George Plott Campbell
Born Dec. 1820 from 1880 US Census
Death after 1901, as he is mentioned in a newspaper article. See below.

"George Plott" Campbell is the great grandson of "George Plott" and Margaret Unknown Maiden Name Plott

Mary Plott, who married John Campbell, was the first born child of George and Margaret Plott. She is the first name recorded on a list of George and Margaret's children, which is found in the North Carolina Archives.

Mary Plott
Born: ca 1764
Death: Before father or before 1815

Married: John Campbell

Children:
George Campbell
Daniel Campbell
John Campbell
Andrew Campbell
Polly Married James Wilson

George Campbell, who married Elizabeth, is also recorded on the list of children, as the first child of Mary Plott and John Campbell.

They had a son George Plott Campbell, who was named after great-grandfather George Plott.

Attached is the list of children from George and Margaret's estate papers.

The following was published in The Landmark, Statesville, NC. Tuesday , December 17, 1901, page 2, (Semiweekly ) Mr. Campbell's House burned- Other news of the Rock Cut Section., "On last Thursday night the house of Mr. Plott Campbell was burned with its contents. The cause of the fire is unknown. About 9 o'clock, Mr Campbell lit a torch and went to the home of Mr. J. M. Clark, and about 11 o'clock his house was seen by the nearest neighbor to be on fire but they did not arrive in time to save anything. The old man is very old and lives alone and it is a sad loss to him."

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Part 1 - George Plott and Margaret Unknown Maiden Name Introduction of their Nine Children

Over 200 years ago, George Plott, his wife Margaret and their nine children signed, filed and had recorded legal documents, which upon examination tell some of the story of their lives. These documents have been available for you, others and me to review all this time. However, admittedly, with modern technology, over the last few years, these documents are more easily accessed online with home computers.

This compilation report will recap these archive documents signed and authorized by George Plott, his wife Margaret and their nine children. This compilation report will also disclose recording information on those documents for your records and perusal.

This compilation report will not retell and repeat errors from online sites and other venue sources. Also, this compilation report will not just accept family stories just because the stories have been told and repeated for years; of which, the reality is that some of the stories were composed from 1928 to 1965-ish by eager Plott researchers. Stop! I hold my hand up. I did not say that I am throwing out all the family stories, legends and folklores. I understand that within the stories there are pieces of truth that have to be filtered out. Let me repeat, this compilation report will recap archive documents signed and authorized by George Plott, his wife Margaret and their nine children, so we can know the truest account of their lives.

Remember, we want the truth. So, to help achieve an accurate report, this report will be revised frequently with newly discovered information and documents. Ergo, you may want to check-in periodically for updates. I will ask that the readers of this report to please use Archival Level Documents for facts.

Okay, let’s begin with George’s voyage to America. Although it is widely believed that George Plott came to America on September 12, 1750 on the Ship Priscilla, recently that information has been found to be untrue. Gasp! What?! The confusion comes from two books listing the surname for a man named “Johannes”.

Book One: "A Collection of Upwards of Thirty Thousand Names of German, Swiss, Dutch, French and Other Immigrants in Pennsylvania from 1727 to 1776”, written by Professor Israel Daniel Rupp, Published in 1876. The surname is “Plott”.

Book Two: ”Pennsylvania German Pioneers”, Written by Ralph Beaver Strassburger and Edited by William John Hinke, Published in 1934. The surname is “Schlott”.

Mr. Rupp’s book, which is Book One, has “Plott”. This is the book, which the Plott clan has been using for our great grandfather George Plott. How did we get to be using this book, which lists “Johannes Plott” arriving on September 12, 1750 on the Ship Priscilla? My theory is that an early Plott genealogist, from the generation of the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, when Mr. Rupp’s book was newly published, found “Johannes Plott” listed in the book and told family members of their discovery. I’m thinking that the person was Grace Plott, as she lived in the vicinity of the Atlanta Library, while working as a nurse at Piedmont Hospital. In 1931, Grace was a victim of a hit and run car driver. She died from the injuries at the age of 40 years old. Book Two by Strassburger and Hinke was published in 1934; three years after Grace’s death. I am sure that with Grace’s tenacity for research, she would have found Strassburger and Hinke’s book, ”Pennsylvania German Pioneers”, which corrected the name to be “Johannes Schlott”. As the Plott clan, in general, respects Grace Plott and James Iverson Plott’s efforts, we just have not eagerly questioned or wanted to change the information of Johannes “George” Plott arriving on September 12, 1750 on the Ship Priscilla. Although over the years, subsequent serious Plott clan genealogists have wondered about the two books discrepancies.

