In the name of God Amen I Edward HARRINGTON being sicke in body; yet in p<er>fect sense & memorye, doo make this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following

I bequeath my soule to God that gave it, & my body to the earth to bee burryed; Item I give unto Thomas BELLs his youngest sonne Towe (= two) hundred Acr. of land att the seaboard side, Adioyneinge (= adjoining) to a creeke called by the name of Phillippe Creeke; alsoe one younge cowe called by the name of Coale; Item one younge cowe called by the name of Browne, with a Bull calfe; Item I give unto Mary BELL, wife to Tho BELL, one cowe called by the name of Goodman; I give unto the boye Dan'll Shettltwood one calfe with a white face: Item I give unto Thomas BELL one hundred and ffifty Acr. of land lyeing att the seaboard side & all my whole Estate, undisposed of, unto the aforem<entione>d Tho BELL, hee payeing all my debte & legacy and he seeing me decently buryed, whom I doe make whole Executor of this my last Will & Testament.

Edward HARRINGTON

Witness Edward Moore, Richard Saywell, Robert Berry, John Tilney

Memorand that this third of January 1653 this will was proved in open court by the corporal oathe of the witnesses

Teste:   Edm. Mathews Clk. Cur.

In Ye Name of God Amen, ye Second Day of November in ye year of our Lord, 1713. I, Humphrey Harrington of North Carolina, in perquomons Precinct, Black Smith, being very sick & weak in body, but of perfect mind & memory thanks be Given to God therefore, calling to mind ye mortality of my Body & knowing it is appointed for men once to dye, doe make & ordain this my last will & Testament, that is to say principally & first of all; I Give and recommend my Soul into ye hands of God that gave it, hopeing through ye Merits, Death & passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ To have full & free pardon & forgiveness of all my sins, & to inherit Everlasting life; And my body I commit to ye Earth, to be decently buried at ye discretion of my Executrix herafter named, nothing doubting but at ye Genll. resurrection I Shall receive ye same again by ye mighty power of God; & as touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I demise & dispose of ye same in ye following manner & forme, that is to say: I will that all those debts & duties as I doe ove in right or Conscience, To any manner of person, or persons, whatsoever shall be well & truely contented & paid, or ordained to be paid, in Convenient time after my decease, by my Executrix hereafter named. I Give & bequeith unto my daughter, Ann, my Plantation that I now live on, with one hundred and twenty of land, & to ye heirs of Body lawfully begotten, & She to be posesed at ye age of Sixteen years. I Give & bequeith Unto my daughter in Law, Ann MAJOUR one hundred & twenty acres Joyning to ye aforesd. Plantation of a Tract of land of 340 Acres, & to ye heirs of her body lawfully begotten. I give unto Elizabeth MAJOR, whom I have taken to be my wife, whom I likewise Constitute, make & ordaine my onely & Sole Executrix of this my last will & Testamt., by her freely to be posses'd & enjoyed, & I doe hereby utterly disalloow, Revoke & disannul all & every other Testaments, will & legaces beqts. & Exts. by me in any ways before this time named, willed & bequeithed,
Ratifying & Confirming this & noe other to be my last will & Testament.

in witness whereof, I have herunto Set my hand & Seal, y Day & ye year above written. Humphrey HARRINGTON. Signed, Sealed, published, Pronounced & declared bye ds. Humphrery HARRINGTON, as his last will & Testament in ye presents of ye Subscribers, Vizt: Richard Morris Francis P. Thomas.
Recorded in will book 2, page 18.

