John Smith’s probable birth year is circa 1731, placing his origins in Bertie County, North Carolina, specifically in Occoneechee Neck. The estimation of his birth year is based on historical records, taking into account the apparent age of his son Benjamin Smith Sr. Furthermore, extensive research into his father, William Smith Sr, has contributed to this understanding.
Before the Smith clan commenced their migration to Cumberland County (ca 1772), John Smith likely resided near his father on Black Creek in Johnston County. Motivated by the movement of his family, John Smith made the decision to accompany them and relocated to Cumberland County.
Cumberland County North Carolina, Cumberland Deed Book 6 pg 342 This indenture made this eighteenth day of February one thousand seven hundred & seventy five between William Eason of Johnston County in the province of North Carolina of the one part & John Smith of Cumberland County and province aforesaid of the other, witnesseth that the said William Eason for and in consideration of the sum of thirty pounds proclomation money of North Carolina to him ... [truncate] ... all that tract or parcel of land situate lying & being in the county of Cumberland on the north side of Black River Swamp which was formerly the property of Francis Fortunes & ____ & conveyed to the above said William Eason by the Sheriff of Cumberland County by a deed bearing date the 1st day of May 1772. [truncate] ... to contain three hundred acres together with all the buildings ... [truncate] ... Signed William Eason (seal). Witnessed by Richard (his mark 'R') Smith and William Eason Jun. - Recorded April Term 1775 - Then was the Execution of this deed in open court in due form of law proved by the oath of Richard Smith and ordered to be recorded. (Cumberland County Deed Book 5 pg 2 - High Sheriff of Cumberland Robert Rowan to William Eason - William Eason highest bidder at £30)
It is believed that Richard Smith, a witness to the mentioned deed, is the younger brother of John Smith. Richard Smith, along with William Smith Sr, resided in close proximity to William Eason, their neighbor. William Eason’s residence, located about 6 miles north of the 300-acre Black River Swamp property, was nestled along Black Creek in Johnston County, North Carolina.
Despite exhaustive research, the original patent for this particular land tract remains elusive. However, the most comprehensive description of the survey emerges from a deed dated 1814, wherein John Smith’s sons, Benjamin Smith and John Smith Jr, transfer ownership of the property to their brother Reuben Smith.
Cumberland County North Carolina, Cumberland County Deed Book 28 pg 14 This indenture made this 25th day of November one thousand eight hundred and fourteen between Benjamin Smith of Perlaskey County (Pulaski County) and State of Georgia and John Smith of the county of Warren and State aforesaid of the on part and Reubin Smith of the county of Montgomery and state of North Carolina of the other part. Witnesseth that we the said Benjamin & John Smith or and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars to us in hand paid by the said Reubin Smith ... [truncate] ... assigns a certain tract of land lying and being in the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina and on the north side of Black River Swamp. Beginning at a red oak by the River Swamp thence N 25 E 220 poles to a pine thence N 55 W 220 poles to a pine thence S 45 W 220 poles to a pine thence down the meanders to the beginning containing three hundred acres. [truncate] ... Signed Benjamin (his mark) Smith (seal) and John (his mark) Smith (seal). Witnessed by Gideon Warner and Henry Howard. - Recorded December Term 1814.
It is worth noting that Richard Smith Sr had already established his residence in Cumberland, approximately 2 miles upstream. On 22 May 1772, Richard Smith Sr acquired a 500-acre tract of land on Black River from Hardy Sanders, with John Smith serving as a witness during the transaction.
Cumberland County North Carolina, Cumberland Deed Book 6 pg 245 Hardy Sanders Esqr of Wake County to Richard Smith of Cumberland County; £100; tract of land bounded as followeth; beginning at a white oak just above a branch near the eastern side of Black River in the County of Cumberland near the road that leads to Sprowle's Ferry .... containing in the whole five hundred acres more or less; 17 May 1774. Signed Hardy Sanders (seal). Witnessed by John (his mark) Smith and William Ward. North Carolina Cumberland County October Term 1774. The Execution of this deed in open court in due form of law provided by the oath of John Smith and ordered to be recorded. Thomas Rutherford C.C.
