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John Walker III was born March 1705 in Wigton, Scotland, United Kingdom to John Walker II (c1682-1734) and Katherine Rutherford (c1681-1738) and died circa 1776 of unspecified causes. He married Ann Houston (c1705-c1765) March 1734 in United States.

Overview

John Walker III of the Wigton line was born in Wigton Scotland, in 1705. He moved, with his parents, John Walker II (c1682-1734) and Katherine Rutherford (c1681-1738), about 1710 from Wigton to Newry Ireland. About 1726 the family emigrated to America, settling near Rising Sun, Cecil County MD. Here John III married Ann Houston in 1734, and migrated to the Valley of Virginia, probably between 1734 and 1738. During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) he, along with many others, left the area for North Carolina, settling in Orange County about 1756. Toward the end of his life John III made one final relocation, this time moving to southwest Virginia about 1771. Here he settled "at the Sinks" between Castles Woods, and Dungannon, in modern Scott County, Virginia. He died there between 1773 and 1778.

VITA

White 1902 is our only known source of information about the Wigton Walker line prior to their appearance on Borden's Grant about 1738. White 1902 identifies John Walker III as the eldest son of John Walker II (c1682-1734) and Katherine Rutherford (c1681-1738). These data are based soley on information in White 1902. No primary record has been identified that would support, or refute, this information. This datum is broadly accepted simply because we have nothing better to go on for John Walker III.

EntrySource/Basis/Commentary
DOB: March 1705, White 1902:6; White 1902:3 tells us that his parents married in Wigton Scotland, on 7 January 1702. A DOB of 1705, and a POB of Wigton, is consistent with this information.
POB: probably in Wigton, Scotland
DOD: c1776 See Extended Note
POD: near Castle's Woods, VA.
Burial: There is no data that seems to speak to the question of where John III was buried. It seems likely that he was buried either on his own property on Sinking Creek near Castle's Woods, or perhaps at the family cemetery on Fall Creek, on the property of his son-in-law, Patrick Porter.
Spouse: Ann Houston (c1705-c1765)
DOM: March 1734 White 1902:6
POM: Old Chester Co, PA/Cecil County MD Ann was probaby living with her brother Samuel Houston, who is described in the record of his will as a "farmer of East Nottingham". It is likely that the marriage either occurred in East Nottingham, in Old Chester Co, PA, or in adjacent West Nottingham, where the Notttingham Presbyterian Church was located near the modern community of Rising Sun, Cecil Co. MD.
Father: John Walker II (c1682-1734)
Mother: Katherine Rutherford (c1681-1738)

Ancestry

The White Descendancy Table shows the early ancestry of the Wigton Walker line, as described by White 1902. The Wigton Walker Family per White 1902. White 1902:6 identifies John III as the eldest son, and second child, of John Walker II (c1682-1734) and Katherine Ruthrford (c1682-1738). This relationship is not questoned, but we have no primary source of information that support it.

JohnWalkerIVLineage

Ancestry of John Walker III of the Wigton Walker Line

The above graphic shows the line of descent of John Walker III from John I of Wigton, Scotland, indicating male co-lateral lines, as well as the two sons of John III and Ann Houston, as related by White 1902, our primary source of information on the ancestry of this family. Much of what she tells us, unfortunately, has not been verified by other researchers.



Children


Offspring of John Walker III and Ann Houston (c1705-c1765)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Susannah Walker (1736-c1815)
Mary Walker (c1737-aft1803)
Catherine Walker (c1739-c1772)
John Walker IV (c1740-c1817) aka "Indian Killer"
Samuel Walker (c1741-1776)
Margaret Walker (c1742-)
Ann Walker (c1743-)
Martha Walker (c1744-)
Jane Walker (1755-1806) 1755 Virginia 1806 Tennessee William Cowan (1750-1809)


Name DOB POB DOD POD Spouse DOM POM< Notes
*Susannah Walker (1736-c1815) Patrick Porter (1731-1806)
Mary Walker (?-aft1803) =Andrew Cowan (?-?) c1800 Date of death is simply a guess
Jane Walker (?-?) William Cowan (1750-1809)‎
*Catherine Walker (?-c1772)= Robert Bell (1736-1816) c1772 White 1902 identifies her as "Hetty". Research by the late Jerry Penley (?-2006) and Dan Welch, suggests strongly that she is the Catherine Walker who married Robert Bell in Orange Co, NC., c. 1759.
*John Walker IV (c1740-c1817) aka "Indian Killer" Miss Long
Samuel Walker (?-1776) Never married
Margaret Walker (?-?)= John Snoddy (?-?)
Ann Walker (?-?) Samuel Cowan (?-?)
Martha Walker (?-?) Alexander Montgomery (?-?)


Family History

According to White 1902 [John Walker II immigrated from Wigton Scotland (modern Wigtown in Wigtonshire), to Newry, Ireland about 1710, and then from Newry to America in 1726. The family settled near the community now known as Rising Sun, Cecil County Maryland. John III and Ann married about 1734, and moved in succession to Borden's Grant (roughly modern Rockbridge County, VA) about 1738, then to Orange County, NC about 1756, and finally, about 1771, to Castle's Woods in modern Scott County, VA. the following sections summarizes what we know about the family of John III in these locations. A survey of known records related to John III, is provided in the records section. Please note that it is not always possible to identify records that mention a "John Walker" as pertaining to John III of the Wigton Walker line. For the moment this summary errors on the side of caution, and includes ANY mention of John Walker in the local records, including some that undoubtedly refer to another individual. See Time Line for a chronology of John III and family.