WILSON, William HARRINGTON and Janet Mrs Mar 17 1747

Deed - 23 November 1787-Know all men by these presents that I, Drewry HARRINGTON, of the State of South Carolina, Lancaster County, son of Thomas HARRINGTON deceased of Halifax County, North Carolina, for and in consideration of the sum of £60 current money to him in hand paid by Zachariah Harman all that my part or share of all the personal Estate of the late Drewery HARRINGTON deceased of Halifax County, North Carolina of which I am intitled to as Heir at Law or otherwise likewise all the part and share of John Ashley of Winton County, South Carolina in the right of his wife Sarah Whitmel ASHLEY, formerly Sarah Whitmel HARRINGTON the daughter of Said Thomas HARRINGTON, deceased, of which the said John ASHLEY is intitled to as Heir at Law or otherwise in right of his said wife Sarah WHITMELL ASHLEY. Wit: Philimon (x) HARRINGTON, Drewry (X) HARRINGTON, John Harman. [NOTE: The Thomas HARRINGTON, deceased, referred to in this deed was the one born about 1716 in Anson County, North Carolina, and died before 23 November 1787. He was the son of Thomas and Mary Whitmell HARRINGTON. This Thomas was the one who married Hannah HAYNIE. The Drewery HARRINGTON, deceased, of Halifax County, North Carolina, was the one born about 1722 and died 29 October 1785 Halifax County, North Carolina, who married Lewrania HILL and died without issue. This Drury was the brother of the Thomas above, born 1716, and also son of Thomas and Mary Whitmel HARRINGTON.]

Deed - 23 Nov 1787-Know all men by these presents that I James HUTCHENS of the State of North Carolina, Richmond County, am the son of James HUTCHENS and Mary HUTCHENS his wife who are both deceased. My mother Mary HUTCHENS was daughter of Thomas HARRINGTON, deceased, who was brother to Drewry HARRINGTON, deceased, of Halafax County, State aforesaid -hath bargained sold assigned and set over unto the said Zachariah Harmon -- all that part or share of the Estate of said Drury HARRINGTON, deceased, of Halafax County, North Carolina of which James HUTCHENS my father above mentioned in right of his said wife Mary HUTCHENS would have been intitled to as Heir at Law or otherwise was he the said James HUTCHENS now living to the proper use and behoof of him said Zachariah Harmon. Wit: Philamon (x) HARRINGTON, James (X) HUTCHENS

Power of Attorney - 23 November 1787-Know all men by these presents that I, James HUTCHENS, of Richmond County, State of North Carolina, do by these presents constitute and appoint Zaca. Harman of the County of Chatham state aforesaid my true and lawful attorney to ask demand sue for recovery and receive all that part and share of the personal estate of Drury HARRINGTON deceased of Halafax County, State aforesaid of which my Father James HUTCHENS would have been in titled too in right of his wife Mary HUTCHENS formerly Mary HARRINGTON and Acquittances and other discharges to give and in all things for my said attorney to Act and do as if myself were there present. Given under my hand and seal this 23rd day of November 1787. Wit: Philamon (x) HARRINGTON, John Harmon, James (x) HUTCHENS

The pioneers' homes were on the wild frontier, with the villages of the Indians not far away, from which the restless savages, already stirred up by British and Tories, threatened at any time to descend upon the settlements of the whites. CLARKE and his neighbors in Wilkes County had to be on their guard constantly to defend their lives and protect their property. CLARKE was a leader in the neighbor. His spirit was boldand fearless, his mind was alert, and he had no love for the British and Tories.

There were few schools in those days, and the frontiersmen knew little of books. They knew much of the forest, and were learned in the craft of the pioneer. CLARKE, like many another, had to battle with the wilderness and had to meet the stern duties of life on the frontier. He became a bold fighter, and relentless pursuer of the enemies of his country. It was said that the women always asked, "Is CLARKE going to lead the fight?" If the answer was Yes, they felt safe. When in battle, he became so earnest and so reckless, and fought so fearlessly in hand-to-hand conflict, that his own soldiers would stop to watch him fight. He was so self-willed and confident that he found it hard to be obedient to authority. A story is told of him that he once prosecuted a man for stealing a horse. The jury decided the man was not guilty, but CLARKE was convinced otherwise, and said, "If the jury will not hang him, I will." He was about to take the man and hang him to a tree himself, but others interfered and persuaded CLARKE to let the man go.

