New For 2007

Thoughts on the So-Called Ancestors of George Tatum

 

New for 2008

Location found for Crab Louse Run – see end of Brunswick County Section

 

New for 2009

Lucretia's surname suggested to be Owens – source?

More on Lawrence Tatum by Linda Glaus

Y-DNA Results for a Descendant of George Tatum

What the y-dna is telling us

 

 

George Tatum

Born - estimated about 1721 with several places of birth reported - Petersburg, Dinwiddie, and Prince George Counties, Virginia, original sources unknown. 

            Died:  1801 Rowan County, North Carolina

            Married:  Lucretia __ about 1750

Parents: Either (1) Samuel Tatum (~1692- ?), son of Nathaniel (1670's- >1738) + Elizabeth Tatum, Grandson of Samuel Tatum I, or (2) Samuel Tatum II (~1670 – 1750)     

Brothers and Sisters:  Suggested to be (i) John Tatum (7 June 1710 – 1774), (ii) William Tatum (26 June 1717 Prince George County, Virginia) and (iii) Elizabeth Tatum (29 November 1718 same county). 

Family Records: none identified, some information suggests otherwise.              

 

Lucretia __

            Surname suggested is Owens, original source not known.   

            Born:  1720's

            Died:  after 1785, possibly in North Carolina

            Parents:  not known.   

           

            2^nd Edition, Morphew/Murphy Story – J.R. Murphy, 1; last revision 8 July 2009

 

Research Notes – Who Were George Tatum's Parents?

 

            These are tough years to research in Virginia.  So many Virginia court house records have been lost that the back trail often becomes puzzling or disappears.  Those ancestors that didn't own land become nearly invisible during their migration paths.  Then there is so much confusion with "family ancestral lines" on various websites and books.  Can anyone distinguish a genuine family record with facts from that of guess-work and misinformation?   That is why efforts are needed to reconstruct the ancestral lines.

 

            Speculation exists on the parents of George Tatum.  No proof or family records can be confirmed.  George has two grandsons named "Samuel."  That's an impressive clue.  Several possibilities seem to exist:

 

Tatum Book Source – "History of Watauga County, North Carolina" 

 

(I). “Father of George (Tatum, grandson) and Joseph was James, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.  James’s wife was a Miss Sheppard of Ashe.  James was born in Rowan County, from which he came to Ashe before the Revolutionary War when he was 14 years old.  His father had come to America from England.”   This is from a Tatum family sketch in “History of Watauga County, North Carolina” by John Preston Arthur, 1915. 

 

Comment: The problem with Arthur is that he thoroughly messed up Morphew and Eggers write-ups and cannot be relied upon for accuracy.  James Tatum does not appear to be born in Rowan County, North Carolina.  James's wife was not Miss Sheppard.  And the immigrant assertion? 

 

Other Tatum Book and Website Sources

 

            (II). A number of sources including www.familysearch.org indicate George Tatum had the following ancestors who lived in early Virginia.* 

 

                        1st generation - Nathaniel Tatum, the immigrant (1599 or 1605)

                        2nd generation - their son, Samuel Tatum (I) + Mary (~1640s)

                        3rd generation - Samuel Tatum (II) + Phebe

                        4th generation - Samuel Tatum (III) + Elizabeth.

 

            *One such source, "The Tatham Family of Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina," by B. Vincent Ballard, 1987 and found at the Library of Virginia.         

 

            Three Samuel Tatums seem to separate out by location.  Sam III has now been discounted:

 

                        Sam Tatum I - Hopewell and Warwick Swamp

                        Sam Tatum II – Warwick Swamp (Prince George County)

                        Sam Tatum (son of Nathaniel) – Joseph's Swamp (Prince George)

 

            In the meantime, we need to look hard at all these reported Samuel Tatums.  Is the line-up correct or not?  An effort is now made on this website – www.planetmurphy.org to reconstruct the different Samuel Tatums found in Colonial Prince George, Surry, and Sussex Counties, Virginia.  In the 17 January 2009 updates, major changes were made to the write-ups when various Sam Tatums seemed to separate out and became better understood.  As more information comes to light, our understanding may continue to change.  The reader will have to decide what really occurred.       

