Nathaniel Stewart (c1775) of Buncombe and Macon Co, NC

Nathaniel Stewart (also spelled "Stuart" on some records) was born ca 1770/75 or thereabouts. I have not been able to reconcile all of his census records. In 1810 he was age 26-44 (born ca 1765/84), and in 1820 he was age 45+ (born before 1775). This two combine to ca 1765/75. This reconciles with the 1840 census (age 60-69, born ca 1770/75) which reconciles to ca 1770/75. However, the 1830 census is totally out of sync with these others, showing Nathaniel age 40-49 (born ca 1780/90). I suspect this one record is in error. His first public record was dated 1795, so that means he was born at least by 1774, assuming he was at least 21 in 1795. (And also assuming the record in 1795 is for him, and not for Nathaniel Sr). If he is a son of Nathaniel Stewart, as I suspect, then he was probably born in Surry Co, NC.

I have no direct proof, but I suspect that Nathaniel was a son of Nathaniel and Mary Stewart of Buncombe Co, NC. Nathaniel did live in Buncombe Co, NC, apparently in the same area as Nathaniel Sr, and Nathaniel Sr did have an unknown son the right age to be Nathaniel Jr.

Another possibility is that this Nathaniel (c1770/75) is the son of John and Rachel Stewart of Surry Co, NC. They had a proven son Nathaniel, who has not been positively identified. I'm leaning more towards this theory every day, but don't have enough proof yet to go with John or Nathaniel Sr as Nathaniel Jr's father.

Assuming that his father was Nathaniel Sr, Nathaniel Jr was apparently home with his parents for the 1786 census (age "under 21", born ca 1765/86), and in 1787 (age "under 21", born ca 1766/87). There were two John Stewarts listed in 1786 Surry, but neither had any sons with them. I think John and Rachel were still in VA at this point.

Nathaniel Jr was apparently home with Nathaniel for the 1790 census also, age "under 16", born ca 1774/90. There was only one John Stewart in 1790 Surry, and he had only one son listed with him. I don't think this was John and Rachel, who were probably still in VA at that time.

Around 1790, Nathaniel Sr and family moved to Greenville Dist, SC. Records show that Nathaniel Jr was still in Surry until the early 1800's.

On 21 Mar 1795, Nathaniel Stewart "of Surry Co, NC" purchased 130 acres of land on Stewarts Creek in Patrick Co, VA from Cornelius Keith, also of Surry Co, NC. The deed was witnessed by Charles Stewart, Asaph Moore, Moses Colegate and John Dockery. (Nathaniel sold this land on 30 Nov 1797, see below). (Recorded in Patrick Co, VA Deed Book, (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

Although the above deed was recorded in Patrick Co, VA, it was for land that probably straddled the state line, so fell into both Surry Co, NC and Patrick Co, VA.

On 24 Mar 1795, Cornelius Keith (of Surry Co, NC) sold Nathaniel Stewart (of Surry Co, NC) 130 acres on Fishers River in Patrick Co, VA (recorded in Patrick Co, VA deed book). Charles Stewart was a witness. (Nathaniel sold this land in two parcels, first 90 acres on 30 Nov 1797, and the remaining 40 acres on 23 Jan 1799, see below for more details). (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

On 25 May 1797, Cornelius Keith of Pendleton Dist, SC sold 100 acres to Nathaniel Stewart of Surry Co, NC. The land was on West side of Stuarts Creek. (Nathaniel sold this land on 13 Oct 1802, see below). (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

On 30 Nov 1797, Nathaniel Stewart "of Patrick Co, VA", sold William Perkins two tracts of land. The first was 130 acres on Stuarts Creek (same land Nathaniel purchased on 21 Mar 1795 from Cornelius Keith). The other tract was 90 acres, part of the 130 acre tract on Little Fishers River (which Nathaniel purchased on 24 Mar 1795 from Cornelius Keith). (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

On 23 Jan 1799, Nathaniel Stewart "of Surry Co, NC" sold David May 40 acres (the remainder of the 130 acres) on Little Fishers River. Witnesses were Joseph Stewart, Abraham Hawks and David Turney. (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

Nathaniel Jr might have been home with his father for the 1800 census, age 16-25 (born ca 1774/84) in Greenville Dist, SC, but I don't think he was there at that time. This isn't a real good age match either, so perhaps he wasn't there. He was likely in Patrick Co, VA, for which, unfortunately, the 1800 census records are lost.