When CLARKE heard that a little army was gathering at Savannah to oppose the British, he offered his services and was appointed captain of a company to guard some wagons loaded with prisoners. On the way to Savannah, and while crossing a small stream, they were attacked by Indians, but after a severe conflict the savages were driven away. CLARKE and his troops went with General Howe on the expedition against St. Augustine. In a battle with the British he was badly wounded, and for a long time was unable to be with his command. He went to his home in Wilkes County, where he recovered from his wounds, and was soon in the field gathering men to fight Colonel Boyd, a noted Tories, at Kettle Creek.

For a time, Georgia was completely in the hands of the British. Mounted soldiers secured the country above Augusta and out towards Wilkes County. Whenever the few inhabitants that were left refused to take the oath of allegiance, their homes, barns, and grain were burned. The torch was likewise applied to the homes of those who were absent in the army or had fled to Carolina for safety.

The band of patriots that had been assembled under John Dooly, Andrew Pickens, and Elijah CLARKE, watched the movements of the enemy as best they could. The Tory Colonel Boyd, led a band of eight hundred marauders from the Carolinas into upper Georgia. He was bent on destroying property, stealing horses, and terrifying the people. His march was a path of destruction by fire and sword. When he entered Georgia, the patriots followed and overtook him in Wilkes County.

Boyd seemed unconscious of the approach of the Americans, and in the early morning of February 14, 1779, had halted at a farm on Kettle Creek and turned his horse out to forage on the grass and weeds along the edge of a swamp. His men had been on short rations for three days, and were killing some cattle and parching corn. The Americans advanced to the attack. Boyd hastily gathered his men into line of battle, and posted them behind some fallen timber and a fence.

Boyd fought with much bravery, but was overpowered and driven back. While retreating, he fell, mortally wounded, pierced by three balls. The Americans rushed upon the British, driving them into the swamp and capturing their horses, baggage, and arms. The defeat was complete. The Tories scattered in every direction after the death of their leader, some going into Florida, some fleeing to the Indians, and others finding their way to Augusta

While CLARKE was in the field fighting the wandering hands of British and Tories, his own home was left unprotected. One day a party of these marauders came to his house and finding out to whom it belonged, burned it to the ground, with all the furniture it contained, leaving his wife and children to find what shelter they could. Upon another occasion his wife, who was riding a horse in search of her husband near the North Carolina line, was stopped by a party of British, and made to dismount and pursue her journey on foot, while they made off with the horse. This made CLARKE still more determined to rid his country of its enemies. With a little band of patriots, sometimes several hundred and then again a mere handful, he kept up a guerrilla warfare against the British and Tories in the upper part of Georgia. He was nearly always in the saddle, going quickly from place to place, seldom sleeping in a house, hiding in swamps and deep forests, suffering hunger and thirst, and enduring all kinds of hardships. His name became a terror to the enemy. He would strike them whenever he could, and would show them no mercy.

Augusta was in the hands of the British, and CLARKE declared he would never rest until they were driven out. From the day the Tory Colonel Brown took possession of it and hoisted the British flag, Clark began gathering recruits to attack him. Brown had been living in Augusta when the people first rebelled against the king, and had given such offense to the citizens that he was tarred and feathered and carried through the streets in cart by an angry mob. He had vowed vengeance against all patriots. CLARKE gathered his forces and camped before the town, and resolved never to leave until the British flag came down, and upper Georgia was freed of the presence of its enemies.

