the emigrant

e-mails from Elizabeth Tissot
"Dear Sally, I am descended from five of the original John Alston’s children. I have researched the family for over 50 years and I find that there is no proof whatsoever that the John who came to Chowan Co. NC was the John born in Femersham England. Groves in his Alston book surmised that he was the same. He is more likely to be the John who was captured in the Monmouth Rebellion and sent to Barbadoes. He was pardoned in along with a number of “good and honest men” and most likely came to America."
Sally, The reference to John Alston that I mentioned is:
Coldham, Peter Wilson. The Complete book of Emigrants 1661-1699, pp. 548, 615-616, 619
p. 548 “23 September 1685 Rebels convicted after Monmouth’s rebellion to be transported from Dorchester Gaol by James Kendall to Barbados .” 9 men listed and the next paragraph reads,
“And the following transported from Weymouth by the “Happy Return” of Poole . Capt. Roger Wadham, to Barbados and sold there in January 1686: “ 91 men listed including John Alston and William Williams (Alstons married Williams) and other names appearing in the Carolinas and Virginia .
p. 615- 616 “3 May 1689 Petition by John Clap etc….that the following persons, men of industrious and sober lives, who were sentenced to be sold as slaves to America, be allowed to return home to their families. All were taken into custody after the defeat of the Duke of Monmouth, some having take up arms against the King, others having supplied provisions to the rebels but many not having assisted at all: Judge Jefferies required all of them to plead guilty or face immediate execution and they were therefore terrified into making false confessions and accepting banishment for ten years.” 41 men listed including John Alston.
p. 619 “ 9 January 1690 By order of the King the provision of 1686 whereby those convicted of complicity in Monmouth’s rebellion were to serve ten years in the plantations is now revoked. Pardons may be given to those who desire them. “ In the following pages are listed ships which brought people to Virginia and the Carolinas .
Groves does mention this John Alston, but says it wasn’t the same John as the one who came to Carolina. I firmly believe that it was. The rebel John could have been just a young boy at the time. He probably would not have wanted to go back to England for political reasons and this was the same time frame as he showed up in Carolina . Being accused of being a rebel and sold as a slave may account for the fact that little is known about John Alston before his coming to Carolina. Groves gave him a family background with which I disagree and of which there is no proof. Elizabeth

"Little is known of this John Alston until he appears in the North Carolina records.
He seems to have lived first in Pasquotank Co and married there.
1711 - He received a grant of 270 acres of land on the NW side of Bennett's Creek.
1713 - he began to enter lands in the names of his sons.
1713, 28 Nov - Patrick Laler/Laughler of Chowan Prect and Patience Laler to Mr. John Alston for 1000 pounds of Tobacco. 50 A more or less on the SE side of Bennetts Creek and is part of a patent dated 17 Mar 1704/5
1714, 16 April - same for 5000 pounds of Tobacco, the back Swamp Plantation.
1715 - 20 April - He was a juror at a court held at the house of Henry King.
1720, 1 Oct - Gov Charles Eden gives commission as Justices of Peace for the Prect. of Chowan to William Charlton, John Holbrook, John Cotton, Thomas Betterley, Thomas Roundtree, Luke Meazell, John Parker, John Bryant the son of Lewis Bryant, John Alston, William Bridges and William Lattimer, Esquires.
in 1721, 1722, 1724 -He was on the grand jury of the oyer and terminer courts , and again in 1740.
In 1724 - he was a justice of the peace for Chowan and again in 1739.
until 1725 - He was called captain, then major till 1729 and later colonel.
1738 - On 3 April he was elected a vestryman of St. Paul's Parish, Chowan Co.
In 1746 he was sheriff of Chowan Co." from Stephen B Weeks

