Joel Mackey (bef 1755-c1829) and Sarah Joyce of Albemarle Co., VA and Surry Co., NC and Pendleton Dist., SC and Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania Co., NC

Marty and Karla Grant

[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]

[Mackey Home] - [Table of Contents] - Joel Mackey

Jump to Children’s section | Jump to Family Group Sheet

Joel Mackey *might* be my 5 times great uncle, if he is the brother of my ancestor Martha Mackey Grant, which isn’t proven.

Joel Mackey’s birth date is unknown. If his brother Alexander was born ca 1726, as many believe, then he was probably born within 10 or 15 years of that, putting his birth at late 1730s or early 1740s. He married in 1772, so if we assume he was at least 18 then be was born ca 1754 or earlier. If born in the 1730s or ‘40s, then he was likely born in Ireland, most likely in Ulster Province (Northern Ireland). However, if born in the late 1740s or early 1750s, then likely born in Albemarle Co., VA.

Joel Mackey is a proven son of Alexander Mackey (Sr) as proven by 1774 and 1777 deeds in Albemarle Co., VA.

On 14 Feb 1770, Thomas Graham, Alexander Mackey Junr and Joel Mackey witnessed the Will of Samuel Boyd in Albemarle Co., VA. (Albemarle Co., VA Will Book 2, pp. 259-260.)

On 19 Dec 1771, Alexander Mackey, Joel Mackey, and Andrew Sewray? witnessed a deed between Samuel Rae (also spelled Reay) and wife Jane, to William Ferguson. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 5, p. 447.)

Something drew Joel Mackey south to Guilford Co., NC by 1772. At that time Guilford was much larger than today and included present day Rockingham and Randolph Counties within its borders. He was apparently in the Rockingham section.

On 24 Mar 1772, Joel Mackey obtained a marriage bond in Guilford Co., NC to marry Sarah Joyce. John Joyce was the bondsman. He is no doubt closely related to her, perhaps her father, or brother.

Sarah Joyce was born before 1756, assuming she was at least 16 when she married. I don’t know where she was born, nor who her parents were, though it seems likely that John Joyce is a close relative of hers. Since Sarah and Joel named their second son John, I suspect John Joyce was her father or brother. More research is needed to prove or disprove that.

Online trees, sans documentation of course, show Sarah Joyce’s birth as 5 Jun 1750 and that she was a child of Alexander Joyce (1720-1778) and Sarah Austin (1720-c1758). This could all be correct, but without documentation use at your own risk. Alexander Joyce did leave a will in Guilford (now Rockingham) Co., NC in 1778 including “my daughter Sarah,” though he didn’t include her surname. Joel and Sarah’s son John Mackey’s named his first son Alexander Joyce Mackey, so that me be a strong clue in favor of Alexander Joyce’s daughter Sarah being our Sarah Joyce. There may be other proof as well, but I haven’t seen it yet.

They apparently went back to Albemarle Co., VA after marrying in North Carolina.

On 15 Apr 1774, Alexander Mackey Senr of Fredericksville Parish for love, good will and affection to “my son” Joel Mackey, gave him 297 acres. There were no witnesses to the deed. Alexander Mackey acknowledged the deed himself in April court, 1774. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 6, pp. 337-338)

On 13 Nov 1777 Alexander & Joel McKey of Albemarle Co., VA, made a deed to Menoah Clarkson for 150 pounds for three different parcels on branches of Ivy Creek containing 262 acres in total. “The course of which Except Twelve acres will appear by the Records of Albemarle Court, which twelve acres are bound as follows, by a new dividing line between the said Alexander & Joel McKey and the said Alexander McKey land.” Signed by Alexander Mackey Junr and Joel Mackey. Witnesses were John Lewis Junr, William Chenault and Reuben Lindsay. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed book 7, pp. 128-129.)

The above appears to be Alexander and Joel selling their father’s land.

On 15 Mar 1779 Joel Mackey and wife Sarah Mackey, residence not listed, made a deed John Harvie for 375 pounds Virginia currency. They sold him 297 acres on Ivy Creek the same being one moiety (half) of a tract patented to Rebeccah Burch in 1741 and conveyed by her to Alexander McKey and divided by him to his “two sons” Alexr McKey Junr & the said Joel McKey; and 97 acres adjoining the above patented to Alexr. McKey in 1758, both of which conveyed to the said Joel McKey as deed of gifts. Signed by Joel Mackey and Sarah Mackey (her mark). Witnesses were Fortunatus Sydner (or Lydner), Thomas Marks, James Shores and Henry Carter. All made their marks except Carter who signed. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 7, pp. 421-423.)

Joel and Sarah returned to Guilford Co., NC, probably just after selling the above land.

On 31 Jan 1780, John Whitworth and wife Elizabeth of Guilford Co., NC made a deed to Isaac Whitworth of the same place. Witnesses were Joel Mackey, Larbruck Burns? and William Crump. (Guilford Co., NC Deed Book 2, p. 122.)

On 16 Aug 1780, Joel Mackey made a land entry for 300 acres in Guilford Co., NC, being on the waters of Beaver Island Creek and the north and west side of Richard Cartwell’s line. The survey was made some time after (no date), described as beginning at Richard Cardwell’s corner ... Robert Meanses line ... Abraham Martin’s line ... Reuben Martin’s line .... Chain carriers were Richard Cardwell and Abner Barnes. It was granted to him on 16 May 1787. (North Carolina Land Grant # 1395, File # 1437 and Rockingham Co., NC Deed Book C, p. 257.)

Beaver Island Creek is actually two creeks today, Big Beaver Island Creek and Little Beaver Island Creek. Little Beaver Island Creek rises in Stokes Co., NC just south of Prestonville and flows generally southeasterly into Rockingham Co., NC where it joins Big Beaver Island Creek just before flowing into Dan River from the north side of the river. Big Beaver Island Creek rises in Stokes Co., NC just north of Prestonville and flows generally southeasterly into Rockingham Co., NC by Mayodon and Madison then joins the Dan River. The Rockingham County section would have been in Guilford Co., NC until 1785 when Rockingham was formed. The Stokes Co., NC section would have been in Surry Co., NC until Stokes was formed in 1789. The land in question was in the Rockingham section as shown by later deeds when Joel Mackey sold it.

On the same date (16 Aug 1780), Joel Mackey made a land entry for 200 acres in Guilford Co., NC, being on the waters of Shepherd Creek on the north side of Elijah Joyces line. This was undoubtedly a relative of his wife. (Land Entry 2101.)

Joel and family moved a little westward by 1782, to Surry Co., NC which bordered Guilford at that time.

On 4 Mar 1782, William and Jane Ramsey of Guilford Co., NC made a deed to Joel Mackey of Surry Co., NC, for 25 pounds specie (coins), land in Surry Co., NC on Beaver Dam Creek being 287 acres. Signed by William and Jane Ramsey (both made their marks). Witnesses were Wm Meredith, Reuben Dodson, and Edmund Holt. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book B, p. 179.)

Beaverdam Creek might be the same as Cooks Creek. Cooks Creek rises south west of Mount Airy in Surry Co., NC and flows generally southerly until it joins Fishers River.

On 17 Jul 1782, Joel Mackey, with Robert Harris and Aaron Kemp, witnessed a deed from Thomas Norman to Matthew Cox for land on Stewarts Creek. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book B, pp. 184-185.)

On 14 Sep 1782, Matthew Cox made a land entry in Surry Co., NC for 150 acres joining Robert Dorks line on Beech Creek, the waters of Tararatt River including William Calahan’s improvement. On the back it appears to have been signed over to Joel Mackey in 1784. The survey was made 24 Jun 1793 for Joel Mackey. Elexander Mackey and John Stotts were Chain Carriers. This is not Joel’s brother Alexander, but perhaps a son of that name. (North Carolina Land Grant # 1651, File # 1636.)

