Robert Wilson
1760-1819
1760-1819
Robert Wilson was the 5th son of Robert and Eleanor Carothers Wilson to served during the Revolutionary War. Robert was born in 1760 and married Jane McDowell, a daughter of William McDowell, in February 1783 or 1784 at her father's house in Mecklenburg County NC. Robert Wilson died in 1819 and Jane McDowell Wilson died in 1853. Both were buried in a family graveyard aka the Wilson Cemetery in the part of the Williamson county that is now Rutherford County, between Allisona and Eagleville. Photographs of this cemetery are available on Find A Grave. They were the parents of eight daughters and one son.
Revolutionary War Pension Application
W216
Soldier Robert Wilson
Widow Jane Wilson
Jane Wilson Declaration & Exhibits Act 7 June 1838
State of Tennessee
Williamson County
On the 12th day of May A.D. 1849 before me John A. McCaul Esq. a Justice of the Peace of said County and also a Justice of the County Court thereof Jane Wilson of said County aged about eighty five years, who having been duly sworn according to law, declares upon oath, as follows in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of 7 June 1838 & other Acts of Congress providing for the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers, to wit.
That she is the daughter of William McDowell who was with Col. Thos Sumpter at the Hanging Rock Battle, who was also at the Battle of Kings Mountain in October 1780. She believes from the tradition of her family that she was born on the 2d day of Sept 1766 in York District Province of South Carolina. She was married on the (blank) day of February (the second or third Thursday of said month) in the year 1783 or 1784 by the Revd James McRee to Robert Wilson Junior the son of Robert Wilson of Steele Creek, Mecklenburgh, North Carolina. She was married at her own fathers house in Mecklenburgh he having removed to Mecklenburg in 1783. She has no family or Church or Court record by which to prove her marriage. Her marriage was by publication of bans, & she has been able to procure the evidence of Mrs. Phebe Reed, Josiah Wilson & Moses Wilson who witnessed her marriage.
The year after her marriage, she removed with her husband to Lincoln County, State of Georgia, where Robert Wilson Junior, lived five or six years during which time her husband was engaged in several campaigns against the Indians as a captain of Militia Volunteers. He then removed to the Cumberland Valley about the year 1791 or 2 and lived in Sumner County near Bledsoes Lick until about the year 1799. Sometime in the year 1799 her late husband removed to Harpeth Lick in Williamson County state of Tennessee where he continued until the year 1819 when he departed this life, aged about sixty years, leaving the declarant his widow surviving ---, where she has continued to live a widow to the present time, never having remarried.
In relation to her husbands Revolutionary service she refers to the deposition of Moses & Josiah Wilson, surviving brothers of her late husband already on file in the Pension Office and to the additional facts which may be stated by these in relation to said services. Her husband, Robert Wilson Junior was the son of Robert Wilson Senior who lived before during and after Revolutionary war at Steele Creek in the County of Mecklenburgh State of North Carolina. The elder Robert Wilson had six or seven sons (whose names have all been mentioned in the deposition of Moses Wilson) who were soldiers in North & South Carolina & Georgia in almost every campaign which occurred in said states or provinces from 1776 to 1783. Robert Wilson Senior was not less than fifty or fifty five years of age at the beginning of the Revolution and although he was a bold and ardent supporter & advocate of the Revolution he was too much advanced in years & too feeble in body to endure the fatigues of a campaign if he had been subject to military duty which he was not.
Although he was a prisoner in the hands of the British in 1780 taken at or near Sumpters Camp in August of that year and confined in Camden jail together with one of his sons, named John Wilson and several of his nearest neighbors and others he was not taken as a soldier but as aged and influential citizen, who had several sons fighting under Sumpter & other Republican leaders against the British King and who was when taken engaged in furnishing and conveying provisions to Genl Thomas Sumpters camp.
This declarant states that Robert Wilson Senior, the father of her husband Robert Wilson Junior, was not, at any period of the war, subject to military duty and never did receive pay as a private soldier, or as an officer for any service performed by him during the Revolutionary War. Amongst several periods of service, extending through out the Revolutionary War, with but few intervals, this declarant is only able to specify the following campaigns of her husband. A tour of duty of three or four months as a private of North Carolina Militia in August and September, October & November AD 1776 in a company commanded by Capt. Robert Irwin, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Alexander under the principal command of Brigadier General Rutherford, against the Cherokee Indians & other tours not now remembered.
In a tour of duty, as a private of Company of North Carolina Militia Commanded by Capt. _____ _______ in a Regiment or Corps commanded by _________ under the command of General Lincoln before and at the defence of Charleston in the year 1780, said tour beginning as early as December 1779 or earlier. She believes that her husband Robert Wilson Junior & his brother Joseph were under Brigd General Tillington whose period of service expired during the siege about the 20th March 1780, and after the 20 March 1780, belonged to Col. Lytle & Corps, which wa composed of volunteers from General Tillington's North Carolina Brigade, who volunteered to remain three months longer & who did stay under Col. Lytle & Major Habersham, until the day of the surrender of Charleston by Genl Lincoln about 12 or 15th May 1780, making a tour of not less than five or six months without including time to return to Mecklenburgh after surrender.
A tour of duty beginning with the Hanging Rock Campaign about 1st of June 1780, under Genl Thomas Sumpter, of South Carolina & Col. Anderson of South Carolina, but under what Captain this declarant cannot now state. A brother of Robert Wilson Jr. was under Capt. Reid, but she does know that Robert was. The head quarters of Genl. Sumpter were on Sugar Creek near old Robin Wilson's in June 1780, and after the affair at Fishing Creek about 20th August 1780, Robert Wilson, Junior & several of his brothers were his constant followers from 1st June 1780, & were with him at Hanging Rock & other subsequent battles. During this period he acted under the authority of South Carolina & received an Indent, a copy of which herewith filed marked Exhibit AD from South Carolina, during this period is made a part of this deposition.
The certificate of W. F. Collins, Compr of N.C. herewith filed marked Exhibit AB is made a part of this deposition which shows various payments made by the State of North Carolina to Robert Wilson Junior besides payments for the periods stated by her above. She believes the largest payment to refers to the tour at defense of Charleston, being for the sum of twenty pounds fourteen shillings.
This declarant, owing to age & infirmity cannot -- to travel seventeen miles, to the Court House, without danger to her life.
She further declares that she knows of no persons now living by whom she can prove more definitely the several period & tours of duty, and the names of the company & regimental officers than she has already done by the depositions of Moses & Josiah Wilson, and by the pay certificates & other records, which she has been able to procure showing the amount & character of the services of Robert Wilson Junior; except by reference to the Declaration of James Wilson, late a Pensioner of the United States, made in 1833 before the County Court of Bedford County, State of Tennessee & who was a brother & fellow soldier in the Hanging Rock Campaign, with her late husband under Col. Sumpter but not under Capt. Reid & Col. Irwin. In that Declaration he states ---he was a private in Capt David Reids Company of Col. Robert Irwins Regiment of North Carolina Militia from 10th June 1780 to about the 1st of Sept 1780, three months. James Wilson has been sometime deceased, but his Declaration is now on file in Pension Office at Washington City. He departed this life before declarant thought of making this application for a pension, & she knows of no other evidence which she can now procure, to describe more in detail her late husbands services. While under Sumpter & Anderson, Robert Wilson Jr was a private militia volunteer.
Jane Wilson
-----12th line above
Sworn to & subscribed before me
this day & date above written
John A. McCaul, JP justice of Peace
Exhibit AD is the Certificate of the Comptroller Genl of South Carolina dated 24th April 1849
Exhibit AB is the Certificate of the Comptroller of N Carolina dated April 30th 1849
State of Tennessee
Marshall Co
Deposition of Phebe Reid
At the House of Samuel Reid, son of Phebe Reid
(researcher's note: Phebe Reid was the wife of James Reid Sr. She was also the daughter of George Calhoun and Ann Wilson.
On the 8th day of June 1848 A.D. personally appeared before me George R. May one of the Justices of the County Court of Marshall County Tennessee Phebe Reid an old resident of said county aged seventy six years who is infirm of body but of sound mind and good recollection, who having been duly sworn, made oath as follows, that she was born Sept 3rd 1772, in the county of Mecklenburgh, N. Carolina; that she was well acquainted with Robert Wilson, deceased, and was present at the house of William McDowell in said county of Mecklenburgh, when said Robert Wilson was married to Jane McDowell by Rev. Mr. McRea; that said witness was then in her twelfth or thirteenth year; that said marriage was about the month of February in the year 1783 or 1784. It was two or three years after the Revolutionary War. The marriage was by publication of bans. Witness knows that Robert Wilson removed to Tennessee about the year 1795 and lived at the time of his death near Harpeth Lick in the County of Williamson, state of Tennessee, which took place about the year 1819. Jane Wilson has remained a widow ever since and has still continued to live in said county of Williamson. Witness was distantly related to the Wilsons and was well acquainted with the family.
Witness has in her own possession an old family record, a Bible, in which her age is entered and from this she knows that she is now about seventy six years old & that she was born Sept 3rd 1772. . Phebe (her mark) Reid
The lines numbered from 1 to 4 and from 6 to 11 were erased before signing.