Will of John Alston 17 Sept 1754 [started] - 20 Feb 1755 [signed] and prob 2 Dec 1758 Chowan Co
"In the Name of God, Amen. September 17th, in the year of our Lord God one thousand Seven hundred and fifty four, I, John Alston of Chowan County and province of North Carolina being in perfect health and of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to almighty God for it., Calling to mind the uncertainty of this Transitory Life, and that all flesh must Yield unto Death when it shall please God to call, Doe make Declair ordain, appoint this my last will and testament in Manner & form following and principally I Recommend my Soul to God that gave it to me in full hope I shall receive full pardon for all my Sins Past by the merits and meditation of our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Chirst and my body to be buried in Such Christion Like manner as shall pleas my Executor hereafter naimed and appointed, and secondly I doe by these presents frustrate and make null and void all other or former wills by me made or Declaired Either by word or writing and this to be taken for my Last will and testament and no other. Thirdly my will is that all My Debts Duly that I owe in the right or concience to any maner of persons What Ever Be Justly Contested and paid in Sum convenient time after my Death By executor hereafter nam'd and now as such worldy Estate as it hath pleased God to Bestow upon me I Give & dispose of the saim in manner and from following--
Item. I give and bequeath unto my well beloved Son Joseph John Alston my Land at White Oak River and other personall Estate By me all Ready delivered to him and a tract of land containing two hundred and fifty acres being in Chowan County Joining to Mrs. James Willson Line Beginning at a hickory standing on Benit's Creek Side I also give to my son Joseph John Alston one Gold Ring about fifteen shillings worth I say aforesaid Land and Estate to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item. I give ond Bequeath unto my Beloved Son Solomon Alston a Negro woman named Sarah which he has in his possession and other personal Estate all Ready delivered to him by me I say the aforesad Negro and Estate to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item. I give and Bequeath unto my Beloved Son William Alston in his lifetime that part of my Estate I allotted for him and now his heirs has is in their possession.
Item. I give to my Beloved Son Phillip Alston one Negro man named Seser now in his possession and one Negro man named Robin and what Else of my personal Estate he has had of me before now in his possession I say the afor s'd Negro's & Estate to & his heirs forever.
Item. I give and Bequeath unto my Beloved Daughter Mary Seward one mulato woman named Moll and what Else she has had of me befor to her and her heirs for Ever I allso mean the use of my Dwelling House and garden to her Durin her natural life.
Item. I Give & bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Elizabeth Williams one Negro woman named Moll an her increas to her and her heirs for Ever and what Else of my personal Estate she has had all Ready.
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my Beloved Daughter Sarah Kearny one Negro woman nam'd fanney and her increase now in her possession and what Else she had of my Estate Before the afore said negro and Estate to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I Give to my Beloved Daughter Charity Dawson one Negro woman named janey and a Negro boy named Jupiter and a negro girl named Cate and a negro girl named Nancy I say the aforesaid Negro's to her and her heirs an assigns for Ever.
Item. I mean my Dear wife Mary Alston to have the use om my Estate as vis Dick fanney peter Robin & Easup and Diner allso--my plantation stock & household Goods During her naturall Life But at her Death to be returned in manner hereafter mentioned.
Item. I Give to John Alston Son of Solomon Alston one Negro boy named Peter to him and his heirs fr Ever.
Item. I Give to Elizabeth Alston Daughter of William Alston Deceased one Negro boy named ned to her and her heirs for Ever.
Item. I Give to Paty Alston Daughter of Joseph John Alston one Negro Girl named Pru to her and her heirs for Ever.
Item. I Give to William Alston Son of Philip Alston one Negro Boy named Hary to him & his heirs for Ever.
Item. I Give to John Alston Son of James Alston one Negro woman named Diner and her increase and one negro boy named Robin to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Son James Alston one Negro man named Dick one Negro man named Peter and one mulato man named Easop allso my plantation whereon I now live and all the Land adjoining thereunto I allso give him the Rest and Residue of my whole Estate Both Raill and personall I say the aforesaid Land and Estate to him and his heirs & assigns forever I allso leave him my whole and sole Executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seall the 20 day of Feb'y 1755.   JOHN ALSTON
Seasbrook Wilson, Thomas Byrd
             his
Joseph X Parker
           mark
Edenton 2d December 1758 - Then personally appeared before me Seasbrook Wilson & Joseph Parker two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Will who make oath that they saw John Alston the Testateor sign seal and deliver and declare the foregoing as & for his last will and Testament and that the said John Alston was at that time to the best of their judgment & belief of sound and disposing Memory & understanding and that they together with Thomas Byrd subscribed their names to the foregoing will as witnessed thereto.
At the same time James Alston Executor before named took the Oath of an Executor.
Let Letters Testamentary issue thereon.    ARTHUR DOBBS."

Children of John Alston and wife Mary:
1. Joseph John Alston 1701 - 1780 Halifax Co NC
     married first Elizabeth [Betsey] Chancy 1701 -
     married second Euphan Wilson 1725 -

2. Solomon Alston ca 1703 Chowan Co - 1785 Warren Co NC
     married ca 1729 Ann Hinton 1713 - aft 1785
            dau of Col John Hinton

3. William M Alston ca 1704 - 1743 Halifax Co
     married Ann Kimbrough
       a. Elizabeth Alston

4. Philip Alston ca 1706? - 1784 Warren Co NC
    married 1745 Winifred Whitmel 25 Dec 1729 Bertie Co - 1795

5. Mary Alston ca 1708 -   no issue
     married 1st Henry Guston of Edgecombe Co NC
     married bef 1754 2nd William Seward of Isle of Wight Co VA

6. James Alston ca 1710 - 1761 Orange Co NC
     married Christian Lillington

7. Elizabeth Alston ca 1711 - aft 1792
     married 1725/28 Samuel Williams d. 1753/54 Edgecombe Co NC
                   son of William Williams and wife Mary
    married 2nd 1765 Richard Burt

8. Sarah Alston ca 1713 - 1764
     married 1730/32 Thomas Kearney 1705 - aft 1764
      a. Edmund [Edward] Kearny
      b. Philip Kearney ca 1735 - 1794 Halifax Co
          married 1763 Elizabeth Kinchen
           i. Elizabeth Kinchen Kearney 1769 - 1863
               married 1790 William Williams of Warren Co as his 2nd wife

9. Martha Alston ca 1715 -
     married Lemuel Wilson

10. Charity Alston ca 1717 - 1764 Northampton Co NC
     married John Dawson d 1761 Northampton Co NC
      a. Charity Alston Dawson
      b. John Dawson

Sources: Stephen B Weeks
Hathaway's NCHGR vol 1 p 163, 308,
Groves, Joseph A. The Alstons and Allstons of North and South Carolina compiled from English, colonial and family records Atlanta, Ga.: Franklin Printing and Publishing Co., 1901, 599 pgs.
GenForum: Alston Family in Granville Co [NC] postings by Mark Gillespie

Solomon Alston ca 1703 - 1784 | his parents
& Ann [Nancy] Hinton 1713 - aft 1785 | her parents
of Chowan & Warren Counties NC

This is my working hypothesis - the way I see it as of this moment!!

