PIONEERS to the Carolina Frontier

Currently, my paternal ancestoral history starts with the PHILLIPS surname starts with Robert "Robin" PHILLIPS, (b. 3 Jan 1786, Lancaster County, SC. - d. 31 Mar 1861 in Lancaster County, SC). It is believed his ancestors came from the British Isles, notably Wales or Northern Ireland, but documentation to that is lacking at the present time. It is my hope that through the PHILLIPS DNA Project I can obtain further research that ancestral heritage.

Robert married Suzannah DEASON (b. abt 1795 - d. 1872 in Lancaster County, SC). Her parents were Edmund Riley DEASON, Sr. ( b. abt 1765 - d. 24 Jan 1829 Lancaster County, SC) and Hester CATO (b. 1758 - d.28 Aug 1857 in Lancaster Co., SC). DEASON lineage can be traced four generations back to Thomas DEASON (b. bef 1640 in Ireland - d. unk ).

My MORGAN connections are lacking in data earlier than knowing the father of John Gaylon MORGAN (b.2 Oct 1837 - d. 7 Feb 1912) and William Robert MORGAN (b. 1 Mar 1840 - d. 26 Apr 1891) was George MORGAN, born in SC, and he married Lavinia "Viney" EUBANKS. She was the daughter of George EUBANKS (b. abt. 1776 - d. abt 1838) and Sarah Jane MILLER (b. 6 Oct 1782 - d. aft 1870) in Chesterfield County, SC.  Lavinia's maternal grandfather was George MILLER, b. 2 Dec 1740 in Pennpec, PA. On 3 April 1772. He married Elizabeth SHINGLETON, born 3 September 1757 in SC, and d. 5 Jun 1819 in SC.

The HILTON family in SC has earlier roots in PA. Eliza Ann HILTON (b. 22 Mar 1823 in SC - d. 5 July 1900 in Lancaster County, SC) married William Burrell PHILLIPS (b. 1 Jan 1823 in Lancaster County, SC - d. 23 Oct 1889 in Lancaster County, SC) on 23 December 1849. Her father was Richard Burrell "Grand Sir" HILTON, b. 1782. Her mother was Elizabeth MAXWELL, b. in 1791 and died in Texas in 1888, in Titus County, Texas. Richard Burrell HILTON's father was Samuel HILTON, Sr. (b. 1765 in Lancaster County, SC, and d. 1826 at Piercetown, SC). His wife was Edith BREWER, born 1771. Samuel HILTON, Sr. father was Richard HILTON, b. 1720 in PA, and d. 1789 in Lancaster County, SC. His wife's name is not known.

ROGERS or RODGERS? These families often have a mix in the spelling of their surnames, but there is a distinct difference in the two families. My documented ROGERS lineage starts in Iredell County, NC with the birth of William Samuel ROGERS on 4 Oct 1835, the son of John W. ROGERS and Margaret ALBRIGHT, b. 1799. They were married on 14 Aug 1832 in Rowan County, NC. The ALBRIGHT family can trace their lineage to Jacob ALBRIGHT who came from GERMANY and died in 1758 in PA.

A sad fact about what early settlers had to experience in the settlement of the frontier, is the documented story about Rev. John RHODES, a Mennonite minister. Rev. John RHODES, who along with his wife (Eva ALBRIGHT RHODES) and six of his thirteen children, was a victim of the last Indian Massacre in what is now Page County in August, 1764. His son Michael escaped, was re-captured and held by the Indians for three years. Eva ALBRIGHT was my x5 Great Aunt.
 
William Samuel ROGERS married Nancy Teresa HUGHES (b. 14 August 1843 in Iredell County, NC - died 23 Dec 1929 in Rock Hill, York County, SC) on 14 Nov 1866 in Iredell County, NC. Her father was John HUGHES (b. 29 Aug 1804 in NC - d. 4 Mar 1891 in Iredell County, NC) and her mother was Nancy BEATY (b. @1808 in NC). I now have evidence that Nancy BEATY's parents were David BEATY and Isabella HUGGINS (I just knew Huggins HUGHES had to be named for his mother's relation. That is so Southern tradition!)

