Robert HARRIS

                   Known oldest child.

The other five sons of Robert--John, James, Robert, Charles and Samuel--about 1750 to 1755, moved to Mecklenburg county, North Carolina (now Cabarrus County) and settled on Rocky River.

John later moved to Blount County, Tenn., with eight children (note found: Brother John, the oldest, was born between 1690-1697.)

About 1750 he moved to Mecklenburg , NC with four brothers, James, Charles, Robert, and Samuel. He later moved to Blount Co. Tennessee, maybe from South Carolina. John died in Blount County, Tennessee.

Notes and Queries Book 1897 regarding John Harris
1690-1801 , Penn to Rocky River NC to SC to Blount, TN
Historical, Biographical And Genealogical.
JOHN HARRIS
Captain Thomas Harris, the Indian trader, had a brother John, who probably resided for a time in Lancaster county, Pa., then went to Maryland, and afterwards tothe Carolinas. John was the oldest of the family and must have been born as early as 1690. He married twice; first. Grizzel Steel, by whom he had four children: Margaret, Jane, Robert and James; secondly, Rebecca McBay, by whom also he hadfour children: William, Elizabeth, Thomas and John. Of these children, Jane wasborn in February, 1724, married as his second wife, her father's full cousin, John Harris, the founder of Mifflintown, about 1753. died at Mifflintown January 11, 1807, and was buried beside her husband. This Jane is the mother of all of her husband's children, the first wife, Jane Poer, daughter of Alexander Poer andMargaret Harris, dying childless. Her (Jane's) half-brother, John Harris, son of John Harris and Rebecca McBay, made his home with her(Jane) and her husband for a time, but afterwards went to Carolina and subsequently to Tennessee. He marired twice and had a family by each wife. The children's names were William, JohnBaird, Elizabeth, Robert Marklin, Matthew Handy and Joseph Gilliland. This JohnHarris was in 1801, still living at Maysville (or Maryville) Blount county, Tenn.
Query.Where did John Harris, brother of Captain Thomas, reside while he remained in Pennsylvania., and what incidents connected with his history there can begiven?
ROBERT STEWART.

In NCHARRIS.AOL, a file downloaded fron AOL, HARRIS ANCESTRY, assembled by John Harris, it is shown that John Harris entered land in Georgia in 1737. His wives are also listed. It also states that John and 4 of his 5 brothers (James, Samuel, Robert, Charles) left Pennsylvania about 1750 to settle in Mecklenburg Co., NC.
                  

                   Captain Thomas Harris came to America in 1726, and married Mary McKinney in 1730. He settled in Lancaster County, PA. He died at the age of 106 years. He was a captain in a militia company in 1748.

Thomas, came to America in 1726, unmarried, but in the same ship  with his subsequent bride, Mary McKinney. Thomas and his companions, after landing at New Castle or Philadelphia, appears to have proceeded without delay to that part of PA. which 3 years afterward (May 10, 1729) became Lancaster County. After his marriage, which occurred as early as 1730, and perhaps earlier, he settled on a farm containing 230 acres on Conoy Creek, at a point where the Paxtang and Conestoga roads crossed, now called Elizabethtown, PA. He built a Tavern with "The Sign of the Bear". (Bear Tavern was in 1980, an insurance office in Elizabethtown, PA. The original part was still distinguishable. In the cellar was a roundish place of irregular stones which tradition says was a tunnel to the nearby creek, so water was available even during Indian raids. There was also a stone on the front of the building which gave the initials of the Harrises and the date of their building the inn.)
This hotel, built about 1732, became famous before the Indian Wars and was much frequented by travelers and traders. It was sold with the farm July 15, 1751. While here, their children were born.
In 1747-1748, Thomas was Captain of the associated regiment of the west end of Lancaster County. The duty of this regiment was chielf;y guarding the frintier against Indian raids, and in connection with a line of forsts. Evidence of CaptainHarris' religious character is found in the early, as well as later period of his life. A list of 42 of the stipend payers of Derry, Paxtang and Mount Joy churches from the year 1745 to 1774 gives the names of Thomas Harris, Matthew (his son), and James (his son or uncle). His subscriptions extended over a period of 27 years and after he left the neighborhood. He appears on the roll of the Synod of Philadelphia in 1745.
     After the sale of the Bear Tavern, Captain Harris moved to a farm and mill atConewago, on the Susquehanna River. He remained there 9 years and then moved toPhiladelphia. The farm and mill are now an historic site northwest of Elizabethtown. The original house is distinguishable and there are 2 millstones in the path alongside the house which could possibly have been part of Captain Harris' mill. The Conewago flows down behind the house, a most beautiful setting. The millwas on the Conewago rather than the Susquehanna.
The first sign of Captain Harris' removal to Maryland is the purchase of "Good Neighborhood Enlarged", on October 16, 1780, now Churchville, Harford County, Maryland. Good Neighborhood Enlarged is shown on pg. 29 of "Our Harford Heritage" as a plot of 699 acres patented in 1700 by Colonel Samuel Young. It is located toward the upper side of this "Plat of BYNUM'S RUN by Thomas White, Jan 15, 1728.
Captain Harris was part of the "Philadelphia Company". (See the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol LI (1927) pp 278-285, and Patterson, Historyof the County of Pictou Novia Scotia (1877) pp. 72-75. Captain Harris stayed inMaryland, and his wife died there in 1770. This left only one other person, hisdaughter Mary, at his home. He bought 296 acres of land at Doyle's Mills, Tuscarora Valley, Juniata County, PA, in 1778. His youngest daughter Mary was marriedhere. After the marriage, he went to live with his eldest daughter, Margaret. He was not content to stay unmarried either. He took himself a second wife. All we know about her is that her name was Agnes, that she was married before March 29, 1784, and that she probably died before May 30, 1793. This was the date of his last will and testament, and she is not mentioned. Captain Harris spent his last years with his daughter, Margaret, and the other children in the neighborhoodof Harris' Mill in Juniata County. He read his bible without glasses, and died at his grandson, John Steuart's home (Margaret's son) at Doyle's Mill on December 4, 1801, aged 106 years of age. He is buried at the Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church, Juniata County, PA. (Reverend John Coulter, Pastor.) Lower Tuscarora Church is located in Academia, PA. There is a museum and historical library in the old church (academy building). Captain Harris' grave is with the Steuart/Stewart family with a large marker. It is something of a tourist attraction as Captain Harris lived in 3 centuries. The gggd of Captain Harris married the son of Rev. Coulter - or he wouldn't be there.  His children, George and Margaret are buried with him.
His first will was made in MD in June 7, 1773.

