James Burk (Burke) + Mary Bane
New for 2005:
Full Will for James Burk
Reconstruction of Grandchildren
Discussion of spelling of Burk or Burke
New for 2006
Trail found – Sarah Burk Wilson (~1734 - >1782)
New for 2010
Trail Found – James Burk (Jr.) and John Burk, his son
From Les Tate
Peggy Morphew finds Burk's 1734 Chester County Warrant
& Burk's Goose Creek Land in Today's Roanoke City
Former ID of Goose Creek Land in Floyd & Bedford was wrong
James Burk's Grandchildren revised
James Burk, Virginia Frontiersman
(James Burke)
James Burk (Burke)
Born about 1705 (various dates, mostly earlier) in Ulster or Limerick, Ireland; nothing concrete.
Died 1783 Surry County, North Carolina
Married 1st to Mary Bane 11 September 1730 at Goshen Meeting House,
Chester County, Pennsylvania. Married 2nd to Lucretia Reese/Rees Griffith between 29 May and 29 August 1751 in Augusta County, Virginia.
Father: Speculation exists. No Burks attended or were witnesses to James Burk's wedding, despite reports of one or more Burks in the area. Names given to his children do not seem to follow strict Quaker naming patterns.
Mary Bane: Some gedcoms use Mary Jane Bane, but neither Goshen Quakers nor other records mention “Jane.”
Born about 1710 Goshen Quaker settlement, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Died 1748 or 1749 in Augusta County, Virginia
Parents were Mordecai Bane (born 1683 in England or Scotland and died 1747 Goshen, Chester County, Pa.) Naomi Medley (or Smedley) was born 1683 in Chester County, Pa. and died April 1731 at Chester County, Pa.
Bane spelling becomes "Bean" for brothers James and Isaac, probably a result of pronunciation.
Lucretia Rees, 2nd marriage.
Born: unknown date
Died about 1786 in Surry County, North Carolina
Parents: unknown
1st Husband: Methusalem or Methusaleh Griffith married 1730 at Christ Church, Philadelphia to Lucretia Rees at the Christ Church. (Courtesy of Marshel Roy Cunningham, e-mail 21 June 2005.)
Children by first marriage: (1) Morris Griffith (died 1764 Augusta Co., Va.), (2) Benjamin Griffith (born 18 November 1739), (3) John Griffith - alive in 1780, (4) Lucretia Griffith Wilson (18 June 1742 - in James Burk's 1783 will, (5) Hannah Griffith (16 February 173?), (6) Elizabeth Griffith (6/8 September 1734). My source for stating Methusaleh Griffith's father was John Griffith cannot be determined, so please consider this information suspect.
2nd Edition, Morphew/Murphy Story – J.R. Murphy, 7 May 2010 update
*See special map of Virginia and North Carolina Landmarks for Burks and Morphews – map3.TIF
*See special map of Burkes Garden in Virginia – map2.TIF
Spelling of Burk or Burke
The spelling "Burk" appears to be the most correct form for James Burk, since both his 1783 will and 1730 Quaker marriage records spelled it "Burk." Other original references reinforce this spelling. At this time, I do not know how, when, or if the spelling became "Burke," i.e. Burkes Garden. For our purposes, both Burk and Burke are interchangeable.
Use of Burk/Burke Middle Names and Initials
A word of caution is needed here. Some websites use middle names or middle initials for Burk and his son(s). Middle names were not very common during the 18th century which raises questions. We need source identification and authentication.
Why James Burk Begins the Morphew Story
Before North Carolina, our Morphew ancestor trail vanishes. James Burk, who is the father-in-law of our earliest known Morphew is easily traceable and his path must intersect our Morphew somewhere. This is why our story begins with James Burk. His story is an adventure as exciting as any that Daniel Boone could have told. Here Burk is an ancestor to nearly all Morphews in the United States.
Burke Immigration and Chester County, Pennsylvania
James Burk (Burke) was born in Ireland, roughly 1705 or earlier, and immigrated to America before he was married. His father is questionably reported to be John Burk (Bourk, Bourke, Burke), who also immigrated to America. Proof is lacking.
Our first record of James Burk is a 1730 Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania tax list. On 11 September 1730, he married Mary Bane at the Quaker Goshen Meeting House in Chester County, Pennsylvania. No other Burkes witnessed the wedding, which raises doubts about a reported father in this county. Details of the Burk-Bane Quaker marriage can be found in the Bane Chapter (1F).
On 27 February 1734, James Burk received a land warrant for 195 acres in East Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The surveyor was John Taylor who dated his work 10 May 1735. An appended note stated that "the above warrant was vacated by a warrant to Richard Woodward which was dated 1st December 1742. Later in 3 July 1734, brother-in-law Mordecai Bean also received a Chester County warrant for 200 acres.
(Courtesy of Peggy Morphew, email of 23 October 2009. Thank you, Peggy for sharing. That's a really nice find. Additional source, Survey Book C223, page 5 online at Pa. State Archives.)
Augusta County, Virginia – Early Years
To the southwest of Chester County, vast tracts of land were just opening up along western Virginia’s mighty Shenandoah and Roanoke rivers. These wilderness lands offered untouched forests, rich river valleys, and of course, hostile Indians.
The first years in Augusta County for James Burk and his wife Mary were probably spent with her brothers, James and Isaac Bean (Bain), along the Roanoke River. In those days, the nearest government administration was 75 or more miles to their north at Staunton. Unless Augusta County had a roaming Circuit Court, Burk spent a lot of time traveling between his home and the county seat at Stanton as noted in numerous county court records.
In 1742, James Burk joined the Augusta County Militia in Virginia and was in Captain George Robinson’s Company. The local militia was needed to control hostile Indians in the valleys. Within old Augusta County lies a city known as Front Royal. This name derives from the days of James Burk, when the local troops were called to order with the command, “Front the Royal Oak!”
Burk living on the Roanoke River in 1746
Located in today's Salem or Roanoke City (Roanoke County)
On 19 November 1746, he,
his brother-in-law James Bean (Bain), Methuselah Griffith and sons, Ephraim
Voss and his servants, George Robinson, William Beus (Buis, Bewes) and his
brother (Thomas Buis), Taskor and Thomas Tosh, Samuel Neely, and more than 15 others
were ordered to construct a road from a ridge dividing the waters of New River
from the waters of the South Branch of the Roanoke to end in a road that heads
over the Blue Ridge. Overseers for the road were James Campbell and Mark
Evans.
In colonial times, taxes were often issued in the form of work, and in fairness to the English administration at Staunton, a road tithable was usually issued to people living on or near the proposed road. It was to the advantage of these people to construct the road, since it really served their needs. However, James Burk protested to the colonial administrator at Staunton. As a matter of fact, he protested so much and with such language, he was charged as a “common swearer” in the Augusta Parish Registry Book. Later on 10 June 1747, he was pronounced by a Grand Jury as a “common swearer” and fined ten shillings, with Colonel James Patton being his security.
