Mathias Carpenter and Elizabeth Miller of Surry, Wilkes and Ashe Co, NC

I (Marty Grant) am a 6th Great Grandson of Mathias Carpenter and Elizabeth Miller.

Special thanks to Danny Miller, Paul Phipps, Evelyn Rice Tharp and many others for data shared on this family.

Mathias Zimmerman was born on December 2nd, in some year between 1750 and 1755. The years are based on his census records, and the date based on an old, now totally eroded tombstone. In the Miller (or Welch) Cemetery in Ashe Co, NC, there are several old tombstones, including one for "M. Carpenter" that listed his birth date and death date as Dec 2 1777 - Oct 17 1835. We know the death date is correct, so presumably the birth date was correct, at least the month and day. The "1777" was either a mistake by the carver, or by the person transcribing it. I visited this cemetery a few years ago, and found numerous old stones, that once had writing on them, but were now totally illegible. I did not find one with Mathias' name on it, at least not where I could read it. I suppose that when they were still legible, someone wrote down the dates. However, either they read the birth year wrong, or it was wrong on the stone. Many have incorrectly assumed that this stone was for a Mathias "Jr" since the birth year was so much more recent than our Mathias. However, there is no basis for such an assumption, and no records indicating there was a Mathias "Jr". The tombstone information was from the "Wade Eller Collection".

My way of designating Mathias' birth date is as 2 Dec 1750/1755. He was most likely born in Pennsylvania, though in what county, I could not even guess. There were literally hundreds, if not thousands of Germanic immigrants to PA in the 1700's named "Zimmerman" or some variation thereof (i.e. Simmerman, Shimmerman, etc), and unfortunately, "Mathias" was a common name among them. If I had to guess, I would say he was born in either Lancaster, Bucks, Berks or York County, PA. I could be wrong about all four of those though. It is also possible that he was born in some other state, or perhaps he himself was an immigrant to America.

In many years of research, neither I, nor my many fellow Carpenter researchers, have been able to identify Mathias' parents, nor even find a strong suspect. For some reason, several researchers show Mathias as a son of another Mathias, but I have not found the slightest proof of this.

Whomever his parents may have been, he apparently left them in Pennsylvania (if they were still living then) ca 1768 and headed south to North Carolina to the Moravian settlement of Salem (now Winston-Salem, NC) where he worked as a carpenter (true to his name, as "Zimmerman" was German for "carpenter"). He worked for a man named Triebel for a year and a half. At this time (ca 1768), Salem was in Rowan County. The above and a few other tidbits of his life are found in the Moravian Records. He was not Moravian, but his wife was.

Mathias Zimmerman married Elizabeth Miller ca 1769, probably at her father's house on Deep Creek in Rowan Co, NC. This was not close at all to Salem, so I can only imagine how they might have met. Elizabeth was born ca 1750/55 in Bucks Co, PA, daughter of Christian and Veronica Miller. The Miller's became Moravians at some point, though before that they (at least Christian) was called "formerly rough and godless" by Soelle, a Moravian Minister. Apparently, Mathias decided to live on Deep Creek with or near his in-laws.

In 1771, a huge section of Rowan County, including the Deep Creek area, was cut off to form the new county of Surry,

Let me quote the Moravian record here, as published in Records of the Moravians in North Carolina pg 790, by Adelaide Freis. The following was from the diary of Minister Soelle, who was traveling around the area ca 1771-1772:

The above is the only source I've seen that shows Mathias was a Captain. This undoubtedly referred to the County Militia. So he was a Captain in the Militia in the 1771-1772 timeframe. I've seen no other source confirming this fact.

Although still referred to as "Zimmerman" in 1771-1772, by 1775 he had anglicized his name to "Carpenter", as many other Zimmerman's did. I can only imagine the reason for this was to fit in better with his English and Scots-Irish neighbors, and to reflect his (apparent) American pride, as this was the time when the Revolution against English rule was beginning.

"Mathias Carpenter" was listed on the 1775 tax list in Rowan Co, NC. This would indicate a temporary move from the Deep Creek area (where he was in 1771). I'm not sure where he was at this time, specifically. Rowan still included all of present Davie and Davidson Counties at that time. One of his future sons-in-law was in Rowan then, in the Friedberg Community (now Davidson County). Perhaps this is where he was residing in 1775.

I have found no records (so far) of any Revolutionary War service for Mathias Carpenter. Although a Militia Captain in the 1771-1772 timeframe, there is no telling if he was still in the Militia when the war began, or ended. In fact, I have found no records at all for him in the 1776-1781 timeframe.

