Marty and Karla Grant
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Robert Wilson (d 1820s) and Isabella (—) (c1735-aft 1840) of PA, NC (Mecklenburg, Burke)
[Wilson Home] - [Table of Contents] - Robert & Isabella (—) Wilson
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Robert and Isabella might be my 6 times great grandparents. I haven’t proven my connection to them yet.
There were several Robert Wilsons in Mecklenburg and Burke (and environs) during the time of interest. Thus, it isn’t always evident which is which in any particular record.
Robert Wilson was probably born ca 1735. I base that on his wife’s age. It is entirely possible she was much older than him, or him older than her. The only sure age related record I have for him is the 1820 census which lists him as 45 and up, or born before 1775. His oldest child was born in 1777, so if at least 18 then, Robert was born before ca 1759.
Robert Wilson’s birth place is unknown, though I would suspect Pennsylvania where he lived in the 1770s and early 1780s. Of course he could have been an immigrant from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England.
I have no early record on him yet, so I don’t know what part of Pennsylvania he lived in.
Robert Wilson married Isabella (—) before 1777. Their oldest son William Wilson was born November 1777 in Pennsylvania, so they would likely have married in early 1777 or perhaps long before then. Isabella would have been about 42 in 1777, so it seems quite plausible that she may have been married prior to Robert Wilson marriage. No evidence has been found on that subject yet.
Isabella (—) was born between 1730 and 1740 per her age on the 1830 census (90-99) and per her age on the 1840 census (100+). In Fall 1840, her son William Wilson stated that his mother Isabella was then 105 years old. If accurate, she was born ca 1734/35. While that is remarkable enough, in 1840 she was still in good enough mental health to testify in the divorce case of William and his wife Ann Mackey Wilson.
I have found nothing yet so far to indicate what her maiden name might have been.
There were 17 Robert Wilsons on the 1790 census in Pennsylvania. One of them could be our Robert unless already in North Carolina by then. I’ve made no attempt yet to sort out those Roberts in 1790 Pennsylvania.
There were 11 of them in NC in 1790. None of those were in Burke Co., NC. Two were in Mecklenburg and one in Rowan. A fourth was in Richmond Co., NC which is close enough to Mecklenburg to consider.
1790 Mecklenburg Co., NC
p. 354 Robert Wilson 6-0-2-0-0 (same group as Zachaeus, Isaac, William, Joseph, James Wilson).
P. 385 Robert Wilson 1-2-2-0-0 (same group as William Esq, John, Widow Wilson).
1790 Richmond Co., NC
p. 169 Robert Wilson 1-4-5-0-1
1790 Rowan Co., NC
p. 329 Robert Wilson 1-0-4-0-1 (near James Wilson).
Our Robert should have had two sons under 16 (born 1774/1790). Using that knowledge, we can remove Robert of Rowan and the first Robert in Mecklenburg (p. 354) from consideration as neither had any sons in that age group. That leaves Robert of Richmond and the second Robert in Mecklenburg as potential matches. Of course it’s entirely possible our Robert wasn’t either of those.
On 15 May 1793 Robert Wilson entered a tract of 200 acres on “head branches of 4 Mile Creek joining Will Young on the Et & So Et & James Ramsey.” The survey had no date nor the names of any chain bearers. The land was granted 9 Jul 1794 (North Carolina State Land Grant # 1194 and Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 17, page 213.)
On 15 Aug 1794, Robert Wilson entered a 100 acre tract “on the ridge between the 4 Mile & 12 Mile Creeks joins his own land on the S. Wt & Joines Stewart McConnel and Ammanuel Stevens.” The survey was dated 24 Jul 1795 and included Will Ramsey and Andrew Ramsey as chain bearers. The land was granted to him on 2 Dec 1799. (North Carolina State Land Grant # 3248.) There was no corresponding entry in the deed books for this one.
On the same date (15 Aug 1794), Robert Wilson entered another 100 acre tract, though the description is identical to the prior entry. The survey was undated and had the same chain bearers as the prior entry. Judging by the plat, metes and bounds, it appears to be the exact same piece of land in the prior grant. The land was granted to him on 20 Aug 1802. (North Carolina State Land Grant # 1738 and Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 17, page 270.)