Rising Sun

RisingSunLocationMap

Location of Rising Sun, Cecil Co, MD

John III's parents settled near the modern community of Rising Sun, Cecil County, MD, about 1726. Their eldest son, John III, would have been 20 years of age at the time.

This area, at the time considered to be within Chester Co. PA, included the tract of land known as the "Nottingham Lots", first settled around the turn of the century by Quakers. The Walkers probably settled somewhere on the Nottingham Lots. Their stay in the area was relatively short. By 1734 John II began preparations for a move to the Valley of Virginia where new lands were opening up, especially on a tract known as Beverly's Manor. White 1902 tells us that his eldest son, John III, married Ann Houston in that same year, and it seems likely that this marrige was preparatory for the move to Virginia. John III would have been 29 year of age at the time. The marriage is thought to be confirmed by the reference to Ann as "Ann Walker", in the will of her brother Samuel, probated in 1739. This is virtually the only known evidence for the presence of the Wigton line on the Nottingham Lots. (See discussion of marriage data, above).

Borden's Grant

Map of Virginia highlighting Rockbridge County

Rockbridge Co. VA

It is clear from White 1902:6 that she believed that John III moved about from the Nottingham Lots to Walkers Creek on Borden's Grant about 1734. This is difficult to reconcile with other information provided by White, and with known records for Borden's Grant. First, we know from court testimony of Mrs. Greenlee (former wife of John McDowell who did Borden's intitial survey work) [need reference to court case, and/or extract] that there were no settlers present on Borden's Grant when she and her husband arrived in 1737. Thus, if John III settled in the general area in 1734 it was probaby further north on Beverley's Manor, which was in fact settled beginning 1734, or even further north in the Valley of Virginia. In addition, White tells us that John III's son-in-law, Robert Campbell, settled in 1734 near Staunton, which would place him on Beverly's Manor. If that is the case, we can probably expect that John III settled not too far distant from his son-in-law. [Record check needed].

At the same time it does appear that when Borden's Grant opened for settlement in 1738, some of the Wigton Walkers were among the earliest settlers. Chalkley's provides a list of deeds issued by Benjamin Borden 1741-1743. That list includes:

  • John Walker, 15th April, 1743;
  • Alexander Walker, 14th April, 1743
  • James Walker, 14th April, 1743

Land records for Bordens Grant have been used to create a composite mapping of various parcels at (Berry Site Url)

Figure A focuses on the area in the Walkers Creek watershed, and pinpoints the location of various paracels of interest, including those listed above. Four Walkers are shown along the west bank of Walkers Creek, beginning just about two miles above its confluence with Hays Creek and extending to a point just below the confluence. They are, in order from north to south:

N Bordens Small

Walker Holdings on Walkers Creek, Borden's Grant, from Berry Website, 2006

  1. John Walker 1743 214 acres
  2. Alexander Walker 1743 161 acres
  3. James Walker 1773 321 acres
  4. John Walker 1754 190 acres

Based on their dates, the first two parcels are seen as correspond with the first two tracts takenfrom Chalkley. The third tract for James Walker does not match the one listed by Chalkley for a person by that name, as the dates are widely divergent. However, we know from another record in Chalkley that Alexander Walker transferred a parcel of land on Walkers Creek to his son James. That James would not have been of age in 1743. It seems likely that this tract was aquired by James Walker (1707 - ?) son of John II, and brother of John III. [need link to the record from Chalkley]. A possible explanation of this is that the James Walker of 1743 died or left the area sometime prior to 1773, and that his cousin Alexander acquired the property, living next door eventually transferred it to his own son James.

The final parcel shown above is that of John Walker III. There are several land transactions involving this parcel. In the first of these, dated 1754 shows John Walker purchasing the land. The second, dated 1757, shows John Walker and wife Ann, selling the property. Since the records indicate that this John Walker's wife was named Ann it is reasonable to assume that this is John Walker III and wife Ann Houston.

The significant point about this is that the John III parcel was not aquired until 1754. This is probaby because he wasn't there, but had settled further north on Beverly's Manor. [Direct evidence of John III on Beverly's Manor is needed. There are indeed records for a John Walker in that area, but this has not yet been examined in detail.] The presumption is that in 1754 John III moved south to settle closer to his relations. This move may be related to the start of the French and Indian War (1754-1764). Possibly John III was moving closer to family where he might count on greater support.

Another factor that ties this property into ownership by John III is that it was almost immediately sold. At that time Indian attacks on the Virignia frontier forced may of the settlers to remove to North Carolina. County records for 19 August, 1757 note that " John Walker removed out of the Colony", and are probably referring to John III, and are consistent with the sale of his Walker Creek property in that year. The sale of his land in 1757 probably occurred after he left the area, as we have clear records for him purchasing land in Orange County NC, by 1756. (An earlier record from 1750 indicating that a "John Walker" had "gone to Carolina" most likely refers to the John Walker on South Branch, not John III.)

A passage from White 1902:625 provides information about the Walker settlement on Walkers Creek:

  • Alexander Walker...the nephew of John and Katherine Walker, the emigrants...with his brother and cousin Alexander (eighth child of John and Katherine) went to Virginia and settled on on...Walker's Creek...this was the fall of 1734. Alexander lived on a farm now owned by William Walker; his brother John settled abut one mile up the creek, and their cousin Alexander pitched his tent nearer the Jump Mountain, about one-half mile from his cousin Alexander's place.

