Harrell Familiesof EarlyHertford County, North Carolina |
You are in Chapter 10, if you wish to move about in this site, click on one of the following sections:HarrellFamilies (Home Page) Chapter 1 (The Early Harrells in America) Chapter 2 (Harrells in Chowan County & the Gates area) Chapter 3 (Harrells in Bertie & the Hertford County area) Chapter 4 (Hertford County's 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Generations) Chapter 5 (John T., Eley, Elijah Two, Elisah, Thomas Two & their descendants) Chapter 6 (Nathan & Elizabeth's Known Descendants) Chapter 7 (John [b. c. 1794] & Winnifred Harrell, 3rd Generation) Chapter 8 (Josiah & Anna Harrell, 3rd Generation) Chapter 9 (Elizabeth Harrell & Silas Parker, 3rd Generation) Chapter 11 (Immigrants to the 4th Generation of Hertford County Harrells)
Chapter 10: Immigrants to the 3rd Generation of Hertford County Harrells 3rd Generation Hertford County HarrellsBorn in Gates County
I know
of four 3rd Generation Harrells who moved from Gates County to Hertford County.
There may have been more, but in most cases if they did not stay for a least one census
record they have been overlooked. The Hertford County immigrants who stayed are described
in this chapter. They were David, Mary (Wilson), Abner, and James Harrell. In chapter two
of this work, I surveyed the early Harrells who were in the Gates area before it became a
county. I found most of the Harrells in the Gates area descended from one of the two
original settlersSamuel of Chowan (b. c. 1700) or Samuel of Kent (b. 1663). By all
accounts, our four immigrants did descend from the two SamuelsDavid from Samuel of
Chowan; and Mary, Abner, and James from Samuel of Kent. Samuel
of Chowan (b. c. 1700 in the Gates area or Nansemond County, Virginia) had several
children in the Gates area, one of whom was Abraham (b. c. 1718 in the Gates area), and
one of his sons was David Harrell (b. c. 1770 in the Gates area). David started his family
in Gates County before he moved to Hertford County between 1810 and 1815. The
other three immigrants to Hertford County, Mary (b. c. 1787), Abner (b. 1790), and James
(b. 1792), were siblings. Most accounts indicate they descended from a Major Samuel (b. c.
1750 in the Gates area), who descended from James (b. 1708 in the Gates area), who in turn
descended from Samuel of Kent (b. 1663 in Kent County, England). Abner Harrell was the
first in his family to settle in Hereford Countyhe moved there between 1815 and
1820. Major Samuels daughter, Mary, married John G. Wilson of Hertford County in
1825; then they settled in Murfreesboro, Hertford County. Mary and Abner Harrells
brother, James, settled in Hertford County much later, in 1840, after spending nearly
twenty years in Virginia. The marks they left on Hertford County are described below. David Harrell (born 1770-1775)3rd Generation
When David was around 23 years of age, he married Ann Gatling in Gates County. They
were married on November 11, 1796,[1] and started their family in
Gates County. By 1810, they had been married for more than 14 years and apparently had
seven of their children. David
was between the ages of 35 and 40 when the 1810 census was taken. He was probably around
40 years of age when he decided to move to Hertford County sometime after the 1810 census
but before 1815. We know David moved to Hertford County with his family before 1815
because he was on the 1815 tax list for Hertford County (see Table 15, page 128). He took
considerable wealth with him to his new home. [page
305] 1810 census entry, Gates Co., N. C. Head of
Household: David Harrell, age 35-40 household
members: males
females
2, 0-10
2, 0-10
1, 16-26
2, 10-16
1, 26-45
1, 26-45
1, over 45
(13 slaves) David was between the ages of 45 and 50 when he appeared in Hertford County as a head of household in the 1820 census. His wife, Ann, was also between 45 and 50 years of age at that time. 1820 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: David Harrell, age 45-50
page 182 household
members: males
females
2, 10-16
2, 0-10
1, 16-26
1, 10-16
1, over 45
1, 16-26
1, 26-45
1, over 45
(13 slaves)
The David Harrell and his family described in the 1820 census were probably the
same Davison and his wife who were listed in the 1830 censusbased on the
ages given in 1820, they would be over 55 in 1830. Their ages fit and the name is close
enough for me to be confident David of 1820 and Davison of 1830 were one and the same
person. In addition, never before or after the 1830 entry was there a Davison
Harrell in Hertford County. 1830 census entry, Hertford Co., N. C. Head of
Household: Davison/David Harrell, age 55-60
page 395 household
members: males
females
1, 50-60
1, 50-60
In 1830, David and Ann were living alone. Their older children were probably
married, and the younger children may have been living with their siblings. David
apparently died before the 1840 census. David Sr. and Ann Harrells Descendants Davids two oldest daughters were seen in the 1810 census, all the other children were counted on the 1820 census. By using both censuses we can get an estimate of his childrens birth yearsthe best estimates are in the following list. [page
306] David Sr.s birth years known possible
children
children
children Son # 1 b. 1794-1804 George (1791-1800) Enoch (1800-1810) Son # 2 b. 1804-1810 John (1804-1810) Enoch (1800-1810) Son # 3 b. 1804-1810 David Jr., b. 1807 Daughter # 1 b. 1794-1800 Daughter # 2 b. 1794-1800 Daughter # 3 b. 1794-1804 Daughter # 4 b. 1804-1810 Daughter # 5 b. 1810-1820 Daughter # 6 b. 1810-1820 All his
children, except daughters nos. 5 and 6, were born in Gates County, but apparently they
all grew up in Hertford County. So far, however, knowing their place of birth has not
helped to identify David Sr.s sons numbers one and two. There were three
possibilities among the 4th Generation of Harrells who could have been David
Sr.s sonsGeorge, Enoch, and John (1804-1810). Unfortunately, all three were
gone by the 1850 census, and thus missed the 1860 census in which residents were asked
their county of birth. The difficulty in identifying these sons is, of course, compounded
by the fact that all three of the possibilities were also possible sons of other 3rd
Generation Harrells in the county. On the basis of age categories, George was a match with
Elijah Two and Elisah; Enoch was a match with Eley and Elijah Two; and John (1804-1810)
was also a match with Eley and Elijah Two (see Table 20, page 170). For now, in David
Sr.s section of this chapter, I have only described the one descendant I have been
able to identify with some certaintyDavid Junior. David Harrell Jr. (b. 1807)4th Generation
David Jr. and his wife, Sally, were married by 1839, and the 1840 census listed the
young couple with their first child, Mary, who was one year of age at the time. 1840 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: David Harrell, age 20-30
page 63 household
members: males
females
1, 20-30
1, 0-5
1, 15-20 The
family in the 1850 census entry below is probably the same David Harrell household shown
in 1840 just above, with one small age problem. David in 1840 was listed as between the
ages of 20 and 30, though he should have been 33; Sally was listed as 15 to 20, yet she
should have been 23. The error for both of them is similar, and could have just been a
recording erroroff by one column for each mark in 1840. David Jr. and Sally apparently kept themselves
busy between the 1840 and 1850 censusesthey had five new children by 1850. Mary,
their first born, was 11 years old by 1850, and the two additional daughters and three
sons were nicely spaced through the decade. Also, by the 1850 census, David Jr. had real
estate valued at $3,300. 1850 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
David age 43
farmer
$3,300
page 337 Harrell,
Sally age 33
Harrell,
Mary age 11
Harrell,
Olivia age 9
Harrell,
Henry age 7
Harrell,
Gilbert age 5
Harrell,
Mariah age 3
Harrell,
Julius age 9/12
Harrell,
Alphenis
age 15
Idiotic
The 15 year old lad, Alphenis Harrell, was a son of John (b. 1804-1810) and Herriet
(see Unattached 4th Generation Harrells, in chapter 5). John (b.
1804-1810) had died in late 1840, and his will provided for sons John Wilson and Alpheus
Harrellthere were no special provisions in the 1840 will for an Idiotic
son, as Alpheus was labeled in the 1850 census. Why Alpheus was living with David and
Sally in 1850 is not clear. He may have been a nephew. John (b. 1804-1810) was the correct
age to have been David Jr.s brother. David
Jr. and Sally were religious as well as financially secure. In 1858, they were one family
among only 10 to contribute as much as $100 to help construct a new church building for
the Bethlehem Baptist Church near Pitch Landing. (The only other Harrell making a
comparable contribution to that church fund was John Wilson Harrell, the brother of the 15
year old lad, Alphenis, who had been living with David and Sally in 1850, both of whom
were grandsons of John (1804-1810), one of David Jr.s possible brothers.) David
Jr. and Sally had 3 more daughters and were much richer by 1860. In addition, the 1860
census shows David Harrell Jr. was born in Gates County, and his wife Sally (Sarah Maria)
was born in Bertie County. All their children were born in Hertford County. Their two
oldest daughters, Mary and Olivia, were gone by 1860probably married. 1860 census entry, Hertford County,
N. C. Harrell,
David
age 53 Farmer
$6,000 $15,665
page 28 Harrell,
S. M.
age 47 wife Harrell,
H. D.
age 17 (Henry D.) Harrell,
G. L.
age 15 (Gilbert L.) Harrell,
M. A.
age 13 (Mariah A.) Harrell,
J. J.
age 10 (Julius J.) Harrell,
E. W.
age 8 (Elizabeth W.) Harrell,
M. C.
age 5 daughter Harrell,
T. E.
age 1 (Theodosie E.) daughter David
Jr. was alive and well in May of 1865, when a neighbor, and perhaps a distant cousin,
Abner Harrell named David the executor of a trust set up for Abners son, Alpha B.
Harrell. It was clear Abner trusted David enough to convey the 100 acres he was leaving to
his son, Alpha B. Harrell, to him. David was to hold title and have full management power
over the land during Alphas life time, and then convey the land to Alphas
heirs. David could farm or rent the land as he saw fit, with all proceeds going to the
support of Abners son, Alpha, during his life time.[2]
David Jr. died before November 1869, when his son Henry D. Harrell sold the land he
inherited from his father.
Of course, David Jr. was not listed in the 1870 census. His wife, Sarah Maria
Harrell, was also not listed as a head of household in 1870, nor was she listed with her
sons. She may have been living with one of her daughters. David Jr. and Sally Harrells Children
David Jr. and Sally Harrells children were: Mary b. 1839 Olivia b. 1841 Henry D. b. 1843 Gilbert L. b. 1845 Mariah A. b. 1847 (Shaw) Julius J. b. 1850 Elizabeth W. b. 1852 (Phelps) M. C. b. 1855 (daughter) Theodosie E. b. 1859 (daughter) Robert E. b. 1863
Mary and Olivia were both married before 1860 but remain undetected to this point
in time. Two of David Jr. and Sallys sons, Henry D. and Gilbert L. were living
side-by-side in 1870both were married, and listed as heads of household. The ten
year old son listed with David and Sally in 1860 was probably the 20 year old named Julius
living with his brother, Gilbert, in 1870. Both Henry and Gilbert were engaged in
farmingHenry with 20 improved acres and 15 in woodlands; Gilbert with 60 improved
acres and 66 in woodlands. Their sister, Mariah A. had probably combined her inheritance
with her husband, James D. Shaws, holdings; they were on 160 improved acres and 160
in woodlands. The other siblings owned their share of the original family farm but were
probably not listed in the Agricultural Schedule because they were not working their own
land.[3] Henry D. Harrell (b. 1843)5th Generation
Henry D. was the oldest son of David Jr. and Sallie Maria Harrell. He was with both
his parents for the 1850 and 1860 censuses. Henry D. made his first appearance as a head
of household in 1870. He had married Rebecca Ellen Evans, the daughter of Lemuel and Lucy
Evans, on June 2, 1870.[4] In 1870,
Henry and Rebecca had Bettie (Elizabeth W.), Henrys sister, living with them, as
well as his younger brother seven year old, Robert E. Harrell. The nine month old child
could have been Henry and Rebeccas, but if it were, the child did not survive to the
1880 census, because they did not have a child age 9 to 11 in 1880. 1870 census entry, Hertford County,
N. C. Harrell,
H. D. age 26 farmer
$100
page 421 Harrell,
Rebecca E. age 21 house wife Harrell,
Bettie
age 17 (Elizabeth W.) Harrell,
Robert E.
age 7 Harrell,
child
age 9/12 Bettie
(Elizabeth W.) was apparently still living with Henry when she married in April of 1871.
