Lemons: Buffalo Creek

Some Sons of John Lemons

By his First Wife, Name Unknown

Alexander Lemons

Alexander was a soldier in Revolutionary War.  He was listed on the 1835 Report on Pensions, having served as a Private, NC Continental Line.  That year he was age 73, residing in Rockingham County.[1]

11 Mar 1786: Alexander married Sarah Grant.

1788: Alexander Lemmons was appointed one of the "patrollers" in Hunter's District.[2]

1790 Census, Salisbury District, Rockingham County, NC: Alexander Lemmon was enumerated with 1 male over 16, 2 under; 2 females.

1 May 1800: Along with [brother] John Limon Junior, he was given 629 acres in a deed of gift by John Limon Senior.  The parcel was located on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek adjoining John Strong and crossing Tomlin's Fork.  Witnesses: John Gibson and Sneed Strong.  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

1800 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Alexander Lamons was listed with 3 males under 10, 1 26-45, 2 over 45; 2 females under 10, 1 26-45; 20 slaves.[3]  Who is living with them?

12 Sep 1808: John married Catherine Arden Somers, widow of John Somers, in Caswell County, NC.

22 May 1810: Along with John May, he witnessed deeds of gift to [step-mother] Talitha Limon from John Limon Junior and from John Junior and [brother] James Limon.  He also witnessed the relinquishment from Talitha of her dower rights in the estate of John Limon Senior, deceased.[4]

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: The household of Alexander Lemmon consisted of 1 male under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female under 10, 3 10-16, 1 26-45; 3 slaves.

23 Nov 1810: Alexander Limon purchased 314 1/2 acres from John Limon Junior for $500 on the waters of Buffalow Island Creek of the Dan River adjoining John Strong and crossing Tomlin's Fork.  Witnesses: Alexander (x) and Betsy Sneed.[5]

12 Mar 1813: James and Joshua Grant, justly indebted to Alexander Lemons for $1,050, mortgaged their land in Caswell County.  Payment was due 25 Dec 1813.  The deed of trust was witnessed by Thomas (x) Ruffin.[6]

13 Mar 1813: Alexander Limon acknowledged an inheritance to Catherine and himself from New York, NY.  When sold, this legacy added $1,500 to his estate.  He then conveyed 1/3 of his enlarged estate to Catherine with John May as trustee.  In return, Catherine was to make no other claim to his estate.  If she predeceased him, the $1,500 in trust was to pass to her heirs.  Witnesses: I. Grant and _____ Grant.[7]  Are the Grants attempting to protect the inheritance of their presumed kinswomen, Sarah Grant Lemons, now deceased, five years after John's marriage to second wife Catherine?   

22 Oct 1814: Alexander Limon was given a deed of trust from Daniel Worsham for a debt of $140.  The collateral was 200 acres adjoining Thomas Carter.  Witnesses: John and Alexander (x) May.[8]

1815 Tax List, Rockingham Co, NC: Alexander Lemons, 679 acres valued at $943; 1 poll.  He was listed between John Lenox and Talitha Lemons on a list taken by Jesse Harris.[9]

8 Dec 1816: Along with Robert Mengast,  Alexander Limon witnessed the will of Michael Thomas.[10]

12 Dec 1818: Alexander Limmons sold 44 acres on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek along Tomlin's Fork to David Roach for $50.  Witnesses: Samuel Roberts and  James Meg__e.[11]

24 Feb 1819: Alexander Lemon purchased 178 [or 187] acres from James Grant at a Sheriff's sale for $243.40.  The witnesses to the deed were James W. Grant and R. Galloway.[12]

1820 Census, Rockingham County, NC:  2 males 16-26, 1 over 45; 3 females 16-26, 1 over 45; 8 slaves.[13]

16 Oct 1820: He and Richard Austin witnessed a deed from the heirs of [sister] Elizabeth Austin to John Limon for 44 acres which had descended to Elizabeth from John Lemon Senior.[14]

22 Oct 1821: Along with Z. Strong, he witnessed a deed from [half-brother] Jefferson Limon of Henry County, VA to Robert Strong for 44 acres on both sides of Buffalo Island Creek.[15]

9 Dec 1828: Alexander, [son] William, and [son] Thomas (x) Limon witnessed a deed from John Lindsay to James Strange of 3 1/3 acres, part of Lot #5 of the John Lemmonds estate.[16]

1830 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 60-70; 1 female 5-10, 1 30-40.[17]

3 Jan 1834: Along with James Lemons, Alexander Lemmons was among the commissioners laying off the dower lands of Ellis Robert's widow.[18]

c. 1835: Alexander Lemons witnessed a deed of trust from Joseph Covington to Thomas Pratt resulting from Covington being indebted to Alexander in the amount of $100.  The other witness was John Cox.[19]  John was almost certainly the Cox who was married to Peggy Lemons, Alexander's daughter.

