Some Children of Thomas & Rachel Moore

Thomas & Sarah Moore

1776 Census, Straight's Hundred, Dorchester County, MD: 1 male 10-16, 1 21-30; 1 female 16-21, 1 50-60.[1]  Is the older female Rachel Pearson Moore?

c. 1782: Thomas Reeves received a land grant on Richland Creek adjoining Thomas Moore in Rockingham County, NC.  Thomas Moore apparently owned land in both counties for several years, but slowly sold off his inherited tracts,  Cannawhy, Moore's Lott, and Medford's Hazard.

25 Nov 1786: Thomas Moore, son of Thomas and Sarah Moore, sold 10 3/4 acres, known as Moore's Lott to [Thomas' aunt] Sinah Hubbard for £10 in gold or silver.  The property adjoined "Sinah Hubbard's dwelling plantation".  Presumably Thomas Junior was acting on their behalf, yet Thomas and Sarah signed the deed, Sarah with her mark.  Witnesses: Levin Kirkman and R. Stevens.[1a] 

26 Jan 1787: Thomas Moor sold 47 acres on the southeast fork of Richland Creek in Rockingham to James Mulloy for £40.  Witnesses: George Lemond, John Rhodes, and A. Philips.  The deed was proved during the February Term by John Roads.[2]  This is the first of many references to the Lemonds, who were to be associated with and intermarry with the Moores often during the ensuing decades.

February 1787: Thomas Morr was appointed overseer of the road from the fork of Bruce's and the Iron Works Roads crossing Rodes's Bridge on the Haw River.[3]

May 1787: He was summoned to the next session to serve as juror.  That August he sat on the jury hearing Jeremiah Odell versus Elizabeth Brure.[4]

February 1788: Thomas was appointed to a jury rerouting the road from the Iron Works to Bethany.  Also on the jury was Richard Henderson, father of Jean Henderson Moore.[5]

1 May 1789: He purchased 150 acres from Robert and E. Small for £90.  The land was located on both sides of Piney Creek.  Witnesses: John Moore and Jesse McCollister.  The conveyance was proved during the Feb Term 1792 by [brother] John Moore.[6]  Two of the daughters of John and Mary Moore had married McCollisters in MD.  Members of that family had apparently also migrated to NC; but any McCollister's exact relationship to any Moore in NC is uncertain.  For creek locati0ns, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

February 1790:  He was once again appointed to the Grand Jury, along with William Leamon.  He was sworn in during the Aug 1790 term.[7]

1790 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male over 16, 6 under; 4 females; 0 slaves or 2 males over 16, 4 under; 5 females.[8]  Both households would seem to have too many young males.

6 Feb 1793: Along with William Williams, he witnessed a deed from [another] William Williams to John Moore on both sides of Troublesome Creek in Guilford County.   Thomas signed with his mark.[9]  Guilford adjoins Rockingham on the south, and Troublesome Creek runs through both.

1800: He purchased 50 acres on the Haw River from Joseph Wheetly.[10]

1800 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 10-16, 1 over 45; 1 female under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45; 0 slaves.[11]  The household was enumerated between Stephen Henry and Nathan Massey.  There is no other Thomas Moore listed, so where is his son Thomas?  Was he already in Wilkes County, Georgia?  The Henrys are believed to have also originated in Dorchester County.  Thomas' brother Charles married a Henry, as did three of Thomas' daughters.

12 Dec 1800: Thomas More sold 50 acres on both sides of Piney Creek adjoining S. Small and Baker to John Moore for $150.  Witnesses: Stephen (x) Henry and Henry Moore.[12]  Henry Moore was the son of Thomas' brother John.

5 Jan 1804: Thomas signed his will . . . 

Will of Thomas Moore[13]

                In the name of God, amen.  I Thomas Moore of the County of Rockingham and State of North Carolina, being thr[ough] the abundant mercy and goodness of God tho weak in body yet of sound and perfect understanding and memory, do constitute this my last will and testament in manner and form as followeth.  To my beloved wife Sarah I do give the plantation whereon I now live with half the land I possess during her widowhood, but if she marries or at her death to my son Thomas; beginning five poles south or formerly Wheatly's corner in Patrick's line, thence to the mouth of a small branch that runs into Richland Creek between my two fields.  The remaining part of my land I do give to my son Smyth.  I do also give to my wife Sarah one mare named Fill, one cow named Blos, one sow and six pigs, one bed and furniture, two hundred dollars.  And to my daughter Elizabeth I give fifty dollars.  And the remaining part of my property to be equally divided between my wife and three daughters. 

Thomas Moore

5^th January 1804

In the presence of

Ro[bert] Cumming

John (x) Moore

            To my son Thomas one sorrel mare named Pigeon, and to my son Smyth one bay horse named Bulley.

May 1805: Thomas' will was proved in court by the oaths of both witnesses.

17 Jul 1809: Sarah signed her will. 

Will of Sarah Smith Moore[14]

                Through the grace of God, amen.  Know all men that I Sarah Moore, widow, of the County of Rockingham and State of North Carolina, being weak in body but sound in judgment and perfect in understanding and memory, do constitute and appoint this my last will and testament in manner and form as followeth (Viz) To my son Smith I do give my man Sam [almost unreadable, it could be Sam or Law just as well] one cow and calf, also one bed and furniture, one sow and eight stoats, two other ____ hogs and the corn and bacon I have on hand, one wheat fan, and all the crop that is growing and has been made on the place this season to my part, also seven yards of _______ cloth and nine yards of mixed cloth. N. B. The furniture to the bed mentioned is 3 sheets of blankets, 1 bed quilt, 2 pillows & cases.  The name of the cow above mentioned is Blossom, also to fourteen dollars and three quarters cash being in my hand of his rent, also ten dollars in cash to him and one large walnut chest and to my son Thomas I do give one bed, three sheets, one blanket, one bed quilt, two pillow cases, also one cow named Suae [I have no idea] and her calf and the rest of my property to be equally divided between my three daughters, made this 17^th day of Jul A.D. 1809.

Sarah (x) Moore

Witnesses present

James Whitsett

Henry (x) King

            I request that John Moore, Robert Cumming and Stephen Henry should be Executors to execute this my will.

Witness James Whitsett was married to Nancy Moore, daughter of John and Mary Ann Henry Moore.

Sarah's will was not proved until 1811, but she was not listed in the 1810 Census in Rockingham, nor was son Smith.

Children* of Thomas and Sarah Moore:

Lilley Moore (m. Elijah Reeves 8 Jan 1798)

Thomas Moore (m. Sukey Mason 24 Sep 1806) 

Smith Moore (c. 1790 - 1867; m. Rebecca "Peggy" Henry 15 Dec 1810)

Elizabeth "Betsy" Moore (m. John Henry 31 Jan 1801)

Dolly Moore (m. Richard Henry)

                *Thomas named sons Thomas and Smith, and daughter Elizabeth in his will, but left the two remaining daughters unnamed.  Wife Sarah also referred simply to "my three daughters" in her will signed 17 Jul 1809.  The five listed here were all named, however, among the heirs of Thomas Moore in the equity suit of William Connor versus Pearson Moore in 1856-1857.[15]

John Moore & Mary Ann Henry

Like the other Moores of his generation, John was born in Dorchester County, MD.[16]  Reed and Browning claim a birth year of 1761 based upon "family tradition"; Gordon Price claims 1743, the Patriot Index 1752; while Mary Fleming claims that John was born in Ireland.  Who knows.

Mary Henry Moore, born 1750 - 1760, may have been the daughter of Isaac and Mary Henry of Dorchester County, MD.  On 20 Dec 1771, Isaac purchased 257 acres of Modford's Hazard, part of which tract was also owned by the Moore family.  In addition, Isaac and Mary supposedly had children Talitha, Mary, James, Isaac, Levin, Amelia, and Nancy.  Were Mary and Talitha Henry Moore, the wife of Charles Moore, thus sisters who married brothers?  If so, where was Telitha's "sister" Luraney? 

John Moore reportedly served as a Private in the 10th Regiment, under Col. Abraham Shepherd in the Revolutionary War, serving from 20 Jul 1778 until 20 Apr 1779.[17]  The Patriot Index erroneously lists him as a "Private, NC", but that was a different John Moore.[18]

14 Nov 1788: He purchased 400 acres on the north side of [Big] Troublesome Creek in Rockingham County, NC, for £80 from Thomas Thompson.  The parcel adjoined William Scott, Francis McBride, and the Iron Works.  Witnesses were Samuel and Robert (x) Thompson.[19]  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

1 May 1789: John (x) Moore and Jesse McCollister witnessed a deed from Robert and Elizabeth Small to [brother] Thomas Moore on Piney Creek adjoining Charles Baker.  John proved the deed by his oath in court in Feb 1792.[20]

1790 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male over 16, 6 under; 3 females; 0 slaves.  The family was listed between Isaiah McBride and James Dobbins.[21]

28 Nov 1791: He purchased 200 acres from Nathaniel Paris for £20.  This parcel was located on both sides of Camp Branch on the waters of Great Troublesome adjoining the Iron Works and McCleland.  Witnesses: Francis (x) McBride and John McBride.[22]

6 Feb 1793: He bought 500 acres from William Williams for £600.  The acreage was described as lying on both sides of Troublesome Creek adjoining James Calhoon Junior and James Kinman in Guilford County.  Witnesses: Thomas (x) Moore, William Williams, and Thomas Hend____.  In the deed, John Moore was described as "of Guilford".[23]  Is this our John?  Troublesome Creek does run through both, but . . . ?

8 Mar 1800: He purchased 65½  acres on the north side of Big Troublesome Creek adjoining one of the Iron Works tracts from Francis McBride for $180 and one shilling  Witnesses: A. Philips and James Martin.[24]  This tract was left to Nathaniel Moore in John's will dated 10 Jun 1812.

1800 Census, Rockingham County, NC:  1 male under 10, 2 10-16, 4 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 2 slaves.[25]

12 Dec 1800: John bought 150 acres on both sides of Piney Creek adjoining Small and Baker from Thomas Moore for $150.[26]  Witnesses: Stephen Henry and [son] Henry Moore.   Stephen Henry is almost certainly a relative of Mary Ann Henry Moore, but just what the relationship was isn't known.

8 Oct 1801: He purchased 523 acres on both sides of Big Troublesome Creek near the Henderson Branch adjoining Isaiah McBride, James Flack, and William Lemmonds from Francis McBride for $1,800.  Witnesses: Isaiah McBride and Thomas Moore.[27]  William Lemmonds was probably the grandfather of  Mary Martha Lemonds, who married Henderson Moore, John's grandson.

20 Aug 1802: He received land grant #448 (100 acres for 50 shillings) on Big Troublesome Creek adjoining Francis McBride, James Flack, and Robert Cumming.[28]

10 Oct 1803: Along with Joseph Lemonds, John was mentioned as an adjoining landowner in a deed from James Flack to William Lemmond Junior on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek.[29]  Joseph was the father of Mary Martha Lemonds Moore, and thus probably the son of William Lemonds.

5 Jan 1804: He and Robert Cumming witnessed the will of Thomas Moore.  John signed with his special mark.[30]

1 Dec 1806: Along with George Lemmond and Robert Cumming, John was mentioned as an adjoining landowner in a deed from John Lemmond to Benjamin Dilworth on the south side of Troublesome Creek.[31]  George Lemmond's daughter Betsy married John's son John.

