The John Howell Family

Children:

1. Nancy Howell b. abt 1770 m. Thomas Nelson

2. Elizabeth Howell b. abt 1773 m. Samuel McBride

3. Margaret "Peggy" Howell b. abt 1778 m. James Whitsitt

4. William Howell b. abt 1784 m. Mary "Polly"

5. Gwin Howell b. abt 1784 m. Catherine M. Edwards

Known Localities:

• Orange County, North Carolina

• Guilford County, North Carolina

• Rockingham County, North Carolina

• Union County, South Carolina

• Rutherford County, Tennessee

Known Slaves:

1. Nan [female]

2. Purse [male] [Percy?]

3. Jerry [male]

4. Seal [female]

Known Connections:

1. A neighbor named Stephen Lloyd of Orange County, North Carolina also relocated to Lincoln County, Tennessee. Stephen was the father of Stephen Loyd (married to Elizabeth Howell) and John Loyd (married to Catherine Howell). Elizabeth and Catherine Howell were daughters of David and Mary Howell of Lincoln County, Tennessee.

On 1 Oct 1772 in Orange County, North Carolina, Elihu Hall sold personal property to John Howell for 35 pounds. The witnesses to the deed were William and John Hopkins. The property consisted of the following:

• one crop of Indian corn

• one feather bed & furniture

• one chest

• three chairs

• one pot

• eight plates

• two dishes

• rest of household furniture

NOTE: This deed of personal property and furniture leads me to believe John Howell may have recently settled in the area.

SOURCE: Orange County, North Carolina deed book 3, page 496
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99DH-FCWJ

On 29 May 1778, Henry Martin enters a claim to 400 acres land in Orange County bounded on the South by Haw River & on the North by Zacheus Tate land including the improvement which he purchased from John Howell.

NOTE: When did John Howell sell the "improvement" to Henry Martin?

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77T2-V8SB

On 4 Jul 1778, Henry McClure entered a claim for 400 acres of land in Orange County on Guins Creek, a branch of Haw River, bounded by the claims of Mordecai Guin, John Howell, Lewis Garner and the widow Rodgers, including the improvement where Henry McClure was currently residing.

NOTE: These document places John Howell as a neighbor to Mordecai Guin, a presumed relative of his wife Sarah Guin.

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77T2-V838

On 7 Sep 1778, Henry Hays enters a claim to 640 acres land lying in Orange County on the branches of Haw River bounded on the West by and entry made by William Harper #630 and adjoining the claims of John Howell & James Pyle including his improvement running for compliment.

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77T2-V87K

On 22 Jan 1779, John Howell entered a claim for 235 acres of land in Orange Orange County on the North side of Haw River bounded, on the North by an entry made by Wm. Baldon, on the West by an entry made by Shadrach Henderson & on the South by entries made by Jacob Holt and Josh. Smith. A warrant for this claim was issued on 6 Dec 1779.

NOTE: John Howell later sold this same tract of land, along with his wife Sarah, on 13 Aug 1793 in Orange County, North Carolina.

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77T2-V8ZQ

On 1 Feb 1779, Joseph Sullivan enters a claim to 400 acres of land lying in Orange County on the waters of Loughlin Creek of Stoney Creek bounded by land of John Howell on the East running for compliment.

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77T2-V8ZH

On 16 Oct 1779, John Howell entered a claim for 300 acres on the waters of Morgans Creek of New Hope, adjoining lands of Thomas Rayburn, Stephen Lloyd and ___ Edwards, including his improvement. A warrant for this claim was issued on 17 Nov 1790. Grant #1371 was later recorded in Orange County on 13 Aug 1798 and registered on 27 Dec 1798.

SOURCE: Orange County, North Carolina deed book 8, page 281
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89DH-XQ1X

On 17 Dec 1779, John Howell entered a claim for 100 acres on Mine Creek of Haw River, bounded on the West by land of Henry Hays and on the East and South by land of James Pyle running for compliment.

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WK-47ZL

On 24 Feb 1786 in Guilford County, North Carolina, John Howell was a witness to a property deed along with Philip Horney and William Stanten. The deed was from John Hamilton and wife Elizabeth & Thomas Henderson and wife Jane to Jonathan Howell of Guilford County for 276 acres for 64 pounds. The land is described as being on the waters of Deep River and Bull Run and beginning at a black oak in William Stanton's line, thence along his line North crossing the aforesaid Deep River and two branches 320 poles to a post oak, thence East crossing Bull Run 268 poles to a black oak, thence South 120 poles to a poplar in Philip Horney's corner, thence West along his line 208 poles to his corner post or stone, thence South along his line 200 poles to his corner post oak in Risden Moore's corner, thence West along his land 60 to the beginning.

