(Page last update: Apr 29, 2024)

1743-1843 -Age: 100 years 9 1/2 months - Husband of Mildred Whitehead White, married about 1775, Granville Co NC. Married 2nd Elizabeth last name unknown, between 1807 and 1810, in Union Co SC. (I suspect her maiden name is 'Howard', this determined after studying the church minutes, between the Padgett's Creek Baptist and Lower Fairforest Baptist churches, at this time period of Robert & Elizabeth's marriage, 1807-1810, and

eliminating other Elizabeth's, and by their nick names, or other spellings, Betsy, etc).

We do not know who Robert's parents or siblings were. Mecklenburg Co VA,

is a place of interest, or counties along the Roanoke River VA. Halifax, Pittsylvania

VA, counties. This whole area was once part of the old massive Burnswick Co VA,

which covered a large portion of the VA border with NC, before being split

into many other VA counties.

Robert's generation named their first born son's, in many cases, after their father.

I would speculate that Robert's first born, William, may have been named after

Robert's father. As we can see in his children's families, most named a son Robert, though not the first born son...in either his son's or daughters families.

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ROBERT'S KNOWN MIGRATION PATH & MALE 'Y' DNA CONNECTIONS:

(These DNA connections, maybe distant relatives, not Robt's direct lineage)

DNA (Male 'Y')---------John White 1720-1798-Hanover Co VA-Same John below.

DNA (Male 'Y')---------John White 1720-1798-Fluvanna Co VA-we have DNA connection.

DNA (Male 'Y')---------Appears in other Surnames, from early, Louisa/Hanover Co's VA.

---------------------------'The Fall Line Road' ran thru Hanover Co VA. (See Bottom)

The Fall Line Road---1730-1750 Most early migrations North/South, took this road.

Roanoke River VA----17??--1743 Grandson letter 1871 - born near Roanoke River VA.

Granville Co NC-------17??-1780 Lived a time along the TAR River, Granville Co NC.

Caswell Co NC---------1781-1788-had land, paid Taxes 1781-1787.

Union Co SC-----------1788-1829-Lived here until oldest son died 1829, Wm.

Spartanburg Co SC--1829-1843- Lived Spartanburg Co SC, died on visit to UC SC.

**John White above is not a direct connection, but most likely a relative

of our Robert White Sr. This was a family of Blacksmiths. This John above

father was Samuel, with sons John, Elias, David, all Blacksmiths.**

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Theory #1:

Our 'WHITE' male 'Y' DNA - Appears in other Surnames, from early,

Louisa/Hanover Counties VA, both once part of old New Kent Co VA.

EARLY MIGRATION TRAIL: ('The Fall Line Road' ran thru Hanover Co VA)

There is a high probability that Robert's parents took this road south

to the Roanoke River area on the VA/NC Border, prior to Robert's birth.

At this time period it was the safest route away from Indian attacks.

For the well off, there was the coastal routes south, via ships.

Theory #2: (Research still in progress)

DNA -Researchers, working on this Y-DNA connection.

This centers around a John White abt1720-1798, of Fluvanna Co VA,

he was also a Blacksmith. He left a Will naming children, he may have

been an uncle or other connection to our Robert White's family?

Children names: William White, Elias White, Samuel White, Sarah & Martha

White, Susanna, son Pleasant, Mildred, his wife was Mourning White...

Will Dated September Court 1803. (More to come)

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TOMBSTONE STORY:

Robert's Tombstone has date of 100 yrs, 9 1/2 months, if we enter this into an age calculator, his birth date is Feb 6, 1743, now, since he was born in 1743, there was a British Calendar change in 1752, of 11 days, so, if we deduct 11 days from 6 Feb, 1743, it equals birth date as 27 Jan 1743, as his birthdate. The family has used 9 Jan 1743 for so long, and input from descendants believe it should remain 9 Jan 1743, I am just making a note here that it could be different, so much time has passed, who are we to change his history. But if ever a verifiable date is required for documentation, we can use the age calculator & British Calendar Change, to prove his age, from his tombstone death date and age of 100 yrs. 9 1/2 months.

LOCATION OF GRAVE STONE & FOOT STONE:

His tombstone inscription with the date etc, is on the BACK of his marker, a few

feet in front of his stone, is a foot stone marked "RW", or the row in front of his

marker. He is about 10 markers from the Church Parking lot, near the church.

If you are looking at the church door, he is to the Left, about 8 or so, rows back

from the walk-way. If you look at the FRONT of the stones you'll never find it!

He now has a DAR & SAR markers (flat), in front of this Grave Marker (2019).

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**Robt Sr. Served in Rev War, while living in Granville Co NC. 1775-1781, 6-years.

