Harrison Family

When our forebear George Harrison died, he divided his real estate among his sons and directed that if any of them should wish to sell, they must sell only to their brother or brothers. These deeds of sale help to prove the relationships among family members.

The earliest land Westmoreland Co., VA record found for George Harrison.

On 1697, he received a 354-acre grant by Margaret Lady Culpeper and Thomas Lord Fairfax, Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia:

George's son James sold his land to his brother and went to neighboring Richmond Co. James died in 1726 leaving a noncupative (verbal) will. James's death and the birth of his son William, our forebear were registered in the North Farnham Parish Church in Richmond Co., VA, still in use today:

GEORGE HARRISON is said to, or MAY have been the son of JOHN HARRISON, whose brother was Dr. JEREMIAH HARRISON, both described as members of a large family widely spread through the Eastern counties of England. "This family had already furnished two emigrants at least, who had founded Harrison Families in Virginia -- BENJAMIN HARRISON, whose descendants furnished two Presidents of the United States, and RICHARD HARRISON, ancestor of the accomplished scholar Burton N. Harrison, private secretary to Jefferson Davis.

"Dr. JEREMIAH HARRISON settled on Queen's Creek, York Co., VA near his kinsman Richard Harrison, but did not survive long. In 1654 Mrs. Frances Harrison, his widow, patented 1000 acres in Westmoreland County and about the same time JOHN HARRISON patented a thousand acres in the same county, failing his heirs to his sister Mrs. Frances Harrison, and failing her heirs to Giles Brent of "Peace" in the same County . . . "

[Frances was the daughter of Thomas Whitgreave and Alice Pitt, daughter of Henry Pitt, Esq. Frances's brother Thomas Whitgreave, Jr., was a Catholic and devotedly attached to the cause of the Stuarts. Thomas, Jr., who married Lady Degges, widow of Sir Simon Degges, was on the list to be knighted by King Charles II, and hid Charles at his manor in Bushbury, Stafford Co., England, when he was a fugitive after the battle of Worcester, until his escape to the Continent.]

Jeremiah's widow Frances, "Mrs. Harrison became the wife of Col. Giles Brent (his 2nd wife) but it appears that she died and had no issue by either marriage.

"It was perhaps otherwise with her brother-in-law JOHN HARRISON. His will has not been found, but there can be little doubt that he was the father of GEORGE HARRISON, who made his will in Westmoreland County, 2 October 1713, which was proved 25 Nov 1713. . ."

There were at least two Harrison families in old Craven District, which became Kershaw and Fairfield Cos., SC -- both from the Northern Neck of Virginia, ours from Westmoreland Co., VA, and the other Burr Harrison family from Frederick/Berkeley Cos., VA. Both had many SC and VA deeds and other records in the same counties.

Our family descends from George Harrison (died 1717, Westmoreland Co., VA) and his wife Elizabeth Duncan/Dunkan, daughter of Peter Dunkan (born 1633 Scotland, died 1696) and his wife Bessie Caldwell, all of Westmoreland Co. Westmoreland Co., birthplace of George Washington, his parents and grandparents, lies on the southwestern side of the Potomac River.

Recently the term "Northern Neck" was clarified for me; it applies to the land lying between the Rappahannock River on the South to the Potomac River on the north. The Potomac goes as far inland as Loudoun Co., VA where I knew my Longley, Bodine, Wilks, and Mead families were in the Northern Neck, but I never realized the term applied primarily to the coastal areas between these two great rivers. (Northern Neck Map)

George Harrison and his wife Elizabeth Duncan (daughter of Peter Dunkan born 1633 in Scotland and wife Bessie Caldwell) of Westmoreland Co., VA, had a son named Willoughby, as did several of their sons. This unusual name established an obvious connection to our William Harrison of SC who had a son Willoughby, as did William's son Reuben.

George Harrison died 1713 in Westmoreland Co., VA, after writing his will in October and its being recorded in November. George is said to be the son of John Harrison.

Elizabeth apparently preceded her husband George Harrison in death, for she was not mentioned in his will naming sons Willoughby, James, George, Thomas, William, John, and Peter. Nor were any daughters mentioned.