 

Tatum Y-dna Results

 

            The website, www.familytreedna.com has y-dna test results from a growing number of Tatums.  Under the Tatum banner, test subject T-15 is a descendant of James Tatum (~1755) and his father, George Tatum (~1721).  Comparison of his results with T-10, T-11, T-13 and T-14 shows a close relationship, with fingers pointing to the immigrant - Nathaniel Tatum (1599 or 1605) as a common ancestor.  Further tests from others should strengthen this.  Y-dna may also help us (1) pinpoint English ancestors in England, and (2) indicate how closely related George Tatum is to other Tatum/Tatom immigrants to this country.     

           

George Tatum in Dinwiddie County, Virginia to 1758

Established 1752 from Prince George County

Dinwiddie County lost its records before the 1780's

 

            1755-1761:  James Tatum and Amy Sharp were born in Virginia, according to their Grandson, James Tatum (Jr.) in his 1880 U.S. Census of Salt Creek, Mitchell County, Kansas.

 

Brunswick County, Virginia 1758 to 1785

 

            1758:  Brunswick County Deed:  Peter Daniel and his wife Sarah of St. Andrew Parish in Brunswick County (sold) to George Tatum of Bath Parish in Dinwiddie County on 13 December 1758 for 30 pounds Virginia (money) 136 acres on the South side of Nottaway River, joining Crab Louse Run, John Avery, Isaac Howze, Short, Grasse Branch.  Witnessed: John Daniel, Thomas Simmons, Randol Daniel, James Harwell.  Proved 23 January 1759.  Archd. Wager .S.C.  

(From "Brunswick County, Virginia Deed Books, Volume 3 1755-1764," abstracted by Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1998)

 

            Comment: Recently, Crab Louse Run (Creek or Branch) was found on a website.  Crab Louse Branch or Creek is now called Mason's Branch of Indian Creek.  Both can be found on the Virginia Atlas and Gazetteer and are in the very northeast corner of Brunswick County just south of where the Nottaway River strikes the Brunswick – Greensville County line.  Across the Nottaway River is Dinwiddie County.    Other Brunswick Tatums lived on or near Reedy Creek and are as close as one or two streams to its south. 

 

            1759:  George Tatum is listed as a Processioner, 28 September 1759 for St. Andrew's Parish.   "Samuel Harwell, John Tillman and George Tatum between Lower Cut Bank Road, Sweed's Road, the Path that leads to Kittle Stick Chapel to the Head of Simons' Branch and the Nottoway River."  

(Page 69-70 from "Bath Parish Register 1827-1897 of Dinwiddie County, Virginia and St. Andrew's Parish Vestry Book 1732-1797 of Brunswick County, Virginia," by William Lindsay Hopkins)

 

            "Drury Stith, Henry Morns and William Morris (to procession) between Stith's Road, Burcher Road, Junckatapurse Road and Tatum's Road."

                        (ibid, page 69).

 

            "John Rose, Robert Campbell and George Clark (to procession) between Harrison's Road, the Great Creek, Tatum's Road and Junchatapurse Road.

                        (ibid page 69)

 

            1760:  St. Andrew's Parish Vestry Book notes Processioner's return included: George Tatum. 

                        (ibid, page 71)

 

            1760:  John Daniel of Brunswick County deeded to John Pearson 100 acres in St. Andrew's Parish, joining Crablouse Run...witnessed (by) George (his "x") Tatum, (etc).

 

            1761/62:  Hugh Edwards and his wife Sarah of Halifax County, North Carolina (deeded Brunswick County land) to William Snipes of Dinwiddie County, 30 December 1761, 86 acres in St. Andrews Parish on the south side of Crablouse Run, joining Isaac Howze, Grassy Branch, George Tatum.  Witnessed (by) William Edwards, John Howze, George (x) Tatum.  Proved 26 April 1762.  John Robinson C.C.

