Zaza Brashear was the son of Robert C. (Cager?) Brashear and Charity Dowell. Zaza's father, Robert C. Brashear, was born 19 Feb 1704/5 in Queen Anne's Parish, Prince George's Co., MD. Zaza's mother, Charity Dowell, was born 04 Apr 1711 in Anne Arundel Co., MD, d/o Phillip Dowell and Mary Tydings (For Mary Tydings see the children of Richard and Charity (__?__) Tydings on the Find A Grave Memorial of Thomas Sparrow, Sr.).
The surname Brashear is found in the genealogical literature in many forms, e. g. Brasseur/Brassier/Brassieur/Brassiere/Brasher/Brashear(s)/Boshears/Brashier/Brasier/Brazier/Basher and Bashier but the Anglicized form, Brashear, will be used in this bio. Zaza's ancestors were forced out of France by the terrible Catholic religious persecution and massacres of the French Huguenots during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Brashear family history in America is a proud one dating to the French Huguenot (French Protestant refugee) immigrant, Benois (Benjamin) Brassier, who landed in Virginia in 1653 but due to the hostile environment created by the English settlers toward Frenchmen, he moved his wife, Mary, and children to Calvert Co., MD in 1658. In 1662 Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, signed the "Denization of Benois Brassieur" recognizing his travails in and migration from Virginia. Note: By the early 1700s, the Huguenots in Virginia were given land at Manakin Town, VA (see attached historical markers). From my efforts, Robert C. Brashear's, Zaza's father, sacrifices are recognized by two hereditary organizations: the "National Huguenot Society" and "The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia".
Zaza's father, Robert C. Brashear of Guilford Co., N. C., though 77 years of age, supported the American Revolution both with money and as a supplier of goods (It has been suggested he may have even supplied the wagon to transport the supplies and driven it himself), during the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse. For this service, he is recognized as a Patriot of the American Revolution by both the SAR and DAR (Ancestor #A013835). Presently, there is confusion as to the burial place of Robert C. Brashear (1705-1786). A Rockingham Co., N.C. deposition for a Maryland court case states he was buried in Guilford Co., N.C. The proof of his death and burial in Guilford Co., N. C. was established by testimony in "Phillip Brashears vs. Thomas Hewlett" concerning the lease and ownership of "Brashear's Meadows". Among the depositions from Rockingham Co., N.C. submitted to the Maryland court was one from Peter Dowell, Charity's brother (Charity Dowell was the wife of Robert C. Brashear and mother of Zaza Brashear), who testified among other things that Phillip Brashear was the oldest son of Robert C. Brashear. Another deposition was from William Williams who swore he had known Robert C. Brashear for 18 years, that Robert died July, 1786, that he (Williams) "was present and saw him die, and knew him when dead and assisted at the burial". William Williams was enumerated in the 1790 US Census of Rockingham Co., N.C. and his household is shown near Zaza Brashear's household. ( Ref. General Court Judgments, Western Shores (Maryland), Vols. 39, 41, 43, Oct. 1798. Film #013051 LDS Library, SLC).
Zaza Brashear was born at Buffalo Creek, Guilford Co., N.C. and married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., N.C. (See attached copy of their marriage record.) The will of John Adkinson dated 14 Dec 1790 Rockingham Co., N.C. lists his daughter, Elizabeth Brashear (Will Bk. "A" p203). Elizabeth died circa 1797. Zaza married secondly Elizabeth Lomax on 10 Mar 1798 at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C. She was born circa 1752 as the daughter of William Lomax (Will Bk. "A" p212-probated 1773) and wife, Ann "Nancy" (nee Coxe) Donelly. Zaza Brashear, Sr. spent his entire life in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina.
Zaza, Sr.'s brother, Asa, was born in 1745 and they were very close their entire lives. The lived closely together and named their children after each other. For example, Asa named his first son, Zaza Dowell Brashear. Asa was associated with Rockingham and Guilford Counties, N.C. from about 1800 until his death circa 1823. He was sheriff of Guilford County and a member of the North Carolina House of Commons from Guilford County. Zaza, Sr.'s oldest brother, Phillip, mentioned above, had a grandson named Zaza who was associated with Henry Co., VA and Wayne and Montgomery Counties, KY.
Zaza was listed on the 1768 tax list of Rowan Co., N.C. in the household of his uncle, Robert Samuel Brashear, on Thomas Donnell's Tax List (in 1770 this part of Rowan County became part of newly formed Guilford Co. and probably southern Rockingham Co., N.C.). (N.C. Society Journal, Nov 1983, pp210-211). Zaza had to be 21 years old to be taxable. His family was living on Robert C. Brashear's land grant located at the confluence of Buffalo Creek and the Reedy Branch of the Haw River in Guilford County.