Four Mile Creek rises in what is now south east Charlotte not far from the Union County line roughly half way between the communities of Matthews and Stallings. It flows south westerly for several miles until it joins McAlpine Creek in what is now southern Charlotte. The west fork of 12 Mile Creek rises just south of where Four Mile Creek rises, albeit within the present lines of Union Co., NC. Since Robert’s land is described as being on the ridge between those two creeks, it must have been near the headwaters of both as that is the only place where there is a ridge between them as best as I can tell.
There were 11 Robert Wilsons in North Carolina on the 1800 census. Two were in Burke Co., NC, one each in Mecklenburg, Richmond and Rowan. The others were in central or eastern NC and not likely the one we seek.
1800 Burke Co., NC
Robert Wilson 804 21010-20110-0-0
Robert Wilson 805 00001-00000-1-0
1800 Mecklenburg Co., NC
Robert Wilson 560 00200-00011-0-6
1800 Richmond Co., NC
Robert Wilson 242 12001-10110-0-6
1800 Rowan Co., NC
Robert Wilson 411 30010-20010-0-1
Our Robert and Isabella would have been approximately 65 years old by 1800, thus should both be in the age 45+ category (born before 1755). Using that we can remove all of the Roberts above from consideration. That’s discouraging of course. Then again, census analysis isn’t an exact science. Ignoring the lack of a good age match, it seems our Robert should be one of the two in Burke since that’s where son William married in 1799 and son Robert (Jr) would marry around 1800/1801. The one on page 805 is old enough, but where is wife Isabella? No females are listed with him unless the one in the “free colored” column is her. I don’t think this is them though because they should have two daughters at home as well.
It is entirely possible that Robert and his sons were in Burke in 1800, while Isabella and the daughters remained in Mecklenburg. That could explain why none of the census entries quite line up for any of the Roberts.
Moving to 1810, I find 23 Robert Wilsons in North Carolina with only a few in the western section and Mecklenburg.
1810 Buncombe Co., NC
Robert Wilson 263 10010-21010-0-0
Robert Wilson 294 00101-02301-0-0
1810 Burke Co., NC
Robert Willson 343 40010-10010-0-0
1810 Lincoln Co., NC
Robert M. Wilson 419 00100-10100-0-0
Robert Wilson 421 00100-10100-0-0
1810 Mecklenburg Co., NC
Robt Wilson 515 00010-00000-0-8
1810 Rutherford Co., NC
Robert Wilson 453 01000-11100-0-0
Robert K. Wilson 454 00010-20001-0-0
Robert K. Wilson 459 40010-21010-0-0
Only one of the above is old enough to be our Robert and that’s the one in Buncombe on page 294. Is it him? Maybe, but I can’t say. The one in Burke is Robert (Jr), son of Robert and Isabella.
The only one in Mecklenburg isn’t ours as he’s too young and there are no females at home.
On 9 Nov 1817, a marriage contract deed was made in Mecklenburg Co., NC between Nancy Thompson and Joseph H. Purviance. It states that Nancy Thompson and Joseph H. Purviance are about to wed and that she is possessed of 300 acres willed to her by John Thompson (her late husband, though not stated as such here), and also a Negro boy named Kitt as well as various personal property items. By the consent of her soon to be husband Joseph Purviance, she deeds all of that to her “trusty friend” Robert Willson. This is actually her brother, I believe, though not so stated here. The deed was signed by Nancy Thompson, Joseph Purviance and Robert Willson. Witness was Mary Willson (signed by mark), who is Nancy’s sister, I believe. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 20, page 353.)
The above is Robert Wilson (Jr) I believe, not Robert Sr, but I include it here since this strongly suggests that Nancy is a child of Robert Sr when combined with other evidence.
There were actually six Robert Wilsons listed in Mecklenburg on the 1820 census. that year, but ours stands out. He is listed next to Joseph Purviance who is his son-in-law. His neighbor on the other side is Elizabeth Dobbins, no known connection. No other Wilsons were listed nearby, nor any names that I currently recognize as likely relatives.
1820 Census - Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
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 |
192 |
Robert Wilson |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
~ |
My analysis (who each person *might* be)
1m 45 & up (before 1775) Robert Wilson (c1735)
1f 45 & up (before 1775) Isabella (—) Wilson (c1735) wife
Our Robert Wilson seems to have died in the 1820s, perhaps in Mecklenburg or further west if that is him in 1810 Buncombe. There is an 1829 Will for a Robert Wilson in Mecklenburg, but it isn’t our Robert. That one was married to Margaret.
Isabella is listed as head of household on the 1830 census in Mecklenburg. In fact, she’s listed twice which is a happy accident as both entries are useful. The first entry (page 321) has her listed next door to Leroy Fincher, which I believe is actually Levi Fincher, her son-in-law. If this isn’t Levi, then perhaps “Leroy” is a close relative of his. The second entry (page 335) has her listed next to Joseph Purviance, a son-in-law. Both entries are identical in regards to Isabella’s age (90s). There is another female at home, listed as 15-19 in one entry and 20s in the other. This is likely a granddaughter or niece or perhaps a hired servant. I have no doubt both entries are for the same Isabella Wilson.
1830 Census - Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
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+
|
321 |
Isabella Wilson |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
|
|
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
335 |
Ibby Wilson |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
|
|
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
My analysis (who each person *might* be)
1f 90-99 (1730/1740) Isabella (—) Wilson (c1735) widow of Robert
1f 20-29 (1800/1810) Granddaughter?
OR
1f 15-19 (1810/1815) * Same as above.
In January 1838 court in Mecklenburg Co., NC a petition was filed by the heirs of Robert Wilson Sr which proves three of his children. His death date was left blank.
To the Worshipful County Court of Mecklenburg the Petition of Robert Wilson, Levi Fincher, who intermarried with Mary Wilson & William Wilson, all of the County of Mecklenburg aforesaid, represents unto your worships that Robert Wilson Signr departed this life in the year ----, intestate seized & possessed of the following tracts of land lying in the County of Mecklenburg aforesaid, being on the waters of four mile, adjoining the lands of Benjamin Fincher, John Ritch & others. Your Petitioners further represent unto your worships , that they are the heirs at law of the said Robert Wilson decd and entitled to the aforesaid land as tenants in common. Your petitioner further represent unto your worships, that Levi Fincher who intermarried with Mary Wilson & Robert Wilson have transferred and conveyed their interest in said land unto Joseph Starnes.
May it please your worships to appoint five commissioners unconnected with the parties to lay off, and make partition of the aforesaid land between your Petitioners, Robert Wilson Joseph Starns & William Wilson agreeable to law, and your Petitioners as in duty bound will pray
Signed: Jno Hutchison atto for Petitioners.
(Source: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Court fo Pleas and Quarter Sessions, filed with Perquimans Co., NC Probate Estate Files for some reason.)
The above document was found in Perquimans Co., NC estate records for some reason. It was either misfiled, or there was some legal reason they needed a copy of it in that north eastern North Carolina county which is quite far from Mecklenburg.
Note that the document lists all heirs as residents of Mecklenburg Co., NC. That wasn’t true, as Robert (Jr) and William resided in Burke at that time. This is proven by other documents which also prove it’s the very same Robert and William in both counties. Levi and Mary Fincher did reside in Mecklenburg.
Another petition was filed in October 1838, this one showing that Nancy was another heir, though it doesn’t explicitly say she was a child of Robert, it does show that William, Robert and Mary Wilson Fincher were her heirs, so that places her in the same family.