 

            1763:  St. Andrew Processioners, 29 December 1763 - Drury Smith, Thomas Sadler and John Andross between Stith's Road, Birch's Road, Junchatapurse Road and Tatum's Road.  John Rose, John Turbyfill, and George Clarke between Harrison's Road, the Great Creek, Tatum's Road and Junchatapurse Road.  Samuel Harwell, John Tillman and George Tatum between the Lower Cutbank Road, Sweed's Road, the path leading from Kittle Stick Chapel to the head of Simon's Branch, the said branch and Nottoway River. 

                        (page 77 of St. Andrew's Vestry Book source listed above)

 

            1764:  Isham Daniel and his wife Martha and John Jones of St. Andrews Parish in Brunswick County (deeded) to William Jones of Dinwiddie County 26 March 1764, (for) 35 pounds Virginia (money) 100 acres joining John Bounshire, myself, George Tatum, Grasse Branch, William Epps former land.  Witnesses omitted.

 

            1767:  Processioners, 23 November 1767:  William Edwards, George Tatum, and John House between the Lower Cutbank Road, Sweed's Road, the path that leads from Kittle Stick Chappel to the head of Simmon's Branch, the said branch and Nottoway River. 

                        (page 83 on St. Andrew's Vestry Book source listed above)

 

            1768:  Processioner's Returns for 27 June 1768:  William Edwards, George Tatum, and John Howze. (ibid, page 84).  Polls taken at an election of Burgesses, Brunswick County Virginia 2 December 1768: Paul Tatum, John Tatum, Edward Tatum, Nathaniel Tatum, China Tatum.

                        (from Laura Ashuarth Crumpler in ancestry.com) 

 

            1769:  William Snipes and his wife Sarah of St. Andrew Parish in Brunswick County (deeded) to Buckner Lanier of said county, 27 November 1769, 86 acres of the south side of Crablouse Run, joining Isaac House, Grassey Branch, George Tatum; also 100 acres which had belonged to Isham Daniel who conveyed it to John Jones gentleman who conveyed it to the said Snipes, joining George Tatum....proved 27 November 1769.      

 

            1771:  George Tatum is listed as a processioner.  (ibid, page 90)

 

            1773:  George Tatum is listed for keeping William Whitemore, Bird Hawell, and Ransom Harwell, 27 November 1773.  (ibid, page 93)

 

            1773:  "Whereas John Marshall and Henry Morris in the year 1762 did become two of the securities for the Parish Collection of the dues and demands, levies on the tithables of Saints Andrews Parish which were collected and only in part accounted for by Thomas Jackson, the Acting Collector...suit has commenced upon the said Bond...pending in the County Courts of Brunswick the payment of the balance on which ...is likely to fall and perhaps terminate in the ruin of their family innocence as themselves (that) we the parishers knowing that if the said money is paid into our vestry it can operate only so as to lessen our Levies in the future a trifle hardly perceptible to us as individuals do of our own free will and accord...declaring these presents are by us intended and designed...full discharge against the said Bond for our respective shares and claims...witness our hands this 24th May 1773."  (signed by approximately 535 persons including Chaney Tatum, Edward Tatum, F. Tatum, George Tatum, Joseph Tatum, Nathaniel Tatum.  

("Brunswick County, Virginia Deed Books, Volume 5, 1770-1775," abstracted by Dr. Stephan E. Bradley, Jr., 1998).

 

            1775:  George Tatum, processioner 25 November 1775.

                        (ibid, page 96)

 

            1776-1781  Virginia Revolutionary "Publick" Claims Index for Brunswick County: Edward Tatum, Hezekiah Tatum, Jesse Tatum, Nathaniel Tatum, Paul Tatum.

 

            1780: Daughter Sarah Tatum is listed as born 10 January 1780 in Virginia. Virginia is confirmed in her 1860 U.S. Census of Fulton County, Illinois.  On 24 April 1780, George Tatum is a processioner.

                        (ibid, page 100)

 

            1782: The following Tatum's are listed on the Brunswick County, Virginia tax records:  James Tatum, George Tatum, Jesse Tatum, Joseph Tatum, Nathaniel Tatum, and Paul Tatum.   

(from "Virginia Tax Payers 1782-1787," by Augusta B. Folthergill and John Mack Naugle, 1966.)