At the 26 February 1747 Augusta County Court, James Burk was named administrator for the estate of his brother-in-law Isaac Bean – deceased. James Burk was "his greatest creditor." James Campbell, Ephraim Voss, James Nealy, and Ervin Patterson, or any three of them, were selected by the Augusta County Court to appraise his small estate.
We don’t know when his wife Mary died, but it could be 1748 or 1749 and her loss greatly troubled him. On 21 May 1748, Burk is charged with disturbing divine service, and the case is brought to Augusta County Court many times from which he is absent. Finally, it is settled by paying one pound to the Sheriff for Burk’s fine in 1755, almost eight years later.
Burk's 1748 Land Grants
Within or near Today's Roanoke, Virginia
On 20 September 1748, James Burk received two land patents (grants). Processing land grants takes several years and he probably was already living on them. Grant and deed clues can be used to find where he lived.
James Burk's 1748 Land Grants
20 September 1748, Virginia State Land Office grant to James Burk, 100? acres in Augusta County on the south side of Goose Creek beginning in William Campbell's line...to near the mouth of a branch.....
20 September 1748, Virginia State Land Office grant to James Burk, 400 acres on north side Goose Creek on the west side of the Blue Ridge to a mouth of a branch on the north side of Goose Creek.
21 March 1753: James Patton deeded to Henry Brown, Sr., 50 acres by Patton's patent 3 November 1750. Lick Run of Roanoke; corner James Burke.
Other Clues
18 May 1753: James Burk of Augusta County deeded 117 acres to JAMES BANE of same county, part of a tract patented to Burke, 20th September 1748, on the north side of Goose Creek, Augusta County, beginning at a double back on the bend of the creek... runneth down.... Signed: James (x – his mark) Burk. Witnesses: William Preston, James Patton, George Robinson, George McSwine. Court: 30 May 1753.
20 August 1760, Deed of Henry Brown and Alice gives to Ester Brown for 5 pounds, 54 acres by patents, 3 November 1750, on a branch of Roanoke called Lick Run; corner James Burk.
1 July 1760 Augusta County Deed: James Birk of Cumberland County, North Carolina and Lucretia his wife sold to Thomas Walker of Albemarle County, Virginia for 40 pounds...tract or parcel of land containing 100 acres situate and lying in Augusta County on the south side of Goose Creek...to William Campbell's lines...near the mouth a of a branch. Signed: James "x" Birk and Lucretia, his wife. Memorandum that on the first day July 1761, full possession was had... (Signed again by James "x" Birk in the presence of James Bane, John Hawkins, Jno. Buchanan. Received the first day July 1761 of Thomas Walker, forty pounds currency being the consideration within mentioned. Signed: James "x" Birk. Witnesses: William Ingles, James Bane, John Hawkins, John Buchanan. Court held Augusta County 18 August 1761, deed approved.
16 May 1764: Deed of James Bane (Bean) and Rebecca to Thomas Walker, gentleman...(parcel) B, 117 acres on Goose Creek, a branch of the Roanoke, part of 400 acres conveyed by James ("x") Burk to Bean on 18 May 1753.
Burk's lands were on Goose Creek, previously thought to be located in today's Bedford County and more recently in today's Floyd County. Peggy Morphew points out that the author Patricia Givens Johnson wrote: Burk "had settled on the Roanoke River at present (day) Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia.*
* "Settlers from Delaware River Come to Roanoke and New River," by Patricia Givens Johnston, 1995, page 98. Thanks go to Peggy Morphew for pointing this out in 30 November 2009.
James Burk, Ephraim Vause (Voss), Charles Campbell, James Patton, and James Wood had early land grants on Goose Creek. Goose Creek is now confirmed as an alternate name for that part of Roanoke River which runs through today's Roanoke City in Roanoke City-County.**
** Evidence can be found the following deeds; (1) Tasker Tosh to Thomas Tosh on 28 May 1750, 120 acres on north bank of Roanoke River, "commonly called Goose Creek of Roanoke" and (2). William Martin to John Walker, Jr., 3 August 1753, 359 acres on "Mudlick Run of Roanoke, otherwise called Goose Creek. Iron mine." Augusta County Deed Book #3, pages 355 & 401 as mentioned in Chalkley's Chronicles, Volume #3, page 295 and 316.
Ephraim Vause (Voss) of Vauses Fort had 3 land grants in 1748 and 1749; two on Goose Creek, and one on South Fork of the Roanoke River. He built Vauses Fort on the South Fork land, which was located at today's Shawsville, Montgomery County, Virginia. Burk's future step-son "Morris Griffith - Vauses Fort" escaped from Indians in 1755.
To further pin-point Burk's two land grants, the best clue may be in 21 March 1753 when James Patton deeded to Henry Brown, Sr. 50 acres on Lick Run of Roanoke, on a corner of James Burk. Given today's Roanoke County location, Lick Run is likely Mud Lick Creek which flows northwest to empty into the Roanoke River (Goose Creek) within today's city of Roanoke. This is ½ mile west of where Peter's Creek empties into the Roanoke River. Burk's brother-in-law James Bean (Bain) was deeded 190 acres on a branch of Peter's Creek, now thought to be near or within the city limits of today's Roanoke. Burk's land on the south bank of the Roanoke (Goose Creek) may lie within today's Roanoke City and or the next town to the west – Salem, Virginia. His north bank lands are assumed nearby, but this is not certain.
Colonel James Patton's Survey Party – 1748
In the middle of May 1748, a large survey and exploring party was organized by Colonel James Patton, age 58, to explore southwest Virginia and eastern Tennessee. His party consisted of Colonel John Buchanan who was his son-in-law, Dr. Thomas Walker (age 33), Colonel James Wood, and Major Charles Campbell. Jobs were offered to the adventurous since the party needed guides, chain carriers, ax men, and cooks. Among this group are listed James Burk and a certain “J. Murphey,” who must be either James or Joseph Morphew. This trip must not be confused with one undertaken in 1750 by Dr. Thomas Walker. The expedition started out from Colonel Patton’s home near the present-day Waynesboro. No known diary exists of their movements and accomplishments, but the original surveys and notes may still exist at the Augusta County courthouse. This first expedition surveyed in the Holston and Clinch River Valleys.
