BRACEWELL RECORDS FROM ORANGE COUNTY NC AND VICINITY

from Carey Bracewell's files:

c. Before Mar. 13, 1724. RICHARD BRACEWELL, SR. (later of Anson County) was born.

October 6, 1746. VALENTINE BRACEWELL from JOSHUA GINN, for ten pounds, a 350-acre tract then in Bladen "where he (GINN) lives on the S W side of Deep Rr beginning at the lower end of the Great falls running down . . . ."
(MARY BRACEWELL, widow of WILLIAM BRASWELL, M. MOSES GINN, CHOWAN PCT.)

c. 1748 There were fewer than twenty taxables in the whole Orange area.
Jan. 30, 1748. VALENTINE BRACEWELL had surveyed for him a 200-acre tract in Johnston ("probably later in Orange" WCF), "beginning at a pine in the fork of Middle Creek on the south side of Popular Branch". The chainbearers were JOHN DOVER and RICHARD BRACEWELL.

Nov. 22, 1751. THOMAS DAVIS was granted 640 acres on Middle Creek "Including the Place VALENTINE BRACEWELL now lives on".

1752. Orange County created (from western parts of Granville, Bladen, and Johston. All early Bladen records have since been lost.)

Sept., 1753. VALENTINE & RICHARD BRASWELL "of Bladen" were sued in the General Court by WILLIAM BURK. The defendants were "Not to be found".

Nov. 13, 1753. VOLENTINE BRASSWELL SENIOR entered for 150 acres in Orange County on the south side of Walnut branch "then across the Branch & up bouthe sides for Compliment Including the improvements of BENJAMINE CLEMENTS."

A companion entry, subsequently "X'd" out, read: "RICHARD BRASWELL Son of VOLENTINE Enters for 640 acres of land in Orange County begining on the North Side of New Hope crossing the Creek & down on bouthe sides for compliment between BUR BURTONs & MAPELs, Including the Dogwood Creek."

c. 1753. The population of Orange County had reached about 4,000.

Dec. 3, 1753. Warrant from Granville to VALENTINE BRASWELL SENIOR for 150 acres in Orange--his entry of Nov. 13th. On the reverse: "VALENTINE BRASSWELL-New Hope. Col. Haywood (the surveyor) & THO DAVIS to Paye. THO DAVIS Deed May 16th 1756."

Aug. 30, 1755. THOMAS DAVIS surveyed 122 acres on New Hope, including the improvements of CLEMENTS. EPHRAIM SIZEMORE and RICHARD BRASWEL, chainbearers.


1755. The only BRACEWELL on the tax list for this year was RICHARD BRASWELL, with two white polls and one black poll. Since only 490 of 950 white taxables appeared on the militia list, the rest were probably Quakers.

1755-1778. All Orange County deeds from this period have been lost.

June 2, 1755. WILLIAM PICKETT was granted 456 acted on Beartree Creek adjacent RICHARD PARKER and VALENTINE BRASWEL's Line.

1755. Shubal Stearns founded the Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Randolph County with 16 members. The church "in a short time increased to 606, spreading its branches to Deep River . . . ." (This was the "Mother Church" of most Southern Baptist congregations.)

Nov. 1756. VALENTINE BRAZILL SENIOR "late of Orange County Planter otherwise called VALENTINE BRAZILL SENIOR of Johnston County Planter" was sued by JAMES WILLET in the Salisbury District Supreme Court for the 50 pounds he had borrowed from WILLET in Rowan County on September 20, 1754, and which "altho oftentimes requested . . . hath Refused & still doth refuse to render".

May, 1757. RICHARD BRASSELL and SAMPSON WILLIAMS ("Undoubtedly son or grandson of JANE BRASWELL WILLIAMS, daughter of RICHARD BRASWELL, will 1725." WCF) were named securities to VALENTINE BRAZILL in "JAMES WILLET vs VALENTINE BRAZILL", then pending in the Salisbury Court.

Jan. 19, 1758. RICHARD BRASWELL and BENJAMIN KIMBOR (KIMBELL), SR. in Cumberland County.

June, 1758. RICHARD BRASWELL was licensed to keep a public ferry at his plantation on the North West of Cape Fear.

July 20, 1758. SAMPSON WILLIAMS to ABSOLOM TAYLOR, provided by WILLIAM BRASWELL, Cumberland Coounty.

Sept., 1758. RICHARD and VALENTINE BRASWELL each bought tracts of 320 acres from HECTOR McNIEL.

Oct. 20, 1758. RICHARD BRASWELL and ANDREW KENNEDY, Cumberland County.

Mar., 1759. HECTOR McNIEL sold JOHN BRANTLEY 148 acres.

