Notes about John Willcox

For descendants of John Willcox, son of Thomas Willcox and Elizabeth Cole, I have posted (with permission) the following information I received from descendant Bob Burton. Bob can be reached at rburton904@aol.com – Deniane Kartchner

JOHN WILLCOX


John Willcox Sr (6/28/1728-9/16/1793) married Rebecca Butler, daughter of Mr. Butler and Jane Barry (1711-1796) and niece of Commodore John Barry, "Father of the US Navy",  on 06 Dec 1771, probably in Philadelphia, PA, possibly in Chatham Co, NC.

1759: John Willcox moved from PA to Cross Creek (now Fayetteville) in Cumberland Co, NC, where he established a store. John Wilcox, a merchant of Cross Creek, went to Philadelphia twice a year to buy goods.

4/24/1760: John Wilcox and Benjamin Cooper Jr. witnessed a deed by Jesse Newberry to John Newberry. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 1, page 356.

7/19/1760: John Newberry Sr, millwright, sold to John Wilcox, merchant, both of Cumberland Co, for 50 pds, 11 acres on Cross Creek (enters Cape Fear River just east of City of Fayettville) on John Russell's line, to Beriman's corner, to John Stephen's corner near Berreiman's house, to Mathew's line. Wit: William Jordan, Joseph Cooper, Benjamin Cooper. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 1, page 397.

10/30/1760: William Jordan, millwright, sold to John Willcox, merchant, and Thomas Hadley, planter, all of Cumberland Co, NC, for 6 pds, 2 acres on Cross Creek opposite Robert Brennerman's acres which he purchased from John Newberry and now lives, originally patented by William Pugh. Wit: Joseph Jordan, Thomas Green, Joseph Tincher. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 1, page 411.

2/11/1761: John Welsh and Joseph Thims, both of Cumberland Co, and Peter Lord, of Bladen Co, sold to John Willcox, merchant, for 4 pds, 1 acre on Cross Creek, part of 400 acre patent to Thomas Brooks. Wit: Hector McNeil, Jesse Newberry, Thomas Hadley, Mark Brooks. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 1, page 460.

5/13/1762: Joseph and Martha Thames, of Bladen Co, sold to Thomas Hadley and John Willcox, of Cumberland Co, merchants, for 18 pds, 100 acres on branch of Cross Creek, on Russel's line, to Whittle's line, 1/2 of 200 acre patent to Joseph Thimes on 10/23/1861. Wit: Robert Bennerman, Benjamin Cooper. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 114.

11/2/1762: David Hartley sold to David Dunkin, 100 acres on south side of Rockfish Creek. Wit: John Willcox, John Armstrong Jr. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 169.

4/27/1763: John Wilcox sold to Thomas Hadley, both merchants of Cumberland Co, for 25 pds, 5.5 acres on Cross Creek, on John Russel's line, to Bennerman's corner, then to John Steven's corner, near Bennerman's house, up the creek to Matthew's line, part of 11 acres which John Newberry sold to John Wilcox on 7/19/1760. Wit: Richard Grove, John Brownlow. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 219.

4/27/1763: John Wilcox sold to John Hadley, both merchants of Cumberland Co, for 40 pds, 1/2 acre on Cross Creek, 1/2 of 1 acre acquired from John Welsh, Joseph Thims and Peter Lord on 2/11/1761. Wit: Richard Grove, John Brownlow. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 222.

3/28/1764: Thomas Finney, of Bladen Co, sold to John Willcox and Thomas Hadley, merchants, for 80 pds, 400 acres in Bladen Co on both sides of Rockfish Creek (The creek runs west to east just south of the City of Fayetteville through the point where Cumberland, Hoke and Robeson counties come together. In 1764, Hoke and Robeson Co were part of Bladen Co.), 1/4 mile above Baker's survey, 1/4 mile above mouth of Sandy Run. Wit: Richard Grove, James Jones. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 345.

3/28/1764: Thomas Finney, of Bladen Co, sold to John Willcox and Thomas Hadley, both merchants of Cumberland Co, for 45 pds, (1) 100 acres on south side of Rockfish Creek and (2) 640 acres on south side of Rockfish Creek, adjacent Robert Dunn's upper corner. Wit: Richard Grove, James Stevens. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 347.

