Marty and Karla Grant
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Jacob Lewis (bef 1740-aft 1780) and Penelope Walston of New Hanover Co., NC (now Pender Co., NC)
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Visit my Jacob Lewis Differentiation page for a list of the various men named Jacob Lewis in eastern NC. This should help sort them out.
Jacob Lewis was born before ca 1740. I base this on him making a land entry in 1761 and assuming he was at least 21 then. I think there’s a reasonable chance this is the very same Jacob Lewis (c1720/34) from neighboring Onslow Co., NC, last found there in 1755, a proven son of Anthony Lewis and Elizabeth of Bertie Co., NC and Onslow Co., NC. See that Jacob’s page for information on him.
Jacob Lewis is not on the 1755 tax list for New Hanover. The only Lewis listed therein was a Samuel Lewis.
On 20 Oct 1761, Jacob Lewis entered 100 acres of land in New Hanover Co., NC, described as on the east side of Black River, opposite William Howard’s, including Mathew Brinson’s improvement. The survey was dated 12 Dec 1762 which mentioned it was nigh (near) Doctor Howard’s corner. Chain bearers were William Ronalds and Jacob Lewis himself. The land was granted to Jacob on 22 Apr 1763.
The above land is north west of Wilmington in what is now Pender Co., NC. The Black River begins in Sampson Co., NC at the junction of Six Runs Creek and Great Coharie Creek. It then flows generally south easterly for many miles eventually becoming the Sampson / Bladen county line for a short distance, then the Pender / Bladen line, then it’s entirely in Pender County for the rest of it’s length until it joins the Cape Fear River at the Brunswick County line very near the New Hanover county line. I believe that Jacob’s land was in the general vicinity of the present community of Montague, or rather just west of there. I’m not entirely sure of that though.
I would assume that Jacob Lewis married around this time to Penelope, maiden name unknown. In a deed dated 1780 he refers to her as Penelope Lewis otherwise Walston, which suggests Walston was her maiden name. On the other hand in the deed he is basically disowning her and all their children so perhaps this wasn’t her maiden name but the name of the man he was accusing of being the father of the children instead of himself. (See below for more on that).
I found no Walston records in New Hanover County in the 1700s except in regards to the 1780 deed from Jacob Lewis I just mentioned. If this was Penelope’s maiden name, he probably didn’t marry her in New Hanover County. I didn’t find any Walston records in neighboring Onslow either.
There were plenty of Walston records in Chowan Co., NC (1710s and 1720s) and in Bertie Co., NC 1720s through 1750s and later. If Penelope’s maiden name is Walston, then perhaps Jacob married her in Chowan or Bertie. If so, that may mean he’s part of the Lewis family there. There were at least two known Jacob Lewises in that county, one who born ca 1682, died in Onslow Co., NC in 1744, and a younger one, who was there in the 1750s and gone after that. I think the younger one is the same Jacob who appeared in Dobbs Co., NC in the late 1750s because others of the same family from Bertie made that move, but I could be wrong and it could be this Jacob of New Hanover who was in Bertie in the 1750s. Of course there could be two Jacob’s of similar age, cousins to each other.
The only (other) Lewis / Walston connection I’m aware of is a deed dated 14 Feb 1738 from Phillip Walston of Bertie Co., NC to Benjamin Lewis of the same place. Walston sold Lewis 100 acres on the south side of Rockquist Swamp. Deed was signed by Phillip Walston via his mark, a “P” and witnessed by Thomas Whitnell and Phill Walston. (Bertie Co., NC Deed Book E, pp. 392-393.)
The above Benjamin Lewis (c1700-aft 1748) is a son of Richard Lewis who died in 1719 in Chowan Co., NC. In 1748, Benjamin Lewis of Tyrrell Co., NC sold that same land back to Phillip Walston, or more likely it was to Phillip Jr. (Bertie Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 164-165).
