property Sold By 
Abner Harrell, Reel C.051.50001, pg. 4, North Carolina State Archives, 
hereinafter cited Record of Acounts, Hertford County.
(21) Account Sale & Inventory of Agatha Perry, dec'd, Record of Accounts, 
Hertford County, Reel C. 051.5000, pg. 353, 355, NC State Archives.
(22) 1840 U. S. Census, Chowan County, District Above Edenton, Family of 
William Deans, NC State Archives.
(23) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Book M2 pg. 617.
(24) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Book M2 pg. 620.
(25) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Book M2 pg. 672.
(26) U.S. Census County of Hertford, NC, Family of Mat Deanes.
(27) Officials' Bonds and Records, Chowan County NC, CR 024.103.2, File 1841-
1850, NC State Archives.
(28) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC. Book N2 pg. 90.
(29) Chowan County Estates Records. 1728-1951, CR 024.508.32, William Deans 
1865 
(30) Chowan County Estates Records, 1728-1951 C.R. 024.508.32 Noah P. Deans, 
NC State Archives.
(31) William D. Valentine Diary, Vol. 6, Southern Historical Collection 
University of North Carolina Library, Chapel Hill, photo-copy on file in 
Whitaker Library, Chowan College, Murfreesboro, N. C., hereinafter referred to 
as Valentine Diary.
(32) 1850 U. S. Census, Chowan County NC, William Deans Family, pg. 34, MC 
Roll pg. 67 NC State Archives.
(33) 1850 Production of Agriculture Schedule, Chowan County, NC, MC Roll F2-
107, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(34)1850 Slave Inhabitant Schedule, Chowan County, NC, MC Roll 432 - 651, 
North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(35) Colerain Baptist Church Records, 1821-1909 Vol I, Rare Book, Manuscript 
and Special Collections Library, William R. Perkins Library, Duke University, 
Durham, North Carolina, hereinafter referred to as Colerain Baptist Church 
Records.
(36)1850 U. S. Census, Hertford County NC, Family of Marmaduke Smith and John 
Trevathan, NC State Archives.
(37) 1860 U. S. Census, Hertford County NC, Family of John B. Taylor, NC State 
Archives.
(38) Powell, David, Court Minutes of Hertford County (1845-1849), pg. 54. 
Liberty Shield Press, Winton, NC.
(39) Chowan Co. Marriage Bonds-Brides, www.rootsweb.com/~ncchowan/chbride-
d.htm.
(40) 1850 U. S. Census, Bertie County, NC, Family of Turner Perry, NC State 
Archives.
(41) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Book P2, pg. 322.
(42) Date of birth furnished by James Elliott Deans, Jr., Austin, TX, grandson 
of James Edward Deans.
(43) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB P2, p. 535.
(44) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB Q, p. 103.
(45) 1860 U. S. Census for Chowan County, NC, Family of Thomas Deans, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.; Patrick Henry's full name is furnished by James 
Elliott Deans, Austin, TX.
(46) 1860 U. S. Census for Chowan County, NC, Family of William Deans, NC 
State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(47) Chowan County Estates, CR. 0240508.32, William Deans 1865 Folder, 
Inventory of the property of Wm Deanes deceased by Thos Deanes Administrator, 
NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(48) 1860 Productions of Agriculture Schedule for Chowan County, NC, pg. 9, 
10, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(49) 1860 Productions of Agriculture Schedule for Chowan County, NC, pg. 
11,12, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(50) 1860 U. S. Census for Bertie County, NC, Family of K. T. Pruden and 
Family of Turner Perry, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(51) 1900 U. S. Census for Chowan County, NC Family of W D Deans.
(52) North Carolina Troops 1861-1865 A Roster Vol V Infantry, 11th Regiment, 
p.l, 60, Division of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC 1975.
(53) Compiled Service Records, 11 Reg't North Carolina Infantry, William D. 
Deans, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(54) 1870 U. S. Census for Chowan county, Family of William Deans, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.; Full name furnished by James Elliott Deans, Jr., 
Austin, TX.
(55) Dillard, Richard, The Civil War in Chowan County North Carolina (Edenton: 
Privately printed, 1916) pp. 14-15.
(56) Barrett, John G., The Civil War in North Carolina (Chapel Hill University 
of North Carolina Press, 1963) p. 174.
(57) Parramore, T. C., Jack Fairless and Wingfield Buffaloes, Ahoskie Daily 
Roanoke -Chowan News, Civil War Supplement, 1960.