Given the absence of a legally established homestead for the Smith family on Black Creek in Johnston County, coupled with Richard Smith’s presence in Cumberland County by 1772, it is plausible to speculate that John Smith resided on Richard Smith’s land. It is important to note that during this period, the land office was closed, making the acquisition of land through the purchase of already patented land deeds the primary legal avenue. Therefore, John Smith’s purchase of the 300-acre tract from William Eason in Cumberland County aligns with this prevailing method of land acquisition.
The migration of John Smith to Cumberland County in 1775 finds support in the 1777 Cumberland County, North Carolina Tax List, specifically in Capt. Robert Cobb’s District.
Within Capt. Alexander Avera’s District of the 1777 Cumberland County, North Carolina Tax List, notable individuals are recorded, including John Smith (215), Joseph Adams (121), Henry Champain (Henry Champion) (150), John Green (100), and Ezekial Smith (100). It is worth noting that this district’s focal area encompasses the leading edge of the district border, which can be traced along Sprowles Ferry Road. This road, originating at Sprowles Ferry on Cape Fear, extends northward, crossing Black River, where Richard Smith’s 500-acre property is situated, and continues its course into Johnston County. By referring to the aforementioned map in Robert Cobb’s district, one can locate Job Smith and identify the presumed direction of Sprowls Ferry Road, leading northeast into Johnston County.
The 1777 Cumberland County, North Carolina Tax List for Capt Robert Cobb’s District list these individuals (below list is not the complete list): Timothy Truelove (170), Francis Smith (168), William Cutts (100), Jesse Jones (568), John Smith (267), Charles Blalock (113), Francis Jones (100), William Smith (100), Richard Blalock (1324), William Blalock (100), Richard Smith (649), Ebenezer Folsom (4,935), Samuel Hart (220), Simon Johnson (Simon Johnston) (160), Arthur Johnson (Arthur Johnston) (126), Benjamin Warmack (Benjamin Womack) (263).
Timothy Truelove married Lucy Avent (also known as Lucy Avant), who happens to be the aunt of Ransom Avant. Those familiar with Smith/Avant family research in Washington County, Georgia, will recognize this name. The Avent/Avant lineage, known for its residence in Chatham County (specifically Avant Ferry) and Cumberland County, North Carolina, also extended its roots into Washington County, Georgia. This contradicts the mistaken notion that the Avants and Smiths fought for Virginia in the Revolutionary War and subsequently migrated to Washington County, Georgia, alongside Colonel Matthews. Furthermore, Landon Truelove, son of Timothy Truelove, formed a marital union with Elizabeth Blalock, who is the offspring of Charles Blalock. Further details regarding this union will be explored later in this article.
Francis Smith, William Smith, and Richard Smith are presumed siblings of John Smith Sr.
John Smith’s family connection extends to Richard Blalock Sr and his sons, Charles Blalock and William Blalock. Notably, in John Smith’s Last Will & Testament, specific individuals by the names of Elizabeth Blalock and Richard Blalock are designated as beneficiaries of monetary bequests.
Of particular significance to the Smith family are Samuel Hart and William Cutts. Samuel Hart, thought to be either a close friend or a potential brother-in-law to the Smiths, joined them in their migration from Cumberland County, North Carolina to Wilkes/Warren County, Georgia, and subsequently to Washington County, Georgia. Similarly, Joseph Cutts, the son of William Cutts from Cumberland County, North Carolina, followed this migration path and eventually settled in Houston County, Georgia. It is worth noting that Joseph Cutts may have formed a marital union with a Mary Hart, potentially the daughter of Samuel Hart. This connection may partially explain why the Cutts family followed the migration path established by the Smiths.