2 Jan 1808: John purchased 41 acres for $39.50 from James Short on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek adjoining John McBride and Marr.  Witnesses: A. Philips and John Henderson.[32]  This parcel was left to Nathaniel Moore in John's will dated 10 Jun 1812, although the seller is called James Hart in that document. 

17 Jun 1809:  John Moore, Robert Cumming, and Stephen Henry were named co-executors in the will of Sarah Moore, widow of Thomas Moore.[33]

16 Sep 1809: He bought 234 acres on the north side of the Haw River from Thomas Moore "of Wilkes County, GA" for $550.  This tract adjoined Richland Creek, Thomas Rhodes, and James Whitsett.  Witnesses: Robert Cumming and N.D. Murray.[34]  This is definitely John Senior. James Whitsett was John's son-in-law.  The Thomas Moore who went to GA was probably the son of John's deceased brother Thomas.

28 May 1810: John Moore and John Watt witnessed a deed from James Whitsett to Sampson Lanier of the waters of Upper Hogan's Creek adjoining Michael Thomas and Benjamin Bowen.[35]  We know it's our John Senior by his mark.

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 2 white males 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female over 45; 5 slaves.[36]

4 Jan 1811: John was listed as an adjoining property owner in a deed from David Lemon to Joseph Lemon on both sides of Big Troublesome.  Others owning adjoining parcels were Ebenezer Patrick, James Patrick, and William Lemmon.[37]

10 Oct 1811: He purchased 104 acres adjoining Moore for $52 from William M. Marr of Giles County, TN.  The deed was witnessed by William Patrick.[38]  This tract was left to Nathaniel Moore in John's will.

10 Jul 1812: Although he wouldn't die for more than a decade, John signed his will . . .

Will of John Moore[39]

Last will of John Moore of the County of Rockingham & State of North Carolina, being of sound mind & memory, thank God for the same, do make & publish this as my last will and testament in manner & form following, that is to say:

Item 1st  I give and bequeath to my loving wife Mary Moore the plantation whereon I now live, beginning at the southeast corner of the meadow fence, thence running with the line of the fence to the creek and down the creek to a large stone near the mouth of a small branch, from thence up a ridge of stone to a marked red oak standing at the south side of the road leading from the plantation to the iron works, thence a north course through my lands until it strikes the extreme north boundary of my lands, thence a west course along the line to a white oak, thence south etc. to two oaks, thence west to a black oak & south to the gum and dogwood on the south bank of the creek, thence with Lemmon's line to the beginning, I leave to her and for her support during the term of her natural life, except she marry - and in that event, to either of those events, to pass to my son Leven.  Further I give to my loving wife one negro named Hannah, also during her life or widowhood - together with one mare and saddle, two beds and furniture, two cows and calves, four head of sheep and about ten heads of hogs - the cupboard and its furniture, one pot, one oven, one armchair and one small one - and also the crop standing or may be standing, gathered or otherwise, to be at that time divided between her and those of my children composing the family at home.  The wheat fan also to her.

Item 2nd  I give and bequeath to my son Henry Moore the tract of land he now lives on, beginning at a Spanish oak on the south bank of Henderson Branch, John Murray's corner, thence with his line to a white oak in Henderson's line, thence south to a scaly bark hickory on the bank of Troublesome Creek, thence down the creek to the mouth of the branch aforesaid and up the same to the beginning, to him, his heirs and assigns.

Item 3rd  I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Moore the plantation whereon he is now living, beginning at a red oak sapling in my own line, formerly James Short's, running south 46 poles to a white oak, thence east 8 poles to a hickory sapling, thence south 18 poles to a white oak, thence south 20 degrees past 52 poles to a hickory standing on the bank of the creek aforesaid, thence up the creek as it meanders to the mouth of Henderson's branch and so with Henry boundary to John Murray's line and south with his line to the beginning - to him and his heirs.

Item 4th  I give and bequeath to my son James Moore the remaining part of the land I purchased from Francis McBride, to him and his heirs, etc. which lies on the south side of Troublesome Creek.

Item 5th I give and bequeath to my son John Moore one hundred and fifty acres of land whereon he lives, to him and his heirs.

Item 6th I give and bequeath to my son Isaac Moore the plantation on Haw River whereon he now lives to him and his heirs assigns forever. 

Item 7th  I give and bequeath to my son Peter Moore beginning at the south east corner of the meadow fence thence running with the fence down to the creek, thence down the creek and crossing of it to a large stone near the mouth of a small branch, thence a rocky ridge to red oak on the south side of the road leading from the plantation to the iron works, his mother's corner, thence with her line north to the extreme of my lands and her other corner and bounded on the south by Joseph Lemons on the East by James Patrick and on the north by William McMans land, to him his heirs and assigns forever. 

Item 8th  I give and bequeath to my son Nathaniel Moore three several tracts, sixty-five and a half acres I purchased from Francis McBride, forty one acres I purchased from James Hart [or Short] and one hundred and four acres I purchased from William M. Mare to him and his heirs and assigns. 

Item 9th I give and bequeath to my son Levin Moore the whole of the lands as is described to his Mother after the death or expiration of her widowhood, to him and his heirs and assigns forever. 

Item 10th I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Whitsett one Negro called Mill to her and her heirs and assigns.

Item 11th I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca Love one Negro girl called Lucy to her and her heirs and assigns forever. 

Item 12th One other tract of land not divided, that to be sold by the Executor or Administrator and the money to be equally amongst all my children.  But my daughters shall have fifty dollars apiece particularly out of my estate over and above what is already named.  All the residue of my estate not herein disposed of shall be equally divided between my wife and all my children, sons and daughters share and share alike, all which is acknowledged to as witness my hand and seal this 10th day of July 1812.                            

