1Sharolyn P. Wood.
Bud E. Petty marr. Mildred when he was 70 and she was 58 so apparently this was their second marriage.
Census: 1930, Upshur Co., Tx.-2403-ED3-pct. 1
Marriage record in Upshur Co., TX., #122670.
1Sharolyn P. Wood.
Bud E. Petty marr. Mildred when he was 70 and she was 58 so apparently this was their second marriage.
Census: 1930, Upshur Co., Tx.-2403-ED3-pct. 1
Marriage record in Upshur Co., TX., #122670.
1Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 7 #2 pg 5.
1Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 7 #2 pg 6.
1Will.
Will of Martha names her living children, and she names them as Saunders.
1John Petty, jpetty2000 at msn.com (as of 2005).
Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated August 2, 1847. This court record was a deposition by George Harman, aged 73 years. He stated that he had moved from the state of Virginia to Chatham County in the year 1804. That he settled within five miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore, as he understood. He stated that at that time, Martha Sanders was living with her son, James Seymore. He further stated that Tilmon Sanders had left this country before he (George Harman), had came to it. He further stated that William Petty, the father, took Martha Sanders and her three children home and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death, and at the time of his death, he gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children. He further states that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children, and friends until the day that she died, and that she died at the home, of the widow, of John Petty. (This being about four or five miles from his (George Harman's) house) George Harman's house, would be the same house that was located on the William Petty plantation, as the children of Martha (when they came of age), had sold this plantation (as stated in this deposition) to Mr. Harman. And he further stated, that he never heard any member of the family say they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was, or whether he was dead or alive. (Tilmon Sanders had deserted the family)
I have in my possession some court depositions pertaining to the daughter of William Petty and Mildred (unknown) of Chatham County, North Carolina. The documents are very hard to read, so I have tried to transcribe, as best as I can, the parts pertaining to Martha Petty, the daughter of William.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2nd day of August 1847.
Signed, George Harman Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated September 2, 1846
(this was a deposition by Martha Petty, the widow of John Petty) In this deposition, Martha Petty, age seventy four years, was well acquainted with Martha Seymour, widow of Solomon Seymour and mother of James Seymore, who afterwards intermarried with Tilmon Sanders for many years. She further states that Martha and Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children, two sons and one daughter named, Britton, Sherwood and Elizabeth, and she further states that while their children were quite small Tilmon Sanders left his family and never returned, or had been heard of again. She also stated that when Tilmon Sanders left his family, he left no property for their support, that William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders took her and her children home and she lived with her father, until the children were grown. She further stated that, after the death of William Petty, he left what property he had, to Martha Sanders and her children. That she, Martha Sanders and her three children lived upon this property until the property was sold. After the property was sold, Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. She further stated that, in the month of January 1837, she (Martha Petty) employed John Little to make a crop for her, and that Martha Sanders was, at that time, living with the John Little family. And she further stated, that about the last of February 1837, Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday, and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday morning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse, and on Wednesday she died. She further states that Martha Sanders died in her (Martha Petty's) home, and she was at her bedside and saw her expire at the time stated. She further stated that to the best of her recollection, Tilmon Sanders had been gone and not been heard from for upwards of thirty years before the death of Martha Sanders. Sworn to and subscribed before in this 2nd day of September, 1846.
Signed Martha (her mark) Petty Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court of Please & Quarter Sessions: November Term 1849 It has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that Martha Sanders, formerly the widow of Solomon Seymour and the widow of Tilman Saunders died on the last day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. That she left the following children: James Seymour, son of Solomon Seymour, and Britton Saunders, Sherwood Saunders, and Elizabeth Brown. That they are all the children she did leave and they are still living and that she was a widow for thirty years before her death. In testimony whereof J. William Taylor, clerk of said court have this day with my hand and affixes the seal of office on November 21, 1849. Signed J.W. Taylor CCC
John Petty :More translation..... "Know all men by these present that we, Solomon Seymore and James Masey are held and firmly bound unto the governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of North Carolina in the sum of fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid to the governor or to his … governors or commanders in chief for the time being to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every one of our heirs executors or administrators jointly and generally firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 4th day of March, 1775. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder, Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham County. The above was signed by the marks of Solomon Seymore and James Masey. Note: by John Petty - It appears by the above document that Martha Petty may have been one of the older children, of William and Mildred Petty. ( Perhaps the oldest. She would have to have been at least 15 or 16 years of age, which would put her birth year around 1759 or 1760.).2Military Records.
Statement of Martha Petty age 74 - She sayeth that Solomon & Martha Seymore were the parents of James Seymore and that Martha & Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children (two sons & one daughter) Britton, Sherwood & Elizabeth. She further sayeth that while the children were small Tilmon Sanders left his family and went away never has returned or been heard of - she further sayeth that when Tilmon Sanders left his family he left no property for their support. That William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders, took her and her children home and they lived with the old man until the children were grown. She further sayeth that at the death of William Petty he left what property he had to Martha Sanders, and that she and her children lived together until the property was sold. That after the property was gone Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. - That about the last of Feb 1837 Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday mourning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse and on Wednesday she died. She does not know of what disease Martha Sanders died from, but believes it was being very old and infirm and being caught in a cold rain. Martha Sanders died at the deponents house, and the deponent was at Martha Sanders bedside at the time of her death. Dated 2 Sept 1846 and signed Martha "X" Petty {{Could this be Martha Sanders the wife of John Petty?}} Statement of Abner Gunter of Chatham Co., NC aged 69 years - He was personally acquainted with Tilman Sanders & Martha his wife for many years & with James Seymore her son by her first husband. He knows she had three children by Tilmon Sanders - Britton, Sherwood & Elizabeth - Tilmon left no property & the family was mainly supported by William Petty the grandfather until they were raised. Dated 4 Sept 1846 and signed Abner Gunter Statement of John Harman, Esq. high Sheriff of said county - age 47 years - he was acquainted with Martha Sanders from his earliest recollections up to the time of her death. Same story about children, Solomon, Tilmon, etc. Dated 4 Sept 1846 and signed Jno. Harman. {{Note: This should be Hezekiah Harmon's son John Harmon}} Statement of Nathan Stedman, Clerk of the County of Chatham Co., NC - aged 40 years - he was acquainted with Martha Sanders from the time he was a small boy until she died. He has always resided in the neighborhood in which she lived. That he knew her three children Britton, Sherood and Elizabeth Sanders, and they were raised near his residence & lived there until a far (fur?) years since when they removed from the county. He knows James Seymore her child from her first husband and that to his knowledge she never had any other child by her first husband. - He never knew Tilman Sanders and he further sayeth that he knows Martha Petty & she is an honest woman. Dated 8 Sept 1846 - Signed N.A. Stedman Statement of George Harmon of Chatham Co., NC aged 73 - He removed from the state of VA to Chatham Co. in the year of 1804, and as he recollects he settled within four miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore as he understood. He further sayeth that as well as he can now recollect Martha Sanders was at that time living with her son James Seymore the present applicant for her acres of pension. He further sayeth that Tilmon Sanders had left this county (country?) before this deponent came to it. That he has never saw him, nor does he have any knowledge whatever became of him and he further sayeth that some time after he settled in the neighborhood that William Petty the father to Martha Sanders, took her and her three children and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death. At his death William Petty gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children - two sons and one daughter. He further sayeth that after her children came of age they sold the land to this deponent and he has resided on it ever since. He further sayeth that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children and friends to the