11 Nov 1729 - Bertie Deed Bk C p 155 John Council [Councel] of Isle of Wight Co VA to Solomon Alston 10 pounds for 100 A on Wicken [Wiccacon?] Creek adj. Isaac Lewis, John Earley. Wit: Christian Hudleboys?, Jos. John Alston, Nov Ct 1729 Thomas Crew D C/C

15 Dec 1736 - Bertie Deed Bk E p79 Solomon Alsten to John Perry of Chowan Precinct - 20 pounds for 260 A at mouth of Bryant Branch on Barbeque Swamp at Chinkapin. adj. Francis Maclendon. Wit: Richard Bond, William Perry. Feb Ct 1736 John Wynns D C/C

6 June 1739 Crown Pat - Bk 8 p 23 - Sol. Alston 400 A in Edgecombe Co on the S side of Tar River, joining the Beaverdam Branch.

Children of Solomon Alston & Nancy Hinton:
1. Mary Alston 4 June 1730 -
    married Nathaniel Kimbrough
2. Solomon Alston 24 Oct 1733 - bef Aug Ct 1771 Granville Co NC
lived in an area of Shocco Creek which was Granville Co., then Bute Co., and finally Warren Co NC
    married Sarah
   a. Lemuel James Alston 1760 -
   b. Henry Alston d 1784
        married Sarah Hill dau of Thomas
         i. Willis Alston
         ii. Fanny Foster Alston
               prob married John Kimbrough son of Nathaniel
        iii. Thomas Alston
3. John Alston 18 April 1735 - 1802
            family moved ca 1770 to the Natchez District of West Florida
     married ca 1761 Elizabeth Hynes d 1781
      a. William Alston 1762 NC - 12 April 1812
                 married Mildred Wells
            i. Elizabeth Alston
              married 1818 John Davis
            ii. William Alston
            iii. John Alston
      b. Phillip Lewis Alston 1764 NC - 1819
            married Mary Ann Gray
            married 2nd Rebecca Kimball
              i. Isaac Alston dsp
             ii. Lewis Alston
                  married Lydia Adams one son
            iii. Elizabeth Alston
                   married Arthur Adams issue
             iv. Ann Alston
                   married Samuel Wimbish
     c. Ann Alston 1767 NC - 2 July 1802
         married 1782/3 Alexander Stirling of Scotland
     d. Solomon Alston 1768 NC - 1809 dsp
     e. Lucretia [Lucy] Alston 1772 La Grange Plantation - 13 May 1833
           married 1st Ruffin Gray
           married 2nd James Perrie of Scotland
4. William Alston 25 Dec 1736 -
      married Charity Alston
5. Ann Alston 29 March 1738 -
     married Granville Co 1758 Jesse Hunter ca 1717 - 1786
      c. Elisha Hunter
      d. Alsey Hunter
6. Phillip Alston 18 Feb 1741 -
                    were in the Natchez District by 1776
      a. John McCoy Alston
7. Charity Alston 19 Jan 1743 -
       married Capt. James Jones dec bef
8. Martha Alston 25 May 1745 -
       married Granville Co 18 April 1960 Isaac Hunter 1719 - 1811
       a. Solomon Hunter
       b. James Alston Hunter
       c. Jacob Hunter
       d. Ann Hunter
       e. Patsy Hunter
       f. Sacky Hunter
       g. Sarah Hunter
9. Rachel Alston 27 Sept 1747 -
      married Edmund Jones
      a. Alston Jones
10. Sarah Alston 27 June 1752 -
        married Morgan
11. James Alston 1 Feb 1754 - 27 Feb 1805
       married 1st Sarah Kearney 26 Mar 1758 -
       married 2nd Sarah Macon [Hawkins] -d 11 Apr 1808
        a. John Alston
12. ?Priscilla Alston
        married James Jones dec 1784
         a. Priscilla Jones