Beech Creek rises very close to where Cooks Creek rises, but flows more easterly until it joins Stewarts Creek just southwest of Mount Airy. Stewarts Creek joins the Ararat River (often listed as Tararat and variations in olden days). Ararat is a long one, rising in Patrick Co., VA, and flowing all the way across Surry Co., NC. Along the way it passes just east of Mount Airy, flowing generally southerly and southeasterly until it joins the Yadkin River.

In 1785 Rockingham County was formed from northern Guilford. Joel’s Beaver Island Creek land fell into the new county, though he wasn’t living on that land. He did hold onto it for a few more years.

Joel Mackey was listed in Surry Co., NC on the 1786 state census. A John Mackey was also listed, but not in the same district. From other records it appears John was in the southern section which is Yadkin Co., NC today. I don’t now how, or if, John and Joel are related.

Joel’s “next door” neighbors were Mathew Cox and John Harriss. I saw no names nearby that I recognized as relatives. I don’t know which of his tracts of lands he was on, but regardless of which, it wasn’t too far from Mount Airy.

1786 State Census, Surry Co., NC p. 145, Cpt. Humphre’s District

Joel McKey 1-2-5-1-2

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

1m 21-60 (1726/1765) Joel Mackey

2m -21 (1765/1786) 1. Alexander Mackey (1775/1779) son

2. John Mackey (1782) son

5f (before 1786) 1. Sarah Joyce Mackey, wife

2. Jane Mackey (1773) daughter

3. Margaret Mackey (1774) daughter

4. Elizabeth Mackey (1784/94) daughter

5. Nancy Mackey (1780/90) daughter

3 slaves

Both Joel Mackey and wife Sarah witnessed a deed dated 11 Aug 1788 between William Howard and wife Dorcas to John Padget. John Jarvis also witnessed. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book D, pp. 388-389.)

In Aug 1789 Surry Court, Joel Mackey was named as the Collector for the year 1789 for Edwards District.

Joel Mackey was still living in Surry in 1790, but I was unable to locate him on the 1790 census. He wasn’t listed in Surry, nor elsewhere as far as I could find. I did find his kinsmen Joel Lewis and William Terrell Lewis in 1790 in Surry in the same vicinity Joel had been living in 1786 (judging by the neighbors). I also checked Rockingham in case he moved back to his Beaver Island Creek land, but he wasn’t listed there either. Sarah’s people were in Rockingham: James, John, another John, Elijah, Robert and Thomas Joyce were all listed near each other. I didn’t find Joel Mackey (or any Mackeys) near them.

We know he obtained land in Pendleton Dist., SC at some point, but he wasn’t listed in that county in 1790 either. He was probably still in Surry, but somehow missed by the census taker.

Joel Mackey is listed on the 1791 tax list in Surry Co., NC in Cpt. Edwards District, with 688 acres and 2 polls. That would be himself, and probably his oldest son Alexander who was about 16 then.

On 15 Feb 1791, Isham Royalty of Surry Co., NC made a deed to Joel Mackey of the same place, for four pounds, 100 acres on Beaverdam Creek bordering Mackey. Witnesses were James Bryson and Sterling Hudson. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book E., pp. 137-138.)

On 4 Sep 1792, Joel Mackey, Jean Mackey and Matthew Sims witnessed a deed from Hall Hudson to Sterling Hudson for land on Fishers River. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G, p. 17.)

Jean Mackey is probably Joel’s daughter.

On 5 Sep 1795, J. Mackey, George Keith and Thomas Burrus witnessed a deed from Cornelius Keith of Surry Co., NC to John Dockery for land on Little Fish River. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G., pp. 161.)

George Keith was Joel’s son in law. I believe Cornelius Keith was George’s father.

On 2 Oct 1796, Nathan Cardwell of Rockingham Co., NC made a deed to Joel Mackey (residence not given), for fifty pounds specie, sold 100 acres on Mirey Branch adjoining Mackey. Signed by Nathan Cardwell. Witnessed by Nich. Dalton and Samuel Dolton. (Rockingham Co., NC Deed Book E, p. 17.)

On 26 Oct 1796, Joel Mackey and Alexander Mackey were chain carriers for a survey for Elijah Gillespie for land bordering Joel Mackey.

Alexander is probably Joel’s son.

On 31 Oct 1796, Joel Mackey, Alexander Mackey and Martin Burrus witnessed a deed between Joab Hill and Colby Creed for land on Little Fish River. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 160-161.)

Joel Mackey is listed on the 1798 tax list in Surry Co., NC with 458 acres and 4 polls in Cpt. Taliafero’s District. That would be himself, and sons Alexander, John (just turned 16) and one other. It isn’t Joel Jr as he was only about 9 then.

On 25 May 1797, Cornelius Keith of Pendleton Dist, SC sold 100 acres to Nathaniel Stuart of Surry Co., NC for 40 pounds for 100 acres on the west side of Stuarts Creek at the Virginia line. Cornelius Keith made his mark (K). Witnesses were J. Mackey, Matthew Keith and John Keith. The deed was proven in Aug 1797 court by Joel Mackey. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 87-88.)

Cornelius Keith was formerly of Surry Co., NC. Two of his sons married two of Joel Mackey’s daughters.

On 28 Jun 1798, Joel Mackey of Surry Co., NC made a deed to Matthew Creed of Surry for $250, he sold his 150 acres on Beech Creek, Tararat River land. He signed it J. Mackey. Witnesses were Elijah Smallwood, Stephen Dennis Laffoon and William Hill. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book H, p. 103.)

Joel Mackey is listed on the 1799 tax list in Surry Co., NC with 308 acres and 4 polls in Cpt. Taliafero’s district. The polls are Joel himself and probably sons Alexander and John and one other son, yet to be identified.

On 7 Jun 1799, Joel Mackey received a state land grant of 20 acres in Surry Co., NC on the north side of Cooks Creek entered 13 May 1793. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 230-231.)

The land warrant (27 May 1794) for the above described it as 20 acres on waters of Beaverdam Creek adjoining himself on the west side and Dennis Laffoon on the north side. The survey was dated 18 Dec 1795 describing it as on north side of Cooks Creek. Dennis Laffoon and Robert Ewing were chain carriers. (Surry Co., NC Land Warrants.)

Since I can’t find Beaverdam Creek on the maps, I suspect Cooks Creek is the same creek especially since they seem to be used interchangeably in the above land warrant/survey.

On 22 Oct 1799, Joel Mackey of Surry Co., NC made a deed to Joel Cardwell (residence not given) in Rockingham Co., NC, for 25 pounds for 100 acres on the head of Mirey Branch. Signed by J. Mackey. Witnessed by John Joyce, John Nix and Sarah Cardwell (her mark). (Rockingham Co., NC Deed Book G, p. 235.)

The above is the land he purchased in 1796 from Nathan Cardwell.

In 11 Nov 1799 Surry court, it was ordered that the following persons, viz, Samuel McCraw, John Smallwood, Vall. Holderfield, Elijah Gillispee, Joel Mackey, Jacob Burris, William Goldin, Colby Creed, George Herring, John Burris, James Hannah, Robert Hammock, Frost O. Snow, be a jury to view and lay out a road above John Horns to Valentine Holderfields from thence to Joel Mackeys from thence to James Hannahs from thence to the Widow Burris from thence to the Flour Gap Road along Hannahs old road and make report thereof to next court. (Surry Co., NC Court Records 1779-1802, p. 26

On 17 Mar 1800, Joel Mackey of Surry Co., NC made a deed to John Nix of Rockingham Co., NC for 30 pounds, for 100 acres in Rockingham on Richard Cardwell’s corner ... Abraham Martin’s line ... Reuben Martin’s line .... The deed was signed by J. Mackey. Witnesses were John Joyce and Thomas Lewallen. (Rockingham Co., NC Deed Book G, p. 238.)