16 May 1837: He sold 3 acres on Whetstone Creek to Thomas Giles for $20.00.  Witnesses: William P. Adams and William Wright.[20]

30 Aug 1837: Alexander Lemon sold 21 and 1/4 acres to John Lindsay for $75.00.  This land was located on the side of the Main Road that adjoined James Thomas.  The witnesses were James Lemons and Reason Waters; but the deed was proved in court by [son] John Lemons.[21]

9 Mar 1839:Alexander Lemonds purchased land for $2,550 from Daniel Stone of Henry County, VA.  The parcel was located on the north side of the Dan River and ran from Briry Bottom to the mouth of Rocking Spring adjoining Porter, Wholston Creek, Charles P. May, Thomas Giles, and William Roberts.  Witnesses: William E. Price, M. C. S. Carter, and John Montgomery.[22]

24 Feb 1840: He was involved in three separate transactions, each for only $1.00, i.e. deeds of trust: 1) he purchased 105 acres on the waters of Tomlin's Fork adjoining the Widow Lindsey, [son-in-law] John Robertson, and Thomas Lemon from [son-in-law] Hezekiah Jones; 2) he sold 110 acres on Tomlin's Fork Creek adjoining [son-in-law] John Robertson, William Limon, Wiley Comer, and Hezekiah Jones to Thomas Limons; 3) he sold 110 1/2 acres on the waters of Buffalo Creek adjoining  John Robertson, James Lemons, and Harden Carter to William Lemons.  Witnesses for all three conveyances were John Robertson and Thomas Pratt.[23]  The Thomas Lemon is probably Alexander's son Thomas.  William Lemons was probably Alexander's son, but could have been his brother.

1840 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Alexander Lemmons was enumerated with 1 male 80-90; 1 female 10-15, 1 60-70.  They were listed next to William Lemmons, age 50-60.[24]

c. 1840: Alexander Lemonds sold 221 acres on Buffalo Island Creek adjoining James Lemons and John Cox to John Robertson of Granger County, TN for $301.  Witnesses: C. T. Carter and William Limon.[25]

5 Aug 1841: Alexander Lemons made a deed of gift to the Trustees of the Baptist Church of Christ at Leaksville for love and veneration of the church, 1 acre adjoining Charles Strong and crossing Ward's Gap Road.  Witnesses: Ezra Henshaw and Emsley Allrup.[26]

31 Dec 1845: Alexander Lemmons sold 100 acres on Tomlin's Fork Creek to Thomas Lemmons for $400.  Witnesses: C. W. Strong and John Cox.[27]

26 Feb 1846: Alexander Lemmonds purchased 110 acres from John Robertson for $300.  The land was located on the waters of Tomlin's Fork adjoining Thomas Limons, John Cox, William Lemons, and Charles Gates.  Witnesses: John Cox and A. H. Ba____.[28]

5 Sep 1846: Third wife wife Obedience died.[29]

30 Oct 1846: Alexander (x) Lemons sold to [son-in-law] Archibald and [daughter] Jane McDonnell for natural love plus $10, 297 acres on the north side of the Dan River which Alexander had purchased from Daniel Stone and upon which he "at present resides".  Alexander is to hold and occupy 1/2 of this parcel for his natural life.  Witnesses: A. M. Scales and David Smith.[30]

Oct 1846: Alexander Limonds deeded to Jane and Archibald McDonnell for natural love plus $5, slaves Charlotte, Sarah, Delpha, Mark, and Isaac.  This "property" had come to Alexander by "my late wife Obedience".  Witnesses: A. M. Scales and David Smith.[31]   

4 Dec 1846: Alexander (x) Lemmons deeded to daughter Jane McDonnell for natural love plus $5 slaves Burwell aged 12 and Robert aged 1.  Witnesses: Thomas Giles and George Irvin.[32]

2 Dec 1847: Alexander Lemons and Archibald McDonnell sold for natural love plus $5, slave Minerva aged 8 to John and Catherine Robertson.  Witnesses: William Lemon and John C. Cox.[33]

1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC:  Farmer age 90, born in NC, with  real property worth $1,645; [daughter] Nancy 45, born NC.[34]

24 Mar 1852: Justly indebted to John Kerr, Thomas Ruffin, and John H. Dillard for $1,000 (his councils in an equity suit against Archibald and Jane McDonnell) and desirous of providing for the maintenance of Jane, Alexander (x) Lemmonds deeded for natural love plus $5 (from Franklin Harris) 120 acres on Tomlin's Fork adjoining Thomas and James Lemmons, R. Barnes, and Charles Gates, 1/2 of 297 acres on the Dan River, and slaves named herein.  The 120 acres were to belong to Jane for life, the 1/2 of 297 acres and slaves were hers upon the death of Alexander.  Franklin Harris was to hold the above in trust, but if requested by Kerr, Ruffin or Dillard, whatever needed could be sold to pay Alexander's debt of $1,000.  Witnesses: Luke Roach, W. M. Harris, and Hugh Willis.[35]

