CHAPTER TWO

John Hall, Sr., Burke County, North Carolina

2.  JOHN HALL, SR., (esquire), eldest son of JOSHUA HALL and DIANA SPICER was born in 1731 in Baltimore County, Maryland, and died Dec 1811 in Burke County, North Carolina.  [Ref:  Burke County Justices of the Peace and Militia Officers, 1782-1866, Burke County Library, Morganton, North Carolina]. He married (1) MARY PRICE, 14 August 1757, and (2) ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON, 22 Dec 1763 at St. John’s Parish in Baltimore County, Maryland.  [Ref:  St. John’s Parish Register, Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, Maryland].  He married (3) FINAVILL BLACK SHANKS, widow of JAMES SHANKS, who died in January 1804.  Marriage took place in February 1804 in North or South Carolina.  [Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Estate records, Volume I, p. 132].  [My note:  Citing spelling of FINAVILL SHANKS from tombstone inscription at Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina:  “MARY MCCULLOUGH died November 16th 1842, 73 years, 4 months, 1 day.  Daughter of JAMES and FINAVILL SHANKS.  Consort of JOHN MCCULLOUGH”].     

JOHN HALL, son of Joshua, served as justice of the peace of Baltimore County court upon formation of State government in 1777.  [Ref:  History of Baltimore City and County, by J. Thomas Scharf, p. 728, (1881)].  In 1768, JOHN HALL and JOHN MERRYMAN, SR., endorsed a Petition calling for the removal of the county seat from Joppa to Baltimore Town.  [Ref:  Inhabitants of Baltimore County, 1763-1774, by Henry C. Peden, Jr.].  He appeared in Taxables for the district of North Hundred in 1773.  JOHN HALL, of Joshua, was appointed overseer of all public roads from Wheeler’s Mill on the main road to JOHN MERRYMAN, SR’s., and from thence to Great Falls on the Gunpowder that leads to York County, dated 1772.  [Ref:  Baltimore County Overseers of Roads, 1693-1793, by Henry C. Peden, Jr., p. 74, (1992)].  He was captain of Baltimore County Militia on August 26th, 1776, and in command of 48 privates.  2nd Major, February 4, 1777.  [Ref: Revolutionary Patriots of Baltimore Town and Baltimore County, Maryland, 1775-1783, by Henry C. Peden, Jr., p. 117, (1988)].  On Oct 13th, 1774, he received a patent on Tract #668 (“Stoney Ups and Downs”), located in northern Baltimore County.  [Ref:  Land Patent Maps in Northern Baltimore and Carroll Counties, by R. Carlton Seitz, (1995)].  In 1765, he received a deed of gift from his father, JOSHUA HALL, as follows:

	To all People to whom this present writing shall come.  I, JOSHUA HALL, of 		Baltimore County in the Province of Maryland.  Gentlemen send Greeting:  Know 	ye that I, the said, JOSHUA HALL for and in consideration of the natural love 	which, I the said, JOSHUA HALL do bear unto my loving son, JOHN HALL, 	have given, granted, and do by these presents fully, clearly, and absolutely give, 	grant, and assign unto my aforesaid son, JOHN HALL, all that lot of Land 	Number 169, called or known by that Number lying situate and being in 	Baltimore Town in County of Baltimore in the Province of Maryland aforesaid.  	To have and to hold the said Lot above mentioned called or named by No. 169 	situate as aforesaid to him the said, JOHN HALL, his heirs, executors, 	administrators, and assigns forever.  To their own use and behalf without any 	manner of challenge, claim, suit, or demand of me the said, JOSHUA HALL 	aforesaid my executors, administrators, or assigns.  And further be it enacted that 	I, the above named JOSHUA HALL have put my said son, JOHN HALL by 	these presents in full and actual possession of the aforesaid Lot no. 169, as 	aforesaid situated.  In Witness whereof, I have set my Hand and Seal, this thirty 	first day of July in the Year of our lord God, one thousand, seven hundred 	and 	sixty five.  Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in Presence of:
	WM. SMITH                                                                    JOSHUA HALL, (Seal)
	JAS. EVERETT
	On the 31st day of July 1765, came JOSHUA HALL, party to the within Deed 	and acknowledged the same to be his Act and the Land and Premises within 	mentioned to be the Right, Title, and Estate of the within mentioned, JOHN 	HALL, his heirs and assigns forever before us, two of his Lordships Justices of 	the Peace for Baltimore County.
	WM. SMITH
	BENJAMIN ROGER
[Ref:  Baltimore County Court (Land records), MSA No.:  CM 135-44, Accession No.: R 119-2, Maryland Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland].  [Transcribed from original deed – DTG].

In 1770, JOHN HALL conveyed town lot #169 to JACOB CROWELL, as follows:	