On the same day, 17 Mar 1800, Joel Mackey of Surry Co., NC, made a deed in Rockingham to Sarah Breedlove (residence not given) for 25 pounds for 50 acres on Daltons Creek, Richard Cardwell’s corner ... Robert Meanses line ... J. Mackey signed. Witnesses were Edward Eastham, John Joyce and Thomas Lewallen. (Rockingham Co., NC Deed Book G, p. 233.)

On the next day, 18 Mar 1800, Joel Mackey of Surry Co., NC made a deed to Samuel Richeson (residence not given) in Rockingham Co., NC for 50 pounds for land on waters of Daltons Creek and Beaver Island being 150 acres. Signed by J. Mackey. Witnessed by John Joyce and Samuel Joyce. (Rockingham Co., NC Deed Book G, p. 236.)

I noted earlier that I couldn’t find Joel Mackey on the 1790 census. Unfortunately, I can’t find him on the 1800 census either. That’s two censuses in a row! He was in deeds dated 1800 as a resident of Surry Co., NC, so he should be listed on the census there. I searched but had no luck locating him.

There is a potential entry for him on the 1800 census in Pendleton Dist., SC, though it clearly says Joel McVey. I originally thought this was him for sure, but is it? It can be read as Joel McKey if you really want it to, but I don’t think it actually says that. I can’t find any other listing for Joel Mackey in Surry, or Buncombe or anywhere else. I didn’t find any additional census or other records for anyone named Joel McVey, but this entry doesn’t really work all that well to be Joel Mackey, enumeration wise. I’ll include it anyway for reference just in case it is him.

1800 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

110B

Joel McVey (sic?)

My analysis (who each person *might* be) (keep in mind this might not be Joel Mackey at all):

1m 45+ (before 1755) Joel Mackey

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) John Mackey (1782) son

1m 10-15 (1784/1790) Joel Mackey (1789) son

1f 45+ (before 1755) Sarah Joyce Mackey wife

2f 10-15 (1784/1790) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

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

On 17 Jun 1801, Joel Mackey appeared before Isaac Copeland, a Justice of Surry Co., NC and made oath that in 1782 he wrote a transfer [of a land warrant] of 350 acres from Roling Cornelius to Hall Hutson. (Surry Co., NC Land Warrants.)

They moved to Buncombe Co., NC ca 1801. They lived in the southern section that eventually became Henderson County in 1838 and Transylvania County in 1861.

On 17 Oct 1801, Edward Johnson of Buncombe Co., NC made a deed to Joel Mackey (residence not stated) for $1700 for land on both sides of Ben. Davidson’s Creek being 400 acres. Signed by Edward Johnson and Deborah Johnson (her mark). Witnesses were J. Blackwell, Abraham Bradley and Lambert Clayton. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 7, pp. 175-176.)

Benjamin Davidson Creek, alias Ben. Davidson Creek is now known as Davidson River. It rises in Transylvania County near the Haywood County line in the Pisgah National Forest. It flows generally eastward several miles to Brevard where it joins the French Broad River. In 1801 this entire area was part of Buncombe Co., NC and remained so until 1838 when Henderson County was formed, and then became Transylvania County in 1861, long after Joel Mackey’s death. However, he still had descendants there at that time.

On 1 Aug 1803, Joel and Sarah Mackey of Buncombe Co., NC made a deed to George Herring of Surry Co., NC for $33.33 they sold land on Beaverdam Creek of Fishers River 20 acres. Also 308 acres sold by Isham Royalty to Mackey. The deed was signed J. Mackey and Sarah Mackey (her mark). Witnesses were L. Hampton (?) and John Mackey. The deed was proven in August 1803 court by John Mackey. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book K, pp. 60-61.)

On 27 Sep 1803, William Mitchell of Pendleton Dist., SC made a deed to Joel Mackey “of said state” for $260. He sold him four tracts of land in Pendleton Dist., SC. 163 acres on branches of Doddys Creek and Jones Fork of Saluda River. And 50 acres on south side of Doddys Creek a branch of Saluda River. And 50 acres north side of Doddys Creek. And 150 acres on Doddys Creek. The deed was signed by William Mitchell and witnessed by John Taylor and Joseph Taylor. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book I & J, pp. 112-113.)

Doddies Creek is in present Pickens Co., SC. It rises just west of the Hendricks community and flows generally eastward a few miles, passing south of Dacusville, continuing to where it joins Machine Creek, which then very shortly flows into Saluda River, which is the border between Pickens and Greenville Co., SC.

I don’t know if Joel Mackey actually moved to South Carolina or not. If so, his residency there didn’t last long. Two of his daughters, Jane Keith and Margaret Keith, resided in Pendleton at that time.

On 7 Oct 1806, Joel Mackey and Samuel Wilson witnessed a deed between James McCall and James Brians for land on Averys Creek a branch of Ben Davidsons Creek. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 306-307.)

On 26 Oct 1807, Joel Mackey Senr and James Keith were Chain Carriers for a survey in Buncombe Co., NC for John Keith (Joel’s son-in-law) for land on waters of Little River.

On 23 Jan 1808 Joel Mackey of Buncombe Co, NC made a deed in Pendleton Dist., SC to Joseph Smith of Newberry Dist., SC for $100. He sold 187 acres being part of two different surveys. Signed as J. Mackey. Witnesses were Samuel Looper and Daniel Looper. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book N, pp. 266-267.)

On 14 Nov 1808 Joel Mackey of Buncombe Co., NC, made a deed in Pendleton Dist., SC to Alsey Freeman for $100. He sold 50 acres on the south side of Doddys Creek. Signed as J. Mackey. Witnesses were Hurd Price and Eli (or Esli) Hunt. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book M, p. 102.)

On 14 Mar 1809, Samuel Cope made a deed in Pendleton Dist., SC to Joel Mackey of North Carolina (county not stated) for $140. He sold him 87 acres on Doddys Creek of Saluda River. He signed the deed as Samuel Copeland. Witnesses were John Keith and Allen Keith. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book I & J, p. 458).

On 30 Aug 1809 Joel Mackey of Buncombe Co., NC made a deed to Howard Finley in Pendleton Dist., SC for $100. He sold his 87 acres on Doddys Creek (purchased earlier that year). He signed the deed J. Mackey. Witnesses were Jeremiah Shatterfield (his mark) (later listed as Satterfield) and Abner Bankston. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book I & J, p. 480.)

They are listed on the 1810 census in Buncombe, the first federal census I’ve found them on, unless the 1800 Pendleton SC entry is actually them. On this census, Joel is listed next door to his probable son John Mackey.

1810 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

267

Joel McKey

267

John McKey

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

1m 45+ (before 1765) Joel Mackey (bef 1754)

1m 16-25 (1784/1794) Joel Mackey (Jr) (1789) son > m by 1820

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) Son? (1794/1800) > gone by 1820

3m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Son? (1800/1810) > gone by 1820

2. Son? (1800/1810) > gone by 1820

3. Son? (1800/1810) > gone by 1820

1f 45+ (before 1765) Sarah Joyce Mackey (bef 1756), wife

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Daughter? (1772/1784) > gone by 1820*

2f 16-25 (1784/1794) 1. Daughter? (1784/1794) > gone by 1820*

2. Daughter? (1784/1794) > gone by 1820*

1f 0-9 (1800/1810) Daughter? (1800/1810) > gone by 1820

2 Slaves

* One of these is likely Nancy Mackey (1780/90) daughter

On 4 Jul 1816, Joel Mackey Senr, Joel Mackey Junr and Nancy Mackey each made land entries in Buncombe Co., NC, each on Benjamin Davidsons Creek. Senr entered 100 acres joining his own land, Joel Junr and Nancy 50 acres each. Nancy’s includes a creek that rises in Andy’s Cove. (North Carolina Land Warrants # 13147, 13148, and 13149.)

