Benjamin Lewis (bef 1755-aft 1820) of Dobbs, Glasgow, Greene, Bladen and Robeson Co., NC and Georgetown, Horry and Marion Co., SC and maybe Beaufort Co., SC.

Marty and Karla Grant

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[Lewis Home] - [Table of Contents] - Benjamin Lewis (bef 1755-aft 1820)

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Visit my Benjamin Lewis Differentiation page for a list of the various men named Benjamin Lewis in eastern NC. This should help sort them out.

This Benjamin Lewis is my 5 times great uncle if he’s a son of my Jacob Lewis as I suspect but can’t prove.

Benjamin Lewis was born before 1755 per his age on the 1800 census. I doubt he was born much before then, perhaps no earlier than ca 1750, but it’s difficult to be certain.

I believe that Benjamin is a son of Jacob Lewis (bef 1729-c1795). The evidence is circumstantial but compelling. Benjamin was heavily associated with Jacob and Jacob’s children over many years in various places. However, there is no primary evidence that I’ve found (thus far) that proves beyond a doubt that Jacob is his father, but the circumstantial evidence appears strong to me. There are other claims as to his parentage, but with no compelling evidence as far as I’ve seen. One alternative father for him is William Lewis (bef 1717), my Jacob’s older brother. That could certainly work.

If Benjamin were born in the late 1740s or early to mid 1750s, then he was likely born in Bertie (now Hertford) Co., NC as that is where I believe Jacob was residing at the time. Jacob and brother William both left there for what is now Greene Co., NC ca 1756 when the area was still Johnston County. It became Dobbs County in 1758 and Glasgow County in 1791, and finally, Greene County in 1799.

Jacob resided between Rainbow Creek (or Swamp) and Wheat Swamp Creek. This region is usually described as “South of Great Contentnea” which was the major waterway in the area. William lived in the very same area, so regardless of which of them is Benjamin’s father, that’s where Benjamin would have spent a few years.

Rainbow Creek rises in present day Greene Co., NC south of Snow Hill, a short distance east of the Arba community. It flows generally easterly and north easterly for several miles until joining Contentnea Creek at the town of Hookerton. Wheat Swamp, the next waterway to the east and south of Rainbow, rises just two or three miles below Arba on the present Lenoir / Greene county line and is itself the boundary between the two counties for a considerable distance. At first it flows southeasterly then takes a northeasterly turn and flows several miles until joining Contentnea Creek a mile or two east of Hookerton.

An older Benjamin Lewis (bef 1735-aft 1767) had a land grant in this same general area (just a few miles north of there) in 1757. I think this older Benjamin is an uncle to this Benjamin (bef 1755) and perhaps his namesake. Older Benjamin was gone from the area after 1767.

Benjamin Lewis is not listed on the 1769 tax list for Dobbs County. The older one was gone, and the younger one (bef 1755) wasn’t old enough yet.

On 16 May 1772, Jacob Lewis received a Land Warrant for 100 acres in Dobbs County joining Simon Bright and his own line, Benjamin Hodges and Sharp Renyoldes (sic?). The land was surveyed on 12 Jun 1772. Joseph Harrell and Benjamin Lewis were chain bearers. The land was granted to Jacob Lewis on 28 May 1775.

The above is the first record I’ve seen for Benjamin and it associates him with Jacob Lewis. Chain Bearers/Carriers were very often close relatives of the one having the survey made to ensure everything was done properly.

Benjamin is not listed on the 1780 tax list for Dobbs County. He would have been old enough then but must have been living elsewhere already.

There was a Benjamin Lewis who served in the Revolutionary War in North Carolina in the 10^th Regiment, Dixon’s Company as a Private, enlisted 29 Apr 1781, left the service 21 May 1782. There was another Benjamin Lewis in the 10^th NC Regiment in Evans’ Company, enlisted 1782, and deserted 8 Jun 1783. The dates make it possible it was the same man in both companies.

There were many other Lewises in the 10^th North Carolina Regiment, but no others in Dixon’s or Evans’s company.

I don’t know if either of the above are our Benjamin Lewis. There was also a Benjamin Lewis who served from South Carolina. I have no details yet on any of these.

On 5 Jul 1785, Benjamin Lewis made a land entry in Bladen Co., NC for 150 acres on both sides of Inman Branch. It mentions James Inman’s corner, and Griffins line. The survey was made 22 Jul 1786 with Hardy Inman and William Flowers as chain carriers. The land was granted to Benjamin Lewis on 18 May 1789.

The above was originally entered by Shadrack Barfield, described as between his own land and Smiths, Inmans, Sha. Barfield and Richard Barfield. Benjamin Lewis’s name is written in over Shadrack’s on the back of the entry, meaning that he either bought the entry, or it was otherwise transferred to him.

Robeson County was formed in 1787 from Bladen County and included the land Benjamin had entered. Even so, I believe it was in the border section with Bladen, perhaps lying in both counties. The Bladen section became Columbus County in 1808.

On 31 Jan 1787, Benjamin Lewis and Hardy Inman witnessed a deed from William Flowers of Bladen to Joseph Hailes of the same place, for land on Indian Swamp. This deed was recorded in Robeson Co., NC which was created that same year, though everything was described as being in Bladen.