June, 1759. VALENTINE BRASWELL bought 175 acres from MILES PARKER. The deed was proved by RICHARD BRASWELL.

HENRY BRASWELL sued WILLIAM HOWLETT for one pound six.

July 19, 1759. RICHARD BRASWELL served on aa "petyy" jury in Cumberland County.

1759. RICHARD "BRAZIL" born to RICHARD and OBEDIENCE BRACEWELL.

July 20, 1759. RICHARD BRASWELL sued the excutors of DAVID SMITH in Cumberland Coundty. Verdit to plaintiff, F 13-10-6, with 6 d. costs. Appealed by defendant. Securities HECTOR McNEIL, ANDREW SHEPHERD, Cumberland County.

Sept., 1759. SAMPSON WILLIAMS was sued by DAVID MIMS.

Dec., 1759. RICHARD BRASWELL sold DAVID MIMS 320 acres.

June 28, 1760. RICHARD BRACEWELL ("by WILLIAM BRACEWELL") entered for 640 acres in Orange County on Deep River beginning on THOMAS TUCKER’s line "Running up both sides of the River including the falls near HODGEs ford".

Aug., 1760. The jury appointed to lay out a road from near ROBERT PATTERSON's to COLLING's Ford on the Haw River to HOGE's Ford on Deep River, thence down cape Fear to the county line: JOHN BRANTLEY, RICHARD BRASWELL, MOSES GINN, JOSEPH KIRK, CHARLES CLANTON, WM PETTY Sr., JAMES CRAWFORD, THOMAS TUCKER, JOSEPH BRANTLEY, NICHOLAS COPELAND, HERCULES HENDERSON, and JOHN STEWART. JOHN BRANTLEY was named to oversee the "lower part" of the new road.

SAMPSON WILLIAMS was sued by HENRY TEMPLE, who won a judgement of eight pounds eight and two against WILLIAMS.

1761. "The year the Black Death swept the Cape Fear country and wiped out the river families by the dozen." (Malcolm Fowler)

Feb., 1761. HENRY BRASWELL and JOHN BRANTLEY were named securities for the letters of administration bond granted to MARY BRANTLEY, widow and admx of LEWIS BRANTLEY, deceased. The bond was for 200 pounds.

HENRY BRASWELL was granted license to keep a ferry on Cape Fear River where RICHARD BRASWELL "formerly kept one".

Feb., 1761. The jury named to lay our a road from the county line near ANDREW SHEPHERD's to HENRY BRASWELL's to the Johnston County line: RICHARD CHEEK, JOSEPH EVANS, SAMPSON WILLIAMS, VALENTINE BRASWELL, WILLIAM YARBOROUGH, JOSEPH MIMS, ROBERT JONES, CHARLES BRUM, RANDALL CHEEK, JOHN BROOKER, HENRY BRASWELL, JOHN BOHANNON, THOMAS SAYMORE, RICHARD BRASWELL, WILLIAM BRASWELL, ISAAC COOPER, JAMES STINGFIELD, and WILLIAM CANE. SAMPSON WILLIAMS was named overseer of that part of the new road that lay on the south side of Haw River, RICHARD CHEEK to oversee the part on the north side of said river.

SAMPSON WILLIAMS was sued by DAVID MIMS, who won a judgement against WIILIAMS for six pounds eight.

Mar. 16, 1761. Warrant issued from Granville to HENRY BRACEWELL for 700 acres in Orange on the south side of Cape Fear beginning on HECTOR Mc NEAL's Lower corner running down the river for compliment. Returned, executed, on Sept. 15, 1761.

June 12, 1761. RICHARD BRASWELL signed his will, naming his son, VALENTINE JACOB BRASWELL (320-acre tract on the north side of Haw River "at the lower end of a tract I bought from HECTOR McNEAL"); son, RICHARD WILLIAM BRASWELL ("the residue of that tract which is 320 acres" after wife's death); daughters, MARY BRASWELL and TABITHA BRASWELL, and wife, JOYCE, to inherit above tracts if the named sons die without issue. All moveables to wife, to be divided equally among the four children after her death. "Loving friend", HECTOR McNEAL, wife, JOYCE, and "my brother", HENRY BRASWELL, to be executors. THOMAS TUCKER and JOHN RELORDS?, witnesses. Probated in August.

Nov., 1762. VALENTINE BRASWELL failed to appear in county court to answer to the suit of HUGH KELLY.

Feb., 1762. HENRY BRASWELL proved the deed, JOSEPH MIMS to RICHARD HILL, for 328 acres.

