From Franklin to Montgomery

 

Great Wagon Road via Wikipedia

In my previous post, I explored the family tree of the three Solomon Brothers who had migrated from Franklin County, North Carolina to the Yadkin Valley, specifically, the area where the Uwharrie River and the Yadkin River join to form the Pee Dee River, in what is now Stanly County, and was then, a part of Montgomery, and before that,  Anson. When did they leave and when did they arrive? Perhaps a look at the land records from both counties can give us some clues.

Green Hill was the publisher and registrar of some of the early deed books in Franklin County.  He also had interactions with some of the Solomon family. There was a marriage between a Peggy Hill and Goodwin Solomon, a younger Goodwin Solomon than the one who left Franklin for Montgomery County, NC, in Tennesee, and I have wondered if Peggy was related to Green Hill and that the family link ran back to Franklin. 

Solomons appear in many records in old Franklin, some of them nominal, as witnesses or such, and I've not included all. Chosing to focus only on ones that I felt offered information, insight, or show a connection with other names, I present a list of pertinent land records that may offer up some clues for a later examination of the possibilties. 

July 24, 1782 Book 5 P. 85 

John Edwards of Montgomery County, NC to William Solomon Jr of Franklin County, NC, for 35 pounds current money the tract of 200 acres whereupon Solomon now lives adjoining Joshua Richards, Jacob Crocker, Collier, Hawkins, and Huckaby. Witnesses: Jacob Crocker and Gaad Pearce.

In the above transaction, we see an early Montgomery County,  North Carolina connection. The Solomon Brothers did not set off randomly. They knew people who were already here. William Jr. here was William the 2nd, not the son who left for Montgomery County. 

November 30, 1784 Book 4 P. 111

William Solomon of Edgecomb County, NC to William Solomon Jr of Franklin County, for 20 pounds current money, a tract of 400 acres in Franklin County on the road adjoining Huckaby and Seawell. Witnesses were Joshua Gordon and Darkis Gordon. 

In the above transaction, we see a transaction between father and son, with Sr. being in Edgecomb still. The Huckaby family were neighbors and close associates. Joshua and Darkis Gordon were members of Deanna Gordon Solomons family. Darkis was a female.

June 9, 1785 Book 5 P 109

William Solomon of Edgecomb County North Carolina, to Durham Hall of Franklin County NC, for 20 pounds..a tract of 100 acres in Franklin County NC, beginning at a white oak on the road, Seawell's line, and adjoining William Solomon Jr, and Seawell. Witnesses: James Ross and John Hall. 

This shows William the first selling land to Durham Hall, a property that borders the land of William II. Durham Hall will sell this property shortly.

September 10, 1789 Book 5 P.105

John Solomon of North Hampton County, NC to Evan Andrews of Franklin County NC, for 20 pounds..a tract of 100 acres in Franklin lying on the waters of Bear Branch adjoining Bustian, Hill and Hall. Signed by Mary Solomon. Witness was Joseph Andreas.

This was John, the brother of William II.

Deed  1061 Book 5 Page124 James Huckaby of Franklin County to Joseph Williams of Wilkes County, Georgia, January 13, 1791, for 400 pounds Virginia currency, two tracts of land in Franklin County, NC. One, 300 acres on the northwest side of Bear Swamp joining Charles Ivey and Wynn (formerly the property of Pearce). Two 153 acres joining William Goodwin, Michajah Davis, Isaac Gorden and Goodwin Solomon, it being part of a tract granted to William Russell bearing the date February 6, 1762. Witnesses were Bennett Hill and W. B. Hill.

In the above deed, we see one of the three brothers, Goodwin Solomon, living on a tract of land that adjoined that of John Huckaby. The Huckabee or Huckaby family was one we know was connected to both the Solomons and McGregor's. They probably migrated to Montgomery County together. Also adjoining the property was the lands of an Isaac Gordon, Gordon being the maiden name of Goodwin's mother, and William Goodwin, who may have also been related at some point back. I also highlighted the name of Micajah Davis, as this was another family the Solomons married into. With the witnesses, we again see the name Hill. 

January 29, 1791 Book 5 P. 107

Durham Hall of Franklin County to John Melton of same for 18 pounds VA. currency a tract of 100 acres beginning at a white oak on the road and adjoining Bell and William Solomon Jr. Witnesses were Jordan Hill and James Ross.

This deed is important to show a connection or neighboring relationship between John Melton and the Solomons. Another will come up soon. John Melton also would migrate to Montgomery County. This is the same tract that William the first had sold to Durham Hall six years prior.

Ramblin' Man, Our State Magazine

In 1804, there was an estate sale of the property of Micajah Davis, named in a deed above. Among the buyers were Goodwin Solomon and William Solomon. Also Green Hill, James Seawell and a number of Iveys. 