day of her death. She died at the house of the widow of John Petty, some four and five miles from this deponents house. He can not now positively state the date of her death, but it was the later part of Feb or first of Jan 1837 - that he was applied to make her coffin, which he did, and had her grave dug at his own place where her father and relatives were buried. That he took the coffin to his own home and had her buried and she being at the time of her death a member of the Baptist Church her funeral was preached at his house by the Rev. Henry Meritt and George Purifay. He further sayeth that there was a friendly intercourse between himself and William Petty the father of Martha Sanders to the day of his death and he has no recollection of any member of the family saying they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was or whether he was dead or alive. Dated 27 Aug 1847 - Signed George Harman - Recorded 28 Aug 1847 by N.A. Stedman C.C.C. Statement of John Little of Chatham Co., NC age 36 - He made a contract with Martha Petty, widow of John Petty, during the year 1837. He went there with his family and occupied a house in the yard of Mrs. Petty. That he commenced his years labor on the first day of Jan 1837 and the deponent further sayeth that Martha Sanders formerly Martha Seymore was in the habit of visiting this deponent family that they had been acquainted for a long time and a cordial friendship existed between them. That Martha Sanders last paid a visit in the later part of Feb 1837. During her stay with his family there was preaching in the neighborhood and she went to the meeting, on her return she was caught in a severe storm of wind and rain and got very wet. That she was very old and feeble and was taken very ill the following night. That a doctor was called for, but she died before he came. That the deponents wife furnished suitable clothes for an old lady and Martha Sanders was buried the first part of March 1837 at the family burial ground on George Harmon’s property. Dated 11 Feb 1850 Statement of George Harmon, age 72 - he moved from the state of VA about 42 years ago and he settled within four miles of the land he now lives on. He was acquainted with Martha Sanders and her family since about 1804 or 1805 - otherwise same statement as above - Dated 7 July 1847 - Signed George Harman Statement of Jesse Ausley of Chatham Co., NC age 87 years - He can only speak of Solomon Seymore’s Rev. War Service from the time he was called into service - He further sayeth that he lost his parents when small and was raised by a Mr. Jones * of Wake Co., NC. As he recollects Mr. Jones brought this deponent and one of his own sons to Chatham Co. in the spring of 1775 and hired this deponent to Burrwell Williams and his son to Solomon Chapman to work for that summer. That Philip Gean was B. Williamses overseer and that Mournin Seymore a sister of Solomon Seymore also lived at Burrwell Williamses that summer. That during the summer Philip Geane married Miss Seymore. That in the fall when this deponent and Mr. Jonses son returned home to Wake Co. they were both ?? in the militia, they both being 16 years old. He further sayeth that in the spring of 1776 he and Mr. Jones son both returned to Chatham and worked at their respective places again, and that Philip Geane and his wife remained with Burrwell Williams and lived in an out house as overseer and that this deponent chose to board and lodge with the overseer rather than with the family. While living with said Geane and his wife he understood from them that her brother married the daughter of William Petty who was a wealthy farmer and that Petty was so much displeased at the marriage that he threatened to shoot Seymore on sight. This deponent further sayeth that soon after he returned to Wake in the fall of 76 he was drafted to go to Hillsborough to guard the Lyestaton{?}. That while there the recruits from the different companies in the district were marched to Hillsborough and that was the first time he saw Solomon Seymore. He further sayeth that Solomon Seymore was a very noted man, light complected with the mark of a ginger cake{?} on his right cheek. He further sayeth that in the spring of 77 he again returned to work the summer with Burwell Williams on Cape Fear and that Philip Geane was still there as overseer and he again stayed with them. He was informed by Geane and his wife that no reconciliation could be made between William Petty the father in law of Solomon Seymore and that his friends advised him to enlist or Petty would certainly kill him if got an opportunity. He further sayeth that Thomas Seymore the father of Solomon had removed and settled on Haw River near its mouth about 2 & ½ miles from where this deponent lived in 77. That Solomon Seymores wife was living with the old man. That the family visited Philip Geane and that this deponent often visited the Seymors family. That there were three sons young men grown with whom this deponent associated frequently and that upon all occasions it seemed that the conversation was about Solomon being ?? in the army. He next related an incident that happened in 77 - that the house of Thomas Seymore was struck with lightening and that a loaded gun, which lay in the rack over the fire place, was fired off and that Seymores oldest son then at home was killed in the house and he further sayeth that the family regretted preventing their son from going in the Army with his brother. In the fall of 77 he helped Philip Geane remove from Mr. Williamses to his own place. That this deponent then went back to Wake and again entered the service and remained there in his own place or as a substitute and did not return to Cape Fear until the close of the war - That when he returned he heard that Philip Geane had been killed in the Battle at Cain Creek, that he visited the family and Solomon Seymore had returned from the service and he and his wife were living with Geans widow. He further understood that from the good character Solomon Seymore remained in the army that his father in law became ?? to him. The deponent further sayeth that he was informed by the said Solomon Seymore that he never saw or heard from his family from the time this deponent saw him in Hillsboro until he returned from his time of service and go his discharge. He further sayeth that he made Solomon Semores house his house for a time and that he lived in the same Captain’s district and ?? with him in the same Company until his death. He knows of his own knowledge that Solomon Seymore drew a land warrant for his bounty lands. That this deponent went with Seymore to General Ramseys when he sold it and the deponent got a part of the pay. He further sayeth that he was well acquainted with Tilman Sanders who married the widow of Solomon Seymore. That he has known the present applicant, James Seymore, from his cradle and that he is the identical person he represents himself to be. Dated 26 Feb 184? Recorded 15 May 1846 - Signed Jesse “X” Ausley, by his mark ***Note: There are a couple of time that it looks like it could be Mr. Janes, but more often it resembles Mr. Jones - Also, the date could be 26 Feb 1840/1843 or 1846 - it seems more likely that it was 1846 Statement of John Hughes aged 77 {or 67?} - He was personally acquainted with Solomon Seymore and his family during the Rev. War. He does not know of his own knowledge of his services and amount but has always believed and understood that Solomon Seymore was a Reg. Soldier in the Continental line. He was acquainted with Seymore until the time of his death and that he was a respectable man and bore the name of a good soldier - Dated 11 Apr 1846 - Signed John Hughes Statement of Laurence Griffin aged 84 years old - He was born and raised in Granville Co., NC - He entered and enlisted in the Continental line of NC in 1776 and went on to the north and that in 1777 as well as he can recollect he got acquainted with Solomon Seymore who belonged to Capt. Williamses Co. in NC line. That they all belonged to General Nashes Brigade. He further sayeth that Solomon Seymore was a handsome man of light heer {hair?} fair complexion and had the maske of a ginger cake on his right cheek, which made him a very notable man. He very distinctly recollects that Solomon Seymore was in the Battle at Garmon Town and fought bravely - Soon after the close of the Rev. War this deponent removed from Granville to Chatham and followed the tailors trade and went from house to house where he could find employ - that he worked several times at the house of Solomon Seymore and he knows him to be the identical man he served with in the Rev. War under General Nash. He was acquainted with the family for upwards of 50 years. Dated 24 Apr 1846 Statement of Jesse Ausley aged 87 years - The first time he saw Solomon Seymore was in the year 1776. That this deponent was with the militia service on guard at Hillsborough guarding the assembly then in session at Hillsborough - That there were Continental officers there ready to take the command of all the soldiers enlisted. That he recalls that Captain Joseph Johnson marched the recruits from Chatham and that Solomon Seymore was one of the men. This deponent further sayeth that he never served with Solomon Seymore, but understood that he served till the close of the war and recollects that he saw him in Hillsborough again until nearly the close of the war. Dated 6 Jan 1846 - Signed Jesse “X” Ausley by his mark Statement of William Geane of Chatham Co., NC age 76 years - He was personally acquainted with Solomon Seymore and his wife Martha, that she was the daughter of William Petty. That after the Rev. War William Petty the father in law of Solomon Seymore settled them on a tract of land on Deep River near the mouth of Rocky River in the said county. That Solomon Seymore died at the place many years ago leaving Martha a widow and one son named James, the present applicant for his fathers and mothers pension. He has always understood and believed that after the death of Solomon Seymore William Petty the grandfather deed the said tract to his grandson the said Seymore. He also understood that Martha the widow married Tilmon Sanders who lived with her some time and then left this part of the country some thirty years ago or upwards and has never returned or been heard from again. He does not know if the said Sanders is living or dead. He further states that James Seymore is the person that he says he is. Dated 4 Aug 1845. Signed William “X” Geane by his mark."
