M. 22 Feb 1787 in Rowan County, North Carolina
Wife: Elizabeth Bryan
D. 1821 in (probably) Rowan County, North Carolina
The people who farmed the backwoods of North Carolina during the 18th century left behind few records. For someone like John Davis, his story is told in his will.
John was likely born in Rowan County, North Carolina, the place where he lived as an adult. The date of his birth is unknown, and is estimated to be during the 1760s. John’s parents were unidentified in records and it’s not known if he had siblings, but he could sign his name on documents, so he had at least a little education. John first appeared on a marriage bond dated February 22, 1787 filed in Rowan County. His bride was Elizabeth Bryan, daughter of another Rowan County settler, John Bryan.
John and Elizabeth had at least seven children, with the youngest born about 1806. His son Samuel was known to have received no formal schooling, and presumably that was the case for all of John’s children. The farm John owned wasn’t likely from an original grant, and he added an additional field to it at some point. In his will, he described its boundaries using specific trees as markers—a black oak, a white oak and a large hickory. Son Samuel later described his childhood home as being located “in the wilds” of North Carolina. In 1810, John owned three slaves; it’s likely they were used as laborers on his farm.
On May 31, 1821, John made out his will. He was “weak of body,” and probably in the final stages of an illness because his signature was very shaky. His wife Elizabeth and their children were bequeathed his land and possessions. One detail that he spelled out concerned a young slave named Joseph, who was to be hired out for six months, with the wages he earned being paid to support Elizabeth. The will was proved in August, just a couple of months after John wrote it, meaning he must have died in June or July.
John Davis’ will.
Children:
1. James Davis — B. 12 Nov 1789, Rowan County, North Carolina; 10 Feb 1840, Jersey County, Illinois; M. Elizabeth Morrow (1786-1851), 23 Nov 1814, Rowan County, North Carolina
2. John M. Davis — B. 25 Jul 1791, Rowan County, North Carolina; D. 31 Jan 1864, Jersey County, Illinois; M. Jane Luckey (1796-1889), 14 Jul 1817, Rowan County, North Carolina
3. William Davis — B. (probably) Rowan County, North Carolina
4. Elizabeth Davis — B. (probably) Rowan County, North Carolina
5. Sarah Davis — B. (probably) Rowan County, North Carolina; M. Mr. Madden
6. Samuel Davis — B. 8 Jul 1798, Rowan County, North Carolina; D. 22 May 1888, Jersey County, Illinois; M. Mary Clifford (1798-1875), 31 Jul 1823, Rowan County, North Carolina
7. Joseph Davis — B. about 1806, Rowan County, North Carolina; M. Rebecca Little (~1804-?), 28 Dec 1824, Rowan County, North Carolina
Sources:
North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979, FamilySearch.org
Will of John Davis, 1821
1810 US Census
Find-A-Grave.com
