Embedded Files
Benjamin CROWLEY (1739 - 1817) and Sarah "Sary" STRONG (1742 - 1839)
Benjamin CROWLEY (1739 - 1817) and Sarah "Sary" STRONG (1742 - 1839)
probably my 5g-grandparents
Benjamin CROWLEY/CROLEY was a soldier in the Continental Line in the French and Indian War in 1758. Also, his first child was born about 1758. Virginia law required all able bodied males to join the militia at age 16. He must have been at least 16, hence born no later than 1742. Most researchers estimate his birth at about 1738-9. One account [CP] says he was 33 in 1774, so born 1740-1. The CROWLEY Family Tree [CFT] says he was born about 1730 in Swift Run Gap, Halifax, VA. (This is odd, since the place now known as Swift Run Gap lies more than 100 miles north of Halifax, on the current boundary between Greene and Rockingham Counties.)
He served in the unit from Halifax County, VA. His parents, Jeffrey CROWLEY and Effie NEARNE, lived in Orange County, VA in the 1730s, so Benjamin may have been born there, but some family lore claims that he was born in Ireland. His will was written in Oglethorpe County, GA on 15 Aug 1817 and probated 20 Nov 1817, so he probably died between those dates, at age about 78, in Oglethorpe, GA.
Benjamin does not appear to have taken part in the American Revolutionary War, although his brother Samuel was one of the first to die in the war. Their father Jeffrey was a breeder of fine horses used for racing.
Sarah "Sary" STRONG was born 24 July 1742 in Hanover County, VA. This date appears in her father, William STRONG's Bible. [WSB] One marriage record says she was Sarah ECHOLS, but that is generally regarded as a mistake.
Benjamin and Sarah were probably married about 1757, in VA. They lived in Halifax, then Pittsylvania County, VA, and had about 10 children. About 1780, during the Revolution, they removed about 350 miles SW to Oglethorpe County, GA, where Benjamin died in 1817 and Sarah in 1839. Sarah lived to be 96 or 97.
Some of the older children were grown, and the eldest, Benjamin Jr (b. 1758), appears to have remained in VA for a few years, before joining the others in GA.
Counties in Virginia
Counties in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia is currently divided into 95 counties, along with 38 independent cities that are considered county-equivalents for census purposes. The names and boundaries have changed many times, and this complicates our genealogical work.
Pittsylvania County was formed in 1767 from Halifax, which was formed in 1752 from Lunenburg, formed in 1746 from Brunswick, formed in 1720 from parts of Isle of Wight, Prince George & Surry Counties. In 1776, Henry County was formed from parts of Patrick & Pittsylvania.
Although Pittsylvania County was formed in 1767, there seems to be a land record (see below) dated 22 Nov 1765 that states "Benjamin CROELWY owned 400 acres" there. The change of the CROWLEY residence from Halifax to Pittsylvania took place between 1763 and 1765, probably not because the family moved, but because they were in the part of Halifax that became Pittsylvania.
Orange County was formed in 1734 from Spotsylvania, created in 1720 from Essex, King and Queen & King William Counties. Parts of Orange County were broken off in 1738 to form Frederick and Augusta, and in 1748 to form Culpepper.
Hanover County was formed in 1720 from New Kent, which was formed in 1654 from York. Part of Hanover was broken off in 1742 to form Louisa.
Current map of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including counties and independent cities.
The move to Oglethorpe County, GA, about 1780
The move to Oglethorpe County, GA, about 1780
Benjamin and Sarah moved their family to Georgia, about 1780. Their eldest child was about 22, and seems to have stayed or returned to VA.
They settled in the area that became Oglethorpe County, organized in 1793.
1804 map of Georgia. Oglethorpe County was on the edge of Western civilization.
AN OLD SETTLER.
A correspondent of the Oglethorpe Echo writes that paper as follows: “From Mr. Crowley this correspondent has learned some of the history of the early settlers of Oglethorpe comity. About the year 1780 Benjamin Crowley came from Virginia and settled about half a mile from Crawford and purchased, or “took up,” a thousand acres of government land. He lived there with his family for several years among the Indians, wolves, etc., with no neighbors nearer than Washington, Wilkes county. Many a red skin fell under the unerring aim of his rifle while on his hunting expeditions. Once, while on his trip to High Shoals, in Walton county, he was watching some deer, and while waiting for them to come near enough for him to got a shot he saw two Indians steal cautiously out of a thicket and look towards him. Taking aim, he dropped one of them and started for his horse, which was tied a few paces off.— He had scarcely untied the halter when seven or eight of them fired at him, one of the shots taking effect in his arm and another in his body, penetrating one of his lungs. Severely wounded as lie was, he managed to get on his horse and make his escape. On reaching home he sent for a physician, the nearest of which was in Washington. He got over his wounds, and spent most of his time afterwards in trapping and fishing. His land was purchased with money realized from the sale of beaver and other skins, which he carried to Virginia on a packhorse. To give some idea of the value of the land, Mr. Crowley gave ex Governor W. H. Crawford five hundred acres of land (the place where Dr. W. M. Willingham now lives) for a negro boy fourteen or fifteen years old.”
The Buena Vista Argus (Buena Vista, Marion County, GA) 5 Mar 1879, page 1, col 5
From the newspaper article above (thanks to Grant Van Vranken), we learn that Benjamin was the earliest white settler in the area of Oglethorpe County. I am not sure that he was there as early as 1780. I think the article refers to Benjamin Sr, but is could be Benjamin Jr. It could be that Ben Jr went to GA first, and his parents and siblings followed later.
The local natives had some trade with whites, since they were armed with rifles. It appears that Benjamin didn't hesitate to shoot them on sight. He made a living selling furs, in VA, so he must have traveled back and forth between GA and VA often. A journey of 350 miles would have taken a few weeks.
He settled a half mile from the future site of Crawford, which was first called Lexington, or Lexington Depot, in the middle of Oglethorpe County.
1817 map of Georgia. Oglethorpe County, with a yellow boundary, lies at the latitude of the C in South Carolina.
Benjamin CROWLEY Timeline
Benjamin CROWLEY Timeline
1730-42 – born in VA [See discussion above.]
1755 Sep 22 - Bedford Co, Va - Court Order Bk, p.130 James TILLEY, assignee of Benjamin CROWLEY for a bounty given for a wolfs head for 50 pounds of tobacco. [BVV] [I assume this means that Benjamin was a minor when he shot a wolf, and was awarded a bounty?]
1756-8 – married Sarah STRONG [Just a guess, based on births of their children.]