In an Account of the Estate of Thomas K. Wynne, deceased, final date September 8, 1804, there were mentions of the following names: John Ramsey, Goodwin Solomon, William Solomon, Baxter Ragsdale.

Sale of the Estate of Charles Ivey, deceased on April 20, 1809, listed William Solomon, John Huckaby and Jordan Hill, as buyers.

In June of 1810, William Solomon is found in a transaction with Jordan Hill. *Note, by this time the three brothers who migrated to Montgomery County were gone, so this would have had to be William II.

. By 1810, the three Solomon Brothers, William, Goodwin and Bennett  are in the census for Montgomery County, North Carolina. 

Montgomery County, North Carolina

January  14, 1800, John Neal to William "McGregar" Sr., 150 acres on the West side of the Pee Dee River, joins McLesters old line, and Neals. Bennett Solomon and Willis "McGrigger' were chain carriers. 

Note: Bennett Solomon was Rev. William McGregor's son-in-law and Willis was his son.

Rev. William McGregor was from Scotland,  and had been ordained in the Eastern part of the state as a Baptist Minister. He settled in what is now Morrow Mountain State Park, on Attaway Hill and founded the "Mouth of the Uwharrie Baptist Church", whose congregation became that of Stony Hill, still in existence. His daughter, Ava, married Bennett Solomon. 

September 7, 1805 Joseph Parsons to George Crowell, 200 acres on the southwest side of the Yadkin River, on the waters of Long Creek, joined the property of Samuel Kendall, Goodwin Solomon, and John Howell and 150 acres surveyed in 1806 by James Chappelle, on the waters of Cloverfork Creek of Long Creek, began at a white oak in Edward Moore's line and joined Drake Horn. Rowland Kimball and Jesse Pickler were chain carriers.

This shows Goodwin Solomon in Stanly County (then Montgomery), as early as 1805. 

December 11, 1809 Will Stone to "Benitt" Solomon for 100 acres. Joins Samuel Carter  and his own lines where Goodwin Solomon lives on the southwest side of the Yadkin River. Began at a poplar in Goodwin Solomon's line, joins George Crowell, and near Samuel Carter. Samuel Carter and John Bruster chain carriers. Bennett Solomon paid purchase money for 100 acres in entry #6721.

The above is an extremely important document. It not only shows that Bennett and his brother, Goodwin, had adjoining properties, has the ongoing Carter connection, but it also has the Bruster connection. The Bruster family is a crucial link in tying some of the 'loose end' Solomons together and also shows a connection between the Stanly and Cabarrus County Solomons, as I will get to at a later date. 

November 30, 1811 Will Stone to James Freeman, 100 acres joining Thomas Cox and Peter Davis on the waters of Mountain Creek. William Solomon and William Freeman were chain carriers. 

This shows William Solomon III in Montgomery County, but I wonder how he ended up as a chain carrier. William Freeman was no doubt related to the purchaser, James Freeman. I wonder if Peter Davis, who is a mystery, and not connected to my Davis family, could have came from Franklin County, and perhaps be related to Micajah Davis who died there.

September 8, 1812 Will Stone to William Solomon 30 acres, joins his own land and Thomas Cox, on the waters of Mountain Creek, begins at his own corner pine on a hill on the east side of the creek. Peter Davis & Thomas Noble chain carriers.

March 29, 1813 Will Stone to Bennett Solomon, 5 acres including a small island in the Yadkin River called "The Islands land" and a rock called the sluse rock and joins William McGregor, deceased, surveyed Jan. 12, 1814 by David Cochran on the southwest side of the Yadkin River, beginning at a white oak in William McGregor, deceased 's line. James Milton and Moses Curtice chain carriers. Plat shows land includes part of the river.

This deed showed a small, but important, transaction. Bennett Solomon is my direct ancestor. The name has been in my family even into the 20th century. My mother had an Uncle Bennett whom I remember well.

 I've known for decades that Bennett Solomon and Ava McGregor Solomon lived within the boundaries of what is now Morrow Mountain State Park. The Rev. McGregor, 

ava's father,  has now passed and Bennett has purchased this small island and 'sluce' rock. A sluice was a rock that caused the separation of the water, and was a term used in gold mining. I wonder if this spot had something to do with that. There is also the Melton/Milton mention here, again.

July 7, 1814 Will Stone to Bennett Solomon, 25 acres that joins Moses Curtice and McGregor's old place,...begins at a mountain oak ona side of a steep hill near the branch, joins side of steep hollow & Will McGregor deceased, includes an island. James Freeman and James Melton chain carriers.

So Bennett is acquiring small tracts along the river. I can picture the land and hills as they are today and the 5 old mountains that are within the park, part of the ancient Uwharries, and the Solomon family walking among them, with their neighbors, the Curtis's, Melton's, Freemans and McGregor's. 

