I (Marty Grant) am a 5^th Great Grandson of Peter Stroud and Margaret Curtis, provided they are indeed the parents of my ancestor Susannah Stroud.

I have had quite a number of people share data with me on this family, in fact, too many to thank individually here. See the Stroud Researcher List and the Stroud Genealogy page for a list of those who have helped.

Peter Stroud was sometime listed as Peter Stroud "Jr" on records in order to distinguish himself from his father. However, many records simply list him as "Peter Stroud", so it isn’t always clear which Peter is being referenced.

Peter Stroud was born ca 1765/70 per census analysis. In 1790 he was age 16+ or born before 1774. In 1800 he was age 26-44, or born ca 1755/74. In 1810 he was age 26-44, or born ca 1765/84. Combine these and you get ca 1765/74. In 1820 he was age 45+ (before 1775), and in 1830 he was 60-69, or born ca 1760/70. All of these are compatible with each other and show an approximate birth of ca 1765/70.

Peter Stroud was probably born in Orange County, North Carolina, assuming he was the son of Peter Stroud Sr as most researchers believe. They lived in southern Orange County along the Chatham County border.

Peter Stroud is probably a son of Peter Stroud (Sr) and Naomi ---, but that is not proven. Peter Sr did live a Will, but it was lost with so many other Burke County records during the Civil War. Peter Sr and Jr were neighbors and associated with each other, and it seems very likely that they were father and son, but I’ve seen no hard evidence that they were, but circumstantial evidence supports it and there seems no other option. Also, a 1922 letter from Ed Anderson (Grandson of Jesse Stroud) to John G. Stroud (grandson of William Stroud) stated that their grandfathers (Jesse and William) were brothers to Peter Stroud Jr and that all were sons of Peter Stroud Sr. We can only assume that Ed Anderson had personal family knowledge since he was not very far removed from that generation.

In the late 1780's, Peter Stroud moved with his parents from Orange County to Burke County and settled in the Muddy Creek region (now McDowell County). The North Fork of Muddy Creek (where Peter owned land) is fairly long, and I don’t know exactly where they lived on that creek. Unfortunately most of the early Burke County Deeds were burned during the Civil War. It rises south of Marion, and flows south east for awhile (about 5 miles), then turns north east and flows about nine miles until it joins the Catawba River. The Strouds lived somewhere along that creek.

Peter Stroud married Margaret Curtis in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC sometime just before 1790. I have never found any proof that her maiden name was Curtis, but that information is handed down from generations past. She was born ca 1767/68 (per 1850 census) in North Carolina, county unknown. She might be a daughter of Jonathan Curtis (1747-1834), but that is also unproven.

Peter Stroud Jr was listed on the 1790 census in Burke County. He was listed next to his father Peter Stroud and next to brother Jesse Stroud (1760/70).

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Burke Co, NC pg 106 Peter Stroud Jr 1-0-1-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774)	Peter STROUD (1765/70) s/o Peter
1 Female(s) any age (before 1790)	Margaret (-) Stroud (1767/68) wife

On 17 Dec 1792 Peter Stroud Jr entered 50 acres of land (Entry # 232) in Burke County on North Fork of Muddy Creek, including a small improvement made by John Jetton. I don’t have a record of Peter actually receiving this land as a Grant.

Peter Stroud Jr was listed on a 1793 Burke County tax list in Captain John Carson’s Company (as was brother Jesse Stroud and father Peter Stroud Sr). Peter Stroud Jr was taxed for 1 Poll (himself) and 275 acres of land. This shows he had much more land than we can account for (due to the lost Burke County records).

Peter Stroud was listed on the 1800 census in Burke County. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can’t tell who his neighbors were.

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

1800 Burke Co, NC pg 791 Peter Stroud 10010-30010
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1755-1774)	Peter STROUD Jr (1765/70) s/o Peter
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1790-1800)	William STROUD (c1800) son
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1755-1774)	Margaret (—) Stroud (1767/68) wife
3 Female(s) 0-9       (1790-1800)	Sarah STROUD (1789/90) daughter --> m 1810
					Rebecca STROUD (1793/94) daughter
					Jane STROUD (1795/96) daughter

Peter Stroud Jr was listed on the 1805 tax list in Burke County in Captain Armstrong's Company.

On 24 Mar 1807, William Green deeded 60 acres to Peter Stroud. I don't know if this was Peter Sr or Jr. This was recorded in the Court Minutes by Thomas Green in July 1809. (From "Burke Co, NC Deeds Registered 1804-1813" by Kathy Gunter Sullivan, 1995)

On 21 Jul 1807, Benjamin Harris sold 60 acres to Peter Stroud. I don't know if this was Peter Sr or Jr. The deed was proven by Thomas Green in July 1809 Court. (From "Burke Co, NC Deeds Registered 1804-1813" by Kathy Gunter Sullivan, 1995)

On 12 Mar 1808, Peter Stroud Sr deeded 60 acres of land to Peter Stroud Jr in Burke County. This deed was mentioned in the Court Minutes when it was registered by Thomas Green (one of the witnesses) in July 1809. The original deed is lost. (From "Burke Co, NC Deeds Registered 1804-1813" by Kathy Gunter Sullivan, 1995)

On 11 Jun 1809, Peter Stroud sold 40 acres to James Patton. It does not say whether this is Peter Sr or Jr. This deed was proven by Thomas Green in July 1809 Court. (From "Burke Co, NC Deeds Registered 1804-1813" by Kathy Gunter Sullivan, 1995)

Peter Stroud Jr was listed on the 1810 census in Burke County. He was listed next to his father Peter Stroud and next to Thomas Green.