Sworn to & subscribed before
me on the day & year above written
George R. May
J.P. of said county
I hereby certify that Phebe Reid whose name is signed to the above affidavit is an aged and infirmed woman, and confined to her bed by infirmity, but that she is of sound mind & has been many years a resident of Marshall & Williamson Countys in the state of Tennessee and has ever borne the character of a truthful and honest woman and has been known & esteemed in her neighborhood; as one of the witnesses in the war of Independence of many of the events of that war in the province of North Carolina & especially in the county of Mecklenburg. Her statements are entitled to full faith & credit. Her family record ----old Bible is as above stated by her.
George R. May
June 8th 1848
Justice of the Peace & one of the Justices of the County Court of
Marshall County, Tennessee
J. Shuffield
Justice of the Peace
Marshall County Tennessee
In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, deceased, for the benefit of the Acts of 7th Jul 1838, 3rd Mar 1843, and February 1848 granting pensions to the widows of certain persons who served in the Revolutionary War.
State of Tennessee
Marshall County
Deposition of Moses Wilson
On this 31st day of July 1848 personally appeared before me John Shuffield a justice of the peace of said county, Moses Wilson, who having been duly sworn makes the following statements in relation to the marriage of Robert Wilson and Jane McDowell and as to the Revolutionary Services of said Robert, viz witness believes he was born about the year 1769 (seventeen hundred sixty-nine) in the Steele Creek congregation Mecklenburg Co. N.C. and was about seven or eight years old at the beginning of the revolutionary war and thirteen or fourteen at the end of it. He has no record of his age, but the age of himself and brothers have been preserved by tradition The family record of his father was lost during the war. Witness remembers many of the events of the war especially of what took place during the year 1779, 1780, 1781 and 1782.
His father Robert Wilson Senr. lived on Steele Creek before during and after the Revolutionary War and had six sons who were old enough to bear arms during the war all of whom were repeatedly engaged in various campaigns, & battles, both in North and South Carolina, against the British and Tories. The father of witness was taken prisoner by Col. Tarleton's dragoons the day after the defeat and dispersion of Col. Thomas Sumpter's troops at Fishing Creek about the 18th August 1780.
Witness had six brothers who were engaged from time to time in the service of the Republican Army in North Carolina. Their names and age were nearly as follows.
1. Joseph Wilson born 1749 died
2. Aaron Wilson " 1751 " about 1833
3. John Wilson " 1753 " "
4. James Wilson " 1755 " " 184--
5. Robert Wilson " 1760 " " 1819
6. Samuel Wilson " 1762 " "
None of these brothers ever applied for or received any pension in land or money either from the General Government or the States of North or South Carolina, except James Wilson who received a pension from the U.S. Government before he died.
Joseph and Robert Wilson were both privates in a company of Militia raised in Mecklenburgh County North Carolina but witness does not know whether they went out under the officers of North Carolina or South Carolina. The citizens of Mecklenburgh sometimes served under Col. Sumpter, Col. Marion & other South Carolina partisans, but he knows that while they -- under Major General Lincoln of the Continental Army; that they were both in his army and under the command of said Lincoln, at the defense of Charleston, which continued from the 4th of February 1780 to the 12th day of May 1780, on which day Joseph and Robert Wilson together the rest of the North & South Carolina Militia were surrendered prisoners of war and marched out upon parole. Joseph & Robert Wilson shortly afterwards, say about June 1st 1780, returned to the house of their father in Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina. Witness cannot state how long Joseph & Robert served before the siege of Charleston but thinks it probable some months before and from 4th February to 12th May 1780 during which the siege lasted.
Witness believes that Joseph, James & Robert Wilson soon afterwards joined Col. Thomas Sumpter & Corps of partisans, Joseph & Robert doing so in violation of their paroles for they were with him in the battle of the Hanging Rock about the 9th day of August 1780 and must have been gone with him two or three months during that tour of duty Witness has often seen a rifle which was taken from a Tory killed in that battle by Joseph Wilson and believes it is now in possession of David Wilson of Maury County, one of his descendants.
Witness refers in corroboration of what he has above said in relation to the service of Robert Wilson, to an old affidavit herewith filed, marked A, and which he makes part of his evidence, it being the evidence on oath of Aaron Wilson & Joseph Wilson before Robert Irwin, a Justice of the Peace, made August 6th 1783, as to the value of a blanket and a pott one lost by Robert Wilson in the defence of Charleston under Lincoln and the other lost in the Hanging Rock battle.
Witness having been applied to for any old papers showing the service of Robert Wilson accidentally found the above named papers amongst the property of his deceased brother Aaron Wilson, and upon examination, witness distinctly remembers the handwriting of Robert Irwin which is very peculiar and who was known to this witness in early life, as well as the handwriting of Joseph & Aaron Wilson. Witness knows the signatures to be theirs & that it is genuine. He also knows that Robert Irwin was a justice of the peace at the time and believes that he also was an officer in the Hanging Rock Battle under Col. Thomas Sumpter.
Witness knows that some of his brothers were out in the Cherokee Campaigns in 1775-6 and in 1778-9. His brother John was out and others of the family, but he cannot remember whether Robert Wilson was out or not. He knows that his brother Robert and in fact all his older brothers were out some weeks at the time of the Ramsour battle, but witness cannot note how long they were out. He thinks that they--- out at that particular time only a few weeks.
Witness also knows that several of his brothers were with Genl Green before & at the battle of Guildford Court House but he cannot name what one ----
The last time Robert Wilson was out in the republican army was in what was called the Wilmington Campaign, which witness believes was the last service performed in North Carolina & was about the summer or fall of 1781. Robert Wilson was out then three or four months.
These are all the tours of duty performed by Robert Wilson during the war, which are fixed in the memory of the witness so that he can specify the place or battle or campaign in which he served but he is well satisfied that Robert Wilson as well as his other brothers before named performed more services than has been stated above. In fact, from the time when the Indians broke out in the west in 1775, some of his brothers were generally in some of campaigns which occurred against them during the Revolution and after the British & Tories combined to over run South & North Carolina in 1778, until the end of the war witness believes that his brothers were but seldom at house being generally out against the Tories or the British.
Witness knows that shortly after Gates defeat all of his brothers were out, & that when the British advanced in Mecklenburgh in 1780, after Gates & Sumpter defeats, a younger brother of the witness named Zaccheus was sent to give notice of their approach and was taken prisoner, and although but a boy was retained several days.
Witness remembers that his father & brother John had taken a wagon & supplies to Col. Sumpters men just before his party was dispersed & that they were both taken prisoner of war & marched towards Charleston with many other prisoners & that the prisoners over powered their guard & made their escape & that shortly afterwards & before they got back the British General Cornwallis & others, took possession of the house of the father of the witness as he marched toward the --- & that witness was hid in the loft being then about eleven years old, for fear of being carried away by the British Army.
Witness has not attempted to specify the period of time for which his brother Robert entered the service nor the officer, captain or Colonel under which he served & has declined doing so because being young he cannot state distinctly what particular officer commanded in each period of service. & because the particular time, when he started on each tour of duty can not now be stated by him.
Robert Wilson died in 1819 and had been an early settler in Georgia say in 1790 to 1795, in during which time he was on the frontier & engaged in the Indian struggles & in 1795 crossed the Cumberland Mountains to the Cumberland Valley and afterwards about 1800 settled in Williamson County, Tennessee. During this period the papers, certificates & other memorandums of service of Robert Wilson, if he ever returned ----, must have been lost, so that now it would be impossible perhaps to procuring any of his papers, from which these exact periods of his service could be gathered.
Witness was acquainted with his brother & family --- and was a part of the time a member of his family & has heard him speak of the incidents of the siege of Charleston in 1780 from that time until the day of his death.
Robert Wilson, the brother of witness was born about the year 1760 and was married to Jane McDowell daughter of William McDowell in Steele Creek in Mecklenburg N.C. in 1783 or 1784 by the Rev. James McRea a Presbyterian minister, then & long afterwards the pastor of the Steele Creek congregation. This marriage was by publication of bans The witness was at the wedding & has known Jane Wilson ever since 1819 the year of her husbands death & knows that she has continued to live in Williamson County near Harpeth Lick ever since & that she is still a widow.
Witness believes that his brother Josiah Wilson & Phebe Reid both of Marshall County Tennessee are the only persons living beside himself who saw Robert Wilson married. He knows of no other persons now living to whom the services of Robert Wilson are known.
Moses Wilson
In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson widow of Robt Wilson, decd, for benefit of pension laws in relation to widows of Revolutionary Soldiers.
Deposition of Josiah Wilson
Be it remembered that on the 21st day of October eighteen hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me George R. May Esqr one of the Justices of the Peace & of the county court of the county of Marshall of the state of Tennessee Josiah Wilson, an aged and in firmed man, a citizen of Marshall County, state of Tennessee who having been duly sworn upon the Holy Bible in the due form of law, makes the following declaration in relation to the services & marriage of his brother the late Robert Wilson, to wit: that he was born in the County of Mecklenburgh N.Carolina in the month of October A.D. seventeen hundred and sixty seven and is now in his eighty first year. Robert Wilson was born in 1760 or 1761 and was married to Jane McDowell daughter of William McDowell in the Steele Creek Congregation in Mecklenburg Co. North Carolina by the Rev. James McRee, the pastor of said congregation in the year seventeen hundred & eighty three or four, being the second year after war of Revolution.
