Candidates for the Father of James Phelps of Caswell Co.

(ca 1730 –  1786)

New items will indicated; changes since 10/10/2005 will be in red for a reasonable period of time.

 

Last change 2/2/2007. Check back often for updates.

 

Many claims exist on the internet which name a father and wife of our James Phelps. After careful research of original records and the documented research of others, I found no support for any of the claims.  Moreover, there is very good evidence to deny the validity to all those parents who have been named as his father or even to the maiden name of James' wife, Mary.   It seems that most if not all claims used previously undocumented claims, which has compounded the challenge of getting to the truth.  This is perhaps understandable because it is probably true that the current researchable world is considerably larger and more complete than in the past.  Even books written in the early 1900's may be incorrect due to their authors not knowing what is known today.  An exception to this would be those people who had a direct recollection or family Bibles; they must be honored.  Oddly, very little of that has turned up, but that resource may eventually be far more helpful.

 

Adding to the challenge are the many Phelps lines that appeared in Virginia, NC, and Maryland in the 1700's.  It is tempting to become totally immerged in unraveling the many lines; I have attempted to do so when it makes sense.  Nor did I attempt to connect the various lines, except to make sure I had covered the time period of our James Phelps.  (Finding a James Phelps in the 1800s hardly helps.)   Perhaps the Y-DNA chromosome tests will open previously closed doors.

I challenge others to go beyond what is written here.  I challenge those who have too easily accepted what others have declared as the truth.

 

 

(Click the candidate below to view the detailed information. Use your back button to return. Footnotes are often available and can be seen by clicking on the footnote numbers. 

 

1. Samuel Phelps of Perquimans Co, NC  (b. abt 1710  - d. bef 1728), reported father-in-law of Mary Bateman -  Evidence shows that he is not a candidate, although this is probably the source of naming Mary Bateman as James' wife.   Revisions  10/10/2005

 

2.   James Phelps of Gates Co. NC (b. bef. 1740 - d. 1794) - Evidence shows he is not a candidate.  Revised 8/2004

 

3.  William Phelps  (d.1749, Albemarle, VA), son of Thomas Phelps Sr ( d.1751 of Albemarle Co, VA) including a James who moved to GA.  Major clarifications with maps  9/25/2005 Minor change 2/2006, 9/2006

 

4.    William Phelps, husband to ANNA NANCY BABER - It appears this candidate was the same as the William Phelps of Albemarle. Revised 1/2005

 

5.  Aquilla Felps of Baltimore Co, Md who moved to Rowan Co, NC. - Of the extensive work done by others this reported James was likely born too late for our James.  Revised 5/2006

 

6.  William Phelps of Anne Arundel Co, Md. (near Annapolis) who married Elizabeth Chaney - There is nothing to support this candidate. There is much research available on this family.  Revised 1/2005

 

7.   John Phelps (d. 1747 Goochland Co, VA) -      I could find nothing to support this candidate.  Revised 1/2005

 

8. The father of a James Phelps with 5 children in the 1776 All Hallows Parish census of Anne Arundel, Maryland -  After long consideration Anne Arundel is the most likely origin of our James Phelps.   Major revisions 5/2006.  

 

9.1    A father or relative from Bedford Co, Va. – A James, son of John, lived past our James’ time. Revised 2//2007 with information about the children of John d 1801 who moved to GA from Bedford and other GA Phelps..

 

9.2    A father or relative from Halifax County Co, Va. Incld info about John Phelps d1794 and his sons, John and William.   Major revision 2/6/2006

 

10.  A father in King and Queen Co, Va. -    A very interesting possibility, but nothing seems available to prove this link.    Revised 1/2005

 

11.  A father related to the Phelps from Forsyth Co, NC area.  -     A remote possibility but not fully investigated. 

 

12. A father from Tyrrell County, N.C.   Revised 9/2004  Based on a detailed analysis of the potential Jameses there  I submit that the James of Caswell did not move from Tyrrell County.

 

13.  Assuming James’ wife, Mary, was a Killingsworth, a Phelps who was from where her family came from, possibly Johnston or Edgecombe counties, NC or Surry Co, VA    Even though there is no evidence to disprove a Killingsworth connection, I found no such marriage claim by the Killingsworth researchers nor was there any other evidence.  New 11/2005 Revised 12/2005

 

 

 

1.  Samuel Phelps of Perquimans Co, NC  (b. abt 1710 - d. bef 1728), reported father-in-law of Mary Bateman.  Revisions 10/10/2005.

  

Now not a candidate.   For years reports of the marriage of James to Mary Bateman has been seen on the internet.  It is also on the LDS web site (see comments below). No evidence has ever been presented.  Some have given a middle initial of “C” to Mary which indicates very specific knowledge. Some name her parents as THOMAS BATEMAN and SARAH ALEXANDER.  All this very likely stemmed from the fact that a Mary Bateman of Perquimans Co had parents of Thomas Bateman and Sarah Alexander (documented in Thomas’ 1766 will in Perquimans) and did marry a Phelps (documented in the 1766 will and the 1750 Perquimans’s will of John Bateman, brother of Thomas).  And there was a James Phelps at that time in Perquimans who was the son of Samuel Phelps per his will of 1728.  Father Samuel was born August, 1684 [1]  and so this James was born perhaps between 1700 and 1725 or later.  See below for the supporting wills.

Unfortunately, this James cannot be the James of Caswell since this James of Perquimans died before 1758.   This little known death was noted in a 1758 deed of record of (not sold/bought by Phelps) in Perquimans.  (Deed book F:278).   Extremely few researchers have known about this deed and the death comment of James.   The reason is that published deed abstracts and indexes did not cover the years 1730-1784 and James would not have been found in the indexes for the original deedbooks.   However, there is a 1931 book History of Perquimans County (which is available online at  ECU )which listed all deeds from 1681 through the Revolution – without an index.  Only by stumbling on the paper “A Quaker Woman and Her Offspring” which made note of the deed was I able to make the connection.  The author, Gwen Boyer Bjorkman, found this deed by an index for the entire book which was compiled by two women in Seattle.   She was instrumental in helping me sort through all this.

. 

 This index is "Index, History of Perquimans County, N.C.” prepared by Marie Freeman and Helen Stevenson in the Seattle library.  http://www.spl.org/  Their library reference for the document is by Freeman, Marie.  [S.l. : M. Freeman?, 197-?] 197-?]  Call #: R929.3756 W732Hi            If you wish the Phelps part of the index I can email via a scanned image.

This deed referred to the 1688 will of Jonathan Phelps (Sr.) concerning 400 acres left to his sons, Jonathan and Samuel.  (Samuel’s son was James Phelps of Perquimans.)  The deed also said Samuel’s will named son Jonathan and James to inherit this 400 acres.  The 1858 deed further said that James and brother Jonathan had previously died intestate.  This deed said "…the said Samuel Phelps in his last will and testament was given unto his sons Jonathan Phelps and James Phelps and the said Jonathan and James dying intestate before they were of age, the 400 acres fell unto William Phelps being the only surviving brother and heir…"  See below for further details of the deed.

 

To confirm this conclusion and using this same source, the death is also noted in a 1987 prize winning genealogy article written in the National Genealogical Society "Hannah (Baskel) Phelps Phelps Hill: A Quaker Woman and Her Offspring^"[2]  This paper documents James' father as Samuel Phelps, son of Jonathan Phelps, son of Hannah Baskel Phelps.  Hannah moved from Salem, Mass and was a Quaker.  This entire article can be viewed at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~monticue/hannah_baskel_life_story.htm   Look for James Phelps at number 16.  Then refer to footnote #72 for the confirming death information.

 

The LDS web site has a reference to a marriage of James Phelps (b. Abt. 1754 NC or Ky.  d. abt 1785/1790) and Mary Bateman of Caswell. No genealogy is given.[3]   Another LDS reference is to a marriage of James Phelps (b abt 1697 in Caswell d. August 1785 in Caswell) who married a Mary (b. abt 1701 in Caswell).[4]   After many attempts, I was unsuccessful in reaching the people named as those who entered the information.

 

 It is possible that past researchers came upon the Perquimans James Phelps and Mary Bateman Phelps and assumed they had married, never noticing the elusive death information.   I think a very likely original source of the problem is from a 1931 book History of Perquimans County by Mrs. Watson Winslow who compiled the records of deeds from 1681 through the Revolution. She organized it by family and reported Perquimans and adjacent counties.  She describes the 1750 and 1766 Bateman wills naming Mary (Bateman) Phelps twice. She also has two pages on the Phelps.  She names James Phelps as a son of Samuel Phelps in Samuel's will of 1728.   She did NOT report the deed which reported on the earlier death of James.  Apparently few researchers have stumbled on it.  So anyone reading Winslow's book could make the marriage conclusion.   To add to this no one has reported another Mary Phelps in adjacent counties at that time - or even in Virginia.  But there was a one in Caswell, so it would have made good sense to make the deduction.  On the other hand, if that was the origination of the Mary Bateman marriage, why weren't the other ancestors recorded also?  This is very odd.

 By the way, all the northeastern NC counties where many Phelps lived are far removed from Caswell Co which is to the west by 200 miles or so.  NC had very few east-to-west roads.  Phelps is still a common name in many of these northeastern NC counties.   I am not aware of anyone showing a documented early connection of any of those Phelps with those of Caswell Co or further west in NC.

 

 

Will of Thomas Bateman 1766

From: NC State Archives, Perquimans Co. Wills 1711-1909, C.R.077.801.1, Bateman, Thomas, 1766. (Transcribed by Ellis Bateman, 1998.)

 

North Carolina, Perquimans County. In the name of God Amen the 26th of August 1766

I Thomas Bateman of the Provence and county aforesaid farmer being in a Weake Low State of health but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men Onee to Die do make and ordain this my Last will and Testament, that is to say ??Eninciphally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that made iy and my Body to the Earth to be buried in a Deacint and Christian Burial at the deserection of my Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but at the General Ressurection I shall receive the same again By the mighty favor of God ________

 

And as touching Such worldly Estate where with is hath pleased God to Before me in this life; I give and dispose of the same in following manner and fore _____________

 

Imprimens??. I give and Bequeath to Loving wife Sarah Bateman one bed and furniture and one Chest ?och and hee to her and heirs and assign forever _________

 

Item. I give and bequest to my Son William Bateman my Riding horses to him and his heirs and assigns forever ____________

 

(((Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Phelps three head of cattle four head of sheep and one Chest of Drawers to her and her heirs forever ______________)))

 

Item. I give and bequeath to my Grandson John Bateman one Bed and the furniture thereto belonging One desk one bason half a Dozen Spoons one Cow and calf one young horse one Ironpot and One Case and some bottles hereto belonging to him his heirs and assigns forever ______________

 

Item. My will and desire is that my Wife Sarah Bateman have the use of one third of my Estate that is not heretofore mentioned During her natural life and to be?? Returned to my son William Bateman and his heirs forever ________________

 

Item. My will and desire is that my Son William Bateman have the other two thirds of my Estate that is not heretofore mentioned to him and his heirs forever ____________

 

I do hereby make constitute and appoint my Loving wife Sarah Bateman and my Son William Bateman my Executrix and Executor to this my Last will and Testament and I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and disanell?? All and any other formes Testament Wills Requives and biquests and Excestors By me here fore named Wills and bequesths Ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my Last will and Testament. In witness whereof I hereunto let my hand and seal the day and year before written Signed Sealed Published Pronounced by the vasi?? Thomas Bateman to be his Last will and Testament in prsence of ?????. n Roper??, John I S????, Richard Clayton. Signed Thomas Bateman (his mark) (Seal)

 

 

 

1688 Will of Jonathan Phelps (Sr)

JONATHAN PHELPS - 11th ye (10th) month 1688 probated 1689 (will is torn and the writing is very squiggly)
weak
body to be buried at my plantation
to son Samuel - plantation where I live, 400 acres, but if he dies without heirs lawfully begotten, then to son Jonathan. If Jonathan dies without heirs lawfully begotten, then to my daughter Elizabeth.
to son Jonathan - my s(chooner?) and olde plantation when he reaches age 21, but if he has no heirs lawfully begotten, then to son Samuel, but if he has no heirs lawfully begotten, then to daughter Elizabeth.
to wife Hanah PHELPS, the third part of personal estate
Sons to possess their bequests at age 21. Elizabeth to get hers at age 16.
Executors: friends Henery WHITE, A(lex.?) WILLSON, Robert WILLSON.

