C H A P T E R 13

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The Descendants of James Ewing

(James4 Ewing (Alexander3, John2, Alexander1 Robert A)

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Go to Chapter 12 Alexander Ewing father of James  

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GENERATION NO. 4


            1. James Ewing {31} was born 20 Sep 1790 in Davidson County, Tennessee. He was the son of Alexander Ewing {52} and Sarah Smith {53}. James died 5 Feb 1866 in Wilson County, Tennessee. He married (1) Nancy Smith {32} 7 Mar 1814 in Wilson County, Tennessee. She was born 6 Aug 1798 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Shadrack Smith {114} and Nancy Bailey {115}. Nancy died 12 Jul 1835 in Wilson County, Tennessee. James and Nancy are buried in the James Ewing family cemetery.

Known children of James are:

Each married child has a chapter. Clicking on any of the following children will take you to that chapter.

     + 2.          i.          Oscar Smith Ewing {33}, born 5 Feb 1815, died 27 Jun 1885.

     + 3.         ii.          John Love Ewing {34}, born 31 Mar 1816 in Wilson County, Tennessee. He married Mary Jane McAdoo {269} 19 Dec 1839 in Cannon County, Tennessee. John died 18 Feb 1845.

     + 4.        iii.          Sarah McGavock Ewing {35}, born 12 Dec 1817, died 21 Dec 1886.

     + 5.        iv.          Lucinda Clemmons Ewing {36}, born 8 Dec 1819, died 5 Aug 1895.

     + 6.         v.          Alexander Bailey Ewing {37}, born 24 Nov 1821, died 31 Dec 1886.

         7.         vi.          Mary Randall Ewing {38}, born 22 Oct 1823 in Wilson County, Tennessee, died 1 Dec 1836 and was buried in the James Ewing family cemetery.

     + 8.       vii.          James William Ewing {25}, born 19 Oct 1825, died 27 Oct 1882.

     + 9.      viii.          Nancy Elizabeth Ewing {39}, born 16 Sep 1827, died 30 Sep 1875.

    + 10.        ix.          Martha Jane Ewing {40}, born 21 Sep 1829, died 23 Feb 1916.

    + 11.         x.          Benjamin David Ewing {41}, born 1 Jul 1831, died 24 Dec 1906.

    + 12.        xi.          Shadrack Newbern Ewing {42}, born 8 Jun 1833, died 5 Jan 1917.

        13.       xii.          Isaac Brown Ewing {43}, born 30 May 1835 in Wilson County, Tennessee, died in infancy 18 Jul 1835 in Wilson County, Tennessee and was buried in the James Ewing family cemetery.


James married (2) Malinda Bellah {44} 16 May 1836 in Wilson County, Tennessee. She was born about 1813 in N. C.. She was the daughter of ________ Bellah {3099} and Rachel [———?———] {3100}. Malinda died 10 Jul 1890.

Known children of James are:

        14.      xiii.          Tennessee Ann Ewing {45}, born 24 Mar 1837 in Wilson County, Tennessee, died 26 Dec 1881. She is buried in the James Ewing family cemetery.

“Tennie A. Ewing died of consumption ‘became the victim of the great enemy of human life, consumption . . . resolved that in her death the S.S. [Sunday School] has lost . . . the community a high toned lady.’ (p257)” (Moulton p. 271)

 

    + 15.      xiv.          Eldridge Lafayette Ewing {46}, born 25 Dec 1838, died 1 Feb 1896.

        16.       xv.          Emily Elexzena Ewing {47}, born 9 May 1841 in Wilson County, Tennessee, died 20 Feb 1853.

    + 17.      xvi.          Randall Bransford Ewing {48}, born 3 Sep 1844, died Mar 1876.

        18.     xvii.          Thomas Wiseman Ewing {49}, born 12 Jun 1847 in Wilson County, Tennessee, died 29 Jun 1866 and is buried in the James Ewing family cemetery.

    + 19.    xviii.          Helen G Ewing {50}, born 6 Sep 1850, died 24 Jun 1921.

    + 20.      xix.          Gustavus Henry Ewing {51}, born 16 Aug 1853, died 29 Dec 1894.


There is a question as to the correct spelling of Malinda’s maiden name. Her name was spelled Bellah in the first records that I saw for her. In 1995, I talked and corresponded with Connie Clifton Anderson of Colorado Springs, Colorado about the Bellah family since she was also researching that family name. She sent me some information and stated: “As you can see the spelling was originally Ballagh, then Bellah and the branch that went to Smith County, Tennessee is the only one that used the “Bellar” spelling. However, as you know, spelling is not to be relied upon, especially in this country.” She found no Ewing in the information she has.


An extract from the Wilson County, Tennessee Wills, we find an extract of the will of Rachel Billow, dated 12 Nov 1839. She states: “Heirs daughter Elizabeth Gates; grandchildren, the daughter and son of my daughter Malinda Ewing by the name of Tennessee Ann and Eldred (sic) Lafayette Ewing. James Ewing, executor.”


The family record keeping of my grandfather, James William Ewing, Jr., began with the family of his grandfather, James Ewing. James William Ewing, Jr. knew all of his aunts and uncles that were living when he was young and their families. James William visited in the homes of his aunts and uncles in Texas and Tennessee.

The burial site for several members of this family were obtained from the records that were kept by Lucinda Clemmons Ewing Kennedy until she died in Aug 1895 and continued by a granddaughter, Maud Rich Edwards. “James Ewing both of his wives and 7 children was buried in the garden on the North side of the house, the children: Isaac B. Mary R., John Love, and Sally Mc, Emily E., Tome W., Tennessee. . . tha are all laid in the Ewing graveyard quarter of a mile of Prosperity Baptist Church on Smith Fork creek in Wilson County. (154)” Footnote

 

What are Marriage Bonds?


“A bond is sort of a legal promissory note to ensure the marriage was legal. If the bride or groom were already married, not of legal age, without proper consent, or some other cause, the marriage would not be legal. The bond insured that it was. If there was legal cause to void the marriage, the groom and his surety would have to pay the amount of the bond to the state. Footnote

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Marriage Bond and document, not included on web page.

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On the prior page is a portion of a page from the original records kept by James William Ewing, Jr., a grandson of James Ewing. The notebook is believed to have been purchased before 1900. The book measures 5 by 11½ inches and the string attached for marking your place is still attached to the book. Several years later, the records were transferred to a large ledger. Both books were used to verify some of the dates and names included in this book.