"
Note: There are several people who gave two or more statements. The statements were almost exact replicas as their previous statement. A search of Chatham Co., NC Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions has resulted shows that there were entries made of these statements, but not what the statement was - just that the statement was made.
Abstract of the Rev. War Pension File Non-Selected Records of Solomon Seymore and his widow Martha Sanders/Saunders File #W19314.3Court Record.
Chatham Co., NC Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions - Nov 1849 - Martha Sanders, widow of Solomon Seymour and
the widow of Tilman Saunders dec'd on the last day of Feb 1867, and left he following children: James Seymore, son
of Solomon Seymore; Britton Saunders, Sherwood Saunders and Elizabeth Brown - Nov Term 1847, statement N.A.
Stedman, she was referred to as Elizabeth Sanders now Elizabeth Brown.4John Petty, Jpetty at ken-tennwireless dot com as if 8/28/10.
Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated August 2, 1847. This court record was a deposition by George Harman, aged 73 years. He stated that he had moved from the state of Virginia to Chatham County in the year 1804. That he settled within five miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore, as he understood. He stated that at that time, Martha Sanders was living with her son, James Seymore. He further stated that Tilmon Sanders had left this country before he (George Harman), had came to it. He further stated that William Petty, the father, took Martha Sanders and her three children home and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death, and at the time of his death, he gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children. He further states that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children, and friends until the day that she died, and that she died at the home, of the widow, of John Petty. (This being about four or five miles from his (George Harman's) house) George Harman's house, would be the same house that was located on the William Petty plantation, as the children of Martha (when they came of age), had sold this plantation (as stated in this deposition) to Mr. Harman. And he further stated, that he never heard any member of the family say they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was, or whether he was dead or alive. (Tilmon Sanders had deserted the family)
I have in my possession some court depositions pertaining to the daughter of William Petty and Mildred (unknown) of Chatham County, North Carolina. The documents are very hard to read, so I have tried to transcribe, as best as I can, the parts pertaining to Martha Petty, the daughter of William.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2nd day of August 1847.
Signed, George Harman Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated September 2, 1846
(this was a deposition by Martha Petty, the widow of John Petty) In this deposition, Martha Petty, age seventy four years, was well acquainted with Martha Seymour, widow of Solomon Seymour and mother of James Seymore, who afterwards intermarried with Tilmon Sanders for many years. She further states that Martha and Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children, two sons and one daughter named, Britton, Sherwood and Elizabeth, and she further states that while their children were quite small Tilmon Sanders left his family and never returned, or had been heard of again. She also stated that when Tilmon Sanders left his family, he left no property for their support, that William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders took her and her children home and she lived with her father, until the children were grown. She further stated that, after the death of William Petty, he left what property he had, to Martha Sanders and her children. That she, Martha Sanders and her three children lived upon this property until the property was sold. After the property was sold, Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. She further stated that, in the month of January 1837, she (Martha Petty) employed John Little to make a crop for her, and that Martha Sanders was, at that time, living with the John Little family. And she further stated, that about the last of February 1837, Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday, and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday morning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse, and on Wednesday she died. She further states that Martha Sanders died in her (Martha Petty's) home, and she was at her bedside and saw her expire at the time stated. She further stated that to the best of her recollection, Tilmon Sanders had been gone and not been heard from for upwards of thirty years before the death of Martha Sanders. Sworn to and subscribed before in this 2nd day of September, 1846.
Signed Martha (her mark) Petty Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court of Please & Quarter Sessions: November Term 1849 It has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that Martha Sanders, formerly the widow of Solomon Seymour and the widow of Tilman Saunders died on the last day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. That she left the following children: James Seymour, son of Solomon Seymour, and Britton Saunders, Sherwood Saunders, and Elizabeth Brown. That they are all the children she did leave and they are still living and that she was a widow for thirty years before her death. In testimony whereof J. William Taylor, clerk of said court have this day with my hand and affixes the seal of office on November 21, 1849. Signed J.W. Taylor CCC
John Petty :More translation..... "Know all men by these present that we, Solomon Seymore and James Masey are held and firmly bound unto the governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of North Carolina in the sum of fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid to the governor or to his … governors or commanders in chief for the time being to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every one of our heirs executors or administrators jointly and generally firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 4th day of March, 1775. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder, Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham County. The above was signed by the marks of Solomon Seymore and James Masey. Note: by John Petty - It appears by the above document that Martha Petty may have been one of the older children, of William and Mildred Petty. ( Perhaps the oldest. She would have to have been at least 15 or 16 years of age, which would put her birth year around 1759 or 1760.).5John Petty, Letter of Martha's place in family, 4 Mar 1775.
" It appears that Martha may have been one of the older, if not the oldest child of Wm. and Mildred Petty. Here is why: Solomon and James Masey were bound to the governor of North Carolina in the sum of 50 Pounds proclaimed money on Mar. 4, 1775. The condition of such obligation was such, that Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate & solomonize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham Co., North Carolina." So it would seem, that Martha would be at least 15 or 16 years of age at that time. That would put her birth year around 1750 or 1760.6Chatham Co., N.Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Nov. term 1849.
It has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that Martha Sanders, formerly the widow of Solmon Seymour and the widow of Tilman Saunders died on the last day of February, one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven (28 Feb 1837) . That she left the following children; James Seymour, son of Solomon Seymour, and Britton Sanders, Sherwood Sanders, and Elizabeth Brown. That they are all the children she did leave and they are still living, and that she was a widow for thirty years before her death. Test. J. Wm . Taylor, cler, 21 Nov 1849: signed J.W.Taylor CCC.
1Melinda Harmon-Mathis.