SOURCE: Guilford County, North Carolina deed book D, page 71
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8983-X8JJ

On 3 Aug 1786 in Guilford County, North Carolina, Jonathan Howell gifted 161 acres of land to his son John Howell: "for and in consideration of the natural love & affection which he [Jonathan] hath & beareth unto the said John Howel his son." The land is described as being on the waters of Bull Run and beginning at a stone Phillip Horney's corner, thence South along his line 41 poles to a post oak, thence West 71 poles to a black oak in William Stanton's line, thence North along his line 177 poles to a post thence East 89 poles to a poplar & sowerwood? near a brook Joseph Iddings' corner, thence South 35 degrees East along said brook 53 poles to a stone the said Iddings' corner, thence East along his ling crossing the aforesaid Bull Run 50 poles to a stone, thence South 25 poles to a black oak, thence South 32 degrees East to a black oak near a heap of rocks, thence South 52 poles to a black oak in Phillip Horney's line, thence West along his line 110 poles to the beginning. The witnesses to the deed were James and Merwyn Martin. James Martin proved the deed during the November 1786 court session.

NOTE: This tract of land was part of the 276 acre tract of land Jonathan Howell purchased from John Hamilton & Thomas Henderson on 24 Feb 1786 (book D page 71). This document proves that Jonathan Howell is the father of John Howell.

SOURCE: Guilford County, North Carolina deed book D, page 148
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L983-XZYL

On 16 May 1787, a land grant was issued to both Jonathan Howell (grant #1233) and John Howell (grant #1437):

• Jonathan Howell was issued 100 acres in Guilford County, North Carolina, described as being on the waters of Bull Run and beginning at a black oak on Phillip Horney's line running East 22 chains & 50 links to a white oak, then North 44 chains & 50 links to a post oak, then West 25 chains & 50 links to a hickory, thence with Horney's line to the beginning.

• John Howell was issued 200 acres in Guilford County, North Carolina, described as being on the waters of Deep River; beginning at a black oak in John Mendenhalls line running East along his line 134 poles to George Mendenhalls corner black oak, thence South along his and Isaac Beasons lines 240 poles to a hickory, thence West 134 poles to a black jack in Jeremiah Shellys line, thence to the beginning

A little over two weeks later, on 1 Jun 1787 in Union County, South Carolina, Samuel McJunkin sold 220 acres to John Howel for 50 pounds sterling. The property is described as being originally granted to said Samuel McJunkin on 5 Jun 1786 and on the branches of Browns Creek in Union County. It was bounded to the North by James Bogan's land, South by a great survey, East by land laid out to Gideon Porter, and West by William Brandon's land. The witnesses to the deed were Joseph McJunkin and Thomas Young.

NOTE: John Howell seems to have branched out into South Carolina around this time period, having properties in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

SOURCE: Union County, South Carolina deed book A, page 498
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-G32P-N

On 13 Oct 1788 in Guilford County, North Carolina, John Howell was a witness to a property deed along with Mary Howell and Samuel Lamb. The deed was from Jonathan Howell to Joseph Iddings for 56 acres for 20 pounds. The property is described as being on the waters of Bull Run and beginning at a black oak John Howell's corner in Phillip Horney's line, thence East along said line 100 poles to his corner a poplar, thence North 88 poles to a rock, thence West 111 poles to a white oak in John Howell's line, thence along his line South 18 poles to his corner a black oak near a small run, thence East 58 degrees South along said Run 21 poles to his corner black oak, thence along South to the beginning.

NOTE: Who is Mary Howell?

SOURCE: Guilford County, North Carolina deed book E, page 53
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8983-XZK8

On 11 May 1789 in Guilford County, North Carolina, Isaac Wright and his wife Rebeckah sold 76 acres to John Howell of Rockingham County for 50 pounds. The tract of land is described as beginning at said Howells SW corner black oak grub in the Rockingham line running thence South 66 poles to a double chestnut, thence East 182 poles to a grub, thence North 66 poles to a grub in the Rockingham County line, thence West along said Howels land and Rockingham County line to the beginning. The witnesses to the deed were Minas Cannon and Asa Boshear.