On November 2, 1748, a large snow caught the party while returning home, and they spent the night at a spot later known as Burkes Garden, which is still found on the maps in present-day Tazewell County, Virginia. Today, Burkes Garden is considered to be one of the biologically richest areas of the state. According to Colonel Thomas L. Preston, “It was late in the fall and the next morning, after reaching the Garden, a heavy snow had fallen and they determined to suspend their surveying until the next year. After cooking breakfast, a man named Burke, who was in the party as an axman or chain-carrier, cleared away the place where their fire had been made and planted a lot of potato peelings, covering them lightly with brush.” The following spring or summer, Patton and Buchanan accompanied by William Ingles, returned to the survey lands and found a large bed of potatoes where Burke had planted and they gave it the name of “Burke’s Garden.”
On 13 December 1748, James Burk, Methasuleh Griffith, and others were purchasers on the Daniel Monohan’s estate sale.
Pioneering Draper's Meadows, 1749+ - 1753
Soon after this time, Burk moved again. This time he joined some friends and as reported by Joseph A. Waddell: “The Ingleses for the first time encountered the Draper family, who had settled on the James River at Pattonsburg. This family consisted of George Draper, his wife, and his children John and Mary. While living at Pattonsburg, George Draper went out hunting, and was never heard of again. About the year 1749, the Ingles, Drapers, Adam Harman, Henry Leonard, and James Burke, removed from the James River and settled near the present town of Blacksburg in Montgomery County. They called the place Draper’s Meadows. William Ingles and Mary Draper were married in 1750, and Bettie Robertson in 1754. The marriages no doubt took place in Staunton, as there was no minister nearer Draper’s Meadows authorized to perform the ceremony.”
(From “Annals of Augusta County, Virginia,” by Joseph A. Waddell, 1885.)
The settlement at Draper’s Meadows and their homes were built upon the present site and lands of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg at the west edge of the city. Hale goes on to say that John Draper later purchased another piece of land in 1765 that could cause confusion with Draper’s Meadows. This later New River land is still called Draper and Draper Valley, and is about 2.5 miles southwest of Pulaski, Pulaski County, Virginia and about 25 miles WSW from Blacksburg. Draper is separated from Draper Mountain by Draper Valley Road. About 5 miles east is a small stream called Burk’s Run.
(From “TransAlleghany Pioneers,” by John Hale, 1886.)
Mary Burk, Daughter of James Burk, is Married
An unidentified source on Family History Library reported Joseph Morphew married Mary Burk, daughter of James Burk, on 9 October 1749 in Bedford County. Both the first name of Joseph Morphew and the location are now disputed, but the exact marriage date is still worthwhile.
James Burk Marries a Second Time
Between 29 May and 29 August 1751,* James Burk married the second time to Lucretia Griffith, widow of Methusalem Griffith, who died in 1748/49. Methusalem and Burke had worked the same road tithable several years before. It is not known where the marriage took place. However on August 29, 1751, Augusta County records state that Lucretia Griffith was administrator for her husband and had since married James Burk.
* Augusta County Order Book II, page 579 and Book III, page 169.
In 29 August 1751 Court, James Burk took William Brookshire to court for debt. *
Brookshire "II" had or would become the husband of Honora Burk, his daughter.
* Augusta County Order Book III, page 170.
Move to Burk's Garden About 1753
On 18 May 1753, James Burk deeded 117 acres to James Bane, brother to his first wife, part of a tract patented to Burk 20th September 1748, on Goose Creek, otherwise known as the Roanoke River. During this year 1753, James Burk and stepson Morris Griffith were reported in Burkes Garden, 30 miles west of the Draper site or 50 miles from Blacksburg. Burk had moved to Burkes Garden about June 1753 with several other settlers. This land had been surveyed and was owned by James Patton who was killed by Indians at Draper's Meadows in 1755.
Peggy Morphew recently found a Tazewell County article reviewing a long legal fight over ownership for Burkes Garden, beginning in 1781 after Burk migrated to North Carolina. Court records do not involve Burk directly, but Peggy passed on a survey diagram showing James Burk with 400 acres within Burkes Garden. Burk could never get this land finalized into a Virginia Land Grant or deed.
(Information courtesy of Peggy Morphew, September 2009, her source: Tazewell County Historical Society Newsletter, Volume IX, X, 1996-7)
Indians Destroy Draper's Meadows - 1755
During the next two years, Indian raids worsened: “As a result of Braddock’s July 1755 defeat on the Monongehela with 777 killed and wounded at the hands of French and Indians, the whole frontier of western Virginia was thrown open to the ravages of Indians, who crossed the Alleghanies and pushed into Augusta County, the lower valley and New River settlements, torturing and murdering men, women and children.... Not withstanding that Draper’s Meadows settlement was far from the Ohio, and apparently safe for any probability of attack from any quarter, and although these settlers must have been aware that war was then being waged by the Indians against the whites, they took no reasonable precaution for their safety, but on Sunday, 8 July 1755, the day before Braddocks defeat on the Monongahela, they permitted themselves to be surprised by a band of marauding Shawnees from the north of the Ohio, who killed, wounded, and captured every person present. Killed were Colonel James Patton, Mrs. George Draper, Casper Barrier, and a child of John Draper, James Call. Wounded were Mrs. William Ingles, Mrs. John Draper, and Henry Leonard captured.”
(From “History of Middle New River Settlements” by David E. Johnston, 1906.)
What Happened to the Burks During These Years
The Preston Register mentioned in 1755 the following: “__ Burk, Holston River, prisoner who escaped.” This person may be our Burk or one of his sons. In either case, it probably gave Burk sufficient cause for alarm. This Preston Register also records on August 12, 1755: “Morris Griffith, (of) Vause’s Fort, prisoner, escaped.”
(From “Preston Register” of persons killed, wounded, or taken prisoner by Indians, possibly kept by Captain William Preston)
On 21 May 1755, Augusta County Court records mention James Burk to be a plaintiff versus defendant Ervin Patterson in a lease dispute. The two agreed upon resolution and the suit was dismissed.
“Burk had moved with his family into the Garden in 1754, cleared up some land, and planted a crop, including potatoes, and in the fall of 1755 was driven out on account of fear of Indians and left his crop of potatoes in the ground which Lewis’s men found the next spring and appropriated. Burk had killed a large number of deer, elk, and bear, and had tanned a number of hides, which he took with him when he left in the fall of 1755.”
(From “History of Middle New River Settlements” by David E. Johnston, 1906.)
Indian Problems After Burke's Garden 1755-1760
“On his way out with his family, he camped one night in old hunter’s cabin near what is now Sharon Springs in the new County of Bland, Virginia. The Indians followed him, and on their way killed two hunters in their camp. On approaching Burk’s cabin and seeing several horses, and the tanned hides rolled up in the cabin, they came to the conclusion that there were too many people for them to attack and contented themselves with cutting of the throat on one of Burk’s horses.”
(From “History of Middle New River Settlements” by David E. Johnston, 1906.)