 

 

1728 Will of Samuel Phelps (son of Jonathan Phelps Sr)

SAMUEL PHELPS 21 April 1728
to son Jonathan - 200 acres beginning at ye Black Walnut branch, so running over ye Long Branch to Ralph BOSEMAN fence, belonging & joining to my dwelling plantation
to son (John?) - my third part of land purchased of Wm. BOUGE by my brother Jonathan PHELPS, Joseph SMITH & myself, lying in Balehack?, containing 147 acres, the lower part of ye tract whereon it hath been cleared & planted & ye other 2/3 of ye land at Balehack aforesaid I give to my brother Jonathan PHELPS & my grandfather Joseph SMITH for a valuable consideration received.
to son John - 100 and (ten?) acres of my pinne (sic) woods joining the part I give his brother William.
to son William - tract of 150 acres joining James SITTERSON & John SIMPSON land, also 100 and (ten?) acres of my pinne (sic) woods purchased by Joseph SMITH & myself, to be taken where Thos. ROBERTS now lives
to son James - my now dwelling plantation containing 200 acres, after the decease of his mother
to sons Jonathan & James - to divide equally the remainder of my pinne woods
Land in Pamticough, being pur(chased?) land, to be disposed of at discretion of executor.
The remainder I leave to my wife and her four children: Jonathan, John, William and James.
Executors: son Jonathan, brother Jonathan PHELPS, friends Abraham SANDERS & Robert WILLSON
Witnesses: Abraham SANDERS, Ralph BOSEMAN, Charles DONMAN

 

1750/8 deed of record in Perquimans deed book F:278

Deed between John Harvey of Perquimans and Isacc Sanders:  "…[metes and bounds] four hundred acres of land was granted by patent unto Jonathan Phelps bearing date the sixth day of February in the twentieth year of our province two properties? of N Carolina and by the last will and testament of the said Jonathan Phelps the  said four hundred acres of land was given unto his son Samuel Phelps and by the said Samuel Phelps in his last will and testament was given unto his sons Jonathan Phelps and Jas. Phelps and the said Jonathan and James  dying intestate before they were of age, the said 400 acres fell unto William Phelps being the only surviving brother and heir…"  

 

 

2.  James Phelps of Gates Co, NC (b. bef. 1740 - d. 1794[5] [7]) Revised 8/2004, again.

 

Now not a candidate. The Phelps lines in the early days of northeastern NC are very confusing, but two or three really fine papers are available to unravel some of the mysteries.  My effort has not been to personally document all those Phelps but just to find the mention of a James Phelps during the time of James Phelps of Caswell Co.

Another line of northeastern NC Phelps started with James Phelps Sr, origin unknown.   A 1995 fully documented study of this James (b bef 1740 d.1794) and his son, James Phelps Jr. of NC (b.bef. 1740 - d. 1794)", was written by Susah Elise Heinbuch (now Phelps), Ph.D.   Based on an email from her which I saw, she abandoned her research for personal reasons and did not save her source material. However several of her documented papers are available in the family stacks in the Raleigh, NC archives.   Her research shows that James Phelps Sr. had property transactions as early as 1767 and is listed as a taxpayer in 1753 -  both events in Chowan Co in northeastern NC.  Heinbuch makes a convincing argument to conclude that James was born in the area which became Hertford County (northeastern NC) in 1759 that later became Gates Co in 1779 and died there in 1794. She lists property transactions in 1767, 1772, 1792 and 1794.   With so much evidence it seems clear that this James was not the James of Caswell Co since that James died in 1785/86.  

James had 10 children including James Jr (b bef 1780).  James Jr. of Gates Co married Christian Phelps (yes, Phelps) per a 1795 bond and died in 1832/34.   Clearly this James Jr could not have been our James of Caswell Co since our James died much earlier.

Keep in mind that present counties Chowan, Gates, Hertford and Tyrell are very near Perquimans Co (where so many of the Batemans lived - at least some marrying Phelps). Other nearby counties where Phelps may be found include Bertie, Northhampton and Tyrrell.  By the way, all are far removed from Caswell Co which is to the west by 200 miles or so.  Phelps is still a common name in many of these eastern NC counties.   A very large lake in the area is named Phelps Lake, reported to have been discovered by a Phelps.  I am not aware of anyone showing a documented early connection of any of those Phelps with those of Caswell Co or further west.

Gates Co (1779) was formerly Hertford Co (1759), formerly Chowan.

 

 

Will of James Phelps Sr.   [of Gates County, NC]

(made 20 April 1794)

 

Transcription of Original by Susan Heinbuch (likely)

 

In the name of God I JAMES PHELPS SEN of Gates County and State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind end memory blessed be God do this twenty first day of April In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety four make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say

First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife ROUTHY PHELPS after my decease one feather bed & furniture, my mare & colt, saddle & bridle, Two cows and calves, four yeows two sows and twelve sholes one desk three puter dishes & six puter plates one iron pot end frying pan, one linen whee1 and two stocks of bees to her and her heirs and assigns forever.

 

Item I give unto my son JAMES PHELPS the land purchased from RICHARD BAKER lying on the nor west branch and one feather bed end furniture that Is called his to him his heirs and assigns forever.

Item I lend unto my beloved wife during her natural life the plantation I now live on and after her decease I give the said plantation to my son LUTEN KING PHELPS to him & his heirs or assigns forever

Item I give unto my son KINCHEN PHELPS forty pounds Virginia Currency to him his heirs an assigns forever.

Item it Is my desire that if either of my two sons LUTEN KING PHELPS or KINCHEN PHELPS- should die leaving no lawfull begotten Heirs of their bodies that their part of my estate above mentioned the surviving one should have It to him or his heirs or assigns forever.

Item I give to my sons HENRY PHELPS, MICAJAH PHELPS_, WILLIAM PHELPS end JESSE PHELPS each of them ten shillings Virginia currency e piece to them or their heirs or assigns forever.

Item I give to my three daughters LEASH BRIGGS, SALLY COFFEL & ELIZABETH BUTLER each of them ten shillings Virginia currency a piece to them or their heirs or assign forever.

Item after my decease I leave the remainder of my estate to be sold and all my Just debts to be paid the balance of my estate I live In my executors hands to be for the use of my two sons LUTEN KING PHELPS and KINCHEN PHELPS to pay for the schooling & other necessarys as my executors should think they stand In need of to them their heirs or assigns forever end I hereby make and ordain my two friends HUMPHEY HUDGINS & JAMES PRUD£N executors of this my lost will and Testament. In witness where of I the said JAMES PHELPS SENR have to this my lost will & testament set my hand and seal the day & year above written. Signed seal publish & delared by the sald JAMES PHELPS SENR the testator as his last will & testament In the presence of us who were present et the time of signing & seal thereof LODOWICK PRUDEN (Jurat), JACOB PRUDEN,  WILLIAM (his X mark) GWIN.

 

JAMES (his X mark) Phelps (seal)

August Court 1794: Exhibited by HUMPHREY HUDGINS and JAMES PRUDEN executors; proved by LODOWICK PRUDEN

Note" Several of us who have examined this will, and compared it to other records,

conclude tllat "Routhy" should be "Renthy," "Leash" should be "Leah," "Coffel" should be "Coffield" and "Humphey" should be "Humphrey,"

 

 

3.   William Phelps  (d.1749, Albemarle, VA), son of Thomas Phelps Sr ( d.1751 of Albemarle Co, VA) including a James who moved to GA.  Major clarifications with maps  9/25/2005, Minor change 2/2006, 9/2006

 

There is clear evidence to indicate he was not our James' father, since this William's son, James, moved to Georgia and lived there after our James' time.  This William of Albemarle at first seems very likely to be our James’ father.  This James was born at exactly the right time; there are familiar family names like Thomas and John, and they are reasonably close to Caswell Co.  However, while I have tried in every possible way to support this, all the evidence – and there is a lot – gives very, very strong support of denial of this parentage.  

Acknowledgements

Phelps researcher James Rogers was instrumental in helping me put compile the information about James Phelps.  Without his continuing help, I would be lost. Most of the James Phelps records were supplied by Mr. Rogers.  He descends from the William Phelps Sr line and the family property is in Appomattox County where this James Phelps lived. 

 The most authoritative descendant chart of this line can be found at the Phelps Y-DNA Project.  Go there and click on the Ancestry link where you can find a section on this line which shows the descendants in detail. The information there was submitted by serious researchers.

 

  Location of The Property of This James Phelps

To prove that this James was the son of William and that he moved to Georgia, the following county formation maps will help locate the property James owned and sold. 

This James Phelps was born likely in Goochland Co, VA, based on the probable time of his birth and the location of the family property as recorded over the years since then.[[6]]  During his time, this Phelps property did not change, but the county border he lived near did.  The present-day location of this property is in Appomattox County (see the map at the end of this section).  The maps that follow will attempt to show the constancy of the property.  The area common to the key property records of James is shown in yellow on the maps.

 Goochland was formed in 1728. Notice the yellowed area indicating the general area of the property to be discussed. 

 Albemarle County formed in 1744 from Goochland.

The wills of Thomas and son William Phelps (father of James) were recorded in Albemarle in 1749 and 1751.  James is named as the son of William.

Bedford County formed in 1753 from Albemarle County

 

1756: James Phelps AND William Phelps receive a patent in Albemarle Co. VA

1756, August 16.   James Phelps AND William Phelps receive a patent in Albemarle Co. VA (present Appomattox), 400a on the western fork of Wreck Island Creek adjacent William Still.  The 1784 deed and the 1797 deed (see below) give metes and bounds that match this original 1756 patent.

Later in 1761 the property was in the border area of Buckingham (formed from Albemarle in 1761) and Bedford counties. [7]  See the following map.   

6/16/1768: Charles Patteson entered a caveat against James Phelps for 1000 acres in Buckingham on Elk Creek, a branch of Wreck Island Creek.  

6/13/1770: Thomas Patteson and James Phelps entered Caveat against Thomas Phelps for 200 acres on both sides of a north fork of Wreck Island Creek)

In 1772 James is living in the same area but now in Bedford Co. (or right on the county line with Buckingham).  James sold land in Albemarle and the deed named William as his father and Elizabeth as his wife.

Albemarle Co. Deed Book 6, pg. 17-19 “James Phelps, of the county of Bedford, and Elizabeth, his wife, on April 12, 1772, granted a deed to Robert Carter NICHOLAS of the city of Williamsburg, two tracts of land granted to William PHELPS, father of said James PHELPS, by Patent dated April 1, 1749, the one tract containing 400 acres, the other 350 acres, lying in the county of Albemarle.”     There is a very important comment on this deed that may help some of the county boundary questions:  "The annexation of this commission appears in a certain schedule hereunto annexed Buckingham (to Wit)”   There must have been some question even then as to what was in Buckingham and what was not.

When Campbell Co was formed in 1782 from Bedford, part of his lands were then in Campbell county. A Campell Co deed in 1782 also identifies Elizabeth as his wife.    

Campbell Co. db 1 p 22-23 dated 1782 listed James being of Campbell Co selling 180 acres of land on Callaways road granted to William Phelps in 1772.   Elizabeth, his wife, was examined here as well.   ( William must have bought it from his brother James' wife.)

See the following map.

 

1784, June 15 James Phelps sold 100a,   more or less, on the upper West fork of Wreck Island Creek, to John Hunter, adj. George Stovall, patent line mentioned, dividing line mentioned, witnesses, Charles Hall, Thos. Carson, Robert Hunter.   Campbell Co. VA DB 1, p. 263-264 (present Appomattox)   The 1784 deed and the 1797 deed give metes and bounds that match the original 1756 patent of James and William..  

