Marty and Karla Grant


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James Lewis (c1772-1855) and Edith Walters of Dobbs, Glasgow, Greene and Robeson Co., NC


[Lewis Home] - [Table of Contents] - James Lewis d 1855 (wife Edith Walters)


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


This James Lewis is my 1st cousin, 6 times removed if I have everything figured out correctly.


James Lewis was born ca 1771/72 per his age on the 1850 census (78). I’ve seen online trees with a birth date of 26 Nov 1772 for him which could be accurate, but I don’t know where it comes from. There is a modern tombstone for him with this birth date, but that was probably placed more than a century after his death and can’t be considered primary evidence unless the original source for it is known.


The 1850 census shows him born in Robeson Co., NC, which is probably wrong. It’s far more likely he was born in Dobbs Co., NC in the section that later became Glasgow (1791) and finally Greene (1799), unless I’m wrong about who his parents are.


Online trees list him as a son of John Lewis (1750-1842). See John’s page why I believe that is impossible and that the aforementioned John is actually a brother of James (1772). I believe James (1772) is a son of the older James Lewis (bef 1748-1802) and Elizabeth (—). I’ve seen no direct proof of this, but James (1772) was associated with James (1748) and with the elder James’s proven son Richard in various Robeson county records suggesting a close connection.


James would have been about 18 by the time of the 1790 census, certainly old enough to be listed as a head of household. His father was in Robeson then, but had no sons this age living with him. At 18 James (Jr) could have been living with another family. There was a James Lewis still in Dobbs Co., NC in 1790, but he seems to be a bit older than this James as his family seems to consist of a him, a son, a wife and two daughters. That’s probably too many for an 18 year old to have, then again those other people with him could be brothers and sisters who hadn’t made the move to Robeson yet. We do know other members of this Lewis family were still in Dobbs in 1790, including Stephen and his son Cader who were listed right by this James Lewis.


1790 Census, Dobbs Co., NC

Page

Name

Males 16+

Males under 16

Females

Others

Slaves

461

James Lewis

1

1

3

~

~

Keep in mind the above James might be someone else entirely.


James Lewis married Edith Walters before ca 1795. Online trees show a marriage date of 10 Jan 1795 in Robeson Co., NC. Like his birth date, I don’t know where this date comes from, so can it be considered accurate? It does fit rather well, but it would be nice to know the source for it. Their first child was born 11 months later in December 1795, so that works with that marriage date.


Edith was born 30 May 1780 per those same undocumented trees. All those dates suggest someone had a Family Bible record at some point for this family. Her census entries:

∙           1800 census aged 16-25 (1774/1784)

∙           1810 census aged 26-44 (1765/1784)

∙           1820 census aged 26-44 (1775/1794)

∙           1830 census age 50-59 (1770/1780)

∙           1840 census age 60-69 (1770/1780).


Using only the census records above we can conclude she was born ca 1775/1780, which works with the 30 May 1780 birth date. I’m not sure where she was born. Her brother William, one year younger than she, was born in Greene Co., NC per his 1850 census entry, which suggests she was as well, though of course in 1780 it was still Dobbs Co., NC.


I should note that her surname, Walters, is listed on some records as Walterer, and on others as Waters, Watters or other variations or misspellings.


Edith is a proven child of William and Celia (Dawson) Walters as named in William’s 1829 Will in which he mentioned children: Eadith Lewis, Easter Grimsley, Sealah Perese and Elnora Lowe (spelled Elema Loe in Will) as well as wife “Sealy.” In another section he names sons Joseph Walters, Briant Walters, Dawson Walters and Thomas Walters. He names son William Walters Junr and James Walters as Executors. The Will was proven Fall Term 1830.


On 5 Jul 1792 John Cade made a deed to James Lewis Junr for 30 lbs, 200a ... granted to John Cade 10 Dec 1790 ... W sd Indian Swamp ... Grimsleys back ... Marsh Branch ... Signed by John Cade. Witnessed by James Cade, Joshua Worsham. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book C., pp. 115-117.)


The above is the first record I found for James (Jr) in Robeson. He would have been 20 at the time, if born 1772.