Captain William Preston was now empowered to hunt down these Indians and wrote in his diary of the Sandy Creek Expedition (with spelling improvements, etc): “Sunday, February 15th, 1756, Old James Burk brought word that Robert Looney was killed, nigh Alex Sawyers, and he had himself one horse shot and five taken away by Shawnee Indians and that he thought from the signs he saw that they were not above four Indians that had done ye above. Upon which there was immediately a Council of War held and it was concluded to send a detachment of 60 white men and 40 Indians out tomorrow morning (as scouts). About noon, the Reverend Mr. Brown gave us a military sermon, with his text being 2nd book of Samuel, chapter VX, which was excellently treated upon and at night our Indians danced a grand war dance.”
Preston continues: “February 24th: Crossed two mountains and arrived at Burkes Garden. Had plenty of potatoes which soldiers gathered in the deserted plantations.... Burkes Garden is a tract of land of 5000 or 6000 acres, as rich and fertile as any I ever saw, as well watered with many beautiful streams, and is surrounded with mountains almost impassible.” Also mentioned by Preston: “April 27, 1758, William Burk, South Branch (of Shenandoah River) was killed.” * This Burk lived about 125 miles away, and there is little evidence to suggest a relationship with James Burk.
* (From the “Preston Register”).
On 1 September 1758 James Burk was paid for 108 days of Augusta County military service possibly with Colonel William Preston or Colonel John Buchanan and may have served as a scout for hostile Indians.
Burks remaining time in Virginia was now short. On 1 July 1760, James “Birk” and Lucretia, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, deeded to Thomas Walker of Albemarle County for 40 pounds, 100 acres on the south side of Goose Creek adjacent William Campbell’s line. The document was received 1 July 1761 by Thomas Walker who paid 40 pounds. Witnesses were William Ingles, James Bane, John Hawkins, and John Buchanan. This document was delivered by Thomas Madison on 11 March 1763. A number of these names were area leaders.
A New Home in Rowan County, North Carolina 1761+
The above deed noted James and Lucretia Burk to be in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Record searches at Cumberland County have been negative and on 21 December 1761, James Burk was deeded 440 acres in Rowan County, North Carolina. This land is located on both sides of Joseph’s Creek and extends north along the west bank of the Yadkin River. This creek is now thought to be Forbush Creek in present-day eastern Yadkin County.
In 10 October 1765, men presenting claims for wolfs, panthers, and cats at the Rowan County Court included James Burk, which could be either Senior or Junior. On 17 October 1766, Rowan County court ordered a road to be laid out from Shallow Ford upon the Yadkin River to the Ford, called the Etkin Fork. Names for the road jury included Robert Forbush and James “Bourk.” .
The 1768 Rowan County tax list by Gideon Wright (listed as probably Yadkin – Wilkes County area) shows the following:
Benjamin Birk
Joseph Murphey and John England are next to each other.
(Silas Morphew married John England’s daughter Elizabeth in 1775).
James Burk, Joseph Burk and James Burk (Jr.) next to each other and within only one name between Joseph Murphey and John England. On the same page is “Daniel Boon.” All entries are as spelled.
Another book of tax lists was found, without a date. 1770 may be the exact date, or the book may be a copy of other 1768 tithable lists, but this has different names.
Joseph Burk, James Burk Sr., James Burks Jr., and Daniel Boone. Joseph Murphy
is not here and there are now two James Murpheys.
In 15 February 1770, Rowan County court books ordered Thomas Mears, Valentine Vanhouser, James Sheppard, Gideon Wright, James Glenn, Abrah Creson, Robert Forbus, James Burk, Michael Baker, as a jury to lay out a road from Mr. Harts store, crossing the Yadkin to Yallow Banks Ford and for thence to Edward Rigs new cut road, from Allen Sawmill to the Shallow Ford at Smith’s cabin by the nearest and best way...Hezikiah Wright from John Sneed’s Store to Ben Souls Creek, Jobe Feltorn from then to the head of Forbushes Creek, John Allin from thence to Smith’s Cabin. Again this entry is not clear if the reference is to James Sr. or Jr.
Rowan County spun off into smaller counties which created Surry in 1771, Guilford in 1771, Wilkes in 1777, Burke in 1777, and much later Yadkin in 1850.
1771 Surry County tax lists: There is Benjamin, Joseph, and James Burk, Jr., but no Morphews.
1774 Surry County and partial for 1775: Benjamin Burk, John Burk, and James Burk in Captain Martin Armstrong's District. Joseph Burk is in Captain Samuel Freeman's District. This John Burk couldn't be the son of James Burk, Jr. who was born 23 July 1760. So who is this John Burk? See discussion at the end of this chapter.
Burks in the American Revolutionary War
The last years of James Burk were interwoven with the American Revolution and were of great tragedy. Although Burk himself took no active part (he was nearly 65), a list of sides that his children took is quite revealing:
“Tory Loyalists:” Captain Benjamin Burk, Joseph Burk, Naomi Burk Pepper,
John Griffith (son-in-law) .
“American Patriots:” James Burk, Jr. and his son John Burk
Undetermined: Mary Burk Morphew and Sarah Burk Wilson
James Burk, Jr. joined and died in service for the American Army. For his services, his son John received a square mile of land in Surry County, North Carolina after the war.
The fortunes of the Tory side of Burk’s family were even more tragic. Benjamin Burk became a Captain of an irregular Tory militia made up of farmer-soldiers from Surry County, North Carolina. On October 14, 1780, a band of 300 Tories left from Surry County to join up with Cornwallis at Charlotte, North Carolina. Their leader was their friend, Gideon Wright. Gideon had been an early settler of the area and was instrumental in getting Surry County’s first courthouse built. The Patriots learned about the Tory movement and laid an ambush at Shallow Ford, some 4 miles southeast of where the Burks lived. After the battle, the American Colonel Parsley reported: “Fourteen of the enemy were found dead on the ground among which were Captains Bryan and Burk.... The Tories escaped, all being well mounted.” Legend has it that Captain Benjamin Burk was killed with a sword by his nephew-in-law Captain George Pearis at Shallow Ford.
Joseph Burk did not fare better. Patriot soldier William Benson sheds some light on Joseph. Benson stated he was present and took part in the capture of Mark Adkins and a Joseph Burk of Surry for harrying William Griffin of Surry. They had driven away Griffin’s cattle and then butchering them for Tory use. He states that Adkins and Burk were taken prisoner Benas camp in Henry County, Virginia where the Patriots planned on hanging the pair. If the hanging took place, then this is another Joseph Burk because our subject reportedly drowned in New River, Montgomery County, Virginia in 1785, long after the war ended.
Will and Estate of James Burk
In The Name of God, Amen
I, James Burk of the County of Surry and State of North Carolina, Planter being in a low State of health, I weak of Body but of Good, Perfect, & Sound Mind, & Memory, knowing the Mortality of my Body and that it is Appointed for all Men once to Die: Do make & Ordain this my Last Will & testament.