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ROBERT'S BIRTH:

1743 - "Robert White Sr was born near the Roanoke River VA, and lived a time along the Tar River NC" (1871 - Grandson, Isaac Murphy Letter)

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ROBERT'S MARRIAGE:

1775 - Robert White Sr 1st married, Mildred Whitehead (abt 1775), dau of William & Frances Whitehead, formerly of Granville Co. NC, Caswell Co NC, and finally, of Lauren's Co SC. Wm's Will (original will of Wm Whitehead "Not the transcripts, all of them have serious errors!"), show Milly as Milla White, as her sisters were also named by their husbands surnames, transcripts show Milla Whitehead, an honest and easy error, White vs Whitehead, "Original Will only", = Milla White. The Original Will was found attached to the 1825 Estate papers of Wm. Whitehead.

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ROBERT & MILLY'S CHILDREN:

1776-1800: - Robert White Sr. & Mildred's Children: (first 3 born in Granville Co NC, next 3 born Caswell Co NC, all the rest born Union Co SC.) All born between: 1776-1800:

Robert Sr & Milly had the following children:

William White----1776-1829--m. Elizabeth Boatman----abt1800--09 Children

John White-------1778-1786---m. died young---------bef Apr1786--00-0000 died yg

Susanna White---1780-1851--m. Sion Murphy III--------------1798--10 Children

Jane White--------1782-1786--m.-died young ---------aft Apr1786--00-0000 died yg

Robert White------1784-1880--m. 1. Mary Cooper---------abt1811--12 Children

---------------------------------------m. 2. Susan Norman--abt1841/42--01 Adopted

Stephen White----1786-1868--m. Nancy Betterton---abt1806/07--08 Children

Mary White---------1788-1875--m. Lewis Bobo Rhodes-------1810--11 Children

Tillman White------1791-Unk---m. Sarah Sally Rhodes--unk date--00 No Children

Elizabeth White----1793-1845--m. Soloman Bobo Jr-----abt1810--13 Children

Mildred White------1795-186?---m. John Bullington-----------1815--07 Children

Elias White-----------1797-1873--m. Anne B. Gibbs-bet1814-1820?--14 Children

Benjamin F White--1800-1879--m. Thurza M. Golightly-------1825--09 Children

**All the children married spouses from Union Co SC except Stephen and Benjamin their wives from Spartanburg.

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ABOUT THE CHILDREN:

1. William married Elizabeth Boatman, Wm died in Union Co, wife in Spartanburg,

2. John died young, in Granville or Caswell Co NC, 3. Susan married Sion Murphy III, died in Union Co SC. 4. Jane died young, Caswell Co NC. 5. Robert Jr 1st married Mary Cooper then Susan Norman, all died in Spartanburg Co SC. 6. Stephen married Nancy Betterton, (one of the most misspelled surnames), ended up in Texas 1836, both died in Houston Co TX (not to be confused with Houston Harris Co TX). 7. Mary married Lewis Bobo Rhodes, moved to Richmond Co GA, where they lived the rest of their lives.

7. Tillman married Sarah "Sally" Rhodes, and moved to Georgia, where he was said to have died (Isaac Murphy Letter), 7. Mildred married John Bullington, they moved to Lauderdale Co AL, where he died, Milly, remained a widow, ended up in Saline Co IL, where she died, 8. Elias married Anne Gibbs, moved to Redwater Bowie Co TX, where they both died and finally, 9. Benjamin married Thurza Golightly, from Spartanburg, ended up in Harris and DeKalb Co GA, where they both died.

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR:---(Robt served 6 years) -

**(See bottom for DAR/SAR Ceremony info - 2019)**

1775-1781 - Robert White Sr was a Revolutionary War Veteran, per his Obituary. In which it states he served for six years. At this time we do not know if his service was in Virginia or North Carolina, however, an oath of allegiance, for Robert White was found in Granville Co NC, near where his father-in-law lived, near the Tar River NC, he is also listed on that same oath. Just north of Granville was Mecklenburg Co VA, where Robert is said to have been born, "...near the Roanoke River VA..." (1871-Isaac Murphy letter), which ran through that county, a Robert White enlisted into the 6th VA Regiment, from Mecklenburg, he was a Wagoner and Blacksmith, with 6th VA. It was very common, for Mecklenburg VA folks to migrate just south, across the border to Granville Co NC, and back and forth, they owned and farmed both sides of the VA/NC border.

1775-1781 - Soldiers (Robt) were sent home when not engaged in battle, to harvest, and no doubt, to raise or create their families, and protect their families from the Tories (British Loyalist), looking at Rev. War records, you can see the frequency of furloughs or leaves, for each soldier.

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OATH OF ALLEGIANCE:---(Robt & father-in-law, Wm on list)

1778 - NC Oath of Allegiance - All males of age were required to take this oath,

basically, to swear allegiance to NC & new USA. Robert White & father-in-law, William Whitehead took this Oath in 1778, in Granville Co NC.