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

1810 Burke Co, NC pg 328 Peter Stroud Jr 31010-21110
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1765-1784)	Peter STROUD (1765/70) s/o Peter
1 Male(s) 10-15       (1794-1800)	William STROUD (c1800) son --> m by 1817
3 Male(s) 0-9         (1800-1810)	James A. STROUD (1800/04) son
					John STROUD (c1807) son
					Peter G. STROUD (1807) son
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1765-1784)	Margaret (—) Stroud (1767/68) wife
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1784-1794)	Rebecca STROUD (1792/93) daughter m by 1814
1 Female(s) 10-15     (1794-1800)	Jane STROUD (1795/96) daughter m 1812
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Mary STROUD (1802/03) daughter
					Susannah STROUD (1804/05) daughter --> gone by 1820

In Burke County Court for January 1810, Peter Sr and Jr were both mentioned in regards to a road "Ordered by the court that the following persons be a Jury to View and alter the road if expedient from the corner of Peter Stroud Junr Field to the upper end of Peter Stroud Senr Plantation on the road from Rutherford to the mouth of Buck creak to wit, Thomas Green, William Green, William Green, Junr, John Mitchell, John Keller, Peter Stroud Jr, Peter Stroud Senr, James Patton, Joseph Richy, Mathew Mashburn, William Carson, Robert Hoodg [or possibly Moody or Woody], James Armstrong, Joseph Wilson, Thomas Morrison, James Hix, William Mashburn and report thereof." April 14, the jury reported that it had "met and found a road past Peter Strouds field."

For the War of 1812, Peter Stroud Jr served in the 8^th Regiment, 14^th Company from Burke County. I have no details of his service, nor have I found a Pension record.

Peter Stroude was listed on the 1815 tax list for Burke County. He was listed with two taxable entries, both on Muddy Creek, the first one included 1 poll (himself), and 355 acres, valued at $600, and the other was for 0 polls (meaning no one lived on that land), 100 acres valued at $100. His father Peter Sr was also listed as was his brother William Stroud.

Peter Stroud was listed on the 1820 census in Burke County. He was listed next to John Wright Sr and next to Benjamin Beaver. Brother William Stroud was just a few houses away.

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Burke Co, NC pg 37 Peter Stroud 130101-00101
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 & up   (before 1775)	Peter STROUD Jr (1765/70) s/o Peter
1 Male(s) 16-25       (1794-1804)	James A. STROUD (1800/04) son m 1828
3 Male(s) 10-15       (1804-1810)	Peter G. STROUD (1807) son
					John STROUD (c1807) son
					Son? (1804/10) * Not in 1810 
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1810-1820)	Robert STROUD (1818) son
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1775)	Margaret (—) Stroud (1767/68) wife
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1794-1804)	Mary STROUD (1802/03) daughter m 1823

Peter Stroud was listed on the 1830 census in Burke County. The census taker’s handwriting was not real good, but I think Peter’s neighbors were Paul Covington (or Carrington?) and Thomas Fane.

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

1830 Burke Co, NC pg 176 Peter Stroud 0001300010000-0000000010000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 60-69        (1760-1770)	Peter STROUD (1765/70) s/o Peter
3 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)	Son? (1804/10)
					Peter G. STROUD (1807) son
					John STROUD (c1807) son
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)	Robert STROUD (c1818) son
1 Female(s) 60-69      (1760-1770)	Margaret (—)  Stroud (1767/68) wife

Peter Stroud died sometime prior to 27 Nov 1834 for on that date an Estate Sale was held in Burke County for his Estate. An old letter dated 2 Sep 1922 from Ed Anderson (a nephew of Peter Stroud) to John G. Stroud talked about the family. Commenting on the three Strouds listed on the 1790 census, Mr. Anderson had this to say: "This Peter Stroud Jr was your fathers Uncle Peter and the one you all know about and was killed by Garrett."

This simple statement shows that Peter Stroud was killed by a Garrett. I have found no record to show whether this was a murder or an accident. Peter Stroud would have been about 65-70 years old in 1834, so it is hard to imagine anyone murdering him, but who knows! It has been speculated that it was his grandson Marvel Garrett that killed him, but I don’t know if that is proven.

The Estate Sale of Peter Stroud’s property (dated 27 Nov 1834) shows that James Stroud (his son) was the Administrator. The purchasers included several family members, but not all identified. I’m including the names of some of the purchasers with who I think they are in parenthesis:

Widow Margaret Stroud was not listed on the 1840 census, but someone her age (age 70-79, born ca 1760/70) was listed with son James Stroud in Burke County. I’m quite sure it was her.

In 1842, McDowell County was formed from part of Burke County, including the Muddy Creek area where the Strouds lived.

Margaret was listed on the 1850 census in McDowell County living with daughter Mary Stroud Curtis and family.

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 McDOWELL CO, NC Page 270B  House/Family #  224/ 224  -  Twp

CURTIS JOSHUA Sr      51 M W FARMER                 600 NC                   1798/1799
CURTIS MARY           47 F W                            NC                   1802/1803
CURTIS MERRIT         20 M W FARMER                     NC                   1829/1830
CURTIS CASANDRA       12 F W                            NC                   1837/1838
CURTIS MARTIN          9 M W                            NC                   1840/1841
CURTIS NANCY           5 F W                            NC                   1844/1845
CURTIS ALFRED          2 M W                            NC                   1847/1848
STROUD MARGARET       82 F W                            NC                   1767/1768

Margaret Curtis Stroud was not found on the 1860 census, so she probably died in the 1850-1860 time-frame. I originally though she died in McDowell County, but someone pointed out that there is a tombstone in the Carter Cemetery in Towns County, Georgia next to her son Peter Grayson Stroud (1807) which says "Mother of Peter Stroud" with no dates. If Peter G. Stroud is her son, as I think he is, then this is Margaret’s grave. She may have went to live with Peter in the 1850's and died there in north Georgia.