James Ewing was born while his father still lived on the land located on the Big Harpeth River rather than White’s Creek as recorded in the old record. Alexander, his father, did not purchase the land on White’s Creek until November 1795.


For this family, we want to establish that this James Ewing is the son of Alexander Ewing of Nashville, Tennessee. In Clan Ewing of Scotland, page 312, in a discussion of the brothers of William B., a son of Alexander Ewing, we find: "James, who went to Carmon [Cannon] County, Tennessee."


Later in this chapter, we present the contents of a deed where William Black Ewing is deeding land and other items to James Ewing. That deed definitely establishes James as a brother of William Black and it in turn makes him a son of Alexander Ewing.


The Browns in their book Ewing - McCulloch - Buchanan Genealogy did not list James as a son of Alexander. In correspondence with them, they indicated that it was an error on their part that James was not included in the family of Alexander Ewing.


The pension file for James Ewing contains several documents and they give us some good information about him.


James Ewing served in the war with the Creek Indians, the War of 1812, from the 20th of Dec 1813 to the 8th of Feb 1814 based on information contained in his Pension File. James was mustered into service at Fayettville, Tennessee in December 1813 for the term of sixty days and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fifty days and was honorably discharged in Alabama in February 1814 on account of Orders of Superior Officers and Services not needed.


On the 21st day of April 1851 he made a declaration to get Bounty Land and makes the statement "he is the identical James Ewing who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Matthew Patterson in the 1st Regiment of Mounted Infantry commanded by Colonel Nicholas T. Perkins in the war with the Creek Indians for the term of Three months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of Forty Nine days and was honorably discharged at Fayettville on the 8th day of February A.D. 1814."


On the tenth day of April 1855, James Ewing made and signed an application for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the "Act granting additional bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States," approved March 3, 1855. And refers to his former declaration made under act of 28 September 1850 upon which he obtained a Land Warrant for Forty acres.


On the 20th day of May 1881, Mary M. Ewing made and signed application for a widow's pension. In that request, Mary describes her husband, James Ewing, being "about 5 feet eight inches high, fair complexion, light hair and small blue eyes" She also states she was married to James Ewing on 16 May 1836 by H. W. Pickett, a Minister of the Gospel, and that her name before marriage was Mary M. Beller. And, her said husband had been previously married to Nancy Smith who died on the 12th day of July 1835 and James Ewing died at his home near Statesville on the 5th day of February 1866. She also states that she and her husband lived at no other place than near Statesville, Wilson County, Tennessee.


In the petition that Mary M. Ewing signed on 20 May 1881, it states "Your petitioner . . . is now 68 years of age and is very feeble and infirm. And lives about twenty four miles from the County Seat and is therefore unable to execute her petition before a court of records.”


From the will of Alexander Ewing, James' father, we know that James inherited a 640 acre tract of land located on both sides of Smith Fork of Caney Creek in Wilson County, Tennessee. In a deed dated 20 March 1813 and recorded in Wilson County, Tennessee on 9 September 1813 Deed Book E page 208. The deed states in part:

 

"between Alexander Ewing of the county of Davidson and State of Tennessee of the one part & James Ewing of the County of Wilson and State aforesaid of the other part . . . for and in consideration of the natural love and affection that he has for the said James Ewing his son, and also in consideration of the sum of one dollar to him in hand paid. . . Beginning at a beech & elm on Stokely Donelson line, Thence East three hundred and twenty poles to a stake, thence South three hundred and twenty poles to a stake crossing the said fork to an ash thence West three hundred and twenty poles to a White Oak and Sugar tree thence North along said Donelson line three hundred and twenty poles to the Beginning. . . ."


James also inherited a 640 acre tract of land located on the waters of Elk River and both sides of Prerarie [sp. ?] Creek in Franklin County, Tennessee. Alexander Ewing had purchased that tract of land from Andrew Jackson on 13 March 1810, Franklin County Deed Book A page 60. The land located in Wilson County was bounded on one side by the land of Stokeley Donelson. He was a brother to Rachel Jackson's the wife of Andrew Jackson.

  

Based on the above deed for 640 acres, we know that James Ewing was living in Wilson County in March 1813. We have no idea of how long he was living in that county before the deed was signed. And, from the pension file, we know that James was in the service from December 1813 to early February 1814. James and Nancy Smith were married about one month after he was discharged from the service.


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While doing this research, I received a copy of a notarized copy of marriage certificate signed by J. T. Acklen for James and Nancy showing a photograph of them. James appears to be wearing a uniform. The picture, to me, looks like a snapshot. When I called to check on getting the picture enlarged and enhanced, I was told that photography was not developed at that time and it was another 30-35 years before photography was invented. Therefore, it appears that a picture of someone other than James has been copied onto the marriage certificate.


One question that I have is how did James and Nancy meet. First, we need to remember that the mother of James was Sarah Smith before she married. Robert Smith, her father, and Shadrack Smith, were both born and/or from Cumberland County, Virginia. The farm where Shadrack Smith lived is about twelve miles from the farm that James Ewing had and we assumed he lived on that farm.


For some reason, absolutely no proof, I think that Sarah Smith might have been related to Shadrack Smith. If that was the case, then it is most likely that James Ewing visited in the home of Shadrack Smith. James was living in Wilson County a least a year before he got married. The answer to my question above, might be, that Charles Rich, a neighbor to James Ewing, was married to Drucilla Smith. Drucilla is an aunt to Nancy Smith who married James Ewing. It could be that James met Nancy at the home of Charles Rich.


It appears that we can safely say that when James Ewing moved to Wilson County to start farming, he did not move by himself. His father wills him seven slaves, "also the slaves now in his possession, to wit, George and his wife Sarah, Lucy, Polly, Peggy, Washington, and Jack together with their increase." At the time, or before, James moved, it appears that several buildings would have been required for living quarters, animals, and other requirements. According to the records of a grandson, James William Ewing, Jr., James moved to Wilson County in 1809 or 1810.


After being in Wilson County a few years, James purchased and sold several tracts of land. From the description of the 640 acres he inherited, we can not definitely pin point the area on a map. Since he lived several miles from the county seat, all of the land transactions may not have been recorded. Also, when the known records are examined, it brings up the question did James Ewing give his sons and daughters land when they got married?


From a Wilson County deed dated 12 April 1838 recorded in Deed Book R page 417, we know that James Ewing gave three acres of land or was sold to the United Baptist Church for one dollar. The deed states:

 

"the said James Ewing for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to him in hand paid by the said Deacons the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained, & sold unto the said James T. Hays and William Hubbard Deacons of the aforesaid United Baptist Church a certain parcel of land . . . on the waters of Smith Fork: Beginning at the mouth of a branch that runs into Smiths fork Between the meeting house & where Charles Rich now lives. Thence down Smith's Fork to a honey locust, thence southeast Sixteen poles to two honey locusts, thence southwest twenty six poles to an Elm, thence west to said Branch thence down said Branch to the beginning supposed to be three acres, be the same more or less; to have and to hold the aforesaid land including the meeting house to the said James T. Hays and William Hubbard, the aforesaid Deacons of the United Baptist Church, called Prosperity, . . . do warrant & forever defend the aforesaid & meeting house to the aforesaid. . . ."


Joshua Lester is one of the witnesses to the above deed. He was the pastor of Smith's Fork Baptist Church and the father of Mary S. Lester the wife of David Bailey Smith. David Bailey is a brother of Nancy Smith, the first wife of James Ewing.


Vernon T. and Evelyn Ewing researched this family and published their research in From Whence We Came in 1985. From his book, we find the following about Prosperity Baptist Church:

 

"I was able to ascertain the exact location of James's farm by means of a land deed executed by James in 1838; By the terms of this deed he gave three acres of land on Smith's Fork to the Prosperity Baptist Church. In May 1984, I had the pleasure of visiting this church which is still located on the land given by James and which is still going strong. The present building, the third to be erected on the site, was built in 1929. My wife and I attended Sunday morning services there 20 May 1984 and visited with several members of the congregation. We also examined the church records dating back to the early 1800's and found James and his second wife Malinda listed as charter members.

 

"It is interesting enlightening to pursue these old church records. They provide an insight into the lives and values of the people as nothing else can. In one entry the deacons appointed a committee to go see a certain member and try to get him to come to church. A few weeks later the committee reported that they had duly met with their delinquent brother and had tried to persuade him to come to church. Since he apparently had not responded to their entreaties, the deacons voted to dismiss him from membership in the church.

 

"In another entry a brother had sent word to the deacons that he "had drank too much again" and implored their forgiveness, promising to do better in the future. Some members were dismissed for such offenses as swearing, immoral conduct, drinking, and the like. I was pleased to note that none of the Ewings had been "churched." On the contrary, Malinda Ewing was named as a member of a committee to re-write the old church records. So, I may be indebted to my great grandmother for preserving the records for me to see.


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"On this visit we found the exact location of James's house. It is less than half a mile east of the church. The John Saddler family lives there at the present time. Their house is built on the spot where the original house stood. Some of the old foundation is still discernable. In fact, the Saddlers told us that some of the material in the old house was used in the construction of the present one. At the end of the garden about one hundred yards from the house is the old Ewing family cemetery. There are, unfortunately, no tombstones or grave markers in it, just a few large rocks scattered about, but I believe James, Malinda, and some other members of the family are buried there.


"But James's secure, serene, and promising world came crashing down around him in the thunder and devastation of the Civil War. Our family traditions has it that this war ruined the James Ewing family financially. James was already 70 years old when on April 10, 1861, Confederate artillery opened fire on Ft. Sumpter, signaling the beginning of the conflict. By the time the war was over in 1865 he was too old to adjust to the realities of the reconstruction period and begin a new way of life. His hardships he suffered at the hands of scavengers and marauding Union soldiers, to say nothing of what the government itself did to him. He died in 1866, like so many of his contemporaries in the South, a broken man. Every single one of James's direct ancestors from the immigrant Alexander on down to and including his father had left a will disposing of substantial acreage of land as well as considerable personal property. The fact that James left no will is in itself grim evidence of the devastations wrought on him by this war." Footnote


The above describes how James' life ended. The deed between James and William B., his brother, in 1851 indicates that James might have had some financial difficulties or James lived on land other than the 640 acres he inherited. I looked at a large number of deeds in an effort to place all of the land that James owned at one time. It appears that some deeds may have never been recorded. From court records, it appears that James owned approximately 330 acres when he died. The deed between James and his brother was for 300 acres. See the drawings of several plots of land at the end of this chapter. It is quite possible James’ land was on both sides of the church.


We know that James Ewing died intestate based on the Court Minutes presented below. The court minutes also tell us what happened to the land that was owned by James Ewing when he died.


Wilson County, Tennessee, Court Minutes, Book 1865-1867,

June Term 1866, page 298


It appearing satisfactorily to the court that James Ewing has died in this county intestate and application having been made by Jas W. Ewing for letters of administration upon the estate of said decd and he having in open court executed and acknowledged his bond for the faithful discharge of his duties as such administrator together with his securities A. S. Young and T. H. Knight and having been qualified as the law directs. It was ordered that letters be issued to him accordingly. Said bond is in the _____ sum of one thousand dollars consideration as the law requires. Approved by the court and ordered to be recorded.


June Term 1866, (Monday) pages 302-303


“Oscar Ewing & others

                        vs                                             Petition to sell land

Thomas Ewing & others


“This case coming to be heard at the June Term 1866 of the Wilson County Court where it appears that ____ for_____ reply has been served upon Helen Ewing, Thomas Ewing and Gustavus Ewing more than five days before the meeting of the Court that they are minors without regular guardians. It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed by the Court that Jordan E. White be & is hereby appointed guardians __ ____ for said minors and that he file his answer as such at this term of this Court. [Thomas died about three weeks after these proceedings started.]


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“It appearing further that the said proceeding is had to sell the land of James Ewing but it ___ appearing whether necessary to sell said land[,] to partition it[,] ___ what could be a fair reimbursement price for the same in case of a sale.


“A reference is hereby ordered to the Clerk of this court to take proof and report to this term of the court on the said above stated points.


Oscar Ewing and others }

            vs                                                         } Int Decree

Thomas Ewing and others }


“This case coming on again to be heard on the 4th day of June 1866 before this worshipful County Court . . . ‘This cause having been referred to me to take the proof and report whether the land mentioned in the petition can be partitioned or whether the same will have to be sold for distribution and if to be sold what will be the most advantageous terms and also as to a minimum price. I report from the depositions of Isaiah B David, T H Knight and A S Young which I have taken in this case that this land cannot be partitioned among those entitled without manifest injury to the interest of all that it should be sold for distribution in that it would sell best on a credit of one and two years and that ten dollars per acre upon such time would be a fair minimum price. Respectfully submitted.

                                                                                    B P McClain Deputy Clerk’

Which being sum & unexcepted to is in all things conferred by the court.


“It appearing further that James Ewing died intestate in this county on the 6th day of February 1866 leaving a widow petitioners Malinda and Sixteen children surviving heirs as his only heirs at law viz: Oscar Ewing, Shadrack, Ben D. Jas W. & Alex B. Ewing Sarah who married T M Allison who is dead Nancy M who married Bain Thompson, Martha Jane who married L. V. Kennedy, Lucinda J. who married J. H. Kennedy & Nancy Davis a widow all of whom are children by the first wife & Tennessee, Lafayette, Bransford, Thomas, Helen & Gustavus Ewing Sixteen in number the later three are minors without regular guardians. That the said ____ ____ deed ___ and possessed of a certain farm situated in the 14th Civil Dist. of this county containing three hundred acres more or less bounded on the north by J. H. Kennedy on the North E. by I. B. David on East by Allen Wilson and the South by David & Hiram Fite & west by William Rich.


Monday June 4th 1866


“It appearing further that the said Malinda is the widow of the said intestate that she is entitled as such to draw hair dower of said land but because she wishes to move ____ with her children to Texas She desires that her dower be sold with the land and that her dower be valued and set aside to her from the value of the land.


“It appears that the said land cannot be parceled or divided into sixteen shares or lots without manifest injury to the value of this whole tract ~ that a sale of the land is successfully to the advantage and interest of the said parties for purposes of partitions & that in a sale of said land on a credit of one and two ten dollars per acre would be a fair minimum price.


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“It is therefore ordered adjudged and declared by the court that the clerk of this court after giving the notice usual in such cases proceed to Sell said land to the highest bidder on a credit of one to two years taking bond with good security for the purchase money a lien being retained on the land for the purchase money. The sum of one hundred and fifty dollars will be paid cash on the day of the sale. He will report his actions at the next term of this court.


“It appearing further that said widow proposes to take one seventeenth of the amount of the land sale in lieu of her claim for dower. The clerk of this court is directed to take proof as to the value in money of the said widows claim for dower & report thereon to the next term of this court.”

---- Road Orders ----


July Term 1866, page 320


“This cause coming on to be heard before the worshipful county court at its July Term 1866 upon the report of the clerk which is in words and figures as follows. The clerk reports that he caused the land to be conveyed a plat and certificates of the survey is herewith filed which shows that the tract contained 334¼ acres. He also reports that he advertised the land according to law in the Herald & Register and by written advertisement on the Court House door and at six or more public places in the county and sold the same according to said notices at public sale on the premises on the 25th day of June 1866 in that Eldridge L. Ewing, Randall B. Ewing and Tennessee A. Ewing were the highest bidders and became the purchasers at $17.25 per acre. The amount of the sale is $5774.43½ cents. They paid cash $150 and gave their notes in two equal annual payments for the balance of the purchase money with J W Ewing & Jesse ____ their sureties. Each note is for $2,812.21¾ due 1st in 12 months the other in two years from date.

                                                Respectfully Submitted to County Clerk

July 2nd 1866                                                 J S McClain    Clerk

Which being sum & unexcepted to us in all things can furnish by the court. It is ordered that the clerk pay the cost of this proceeding including attys fees out of the cash payment and report at the next term of this court upon the value of Mrs. Ewing dower interest in the said land. The clerk will pay B. J. _____ fee of fifty dollars & Jordan E. White a fee of thirty dollars.”


Monday February Term 1867, page 6


“This case came on to be heard before the worshipful County Court when it approved that the purchasers E. L. R. B. & Tennessee A. Ewing have sold two parcels of the said land one to D. Fite as follows Beginning at a Beech one of D. Fites corners thence West 105 poles to a stake thence N 16 poles to a beech Elm pointer on the branch thence down the branch N 15½ W 10 poles to Sycamore thence S 77o E 52 poles to sugar tree 2 beech pointers thence S 9½ poles to beech the beginning and dividing that tract in two pieces thence S 62o E 58 poles to ___ ash sugar tree pointer thence S 20o W 87 poles to a stake chestnut pointer thence W 25½ poles to stake poplar pointer thence N 111 poles to the beginning containing 40 acres at Seventeen dollars & twenty five cents per acre payable with two equal payments each three hundred & forty five dollars and payable on the 1st day of July 1867 & the other on the 1st day of July 1868 & that said Fite has given his two notes for said payment payable to J S McClain Clerk &c.


“The other parcel was sold to Allen Wilson at Seventeen dollars & 25¢ per acre payable in equal payments on the 1st day of July 1867 & 1868 and is bounded as follows Beginning at D. Fites corner a oak ash sugar tree pointer thence S 20o W 87 poles to a stake chestnut pointer thence E 42 poles to a hickory thence N 84 poles to a dogwood thence S 88o W 16 poles to the Beginning containing 14 acres 3 R[ods] & 18 poles which at the price make the sum of two hundred & fifty six dollars & 37 cents it appearing that said Wilson has given to J S. McClain Clerk &c his two notes each for $128.18½ due above stated with D. Fite as security.


“It is therefore ordered & adjudged & decreed by the court that all title to the above described parcels of land but the same is hereby divided out of heirs as law of James Ewing as set out in the said petition . . . .”


Monday March 4th 1867, page 23


“This case came in to be heard before the worshipful County Court at the March Term 1867 when it appeared that E L Ewing R B Ewing Tennessee A Ewing who are purchasers of the land set out in the pleadings have sold to J C Johnson at the same price at which they purchased the remainder of the land after taking off the purchases of Fite & Wilson except the following described parcel . . . .” (See H-2:250)


“It is ordered that J. C. Johnson be substituted as purchaser of said 195 acres & 80 poles in the ____ & stead of the Ewing purchasers . . . .

                        Court adjourned till tomorrow 10 O'Clock.”


Monday July Term 1867, page 80


“E L Ewing was appointed by the court guardian of Helen E. and Gustavus H Ewing minor heirs of James Ewing decd who thereupon in open court executed and acknowledged his bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of his guardianship with J W Ewing & J C Johnson as his Securities. Said bond is in the penal sum of Six hundred dollars was approved by the court and ordered to be recorded & filed.”