The survey for Joel Jr’s entry was made 13 Oct 1818. Joel Senr and Joel Junr were chain bearers.

Nancy Mackey might be a daughter of Joel’s.

They were still in Buncombe for the 1820 census. He was listed between his sons Joel Jr and John Mackey. The second sheet with the slave and free colored entries was not available on the ancestry.com version of this census, so I don’t know if Joel still had slaves or not in 1820.

1820 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

110

Joel McKay

110

Joel McKay Sener

110

John McKay

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

1m 45+ (before 1775) Joel Mackey

1f 45+ (before 1775) Sarah Joyce Mackey, wife

Joel Mackey made a Last Will and Testament in the 1820s, but, unfortunately, most of the Buncombe County Wills of this era were lost. However, we have some information from his estate record.

On 9 Apr 1829, Daniel Hefner and William D. Smith signed a Guardian bond for Daniel Hefner to be natural guardian of his minor children, John, McKey, Allen, Alexander, David J., Samuel N., Wilson and Frances Hefner. He received their portion from John McKey and John Keith, Executors of the Will of Joel McKey, deceased. (Buncombe Co., NC Estates, Joel McKy (sic), 1829.)

From the above we learn that Joel Mackey died before 9 Apr 1829 in Buncombe Co., NC. We know he was still alive in 1824 because Joel “Junr” was listed as a juror that year. He wouldn’t have needed the suffix unless his father was still alive, so he presumably was. Thus, we know Joel Sr died between 1824 and 1829.

I don’t know if Sarah Joyce Mackey died before Joel, or survived him. I have no further record of her.

There is an 80 something woman (1740/50) living with John Keith in 1830 Pickens Dist., SC. It isn’t his own mother because she’s listed next door to him on that census. Could it be Sarah Joyce Mackey? In 1840, John Keith had a woman aged 100+ (before 1740) residing with him. Was that Sarah? Or was it perhaps his mother Mary, who wasn’t listed as a head of household that year? Mary did live until 1846 per her tombstone, so that could be her with John in 1840, but not in 1830.

Online trees show Sarah dying on 30 Mar 1835. If that’s correct, then she may indeed be the older woman with John Keith in 1830.

Children

Although Joel Mackey apparently left a Will, it was unfortunately lost with many of the other early Buncombe records.

A guardianship bond for Daniel Hefners’ children was the only document in the estate file, but at least from that we learn that Daniel Hefner’s wife (not named) was a daughter of Joel Mackey, and that John Mackey, as Executor, was probably a son, and John Keith, as Executor, might be a son-in-law. Other researchers show Daniel’s wife was named Elizabeth Mackey. I haven’t confirmed that yet.

I haven’t yet found any documents that prove other children for Joel Mackey. However, other researchers include Jane Mackey (1773-1846) wife of John Keith as a child, Margaret Mackey (1774-1845) wife of George Keith as a daughter, and Joel Mackey (Jr) (1789-1872) as a son. I have no doubt about Joel Jr as he lived next to his father on the census and of course there’s the name. It is generally accepted about Jane and Margaret. Perhaps there is evidence to back it up.

There also appears to be a son named Alexander Mackey who appeared with Joel on some records in Surry Co., NC in the 1790s and associated with some of Joel’s children in SC as late as 1804.

There is a Nancy Mackey associated with the family in 1816, another likely daughter as her child Sarah was mentioned in regards to the Will of Joel Mackey in one record. Nancy married William Trull.

The FamilySearch.org entry for Joel Mackey includes a son named George Houston Mackey, born 1787, no additional information. I’ve not come across this person at all so I’m not going to include them here.

The 1786 and 1810 census indicates several more children. Unfortunately we don’t have the 1790 or 1800 census entries for comparison purposes. We do have a potential 1800 entry for them, but I’m not going to use it for analysis since it might not be them.

1. Mary Jane Mackey (1773-1846) m John Keith.

2. Margaret Mackey (1774-1845) m George Keith.

3. Alexander Mackey (c1775/79-aft 1807)

4. Sarah Mackey (1780/84) m Samuel Copeland.

5. John Mackey (1782-1855) m Mary Wetzel.

6. Nancy Mackey (1780/90-aft 1840) m William Trull.

7. Joel Mackey (1789-1872) m Martha Orr.

8. Elizabeth Mackey (1784/94-c1827) m Daniel Hefner.

9. Daughter (1772/1784-aft 1810).

10. Daughter (1784/94-aft 1810).

11. Daughter (1784/94-aft 1810).

12. Son (1794/1800-aft 1810).

13. Daughter (1800/1810-aft 1810).

14. Son (1800/1810-aft 1810).

15. Son (1800/1810-aft 1810).

16. Son (1800/1810-aft 1810).

Mary Jane Mackey was born 10 Mar 1773 probably in Guilford (now Rockingham) Co., NC.

Special thanks to Doris Mayer Reece for sharing information on this family.

Mary Jane married John Keith before ca 1796, presumably in Surry Co., NC. He was born 2 Feb 1771 in NC, apparently a son of Cornelius Keith and Mary Lafoon.

John Keith was on the 1800 census in Pendleton Dist., SC next to brother George. Their father was listed on the previous page.

1800 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

110

John Keith

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

1m 26-44 (1755/1774) John Keith (1771)

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) Brother? Brother-in-law?

1m 0-9 (1790/1800) Joel M. Keith (1799) son

1f 26-44 (1755/1774) Jane Mackey Keith (1773) wife

1f 0-9 (1790/1800) Sarah Keith (1797) daughter

John is listed on the 1810 census in Pendleton a few houses from his father, and near brother George and next to a Duncan Keith who is next to another John Keith. Ours is the first one as he had children. The other John had none on this census.

1810 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

278

John Keith

278

John Keith

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

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) John Keith (1771)

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) Joel M. Keith (1799) son

2m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Lemuel H. Keith (1805) son

2. James Allen Keith (1808) son

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Jane Mackey Keith (1773) wife

2f 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Sarah Keith (1797) daughter

2. Mary E. Keith (1803) daughter

They are on the 1820 census in Pendleton, not near any other Keiths.

1820 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

204

John Keith

* Sheet with slave listings wasn’t included.

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

1m 45+ (before 1775) John Keith (1771)

2m 16-25 (1794/1804) 1. Joel M. Keith (1799) son

2. Lemuel H. Keith (1805) son

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) James Allen Keith (1808) son

1f 45+ (before 1775) Jane Mackey Keith (1773) wife

1f 16-25 (1794/1804) Mary E. Keith (1803) daughter

2f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Jane Keith (1810) daughter

2. Rebecca Keith (1813) daughter

Pendleton District was dissolved in 1826 and split into Anderson and Pickens Districts. John fell into Pickens.

John Keith is listed on the 1830 census in Pickens Dist., SC next to his widowed mother, Mary. Speaking of widows, there is an 80 something woman living with John Keith. If his mother Mary is next door, who is that with him? It might be Sarah Joyce Mackey, his mother-in-law. Joel Mackey died ca 1829, so this fits.

1830 Census, Pickens 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+

318

John Keith

Slaves=010100-000000

318

Mary Keith

Slaves=010000-001000

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

1m 50-59 (1770/1780) John Keith (1771)

1m 10-14 (1815/1820) Grandson?