Maryland Will of Thomas Harris:

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I THOMAS HARRIS YEOMAN  of Baltimore County and Province of Maryland being at this time in perfect Health and of sound Mind, Memory andUnderstanding and knowing the uncertainty of this transitory Life, do make thismy last Will and Testament in Manner and Form following, viz: -
        Imprimis, It is my Will and Desire that all my just Debts and funeral Charges be carefully discharged -
         Item, I give and bequeath to my eldest son, Dr. Robert Harris of the Cityof Philadelphi, the sum of 50 puonds commo................Mo...... having already given him what I suppose to be his equal Dividend of my estate.
         Item, I give and bequeath unto my sons Matthew and Dr. John Harris of Nova Scotia all my tract of Lands that they now occupy to be equally divided between them and their heirs and assignus for ever but if they or either of them should produce any Accts against my Estate and recover therefor the above tract of Lands and Dividend hereafter mentioned to be appropriated to the use of my other Children  - note except a Bond in Jno Smith's Hand.
         Item, I give and bequeath to my second daughter Catherine Archer, wife ofDr. John Archer a Clock now in the said Archer's possession.
         Item, I give and bequeath to third daughter Mary Harris a Negro Boy namedJuba two feather Beds and Furniture, two Tables, a case of drawers, Looking Glass, Corner cupboard and Dresser.
         Item, I give and bequeath unto my Grand Children, John Steuart, Ann Steuart, Thomas Harris Steuart, Robert Steuart and Margaret Steuart, children of my daughter Margaret Steuart,  wife of George Steuart, fifty pounds less than an equal Dividend of my estate among my children hereafter mentioned and the said fifty Pounds I give and bequeath to my said daughter Margaret Steuart, wife of George Steuart.
         Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved children Matthew Harris, Dr. JohnHarris, Catherine Archer, wife of Dr. John Archer and my Grand Children in conjunction with their mother Margaret Steuart, wife of George Steuart as above mentioned all my real and Personal Estate in Maryland, Pennsylvania or elsewhere to be equally divided among them or to be sold and the Money equally divided as maybest suit themselves -  note my Grandchildren in Conjunction with their Mother Margaret Steuart to have only a Child's Part with my other Children.
         Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint Dr. John Archer, Executor of this last will and Testament and do authorize and empower him to make suitable Deeds and Conveyances for Lands...........ing........P.....according to the Tenor of.....................between me and the parties I so hereby revoke and disannul all Former Wills by me heretofore made or executed - In witness whereof I have here unto set my Hand and seal seventh day of June Anno Domini one thousand seventy three Note the word divided in the tenth line from the bottom was interlined before signing and the words as mentioned erased in the eleventh line.
Signed sealed and acknowledged in presence of us and tested in Presence of the Testator and in Presence of each other -
Edward Prall
William Martin
James Harris
          The above will was made on June 7th (or 11th) 1773. The original is in the hand writing of Dr. John Archer, among whose papers it was transferred to hisdescendents. Recently it was discovered by Sarah E. Archer among the papers of her late husband, Dr. John G. Archer of Pr. Coupee, LA.
Mrs. H. C. Van Bibbler of Bel Air, MD., forwarded it to the author for inspection on Sep 23, 1897, and a copy was made by hom Oct 12, 1897, after which the original copy was returned to Mrs. Van Bibbler. The original is rather course paper,quite yellow, badly worn, and in places are destroyed. The parts printed om tjeRoman character are legible, the parts in Italicd are reproduced in places entirely destroyed. The parts printed in the Romas character are legible; the parts in Italics are reproduced but almost vertainly correct; the spaces marked with dots could not be reproduced by the transcriber; the erasure of the words "as above mentioned" is not indicated in the printed copy. The seal is simply a wafer under a piece of paper. The witness, James Harris, is James Harris of Cross Roads, MD, where his uncle Thomas Harris was living.
This will was never probated. Then though 78 years old, its author lived 28 years linger.