Note: There are several people who gave two or more statements. The statements were almost exact replicas as their previous statement. A search of Chatham Co., NC Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions has resulted shows that there were entries made of these statements, but not what the statement was - just that the statement was made. Statement of Martha Petty age 74 - She sayeth that Solomon & Martha Seymore were the parents of James Seymore and that Martha & Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children (two sons & one daughter) Britton, Sherwood & Elizabeth. She further sayeth that while the children were small Tilmon Sanders left his family and went away never has returned or been heard of - she further sayeth that when Tilmon Sanders left his family he left no property for their support. That William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders, took her and her children home and they lived with the old man until the children were grown. She further sayeth that at the death of William Petty he left what property he had to Martha Sanders, and that she and her children lived together until the property was sold. That after the property was gone Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. - That about the last of Feb 1837 Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday mourning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse and on Wednesday she died. She does not know of what disease Martha Sanders died from, but believes it was being very old and infirm and being caught in a cold rain. Martha Sanders died at the deponents house, and the deponent was at Martha Sanders bedside at the time of her death. Dated 2 Sept 1846 and signed Martha "X" Petty {{Could this be Martha Sanders the wife of John Petty?}} Statement of Abner Gunter of Chatham Co., NC aged 69 years - He was personally acquainted with Tilman Sanders & Martha his wife for many years & with James Seymore her son by her first husband. He knows she had three children by Tilmon Sanders - Britton, Sherwood & Elizabeth - Tilmon left no property & the family was mainly supported by William Petty the grandfather until they were raised. Dated 4 Sept 1846 and signed Abner Gunter Statement of John Harman, Esq. high Sheriff of said county - age 47 years - he was acquainted with Martha Sanders from his earliest recollections up to the time of her death. Same story about children, Solomon, Tilmon, etc. Dated 4 Sept 1846 and signed Jno. Harman. {{Note: This should be Hezekiah Harmon's son John Harmon}} Statement of Nathan Stedman, Clerk of the County of Chatham Co., NC - aged 40 years - he was acquainted with Martha Sanders from the time he was a small boy until she died. He has always resided in the neighborhood in which she lived. That he knew her three children Britton, Sherood and Elizabeth Sanders, and they were raised near his residence & lived there until a far (fur?) years since when they removed from the county. He knows James Seymore her child from her first husband and that to his knowledge she never had any other child by her first husband. - He never knew Tilman Sanders and he further sayeth that he knows Martha Petty & she is an honest woman. Dated 8 Sept 1846 - Signed N.A. Stedman v Statement of George Harmon of Chatham Co., NC aged 73 - He removed from the state of VA to Chatham Co. in the year of 1804, and as he recollects he settled within four miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore as he understood. He further sayeth that as well as he can now recollect Martha Sanders was at that time living with her son James Seymore the present applicant for her acres of pension. He further sayeth that Tilmon Sanders had left this county (country?) before this deponent came to it. That he has never saw him, nor does he have any knowledge whatever became of him and he further sayeth that some time after he settled in the neighborhood that William Petty the father to Martha Sanders, took her and her three children and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death. At his death William Petty gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children - two sons and one daughter. He further sayeth that after her children came of age they sold the land to this deponent and he has resided on it ever since. He further sayeth that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children and friends to the day of her death. She died at the house of the widow of John Petty, some four and five miles from this deponents house. He can not now positively state the date of her death, but it was the later part of Feb or first of Jan 1837 - that he was applied to make her coffin, which he did, and had her grave dug at his own place where her father and relatives were buried. That he took the coffin to his own home and had her buried and she being at the time of her death a member of the Baptist Church her funeral was preached at his house by the Rev. Henry Meritt and George Purifay. He further sayeth that there was a friendly intercourse between himself and William Petty the father of Martha Sanders to the day of his death and he has no recollection of any member of the family saying they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was or whether he was dead or alive. Dated 27 Aug 1847 - Signed George Harman - Recorded 28 Aug 1847 by N.A. Stedman C.C.C. Statement of John Little of Chatham Co., NC age 36 - He made a contract with Martha Petty, widow of John Petty, during the year 1837. He went there with his family and occupied a house in the yard of Mrs. Petty. That he commenced his years labor on the first day of Jan 1837 and the deponent further sayeth that Martha Sanders formerly Martha Seymore was in the habit of visiting this deponent family that they had been acquainted for a long time and a cordial friendship existed between them. That Martha Sanders last paid a visit in the later part of Feb 1837. During her stay with his family there was preaching in the neighborhood and she went to the meeting, on her return she was caught in a severe storm of wind and rain and got very wet. That she was very old and feeble and was taken very ill the following night. That a doctor was called for, but she died before he came. That the deponents wife furnished suitable clothes for an old lady and Martha Sanders was buried the first part of March 1837 at the family burial ground on George Harmon’s property. Dated 11 Feb 1850 Statement of George Harmon, age 72 - he moved from the state of VA about 42 years ago and he settled within four miles of the land he now lives on. He was acquainted with Martha Sanders and her family since about 1804 or 1805 - otherwise same statement as above - Dated 7 July 1847 - Signed George Harman Statement of Jesse Ausley of Chatham Co., NC age 87 years - He can only speak of Solomon Seymore’s Rev. War Service from the time he was called into service - He further sayeth that he lost his parents when small and was raised by a Mr. Jones * of Wake Co., NC. As he recollects Mr. Jones brought this deponent and one of his own sons to Chatham Co. in the spring of 1775 and hired this deponent to Burrwell Williams and his son to Solomon Chapman to work for that summer. That Philip Gean was B. Williamses overseer and that Mournin Seymore a sister of Solomon Seymore also lived at Burrwell Williamses that summer. That during the summer Philip Geane married Miss Seymore. That in the fall when this deponent and Mr. Jonses son returned home to Wake Co. they were both ?? in the militia, they both being 16 years old. He further sayeth that in the spring of 1776 he and Mr. Jones son both returned to Chatham and worked at their respective places again, and that Philip Geane and his wife remained with Burrwell Williams and lived in an out house as overseer and that this deponent chose to board and lodge with the overseer rather than with the family. While living with said Geane and his wife he understood from them that her brother married the daughter of William Petty who was a wealthy farmer and that Petty was so much displeased at the marriage that he threatened to shoot Seymore on sight. This deponent further sayeth that soon after he returned to Wake in the fall of 76 he was drafted to go to Hillsborough to guard the Lyestaton{?}. That while there the recruits from the different companies in the district were marched to Hillsborough and that was the first time he saw Solomon Seymore. He further sayeth that Solomon Seymore was a very noted man, light complected with the mark of a ginger cake{?} on his right cheek. He further sayeth that in the spring of 77 he again returned to work the summer with Burwell Williams on Cape Fear and that Philip Geane was still there as overseer and he again stayed with them. He was informed by Geane and his wife that no reconciliation could be made between William Petty the father in law of Solomon Seymore and that his friends advised him to enlist or Petty would certainly kill him if got an opportunity. He further sayeth that Thomas Seymore the father of Solomon had removed and settled on Haw River near its mouth about 2 & ½ miles from where this deponent lived in 77. That Solomon Seymores wife was living with the old man. That the family visited Philip Geane and that this deponent often visited the Seymors family. That there were three sons young men grown with whom this deponent associated frequently and that upon all occasions it seemed that the conversation was about Solomon being ?? in the army. He next related an incident that happened in 77 - that the house of Thomas Seymore was struck with lightening and that a loaded gun, which lay in the rack over the fire place, was fired off and that Seymores oldest son then at home was killed in the house and he further sayeth that the family regretted preventing their son from going in the Army with his brother. In the fall of 77 he helped Philip Geane remove from Mr. Williamses to his own place. That this deponent then went back to Wake and again entered the service and remained there in his own place or as a substitute and did not return to Cape Fear until the close of the war - That when he returned he heard that Philip Geane had been killed in the Battle at Cain Creek, that he visited the family and Solomon Seymore had returned from the service and he and his wife were living with Geans widow. He further understood that from the good character Solomon Seymore remained in the army that his father in law became ?? to him. The deponent further sayeth that he was informed by the said Solomon Seymore that he never saw or heard from his family from the time this deponent saw him in Hillsboro until he returned from his time of service and go his discharge. He further sayeth that he made Solomon Semores house his house for a time and that he lived in the same Captain’s district and ?? with him in the same Company until his death. He knows of his own knowledge that Solomon Seymore drew a land warrant for his bounty lands. That this deponent went with Seymore to General Ramseys when he sold it and the deponent got a part of the pay. He further sayeth that he was well acquainted with Tilman Sanders who married the widow of Solomon Seymore. That he has known the present applicant, James Seymore, from his cradle and that he is the identical person he represents himself to be. Dated 26 Feb 184? Recorded 15 May 1846 - Signed Jesse “X” Ausley, by his mark
"Abstract of the Rev. War Pension File Non-Selected Records of Solomon Seymore and his widow Martha Sanders/Saunders
File #W19314
* Note: There are a couple of time that it looks like it could be Mr. Janes, but more often it resembles Mr. Jones - Also, the date could be 26 Feb 1840/1843 or 1846 - it seems more likely that it was 1846 Statement of John Hughes aged 77 {or 67?} - He was personally acquainted with Solomon Seymore and his family during the Rev. War. He does not know of his own knowledge of his services and amount but has always believed and understood that Solomon Seymore was a Reg. Soldier in the Continental line. He was acquainted with Seymore until the time of his death and that he was a respectable man and bore the name of a good soldier - Dated 11 Apr 1846 - Signed John Hughes Statement of Laurence Griffin aged 84 years old - He was born and raised in Granville Co., NC - He entered and enlisted in the Continental line of NC in 1776 and went on to the north and that in 1777 as well as he can recollect he got acquainted with Solomon Seymore who belonged to Capt. Williamses Co. in NC line. That they all belonged to General Nashes Brigade. He further sayeth that Solomon Seymore was a handsome man of light heer {hair?} fair complexion and had the maske of a ginger cake on his right cheek, which made him a very notable man. He very distinctly recollects that Solomon Seymore was in the Battle at Garmon Town and fought bravely - Soon after the close of the Rev. War this deponent removed from Granville to Chatham and followed the tailors trade and went from house to house where he could find employ - that he worked several times at the house of Solomon Seymore and he knows him to be the identical man he served with in the Rev. War under General Nash. He was acquainted with the family for upwards of 50 years. Dated 24 Apr 1846 Statement of Jesse Ausley aged 87 years - The first time he saw Solomon Seymore was in the year 1776. That this deponent was with the militia service on guard at Hillsborough guarding the assembly then in session at Hillsborough - That there were Continental officers there ready to take the command of all the soldiers enlisted. That he recalls that Captain Joseph Johnson marched the recruits from Chatham and that Solomon Seymore was one of the men. This deponent further sayeth that he never served with Solomon Seymore, but understood that he served till the close of the war and recollects that he saw him in Hillsborough again until nearly the close of the war. Dated 6 Jan 1846 - Signed Jesse “X” Ausley by his mark Statement of William Geane of Chatham Co., NC age 76 years - He was personally acquainted with Solomon Seymore and his wife Martha, that she was the daughter of William Petty. That after the Rev. War William Petty the father in law of Solomon Seymore settled them on a tract of land on Deep River near the mouth of Rocky River in the said county. That Solomon Seymore died at the place many years ago leaving Martha a widow and one son named James, the present applicant for his fathers and mothers pension. He has always understood and believed that after the death of Solomon Seymore William Petty the grandfather deed the said tract to his grandson the said Seymore. He also understood that Martha the widow married Tilmon Sanders who lived with her some time and then left this part of the country some thirty years ago or upwards and has never returned or been heard from again. He does not know if the said Sanders is living or dead. He further states that James Seymore is the person that he says he is. Dated 4 Aug 1845. Signed William “X” Geane by his mark."