Colonel Elijah CLARKE succeeded in raising three hundred and fifty men to move against Augusta. To these were added eighty men from South Carolina. The army assembled at Soap Creek, forty miles above Augusta, and quietly marched upon that city. On the 14th of September, 1780, the army appeared before Augusta, to the surprise of Brown

CLARKE attacked an Indian camp at Hawk's Gully, on the west of town, and drove the Indians away. He captured about seventy prisoners and a large lot of Indian presents. The Indians and the British, under Brown, retired to a trading post called the "White House," which they prepared to defend. Under cover of the night Brown threw up earthworks around the house and filled in the spaces between the weather boarding and the plastering with sand and clay to make the house proof against bullets. CLARKE laid siege to the house, and the firing was constant. The water supply of the British was cut off, and the suffering of the wounded men became intense. Brown himself, wounded in the body, was in great agony, but his courage never forsook him. He had already sent messengers into South Carolina asking for relief. At the end of four days CLARKE heard that a force of British had appeared on the opposite side of the Savannah River.

CLARKE realized that he could not longer maintain the siege, and at once withdrew, leaving some badly wounded soldiers. He had no means of moving them and was obliged to abandon them to the mercy of the British. What this mercy was, is shown by the fact that Brown had thirteen of them hanged to the staircase in the "White House" in full view of his bed, where he lay wounded, in order that he might see their expiring agonies. Their bodies were given to the Indians, who, after scalping and mutilating them, threw them into the river. The other prisoners were given to the Indians, who tortured them to death. [Reference: B. Lawton, First Lessons in Georgia History (American Book Company: 1913), summarised by Barbara Walker Winge, [b a r b a r a w i n g e @ y a h o o . c o m]

North Carolina:. At an assembly Held at New Bern in November & December, 1771:

These may certify that Charles HARRINGTON, a wounded Soldier in ---- Battle of Allamance against the Insurgents, was allowed the Sum of Twenty Pounds per Annum during the time he shall Continue disabled, and that the Public Treasures for the time being or either of them pay him the same, provided he once a year produce a Certificate from the Inferior Court of the County where he resides that he still Continues disabled and is a proper object of Public Bounty, as P'r report of the Special Committee for Settling and allowing the accounts on the late Expedition, Concurred with by the Governor, Council and Assembly.

Testator: James. Green, Jun., CIK

The Regulators' Petition

9 October 1769

Mr. Speaker and Gen't of the Assembly.

Humbly Showeth:

That the Province in General labour under general grievances, and the western part thereof under particular ones; which we not only see, but very sensibly feel, being crouch'd beneath our sufferings and not withstanding our sacred privileges, have too long yielded ourselves slaves to remorseless oppression. - Permit us to conceive it to be our inviolable right to make known our grievances, and to petition for redress as appears in the Bill of Rights pass'd in the reign of King Charles the first, as well as the Act of Settlement of the Crown of the Revolution. We therefore beg leave at the Act of the Settlement of the Crown of the Revolution. We therefore beg leave to lay before you a specimen thereof that your compassionate endeavors may tend to the relief of your injured Constituents, whose distressed condition call aloud for aid. The alarming cries of the oppressed possibly may reach your ears; but without your zeal how they shall ascend the throne - how relentless is the breast without sympathy, the heart that cannot bleed on a view of our calamity; to see tenderness removed, cruelty stepping in; and all our liberties and privileges invaded and abridg'd (by as it were) domestickes; who are conscious of their guilt and void of remorse. - O how darling! how relentless whilst impending Judgements loudly threaten and gaze upon them, with every emblem of merited destruction. A few of the many grievances are as follows, (viz't)

1. That the poor inhabitants in general are much oppress'd by reason of the disproportionate Taxes, and those of the western Counties in particular; as they are geneally in mean circumstances.

2. That no method is prescribed by law for the payment of the taxes of the Western Counties in produce (in lieu of a currency) as in other Counties within this Province to the Peoples great oppression.

3. That Lawyers, Clerks, and other petitioners; in place of being obsequious Servants for the Country's use, are become a nuisance, as the business of the people is often transacted without the least degree of fairness, the intention of the law evaded, exorbitant fees extorted, and the sufferers left to mourn under their oppressions.