But Principals I first of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of the Almighty God who gave it, in sure & certain hopes that it will be restored again at the Day of General Resurrection and my Body to the Graves to be Interred with a Decent Christian Burial at the Direction of my Executors; And as touching such worldly good wherein my God has been pleased to bless me with in my Life time I Will & Dispose in the following Manner & form:
In primis, I give leave and bequeath unto my Beloved Wife Lucretia Burk the whole and sole management, possession, rights & profits of all my Estate both Real and __(words lost in fold of paper) __ life at the end of which all remaining after paying such legacies as I shall hereafter give to be all & every article sold at auction and equally divided amongst all my children, viz between Mary Murphew, Sarah Wilson, Joseph Burk, Naomi Pepper. Provided that if my Negro wench Silvia should hence forth bring a living child on then the limits of my said Wife's life that said child after my said Wife, deceased shall be the property of her said Wife's daughter Lucretia Wilson. *
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Grandchild Thomas Burk, a Negro Girl, born of the Body of my Negro Silvia to be delivered to him when he shall arrive at the age of twenty years old before which time said Negro Girl name Hannah shall be kept together with the rest of my Estate, in my said Wife's hand & after her decease in the executors until the boy's age as before mentioned. Likewise on the same conditions & directions, I give unto my Grand Daughter, Honora Burk my Negro Boy Ned to be delivered to her at the age of sixteen.
Item: I leave unto my Son in Law, William Brookshire the sum of ten pounds good & lawful money as in old times.
Item: I leave unto my Daughter in Law, Mary Burk the sum of Five Pounds like money. Also to her children now living to each of them five Pounds, Viz – to Josiah Burk, Samuel Burk, Elizabeth Burk, John Burk & Benjamin Burk.
And whereas by the disobedience & unduly fullness of my eldest son James Burk, I have had just cause to deny him or his heirs any part or portion of my living take unto the other children. I leave unto him or them only the sum of five shillings.
Item: I leave unto Sally Colman, my Grand Daughter one Ewe & lamb.
I appoint & constitute Samuel Pepper of Botetourt County in Virginia & (nearly unreadable but reported) Moses Baker of this county to be my lawful executors. And I do herby disallow, revoke & __ all former wills & testaments by me here to for made. Allowing , Confirming & ratifying this to be my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal the fourth day of November Anno Domini 1782. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Pronounced, & Declared by the said James Burk to be his Last Will & Testament in the Presence of Us – Andrew Speer, John Thos. Longino – Juriat. Signed James (his mark "I") Burk. Entered in February 1783 Court. (Surry County Wills, Book 2, Page 1)
* Lucretia Wilson was the daughter of Methusalem Griffith + Lucretia Rees. Daughter – Lucretia married James Wilson. (courtesy of Marshel Roy Cunningham, e-mail of 21 June 2005.
Final Years and Lucretia Burk
James Burk, Sr., died in 1783 at old Surry County, N.C. in what is now Yadkin County, N.C. The revolution had torn his family apart. His wife Lucretia Burk now shows up in the 1784 and 1786 Surry tax lists. This writer thinks she died in 1786 about the time of the October estate sale.
1782 Surry County Taxable on Property:
John Burk: 3 horses and mules; 2 cattle; 100 acres, Captain Humphries District.
James Burke: 2 horses/mules; 16 cattle, 220 acres on Forbush Creek in Ayres District.
Joseph Burke: 4 horses/mules; 9 cattle, 220 acres on Joseph's Creek in Ayres District.
Mary Burke: 1 horse/mule; 7 cattle, 840 acres on Forbush Creek in Ayres District.
Samuel Burk: single, 1 horse/mule, 200 acres on Snow Creek in Captain Hickman's District.
1784 Surry County Taxable Property: John Burk 200 acres, Lucretia Burk 200 acres; Mary Burk 840 acres; Riland(?) Burk; Samuel Burk.
1786 Surry County Taxable Property:
Benjamin Burk, no acres taxable in Capt. Willis District and two entries away is William Burk, 250 acres
John Burk, 200 acres in Capt. Humphries District
John Burk 300 acres in Capt. Willis District, 2 polls
Lucretia Burk 200 acres, 0 polls, in Capt. Carson's District; and
Comment: The writer does not know who the parents might be for (1) 1786 Benjamin Burk, (2) 1786 William Burk, and (3) John Burk, 1774, 1782, 1784, 1786.
Children of James Burk + Mary Bane
Names and birth dates for the children need greater accuracy. Les Tate helps us with better birth date estimations and his dating is ear-marked by "^". James Burk's will named grandchildren Honora Burk and Thomas Burk without stating who their parents were. Currently, they are believed to be children of Benjamin Burk.
^ Email courtesy Les Tatum, 1 April 2010
(I). Mary Burk was born about 1731 and is thought to be the oldest daughter.^ Mary married James (or Joseph) Morphew on 9 October 1749 in western Virginia. Sally Coleman, who was in James Burk's will, was Mary Burk Morphew's daughter, Sarah (Sally) Morphew Coleman. See next generation in Chapter 2D and 2E.
(II). Honoura Burk, born estimated ~1733^ and possibly died between 1775 – November 1782. Her name may be Honora or Honour. She must be dead by the time of her father's will, which does not mention her, but does mention "my son-in-law, William Brookshire." William Brookshire was born ~1730 and is thought still alive at the time of 1782 Burk will.
William and Honora Brookshire moved to Randoph or Anson County, North Carolina about 1756 or so.* Jesse, Mary, Swift, Mannering Sr & Jr. Brookshire show up individually on the 1779 Randolph County, North Carolina tax list.
Names and dates of birth for the children of William Brookshire + Honour Burk vary somewhat:
Children of William Brookshire, Jr. + Honour Burke * are: (1) Mary Brookshire 8 August 1751, (2) Jesse Brookshire 16 January 1755, (3) William Brookshire III 30 December 1756 to 1836 who married Mary Ann and lived in Wilkes County, North Carolina and buried in the waters of the Kerry Scott reservior,* William was a private in the North Carolina infantry and was granted a pension,* (4) Sarah Brookshire, after 1757, (5) Jemima Brookshire 17 February 1758, (6) James Brookshire 19 February 1760, (7) Honour Brookshire 21 December 1762, (8) Mannering Brookshire 10 January 1768 was Cavalry Lieutenant in the North Carolina Militia from Randolph County and was granted a pension, (9) Benjamin Brookshire 9 March 1770, (10) Melvina Brookshire 1 April 1773, (11) Levin Brookshire 12 May 1775.
*Courtesy of Robert Emery, emails of 4 and 6 January 2009
(III). Sarah Burk (born about 1735^ and was still living 1782) married about 1764 at Bedford County, Virginia to Samuel Wilson, Sr. (born ~1733 and died 1804/06 Tennessee). This couple is poorly understood.