This passage refers to

  • John Walker (1710-1797) aka "Gunstocker John" (son of Alexander I)
  • Alexander Walker (?-c1784) aka "Sawney" (son of Alexander I)
  • Alexander Walker (1716-c1784) (son of John II)

White's description of the settlement on Walker's Creek is largely, but not completely supported by land records. Note in particular that White makes no mention of Samuel, cousin of Alexander and Gunstocker John.

The two tracts dated to 1743 are almost certainly for Alexander "Sawney" and his brother "Gunstocker John". These tracts were probably settled in 1738, and their title was conveyed in 1743. The tract dated 1773 to James Walker is probably the one originally owned by Alexander Walker (son of John II), and transferred to his son James in 1773. The final tract dated 1754 was almost certainly owned by John Walker III, as court records refer to the owner of this same parcel as "John Walker and wife Ann".

A significant point about this is that the John III parcel was not aquired until 1754. White's description, presumably based on family information gathered in her research, makes no mention of John III as one of the early settlers on Walkers Creek. This is probaby because he wasn't there, but had settled further north on Beverly's Manor. [Direct evidence of John III on Beverly's Manor is needed. There are indeed records for a John Walker in that area, but this has not yet been examined in detail.] The presumption is that in 1754 John III moved south to settle closer to his relations. This move may be related to the start of the French and Indian War (1754-1764). Possibly John III was moving closer to family where he might count on greater support.

Another factor that ties this property into ownership by John III is that it was sold almost immediately sold. At that time Indian attacks on the Virignia frontier forced may of the settlers to quit the area for North Carolina. County records for 19 August, 1757 note that " John Walker removed out of the Colony", and are probably referring to John III, and consistent with the sale of his Walker Creek property in that year. The sale of his land in 1757 probably occurred after he left the area, as we have clear records for him purchasing land in Orange County NC, by 1756. (An earlier record from 1750 indicating that a "John Walker" had "gone to Carolina" most likely refers to the John Walker on South Branch, not John III.)

We might ask, "Why does White not mention James, who is clearly in the area based on land records." The answer to this question is not fully known. It appears from the land records that James died or left the area sometime before 1773. Records do not seem to have survived on this point, but it appears that this southern parcel at the foot of Jump Mountain, came into possession of Alexander Walker, who later transferred it to his son James in 1773. It may be that White learned that the Jump Mountain parcel was originally owned by a cousin of Gunstocker John and Sawney Alexander (ie, James Walker, brother of John III). She may also have picked up on the fact that it had come into the possession of Alexander Walker, and assumed that since it was owned by a cousin, that this Alexander Walker the brother of John III.

Overall View of the Walkers Creek Setting

Thumb Approximate location of Walker land holdings onWalkers Creek, Rockbridge Co, VA, showing general locale. Also shown is location of New Providence Presbyterian Church, and land holding of John Houston (c1690-1754).


Caption:
1. James Moore
2. John Walker III
3. James Walker
4. Alexander Walker (Sawney)
5. John Walker (Gunstocker John)
6. John Walker, Jr. (?-?)
7. John Houston (c1690-1754)



Caswell County, NC

Caswell County

Location of Caswell Co, NC

John Walker III took his family from Borden's Grant in modern Rockbridge Co. VA, to Orange Co. NC, about 1756. This is attested to by

  • his land purchases in Orange Co in 1756,
  • the sale ofthe sale of his property on Walkers Creek in 1757
  • statements in the Augusta Cunty Court records of 1757 that John Walker was "Gone to Carolina".

It is likely that preparations for the move occurred in 1755, at the outbreak of the French and Indian War, and that he was presumably in NC shortly before his land purchases in 1756. Land transactions on Mud Lick, near Roanoke, suggest that he may have considered a less drastic move.

Castle's Wood

Sinking Creek

Location of Sinking Creek, Scott Co, (red), and Castle's Woods, Russell Co, VA (blue)

John III settled on a parcel on Sinking Creek, in modern Scott County, between the communities of Dungannon and Castleswoods. Other family members settled in the colonial community of Castle's Woods (near modern Castlewood) in adjacent Russell County, VA. See Walksers of Washington County for a discussion of Washington County records related to John III and his family.

Alternative Interpretations

  1. Some family historians identify John III as "Gunmaker John", distinguishing him from his uncle "Gunstocker John". White 1902 does identify the son of Alexander I as "Gunstocker John", but does not identify John III as "Gunmaker". There does not seem to be any evidence that John III ever engaged in gunmaking, or was in fact known as "Gunmaker John". Gilbert 1972 refers to John III as "Ranger John". "Rangers" is a term applied to persons who ranged the back country during the Indian Wars, searching for signs of pending Indian attacks. There seems to be no evidence that John III ever "ranged". Gilbert may have confused records for another John Walker who remained in the Rockbridge area after the departure of John III and his family. [Check Gilbert to see exactly what he said on this subject]
  2. One of the late Jerry Penley's contributions to Wigton Walker genealogy was the identification of land transactions by John Walker "of Orange Co, NC) in the Roanoke area. Jerry was able to link these transactions with John Walker III. Jerry directed attention to a record showing that this particular John Walker had requested that his brothers Samuel and Joseph of Augusta County be given power of attourney to sell his land on Mud Lick. It was felt that this was pointing toward Samuel and Joseph on Borden's Grant, and linked this John Walker to the Wigton Walker line. DNA results in Group 33 of the Walker DNA study have led to the conclusion that the Wigton line was not the unified family grouping as once believed, but composed of two separate and independent components now referred to as the Walkers Creek line and the Natural Bridge line. A current working hypothesis on this is that the John Walker who requested the power of attorney for his two brothers, was not John Walker III of the Walkers Creek line, but another John Walker altogether. That John Walker may be part of the Natural Bridge line, or a completely different line of Walkers in the Rockbridge Co area. The main reason for this suggestion is because John III is believed to have been acquiring land on Walkers Creek in the 1753 period, at the same time that the property around Roanoke was being acquired. While this is not impossible, it seems unlikely that the same John Walker would be acquiring land in both areas simultaneously. [Need to verfy these data points, and add anchor links to the records.]User:WMWillis 25 August 2006

Records

Old Chester Co PA

  1. 1726, December 6. Will of Christopher Houston, Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle Co. DE

The last will and testament of Christopher HUSTON. I leave my soul to God who gave it and my body to be buried where my friends think fitt. I Bequeath and leave to my wife the little house which is now a shope to Dwell in and one third part of all my movables Excepting one horse out of the whole which I leave to my son Samuell. I Leave to my son Robert two pounds ten shillings. I Bequeath to my son Samuel the plantation and the horse before excepted with the plow and Takling and to enter to possess next March. I apoint and order that Samuel shall pay to his sisters the sums of fifteen pounds current money of this government that is to say Jean Four pounds, to Martha five pounds, and to Ann Six pounds, all to be paid within four years after the Date here of in Every year of the four one fourth part of the sd fifteen pounds. I leave to my son-in-law Hugh LINN Ten Shillings which is owing to me of John Porter BAKER. I do appoint and order that Samuell my son Shall maintain and keep one cow Summer and Winter for the use of his mother enduring her life time and shall give to his mother yearly six Bushell of wheat and Ry. I do leave my son Samuell to pay to his Brother Robert the above sd two pounds ten shillings. I do Leave to my grandchildren Christopher and James HUSTON a bond which I have of Charles SIMONS of three pounds. I do Leave my wife and my son Samuell to be my executors of this my last will and testament being in the perfect use of my Reason as witness my hand and seal the Day and year above written. Signed and sealed in the presence of William McDOWELL, Hugh CLARK. Probated January 6, 1726/7, Christopher HUSTON (seal) Source: fide Jerry Penley, personal communication, 20 August 2000
Commentary: This will identifies Ann Houston as the daughter of Christopher Houston. A Samuel Houston is identified as his son. Samuel died and left a will identifying some of his immediate relations that are also identified in his father's will, showing that he is indeed the son of Christopher. He identifies his sister Ann as "Ann Walker" indicating that she had married by the date of his death, and that her husbands last name was "Walker".

  1. 1739 Extract of Will of Samuel Houston, E. Nottingham farmer

listing wife Esther, Mother Martha, with his personal estate later going to

  • Robert,
  • Christopher
  • James Houston,
  • Anne Walker,
  • Margaret Linn,
  • Jennet Linn,
  • Martha Linn.

Source: 1739, From Wills of Chester County, PA, extracts Commentary: This is from an extract of Chester County wills. [Check original, and add to references]. The Anne Walker mentioned is believed to be Anne Houston Walker, wife of John III. This seems to be the only record referring to any of the Wigton Walker line in this area.

Rockbridge Co, VA

A comprehensive list of records for "John Walker" may be found here in Augusta County, Rockbridge County, and Orange County VA. Not all refer to John Walker III. Records believed to relate to John III are pesented below. [Work in progress.]

Orange Co NC

  1. 1740. Importations from Abroad to Orange Co. Va.
  • Wm. Long & Family 1740
  • John Walker 1740
  • Thomas Walker 1736

Source: (From boarding papers in W. E. Brookman's book, Orange County, Volume II, pub. 1956); fide http://www.rootsweb.com/~nccumber/importations.html

  1. 1755. Tax List Orange Co, NC includes the following names of interest related to the line of John III:
  • James Campbell 2-0
  • Laughlin Campbell 1-0
  • James Campbell & son 2-0
  • Henry Cobb & 3 sons 3-0
  • John King 1-0
  • Benjn. King 2-0
  • Hugh Porter & son 2-0
  • Samuel Walker 1-0
  • Jonathan Walker 1-
  • Joseph Walker 1-0
  • Samuel Watt 1
  • John Watts 1-0
  • Thomas Watts 1-0

Commentary: Orange County was formed in 1752 from parts of Bladen, Granville and Johnston Counties, North Carolina. From 1752 until 1770, Orange County embraced an area approximately 72 miles long and 50 miles wide - 3,600 square miles or 2,304,000 acres, In 1755 there were close to 1,200 families enumerated by the tax collector, or, on the average, one family per every three square miles or 1,920 acres: The county extended from the Virginia-North Carolina State Line on the north to Cumberland (now Moore) County, North Carolina, on the south, and from Granville and Johnston (now Wake) Counties on the east, to Rowan (now Rockingham, Guilford and Randolph) County on the west. Prior to 1770, Orange County took in all of the present-day counties of Orange, Caswell, Person, Alamance, Chatham, most of Durham, small parts of Wake and Lee, and the eastern third of Rockingham, Guilford and Randolph, This 1755 taxlist is the earliest one extant for Orange County, the next one being dated 1779. (File No. T.O. 105.1, State Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, N. C.) It is significant that "John Walker" does not appear on this 1755 Orange County Tax list. This implies that he was not yet in Orange County. Source:William Perry Johnson, (Ed.), 1955. fide Mary Ann Hubbell, 5 August 2006