 

            1784:  James Lanier of Dinwiddie County (deeded) to Randol Daniel of same 10 April 1784, 86 acres which Shepherd Lanier bought from Caleb Vaughan, joining Crablouse Run, George Tatum, Tatum's cart path, Isaia House... Proved 28 June 1784. On 10 April 1784 this land was again sold and mentioned joining George Tatum.    

 

            1785:  Deed of George Tatum and wife Lucretia of Brunswick County, Virginia sold to Lewis Lanier of same, 28 February 1785 for 140 pounds Virginia (money) 131 acres beginning at the fish hole on Crablouse Creek, Grassy Branch, Buckner Lanier, John Birdsong, the great path from George Tatum's to James Tatum's, Isaac House, Avery, Nat Gregory.  Witnesses:  Buckner Lanier, Anistotle Eddridge, Buckner Daniel.  Proved 28 February 1785. 

           

Rowan County, North Carolina

 

            During May 1801, Hailey Tatum was listed guardian by Frankey Tatum, Orphan of George Tatum, bound with James Tatum and Rudolph Leut or Liat, for 100 pounds.       

(From Rowan County Court Pleas and Quater Sessions, May 1801, page 80).

 

            At the same court, administration of the estate of George Tatum was granted to Hailey Tatum, who qualified and gave bond with James Tatum and Rudof Liat or Siat for 100 pounds. 

                        (Same source, page 80)

 

Children of George and Lucretia Tatum

 

            No family records are identified for the children of George and Lucretia Tatum. In some instances, there appears to be a wide birth date separations between children.  This suggests other children were born and we don't know their names.  Greater precision is needed for birth dates.  Some information is from Gary Tharp who has compiled Tatum records.  

 

 

            The following 1790 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina is significant since all three individuals are next to each other on the census:

 

            Jean Tatom, 1 white male 21+, 3 white males >21, 4 females.

            Lawrance Tatom, 0 white males 21+, 1 white male <21, 6 females

            John Buckner, 1 white male 21+, 1 white male <21, 2 females

 

 

 

            The following are sightings:

 

            Haley Tatum, Salisbury District:  N.C. Comtroller's Office Certificates 1780-1782 for North Carolina soldiers in the American Revolution, page 2865

            Haly Tatom – 1793 Rowan County Petition

            Haly Tatom, 1800 U.S. Census of Rowan County, N.C.

            Haley Tatum, 1801 – appointed administrator to George Tatum estate

            Haley Tatum, 1801 – became guardian of Frankey Tatum, orphan of George Tatum.

            Haley Tatom, 1810 U.S. Census of Rowan County, N.C

            Haley Tatum lived in Buncombe County, South Carolina at one point.

            Hailey Tatum (deceased) Rowan County probate 20 August 1820 with Jessie Tatum becoming the appointed guardian of his underage children, Samuel Tatum and Haley Tatum (Jr.)  

           

            Children of Haley Tatum per 20 March 1819 will were (1) Milley Tatum Merrel, (2) Hardy Tatum, (3) Haley Tatum (Jr), (4) Samuel Tatum and had a niece by the name of Centy Buckner

 

 

            The following are early sightings:

 

            1789 Rowan County Tax List of Captain Pearson's District (part that became David County:  John Buckner – 1 white poll.

            1790 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina

            1793 Rowan County Petition: (names include) Haly Tatum, James Tatem and John Buckner.    

            1800 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina

 

 

            Lawrence Tatum, 1790 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina with 0 white males 21+, 1 white male <21, 6 females.  He is next to Jesse Tatum and John Buckner.

 

            From Linda Glaus (email to Paulette Tatum, 7 November 2008) has information from other researchers.  Lawrence Tatum was born 1749 Dinwiddie County, Virginia and died before 1800 in Granville, North Carolina.  Lawrence's parents were George Tatum and Lucretia Owens.   He married Delilah Marsh (died 1808 in Granville County) and is recorded with 5 additional females in his 1790 census record, at least one being a daughter.  