Benjamin Lewis married Sarah — probably before ca 1780, perhaps in Dobbs Co., NC (now Greene) or perhaps in Bladen (now Robeson). I don’t know her maiden name, though I’ve seen undocumented online trees that list her as Sarah Green. I don’t know what that is based on.

Benjamin moved into (then) neighboring Georgetown Dist.,SC in the late 1780s. His father Jacob joined him there around the same time.

Benjamin Lewis is listed on the 1790 census in Georgetown Dist., SC as is his father Jacob and many, many other Lewis households. Unfortunately this census is alphabetical, so we can’t tell who lived near who.

1790 Census, Georgetown Dist., SC, Prince George Parish

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
507	Benjamin Lewis	1	3	1	~	1
507	Solomon Lewis	1	1	6	~	~
507	John Lewis	1	1	2	~	1
507	Jacob Lewis	2	~	2	~	~
507	William Lewis	3	5	2	~	5
507	Mary Lewis	~	3	3	~	~
507	Josiah Lewis & John Johnston	2	1	6	~	2
507	William Lewis	1	3	5	~	1
507	Richard Lewis	1	~	1	~	~

From this census it appears that Benjamin has three sons, none older than 15, and a wife and no daughters (yet) and one slave.

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 16+ (before 1774) Benjamin Lewis (bef 1755)

3m -16 (1774/1790) 1. Son? (1774/1790)

2. Son? (1774/1790) Samuel Lewis (c1780) son?

3. Son? (1774/1790) James Lewis (c1775/84) son?

1f (before 1790) Sarah (—) Lewis (bef 1755) wife

1 Slave ?

On 9 Nov 1792, Jesse Jernigan Jr of Robeson Co., NC made a deed to Benjamin Lewis of South Carolina for 280 pounds. He sold him land in Robeson Co., NC on the east side of Indian Swamp joining 200 acres now in possession of the widow Stewart ... to the new ground field Branch ... part of patent to David Clark originally containing 640a, conveyed by Clark to Samuel Thornton and from him to James Sanders and from him to John Smith and by John Willis Smiths atty to Jesse Jernigan Senr and him to Jesse Jernigan Jr and by him to Benjamin Lewis. Jesse Jernigan signed the deed. Witnesses were Micajah Ganey and W. Ashley. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book C, pp. 413-415.)

Although Benjamin purchased this land in 1792, he apparently didn’t move onto it, for he sold it later the same year to his father Jacob.

On 29 Nov 1792, Benjamin Lewis, Planter, of SC, Georgetown District, made a deed to Jacob Lewis of Robeson Co., NC for 150 pounds good and lawful money for 200 acres on the east side of Indian Swamp in Robeson Co., NC, being part of a 640 acre patent to David Clark. “Benja Lewis” signed the deed (which is how most of his deeds were signed). Witnesses were James Lewis (older brother) and Abraham Witherington who may be a cousin or somehow related. Benjamin Lewis acknowledged the deed himself in July 1793 court. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book C, pp. 416-418.)

On 8 Jan 1793, Benjamin Lewis of Georgetown Dist., SC, Planter, made a deed to Stephen Lewis of Glasgow Co., NC for 300 pounds current money for land in Robeson Co., NC. 240 acres on the east side of Indian Swamp joining 200 acres belonging to the widow Stewart. The land was part of a 640 acre patent to David Clark, conveyed by Clark to Samuel Thornton, and by Thornton to James Sanders and by him to John Smith, then by John Willis, Smith’s attorney, to Jesse Jernigan Senr, and by him to Jesse Jernigan Junr, and by him to Benjamin Lewis. “Benja. Lewis” signed. Witnesses were Nancy Lewis and Jacob Lewis (his mark). Benjamin Lewis acknowledged the deed himself in July 1793 court. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book C, pp. 411-413.)

Stephen Lewis is Benjamin’s brother, who apparently decided to join the rest of the family in Robeson.

The above seems to be a tract joining the one Benjamin sold Jacob Lewis, but I didn’t find a deed of him acquiring it in the first place. I’m not sure who the witness Nancy Lewis is.

On 2 Jan 1794, Stephen Lewis of Robeson made a deed to Kadar Lewis (his son), selling him the 200 acres that Benjamin had sold him the year prior. Stephen Lewis signed. Benjamin Lewis, James Lewis and Richard Lewis witnessed. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book D, pp. 435-436.)

Stephen Lewis is Benjamin’s brother, I believe, thus Cader Lewis is Benjamin’s nephew. James Lewis is Stephen and Benjamin’s brother, perhaps the eldest in the family. Richard Lewis is a son of James, thus Benjamin’s nephew.

On 7 Jan 1794 Stephen Glear (sometimes spelled Glare) of Robeson, made a deed to Bud Davis (usually Ichabud Davis) of the same place for land on Flowers Swamp, W side of Drowning Creek, Thomas Ivey’s corner ... John Lamb’s lower line ... Signed by Stephen Glear (his mark). Witnessed by J. Rhodes and Benja Lewis. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book D, pp. 382-383.)

Ichabod Davis was also from Dobbs Co., NC (listed there on 1790 census). His daughter Lucretia Davis would marry Benjamin Lewis’s son James ca 1805.