 

James Continues to Live in Buckingham Through 1797

1797, September 9.  James Phelps and wife Elizabeth sold 178a on both sides of Wrack Island Creek to Isaac Crews, adj. John Hunter, Shearer. (Campbell Co. Deed Book p 248-249).   The 1784 deed and the 1797 deed give metes and bounds that match the original 1756 patent.

James Is In Georgia and Sells Property in Bedford 

In 1800 James, while in Elbert Co, GA, sold property in Campbell Co - the Wreck Island Creek area -  which researcher and descendant James Rodgers knows very well as part of the family property.  The two deeds, one recorded in GA and the other in Campbell Co prove that this James and wife Elizabeth are in Elbert Co, GA and are selling land on Wreck Island Creek in Campbell Co, [1]  The two deeds are:

1. Campbell Co, VA  Deed Book 5 , pp94-95, 800)    "This Indenture made this twelfth day of March one thousand eight hundred between James Phelps and Elizabeth Phelps his wife of the state of Georgia and county of Elbert of the one part and William Bradley of the state if Virginia and county of Buckingham of the other part….sum of one hundred pounds current money of Virginia……..tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres be it the same more or less lying in the county of Campbell and state of Virginia on Wreck Island Creek…….tract formerly possessed by james Shearer, deceased and at present occupied by Alexander Caldwell…………........ signed by James Phelps and Elizabeth Phelps (she made her mark) in the presence of James Lee (his mark) , John Penn, A. Stinchcomb………….................Georgia Elbert County clerks office , registered in Book F, folio 119, the 12^th day of March 1800, Middletown Woods, Clerk"…………....... Samuel Higginbotham attested that Middletown Woods was the clerk of court…………............."Certificates thereon indorsed were exhibited in Court of Campbell Co. and ordered to be recorded june 9^th, 1800. Ro. Alexander, clerk
2. Elbert Co, GA. Deedbook F p119 , 1800     20 Mar. 1800. James Phelps & Elizabeth his wife of Elbert Co. Ga. To William Bradley of Buckingham Co. VA for one hundred pounds VA. Money, 100 acres in Campbell Co. VA on Wreck Island Creek… formerly possessed by Shearer, at present possessed by Alexander Caldwell, signed James Phelps, Elizabeth (X) Phelps, Wit. James (X) Lee, John Penn, A. Stinchcomb, Regd. 12, Mar. 1800

This 1800 deed that was made from Elbert Ga does not give metes and bounds but mentions joining the land of Isaac Crews. (He bought the land in the 1797 deed) and also mentions Shearer.

 The lands James lived on are now in present day Appomattox Co

See the following map.   Appomattox County in 1845 (this map also shows the pertinent counties as they are in 2005) - showing the general area for the Phelps property:

 

Conclusion 

Therefore this James, son of William died Albemarle, and wife Elizabeth are in Buckingham Co up through 1797 and are in GA by 1800. So we can say with very good evidence that this James could not have been our James of Caswell Co since this James lived after ours died in Caswell Co, NC.

 

Additional Information 

James Rodgers reported to me: “I have in my hand a copy of the original from the courthouse in Campbell Co. What will help and solidify the record is I also have a verified abstract of the same transaction that was recorded in the Elbert Co. GA Courthouse.” Mr. Rodgers concluded that James moved to Elbert Co.  This James also had a son named James, often called "James of Wreck Island", and is listed in the Buckingham censuses of 1810, 20 and 30, way beyond our James' (of Caswell) time.

County formations

Goochland County formed from Henrico in 1728

Albemarle County formed from Goochland Co in 1744

Cumberland County formed from Goochland Co in 1749

Bedford from Albemarle and Lunenburg in 1753

Buckingham County formed from Albemarle Co in 1761

Campbell County formed from Bedford County in 1782

To see the images of VA county formation, go to www.myvirginiagenealogy.com/va_maps/va_cf.htm

 

Worth noting:  Caswell Co, NC is on the VA border, near Halifax Co., VA and to the north of Halifax, is Campbell Co.  The land of this James, now in Appomattox Co. is near the middle of VA.

4.  William Phelps, husband to ANNA NANCY BABER 

From the following it strongly appears that this candidate was the same as the William Phelps of Albemarle, Va (see above).

• Perhaps the source of the William Phelps and Baber was a reported "Phelps Family Newsletter" (not currently active) which named James' parents.  It claimed William was the son of Thomas Phelps, born in Md and died in Va in 1751, possibly Goochland Co.   Albemarle was from Goochland so the William Phelps of Albemarle, described above, most likely was the same.  In any case, I have never seen a source to support any parent from Goochland or Albemarle.

 

• From researcher Lester Phelps:  Lester's distant cousin, Weenonah Phelps Goldston, deceased in 1980, sent him notes and a family chart back in the 70's which named a  WILLIAM PHELPS (ca1714-1749) who was married to ANNA NANCY BABER. The information stated that William and Anna were the grandparents of Lester's Thomas Phelps (ca 1768-ca 1849), son of our James of Caswell Co.  [Since there is clear evidence that this Thomas Phelps was the son of James Phelps of Caswell Co,. then Weenonah's William would be the father of James.] Lester did not know whether Weenonah found this information through documents or from the memory of her father.  He talked with her husband's relatives in Texas and found that her husband had sold their home and had discarded or destroyed all of Weenonah's notes and research.  Those who have studied the William Phelps of Albemarle (See William of Albemarle above) have also attempted to tie a Baber wife to that Phelps. In the 1749 will of William Phelps of Albemarle, Va. a reference is made to William's brother in law, William Baber.  Of course, that could refer to either his wife's brother or his sister's husband. Others have named a Anna as the sister of William Baber.  Yet, James Rodgers RidgemontVa@aol.com reports that the Baber researchers have no knowledge of who William Phelps married.  Regardless, it seems evident that the William Phelps reported by Weenonah Phelps Goldston is the same as the William of Albemarle whom I have concluded is not a candidate.

  

• In addition, Several LDS postings list a William Phelps as the father of James but with no reference to a James location or marriage.

 

• In every case it strongly appears that these claims may have no relevance since it has been shown that this William's son, James, moved to GA.

 

5.  Aquilla Felps of Baltimore Co, Md who moved to Rowan Co, NC. Revised 5/2006

 

 Descendants of Thomas of Balt Co Md Felps       The following ancestry has not been thoroughly documented by is useful to relate to a possible James Felps/Phelps

 

   1        Thomas of Balt Co Md Felps     1664 - 1758

..    +Rosannah Swift    

.........   2          Aventon/Avinton ofMd&RowanCo Felps            1711 - 1762

.............                       +Rachel McElroy         

....................    3          Aquilla Felps    

....................    3          John ofRowanCo Felps  1743 - 1794

........................                        +Jane Smith     

...............................     4          Avington Felps 

                                                 5.  James Felps/Phelps?????? B 1760?? Rowan Co?

...............................     4          John of RowanCo Felps, Jr       

...............................     4          Thomas ofRowanCo Felps        

...............................     4          Samuel Felps    

...............................     4          Brittain Felps    

...............................     4          William of RowanCo Felps        

...............................     4          Kelling Felps    

...............................     4          Ezekiel Felps    

...............................     4          Pherabe Felps  

...............................     4          Ede Felps         

...............................     4          Jane Felps        

....................    3          Laurania Felps 

 

Of the extensive work done by others on this line this reported James likely was born later than our James.   At least one researcher names a James Felps (b. perhaps around 1760 in Rowan Co) as a son of an Aquilla Felps, Jr (b. abt 1735 in Baltimore Co, Md). Unfortunately, I am unable to find documentation for a James in this area other than that he was in the 1790 Rowan census.  The 1790 census shows a number of Felps in Rowan, Iredell and Rockingham counties.  James Felps is listed in Rowan Co, NC  likely the one named by other researchers.  Obviously this James outlived our James.  This James is reported to have a son named James also.  There is an unsourced LDS record reporting a James Felps, b abt. 1761 in Rowan Co, d. 1834. The best work done on this line appears to have been done by an Ed Phelps, but of the work I have seen from him, he never mentions a James Phelps. (I was unable to contact Ed.)  The work of the researchers describe the move of an Avington Felps (b. 1711) from Baltimore Co, Md to Rowan Co as early a 1762. (From "Marylanders to Carolinas Migration prior to 1800": Avington Phelps was in Rowan Co, NC by April 20, 1762 when he and David McIlvain sold 50 acres ot Edward Morgan in Baltimore Co Md. Baltimore Land records Liber B#K folio 72.)

   Claims are made of an ancestor Phelps/Felps coming from Barbados. This line develops an extensive genealogy in Rowan County. Based on brief observations this line probably linked into Surry County [8]  , Davidson County[9] and Yadkin County when the name appears to changed to Phelps.

 

6.  William Phelps of Anne Arundel Co, Md. (near Annapolis) who married Elizabeth Chaney)

 

There is nothing to support this claim, even though much research has been done using an abundance of source information, such as very detailed parish vital records.

 

This William and Elizabeth are named as our James’ parents in the LDS FamilySearch  Pedigree file. It is based on an old "Ancestrial File", Disc #6 [10] I had no success in contacting the person who entered the data.  It lists as his son, James Phelps of Caswell Co. (b abt 1697 Caswell Co, d. Aug 1785 Caswell) and says that James married b. 1773 to Mary C. Bateman (b bef 1748).   This claim can also be found in the World Family tree records.  So far, I have found no one with sources to support these claims.

 

There is a great deal of documented Phelps genealogy from Anne Arundel Co, especially from All Hallows Church documents.  Of tremendous help to us is a very complete and documented report“The Phelps Family” appeared in the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, Vol 34 #4 in 1993.  A follow-up appeared in the same publication in 1996, “Further Notes on Phelps” These professional articles document the Phelps ancestries in this area and it is clear from those records that no James was the son of this candidate.   For further discussion see ".8. The father of a James Phelps with 5 children in the 1776 All Hallows Parish census of Anne Arundel, Maryland -  It is conceivable that this James was ours, but there is no family connection."

 

 

7.      John Phelps (d. 1747 Goochland Co, VA)  Revised 1/2005

 

I found no James in this line. Occasionally researchers have confused this line with the Albemarle Co. Phelps line which does include a James.  In any event, there is never a James mentioned by any researchers of the descendants of John d. 1747 in Goochland.    

 

Mary Galgan reports that John’s son William ended up in Butler Co. KY. She says they are not in the line of Thomas Phelps d. 1749 Albemarle, Va.and I agree completely.  Further details are from the deed records of Cumberland, 1751 through 1765, recorded by Mary Galgan.  Further information is from OJ Herman.  u2sweetie@ka.net  His web page (confusing but very good) is at  http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~phelps/phelps_roots/question.htm

 

Based on census records, by 1810 there were no Phelps recorded in Cumberland. It is generally agreed that these descendants moved to Butler Co, Ky    

 

The following are the key documents naming this line: 

1. 1747 Will of John Phelps, Goochland County Deeds and Wills Deed Bk. No. 5, 1745-1749 before the formation of Cumberland Co.. Names son John and his son John (not of age), Samuel, William, granddaughter Mary Phelps, Dorothy Learwood, and wife Margaret.   Signed by John (F) Phelps   Transcribed and submitted by Mary Galgan ©2001

2. 1790 Will of Samuel Phelps, Cumberland Co, VA, son of John Phelps above.  Will Book 2, 1769-1792

 

                                                Descendants of John of Goochland-Cumberland d1747 Phelps

 

               

 

    1          John of Goochland-Cumberland d1747 Phelps          - 1747

..      +Margaret       

.........       2              John of Goochland-Cumberland Phelps, Jr               

....................            3              John of Cumberland Phelps III

.........       2              Samuel of Goochland-Cumberland d1790 Phelps     

.............                   +Elizabeth               

....................            3              Peggy Phelps          

....................            3              Elizabeth Phelps     

....................            3              Sarah Phelps           

....................            3              Polly Phelps           

....................            3              Patty Phelps           

....................            3              Nancy Phelps          

....................            3              Mary Ann Phelps    

.........       2              William of Goochland-Cumberland Phelps              

   

Click on this to see a map of Virginia showing the approximate property owned by this line.

 

 1747 Will of John Phelps   (names three Johns: himself, his son, and grandson)
Goochland County Deeds and Wills Deed Bk. No. 5, 1745-1749 before the formation of Cumberland Co.

 

1747 - From Goochland County Deeds and Wills Deed Bk. No. 5, 1745-1749, p.389-390.:
Will of John Phelps (x), of Goochland Co., sick,
To my son, John, the use of the land where he (John) lives, next to John WOODSON and John PLEASANTS, and at his death to his son, John PHELPS.
To my son, John, one negro woman Sarah.
To my son, Samuel, land where John STAFFORD lives and where George BUTS lived, next to WADSON(sic) and John PLEASANTS, [*note- this property is near the old Court House of the said county, but is in present day Powhatan Co.] and also to him negroes: Charles, Dick, Hanah, Cate, Peter and York; also 500 acres on Fleamon's Creek, 400 being part the plantation is on and 100 acres of the joining survey; also items and livestock;
To my son, William, all the rest of my land at Fleamon's Creek, being 560 acres held by him, and also land and plantation where I live at my wife's death. Also negroes: Franky, Harry, and Ned; items and livestock.
To my grandson John PHELPS, 54 acres next to CARDWELL, TABORS, Horsepen branch & Col. RANDOLPH; also one negro Joe, when he comes of age.
To granddaughter Mary PHELPS, one negro; granddaughter Sarah PHELPS, one negro;
To Dorothy LEARWOOD, 1 young mare and 4 cattle.
To wife Margaret, for life, 3 negroes: Thom, Jeney, and Robin, and then to my son William. The use of plantation where testator lives, &c &c; the negroes given grandchildren to be in the care of William Phelps.
Rest of my estate to my wife and son William.
Executors: sons Samuel and William.
Dated Feb 14 or 10, 1747;
Wit: Wm. STONE, Joseph WOOD, James BARNES
Signed: John (F) PHELPS
Recorded 16 March 1747
proved in Goochland March 1747.
Deed Bk. No. 5, 1745-1749 (Reel 2), p.389-390. Will pro. 16 Mar 1747.

Transcribed and submitted by Mary Galgan ©2001

 

County formation:

Goochland County formed from Henrico in 1728

Albemarle County formed from Goochland Co in 1744

Cumberland County formed from Goochland Co in 1749

 

 

8.  The father of a James Phelps with 5 children in the 1776 All Hallows Parish census of Anne Arundel, Maryland.  After long consideration Anne Arundel, MD probably was where James moved from.  Major additions 5/2006

It is conceivable that this 1776 Anne Arundel census James was our James in Caswell.  However, even if true, I found no suspects for his father.  In an exhaustive report on Phelps in Anne Arundel County, in which many Phelps were documented, this same James Phelps of the 1776 census was reported as "unplaced" or unidentified.  This excellent paper was “The Phelps Family”, published in the 1993 Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, Vol 34, #4, by Robert Barnes, professional genealogist.  Based on the year and the number of the children listed for James in the 1776 census, it is conceivable that this was our James, but I could find no further identification. A follow-up article by Barnes appeared in the same publication in 1996, “Further Notes on Phelps”.  From an analysis of the extensive available records he did not appear after 1776.   

 

This 1776 census also listed several other Phelps. Barnes states that Susanna Phelps was the widow of William Phelps 1711-1765 and that Richard Phelps was the son of William Phelps 1682-1748.   The other Phelps on the census were Deborah (married to an unknown Phelps); John (possibly William's 1711-1765 son?) and Isaiah, son of Walter Phelps b1703).  

 

Unfortunately, no indexed citation was found for a "James Phelps"/Phelpes in any of a seven-volume set titled ABSTRACTS OF LAND RECORDS: ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND.  No wills in all of Maryland name a James during this time. All the available Maryland material in the Raleigh Library was researched. There are no property records for James in Calvert Co. I have not researched Prince George and Baltimore counties..

 

Other James Phelps appearing once only in this general area:

 

1. In nearby Charles Co. I found a one-time record of a “Jas Phelps” as testator for the 1684 will of William Hensey [11]^.  

 

2. A curious James Phelps popped up once (only) in adjacent Hartford County.  He is listed as James Phelps, Esq in the 1783 Tax List.  There are several records for a James Philips in Hartford Co from 1776 through 1790, once with "Esq" in 1783.  In the 1783 tax list, there is no James Philips which implies this “Esq” was actually James Philips.   There are many, many Philips referenced in Hartford Co.

 

3. Yet another James Phelps from that area is documented as a son of Walter Phelps and Margaret Chaney in a follow-up article in the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, Vol 37 #1.  This "Further Notes on Phelps", by Louis F. Giles, dates Walter's marriage to 1781 and his sons as James and Richard. So that James is clearly past the time of our James.  Other records date this James as born 1775-1793.  He appears in the Anne Arundel census of 1810 and 1820. Also, three other James Phelps in the 1860 Ohio census are shown to have moved from Maryland. Their 1860 ages are 39, 39, and 52 – all born in Maryland. But that would indicate a birth after our James.

 

Evidence to support Maryland as the origin of James Phelps

May 8, 2006 

By Doug Phelps,

With much assistance from Mark Phelps, Brenda Emory and other Phelps researchers.

 

 

1.  The central piece of evidence that James moved from Anne Arundel, Maryland is from the 1776 All Hallows Parish census of Anne Arundel, Maryland. It lists:

• James Phelps, 1 white male, 1 white woman, five white children, one taxable. This compares very well to the deduced birth of James of 1734 and the recorded and deduced birth years of his children.  See the detail below.  This James was named as an “Unplaced Phelps” is a very professional and documented report “The Phelps Family” that appeared in the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, Vol 34 #4 in 1993, by Robert Barnes.  A follow-up appeared in the same publication in 1996, “Further Notes on Phelps” and named a James Phelps that was omitted in the earlier paper.  However an analysis of this paper and the 1810 and 1820 census records for Anne Arundel Co clearly show that James was born between 1775 – 1793.  So the James in the 1776 census has not been accounted for.

 

• Isaiah Phelps   He is documented in “The Phelps Family” paper as part of the Maryland clan. 
• John Phelps  1 white male, 2 white women, no white children, 1 black man, 1 black woman, 2 taxable.  It is unclear if he was documented in “The Phelps Family” paper.
• Richard Phelps 1 white male, 1 white woman, 1 taxable He is documented in “The Phelps Family” paper paper as part of the Maryland clan. 
• Susannah Phelps 3 white males, 3 white women, 5 taxable.  She is documented in “The Phelps Family” paper paper as part of the Maryland clan. 
• There were no Cromwells, Stansburys, or Batemans in this census.  (Earps???)

 

Could James’ children have been those five listed in 1776?  From the below birth years, it would include William, Reuben, Thomas and Larkin for certain and most likely Obediah.  Unlikely, Lucy and Ambrose.  Unknown, about the two other girls.  

 

Birth years of James’ children listed oldest to last.

 

William  b. c. 1754  A William Phelps died in Caswell in 1824 at "about age 70" as reported by the Raleigh Star. It reported that he was a Rev. War veteran.  Other deductions from census records in the 1800's. Married 1786.

 

Reuben  b. bet 1765-1770   He was first seen in the 1790 Caswell census and he was at least 20 years old at the census.   Married ?

 

Thomas b. bet 1766-1770 based on census records of 1800 through 1830. Married 1791.

 

Larkin   b. bef 1770  Deduction from census records in the 1800's.  Married in 1796.

 

Obediah  b. bet 1765-1773 deduced from census records in the 1800's. The second youngest of James  per his will.   Married 1796  

 

 In 1880 Lorenzo Dow Phelps claimed his father (Obediah) was born in Maryland in the Pulaski co  KY census. He claims that his mother Margaret Dye was born in NC so this may be accurate.   From Brenda Emory.

 

 

Lucy born  b. 1774?  1776?  married 1794

 

Ambrose b. bet 1776-1780  Deduction from census records in the 1800's (the youngest per James will)   Married 1796. 

 

Two girls   Births unknown.

 

2.  The movement of related families from Maryland to Caswell Co, NC to Pulaski Co,. KY.  From Mark Phelps:  “There were many families in Caswell County NC, Person County NC, and the Halifax County Va. area who arrived there by way of Maryland. The Earp family came from Maryland to Caswell Co, NC and their descendants removed to Pulaski Co, Ky. at the same time that three sons of James Phelps- Larking, Obediah and Ambrose moved to the same area in Kentucky. Larking's daughter Drada Phelps married Philip Hawker Earp in Pulaski Co. Ky…. It would not be unusual for a group of families to leave Maryland and move to Caswell Co, NC together,
perhaps even with other family members arriving later.”

 

 

3.    Elizabeth Stansbury, who we suspect may have had a child by a son of James Phelps in Caswell Co (DNA evidence)  was born in Maryland           (Elizabeth married James Pond in Caswell Co in 1786 and she filed a Rev war pension naming James Pawn (Pond). In1850 Elizabeth Pond the census record for he in McNairy, TB, age 80 names MD as her birth.ord when she was 80 in TN)  Reports by Janice Rand and D Phelps  Also from Janice Rand: The Stansbury line was from Baltimore County – the part they lived in later became part of Harford County.   Many Stanbury marriages can be found in early Anne Arundel Co. and Baltimore Co,  Maryland records.

 

4.                  In 1880, James’ grandson, Lorenzo Dow Phelps, claimed his father (Obediah) was born in Maryland in the Pulaski co  KY census. He claims that his mother Margaret Dye was born in NC so this may be accurate.   Of the few grandchildren of James who were in the 1880 census, none have been found claiming Maryland as their father’s place of  birth.  (1880 was the only census where this information was recorded.)  Included in the list of those claiming NC for their father’s birthplace are the children of Larkin: Leonard. James, Larkin Jr, Hazel, and the children of Obediah: Vincent, and Obediah Jr.  (From Brenda Emory.)

 

An argument to support Lorenzo’s claim of Maryland came from Mark Phelps:
I strongly agree  that this notation on the Census form was a mere  coincidence. The census taker had to get out of his routine of writing  Ky Ky Ky Ky on every line and then consciously write "Maryland" and then switch gears again and write "NC" on the very next line. He even went to the trouble to spell out the word Maryland and not use an abbreviation "Md." He had to be supplied this information by someone in the household
for him to break his routine and write a different State of birth. Yes I agree that sometimes Census records can be misleading, yet I have found them to be an invaluable asset and much more often "right" than wrong. I tend to see transcribed indexes more wrong, as the transcribers couldn't make out a name properly. In Alamance County, N.C., The Marriage Records for my 2nd great-grandmother was listed as "Harden" instead of "Harder". I begged the clerk in the Register of Deeds to correct this, even  offering to take her to her tombstone less than a mile from their office. Finally another clerk heard my plea and changed the N to an R to prevent others having a "wild goose chase".

 

In the case of the 1880 Census in Kentucky I feel that in this case the Census taker got it "right". He got this information from someone who knew the answers, not a neighbor or from his knowledge of the family. This should be looked at with enthusiasm and not with immediate "skepticism". We all owe Doug Phelps a huge amount of gratitude for the
tireless work he has done on the hunt for James Phelps parents. Although it may seem at times it may seem that he has told us more times than we want to hear who was "not" the father of "James" and burst some researchers bubbles, he has done so in a most professional way and shown the "assumed parents" by many internet postings don't hold water in most cases. It is easy in the world of the Internet to "latch on" to a family
line to easily expand their ancestry without doing other verification to make sure it actually fits. I submit that all the answers are "NOT" available on the Internet. Some times you have to actually go to the County of record and actually look for the answers personally, by searching Deeds, Wills and Marriages, along with any allied families,
neighbors etc. A good example is the family of Reuben Phelps, Son of James. Many people have queried on forums, e-mailed others hoping to find the answers, myself included, but never bothered to go to the source County and "look". prior to this time you would find no mention of this Phelps line on the Halifax Co, Va. GenWeb site or any other site. In a one day visit to the Halifax Co, Va Courthouse, thanks to clue from Doug Phelps, my father and I found a wealth of information and answers to most of the questions about Reuben Phelps and his son Isham Phelps. The 1776 Census in All Hallows Parish, Anne Arundel County, Maryland of a James Phelps with 5 children of the appropriate ages discovered by Doug Phelps, has always seemed a clue that needed a
further connection. So now when we see this further connection why would we pooh-pooh it and assume that all Census takers were lazy, underpaid,
or could care less how accurate they were.