Elizabeth married Gray W. Phelps in David Harrells place, and she was
listed as David and Sarah M. Harrells daughter.[5] The family farm referred to
as David Harrells place was part of the land he had inherited from their father.
This was certainly the farm on the road from Harrellsville to Colfield with the cemetery
in which both David Jr. and his son Gilbert L. Harrell are buried.[6]
In 1870, Henry was listed as a farmer, but he was listed as not owning real estate,
while both of his younger brothers (listed just below) owned land. This was because Henry
sold all or most of the land his father had left him soon after his father died. The deed
to record the sale was dated November 29, 1869, and conveyed 100 acres to James D. Shaw
(his brother-in-law), who already owned land on the northern line of Henrys land,
for the sum of $225.[7] It is identified as land from David Harrells
estate, and as bounded by the Wiccacon Creek on the south, by brother Gilberts
parcel on the west, and by James D. Shaws wifes (Mariah A. Harrell
Shaws) land on the north. Henrys brother, Gilbert, is shown in the 1870
Agriculture census to own 60 improved acres and 66 unimproved for a total of 126 acres.
Apparently David Jr. left Henry a similar parcel, because, as mentioned above, the
Agricultural Schedule taken in 1870 indicates Henry was farming on 20 improved acres and
15 unimproved acres after having sold 100 acres the previous November. Henry D. was also
the Surveyor for Hertford County during the same period of time. In 1880,
Henry and Rebecca had three new children. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
H. D.
age 36 work on farm
Harrell,
Rebecca E. age
31 Harrell,
Lymon D. age 7 Harrell,
Ella E.
age 4 Harrell,
Edgar J.
age 2
The twenty year information gap between the 1880 and 1900 censuses creates a
problem which most people have learned to deal with, but in Hertford County the problem is
compounded by the shoddy workmanship employed when microfilming the 1900 and 1910 U. S.
censuses for Hertford County. Because of these problems, we know very little about Henry
D.s family in 1890. Nonetheless, most of what we know must be deduced from the
censuses. The only glimpse we have of Henry D. in 1890 indicates he was farming in the
Harrellsville Post Office District along with N. Harrell, Lemuel Harrell, John Wilson
Harrell, and Nicholas J. Harrell.[8] 1900 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
H. D.
age 56 farmer
born August 1843 Harrell,
Rebecca E. age 53 wife
born May 1848 Harrell,
Hildie
age 18 daughter born
June 1882 Harrell,
Lula
age 16 daughter born
June 1884
In 1900, Henry D. and Rebecca were still in Harrellsville on a family farm they
owned mortgage free.
They indicated they had been married for 28 years, which means they were married in
1872. (That date puts their marriage about two years later than the Hertford County record
shows.) Rebecca also states five of her six children were still alive in 1900. 1910 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
Henry D.
age 6x farmer Harrell,
Rexxxx
age 6x wife Harrell,
xxxxx
age xx daughter Harrell,
xxxx
age 25 daughter As I
stated earlier, some of the microfilm for this period of time is nearly useless. The
people constructing the index (Soundex) for the 1910 census in Hertford County apparently
had a more readable film than I have been able to get, and they came up with the following
listing. from
Soundex for 1910, Hertford Co., N. C. Harrell, Henry D.
age 67 farmer (b. 1843)
Harrellsville twp. Rebecca
E. age 61 wife
Adder E.
age 27 daughter (Ida E.)
Lula J.
age 25 daughter In 1910,
Henry D. and Rebecca still owned their farm free and clear and were still in Harrellsville
township. Rebecca also still indicated 5 of
her 6 children were living in 1910.
Henry was gone by 1920, while Rebecca E. remained in Harrellsville township with
one of her youngest daughters. Their daughter, Lula J., was married by then. Their
daughters name, Ada E., is clear in the 1920 census. Ada E. was probably the 18 year
old in 1900, and the 27 year old in the 1910 census. Ada is listed as single, with no
occupation, and 36 years of age in 1920. 1920 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
R. E.
age 71 no occupation Harrell,
Ada E.
age 36 daughter / single Henry D. & Rebecca E. Harrells Children
In 1900 and 1910, Rebecca stated she had given birth to six children and five of
them were still alive in 1910. In the 1870 census there was a nine month old child who did
not appear at around age 10 in the 1880 census. I assume this was the child they lost. The
1880 census listed three children all of whom were not living with their parents by the
next available census in 1900Lymon, Ella, and Edgar would have been 27, 24 and 22
years of age respectively in 1900. The 1900 census listed the two daughters born after the
1880 census. They were Ada E., born in 1881, and Lula J., born in 1883. Lymon Delk Harrell (b. 1872)6th Generation Lymon
stayed in Hertford County, where he married Margaret Penelope Smithwick. 1910 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
L. D.
age 40
Harrell,
Margarette age
37 wife Harrell,
George L. age 8 son Harrell,
Ganie
age 4 daughter In 1910,
they both acknowledged they had been married for 12 years, and Margaret indicated she had
had four children, with two still alivethey were George L. and Ganie. The family was
living on a rented farm at the time. Lymon died in 1959. Ella E. Harrell Hardin (b. 1876)6th Generation
Ella E. Harrell at age 19 married George A. Hardin who was then 32 years of age.
The wedding was at the home of the brides father, on May 28, 1895.[9]
Ella died in 1956. Edgar Judson Harrell (b. 1877)6th Generation Edger
died in 1961. Ada E. Harrell (b. 1881)6th Generation Ada and
her younger sister, Lula, were with their mother for the 1910 census. Ada E. Harrell was
still in her mother, Rebeccas, household in 1920she gave her age as 36, and
she was not married at the time. Lula J. Harrell (b. 1883)6th Generation Lula was
living in her mothers household for the 1910 censusher age was given as 25. She
married Alonzo Outlaw Holloman. Gilbert L. Harrell (b. 1845)5th Generation
David Jr. and Sally Harrells son, Gilbert, was still living with his parents
in 1860. He enlisted at Hertford County on May 1, 1864. Later but he was married to Martha
Sarah Doughtie and they appeared together in the 1870 census. 1870 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
G. L.
age 25 farmer
$400 $200
page 421 Harrell,
Martha S. age 20 Harrell,
Julius W. age 20
at home
$800
Gilbert L. and his young wife had Julius Harrell, Gilberts younger brother,
living with them in 1870. Julius, had twice the value of real estate as his older brother,
Gilbert, but he was not listed in the Agricultural census as farming his land, which is
understandable given his young age. Gilberts farm has 60 acres of improved land and
66 acres of unimproved land.[10]
After the death of their father, David Jr., it was apparently not a simple matter
to distribute and keep his land. For instance, one deed between Gilbert and his
brother-in-law and neighbor, James D. Shaw, illustrates some of the difficulty and the
sort of help Gilbert received from James D. Shaw. As I understand it, Gilbert owed money
to James D. Shaw for administering his late fathers estate, and a note was signed on
January 2, 1868. The transaction involved Gilbert selling part of the land he inherited,
and putting up a horse, all of his hogs, cattle, sheep, and all stocks and crops, and all
of his household furniture. The note was to be paid by January 1, 1870, or all collateral
was to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. (From this time and place, one
might reasonably expect somewhat easier terms from a sister and brother-in-law, but then
and there, it may have been reasonable.)
In 1870, this family cluster included
Henry D. (age 26), Gilbert L. (age 25), Julius J. (age 20), and their sister, Mariah A.
Shaw (age 21)adjacent parcels owned by the younger siblings were mentioned in later
deeds. They were living next door to each other in Winton Township. This is, of course,
understandable because they all inherited a part of their fathers home farm on the
road from Harrellsville to Colfield. Their father had had a rather substantial estate in
1860real estate valued at $6,000 and
personal property valued at $15,665. He was a farmer and
most of his personal property would have been slaves, and, of course, they were
freed by the end of the War. There
was no Julius Harrell age 30 in the 1880 census, nor have I been able to find a deed for
the sale of his landI expect him to turn up eventually. Henry D. and Gilbert L.
Harrell and their families were still farming in the area in 1880.
About six months before the 1880 census was taken, Gilbert and Martha sold the 131
acres of land Gilbert had inherited from his father for $300. The deed was dated December
31, 1879 and described the property as bounded on the north by Theodosie E. Harrells
land (Gilberts sister), on the west by Robert E. Harrells land, on the south
by Wiccacon Creek, and adjoining the land of James D. Shaws heirs.[11]
The land referred to as Robert E. Harrells and Theodosie E. Harrells was
probably part or all of the acres inherited from their father, David Junior. In the 1880
census both brothers, Gilbert and Henry, had their occupations listed as work on farm. Gilbert and
Marthas family grew by five children between 1870 and 1880.
I have
not been able to find Gilbert or Martha S. in the 1900 or 1910 censuses due to poor
workmanship during the microfilming process. By 1920, Gilbert L. was gone, and his wife,
Martha S., and their daughter, Sallie M., were listed as boarders in the household of
their youngest daughter, Martha A. Harrell Brickell. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
G. L.
age 35 work on farm
Harrellsville Harrell,
Martha S. age
29 Harrell,
Mary A. age 9 in school Harrell,
David J. age 5 Harrell, George J. age 4 Harrell, Sarah M. age 3 Harrell, Martha Ann
age 6/12 Gilbert L. & Martha S. Harrells Children Mary A. Harrell (b. 1871)6th Generation Mary may
have moved to Bertie County. David J. Harrell (b. 1874)6th Generation
David J. was born in August 1874. He was first cited in the 1880 census living with
his parents at the age of 5. He appeared again in the 1900 census, at the age of 25, as a
farm laborer living with a Doughtie family. When the 1920 census was taken, he was still a farm laborer at the age of 45. At that
time he was working and living on the widow Rosa D. Hills farm on Colfield Road. He
apparently did not get married. He died in 1938. George J. Harrell (b. 1876)6th Generation
George J. Harrell was with his parents in 1880, living in Harrellsville. I have not
yet found him in Hertford County in 1900.
According to the 1910 census, he had gotten married in 1905. The census shows
George J. and his wife, Pearl E. Thompson, settled in Harrellsville township. They were
working their own farm which did have a mortgage. 1910 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
George J.
age 34 farmer Harrell,
Pearl E.
age 26 wife Harrell,
Gilbert L.
age 4 son Harrell,
Vivian
age 1 daughter
George and Pearl both indicated they had been married for 5 years, and Pearl stated
she had given birth to two children and they were both alive.