County of Westmoreland, VA Will of George Harrison, dated 2 October 1713 All my land to my sonns Thomas, George, John, William, James, Peter and Willoughby and their heirs to be equally divided. George and John to have their parts where they now live, and my son Willoughby to have his share where my now dwelling plantation is. If any of my sons die without issue, their parts to be equally divided betwixt the rest. In case any of my sons is minded to sell his part, he nor none of them shall sell to noe other person but to his brothers or brother who shall be willing to buy. My sons George and John have had a bed pott and pewter. Each of the rest of my sons have so much and what remaineth to be equally divided betwixt them. Thomas shall have a flock bed and my son Peter a flock bed and my sons William, James, and Willoughby shall have each a feather bed and furniture. Willoughby shall have the bed that I now lie upon with the green hangings and every one of my sons have what furniture belongeth to the beds. Whereas George and Peter have flock beds, I give them all my geese to be equally divided. What cattle and sheep I have will be equally divided among all my sons. What horses or mares there is to be equally divided. What household stuff to be equally divided among all my sons. What hogs I have shall be equally divided among my sons. What new goods is in my chest and trunk be equally divided between my sonns William, James, and Willoughby. What wearing clothes I have to my son Thomas. All my sons after my death shall all be free to work for themselves. My body to be decently buried by my sons George and John Harrison, who I make Executor. George Harrison 25 Nov 1713, presented in court by his son George

Willoughby married Alice Walker. They had sons Samuel, Joshuay, Willoughby (Jr.), and Daniel; daughters Dorcas and Elizabeth. Joshuay came to Fairfield Co. before 1804 when he had a Release of Legacy deed by George Harrison.

James (died intestate 29 Nov 1726, Richmond Co., VA) married Mary Bragg. They had a daughter Hannah, probably born before they left Westmoreland Co., so no record has been found; and a son William. William's birth was recorded in North Farnham Parish as 31 Dec 1719 (NOTE that the birthdate of our Reuben Harrison's father William has been handed down as 31 Dec 1714). When the widow applied for letters of administration, her securities were Joseph Bragg and George Harrison. Her daughter Hannah married John Taylor and had three sons and a daughter. Some of Hannah's descendants don't know what became of William, but he arrived in Craven Co., SC about the same time as the Richard Snowden Kirkland family. He married Richard's daughter Nancy Ann Kirkland and Kirkland was in Camden Dist., SC about 1755. Richard's middle name comes from a Gift Deed from his father Richard Kirkland in Prince William Co., VA, which became Fairfax. His father's will was written 1742 in Fairfax and recorded 1743.

George (Jr.) married Ann Rust and had six sons.

Thomas married Elizabeth _____ and died 22 Feb 1727 in Westmoreland Co.

William married Elizabeth Demouvel, had two daughters, and died 29 Nov 1746 in Westmoreland Co.

John married Ann _____, had three sons and two daughters, and died 1772 in Westmoreland Co.

Peter married _____ and had a son Willoughby.

The following deed was recorded when James Harrison sold to his brother the land inherited from their father:

16 Aug 1721 Westmoreland Co., VA. DEED from JAMES HARRISON of North Farnham Parish, sold to his brother WILLIAM HARRISON of Westmoreland Co. for 4000 lbs. of good merchantable tobacco in hand paid . . . that 64 acres of land being all I hold in Westmoreland Co. situate lying and being in the Parish of Cople and part of a tract of land containing 354 acres formerly belonging to GEORGE HARRISON dec'd of this County by a deed bearing date the 8th day of June 1696, being bounden . . . Mr. John CRUMP and Capt JOHN CRALLEY Gent. and so along the line of WILLIAM HARRISON and so along the land of GEORGE HARRISON and thence along the land of WILLOUGHBY HARRISON to the beginning . . . unto the said WILLIAM HARISON . . . JAMES HARRISON Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of us PETER HARRISON MORGAN JENKINS (mark) Recorded 27 March 1723, JAMES HARRISON acknowledges sale, by delivery of ring of the bell of the chief manor house in token of the whole unto the within named WILLIAM HARRISON

Only three years later, James Harrison our forebear died leaving a noncupative will in Richmond Co., and his estate was inventoried:

1 Feb 1726/7 Richmond Co., VA, Will Book 5, pp. 47-48. Inventory of JAMES HARRISON estate: 4 cows & 4 2 year olds & 1 yearling; 8 sheep, 4 lambs; 1 horse and 1 mare; Elizabeth BOBY Servant Woman; 252 lbs. Tobacco; 1 old Bed with furniture . . . various furniture, household and other tools -- each item described as "old"! (Was this for benefit of the widow, or the tax man?) Recorded 1 Mar 1726

It is unknown what became of James's widow. She probably remarried, as widows soon had to in those days for support and protection. All we know is that her son William was living in Fairfax Co., VA, where he had many relatives and his future in-laws, the Kirkland family, when he left Virginia to relocate in Craven Co., CA ca 1752, when the Kirklands and some of the Harrisons did. (See KIRKLAND Family.)