 

There were many families in Caswell County NC, Person County NC, and the Halifax County Va. area who arrived there by way of Maryland. The William Cromwell who signed James Phelps will is one example. The Earp family came from Maryland to Caswell Co, NC and their descendants removed to Pulaski Co, Ky. at the same time that three sons of James Phelps- Larking, Obediah and Ambrose moved to the same area in Kentucky. Larking's daughter Drada Phelps married Philip Hawker Earp in Pulaski
Co. Ky. Philip Hawker Earp was 1st cousin to Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp, better known as "Wyatt Earp" famous lawman of the American West. Thought you might enjoy that little tidbit. It would not be unusual for a group of families to leave Maryland and move to Caswell Co, NC together, perhaps even with other family members arriving later.

 

Another supporting argument from Brenda Emory:  I still believe the Maryland connection is a good one! Just an FYI... two of Obadiah’s daughters that were still living in 80: Pernetta Phelps Clark states her father was born in KY (mother too) Margaret Phelps Dye states her father was born in VA (mother too) the significant thing is that the states of birth ran across the board, all three responses KY and VA so it does not appear reliable at all. I think Maryland is a good place to look for clues.

5.                   William Cromwell signed James Phelps’ will and is reported to have been from Anne Arundel Co, MD.  The following is from E R Niles,  ernabode@znet.com :   William was born Abt. 1740 in Anne Arundel Co., Baltimore, MD, and died aft 1796. He was the son of Alexander Cromwell born 1712,  South Patapsco Hundred, Baltimore Co., MD ; died 1790 in Edgecombe, North Carolina (listed in the Edgecombe 1790 census)  ; Wife Sarah Dorsey ; Married April 17, 1733 at Westminster Parish, Anne Arundel, Baltimore MD.(as documented in the marriages of A.A. Co.     He says this line of Cromwells came over from England to the Baltimore area, drifted south and then north up through the southern part of West VA.   

I found many marriages of Cromwells in A.A. Co. MD.

 

6.      Documented records describe the move of an Avington Felps (b. 1711) from Baltimore Co, Md to Rowan Co as early a 1762.   Claims are made of Avington’s ancestor Phelps/Felps coming from Barbados. This line developed an extensive genealogy in Rowan County.

 

(A 1900 Johnson Co, Ky census shows an  Aquilla Phelps age 75, wife Sarah, was born in NC Oct 1825 and his father was born in England.  This Aquilla may have been the son of Avington Phelps b 1711 but the discrepancy of the years seems in error.)

 

7.    The often reported Mary Bateman as our James' wife could have been from the Batemans who were a colonial family in Anne Arundel. There was a prominent Mary Bateman in the 1600s who had a daughter Mary Bateman in the late 1600s-early 1700s.

9.1  A father or relative from Bedford Co, VA.  Revised  2/2007 with information about Phelps in Elbert Co, GA, including children of John d. 1801 who moved to GA, and other GA Phelps.

I continue to revisite this area of study (with previous assistance from Chuck Featherston of Richmond, VA.)  Recent research information came from Mark Phelps of Snow Camp, NC and JC Rogers of Appomattox, VA.   The one potential James that I found was married in 1794 in Bedford Co. and very likely was the James who appeared in a John Phelps deed of 1801 – after the time of our James.   However there are interesting and curious events here.

The formation of Bedord Co:

• 1702: Prince George formed in 1702 from Charles City
• 1720: Brunswick formed in 1720 from Prince George
• 1746: Lunenburg formed from Brunswick in 1746
• 1752: Halifax formed from Lunenburg in 1752
• 1753:  Bedford formed from Albemarle and Lunenberg in 1753.  F
• 1764: Charlotte and Mecklenburg from Lunenburg
• 1766: Part of Halifax used for Pittsylvania in 1766

A very thorough search for a James Phelps in Bedford counties uncovered only one possible references to our James in the proper time period – but there is no implication that this James was ours and there is a 1794 marriage record to refute it.   It is conceivable a James Phelps was a son of John d 1772 and was not in John’s will, but there is nothing else to support this suggestion.

Click on this to see a map of Virginia showing the approximate locations of the Phelps lines.

Other background information:

Halifax and Bedford deed books and other materials contain many references to Phelps beginning in 1742 when the areas of these two counties were in Lunenberg Co.  

Deaths and births were listed only in parish records in colonial times. Since marriages were sometimes only listed in parish records, I reviewed all the available parish documents.  None of the needed area parish marriage, death and birth records remain in existence but Vestry minutes are often available.  Those searched were Atrim 1752-1818 (Halifax); Cumberland 1746-1816 (Lunenburg); Camden 1767-1852 (Pittsylvania); St James  1744-1806 (Goochland). Russel parish (Bedford) was not available in Raleigh but in any case, its records start too late in m.

Bedford County Phelps lines

John Phelps (Col.) d 1772:  This John was very prominent and appears often in records. Had a son John, but no James. From Our Kin : the genealogies of some of the early families who made history in the founding and development of Bedford County, Virginia  Published 1930 by Ackerly, Mary Denham  "John Phelps, the first of the name of whom we have any authentic record, was already settled in Brunswick County, Va., when Lunenburg was taken from that county, and was one of the first Justices of the new county. He, with Matthew Talbot and others, was present at the first Court of Lunenburg County held May 5, 1746.  When the increase in population made it necessary to form still another county from Lunenburg's territory, and Bedford came into being, we find John Phelps again at the head of affairs-"Justice of the Peace, and a Justice of the County Court in Chancery." He and William Callaway were Bedford's first representatives in the House of Burgesses, and from Hening's Statutes, Vol. VII, we learn that he was a Colonel in the Colonial Army.  He died in Bedford County in 1772, and his will, recorded in Will Book "A" page 137, mentions wife, Mary; children: Jane, Judith, Sarah, Ann, Mary, Betty, John, and Aggey."   This book places John’s origins in Hartford, Ct but this has been largely discredited.  Using John’s will, it is curious that there is only one son. Could it be that our James of Caswell could have been a son of this John – but was omitted from John’s will?  Even more interesting is the possibility that a son Thomas was omitted from the will, considering the Thomas of Caswell, NC and the Thomas of Elbert Co, GA

 

The original Phelps lands in Bedford were actually located on an outskirt of the City of Lynchburg and closer to there than actual Bedford. (JC Rogers)

JC Rogers, a respected researcher of the central VA Phelps lines, says he can tie John d 1772 and Mary Phelps of Bedford to Thomas d. 1751 Albemarle with land transactions and feel they are related perhaps closer than any of the other line to Thomas.

Descendants of John of Bedford d.1772 Phelps, Col.

 

1    John of Bedford d1772 Phelps, Col.  d: 1772 in Bedford Co, VA         +Mary unknown            Lived on Little Otter River in Bedford                       

.........   2          Sarah Phelps    

.........   2          Ann Phelps                              

.........   2          Mary dauthterofJohn-d1772 Phelps                                

.........   2          Betty Phelps     +Francis Pollard  b: Abt. 1720              d: 1771  (reported by Elizabeth Harris, 2005     

.........   2          Aggey Phelps                           

.........   2          Jane daugher of John d1772 Phelps       

....  2          John d. 1801-Bedford Phelps,

 

John Phelps, Lt.  d 1801 is the understood son of John d 1772.  Married first Jemima Turner and then Susan Younger in 1787 (source: Our Kin).   His will of 1801 will named the children listed in the ancestry below including a James Phelps,  This James appears not to have been our James because our James died in 1785, six years before this will was written.  Additionally, a James married Ruth Grant in 1794 as recorded in Bedford marriages. Our James’ wife was named Mary (and his mother was with him when he died).  

“Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy Vol VI Virginia lists Phelps Bedford Quaker marriages, including marriages of father John, sons James, and Thomas. (I am uncertain if the Quaker book listed only Quaker marriages – or all marriages.)  Published marriages of Bedford include those plus other Phelps non-Quaker (??) marriages. Thus a good number of marriages for the siblings of James are documented. The Quaker influence is noticeable.  

The Roster of Revolutionary Soldiers in Georgia Vol. II  published by the Georgia DAR in 1941, compiled by Ettie Tidwell McCall (Mrs. Howard H.) included soldiers who were not from Georgia but whose ancestors were.  It appears to be rather authentic, although no source is given for the Phelps line.  The ancestry lists Lt. John Phelps of Bedford marrying Jemima Turner and Susanna Younger (1794). The children were named for each mother: 11 by Jemima; 6 by Susanna.   Clearly this indicates a GA descendant placed their VA ancestry in this book.

Unsupported information from Roots in Virginia, An Account of Captain Thomas Hale, by Nathaniel Claiborne Hale, 1948, describes this family and the children of John. A key sentence is “His first wife was Miss Turner d. 1790, by whom he had 8 children; his second wife was Miss Babbitt [seems in error based on the marriage bond naming a Susanne Younger and the will naming a Susanne] by whom he had 4 sons and 5 daughters all of whom moved to Georgia with their mother after the death of their father. The numbers do not agree with the other book, but the Georgia movement is repeated.

John’s 1801 will left the plantation to wife Susannah and sons Overton, Robert and Glenn. He left 100 acres to Washington, William, and Randolph.  He did not leave land to Thomas, Richard, James, John or any of the daughters.

Other GA families have reported ties to Bedford:  Haynes

John’s children- some moved to Georgia:  In addition to the above accounts, the most important evidence is a Bedford deed in 1815 which clearly names his 5 sons and 3 daughters who were in Jasper Co. GA adjacent to Elbert Co, GA.and documented their father, John of Bedford, and deceased brother Robert.   It also names John’s residence as Little Otter River in Bedfordr.  Those names are in blue below.

As of 2/2007 no evidence indicates the final location of sibling James.

Descendants of John d. 1801 Bedford Phelps, Lt

Per John’s will and the Roster of Rev Soldiers in GA Vol II

 

   1         John d. 1801 Bedford Phelps, Lt  +Jemima Turner          b: 1750  d: 1790  m: Bef. 1787

.........   2          James sonofJohn-d 1801 Phelps            

.........   2          Thomas Phelps d: Abt. 1851 Bedford (source JC Rogers)           m. Nancy Carter 1821 (source Our Kin)

                                    3          Richard Son of Thomas Phelps   b. aft 1814                   

...............................     3          Thomas Jefferson Phelps b: 28 Dec 1821  d: 15 Dec 1905  buried in the Key-Phelps cemetery near Body Camp in Bedford VA.  

                                                 4. Thomas Key Phelps) buried in the Key-Phelps cemetery near Body Camp in Bedford VA.  (source: JC Rogers

...............................     3          James Son of Thomas-d-1851 Phelps                             

...............................     3          Joseph Carter Phelps                            

...............................     3          John Henry Phelps                               

...............................     3          Elvira Phelps                            

...............................     3          Bethania Phelps                                   

...............................     3          Ammon Phelps 

.........   2          Bethsheba Phelps                                 

.........   2          Washington Phelps                               

.........   2          Richard Phelps 

.........               3.    George Washington Phelps (1812-1892) m Elizabeth Palmer (c. 1821-1857)

                                 4.  Alonzo Ettinger Phelps (1843-1901) m Anna Elizaabeth Lyman

                                          5.  Adelaide Mae Phelps 1881-1935 m Verner Eugene Eastman 1877-1953

                                                 6.   Marion Adelade Eastman 1912- m. Donald Ross McLaughlin (1908-1989)  Ancestry submitted by  Peggy McLaughlin 

2                     Jemima Phelps  

2          Mary Phelps 

.........   2           Nancy Phelps   b: 10 Dec 1768 +Jesse Eley  *2nd Husband of  Nancy Phelps:  +Pleasant Furguson  m: 06 Oct 1785

.........   2          Lucy Phelps     

........    2          John Phelps                              

.........   2          Jane Phelps                              

     

*2nd Wife of  John d. 1801 Bedford Phelps, Lt:   +Susanne Younger  m: 18 Aug 1787

.........   2          Robert Phelps   +Martha White                         

.........   2          Glenn Phelps     +Harriet Key                           

.........   2          Overton Phelps                        

.. ........ 2          Randolph Phelps                                   

      2          William Phelps

....  2          Elizabeth/Betsy Phelps

Researched information on these children of John d 1801

James sonofJohn-d-1801 Phelps   m. Ruth Grant  m: 16 Jan 1794     Source: Bedford County Marriages   Scant evidence does not show where/when he died.

