Edward Stuart (1755/60) of Surry, Buncombe and Henderson Co, NC and Greenville Dist, SC

Edward Stewart (also spelled "Stuart" on some records) was born ca 1755/60 or thereabouts. Edward was listed on the 1779 Henry Co, VA Tax list, so that puts his birth at ca 1758 or earlier (assuming he was at least 21 then). This reconciles with this census date to give a birth of ca 1755/58. He was on the 1786 census, age 21 and up, but under 60 (born ca 1726/1765), and in 1790 as age 16 and up (born before 1774), and 1800 as age 26-44 (born ca 1755/74), and 1810 age 45+ (bef 1765), and 1820 age 45+ (bef 1775), and 1830 age 70-79 (born ca 1750/60). All these easily reconcile to show his birth at ca 1755/60, or ca 1755/58 including the 1779 tax list as part of the equation.

There were several men named Edward Stuart in the old records, all possibly related to one another, so it is possible that I've mixed some of them up. However, for the most part, I think I have them properly sorted out.

I have always considered Edward to be a son of Nathaniel and Mary Stewart of Buncombe Co, NC. Edward was closely related to Nathaniel, without doubt, but they might be brothers instead of father and son. Although I have Edwards birth narrowed down to ca 1755/60, I only have Nathaniel at ca 1726/55, which leaves room for him to be Edward's father, or brother.

John and Rachel Stuart of Surry Co, NC had a proven son named Edward, but I've seen different claims on to which Edward it was. It could be this Edward, or perhaps another one. This Edward seems too old to be a son of John and Rachel, as their other known children were born in the 1770's, but that doesn't automatically exclude him. I suspect Edward-1782 is John and Rachel's son.

Whether or not Edward was a son of Nathaniel, or just his brother, they were almost always near each other. When Nathaniel died in 1824, Edward was named as Administrator of his estate.

The 1779 Henry Co, VA Tax list shows an Edward Stewart, possibly this same Edward.

Edward married someone before ca 1785, presumably in Surry Co, NC. I have seen his wife listed as "Mary", but I don't know what the source for that is. There was another Edward Stewart (just slightly younger) who was married to Mary Ford. There is either some confusion here, or they both were married to a "Mary".

Edward Steward was listed on the 1786 State census of North Carolina in Surry Co, NC. He was in Captain Hugh Armstrong's District. He was listed very near several other Stewarts, including brother Charles (2 houses away), father (or brother) Nathaniel (3 houses away), and a John Stewart, 2 houses away. Edward's neighbors on either side were Mosses Bledso (Moses Bledsoe) and Denes Laffoon.

Edward was still in Surry Co, NC for the 1790 census. He was in a section that was alphabetical (roughly), so I can't determine who his neighbors were. The only Stewart listed nearby was a John Stewart, perhaps the same one near him in 1786 (the enumerations were compatible for it to be the same one).

Around 1795 or so, Nathaniel Sr and family moved to Greenville Dist, SC. It looks like Edward went down at the same time and settled in the same area.

Edward was listed on the 1800 census in Greenville Dist, SC on the same page with Nathaniel (his father or brother). Several other Stewarts were in Greenville at that time also, all seemingly with Surry Co, NC roots. Edward had an "extra" male with him in 1800, age 16-25 (born ca 1774/84), who I suspect was his brother Jacob Stuart (c1777), but of course, I can't be sure who it was.

Edward's supposed parents and siblings left Greenville Dist, SC for Buncombe Co, NC in the 1800-1810 timeframe, but apparently Edward remained in Greenville just a little longer. He was still there for the 1810 census. His cousin Edward Stewart had moved there by then also, so there were two Edwards there at this time. This Edward (1755/60) was listed on the same page with a James Stuart, but I don't know (yet) which James this was.

Edward Stuart moved his family to Buncombe Co, NC between 1810 and 1814 and settled on Avery Creek near brother Jacob, Nathaniel Sr and other family members.

On 9 Feb 1814, Edward Steward purchased 200 acres from Jacob Steward (his brother) on Avery Creek, south side of Brittains Mountain. Witnesses were Edwards son-in-law William Prator and his son Jacob Steward. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book G page 293).

On 1 Mar 1817, Nathaniel Steward (don't know if Jr or Sr) sold 200 acres to Edward Steward Sr (he was listed as "Sr" now because Edward Stewart (c1782) was now around, and of age). The land was on the West side of French Broad River on Avery Creek, originally granted to Nathaniel Steward 2 Oct 1812. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 11 page 476).

On 3 Mar 1817, Nathaniel Steward sold Edward Steward 450 acres on West Side of French Broad River, adjoining Evans, George Penland and Jacob Steward. Witnesses were Jacob B. Steward (Edward's son) and Charles Steward (brother). (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 11 page 434).