Will of Solomon Alston, Warren Co NC 4 Sept 1780, codicil 18 April 1784 - prob Jan 1785
In the name of God, Amen. I, Solomon Alston, of the County of Warren in the State of North Carolina, being in health and sound memory, thanks be to Almighty God for the same, do make this my last Will and Testament. Principally and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it me, trusting in and through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ to receive full pardon and forgiveness of all my sins; as for what worldly goods it has pleased God to bestow on me, I give and bequeath of it in the following manner.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son James Alston the tract of land and plantation whereon I now live, the same being purchased by me from William Hurst by deed bearing date the twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four, for six hundred and forty four acres more or less out of which tract I have formerly given to my son, Solomon Alston, now deceased, two hundred acres more or less at the upper end thereof according to the bounds already made by me which said piece or tract of land and plantation, I do give to my said son James Alston and his heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son James Alston one piece or parcel of land, being sixty seven acres more or less, lying and adjoining the land before bequeathed to him on the south side thereof, the same being purchased by me from William Hurst by deed bearing date the eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and fifty six, and bounded for the same as follows, and according to the courses mentioned in the said deed which said sixty seven acres of land more or less I do give unto my said son James Alston and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I do give and bequeath to my son James Alston one piece or parcel of land containing two hundred and thirteen acres be the same more or less lying north east of the land I now live on, the same being purchased by me from my son Solomon Alston now deceased by deed bearing date the thirteenth day of July one thousand seven hundred and sixty five and bounded for the same according to the courses mentioned in the said deed, which said two hundred and thirteen acres of land more or less I do give to my said son James Alston and his heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my said son James Alston one piece or parcel of land out of the tract of twelve hundred acres purchased by me of Joseph Montford Esqr. (beginning for the same at a white oak my old corner and running by my line south fifty degrees east to a branch called Pitchers to a poplar, Isaac Hunter's corner, thence on Isaac Hunter's line to a red oak Corner thence north 70 degrees east 118 poles to the corner of three black oaks thence north 88 degrees east 224 poles to a poplar standing on the cabin branch, No. 51 East 280 poles to the road, thence up the road to the Lower Richneck next to where Robinson's path turned out of said road, thence down the said branch to McCulloch line, thence on McCulloch's line to the head of the Great Branch, thence down the said Great Branch to my corner, and from thence along my line to the beginning which piece or parcel of land I give to my said son James Alston and his heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Grand-son Solomon Hunter, son of Isaac Hunter a piece or parcel of land out of the tract of twelve hundred acres purchased by me of Joseph Montford, Esq., beginning for the same to wit at the head of lower richneck, where my son James Alston's line leaves the road, thence keeping down the road to where my line crosses the same, thence by my line fifty one degrees east to a black oak corner, thence north 140 poles to a white oak, thence north 42 degrees west 58 poles to a spanish oak in poor creek, thence up the creek south 60 degrees west 46 poles to the mouth of Zacharies branch, thence up the said branch north 70 degrees west to the head of said branch, thence the same course continued to McCulloch's line to a post oak 132 poles thence by his line to James Alston's line, then up his line to the place of beginning to him my grand son Solomon Hunter and his heirs forever.
Item. It is my will and desire that if my son James Alston should die without heir lawfully begotten out of his body that all and every part of the land hereby given to him descend and go to my son William Alston and to his heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Hunter, wife of Isaac Hunter, my negro woman Esther with her future increase to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son James Alston Hunter one negro boy named Tom--born of the body of the said Esther to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son Jacob Hunter one negro boy named Essex born of the body of the said Esther to him and his heirs forever.
Item. it is my will and desire that what estate that I have already put into the possession of my daughter Mary Kimbrough together with five pounds, I now leave her to be paid by my Executors hereinafter named be all the estate I intend for my said daughter Mary out of my estate.
Item. I give to my son John Alston one negro fellow named Little Dick to be delivered to him after my decease by my executors, to him and his heirs forever besides what I have already put into his possession out of my estate.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son William Alston what I have already given him in his possession, also one negro man Ned the younger and one negro boy named Daniel now in his possession to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Hunter wife of Jesse Hunter one negro woman named Dinah and her increase now in her possession to her and her heirs and assigns forever and that my full interest and meaning is that she nor her heirs claiming under her have any part of my estate except five pounds current money, which I also desire my Executors to pay to her at my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved son Philip Alston what of my estate that I have already put in his possession, also forty pounds current money to be paid him when demanded from my executors, which is all I intend for my said son out of my estate.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son John McCoy Alston son of my son Philip Alston one negro boy named Arch to him and his heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Charity what estate I have already put into her possession, also five pounds current money to be paid to her by my executors which is all I intend for my said daughter out of my estate.
I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Priscilla Jones, daughter of James Jones, deceased one negro girl named Violet with all her increase to her and her heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Hunter wife of Isaac Hunter the increase of a negro woman named Aggie, now deed. the said increase being now in her possession to her and her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to my grand son, Alston Jones son of my daughter Rachel Jones one negro named Minga, born of the body of negro Rose to him my said grand son and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I bequeath to my daughter Rachel Jones, wife of Edmond Jones one negro woman named Cate with her increase now in her possession together with five pounds current money which I desire to be paid out of my estate by my executors.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Morgan two negro girls Jane and Pretty with their increase to her and her heirs and assigns forever which is all I intend for my said daughter Sarah out of my estate.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son Lemuel James Alston son of my deceased son Solomon Alston five pounds current money to be paid by my executors when he attains to lawful age.
Item. It is my will and desire that my two sons in law Isaac Hunter and Jesse Hunter have the use of my still in distilling the brandy made by them on their plantation.
Item. It is my desire that if my son James Alston die without issue lawfully begotten of his body, that what negroes he has of my estate at the time of his death with their increase shall be equally divided between William Alston, Isaac Hunter, Jesse Hunter & Edmond Jones to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath all my estate of the personal property of what nature or kind soever not before in this my will and testament bequeathed, to James Alston and his heirs forever.
Lastly, I constitute my loving sons James Alston William Alston & and my son in law Jesse Hunter executors to this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 4th day of September A. D. 1780.
SOLOMON ALSTON. (Seal.)
Witnesses: WILLIAM MYRICK, FRANCIS MYRICK,
THOS. MACLEN.
A Codicil to the Afore Written Will.
It is my will and desire that a certain piece or parcel of land given in my last will and testament to my grand son Solomon Hunter son of Isaac Hunter and Martha his wife, since the making of my said will, I have given to the said Solomon Hunter the said land by deed dated on the 18th. day of April 1781. Therefore it is my desire that the said legacy given in my said will be null and void as if never made.
Item. It is my will and desire that if my son James Alston should die before his son John Alston attain to the age of eighteen years, that then and in such case it is my will and desire that none of my land shall be cleared until my said grandson attain to his said eighteen years of age or till the same shall be claimed by my heirs according to my said will.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th. day of April A. D. 1784.
SOLOMON ALSTON. (Seal.)
Witnesses: THOS. MACLEN, RICHARD REVEAR,
SOLOMON HUNTER, WILLIAM MYRICK, FRANCIS MYRICK.
Probated January Court 1785.