·        A James of the line of Thomas d. 1751 Albemarle VA is shown in an 1800 Elbert Co deedbook F p119 , 20 Mar. It named James Phelps & Elizabeth his wife of Elbert Co. Ga. This deed is clearly identified to exclude James of Bedford.   It shows a James and Elizabeth living in Elbert Co selling property owned in Campbell Co. VA.  (See the deed in my article on William Phelps, d.1749, Albemarle, VA, son of Thomas Phelps Sr  d.1751 of Albemarle Co, VA.)  However, it is curious that a James of the Albemarle Phelps line from Campbell/Buckingham counties moved to GA near the same time as 8 Phelps siblings from  Bedford Co. See the evidence.  This could imply a close family relationship of the two lines.

·        1809: James and Thomas Phelps named in Elbert Co involving an inquisition of R. Lindsay.  7/13/1809  Elbert deedbook “M”

·         Elbert Co. GA 1820 census: shows a James Phelps and wife, born before 1775, with son born 1804-1810. (1820 was the first GA census). No other public records have been found.

·         Liberty Co, GA 1820 census (some distance from Elbert):  James E Phelps b bef 1775, wife b 1775-1794, 1 son <10, 1 son 16-20, 1 girl <10, 1 girl  10-16

·         Since we know there was a James & Elizabeth in Elbert Co in 1801 and he was not the Bedford James, it is conceivable that the Liberty James was the Bedford James..

 

Thomas Phelps

·   b ca 1773 (Elbert Census records, IF he moved to Elbert Co, GA  

·   d. around 1880 in Elbert GA IF he moved to Elbert GA.   Otherwise d. 1851in Bedford, VA if we use Our Kin, published 1930 states he died in 1851 with no supportive documents) 

·   m. Nancy Carter 01 Dec 1814.   Source: Bedford County Marriages  and  Our Kin. ,1930.  

·   From the evidence below, the majority of indications are that Thomas moved to Elbert Co, GA around 1811. However the 1814 Bedford marriage seems to refute this conclusion. There could have been 3 Thomases: one from Bedford, his son, and an earlier Thomas.

·         Our Kin  describes the children of Thomas, of Bedford Co VA, and even more about son Thomas Jefferson Phelps implying they all remained in Bedford.. Bedford marriages show Thomas of Bedford married Nancy Carter in 1814.  

·         1820 Bedford VA census  b bef 1775 (wife also) 2 sons <10, 1 son 16-20, 2 girls < 10, 1 girl 10-16.  This cannot be Thomas’ son who was born in 1821.

·         JC Rogers says I know Thomas’ son Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Jefferson's son, Thomas Key Phelps are buried in the Key-Phelps cemetery near Body Camp in Bedford VA.  

The Thomas Phelps in GA:  . 

·        1809: James and Thomas Phelps named in Elbert Co involving an inquisition of R. Lindsay.  7/13/1809  Elbert deedbook “M”

• 1811:  In Elbert he buys 100 a. on Doves Crk in Elbert Co from a William Phelps of Franklin Co.  Deep Creek Baptist Church is near Doves Crk and contains records of Phelps. This record is an indication that William and Thomas were related.

·         Elbert census 1820   He and wife b. 1775-1794       one son 10-16; 2 daughters 10-16

·         1827:  He is named in the Land Grants to GA Rev War Vets.  County of Jasper, granted 12/1/1830, Requirements was Rev War service, not necessarily under GA, and at least 3 years residence

·         Elbert census 1830 age 50-60  (b. 1770-1780) 0-2-1-1-0-0-0-1    0-0-1-0-1-0-1   3 slaves

·         Elbert census 1840,   born 1775-1780, with 4 boys, 2 girls.  

·         1831-9 will in Jasper Co.  Is listed in Index to Wills  by Jeannette Austin 1985 (some are lost): 1831-9, Jasper Co.. This record is perplexing!

·         1850 Elbert Co census: T. Phelps b 1780, living with JC Brown in Elbert says he was born in VA

·         His apparent son, Thomas Phelps jr. m Elizabeth Ann Stinchcomb 1846 in Elbert, GA (marriage records).

·         1860 Elbert Census:  Thomas Sr, b 1773, living with Thomas Phelps Jr. says he was born in VA.

·         1880 census:  Thomas Phelps b 1815 with Elizabeth  and 4 children says his parents were born in GA   

 

William Phelps  m. Anney by 1808 (per GA deeds)    Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1815.  Source: see Bedford deed of 1815 below   However it seems odd that Thomas, while living in Elbert Co GA, would have been given a horse, cow , calf and a feather bed and furniture in a 1801 will in Bedford VA. Otherwise, this William may have moved to GA in the late 1700s from Bedford.  Others then followed, including the James & Elizabeth from the Thomas d 1751 line.  Alternatively there could have been an earlier William.

• Received a headright or bounty grant in 1774 (Headrights and Bounty Grants of GA 1756-1909)

• 1795: bought 100A on Doves Crk., Elbert Co.   Deep Creek Baptist Church is near Doves Crk and contains records of Phelps

• 1796 & 1798: on Doves Crk .  
• 1799: bought 100A on Doves Crk from *Absalom Stinchcomb.  
• 1804: buys 225 a. on Doves Crk.
• 1805: Felps is on Doves Crk. 
• 1808: William of Franklin Co (adjacent to Elbert Co) sells 100 a. on Doves Crk. William’s wife: Anney
• 1811:  William of Franklin Co sells 100 a. Doves Crk to Thomas Phelps of Elbert Co. This record is an indication that William and Thomas were related.
• 1811  Willliam of  Franklin Co sells 225 a. on Doves Crk.   William’ wife: Anney
• Sources: Elbert Co Deed Books C, F, G, J, M. N, O  1795-1813.)
• There is no William recorded in the GA censuses, the first one being 1820.  Apparently he died by this date – or moved away. 
• *“A.Stinchcomb” was named in a 1800 Elbert Co .deed when a James and wife Elizabeth Phelps (of the Thomas d 1751 line) of Elbert Co sold property in Campbell Co, VA  while they were in Elbert Co, GA. (see my write-up “ William Phelps  (d.1749, Albemarle, VA), son of Thomas Phelps Sr ( d.1751 of Albemarle Co, VA”).   Elbert Co, GA. Deedbook F p119:   20 Mar. 1800. James Phelps & Elizabeth his wife of Elbert Co. Ga. To William Bradley of Buckingham Co. VA for one hundred pounds VA. Money, 100 acres in Campbell Co. VA on Wreck Island Creek… formerly possessed by Shearer, at present possessed by Alexander Caldwell, signed James Phelps, Elizabeth (X) Phelps, Wit. James (X) Lee, John Penn, A. Stinchcomb, Regd. 12, Mar. 1800   
• Also: Elizabeth Ann Stinchcomb was named in a 1846 Phelps marriags in Elbert Co – see below. 

 

John Phelps   Moved to Oglethorpe, GA  Source: Probate 1822 in Oglethorpe.   see index at http://www.rootsweb.com/~gaogleth/newpage6.htm#P

 

Bethsheba Phelps  m. James Grayson 5/21/1791     Source: Bedford County Marriages  Unknown destination.

 

Washington Phelps   Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1815.  source: see Bedford deed of 1812 below.  (named exe on John’s will so likely is oldest)

·         Listed in Index to Wills  by Jeannette Austin 1985 (some are lost): 1822-26, Jasper Co..

 

Randolph Phelps Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1815.  source: see Bedford deed of 1812 below.

A Randolph is in the 1810 Bedford Census

 

Richard Phelps b. 1772  d.1833  m.Sarah Woodcock  m: 31 Aug 1791 : Source: Bedford County Marriages.  

·         Is in the Bedford 1810 census

·         May have moved to TN per comment by descendant – see Bedford deed below.  Also married Betsy A. Ryan (Roster of Rev Soldiers in GA Vol II)

                                    4.    George Washington Phelps (1812-1892) m Elizabeth Palmer (c. 1821-1857)

                                           5.  Alonzo Ettinger Phelps (1843-1901) m Anna Elizaabeth Lyman

                                                     6.  Adelaide Mae Phelps 1881-1935 m Verner Eugene Eastman 1877-1953

                                7.   Marion Adelade Eastman 1912- m. Donald Ross McLaughlin (1908-1989) Ancestry submitted by Peggy McLaughlin on                  genforum.genealogy.com/phelps/messages/3912.html

 

Betsy (Elizabeth?) Phelps.  “Betsy” named in father’s will.  “Elizabeth”  m. John Oliver..  “Elizabeth” named in the Bedford deed below.   Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1815.  source: see Bedford deed of 1815 below which names Elizabeth.

 

Jemima Phelps         +Jeremiah Ferguson      m: 20 Feb 1785      Source: Bedford County Marriages   Unknown destination.

 

Mary (Polly??) Phelps   m. unknown Hall bef 1801 – “Mary Hall” named on her father’s will. Likely remained in Bedford.

·         If we assume that Polly is a nickname for Mary, then m. John Furguson  7 Dec 1805 Source: Bedford County Marriages.

·         A Polly who might be this Mary/Polly in Elbert Co,  m. William Hicks Nov. 23, 1809  .  Source:  Georgia Marriages

 

Nancy Phelps   +Pleasant Furguson m: 06 Oct 1785  1794     Source: Bedford County Marriages  Unknown destination.

 

Lucy Phelps   Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1812.  source: see Bedford deed of 1812 below   m..Robert Haynes, b. 1770.    m: 15 Sep 1794   

·         Robert was the son of Capt Parmenas Haynes, Sr. and Elizabeth Baber (a name known in central VA). Parmenas was a Rev War soldier of Bedford, Va and Olgethorp, GA.    Source: Bedford County Marriages    Also, Georgia Bible Records by Jeannette Austin, 1985 and an ancestry book of GA Haynes of NC; Oglethourpe Co, GA 

·         Lucinda Listed in Index to Wills  by Jeannette Austin 1985 (some are lost):  Jasper Co. 1779-1792

 

Robert Phelps d by 1815.   (m. Martha White Source: misplaced or in error)  Moved to Oglethorpe GA.  Source: 1815 Bedford deed below and Probate 1814/1824 in Oglethorpe.  (See index at http://www.rootsweb.com/~gaogleth/newpage6.htm#P   “ Will be sold, on Wednesday, the 22nd day of February next, at the subscriber's house in Oglethorpe county, the personal property of ROBERT PHELPS, dec'd, consisting of two likely Negroes, by order of the honorable Court of Ordinary of said county. R. O. HAYNES, Adm'r. January 20, 1814.”  Source: The Friend and Monitor - Washington, Georgia Volume I, Number 2. Friday, January 20, 1815 - page 3 ADMINISTRATOR'S SALE

 

Glenn Phelps +Harriet Key Source:  misplaced or in error   Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1812.  source: see Bedford deed of 1815 below.

 

Jane   (Jenny/Jeanny) Phelps  b. 1789, d.1844  Moved with husband Haynes to Jasper Co, GA by 1815.  source: see Bedford deed of 1815 below.   m.. Parmenas Haynes, Jr. b. 1783 Jr, in Olgelthorpe, GA, 4/30/1807.  