I am not sure if Sanders or Saunders was the correct spelling. Solomon's Pension File lists her as Sanders, but it still could have been Saunders. The one thing I want to make sure and point out is that I don't think Martha was the daughter of Mildred Phelps. Her parents were a William & Mildred Petty, but William died most likely in Chatham Co., NC, before 5 Oct 1822 when his estate sale took place. He died after 2 Apr 1821 - From Chatham Co., NC Deed Records - Book W, page 6 - 2 Apr 1821 - County: Chatham State: North Carolina "Know all men by presents that I, William Petty, Sr., am held and firmly bound unto my daughter Martha Saunders in the sum of $2000. with payment to be made by myself, my heirs and administrators. The conditions of the above obligation is such that whereas I have this day given all the lands and improvements whereon I now live to my daughter, Martha Saunders after my death and the death of my wife, now if my heirs, executors or administrators shall make good and lawful right and title to said land and plantation with the improvement to my daughter Patty Saunders then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force." Wit: Thomas Clegg, Ephraim Ledbetter, and William Petty
I may be misreading the deeds and probate information in Chatham, but I don't think the William and Mildred in Chatham is the William Petty & Mildred Phelps in Halifax Co., VA. Mildred was alive up until 1821, but she did predecease her daughter's death in 1837 - as Martha received the plantation and sold it to George Harmon before her death.2Court Record.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder, Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham County. The above was signed by the marks of Solomon Seymore and James Masey.
Know all men by these present that we, Solomon Seymore and James Masey are held and firmly bound unto the governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of North Carolina in the sum of fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid to the governor or to his … governors or commanders in chief for the time being to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every one of our heirs executors or administrators jointly and generally firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 4th day of March, 1775.
1John Petty, jpetty2000 at msn.com (as of 2005).
Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated August 2, 1847. This court record was a deposition by George Harman, aged 73 years. He stated that he had moved from the state of Virginia to Chatham County in the year 1804. That he settled within five miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore, as he understood. He stated that at that time, Martha Sanders was living with her son, James Seymore. He further stated that Tilmon Sanders had left this country before he (George Harman), had came to it. He further stated that William Petty, the father, took Martha Sanders and her three children home and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death, and at the time of his death, he gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children. He further states that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children, and friends until the day that she died, and that she died at the home, of the widow, of John Petty. (This being about four or five miles from his (George Harman's) house) George Harman's house, would be the same house that was located on the William Petty plantation, as the children of Martha (when they came of age), had sold this plantation (as stated in this deposition) to Mr. Harman. And he further stated, that he never heard any member of the family say they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was, or whether he was dead or alive. (Tilmon Sanders had deserted the family)
I have in my possession some court depositions pertaining to the daughter of William Petty and Mildred (unknown) of Chatham County, North Carolina. The documents are very hard to read, so I have tried to transcribe, as best as I can, the parts pertaining to Martha Petty, the daughter of William.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2nd day of August 1847.
Signed, George Harman Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated September 2, 1846
(this was a deposition by Martha Petty, the widow of John Petty) In this deposition, Martha Petty, age seventy four years, was well acquainted with Martha Seymour, widow of Solomon Seymour and mother of James Seymore, who afterwards intermarried with Tilmon Sanders for many years. She further states that Martha and Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children, two sons and one daughter named, Britton, Sherwood and Elizabeth, and she further states that while their children were quite small Tilmon Sanders left his family and never returned, or had been heard of again. She also stated that when Tilmon Sanders left his family, he left no property for their support, that William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders took her and her children home and she lived with her father, until the children were grown. She further stated that, after the death of William Petty, he left what property he had, to Martha Sanders and her children. That she, Martha Sanders and her three children lived upon this property until the property was sold. After the property was sold, Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. She further stated that, in the month of January 1837, she (Martha Petty) employed John Little to make a crop for her, and that Martha Sanders was, at that time, living with the John Little family. And she further stated, that about the last of February 1837, Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday, and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday morning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse, and on Wednesday she died. She further states that Martha Sanders died in her (Martha Petty's) home, and she was at her bedside and saw her expire at the time stated. She further stated that to the best of her recollection, Tilmon Sanders had been gone and not been heard from for upwards of thirty years before the death of Martha Sanders. Sworn to and subscribed before in this 2nd day of September, 1846.
Signed Martha (her mark) Petty Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court of Please & Quarter Sessions: November Term 1849 It has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that Martha Sanders, formerly the widow of Solomon Seymour and the widow of Tilman Saunders died on the last day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. That she left the following children: James Seymour, son of Solomon Seymour, and Britton Saunders, Sherwood Saunders, and Elizabeth Brown. That they are all the children she did leave and they are still living and that she was a widow for thirty years before her death. In testimony whereof J. William Taylor, clerk of said court have this day with my hand and affixes the seal of office on November 21, 1849. Signed J.W. Taylor CCC
John Petty :More translation..... "Know all men by these present that we, Solomon Seymore and James Masey are held and firmly bound unto the governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of North Carolina in the sum of fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid to the governor or to his … governors or commanders in chief for the time being to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every one of our heirs executors or administrators jointly and generally firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 4th day of March, 1775. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder, Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham County. The above was signed by the marks of Solomon Seymore and James Masey. Note: by John Petty - It appears by the above document that Martha Petty may have been one of the older children, of William and Mildred Petty. ( Perhaps the oldest. She would have to have been at least 15 or 16 years of age, which would put her birth year around 1759 or 1760.).2Military Records.