GenForum: Alston Family in Granville Co [NC] postings by Mark Gillespie

Joseph John Alston 1701 - aft 1780 | his parents
& Elizabeth [Betsey] Chauncey 1701 - | her parents
& Euphan Wilson | her parents
of Chowan Co & Halifax Co NC

This is my working hypothesis - the way I see it as of this moment!!

Patent Book 3 - p234 - Joseph John Alston 11 June 1728 300 A of high land and Pocoson in Chowan precinct on the N side of Bennets Creek - part thereof being an Island called Troy, joining the mouth of Troy Swamp, the West end of the sd. Island, and the sd. Creek. Wit: R Everard

p236 - Joseph John Alston 17 April 1728 300 A Southernly of Morattock River and on the Westernly side of Elk Swamp joining the side and mouth of Beaverdam Swamp and the sd. Elk Swamp. Wit: E. Everard

Children of Joseph John Alston & Elizabeth Chauncey:
1. Capt John Alston d 1784
     married Ann Hunt Macon
         daughter of Gideon Macon & wife Priscilla Jones
     a. Col. Joseph John Alston Rev. War Vet
         married Esther Wright
          i. John Alston
             married Bettie Wilcox
                  1. William Alston
                      married Delia Green
                  2. Joseph Alston
                       married Jennie Davis
                  3. Esther Alston
                       married Joseph Anderson no issue
                  4. Susan Alston
                      married Jenkins
         ii. Joseph Alston
             married Louisa Thomas
                  1. Sarah Joseph Alston
                     married John Herbert Claiborne of Petersburg VA
         iii. Nancy Alston
              married Hill
                    1. Ann Hill
                        married Skinner
                        married 2nd Dr. Goodloe 2 ch.
         iv. Fannie Alston
              married Freeman and went to Texas
     b. Gideon Alston 17 Sept 1765 - 1831
        married Frances Atherton 6 Nov1770 - 1830
            daughter of Col. Jephtha Atherton, of Northampton, N. C., and Elisabeth his wife
          i. Elisabeth Chauncey Alston 12 July 1790 - 21 Feb 1833 dsp
         ii. John Alston 26 Feb 1792 - Oct 1843
             married Dorothy Miriam Crowell of Halifax
                   1. Benjamin Alston killed young man
                   2. Anna Maria Alston
                        married Wm Arrington
                        a. Nannie Arrington
                             married Henderson - one dau Jane
                        b. Dolly Arrington 1841 -
                             married 14 Feb 1856 James Leonidas Dunn - issue
                        c. Maria Arrington
                             married Hon. W. H. Kitchin - issue
                         d. John Arrington dsp
                         e. Samuel Arrington dsp
                     3.
         iii. Dorothy Atherton 10 Jan 1794 -  25 Sept 1797 dy
         iv. Gideon Alston 9 Aug 1795 - 21 Mar 1828
                  "He died at an early age, having been thrown from the stage by the running away of the stage horses upon his return from Raleigh, where he had been attending the session of the General Assembly, of which he was a member, and badly injured in the hip and spine, and from which he finally died. In 1824 and 1825 he represented his (Warren) county in the Legislature, and would have been returned again had he not been disabled."
             married 24 Sept 1822 Elizabeth Ann Branch
                         sister of Gov. John Branch
                  1. Havana Lenoir Alston 21 Aug 1824 - 6 Dec 1878 Warrenton NC
                        married 23 Sept 1847 Rev. Charles Marshall Cook
                        a. Charles Alston Cook 7 Oct 1848 -
                        b. Alfred Lenoir Cook 28June 1850 - 25 Feb 1854
                  2. Gideon Branch Alston dsp Feb 1894
          v. Temperance Dawson Alston 14 Oct 1797 - 1829
                 married 1st Willis Harris
                 married 2nd Jack Bobbitt issue
         vi. Mary Ann Atherton Alston 2 Aug 1799
                 married Charles Bobbit issue
         vii. Frances Atherton Alston 1 June 1801 - 1875 dsp
        viii. Arabella Atherton Alston 13 August 1803 - 1864
               married Dr. Henry J Macon issue
          ix. Amaryllis Atherton Alston 5 May 1805 - 23 Dec 1884 dsp
           x. Jesse Atherton Alston 8 May 1807 - d. s. p. in Mexico
                married the widow Newell
          xi. Erasmus Gallatin Alston 11 Feb 1809 - 29 Aug 1834 dsp
         xii. Matilda Alston 10 Aug 1810 - 7 Aug 1837
                married Wm. Harris - no issue
         xiii. Dolly Exum Alston 7 Dec 1812 - 1876
                married 16 Feb 1832 W W Daniel issue
     c. Willis (Congress) Alston d. 13 Apr 1837
        married 1st Pattie Moore - no issue.
         married 2nd Wilmington NC 29 May 1817 Sallie Madaline Potts
               daughter of Joshua Potts, of Smithfield NC Custom House officer of Revenue Collector for the post
     d. Robert West Alston
         married 1781Henrietta Green
               daughter of Wm. Green, his step father
     e. Priscilla Jones Alston dy unm
     f. Ann Hunt Alston dy unm
2. Col Phillip Alston est 1745 - 1786 GA
          lived in Moore and Chatham Counties - built "the house in the horse Shoe."
          Col. of the local militia - had a lively experience during the war with David Fanning, the Tory
     married ca 1767 Temperance Smith est 1751 -
                    dau of Drew Smith will 1762 Halifax
              "Drew Smith lived on land he devised to his daughter Temperance on the Roanoke river which was bordered on the west by the home plantation of his brother Arthur Smith."
     a. James Alston ca 1768 -
               "In 1789 James Alston of Moore County "eldest son of Philip Alston and his wife Temperance," joined to break the entail when the land "left to Temperance Alston by the will of her father Drew Smith" was sold.
         married Mary Jane [Polly] Wilcox of Fayettesville and moved to Telfair Co GA
          i. Philip Henry Alston 27 Oct 1801 Chatham Co NC - 13 May 1879 Weldon TX
            married 1828 Telfair GA [his cousin] Elizabeth [Eliza M] Alston
                                             3 Apr 1808 Telfair GA - 1877 Weldon, Houston Co TX
     b. John Alston settled in Fairfield Co SC left desc.