As noted above, Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, as his first wife, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., North Carolina. Zaza's brother, Asa Brashear, was the bondsman.
Zaza received N.C. State Land Grant #30 of 100 acres on the waters of Jacob's Creek on 11 Jul 1788 in Rockingham Co., N.C. at the cost of 10 pounds.
The 1790 US Census enumerated Zaza Brasher, Sr. (Zaza Brashear) in Salisbury District, Rockingham Co., N.C. with a family:
1 male over 16 ( Zaza himself)
4 males under 16 (Asa; Jesse; John (Johann); Zaza, Jr.)
3 females (Elizabeth Adkinson, 1st wife) over 16; Mary, b. 1776; and Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, N. C. also enumerated the household of CPL. John Adkinson and near-by was the household of Zaza Brashear, Sr., his son-in-law [husband of his daughter, Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, who die in 1797] (see attached copy of the 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, North Carolina).
Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Lomax, as his second wife, on 10 Mar 1798 at Rockingham County, North Carolina (see copy of marriage record attached to this memorial).
In the 1800 US Census of Rockingham Co, North Carolina, Zaza was enumerated as head of household:
1 male over 45 ( Zaza himself, actual age 53 years old)
1 male under 10 (Basil)
2 males between 10 and 15; (Zaza, Jr. b. 1887, and John (Johann)
1 female of 45 (Elizabeth Lomax (2nd wife); b. c1752
2 females under 10 (unknown daughters)
1 female over 10 (Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Mary Brashear, b. c1776 N.C., m. 26 Aug 1794 Washington Co., TN to James Rankin of Greene Co., TN
2) Asa Brashear, b. 1777-78 N.C., m. 04 Jan 1803 to Elizabeth Linder at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C.
3) Jesse Brashear, b. c1780 N.C., Possibly m. 29 Aug 1797 to Minny Compton at Guilford Co., N.C.
4) John (or Johann) Brashear, b. 1785 N.C., m. 25 Mar 1812 to Celia Whitsett in Rockingham Co., N.C.
5) Zaza Brashear, Jr. b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 25 Mar 1808 in Roane Co., TN to Molly "Polly" Rice (John B. Rice, Molly's father, signed the marriage certificate). Zaza's wife is listed as "Molly" on the marriage license and as "Polly" on the 1850 US Census of McCracken Co., KY. Zaza Brashear, Jr. spent most of his life in Roane and Perry Counties, TN, McCracken Co., KY and Massac Co., IL.
6) Elizabeth Brashear, b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 20 Apr 1807 in Roane Co., TN to Michael Stracener (Zaza Brashear, Jr., Elizabeth's brother, signed the marriage bond.
7) "Daughter" Brashear, b. c1790s
8) "Daughter" Brashear b. c1794 (possibly Ellender (Elleanor) Brashear, b. c 1794 (58 in 1852), d. 1886 Decatur Co., TN, m. 13 Apr 1816 Roane Co., TN to Joseph Adkisson.
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Lomax Brashear, b. Circa 1795 in N.C. (enumerated as 30-40 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Circa 1832 MS, m. 1) (__?__), a Cherokee Indian and had children (Juliana Brashear and Essex P. Brashear), m. 2) Rachael Roberts and had another son who died in infancy.
2)Temperance "Tempa" Brashear, b. Bet. 1795-1798 in North Carolina. The 12 Jun 1914 Pulaski Co., KY death certificate of her daughter, Elizabeth (Simpson) Roberts, recorded her mother as "Tempa" Brashear born in North Carolina. Temperance Brashear married William T. Simpson and lived in Pulaski Co., KY. Good circumstantial evidence points to Temperance being a daughter of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. (Thanks to the research of Find A Grave contributor, Vanessa Wood.)
3) Seaborn Brasher, b. Circa 1802 in N.C. (enumerated as 20-30 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Bef. October 1833 Washington Co., MS, m. 1) (__?__) and had children (Charles H. Brashear, Lomax Brashear and an unidentified son), m. 2) Louisiana Davis and had son, Asa Davis Brashear.
Sources:
1) "The Brashear Story A Family History" by Troy L. Back and Leon Brashear, 1962, pp31-34.
2) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur),The First 200 Years of the Brashear's in America (and Some Descendants in Maryland)" by Charles Brashear and Shirley Brashear McCoy, Vol. I, Aug 1998, p23.
3) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur), Robert C. Brashear of NORTH CAROLINA and Some Descendants in TN, KY, Mo, TX etc." by Charles Brashear, Vol. II, 1999, pp32,42-45,117-119.