Statement of Martha Petty age 74 - She sayeth that Solomon & Martha Seymore were the parents of James Seymore and that Martha & Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children (two sons & one daughter) Britton, Sherwood & Elizabeth. She further sayeth that while the children were small Tilmon Sanders left his family and went away never has returned or been heard of - she further sayeth that when Tilmon Sanders left his family he left no property for their support. That William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders, took her and her children home and they lived with the old man until the children were grown. She further sayeth that at the death of William Petty he left what property he had to Martha Sanders, and that she and her children lived together until the property was sold. That after the property was gone Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. - That about the last of Feb 1837 Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday mourning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse and on Wednesday she died. She does not know of what disease Martha Sanders died from, but believes it was being very old and infirm and being caught in a cold rain. Martha Sanders died at the deponents house, and the deponent was at Martha Sanders bedside at the time of her death. Dated 2 Sept 1846 and signed Martha "X" Petty {{Could this be Martha Sanders the wife of John Petty?}} Statement of Abner Gunter of Chatham Co., NC aged 69 years - He was personally acquainted with Tilman Sanders & Martha his wife for many years & with James Seymore her son by her first husband. He knows she had three children by Tilmon Sanders - Britton, Sherwood & Elizabeth - Tilmon left no property & the family was mainly supported by William Petty the grandfather until they were raised. Dated 4 Sept 1846 and signed Abner Gunter Statement of John Harman, Esq. high Sheriff of said county - age 47 years - he was acquainted with Martha Sanders from his earliest recollections up to the time of her death. Same story about children, Solomon, Tilmon, etc. Dated 4 Sept 1846 and signed Jno. Harman. {{Note: This should be Hezekiah Harmon's son John Harmon}} Statement of Nathan Stedman, Clerk of the County of Chatham Co., NC - aged 40 years - he was acquainted with Martha Sanders from the time he was a small boy until she died. He has always resided in the neighborhood in which she lived. That he knew her three children Britton, Sherood and Elizabeth Sanders, and they were raised near his residence & lived there until a far (fur?) years since when they removed from the county. He knows James Seymore her child from her first husband and that to his knowledge she never had any other child by her first husband. - He never knew Tilman Sanders and he further sayeth that he knows Martha Petty & she is an honest woman. Dated 8 Sept 1846 - Signed N.A. Stedman Statement of George Harmon of Chatham Co., NC aged 73 - He removed from the state of VA to Chatham Co. in the year of 1804, and as he recollects he settled within four miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore as he understood. He further sayeth that as well as he can now recollect Martha Sanders was at that time living with her son James Seymore the present applicant for her acres of pension. He further sayeth that Tilmon Sanders had left this county (country?) before this deponent came to it. That he has never saw him, nor does he have any knowledge whatever became of him and he further sayeth that some time after he settled in the neighborhood that William Petty the father to Martha Sanders, took her and her three children and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death. At his death William Petty gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children - two sons and one daughter. He further sayeth that after her children came of age they sold the land to this deponent and he has resided on it ever since. He further sayeth that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children and friends to the day of her death. She died at the house of the widow of John Petty, some four and five miles from this deponents house. He can not now positively state the date of her death, but it was the later part of Feb or first of Jan 1837 - that he was applied to make her coffin, which he did, and had her grave dug at his own place where her father and relatives were buried. That he took the coffin to his own home and had her buried and she being at the time of her death a member of the Baptist Church her funeral was preached at his house by the Rev. Henry Meritt and George Purifay. He further sayeth that there was a friendly intercourse between himself and William Petty the father of Martha Sanders to the day of his death and he has no recollection of any member of the family saying they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was or whether he was dead or alive. Dated 27 Aug 1847 - Signed George Harman - Recorded 28 Aug 1847 by N.A. Stedman C.C.C. Statement of John Little of Chatham Co., NC age 36 - He made a contract with Martha Petty, widow of John Petty, during the year 1837. He went there with his family and occupied a house in the yard of Mrs. Petty. That he commenced his years labor on the first day of Jan 1837 and the deponent further sayeth that Martha Sanders formerly Martha Seymore was in the habit of visiting this deponent family that they had been acquainted for a long time and a cordial friendship existed between them. That Martha Sanders last paid a visit in the later part of Feb 1837. During her stay with his family there was preaching in the neighborhood and she went to the meeting, on her return she was caught in a severe storm of wind and rain and got very wet. That she was very old and feeble and was taken very ill the following night. That a doctor was called for, but she died before he came. That the deponents wife furnished suitable clothes for an old lady and Martha Sanders was buried the first part of March 1837 at the family burial ground on George Harmon’s property. Dated 11 Feb 1850 Statement of George Harmon, age 72 - he moved from the state of VA about 42 years ago and he settled within four miles of the land he now lives on. He was acquainted with Martha Sanders and her family since about 1804 or 1805 - otherwise same statement as above - Dated 7 July 1847 - Signed George Harman Statement of Jesse Ausley of Chatham Co., NC age 87 years - He can only speak of Solomon Seymore’s Rev. War Service from the time he was called into service - He further sayeth that he lost his parents when small and was raised by a Mr. Jones * of Wake Co., NC. As he recollects Mr. Jones brought this deponent and one of his own sons to Chatham Co. in the spring of 1775 and hired this deponent to Burrwell Williams and his son to Solomon Chapman to work for that summer. That Philip Gean was B. Williamses overseer and that Mournin Seymore a sister of Solomon Seymore also lived at Burrwell Williamses that summer. That during the summer Philip Geane married Miss Seymore. That in the fall when this deponent and Mr. Jonses son returned home to Wake Co. they were both ?? in the militia, they both being 16 years old. He further sayeth that in the spring of 1776 he and Mr. Jones son both returned to Chatham and worked at their respective places again, and that Philip Geane and his wife remained with Burrwell Williams and lived in an out house as overseer and that this deponent chose to board and lodge with the overseer rather than with the family. While living with said Geane and his wife he understood from them that her brother married the daughter of William Petty who was a wealthy farmer and that Petty was so much displeased at the marriage that he threatened to shoot Seymore on sight. This deponent further sayeth that soon after he returned to Wake in the fall of 76 he was drafted to go to Hillsborough to guard the Lyestaton{?}. That while there the recruits from the different companies in the district were marched to Hillsborough and that was the first time he saw Solomon Seymore. He further sayeth that Solomon Seymore was a very noted man, light complected with the mark of a ginger cake{?} on his right cheek. He further sayeth that in the spring of 77 he again returned to work the summer with Burwell Williams on Cape Fear and that Philip Geane was still there as overseer and he again stayed with them. He was informed by Geane and his wife that no reconciliation could be made between William Petty the father in law of Solomon Seymore and that his friends advised him to enlist or Petty would certainly kill him if got an opportunity. He further sayeth that Thomas Seymore the father of Solomon had removed and settled on Haw River near its mouth about 2 & ½ miles from where this deponent lived in 77. That Solomon Seymores wife was living with the old man. That the family visited Philip Geane and that this deponent often visited the Seymors family. That there were three sons young men grown with whom this deponent associated frequently and that upon all occasions it seemed that the conversation was about Solomon being ?? in the army. He next related an incident that happened in 77 - that the house of Thomas Seymore was struck with lightening and that a loaded gun, which lay in the rack over the fire place, was fired off and that Seymores oldest son then at home was killed in the house and he further sayeth that the family regretted preventing their son from going in the Army with his brother. In the fall of 77 he helped Philip Geane remove from Mr. Williamses to his own place. That this deponent then went back to Wake and again entered the service and remained there in his own place or as a substitute and did not return to Cape Fear until the close of the war - That when he returned he heard that Philip Geane had been killed in the Battle at Cain Creek, that he visited the family and Solomon Seymore had returned from the service and he and his wife were living with Geans widow. He further understood that from the good character Solomon Seymore remained in the army that his father in law became ?? to him. The deponent further sayeth that he was informed by the said Solomon Seymore that he never saw or heard from his family from the time this deponent saw him in Hillsboro until he returned from his time of service and go his discharge. He further sayeth that he made Solomon Semores house his house for a time and that he lived in the same Captain’s district and ?? with him in the same Company until his death. He knows of his own knowledge that Solomon Seymore drew a land warrant for his bounty lands. That this deponent went with Seymore to General Ramseys when he sold it and the deponent got a part of the pay. He further sayeth that he was well acquainted with Tilman Sanders who married the widow of Solomon Seymore. That he has known the present applicant, James Seymore, from his cradle and that he is the identical person he represents himself to be. Dated 26 Feb 184? Recorded 15 May 1846 - Signed Jesse “X” Ausley, by his mark ***Note: There are a couple of time that it looks like it could be Mr. Janes, but more often it resembles Mr. Jones - Also, the date could be 26 Feb 1840/1843 or 1846 - it seems more likely that it was 1846 Statement of John Hughes aged 77 {or 67?