On 23 Mar 1793 James Lewis of Robeson made a deed to Richard Lewis of Robeson, for 100 pounds ... E Sd Ashpole ... p/o 640a granted to John Flowers 9 Nov 1774 ... 200a. Signed by James Lewis. Witnesses were Nathan Williamson, James Lewis. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book C., pp. 446-447.)


This deed is from James Sr to his son Richard, witnessed by James (Jr) (1772), who is also his son, I believe.


On 2 Jan 1794 James Lewis Senr of Robeson, Planter, made a deed to James Lewis Junr of same place, for (cut off) pounds ... N Sd Ashpole ... 150 acres ... granted to John Flowers 1775 p/o 640 acres. Signed by James Lewis, witnessed by Benj. Lewis, Stephen Lewis, Cader Lewis

Acknowledged in court Jul 1795. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book E., pp. 193-194.)


The above is James Sr selling land to James Jr, his son I believe. Witnesses are Benjamin Lewis and Stephen Lewis, brothers of James Sr. Cader Lewis is a proven son of Stephen.


On the same date (2 Jan 1794), Stephen Lewis of Robeson made a deed to Kadar Lewis (his son Cader), 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.)


It isn’t clear whether this is James Sr or Jr who witnessed this deed. Stephen and Benjamin are brothers to James Sr. Richard is James’s son, and Cader is Stephen’s son.


I should note that the county deed books do not contain original signatures on deeds so we can’t compare handwriting to perhaps distinguish James Sr from Jr. The deeds recorded in the books were transcribed by clerks from the originals which were returned to the owners, thus you’ll notice in the deed books all the signatures look the same more or less, though when a mark is involved, they do sometimes try to duplicate it faithfully if more than a simple X.


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 James. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book E, pp. 26-27.)


Both James Sr and Jr witnessed this deed from James Sr’s son Richard. Benjamin Lewis is James Sr’s brother, thus an uncle to James Jr.


On 31 May 1794 James Lewis Junr of Robeson made a deed to Lewis Johnston of same, 50 pounds ... W sd Indian Swamp ... George Grimsleys back line ... lower side of the Marsh Branch ... 200a. James Lewis signed with a mark (an X). Witnesses were Francis L. Haynes, W. Ashley

(Robeson Co., NC Deed Book I, pp. 115-116.)


The above is the land he purchased from John Cade in 1792. Note that he signed with a mark on this record.


On 13 Mar 1800 William Ashley, Merchant made a deed to John Varnam. It was witnessed by James Lewis and James Lewis, and proven in Jan 1802 court by James Lewis.

(Robeson Co., NC Deed Book L., p. 201.)


It’s interesting how the two Jameses made no effort to distinguish themselves by Senr or Junr or in some other way. Although I’ve seen online trees that show James (1772) as James E. Lewis, I really doubt he had a middle name or he certainly would have used it, or his initial, on records to avoid confusion with the other James Lewises.


Both father and son are listed on the 1800 census in Robeson. They’re fairly easy to distinguish based on age.


1800 Census, Robeson Co., NC

Page

Name
M0-9

 
M10-15

 
M16-25

 
M26-44

 
M45+

 
F0-9

 
F10-15

 
F16-25

 
F26-44

 
F45+

 
FPC

 
Slaves

 

713

James Lewis

1

1

1

~

1

~

~

1

~

1

~

~

714

James Lewis

1

~

~

1

~

2

~

1

~

~

~

~

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

1m 26-44 (1755/1774)       James Lewis (1772)

1m 0-9 (1790/1800)            Gatewood Lewis (1795) son

1f 16-25 (1774/1784)         Edith Walters Lewis (1780) wife

2f 0-9 (1790/1800)              1. Daughter? (1794/1800)

                                               2. Daughter? (1794/1800)


James Lewis (Sr) died before 5 Jan 1802 per court records. (Robeson Co., NC Court Minutes 1797-1806 pp. 181-182.)


There was no list of heirs, unfortunately, but the administration order is revealing: “Administration of the Estate of James Lewis was granted to Richard Lewis & Elizabeth Lewis who entered unto bond in the sum of two hundred pounds with Benjamin and James Lewis their securities and Quallified (sic) as such and returned an Inventory fo said Estate & ordered to be filed.”