4) "The Brashear-Brashears Family 1449-1927" by Henry Sinclair Brashear, 1929, pp15-16,20-21,25,28,143-144.
Bio by Gresham Farrar.
The surname Brashear is found in the genealogical literature in many forms, e. g. Brasseur/Brassier/Brassieur/Brassiere/Brasher/Brashear(s)/Boshears/Brashier/Brasier/Brazier/Basher and Bashier but the Anglicized form, Brashear, will be used in this bio. Zaza's ancestors were forced out of France by the terrible Catholic religious persecution and massacres of the French Huguenots during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Brashear family history in America is a proud one dating to the French Huguenot (French Protestant refugee) immigrant, Benois (Benjamin) Brassier, who landed in Virginia in 1653 but due to the hostile environment created by the English settlers toward Frenchmen, he moved his wife, Mary, and children to Calvert Co., MD in 1658. In 1662 Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, signed the "Denization of Benois Brassieur" recognizing his travails in and migration from Virginia. Note: By the early 1700s, the Huguenots in Virginia were given land at Manakin Town, VA (see attached historical markers). From my efforts, Robert C. Brashear's, Zaza's father, sacrifices are recognized by two hereditary organizations: the "National Huguenot Society" and "The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia".
Zaza's father, Robert C. Brashear of Guilford Co., N. C., though 77 years of age, supported the American Revolution both with money and as a supplier of goods (It has been suggested he may have even supplied the wagon to transport the supplies and driven it himself), during the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse. For this service, he is recognized as a Patriot of the American Revolution by both the SAR and DAR (Ancestor #A013835). Presently, there is confusion as to the burial place of Robert C. Brashear (1705-1786). A Rockingham Co., N.C. deposition for a Maryland court case states he was buried in Guilford Co., N.C. The proof of his death and burial in Guilford Co., N. C. was established by testimony in "Phillip Brashears vs. Thomas Hewlett" concerning the lease and ownership of "Brashear's Meadows". Among the depositions from Rockingham Co., N.C. submitted to the Maryland court was one from Peter Dowell, Charity's brother (Charity Dowell was the wife of Robert C. Brashear and mother of Zaza Brashear), who testified among other things that Phillip Brashear was the oldest son of Robert C. Brashear. Another deposition was from William Williams who swore he had known Robert C. Brashear for 18 years, that Robert died July, 1786, that he (Williams) "was present and saw him die, and knew him when dead and assisted at the burial". William Williams was enumerated in the 1790 US Census of Rockingham Co., N.C. and his household is shown near Zaza Brashear's household. ( Ref. General Court Judgments, Western Shores (Maryland), Vols. 39, 41, 43, Oct. 1798. Film #013051 LDS Library, SLC).
Zaza Brashear was born at Buffalo Creek, Guilford Co., N.C. and married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., N.C. (See attached copy of their marriage record.) The will of John Adkinson dated 14 Dec 1790 Rockingham Co., N.C. lists his daughter, Elizabeth Brashear (Will Bk. "A" p203). Elizabeth died circa 1797. Zaza married secondly Elizabeth Lomax on 10 Mar 1798 at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C. She was born circa 1752 as the daughter of William Lomax (Will Bk. "A" p212-probated 1773) and wife, Ann "Nancy" (nee Coxe) Donelly. Zaza Brashear, Sr. spent his entire life in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina.
Zaza, Sr.'s brother, Asa, was born in 1745 and they were very close their entire lives. The lived closely together and named their children after each other. For example, Asa named his first son, Zaza Dowell Brashear. Asa was associated with Rockingham and Guilford Counties, N.C. from about 1800 until his death circa 1823. He was sheriff of Guilford County and a member of the North Carolina House of Commons from Guilford County. Zaza, Sr.'s oldest brother, Phillip, mentioned above, had a grandson named Zaza who was associated with Henry Co., VA and Wayne and Montgomery Counties, KY.
Zaza was listed on the 1768 tax list of Rowan Co., N.C. in the household of his uncle, Robert Samuel Brashear, on Thomas Donnell's Tax List (in 1770 this part of Rowan County became part of newly formed Guilford Co. and probably southern Rockingham Co., N.C.). (N.C. Society Journal, Nov 1983, pp210-211). Zaza had to be 21 years old to be taxable. His family was living on Robert C. Brashear's land grant located at the confluence of Buffalo Creek and the Reedy Branch of the Haw River in Guilford County.
As noted above, Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, as his first wife, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., North Carolina. Zaza's brother, Asa Brashear, was the bondsman.
Zaza received N.C. State Land Grant #30 of 100 acres on the waters of Jacob's Creek on 11 Jul 1788 in Rockingham Co., N.C. at the cost of 10 pounds.