The above might be significant because of two things. One, Jacob Lewis of New Hanover has a son named Richard Lewis and a likely brother of the same name. This would suggest that perhaps Richard is Jacob’s grandfather and that perhaps Benjamin Lewis was Jacob’s father, or somehow related to him. Also, if Penelope’s maiden name is Walston, Phillip Walston could be her father, grandfather, uncle or somehow closely related. Phillip Sr made a deed in 1741 (in lieu of a Will) naming his sons and daughters and some grandchildren, but alas, no Penelope was named.
Thus, for lack of other evidence at the moment, I’d suggest that Jacob Lewis is possibly a grandson of Richard and Elizabeth Lewis of Chowan Co., NC. Richard left a Will in 1719 naming sons John, Benjamin and William, and daughter Jean and daughter Hudson (probably her married surname?). Benjamin would be my leading candidate for Jacob’s father at this point, but only because of his association with Phillip Walston. Obviously more evidence is needed to connect Jacob to Benjamin.
Jacob Lewis was on the 1762 New Hanover Co., NC tax list, in fact the only Lewis listed.
Jacob Lewis was on the 1763 New Hanover Co., NC tax list, again the only Lewis listed.
Jacob Lewis was on the 1765 New Hanover Co., NC tax list, as before the only Lewis.
In 1767, Jacob was once again the only Lewis on the tax list in New Hanover.
On 26 Apr 1768, Richard Lewis entered land in New Hanover Co., NC described as 100 acres. It was surveyed on 18 Jan 1769 with Jacob Lewis and Titus Howard as chain bearers. The land was described as on east ridge of Black River, including Turnabout Bluff between the lines of Jacob Lewis and Denson Ashburn.
This Richard Lewis might be a brother of Jacob. It can’t be his son as he was probably an infant at this time.
On 1 Jan 1769, Jacob Lewis of New Hanover Co., NC made a deed to “my wife” Penelope and her three children, Sarah and Richard and Jacob Lewis. He signed the deed (no mark). Witnesses were Titus Howard and William Howard. (New Hanover Co., NC Deed Book F, p. 38.)
The above deed proves the name of Jacob’s wife and also three of their children, all of whom were quite young at this time, I believe.
I should note that Titus Howard and Dr. Joseph Howard were residents of Bladen Co., NC in 1767.
On 11 Jul 1773, Jacob Lewis entered 200 acres of land in New Hanover in the fork of Panther Branch on the east side of Black River near his own land. It was surveyed 20 May 1773(?). The survey had more description, including “end of Bear Hill” and the “edge of the Bay” and the corner of the land he lives on. Chain Bearers were Denson Asheburn and Jacob Lewis himself. The land was granted on 22 Jul 1774.
On 3 Apr 1780, Jacob Lewis made a very curious deed to his wife and children in which he gave them just about everything he had, but at the same time disowned them, though not in those exact words. Jacob Lewis of New Hanover and Penelope Lewis otherwise Walston, Richard, Jacob, Alisabeth, Malachiah & Obedience Lewis otherwise Walstons, sons and daughters of the said Penelope and rejected sons and daughters of the said Jacob.
being of perfect mind and with fraud or deceipt for divers good causes and considerations him thereunto moving and for the farther consideration of twenty pounds lawful money unto the said Jacob Lewis in hand paid ...
... all the singular the Negroes, Horses, Chattles goods implements debts bills bonds specialities sums of money and other things whatsoever which the said Jacob Lewis is now possessed off in whose hands ...
also 200 acres near Denson Ashburns land on the east side of Black River ... unto the said Malachiah for ten pounds ... [it seems only Malachiah got this land?]
He signed as Jacob Lewis. There were no witnesses. He acknowledged it in court himself. The deed was registered 14 Apr 1780. (New Hanover Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 330-332.)
It would appear from the wording of the deed that Jacob thought Penelope had been unfaithful and that none of those children listed were actually his, thus he referred to them via her maiden name. Or this might be a subtle way of pointing out he and Penelope never legally married if that is actually the case? I don’t know what he was saying exactly. Regardless, Penelope and those children continued using Lewis as their surname on the records I’ve found after this.
