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 →
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 →
Tracing Edward Smith: From Georgia Roots to Mississippi Branches
Edward Smith was born ca 1798 presumably in Warren County, Georgia. This is based on where his father Benjamin Smith Sr was living in 1798. Edward Smith married Nancy Banister on 23 May 1819 in Pulaski County, Georgia. Source: Georgia County Marriage Records , 1828-1978. The Georgia Archives. Interestingly, Edward Smith's father Benjamin Smith Sr's... Continue Reading →
Tricounty Map – 4 (Hardy Sanders, Richard Smith, Theophilus Hunter Sr)
It was previously learned that when Richard Smith in 1773 purchased 100A from John Smith Sr on Black Creek, it was annotated that Richard was of/from Cumberland County. Shifting map focus to the south southeast across the Johnston County line into Cumberland County, on 22 May 1772 Hardy Sanders received a grant for 500A on... 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 →
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 →