By 1920, George J. and Pearl E. were still farming in Harrellsville township on the
Colfield Road, and their farm was then free of any mortgage. 1920 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
George J.
age 43 farmer Harrell,
Pearl E.
age 36 wife Harrell,
Gilbert L.
age 14 son Harrell,
Vivian
age 11 daughter Harrell,
Wingate
age 9 son Harrell,
Robert
age 6 son (James) Harrell,
Lloyd
age 4 son Harrell,
Mervin
age 1 son
Their first two children survived the decade, and four additional children had
entered the family by 1920. George & Pearl Harrells DescendantsGilbert Harrell (b. 1906)7th Generation
According to tradition and the family historian, Jason S. Harrell, as a young man,
Gilbert wanted a change of sceneryapparently a considerable change. He moved to
Alaska. Gold was on his mind, but probably fishing was more important in terms of
providing a livelihood. He wrote his family from time to time, and they knew he was
engaged in commercial fishing, until one day his boat was found adrift, but no sign of
Gilbertever again. Vivian Harrell (b. 1908)7th Generation Vivian
married Arthur Pierce. George Wingate Harrell (b. 1911)7th Generation George
stayed in Hertford, and married Sadie Dunlow. He died in the county in 1990. James Robert Harrell Sr. (b. 1913)7th Generation
J. Robert Harrell at the age of 27 married Virginia Dunlow, age 20, in Winton on
November 29, 1940. His younger sister, Myrtle Harrell, was a witness at the wedding.[12]
James Robert Harrell lived in Bertie County, and he has descendants there as well
as in Hertford County today. James Robert & Virginia Dunlow Harrells Children Bobby Ray Harrell (b. 1941)8th Generation Bobby Ray married Jeanette Wade. He
died in 1990. James Robert Harrell Jr. (b. 1944)8th Generation
James Robert Harrell Jr. married Jerry Lee Jernigan in Ahoskie on September 8,
1967. L. S. Jernigan and James father, J. Robert Harrell Sr., were witnesses.[13] Charles Randall Harrell (b. 1948)8th Generation Charles Randall Harrell married Lorraine Brittenham. Their son is the family historian, Jason Scott Harrell (born 1976), of Ahoskie, Hertford County. Judy Harrell Vinson (b. 1952)8th Generation Judy married Donald Wayne Vinson. Lloyd Thompson Harrell (b. 1915)7th Generation
Lloyd T. Harrell stayed in Hertford County, and at the age of 30, he married Berna
Dean Parker in Murfreesboro on March 20, 1947.[14] Lloyd T. died in 1970. Mervin Wilson Harrell (b. 1918)7th Generation Mervin
also stayed around Hertford County. He was a witness at his brother, James Robert
Harrells, wedding in 1940. Mervin married Evelyn Swelley. Myrtle Pearl Harrell (b. 1922)7th Generation She
married Leslie Smith. On August 26, 1952, Myrtle Harrell was a witness at the wedding of
Roxie Virginia Harrell, age 16, to Gerald Wayne Blanchard in Ahoskie.[15]
Myrtle Pearl died in 1994. Mavis Elizabeth Harrell Hill (b. 1926)7th Generation
Mavis at the age of 21 married William Thomas Hill Jr., age 19, in Murfreesboro on
September 22, 1948. Mavis older brother, Lloyd T. Harrell, was a witness.[16]
Mavis Elizabeth died in 1993. Sarah Mariah Harrell (b. 1877)6th Generation
Gilbert L. and Martha S. Harrells daughter, Sarah Sallie M.
Harrell, was with her parents for the 1880 census at the age of three. I have not found
her in 1900 or 1910, but she does reappear in 1920 as a boarder along with her widowed
mother in her sister, Martha A. Harrell Brickells, household. She did not marry.
Sarah Mariah died in 1956. Martha Ann Harrell Brickell (b. 1880)6th Generation
Martha Ann Harrell at the age of 23 married E. D. Brickell, age 36, in Hertford
County in March 1902.[17]
In the 1910 census index (Soundex, 045,0050,0052), I found Martha Ann and Edward N.
Brickell. In 1920, they were living in their own home (with a mortgage) in the town of
Winton. Edward is listed as a lumberman working at a saw mill. 1920 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Brickell,
Edward N. age 53 lumberman Brickell,
Martha A. age
39 wife Brickell,
Edward N. age 13 son Harrell,
Sallie M.
age 41 boarder / single Harrell,
Martha S. age
68 boarder / widow
Martha A. had her mother, Martha S., and sister, Sallie M., living with her family
in 1920. Mariah A. Harrell Shaw (b. 1847)5th Generation David
Jr. and Sally Harrells daughter, Mariah A., married the boy next door, James D.
Shaw. By 1870, James and Mariah Shaws life looked pretty much on course. The two
Harrells and Miss. Sessoms in their household were probably former slaves. 1870 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Shaw, J.
D.
age 34 farmer
$1,100 $250 Shaw,
Mariah A.
age 21 keeping house Shaw, T.
G.
age 9 at home Shaw,
William H. D. age 5 Harrell,
George
age 21 farm laborer Harrell,
Ira
age 19 farm laborer Sessoms,
Barbary
age 21 cook
I did not find James and Mariah in the 1880 census, but all three of their
children, T. G., W. D (William H. D.), and Jimnie, were living with James brother,
W. P. Shaw. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Shaw, W.
P.
age 36 dry goods mcht. Shaw, M.
R.
age 34 wife Shaw,
Willie
age 7 son
at school Shaw,
Sarah
age 2 daughter
at school Shaw,
John S.
age 24 brother
clerk in store Shaw, T.
G.
age 21 nephew
clerk in store Shaw, W.
D.
age 17 nephew
at school Shaw,
Jimnie
age 9 niece
at school Archer,
Susan
age 16 cook Mariah A. Harrell and James D. Shaws Children T. G. Shaw (b. 1860)6th Generation
Mariah A. and James D. Shaws oldest son, T. G., was living with them in 1870.
In 1880, T. G. was living with his aunt and uncle along with his brother and sister. William H. D. Shaw (b. 1864)6th Generation William was also with his parents in 1870 and then his uncle in 1880. William was still in school at the age of 17, which probably means his absent parents had provided for his care and education. Jimnie Shaw (b. 1871)6th Generation Mariah A. and James D. Shaws daughter, Jimnie, was born just after the 1870 census, the first record of her existence is her appearance with her two brothers in their uncles household. Julius J. Harrell (b. 1850)5th Generation Henry D.
and Rebecca E. Harrells son, Julius, was living with his bother, Gilbert L., in
1870. At that time, Julius owned $800 worth of property. He would have been 30 years of
age for the 1880 census, but he is not listed as a head of household in Hertford County at
that time. Elizabeth W. Bettie Harrell Phelps (b. 1852)5th Generation
Bettie, at the age of 17, was living with her brother, Henry D. and his wife, Rebecca, for the 1870 census. Just one year later, she was listed as Bettie E. Harrell, the daughter of David and Sarah M. Harrell when she married Gray W. Phelps (the son of Asa and Mary E. Phelps of Bertie County) on April 8, 1871.[18] They were not in Hertford County in 1880. [page
319] M. C. Harrell (b. 1855)5th Generation
I do not have a name for David Jr. and Sally Harrells daughter. Theodosie E. Harrell (b. 1859)5th Generation The only
thing I know about Theodosie is that she, like her siblings, inherited part of her
parents farm. Her parcel was mentioned in her brother, Gilberts, 1879 deed
which indicates she received adjacent land from her father. Robert E. Harrell (b. 1863)5th Generation
Robert was David Jr. and Sallies youngest child. By 1870, his parents were
already gone and he was living in his oldest brother, Henry D.s, household at the
age of seven. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Pruden, C. N.
age 36 farmer Pruden, Nannie W.
age 35 wife Pruden,
Mary E.
age 9 daughter Pruden,
Pattie R.
age 6 daughter Pruden, Annie W.
age 4 daughter Pruden, Nannie W.
age 1 daughter Harrell,
R. E.
age 16 work on farm
Robert E. was working on the farm of C. N. Pruden in Harrellsville in 1880. The
census lists Robert E. as R. E. Harrell, age 16, which is close enough. There were no
other R. E. Harrells age 6 or 7 in the county for the 1870 census, and the C. N. Pruden
with whom Robert E. was living was the acting Justice of the Peace who witnessed
Gilberts deed in January 1880the deed, which referred to Henry and
Rebeccas land as that of Robert E. Harrells property.[19]
It is probably safe to say C. N. Pruden knew the family pretty well, and understood the
reference in Gilberts deed of sale to Robert E. Harrells land. Robert E. moved
to Bertie, and then to Halifax Counties.
A number of descendants from David Harrell Sr., 3rd Generation immigrant
from Gates County, are still living in Hertford County. In the next section, I have
described what I know about another Gates County Harrell who joined Hertford Countys
3rd Generation of Harrells. Mary Harrell Wilson (b. 1788)3rd Generation Mary was
the oldest of Major Samuels children to move to Hertford County, but she was not the
first. Her younger brother, Abner, moved to Hertford County several years before she
married and moved to the county. She
married John G. Wilson in Gates County on 12/6/1825. He was 25 years of age at the
timeshe was a little older. John was a merchant and public official in Hertford
County. For instance, he was the first postmaster of Bethel (later Harrellsville), which
was a two minute walk from Marys brother, Abner Harrells, house. (By January
of 1833, Abner was the second postmaster of Bethel.) John and Abner also often served as
justices at the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session in Winton, Hertford County. (An example
of such an instance was in the May of 1831 Court when the justices included John G.
Wilson, Abner Harrell, and Silas Parker.) John and
Marys first census together in 1830 reflected the following: 1830 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: John Wilson, age 20-30 Household
members; males
females 1,
15-20 1, 30-40 1,
20-30 Mary was
about 42 years of age, and John about 30 years old. The younger male was probably a nephew
and/or clerk in Johns store. Between
1830 and 1840, John had become a very successful merchant in Murfreesboro, Hertford
County. In 1840, John traveled to Norfolk, Virginia to invite Marys brother, James,
to join him in his Murfreesboro mercantile business. By 1850,
Mary and John were still settled in their Murfreesboro home, and apparently John
considered himself more of a farmer at that time than a merchant. 1850 Census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Wilson,
John G.
age 50 farmer Wilson,
Mary
age 62 Fleetwood,
Milley
age 40 Gardner,
Uriah
age 25 (Overseer) Gardner,
Elizabeth age
18
Mary died before 1870, and John was alone in the 1870 census at the age of 69, but
still a relatively wealthy man with $11,000 in real estate, and $500 in personal property.
In the sections above, I mentioned that Mary Wilson, Abner, and James moved to
Hertford County as young adults, but only Abner and James raised children there. In the
following sections of this chapter, I have looked more closely at Abner, James, and their
descendants. Abner C. Harrell (born 1790)3rd Generation Abner
was counted in the 1810 census, at the age of 20he was a head of household, but
living alone in Gates County. He was not yet in Hertford County for the 1815 tax list, but
we know he was there by 1820. Abner Harrell came to Hertford from Gates County as a young
man, and proceeded to build a rather large estate. When Abner first appeared in Hertford
County in the 1820 census, he was with his wife, Jennie Yeates, and two sons under the age
of ten. One of these sons was Alpha B. Harrell, born 1812, I am not sure of the name of
the younger boyI will refer to him as Son # 2, who was probably between the ages of
one and seven. 1820 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: Abner Harrell, age 30
page 178 household
members: males
females
2, 0-10
1, 16-26
1, 26-45
(1 slave)
By the 1830 census, Abners family had undergone significant changes. The two
males age 0-10 in 1820 were Alpha B., age 8, and Son # 2. Son # 2 was gone by the 1830
census. There were, however, two new young males, perhaps son #3, between the ages of 5
and 9; and son #4, between the ages of zero and four. In fact, son #4 was about 2 years
old, and he survived to become William J. Harrell. Abner and his first wife, Jennie Yeates, were the parents of Alpha B., who was 18 years of age by 1830, and Sarah A., who was by then 8 years old, and William J. who was 2 years of age in 1830. His first wife, Jennie, however, had died, probably in 1828, soon after the birth of William J. Harrell, and she was not in the 1830 census with her children. The void she left was filled by 1830Abner married Leah Norfleet in Gates County on November 11, 1829. The
above discussion of information in the 1830 census still leaves us with an additional male
between the ages of 20 and 30, and two additional females. One reasonable explanation for
these people can come from Abners tendency, by many accounts, to have people staying
in their home for extended periods of timesuch as nieces, nephews, and students from
the Academy.