Website information states Captain Samuel Wilson was killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774, but Charles Johnson points out this Samuel Wilson belonged to another clan (courtesy of Charles Johnson, e-mail of 21 January 2006 and 5 February 2006). In fact, this Captain Samuel Wilson married Mary Babb. *
*SAR Revolutionary War Graves Register, 2000 Edition, by Progeny Publishing on CD
Charles Johnson believes Samuel Wilson + Sarah Burk lived in Montgomery County and/or Rockbridge County, Virginia. Tracing them in Rockbridge County is difficult because there is a large number of Wilsons who lived and married there. Tax lists for 1778 & 1782 Rockbridge County show three Samuel Wilsons.
Johnson adds that later both Samuel Wilson Sr. and Jr. accompanied their daughter, Theadocia Wilson Johnson to Sevier County, Tennessee. One researcher believed Samuel Wilson, Senior died there between 1804 and 1806. Sarah Wilson is listed in James Burk’s 1783 will. Three children of Samuel Wilson + Sarah Burk are thought to be:
(1) Mary Elizabeth Wilson (1 January 1758 to 17 May 1843) married John Lucus,
(2) Samuel Wilson, Jr.
(3) Theadocia Wilson (15 November 1773), married in 1794 to Benjamin Johnson, son of Moses Johnson. They migrated to Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee, and Benjamin died in 1804 at the age of 30.
(Courtesy of Charles Johnson, e-mail 21 January 2006)
(IV) James Burk (Jr.) was born about 1737 and was died August 1776 while in patriot military service during the American Revolution. Middle name has been reported to be Edward, but source/proof doesn't exist. He married Amey __., and little is known about her. After James Burk (Jr.) died, Amey remarried about 1777 to Samuel Tate and had one child, Samuel Tate, born ~1780.
Names of the children of James and Amey Burk are poorly understood, but they had (1) John Burk who was born 23 July 1760. Only one heir was named to James Burk's military land entitlement, but there may be several others. A record exists of "Benjamin and Amy, children of James Bourk, deceased, (bound) to Francis Reynolds, Wilkes County, North Carolina." * However, a 26 May 1784 inventory of the estate of Robert Walker, deceased had certificates due from Benjamin Burk and John Burk (listed next to each other). **
* Email courtesy Peggy Morphew, 31 April 2010. Her source: North Carolinian, Volume ?, page 113
** Surry County, North Carolina Wills 1771 – 1827, by Jo Ann Linn, 2007.
Most of the following details for James Burk (Jr.) and his son John is courtesy of Les Tate, emails of 9 & 11 October 2008, 31 March & 14 April 2010. Thank you, Les! John's Revolutionary War pension application greatly expands these obscure years. Les also mentions that John spelled his surname as "Burk."
James Burk (Jr.) lived in what is now Rockbridge County, Virginia when his son John reported he was born there on 23 July 1760. "James Burk, Jr." appears on the 1768, 1770 Rowan County tithables and in newly formed Surry County in 1771. According to Les Tate, he did live on the Yadkin River in what is today's Wilkes County, North Carolina. In March 1776, James Burk (Jr.) enlisted in the American Revolution with his 15 year old son John for a three month tour in the Wilkes County, North Carolina "light horse" mounted service under the command of Captain Jesse Walton.*** James was an ensign for his company. Their tour was spent in Rowan, Surry, and Wilkes County North Carolina.
*** (During 1776, Colonels Jesse Walton and Benjamin Cleveland (Surry County, N. C.) also defended the Watauga and Nolachucky settlements from Cherokee attacks. Later in 1778, this same Walton helped to establish Jonesborough, the first town in future Tennessee, then went on to help locate and convene Tennessee's very first court house in Washington County in May 1779. In December 1780, Walton fought against the Cherokee Indians with Colonel John Sevier who became the Governor of the Independent State of Franklin during 1784-1788, then put on trial for treason in an American court, and later in 1796 became the very first governor of the State of Tennessee.)
According to John, he was sent home by his father at the end of the 3 month enlistment. In response to questions in the pension application, John stated "I expect my father got a discharge for each of us." However, in his narrative about his service, John indicated James discharged John, then his father died in August 1776 while in service. Our informant, Les Tate, could not find James' military service record.
What is known about James Burk's military service is this: "John Burke," heir to James Burke received 640 acres of Surry County N.C. land from the State of North Carolina, as a grant entitled to his father for 84 months of service in the Continental Line.
(Courtesy of George Gordon, email of 16 September 2005, from a D.A.R. Application and "Roster of Soldiers from North Carolina in the American Revolution," by N.C. Daughters of the American Revolution)
Comment: John Burk's pension application says 84 months of service, but must be incorrect. Revolutionary War records were filed in Washington, D.C. and were burned by the British during the War of 1812-1814. However, 640 acres given James Burk, Jr. was the amount of land given commissioned ensigns and lieutenants and his son John stated his father was an ensign.
John stated that he "remained with the family" following his father's death until 1779 when the family "removed to the west" on the waters of the "Nole Chucke (Nolichucky River) in Washington County, North Carolina, which is now in Tennessee.
In 1779, John Burk served as an Indian spy on 3-4 short tours of 10-30 days each under Captain Amos Bird. In 1780, he served again as a Tory spy in South Carolina under Captain William Richie for 2-3 weeks. Next, he returned to North Carolina for a 3 month tour under Captain Samuel Johnson, but was never attached to any troops and was released after 2-3 week.
On 6 June 1781, John Burk married "Alise Sebastin" (Mrs. Alcy Robinson Sebastian) in Wilkes County with Henry Carter bondsman and George Wheatley witness (county record). A Sebastian researcher stated he has a 1972 genealogical book giving her maiden name as Alise Sebastian, sister or daughter of Benjamin Sebastian. A Texas DAAR application listed her as Mrs. Alcy Robinson Sebastian and gives her birth and death dates.
In August 1781, John was drafted for a 3 months tour under Captain Alexander Gordon (recorded on Wilkes County tax lists 1772-1779), and was under the command of Colonel Francis Locke. His unit joined the army of General Nathanial Greene, Commander of the Southern Division in South Carolina. They passed through Camden, Columbia and participated in the Battle of Eutaw Spring on 8 September 1781. Here, John was part of two small battalions from North Carolina under a French Colonel whom he misnamed, but was Marquis Malmedy. After the battle, he marched back to Salisbury in charge of English prisoners under Captain Gordon and was discharged.
1778/79 Washington County, (now) Tennessee became the residences for John Burk and Samuel + Amey Burk Tate. Soon after, both moved to Wilkes County, North Carolina. Tate applied for 3 parcels of Wilkes County land in 1779, but never completed the transaction. An 1787 North Carolina State Census for Wilkes County indicates John Burk's family had one male 21-60; 3 males less 21 or 60+, and 4 females. Two entries away is Francis Reynolds who has one male 21-60, 4 males 21 or 60+ females. Reynolds had taken on two Burk children.