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900  about Thomas Harris
Name:	Thomas Harris
Gender:	Male
Birth Place:	Ir
Birth Year:	1695
Spouse Name:	Mary Mckinney
Marriage Year:	1730
Marriage State:	PA
Number Pages:	1

Major Thomas Harris, Info provided by Ann Gary
1737-1826 , PA>North Carolina USA
THOMAS HARRIS, Major
Son of Charles and Jane McIlhenny Harris
Grandson of Robert Harris and Dorothy Wiley
Thomas Harris was born about 1742 Harrisburg, PA; he married Nancy Corruth (Caruth);
He moved to Mecklenburg Co. NC with his family about 1750 when he was about 9 years
old. He lived on the head of Rocky River about a mile from Coddle Creek A.R.P. Church and
owned a fine body of land and a mill.
Thomas was 39 years old and had a family when the Revolution started;
he joined the Continental Army in April, 1776 as a Captain in the fourth NC
Regiment and rose to the rank of Major. He fought in the Continental Line
under Washington at Monmouth and Trenton. He resigned his commission
on account of ill health, but afterwards went out in the Militia and acted
as Aid to Gen. Rutherford. Transferred South, he was severely wounded
and taken prisoner, upon Gates defeat at the Battle of Camden, August 1870.
Sumner Co. Deed Abstracts 1793-1805
pg. 49 21 July 1797
Dvd Wilson atty for Maj Tho Harris of Meck Co NC to
Jno Hart for $550 on Round? Lick South Side Cumberland Riv 1000A
witt: Jms A & Zachius Wilson
Maj. Harris was pensioned 3 Oct 1806 at $15.00 a month;
25 May 1821 at $18.75 a month (pension #S13312).
In his pension he always lists his address as Iredell Co.,
the city at Mt. Mourne.
Major Thomas Harris is buried in Old Stone Cemetery.
The inscription on his tombstone reads:
   Died September 19, 1826 aged 89 received two Captains
Commissions, George III and Congress
Major Thomas Harris, 89, Revolutionary Soldier in
The Catawba Journal, Charlotte, NC Death Notices 1824-1828.
Relic (Nancy) died Oct. 1826.
??Another Revolutionary Patriot Gone. Died at his seat in Iredell Co. on the last day
of July, Maj. Thomas Harris, in he 89th year of his age..early (in the war) he
received two Captains commission on the same day; one from King George II, the
other from the Continental CongressCommunicated.
Raleigh Register, Sep 1826."
WILL OF MAJ. THOMAS HARRIS
(Bk C p 136, Iredell Co., N.C./Bk G p 126 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.)
   In the name of God Amen  I Thomas Harris of the Co. of Iredell and State of N.C.
being sick and in a low state of health but perfectly sound in mind and memory
blessed by God for all his mercies do this 23rd day of May in the year of our Lord
One Thousand eight hundred twenty six make and publish this my last will and
testament in the manner following:
1st. It is my will that my beloved wife NANCY have her living off the proceeds of
the plantation which I now live on with the Mills. I also give her one horseriding
chair and harness at her command, one bed and furniture including one stand of
curtains, also one negro man named Jefferson and one Negro girl named Lucina
and the exclusive use of 2 rooms in the South end of the dwelling house all of
which property she is to have during her natural life.
2nd. I give and bequeath to my dau. JANE CHISHOLM one piece or parcel of land
to be laid off in the following manner, viz. Beginning at the mouth of the sound
branch above the mill on the south side of the dam at high water mark and running
up the said branch with the meanders thereof until it intersects the eastern boundary
of the old tract, thence north with the line of said tract to a post oak corner of
said tract until it strikes the creek, thence down the creek with the meanders of
high water mark to the beginning. I also give to my said dau. Jane 2 negro children
named Rosell and Elvira.
3rd. I give and bequeath to my dau. MATILDA MOORE the remaining part of the
tract of land which I live on together with the Mills. Also one negro man named Lewis
and one Negro woman named Phillis and all the stock of hogs and cattle except so
much as may be hereafter disposed of, the farming utensils, the cupboard and
kitchen furniture. I also give her all the Negroes and other property to her Mother
at her Mothers death.
4th. The land which I have a right to on Beavers Bend on Tenn. River I also give to
the following of my Grandchildren, that is: SIDNEY J. HARRIS, THOMAS C. HARRIS,
LAMIRA N. FLEMING, and MARTHA JANE GRAHAM to be equally divided between them.
(NOTE: This is the 600 acre tract willed to Thomas by his father, Charles 
see Charles and Jane McIlhenny Harris.)
5th. I will and bequeath to my son-in-law WILLIAM C. MOORE my clock and my lot
in Centre Library Society.
6th. I will and bequeath to my grandson THOMAS C. HARRIS all my wearing apparel.
7th. I will and bequeath to my daughter, RACHEL NEELY my negro girl Lydia and the
two tables which she calls her own and one cow and calf, also a negro boy named Alfred.
8th. It is my will that my son in law WILLIAM MOORE in consequence of a right which I
have given him to a negro girl named Ruth and other property which I have willedto
him and his wife that he may pay all my just debts.
9th. Should there be a residue on pension money due me at my decease it is my will
that the same be appropriated to the payment of my debts.
10th. And lastly, I do nominate, constitute and appoint my two sons in law ANGUS
CHISHOLM and WILLIAM C. MOORE my Executors to execute this my last will and
testament.
In witness whereof I Thomas Harris the testator have to this my last will and
Testament set my hand and seal.
In presence of William L. Davidson, Jurat, A. C. Houston.
s/THOMAS HARRIS
Issue from above:
Sarah (Sally) Harris (1775-1809), m Maj. James Harris (1766-1823),
son of Elizabeth (dau of Robert and Fanny Cunningham Harris) and
James (son of John and Grizzel Steele Harris) Harris
(See Brother Robert Harris). She died prior to Thomas.
She would be mother of the grandchildren listed in Will of Thomas.
i. Nancy Lamira Harris b abt 1790 m Allison Fleming
a. Margaret Rebecca Fleming, b 10 Sep 1836, m McAmy A. Harris in 1862.
1. J. M. Harris
ii. Thomas Coatesworth Harris married Margaret Melissa Fleming
iii. James Sidney Harris married Jane Hayes
1. Rachel Harris (1788-1853) m James R. Neely
2. Matilda Harris m William C. Moore
3. Jane Harris m Angus Chisholm 27 Jan 1824;
Raleigh NC Newspapers
1796-1823 Issue 13 Feb 1824
2. Charles Harris (1780-1805) m Mary Ann Eliza Epps
a. Martha Jane Graham in will above.
MARTHA ANN HARRIS AND GRAHAM, DR. GEORGE F. OF MEMPHIS, TENN ON
MARCH 26, 1826 IN LINCOLN COUNTY, NC BY REV. JAMES McREE.
APRIL 4, 1826, The Catawba Journal, Charlotte, NC
She married 2nd: Samuel Stanhope Harris, son of Charles
W. Harris and Sarah Harris. Grandson of Charles and Elizabeth
Thompson Harris and James and Grace Liggette Harris.
Martha Ann and Samuel S had dau Henrietta Harris (1833-1879)
Married Robert N. Caldwell.
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Volume 57 page 204
Miss Mattie Harris Caldwell. DAR ID Number: 56587
Born in Gre
                  