To the worshipfull the Justices of said Court, The Petition of - Benjamin Fincher - Ripley M Wilson Levi Fincher & his wife Mary Fincher - Robert & William Wilson represents unto your worships, that, Nancy Purvines some time in the year 1830 - departed this life seized & possed of of a Tract of land situated in said County , on the waters of Four Mile Creek , adjoining the lands of Andrew Wintz - John Hodgs & others Containing Two hundred & ninety five acres - Your petitioners further represent, that the said Nancy Purvines, died intestate, leaving the following heirs - William Wilson, Robert Wilson & Mary Fincher, who are entitled to the said lands, as tenants in Common - Your petitioners further represent, that the said Ripley M Wilson - Levi Fincher & his wife Mary Fincher, have bargained sold, aliens? & confirmed unto the said, Benjamin Fincher the heirs & assigns forever, all their title, interest, in that part or piece of land aforesaid - Your petitioners pray your Worship to appoint five Commissioners good & lawful men of said County, to go on the premises and divide the said land, agreeably to law & in duty bound your petitions will in pray
Signed: G W Caldwell
Commissioner
John Williamson
Thos O. Black
Robert Small
Thos J. Williamson
From Mecklenburg Co., NC Probate Records 1873
Ripley M. Wilson listed above is the son of Robert Wilson (Jr), and had the power of attorney to act on his father’s behalf. This power of attorney (dated 1832) is filed in Burke Co., NC court in 1834, which proves Robert of Burke is the same one named here in Mecklenburg. The power of attorney was necessary because Robert moved to Missouri around that time.
Jan 1834 Burke Co., NC Court:
A power of attorney from Robert Wilson to Ripley Wilson dated 10 Sep 1832 proved in court by Thomas Carlton a witness ...
Isabella is not listed on the 1840 census by name. However, she seems to be residing with her grandson Samuel C. Wilson in Burke Co., NC in 1840. He has a woman aged 100+ residing with him on that record. We know Isabella was in Burke at that time thanks to court records, so this is certainly her.
In 1840, William Wilson’s wife Ann Mackey Wilson filed for a divorce in Burke Co., NC. The court records for this include testimony from William’s mother Isabella, then aged 105! See William’s page for more on the case. This is the last we have for Isabella. While the court case is fascinating, it doesn’t give any information on Isabella herself other than her age at the time.
Isabella was not found on the 1850 census so almost certainly dead by then.
It is interesting that “Uncle” Jake Carpenter, Isabella’s great grandson, didn’t record her death in his “Anthology of Death on Three Mile Creek.” It could be that she died before he started keeping those kind of records. It appears he began in the mid 1840s though he did mention a few earlier deaths. That suggests to me that she died shortly after her last court entry in 1840.
Robert and Isabella (—) Wilson have four children according to records in Mecklenburg and Burke Co., NC, particularly the 1838 petition which shows that William, Robert and Mary Wilson Fincher are their children.
Estate, court and deed records in Mecklenburg Co., NC show one more heir: Nancy Wilson Thompson Purviance (d 1830), who though twice married, had no children with either of her husbands. They both, however, had heirs from prior marriages. Nancy had a marriage contract to prevent her property from going to her husband’s heirs. Her own heirs shown to be William Wilson, Robert Wilson and Mary (Wilson) Fincher. Records prove that William and Robert Wilson named in these Mecklenburg records are the same William and Robert who then resided in Burke Co., NC, where Nancy’s mother Isabella also later resided.
On 31 Mar 1831, a deed was made naming the heirs of Nancy Thompson Purviance. While it never says that Nancy is a sibling to the others, it is strongly implied, especially since all are included here, whereas only Robert was named in the 1817 deed as “trusty friend.”
Whereas heretofore Nancy Thompson before her marriage with Joseph Purviance executed a marriage contract or settlement whereby she secured to herself of certain Negros viz Kitt and Sylvia during life & afterwards to be divided among her heirs at law and appointed Robert Wilson her trustee. Now we the sd Robert Willson, Wm Willson & Levi Fincher the heirs at law of sd Nancy Thompson have agreed among ourselves to divide sd negroes & it is agreed that Wm Willson shall take the negro Woman Sylvia, Robert Willson to take the three children, Jim, Sila & a young child name not known & Levi Fincher to take negro man Kitt & in consideration of this division we each of convey to the other all the right & tittle to the negroes thus divided Robert Willson & Wm Willson hereby convey negro man Kitt to Levi Fincher, Robert Willson & Levi Fincher convey negro woman Sylvia to Wm Willson & Wm Willson & Levy Fincher convey the three children Jim, silas & the youngest child to Robt Willson, with all the interest title & claim we have to them as before mentioned. Witness our hands & seals March 31st 1831.