4. That an Attorney should have it in his power, either for the sake of ease or interest, or to gratify their malevolence and spite, or commence suits to what courts he pleases, however inconvenient it may be to the Defendants; is a very great oppression.

5. That all unlawful fees taken in Indictment, where the Defendant is acquited by his Country (however customary it may be) is an oppression.

6. That Lawyers, Clerks, and others, extorting more fees than is intended by law; is also an oppression.

7. That the violation of the King's Instructions to his Delegates, their artfulness in concealing the same from him; and the great injury the People thereby sustains: is a manifest oppression.

And for remedy whereof, we take the freedom to recommend the following mode of redress, not doubting audience and acceptance which will not only tend to our relief, but command prayers at a duty from your humble Petitioners.

1. That at all elections each suffrage be given by Ticket & Ballot.
2. That the mode of Taxation be altered, and each person pay in proportion to the proffits arising from his Estate.
3. That no future tax be laid in Money, until a currency is made.
4. That there may be established a Western as well as a Northern and Southern District, and a Treasurer for the same.
5. That when a currency is made it may be let out by a loan office (on land security) and a Treasurer for the same
6. That all debts above 60s (shillings) and under 10 pounds be tried and determined without lawyers, by a jury of six freeholders, impaneled by a Justice, and that their verdict be enter'd by the said Justice, and be a final judgement.
7. That the Chief Justice have no perquisites, but a Salary only.
8. That Clerks be restricted in respect to fees, costs, and other things within the course of their office.
9. That Lawyers be effectively Barr'd from exacting and extorting fees.
10. That all doubts may be removed in respect to the payment of fees and costs on Indictments whereas the Defendant is not found guilty by the jury, and therefore acquited.
11. That the Assembly make known the Remonstrance to the King, the conduct of the cruel and oppressive Receiver of the Quit Rents, for omitting the customary easie and effectual method of collecting by distress, and pursuing the expensive mode of commencing suits in the most distant Courts.
12. That the Assembly in like manner make known that the Governor and Council fo frequently grant lands to as many as they think proper without regard to Head Rights, notwithstanding the contrariety of his Majesties instructions, by which means immence sums has been collected, and numerous Patents granted, for much of the most fertile lands in this Province, that is yet uninhabited and cultivated, environed by great numbers of poor people who are necessitated to toil in the cultivation of bad Lands whereon they hardly can subsist, who are thereby deprived of His Majesties liberality and Bounty nor is there the least regard paid to the cultivation clause in said Patent mentioned, as many of the said Council as well as their friends and favorites enjoy large quanitities of Lands under the above-mentioned circumstances.
13. That the Assembly communicates in like manner the Violation of His Majesties Instructions respecting the Land Office by the Governor and Council, and of their own rules, customs and orders. If it be sufficiently proved, that after they had granted Warrants for some Tracts of Land, and that the same was in due time suvey'd and returned and the Patent fees timely paid into the said office; and that if a private Council was called to avoid spectators, and peremptory orders made that Patents should not be granted; and Warrants by their orders arbitrarily to have been issued in the names of other Persons for the same Lands, and if when intreated by a solicitor they refus'd to render so much as a reason for their so doing, or to refund any part of the money paid by them extorted.
14. That some method may be pointed out that every Improvement on Lands in any of the Proprietors part be proved when begun, by whom, and every sale made, that the eldest may have the preference of at least 300 acres.
15. That all taxes in the following Counties be paid as in other Counties in the Province (i.e.) in the produce of the County and that warehouses be erected as follows (viz), In Anson County at Isom Haleys Ferry Landing on PeeDee River, Rowan and Orange at Cambleton in Cumberland County, Mecklenburg at __?___ on the Catawba River, and in Tryon County at __?__ on __?__ River.
16. That every denomination of People may marry according to their respective mode Ceremony and customs after due publication or License.
17. That Doc't Benjamin Franklin or some other known patriot be appointed agent, to represent the unhappy state of this Province to his Majesty, and to solicit the several Boards in England.