He further states that his brothers were engaged in nearly every campaign of any importance against the British & Tories from 1776 to 1783, as well as against the Cherokee & Chicamauga Indians, during the same period. They were at Briar-Brie? 1779 at the siege & defence of Charleston, at the Hanging Rock Battle in Augt. 1780, at the Cowpens & Guildford Court House.
He has examined the Pay Certificates attached to the Declaration of Jane Wilson taken before John A. McCaul Esq on the 12th day of May 1849, showing the amount of pay received by Robert Wilson, as a private in the Revolutionary War & he states that his father Robert Wilson, the elder, was too far advanced in life to be subject to military duty during the Revolution and too feeble in body to endure the fatigue of a campaign. His father Robert Wilson, the elder, it is true was taken prisoner at or near Fishing Creek about the 18th day of Augt 1780 near or at Sumpters camp, but he was not taken as a soldier but as an aged and influential citizen, who had several sons who were active soldiers in what the British called, the "Rebel Army" and who was at the time conducting supplies to Sumpters Corps & was known to be a zealous advocate of the American cause; but Robert Wilson Senior never did receive pay or pay certificates for military service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, but his son, the brother of witness, Robert Wilson, Junior, the late husband of Jane Wilson, did receive pay or pay certificates, he thinks both as a drafted soldier & as a volunteer for services in North Carolina before the siege and at the siege of Charleston and also for services in North & South Carolina after the reduction of Charleston as a private ----- officers whose names are not known to witness.
He further states that he is satisfied that the pay certificates heretofore referred to, issued in the name of Robert Wilson & R. Wilson for services as a private in the Revolutionary War were not issued to Robert Wilson Senior, the father of this witness, but to Robert Wilson Junior his brother.
Interrogatories by the Justice-
Intg. 1 How old were you when your father Robert Wilson Senior was taken prisoner by Tarletons Dragoons? and also your brother John?
Ans. 1 According to the best of my recollection I was then about thirteen years of age being born in October AD 1766 or 1767.
Intg.2 Was this before or after your brothers Robert & Joseph were prisoners at Charleston?
Ans.2 My father was taken prisoner with my brother John the day before Cornwallis reached Charlotte. My brothers Robert & Joseph were surrendered prisoners of war at Charleston about the 12th of May preceding and were discharged upon parole. I think my father & brother John were taken prisoners about the 19 or 20th day of August AD 1780.
Intg.3 Please state, according to the best of your recollection, the length of time your brothers Joseph and Robert Wilson Junior were in the military service prior to and during the siege of Charleston? did they or not remain in the lines of Charleston during the whole period of the defence? and were they or not there when Genl Lincoln & army laid down their arms?
Ans.3 My brothers Robert & Joseph were both at the siege & defence of Charleston - They both went out before the siege of Charleston began as privates of Militia Troops raised in the county of Mecklenburg, at the call of Genl Lincoln. I am certain they were both within the lines of Charleston during the defence and at the time of the surrender. The distance from Steele Creek or Charlotte to Charleston is about two hundred miles. It was then about ten or twelve days drive with a wagon to Charleston and I think it would not have taken a body of infantry soldiers less than twelve days to have marched from the Town of Charlotte in Mecklenburg to the City of Charleston, making the necessary allowance for detention in crossing streams with troops & supply wagons, and this estimate would require a prompt and rapid march - more rapid than usual.
Ingt.4 Please state the names of such American Generals & Colonels as commanded the American Troops in the various campaigns and battles & sieges, in which your brothers were soldiers?
Ans.4 I remember of the Militia Generals who commanded the Mecklenburg Troops, both against the British & Tories, but sometimes against the Indians, Joseph Rutherford, Joseph McDowell, Ashe, Davidson, Adam Alexander, Robert Irwin, Lytle, --- James White and others less important. Of the South Carolina Troops were Col afterwards General Thos. Sumpter & Wade Hampton & Col. Anderson, and of the Continental Army were Generals Lee, Lincoln, Gates, Greene, Daniel Morgan, & Colonel Lee & Washington. Genl Hogan. Of the officers of lower grade I remember Captain Barnett, Hall, David Reed, Robert Irwin & Brevard &c. and my elder brother Aaron Wilson was a Lieutenant in Capt. Halls company in 1778 or 9 and was at the Battle of Stono in June 1779. I knew Major James White long after war, when we were both citizens of Sumner County. I knew him not only in North Carolina but also as a citizen of Tennessee. Genl Tillington according to my information commanded the only Brigade of North Carolina Militia at defence of Charleston, but there were others Corps then under Colonels I cannot remember whether Robert Wilson Jr. was under Tillington or some other officer. If he was under Tillington, he was one of those who volunteered to stay until the siege ended under Col. Lytle & Major Habersham. In addition to what I have already stated I wish to add that I am well satisfied that I have not been able to state all the periods of service in which my brother was a soldier during the Revolutionary War- especially in the four years preceeding the year 1780 and where I have stated it I have stated a less period of service than was probably performed.
Intg.5 Please name some clergyman who knew your brother Robert Wilson, Junior prior to his death, & who could testify as to his reputation in his neighborhood, in regard to his services in the Revolutionary War?
Ans.5 I think James B. Porter of Spring Hill, an aged Cumberland Presbyterian Clergyman who has known the whole family forty years.
I am not interested in this application of Jane Wilson for a pension either directly or indirectly & further this deponent ---- to note.
Josiah Wilson
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year above written containing six pages.
W216
Soldier Robert Wilson
Widow Jane Wilson
Jane Wilson Declaration & Exhibits Act 7 June 1838
State of Tennessee
Williamson County
On the 12th day of May A.D. 1849 before me John A. McCaul Esq. a Justice of the Peace of said County and also a Justice of the County Court thereof Jane Wilson of said County aged about eighty five years, who having been duly sworn according to law, declares upon oath, as follows in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of 7 June 1838 & other Acts of Congress providing for the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers, to wit.
That she is the daughter of William McDowell who was with Col. Thos Sumpter at the Hanging Rock Battle, who was also at the Battle of Kings Mountain in October 1780. She believes from the tradition of her family that she was born on the 2d day of Sept 1766 in York District Province of South Carolina. She was married on the (blank) day of February (the second or third Thursday of said month) in the year 1783 or 1784 by the Revd James McRee to Robert Wilson Junior the son of Robert Wilson of Steele Creek, Mecklenburgh, North Carolina. She was married at her own fathers house in Mecklenburgh he having removed to Mecklenburg in 1783. She has no family or Church or Court record by which to prove her marriage. Her marriage was by publication of bans, & she has been able to procure the evidence of Mrs. Phebe Reed, Josiah Wilson & Moses Wilson who witnessed her marriage.
The year after her marriage, she removed with her husband to Lincoln County, State of Georgia, where Robert Wilson Junior, lived five or six years during which time her husband was engaged in several campaigns against the Indians as a captain of Militia Volunteers. He then removed to the Cumberland Valley about the year 1791 or 2 and lived in Sumner County near Bledsoes Lick until about the year 1799. Sometime in the year 1799 her late husband removed to Harpeth Lick in Williamson County state of Tennessee where he continued until the year 1819 when he departed this life, aged about sixty years, leaving the declarant his widow surviving ---, where she has continued to live a widow to the present time, never having remarried.
In relation to her husbands Revolutionary service she refers to the deposition of Moses & Josiah Wilson, surviving brothers of her late husband already on file in the Pension Office and to the additional facts which may be stated by these in relation to said services. Her husband, Robert Wilson Junior was the son of Robert Wilson Senior who lived before during and after Revolutionary war at Steele Creek in the County of Mecklenburgh State of North Carolina. The elder Robert Wilson had six or seven sons (whose names have all been mentioned in the deposition of Moses Wilson) who were soldiers in North & South Carolina & Georgia in almost every campaign which occurred in said states or provinces from 1776 to 1783. Robert Wilson Senior was not less than fifty or fifty five years of age at the beginning of the Revolution and although he was a bold and ardent supporter & advocate of the Revolution he was too much advanced in years & too feeble in body to endure the fatigues of a campaign if he had been subject to military duty which he was not.
Although he was a prisoner in the hands of the British in 1780 taken at or near Sumpters Camp in August of that year and confined in Camden jail together with one of his sons, named John Wilson and several of his nearest neighbors and others he was not taken as a soldier but as aged and influential citizen, who had several sons fighting under Sumpter & other Republican leaders against the British King and who was when taken engaged in furnishing and conveying provisions to Genl Thomas Sumpters camp.