Signed: Robert Willson, Wm Willson, Levi Fincher.
(Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 22, page 96.)
1. William Wilson (1777-1847) married Ann Mackey in 1799 in Burke Co., NC. Lived in the Linville region. Had six proven children and perhaps others.
2. Robert Wilson (c1781-1856) married 1st, Mary Mackey ca 1800 in Burke Co., NC and 2nd Rachel Savage in 1855 in Polk Co., MO. Robert and Mary had eight proven children.
3. Mary Wilson (c1780/90-aft 1840) married Levi Fincher between 1817 and 1820 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. They moved to Gasconade Co., MO in 1830s with brother Robert Wilson. Mary died there after 1840.
Mary Wilson was born ca 1780/1790 per her age on the 1830 census of 40-49 which is ca 1780/90 and the 1840 census which matches showing her age 50-59.
Mary Wilson was listed as one of the Witnesses for the 25 May 1814 Will of her brother-in-law John Thompson. She was also listed as a witness on the November 1817 marriage contract for her sister, widow Nancy Wilson Thompson, to Joseph Purviance.
Mary married Levi Fincher sometime between 1817 and 1820. Levi Fincher was born ca 1798/99 in North Carolina (per his age of 51 on the 1850 census), presumably in Mecklenburg County. I don’t know who his parents were. There was a James, Jonathan and Richard Fincher in Mecklenburg in 1790. By 1800 there were nine Finchers in Mecklenburg: James, Benjamin, William, Joseph, John, Jonathan Sr, Jonathan Jr, Jesse and Abraham as well as a John Finch. All of the above, except Joseph Fincher and John Finch, had at least one apparent son aged under 10 (born ca 1790/1800) with them, which is where Levi should be listed if his ca 1799 birth year is accurate.
There were 11 Fincher households in 1810 Mecklenburg. Levi (c1799) ought to have been listed as aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). Those with an apparent son that age: John, Benjamin and William Fincher.
Levi is listed on the 1820 census in Mecklenburg, albeit as Levi Finch. However, I’m reasonably sure it is actually Levi Fincher. He’s next door Will Fincher who certainly could be his father or otherwise closely connected. Joseph Fincher is a few houses away. Two John Finchers are on the same page, but several houses away. Most interesting to me is that Levi’s father-in-law Robert Wilson is only 13 houses away.
1820 Census, Mecklenburg Co., NC
Levi Finch 194 000100-10010-0-0
My analysis (who each person *might* be)
1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Levi Fincher (c1798)
1f 26-44 (1774/1794) Mary Wilson Fincher (c1780/1790) wife
1f 0-9 (1810/1820) Daughter?
I didn’t find “Levi” Fincher on the 1830 census, however, a “Leroy” Fincher is listed in Mecklenburg, and probably not coincidentally, next to his widowed mother-in-law Isabella Wilson. While his given name does appear to say Leroy, it could also be read as Levey if you squint and want it to say that. Regardless, I do believe the entry is actually for Levi Fincher even if recorded incorrectly.
1830 Census, Mecklenburg Co., NC
Leroy Fincher 321 2100010000000-1410001000000, no slaves
My analysis (who each person *might* be)
1m 30-39 (1790/1800) Levi Fincher (c1798)
1m 5-9 (1820/1825) McKamie Fincher (c1821) son
2m 0-4 (1825/1830) 1. Robert Wilson Fincher (1828) son
2. Levi Nelson Fincher (1830) son
1f 40-49 (1780/1790) Mary Wilson Fincher (c1780/1790) wife
1f 10-14 (1815/1820) Daughter? > gone by 1840
4f 5-9 (1820/1825) 1. Fereby Fincher (1824) daughter
2. Elizabeth Fincher (c1825) daughter
3. Daughter?
4. Daughter?
1f 0-4 (1825/1830) Susan Fincher (1826) daughter
Mary’s brother, Robert Wilson, moved his family from Burke Co., NC to Gasconade Co., MO ca 1832. It appears that Mary and Levi went with them, or joined them later. They are listed in Gasconade for the 1840 census. They are the only Fincher family in that county on this census. They were on the same page as Hugh Wilson. I don’t know who he is, or if related. However, Robert Wilson and several of his children were also listed in 1840 in the same county but a few pages away.