See Colonial Records, vol. VIII, 1769-1771, pp. 81-82 and pp. 241-244, by Saunders; also: North Carolina History Told By Contemporaries, pp.87-93, by Lefler; also: The War of The Regulators and The Battle of Alamance: May 16, 1771, by William S. Powell.

ALAMANCE BATTLEGROUND
[http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/alamance/alamanc.htm]

"He gave the Regulators a choice—to return peacefully to their homes or be fired upon. They had one hour to decide. After the hour was up Tryon sent an officer to receive their reply. 'Fire and be damned!' was their answer. The governor then gave the order, but his men hesitated. Rising in his stirrups, he shouted, 'Fire! Fire on them or on me!' The militia obeyed, the Regulators responded in kind, and the battle of Alamance was on."

—from The War of the Regulation and the Battle of Alamance
by William S. Powell

Formation of the Regulators

During the years preceding the American Revolution many North Carolina people experienced strong feelings of discontent with the way the provincial government conducted the affairs of the colony. Their quarrel was not with the form of government or the body of laws but with abuses by government officials.

Grievances affecting the daily lives of the colonists included excessive taxes, dishonest sheriffs, and illegal fees. Scarcity of money contributed to the state of unrest. Those residing in the western part of the province were isolated and unsympathetic with the easterners. It was in those frontier counties that the War of the Regulation began.

Minor clashes occurred until the spring of 1768, when an association of "Regulators" was formed. Wealthier colonists considered them to be a mob. The Regulators never had an outstanding leader, though several men were prominent in the movement; including James Hunter, Rednap Howell, William Butler, and Herman Husband. Husband, a Quaker and disciple of Benjamin Franklin, circulated political pamphlets seeking to effect peaceful reform.

Violent Resistance

Discouraged over failure to secure justice through peaceful negotiations, the reformers took a more radical stand. Violence, lawlessness, and terrorism reigned. When punitive measures were taken against them, the Regulators defiantly refused to pay fees, terrorized those who administered the law, and disrupted court proceedings.

It fell to royal governor William Tryon to bring the backcountry revolt to a speedy conclusion. In March 1771, the governor's council advised Tryon to call out the militia and march against the rebel farmers.

Volunteers for the militia were mustered. When the expedition finally got under way, Gen. Hugh Waddell was ordered to approach Hillsborough by way of Salisbury, with Cape Fear and western militia at his command. Tryon and his army proceeded more directly toward Hillsborough. Waddell, with a force of only 284 men, was accosted on his way by a large body of Regulators. Since he was outnumbered, the general elected to turn back. On May 11, Governor Tryon and his forces left Hillsborough intending to go to Waddell's rescue. After resting on the banks of Alamance Creek in the heart of Regulator country, Tryon gathered his army of approximately one thousand men. Five miles away, the army of Regulators, about two thousand strong, had assembled.

The Battle of Alamance

The battle began on May 16 after the Regulators rejected Tryon's suggestion that they disperse peacefully. Lacking leadership, organization, and adequate munitions, the Regulators were no match for Tryon's militia. Many Regulators fled the field of battle, leaving their bolder comrades to fight on.

The rebellion of the Regulators was crushed by military defeat. Nine members of the militia were killed and sixty-one wounded. The Regulator losses were much greater, though exact numbers are not known. Tryon took fifteen prisoners, of whom seven were executed later. Many Regulators moved on to other frontier areas beyond North Carolina. Those who stayed were offered pardons by the governor in exchange for pledging an oath of allegiance to the royal government.

The War of the Regulation illustrates the dissatisfaction of a large segment of the population during the time before the American Revolution. The boldness with which reformers opposed royal authority provided a lesson in the use of armed resistance, which revolutionaries employed a few short years later in the War for Independence.