On 3 May 1801, Nathaniel Stewart Jr (and Charles Stewart) witnessed a deed between William Burrus and Joseph Stuart for 100 acres on Little Fishers River in Surry Co, NC "near VA line". (From Patrick Co, VA Deed Books). (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

On 19 Jan 1802, Nathaniel Stewart and Charles Stewart witnessed a deed in Patrick Co, VA from John Hawks of Pendleton Dist, SC to Edward Stewart (not sure which Edward this was, either Edward (1755/60) or Edward-1782) of Surry Co, NC, for 100 acres on Naked Creek, a branch of Stewarts Creek. The land was in Surry Co, NC. (From Patrick Co, VA Deed Books). (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

On 13 Oct 1802, Nathaniel Stewart of Surry Co, NC sold 100 acres on Stewarts Creek to William Flemming. This was the land he purchased from Cornelius Keith on 25 May 1797. (from Stewart Clan Magazine).

The above record (13 Oct 1802) was the last (as far as I know) record found in Patrick Co, VA or Surry Co, NC for Nathaniel Stewart Jr. By the birth dates and places of some of his possible children, it would appear that he joined his relatives in Greenville Dist, SC before moving to Buncombe Co, NC before 1810.

Nathaniel Stewart Sr moved his family to Buncombe Co, NC in the 1800-1810 timeframe. Nathaniel Stewart Jr appeared in Buncombe at the same time (hence my main rationale for thinking Nathaniel Jr is Nathaniel Sr's son).

Nathaniel Stewart Jr married someone (name not known) between 1800 and 1810, either in Surry Co, NC, Patrick Co, VA, Greenville Dist, SC or Buncombe Co, NC. I haven't found any records (so far) with her name on it, so I have no clues as to her given name, nor her surname.

Nathaniel Stewart was listed on the 1810 census in Buncombe County, NC, just five houses from his supposed parents. They seemed to be in the Avery Creek area. Nathaniel Jr was listed between Robert Wilson and George Story. Nathaniel had an "extra" male with him, his same age. I suspect this was his brother Jacob Stuart (c1777) who was otherwise missing this year. Then again, it might be Edward Stuart (c1782) who also could be his brother.

Shortly after this point (1810), the records for Nathaniel start appearing in Buncombe County. However, there is a distinct possibility that I've mixed up some records between "Sr" and "Jr", except in those rare cases where they actually included the "Jr" or "Sr" with their names.

On 21 Mar 1815, Jacob Stewart (Nathaniel Jr's brother) sold him 150 acres on French Broad River. This deed does not say "Jr" or "Sr" for Nathaniel, but a subsequent deed proves it was Jr. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book G Page 356).

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

Nathaniel was listed on the 1820 census in Buncombe. There were actually four Nathaniel's listed in 1820. I'm not totally sure I've figured out which one was this Nathaniel, but I believe it is the right one. He was listed next to Jacob Stuart (c1777) (his brother), and two houses from brother Charles Stewart, and just four houses from Edward Stuart (c1782), relationship unknown. If I'm wrong about Nathaniel (Jr) being Nathaniel (Sr)'s son, and he is in fact, a son of John and Rachel of Surry County, then this Edward could be his brother, for that Nathaniel (son of John) had a proven brother named Edward.

On 19 Dec 1821, Nathaniel Stuart received a 100 acre State land grant on Beaverdam Creek. I think this is the Beaverdam creek just about 2 miles west of Avery Creek (present Beaverdam Community and Laurel Hill community). (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 13 Page 28).

On 24 Jul 1827, Nathaniel Stuart sold 100 acres on the French Broad River to William Terry. I didn't find a deed where Nathaniel obtained this land. It might be an inheritance from his father who died in 1824. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 15 Page 299).

On 27 Feb 1830, Nathaniel Stuart sold two parcels (in two different deeds) to Seaborn Spain. One for 100 acres (perhaps the land granted on 19 Dec 1821), and another for 400 acres on McDowells Creek. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 16 Page 128 and Book 16 page 156).