NOTE: It's clear that John Howell's lands were on the border of Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina.

SOURCE: Guilford County, North Carolina deed book E, page 473
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G983-XZSP

On 5 Dec 1789 in Guilford County, North Carolina, John Howell was a witness to a property deed along with Hanah Howell. The deed was from Jonathan Howell to Joseph Idding for 24 acres for 9 pounds. The property is described as being on the waters of Deep River and Bull Run; beginning at a poplar Phillip Horneys corner thence East across said Howell land 91 poles to a stone, thence North 42 poles to a post oak, thence West to a hickory, thence South with a straight course to the place of beginning.

NOTE: Who is Hanah Howell?

SOURCE: Guilford County, North Carolina deed book E, page 207
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G983-X825

The 1790 federal census shows two different John Howel.

• The first was enumerated within Rockingham County, North Carolina. His household consisted of the following:

2 Male over 16 - unknown
- John Howel
3 Male under 16 - unknown
- unknown
- unknown
4 Female - unknown
- unknown
- unknown
- unknown (wife?)

NOTE: Other families listed nearby include John Stockard, John Dodd [Todd] and William Todd Senr., Robert and Samuel Nelson.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBZ-4F5

• The second John Howel was enumerated within Guilford County, North Carolina. His household consisted of the following:

1 Male over 16 - John Howel
1 Male under 16 - unknown
3 Female - unknown
- unknown
- unknown (wife?)

NOTE: Listed directly next to Joseph Iddings. It seems less likely that the John Howell we're researching was a neighbor to Joseph Iddings, considering his proximity to John Stockard in Rockingham County.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YY8-SL1M

On 13 Aug 1793 in Orange County, North Carolina, John Howell and wife Sarah of Rockingham County, North Carolina, sold 235 acres of land to Edward Thomas for 94 pounds. The land is described as being in Orange County on the North side of Haw River, adjoining lands of William Baldwin, Shadrack Henderson, Jacob Holt and Joseph Smith. The witnesses to the deed were "Edward Gwun" and John Dorris.

NOTE: This tract of land was issued to John Howell as land grant #1044 in 1779.

SOURCE: Orange County, North Carolina deed book 5, page 15
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9DH-X42X

On 10 Apr 1795 in Orange County, North Carolina, John Howell of Rockingham County sold 79 acres of land to John Danielly for 20 pounds. The land is described as being in Orange County on Mine Creek of Haw River, adjoining lands of Hay and James Pyles. The witnesses to the deed were Benjamin Shearman, William Hatchett and John Cook.

SOURCE:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99DH-F8XK

Ten days later on 20 Apr 1795 in Union County, South Carolina, John Howell sold 160 acres to William McBride for 20 pounds sterling. The property is described as being in Union County and beginning at a corner on Bells Branch made conditionally & running across Bogans road to the dividing line to a corner made there, thence a North course to a lightwood stake made on Campbells line, thence back along the line to a red oak, thence to a white oak on Bells Branch, thence up the said branch to the beginning the branch to be the line. The witnesses to the deed were David Tyre and James Bogan.

NOTE: It's rather interesting that this deed is only ten days after the deed in Orange County, North Carolina. Does this show John Howell owned land in NC and SC at the same time? Is he selling all/most property prior to removing to Tennessee? John Howell's daughter Elizabeth was married to a Samuel McBride - there a relationship between Samuel McBride and William McBride?

SOURCE: Union County, South Carolina deed book I, page 214
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-QV6N

On 5 Sep 1795 in Union County, South Carolina, John Howell witnessed a deed along with John Ennis. The property deed was from Nathaniel Alexander of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to Landlot Porter for 250 pounds North Carolina currency for 320 acres. The property is described as being on the South side of Broad River in the forks of Browns Creek.

NOTE: This is the last mention of John Howell in Union County, South Carolina.