} - He was personally acquainted with Solomon Seymore and his family during the Rev. War. He does not know of his own knowledge of his services and amount but has always believed and understood that Solomon Seymore was a Reg. Soldier in the Continental line. He was acquainted with Seymore until the time of his death and that he was a respectable man and bore the name of a good soldier - Dated 11 Apr 1846 - Signed John Hughes Statement of Laurence Griffin aged 84 years old - He was born and raised in Granville Co., NC - He entered and enlisted in the Continental line of NC in 1776 and went on to the north and that in 1777 as well as he can recollect he got acquainted with Solomon Seymore who belonged to Capt. Williamses Co. in NC line. That they all belonged to General Nashes Brigade. He further sayeth that Solomon Seymore was a handsome man of light heer {hair?} fair complexion and had the maske of a ginger cake on his right cheek, which made him a very notable man. He very distinctly recollects that Solomon Seymore was in the Battle at Garmon Town and fought bravely - Soon after the close of the Rev. War this deponent removed from Granville to Chatham and followed the tailors trade and went from house to house where he could find employ - that he worked several times at the house of Solomon Seymore and he knows him to be the identical man he served with in the Rev. War under General Nash. He was acquainted with the family for upwards of 50 years. Dated 24 Apr 1846 Statement of Jesse Ausley aged 87 years - The first time he saw Solomon Seymore was in the year 1776. That this deponent was with the militia service on guard at Hillsborough guarding the assembly then in session at Hillsborough - That there were Continental officers there ready to take the command of all the soldiers enlisted. That he recalls that Captain Joseph Johnson marched the recruits from Chatham and that Solomon Seymore was one of the men. This deponent further sayeth that he never served with Solomon Seymore, but understood that he served till the close of the war and recollects that he saw him in Hillsborough again until nearly the close of the war. Dated 6 Jan 1846 - Signed Jesse “X” Ausley by his mark Statement of William Geane of Chatham Co., NC age 76 years - He was personally acquainted with Solomon Seymore and his wife Martha, that she was the daughter of William Petty. That after the Rev. War William Petty the father in law of Solomon Seymore settled them on a tract of land on Deep River near the mouth of Rocky River in the said county. That Solomon Seymore died at the place many years ago leaving Martha a widow and one son named James, the present applicant for his fathers and mothers pension. He has always understood and believed that after the death of Solomon Seymore William Petty the grandfather deed the said tract to his grandson the said Seymore. He also understood that Martha the widow married Tilmon Sanders who lived with her some time and then left this part of the country some thirty years ago or upwards and has never returned or been heard from again. He does not know if the said Sanders is living or dead. He further states that James Seymore is the person that he says he is. Dated 4 Aug 1845. Signed William “X” Geane by his mark."
"
Note: There are several people who gave two or more statements. The statements were almost exact replicas as their previous statement. A search of Chatham Co., NC Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions has resulted shows that there were entries made of these statements, but not what the statement was - just that the statement was made.
Abstract of the Rev. War Pension File Non-Selected Records of Solomon Seymore and his widow Martha Sanders/Saunders File #W19314.3Court Record.
Chatham Co., NC Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions - Nov 1849 - Martha Sanders, widow of Solomon Seymour and
the widow of Tilman Saunders dec'd on the last day of Feb 1867, and left he following children: James Seymore, son
of Solomon Seymore; Britton Saunders, Sherwood Saunders and Elizabeth Brown - Nov Term 1847, statement N.A.
Stedman, she was referred to as Elizabeth Sanders now Elizabeth Brown.4John Petty, Jpetty at ken-tennwireless dot com as if 8/28/10.
Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated August 2, 1847. This court record was a deposition by George Harman, aged 73 years. He stated that he had moved from the state of Virginia to Chatham County in the year 1804. That he settled within five miles of William Petty, who was the father of Martha Sanders, wife of Tilmon Sanders and formerly the widow of Solomon Seymore, as he understood. He stated that at that time, Martha Sanders was living with her son, James Seymore. He further stated that Tilmon Sanders had left this country before he (George Harman), had came to it. He further stated that William Petty, the father, took Martha Sanders and her three children home and settled them on his plantation where they remained until his death, and at the time of his death, he gave his plantation to Martha Sanders and her three children. He further states that Martha Sanders continued to live with her children, and friends until the day that she died, and that she died at the home, of the widow, of John Petty. (This being about four or five miles from his (George Harman's) house) George Harman's house, would be the same house that was located on the William Petty plantation, as the children of Martha (when they came of age), had sold this plantation (as stated in this deposition) to Mr. Harman. And he further stated, that he never heard any member of the family say they had any knowledge where Tilmon Sanders was, or whether he was dead or alive. (Tilmon Sanders had deserted the family)
I have in my possession some court depositions pertaining to the daughter of William Petty and Mildred (unknown) of Chatham County, North Carolina. The documents are very hard to read, so I have tried to transcribe, as best as I can, the parts pertaining to Martha Petty, the daughter of William.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2nd day of August 1847.
Signed, George Harman Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court Record dated September 2, 1846
(this was a deposition by Martha Petty, the widow of John Petty) In this deposition, Martha Petty, age seventy four years, was well acquainted with Martha Seymour, widow of Solomon Seymour and mother of James Seymore, who afterwards intermarried with Tilmon Sanders for many years. She further states that Martha and Tilmon Sanders lived together until they had three children, two sons and one daughter named, Britton, Sherwood and Elizabeth, and she further states that while their children were quite small Tilmon Sanders left his family and never returned, or had been heard of again. She also stated that when Tilmon Sanders left his family, he left no property for their support, that William Petty, the father of Martha Sanders took her and her children home and she lived with her father, until the children were grown. She further stated that, after the death of William Petty, he left what property he had, to Martha Sanders and her children. That she, Martha Sanders and her three children lived upon this property until the property was sold. After the property was sold, Martha Sanders lived wherever she could find a home amongst her friends. She further stated that, in the month of January 1837, she (Martha Petty) employed John Little to make a crop for her, and that Martha Sanders was, at that time, living with the John Little family. And she further stated, that about the last of February 1837, Martha Sanders went to church on Sunday, and was caught in a rain on her return home, and on Monday morning complained of being very unwell. On Tuesday she felt worse, and on Wednesday she died. She further states that Martha Sanders died in her (Martha Petty's) home, and she was at her bedside and saw her expire at the time stated. She further stated that to the best of her recollection, Tilmon Sanders had been gone and not been heard from for upwards of thirty years before the death of Martha Sanders. Sworn to and subscribed before in this 2nd day of September, 1846.
Signed Martha (her mark) Petty Source: Chatham County, North Carolina Court of Please & Quarter Sessions: November Term 1849 It has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that Martha Sanders, formerly the widow of Solomon Seymour and the widow of Tilman Saunders died on the last day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. That she left the following children: James Seymour, son of Solomon Seymour, and Britton Saunders, Sherwood Saunders, and Elizabeth Brown. That they are all the children she did leave and they are still living and that she was a widow for thirty years before her death. In testimony whereof J. William Taylor, clerk of said court have this day with my hand and affixes the seal of office on November 21, 1849. Signed J.W. Taylor CCC
John Petty :More translation..... "Know all men by these present that we, Solomon Seymore and James Masey are held and firmly bound unto the governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of North Carolina in the sum of fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid to the governor or to his … governors or commanders in chief for the time being to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every one of our heirs executors or administrators jointly and generally firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 4th day of March, 1775. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder, Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham County. The above was signed by the marks of Solomon Seymore and James Masey. Note: by John Petty - It appears by the above document that Martha Petty may have been one of the older children, of William and Mildred Petty. ( Perhaps the oldest. She would have to have been at least 15 or 16 years of age, which would put her birth year around 1759 or 1760.).5John Petty, Letter of Martha's place in family, 4 Mar 1775.