1771-1778 - Robert's father-in-law, Wm Whitehead, prior to Caswell Co, is the William that lived in Goshen District Granville Co NC 1778, east of pre-1791, Caswell, and south of Halifax and Mecklenburg Co. VA. This Wm lived near the TAR River NC, that ran through Granville, he was there from 1771-1778 (tax list), then it would be possible that our Robert White could have Married Milly, in abt 1775, at her fathers home or church, further, raises the possibility that Robert also lived a time in Granville, more research may determine this for fact. There was a Robert White just north of Wm Whitehead in Granville, in County line district 1778. We have not determined, for sure, if this is our Robert, both were on the border with pre1791 Caswell Co NC. Robert was probably away, at War from 1775 to 1781, and re- joined the family on Hogan's creek in 1781, in Caswell Co NC, after his discharge, (Robt. served 6 years in the Rev. War, per Obituary). Note, also that Robert's grandson, Isaac Murphy's 1871 letter states his "...Grandfather lived on the Tar River NC, for a Time"..., could it be, that this was on the Granville Co NC portion of this river? It makes sense that during his 6 years of service, his family staid with Milly's father, in Granville, near the Tar River. Wm Whitehead moved to Caswell Co NC, while Robert was still in service.

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ROBERT WHITE'S IN AREA OF OUR ROBERT: (could be our Robert?)

1775-1779 - A Robert White appears as a witness, on a land deed, of a Richard Jones, on the north of the Dan River, in 1775, Halifax Co VA, north of Caswell Co NC. 1779 a John Dennis Sr, of Halifax Co VA, Will's his 'Smith Tools' to his son John Jr, and states 'that the tools are now being cared for by Robert White, now in the Carolina's' John Dennis was a master Blacksmith and Silversmith (Gunsmith), there may be a connection here.

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AREA OUR ROBERT WHITE LIVED:

1781-1788 - Robt Sr was living in Caswell District of Caswell Co NC, just south of Pittsylvania & Halifax Co, on the VA border, and south of the Dan River portion that dipped into NC, with his Father-in-law Wm Whitehead, at least from 1781 to 1787/88.

The Dan River, flowed back into Halifax Co VA, merging with the Staunton River in Mecklenburg Co VA, then both into the continuing Roanoke River VA. Old Caswell Co NC was just south of Pittsylvania & Halifax Co VA, both once part of old Brunswick Co VA., Mecklenburg was east of Halifax, with Granville NC just south below the border from Halifax & Mecklenburg Co VA. Robert and father-in-law are both on the Caswell Co Tax Poll, Robt from 1781-1787/88, the 1786 NC Census, indicates they lived 2 households from each other. (The census started in 1784, Caswell's was taken in 1786).(See bottom)

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CASWELL CO NC - TAX /LAND RECORDS 1781-1788:

1781-1788 - Tax Records show, Robert had owned 342 acres on Hogan's Creek, this land was not recorded in Deed or Grant books, this was common, when one received land in an inheritance or was given the land by friend or family, they were suppose to have it recorded, but many times they did not, however, you still had to pay the poll tax on the land, there is no record of this property being sold, leaving me to believe, it may have been returned (abandoned) to the original owner, when Robert departed in 1788, could also be a case of 'homesteading on unclaimed or unused lands'.

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TAX LIST: - 1781-1788:

CASWELL DISTRICT OF CASWELL COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA:

1781:---------------------DISTRICT------------ASSESSMENT----------PROPERTY (Acres)

White, Robert-----------Caswell------------------Cash--------------------985

Whitehead, William---Caswell------------------Cash--------------------3155

1782:---------------------DISTRICT--------LAND-----HORSES---CATTLE---TOTAL

White, Robert-----------Caswell---------342-----------1------------07---------59

Whitehead, William---Caswell---------1150----------3------------12--------111

1783:---------------------DISTRICT------- LAND-----CLASS---HORSES---CATTLE---TOTAL

White, Robert-----------Caswell---------354---------------------03----------13----------75

Whitehead, William---Caswell---------1160---------1---------03----------09----------124

1784----------------------DISTRICT------- LAND----LOC---W-POLLS---B-POLL------TOTAL

White, Robert-----------Caswell----------354-------------------01-----------00----------214

Whitehead, William---Caswell---------1150--HoganCrk----01-----------01----------583

Dennis, John Jr--------Caswell----------On Index----------------------------------------------

***Important Note John Dennis Jr:

John Dennis Jr of Caswell may have been the son of John Dennis Sr who left a will in 1779 in Halifax VA naming Robert White, now of the Carolina's who had possession of a set of Blacksmith tools he was leaving to his sons John & Mathew, HALIFAX VA was just across the border from Caswell Co NC, of which there was a John Dennis on the Tax records in 1784, worthy of noting here...