Some valuable evidence about Peter and Margaret's family is found in two ancient letters that have survived (mostly) intact. One was dated 1837 and addressed to Delilah (wife of John Stroud), and the other was from 1838 and from John & Delilah Stroud and James and Rebecca (Stroud) Mashburn addressed to "Brother and Sister" (names not given). These two letters reveal a great deal about the Stroud family, and mention a number of people (without always stating the relationship), however they do provide some invaluable information that does not exist anywhere else.  These letters were shared by cousins Mildred Deyo and Alva G. Barrett, and I have transcribed them for inclusion here, retaining the original format, grammar, spelling, etc. Someone has written in some notes which I am not including, as they only confuse matters. There is also an ancient transcription of the letters that also has notes typed in making it hard to distinguish what was in the original letter and what was a comment added by the transcriber. I'm using the original hand-written letters for this transcription. I do not know who has possession of the original copies of these letters.

The first letter was dated 3 Sep 1837 Muddy Creek (which is where all the Strouds lived in Burke, now McDowell County). The addressee's name was not given, but from the text of the letter it was clearly addressed to "Delilah". There were two Delilah's in the family, one was the wife of William Stroud Sr (brother to Peter Stroud), the other was Delilah Bright, wife of John Stroud (son of Peter Stroud). I believe it was the latter that was being addressed, for her family had just moved to Georgia before 1837. I do not know who wrote the letter, for the last part of the letter is missing where you would expect to find a signature.

Mudy Creek 3 Sep 1837

Dear Madam

I received your letter which gave me much satisfaction in perusing of the same which stated that you were all well and a doing well also and I now take my pen in hand to answer the your Epistle which will in form you that we are all enjoying a tolerable degree of health hopping that this may find you and all yours enjoying the same in blessing, you wrote that you had heard that Robert Stroud was maried to Miss An Elder which is the fact also little Peter and Matilda Humpres are married also. Mr. Goforth from Rutherford has stole Eliza Moris & married her very much a (two or three missing words here) to will & to cap (more missing)

(Page 2)

Robert Stroud has bought out all the Stroud s where he lives him and George Mashburn ogether. Little Jim & Amy live in your old house now but it is expected that he will sell out in a few days to Robert Stroud & George Mashburn if they can agree.

O Dililah you wrote that you was a comming in hear about the 25^th of December if you do you must be sure to call & see me with out fail for you do not know houw I have missed you as a neighbor this summer. Big Jim & Little Peter would all live with us now but they are a fixing their house to move as soon as they can get it ready. All your friends are well at present. Joshua Curtis has buried his little boy this summer. I have no news to write in particular our crops (missing words, about 3) here this season. Big Peter ... (the rest is missing, torn off apparently).

The next letter was dated December 1838 and seems to be a reply to the above letter. This one was addressed to "Dear Brother and Sister" but no names were given. It was signed by "your brother and sister" and four names were attached John Stroud and Delilah Stroud, and James Mashburn and Rebecca Mashburn. Since the bulk of the letter was talking about Strouds, it seems likely that John Stroud and Rebecca Mashburn were the "brother and sister" writing the joint letter. However, what is confusing to me is that it was addressed from "State of North Carolina, Burke County", when John and Delilah were supposedly in Murray County, Georgia at that time, and while James and Rebecca Mashburn were still in Burke County at that time. I believe it is certainly possible that they had all come back to North Carolina briefly, for the information they mentioned in the letter was all pertaining to the Strouds in Burke County and written as though they were witnesses to those events. I think another explanation is that the letter was addressed to John and Delilah Stroud and from James and Rebecca Mashburn. That would explain much and make it all perfectly logical, except that all four names seemed to be included in the signature line, but all written in the same hand writing, the Strouds on the left, and the Mashburns on the right (where signatures usually are found).

December the 11 1838

State of North Carolina Burk County

Dear Brother and Sister. I now take up my pen to in form you that we are all well at present hoping that thees few lines may find you all in joying the same like blesing. We have nothing very strange to rite to you. I can in form you that we have very good crops and I received your letter November the 25^th, that gave us grate satisfaction to here from you all and we wont to see you all but the distance is so fare that we cant see each other as often as we would wish.

Your letter stated something about James Stroud sale of land. I can in form you that his land was executed and sold at Morgantown all his claims for two hundred and seventy eight dollars and it was said that he was broke. But he married Omy Stroud and left our parts. Some sade he run away, he carried too horses and prity smart of money, and left me one hundred and sevety or eighty dollars to pay, by going his security. I can in form you that Ecles Stroud and family went with him. I can in form you that Robert Stroud and all the Elders hiered Thomas Green to move them to the Indianna the started the 5 of December on Wednesday morning.

I can in form you that Robert was in tierly brok up and I lost nearly one half of that note I had on him, that Starnes was security and witness to. I sued them and the both denied the note and I could not get a judgment against them. While I had to let Starnes out of it and then bring him in as a witness. I can in form you that mother in law has moved back to Joshua Curtis is and William Stroud has moved to where Starnes lived, and Starnes has moved to the old place and all the land belong to him Green and Robert and mother traded too or three times till the brok mother up.

I can in form you that Miss Elder and Mycager Vaughan took up together. She said the war married, but no won knowd whether it was so or not. Know person saw them married and he denied it, and shee moved of in that way and he stayed. The sale of James Stroud was farliy? by my self and others. So nothing more at present, but remains your affectionate Brother and Sister until death.

James Mashbourn and

Rebeckah Mashbourn

John Stroud and

Delilah Stroud

The above two letters are very helpful. They do seem to prove that Rebecca Mashburn and John Stroud were brother and sister, and that they were both children of Margaret Stroud as she is the one living with Joshua Curtis.

Peter and Margaret (Curtis) Stroud had 11 children per census analysis. I believe that all but one are positively identified, though not completely proven. Several of their children are proven, namely Sarah Stroud Garrett, Mary Stroud Curtis, Rebecca Stroud Mashburn and John Stroud. The others are included based on strong circumstantial evidence.