1758 – Hening's Statutes 7:220 Benjamin CROLEY paid for services in the Halifax Militia [BVV]
1758 – County: Halifax County Date: Sep 1758 Name: Benj. CROLEY Rank: Private Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776 Certificates. [BVV]
1761 Jun – Benjamin CROWLEY took judgement against Daniel DEAN (Halifax OB 3:259) [BVV]
1762 – Benjamin’s father, Jeffrey CROWLEY, wrote his will on 17 Oct 1761 and the will was proved on 18 Feb 1762 in Halifax County, VA, so he died between those dates. [JCW]
1763 – Benjamin CROLEY vs. Alexander MCCAUL (Halifax OB 4:72 June Term) [BVV]
1765 Nov 22 – Pittsylvania County (Bk. P :351) Benjamin CROELWY owned 400 acres [BVV]
1767 Jun 1 – Pittsylvania County was formed from Halifax County.
1767 – Pittsylvania Co, Va - List of Tithes taken by Peter PERKINS Benjamin CROWLEY - 1 tithe, 1 black; 48 acres; Negro Peter. [BVV] [Peter was a slave who was given to Benjamin and Samuel in their father's will.]
1768 – The Long Hunt – A hunting party was organized, to explore the Powell Valley in the SW tip of VA, and the Holston River Valley in NE tip of TN. A letter written in 1834 by by John Locke HARDEMAN gives details. The party included the author's grandfather, Tom HARDEMAN (age 18), and brothers Benjamin and Samuel CROWLEY, and Bill FAULIN, all described as "experienced woodsmen and brave men". The HARDEMANs, STRONGs and CROWLEYs were all neighbors on Sandy River, in Pittsylvania County, and the extended families intermarried many times. [LH]
1768 Feb 25 – Thomas EDWARDS and Lucy EDWARDS conveyed land to Benjamin CROLEY (Deed Book 1:91, Pittsylvania County) [BVV]
1768 Aug 26 – Pittsylvania (Bk. P:433 Chatham) Benjamin owned 400 acres [BVV]
1769 – Benjamin served as processioner, Camden Parish, Henry County, VA (Vestry Book, Camden Parish, p5) [BVV]
1770 Jan 26 – John COX conveyed lands to Benjamin CROWLEY in Pittsylvania County (Deed Book 1:369) [BVV]
1772 Sep 24 – James POTEET of Bedford County, Virginia, conveyed lands to Benjamin CROLEY lying in Pittsylvania County (Bk. 3:87) [BVV]
1773 Sep 23 – a second conveyance was made to clear the dower interests of Elizabeth POTEET ( Bk 3:357) [BVV]
1774 Oct 10 – Benjamin's brother, Samuel CROWLEY, was killed at Point Pleasant, VA (now WV). Samuel and another man, named ROBERTSON, members of the Virginia Militia, were stationed at Point Pleasant, guarding against Indian attacks. They went out on a scouting mission, and came across a large encampment of Shawnee. Samuel was shot and fatally wounded, and ROBERTSON ran back to camp, to sound the alarm, and a major battle ensued. Some consider the Battle of Point Pleasant to have been the first battle of the American Revolution, and Samuel CROWLEY has been called the first American to die in the American Revolution, although the latter claim seems to have been discredited.
1775 Apr 19 – American Revolution begins.
1777 – Benj. CROWLEY took the Oath of Allegiance in Pittsylvania County.
1778 – Benjamin is mentioned in Pittsylvania Court Orders Bk. 4:137 (F7901 Pt. 1) [BVV]
1780 Oct 3 – John MACK conveyed land to Benjamin CROLEY (with Charles CROLEY as witness) Deed Book 6:92, Pittsylvania. [BVV]
1782 – Census of Pittsylvania County, VA. Head of Household: CROWLEY, Benja 15 white 2 black. Surely this is Benjamin Sr, because Benjamin Jr was about 24, not yet married, probably not head of such a large household.
1783 – Benjamin CROWLEY conveyed lands to Enoch CONLEY (Deed Bk.7:88). selling out in Pittsylvania prior to removal to Georgia. In the same year he conveyed another tract to CONLEY on 17 Jun 1783 (Book 7:78) [BVV] Grant A. Van Vranken has convinced me that these sales must have been done by Benjamin Jr, not Sr, even though he was only about 25 in 1783. The reason is that Benjamin Sr was married at the time, and Benjamin Jr was not. "the original entry lists ONLY Benjamin acknowledging the deed. If it were Sr., Sarah would have had to have been 'privily examined' for her right of dower. Every married man in the court order books has his wife privately examined regarding transferring any property. Since we know Sarah was alive until about 1824, this has to be an unmarried Benjamin Crowley Jr. I also found a 1778 and 1783 reference to one of the Benjamins getting paid bounty for wolves heads."
This opens up the possibility that Benjamin Sr, and possibly other family members, were in GA as early as 1780. The 350 miles would have taken a journey of a few weeks, but we also know that Benjamin Sr traded furs in VA when he lived in GA. So he probably went back and forth a few times.
1783 Sep 3 – American Revolution ends.
1784 Nov 3 – Benjamin and Sarah conveyed lands to Peter WILSON (Bk. 7:415) and to the same man on 4 Dec 1784 (Bk. 7:418) [BVV]
[We have a large data gap between 1784 and 1795. In the few decades after the American Revolution, thousands of families moved west and southwest, and a few thousand went to NE Georgia, including my ADAMS, MARTIN, SPRUILL and CROWLEY ancestors. Records in GA were sparse before 1795.]
1795 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1795 #73 Benjamin CROLEY #74 Mary Gibson #77 John CROLEY, 150 acres adjoining Benjamin CROLEY #94 Samuel CROLEY #96 Benjamin CROLEY Armstrong District, Lexington Area [BVV]
1796 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1796 #4 Benjamin CROLEY (the elder) #5 Benjamin CROLEY taxed for Mary GIBSON, widow (his sister-this is her household though, they are neighbors) #47 John CROWLEY #66 William CROWLEY #68 Samuel CROWLEY #77 Benjamin CROWLEY (the younger) [BVV]
1797 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1797 #51 Samuel CROLEY #58 Benjamin CROLEY #14 Benjamin CROLEY Sr 200 acres lying next to and he is also taxed for the lands of Mary GIBSON, widow (his sister) [BVV]
1798 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1798 #61 Benjamin CROLEY Sr # 66 Abram CROLEY #56 John CROLEY mentioned # 68 Benjamin CROLEY Jr #69 John CROLEY [BVV]
1799 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1799 #45 John CROLEY #46 Benjamin CROLEY Sr #47 Abram CROLEY #47 James CROLEY #57 Benjamin CROLEY Jr [BVV]
1800 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1800 #35 Benjamin CROLEY #74 John CROLEY #75 Benjamin CROLEY Jr #79 James CROLEY, shown sold to John CROLEY #80 William CROLEY #81 Abram CROLEY [BVV]
1800 Jan 10 – Benjamin Crowley and Sarah Crowley, his wife, conveyed lands to Thomas Colley by deed, recorded WD Bk. C:564. Benjamin and Sarah both signed "CROLEY" (F21491 Part 1) [BVV]
1801 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1801 Thomas District #21 Benjamin CROLEY Sr #22 William CROLEY #30 John CROLEY taxed for James CROLEY #32 John CROLEY taxed for Abram CROLEY #33 John CROLEY taxed for Archibald CROLEY [BVV]
1802 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1802 Capt TILLERY's District #27 Benjamin CROLEY Sr. #28 Benjamin CROLEY Sr. for Abram CROLEY # 29 Benjamin CROLEY Sr for Archibald CROLEY #30 James CROLEY [BVV]
1803 – Oglethorpe Tax List GSU F 24470 Part 1: 1803 #72 Benjamin CROLEY Sr #73 Benjamin CROLEY Sr for James CROLEY #74 Abram CROLEY #77 William CROLEY deeds to John CROLEY lands adjoining Benjamin CROLEY [BVV]