This declarant states that Robert Wilson Senior, the father of her husband Robert Wilson Junior, was not, at any period of the war, subject to military duty and never did receive pay as a private soldier, or as an officer for any service performed by him during the Revolutionary War. Amongst several periods of service, extending through out the Revolutionary War, with but few intervals, this declarant is only able to specify the following campaigns of her husband. A tour of duty of three or four months as a private of North Carolina Militia in August and September, October & November AD 1776 in a company commanded by Capt. Robert Irwin, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Alexander under the principal command of Brigadier General Rutherford, against the Cherokee Indians & other tours not now remembered.
In a tour of duty, as a private of Company of North Carolina Militia Commanded by Capt. _____ _______ in a Regiment or Corps commanded by _________ under the command of General Lincoln before and at the defence of Charleston in the year 1780, said tour beginning as early as December 1779 or earlier. She believes that her husband Robert Wilson Junior & his brother Joseph were under Brigd General Tillington whose period of service expired during the siege about the 20th March 1780, and after the 20 March 1780, belonged to Col. Lytle & Corps, which wa composed of volunteers from General Tillington's North Carolina Brigade, who volunteered to remain three months longer & who did stay under Col. Lytle & Major Habersham, until the day of the surrender of Charleston by Genl Lincoln about 12 or 15th May 1780, making a tour of not less than five or six months without including time to return to Mecklenburgh after surrender.
A tour of duty beginning with the Hanging Rock Campaign about 1st of June 1780, under Genl Thomas Sumpter, of South Carolina & Col. Anderson of South Carolina, but under what Captain this declarant cannot now state. A brother of Robert Wilson Jr. was under Capt. Reid, but she does know that Robert was. The head quarters of Genl. Sumpter were on Sugar Creek near old Robin Wilson's in June 1780, and after the affair at Fishing Creek about 20th August 1780, Robert Wilson, Junior & several of his brothers were his constant followers from 1st June 1780, & were with him at Hanging Rock & other subsequent battles. During this period he acted under the authority of South Carolina & received an Indent, a copy of which herewith filed marked Exhibit AD from South Carolina, during this period is made a part of this deposition.
The certificate of W. F. Collins, Compr of N.C. herewith filed marked Exhibit AB is made a part of this deposition which shows various payments made by the State of North Carolina to Robert Wilson Junior besides payments for the periods stated by her above. She believes the largest payment to refers to the tour at defense of Charleston, being for the sum of twenty pounds fourteen shillings.
This declarant, owing to age & infirmity cannot -- to travel seventeen miles, to the Court House, without danger to her life.
She further declares that she knows of no persons now living by whom she can prove more definitely the several period & tours of duty, and the names of the company & regimental officers than she has already done by the depositions of Moses & Josiah Wilson, and by the pay certificates & other records, which she has been able to procure showing the amount & character of the services of Robert Wilson Junior; except by reference to the Declaration of James Wilson, late a Pensioner of the United States, made in 1833 before the County Court of Bedford County, State of Tennessee & who was a brother & fellow soldier in the Hanging Rock Campaign, with her late husband under Col. Sumpter but not under Capt. Reid & Col. Irwin. In that Declaration he states ---he was a private in Capt David Reids Company of Col. Robert Irwins Regiment of North Carolina Militia from 10th June 1780 to about the 1st of Sept 1780, three months. James Wilson has been sometime deceased, but his Declaration is now on file in Pension Office at Washington City. He departed this life before declarant thought of making this application for a pension, & she knows of no other evidence which she can now procure, to describe more in detail her late husbands services. While under Sumpter & Anderson, Robert Wilson Jr was a private militia volunteer.
Jane Wilson
-----12th line above
Sworn to & subscribed before me
this day & date above written
John A. McCaul, JP justice of Peace
Exhibit AD is the Certificate of the Comptroller Genl of South Carolina dated 24th April 1849
Exhibit AB is the Certificate of the Comptroller of N Carolina dated April 30th 1849
State of Tennessee
Marshall Co
Deposition of Phebe Reid
At the House of Samuel Reid, son of Phebe Reid
(researcher's note: Phebe Reid was the wife of James Reid Sr. She was also the daughter of George Calhoun and Ann Wilson.
On the 8th day of June 1848 A.D. personally appeared before me George R. May one of the Justices of the County Court of Marshall County Tennessee Phebe Reid an old resident of said county aged seventy six years who is infirm of body but of sound mind and good recollection, who having been duly sworn, made oath as follows, that she was born Sept 3rd 1772, in the county of Mecklenburgh, N. Carolina; that she was well acquainted with Robert Wilson, deceased, and was present at the house of William McDowell in said county of Mecklenburgh, when said Robert Wilson was married to Jane McDowell by Rev. Mr. McRea; that said witness was then in her twelfth or thirteenth year; that said marriage was about the month of February in the year 1783 or 1784. It was two or three years after the Revolutionary War. The marriage was by publication of bans. Witness knows that Robert Wilson removed to Tennessee about the year 1795 and lived at the time of his death near Harpeth Lick in the County of Williamson, state of Tennessee, which took place about the year 1819. Jane Wilson has remained a widow ever since and has still continued to live in said county of Williamson. Witness was distantly related to the Wilsons and was well acquainted with the family.
Witness has in her own possession an old family record, a Bible, in which her age is entered and from this she knows that she is now about seventy six years old & that she was born Sept 3rd 1772. . Phebe (her mark) Reid
The lines numbered from 1 to 4 and from 6 to 11 were erased before signing.
Sworn to & subscribed before
me on the day & year above written
George R. May
J.P. of said county
I hereby certify that Phebe Reid whose name is signed to the above affidavit is an aged and infirmed woman, and confined to her bed by infirmity, but that she is of sound mind & has been many years a resident of Marshall & Williamson Countys in the state of Tennessee and has ever borne the character of a truthful and honest woman and has been known & esteemed in her neighborhood; as one of the witnesses in the war of Independence of many of the events of that war in the province of North Carolina & especially in the county of Mecklenburg. Her statements are entitled to full faith & credit. Her family record ----old Bible is as above stated by her.
George R. May
June 8th 1848
Justice of the Peace & one of the Justices of the County Court of
Marshall County, Tennessee
J. Shuffield
Justice of the Peace
Marshall County Tennessee
In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, deceased, for the benefit of the Acts of 7th Jul 1838, 3rd Mar 1843, and February 1848 granting pensions to the widows of certain persons who served in the Revolutionary War.
State of Tennessee
Marshall County
Deposition of Moses Wilson
On this 31st day of July 1848 personally appeared before me John Shuffield a justice of the peace of said county, Moses Wilson, who having been duly sworn makes the following statements in relation to the marriage of Robert Wilson and Jane McDowell and as to the Revolutionary Services of said Robert, viz witness believes he was born about the year 1769 (seventeen hundred sixty-nine) in the Steele Creek congregation Mecklenburg Co. N.C. and was about seven or eight years old at the beginning of the revolutionary war and thirteen or fourteen at the end of it. He has no record of his age, but the age of himself and brothers have been preserved by tradition The family record of his father was lost during the war. Witness remembers many of the events of the war especially of what took place during the year 1779, 1780, 1781 and 1782.
His father Robert Wilson Senr. lived on Steele Creek before during and after the Revolutionary War and had six sons who were old enough to bear arms during the war all of whom were repeatedly engaged in various campaigns, & battles, both in North and South Carolina, against the British and Tories. The father of witness was taken prisoner by Col. Tarleton's dragoons the day after the defeat and dispersion of Col. Thomas Sumpter's troops at Fishing Creek about the 18th August 1780.
Witness had six brothers who were engaged from time to time in the service of the Republican Army in North Carolina. Their names and age were nearly as follows.
1. Joseph Wilson born 1749 died
2. Aaron Wilson " 1751 " about 1833
3. John Wilson " 1753 " "
4. James Wilson " 1755 " " 184--
5. Robert Wilson " 1760 " " 1819
6. Samuel Wilson " 1762 " "
None of these brothers ever applied for or received any pension in land or money either from the General Government or the States of North or South Carolina, except James Wilson who received a pension from the U.S. Government before he died.
Joseph and Robert Wilson were both privates in a company of Militia raised in Mecklenburgh County North Carolina but witness does not know whether they went out under the officers of North Carolina or South Carolina. The citizens of Mecklenburgh sometimes served under Col. Sumpter, Col. Marion & other South Carolina partisans, but he knows that while they -- under Major General Lincoln of the Continental Army; that they were both in his army and under the command of said Lincoln, at the defense of Charleston, which continued from the 4th of February 1780 to the 12th day of May 1780, on which day Joseph and Robert Wilson together the rest of the North & South Carolina Militia were surrendered prisoners of war and marched out upon parole. Joseph & Robert Wilson shortly afterwards, say about June 1st 1780, returned to the house of their father in Mecklenburgh County, North Carolina. Witness cannot state how long Joseph & Robert served before the siege of Charleston but thinks it probable some months before and from 4th February to 12th May 1780 during which the siege lasted.
Witness believes that Joseph, James & Robert Wilson soon afterwards joined Col. Thomas Sumpter & Corps of partisans, Joseph & Robert doing so in violation of their paroles for they were with him in the battle of the Hanging Rock about the 9th day of August 1780 and must have been gone with him two or three months during that tour of duty Witness has often seen a rifle which was taken from a Tory killed in that battle by Joseph Wilson and believes it is now in possession of David Wilson of Maury County, one of his descendants.