  1. 1755 Tax List of Granville County. Granville County Sch, A List of Taxables for the Year 1755
  • Thomas Campbell & Son John, 2-0-2
  • William Campbell, 1-0-1
  • John Campbell, 1-0-1
  • William Campbell, l-0-10
  • James(?) Gill, 1-0-1
  • Thos. King & Son Thos,, 2-0-2
  • Wm King & Son Wm, 1-0-1(?)
  • George(?) King, 1-0-1
  • Francis King, 1-0-
  • Thomas King, 1-0-1
  • John King, 1-0-1
  • Daniel King, 1-0-1
  • John King, 1-0-1
  • George King, 1-0-1
  • Charles King, 1-0-1
  • Robert King, 1-0-l
  • Hugh Montgummery, 1-0-11
  • Wm & Peter Walker & Negroe Annica, 2-1-3
  • Frans. Walker & Son Frans., 2-0-2
  • Thomas Walker, 1-0-1
  • John Walker, 1-0-1
  • James Walker, Son James, Negroes Rose & Lattice, 2-2-4
  • Jacob Watts, 1-0-1
  • Andrew Watts, 1-0-1

Commentary: Granville County, North Carolina, was formed in 1746 from Edgecombe County, and at that time embraced all of the present-day counties of Granville, Franklin, Warren, and Vance, and parts of Caswell, Person and Durham Counties. In 1752, Orange County was formed from parts of Bladen, Granville, and Johnston counties. This 1755 tax list, therefore, covers all of the present-day counties of Granville, Franklin, Warren, and Vance, and is Granville County's oldest extant tax list. The original list was not sorted. This list has been sorted by the second word in each line, which is usually the last name. The tax list as published in 1959, was in paragraph format. This information has been transcribed, put in a single column, and sorted alphabetically by the second word in the line which is the last name in most cases. The numbers represent number of whites polled, number of blacks polled and a total. It is not clear that the Walkers identified in Granville Co., including John Walker, are in anyway related to the line of John III. The King's listed in here, may however, be related to the Samuel Walker who is known to have had dealings with John III in Orange Co. Source: Fide Mary Ann Hubbell 5 August 2006 [Need formal source]


  1. 1761, 30 January. JOHN WALKER, planter, ten shillings, both sides of Moons Creek., begin at a white oak the NW side of creek, N 90 ch. 50 lk. to a black oak saplin, E 35 ch. to creek cross creek & extended 55 ch. in all to a pine, 90 ch. 50 lk. to center between 2 white oaks, W crossing creek to first station, 497 acres, nineteen shillings eleven pence rent per year, surveyed for HENRY RUNELLS 1 August 1754, THOMAS BARTON & VENERIAS TURNER, SCC (SSLG 102-B) (Ed. note: see also N. D. Patent Book 12:56) Signatures of Jas Watson, John ?, & John Walker. Source: Shields Page 11 459[???].
  • 1762, 6 March, JOHN WALKER, ten shillings, on North Fork of Moons Cr., begin at a hicory, E crossing creek 30 ch. to a red oak, N 52 ch. to a red oak, E 20 ch. to a dogwood, N 22 ch. crossing creek to an ash, W 61 ch. to a black oak, S 15 ch. to a red oak, W 39 ch. to a post oak, S to first station, 577 acres, twenty three shillings one penny rent per year, suveyed 3 February 1762, CHRISTO. HOWSTIN & PARICK PORTER, SCC. (SSLG 102-A) (Ed. note: see also NC Patent Book 12:53). Signatures of Jas Watson, W. Churton and John Walker SOURCE: Shields Page 72 640 [???].

Commentary: Christopher Houston and Patrick Porter served as chain carriers (SCC) for this survey. Christopher is probably one of Anne Houston Walker's kin; Patrick Porter is John III and Anne's son-in-law. Chain carriers were often selected locally, and can be different for each survey. Sometimes the chain carriers are selected from adjacent land owners, with a vested interest in ensuring that their own property rights are observed. 1772 10 September, JOHN WALKER SENR. of Orange to SAMUEL WALKER of same, one hundred pounds, 220 acres, on both sides of Moons Cr., begin at a white oak, E 220 p. to center of 2 white oaks, N 148 p. to 2 white oaks, W 110 p. to a maple, N 40 p. to a beach, W 110 p. to a white oak saplin, S to beginning, part of land from Granville to Walker: signed: JOHN WALKER; witness: SAMUEL BRANCKIN, JOHN WALKER, SAM. COWAN: proved October Term 1772 by BRACKIN. (Ed. note: see also Granville Deed & Surveys #459)Commentary: The John Walker who signed this sale is clearly John III. The sale is witnessed by son John IV, and also by Samuel Cowan. Samuel Cowan was John III's son-in-law. Source:Bennett, 1990:Page 97 P. 499,

  1. 1756, 3 June.