1f 80-89 (1740/1750) Sarah Joyce Mackey? Mother-in-law

1f 50-59 (1770/1780) Jane Mackey Keith (1773) wife

2f 15-19 (1810/1815) 1. Jane Keith (1810) daughter

2. Rebecca Keith (1813) daughter

John Keith is listed on the 1840 census in Pickens Dist., SC. He has a woman 100+ with him, i.e. born before 1740. That’s older than the woman with him in 1830 (1740/50) and his mother (1750/60), so who is this? It’s probably either his mother Mary or his mother-in-law Sarah, but neither of them would have actually been over 100, though it’s possible.

1840 Census, Pickens 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+

John Keith

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

1m 70-79 (1760/1770) John Keith (1771)

1f 100+ (before 1740) Sarah Joyce Mackey? Mother-in-law OR Mary Lafoon Keith, mother

1f 60-69 (1770/1780) Jane Mackey Keith (1773) wife

Jane Mackey Keith died on 17 Aug 1846 aged 73 in Pickens Dist., SC. She’s buried at Oolenoy Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickens Co., SC.

John Keith is listed on the 1850 census in Pickens residing with daughter Mary.

1850 Census, Pickens Dist., SC, Eastern Division, House 403, Family 403

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Noble Glenn	45	M		Farming	3000	SC
Mary	48	F				“
Elizabeth	11	F				“
Wm	6	M				“
John Keith	82	M				VA

John Keith died on 2 Feb 1853 in Pickens Dist., SC. He’s buried at Oolenoy Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickens Co., SC.

According to Doris Mayer Reece, John and Jane had nine children. All were born in Pendleton Dist., SC, now Pickens Co., SC.

Margaret Mackey was born 3 Nov 1774, probably in Guilford (now Rockingham) Co., NC, or perhaps in Albemarle Co., VA.

She married George Keith before ca 1795, presumably in Surry Co., NC. He seems to be a brother of John Keith, thus a son of Cornelius Keith and Mary Lafoon. He was born 16 Feb 1772 per his tombstone.

They moved to Pendleton Dist., SC in the 1790s.

George Keith was on the 1800 census in Pendleton Dist., SC next to brother John. Their father was listed on the previous page.

1800 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

110

George Keith

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

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) George Keith (1772)

1m 0-9 (1790/1800) Mackey A. Keith (1796) son

1f 16-25 (1774/1784) Margaret Mackey Keith (1774) wife

1f 0-9 (1790/1800) Mary Keith (1798) daughter

They are on the 1810 census in Pendleton near his father Cornelius and near brother John, and Duncan Keith and another John Keith.

1810 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

278

Geo Keith

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

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) George Keith (1772)

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) Mackey A. Keith (1796) son

2m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Matthew L. Keith (1803) son

2. John W. Keith (1807) son

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Margaret Mackey Keith (1774) wife

1f 10-15 (1794/1800) Mary Keith (1798) daughter

2f 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

1 Slave

They are on the 1820 census in Pendleton near a James Keith and a William L. Keith.

1820 Census, Pendleton Dist., SC

Page

Name

181

George Keith

Slaves=0100-0000

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

1m 45+ (before 1775) George Keith (1772)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Matthew L. Keith (1803) son

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) John W. Keith (1807) son

2m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Cornelius Keith (1814) son

2. George Keith (1820) son

1f 45+ (before 1775) Margaret Mackey Keith (1774) wife

1f 16-25 (1794/1804) Daughter?

1f 10-15 (1804/1810) Daughter?

2f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Margaret Keith (1817) daughter

2. Daughter?

1 Slave

The Keiths, like many other Pendleton Dist., SC families, moved into north Georgia in the 1820s.

They are listed on the 1830 census in Hall Co., GA.

1830 Census, Hall Co., GA

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+

107

George Keith

Slaves=010000-121000

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

1m 40-49 (1780/1790) George Keith (1772)

1m 10-14 (1815/1820) Cornelius Keith (1814) son

1m 5-9 (1820/1825) George Keith (1820) son

1f 50-59 (1770/1780) Margaret Mackey Keith (1774) wife

1f 10-14 (1815/1820) Margaret Keith (1817) daughter

5 Slaves

George Keith died on 26 May 1840 in Hall Co., GA, aged 68. He’s buried at Yellow Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in that county.

Margaret Mackey Keith is listed as head of household on the 1840 census.

1840 Census, Hall Co., GA

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+

190

Margret Keith

Slaves=351000-622000

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

1m 20-29 (1810/1820) George Keith (1820) son

1f 60-69 (1770/1780) Margaret Mackey Keith (1774) wife

19 Slaves

Margaret Mackey Keith died on 29 Jul 1845 in Hall Co., GA, aged 70. She is buried by her husband at Yellow Creek Baptist Cemetery.

Other researchers show them with 7 children. Census records indicate a few others, yet unidentified.

Alexander Mackey was born between ca 1775 and 1779, either in Guilford (now Rockingham) Co., NC or in Albemarle Co.,VA, or possibly in Surry Co., NC.

I base his birth range on a couple of things. His first record was in 1793 when he served as a chain carrier on a survey for his father. I’m assuming he was at least 14 then, thus born ca 1779 or earlier. His parents married in 1772, and their first two children were born in 1773 and 1774, which suggests Alexander was born no earlier than 1775, thus a birth range of ca 1775/79.

Alexander would have been one of the two males under 21 with his father on the 1786 state census (born ca 1766/86).

As noted, a survey was made 24 Jun 1793 in Surry Co., NC for Joel Mackey. Elexander Mackey and John Stotts were Chain Carriers. (North Carolina Land Grant # 1651, File # 1636.)

The above is not Joel’s brother Alexander, who was in Rutherford Co., NC at that time, so it’s like Joel’s son.

On 26 Oct 1796, Joel Mackey and Alexander Mackey were chain carriers for a survey for Elijah Gillespie for land bordering Joel Mackey in Surry Co., NC.

On 31 Oct 1796, Joel Mackey, Alexander Mackey and Martin Burrus witnessed a deed between Joab Hill and Colby Creed for land on Little Fish River. (Surry Co., NC Deed Book G, pp. 160-161.)

Alexander Mackey would have been between 21 and 25 years old by the time of the 1800 census, old enough to be head of his own household. However, I didn’t find him listed in North Carolina or South Carolina. There is an Alexander McKee in Spartanburg Dist., SC that year. That could be him, but I don’t think it is. He could have still been home with his parents in 1800, wherever they were.

On 13 Nov 1804 William Reid of Pendleton Dist, SC made a deed to Abel Anderson for land on Holloway Creek of Saluda River being part of a track originally granted to Robert Willson. It refers to a conditional line made between James Brown and Nathaniel Reid and a conditional line between John Keith and Alexander Mackey. Signed by W. Reid. Witnessed by Alexr Mackey and James Brown. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book L, pp. 109-110.)

The above shows that Alexander Mackey had land joining his brother-in-law John Keith in Pendleton Dist., SC prior to 1804. I wasn’t able to find when/how he obtained that land, or when/how it was disposed of.

I didn’t find Alexander Mackey on the 1810 census.

On 7 Jan 1811, Abel Anderson sold the same land in Pendleton Dist., SC that mentioned Alexander Mackey’s conditional line. He sold it to John Mackey of Buncombe Co., NC. Abel Anderson signed. Witnesses were John Keith and Joel Mackey Junr. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book L, p. 196.)

On 12 Dec 1818, John Mackey sold land in Pendleton Dist., SC to John Keith, using a very similar description to the one from13 Nov 1804 above, referencing the conditional line between Alexander Mackey and John Keith. That deed was signed by John Mackey and witnessed by Joel Keith. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book O, pp. 276-277.)

I didn’t find Alexander Mackey on the 1820 census.