January 16, 1815 Will Stone to  Sally (Sarah) Curtice for 25 acres, joins Moses Curtice deceased and included part of William McGregor's old place on the Yadkin River. Begins at William McGregor deceased's upper corner willow oak of the old plantation on the river bank and joins Bennett Solomon. Bennett Solomon and James Melton were chain carriers.

So Rev. William McGregor has passed on. Bennett and Ava Solomon lived just above where the Rev. McGregor rests to this day and saw the sun shining down upon his grave from their door. I have encountered the names of the Curtis's, (or Curtice),  in other deeds involving other families. Now I can place almost exactly where they lived. They lived in Tindallsville. They were neighbors of Bennett and Ava Solomon and of Rev. McGregor. James Melton also came from Franklin County, NC. There will be more mention of them later. 

May 5, 1815 Will Stone to George Crowell Jr., 100 acres joining John Kirk, Goodwin Solomon, Samuel Carter and his own lines, begins at John Kirk's corner spanish oak, east of a small branch, join Samuel Carter and Bennett Solomon. William Crowell and Bennett Solomon were the chain carriers.

The Kirks and the Carters are two families the Solomons made contact with in Montgomery County, along Mountain Creek. They also come into play later. 

Beautiful Yadkin Valley, Our State Magazine

April 7, 1818 Will Stone to George Crowell, 50 acres joining John Kirk and James Watkins, southwest side of Yadkin River, begins at John Kirks Spanish Oak, east of a small branch, joining Samuel Carter, and Bennett Solomon. William Crowell and Bennett Solomon chain carriers. 

By now, it's easy to see that Will Stone was a land prospector, or baron. This may have been the younger Bennett as a chain carrier.

January 1, 1821 Duncan McRae to John Parker, 18 acres joining his own line, began at Bennett Solomon's corner red oak. David Kendall and Newton Howell were chain carriers. Newton Howell became a merchant in Albemarle. One of his sons would marry into the Solomon family. I believe he may have been a son of Thomas Howell. 

June 8, 1826 Duncan McRae to George Kirk, 5 acres joining his own line and that of Thomas Huckabee on the waters of the Yadkin River, includes an island in the Yadkin River, beginning at a water oak at the uppermost end of the island near George Kirks fish traps and joins the lower extremity of the island, with a plat showing land in island joins the "thurrifare" (sic), or the Fayetteville Road. William Solomon and John Marks were chain carriers. 

By this time, the Kirk family are taking over the lands bordering the Yadkin in the Tindallsville area. This William Solomon was Bennett Sr.'s son, not his brother, who married Tabitha Marks, daugther of James Marks and wife Catherine Gunter, who came from Chatham County and settled on Clodfelter Hill. John Marks would have been his brother-in-law. He has his own story coming. William's mother, Ava McGregor Solomon, is now a widow and has gone with some of her younger children to Warren County, Tennesee, where a few of her brothers have already settled. Only William, who took over the ministry when his father died, and his sister, Fanny, who married Jarrett Russell, stayed in this area, that would become Stanly County. 

In the Montgomery County, NC Land Warrants adn Surveys 1833-1950,  there are several deeds involving members of the Carter family of Mountain Creek, all in a row. 

No 4586       108 acres survey on the west side of the Fayetteville Road, joins Mark Jones, George Carter, deceased, Joseph Ingram and Marcus Carter were chain carriers. I've tried to find proof of the parents of Marcus Princeton Carter for years, with no luck Perhaps he was a child of the deceased George Carter. Marcus married my 4th Great Aunt, Nancy Marks Carter and Joseph Ingram married my 3rd Great Aunt, Nancy Baldwin Davis. 

No 4587 Jacob Carter was granted 100 acres between Mountain Creek and Cloverfork Creek, beiginning with his own line and joined the property of William Noble and Samuel Carter. Watson Rigs and Barlett Carter were chain carriers. 

William Noble was one of the Noble family from Noble Mountain which sits just outside Morrow Mountain State Park and north of Mountain Creek, before running into Huckabee Hill. There is Samuel Carter, the known Carter patriarch of the Mountain Creek Carters, and there was also a younger Samuel Carter. And then the name Bartlett. Bartlett was a Franklin County name. There was a Bartlett Huckabee and a Barlett McGregor. I wonder who this guy was? Was he a grandson of Samuel Carter with possibly a McGregor or Huckabee mother?

4588 Jacob Carter Jr.  received a 50 acre grant in 1809 on the waters of Mountain Creek and joined Joshua Carter Sr., Labon Carter and Jacob Carter Sr. Began at a post oak near Labon Carter's corner, near George Stiles, near Chisholms corner. Littleton Fisher and John Carter were chain carriers.

There were several generations of Carters, it seems, living on Mountain Creek, connected to each other, in one big Carterville hive. Yet, look online and you will only see Samuel Carter, who recieved the original grant for his service, having 3 sons. This family was much larger than that, obviously. Who were all of these Carters and how were they connected?