 John (x) Moore (Seal) 

Signed, sealed and published in the presence of

A. Philips

A.__ Philips. 

According to Dick Rollins, John was a miller.  It may have been a grist mill judging from John's reference to a "wheat fan" in his will.

16 Sep 1812: For $50, he purchased 60 acres on south side of Big Troublesome Creek adjoining Robert Cummings, being the tract originally conveyed to Francis McBride.  Witnesses: Robert Cumming and William Nash.[40]

1 Mar 1814: John made a deed of gift to son James Moore of 196 acres on the south side of Big Troublesome Creek adjoining William Lemmons and Joseph Lemmons.  Witnesses: John C. Murray and Thomas Lowe.  Also that same day he deeded 153 acres to "his son" Henry Moore on the north side of Troublesome Creek adjoining John Murray, the south bank of Henderson's Fork, and Richard Henderson.  Witnesses: J. C. Murray and Thomas (x) Lowe.  On both deeds John signed with his special mark, with looks like a printed capital "I" with a small horizontal line through the center.[41]

November 1814: He made a deed of gift to "his son" Isaac Moore of 234 acres on the north side of the Haw River adjoining James Whitsett, Richland Creek, John Winchester, and Thomas Rhodes.  Witnesses: John C. Murray and Mathias Mount Sr.  This parcel apparently contained a log cabin built between 1789 and 1818, which must have been built by either Thomas Moore or John.  It still exists, part of the present-day Currie House.[42]

1815 Tax List, Rockingham County, NC: 1,130 acres valued at $2,125; 4 polls; enumerated between Hugh Patrick and William King on the List of Abraham Philips, close to Joseph Lemond and [son] Levin Moore.[43]

18 Aug 1815: He was listed among the adjoining landowners in a deed from John Small to John Moore Junior for 54 acres on Piny Creek.  Other landowners were James Irvine, Henry King, William Miller, and Abraham Philips.[44]

1 Mar 1818: He made a deed of gift of 150 acres on both sides of Piney Creek adjoining Boyd, James Irvin, John Small, and Marr to "his son" John Moore Junior.[45]  The creek was listed as "Piney Fork Creek" in the Deed Index.

1820 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 16-18, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female over 45; 12 slaves.  He was numerated between James Lemmon, Thomas Lowe, and Henry Moore.[46]  Is this our John?  If so, who is the 16-18 male?  There is only one other over 45 John Moore but he has 1 male under 10, 1 10-16; 1 female 10-16, 1 over 45.   Could the youngsters in either house be grandchildren?

30 Aug 1826: Yancy Holman and John Moore apparently won a judgment against James Small for $32.87.  In order to pay, Small's land was seized and sold at public auction, being bought by John O. Lemonds.[47]  The buyer was John Owen Lemonds, son of William Lemonds and husband of Rachel Moore Lemonds, John's granddaughter.

10 Oct 1828: Along with William Webster, John (x) Moore witnessed a deed from James Moore to Lurany Henry for 196 acres on Troublesome Creek adjoining William and Joseph Lemmonds.  I'm assuming the witness was Senior due to the use of his mark for a signature.[48]

12 May 1829: Henry Moore and Miles D. King witnessed a trust deed [mortgage] from John Henderson to John Moore Senior (through John Odineal for $1.00) for 100 acres on the waters of Big Troublesome adjoining William and Richard Henderson, George Lemon, John C. Murray and Henry Moore.[49]  A designation following John Moore's name looks like Senior's.  Richard Henderson's daughter Jean had married John's son Henry Moore.

4 Sep 1829: John died in Rockingham, 17 years after making his will.[50] The problem is, of course, where is the evidence for that particular date?  Mary Fleming believed that John died before 28 Feb 1829, per the will date; but he certainly seemed to be alive as late as 12 May 1829 for the trust deed shown above.  (The Patriot Index simply has the death date as "p. 1810".)  While not typical, it's certainly not inconceivable that John didn't die until more than 17 years after signing his will.  Had he been crippled or blinded in 1812?  Did he fear imminent death from one of those seemingly ever-present summer maladies in Rockingham?

November 1829: The will of John Moore was proved in court, [grandson] Henderson Moore being named administrator.

1830 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Mary Moore is listed with 1 male 15-20; 1 female aged 70-80; 3 slaves.[51]  Who is the young male - a grandson?

6 Apr 1831: Mary Moore, "relick of the said John Moore", was listed as an adjoining landowner on the north of 120 acres being sold by [son] Peter and Susan Moore to [grandson] Henderson D. Moore on the north side of Big Troublesome.  In addition, Peter relinquished interest "in any estate which might hereafter at the death of his mother the said Mary Moore" come down to him.  The parcel was described as land that "John Moore, deceased, did in his lifetime, by will bearing date sometime in the year [1812, did] devise unto the said Peter Moore".[52]

15 Feb 1838: Mary was listed as an adjoining landowner in the subdivision of Lots 3 and 4 of the Joseph Lemonds estate.[53]  Also adjoining Lot #3 was Henderson Moore, Lot #4 James Moore.

Mary Moore probably resided with the family of Levin Moore in 1840 as there is an 80-90 year old female enumerated there.  The Levin Moore family was enumerated close to James Whitsett, John Henderson, and Henry Moore.