                   William had married Elizabeth Glen and moved to Creil(?) County Maryland (note: Cecil, County, Maryland), with family of 14 children.

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 about William Harris
Name:	William Harris
Gender:	Male
Birth Place:	Ir
Birth Year:	1699
Spouse Name:	Elizabeth Glen
Number Pages:	1
                  

                   There were other children. Moved tp the Carolinas. James's will was dated October 14, 1778, and probated in Mecklenburg, North Carolina.


The other five sons of Robert--John, James, Robert, Charles and Samuel--about 1750 to 1755, moved to Mecklenburg county, North Carolina (now Cabarrus County) and settled on Rocky River.

One son and two grandsons of Robert Harris and Dorothy Wiley
had their lines verified by DNA.
From records, Robert Harris is accepted as one of the sons of
Edward Harris and Flora Douglas.
They are in GROUP 3 on Family Tree DNA.
James <3-#110007-#58520> Harris b: ABT. 1701 in Donegal Co., Ireland
Kit <3-#58520> is a 67-marker test that matches the 67-marker modal for
Group 3 except for a variant in marker 35.
Kit <3-#110007> is also a 67-marker test that matches the 67-marker modal
for Group 3 except for the variants in markers 26 and 35.
These kits are in the R1b1b2 haplogroup.

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900  about James Harris
Name:	James Harris
Gender:	Male
Birth Place:	Ir
Birth Year:	1701
Spouse Name:	Mary Mcillhenny
Spouse Birth Place:	PA
Spouse Birth Year:	1709
Marriage Year:	1730
Marriage State:	PA
Number Pages:	1


Notes for JAMES HARRIS:Mecklenburg County Wills (North Carolina)Will Book C, Pages 136-137 C.R. 065.801.17Will of James Harris.....to my dear wife four half Johannas in gold and L40Proclamation money, her bed and bed clothes; during her life, the plantationwhere I now live, negro Lewis, etc.; to my daughter Jennets' son Baptist, onebed; remainder sold and equally divided among all my children; to my sonRobert, all my wearing apparel; to my daughter Jennet, L15, spinning wheel,also L100to be put to interest to be paid to her annually as long as shelives and at her decease, the said L100 to be equally divided amongst all mychildren; to my daughter Mary, L15, spinning wheel, etc., likewise L100 asabove; also L100 to be put to interest for my daughter Jennetts' son Baptist;all my children viz Robert, Samuel, Jennett, John, James, Elizabeth, Williamand Mary.....sons Samuel, John and Charles Harrises son Robert, guardians formy daughters Jennett and Mary and Jennetts' son Baptist. 14 October 1778.James Harris (seal) Witnesses: Samuel Gingles, Adley Gingles, Jurat, MargaretGingles."You will notice that Nicholas Harris is not mentioned in this will or anyrecord in the County of Mecklenburg, and he may have been disowned orreceived his land prior to 1765 in lieu of hisfuture inheritance. There isno other explanation that I can think of for the fact that prior to 1765,Nicholas and Robert Harris are living on the land surveyedand granted toJames Harris in 1751, at Fairforest Creek and Harris Creek and there is norecord of how they acquired the land.Although Mary Harris outlived her husband James Harris, I have been unable tofind a will of her making. I think Charles Harrises son Robert is the one whomarried Margaret Harper and that the close relationship between James and hisnephew Robert is why this Robert was thought to be the son of James, when isreality, his son Robert was in South Carolina. James and Charles Harris wereclose because they married the sisters McIllhenney." JEH
                  

                   Of PA.
                  

