Barnabas Evans (c1769) of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany County, North Carolina

Barnabas Evans (c1769) of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany County, North Carolina

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The author (Marty Grant) is not related to Barnabas Evans as far as can be proven. It is possible (but not too likely) that he is related to my ancestor William Evans (c1813).

Barnabas Evans (also "Barney") was born ca 1768/69 (per 1850 census) in North Carolina. I don't know what county he was born in, but he lived in Ashe County, NC from the 1790's on, but it seems unlikely he was born in that area, though it is possible. There is some family tradition that Barnabas was born in Wales, but the 1850 census shows him born in North Carolina. It is possible the census is wrong, or the tradition is. Perhaps it was his parents who were from Wales instead. "Evans" is a Welsh name.

I have not identified his parents, but there was a Theophilus Evans who may be his father or at least his brother. I have no direct evidence that they were related but they both lived on Elk Creek with the same neighbors (per various deeds), and their names are both from the Book of Acts in the Bible. I would say they are certainly closely related.

There were several creeks named "Elk Creek" in old Ashe County, one of them in present day Alleghany County (formed 1859 from Ashe) and one on the border with Ashe and Watauga and in both counties. I believe the one in Alleghany County is the one referred to in the deeds mentioned below.

Barnabas would have been about 21 by the time of the 1790 census, but I did not find him listed as a head of household in Western North Carolina. Theophilus Evans was the only one of their surname listed in Wilkes County at that time and he did have 3 males over 16 (born before 1774) in his household. One of them could be Barnabas.

I have not yet found the name of his wife, but Barnabas married someone in the 1790's, presumably in Wilkes County (now Ashe County), North Carolina. She was born ca 1755/65 (per 1800 and 1810 census analysis).

On 13 Dec 1798 Barnabas Evans received a North Carolina Land Grant of 320 acres on a Fork of Elk Creek. (Wilkes Co, NC Deed Book D page 481 from Wilkes County, North Carolina Deed Books D, F-1 & G-H 1795-1815 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 22 Jan 1799 Barnabas Evans sold 100 acres to John Maxwell for 40 pounds, being on the West fork of Elk Creek of New River. Witnessed by John McMillan and William Hill. Barnabas signed with a mark. (Wilkes Co, NC Deed Book D page 582 from Wilkes County, North Carolina Deed Books D, F-1 & G-H 1795-1815 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 5 Feb 1799 Barnabas Evans and Theophilus Evans were mentioned in the same deed so this shows they were neighbors. On that date George Hulme, Esqr, late Sheriff sold land to Richard Owen being land lost by Theophelus Evans in a Court case, described as 200 acres on William Hulls corner, on West side of Elk Creek on Barnabas Evans' line., Camp Fork of Elk Creek. (Wilkes Co, NC Deed Book D page 781 from Wilkes County, North Carolina Deed Books D, F-1 & G-H 1795-1815 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 3 Oct 1799 Barnabas Evans sold 220 acres to William Maxwell for 100 pounds, on Little Elk Creek of New River. Witnessed by James Maxwell, John Toliver and James Jaxwell. Barnabas signed with a mark.

In 1799 Ashe County was formed from Wilkes County, including the section where the Barnabas Evans family lived.

Barnabas Evans was listed on the 1800 census in Ashe County. He was the only Evans listed there that year. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living, though possibly still on Elk Creek.

1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1800 Ashe Co, NC pg 78 Barnabas Evans 10010-20010-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1755-1774)	Barnabas EVANS (1768/69)
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1790-1800)	Son? (1794/1800)
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1755-1774)	Wife? (1755/65)
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1790-1800)	Daughter? (1790/1800) –> gone by 1810
					Daughter? (1794/1800)

Barnabas was still in Ashe County for the 1810 census and by then he was joined by William Evans (1770/80), probably a son of Theophilus and therefore probably Barnabas' brother. They were not listed near each other in 1810 but they were near each other later on (by 1830 anyway). Barnabas' neighbors in 1810 were H. Huntsinger and J. Scott.