The bondsmen were Benjamin Lewis (brother to James Sr) and James Lewis, who is almost certainly James (1772) instead of Benjamin’s son also named James (c1784) who wasn’t quite old enough, nor had any property by 1802 so couldn’t be a bondsman. Being listed as a bondsman here doesn’t prove that James (1772) is a son of the elder James, but it does show a close connection.


On 25 Mar 1802 James Lewis of Robeson made a deed to William Walterer Junr of same place for 100 pounds ... N sd Ashpole 100a p/o tract granted to John Flowers 1775 ... Signed by James Lewis. Witnessed by Jeremiah Walterer, William Walterer (his mark). (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book M., pp. 33-34.)


The above was land James (Jr) purchased from his father. William Walterer Junr is William Walters (1781) Edith’s brother. Witness William Walterer is Edith’s father William. Jeremiah Walterer might be an uncle or otherwise related.


On 5 Apr 1803 Thomas Waters was appointed Constable in Captain Sterlings District who entered into bond with the sum of fifty pounds with James Lewis his Security. (Robeson Co., NC Court Minutes 1797-1806 p. 243.)


Thomas Walters was Edith’s brother.


On 25 Jun 1804 Thomas Barnes High Sheriff of Robeson Co., NC made a deed to James Lewis of Robeson ... execution of court against lands of James Lewis Deceased in favor of Robert Stephens, sold land at auction, James Lewis high bidder ... Indian Swamp p/o tract conveyed by Elias Barnes to James Lewis Deceased ... Edward Flowers upper line ... to a small branch that runs through the plantation whereon the said James Lewis deceased formerly lived ... 133a. Signed by Thomas Barnes, witnessed by John Flowers. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book N., pp. 201-202.)


The above was the home place of James Sr’s that had to be sold after his death. James Jr purchased it at auction, thus keeping it in the family. You have to wonder if anyone bid against him, or if they just let him have it for his mother’s sake (assuming she was still living there.)


Around 1805, another James Lewis came of age, and thus starts appearing in the Robeson records. This other James (c1775/84-1829) was married to Lucretia Davis. I believe he is a son of Benjamin and Sarah Lewis, which would make him 1st cousin to James Lewis (1772). They sometimes used “Senr” or “Junr” to distinguish themselves, but more often they didn’t bother, thus making it unclear who is who in some records. One distinguishing factor is the younger James had slaves, whereas James 1772 did not for the most part (see 1840 census).


On 2 Jan 1807 William Waters Junr (or might say Senr instead?) of Robeson made a deed to James Lewis 200 pounds ... 150a W sd Drowning Creek E of Indian Swamp ... Lee’s corner ... Inman’s corner ... Ingram’s corner ... Griffin’s line ... being the improvements plantation where James Lewis now lives. William Waters signed with his mark (a “W”). Witnesses were Wm Sterling, Richard Grantham (his mark). (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book O., pp. 229-230.)


William Walters Sr is Edith’s father, whereas Jr is her brother. I’m not sure which this is.


There is a curious deed dated 20 Dec 1808 between Beverly Daniel, Esquire, Marshall for the District of North Carolina to Samuel Storm of Robeson ...land on Drowning Creek ... Signed by Beverly Daniel. Witnessed by James Overton Lewis and B. Lee (Benjamin Lee). It was proven in Nov 1817 court by Benjamin Lee. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book R., pp. 278-279.)


One’s first thought might be that one of our two James Lewis’s had a middle name of “Overton” as shown by this record. That would certainly be a good way to distinguish the two of them, but alas, neither ever used a middle name or even an initial, so who then is this? In what I’m sure is a coincidence, I just happened to recognize the name James Overton Lewis because he’s part of my “other” set of Lewis ancestors who were from Virginia, some of whom moved to Rutherford Co., NC. As far as I’m aware, that Lewis family and the Lewis family of Robeson are not related, though of course there’s always the possibility of some distant connection.


The Grantor, Beverly Daniel, was a US Marshall for the District of North Carolina at New Bern. He dealt with Federal matters. James Overton Lewis (1792-1872) was a son of Col. Richard Lewis of Rutherford Co., NC. James O. Lewis was a SC State Representative 1828-1829 for Pendleton Dist., SC. However, in 1808 it’s possible he worked for the US Marshall’s office and witnessed this deed in that capacity. I found no other records in his name in Robeson.