Witness refers in corroboration of what he has above said in relation to the service of Robert Wilson, to an old affidavit herewith filed, marked A, and which he makes part of his evidence, it being the evidence on oath of Aaron Wilson & Joseph Wilson before Robert Irwin, a Justice of the Peace, made August 6th 1783, as to the value of a blanket and a pott one lost by Robert Wilson in the defence of Charleston under Lincoln and the other lost in the Hanging Rock battle.
Witness having been applied to for any old papers showing the service of Robert Wilson accidentally found the above named papers amongst the property of his deceased brother Aaron Wilson, and upon examination, witness distinctly remembers the handwriting of Robert Irwin which is very peculiar and who was known to this witness in early life, as well as the handwriting of Joseph & Aaron Wilson. Witness knows the signatures to be theirs & that it is genuine. He also knows that Robert Irwin was a justice of the peace at the time and believes that he also was an officer in the Hanging Rock Battle under Col. Thomas Sumpter.
Witness knows that some of his brothers were out in the Cherokee Campaigns in 1775-6 and in 1778-9. His brother John was out and others of the family, but he cannot remember whether Robert Wilson was out or not. He knows that his brother Robert and in fact all his older brothers were out some weeks at the time of the Ramsour battle, but witness cannot note how long they were out. He thinks that they--- out at that particular time only a few weeks.
Witness also knows that several of his brothers were with Genl Green before & at the battle of Guildford Court House but he cannot name what one ----
The last time Robert Wilson was out in the republican army was in what was called the Wilmington Campaign, which witness believes was the last service performed in North Carolina & was about the summer or fall of 1781. Robert Wilson was out then three or four months.
These are all the tours of duty performed by Robert Wilson during the war, which are fixed in the memory of the witness so that he can specify the place or battle or campaign in which he served but he is well satisfied that Robert Wilson as well as his other brothers before named performed more services than has been stated above. In fact, from the time when the Indians broke out in the west in 1775, some of his brothers were generally in some of campaigns which occurred against them during the Revolution and after the British & Tories combined to over run South & North Carolina in 1778, until the end of the war witness believes that his brothers were but seldom at house being generally out against the Tories or the British.
Witness knows that shortly after Gates defeat all of his brothers were out, & that when the British advanced in Mecklenburgh in 1780, after Gates & Sumpter defeats, a younger brother of the witness named Zaccheus was sent to give notice of their approach and was taken prisoner, and although but a boy was retained several days.
Witness remembers that his father & brother John had taken a wagon & supplies to Col. Sumpters men just before his party was dispersed & that they were both taken prisoner of war & marched towards Charleston with many other prisoners & that the prisoners over powered their guard & made their escape & that shortly afterwards & before they got back the British General Cornwallis & others, took possession of the house of the father of the witness as he marched toward the --- & that witness was hid in the loft being then about eleven years old, for fear of being carried away by the British Army.
Witness has not attempted to specify the period of time for which his brother Robert entered the service nor the officer, captain or Colonel under which he served & has declined doing so because being young he cannot state distinctly what particular officer commanded in each period of service. & because the particular time, when he started on each tour of duty can not now be stated by him.
Robert Wilson died in 1819 and had been an early settler in Georgia say in 1790 to 1795, in during which time he was on the frontier & engaged in the Indian struggles & in 1795 crossed the Cumberland Mountains to the Cumberland Valley and afterwards about 1800 settled in Williamson County, Tennessee. During this period the papers, certificates & other memorandums of service of Robert Wilson, if he ever returned ----, must have been lost, so that now it would be impossible perhaps to procuring any of his papers, from which these exact periods of his service could be gathered.
Witness was acquainted with his brother & family --- and was a part of the time a member of his family & has heard him speak of the incidents of the siege of Charleston in 1780 from that time until the day of his death.
Robert Wilson, the brother of witness was born about the year 1760 and was married to Jane McDowell daughter of William McDowell in Steele Creek in Mecklenburg N.C. in 1783 or 1784 by the Rev. James McRea a Presbyterian minister, then & long afterwards the pastor of the Steele Creek congregation. This marriage was by publication of bans The witness was at the wedding & has known Jane Wilson ever since 1819 the year of her husbands death & knows that she has continued to live in Williamson County near Harpeth Lick ever since & that she is still a widow.
Witness believes that his brother Josiah Wilson & Phebe Reid both of Marshall County Tennessee are the only persons living beside himself who saw Robert Wilson married. He knows of no other persons now living to whom the services of Robert Wilson are known.
Moses Wilson
In the matter of the application of Jane Wilson widow of Robt Wilson, decd, for benefit of pension laws in relation to widows of Revolutionary Soldiers.
Deposition of Josiah Wilson
Be it remembered that on the 21st day of October eighteen hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me George R. May Esqr one of the Justices of the Peace & of the county court of the county of Marshall of the state of Tennessee Josiah Wilson, an aged and in firmed man, a citizen of Marshall County, state of Tennessee who having been duly sworn upon the Holy Bible in the due form of law, makes the following declaration in relation to the services & marriage of his brother the late Robert Wilson, to wit: that he was born in the County of Mecklenburgh N.Carolina in the month of October A.D. seventeen hundred and sixty seven and is now in his eighty first year. Robert Wilson was born in 1760 or 1761 and was married to Jane McDowell daughter of William McDowell in the Steele Creek Congregation in Mecklenburg Co. North Carolina by the Rev. James McRee, the pastor of said congregation in the year seventeen hundred & eighty three or four, being the second year after war of Revolution.
He further states that his brothers were engaged in nearly every campaign of any importance against the British & Tories from 1776 to 1783, as well as against the Cherokee & Chicamauga Indians, during the same period. They were at Briar-Brie? 1779 at the siege & defence of Charleston, at the Hanging Rock Battle in Augt. 1780, at the Cowpens & Guildford Court House.
He has examined the Pay Certificates attached to the Declaration of Jane Wilson taken before John A. McCaul Esq on the 12th day of May 1849, showing the amount of pay received by Robert Wilson, as a private in the Revolutionary War & he states that his father Robert Wilson, the elder, was too far advanced in life to be subject to military duty during the Revolution and too feeble in body to endure the fatigue of a campaign. His father Robert Wilson, the elder, it is true was taken prisoner at or near Fishing Creek about the 18th day of Augt 1780 near or at Sumpters camp, but he was not taken as a soldier but as an aged and influential citizen, who had several sons who were active soldiers in what the British called, the "Rebel Army" and who was at the time conducting supplies to Sumpters Corps & was known to be a zealous advocate of the American cause; but Robert Wilson Senior never did receive pay or pay certificates for military service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, but his son, the brother of witness, Robert Wilson, Junior, the late husband of Jane Wilson, did receive pay or pay certificates, he thinks both as a drafted soldier & as a volunteer for services in North Carolina before the siege and at the siege of Charleston and also for services in North & South Carolina after the reduction of Charleston as a private ----- officers whose names are not known to witness.
He further states that he is satisfied that the pay certificates heretofore referred to, issued in the name of Robert Wilson & R. Wilson for services as a private in the Revolutionary War were not issued to Robert Wilson Senior, the father of this witness, but to Robert Wilson Junior his brother.
Interrogatories by the Justice-
Intg. 1 How old were you when your father Robert Wilson Senior was taken prisoner by Tarletons Dragoons? and also your brother John?
Ans. 1 According to the best of my recollection I was then about thirteen years of age being born in October AD 1766 or 1767.
Intg.2 Was this before or after your brothers Robert & Joseph were prisoners at Charleston?
Ans.2 My father was taken prisoner with my brother John the day before Cornwallis reached Charlotte. My brothers Robert & Joseph were surrendered prisoners of war at Charleston about the 12th of May preceding and were discharged upon parole. I think my father & brother John were taken prisoners about the 19 or 20th day of August AD 1780.
Intg.3 Please state, according to the best of your recollection, the length of time your brothers Joseph and Robert Wilson Junior were in the military service prior to and during the siege of Charleston? did they or not remain in the lines of Charleston during the whole period of the defence? and were they or not there when Genl Lincoln & army laid down their arms?
Ans.3 My brothers Robert & Joseph were both at the siege & defence of Charleston - They both went out before the siege of Charleston began as privates of Militia Troops raised in the county of Mecklenburg, at the call of Genl Lincoln. I am certain they were both within the lines of Charleston during the defence and at the time of the surrender. The distance from Steele Creek or Charlotte to Charleston is about two hundred miles. It was then about ten or twelve days drive with a wagon to Charleston and I think it would not have taken a body of infantry soldiers less than twelve days to have marched from the Town of Charlotte in Mecklenburg to the City of Charleston, making the necessary allowance for detention in crossing streams with troops & supply wagons, and this estimate would require a prompt and rapid march - more rapid than usual.
Ingt.4 Please state the names of such American Generals & Colonels as commanded the American Troops in the various campaigns and battles & sieges, in which your brothers were soldiers?