1817 Oct 15 – Will of Benjamin CROWLEY written.
1817 Nov 20 – Will of Benjamin CROWLEY proved.
Will of Benjamin Crowley - Oglethorpe County, GA
Transcribed by Anita White, 23 Apr 2011
Will of Benjamin Crowley dated 15 October 1817, Oglethorpe County, Georgia;
1817 Aug 15 - Oglethorpe Co, GA - Will Bk B:140-141
1817 Aug 15 - Will of BENJAMIN CROWLEY written:
1817 Oct 15 - Will proved by witnesses, Alexander W. Ewen & Jonathan Bailey
1817 Nov 20 - Will recorded
In the name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Crowley of the State of Georgia & County of Oglethorpe being sick of body but of sound & disposing mind & of perfect memory, yet calling my mortality & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die think it right to make my last will & testament and first I recommend my Soul to God who gave it my body I
recommend to the earth to be buried at the discretion of my executors & as touching what worldly property it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
It is my will that all my just debts be paid.
I will & bequeath to my well beloved wife SARAH CROWLEY one Negro boy named CARTER during her lifetime, also one horse named JIMUARK (?), one bed & furniture also one hundred dollars ($100) in money out of my estate for her support & at her death said Negro & other property left her to be equally divided among all my children.
I will & bequeath to my son BENJAMIN CROWLEY one dollar ($1.00)..
I will & bequeath to my son SPENCER CROWLEY one mare named HIGHFLYER [racehorse?]..
It is my will that the remainder of my estate be divided into eleven (11) equal parts,
1] one part to be equally divided between my son CHARLES CROWLEYS three (3) youngest sons (Viz) CHARLES, LEVI & JAMES, one part out of the eleven (11)
2] one part out of the eleven (11) to my two GRANDSONS PRIOR CROWLEY & LITTLEBERRY WILKES also
3] one part to my daughter, PATSEY REYNOLDS [Martha]
4] one part to my daughter POLLY THORNTON [Mary]
5] one part to my son SAMUEL CROWLEY
6] one part to my son WILLIAM CROWLEY, also
7] one part to my son ABRAHAM CROWLEY,
8] one part to my son JAMES CROWLEY,
9] one part to my son ARCHIBALD CROWLEY,
10] one part to my son SPENCER CROWLEY
11] ...... (for John?)
I appoint my sons ABRAHAM & JAMES to be my executors of this my last will & testament - I do hereby revoke, disallow and disannul all former wills by me made & declare this to be my last & testament in witness of which I set my hand & affix my Seal this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand eight hundred & seventeen (15 Aug 1817) & Independence of the United States of America the forty first -
/s/ BENJAMIN (x) CROWLEY -
Pronounced, signed & sealed in the presence of JONATHAN BAILEY, ALEXR. W. EWEN.
1817 Oct 15 - State of Georgia, Oglethorpe County
You Alexander W. Ewen & Jonathan Bailey do solemnly say you saw the within named Benjamin Crowley dec'd sign & declare the within instrument of writing to be his last testament & at the time of his so doing he was of sound memory to the best of your knowledge & belief so help you..
Sworn to & subscribed the 15th October 1817 & ordered to ley till the next term of course..
/s/ Alexr. W. Ewen, Jona. Bailey.
1817 Nov 20 - Georgia, Oglethorpe County Nov Term the above will was ordered to be recorded in conformity to the Act of Assembly
1820 Oct 25th day - Recd of Abram & Jas. Crowley exrs of Ben Crowley decd $154.77 in full for Samuel Crowleys part of the personal property already sold of the estate of said decd & being in full for the whole claim of said Samuel Crowley into & from said estate as ____ to the personal property except such part as is now in the hands of the widow of said decd under the will of said decd - I say expense by me as the attorney of Samuel Crowley this 25 of Octr 1820 –
/s/ John Crowley attorney for Samuel Crowley - Attest: Robert Freeman
Oglethorpe County, Ga - Estate Records (1824-1848) - Benjamin Crowley's Probate Papers
Yearly return on the estate of Benj. Crowley decd for the year 1821
By Jas. Crowley, Ex. & .....
By cash pd of Anthony Shatin (?) in part of his note.......................................... $ 130.00 ½
1821 No.1 - paid Thomas Reynolds as per Est............................................ 261.35 ½
" No. 2 - paid Pryor Crowley as per Est............................................ 77.27 ½
1820 No. 3 - paid John Crowley for Saml. Crowley as per receipt...................... 154.77
1821 No. 4 - paid Thomas Reynolds for Wm. Crowley as per receipt.....171.35 ½
" No. 5 - paid Spencer Crowley as per receipt......................................173.37 ½
" No. 6 - paid Presley Thornton as per receipt......................................123.90 (?) ink blob
" No. 7 - paid Abram Crowley as per receipt.......................................50.00
" No. 8 - paid tax for 1819.....................................................................1.00
" No. 9 - paid Moore & Gillespie as per receipt....................................87 ½
" No.10 - paid M. Rainey (?) as per receipt..........................................1.12 ½
" James Crowley exr & admr.$1014.88
" Vouchers
1821 Recd of James Crowley & Abram Crowley admr. & Exec of the estate of Ben Crowley decd $261.37 ½ unto it being in full of my wifes legacy of the real & personal estate of said decd except one Negro & bed & furniture which is in the hands of the widow till her death - /s/ Thos. Reynolds –
Test: Robt. Freeman
1821 Sept 7th - Recd of James & Abram Crowley exr & admrs of Benjn Crowley decd $77.37 ½ unto in full of my part of the estate of said estate of said decd of all kinds & sorts agreeable to the will of said decd except one Negro & one bed & furniture which hereafter may be divided among the legatees of said decd -
/s/ Pryor (+) Crowley - Test: Robt Freeman
Compiler's Note: the brackets [ - ] in the following will are for ease of reading, numbering children and grandchildren. Years ago, this will was mis-interrupted and the grandchildren were thought to be children. Benjamin Crowley was born about 1739 in Orange Co, Va., the son of Jeffrey Crowley and his first wife Effaniah "Effie" (surname unknown as of Oct 2001). Effie was the mother of 4 children: John, Mary, Ben and Sam Crowley. After Effie died, Jeffrey married 2nd, Mrs. Martha Edwards, widow of Thomas Edwards Sr. No children from this marriage, since they were both elderly. Benjamin Crowley's wife was Sara Strong (1742-1839+), daughter of William Strong from Hanover, New Kent, Mecklenburg Co, Va.