I’m not certain, but I believe that Jacob Lewis either died right after making that deed or moved away. There are records in the name of Jacob Lewis after that, but I think they’re all for his son, and since he isn’t listed as “Junr” or “Senr” or anything like that, it would appear he was the only adult Jacob Lewis in the area from then on, thus no need for a suffix.
On 23 Nov 1785, Samuel Buxton made a deed to James Smith for land on the east side of Black River. Jacob Lewis and Abraham Lewis witnessed. It was proven by Jacob Lewis in Oct 1788 court. (New Hanover Co., NC Deed Book I, pp. 65-66.)
Who is Abraham Lewis? I should note that Jacob Lewis (c1720/34-aft 1755), proven son of Anthony Lewis of Chowan, Bertie and Onslow, had a proven brother named Abraham Lewis, last found in Onslow records in 1762. Could this be him? Or is this Abraham a younger man, perhaps a son of Jacob that he didn’t disown? Another explanation is that this Abraham is a nephew of Jacob’s.
On 1 Nov 1789, Jacob Lewis of New Hanover, Planter, made a deed to Richard Lewis my brother who was described as being a minor or under age. The deed was for love and affection, thus a deed of gift. He deeded him a moiety (usually means half) of a 200 acre tract. He signed as Jacob Lewis. Witnesses were Samuel Buxton and James Smith. (New Hanover Co., NC Deed Book K, p. 222.)
The above deed is of great interest. If this is Jacob (Sr), then how does he have a brother named Richard who is under 21? That means born ca 1769 or more recently. That’s a huge age difference with Jacob himself. That would mean Jacob’s father was still alive as late as 1769 and still having children undoubtedly with a second wife. Since I don’t know who Jacob’s parents were, I can’t confirm or refute this notion. Alternately, this could be Jacob (Jr), son of Jacob and Penelope, who did indeed have a brother named Richard as proven by a 1769 deed and the one from 1780. However, that Richard was born before 1 Jan 1769 per a deed of gift from his father on that date, so could have been just a few months old at that time, thus only about 20 in November 1789. It does work, so this deed in 1789 would have to be Jacob Jr giving his younger brother Richard his share of the land Jacob Sr gave them in 1780.
Jacob Lewis, only one of them, is listed on the 1790 census in New Hanover Co., NC. Penelope was listed in her own household, not listed very nearby.
At first I assumed this entry was for Jacob Sr, but I’m convinced now it is actually Jacob Jr, now married with a small family.
1790 Census - New Hanover Co., NC
Page |
Name |
Males 16+ |
Males under 16 |
Females |
Others |
Slaves |
54 |
Penelope Lewis |
1 |
3 |
2 |
~ |
~ |
61 |
Jacob Lewis |
1 |
~ |
2 |
~ |
~ |
On 20 Mar 1791, Penelope Lewis and Jacob Lewis made a deed to James Smyth for 200 pounds for 100 acres, being a moiety of a 200 acre tract. She signed with a mark. Jacob Lewis signed. Witnesses were Samuel Buxton and Hapcebeth Lewis. (New Hanover Co., NC Deed Book K, pp. 301-302.)
The deed above is clearly Jacob Jr, and not Jacob Sr, for if Sr he would have been listed before Penelope instead of after. I wonder if Hapcebeth Lewis (perhaps Hepsabeth) is Jacob’s wife?
On 31 May 1794, Jacob Lewis made a land entry for 150 acres on the west side of Widow Moore’s Creek. I believe this is Jacob Jr due to a reference of the land bordering “Widow Lewis” which is likely Penelope. The land warrant reduced the amount to 70 acres, probably due to prior claims, and further described it as bounding Frederick Ward, Archibald Cook and Archibald Murphy. The survey, dated 10 Apr 1794, had it up to 100 acres, describing the land as on the west side of Widow Moore’s creek below the mouth of Bull Branch and mentions Hardy Malpass’s ford, the widow Lewis’s corner, Long’s line and Murphy’s corner. Chain bearers were Mallakiah Lewis and Jacob Lewis. It was granted on 15 Dec 1794.