WALKER, JOHN Warrant for 450 acres on northeast side the wikipedia:Haw River at a place called the Red Field; begin at a white oak on east side Poke Berry Cr., includes two plantations where he now lives & James Collin's.

  • Entered 17 June 1755
  • Surveyed 2 Apr 1756 (?)
  • Deed for 468 acres 23 May 1758

Source: Page 20 [Need full source]. Commentary: Red Field and Red Field Ford of the Haw River is probably in Chatham Co NC, and appears in numerous records. The location of this parcel on the Haw River suggests that this John Walker was not John III.

  • Page 51

WALKER, JOHN Warrant 9 Dec 1762 700 acres on a branch of County Line Cr., includes Thomas Cunningham's improvements. Surveyed 3 June 1763

  • Page 52

WALKER, JOHN Warrant 21 Dec 1762 700 acres on the head of Hogan's Cr., on both sides the path leading from Bird's to Pain's. Surveyed 17 June 1763

  • Page 55

WALKER, JOHN Survey 17 June 1763 210 acres on the head of Hogan Cr. of Dan R.: Jas Nichols, Wm Mateer: SCC. 3 copies

  • Page 48

WALKER, MOSES by James Watson Entry 28 Jan 1762 700 acres on Seven Mile Cr., waters of Enoe, begin at mouth of Long Br., includes improvements that Burk lived on.


Orange/Caswell Co., NC,1756-1800 Petition from the North Part of Orange County c. 1771, THE COLONIAL RECORDS collected and edited by William L. Saunders, Secretary of State, Vol. IX-1771 to 1775 fide Jerry Penley 21 Nov 1997 To his excellency Josiah Martin Esquire, Captain General, Governor in and over the Province of N. Carolina, The Honourable Council, and Gentlemen of The House of Burgesses; The Petition of the North Part of Orange County......[petitioners include the following] Alex Montgomery Sam Cowan John Walker, Jun John Walker Pat Porter Tho Dobbins John Graves, Jun James Graves Hugh Dobbins A complete transcription was provided by Jerry at a later date, and is found here.

Commentary: Thi petition seems to be related to the formation of Caswell County. The date is missing from the current transcription and needs to be added. The 'c1771' is assumed. If the c1771 date is correct it indicates that John III and John IV did not formally leave the county until a sightly later date. There are indications that the extended family (specifically, Patrick Porter, John III's soninlaw, were in SW VA by 1771.


Walker to Walker Power of Attorney 15 May 1771 Botetourt Co., Va. Bk p. 249. fide Jerry Penley 21 Nov 1997 ]

John Walker of Orange Co., N.C. ... hath nominated constituted and appointed well beloved brothers Samuel Walker and Joseph Walker or the Survivor of them my true and lawful attorneyes (to sell) 471 acres of land ... in two tracts lying in Co. of Botetourt on south side of Roan Oke below the land of Alexander Ingrim to Andrew Armstron of said Co. of Botetourt for sum of 225 pounds current Co. of Botetourt money of Virginia ... Wit: John Walker (seal) Alexr Stewart Joseph Cloyd

Commentary: This record is sometimes cited as demonstrating John III had acquired property near Roanoke.


Orange Co. NC Deed Book 3 page 379

John WALKER Senr of Orange to John GRAVES of same, fifty pounds , 260 acres, on Moon's Cr. including plantation whereon Patrick PORTER now lives, begin at a pine in Wm ROBINSON's line, 202 p. to a cor. of 2 box oaks, W 110 p. to a maple, N 40 p. to a beach & w oak, W 110 p. to 2 w oaks, N to ROBINSON's cor, 182 p. on ROBINSON's line to beginning: signed: John WALKER; witness: Thomas RICE, John WALKER Junr; proved July Term 1772 by RICE.


Portion of large tract purchased by John Walker III 1 Jan 1779. Caswell County, NC, Deed Book A, page 126,

Joseph PORTER of CC to Reubin Estis of same co., for 535 lbs., 146 A on south side of Moon's Cr, a part of a large tract John Walker purchased of Earl Granville. Also signed by James A. Porter. Wit. Jonathan Siniard, Edward Upton, Labon Estis.



Portion of large tract purchased by John Walker 27 Feb 1779. Caswell County, NC, Deed Book A, page 201

Reubin Estes of CC to William Rice of same, for 250 lbs, 146 A on south side of Moon's Cr part of tract John Walker purchased of Earl Granville. 27 Feb 1779. Wit. James Barker, Henry Williams, William Gwyn.


Land sale to John Walker on Hogan Creek 13 Oct 1783 Caswell County, NC, Deed Book B Page 163 State of NC - No. 466 -

to John Walker 337 A on Hogan's Cr adj Atkinson, William Par, Harrison. 13 Oct 1783


Land sale from Samuel Walker to James Orr on Moon's Creek 25 Dec 1784 Caswell County, NC, Deed Book C Page 26 Samuel Walker of CC to James Orr of same, for 50 lbs, 220 A on n fork Moon's cr, part of survey granted Walker 3 Mar 1779 of 621 A. . Wit:James Johnson, James Walker


Land sale from John Walker to William Parr on Hogan's Cr. 1 Mar 1788. Caswell County, NC, Deed Book ??? p. 287 John Walker of CC to William Parr of same, for 21 lbs, 14 shillings, 107 A on Hogan's Cr adj Parr, Jno Atkinson, Harrison. Wit: Berryman Turner, James Paul, ? Paul

Commentary: This "John Walker" would apparently not be John III, given the 1788 date. It is possible that this is John IV, but it is more likely that this is a different John Walker, perhaps a son of Samuel Walker. If so, he died before Samuel's 1798 will which named his son, James.