DNA Evidence
DNA Evidence
The documentary evidence that Sarah CROWLEY and Stephen MARTIN are my 3g-grandparents is shaky. The evidence that Sarah CROWLEY is a daughter of James CROWLEY, and that James is a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, is also uncertain. I hesitate to build further out in my tree, since more than once I have found a mistake, and had to prune large branches, negating hundreds of hours of work! However, in this case, DNA evidence comes to the rescue!
My DNA close matches are distant cousins. Some of them have provided their own ancestries, based on their research. At last count, 62 of my close matches, shown in the table below, have traced their own ancestries back to Benjamin CROWLEY.
Of these 62, there were 44 who traced back to Sarah CROWLEY and Stephen MARTIN. That seems to be good evidence to support the claim that Sarah and Stephen are my 3g-grandparents. However, there is some reason to doubt that Sarah was the mother of all of Stephen's children. It could be that all 45 of us are making the same error.
I have 2 other close matches who trace back to siblings of Sarah, which supports our descendance from James CROWLEY, or possibly one of his siblings.
That leaves 16 close matches who trace back to Benjamin CROWLEY and Sarah STRONG, through 6 of their children besides Sarah. This seems to be very strong evidence.
The table above shows data for some of my DNA close matches from AncestryDNA, who have traced their ancestry back to Benjamin CROWLEY and Sarah STRONG. Children are listed to the right of a parent. Most are descendants of Sarah CROWLEY, and I have grouped all 44 plus myself in one cell. So for example, June ROSS and I are 6th cousins, if our research is correct, since we are both 5g-grandchildren of Benjamin and Sarah. June and I share 16 cM of DNA, which suggests that we are 5th or 6th cousins.
Descendants
Descendants
Benjamin's will mentions his wife, Sarah, and 10 children: Benjamin Jr, Spencer, Charles, Patsey, Polly, Samuel, William, Abraham, James, Archibald. After providing for his wife, he ordered for his estate to be divided into 11 equal shares. He signed with an X.
Benjamin Jr was left only $1, and not one of the 11 shares. He had probably already received his inheritance, and he had moved to AR. Spencer was given a full share, plus a mare named Highflyer, probably a racehorse. Charles must have been deceased, as one share was given to his youngest sons: Charles Jr, Levi & James. Patsey was called Patsey REYNOLDS, and Polly was called Polly THORNTON. Abraham and James were executors. Two other grandsons, Prior CROWLEY and Littleberry WILKES, were given a share, presumably divided equally between them. Only 10 shares were explicitly distributed, leaving open the question of who was not mentioned.
The birth dates, and even the birth order, of Benjamin's 10 children is uncertain. They don't seem to be named in order. They are thought to be children of Sarah STRONG, since she was his only known wife. All except Charles appear to have survived to 15 Oct 1817. Much more is known about some of the 10 than others.
The US Censuses of 1790, 1800 and 1810 don't appear to have covered GA, so we look for other sources.
The sections below cover the families of the 10 children, in the order mentioned above. First, a list: (The numbering system is messed up. I'm working on it/)
Benjamin CROWLEY b: 1738, d: 1817 in GA, age 79
+ Sarah STRONG b: 24 Jul 1742 in Hanover, VA, m: abt. 1757, d: 12 Jul 1839 in Lexington, Oglethorpe, GA, age 96
1. Benjamin CROWLEY Jr b: 1758 in Halifax, VA, d: 1842 in Greene, AR, age 84
+ Catherine Ann WILEY b: 1771 in Augusta, VA, d: 13 Nov 1850 in Walcott, Greene, AR, age 79
2. Charles CROWLEY b: 1760 in Halifax, VA, d: 4 Jun 1814 in Hopkins, KY. age 54
+ Mary Elinor HUGHES b: 1770 in VA of GA, m: 13 Dec 1799 in Campbell, VA, d: 1840 in GA, age 70
3. Mary Polly CROWLEY b: 1761 in Halifax, VA
+ Peter Presley THORNTON b: 25 Dec 1757 in Orange, VA, m: 1 Dec 1784 in Pittsylvania, VA
4. Spencer CROWLEY b: 1762 in Halifax, VA, d: 1817 in Oglethorpe, GA, age 55
5. Martha Patsey CROWLEY b: 1767 in Pittsylvania, VA, d: 1820 in KY, age 53
+ Thomas REYNOLDS b: abt. 1766 in Halifax, VA, d: 3 Feb 1828 in Hopkins, KY, age 61
6. William CROWLEY b: abt. 1772 in Pittsylvania, VA
7. James CROWLEY b: 1777 in Pittsylvania, VA, d: 9 Feb 1828 in DeKalb, GA, age 50
+ Dorcas SMITH b: 1778 in NC, m: 23 Feb 1799 in Oglethorpe, GA, d: 1852 in Decatur, DeKalb, GA, age 74
8. Archibald CROWLEY
9. Abraham CROWLEY
+ Susanna BRITTAIN m: 13 Jan 1800 in Oglethorpe, GA
10. Samuel CROWLEY
1. Benjamin CROWLEY Jr was born about 1758 in Halifax County, VA and died in 1842 in Greene County, AR, age 84. He married Catherine "Annie" WILEY on 15 Dec 1795 in Oglethorpe County, GA. Annie was born about 1771 in Augusta County, VA and died 15 Nov 1850 in Greene County, AR, age 79. They are both buried in Shiloh Cemetery, Walcott, Greene, AR, which has a large memorial to Benjamin. This memorial gives his birth as 1758 and death 1842.
Annie was the eldest of 10 children of Peter WILEY and Mary SHARKEY. The family moved several times during her youth, to various parts of GA, VA and NC.
Benjamin's parents and siblings moved from VA to Oglethorpe County, GA about 1785. Little is known about him before his marriage, and he may not have moved to GA along with his parents and siblings, but he married in Oglethorpe. He was 37 and she was 24 when they married. They stayed in Oglethorpe until 1800, and their first 3 children were born there.
Benjamin Jr and his brother, Samuel (see below), served as scouts in the Georgia Militia, from 1 Sep 1795 to 31 May 1796. Benjamin's marriage and the birth of his first child occurred during his service.
Between 1800 and 1805, Benjamin Jr moved his family to KY, and he was granted 200 acres in Christian County, in the SW part of KY. The land, on the Sinking Fork of Little River, between Cadiz and Hopkinsville, was surveyed on 9 Aug 1808, and probably granted shortly thereafter.
Kentucky, U.S., Land Grants, 1782-1924
Grantee: Benj Crowley
Number of Acres: 200
Survey Date: 9 Aug 1808
County: Christian
WaterCourse: Sinking Fk Little R
Book Number: 15
1810 United States Federal Census
Name: Benjamin Croley
Home in 1810: Hopkinsville, Christian, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 3
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Total Slaves: 4
Number of Household Members Under 16: 7
Number of Household Members Over 25: 3
Number of Household Members: 14
1810 United States Federal Census
Name: Mathew Wiley
Home in 1810: Hopkinsville, Christian, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 3
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Number of Household Members Under 16: 3
Number of Household Members Over 25: 2
Number of Household Members: 6
The 1810 US Census has the family in Hopkinsville, Christian County, KY. They had 7 children, and one unknown male 26-44 lived with them, probably a brother. They also had 4 slaves. Annie's brother, Mathew WILEY, and his family, were listed on the same page, so they probably lived nearby.