1785----------------------DISTRICT---- LAND----LOC--------W-POLLS---B-POLL----TOTAL

White, Robert-----------Caswell-------332---HogansCrk------01----------00--------210.13.2

Whitehead, William---Caswell-------1150--HogansCrk------01----------00--------450

1786----------------------DISTRICT---- LAND----LOC--------POLL

White, Robert-----------Caswell-------332---------------------01

Whitehead, William---Caswell-------500---------------------01

1787----------------------DISTRICT---- LAND----LOC--------POLL

White, Robert-----------Caswell-------333---------------------01

Whitehead, William---Caswell-------500---------------------01

1788----------------------DISTRICT---- LAND----LOC--------WHITE POLL

**White, Robert: Not on 1788 tax list - On his way to Union Co SC** (96 Dist)

Whitehead, William---Caswell-------400---------------------01--

**Note: Wm's last Tax Poll-Moves to Laurens Co SC, Cain Creek, 1788.

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ROBERT WHITE - BLACKSMITH AND FARMER:

1783 - Robert was a Blacksmith, his children to young to farm, never owned slaves, a job in heavy demand in the old communities & war time. on the 1783 tax list for Caswell, indicates Robert had 3 horses and 13 Cattle, his land total fluctuated over the tax years in CC. Hogan's Creek, emptied into the Dan River, his father-in-law, Wm. Whitehead had over 1100 acres of land on the same Creek, according to the 1782 Tax List, his lands are recorded, in Deed and Grant books, he also had lands on Moon's Creek, just east of Hogan's Creek, it also emptied into the Dan River.

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NORTH CAROLINA CENSUS OF 1784-TAKEN IN CASWELL CO NC 1786:

1784-1786 - The 1784 Census of Caswell Co NC, show his household with 1 male aged 21-60 yrs (Robt Sr=1, 3 males under 20, (Wm, Robt Jr, Stephen), 4 females of all ages, (Milly his wife, daughters Susan and Jane, and 1 unknown, and no slaves. As they lived 2 households from Milly's father, Wm Whitehead, the one unknown female may be a sister of Milly's? Son John died before this census, and daughter Jane died after this 1786 census, all we know is these two died as young children, exactly when is unknown. Note that the census is listed as the 1784-1787 NC Census, Caswell's was taken in 1786.

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MIGRATION FROM CASWELL NC TO SC: (1788): (Arrived 1788)

1787-1788 - Robt Sr & Milly arrived in Union Co SC 1788, (then Old 96th District). They were both received at the Padgett's Creek Baptist Church in Cross Keys Union County South Carolina, Oct 25, 1788, by letter, this means they had attended another church before this one and were in good standing with their prior church.

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CHURCHES ROBERT SR ATTENDED 1788-1843:

1. Padgett's Creek Baptist Church: 1788-1809 Union Co SC

----Oct 25, 1788--Received Robert White and Milley White by Letter.

2. Lower Fairforest Baptist Church: 1809-1829 Union Co SC

----Robert was charter member #1

----May 23, 1829--Dismissed Robert White Sr. and his wife Elizabeth by letter.

3. Cedar Springs Baptist Church: 1829-1843 Spartanburg Co SC

----June 27, 1829 (Page 29)...Received Robert White Sr. by Letter. died: Nov 21, 1843

----June 27, 1829 (Page 29)...Received Elizabeth White by Letter. died: Dec 27, 1840

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ROBERT'S 1ST LAND PURCHASE SC:

1789 - Robert's first land purchase 1789, was from John Layton, in Union Co, 175 acres, on the north side of the Tyger River, as spelled in those days, land was located in the Cross Keys area of Union Co, his neighbors were the Murphy's and Bobo's (1825 map), both families his children married into.

"John Layton to Robert White, 23 Mar 1789, Deed Book B, Page 140, Union County SC"

Robert Sr was on many Deeds over the years, 7 as Grantor, and

6-as Grantee. There may have been more...

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DEED TRANSACTIONS: (Buy & Sell Land)

**ROBERT SR AS 'GRANTEE': (Buys land)

Grantee:--------To----------------Deed Bk-----Page----Tape no.---Year----Location

John Layton----Robt White Sr----B-----------140-------C2204----1789----UC SC 175 acres

Ralph Jackson-Robt White-Sr----E-----------233--------C2205----1794----UC SC 23--acres

Kendrid McGarrity--do-------------E-----------203--------C2205----1794----UC SC 100-acres

Amy Yarborough----do-------------E-----------085---------Unkn----1797----UC SC 100-acres

John Thomas--------do-------------H-----------278-------C2206----1803-----UC SC 170 acres

-------------

**ROBERT SR AS 'GRANTOR': (sell his lands)

Grantor:-----To---------------Deed Bk-----Page----Tape no.---Year----Location

Robert Sr---John Lawson-----D-----------76--------C2205-----1794---UC SC 170 acres

Robert Sr---Thomas White----H-----------203------C2206-----1803---UC SC 149 acres

Robert Sr---Bird Murphy-------P-----------321------C2209-----1819---UC SC 150 acres

Robert Sr---Elias White-son---S-----------381------C2210-----1824---UC SC 120 acres

Robert Sr---Charter Nichels---K-----------99--------DeedBk---1814--Lau.Co195 acres

**The above Deed was a result of Robert Sr receiving 195 acres from his

inheritance from his wife Milly's fathers estate settlement in 1814. Witnesses to

this deed were his son William White and son-in-law Lewis Rhodes.**

**Note: The above Deeds transactions do not include the numerous

-----------Deeds that Robert Sr served as a Witness-on...**

DEED OF INTEREST: (Robert Sr & others building bridges over Tygar River)

1797 - Union Co. SC Deed Index (FHL film 255,052 grantor; FHL

film 255,055 grantee - Duncans)

E-89: 7 Sept. 1797, James Duncan (son of Alexr) to Robert White of Union Co. SC; to Samuel Simpson, James Duncan (son of Alexr), Bird Murphy & Robert White, Simpson to erect bridges on Tygar River at Bobo's Ford, our land on either side (apparently an easement). Wit. Drury Murrell, John (I with line across center) Bailey. (FHL film 255,060).

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**WILL/ESTATE OF FATHER-IN-LAW, WILLIAM WHITEHEAD - 1805:

1805 - William Whitehead's Will stipulated that when 2nd wife Margaret remarried or died, the Estate was then to be equally divided among all of his children from both marriages. Since Milly died in 1807, Robert White would be the rightful heir to receive her portion of the Estate. This leads us to believe that 2nd Wife of Wm Whitehead either remarried or died about 1813/1814, and as there are no Deeds or Grants for our Robert White receiving 195 acres on Cain Creek where his father-in-law lived and had his lands, I believe this land Robt White sold in 1814, with his son Wm & son-in-law Lewis Rhodes witnessed, was land the Estate of Wm Whitehead distributed to him in 1813 or 1814. Margaret Whitehead is not on the 1810, 1820 census. May have remarried and moved away, or died.

Robert & father-in-laws Wm's, land on Cane Creek, today, is part of a lake, underwater.

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ROBERT SR MARRIES 2ND WIFE - 1807-1810

1807-1810 - Robert White Sr marries 2nd: Elizabeth (last name not known) bet. 1807/1810, they had no children together. We estimate, from census, that she was born between 1760/1770. (I Suspect she was a Howard)

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ROBERT SR INHERITS LAND CANE CRK LAURENS CO SC & THEN SELLS IT:

1814 - We learned that in 1814, that Robert had land on Cane Creek, (195 acres), in Laurens Co SC, where his Father-in-law, also had owned land, Cane Creek empties in to Saluda River. Robert sold this land in 1814, with son Wm White and son-in-law Lewis Rhodes as witnesses, sold this land to Charter (or Charles-Nickles) Nichols, the estate Admin. for our William Whitehead, who died in 1805. The 1814 land might lead us to believe, Robert first lived on this land before Union co, but this could also be land left to Robert's Wife, Milly Whitehead White, who died in 1807, her father died 1805. Another explanation for this land would have been recorded in the records of old 96th district, which were kept in Abbeville Co SC, but a Court House Fire in 1875 destroyed most all of the old 96th records.

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ROBERT GIVES LAND TO SON ELIAS WHITE:

1826 - Deed of Gift, Robert White Sr to son Elias White, 120 acres land. Witnesses are

brother William, his son, James White. Land bordered Robert White Sr, Wm White, Jesse Boatman, Bailey's, Murphy's and Bobo's all relatives of the White's. Bk S, P. 381

C2210 - 1826. (Most likely to encourage him to remain in SC?)

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ROBT SR OLDEST SON, WM DIES - ROBT MOVES TO SPARTANBURG CO SC:

1829 - Prior to William White's death in 1829, he sells two lots of land to son-in-law, Johnson Coggin, Deed bk T, page 200, and 201. Robt. Sr moves to Spartanburg.

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DISMISSED FROM LOWER FAIRFOREST CHURCH - THEN MOVES TO SPARTANBURG:

1829 - Robert White Sr & wife Elizabeth are dismissed from the Lower Fairforest Baptist Church and become members of the Cedar Springs Baptist Church, Spartanburg Co SC.

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ROBERT WHITE'S 2ND WIFE ELIZABETH PASSES AWAY:

1840 - Elizabeth's death was recorded at the Cedar Spring Baptist Church minutes in Spartanburg Co SC, as Dec 27, 1840. Unfortunately, we do not know anything about her life, prior to marrying Robert Sr. There were many Elizabeth's and with their nick names, at the Padgett's Creek, I have not determined which Elizabeth, Eliza, Betsey might be Robert's 2nd Wife. , Some have suggested that it might be a Elizabeth Howard, widowed, she was in and out of the Padgett's, several times in conflict with other members, in 1812, an Elizabeth White was received at the Lower Fairforest Baptist Church in Union Co SC, Robert White was a member since 1809, at this church. Betsey Howard was restored to membership, also, in 1812, at the Padgett's? Basically, we do not know.

The burial site of Mildred & Elizabeth is unknown, we suspect Milly may be buried, at the Padgett's, there are many unmarked field stones, as was the tradition of the times, and this may be why Robert Sr wanted to be buried, at the same cemetery, with the wife that bore his children.

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ROBERT WHITE SR - NOW 100YRS OLD PASSES AWAY:

1843 - Robert White Sr was living in Spartanburg Co SC in 1843, family lore says he was on a wagon trip to Union Co SC, to visit his daughters, Susan, Elizabeth & Son Elias, when he passed away... Thus, the reason we are showing his death in Union Co SC, and not Spartanburg, where his home was in 1843.