On 9 Jan 1794, Richard Lewis of Robeson Co., NC made a deed to Charles Ingram for 200 acres for land between Indian Swamp and Ashpole. Witnesses were Benjamin Lewis, James Lewis and James Lewis. It was proven in court by James Lewis, though it isn’t clear which one. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book E, pp. 26-27.)

The above Richard is a son of the elder James Lewis. The second James Lewis is Richard’s brother.

On 11 Jan 1794, Jacob Lewis of Robeson Co., NC, Planter, made a deed to John Lewis of the county and state aforesaid ... for 150 pounds currency ... E Sd of Indian Swamp ... New Ground field ... being part of a 640 acre patent to David Clark containing 200 acres. Jacob Lewis signed with his mark. Witnesses were sons Benja Lewis and William Lewis. Benjamin Lewis proved the deed in April 1794 court. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book D, pp. 250-252.)

The above is the same land that Benjamin sold Jacob in 1792. Here Jacob is selling it to his son, (thus Benjamin’s brother) John Lewis (1765/74-1817). William Lewis (1761-1841) was the other witness. He was also Jacob’s son, thus Benjamin’s brother. William was residing in this area at the time, but didn’t remain long, soon returning to what had been old Dobbs Co., NC for a short while. He was quite a nomad. See his page for more on that.

On that same date (11 Jan 1794), Jacob Lewis of Robeson made another deed to John Lewis, this one a deed of gift, of all his livestock, furniture, etc., same witnesses. This deed, for some reason, wasn’t proven until January 1803 by William Lewis. I suspect that’s about the time Jacob died. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book M, p. 248.)

On 2 Oct 1794 a Plat was made for a land grant in Georgetown Dist., SC for James Lewis and William Lewis Jr for 500a on Cedar Creek and Reedy Creek joining Benjamin Lewis and near James Lewis’s land. This shows that Benjamin Lewis already had land in that area. There is more than one Reedy Creek and Cedar Creek in what was then Georgetown District, so I’m not sure where this land was precisely. Also, there’s the matter of which William and James Lewis this was. Benjamin had siblings of those names, so it could be them, but it’s also possible this was William Lewis (d 1811, wife Mourning Van Pelt) and his son James Lewis. If it is that William and James, then this is Cedar Creek in what is now Horry Co., SC, a little south of Nichols, SC, on the east side of Little Pee Dee River. The elder William (d 1811) was not the oldest William in the area in 1794, so could have been listed as Jr.

On 8 Apr 1795, Benjamin Lewis witnessed a deed from John Lewis Taylor, of Fayetteville, to John Williams, Esquire, of Chatham Co., NC and William Ashley for a slave named Hannah conveyed to Taylor and Jesse Jernigan. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book E, pp. 462-463.)

Upon first reading the above deed my assumption was that John Lewis Taylor might be a nephew or otherwise related to Benjamin and the Lewis family, thus the middle name. However, upon studying him, I found that his name is actually John Louis Taylor (1769-1829), and he is not related to the Lewis family at all as best as I can tell. He was a lawyer, judge, Legislator, and eventually the Chief Justice of North Carolina, thus quite a notable person. I believe the only reason he came into contact with Benjamin Lewis is because Benjamin was acquainted with Jesse Jernigan from whom he’d purchased land. Also, it seems that perhaps Benjamin Lewis was residing in Robeson at this time, or at least he appeared on several records there.

On 7 Mar 1796 a grant was issued to Benjamin Lewis for 385 acres on the north east side of Little Pee Dee and the south side of Cedar Creek joining land granted to James Stevens and land surveyed for William Lewis and James Lewis. The survey for the 385 acres was dated 29 Jul 1795. This is clearly adjoining the land mentioned in the 2 Oct 1794 entry above, which is present day Horry Co., SC, I believe.

On 22 Jul 1796 Benjamin Lewis and Ichabod Davis witnessed a deed from Charles Ivey to James Sugg for land in Robeson. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book F, pp. 175-176.)

On 21 Feb 1797, Benjamin Lewis and Charles Coffee witnessed a deed from George Miller to Charles Miller in Robeson Co., NC. It was proven in April 1797 court by Benjamin Lewis. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book G, p. 22)

On 2 Jun 1797 Benjamin Lewis and Charles Ivey, of Robeson, made a deed to Henry Pope of the same place for 50 pounds. They sold him land on W side of Flowers Swamp being a moiety (half) of 160 acres granted to John Lambert May 1760 beginning at upper corner of ... containing 60 acres. 38 acres joining the above ... W side Flowers Swamp ... Ivey’s upper corner ... granted to Stephen Glear 18 May 1789 and by him conveyed to Charles Ivey. Signed by Benjamin Lewis and Charles Ivey. Witnessed by J. Rhodes and J. Blount. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book L, pp. 109-110.)

On 11 Jul 1797, Benjamin Lewis and Charles Ivey, of Robeson Co., NC made a deed to Henry Pope of the same place for 80 pounds. They sold him 63 acres on the west side of Flowers Swamp, being the upper part of a 160 acre survey, and also 38 acres joining the above, which was part of a grant to Stephen Glare dated 18 May 1789, and also 26.8 acres joining the same, being part of a 100 acre grant to Stephen Glare, same date as the other. Benjamin Lewis and Charles Ivey signed the deed. Witnesses were J. Rhodes and W. Gibson. The deed was acknowledged in Oct 1797 court. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 300-301.)