May 1785 - Administration is granted to Laurilla HARRINGTON on the estate of Drury HARRINGTON, her deceased husband, with Wm. R. Davie and Thomas HILL security in the sum of £10,000. Inventory of the estate of Drury HARRINGTON, deceased, returned.

August 1785 - Account Sales of the estate of Drury HARRINGTON, deceased, returned by John Jones Admr. On petition of Laraney HARRINGTON ordered that a writ for alloting her dower issue.

Halifax County Deed Book 15, 1457 - (1487) Writ of Dower of Lurany HARRINGTON, wife of Drewery HARRINGTON deceased 29 October 1785. Witness: Lunsford Long, Deputy Clerk. The widow's third was 306 acres, joining Jacket Swamp, Peter Daniel, Thomas ARRINGTON. (This Thomas ARRINGTON is Thomas HARRINGTON). November Court 1785.

August 1788 - Ordered that the administrators of Drury HARRINGTON, deceased, sell one negro girl belonging to the said estate to satisfy the debts.

November 1788 - Commissioners are appointed to divided the estate of Drury HARRINGTON, deceased.

Deed Book 18: 547-(445) William C. HILL of Halifax County to John Branch of same. 18 April 1799. £30, 60 acres which 1/8 of 183 2/3 acres, the other 7/8 now held by said John Branch & the widow Larany HARRINGTON, on both sides of Jacket Swamp, said tract having been owned by Drury HARRINGTON, deceased. Wm. C. HILL. May Court 1799.

7 Jan 1765. Anson County, North Carolina, p. 173: John COLSON of Anson, to John Culpepper of same, planter, for £40 proclamation money. 200 acres on Brown Cr, S side PD. John COLSON {seal}, Wit: Elijah Gibson, John Presler, Chas. HARRINGTON.

John COLSON was a friend of the famous Tory, David Fanning, and was arrested as a Loyalist sympathizer, but pressure from family, friends and neighbors seems to have changed his mind.

"From the Journal of the Provincial Congress at Hillsboro, 20 August 1775, it appears John COULSON, an individual of some considerable influence in this county was brought before Congress and solemnly recanted his political opinions and promised to aid, support and defend the just right of America." From Historical Sketches of North Carolina, John Hill Wheeler, p. 25.

The land that John COULSON owned at the Great Pee Dee and Rockey River (present day Stanley County, North Carolina) was confiscated by the Continental Congress because of his support of the British during the revolution, and a complaint was brought before the Provisional Government of North Carolina around 1786. John COULSON claimed he had given the land to his son William COLSON, already dead, and William had passed the land on in his will to his son John. The land was returned to the younger John COLSON (6 Jan 1787).

Loyalists in the Southern Campaign, volume I - John COLSON listed several times.

05 November 1787. 400 acres belonging to John COLESON confiscated and sold on this date to William Wood for £303?

The following is copied from the State Records of North Carolina, vol. 21, 1788:

26 April 1790, Anson County, North Carolina, Receipt No. 568, to Stephen HIDE £503 for land sold as confiscated land as per resolve of the Assembly: (on back) "Anson County son-in-law John COLSON"; £503 + £188.12.9 (interest) = £691.12.9 (total); (on a second line;) £503 + £125.14.11 (interest) = £628.14.11 (total)

22 September 1786 sold 400 acres to William Wood for £303, No. 10; on both sides of Brown Cr; formerly John COULSON's property; border: Ben Smith's first line, Denson, & John Cheek; (signed) Charles Bruce

John COLSON's land was confiscated and sold because he was a Tory. His son-in-law Stephen HYDE repurchased the land.

From ANSON COUNTY HERITAGE - NORTH CAROLINA:

According to an article in Historical Book of Anson County, John COLSON was a magistrate at the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions. He served as a juror and was active in civil affairs until he was accused of being a Tory.

From Robert Ellis COLSON:

Will of John COLSON:

Following transcribed by John Norwood: