Harrell Familiesof EarlyHertford County, North Carolina |
You are in Chapter 3, 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 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 10 (Immigrants to the 3rd Generation of Hertford County Harrells) Chapter 11 (Immigrants to the 4th Generation of Hertford County Harrells) Chapter 3: Harrells in Bertie & the Hertford County area Thomas Harrell (of Bertie County)
There were at least two Thomas Harrells residing in Chowan County in the early
years; and there was at least one other in Bertie County. The latter was probably the
first out of Nansemond County, Virginia, and he settled just north of the Roanoke River in
southern Bertie County.
Thomas Harrell got a right of assignment for 640 acres on the Moratuck River on
December 3, 1720, and the deed was dated May 2, 1721.[1] He was apparently very active
in affairs of property well into the 1730s, judging by deed activity (Table 4, page 20).
There are a number of deeds recorded in Bertie County on which Thomas Harrell was a
witnessin some cases he used the title jurat; in others he did not. I am
not absolutely sure it was the same Thomas in every case. For instance, on February 12,
1734, Thomas Harrell, jurat, witnessed a deed for land on the north side of Morattock
River. Then again, on March 21, 1735, Thomas witnessed a deed along with George House for
a transaction between John Moore and Titus Moore. At the same time, during the November
Court 1736, Thomas Harrell along with Petegrove Salsberry, jurat, witnessed another deed
for John Moore. On both of these latter deeds, Thomas did not use the title
jurat as he had in February of 1734the recorder of the documents did use
the title for Salsberry. Then on another deed in December of 1736, Thomas was a witness
along with Francis Harrell, and in this case he again used the title of jurat.
This deed included the following information: it was for land adjacent to
Snowfields at Fallen Run, and William Gray, and William Eason. It was
witnessed by John Gray, Francis Harrell, Thomas Harrell, jurat. This deed was presented at
the May Court of 1739. At the same court, Thomas witnessed another deed, but did not use
the title of jurat.[2] At best, this is evidence for
uncertainty. If we assume that men of means, in the time and place under consideration,
seldom miss the opportunity to use a title beside their name, then maybe there were two
Thomas Harrells witnessing deeds in Bertie County in the 1730s.
There is a deed that makes reference to Thomas Jr., but that is not definitive
either on the question of there being more than one Thomas in the area. The deed is dated
May 4, 1738, and was between William Baldwin of Surry County, Virginia and Samuel Buxton
of James City County, Virginia for the sale of 250 acres on the north side of the Moratuck
River, adjacent to Thomas Harrell, Jr. at Spring Branch.[3] By 1738, Thomas may have
given some of his 640 acres to a son named Thomas Junior. On the other hand, Thomas may
have been known as Jr. to people still back in Virginia where there was a Thomas and a
Thomas Jr. as early as 1704. In any case, I will continue at this time to assume there was
only one Thomas Harrell among the first settlers in Bertie County.
Thomas Harrell of Bertie County purchased another 300 acres in the area in 1743. On
June 13, 1743, Thomas Harrell bought 300 acres (for 40 lbs.) from Caleb and Elizabeth
Spivey adjacent to William Hinton on Village Swamp, and Theophilus Williams. A witness to
the deed was Samuel Harrell. On the same day Thomas Harrell sold Samuel Harrell 150 acres
(for 20 lbs.) on the east side of Village swamp adjacent to William Hinton, Pettegrove
Salsberry, Theophilus Williams, and ______ Bond.[4] In the latter deed, there is
a very real possibility that Thomas was selling half the land he just bought to Samuel at
his cost because Samuel was his brother or son.
By the 1750s there were at least two Thomas Harrells in Bertie County. One lived
down around the Roanoke and was the son of Edward; the other lived up in the Hertford Area
near Horse Swamp and was the son of Adam. (See the tax lists summarized in Table 5, page
26) These two second generation Thomases are discussed in the sections on Edward and Adam. Samuel Harrell (of Bertie County)
Samuel was probably related to the Thomas Harrell described in the previous
section. He purchased 150 acres from Thomas Harrell in 1743 at Thomas cost.[5]
He was also on the Bertie County tax lists from 1757 through 1761 (see Table 5, page 26).
Samuels will was written in 1770, and presented at the September Court in 1772.
Samuel identified his wife, Elizabeth; his son Cader; his daughters Kesiah Bond, Dorothy
Billups, and Ann Harrell.[6] Cader Harrell, son of Samuel (died 1781)
Caders will was written in 1775, and probated at the August Court of 1781. In
his will, he identified his wife, Agnes; and his sons Samuel, Kader, and Drewry.[7]
Elizabeth Harrell was a witnessshe may have been his mother. Samuel Harrell, son of CaderKader Harrell, son of CaderDrewry Harrell, son of Cader Joseph Harrell (died c. 1754)
Joseph was probably the second of the Seven Brothers to settle in North
Carolina from Nansemond County. He is on record with his first land purchase in 1725. The
deed states on August 12, 1725, Joseph Harrell of Nansemond County, Virginia bought 200
acres from James Smith on the north side of the Morattock River, adjacent to William
Evans, William Eason, and John Elverton, nigh a place called redy Branch at
Flaggy Run.[8]
Three years later, Joseph was a witness when John Jr. bought 630 acres from Henry
Baker just north of the Roanoke River on August 12, 1728. Then again in May of 1729, when
John of Nansemond County bought 8 acres adjacent to Henry Baker and John Harrell, the deed
was witnessed by Joseph Harrell and Abraham Hurrell (Harrell).[9]
John of Nansemond was Senior, and the John Harrell who lived adjacent to the land bring
purchased was John Junior, but the latter would later name his son John, and thus John
Junior became John Jr./Sr. in my references. (The John Harrells are discussed at greater
length in the next section.)
On August 7, 1729, Joseph sold 100 acres to Abraham Harrell adjacent to William
Eason at Reedy Branch, and John Yelverton on Flag Run.[10] This was clearly half of the
land Joseph had purchased four years earlier. This is typical of transactions between
brothers, and that may well have been the case here.
On August 30, 1733, Joseph was again a witness to a deed with John Harrell, jurat.
Joseph was often a co-witness with this John Harrell. The question is which John was this?
I do not yet know how to interpret the title, jurat in many cases. One
definition states, Jurat: Literally, it was proven; early, a magistrate;
that subscribing witness who swore to or affirmed the validity of any writing;
[11] This matters because if it
indicated John was a magistrate, it might refer to the person who later was known as John
Harrell Esq. of the St. Johns and Ahoskie area (the Hertford area). If on the other hand,
it merely referred to the act of being a witness, it could have been any one of the John
Harrells in the area. On August 3, 1733, Abraham Harrell bought more land and the
witnesses to the deed were John Harrell, jurat, John Harrell Junior.[12]
This suggests that John the jurat, had taken for himself a title which meant nothing more
than a witness, because John Jr./Sr. often was a co-witness with his son, John Junior. In
1733, Joseph was more than likely a co-witness with his probable brother, John Jr./Sr.,
not John Harrell Esq. of the Hertford area.
Joseph was again a witness along with John and Edward Harrell on a deed in the
Roanoke River area in 1735. John and Joseph again witnessed a deed on February 7, 1742.[13]
Joseph Harrell Sr. bought 300 acres from Thomas Pugh on April 3, 1753. The land was
at Flaggy Run, adjacent to the lands of Jethro Butler, and John Harrell (probably John
Jr./Sr.). The deed was witnessed by John Harrell, Abraham Harrell, Mary
Harrellprobably his brothers and wife or sister-in-law. Less than a year later,
Joseph Jr. identified his fathers 1753 purchase when Joseph Jr. gave 20 acres to his
brother. (This suggests that Joseph Sr. died before February 23, 1754.) On February 23,
1754, Joseph Harrell made a deed of gift for 20 acres to his brother, John Harrellhe
identified the land as
a tract of land purchased by my father Joseph Harrell
from Thomas Pugh and commonly called by the name of Sympsons Old Field
to him during
his natural life
. Land on Flagg Run adj. James Parker, John Naren(?). wit John
Harrell, George Howse, Ezekiel Harrell.[14]
When the division of Joseph Sr.s estate was made, his wife, Ann, had already
remarried to James Williams. The division of property was to Anns new husband, James
Williams, and to son, John Harrell.[15] Joseph Jr. apparently
already had inherited property from his father. When Joseph Sr. and Ann Harrells
son, John, wrote his will on June 3, 1781, he identified his mother, Ann Williams; his
sisters Winnefred Harrell and Ruth House, and his half brother George Williams.[16]
George Williams was also an executor to the will which means he was probably over 21 years
old at the time, and thus born before 1760which means Joseph Sr.s widow, Ann,
remarried before 1759. Joseph and Ann Harrells Children Joseph Harrell Jr.
The only document to connect Joseph Jr. with any certainty to his parents is the
1754 deedin which Joseph Harrell Jr. made a deed of gift for 20 acres to his
brother, John Harrell, and he identified the land as coming from his father, Joseph
Harrell.[17]
In the tax lists for early Bertie County, there were two Joseph Harrells. The first
was listed in 1755 for the last time; and the other in the same area was listed for the
first time in 1761. These were probably Joseph Sr., and his son, Joseph Junior. John Little John Harrell (died 1781)
In 1754, when Little Johns brother, Joseph Jr., gave him 20 acres they had
inherited from their father, who had died shortly before the gift, Little John was still
under legal age. Major Thomas Pugh was the Guardian of John Harrell, orphan of
Joseph.[18]
Joseph Sr.s probable nephew, John Jr. (the son of John Jr./Sr. discussed in
the next section of this chapter), owned land next to Joseph and the Williams, and in his 1755 will John Jr.
described the land at length, including the statement,
and Little John
Harrells Corner, then along my line and John Harrells aforesaid to John Glasss
Line,
[19] I am pretty sure the
reference to Little John was to Josephs son, John, and not to John
Harrell Jr.s father, John Jr./Senior. When Little John wrote his will on June 3,
1781, he mentioned his mother, Ann Williams, his sisters,
Ruth House and Winnefred Harrell, and a nephew, Thomas Housethere was no mention of
a wife or children.[20] Ruth Harrell House
Ruth had a son named by her brother, John, in his 1781 willhe was Thomas
House. Winnefred Harrell
John Harrell (this was John Jr./Sr.; died 1759)
There were a number of John Harrells swarming the landscape of northeastern North
Carolina in the early yearsknowing one from another is not an easy task today. Some
of them made the task easier by using identification tags such as Jr.,
Sr., or Esquire. Unfortunately, too often they were simply
referred to as John. In this section, I have described the line of John
Harrells who were better than most in identifying themselvesthis line starts with
John of Nansemond and his son, John Jr.; the latter soon became John Sr., when his son in
turn, came of age and became John Junior. The primary focus in this section in on the
middle John, John Jr./Sr., because he was among the first Harrells to settle his household
in North Carolina. (note: John of Nansemonds will was probated in Bertie County in
1749; his son, John Jr./Sr., died in 1759; and John of Nansemonds grandson, John
Jr., died in 1755, before his father died in 1759.)
I believe the first John Harrell to purchase land in North Carolina was John of
Nansemond County, Virginia. He probably was the John who bought 150 acres in Tyrrell
County in October of 1715.[21] The land was on the south
side of Albemarle Sound, only about 30 miles east of where numerous Harrells would begin
settling a few years later over on the north side of the Roanoke River in Bertie County.
John Harrell Jr./Sr. was one of the first Harrells to settle in Bertie County just
above the Roanoke, and he probably was a brother to one of the Samuels, Thomas, and Joseph
Harrell discussed in the three previous sectionsand, of course, he was the son of
John of Nansemond. The latter point is evident in the early references to him as John Jr.
in the North Carolina records when he purchased 630 acres on the north side of the Roanoke
River in August of 1728. The deed was
written on August 12, 1728, and contained the following information: John Harrell Jr.
bought 630 acres from Henry Baker. They were on the north side of the Morattock (Roanoke)
River at Flaggy Run, adjacent to John Narin and James Parker. One of the witnesses was Joseph Harrell.[22]
In a 1729 deed, John of Nansemond bought more land down on the north side of the Roanoke River, adjacent to the other Harrells.
His probable son, Joseph, witnessed the deed, along with Abraham, who was also probably
one of his sons. I believe he was instrumental in setting his sons up in the
areafirst Thomas around 1721, then Joseph in 1725, and Abraham was in the area by
1729. On May 11, 1729, John Harrell of Nansemond County, bought 8 acres (for 32 shillings)
from James Smith on the north side of the Morattuck River and south side of Flagg Run. The
land was adjacent to Henry Baker and John Harrell. The witnesses were Joseph Harrell and
Abraham Harrell.[23] The eight acres he bought
were apparently next to the land of his son, John Jr./Senior. A few months later, in
December of 1729, Edward Harrell of Nansemond County bought 350 acres in the same area as
Joseph and John. The witnesses were John Jr./Sr., his wife, Grace, and their son, John
Junior.[24]
Then in early 1733, it appears John Jr./Sr. had taken for himself the title
jurat. (As I have indicated above, the title jurat was apparently
easily acquired and did not carry a lot of meaning.) On February 11, 1733/34, Needham
Bryan bought 200 acres from Timothy Ryall on the north side of Flaggy Run, adjacent to
John Harrell and Joseph Moor. The witnesses were John Harrell, jurat, John Harrell,
Junior. John Jr./Sr. used the title again when he witnessed a deed for his probable
brother, Abraham, in 1733. On August 3, 1733, Abraham Harrell bought 150 acres, and the
witnesses were John Harrell, jurat, and John Harrell Junior.[25]
In the deed just below, I am assuming the purchase was by John Jr./Sr. because John
Jr. was a witness, but this may well not have been the case. By 1737, another John Harrell
was buying land in the same area, and this deed may have been executed by this
new John Harrell. The deed was witnessed by Edward HarrellEdward had a
son named John. (I have discussed this other John below as the probably son of Edward.) On
March 22, 1737, John Harrell bought 24 acres from Jacob Jarnagan and Feaby Jarnagan and
Henry Oberry. It was called a tract of woodland in Cassey Swamp, adjacent to
Edward Harrell and Thomas Mann. The witnesses were Edward Harrell, John Harrell Junior.
Then on February 13, 1738/39, John bought 200 acres on the west side of Cashy Swamp.[26]
On November 14, 1747, John Harrell Jr./Sr. bought 640 acres from Thomas Barker in
Roonaroy Meadows adjacent to Tom and George Pollocks corner, William Eason. Land
granted to William Maul by patent dated Feb. 1, 1725. It was commonly called Broad Neck
Survey. This land is in southern Bertie County, down on the Roanoke River. This becomes
important because it is the land described in John Jr./Sr.s November 1, 1756 will,
and divided among his sons. The description of the land in the will makes it clear the
November 14, 1747 deed was a purchase made by John Jr./Senior. In addition, the division
of the 640 acres described in the will, simply reflected the gift of these lands several
years earlier. There are three deeds of gift from John Jr./Sr. dated May 13, 1751 that
transfer this property.[27]
In the first of the above mentioned 1751 deeds describing the distribution of lands
to John Jr./Sr.s sons, David is shown distributing land to his brothersland
said to have been granted to him in 1749. I have not been able to find a record of that
grant, but the following one to his father probably explains the connection. On March 25,
1749, The Hon. John Carteret, Earl of Granville granted to John [page 60] Harrell, for 3
shillings, 200 acres in the Society Parish on the north side of the Roanoke River,
adjacent to Richard Williams at Bushy Gutt, and Jethro Butler. Provided the land be
seated, a good house be built, and the land stocked with cattle at a rate of five head per
hundred acres.[28]
A 1753 deed reflects the presence of several of the Harrells in the area from three
generationsincluding John Jr./Sr.; his son, Jesse; his grandson, Israel; and son,
Hardy (Israel Hardy). On January 20, 1753, a deed for the sale of 200 acres on the north
side of the Roanoke was drawn which described the land as adjacent to Needham Bryan,
Matthew Turner, Isaac Harrell, Caleb Spivey, and Theophilus Williams. The witnesses were
John, Jesse, Israel Harrell, Hardy Harrell.[29]
The following two deeds were also more than likely for John Jr./Sr., but the
reference is not altogether clear: On March 10, 1755, John Harrell bought 50 acres from
John Yealverton of Edgecombe; adjacent to ____ Parker, Abraham Harrell, George House, and
______ Baker. The witnesses included Hardy Harrell (a son of John Jr./Sr.). Then on
February 15, 1756, John Harrell bought 60 acres on the north side of the Roanoke River.
The land was part of a patent granted to Ben. Foreman at Mill Branch, and was adjacent to
John Harrell Junior.[30]
John Harrell Jr. died before his father, John Jr./Sr. He wrote his will on November
8, 1755 in Bertie County, and it was probated in the January Court, 1756.[31]
The death of his son probably moved John Harrell Jr./Sr. to write his will November 1,
1756 in Bertie County. He provided for the grandchildren of his three deceased children,
John Jr., Esias, and Sarah Williams. He added a codicil to his will in October 1758 that
made clear none of his property should go to the surviving spouses of his three deceased
children. John Sr.s will was probated in the April Court, 1759.[32]
He divided his real estate as follows: To his wife, Grace, during her life time or
widowhood, the use of the Plantation on which he then lived. Following her death or
remarriage, the land was to be divided among these heirs; To son Jesse, the Plantation on which John Sr. was
then living. To son David, 160 acres on which David was already
living, and which was part of a Tract that John Sr. had purchased from Thomas Barker. To son Josiah, 160 acres on which Josiah was then
living, and which was also part of the Tract bought from Mr. Barker. To son Ezekiel, 160 acres on which he was then
living, and which was again part of the land bought from Thomas Barker. To grandson Esias, the son of Esias, goes the
Plantation on which his mother and step-father are now living, which was part of the Tract
bought from Mr. Barker. John Jr./Sr. and Grace Harrells Descendants
The following list is a summary of John Jr./Sr. and Graces descendants: Children Grandchildren First
Appearance & Notes David (will in 1767) David Noah Charity Sarah Mildred Chloe Josiah first witnessed deed 1751, will in 1773 Solomon Josiah William Selah Pennie Ezechiel (wife Alee) (will 1764) (Alie remarries Owen) Israel Hardy (will in 1780, not married) Grace Pierce Patience Esther Edith Delilah Owens Jesse (wife Fereby) (will 1788) Priscilla Vinson Josiah Harrell Freebee Roundtree Jesse Harrell Jr. Rachel Rascoe Josuah Harrell Jonathan Harrell Esias (deceased by 1756) Esais Sarah Hardy (Israel Hardy) (gone by 1756) John Jr. (wife Mary) (deceased by 1756) George witnessed deed, 1754 Jesse Elisha Benjamin (wife Winney) (will 1775) Mary Sarah Williams (deceased by 1756) David Harrell (b. c. 1730)
In his fathers 1756 will, David was given the land he was currently living
on, 160 acres from the parcel bought from Thomas Barker (Baker)the gift deed is
dated 1751.
Before 1751, however, David also owned about 200 acres that his father was also
somehow involved with. One of the 1751 deeds shows David selling about 70 acres to his
brothers Jesse, Elias, and Josiah for one pound, ten shillings each. The acres were part
of a grant to David in 1749. The grant [page 62] referred to must have been one his father
first receivedon March 25, 1749, The Hon. John Carteret, Earl of Granville granted
to John Harrell, for 3 shillings, 200 acres in the Society Parish on the north side of the
Roanoke River, adjacent to Richard Williams at Bushy Gutt, and Jethro Butler.[33]
There is a will dated January 5, 1767 for David Harrell. He names his wife,
Charity; his sons David and Noah; daughters Charity, Sarah, Mildred, and Chloe Harrell.
The executors were Joseph Harrell, David Harrell, and Noah Hinton. Witnesses were Benjamin
Wimberly and William Vann.[34] Son, David Jr., was
probably 21 or over in 1767so, born before 1745, which suggests his father was born
well before 1730. David
and Charitys children were as follows. David Harrell Jr. (b. before 1745)Noah Harrell
Noah was a witness on his cousin, Josiahs 1783 will, along with Noah Hinton
who was on many of the Harrell wills in this area, including Noahs fathers
will in 1767.[35] Charity HarrellSarah HarrellMildred HarrellChloe Harrell Josiah Harrell Sr. (b. before 1730)
John Jr./Sr. and Grace Harrells son, Josiah, witnessed a deed in Bertie
County in 1751, for a neighbor, Needham Byran, which indicates he was probably born before
1730.[36]
As in the case of his brother, David, Josiah inherited his share, 160 acres, of the
land his father had purchased from Thomas Barker. Josiah was also living on the land when
his father wrote his will in 1756probably from around the time of the deed of gift
from his father in 1751. In addition, Josiah received from his brother, David, about 70
acres on the north side of the Roanoke River which was part of a grant David had received
in 1749.
Apparently Josiah Harrell spent some time on a legal careerhe was a Justice
in Bertie County during and around the year 1768.[37]
Josiah Harrells will was written on March 30, 1773, and probated on November
12, 1773 in Bertie County. Josiahs son, Solomon, received the 160 acres that Josiah
had inherited from his fatherthe land was in the Renneroy Marshes. His son, Josiah
Jr., received the land and plantation on which Josiah Sr. was living when he wrote his
will in 1773. This was more than likely the approximately 70 acres Josiah received from
his brother, David in 1751. Josiahs son, William, was named but did not receive any
land. Josiah also named his wife, Ann, and daughters, Selah and Pennyas well as any
child of his not yet born. The executors were Edward Tool and Noah Hinton; the witnesses
were James Churhwell, Jonathan Tool, and Mary Tool.[38] Based on the 1773 will,
Josiah and Ann had three sons and two daughters. They are listed just below. Solomon Harrell (b. c. 1750) Josiah
Sr. willed to Solomon the 160 acres in 1756the deed of gift was in 1751. Josiah Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1750)
Josiah Jr. inherited the parcel of land and plantation on which his parents were
living in 1773. After his mothers death, Josiah Jr. inherited the plantation
according to his fathers 1773 will. This was not the 160 acres his father had
inherited in 1756 so must have been the approximately 70 acres his father received from
his brother, David, in 1751.
On May 27, 1780, Josiah Jr. sold about 75 acres to his cousin, Israel Hardy
Harrell, for $1000. This was probably not the land and plantation left to him by his
father in the latters 1773 willit was more than likely the land Josiah Sr. got
from his brother, David, in 1751. There is also a deed for the sale of 160 acres to Israel
Hardy Harrell, Josiahs cousin. This was for the sale of land inherited by their
cousin, Esias Jr.his share of their grandfather, John Jr./Sr.s, property.[39]
How Josiah Jr. ended up making the sale and giving title to their cousin, Israel Hardy
Harrell, is beyond me. Josiah may have been exercising an extended family responsibility
on this occasion, because there is no record indicating he ever owned one of the 160 acre
shares from his grandfather, John Jr./Senior.
After Josiah sold his inherited land in Bertie County, it is difficult to track him
with much certainty. As I have indicated in the previous chapter, a family history written
by Hollowell traces her family line from Josiah Harrell of Gates Countythe
participant in the American Revolutionary War. Josiah of Gates County married Julia Fryer
there in 1788, raised his family there, and his will was probated in Gates County in
February 1825. Hollowell claims Josiah of Gates was the son of Josiah Sr. of Bertie
County.[40]
She may well be correct, but I have not been able to find evidence to support the
connection. The problem is, of course, there was more than one Josiah Harrell in the
Bertie/Gates area during the time. The following list illustrates Josiah Harrells
presence in both Bertie and Gates Counties during the mid and late 1700s. The Presence of Josiah Harrell[41] In
Bertie County
In Gates area & County 1755-1761 tax list yes 1769 tax list yes 1768-1770 tax list (Hertford) yes 1781 tax list: Josiah Sr. yes 1781 tax list no Josiah Jr. yes 1787 state census yes 1786 state census yes 1 male 16-60 1 male 16-60 2 females 3 males under 16 3 females 1790 census yes 1790 census yes 1 male over 16 1 male over 16 1 male under 16 3 females
The will
for Josiah Harrell Jr. was written August 20, 1783, and probated at the November Term of
1783. He named his daughters Fanny and Anna Harrell. The executors were Bailus House, and
Noah Thompson. The witnesses were George House, Noah Harrell and Noah Hinton.[42]
Two of the witnesses suggest a connection to the descendants of John Jr./Senior. Noah
Harrell was a son of David (deceased 1767), and thus a first cousin to Josiah Junior.
Noahs other first cousin, also named Josiah, the son of Uncle Jesse, was still alive
in 1786, so he was not the subject of the 1783 will. Noah Hinton was a witness or executor
on most of this familys wills. William Harrell (b. c. 1755)
Josiah Sr. and Ann Harrells son, William, was named in his fathers will
but apparently did not receive any land. Selah Harrell (b. c. 1755) Selah,
the daughter of Josiah Sr., did not marry. Her will was written on May 13, 1783, and
probated at the November Term of 1783. She named her sister, Penny Harrell, her brother,
William Harrell, George Williams, and Lewis Bryant. Her sister, Penny Harrell, and James
House were executors. The witnesses were James House, and Sarah House.[43] Pennie Harrell (b. c. 1755) Ezechiel Harrell (b. c. 1730-died 1764)
John Jr./Sr. and Grace Harrells son, Ezechiel, inherited his 160 acre share
of the land his father had purchased from Thomas Barkerit was the plantation he was
already living on when his father wrote his will in 1756. His father also left him 50
acres at the head of Jumping Run.[44] On April
11, 1764, Ezechiel wrote his will in Bertie County. He identified his wife, Alee; his son,
Israel Hardy Harrell; and his daughter, Grace Harrell. According to his son, Israel
Hardys, will in 1780, Israel had the following sisters: Grace Pierce, Patience,
Esther, Edith, Keziah, and Delilah Owens. The executors named in his will were Noah
Hinton, and his brothers Jesse and Josiah Harrell.[45] Ezechiel and Alie Harrells Children Israel Hardy Harrell (d. 1783)
Israel Hardy was named for his uncle, Hardy, who died in 1756. He
bought about 75 acres from his cousin, Josiah Jr., for $1000 on May 27, 1780.[46]
This was probably the land and plantation left to Josiah Jr. by his father which was
probably the land Josiah Sr. got from his brother, David, in 1751.
Then on March 9, 1782, Israel Hardy Harrell bought 160 acres from his cousin,
Josiah Junior. These were the 160 acres that had been inherited by Esais from John Harrell
Jr./Sr. back in 1756.[47] This deed was presented at
the February Term on the 1783 Court. Israel
wrote his will on August 3, 1780it was presented at the May Term of the 1783 Court.
In the will he named his mother, Alice Owens, and sisters, Grace Pierce, Patience, Esther,
Edith, and Delilia. The executors for his will were Noah Hinton, Josiah Harrell Jr. and
Jesse Harrell. Josiah Harrell was a witness.[48] Josiah Jr. was
Israels first cousin, Jesse and Josiah Harrell were his uncles. Noah Hinton was an
executor on a number of wills for this line of Harrell. Nothing
is known at this time about Ezechiel and Alie Harrells daughters except their names
as listed in their brothers 1780 will. Grace Harrell PiercePatience HarrellEsther HarrellEdith HarrellDelilah Harrell Owens Jesse Harrell Sr. (b. c. 1730)
John Jr./Sr. and Grace Harrells son, Jesse, inherited the plantation his
parents were living on at the time of his fathers 1756 will. He also received, as
did his brothers, 70 acres from his brother, David, around 1751.[49]
Jesse wrote his will on September 19, 1786, and it was exhibited at the February
Term, 1788. He named the following members of his family: his wife, Fereby; his daughters
Priscilla Vinson and Rachel Rascoe; and sons, Josiah, Jesse, Joshua, and Jonathan. The
executors for his will were sons, Josiah, Joshua, and Jonathan, and the witnesses were
Noah Hinton, Noah Harrell, and Robert Adams.[50] According to the will, Jesse
and Ferebys children were as follows. Josiah Harrell (b. c. 1755)
Josiah married Mary Ann Gardner on December 13, 1777 in Bertie County; or he
married Sarah Harrell (House?) on September 21, 1778. Josiah was still alive in 1786 when
he was named an executor in his fathers will. Priscilla Harrell Vinson (b. c. 1755)
Jesse identified his daughter, Priscilla Vinson, and her daughter, Rachel Kittrell,
in his will, but I have not found a marriage record for her. Rachel Kitrell Harrell (b. c. 1774)
The Rachel Kitrell who married Jesse Harrell on November 11, 1794 in Bertie County
may have been Jesse Harrells granddaughter. Ferebee Harrell Roundtree (b. c. 1755)
Jesse and Ferebys daughter, Ferebee, married Obed. Roundtree on February 11,
1771 in Bertie County. In his will Jesse identified his two grandchildren, Judith and Joab
Roundtree. Jesse Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1755)
Jesse Sr. also identified his son, Jesse, and his children, Turner, Tempe, and
Jesse Harrellthe latter would have been Jesse III. Turner Harrell (b. c. 1780)Tempe Harrell (b. c. 1780)Jesse Harrell III (b. c. 1780) Joshua Harrell (b. c. 1755)
The following may have been the will of Jesse Sr.s son. The timing is right,
and he uses two names common to this familyJesse and Josiah. A Joshua Harrell wrote
his will on June 26, 1810 in Bertie County. It was probated at the August Term of the 1810
Court.[51]
He named the following members of his family. Jesse Bryan HarrellJosiah Harrell (born before 1789)Elisha Harrell Rachel Harrell Rascoe (b. c. 1755)
Jesse and Fereby Harrells daughter, Rachel, married William Rasco on December
13, 1777 in Bertie County. They had a daughter, Ferebee Rascoe, according to Rachels
fathers will of 1786. Jonathan Harrell (b. c. 1755) Esias Harrell (b. c. 1730; died before 1756)
When John Harrell Jr./Sr. wrote his will in November of 1756, his son, Esias, was
already dead. Consequently, he left Esias 160 acre share to his grandson, Esais
Junior. Esais Jr. was living on the farm with his mother and step-father, Jonathan Spivey,
at the time the will was written. Esais Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1755)
An Esias Harrell of Nansemond County, Virginia married Christian Roundtree in Gates
County, North Carolina on September 29, 1780. This may have been the Esias Jr. from Bertie
County, whose parents were probably born in Nansemond County.
Somehow, on March 9, 1782, Esais Jr.s cousin, Josiah Jr., sold the 160 acres
that was inherited by Esais from John Harrell Jr./Sr. back in 1756 to their cousin, Israel
Hardy Harrell, son of Ezechiel.[52] (At one point in the deed,
the reference is to Hardy Harrell which was the name used by their uncle, also
named Israel Hardy Harrell.) Israel Hardy Hardy Harrell (b. c. 1730)
On May 13, 1751, John Harrell Jr./Sr., executed a deed of gift to his sons, David,
Elisas, Josiah, and Ezekial Harrell. The deed of gift divided 640 acres on Runnerry
Marshes.
unto my fore sons
. I likewise give and grant unto my son
Israel Hardy Harrell the Plantation whereon I now live and dwell
after my Decease
and the Decease of his Mother (120 a.)
I likewise give unto
Ezekial and
Israel Hardy Harrell 100 acres of land neigh the head of Jumping Run 50 acres apiece after
our decease to them
.[53]
Hardy was one of the executors in his brothers, John Jr.s, will and was
present when it was exhibited in the January Court, 1756. However, there was no mention of
Hardy when his fathers will was written on November 1, 1756. I assume he died
sometime between those two dates, and had no childrenbut he may have just left the
state. Sarah Harrell Williams (b. c. 1730; died before 1756) John Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1710-died 1756)
As near as I can tell, the first deed witnessed by John Jr. was in December
1729which meant he was probably born around 1710 in Nansemond County, Virginia. That
would have made him John Jr./Sr. and Graces oldest son. John Jr. married Mary
Williams.[54]
John Jr. may have settled in Northampton County, North Carolina for a while because
he owned a large plantation and other lands in that county which he and his wife began to
sell in 1743. On February 2, 1743, John Harrell Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Bertie County
sold a 350 acre plantation to John Hilliard of Northampton Countythe land was part
of a patent granted to George Williams in 1721. It was adjoining other lands still owned
by John Harrell.[55] [page
69]
On March 25, 1749, John Jr. got a land grant from the Earl of Granville for 200
acres in Bertie County. Later, in 1756, John Jr.s son, George, identified this 1749
grant when he sold some of the land. [56]
Later that year, on September 27, 1749, John Jr. bought 640 acres (for 6 lbs.) on
the north side of the Roanoke River,
being a patten formerly granted to
Richard Melton bearing date April 6, 1722
. The land was adjacent to George
Williams and Ben. Foreman. (Abrahams grandson, John Jr. was not born yet, so this
was John Jr./Sr.s son.) It is interesting to note that this land in Bertie County
was adjacent to George Williamsthe same person from whom John Jr. and Mary had
originally bought the Northampton County land that they sold in 1743. Then on February 7,
1754, John Harrell Jr. sold 200 acres to Samuel Andrews. The land was adjacent to John
Roades, James Brown, Nicholas Skinner, and John Rutland. A witness to the deed was John
Harrell.[57]
In his 1755 will, John Jr. dispersed the land purchased on September 27, 1749 and
his other property to his children. The will is dated November 8, 1755, and in it John Jr.
identified his wife, Mary; his sons, George, Elisha, Jesse, and Benjamin; and daughter,
Mary. His son, George, and his brothers, Jesse and Israel Hardy Harrell were the
executors. The will was probated in the January Court, 1756.[58]
John Jr. had acquired considerable wealth which was distributed among his heirs. His land
holdings were given to his sons as follows: To son George, 135 acres near places called
Rhodes hogg Pen and Burks branch. To sons George, Jesse, Elisha, and
Benjamin, 100 acres
near a place called Conaquina Swamp. This land was to be divided equally as
they come of age. To sons Jesse, Elisha and Benjamin, 775 acresJesse got 220 acres
near places called Willow branch and Saw Scaffold; Elisha got 220
acres near places called Mill branch and John Skinners Spring;
Benjamin got 335 acres which included the Plantation on which John Jr. was then living,
plus all adjoining lands that had not been given to other sons. To all four sons, got his Mill and all adjoining
lands. John Jr. and Mary Harrells Children:
Because John Jr.s will suggests his children were not all yet of age in 1755,
I am estimating their birth years to cluster between 1735 and 1740. George (b. c. 1735) On October 15, 1756, George Harrell sold 100 acres to John Harrell on the north side of the Roanoke River. Part of a grant to John Harrell Jr. back on March 25, 1749. The land is adjacent to William Andrews, and the deed was witnessed by Jesse Harrell, Hardy Harrell, and probated at the January Court of 1757.[59] In this deed, George was apparently selling some or all of the land he inherited from his father, John Jr., to another John HarrellGeorges father, John Jr., was already deceased, and George did not have a brother named John. The witnesses were Georges brother, Jesse, and his uncle, Hardy (Israel Hardy Harrell). [page 70] Jesse (b. c. 1744)
Like his brothers, Jesse inherited about 200 acres according to his fathers
1756 will.
This Jesse Harrell had an uncle, Jesse Sr., and a cousin, Jesse Jr., both of whom
lived nearby. Some of the information I have included in the sections above for his uncle
and cousin may belong here. In age, Jesse, son of John Jr., was probably between the ages
of Jesse Sr. and Junior.
Jesse and his wife, Olive, moved to Robeson County, and they had seven children.
They were: Hezekiah, Jesse Jr., Skinner, Druscilla, Elizabeth, Sarah, and David. Elisha (b. c. 1749)
Elisha also inherited land from his father, John Jr., around 1756, but that did not
hold him to the area. He also moved to Robeson County; and he and his wife, Pherby Fort,
had seven children. They include: John Harrell (b. c. 1785), Hardy H. Harrell[60]
(b. c. 1790), Elisha Harrell Jr., and James Fort Harrell. Benjamin (b. c. 1740, d. 1775)
Benjamin was a son of John Jr., and he inherited the family farm on which his
parents were living at the time his fathers will was written in 1755.
Benjamin Harrells will was written on July 11, 1775, and exhibited at the
August Court, 1775. In his will he identified his son John, Charles Yeates Harrell,
brother Elisha Harrell, wife Winney, Lemuel Harrell and Wm. Andrews Exrs
. The witnesses included Dempsey
Harrell.[61] Benjamin and Winney Harrells Children John Harrell, son of Benjamin (b. c. 1760) Charles Yeates Harrell, son of Benjamin (b. c. 1760) Mary Harrell (b. c. 1740)
I have not found marriage information or any other recorded document for John Jr.
and Mary Harrells daughter, Mary. Abraham Harrell (born c. 1690; died 1755)
One of the family researchers discussed in chapter 1, Elizabeth J.
Betty Harrell Gerlack, concluded that Abraham was a son of Thomas of
Nansemond.[62]
An accompanying conclusion, by inference, would be that Abraham was the brother of Orrin F. Harrells Samuel I of the Gates
area. I think, however, it is just as likely Abraham was John of Nansemonds son. My
only bases for suggesting this connection is the mutual support and interaction evident
among the Harrells in southern Bertie County as seen in the recorded property deeds in the
area.
Abraham first appeared in Bertie County documents when he was a witness to John of
Nansemonds purchase of land on the Roanoke River in May of 1729. The land was
adjacent to John Harrell (probably John Jr./Sr.). The deed was witnessed by Joseph and
Abraham Harrell. Three months later, Abraham bought 100 acres in southern Bertie County
from Joseph Harrell, probably his brother. Abraham bought an additional 150 acres near his
place in 1733adjacent to James Parker, Owen O. Daniell, and William Eason. John and
John Jr. Harrell witnessed the deed.[63] These deeds put Joseph,
Abraham and John Jr./Sr. all in southern Bertie County by 1729. Their probable father,
John of Nansemond, may have paid them a visit, and made the May 1729 purchase while in the
area. Abraham Harrells will was
probated in Bertie County in May of 1755. In his will he provided for his wife, Mary, as
well as his sons and daughters. Abrahams sons, Able and John, were executors for his
estate. One of the witnesses was Israel Hardy Harrell, son of John Jr./Sr., which, based
on my assumptions, would make him Abrahams nephew. A receipt was filed by John
Harrell, executor to Abrahams estate at the Bertie County Court in September 1768.
It was signed by Abrahams heirs: Able Harrell, Mary Hubbard, Abigail Harrell, Lott
Harrell, Theophilus Tooll, Susanna and Christopher Harrell.[64] Abraham and Mary Harrells Descendants Mary Harrell Holland Toole, daughter of Abraham (b. c. 1722) Abraham and Marys daughter,
Mary, had one son, Frederick, from her marriage to Mr. Holland. She may have had more
children with her second husband, Edward Toole. Mary Holland married Edward Toole in
Bertie County on September 26, 1764. Edward Tooles estate provided for Jerald,
Jonathan, David, Edward, and Isaac Toole; and possibly a daughter, Mrs. Joseph Turner. Frederick Holland (b. c. 1760)
Frederick Holland married Grace Cole in Bertie County on January 9, 1792. Able Harrell, son of Abraham (c. 1724-c. 1778)
Able owned land and was on the Bertie County tax list for 1763. He moved to Martin
County around 1767. Able had four sons: Noah, Joel, Hampton, and Lewis. Noah Harrell (born around 1752)
Noah moved to Georgia around 1778. Joel Harrell (born around 1755)
A Joel Harrell married Coela Goff in Bertie County on April 20, 1779. He was listed
as living adjacent to Henry Harrells sons, John Wimberly, Benjamin, Henry Jr., and
Reuben in 1785.[65] Joel apparently moved to
Martin County in the early 1790s. Hampton Harrell (born around 1758) Hampton
apparently also moved to Martin County in the early 1790s. Lewis Harrell (born around 1760) Lewis
stayed in Bertie County where he died in 1798, and he apparently had descendants who
stayed in the area. I have not connected him, however, to the other Harrells in Bertie
County. His estate was administered by Charity Harrell in 1798. John Harrell, son of Abraham (b. c. 1726-1777) Abraham
left his manor plantation to his son, John (c. 1726-1777), in his 1755 will. John was
about 24 years old at the time, and should have appeared on the Bertie County tax lists
from 1756 until around 1777, the year of his death. As we saw from the Bertie County Tax
Lists, 1755-1761 (see Table 5 on page 26), there were always more than enough John
Harrells to maintain a certain level of uncertainty for the researcher. Nonetheless, the
John Harrell who made his first appearance on Brickells tax list in 1756 was
probably Abrahams son. Brickell was the Sheriff, and his list was not necessarily
confined to a [page 73] geographic tax district as were most of the others. John was the
only Harrell on Brickells list that year, even though he lived in an area with many
other Harrell householdsthis may have been because of the probate situation
concerning the plantation John just inherited from his father, Abraham, in the 1755 will. In any
case, if the John Harrell on Brickells tax list in 1756 was indeed Abrahams
son, then his son, John, had three taxable people with him from 1756 through 1760. His
brother, Lott, had left for Edgecombe County to farm the land he inherited from his
father-in-law in 1748, and their youngest brother, Christopher, was only 12 years old in
1756, thus not yet taxable. So the three taxable people on the family farm in 1756 were
probably Able, around the age of 32, John, around the age of 30, and Zachariah who was
around the age of 18. By the 1758 tax list, I believe Abrahams son, John, was the
person referred to as John Harrell of Roanoke. (John Jr./Sr. and his son, John
Jr. were gone from the lists by 1758.) In fact, the John Harrell listed on the line just
below John of Roanoke in Table 5, was probably also John of Roanoke. If that is the case,
Abrahams son, John, would have been down to one taxable person in his household by
1761 when he appeared on Vances tax list. Apparently Johns brothers, Able and
Zachariah, were off on their own by 1761. For instance, by that time Able was around 37
years of age, married and with four children of his own. Johns
will was proved in the February Court of Bertie County in 1777. In his will he identified
his wife, Ann, as administrator of his estate; and provided for their sons, Zachariah,
John, Lott, Gimmy James; and their daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. John
Sr.s brother, Lott, was an executor of his will.[66] John and Ann Harrells Descendants Mary Harrell Harrell (b. c. 1761) John and
Anns daughter, Mary (born around 1761), married Jesse Harrell before 1784. Their
son, Zachariah, may have moved to Martin County by 1784 to be near his Uncle Lott. Zachariah Harrell (b. c. 1763)
Zachariah was still under age in 1783his guardian was Jesse Cotton at the
time. He did not inherit land and may also have moved to Martin County near his Uncle
Lott. John Harrell Jr., grandson of Abraham (b. c. 1765) John Jr. was not yet of age when his father died in 1777, but he was designated to inherit the family farm when he came of age. The North Carolina State Census included a list of inhabitants of Captain Solomon Freemans District of Bertie County in 1787.[67] It shows only one John Harrella John Jr. whose household included one white male age 21-60; two white males under 21 or over 60 years old; and four white females of any age. If this John Jr. was the son of John and Ann, then he would have been around 22 years of age. He may have had two sons and three daughters under the age of 21, but that seems unlikely given his young age at the time. It is more likely he and his wife had one or two of their parents living with them who were over the age of 60. [page 74] John
Jr., grandson of Abraham, and his wife, Elizabeth, sold the family farm on December 24,
1795. They sold the 150 acres adjacent to James Parker, OEN Odaniells [Owen], and William
Esaonthis was the land purchased by Abraham on August 3, 1733, and willed to his
son, John Sr., in 1755, who in turn willed it to his son, John Jr., in 1777.[68] Lott Harrell (b. c. 1770) John and
Anns son, Lott may also have moved to Martin County to be near his uncle Lott. James Jimmy Harrell (b. c. 1775) Jimmy
James lived with Ann and John Gardner, his guardian, for several yearsperhaps from
about 1783 through 1792. I have not seen any evidence to indicate what became of him. Elizabeth Harrell Abigail Harrell, daughter of Abraham (b. c. 1728) Sarah Harrell Neal, daughter of Abraham (b. c. 1730) Sarah
was married to Thomas Neal, and she reportedly was no longer in the county by 1768. Lott Harrell, son of Abraham (b. c. 1732)
Lott inherited a portion of his grandfathers farm (on his mothers side)
in a part of Edgecombe County that would later become part of Martin County. He apparently
moved there as a young man. His brother, Able, joined him there in the mid-1770s, and
several of his brothers children lived with him for a while. The North Carolina
State Census for Martin County, taken in 1787, shows Lott and Zachariah Harrell next to
each other. Lotts household has:[69]
1, white male age 21-60
4, white males under 21 or over 60
6, white females of any age
4, blacks age 12-50
9, blacks under 12 or above 50
Not much is known about Lotts children at this time, and there is no way of
telling if any of them ended up in Hertford Countyit does not seem too likely,
however. [page 75] Grace Harrell Holland, daughter of Abraham (b. c. 1735-d. 1761-1768)
Grace married Theophilus Holland, and they had at least two children. By 1775,
their sons, Theophilus (born around 1756) and Henry (born around 1758) were
orphansWilliam Adams was their guardian. The State Census of 1787 does not show
Theophilus or Henry Holland in either Bertie or Martin Counties. Grace and Theophilus Hollands Children Theophilus Holland Jr. (b. c. 1756)Henry Holland (b. c. 1758) Zachariah Harrell, son of Abraham (b. c. 1738)
Zachariah married Martha Everitt of Edgecombe County in 1764. They were in Martin
County next to brother Lott for the 1787 State Censusit shows Zachariah and Martha,
and one other female, probably a daughter. Susanna Harrell, daughter of Abraham (b. c. 1742)Christopher Harrell, son of Abraham (b. c. 1744-1772) Like his
brothers, Lott and Zachariah, Christopher spent time in Martin County. Christopher,
however, sold his inheritance in Martin County in 1768 and returned to Bertie County. Christopher
Harrells will was written March 24, 1772, and probated in Bertie County. He named
his wife, and no other Harrells appear in the document.[70] Edward Harrell (b. before 1686-1754)
Edward Harrell married Margaret Brumwell on April 20, 1707 in Middlesex, Virginia.
If he married in 1707, then he was probably born before 1686. He was referred to as Edward
of Nansemond County, and was probably one of the original Harrell Brothers from that area
of Virginia. On
December 20, 1729, Edward Harrell of Nansemond County bought 350 acres from William Eason
on the southeast side of Unerry [?] Swamp. The property was adjacent to Owen Daniels,
James Smith, William Eason, Joseph Harrell, ______ Parker. It was part of a patent granted
to William Eason on Aug. 4, 1723, and of another patent granted Eason on May 1, 1721, and
part of a deed of sale of James Parker dated
July 12, 1722. The witnesses were John Harrell, John Harrell (probably John Jr./Sr. and
Jr.), Grace Harrell (John Jr./Sr.s wife).[71] This property was just above
the Roanoke River, in the same area as Joseph, Abraham, and John Harrell. Edward
was still in Bertie County six years later, when on May 12, 1735, John Harill, Joseph
Harrill, Edward Harrill all witnessed a deed for a neighbor on the north side of the
Roanoke River.[72] This was a common sight,
which further suggests these probable brothers lived in and as a community. During
the following 15 years, Edward accumulated considerable land holdings. For instance, on
December 24, 1737, Edward Harrell bought himself a Christmas present of 260 acres from
James Brown. They were in the fork between the South and Middle Branch of the Cashy
at the neck where the two branches meet. The land was adjacent to Thomas Mann, and
the witnesses on the deed were, John Harrell, Francis Parker. In addition, on March 5,
1749, Edward bought 190 acres more from the Earl of Granville for 3 shillings. This land
was on the northeast side of the Cashy Swamp, adjacent to George Burnette The low cost of
the land carried the usual conditions for settling the land and increasing the tax base in
the area. For instance, Edward was required to
cultivate at rate of 3 acres for every 100 a
. within 21 years. Clear and cultivate
the premises after the rate of 21 a. for every 100 a.
erect a good dwelling
house
stock cattle thereon at rate of 5 for every 100 a
. Then on October
6, 1750, Edward bought more landthis purchase was for 330 acres from Samuel Page.
The land was also in Cashey Swamp, adjacent to James Blunt, Samuel Page, and Ed. Harrell.
The land had been formerly granted to Henry Rodes in 1723. The witnesses were Tom Page and
John Harrell.[73] From the
Bertie County tax lists (see Table 5, page 27), we know Edward had sons Henry, Joshua, and
Thomas. Additional information about his family was provided in the will he wrote on
August 17, 1752. In his will he identified his sons Henry, Jarusha [Joshua], and Thomas;
his daughter, Mary Andrews; and his grandchildren, Jesse Harrell and Rebecca Sharpe.
Edwards son, Henry, was an executor along with his son-in-law, Henry Andrews.[74]
Considering the names of his grandchildren, it is probably safe to assume he had a
daughter who married a Sharpe, but unfortunately, we do not get a clue from the will about
the parents of grandson Jesse Harrell. Perhaps these two grandchildren were named in the
will because their parent, child of Edward, had died by 1752. Son, Henry, had at least
one, perhaps two, sons by the time the will was written. Edwards
will was written on August 12, 1752, and probated in the May Court of 1754 in Bertie
County. There are no records of Edward selling or giving title to his lands, so it is a
pretty good bet he passed it on to his sons. His children were as follows. Edward Harrells Children
I believe Edwards middle child was born around 1715; their names were as
follows:
Henry Harrell born c. 1715 Joshua Harrell born c. 1715 Thomas Harrell born c. 1715 Mary Harrell Andrews born c. 1715 _____ Harrell Sharpe born c. 1715 Henry Harrell, son of Edward (b. c. 1715-1777)
I assume Henry inherited land from his father at some point, because there are no
Bertie County deeds showing Henry getting, or for that matter giving, title to land in the
county. Henry
Harrell wrote his will on February 27, 1773, and it was presented at the February Court of
1777. In it he identified his sons, Reuben, Benjamin, Henry, Whitmell, John Wimberley
Harrell, and sons, David, Joseph, and Edward; daughter, Pharaby Pulle, and daughters,
Rachel, Barbara, and Elizabeth; and his wife Rachel. His wife, Rachel, and sons, Reuben
and Benjamin were the executors, and Jacob Harrell was among the witnesses.[75] Henry and Rachel Harrells Children
I have made a very rough estimate of their childrens ages, simply for the
purpose of marking their generationthe names and estimates of birth years are as
follows: Reuben Harrell born c. 1750 Benjamin Harrell born c. 1750 Henry Harrell born c. 1750 Whitmell Harrell born c. 1750 John Wimberly Harrell born c. 1750 David Harrell born c. 1755 Joseph Harrell born c. 1755 Edward Harrell born c. 1755 Pharaby Pulle Harrell born c. 1755 Rachel Harrell born c. 1755 Barbara Harrell born c. 1755 Elizabeth Harrell born c. 1755
I have listed Pharaby as if Pulle were her middle name. It might have been her
married name, however. She was listed in her fathers will as Pharaby Pulle in a
statement separate from the list of his other daughtersbut I did not find a record
of her marriage to a Pulle, nor did I find any other Pulle families in Bertie County. Reuben Harrell (b. c. 1750; died after 1809) Reuben
was mentioned in a deed between his brothers, John and Benjamin, in 1785. It suggests he
was at that time still on land he had inherited from his father.[76]
He was not in Bertie or Gates County for the 1787 State census nor the 1790 Federal
census. Yet on June 30, 1809, Reubens brother, Benjamin, named him as an executor in
his will. [page
78] Benjamin Harrell (b. c. 1750; died 1809)
About two years after his father died, Benjamin Harrill married Jemima Powill in
Bertie County on March 23, 1775. On
October 13, 1785, Benjamin bought 12 ½ acres from his brother, John Wimberlyit was
Johns rights to land they inherited from their then deceased brother, Whitmell
Harrell. On that same day, October 13, 1785, Benjamin bought 50 acres from his brother,
John Wimberlyit was also land inherited from their father, Henry, in 1773.[77] Benjamin
Harrell wrote his will on June 30, 1809, and it was probated at the November Term of the
1809 Court. In his will he identified his sons, George, Henry and Powell; his daughters,
Rachel Harrell, Celia Carney and Winnefred Carney; his grand-son, Right Harrell; and his
mother-in-law, Ann Powell. His wife, Jemima, brother, Reuben, and son, Henry were named as
executors in the will. Benjamins wife, Jemima Powells will was written on
September 19, 1822, and probated in the August Term of 1826. In her will, she named her
daughters, Rachel, Winnefred, and Celia; and her son, Henry, as executor; the witness was
Mary Harrell.[78] Benjamin and Jemima Harrells Children George Harrell (b. before 1790)Henry Harrell (b. before 1788)
Henry was an executor on his fathers will in 1809, so he was more than likely
born before 1788. He was also an executor on his mothers will in 1826. Powell Harrell ( b. before 1790; died 1837)
According to his 1837 will, Powell had two children with his first wife, Celia
Willoughbythey were Ann P. Harrell and John P. Harrell. In his
will, he also identified his second wife, HarrietPowell Harrell married Harriet Rice
in Bertie County on May 3, 1834. He also names two children from his second
marriagethey were Mary P. Harrell and Powell A. Harrell. His children were all
probably under age when his will was probated at the August Term of the 1837 Court.[79]
Around 1843, Powells second wife, Harriet, married Absolom Rodgers. The 1850
census indicates Harriet probably had five children by her second marriage. Her youngest
son, Powell H. Harrell, from her first marriage was living with her and her new
familyPowell H. Harrell was 13 years of age in 1850. Ann P. Harrell John P. Harrell (b. c. 1817)
There was a John P. Harrell in Hertford County for the 1850 censushe was 33
years old at the time. That indicates he had a birth year of around 1817. Powell Harrell
was born before 1790 so would have been over 27 years of age when the Hertford County John
P. Harrell was born. This is a very good possibilityJohn P. Harrell was in the
censuses for Hertford County in 1840 and 1850. He was gone by 1860. For more details on
Edwards descendant, John P. Harrell and family, see chapter 12 below on
Immigrants to The 4th Generation of Hertford County Harrells. Mary P. Harrell (b. 1835) Powell A./H. Harrell (born 1837)
Powell Jr. was still living with his mother and step-father, Absolom Rodgers, in
Bertie County for the 1850 censushe was 13 years old at the time. Rachel Harrell Winnefred Harrell Celia Harrell Henry Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1750) According
to the deed of 1785, in which Henrys brother, John Wimberly Harrell, sold land to
their brother, Benjamin, Henry was still living in the area at that time.[80] Whitmell Harrell (b. c. 1750-1785)
In the deed cited in the previous paragraph, dated October 13, 1785,
Whitmells brother, John Wimberly, sold 12 ½ acres to their brother, Benjamin. John
was selling his rights to the land of their then deceased brother, Whitmell Harrell.
Whitmell died in his mid-thirties and I have not found a record of a marriage for him. John Wimberly Harrell (b. c. 1750) On
October 13, 1785, John Wimberly Harrell sold 50 acres of the land he inherited from his
father, Henry, to Benjamin Harrell. The land was adjacent to John and Benjamins
brothers, Henry and Ruben Harrell, as well as Joel Harrell. (Joel was probably Ables
son, and Abrahams grandson.) They all lived down around Cashie Branch in southern
Bertie County. John Wimberly Harrell entered into a mortgage contract with John Rutland on
February 15, 1793 in Bertie County.[81] David Harrell (b. c. 1755)
David married Celia Moor in Bertie County on May 10, 1777he died less than
two years later. Davids will was dated May 24, 1778, and probated in the May Court
of 1779. In his will, he identified his wife, Celia, but no children. The witnesses were
Arthur Thompson, Edea Moore, and Charity Vann.[82] Joseph Harrell (b. c. 1755) Edward Harrell (b. c. 1755) Pharaby Pulle Harrell (b. c. 1755)
A women named Pheribe Harrell married Obed. Roundtree on February 11, 1771, in
Bertie Countycould Pulle have been her middle name? I have not found any Pulle
families in Bertie County. Rachel Harrell (b. c. 1755)
A Rachel Harrel married William Rasco in Bertie County on December 13, 1777. Barbara Harrell (b. c. 1755)
Barbara Harrel married Joseph Horne in Bertie County on April 18, 1778. Elizabeth Harrell (b. c. 1755)
An Elizabeth Harrel married John Dodrill in Bertie County on May 1, 1778. And an
Elizabeth Harrel married William Wimberly in Bertie County on January 9, 1783. Joshua Harrell, son of Edward (b. c. 1715) There is
a will for a Joshua Harrell dated January 23, 1780, and probated at the November Term of
the 1789 Court in Bertie County. Joshua names his wife, Ann; children, Christopher,
Catherine, Ann, Hodges, Elizabeth, Wynnah, Josiah, Hezekiah, and Jeremiah. The witnesses
were John Holland, Jewel Holland, and Allen Harrell.[83] Josuah and Ann Harrells Children Christopher HarrellCatherine HarrellAnn HarrellHodges HarrellElizabeth HarrellWynnah HarrellJosiah HarrellHezekiah Harrell
Hezexiah Harrells will was probated in Bertie County in the November 1801
Court. He named Ann Harrell and his brothers and sisters.[84] Jeremiah Harrell Thomas Harrell, son of Edward (b. c. 1715; died 1791) As
pointed out above, according to the tax lists of the mid-1750s, there were at least three
Thomas Harrells in Bertie County at that time. Only one of them was identified as the son
of Edward Harrell, however (see Table 5, page 26). By the 1787 State Census, there was
only one Thomas Harrell in Bertie Countyin addition to Thomas, his household
consisted of one white male under 20 years of age, and two white females. The
Thomas in the State Census was certainly the Thomas Harrell whose will was presented to
the Court in the August Term 1791. His will was written on September 15, 1786, and
presented in the [page 82] August Term 1791. This may have been the will of Edward
Harrells son, Thomas (b. c. 1715). It was probably not the will of the original
Thomas who first bought land in Bertie County on May 2, 1721. However, if the original
Thomas had a son named Thomas, this could just as well have been his will. The will
specifies the following: Thomas wife was named Angelica; his eldest son was John,
and his youngest son was Joseph; his daughters were Elenor Jordan and Mary Lassiter; his
wife and son Joseph were executors, and Herbert Pritchard, Isaac Harrell, and Patience
Harrell were witnesses.[85] Thomas and Angelica Harrells Children John HarrellJoseph HarrellElenor JordonMary LassiterMary Harrell Andrews, daughter of Edward (b. c. 1715)
Marys father, Edward, wrote his will in 1752, and at that time he referred to
his daughter, Mary Andrews, and his son-in-law, Henry Andrewsit is probably safe to
assume Mary married Henry. George Harrell (A possible son of Edward)
The earliest reference to George Harrell in the area is in a 1731 deed, which
indicates he owned land in the area at that time. None of the early Harrells in the area
identified a son named George in their wills or deedsthat, of course, does not
exclude the possibility he was one of their sons who was taken care of (given land) before
his fathers will was written. One such possibility is that he was the oldest son of
Edward Harrell. The
document that places George in the area, adjacent to Edward Harrell, contains the
following information: on April 4, 1731, a deed between William Eason and George House
describes land on Runaroy Marsh
. Adjacent to George Harrell, Edward Harrell, John
Yelverton, and James Parker.[86] Francis Harrell (born before 1700)
There is a short family tree that starts with Francis Harrell and descends through
his son, Jacob. It claims to know that Francis was born in England in 1680, and his father
was John Harrell who was born in England in 1650. The researchers who compiled this tree
also state that Francis came from England to [page 83] Virginia with his father and family
in 1690, and then Francis moved to Bertie County, North Carolina in 1715. When dates and
places are given with such specificity, it is encouraging, but the tree does not contain a
maiden name for Francis wife, Marywe know her name was Mary from his 1759
will. If the researchers had access to private, family documents that give the above
mentioned dates and places of birth for John and his son, Francis, one would think it also
provide Marys maiden name. Unfortunately no documentation is provided with the
family Tree.[87]
Francis Harrell was buying land in North Carolina when he was still known as
Francis Harrell of Upper Parish of Nansemond Co., Virginia. For instance, as early as
1721, we have the following reference: James Fayle of Upper Parish of Nansemond County,
Virginia sold 100 acres of land to Francis Harrell of Upper Parish of Nansemond County.