It appears the above two deeds are for the same land, but they sold half in June, the other half in July?

I didn’t find when or where Benjamin Lewis and Charles Ivey purchased or otherwise acquired the above land. The first deed states it was conveyed to Charles Ivey by Stephen Glare (Glear), but how did Benjamin Lewis become involved? Why did he own it jointly with Charles Ivey? I didn’t find Charles Ivey on the 1790 census, but there were two of that name in Robeson on the 1800 census. I think that a Charles Ivey might have been a son-in-law of Ichabod Davis, though I’m not certain of that. As I noted earlier, Benjamin’s son James Lewis married one of Ichabod’s daughters (c1805).

Interestingly, Henry Pope sold some of the above land to Benjamin’s son James Lewis in 1806. I wonder if Henry Pope is related to the Lewises somehow?

I noticed that on 5 Aug 1795 Charles Ivey sold land David Howell. That deed was signed by Charles, and also by Edith Ivey (her mark), who I presume was Charles’s wife. Everett Lee and Nancy Lewis witnessed the deed. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book E, pp. 343-344.)

On 29 Sep 1797, Benjamin Lewis of Robeson made a deed to William Britt for 50 pounds for 135 acres on the south side of [illegible] Swamp, being part of a 500 acre grant to Benjamin Shelly. Benja. Lewis signed. Witnesses were Wm Hawthorne and Joseph Newbury. Benjamin Lewis acknowledged the deed in April 1798 court. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book H, p. 205-206.)

Benjamin Lewis was named in a Georgetown Dist., SC land grant dated 25 Jun 1798 to Robert Stevens for 500 acres described as on the north east side of Little Pee Dee in Cart Wheal and Mortar Bays, joining Samuel Floyd and land surveyed for Benjamin Lewis. I don’t believe Benjamin Lewis was residing there at the time though. This land is in north western Horry Co., SC about a mile below Floyds Crossroads.

On 1 Nov 1798, John Rawls of South Carolina made a deed to Benjamin Lewis of Robeson Co., NC for 100 pounds, he sold him 100 acres in Bladen on both sides of Gapway Swamp. John Rawls signed. Witnesses were Jesse Henson and Thomas N. Gunter. (Bladen Co., NC Deed Book 7, p. 349.)

Benjamin apparently moved to his newly acquired Bladen Co., NC land right away. Gapway Swamp is in present day Columbus Co., NC just below the town of Fair Bluff very near the Horry Co., SC line and not too far at all from the Robeson Co., NC border, so he didn’t move all that far. However, all these moves makes me think he had a little bit of his brother William Lewis’s nomadic spirit, though not quite as badly.

On 28 Jun1799, Benjamin Lewis witnessed a deed in Bladen Co., NC between Jacob Rhodes of Robeson to Nicholas Worley of Bladen. It was proven in court by Benjamin Lewis in Sep 1799. (Bladen Co., NC Deed Book G&K, pp. 281-282.)

The above Jacob Rhodes may be the same “J. Rhodes” who witnessed Benjamin’s 1797 deed in Robeson.

Benjamin is listed on the 1800 census in Bladen Co., NC. There were many other Lewises in Bladen, perhaps distantly related, but he wasn’t particularly near any of them. Avoritt Nichols was eight houses away. He was married to Mary Lewis daughter of William and Mourning of Horry Co., SC. Elias Nichols was even closer, just three houses away. He was married to Sarah Lewis, sister to Mary, thus all kinsmen to Benjamin Lewis. Benjamin’s “next door” neighbors in 1800 were Uriah Flowers and Robert Hooks.

1800 Census, Bladen Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

128

Benja. Lewis

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 45+ (before 1755) Benjamin Lewis (bef 1755)

2m 16-25 (1774/1784) 1. Son? (1774/1784) Samuel Lewis (c1780) son?

2. Son? (1774/1784) James Lewis (c1775/84) son?

3m 0-9 (1790/1800) 1. Son? (1790/1800)

2. Son? (1790/1800)

3. Son? (1790/1800)

1f (before 1755) Sarah (—) Lewis (bef 1755) wife

1f 16-25 (1774/1784) Daughter (1774/1784) * Not with him in 1790

1f 10-15 (1784/1790) Daughter? * Not with him in 1790

1f 0-9 (1790/1800) Daughter?

1 Slave ?

In 1804, another Benjamin Lewis (1755/58-1821) moved to Robeson Co., NC from Lenoir Co., NC (formerly Dobbs), thus there might be some confusion in the records after that. This other Benjamin, being from old Dobbs, could very easily be related. However, his life story as told by his son in an old letter strongly suggests he isn’t related to the other Lewises in the area thus the Dobbs Co., NC and Robeson Co., NC connections are just coincidences. The other Benjamin acquired extensive lands near Horse Swamp. Fortunately, our Benjamin Lewis didn’t reside in Robeson after this so there’s not much room for confusion.

On 2 Nov 1801, Jesse Barfield of Marion Dist., SC made a deed to Benjamin Lewis of Bladen Co., NC for 100 pounds, he sold him 200 acres which had been granted to Jacob Goodger Senr, on the south west side of Little Pee Dee River adjoining the river and on the head of the Back Swamp. There was also another tract containing 100 acres also on the south west side of Little Pee Dee, granted to James Smith 7 Jan 1788. A third tract was 200 acres also granted to James Smith described as beginning in the mouth of Wolftrap Branch. A fourth tract of 200 acres granted to John Ford joining the other lands in the deed granted to Ezra Pugh 4 Sep 1797. Jesse Barfield signed. Witnesses were Samuel Porter and Ann Porter. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book C, p. 105.)

On the same day (2 Nov 1801), Jesse Barfield made a second deed to Benjamin Lewis, this one for 50 pounds for 300 acres granted to James Smith on the north east side of Little Pee Dee across the upper end of Jacobs Sand Ridge and a corner agreed upon by James Smith and William Lewis ... mouth of Grassy Lake ... Same signature and witnesses as the prior deed. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book C, p. 106.)

Jesse Barfield was married to Jane Floyd, daughter of Francis Floyd of Horry Co., SC.

Benjamin Lewis soon moved to some of the South Carolina land purchased in 1801.

On 31 Dec 1802, Benjamin Lewis of Marion Dist., SC made a deed in Bladen (before it became Columbus) to Joel Faulk of Bladen Co., NC for $5, he sold him 15 acres on both sides of Gapway Swamp. Benja. Lewis signed. Witnesses were John Coleman and Richard Watts (his mark). (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 188-189.)

The section of Bladen County Benjamin had been residing in became Columbus County in 1808, which was after the above deed was made, but it was filed in Columbus.

On 22 Mar 1803, Benjamin Lewis of Marion Dist., SC made a deed to Berryman Watts of Bladen Co., NC for 200 silver dollars. He sold Watts his Gapway Swamp land described as 300 acres, 200 acres of it having been deeded to Lewis by Jacob Rhodes and the other 100 was the same land purchased in 1798. 15 acres was excepted as having already been sold. Benjamin Lewis signed. Witnesses were Richard Walls (his mark) and Willis Rawls. (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 433-434.)

On 23 Jan 1804, James Love of Marion Dist., SC, Ditcher, made a deed to Benjamin Lewis of the same place, for $100 for 200 acres being the lower part of a 400 acre survey for Lewis Harrelson. James Love signed with a mark. Witnesses were John Ford and John Cobbet. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book C, p. 104.)

On 22 Oct 1804, Benjamin Lewis, Samuel Foxworth, John Ford, Joseph Ford and Willis Rawls, as commissioners to divide the estate of Francis Floyd, deceased, made a deed dividing that land amongst his heirs in Horry Dist., SC. (Horry Co., SC Deed Book A1-67.)

Although Benjamin was a resident of Marion Dist., SC, not Horry, he lived close enough to the border that he does appear in some Horry records. Francis Floyd was the father-in-law of Jesse Barfield who sold Benjamin Lewis his Marion land.

On 12 Oct 1804, Benjamin Lewis, Samuel Garrell and Stephen M. Foxworth signed an Administration Bond for Benjamin Lewis to administer the estate of Elizabeth Garrell, deceased. (Horry Co., SC Bonds 1803-1818.)

On 29 Dec 1804, George Ford and wife Milly Ford made a deed to James Lewis for 100 acres south side of Little Pee Dee. Witnesses were Benjamin Lewis, Jonathan Lewis. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book F, p. 360.)

James and Jonathan Lewis were sons of William and Mourning Lewis of Horry.

On 9 Dec 1805 Benjamin Lewis was granted Letters of Administration for the estate of Ezekiel Adams, deceased.

On 8 Feb 1806 James Lewis of Robeson made a deed to Jesse Lee of same for 60 pounds ... W sd Flowers Swamp ... Big Branch ... said Lee’s line ... 42a. Signed by James Lewis. Witnessed by Benja Lewis and Ichabud Davis (his mark). (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book O., pp. 184-185.)

The above is Benjamin Lewis witnessing a deed of his son James Lewis (c1784-1829). Ichabod Davis was James’s father-in-law, and as noted earlier, associated with Benjamin when he lived in Robeson.

On 2 May 1806, Benjamin Lewis was one of several named as Executors for the Will of Lewis Harrelson of Marion Dist., SC. The full list: Jesse Bethea, George Ford, Benjamin Lewis, and James Ford.

On 8 Jan 1807, a Horry Co., SC Deed shows there was another Benjamin Lewis in the area, but that one was a minor and had a middle name, presumably to distinguish himself from our Benjamin (1755). On the date mentioned, Israel Tompkins of Horry, for $20 paid by Zachary Lewis for Benjamin Asbury Lewis, minor, sold him 80 acres. Signed by Israel Tompkins, witnessed by Josiah Lewis and John Mishoe. Sarah Tompkins, wife of Israel, relinquished her rights to the land. (Horry Co., SC Deed Book A1, p. 308.)

Another deed on the same date from William Rabon to Benjamin A. Lewis states that Benjamin A. Lewis is a son of Zachariah Lewis. (Horry Co., SC Deed Book A1, p. 308.) Zachariah Lewis (1755/65) is a son of Hanson Lewis of Bladen Co., NC per other researchers. I haven’t confirmed that. They are probably related to Benjamin (bef 1755) but not closely as far as I can tell.