Well, why can’t we just look at the ship’s log and read the name? Let me step back a minute and explain that technically, there is not an actual ‘log of passengers’ for the Ship Priscilla in the books listed above. If the Ship’s Captain turned in a list of passengers, the list would have been on a “loose piece(s) of paper”. Unfortunately, over time, many of these ship logs written on loose pieces of paper have been destroyed, lost or disintegrated. Here are the cold fact numbers, from 1727 to about 1775 approximately 324 ships came into Philadelphia; however, only 138 passenger logs exist today. Although the British government attempted to collect passenger logs from Ship Captains, the effort by the Captains to comply with providing ship logs and the effort by the British councils to enforce ship logs was poor. In fact the Ship Captains were ordered to (1) make a list of passengers, (2) provide the passengers’ occupations, and (3) provide the passengers’ origin locations.

So, for these two books, what immigration document are these compiling authors looking at for Johannes then? It’s an Oath of Abjuration (renunciation) against Catholic church. The signatures for Oaths of Abjuration were entered in bound books; ergo, the books have skirted destruction.

Let’s go back to 1750 for a moment and remember that the American Colonies were under British rule and its officials felt intimidated by the high numbers of various ethnic immigrants (especially, German and Swiss) coming into America; ergo, it had required varying oaths over the years. Two of the oaths were an Oath of Allegiance to Great Britain and an Oath of Abjuration (renunciation) against the Catholic Church to thwart any political and/or religious unrest. In order to secure these pledges, the British deemed that all incoming male immigrants over the age of 16 years old, would be escorted from their ship to the port city courthouse to pledge and sign their Oaths to Great Britain. On September 12, 1750, a group of men, who were not ill on the day, over the age of 16 years old from the Ship Priscilla were escorted to the Philadelphia Court House. One of these men signed and recorded Johannes Schlott or Plott.

Well, which name is it? Schlott or Plott? Using an old German example table of script letters and remembering that we are reading a signature from 1750 by a man with his own unique German penmanship, we can decipher the surname. It is “Schlott”. Johannes Schlott’s signature is neat, is well-practiced, and is written in a level line. In writing Schlott, within the “Sch”, the letter “c” can be dragged away and implied. This is what Mr. Schlott did. He did not write the letter “c”. He wrote Johannes Shlott. Reviewing the facsimile signature in the “Pennsylvania German Pioneers” 1934 book, page 516 List 156 C (C List Oath of Abjuration), and “Capital German Letter Used in the Lists” of the same book, page 892, the first letter of the surname does not have the characteristics of a letter “P”. The lower hoop should not be there and the upper hoop does not have the left-line-edge script of the letter “P”. It is not the letter “P”. However, reviewing the upper and lower hoops of the “Sh” with the “c” being implied; plus, remembering that the writing is old German script; plus, taking into consideration the writer’s unique penmanship; plus, adding the “lott”, the name is “Schlott” (c implied). The name reads “Johannes Schlott”.

What is the evidence that a man, Johannes Schlott, lived and existed? In 1884, Joseph Uhrich, a great grandson of Johannes Schlott, wrote memoirs identifying Johannes Schlott on the September 12, 1750, Oath of Abjuration, Ship Priscilla, as the forefather of his Schlott clan of Reamstown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. There are church records, land records, military records, children records, and a will record for Johannes Schlott in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Johannes Schlott had a full life and family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Plus, the author of this report, acknowledges that the signature for Johannes Schlott on the Oath of Abjuration varies greatly from a true original signature of George Plott (gor Plot) on a Petition to the North Carolina General Assembly (1778).

With all of these realities, the author of this report is convinced that said Johannes Schlott is not George Plott. They are two separate men. It is correct for us to stop using the September 12, 1750 date, stop using the Ship Priscilla and stop using Johannes Schlott for George Plott. It is wrong for us to use another family’s great grandfather as ours.

Schlott family: http://illuminated.duckdns.org/genealogy/gramps/ppl/a/9/b06ffe5ce5059f367bca2ce019a.html

What about the rest of the voyage story or stories we have heard about George Plott? Technically, the bold truth is that all the voyage stories were composed between 1928 to 1965-ish by several Plott Family researchers attempting to piece together George’s entrance into America. As several people have dabbled in the research of the Plott Family history, the voyage components vary immensely as to his journey, as to his age of being 16 years old, as to whether or not a brother, two brothers and/or a mother came to America with him; perhaps, a brother’s name was Enoch; and possibly one of the persons dying on the voyage. What do I think? Well, I'm the genealogist, who seeks the proof; ergo, I keep my options open to any of the voyage variants to help find the truth. I shall not argue with you, if you have a strong opinion to whom or how many came with George on his journey to America and/or if anyone died on the voyage. My genealogy style is to secure the documentation and to validate events.