The Christian Index obituary shows place of death was Union Co SC. (see Obit below)

His death was recorded in the Sexton Bible and a book, South Carolina Bible records, also, Church Minutes and Obituary.

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ROBERT WHITE SR - IN LETTER WRITTEN BY GRAND SON, ISAAC MURPHY - 1871

"1871 - According to a 1871 letter written by Robert's, grandson Isaac Murphy, "Grandfather (Robert White) was born near the Roanoke River VA, and lived a time along the Tar River NC". The TAR River began eastern Caswell Co NC (Pre-1791), later Person Co NC, right up against Granville NC border, where Robert's father-in-law (Wm Whitehead), was living in 1778, Tar River flowed near the part of Granville (Goshen Dist. 1778), where Wm Whitehead lived. In 1743 this area of Virginia, Robt was born was, old Brunswick Co VA, not necessarily, the county of today, old Burnswick covered a large portion of the VA/NC border in 1743, including parts of the Roanoke River, which had a major presence in the newly formed, Mecklenburg Co VA, an area that Robert Sr is said to have been born in 1743."

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ROBERT'S GRANDSON THOMAS W WHITE-INTERVIEW 1875 GA:

(Also known as T Warren White)

"1875 - On May 13, 1875 his grandson Thomas Warren White, did an interview in Cartersville GA with the "Standard and Express" (Page 3), which he states "...his grandfather was a Vigorous Veteran and a Blacksmith..." letter also talked about his 100th birthday. (See Bottom for more on this letter)"

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ROBERT WHITE MALE DESCENDANT - TAKES DNA TEST (FamilyTreeDNA.com)

The Parents & Siblings of Robert White Sr are still unknown. Male Y-DNA connections, (with other surnames) seem to have New Kent/Louisa and Hanover Co VA, in common. The migration trail called the 'Fall Line' ran through Hanover Co VA, and down through Old & New Brunswick Co VA, & NC, the area Robert was born in 1743, thus, his parents may have taken this path south? Settling 'Near the Roanoke River VA"...

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ROBERT AND HIS CHURCHES:

Robert and Milly attended the Padgett's Crk Baptist Church from 1788, then the Lower Fairforest Baptist Church, from 1809 to 1829, also in Union Co SC, where he was the first charter member. The Lower Fairforest was once a branch or meeting house of the Padgett's Creek church. In 1829, after the death of Robt's first born child, William, Robt. Sr now in his 80's, and 2nd wife Elizabeth, moved just west across the county line into, Spartanburg Co SC, where his son Robert White Jr lived, and many relatives & grand children. Robert and Elizabeth, became members of the Cedar Springs Baptist Church, in 1829, in Spartanburg, until their deaths. Both of their deaths are recorded, in the church minutes.

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ROBERT WHITE - ABOUT THE COUNTIES HE ONCE LIVED:

Caswell Co NC was once part of Orange Co NC until 1777. We know that, William, John & Susan born in Granville Co NC, 1781 Robert Sr now in Caswell, Jane, Robert Jr, Stephen, born in Caswell Co NC, and we can verify, from Census that Mary, Tillman, Elizabeth, Mildred Jr, Elias and Benjamin, were all born in Union Co SC. First 6 born NC.

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ROBERT'S OBITUARY:

1843 - Robert White Sr's Obituary gives a death date of 20 Nov 1843, it also says he served in the Revolutionary war for 6 years - Quote: "...his family suffered from the depredations of the Tories..." Other documents say he died on the 21st, Bible records and Church Minutes.

[See attached photo copy of Obituary - or Translation below]

"START OF OBITUARY"

"Translation and Copy of this Obituary

OBITUARY.

Harris County, Dec. 6th, 1844

Bro. Baker --- I have been required to

communicate (for publication) the following facts, by an intimate acquaintance of the deceased.

Died in Union District, South Carolina, on 20th November, 1843, Robert White, at the advanced age of one hundred years, ten months, and eleven days. He had lived a member of the Baptist Church seventy six years and ten months. He was six years engaged in the Revolutionary War, during which time his family suffered much from the depredations of the Tories.

He lived in peace with all men, as an evidence of which he spent his long life and was neither engaged in a lawsuit or personal difficulty with any man. Having served his God, his country and the church during a long life, he died as he had lived, in full view (by faith) of a happy immorality (sp), beyond the grave, after living to witness the hopeful conversion of all his children (13 in number) to God; remarking in his last hours, that he had trusted his Savior for nearly seventy-seven years, and as he had never disappointed him, he was not afraid that he should be forsaken in the last conflict.

GEORGE GRANBERRY.

"END OF OBITUARY"

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SOURCE INFORMATION - OBITUARY

Photocopy from County Court, Bk. or Vol. No. XII Dates: 12/13/1844 Page No. 193 Col. 6 The Christian Index Georgia Department of Archives and History Date Made: Mar. 29, 1977 Dr. 204 Box 24. Or in the "Christen Index & Southern Baptist, 13 Dec 1844 - Page 6 Col 3".