• Parmenas Jr was the son of  Parmenas Haynes, Sr – see Lucy’s husband. (a Rev War soldier of Bedford, Va and Olgethorp, GA).   Source:  Georgia Bible Records by Jeannette Austin, 1985 and an ancestry book of GA Haynes of NC; Oglethourpe Co, GA.  Jane is named as Genny and the daughter of John and Susannah Phelps.  Jeanny is the name used in her father’s will.
• “See NSDAR 159937; 161089. See McCalls Roster of Rev Soldiers in GA” As stated in Roster of Rev Soldiers in GA Vol II.

 

Overton Phelps Moved to Jasper Co, GA by 1812 source: see Bedford deed of 1812 below.   Likely moved later to Oglethorpe, GA   Source: Probate 1819/1831 in Oglethorpe. (see index at http://www.rootsweb.com/~gaogleth/newpage6.htm#P

 

 

Key Georgia counties:  Elbert Co formed in 1790 from Wilkes Co.which is adjacent to Olgelthorpe Co (formed from Wilkes in 1793)   Wilkes Co formed Dec 1777.  Jasper Co. formed from Baldwin County in 1807 but was known originally as Randolph Co until 1812.

Researching the counties of Wise, Elbert, Jasper, and Oglethorp, we find the following other related names.                  

·         Phelps receiving a headright or bounty grant Headrights and Bounty Grants of GA 1756-1909:

·         Avington,1771:

·         David, 1797 Also listed in Index to Wills  by Jeannette Austin 1985 (some are lost): 1779-1792, Wilkes Co.

·         Moses,1799;

·         William,1774 

·         Wills of David Felts Putnam Co Georgia Wills 1808-22 and John Felts Putnam Co Georgia Wills 1823-56   Putnam is in the interior formed in 1807/

·         1820 census:  Aquilla (twice) in Jasper; Elizabeth W in Liberty, Glen in Clarke, Hillery and James E in Liberty

·         Elbert Co Deedbook  1812-1813 lists these Phelps: A., Anny, Aquilla, Avington, David, James, Nancy, Thomas, William.

·         Thomas Phelps Jr is listed in the Elbert census in 1860 as born 1816 Ga.  He is listed (not as jr) in the 1850 census as born 1817.  In the 1880 Elbert census he is listed born 1815 with wife Elizabeth b 1829.  His parents are listed as born Georgia.   (daughters Nancy?, William D, Liona?, Cornelia S? )

·         Mary Phelps m. Jesse Moon 1823 in Elbert Co.  This is probably not the Mary (Polly?)who married John Furguson in Bedford. 

·         Other Elbert marriages  include a Fanny Phelps m. Stephen Moon;  Mary Phelps m. Jesse Moon; Polly Phelps m. William Hicks;  Melinda Phelpls m. Wyatt Hicks  

·         James Phelps m. Mary A. Moon 1835 in Madison CO.  Madison Marriage Records 1812-1909

·         James Phelps m. Amarintha in Liberty Co, GA 3/11/1813   Marriage Records of Liberty CO, GA 1785-1895

·         John Phelps m. Susan A. Moon 1843 in Madison CO.  Madison Marriage Records 1812-1909

Other sources of information:

1815 Bedford Co Deed reported on Genforum by Peggy McLaughlin http://genforum.genealogy.com/cgi-bin/pageload.cgi?robert,phelps::phelps::3909.html

“As a result of litigation over the will of John Phelps, husband of Susannah Younger Phelps [Campbell], the following deed was registered. It shows that by 1815 John's daughter Elizabeth (Betsey) was married to John Oliver in Georgia:

Land and Financial Transactions of the Phelps Family 1772-1828
July 20, 1815
Randolph Phelps, William Phelps, Washington Phelps, Overton Phelps, Glenn Phelps, Lucy Haynes, formerly Lucy Phelps, represented by her husband Robert Haynes, Jane Phelps, [represented by her husband Parmenas Haynes], ELIZABETH PHELPS, represented by her husband JOHN OLIVER, all of the County of JASPER and State of GEORGIA, to Robert Haynes, Esquire of the County of Oglethorpe and the State of Georgia, to dispose of a tract of land in Bedford County, Virginia on Little Otter River whereon [LIEUT.] JOHN PHELPS, DECEASED, formerly lived, joining land of Saunders, Walker, Preston and Key -- respecting our interest, respecting the estate of Robert Phelps, deceased, or any of the aforesaid provinces.
Signed: Randolph Phelps, William Phelps, Washington Phelps. Overton Phelps, Glenn Phelps, Parmenas Haynes, John Oliver.
Witness: Jasper Haynes, Major Barkwell, Richard Clark.
Attested: Jasper County, Georgia, July 25, 1815 by William W. Kennon, J.I.C.
Recorded: BEDFORD COUNTY, Mar. 26, 1816.
Our line goes back through Betsey's older brother Richard, who moved to Tennessee…”.”

 

From gmerritt783@yahoo.com on genforum
I see one Betsy Phelps who was dau of John Phelps d. 1801. and Susannah Younger in Bedford Co, VA She could have been of marriage age in 1818, but her mother took most of the children to Georgia to some bounty land owned by her husband... This would have been about 1802-3.

 

NC Genealogy Library in Raleigh:

Abstracts of Bedford County, Virginia, will book 2, with inventories and accounts, 1788-1803

Bedford County, Virginia order book 1, 1754-1761.

Marriage bonds of Bedford County, Virginia, 1755-1800 / compiled by Earle S. Dennis and Jane E. Smith.

Will book 4-A and 4-B, Feb 1811-Nov 1817 : including appraisements and inventories, sales, and allotments, Bedford County Circuit Court, Bedford, Virginia / by Belle Garraghty Harrell & June Mackey Slaughter.

Personal property tax lists for the year 1787 for Bedford County, Virginia / by Netti Schreiner-Yantis and Florene Love.

Abstracts of Bedford County, Virginia, wills, inventories, and accounts, 1754-1787.

Bedford County, Virginia deeds.

The Board family chronicle : from Maryland to Bedford County

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Bedford County, Forest, Virginia : historical records & registers from 1824 to 1915,

Bedford Co., VA, deed book

Bedford Co. VA will book / by Ann Chilton.

Index to Virginia estates, 1800-1865 / compiled by Wesley E. Pippenger.

Virginia wills before 1799; a complete abstract register of all names mentioned in over six hundred recorded wills ... Copied from the court house records of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Loudoun, Prince William, and Rockbridge Counties.

 

Elbert County, Georgia, early marriage records.

Elbert County, Georgia deed books / abstracted and indexed by Michal Martin Farmer.  1791-1806 1806-1819 1820-1835

Elbert County, Georgia death record index, 1875-1876 & 1919-1995 / compiled ... by A.C. Holloman.

Oglethorpe Co, GA   a number of books are available

Early Georgia wills and settlements of estates, Wilkes County, Georgia / by Sarah Quinn Smith (Mrs. Edgar L.).

  Possibly more books….?

 

9.2  A father or relative from Halifax County Co, Va.  Includes information about John Phelps d1794 and his sons, John and William Major revision 2/6/2006

 

This report of 2/2006 is a major enhancement over previous versions. Two extensive reports on William and John Phelps are included here..

 

After extensive research and visits by myself, Mark Phelps and his dad, Latham, to Halifax and Pittsylvania, VA, there is no proof that our James was related to the family of John Phelps d1749 Halifax.  However, it is still very possible, considering the closeness and movements of the Phelps families back and forth.  Also, the mystery remains of who was the Jno Felps of Pulaski, KY, living with three sons of James.

 

Reasons to suspect a relationship in Halifax Co, VA

• A John Phelps proved the will of our James Phelps in 1788. Two John Phelps lived across the river in Halifax county.
• Since Halifax County, VA very nearly bordered James' property and since the NC-VA line in this area had been in dispute until fairly recent times, one would suspect that James' parents or relatives  would appear in Halifax or nearby.  
• The family of John Phelps d 1794 whose son John wes suspected of migrating to Pulaski, KY along with Ambrose, Obediah and Larkin Phelps, sons of our James. By 1810 they are listed originally in the census as Felps. The Somerset, Pulaski census of 1810 lists a Jno Felps with wife each born before 1765.  He is reported (by researcher Brenda Emory) to have died due to an estate inventory there in 1823.  The 1820 census names only a younger Jno Phelps with wife born 1776-1795 with a son and daughter b. 1811-1819. Of course there are many William Phelps who migrated to other parts of KY.  
• The Phelps of Caswell were often connected to Halifax. An interesting Halifax deed was reported by Tamra Phelps, Somerset, KY:  “A deed between Reuben Phelps, James’ son, and the heirs of William Wesley, including Eleanor Wesley Dye, Shadrack Dye’s wife, is in Halifax Co, VA (10-20-1813, in court 6-27-1814).  Isham Phelps [who we now know was Reuben’s son] witnessed this deed but in 1850 he lives in Caswell CO, NC. “   The Dyes married into the Phelps family.

 

After earlier extensive research into the pre-1800 abstract books of Halifax, I found no connections to James but I wondered still if either William or John, son of John d 1794 Halifax, could have been involved with the James Phelps family.  I did not find a James Phelps of the era but there was a Thomas and James Philips very likely were our Thomas and James living in Caswell across the Dan River from Halifax..

 

In early 2006 fellow researchers Mark Phelps and his father, Latham, (with initial help from me) discovered unexposed wills which proved the descendants of Reuben Phelps, son of James, were in Halifax.  (See Mark Phelps’ report.)  We also were able to discover the family of the John’s son, John Jr.  His will of 1846 and extensive property records proved he remained in Halifax.

 

In Feb of 2006 I visited the courthouses of Pittsylvania and Halifax counties and reviewed most of their extensive material which went back to the 1700s.  I was able to conclude very positively that William Phelps also remained in Halifax and later moved to Pittsylvania where he died without a will.  Click here to read my complete report on these two sons, which contains other Halifax Phelps information.

 

What may eventually be a solution is to find the present day descendants of John or William and compare a Y-DNA test of them to our James Phelps line.  That would prove or disprove a family relationship.

 

What remains unanswered now is who were the two John Phelps in Pulaski, KY 1810 and 1830?  They may point to the real connection to James Phelps of Caswell.

 

The formation of Halifax Co:

• 1702: Prince George formed in 1702 from Charles City
• 1720: Brunswick formed in 1720 from Prince George
• 1746: Lunenburg formed from Brunswick in 1746
• 1752: Halifax formed from Lunenburg in 1752
• 1753:  Bedford formed from Albemarle and Lunenberg in 1753
• 1764: Charlotte and Mecklenburg from Lunenburg
• 1766: Part of Halifax used for Pittsylvania in 1766

A very thorough search for a James Phelps in Halifax Co brought forth three possible references to our James in the proper time period:  

 1.      A James Phelps is named as an owner of property bounding a Halifax property sale March 15, 1784^.[12]   The key words were ". From Jacob Die (Dye) of H. to James Reylye (Rylye, Rylie) of Caswell County …. In Halifax on Mill Cr, Dan River bounded by … James Phelps"   Curiously, a Mill Cr adjacent to the Va line is listed several times later in property records in Caswell Co by our James and his sons.  Since I did not find a James Phelps property record in Halifax, VA it is my opinion that the property record is referring to our James Phelps in Caswell Co, NC.

2.       A James is listed in the 1785 Halifax personal property tax list as being over 21, owning 6 cattle and 1 horse

3.       There was a J Phelps named in the 1789 tax list, north dist, as other tithables > 21. However, this date is after our James’ death.

An interesting James and Thomas Philips appear in two Halifax tax lists: James Philips in 1784 and Thomas Philips in 1783. It is very conceivable that these two Philips were in fact James and Thomas Phelps  – reporting property in both NC and VA.   Recall that our James listed in Caswell in 1784 as Richmond dist on Mill Crk, 2 white polls, 0 black pools, 292a 461 lbs. This is right at the often disputed Va. line.  A Thomas Phelps, not the son of James but the “older Thomas Phelps”, listed in Caswell earlier and in 1784 listed as: Glouster Dist,  1 white poll, o black polls, 1084a, 461 lbs.  