	This Indenture made this first day of August, in the Year of our Lord, seventeen 	hundred and seventy between JOHN HALL, son of Joshua, of Baltimore County 	in the Province of Maryland of the one part and JACOB CROMWELL of said 	County and Province of the other.  Whereas, the aforesaid, JOSHUA HALL on 	Instrument of Writing bearing date thirty first day of July, in the Year of our Lord, 	seventeen hundred and sixty five duly executed and recorded for and in 	consideration of the natural love which he had for his son, JOHN HALL, did 	give, grant, and assign to him the said, John, all that Lott of Ground situate and 	being in the western part of Baltimore Town in the County aforesaid and 	distinguished on a Platt of said Town by the Number One Hundred and Sixty 	Nine, only reference thereto being had will more at large appear.  This Indenture 	Witnesseth that the said, JACOB CROMWELL in hand paid the receipt whereof 	he doth hereby acknowledge and thereof doth acquit and discharge to the said, 	JACOB CROMWELL and his heirs.  Hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, 	released, (?), and confirmed and by these Presents, doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, 	release, (?), and confirm unto him the said, JACOB CROMWELL, his Heirs and 	Assigns all that Lot or parcel of Ground above mentioned and which is described 	by and contained within the following Metes, Bounds, Crowns, and 	Distances, to Wit:  Beginning for the same at the North corner of the Lott of 	Ground distinguished 	on the Plat aforesaid by the Number One Hundred and 	Seventy One on Sharp Street and running with out bounding on the said Street.  	North, four perches and one quarter of a perch, then East, nine perches, then 	South, four perches and one quarter of a perch, and then with a straight line to 	the first place of beginning.  Together with all Ways, Waters, Water Courses, 	Easements, Rights, and Advantages to the above granted Lott or parcel of Ground 	belonging to or in any wise appertaining and also the (?), and (?), (?) and (?), (?) 	and services thereof to Have and to Hold the said Lott of Ground and premises 	with their Advantages and Appurtenances unto him the said, JACOB 	CROMWELL, his Heirs and Assigns to the duly proper use and behalf of him 	the said, JACOB CROMWELL, his Executors, Administrators, and Assigns that 	he the said, JOHN HALL, the aforesaid Lott of Ground and premises with their 	Appurtenances are the said, JACOB 	CROMWELL and his Heirs against all and 	every person or persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever defend by 	these Presents.  In Witness whereof the said, JOHN HALL hath hereto set his 	Hand and affixed his Seal the day and year past above written.
	Sealed and Delivered                                                                        	
		In Presence of:
		AND. BUCHANAN
		JON. PLOWMAN                                                J. HALL, son of Joshua, (Seal)
		Received the first of August, 1770 of ISAAC CROMWELL, Seventy eight 			pounds being the consideration above mentioned.
	Witness: 
	AND. BUCHANAN
	JON. PLOWMAN                                                 J. HALL, son of Joshua, (Seal)
	On the first day of August, 1770, came JOHN HALL before us, the Subscribers, 	two of his Lordships Justices for the County aforesaid and acknowledged the 	above Instrument of Writing to be his Act and Deed and the Lott of Ground and 	Premises therein conveyed to be the Right and Estate of the above mentioned, 	JACOB CROMWELL, his Heirs and Assigns according to the true intent and 	meaning thereof, at the same time came ELIZABETH HALL, wife to the said 	John, (?) by us privately examined out of the hearing of her said husband, 	declared that she relinquished her Right and Dower in the said Lott of Ground and 	Premises freely and voluntarily without being induced or compelled thereto by the 	threats or ill usage of her said husband or the fear of incurring his displeasure.
	AND. BUCHANAN
	JON. PLOWMAN
	Received 21st August 1770, One penny sterling Alienation fine on the within 	Land for use of Lord Baltimore by order of his Agent, DAN BOWLY.  Recorded 	the 20th day of September 1770.
[Ref:  Baltimore County Court (Land records), MSA No.:  CM 135-49, Accession No.:  R 120-3, Maryland Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland].  [Transcribed from original deed– DTG].

JOHN HALL migrated to South Carolina in 1779; settling in the Abbeville area which was part of Old District 96.  He was justice of the peace for the District of Charleston in 1784.  [Ref:  Morgan District, Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Slave records, Volume III, p. 8].  [My note:  It bears mention that there are inconsistencies relating to the history of Morgan District Superior Court of Law and Equity.  Research shows a number of presiding justices were originally from Baltimore County, Maryland and suggests a pattern of migration, perhaps due to the establishment of the Morgan District Court in 1782.  Since Morgan District was formed from Salisbury District, several of the justices may have initially resided in the Mecklenburg/York area prior to their migration to Burke County, North Carolina.  Many of Burke County’s early Wills were probated in York County, South Carolina for unknown reasons. A study into North Carolina’s Courts of Oyer and Terminer may help to shed some light on this issue.  At present, there is not a clear written history reflecting on North Carolina’s early system of district courts].

In 1788, JOHN HALL settled in the South Muddy Creek District of Burke County, North Carolina.  There he served as presiding justice of Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions until 1810 as reflected in the minutes of county court.  In 1798, he was elected senator representing Burke County in the North Carolina General Assembly for a period of one term.  [Ref:  Public Officials of Burke County, 1777-1942, by Senator Sam Erwin, Jr., (1942), p. 23].  He was also a superior court judge for Morgan District, which held court twice a year in Morgantown (present day Morganton).  The following information was abstracted from minutes of the county court on microfilm, including references extracted from volumes, 1-4 of the Morgan District Court of Law and Equity:

	January session (1791).  
	Grand jurors:  ABE FLEMING, JAMES HEMPHILL, JOHN HALL, JOHN 	SUMMERS, GEO. MOSLEY, DAVID BAKER, ISAAC EARTHMAN, 	ROBERT FLEMING, JOS. POTTS, THOS. WHITE, ELI LITTLEJOHN, 	GEORGE CATHEY, JONATHAN FEAR, JACOB ANTHONY.

	April session (1792).  
	Panel:  GEO. DAMOREN, JOSEPH DOBSON (written over the name, JOHN 	HALL, which is deleted), WM BALDWIN, SAML. INMAN, ROBERT 	SELLERS, JOHN FOX (written over the name of ROBERT FLEMING), 	THOS CRAIG, AMOS HIGGINS, BARTLETT HENSON (written over the 	name JAMES SELLERS), JASON LOCKE, JNO POKE, RED FLETCHER.

	January session (1793).  
	Deed:  From JOSEPH WHITE to JOHN HALL, 200 acres.  Proved by MOSES 	WILKERSON.  Dated 25 August 1789.

	January session (1793).  
	Deed:  From JOSEPH WHITE to JOHN HALL, JUN.  Dated 10 March 1791.

	January session (1793).  
	Bill of Sale: From MOSES WILKERSON & JOHN HALL to JOHN 	MACKERY for four Negro women, named CATH (30 years), YEON (15 	years), JEAN (14 years), HAGAR (2 years).  Acknowledged by signers.  Dated 8 	September 1790.

	October session (1793).  
	Excused:  JOHN HALL excused from serving as juror this term.