On 14 Mar 1807 Benjamin Lewis of Marion Dist., SC made a deed to Samuel Lewis of Marion Dist., SC for 100 pounds. He sold him 200 acres granted to Jacob Goodger Senior on south west side of Little Pee Dee joining the river and head of Back Swamp and a second tract containing 100 acres on south west side of the river also a third tract containing 200 acres ... Wolf Trap ... a fourth tract of 200 acres granted to John Ford ... (these are the same tracts purchased in 1801 from Jesse Barfield). Benj. Lewis signed. Witnesses were Daniel Brown and Joel Lewis.

(Marion Co., SC Deed Book C, pp. 386-387.)

Joel Lewis is a son of William and Mourning Lewis. Samuel Lewis might be Benjamin’s son? Samuel was in Beaufort Dist., SC by 1821 when he sold this land. Samuel became a very wealthy plantation owner in Beaufort judging by the number of slaves he had per the census records.

On 29 Feb 1808 Benjamin Lewis of Marion Dist., SC made a deed to Moses Smith $100 for 200 acres ... Signed by Benja. Lewis. Witnessed by Joel Lewis, William Pouns, and Wm Maniel (his mark). On 23 Mar 1808, Sary Lewis wife of Benjamin Lewis relinquished her dower rights to the land. She signed with a mark. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book F, p. 241.)

The above was the earliest record I found naming Benjamin’s wife. There’s no way to know without other records if she was his first wife or not.

Benjamin Lewis is listed on the 1810 census in Marion Dist., SC. His “next door” neighbors were Andrew Johnson and William Allen Junr.

1810 Census, Marion Dist., SC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

84A/13

Benjamin Lewis

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 45+ (before 1765) Benjamin Lewis (bef 1755)

2m 16-25 (1784/1794) 1. Son? (1790/1800)

2. Son? (1790/1800)

1m 0-9 (1800/1810) Son?

1f (before 1765) Sarah (—) Lewis (bef 1755) wife

1f 10-15 (1794/1800) Daughter?

1 Slave ?

On 22 Feb 1811, William Lewis (Benjamin’s brother) and Benjamin Lewis made an agreement with Solomon Rouse to purchase the estate of Starling Powell. William and Benjamin signed. Solomon Rouse made his mark. Witnesses were Lewis Rouse and Hanney? Rouse. (Duplin Co., NC Court Minutes 1804-1816.)

See the deeds below dated 1813 and 1815 for what this was about. Note that this was filed in Duplin Co., NC, but it’s definitely the same Benjamin Lewis we are studying here as those later records will prove. Starling Powell had land in multiple counties, thus left quite an estate.

On 14 May 1811, William Lewis (Benjamin’s cousin) made his Will in Horry Dist., SC, naming his wife Mourning and numerous children and some grandchildren. Witnesses were Samuel Garrell, Benj. Lewis, and Cathron Garrell.

William Lewis and Benjamin are probably 1^st cousins, though their exact connection hasn’t been proven.

On 1 Jan 1812 John Newsom of Robeson Co., NC made a deed to Samuel Lewis of Marion Dist., SC for $580, 1000 acres in sundry survey both sides of Little Pee Dee agreeable to two deeds conveyed by Benjamin Lewis and Samuel Lewis Oct 1807 which will more fully appear by deeds from Jesse Barfield to Benjamin Lewis. Signed by John Newsom. Witnessed by Benjamin Lewis, Treasue Newsom. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book F, p. 131.)

This is Benjamin’s son Samuel, not to be confused with Samuel “Sr” of neighboring Horry Dist., SC.

On 17 Oct 1813, William Lewis of Duplin Co., NC made a deed with John Lewis of Robeson Co., NC (his brother) for “certain rights.” He released his claims to a certain tract of land from Thomas, Douglas and Nicholas Powell, heirs of Starling Powell deceased, who had deeded the land to William and Benjamin Lewis. It’s interesting how William’s relinquishment of his right to the land precedes the actual deed by 2 years. That probably means the deed was made orally before ever being written down. (See below for the deed in question which was filed in Robeson County.) William Lewis signed the above deed. Witnesses were John Beck and Thomas Barfield. (Duplin Co., NC Deed Book 4A, pp. 411-412.)

The above are brothers William (1761), Benjamin (bef 1755) and John.

On 19 Jul 1814, Joseph Ford and Ann Ford of Marion Dist., SC, made a deed to Richard Grantham of Robeson Co., NC for land in Marion District. Witnesses were Benjn. Lewis, James Lewis, Joel Lewis. Benjamin Lewis proved the deed in court on 29 Jul 1815. Milly Ford, wife of Joseph relinquished her dower rights. Apparently Ann Ford wasn’t his wife. Mother or sister perhaps? (Marion Co., SC Deed Book F., pp. 335-337.)

On 5 May 1815, Douglas Powell, Thomas Powell, and Nicholas Powell made a deed to Benjamin Lewis & William Lewis for $100 each to us ... property both real and personal belonging to our brother Starling Powell deceased ... that fell to us ... (no land description at all). The deed was signed by N. Powell, Douglas Powell (his mark) and Thomas Powell (his mark). Witnesses were B. Lee, Elijah Lee, and Robert Powell. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book R, p. 222)

Douglas Powell was the father of Zilpha Powell, wife of John Lewis (Benjamin’s nephew).