I found four potential matches in 1830, men in their 50s, which is how old ours would be, if still living then. I only looked at those in likely migration areas. There were plenty of others in less places. I have no information on any of these yet, so don’t know which, if any, might be our Alexander.

1830 Pike Co., GA

p. 108 Alexander Mackey 0201100100000-0011101000000 Slaves=000000-010000

1830 Pope Co., IL

p. 27 Alexander Mackey 0000100100000-0000100000000

1830 Greene Co., IN

p. 157 Alexander McKee 0000000100000-0000000000000

1830 Hinds Co., MS

p. 222 Alexander McKay 1112000100000-1111001000000 Slaves=110020-222100

I found only three potential matches on the 1840 census, looking only at Alexander Mackey’s in their 60s, which ours ought to have been, and only in likely migration areas.

1840 Muscogee Co., GA

p. 300 Alexr Mackay 0002000010000-0002000000000 Slaves=300000-201000

1840 Telfair Co., GA

p. 284 Alex McKae 1112100010000-1120001000000 Slaves=0

1840 Holmes Co., MS

p. 262 Alexander McKee 0000000010000-0000000100000 Slaves=0

I didn’t find any likely matches on the 1850 census. The only one of the above still found in 1850 was the one in Holmes Co., MS, listed there as age 70 (born ca 1779/80) born in South Carolina, wife Mary 62 also born SC, two young, probable grandchildren at home.

So, as of now, ours was last seen for certain in 1804 in Pendleton Dist., SC.

The wikitree entry for Joel Mackey includes “Alexander Mackey m Mary Morris” among his children, but no further information is given.

Sarah Mackey who married Samuel Copeland might be a child of Joel and Sarah (Joyce) Mackey. I had come across Samuel Copeland associated with the Mackeys, but nothing to link them by blood. Then I discovered a Wikitree page for her that outlines why it is believed she is a child of Joel Mackey. After reading it, I agree with the author that it’s a circumstantial case, but it’s compelling enough. Read it yourself at the link above.

Sarah, wife of Samuel Copeland was born ca 1780/1784 per census analysis.

She married Samuel Copeland in the late 1790s in Surry Co., NC. He, according to the article cited above, is a son of Isaac and Sarah (—) Copeland of Surry as named in Isaac’s 1806 Will. They lived in the same vicinity as the Mackeys. I am also a Copeland descendant but have barely researched them. Samuel and his father Isaac are cousins to me.

They are listed on the 1800 census in Surry Co., NC. This one is alphabetical so we can’t determine neighbors.

1800 Census, Surry Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

542

Samuel Copeland

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

1m 16-25 (1774/1784) Samuel Copeland (1774/80)

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

1f 16-25 (1774/1784) Sarah Mackey Copeland (1780/84), wife

I wasn’t able to find them on the 1810 or 1820 census. They may have been in Georgia then.

They are on the 1830 census in Gwinnett Co., GA.

1830 Census, Gwinnett Co., GA

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+

376

Sam Copelin

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

1m 50-59 (1770/1780) Samuel Copeland (1774/80)

1m 5-9 (1820/1825) Son?

1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Sarah Mackey Copeland (1780/84), wife

2f 10-14 (1815/1820) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

2f 5-9 (1820/1825) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

1f 0-4 (1825/1830) Daughter?

I wasn’t able to find them on the 1840 census.

The Wikitree article lists Samuel as dying Oct 1841 in DeKalb Co., AL and Sarah dying 30 Nov 1848 in the same place.

John Mackey was born 21 Nov 1782 in North Carolina, probably in Surry County. He was possibly named for John Joyce, his mother’s brother.

John would have been one of the two males under 21 with his father on the 1786 state census (born ca 1766/86).

John Mackey married Mary Wetzel before ca 1806, presumably in Buncombe (now Transylvania) Co., NC. She was born 3 Jan 1789 (per tombstone) in North Carolina. She is apparently a child of Jacob Wetzel and Margaret Summey as named in Jacob’s 1824 Will. (Reference)

They are listed on the 1810 census in Buncombe next to his parents.

1810 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

267

Joel McKey

267

John McKey

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

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) John Mackey (1782)

2m 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Alexander J. Mackey (1806) son

2. George H. Mackey (1809) son

1f 16-25 (1784/1794) Mary (—) Mackey (1789) wife

On 7 Jan 1811, Abel Anderson sold land in Pendleton Dist., SC to John Mackey of Buncombe Co., NC. Abel Anderson signed. Witnesses were John Keith and Joel Mackey Junr. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book L, p. 196.)

On 12 Dec 1818, John Mackey sold land in Pendleton Dist., SC to John Keith, using a very similar description to the one from 13 Nov 1804 above, referencing the conditional line between Alexander Mackey and John Keith. That deed was signed by John Mackey and witnessed by Joel Keith. (Anderson Co., SC Deed Book O, pp. 276-277.)

They were still in Buncombe for the 1820 census next to his parents and near brother Joel Jr. The second sheet with slave enumerations wasn’t available.

1820 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

110

Joel McKay

110

Joel McKay Sener

110

John McKay

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

1m 26-44 (1775/1794) John Mackey (1782)

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) Alexander J. Mackey (1806) son

3m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Henry H. Mackey (1813) son

2. John W. Mackey (1816) son

3. Son?

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Mary (—) Mackey (1789) wife

4f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Margaret S. Mackey (1815) daughter

2. Nancy Mackey (1818) daughter

3. Daughter?

4. Daughter?

John Mackey and John Keith were named as Executors of his father Joel’s Will, dated sometime before 1829 in Buncombe Co., NC. Unfortunately the Will itself has been lost.

John Mackey is listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe Co., NC a few houses from his brother-in-law Daniel Heifner.

1830 Census, Buncombe 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+

219

John McKey

Slaves=100100-100100

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

1m 40-49 (1780/1790) John Mackey (1782)

1m 20-29 (1800/1810) Alexander J. Mackey (1806) son

2m 15-19 (1810/1815) 1. Henry H. Mackey (1813) son

2. Son? (1810/15)

1m 10-14 (1815/1820) John W. Mackey (1816) son

1m 0-4 (1825/1830) Goldsbury Mackey (1822) son

1f 30-39 (1790/1800) Mary (—) Mackey (1789) wife

2f 15-19 (1810/1815) 1. Margaret S. Mackey (1815) daughter

2. Daughter (1810/1815)

1f 10-14 (1815/1820) 3. Nancy Mackey (1818) daughter

1f 5-9 (1820/1825) Mary A. Mackey (1820) daughter

1f 0-4 (1825/1830) Huldah Harriet Mackey (1826) daughter

The section of Buncombe they lived in was cut off to form Henderson County in 1838, though they may have already moved away before then.

They moved to Cherokee Co., AL in the 1830s.

They’re listed on the 1840 census in Cherokee.

1840 Census, Cherokee Co., AL

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+

John Mackay

Slaves=0

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

1m 50-59 (1780/1790) John Mackey (1782)

1m 20-29 (1810/1820) John W. Mackey (1816) son

1m 15-19 (1820/1825) Goldsbury Mackey (1822) son

1f 50-59 (1780/1790) Mary (—) Mackey (1789) wife

1f 20-29 (1810/1820) Margaret S. Mackey (1815) daughter

1f 5-9 (1830/1835) Daughter?

They are listed on the 1850 census in Cherokee Co., AL next to nephew David J. Heifner.

1850 Census, Cherokee Co., AL, 26^th District, House 318, Family 318

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
John McEy	67	M		Farmer	3000	NC
Mary	61	F				“
Goldsbury	27	M		Farmer		“
Harriette	23	F				“

Mary (—) Mackey died on 20 Nov 1850 in Cherokee Co., AL. John died on 24 May 1855. I don’t know where they are buried.

