Ira and other HHs, I have a James Harris who was supposed to be from Mecklenburg County, VA who has become a real brick wall. I need ideas. Rutherford County, NC Deeds. 8 Oct 1796 James Harris purchased 100 acres from Benjamin Wilkerson (Wilkinson) for 80 pounds. He is listed in the deed as being from Mecklenburg County, VA. At the October 1799 Rutherford County Pleas and Quarter Session, Isaac White proved the deed. This James was not listed on the 1790 census for Rutherford County but was for the 1800, 1810 and 1820 census records. He died in 1829 and his will was proven there. Based on the 1800 and 1810/1820 census' he was born between 1756 and 1765. His wife at the time of his death was Patience Unknown and there is an indication that he was also married to a Sally Spivey, a neighbor. Family tradition, based on a 1904 journal written by James' grandson (1822 - 1908), has James as the brother of Isham G. Harris' father (father would be Isham Green Harris). Isham G. Harris was the TN Governor. This family tradition does not match the West Harris Family information. They have another James Harris who move to Tenn. Maybe this James Harris from Mecklenburg County, VA was actually a great uncle of the TN Governor. It just seems odd that this grandson, who was alive at the time Isham G. Harris was governor, would have indicated his grandfather was the uncle, if he wasn't. I would love to find and prove James' parents. In the same area of NC that he settled and reared his family there was a William Harris who had a large family. One of William's sons was the bondsman for one of James' sons. However, there is nothing that supports a connection between these two men. Any thoughts or suggestions on this brick wall? Connie Bradshaw

Source: HARRIS AND SMITH FAMILIES of Edwards and Richland Counties Illinois Sketches of History Local, Genealogical and Biographical By Robert C. Gettys In the back of this book is found several genealogies of Harris, Smith, and related families. The Harris genealogy is of: Gravest Renaldo Harris (ca 1810 - ) M: Rebecca ______ Ch: Nancy Matilda Andrew Jackson Emily Joseph John The genealogy is six pages long. Does anyone recognize Gravest R. Harris? What Harris line is he part of? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME II Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Benjamin Harrison Deed Book 5, Page 12 Benjamin Harrison of Lunenburg County to Benjamin Harris, Gent., of King William Parish, Cumberland County . . . cons. 700 pounds . . . 465 acres on north side of Roanoke River . . . granted to Robert Munford and Richard Jones, Gents., by patent 16 June 1727 and afterwards conveyed to Benjamin Harrison by James Munford, William Starke and Theoderick Bland by deed dated 13 March 1743 and recorded in Brunswick County. Witnesses: Seth Ward Richard Stewart /s/ Benja Harrison Thornton Pryor Dated: 2 June 1757 Recorded: 4 October 1757 Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Harrison, released dower. ************************** William Harris Deed Book 5, Page 122 William Harris to Joel Elam . . . cons. 21 pounds 6 shillings ... 71 acres on upper side of Middle Bluestone Creek. Witnesses: Wm. Goode Augustine Rowland /s/William Harris Hugh (IM) Maguey Dated: 7 March 1758 Recorded: 7 March 1758 Judith, wife of William Harris, released her dower. **************************** Samuel Harris Deed Book 5, Page 149 Samuel Harris of Halifax County to Hon. William Byrd, late of Charles City County . . . cons. 80 pounds ... 1350 acres on Bluestone Creek ... patented by Samuel Harris 5 Feb. 1757.... adjoining Thomas Dendy, Thomas, Flinn, Morris and Cox. Witnesses: None recorded /s/ Samuel Harris Dated: 8 March 1758 Recorded: 8 March 1758 ************************** Samuel Harris Deed Book 5, Page 152 Samuel Harris of Halifax County to Hon. William Byrd, Esq., late of Charles City County ... cons. 150 pounds ... 70 acres ... being an island in the Staunton River ... part of a grant to William Harris and purchased of him by Samuel Harris. Witnesses: None recorded /s/ Samuel Harris Dated: 8 March 1758 Recorded: 8 March 1758 ************************ Samuel Harris Deed Book 5, Page 471 Samuel Harris of Halifax County to James Flynn of Lunenburg County .... cons. 12 pounds ... 