                   The other five sons of Robert (his father)--John, James, Robert, Charles and Samuel--about 1750 to 1755, moved to Mecklenburg county, North Carolina (now Cabarrus County) and settled on Rocky River.

Had a large family in Carolina.  At one time was from Poplar Tent.

Charles Harris, One of the Rocky River Brothers
, 1707-1776
CHARLES HARRIS
One of the brothers, son of Robert Harris and Dorothy Wiley
Born Donegal, Ireland
Died Mecklenburg Co., NC Jul 4 1776
Charles Harris is called Charles of Poplar Tent and Charles of 1732.He lived on
Rocky River and had a mill. Tradition makes him to be the youngest of the brothers
and the first to come to North Carolina. He was one of the first Bench of Eldersof
Poplar Tent Church. He married 1st: Jane McIlhenny 3 May 1736 in PA; she
died 1758. Jane was a sister of Mary McIlhenny who married Charles brother,
James, our direct line. He married 2nd: Elizabeth Thompson Baker (c 1732-
1776), widow; daughter of Rev. John Thompson, pioneer Presbyterian preacher.
Elizabeth and her first husband, Samuel Baker, had five children. Four are named
in Samuel Bakers will: Robert, John, Mary and Margaret. The fifth was probably posthumous.
The marriage in 1736 in PA makes 1732 possibly when he came to America. Also,
one genealogist, Worth S. Ray, incorrectly does not think this family went to PA, but
stayed in the area of Virginia.
One history on Charles son, Dr. Charles Harris of Poplar Tent, says seven brothers
and one sister came to America from Scotland; the father died as land was sited
and was buried 1728 on Manhattan Island. The sons: William, James, Thomas,
Samuel, Robert and Charles, John, and sister, Margaret made their way to
Pennsylvania. Several remained there. One brother went to Delaware, and five
came to North Carolina and settled in and near what was later to be known as
Poplar Tent, along the banks of Rocky River. These five brothers were James,
Robert and Charles, Samuel and John.
Will book D, pp 41-42 C.R. 065.801.17
Proved July Session 1777
WILL OF CHARLES HARRIS
Mecklenburg Co., North Carolina, May 3, 1776
In the name of God, amen. I, Charles Harris, of the county and state
aforesaid, being in good health of body and sound mind and memory (thanks
be to God), calling to mind the mortality of the body and that it is appointed
to all men once to die, I do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament.
That is to say, first of all I give and bequeath my precious soul unto God who
gave it, and my mortal body to the earth, to be buried in a decent manner, at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting that at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same reunited to my soul by the Almighty God, and as touching
such worldly goods as God has been blessed to bless me with in this life, I give,
devise and bequeath the same in the following manner and form:
FirstI allow all my lawful debts to be paid.
SecondI give and bequeath to my oldest daughter, Martha, five shillings.
ThirdI bequeath to said Marthas oldest daughter, Jane Harris, twenty-five
pounds proclamation currency, to be paid to her as soon as she is married,
and also I bequeath to the above Marthas second son, Charles Edward Harris,
twenty-five pounds, proclamation currency, to be paid to him as soon as he comes
of age.
FourthI give and bequeath to my oldest son, Robert, all that tract of land
on the west side of Broad River, on both sides of Browns Creek, in South Carolina,
and 150 acres joining said tract, and the negro boy Jack, with one-half my wearing apparel.
FifthI bequeath to my two daughters, Margaret Alexander and Jane Reese, to
each of them, five shillings sterling.
SixthI bequeath to my son James 100 pounds proclamation currency, to be kept
in the hands of my son Samuel, and he to pay the interest of it yearly to James or
to whoever takes care of him, and that must be any of his mothers people he
chooses to live with, and when he dies I order said 100 pounds to be equally divided among all my children to my first wife.
SeventhI bequeath to my sons Samuel and Charles all that tract of land on which
I now live, with that tract or lot called the Rich-Hill, and also 150 acres on the Big Run, west of said land. Likewise that land I purchased from John Mitchellon the Milky or Back Run, and that thirty acres I bought from Adam Meek.
EighthI give and bequeath to the issue of my son, Thomas, lawfully begotten, all
that tract of land I bought of Robert Brevard, on Beaver Dam Creek, containing 600
acres, to be equally divided among them all when the youngest comes of age according to law, their mother to have her maintenance of it during her lifetime or
widowhood.
NinthI bequeath to my well-beloved wife, Elizabeth, one-third of all my personal
estate during her life or widowhood, and if she marries I order that she have one
good feather-bed and necessary clothing and her choice of all the horses belonging
to the estate (Samuels mare and her issue being excepted), and twenty pounds proclamation currency, and the negro wench, Dinah, during her lifetime, and when
she died the said Dinah and her issue to go to my two sons, Samuel and Charles.
TenthI give and bequeath to my two sons, Samuel and Charles, all and every
Part of my estate not before mentioned, and if either of them dies before they
come of age, their part to go to the surviving brother, and if they both die during