4/10/1765: John and Grace Stevens sold to John Wilcox and Thomas Hadley, merchants, all of Cumberland Co, for 10 pds, 16 acres on Cross Creek, below house of said Wilcox and Hadley, on lower line of 2 acre lot which said Wilcox and Hadley purchased of William Jordan to line of lot said John Wilcox purchased of John Newberry, on Matthew's supposed line, near Bennerman's house, in Newberry's line, near the end of an old dam, opposite to Joseph Thimes, on the upper side of the creek. Wit: Joseph Stevens, Richard Grove. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 2, page 528.

9/21/1765: John Hails sold to John Wilcox 50 acres, 1/2 of 100 acre patent to Henry Messer that became property of John Hails. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 3, page 516.

11/29/1766: John Wilcox appointed a Justice of the Peace of Cumberland Co, NC.

10/26/1768: John Walsh sold to John Wilcox, merchant, both of Cumberland Co, for 20 pds, 100 acres located between Montgomerie's lower corner on the river and Lock's upper line, property of James Simpson, late Sheriff of Cumberland Co. Wit: Ralph Miller, Farquard Campbell. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 3, page 306.

11/16/1768: John Walsh sold to to Farquard Campbell and John Wilcox, merchant, all of Cumberland Co, for 101.5 pds, 200 acres on northeast side of Cape Fear River, about 7 miles above Rockfish Creek (this appears to be about where East Fayettville is today located), joining lower side of Geraldus O'Bryan's land. Wit: Thomas Rutherford, Duncan Mackie. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 3, page 303.

11/25/1768: John Walsh sold to John Wilcox, both of Cumberland Co, for 25.1.0 pds, 54 acres on west side of Cross Creek, on Newberry's line to Russell's line, former proprty of James Simpson, late Sheriff of Cumberland Co. Wit: Ralph Miller, Farquard Campbell. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 3, page 314.

1768: John extended his business interests to Gulf, Orange County (Chatham Co in 1771), NC, on the west side of Deep River. In 1768, Cumberland Co and Orange Co were adjacent to each other. Here he built an iron works, a blast furnace, a forge, a sawmill and another store. He also had a ferry and opened up the first coal bed for commercial use in the State of North Carolina. 

2/6/1769: John and Hannah Hails sold to John Wilcox, merchant, all of Cumberland Co, for 50 pds, 50 acres, 1/2 of 100 acre patent to Henry Messer that became property of John Hails. Said Hails sold 50 acres to said Wilcox on 9/21/1765. Said Hails now sells remaining 50 acres. Wit: William Holton, James Crawford. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 3, page 516.

Apr 1770: John Wilcox, merchant, sold to Farquard Campbell, both of Cumberland Co, for 121 pds, a tract of land on northeast side of Cape Fear River, joining lower side of Geraldus O'Brian's land on river bank, being his 1/2 of land purchased from John Walsh, to satisfy a judgement against James Simpson. Wit: James Crawford, Thomas Mathews. Recorded in Cumberland Co, NC Deed Book 3, page 518.

5/31/1771: Governor TRYON'S AMNESTY PROCLAMATION

North Carolina. By His Excellency William Tryon Esquire His Majesty's Captain General and Governor in chief in and over the said Province. A Proclamation. Whereas I am informed that many Persons who have been concerned in the late Rebellion are desirous of submitting themselves to Government, I do therefore give notice that every Person who will come in, either mine or General Waddells Camp, lay down the Arms, take the Oath of Allegiance, and promise to pay all Taxes that are now due or may hereafter become due by them respectively, and submit to the Laws of this Country, shall have His Majestys most gracious and free pardon for all Treasons Insurrections and Rebellions done or committed on or before the 16th Inst., provided they make their submission aforesaid on or before the 10th of June next. The following Persons are however excepted from the Benefit of this Proclamation, Viz. All the outlaws, the prisoners in Camp, and the undernamed persons, Samuel Jones, Joshua Teague, Samuel Waggoner, Simon Dunn, Jr., Abraham Creson, Benjamin Merrit [Merrill], James Wilkerson, Sr., Edward Smith, John Bumpass, Joseph Boring, William Rankin, William Robeson, John Winkler and John Wilcox. Given under my Hand and the Great Seal of the said Province at Hainay Camp this 31st May a Dom 1771. Wm. Tryon, God save the King.