Abner and daughter, Sarah Harrell, appeared at the estate sale of Jesse Yeates in
1831. I assume the Sarah with him was his daughter, who was 9 years old at the time. She
was a little young to be participating in an estate saleespecially to the extent she
did. But then, this was probably a very special sale to her. Jesse Yeates was probably
Sarahs grandfatherthe father of Sarahs mother, Jennie Yeates, who had
died sometime between 1822 and 1828. Abner was the executor for Jesses estate.[20] 1830 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: Abner Harrell, age 40
page 398 household
members: males
females
1, 0-5
1, 5-10
1, 5-10
2, 20-30
1, 15-20
1, 40-50
1, 20-30
1, 30-40
On January 10, 1833, Abner became the second postmaster of the new post office in
the little town of Bethel. He succeeded his brother-in-law, John G. Wilson.
In 1840, Abner Harrell at the age of 50 still lived in Bethel on his large estate,
and his son, Alpha B. Harrell, lived on adjacent land. 1840 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: Abner Harrell, age 50
page 59 household
members: males
females
1, 10-15
1, 0-5
1, 20-30
1, 30-40
1, 50-60
1, 70-80
(27 slaves)
By 1840, Abner had lost his second wife, Leah Norfleet and gained a new daughter,
Mary E. Harrell who was born in 1837. His new wife was Nancy Jones who was between the
ages of 30 and 40 in 1840. At this point, I do not know if Mary E., age 3, was the
daughter of Leah Norfleet or Nancy Jones. I also have no idea who the older woman between
the ages of 70 and 80 was. It appears Abners son, William J., age 12, was still at
home. Alpha B. and Sarah A. were married and in their own households by 1840.[21]
The town of Bethel grew over the years, and by 1847 it was renamed for Abner
Harrellit became Harrellsville. Abner was then the first post master of
Harrellsville, but the second postmaster of the place. He was a rather prominent figure in
the community, and from time-to-time held other county positions. For instance, he was a
Justice of the Peace for the County Court for the May term, 1830.[22]
Abner was also a relatively large slave holder by 1840 and was known as a wealthy
man. By 1850 census he was listed as owning real estate valued at $10,500and that
was after he had already given around $1,200 worth of real estate to his son, Alpha B.
Harrell.
Before 1850 Abner had lost his third wife, Nancy Jones, and had not remarried by
the 1850 census date. His daughter, Mary E., was 13 years old, and his son, William J.,
was 22 years of age and still living at home. The new person in the household whose name I
have transcribed to read as Jasnarat is a mystery. Not only was her name too
difficult to read on the census record, but the young person never appeared before of
after this citing. She may have been a daughter Abner had with his third wife, Nancy
Jones, but there is no evidence of thatshe was not named in Abners will. 1850 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
Abner
age 60 farmer
$10,500.
NC
page 313 Harrell,
William J. age 22 merchant
NC
Harrell,
Mary E.
age 13 in school NC Harrell,
Jasnarat
age 10 in school (female) NC
The 1860 census revealed that Abner was without a wife but with two new
daughtersclearly something was going on between the 1850 and 1860 censuses. In fact,
Abner had married and lost his fourth wife, Mary Womble, between those two points in time.
Mary was certainly the mother of Lucy Francis and Ellen Riddick Harrell. Son William J.
was still living in his fathers house at the age of 26, and by this time he was
listed as a clerk rather than a merchant as in the 1850 census--which suggests William J.
was not making a lot of progress. William J. s age was actually 32 in 1860, and
apparently his age was recorded incorrectly for the census. 1860 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
Abner
age 70 Merchant $25,000
$46,020
page 29 Harrell,
W. J.
age 26 clerk/son Harrell,
L. F.
age 9 daughter Harrell,
Ellen
age 5 daughter
By 1860, Abners economic success was evident, with real estate holdings
valued at $25,000, and personal property at $46,020. Unfortunately for everyone, most of
his personal wealth was based on slavery which, as we now know, could not endure.
Abners will illustrates well the sort of adjustments an old man in his 70s had to
make as the old slave-based economy abruptly ended. Because of the Hertford County Court
House fire in 1862, Abners will is one of the few wills to exist in Hertford County,
from a time when people legally and without any apparent compunctions, gave other people
to their heirs. It is a document worth looking at in order to better know Abner and his
times.
Clearly Abner was a generous and fair man when it came to providing for his
children. The older children had been enjoying land already given to them, and he even
forgave Alpha B. the bills he had incurred. Apparently he wanted to give his two youngest
daughters more slaves and no land because of their ageprobably thinking this sort of
property was more liquid and would provide them with more options when they came of age
and married. The problem, of course, was personal property in the form of slaves became
more liquid than he probably ever imagined. Within a year of writing his will, he had to
have been well aware that his liquid assets were running through his fingers. He was moved
to write a codicil to his will by August of 1864when most people knew the
Confederacy had lost the War, and most slaves in the area had gone their own way. I Abner Harrell.... I give and devise to my Son Alpha B. Harrell, all of my Land, on the North side of pond..., together with a Tract I gave him heretofore of Fifty acres, I also give and devise to him the following Slaves, Follet, Arther, Bram, Cherry, Rosey, Ester, Margaret, Nancy, John, Henry & Mills, and further I give and devise unto my Son A. B. Harrell all the claims in notes judgments and Accounts that hold against him.... I give and desire to my daughter Sarah A. Askew in addition to certain Deeds of Gifts already made to her for certain Lands and Slaves and money, I further give and bequeath to her the following Slaves, to wit: Matilda, Henry, Anderson and Peter, also one Hundred acres of Land called the Jones Tract instead of the House & lot in Harrellsville,... I give and bequeath unto my Son William J. Harrell all of my Harrellsville Tract of Land except one House and a lot given to my daughter Mary E. Garrett containing two acres, also the following Slaves to wit: Arther, Hunt, Allen, Charles, Nelson, Denis, Jimmy, Henry, Isabella, Cu____der, Mary, Elizabeth, Alis, Aron, George.... I give unto my beloved daughter Mary E. Garrett one house and lot in Harrellsville, Containing five acres also the following Slaves, to wit: Peggy, Dick, Muller, Nathan, Rosella, Owen, Ellen, Mary, Dempsey, Mutten, Minny, Noah and Ira...also Seven Hundred dollars $700. also.... I give and bequeath unto my beloved little daughters Lucy Francis, and Ellen Riddick Harrell the following Slaves to wit: Mary, Adem, Celia, David, Mary, Lydia, Barbara, Kitty, Adam, Amelia, Washington, Ricky, Emaline, Sarah, Billy, Matilda, Clarisa, Francis, Bilpha, Georganna, Ana, Anthony, Toney, Abrams, Isaac, Chester, Bram & Tom.... I also give unto them Six Thousand dollars & in good bond, to be paid to them or their guardian by my executor.... ...the 27th day of August A. Dem. 1863 Abner Harrell
The codicil guaranteed a roof over Williams head for his life time, and the
family plantation and home would eventually provide for the two youngest daughtersin
the original will the two young daughters had been promised many slaves and no land. Most
significantly, Abner recognized that circumstances had by then markedly
changedthere would be no slaves for children.
Whereas I Abner Harrell have made my Last Will & Testiment in writing bearing date on the 27th day of August 1863, and have hereby made Sundry desires and bequests according to the then existing Circumstances of my Estate, but which Circumstances having now markedly changed, I do by this my writing, which I here by declare to be a Codicil to my said will,... the life writes only of my plantation be given to my Son William J. Harrell and after his death, I give and bequeath said land to my two little daughters Lucy and Ellen C. Harrell absolute & the fee simple.... The residue of my estate after giving one half thereof to Lucy & Ellen C. Harrell be equally divided between my other children, share and share alike. August 27, 1864 his A. X Harrell (Seal) mark
There is no way to know at this point in time just how much of a jolt this must
have been to Abnerhe died not long after the codicil was written.
Before he died, however, on May 10, 1865, Abner executed a trust in which he placed
about 100 acres of land On the east side of the road leading from Harrellsville to
the Wiccacon ferry in Ann Harrells line....[23] The Ann Harrell referred to
was Abners daughter-in-law, Alpha B.s wife. Abner put this land in trust,
saying it was for ... and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I
have & bear toward my son, Alpha B. Harrell,... Alpha B. was to receive all the
profits from the use and/or lease of this land during his life time. After Alphas
death, the land was to be conveyed to Alphas heirs. This seems a bit strange not
knowing all the circumstances, because Alpha was only 53 years old when the trust was
established. Abner more than likely had some concern about Alphas capacity to work
and manage property at that time. This assumption is supported by the fact Alpha did not
live to the 1870 census. It also sounds like Abner was making some effort to keep the land
away from the management of Alphas wife, Ann, (who, as we will see, was a careful
manager of her land), yet have the benefits support Alpha and later his children. This
trust was executed on November 2, 1865a date which was after Abners death.
Another interesting aspect of the Trust established by Abner for Alpha was the
choice of executor for the Trust. Abner conveyed the land to David Harrell and then his
heirs, and trusted him to ...hold, use & apply the property...for no
purpose other than the benefit of Alpha B. during his life time, and then to convey the
land to Alphas heirs. This exhibits considerable trust in David Harrell and raises
the question of Davids relationship to Abner. Abner C.
Harrells Children
Abners
will provides us with the best list of the children who survived him. They were: Alpha B. Harrell born 1812 Sarah A. Askew, born 1822 William J. Harrell born 1828 Mary E. Garrett born 1837 Lucy Francis Reed born 1851 Ellen Riddick Beverly born 1855 The family
tree just below indicate how Abners children probably relate to three of his four
wives. Alpha B. Harrell (b. 1812)4th Generation
In 1830, Alpha B. Harrell was 18 years of age and living in his fathers
household. Sometime after that, he married Anna Mansard, whom the historian, Winborne,
characterized as ...a lady of large intellectual endowments and strong
character.[24]
The 1840 census shows Alpha B. age 28 with his wife, Ann, age 18, and their first
childprobably John A. Harrell who was born in 1840. 1840 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Head of
Household: Alpha B. Harrell, age 28
page 59 household
members: males
females
1, 0-5
1, 15-20
1, 20-30
1, 20-30
(3 slaves) By 1850,
Alpha and Ann had three more sons and a daughter; and we have their names. 1850 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
Alpha B.
age 38 farmer
$1,200. NC
page 313 Harrell,
Ann E.
age 28
NC Harrell,
John A.
age
10 in school
NC Harrell,
Edward L. age 8
NC Harrell,
Artemas
age 6
NC Harrell,
Melissa
age 3
NC Harrell,
Leonodas age
1/12
NC
With the exception of their son, Herbert, not much had changed for Ann and Alpha by
1860. 1860 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
A. B.
age 66 Farmer $1,200
$270
page 122 Harrell,
A. E.
age 34 (Ann E.) Harrell,
J. A.
age 19 (John A.) Harrell,
A. C.
age 15 (Artemas C.) Harrell,
M. J.
age 13 (Melissa J.) Harrell,
R. R.
age 10 (Leonodes R.) Harrell,
H. B.
age 2 (Herbert L.)