	October session (1793).  
	Jurors appointed to next session:  JOHN BAILEY, JAMES POTTS, JOHN 	BLAIR, JOHN COFFEY, JESSE MOORE, JR., WILL EDMISTON, JAS. 	WEBB, JR., WILL GRAGG, JAMES HEMPHILL, ROBT, SELLERS, JR., 	WILL MCDOWELL, GEO. HODGE, WM. GARDNER, ISAAC 	ATWATER, JESSE STROUD, ROBT. CARRUTHERS, HUGH FOX, JR., 	JOHN BOYD, RICHARD BROWN, JOHN STEEL, JOSEPH HAWKINS, 	REUBEN WALKER, JOHN HALL, THOMAS ENGLAND, ZACHERIAS 	DOWNS, JR., JAMES THOMPSON, JOHN PENLAND, PATRICK 	O’NEAL, JR., WM. BAILEY, JACOB ANTHONY, JR., ABRAHAM 	FLEMING, GEO. PENLAND, JOHN ERWIN, JR., ALEXR. WAKEFIELD, 	JAMES H. SHERRILL.

	January session (1794).  
	Case No. 17:  JOHN SPARKS vs. JOHN SPEAR:  Jury:  REUBEN 	WALKER, JOHN HALL, WILLIAM GARDNER, JAMES POTTS, 	STEPHAN BELLEW, REUBEN WHITE, WILLIAM WEST, UTE 	SHERRILL, JOHN PARKS, JOHN DUCKWORTH, THOMAS KNIGHT, 	JOS. DOBSON.  Non suit.   
  
	January session (1794).  
	Iron Works:  The jury appointed at last session to condemn land for the use of 	Iron Works entered by HENRY BULLINGER, on both sides of Little River, 	who being duly sworn upon their oaths report that there is 200 acres of land on the 	head of Dudley’s Branch objected to and on the head of the Mud Branch on the 	east side of Little River, 100 acres is objected to.  On Rock Creek at the head, 100 	acres is objected and if there is as much as 3,000 acres of land lying around said 	shoals that is vacant, agreeable to the Act of Assembly, the same is condemned 	for the use of Iron Works, as Witness our hands this 4 January 1794.  HENRY 	REED, THOMAS SCOTT, WM. FULLERTON, JAMES REED, WM 	SHERRILL, ISAAC MARTIN, ABE HUNSUCKER, WM. REED, ROBT. 	PAINE, BEN AUSTIN, JOHN HALL, JACOB WINKLER, GILLEPIE 	COBB.

	January session (1794).
	Justices of Peace:  The following Justices of peace were sworn into office after 	taking the necessary oaths to qualify them for public office:  JOHN HALL, 	BENJAMIN AUSTIN, BENJAMIN ADAMS, JAMES COFFEY.

	January session (1794).
	Superior Court Jurors:  For March term the following are appointed, to wit, jurors 	to April term, viz, JAMES MURPHEY, WILLIAM WHITE, JOHN HALL, 	JOHN MCDOWELL, JOHN CONLEY, THOMAS COLEMAN, BEN 	AUSTIN, PETER THOMPSON, BEN ADAMS, JOHN CARSON, JAMES 	GREENLEE, JOSEPH YOUNG.  

	January session (1794).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.  Court met according to 	adjournment.  Present:  JOHN HALL, JOSEPH YOUNG, Esqrs.

	April session (1794).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow 9 o’clock.  Court met according to adjournment.  	Present:  WM. WHITE, JAMES MURPHEY, JOHN HALL, Esqrs.

	April session (1794).
	Court now proceeds to ballot for classes in attending court:
	First:  ALLEN FOX, ALBERT CORPENNY, PETER MOLL, WILLIAM 	WHITE, CHARLES WAKEFIELD.
	Second:  JOHN CARSON, JOHN CONLEY, JAMES MURPHEY, ROBERT 	CRAIG, BENJAMIN BURGIN.
	Third:  ROBT. CARRUTHERS, BENJAMIN AUSTIN, JAMES COFFEY, 	JOSEPH YOUNG, ALEXR COLE, JOHN HALL.
	Fourth:  JOHN H. STEVELIE, WILLIAM ERWIN, BENJAMIN ADAMS, 	JAMES GREENLEE, JOHN MCDOWELL.

	April session (1794).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 8 o’clock.  Court met, etc.  Present:  	WILLIAM WHITE, JAMES COFFEY, JOHN HALL, Esqrs.

	April session (1794).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 8 o’clock.  Court met according to 	adjournment. Present:  JOHN HALL, JOSEPH YOUNG, WILLIAM 	WHITE, Esqrs.

	April session (1794).
	Taxables:  The following to take taxables for 1794:  Capt. BEN AUSTIN, for his 	own company; JOHN CONLEY, Esqr., for JAMES CONLEY’s company; 	JOHN H. STEVELIE, Esqr., for Capt. H. WOOD’s company; JAMES 	MURPHEY, Esqr., for Capt. H. HIGHLAND’s company; JAMES 	GREENLEE, Esqr., for Capt. MACKEY’s company; ALBERT CORPENNY, 	Esqr., for Capt. SHERRIL’s company; JAMES COFFEY, Esqr., for Capt. 	MOORE’s company; ALLEN FOX, Esqr., for Capt. THOMAS WHITE’s 	company; JOHN HALL, Esqr., for Capt. JNO PENLAND’s company; JOHN 	CARSON, Esqr., for Capt. JNO HAWKIN’s company; BENJAMIN BURGIN, 	Esqr., for Capt. HEMPHILL’s company; BEN ADAMS, Esqr., for his own 	company; JOSEPH YOUNG, Esqr., for Capt. WM. AINSWORTH’s company; 	ALEXR. COLE, Esqr., for Capt. WM. DAVENPORT’s company.   

	October session (1794).
	Inspectors of election:  JOHN HALL, Esqr., and ARTHUR WOOD appointed 	inspectors of ensuing election.

	October session (1794).
	At a court of pleas and quarter sessions begun and held in and for the county of 	Burke at the courthouse in said county on the fourth Monday in October 1794.  	Present:  JOHN HALL, JOSEPH YOUNG, ALEXR. COLE, ROBT. 		CARRUTHERS, Esqrs.