On 3 Jan 1809 The court ordered that Michael Herring work the hands has heretofore on the road from John Daniels to J— Bluff, except James Lewis and Frederick Harden, Frances Varnum, & Reding Varnum & Thos Bullard.

- next line

Ordered that James Lewis and William Lewis on the Creek under Thomas Barnes. (Robeson Co., NC Court Minutes 1806-1813 p. 125.)


I believe the above is this James and his probable younger brother William Lewis.


There are two James Lewis listings on the 1810 census in Robeson. James (wife Edith Walters) is listed first, I believe, and his 1st cousin, James (wife Lucretia Davis) is second. I could be wrong about which is which, but the enumerations and analysis of the children supports James (1772) being the first entry.


1810 Census, Robeson Co., NC

Page

Name
M0-9

 
M10-15

 
M16-25

 
M26-44

 
M45+

 
F0-9

 
F10-15

 
F16-25

 
F26-44

 
F45+

 
FPC

 
Slaves

 

154

Jas Lowis

1

1

~

1

~

2

3

~

1

~

~

~

154

Jas Louis

1

~

~

1

~

2

~

1

~

~

~

~

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

1m 26-44 (1765/1784)       James Lewis (1772)

1m 10-15 (1794/1800)       Gatewood Lewis (1795) son

1m 0-9 (1800/1810)            Henry Lewis (1807) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794)         Edith Walters Lewis (1780) wife

3f 10-15 (1794/1800)         1. Daughter? (1794/1800) > gone by 1830

                                               2. Daughter? (1794/1800) > gone by 1830

                                               3. Susannah Lewis (c1800) daughter? * not listed in 1800, > m 1824.

2f 0-9 (1800/1810)              1. Ann Lewis (c1802) daughter

                                               2. Elizabeth Lewis (c1810) daughter


On 24 Aug 1812 the court ordered that Jacob Perry be oversee of the road in room of James Suggs and that Drury Perry, Jonathan Watts, Joseph Walters, John Walters, James Lewis Senr, Elias Jory, William [his widow] Cox’s and Isham Cox’s hands , William Brumble, Gideon Carter work under him and that his Distrct include the Ten Mile Swamp. (Robeson Co., NC Court Minutes 1806-1813 p. 334.)


Joseph Walters is Edith’s brother. I’m not sure who John Walters is, though undoubtedly related to her.


26 Jun 1813 William Ashley of Robeson made a deed to James Lewis Senr of same, $240 ... Richard Barfield’s south corner ... William Flowers line ... Grimsley’s line ... 140a. Signed by Wm Ashley, witnessed by Wm Hobbie, Irvin Grimsley. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book R., pp. 183-184.)


Another James Lewis (c1790/92-1833) came of age in Robeson ca 1813, this one being a son of Benjamin and Celia (Martin) Lewis, who lived in the Horse Swamp region and aren’t related as best as we can tell. Horse Swamp and Indian Swamp are approximately 15 miles apart, which isn’t all that far actually, but far enough to help keep the two families mostly distinct.


This other James began appearing in the records ca 1813 and made no effort to add a suffix or otherwise distinguish himself from the other two men of the same name. However, due to associations with his father and with Horse Creek, I think it’s pretty clear when that other James is being referenced, thus little room for confusion.


On 14 Dec 1819 John Lewis of Robeson made a deed to Gatewood Lewis for $228 ... W sd Indian Swamp 143a ... mouth of Reedy Branch ... John Starling’s line .... Signed by John Lewis, witnessed by Thomas Walterer, James Lewis. Proven in Nov 1820 court by James Lewis. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book S., p. 568.)


The above is, I believe, James Lewis witnessing a deed from his brother John Lewis (1790s-1842) to James’s son Gatewood (1795).


There are again two James Lewis entries on the 1820 census in Robeson, this one listed as James Sr, and the other simply as James, that one married to Lucretia Davis. They were not listed near each other. James (c1790/92-1833), son of Benjamin and Celia, does not appear on the census in Robeson as far as I could find, though old enough by this time, and perhaps already married as well but I’m not sure on that point.