The 1790 US Census enumerated Zaza Brasher, Sr. (Zaza Brashear) in Salisbury District, Rockingham Co., N.C. with a family:
1 male over 16 ( Zaza himself)
4 males under 16 (Asa; Jesse; John (Johann); Zaza, Jr.)
3 females (Elizabeth Adkinson, 1st wife) over 16; Mary, b. 1776; and Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, N. C. also enumerated the household of CPL. John Adkinson and near-by was the household of Zaza Brashear, Sr., his son-in-law [husband of his daughter, Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, who die in 1797] (see attached copy of the 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, North Carolina).
Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Lomax, as his second wife, on 10 Mar 1798 at Rockingham County, North Carolina (see copy of marriage record attached to this memorial).
In the 1800 US Census of Rockingham Co, North Carolina, Zaza was enumerated as head of household:
1 male over 45 ( Zaza himself, actual age 53 years old)
1 male under 10 (Basil)
2 males between 10 and 15; (Zaza, Jr. b. 1887, and John (Johann)
1 female of 45 (Elizabeth Lomax (2nd wife); b. c1752
2 females under 10 (unknown daughters)
1 female over 10 (Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Mary Brashear, b. c1776 N.C., m. 26 Aug 1794 Washington Co., TN to James Rankin of Greene Co., TN
2) Asa Brashear, b. 1777-78 N.C., m. 04 Jan 1803 to Elizabeth Linder at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C.
3) Jesse Brashear, b. c1780 N.C., Possibly m. 29 Aug 1797 to Minny Compton at Guilford Co., N.C.
4) John (or Johann) Brashear, b. 1785 N.C., m. 25 Mar 1812 to Celia Whitsett in Rockingham Co., N.C.
5) Zaza Brashear, Jr. b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 25 Mar 1808 in Roane Co., TN to Molly "Polly" Rice (John B. Rice, Molly's father, signed the marriage certificate). Zaza's wife is listed as "Molly" on the marriage license and as "Polly" on the 1850 US Census of McCracken Co., KY. Zaza Brashear, Jr. spent most of his life in Roane and Perry Counties, TN, McCracken Co., KY and Massac Co., IL.
6) Elizabeth Brashear, b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 20 Apr 1807 in Roane Co., TN to Michael Stracener (Zaza Brashear, Jr., Elizabeth's brother, signed the marriage bond.
7) "Daughter" Brashear, b. c1790s
8) "Daughter" Brashear b. c1794 (possibly Ellender (Elleanor) Brashear, b. c 1794 (58 in 1852), d. 1886 Decatur Co., TN, m. 13 Apr 1816 Roane Co., TN to Joseph Adkisson.
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Lomax Brashear, b. Circa 1795 in N.C. (enumerated as 30-40 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Circa 1832 MS, m. 1) (__?__), a Cherokee Indian and had children (Juliana Brashear and Essex P. Brashear), m. 2) Rachael Roberts and had another son who died in infancy.
2)Temperance "Tempa" Brashear, b. Bet. 1795-1798 in North Carolina. The 12 Jun 1914 Pulaski Co., KY death certificate of her daughter, Elizabeth (Simpson) Roberts, recorded her mother as "Tempa" Brashear born in North Carolina. Temperance Brashear married William T. Simpson and lived in Pulaski Co., KY. Good circumstantial evidence points to Temperance being a daughter of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. (Thanks to the research of Find A Grave contributor, Vanessa Wood.)
3) Seaborn Brasher, b. Circa 1802 in N.C. (enumerated as 20-30 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Bef. October 1833 Washington Co., MS, m. 1) (__?__) and had children (Charles H. Brashear, Lomax Brashear and an unidentified son), m. 2) Louisiana Davis and had son, Asa Davis Brashear.
Sources:
1) "The Brashear Story A Family History" by Troy L. Back and Leon Brashear, 1962, pp31-34.
2) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur),The First 200 Years of the Brashear's in America (and Some Descendants in Maryland)" by Charles Brashear and Shirley Brashear McCoy, Vol. I, Aug 1998, p23.
3) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur), Robert C. Brashear of NORTH CAROLINA and Some Descendants in TN, KY, Mo, TX etc." by Charles Brashear, Vol. II, 1999, pp32,42-45,117-119.
4) "The Brashear-Brashears Family 1449-1927" by Henry Sinclair Brashear, 1929, pp15-16,20-21,25,28,143-144.
Bio by Gresham Farrar.