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1782 tax list in Surry Co, NC with 400 acres on Hunting Creek, and one poll (himself). I have not found a deed record showing where he obtained this land. Nor did I find a record of him ever selling it. Hunting Creek rises in Wilkes Co, NC just east of the town of Moravian Falls, and flows south eastward into Iredell County, never crossing into Surry. However, there was a "North Little Hunting Creek" that also rose in Wilkes, but flowed eastward into Surry, then finally turning southward into Iredell and joining Hunting Creek. It seems likely that this smaller branch was where Mathias owned his 400 acres. This was in the south west corner of modern Yadkin County, NC just a few miles south west of Deep Creek.

On 14 Nov 1786, Mathias Carpenter entered (staked out and claimed) 150 acres in Surry Co, NC on Rocky Branch, bordering John Johnson, Isaac Mies and Stephen Wood. I have not yet located "Rocky Branch" on a map, however, when he was granted this land (in 1792) it was referred to as a branch of the North Fork of Hunting Creek. (Surry Co, NC Land Entries # 209)

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1786 census in Surry Co, NC. He was listed on the same page, but not real close to his neighboring Hunting Creek land owners (John Johnson and Stephen Wood). He was several houses from his father-in-law Christian Miller. Mathias' neighbor on one side was Matthew Sparks, who also owned land on Hunting Creek. His neighbor on the other side was Charles Johnson who had land on Deep Creek and along the Surry - Wilkes border. I suppose this indicates that Mathias was living on his Hunting Creek property.

On the 2nd Thursday of February 1789, in Surry County, Mathias Carpenter was ordered to replace George Phillips as overseer of the road. (Phillips was listed just a few houses from Mathias on the 1786 census). Unfortunately, the record does not say which road he was to oversee. I didn't find a prior record where Phillips was appointed. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O.. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1790 census in Surry Co, NC. This census was not in complete natural order, but was roughly alphabetized, apparently by community. This means we can't determine precisely who Mathias' neighbors were in 1790.

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1791 tax list in Wilkes Co, NC, with 200 acres and 1 poll (himself). Since he was charged with the Poll tax in Wilkes County, then he must have lived in Wilkes then, so he moved from Surry to Wilkes between 1790 and 1791. Either that, or his land was on the border, and the county line was unsure (he did live in the border region).

On 24 Dec 1792, Mathias Carpenter received a State Land Grant in Surry County, of 150 acres on Rocky Branch, waters of North Fork of Hunting Creek, adjoining the old road, Wood and Johnson (this is the same land he entered in 1786). (Surry Co, NC Deed Book E page 106 from Surry County, North Carolina Deeds Books D, E and F 1779-1797 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1792 Wilkes Co, NC tax list with 200 acres, and 1 poll (himself).

He still owned his Surry County land on North Side of Hunting Creek in 1793, for on 13 Feb 1793 Stephen Wood entered land there described as bordering Mathias Carpenter. (Surry Co, NC Land Entries # 579)

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1793 tax list in Wilkes Co, NC with 200 acres and 1 poll (himself).

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1794 tax list in Wilkes Co, NC with 450 acres and 1 poll (himself). This reflects an additional 250 acres from his 1793 listing. I don't currently have a deed a record showing how or when he obtained this additional land in Wilkes County. I believe this missing deed reflects Mathias' move from the Hunting Creek area to the north west corner of Wilkes County into the New River area (became Ashe County in 1799).

On 6 Feb 1794 several men, including Mathias Carpenter, were ordered to view the road from Kestlers Saw Mill to the North Fork of New River by John Carrolls property. These men were all undoubtedly neighbors to one another, so here is the list: Aaron Mash, Samuel Lumb, John Dick, George Bowers, James Bunyard, John Jones, John Henson, Isaac Weaver, Mathias Carpenter, William Waters, John Bowers, Christian Shore (Shearer), Joseph Hester, Boston Grimes and Israel Marsh. (Wilkes County Court Minutes 1789-1797 Volumes III&IV by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 8 Oct 1796, John Henson sold Mathias Carpenter, 100 acres on the North Fork of New River and Buffalow (sic) Creek in Wilkes (now Ashe) Co, NC. Including a conditional line between Moses Smith and Henson. Witnesses were James Bunyard, William Bunyard and Abraham May. (Wilkes Co, NC Deed Book D page 12 from Wilkes County, North Carolina Deed Book D, F-1 & G-H 1795-1815 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 31 Oct 1796, in Wilkes Court, James Bunyard proved the deed from John Henson to Mathias Carpenter. (Wilkes County Court Minutes 1789-1797 Volumes III&IV by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 13 Dec 1798, Mathias Carpenter received a State Land Grant in Wilkes County of 100 acres near "Joneses line", on the Laurel Fork of North Fork of New River. (Wilkes Co, NC Deed Book D page 545 from Wilkes County, North Carolina Deed Book D, F-1 & G-H 1795-1815 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On the same date (13 Dec 1798), Mathias also received a State Land Grant for 100 acres on the Left fork of Rich Hill Creek. This land, like the previous grant, is in central - western Ashe County, near the communities of Dresden, Creston and west of Warrensville. (Wilkes Co, NC Deed Book D page 454 from Wilkes County, North Carolina Deed Book D, F-1 & G-H 1795-1815 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

This area (Rich Hill Creek and the North Fork of New River) was included in the north west section of Wilkes County that was cut off to form the new county of Ashe in 1799.