" It appears that Martha may have been one of the older, if not the oldest child of Wm. and Mildred Petty. Here is why: Solomon and James Masey were bound to the governor of North Carolina in the sum of 50 Pounds proclaimed money on Mar. 4, 1775. The condition of such obligation was such, that Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate & solomonize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham Co., North Carolina." So it would seem, that Martha would be at least 15 or 16 years of age at that time. That would put her birth year around 1750 or 1760.6Chatham Co., N.Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Nov. term 1849.
It has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that Martha Sanders, formerly the widow of Solmon Seymour and the widow of Tilman Saunders died on the last day of February, one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven (28 Feb 1837) . That she left the following children; James Seymour, son of Solomon Seymour, and Britton Sanders, Sherwood Sanders, and Elizabeth Brown. That they are all the children she did leave and they are still living, and that she was a widow for thirty years before her death. Test. J. Wm . Taylor, cler, 21 Nov 1849: signed J.W.Taylor CCC.7Court Record.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounder, Solomon Seymore hath this day made application for a marriage license to celebrate and solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and Martha Petty of Chatham County. The above was signed by the marks of Solomon Seymore and James Masey.
Know all men by these present that we, Solomon Seymore and James Masey are held and firmly bound unto the governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of North Carolina in the sum of fifty pounds proclamation money to be paid to the governor or to his … governors or commanders in chief for the time being to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every one of our heirs executors or administrators jointly and generally firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 4th day of March, 1775.
1Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 9 #1 pg 22.
2Katherine Reynolds, Vol 9 #1 page 22 Deed, 1775.
William Petty Jr. (Note): Milly (Mildred) signed a deed dated 1775 as the wife of William Petty., and sold the land to William Dillard in 1779.
She named her children:
1. William Petty Jr. -1. willam sold land to Hezekiah Harman for $300. in 1820..
2. James Petty- Inventory of Estate 1807, had a son Jesse.
3. Isaac married Mary Smith, was also the administrator of the estate of William.
4. Martha
5. Anna, married William Moultrie (sic). She was married by 1800. She was deeded a negro by her father, who said she was a widow.3Estate.
In his estate papers, one of the buyers is a Raford(sp?) PETTY.).4Marriage Record, NCGS Quarterly "Consolidated List of Marriage License Purchases in North Carolina, 1785-179.
William MOUTRAY bought a marriage license in Chatham Co, NC in 1788.
1Will.
Was deeded a negro by her father who said she was a Widow. So she was a widow by 1822.2Marriage Record, NCGS Quarterly "Consolidated List of Marriage License Purchases in North Carolina, 1785-179.
William MOUTRAY bought a marriage license in Chatham Co, NC in 1788.
1Sharolyn P. Wood.
Along with John and Ozburn, other Dillard males documented as having resided in Chatham County between 1773 and 1790 were a second William, Elisha, and Willis, all possible sons of the elder William Dillard and Zachariah who came to Chatham County from Halifax County, NC after 1783. All of the above moved to Middle Tennessee between 1793 and 1810 and settled in the Sumner, Smith and Wilson County area.
William Dillard of Chatham County, NC died between May 28, 1781, when he was mentioned in the Will of Mial Scurlock of that same county as co-owner of a mill and plantation on the Haw River with that same Mial Scurlock and February 20, 1782 when the inventory record of his, William Dillard’s, estate was recorded in Chatham County. Mentioned as purchasers at the sale of estate assets were John Dillard and Ozburn Dillard, who are assumed to be his sons and Keziah Dillard, known to be his wife, who was named as administrator of his estate that same month. Keziah was the daughter of William Petty Sr. also of Chatham County. William Petty Sr. was appointed guardian to Lavinia Dillard, "orphan of William Dillard, deceased" in February, 1783 (see CHATHAM COUNTY COURT OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSIONS (1781-1785)). From this we can reasonably assume that William Dillard died in Chatham County, NC.
1Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 7 #2 pg 3; Vol 7 #1 pg 20; Vol 8 #2 pg 34; Vol 9 #1 pg 22,23,25,26.
2Alyene Westall Prehn.
George Petty "Journal of a Genealogist" by A. E. Westfall Prehn.3Will.
will pr. 22 Jun 1860 Liberty Twp, Hendricks, IN
will dated 6 Aug 1852.4Neva Richards.
family story is that he had 19 boys and 1 girl.5Rollie Taylor.
1840 IN census, Hendricks Co, microfilm page 65. HH of Isaac Petty:
2 FWM of 5 and under 10; 2 FWM of 10 and under 15; 2 FWM of 15 and
under 20; 1 FWM of 20 and under 30; and1 FWM of 70 and under 80
(Isaac); 1 FWF 15 and under 20;, and 1 FWF of 40 and under 50.
1850 IN census, Hendricks Co, microfilm page 85b, line 11. Isaac
Petty, age 82, has a household of 7. His sons are Jesse, age 29; George,
age 21; and Abraham, age 17. His daughter, Mary Ann Clark, age 28, her
husband William Clark, and children Isaac and John H. live with him.6Will, will on Page 239.
I have his will, (photo Copy) see notes for will.7Will, will on Page 239.
I, Isaac Petty of the County of Hendricks and State of Illinois do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. First, I direct that my body be decently interred and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and situation in life and as to such worldly estate as it has pleaased God to intrust me with, I dispose off the same in the following manner: I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid soon after my decease as possible out of the first moneys that shall come to the hands of my executor from any portion of my estate. I also give and bequeath to my last set of children, to wit; Jonathan Petty, Jesse Petty, James Petty, Isaac Petty, Nathan Petty, George Petty, Abraham Petty and Mary Ann Clark, a lot of land lying in Hendricks Co., Indiana, and the waters of White lick. it, being the north half of the No West Quarter of Section 29, Twp. 15 Nort, Range one east. It being 8 acres more or less. I give and bequeath to my oldst set of children to wit: Raford Petty, Guilford Petty, William Petty, Joseph Petty, John Petty, Joshua Petty, Elizabeth Price, Sarah Brewer and Kesiah Hatch, a certain amount of Money when collected, it bein $800. 00 more or less. It is the amount of money that I sold, 80 acres of land for to my son, James Petty, More or less. In witness whereof, I Isaac Petty, the testator have herewith set my hand and seal this the 6th day of August, 1852.
I have his will, (photo Copy) see notes for will.
Test: A.W. Edwards & Simon Hornaday
State of Indiana, Hendricks Co. SS Proved 22 June 1860 by Simon Hornaday.8Rollie Taylor.
1Rollie Taylor.
1860 IN census, Hendricks Co, microfilm page 545, line 11. George Petty is head of household. His brother, Isaac, lives with him. Elizth, age 10, is also in the household and George may be her father.
1Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 8 #2 pg 42 (census).
not confirmed as a child to these parents, but probable.2Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 8 #2 pg 42 (census).
Believed to be Solomon's brother. Jean Fisher adds that Caleb's Daughter, her grandmother, named Louiza Dazerina, believed the name Louiza Dazerina is handed down from Absalom's wife Louiza.3Wanda Loomis.
mg location given.
1Barbara McGee, editor, Petty Papers, Vol 7 #1 pg 34, Vol 8 #2 pg 42.
age 35 in 1860 Pike Co., Mo Census b. MO.2Wanda Loomis.
mg location given.
1Census Record, 1860 Census Pike Co., MO.
Adam Petty age 44 Farmer, born Ohio
Margaret age 35 born MO
Elizabeth age 9 born MO
Mary Jane age 7 born MO
Martha A. age 5 born MO
Lauiza age 2 born Mo
Jean Fisher family.