Morton Family Research

Vincent Lea Morton to James Monroe Morton 1877

2005-10-21T07:34:00.000-05:00

Vincent Lea Morton To his son James Monroe Morton

Caswell County, N.C. June 28th 1877

Know all men by by these presents that I, V. L . Morton Executor of Elijah Morton and for and in consideration of the sum of Twelve Hundred & Ten dollars to me as Executor aforesaid in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by J. Monroe Morton all of Caswell Co., N.C. do hereby give grant bargain & sell unto the said J. M. Morton his heirs & assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land lying & being in the County of Caswell on the waters of North Hyco adjoining the lands of the said V. L. Morton, J. W. Stephens & Mrs. Shanks containing by estimation Sixty Three acres be the same more or less to have and to hold the aforesaid premises with all & singular the privileges & appurtenances thereunto belonging to him the said J. M. Morton his heirs & assigns executors & administrators to his and their use and be hoof forever & I the said V. L. Morton as Executor aforesaid do covenant with the said J. M. Morton that he has a right to sell & convey the same and will for himself his heirs & assigns executors & administrators warrant & defend the title to the same to the said J. M. Morton his heirs & assigns forever against the lawful claim of any & all persons whatsoever. In witness whereof I as Executor aforesaid hereto set my hand & affix my seal this the 28th Day of June, 1877.

V. L. Morton ----- SEAL

Executor of Elijah Morton-Decd.

Test:

George N. Thompson

State of N.C.} In Superior Court

Caswell Co}. Nov. 17, 1885

The execution of the written deed is this day duly proven by the oath & examination of Geo. N. Thompson the subscribing witness and is adjudged to be correct let the deed & certificate be registered.

S. B. Adams---C.S.C.

Transcribed By: Latham Mark Phelps February 2004

Elijah Morton to Vincent Lea Morton 1869

2005-10-21T07:26:00.000-05:00

Elijah Morton to Vincent L. Morton

January 21st, 1869

Caswell County, North Carolina

State of North Carolina Caswell County

This Indenture made and _______this the 21st day of January 1869. Witnesseth that for and in consideration the natural love and affection which Elijah Morton bears his Son Vincent L. Morton and for and in consideration of a bond executed and delivered by said Vincent L. Morton to support and maintain the said Elijah Morton and for other good causes and considerations the said Elijah Morton hath given granted bargained Sold & delivered to the said Vincent L. Morton his heirs and assigns the tract of land whereon he the said Elijah Morton now lives containing five hundred 500 acres more or less adjoining the lands of John S., Wm. Peterson, William Stephens and others to have and to hold the Said tract of land to the only proper use & behoof of the said Vincent L. Morton his heirs and assigns forever.

Elijah Morton *Seal*

Witnesses

Wm. Paylor Jr.

A.W. Garner

Meshack Morton Estate Inventory--July 1796

2005-09-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

Page 168 July Court 1796

Inventory of the Estate of Meshack Morton, Deceased. Property taken 19th Feb. 1796

Corn and Fodder, Meat, three Head Horses, six Head Cattle, fourteen Head Hogs, three Head Sheep, eighteen Geese, three Feather Beds and Furniture, four Bedsteads, one Cotton Wheel, one Flax Wheel, three pair Cotton Cards, one pair Steelgards, one Trunk, one Case and seven Bottles, three Water Pails, one Wash Tub, one Wheel Rim, 3 Pots two pair Hooks, one Dutch Oven, one Frying Pan, one Table three pewter Basons, one pewter Dish, four pewter Plates, Spoons, two Earthen Dishes, six Earthen Plates, five Tea Cup and Saucers, one Milk Pot, five Teaspoons, three Knives and Forks, two Flat Irons, one Lock Chain, one Handsaw, three Augers, two Drawing Knives, one Chisel, one Foot addz, one Whipsaw, Two Sythes and Cradles, one Mattock, one Grubbing Hoe, four Axes, one pair Iron Wedges, ten Hoirs, one Candlestick, one pair Snuffers, one Chest, four Barrels, one Handmill, Crop Cotton, Crop Flax, one Grindstone, Crop Tobacco, seven Chairs, one Churn, one large Plow, Cutter Plow, two Dutch Plows, one Frow, one Loom and Gear, one Flax Hackle, Parcel Book, one Tea Canister, one Candle Mould, one Pepper Box, one Bee Gum, three pair Knitting Pins, one Reap Hook, one Meal Sifter, one Man's saddle, one Gun Barrel and lock, four Quart Bottles, Parcel Oats and Straw, one Gin, three pounds Feathers, one pound Salt Petre, one Sett Spools, Table Cloth and Towel, one pair Shears, one pair Iron Traces, one Watts Hymn Book, one Wire Sive, two Runtells, two Sack Bags, Parcel Flax Seed, one Pickler____

J. Carter Adm.

Caswell County July Court 1796

This Inventory was Returned to Court by the Adm. And on Motion Ordered to be Recorded.

Test. A. Murphey C.C.

Transcribed by: Latham Mark Phelps 2004

Morton Families of Person County: Related or Unrelated? by Joyce Harrison

2005-08-21T19:02:00.000-05:00

The earliest Morton record I have found so far in Person County is Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County, Virginia who purchased land from William Chambers of Person County, 1792. I am inclined to believe that this Thomas is the Thomas Morton who married Elizabeth Donaldson in 1799, the son of Thomas (5) and Catherine. I have gone back and forth on this Thomas’ parentage simply because in going back in the Moses Walker lineage, who is the grandfather of Elizabeth Donaldson, it lists his parents as Thomas Morton and Cicily Katherine Moore Morton. So here, more questions are left unanswered. Elizabeth’s father Robert Donaldson first appeared on the Person County Tax lists in 1793 along with Moses and Buckley Walker. I also noted that during the time frame of 1776 and 1793 there were no Morton’s listed on tax list in Person County.

In 1794 William Morton, Wm. Morton, Robert Donaldson, Moses Walker are all on the tax list.

In 1799 Averilla Morton marries Hiram Harrelson, August 24, 1799. William Morton was the bondsman for this marriage. I have no parents listed for Averiller. I have Avarillia Morton who marries Byrd S. Link March 12, 1799 in Caswell County and they migrate to Haywood County, Tennessee where they lived until their deaths. Avarilla died in 1852 and Byrd in 1840. The reason I have noted this here is the similarity in the names of the two women.

Thomas, William, George, and Catherine Morton are listed on the 1800 census in Person County. Harry O. Alvis believes that Catherine is the mother of Tarleton and Joseph and they are still in the home with her. Thomas Morton has 1 male 16-26, 1 female, 18-26. William has 1 male 10-16, 1 female 10-16, 1 male, 26-46, and 1 female 26-46. George has 2 males, 10-16, 1 male, 26-45, 2 females und. 10, 1 female, 10-16, and 1 female, 26-45. Catherine has 1 male, 10-16, 1 male, 16-26, 2 females, 10-16, 1 female, 16-26, and 1 female, 45+. I also want to note here that there are two Tarleton Mortons. I have found several different spellings in various documents but only two marriages. Tarlton Morton and Elizabeth Monday/Munday and Talton Morton to Nancy Evans. I will touch on these two later.

The first documentation I found of Joseph Morton was in Person County with his marriage to Mime (Jemiah) Harrold/Harrell on December 30, 1801. I have no theory on his parents but have him as the son of George Morton and Sarah Morton, Pennsylvania and brother to Meshack. I have no proof, just theory on my part. (I want to note here also that it is easier for me to place the unproven Mortons in my database with a tentative parent rather than just leave them dangling. I note that it is not proven and can and will change it as proof is found) Joseph and Mine leave Person County in 1807 and moves his family to Pike County, Indiana. I have his birth as July 3, 1780 in Halifax or Pittsylvania County, Virginia. This comes from Joan DeBella. His death is recorded as November, 1855.

There is a George Morton listed in Capt. Penicks District in 1805.

Then we have John M. Morton who married Judah Zachory on April 4, 1805. His parents are listed as Samuel Morton and Levicy Watson Morton. This marriage was in Caswell County.

Nancy Wimbish Morton marries Curtis Haynes on July 18, 1806. I agree with Stephen Dennis here that maybe she is the daughter of Peyton Morton and Nancy Ann Wimbish. I have found no census or tax records in Person County for Curtis Haynes.

A Joseph Morton purchases 144 acres of land from John Barnett for $124.00 in 1809.

Tarleton Morton marries Elizabeth Monday/Munday on Mach 21, 1809 with George Morton as the bondsman. Their children are:

Frances H. Morton b. 1810

Thomas Morton b. abt. 1812

Nancy Morton b. abt. 1822

Martha Morton b. abt. 1824

Ann Morton b. abt. 1827

Cary Morton b. abt. 1829

Mariah Morton b. abt. 1832

Sarah Morton b. abt. 1836

The one thing I have noted here is the range between the births of the children. My source for this was Wanda Brooks in Virginia and she had no sources with her work. It is also displayed on Family Tree Maker site online. I found an estate record for Cary Morton at the archives, he never married. Frances Morton married Granderson Wrenn on April 25, 1839 and died after 1870. Martha Morton married George Grief Brooks on February 19, 1852 and died bet. 1887-1897. George Grief Brooks is the brother of my Betsy Brooks Morton who will be discussed later in this paper. Ann Morton married David W. Brooks and died abt. 1828. Mariah Morton married Adolphus “Dolphin” Holt. Sarah Morton married George W. Wrenn on February 27, 1865.

George Morton, Thomas Morton, Buckley Walker, Sr, Jacob Bull, (will of Jacob Bull mentions granddaughter Elizabeth Morton), Paschal Morton, s/o Thomas Morton were all listed on tax list. There is the absence of Tarleton/Tarlton and William. Peyton Morton disappears from the list after the 1810 census records in Caswell County. George Morton has 1 male und. 10, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 16-26, and 1 male 45+. There are 3 females und 10, 2 females 10-16, 1 female 16-26 and 1 female 26-45. Thomas Morton has 1 male 26-45, 2 females und 10 and 1 female 26-45. Paschal Morton was listed as Fulton but there is no census in Person County for Tarleton/Tarlton and William Morton in 1810.

Moving onto 1820. We have Sabra Cash who marries a Thomas Morton on February 15, 1820. No other information. There is a deed for Talton Morton dated April 17, 1820 where he purchases 75 ½ acres of land from Joseph Southard. This land is located on Adams Creek. Note that the land Joseph Morton purchased from John Barnett was also on Adams Creek. Census records show George Morton, Sr, William Morton, Sr., Martin Morton, s/o Meshack and Mary Morton, William Morton, Jr., Talton/Tarlton Morton, Moses and Buckley Walker Srs. Anderson Morton dies between the years of 1820-1830. He was found on the 1820 census but in 1830, Letty Samuel Morton was listed as head in Caswell County. George Morton has 3 males und 10, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 45+, 2 females und 10, 2 females 10-16, 1 female 10-16, 1 female, 26-45. Martin Morton has 1 male und 10 and 1 female 10-16. In a will for Mary Morton, it list Martin Morton as her executor and also states that he is her son. I believe this Mary is Mary Ashburn who married Meshack Morton.