	October session (1794).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning.  27 October 1794.  Court met according 	to adjournment.  Present:  JOHN HALL, JOSEPH YOUNG, ALEXR. COLE, 	ROBT. CARRUTHERS, Esqrs.

	October session (1794).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 10 o’clock.  30 October 1794.  Court met 	according to adjournment.  Present:  JOHN HALL, ALEXANDER COLE, 	JOSEPH YOUNG, ROBERT CARRUTHERS, Esqrs.

	October session (1794).
	Tax list:  JOHN HALL, Esqr., returns list of taxables in Capt. JOHN 	PENLAND’s company for 1794.

	October session (1794).
	MILLINGTON PETILLO gave bond for maintenance of a base born child 	begotten on the body of JEAN HANNAH with GREEBURY WILSON as 	security.  Fined 25 shillings, paid by Petillo to JOHN HALL, Chairman of the 	court.

	January session (1795).
	Court proceedings:  On motion and affidavit filed, ordered that JOHN HALL, 	SR., Esquire, and JOHN HALL, JR. return to this court all the proceedings in 	the suit wherein THOMAS PEARSON was plaintiff and JAMES GREENLEE,  	Esquire, defendant so this complainant may have a new trial and that what is right 	and best may be done.

	January session (1795).
	Road jury:  Appointed to mark and lay off a road from Cain Creek up toward 	Farris old place about 2 miles to open to the road that the Rutherford Court has 	ordered to be cut through the Whiteside Settlement:  JOHN HALL, SR., 	WILLIAM MCDOWELL, WILLIAM MORRISON, JR., ROBERT 	SELLERS, JR., ROBERT SELLERS, SR., MOSES WILKERSON, ELIHU 	HICKS, JOSHUA HALL, JOHN HALL, JR., JOHN PEARSON, JAMES 	SELLERS, of JOHN JAMES SELLERS of JAMES SELLERS, MICHAEL 	DERREBERRY, JOHN TATE, JOHN MORRISON, JOHN SELLERS, JR.

	April session (1795).
	Court adjourned till one hour is expired.  Court met according to adjournment.  	Present:  JOHN HALL, BENJAMIN BURGIN, JAMES MURPHEY, Esqrs.

	April session (1795).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.  Court met according to 	adjournment.  29 April 1795.  Present:  JOHN HALL, BENJAMIN BURGIN, 	HODGE REYBOURN, Esqrs.

	April session (1795).
	Settlement of estate:  JOHN HALL, JOHN CONLEY, and HODGE 	REYBOURN appointed a committee to settle the estate of SAML. DAVIDSON, 	dec’d.	 SAML. FORGEY demanded a settlement with the court of the estate of 	SAMUEL DAVIDSON, dec’d, which amounted to 436 pounds, 1 shilling, and 6 	pence.  JOHN HALL, HODGE REYBOURN, and JOHN CONLEY being 	appointed a committee for settlement, reported that there was a drawback in favor 	of FORGEY and vouchers amounting to 113 pounds, 9 shillings, 6 pence.

	April session (1795).
	Election of Registers:  The court proceeds in the election of registers for the 	county.  Present the justices:  THOMAS COLEMAN, REED HYATT, DAVID 	CRAWFORD, ALBERT CORPENNY, PETER MOLL, JOHN CONLEY, 	JNO HENRY STEVELIE, WILLIAM WHITE, ROBERT CARRUTHERS, 	BENJAMIN BURGIN, JOHN BRADBURN, HODGE REYBOURN, JOHN 	HALL, JNO MCDOWELL, JAMES GREENLEE, JAMES MURPHEY, 	WILLIAM ERWIN, ALLEN FOX, Esqrs.

	April session (1795).
	Settlement of estate:  JOHN HALL, HODGE REYBOURN, JOHN CONLEY 	appointed to settle the estate of SETH HYATT.

	July session (1795).
	Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.  29 July 1795.  Court met 	according to adjournment.  Present:  JOHN HALL, JOHN MCDOWELL, 	REED HYATT, HODGE REYBOURN, Esqrs.

	July session (1795).
	Election of sheriff:  Present:  WILLIAM WHITE, PETER MOLL, HODGE 	REYBOURN, JAMES MURPHEY, HENRY REED, THOMAS COLEMAN, 	BEN ADAMS, JOHN MCDOWELL, BENJAMIN AUSTIN, JOHN 	BRADBURN, ALLEN FOX, REED HYATT, WILLAM ERWIN, JOHN H. 	STEVELIE, ROBERT CARRUTHERS, BEN BURGIN, JOSEPH YOUNG, 	JAMES GREENLEE, DAVID CRAWFORD, JOHN HALL.  Candidates to 	office:  JOSEPH MORGAN, JOHN MCGIMSEY, THOMAS MCENTIRE, 	BRICE COLLINS.  JOHN MCGIMSEY is elected.  Bond filed with security.

	January session (1799).
	JOSEPH WHITE to WILLIAM GRAGG for 400 acres of land dated 27th day 	of August 1792, proved in open court by JOHN HALL.

	April session (1799).
	WILLIAM DAVENPORT, JOHN HALL, and THOMAS WELCHER, 	assessors for the town property of Morganton do report the value thereof to be L. 	5726.10.0.

	October session (1800).
	Court met according to adjournment, Tuesday 28th Oct.  Present Worshipful:  	JOHN HALL, PETER MOLL, BENNETT SMITH, Esqrs.

	October session (1800).
	Ordered that WILLIAM ERWIN, JOHN HALL, and PETER MOLL be a 	committee to settle the estate of GEORGE CARPENTER, dec’d.

	October session (1800).
	A penial bond from JOSEPH WHITE to JOHN HALL for executing titles for 	two tracts of land, bearing date 22nd day of December 1789, proved in open court 	by JOSHUA HALL, a subscribing witness.
	
	January session (1801).
	Constable.  JESSE HALL came into open court and was appointed constable 	who gave bond and security with ISOM SHOAT and JOHN HALL in L. 	250.0.0.