In the story of the Smith family’s migration to Johnston County, North Carolina around 1750, the Jones brothers, Francis Jones, James Jones, and Philip Jones, hold significant importance. Francis Jones is the brother of James Jones and Philip Jones, and their collective contributions heavily influence the narrative. For a more detailed account, please refer to my article titled “William Smith of Black Creek.” Additionally, Jesse Jones, the son of Philip Jones, becomes a prominent landowner in the region, acquiring substantial tracts of land along Kenny Creek that extend into Wake County. Notably, Philip Jones passed away in Johnston County, North Carolina in 1760, leaving a lasting legacy for his son Jesse Jones.
Presumed brothers Simon Johnston and Arthur Johnston hold significance in the narrative. Arthur Johnston, an adjacent property owner, shared boundaries with John Smith’s land. On the other hand, Simon Johnston resided several miles to the west, nestled between Buies and Neills Creek, where he found himself in the company of Richard Smith, Francis Scott Smith, and Samuel Hart as neighbors. Notably, Simon Johnston is believed to be John Smith’s son-in-law, further evidenced by his appointment as an Administrator of John Smith’s estate following the latter’s demise.
William Womack, who embarked on the migration journey to Wilkes/Warren County, Georgia alongside the Smiths, can be traced back to his father Benjamin Womack. Benjamin Womack’s descendants include William Womack, as well as Wyley Womack, Benjamin Womack, Lucie Womack, and Sarah Womack, all of whom are listed as children in Benjamin Womack’s will.
A noteworthy observation that warrants further investigation is the marriage of Benjamin Smith Sr to a Lucy. Intriguingly, Benjamin Womack had a daughter named Lucie Womack. Could this be a mere coincidence? It is also worth noting that William Womack and Benjamin Smith were neighbors, residing in close proximity to one another, along with the other Smiths such as Richard Smith, Francis Smith, and Needham Smith when they lived in Wilkes/Warren County, Georgia. The interconnectedness of these individuals and their relationships present an intriguing avenue for future research.
The 1778 Cumberland Tax List for Capt Alexander Avera’s District – John Smith (271), Benjamin Smith (100), Henry Champion (192), John Green (132), Ezekial Smith (100)
The 1778 Cumberland Tax List for Capt Robert Cobb District list these individuals (below list is not the complete list): Ebenezer Folsom (7657.10.4), Richard Blalock (1795.16), Richard Smith (1147.12), John Smith (416), William Smith kennis creek [sic] (Kinneys Creek (today is Kenneth Creek)) (155.2), Francis Smith (176), Timothy Truelove (123), Benjamin Warmack (Benjamin Womack) (613), William Cutts (100), Samuel Hart (198.16), Arthur Johnson (305), Barnaba Johnson (100), Charles Blalock (269.16.10), William Blalock (105.4), Jesse Jones (873), Simon Johnson (300.16)
In July of 1778, John Smith submitted an entry for a 300-acre land claim in Cumberland County. This particular claim encompasses an area that seems to be contiguous to the 300 acres he had previously acquired from William Eason.
Cumberland County North Carolina, North Carolina Land Patent Book 55 pg 339, Cumberland County Grant #180 (Entry: 7 July 1778; Warrant: 14 October 1779; Survey: 14 October 1779; Grant: 6 November 1784) Know ye that we have granted unto John Smith three hundred acres of land in Cumberland County one both sides of Black River; beginning at a pine on his old line running as that north fifty five west crossing two branches thirty eight chains and seventy five links to a stake between pointers then south thirty five west crossing black river swamp seventy seven chains and fifty links to a stake between pointers then south fifty two east thirty eight chains and seventy five links to a post oak then direct to the beginning; to hold unto the said John Smith his heirs and assigns forever, dated the sixth day of November 1784.
The survey for this grant was conducted on 14 October 1779 by James Dyer. The chain carriers were William Taylor and Benjamin Smith. William Taylor was an adjoining land owner and Benjamin Smith was John Smith’s son.