The RICHARDSON connections brings in the RODGERS, NISBET and WHITE lineage. John Jefferson RICHARDSON (b. 31 July 1849 in NC, d. 16 Oct 1892 in Mecklenburg County, NC) married Rebecca Jane RODGERS (b. 17 Aug 1848 in SC, and d. 22 Jan 1929 in York County, SC) on 5 Dec 1872. John Jefferson's father was George RICHARDSON, b. 1823 in TN, and d. 13 Sept 1862 in Richmond, VA. George's wife was Jane Baskins STEWART, b. @1822 in Mecklenburg County (later Union County), NC. Her grandparents came from Scotland.

Now to those "D" RODGERS , as my grandmother referred to her family relatives in Union County, NC. Rebecca Jane RODGERS, b. 17 Aug 1848 in SC, d. 22 Jan 1929 in Rock Hill, York County, SC, the wife of George RICHARDSON, was widowed early in life. Her father was Joseph RODGERS (b. 30 April 1826 in SC, d. 2 June 1910 in Union County, NC), and her mother was Isabella White NISBET (b. 30 Nov 1825 in NC, d. 10 Aug 1896 in Union County, NC). Joseph RODGERS parents were James RODGERS and Rebecca GILLON. His grandfather Matthew RODGERS was from Ireland, as was his grandmother, Isabella LATHAM. Rebecca's parents were John GILLION (b. @1755 and d. 6 Sept 1833 in Carbarrus County, NC) and Jane YOUNG (b. 1 Aug 1757, d. 15 Oct 1855 in Carbarrus County, NC), both from Ireland.

Isabella White NISBET's was from very early pioneer families in the Anson and Union Co., NC area. Family surnames are WHITE, WALKUP, MORROW, and PICKENS. These families were part of the Scot-Irish migration from Pennsylvania into the Carolina's, via the Great Wagon Road, an Indian trading path that was used by early pioners as their "interstate" to a new life. These families settled in the area known as "The Waxhaw Settlement".

The PICKENS family was well known in the Waxhaw Settlement area, even though he settled in Anson County, NORTH  CAROLINA as others were settling in the Waxhaw Settlement. Col. Andrew PICKENS had moved to Anson County from Augusta County, VIRGINIA, and was living in the territory of the county before its formation. He became the commanding offcier of the militia in Anson County. Col. Andrew PICKENS died wealthy as early pioneers go. There is a will on file in Raleigh, N.C., made by ANDREW PICKENS, the only date it bears being November 4th, 1756. Below is the Inventory of the Estate.

-----"Inventory of the Estate of ANDREW PICKENS, Anson County Court House, Wadesboro, North Carolina, Register of Deeds Office, Anson County, N.C., Book B No. 1, page 294.

"Horses and mares and colts in all 12-10 cows and calves - and ten head of other dry cattle - about twenty or fifteen head of hogs - and a still and vessels and a cart and a plow and tacklin and pair of plow irons - 3 weeding hoes - 2 mattocks - mail rings - and wedges, - 2 axes - 2 pair of chanes - three iron forks - one loom and tacklin with quid wheel - one flax and big wheel - augus - 3 beds and furniture and bed steads - two chists and a trunk and a dresser with pewter and wooden ware - four pots and kettle - one pair of stilliards - three sickles and 2 sithes - a small quantity of books and of notes ten pounds ten shillings and eight pence and a book of account eighty nine pounds seven shillings and three pence."

My maternal family was also early pioneer settlers into North Carolina. SUMMERS (spelled SOMERS by the earliest family members)  coming to NC from Germany, possibly by way of Pennsylvania. The early SMITH family settled in Guilford County, as did the WIRICK / WYRICK's. The earliest documented is John SMITH and his wife Barbary WYRICK. I am trying to research further data on the SMITH family. Barbary WYRICK's parents were Martin WIRICK, Sr., and his wife Anna Barbara (Surname is not known).

SILER's as well as CAGLE's also settled in NC from Germany. The SILER's came by way of Philadelphia.  The CHAMNESS family came from England when Anthony CHAMNESS was "brought" to Philadelphia when he was twelve, taken from the wharf's of London, according to family lore. Anthony CHAMNESS's wife, Sarah COLE, lived in Baltimore when they married. A stone was erected to the accomplishments of Anthony and Sarah COLE CHAMNESS at Cane Creek Meeting House in Randolph County, NC. It is inscribed "Pioneers of the CHAMNESS family in North Carolina, Overseers in the first Cane Creek Monthly Meeting" .