I will point out a couple of significant details, which do not exist in the stories being retold on the tale of George Plott’s voyage to America; firstly, the stories do not say that a particular person, like George, Margaret and/or their nine children describe George’s voyage to America and, secondly, there is not an “Archival Level Document”, which confirms George Plott’s voyage to America. Let me define the meaning of “Archival Level Document” - a document recorded in government archives, a vintage family Bible, a vintage document naming the persons telling of the story, etc.

The fact is that actual documentation of his trip and the events surrounding it have not been found and/or released; however, the best estimate is that he did arrive in the mid-1700s. The first documented proof of George Plott is when he purchases “74 A (acres) Cold Water and Dutch Buffalo Creeks” from “Jacob and Cristina Castor (Caster)” in Mecklenburg, North Carolina on “the fourth Day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and sixty seven” (November 4, 1767). This particular deed is recorded in the North Carolina Archives, Mecklenburg County, Book 3, Page 186.

Okay, so if we cannot find a passenger log in America, how about in Rotterdam or Breman, the two likely ports that George exited from. Well, sad news. One of four likely scenarios occurred at those locations: 1) The captain of the ship did not turn in a list of passengers. 2) The documents were destroyed by officials in those port cities in efforts to alleviate storage space. 3) The Nazi Luftwaffe Blitzes of World War II bombed, destroyed and burned much of the two said ports. 4) Other unknown event or events happened.

Neither the names of George’s parents' nor his birth location have been documented and/or released; ergo, that information remains unknown. Let me repeat this very firmly, the names of George Plott’s parents are unknown. His birth location is unknown. If anyone has documented proof of his parents names or his birth location, then they need to release and share the information. Otherwise, it is accurate to state that his parents’ names and birth location are unknown until documentation is found and/or released.

Even though Mr. Schlott’s name was Johannes, we don’t want to completely set aside the use of ‘Johannes’ as George’s first name; however, technically, George never used it. We only did because of the aforementioned Oath of Abjuration. Let's consider George's roots for a minute. He came from Germany after the Reformation; ergo, it is logical to accept that George would have been dutifully raised in the Lutheran church, followed Lutheran traditions and followed Lutheran sacraments, such as being baptized as an infant. With most Christian denominations, during a baptism and its blessing, the person's full name is announced. Within different Lutheran communities, then and now, naming the child can have a whole meaning and/or connection to one's heritage and beliefs. Lutherans have Sponsors a/k/a God Parents, who promise during the baptism that they will watch over and pray for the child's Christian faith, Christian upbringing and Christian education. To honor the Sponsors and to provide a recorded connection to who the child's Sponsors are/were, the child's name may include the Sponsor's name or names, depending upon the number of Sponsors. Here is another reason to when or how a child may have three, four or five names long. These Sponsors could be extended family members or close friends of the family.

After the Reformation, many German Lutherans held onto the belief in Saints awarded within the Catholic church. Ergo, some Lutheran parents would continue to select a Saint to watch over or bless their baby. The Saint's name would be used in the child's name; such as, St. John. Catholics use latin in their studies and services, so St. John in latin is Sanctus loannes or Saint Johannes. Many times the Saint's name would take the first position in the child's name giving important status to the Saint. The child's second name would be their common or called-by name like “George”, then the family surname like “Plott”. So, there is a possibility that his name was “Johannes George Plott”.

The fact is that in America, George refers to himself as “George Plott”; thus, it is accurate and respectful to call him, refer to him, write about him or document him as “George Plott”, as he himself authorized it in his official documentation of land deeds, land grants, land surveys, a petition, federal census, and his Last Will & Testament. Furthermore, his children acknowledge their father as George Plott all throughout the settlement of George and Margaret's estates.

Several times throughout this report I will pause and elaborate on issues that need to be addressed. Recently, I have seen several websites referring to George as Jonathan or folks incorrectly suggesting that George anglicized of the spelling of Johannes to Jonathan. Complete and utter nonsense! This is a bold falsehood and fabrication! Never, and I mean never, did George nor his family use Jonathan with any of his documents. Here is a quote from his Last Will and Testament, “In the Name of God Amen, I George Plott of Lincoln County and the State of North Carolina being very weak, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God, . . . “ Thank goodness George refers to himself with a ‘perfect mind and memory’. The man can remember his own name. His name was George Plott until documentation is found and/or released. Furthermore, the websites and other venues with erroneous information, like using Jonathan Plott, NEED TO BE CORRECTED!

Although George is deceased, it is an insult to rename the man. It’s an insult to George, an insult to his family, and an insult to the entire Plott Family Clan not to correctly address him and his history, as he himself declared by his original signature on the petition, on legal documents and on federal census. Now, if folks are trying to translate Johannes to Jonathan, let’s remember George’s German Lutheran Christian beginnings and pull out our Bible. The beginning books of the New Testament are: Matthew, Mark, Luke and JOHN, not Jonathan. Johannes is a variant of John. St. John in latin is Sanctus loannes or Saint Johannes. Plus, remember that as of the date of this writing, proof has not been found and/or released that George ever used Johannes or Jonathan.