Tuesday Sept Term 1867, page 111


“This cause came on to be heard before the worshipful County Court at its September Term 1867 where it appeared to be satisfactory of the court that E. L. Ewing, R. B. & Tennessee A. Ewing the purchasers of the land set out in the pleadings have been sold the remainder 279 acres & 142 poles tract described and bounded in the decree rendered in this case in March last the remainder of the tract then & there described after taking off the land sold to J C Johnson makes eighty four acres & sixty two poles to Jno C Coble and that they desire that title be made to him. And it appearing that the report of the Clerk is in the following words and figures "In this case the clerk reports that E L Ewing, R. B. Ewing and Tennessee A. Ewing the purchasers of the land at the sale made in this cause have paid all of the balance of purchase money for that portion of the land remaining after deducting what they have sold to other purchasers who have been substituted in their name and stead by order of this court and are now entitled to a decree for title to the barrier.

                                                Respectfully submitted T S McClain Clerk"


“Which being sum & unexcepted is in all things confirmed by the court. It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court that all right title interest & claims that Oscar, Alex B. Shadrick, B.D. James W. Tennessee Ewing, Lafayette, Bransford, Nancy M. Ewing, Sarah Allison, Nancy Davis, Nancy M. Thompson & husband Bain Thompson, Martha J. Kennedy her husband L V Kennedy, Thomas, Helen & Gustavus Ewing be and their same as hereby directed out of theirs and the same is hereby vested in John C. Coble his heirs and assigned forever. But this divestiture of title & vesting the same applies alone to the said eighty four acres and sixty two poles. The clerk of this court will give the said John C. Coble a certified copy of this decree for registration.”


July Term 1868, page 282


Oscar Ewing & others            }

            vs                                                        } Final Decree

Thos Ewing & others  }


“This cause was this day heard before his Hon. W H Goodwin Judge &c upon all the proceedings here before had and upon the following report of the clerk. In this case the clerk reports that J C Johnson, Allen Wilson and Dave Fite the substituted purchasers of a part of the land sold in this above cause have ____ paid all of the purchase money for their respective land and are entitled to title for the same.                    Respectfully Submitted to the July Term 1868.

                                                J. S. McClain  Clerk”


The information from the records of the court case tells us a good bit about this family, identifying all of the heirs of James Ewing. It also tells us that his widow, Malinda, had planned to move to Texas with her children. We do not know if she went to Texas for any period of time.


From deeds in Wilson County, we are given a clue as to where Mary Malinda Ewing lived after the farm of James Ewing was sold.


In September 1867, E. L. & R. B. Ewing purchased two tracts of land on Purtle Creek totaling 136 acres. In January 1870, R. B. Ewing sold his interest in the land to E. L. Ewing. In November 1871, E. L. Ewing sold the portion of the land on the east side of Purtle Creek to Levi and N. M. Foutch. On the 22nd of January 1877, he sold the remaining portion of his land to his mother, Malinda Ewing (DB M-2; 72)


On 8 October 1887, Mary M. Ewing gives acreage “for the consideration of the love and affection I have to and for my son Gus. H. Ewing do hereby transfer & convey to my said son and to his heirs and assigns a certain tract or parcel of land . . . .” (DB X-2; 26)


On 12 Jan 1890, Mary M. Ewing “for the love and affection I entertain for my daughter Helen G. Ford and for the further consideration that she is to provide a home for me during my life and also to wait on and watch after me during any sickness and bestow upon me the affection a daughter should bestow upon an aged mother at all times and under all circumstances. I do hereby give, transfer and convey to the said Helen G. Ford and her heirs free from the debts of her husband Thomas G. Ford the following tract of land . . .” (DB X-2; 377) The east boundary for this land is Purtle Creek.


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After giving land to her son, Gus, and daughter, Helen, Malinda still owns about 20 acres. She may have given that piece of land to her son Eldridge, but, the records have not been researched to determine who got the last portion of her land.

The court records mentioned above indicate that James Ewing, deceased, had about 334 acres of land when he died. Based on the deeds that we found, he should have had more acreage than what was indicated. It appears that James may have sold some land to his relatives and the deeds were never recorded or they were recorded a number of years after the death of James Ewing.


On the following pages, a drawing of the description of land as given in the deeds shows the borders and locations of some of the land. All of the records are not in complete agreement, but it is pretty easy to tell how the land matches up to a neighbors land.

 

1807    James McAdow of Guilford County, North Carolina purchased 640 acres on Smith Fork (both sides). Begin . . . North side of said fork running thence West 452 poles thence North 226 poles crossing said fork thence East 452 poles thence South 226 poles. (C65)

 

1812    John McDaniel sold to John Horn 70 acres on Smith’s Fork. Begin at William Adams corner an ash tree on Alexander Ewings line thence with said Adams line south 76 poles thence a new dividing line between said McDaniel and Horn East 160 poles to ____ tree on old line thence North 76 poles to 3 lynns on Ewings line thence with said line West 160 poles to the beginning. (E45) [See 1818, G245]

 

1813    Alexander Ewing of Davidson County gives to his son, James Ewing, 640 acres on both sides of Smith’s Fork and branch of Caney Creek. Begin . . . at a beech & elm on Stokely Donelson line thence East 320 poles to a stake thence South 320 poles crossing the said creek to a ash thence West 320 poles to a white oak & sugar tree thence North along said Donelson line 320 poles to the beginning. (E208)

 

1818    John Horn sold to John Dill 70 acres on south side of Smith’s Fork. Begin at William Adams corner an ash tree on Alexanders Ewing’s line thence with Adams line South 76 poles thence with a dividing line between John McDaniel & John Horn East 160 poles to ___ tree on the old line thence North 76 poles to 3 lynns on Ewing’s line thence with his line West 160 poles to the beginning. (G245) [See 1828, N470]

 

1821    James Ewing sold to Aaron Ruyle 25 acres lying in the northwest corner of said Ewing’s 640 acre tract lying on Smith’s Fork. Beginning at said Ewing old original beginning corner on a beech and thence east along said Ewings old original line eighty poles to a beech and sugar tree thence south fifty poles to a stake thence west eighty poles to a stake on said Ewings west boundary one thence north fifty poles along said line to the beginning. (I28)

 

1824    Jane Gates sold to John Brasher 33 acres near Meetinghouse on Smith’s Fork. Begin . . . elm & beech not far from meeting house running west 116 poles to a branch between Aaron Ruyles tract & said Brasher thence down & with the meanders of said branch to a lynn tree on the bank of said branch thence east 95 poles to a red oak & white oak tree in the dividing line between Sneed & said Ruyles tracts thence north with said line to beginning. (O437)

 

1825    Charles Rich purchased 640 acres on Smith Fork. Begin . . . on sugar tree & lynn Nelson Bryants northwest corner on the west side of Saunders Fork east of the meandering thence East 452 poles crossing Sanders’ fork and passing said Briants northeast corner to 3 lynns thence North 226 poles crossing Smiths Fork to a beech & black oak in James Ewing West boundary line thence West crossing Smith’s Fork near the ford of the Creek by James Madows Senr to a stake thence South 226 poles to the beginning. (L189)

 

1826    Aaron Ruyle sold to James N. Davis 92 acres on Smith Fork. Begin . . . on elm running South 140 2/4 poles to a stake in James Ewing West boundary line thence East 80 poles to a stake thence North 50 poles to a beach & sugar tree thence East 97 poles to sugar & buckeye thence North 38 poles to a red oak & white oak the South east corner of John Brashar’s line thence West 95 poles on said line to a Lynn on the bank of the branch between Brashar & Rule thence up & with the meanders of said branch to the dividing line Rule & Samuel Dark thence with said line 60 poles to the beginning. (L246)

 

1827    James Ewing sold to Samuel Tittle 50 acres on the waters of Smith’s Fork. Begin on a sugar tree marked B said Ewing’s southwest corner of entry No. 315 running West passing John McDaniel corner at 40 poles in all 150 poles to a double lynn & hickory thence South 81 1/4 poles to a stake thence East 90 poles to a beech and lynn thence North with Edward Lewis’ west boundary line 67 1/4 poles to a black oak thence east with said Lewis’ north boundary line 60 poles to a chestnut thence North 13 poles to the beginning. (L451) A portion of this land is sold to William Davis. (O122)


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1828    Zachariah Keaton sold to John Sneed 45 acres at the meeting house. “Begin . . . at James Ewing East boundary line & a corner rock . . . .” This portion of a description of land appears to put a meeting house (Church) on the East side of the property of James Ewing. (N68, not drawn)

 

1828    John Dill sold to James Ewing 70 acres on south side of Smith’s Fork and south side of said Ewing’s 640 acre tract. Begin on said Ewing south boundary line near branch that runs through said land running east with said Ewing line 160 poles to a stake thence South 70 poles to a beech thence West 160 poles to a stake thence North 70 poles to the beginning. (N470)

 

1830    James N. Davis sold to James Ewing 80 acres on the waters of Smith Fork. (See L246) Begin on an elm running South 140 poles to a stake in said Ewings west boundary line thence east 80 poles to a stake thence north 50 poles to a sugar tree thence east 40 poles to an ash & buckeye on a branch thence up and with the meanders of said branch to the dividing line between said Davis & Samuel Davis dividing line thence west 61 poles with said line to the beginning. (N98)

 

1831    Samuel Tittle sold to William Davis 37 acres on Smith Fork. Begin . . . at a sugar tree marked B James Ewing southwest corner of entry 315 running with & passing John F. McDaniel corner at 40 poles in all 150 poles to a double lynn & hickory thence south 81 ½ poles to a stake thence east 50 poles to a stake thence west of north 73 poles to a stake on a branch thence up said branch with its meanders to a beech thence north 13 1/4 poles to a black oak thence east 60 poles to a chestnut thence north 13 poles to the beginning. (O122)

 

1833    William Davis sold to Larkin D. Steward 119 acres on Smith’s Fork. Begin on a beech James Ewing’s southeast corner of a 70 acre tract of land granted to John Horn thence South 18 poles to a large popular thence West 40 poles to a rock thence South 63 poles to a red oak thence East 40 poles to a sugar tree a beginning corner of a 50 acre entry made by James Ewing thence south 13 poles to a chestnut thence West 60 poles to a black oak thence South 13 1/4 poles to a beech on a branch thence down with the meanders of said branch to a stake thence South on a conditional line 73 poles to a stake thence West 50 poles to a stake thence North 80 ½ poles to a double lynn & hickory thence west 10 poles to a sugar thence North 81 poles to a dogwood & beech thence East with James Ewing line to the beginning. (O452)

 

1833    Celea Cain sold to John Brasher 15 acres on Smith’s Fork adjoining lands of John Brasher, James Ewing, & John Sneed. Begin on a lynn in Brasher’s line running thence East with said line 95 poles to a red oak thence South 35 poles with John Sneeds line to a buckeye on the main creek thence West with Ewings line 44 poles to the branch thence with the meanders of said branch to the beginning. (O446)

 

1833    Leroy & Biddy Adams sold to James Ewing 75 acres on the waters of Smith Fork. Begin on a sugar tree in James Ewing south boundary line of a 640 acre tract Willie Adams northeast corner thence to the mouth of the lane between said Willie Adams & Leroy & Biddy Adams to a stake thence South to a black walnut said Willie Adams southeast corner thence East to a stake in Larkin Steward line then North with said Steward line to a stake in Said Ewing line thence West with said Ewing line to beginning. (P74)

 

1838    James Ewing sold to the United Baptist Church called Prosperity 3 acres on the waters of Smith’s Fork for one dollar. Begin at the mouth of a branch that runs into Smith’s Fork between the meetinghouse & where Charlie Rich now lives thence down Smith’s Fork to a honey locust thence southeast 16 poles thence southwest 26 poles thence west to said branch. (R417)

 

1839    James Ewing sold to Charles Rich 18 ½ acres [estimated] on the south waters of Smith’s Fork. Begin on a Elm the southeast corner of a lot conveyed from James Ewing to the Baptist Church running West of south 82 poles to a beech thence West 35 poles to a stake in Charles Rich’s east boundary line thence 82 poles to a ___ oak thence East 37 poles to the beginning. (S137)

 

1839    Albert Haas sold James Ewing 113 acres on the waters of Smith Fork. Begin . . . at three lynns Charles Riches southeast corner of a 640 acre tract running north with said Rich’s line 69 poles to a white oak thence east 38 poles to a sugar tree thence south 12o east 84 poles to a stake thence south 34o east 16 poles to a stake [in the mouth of a lane] thence south [running through the middle of the land] 120 poles to a black walnut thence west 204 poles to 2 sugar gums in Owens east boundary line with his line north 42 poles to a pointer thence east 62 poles to a chittern wood tree thence north 68o east 66 poles to a white oak thence north 25o east 42 poles to a buckeye on a branch thence down said branch as it meanders 38 poles to a beech thence west 8 poles to the beginning. (S136-137) This land was sold in 1844. (U545) This land was sold to William W. Adams and he then sold to Albert Haas. Comments in [ ] came from P120.