June 29, 1762. HENRY ("H") BRASWELL of Orange had 250 acres surveyed for him on the south side of Cape Fear River beginning on HECTOR McNEAL's corner by the river. . . to BRASWELL's line, to the river. The chainbearers were RICHARD ADAMS and VALENTINE BRASWELL, junior.

Nov., 1762. VALENTINE BRASWEL's deed to JOHN HARRINGTON for 160 acres was proved by HENRY BRASWEL.

May, 1763. New boundaries of Justice JOHN BRANTLEY's district set as "from mouth of Beaver Creek to head of said creek to Johston County line, along line to the Cumberland County line where it falls in with Deep River; from the mouth of Bush Creek up the creek to COLLINs ford & from the mouth of AARON's creek up the creek thence direct to Deep River".

August, 1763. WILLIAM BRASWELL sued by WILLIAM THOMPSON-{-assault?}

Oct. 27. 1763. CHARLES ARRINGTON granted 213 acres on Lick Fork of the Cape Fear River adjacent MIM'S line and LEWIS' line. HENRY BRAZEL and JOHN ARRINGTON, chainbearers.

Nov., 1763. Earl Grnaville to HENRY BRASWEL, title to 346 acres.

Feb., 1764. WILLIAM BRASWELL was licensed to keep a tavern at his home. Bonded by WILLIAM MEABANE and JOHN KIRK.

May, 1764. SAMUEL SMITH appointed in place of WILLIAM COPELAND as overseer of the road from Braswell's Ordinary to JAMES SELLERS'.

Aug., 1764. JACOB BRASWELL in Cumberland appointed to the jury to lay out a road from ARTHUR DONNELLY's Ford to the main road by DOBBINS.

The crew appointed to open and repair the road from HODGE's Ford to COPELAND's Island on Haw River: WILLIAM RIDDLE, THOMAS HOLDEN, JAMES HOLDEN, RICHARD KIRK, RICHARD HEDRON, CARY MENTOR, WILLIAM BRAMBLET, GEORGE WOOTON, JAMES BRANTLEY, JOHN SHEPHERD, BENJAMIN BRASWELL.

JOHSEPH KIRK to WILLIAM BRASWELL for 375 acres, recorded.

Nov., 1764. WILLIAM BRASWELL to VALENTINE BRASWELL, 375 acres, proved by JACOB BRASWELL. (Accopanied by a bill of sale from "WILLIAM BRASELL" to VAL , also proved by JACOB.)

Feb., 1765. HENRY BRASWELL, one of eight persons who endorsed 1,000 pound bond of Sheriff WILLIAM REED.

ABNER NASH sued VOLINTINE BRASWELL for 20 pounds, to which VOL "confessed judgment".

PHILIP JACKSON sued WILLIAM BRASWELL for 7 pounds three, to which WILLIAM also "confessed judgment".

Mar. 22, 1765. The sheriff of Orange County was directed to arrest VALENTINE BRASWELL "late of your County Planter & deliver him to answer suit of CATHERINE DARGAIN at Salisbury Superior Court for trespass, 150 pounds damages.

May 16, 1765. VOLENTINE BRASWELL, HENRY BRASWILL, and RICHARD HILL, all of Orange County, signed a 200 pound bond to deliver said VOLENTINE to the following Sept. session of the Salisbury Superior Court. Witnesses: ELISHA CAIN, WILLIAM NUNN, Jr. The bond was made to WILLIAM NUNN.

May, 1765. The jury appointed to lay out a road from WILLIAM BRASWELL's Ferry on Cape Fear to HAMILTON's Store on Crabtree Creek: DAVID CHAPMAN, RICHARD CHEEK, BURWELL WILLIAMS, JOSEPH AVENT, ROBERT JONES, DRURY MIMS, JOHN TALLY, HENRY DAY, VOLINTINE BRASWELL, WILLIAM ASLEY, SAMUEL JETMAN, THOMAS SEAMORE, and HENRY BRASWELL.

VALENTINE BRASWELL sued MARY MORRIS et al, who failed to appear. BENJAMIN DRUMMOND sued VALENTINE BRASWELL, who confessed judgment for 6 pounds 10. JOHN DOWELL sued HENRY BRASWELL and ELIJAH CAIN.

Aug., 1765. VOLENTINE BRASWEL SENIOR to VOLENTINE BRASWEL JUNIOR, 214 acres, proved by WILLIAM YARBOROUGH.

WILLIAM THOMPSON sued WILLIAM BRASWELL, who was judged not guilty.

Nov., 1765. HENRY BRASWEL proved JOHN HARRINGTON to CHARLES HARRINGTON.

Aug., 1766-May, 1766. Minutes of the Orange Countycourt for this period lost, probably due to the Regulator rebellion.