(The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol. 8, 1769-1771, By William L. Saunders, Secretary of State, Raleigh NC 1890).

11/25/1771: T'he clerk of the crown having certified that Mr. John Wilcox, and Mr. Isaac Brooks were duly Elected and returned representative for the County of Chatham; pursuant to which the said Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Brooks appeared. Per the Colonial Records of North Carolina. John and Isaac Brooks were the first to represent the newly formed Chatham County in the Colonial Assembly.

11/26/1771: "Mr. John Wilcox moved for leave to absence himself from the service of this house." Per the Colonial Records of North Carolina. He must have left Newbern to make preparations for his marriage to Rebecca Butler, which took place on December 6, 1771.

12/6/1771: Supposedly, John Willcox and Rebecca Butler, of Philadelphia, PA, were married. WHERE DID THIS MARRIAGE DATE COME FROM, PUBLIC RECORD, CHURCH RECORD or FAMILY BIBLE?

1775-John Wilcox given leave to build a publick grist mill on Tick Creek on his own land. Source: Chatham County, NC. Court Minutes 1774-1779. Poe Publishers.

1776: John Willcox and his brother-in-law William England erected an iron works at Gulf on the Deep River in Chatham Co, NC.

12/23/1776:

1778-Jury Caveats summoned by Sheriff. Martin Kendrick against John Wilcox, 640 acres. William Graves against John Wilcox, 640 acres. Isaac Brooks against John Wilcox, 640 acres. James Wilson against John Wilcox, 100 acres. Source: Chatham County, NC., Court Minutes 1774-1779.

1778-John Wilcox and George Henry appointed to a jury to lay out a road. Source: Chatham County, NC., Court Minutes 1774-1779.

July 18, 1778-John Willcox enters 640 acres on both sides of Dunlaps Branch and on North side of Bear Creek, bordering Isaac Brooks, Nichs. Nall, Geo. Henry, Stephn. Powell, John Nall, & to the beginning; Isaac Brooks caveated; proceedings returned to Aug. court. Abstracts from Chatham County, NC land entry records.

Dec. 31, 1778-Thomas Henry enters 640 acres on North side of Bear Creek bordering a pine in Gideon Gilbert's line, runs North to Nicholas Nall's line, & "round"; warrant issued Oct. 22. Abstracts from Chatham County, NC land entry records.

1779: John Willcox received a land grant of 606 acres in Chatham Co from State of NC. Recorded in Chatham Co, NC Deed Book B, page 348.

1784-John Wilcox have leave to keep a Ferry on Deep River at his landing. Look in Chatham Co, NC Court Minutes.

1790: John Wilcox appears as head of a family in same district as Joseph Lea in Chatham Co, NC census, page 209. Enumerated are 1-4-3 plus 12 slaves.

10/16/1792: John Wilcox, of Chatham County, had legal agreements posted. See Fayetteville Gazette, issue dated 12/11/1792.

John Willcox, I

Birth: 1728 Delaware County Pennsylvania, USA

Death: 1793 Gulf Chatham County North Carolina, USA

John Willcox was the son of Thomas Willcox and Elizabeth Cole. He was born at Ivy Mills, PA, but moved to NC after his marriage to Rebecca Butler. In NC, he became part of the Regulator movement, which actively resisted British rule in the decade before the revolution. He was imprisoned but reprieved (some of his fellow Regulators were hanged). During the Revolution, he manufactured cannon balls to use against the British. He was significant enough to have a painting made of him. He and Rebecca had numerous children.

Family links:

Parents:

Thomas Willcox (1689 - 1779)

Elizabeth Cole Willcox (1691 - 1780)

Spouse: Rebecca Butler Willcox (1733 - 1808)

Children:

Benjamin John Wilcox (1794 - 1836)

Burial:

Willcox Graveyard

Gulf

Chatham County

North Carolina, USA

May 1794: Inventory of the estate of John Willcox returned by administrators, John Husbands and Rebecca Willcox. Recorded in Chatham Co, NC.