Mathias Carpenter was listed in Ashe County, NC on the 1800 census. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetized, so we can't determine who his neighbors were at this time. He was the only Carpenter listed in Ashe County.

On 9 Nov 1801 Mathias Carpenter entered 300 acres on Horse Creek, near Big Spring, in Ashe County. (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 500)

On 5 May 1802,Elisha Collins sold 150 acres to Mathias Carpenter, the land was on Laurel Fork. Witnessed by Jonathan Miller, Mathias son-in-law. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book A page 434).

On 9 Aug 1802, Mathias entered 100 acres in Ashe County, "on his own line". (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 750)

On 22 Nov 1802, Mathias entered 50 acres on Rich Hill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 831)

On 26 Mar 1803 Mathias Carpenter sold 100 acres to William Jones, land on Laurel Fork. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book A page 432).

On the same date (26 Mar 1803), John Jones sold Mathias Carpenter 60 acres on Laurel Fork. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book A page 436).

On 6 Aug 1803 James Shuffield sold Mathias Carpenter 100 acres in Carter County, Tennessee on the North Fork of Roane Creek.

On 10 Aug 1803 Thomas Hubbard sold Mathias Carpenter 70 acres on Pounding Mill Branch. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book A page 507).

On 12 Aug 1803 Lemuel Lunsford sold Mathias Carpenter 100 aces on Big Branch of Rich Hill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book B page 498).

On 6 Dec 1803 Mathias Carpenter received a land grant for 300 acres in Ashe County including the Big Spring. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book B page 112).

On 12 May 1806 William Jones sold Mathias Carpenter 100 acres on Rich Hill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book B page 442).

On -- --- 1806, Solomon Baker sold Mathias Carpenter 150 acres on North Fork of New River. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book B page 399).

On -- --- 1806, Solomon Baker sold another 100 acres to Mathias Carpenter. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book B page 400).

On 15 Feb 1806 Mathias received a state land grant in Ashe County, for 50 acres on Rich Hill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book D page 8).

On the same date (15 Feb 1806) "Methyes Carpenter" entered 50 acres on Rich Hill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 1544).

On 14 Aug 1806 Mathias entered 100 acres in Ashe County on "my old line". (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 1639).

On -- --- 1806, Mathias received a land grant for 100 acres on Rich Hill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book D page 9).

On 14 Sep 1807 Robert Osborne sold Mathias Carpenter 50 acres, being "the plantation that Charles Smith now lives on". (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book V page 170).

On 20 Mar 1808, Eli Cleveland and Mathias Carpenter jointly entered 400 acres on Buffaloe Creek, North Fork of New River. (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 1860).

On -- May 1809, Mathias Carpenter sold his 100 acres in Carter County, TN on North Fork of Roan Creek to David Wagoner.

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1810 census in Ashe County, NC. This census showed him between "H. Hardin" and "C. Burket", and showed Mathias with 4 slaves.

On 20 Aug 1811 Stephen Reed sold Mathias 51 1/2 acres on North Fork of New River. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book V page 492).

On 2 Mar 1815, Mathias entered 500 acres in Ashe County, "above Elisha Collins' house". (Ashe Co, NC Land Entries # 2784).

Mathias was listed on the 1815 Ashe County tax list in Captain Sutherland's District. He was listed with 1,245 total acres, valued at $400, with 1 poll, on Rich Hill Creek and Buffalo in 10 tracts of land. (Thanks to Jeff Weaver for this information)

On 4 May 1822, Elisha Collins sold Mathias Carpenter 60 acres on Laurel Fork. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book E page 40).

On -- --- 1823,Robert King sold Mathias 200 acres "where John King Sr now lives" on head of Mill Creek. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book E page 123).

On -- --- 1823, Mathias received a land grant for 50 acres in Ashe County. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book E page 236).

On 18 Sep 1826 Samuel Weaver sold Mathias 200 acres. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book G page 393).

Mathias Carpenter was listed on the 1830 census in Ashe County. He had 10 slaves.

On 27 Apr 1833 George Bower sold 50 acres to Mathias Carpenter. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book V page 182).