Benjamin Jr did some service in the War of 1812, as part of Hobart's Company of Light Artillery. He would have been about 54 to 57. In thanks for his service, he was granted more land, in Arkansas Territory.
U.S., General Land Office Records, 1776-2015
Name: Benjamin Carley
[Benjamin Crowley]
Issue Date: 27 Nov 1820
Place: Phillips, Arkansas, USA
Land Office: Arkansas
Meridian: 5th PM
Township: 1-S
Range: 3-E
Section: 20
Accession Number: AR2920__.062
Document Number: 22068
Benjamin's initial grant in 1820 was in Phillips County, a newly formed county on the west side of the Mississippi River, in Arkansas Territory. However, he discovered that his hand had "sunk" during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-2. He settled his family in Lawrence County, Arkansas Territory, in 1821, and petitioned for undamaged land. More details of the family's journey into AR can be found in [BC].
Louisiana Territory was formed in 1805, after the Louisiana Purchase. The Missouri Territory was carved out of this in 1812. Lawrence County was formed in 1815, in Missouri Territory, and was part of Arkansas Territory, formed in 1819. Phillips County, more than 100 miles south of Lawrence, was formed in 1820. Part of Lawrence became Greene County in 1833. Arkansas became a state in 1836.
1825 map showing part of Lawrence and Phillips Counties in NE Arkansas. Benjamin's original grant was 1-S, 3-E, below the large A. His 1838 grant was 16-N, 4-E, right of the e in Davidsonville. North is top. I believe the squares are 6 miles by 6 miles.
1830 United States Federal Census
Name: Benjamin Croley
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Lawrence, Arkansas Territory
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79: 1 [Benjamin (72)]
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 [Annie (59)?]
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 2
Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23: 1
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 4
Total Slaves: 3
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 7
The 1830 US Census record above must be the right family, but Annie is missing. She would have been about 59.
U.S., General Land Office Records, 1776-2015
Name: Benjamin Crowley
Issue Date: 16 Aug 1838
Place: Greene, Arkansas, USA
Land Office: Batesville
Meridian: 5th PM
Township: 16-N
Range: 4-E
Section: 4
Accession Number: AR0490__.008
Document Number: 1354
Benjamin CROWLEY Jr was known as the first settler in the area that became Greene County, and he became a leading citizen. The settlement that grew around his him was called Crowleys for many years. In 1933 his plantation became the Crowley's Ridge State Park.
1839 map of Greene County, AR
1852 map of Greene County, AR
In the 1839 map of Greene County, Crowleys was the only settlement of note. It still appeared in the 1842 and 1852 maps.
Above: Current counties in NE Arkansas
Right: 1842 map of the NE corner of Arkansas
The settlement of the territory now composing Greene County began about the year 1820. Benjamin Crowley, grandfather of Hon. Benjamin H. Crowley, and his family were the first settlers, and their nearest neighbors were then at Pocahontas, now the county seat of Randolph County. Crowley’s Ridge was named in honor of this pioneer settler. The Pevehouse family, Wiley Hutchins, Jerry Gage, Samuel Willcockson, the Robertsons and J. W. Gage, were among the first settlers of the Crowley neighborhood, which is some twelve miles west of Paragould. William Pevehouse was the first child born in the county, and his brother, Wiley, and Hon. Ben. H. Crowley were first among the next children born. James McDaniel and Jesse Payne were early settlers on Village Creek. Isaiah Hampton and Lewis Bramlet settled in 1848, four miles west of Gainsville. [GH, p. 115]
Hon. Benjamin H. Crowley is a wealthy farmer and an eminent lawyer of Greene County, Ark., and is a State Senator from the First Senatorial District of Arkansas. His birth occurred in 1836, and he is the only child born to the marriage of Samuel Crowley and Sarah Hutchins, who were born respectively in Kentucky and Tennessee. The paternal grandfather was a Georgian, who removed to Kentucky at an early day, where he met and married Miss Ann Wylie, a supposed native of that state, and there made his home, being engaged in farming and stock-raising and dealing on a very extensive scale until 1821, when he came with his family, which consisted of his wife and eight children, five boys and three girls, to what is now Greene County (then Lawrence). At that time the county was very sparsely settled, he being the only settler within a radius of many miles. He located on a tract of land consisting of 240 acres, and gave his name to a ridge of land running for more than 200 miles through Arkansas and 100 miles in Missouri. Here he erected a dwelling house, opened about 50 acres of land for cultivation, set out orchards, and became one of the thriftiest farmers and best-known men in Northeastern Arkansas. All his children settled near him, where their descendants are still residing. He died about 1842 at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife’s death occurred in 1850, she never having married again after his death. Samuel Crowley, the father of our subject, was married in 1832 to Miss Sallie Hutchins, whose parents came from Tennessee to Arkansas and settled where Paragould is now situated, where the father died in 1837, having been an extensive farmer and stockman. She subsequently married a man by the name of name Robert H. Halley. In his youth Benjamin H. Crowley attended the common schools and at the age of nineteen years he entered the Wallace Institute, which he attended one year. After spending several years in Green County he removed to Scott County, where he had previously lived with his mother. On the 10th of May, 1858, he was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Crowley, a cousin, and a daughter of W. Crowley, and when the war broke out he left home and friends and the peaceful pursuit of farming to enlist in the Confederate service. He was in nearly all the battles of importance that were fought in the Southwest, and was soon promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and later was made captain of Company H, Nineteenth Infantry, and at the close of war was commanding a company of cavalry. He was captured in Scott County after the fall of Little Rock, and was confined at various places for fifteen months. During this time, while at Johnson’s Island, Lake Erie, he and a number of other officers formed a class and began the study of Blackstone, and after his return home he continued his legal studies until 1871, when he was admitted to the bar and, in 1874, was admitted to practice in the Federal courts, and in 1888 in the Supreme Courts of Arkansas. Immediately after the war he traveled for some time in Texas, and then returned to Arkansas and settled down to farming in Cache Township, Greene County. In 1868, when Clayton’s militia were over running the State, and when they had stationed themselves at Jonesboro and arrested a number of the best citizens of the town, Capt. Crowley raised 100 picked men in his county and went to their rescue. There was a fight at Willis’ Mills and his company lost one man and had several wounded, while the militia lost several men and were driven back to Jonesboro. Afterward Capt. Crowley succeeded in effecting a compromise whereby all prisoners taken by the militia were released, and peace and order were once more restored in that