450 acres on south side of Bluestone Creek ... adjoining John Jameson and Byrd. Witnesses: John Cargill /s/ Sam Harris John Cargill, Junr. Thomas Dendy Jno. Speed, Senr. Dated: 8 September 1759 Recorded: 2 Oct. 1759 ******************************** William Harris Deed Book 6, Page 475 William Harris to Jacob Chaves (Chavous) ... cons. 8 pounds ... 100 acres on south side of Little Bluestone Creek ... adjoining Hudson. Witnesses: None recorded /s/ William Harris Dated: 6 Oct. 1761 Recorded: 6 Oct. 1761 ******************************* William Harris Deed Book 6, Page 496 William Harris to William Hudson ... cons. 5 pounds ... 50 acres on branches of Little Bluestone Creek ... adjoining Chavous, Akin and Burton. Witnesses: None recorded /s/ William Harris Dated: 2 Nov. 1761 Recorded: 2 Nov. 1761 Judith, wife of William Harris, released her dower. ******************************** William Harris Deed Book 6, Page 216 William Harris and Frances, his wife, of Lunenburg County to Gray Briggs of Dinwiddie County ... cons. 200 pounds ... 400 acres on both sides of the middle fork of Bluestone Creek. Wittnesses: Clement Read, Junr. P. Carrington /s/ William Harris Clement Read Dated: 3 Sept. 1760 Recorded: 3 Sept. 1760 ********************************* William Harris Deed Book 6, Page 528 William Harris of Lunenburg County to John Smith of Amelia County ... cons. 200 pounds ... 500 acres on both sides of middle fork of Bluestone Creek. Witnesses: Abram Crowder Peter (P) Hamlin /s/ William Harris Benjamin Ragsdale Dated: 1 Dec. 1761 Recorded: 1 Dec. 1761 Frances, wife of William Harris, released her dower. ****************************** William Harris Deed Book 6, Page 541 William Harris, Planter, of Lunenburg County, to Roger Atkinson, Merchant, of Dinwiddie County ... cons. 100 pounds ... 400 acres on Bluestone Creek ... being land deeded to William Harris by John Wilborn. Witnesses: None recorded /s/ William Harris Dated: 1 Dec. 1761 Recorded: 1 Dec. 1761 ******************************** I typed all of these land deeds because they were so early. Note that one of the William Harris' is married to a Judith, while the other one is married to a Frances. Which William Harris' are these two? Is Samuel the son of one of them? Who is the Benjamin Harris in the Harrison deed? (I know --- a lot of questions). Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME 1 Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Processioning Precincts - 1759 No. 23 Bluestone Creek - Roanoke River - Parish Line William Harris (F), Stephan Evans, William Harris (P) (F) Lived on Finneywood Creek (P) Lived on Peckerwood Creek Evidently there were two William Harris'. Please respond through HH, with any insights, so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME I By Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Pages 96-97 A list of the tithables in 1748 by Lewis Delony and names from the lists of Cornelius Cargill and Matthew Talbot who resided in that part of Lunenburg County that became Mecklenburg County in 1765. Samuel Harris 1 tithable William Harris Leonard Ashworth 2 tithables (charged to William Harris) *********************** This is an earlier tithe list. I previously posted a tithe list from 1752 Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME 1 Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Page 115 William Harris Deed Book 2, Page 57 William Harris to Samuel Harris. . . cons. 60 pounds . . . 70 acres . . . consisting of plantation and island in the Staunton River . . . between Byrd's Island and Cargill's Island. Witnesses: John Cargill William Hunt /s/ William Harris Dated: 3 July 1750 Recorded: 3 July 1750 Judith, wife of William Harris, released dower right. *********************** William Harris Deed Book 3, Page 160 William Harris to James Thomson Bardin . . . cons. 40 pounds . . .940 acres lying on branches of Bluestone Creek . . . adjoining Barnes . . . and on branches of Buffalo Creek * Witnesses: None Recorded /s/ William Harris Dated: 6 February 1753 Recorded: 6 February 1763 * A part of this land appears to have been located in Charlotte County. ********************************* Which William Harris was married to a Judith? Are these both the same man? Is Samuel, the son of William? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME 1 Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Benjamin Harris Patent Book 33, Page 562 420 acres on a branch of Miles Creek. May 7, 1759 *************************** Samuel Harris Patent Book 26, Page 358 353 acres on north side of Staunton River, adjoining land of Byrd and Munford. April 5, 1748 Samuel Harris Patent Book 34, Page 173 2809 acres between Bluestone Creek and Roanoke River, adjoining Byrd. February 7, 1757 **************************** William Harris Patent Book 26, Page 362 70 acres in Staunton River between Byrd's Island and Cargill's Island. April 5, 1748 William Harris Patent Book 29, Page 29 280 acres on both sides of Middle Bluestone Creek. December 15, 1749 *************************** What is the relationship between William, Benjamin, and Samuel -- if any? What Harris line(s) are these men part of? Are they part of the Isle of Wight Harris line? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY VIRGINIA, VOLUME I Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Page 81 Brunswick County, Virginia Deed Thomas Avent Book 1, Page 220 Thomas Avent of Surry County to William Meriott of Surry County. Witness: John Harris Dated: 3 May 1735 Recorded: 7 August 1735 ************************** Page 84-85 Brunswick County, Virginia Deed Philip Morgan Book 1, Page 499 Philip Morgan of St. Andrew's Parish, Brunswick County to John Wilkins of St. martin's Parish, Hanover County. Witness: John Harris Jr. Dated: 2 August 1739 Recorded: 3 January 1739/40 ****************************** Is anyone familiar with the Harris line that this/these men are part of? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Oops, Sorry, I forgot to put the date. The date was May 7, 1759 Ira

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME 1 Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Page 102: A list of the tithables taken in 1752 by Field Jefferson and names from the lists of Richard Witton and Cornelius Cargill who resided in that part of Lunenburg County which became Mecklenburg County in 1765. Samuel Harris Stephen Wade *The indented names are Charles Harris chargable to Samuel David York Harris William Harris Some of the further information in this book seems to indicate that there is some relationship between Samuel Harris and William Harris. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source:EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME 1 Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Page 155: List of Tithables taken by Edmund Taylor in St. James Parish, Lunenburg County, Virginia for the year 1764. Benjamin Harris (Quarters) Isaac Bryant 7 tithes 1017 acres Solomon Harris 1 tithe What Harris line(s) are these two Harris' part of? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME 1 Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Page 35: Land Grants In Mecklenburg County, Virginia Patent Book 33, Page 562 Benjamin Harris 420 acres on a branch of Miles Creek. What Benjamin Harris is this? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA, VOLUME I Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia EARLY LUNENBERG COUNTY DEEDS Page 131: Richard Blalock Deed Book 3, p.284 richard Blalock of Louisa County to Henry Ward of Amelia County....cons 80 poounds...400 acres on east side of Butchers Creek....adjoining Hawkins Witness: Thomas Nash /s/Richard Blalock Ben Harris James Claiborne Paul Carrington Dated 29 June 1753 Recorded 3 July 1753 Page 134 Deed Book 3, p.385 Ben Harris witness to land deed of Joseph Akin Dated 4 September 1753 Recorded 6 November 1753 Page 135 Deed Book 3, p.432 Ben Harris witness to land deed of Hugh Miller Dated 21 December 1753 Recorded 5 February 1754 Does anyone have an idea which Ben Harris this is? What Harris line is he a part of? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Source: REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS Mecklenburg County, Virginia Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia Thomas Berry Private Militia b. 8 June 1757 in King and Queen County. Pen. S14941 Moved to Mecklenburg County where he entered service in 1776 in Minuteman Company commanded by Capt. James Anderson. Drafted in 1779 under Capt. Charles Clay and Col. Lewis Burwell. Served in 1781 under Capt. Robert Smith and Col. Robert Mumford. Moved in 1784 to North Carolina and in 1788 to Mercer County, Kentucky, and later to Clarke County, Kentucky. Mentions sisters Elizabeth Brasfield and Sarah Harris in pension application. Does anyone know who Sarah (Berry) Harris was married to? What Harris line did she marry into? Any insight is appreciated. Please respond through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