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ROBERT - DEVOTE BAPTIST 76 YEARS:

1843 - Robert White Sr was a devote Baptist for 76 years & 10 months.

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ROBERT'S TRADE:

He was a Blacksmith by trade, and farmer, some of his documents refer to him as, 'Robert White, BS'. He would have been classed as a Colonial Blacksmith, training usually took 6 or 7 years, many times indentured to a master blacksmith, at a young age, with 4 years as a journeyman, before one could establish their own business. This might explain his late marriage to Milly, at age 33, life spans were shorter in those days, 33 was considered old. Blacksmith's had the same stature as a doctor today, was a good living.

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ROBERT'S DEED TRANSACTIONS, Union County SC:

1789-1828 - Robert Sr was involved in many deed transactions, which includes; Union Co SC and Laurens Co SC, as Grantee and/or Grantor, between 1789-1828.

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ROBERT WHITE SR'S GRANDSON INTERVIEW: (T W WHITE)

1875 - In a interview with the Grandson of Robt Sr, Thomas Warren White or "T Warren", son of Robt Jr, printed in the Cartersville GA 'Standard & Express' May 13, 1875 p.3, Warren talked about his father and grandfather Robt Sr, will quote only Sr's part:

"...Mr. White's grandfather was also a vigorous veteran. He was a blacksmith, and on his 100th birthday took a pick in his hand, walked a mile to a shop and worked a piece of steel on its point. He returned home (on foot) with the pick, and throwing it upon the ground remarked "there, who of you can do that when you are a century old?" We doubt if there are many as vigorous old gentlemen..."

Note: This newspaper , 'Standard and Express', above, came into business Dec 1871, and sold out Dec 1875, to become 'Cartersville Express', under new ownership, under C.H.C. Willingham. This article is on micro film at "Georgia Newspaper Project University Libraries at Athens GA', May 13, 1875, Page 3, Col 2. [End]

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**ROBERT'S CEREMONY 2019: ACCEPTED INTO DAR & SAR ORGANIZATIONS:

2019 - Robert White Sr was recognized, honored, and accepted into the DAR; Daughters of the Revolution, and SAR; Son's of the Revolution organizations, even the CAR; Children of the revolution were present. An Honor Guard gave Robert Sr a '21 gun' musket salute, at his grave site, many Rev. War Flags were also posted around his burial site, a song, Amazing Grace, was sung by a descendant, at the closing of the ceremony, it was a grand ceremony. The honor guard dressed in colonial clothing, performed inside Robert's 1st church he attended in 1788, the Padgett's Creek Baptist Church, and descendants from different branches of the family trees, gave speeches to honor Robert Sr., and some history of his life. Descendants were from all over the USA.

Speeches were also given by representatives from all the organizations mentioned above, they were also from different states, and the current pasture (Reverend), of Robert Sr's, ole church. The two monuments, DAR, SAR, were created and placed in the ground by descendants, of Robert White Sr, specifically, descendants of Sion & Susan White Murphy, Robert's daughter.

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CENSUS RECORDS:

Note: This is actually the 1784 NC Census, taken in CC, in 1786.

NC 1784 Census, Caswell Co NC Page 4 - Caswell was taken in 1786

Robert White 1 3 3 0 0

1 white male 21-60------------------------(Robt Sr)

3 white males under 20 & above 60----(Wm, Robt Jr, Stephen (John died bef.1786).

4 white females all ages------------------(wife Milly, Susan, Jane, Unkn. Female?)

0 - no black male slaves

0 - no black female slaves

**Living 3 household from Robert is father in law Wm Whitehead

William Whitehead 1 3 3 0 0 - Milly's father.

1790 Census Union Co. SC Page 191

ROBERT WHITE 1 4 4 0 0

1 = over 16 yrs upward - this would be Robert White Sr.

4 = White males under 16 yrs of age.

-----Males: William, Unkn?, Robert Jr, Stephen

4 = White females of all ages:

Females: Susan, Jane, Mary wife Milly (Jane may have died between 1786 & 1790?

could this be an unknown female from the 1786 NC census? Relative or

Unkn. Dau?, in place of Janes's slot? )

NOTE: Jane, and John died before the 1790 census in NC.

1800 Union Co SC Census Page 215

ROBERT WHITE-------303012101001

males under 10 years =-----3--(Ben, Elias & Tilman)

males---------16-26 years =-3--(Stephen, Robert Jr, William Sr)

45 and upwards-=----------- 1--(Robt. Sr.)

females under 10 yrs =-----2--(Mildred, Elizabeth)

10-16 yrs =---------------------1--(Mary)

26-45 yrs =---------------------1--(Mildred Whitehead White - Wife)

All others-=---------------------1--(Unknown Person - is the 7th digit)

**Note: Susan married 1798. John & Jane, died prior to 1800.**

1810 Union Co SC Census Page 242

ROBERT WHITE------------020110100000000001 "290" 00000

males: 10-16------------ = 2 (Elias & Ben? or unknown Charles?)