Nathaniel Stewart was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe County. He was either on McDowell Creek (in present Henderson County) or nearby. His neighbors on either side were David M. Carson and William Brittain. Richard Stewart was listed nearby, suspected son of Nathaniel Jr. Though there were four Nathaniel's in 1820 Buncombe, by 1830 there was only one, this one.

On 15 Oct 1830, Nathaniel Steward sold 100 acres on McDowells Creek to Gordan Anderson. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 16 Page 128 and Book 20 page 385).

Sometime after 1830, but before 1835, Nathaniel moved his family to nearby Macon County.

Nathaniel Stuart was listed on the 1835 Congressional Voter List in Macon Co, NC, in Vandykes Store Precinct. Shem and Nathaniel Stuart Jr (suspected sons of Nathaniel) were also listed as voters in that district.

In January 1840 Court, in Macon County, Nathaniel Steward was ordered to appear at the next court as a Juror. (Macon Co, NC Court Minutes 1838-1855 page 67).

Nathaniel was listed on the 1840 census in Macon County, next door to suspected son Austin Stuart. Nathaniel was listed as "Sr". His suspected son Nathaniel was listed simply as "Nathan", several pages away.

Nathaniel did not appear on the 1850 census in Macon County, nor elsewhere in Western North Carolina, as far as I have found. He may have died in the 1840's, or else moved away. Several of his suspected children were still in Macon Co, NC in 1850, and some in nearby Polk Co, TN.

Children

Nathaniel Stewart and wife had numerous children per the 1820 through 1840 census records. Unfortunately, none of them are proven. However, I have some strong suspects that are very likely his children.

Unknown Son (1802/04). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent son this age. In 1810 he was "under 10" (born ca 1800/10). In 1820 he was age 16-17 (born ca 1802/04). He was gone by 1830.

There are a couple of suspects for who this could be, but since I don't have precise birth dates for them, I can't say if they are prime suspects or not. One was Richard Stewart (c1800/10) who lived in the same part of Buncombe County, and was near Nathaniel in 1830.

Other than their proximity in 1830, I have no reason to attach Richard to Nathaniel Jr. See his own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1804/10). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent son this age. In 1810 he was "under 10" (born ca 1800/10). In 1820 he was age 10-15 (born ca 1804/10). He was gone by 1830.

One prime suspect for this child is Austin Stewart (c1805/06) who was next door to Nathaniel in 1840 Macon Co, NC. He named one of his sons "Nathaniel", so he is a prime suspect.

Austin Stewart married Susannah --- before 1828 in Buncombe Co, NC. He was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe, and in 1840 in Macon Co, NC, and 1850 in Polk Co, TN.

Unknown Son (1804/10). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent son this age. In 1810 he was "under 10" (born ca 1800/10). In 1820 he was age 10-15 (born ca 1804/10). In 1830 he was still home, age 20-29 (born ca 1800/10).

I suspect that this is Daniel Stewart (c1807/08), who was near Nathaniel in Macon Co, NC. He came to Macon Co, NC from Buncombe in the late 1830's. I have no direct evidence that Daniel was Nathaniel's son, but he fits fairly well. See his own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1810/20). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent son this age. In 1820 he was "under 10" (born ca 1810/20). He was not home in 1830, so apparently married or died by then.

I strongly suspect this was Shementer Stewart (c1810), who was in the same area as Nathaniel in Buncombe County, and he went to Macon Co, NC when Nathaniel did, and he later went back to the McDowell Creek area of Henderson County (formerly Buncombe County). See his own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1810/15). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent son this age. In 1820 he was "under 10" (born ca 1810/20). In 1830 he was age 15-19 (born ca 1810/15). He was gone by 1840.

I strongly suspect this was Nathaniel Stewart (c1810/20) who was with Nathaniel in Macon Co, NC in 1835 and 1840. See his own page for additional information.

Unknown Daughter (1810/20). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent daughter this age. In 1820 she was "under 10" (born ca 1810/20). She was gone by 1830, so presumably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1815/20). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent daughter this age. In 1820 she was "under 10" (born ca 1810/20). In 1830 she was age 10-14 (born ca 1815/20). She was gone by 1840, so presumably had married or died by then.

I strongly suspect that this is Mary "Polly" Stewart who married Alfred Wright in Macon Co, NC on or after 21 May 1836. Mary was born ca 1815/16.

Alfred Wright was listed on the 1840 census in Macon Co, NC next door to Stephen Queen (brother-in-law) who was next to Nathan Stewart (Jr). All three of these were in-laws.

Alfred and Mary moved to Georgia (don't know what county) later in 1840, and to Polk Co, TN by 1845.

They were listed on the 1850 census in Polk Co, TN just a few houses from Stephen Queen and Austin Stewart. I don't have it properly transcribed yet, Here is the pertinent data, they were in household # 986: Alford WRIGHT, 32 (1817/18) born NC, Mary, 34 (1815/16) NC, Susannah, 13 (1836/37) NC, Elizabeth, 13 (1836/37) NC, Austin, 10 (1839/40) GA, Samuel, 5 (1844/45) TN, Eliza, 2 months (1850) TN.

Unknown Son (1820/25). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent son this age. In 1830 he was age 5-9 (born ca 1820/25). He didn't seem to be home in 1840, unless he was listed age 20-29 (born ca 1810/20) which works if he was born ca 1820.

I suspect this was Jacob Stewart (c1820/21) who was in Polk Co, TN in 1850 near Austin Stewart and several of Nathaniel's suspected daughters.

Unknown Daughter (1820/25). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent daughter this age. In 1830 she was 5-9 (born ca 1820/25). In 1840 she was age 15-19 (born ca 1820/25).

Unknown Daughter (1825/30). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent daughter this age. In 1830 she was "under 5" (born ca 1825/30). She was apparently gone by 1840, so married or dead by then.

I suspect this was Sarah Stewart who married Stephen Queen before ca 1839 in Macon Co, NC. I've found no marriage record for them, but years ago, I was told by someone that Stephen Queen's wife was a Stewart. I don't recall who told me, but it was many years ago, and I don't know what the evidence is. It is true that she and Stephen were close to the Stewarts in Macon Co, NC and Polk Co, TN, so it would seem to be correct, or at least a reasonable assumption. Sarah was born ca 1822/23 per the 1850 census, so that puts her slightly out of kilter date wise, but I still think it is her.

Stephen Queen was listed on the 1840 census in Macon Co, NC next to Nathaniel Stewart Jr (brother-in-law), and in Polk Co, TN in 1850 very close to Austin Stewart and Alfred Wright and wife Mary Stewart Wright. I don't have the listing properly typed up yet, but they were in household # 983.

Unknown Daughter (1825/30). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent daughter this age. In 1830 she was "under 5" (born ca 1825/30). In 1840 she was age 10-14 (born ca 182/30).

Unknown Daughter (1830/35). Nathaniel Stewart had an apparent daughter this age. In 1840 she was 5-9 (born ca 1830/35).

Researcher List

1. Nathaniel¹ Stewart (Jr) , born 1770/75 in Surry Co, NC; died aft 1840 in Macon Co, NC He married in 1800/05 in Greenville Dist, SC (---) ? , born 1780/84; died aft 1840 in Macon Co, NC.

Children of Nathaniel Stewart (Jr) and (---) ? were as follows:

2 i Richard² Stewart , born 1800/10.

+ 3 ii Austin² Stuart , born 1805/06 in Buncombe Co, NC. He married Susannah (---) .

+ 4 iii Daniel² Stuart , born 1807/08 in Greenville Dist, SC. He married Nancy (---) .

+ 5 iv Shementer² Stewart , born abt 1810 in Buncombe Co, NC. He married Esther Vermillion .

6 v Nathaniel² Stewart , born 1810/15 in Buncombe Co, NC.

+ 7 vi Mary "Polly"² Stewart , born 1815/16 in Buncombe Co, NC. She married Alfred Wright .

+ 8 vii Jacob² Stewart , born 1820/21 in Buncombe Co, NC. He married Milly (---) .

+ 9 viii Sarah² Stewart , born 1822/23 in Buncombe Co, NC. She married Stephen Queen .

Generation 2

3. Austin² Stuart (Nathaniel¹), born 1805/06 in Buncombe Co, NC. He married bef 1828 in Buncombe Co, NC Susannah (---) , born 1806/07 in SC.