Ira Do you know what period of time these volumes covered in Mecklenburg? Thanks Chuck In a message dated 7/31/2004 5:05:46 PM Central Standard Time, barebear@insightbb.com writes: Source: EARLY SETTLERS MECKLENBURG COUNTY,VIRGINIA, 2 Volumes Compiled by Katherine B. Elliott South Hill, Virginia These are the Harris names found in Volume I and the page(s) they are found on Ben Harris 131, 134, 135 Benjamin Harris 35,155, 171 Charles Harris 102 John Harris 81 John Harris, Jr. 85 Judith Harris 115 Samuel Harris 35,40,97,102,113,115 Solomon Harris 97, 155 William Harris 35,36,97,102,115,128,143 (2), 149,165 These are the Harris names found in Volume II and the page(s) they are found on Allen Harris 178 Benjamin Harris 29, 188 Charles Harris 31 Fieldman Harris 178 Frances Harris 56, 66 James Harris 178 Jere Harris 178 John Harris, Jr. 188 John E. Harris 188 John Evans Harris 188 Judith Harris 33, 65 Mastin Harris 178 Reuben Harris 178 Robert Harris 178 Samuel Harris 34,35,45 Sherwood Harris 178 William Harris 18, 19, 33, 35, 46, 47, 56, 57, 61, 64, 65, 66, 67, 79, 132 William Harris, Sr. 178 William Harris, Jr. 178 >From what I have read on HH, and from other souces, some of the descendants of Captain Thomas Harris moved into Mecklenburg County. Are there also other known Harris lines in Mecklenburg? Any insight is appreciated. Please make any responses through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana ==== HARRIS-HUNTERS Mailing List ==== HH Archives: http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl HH Site: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~confido/hindex2.htm HH Data Base: http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=harrishunters

Source: History of Louisa County, Virginia By Dr. Malcolm Hart Harris Henry Harris, Goochland County, son of Benjamin, married Sarah or Sally Adams. She later married John R. Farar (Goochland Rec. B. 13, p. 198). he deeded land to his son, Henry, on Dover Creek, May 19, 1783. She was a daughter of Robert Adams. Children: James, Henry, Mourning, Betty, Sally Does anyone recognize this Harris Family of Goochland County, Virginia? What Harris line are they a part of? Please route your response through HH so that others may be helped. Ira L. Harris III Evansville, Indiana

I made an error in my post yesterday. I neglected to add that on March 13, 1829, James Harris and James Gibson provided surety for the marriage of my ancestors John Bryant and Nancy Massey in Rockingham County, NC. Then, 2 years later, in Patrick County, VA, James and Nancy Harris sold 35 acres of land there to John Briant/Bryant. To my knowledge, all of my Bryants have lived mostly in Patrick Co (on land that is now Fairystone Park and under Philpott Lake) so I don't understand why John and Nancy would have married outside that county in any case? My apologies to the list for not having done a better job of proofreading my original post! Many thanks for your time. Rebecca Olenchak jjbb343@earthlink.net

This indenture made the 30th day of Sept. 1831 between James Harris and his wife Nancy Harris of the County of Patrick State of Virginia of the one part & John Briant said County of the other part withforth, that the said James Harris & his wife Nancy Harris, hath for & in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars in hand paid at or before the dealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted bargained sold & confirmed unto the said John Briant his heirs as assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land whereon said Harris now lives containing thirty five acres more or less & bounded by the lands of Joseph Vaughan & William Via & David Crews of all & singular the said tract or parcel of land & premises hereby granted or mentioned belonging or appertaining thereof to have & to hold the said tract or parcel of land hereby granted warrant & defend free from the claim or