4589 Joshua Carter, Jr.  50 acres on the waters of Mountain Creek, 1809, joins Joshua Carter, Sr., Harris Allen, Boler Allen, and began at the third corner of Joshua Carter, Sr's 25 acre tract. Daniel Shad and Thomas Howell were chain carriers. 

4590 Finally, we have Travis Carter's 100 acres, joined his own line and David Safely's, on the waters of Mountain Creek, joining Labon Carter & David Safely. Bennett Solomon and Henry Carter were chain carriers. 

This one was several years later in 1828, so this was Bennett Solomon Jr. Probably a second generation Henry Carter, as well, and not the son of Samuel. What's interesting is that in 1821, Bennett Solomon Jr. had fathered an illegitmate child with an Elizabeth Carter. Was she a daughter of Labon or Travis? Bennett Jr.'s brother, Willis Lymon Solomon married a lady named Myrick Safely, probably a relation of David. 

The Solomons may have appeared in the Montgomery County Court records, but because of courthouse fires, so many records were lost. But they also appeared in the Court records of Cabarrus County. They had a Cabarrus County connection and may have went there to avoid crossing the river. 

In the Cabarrus County Pleas and Quarters Sessions, on October 17, 1821, Bennett Solomon (Jr.) posted a $200 bond against the charge of a bastardy that he had fathered a child, "begat on the body of Elizabeth Carter." I am searching for more information of Elizabeth Carter and who the child could possibly be. 

Also going on in 1821 was a suit between William Solomon and Joseph and John Reid. This was not my ancestor, Rev. William Soloman, son of Bennett. This was a different William Solomon. Was this his uncle, William Solomon III, or had he already gone west to join his brother, Jordan Solomon, in Lincoln County, Tennesee? This William in the lawsuit had to be the one in the census below, living in Cabarrus County, NC in 1820.

The William Solomon/ Reed brothers lawsuit continued into October Session 1822. William Solomon was also brought up on a peace warrant that year and was discharged from his bond.

Also of interest in these sessions was another bastardy bond, this one between a man named John Baugh. and Eleanor Bruster, a single woman. There was also the case of James Bruster and Culpepper Lee, who was from Anson County. James Bruster was from Cabarrus County, and may have lived in Stanly (Montgomery) for awhile. He was a chain carrier in one of the above deeds with Bennett Solomon, he was the bondsman for marriage of Drury (Drew) Solomon and Eleanor Killough in Cabarrus County and was named as the father of John W. Solomon, son of Nancy Solomon, when John married. Nancy lived in Stanly (Montgomery) county. These are names not yet mentioned, but there will be more on them later. The Brusters tie them all together. 

We know Bennett Solomon married Ava McGregor, daughter of Rev. William McGregor. We know William Solomon married Harty Bridges, daugther of William Bridges of Franklin County, NC, but it's not known at this point who Goodwin Solomon  married.

Back in Franklin, several Solomon marriages were recorded, but none for Goodwin.

Amos Solomon married Sally Porch in 1820.

James Solomon married Milley Upchurch in 1820.

John Solomon married Cressy Wrenn in 1795.

These were cousins of the children of William Solomon II and Deanna Gordon.

Jeremiah Solomon married Betsey Bridges in 1818. His uncle, Jesse Gordon was bondsman.

Jordan Solomon married Martha Davis in 1843. William Solomon was bondsman.

Jeremiah and Jordan were brothers of the three who came to Montgomery. 

Goodwin Solomon was the bondsman for the marriage of Joseph Milton and Abbygal Bass in 1796. But his own marriage in unknown. Joseph Milton also moved to Montgomery County. 

Now, it's time to look at the three brothers separately, with the question in mind, who could have been the progenitor of the three Stanly County Solomons who married the three Iredell County Dancy Solomons?

All of these threes!

Three Brothers

Why is it, when you come across the tale of a families early settlement in an area, or arrival from "The Old Country", it always starts with three brothers as in ,"Three Brothers followed the Old Wagon Road south into Central HereWeAreNow"?

Never two brothers or four brothers or fourteen brothers but 3!

Well, quite coincidentally , this is going to be one of those stories of three brothers, and there really were three, not two, not four, although they certainly had other brothers, but 3. Their names were William, Bennett and Goodwin Solomon.

Franklin County, North Carolina was formed in 1779 from the southern part of the now defunct Butte County. It's sandwiched in between Nash, Johnston, Wake, Granville, Vance, Warren and Halifax Counties, yes, all of those. If you want to research someone who lived in Franklin County, it's best to look into not only Butte, and Franklin, of course, but also all of its above listed neighbors. 