1842: William Moore purchased from Elliot and Clarissa Donnell their interest in or claim to Clarissa's share to the estate of Mary Moore, who "died intestate some time in the year 1842".[54]

Children of John and Mary Ann Henry Moore:

Henry Moore (5 Jul 1775 – c. 1842; m. Jane Henderson 4 Dec 1800)

James Moore (m. Margaret Cummings c. 1805)

Thomas Moore

Nancy Moore (m. James Whitsett 31 Dec 1791)

John Moore (4 Aug 1782 – 9 May 1866; m. Betsy Jane Lemmonds 31 Oct 1809)

Rebecca Moore (m. David Lowe)

Peter Moore (1786 –     ; m. 1st Susan ______ 6 Apr 1831, m. 2nd Dorcas ______)

Isaac Moore (1789 – Feb 1836; m. Sarah "Sally" Peeples 28 Nov 1809)

Nathaniel Moore (1791 – 1889; m. Elizabeth Weatherly 1814)

Levin Moore (c. 1795 – 1854; m. Elizabeth Vaughn 3 Sep 1818)

John and Mary's heirs were named in the Moore Equity Suit in 1856.  The abstracts are confusing, first listing only Nancy Whitsett and Rebecca Lowe, but later mentioning Mary Moore, wife of Pinkney Moore.  The problem is that Pinckney had two wives, neither of whom was named Mary, and his wife, named Elizabeth, was enumerated with him in 1850 and 1860.[55]

Charles Moore & Talitha Henry

9 May 1759: Charles was born in Dorchester County, MD.[56]

17 Apr 1781: Charles Moore married "Alethe Henry" in Dorchester County.[57]  Talitha Henry, born c. 1760, may have been the daughter of Isaac and Mary Henry, who lived in Dorchester County from the 1750s until the 1780s.  Isaac purchased 257 acres of Modford's Hazard on 20 Dec 1771, a portion of which tract was owned by the Moore family.  Talitha may have been the sister of Mary Ann Henry Moore and/or Luraney Henry.

24 Apr 1790: He purchased 200 acres on Conner's Branch of Big Troublesome in Rockingham County, NC, from William and Elizabeth Lemond for £120.  Witnesses included John Lemond.[58]  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

The only Charles Moore listed in the 1790 Census had 2 slaves but no whites, enumerated between Zachariah King and Robert Jourdan.  This must be the Hickory Creek Charles Moore since that Charles sold 50 acres on Hickory Creek to Zachariah King.  So where is our Charles Moore?

23 Nov 1793: Charles purchased 47 acres on Richland Creek for £30.  The parcel had been seized from James Mulloy and was presumably being sold at public auction.  Witnesses: Peter Watson, and Drury Williams.[59]

1 Jan 1794: He purchased 199 acres at public auction for £20.  The tract, located on Richland Creek adjoining John Rhodes and Holmes, had also been seized from James Mulloy.  Witnesses: Peter Watson and Thomas Pound.[60]

22 Nov 1794: Charles Moor sold 200 acres on both sides of Conner's Branch of Troublesome Creek, land that "Moore now lives on", to Solomon Webster for £150.  This parcel adjoined Robert Barr, Mathew George, and Mathew Amberson.  Witnesses: Walter (x) Martin and William Conner.[61]

7 Jan 1795: He purchased 200 acres on Conner's Branch of Troublesome from Solomon Webster for £155 adjoining Robert Barr, Mathew George, Mathew Amberson, and Hugh Harkins.    Witnesses: Thomas Thompson and Rebecca (x) Henry.[62]  Why is this parcel traded back and forth so often?  And who is Rebecca Henry? The Rebecca Henry who would later marry Smith Moore was only about three years old that year.

30 Sep 1795: He bought 136 acres from William Case of Guilford County for £70. Witnesses: Richard Rossell and Ezekiel Frost.[63]

23 Feb 1796: He sold his recently purchased 136 acres on Richland Creek, waters of the Haw River, to Isaac Periman for £35.  Witnesses were Jesse Rhodes and Robert Cummings.[64]  He held the parcel for only nine months yet the value had gone down 50%.  Was he cutting timber?  But wouldn't cleared land be more valuable in that farming community. What was happening?

26 Mar 1796: Along with William Jones, he witnessed a deed from Andrew Martin to Walter Martin on the waters of Big Troublesome.[65]

27 Dec 1797: Charles bought 45 acres on the waters of Big Troublesome adjoining his own land, John George, Walter Martin, and Robert Barr from John George for £24.15.00.  Witnesses: George Leoman and Robert Barr.[66]

7 Jan 1800: Charles and Delitha Moore sold 199 acres on the north side of the Haw River near Richland Branch adjoining John Rhodes and John Holmes to James Whitsett for $199.  Witnesses: John (x) Lowe and Susanna (x) Henry.  That same day they sold 47 acres on the southeast fork of Richland Creek of the Haw River to James Whitsett for £51.  Witnesses: John (x) Lowe and Lurana (x) Henry.[67]  Susanna Henry and Luraney Henry are presumed to be the same woman.  She was close to Talitha and may have been her unmarried sister.  James Whitsett was the husband of Charles' niece Nancy.  The Lowes were also from Dorchester County.

26 Aug 1800: Trustees for the Methodist Episcopal Church, Smith's Meeting House, consisting of Charles More, James Philips, John Harris, William Carico, Jordan Smith, William Webster, Thomas Thompson, William Jones, and L. Woolen, purchased one acre for £3 from William Martin on Little Troublesome.  Witnesses: V. (x) Wheeler, Sol Mitchell.[68]

20 Sep 1802: Charles Moore, Robert Barr, and James Peterfore witnessed the will of Andrew Martin.[69]

21 May 1803: He purchased 85 acres for $85 from John (x) George on the waters of Big Troublesome adjoining Andrew Actor, Martin, and Walter Martin. The witnesses were Robert Barr and Thomas Douglas.[70]

6 Sep 1805: The Trustees of Hays Meeting House purchased 1 acre for two silver dollars from George Wilson and James Hays for a "preaching house for the Methodist Episcopal Church".  Named along with Charles as trustees were Thomas Thompson, Thomas Humphreys, Joseph Griffith, and Joseph Roe.  The transaction was summarized in The Heritage of Rockingham County, North Carolina: The Hays Meeting House was formed in 1805 by two local ministers, Thomas Thompson and Charles Moore, in the Lawsonville area.[71] Rev. Thomas Thompson, son of Absalom Thompson and Elizabeth Busick, was born 7 Jul 1758 in Dorchester Co, MD; married Priscilla Mace in 1782, and moved to NC in1794.