their non-age, their part is to be equally divided amongst all my children.
And, lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my well-beloved wife, Elizabeth,
and my well-beloved sons, Robert Harris and George Alexander, as executors of
this my last will and testament, ratifying this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 3rd day of May,
1776.
Signed, sealed and delivered by the above named Charles Harris as his last will
and testament, in the presence of James Gardner, William Gardner and Adam
Meek.
CHARLES HARRIS (Seal)
ELIZABETH HARRIS (Seal)
NOTE: Item 4 to son Robert. Union County, SC is bordered on the east by the
Broad River and Chester and York Counties; on the north by the Pacolet River andCherokee County, on the west by Spartanburg County; on the southwest by the
Enoree River and Laurens County on the south by Newberry County; on the
southeast by the Tiger River and Fairfield County. Some of the earliest land
grants are dated 1751 and 1752.
Many families were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians who came from the back settlements
in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The earliest land grant in the Browns Creek area,
located approximately 4 miles northeast of what is now the town of Union, was
issued in 1752. By 1755 there were enough families to organize Browns Creek
Church, which soon became known as the Union Church because it was used by
several denominations.
Until the border between North and South Carolina was established in 1772, there
was confusion about where the area that would eventually become Union County
was located. Thus early Union County land grants can be found in both states.
At various times during history, Union County was considered to be part of the
following counties: Anson County, NC (formed in 1749); Mecklenburg County, NC (formed in 1763); Tyron County, NC (formed 1769); Old Berkley County, SC
(formed 1683) old Craven County, SC (formed ???); St. Marks Parish, SC (formed
1757) and Ninety-Six (96) Judicial District, SC (formed 1769).
Union County, SC was established from the Ninety-Six (96) District in 1785.
Issue of Charles Harris and his first wife, Jane McIlhenny, per above will:
1. Robert Harris b abt 1737 PA; d 22 Mar 1803, Poplar Tent, Cabarrus Co. NC
married 1st: Mary Wilson, b 1738, d 10 Nov 1792. Buried Hunter-Meek
Graveyard, 2 mi SW of Poplar Tent. He married 2nd: Mary Brevard.
Robert inherited Mill Grove, home of his father on Rocky River.
2. Martha Harris, b abt 1740; married William Harris, son of Robert and Fanny
Cunningham Harris. In Spears Cemetery, Cabarrus Co., NC:
Martha Harris, Wife of William H. died 25 Jan 1818
Jane Harris, born about 1760, Mecklenburg. (oldest daughter)
Charles Edward Harris, b abt 1765, Mecklenburg (second son)
Children as shown under William on Brother Robert Harris record:
William Robert Harris, also known as Jamaica Bob did not marry.
Patrick Cunningham Harris
From Mr. Andreas record: Richmond County, Georgia Edward Charles Harris of Green Co. GA....Estate Admst. 14 Feb 1796, by Laird M. Harris. (See #56)...The appraisers state that Edward Charles Harris served 490 days in command of Capt. Jonas Fouche in service of Georgia and the USA...Nothing further. From the wording in Charles will there would be other children.
3. Jane Harris b, 1754, m 1st: Thomas Reese ( b 1742 PA/ d Aug,
1796, age 54. Buried Stone Church Yard, Pendleton, SC); in 1772. Married
2nd: Robert Anderson in 1803. Jane died in Pendleton District, S.C. in 1806 and
is buried by Thomas Reese in Hopewell Cemetery at Old Stone Church.
1. Edwin Tasker Reese, b 24 Mar 1774, (from letter of Chas. Wilson Harris)
2. Thomas Sidney Reese, b 30 Oct 1775
3. Elihu Reese, b 22 Feb, 1777
4. Leah Reese, b 1 Dec 1779
5. Lydia Reese, b 15 Jun, 1782
6. Henry Dodson Reese, b 15 Mar, 1785
7. *Susan Polk Reese, b 21 Jul 1790
*called Susannah in Will of Thomas Reese signed 28 Apr 1796 and recorded
Will Bk C, pg 92, on 19 Sep 1796, Pendleton District, SC. Thomas Reese
lists children in his Will as above shown. He list John Harris of Connoross
among executors; Will signed 28 Apr 1796.
4. Thomas Harris b 1744, married Miss Nancy Carruth.
Sarah Harris m Major James Harris, grandson of Robert & Fanny Harris
(See DAR lineage below)
5. James Harris (My note: from will, James must have been sickly and would
not have married.)
6. Margaret Peggy Harris b 1748/d 28 Feb 1819 Mecklenburg m George
H. Alexander about 1767.
1. Margaret Alexander b ca 1758 m Elisha Spears
2. Jane Alexander, b ca 1772 m (1) Paul Phifer; 2 John A. Means
3. Narcissa Sara Alexander, b ca 1770, m ranson Gray
4. Elizabeth Alexander married George Harris as his first wife. He
is son of Elizabeth Harris (dau of Robert & Fanny Cunningham Harris)
and James (son of John and Grizzel Harris)
5. Nathaniel Alexander, b 13 Dec 1767 d 16 Nov 1825, m Esther Phifer
Charles married 2nd: Elizabeth Thomson Baker. She was the widow of Samuel
Baker, and the daughter of the pioneer Presbyterian minister Rev. John Thomson,
who is buried at Bakers graveyard in upper Mecklenburg County. Rev. Thomson
was the first minister in the area. Samuel Baker (one of the earliest settlers on Davidsons Creek in the lower end of Iredell County near the present Centre
Church); left Elizabeth a widow w/5 children; she married 2) abt 1760 Charles
Harris of Cabarrus Co., NC). She died a few weeks after Charles.