Their birth and death dates and the births of some of their children (and some deaths and marriages) are recorded in their Family Bible. The Bible record proves nine children. Census records indicate there were a few others.

Nancy Mackey was born ca 1780/90 per her 1830 and 1840 census entries. She was probably born in Surry Co., NC.

In 1810, Joel Mackey had three apparent daughters at home, one born ca 1765/84 (or 1772/84 to narrow it down with Joel’s 1772 wedding date), and two born 1784/1794. Any of those three could be Nancy, depending on her exact birth date.

On 4 Jul 1816, Nancy Mackey made a land entry for 50 acres on the Ben Davidson Creek on a branch that rises in Andy’s Cove including said cove. This was entry number 13149. On the same date, Joel Mackey Senr and Joel Mackey Junr also made land entries on Ben Davidson Creek. They were consecutive suggesting all were filed at once. (North Carolina Land Warrants # 13147, 13148, and 13149.)

The warrant was issued for Nancy’s on 10 Oct 1816. It was surveyed on 22 Aug 1818. The description mentioned Joel Mackey’s line. Joel Mackey Junr and Samuel W. Allison were chain bearers. On 20 Nov 1818, Nancy’s payment for the grant was acknowledged. The land was granted to her on 5 Dec 1818. (North Carolina Land Grant # 2377, File # 2357.)

Nancy Mackey married William Trull sometime before 1828. She wasn’t with her parents on the 1820 census, so I figure she married before then, however, I didn’t find William Trull on the 1820 census in Buncombe or elsewhere, so maybe they weren’t married yet, or just missed on that census.

On 21 Jun 1828 William Trull and Nancy Mackey, now Nancy Trull, made a deed to James L. Haddin for $40, for the 50 acres on Ben Davidson Creek that was granted to Nancy Mackey. William Trull and Nancy Trull both signed with a mark. Witnesses were Joel Mackey and Walter Hogshed. (Buncombe Co., NC Deed Book 15, pp. 345-346.)

They are on the 1830 census in Buncombe Co., NC a few houses from her brother John Mackey.

1830 Census, Buncombe 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+

218

William Trull

Slaves=0

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

1m 30-39 (1790/1800) William Trull

2m 5-9 (1820/1825) 1. Anderson Trull (c1823) son

2. Son?

1m 0-4 (1825/1830) Joel Trull (c1826) son

1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Nancy Mackey Trull (1780/1790) wife

1f 15-19 (1810/1815) Sister?

1f 0-4 (1825/1830) Daughter?

They are on the 1840 census in Henderson a few houses from her brother Joel Mackey.

1840 Census, Henderson 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+

131

William Trull

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

1m 40-49 (1790/1800) William Trull

2m 15-19 (1820/1825) 1. Anderson Trull (c1823) son

2. Joel Trull (c1826) son

1f 50-59 (1780/1790) Nancy Mackey Trull (1780/1790) wife

1f 10-14 (1825/1830) Sarah Trull (1825/1830) daughter

It appears both William and Nancy were dead by 1848. On 28 Oct 1848, John Clayton, was listed as guardian to Sarah Trull, heir of Nancy Trull. The Will of Joel Mackey was mentioned. (Henderson Co., NC Guardianship Dockets 1845-1869, p. 25.)

Nancy may not have been dead in 1848, because a survey made for Sarah Trull on 21 Jul 1852 for land on Avery Creek says it adjoins the land where “Nancy Trull now lives.” The warrant refers to that and further describes it as the house Joel Trull built where Nancy Trull now lives. That was dated 28 Jun 1852. (North Carolina Land Grant # 325, File # 326.)

Joel Mackey was born 11 Feb 1789 (per tombstone) in North Carolina, probably Surry County.

He appears to be with his parents on the 1810 census in Buncombe Co., NC, aged 16-25 (1784/1794).

Joel married Martha Orr between 1810 and ca 1812, presumably in Buncombe Co., NC (now Transylvania Co., NC). She was born 2 Jun 1796 (per tombstone), in North Carolina, a child of Robert Orr and Ann Hogshead, according to other researchers.

They are in Buncombe for the 1820 census next to his parents and near brother John. The second sheet with slave enumerations wasn’t available.

1820 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

110

Joel McKay

110

Joel McKay Sener

110

John McKay

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

1m 26-44 (1775/1794) Joel Mackey (1789)

2m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. John J. Mackey (1815) son

2. William H. Mackey (1819) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Martha Orr Mackey (1796)

1f 0-9 (1810/1820) Violet Mackey (1813) daughter

They are on the 1830 census in Buncombe Co., NC.

1830 Census, Buncombe 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+

206

Joel MacKay

Slaves=000000-100000

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

1m 40-49 (1780/1790) Joel Mackey (1789)

1m 15-19 (1810/1815) John J. Mackey (1815) son

2m 5-9 (1820/1825) 1. William H. Mackey (1819) son

2. Alexander Hamilton Mackey (1822) son

2m 0-4 (1825/1830) 1. Robert Lester Mackey (1824) son

2. Joel Elliott Mackey (1827) son

1f 30-39 (1790/1800) Martha Orr Mackey (1796)

1f 10-14 (1815/1820) Ann Caroline Mackey (1816) daughter

1f 0-4 (1825/1830) Sarah Jane Mackey (1829) daughter

1 slave

Henderson County was created in 1838 from the section of Buncombe where the Mackeys resided. They fell into the new county.

They are on the 1840 census in Henderson Co., NC.

1840 Census, Henderson 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+

131

Joel McKey

Slaves=0

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

1m 40-49 (1790/1800) Joel Mackey (1789)

1m 20-29 (1810/1820) John J. Mackey (1815) son

2m 15-19 (1820/1825) 1. William H. Mackey (1819) son

2. Alexander Hamilton Mackey (1822) son

1m 10-14 (1825/1830) Either Robert Lester Mackey (1824) or Joel Elliott Mackey (1827) son

1m 0-4 (1835/1840) Columbus Marion Mackey (c1838) son

1f 40-49 (1790/1800) Martha Orr Mackey (1796) wife

1f 20-29 (1810/1820) Ann Caroline Mackey (1816) daughter

2f 5-9 (1830/1835) 1. Sarah Jane Mackey (1829) daughter

2. Jane Margaret Mackey (1832) daughter

1f 0-4 (1835/1840) Julia A. Mackey (1835) daughter

I was unable to find Joel Mackey and family on the 1850 census. They *should* have been in Henderson Co., NC that year. I did find their daughter Violet Mackey Cooper in Henderson in 1850 and daughter Ann Patton also.

Sons John J. and Robert L. were together in Cherokee Co., AL in 1850. Son William H. had died in that county in 1846. His widow Mary was a few houses from John and Robert Mackey.

Son Alexander was in DeKalb Co., AL in 1850.

I didn’t find any of their other children. They were probably wherever Joel and Martha were.

I checked those other places where their children lived to see if Joel was there too, but he wasn’t. The 1850 census for Henderson Co., NC is a mess for various reasons. It’s possible they were missed entirely, or perhaps some pages got lost.

Fortunately, they were “back” in Henderson for the 1860 census.

1860 Census, Henderson Co., NC, Davidsons River PO, House 1261, Family 1261

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
Joel McKey	70	M		Farmer	3500	1000	NC
Martha	64	F					“
Joseph	31	M		Farmer	100		“
Jane	25	F					“
Julia	23	F					“
Martha	19	F					“

Transylvania County was created in 1861 from the section of Henderson where the Mackeys lived.

They are on the 1870 census in Transylvania Co., NC.

