In Cumberland County, North Carolina, during the Revolutionary War, the organization of militias followed a structured yet community-driven approach. At the county level, these militias were composed of local men who either volunteered or were conscripted to serve. Recruitment efforts were often spearheaded by prominent community members, including local leaders, landowners, and respected veterans. These... Continue Reading →
Unraveling the Legacy: John Smith of Black River and the Cumberland County Chronicles
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... Continue Reading →
Benjamin Smith
Benjamin Smith was likely born in Johnston County, North Carolina ca 1752. He is the son of John Smith Sr. John Smith Sr was living in an area of Johnston County near Swift Creek that became Wake County in 1771. On 7 July 1778 John Smith Sr made a claim on 300 acres of land... Continue Reading →
Smiths in the 1805 Georgia Land Lottery
One of the troubles that genealogy researchers face is trying to track people moving into or living in Georgia from about 1784 to 1820. This is primarily due to the lost U.S. Census records for Georgia for the years 1790 through 1820. My research is able to follow the Smith Clan from Cumberland County, North... Continue Reading →
The Hardy Smith Timeline – Part 2 (Georgia)
Continued from Part 1 Following the clues left behind in Cumberland County, North Carolina, Hardy Smith can be found having migrated to Georgia. Observing the migration to Georgia of Hardy's Cumberland County neighbors and acquaintances (those living on the Black River and nearby Buie & McNeill Creek, as well as in Johnston County), it warrant's... Continue Reading →
Samuel Smith Jr – land bequeathed by his will
Samuel Smith Jr's Will shows the following dispersion of land " .... I give to my son Samuel Smith all of the lands I own on the north side of Neuse River which lies above or on the west side of the great Branch to him & his heirs forever .... " " .... I... Continue Reading →