Alpha B. Harrells age was listed as 66, which would have made him just four
years younger than his fatherthis is certainly an error. I believe he was closer to
48 years of age in 1860 because the 1850 census shows that he was 38 years old and his
wife, Ann E., was 28 at that time. Alpha B. Harrell did not make it to the 1870 census,
but his wife, Ann, apparently did. I have not yet located her in 1870 nor all of their
children. There is a deed, however, that shows Ann and her son, Leonides, were alive and
well in late 1869.
In December of 1869, Ann E. Harrell has a lease agreement drawn up in which she
leases to her son Leonides R. Harrell, 163 acres on the road from Harrellsville to
Wiccacon ferry and next to the lands of John Wilson Harrell and A. R. Harrell
(except for the three acres on which the ferry house was located). The terms of the lease
to her son were for one year and renewable for five if Leonides did well. The yearly rent
was $75. To insure that Ann was paid before anyone else, the lease stipulated that
Leonides was to keep enough crops on the farm to pay the rent until it was paid.[25]
One does get the feeling mom was a careful soul, and not altogether trusting of her son. Alpha B. and
Ann E. Harrells Children
Their childrens names and birth years are as follows: John A. Harrell born 1841 Edward L. Harrell born 1843 Artemas C. Harrell born 1845 Melissa J. Hughes born 1847 Leonides R. Harrell born 1850 Herbert B. Harrell
born 1858
John Abner Harrell (b. 1841)5th Generation
John A. was with his parents for the 1860 census at the age of 19. With his
parents household gone by the 1870 census, he was on his own. 1870 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Curl,
Eliza
age 50 female/house keeping Curl,
Thomas
age 12 Curl,
Eliza
age 9 Harrell,
John A.
age 29 artist/teacher
$100
John Abner Harrell was living with Elizabeth Curl and her two children in 1870. She
had no property, real or personal, so she was probably not supporting John. The Curl
household was not in Hertford County for the 1880 census. (Thomas Curl at the age of 21
was a servant in the household of G. W. Valentine in 1880). Apparently John A. was also
not in the county.
Edward L. Harrell (b. 1843)5th Generation Edward
appeared in only one census, 1850, then was gone. [page
328] Artemas C. Harrell (b. 1845)5th Generation
Artemas was with his parents in 1860 at the age of nearly 16. One year later, when
the War broke-out, he was somehow 18 years of age, and eligible to join the 2nd
North Carolina Cavalry.
Most of the young men of Hertford and Gates Counties who joined the 2nd
North Carolina Cavalry were in Company Cincluding Nicholas J. Harrell, son of Josiah
and Anna, but Artemas, along with eight other young men from Hertford County, joined the 2nd
N. C. after they had already moved to Camp Clark in Granville County in late August of
1861. Artemas enlisted on September 8, 1861 in Company G, which was made up largely of men
from Beaufort Countyexcept for the nine young men from Hertford County. Artemas was
captured when what was left of the 2nd N. C. Cavalry made a daring and
disastrous charge into the Union Cavalry at Hanover, Pennsylvania on June 30, 1863 on
their way to Gettysburg. By July of 1864, Artemas was promoted to 1st Sergeant
and then again to Ordinance Sergeant in September of 1864.
Not much is known about Artemas after the War, except that his experience in
Hanover, Pennsylvania must have made an impression on him, because he ended up as a
businessman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[26] Melissa J. Harrell (b. 1847)5th Generation
Melissa
married Henry Hughes of Virginia, and they later moved to Lexington, Kentucky. They had a
number of children.[27] Leonides Harrell (b. 1850)5th Generation Leonides
was with his parents, Alpha B. and Ann E. Harrell, for the 1850 and 1860 censuses. He was
in the position of leasing some land from his mother in December of 1869 and was
apparently farming it in 1870.[28] 1870 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
Leonides
20 farmer
$150
page 333 He was
not married in 1870, and the terms of the land lease made with his mother were apparently
not enough to keep him in Hertford Countyhe was gone by 1880. According to Winborne,
L. R. Harrell, son of Alpha B., ended up as a planter in Louisiana.[29] Herbert B. Harrell (b. 1858)5th Generation
Herbert was just two years of age in 1860 and was more than likely still with his
mother in 1870. Again according to Winborne, Herbert was the owner of Harrells
Printing House in Weldon,[30]
which is about 20 miles from the Hertford County line in Northampton County. Sarah A. Harrell Askew (b. 1822)4th Generation
Abner and Jennie Yeates Harrells daughter, Sarah A., married John O. Askew
(1813-1878) of Pitch Landing before 1840. By 1850, their household was well established. 1850 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
John O. age
36 farmer
page 330 Askew,
Sarah
age 29 Askew,
Anna
age 10 Askew,
George
age 8 Askew,
Abner age 6 Askew,
Mary age 3 Askew,
Martha age 1 Askew,
Anna age
67 1860 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
John O. age
46 farmer $15,000 $82,145 b.
Bertie Co.
page 30 Askew,
Sarah
age 31 female
b. Hertford Co. Askew,
Abner age
16 male
b. Hertford Co. Askew,
M. R.
age 14 (Mary) b.
Hertford Co. Askew,
M. I.
age 12 (Martha)
b. Hertford Co. Askew,
J. O.
age 10 (John)
b. Hertford Co. Askew, A.
S.
age 7 (William S.) b.
Hertford Co. Askew,
Celia
age 29 female / Domestic
b. Hertford Co. Askew, Jas.
I. age
30 male / clerk
b. Bertie Co. 1870 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
Jon. O. age
51 merchant
$10,000
$8,000
page 333
Askew,
Sarah A.
age 48 Askew,
Patte
age 21 (probably Martha) Askew,
John O. Jr.
age 19 clerk Askew,
Wm. S.
age 17 labor on farm Askew,
George
age 8 Harrell,
W. J.
age 41 gentleman of pleasure
$500
Several of Sarah and Johns children were still at home in 1870. If the young
man named George was their son who was in the 1850 census at the age of 8, and not at home
in 1860, then he should have been 28 years of age in 1870. If Georges age was
recorded correctly in 1870, then his placement in the list suggests he was not John and
Sarahs son. Sarahs younger brother, William J., was still living with them at
that time. Sarah A. &
John O. Askews Children
Based on the censuses, we know Sarah and John had the following children: Anna Askew born 1840 George Askew born 1842 Abner H. Askew born 1844 Mary R. Shaw born 1847 Martha (Patty) E. Askew born 1849 John O. Jr. Askew born 1851 William S. Askew born 1853
According to Winborne, when John O. Askew Sr. died at home in Pitch Landing in July
1878, he was survived by 3 sons: Dr. Abner H. Askew, John O. Askew Jr., and W. S. Askew,
and two daughters, Mary R. Shaw and Patty E. Askew.[31] [page
331]
After the death of John O. Askew, county officials established a commission of
local citizens: Daniel V. Lessons, James M. Wynns, N. J. Cullens, G. W. Mitchell, and
Nicholas Harrell (the son of Josiah and Anna Harrell). It is probably not possible to sort
out the property once held by John O. Askew and the manner in which it was finally
distributed to his children and then his grandchildren and beyond. The distributions for
two generations involved dividing farms and exchanging notes and mortgages among the
heirs. John Sr.s heirs eventually owned the adjacent farms along todays route
number 561 between Pitch Landing and Harrellsvilleincluding farms once owned by John
Wilson Harrell, Nicholas J. Harrell, and Lemuel C. Harrell. Some of John O. Askew
Sr.s descendants still hold much of this land to this day. For instance, John
Sr.s grandsons, John A. and Grady D. Askews inheritance included the farm once
owned by John Wilson Harrell; and two of his great granddaughters, the Britton sisters of
Norfolk, inherited lands that included the farm once owned by Nicholas J. Harrell (I
believe Nicholas 450 acre farm was the land that largely surrounds the current gun
club property that is accessed off of route 561. It would be interesting to sort through
the comings-and-goings of Harrells in the Pitch Landing to Harrellsville area if enough
information surfaces at some point in time. Anna Askew (b. 1840)5th Generation
Anna was just 10 years of age when she appeared with her family for the 1850
census, but she was not in her parents household for the 1860 census. She was not
named in her fathers 1878 will. Abner H. Askew (b. 1844)5th Generation Abner
and Agnes are shown in 1880 with no children and 2 servants. The male servant was a white
male named Jos. Harrell. This may have been Joseph E. Harrell, the son of John W. and Mary
E. S. HarrellJohn and Marys son, Joseph E., was with them in 1870 at the age
of 12, but he was not with them for the 1880 census. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
A. H.
age 36 Physician Askew, A. W.
age 35 wife Jernigan,
Nancy age
19 servant Harrell,
Jos.
age 23 servant
The 1900 census shows Abner and Agnes were born in April 1844 and January 1845
respectively, and were living on their farm in Harrellsville which was mortgage free. They
indicated they were married in 1872, and there were no children in the marriage. 1900 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
Abner
age 56 medical doctor Askew,
Aggness W. age 55 wife
Abner H. Askews will was recorded on February 27, 1905. He left everything to
his wife, Agnes. Agnes W. Askews will was recorded on March 26, 1923. She left all
their property to nieces and nephews, mostly Askews.[32]
The following information is included in a brochure titled Historical Points of Interest In and Around
Harrellsville: Dr. Abner Askew House -- Home of Dr. Abner H.
Askew and Agnes Sharp Askew. Dr. Askew, born in 1844, practiced medicine here for about 35
years until his death in 1905. He was graduated from the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill and completed his medical training at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr.
Askew, the builder of this house, was the son of John O. Askew and Sarah Harrell Askew,
daughter of Abner Harrell. Mary R. Askew Shaw (b. 1847)5th Generation
John O. and Sarah Harrell Askews daughter, Mary R. Mollie,
married W. P. Shaw, Esquire. They first appeared in the 1870 census as W. P. Shaw, age 26,
a farmer with $1,000 worth of real property and $500 in personal property. He also was
with his wife, Mollie R., age 22they did not have children at that time. Again in
1880, W. P. Shaw, age 36, was a dry goods merchant with his wife M. R., age 34, but by
that time they had two of their three children: Willie age seven, and Sarah age two. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Shaw, W.
P.
age 36 dry goods mcht. Shaw, M.
R.
age 34 wife Shaw,
Willie
age 7 son
at school Shaw,
Sarah
age 2 daughter
at home Shaw,
John S.
age 24 brother
clerk in store Shaw, T.
G.
age 21 nephew
clerk in store Shaw, W.