1870 Census, Transylvania Co., NC, Brevard Township, Brevard PO, House 112, Family 112

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
Joel Mackey Sen	81	M	W	Farmer	1000	400	NC
Martha	76	F	W				“
Julia A.	34	F	W	at home			“
Martha Gash	23	F	W	at home			“
Margaret Grier	14	F	W	at home			“
Jinny Gash	8	F	W	at home			“
Floyd Mackey	2	M	W				“
Lilly	3	F	W				“

Joel Mackey died on 7 Oct 1872 in Transylvania Co., NC. He’s buried at Davidson River Cemetery.

Martha is listed on the 1880 census in Transylvania County.

1880 Census, Transylvania Co., NC, Davidson River Township, House 38, Family 40

Name	R S	Age	Rel	Ms	Occupation	Birth Places
Martha Mackey	W F	83		W	Keeping House	NC-Ire-Eng
Julia	W F	44	Dau	S	At Home	NC-NC-NC
Lillie E.	W F	12	G-Dau	S	At School	GA-NC-AL
Chas Campfield	W M	13	Boarder	S	Works on Farm	NC-Mich-

Martha Orr Mackey died on 1 Feb 1884 in Transylvania Co., NC. She is buried at Davidson River Cemetery.

Joel and Martha had 12 children. All were born in what is now Transylvania Co., NC.

Elizabeth Mackey was born ca 1784/1794 per census analysis. Her Geneanet entry gives a birth date of 20 Mar 1781 which doesn’t fit her 1810 census entry. Since it isn’t documented and doesn’t fit, I’m not going to use it unless a source can be found for it.

She is a proven child of Joel Mackey as her children were named in his estate records. However, her name wasn’t given in that record, but her husband Daniel Hefner was named. Other researchers list her as Elizabeth. That might be accurate, but Daniel Hefner apparently had a second wife named Elizabeth also, so there might be some confusion.

Elizabeth married Daniel Hefner (alias Heifner) before 1810. The same undocumented Geneanet entry gives a marriage date of 27 Oct 1805. That could be right for she had two apparent children in the 1800-1810 time period. A late 1805 marriage date works with that.

He was born 1775/1780 per census analysis. His undocumented Geneanet entry gives his birth as 28 Oct 1778 which fits.

They are on the 1810 census in Buncombe Co., NC.

1810 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

295

Daniel Hefner

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

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) Daniel Hefner (1775/1780)

1m 0-9 (1800/1810) Son? (1804/1810)

1f 16-25 (1784/1794) Elizabeth Mackey Hefner (1784/1794) wife

1f 0-9 (1800/1810) Daughter? (1800/1810) > gone by 1820

They are on the 1820 census in Buncombe next to Phillip Hefner, a brother perhaps?

1820 Census, Buncombe Co., NC

Page

Name

112

Danel Hafner

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

1m 26-44 (1775/1794) Daniel Hefner (1775/1780)

1m 10-15 (1804/1810) Son? (1804/1810)

5m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. John Hefner (1810) son

2. Joel Mackey Hefner (c1812) son

3. Daniel Allen Hefner (1815) son

4. Alexander J. Hefner (1817) son

5. David J. Hefner (1820) son

1f 26-45 (1775/1794) Elizabeth Mackey Hefner (1784/1794) wife

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

Elizabeth Mackey Hefner died sometime between 1 Mar 1827 (birth of last known child) and 9 Apr 1829 for on that date her husband was made guardian of their minor children for the purposes of their inheritance from Joel Mackey, deceased.

Daniel Hefner remarried between 1827 and 1830. Undocumented trees give his wife’s name as Elizabeth “Betsy” Graeff, born 20 Mar 1786. That birth date fits her age in 1850 of 63 (born ca 1786/87). Many of those trees list her as his only wife apparently not knowing about Miss Mackey. She was born in NC. I don’t know who her parents were.

He’s listed a few houses from his brother-in-law John Mackey on the 1830 census.

1830 Census, Buncombe 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+

219

Daniel Heifner

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

1m 50-59 (1770/1780) Daniel Hefner (1775/1780)

2m 15-19 (1810/1815) 1. Joel Mackey Hefner (c1812) son

2. Daniel Allen Hefner (1815) son

1m 10-14 (1815/1820) Alexander J. Hefner (1817) son

2m 5-9 (1820/1825) 1. David J. Hefner (1820) son

2. Wilson Hefner (1822) son

2m 0-4 (1825/1830) 1. Samuel Hefner (1825) son

2. Francis Marion Hefner (1827) son

1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Elizabeth Graeff Hefner (c1787) 2^nd wife, m ca 1827/30.

Daniel Hefner died in the 1830s, presumably in Buncombe, soon to be Henderson, now Transylvania Co., NC. His undocumented Geneanet entry gives his date of death as 13 Nov 1835.

There is an apparent widow, E. Hefner, on the 1840 census in Cherokee Co., AL. This might be Daniel’s widow, because other members of his family moved there along with some of the Mackeys.

1840 Census, Cherokee Co., AL

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+

E. Heffner

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

1m 15-19 (1820/1825) Samuel N. Hefner (1825) step-son

1m 10-14 (1825/1830) Francis M. Hefner (1827) step-son

1m 5-9 (1830/1835) Son?

1m 0-4 (1835/1840) Son?

1f 50-59 (1780/1790) Elizabeth Graeff Hefner (c1787)

1f 5-9 (1830/1835) Elizabeth Hefner (c1831) daughter

She’s listed a few houses from step-son Daniel Hefner on the 1850 census. Stepson Samuel Hefner is with her as well as her own daughter Elizabeth.

1850 Census, Cherokee Co., AL, 27^th District, House (cut off), Family 634

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Elizabeth Hefner	63	F				NC
Saml	25	M		Agr.		“
Elizabeth	19	F				“

I have no additional data on Elizabeth Graeff Hefner.

The 1829 guardianship record proves eight children for Daniel Hefner and Elizabeth Mackey, but those were only their minor children. The 1810 census shows one other apparent son and daughter, both of whom would have been over 21 by 1829, so not named in that record. I haven’t identified them.

Daniel and his 2^nd wife Elizabeth Graeff appear to have a few children as well, but I’ve only identified Elizabeth (c1831) so far.

Daughter (1772/1784-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1810, aged 26-44, born ca 1765/1784. Since he and wife married in 1772, we can narrow that down to ca 1772/1784.

She was no longer home in 1820 so probably married by then.

This might be Nancy Mackey (1780/90) who married William Trull. (See above).

Daughter (1784/94-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent daughter this age with him on the 1810 census, aged 16-25 (1784/1794). She was gone by 1820 so married or dead by then.

I have not yet identified her.

Son (1794/1800-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent son this age with him on the 1810 census, aged 10-15 (1794/1800). He was gone by 1820 so married or dead by then.

I have not yet identified him. It’s entirely possible this is a grandchild instead.

Daughter (1800/1810-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent daughter this age with him on the 1810 census, aged under 10 (1800/1810). She was gone by 1820 so married or dead by then.

I have not yet identified her. It’s entirely possible this is a grandchild instead.

Son (1800/1810-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent son this age with him on the 1810 census, aged under 10 (1800/1810). He was gone by 1820 so married or dead by then.

I have not yet identified him. It’s entirely possible this is a grandchild instead.

Son (1800/1810-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent son this age with him on the 1810 census, aged under 10 (1800/1810). He was gone by 1820 so married or dead by then.

I have not yet identified him. It’s entirely possible this is a grandchild instead.

Son (1800/1810-aft 1810). Joel Mackey had an apparent son this age with him on the 1810 census, aged under 10 (1800/1810). He was gone by 1820 so married or dead by then.

I have not yet identified him. It’s entirely possible this is a grandchild instead.

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Joel Mackey and Sarah Joyce.

Revised: February 8, 2026

[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]