Sarah Stroud (c1790)

Rebecca Stroud (c1793)

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800) Jane Stroud (c1796)

Unknown Son (1794/1800) William A. Stroud (c1800)

Mary Stroud (c1803)

Unknown Son (1800/04) James A. Stroud

Unknown Daughter (1800/10) Susannah Stroud (c1806)

Unknown Son (1804/10) Peter G. Stroud (1807)

John Stroud (1807)

Unknown Son (1804/10)

Unknown Son (1810/15) Robert Stroud

Sarah Stroud was born ca 1789/90 (per 1850 census) in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. She is a proven child as named in an 1835 deed where she and her husband Joseph Garrett sold land inherited from Peter Stroud.

She was apparently home with her parents in 1800 (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800) and gone by 1810, so probably married or dead by then.

She was not married until September 1810, so she ought to have been home in 1810 though she apparently wasn't. However, being about 20 years old then, she could have been living elsewhere at that time or at school, or she might have already been married (though the marriage bond wasn't made until September, and the census was of June.)

On 8 Sep 1810, Joseph Garrett obtained a marriage bond in Burke County to marry Sarah Stroud. John Green was the bondsman. Joseph Garrett was born ca 1785/86 in South Carolina (county unknown). I've been told by other researchers that he is a son of William Garrett and a Miss Turner.

Joseph Garrett was not listed on the 1820 census in Burke County. He may have been living with other relatives, or perhaps they were just missed that year. There is a Joseph Garrett in Greenville Dist, SC in 1820 but probably not him. There is also one in Laurens Dist, SC who is a better match, but I don't think it is him. They were probably still in Burke, just missed by the census taker.

Joseph was listed on the 1830 census in Burke County. He was between Andrew Christopher and John Hogan. Peter O. Stroud (cousin) was just three houses away, and brother James Stroud was just a few more away. Sarah either wasn't listed, or her age was off considerably.

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

1830 Burke Co, NC pg 185 Joseph Garet 2221001000000-0110100000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 40-49        (1780-1790)	Joseph GARRETT (1785/86)
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)	Son? 
2 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Son? 
					Son?
2 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)	Son?
					Son?
2 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	Son?
					Son?
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Sarah STROUD Garrett (1789/90) wife
1 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)	Daughter? 
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)	Daughter?

Joseph Garrett was one of many purchasers at the estate Sale of Peter Stroud (his father-in-law) on 27 Nov 1834 in Burke County.

On 21 Mar 1835, Joseph and Sarah Garrett sold 2 tracts of land on Muddy Creek to James Stroud (brother) and Gardner Stearns. The land was described as 274 acres and 500 acres formerly belonging to Peter Stroud, deceased, but falling to Garrett in right of his wife being one of the legal heirs. Witnesses were Zachariah Hawkins and Thomas Green. Both Joseph and Sarah signed with a mark. We are fortunate that this deed was filed late (after 1842) or else it would have been lost with all the other Burke County deeds destroyed in the Civil War. Due to the lateness, it was filed in the new county of McDowell. (McDowell Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 40). 

I did not find Joseph Garrett on the 1840 census. They could have still been in Burke County or already in Union County, Georgia. Perhaps they were on the way when the census was being taken, so they were missed in both places.  There is a Joseph Garrett in Spartanburg District, South Carolina in 1840, and his household is a fairly good match, and since his brother William's son Marvel was living there then too, it seems likely this is our Joseph.

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

1840 Spartanburg Dist, SC pg 132 Joseph Garrett 0030000100000-0000001000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 50-59        (1780-1790)	Joseph GARRETT (1785/86)
3 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)	John GARRETT (1820/21) son
					Joseph GARRETT (1822) son
					Robert GARRETT (1828) son
1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)	Sarah STROUD Garrett (1789/90) wife

They were listed on the 1850 census in Union Co, GA with son John Garrett and his wife. They were next door to probable son Joseph Garrett.

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 UNION CO, GA Page       House/Family #  763/ 763  - 85TH DISTRICT Twp

GARRETT JOHN          29 M W                            NC                   1820/1821
GARRETT EASTER        19 F W                            NC                   1830/1831
GARRETT JOSEPH        64 M W                            SC                   1785/1786
GARRETT SARAH         60 F W                            NC                   1789/1790
GARRETT ROBERT        22 M W                            NC                   1827/1828

Sarah Stroud Garrett apparently died between 1850 and 1860 either in Union or Fannin County, Georgia.

Towns County was created in 1854 from a portion of Union County. I don't know if the Garretts lived in the section or else moved there before 1860.

Joseph Garrett was listed on the 1860 census in Fannin County, Georgia. He was living with the James and Rizia Greenwood family. Perhaps she is his daughter. 

1860 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)

1860 FANNIN CO, GA Page 103   House/Family #  706/ 706 -- 844 DISTRICT Twp  KOCH HILL P.O.

GREENWOOD JAMES       54 M W FARMER            1600  3600 NC                   1805/1806
GREENWOOD RIZIA       45 F W HOUSE KEEPER                 NC                   1814/1815
GREENWOOD JAMES       21 M W FARM HAND                    NC                   1838/1839
GREENWOOD WILLIAM      3 M W                              GA                   1856/1857
GARRETT JOSEPH        75 M W FARM HAND                    NC                   1784/1785

I do not have Joseph Garrett on the 1870 census, but he may have been in Gilmer County, Georgia that year.

Someone told me that Joseph died in the Pisgah community in Gilmer County, Georgia in 1873. I don't know what the source for that is.

Joseph and Sarah (Stroud) Garrett had several children, not all proven. I know that Robert and John are proven sons, as they were with him in 1850. Rezia Greenwood (c1815) is probably a daughter as Joseph was living with her in 1860. The other children I have listed for him (James, Peter, Margaret, William and Joseph) are all based on proximity, and some were shared by other researchers. I don't have any direct evidence proving they were sons of Joseph and Sarah.

Rebecca Stroud was born ca 1792/93 (per 1850 census) or ca 1791/92 (per 1860 census) in Burke (now McDowell Co, NC). She and her husband James Mashburn wrote a letter in 1838 to John Stroud and wife Delilah (Bright) and referred to them as "brother and sister" and spoke of many Strouds including "mother" who was living with Joshua Curtis. This makes it very clear that Rebecca is a child of Peter and Margaret.