1830 Census, Gasconade Co., MO
Levi Fincher 251 0121001000000-0022000100000, no slaves
My analysis (who each person *might* be)
1m 40-4 (1790/1800) Levi Fincher (c1798)
1m 15-19 (1820/1825) McKamie Fincher (c1821) son
2m 10-14 (1825/1830) 1. Robert Wilson Fincher (1828) son
2. Levi Nelson Fincher (1830) son
1m 5-9 (1830/1835) William H. Fincher (c1833) son
1f 50-59 (1780/1790) Mary Wilson Fincher (c1780/1790) wife
2f 15-19 (1820/1825) 1. Fereby Fincher (1824) daughter
2. Elizabeth Fincher (c1825) daughter
2f 10-14 (1825/1830) 1. Susan Fincher (1826) daughter
2. Daughter? (1825/30) * not in 1830 unless 1820/25.
Osage County was created in 1841 from western Gasconade County.
Mary Wilson Fincher died sometime between 1840 and 1850 for on the 1850 census Levi appears to be widowed, living in Osage Co., MO. Their daughter Susan and son William were with him as well as a granddaughter Martha Hutton (c1844). They are just a few households from Mary’s brother Michael Wilson. They are next door to Levi and Mary’s daughter Elizabeth Fincher Maxwell (wife of Elijah).
1850 Census, Osage Co., MO, Crawford Township
Household 403, Family 403
Levi Fincher 52 M Farmer $0 NC
Susan 22 F NC
William 17 M Farmer NC
Martha M. Hutton 6 F MO
Levi Fincher died on 20 Jul 1858 at home in Osage Co., MO of Typhoid Fever. His obituary:
LEVI FINCHER — Died, at his residence in Osage county, MO on the 20th of July, 1858 of Typhoid Fever. Levi Fincher, in the 63rd year of his age. He was a member of the M.E. Church, South and remained a member of that Church up to the time of his death.
St. Louis Christian Advocate 23 Aug 1855 - 23 Dec 1858 (couldn’t find exact date of this issue).
In 1860, Susan and William were residing with their sister Elizabeth Fincher Maxwell that year, still in Osage County. Levi’s granddaughter Martha was with them too.
I’ve discovered eight children for Levi and Mary: sons McKamy, Robert Wilson, Levi Nelson and William H., and daughter Fereby (Phoebe), Elizabeth, Susan(na), and Martha (no proof yet for her name). Census analysis shows there were at least two more daughters.
4. Nancy Wilson (c1775/1794-1830) married 1st, John Thompson (d 1814), married 2nd, Joseph H. Purviance (c1762-aft 1840) in 1817 in Mecklenburg Co., NC.
I found no marriage record for John Thompson and Nancy Wilson, but before 1814 when he died. He was married prior to that as he had four children named in his Will who were apparently not Nancy’s own. I don’t know when he married his first wife, nor what her name was, nor when she died, other than before 1814.
There are two listings for a John Thompson on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg. I don’t know if either are the one who married Nancy Wilson.
John Thompson 360 1-1-6-0-0 near Gideon and Widow Thompson
John Thompson 380 1-2-5-0-0 near Elijah Thompson
There are also two listings on the 1800 census in Mecklenburg for men named John Thompson:
John Thompson 547 11001-01110-0-8
John Thompson 594 21001-02001-0-0
There are four John Thompson listings on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg:
Jno Thompson 459 10100-20110-0-0 nine houses from James Fincher
Cpt Osburn’s Company
Jno Thompson 473 00101-10010-0-0
Cpt. McComb’s Company
Jno Thompson 482 00100-01201-0-1
Cpt Hood’s Company
Jno Thompson 491 01001-00001-0-8
None of the above were near any Wilson connections as far as I could determine except the one near James Fincher who could be related to Levi Fincher.