Plikard Dederic SILER came to America by way of Philadelphia, where he was indentured to a "BUMGARTNER". Either on the voyage across the Atlantic to America, or shortly thereafter, he meet his future wife Elizabeth HARTSOE. The SILER family made its way to Chatham County, NORTH CAROLINA, and settled in the frontier at the time, operating a grist mill as well as raising a large family. Plikard's grandsons, William and Jacob, were the first to explore the area now known as Macon County. They liked the area so well, they became the first white settlers in the area. Jacob SILER soon became one of thirty-three leading citizens to be magistrates (Justices of the Peace) in the newly formed Macon County (1820) along with his brother, Jesse Richardson SILER. Soon Jacob was appointed as the first County Surveyor, and also was appointed to serve on the first jury along with brother, Jesse SILER. Jesse SILER, also one of the first settlers in Macon County, had built several houses and brick store buildings in the new town of Franklin. One of his houses became one of the two hotel accommodations in Franklin.

"One fascinating story of an indentured servant is that of Anthony CHAMNESS. As a boy of thirteen in London, while watching ships on the Thames, he was kidnapped, brought to America, then sold as an indentured servant. During the period of servitude he fell in love with Sarah COLE, an indentured servant girl. In order to hasten her day of liberation, he volunteered to serve part of her remaining time. When at last they were free to get married (ca 1725) their equipment for housekeeping consisted of a broken wooden bowl which she had found, and a wooden spoon which he had whittled out for her. As soon as possible they moved southward to the Cane Creek area, and joined the meeting. They reared a large family of thirteen children.
Cane Creek Mother of Meetings, p. 16, by Bobbie T. Teague

Our forebearers had a rough life. Most of today's descendents can't even imagine the living conditions and circumstances in which households were created, families raised, and a living made off the land. Most raised their own food in the garden (vegetables) and in the field (grain for the house and the farm animals). Milk came from family-owned cow(s) to drink, and make butter. Meat on the table was raised in the yard (chickens and ducks), and cows and hogs supply what meat  was prepared that didn't come from the surrounding forests. Water came from a hand-dug well at best, or otherwise carried from nearby creeks or streams. Toilets were mostly the "bushes", and maybe later after a more satisfactory house was built, out-houses.

Cash money, particularly "hard coin money" (remember that silver and gold coins were in circulation at the time) was used to make purchases from merchants, and between owners buying and selling large quantities of what wasn't used by the family and farm. "Hard money" was also used to pay local taxes.

I have found the tax data to be a spyglass into the past of what people owned, and what they valued. Below is an abstract of the taxes paid by my great-great-grandfather William Burrell PHILLIPS, and two of his brothers, Joel and George Washington Phillips, Sr., for their property in Lancaster County, SC, between the years 1868 and 1871. I compare their taxables after "the War" to the 1860 US Census reported taxables.
One has to put into context the time and events around this.

1865- Sherman marches north through South Carolina, bringing war and destruction to the civilian population, cutting a days ride in both directions of the main force as it made its way from Columbia into North Carolina. Raiders foraging the farms and plantations alike, took everything of value, food and personal items, leaving the residences empty, and sometimes burning, along with the out buildings. Even the orchard trees weren't spared as they were cut down. So the men who returned to their homes had little to return to except their families. Many families decided to leave areas of South Carolina, and North Carolina for the West. "The West" meant Texas, California, maybe Oregon and Washington, and points in between.

But some families decided to stay, and make a recovery the best they could. Carpet-baggers had moved into the area and controlled most government offices. Taxes would be collected. Confederate currency, in the form of paper money, was worthless. Many of the planters had invested in the Confederate government through bonds, and many banks had done the same. Specie was not that plentyful. 

As William Burrell PHILLIPS is my great-great-grandfather, I have tried to learn more about the life he lived. Finding hints or facts have been hard. A conversion with Lucy Dees WILLIAMS, who told me, "the home place of William Burrell PHILLIPS in Lancaster County was in an area known as 'Buzzards Roost'".