James Harrison's brother Willoughby's son Joshuay was in Fairfield Co., SC by 1804, and probably by 1796 when George Harrison (presumably his uncle) had his first deed transaction. We need to obtain copies of the 1804 Release of Legacy deed from George Harrison, and of the Release deed from Joshuay to Thomas Ferrill and wife. Joshuay is said to have come to Fairfield from Fairfax Co., VA, like our William Harrison.

We need to check the Fairfax and Westmoreland Cos., VA records to learn more about George, Joshuay, James's wife Mary, and our William -- to prove their relationship to George Harrison and his wife Elizabeth Duncan.

On 25 July 1769 in Craven Co., SC, William Harrison, the father of Reuben Harrison, wrote the first of two wills. It was not "proven," but recorded when he died, at same time as his second will. The first named his dear and loving wife Nancy Harrison, his eldest daughter Mary the plantation whereon she now dwells, his eldest son James 100 acres adjoining Mary, his daughter Sarah, sons Reuben, William, and Willeba, his daughter Patience. Exec: wife Nancy, son James, and John Armstrong. Wit: John Armstrong, Thomas Davis, Mary (X) McKinny.

William's second will was written in Craven Co. on 16 Dec 1773, proven and recorded 15 Apr 1774. He named his dear and loving wife "for her life or term of her widowhood, " his beloved son James Harrison 200 acres next above John McKenney, his daughter Mary McKenney the plantation whereon she now dwells, his beloved son Willibee Harrison the quarter plantation, beloved daughter Sarah Davis the plantation of 100 acres whereon she now dwells, beloved son Reuben Harrison 250 acres on Merrins Creek, beloved daughter Patience Harrison the plantation of 150 acres by Cager Pickets and 100 acres joining John Dukes, "his whole estate of stocks and household furniture to be divided into five parts and given to them as they come of age." Wit: Jeduthem Gibson.

Maybe son William died before the second will?

25 July 1769, Craven Co., SC: 1st will of William Harrison, not "proven," but recorded, named his dear and loving wife Nancy Harrison, his eldest daughter Mary the plantation whereon she now dwells, his eldest son James 100 acres adjoining Mary, his daughter Sarah, sons Reuben, William, and Willeba, his daughter Patience. Exec: wife Nancy, son James, and John Armstrong. Wit: John Armstrong, Thomas Davis, Mary (X) McKinny 16 Dec 1773, Craven Co., SC: 2nd Will of William Harrison written, named his dear and loving wife "for her life or term of her widowhood, " his beloved son James Harrison 200 acres next above John McKenney, his daughter Mary McKenney the plantation whereon she now dwells, his beloved son Willibee Harrison the quarter plantation, beloved daughter Sarah Davis the plantation of 100 acres whereon she now dwells, beloved son Reuben Harrison 250 acres on Merrins Creek, beloved daughter Patience Harrison the plantation of 150 acres by Cager Pickets and 100 acres joining John Dukes, "his whole estate of stocks and household furniture to be divided into five parts and given to them as they come of age." Wit: Jeduthem Gibson. Maybe son William died before the second will? Craven Co. SC Wills 1774-1779, pp. 77-79

William's son Reuben Harrison, the progenitor of the Longtown Harrisons, was a young man during the Revolution and according to the record he served on an expedition at Four Holes and Edisto River in Gen. Henderson's Brigade, under Capt. Starke. He served as a Colonel during 1781 under Gen. Henderson, while residing on the Catawba River. He was paid for this service in 1785, came back to Fairfield County and began to buy cheap land.

"Capt. Richard Kirkland, the grandfather of Mr. Reuben Harrison, settled on the Wateree River, at or near Col. Peay's plantation. Kirkland was a Virginian and a man of great wealth in those early times; he owned fifty brood mares. He came to Camden with a party of Quakers, but not "of them" in 1752, and probably came into Fairfield very soon after."

Reuben was born circa 1760 at Wateree River, Craven Co., SC. He began military service in 1781 at Fairfield Co., SC, served in Revolution as a Pvt. footman in Capt. Thomas Starke's Co., Thomas Taylor's Regt., Henderson's Brigade, SC Militia, for 65 days on an expedition at Four Holes and Edisto River in 1781. He served 20 days as a horseman in the same co. under command of Lt. Miller. He was paid for this service in 1785, came back to Fairfield County and began to buy cheap land. Deeds show he bought land on the Watteree River and its tributary creeks every year until his death in 1835.