The 1779 Cumberland Tax List for Captain Alexander Avera’s District – George Scearcy (George Searcy), Benjamin Smith, Zekel Smith, John Green, John Smith.
1779 – Captain Robert Cobb’s District – Richard Blalock (2820), Timothy Truelove (341), Arthur Johnson (1060), Barnaby Johnson (660), Francis Smith (818), Richard Smith (2379), Simon Johnson (733), William Cutts (S. Man)(400), Charles Blalock (815), William Blalock (630), Elizabeth Cutts (310), Samuel Hart (1318), Benjamin Warmack (1550), Ebenezer Fulsom (20400)
The 1780 Cumberland Tax List for Captain Alexander Avera’s District
John Smith, 600 acres land, 3 horses, 11 cattle, money £38.8
Benjamin Smith, 2 horses, 1 cow, money £4.12
John Green, 450 acres land, 2 horses, 10 cattle, money £41.5.10
George Sersey (George Searcy), Mar Man
The 1780 Cumberland Tax List for Captain Robert Cobb’s District
Ebenezer Folsom, Esq, 5818 acres land, 10 horses, 50 cattle, 18 negroes diff ages, money £600
Timothy Trulove, 100 creek land, 1 negroe, 1 horse, 6 cattle, £16.16.4
Charity Blalock, 3 horses, 9 cattle, money £31.14.3
Arthur Johnston, 320 acres creek land, 300 acres pine land, 3 horses, 2 cattle, money £16
Barney Johnston, 320 creek land, 30 acres pine land, 4 cattle, money £20
Simon Johnston, 150 acres creek land, 500 acres pine land, 2 horses, 7 cattle, money £3.11
Francis Scot Smith, 55 creek land, 2 horses, 11 cattle, money £4
Richard Smith, 300 acres creek land, 1494 acres piney, 4 horses, 20 cattle, money £30
Hardy Smith, Marrid man (Married Man)
Zekel Smith, 150 acres piney land, 1 horse, 1 cow
Benjamin Wamack (Benjamin Womack), 446 acres creek land, 2 Negroes, 1 horse 6 cattle, money £2,600
Samuel Hart, 100 acres creek land, 880 pine land, 3 horses, 21 cattle, money £4
William Cutts, 300 acres piney land, 1 horse, money £6.3
Richard Blalock, 700 river land, 300 acres creek land, 500 acres piney, 3 horses, 7 cattle, money £12
William Blalock, 1 horse, 11 head cattle, money £4
The 1783 Cumberland Tax List for Captain Robertson’s District – I. Folsom, C. Blalock, T. Truelove, B. Johnston, S. Johnson, R. Smith, S. Hart, B. Wamock, H. Smith, S. Smith, E. Smith, W Cutts, E. Folsom
The 1783 Cumberland Tax List for Captain James Turners District – J. Smith, B. Smith, H. Champion, J. Green
The 1787 Cumberland Tax List for Captain Avera’s District – John Smith, John Green, John Adams, Hardy Warner, Jacob Smith, Job Smith, Stephen Smith, Ezekel Smith, Clory or Clary Johnston, John Champion, Tapley Johnson, William Cuts, Simon Johnston, Harday Smith (Hardy Smith).
Among the names listed in 1787, Jacob Smith stands out significantly. Based on my preliminary research, it appears that Jacob Smith represents the apex of a distinct Y-DNA branch within the larger Smith family. This particular branch of the Smith lineage can be partially traced as it migrates to Conecuh County, Alabama, where they settled and resided during the 1800s, specifically in the second and third decades of that era.
Evidence suggests that John Smith may have entered into matrimony on multiple occasions. Considering John Smith’s approximate birth year around 1731, it is plausible that his first wife, assuming she bore his son Benjamin Smith around 1752, would have been in the age range of 18-21. However, his second son Reuben Smith, whose mother is identified as Nancy, was born around 1781. If we assume Nancy to be Benjamin Smith’s mother, it would imply that Nancy was between 47-50 years old when Reuben Smith was born, which seems improbable. Hence, it is reasonable to presume that John Smith contracted marriage at least twice in his lifetime.