She was apparently home with her parents in 1800 (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), and still home in 1810 (age 16-25, born ca 1784/94), but gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

Rebecca married James Mashburn before ca 1814 in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. James was born ca 1790/91 in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. I believe that he is a son of Matthew Mashburn and Susannah Stroud. Matthew did have a son named "James" per his Will, but I don't know for sure if it is this same James, but I strongly suspect it is. (There were two other James Mashburn's in the area, so it is possible one of them was Matthew's son). If James is Matthew's son, then James and his wife Rebecca were 1st cousins to each other.

They were listed on the 1820 census in Burke County or at least one James Mashburn was. There was an older James Mashburn in the county back in 1810 census who wasn't around in 1820 if the one listing is for the younger James. The 1820 census listing does match James (1791) pretty well, except that he didn't seem to be in the right part of the county, based on his neighbors. Whether it is him or not, I'll give the listing for reference. It should also be noted that by 1830 there were three James Mashburns listed, all about the same age. There was an older woman with them. Normally I'd say this was his mother or his wife's mother, but if James and Rebecca are who I think they are, then both their sets of parents were still living at this time, and in their own households. That could mean this is another older relative, or that I'm mistaken about one of their sets of parents.

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Burke Co, NC pg 13 James Mashburn 100010-20101
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1775-1794)	James MASHBURN (1790/91) s/o Matthew
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1810-1820)	William MASHBURN (1813/14) son
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1775)	? Mother? Mother-in-law? (bef 1775) --> gone by 1830
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1794-1804)	Rebecca STROUD Mashburn (1793/94) wife
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1810-1820)	Delia MASHBURN (1817/18) daughter
					Jane MASHBURN (1818/19) daughter

They were listed on the 1830 census in Burke County. As I mentioned earlier, there are three James Mashburns listed that year in Burke, however the other two were born in the 1800-1810 time-frame, so that helps identify this James. Our James was listed next to Isaac Morris who I know lived in the same area as the Strouds.

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

1830 Burke Co, NC pg 182 James Mashburn 1001010000000-2120010000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)	James MASHBURN (1790/91) s/o Matthew
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)	William MASHBURN (1813/14) son
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	Peter MASHBURN (1826/27) son
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1790-1800)	Rebecca STROUD Mashburn (1793/94) wife
2 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)	Delia MASHBURN (1817/18) daughter
					Jane MASHBURN (1818/19) daughter
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)	Daughter? (1820/25) --> gone by 1840
2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Susanna MASHBURN (1823) daughter
					Rebecca MASHBURN (1828/29) daughter

They were still in Burke for the 1840 census, listed just a few houses from a Stroud Mashburn, undoubtedly related in some way.

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

1840 Burke Co, NC pg 348 James Mashburn 0010000100000-2220101000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 50-59        (1780-1790)	James MASHBURN (1790/91) s/o Matthew
1 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)	Peter MASHBURN (1826/27) son
1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)	Rebecca STROUD Mashburn (1793/94) wife
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1810-1820)	Delila MASHBURN (1817/18) daughter
2 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)	Susanna MASHBURN (1824/25) daughter
					Rebecca MASHBURN (1828/29) daughter
2 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Margaret E. MASHBURN (1832/33) daughter
					Martha Ann MASHBURN (1833/34) daughter
2 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)	Daughter? (1835/40)
					Sarah MASHBURN (1836/37) daughter

Sometime between 1840 and 1846, the Mashburns moved to Union County, Georgia, joining their many Stroud and other relatives already there. They lived in or very near the Gum Log community which borders present Towns County.

They were listed on the 1850 census in Union County, Georgia. They were next door to daughter Jane and her family. Grand-daughter Mary Ralston was living with them.

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 UNION CO, GA Page 233   House/Family #  443/ 443  -  Twp

MASHBURN JAMES        59 M W FARMER                 350 NC                   1790/1791
MASHBURN REBECCA      56 F W                            NC                   1793/1794
MASHBURN SUSAN        25 F W                            NC                   1824/1825
MASHBURN PETER        23 M W FARMER                     NC                   1826/1827
MASHBURN REBECCA      21 F W                            NC                   1828/1829
MASHBURN MARGARET     17 F W                            NC                   1832/1833
MASHBURN MARTHA       16 F W                            NC                   1833/1834
MASHBURN SARAH        13 F W                            NC                   1836/1837
RALSTON MARY          12 F W                            NC                   1837/1838

They were still in Union County for the 1860 census. Daughter Delilah Lance and her children were living with them. They were listed with Ivy Log as their post office.

1860 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)

1860 UNION CO, GA Page 511   House/Family #  565/ 566 --  Twp  IVY LOG P.O.

MASHBURN J            69 M W FARMER             450    20 NC                   1790/1791
MASHBURN REBECCA      68 F W                              NC                   1791/1792
MASHBURN MARGARET     26 F W                              NC                   1833/1834
LANCE D               40 F W                              NC                   1819/1820
LANCE ALFRED W        13 M W                              GA                   1846/1847
LANCE PETER           11 M W                              GA                   1848/1849
LANCE JOSEPH J         9 M W                              GA                   1850/1851

I didn't find them in Union County on the 1870 census. They may have moved to neighboring Gilmer County by then, for another researcher told me they lived there at some point.

I didn't find them on the 1880 census either.

I don't know the source, but someone said that James Mashburn died in 1886 in Gilmer Co, GA. If so, where was he in 1880?

I have a list of nine children for James and Rebecca, plus one more "unknown" from an earlier census. Six of their children are proven by still being home in 1850 (Susan, Peter, Rebecca, Margaret, Martha and Sarah). One more (Delilah) is proven by being with her parents in 1860. That leaves two unproven. One of those (Jane) seems to be proven by one of her own children living with James and Rebecca in 1850, while Jane was next door. That leaves only William Mashburn, the oldest, unproven. Their may be evidence tying him in. James and Rebecca did have an apparent son his age per the 1820 and 1830 census. William did name children "James" and "Rebecca".