On 1 Aug 1817, Nathaniel Stewart Jr (Edward's brother), sold Edward Stewart Sr 150 acres on the West Side of French Broad River. Witnesses were Jacob Stewart (brother or son, don't know which), and Charles Steward (brother). (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 11 page 431).

On 5 Dec 1818, Edward Stewart received a State Land Grant for 100 acres on Avery Creek. This record could be for the younger Edward, though I can't tell for sure. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 13 page 59).

Edward Stuart was listed on the 1820 census in Buncombe. He was listed next door to his suspected father Nathaniel Stuart. His neighbor on the other side was Robert Rogers. Edward's son-in-law William Praytor was just 3 houses away.

On 19 Dec 1821, Edward Stuart received a Land Grant for 100 acres on Bent Creek (this was the next creek up the French Broad from Avery Creek, so just over the ridge from where he lived). This same land Grant was recorded twice in the deed books for some reason (as were many grants) (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 13 page 29 and Book 97 page 21).

On some date in 1821, Edward Stewart sold 100 acres on Avery Creek to Jacob Stewart. I'm not sure if this was his brother Jacob, or his son Jacob B. Stewart. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 13 page 75).

In October Court, 1824, in Buncombe County, Edward Stuart was granted letters of Administration of the Nathaniel Stuart (his supposed father). Charles Stuart was his security.

Edward Stewart Sr was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe County. He was clearly on his Avery Creek land, based on some neighbors of his, including my ancestor Jeffrey Grimes, who was just three houses away. Edward's next door neighbors were Joshua Jones Sr and Charles Moore. No other Stewarts were nearby, apparently.

On 1 Oct 1834 Edward Stuart sold 31 acres on Avery Creek to William H. Fulton. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 21 page 7).

The above deed (1 Oct 1834) is the last record I found for Edward Stuart. He died sometime after that (assuming that was him at all, and not the younger Edward).

In 1835, Congressional Elections were held in Western North Carolina, and many of the Stewarts were listed as voters, however, There was an Edward Stewart listed as a voter in Bent Creek Precinct (which included the Avery Creek area). I don't know if this was this Edward, or the younger one.

I didn't find Edward on the 1840 census, nor any apparent widow. I found 3 of his four children, but none seem to have their parents residing with them, so it would appear that Edward and his wife were both dead by 1840.

Children

Edward Stuart and wife had four children per the 1786 through 1830 census records. Fortunately, an 1847 deed among his heirs names four heirs.

Mary "Polly" Stuart was born ca 1784/85 in NC, presumably Surry County. She apparently never married (still single in 1850). She was named in an 1847 deed where the other heirs of Edward Stuart sold her some of Edward's land in Henderson Co, NC (for $75). She was not explicitly named as an heir (the other three were), but I think it is a safe assumption (especially since she was living with one of them in 1850).

Mary was apparently home with her parents for the 1786 census (no ages given) and 1790 (no ages given). She was with them in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84), and 1810 (age 16-25, born ca 1784/94), and in 1820 (age 26-44 (1775/94), and 1830 (age 30-39, born ca 1790/1800).

I did not find Mary in 1840, she was probably residing with another family, but she did not appear to be with any of her siblings, though her brother Jacob had an "extra" female with him, but way too young.

On -- Nov 1847, Polly Stuart of Henderson Co, NC purchased land from her siblings in Henderson Co, NC, being inherited from Edward Stuart deceased. The deed was from J. B. Stuart of Cherokee Co, NC (her brother), William Prator of Buncombe (her brother-in-law), and Joshua Jones of Henderson (her brother-in-law). The deed states that they are heirs at law of Edward Stuart, Deceased. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 24 page 225).

Mary was listed on the 1850 census in Henderson County, NC, residing with Joshua and Lurana Jones (her sister).

Nancy Stuart was born ca 1787/88 in NC, presumably Surry County. Her husband William Praytor was named in an 1847 deed where the other heirs of Edward Stuart sold some of Edward's land in Henderson Co, NC (for $75) to sister Mary Stuart. Nancy was not explicitly named as an heir, but since she was William's wife, I think it is a safe assumption. (I am assuming that Nancy was William's only wife).

Nancy was apparently home with her parents for the 1786 census (no ages given) and 1790 (no ages given). She was with them in 1800 (age 10-15, born ca 1784/90), and 1810 (age 16-25, born ca 1784/94).

Nancy married William Praytor sometime ca 1810 in Buncombe Co, NC. A William Prater was listed on the 1810 census in Haywood Co, NC, but I don't know if it is the same person or not.

I have not done a thorough search for records on William Praytor, so there is probably much more to be found in Buncombe County records.

William Prator was listed on the 1820 census in Buncombe Co, NC just three houses from Edward Stuart. He was listed between John Carlan and Amus Waldrip.