Issue of Charles Harris and his second wife, Elizabeth Thomson Baker:
7. Jane Wilson Harris
8. Samuel Harris, teacher in Clio Academy, Iredell Co., NC; tutor in Princeton;
Died 1789, Princeton; died unmarried.
9. Dr. Charles W. Harris, b 23 Nov 1762, Mecklenburg, NC/d 21 Sep 1825.
Married 1st: Sarah Harris, dau of James and Grace Liggitte Harris; 2nd
Mary Lydia Brevard Houston, dau of Capt. James Houston.
Anson County, NC. Deed Abstracts, 1749  1766
Vol 5, pp 177-180:19 & 20 Oct 1758
Robert Brevard & wf Sarah of Rowan Co. to Charles Harris, farmer, of Anson, (lease
s5, release L 65 Va. Money) 600 ac on br. of Rocky River, granted to Brevard 25 Feb 1754 ROBERT BREVARD (Seal), SARAH BREVARD (Seal), Wit: ROBERT HARRIS WILLIAM HARRIS
Charles built his homestead and began acquiring land. Among his papers still in existence, is a land grant of one hundred and fifty acres to Charles Harris from
George the Third of England. The grant is signed by our Trusty and Well-beloved
William Tryon, Esq. General and Governor in Chief. It is dated in the tenth year
of our reignAnno Domini 1769.
From James Sprunt Historical Publication 1916, by H. M. Wagstaff:
The particular Harris family from which Charles Wilson Harris sprung was a very
prolific one and has a large number of surviving representatives in the state atthe present time. It traces its descent back to one Edward Harris of Wiltshire,England,
who removed to Ayreshire, Scotland, in the latter part of the 17th century and there brought up a large family. One of his sons, Edward by name, married Flora Douglas
of the celebrated Scotch border family of that name. Five sons of this union, James, Samuel, Thomas, Richard*, and Charles, appear to have emigrated to America
sometime in the second quarter of the eighteenth century. Some of them settled in Pennsylvania and the others in Virginia. Later, probably about 1751, Charles came
from Virginia to North Carolina and purchased a large tract of land on Rocky River
in the Poplar Tent district of the present Cabarrus County, but at that time in Anson.
This district was at the time receiving a strong tide of Scotch-Irish immigrantsand
soon became a populous Presbyterian stronghold. This Charles Harris was twice
married; first to Jane McIlhenney and, second, to Elizabeth Baker. From the first
marriage was born in order Robert, Martha, Jane, Thomas, and James; and from thesecond, Charles and Samuel Harris. Robert Harris, the eldest of these offspringof
Charles Harris, inherited "Mill Grove," the home seat of his father on Rocky River,
and became a man of fortune and influence in his county. He married Mary Wilson,daughter of Zaccheus Wilson, a signer of the "Mecklenburg Declaration," and of the
same strong Scotch Presbyterian stock as himself. As a Revolutionary patriot and
soldier Robert Harris, "Esquire," served in General Joseph Graham's command until
he lost his arm in the skirmish at Clapp's Mill, a preliminary incident of the battle of Guilford Court Courthouse in 1781. With slight hopes of his recovery, his company-
ions gave him into the care of an old German settler and wife, with the injunction to
"care for him well, as he was a man of consequence, and they would be rewarded."
(See Graham's General Joseph Graham and His Revolutionary Papers, pp. 335-337.)
Harris' descendants state that Mrs. Harris dreamed her husband was wounded and
on the faith of the dream traveled with a slave, Jack, as her only attendant from her home on Rocky River to the scene of the battle, seventy-five miles away, found her wounded spouse with his caretaker, nursed him to convalescence and brought him
safely home. To him, by this stouthearted wife, were born three children, each
proudly bearing "Wilson" in their Christian names. They were Jane Wilson Harris,
Charles Wilson Harris, and Robert Wilson Harris.
Jane, the eldest, married Nathaniel Alexander, son of John McKnit Alexander, secretary of the "Mecklenburg Convention. They had nine children and numerous descendants survive. Charles Wilson Harris was born in 1771, and Robert Wilson Harris in 1779. Their mother died a few years after the Revolution, their father subsequently marrying the widow of General William Lee Davidson, who fell in the Revolution. Robert Harris lived to a ripe old age, dying in 1808 and lies buried at Poplar Tent Church, where he was for many years ruling elder.
Charles Wilson Harris graduated at Princeton in 1792 and was awarded the Mathematical oration. He then spent one, or two, years with his half-uncle, Dr. Charles Harris, at "Favoni," the home of the latter upon an estate adjoining that ofRobert Harris and part of the original property of the eldest Charles Harris. Here he applied himself to the study of medicine under his uncle's guidance, apparently with the intention of entering that profession. Nevertheless, in 1795, atthe date of his election to the tutorship of Mathematics in the University of North Carolina, he was teaching in Prince Edward County, Virginia. His letters thereafter, with the notes subjoined, sufficiently outline his life and services. They disclose a character of worth and dignity. At twenty-five years of age he was presiding over the fortunes
of the state's infant University and in this role he manifests a maturity unusual even in that period of our state and national life in which abilities ripened early. The
                  