The Solomon Brothers hailed from Franklin County, but they joined a migration west to Montgomery County, NC, which had been formed from Anson in 1799. They settled along the Yadkin River, close to its conjunction with the Uwharrie River, whereupon its name changed to the Pee Dee River. 

Their father left a Will, and these earliest years of the family have been fairly well researched.  They left adequate records, so that something can be known of these earliest generations, even more so than some of the later ones. 

This particular line of Solomons began with a man named Nicholas Solomon, born somewhere in England prior to 1490.

He married Estmi Coleman. 

They became the parents of Nycholas Sloman b 1515, who married Margaret Goodwyn.  They lived in the village of Rotherfield in Sussex, England. The Goodwyn name would be passed down through the family for numerous generations

Nycholas and Margaret would have a son named John Sloman born around 1541, who married Agnes Purnell. Among their four children was a son named Bartholomew Solomon who was born in 1571 in the village of Worth, still in Sussex. He married a lady named Margaret Pratt on April 30, 1606, in a village named Buxted, where they would settle and raise a family. Bartholomew had returned to the original spelling of the name Solomon. It is unknown why they changed it to start with. 

Sussex, England location

Bartholomew Solomon died on December 30, 1868 at Mountfield, in Sussex, at the age of 57.

Bartholomew and Margaret were the parents of a son named Giles who was born in 1610 in Buxted. He married twice, first to a lady named Margaret, maiden name unknown. Second to Ealce Booker in 1648. They would become the parents of 7 children, the third being a son named Stephen.

Stephen Solomon was born before January 13, 1654 in Buxted, Sussex, England, the day he was baptized.

On January 12, 1673, he married Elizabeth Barden. Stephen died about 1740 in Buxted. He had four known children. One was a son named Lewis O. Solomon, who was our immigrant ancestor.

Lewis O Solomon was born about 1676 in Colan, Cornwall, England. Sometime before leaving Cornwall, Lewis married Martha King. Martha was born in 1695 in

Castlemorton, Worcestershire, England, daughter of Henry and Mary Carpenter King. 

They probably landed in Jamestown before making their way to Albemarle Parrish, in Surry County, Virginia. Lewis would die there on July 20, 1743.

They were the parents of four children; Mary Elizabeth Solomon Asbill, William James Solomon, Charles Emmett Solomon and Lewis Solomon Jr.

Albemarle Parrish, Surry, Virginia

William James Solomon was born around 1717 in Albemarle Parrish, Surry, Virginia.

In 1736, he married Ruth Hay, daughter of Gilbert and Susan Ivey Hay.  William and Ruth would have six children: Judith, William, Ursula, Isham, John and Sukey. 

William moved his family to North Carolina and died in 1796, at the age of 79, in Edgecomb County, North Carolina.

William Solomon II was born on December 22, 1738, in Albemarle Parrish, Surrey, VA. Around 1770, he married Diana Gordon. She was the daughter of John and Lucy Churchill Gordon. They would live in Edgecomb County, North Carolina and later in Franklin County, North Carolina.  

William Solomon, Jr. and Diana would have 10 children: Goodwin, Bennett, Luke, Elizabeth Solomon Judd, Dica Solomon Hall, Jordan, Sally Solomon Solomon, William III, Jane Solomon Lewis and Jeremiah Solomon.

William Solomon Jr died on December 9, 1814, at the age of 75, in Franklin County, NC, leaving the following Will.

April 16, 1814

" In the name of God Amen, I William Solomon of the County of Frankllin and State of North Carolina do make and Constitute this my last Will and Testament.

Imprimus. My wish and desire is that my negro man Will shall remain with my wife for her use, during her life and after her Death, I wish him to be the property of any of my children to whom he shall chose.

Item I wish a sufficiency of my crops to be alotted off by my Executors for the support of wife and family (Sally and Jeremiah Solomon included) for one year.

Item I lend unto my beloved wife Deanna Solomon, during her natural life the following Negroes, (to wit) Lucy, Jack, Rachel, Annaky, Chance, Patty, Silvia and Mary and their increase. I likewise wish my two Negroe men, Sam and Robin, to be hired out by my Executors, till they think proper to call them in, and the money arizin from the hire of the said Negroes to go to the Discharge of my just debts. I also lend to my wife during her Natural Life, the Land and Planataion whereupon I now live, together with all my plantation utensils, three work horses, six cows and calves, one Yoke of Oxen and cart and wheels, and three sows and pigs, ^ and my stock of sheep. I lend to my wife all my Household and Kitchen furniture except two beds & furniture, which I intend for my daughter Sally Solomon and my son Jeremiah Solomon together with as much of my other Household and Kitchen furniture as will make them equal to those who have married and gone off.

Item I wish my daughter Sally Solomon and my son Jeremiah Solomon (if they think Proper) to live with my wife as long as they remain single, and to be supported, and when they or either of them marry or go off, I give them one Horse, one Cow and one Calf apiece.