	April session (1801).
	ROBERT SELLERS to ELIJAH HALL for 100 acres of land, dated 30th day of 	January 1801, proved in open court by JOHN HALL.

	July session (1801).
	Overseer.  Ordered that CHARLES FINLEY oversee the road from where GEO. 	HODGE leaves off to the first water above JOHN HALL’s and keep the same in 	repair for one year.  Issued.

	July session (1801).
	Overseer.  Ordered that JOHN JETTON oversee the road from the first water 	above JOHN HALL’s to the ford on the river near Colonel JOHN CARSON’s 	and that the above overseers have all the hands within four miles on the south side 	of said road and all hands living one mile north of the said Catawba River 	opposite said road to work on said road.  Issued.

	October session (1801).
	Costs of Congress.  Ordered that the seven sets of the acts of Congress of the 	United States agreeably to the resolution of the General Assembly of this state be 	deposited with and in the following manner, to wit.  One set with WILLIAM 	DAVENPORT.  One ‘do’ with WILLIAM WHITE, one ‘do’ with JOHN 	CARSON.  One ‘do’ with JOHN HALL, Esqr.  One ‘do’ with ANDREW 	BAIRD.  One ‘do’ with WILLIAM TATE.  One ‘do’ with WILLIAM 	SPENCER for use of the Superior County and Court of Equity.

	April session (1802).
	ROBERT WILLIAMSON, Esqr, came into open court, produced his license as 	an attorney at law signed by the Honorable, JOHN LEWIS TAYLOR, 	SAMUEL JOHNSON, and JOHN HALL and satisfactory evidence being had to 	this court of his qualifications was omitted to the practice of the law in this court.
[Ref:  Burke County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina].  

	State of North Carolina, Morgan District:  Superior Court of Law, September term 	1799.  I hereby certify that JOHN HALL was returned to this Court as a Juror for 	the County of Burke and that he attended thereon ten days, at eight shillings per 	diem, to be allowed him according to act of Assembly.  24 miles @ 8/ p. 30.  	WM. W. ERWIN, Clerk.  To the Justices of Burke County.  #4:6:4.
[Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Misc. records, Volume III, p. 73]. 

	Venire to September: 1. THOMAS MCENTIRE, JUNR.  2.  JONAS 	DAVENPORT.  3.  JOHN LOGAN.  4.  ISAAC THOMPSON.  5.  	WILLIAM MARTIN.  6.  RICHARD FORTUNE.  7.  JNO. HALL, Esqr.  8.  	ALBERT CORPENNY.  9.  JNO. HUGHES.  10.  ARTHUR ERWIN.  11.  	DAVID HANSON.  12.  BRICE COLLINS.  July session, 1805.  Ordered the 	Sheriff summons above Gentlemen as Jurors to September term next.  J. 	ERWIN, Clk.  The Venire for September term.
[Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Misc. records, Volume III, p. 105].

	State of North Carolina, Morgan District Superior Court of Law, September term, 	1793.  The Jurors for the State upon their oath present that for a long time past 	there hath been and now is a Common and Public Highway in the County of 	Burke leading from Morgantown to Rutherford Court House and for all the 	Citizens of this State as well for footman and horseman & their carriages by 	which way the said Citizens have used to pass & ride & drive their carriages at all 	times of the year without impediment.  Nevertheless, JOHN HALL being 	overseer of that part of the said Public Highway which is between said, HALL’s 	own house and the Rutherford line in the County aforesaid hath permitted the said 	Public Highway in the part last aforesaid to become out of repair & ruinous by the 	default and negligence of him, the said overseer, so that the said Citizens cannot 	ride and drive their said carriages through the said way about their necessary 	business without great danger & injury to the great damage of all the good 	Citizens of this State passing through the said Highway and against the peace & 	dignity of the State.
	State vs. JOHN HALL, Overseer of the Road.  WILL PROBET, Witness.  	Sworn & sent.  WM. W. ERWIN, Clk.  A True Bill.  JNO. BARBER, Foreman.  
[Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Misc. records, Volume III, p. 112].

	Morgan District Superior Court, Miscellaneous Records, Account-Return of 	Monies Received.  For Attorney’s Licenses and Deeds Received by the 	Honorable, SAMUEL SPENCER, Deceased, 1788-1792.
	March 20th, 1790:  1.  EDWARD HARRIS.  2.  HOPKINS LACEY.
	April 9th, 1790:  WILLIAM BLAIR.
	May 28th, 1790:  MICHAEL THOMPSON.
	June 15th, 1790:  JAMES MOORE.
	September, 24th, 1790:  ODOM BEVARD.
	October 8th, 1790:  HENRY POTTER.
	October 24th, 1790:  JOHN HALL.
	November 22nd, 1790:  WILLIAM KENNEDY.
	November 26th, 1790:  THOMAS BADGER.
	November 27th, 1790:  ZESTES COLLINS.
	December 1st, 1790:  WILLIAM SLADES.
	December 19th, 1790:  JOSHUA G. WRIGHT.
[Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Misc. records, Volume III, p.77].

	Morgan District, Superior Court of Law, March term, A.D. 1804. 
	I, JOHN HALL, Esq., one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Law & Equity 	for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that W.W. ERWIN is Clerk of 	the District of Morgan, that the Certificate made by him is in due form, and that 	full Faith and Credit ought to be given to his Official Acts.  Given under my Hand 	this, (?) day of (?), 1804.  
[Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Misc. records, Volume III, p. 75].