On 20 May 1815, John Lewis of Robeson Co., NC and Benjamin Lewis of Marion Dist., SC, sold land to Solomon Rouse of Duplin. The land was described as on the North Side of Goshen Swamp. It mentions that it was deeded to William and Benjamin and that William had sold his rights to John. The deed was signed by John Lewis and Benjamin Lewis. Witnesses were Lewis Rouse and Solomon Barfield. (Duplin Co., NC Deed Book 4A, pp. 410-411.)

I do not believe that Benjamin Lewis ever lived in Duplin. I believe the above deeds had to do with either settling a debt or making a bond related to a court case involving his brother William Lewis (1761-1841) who did live in that area at the time. Starling Powell, whose estate it was, had died leaving no wife or children, so he left everything to his siblings and their children, thus it made for a very large estate. As noted earlier, Benjamin’s nephew John Lewis was married to Zilpha Powell, daughter of Douglas Powell, who was a brother of Starling Powell, thus the Lewis connection.

On 19 Apr 1816 James Lewis of Marion made a deed to Isaac Lewis for land inherited from their father William Lewis (d 1811). Witnesses were Elisha Lewis, Benjamin Lewis. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book F, p. 453.)

James, Isaac and Elisha are sons of William Lewis (d 1811) and Mourning of Horry.

On 19 Sep 1816 Isom Pounds of Marion Dist., SC made a deed to Samuel Lewis for $65, for 80 acres on Bushy Bay, half of a 160 acre grant to Moses Smith. Isom Pounds signed. Witnesses were Moses Smith and Benjamin Lewis. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book F, p. 416.)

I believe the above Samuel Lewis is Benjamin’s son.

Benjamin Lewis is listed on the 1820 census in Marion Dist., SC. Unfortunately this one is alphabetical.

1820 Census, Marion Dist., SC

Page

Name

Benjamin Louis

Slaves=1000-0000

On 27 Jun 1820 Benjamin Lewis and James Galivant witnessed a deed from Isaac Lewis to Samuel Johnson. Benjamin Lewis proved the deed in court on 3 Aug 1820. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book I., pp. 281-283.)

Isaac Lewis is a son of William and Mourning Lewis. Samuel Johnson (c1775/80-aft 1832) is my distant uncle, but not related to the Lewis family as far as I’m aware.

I didn’t find Benjamin Lewis after the 1820 census or after proving a deed in court 3 Aug 1820. He may have died shortly thereafter, perhaps in Marion Dist., SC, or perhaps he, like many others from that area, moved “west” to Alabama or Mississippi and died there. He was already at least 65 by 1820, but he certainly could have been healthy enough to make such a move, but I have no idea if he did or not.

Benjamin Lewis is mentioned in a Marion Co., SC deed dated 12 Apr 1821 when Samuel Lewis of Beaufort Dist, SC, sold land to Moses Hill of Robeson Co., NC for $1000, being all the same tracts Benjamin Lewis sold him in 1807. Samuel Lewis signed. His wife Sarah Lewis relinquished her rights (signed with a mark). Witnesses were William H. Herring and John Page. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book K, pp. 69-70.)

The above deed only mentions Benjamin, so it’s no help determining whether he was still living at that time. This Samuel Lewis is Benjamin’s son, I believe.

Benjamin Lewis had much land in his time, but I think he sold it all before he died, thus I didn’t find any estate record or other records showing his heirs or administrators selling it off.

Samuel Lewis, suspected son of Benjamin, was in Beaufort Dist., SC in 1820 and 1830. In 1830 he had an older man with him born in the 1750s. I wonder if that is Benjamin? If so, he moved to Beaufort in the 1820s to live with his son Samuel. Of course I can’t prove this is Benjamin residing with Samuel, but it certainly could be him.

There is also a Benjamin Lewis listed on the 1830 census in Beaufort, next to Samuel, however, it’s an alphabetical listing, so that doesn’t mean they were neighbors. They are in the same parish though (Prince William). That Benjamin was born in the 1760s and hadn’t been in Beaufort prior to that. Who is he? He’s too young to be our Benjamin, and too old to be one of his sons. Of course his age could be off on this census record. His wife was born in the 1770s per her age on this census.

There is also a Mrs. Henry Lewis (1780s) in 1830 Beaufort with Samuel and Benjamin. She’s a widow, but who was Henry? There is a Henry from Marion Dist., son of James (d 1816), son of William and Mourning, of whom Benjamin was closely associated. Is this that Henry’s widow?

In 1840 Samuel Lewis had no “extra” people with him in his household, so whoever that was with him in 1830 had died or was living elsewhere by then. Benjamin from 1830 Beaufort was no longer there in 1840, but there was a Mrs. Lewis (1770s) and a Mrs. E. Lewis (1790s) in the same parish, neither listed near Samuel.

By 1850 there is a widow Sarah Lewis, 77 (c1773) in Beaufort with daughter Rebecca 27 (c1823), Sarah listed as a Pauper. There’s another Sarah Lewis, 81 (c1769 NC). Could that older Sarah (c1769) be our Benjamin’s widow? The name is certainly right, and our Sarah would likely have been born in North Carolina, but our Sarah would likely have been older than that unless not Benjamin’s first wife. Here is that listing. Keep in mind this might not be our Benjamin’s widow Sarah at all.