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1848    William B. Ewing of Davidson County sold to Hiram M. Fite 90 acres on the waters of Smith’s Fork adjoining land of Charles Rich. Begin on an elm southeast corner of the meetinghouse lot thence on an Eastern direction to a beech marked as a corner on the West side of branch running from Larkin D. Stewards being the tree that James Ewing’s gate is now & thence up said branch with its meanders to the said L. D. Stewards line thence with his line 16 poles thence South 128 poles thence West 52 poles to a beech marked JE thence North 110 poles thence North 26o West 71 poles thence West 12 poles thence North 10o East 86 poles to the beginning. (W489)

 

1851    William B. Ewing sold to Isaiah B. David 190 acres on the waters of Smith’s Fork. Begin . . . at a buckeye being John Brasher, Joseph H. Kennedy, & John Sneed’s corner running up & crossing the creek to a beech on the south bank of creek thence up the south side of the creek with its meanders thence south 63 3/4 poles thence east 84o south 138 ½ poles thence north 267 ½ poles in John Sneeds line thence west with said Sneed line 141 poles to the beginning.

 

1851    William B. Ewing sold to James Ewing 300 acres for $5.00 on the waters of Smith’s Fork. (DB Y300-1)


“I W B Ewing for & in consideration of the love & affection I have for my brother James Ewing & his family & for the further consideration of five dollars to be in hand paid have this day given & transferred & convey to the said James Ewing Trustee as herein after mentioned the following deserted property land lying in the county of Wilson & State of Tennessee on the waters of Smiths fork & bounded as follows ~ Beginning at an Elm the South East corner of the Meeting house lot being Charles Riches North East corner & Hiram M Fites North West corner running north with said meeting house lot line to a honey locust thence to a honey locust on the South bank of Smiths fork, thence up said Creek to the mouth of a branch. Thence up said branch to a Chink-a-pin Oak thence west to a stake in Charles Riches line. Thence north with his line to J H Kennedy line on the Creek, Thence down Said Creek with its meanders to Isaiah B Davids corner to a buckeye Sugar tree & Elm. Thence South with said Davids line sixty three & three fourth poles to a stake White Oak I___wood pointers. Thence East 84o South one hundred & thirty eight & a half poles to a Stake said Davids South east corner, thence South with L. Philps line to a buckeye & beech in Said line thence West thirty four poles to a Stake White Walnut pointer thence South forty three poles to a Sugar tree & persimmon, thence east Sixty eight poles to a Stake thence South one hundred & twenty six poles to a hickory thence West sixty eight poles to a Stake thence North one hundred & five poles to a hickory thence west eighty five poles to a Walnut thence north eighteen poles to an Elm & beech. Thence north 73½ degrees West Sixty four poles to a Sycamore Stump on Stewarts branch thence down Said branch with its meanders to a beech on the West Side of said Branch H M Fites north east corner thence with said Fites line to the beginning Containing three hundred acres more or less ~ Also one negro woman named America sixteen years of age, one negro boy named Newton 18 years of age, one boy named Simon Sixteen years of age, & one Girl named Amanda fourteen years of age ~ also four horses, Six head of meat Cattle fifty head of Sheep, Sixty head of hogs, one Wagon & Gear & all of the ploughs & other farming tools & all the house hold & kitchen furniture now in the possession of James Ewing aforesaid as my agent ~ also one note of hand drawn by Isaiah B David, Samuel Hays & James T Hays for four hundred and ninety nine dollars payable to me on the first day of January 1852. The Said James Ewing to have & to hold the above described land negroes & other property, as trustee for the benifit of his wife & Children on the following terms to wit ~ He shall take possession of Said land, negroes & other property immediately & work & use it & any increase from the Same, as he may in his discretion think shall be to the best advantage & shall support & maintain his Said wife & Children in such manner as he may think best during his Natural life, he may at any time Sell any such Stock is produced raised on the land or by the labour of the negroes and Apply the money to the Support & maintenance of his said wife and Children; & Should there be at any time a Surpotus [surplus] of money in the hands of Said trustee over & above enough to Support & educate Said family he Shall have the power to purchase negroes or any other property with the Same which said negroes & other property Shall become a part of the trust fund in the same manner that herein given but none of the property of any description Shall be liable for any of the debts heretofore Contracted in any manner except the ballance due on a note given by him to C Rich on which I am Security which shall be paid out of the money due by David & Hays, as above mentioned, And the Said James Ewing Shall have full power & right to divide said property amongst his lawful heirs & his wife if she survives him by will or otherwise with such limitation, as he may think proper to impose provided however that the part given to his wife shall only be for hir natural life & the same after hir death to be equally divided amongst the lawful heirs of said James Ewing in the event the said James Ewing fails to dispose of said property as above directed leaving his wife Surviving him Said property shall be kept together for the maintenance & support of said James Ewings wife & children & at his death the said property shall be equally divided between the said James Ewings children as their representatives Witness my hand & Seal this August 12th 1851

                                                                                    W B Ewing     [Seal]

“State of Tennessee    }

Davidson County         } Personally appeared before me Cheatham Clerk of the County Court of Said County the within named W B Ewing the bargainer with whom I am personally acquainted & who acknowledged that he executed the within deed for the purposes there contained Witness my hand at office this 12th day of August 1851

                                                                                        F R Cheatham Clerk

                                                                                    By L P Cheatham D.C.

                                                                                    Registered August 21st 1851

“Recd for Registration August 21st 1851 at 5 O'Clock P M fee $1.00

                                                                        A W Vick Register

                                                                        of Wilson County”

Emphases added to the above deed.