section of the State. To this day Capt. Crowley’s efforts in preventing strife and restoring order are remembered with pleasure and gratitude by those whose lives and property were in danger. In 1869 he bought the old homestead settled by his grandfather, which had been out of possession of the family for several years, and with this his lands amount to about 4,000 acres in Greene County, 500 of which are in a highly cultivated condition. He is the most extensive farmer in the county and is also largely interested in stock-raising and dealing. He has cleared over 200 acres of land, has erected many buildings, and in 1880 built his present commodious and substantial residence, it being situated on a natural building site. In 1880 his wife died, leaving a family of six children: Victoria, wife of Dr. J. D. Sibert, of this county; Cynthia H., Nannie P., wife of E. R. Page, residing in Crowley Township; Lucian G., Bell and Ben H. On the 26th of June, 1881, he married his present wife, whose maiden name was Miss R. L. Fielder, a native of Tennessee. They have two children, Thomas Garland, who is deceased, and Sallie Alice. Mr. Crowley is an eminent lawyer and has won an enviable reputation among his legal brethren in Arkansas. He has always been an active politician, and in 1872 was elected representative to the State legislature. The poll-books were at that time destroyed, but the Captain secured his seat and secured a new election for the county officers, who were all elected on the Democratic ticket. He was in the stormy session of 1884, and during this time declined a commission as colonel from Gov. Baxter. In 1876 he was elected to the State Senate from the First District of Arkansas and in 1888 was reelected by a large majority. He is one of the most useful members of that body, and is a fluent and forcible speaker, sound in his views. In the space allotted in this volume it would be impossible to give a detailed account of his public and private career, or to speak at length of his many sterling social and business qualities; suffice it to say that in every walk in life his career has been above reproach. He was the author of the bill for the organization of Clay County, and was also the author of several important measures. [GH, p. 131]
Benjamin Crowley was a 64 year old surveyor, a native of Virginia and an 1812 war veteran when he left his Henderson County, Kentucky home for the Arkansas Territory to claim his bounty land he had earned as a soldier. He had a wife and eight children (five boys and three girls). Captain Benjamin H. Crowley, grandson namesake of the elder Crowley and lawyer, Confederate army veteran and state senator, wrote of his grandfather's journey to Arkansas and of early Greene County history in a series of articles published in 1906, in the Paragould Soliphone newspaper. In tracing the journey of his ancestor, he wrote: They came down the west side of the Black river, following the mail route which ran from Arkansas Post to St. Louis, making a round trip every 6 months... the caravan stopped at Spring river near where the county line between Lawrence and Randolph counties runs and planted a crop. When done with his crop and winter had fallen, he with his son started east looking for a better place to settle striking an Indian trail running east and west from the Mississippi river they crossed the Black river at old Davidsonville and the Cache river about 1 mile above the Mose Ray bridge. The party struck the country or ridge a little north of where Walcott now is. When they found the large springs which are numerous at that place and beheld the fine lands making off to the Cache bottoms, the senior Crowley said to his sons ''This is good enough'' and they struck camp. This point is located about 12 miles west of Paragould. Formerly an Indian village had existed south of Walcott near the great springs. [FG]
1840 United States Federal Census
Name: Benj Crowley
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Cache, Greene, AR
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69: 1 [Benj (82)]
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 1 [Annie (69)]
Slaves - Males - Under 10: 4
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 1
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 3
Free White Persons - Under 20: 4
Total Free White Persons: 6
Total Slaves: 6
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 12
1840 United States Federal Census
Name: Wiley Crawley
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Cache, Greene, AR
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1 [Wiley (35)]
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 [Lucy]
Slaves - Females - Under 10: 2
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 2
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 3
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 6
Total Slaves: 4
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 10
The 1840 US Census has Benjamin and Annie in Cache Township, Greene, AR. Their children had left home, but they lived with 4 children, probably orphaned grandchildren. They have 6 slaves, which look like a nuclear family, with parents 24-35, and 4 boys under 10. Also in Cache Township is Wiley CROWLEY, son of Benjamin and Annie, with wife Lucy, and family.
Benjamin died in 1842, in Greene County. The 1850 US Census finds Catherine "Annie" living alone, in Powell Township, Greene County, AR, age 79. The census tells us that she was a Farmer, born in VA, and owned property valued at $3,100. The census was recorded on 13 Nov 1850, so she died after that date.
1. Benjamin CROWLEY Jr (b. 1758-Halifax, VA d. 1842-Crowleys Ridge, Greene, AR)
+ Catherine "Annie" WILEY (b. 1771-Augusta, GA m. 15 Dec 1795 d. 13 Nov 1850-Greene, AR)
i. Thomas CROWLEY (b. 18 Mar 1796-Oglethorpe, GA d. Bef 1829)
+ Cynthia CAMPBELL (b. 20 Sep 1807-Logan Town, KY m. 3 Nov 1823 d. 4 Jul 1868-Independence, AR)
ii. Samuel CROWLEY (b. 28 Feb 1798-Oglethorpe, GA d. 13 Mar 1837-Camp Douglas, Juneau, WI)
+ Sarah HUDGINS/HUTCHINS (b. 8 Dec 1810-TN m. 28 Feb 1833 d. 27 Oct 1861-Greene, AR)
iii. John CROWLEY (b. 28 Feb 1800-Oglethorpe, GA d. Jun 1816-Columbia, Lawrence, AR)
iv. Wiley CROWLEY (b. 27 Mar 1803-KY d. Jan 1847-Greene, AR)
+ Lucy CAPPS (b. 13 May 1815-Warren, TN d. 24 Aug 1891-Walcott, Greene, AR)
v. Mary "Polly" CROWLEY (b. 5 Apr 1805-KY d. 1841-Greene, AR)
+ Abraham PEVEHOUSE (b. Abt 1810-TN d. Abt 1835)
vi. Benjamin CROWLEY III (b. 1 Nov 1807-KY d. Bef 1830)
vii. Margaret "Peggy" CROWLEY (b. 15 May 1810-Henderson, KY d. Bet 1860-1870)
+ Charles ROBERTSON (b. 13 Dec 1799-KY m. 1826 d. 15 Feb 1861-Greene, AR)
+ John MCDANIEL (b. 8 Apr 1808-Madison, KY m. 1861 d. 7 Jan 1882-Greene, AR)
viii. Sarah "Sallie" CROWLEY (b. 1812-Christian, KY d. Bef 1840-AR)
+ Thomas LAMB (b. Abt 1810-KY m. 21 Jun 1829 d. Aft 1850)
There is some controversy regarding 1. viii. Sarah CROWLEY, supposed youngest child of 1. Benjamin CROWLEY Jr and Annie WILEY, possibly child of 7. James CROWLEY and Dorcas SMITH. This is of great interest to me because one Sarah CROWLEY, born about 1812 in GA, was my 3g-grandmother, and I've been trying to determine how she fits in with this CROWLEY extended family. DNA matches (see above) tell me that there is a connection.
I suspect that Sarah married (1) Thomas LAMB on 21 Jun 1829 in Greene County, AR, but the marriage didn't last, and she married (2) Stephen MARTIN in 1835 in De Kalb County, GA. This would mean that she went back to GA, where she still had several cousins, and lived there the rest of her life.