1766... . JACOB BRASWELL bought a tract in Cumberland from DONALLY that, until 1765, had belonged to ARCHIBALD BUIE.

Sept., 1766. The old case of JAMES WILLET vs VALENTINE BRAZILL was "put off the Docket", after aliases had been issued previously to Orange, Anson, and Rowan counties with "no effect".
{Evidence that VALENTINE, Sr. had died by now}

Feb. 17, 1767. The Sheriff of Cumberland County seized JACOB BRASWELL's 110-acre tract on the west side of Cape Fear River, adjacent ARTHUR DONALLY's 40-acre tract, to repay an overdue debt of 19-17-0 owed by JACOB to Duncan Mackie, Merchant. The original deed, DONALLY to BRASWELL, was then in the possession of JOHN BARLOW, planter, and was witnessed by ANDREW SHEPHERD and JAMES STRINGFIELD.

Mar. 12, 1767. HENRY BRASWELL and JAMES STRINGFIELD, both of Orange, sold their 200-acre tract on Bush Creek (south side of Cape Fear) to ABRAHAM HERON. Witnesses: HENRY BRASWELL, JR., SUSANNAH and JOHN NICHOLSON.

Mar., 1767. PHILLIP JACKSON sued VALENTINE BRASWELL in Salisbury Superior Court. "JOHN WILLIAMS to pay costs - Sattisfaction".

May, 1767. JOSEPH KIRK and VALENTINE BRASWELL JUNIOR, 375 acres to SAXTON, proved by ABNER HILL

VALENTINE BRASWELL to JESSE LEE, 500 acres, proved by CHARLES HARRINGTON.

1767... With 3,870 white taxables, Orange County had become the most populous county in North Carolina.

Oct., 1767. VAL: BRACEWELL vs JOHN HUNTER, Wilmington District Court. Continued to April, 1768.

1768... HENRY BRACEWELL patented 100 acres on Fall Creek and 100 acres on Birch Creek, both tracts in Cumberland.

April, 1768. BENJAMIN BRASWELL, JOHN SHEPHERD, JAMES BRANTLEY, WILLIAM WARD, were among the signers of "Regulator's Advetisement No 9"

June 1-2, 1768. NOEL WILLIAMS alias BRACEWELL, THOMAS SEAMORE and RICHARD SEAMORE were tried in Wilmington Distrcit Superior Court on felony charges, including horse-stealing. All three were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on June 10, 1768. Among the prosectuion witnesses was JOSEPH KIRKLAND of South Carolina, who had brought them there in late January to stand trial.

1768... The Regulators of Orange County formally organized. About this time, the Deep River Baptist Church dissoved, part of it going as an organized church to Little River, Anson County.

Oct. 28, 1768. JACOB BRASWELL's 110-acre tract in Cumberland sold at auction.

Nov. 11, 1768. Among the "Inhibitants of Orange County Bordering on cumberland" and "Inhabitants of Cumberland Bordering on Orange" were: WILLIAM GAMBLIN, SION HILL, PHILLIP BRANTLEY, JOHN BRANTLY SENIOR, JAMES BRANTLEY, ANDREW SHEPHERD, JOS. BRANTLEY, JESSE LEE, FRANCIS DRAKE, CHARLES ARRINGTON SENIOR, BENJAMIN BRASWELL, WILLIAM BRANTLEY, JAMES RIDDLE, BEN BRANTLEY, WILLIAM RIDDLE, VOLLENTINE ("V") BRACEWELL, CHARLES HERRINGTON, JOSHUA BRANTLY, JACOB BRACEWELL, HENRY ("H") BRACEWELL, RICHARD HILL, JOSEPH COLE (3 OTHERS), JOSEPH MIMS. . . (3). . . JOSEPH AVENT. . . (3). . . THOs TUCKER. . . (2) . . . DEMISE LEWIS, SIMON TAYLOR , , (2) . . PETER AVENT . . . (6) . . ISOM AVENT . . . (9). . . GEORGE ("R") TAYLER, ABSOLUM ("A") TYLER, JOHN AVENT . . . (2) . . . DICK CHEEK, SAMUEL STRICTHERN, ABDON WARD, DRURY TAYLER ("X"), . . . (5) . . . WILLIAM BRACEWELL, JAMES TAYLOR . . . (8) . . . JOSEPH AVENT.

June, 1769. VALENTINE BRASWELL arraigned on a felony charge in Wilmington District Court, was found not guilty.

Oct. 9, 1769. RICHARD and GEORGE BRASWELL signed the Anson County Regulator petition.

Dec. 14, 1769. RICHARD BRACEWELL entered for 200 acres on Little River, Anson County.

Sept. 24, 1770. VALENTINE BRASWELL "sued" DUNCAN McNEAL, administrator of the estate of HECTOR McNEAL, in the Hillsborough "Regulator Court".

Dec. 19, 1770. Among the pertitioners "Residing in the Loer Part of (Orange) County" asking that a county be created from the lower part of Orange were: DRUEY PARKER . . (5) . . . WILLIAM LEWIS . . . (2) . . . DUNKIN BOHANNON . . . (7) . . . RICHARD HILL . . . (3) . . . VALENTINE ("X") BRACEWELL . . . (3) . . . JOHN BRANTLEY SENIOR, FRANCIS DRAKE . . . (3) . . . HENRY BRACEWELL . . . (4) . . . JOHN AVENT.

Feb. 3, 1771. HENRY BRASWELL from JAMES NEAL, both of Orange County, 200 acres on Fall Creek in Cumberland County, adjacent the Widow DAVIS.

Sept. 16, 1771. HENRY BRASWELL to DAVID MANN, for 20 pounds, a 350-acre tract on the south side of Cape Fear River adjacent HENRY's own land and that of THOMAS MATTHEW, ISAAC MATTHEW, and MILES PARKER's old line. (This tract was granted HENRY in Nov., 1763. and included land adjacent "BRASWELL's Ferry"WCF) Witnesses: JOHN GOTTATHAM, JESSE MANN, ROBERT VASER.

1771... Chatham County created from the southern part of Orange County.

Jan. 25, 1772. RICHARD BRASSWELL of Anson County, Planter, to CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIAN of same, for 35 pounds, the 200 acres on Little River "granted to sd. BRASSWELL by Patent dated November 25th, 1771". Signed by RICHARD and OBEDIENCE ("X") BRASWELL. witnessed by "GOING" MORGAN and GEORGE BRASSWELL.

{Only existing document ever signed by OBEDIENCE}

1772... Chatham County militia roll for Captain CHARLES MATTHIS' Company: MATTHEW DRAKES, Left'nt; JOSEPH BRANTLEY, Clark; BENJAMIN BRANTLEY, Sergt.; GREEN HILL, Sergt.; RICHARD BOHANNON, Corporal; ISAAC MATTHEWS, Sergt.; Privates: JOHN WOMMOCK, EXEKIL SHADDOCK, THOMAS MATTHEWS, JESSE MANN, NATHAN STICKLIN, . . . (3) . . . VOLLINTINE BRASSWELL, HENRY BRASSWELL, . . . (20) . . . WILLIAM DRAKE . . . (4) . . . JOSEPH BRASSWELL, JOHN MOOR, BENJAMIN BRASSWELL, JAMES BRANTLEY, THOMAS BRANTLEY, HARRIS BRANTLEY, . . .(3). Captain ELISHA CAIN's Company: BURWELL WILLIAMS, Lieutenant; DUNCAN BOHANNON, Ensign; DAVID MIMS, Sargent; Corpril ISOM WEAVER's platoon: VOLLENTINE BRASWELL Junr, JOSEPH MIMS Junr, WILLIAM MIMS, JOSEPH CROMP, WILLIAM COPELAND Junr, (1) JAMES DUNNING (10 JAMES DAVIS, MATTHEW DAVIS (4) MARTAIN MIMS (3); Corpril DAVID CHAPMAN's platoon: RICHARD CHEEK Junr, BENJAMIN BRUHANNON, (2) PETER AVENT, (4) RICHARD HILL (12).

Jul. 27, 1773. RICHARD BRAZEIL had surveyed for him 100 acres on Dery Creek in Anson County, JOHN SHEPHERD and RICHARD BRAZEIL, chain bearers.

May 11, 1774. VALENTINE BRASWELL from JAMES BRANTLEY and wife, HESTER, for 45 pounds, a 50-acre tract on the north side of Deep River about six miles above its fork, on the upper creek. Witnesses: MICHAEL SURLOCK and WILLIAM DILLARD.

Sept. 9, 1774. HENRY BRASWELL of Chatham acknowledged himself indebted to John Hamilton & Co., Merchants, of Wake County, for 16-2-0. Witnesses: MATTHEW BROWN and JAMES MARTIN.

July, 1774. The crew named to work on the Anson County road from Clark's Creek to the ford on Little River included: SOLOMON WILLIAMS, JOHN SHEPHERD, GEORGE BRASWELL, JOHN CHEEK, SAMUEL WILLIAMS, and ISAAC COOPER.

Jul. 22, 1775. VALENTINE BRASWELL from JOHN CARRAWAY, for 20 pounds, a 100-care tract on the west side of Black Mingo Creek in Cumberland, granted to JOSEPH DICKSON on May 22, 1772. Witnesses: THOMAS MOORE, JAMES DOWNING.