	Morgan District, State of North Carolina.  To the Sheriff of Mecklenburg County, 	Greeting.  You are hereby commanded to take the bodies of SHAROD GRAY 	and REUBEN BOZZEL, if to be found in your bailiwick, and then safely keep 	so that you have them before the Judges of our Supr. Court of Law, at the next 	Court to be held for the district of Morgan, at the court house in Morganton, on 	the first day of March next; then and there to answer to JOHN HALL and 	FINAVILL, his wife, Admrs. of the Estate of JAMES SHANKS, decd.  In a plea 	of Debt that they render to them the sum of Two hundred and Twenty five Dollars 	(equal to one hundred & twenty five pounds North Carolina currency) which they 	detain to their Damage one hundred pounds.  Herein fail not, and have you then 	and there this Writ.  Witness, WILLIAM W. ERWIN, Clerk of said Court, at 	office the first day of March Anno Domini, 1804 and in the 28th year of the 	Independence of the United States.  WM. W. ERWIN, Clk.  Issued the 26th day 	of March, 1804.  
	JAMES SHANKS, Admr.vs SHEROD GRAY & REUBEN BOZZEL.  Debt to 	March-September, 1804.  Executed on GRAY, JNO COOK.  Executed on 	BOZZEL, JNO COOK, Sheriff.  BEN SMITH, Attorney.
[Ref:  Morgan District, North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity, by Weynette Parks Haun, Estate records, Volume I, p.132].

Burke County presents a variety of research problems due to the destruction of a large number of county records by Union forces during the 1860’s.  Some records did survive however, including a few wills, a substantial series of court minutes, some estate files, tax lists, and land grants.  The following Burke County, NC Land Grants were contributed by Charles R. Hall, 1129 Farrs Bridge Rd., Greenville, SC.  [Transcribed from original documents, DTG].

	No. 1790:  
State of North Carolina, Burke County.  By Virtue of the within Warrant, No. 191, dated Feb 4th, 1790.  I have surveyed fifty acres of Land for JOHN HALL lying on the Waters of Silver Creek joining his own Lands on the North and East.  Beginning at a Spanish oak said Halls Corner and runs North within his line sixty nine poles to a post stake, said Halls Corner.  Then West along his lines one hundred and sixteen poles to a stake.  Then South sixty nine poles to a stake and barked Hickory.  Then East to the Beginning.  Surveyed April 27th, 1793.
JESSE HALL                                                                ROBERT LOGAN, CS
DAVID HALL, CC
State of North Carolina, No. 191.
THOMAS SMITH, Entry Officer of Claims for Lands in the County of Burke to the Surveyor said County.  Greetings: You are hereby required as soon as may be to lay off and survey for JOHN HALL on tract or parcel of Land containing fifty acres lying in your County bounded as follows, Viz: Beginning joining the lines of JOSEPH WHITE and CHURCHWELL JACKSON on Silver Creek running towards a knob of a mountain called, White’s Knob and taking up the vacancy for complement.  Entered Feb 4th, 1790.
[Ref: Burke County, NC Land Grants, No.1790, Book 85, p. 81, Burke County Library, Morganton, NC].

No. 1933:
State of North Carolina, Burke County.  By Virtue of the within Warrant No. 89, dated Sep 2nd, 1790.  I have surveyed one hundred acres of Land for JOHN HALL lying on some small branch of Silver Creek joining his own Lands on the East and JAMES MORRISON on the No.: Beginning at a Black oak tree said Halls Corner and runs South sixty five degrees runs along Morrison’s line one hundred and forty four poles to a Pine.  Then East one hundred and thirty poles to a post on Hall’s line near a small branch.  The No. along said line to the Beginning.  Surveyed April, 27th, 1793.
ROBERT LOGAN, CS
[My note:  Property bounded by JAMES MORRISON, JOSEPH WHITE, THOMAS HEMPHILL.  Initially warranted to CHURCHWELL JACKSON in 1790, who sold it to JOHN HALL for 20 pounds the first day of July, 1791.  Witnesses: WILLIAM GRAGG and JOHN HALL, JR.].
[Ref: Burke County, NC Land Grants, No. 1933, Book 85, p. 133, Burke County Library, Morganton, NC].

 	No. 2521:
State of North Carolina.  THOMAS SMITH, Entry Officer of Claims for Lands in the County of Burke to the surveyor of said county.  Greetings, you are hereby required as soon as may be to lay off and survey for JOHN HALL one tract or parcel of Land containing one hundred acres lying in your county bounded as followith: Between MICHEAL PIERSON, ZACHARUS HICKS, JOHN JEWELL and his own tract for complement.  Entered 30th day of October, 1795.	
State of North Carolina, Burke County, August 18th, 1797.  By Virtue of the within Warrant No. 2427, dated October 30th, 1795.  I have surveyed one hundred acres of Land for JOHN HALL lying on the waters of Silver Creek.  Beginning on a pine on said Halls line and then West with said Pine on hundred crossing the main road and a small branch to a Pine on a ridge.  Thence North one hundred and sixty poles to a small Spanish oak on the E side of a ridge.  Thence East one hundred poles to a Black oak.  Then South one hundred poles to the beginning.
ZACHARUS HICKS
JOHN HALL, CC                                                            J. BURGIN
[Ref: Burke County, NC Land Grants, No. 2521, Book 100, p. 185, Burke County Library, Morganton, NC].

	No. 2522:
State of North Carolina.  No. 3273.  THOMAS SMITH, Entry Officer of Claims for Lands in the County of Burke to the surveyor of the said county.  Greeting, you are here by required or soon as may be to lay off and survey for JOHN HALL one tract of parcel of Land containing fifty acres lying in you county bounded as followith: Joining my East line of six hundred and forty acre tract till it runs joining my two hundred acre on both sides of the old wagon road including a spring in the square of the two tracts.  Entered 26th day of July, 1797.  Observing the directions of the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided for running out Lands, two just and fair plans of such survey with a proper certificate annexed to each, together with thy Warrant you are to hand submit to the Secretary’s Office without delay.  Given under my Hand at Office the 28th day of October, 1797. 					        THOMAS SMITH, ET
State of North Carolina, Burke County.  By Virtue of within Warrant No. 3273 and dated July 26th, 1797.  I have surveyed for JOHN HALL fifty acres of Land adjoining his old survey on both sides of the wagon road.  Beginning at a Post oak running West with his old line twenty five chains to a stake on his other survey.  Thence South twenty chains to a stake.  Then East twenty five chains to a stake on his other survey.  Thence North to the beginning.  Surveyed 18th day of October, 1798 by:
JESSE HALL
DAVID HALL, CC						    R. KELL
[Ref: Burke County, NC Land Grants, No. 2522, Book 85, p. 185, Burke County Library, Morganton, NC].