(58) Welch Presentation; Wiggins Family Genealogical Notes (Private 
Collection).
(59) Parramore, Jack Fairless and Wingfield Buffaloes, Ahoskie Daily Roanoke -
Chowan News, Civil War Supplement, 1960.
(60) Letter from Nell Louise to Aunt Elizabeth, Welch Family Collection.
(61) 1870 U. S. Census for Chowan County, NC, Family of Thomas Deans, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(62) 1870 U. S. Census for Bertie County, NC, Family of Turner Perry, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(63) 1880 U. S. Census for Chowan County, NC, Family of William Deans; 
Headstone Inscription of Joseph Perry Deans, Hillcrest Cemetery, Colerain, NC.
(64) Chowan County Office of Registrar of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB R3 p. 152.
(65) 1870 U. S. Census for Chowan County, NC, Family of Thomas Deans, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(66) Chowan County Estates Records, C.R. 024.508.32, William Deans 1865 
Folder, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(67) Richard L. Zuber, NORTH CAROLINA DURING RECONSTRUCTION, North Carolina 
Division of Archives, Raleigh 1969, pgs. 1, 2,51.
(68) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB R3, p. 254.
(69) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB R3, p. 281.
(70) 1870 U. S. Census for Hertford, Chowan and Bertie Counties; Information 
furnished by James E. Deans, Austin, TX.
(71) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB S3, p. 193.
(72) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB S3, p. 192.
(73) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Marriage Register 
M 1870 p. 34.
(74) 1870 Productions of Agriculture Schedule for Chowan County, NC, p. 3,4, 
Roll F2 115N, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(75) 1870 U. S. Census for Chowan County, Family of William Deanes, NC State 
Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(76) 1870 Population Census for Chowan County, Family of Thomas Deanes, NC 
State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(77) 1870 U. S. Census for Bertie County, Family of Turner Perry, NC
(78) Chowan County Wills, 024.801.7, Folder Rachel Deans, NC State Archives, 
Raleigh, NC.
(79) Chowan County Estate Records, CR 024.508.82., Folder Rachel Deans, NC 
State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(80) Hertford County Superior Court Records, Nathan L. Cullens, et al. vs. 
E.E. Cullens & J.W. Perry, Oct Term 1912, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(81) Statement by W.H. Welch, Sr., Given to Descendants of James Wiggins and 
Mary Virginia Taylor Wiggins as Wiggins Family Reunion on August 11, 1940, 
copy in possession of E. Preston Grissom.
(82) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB U, p. 557.
(83) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB S 3, p. 324.
(84) 1870 U.S. Census for Chowan County, Family of William Deans and Family of 
Thomas Deans p. 15.
(85) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB U, p. 215.
(86) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, DB V, p. 129.
(87) Gates County Marriages-listed as Thomas J Downs.
(88) 1900 U. S. Census for Gates County, Family of William J. Deans sheet 7B.
(89) Dillard, Richard, The Civil War in Chowan County North Carolina (Edenton: 
Privately printed, 1916) pp. 45-46.
(90) Chowan County Estates Records, 1728-1951, CR 024.508.32 Folder: Thomas 
Deans 1889, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(91) Chowan County Estates Records, 1728-1951, CR 024.508.32 Folder: Thomas 
Deans 1889, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(92) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Marriage Register 
M 1888, p. 63.
(93) Deeds 1722-1857; General Index 1722-1924 Bertie County, NC-p139.
(94) Gates County Wills 1762-1904, Unbound: Will of Miles Howell 1840, NC 
State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
(95) 1900 U. S. Census for Bertie County, NC family of Joseph Deans.
(96) Information from Nell Deans Evans niece of Irma Leigh Deans.
(97) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Marriage Register 
M 1888, p. 79.
(98) North Carolina Marriages 1759-1979, www.familysearch.org.
(99) Chowan County Office of Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Marriage Register 
M 1894, p. 23.
(100) Family story from Julian Stuart Deans, son of James Edward Deans. Julian 
attended the funeral.
(101) Heritage of Wilkes County 1982, Mrs. W. O. Absher Ed, p176.
(102) 1910 U. S. Census for Chowan County, Household of Jasper Deans sheet 21B.
(103) 1910 U. S. Census for Chowan County, Family of Joseph H. Fairless sheet 
3A.
(104) Chowan County Register of Deeds, Edenton, NC, Vital Statistics Deaths 
Vol 12 1916-1917. p. 343.


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