May 5, 1776. BYRD BRASWELL, 16, of Chatham County, enlisted in Capt. BRINKLEY's Company, 10th Tegiment, North Carolina Line. He later served in Companies headed by Capt. PHIL TAYLORand Capt. BENJAMIN WILLIAMS.

Mar. 24, 1777. BENJAMIN BRASWELL and wife, MARY, and JAMES BRANTLEY and wife, ESTHER, to DAVID MADDOX, for 172-6-8, a 130-acre tract on the north side of Deep River adjacent ABRAHAM WOMMACK. Witnesses: T. RAMSEY, ABRAHAM WOMMACK, and JOSEPH BRASWELL.

1777... GEORGE BRASWELL taxed on 160 acres and VALENTINE BRASWELL taxed on land in Capt. AVERA's district--both in Cumberland.

Oct., 1777. RICHARD BRASSEL, Jr. & Sr., signed petition to divide Anson County.

1778... GEORGE BRASWELL taxed on two tracts in Cumberland o f220 acres and 400 acres.

July 23, 1778. VALENTINE BRASWELL, JUNIOR, from HECTOR McNEAL of Bladen County for 200 pounds, a 640-acre tract on the east side of Haw River at the mouth of Duck Creek adjacent BOHANNON. Witnesses: HENRY BRASWELL, ARCHIBALD McEACHRAN.

Dec. 2, 1778. VALENTINE BRASWELL and wife, PATIENCE, to JOHNATHAN McPHERSON, their 100-acre tract on Black Mingo Creek in Cumberland, for 30 pounds. Witnesses: WILLIAM WILLIAMS, JOHN H_______LIN.

Jan 2, 1770. VALENTINE BRASWEL acknowledged above deed in Cumberland Court and also proved the deed, ARCHEY McNEAL to JOHN STRICKLING.

Jan. 30, 1779. HENRY BRASWELL granted 300 acres on both sides of Fall Creek, including WILLIAM DICKSON's old field, in Cumberland County.

April 12, 1779. JOSEPH BRASWELL from the State, 625, acres between Deep River and the road leading from RAMSEY's Mill to the Court House, adjacent JAMES BRANTLEY's former line near the Rocky Branch, "which now belongs to ABRAHAM WOMMACK and DAVID MADDOX". JOHN MOORE and BENJAMIN BRANTLEY, chainbearers.

1770... FELP SMITH was granted 240 acres on the south sides of shadoxes Creek between HENRY COLLEARs and BENJAMIN BOHANNONs, DRAKE's line, SIMON TAYLOR's line. BRITAIN MATHIS and JOHN BRANTLEY, chainbearers.

Oct. 5, 1779. BENJAMIN BRAZAL was granted 100 acres in Anson County on the south side of Pee Dee on Pelham's Fork.

Nov. 16, 1779. THOMAS WILSON was granted 100 acres on the south side of Baptist Fork adjacent JOHN SHEPHERD. JOHN WILSON was gratned 100 acres near the Poplar Branch of Richland Creek adjacent RICHARD BRASSWELL's Plantation (Montgomery Co.)

Nov. 20, 1770. NATHAN BRAZAL granted 100 acres on Pelham's Fork, Anson County.

1779-1780. GEORGE BRASWELL taxed 200 acres in Capt. COX's district, Cumberland County.

Jan. 1, 1780. JOSEPH BRASWELL to JOHN RAMSEY, for 45 pounds, the 635-acre tract that he was granted April 12, 1779. Witness: MATTHEW RAMSEY.

Feb. 29, 1780. JAMES BRASWELL witnessed EDWARD GISHAM to ISAAC WILLIAMS, both of Orange, for 130 pounds (204 acres adjacent JOHN BAKER.)

Mar. 31, 1780. Grants from the State for land in Chatham County: (1) to VALENTINE BRASSWELL, JUNIOR, 200 acres on the south prong of the Great Branch of Shaddockses Creek, beginning at the corner of his deeded line. SAM CARLISLE and JAMES ABBOTT, chainbearers; (2) to VALENTINE BRASWELL, JUNIOR, 100 acres on the Cabin Branch of Shaddocks' Creek, adjacent RUTHERFORD's line. WILLIAM and THOMAS FALKNER, chainbearers; (3) VALENTINE BRASWELL, JUNIOR, 23 acres on the east side of Haw River beginning at "his old corner" to "his own line". JAMES ABBOT and JAMES PHILLIPS, chainbearers; (4) VALENTINE BRASWELL, SENIOR, 102 acres on the south side of Cape Fear adjacent HENRY BRASSWELL; (5) VALENTINE BRASWLL, 250 acres on Bush Creek adjacent YARBOROUGH and DRAKE's Ferry line; (6) HENRY BRASWWELL, 490 acres on Bush Creek near the mouth of Shaddock's Spring Branch on Cape Fear River, adjacent COTTON and PARTRIDGE "containing three improvements, including the improvement he lives in". JOHN WOMMACK and NICHOLAS HARDER, chainbearers; (7) BYRD BRASSWELL, 100 acres beginning at JOSEPH YARBOROUGH's, along Cumberland County line. HENRY BRASWELL and SETH COTTON, chainbearers.