Children from John Smith and presumed 1st Wife: (hypothetical)
1. Benjamin Smith
2. Frances Smith (Fanney)
3. John Smith Jr (likely born before 1771)
4. Winifred Smith (Winney) presumed m. Simon Johnston – interpreted her name in John Smith’s LWT as Winney Johnston. Winney’s connection to Simon Johnston derived by him acting as an Administrator to John Smith’s estate. Assumed children: Barnabas Johnston, Vicy Johnston, and Harbert Johnston.
5. Delilah Smith (interpreted her name spelt as ‘Dila Senecy’ in John Smith’s LWT, presumed to represent Delilah Senecy) presumed m. George Searcy. Upon reviewing numerous deeds, surveys and tax list, the Searcy surname name was spelled many different ways and likely is the surname intended in the LWT. Additionally, George Searcy was an adjoining land owner to John Smith on Black River, adding weight to the probability. George Searcy’s children are: Lemuel Searcy, George Searcy, John Searcy, Aaron Searcy, Winifred Searcy, Samuel Searcy and Benjamin R Searcy.
6. Elizabeth Smith presumed m. Charles Blalock – John Smith in his LWT bequeathed 5 shillings to Elizabeth Blalock and Richard Blalock.
Children from John Smith and Nancy his 2nd Wife:
7. Reuben Smith
Other potential children Cloey Smith and Lidia Smith.
Regarding the matter of John Smith bestowing money upon Elizabeth Blalock and Richard Blalock, there are three plausible interpretations that can be considered:
A. The first interpretation posits that Elizabeth Blalock and Richard Blalock were acquainted with John Smith but did not reside in close proximity to him at the time of his passing. Richard Blalock Sr, who is recognized as the progenitor of the Blalocks in Cumberland County, predominantly resided near Kennys Creek, closer to the Wake County line. This geographical distance of approximately a five-hour horse ride from John Smith’s residence on Black River implies that there might not be a familial relationship between them.
B. The second interpretation suggests that Elizabeth Blalock and Richard Blalock are the offspring of Charles Blalock, who was the son of Richard Blalock Sr. Charles Blalock, in his Last Will and Testament, identified his wife as “Elizabeth.” It is plausible that this Elizabeth could be Elizabeth Smith, daughter of John Smith, as John Smith bequeathed 5 shillings each to his grandchildren. Charles Blalock had five children named John Blalock, Lurana Blalock, Richard Blalock, Elizabeth Blalock, Anna Blalock, and William Blalock. Elizabeth Blalock seemingly married Landon Trulove in 1790, prior to John Smith’s demise, which raises the expectation that John Smith would have identified Elizabeth Blalock as Elizabeth Trulove if he was specifically referring to his grandchildren in his Last Will and Testament.
C. The third interpretation suggests that Elizabeth Blalock and Richard Blalock refer to Elizabeth, the widow of Charles Blalock, with Richard potentially denoting Charles Blalock’s son, Richard Blalock.
These different interpretations provide varying possibilities regarding the relationship between John Smith, Elizabeth Blalock, and Richard Blalock, leaving room for further exploration and investigation.
Tuesday, October 13 1795 - Cumberland County Court Minutes - The last will of John Smith was proved in open court by the oath of Job Smith. - John Green is qualified as Executor of the last will & testament of John Smith deceased.
An intriguing avenue for future research involves exploring the potential relationship between John Green and John Smith Sr. It is worth noting that in many instances, individuals appointed as the Executor or Administrator of a will or estate were typically close relatives of the deceased. Investigating the connection between John Green and John Smith Sr may shed light on their familial ties and provide valuable insights into their relationship within the context of wills and estates.