On 21 Feb 1834, Mathias Carpenter sold 70 acres to David Brooks, on Pounding Mill Branch. Witness was John Miller. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book V page 324).

On 5 Aug 1835 Mathias and Eliza Carpenter gave land to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church for them to use to build a church. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book S page 333).

Elizabeth Miller Carpenter died sometime between 5 Aug 1835 and 21 Oct 1835. She is buried at the Welch Cemetery. If her stone was ever marked, it has eroded away now.

Mathias Carpenter died in Ashe County on 17 Oct 1835. He is buried at the Welch Cemetery, which is on the hill behind the former home of his son-in-law Jonathan Miller. I've been there, but did not locate Mathias or Elizabeth's graves. Many years ago, someone (perhaps Wade Eller) found a marker that had "M. Carpenter" on it with a birth and death date, but it can't be located now. The tombstone information was from the "Wade Eller Collection".

After their deaths, the heirs of Mathias and Eliza made several deeds among themselves, dividing the vast land holdings. The heirs named (but their relationships were not stated) were David Carpenter, Jonathan Miller, Margaret Miller (husband and wife, though not so stated); Franky Davis, Jacob Davis (mother and son, though not so stated); Joseph Roten, Mary Roten (husband and wife, though not so stated); Jacob Carpenter and Christina Carpenter. So this represents the six living children of Mathias and Elizabeth. The daughters were listed with their husbands, except Christina who wasn't married, and Franky, who for some reason was listed with her son Jacob, instead of her husband William (who was about 100 years old then, so probably not able to travel to Ashe County to settle estate). In each case of husband and wife, the husband was listed first, then the wife, but in Franky and Jacob Davis case, Franky was listed first, then Jacob, thus reflecting (in my opinion) that he was her son, not husband (as some have erroneously claimed).

There were several deeds, all listed at the top as "Carpenter Heirs", though they don't say who they were heirs of, but it seems Mathias is the only possibility.

The first deed (all dated 28 Oct 1835), from the heirs to David Carpenter for 100 acres. I couldn't read my copy of the deed well enough to determine the location of the land. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book G page 164).

On the same date (28 Oct 1835), the heirs sold another 100 acres to David Carpenter, this land on Bufalow Creek.

On the same date (28 Oct 1835), the heirs sold 200 acres on Mill Creek to Jacob Davis (son of Franky Davis).

On the same date (28 Oct 1835), the heirs sold Joseph Roten (husband of Mary Carpenter), 300 acres, including the "Big Spring".

On the same date, the heirs sold David Carpenter another 100 acres on Buffalow Creek.

On the same date, the heirs sold David Carpenter, 5 acres. (Ashe Co, NC Deed Book G page 166).

Children

Mathias Carpenter and Elizabeth Miller had six known children, plus two more suspected children, based on census analysis. The six known children are well documented, and all named in 1835 records dividing the estate of Mathias.

Frances Carpenter was born 26 Jan 1771 in Deep Creek community of Surry Co, NC (now Yadkin County).

Frances, known as "Franky" was born and christened with a German name, "Maria Phrone Zimmerman", and it was recorded as such in the Moravian Records, and gave her birth date and that she was a child of Mathias and Elizabeth. Our dear cousin Linda S. Watford (deceased) discovered this record a few years ago at the Moravian Archives in Winston-Salem, NC.

If I understand Germanic naming patterns correctly, the tradition was to name all the daughters with the same first name (such as "Maria", "Anna", etc) and refer to them by the middle name. The same would be true for the sons, all named "Johannes", or "George", etc. It appears that Mathias and Elizabeth started out with this same tradition, by naming Franky that way. We don't have birth records for the other children, so we don't know if the tradition was continued or not.

I've never found any records to support it, but family tradition records that Franky Carpenter married a Mr. Weatherman in Surry Co, NC. This Mr. Weatherman died soon after marriage, and apparently there were no children (or none we have discovered). This Mr. Weatherman is quite probably a son of Christian Weatherman who was a neighbor of Mathias Carpenter in old Surry County. Their marriage date would have been ca 1785 or so.

There was only one Weatherman listed on the 1786 census in Surry County, and that was Christian Weatherman.

Franky then married William Davis. ca 1786 or so. They would have to have married in Surry County, since that is where her parents were then, however, it is possible that she and her Weatherman husband had moved to Burke County where Davis was living then, and they married there. Being a widow, she would not need her parents permission to marry.

In any event, after marrying William Davis, they lived in Burke County in the area that later became Yancey County (in 1833), and later became Mitchell County (in 1861) and finally, Avery County (in 1911).