April 11, 1780. VALENTINE BRASWELL patented 200 acres in Wake County, adjacent JOHN TAYLOR.

May 10, 1780. VALENTINE("V") BRASWELL to JOHN RAMSEY, for 50 pounds, the 50-acre tract that he bought from JAMES and HESTER BRANTLEY on May 11, 1774. Witnesses: MATTHEW RAMSEY and WILLIAM DRAKE.

1780... Lord Cornwallis invaded North Carolina.

Aug. 24, 1781. ELIZABETH BRASSELL married WILLIAM LYNN in Wake County.

May, 1782. JOHN AVENT licensed to keep a ferry formerly known as BRASWELL's Ferry on both sides of the river.

April 2, 1783. BENJAMIN BLAKE of Orange County made his will, leaving 85 pounds to his daughter, SARAH BRASWELL. Other heirs: MARTHA CAIN, wife of ELISHA CAIN, and their children, SARA CAIN and ABSOLOM CAIN; son BENJAMIN BLAKE, Jr.; daughter REBECCA MASSA; grandchildren PENELOPE, MARY, ANN, OBEDIENCE, and HARDY PHILLIPS; daughter PENELOPE BLAKE; daughter ANN BLAKE; daughter BETHANA BLAKE; son JONAS BLAKE. Near neighbor, EDWARD TRICE. Witnesses: ENOCH LEWIS, JAMES TRICE, WILLIAM TRICE.

May 18, 1783. VALENTINE ("V") BRASWELL of Wilkes County, Georgia, to HENRY BRASWELL of Chatham County, for 10 pounds, the 102-acres tract granted to him on March 31, 1780. Witnesses: JOHN WOMMACK, PERION PHAROW.

HENRY BRASWELL of Chatham County to the Executors of ANDREW SHEPHERD of Cumberland, for 35 pounds, a 200-acre tract on Fall Creek on the Widow DAVIS' path in Cumberland. Witnesses: JOHN SHEPPARD, Jr. and JOHN BARGINNUR.

Oct. 9, 1783. LEWIS BRASWELL granted 200 acres on Brooks Creek adjacent MORGAN. HENRY B______ER and WILLIAM FOSSHE, chainbearers.

Oct. 14, 1783. WILLIAM BRAZAL granted 100 acres on Ray Fork, S. W. of Pee Dee, in Anson County.

May, 1784. LEWIS BRASWELL was convicted of stealing a still worm, the property of RICHARD PARKER, and sentenced to receive 21 lashes on his bare back.

Nov. 1, 1784. LEWIS BRASWELL granted 100 acres on Wilkinson's Creek adjacent PETER BRAY, GIDEON KIRKSEY, and ROBERT PIE. ELIJAH KIRKSEY and STERLING, chainbearers.

VALENTINE BRASWELL, JUNIOR, received a 300-acre tract on Shaddock's Creek, adjacent ISHAM DANIEL. THOMAS HINSLEY and WILLIAM LINN, chainbearers.

Nov. 17, 1784. HENRY BRASWELL ("probably a son or nephew of the older HENRY" ) made his will: to wife, SARAH, house, 250 acres adjoining, bed and furniture, Negro girl Nance, colt and saddle, with reversion of all to daughter, CYNTHIA BRASWELL, and son, BLAKE WILLIAM BRASWELL, To CYNTHIA, Negro man Baruch, boy Dick, bed and furniture; to BLAKE WILLIAM, 300 acres adjoining said plantation, including where BENJAMIN KITCHEN now lives, Negro wench Fann, Negro boy Jimm, one bed and furniture and 40 acres whereon old SHADDOX lived" and half of the still "that now belongs to me and JOHN WOMACK". To ELI YARBOROUGH, 20 pounds for "a food and sufficient education". Executors: JOSEPH BRANTLEY, JOHN WOMMACK, BURWELL WILLIAMS, witnesses: NATHAN DRISELL, JAMES JONES.

Dec. 5, 1784. HENRY BRASWELL from PERION PHAROW, for 20 pounds, a 20-acre tract on the southwest side of Cape Fear River. Witnesses: JOHN WOMMACK, THOMAS PARTRIDGE.