John Grant of CC to Armistead Flippen 16 Jun 1795. Caswell County, NC, Deed Book J page 75-6 John Grant of CC to Armistead Flippen of same, for 500 lbs., 231 A s side Moon's Cr being part of tract John Walker purchased of Earl Granville and part purchased by Christopher Huston of Earl Granville. Wit: Alr Porter, Elizabeth Porter, Joshua Grant.

Southwest VA 1771-1786

Will of John Walker III [NEED SOURCE] written c. 1775, probated 1778. fide Jerry Penley 21 Nov 1997 [Need original date, and source]

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN I, John Walker of the county of Washington being sick in body but of good and sound memory, thanks to it almighty God and caling to mind the uncertainty estates of this transistory of life and that flesh must yeald to death when it shall please God to call do make constitute ordain and declair this my last will and testament in manner and form following and annuling by these presents all and every testament or testaments, will or wills heretofore by me made or declares either by word or writing and this to be my last will and testament for-none other; and first being penitent for my sins past most humbly desire foregiveness for the same. I give and commit my soul unto almighty God my saviour and redeemer in whom and by the merits of Jesus Christ I trust and believe assuredly to be saved and to have full remission and foregiveness of all my sins and that my soul with my body as a general day of the resurrection shall rise again with joy and though thou hearest of Christ death saviour poses and inherit the kingdom of heaven prepared for his elect and chosen and my body to be buried in such a place as will pleas my executors hereafter named. To appoint and now for the settling of my temporal estate and such goods and chattels and debts it hath pleased God for above my presents to bestow upon me. I do order, give and dispose the same in a.manner and from following: That is to say, I will all these debts & dues I own in right to any manner of person or persons whatsoever shall be well and fairly contested and pid or ordered to be paid within convenient time after my deciece by my executors hereafter named then I give and bequeath the money that is in Patrick Porter hand. That I have his bonds and account for to be equally devided amongst my six daughters and granddaughter An Bell and do order that all my debts that is owing to me be collected by my two sons John and Samuel Walker and when collected at my creditors to be paid and the remainder to be equally divided betwixt my two sons except that is divided already and I do appoint my two sons John and Samuel Walker my executor. This given under my hand and seal the day and year above written [???1773???]. My lands to be equally divided betwixt my two sons and one bay mare I give to my grandson William Walker. JOHN WALKER Seal Signed, sealed and delivered in the present of Alex Montgomery, William Cowan and Andrew Cowan..... at Court held for Washington County the 17th day of November 1778. This last will and testament of John Walker, deceased was proved by oath of Alex Montgomery, William Cowan........

Commentary: This will is for John III father of John IV. The will was probated in 1778, which is probably the basis for which many have identified his year of death as 1778. However, the will was probably written well prior to that date. Photocopies of this will that I've seen do not show the date it was written. The date is often cited as 1773, but the basis for that is not known. Presumably the date is on the same page as the text says ""the day and year above written". Since the will shos a bequest to Samuel, and grandson William, we can probably assume that it was written before Samuel's death, and the capture by Indians of William. Those events are believed to have occurred in 1776, hence we assume the will itself was probably written about 1775.


Estate record for Samuel son of John III, identifying John IV as administrator [Need date of record] Washington County Court Minute Record Bk #1; fide Jerry Penley 21 Nov 1997

On motion of John Walker Administration is granted him on the Estate of Samuel Walker deceased who made oath thereto and entered into and acknowledged his bond with William Edmondson and Archelaus Woods in the penalty of six Hundred pounds for the faithfull Adminstration of the said decendants Estate. Ordered that Patrick Porter, James Wharton, Joseph Moor, William Trimble & John Kinkead or any three of them being first sworn appraise the Estate of Samuel Walker deceased and make return to the court. Commentary: Samuel was killed c.1776 during an Indian attack on Castle's Woods that saw his nephew William (son of John IV) and sister Ann Walker Cowan, both taken captive by Indians. Elsewhere John IV is identified as the "heir at law" of John II and Samuel. This indicates that there were no other sons of John III who could be considered heirs, nor that Samuel, who apparently died intestate, had a wife, or children.


Certification that John IV is entitled to the property settled in 1773 by his father John III. 8th day of August, 1781, Washington County Grant Bk #1; page 267 fide Jerry Penley 21 Nov 1997

We the commissioners for the district of Washington & Montgomery Counties do certify that John Walker Heir at law of John Walker & Samuel Walker dec'd is entitled to 300 acres of land by settlement in the year 1773 lying in Washington County on Sinking Creek near the sink, which was surveyed for the old John Walker April 2nd 1774, by virtue of an order of Council passed Dec. 16th, 1773. Witness our hands this 8th day of August, 1781. N. B. The plot for this certificate is recorded on page 269. Test, James Reid, C, C, C Jos. Cabell Harry Innes N. Cabell I do hereby assign all my right & title to the within certft. to John Donnell for value recd. of him this 10th August, 1782. John Walker. I do hereby assign the one half of the within certificate to Jas, Robt, & Jno. Barr for value rec'd. of them this 10th Augt. 1782. Jno. Donnell

Commentary: This certification was probably a requirement because of laws established during the Revolution requiring a will be filed for someone who died before a property was properly recorded. Without the will, showing that the prperty was properly inherited, you probably would not be able to secure the land.