Here is a abstract of the tax rolls of the time after the "War of Northern Agression", when Reconstruction was at its peak, affecting the daily lives of all the folks living in Lancaster, Chesterfield, and Kershaw Counties for almost a 100 years.
The 1860 US Census lists combined real estate and personal value for William Burrell PHILLIPS as $2340!
Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA 1868 Tax Roll - William Burrell PHILLIPS
7 cows...  @$63
26 hogs...@$39
2 dogs...  @$2
Personal Property ... $53  Total.....$157     
Paid County Tax $1.17

Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA 1869 Tax Roll - William Burrell PHILLIPS
8 cows...  @$100
23 hogs...@$44
2 dogs...   @$2
Personal Property ... $40   Total.....$186
Paid Poll Tax $1     Paid County Tax  $.55    Paid State Tax   $.93

Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA 1870 Tax Roll - William Burrell PHILLIPS
1 horse...  @$50
8 cows...   @$80
8 hogs...   @$32
2 dogs...   @$2
Personal Property ...  $40   Total..... $204
60 acres plowed @ $180     60 acres woods @$70   Total 120 acres $250
Paid Poll Tax  $1   Paid County Tax  $1.36     Paid State Tax  $4.08 

Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA 1871 Tax Roll - William Burrell PHILLIPS
5 cows...  @$55
1 mule...   @$100
16 hogs... @$22
3 dogs...   @$3
Total Personal $220
60 acres plowed and 60 acres woods @$250     Total Taxable $470
Paid County Tax $1.41     Paid State Tax $3.29    (Did not pay poll tax this year)

The 1860 US Census lists combined real estate and personal value for Joel Phillips as $1000!
Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA 1869 Tax Roll - Joel PHILLIPS
1 horse... @$50
2 cows...  @$20
1 mule...  @$50
12 hogs... @$20
Personal Property... @$76     Total..... $216
35 acres plowed... @$70     65 acres woods.....@$65  Total Taxable $135
Paid Poll Tax  $1            Paid County Tax $1.25     Paid State Tax $2.09

The 1860 US Census lists combined real estate and personal value for G.W. PHILLIPS, Sr. as $2500!
Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA 1869 Tax Roll - George Washington PHILLIPS, Sr.
1 mule...   @$100
6 hogs...   @15
9 dogs...   @2
1 pleasure carriage.. @$25
Personal property...  @$53    Total....$225
Property used for manufacturing...  @$30
30 acres of plowed land...   @$60    138 acres of woods @$207   Total 150 acres @$243
Paid County Tax $1.09          Paid State Tax $1.82

Another way to know what life may have been like for my ancestors would be to look at the US CENSUS Agricultural Schedule of the time. Below is the 1860 US CENSUS Agricultural Schedule for Elisha SMITH, my great-great-grandfather, who lived in Guilford County, NORTH CAROLINA.

Dwelling #39,
25 acres improved; 26 acres improved; $328 cash value of farm;
$80 value of farm implements and manufacturing;
1 horse; 1 milk cow; 2 other cattle; 7 swine. Value of Livestock $105;

Produced during the year:
33 bushels of wheat; 100 bushels of Indian corn; 60 bushels of oats;
4 bushels peas/beans; 8 bushels of Irish potatoes; 20 bushels of sweet potatoes;
50 lbs of butter; 4 lbs. of prepared flax; 1 bushel of flax seed; 3 lbs. of beeswax; 50 lbs. of honey;
$8 value of homemade merchandise for market; value of animals slaughtered $32.

The following is the 1860 US CENSUS Agricultural Schedule for William Burrel PHILLIPS, my paternal great-great-great grandfather, who lived in Lancaster County, SOUTH CAROLINA. 
Line 38
40 acres improved land; 135 acres unimproved land; $570 cash value of farm;
$30 cash value of farm implements and manufacturing;
1 horse; 2 milk cows; 2 other cattle; 8 swine; $140 cash value for livestock;

Produced during the year:
30 bushels wheat; 150 bushels of Indian corn; 15 bushels of oats; 5 400 lbs bales of ginned cotton;
4 bushels of peas/beans; 2 bushels of Irish potatoes; 8 bushels of sweet potatoes; 8 lbs. butter; 3/4 ton of hay; $15 cash value of homemade merchandise; $150 value of slaughtered animals.

I have reviewed and captured as many for the families records from the Agricultural Schedules as it gives a window into the lives of the families.

NOTE: I found a statement on the web that I will quote as a way to establish wealth during this time.

"To equal the value of $1,000,000 in 2002 dollars, would require $45,000 in 1850".
To to help place value in 1850 dollars, one 1850 $1 would be roughly $23.00 today. Using my grt-grt-grandfather Burrel PHILLIPS as an example this would be his wealth for his farm and its produce in 1860, in 2002 dollars. Value of farm: $13,110; cash value for livestock: $3220; value of slaughtered livestock: $3450 ;  cash value of farm implements and homemade merchandise: $1035. Value of produce not known.

Total known value $20,815.