claims of them their heirs, & all every other person whatsoever in witness whereof the said James Harris & his wife Nancy hath hereunto set their hands & affixed seals the day and year above written Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of his James x Harris L.I. mark Nancy Harris L.I. Patrick County to wit We John A. Hairston & Thomas Penn Justises of the Peace in the County of Patrick aforesaid in the state of Va. do hereby certify that Nancy Harris the wife of James Harris parties to a certain deed bearing date to a certain deed on the 30 day of Sept. 1831 and hereunto annexed personally appeared before us in our County aforesaid and being examined by us privately and apart from her husband and having the deed aforesaid fully explained to her she the said Nancy Harris acknowledged the same to be her act and deed and declared that she had willingly signed sealed and delivered the same and that she wished not to retract it. Given under our hands and seals this 30 day of Sept. 1831 J.A. Hairston L.I. Thomas Penn L.I. Rebecca Olenchak jjbb343@earthlink.net Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.

Charles, Many thanks for your most helpful response to my query -- I apologize for not acknowledging it sooner, but I subscribe to the list in digest form and just received it this morning. This information about the two different James Harrises in Patrick County is very helpful indeed, especially the names of the younger James' parents. This is new data for me, and will be invaluable to me as I continue to try to solve my Harris-Bryant-Massey mystery. Again, many thanks for your help, and good hunting! Rebecca > [Original Message] > From: <Cleonharris@aol.com> > To: <HARRIS-HUNTERS-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: 8/1/2004 5:05:04 PM > Subject: Re: [HH] James Harris of Rockingham Co, NC & James Harris of Patrick County, VA > > I can't answer your question about a relationship between James Harris and > John Bryant or Nancy Massey, but perhaps it will help to know that there were > two different James Harrises in Patrick County in the early 19th century. The > first was the son of William and Sarah Steele Harris. He was born 1752 in > Buckingham County VA and married a woman named Patte on 10 May 1775 in that county. > He died 3 Oct 1836 in Floyd County KY. He had a brother named Reuben, so I > suppose this is the James mentioned in the deed of Nov 1803. This James Harris is > said to have moved to Kentucky about this time. > > The second James Harris was the son of Samuel and Sarah Elizabeth > Hollandsworth Harris. He was born between 1801 - 1804 and married Nancy Craddock on 23 > Feb 1826 in Patrick County. He died after 1864. I suppose this is the James > Harris mentioned in Patrick County records after 1820. I do not have the names of > his four children's spouses; that may be where the Bryant or Massey name comes > in. > > I do not know what, if any, relationship there was between William and Samuel > Harris, and your posting is the first suggestion I've seen that either James > was from Rockingham County NC. > > Charles Harris

I can't answer your question about a relationship between James Harris and John Bryant or Nancy Massey, but perhaps it will help to know that there were two different James Harrises in Patrick County in the early 19th century. The first was the son of William and Sarah Steele Harris. He was born 1752 in Buckingham County VA and married a woman named Patte on 10 May 1775 in that county. He died 3 Oct 1836 in Floyd County KY. He had a brother named Reuben, so I suppose this is the James mentioned in the deed of Nov 1803. This James Harris is said to have moved to Kentucky about this time. The second James Harris was the son of Samuel and Sarah Elizabeth Hollandsworth Harris. He was born between 1801 - 1804 and married Nancy Craddock on 23 Feb 1826 in Patrick County. He died after 1864. I suppose this is the James Harris mentioned in Patrick County records after 1820. I do not have the names of his four children's spouses; that may be where the Bryant or Massey name comes in. I do not know what, if any, relationship there was between William and Samuel Harris, and your posting is the first suggestion I've seen that either James was from Rockingham County NC. Charles Harris