Ans.4 I remember of the Militia Generals who commanded the Mecklenburg Troops, both against the British & Tories, but sometimes against the Indians, Joseph Rutherford, Joseph McDowell, Ashe, Davidson, Adam Alexander, Robert Irwin, Lytle, --- James White and others less important. Of the South Carolina Troops were Col afterwards General Thos. Sumpter & Wade Hampton & Col. Anderson, and of the Continental Army were Generals Lee, Lincoln, Gates, Greene, Daniel Morgan, & Colonel Lee & Washington. Genl Hogan. Of the officers of lower grade I remember Captain Barnett, Hall, David Reed, Robert Irwin & Brevard &c. and my elder brother Aaron Wilson was a Lieutenant in Capt. Halls company in 1778 or 9 and was at the Battle of Stono in June 1779. I knew Major James White long after war, when we were both citizens of Sumner County. I knew him not only in North Carolina but also as a citizen of Tennessee. Genl Tillington according to my information commanded the only Brigade of North Carolina Militia at defence of Charleston, but there were others Corps then under Colonels I cannot remember whether Robert Wilson Jr. was under Tillington or some other officer. If he was under Tillington, he was one of those who volunteered to stay until the siege ended under Col. Lytle & Major Habersham. In addition to what I have already stated I wish to add that I am well satisfied that I have not been able to state all the periods of service in which my brother was a soldier during the Revolutionary War- especially in the four years preceeding the year 1780 and where I have stated it I have stated a less period of service than was probably performed.
Intg.5 Please name some clergyman who knew your brother Robert Wilson, Junior prior to his death, & who could testify as to his reputation in his neighborhood, in regard to his services in the Revolutionary War?
Ans.5 I think James B. Porter of Spring Hill, an aged Cumberland Presbyterian Clergyman who has known the whole family forty years.
I am not interested in this application of Jane Wilson for a pension either directly or indirectly & further this deponent ---- to note.
Josiah Wilson
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year above written containing six pages.
Will of Robert Wilson
17 Jan 1819
Williamson County, TN
Will Book 3, page 95
17 Jan 1819
Williamson County, TN
Will Book 3, page 95
October Session 1819
In the name of God, Amen. I Robert Wilson, of the county of Williamson and State of Tennessee, of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and Testament.
First I give and bequeath to my loving wife JANE WILSON a negro woman named Cloe, to be hers and at her disposal and all the household and kitchen furniture to enable her to furnish beds and furniture for the three daughters thats living with me at this time, two head of horses, a saddle and bridle, two cows and calves, three choice sows and pigs, a sufficiency of pork for one year, eight sheep, the plantation that I now live on and all the farming utensils during her life or widowhood.
I give and bequeath to my daughter ELEANOR fifty dollars in cash.
Third I give and bequeath to my daughter MARY fifty dollars in cash.
Fourth I give and bequeath to my daughter JANE fifty dollars in cash.
Fifth I give and bequeath to my daughter ASANETH fifty dollars in cash.
Sixth I give and bequeath to my daughter SINTHY fifty dollars in cash.
Seventh I give and bequeath to my daughter PATSY a Negro girl called Sal, a horse saddle and bridle worth eighty dollars, a bed and furniture.
Eighth I give and bequeath to my daughter LOUISA a Negro girl named Hannah, a horse saddle and bridle worth eighty dollars, a bed and furniture.
Ninth I give and bequeath to my daughter MATILDA a Negro girl named Minda, a horse saddle and bridle worth eighty dollars, a bed and furniture.
Tenth, I give and bequeath to my grandson ROBERT WILSON CALHOUN a certain tract of land that his father CHARLES CALHOUN now lives on, beginning at my North East corner and running it West and South a near a square to include the farm that Charles Calhoun now lives on and the sd. tract to contain seventy two acres, but it is my will that the sd. Charles Calhoun lives on sd. land until the sd. Robert W. Calhoun comes of age or gets married, but if the sd. Robert W. Calhoun dies before he is married or without an heir the land belongs to his father Charles Calhoun.
Eleventh it is my will and desire that my loving wife JANE WILSON lives on the plantation that I now live on during her life or widowhood and to have Dave and James and all the profits of sd. farm to raise and school my three daughters that is with me at this time, but if my should die before my youngest daughter comes of age and those of my daughters that is not married shall have the profits of sd. plantation and Negroes while single or until my youngest is of age the plantation Dave and James is to be sold and divided among my children, grandchildren in the manner hereafter names to my daughter ELEANOR, MARY, JANE, ASANETH, and SINTHY equally with the exception of giving my grandson ROBERT MORRISON one hundred dollars and my grandson THOMAS WILSON HAYNES one hundred dollars and if any of the Negroes that I have bequeathed to my three youngest daughters should die before the last division, then they shall have an equal share with my daughters already named in the last division and lastly all the stock that I posses at my decease not bequeathed it shall be sold for the purpose of paying the legacies already bequeathed and the remainder after paying sd. legacies shall be equally divided between my wife and three youngest daughters and I constitute, appoint and ordain JACOB SHAVER, CHARLES CALHOUN, and ADAM MILLER to execute this my last Will and Testament. Given under my hand and seal January 17, 1819,
ROBERT WILSON (seal)
Signed, sealed in presence of THOMAS WILSON, ADAM MILLER, CHARLES CALHOUN, THOMAS HUME
Produced in open Court October session 1819 and proven by the oaths of Thomas Wilson and Thomas Hume, subscribing witnesses thereto and the same was ordered to be recorded
Jane McDowell Wilson
1766-1853
1766-1853
Jane McDowell Wilson was born 2 Sep 1766 in York County, South Carolina. She died 10 April 1853 and her estate was administered by her grandson M. A. Haynes (Milton Andrews Haynes) Williamson County, TN Will Bk. 11, page 35.
Account of distribution, there being eight shares, paid to the children & grandchildren of Jane Wilson (Haynes Family Papers)
Signed 2 June 1856 Milton A. Haynes, adm.
Asenath Haynes heirs (m. James Sloan Haynes): Jane Baker, Peril Columbus Haynes, Z.R. Malloy, M.E. Haynie, Milton A. Haynes Thomas W. Haynes.
Mary Calhoun heirs (m. Charles A. Calhoun): Margaret M. Cathey, Wilson Calhoun, Ann Hemphill, Robert Calhoun deceased, his three children
Eleanor Morrison
Martha Wall
Louisa Hinson
Jane Patterson
Cynthia Wilson
Matilda Jones Dwyer heirs: H.H. Jones, Jane M. Nunn, Joseph Dwyer
Account of distribution, there being eight shares, paid to the children & grandchildren of Jane Wilson (Haynes Family Papers)
Signed 2 June 1856 Milton A. Haynes, adm.
Asenath Haynes heirs (m. James Sloan Haynes): Jane Baker, Peril Columbus Haynes, Z.R. Malloy, M.E. Haynie, Milton A. Haynes Thomas W. Haynes.
Mary Calhoun heirs (m. Charles A. Calhoun): Margaret M. Cathey, Wilson Calhoun, Ann Hemphill, Robert Calhoun deceased, his three children
Eleanor Morrison
Martha Wall
Louisa Hinson
Jane Patterson
Cynthia Wilson
Matilda Jones Dwyer heirs: H.H. Jones, Jane M. Nunn, Joseph Dwyer
Amended Bill, Exhibit #4
Humbly complaining &c James R. Wilson & his wife Cynthia citizens of Calloway County Kentucky Tilmon D. Hinson & his wife Louisa & Jane Patterson the three last of Marshall County Tennessee represent & show unto your honor that Cynthia Wilson, Louisa Hinson & Jane Patterson are daughters of Robert Wilson decd: that on 27 th July 1853, John R. Dwyer by his next friend & John Wall & wife filed a bill in the Chancery Court at Franklin Tennessee against Charly Calhoon Executor of Robert Wilson decd asking for a construction of the last will & testament of the said Robert & praying an injunction of the sale of the land & negroes devised in said will until the rights of the parties interested in the bequests under said will should be adjudicated in this court & that they believe that they are interested in the property involved in said suit; they therefore pray the court that they may be ---- as parties plaintiff to said bill.
The original --- in said suit in conjunction with those now added further represent & show unto your honor that Elenor Morrison a daughter & legatee under the will of Robert Wilson & Robert W. Morrison a legatee both of Montgomery County State of Tennessee & Wm. M Nunn & wife Jane M. & H.H. Jones the two last the children of Matilda the youngest daughter of Robert Wilson all citizens of Williamson County State of Tennessee & the children of Asenath Haynes a daughter of Robert Wilson who died in 1827 viz Jane N. Baker wife of H. G. Baker of Marshall County Tennessee, M A Haynes & Z R Haynes of Giles County Tennessee, Peril C. Haynes of Davis County State of Iowa & Thomas W. Haynes of Rockbridge County State of Virginia & Margaret E. Haynes wife of E.B. Haynes of Smith County State of Tennessee are all heirs & legatees under the will of Robert Wilson decd & ought to made --- to this bill in order that the rights of all parties may be fully determined in this suit. --- Orators and Oratrixes therefore pray that said Elenor Morrison, Robert W Morrison, H G Baker & wife Jane N, M A Haynes & Z R Haynes, P C Haynes, Edward B. Haynes & wife Margaret E and Thomas W Haynes may be made parties defendant to this bill & that --- and issue with copies of the original & amended bill & that upon the --- hearing the rights & interests of all the parties interested in the estate of Robert Wilson decd maybe better & fully adjudicated upon & ---- relief .