Jacob Carpenter was born ca 1778/79 in either the Deep Creek community or Hunting Creek area of Surry Co, NC (now Yadkin County).

Jacob Carpenter went to Ashe County with his parents, and left there ca 1800-1805 for Burke (later Yancey) Co, NC. He married Margaret --- ca 1800/05 in either Ashe or Burke County.

Margaret Carpenter was born 27 Oct 1784 (date from Tombstone) in either the Deep Creek community or Hunting Creek area of Surry Co, NC (now Yadkin County).

Margaret was apparently with her parents for the 1786 and 1790 census in Surry Co, NC, and apparently still with them in 1800 Ashe Co, NC census.

Mary Carpenter was born ca 1784/85 in either the Deep Creek community or Hunting Creek area of Surry Co, NC (now Yadkin County).

Mary was apparently with her parents for the 1786 and 1790 census in Surry Co, NC, and apparently still with them in 1800 Ashe Co, NC census.

Mary Carpenter married Joseph Roten (also spelled "Josiah" on occasion) ca 1807 in Ashe County.

Joseph Roten was born ca 1783/84 in Delaware (per the 1850 census) or North Carolina per the 1860 census. The name "Roten" was also spelled "Roughten" on some records. Pronounced "Row-ten".

There were no Roten's in 1800 Ashe County, so no clues to who Joseph's parents were.

Joseph Roten was listed on the 1810 census in Ashe County as "J. Roughten". There were two listed this way, on different pages. One was much older (age 26-44, born ca 1755/74), and quite possibly father of Joseph. Near Joseph was a "L. Roughten", possibly his brother. Next to Joseph was "J. Miller", quite possibly his brother-in-law Jonathan Miller. (Too bad this census taker only used initials!)

Joseph was listed on the 1820 census in Ashe County, unfortunately, this census was mostly alphabetical, so we can't tell who his neighbors were. The ages of Joseph and wife in this census aren't an exact match, but this is them, I'm sure. An older woman, perhaps Joseph's mother was with them in 1820.

Joseph Roten was listed on the 1830 census in Ashe County. The ages for their children are not a perfect match for the children I have for them, but that isn't unusual.

In October 1835, after the death of Mathias Carpenter, his heirs made several deeds among themselves dividing his property. Joseph and Mary Roten were named on all of the deeds selling land to the other heirs, and on one deed (all were dated 21 Oct 1835), the other heirs sold Joseph Roten 300 acres on North Fork New River including the Big Spring. (Ashe County, NC Deed Book G page 165).

Joseph Roten was listed on the 1840 census in Ashe County just two houses from his nephew Andrew J. Carpenter, son of Christina Carpenter.

Joseph and Mary were listed on the 1850 Ashe County census. They were listed between their sons David and Jacob Roten.

Mary Carpenter Roten died in Ashe County between 1860 and 1870. I don't know where she is buried, perhaps at the Welch Cemetery near her parents.

Joseph Roten died in October 1869 in Ashe County, as reported on the 1870 census Mortality Schedule. He is possibly buried at the Welch Cemetery also.

There are probably many records to be found in Ashe County for this family, but I have not searched them out yet.

Unknown Son born ca 1786/90. In the 1786 census, Mathias only had one son listed, and that must be his son Jacob (c1779), but in 1790, he had three sons under 16 (born ca 1774/90), one of them was certainly Jacob (c1779), but the other two were new. If they were his sons, they were born between 1786 and 1790. This one, presumably the oldest, was no longer with Mathias by the time of 1800 census. At that time he would have been no more than 14 years old, so probably had died young (if he was a son, and not a border instead).

Unknown Son born ca 1786/90. In the 1786 census, Mathias only had one son listed, and that must be his son Jacob (c1779), but in 1790, he had three sons under 16 (born ca 1774/90), one of them was certainly Jacob (c1779), but the other two were new. If they were his sons, they were born between 1786 and 1790. This one, presumably the younger of the two "new" sons, was still with Mathias in 1800, listed there as age 10-15, or born ca 1784/90. He was not with Mathias in 1810, and no male Carpenter's this age were found in Ashe County. He either died, or moved away.

It has been suggested that William Carpenter (c1789) of Macon Co, NC is this son, but I've seen no proof to support that, though the age fits. However, in William's will he mentions his "mother Martha Rogers", so that excludes him from being a child of Mathias, unless born out of wedlock. Also no records show that William ever came from Surry or Ashe County, NC.

David Carpenter was born 30 Dec 1793 somewhere in the New River vicinity of Wilkes Co, NC (now Ashe Co, NC).

Christina Carpenter was born ca 1799/1800 somewhere in the New River vicinity of Ashe Co, NC.

Christina was apparently with her parents for the 1800, 1810, 1820 and 1830 census.