Les Tate states James Burk's 1786 estate inventory and sale in 1786 do not belong to James Burk, Sr., but to his son, James Burk, Jr. The executors of James Senior's 1782 will were Moses Baker and son-in-law Samuel Pepper. The 1786 inventory and estate sale indicate that Amey Burk and Samuel Tate were administrators. This Amey Burk is thought to be his widow.
The return of the estate sale of James Burk 28 October 1786: Buyers were Samuel Wright, Capt. John Hamlin, John Burke, Starling Rose, Cornelius Sale, Acquila Greer, Anny (Amey?) Burk, Joseph Herndon, Benjamin Greer, John Greer, Mary Burke, Daniel Vannoy, James Mitchel, Isaac Walker, William Crane, Thomas Jones, Martin Adams, James Reynolds, Francis Hardgrove, Charles Walker, William Smith, James Ray, Jinkin Reynolds, Thomas Prater. Amount: 205:10:10 pounds, returned by Amey Burke, admin. Rec. May court 1787.
Inventory of the estate of James Burk, deceased: Ten pounds to Samuel Taite for
keeping one orphan girl for 1½ years, and one orphan boy for four years. Returned by William Meredith and William T. Lewis and recorded in August court 1786.
August 1786 Surry County Court: Inventory of Estate of James Burk, deceased, returned with Samuel Tate, administrator in "right of his wife." *
Comment: Who is Anny Burk? Poorly scripted handwriting could easily make Amey look like Anny. The last entry indirectly indicates Samuel Tate is now married to Amey Burk.
* Email courtesy Peggy Morphew, 31 April 2010. Her source: Surry County Will Book, Volume 2, page 112.
1795 – John Burk moved his family to Jessamine County, Kentucky
1811 – Wayne County, Indiana: Later, John applied for a Revolutionary War soldier's pension in 1818, but was turned down because the only paper he had was for a militia unit. In 1831, Indiana General Assembly and its Governor helped John obtain his pension. The pension application shows that he died 1 February 1836. He is buried in the Elkhorn Cemetery.
Children of John Burk + Alcy Robinson Sebastian were:
1. James Burk (born 13 November 1782) married Sallie Turner
2. William Burk (13 February 1785)
3. Mary Burk (19 April 1789)
4. Benjamin Burk (29 August 1789)
5. Jesse Burk (22 November 1791)
6. Dorcas Burk (16 May 1794)
7. John Burk (Jr.) 22 February 1797
8. Lewis Burk (23 March 1799) married Maria Moffitt.
(V). Benjamin Burk/Burke was born about 1739^ and died 14 October 1780 at the Battle of Shallow Ford, North Carolina. He was a Captain under the Tory Colonel Gideon Wright. Benjamin married Mary Grant, sister of Margaret who married Joseph Burk.
Tax lists report a Benjamin Burk in 1764 Pitt County, N.C., 1768 Rowan County, N.C. and in 1771, 1774 Surry County, North Carolina.
27 August 1777 Surry County: Inventory of estate of Ann Elliott, deceased; buyers at sale of estate included Benjamin Burk, Henry Chambers, Joseph Chadwick, James Murphew.
(Surry County, N.C. Wills 1771-1827 by Jo White Linn.)
Benjamin Burk's land was mentioned in the following land entry request: Thomas Church entered 200 acres of land in Surry County on Forbis’s Creek water including Benjamin Burk’s improvement for quantity on January 2, 1779 and the warrant was granted.
30 August 1784 Surry County: The inventory and return of the Benjamin Burke, deceased, estate was returned by John Thomas Longina and signed by Mary "x" Burke, administrix. This 1784 inventory listed 800 acres in two tracts, 115 bushels of corn, two feather beds, 3 chairs, as returned by Mary Burke, administrator. There were purchases from Robert Forbus, Moses Baker, Benjamin Eliot and James Burk Sr. in amount of 22:9:6 pounds. Collections came from Hugh Logan, Joseph Burk, Thomas Elliot which made a balance of 18:11:9 pounds. Witness was Henry Speer and this inventory was recorded in November 1785 Court.
(Surry County, N.C. Wills 1771-1827 by Jo White Linn.)
Children of Benjamin and Mary Grant Burk
(i) Josiah Burk: descendants in Lee County, Virginia. ^^
(ii) Samuel Burk may be the person noted on 1782 and 1784 Surry County taxables. In 1782, a "Samuel Burk" has 200 acres on Snow Creek.
(iii) Elizabeth Burk
(iv) John Burk married on 4 August 1786 to Mary Cloud. ^^
(v) Benjamin Burk
(vi) Thomas Burk, single, died 1797 Montgomery County, Virginia: his will is reported mentioning names of brothers and sisters, but needs to be reviewed.
(vii). Honor Burk married on 27 July 1790 to John Solomon Peterson (Montgomery County record)
^^ Irish Burks of Colonial Virginia and New River, by Patricia Givens Johnson, 1992
(VII). Joseph Burk/Burke was born about 1744^ and had a marriage bond to Margaret Grant on 29 December 1766 at Rowan County, N.C. The bond was by John England, James Burk, and Gideon Wright (county record). * Joseph Burk died 1785 at Montgomery County, Virginia, where the family was reported living near Peppers and New River.
* North Carolina Booklet: Great Events in N.C. History, Volume 11 by Mrs. Lee Moffet, Rowan County Marriage Bonds
Joseph Burk and Margaret Grant lived the following areas:
1768, 1770 Rowan County, North Carolina taxable records
1771, 1774 Surry County, North Carolina taxables
1782 Surry County Taxables: Mary Burke: 1 horse/mule; 7 cattle, 890 acres on Forbush Creek in Ayres District.
1784 Surry County Taxables: Mary Burk 840 acres
1785 Montgomery County, Virginia – Joseph Burk living here sold Surry County land.
1787 Montgomery Co. Virginia tax list – "Margret Berk" without her husband, Joseph
DEEDS FOR JOSEPH BURK
14 February 1775, “James Burk, Sr.,” deeded by quit claim to Joseph Burk 200 acres with appurtenances in Surry County on both sides of Joseph Creek. Witnessed by John England and Hugh Lewis and signed by James Burk (“J B” – his mark). Acknowledged in February 1775 court.
2 February 1785, Joseph Burk, of Montgomery County, Virginia, deeded 21 acres of Surry County land to Thomas Elliot of Surry County on south Joseph’s Creek. Signed Joseph (“B” – his mark) Burk and entered February term 1785.
Names of children of Joseph Burk and Margaret Grant are uncertain and the following list follows that of Patricia Given's Johnson.^^ To this writer, several marriages seem so late that they raise questions.
(1). Jonathan Burk married on 6 November 1805 to Sally Cooper. ^
(2). James Burk married on 14 December 1814 Betsy Cooper, daughter of John Cooper. ^^
(3). Mary Burk, "daughter of Joseph Birk," married on 28 December 1787 Montgomery County, Virginia to Jacob Shell (Shull) – county record.
(4). Sarah (Sally) Burk, "daughter of Margaret Burk," married on 17 December 1789 Montgomery County to Richard Heaven (county record).
(5). Naomi Burk married on 8 February 1798 to Bolling Rogers. ^^
(6). Nancy Burk married on 4 October 1798 in Montgomery County, Virginia to Jacob Douglass (county record).
(7). Rebecca Burk ^^
^^ Irish Burks of Colonial Virginia and New River, by Patricia Givens Johnson, 1992, page 117.
(VIII). Naomi Burk was born 1 February 1746 possibly near Salem, Virginia on the northwest corner of today's Roanoak City and died 22 December 1824. She married Samuel Pepper on 13 March, 1764 at Bedford County, Virginia and moved in 1765 to New River in Montgomery County, Virginia.
Samuel Pepper was thought to be an early Tory sympathizer in Montgomery County. Later, he was required to enlist with Montgomery County patriot militia or find a replacement which he did. He established Pepper's Ferry over New River in Montgomery County and "Pepper's Ferry Road" still exists in this location. Samuel Pepper's parents were Robert Pepper and Sallie Patterson. Samuel's sister married George Pearis and he may the George Pearis at the Battle of Shallow Ford in 1780.
The name of Samuel Pepper is found the following locations:
1758 Bedford County, Virginia militia: Samuel Pepper and Robert Pepper under Capt. Matthew Talbot. *
August 1767 Augusta County Court: Samuel Pepper became a constable on New River. +
August 1768 Augusta County Court case scheduled: Samuel Pepper versus George Pearis. +
1774 Fincastle County, Virginia Public Service Claims: "Samuel Pepper for 84 forages and 2 diets." **
3 March 1779 Montgomery County Court Order: "It appearing to this Court that a Ferry across New River at Samuel Peppers is absolutely necessary for the safety of the great number of travelers who are obliged to pass the river at the above place. They do appoint a Ferry at Samuel Peppers across the River and do make the following rates to be observed by said Pepper, for man and horse 2 (shillings)...." June 2, 1779 Court amended the man and horse charge to be 4 shillings for one year. ***
August 1780 Montgomery and Botetourt Counties: Court Proceeding by Justices – Following persons tried for misbehavior and treason against the state: (included) Samuel Pepper. ^^
1780: Letter of Col. William Campbell to William Preston: (Compelled) enlistment of men for militia service (is noted and) Samuel Pepper engage(d) a substitute (to take his place in the military draft). ^^
1780 or 1781 Montgomery County, Virginia Militia: William Pepper and Samuel Pepper, Jr. under Capt. John Lucas' Company. ^
24 March 1781 Montgomery County, Virginia Militia: List of men in Capt. Patton's Company included Samuel Pepper.
26 May 1781: Col. Stephan Trigg appointed Andrew Steele to be commissary for the Lincoln County (now Kentucky) militia: Also mentioned without explanation were (Joseph) Lindsay, Samuel Pepper of Montgomery County. ^**
11 November 1781 (Colonel and later General) George Rogers Clark papers: "George Slaughter paid #300 for forage at the Falls of Ohio to Samuel Pepper(?)" ^**
1782 Montgomery County, Virginia tax records: (include) Samuel Pepper. ^
Comment: Kentucky's Montgomery County was not established until 1796, so that this Montgomery County must be the one in today's Virginia. "Samuel Pepper of Montgomery County" suggests to me that Pepper was a supplier for the commissary, but this is speculation. The single record of a Samuel Pepper "Jr." raises questions and needs answers.
* "Virginia's Colonial Soldiers," by Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck, 1988, page 208.
** "Lord Dunmore's Little War of 1774," by Warren Skidmore with Donna Kaminsky, 2002, page 148.
*** "Montgomery County Road Orders, 1777-1806," by Betty E. Spillman and Shirley P. Thomas, 2008, pages 5 and 6.
^ "Montgomery County's (Virginia) Revolutionary Heritage," by Ruby Allizer Roberts, Cambia, Virginia as found on Family Tree Maker's "Virginia in the Revolution and War of 1812, Military Records" on CD by genealogy.com.
^^ The (William) Preston and Virginia Papers of the Draper Collection of Manuscripts (1915), State Historical Society of Wisconsin, reprint, page 135 & 137.
*^ (Family Tree Maker's "Virginia in the Revolution and War of 1812, Military Records, CD, 2003)
^** (From extract of "Papers of George Rogers Clark," #7997, roll 5, images 66-67 and #10852, roll 6, images 897-898.)
+ Chalkey's Chronicles online, Volume 1, page 139 & 355.
Children of Naomi Burk and Samuel Pepper need reviewing for errors:
(1). Mary Pepper was born 1 February 1765 and died 28 September 1830 Floyd Township, Putnam County, Indiana – same township that James + Rebecca Morphew were living. Mary Pepper married John Heavin (Haven?)
(2) Joseph Pepper (~1769)
(3) James Pepper (~1771)
(4) Sarah Pepper (~1773)
(5) John Pepper (~1775)
(6) William Pepper 14 September 1776)
(7) Jesse Pepper (~1777).
Miscellaneous Records for another John Burk, Surry County, NC
Kinship – Undetermined
1774 Surry County and partial for 1775: Benjamin Burk, John Burk, and James Burk in Captain Martin Armstrong's District. Joseph Burk is in Captain Samuel Freeman's District. This couldn't be John Burk, son of James Burk, Jr. who was born 23 July 1760. The latter Burk was thought living in Wilkes County during the 1782-1786 years. So who is this John Burk?
17 December 1781 Surry County Deed Book B, page 269: William Rogers of Surry deeded to John Burk of Surry for 60 pounds money...on Rockey Creek Branch of Stewart's Creek. Witness: Robert Harris (Jural) and Rick Hazelwood. Signed: William Rogers.
1782 Surry County Taxable Property:
John Burk: 3 horses and mules; 2 cattle; 100 acres, Captain Humphries District.
1784 Surry County Taxable Property: John Burk 200 acres
1786 Surry County Taxable Property: John Burk, 200 acres in Capt. Humprhies District; John Burk 300 acres in Capt. Willis District. There appears to be either 2 John Burks or the same individual with two separated taxable lands.
.
Comment: Stewart's Creek is in today's Surry County and wraps tightly around the south end of the town of Mount Airy. This land is no where near the other Burks.