D.
age 17 nephew
at school Shaw,
Jimmie
age 9 niece
at school
William and Mary had another child in 1884his name was John A. Shaw, and his
presence was noted in the 1910 census. 1910 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Shaw,
William P.
age 67 merchant/general merchandise Shaw,
Mary R.
age 63 wife Shaw,
John A.
age 26 son Shaw,
Carrie D. age
25 dau.-in-law Shaw,
John D.
age 2 grandson In 1910, William and Mary stated they had been married for 40 years, and Mary said she had three children, all of whom were living at the time. Their son, John A., his wife and son, were living with them at that time. John A. and Carrie indicated they had been married for three years. Willie P. Shaw (b. 1872)6th Generation
Mary R. and William P. Askews son, Willie P., had apparently married by 1898,
and he and his wife, Rosa, had at least one daughter. Their daughter, Lillian, was still
with them in 1920. 1920 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Shaw,
Willie P.
age 48 merchant/general store Shaw,
Rosa B.
age 42 wife Shaw,
Lillian
age 21 daughter Sarah Shaw (b. 1878)6th GenerationJohn A. Shaw (b. 1884)6th Generation
John married Carrie in 1907, and they had one son, John D. Shaw, by the 1910
census. They were living with Johns parents in 1910 for the census. Pattie E. (Martha) Askew Askew (b. 1849)5th Generation Sarah
Harrell and John O. Askews daughter, Martha, was
with her parents in the 1850 census at the age of 1 and the 1860 census at the age
of 12. By the 1870 census, she was apparently using the name, Pattieshe was still
with her parents during the 1870 census at the age of 21 years. Pattie married her cousin,
W. D. Askew, and they settled in Mississippi.[33] Pattie and her husband were
still in Hertford County, however, during the complicated settlements of her fathers
estate during early 1879.[34] John O. Askew Jr. (b. 1851)5th Generation
In 1870,
John Jr. was still with his parents and working as a clerk in the family business. Then on
September 29, 1874, John O. Askew Jr., at the age of
24, married Mollie S. Valentine, age 21.[35] By 1880, he was married to
Mary D. (who may have been Mollie Valentine), and they had one child at that time.
Apparently John Jr. took over the responsibility of his Uncle William J. Harrell, age 52
in 1880, after his parents were gone. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
J. O.
age 28 merchant
Askew,
Mary D.
age 25 wife Askew,
Lilian C.
age 1 daughter Harrell,
W. J.
age 52 uncle, boarder
The 1900 census shows John O. was still a merchant and probably fairly successful,
in that they still owned their farm in Harrellsville clear of any mortgage. It also
indicates they were married in 1874, and five of their eight children were still alive and
living at home in 1900. 1900 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
John O.
age 48 merchant Askew,
Mary D.
age 44 wife Askew,
Lilly C.
age 21 daughter Askew,
Nora V.
age 19 daughter Askew,
John
age 11 son Askew,
Mary L.
age 9 daughter Askew,
Grady D.
age 7 son John O. Askew and his family were still living on the family farm in Harrellsville in 1920 and had apparently turned the family general store over to his boys, John O. Jr. (the third) and Grady. The 1920 census also confirmed that John O. was born in October of 1851 and Mary D. in March of 1856. 1920 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Askew,
John O.
age 68 retired Askew,
Mary D.
age 64 wife Askew,
Lillie C.
age 33 daughter Askew,
John O.
age 31 son/merchant Askew,
Grady
age 27 son/merchant
The above censuses mentioned John and Marys children, as did Johns will
which was recorded on October 27, 1924. John provided for his wife, Mary D., daughters,
Lilian C., Nora V. Britton, and sons, Grady D. and John A. Askew.
Johns will distributed the bulk of his real estate as follows:[36]
Nora V. received his house and lot in Norfolk, Virginia, and his land in Hertford County
known as the Copeland Farm. John A. and Grady D. received the tract of land known as the
Texas Land, formerly owned by John Wilson Harrell and his wife, Mary E. S. Harrell. All
four children were to divide his ½ undivided interest in the Pitch Landing tract known as
his fathers home place. The executor was to sell and divide among the four children
the ¼ interest in the land known as the Aumack land. John O. Jr. and Mary D. Askews ChildrenLilian C. Askew (b. 1878)6th GenerationNora V. Askew (b. 1881)6th Generation
Nora V. married H. I. Britton age 24, of Norfolk, Virginia. They were
married in Harrellsville on November 25, 1903Nora was 22 years of age at the time.
Nora inherited her fathers home and lot in Norfolk, probably because she
lived there, but she also received a parcel in Hertford County referred to as the Copeland
Farm by his will.[37]
Nora and William Britton had two daughters who still live in Norfolk, Virginia, and
they own considerable land in Hertford County between Pitch Landing and Harrellsville.
I spoke to Mabel in 1997, but she was not very interested in talking about her
family history. She only mentioned that she thought her grandfather, John Askew, was the
one who acquired the property she owned at the time on the south side of route 561, east
of Chinkapin Creek, on the road from Pitch Landing to Harrellsville. Mabel was quite
correct in her recollection, In January of 1891, S. M. Aumack sold 300 acres to W. P. Shaw
and John O. Askew Jr. to settled debts with John O. Askew Sr.s estate. The land was
described as
on the south side of the public road leading from Harrellsville
to Pitch Landing, bounded by the
road, by Chinqapen Creek, and the lands of E. D.
Scull and Nicholas Harrell,
[38] According to county maps,
and as near as I can determine, the Britton sisters also currently own most, if not all,
of what used to be Nicholas Harrells 450 acre farm adjacent to S. M. Aumack, E. D.
Scull, and across the road from W. P. Shaw. Unfortunately, there is no recorded document
showing to whom Nicholas Harrell transferred title to the property, so it is very
difficult to establish a date for the sale or loss of Nicholas Harrells farmit
was probably around 1891, when Nicholas and Amanda Harrell first appeared in Greensboro,
North Carolina. John A. Askew (b. 1888)6th Generation
John A. Askew inherited from his father in the 1924 will, along with his brother,
Grady D., the tract of land formerly owned by John Wilson Harrell and his wife, Mary E. S.
Harrell. John A. also inherited a fraction of the Aumack land, and part of his
grandfather, John O. Askew Sr.s home farm near Pitch Landing. Mary L. Askew (b. 1891)6th GenerationGrady D. Askew (b. 1893)6th Generation
Gradys inheritance was pretty much the same as his brother, John A.
Askews. William S. Askew (b. 1853)5th Generation William J. Harrell (b. 1828)4th Generation
William J. was Abner C. Harrells second son. When I was discussing William J.
Harrells father around the time of the 1850 and 1860 censuses, I mentioned William
J. was still living in his fathers house at the ages of 22 and 32, and his career as
a merchant had not made the progress one might expect given the financial advantages at
his disposal. By 1870, it was clear William J. had some sort of problem. At the age of 41 William was not married, and he
was still living in the same house he was born in, which was by then the home of his
sister, Sarah A. Harrell Askew and her husband, John O. Askew Senior. At that time he
defined himself as a gentleman of pleasure. Indeed, William J. was still
living in Abners old house in 1880, at the age of 52 with the family of his nephew,
Sarah A.s son, John O. Askew Junior. In the latter census, William J. was simply
described as an uncle and a boarder in the home. Actually in the 1864 codicil to his
fathers will, William J. was given
the life writes only of my
plantation
. Mary E. Harrell Garrett (b. 1837)4th Generation
Mary was
living in the family home with her father, Abner, in 1850 at the age of 13. According to
the historian, Winborne, she married Reverend Joshua Garrett of the M. E. Church. They had
one daughter who married Benjamin Thach.[39] I do not believe they stayed
in Hertford County. Lucy Francis Harrell Reed (b. 1851)4th Generation
Lucy
married an immigrant from Scotland named Daniel W. Reed. He was living with the young
family of N. L. and Mary O. Shaw in 1870 at the age of 18. He was a clerk in a store,
perhaps Abner Harrells store. Daniel was identified as Abners son-in-law in a
deed dated 1878 which described some of Lucys inheritance.[40]
Lucy and Daniel were not in Hertford County for the 1880 census. Ellen Riddick Harrell Beverly (b. 1855)4th Generation
Ellen
married Benjamin F. Beverly, age 22, of St. Johns in 1875. Ellen Riddick Harrell was 20
years old at the time. Ellens brother-in-law, James O. Askew, was a witness.[41]
Their next appearance in the Hertford County records was in the census was for 1880. 1880 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Beverly,
B. F.
age 27 farmer
Beverly,
Ellen
age 25 wife/keeping house Beverly,
Clara
age 4 daughter
The Beverly family was farming in St. Johns township in 1910 on their own farm
without a mortgage. They both stated they had been married for 35 years. 1910 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Beverly,
Ben. F.
age 57 farmer Beverly,
Ellen R.
age 55 wife Beverly,
Allen H.
age 24 son / farmer Beverly,
Mattie
age 22 daughter Beverly,
Cora
age 19 daughter Beverly,
George
age 16 son / laborer on farm Ellen
was gone by 1920, but two of her sons were still living with their father at that time.
They were living in Union, on St Johns Road. 1920 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Beverly,
Benjamin F. age 66 widower / farmer
Beverly,
Allen A.
age 37 son / single no occupation Beverly,
George A. age
26 son / single
no occupation Ellen R.
Harrell and Benjamin Beverlys Children
In the 1910 census, Ellen stated she had 11 children, 5 still alive at that time.
The four children listed in 1910 were obviously among them, but I can not be sure Clara
was one of the five still alive in 1910. Clara Beverly (b. 1876)5th Generation
Clara was with her parents in 1880 at the age of four. Allen H. Beverly (b. 1886)5th Generation Mattie Beverly (b. 1888)5th Generation Cora Beverly (b. 1891)5th Generation George A. Beverly (b. 1894)5th Generation James Harrell (b. 1792)3rd Generation
James was the fourth child of Major Samuel Harrell of Gates County. He was born on
the family farm near the village of Sunbury, in Gates County on January 15, 1792. He
relocated from Gates County to Suffolk and then Norfolk, Virginia for a number of years,
but ended up in Hertford County by 1841. He spent the remainder of his life there, so he
qualifies as a Hertford County Harrell. A good deal of the information I have about James
Harrell, unless otherwise noted, came from his sons, William Bernard Harrells,
autobiography.[42]
James left for Suffolk, Virginia where he took a job with a successful merchant
named James Goodwin in 1817. Mr. Goodwins wife, Fanny McGuire Goodwin, was from
Gates County, North Carolina. Fanny McGuire Goodwins sister, Miss. Martha
Patsy McGuire also from Gates County, paid the Goodwins a visit in Suffolk,
while James Harrell was the principal clerk in the Goodwin Store. I do not know if Patsy
McGuire and James Harrell knew each other in Gates when they were younger, but they
certainly knew each other by December 18, 1818, which
was their wedding date.
James and Patsy Harrell rented a small house with two rooms upstairs and two
down-stairs, which was across from the Goodwins store. They lived there for several
years, and while there, had their first three children. Their first was a daughter named
Eliza Frances, born in 1820, but unfortunately she died when only 3 years of age. Their
oldest son was James Albert, born in 1822, and their third child was William Bernard, who
was born in 1823.
The 1820s were apparently a prosperous time, and James decided to start his own
mercantile business in 1824 and begin to build his own fortune. James may still have had
some of the inheritance he received from his father to help him get started. He inherited
a parcel of land in Gates County and two slaves, Jenny and Tom. At some point, James and
Patsy moved up town and rented a store. They set up house keeping in the same small
building and began to accumulate noticeable wealth in the following years, but
Patsys health did not keep pace.
Between 1824 and 1828, Patsy gave birth to three children, all of whom died in
infancy. Patsy died January 13, 1830. At her death, she was survived by husband, James,
and two of her six children, James Albert and William Bernard. Patsy was also attended
during the last period of her life, by a friend, Fanny Waddy Wise, whom Patsy asked to
help care for her two boys after she was gone. Fanny apparently kept the promise. Some
time later, Fanny Wise and James married.
In 1837, James was approached by an older gentleman named Joseph Bunch from
Southampton with the proposal to combine their fortunes and go to Norfolk to start a
commission house on Roanoke wharf, and engage in trade to the West Indies. By January 1,
1838, James had sold everything in Suffolk, and the family was in route to their new home
in Norfolk.