Keep in mind that in the 1790 Caswell Census, there was a John Fleps, St. Lawrence Districe: M637 Roll:7 Page 7

Descendants of John of Halifax d. 1794 Phelps, Capt?                                                                                               

 

    1          John of Halifax d. 1794 Phelps, Capt?                     d: 1794 in Halifax, Atrim Parish                             

..      +Drusilla                                                         

.........       2              John "son-of-John-of-Halifax-d-1794" Phelps         b: in abt 1765           d: 1846 in Halifax Co, VA                       

.............                   +Lucy Walthall                                        m: 17 Dec 1789 in Halifax Co, VA         

....................            3              William Phelps        b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

....................            3              Henry Phelps           b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

....................            3              Lucy Phelps             b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

....................            3              Ailcey (Alice?) Phelps             b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

........................                        +Daniel Whitmore                                   m: 15 Mar 1823 in Halifax Co, VA         

....................            3              Martha Phelps         b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

....................            3              Francis Phelps          b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

........................                        +Jane                                                      

....................            3              Jane Phelps              b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

....................            3              Nancy Phelps           b: in Halifax Co, VA                                

........................                        +Kester Tune                                           m: 22 Jan 1813       

.........                       *2nd Wife of John "son-of-John-of-Halifax-d-1794" Phelps:                                                 

.............                   +Mary T. Chappell                                  m: 10 May 1836 in Halifax Co, VA        

.........       2              William Phelps        b: Abt. 1763 in Halifax Co, VA                d: Abt. 1826 in Pittsylvania Co, VA                         Residence: Abt. 1816 Pittsylvania Co, VA

.............                   +Elizabeth McCraw  b: Abt. 1763                             m: 08 Nov 1790 in Halifax Co, VA         

....................            3              William Phelps, Jr    b: Abt. 1792 in Halifax Co, VA                                               

........................                        +unknown                b: Abt. 1792                                            

....................            3              Son2 Phelps             b: Bet. 1800 - 1809 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Son3 Phelps             b: Bet. 1800 - 1809 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Son4 Phelps             b: Bet. 1785 - 1804 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Son5 Phelps             b: Bet. 1800 - 1809 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Daughter1 phelps     b: Bet. 1766 - 1784 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Daughter2 Phelps     b: Bet. 1785 - 1804 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Daughter3 Phelps     b: Bet. 1785 - 1804 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Daughter4 Phelps     b: Bet. 1785 - 1804 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

....................            3              Daughter5 Phelps     b: Bet. 1790 - 1794 in Halifax Co, VA                                    

.........       2              Salley Phelps                                                           

.............                   +Thomas Carr                                                         

.........       2              Jane Phelps                                                             

.............                   +Byrne                                                    

.........       2              Elizabeth ? "Betsey" Phelps                                                    

.............                   +Nathaniel Royster                                                 

.........       2              Milley Phelps                                                          

.............                   +Pettey                                                   

.........       2              Fanney Phelps                                                        

.............                   +Johnson                                                

.........       2              Polley (Patty?) Phelps                                                            

.............                   +Richard Walne                                       m: 20 Aug 1785 in Halifax Co, VA         

1794 Will of John Phelps

1793 - Halifax Co., VA, Will Book 3, Wills 1792-1797, p.92.
I, John PHELPS, of Antrim Parish of Halifax, being weak of body but of perfect sense.....
To my son, William PHELPS - the land and plantation whereon I now live, and 1 Negro girl named Hanner, and 1 cow and calf and sow and pigs.  William is to pay all my just debts and is to pay the rest of my children as follows:  John PHELPS - 15 pounds, Sally CARR - 10 pounds, Jane BYRNE - 10 pounds, Betsey ROYSTER - 15 pounds, Milley PETTEY - 10 pounds, Fanney JOHNSON - 10 pounds, Polley WALNE - 15 pounds.  For distributing the money and paying my debts, William is to have 6 Negros and household furniture and stock.
To my son, John PHELPS - the land and plantation whereon he now lives, and 1 Negro boy named Stephen.  If John does not get a deed to the land that was James McCRAW's, he is to have 40 pounds out of the balance of my estate.  If he gets a deed to the above land, he is to have 10 pounds.
To my daughter, Salley CARR - 200 acres of the land and plantation whereon she now lives, and 1 Negro girl named Mary.
To my daughter Jane BYRNE -  the land and plantation whereon she now lives, and 1 Negro man named Moses, and 1 Negro girl named Winney, for service done in working for me.
To my daughter, Betsey ROYSTER -  the land and plantation where she now lives, and 1 Negro girl named Sis.
To my daughter, Milley PETTEY -  200 acres of the land and plantation whereon she now lives, and 1 Negro woman named Ester and child named Richmond.
To my daughter, Fanney JOHNSON - 114 acres of land whereon she now lives, 1 Negro womaen named Rachel, and 1 Negro girl named Cila, during her natural life, and then to be divided among her children.
To my daughter, Polley WALNE - 1 Negro boy named Reuben and 1 Negro girl named Darkus, during her natural life, and then to be divided among her children.
To my granddaughter, Johannis PHELPS - 1 Negro girl named Christain.
To my wife, Drusilla - the remainder of my estate during her life. The remainder consists of 6 Negros and my household furniture and stock.
Executor:  son, William PHELPS.
Signed 4 Sept 1793 - John PHELPS.
Wit. - Finne DIXON, John BARLEY, Ambrose Heart, Judith BARNES. 
Probate: At H Court of 27 Jan 1794, the Will of John PHELPS, desceased, was exhibited in court by William PHELPS, proven and or.  William PHELPS was granted a certificate for obtaining probate;  securities were Henry BASS, Hawkins LANDRUM, abs James McCRAW.

 

Pre-1800 Halifax and Bedford deed books and other materials contain many references to Phelps beginning in 1742 when the areas of these two counties were in Lunenberg Co.  I was hoping to find a reference to Isham Phelps. He was listed as a Halifax resident in an 1831 Caswell deed – which curiously mentioning a Mill Cr in Caswell Co.  I found no reference in Halifax or Bedford Counties deed books before 1800, and I did not pursue the records of the 1800s.  (Mill Creek is somewhat of a generic name for creeks of that time – and there was also a Mill Creek in southern Halifax county, VA. As well as in Person Co.)

Click on this to see a map of Virginia showing the approximate property owned by this line.

I feel I searched the entire and complete inventory of the Pre-1800 Halifax documents. This includes Halifax books:  the abstracts of: will books 1752-1797, deed books 1752-1796, plea books 1752-1851, property tax list 1782-1791, Marriage bonds/ministers’ returns 1753-1800; land entries 1737-1770 in present Halifax, Pittsylvania, Henry and Patrick counties; Election of Burgess voter list 1764-1769; plus several other miscellaneous books.  While I used the inventory of the NC Library in Raleigh, I compared to make sure it fully covers all the material at the Court Clerk’s office in Halifax.  I also reviewed other several nearby county abstract books.  In all I found only two listed James references for the proper period.

 

Deaths and births were listed only in parish records in colonial times. Since marriages were sometimes only listed in parish records, I reviewed all the available parish documents.  None of the needed area parish marriage, death and birth records remain in existence but Vestry minutes are often available.  Those searched were Atrim 1752-1818 (Halifax); Cumberland 1746-1816 (Lunenburg); Camden 1767-1852 (Pittsylvania); St James  1744-1806 (Goochland). Russel parish (Bedford) was not available in Raleigh but in any case, its records start too late in 1778.  James does not appear in these books except for the items listed above.  Clearly many records are lost forever (see Why pre Revolutionary records may be lost forever )

 

 

10.  A father in King and Queen Co, Va.  

 

A very interesting possibility, but nothing seems available to prove the link.  This suggestion was based on two clues:

 My fourth great grandmother was Nancy Phelps of Caswell County, born in the mid 1700s. (You may have concluded rightly that my ancestors married within the family.)  Nancy married Thomas Roan who was born in King and Queen, VA in 1761.[13]  Several researchers have reported, with no source evidence, that Nancy's father, Thomas Phelps born 1727 [14][22], was also born in King and Queen.  This Thomas Phelps, as several of the Phelps researchers contend, was the "older" Thomas who lived near James Phelps and was not James' son who was also named Thomas. Several researchers have suggested that this older Thomas could have been a brother of James. If so, then James may also have been born in King and Queen, VA.  

 

Secondly, the Caswell County Heritage Book, item 427, has an article about James Lea, a son of William Lea of King and Queen. Thomas Phelps (likely the "older" Phelps) was given power of attorney by Lea to obtain lawful title to land in King and Queen.  "Phelps may have returned to VA to claim a part of the Lea estate himself as both Lea and Phelps had daughters that married into the Sargent family."  Apparently the Sargent family had King and Queen ties.

 

Thirdly, a Thomas Phelps is listed on the 1704 Rent Rolls in King and Queen, VA. However this date was about 23 years before Thomas Phelps's birth.  Perhaps this 1704 Thomas was his father?

 

I checked all the available K&Q records plus the parish records. I understand K&Q is one of the “burn” counties, so many records may be lost.  

           

King and Queen County was formed from New Kent in 1691.   

King William County was formed from King and Queen in 1701.

 

11.  A father related to the Phelps from the Forsyth Co, NC area.   

 

A remote possibility but after extensive research, no link can be seen.   An interesting point is that the great-grandson of James, Jacob AI Phelps (my great grandfather), moved his mother and siblings to Forsyth Co in 1876 after marrying a woman from Surry Co.  Surry Co records show some Phelps not yet identified.  Surry Co was formed from Rowan in 1771. It is north of Forsyth Co and beside Stokes Co.

 

The clues to this possibility include Phelps from Surry, Stokes, Rowan, Forsyth and Davidson Co. Clearly there was one or more other Phelps lines which appeared in these counties. The given names in the 1800's and early 1900's often are the same as those of the Jacob Phelps line. Additionally, there was a Samuel Phelps who moved from Mass in 1818 and had descendants. It may be that many of the other Phelps in this area descended from the Phelps who moved to Rowan County from Baltimore (see Aquilla Phelps).

 

·          Mary Jones'  1833 will in Surry Co  (She was a Mary Phelps since her sons were Thomas, Avington and Samuel Phelps, Others also listed.      

·          Hiram Phelps was BM at a wedding in 1822 in Surry

·          Thomas Phelps was BM at a wedding in 1830 in Surry

·          My great grandfather Jacob Phelps married Nancy Marion in Surry in 1874.  

·          My great grandfather Jacob Phelps, great-grandson of James, his mother and siblings signed Caswell deed (selling property) in Surry in 1876.

·          My great grandfather Jacob married Nancy Marion Phelps (wife of my Jacob Phelps) born 1852 in Surry Co.

·          Juliana Phelps from Stokes Co. attended Salem Acadamy in Winston Salem   1838-1839 Stokes is just north of Forsyth and was formed in 1789 from Surry.    Guardian of Juliana Phelps (Salem Acadamy)  was Hiriam Phelps of Clemmonsville (incorrectly listed as Forsyth)

 

12. A father from Tyrrell County, N.C.  NEW 9/2004

 

Thanks to a contributing researcher, Brenda Emory, I have been enlightened with the significant number of Phelps - including several James Phelps -  who lived in Tyrrell County during the time of our James Phelps of Caswell.  Tyrrell is south across the Albemarle Sound from Perquimans Co.   With Brenda's help I tried  to determine if James' parents could have come from this area.   It seems few researchers have worked on this line of Phelps.  In addition to Phelps, some Batemans also lived there.  If anyone has researched this area we would appreciate very much to hear from you.

 

Conclusions on the study of the several James in Tyrrell Co. in the 1700s  Sept 20, 2004

 

My objective was to determine if there was a James Phelps in Tyrrell who moved to Caswell by the time James of Caswell is recorded being.   The likely date was no later than 1778 when he made his land entry and for certain no later than 1784 when he was listed on tax list.   It would be very helpful if we could find a James in Tyrrell who married a Mary but apparently there is no record of that in Tyrrell. (See my other material showing that the reported marriage to Mary Bateman in Perquimans was not possible.)