24 May 1852: Alexander brought suit in Superior court to annul the deeds of 297 acres and 5 slaves to Archibald and Jane McDonnell dated 30 Oct 1846 and 2 slaves dated 2 Dec 1846.  The court found the deeds null and void.  Alex then deeded to Franklin Harris as Trustee 1/2 of 297 acres and slaves for the use and benefit of Jane McDonnell during her lifetime, then to her children.  [Bypassing Archibald.]  For all these reasons plus $1.00, Archilbald and Jane sell 1/2 of 297 acres plus the slaves to Alexander.[36]  This would seem on the surface to be the same conveyance as the previous entry dated 24 May 1852; but the sources differ.

5 or 25 Jan 1853: Alexander signed his will with his mark.  Executor: John Robertson, William and Thomas Limons.  Witnesses: B. S. Roberts and I. S. Roberts.  The will was proved Nov 1858.[37]

17 Dec 1858: The division of slaves was very complicated, but the heirs were John and Katherine Robertson, the children of Betsy Jones, John, William, and Thomas Lemons.  The division of land on 10 Dec 1858 resulted in 109 acres to Jane McDonald and 139 acres [near Whetstone Creek] to John and Katherine Robertson and William and Thomas Lemons.  Commissioners: T. S. Galloway, William Y. Harris, Luke A. Roach, Hugh Willis, and J. P. Dillard.[38]

Children of Alexander and Sarah Grant Lemons: Alexander may have had son named George, enumerated close to Alexander and Thomas Lemmons in 1830.  Or was that George the son of brother James?

William Lemons (     - 1862; m. Frances "Fanny" ______)

John Lemons (11 Apr 1791 - 1873; Sarah "Sally" Somers)

Mary "Polly" Lemons (m. ______ Grogan)

Elizabeth "Betsy" Lemons (m. Hezekiah Jones)

Thomas Lemons (c. 1801 -     ; m. Jane ______)

Katherine Lemons (c. 1803 - 7 Oct 1884; m. John Robertson)

Nancy Lemons (c. 1805 -     ; m. Gabriel Shelton)

Children of Alexander and Obedience Lemons:

Jane Lemons (1 Dec 1827 - 16 May 1908; m. Archibald McDonnell 25 Jul 1846)

David Lemons

1800 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male under 10, 1 26-45; 1 female 16-26.  He was enumerated between George Brown and John Morehead.[39]

12 Oct 1808: David Leamon and John Strong witnessed a deed from Alexander Martin to John Reagon on Brushy Fork of Jacob's Creek.[40]  Or was this man the son of William and Elizabeth Lemonds of Troublesome Creek?    Brushy fork flows northeast into Jacob's Creek.  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45; 3 females under 10, 1 26-45.

16 Oct 1812: David (x) Limon sold 44 acres on the waters of the Dan River, part of the estate of John Limon, to Robert Ellis for $59.  The deed was witnessed by Robert (x) Strong.[41]

David wasn't listed on the 1820 Census in Rockingham County.

John Lemons

Julia Fewsmith claimed that John Junior, son of the Buffalo Creek John, married a Martha Lane.  Paulette Buche agrees, but names a second wife, a "Sarah Lemons".  Do we have two John Lemons? 

4 Feb 1797: John Lemon Junior purchased 100 acres on Buffalo Creek adjoining the Stokes County line from Nathan Okey for £20.  Witnesses: John Lemon Senior, Robert Strong, and John (x) Strong.[42]  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

1 May 1800: Along with [brother] Alexander Limon, John Junior was given a deed of gift of 629 acres by their father John Senior.  The land was located on the waters of Buffalo Creek adjoining  John Strong and crossing Tomlin's Fork.  Witnesses: John Gibson and Sneed Strong.

4 Jun 1802: John Lemmon and Robert Strong winessed a survey for Sneed Strong on the northwest side of the Dan River on Schoolhouse Branch adjoining Nathaniel Scales, William Fields, and John Lemmon.[43]  This witness could have been John Senior rather than John Junior. 