1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1810 Ashe Co, NC pg 78 B. Evans 11001-41001-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 and up    (bef 1765)	Barnabas EVANS (1768/69)
1 Male(s) 10-15       (1794-1800)	Son? (1794/1800) –> gone by 1830
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1800-1810)	Son? (1800/10)
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1765)	Wife? (1755/65) –> gone by 1830
1 Female(s) 10-15     (1794-1800)	Daughter? (1794/1800) –> gone by 1830
4 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Daughter? (1800/10) –> gone by 1830
					Daughter? (1800/10) –> gone by 1830
					Daughter? (1800/10) –> gone by 1830
					Daughter? (1800/10)

Barnabas Evans was listed on the 1815 tax list for Ashe County in Captain Maxwell's Company near his brother William. He was taxed for 60 acres valued at $60, and for 1 poll (himself, presumably).

I was unable to find Barnabas Evans in 1820 in Ashe County (or elsewhere). His brother William Evans was not found either. I don't think they moved away for I also have other "missing" relatives in 1820 Ashe County. I think the census taker just did a poor job that year and left out quite a few people.

By 1830 Barnabas and the others were "back" in Ashe County. It appears from this census record that Mrs. Evans had died for there were no older women with Barnabas. The oldest was born ca 1800/10 which could be one of his 4 daughters of that age (per 1810 census) or perhaps he had remarried in the interim (though no marriage record is recorded). Barnabas was listed next to his presumed brother William Evans.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Ashe Co, NC pg 7 Barnabas Evens 0110100010000-0011100000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 60-69        (1760-1770)	Barnabas EVANS (1768/69)
1 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)	Son? (1800/10) –> gone by 1840
1 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Son? (1815/20) –> gone by 1840
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)	Son? (1820/25)
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Wife? Daughter? (1800/10)
1 Female(s) 15-19      (1810-1815)	Daughter? (1810/15) –> gone by 1840
1 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)	Daughter? (1815/20) –> gone by 1840

Barnabas was still in Ashe for the 1840 census. He was not listed near any of the other Evans this time.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Ashe Co, NC pg 18 Barney Evans 0101000001000-0000010000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 70-79        (1760-1770)	Barnabas EVANS (1768/69)
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1820-1825)	Son? (1820/25)
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)	Grandson? (1830/35)
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1800-1810)	Daughter? Wife? (1800/10)

Barnabas Evans was still in Ashe County for the 1850 census. He was head of household, but several Hills were with him. Lucy Hill age 44 could be his daughter and the others her own children.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1850 ASHE CO, NC Page 248B  House/Family #  158/ 158  -  Twp

EVANS BARNABAS        81 M W FARMER                 200 NC                   1768/1769
HILL LUCY             44 F W                            NC                   1805/1806
HILL MARIDY           17 M W                            NC                   1832/1833
HILL ALEX.             9 M W                            NC                   1840/1841
HILL PHEBY            22 F W                            NC                   1827/1828

Barnabas Evans made his Will on 1 Nov 1851 in Ashe Co., NC. The Will was proven on 23 Feb 1852 so he had died by that date.

Children of Barnabas Evans. Barnabas had quite a few children per the various census records but none are proven except possibly Lucy Hill who was living with him in 1850. She may be his daughter, or then again she could just be hired domestic help.

In his Will he mention heirs but doesn't explicitly refer to them as children of his, but it appears that they are. He named Lucy Hill, David Evans heirs, Alexander Perky, William Evans, and Nancy Whitaker heirs, Franky Spurling, and Abram Evans. (Ashe Co., NC Will Book A page 90, shared by Charles B. Respass)

Unknown Son (1794/1800)

Unknown Daughter (1790/1800)

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800)

Unknown Son (1800/10)

Unknown Daughter (1800/10)

Unknown Daughter (1810/15)

Unknown Son (1815/20)

Unknown Daughter (1815/20)

Unknown Son (1820/25)

Unknown Son (1794/1800). Barnabas Evans had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1800, aged "under 10" (born ca 1790/1800), and still apparently home in 1810, aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). Barnabas was not found in 1820. By 1830 this child was not home with Barnabas, so probably married or dead by then.

In his 1851 Will, Barnabas Evans mentions sons David, William and Abram. Researcher Charles B. Respass told me about a David Evans born 10 Nov 1798 in Ashe County, who he believes is this son of Barnabas. I think he is correct.