William Morton Sr., has 1 male und 10, 1 male 26-45, 1 male 45+, 1 female und 10, 1 female 16-26, and 1 female 45+. William Morton, Jr., has 1 male und 10 and 1 female 16-26. Talton Morton has 3 males und 10, 1 male 26-43, 3 females und 10, and 1 female 26-43.

The tax list in 1823 lists William Morton in Capt. Olivers Dist and Fulton? (Tarlton) in Capt. Williams Dist.

George and Tarleton Morton are found on the 1830 census. George has 2 males und 5, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 60-70, 2 females und 5, 1 female 20-30, 1 female 50-60, and 1 female 40-100. I am not sure why this was written like this but I suppose this female is older than 60. Tarleton has 1 male und 5, 1 male 10-15, 2 males 15-20, 1 male 40-50, 1 female und 5, 2 females 5-10, 1 female 20-30 and 1 female 40-50.

Thomas Morton and Temperance Walters are married on December 7, 1833 and again we have another Thomas who is a mystery. We have Elizabeth Morton who married Barnett Chamberlin on October 20, 1836, no parents listed.

On February 21, 1839, John Morton, son of William and Milley Samuel Morton marries Elizabeth “Betsy” Brooks. John was born abt. 1820. Elizabeth “Betsy” Brooks is the daughter of John Brooks and Nancy Walker whose father was Buckley Walker of Moses Walker. They had four children. Charlotte Morton, born abt. 1841, William H. Morton, born abt. 1843, John L. Morton, born abt. 1845, and George G. Morton, born October 18, 1846. John and Betsy are my third great grandparents. John Morton died in testate in 1848 and there are estate records and power of attorney documents that I have not completed transcribing. Betsy remarried in 1849 to Marcus Hamlett.

Charlotte married William David Dillehay on May 10, 1866 and died in 1879 from consumption. I found her death record on the Mortality schedule for Person County. William married Elizabeth Wrenn on December 30, 1867. John L. married Frances Wrenn on April 14, 1864. George G. Morton married three times and had children by all three marriages. He married Eudora Inge. January 22, 1867, Jane Nelson on January 31, 1892, and Ella C. Day Baird on March 21, 1899. I am not going to list all of the children for this family here as they are on my web site at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mmorton

I will say here that I think my great grandfather took the saying “go forward and procreate” literally. Just a little humor.

On the 1840 census Thomas Morton has 1 male und 5, 1 male 20-30, 1 female und 5, 2 females 20-30. Tarlton has 1 male 10-15, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 50-60, 1 female und 5, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 20-30, and 1 female 40-50.

In 1841 Elizabeth Morton married John Henry Gentry, October 25, 1841. Lewis Morton married Rosillia O’Briant on November 18, 1841. I believe this Lewis Morton is the brother of my John Morton, s/o William and Milley Samuel. Milley Morton marries Berry Clayton on October 7, 1841.

In 1843 John M. Morton married Leah Carver on November 30, 1843. I have an estate record that states within it that Lewis Morton is the brother of John M. Morton. I have a dilemma here trying to figure out who John M. Morton’s parents are. I also wonder what the “M” stands for in this John’s name, since there is a close connection to Moses Walker in this line. This John M. Morton died in testate about 1852 or 1853. He left three children, Susan, Martha, and Mary. Charles Mason was appointed guardian. No mention of a wife or her name in these records.

My John Morton buys 72 acres of land from Thomas J. Ramsey for $377.40 in 1844 located on Carts Road. He buys 3 ½ acres of land from William Ramsey for $12.00.

On January 16, 1851 Ann Morton marries David W. Brooks. I think this Ann is the daughter of Tarlton and Elizabeth Monday/Munday Morton. Then we move onto Nancy Morton who marries William Boze on July 14, 1852. Talton Morton marries Nancy Evans on April 7, 1853. I have no idea as to the parentage of this Talton. Moriah Morton marries Dolphin Holt in 1856. She is the daughter of Tarlton and Elizabeth Morton. Then we have Elizabeth Morton who marries John Hawkins on August 4, 1859, no other information for her. Harrison Morton marries for the second time to Margaret A. Brooks on February 17, 1859.

From here I am going to list census records for Morton’s in Person County.

1850: Morton, Harrison age 31 overseerer

Louisa age 27 keeping house

Ruffin, Fuller age 9

Morton, Thomas age 38

Nancy age 30

Levi age 12

Jane age 11

Morton, Tarlton age 63 Farmer

Elizabeth age 59 Keeping house

Nancy age 28

Martha age 26

Aver age 23

Cary age 21

Moriah age 18

Sarah age 14

I need to note here that although my great grandfather was enumerated in the household of Marcus Hamlett as a Hamlett, he and his siblings were indeed Mortons.

Hamlett, Marcus age 22 Farmer

Elizabeth age 32 Keeping house

Charlotte age 9

William H. age 7

John L. age 5

George G. age 2

Morton, Lewis age 36 Farmer

Rosilla age 25

John M. age 7

Mary I age 4

Stephen E. age 2

Jones, John age 21 Farmhand

Morton, William age 71 Farmer

Milley age 69 Keeping house

Elizabeth L.A. age 42

1860:

Brooks, Grief age 25 Farmhand

Martha age 25 Keeping house

John L. age 9

Ellen S. age 3

Morton, Sarah age 20

Everett, Samuel age 15

1870:

Morton, Geo. G. age 21 Farmer

Nedorah age 20 Keeping house

George W. age 2

Ella S. age 1

Morton, Harrison age 50 Farmer

Margaret A. age 44 Keeping house

James L. age 11

Mary A. age 7

**Morton, John age 25 Farm Laborer (Orange County)

Francis age 23 Keeping house

Elizabeth age 5

Thomas age 3

Infant age 1

**Note: This John is the s/o John Morton and Betsy Brooks. I could not find him on an 1860 census record. He appears here in Orange County.

Also in 1870 it is noted that Sarah Morton is not still in the household of Grief Brooks.

Clayton, Sarah J. age 29 Keeping house

Sarah age ?

Jack L. age 3

Morton, Nancy M. age 53 Keeping house

1880:

Morton, George G. age 32 Head

Dorah age 27 Keeping house

Geo. W age 12

Ella S. age 10

James C. age 7

Nannie E. age 6

Rosa M. age 4

John Y. age 1/12

Morton, Lewis L. age 64 Head

Rosilla age 55 Keeping house

Sidney, AD age 19

Hargis, Shine (B) age 17 other

Lambeth (B) age 15

Morton, Harrison age 62 Head

Margaret A. age 55 wife

James A. age 20

Mary A. age 16

Morton, Stephen age 35 Head

Susan age 30

Martha age 6

James age 3

Vance age 2

I hope I have not totally confused everyone. I have tried to source all my information but sometimes there is just not anything available. I will continue adding and trying to find links to this family. With the Person County Morton’s you have to consider the marriages with the Moses Walker family, the Inge family of Lunenburg County, Virginia, and the Brooks family. They all lived in close proxcemity of each other for many years and seemed to travel together to other states as time wore on. I hope this will help connect some more lines.

Joyce Harrison

8/21/2005

Thomas Mortons of Amelia & Prince Edward County by Carol Olson

2005-08-19T02:08:00.000-05:00

After my trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, I think that I better know the Thomas Mortons of Amelia and then Prince Edward County, all of whom I believe descend from John Morton of Henrico County. I will try to shed a little more light on how many there were and how they were related. Just as a reminder John Morton arrived in Virginia and settled in Varina parish, Henrico County sometime before 1689 when he was referenced in a deed between John Woodson and William Randolph. He had at least 3 sons - John, Thomas, and Joseph - mentioned in land deed transfers when John Sr died sometime around 1720/1721. Son John appears to have been the elder and Joseph the youngest.

In reference to Stephen Dennis’ document “Thomas Mortons Untangled May 24, 2005.doc”, he had outlined 4 Thomas Mortons. I will take them in turn.

First, Thomas (1) and I quote: “Thomas Morton (1) is probably the man to whom John Randolph conveyed 212 acres in 1720, Thomas Morton (1) is dead before February 1731, as his will was filed in Henrico County 9 February 1730/31. Thomas Morton (1) was married to Elizabeth Woodson, who after his death eventually married Edward Goode after 1740. In August 1734 Elizabeth Morton is described as the ‘relict of Thomas Morton’ of Henrico County.” Of this Thomas, no more need be said, as he never lived in the area of Prince George, which then became Amelia and finally Prince Edward.

However, there are several important records of land transactions by either Thomas (1) or his wife as follows. They will be important later in distinguishing other Thomases.

On 6 June 1730, Thomas Moreton was granted 354 acres of land in Prince George County on the south side of Appomattox River above William Lax. [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm]

Will of Thomas Morton, filed in Henrico Co, VA, dated 9 Feb 1730/1, recorded Apr 1731. Richard received 212 acres, Thomas 250 acres on south side of Appomattox in Prince George County (later Amelia then Prince Edward), John 200 acres in Prince George on south side of Appomattox adjoining Thomas, Ann the eldest daughter 150 acres adjoining John, and Judith 150 acres adjoining Ann. Witnesses to the will were Joseph Allfriend, Richard Truman, Robert Speare. [Deed book 1731 part 1, p. 293]

On 25 May 1734, Elizabeth Moreton (relict of Thomas) of Henrico County was granted 400 acres of land in Prince George County on the South side of the Appomattox between William Bay and David Lisle’s lines. [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm]

On 1 Aug 1734, Elizabeth Moreton was granted 239 acres of land in Prince George County on the south side of Appomattox River adjoining her deceased husbands and David Lisles lines. [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm]

On 20 Dec 1740 in Amelia County, Elizabeth (x) Morton of Henrico Co, widow of Thomas Morton, “for natural love & affection for my dearly loved children” deeded lands in Amelia to her children: Thomas Morton (58 acres as part of patent to Elizabeth 1 Aug 1734 joining land given to him in father’s will of 9 Feb 1730/1), John Morton (159 acres as part of patent to Elizabeth 1 Aug 1734 joining land given to him in father’s will of 9 Feb 1730/1), Ann Gathright (150 acres as part of patent to Elizabeth 1 Aug 1734 joining lands of John Morton) wife of William Gathright, and Judith Morton (150 acres as part of patent to Elizabeth 1 Aug 1734 joining land of Ann Gathright). Included also was Elizabeth’s nephew Samuel Morton (? acres on Appomattox River as part of patent to Elizabeth 1 Aug 1734), son of John Morton of Henrico County. Wit: Edward Goode, Richard Morton & Mark Clarke. [Amelia County Deeds Vols 1-2, 1734-1747, FHL US/CAN film 30431]

The Thomas in the will of Thomas (1) (above) and in the land deed of Elizabeth Morton (above) of Dec 1740, Stephen Dennis has called Thomas (2) and I will continue to do so. The first evidence that I have of this Thomas is in 1747 when he was deeded land in Amelia County on the Briery River. The keys to this Thomas are location (Briery River) and in any transaction where a signature was need he always signed his name (in contrast to making a mark). Earlier Thomas Mortons were in Amelia County, but on the Sandy River not the Briery and none until the late 1790s could sign their full name.

On 25 June 1747, for 40 shillings, Thomas Morton was granted 400 acres of land in Amelia County on the lower side of Bryer [Briery] River bounded by Joseph Mortons corner on the River & Macgehee’s line. Signed William Gooch Lieutenant Governor & Commander of Virginia Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg. [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm]

This now gives Thomas (2) land holdings of 708 acres of land, which includes the land willed to him by his father and deeded to him by his mother.

Prior to 1747 there was a Thomas Morton in the household of Samuel Morton on the 1744 tax list of Amelia County. Does this not point to Thomas (2)? After all Elizabeth was deeding land to Samuel in 1740. This tax record would place Thomas (2)’s birth date as 1728 or before (white males were tithable at this time in Virginia at age 16 and above).

In 1749, there were 2 Thomas Mortons in the tax index for Amelia County - Thomas Morton patroller and Thomas Morton Jr. I believe Thomas Morton Jr to be our Thomas (2).

On 19 April 1750 John Martin sold to Thomas Morton, for 30 pounds, 200 acres on the lower side of Bryer River, adjoining Thomas Morton’s old line, the river, John Martin’s old line & a bold branch. Wits: Hugh Challes, Samuel Wallace & Samuel Ewing. Possession obtained by Thomas Morton in presence of same witnesses. Deed proved by oaths of same witnesses & ordered recorded on Apr. 20, 1750. [Amelia County, VA Deeds, Volumes 3 & 4 (1747-1753), page 49].

Again I believe this to be Thomas (2) since the land is on the Briery River. That now places Thomas (2)’s land holdings in Amelia County at 908 acres.

On 26 Sep 1751 Richard Moreton of Nottoway parish, county Amelia, to Thomas Moreton of parish Raleigh, County Amelia, for 10 pounds current money, [200 acres of Amelia County land - part of deed missing] and to John Moreton of parish Raleigh, county Amelia, 250 acres of land in Amelia County on south side of Appomattox River formerly in Prince George county adjoining land of John Moreton & Thomas Brackett. Signed: Richard Moreton [Amelia Co. Deed Bk. 4, pp. 163, 164] On 26 September 1751, deed Richard Morton to John Morton, Jr and deed Richard Morton to Thomas Morton ordered recorded. [Amelia County, VA Court Order Book 2 (1746-1751), p. 227]

I believe this also to be Thomas (2). Now Thomas (2) has acquired 1108 acres of land in Amelia County.

The next deed is a bit puzzling. If one does the math from Thomas (1)’s will and Elizabeth Morton’s 1740 land transaction, John and Thomas (2) had acquired 667 acres of land between them. The following takes care of 573 acres of that land, leaving 94 acres but how is that 94 acres divided between John and Thomas (2)?

26 September 1751. Thomas & John Morton, Jr. of Amelia County to Thomas Brackett of Cumberland Co, for 265 pounds, 573 acres on south side Appomattox River joining Lax’s old line & Brackett’s land bought from Richard Morton, & adjoining William Archer’s land bought from Edward Goode, Jr., & Hudson & Watson’s land, & Archer’s land bought from Edward Goode, Sr., & down the river; part of said land patented to Thomas Morton in 1730, & part patented to Elizabeth Morton on May 25, 1734, part of which land was given by will to said Mortons (Thomas & John) & the other part conveyed by deed from Elizabeth Morton in 1734, with all due share of veins, mines & quarries discovered & not discovered, & the river waters & water courses therein contained, & with all houses, etc. Wits: (none listed). Possession obtained by Thomas Bracket on Sept. 6, 1751 & deed ordered recorded on Sept. 26, 1751. [Amelia County, VA Deeds, Volumes 4 (1747-1753), page 130]

Now Thomas (2) holds somewhere between 800 and 894 acres of land.

23 September 1751. Joseph Morton Jr of Amelia County to Thomas Morton Jr of Amelia County, for 30 pounds, 200 acres south side of the (Appomattox) River as it meanders, with all houses, being part of land said Joseph Morton purchased from Daniel Hamlin on Sept. 22, 1739 [Actually 16 April 1741?]. Wits: Charles Anderson, Richard Morton & John Morton, Jr. Possession obtained by Thomas Morton on Sept. 23, 1751. Deed proved by oaths of same witnesses on Sept. 26, 1751 & ordered recorded. [Amelia County, VA Deeds, Volumes 4 (1747-1753), page 173]

Thomas (2)’s land again, being on the Briery River, and note the use of Jr with the name. Now Thomas (2) holds somewhere between 1000 and 1094 acres of land.

On 9 June 1757, Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County sold to James Sheldon of Prince Edward County, for 35£, a certain tract of land on the east side of Briery River in Prince Edward County, about 200 acres bounded by Richard Woodson, McGehee, the flat ground of a branch, a stony point by the riverside. Signed - Thomas Morton. Wit - John Fulton, Chas Venable, James Hervey (Harvey). Recorded 9 Aug 1757. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 1, p 106)

Thomas (2)’s land holdings now total between 800 and 894 acres of land and we actually have witnessed his full signature (according to the clerk who copied the deed).

Starting in 1782, for all existing tax lists for the Briery River area we find Thomas (2) Morton listed with 1 white tithe. Starting in 1784 and continuing through 1785, the tax lists name his slaves as Jack, Caesar, Lucy (84), Davy, Harry, Sall, Buck, Will, Parker, Judith (85). The number of horses he owned range from 0 to 11. On the first few tax lists starting in 1782, cattle were enumerated and he kept a herd of about 30. Later, carriages were assessed and very few people seemed to possess any - Thomas (2) had 2. So we have a man that is wealthier than most in the county.

1 Mar 1786 Humphrey Nelson of Prince Edward County to Thomas Morton of same, for 75 pounds, 100 acres on land in Prince Edward County adjoining Thomas Morton’s line, Carter’s line, Runall’s line. Signed Humphrey Nelson. Wit: A Nelson, Chrisson Strom, Robert Bowman, Joseph Morton. Recorded 17 Apr 1786. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 7, p 222)

Now Thomas (2)’s land holdings total 900 to 994 acres.

19 Feb 1787, Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County to Samuel F Spencer of Charlotte County, for natural love & affection & 5 shillings, 300 acres of land on Briery River in Prince Edward County adjoining Smith’s line, Purnall’s line, Carter’s line, said Thomas Morton’s line, being part of the tract upon which Thomas Morton now lives. Signed Thomas Morton. Recorded same day. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 7, p 269)

Thomas (2)’s land holdings total 600 to 694 acres. This is also the first indication of any children to reach marriageable age or majority. His daughter Agnes married Samuel Spencer 7 Sep 1786.

21 Dec 1795 Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County to Matthew Lyle of same, for 16 pounds 5 shillings, 16 1/4 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining said Morton and said Lyle, part of land where said Morton now lives. Signed Thomas Morton. No Wit. Recorded same day. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 10, p 396)

Thomas (2)’s total now stands at 584 to 678 acres.

The following land transactions I believe cancel each other out but since no acreage is given, I can’t be sure. They also give indication of another child of Thomas (2). Maryann, his daughter, married Joseph Morton. This Joseph was a grandson of the Joseph Morton who was a son of John Morton - the oldest son of John the immigrant. By this point in time Maryann is deceased and Joseph has remarried to Nancy Baker.

12 Jun 1797 Sarah Pettus, relict of John Pettus deceased of Lunenburg & executor of his estate, to Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County, for 240 pounds, (unspecified) acres of land in Prince Edward County on both sides of the Briery River. Signed Jno Pettus. Wit: Wm Womack Sr, J. League, Joseph Morton, Charles Morton. Recorded 19 Jun 1797. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 11, p 70)

12 Jun 1797 Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County to Joseph Morton of same, for affection for Joseph the father to his daughter’s children & 20 shillings, (unspecified) acres of land in Prince Edward County on both sides of the Briery River adjoining Thomas’s line. Signed Thomas Morton. Wit: Saml Venable, J. League, Wm Womack Sr, Charles Morton, John Hamlin. Recorded 19 Jun 1797. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 11, p 67)

Now for the last definite land transaction before 2 questionable ones:

12 Jun 1797 Thomas Morton & his wife Cicely of Prince Edward County to Wm Womack Sr of same, for 450 pounds, 391 3/4 acres of land in Prince Edward County, part of land where Thomas now lives, adjoining Samuel F Spencer, Matthew Lyle, James Morton, and James Calhoon. Signed Thomas Morton, Cicely Morton. Wit: Matthew Lyle, Joseph Morton, Dudley Barksdale. Recorded 19 Jun 1797. (11-123)

Thomas (2)’s total now stands at 192 to 286 acres. But more importantly we finally have indication of a wife. This is the first sale of land by Thomas (2) outside of the family since 1757, except for the sale to Matthew Lyle. Was Cicely really the mother of Agnes & Maryann or had Thomas remarried late in life? I feel that there was not the care taken with all these deeds by the grantee to have Cicely relinquish her dower. I can understand with Samuel and Joseph, as they were son-in-laws. But why with Matthew Lyle - certainly a good friend but no indication of a relationship? Both Agnes & Maryann named children Cicely. Would they have done that for a step mother that Thomas married late in life?

Certainly some of Thomas (2)’s acreage would be diminished from the following, unless it is someone else’s land and is being sold by the 3 men as administrators of an estate.

4 Mar 1793 Thomas Morton, William Carter, and Joseph Morton of Prince Edward County to James Calhoun of same, for 139 pounds, 2 shillings 6 pence, 185 1/2 acres of land in Prince Edward County on Briery River adjoining Thomas Flournoy, William Carter, and Samuel Spencer. Signed William Carter, Thomas Morton, Joseph Morton. No wit. Recorded 16 Sep 1793. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 277)

The last deed is indeed puzzling since I feel that it too involves our Thomas (2) but again could he be acting as an administrator to someone else’s estate since there’s not enough acreage left to sell OR have records of some deeds been lost?

16 Nov 1767 Thomas Morton Jr of Prince Edward County to Miles Gathwright Jr of New Kent County, for 100 pounds, 600 acres of land in Prince Edward County on Briery River adjoining James Cook & John Martin. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 3, p 112)

Looking back over all land transactions for Thomas (2) we see no indication of any male children. The only children that can conclusively be attributed to Thomas (2) are the wife of Samuel Spencer, Agnes Morton, and the wife of Joseph Morton, Mary Ann Morton. Thomas (2)’s will bears this out. The complete will, inventory, and accounts have been transcribed here following.

In the name of God Amen, I Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County do make my last will & testament as follows. In the first place I desire my executor hereafter mentioned to pay all my debts out of my perishable estate and money due me. Secondly I desire and bequeath all my estate both real and personal, whatever kind, or wheresoever it may be situated, to the children which Joseph Morton had by my daughter Maryan equally to be divided between them my said grand children and to their heirs. It is not my intention that the children of Samuel Spencer should have any part of my estate, they having been sufficiently provided for by the property which I have already given the said Samuel Spencer. Lastly I appoint my friend James Morton executor of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 19th day of October 1800. Signed Thomas Morton. Wit: William Dillon, Christopher Todd, Josiah Morton.
At a district court held at Prince Edward Court House April the 2nd 1802, this last will and testament of Thomas Morton deceased was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of William Dillon and Josiah Morton two of the witnesses. Thereto ordered that the same be recorded. On the motion of James Morton the only executor therein named who with Josiah Morton his security entered into and acknowledged their bond for that purpose in the penalty of six thousand dollars and conditioned according to law. Thereupon the said James Morton took the oath required by law, certificate for obtaining probate thereof in due form is granted him.
An inventory of the Slaves and personal estate Thomas Morton decd with the appraisement annexed this twenty-eighth day of April 1802.
1 case Bittles 0/10/0
1 two-gallon jug 0/4/0
1 quart bottle 0/0/6
2 baskets & bag 0/1/6
10 pewter plates 1/0/0 each
3 pewter dishes 0/10/6
2 brass candlesticks & snuffers 0/8/0
1 Sundry glass vase 1/4/0
1 pewter basin spoons knives forks 1/5/0
1/2 dozen silver tea spoons 1/8/0
Sundry earthen ware 2/3/0
Sundry tinn ware 0/18/0
1 Moravian quart jug 0/3/0
1 spice mortar 0/10/0
1 Jacry? comb 0/1/0
1 tea board 1/0/0
1 breadbasket and waiter 0/3/0
2 shot guns 2/0/0
1 large walnut chest 0/18/0
8 chairs 0/12/0 each
1 hackle 0/18/0
1 copper kettle 0/15/0
1 stock lock 0/8/0
1 Dutch oven 0/8/0
1 steel trap 0/15/0
1 frying pan old pot and hooks 0/7/6
1 pair shovel and tongs 0/8/0
1 pair end irons and shovel 0/15/0
2 iron wedges screw and chisel 0/15/0
4 grubbing hoes and ax 0/12/0
1 coffee mill 0/3/0
1 coopers adz 0/3/0
1 foot adz 0/3/0
1 curry comb and brush 0/3/0
1 pair saddle irons 0/4/0
1 stand 0/3/0
3 Riddles (bridles?) 0/12/0
2 men's saddles 3/0/0
1 half-bushel measure 0/6/0
4 scythe blades, 2 belly & lock chains 0/15/0
--- (can’t read)
1 rawhide 0/10/0
1 spinning wheel 4/ 1 whip saw 20/ 1/14/0
1 pot rack 0/18/0
1 horse-riding chair with whip 37/10/0
1 bed and furniture 12/0/0
2 bed and furniture 25/10/0
1 bed and furniture 10/0/0
1 Taussel 0/9/0
Parcel of ? 0/12/0
1 chest and 2 stays 1/4/0
2 pillows 2 counter? rains? 2 sheets 2 table clothes 5/13/0
1 walnut table 0/15/0
1 ax 0/1/6
1 large pine table 0/12/0
1 chamber pot and 1 large jug 0/8/0
4 butter pots 0/18/0
1 all? mettle skillet 1/10/0
1 Iron skillet 0/2/6
3 pots 1 pair pot hooks 1/2/6
1 wash bowl 1 keg vinegar 0/10/0
1 pair end irons 2 weeding hoes 1/3/0
3 hilling hoes, 3 plow hoes 0/18/0
1 cutter & ax, 1 coffee mill 0/10/0
parcels of ? 1 raw hide ? 1/8/6
2 raw hides 1 looking glass 1/1/0
sundry razor case money scales 2/2/6
1 pair cast irons 7 pair cast wheels 1/19/0
parcel of peas in shell 1/0/0
1 plow hoe 1 meal sifter 0/5/6
1 pine chest 0/18/0
1 writing desk & parcel of books 7/5/0
1 pair steel yards 0/15/0
1 red and white bull 2/14/0
1 dunn colored steer 2/0/0
1 red cow 3/0/0
2 small steers 4/4/0
Shaving box hammer sundry other things 0/12/6
1 pair saddle bags 1/10/0
1 sorrel horse 15/0/0
1 bay horse 13/0/0
1 currycomb 0/1/6
8 bushels Oats 1/4/0
347 pounds bacon 13/0/3
2 pots hog lard 1/3/0
86 pounds seed cotton 1/6/6
Slaves
Harry 90/0/0
David 90/0/0
Old Judy 5/0/0
Becka 80/0/0
Judy 80/0/0
Lucinder 85/0/0
Phill 65/0/0

Signed James Morton Exec. Wit: John Hudson, Sharp Spencer, Abner Watson.
At a district court held at Prince Edward Court House 3 Sep 1802, this inventory and appraisement of the estate of Thomas Morton deceased was returned and ordered that the same be recorded. Watkins.

Expenses
21 Apr 1802 To Joseph Metteaur 1/9/6
22 Apr 1802 Cash for a coffin 1/4/0
3 May 1802 To James Morton for 2 days services 0/12/0
7 May 1802 7 yards dark linen 0/12/3
21 May 1802 sundry stamps 0/6/0
19 May 1802 To James Morton 35/15/0
Jun 1802 18 yards Osnabug? 1/16/0
4 yards dark linen 0/7/0
49 yards Osnabug? 0/9/0
To John Redd 2/8/0
To John Yate 0/10/6
To Elisha Bell 0/6/3
Sep 1802 Sundry Clerks tickets 0/6/3
Dec 1802 5 1/2 yards plants 1/2/11
1 1/2 dozen buttons 0/1/10 1/2
Thomas A Morton 1/11/0
1 felt hat 0/3/9
Smiths shop 0/3/6
Jan 1803 Cash to Jo Morton 30/0/0
1 pair winter hose 0/5/6
cash paid to Jo Morton 90/18/0
Apr 1803 Cash to Jo Morton 18/0/0
9 yards Osnabug? 0/12/0
Nathaniel Turney? 2/19/3
Jul 1803 Cash pd Wm H Morton 4/10/0
Sep 1803 Betty A Moor 0/11/0
Taxes 0/9/11

Income
Apr 1802 Cash on hand 5/2/4 1/2
sale of 30 pounds beef 0/10/0
cash at sale 4/2/9
sale of 1 sorrel horse 25/0/0
sale of 2 tin buckets
sale of pewter plates & dishes
sale of Water & tray
discount 8 1/4 months interest 27/4/0
for prompt payment 1/3/0
from Joseph Mitteaur 21/13/6
sale of 1 sett Davis’s Sermons 1/0/0
from John Hudson 2/7/6
from Archd Alexander 2/2/0
from John H Rice 0/19/6
from Nathaniel Irving 2/4/0
sale of 1 pott rack & butter pot 1/4/0
May 1802
sale of 83 3/4 pounds of bacon 1/18/9
sale of 40 pounds of bacon 1/10/0
cash 0/1/6
sale of 1 curry comb & brush 0/2/6
from John Booker 4/4/0
sale of 8 Bushels oats 1/4/0
sale of 103 pounds bacon 3/17/3
July 1802
sale of 41 pounds of damaged bacon 1/0/6
sale of 1 screw augur 0/6/0
Aug 1802
received cash of William Carter 7/0/0
from Matthew Lyle for bacon 3/16/6
Dec 1802
from Frances Walthall 3/0/0
from Richard N Venable 10/16/6
from George King 1/16/10
from Nathaniel Jurney 4/10/0
from Quin Morton 9/0/0
from John H Overstreet 0/18/0
Jan 1803
from Samuel Spencer 12/3/11
from Martin Smith 14/16/3
from Frances Walthall 0/18/6
from William Worsham 27/6/0
Mar 1803
sale of 3 linen sheets 2/17/6
May 1803
from Charles Woodson 3/7/6
Jun 1803
Hire of David 8/1/3
from John H Overstreet 2/15/2
Jul 1803
from Andrew Johnston 9/6/0
from Thomas Walthall 1/12/3
Sep 1803
from Josiah Morton 12/18/7
from James Holeman 1/5/0

Expenses
Oct 1803
To Josiah Morton 12/0/0
Jan 1804
To Benj Watkins 0/1/6
Apr 1804
To Venable & Venable 6/2/4
May 1804
To Henry E Watkins 0/4/2 1/4
Aug 1804
To cash 0/18/0
Sep 1804
To Joel? Watkins Jun 3/3/0
To Charles Woodson 0/9/0
Feb 1805
Cash pd admr 27/17/9

Income
Feb 1804
25 pounds copper 0/16/8
from Theodrick B McRoberts 0/18/0
Cash 18/0/0

Agreeable to an order from the ? the District Court of Prince Edward Dated Sep term 1803 we have proceeded to settle the accounts current of James Morton executor of Thomas Morton Deceased and on comparing the accounts with the vouchers -- -- produced by the executors do find the accounts justly stated with the proper debits credits given under our hands the 9th day of Mar 1805. Signed John Hudson, Ben. Watkins. At a District Court held at Prince Edward Court House 1 Apr 1805, this account current of James Morton executor of Thomas Morton deceased was returned or direct that the same be recorded. Watkins.

Just a note about the Morton’s mentioned in the will and above accounts. I believe James Morton to be the son of Thomas (2)’s brother John. The Joseph Morton mentioned was certainly the son-in-law of Thomas (2). Quin Morton was the son of Richard, Thomas (2)’s older brother. Thomas A Morton was Quin’s son. William H Morton was a child of Joseph & Mary Ann - Thomas (2)’s grandchild. The only puzzlement is Josiah Morton - could this be one of Thomas (2)’s grandchildren - a brother to William H Morton?

Well, this leaves out all of the male Mortons that James Allen attributed to Thomas (2) in his 1930s article on the descendants of Thomas Morton, but I will get to them shortly.

Stephen Dennis’s Thomas Morton (3), the son of Samuel Morton who was mentioned in Elizabeth Woodson Morton’s deeding of land to her children Dec 1740, is clearly a Charlotte County Thomas born around 1765, who does not come of age until about 1786. He seems to have stayed in Charlotte County at least until his majority so I will not be discussing Thomas (3) among the Amelia County/Prince Edward County Thomases.

Now what about the rest of the records that reference Thomas Morton in Amelia & Prince Edward County as well as a few in Person County, NC?

I will now define some new Thomases and give my guess as to how they are all related. I discard Stephen’s Thomas (4) and will reuse the number, since I feel Thomas (2) never had a son Thomas live to be an adult.

Prince George records are sadly lacking except for land patents issued in that county. Amelia County was formed in 1736 so the document trail starts there. It is important to note that the following Thomas (es) could not sign his (their) name but merely made his (their) mark and that where land transactions were involved, most were in the Sandy River area. None were in the Briery River area.

In 1736, Tho. Morton, Jno. Morton, Cuffy a negro were listed on the Amelia County tax lists above Flatt Creek. Since no note was made and Tho. was listed as head of household (first in a list), it is most likely that this Thomas was above 21 and hence born before 1715. We will call this Thomas, Thomas (4). The other Mortons listed in that area of Amelia County were Stephen and Joseph. Now Jno, Stephen, and Joseph were all sons of John Morton, the oldest son of John the immigrant. Does it not make sense that Thomas would be a brother to these three? In fact, from the way the tax list was given, I would venture to say that he was older than his “brother” Jno. Why was Samuel, another brother, not also on the same tax lists? He certainly had reached his majority. My guess, from the fact that Elizabeth Morton deeded land to her nephew Samuel, was that Samuel was with Elizabeth Morton back in Henrico trying to “hold down the fort” with the early demise of Elizabeth’s husband Thomas (1). It seems that after Thomas (4)’s uncle Joseph arrived in Amelia in 1738, Thomas was first listed in Joseph’s household and then the following year listed “next door.”

Early land transactions that I believe to involve Thomas (4) occurred 1737 - 1740 as follows.

On 9 February 1737/8, for 15 shillings, Thomas Moreton was granted 126 acres of land in Amelia County between William Fuqua's and William Mayo's lines; by Joseph Watson to a Corner white Oak marked “JM”. Signed William Gooch Lieutenant Governor & Commander of Virginia Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg. [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm]

20 Jun 1740 court Thomas (+) Morton presented and acknowledged his deed livery and saisson to John Short of James City County VA. 21 Jun 1740 Thomas Morton of Amelia County deeded to John Short of James City County, for 15 pounds current money, 126 acres of land in Amelia County originally patented to Thomas Morton 9 Feb 1737. Thomas (mark +) Morton. [Amelia County, VA Deeds, Volume 1 (1735-1741), page 233]

The next land transaction I can attribute to Thomas (4) follows.

On 15 February 1744/5 Joseph (mark backwards capital E) Morton, Sr. of Brunswick County to Thomas (mark capital I) Morton, for 5 pounds current money, 225 acres in Amelia County lying on forks of lower fork of Sandy River beginning at said Joseph Morton’s old line, crossing fork of river to Daniel Hamlin’s line (part of a 353 acre tract). Witnesses: Joseph Ligon, Edward Osborne, William Ligon. [Amelia County, VA Deeds, Volume 2 (1741-1757)]

As an aside I believe this Joseph to be Thomas (4)’s uncle not his brother Joseph. Brother Joseph always signed his full name, while Uncle Joseph always used a mark of backwards capital E. Because of this land transaction, I believe Thomas (4) to be the witness to the will of his uncle Joseph Sr in Dec 1749, traveling to Halifax County court as a witness to help prove the will at March Court 1753. It is very clear from the will of Joseph Sr that Thomas (4) was NOT his son.

Starting around 1749, in Amelia County, the use of Sr and Jr were used with Thomas (2) and Thomas (4) to distinguish them - Thomas (4) being Sr and Thomas (2) being Jr. I believe it was around this time that Thomas (2) finally attained his majority.

Now proceeding on in time, we come to an early Prince Edward County deed.

On 1 May 1761, Thomas (+) Morton of PE granted to son George Morton, for 5 shillings, 100 acres of land in the parish of St Patrick on Sandy River, bounded by the widow Ligon’s line, part of land Joseph Ligon bought from Joseph Morton. Signed Thomas (+) Morton. Witnesses: Thomas Turpin, John Penix, John Holloway. Recorded 11 Aug 1763. (Prince Edward County Deed Book 2, page 60)

This again I believe to be Thomas (4) - land on the Sandy River deeded by a man who signs with a mark. Thomas (4) now has a net worth in land of 125 acres (unless there are missing deeds or land gained by inheritance). We now have record of Thomas (4)’s first known child George.

13 Aug 1771, Thomas Morton Sr., parish St Patrick, county Prince Edward, to George Morton and wife Hannarriter of same, for 60 pounds, 100 acres of land on Sandy River in Prince Edward County adjoining Thomas Morton, John Hamblin, William King, Joseph Ligon. Signed Thomas (his mark X) Morton. Wit: John Holloway, Rial Bowman, Thomas Morton Junr. Recorded 12 Jan 1772. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 5, p 123)

Another land transaction attributed to Thomas (4) - notice that it’s signed with a mark and involves land on the Sandy River. Thomas (4) now has 25 acres of land. George also has a wife and from later documents I feel the clerk was trying to spell Henrietta.

14 Aug 1784 John Holloway of Prince Edward County to Thomas Morton Sr of same, for 5 pounds paid to Samuel Morton, 10 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining Thomas Morton’s corner, John Barnes line. Signed John Holloway. No Wit. Recorded 16 Aug 1784. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 7, p 111)

Thomas (4) again was involved - now he has 35 acres of land. Also notice the mention of Samuel Morton, whom I believe is another son. Was Thomas (4) having trouble getting around?

8 Oct 1790 Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County to Joseph Siah Morton, for natural love & affection he has for his son, 35 acres of land in Prince Edward County on Sandy River adjoining Thomas Scott, Nathan Penick, and Samuel Morton. Signed Thomas (his mark +) Morton. Wit: William Singleton, John Harrell, David M Miller. Recorded 18 Oct 1791. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 13)

Thomas (4) once again -leaving him with 0 acres of land. But more importantly, another son, Joseph Siah. As Stephen Dennis has suggested, this is undoubtedly the Josiah that ends up in Caswell County, NC.

The last record that I believe involves Thomas (4) is puzzling since he has no land left to sell, but here it is. Could it be that Thomas (4) has died and Thomas Jr has become Thomas Sr with Thomas Jr’s son Thomas becoming the new Thomas Jr?

11 Jan 1792, Thomas Morton Sr. and Samuel Morton both of Prince Edward County to John Clark Jr of same, for 150 pounds, 190 acres of land in Prince Edward County on the branches of the Sandy River on the lines of Josiah Morton, Nathan Penn, Scott, and Hamblin. Signed Thomas (his mark +) Morton, Samuel Morton. Wit: John Richards Sr, Nathaniel Penick, Elijah Hudson. Levicy, Samuel’s wife, relinquishes her dower. Recorded 18 Jun 1792. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 131).

Does this not suggest that Samuel too is a son of Thomas (4)? We know it is the Samuel that ends up for a time in Caswell County and then moves on to Williamson County, TN because of the wife’s name Levicy.

By the early 1770s in Prince Edward county, we definitely have at least 3 Thomases - Thomas (2), Thomas (4) and the third one I will refer to as Thomas (5). Records of the 1770s and 1780s seem to refer to these Thomases as: Thomas (BR), Thomas Sr (SR), Thomas Jr (SR). I believe BR stands for Briery River and SR stands for Sandy River.

The first record that I think definitively belongs to Thomas (5):

13 Aug 1771, George Morton, parish St Patrick, county Prince Edward, to Thomas Morton Jr of same, for 30 pounds, 134 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining William Davisson, Thos. Crafford, Rial Bowman, Church Road. Signed George & Hanahrittah Morton & John Sutton Bowman. Wit: John Holoway, Abrm. Brown, Thomas Roberts. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 5, p 213).

Does this not suggest George as a brother to Thomas (5), making Thomas (5) a son of Thomas (4)? The following 7 deeds I feel all can be attributed to Thomas (5).

22 Nov 1771 Thomas Morton Jr, parish St Patrick, county Prince Edward, to John Richards of same, for 40 pounds, 134 acres of land on lower side of Sandy River in Prince Edward County adjoining Gravelly’s line & lands sd Richards bought from William Davidson; this is part of land granted to Royal & John Sutton Bowman sold to George Morton and then to sd Thomas. Signed: Thomas (his mark X wiggly) Morton. Wit: Icay Rice, Maiden Rice, Charley Lewelling. Recorded 18 May 1772. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 4, p 182)

20 Apr 1789 John Clarke Jr of Prince Edward County to Thomas Morton Jr of same, for 25 pounds, 78 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining Donald’s line, Scott’s corner. Signed John Clarke Jr. No wit. Recorded same day. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 8, p 148)

9 Oct 1792, Thomas Morton and wife Cate of Prince Edward County to Thomas Broadway of same, for 50 pounds, 78 acres of land on Little Branch in Prince Edward County adjoining Thomas Scott, Thomas Penick, and Robert Donald. Signed Thomas (his mark +) Morton, Caty (her mark +) Morton. Witnesses: Samuel Morton, William Elliott, William King, Joseph Broadway. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 223).

19 Jan 1793 Josiah Morton of Prince Edward County to Thomas Morton of same, for 22 pounds 10 shillings, 25 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining Nath. Penick, Thomas Scott, sd Morton, John Clarke deceased. Signed Josiah Morton. Wit: William Wooten, Owen Smith, Mathew Branch. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 222)

24 May 1794 Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County to William King of same, for 15 pounds, 25 acres of land in Prince Edward County on Sandy River adjoining Thomas Scott and Thomas Penick. Signed Thomas Morton. Wit: John L Curte?, John Penick, William Ligon. Recorded 21 Jul 1794. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 10, p 168)

21 Dec 1792 William Chambers of Person Co sells to Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County Virginia, for 20 pounds, 20 acres of land on Marlows Creek, bordering Harralson’s land. Witness: Jos. Dickson, William (x) Morton, John Carlton. (Person County, Deed book A, p 96)

1 Mar 1797 Ezekiel Haralson of Person Co sells to Thomas Morton of Person Co, for 16 pounds, 15 acres of land on Marlow’s Creek. Witness: Eperictus? Winders & Richard Bearden. (Person County, Deed book B, p 332)

1 Mar 1800 Thomas Morton of Person Co sells to Paul Haralson of Person Co, for 7 pounds, 4 3/4 acres of land on the West Bank of Marlows Creek, near the fork. Witness: H Haralson & J. Howard. (Person County, Deed book C, p 215)

These transactions leave Thomas (5) with no land holdings in Prince Edward County but about 30 acres in Person County, NC. It is troubling that Thomas signed his name in full when he sold the land purchased from Josiah. Is this actually another Thomas? Probably the most interesting fact is the name of Thomas (5)’s wife as Cate. There is a Catherine Molton (Morton) in the 1800 census in Person County, which I claim implies that Thomas (5) has died (with son Thomas (6) soon to enter the scene). It is interesting to note that Thomas (5) was still being taxed in 1795 in Prince Edward County. Because of the limit of time, I was unable to look at the subsequent tax lists in Prince Edward county. The first extant tax list in Person County showing Thomas (5) was 1797.

Now enters Thomas (6), I claim a son of Thomas (5) and Catherine Morton of the Person County 1800 census. It is this Thomas that marries Elizabeth Donaldson 5 Jan 1799 in Person County, NC, but by 1810 no longer is enumerated in Person County. A land purchase in Williamson County on 17 Dec 1811 shows the family to be in Tennessee by 1811. This Thomas took part in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. On his way home, he died somewhere along the Natchez Trace while in Mississippi - some people give a date of 20 Mar 1815. At any rate, his estate was probated in Williamson County Jul Court 1815. From what I’ve been able to gather from the IGI (at familysearch.org), and the rootsweb world tree (worldconnect.rootsweb.com) - not all sources that are 100 percent accurate I realize - Thomas and Elizabeth had the following children.
1. Catherine Morton born around 1802 in North Carolina (no more known)
2. Martha Morton, first married James Surratt, second married Howell T Sewell, having been born abt 1805 in North Carolina.
I did find Howell in 1840 census as follows: Howell T Sewell head of household age 30-39 in 1840 census living in McNairy County, TN with 1 female 30-39, 1 female 10-14, 2 males 5-9, 1 male under 5. By 26 Nov 1850, a listing on page 112B for the 11th District of McNairy County, TN reads:
Howell T Sewell, age 44, farmer, b NC
Martha Sewell, age 45, b NC
George Sewell, age 13 b TN
Robert Sewell, age 5 b TN
Perry Sewell, age 2 b TN
The 1840 census support others claims that Howell & Martha had at least 1 more son Hiram Shepherd Sewell - however both males 5-9 in 1840 could have been from Martha’s former marriage to James Surratt.
3. Paschal Morton, b 2 Oct 1807 NC, d 30 Sep 1889 Tippah Co, MS, m Narcissa Young abt 1828.
Paschal Morton head of household age 20-29 in 1830 census living in McNairy County, TN with 1 female 15-19, 1 female under 5. (p 117)
Paschal Morton head of household age 30-39 in 1840 census living in Tippah County, MS with 1 female 20-29, 1 female 10-14, 1 male & 1 female 5-9, 2 males under 5. (p 186)
7 Sep 1850 census for MS, Tippah Co, 11th Division, page 499B
Pascal M Moreton age 42, farmer, $900, b NC
Narcissa, age 39, b TN
Terry Y, age 18, b TN
Mary A, age 15, b TN
George W, age 12, b MS
Thomas L, age 10, b MS
Leander, age 8, b MS
Harriet, age 6, b MS
Frances, age 4, b MS (female)
Melvin, age 4 mo, b MS (female)
4. Elizabeth Morton, b abt 1812 TN, d 1856 TN, m John Everton (no confirming records located at this time)
5. Mary Morton, b abt 1813 TN, m Isaac Crabtree (no confirming records located at this time)
6. Thomas Morton, b abt 1814 TN, d abt 1890 McNairy Co, TN, m Malinda Sewell abt 1835
26 Nov 1850, a listing on page 112B for the 11th District of McNairy County, TN (same page as sister Martha)
Thomas Morton, age 35, farmer, $200, b TN
Malinda, age 31, b NC
Jane, age 14, b TN
Emaline, age 12, b TN (Prudence Emaline)
Eliza, age 9, b TN (Rebecca Eliza)
Joseph, age 5, b TN (Joseph Paschal)
Shepherd, age 1, b TN (male) (Hiram Shepherd)

Now follow records that involve other children, possibly with one of the Thomases as father. As of right now, I have placed all these children with Thomas (4). Elizabeth, Peyton, Meshack, and William all ended up in North Carolina - either in Caswell or Person County.

First a record for Judith Morton.

Prince Edward County Court Order Books Order book, vol 2, 1759-1764, p 301
Listed in index as Josiah Morton vs Abraham Crawford.
“June Court 1764
Judith Morton an Infant by Thomas Morton her Father and any Assigned (Pla) Plaintiff
against
Abraham Crawford Def (defendant)
Slander
This day come the Parties by their attorneys and thereupon came a jury to wit George Moore etc, who being elected, Tryed, and sworn well and Truly to speak of and upon the Issue joined upon their oath do say that the defendant is Guilty of the Slander in the Pla declaration mentioned in manner and form as the Pla against him hath declared as in Pleading he hath alledged, and do assess the Pla damages by the occation (occasion) thereof to one hundred pounds Currant money, Therefore It is Considered by the Court that the Pla recover against the said Defendant the said one hundred Pounds his damages aforesaid by the jurey in form aforesaid assessed. Together with his Costs in this behalf expended, another -- Defendant in mercy --.

15 Dec 1769 William Searcy, parish St Patrick, county Prince Edward, to Judah Morton of same (also called Judith in deed, definitely female), for 22 pounds 10 shillings, 100 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining Daniel Hamblin & Benjamin Hawkins. Signed William Searcy Jr. Wit: Thomas (his mark X) Morton, George Morton, John Holloway. Recorded 21 May 1770. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 4, p 39)

Are these the same Judith Mortons? I don’t know. Would someone termed an infant in 1764 be the grantee in a land deed in 1769? Doesn’t seem likely to me. With the witness on the land deed, I feel that the second Judith was some relation to Thomas (4), possibly his daughter? Or, is the second Judith Morton, really Judith Searcy as a maid and Thomas (4)’s daughter-in-law?

On the same page as Judith’s first record above was the following.

Prince Edward County June Court 1764
Thomas Crawford and Elizabeth his wife Pla
against
Thomas Morton and Ann his wife Def
Slander
This day came the Parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury to wit, John Smith, etc, who being elected, Tryed, and sworn well and Truly to speak of and upon the Issue Joined returned a verdict for the Pla for Twenty pounds damages on the allotion? of the Def a new Tryal is granted they paying the costs of this day.

From this, I would TENTATIVELY say that Thomas (4)’s spouse was named Ann.

Now for records of the Elizabeth Morton who married Royall Bowman. I feel she too was a child of Thomas (4). Below are records for both Elizabeth & Royall Bowman. Royall was often linked with George Morton - was it the George Morton from above? I think so. Also notice the last record introduces Peyton Morton, whom I believe to be another brother to Elizabeth.

18 May 1756 marriage record for the marriage of Royall Bowman to Elizabeth Morton, daughter of Thomas Morton who consents, appears in the marriage records for Prince Edward County, VA; surety Thomas Turpin. [Marriage bonds & ministers’ returns of Prince Edward County, Virginia, 1754-1810, by Catherine Lindsay Knorr (F232.P83 K5 Library of Virginia)]

On 15 June 1767 Royall Bowman sold 134 acres of land in Prince Edward County, VA to George Morton, who is likely to have been his brother-in-law, a son of Thomas Morton [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 3, page 257].

13 August 1771 Daniel Hankins sells to Royall Bowman of Prince Edward County, VA 585 acres in Charlotte County, VA adjoining along one side property of Samuel Morton [Charlotte County, VA Deed Book 2, page 494].

On 21 May 1774 Royall Bowman sold at least a portion of the land he had purchased from Daniel Hankins in 1771, land now said to adjoin that of John Morton rather than that of Samuel Morton [Charlotte County, VA Deed Book 3, page 432].

Royall Bowman was head of a household of 4 whites and 20 blacks in Charlotte County in 1782. [Heads of Families at the First Census 1790, Virginia, found at Ancestry.com]

3 November 1784--Royal Bowman and Peyton Morton witnesses for James Foster [Charlotte County, VA Court Order Book 5, page 234]

Now on to Peyton Morton, whom I believe to be a brother to Elizabeth Morton, hence another child of Thomas (4).

Peyton Morton marries Nancy Wimbish, daughter of Elizabeth Wimbish who consents, in Prince Edward County on 5 May 1780 (bond). Surety: John Morrow Jr; Wit: Robert Bowman. [Marriage bonds and ministers' returns of Prince Edward County, Virginia, 1754-1810 compiled and published by Catherine Lindsay Knorr (FHL book call number 975.5632 V2k)]

Peyton Morton appears on the tax lists for Prince Edward County 1782-1785 and then disappears. He also seems to have dealings in Charlotte County 1783-1784 with both Royal Bowman and John Zachary. On the Prince Edward County tax census for 1785, there are 3 whites total for his household. Because he is only tithed for 1 white, we can assume that all white males in the household other than Peyton are under age 16, probably the other 2 whites are his wife and a young child. By 1788, he had migrated to Caswell County and appears on the tax lists there in Gloucester District with 150 acres of land, 1 black tithe and 1 white tithe. I will not spend time enumerating the records of Peyton in North Carolina as Stephen Dennis has already done a detailed North Carolina time line for Peyton.

My only reason for assigning Meshack to Thomas (4) is his close relations in North Carolina to Peyton, Josiah, and the Bowmans. Records in Prince Edward County for him are extremely sparse - in fact I’ve only found 3, all of which have been mentioned before, but I will reproduce them here again. If he is truly a son of Thomas (4), he seems to be the only one with Prince Edward County land in the Briery River area, not the Sandy River area. However like most members of Thomas (4)’s family, he cannot sign his full name. By 1782, Meshack has appeared in Caswell County, NC; Stephen Dennis has fully documented these North Carolina records so I won’t reproduce them here.

A list of tithables taken by Henry Walker for Prince Edward County in 1773:
Jesse Hughes Walton, James Boulden, Meshick Morton, slaves Deane, Jamey, Cloe, Milley total 7 [Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly • volume XXXIV • volume XXXIV, number 1 (01-FEB-1996) • Prince Edward County Tithables, 1773 (only a partial list for the county)]

28 May 1778 John Zachery of Charlotte County to Meshack Morton of Prince Edward County, for 25 pounds, 100 acres of land in Prince Edward county on the Briery River adjoining Daniel Davison, Dickson’s path; part of a 400 acre tract sold to John Brown then to Elijah Oliver finally to sd Zachery. Signed John Zachary. Wit: John Dixon, Robert Bowman, James (his mark +) Phillips. Judith, John’s wife, relinquishes her dower. Recorded Jun 1778. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 6, p 325)

19 October 1778 Meshack Morton of Prince Edward County and his wife Mary to Thomas Tatum of Cumberland County, for 75 pounds, 100 acres of land in Prince Edward County on Briery River adjoining Daniel Daverson, Dickson’s path. No witnesses. Signed Meshack (his mark +) Morton. Mary relinquishes her dower. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 6, p 186)

Looking at the 1778 land record above, could Judith, John Zachary’s wife be, the Judith who was the proposed daughter of Thomas (4) from above? It is also interesting to note a J Zachery in Caswell County at a later date. Is this the same person?

Now on to William. He too I propose, is a son of Thomas (4).

Mary Hart, dau of Luke Hart, with consent of mother Mary Hart, married William Morton on 13 Sep 1787 (bond 10 Sep) in Prince Edward County (wit Samuel & Levicy Watson Morton). [Marriage bonds & ministers’ returns of Prince Edward County, Virginia, 1754-1810, by Catherine Lindsay Knorr (F232.P83 K5 Library of Virginia)]

It is the witnesses Samuel & Levicy Morton that make me think he is linked to Thomas (4) as another son.

William is taxed in Prince Edward County 1787 - 1791. Is 1787 the year he reached his majority (21) (I don’t think so) or was he not a resident of Prince Edward County from 1782 to 1786 (more likely)? Could he be the William that witnessed a deed with Meshack in Caswell County in 1782, having then returned to Prince Edward County to marry and settle down? Assuming all this and that he is the William that appears on the Person County tax lists in 1794 - 1800 and the William in the 1800 census in Hillsboro, Person County age 26-45 AND the William Sr over age 45 in 1820 in Person County, we can place his birth date as being somewhere between 1755 and 1761, probably closer to 1761.

There does exist in the Person County estate records loose files, the following. It was filed under William Morton.

An estate record that granted to Mary the wife of the deceased (the paper had disintegrated where William's name should have been) "one year's support"; they found that she already had "three small hogs" and allotted her "eight barrels of corn". It was signed 31 Oct 1821 by John Dillehay, George C Rogers, & Wm Bailey. [Estate Records, 1791-1951, Person Co, NC, CR 078.508, Box with Morton (Manuscripts Room, NC State Archive)]

Could this be Mary Hart who married William Morton in 1787 in Prince Edward County?

A bit more about the 3 children: George, Josiah, & Samuel Morton that I feel fairly sure are children of Thomas (4).

First George. I found George tithed in Prince Edward County as early as 1767, since he was listed as head of household with no note following his name, I feel fairly sure he was over 21 at this point. That would place his birth date as before 1746. Very few tax lists exist in Prince Edward before 1782 and where some do exist, parts of the county may be missing. He appeared again in Prince Edward on a 1769 list. There was a George Morton that appeared in Charlotte County, from the start of when lists seem to be extant in 1782 continuing yearly up through 1789 at which point he disappears. Is this the same George? I really don’t know.

The land deeds that I can attribute to George, son of Thomas (4) are as follows.

On 1 May 1761, Thomas (+) Morton of PE granted to son George Morton, for 5 shillings, 100 acres of land in the parish of St Patrick on Sandy River, bounded by the widow Ligon’s line, part of land Joseph Ligon bought from Joseph Morton. Signed Thomas (+) Morton. Witnesses: Thomas Turpin, John Penix, John Holloway. Recorded 11 Aug 1763. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 2, p 60)

15 Jun 1767 George Morton of St Patrick parish Prince Edward County to John Holloway of same, for 40 pounds, 100 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining John Holloway & John Ligon. Witnesses: Alexr Fraser, Joshua Davison, Dudly McDermon. Signed: George Morton & Henrietta (mark x) Morton his wife. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 3, pp 65 & 161)

On 15 June 1768 Royall Bowman of St Patricks parish Prince Edward County to George Morton of same, for 25 pounds, 134 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining George Morton’s Spring Branch, Wm Davidson’s line & Thomas Blankenship. Witnesses: G Davidson, Dudley McDermon, Bryant McDermon, James Blankenship, John Rutledge. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 3, p 257)

13 Aug 1771, George Morton, parish St Patrick, county Prince Edward, to Thomas Morton Jr of same, for 30 pounds, 134 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining William Davisson, Thos. Crafford, Rial Bowman, Church Road. Signed George & Hanahrittah Morton & John Sutton Bowman. Wit: John Holoway, Abrm. Brown, Thomas Roberts. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 5, p 213).

13 Aug 1771, Thomas Morton Sr., parish St Patrick, county Prince Edward, to George Morton and wife Hannarriter of same, for 60 pounds, 100 acres of land on Sandy River in Prince Edward County adjoining Thomas Morton, John Hamblin, William King, Joseph Ligon. Signed Thomas (his mark X) Morton. Wit: John Holloway, Rial Bowman, Thomas Morton Junr. Recorded 12 Jan 1772. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 5, p 123)

This leaves George with a net worth of 100 acres of land in Prince Edward County.

I also believe (but don’t know) that this is our George.

On 19 Oct 1776, George Morton of Amelia County sold to Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County, for 20 pounds current Virginia money, 20 acres of land lying in the County of Prince Edward on the lower side of Sandy River, bounded by Thomas Morton line where his conversion on the lower fork of Sandy River below George Morton Plantation, thence up the said fork to a new line on a______bush thence along a new line to John Holloway line thence along Holloway line to head oak corner on the said Thomas Morton ‘s land thence along the said Morton line as it meanders to the beginning on the fork of the river below George Morton Plantation. Wit: John Clark, John (x) Penix, Josiah Morton. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 6, page 166].

28 Jul 1777 George Morton of Prince Edward County to Robert Donald of Chesterfield County, for 80 pounds, 80 acres of land in Prince Edward County on branch of Sandy River, the land where George now lives, adjoining John Hamblin, John Bradshaw, William King, Thomas Scott, Thomas Morton. Signed George Morton. No witnesses. John Clarke & Thomas Scott go to Henrietta for her to relinquish her dower since she cannot travel, which she does 4 Nov 1777. Finally recorded Jan 1778. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 5, p 476)

This would account for the sale of the 100 acres of land that George owned in PE County. Does that mean Henrietta, his wife, was deceased by then (she’d been alive in 1771) since no relinquishing of dower was recorded?

The George mentioned in Charlotte County Court records in 1773-1774 along with John Zachery, Royall Bowman, John Morton, & Thomas Morton - is that the same George? I’m not sure.

On to Josiah (or Joseph Siah). Very few Prince Edward County records than can definitely be attributed to Josiah exist and nowhere is a wife mentioned, other than the Amelia County marriage to Ann Roberts found in the bond records of Amelia County. We do know from Stephen, that Josiah himself, when deposed in 1833, said he was born 26 Dec 1760 in Prince Edward County and gave a detailed account of his Revolutionary War service. In that same deposition, he stated that he returned to Prince Edward County where he resided “some fifteen to 20 years after the war” and then “moved to the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina” where he lived up to the time of the deposition in 1833.

To corroborate Josiah’s claim of residence in Prince Edward County after the war, he was listed on the personal property tax list of Prince Edward County from 1782 - 1794. Starting in 1787, Josiah had acquired 1 slave. In 1792, Josiah acquired 2 more slaves, but by 1794 was only shown with a total of 2 slaves. Most years showed him with just 1 horse, although he did have 3 in 1792 and 2 in 1783. In 1785 when all whites in households were counted, Josiah’s household showed 4 - a wife & 2 young children maybe? We know on the many years of tax lists there was always only 1 white tithable, Josiah himself.

The land transactions in Prince Edward County that I think may be attributed to this Josiah follow. However, it is a bit troubling the Josiah sold more land than he acquired. Did he receive land that was never recorded? Did his wife have land that she brought into the marriage? We may never know.

8 Oct 1790 Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County to Joseph Siah Morton, for natural love & affection he has for his son, 35 acres of land in Prince Edward County on Sandy River adjoining Thomas Scott, Nathan Penick, and Samuel Morton. Signed Thomas (his mark +) Morton. Wit: William Singleton, John Harrell, David M Miller. Recorded 18 Oct 1791. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 13)

19 Jan 1793 Josiah Morton of Prince Edward County to Thomas Morton of same, for 22 pounds 10 shillings, 25 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining Nath. Penick, Thomas Scott, sd Morton, John Clarke deceased. Signed Josiah Morton. Wit: William Wooten, Owen Smith, Mathew Branch. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 222)

28 Oct 1794 Josiah Morton of Prince Edward County to Essey Worsham of same, for $300.23, 95 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining Thomas Scott, Thomas Morton, Nathan Penick, John Clarke. Signed Josiah Morton. Wit: Owen Smith, Claborn Vaughn, Benjamin Bowen. Recorded 20 Apr 1795 (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 10, p 252)

Starting in 1795, Josiah was taxed in Caswell County, North Carolina. Stephen Dennis has already given us a rather complete picture of Josiah’s life in Caswell County. Still many mysteries exist with Josiah. Was he married twice? Was the 1782 marriage of Josiah to Ann Roberts this Josiah? Was he married a second time in Caswell County or Prince Edward County? Who were the children in the 1800 and 1810 census in Caswell County - 2 males & 2 females born 1783-1790 (1 male & 1 female had disappeared from household by 1810); 5 males & 1 female born 1790-1800; 1 male & 1 female born 1800-1810? Certainly Azariah was the male child born 1800-1810. I feel Step was the male born 1783-1790 in the household in 1800 that had disappeared by 1810. Ann or Nancy (who married John Richmond) was the female born 1783-1790 that had disappeared by 1810. Joseph & Josiah, men enumerated on the same page as Azariah in 1840 in Rockingham County, were probably 2 of the 6 remaining males, but who were the other 4 - did they survive childhood? Of the 3 remaining females, one that is proposed by Cindy is the Mary L “Polly” Morton who married Lewis Martin in 1811 and the other proposed by Stephen is Elizabeth Morton who married Patrick Satterfield in 1834.

Now a bit more about Samuel, probably the most documented son of Thomas (4). He was taxed continuously in Prince Edward County from 1782-1792. With 4 slaves, he certainly seems more affluent that Thomas (4)’s other sons. He was taxed for the first time in Caswell County in 1793. Again, Samuel’s time in Caswell and then in Williamson County, TN seem well documented by others so I’m not going to spend time on it here.

On 25 Nov 1779, Samuel Morton was granted 44 acres of land in Prince Edward County on the branches of Sandy River adjoining Hamlins land. [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm]

1 Aug 1781 Matthew Branch of Prince Edward County to Samuel Morton of same, for 60 pounds, 80 acres of land in Prince Edward County on branches of Sandy River adjoining John Hamblin, John Bradshaw, William King, Thomas Scott, Thomas Morton. Signed Matthew Branch. Wit: William Wootton, James Jennings, John Penick. Recorded Sep 1781. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 6, p 429)

11 Jan 1792, Thomas Morton Sr. and Samuel Morton both of Prince Edward County to John Clark Jr of same, for 150 pounds, 190 acres of land in Prince Edward County on the branches of the Sandy River on the lines of Josiah Morton, Nathan Penn, Scott, and Hamblin. Signed Thomas (his mark +) Morton, Samuel Morton. Wit: John Richards Sr, Nathaniel Penick, Elijah Hudson. Levicy, Samuel’s wife, relinquishes her dower. Recorded 18 Jun 1792. (Prince Edward County VA Deeds, Vol 9, p 131).

Here concludes my article on the Thomases of Amelia and Prince Edward County, along with some of their proposed children.

The Family Historian--A few words on Genealogy by Mark Phelps

2005-06-23T06:20:00.000-05:00

The Family Historian

The phone rings right after dinner and we cringe thinking it's another telemarketer calling but it's that worrywart Mark Phelps wanting to know when did Aunt Bessie die, and who did she marry and not only that but when did it happen. Then he wants to know about all her children and even her grandchildren. We never cared for Aunt Bessie that much to begin with so why should we care about these silly little details of her life. We just want to be left alone and not have to get involved in this family business!

How many people at your workplace or the neighbors you bump into can tell you who their 4th Great-Grandfather was or much less what his life was like. Many people never knew their Grandparents much less anybody past that. Ask the average person what their Great-Grandmother's maiden name was and you probably get a blank stare. I myself have Presidents in my ancestry and much is known about these people because they were important and someone bothered to write down their history so that generations later their story could be told. It's just as important to the Family Historian how the modest farmer in Caswell County, North Carolina in the 1700's made his way through this mortal life.

The first time you gaze upon a document that was written over 200 years ago about someone that had the same blood coursing through his or her veins as you do today, it's an absolutely mesmerizing experience. Just try it some time and you'll see. Go to a county courthouse and read an old will, land deed or marriage certificate about someone that lived during the time of the Civil War or even better yet during the Revolutionary War. See their signatures there on the 200 year old paper, see how simple their possessions were, see where they lived, and the legacy they left to their family however humble it may be. Some were better off than others and could leave large tracts of land or dozens of slaves to their descendants but most left a small piece of what it had taken them a lifetime to achieve and just wanted to share it with his family in the hopes that it would always remain a secure place for generations to come.

How many people could even fathom a time when young girls married at 14, had 14 children and faced death at every birth or feared the child most likely wouldn't make it to it's first birthday. When a simple cold that we treat as a mere inconvenience today could send you to an early grave, unless you were just tough enough to survive. Many didn't! You exist today because someone made it through the diseases, the wars, the trials that man has faced throughout the annals of recorded history. They survived so you could have a chance to face the brave new world of tomorrow.

Being a Family Historian is most of the time a thankless job. Countless hours researching old documents that you need a degree sometimes just to translate it. Running down leads only to crash headlong into a brick wall because a careless census taker didn't do his job, or the British Army burned the courthouse and all the ancestral records that it held. Traipsing through snake and tick infested cemeteries that are sometimes scary even in broad daylight and after having risked your personal well being to find you have just completed another wild goose chase. Your spouse is angry because you're chasing the dead when you're among the living. Other's think you've flipped your wig because all you want to talk about is someone who turned to dust 100 years ago. So why do they do it? Because they think it's important to know where you came from, that some day when they're too old and feeble to continue, that someone in the family will pick up the family flag and march proudly forward into the future, while preserving the past, so 200 years from now when someone asks "What was you Great-Grandmothers maiden name?" They can say "Sit down and I'll tell you all about it"

WrittenBy: Latham Mark Phelps

August 15th 2003

The Making of Marks from Carol Olson

2005-06-23T04:33:00.000-05:00

I have started to spend some time looking at microfilms of land deeds for Amelia and early Prince Edward County (through 1768) to try and solve the problem of all the Thomas Mortons in Amelia and Prince Edward County.

I've noticed that grantors had to sign the deeds, and that some people could sign their full name while others just made their mark. One Thomas Morton had a mark of + while another had a mark of I and a third could sign his full name. I have my suspicions that Thomas (mark I) and Thomas (mark +) are one in the same (see what follows), but more documents will have to be found to either confirm or deny this.

The Thomas that was patented for a land grant on 9 Feb 1737/8 of 126 acres in Amelia adjoining Joseph Watson’s, William Fuqua’s and William Mayo’s lines [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/index.htm AND Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly • volume XXV • volume XXV, number 1 (01-FEB-1987) • Virginia Land Patent Book 17, Pages 255-532 (1736-1738) p 509] that was subsequently sold to James Short of James City County on 21 Jun 1740 [Amelia County, VA Deeds, Volume 1 (1735-1741), page 46] made his mark +. (I think this is the correct mark but have to go back and check since I was being none too careful at this point in copying down the EXACT mark.)

The Thomas Morton that was conveyed 225 acres of Amelia Co land by Joseph Morton Sr of Brunswick Co on 15 Feb 1744/5 made his mark I [Amelia County Land Deeds Bk 2, p 110]. This same Thomas witnessed an 800-acre deed in Amelia Co by Joseph Morton Sr to Joseph Ligon of Henrico Co on the same date [Amelia County Land Deeds Bk 2, p 111]. Neighbors to this Thomas (mark I) were Joseph Morton Sr (mark was a backwards E with the center vertical line going all the way through the vertical line), Jakob MackGehee, and Daniel Ham(b)lin.

There was a Thomas Morton that received a land patent on 25 Jun 1747 bordering Joseph Morton and MackGehee’s line of 400 acres in Amelia County on the lower side of Bryer [Briery] River. It would be reasonable to assume that we are talking about this same Thomas (mark I), however those who receive land do not sign the patent so we cannot do anything but try to trace this land to the point where it was sold.

The Thomas Morton that acquired land from his brother Richard and then in conjunction with his brother John sold land to Thomas Brackett was of Raleigh parish in Amelia County and could sign his own name (26 Sep 1751). The land conveyed adjoined Lax, Brackett (formerly Richard Morton’s land), William Archer (formerly Edward Goode’s land), Hudson, and Watson. This was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Morton as the deed mentions that the land was part of the land deeded in Thomas’ will of Feb 1730/31 and part patented to Elizabeth 25 May 1734. He was the Jr. of the early Amelia Co records. It APPEARS that this same Thomas bought land from Joseph Morton Jr, land purchased from Daniel Hamlin 23 Sep 1751, since witnesses were Richard and John Jr Morton. However, also notice that the name Daniel Hamlin is mentioned above with the Thomas (mark I). Oh what a tangled mess!

On 9 June 1757, Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County sold to James Shelton of Prince Edward County, for 35£, a certain tract of land on the east side of Briery River in Prince Edward County, about 200 acres bounded by Richard Woodson, McGehee, the flat ground of a branch, a stony point by the riverside. It was fully signed by Thomas Morton. With witnesses - John Fulton, Chas Venable, James Hervey (Harvey); recorded 9 Aug 1757. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 1, 1754- 1759, p 106] (This is most likely the Thomas son of Thomas & Elizabeth Morton. From the McGehee mentioned, I wonder if this is part of the 400-acre patent 25 Jun 1747 to Thomas Morton. If so, it would mean that my original guess above about which Thomas Morton we were talking about on this patent was wrong.)

Thomas (mark + [definitely this time]) was the one who had a son George that married a Henrietta (not Hannah Ritter as James Allen claimed). On 1 May 1761, Thomas (mark +) Morton of PE granted to son George Morton, for 5 shillings, 100 acres of land in the parish of St Patrick on Sandy River, bounded by the widow Ligon’s line, part of land Joseph Ligon bought from Joseph Morton. Signed Thomas (+) Morton. Witnesses: Thomas Turpin, John Penix, John Holloway. Recorded 11 Aug 1763. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 2, p 60]. (With the name Ligon involved, this sounds like land attributed to Thomas (mark I) above. Could the clerk who copied the deeds on 15 Feb 1744/5 have miscopied Thomas’ mark? Could Thomas (mark I) and Thomas (mark +) be one in the same? So far I have only seen the mark I on the 2 deeds copied by the same clerk on the same day 15 Feb 1744/5.)

Two more deeds that I find of interest are as follows. On 15 Jun 1767 George Morton of St Patrick Parish PE County, for 40 pounds, grants to John Holloway of same, 100 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining John Holloway and John Ligon. Signed George Morton (can sign his name) and Henrietta (her mark x) Morton his wife. Witnesses: Alexr Fraser, Joshua Davison, and Dudley McDarmon. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 3 p 65 & p 161]. On 15 Jun 1768 Royall Bowman of parish St Patrick and county PE, for 25 pounds, grants to George Morton of same 134 acres of land in Prince Edward County adjoining George Morton’s Spring Branch, William Davison’s line & Thomas Blankenship. Witnesses: G Davidson, Dudley McDermon, Bryant McDermon, James Blankenship, and John Rutledge. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 3, p 257]. (Since we know that Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Morton, married Royall Bowman with her father’s consent, this makes me think that the George that married Henrietta was the brother to the Elizabeth that married Royall Bowman.)

Well back to the Thomas that could sign his name. On 16 Nov 1767 Thomas Morton Jr of Prince Edward County, for 100 pounds, granted to Miles Gathright of New Kent County 600 acres of land in Prince Edward County on the Briery River adjoining James Cook and John Martin. Signed and sealed: Thomas Morton. (My guess is this is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Woodson Morton.)

Question: Who was the Thomas Morton who on 19 April 1750 bought land from John Martin for 30 pounds, 200 acres on the lower side of Bryer River, adjoining Thomas Morton’s old line, the river, John Martin’s old line & a bold branch. Wits: Hugh Challes, Samuel Wallace & Samuel Ewing? (Since he was the grantee, he did not have to sign his name to the deed so marks vs. literacy will offer no help on this one. We do know this land was patented originally to John Martin 1 Oct 1747 in Amelia County. Does that help anyone?)

Question: Who was the Thomas Morton that witnessed the will of Joseph Morton Sr on 7 Dec 1749 and subsequently attended court in Halifax County when the will was proved 22 Mar 1753? I would love to see the microfilm for that will to see if the Thomas signed his own name or made a mark.

Question: Who was the Thomas Morton on the following deed that Mark Phelps has so kindly given us the complete version? Sure seems like it might be Thomas (mark +) from above 1767 deeds, but we won’t know for sure until this land is sold. On 19 Oct 1776, George Morton of Amelia County sold to Thomas Morton of Prince Edward County, for 20 pounds current Virginia money, 20 acres of land lying in the County of Prince Edward on the lower side of Sandy River, bounded by Thomas Morton line where his conversion on the lower fork of Sandy River below George Morton Plantation, thence up the said fork to a new line on a______bush thence along a new line to John Holloway line thence along Holloway line to head oak corner on the said Thomas Morton ‘s land thence along the said Morton line as it meanders to the beginning on the fork of the river below George Morton Plantation. Signed & sealed: George Morton (full signature I assume). Wit: John Clark, John (x) Penix, Josiah Morton. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 6, page 166]. (I’m beginning to think more and more that this is THE Josiah of Caswell County and that he was the son of Thomas (mark +).)

Future plans: I need to recheck some of the documents on microfilm that I'd already looked at previously to see what different marks the Thomases were making, as well as check subsequent PE land deeds after 1768 (films that the LA family history center does not have). I would really like to see the microfilm for the Thomas that died 1802 to see if he was the one who signed his name or made his mark and what that mark might be, since I know that both Agnes (my husband’s direct ancestor) and Maryann were his daughters from the will extract.

Deeds of interest to check into:
On 13 Aug 1771, Thomas Morton Sr. granted to George Morton and wife Hannah? 100 acres on Sandy River in Prince Edward County. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 5, page 123]

On 13 Aug 1771, George Morton granted to Thomas Morton Jr. 134 acres of land in Prince Edward County. Signed George & Hannah? Morton. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 5, page 213]. (Possibly a son of Thomas (mark +)?)

22 Nov 1771 deed John Richards from Thomas Morton Sr (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Bk 4 p 182)

19 Jul 1773 deed Thomas Morton from John Pettus (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Bk 5 p 168)

21 Aug 1775 deed Thomas Morton from John Brown (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Bk 5 p 414)

14 Aug 1784 deed Thomas Morton Sr from John Holloway (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 7 p 111)

1 Mar 1786 deed Thomas Morton from Humphrey Nelson (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 7 p 222)

In a deed recorded February 19, 1787, Thomas Morton conveyed 300 a of land on Briery River in Prince Edward County to Samuel F. Spencer. (Samuel was Agnes Morton's husband so I suppose this to be the Thomas that died in 1802 who was the father Agnes, but which Thomas this is bears checking out.) [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 7, page 269].

20 Apr 1789 deed Thomas Morton Jr from John Clarke Jr (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 8 p 148) (It is interesting to note that a John Clark was a witness to an Oct 1776 of George Morton - see above. Could this Thomas Jr be the son of the Thomas with mark + and the brother to George?)

8 Dec 1790 deed Joseph S Morton 35 a on Sandy River from Thomas Morton (Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 9 p 13) (Could the S be a mark?)

18 Jan 1792, Thomas Morton Sr. and Samuel Morton granted to John Clark, 190 acres of land in Prince Edward County on the Sandy River on the lines of Josiah Morton and Nathan Penn. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 9, page 131]. (With John Clark involved, this sounds like the Thomas with mark + and perhaps Samuel his son? But this is a deed that CAN be checked since Thomas & Samuel Morton are the grantors.)

On 9 Oct 1792, Thomas Morton and wife Cate granted 78 a land on Little Branch in Prince Edward County to Thomas Brackett. Witnesses: Samuel Morton, William Elliott, and William King. [Prince Edward County, VA Deed Book 9, page 233]. (With the name Thomas Brackett involved this reminds me of the Thomas that can sign his name - see above. Again we can check this out since Thomas and Cate are the grantors.)

After relooking at the above deed extracts, I will make the following hypothesis: Thomas Morton is the one who can sign his name; Thomas Morton Sr is the one with mark +; Thomas Morton Jr is the son of Thomas Sr. It will be interesting when I am able to access the microfilms of these deeds, court records, and wills to see what proves true or if we are still left with several mystery Thomases.

Carol Olson---Morton Research Team Member

6:55 PM