4 Apr 1805: Along with [brother] James Limon, John Junior bought two parcels on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek, one of 446 acres and one of 186 acres adjoining Menzies and Weldon.  The total price was £1,000.  Witnesses: John Cox, Robert (x) Strong, and John Austin.  That same day he also purchased from his father 20 head of cattle, 6 horses, 2 feather beds, house and kitchen furniture, and farming utensils for $579 and 5 slaves (Cuffs, Phillis, Lewis, Ann, Abram) for £400.[44]

27 Mar 1807: Along with John Limon Senior and James Limon, John Junior sold 16 acres on the north side of the Dan River to Sneed Strong for £50.  Witnesses: Joshua Smith, John May, and Jonathan Aldridge.[45]

12 Feb 1810: John (x) Limon witnessed a deed from John Limon Senior and Joshua Smith to Michael Thomas for 150 acres on the waters of Whetstone Creek.  Other witnesses were Thomas Smith, John (x) Thomas, and James Limon.[46]

22 May 1810: John Junior and James Limon made deed of gift to [stepmother] Talitha Limon of the tenement on Buffalow Island Creek formerly belonging to John Senior with an adjoining property of 50 acres.  This parcel was bordered by John Menzies, Robert Strong, and Zachariah Strong.  John also made a deed of gift to Talitha of 1 sorrel horse, 2 cows and yearlings, and personal household items.  In return, Talitha relinquished any claim to dower rights in the estate of John Limon Senior.  Witnesses: Alexander Limon and John May.[47]

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 2 males under 10, 1 26-45; 3 females under 10, 1 26-45; 12 slaves.[48]

15 Aug 1810: John Lemons Junior sold 100 acres on the waters of Buffalow Creek adjoining Hickory Creek and the Stokes County line to Chesley Barnes for £20 Virginia money.  Witnesses: Alexander Sneed and George Jinnings.[49]    

23 Nov 1810: John Limon Junior sold 314 1/2 acres (part of 629 acres granted to John Senior in 1779) on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek of the Dan River adjoining John Strong and crossing Tomlin's Fork to Alexander Limon for $500.  Witnesses: Alexander (x) Sneed and Betsy Sneed.[50]

26 Mar 1811: Talitha Limon released to John Limon Junior of TN and James Limon all rights and claims to the "messuage" adjoining Strong and Menzies conveyed to her on 22 May 1810.  Price: $1.00.  In addition, she re-conveyed to John Junior all livestock and personal property deeded to her by him on 22 May 1810.  This release and re-conveyance were in return for her distributive share of the estate of John Limon Senior, deceased.  This was witnessed by Alexander (x) Sneed and A. Philips.[51]

21 Sep 1811:  "John Limon of Williamson County, TN" and James Limon sold two tracts on Buffalow Island Creek adjoining Weldon to the heirs of John Limon Senior for £1,000.  Witnesses: Alexander (x) Sneed and Sneed Strong.[52]

24 Sep 1812: "John Limon of Williamson County, TN" sold 5 slaves to the heirs of John Limon for £400, along with 6 horses, 12 head of cattle, 2 featherbeds and furniture, house and kitchen furniture, and farming utensils for $570.  (The slaves were the aforementioned Cuff, Phillis, Lewis, Ann, and Abraham.)  The witness was Alexander (x) Sneed.[53]

5 Oct 1812: "John Limon of Williamson County, TN" sold to John Lindsay for $88, 44 acres on the waters of the Dan River adjoining John Menzies, being a portion of the lands descended to him from his father John Limon.  He had been given Lot #5 in the division of lands, a lot that was described as adjoining John Lindsay.  Witnesses: Alexander Sneed and Jonathan (x) Aldridge.[54]

18 Mar 1823: Along with Isaac Dancy, Spencer Buford, and [son] Robert Lemon, he witnessed the will of Sally Rouden in Williamson County, TN.  He was also named the executor.

John moved to Fayette County, TN, near the Old Shiloh Methodist Church just south of the Haywood County line, in 1831.[55]

1 Aug 1835: John signed his will.

10 Jun 1836. John died in Fayette County.  His will was proved 11 Jun 1836. 

Children of John and Hannah Dancy Lemons: According to Rev. L. C. Lemons, the children of John Junior were: Mary (Polly), b. 1786; Alexander, b. 1788, m. Teresa Neely; Elizabeth, b. 1788; Samuel, b. 1789; John, b. 1792, m. Sarah Lane; Zaza B, b. 1794; Ellison B, b. 1796; William, b. 1800; Jesse, b. 1802; Thomas, b. 1805; and George, b. 1808.[56]  But . . . Ellison B. and Zaza D. were the sons of George Lemonds of Troublesome Creek as evidenced by the property division of 5 Sep 1839.

Robert Lemons (13 Apr 1801 - 29 Jan 1866; m. Martha Dancy 25 Apr 1833)

Jane Lemons (c. 1803, NC -     ; m. Jacob Hill 28 Nov 1819)

Charles P. Lemons (18 Sep 1806 - 15 Oct 1847; m. Susan Buford 5 May 1840)

Mary "Polly" Lemons (16 Jul 1808 - 3 Jan 1886; m. Gardiner Mays 1827)

Elizabeth P. Lemons (c. 1810 -     m. Phillip W. Baugh 10 Nov 1831)

Lydia R. Lemons (1817 -     ; m. Elisha Dodson)

Sally Owen Lemons (1821 -     ; m. George T. Wainwright 13 Jan 1847)

Judith Ann Lemons (c. 1825 -     m. John M. Taylor 11 Oct 1848)

James Lemons & Joanna Thomas

James was probably the man who served as Private, 6th Regiment, Rockingham Brigade under Capt. William Lemons.