26 and under-45---------= 1 (Robt. 2nd Wife Elizabeth)

45 yrs upward------------= 1 (Robt/ White Sr.)

femals:--10-16------------= 1 (Mildred)

**Note - This Census would support, Mildred dying in 1807**

1820 Union Co SC Census Page 143

Lists Robert White with

000001-00101

males of---45 yrs and up = 1

females----16-25---------- = 1 (unknown Female)

females----45 yrs and up = 1 (would be second wife Elizabeth)

1830 Spartanburg Co Census page 227a

Robert White----00000000000100 0000000010000

One Male =-------80--90---(Robert White Sr.)

One Fem =--------60--70---(Elizabeth wife of Robt.)

1840 - Have found no 1840 Census in either Spartanburg or Union,

for any Robert White's??? Census could have missed them.

**NOTE: Robt. Sr. was about 97 years old in 1840, died Nov 1843.

Have looked for some of the folks who lived around Robert in

1830 and still cannot find him, Jr is missing also... My guess

Sr and wife are living with family.

END OF CENSUS

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PROOF OF DEATH FROM CHURCH MINUTES:--(ELIZABETH & ROBERT SR)

1840 - Death of Elizabeth White wife of Robt Sr was recorded in the

Church Minutes of Cedar Springs Baptist Church Spartanburg.

Dec 27, 1840 (Page 44) ...Death: Sister Elizabeth White departed this life...

1843 - Deaths of Robert White Sr were recorded in the Church

Minutes of Cedar Springs Baptist Church Spartanburg.

Nov 21, 1843 (Page 63)....Death: Robert White Sr. departed this life...

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NOTE OF INTEREST:

A note of interest, Robert Sr can be tied to all of his children via Church Minutes,

Deeds, War of 1812 records, Family Letters, and other records. This may be of

interest to descendants at some future point that are applying for, ie, SAR, DAR,

and other memberships now and at some future point.

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DNA TEST - ON DESCENDANT:

Y-DNA Test: Appears Mike White owner of this memorial is the only White male on Robert's lineage to have taken all the currently available Genetic DNA test at familytreedna.com.

What we have learned is our DNA connections or pool seems to have old New Kent now Louisa and Hanover Counties VA, in common, we match with other distant White's of the same area, but more closely with Talley's, and a few other surnames. We also have a non-direct connection to a Mr John White Sr. 1688-1758, of Louisa & Hanover Co VA, and coincidentally, his daughter Tillah White married a Thomas King, who's son John King married Sarah Lemaster of Spartanburg Co SC, who's daughter Lucy King married James W Cooper, who's daughter Mary Cooper married our John Willis White, son of our Robert White Jr, son of Robert White Sr.

James W Cooper was a life long friend of Robert White Jr., both lived in Union and Spartanburg Co, were deacons at the same churches. John Willis White who married James daughter Mary Cooper, died in the Civil War.

The White's are of British Celtic origins and mostly English, (42%), which includes, Wales (Welsh), Scotland (Scottish), with 31% Irish (Ireland), 12% Scandinavian, 10% ,Central European, this of course, is a male Y-DNA test, father to father etc... Am not an expert on DNA testing, it is always changing...

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1. THEORY: (Why I match with many other surnames, (Male Y-DNA).

In the 1500/1600/1700's - Disease, Indian Wars, were at the top of the list for

reducing the population of early times. Leaving thousands of children as Orphans.

James Town is a good example, disease wiping out most of its population.

Many families having lost some or all of their children, (and parents), took in

Orphans to rebuild their families. Sometimes, giving those children their

SURNAMES. When those Orphans came of age, some reverted back to their

original family surname, and many did not, keeping the surname of the family

that took them in.

This fact of the early Orphans, has created a problem or mystery to be solved, for those that have taken Male Y-DNA test. I can speak only for my case. DNA Experts have advised or suggested that might be my case, and the reason I have DNA matches with other surnames, from the areas that my known White's once may have lived.

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More Theory's: (Repeating from top)

Theory #1:

Our 'WHITE' male 'Y' DNA - Appears in other Surnames, from early,

Louisa/Hanover Counties VA, both once part of old New Kent Co VA.

EARLY MIGRATION TRAIL: ('The Fall Line Road' ran thru Hanover Co VA)

There is a high probability that Robert's parents took this road south

to the Roanoke River area on the VA/NC Border, prior to Robert's birth.

At this time period it was the safest route away from Indian attacks.

For the well off, there was the coastal routes south, via ships.

Theory #2: (Research still in progress)

DNA -Researchers, working on this Y-DNA connection.

This centers around a John White abt1720-1798, of Fluvanna Co VA,

he was also a Blacksmith. He left a will naming children, he may have

been an uncle or other connection to our Robert White's family?

Children names: William White, Elias White, Samuel White, Sarah & Martha

White, Susanna, son Pleasant, Mildred, his wife was Mourning White...

Will Dated September Court 1803.

**John White above is not a direct connection, but most likely a relative

of our Robert White Sr. This was a family of Blacksmiths. This John above

father was Samuel, with sons John, Elias, David, all Blacksmiths.**

(More to come)

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