                   The other five sons of Robert--John, James, Robert, Charles and Samuel--about 1750 to 1755, moved to Mecklenburg county, North Carolina (now Cabarrus County) and settled on Rocky River.

Died at age 86.

Col. Robert Harris wife was not named in his Will. Possibly she was dead at the time of making his will. He died 23 Jul 1798, Cabarrus Co., NC; the will was made in 1796. Will probated October, 1798.

1755- page four of the "Presbyterian Congregation on Rocky River" by Thomas HughSpence, Jr.
to the effect that 'the New Side Synod of New York on October 3, 1755 appointed a Mr. John Clark
to take a journey into Virginia and North Carolina. On October 12, which fell onSunday, he
preached at the home of Justice Alexander. On Wednesday, at Major Harris' and onFriday at the
residence of David Caldwell, five or six miles further on.' In recording the movement of the early
settlers from the North of Ireland to this region, Foote identifies the particular points of their
residence in the followng words: 'As was usual, they came in a company; Colonel Robert Harris on
Reedy Creek, his brother, Samuel Harris on Clear Creek, Andrew Davis on Reedy Creek, Moses
Shelby on Clear Creek, William White and his two brothers, James and Archibald, on or near
Rocky River, David Caldwell on Caldwell's Creek and Adam Alexander on Clear Creek. The
Morrison family came early to Rocky River from Scotland, making a short soujournin
Pennsylvania. James Glen, son of Ninian, seems to be identical with James of Boyturn, Tyrone,
whose will of 13 Sep 1740 was proven 23 May 1747. This James married, second thewidow of
one Caldwell, mother of David Caldwell, executor of his step- father's will, butwho in 1747 was in
Pennsylvania. (Ms. Gerry Hill gerryinga@Yahoo.com)
                  

                   Alive in 1823.


Prior to the Revolution, Samuel and his son, Samuel Jr., served in the Indian wars, and other Harrises of the names of his other sons--though we are unable to determine whether they may not have been cousins, of the same Christian names.
To Georgians: Samuel Harris lived 114 years.Samuel of these brothers, the subject of this sketch, had a remarkable life, which should be known to al his descendants, and which will be of interest to all Georgians. Here he made his last home--and was buried after an eventful life of some 115 to 120 years, together with three of his children and his wife--the latter dying on the same day with her husband and buried in the same grave at the old Bethany Church near Union Point. The exact dates of birth of Samuel Harris and Martha Laird, his wife, are unknown, but we do know they had been married for 87 years, and they fittingly left this world together.LARGE FAMILY Had Eight Sons and Three Daughters.They had eight sons and three daughters who lived to maturity, and ten of whom left families. Of these sons, Thomas was the first sheriff of Mecklenburg, N.C. before the Revolutionary War. and died in Georgia. Robert and James were members of the Mecklenburg Convention, which threw down the gauntlet to Great Britain on May 20,1775--over a year previous to the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. All the eight sons bore arms in the Revolutionary War, as also did the husbands of the three daughters. One of the sons-in-law, Thomas Harris McCaule, founded the Winnsboro (S.C.) College for Girls.Prior to the Revolution, Samuel and his son, Samuel Jr., served in the Indian wars, and other Harrises of the names of his other sons--though we are unable to determine whether they may not have been cousins, of the same Christian names.Martha Laird, her sister, Mary, and possibly others came on the same ship with Samuel Harris, and they were married after reaching Pennsylvania. The first land purchased by Samuel Harris of which record has been found was in Jan. 1737. His son, James was born 1739; Samuel Jr., 1742. Samuel Sr., and his wife were alive in 1823, as shown by a letter written by the celebrated surgeon of Mecklenburg during the Rev. War, Dr. Charles Harris,dated June 5, 1823, and addressed to his cousin, Robert W. Harris, Jr., of Spanish Town, Jamaica, a son of Colonel Robert Harris Sr., in which he sates: "Old Uncle Samuel is still alive, and I believe suffers in no respect materially but what may be expected to be incidental to the infirmities of old age".Thomas, brother of Samuel, was born 1665, and died 1801. His brother, Robert, died 1788 age 86.Among many other Georgians descended from Samuel Harris, we find the Wylies of Sparta and the Baxters of Athens and Atlanta.
-End of Doroty Boyles's posting
The other five sons of Robert--John, James, Robert, Charles and Samuel--about 1750 to 1755, moved to Mecklenburg county, North Carolina (now Cabarrus County) and settled on Rocky River.

Had several children in Carolina.

Samuel Harris, Jr of Scots Irish Descent Research Provided by Ann Gary
1742-1825 , Ireland>PA>Mecklenburg, NC>
SAMUEL HARRIS, JR.
Son of Samuel and Martha Laird Harris
Grandson of Robert Harris and Dorothy Wiley
(This research was provided to me by Ann Gary a longtime researcher on this Scots Irish Harris line)
Harris and Dorothy Wiley

From Texas society Daughters of the American Revolution Roster Revolutionary Ancestors, Vol II D-H published 1976, I find the following:
Samuel Harris, Sr. b 1715 in Scotland or Ireland; d after March 10, 1789 in Greene County, GA; m Martha Laird 1735-36. She was b in Ireland and died 1789 in Greene County, GA.
Service: Soldier, NC
Children:
James
Robert
Samuel
Thomas
John
William
Matthew, b 1755 m Hannah Ross
Laird
Martha m Moses Wiley*
Mary m William Wiley*
Jane m Rev. McCall
Members:
Bertha E. Niblett Moseley, No 538562
Carla Niblett McCain, No 579758
Molly McCain Terry, No 579760
Dinah Lee McCain, No 579759
*I believe Martha married William and Mary married Moses-see deed above.