"Great grandfather Benjamin Crowley was the father of 8 children, thomas 1796, samuel 1798, Wiley , John , benjamin Jr., Polly, Peggie, Sallie 1812 .... Sallie may have been the Crowley girl that Tom Lamb married but as yet none of us know definitely." (In a letter by Lucian Crowley) [GT]
James HANOVER
Benjamin CROWLEY Jr owned 6 slaves in 1840. One slave, named Jim, was later owned by the Hanover company, and became known as James HANOVER. He helped build the CROWLEY homes. After the Civil War, James was the first black justice of the peace. He was killed by the Klu Klux Klan in 1868. [BVV]
"In the year 1868 the Republican Governor of the state appointed James Hanover, and old exslave, a justice of the peace in Lawrence County. This Negro was one of the slaves that Benjamin Crowley brought with him to Crowley s Ridge when he settled there in 1821. This same darky came ahead with the Crowley boys when they returned to build a house and get things ready for the family and stock, as previously narrated. James Hanover wed the logs that went into the first house ever built on Crowley' s Ridge, and he remained with the family on the place, through all the years of adventure and growth of that period. At the death of the old man Crowley the Negro Hanover was left in charge of the place, including the other slaves, stock, lands and literally the head of the family, subject to the supervision of his old master the widow. Source - History of Greene County." [GT]
"in the fall of 1868 while he was in the cotton patch, seated picking cotton, being too old and portly to walk or stoop, some men came along the road and shot the old man to death. Jim had charge of that work, and really did the greater part of the work in building the courthouse at Gainesville" [TE]
2. Spencer CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, named in Benjamin's will of 1817. His mother was probably Sarah STRONG, only known wife of Benjamin. Many researchers have his birth as 14 Dec 1765 in Orange County, VA, and died about 1831 in Henry County, GA. I have not seen any evidence to support this. The only record of his birth that I've seen in in his marriage record, which says he was born about 1784, which would mean he was the youngest known child. This was about the time the family moved from Pittsylvania, VA to Oglethorpe, GA.
Georgia, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1754-1850
Name: Spencer Crowley
Spouse: Mary Smith
Marriage Date: 8 Jan 1826
Marriage County: Oglethorpe
Marriage State: Georgia
U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900
Name: Spencer Crawley
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Mary Smith
Spouse Birth Year: 1802
Marriage Year: 1826
Marriage State: GA
U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900
Name: Mary Smith
Gender: Female
Birth Year: 1802
Spouse Name: Spencer Crowley
Spouse Birth Year: 1784
Marriage State: of GA
Spencer CROWLEY married Mary "Pollie" SMITH, daughter of John Bailey SMITH and Elizabeth "Betsy" POWELL. [FG] Combining the marriage records above, they were married on 8 Jan 1826 in Oglethorpe County, GA. Also, Spencer was born about 1784 and Mary was born about 1802.
The gravestone for Pollie CROWLEY in Locust Grove City Cemetery, Locust Grove, Henry, GA is engraved with the birthdate 5 Sep 1802 and death 15 Sep 1887.
1830 United States Federal Census
Name: Spencer Crowley [Spencer Comley]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Henderson, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 [Spencer (46)]
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 [Mary (28)]
Free White Persons - Under 20: 5
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 7
The only Spencer CROWLEY that I have found in the 1830 US Census was in Henderson County, KY. If Spencer died about 1831, then the following record may be for his widow, a head of household in Henry County, GA.
1840 United States Federal Census
Name: Mary Crowley
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): District 576, Henry, Georgia
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 [Mary (38)]
Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 4
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 6
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 6
3. Charles CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, mentioned in the will of 15 Oct 1817. Charles must have died before that date, as part of the estate was left to his youngest sons, Charles Jr, Levi & James.
He may have been the same Charles CROWLEY who married Mary E. HUGHES on 13 Dec 1799 in Campbell County, VA. If so, Charles and Mary were born before 1784. Since his parents moved to GA about 1785, Charles was probably born in Pittsylvania County, VA.
Virginia, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1660-1800
Name: Charles Crawley
Spouse: Mary E Hughes
Marriage Date: 13 Dec 1799
Marriage Location: Campbell County, Virginia
Since Charles Jr, Levi & James were called the youngest sons, there must have been at least one older son, and possibly some daughters. They would probably all have been born between 1800 and 1818.
There was a Levi CROWLEY, born about 1803 in GA, who lived at least 1840 thru 1880 in Graves County, KY.
4. Patsey CROWLEY was a daughter of Benjamin, named in his will, so she was living at least until 15 Oct 1817. She was called Patsey REYNOLDS in the will.
5. Mary "Polly" CROWLEY was a daughter of Benjamin, named in the will, so she was living at least until 15 Oct 1817. She was called Polly THORNTON in the will. She was called Mary in other records.
My main resource for this family is the excellent research done by Michael and Joy Fussell CAVIN. See the many links at the bottom of this page.
Mary "Polly" CROWLEY was born about 1761 in Bedford or possibly Halifax County, VA. She lived with her parents in the part of Halifax that became Pittsylvania County in 1767. There, she married Peter Presley THORNTON Jr on 1 Dec 1784.
Peter Presley THORNTON Jr was born 25 Dec 1757 in Orange County, VA. He moved with his parents to Pittsylvania County, VA, around 1776. He was 26 and Mary was 23 when they were married. They had 5 known children: 3 daughters and 2 sons.
Peter Presley THORNTON - Disambiguation. [PPT]
Apparently, there were several men in 18th Century VA named Peter Presley THORNTON, probably all descended from the immigrants, William THORNTON, born about 1622 in Yorkshire, England, and Luke THORNTON, born about 1645 in London. We need a disambiguation.
First, Peter Presley THORNTON Sr was born 1735 Orange, VA, and died in 1815 Pittsylvania, VA. His son, Peter Presley THORNTON Jr, was the one born 25 Dec 1757 in Orange, VA, and married Mary "Polly" CROWLEY.
Another Peter Presley THORNTON was born in Northumberland, VA about 1750, and died before 1781. He married Sally THROCKMORTON. He served as an aide-de-camp under General George WASHINGTON and was known as the "Honorable" Peter Presley THORNTON.
Yet another Peter Presley THORNTON was born 12 Nov 1765 in Brunswick, VA, died 8 Aug 1856 in Amherst, VA, married Mary MCCULLOCH.
Peter Presley THORNTON Sr moved his family from Orange County, VA to Pittsylvania County, VA in 1776, where he acquired some property between Sandy River and Sandy Creek, which came to be known as "His Hills". Presley Jr, the eldest child, at age 19, moved with the family.
Presley Jr enlisted as a Private in the Virginia Militia about 1781, at age 24, under Captain William ROGERS, as a substitute for a man named HUSKE. He re-enlisted under Captain James HAWKINS. He fought in:
The Battle of Guilford Courthouse, in Greensboro, NC on 15 Mar 1781The Siege of Ninety-Six, in the Ninety-Six District, western SC, from 22 May to 18 Jun 1781The Battle of Eutaw Springs, in Orangeburg County, SC, on 8 Sep 1781
At Eutaw Springs he was severely wounded in his left shoulder, an injury that would leave him disabled for life. He was discharged with the rank of Corporal. [FCT]
After the war, Presley and Mary were married on 1 Dec 1784, in Pittsylvania County. They lived for a short time on his father's property, "His Hills".