Cumberland County Wills, 1766-1795; Transcipts of unrecorded wills 1761-1857 Wills; pg 143/210, file no. 1309
In the name of God amen I John Smith of the County of Cumberland and
state of North Carolina being very sick but of perfect mind and
memory thanks be given unto God calling unto mind the mortality of my
body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die
I do make and order this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave it and my body
I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting but that the the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as that touching such worldy estate where with it has pleased God to bless me in this life
I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form as follows
First I give and bequeath to Nancey [sic] Smith my dearly beloved wife I give the third of my land that I am now possessed with also all my household goods ____ ____ (damaged, unreadable) acres on the black river also twenty head of ____ also my cows one yearling and
to my eldest daughter Fanney [sic] I give five shillings and
to Winney Johnston I give five shillings
to my Dila Senecy [sic] I give five shillings
also to my son Benjaman [sic] I give five shillings and
to Elisabeth Blaylock (Elizabeh Blalock) I give five shillings and
John Smith I give five shillings and
Ritcer Blaylock (Richard Blalock) I give five shillings
also Cley Smith (Cloey Smith) I give one ___ and one
cow and yearling and one feather bed ___ she and Nancy
also to Nancy one young mare and one cow and yearling
also to my son Rhubin (Reuben Smith) I give all my land to him after the death of his mother and two cows and calves and one colt and all my working tools and
to lidia I give one hundred fifty acres of land that Benjamin Smith lived on one cow and yearling and the half of one bead and pahte? one one hundred & fifty acres of land lying on the south side of Black River and one cow and calf and yearling and the half of one bead also one horse and the remainder of my hogs to be sold
I likewise constitute make and ordain my said executors of this my last will and testament all and singular my land messuages and tenements them freely to be possessed and ____ and I do hereby uterly disalow revoke and disannul all and every other forms testaments wills legacies bequests and executed by me in anywise before named wills and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have thereto set my hand and seal this 26 of September 1795.
John (his mark) Smith (Seal)
(his mark is two dots over a cross)
Signed sealed
published and
pronounsed and
declared by these
Tom R_______
John Green
Rheuben (his mark) Smith
Jobe Smith
Wednesday, January 13 1796 - Court Minutes - Ordered that notice issue to Nancy Smith that the will of John Smith will be contested at the next term.
October Term 1796 - Letters of Administration are granted to Simon Johnston on the estate of John Smith having given bond in the sum of £400 wit - Ordered that Simon Johnston administrator of the estate of John Smith deceased have leave to sell the personal estate of the deceased agreably to law.
Wednesday 11 January 1797 - Inventory & amount of sales of the estate of John Smith deceased returned by (blank, no name written)
Click the link to view the Estate Audit of John Smith.
Some of the names of interest captured in the audit: Ann Smith, David Wheeler, Matthew Jones, William Sledge, Rubin Smith, John Green, Joseph Adams, Job Smith, Hardy Blalock, Drewry Baggett, Cloey Smith, James Bagget, Simon Johnston, Harden Warner, Joseph Stewart, George Searcy, Richard Ryals, Arthur Johnston, Abraham Brantly, Francis Young, William Royals
Cumberland County North Carolina, Cumberland Deed Book 21 pg 110 Hector McAlister, Sheriff to Simon Johnston; .... whereas the said Hector McAlister Shrieff as aforesaid ___ on the 30th day of October 1801 on a track of land containing 600 acres being in the county aforesaid for the purpose of obtaining the taxes due thereon for the year 1799 .... agreeable to said to be at the court house in Fayettville on the 30th day of January 1801 said land supposed to be the property of the heirs of John Smith deceased of the county & state aforesaid ..... parish taxes for the year 1799 when Simon Johnston offered to take 30 acres of land and satify the taxes & costs aforesaid .... amounting to the sum of fifty shillings to him in hand paid by the said Simon Johnston .... beginning at a stake & pointers the original corner of said survey then S 45 W 17 chains & 10 links to a red oak then S 45 E 18 chains & 50 links then n 45 e 17 chains & 10 links then direct to the beginning; 27 April 1802. Signed H. McAlister
digging our roots 
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