The land was northeast of Norwest Branch of Middle Swamp, Chowan County. About ten years
later, he was still known by the Nansemond County distinction. A deed reads, Francis
Harrell of Nansemond County, Virginia to Richard Baker
. Francis sold 50 acres
on the east side of Northwest Swamp, adjoining the lands of Richard Parker, in 1731. He
also sold to Thomas Baker in 1735.[88] On
December 8, 1736, Francis Harrell witnessed a deed along with John Gray and Thomas
Harrell, jurat. Pedegrove Salsbury bought land adjacent to William Eason. Beyond buying
and selling land in southern Bertie County, the December 8, 1736 deed put Francis
physically in Bertie County down around the Cashie and Roanoke Rivers at that time. About
ten years later, on November 16, 1747, Francis witnessed a deed for Richard Harrell Sr. of
Nansemond County, Virginia. The land was on Cashy Swamp, adjacent to the Roads Plantation
at Wattom Swamp. The other witness was John Harrell.[89] As I have indicated
elsewhere, there is a good probability that Richard of Nansemond and John Harrell were
Francis brothersor at least first cousins. The
property Francis bought in 1721 was not in southern Bertie County, but Francis may have
settled therehis will of March 1759 was recorded in Bertie County. The will includes
the following information: his wifes name was Mary; his sons were Jacob, John and
Francis; he named his daughter, Mary Averit, and daughters, Sarah Saulsbury and Elizabeth
Harrell; and his other sons, William and Shadrach, as well his other daughter, Martha
Harrell. His wife, and Elias Hodges were executors; and the witnesses were William Turner,
William Williams, and James Churchwell.[90] Francis and Mary Harrells Children
Assuming Francis and Mary Harrells Children were of age in 1759 when their
fathers will was written, they would all have been born before 1738. Their family
should have included the following children. Jacob Harrell, son of Francis (b. 1716)
The family tree that describes Francis and Mary Harrells son, Jacob, contains
the following information about Jacob, his son Jacob, and his grandchildren, Rabey, Cadar,
and Polly. The grandchildren were born in Bertie County, North Carolina.[91]
Jacob was born in 1716 in Bertie County, and his known descendants were as follows. Jacob Harrell Jr. (b. 1750)
Jacob Jr. was born in 1750 in North Carolina, and he married Orpha Rabey. Their
children were: Rabey Harrell (b. 1787) Rabey was born on January 10, 1787 in Bertie County, North Carolina, and he married Mary (Polly) Wallace on February 23, 1812 in Sumner County, Tennessee. Rabey died on June 25, 1872 in Kentucky. Polly died on February 15, 1866 also in Kentucky. Cader Harrell (b. 1790)
Cader was born on January 20, 1790, and he married Polly Garrison before 1818.
Cader died on July 2, 1875 in Illinois. Polly had died in the same place on September 27,
1864. Polly Harrell McMurtry (b. 1793)
Polly was born on March 4, 1793 in Bertie County, North Carolina, and she married
Henry McMurtry around 1814 in Sumner County, Illinois. Polly died on March 9, 1855 in
Illinois. Henry died on April 28, 1849 in Illinois.
In addition to Jacob (b. c. 1716), Francis and Mary Harrells family probably
included the following children: John Harrell, son of Francis (b. before 1738) Francis Harrell Jr. (b. before 1738) William Harrell, son of Francis (b. before 1738) Shadrach Harrell, son of Francis (b. before 1738) Mary Harrell Averit, daughter of Francis (b. before 1738) Sarah Harrell Saulsbury, daughter of Francis (b. before 1738) Elizabeth Harrell, daughter of Francis (b. before 1738) Martha Harrell, daughter of Francis (b. before 1738) Richard Harrell (born before 1673)
Even though we have records of Harrells in Virginia dating back as far as the
mid-1620s, the earliest record of a Harrell in the area of North Carolina reads as
follows: At a Court held at ye House of Richard Pope, Pasquotank Precinct, the 3rd.
Monday in July 1694.... Edward May Clk. suit Edward Grainger vs. Richd
Harrold.[92] This Richard was over 21
years of age in 1694, so he would have been born before 1673, he was certainly one of the
first Harrells active in North Carolina, if not the first.
The Richard in the 1694 document was probably the same Richard Sr. who was settled
in Perquimans County by 1728. He got a Right of Assignment from John Harrell
of Upper Parish of Nansemond County, Virginia in 1728, and Richard Harrell Sr. was
probably a brother to John of Nansemond, or perhaps his oldest son. Richards
presence was noted in northern Bertie County on November 5, 1736. At that time, John Wynns
bought 200 acres from Elizabeth Matthews which was located on the north side of the
Wiccacon Creek, adjacent to Richard Harrell, Thomas Johnson, and William Baker. (This
reference suggests Richard owned land in the Hertford area of Bertie County at an early
date, but there is no other record of the purchase or sale.) On January 13, 1745, Richard
Harrell Sr., a planter from Perquimans County sold 210 acres in Perquimans County to his
son-in-law, James Scott.[93] Then on November 16, 1747, Richard Harrell Sr. of
Nansemond County bought 190 acres on Cashy Swamp, adjacent to the Roads Plantation at
Wattom Swamp. John and Francis Harrell were witnesses. This located Richard among the
other Harrells, just above the Roanoke River in southern Bertie County.[94]
Starting in 1753, Richard began to sell parts of a 1721 land grant he had received.
He sold part to Samuel Andrews on June 5, 1753. It
being part of a Patent
bearing date March 1, 1721
The land was located in the low grounds of the
River adjacent to Marmaduke Norfleet at Upper Black Pond. A witness was John Harrell. Then
on November 30, 1753, Richard Harrell sold 160 acres to John Rutland of Northampton
County. It was formerly part of a patent granted to Samuel Andrews. Again, on May 3, 1755,
Richard sold 110 acres to James Brown. It too was part of a patent of March 1, 1721,
in the low ground of the river. This land was adjacent to Harrell,
Marmaduke Norfleet to creek Pond at Black Pond on Thorney Branch at Ratlands. The
Witnesses were John Harrell Jr., Arthur Brown, and James Brown Junior. In this deed,
Richard was selling still more of the land from his original 1721 Patent.[95]
According to a March 15, 1755 deed some unrelated people were located On
Cashie Swamp adjacent to Richard Harrell on Popular Branch. This indicates Richard was
still settled in the area at that time.[96] He also appeared on the
Bertie County tax lists from 1757 through 1761 (see Table 5, page 26).
On November 27, 1761, Richard wrote his will, and it was probated in the April
Court of 1762. In the will, he names his sons, Dempsey, James and John; his grandsons
Jacob and Jonathon Duke; his daughter, Martha Sheppard; his son, Richard; and his
daughters, Zilpha Scott, Elizabeth Spivey, Sarah Hobbs, Ann Felton, Margaret Hill, and
Mary Eason. He named his wife, Margaret, and son, John, executors. The witnesses were John
Scott, James Scott, and Nicholas Stallings.[97] Richard and Margaret Harrells Children Dempsey Harrell, son of Richard
Dempsey Harrell and his wife, Susannah, apparently were still living in Perquimans
County in 1768. They sold their land in that county, 165 acres, on January 8, 1768.[98]
James Harrell, son of Richard (born before 1716)
James bought 50 acres in Bertie County from his brother, John, in 1741.[99]
This is the only record of James Harrell owning land in Bertie Countyit may have
been a token sale to qualify for voting rights in the county.
The following will for James Harrell may be that of Richards sonthere
were no other James Harrells in the County at that time, to my knowledge. The will was
written on April 2, 1781, and presented at the November Term 1785. It includes the
following information: Sons, Arthur, Willis, James and Joel; daughters, Sarah, Elizabeth,
Grace and Mary Harrell; grandchildren, Ephraim, Titus and Allen Page (sons of daughter
Priscilla); daughter, Grace Purvis; wife, Grace; sons, James and Joel were executors, and
William Higgs, Elizabeth Harrell and Mary Harrell were witnesses.[100]
James and Grace Harrells Children
If the above will was that of Richards son, James, then Richards
grandchildren included the following. The estimates for their ages assume they were of age
when their fathers will was written in 1781. Arthur Harrell (b. before 1760)
There is a will for an Arthur Harrell in Bertie County that was presented at the
November Term 1850. If this is the same Arthur, he must have lived to around 90 years of
age. He names only his daughter, Rhoda Harrell Peele and his son-in-law, Exum Peele.[101]
Rhody Harrell married Exum Peale in Bertie County on November 8, 1804. Willis Harrell (b. before 1760) James Harrell Jr. (b. before 1760) Joel Harrell (b, before 1760) Priscilla Harrell Page (b. before 1760) According
to the will of Priscellas father, written in 1781, her children included: Ephraim,
Titus, and Allen Page. Ephraim PageTitus PageAllen PageGrace Harrell Purvis (b. before 1760)Sarah Harrell (b. before 1760)Elizabeth Harrell (b. before 1760)Mary Harrell (b. before 1760)[page 88] John Harrell, son of Richard (b. before 1716)
As I have already noted, there are so many references to John Harrells in the deeds
of Bertie County, it is difficult to distinguish one from another. But one deed does stand
out as one from Richards son, John. It was drawn in February of 1741. In that deed
John named his brother, James, and as far as I have been able to determine, there was no
other John Harrell with a brother named James at that time in that county except for
Richards sons. On
February 4, 1741, James Harrell bought 50 acres from John Harrellthe deed includes
the statement James, brother to John Harrell. The acres are described as
follows:
being the lower end of the Land I bought of James Brown for 200 a.
more or less
Granted by patent to Thomas Mann for 640 acres on February 1,
1725. The witnesses were Christopher Harrell and Henry Harrell (perhaps Immigrants nos. 5
and 6, in chapter 1). These 200 acres were on Cashie Swamp according to the 1738 purchase
by John from James Brown.[102] This deed also establishes
that John was over 21 years of age in 1738thus born before 1717. Richards
son, John, may have been the one who wrote his will in 1767, but that is not certain.