4 Apr 1805: James Limon and John Limon Junior purchased two tracts on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek from John Limon Senior for £1,000, one parcel of 446 acres and one parcel of 186 acres adjoining Menzies and Weldon.  Witnesses: John Cox, Robert (x) Strong, and John Austin.  Also that same day, James purchased 5 slaves (Isaac, Bes, Tom, Bob, Hagar) from his father for £500.  Witnesses: Robert (x) Strong and John Austin.[57]  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

27 Mar 1807: John Senior, John Junior, and James Limon sold 16 acres on the north side of the Dan River to Sneed Strong for £50.  Witnesses: Joshua Smith, John May, and Jonathan Aldridge.[58]

c. 1807: James Limon acknowledged delivery of 2 feather beds, household furniture, and 5 head of cattle by Daniel Thompson for $22.00.  The witness was R. Strong.[59]

12 Feb 1810: Along with Thomas Smith, John (x) Thomas, and John (x) Limon, James Limon witnessed a deed from John Limon Senior and Joshua Smith to [father-in-law] Michael Thomas on the waters of Whetstone Creek.[60]

22 May 1810: John Junior and James Limon gave a deed of gift to [stepmother] Talitha Limon of the tenement plus 50 acres on Buffalo Island Creek in exchange for the relinquishment of her dower rights in the estate of John Limon Senior.  Witnesses: John May and [brother] Alexander Limon.[61]

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: James Lemmon was listed with 1 male under 10, 1 26-45; 3 females under 10, 1 26-45; 2 slaves.[62]

26 Mar 1811: Talitha released all rights and claims to the "messuage" conveyed to her on 22 May 1810 by James and John Limon in return for her distributive share in the estate of John Limon Senior.  Witnesses: Alexander Sneed and A. Philips.[63]

27 Aug 1811: James Limon sold 5 slaves to the heirs of John Limon for £500.  Witnesses: Alexander Sneed and Sneed (x) Strong.[64]

21 Sep 1811: Along with John Limon of Williamson County, TN, James Limon sold two tracts on Buffalo Island Creek adjoining Weldon to the heirs of John Limon for £1,000.  Witnesses: Alexander (x) Sneed and Sneed Strong.[65]

24 Jan 1812: James Limon bought 150 acres adjoining Scales from Michael Thomas for £100.  The deed was witnessed by Z. Strong.[66]

2 Sep 1812: James Limon purchased 6 1/2 acres on Tomlin's Fork from Henry Scales for £10.  Witnesses: Jere Scales and Henry Scales.[67]

1815 Tax List, Rockingham County, NC:  156 acres valued at $312; 1 white poll; 2 black polls.  He appeared  between William Hires and Philemon Detherage on a list taken by Nathaniel Scales in Capt. Douglas' District.[68]

22 Aug 1817: Thomas and Joanna received Lot #3, 61 acres, of the Michael Thomas estate.  In a deed setting aside the will of Michael Thomas, James Lemon is mentioned as an heir in the right of his wife Joannah.[69]

12 Oct 1818: James Lemon and Alexander Sneed witnessed a deed from [brother] Samuel Lemon to John Collins on waters of the Dan River.[70]

1820 Census, Rockingham County, NC: James Lemmon's household consisted of 2 males 10-16, 1 over 45; 2 females under 10, 3 10-16, 1 26-45; 2 slaves.

1 Aug 1820: Along with Robert (x) Strong and Elizabeth Joyce, James Limon witnessed a deed from Benjamin Edwards to James Scales on Buffalo Island Creek.  He was also mentioned as an adjoining landowner, along with Alexander Sneed, Alexander Joyce, Nathaniel Scales, Haynes, and Thompson.[71]

20 Sep 1820: He purchased 165 acres on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek from James and Nathaniel Scales for $165.  Witnesses: John Webster and William Reynolds.[72]

5 Oct 1820: James Limons sold 44 acres for $44 to Robert Strong.  The parcel was located on both sides of Buffalow Island Creek, being Lot #13 of the John Limmon estate.  Witnesses: Z. Strong and  Charles Strong.[73]

Autumn 1822: By "consent of the legatees, James received Lot #9 of the Michael Thomas estate.[74]   The 200 acres of Lot #9 included 150 acres already deeded to James by the deceased.  He was mentioned as an adjoining landowner to Lot #5 and Lot #6 of the Michael Thomas estate.