Documentation has not been found and/or released at to when George Plott actually got into the State of North Carolina. If George Plott came to America through a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania port; perhaps, he accompanied other German Lutheran immigrants on the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road to the south to acquire land. This seems reasonable as the Wagon Road leads from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania down to Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina area, where George Plott acquired land. However, documented proof has not been found and/or released, as to how George made it into North Carolina.

As mentioned above, George Plott settles in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. I pause here to mention that in 1792, parts of Mecklenburg County became Cabarrus County, so for the purposes of this report, I will refer to the county as Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County. The following deed and grants have been found in the North Carolina Archives of George Plott acquiring land in Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County:

Date of Record 1768 July, Date on Document: November 4, 1767, Type Deed, Grantor Jacob & Cristina Castor, Paid 20 pounds, Brief Description 74 A (acres) Cold Water & Dutch Buffalo Creeks, Deed Book 3, Page 186. He is documented as “George Plat”.

Date of Record 1784 11-2, Date on Document: November 2, 1784, Type State Grant, Grantor Gov. Alex Martin State of North Carolina, Paid 50 Shillings for every one hundred acres, Brief Description 125 A (acres) #484 Cold Water Creek, Grant Book 12, Page 668, Land Survey No. 3384, Issued November 2, 1784, Book No. 53, Page No. 271, Entry Office of Claims No. 629, Claim Entered May 28th 1779; He is documented as “George Plott” on the grant and “George Plot” on the claim and survey. And,

Date of Record 1787 8-7, Date on Document: August 7, 1787, Type State Grant, Grantor Gov. R'd Caswell State of North Carolina, Paid 10 Pounds for every one hundred acres, Brief Description 81 A (acres) #734 Little Cold Water Creek, Grant Book 13, Page 309, Land Survey No. 3653, Issued Aug. 7, 1787, Book No. 68, Page No. 72, Entry Office Of Claims No. 910, Claim Entered January 22, 1784; He is documented as “George Plott” on the grant and survey, and “George Plote” on the claim.

At this time, I would like to clear up confusion on the North Carolina State Grant for #484 Cold Water Creek and the reference within the document to Newbern/New Bern, North Carolina. For years, the document has been wrongfully construed as George Plott concluding business in Newbern/New Bern. Sometime between 1928 to 1965, this Land Grant #484 was found by a Plott researcher, who incorrectly interpreted and “piecemealed” their wrong interpretation of the land grant into the story of George’s voyage to America by him migrating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to New Bern and Bute County, North Carolina; of which, both locations are false information for George. The document is a 'run-on' statement on the behalf of the State of North Carolina and its actions to grant George Plott the property. “State of North Carolina No. 484 . . . have given & Granted . . . unto Sd George Plot . . . and Yielding (the State of North Carolina's interest) Urgeadfinem (Latin meaning to call to an end) at Newbern, Meaning, that the State of North Carolina issues a grant at or through its Newbern/New Bern office; thus, calling to an end its interest in the property being granted to George Plott.” Many, many North Carolina State grants have this very same phrase written within the documents. The North Carolina Archives and the Craven County Historical Society have no record of George Plott being in New Bern, North Carolina. Unfortunately, previous Plott genealogists interpreted the document incorrectly. The writer of this article casts no disparaging comments to the previous Plott genealogist(s). I can only simply say that with modern technology, we are able to study archive documents at home without time restraints; thus, we are able to interpret the document correctly. Unless documented proof is found and/or released, George Plott was NEVER in New Bern, North Carolina. It needs to be mentioned that prior to the American Revolution all of the states were under British rule, including North Carolina. Once the colonists won the American Revolution, for years the citizens took great pride in their new country and independence from England, as so much they commented in documents. Within this land grant, the final line, the officials make comment of the American independence, “. . . The Second Day of Nov. in the Ninth year of our Independency A.D. 1784.” This land grant #484 was signed by the then governor, Alex (Alexander) Martin.

How did George Plott obtain land grants? In order for George Plott to have obtained a land grant, he would have had to find a vacant land or tract of land, which he did two times in Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County on Coldwater Creek. After he decided upon the property, he ventured to the county land office, filed a claim for the property, paid a nominal fee and gave a simple land description. The government would allow a time period to see if anyone else had or were claiming the same land tract. If no one else claimed or disputed George's claim, a land surveyor would have visited the property, spoken to George on where George staked the boundaries, so that an accurate survey could be drawn. Once the survey was completed, the land grant document was filled in with the property description provided by the surveyor. In general, land grants were written or filled out by a secretary (a clerk) for the governor; however, the sitting governor would sign the land grant.