1820 Census, Robeson Co., NC

Page

Name

M

0

-

9

M

10

-

15

M

16

-

17

M

16

-

25

M

26

-

44

M

45

+

F

0

-

9

F

10

-

15

F

16

-

25

F

26

-

44

F

45

+

F

P

C

S

l

a

v

e

s

297

Jas Lewis Senr

5

~

~

1

~

1

2

2

~

1

~

~

~

306

James Lewis

~

1

~

~

1

~

4

2

~

1

~

~

 

 

 Slaves=1100-1110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

1m 45+ (before 1775)        James Lewis (1772)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804)       Gatewood Lewis (1795) son > m 1821

5m 0-9 (1810/1820)            1. Henry Lewis (1807) son > m 1828

                                               2. Thomas Lewis (c1815) son

                                               3. Son? (1810/1820) > gone by 1830.

                                               4. Dawson Lewis (1817) son

5. Alvin G. Lewis (c1820) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794)         Edith Walters Lewis (1780) wife

2f 10-15 (1804/1810)         1. Ann Lewis (c1802) daughter > m by 1830

                                               2. Elizabeth Lewis (c1810) daughter > m by 1835

2f 0-9 (1810/1820)              1. Daughter? (1810/1820)

                                               2. Zilla Lewis (c1812) daughter > m by 1829


James (c1790/92-1833), son of Benjamin and Celia, left for Marion Co., MS in the very early 1820s, thus removing the likelihood of confusing him with the other two James Lewises after that.


On 5 Sep 1826 Irvin Walters made a deed to Gatewood Lewis of Robeson for $133 ... W sd Indian Swamp ... mouth of Reedy Branch ... Gatewood Lewis’s own line ... 140a. (2) a second tract being a small piece adjoining above ... 8a. Signed by Irvin Walters. Witnessed by James Lewis, Henry Lewis. Proven Aug 1828 by James Lewis. (Robeson Co., NC Deed Book U., p. 187.)


The above Irvin Walters is, I believe, a nephew of Edith Walters Lewis. Gatewood Lewis is James and Edith’s son, as is Henry Lewis, the other witness.


The other James (wife Lucretia Davis) died ca 1829, leaving James (1772) as the only adult James Lewis in the county for a few years, thus minimizing the potential for confusing them in the records.


James is listed on the 1830 census in Robeson next to his (likely) brother John Lewis (1790s) and son Henry Lewis.


1830 Census, Robeson Co., NC

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+

 

235

James Lewis

~

~

2

1

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

 

 

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

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

1m 50-59 (1770/1780)       James Lewis (1772)

1m 15-19 (1810/1815)       Thomas Lewis (c1815) son > m 1837

2m 10-14 (1815/1820)       1. Dawson Lewis (1817) son

2. Alvin G. Lewis (c1820) son

1f 50-59 (1770/1780)         Edith Walters Lewis (1780) wife

1f 20-29 (1800/1810)         Daughter? (1800/1810) * Not in 1820, unless 1810/1820. > gone by 1840


There are two James Lewis’s on the 1840 census in Robeson. The other one was born in the 1810s. James Sr (1772) was listed near Gatewood, Thomas, Henry, Benjamin, Aaron and William Lewis. Of those, Gatewood, Thomas and Henry are James’s sons. William and Aaron are nephews (sons of John 1790s), and Benjamin is a 1st cousin (son of John 1760s). I’m not sure who the younger James is, perhaps brother of William and Aaron for they did have a brother that name and age. The two Jameses were not near each other. James seems to have one slave according to this census.


1840 Census, Robeson Co., NC

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+

 

205

James Lewis

~

~

~

1

1

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

 

 Slaves=000000-010000

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

220

James Lewis

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

 

 

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

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

1m 60-69 (1770/1780)       James Lewis (1772)

1m 20-29 (1810/1820)       Dawson Lewis (1817) son

1m 15-19 (1820/1825)       Alvin G. Lewis (c1820) son

1f 60-69 (1770/1780)         Edith Walters Lewis (1780) wife


Edith Walters Lewis died on 4 May 1849 in Robeson and is buried at Floyd Memorial Cemetery. She has a modern stone which is inscribed:

Edith Walters

Wife of James Lewis

May 30 1780

May 4 1849


James is on the 1850 census with son Alvin G. Lewis. James is listed here as unable to read or write, though he was definitely literate earlier in life, perhaps no longer able to do either because of disability.