Winnsboro, the seat of Fairfield County, was the headquarters of Lord Cornwallis in the Revolutionary War, after the defeat of Ferguson at King's Mountain, when he retreated from Charlotte. Though not a battleground, Fairfield County was visited by the American patriot, Nathaniel Greene:

Greene, with his wretched force, almost naked, swarming with vermin, thinned by two battles, and scrawny with famine, took post at Mr. Reuben Harrison's. They needed every thing. They tented under the blue arch of kind heaven, slackened nothing of purpose and resolves, and looked manfully forward to happier times and brighter days. Mr. Harrison had been with Sumter in his perils, his partial success, and his defeats. He thought like a soldier, and he felt like a man. He ordered his people to forward to the army breadstuffs, vegetables, fat cattle and fat sheep in plenty. Greene remained at his bivouac for a whole week, living on the hospitality of Mr. Harrison. When about to march, having no strong box, he tendered his host a certificate for the bountiful supplies he had furnished. "No, said Harrison, "we are all engaged in the same great cause. You are welcome to all you have received. Your success will be my pay. (From Fitz Hugh McMaster, History of Fairfield Co., SC)

Deeds show Reuben bought land on the Watteree River and its tributary creeks every year until his death in 1835. Some of the creek names were Goose, Morrison's, Dutchman's, Thorntree, and Rochelle. He soon began to buy slaves and plant cotton. He was smart, aggressive, thrifty, so he prospered. One of the first records is of the purchase of a sorrel stud horse from one Lewis Marr.

Today the Harrison race track is shown to strangers -- and 20 years ago I talked to a very old Negro, Walker Harrison, who was once a Jockey for the first John Harrison.

Reuben Harrison reared a large family and lived in the manner of Virginia gentry. His will recorded at his death in 1835 in the Fairfield County court house at Winnsboro. It provided for each child by name and his beloved wife Nancy. Attached to the will were lists of slaves by name, valued at $25,000, and mules and horses and their value. Before he died, he gave each of his three daughters a plantation and built them large homes; these houses of similar architecture were still standing until recently. One, a two-story frame house, could be seen from the Longtown highway and was occupied by his descendants, the Dixons.

Reuben died in Fairfield Co., SC, 13 Mar 1835. His remains and those of his family were buried on Dutchman's Creek near the first home site. When the Duke Power Company built the present dam that formed Lake Wateree, the great grandson, John Douglass Harrison, moved their remains and the old vault to the Longtown Presbyterian Cemetery, which may be seen from the highway between Camden and Ridgeway.

	Reuben Harrison's Tomb in Longtown Presbyterian Church Ceme.

Reuben's son Willoughby (Willabee, Willibee) was doubtless named for Reuben's brother Willabee and Great-Uncle Willoughby in Westmoreland Co., VA, the son of George Harrison, father of William Harrison. Willoughby's son Joshuay came also to Fairfield Co., SC, as early as 1802, and a George Harrison as early as 1796. Joshua came to Fairfield Co. via Fairfax Co., VA, as did William Harrison. Willoughby's brother James Harrison had a son William whose birth was recorded 31 Dec 1719 in North Farnham Par., Westmoreland Co., "son of James and Mary" -- the same day/month but five years later than what we had for William Harrison.

George Harrison Sr's wife was Elizabeth Duncan, daughter of Peter Duncan and Bessie Caldwell. George died in Westmoreland Co. 1713. His father-in-law Peter Duncan was born in Scotland and died in Westmoreland Co. Sep 1676. George Harrison's father is believed to have been John Harrison. There was a John Harrison in nearby Surry Co., VA who is under study.

Reuben's son Willoughby is said to have left a Bible which recorded the family, and also left a story wherein Reuben in his old age wanted to marry his second wife, Nancy REYNOLDS as proven by their Marriage Indenture/Deed (previously thought to be Kirkland), and his sons were adamantly opposed. She was very young. So they took off the wheels to his carriage to keep him 'prisoner', but he fooled 'em and rode away to his wedding on an old horse! She relinquished any dower right or claim on his estate, in return for a deed to 200 acres, two negroes, a mule, some other livestock and furniture, on 1 Nov 1834:

South Carolina, Fairfield District: This indenture made and concluded, signed and sealed by & between Nancy Reynolds of the District and State aforesaid on the one part and Reuben Harrison of the same District and State on the other part. Witnesseth, that whereas the said Nancy Reynolds and Reuben Harrison are about to be joined & united in the Holy State of Matrimony & become man & wife, & whereas by the law of the land the said Nancy Reynolds would after marriage & by virtue thereof acquire the right of Dower in & to the Property both real & personal from the said Reuben Harrison, & the same would after his death vest in her, unless and provided a contract, bargain covenant, or marriage contract be made, concluded & executed by the said Nancy Reynolds with him the said Reuben Harrison, his heirs and assigns wherein & whereby for & in consideration of the property & valuable consideration therein mentioned & secured, or intended to be secured to her the said Nancy Reynolds, her heirs & assigns forever, by the said Reuben Harrison, the said Nancy Reynolds will and does relinquish and forever renounce, acquit & release for herself & for her heirs all her right of Dower to, & in all the property both real & personal of him the said Reuben Harrison, to him & his heirs forever; for that purpose & to the intent that she the said Nancy Reynolds may renounce & relinquish & divest herself her & her heirs of all right, title claim & interest to, or in Dower, or to or in right of Dower, to or in all the property both real & personal of him the said Reuben Harrison; Now know ye that the said Nancy Reynolds for and in consideration of the property and valuable consideration following, that is to say, of two hundred acres of land lying & being on Sawneys Creek in Fairfield District & being part of a tract (of) land known by the name of the Barrot tract, & for & in consideration of a Negro fellow named Pleasant about twenty years old, & of a Negro woman named Mary about twenty one years old, one young able work mule, one young saddle horse, two likely cows & calves, six head of sheep, two sows & pigs, as well as for & in consideration of the property to be mentioned & set forth in another part of this Indenture, or instrument of writing, does by these presents relinquish, renounce, release & give up forever all her right, title, claim & interest of to & in Dower or right of Dower which would otherwise & without this contract, bargain, covenant or marriage contract, after marriage accrue or arise or attach to her in all the property both real & personal of him the said Reuben Harrison; and the said Nancy Reynolds for, & in consideration of all the property above mentioned, & hereafter to be mentioned doth hereby relinquish, renounce give up & release all right, title claim & interest to & in Dower, or the right of Dower, to & in all the property both real & personal of him the said Reuben Harrison which after marriage might accrue or attach to her the said Nancy, were it not for this contract, bargain, covenant & mariage contract; and the said Reuben Harrison for & in consideration of Marriage with the said Nancy Reynolds, & for & in consideration of her relinquishment & renunciation of Dower to & in all his property both real & personal doth by these presents, give, grant, bargain sell & convey to her the said Nancy Reynolds her heirs & assigns forever, two hundred acres of land lying and being on Sawneys Creek, & being part of a tract commonly called the Barrot tract, which two hundred acres of land is to be taken from any part of said land in a body, that she or her heirs may choose, and also a Negro fellow named Pleasant about twenty one years of age, one Negro woman named Mary about twenty one years old, & one young able mule, one young saddle horse, two likely cows & calves, six head of sheep, two sows & pigs, & also a good feather bed bedsted & bed furniture and all the household & kitchen furniture in his possession at his death, & whatever silver plate, & farming utensils, & poultry of every description in his possession at his death, and the said Reuben Harrison further promises & agrees that in case he dies before the said Nancy, that then the said Nancy Reynolds shall have one years provision of corn, pork, & fodder for herself Negroes & stock. In witness whereof the said Nancy Reynolds, & Reuben Harrison have hereunto set their names & affixed their seals this 1st day of November 1834. In the presence of Jas. E. Graham, Jno. Smart & Griffith Graham. Nancy Reynolds her X mark (Seal) Reuben Harrison (Seal) State of South Carolina, Fairfield District Personally came before me Jno. Smart who made oath that he saw the within deed duly executed between Reuben Harrison & Nancy Reynolds, & that James E. Graham, Griffith Graham & himself subscribed their names as witnesses to the same, in the presence of each other and the said parties. Sworn before me Jany 8th, 1835. Jno. Smart (Seal), J. (?) Elliott (Seal) . Recorded Jany 8th 1835).

Reuben died 4 1/2 months after this Marriage Indenture. See Reuben's will with others of our Fairfield Co., SC ancestors.

Some of Reuben Harrison's children and grandchildren immigrated to Florida, and others to Alabama and Texas, as can be seen by looking at the list of Descendants.

• HARRISON Descendants
• DUNCAN Family
• KIRKLAND Family
• Ancestors of Reuben Harrison's wife, Sarah Burge
• and Fairfield Co., SC
• Harrison-Moores-Rochelle-Kirkland Trek SC to TX
• Perry Co., AL
• Abner ROSS Family
• Isaac ROSS Family
• Rochelle Family

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