Zaza Brashear was the son of Robert C. (Cager?) Brashear and Charity Dowell. Zaza's father, Robert C. Brashear, was born 19 Feb 1704/5 in Queen Anne's Parish, Prince George's Co., MD. Zaza's mother, Charity Dowell, was born 04 Apr 1711 in Anne Arundel Co., MD, d/o Phillip Dowell and Mary Tydings (For Mary Tydings see the children of Richard and Charity (__?__) Tydings on the Find A Grave Memorial of Thomas Sparrow, Sr.).
The surname Brashear is found in the genealogical literature in many forms, e. g. Brasseur/Brassier/Brassieur/Brassiere/Brasher/Brashear(s)/Boshears/Brashier/Brasier/Brazier/Basher and Bashier but the Anglicized form, Brashear, will be used in this bio. Zaza's ancestors were forced out of France by the terrible Catholic religious persecution and massacres of the French Huguenots during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Brashear family history in America is a proud one dating to the French Huguenot (French Protestant refugee) immigrant, Benois (Benjamin) Brassier, who landed in Virginia in 1653 but due to the hostile environment created by the English settlers toward Frenchmen, he moved his wife, Mary, and children to Calvert Co., MD in 1658. In 1662 Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, signed the "Denization of Benois Brassieur" recognizing his travails in and migration from Virginia. Note: By the early 1700s, the Huguenots in Virginia were given land at Manakin Town, VA (see attached historical markers). From my efforts, Robert C. Brashear's, Zaza's father, sacrifices are recognized by two hereditary organizations: the "National Huguenot Society" and "The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia".
Zaza's father, Robert C. Brashear of Guilford Co., N. C., though 77 years of age, supported the American Revolution both with money and as a supplier of goods (It has been suggested he may have even supplied the wagon to transport the supplies and driven it himself), during the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse. For this service, he is recognized as a Patriot of the American Revolution by both the SAR and DAR (Ancestor #A013835). Presently, there is confusion as to the burial place of Robert C. Brashear (1705-1786). A Rockingham Co., N.C. deposition for a Maryland court case states he was buried in Guilford Co., N.C. The proof of his death and burial in Guilford Co., N. C. was established by testimony in "Phillip Brashears vs. Thomas Hewlett" concerning the lease and ownership of "Brashear's Meadows". Among the depositions from Rockingham Co., N.C. submitted to the Maryland court was one from Peter Dowell, Charity's brother (Charity Dowell was the wife of Robert C. Brashear and mother of Zaza Brashear), who testified among other things that Phillip Brashear was the oldest son of Robert C. Brashear. Another deposition was from William Williams who swore he had known Robert C. Brashear for 18 years, that Robert died July, 1786, that he (Williams) "was present and saw him die, and knew him when dead and assisted at the burial". William Williams was enumerated in the 1790 US Census of Rockingham Co., N.C. and his household is shown near Zaza Brashear's household. ( Ref. General Court Judgments, Western Shores (Maryland), Vols. 39, 41, 43, Oct. 1798. Film #013051 LDS Library, SLC).
Zaza Brashear was born at Buffalo Creek, Guilford Co., N.C. and married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., N.C. (See attached copy of their marriage record.) The will of John Adkinson dated 14 Dec 1790 Rockingham Co., N.C. lists his daughter, Elizabeth Brashear (Will Bk. "A" p203). Elizabeth died circa 1797. Zaza married secondly Elizabeth Lomax on 10 Mar 1798 at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C. She was born circa 1752 as the daughter of William Lomax (Will Bk. "A" p212-probated 1773) and wife, Ann "Nancy" (nee Coxe) Donelly. Zaza Brashear, Sr. spent his entire life in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina.
Zaza, Sr.'s brother, Asa, was born in 1745 and they were very close their entire lives. The lived closely together and named their children after each other. For example, Asa named his first son, Zaza Dowell Brashear. Asa was associated with Rockingham and Guilford Counties, N.C. from about 1800 until his death circa 1823. He was sheriff of Guilford County and a member of the North Carolina House of Commons from Guilford County. Zaza, Sr.'s oldest brother, Phillip, mentioned above, had a grandson named Zaza who was associated with Henry Co., VA and Wayne and Montgomery Counties, KY.
Zaza was listed on the 1768 tax list of Rowan Co., N.C. in the household of his uncle, Robert Samuel Brashear, on Thomas Donnell's Tax List (in 1770 this part of Rowan County became part of newly formed Guilford Co. and probably southern Rockingham Co., N.C.). (N.C. Society Journal, Nov 1983, pp210-211). Zaza had to be 21 years old to be taxable. His family was living on Robert C. Brashear's land grant located at the confluence of Buffalo Creek and the Reedy Branch of the Haw River in Guilford County.
As noted above, Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, as his first wife, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., North Carolina. Zaza's brother, Asa Brashear, was the bondsman.