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1865    Elijah A. Foutch sold to Mrs. Nancy E. Davis 12 acres in District 14. Begin . . . on a persimmon James Ewing northwest corner of his 50 acre entry thence north with said Ewing’s line 40 poles to a white walnut in his 640 acre tract thence east with said line 34 poles to a buckeye & beech James Ewing’s southeast corner of his 640 acre tract thence south with I. B. Davids line 31 poles to a stake & chestnut pointer Davids corner thence in same direction 9 poles to a stake in Ewing’s line of his said 50 acre entry thence west 34 poles to the begin. (F-2:318)

 

1867    James Ewing, deceased, E. L. Ewing, R. B. Ewing, & Tennessee A. Ewing sold to T. E. Johnson 195 acres & 80 rods in 14th District on Smith’s Fork. Begin at I. B. David’s corner thence South 84o East 39 poles to a beech in David’s line also the dividing corner between Johnson & C. Cobb thence South 132 poles to an elm on the ridge thence South 73o East 72 poles to a stake in Nancy Davis’ line thence south with said line 14 poles thence East 68 poles thence South 54 poles thence South 37o West 16 poles thence North 60o West 62 poles thence North 9 ½ poles thence North 72o West 52 poles thence North 77o West 101 poles to a sycamore on the branch thence with said branch North 15 ½o West 30 ½ poles thence North 31 ½o West 32 poles thence North 66o West 70 poles to an elm H. Fite’s corner thence North 16o East 28 poles thence North 46 ½o West 8 2/3 poles to a ___ ___ on the south bank of Smith’s Fork Creek thence South 58o West 13 ½ to the north branch thence south 21o West 25 2/3 poles to Rich’s line thence N 85o West 26 poles thence North 2o East 44 poles to the north branch of the creek thence down the creek as it meanders South 46o East 31 ½ poles thence North 68o East 10 ½ thence North 46o East 31 poles thence North 32o East 27 poles thence North 7 ½o East 32 poles, thence North 18o East 12 poles, thence North 63 ½o East 33 poles thence East 44 poles thence North 78o East 24 poles to a ___ Davis’s corner thence South 63 3/4o to the beginning. (H-2: 250)

 

1868    Allen Wilson purchased from James Ewing, deceased 14 + acres. Begin . . . D. Fite’s corner thence south 20o west 87 poles thence east 42 poles thence north 84 poles thence south 88o 16 poles. (G-2:32)

 

1869    Eldridge L., Randall B., and Tennessee A. Ewing purchased from James Ewing, deceased, two tracts. Begin at a beech D. Fite’s corner thence west 105 poles thence north 16 poles to a beech, elm on the branch north 15 ½ o west 10 poles to a sycamore thence south 77o 101 poles thence south 72o east 52 poles thence south 9 ½ poles to the beginning. Begin . . . thence south 62o east 58 poles thence south 20o west 87 poles thence west 25 ½ poles thence north 111 poles to the beginning. (G-2:404-5) [A couple of the calls (measurements) are wrong and a call is missing but when compared to the deed Y300, you can readily tell how the two should be.


The land that William B. Ewing gave to his brother, James, is definitely east of the church and appears that all of the land is located south of Smith Fork Creek. The comments “the following deserted property . . . He shall take possession of Said land, negroes & other property immediately & work & use it . . . .” is hard to understand just what is meant. I have assumed the land was not being farmed.


The location of the 640 acre tract of land that Alexander Ewing gave to his son, James, is a little difficult to establish the exact location of the land. According to the deed the land is located on both sides of Smith Fork Creek. But, based on the various deeds that appears to touch the land, it appears that we can safely say that James Ewing owned land that was located on the north and south boundary lines of the 640 acres of land. Also, it appears the church property is located on the east boundary of the 640 acre tract.


Information from all of the deeds is not presented since he purchased a tract and sold the same tract within a year or two on a few occasions. No doubt some of the 640 acre track of land was sold but the deeds were not recorded, recorded beyond the dates I checked, or under a name that I did not recognize.


Some of the information appears to be in conflict with other information. In an 1848 deed, we find the “tree that James Ewing’s gate is now” and the location is near the church and Larkin’s land. This indicates to me James Ewing was living or using the land east of the church. Then, in 1851, William B. Ewing gives the land to James Ewing that is located east of the church.


James Ewing bought and sold several tracts of land between 1828 and 1840. No record of purchases or sales of land after 1840 were found. I wonder what happened after 1840.


I can not arrive at any definite decision as to what land James Ewing lived on. Or, if he lived on two different properties that he owned in Wilson County. But, he apparently lived east of the Prosperity church when he died.


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Information from most of the deeds that show James Ewing purchasing or selling land have been drawn on the following pages. The main reason for the drawings was to try to pinpoint the location of the land, 640 acres, that James received from his father, Alexander Ewing. Since James’ brother, William B. Ewing, gave him 300 acres, I can not account for all of the land that it appears that James Ewing should have owned. The court records appear to show that James owned about 330 acres when he died. It is possible that some of the deeds were not recorded, or not recorded in the time period that I investigated. If the 300 acres that James got from his brother in August 1851 was part of the original 640 acres James got from his father, it could indicate that James may have had some financial problems that we did not discover.


On the next few pages are a portion of a map for Wilson County, Tennessee and the drawing on the page facing the map is a drawing of two pieces of property. When Willima B. Walker sold the land to Charles Rich in the year 1825 the property is described as adjoining the west boundary of James Ewing’s property. DB L, p. 189.


An “A” is marked on the map to show the approximate position of the land owned by Charles Rich. The east bound of that land is believed to be just to the east of where Smith Fork and Saunders Fork come together and continue as Smith Fork.


A “B” is marked on the map to show the approximate area where the 640 acres of land owned by James Ewing may have been located. The 300 acres of land that was given to James Ewing by his brother is believed to be just above where the “C” is located on the map. Land owned by J. H. Kennedy is marked with a “D” on the map. Also, note the location of the Kennedy Cemetery at the top of the may.


Based on the description of several deeds, it appears that the different pieces of property were close to or adjoined the 640 acres of land owned by James Ewing. The exact location of the land is not known in all cases. The last drawing shows the bound of the 300 acres of land that W. B. Ewing gave to his brother, James Ewing. Also, the boundary of the land owned by James Ewing when he died. And, the pieces of property the children, Tennessee Ann, Eldridge Lafayette, and Randall Bransford, puchased from the James Ewing estate.


Careful reading of the deed information given earlier in this chapter and some study of the drawings that follow should allow you to see where different pieces of property fit in most cases.


On the prior page, the drawing is trying to show what is believed to be the location of several pieces of land James Ewing owned. The above two properties can be located on the map on the facing page. There are two dash lines running vertical of the word “Prosperity” and they could be representing a fence. It is possible that the line just to the left of Prosperity is a part of the east boundary line for the land purchased by Charles Rich from William B. Walker. And, the 640 acres owned by James Ewing is to the east of that property line. How far the James Ewing property goes north and south is more difficult to identify.


This drawing is trying to show the boundary lines of the land that William B. Ewing gave to James Ewing and the land owned when James Ewing, deceased, estate was being sold as recorded in the court minutes. Also, the lines of some of the smaller tracts are shown since they were taken out of the larger tract. It appears that some these boundary lines can be located on the map on the prior page.


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