This is probably the same David Evans listed in Ashe County on the 1830 census, though listed as in his 20's then (born 1800-10), though that is a common census error. This David Evans (1798) moved to Kendall Co., IL after that, where he died in 1845. That fits also for Barnabas mentioned David's heirs in his 1851 Will.

Unknown Daughter (1790/1800). Barnabas Evans had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1800, aged "under 10" (born ca 1790/1800), By 1810 this child was not home with Barnabas, so probably married or dead by then.

There are no recorded marriages in Ashe County for the 1800-1810 time period.

Barnabas mentioned several daughters in his Will (1851), but unfortunately, other than Lucy, I haven't found any additional data on any of them. Therefore this unknown daughter could be the one who married Alexander Perky, or Nancy or Frances "Franky" Evans. Of course there are other unidentified females in his household where these women could fit instead. See below for them.

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). Barnabas Evans had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1800, aged "under 10" (born ca 1790/1800), and still apparently home in 1810, aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). Barnabas was not found in 1820. By 1830 this child was not home with Barnabas, so probably married or dead by then.

I don't know who this might have been.

Unknown Son (1800/10). Barnabas Evans had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1810, aged "under 10" (born ca 1800/10). Barnabas was not found in 1820. This child was still home in 1830, aged 20-29 (born ca 1800/10), but gone by 1840, so probably married or dead by then.

Barnabas Evans named an heir William Evans in his Will of 1851. This could be William Evans (1809), though others show that William to be a son of William Evans (1770/80) and Alcy ---. I don't know what proof there is of that connection. William (1809) did name one of his sons "Barnabas" but that doesn't prove he is Barnabas' son, but it is an interesting clue.

Unknown Daughter (1800/10). Barnabas Evans had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1810, aged "under 10" (born ca 1800/10). Barnabas was not found in 1820. This child was not home in 184, so probably married or dead by then.

I don't know who this might have been.

Unknown Daughter (1800/10). Barnabas Evans had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1810, aged "under 10" (born ca 1800/10). Barnabas was not found in 1820. She still seemed to be home in 1830, aged 20-29 (born ca 1800/10), and still home in 1840, aged 30-39 (born ca 1800/10).

This is probably Lucy Hill, age 44 (born ca 1805/06) who was with Barnabas Evans in 1850. She was named in Barnabas' 1851 Will.

She must have married a Mr. Hill at some point and was widowed before 1850. Lucy Hill was listed on the 1860 census in Alleghany County (formed 1859 from Ashe), but not near any Evans families.

Unknown Daughter (1810/15). Barnabas Evans had an apparent daughter this age. Barnabas was not found in 1820. She was home with Barnabas in 1830, aged 15-19 (born ca 1810/15), but gone by 1840, so probably married or dead by then.

I don't know who this may have been.

Unknown Son (1815/20). Barnabas Evans had an apparent son this age. Barnabas was not found in 1820. He was home with Barnabas in 1830, aged 10-14 (born ca 1815/20), but gone by 1840, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1815/20). Barnabas Evans had an apparent daughter this age. Barnabas was not found in 1820. She was home with Barnabas in 1830, aged 10-14 (born ca 1815/20), but gone by 1840, so probably married or dead by then.

I don't know who this may have been.

Unknown Son (1820/25). Barnabas Evans had an apparent son this age. He was home with Barnabas in 1830, aged 5-9 (born ca 1820/25), and still home in 1840, aged 15-19, (born ca 1820/25), but gone by 1850, so probably married or dead by then.

Barnabas Evans mentioned Abram Evans in his 1851 Will. He was named last, so probably the youngest child. That means this is probably Abram Evans (c1822).

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):

None so far

Register Report

1. Barnabas¹ Evans , born 1768/69 in NC; died 1852 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC), son of Theophilus Evans and ? (---) . He married ? (---) , died 1822/30 in Ashe Co, NC.

Children of Barnabas Evans and ? (---) were as follows:

2 i David² Evans , born 10 Nov 1798 in Ashe Co, NC; died 1845 in Kendall Co, IL.