1 Apr 1806: Along with I. Boak, Charles witnessed the will of George Andrew.[72]

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female 16-26, 1 over 45; 3 slaves.

1815: Charles Moore sold 100 acres to Andrew Martin.[73]

20 Apr 1815: Charles Moore, William Webster, Andrew Wray, Levin Harris, and Daniel Boyles as Trustees of Methodist Episcopal Meeting House, purchased land on the headwaters of Little Troublesome Creek from John H. Taylor.  This land adjoined the old Suitor's Meeting House.  Witnesses: Charles Wray and Henry (x) Mills.[74]

1815 Tax List, Rockingham County, NC:  Charles Moore was listed with 330 acres valued at $495 and 1 poll; but he was enumerated between James Small and Thomas King on the List of Abraham Phillips.[75]  Does that mean that this too is the Hickory Creek Charles Moore?  Perhaps not, as Smith Moore was enumerated beside Henry King.

1815: Charles Moore received patent #610 for 11+ acres on Little Troublesome.[76]

27 Nov 1815: Concerning the hanging of Mr. Welch in Wentworth for horse stealing, James Campbell wrote to Thomas Ruffin that "he was taken from the jail . . . attended by Thomas Moore, Robert Moore, and Charles Moore, Methodist Preachers".[77]  Thomas must be the brother of John and Charles, but who was Robert Moore?

30 Sep 1816: Charles purchased 55 acres for $110 from Walter Martin on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek adjoining Robert Barr.  Witnesses: Robert Barr and Susanna (x) Henry.[78] 

1820 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female 26-45, 1 over 45; 6 slaves; 2 persons in agriculture.[79]  (Or is this also the Hickory Creek Charles Moore?) 

11 Apr 1820: Along with Robert Barr, Charles witnessed the will of Andrew Actor.[80]

19 Sep 1820: Charles signed his will . . .

Will of Charles Moore[81]

In the name of God, amen..  I Charles Moore of the County of Rockingham and State of North Carolina being in a low state of health but of perfect mind and recollection, thanks be given to God, calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do make this my last will and testament. 

Viz. First and principally I recommend my body to the grave to be buried in decent Christian burial, doubting not but I shall receive the same again at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God where I hope through the merits of Christ that my soul and body will be acquitted and received into the fruition of the blest, and touching such worldly estate as I have been made the possessor of in this life, I give and bequeath the same as follows.

I give and bequeath to the heirs of my eldest brother Thomas Moore the sum of fifty dollars in cash and no more.  I give and bequeath to my brother James Moore or his heirs the sum of fifty dollars in cash and no more.  I give and bequeath to my brother John Moore or his heirs the sum of fifty dollars and no more.  I give and bequeath to my brother Samuel Moore or his heirs the sum of fifty dollars in cash and no more.  I give and bequeath to my brother David Moore or his heirs the sum of fifty dollars in cash and no more.  I give and bequeath to my brother Henry Moore or his heirs the sum of fifty dollars in cash and no more.  I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Telitha Moore one beadstead, bead and furniture, which one soever she may choose, one horse, saddle and bridle, one cow and calf, one sow and pigs, and it is my desire that in all these she may have her choice.  Further I give and bequeath to my beloved wife one weaving loom and its appurtenances, one flax wheel, one cotton wheel, one cut reel, one pair of cards, all the flax, wool and cotton which I possess, together with all the spun thread, all my leather whether raw tanning or tanned, all my wearing clothes, to dispose of as she pleases.  Again I give and bequeath to my beloved wife the use and behoof [sic] of all my lands and tenements during her natural life, with all the crops of every kind that may be growing at the time of my decease.  Further it is my will that all the balance of my property not already bequeathed shall be sold and after paying all my just debts it is my desire that the amount of said sale together with all the money that may be collected as due to my estate shall be given one half to my beloved wife and the other half I wished to be lodged in the hands of my executors so that it may be put by them to interest, and I desire that said money or a necessary part thereof shall go to supply the escegences of my beloved wife should she live to want any of it. 

Lastly.  It is my will that all my land be sold at the death of my beloved wife and I do desire that the money arising from said sale together with all the balance of the money that may remain in the hands of my executors shall be given up into the hands of the Methodist Conference of local preachers belonging to the district in which I reside, to be appropriated by them to the most charitable purposes with such judgment and frugality as shall best accord with the genuine spirit of benevolence.  I however recommend to said conference that if a way shall be opened for the emancipation of the negroes living with me and belonging to Lurana Henry that the said conference will apply a part of said money to their freedom, and again I recommend the said conference any of my relatives that might happen to become desirable as primary objects of their charity, and I do hereby utterly renounce and disapprove any other will from _______ this and no other to be my last will and testament, at the same time I nominate and appoint my beloved wife Telitha Moore and my friends William Conner and Thomas Thompson the whole and soul ________ and executors of this my last will and testament, to have the same duly executed according to law in witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 19^th day of September 1820.

            Charles Moore

Assigned in the presence of us

Henry Thompson

James (x) Dodson

17 Oct 1825: Charles died, the notice on 1 Nov 1825 stating that he died "in Rockingham County on the 17th ult, in the 67th year of his age, the Rev. Charles Moore, of the Methodist Church.  He was a native of Maryland and removed to this state about 40 years ago."[82]  Brother Samuel had his will probated that November.  Did they die in an accident or epidemic, rather than any lingering illness?