2/9/1796: THOMAS BEAL and WILLIAM DARK bought 640 acres from the estate of JOHN WILLCOX for 35 pounds, 11 shillings and 2 pence. The land was on both sides of the south fork of CEDAR CREEK (this is near Gulf). Recorded in Chatham Co, NC Deed Book.

5/10/1796: This Indenture made this tenth day of May the Year of Our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Six between Zach Harman Esquire high sheriff of Chatham County and State of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Stokes of the other part whereas by virtue of your written (there are two words here that I cannot make out, they may be Latin) issuing from the Superior Court of Fayetteville District against the heirs of John Wilcox for the sum of forty three pounds eighteen shillings and sheriff’s costs which said sum was recovered by Catherine Henry, John Walsh, Daniel McMillin and Hugh McDonald of the heirs of John Wilcocks dec. as on record may appear and whereas the said (same two illegible words as above) was directed and delivered to the said Zach Harman Esquire high sheriff as aforesaid in pursuance? and by virtue of his office and the aforesaid Execution and Seize and take into his hands and Custody (and goods and chattels to be found in parentheses) a certain piece of ......or land situate lying and being in the County of Chatham on the waters of Bear Creek adjoining the land of Richard Jones and others containing six hundred and forty acres more or less and the said Zach Harman Sheriff as aforesaid after due advertisement awarding Said did cause the Said piece or parcel of land with all the Appurtenances thereonto belonging to be put up at public sale, to the highest bidder on the 30th day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six at which time and place the Said Thomas Stokes became the last and highest bidder at the sum of Twenty Five pounds six shillings for the Said Lands with the appurtenances thereunto belonging. This Indenture therefore Witnesseth that the said Zach Harman Sheriff of Chatham County as aforesaid for and in consideration of the said sum of Twenty five pounds Six shillings to him in hand paid by the said Thomas Stokes at and before the Sealing and Signing of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by the said Zach Harman Sheriff doth hereby Bargain Sell ...........? Convey and Confirm unto the said Thomas Stokes his heirs, Executors, Administrators or assigns forever all aforesaid land and premises together with all rights to the claim or demand of or in the aforesaid piece or parcel of land with all the ..........? and ..............? to the same belonging on or in ..........? appertaining to hold to him the said Thomas Stokes his heirs Executors Administrators or assigns forever in as full and ample a ...........? as in the said Sheriff ............? by virtue of his office and our .............? the said Zach Harman Sheriff ..........? covenant promise and grant to and with the signers that the said Thomas Stokes his heirs Executors Administrators or assigns shall and ...........? to time and at all times hereafter have sole .........? and enjoy the said premises with the appurtenances free and clear of and from encumberances had made ....? or committed by him the said Sheriff or by his order ......? or procurement and that the said Zach Harman Sheriff will ........? and defend the same to the said Thomas Stokes his heirs Executors Administrators or assigns forever so far as his office of Sheriff will admit but no further. In Witness thereof the said Zach Harman Sheriff of Chatham County hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written sealed and delivered in the presence of us.

Richard Jones

Chatham County May Sessions 1796

The Execution of this Deed was duly acknowledged in open court ordered to be Registered.

1800: A female over 45 years of age is enumerated with the Thomas Wilcox family in Chatham Co, NC census, page 179. This could very well be Rebecca, the mother.

9/2/1808: Died on Deep River in Chatham County on the 2nd inst, Mrs. Rebecca Wilcox, relict of Mr. John Wilcox in the 62nd year of her age. Reported in Raleigh Register dated 9/15/1808.

Rebecca Butler Willcox

Birth: 1733

Death: 1808 Gulf Chatham County North Carolina, USA

Rebecca was the daughter of Jane Barry and an unknown man with the last name of Butler. It is not clear if Rebecca was born before or after her mother immigrated to the American Colonies. If the tale is true that their famed relative Adm. John Barry assisted their immigration, then she would have been born in Ireland since she was 12 years older than him. After marrying John Willcox, she moved to North Carolina and had many children. Family links:

Spouse: John Willcox (1728 - 1793)

Children:

Benjamin John Wilcox (1794 - 1836)

Burial:

Willcox Graveyard

Gulf

Chatham County

North Carolina, USA