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). Peter and Margaret had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1800 (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800) and still home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), but gone by 1820 so probably married or dead by then.

Most researchers would agree that this is probably Jane Stroud who married William Garrett in 1812. I have seen no direct evidence that Jane is Peter's daughter, but she does fit based on age and proximity. They lied in Burke (now McDowell) amongst the Peter Stroud family members, and also went to Georgia at the same time as the rest of the family.

Jane Stroud was born ca 1795/96 (per 1870 and 1880 census) in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC.

On 3 Jul 1812, William Garrett obtained a marriage bond in Burke County to marry Jean Stroud ("Jean" is a common misspelling of "Jane"). Thomas Green was the bondsman. William Garrett was born ca 1793/94 in South Carolina, and is generally thought to be a brother of Joseph Garrett who married Sarah Stroud (see above). That makes William a son of William Garrett and Miss Turner.

William Garrett was listed on the 1815 Burke County tax list in Muddy Creek with 1 Poll (himself) and 40 acres of land valued at $40.

There were two William Garretts on the 1820 census in Burke County, one clearly too old to be this one, so probably his father. Our William Garrett was listed between Samuel Davis and James Melony and just a few houses from Matthew Mashburn (not Jane's Uncle, but a younger Matthew) and William Stroud Jr (Jane's brother). William's household contained two "sons" who were too old to be his and Jane's sons, but they had two known sons who should have been listed here but weren't. It seems likely these two sons were just put in the wrong age category by mistake, as this is a fairly common census error.  An older woman (born before 1775) was also with them. I don't know who this could be.

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Burke Co, NC pg 107 William Garret 020010-20101
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1775-1794)	William GARRETT (1793/94) s/o William
2 Male(s) 10-15       (1804-1810)	Humphrey P. GARRETT (1814) son
					Marvel GARRETT (1818) son
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1775)	Mother? Mother-in-law? Other? (Bef 1775)
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1794-1804)	Jane STROUD Garrett (1795/96) wife m 1812
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1810-1820)	Rebecca GARRETT (1817/18) daughter
					Cynthia GARRETT (1819/20) daughter

I was unable to locate William Garrett on the 1830 census. The birth places of their children would indicate they were still in North Carolina at that time. I suspect they were in Burke County still, but the census taker's handwriting is very difficult to interpret. It is also possible that they had temporarily moved away at this time. There was a William Garrett in neighboring Buncombe County, but he is too young and had no children listed. There was also one in neighboring Rutherford County, but he was also too young, and the children did not match up with our William's known family. I found numerous William Garretts in other states in 1830. Certain evidence (the birth place of one of their children) seems to indicate the family may have moved to South Carolina. I found a William Garrett in 1830 Pickens District, South Carolina (this borders NC). His household is almost a perfect match to what our William's should be. He was just a few houses from a Joshua Garrett (brother?). I really don't know if this is our William, but considering the possibility that it is, here is the entry. The only flaw is that there is no room for daughter Rebecca born ca 1818. It is possible that she was living elsewhere, perhaps with grandparents or an aunt or uncle.

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

1830 Pickens Dist, SC pg 252 William Garret 2120010000000-0100010000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)	William GARRETT (1793/94) s/o William
2 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Humphrey P. GARRETT (1814) son
					Marvel GARRETT (1815) son
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)	Joseph P. GARRETT (1822) son
2 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	William B. GARRETT (1823/24) son
					George GARRETT (1828) son
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1790-1800)	Jane STROUD Garrett (1795/96) wife
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)	Cynthia GARRETT (1819/20) daughter

They were not found in Burke in 1840 either. The one that had been in Pickens in 1830 was not there in 1840 though many other Garretts were there that year. There was a William Garrett in Burke, but he was too young. There was one in Macon County but he was way too old. I found William's son Marvel Garrett listed in Spartanburg Dist, SC, and a William was there also, but he was far too old to be our William, and a second William was there also, but too young to be ours, but the children's enumerations match very well, so I suspect it is the same William but with some errors.

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

1840 Spartanburg Dist, SC pg 166 William Garrett 1113010000000-0001110000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 30-39        (1800-1810)	William GARRETT (1793/94)
3 Male(s) 15-19        (1820-1825)	Joseph P. GARRETT (1822) son
					William B. GARRETT (1823/24) son
1 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)	George GARRETT (1828) son
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)	John GARRETT (1829) son
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1835-1840)	James M. GARRETT (1834) son
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1800-1810)	Jane STROUD Garrett (1795/96) wife
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1810-1820)	Cynthia GARRETT (1819/20) daughter
1 Female(s) 15-19      (1820-1825)	Martha Jane GARRETT (1829/30) daughter

I was unable to locate William on the 1850 census. Several of his children were found in Union Co, GA that year and one son in Habersham Co, GA. Others were missing in 1850 as well.

William and Jane were in Towns County, Georgia for the 1860 census living near several of their sons.

1860 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)

1860 TOWNS CO, GA Page 141   House/Family #  188/ 188 --  Twp  MOUNTAIN SCENE P.O.

GARRETT WILLIAM       67 M W FARMER                    75 SC                   1792/1793
GARRETT JANE          66 F W                              NC                   1793/1794
GARRETT CINTHA        40 F W                              NC                   1819/1820

They were still in Towns for the 1870 census.

1870 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)

1870 TOWNS CO, GA Page 205B  House/Family #  262/ 264-- Twp

GARRETT WILLIAM       76 M W FARMER                       100 SC              1793/1794
GARRETT JANE          74 F W KEEPING HOUSE                    NC              1795/1796
GARRETT SYNTHIA       50 F W IDIOT                            NC              1819/1820

They were still in Towns County for the 1880 census, in Hightower Township. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

I have no data on them after 1880.