1850 Census, Robeson Co., NC, Southern Division, House 738, Family 738

Name

Age

Sex

Race

Occupation

Real $

Birth Place

Alvin G. Lewis

30

M

 

Farmer

1000

Robeson Co., NC

Dawson B.

3

M

 

 

 

“

Richard M.

2

M

 

 

 

“

James

78

M

 

 

 

“

James Lewis died 10 Jan 1855 per an unknown source. His grave marker, which is fairly modern, at Floyd Memorial Cemetery is inscribed:

James Lewis

Nov 26 1772

C. 1857


The ca 1857 death date suggests whomever placed that stone wasn’t aware of his actual death date at the time.


I didn’t find any estate records for James, suggesting he’d sold off all his possessions prior to death, thus with no land or other property, there was no need for probate.




Children


James Lewis left no Will nor did I find any estate or probate records that name his children. However, there are some deeds of gifts that he made to some of his children, thus proving them. Others are almost certainly his as shown by association with him and with each other, and of course census analysis supports them being his children. Census analysis also suggests there are some others yet to be identified.

 

1.         Gatewood Lewis (1795-1878). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800). Home in 1810 aged 10-15 (1794/1800). Home in 1820 age 16-25 (1794/1804). Gatewood is a proven son of James as stated in a Deed of Gift James made to him.

 

I don’t know who Gatewood might have been named for. There was no one of that surname listed anywhere near the Lewis family in 1790, nor anyone at all with it as a given name in North Carolina or South Carolina on the 1790 or 1800 censuses.

 

Gatewood Lewis married Mary Spiers on 28 Dec 1821.

 

2.         Unidentified Daughter (1794/1800). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800), and home in 1810 aged 10-15 (1794/1800). Gone by 1830.

 

3.         Unidentified Daughter (1794/1800). Home in 1800 aged under 10 (1790/1800), and home in 1810 aged 10-15 (1794/1800). Gone by 1830.

 

4.         Unidentified Daughter (c1800). Not home in 1800. Home in 1810 aged 10-15 (1794/1800), gone by 1830. I suspect this is Susannah Lewis who married Willis Jenkins on or around 9 Jan 1824 in neighboring Cumberland Co., NC. I’m not sure why they married there instead of in Robeson. However, I think she died soon after marriage, likely in childbirth, for Willis was married to Ann Lewis sometime ca 1830, Susannah’s sister. No marriage record found for he and Ann though. Some researchers have “melded” Susannah and Ann into one person, but I’m reasonably sure they were two different women and likely sisters.

 

5.         Ann Lewis (c1802-aft 1850). Home in 1810 aged under 10 (1800/1810). Home in 1820 aged 10-15 (1804/1810). She married Willis Jenkins ca 1830, presumably in Robeson Co., NC. He had previously married Susanna Lewis in 1824, Ann’s likely sister. They are on the 1830 and 1840 census in Robeson. Willis made his Will in Nov 1849 and apparently died that same month. Ann is listed on the 1850 census in Robeson next to brother Thomas Lewis, and next to John Jenkins (c1803) perhaps a brother-in-law. She is still in Robeson for the 1860 census. I didn’t find her after that.

 

6.         Henry Lewis (1807-1859). Home in 1810 aged under 10 (1800/1810). Maybe home in 1820 aged under 10 (1810/1820) which doesn’t fit, but otherwise there’s an “extra” son home in 1820 who isn’t identified. I think it’s probably Henry enumerated in wrong column. I don’t know if there is any direct proof that Henry is James’s son, but he was associated with James and James’s children and does fit in his household per census analysis. James Lewis was bondsman for Henry’s marriage to Sally Grantham on 2 Oct 1828. Henry is listed on the 1830 and 1840 censuses in Robeson. He and his family moved to Madison Co., FL in the late 1840s and can be found there on 1850 census.

 

7.         Elizabeth Lewis (c1810-1892). Home in 1810 aged under 10 (1800/1810). Home in 1820 aged 10-15 (1804/1810). Elizabeth is a proven Lewis per the death certificates of several of her children. However, I don’t know if there is direct proof she’s James & Edith’s daughter, but she does fit, and she did name a daughter Edith, so that helps.