SOURCE: Union County, South Carolina deed book D, page 254
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-GQVX-3

On 3 Apr 1804 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, the court appointed John Howell "an inspector of cotton in this county, who gave bond in the sum of $5,000 with Thomas Bedford & Samuel McBride his securities, and took and subscribed the oath required by law."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKH-CSKG-K

On 3 Jul 1804 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, the court "ordered that the road prayed to be opened from Capt. Howell's Mill to the crossroads opposite to Capt. Owen Edwards' be overseen thereof & that he following hands work thereon viz: Geo. Buchanan, Owen Edwards, Jas. Wills, John Anthony, James Lindsey, Jesse Clarke & Luckey Davis."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKH-CSL3-6

On 10 Apr 1806 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, the court "ordered that Samuel Bowman, Joseph Bowman, John Howell, James Whitsett, Thomas Nelson, Samuel Henderson and Samuel Maban view a new road lately cut out by Robert Hunter thru the lands of the said Robert Hunter, being part of the road leading from the big shoal in the West Fork of Stones River to Squirrell Hill, and make report thereon to an ensuing county court as to its fitness as a part of said road."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKH-CSLS-1

On 9 Jul 1806 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, the court "ordered that James Locke, Nimrod Jenkins, Lewis Anthony, Best Ward, Joseph Bowman, John Smith and William A. Robison view and mark a road to leave the road leading from Jefferson to Howells Mill at Joseph Herndon new field on said road thence, passing between Joseph Bowmans house & the river the rightest & best way to Lewis Anthonys line, being the dividing line between said Anthony & Samuel Bowman, thence South with said line to its end, thence the rightest and best way to as to intersect the road leading from Barfields to Bowens, between the house of Hugh Robison and the ford when said road crosses Overalls Creek, and make return to our ensuing county court."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKH-CSKG-Q

John Howell Senior wrote his will on 16 Dec 1807 in Rutherford County, Tennessee:

• well beloved wife Sarah: "one negro girl named Nan, also the bed and furniture at her own choice, also a good horse, saddle and bridle, together with the house and kitchen furniture as far as she chooses to take into her case; she is to keep possession of the dwelling house and have as much of the orchard and plantation as she sees fit; also she is to have four cows and calves; In case she should see cause to alter her station in life [remarry], then she is to give security to the executors for the safe keeping and delivery of said property and at her decease the negro girl and her increase if any and all the other property to be equally divided between William Howell, Gwin Howell, Nancy Nelson and Peggy Whitsett"

• son Gwin Howell: "the land and premises whereon I now live; likewise a negro man named Purse and one negro boy named Jerry; also one bed and furniture"

• son William Howell: "the land whereon he is now at work called Nelson's old place, provided that I gain the suit that is now commenced about this land-note: the land to be equally divided between them as near as may be by an East & West line so as not to interrupt either of their improvements"

• James Whitsett: "120 acres of land lying on the East side of Stewarts Creek, if I hold it, being now in law with John Buchanan running South with my line to the South boundary, thence East including the land round his South East corner. Least there should be any mistake, be it known that if I hold the land whereon I live, that is now in law, then and in that case Thomas Nelson is to have 200 acres including his improvements where he now lives, agreeable the conditional line and James Whitsett 100 [acres] including his improvements where he lives and exclusive of the above mentioned"

• granddaughter Peggy McBride: "$50 when she arrives to 16 years of age"

• "my negro woman named Seal and the balance of the stock of cattle I allow to be sold at vendue together with whatever else my executors shall see fit, giving 12 months credit and if the negro man Purse should be taken by any means, then there is to be as much taken out of money arising from the sale of the other property as will purchase a negro boy or girl for Gwin, not exceeding $300 and the balance of the land if it be gained from Buchanan, after the 120 acres is to be equally divided between William and Gwin by James Whitsett and Thomas Nelson."

• Executors appointed were James Whitsett, Thomas Nelson & William Howell.

John Howell Senior ratified his will on 4 Jan 1808 in Rutherford County, Tennessee:

• well beloved wife Sarah: "I allow her to have her choice of the steers for the support of the family"

• son Gwin "is to hold the right of Seal the negro woman until he is certain about holding Purse; if he holds Purse then Seal is to be equally divided between Nancy Nelson and Peggy Whitsett; also Gwin is to have four heifers his choice out of the stock"

• "likewise the horses, hogs and sheep I allow to remain on the plantation for the use of the farm unless it be such things as the executors think fit to dispose of."

The witnesses to both the will and ratification were John Stockard Senr., Hugh Shearwood and Alexander Martin. Hugh Shearwood and Alexander Martin proved the will during the April Session 1808 in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

NOTE: John Stockard was a neighbor to John Howel in the 1790 federal census in Rockingham County, North Carolina.
Hugh Shearwood sued Hiram Howell in October 1814 in Rutherford County, Tennessee over a land dispute.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99G1-6GV2