+ 3 ii Lucy² Evans , born 1805/06 in Ashe Co, NC; died aft 1850 in Ashe Co, NC. She married (---) Hill .

4 iii (---)² Evans . She married bef 1851 in Ashe Co, NC Alexander Perky .

5 iv William² Evans , born in Ashe Co, NC.

6 v Nancy² Evans , died bef 1 Nov 1851 in Ashe Co, NC. She married in Ashe Co, NC (---) Whitaker .

7 vi Frances² Evans , born in Ashe Co, NC. She married in Ashe Co, NC (---) Sperling .

+ 8 vii Abraham² Evans , born Apr 1822 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC); died aft 1900 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married Mahala Edwards .

Generation 2

3. Lucy² Evans (Barnabas¹), born 1805/06 in Ashe Co, NC; died aft 1850 in Ashe Co, NC. She married in Ashe Co, NC (---) Hill .

Children of Lucy Evans and (---) Hill were as follows:

9 i Meredith³ Hill , born 1832/33 in Ashe Co, NC.

10 ii Alexander³ Hill , born 1840/41 in Ashe Co, NC.

11 iii Phoebe³ Hill , born 1827/28 in Ashe Co, NC.

8. Abraham² Evans (Barnabas¹), born Apr 1822 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC); died aft 1900 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married in 1840/47 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC) Mahala Edwards , born Apr 1826 in Ashe Co, NC; died aft 1900 in Alleghany Co, NC.

Children of Abraham Evans and Mahala Edwards were as follows:

12 i William³ Evans , born 1846/47 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Alleghany Co,NC.

+ 13 ii Barney³ Evans , born 1847/48 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married Mary Ann Dickens .

14 iii Mazy³ Evans , born 1850 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC).

15 iv Richard³ Evans , born 1851/52 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC). He married on 27 Oct 1885 in Alleghany Co, NC Matilda Fender , daughter of (---) Fender and Susan Wiles .

16 v Mary J³ Evans , born 1855/56 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC).

17 vi David³ Evans , born 1857/58 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC). He married on 21 Feb 1877 in Alleghany Co,NC Emaline Dickens , born 1861/62 in NC, daughter of William Dickens and Elizabeth Wilson .

+ 18 vii Martin³ Evans , born 1860 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married Sarah Jane Edwards .

+ 19 viii Joseph³ Evans , born 1860/61 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married Sarah Baugess .

20 ix Abraham B³ Evans , born 1861/62 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married in 1870/80 in Alleghany Co,NC Fannie (---) , born 1860/61 in NC.

21 x Nancy C³ Evans , born 1862/63 in Alleghany Co,NC.

22 xi Sarah Catherine³ Evans , born 1863/64 in Alleghany Co,NC.

23 xii Berry S³ Evans , born 1867/68 in Alleghany Co,NC.

24 xiii Martha A³ Evans , born 1871/72 in Alleghany Co,NC.

Generation 3

13. Barney³ Evans (Abraham², Barnabas¹), born 1847/48 in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married in 1870/74 in Alleghany Co,NC Mary Ann Dickens , born 1854/55 in NC.

Children of Barney Evans and Mary Ann Dickens were as follows:

25 i David R⁴ Evans , born 1873/74 in Alleghany Co,NC.

26 ii Morgan⁴ Evans , born 1876/77 in Alleghany Co,NC.

18. Martin³ Evans (Abraham², Barnabas¹), born 1860 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married on 16 Jul 1876 in Alleghany Co,NC Sarah Jane Edwards , born 1860/61 in NC, daughter of Allen Edwards and Margaret Fender .

Children of Martin Evans and Sarah Jane Edwards were as follows:

27 i Artha E⁴ Evans , born 1876/77 in Alleghany Co,NC.

19. Joseph³ Evans (Abraham², Barnabas¹), born 1860/61 in Alleghany Co,NC. He married on 9 Jun 1878 in Alleghany Co,NC Sarah Baugess , born 1856/57 in Alleghany Co, NC, daughter of Solomon Baugess and Nancy (---) .

Children of Joseph Evans and Sarah Baugess were as follows:

28 i Nancy M⁴ Evans , born 1878/79 in Alleghany Co,NC.