At this time, James and his wife, Frances Waddy Wise Harrell, had four children of
their own: Virginia Frances born 1832, Joseph Holiday born 1832, Martha Frances born 1835,
and Elvira Elizabeth born 1836. They all
arrived in Norfolk and moved into a house on Main Street, at the head of Commerce Street.
Within a few days of arriving in Norfolk, the new partnership, Harrell &
Bunch.... was operating with a large sign up over the door of their two story brick
warehouse on the corner of Wide Water Street and Roanoke Square. Soon after, they bought a
ship and were successfully engaged in the export & import business.
James and his partner lost a ship and its cargo, which resulted in a major loss for
the business. Old Mr. Bunch was discouraged and sold his share of the business to James.
Soon after, in 1840, James sold the Commission business and entered a new business by
forming a partnership with a shoe merchant. The business was called Merwin & Harrell,
and manufactured and distributed a full line of boots and shoes.
Later in 1840, James was paid a visit by his brother-in-law, John G. Wilson, from
Murfreesboro, Hertford County, North Carolina. John Wilson had married James older
sister Mary, and he had a very successful store in Murfreesboro. His visit to Norfolk was
to ask James to join him in a business partnership in Murfreesboro. John Wilson must have
been a very persuasive person, or James was ready for a major change. James sent his son,
William Bernard, to Murfreesboro in October of 1840, ahead of the rest of the family to
work in his Uncle John Wilsons store.
In early 1841, James, Frances and the children arrived from Norfolk. The family had
grown by two more children while in Norfolk. The additions were Lelia Anna born 1839 and
John Wilson born 1840. The latter was named after their new partner and brother-in-law in
Murfreesboro. They would have two more children born in Murfreesboro: Carolina born in
1841, and Samuel Martin born in 1843.
The firm, Wilson & Harrell, was dissolved in January of 1844. James son,
James Albert, had set-up his medical practice in the little community about 12 miles east
called Winton. After his business in Murfreesboro was over, James followed his oldest son
to Winton with his family. There, he rented a house and store, and was soon back in
business selling groceries and general merchandise.
James second son, William Bernard, stayed in Murfreesboro when the family
moved to Winton, but about a year later, in 1845, James asked William to come to Winton
and help him in his store. James was only 53 years of age at the time, but business may
have been very good, or he just wanted his 22 year old son to join the family in Winton.
In 1847, James second wife, Frances Waddy Wise Harrell died in Winton. Soon
after her death, James oldest son, James Albert, who had moved his medical practice
to Perquimans County, wrote to his younger brother inviting him to come and use his
library and practice to prepare for medical school in Maryland the following year. 1850 census entry, Hertford County,
N. C. Harrell,
James age
58 clerk
NC
page 313 Harrell,
Virginia age 18
Va. Harrell,
Joseph H. age
16 clerk/in school
Va. Harrell,
Elvira E. age 13 in school
Va. Harrell,
Eleha A.
age 11 in school
Va. Harrell,
John W. age 10 in school
Va. Harrell,
Samuel M. age 7 in school
NC
James and the remainder of his family were counted for the 1850 census in Hertford
County. James was not yet married to his third wife; his son, Joseph Holiday, was
apparently helping in the family store as a clerk. James youngest son, Samuel
Martin, was the only child of James to be born in North Carolina.
According to his son, William Bernard, who paid James a visit in mid-March 1851,
James was running a farm very near his brother, Abner Harrell, who lived in Harrellsville,
and he was with his third wife. James died on July 4, 1858 near Harrellsville in Hertford
Countyprobably on the farm he had been running, and he was still running his grocery
store. The only record of James third wife I have seen is from the Family Bible of
William Bernard Harrell, which was passed on to his son, Reverend Albert Bernard Harrell,
of Waverly, Virginia. This family record indicates James third wife was Celia Shaw.
The follow summary of James life is contained in the record:[43]
He was born January 15, 1792 in Gates Co., and died July 4, 1858 in Hertford Co. He
married Martha Patsy McGuire in Suffolk, Va., December 29, 1818. She was born
August 6, 1800 in Gates Co. (daughter of Philip), and died January 13, 1830 in Suffolk,
Va. He
married Frances Waddy Wise in Suffolk, Va., March 14, 1831. She was born June 5, 1806 in
Nansemond Co., Va., and died February 9, 1847 in Winton, Hertford Co., N. C. He
married Celia Shaw (widow of Edward Shaw) in Winton, Hertford County, on September 26,
1850 James
Harrells Children
James children with Patsy James Albert Harrell born September 6, 1822 William Bernard Harrell born December 17, 1823 James children with Francis Virginia Francis Harrell born May 5, 1832 Joseph Holiday Harrell born November 11, 1833 Martha Francis Harrell born July 22, 1835 Elvira Elizabeth Harrell born August 29, 1836 Elelia Anna Harrell born January 9, 1839 John Wilson Harrell born May 7, 1840 Carolina Harrell born August 21, 1841 Samuel Martin Harrell born August 28, 1843
James and his third wife did not have children. In the sections that follow, I have
discussed only the children who survived to
adulthood. James Albert Harrell (Harrold) (b.
1822)4th Generation
James Albert was the first son of James and Martha Patsy Harrell. He
was born in Suffolk, Virginia on September 6, 1822. [page
341] James
Albert decided to become a medical doctor, and with his familys support, he became a
student of medicine in a local Doctors office. Dr. Balfour prepared James Albert
well, because he was able to enter Medical School in Baltimore during the month of October
1840, for a two year course.
When James Albert returned home from his first year in medical school in April,
1841, the family was in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. James Albert left Murfreesboro in
October, 1841 for Baltimore to finish his medical training.
In 1843, James Albert returned to Murfreesboro as a Doctor of Medicine at the young
age of twenty-two. He decided Murfreesboro had all the medical doctors it needed, so he
moved to the small but growing community of Winton about 12 miles east of Murfreesboro. In
a relatively short time James Albert had a good and growing medical practice as well as a
good reputation as a local Methodist Preachera calling he picked up while away at
college. [page
342]
On January 4, 1845, James Albert married Sallie Ann Skinner in Perquimans County,
which was about 40 miles south-east of Winton. The next day James Albert and his new bride
Sallie Ann drove to Winton. They were accompanied by Sallies brother, Henry, and sister, Miss Martha Skinner, as well as
brother, William Bernard. It was late by the time they reached the Harrell house, but a
warm welcome was apparently there. In Williams words again, Winton turned out
that night in full force, and everything at our house went merry as a marriage
bell for it was a joyful time for everybody.[44]
In late 1846, James Albert and Sallie Ann Harrell decided to move to the town of
Hertford which is the county seat of Perquimans County. They were encouraged by friends
and family in the area to move because they were sure a lucrative medical practice would
be developed in the area. Sallie had many relatives in the area and they were mostly
wealthy. This was the basis for a good medical practice, because the Skinners and friends
possessed numerous slaves. This was, indeed, an ideal situation for a young medical
doctor, because in William Bernards words ...slaves,
some of whom were always sick, and the owners of slaves always sent for a doctor, as soon
as one of them began to be sick, for fear they would die, and that meant money lost.[45]
James Albert apparently developed a large and lucrative practice by holding contracts with
rich farmers for the care of their slaves.
By 1850, James and Sally had their family well under way. James sister,
probably Elelia, was staying with them. 1850 census entry, Perquimans Co., N.
C. Harrell,
James A.
age 28 Physician
page 401 Harrell,
Sally A.
age 27 Harrell,
Jesse
age 4 Harrell,
Martha J.
age 2 Harrell,
Elvira
age 10 James
served as a physician in the C. S. A. military service. After the War, he increasingly
spent time on his ministry rather than his medical practice. Then he moved his family to
Washington, D. C. and devoted his time to his ministry.[46] James Albert
and Sallie Skinner Harrells (Harrold) Children
According
to William Bernard Harrell, his brother, James Albert, had 3 daughters and one son. I am
only aware of daughters, Jesse, born 1846,
Martha, born 1848, and Carrie. (Carrie may have been Carolinain Carolinas
letter she refers to her sister, Jessie. See the Harrell
Papers.) Jesse Harrold (b. 1846)5th Generation Martha J. Harrold (b. 1848)5th Generation Carolina Harrold Chase5th Generation William Bernard Harrell (b. 1823)4th Generation
James and Patsy Harrells second son, William Bernard, was born December 17,
1823 in Suffolk, Virginia. At the age of 80, William Bernard wrote a short autobiography,
and it is to this work we owe a great debt for most of what we know about the early years
of James and Pastys life and their two oldest sons, James Albert and William Bernard
Harrell.
We learned in the section devoted to his father and step-mother, William was the
first family member to move to Hertford County, North Carolina in 1840, when he was just
17 years old. He was, to say the least, under-whelmed by Murfreesboro of 1840, after
having spent the first years of his life in Suffolk and then Norfolk, Virginia. He did,
however, settle in rather quickly, in no small measure because he soon learned that life
in the town existed because hidden in the trees near them was a boarding school for young
women, which operated nearly year around.
William Bernard was sent ahead of the family to take a position in his uncle, John
Wilsons store as a clerk. He worked with his uncle and father in their partnership
until January of 1844 when it was dissolved. William Bernard then took a job as a clerk in
a large Murfreesboro firm called Lawrence and Vaughan. He stayed with this job in
Murfreesboro after his family had relocated to Winton. It was sometime in 1845 when
William Bernard moved to Winton to help his father in the family store. By the end of
1846, William had been a clerk for about six years and had no intention of leaving his
fathers store in Winton, when his older brother, James Albert, wrote and invited him
to come to Perquimans County and begin a career in medicine. As far as I know, this was
the end of William Bernards stay in Hertford County.
He went to Perquimans County to study and apprentice with his brother, then on to
the medical school in Maryland, and about two years later, he was back at his
brothers place in Perquimans County to consider the best place for a young medical
doctor to set up a practice at that time. William Bernard, on good advice, went to set up
his first practice in Center Hill, Chowan County.
It was in Center Hill, William Bernard got to know, court, and marry Ann Battle on
March 15, 1851. That same day he was baptized into the Baptist religionthe religion
of his new wife. It may have been a prerequisite to the marriage in that Ann Battles
father was Reverend Amos J. Battle. William
Bernard and Ann Battle Harrells Children
Leon Harrell (b. 1861)5th Generation Helen Harrell (b. 1865)5th Generation Mabel Harrell Woolfolk Hines5th Generation William
and Anns daughter, Mabel, typed and retained her fathers original
autobiography. She was in Charlotte, North Carolinaprobably in the 1940s. Albert Bernard Harrell5th Generation Albert
wrote a short history of an adventure he had as a young man traveling in an automobile in
1915. The story is part of the Harrell Papers which contain his fathers
autobiography. He lived in Warsaw, Virginia, and he led an orchestra in North Carolina.
Later he became a Baptist minister. William Peyton Harrell5th Generation William
P. Harrell was a member of the Newport News Symphony, and he was a Teller in a bank in
Newport News. For a while, at least, he lived at 434 South Street, Portsmouth, Virginia.
He died in Newport News, Virginia in the late 1930s or early 1940s. William left his
extensive library to the Public Library there in 1942which is contained in The
Harrell Room. Virginia Frances Harrell Halsey (b.
1832)4th Generation
Virginia
married James Halsey in Winton, Hertford County on August 22, 1850. They were not in
Hertford County for the 1850 census. (nor the 1870 and 1880) Joseph Holiday Harrell (b. 1833)4th Generation
Joseph
H. Harrell was James and Francis Harrells son, and he was born on November 11, 1833.
In 1850, he was 16 years of age, living in his fathers household and working as a
clerk. He married Emma T. E. Shaw in Norfolk, Virginia on October 4, 1859. In 1860,
Joseph H. Harrell was listed as born in Nansemond County, Virginia, and his wife, E. T. as
born in Norfolk, Virginia. 1860 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
J. H.
age 26 Merchant $0 $1,107
page 46 Harrell,
E. T.
age 23 wife Joseph
H. enlisted in the C. S. A. military at New Hanover County on May 27, 1861 at the age of
27he served from that date to 1865. He returned to Hertford County after the War and
was in the Harrellsville area of Hertford
County in 1870. The census taken that year shows Joseph and Emmas family well
underway. The
whole family was listed as born in North Carolina for the 1870 census. This is more than
likely true for their three children, but probably a statement of convenience for the
parents. Mary A. Shaw was probably Emmas mother. Also in the 1870 census, the
Agricultural Schedule shows Joseph working 125 acres of improved land and holding 98 acres
of unimproved land. 1870 census entry, Hertford Co., N.
C. Harrell,
Jos H. age
37 farmer
$100
page 346 Harrell,
Emma T. age 32 Harrell,
Deidami
age 10 daughter Harrell,
Ebashaw age
8 son Harrell,
Joshwa G. age
5 son Shaw,
Mary A.
age 51 house keeper By the
1880 census, Joseph and Emma with their children had left Hertford County, and they had
one additional son, Jody A., who was probably Joseph Alexander Harrell (b. after 1870).
Joseph and Emma were living in Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina. Around 1888,
they moved to Sanford, Florida. 1880 census entry, Washington Co., N.
C. Harrell,
J. H.
age 50 (?)
page 11 Harrell,
Emily T.
age 40 wife Harrell,
Deidamia
age 19 daughter Harrell,
Eber S.
age 18 son / clerk in store Harrell,
Joshua G.
age 15 son / at scholl Harrell,
Jody A.
age son Joseph H. and
Emma Taylor Shaw Harrells Children
Deidamia Harrell (b.1861)5th Generation Eber Shaw Harrell (b. 1862)5th Generation Eber
Shaw Harrell married Elizabeth Sollers Kelly of Baltimore, Maryland on November 3, 1891.
He moved from Sanford, Florida to Waynesville, North Carolina in September of 1905. The
move was necessary because he had contracted malaria. He was still there in 1915 when his
nephew, William Albert Harrell, went through on his motor-car adventure. Eber Shaw Harrell
died in a hospital at Durham, North Carolina on February 16, 1934. He had been living in
Durham with his daughter, Naomi H. Boring. Eber Shaw and Elizabeth Lily Kelly Harrells Children Apparently
all of their children were born in Sanford, Florida. Most of Eber Shaws children
followed the example of their Uncle James Albert and changed their names from Harrell to
Harrold. Emily Theresa Harrell Marsh Withers (b. 1892)6th Generation Emily T.
Harrell was born on September 25, 1892 in Sanford, Florida. She married Walter Roberts
Marsh (1895-1951) in 1917, and they had one son, Walter Frederick Marsh. Later, Emily
married Guy Withers in 1929 in Washington, D. C.there were no children from the
second marriage. Walter Frederick Marsh (b. 1918)7th Generation Walter
was born in San Francisco, California on February 21, 1918. Naomi Harrell (Harrold) Boring (b. 1894)6th Generation Eber
Shaw and Elizabeth Harrells daughter, Naomi, was born on July 30, 1894 in Sanford,
Florida. Eighteen years after the family moved back to North Carolina, Naomi married J.
Ward Boring (born 1895) in 1923 in Waynesville, North Carolina. They had two daughters,
Emily Jean and Grace Minor. Emily Jean Boring Williams (b. 1923)7th Generation Emily
was born on October 15, 1923 in DeLand, Florida, but she apparently grew up in North
Carolina and married James C. Williams in 1943 in Oxford, North Carolina. Emily and James
had three sons, James Crawford, William White, and Ward Boringall born in Oxford,
North Carolina. James Crawford Williams (b. 1944)8th Generation [page 348] William White Williams (b. 1947)8th Generation Ward Boring Williams (b. 1950)8th Generation Grace Minor Boring (b. 1926)7th Generation Grace
was born on May 10, 1926 in DeLand, Florida. Lois Beal Harrell (Harrold) (b. 1896)6th Generation Lois was
born on March 4, 1806, and reportedly did not marry. Lily Kelly Harrell (Harrold) Wood Stewart (b. 1899)6th Generation Lily was
born on May 22, 1899 at the Harrell Farm in Sanford, Florida. She married Stanley Edison
Wood (born 1890) in 1917. They had three children: Myrtle Elizabeth Wood, Stanley Edison
Wood Jr., and Lois Theresa Wood. Lily Kelly Harrell Wood married a second time to Earl I.
Stewart in 1945 in Inglewood, California. Myrtle E. Wood Jensen (b. 1918)7th Generation Myrtle
was born on May 27, 1918 in Baker, Montana. She married Robert Wallace Jensen (born 1915)
of Los Angeles, California in 1937 at the Jensens home in Ontario, California.
Myrtle and Robert had three children: James Wallace, Anne Elizabeth, and Charles Clinton. James Wallace Jensen (b. 1941)8th Generation James
was born June 26, 1941 in Pomona, California. Anne Elizabeth Jensen (b. 1945)8th Generation Anne was
born January 25, 1945 in El Centro, California. Charles Clinton Jensen (b. 1946)8th Generation Charles
was born on March 18, 1946, also in El Centro, California. Stanley Edison Wood Jr. (b. 1920)7th Generation Lily and
Stanley Sr.s son, Stanley Jr., was born on November 13, 1920 in Waynesville, North
Carolina. He married Barbara J. Baker (born 1926) while in the Air Corps during the 2nd
World Warthey were married in Wickenburg, Arizona. They had four children: Stanley
Edison III, Anne Carol, Philip Harrold, and David Stewart. [page
349] Stanley Edison Wood III (b. 1945)8th Generation Stanley
was born on August 9, 1945 in Pasadena, California. Anne Carol Wood (b. 1949)8th Generation Anne was
born March 31, 1947, and died March 18, 1949. Philip Harrold Wood (b. 1949)8th Generation Philip
was born on August 15, 1949 in Lancaster, California. David Stewart Wood (b. 1950)8th Generation David
was born on June 29, 1950 in Lancaster, California. Lois Theresa Wood Evans (b. 1929)7th Generation Lois was
born on September 24, 1929 in Los Angeles, California. She married Edwin V. Evans (born
1921) on April 30, 1950 in Lancaster, California. Alice May Harrell (Harrold) Lee (b. 1902)6th Generation Eber
Shaw and Elizabeths daughter, Alice, was born November 26, 1902 on The Harrold Farm
in Sanford, Florida. She married Early G. Lee in Waynesville, North Carolina in 1927.
Alice and Early had two daughters: Lois Elizabeth and Alice Harrold. Lois Elizabeth Lee (b. 1931)7th Generation Lois was
born on October 31, 1931 in Asheville, North Carolina. Alice Harrold Lee (b. 1934)7th Generation Alice
was born April 15, 1934, also in Asheville, North Carolina. Joshua Garrett Harrell (b. 1865)5th Generation Joseph Jody Alexander Harrell5th Generation
As far as I know, Joseph Alexander Harrell was the last of Joseph Holiday
Harrells descendants. The next section deals with Joseph H. Harrells remaining
brothers and sisters. Martha Francis Harrell (b. 1835)4th Generation
Martha Francis was born on July 22, 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. Elvira Elizabeth Harrell Jordan (b.
1836)4th Generation
According
to the family records in the Harrell Papers at the North Carolina State Archives, Elvira
married William B. Jordan at Chapel Hill, North Carolina on May 31, 1860. Elelia Anna Harrell Sawyer (b. 1839)4th Generation
Elelia
may have been living with her oldest brother, James Albert, in Perquimans County, North
Carolina for the 1850 censuson the other hand, she was also listed with her father
and other siblings in Hertford County at the time. She married J. Sawyer on June 2, 1855
in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. John Wilson Harrell (b. 1840)4th Generation
John
Wilson Harrell was in his fathers, James, household in 1850 at the age of ten.
He was not in Hertford County for the 1860 or later censuses. One has to be careful when
searching for his name in Hertford County, because there was a John W. (Whitmel) Harrell
in the 1850 and later censuses, but he was born in 1814. In addition, there was another
John Wilson Harrell in Hertford County. The latter, however, was born in 1831 to John and
Harriet Harrell. Carolina Harrell (b. 1841)4th Generation Carolina was born on August 21, 1841 in Hertford County, North Carolina. Samuel Martin Harrell (b. 1843)4th Generation
Samuel married Mary E. Rice on May 11, 1865 in Wilson, North Carolina. By 1870,
their family was well under way. 1870 census entry, Wilson Co., N. C. Cherry,
James
age 22 Coach Shop
$150 NC
page 572 Cherry,
Joanna
age 20
NC Harrell,
Saml L.
age 27 Carpenter $500 $200
NC Harrell,
Mary E.
age 28
Va. Harrell,
Fanny
age 4
NC Harrell,
Lula
age 1
NC
In 1870, Samuel and Mary were living in the Cherry householdJames was
probably Samuels employer. 1880 census entry, Wilson Co., N. C. Harrell,
Samuel
age 38 head Harrell,
Mary
age 37 wife Harrell,
Fannie
age 14 daughter Harrell,
Lula age
11 daughter Harrell,
Arthur
age 8 son Harrell,
Keener
age 4 son Harrell,
Laura M.
age 1 daughter
Samuel and Mary had five children. Later Samuel married Miss Sue Kilpatrick and had
two more children, only one of whom survived infancy. (This information about
Samuels family was supplied by Matilda Clark Harrell Floyd to Emily H. Withers. See The Harrell Papers.) Samuel M. and
Mary E. Rice Harrells Children
Fanny Wise Harrell Johnson (b. 1866)5th GenerationLula Stuart Harrell Kilpatrick (b. 1869)5th GenerationArthur Harrell (b. 1872)5th GenerationKeener Harrell (b. 1876)5th GenerationLaura M. Harrell (b. 1879)5th GenerationMary Johnson Siske6th GenerationBorden C. Siske Jr.7th Generation Catherine Johnson Wentzel6th GenerationFrances Wentzel7th Generation Carl Wentzel Jr.7th Generation Jesse Johnson6th Generation Jesse
reportedly died around the age of ten. Arthur Palmer Harrell5th Generation
Arthur Palmer was Samuel Martin Harrells youngest sonhis mother was Sue
Kilpatrick. He married Adelaide Galloway. Arthur P. and Adelaide Galloway Harrells Children Mary Elizabeth Harrell Burwell6th Generation Mary
apparently had a second marriage to Edward W. Burwell in May of 1948. Matilda Clark Harrell Floyd6th Generation Matilda
did not have any children. Adelaide Galloway Harrell Brandler6th Generation
Adelaide married Robert F. Blandler, and they apparently had at least one son. Robert Francis Brandler Jr. (b. 1947)7th Generation May Harrell Hines Koonce6th Generation May had
one child by Mr. Hines, and then three children with Mr. KoonceHannah Koonce died in
infancy. Ernest Frederick Hines7th Generation
Ernest was Mays daughter from her first marriage. Esther Koonce McArthur7th Generation Joyce Koonce7th Generation Keener Ransome Harrell6th GenerationHelen Harrell Harvey6th Generation
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