Campbell & McEwin
A true copy
Humbly complaining &c James R. Wilson & his wife Cynthia citizens of Calloway County Kentucky Tilmon D. Hinson & his wife Louisa & Jane Patterson the three last of Marshall County Tennessee represent & show unto your honor that Cynthia Wilson, Louisa Hinson & Jane Patterson are daughters of Robert Wilson decd: that on 27 th July 1853, John R. Dwyer by his next friend & John Wall & wife filed a bill in the Chancery Court at Franklin Tennessee against Charly Calhoon Executor of Robert Wilson decd asking for a construction of the last will & testament of the said Robert & praying an injunction of the sale of the land & negroes devised in said will until the rights of the parties interested in the bequests under said will should be adjudicated in this court & that they believe that they are interested in the property involved in said suit; they therefore pray the court that they may be ---- as parties plaintiff to said bill.
The original --- in said suit in conjunction with those now added further represent & show unto your honor that Elenor Morrison a daughter & legatee under the will of Robert Wilson & Robert W. Morrison a legatee both of Montgomery County State of Tennessee & Wm. M Nunn & wife Jane M. & H.H. Jones the two last the children of Matilda the youngest daughter of Robert Wilson all citizens of Williamson County State of Tennessee & the children of Asenath Haynes a daughter of Robert Wilson who died in 1827 viz Jane N. Baker wife of H. G. Baker of Marshall County Tennessee, M A Haynes & Z R Haynes of Giles County Tennessee, Peril C. Haynes of Davis County State of Iowa & Thomas W. Haynes of Rockbridge County State of Virginia & Margaret E. Haynes wife of E.B. Haynes of Smith County State of Tennessee are all heirs & legatees under the will of Robert Wilson decd & ought to made --- to this bill in order that the rights of all parties may be fully determined in this suit. --- Orators and Oratrixes therefore pray that said Elenor Morrison, Robert W Morrison, H G Baker & wife Jane N, M A Haynes & Z R Haynes, P C Haynes, Edward B. Haynes & wife Margaret E and Thomas W Haynes may be made parties defendant to this bill & that --- and issue with copies of the original & amended bill & that upon the --- hearing the rights & interests of all the parties interested in the estate of Robert Wilson decd maybe better & fully adjudicated upon & ---- relief .
Campbell & McEwin
A true copy
1. ELEANOR WILSON was born 21 Jul 1785 in Georgia and married William Morrison 27 Aug 1800 Sumner County, TN. Eleanor supplied her age, birthdate and marriage date in a deposition for her mother Jane Wilson in the lawsuit Jane Wilson, et al vs. Harrison H. Jones. Eleanor and William Morrison lived in Montgomery County, TN and on the 1850 and 1860 census Eleanor lived with her son Robert Wilson Morrison. Eleanor died in 1866 and her estate was administred by her son Robert Wilson Morrison in December 1866 Montgomery County, TN. Children: Robert Wilson Morrison, William Morrison, James P. Morrison, Margaret wife of Jesse Reason, Charity wife of James G. Jones, Miranda E. wife of Daniel Elliott, Mary wife of Alexander Parr.
2. MARY JANE WILSON was born about 1787 in Georgia and married Charles A. Calhoun about 1807, the son of George Calhoun and Margaret Wilson. Charles A. Calhoun was one of the executors of Robert Wilson's will dated 1819. He gave his age as 73 in a deposition dated June 1850. In 1838 Charles and Mary Calhoun sold their 1/8 interest in the part of land that came to the heirs of Robert Wilson from the estate of Aaron A. Wilson. Mary Jane Calhoun died in 1853 Williamson County, TN. Charles A. Calhoun died 1866 in Weakley Co. TN
Children: Ann wife of George Hemphill, Wilson Calhoun, Margaret M. wife of William N. Cathey and Robert Wilson Calhoun.
3. JANE WILSON was born 1790 in Georgia. Her first marriage was to James Wilson who was probably the son of John Wilson and Ann Meek of Sumner County, NC. In 1818 James, of Bedford Co. TN received 420 acres on the Duck River and Spring Creek in Bedford County from his father John Wilson of Sumner Co. T for "love and affection of his son". (Bedford County Deed Bk. K, page 112). James was born between 1780 and 1790 and died 1833 in Bedford County, TN. His estate was described as his reconstructed will dated 8 Jan 1837, Jane Patterson vs James Fulton, Chancery Court. "James Wilson to Wife Jane, house and farm to include 100 acres, stock and effects. To daughter Ann Walls, 100 acres including farm where her husband Alex A. Wall now lives. To son Samuel Wilson, 100 acres including farm he now lives on. Mill Tract of 36 acres to be sold and money applied to schooling of his minor chiildren. The balance of the estate to sons and daughters: Thomas, Lucinda Jane, Hulda Matilda, James, Jane, Pleasant Anderson, Mary Louisa Catherine and John Robert Thompson, share and share alike. Wife Jane and son Samuel executors. The land and Mill was located northeast of Chapel Hill, Marshall Co. TN." Jane, the widow of James Wilson married again to Robert S. Patterson before March 1835. Jane Patterson, daughter of Jane Wilson gave a deposition in July 1850 regarding her mother and supplied her age of 60 years. Jane Patterson died about 1873 in Marshall County, TN. Her will was written 17 Jul 1872 and probated May 1873. Children of Jane and James Wilson (9): Samuel Wilson, Ann M. wife of Alexander Wall, Hulda Matilda wife of Zacheus Wilson Cathey, Lucinda Jane wife of James Graham, Mary Catherine Wilson, Thomas Wilson, James Justin Wilson, Pleasant Anderson Wilson, and John Robert Thompson (JRT) Wilson.
4. ASENATH WILSON married James Sloan Haynes 12 Nov 1810 Williamson County TN. Asenath was born in 1793 in Georgia and died 7 Dec 1827. She is buried in the Beechwood Cemetery, Cornersville, Marshall County, TN. James Sloan Haynes was born 7 Jul 1788 Iredell County, NC and died 23 Sep 1873. He married again to Rispah Wilson 7 Sep 1830 who was a cousin of Asenath his first wife, and the daughter of Samuel Wilson. Children of James S. Haynes and Asenath Wilson (9): Thomas Wilson Haynes, Milton Andrews Haynes, Lewis Donnell Haynes, Jane Narcissa wife of Hartwell G. Baker, Margaret Eunice wife of Rev. Edward B. Haynie, Zillah Resign wife of John Molloy, Asenath Haynes, James Rufus Haynes and Peril Columbus Haynes.
5. THOMAS WILSON the only son of Robert and Jane Wilson, was born 1796 and died 1811. He was buried in the Wilson Cemetery (with his parents) Eagleville, Rutherford Co. TN. Among the papers in the settlement of Jane Wilson's estate is the following voucher.
"Receipt of payment in the estate of Jane Wilson paid by administrator Milton A. Haynes September 7, 1855, fifty eight dollars and 52 cents for rock walls and slabs placed over the graves of Robert Wilson, decd, Jane Wilson decd and Thomas Wilson decd their son. signed W. M. Nunn"
6. CYNTHIA WILSON was born 1800 and married James R. Wilson 16 Jul 1817 in Williamson Co. TN. On the 1830 census they lived in Bedford Co. TN and moved to Wadesboro, Calloway Co. KY before 1840. James R. Wilson was a cabinet maker and varnisher and was born 1794 in Georgia. When two people, with the same last name marry, it is suspected they were cousins or closely related. James R. Wilson was possibly the son of James Wilson who died March 1809 in Sumner County, TN. His estate settlement verifies he had a son named James R. who was a minor when he died. Cynthia Wilson died before 1870 and James R. Wilson married again to Mrs. Mary Cook, who survived him. Known children of Cynthia and James R. Wilson are: Louisa J. wife of Lewis Trevathon, Asenath Grizzelda wife of Nathan Frizzell, Hannah wife of John Copland, Martha A. Wilson, Susan Wilson, Mary Wilson.
7. MARTHA E. WILSON was born 1803 and died 15 April 1859. She married John Brown Wall 23 Dec 1819 in Williamson Co. TN. Children of Martha and John Brown Wall are: Thomas C.H. Wall, Samuel B. Wall, Simeon Venable Wall and Ezekial Wall.
2. MARY JANE WILSON was born about 1787 in Georgia and married Charles A. Calhoun about 1807, the son of George Calhoun and Margaret Wilson. Charles A. Calhoun was one of the executors of Robert Wilson's will dated 1819. He gave his age as 73 in a deposition dated June 1850. In 1838 Charles and Mary Calhoun sold their 1/8 interest in the part of land that came to the heirs of Robert Wilson from the estate of Aaron A. Wilson. Mary Jane Calhoun died in 1853 Williamson County, TN. Charles A. Calhoun died 1866 in Weakley Co. TN
Children: Ann wife of George Hemphill, Wilson Calhoun, Margaret M. wife of William N. Cathey and Robert Wilson Calhoun.