Children of Austin Stuart and Susannah (---) were as follows:

10 i Martha C³ Stuart , born 1827/28 in Buncombe Co, NC.

11 ii William³ Stuart , born 1831/32 in Macon Co, NC.

12 iii Newton³ Stuart , born 1833/34 in Macon Co, NC.

13 iv Rosanna³ Stuart , born 1836/37 in Macon Co, NC.

14 v Nathaniel³ Stuart , born 1839/40 in Macon Co, NC.

15 vi Joseph³ Stuart , born 1841/42 in GA.

16 vii Lucy Ann³ Stuart , born 1844/45 in GA.

17 viii Margaret³ Stuart , born 1847/48 in Polk Co, TN.

4. Daniel² Stuart (Nathaniel¹), born 1807/08 in Greenville Dist, SC. He married in 1830/36 in Buncombe Co, NC Nancy (---) , born 1817/18 in SC.

Children of Daniel Stuart and Nancy (---) were as follows:

18 i Marion³ Stuart , born 1835/36 in Buncombe Co, NC.

+ 19 ii Jasper³ Stuart , born 1837/38 in Macon Co, NC. He married Rachel (---) .

20 iii Eliza³ Stuart , born 1839/40 in Henderson Co, NC.

21 iv Mary³ Stuart , born 1841/42 in Macon Co, NC.

22 v Daniel³ Stuart , born 1843/44 in Macon Co, NC.

23 vi Frances³ Stuart , born 1846/47 in Macon Co, NC.

5. Shementer² Stewart (Nathaniel¹), born abt 1810 in Buncombe Co, NC. He married in 1820/30 in Buncombe Co, NC Esther Vermillion , born 1790; died 1830/34 in Macon Co, NC, daughter of Samuel Vermillion .

Children of Shementer Stewart and Esther Vermillion were as follows:

24 i Sidney Ellender³ Stewart , born 1830/35 in Macon Co, NC.

7. Mary "Polly"² Stewart (Nathaniel¹), born 1815/16 in Buncombe Co, NC. She married on 21 May 1836 in Macon Co, NC Alfred Wright , born 1817/18 in NC.

Children of Mary "Polly" Stewart and Alfred Wright were as follows:

25 i Susannah³ Wright , born 1836/37 in Macon Co, NC.

26 ii Elizabeth³ Wright , born 1836/37 in Macon Co, NC.

27 iii Austin³ Wright , born 1839/40 in GA.

28 iv Samuel³ Wright , born 1844/45 in Polk Co, TN.

29 v Eliza³ Wright , born 1850 in Polk Co, TN.

8. Jacob² Stewart (Nathaniel¹), born 1820/21 in Buncombe Co, NC. He married bef 1844 in Macon Co, NC Milly (---) , born 1820/21 in NC.

Children of Jacob Stewart and Milly (---) were as follows:

30 i Sarah E³ Stewart , born 1843/44 in GA.

31 ii Susannah D³ Stewart , born 1844/45 in Polk Co, TN.

32 iii Polly E³ Stewart , born 1850 in Polk Co, TN.

9. Sarah² Stewart (Nathaniel¹), born 1822/23 in Buncombe Co, NC. She married bef 1839 in Macon Co, NC Stephen Queen , born 1819/20 in NC.

Children of Sarah Stewart and Stephen Queen were as follows:

33 i John³ Queen , born 1838/39 in GA.

34 ii Mirah³ Queen , born 1843/44 in Macon Co, NC.

35 iii Louis³ Queen , born 1845/46 in Macon Co, NC.

36 iv Lila³ Queen , born 1849 in Polk Co, TN.

Generation 3

19. Jasper³ Stuart (Daniel², Nathaniel¹), born 1837/38 in Macon Co, NC. He married in 1860/63 in Macon Co, NC Rachel (---) , born 1834/35 in NC.

Children of Jasper Stuart and Rachel (---) were as follows:

37 i Angeline⁴ Stuart , born 1862/63 in TN.

38 ii James⁴ Stuart , born 1865/66 in TN.

39 iii Marietta⁴ Stuart , born 1866/67 in Cherokee Co, NC.

Nathaniel Stewart (1770/75) of Buncombe and Macon Co, NC

Children

Researcher List

Register Report