Zaza received N.C. State Land Grant #30 of 100 acres on the waters of Jacob's Creek on 11 Jul 1788 in Rockingham Co., N.C. at the cost of 10 pounds.
The 1790 US Census enumerated Zaza Brasher, Sr. (Zaza Brashear) in Salisbury District, Rockingham Co., N.C. with a family:
1 male over 16 ( Zaza himself)
4 males under 16 (Asa; Jesse; John (Johann); Zaza, Jr.)
3 females (Elizabeth Adkinson, 1st wife) over 16; Mary, b. 1776; and Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, N. C. also enumerated the household of CPL. John Adkinson and near-by was the household of Zaza Brashear, Sr., his son-in-law [husband of his daughter, Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, who die in 1797] (see attached copy of the 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, North Carolina).
Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Lomax, as his second wife, on 10 Mar 1798 at Rockingham County, North Carolina (see copy of marriage record attached to this memorial).
In the 1800 US Census of Rockingham Co, North Carolina, Zaza was enumerated as head of household:
1 male over 45 ( Zaza himself, actual age 53 years old)
1 male under 10 (Basil)
2 males between 10 and 15; (Zaza, Jr. b. 1887, and John (Johann)
1 female of 45 (Elizabeth Lomax (2nd wife); b. c1752
2 females under 10 (unknown daughters)
1 female over 10 (Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Mary Brashear, b. c1776 N.C., m. 26 Aug 1794 Washington Co., TN to James Rankin of Greene Co., TN
2) Asa Brashear, b. 1777-78 N.C., m. 04 Jan 1803 to Elizabeth Linder at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C.
3) Jesse Brashear, b. c1780 N.C., Possibly m. 29 Aug 1797 to Minny Compton at Guilford Co., N.C.
4) John (or Johann) Brashear, b. 1785 N.C., m. 25 Mar 1812 to Celia Whitsett in Rockingham Co., N.C.
5) Zaza Brashear, Jr. b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 25 Mar 1808 in Roane Co., TN to Molly "Polly" Rice (John B. Rice, Molly's father, signed the marriage certificate). Zaza's wife is listed as "Molly" on the marriage license and as "Polly" on the 1850 US Census of McCracken Co., KY. Zaza Brashear, Jr. spent most of his life in Roane and Perry Counties, TN, McCracken Co., KY and Massac Co., IL.
6) Elizabeth Brashear, b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 20 Apr 1807 in Roane Co., TN to Michael Stracener (Zaza Brashear, Jr., Elizabeth's brother, signed the marriage bond.
7) "Daughter" Brashear, b. c1790s
8) "Daughter" Brashear b. c1794 (possibly Ellender (Elleanor) Brashear, b. c 1794 (58 in 1852), d. 1886 Decatur Co., TN, m. 13 Apr 1816 Roane Co., TN to Joseph Adkisson.
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Lomax Brashear, b. Circa 1795 in N.C. (enumerated as 30-40 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Circa 1832 MS, m. 1) (__?__), a Cherokee Indian and had children (Juliana Brashear and Essex P. Brashear), m. 2) Rachael Roberts and had another son who died in infancy.
2)Temperance "Tempa" Brashear, b. Bet. 1795-1798 in North Carolina. The 12 Jun 1914 Pulaski Co., KY death certificate of her daughter, Elizabeth (Simpson) Roberts, recorded her mother as "Tempa" Brashear born in North Carolina. Temperance Brashear married William T. Simpson and lived in Pulaski Co., KY. Good circumstantial evidence points to Temperance being a daughter of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. (Thanks to the research of Find A Grave contributor, Vanessa Wood.)
3) Seaborn Brasher, b. Circa 1802 in N.C. (enumerated as 20-30 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Bef. October 1833 Washington Co., MS, m. 1) (__?__) and had children (Charles H. Brashear, Lomax Brashear and an unidentified son), m. 2) Louisiana Davis and had son, Asa Davis Brashear.
Sources:
1) "The Brashear Story A Family History" by Troy L. Back and Leon Brashear, 1962, pp31-34.
2) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur),The First 200 Years of the Brashear's in America (and Some Descendants in Maryland)" by Charles Brashear and Shirley Brashear McCoy, Vol. I, Aug 1998, p23.
3) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur), Robert C. Brashear of NORTH CAROLINA and Some Descendants in TN, KY, Mo, TX etc." by Charles Brashear, Vol. II, 1999, pp32,42-45,117-119.
4) "The Brashear-Brashears Family 1449-1927" by Henry Sinclair Brashear, 1929, pp15-16,20-21,25,28,143-144.
Bio by Gresham Farrar.