William Prater was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe, just two houses from Charles Stuart. William was between Noah Green and Wiley Crosby.

On -- Nov 1847, William Praytor and the other heirs of Edward Stuart sold their interest in a tract of land to Polly Stuart. The deed was from J. B. Stuart of Cherokee Co, NC, William Prator of Buncombe, and Joshua Jones of Henderson. The deed states that they are heirs at law of Edward Stuart, Deceased. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 24 page 225).

William and family were listed on the 1850 census in Buncombe County. He had some apparent grandchildren mixed in with his children, so I'm not sure which were his, and which were grandkids.

William and Nancy left Buncombe County and moved to Cherokee County, NC between 1850 and 1860. Nancy was apparently dead by the 1860 census. They lived in Fort Hembree District, which is now Clay County, NC. I have no data on them after this point.

Jacob B. Stuart was born ca 1790/94, either in Surry Co, NC or perhaps in Greenville Dist, SC. Jacob was named in an 1847 deed where he and the other heirs of Edward Stuart sold some of Edward's land in Henderson Co, NC (for $75) to sister Mary "Polly" Stuart.

Jacob used his middle initial "B" on most records to help distinguish him from other Jacobs, particularly his Uncle Jacob Stuart (c1777).

Jacob B. Stuart, left Buncombe Co, NC between 1830 and 1832 and settled in Haywood County on Hominy Creek. He left Haywood for Cherokee Co, NC in the 1840's, and by 1850 was not found in NC. I suspect he was in Georgia that year, but haven't found him yet.

Lurany Stuart was born ca 1798/99 in Greenville Dist, SC. Her husband Joshua Jones was named in an 1847 deed where the other heirs of Edward Stuart sold some of Edward's land in Henderson Co, NC (for $75) to sister Mary Stuart. Lurany was not explicitly named as an heir, but since she was Joshua's wife (as proven by 1850 census), I think it is a safe assumption. (I am assuming that Lurany was Joshua's only wife).

Lurany was apparently home with her parents for the 1800 census (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), and 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800). She was not home in 1820, so apparently married by then.

Lurany Stuart married Joshua Jones in Buncombe Co, NC before 1820. Joshua was born ca 1794/95 in NC. There was an older Joshua Jones always nearby, a possible suspect for his father, though there were other Jones' around also.

Joshua Jones was listed on the 1820 census in Buncombe Co, NC. He was listed between Benjamin Hawkins and Charles Moore. Joshua had 11 slaves in 1820.

In 1830, there were three Joshua Jones' listed. One as "Sr", another as "Jr", the third with no suffix. "Sr" is not the one, but "Jr" and the other Joshua are both close. I think "Jr" is the one, as his entry matches up with the 1820 entry. Joshua "Jr" was listed between William Jones and James Long.

In 1838, Henderson County was formed from the southern part of Buncombe County, including McDowell Creek, where the Jones family resided.

Joshua Jones was listed on the 1840 census in Henderson County, NC. They were just a few houses from Isam P. Stuart (cousin). They were between James Ballard Jr and George Killiam.

On -- Nov 1847, Joshua Jones and the other heirs of Edward Stuart sold their interest in a tract of land to Polly Stuart. The deed was from J. B. Stuart of Cherokee Co, NC, William Prator of Buncombe, and Joshua Jones of Henderson. The deed states that they are heirs at law of Edward Stuart, Deceased. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 24 page 225).

Joshua and Lurany Jones and family were listed on the 1850 census in Henderson County. Lurany's sister Mary Stuart was residing with them. F. M. Fanning, a Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church was residing with them. His wife Bertha, was the right age to be a daughter of Joshua and Lurany, matching up with their daughter born ca 1815/20. I'm assuming this is the case, especially considering they named their first son "Joshua".

Researcher List

1. Edward¹ Stuart , born 1755/60; died 1834/40 in Buncombe Co, NC, son of Nathaniel Stewart and Mary (---) . He married bef 1785 in Surry Co, NC ? (---) , born 1760/65; died aft 1830 in Buncombe Co, NC.

Children of Edward Stuart and ? (---) were as follows:

2 i Mary "Polly"² Stuart , born 1784/85 in Surry Co, NC; died aft 1850 in Henderson Co, NC.

+ 3 ii Nancy² Stuart , born 1787/88 in Surry Co, NC; died 1850/60 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married William Praytor .

+ 4 iii Jacob B² Stuart , born 1790/94 in Surry Co, NC or Greenville Dist, SC. He married ? (---) .

+ 5 iv Lurany² Stuart , born 1798/99 in Greenville Dist, SC. She married Joshua Jones .