26 Oct 1825: A Charles Moore, along with Samuel Moore, witnessed the will of Edward Richardson.[83]  Yet Charles was already dead and Samuel had his will probated during the November Term that year.  Since Samuel is included, it's not likely that the reference was to another Charles Moore.  Is the date simply written incorrectly?  Was it the 6^th, or another year entirely?

20 Dec 1825: Charles was listed among the adjoining property owners in a division of the lands belonging to Walter Martin, deceased, on both sides of Rocky Creek, "a fork of Big Troublesome Creek".[84]  Also listed were William Donnell, John Watts, Robert Barr, James Jones, and lots and lots of Martins.  This was obviously a reference to the estate of Charles Moore.

1830 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Telitha Moore was enumerated with 1 female 50-60, 1 60-70; 12 slaves.[85]

25 Feb 1835: Nathan and John Moore purchased real and personal property from Lurany Henry and Delitha Moore in three transactions: 1) 196 acres on Troublesome Creek adjoining Henry Moore, Abraham Dilworth, and William Lemmon from Lurany for $795.21 and "the further consideration of their signatures to an obligation for the maintenance and support of myself and my sister Delitha Moore"; 2) from Delitha for $1,284.18¾ , her tract of land plus 1 wagon, 4 horses, 2 colts, 5 cattle, 20 hogs, 7 sheep, and all household and kitchen furniture: 3) 12 slaves herein named from Lurany for $3,000.[86]  Eight of the slaves must have been those who Charles Moore desired be given their freedom.  Luraney may have been Talitha's unmarried sister or her sister-in-law.  And both might have been the sisters of Mary Ann Henry Moore, wife of John Moore. 

Talitha doesn't appear as a head of household in the 1840 Census.

15 Oct 1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Telitha Moore, age 90, born MD, unable to read or write, residing in the household of Levre Henry, age 85, born MD.[87]  "Levre" is undoubtedly Luraney.

After Talitha's death, her late husband's provision that any remaining estate should pass to the "Methodist Conference of Local Preachers belonging to the District in which I reside" was impossible as there was no such general organization.  The case therefore went to the Court of Equity in 1856. Executor William Conner, who had died, and was replaced by his executor Pleasant Hopkins.

Samuel Moore

c. 1760: Samuel was born in Dorchester County, MD.[88]

He probably moved from MD to NC in 1785.[89]

Samuel's wives have not been verified.  One was supposedly Mary Pearson born in Maryland c. 1762, the daughter of Sullivan Pearson and Elizabeth Williams.[90]  In his 1797 will, Sullivan mentioned his daughter Mary Moore.  Samuel was also supposedly married to Margaret Lowe, daughter of Isaac Lowe.  Sure enough, Isaac mentioned both his daughter Margaret Moore and his son-in-law Samuel Moore in his 1806 will.   This would all seem straightforward enough, except that when Samuel signed his will in 1825, his wife was named Mary.  As Grant Pinnix has pointed out, that would mean that Samuel wed: 1) Mary Pearson, who died after 1797; 2) Margaret Lowe, who died after 1806; and 3) another Mary whose surname is unknown.  Or alternatively, his second wife may have been Mary Margaret Lowe.  Either scenario is  possible, as these names were extremely common, but it does create doubt.

11 Feb 1790: Samuel purchased 200 acres on the south side of the Haw River from James Craten for £100.  Witnesses: Michael Caffey, Moses Yell, and George Roland.[92]  For creek locations, see Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

1790 Census, Rockingham County, NC:   1 male over 16; 2 females; 0 slaves.[93]

1791: Samuel was supposedly working at the Iron Works Mill when George Washington made his tour of the South.  Tradition says that Sam gave the President a dipperful of whiskey made from the "backings" of the mill.  But he also reportedly operated a flour mill on the Haw River near his farm.[94]  Wouldn't the "backings" have more logically come from that mill?  Brother John also operated a grist mill, so perhaps they were in business together.

18 Aug 1793: He sold 50 acres on the south side of the Haw River to John Bennet for £50.  Originally purchased from James Crayton, this parcel adjoined John Stanford and Samuel's own land.  Witnesses: Henry Lanier and William Mobley.[95]

20 Jan 1797: Mary Moore was bequeathed "one French Crown" from father Sullivan Pearson.[96]

1800 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 3 males under 10, 1 26-45; 1 female under 10, 1 10-16, 1 26-45; 0 slaves.[97]

1803: Samuel purchased 72 acres on Big Troublesome Creek from William Gills.[98]

1804: He bought 100 acres on the Haw River from William Cartwright.[99] This may have been in conjunction with deed dated 9 Nov 1804 shown below.

9 Nov 1804: Along with John Starrat and Job Vickers, he witnessed a deed from William Cartwright to John Flowers on the waters of the Haw River adjoining himself, Cuffey, Daugherty, and Samuel Hill.[100]

9 Apr 1806: He sold 69½ acres on both sides of Rocky Fork of Troublesome Creek to William Donnell for $100.  This parcel was once Lot #1 of the Solomon West estate adjoining Walter Martin and Hugh Linch.  Witnesses: A. Philips and William (x) Maxwell.[101]

1810 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 3 males under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45, 1 over 45; 1 female under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45.[102]

There were two entries for Samuel Moore in the 1815 Tax List, Rockingham County, NC: 1) 177 acres valued at $531 and 1 poll listed between Charles Bean and George Allen on the List of William Payne; 2)  40 acres valued at $80 and 1 poll listed between Thomas Dilworth and John Windsor on the List of James D. Taylor, close to Elizabeth Pearson.[103]  Were there two adult Samuel Moores in Rockingham - or two entries for the same person?  What's interesting is one Samuel Moore enumerated in the 1820 Census appeared fairly close to a Dilworth, Windsor, and Allen.    Other surnames indicate that the location may have been in the northeastern portion of the county. That Samuel was age 26-45.  Our Samuel, on the other hand, was enumerated cheek by jowl to our Moores and the familiar surnames of Henderson, King, Lowe, Peeples, Lemonds, McBride, Hopkins, Dilworth, Donnel, and Cummings.  He was over 45.