         married Mary Jane [Polly] Wilcox of Fayettesville and moved to Telfair Co GA
          i. Philip Henry Alston 27 Oct 1801 Chatham Co NC - 13 May 1879 Weldon TX
            married 1828 Telfair GA [his cousin] Elizabeth [Eliza M] Alston
                                             3 Apr 1808 Telfair GA - 1877 Weldon, Houston Co TX
     b. John Alston settled in Fairfield Co SC left desc.

     b. John Alston settled in Fairfield Co SC left desc.
                mentioned in his grandfather's 1778 will
     c. Philip Alston moved to Jackson TN
     d. Drew Alston no record
     e. Mary [Nancy] Drew Alston 12 Jan 1784 - 21 Sept 1841
         married 1799 William Carroll no issue
         married 2nd William Harris
          i. William Nancy Harris
         ii. Sarah Smith Harris
             married 1832 Albert Pickett, the historian of Alabama
3. Martha [Pattie] Alston est 1747 -
      married Mahoney
4. William Alston est 1749 -
      married Sarah Yeargan
     a. John Joseph Alston
      b. William Alston
Children of John Alston & Euphan Wilson:
5. Col. Willis Alston 1750 -
      married Elisabeth Wright
      a. Joseph John Alston
6. Henry [Harry] Alston 1753 - Bute Co
       married Sarah Hill
7. Mary Alston 1756 -
      married William Palmer
       a. Robert Palmer
           married Nancy Ann Alston
8. Uphan Wilson Alston 1761 -
            married 1779 John Cooper
9. Joseph John [Chatham Jack] Alston 15 March 1767 - 29 April 1841Chatham Co
           married 1 June 1791 Martha Kearney