Feb. 11, 1785. LEWIS BRASWELL and wife, REBECCA, to WILLIAM FOOSHE, for 50 pounds, the 200 acres granted him on Oct. 9, 1783. Witnesse: CHARLES MORGAN Jr., and SAMUEL STEPPANS.

Aug. 6, 1785. LEWIS BRASWELL and wife, REBECCA, to ROBERT POE, for 30 pounds, the 100 acres granted him Nov. 1, 1784. Witnesses: DAVID WILLIAMS, JAMES POE.

Nov. 5, 1785. JOSEPH WHITE named executor in the will of CHRISTOPHER DAVIS of Anson County. Among DAVIS' heirs: DICEY BRAZZELL. The connection:

Jan. 17, 1755. JOHN WHITE sold ROBERT McCLORKEL 300 acres on the north side of Catawba River in Anson, adjacent WILLIAM WHITE and JOSEPH WHITE.
c. 1764. JEMIMA WHITE was born to WILLIAM and JEMIMA WHITE.

April 1, 1767. JEMIMA WHITE, admx of WILLIAM WHITE, deceased, returned the inventory of his estate.

1770. MOSES WHITE and JOSEPH WHITE signed a petition to have a district court for Anson, Orange, and Cumberland counties created at Campbellton (Fayetteville).

Oct. 21, 1771. MOSES WHITE bought 200 acres on Savannah Creek from THOMAS CANNON which had been granted to "JAMIMA WHITE, Deceased" on May 4, 1769, "and since became the property of sd. THOMAS CANNON by maraing of her the said JEMIMA WHITE . . ."

May 15, 1780. JEMIMA WHITE married RICHARD "BRAZIL" (B. 1759), son of RICHARD and OBEDIENCE BRACEWELL.

Dec. 19, 1798. MOSES WHITE sold out in Anson County and removed to Greenville District, South Carolina.

April, 1808. The will of JOSEPH WHITE, SENIOR, probated wherein is mentioned his daughter, JEMIMA SHEPHERD.

July 3, 1787. JAMES BUTLER's "Company in Montgomery County included RANDAL CHEEK and several WILLIAMSes.

Aug. 1, 1787. EDY and SEDY BRASWELL, heirs of VALENTINE BRASWELL, JUNIOR, deceased, received a grant of 640 acres on the east side of Haw River, beginning at the mouth of Duck Creek. MICAJAH McGEE and FRANCIS DRAKE, chainbearers.

Aug. 8, 1790. VALENTINE BRASWELL, SENIOR, paid expenses as a witness in a suit involving the orphans of VALENTINE BRASWELL, JUNIOR, said expenses consisting of travel between Chatham Co., N.C., and Georgia.

Oct. 8, 1790. BYRD BRASWELL to WILLIAM PARHAM, for 50 pounds, 100 acres near the Cumberland County line adjacent JOSEPH YARBOROUGH. Witnesses: JOHN WOMMACK and NICHOLAS HARDIN.

1790... Census
BURWELL WILLIAMS 2:16 & over, 1 under 16, 7 females, 20 slaves (Chatham)
BENJAMIN BRASWELL 1:16 & over, 1 under 16, 3 females (Cumberland)
VALENTINE BRASWELL 1:16 & over, 2 females (Wake)

Aug. 2, 1791. VALENTINE BRASWELL of Wake County made his will, leaving all to wife, PATIENCE. Executors: JOHN STRICKLAND, JR., AUGUSTUS TURNER; witnesses: JOHN STRICKLAND, ISHAM STRICKLAND. Probated December, 1793.

Dec. 10, 1810. BLAKE WILLIAM BRAZEL granted 108 acres on the Cape Fear River adjacent Bush Creek and the old PARTRIDGE line, "surplus land within his own lines". JONES STEVENS and WILLIAM GRIFFIN, chainbearers.

Nov. 15, 1814. BLAKE WILLIAM BRASWELL of Rockingham Co., N. C., to GASTON DRAKE and ELIAS DRAKE, heirs of ELIAS DRAKE, deceased, for $1500, the 483-acre tract that he inherited from his father, HENRY BRASWELL, deceased (an adjacent tract of 252 acres being set aside for his sister, CYNTHIA B. MADDOX, wife of TARLTON MADDOX), on the south side of Cape Fear River on Bush Creek, adjacent JOHN WOMMACK, MADDOX, YARBOROUGH, AND PARTRIDGE. Witnesses: THOMAS SNIPES, JOHN WOMMACK.

(The foregoing was the last Braswell deed recorded in Chatham County until 1916.)