I have a list of ten children for William Garrett and Jane Stroud, but no proof for any of them but Cynthia who was with them through the years. The other names have been shared by other researchers, especially Mildred Deyo and Alva G. Barrett. These children all work circumstantially as their ages match those children with William on the pre 1850 census records, and they also were often in close proximity to one another and their parents, so the list works, but I don't know what the hard evidence is that connects them to William and Jane.

Unknown Son (1794/1800). Peter and Margaret had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1800 (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800) and still home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), but gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

I strongly suspect this is William Austin Stroud (c1800) for various reasons. One is that William and his children were closely associated with and lived near other members of this family even after the move into Georgia. William was mentioned in the 1838 letter as having swapped land and it sounded like they were referring to the old family home place, so that seems to tie him into this family.

There is a lot of speculation involved in my assemblage of William's family, but I feel fairly confidant in what I've put together. See his own page for additional information.

Mary Stroud was born ca 1802/03 (per 1850 census) in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. She is a proven child by the fact that widow Margaret was living with her in her old age in the 1830's and by 1850.  Mary was apparently home in 1810 (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and in 1820 (age 16-25, born ca 1794/1804), and gone by 1830 so probably married then.

On 4 Dec 1823, Joshua Curtis obtained a marriage bond in Burke County to marry Polley Stroud. Nelson Bird was bondsman. "Polly" is a common nickname for "Mary". Joshua Curtis was born ca 1798/99 in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. I don't know for sure who Joshua's parents were, but Mildred Deyo thinks he may be a son of Joshua Curtis Sr (s/o Thomas) and Mary Curtis (d/o Jonathan). If this is correct, then Joshua (Jr) and wife Mary Stroud were first cousins.

They were listed on the 1830 census in Burke County.

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

1830 Burke Co, NC pg 191 Joshua Curtis 2000010000000-1100100000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)	Joshua CURTIS (1798/99)
2 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	Joseph CURTIS (1824) son
					Merrit CURTIS (1829/30) son
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Mary STROUD Curtis (1802/03) wife, m 1823
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)	Daughter (1820/25)
1 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Rebecca CURTIS (1825) daughter

On 27 Nov 1834, Joshua Curtis was listed as one of the purchasers at the Estate Sale for his father-in-law Peter Stroud.

Joshua Curtis Jr was listed on the 1840 census in Burke County. John M. Curtis was several houses away on the same page, relationship unknown. An older woman (born 1750/60) was living with them. Based on other evidence I would conclude that it was Mary's widowed mother Margaret Curtis Stroud (1768), but her age is off considerably, and also it seems that Margaret was with son James Stroud in 1840. That means this must be Joshua's widowed mother. However, if Joshua is a son of Joshua Sr, then his parents were both still alive in 1840 and living in their own household. So this either means that Joshua Jr was not the son of Joshua Sr, or that this older woman was indeed Margaret Curtis Stroud, and that she was listed twice on the 1840 census, though her age was off on this listing. We know that she was living with Joshua Curtis in 1838 per the old family letter, and she was with them in 1850. However, the 1838 letter mentioned she was moving from child to child, so it is hard to say.

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

1840 Burke Co, NC pg 330 Joshua Curtis Jr 1300001000000-1111010000100
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)	Joshua CURTIS (1798/99) 
3 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)	Joseph A. CURTIS (1824) son
					Merrit CURTIS (1829/30) son
					Son? (1830/35) –> gone by 1850
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1835-1840)	Son? (1835/40) –> gone by 1850
1 Female(s) 80-89      (1750-1760)	Mother? Mother-in-law?
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1800-1810)	Mary STROUD Curtis (1802/03) wife
1 Female(s) 15-19      (1820-1825)	Daughter/ (1820/25) –> gone by 1850
1 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)	Rebecca CURTIS (1825) daughter
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Daughter? (1830/35) –> gone by 1850
1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)	Casandra CURTIS (1837/38) daughter

In 1842, McDowell County was formed from part of Burke including the region where the Strouds and Curtis' families lived.

On 9 Jan 1846, Joshua Curtis and Gardner Stearns witnessed a deed from Margaret Stroud, widow of Peter Stroud to Thomas Green. (McDowell Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 296).

Joshua and Mary and family were listed on the 1850 census in McDowell County. Mary's widowed mother Margaret Stroud was living with them. They were just three houses from Delilah Stroud, widow of William Stroud, Margaret's late husband's late brother.

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 McDOWELL CO, NC Page 270B  House/Family #  224/ 224  -  Twp

CURTIS JOSHUA Sr      51 M W FARMER                 600 NC                   1798/1799
CURTIS MARY           47 F W                            NC                   1802/1803
CURTIS MERRIT         20 M W FARMER                     NC                   1829/1830
CURTIS CASANDRA       12 F W                            NC                   1837/1838
CURTIS MARTIN          9 M W                            NC                   1840/1841
CURTIS NANCY           5 F W                            NC                   1844/1845
CURTIS ALFRED          2 M W                            NC                   1847/1848
STROUD MARGARET       82 F W                            NC                   1767/1768

They were still in McDowell for the 1860 census. No townships were given, but their post office was Marion.

1860 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)

1860 McDOWELL CO, NC Page 326   House/Family #  170/ 170 --  Twp  MARION P.O.

CURTIS JOSHUA         61 M W FARMER             600   150 NC                   1798/1799
CURTIS MARY           58 F W                              NC                   1801/1802
CURTIS MARY           16 F W                              NC                   1843/1844
CURTIS MARTIN         19 M W                              NC                   1840/1841
CURTIS ALFRED         13 M W                              NC                   1846/1847

They were still in McDowell for the 1870 census, and in Sugar Hill township. Son Martin and his wife and child were living with them.