While George Plott was in Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina he, along with other men of the county, signed a petition dated March 22th, 1778; “To the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina . . .” The petition is a complaint from the inhabitants of Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County to the State of North Carolina, “Much Concerned that the State Act Gives so great an opportunity for Individuals to Ingross for themselves Enormous Quantities of Land to the great prejudice of the Poor Inhabitants of this State; and we view it as Dangerous to the Liberties of the whole.” The inhabitants of Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County considered themselves loyal to assist the Soldiers of the Continental Army; however, then too much land is being acquired by individuals. “And Whereas the Publick Faith is Already Pledged to the Officers and Soldiers Raised in this State for the Continental Army to supply them with Certain Quantities of Land At the Expiration of the War; We Your Humble Petitioners are at Loss to know where the Land Will be found. When Individuals are Allowed to Secure for themselves Large Quantities.” George Plott is the thirteenth signature on the first column to sign the petition. It appears that his signature is original from his hand, “gor Plot”. To this date, this is the only known original signature from George’s hand. This signature varies from the “Johannes Schlott” signature on the Oath of Abjuration. The document can be found in the North Carolina Archives, General Assembly Session Records, April – May 1778, Box 1, Joint Papers (Petitions) Petition of the Inhabitants of Mecklenburg County, April 18, 1778. At the time of this writing, it is unknown what actions the North Carolina Assembly took because of this petition.

More than likely before George Plott acquires his land by the above mentioned transactions, he meets his bride, Margaret. No documentation has been found and/or released detailing where or when they met. No marriage certificate or record has been found and/or released detailing when or where they actually got married; however, their first born daughter, Mary, was more than likely born c. 1764, so George and Margaret may have married c. 1763. George acknowledges Margaret's name in his Last Will and Testament, “Margaret my Dearly beloved wife”. At the time this article was written, her “Maiden Name is UNknown.”

Here I pause to discussed Margaret’s maiden name. I’ve seen several genealogy trees, online sources and other places that record a maiden name for Margaret. I have not seen nor has anyone provided documentation of Margaret’s maiden name. If documentation exists for Margaret’s maiden name, it needs to be released for all to see; otherwise, it is an insult to provide a wrong maiden name for her and to continue to use it without documentation. Now, Elias Plott's son, Elias 'Wagner' Plott, told his family that he was named after 'a' grandmother. It is being researched to find if the grandmother was Margaret; however, at the time of this writing, no proof has been found and/or released for Margaret’s maiden name.

After George Plott's death Margaret Plott is recorded on the Lincoln County 1820 census by herself. A research of the 1830 U.S. Census does not record Margaret as living by herself or living with one of her nine children. The official enumeration day of the 1830 census was June 1, 1830; ergo, Margaret was deceased prior to June 1, 1830. Sometime after the 1820 census Margaret moved to Iredell County and lived with their son, Elias Plott, until her death. As just stated, she is not found on an 1830 US Census, even as living with Elias. Margaret's estate settlement papers are filed in Iredell County, North Carolina.

George Plott's Last Will and Testament is recorded in the State of North Carolina, Lincoln County, July Session 1815. Within the document he states, “I have hereunto set my hand seal this March the 27th day in the year of our Lord one thousand eight Hundred and fifteen”. As the Will is recorded in the July Session 1815 and he completed his Will on March 27, 1815, it is accurate to state that George Plott died between March 27, 1815 and July 1815. Ergo, George Plott c. ? to between March 27, 1815 and July 1815 is presumed. Where is George Plott buried? The honest truth is that no one knows. Unfortunately, as a marker has not been found, it is apparent that he lies in an unmarked grave. His burial could be on his Lincoln County farm, a church cemetery (perhaps, Troutman, as eluded to by Pastor Luther Knauff in his May 10, 1973 letter, “Near Troutman, N.C. There is an historical schoolhouse museum and graveyard . . . “ Pastor Knauff, also mentioned Rudolph Conrad Plott in his letter. Rudolph just happens to be buried in this Troutman Cemetery. Is Elias, George and Margaret buried in this same cemetery or other? Again, the genealogist in me wants the documentation found and/or released.

Even though we know that George Plott was able to sign his name by the evidence of his signature on the Petition to the North Carolina Assembly and the two land deeds granting property to his sons, John and Henry, he did not sign his Last Will and Testament. The Petition and the two land deeds do not have “his X mark” notations; however, his Last Will and Testament has “his X mark”. An “X mark” means that for some reason the said person is unable to sign. The Petition recorded in the North Carolina Archives is a microfilm copy of the original document; ergo, the signatures are from the hands of the men, who signed the paper unless an X mark is seen. The two deeds, one to John and one to Henry, are courthouse clerk copies of the original deeds, which John and Henry presumably took home the original deeds. As modern electronic printers had not been invented, clerks at the courthouse would manually copy and record the deeds, including signatures, into deed books with page numbers. If the person had signed an original signature, the clerk would write the word “seal” with a looping swirl around the word next to the person’s name. Now back to his Last Will and Testament, George acknowledges that he is “very weak”; thus, he makes a mark for his signature. “George (his X mark) Plott.”