No. 3312:
State of North Carolina, Burke County.  August 16th, 1799.  By Virtue of within Warrant No. 3576, Dated February 1st, 1799.  I have surveyed for JOHN HALL, Esq., lying on Silver Creek waters on a branch called, Cosbey’s Branch: Beginning on a Pine, said Halls NW Corner and runs South one hundred and twenty seven poles, crossing on a branch to a small Hickory.  Then West sixty three poles to a stake.  Then North one hundred and twenty seven poles to a stake.  Then East sixty three poles to the Beginning. 
	JESSE HALL                                                                    J. MORRISON
	BENJAMIN BURGIN, CSC
[Ref: Burke County, NC Land Grants, No. 3312, Burke County Library, Morganton, NC].

	No. 3638:
State of North Carolina.  No. 4132.  THOMAS SMITH Entry Officer of Claims for the Lands in the County of Burke to the surveyor of said county.  Greetings, you are here by required or soon as may be to lay off and survey for JOHN HALL one tract or parcel of Land containing fifty acres lying in your county bounded as followith: As specifically located adjoining Lands with MICAJAH HALL and JAMES GREENLEE beginning at a Pine tree the South west corner of said Land claimed by said Greenlee and running with side of a mountain and cove.  Entered 30th day of March, 1807.
State of North Carolina.  By Virtue of a Warrant No. 4132, dated Burke County of entry 30th March, 1807 – Nov 3rd, 1806.  I have surveyed a tract of Land for JOHN HALL containing fifty acres bounded by Lands claimed by MICAJAH HALL and JAMES GREENLEE.  Beginning on a Pine on the point of a line the South west corner of said Land claimed by said Greenlee and runs South thirty four degrees, West eighty poles with the said MICAJAH HALL line to a White oak.  Thence to fifty six degrees East, one hundred and ten poles to a stake.  Thence North thirty four degrees and eighty poles to a stake.  Thence to the beginning.
JOHN HALL
JESSE HALL, CC                                                             ROBERT LOGAN, CS
[Ref: Burke County, NC Land Grants, No. 3638, Book 122, p. 191, Burke County Library, Morganton, NC].

Burke County, Deeds Registered, 1804-1813:
	JOHN HALL to ELIJAH HALL for 97 acres, dated 1 August 1807.  	Acknowledged; January session 1808.
	JOHN HALL to JESSE HALL for 160 acres, dated 13 March 1806.  	Acknowledged; January session 1806.
	JOHN HALL to ROBERT SELLERS for 300 acres, dated 29 July 1803.  	Acknowledged; July session 1811.
	
The will of JOHN HALL was probated Feb 2nd 1816 in York County, South Carolina.  No record of his actual will exists in North Carolina.  It was entered for probate in Burke County, NC, as recorded in Burke County Court Minutes.  An Inventory of his Estate was filed in Burke County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions bearing the date of Jan 1812.  

In the name of God Amen, I JOHN HALL, a citizen of Burke County, North Carolina, do make this my Last Will and Testament, revoking all others.  Imprimis: All my lawful debts to be paid and the legacy bequeathed to be paid as soon as all circumstances will permit.  Item: To my son, JOSHUA HALL, bequeath my family watch.  Item: To my daughter, SALLY, wife of ROBERT, I bequeath five shillings.  Item: To the heirs of my daughter, DIANA HICKS, decd.  I bequeath five shillings.  To my son, JOHN HALL, I bequeath five shillings.  Item: To my son, ELIJAH HALL, I bequeath him and his heirs the following piece of Land beginning on a Black oak the corner of a six hundred and fifty acre track and running a straight line to a Gum tree the corner of the track he now lives on, with straight said line will be at Southwest, and thence with his line up the meanders of the creek to his corner tree, then to the beginning about thirty acres more or less.  Item: To my daughter, ELIZABETH WHITE, to her and her heirs, I bequeath five shillings.  Item: To my son, JESSE HALL, I bequeath him the land he now lives on bounded as follows: Beginning on a Red oak by the wagon road, his corner tree, thence with his line as the road runs to his corner by my fence, thence crossing the road and over a small branch as marked toward his house, with it comes even with my cross fence then running with my cross fence a straight line to a creek, leaving said fence the Southeast side of the said then down the creek to a small branch on Southwest side of said creek then up said branch to the first hollow a few poles, the hollow is above an old path that comes from Hemphill’s, to a White oak marked ED, North side said branch, then up the hollow as marked a straight line till it strikes the first line of a track of one hundred acres, then with said N. east or nearly to a Black oak to corner to a six hundred and forty acre track, then crossing the creek with said lines after to the wagon road at the beginning, supposed to be one hundred acres, more or less.  Item: To my daughter, TEMPY, wife of JACOB HENSON, I bequeath five shillings.  Item: To my daughter, POLLY, I bequeath five shillings.  Item: To my daughter, REBECCA JONES, I bequeath five shillings.  Item: To my daughter, NANCY HALL, I bequeath one good hide and hiding, and one cow.  Item: Unto my beloved wife, FINAVILL, I bequeath all my household and kitchen furniture, together with the crops in the house and what may be growing in the field, to her own use forever.  Also, one Negro woman Slave named, VENUS, I bequeath unto her forever to be disposed of as she sees cause.  The Land and Plantation I now live on I leave to FINAVILL HALL, then all the Lands I hold not disposed of shall be the sole property of JESSE HALL and POLLY HALL, my grandchildren, being the son and daughter of DAVID HALL, decd.  Should JESSE HALL, my grandson die without issue then POLLY HALL, my granddaughter shall have but half of the Land set aside for them both, and the other part shall be sold, and when sold equally divided between my daughters as named, SALLY, ELIZABETH, TEMPY, POLLY, and REBECCA.  But should JESSE HALL and POLLY HALL, my grandson and daughter both die without issue then and in that case, the whole Land shall be sold and the money arising there from shall be equally divided among all my children.  Now concerning a Negro boy named, ABRAHAM, I do also bequeath to my wife, FINAVILL HALL, during her natural life and after the death of my wife, FINAVILL HALL, the said named Slave, ABRAHAM shall be the sole property of my daughter, NANCY HALL, should NANCY HALL, my daughter die without issue then the said Slave, ABRAHAM shall be sold and the money divided among all my children.  And now concerning a Negro Slave named, SUCKA, being lame in one leg but able to get her living, at my death it is my desire and will that the said Negro woman named, SUCKA be set free for the faithful services she has rendered to my family, and I hope it will enact the Approbation of the Legislature of this State.  The rest of my Estate not mentioned it is my will that out of the same, my debts and legacies be paid and the balance thereof remaining shall remain in the hands of my wife, FINAVILL HALL, to her own use forever.  Lastly, I constitute and appoint my beloved wife, FINAVILL HALL, JOSHUA HALL, and JESSE HALL, my Executrix and Executors of this my Last Will and Testament.  In Witness whereof, I have set my Hand and Seal the seventeenth day of November, one thousand, eight hundred and eight.
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced, and Declared by JOHN HALL as his Last Will and Testament in Presence of us the Subscribers.
I. GRAGG
DAVID GLASS {Jurors}                                                             J. HALL, {Seal}
JAMES PATTON    
[South Carolina Archives, Columbia, South Carolina, Will Transcripts, 1782-1855, York County, S108093.29.464]. 