There is a pretty good probability this is the will of Richards John, because I have
accounted for John Jr./Sr.s will (in 1759), and his son, John Jr.s will (in
1756); I have also accounted for Abrahams son, Johns will (in 1777); and for
Josephs son, Little John Harrells will in 1781. It makes sense
that this will belongs to Richards John Harrell, who would have been over 51 years
of age when the will was writtenperhaps way over that age. In the
will written on July 21, 1767, John Harrell named his sons Moses, Bayley, Lemuel, and
Solomon; his daughters, Judah Higgs and Lucy Davenport; his sons, Amos and Gideon. His
sons, Baley and Lemuel, were named as executors. The witnesses were Nicholas Skinner,
Jacob Harrell, and John Higgs.[103] John Harrells Children Moses Harrell, son of John (b. c. 1735)Bayley Harrell, son of John (b. c. 1735)Lemuel Harrell Sr., son of John (b. c. 1735-1781)
There is a will for Lemuel Harrell dated June 13, 1780, probated at the February
Term of 1781. He names his wife, Mary, son, Lemuel, and four children, John, Nancy,
Elijah, and Reuben Harrell, Amos Harrell (Lemuel Sr.s brother), Thomas Rhodes and
William Andrews to divide my estate after the death or marriage of my wife, Amos Harrell
and Thomas Rhodes executors; witnesses were William Andrews, George Williams.[104] Lemuel and Mary Harrells ChildrenLemuel Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1760)John Harrell (b. c. 1760) There is
a will that may have been made by John Harrell, son of Lemuel Senior. On October 6, 1814,
John Harrell wrote his will, and it was probated at the November Term of 1818. He
identified his wife, Winnefred; his sons, Thomas, Joshua, James and Riddick Harrell; his
granddaughter, Martha Harrell (daughter of Ephraim); his daughters, Ritty Hughs and Zilpha
Harrell; his son John; and his other daughters, Penelope, Mary and Cynthia Harrell.[105] John and Winnefred Harrells Children
John and Winnefred Harrells children include the following. Thomas Harrell Josuah Harrell James Harrell Riddick Harrell Ephraim Harrell Ritty Harrell Hughs Zilpha Harrell Harrell John Harrell Penelope Harrell Mary Harrell Cynthia Harrell Thomas HarrellJoshua HarrellJames Harrell[page 90] Riddick Harrell Sr. (b. c. 1803-d. 1873) According
to the material provided by Mrs. Marion W. Johnson, of Harrellsville in Hertford County,
Riddick Harrell was born around 1803 and married Mary Miller (born around 1808).[106]
His will was recorded in Bertie County in October of 1873his will named Starkey
Harrell, the widow of Riddick Harrell Jr., and the children of the latter.[107] Riddick and Mary Harrells children Penelope Harrell Freeman (b. c. 1830) Penelope
married James Freeman. Betsy Harrell Williams (b. c. 1829) Betsy
married B. B. Williams on January 20, 1850. He was a Baptist Minister in Harrellsville,
Hertford County. She died August 12, 1896. Reddick Harrell Jr. (b. c. 1836) When
Reddick Sr. wrote his will in 1873, his son, Reddick Jr., was already
deceasedReddick Sr. provided for Juniors widow and children.[108]
Reddick Jr. married Lucy Hobbs. Mary Ann Harrell Hobbs (b. c. 1839) Mary Ann
married Charles Hobbs. David
married Annie Hobbs. Starkey Taylor Harrell (b. 1849) Starkey
was born November 10, 1849 in Bertie County, and he died September 17, 1924 in Norfolk,
Virginia. Starkey
Taylor Harrell married Olivia A. T. Baker on June 11, 1873. Starkey and Olivias
children were Leslie E. Harrell (b. September
28, 1874 in Bertie County), Mae Varona Harrell Lowe (b. April 10, 1882), and Herman Thomas Harrell (b. December 10, 1886 in
Bertie County). The names Starkey, Taylor, Leslie, and Herman, as well as the resting
place of Norfolk are all familiar names in the Nicholas J. Harrell family of 1880 in
Hertford County (see chapter 8)but I cannot find a connection.[109] Ephraim Harrell
According to John Harrells 1814 will, his son, Ephraim, had a daughter named
Martha Harrell. Ritty Harrell HughsZilpha Harrell Harrell John and
Winnefreds daughter, Zilpha Harrell, married Amos Harrell in Bertie County on May
18, 1808. Her husband, Amos Harrell, was named as an executor to her fathers will in
1814. John HarrellPenelope HarrellMary HarrellCynthia Harrell Nancy (b. c. 1760) Nancy was a daughter of Lemuel Sr. and Mary Harrell. Elijah (b. c. 1765; died 1795) Elijah
Harrell was Lemuel Sr. and Mary Harrells son. His will was written on October 16,
1795, and recorded in the November Term, 1795. He apparently did not marry and died at a
relatively young age. He named his mother, Mary; brothers, Lemuel and John Harrell; his
brother, Lemuel and James Swinhow Grover Sr. were executors on the will.[110] Reuben (b. c. 1765)
Reuben was probably Lemuel Sr. and Mary Harrells youngest child. [page 92] Solomon Harrell, son of JohnJudith Harrell Higgs, daughter of JohnLucy Harrell Davenport, daughter of JohnAmos Harrell, son of John (b. c. 1740)
There is a marriage record for Amos Harrell and Charity Rutland in Bertie County on
November 8, 1774. It may be for Johns son, Amos. Amos was still around in 1780, when
his brother, Lemuel Sr., named him his executor in his Bertie County will.
There is a will for an Amos Harrell in Bertie County dated September 16, 1805, and
probated at the February Term of 1806.[111] In his will, Amos
identified his wife, Elizabeth (probably not his first wife); his children, Betsey,
Parthenia, Sally, and Nancy B. Harrell; and his married daughters, Renna Peele and Charity
Powell (the latter could have been named for his first wife). Amos Harrells Children
I am not certain which children were with Amos first wife, Charity Rutland,
and which, if any, were with his wife, Elizabethbut his children included the
following.
Renna Harrell PeeleCharity Harrell Powell (b. c. 1777) Amos
daughter, Charity, married Jesse Powell in 1798so she was probably born around 1777. Betsey HarrellParthenia HarrellSally HarrellNancy B. Harrell Gideon Harrell, son of John Richard Harrell Jr.Martha Harrell Sheppard, daughter of RichardZilpha Harrell Scott, daughter of Richard Zilpha
married James Scott before 1761 (date of her fathers will). Elizabeth Harrell Spivey, daughter of RichardSarah Harrell Hobbs, daughter of RichardAnn Harrell Felton, daughter of RichardMargaret Harrell Hill, daughter of RichardMary Harrell Eason, daughter of Richard Isaac Harrell (died 1815)
This Isaac was probably the same person who witnessed a deed in 1733, in the area
of southern Bertie County along with John Harrell and John Junior. Then on August 11,
1739, Isaac bought 140 acres on the north side of the Maratuck River. He apparently stayed
in the area, and in 1753, he was again a witness on a deedthe other witnesses were
John Harrell, Jesse Harrell, Israel Harrell, and Hardy Harrell.[112]
Isaacs proximity to the family of John Jr./Sr. (discussed in a previous section),
suggests they were probably related, but I have not yet been able to connect Isaac to any
of the other Harrell families. Isaac
was on the tax lists for Bertie County from 1757 through 1761. He was in the 1787 State
census for Bertie, and the 1790 U. S. census. The 1787 census shows his household with all
four of his sons in place and under 20 years of agethree of his daughters were also
shown. In 1790, they all still seem to have been in place.
Isaacs will was probated at the May Court in 1815. In his will, he identified
his wife, Patience; his daughters, Jemima, Sally, Betsey, and Jennett; and his sons, Job,
Amos, Joseph, and Merideth. He also identified several of his grandsons. An executor for
his will was Josiah Harrell.[113] Isaac and Patience Harrells Children Job Harrell, son of Isaac
Jobs children were: Noah HarrellIsaac HarrellThomas HarrellGeorge Harrell Amos Harrell, son of Isaac
Amos Harrells children were: John HarrellJoseph Harrell, son of Isaac
Josephs children were: Samuel HarrellHenry Harrell Merideth Harrell, son of IsaacJemima Harrell, daughter of IsaacSally Harrell, daughter of IsaacBetsey Harrell, daughter of IsaacJennett Harrell, daughter of Isaac George Harrell (born before 1710)
There is a deed indicating George owned land in southern Bertie County before 1731.
The deed, dated April 4, 1731, reflects the purchase of land by George House from William
Eason which was adjacent to the lands of George Harrell, Edward Harrell, John Yelverton,
and James Parker.[114] There is no recorded deed
for Georges purchase of the land, so he probably inherited it by will.
In 1758, George was a Constable, and one of his responsibilities was to compile a
tax list in his district (see Table 5, page 26). The Harrells on his list were Henry, son
of Edward; James; John Jr./Sr.; John Jr.s widow, Mary; Josuah, son of Edward; Moses;
and Richard Harrell. George was certainly related to some or all of the Harrells on his
list, but there is no evidence yet to support the connection. Absolom Harrell (died 1757)
Absolom was also among the early Harrell settlers in southern Bertie County. He is
on the early tax lists (see Table 5, page 26), and his widow, Mary, stands in his place on
the lists for 1757 and 1758. In addition, the tax lists show a John Harrell, son of
Absolom. John Harrell, son of Absolom
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