The Last Will and Testament of Joseph John Alston, Halifax Co NC 5 Jan 1780 -prob 1781
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Joseph John Alston, of Halifax, in the State of North Carolina, being weak of body, but of perfect sound sense, mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following, that is to say:
Imprimis. I recommend my soul into the hands and protection of Almighty God that gave it, hoping for a remission of all my sins, and my body I leave to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors hereafter named, and as for my worldly estate which it hath pleased the Almighty God to bestow on me, I give, devise and bequeath as follows:
Item. I give and bequeath to my son, John Alston, his heirs and assigns forever, all my lands that lie on Reedy Creek, Fishing Creek, Benn Creek and Long Branch on the South side, Butterwood or the waters thereof, consisting of sundry different tracts, and whereas my said son, John Alston, has now a dispute depending in law for a tract or a parcel of land called the Poison Fields in Chatham county, with Matthew Jones, of said county, in case my said son, John Alston, should lose the said land called the Poison Fields, then and in that case I give and bequeath to my said son John Alston, his heirs or assigns, two tracts of land which I bought of John Coupland in said County of Chatham. But in case my said son John Alston should recover the said land now in dispute from the said Mathew Jones then, and in that case only, I give my said son, John Alston, part of the said two tracts of land of said John Coupland, bounded as follows, to-wit: lying above the Spring Branch, known by the name of Couplands Spring Branch supposing to be two hundred acres more or less including the old plantation whereon Richard Coupland formerly lived.
Item. I give and devise to my said son, John Alston, his heirs or assigns all the negro slaves which I have heretofore possessed him with as also one other negro man named Levey, and one other negro man named Joseph which is now in my possession.
I give and devise unto my son Phillip Alston, his heirs or assigns, all the negro slaves which I allotted for him being now in his possession.
Item. I have already given to my daughter, Patty Merony, the several negro slaves which I allotted for her portion, the same she has been possessed with many years past.
Item. I give and devise unto my son, William Alston, his heirs or assigns all the negro slaves which are now in his possession, excepting the following negroes, to wit: Hannah, Hagar, Silva, Nancy, Press, Boatswain, Nursery Rose, Rachael and Sam, which said ten negroes herein mentioned I lend unto my said son William Alston the use of until his children, male and female, shall arrive to lawful age or marriage. then I give and bequeath the said ten negroes and their increase to be equally divided between the said children and their heirs or assigns, share and share alike, each child to have his or her part or portion of the said negroes and their increase as he or she shall arrive to lawful age or marriage as aforesaid, and the remainder of the negroes to remain as undivided until the next child shall arrive to age as aforesaid, and so on till the youngest shall be of age aforesaid, and to take his or her part of the said negroes. Which division it is my will and desire shall be made among my said grandchildren by their father, my son William, if living; if not, by my executors hereinafter mentioned.
Item. I give and bequeath to my said son William Alston, his heirs and assigns two negroes, to-wit: For Ben and his wife Priss.
Item. I give and devise to my son, Willis Alston, his heirs or assigns, all that part of the land which I bought of Mr. Mead's estate that lies on the lower side of the Governor's Branch and joining Irving's Creek on the southeast side.
Item. I give and devise to my two grand sons, John Joseph and William Alston, sons of my son William Alston, a parcel of land which I bought of the estate of Mr. David Meade, deceased, that lies on Irwin's Creek, alias Bears Swamp above the mouth of the Governor's Branch to be equally divided between them and their heirs or assigns, share and share alike, but in case the said John Joseph and William Alston should either of them depart this life before they arrive to the age of twenty one years or leaving lawful issue of their body then and in that case I give and devise the part of the said land of him who shall or may decease to the other that survives, and in case both the said John Joseph and William Alston should depart this life before they arrive to the age of twenty-one years then and in that case I give and devise the said land to my grand son Joseph John Alston, son of my son Willis, his heir and assigns forever.
Item. I give and devise to my grand son John Joseph Alston, son of my son William, all that part of the lands I bought of Joseph Moore in the county of Chatham that lies in the fork between two streams where the said Joseph Moore built and formerly lived as high up each stream as my land extends to him, his heirs and assigns forever. But in case my said grand son, John Joseph should depart this life without lawful issue, then in that case I give and devise the said land to my grand son, his brother, William Alston, his heirs or assigns forever.
Item. I give and devise to my son Willis Alston, his heirs or assigns all my land that lies in the fork on the North-west side the Beaver Ponds, between Butterwood and the Mill Swamp as high up each stream as my land extends, as also my other lands between the mill run and the North East branch of Irwin's Creek, alias Alston's Swamp, including my dwelling house and my Manor plantation, likewise including the plantation and tract of land where John Mills formerly lived, lying at the head of Bear Swamp as also all my other lands on the North-East side of the Beaver Ponds and Bear Swamp that lies above and joins the land that was formerly Meade's.
Item. I give and devise to my son, Willis Alston, his heirs and assigns all the negro slaves which I have already possessed him with as also three other negro men called Simon and Pocosin Ben as also Frank which are yet in my possession.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son, Joseph John Alston, son of my son Willis, all these two tracts of land, lying on the waters of Great Creek that I bought of Archibald Hamilton and Anthony Winston, to him his heirs and assigns forever. But in case of his death before he arrives to years of twenty-one or leaving lawful issue of his body, lawfully begotten, then and in this case I give and devise the aforesaid two tracts of land to my son Willis, his heirs and assigns. I also give my said grand son, Joseph John Alston, one negro boy named Jem, son of Mulatto Pegg, and one negro girl named Jud, daughter of Penny, to him, his heirs and assigns for ever.