References

  1. White, Emma Siggins, 1902. Genealogy of the descendants of John Walker of Wigton, Scotland, with records of a few allied families: also war records and some fragmentary notes pertaining to the history of Virginia, 1600-1902.
  2. Chester County Wills....[need full reference]
  3. Bennett, William D. 1990. Orange County Records Vol. III, Deed Book 3 Aabstracts, edited by William D. Bennett, C.G., Privately Published Raleigh, North Carolina 1990.
  4. Johnson, William Perry, ed., 1955. "The North Carolinian" in the December 1955 issue. Article title and author not provided.
  5. Johnson, William Perry (ed.), 1959. September 1959 issue of "The North Carolinian". Article title and author not provided. The original tax list is in the North Carolina Archive, File No. T. O. 105
  6. Chalkley, Lyman (DATE). Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia

Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County 1745-1800 (see http://www.rootsweb.com/~chalkley/)

  1. Morton, Oren F., 1920. A History of Rockbridge County, Virginia. The McClure Co: Staunton, Virginia.
  2. Berry Website. Original figure prepared by Jim Jackson, Figure 39, Properties of 1753 Petition Signers. [1] Genealogy of the Berry and Associated Families: Part 1 The First Three Generations of the Scotch-Irish Berry Family in Augusta, Rockbridge and Washington Counties, Virginia http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~berry/newupload/pages/report.htm
  3. Shields, Ruth Herndon [DATE]. ORANGE COUNTY, NC ABSTRACTS OF THE MINUTES OF THE COURT OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSIONS OF: SEPT. 1752 - AUG. 1766
  4. Hagy, James W., 1966. Castle's Woods Frontier Virginia Settlement, 1769-1799, Masters Thesis for Department of History East Tennessee State University. [Note: This work occurs in several published additions that contained substantial additional information.]

Links

Portal:Wigton Walker
http://www.cooperativeindividualism.org/friedenberg_daniel_life_liberty_pursuit_of_land.html [Deals with land holding companies in Va, Mo, and the Ohio]
Will of Christopher HUSTON with notes and questions.

Research Needs

Much of what White tells us about the family history has not been independently confirmed with primary sources. White, herself, sometimes does not explain the basis for her statements. As a result, there is a need to critically assess the family history as given by White, the objective being to confirm or refute her presentation. With regard to John Walker III, and wife Ann Houston, some of the information provided by White 1902 can be confirmed or at least shown to be consistent with primary source material.

The following summarizes what White has to say about this family.

  • John Walker III was eldest son of John the emigrant, b. March 1705, m. Ann Houston (or Huston) March 1734. They moved from Pennsylvania in company with his brother-in-law, John Campbell, and settled in Augusta Co., VA. The Walker's and Hay's soon removed to Rockbridge County, the Creeks on which they settled being named for these two families. He d. on the Clinch River in 1778.

There are a number of specific facts provided by White in the above statement. The following summarizes what can be said about the accuracy of White's statements.

  • Wills for Ann Houston's father, Christopher Houston, and brother Samuel, list Ann as an heir. Samuel's will of 1739 specifically identifies his sister as "Ann Walker", indicating that she was married by that date, a point consistent with White's DOM for this couple of 1734. Samuel's will does not give the first name of Ann's husband, only telling us that she is identified as "Ann Walker". this interpretation is consistent with the information in White 1902. It seems probable that the Ann Walker mentioned in Samuel's will is indeed the wife of John Walker III.
  • Land records for Rockbridge county show several Walkers settling on Walker's Creek in Rockbridge CO, VA, prior to 1741. A land transaction in 1753 shows a John Walker and wife Ann selling a parcel on Walkers Creeks adjacent to other Walkers whose property was surveyed in the early 1740's. These data are consistent with White 1902's assertion that the family moved to Rockbrdige Co shortly after their initial settlement in Augusta Co. Following the marriage of John Walker and Ann Houston in 1734.
  • John III was living on the Clinch River when he died sometime between 1774 and 1778. The commonly cited 1778 date is probably based on White's description above, and/or may be founded on his will which was probated in that year. It is likely, however, that he died several years previous to the court records dealing with his estate. His son Samuel is believed to have died in an Indian attack in 1776, but is mentioned in John III's will. Likewise, his grandson William (son of John IV) was taken captive by Indians in that same attack. Yet both are mentioned in John III's will, indicating that it was written prior to 1776. It seems likely that John III died prior to this attack. A DOD of c.1776 seems reasonable.
  • White tells us that John Campbell=Elizabeth Walker, settled near Staunton, a few miles north of where the Walkers ultimately settled on Walkers Creek in Rockbridge Co. The area John Campbell is said to have settled is most ikely part of Beverly's Grant, where settlement began about 1734. This is consistent with the Walker family moving from the Nottingham Lots about that time. A thorough search of land records etc in this area is needed to determine if there is any evidence that a John Campbell settled in this area about this time.

Page needs

Chester County Wills....[need full reference]

Contributors

--Bill 00:10, 6 August 2006 (UTC) William M. Willis Portal:Wigton Walker





Footnotes (including sources)

Ω Birth
  • Not certain
  • White 1902:6
₪ Wedding
  • Old Chester County, PA, or Cecil County, MD
  • White 1902:6



Cowantex, Robin Patterson

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