She never married, but had a child, apparently out of wedlock, as he took her maiden name (Andrew J. Carpenter born 30 Nov 1817).

In a deed dated 1842? (I haven't seen the original, but I believe this date is wrong, I got it from Danny Miller's work, who noted the same thing about the date probably being wrong), A. J. Carpenter sells land that formerly belonged to his mother "Christena Carpenter, deceased". But she was still living in 1842, so that is why I suspect the date is wrong. In another deed, of the same year, he referred to her as "Christina Watters". This may provide a clue to who Andrew's father was, perhaps a Mr. Waters (or "Watters").

Christina, and her son Andrew, were with her parents for the 1820 and 1830 census. When her parents died in 1835, the heirs made several deeds amongst themselves dividing Mathias' property. Christina was named on all these deeds (dated 21 Oct 1835). (Ashe County, NC Deed Book G page 165).

On 26 Aug 1836, Christina Carpenter sold 20 acres on Big Laurel Fork to James Langley. Her son Andrew Carpenter was a witness to the deed. (Ashe County, NC Deed Book M page 352).

On 30 Sep 1836, Christina Carpenter received a state land grant for 25 acres on the North Fork of New River. (Ashe County, NC Deed Book M page 244).

I did not find Christina on the 1840 census. Her son Andrew was head of household in Ashe County, but he had no one her age residing with him. She may have been residing with one of her siblings. Her oldest sister Franky was in Yancey County, so it doesn't seem likely that she went down there. Her next sibling was Jacob, also in Yancey, neither of whom had an "extra" woman Christina's age with them. The next sibling was Margaret, who was in Ashe in 1840 with husband Jonathan Miller. They had no one with them her age, but their enumerations in 1840 were badly inaccurate, so she could have been there with them. Sister Mary was in Ashe in 1840, but had no one Christina's age. Next was David, who had moved to Indiana by 1840. I doubt she was with him, but I don't have his 1840 enumerations yet to prove it.

Since Andrew J. Carpenter referred to his mother as "Christina Watters" in one record in 1842, it is possible she married, but then why was she a Carpenter again by 1850? (Divorce?). Since "Watters" and "Walters" are hard to distinguish, I'm not sure if the two households in 1840 Ashe were Watters or Walters, but there was a Jacob Walters who had 2 women age 30-39 (born ca 1800/10), and one of those could be Christina.

Christina Carpenter was listed as head of household, and by herself on the 1850 census in Ashe County. She was next door to her sister Margaret Miller. (So perhaps she was with them in 1840 after all?)

Researcher List

1. Mathias¹ Carpenter , born 2 Dec 1750/55 in PA; died 17 Oct 1835 in Ashe Co, NC; buried in Welch Cem, Ashe Co, NC. He married abt 1768 in Deep Creek, Rowan Co, NC Elizabeth Miller , born 1750/55 in Bucks Co, PA; died Oct 1835 in Ashe Co, NC; buried in Welch Cem, Ashe Co, NC, daughter of Christian Miller and Veronica (---) .

Children of Mathias Carpenter and Elizabeth Miller were as follows:

+ 2 i Frances² Carpenter , born 26 Jan 1771 in Deep Creek, Surry Co, NC; died 10 Sep 1842 in Yancey Co, NC; buried in Davis Cem, Avery Co, NC. She married (1) ? Weatherman ; (2) William Davis .

+ 3 ii Jacob² Carpenter , born 1778/79 in Surry Co, NC; died 18 Jul 1856 in Yancey Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). He married Margaret (---) .

+ 4 iii Margaret² Carpenter , born 27 Oct 1784 in Surry Co, NC; died 17 Jun 1865 in Ashe Co, NC; buried in Welch Cem, Ashe Co, NC. She married Jonathan Miller .

+ 5 iv Mary² Carpenter , born 1784/85 in Surry Co, NC; died 1860/70 in Ashe Co, NC. She married Joseph Roten .

+ 6 v David² Carpenter , born 30 Dec 1793 in Wilkes Co, NC (now Ashe Co, NC); died 31 Oct 1890 in Greene Co, IN. He married Catherine May .

+ 7 vi Christina² Carpenter , born 1799/1800 in Ashe Co, NC; died aft 1850 in Ashe Co, NC. She married (---) Waters .

Generation 2

2. Frances² Carpenter (Mathias¹), born 26 Jan 1771 in Deep Creek, Surry Co, NC; died 10 Sep 1842 in Yancey Co, NC; buried in Davis Cem, Avery Co, NC. She married (1) bef 1786 in Surry Co, NC ? Weatherman , died bef 1786 in Surry Co, NC; (2) bef 1795 in NC William Davis , born 1730/40 in VA; died 5 Oct 1841 in Yancey Co, NC; buried in Davis Cem, Avery Co, NC, son of (---) Davis and ? (---) .