As noted, I believe the above is Jacob Lewis Jr and that Sr was dead by this time.
On 3 Jul 1795, The North Carolina Gazette reported that Jacob Lewis had been murdered by a band of runaway slaves and a reward was offered for those responsible. The 10 Jul 1795 edition reported:
Will, another of the outlaws, belonging to Mr. Brice, was also brought in, tried, and found guilty, on the clearest evidence , of having held Jacob Lewis, whilst another of this gang of desperadoes shot him. — He was executed at Gallows Hill, on Wednesday. Pickle, belonging to Alexander Duncan Moore, esq., although not outlawed, has been lodged in gaol, charged with having acted as a guide to the murders of Jacob Lewis, when they went upon that sanguinary exploit.
The murder was also mentioned in the 16 Jul 1795 issue of The State Gazette of North Carolina.
I didn’t find the actual date of the murder listed, though it was sometime before 3 Jul 1795.
There is an estate file for Jacob Lewis in New Hanover Co., NC dated 1795. I’m reasonably sure this is for Jacob Jr and that Sr had been dead for some time already. Other researchers have concluded (wrongly in my opinion) that it was Jacob Sr who was murdered.
The oldest document listed was from 6 Feb 1794 which appears to be a Sheriff’s summons to Jacob Lewis and James Smith to levy property apparently owed because of a law suit of Finley Murphy vs. Lewis & Smith. This document does not state that Jacob Lewis was deceased at that time. On that back it is written that the order was executed, but “no chattels to be found” but 35 acres was levied, the land described as on the east side of Moores Creek adjoining Bryan Buxton and Jesse Rookes?
On 22 Sep 1795, Jesse Rooks obtained an administration bond to administer the estate of Jacob Lewis, deceased. Miles Rooks was bondsman. This shows that Jacob Lewis apparently died between 6 Feb 1794 and 22 Sep 1795.
The next document is dated 2 Dec 1795 being a receipt from Jesey Rucks the administrator of Jacob Lewis Decd, for property seized on behalf of Frederick Simpson.
An estate sale dated 16 Apr 1796 includes Penelope Lewis among the purchasers, the only Lewis listed.
Another document is dated 13 May 1797. It mentions that James Smith was the guardian of Drusilay Lewis “the heir of the said aforesaid intestate.” This is more evidence, I believe, that this is Jacob Jr and not Jacob Sr, for Jacob Sr would not have had a minor heir at his death if in the early 1790s.
Another document uses the same grammar, referring to James Smith as the guardian to the heir of Jacob Lewis. Note that it is singular, as in he has only one heir. This could mean that his wife also died.
A 1769 deed and a 1780 deed together prove six children for Jacob and Penelope, even though he disowned five of them in that 1780 deed.
∙ Sarah Lewis, born before 1 Jan 1769, named in that deed, but not the 1780 deed. Perhaps dead by then.
∙ Jacob Lewis (Jr), born before 1 Jan 1769, named in that deed, and in the 1780 deed. He was murdered ca July 1795 leaving a widow and one daughter (Drucilla).
∙ Richard Lewis, born ca late 1768 since still a minor in Nov 1789. Named in the 1769 deed and the 1780 deed. He died in 1791. His mother Penelope was administrator of his estate. I don’t believe he was married and was no older than about 22 then.
∙ Elizabeth Lewis, born after 1 Jan 1769 since not named in that deed. She was named in the 1780 deed as Alisabeth, which I assume is just a misspelled Elizabeth.
∙ Malachi Lewis, born after 1 Jan 1769 since not named in that deed. He was named in the 1780 deed. I last found him in 1794 in New Hanover Co., NC. I found a potential match for him on 1820 and 1830 censuses in Stewart Co., TN. I don’t have any proof that it’s the same man, but the name matches and the age is compatible (born ca 1775/80).
∙ Obedience Lewis, born after 1 Jan 1769 since not named in that deed. She was named in the 1780 deed.
For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Jacob Lewis.
Revised: May 6, 2026
Copyright © 1996-2026 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
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