In 1745 James Mackelwean was patented 200A on the Neuse River. It appears that James’ plantation was on a 640A parcel on the north side of the Neuse River, at the border of Johnston and Craven County. In 1751 he would sell the lower 100A of the 200A parcel to John Brady. By 1777 James Butler would come to own the upper 100A, purchased from John Smith & William Ward.
During the, what I call the Smithfield Boom, John and James patented parcels next to their perspective 100A parcels.
In 1789 James Butler would sell his 200A & 100A parcels to William Pool. William is now a neighbor to the south of Samuel Smith Jr. In 1801, William will acquire John Brady’s 300A & 100A parcels to the south, totaling 700A.
William Pool is the father of Pherabee Pool who married Alexander Smith son of Samuel Smith Sr. In 1818, this land was divided, due to William Pool’s death. Alexander Smith & Pherabee Pool was allotted 58 1/2 acres on Crooked Branch.
In 1824, Nancy Smith received 36 acres from part of the original division that was allotted to Harriet & Emily Pool dec’d minor children of William Pool dec’d. Is Nancy the daughter of Alexander and Pherabee Smith?
digging our roots 
Hello, I’m very interested in the land referenced with John Brady in 1751. Would you be able to share the source, please? The earliest Brady [Braddy] that I have found in JoCo is an Elizabeth Braddy in 1754. Thank you in advance!
Jami
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Hi Jami
This is referenced in a deed from Blake Brady to William Pool in 1801 (Johnston County Deed Book A2 page 71).
Blake was bequeathed the land by his father’s will and then later sold it to William Pool.
/r Mike
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