31 Jul 1824: James Lemon and James Galloway witnessed a deed from John Thomas to James Thomas on the waters of the Dan River, part of the division of the Michael Thomas estate.  The land was located on Whetstone Creek adjoining George Peay and Robert Bircey.[75]

6 Dec 1824: James Lemon purchased 37 3/4 acres on the waters of Tomlin's Fork Creek from Samuel (x) Thomas for $28.30 1/4. The parcel was described as part of the legacy left by Michael Thomas, deceased.  Witnesses: R. B. May and James Thomas.[76]

17 Nov 1826: T. Carter, Tollon Carter, and James Lemon witnessed a deed from Benjamin Knoles and Jesse Thomas to Jesse Sims on the waters of Sharp's Creek.[77] 

23 Oct 1827: James Limon and James Strange witnessed a deed from William and Frances (x) Lemmonds to John Lindsay for their interest in Lot #5 of the John Lemmonds estate.   William was James half-brother.[78]

17 Nov 1828: Along with Tolliver and George Carter, James Lemon witnessed a deed from Jesse Thomas and Benjamin Knoles to Tyre Carter on the waters of Tomlin's Fork and Whetstone Creek.  The property had been Lots 3-6 of the Lewis Thomas estate.[79]

1830 Census, Rockingham County, NC: James Lemmons was enumerated with 1 male 5-10, 1 50-60; 1 female 5-10, 1 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 50-60; 6 slaves.[80]

28 Aug 1832: He was among the commissioners dividing the estate of Zachariah Strong.  The other commissioners were Jerry Hopper, John Lindsey, and James Dillard.[81]

3 Jan 1834: Along with Alexander Lemmons, he served on a commission laying off the dower lands of Ellis Roberts' widow.[82]

30 Aug 1837: Along with Reason Waters, James Lemons witnessed a deed from Alexander Lemon to John Lindsay on the side of the Main Road adjoining James Thomas.[83]

24 Feb 1840: He was listed among the adjoining property owners in a deed from Alexander Lemonds to William Lemonds on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek.  Also listed were John Robertson and Harden Carter.  Along with John Cox, James was mentioned shortly thereafter in a deed from Alexander Lemonds to John Robertson.  John Robertson was married to niece Katherine, daughter of John Lemons.[84]

1840 Census, Rockingham County, NC:  James Lemmons had 1 male 10-15, 1 60-70; 1 female 15-20, 1 50-60 in his household.  They were listed near [son] George W. Lemmons.

12 Oct 1840: He witnessed a deed from William Clayton of Jefferson County, KY to Cornelius Clayton of Henry County, VA for a lot in Leaksville.  The other witnesses were John Lamon, John Wilson, and Richard Johnston.[85]  Who was John Lamon?

28 Feb 1842: Along with B. S. Roberts, he witnessed a deed from James Scales to Thomas Pratt on both sides of Buffalo Island Creek adjoining John C. Cox, John Strong, Covington, Thompson, and himself.[86]

15 Sep 1842: Indebted to James Limons for $250, John Barker sold 165 acres on the waters of Sharp's Creek to Tyre Carter for $1.00 in a deed of trust.  Witnesses: M. Carter and James Sims.[87]

26 Feb 1845: James Lemmons purchased two parcels of 40 acres apiece from Franklin Harris: 1) for $81.64 adjoining Carter and Thomas; 2) for $88.00.  Both parcels apparently had been conveyed to Harris by William Lewis in deed(s) of trust.  Witnesses: A. W. Ellington and Ezra Henshaw.[88]

23 Mar 1845: He was among the commissioners dividing the estate of Alexander Sneed.  Others were James Baines, John Roberts, and Hiram Bain.[89]

27 Nov 1845: For $10.00, James Lemmons purchased 9 acres from Franklin Harris adjoining Tyre Carter and William Lewis' former line.  Witnesses: Richard H. Scales and Sam Barns.[90]

1846: James Limons sold 59 3/4 acres near the Mayo Mountain adjoining Tyre Carter to Polly Barnes for $119.50 and 25 1/4 acres near the Mayo Mountain adjoining Jane Thomas to Alex Briny for $50.00.  Witnesses: John Joyce and E. W. Hancock.[91]

25 Feb 1851: James Lemmons bought 25 acres seized from Peter Doyle and Brina Alexander in a judgment against them for $38.54, exactly the amount paid by James.  The parcel adjoined Tyre Carter and James Thomas.  Witnesses: William Donnell and M. S. Carter.[92]  Was this the William Donnell who was married to Linea Moore?