In George Plott's Last Will and Testament, he expressed his love, loyalty, respect, trust and honor to his wife Margaret, by bequeathing all his real and personal properties to her upon his death. He states, “to work, Cultivate or Rent as she thinks best as she liveth, . . .” George Plott further expresses his fair parenting and love to all of his children, both sons and daughters, “And at the Death of Margaret my wife, my sons and Daughters are all to have an Equal Shear of lands, houses, and goods and Chattles of the Remaining property at Margaret, my wife's Death.”

As the Estate Settlement for Margaret Plott is recorded in the North Carolina Archives, Iredell County Estates 1790 – 1970 C.R.054.508.180 f. Margaret Plott, 1830, it is presumed that she died in 1830, while living with her son, Elias Plott in Iredell County, North Carolina. Within the documents, there is a listing of items sold “on the 10th day of Septr. 1830”. Some of the items sold at the sale include: half bushel (basket), meat tub, 2 side saddles, a shot gun, hilling hoes, leather, a branding iron, various irons, bell and sheep shears, 2 pair cards am 1 bole (cards for combing out wool), a hackle, a spinning wheel, crocks, lot of yearn (yarn), sleeve buttons, various baskets, coffee mill, basket and books, churn, window glass, set of seals, fur hat, cow and bell, small bull, muley cow, brandy, pewter dishes, earthen dishes, dinnerware, various furniture, various kitchen items, etc. There is no Last Will and Testament for Margaret found in the North Carolina Archives, which seems reasonable, as George Plott made property distribution direction in his Will. We have no proof how old Margaret was at her death; however, using the birth of her children, she is presumed to have been born c. 1745 and lived to be about 85 years old. Ergo, Margaret Unknown Maiden Plott c.1745 to c. January 1, 1830 to June 1, 1830 is presumed. It is noted within her estate settlement documents that Elias Plott was paid $75.00 for keeping Margaret Plott, his mother. Where is Margaret Unknown Maiden Name Plott buried? The most we know is that she died during the time period that she lived at Elias Plott's home. The honest truth is that no one knows where Margaret is buried. Unfortunately, as a marker has not been found, it is apparent that she lies in an unmarked grave. Her burial could be on Elias farm in Iredell County, a church cemetery; perhaps, Troutman Cemetery, as eluded to by Pastor Luther Knauff in his May 10, 1973 letter, “Near Troutman, N.C. There is an historical schoolhouse museum and graveyard . . . “ Pastor Knauff, also mentioned Rudolph Conrad Plott in his letter. Rudolph just happens to be buried in this Troutman Cemetery. Is Elias, George and Margaret buried in this same cemetery or other? Again, the genealogist in me wants the documentation found and/or released.

The settlement of George Plott's estate can be located in the North Carolina Archives, Lincoln County Estates 1779 – 1925 C.R.060.508.101 f. Plott George, 1834. (Note: 1834 would be the year that the estate was finalized, not the year of George’s death.) Within these recorded documents, in fact, the very first page of the file is an Official List of George and Margaret Plott's nine children; five sons and four daughters. These names are to be used as written and in the order that they were written (first born to last born); to do otherwise is an insult to the person and the Plott Family Clan. The list appears to be written after Margaret's death in 1830 at the authorization and information supplied by the executors of George Plott's Last Will and Testament; “I make and ordain John Plott and Elias Plott my sons Executors of this my last will and testament...” As George directed John and Elias to execute his Last Will and Testament, he is faithfully trusting them after his death to carry out his wishes. In George’s Estate Settlement Papers, both Elias Plott and John Plott signed original signatures confirming “one ninth”; meaning that there were nine children of George and Margaret. We are to give John Plott and Elias Plott credence to knowing the order that their siblings were born, the names of their siblings; including, nieces and nephews listed.

The author of this report is very adamant to the reader, please do not use any List of Children composed and published from 1900 to present, unless such information is validated with an Archival Level Document and would supercede the List of Children authorized by John Plott and Elias Plott, which there is not such a document. I have seen blatantly wrong information on the internet and published in community books. Please note that none of the children have middle names. We are to use the List of Children as written and authorized by John and Elias Plott. Period!