3. JANE WILSON was born 1790 in Georgia. Her first marriage was to James Wilson who was probably the son of John Wilson and Ann Meek of Sumner County, NC. In 1818 James, of Bedford Co. TN received 420 acres on the Duck River and Spring Creek in Bedford County from his father John Wilson of Sumner Co. T for "love and affection of his son". (Bedford County Deed Bk. K, page 112). James was born between 1780 and 1790 and died 1833 in Bedford County, TN. His estate was described as his reconstructed will dated 8 Jan 1837, Jane Patterson vs James Fulton, Chancery Court. "James Wilson to Wife Jane, house and farm to include 100 acres, stock and effects. To daughter Ann Walls, 100 acres including farm where her husband Alex A. Wall now lives. To son Samuel Wilson, 100 acres including farm he now lives on. Mill Tract of 36 acres to be sold and money applied to schooling of his minor chiildren. The balance of the estate to sons and daughters: Thomas, Lucinda Jane, Hulda Matilda, James, Jane, Pleasant Anderson, Mary Louisa Catherine and John Robert Thompson, share and share alike. Wife Jane and son Samuel executors. The land and Mill was located northeast of Chapel Hill, Marshall Co. TN." Jane, the widow of James Wilson married again to Robert S. Patterson before March 1835. Jane Patterson, daughter of Jane Wilson gave a deposition in July 1850 regarding her mother and supplied her age of 60 years. Jane Patterson died about 1873 in Marshall County, TN. Her will was written 17 Jul 1872 and probated May 1873. Children of Jane and James Wilson (9): Samuel Wilson, Ann M. wife of Alexander Wall, Hulda Matilda wife of Zacheus Wilson Cathey, Lucinda Jane wife of James Graham, Mary Catherine Wilson, Thomas Wilson, James Justin Wilson, Pleasant Anderson Wilson, and John Robert Thompson (JRT) Wilson.
4. ASENATH WILSON married James Sloan Haynes 12 Nov 1810 Williamson County TN. Asenath was born in 1793 in Georgia and died 7 Dec 1827. She is buried in the Beechwood Cemetery, Cornersville, Marshall County, TN. James Sloan Haynes was born 7 Jul 1788 Iredell County, NC and died 23 Sep 1873. He married again to Rispah Wilson 7 Sep 1830 who was a cousin of Asenath his first wife, and the daughter of Samuel Wilson. Children of James S. Haynes and Asenath Wilson (9): Thomas Wilson Haynes, Milton Andrews Haynes, Lewis Donnell Haynes, Jane Narcissa wife of Hartwell G. Baker, Margaret Eunice wife of Rev. Edward B. Haynie, Zillah Resign wife of John Molloy, Asenath Haynes, James Rufus Haynes and Peril Columbus Haynes.
5. THOMAS WILSON the only son of Robert and Jane Wilson, was born 1796 and died 1811. He was buried in the Wilson Cemetery (with his parents) Eagleville, Rutherford Co. TN. Among the papers in the settlement of Jane Wilson's estate is the following voucher.
"Receipt of payment in the estate of Jane Wilson paid by administrator Milton A. Haynes September 7, 1855, fifty eight dollars and 52 cents for rock walls and slabs placed over the graves of Robert Wilson, decd, Jane Wilson decd and Thomas Wilson decd their son. signed W. M. Nunn"
6. CYNTHIA WILSON was born 1800 and married James R. Wilson 16 Jul 1817 in Williamson Co. TN. On the 1830 census they lived in Bedford Co. TN and moved to Wadesboro, Calloway Co. KY before 1840. James R. Wilson was a cabinet maker and varnisher and was born 1794 in Georgia. When two people, with the same last name marry, it is suspected they were cousins or closely related. James R. Wilson was possibly the son of James Wilson who died March 1809 in Sumner County, TN. His estate settlement verifies he had a son named James R. who was a minor when he died. Cynthia Wilson died before 1870 and James R. Wilson married again to Mrs. Mary Cook, who survived him. Known children of Cynthia and James R. Wilson are: Louisa J. wife of Lewis Trevathon, Asenath Grizzelda wife of Nathan Frizzell, Hannah wife of John Copland, Martha A. Wilson, Susan Wilson, Mary Wilson.
7. MARTHA E. WILSON was born 1803 and died 15 April 1859. She married John Brown Wall 23 Dec 1819 in Williamson Co. TN. Children of Martha and John Brown Wall are: Thomas C.H. Wall, Samuel B. Wall, Simeon Venable Wall and Ezekial Wall.
8. ELIZA LOUISE WILSON was born 20 Jul 1805 in Williamson Co. TN and married Zaccheus Wilson 25 April 1822. They lived in Bedford Co. TN on the 1830 census with their three children under the age of ten. In 1833 they were living in Dyer Co. TN and executed the following power of attorney.
Bedford county, Deed Book DD, page 241. We, Zaccheus Wilson and Louisa Wilson his wife of Dyer Co. TN has appointed William S. Mayfield of Bedford Co. TN their Attorney to oversee their interest &c. coming to them from them from the estate of Aaron Wilson, deceased. Wit: M. Mitchell and A. Pursell. Reg: 20 Jan 1833
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It is possible Zaccheus Wilson was a son of James Wilson who died 1809 in Sumner County, TN. Like his brother James R. Wilson, both are verified as being minors when their father James died in 1809. On the 1830 census Zaccheus and J. R. Wilson were listed one household apart in Bedford Co. TN.
Louisa was listed adjacent to her mother Jane Wilson on the 1840 census as head of household with five children. Apparently sometime between 1833 and 1840 Zaccheus Wilson has died. Louisa Wilson married again to Tilmon D. Hinson 14 Nov 1842 Williamson Co. TN. In June 1850 Louisa Hinson gave a deposition for her mother and stated she and her four children lived with her mother from November 1834 until February 1838. According to the estate settlement for Jane Wilson, the administrator Milton A. Haynes, Esq. noted in 1856 that Louisa had married Zaccheus Wilson who was now deceased and Louisa Hinson was formerly Louisa Wilson, a daughter of Robert Wilson, deceased. Tilmon D. Hinson died 1861 Williamson Co. TN Will Bk. 13 p. 493, and Eliza Louisa died after the 1870 census. Known children of Eliza Louisa Wilson Hinson: Robert H. Wilson, Eleanor wife of Robert Alexander Wilson, James H. Hinson, Cynthia Ann wife of William Sharp, Milton C. Hinson, Thomas N. Hinson.
9. MATILDA WILSON was born about 1810 in Williamson Co. TN and was the youngest child of Robert and Jane (McDowell) Wilson. James Wilson was her guardian and settled with her husband David G. Jones 5 Jul 1824. Matilda married David G. Jones 15 Feb 1824 Williamson County, TN, and for several years prior to his death 10 Oct 1835, Matilda and David Jones lived with Jane Wilson. He managed the farm for his mother in law. After Jane's death there were questions regarding a deed of gift for the Wilson 200 acres and property Jane supposingly made to David G. Jones which was not regarded legal according to the stipulations written in the will of her husband Robert Wilson. There was two children born to Matilda and David Jones: Jane McDowell Jones wife of William M. Nunn and Harrison H. Jones. Matilda married again to John S. Dwyer 1 Feb 1837 Williamson County, TN. Matilda died shortly after or at the time of the birth of her son Joseph B. Dwyer in 1838. Jane Wilson was appointed guardian of her daughter Matilda's two Jones children. There was 56 depositions given by family members and friends in the lawsuit executed between Jane Wilson and heirs and the children of Matilda Jones Dwyer. These depositions reveal interesting and often disturbing details concerning the living arrangements and conditions of Jane Wilson in her last years.
9. MATILDA WILSON was born about 1810 in Williamson Co. TN and was the youngest child of Robert and Jane (McDowell) Wilson. James Wilson was her guardian and settled with her husband David G. Jones 5 Jul 1824. Matilda married David G. Jones 15 Feb 1824 Williamson County, TN, and for several years prior to his death 10 Oct 1835, Matilda and David Jones lived with Jane Wilson. He managed the farm for his mother in law. After Jane's death there were questions regarding a deed of gift for the Wilson 200 acres and property Jane supposingly made to David G. Jones which was not regarded legal according to the stipulations written in the will of her husband Robert Wilson. There was two children born to Matilda and David Jones: Jane McDowell Jones wife of William M. Nunn and Harrison H. Jones. Matilda married again to John S. Dwyer 1 Feb 1837 Williamson County, TN. Matilda died shortly after or at the time of the birth of her son Joseph B. Dwyer in 1838. Jane Wilson was appointed guardian of her daughter Matilda's two Jones children. There was 56 depositions given by family members and friends in the lawsuit executed between Jane Wilson and heirs and the children of Matilda Jones Dwyer. These depositions reveal interesting and often disturbing details concerning the living arrangements and conditions of Jane Wilson in her last years.