Generation 2

3. Nancy² Stuart (Edward¹), born 1787/88 in Surry Co, NC; died 1850/60 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married in 1800/10 in Buncombe Co, NC William Praytor , born 1789/90 in Laurens Dist, SC; died aft 1860 in Clay Co, NC.

Children of Nancy Stuart and William Praytor were as follows:

6 i Adelia S³ Praytor , born 1833/34 in Buncombe Co, NC.

7 ii Nancy³ Praytor , born 1838/39 in Buncombe Co, NC.

8 iii William³ Praytor , born 1839/40 in Buncombe Co, NC.

9 iv Martha³ Praytor , born 1843/44 in Buncombe Co, NC.

4. Jacob B² Stuart (Edward¹), born 1790/94 in Surry Co, NC or Greenville Dist, SC. He married bef 1827 in Buncombe Co, NC ? (---) , born 1800/10.

Children of Jacob B Stuart and ? (---) were as follows:

+ 10 i John A³ Stuart , born 14 Jan 1827 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 23 Apr 1900. He married Martha Lou Evans .

+ 11 ii Charles Keener³ Stuart , born 20 May 1830 in Haywood Co, NC; died 10 Feb 1906 in Polk Co, TN. He married Rosannah Jane Watts .

12 iii R M "Doc"³ Stuart , born 25 Oct 1837 in Haywood Co, NC; died 29 Apr 1910 in Polk Co, TN. He married Christine Querry , born 1 Apr 1845; died 13 Jul 1919 in Polk Co, TN.

13 iv Adeline³ Stuart , born in Haywood Co, NC. She married (---) Elrod , died in Fannin Co, GA.

14 v Elmina³ Stuart , born in Haywood Co, NC. She married (---) Peek .

15 vi Sarah³ Stuart , born in Haywood Co, NC. She married (---) Wolford .

5. Lurany² Stuart (Edward¹), born 1798/99 in Greenville Dist, SC. She married bef 1820 in Buncombe Co, NC Joshua Jones , born 1794/95 in NC.

Children of Lurany Stuart and Joshua Jones were as follows:

+ 16 i Bertha³ Jones , born 1818/19 in Buncombe Co, NC (how Henderson Co, NC). She married F M Fanning .

17 ii Ruena³ Jones , born 1826/27 in Buncombe Co, NC (how Henderson Co, NC).

Generation 3

10. John A³ Stuart (Jacob B², Edward¹), born 14 Jan 1827 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 23 Apr 1900. He married bef 1855 in Fannin Co, GA Martha Lou Evans , born 1830/31 in NC.

Children of John A Stuart and Martha Lou Evans were as follows:

18 i Mary⁴ Stuart , born 1854/55 in Fannin Co, GA.

19 ii John⁴ Stuart , born 1857/58 in Fannin Co, GA.

20 iii Jacob⁴ Stuart , born 1855/56 in Fannin Co, GA.

21 iv Ruemma⁴ Stuart , born 1863/64 in Fannin Co, GA.

22 v Alice⁴ Stuart , born 1865/66 in Fannin Co, GA.

23 vi Virgil⁴ Stuart , born Jul 1869 in Fannin Co, GA.

11. Charles Keener³ Stuart (Jacob B², Edward¹), born 20 May 1830 in Haywood Co, NC; died 10 Feb 1906 in Polk Co, TN. He married on 22 Oct 1855 Rosannah Jane Watts , born 5 Oct 1833 in Macon Co, NC; died 25 Mar 1901 in Polk Co, TN.

Children of Charles Keener Stuart and Rosannah Jane Watts were as follows:

24 i Sarah Ann⁴ Stuart , born 4 May 1859 in Cherokee Co, NC.

25 ii Nancy B⁴ Stuart , born 1863/64 in Cherokee Co, NC.

26 iii Charles Keener⁴ Stuart , born 1863/64 in Cherokee Co, NC.

27 iv Joseph M⁴ Stuart , born 11 Jun 1866 in Cherokee Co, NC.

28 v John H⁴ Stuart , born 11 Jun 1866 in Cherokee Co, NC.

29 vi Grant⁴ Stuart , born 1867/68 in Fannin Co, GA.

30 vii Mary Jane⁴ Stuart , born 27 Feb 1870 in Fannin Co, GA.

31 viii Dulceny "Senia"⁴ Stuart , born 30 Aug 1872 in Fannin Co, GA.

16. Bertha³ Jones (Lurany² Stuart, Edward¹), born 1818/19 in Buncombe Co, NC (how Henderson Co, NC). She married in 1840/42 in Henderson Co, NC F M Fanning , born 1811/12 in VA.

Children of Bertha Jones and F M Fanning were as follows:

32 i Joshua⁴ Fanning , born 1841/42 in Henderson Co, NC.

Edward Stuart of Surry, Buncombe and Henderson Co, NC and Greenville Dist, SC

Children

Researcher List

Register Report