1850 Census, Beaufort Dist., SC, Prince William Parish, House 186, Family 186

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Sarah Lewis	81	F				NC
Jane	17	F				GA
Fanny Fitts	31	F				GA
Catharine	5	F				GA

Sarah’s next door neighbor in 1850 appears to also be a widow Lewis, all born in Georgia, so that’s a clue for further research. That one of her children is named Benjamin is promising, but it is a common name so it doesn’t prove a connection to our Benjamin.

1850 Census, Beaufort Dist., SC, Prince William Parish, House 185, Family 185

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Massey Lewis	41	F				GA
John	12	M
William	8	M
Benjamin	6	M
Amanda	10/12	F

I would think that Benjamin’s wife Sarah would have even older than 81 in 1850, but it’s possible Sarah wasn’t his first wife. It’s also possible this isn’t Benjamin’s widow at all.

Let’s back up to that 1840 entry for Mrs. Lewis, and see if it could be Sarah from 1850:

1840 Census, Beaufort Dist., SC

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

102

Mrs. Lewis

It’s not a perfect fit, but it could be her.

Moving to 1860, Massey is still in Beaufort, though listed with a different spelling. With her is Elizabeth Lewis, 90, born NC. Is Elizabeth from 1860 and Sarah from 1850 the same person, i.e. “Sarah Elizabeth?” Possible, but it was rare for anyone of her generation to have two names, though it did happen. I think there are only two possible explanations. Her name is wrong on one of these censuses, but which one? Or, Sarah of 1850 and Elizabeth of 1860 are two different people, but obviously connected. A third option is it is indeed the same woman and she has two names.

1860 Census, Beaufort Dist., SC, Prince William Parish, Whippy Swamp PO, House 198, Family 210

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
Marcia? Lewis	40	F		Planter		50	GA
John	22	M		Farm Laborer	400	100	SC
William H.	20	M		Laborer		50	SC
Benjamin F.	15	M		Farm Laborer			SC
Amanda	10	F					SC
Elizabeth Lewis	90	F		[Pauper]		25	NC

I would normally say that more research might help solve when and where Benjamin Lewis died, and whether or not this widow Sarah Lewis in Beaufort Dist., SC is his widow or not. However, due to the massive loss of Beaufort records in the Civil War, we may never find the answer.

Children

The 1790 through 1820 census records suggest that Benjamin and wife had several children, at least nine of them. Unfortunately I’ve not found a Will, probate or any other record that proves any of them. Samuel Lewis and James Lewis are the only ones I strongly suspect, plus perhaps a Benjamin Lewis (Jr) who wound up with Samuel in Beaufort Dist., SC, though in his case I only have his name.

Undocumented trees include a list of children for Benjamin, none of which I’ve seen proof for, nor any circumstantial evidence (yet). One of those is a Benjamin (Jr) who was in nearby Darlington Dist., SC, however, that Benjamin isn’t part of this family.

1. Unidentified Son (1774/1790). Home in 1790 aged under 16 (1774/1790), gone by 1800.

2. Unidentified Son (1774/1784). Home in 1790 aged under 16 (1774/1790), age 16-25 in 1800 (1774/1784), gone by 1810. This is *probably* Samuel Lewis (c1780) who Benjamin deeded land to in 1807. He moved to Beaufort Dist., SC by 1820 and became quite a wealthy plantation owner there. His wife in 1821 was Sarah, but by the 1850 census his wife was Deborah (born c1800). Samuel is on the 1820, 1830, 1840 and 1850 censuses in Beaufort Dist., SC. Unfortunately, most Beaufort County records were lost during the Civil War, so I can’t confirm anything about this Samuel Lewis there. There is one record in Marion Dist., SC dated 1821 wherein Samuel and wife of Beaufort sold the land that Benjamin Lewis had sold him, thus proving that it is the same Samuel in both places.

3. Unidentified Son (1774/1784). Home in 1790 aged under 16 (1774/1790), age 16-25 in 1800 (1774/1784), gone by 1810. This is *probably* James Lewis (1775/1784) who married Lucretia Davis ca 1805 in Robeson. I suspect him as Benjamin’s son for four main reasons. One, he fits, and two, Benjamin witnessed his first deed selling land in 1806, three, Benjamin was associated with James’s father-in-law Ichabod Davis, and four, James is clearly related to this set of Lewises, but doesn’t fit well into the families of any of Benjamin’s siblings. It’s compelling circumstantial evidence in my opinion.

4. Unidentified Daughter (1784/1790) Not home in 1790. Home in 1800 aged 10-15 (1784/1790), gone by 1810.

5. Unidentified Son (1790/1800). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800), gone by 1810.

6. Unidentified Daughter (1794/1800). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800), age 10-15 in 1810 (1794/1800), age 16-25 in 1820 (1794/1804).

7. Unidentified Son (1790/1794). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800), age 16-25 in 1810 (1784/1794), gone by 1820.

8. Unidentified Son (1790/1794). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800), age 16-25 in 1810 (1784/1794), age 26-44 in 1820 (1775/1794).

9. Unidentified Son (1800/1804). Home in 1810 aged under 10 (1800/1810), age 16-25 in 1820 (1794/1804).

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Benjamin and Sarah (—) Lewis.

Revised: May 30, 2026

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