Children of Frances Carpenter and William Davis were as follows:

+ 8 i Nancy³ Davis , born 1794/95 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). She married (1) Thomas Burleson ; (2) George W Dean .

+ 9 ii Elizabeth³ Davis , born 1795/96 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 10 Oct 1883 in Mitchell Co, NC. She married (1) William Vaughn ; (2) John Vance .

+ 10 iii John³ Davis , born 20 Oct 1798 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 29 Oct 1881 in Mitchell Co, NC. He married Sarah Buchanan .

+ 11 iv Jacob³ Davis , born 1801 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 7 Feb 1873 in Graham Co, NC. He married Susanna Miller (see 29).

+ 12 v Margaret "Peggy"³ Davis , born 1803/04 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 15 Oct 1868 in Mitchell Co, NC. She married Josiah G Wise .

+ 13 vi Thomas³ Davis , born 1804/05 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 1880/1900 in Graham Co, NC; buried in Lone Oak Cem, Graham Co, NC. He married Arabella Marilla Burchfield .

+ 14 vii Frances "Frankie"³ Davis , born 14 May 1808 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 4 Feb 1892 in Mitchell Co, NC. She married Wilson "Wilt" Burleson .

+ 15 viii Rachel³ Davis , born 21 Jun 1810 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 9 Sep 1865 in Cherokee Co, NC (now Graham Co, NC); buried in Old Mother Cem, Graham Co, NC. She married William Davis .

16 ix Catherine "Kate"³ Davis , born in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died Child in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); buried in Davis Cem, Avery Co, NC.

3. Jacob² Carpenter (Mathias¹), born 1778/79 in Surry Co, NC; died 18 Jul 1856 in Yancey Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). He married in 1800/05 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC) Margaret (---) , born 1787/88 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 5 Jun 1875 in Mitchell Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC).

Children of Jacob Carpenter and Margaret (---) were as follows:

+ 17 i William³ Carpenter , born 1804/05 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 15 Nov 1881 in Mitchell Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). He married Elizabeth Wilson .

+ 18 ii David³ Carpenter , born 1805/06 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died abt 1870/80 in Graham Co, NC. He married (1) (---) ? ; (2) Mira Gregg .

19 iii Sophia³ Carpenter , born 1809/10 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 1889 in McDowell Co, NC. She married in 1820/30 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC) Gabriel English , born 1808/09 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 1890 in McDowell Co, NC, son of Henry English and Rachel Oakes .

+ 20 iv Samuel³ Carpenter , born 3 Jan 1814 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 15 Oct 1862 in Mitchell Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); buried in Carpenter Cem, Avery Co, NC. He married Frances Vaughn .

+ 21 v Levi³ Carpenter , born 1816/17 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 1864 in Chattanooga, TN, Civil War. He married Catherine Dillinger .

+ 22 vi Elizabeth³ Carpenter , born 1820/21 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 1870/76 in Mitchell Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). She married Martin D Wiseman .

+ 23 vii Nancy E³ Carpenter , born 1821/22 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). She married John Sewell Franklin .

+ 24 viii Mary³ Carpenter , born 15 Feb 1826 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 4 Jun 1900 in Mitchell Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). She married Joseph McKinley Cuthbertson .

+ 25 ix Frances Matilda³ Carpenter , born 9 Dec 1828 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 28 Jun 1902 in Mitchell Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC). She married (1) Leander Pyatte ; (2) William Vance .

4. Margaret² Carpenter (Mathias¹), born 27 Oct 1784 in Surry Co, NC; died 17 Jun 1865 in Ashe Co, NC; buried in Welch Cem, Ashe Co, NC. She married in 1800/03 in Ashe Co, NC Jonathan Miller , born 28 Dec 1776 in Friedberg, Rowan Co, NC; died 12 Jul 1854 in Ashe Co, NC; buried in Welch Cem, Ashe Co, NC, son of John (aka Johannes) Miller and Maria Magdelena Faber .

Children of Margaret Carpenter and Jonathan Miller were as follows:

+ 26 i Mary³ Miller , born 8 Dec 1803 in Ashe Co, NC; died 18 Aug 1878 in Ashe Co, NC. She married William Weaver .

27 ii Christine³ Miller , born 1805 in Ashe Co, NC; died in Indiana, OR, Missouri. She married bef 1850 in Ashe Co, NC Joshua Weaver , born in Ashe Co, NC; died in Indiana, OR, Missouri.

28 iii Elizabeth³ Miller , born 10 Oct 1806 in Ashe Co, NC; died 5 Dec 1865 in Ashe Co, NC. She married bef 1850 in Ashe Co, NC John Weaver , born 1806 in Ashe Co, NC.

