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 →
Forging a New Frontier: The Smiths’ Journey to Georgia and the Riches of Wilkes County Headright Grants
By April 1783, the skirmishes stemming from the Revolutionary War reached their conclusion, marking an end to the hostilities of the war. The Smith clan resided primarily in the northern region of Cumberland County, North Carolina, establishing their homes along Black River, Niells Creek, and Buies Creek. In the days leading up to the war's... 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 →
Unveiling William Smith: The Enigmatic Journey to Black Creek
William Smith was likely born in either Surry or Isle of Wight County, Virginia in about 1709. William Smith moved with his parents George Smith and Elizabeth Smith to Occoneechee Neck, Chowan Precinct, North Carolina in about 1719. William Smith appears in historical records for the first time when he purchases land in 1738 from... 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 1 (Cumberland County)
This is the life timeline of Hardy Smith, as interpreted, based on connecting historical documents, circumstantial information and affiliation to other known individuals. Hardy Smith's testimony in open court on 6 May 1833 as part of his Pension Application process, Hardy stated he was 76 and was born on the waters of Neuse River Johnston... Continue Reading →