1870 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)

1870 McDOWELL CO, NC Page 675   House/Family #    4/   4--SUGAR HILL Twp

CURTIS JOSHUA         71 M W FARMER                 330   200 NC              1798/1799
CURTIS MARY           66 F W                                  NC              1803/1804
CURTIS MARTIN         28 M W                                  NC              1841/1842
CURTIS ORLANDER        0 M W 6/12 (Dec)                       NC              1869/1870
CURTIS MARTHA         26 F W                                  NC              1843/1844

Joshua Curtis died in the 1870-1880 time period.

Mary was listed on the 1880 census in McDowell County living with her son Martin and his family. She was age 77. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

I have no data on Mary after 1880.

Unknown Son (1800/04). Peter and Margaret had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1810 (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10) and still home in 1820 (age 16-25 born ca 1800/04), but gone by 1830.

I strongly suspect this is James A. Stroud (c1800/04) for various reasons. One is that James and his children were closely associated with and lived near other members of this family.  He was a purchaser at the Peter Stroud Estate sale in 1834. He witnessed several deeds where other heirs of Peter Stroud sold their shares. He was mentioned in both the 1837 and 1838 letters. None of this is overwhelmingly conclusive, but I think there is little doubt that he belongs to Peter and Margaret.

James A. Stroud married Deborah England in 1828.

See their own page for additional information.

Unknown Daughter (1800/10). Peter and Margaret had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1810 (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), but gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

I've long suspected this was my ancestor Susannah Stroud born ca 1805/06 in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. I have no direct evidence connecting Susannah to Peter and Margaret, but she married John Tanner ca 1820 and his parents lived near the Strouds there in old Burke County. She is a proven Stroud, and she and her husband were associated with Peter Grayson Stroud (1807) who is also thought to be a child of Peter and Margaret. One of John and Susannah's daughters may have married a child of William A. Stroud, so that ties them in with another on of Peter and Margaret's children.

Unlike the other children listed, Susannah's connection to this family is week and entirely conjectural. She does fit based on age and proximity and by indirect association, but other than that I have no evidence connecting her to Peter and Margaret. Both Peter Stroud Sr and David Stroud had daughters her age, so they are just as likely suspects, though Peter Sr already had a daughter named Susannah, so other than Peter Jr, it would seem that David is the only other possible father for Susannah Stroud (c1806) wife of John Tanner.

See John and Susannah's own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1804/10). Peter and Margaret had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1810 (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10) and still home in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10), and still home in 1830 (age 20-29, born ca 1800/10).

I strongly suspect this is Peter Grayson Stroud (1807) for various reasons. One is that he fits age-wise. He was referred to as "Big Peter" in the 1837 letter ("Little Peter" was Peter E. Stroud (c1813)) and by being mentioned must be closely related to the letter writers. He was a purchaser at the estate sale of Peter Stroud (died 1834).

The clincher is that "Peter Stroud" sold his share of his father's estate in 1835. This proves that Peter and Margaret Stroud had a son named "Peter Stroud" who was of age in 1835 (over 21). Unfortunately, he signed with a mark, and from this record alone it can't be determined whether Peter G. Stroud (1807) was the one or Peter E. Stroud (c1813) was the one. Both were over 21 in 1835. William Stroud (brother of Peter-1765/70) had a proven son  named Peter also. Based on census analysis and the list of William's heirs as given in a court record, it becomes very clear to me which Peter was which. Peter (1807, "Big Peter") is son of Peter and Margaret, while Peter E. (1813, "Little Peter") is son of William and Delilah. This is the only way it works.

Peter G. Stroud moved to Macon Co, NC briefly in 1835, then to Rabun Co, GA by 1838 where he married Lucinda Carter.

See their own page for additional information.

John Stroud was born ca 1809/10 (per 1850 census) or 25 Dec 1807 per his tombstone, though his birth year conflicts with his brother Peter G. Stroud born 4 Aug 1807. One of their birth years must be off by at least one year. (Tombstones are often wrong regarding birth years). John Stroud and wife Delilah (Bright) were the addressees of the 1838 letter from James and Rebecca (Stroud) Mashburn, in which they referred to them as "brother and sister" and spoke of many Strouds including "mother" who was then living with Joshua Curtis. This makes it very clear that Rebecca and John are children of Peter and Margaret Stroud.

John Stroud seems to be home with his parents in 1810 (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and still home in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10), and still home in 1830 (age 20-29, born ca 1800/10).

John Stroud married Delilah Bright ca 1830-31 in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. I did not find a marriage record for them, so I don't know what the proof is that her maiden name is "Bright". There were Brights in the same area, so it does work.  She was born 23 Nov 1815 (source?) daughter of Daniel Bright (source?).

See their own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1804/10). Peter and Margaret had an apparent son this age. He was not home in 1810, so probably not born yet. He was home in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10), and still home in 1830 (age 20-29, born ca 1800/10).

I don't know who this son was. I have not yet found a record of any unclaimed male Strouds in this age group in our area of interest. By the 1840 census, there were no new Stroud heads of household in Burke County who are not already identified.

Since several of Peter's other children had left the area by 1840, this son could have to (assuming he didn't die in the 1830's instead).

I have no suspects for this son.

Unknown Son (1810/15). Peter and Margaret had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1820 (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20), and still home in 1830 (age 15-19, born ca 1810/15).

This is undoubtedly Robert Stroud (c1818) (his birth year is based on the 1850 census entry which is probably off a good bit). Robert was mentioned in the 1837 and 1838 letters, and it was said that the was buying out all the other heirs and I've found a few deeds proving that. He sold some land in 1836 formerly belonging to Peter Stroud, deceased, but I don't think it said specifically that he was an heir, it could have been land he purchased from the other heirs.

Robert Stroud was born ca 1817/18 (per 1850 census) in Burke (now McDowell) Co, NC. I'm sure the 1850 census entry is incorrect, for he was probably born ca 1813/14 or thereabouts (1810/15 for sure), for he had to be 21 to vote in 1835, so at least born 1814 or before.

Robert married Ann Elder before 1837.

See his own page for additional information.