The surname Brashear is found in the genealogical literature in many forms, e. g. Brasseur/Brassier/Brassieur/Brassiere/Brasher/Brashear(s)/Boshears/Brashier/Brasier/Brazier/Basher and Bashier but the Anglicized form, Brashear, will be used in this bio. Zaza's ancestors were forced out of France by the terrible Catholic religious persecution and massacres of the French Huguenots during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Brashear family history in America is a proud one dating to the French Huguenot (French Protestant refugee) immigrant, Benois (Benjamin) Brassier, who landed in Virginia in 1653 but due to the hostile environment created by the English settlers toward Frenchmen, he moved his wife, Mary, and children to Calvert Co., MD in 1658. In 1662 Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, signed the "Denization of Benois Brassieur" recognizing his travails in and migration from Virginia. Note: By the early 1700s, the Huguenots in Virginia were given land at Manakin Town, VA (see attached historical markers). From my efforts, Robert C. Brashear's, Zaza's father, sacrifices are recognized by two hereditary organizations: the "National Huguenot Society" and "The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia".
Zaza's father, Robert C. Brashear of Guilford Co., N. C., though 77 years of age, supported the American Revolution both with money and as a supplier of goods (It has been suggested he may have even supplied the wagon to transport the supplies and driven it himself), during the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse. For this service, he is recognized as a Patriot of the American Revolution by both the SAR and DAR (Ancestor #A013835). Presently, there is confusion as to the burial place of Robert C. Brashear (1705-1786). A Rockingham Co., N.C. deposition for a Maryland court case states he was buried in Guilford Co., N.C. The proof of his death and burial in Guilford Co., N. C. was established by testimony in "Phillip Brashears vs. Thomas Hewlett" concerning the lease and ownership of "Brashear's Meadows". Among the depositions from Rockingham Co., N.C. submitted to the Maryland court was one from Peter Dowell, Charity's brother (Charity Dowell was the wife of Robert C. Brashear and mother of Zaza Brashear), who testified among other things that Phillip Brashear was the oldest son of Robert C. Brashear. Another deposition was from William Williams who swore he had known Robert C. Brashear for 18 years, that Robert died July, 1786, that he (Williams) "was present and saw him die, and knew him when dead and assisted at the burial". William Williams was enumerated in the 1790 US Census of Rockingham Co., N.C. and his household is shown near Zaza Brashear's household. ( Ref. General Court Judgments, Western Shores (Maryland), Vols. 39, 41, 43, Oct. 1798. Film #013051 LDS Library, SLC).
Zaza Brashear was born at Buffalo Creek, Guilford Co., N.C. and married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., N.C. (See attached copy of their marriage record.) The will of John Adkinson dated 14 Dec 1790 Rockingham Co., N.C. lists his daughter, Elizabeth Brashear (Will Bk. "A" p203). Elizabeth died circa 1797. Zaza married secondly Elizabeth Lomax on 10 Mar 1798 at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C. She was born circa 1752 as the daughter of William Lomax (Will Bk. "A" p212-probated 1773) and wife, Ann "Nancy" (nee Coxe) Donelly. Zaza Brashear, Sr. spent his entire life in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina.
Zaza, Sr.'s brother, Asa, was born in 1745 and they were very close their entire lives. The lived closely together and named their children after each other. For example, Asa named his first son, Zaza Dowell Brashear. Asa was associated with Rockingham and Guilford Counties, N.C. from about 1800 until his death circa 1823. He was sheriff of Guilford County and a member of the North Carolina House of Commons from Guilford County. Zaza, Sr.'s oldest brother, Phillip, mentioned above, had a grandson named Zaza who was associated with Henry Co., VA and Wayne and Montgomery Counties, KY.
Zaza was listed on the 1768 tax list of Rowan Co., N.C. in the household of his uncle, Robert Samuel Brashear, on Thomas Donnell's Tax List (in 1770 this part of Rowan County became part of newly formed Guilford Co. and probably southern Rockingham Co., N.C.). (N.C. Society Journal, Nov 1983, pp210-211). Zaza had to be 21 years old to be taxable. His family was living on Robert C. Brashear's land grant located at the confluence of Buffalo Creek and the Reedy Branch of the Haw River in Guilford County.
As noted above, Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Adkinson, daughter of John Adkinson, as his first wife, on 09 Jun 1775 at Guilford Co., North Carolina. Zaza's brother, Asa Brashear, was the bondsman.
Zaza received N.C. State Land Grant #30 of 100 acres on the waters of Jacob's Creek on 11 Jul 1788 in Rockingham Co., N.C. at the cost of 10 pounds.
The 1790 US Census enumerated Zaza Brasher, Sr. (Zaza Brashear) in Salisbury District, Rockingham Co., N.C. with a family:
1 male over 16 ( Zaza himself)
4 males under 16 (Asa; Jesse; John (Johann); Zaza, Jr.)