I wish at the death of my wife the Land to be equally divided between my two sons William Solomon and Jeremiah Solomon to them and their heirs forever.

My Will and Desire is that my Negroes hereforto mentioned and their increase after the death of my wife be divided by Lot after evaluation by two or more disinterested persons and to be Equally divided between my children as follows, Goodwyn Solomon, Luke Solomon, Bennett Solomon, Eliza Judd, Dica Hall, Sally Solomon, William Solomon, Jinny Lewis, and Jeremiah Solomon, to them and their heirs forever.

Item, I give unto my son Jordon Solomon a negroe boy now in his possession by the name of Dick to him and his heirs forever.

Item I wish for my present crop and stock which I have ^ not left my wife after she takes her support, as before mentioned to be sold at the expiration of the year on twelve months credit and the money arising there from to go to the discharge of my just debts.

Item It's my Will and Desire at the Death of my Wife for all my stock of every kind, Household and Kitchen furniture and plantation utensils to be sold on twelve months credit and the money arising there from to be Equally divided between the whole of my children to them and their heirs forever.

Item I apppoint my beloved wife and my sons Luke Solomon and Jeremiah Solomon my Executors to this my Last Will and Testament. 

Lastly, it's my will that if  either my children should decend from this my Last Will and Testament or in other words, bring on a Lawsuit they shall have been cut off with 5 shillings.

16 April 1814   William Solomon (seal)

Signed Sealed and Acknowledge in presence of

 John Perry

Chas. Deberum (jurat)

J Denson (jurat)

In the estate records, on December 9, 1814, the property of William Solomon was put up for sale by this two sons, Jeremiah and Luke Solomon. Sons, sons-in-law, other relatives and persons of interest or involvement with the family are highligted.

Buyers were Jordan Denson,  John Emery, Ezekial Fuller, James K. Goodloe, Jesse Gordon, Simon Green, Richard Hall,  Benjamin Hawkings, John Huckaby, Elijah Jones, Capt. John Perry, Jeremiah Solomon, Luke Solomon.

Three years later, on Jan 1817, there was another Estate sale after the death of Deanna Gordon Solomon, who outlived her husband by 3 years. Among the buyers were: William Judd, Riall Pinnell, Luke Solomon,  Willilam P. Williams, Stephen Davis, Jesse Gordon, Hicks Wynne, Guilford Lewis, Alexander Falconer, John Huckabey, Jeremiah Solomon, William Waddle.

On March 1, 1818 a Division of the Negroes, per William Solomon's wishes, after the death of Deanna, was performed. 

Richard Hall, in lieu of his wife, Dica, drew Lucy and Patt.

William Solomon, Jr. drew Rachel.

Guilford Lewis, in lieuof his wife Jane (Jinny) drew Robin

Bennett Solomon excr drew China

William Judd, in lieu of wife Eliza, drew Mary

Goodwin Solomon drew Anaky

William Solomon, in lieu of his wife Sally, drew Sam (Sally Solomon had married a cousin named William Solomon in the years following her father's death).

Luke Solomon drew Jack

Jeremiah Solomon drew Sylvia.

There was an addendum, or an inquiry, by a J.S. Solomon, if anything had been left for Sally Solomon, the widow of Lewis Solomon, Lewis being the brother of William Solomon, deceased. This cousin had written, " The old Jentleman (sic) died some 10 or 12 years ago....do not recollect his given name but he had 1 son Elijah & 1 son Lewis & 1 son James...only James still living in Franklin County." from Loose Estate Papers Volume II, Franklin County, NC.

James Solomon, the son of Lewis and Sally Solomon, and a nephew of William Solomon II, who married Deanna Gordon, wrote his Will on September 7, 1822. He seems to have managed to hang on about four years longer than the illness or disability that prompted him to write a will in the first place predicted. His Will was probated in the March Term of Court of Franklin County in the year 1826. He mentions a wife, Elizabeth, and children, James Jr., Rebecca (spelled Rebecker), Lucy, (Lewceey), Elijah, (Eligah), Lewis, Betsy, Eatha and Amos Solomon.

As all but the one son, James, of Lewis Solomon Jr had "gone off", as William had put it in his Will, looking for greener pastures, so it was with Williams own sons. Only the youngest, Jeremiah, remained in Franklin County. His own Will was probated there in 1852.

Jeremiah Solomon had written his will on June 14, 1852 and his death must have been imminent, as it was probated in the fall term of court in September of that year. He named his children Levenia Powel, Josiah B. Solomon, son William and a wife, but not named.

So, the Solomon family that remained in Franklin County were descendants of either Jeremiah or his cousin, James.

The others, like dandelion fluff in a strong wind, took to the paths west and south, looking for a paradise of their own. 

Three Brothers, William III, Bennett and Goodwin ended up in Montgomery County, NC, near the end of the Yadkin River.