 

            Children of Lawrence Tatum and Delilah March are incompletely known:

            (1). Delilah (Delly) Tatum was born 12 September 1779 and died before 13 August 1838 in Pope County, Illinois.   She married on 23 June 1794 Rowan County, North Carolina to David Buckner by Rev. Edward Buckner, brother to Henry Buckner who was David's father.  Delilah married 2nd to William Goodman.   Delilah with or after David's death moved to Illinois.  One son was David Buckner who married Nancy Newton.        

           

 

            The following are sightings:

Jesse Tatum - 10 March 1810 married in Rowan County, North Carolina to Leah Owen, daughter of Elijah and Hannah Owen.

Jesse Tatum – February 1812, purchased 138 acres on Andrews Mill Creek in the Forks of Yadkin River from two individuals

Jesse Tatum – 20 August 1820, with Richmond Pearson granted Rowan County administration of the Hailey Tatum, deceased, estate.  Also appointed guardian to Hailey Tatum's to minor sons, Samuel Tatum and Haley Tatum.

Jesse Tatum - 1821, purchased 78 ¾ acres of land originally owned by Hailey Tatum and willed to daughter Millie Merrill.

            Jesse Tatum - 1825, 1831, 1837, 1845 purchased various lands, Rowan County becoming Davie County in 1836.

 

            The 4 May 1854 Will abstract of Jesse Tatum of Davie County, North Carolina and Fork Baptist Church membership listed their children: (1) Lucy Tatum who married Benjamin Fox Eaton, (2) Elizabeth (Betsey) Tatum who married Benjamin Harbin Eaton, (3) Ezra Washington Tatum who married Sophia Catherine Click, (4) Samuel Owen Tatum who married Mary Rich.   (source Pink Elizabeth Tatum)

 

            Evidence for linking brother and relatives includes the following:

 

            (1). 8 September 1807 Rowan County Deed: Avery Buckner to Haley Tatum on 78 ¾ acres on west side of North Yadkin River adjacent Jesse Tatum.

 

            (2). 20 August 1820:  Jesse Tatum and Richmond Pearson became administrators of the estate of Hailey Tatum (deceased).  Jesse Tatum was appointed guardian of Hail Tatum's minor sons, Samuel and Haley Tatum. . 

 

Census Records for Tatums

 

1782 Virginia Tax Payer Record for Brunswick County, Virginia:  Chany Tatum, James Tatum, Jesse Tatum, Joseph Tatum, Nathaniel Tatum, Paul Tatum.

 

1785 State Census of North Carolina – Halifax County, North Carolina (Not our Tatums!), taken by Robert Freear 24 December 1785 and returned Feb. County 1786.  Note that the State Census for Rowan County was lost.

 

            Howell Tatum, 1 male 21-60, no one else listed

            James Tatum, 1 male 21-60, no one else listed

 

1786 State Census of North Carolina, various years from 1784-1787 – Granville County:

 

            William Tatom – 1 w. male 21-60, 1 w male >21, 2 females

            John Tatom – 1 w. male 21-60, 1 w. male >21, 1 female.

 

1787 Rowan County Tax List of Captain Pearson:

 

            Joseph Tatum - 2 w. males >21; 1 w. male 21-50; 1 w. female

 

1789 Rowan County Tax List of Captain Pearson:

 

            James Tatum 123 acres, 1 white poll.

           

1790 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina.  The following three are next to each other on the census:

 

            Jean Tatom - 1 w. male 21+; 3 w. males <21; 4 w. females

            Lawrance Tatom – 0 w. male 21+; 1 w. male >21; 6 w. females

            John Buckner – 1 w. male 21+; 1 w. male >21; 2 w. females

 

1793 Rowan County Petition:  Request of citizens living too far from Salisbury.  To grant us a separate election in the 3rd battalion to be held at the dwelling house of Andrew Mocks:  (names include): Haly Tatum, James Tatem, John Buckner.

 

1800 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina.

 

            John Bucknor; 4 males & 1 female 0-<10, 1 female 10-<16, 1 male & 1 female 26->45

            Haly Tatom; 1 male + 2 females 0-<10; 1 male + 1 female 26-<45

 

1810 U.S. Census of Rowan County, North Carolina.

 

            Haley Tatom; 3 males 0-<10; 1 male + 1 female 10-<16; 1 male 16-<26; 1 female 26-<45; 1 male 45+