The following is the documentation list of George and Margaret Plott’s children and some of the grandchildren; however, I want to pause to acknowledge the accuracy of this List of Children. It is true that I have not found each of the children and grandchildren listed; however, if given enough time and due diligence, each name should be found. A couple of the daughters proceeded George in death; ergo, their lives were cut short. However, documentation of their children is being found. I regret that all of the grandchildren were not listed; however, I appreciate that this list was written and that it was recorded in the North Carolina Archives. The staff at the North Carolina Archives said, “That to have such a documentation list is rare; ergo, we should be thankful.” Using the list as chronological first born to last born, George and Margaret Plott's children were:

*Mary Plott (c. 1764 to c. prior 1815) married John Campbell (c. 1764 to c. 1818) “Both dead leaving George, Daniel, John, Andrew, Polly married to James Wilson - out of state. Mary Campbell - died before father.” The comment “Mary Campbell - died before father” means, Mary died before 1815. The statement does not include that John Campbell died before George Plott; however, the statement, “both dead leaving”, means that John Campbell was deceased when the List of Children was written when Margaret Plott died, in 1830. For John Campbell, in the North Carolina, Estate Files 1663 - 1979, Lincoln County, Campbell, John (1819), a Guardianship document is recorded. The Guardianship document, “dated this 18th day of January Anno Domini 1819”, explains that John Campbell had a minor child when he died; presumably in 1818. This is unclear. Did John Campbell remarry after Mary died? The Guardianship document discloses the minor son as Henry Campbell. Henry Campbell is not recorded on the List of Children; ergo, not an heir of Mary Plott-Campbell. Who is Henry’s mother? The document gives Guardianship apparently to his older brother, John Campbell. “Whereas the above bounden John Campbell (Mary Plott-Campbell and John Campbell’s son) hath been this day, by the worshipful court of said county, appointed Guardian to Henry Campbell orphan of John Campbell (father) deceased.” The Guardianship document is signed by John Campbell (son) and James Wilson (son-in-law of Mary Plott-Campbell and John Campbell). Mary Campbell married James Wilson on July 12, 1813. I think that Polly was a nickname for the daughter, so they could tell mother Mary Plott-Campbell from daughter Mary Campbell. I believe the reference to ‘out of state’ is for Mary Campbell-Wilson and her husband James Wilson. They are reported by family members to have moved to Indiana, in 1834. Otherwise, I am finding clues that the sons were in Lincoln and Iredell Counties, North Carolina. Interesting find on a grandson to Mary Plott-Campbell and John Campbell. Their son, George Campbell, named one of his sons, George Plott Campbell.

*Sophia Plott (c. 1766 to c. prior 1830) married John Jarrett (c.1766 to c. prior 1830) “Both dead, 3 sons John, William, Anthony – Arkansas.” The List of Children authorized by Elias and John Plott, Executors of George and Margaret’s Estates is documentation of the Jarrett boys/men being brothers, being sons of Sophia and being nephews of Daniel Plott. Sophia's sons can be found in the same Lawrence County Arkansas community as Daniel Plott, listed below. It is noted in the 1830 Census that William Jarrett and John Jarrett lived on adjoining parcels of land next to a land parcel owned by Daniel Plott and that, Anthony Jarrett is found approximately 10 parcels beyond. Notably, William Jarrett was the first doctor in the area, which was also known as the Jarrett-Columbia Community (today Maynard, Arkansas). Landmarks within the community are: Jarrett school (closed), Jarrett Baptist Church and Jarrett Cemetery. Information about Sophia and John Jarrett is not known. It is noted that a William Jarrett witnessed George Plott’s Last Will and Testament. It is unknown if said William Jarrett is Sophia’s son or not; or perhaps, an in-law.

*John Plott (3-19-1768 to 1-18-1844) married Sara Lucinda Gilliam (9-19-1779 to c. 18xx) “Alive in Cabarrus” County, North Carolina. John was one of the executors of George Plott's Last Will and Testament. Two original signatures for John can be found: (1) In the Estate Settlement papers for George Plott and (2) In the Estate Settlement papers for Jacob Blackwelder (North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1979, Cabarrus County, Blackwelder, Jacob 1837) On January 29, 1800, George Plott, by means of a deed granted John Plott property with (no amount of funds was filled in on the document) being transferred, Cabarrus County, North Carolina Deed Book 3, Page 302. The recorders copy discloses that George signed the deed as “George Plott” with a seal confirming that he signed the original document. John and Sara's children were: Thomas, Robert Gilliam, Rhue, George Franklin, John, Pheby Ann, Hiram Barnard, Sarah, Henry, Jack and Allison H. John Plott's will and estate documentation can be found in North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1979, Rowan County. Robert Gilliam Plott, his son was the Administrator of the will and estate.