An interesting find in Salisbury.

While in Salisbury, North Carolina, researching members of the Melton/Milton family who had moved there from Stanly County, and the Solomons, to whom they were connected, I found an interesting land document dated 1905, involving Solomons, and Howells, whom I have researched until throwing my hands up in frustration with for awhile, as they named too many of their boys "John". I have grown to despise the name John, among others. It's become  non- nominal. It's like saying 'seek the ocean to find a drop of water, just one, that is called "drop".

But this is not about my frustrations over the name John, but instead, this document, which mentions land in both Rowan and Stanly and lots in both Salisbury and Albemarle.

Salisbury is an ancient town, as far a central North Carolina goes, one of the oldest in what was considered the untamed west of the Carolina Piedmont/Foothills region. It sprang up near the Yadkin, close enough for access, and far enough to avoid the plagues that were associated with rivers and water and swamps and the like. The document was on page 190 in the deed books for that year.

This Indenture, Made this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and five between Charles B Howell and wife Leslie Howell, Patrick Howell, Jessie Howell and James V. Howell of the County of Rowan and State of North Carolina, of the first part, and Claudia, Lucile, Solomon and James C. Solomon, of the County of Rowan and State of North Carolina of the second part:

So, who were they is the first question, before I get into the hereforetos and  plats and stakes and etc.s


Charles B Howell and wife Leslie can be found 221 North Main Street Salisbury/Spencer in the 1913 City Directory of Salisbury. He is a machinist.

Prior to that, in 1910, the family is living in Charlotte. Charles B Howell is listed as a machinist for the Railroad, his wife is reveled to have the first name of Pinkie, as in Pinkie L. Howell, and they have had two children, being a son, Leslie Conza Howell and a daughter, Elsie Marshall Howell.

Charles B Howell
Age in 1910:	31
Birth Year:	abt 1879
Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home in 1910:	Charlotte Ward 4, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Race:	White
Gender:	Male
Relation to Head of House:	Head
Marital Status:	Married
Spouse's Name:	Pinkie L Howell
Father's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Neighbors:	View others on page
Household Members:	Name Age Charles B Howell 31 Pinkie L Howell 28 Leslie C Howell 7 Elsie M Howell 3

Spencer and Salisbury were major Railroad hubs during the area, and a big part of the growth of North Carolina industry during the early part of the Twentieth century. It appears Mr. Charles B Howell and his family benefited from the Railroad Industry. But he was not a happy man.  His death certificate reveals that he drowned in 1914 and that his death was ruled suicide. He was the son of Kern Howell and Fanny Austin. Austin was a big Stanly County name and as much of the property involved was in Stanly County, perhaps Kern and Fanny lived there. 

A search of the next name on the list brings up a 1900 census listing of everyone involved in the deed living together. The mother of siblings Charlie, Patrick, Jessie and James V. Howell is Julia F. Howell. How much do you want to bet the "F" stood for Frances, or for short, Fanny?

Name:	Patrick H Howell
Age:	19
Birth Date:	Dec 1880
Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home in 1900:	Salisbury, Rowan, North Carolina
Race:	White
Gender:	Male
Relation to Head of House:	Son
Marital Status:	Single
Father's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Mother's Name:	Julia F Howell
Mother's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Occupation:	View on Image
Neighbors:	View others on page
Household Members:	Name Age Julia F Howell 49 Charlie Howell 22 Patrick H Howell 19 Jessie Howell 16 James V Howell 14 James N Sollamon 25 Cora M Sollamon 24 Claudie L Sollamon 4 James Sollamon 1

The identity of the Solomon's, thoroughly misspelled as "Sollamon", is also revealed as Cora M. is her daughter, James N. her son-in-law and Claudie (Claudia Lucille as it turns out) and James, are her grandchildren. 

In 1910, Jessie Howell has married a Cotton and Julia F. is still living, so why the dispersement of lands?

Julia F Howell
Age in 1910:	50
Birth Year:	abt 1860
Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home in 1910:	Salisbury East Ward, Rowan, North Carolina
Race:	White
Gender:	Female
Relation to Head of House:	Head
Marital Status:	Widowed
Father's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Neighbors:	View others on page
Household Members:	Name Age Julia F Howell 50 Jessie Cotten 26 Franlin Cotten 3 James Cotten 23 Lucilla Solomon 13 James Solomon 11

Julia Frances Austin Howell is buried in the Old Albemarle Cemetery, between PeeDee Avenue and East Main Street in Albemarle, so likely, she was a native of Stanly County. 

And the Solomons?

Name:	James Nathaniel Solomon Jr
Gender:	Male
Race:	White
Event Type:	delayedbirth
Birth Date:	17 Feb 1899
Birth County:	Rowan
Parent1 Name:	James N Solomon Sr
Parent2 Name:	Cora Howell
Roll Number:	NCVR_B_C085_68001
Volume:	917
Page:	40

Young James filed a delayed birth certificate revealing himself to be the son of James Nathaniel Solomon, Sr. and Cora Howell. 