29 iv Susanna³ Miller , born 21 May 1808 in Ashe Co, NC; died Aug 1895 in Graham Co, NC. She married on 4 Jul 1825 in Ashe Co, NC Jacob Davis (see 11), born 1801 in Burke Co, NC (now Avery Co, NC); died 7 Feb 1873 in Graham Co, NC, son of William Davis and Frances Carpenter .

+ 30 v David³ Miller , born 10 May 1810 in Ashe Co, NC; died 5 Dec 1864 in Ashe Co, NC. He married (1) Sarah Caroline Eller ; (2) Mary "Polly" Eller .

+ 31 vi Sarah³ Miller , born 1811/12 in Ashe Co, NC; died in Greene Co, IN. She married John Miller Jr .

+ 32 vii Frances "Frankey"³ Miller , born 1813/14 in Ashe Co, NC. She married David Weaver .

+ 33 viii Mathias³ Miller , born 22 Oct 1817 in Ashe Co, NC; died 23 Feb 1896 in Ashe Co, NC; buried in Welch Cem, Ashe Co, NC. He married Jane Weaver .

34 ix Nancy³ Miller , born 5 Jul 1819 in Ashe Co, NC; died 28 Feb 1893 in Ashe Co, NC.

35 x Margaret³ Miller , born 1826/27 in Ashe Co, NC. She married aft 1860 in Ashe Co, NC Daniel Bowman .

36 xi Jonathan³ Miller , born 11 Dec 1829 in Ashe Co, NC; died 3 Jul 1863 in Gettysburg, PA, Civil War.

5. Mary² Carpenter (Mathias¹), born 1784/85 in Surry Co, NC; died 1860/70 in Ashe Co, NC. She married in 1800/08 in Ashe Co, NC Joseph Roten , born 1783/84 in Delaware; died Oct 1869 in Ashe Co, NC.

Children of Mary Carpenter and Joseph Roten were as follows:

+ 37 i Margaret "Peggy"³ Roten , born 8 Jun 1808 in Ashe Co, NC; died 5 Jul 1893 in Ashe Co, NC. She married William Calhoun .

+ 38 ii Frances³ Roten , born 10 Jul 1809 in Ashe Co, NC; died 17 May 1896 in NC. She married Cary Ashley .

+ 39 iii Mary "Polly"³ Roten , born abt 1810 in Ashe Co, NC; died bef 1880 in Ashe Co, NC. She married William R Ashley .

+ 40 iv Larkin³ Roten , born 1811/12 in Ashe Co, NC; died 28 May 1881 in Ashe Co, NC. He married Sarah Calhoun .

+ 41 v Comfort³ Roten , born 1813/14 in Ashe Co, NC; died 1894 in Ashe Co, NC. She married John Spencer Ashley .

+ 42 vi Sydney³ Roten , born 7 Oct 1820 in Ashe Co, NC; died 4 Oct 1885 in Ashe Co, NC. He married (1) Mary "Polly" Brown ; (2) Sarah Roten .

+ 43 vii Lydia³ Roten , born 1822/23 in Ashe Co, NC; died aft 1900. She married John W Calhoun .

+ 44 viii James³ Roten , born 1820/21 in Ashe Co, NC. He married Martha "Patsy" Calhoun .

+ 45 ix Jacob³ Roten , born 23 Jan 1824 in Ashe Co, NC; died 20 Aug 1901 in Ashe Co, NC. He married Nancy B Latham .

+ 46 x David³ Roten , born 1828/29 in Ashe Co, NC; died 13 Dec 1862 in Fredricksburg, VA. He married Sarah Osborne .

47 xi Elizabeth³ Roten , born 1831/32 in Ashe Co, NC.

6. David² Carpenter (Mathias¹), born 30 Dec 1793 in Wilkes Co, NC (now Ashe Co, NC); died 31 Oct 1890 in Greene Co, IN. He married in 1810/17 in Ashe Co, NC Catherine May , born 17 May 1792 in Wilkes Co, NC (now Ashe Co, NC); died 24 Sep 1862 in Harrison Co, IN, daughter of Jacob May .

Children of David Carpenter and Catherine May were as follows:

48 i Nancy³ Carpenter , born 1 Feb 1817 in Ashe Co, NC; died 1 Mar 1913.

49 ii Jacob³ Carpenter , born 16 May 1818 in Ashe Co, NC; died 14 Mar 1913.

50 iii Elizabeth³ Carpenter</

Mathias Carpenter (1750/55) and Elizabeth Miller of Surry, Wilkes and Ashe Co, NC

Children

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