27 Aug 1816: Samuel (x) Moore sold 100 acres on the waters of the Haw River adjoining Coffey, Samuel Hill, and Edward Richardson to John Flowers for $250. The witnesses were W. Payne and Jesse Harris.[104]

7 Sep 1816: He purchased 143 acres for $586 from John and Sarah Rozzell on the waters of the Haw River adjoining Jacob Young, Thomas Rozzell, and Patrick.  Witnesses: Enoch (x) Moore and John Moore.[105]  Enoch was Samuel's son.  Samuel's son John was only about 20 years old, so the other witness might have been brother John Senior or nephew John Junior.

Samuel was primarily a farmer but he "was also a miller for he perfected a saw mill and turned out fine lumber".[106] 

11 Jan 1817: Along with John Richardson, Samuel (x) Moore witnessed a deed from Edward Richardson to Enoch Moore on the south side of the Haw River adjoining William McLeroy.[107]

7 Oct 1817: He bought 164½ acres on the waters of the Haw River adjoining Patrick, James Barns, William Patrick, and James Cunningham from Thomas and Sarah Rossell for $405.  Witnesses: A. Philips, William Williams, Thomas Certain.[108]

1820 Census, Rockingham, NC: 1 male 10-16, 1 16-18, 3 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 2 persons in agriculture.  The family was listed next to Edward Richardson and the mysterious Foster Moore.[109]  We've already mentioned the second Samuel appearing in the 1820 Census in Rockingham County.  He was enumerated with 3 males under 10, 1 26-45; 1 female under 10, 1 16-26.

5 Apr 1824: Samuel Moore Senior sold 307½ acres on the waters of the Haw River to John Moore for $320.  The land adjoined Jacob Young, James Cunningham, James Barnes, and Robert Gilbreath.  Witnesses: Enoch Moore and [son] Samuel Moore.[110]

13 Jun 1825: He made a deed of gift to son Enoch Moore of land on the north side of Mill Branch.  Witnesses: Juner Hassett and Joseph Richardson.[111]

13 Jun 1825: He signed his will with his mark . . .

Will of Samuel Moore[112]

In the name of God,amen.  I Samuel Moore of the State of North Carolina and the County of Rockingham, being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be God, now calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing that the time will come for all mankind to die, do recommend my soul to the God who gave it and my body to the discretion of my executors & to be buried in decent like Christian manner and touching such worldly estates it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, as this the 13^th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say.

First, I do give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Moore my land her lifetime or widowhood, ____ mare and side saddle, one cow and bed furniture, the cupboard and furniture, the ____ and one loom, and all my household and _______ kitchen furniture that remain when the property hereafter named and taken away this property all except the land to be equally divided between my three daughters Elizabeth, Sarah and Rachel, at the death or marriage of my wife the sheep and geese with the wool, cotton, flax, etc to be left at her discretion. 

2nd I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Landreath the carriage she has at present and one cow.

3rd I give and bequeath unto my son Enoch Moore a piece of land including his mill, etc which is more particularly described in another piece of writing signed by me etc. 

4th I do give and bequeath to son John Moore one dollar.

5th I do give and bequeath unto my son Pearson Moore one horse and saddle, one cow, one bed and furniture. 

6th  I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Moore one horse and saddle, two cows and calves, two beds and furniture, one beauro, one folding table, one standing table, one poplar chest, six chairs and one loom, one pot and one oven..

[7th]  I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel Moore one horse and saddle, two cows and calves, two beds and furniture, one beauro, one folding table, one standing table, one poplar chest, six chairs and one loom, one pot, one oven; my plantation wagon and fine mare to be sold and equally divided between my three daughters Elizabeth, Sarah and Rachel. 

8th I do give and bequeath unto my two youngest sons Samuel Moore and William Moore my land to be equally divided between them at the death or marriage of my wife each of them to have a horse and saddle, each one bed and furniture, the road wagon for hogsheads barrels, and all farming tools, all mechanical tools, all the hogs, all the balance of cattle that is not above _____, all the wagon and plough _____ with all the rest of my property yet unnamed which shall be equally divided between my two above named sons Samuel & William after all my funeral and other debts are paid, and I hereby make and ordain my son Enoch Moore Executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof the said Samuel Moore have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written.  Signed, sealed, published and acclaimed by the said Samuel Moore to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who were present at the giving and sealing thereof.

Samuel  (x)  Moore  (Seal)

Turner Harnell

Joseph Richardson

The will was proved during the November Term by both witnesses.

1830 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Mary Moore is probably the 60-70 year old female enumerated in the household of son Samuel.

1840 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 female 70-80; 1 free male negro 10-25.  She's enumerated close to Robert, John, and F. Moore.[113]

Mary's death date isn't known.

Children of Samuel Moore:

Elizabeth Moore (Sep 1783 -     ; m. _______ Landreth)

Enoch Moore (1794 - 27 Mar 1844; m. Ady Hopkins 16 Jul 1822)

John Moore (c. 1796 - c. 1829; m. Lydia Coe 12 Oct 1818)

Sarah "Sally" Moore (c. 1798 - 27 Jul 1856; m. Robert Walker 30 Aug 1825)

Pearson Moore (15 Mar 1800 - 1 Jan 1857; m. Isabella Scott 9 Mar 1826)

Samuel Moore (c. 1802 - 29 Jul 1855; m. Nancy Scott 22 Jan 1828)

William Moore (c. 1804 - 5 Mar 1839)

Rachel Moore (15 Aug 1807 - 13 Apr 1844; m. Ira D. Reed 29 Nov 1825)

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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