3 females (Elizabeth Adkinson, 1st wife) over 16; Mary, b. 1776; and Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, N. C. also enumerated the household of CPL. John Adkinson and near-by was the household of Zaza Brashear, Sr., his son-in-law [husband of his daughter, Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, who die in 1797] (see attached copy of the 1790 US Census of Rockingham County, North Carolina).
Zaza Brashear married Elizabeth Lomax, as his second wife, on 10 Mar 1798 at Rockingham County, North Carolina (see copy of marriage record attached to this memorial).
In the 1800 US Census of Rockingham Co, North Carolina, Zaza was enumerated as head of household:
1 male over 45 ( Zaza himself, actual age 53 years old)
1 male under 10 (Basil)
2 males between 10 and 15; (Zaza, Jr. b. 1887, and John (Johann)
1 female of 45 (Elizabeth Lomax (2nd wife); b. c1752
2 females under 10 (unknown daughters)
1 female over 10 (Elizabeth, b. 1787)
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Adkinson) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Mary Brashear, b. c1776 N.C., m. 26 Aug 1794 Washington Co., TN to James Rankin of Greene Co., TN
2) Asa Brashear, b. 1777-78 N.C., m. 04 Jan 1803 to Elizabeth Linder at Wentworth, Rockingham Co., N.C.
3) Jesse Brashear, b. c1780 N.C., Possibly m. 29 Aug 1797 to Minny Compton at Guilford Co., N.C.
4) John (or Johann) Brashear, b. 1785 N.C., m. 25 Mar 1812 to Celia Whitsett in Rockingham Co., N.C.
5) Zaza Brashear, Jr. b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 25 Mar 1808 in Roane Co., TN to Molly "Polly" Rice (John B. Rice, Molly's father, signed the marriage certificate). Zaza's wife is listed as "Molly" on the marriage license and as "Polly" on the 1850 US Census of McCracken Co., KY. Zaza Brashear, Jr. spent most of his life in Roane and Perry Counties, TN, McCracken Co., KY and Massac Co., IL.
6) Elizabeth Brashear, b. 1787 N.C. (possible twin), m. 20 Apr 1807 in Roane Co., TN to Michael Stracener (Zaza Brashear, Jr., Elizabeth's brother, signed the marriage bond.
7) "Daughter" Brashear, b. c1790s
8) "Daughter" Brashear b. c1794 (possibly Ellender (Elleanor) Brashear, b. c 1794 (58 in 1852), d. 1886 Decatur Co., TN, m. 13 Apr 1816 Roane Co., TN to Joseph Adkisson.
The children of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. were:
1) Lomax Brashear, b. Circa 1795 in N.C. (enumerated as 30-40 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Circa 1832 MS, m. 1) (__?__), a Cherokee Indian and had children (Juliana Brashear and Essex P. Brashear), m. 2) Rachael Roberts and had another son who died in infancy.
2)Temperance "Tempa" Brashear, b. Bet. 1795-1798 in North Carolina. The 12 Jun 1914 Pulaski Co., KY death certificate of her daughter, Elizabeth (Simpson) Roberts, recorded her mother as "Tempa" Brashear born in North Carolina. Temperance Brashear married William T. Simpson and lived in Pulaski Co., KY. Good circumstantial evidence points to Temperance being a daughter of Zaza and Elizabeth (Lomax) Brashear, Sr. (Thanks to the research of Find A Grave contributor, Vanessa Wood.)
3) Seaborn Brasher, b. Circa 1802 in N.C. (enumerated as 20-30 Y/O in 1830 Washington Co., MS, d. Bef. October 1833 Washington Co., MS, m. 1) (__?__) and had children (Charles H. Brashear, Lomax Brashear and an unidentified son), m. 2) Louisiana Davis and had son, Asa Davis Brashear.
Sources:
1) "The Brashear Story A Family History" by Troy L. Back and Leon Brashear, 1962, pp31-34.
2) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur),The First 200 Years of the Brashear's in America (and Some Descendants in Maryland)" by Charles Brashear and Shirley Brashear McCoy, Vol. I, Aug 1998, p23.
3) "A Brashear(s) Family History (Descendants of Robert and Benois Brasseur), Robert C. Brashear of NORTH CAROLINA and Some Descendants in TN, KY, Mo, TX etc." by Charles Brashear, Vol. II, 1999, pp32,42-45,117-119.
4) "The Brashear-Brashears Family 1449-1927" by Henry Sinclair Brashear, 1929, pp15-16,20-21,25,28,143-144.
Bio by Gresham Farrar.
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