 

Elizabeth Lewis married Arthur Hedgepeth between 1830 and ca 1835. They are on the 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses in Robeson.

 

8.         Unidentified Son (1810/1820). Home in 1810 aged under 10 (1800/1810). Gone by 1830.

 

9.         Unidentified Daughter (1810/1820). Home in 1810 aged under 10 (1800/1810). Gone by 1830 unless listed 20-29 (1800/1810) that year. Gone by 1840.

 

10.       Thomas Lewis (c1815-aft 1850). Home in 1820 aged under 10 (1810/1820). Home in 1830 aged 15-19 (1810/1815).

 

I haven’t found any direct proof that Thomas is James & Edith’s son, but he fits well and was associated with them and some of their other children. If he is their son, as I believe, he may have been named for his uncle Thomas Walters.

 

Thomas Lewis married Mary Ann Humphrey on or around 2 Nov 1837 in Robeson. They are on the 1840 and 1850 censuses in Robeson. In 1850 they are next to widowed sister Ann Lewis Jenkins.

 

I was unable to find Thomas or Mary Ann on the 1860 census anywhere. It appears they moved to Arkansas around 1850 and perhaps died there in the 1850s. I found two of their children on the 1860 census in Independence Co., AR residing with a Cox family, relationship unknown. I found other of their children in that same county in 1870 without finding them in 1860. It should be noted that Mary Ann’s likely sister Fereby Humphrey (m. William Lewis, Thomas’s cousin) had moved to Independence Co., AR before 1850 and was probably why Thomas and Mary Ann moved there as well.

 

11.       Dawson Lewis (1817-1884). Home in 1820 aged under 10 (1810/1820). Home in 1830 aged 10-14 (1815/1820). Home in 1840 aged 20-29 (1810/1820).

 

I don’t have direct proof that Dawson is a son of James & Edith, but he fits and was associated with them. He was likely named for his maternal uncle Dawson Walters.

 

Dawson Lewis married Annie Elizabeth Jenkins on or around 25 Nov 1840 in Robeson. They are on the 1850 census in Robeson (next to his uncle Dawson Walters), and there for the 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses.

 

Dawson is listed as “Dorsey” Lewis on some records.

 

12.       Zilla Lewis (c1812-1891). Home in 1820 aged under 10 (1810/1820), gone by 1830.

 

Others have her name as “Delilah Zilpha” Lewis, but she’s only listed as “Zilla” or “Zila” on most records, which is typically a nickname for Drucilla, i.e. Druzilla, or even Barzilla, a less common name. She is listed as “Delila” on the 1850 census, which could be an error, or maybe that is indeed her name, though not used on any other records I’ve been able to find.

 

I haven’t found any proof yet that she is a child of James and Edith Lewis, but she does fit.

 

Zilla Lewis married Reddin Britt on or around 2 Jan 1828 in Robeson. They are on the 1830 and 1840 censuses in Robeson. He died in 1849 leaving a Will. She is listed on the 1850 census in Robeson (“Delila” Britt, age 38), with her children. She’s also listed there in 1860 (“Zila”) and 1870 (“Ziley”) and in 1880 (“Zila”).

 

13.       Alvin G. Lewis (c1820-aft 1850). Home in 1820 aged under 10 (1810/1820). Home in 1830 aged 10-14 (1815/1820). Home in 1840 aged 15-19 (1820/1825).

 

Alvin is a proven son of James and Edith as named in a deed of gift from James to his son Alvin. Also, James was residing with Alvin on the 1850 census.

 

Alvin married Pheraby Jane Jenkins on or around 2 Aug 1844 in Robeson. She died between ca 1847 and 1850.

 

Alvin is listed on the 1850 census in Robeson with two children and his widower father.

 

Alvin married Clarissa Ann Walters on or around 24 Feb 1851 in Robeson. She’s a daughter of Allen and Nancy (—) Walters.

 

Alvin and family are listed on the 1860 and 1870 censuses in Robeson. They moved to Georgetown Co., SC by 1880 and are listed there on that census. By 1900 they were in Williamsburg Co., SC in Johnson Township. They may have both died before the 1910 census for I didn’t find them listed on it.





For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for James Lewis and Edith Walters.



Revised: May 29, 2026


Copyright © 1996-2026 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.


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