Presley and Mary moved to Wilkes County, GA by 1790, along with the rest of the CROWLEY family. Presley obtained 250 acres through the Headright Land Grant initiative of Georgia. The 1793 Wilkes County Tax Digest, Capt. Charles Lane's District, records Presley THORNTON, 1 tithe; 112 acres on Long Creek joining Thomas HILL.
The area where they lived became Oglethorpe County, GA in 1793. Presley served on the first Grand Jury of Oglethorpe County in 1794, and on 4 Mar 1795, Corporal Presley THORNTON filed for an annual Invalid Pension.
By 1798 they had sold their land and moved to Jackson County, GA. In 1798 he paid tax on 200 acres of 3rd quality land on Crooked Creek, which had originally been granted to Samuel GARDNER. He owned no slaves, and had a neighbor named GATES.
Presley traveled to Augusta, GA on 17 Apr 1799, to be examined by Dr. John MURRY, to support his claim for an Invalid Pension. The claim was certified on 16 Oct 1800, and Presley was granted $48/year.
In 1800, Presley received a grant of 60 acres in Oglethorpe County. He was accused and acquitted of horse-stealing in 1801. He was given one draw in the 1805 Georgia Land Lottery.
Presley's father died in 1815, and Mary's father died in 1817. In 1818 their house and all possessions were destroyed in a fire. They left GA and settled in Wilson County, TN, but soon removed to Rutherford County, TN.
In 1820 they were in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, TN. By 1830 Presley was in Weakley County, TN, where he died on 5 Oct 1852, age 93.
1820 United States Federal Census
Name: Presley Thornton
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Murfreesboro, Rutherford, Tennessee
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 4
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 2 [John (15), Everett (10)]
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 18: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1 [Presley (63)]
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1 [Polly (6)]
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2 [Nancy (20), Patsey (15)]
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1 [Mary (59)]
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 5
Free White Persons - Under 16: 7
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 13
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 13
Mary and Presley had 5 known children, born between 1800 and 1814. Since they were married in 1784, it seems likely that they had several other children between 1784 and 1800. In 1820 they had 11 family members 25 and under, probably all children or grandchildren.
Mary "Polly" CROWLEY (b. 1761-Bedford, Bedford, VA)
sp: Peter Presley THORNTON (b. 25 Dec 1757-Orange County, VA m. 1 Dec 1784 d. 5 Oct 1852-Weakley County, TN)
2. Nancy THORNTON (b. Abt 1800-VA d. Mar 1850)
sp: Jackson MCMILLAN (m. 12 Sep 1824)
2. Martha Patsey THORNTON (b. Abt 1805-GA d. Aft 1855-Weakley County, TN)
sp: William JONES (b. 5 Jan 1805-Henry, KY m. 24 Mar 1821 d. 3 Mar 1886-Weakley County, TN)
2. John THORNTON (b. Abt 1805-GA)
sp: Patience PINSON (m. 19 Nov 1822)
2. Everett THORNTON (b. Abt 1810-TN d. Abt 1855-IL)
sp: Miriam L REED (b. Abt 1811-TN d. Aft 1870)
2. Mary "Polly" THORNTON (b. 14 Nov 1814-GA d. 6 Feb 1890-Fulton County GA)
sp: Martin Crittendon OLIVER (b. 8 Apr 1817-Graves, KY m. Abt 1839 d. 17 Aug 1892-Fulton, GA)
6. Samuel CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, named in the will, so he was living in 1817.
7. William CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, named in the will, so he was living in 1817.
8. Abraham CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, named in the will. He was born on 28 Dec 1775 in Pittsylvania County, VA and died 23 Aug 1823 in Oglethorpe County, GA. He married Susan BRITTAIN on 13 Jan 1800 in Oglethorpe. Susan BRITTAIN was born 5 Jul 1779 in VA and died 30 Sep 1823 in Oglethorpe. So they were 24 and 20 when they married, and they died about a month apart, at age 47 and 44. They left 11 children, age 4 to 22.
1820 United States Federal Census
Name: Abraham Crawley [Abraham Crowley]
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Lexington, Oglethorpe, Georgia
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1 [Abraham (44)]
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 5
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 3
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1 [Susan (41)]
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1
Slaves - Males - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 3
Free White Persons - Under 16: 9
Free White Persons - Over 25: 3
Total Free White Persons: 14
Total Slaves: 1
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 15
9. James CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, named in the will, so he was living in 1817.
1820 United States Federal Census
Name: James Crawley [James Crowley]
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Lexington, Oglethorpe, Georgia
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 5
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 18: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves - Females - Under 14: 2
Slaves - Females - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 6
Free White Persons - Under 16: 8
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 14
Total Slaves: 4
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 18
10. Archibald CROWLEY was a son of Benjamin CROWLEY, named in the will, so he was living in 1817.
Sources
Sources
[FG] Benjamin Crowley Jr on Findagrave (includes biography)
[GT] First Settlers and Other History of Lawrence County, on Genealogy Trails
[HGS] Greene County (Arkansas) Historical and Genealogical Society
[PCV] Pittsylvania County, Virginia Genealogy Project on VAGenWeb
[TE] Prominent Men and Women Of Greene County's Early Years / Early 1800's / Researched and Written by : Tina Easley
The following resources are posted on Ancestry. They require an Ancestry license.
[BCB] Benjamin Crowley bio - Research of Judge A.L. Crowley, Jack C. Grantham, Diana Crowley, Norma Reynolds, Helen Crowley and June Bork
[BCJ] Benjamin Crowley Jr biography in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas
[BVV] Benjamin Crowley on Grant A. Van Vranken's Genealogy
[CFF] Corporal Peter Presley Thornton on the Cavin/Fussell Family Tree
[CFT] Benjamin Crowley on the Crowley Family Tree
[CP] Crowley Progenitors
[FCT] A Family Chronicle and Timeline of Corporal Peter Presley Thornton II and Mary “Polly” Crowley
[GC] excerpts from “The Genealogy of the Crowley’s,” by Paul R. Crowley
[GH] Goodspeed's History of Greene County, Arkansas (1889)
[GHH] Peter Presley Thornton "Gentleman of His Hills" compiled by Joy Fussell Cavin
[JCW] Jeffrey Crowley's Will
[LH] 1768 Long Hunt
[PPT] The Peter Presley Thornton Confusion of the two English Thornton Immigrants, by Michael and Joy Fussell Cavin
[SC] Samuel Crowley in the battle of Point Pleasant
[TC] A Family Chronicle and Timeline of Corporal Peter Presley Thornton II and Mary “Polly” Crowley, by Michael and Joy Fussell Cavin
[WSB] William Strong Bible
Updated 18 Aug 2024 by William Haloupek. Contact haloupek at gmail dot com.
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