We don’t know when John Thompson’s 1st wife died, but he was married to Nancy Wilson prior to 1814 for that is the year he died. He named her in his Will dated 25 May 1814.
∙ Nancy my dearly beloved wife, 280 acres ...
∙ My beloved children, viz:
∙ Lucy Hutson
∙ Molly Hutson
∙ William Thompson
∙ Nathan Thompson
∙ He named William McKey and Thomas Morris as Executors.
∙ Witnesses were Silas M. Brown, Benjamin Fincher, and Mary Wilson.
I didn’t see a probate date. I can’t help but wonder if William McKey is related to Samuel Mackey (also spelled McKey at times), the father-in-law of William and Robert Wilson? Also, how is Benjamin Fincher related to Levi Fincher who soon married Mary Wilson, who also witnessed the will?
In November 1817, widow Nancy Thompson filed a marriage contract with Joseph Purviance with her brother Robert Wilson being the trustee to protect her whole estate. Her sister Mary Wilson was also named in this document. No relationship was stated between Nancy and Robert and Mary here. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Court Minutes, Nov 1817.)
Joseph H. Purviance was born ca 1761/62 per his age of 78 on the 1840 pensioner’s census. He was a Revolutionary War pensioner. I don’t know where he was born. He was married prior to his 1817 marriage to Nancy Wilson Thompson. I don’t know his first wife’s name.
Joseph is on the 1790 census in Mecklenburg (p. 373) 1-1-2-0-0, near David, James and John Purviance. He is on the 1800 census in Mecklenburg (p. 575), 21010-11010-0-0. He is listed on the 1810 census in Mecklenburg (p. 457), 21101-20210-0-0, next to David Purviance (both spelled Purvines on this census).
He is on the 1820 census in Mecklenburg next to his new father-in-law Robert Wilson.
Joseph Purviance 192 020001-01110-0-Slaves=0100-1000
He is on the 1830 census in Mecklenburg next to his widowed mother-in-law Isabella Wilson (listed as Ibby here).
Joseph Purvines 335 1200000010000-1000100000000, no slaves
From this record we can see that there is no one Nancy’s age residing with Joseph, suggesting she was dead by then. She was certainly dead by 1831 as that is when her estate papers were filed:
Whereas Nancy Thompson heretofore executed a marriage settlement to secure her property to her side before her marriage with Joseph Purvaince and deserted? that after her death the property should be divided among her heirs at law, and appointed Robert Wilson her trustee. Now, the heirs have agreed to divide the negroes, and it is agreed by them to offer to Philemon Morris and James Wilson, to say what Robert Wilson the Trustee and one of the heirs at law may have for his trouble in attending to the property, also to ??:? what William Wilson & Levi Fincher should have for their trouble, and we do hereby bind ourselves to abide by whatever maybe awarded by said arbitration? & to pay whatever maybe allowed and to pay an equal parts of all legal costs about suits for the estate; and if said Wilsion & Morris cannot agree they are to ??? person to attest then & a majority to award.
Witness our hands & seals this March 1st, 1831
S: Robert Wilson
S: William Wilson
S: Levi Fincher
W: Robt H. Benton
The above is from John Thompson’s estate folder. James Wilson is William’s son, who was perhaps attending to his father’s affairs in Mecklenburg at that time. I don’t know if Philemon Morris is related to the Wilsons.
On — Nov 1833, Ripley M. Wilson, Levi Fincher and wife Mary Fincher made a deed to Benjamin Fincher for $500 for 295 acres on 4 Mile Creek being the land that Nancy Purviance died possessed of. Ripley M. Wilson was attorney for Robert Wilson. The deed was signed by Ripley M. Wilson (his mark), Levi Fincher and Mary Fincher (her mark). Witnesses are John Welch? And Conrad Hardwick. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 24, pp. 464-465.)
For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Robert and Isabella Wilson.
Revised: September 28, 2025
Copyright © 1996-2025 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
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