Item. I give and devise to my son, Henry Alston, his heirs and assigns forever, four thousand acres of land whereon he now lives which I purchased of Solomon Alston, Jr.
Item. All the slaves which I allotted for my son Henry I have already possessed him with, and the same I do give to him and his heirs and assigns forever, as also I do give and bequeath to my said son Henry, eight other negroes, to wit: Hester Peters' daughter, Jacob, mulatto, boy, Young Boccosa, Dyner and increase Sabina and Davy to him, his heirs and assigns.
Item. I have already given my daughter, Mary Palmer, the negro slaves which I allotted for her portion, the same she has been possessed with some time past.
Item. I give and bequeath to John Cooper, his heirs and assigns forever, all that tract of land and plantation in the county of Chatham, which I bought of Thomas Coupland, known by name of the Hickory Mountain, bounded by a branch between the lands I bought of said Copeland and the lands I bought of Thomas Stone, and from the head of said branch and by a line of marked trees, westerly to the back, then round by different lines several courses to the said branch.
Item. I lend unto my daughter, Uphan Wilson Cooper, the use of the following negroes during her natural life, to wit: Toby, Sall, Will, Roger, and Sall's children, Creas, Buck, Nan, Adam, Creasee's children, Nan and Will, Cate's children, Charles and Edie, Pegg's children, Jupiter and Abraham, old Joe's son, and after her decease I give and devise the said negro and their increase to be equally divided between the lawful issue of her body, male and female, share and share alike, to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give the devise to my son, Joseph John Alston, all my lands and plantation lying in the county of Chatham that is not herein before mentioned or given in legacies to him and his heirs or assigns forever upon the expressed condition and proviso, that in case my said son, Joseph John Alston, should live to the age of twenty-one years or leave lawful issue of his body. But if neither of these cases happen, I then give and devise the aforesaid land to my grand sons hereafter named to be divided in the following manner, to-wit: To my grand son Joseph John Alston, son of my son Willis two tracts, to-wit: One tract on the east end of the Hickory Mountain containing one hundred and fifty acres, the other track containing three hundred and fifty acres, more or less, which I bought of Simon Tyrril, to him and his heirs or assigns forever the residue of the aforesaid lands I give, devise and bequeath as follows, to-wit: To my grand son Joseph John Alston, son of my son, John, to my grand son John, son of my son Philip. To my grand son John Joseph, son of my son William, and to my grand son Joseph John, son of my son Willis to be equally divided between them and their heirs or assigns forever, share and share alike, but in case either of my said grand sons should depart this life before they arrive to the age of twenty-one years or leaving of lawful issue of their body, then I give and devise the part or parts of him or them so dying to the next brother of him or them so dying which shall then be living to them or each of them and their heirs or assigns forever.
Item. It is my will and desire that my negro woman Lucy, the cook wench, shall enjoy her liberty after my decease in the same manner as a free born person for and during the space of thirty-five years to commence immediately after my decease, she the said Lucy yielding and paying to my executors hereafter named the annual sum of one shilling proc money if the same is by them demanded, and at the expiration of the aforesaid term of thirty-five years, it is my will and desire that my executors, or either of them shall and they or either of them are hereby empowered to sell the said Lucy, and the money arising from such sale to be given to my son Joseph John, and during aforesaid term of years it is my desire that the aforesaid Lucy be under the protection of my executors hereinafter mentioned.
Item. And for preventing disputes which may arise amongst my sons about any former rights or titles of heirship in any slaves given by me amongst any of my said sons and now in their possession, it is my will and I do hereby desire and direct that if any one of my said sons John, Philip, William, Willis, Henry, or Joseph John shall at any time hereinafter sue for and recover or otherways dispossess any other of my said sons of any slave or slaves given them me in said case, I do hereby revoke so much of this my last will as bequeath any lands to such son who shall dispossess any of his brothers, and I do hereby will and devise all the lands such son might have inherited in virtue of such will unto such of my other sons who shall be so dispossessed of their slaves by him to be held for them, their heirs or assigns for ever in fee simple.
Item. I give and devise to my son, Joseph John Alston, all and singular of the remainder of my negro slaves and all other of my estate, both real and personal, of what nature, kind or quality soever which is not heretofore by me bequeathed which I shall be possessed with at the time of my decease, to him and his heirs and assigns forever, and in case he should depart this life, without leaving lawful issue of his body, then I give and devise the aforesaid negro slaves with their increase and all other of the personal estate above bequeathed to be equally divided to and amongst all the rest of my sons and daughters. My sons, John, Phillip, William, Willis, Henry and my daughters Patty, Mary and Uphan Wilson and my grand son Joseph John, son of my son Willis, and to their, and each of their heirs and assigns for ever and the survivors of them.
Item. And lastly I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my trusty and well beloved friends Willie Jones, Solomon Williams, William Alston, the son of Philip. James Alston and John Jones, and my son Joseph John Alston, executors to my last will and testament hereby revoking, disannulling and making void all other will or wills or testaments by me heretofore made or published. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty.
JOSEPH JOHN ALSTON. [Seal.]
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the Testator Joseph John Alston as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request subscribe our names as witness to the due execution of the same.

"Smith of Scotland Neck" by Claiborne Thweatt Smith, Jr M.D.

2nd page of John Alston's desc

this is my working hypothesis - the way I see it as of this moment!!

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