10 Feb 1853: He sold 19 acres adjoining Ann Lewis to Granville Price for $38.  Witnesses: Tyre Carter and [son] James M. Lemons.[93]

20 Jul 1853: He purchased 107 acres on the waters of Tomlin's Fork adjoining Tyre and Henry Carter from Jane (x) Thomas for $100.85.  Witnesses: John Roberts and Mareen Thomas.[94]

4 Aug 1853: James Lemonds sold 25 acres adjoining Tyre Carter and James Thomas to Eliza Alexander for $100.  Witnesses: Richard H. Scales and E. P. Barnes.[95]

16 Oct 1855: He sold 101 acres on Tomlin's Fork Creek to A. H. Barnes for $303.  The parcel adjoined William Lemons, Harden Carter, A. H. and James Barnes.  The witnesses were Thomas A. Ragland and Philip C. Gates.[96]

9 Aug 1855: James signed his will . . . [97]

Will of James Lemons

I James Lemons of the County of Rockingham and State of North Carolina, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, to make and publish this my last will and testament in manners and form following:

I desire and direct my executors hereinafter named, at my death, provide for  my body a burial according to their discretion and to pay for the same and funeral expenses, as well as my just debts, out of the monies on hand at my death, or which may be due and owing me.

I desire and direct unto my wife Joanna for and during her natural life, two hundred acres of my land to be assigned her by my executors according to their judgment, so as to include the house in which I now live, and all the out hou[ses] held and used therewith, and so as to include a fair and proper proportion of cleared as well as wood land.  I also give and bequeath unto my said wife, for and during her life, two of my slaves, Bill and Kate, and their increase from and after this day, [and] all my household and kitchen furniture of every name, kind and description.  My sorrel mule and the fowls, one sow & pigs of her selection, one cow and calf, her choice, and four sheep, and also of her selection.  All this property I ___ and _____ my wife to possess and to have the use of during her natural life, and what may remain thereof at her death and consumed by necessary use and time, I give and bequeath as will herein after expressed.

I give and bequeath unto my wife, in addition to the above, a full year's provisions of every usual and necessary kind for herself and family, to be laid off and set apart to her by my said executors, and I also give unto my said wife the sum of one hundred dollars in money to be paid over to her by my executors out of the first monies which may come into their hands.

At my death I desire and direct my executors to have all my lands, subject to my said wife's said life estate therein, and all the rest and residue of my personal estate of every kind, other than those things given my wife for life, including the increase of all my slaves not embraced in the said bequest to my wife, divided into seven equal parts as near as may be, by those disinterested foreholders, to be chosen by them, and when so divided I dispose of the shares or parts as follows.

One seventh I desire and bequeath unto the children of my son James lemons and his heirs, executors and administrators forever.

One seventh I desire and bequeath unto the children of my son Pleasant to be equally divided among them.

One seventh I desire and bequeath unto the children of my deceased daughter Mary, late wife of James Sims, to be equally divided between them.

One seventh I desire and direct shall be delivered to my daughter Anna, wife of Jesse Sims, to be possessed and used by her during her natural life, and what may remain of this share at her death, I desire and bequeath unto the children of said Anna surviving her.

One seventh I desire and direct shall be delivered to my daughter Lucy, wife of Melchisideck Carter, to be possessed and used by her during her life, and what may remain of this share at her death I desire and bequeath unto the children of said Lucy surviving her.

One seventh I desire and bequeath unto my [according to transcriber Pat Lemonds, the next words were not recorded, but she believes the reference is to Washington] during his natural life, to be delivered up to him on his executing a bond with security to my executors for the forth-coming of the slaves which may fall to his share at the time of his death, it being expected that all the other articles will be consumed by him the user.

One other and the last seventh I desire and bequeath unto my executors as is hers, to have, hold, use and apply to the sole separate and exclusive use and benefit of my daughter Elizabeth Carter, wife of Henry Carter, exempt and free from the control, possession or enjoyment of the said Henry Carter, her husband, _______ from any and every liability to his debts, and at the death of said daughter Elizabeth Carter, I desire and bequeath what may remain of this share to the rest of my children and grandchildren above mentioned, the grandchildren in each case representing their deceased parents, to have and to hold to each in the ______ manner and upon the same limitations and conditions as above specified in connection with their respective legacies herein before given them.

It is my will that at the death of my son Washington lemons, all that may remain of his seventh herein given him for life shall remain and be divided between all my children surviving him, and the children or such as may then be dead, except the children of my daughter Elizabeth Carter, , the grandchildren representing their deceased parent in each case, it being my purpose and intention that the children of said Elizabeth Carter shall take no part of the seventh herein given Washington Lemons for life, and that the children of Washington Lemons shall take no share or part in the seventh given in trust for Elizabeth Carter during her life.

I have therefore given Henry Carter, my son-in-law, one bed, a cow and calf, some sheep and hogs, which he now has in his possession, and these article he may keep, but he is to have nothing of most of my estate.

In the event that I am the survivor of my wife, then and in that case I desire and direct my executors to divide the whole of my estate, by the aid of these foreholders to be chosen therein, into seven parts, which are hereby divided and bequeathed to the seven persons, in the same manner, upon the same times and with the same limitations and conditions as are annexed to the desires and legacies herein given upon the supposition that my wife may be the longest liver, but if my wife should be the longest liver, then at her death it is my desire that the property given her for life be divided in the same manner into seven equal parts among my children and grandchildren surviving her, the grandchildren representing the deceased parent, except the children of Washington Lemons and Elizabeth Carter who are to take nothing, each of whom shall hold and take his or her respective share or part in the same manner and under the same conditions as are annexed [?] to legacies herein given to them in former parts of my will.

Lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my son James Lemons and my friend Samuel Barnes the executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In testimony whereof I James Lemons have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th dau of August A.D. 1855.

James Lemons

 

Signed, sealed, published and declared as his last will and testament by James Lemons in our presence, who have attested the same in the presence and at his request

W. [William] M. Ellington

John H. Dillard

His will was proved in May 1858  George W. Lemons, although not named as  executor in the will, was allowed to renounce his right to same, James Lemons then taking his place.

When the estate was divided on 9 Oct 1858, the results were: 1) Heirs of Pleasant Lemons, 80 acres adjoining Thomas Pratt; 2) Lucy Carter, 81 acres; 3) Mary Sims, 78 acres; 4) George W. Lemons, 116 acres; 5) Anna Sims, 105 acres adjoining A. H. Barnes; 6) Elizabeth Carter, 112 acres; 7) James Lemons, 90 acres.    Joanna received 200 acres in dower lands.  Her land adjoined James Barnes and Thomas Pratt.  The division of slaves was identical except that Mary Sims was replaced by "the children of Mary Sims, deceased".  Commissioners: Jones W. Burton, Allen Price, P. D. Hopper, and A. H. Barnes.  As a result of his heirs' petition, 78 acres on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek were sold at public auction for $1,027 to James Barnes on 21 Mar 1861.  Witnesses: Thomas C. Moore and W. Smith.[98]  There were several Thomas C. Moores in Rockingham County.  This one can't be identified with certainty.

1860 Census, Rockingham County, NC (Elm Grove P.O.): Joannah Lemons aged 70, born NC, unable to read or write, with real and personal property valued at $1,200 and $1,200 respectively; Elizabeth Carter, aged 52, born NC, can't read or write, with real and personal property worth $1,000 and $1,500.  They were enumerated next to James Lemons, age 33.[99]

Children of James and Joanna Thomas Lemons:

Elizabeth Lemons (c. 1810 -     ; m. Henry Carter 22 Jan 1838)

George Washington Lemons (c. 1813 -     ; m. Nancy Sims)

Lucy Jane Lemons (c. 1820 -     ; Melchisidack S. Carter 3 May 1838)

James M. Lemons (c. 1825 -     ; m. Ann Roberts 22 Nov 1847)

Ann Lemons (m. Jesse Sims)

Pleasant Lemons (c. 1829 -     ) 

Mary Lemons (m. James Sims)

Samuel Lemons

17 Aug 1810: Along with Jonathan Aldridge, Samuel Limons witnessed a deed from Penelope Porter to the heirs of Joseph Porter on Little Whetstone Creek.[100]

1812: Samuel married Nancy Miller in Williamson County, TN.

25 Nov 1812: Samuel Limon of Williamson County, TN sold 44 acres on the waters of Buffalo Island Creek to Zachariah Strong for $34.  Witness: Thomas (x) Williams.[101]

12 Oct 1818: Samuel Lemon of Crawford County, IL sold 61 acres on the Dan River to John Collins, land that had descended to his wife Nancy "from her father John Miller".  She had received Lot #3, 61 acres on the waters of the Dan River, in the estate division on 22 Aug 1817.  This deed was witnessed by [brother] James Lemon and Alexander Sneed.[102]

1830 Census, Crawford County, IL: Sam'l Lemons was listed with 1 male 15-20, 1 20-30, 1 50-60, 1 female 50-60.[103]

May 1849: Samuel died in Lawrence County.  Some sources have his death place as Lawrence County, TN, but shouldn't  that probably be Lawrence County, IL, which is right next to Crawford?

By Second Wife Talitha

William Lemons

This William is easily confused with the son of Alexander Lemon.  Both have been reported to have married women named Fanny or Frances.

c. 1798: William was born in Rockingham County.

7 Feb 1827: He was listed as an adjoining landowner in a deed from [sister] Esther Lemon of Henry County, VA to John Wilson of 44 acres.  Also bordering the deeded property were Nancy Lemon, Elizabeth Austin, and Sneed Strong.[104]

23 Oct 1827: "William and Frances (x) Lemmonds" sold their interest in Lot #5 of the John Lemons estate to John Lindsay for $10.00.  Witnesses: James Limon and Strange.[105]  Yet William and Fanny were supposedly not married until 1828.

13 Feb 1829: William Lemonds and Abner Fields sold 44 acres to Sneed Strong for $35.  Witnesses: John Cox and T. G. Snead.[106]

1862: William died in Rockingham County.

If you have material about any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.   However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone. 

Nancy Denty Breidenthal

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