INVENTORY OF ESTATE (1812):
	Inventory of the Property of JOHN HALL, Esquire, decd.:
	Five head of horse beasts.  Eighteen head of cattle.  
Fourteen head of sheep.  Twenty eight head of hogs.
	One wagon and three pair of [?].
	One still and worm and flack stout.
	Six hog heads.  Three black people.
	Five beds and their furniture with bed stead’s.
	One chest of drawers and two tables.
Three notes at hand to Wit: One note on JOHN DAVIDSON and WILLIAM --- for the sum of one hundred dollars.  The second on JOHN DAVIDSON and WILLIAM RAMSEY for one hundred dollars.  The third on JOHN DAVIDSON and WILLIAM --- sixty eight dollars. One note on JAMES COOPER for forty dollars.
One case and eight bottles.
A large tea canister.  Two iron pots and two bake ovens.
One skillet and one bake pan.
Two iron pot hooks.  Four pair of pot hooks.
Two pewter dishes and four pewter basins.
Twenty pewter plates.  One Cauldron and one skimmer.
Two tin ladles and tin cups.
Three coffee pots and one tin mug.  
One tin paper box and one tin [?].
One bake pan.  One pair of [?].
One pair of spoon molds.
One soup spoon and eleven tea spoons.  Ten [?] plates.
Three tea canisters.  Seventeen saucers and ten cups.
Two tea pots.  Three cream pots.
Four bowls.  One bread basket and one server and ten spoons.
Two tin tumblers and two glass tumblers.
Two stack glasses.
One popper box and spice box and salt seller and mustard pot.
One lantern and four candle sticks.  One platter and one looking glass.
Money scales and weights.
One shot gun and flint bag and bayonet. 
Three jugs of stone.  One whiskey barrel and one [keg].
Three pickling tubs and two flour barrels and five washing tubs.
One half bushel, five water pair and two tin buckets.
One wooden bucket.  One pair of tongs and shovel.
One set fire irons.  Seven knives and thirteen forks.
One butcher knife and shoe knife.
Two bladed head axes and four falling axes.
Five hay [stacks] and iron wedge.  Two bee stands.
One cross cut saw and hand saw, and one tenant saw and iron square.
One flat edge and five chisels, fifteen planning bits and stacks.  
Two hammers and one shoe hammer.
One pair of hand bellows.
Twelve chairs and four flax wheels.
Two cotton wheels and one count reel.
One chain whip, one side saddle, and two pair of saddle bags, and one back side saddle, and one old saddle.
Five bridles and three wearing apparels.
Twenty six books of different kinds.
	Two funnels and candle pair, two churns.
Two scythes and one cradle and one cutting knife and box and one cutting knife.
	Three augers and three gimlets.  Five bells and drawing knife.
	One tack chains, one hand server.
	Two grind stones.  Four pair of chard.
	One pair of tooth [?] and one pair of lancets.
            One gold watch and one silver watch.       
	One loom and one pair of [?].
	Three pair of gains and four slays and quill wheel.
            Twelve earthen crocks and one ink holder.
	One [?] and razor and shaving box and two belt hooks.
One pair of house [?], one pen knife, one pair of tailors shears and two pair of scissors and one pair of [?] shears.    
One trunk and trumpet.  Two umbrellas.
Ten geese, and one tin quart and pint measure and coffee mill.
Ten bushels of wheat, a quantity of corn [?], to be upwards of a hundred bushel. Two raw hides and some tanned leather. 
Three bushels of salt.  One quire of paper and three large whiskey casks and a quantity of bacon supposed to be two hundred weight.
Two padlocks and one frame.  Two mattresses.   
One iron tooth hare and hackle.  One pitch fork.
A quantity of wool, the weight not known.  A quantity of cotton and flax the weight not known. 
JESSE HALL                                                   C. Administrators
FINIVALL HALL (her mark)  
[Ref: North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina, Burke County, Estate Records, 1776-1934, CR 014.508.23].  Transcribed and contributed by Charles R. Hall, 1129 Farrs Bridge Rd., Greenville, SC 29611.   
                    
Children of JOHN HALL and ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON:
    3.	JOSHUA MERRYMAN HALL
    4.	SARAH HALL
    5.     DIANA HALL
    6.     JOHN HALL, JR.
    7.     ELIJAH GRANT HALL
    8.     ELIZABETH HALL
    9.     JESSE HALL, SR.
   10.    TEMPERANCE HALL
   11.    POLLY HALL
   12.    REBECCA HALL
   13.    NANCY HALL
   14.    DAVID HALL
   15.    MICAJAH MERRYMAN HALL     
Word Count – 7,531
Danna Twyman-Gibson
01-29-04