James N Solomon, Sr.s WWI record reveals that he is James Nathaniel Solomon, son of William S. Solomon from Morning Star township in Mecklenburg County, NC. 

Name:	James Solomon
Age:	6
Birth Year:	abt 1874
Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home in 1880:	Morning Star, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Race:	White
Gender:	Male
Relation to Head of House:	Son
Marital Status:	Single
Father's Name:	William Solomon
Father's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Mother's Name:	Nancy Solomon
Mother's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Neighbors:	View others on page
Cannot read/write: Blind: Deaf and dumb: Otherwise disabled: Idiotic or insane:	View Image
Household Members:	Name Age William Solomon 48 Nancy Solomon 40 John Solomon 12 Bannie Solomon 9 James Solomon 6 Henry Solomon 4

 He and Cora Louise Howell have 2 more daughters, Dorothy and Gertrude,  after James, and move to Virginia, during his military career. 

Name:	James N Solomon [James N Soloman]
Age:	42
Birth Year:	abt 1878
Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home in 1920:	Richmond Jefferson Ward, Richmond (Independent City), Virginia
Race:	White
Gender:	Male
Relation to Head of House:	Head
Marital Status:	Married
Spouse's Name:	Louise Solomon
Father's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home Owned:	Own
Able to Read:	Yes
Able to Write:	Yes
Neighbors:	View others on page
Household Members:	Name Age James N Solomon 42 Louise Solomon 42 James Solomon 20 Dorothy Solomon 14 Gertrude Solomon 10

His father William R. Solomon, was a Civil War soldier born in Mecklenburg County. Was there a connection to my Stanly County Solomon's? I do not know right now. 

Name:	William R Solomon
Residence:	Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, North Carolina
Occupation:	Farmer
Age at enlistment:	30
Enlistment Date:	3 Sep 1861
Rank at enlistment:	Private
Enlistment Place:	Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
State Served:	North Carolina
Survived the War?:	Yes
Service Record:	Enlisted in Company H, North Carolina 35th Infantry Regiment on 27 Sep 1861.
Birth Date:	abt 1831
Sources:	North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster

Name:	William Solomons
Age:	20
Birth Year:	abt 1830
Birthplace:	North Carolina
Home in 1850:	Mallard Creek, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
Gender:	Male
Family Number:	977
Household Members:	Name Age Elen Solomons 45 William Solomons 20 Caroline Solomons 18 Elizabeth Solomons 16 David Solomons 14 Martha Solomons 10

William and his siblings were the children of Drury Solomon, born about 1790 in Virginia and his wife Eleanor Killough, who were married in Cabarrus County, North Carolina in 1830. A quick look into a file of old Solomon records researched by Daniel L Worth reveals that he most likely was, but distant. 
Now, to the document.

Saving you, the reader from all the "of the first parts", etc. the following is excerpts, with the juice: persons and locations. 

"1) One tract on the S. E. side of Main Street, in the City of Salisbury, commencing in the middle of an alley....Goodmans line....S. W. with Main Street....Swink and Thomasson's old line, now Johnston, Vanderford and McCubbins....D. A. Goodmans line..."

2) A house and lot in the town of Albemarle, Stanly County, on the west side of Main Street, and designated on the Plat of said town as Lot number Ten (10), said Lot being sold by order of the Superior Court of  Stanly in the suit of Julia F. Howell, widow, Charles B Howell, against Jessie Howell and others and the proceeds thereof converted into money. 

3) Two tracts in Stanly County a) ....Carter and Mabry's corner, Burrages' corner, (mentions a white oak, black oak, a maple and a couple of sweet gum trees). B) East edge of the Salisbury Rd...W. E. Whitley's line, Mrs. Irving Swaringen's corner, (mentions a stump, a Spanish Oak, a branch or drain, adjoining W. E. Whitley, A. C. Mabry, Margaret Rummage, now in the hands of Rufus A. Crowell, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Stanly County...contingent and depending upon both the parties of the second part dying and leaving no issue. See Will of Cora M. Solomon, mother of the parties of the second part dated June 8, 1901, and recorded in Will Book number 3, page 478, December 7, 1901. see also deeds from M. B. Howell (1) one from Joseph Marshall and wife dated Nov 5, 1870, registered in Book no 7 page 146, Stanly County (2) Another from M. S. Holmes, dated March 8th, 1888, registered on Book no. 72 (Rowan County) pg 11 - (3) a third from R. S.  Crowell and wife, dated Dec. 21, 1885, registered in Book no 15, p 439 Stanly County. 

If anyone knows this family or the exact location of the property in Albemarle mentioned, leave a comment.