*Elizabeth Plott (c. 1769 to c. prior 1830) married John Adams (c. 1769 to prior 1830) “Both dead. George Adams, Henry Adams, David Adams, John Adams, Daniel Obadiah & Bennett Adams, Margaret married to Henry Swendler, Catherine Adams married to Jas. A. Rooks. South Carolina and Georgia” Daniel Obadiah can be found in Houston County, Georgia. Catherine and Jas. A. Rook can found in Houston County, Georgia. Perhaps, by South Carolina, they are referencing Newberry, South Carolina. More research needs to be followed through. Information about Elizabeth and John Adams is not known.

*Henry Plott (10-10-1770 to 11-1-1839) married Lydia Osborne (10-19-1776 to 11-16-1857) “Lives in Haywood” County, North Carolina. On August 21, 1837, Henry gives power of attorney to his brother, Elias Plott, pertaining to their parents estate settlement; “my truly beloved Brother Elias Plott of the County of Iredell and the State aforesaid my lawfull attorney for me . . . due and owing me from the Estate of George Plott my dec'd Father.” On January 29, 1800, George Plott by means of a deed granted Henry Plott property for the sum of ninety pounds, Cabarrus County, North Carolina Deed Book 4, Page 20. The recorders copy discloses that George signed the deed as “George Plott” with a seal confirming that he signed the original document. Henry and Lydia's children were: Osborne, George, Jonathan, David, Enos, Amos, Henry Jr., John, Margaret Peggy married Ezekiel Brown, Martha Caroline married Hugh Brown and Celinda married Elias Brendle. Henry Plott's will and estate documentation can be found in North Carolina, Estate Files, Haywood County. William Welch, “trusty friend” was the Executor of the will and estate. Henry Plott is the first Plott to move to Haywood County, North Carolina, southern Appalachian Mountain Range. Henry Plott is recorded on the 1800 Cabarrus County - Salisbury District, U. S. Second Census, page 704. After the 1800 Census and prior to the 1810 U.S. Census, Henry and Lydia move to Haywood County. Henry Plott is recorded on the 1810 Haywood County, U. S. Census, page 71. Haywood County was formed in 1808 from the western part of Buncombe County. A search of Haywood County deeds reveals Henry’s first land purchase from John Welch, Deed book A, Page 66, “this 12th day of March A.D. 1810.”, “sum of three hundred Dollars”, “whereon the said Plott now lives on a fork of Richland Called dicks Creek”, “Containing by estimation one hundred acres”. Please note that the deed reveals that Henry Plott was already living on the property on March 12, 1810.

I pause here to make note that Henry’s name is NOT ‘Henry Isaac’. I don’t know who; however, someone started composing his name as Henry Isaac from 1928 to 1965 and it has gotten published into books and put online. This is wrong, wrong, wrong! Henry had a brother named Isaac, who is listed below. I quote from Henry’s Last Will and Testament, “In the Name of God Amen. I Henry Plott of the county of Haywood in the State of North Carolina being very sick in body but of sound mind, memory, . . . “ Like I mentioned above with George, I now mention for Henry, thank goodness Henry refers to himself with a ‘Sound mind, memory’. The man can remember his own name. Plus, on Henry’s Last Will and Testament, his signature includes a seal with no “X” mark, which means that he signed his name, “Henry Plott”. Again, I comment that it is an insult not to refer to Henry as his parents named him, as he himself directed and as his siblings addressed him, Henry Plott.

*Catherine Plott (c. 1772 to c. 1840) married Husband (1) Robert Lee (c. 1770 to c. after August 7, 1820) on 2-26-1774 Cabarrus County, NC. The Bondsman for Cartherine's marriage to Robert Lee was her father, George Plott. According to census, they had three sons and three daughters. The sons were: Elias Lee, Culpepper Lee and James I. Lee. At this time, the daughters names are Unknown. Robert Lee is found on the 1800, 1810 and 1820 U.S. Census. On the 1810 U.S. Census, it is observed that Robert Lee's name is the name right above Catherine's brother, Isaac Plott. Husband (2) John Baugh (c. 1780 to c. 1840). “Lives in Cabarrus” County, North Carolina. On September 17, 1836, Catherine (Plott-Lee) Baugh, provides a written authorization to “The Clerk of the Court of Please & Quarter for Lincoln County, You will please to pay to my son James I. Lee the Ballances due me from the estate of Elias Plott (for George Plott's estate). . .” Remember, Elias Plott was an Executor for George Plott’s Last Will and Testament. Further information about Catherine Plott-Lee-Baugh is unknown.

*Elias Plott (c. 1776 to c. 1845) married Wife (1) Charity Conrad (c. 1780 to 1834) One of their children, Elias “Wagner” Plott, told his family that he was named after 'a' grandmother. Wife (2) Margaret Kelly (c. 1796 to c. 1855). Lived “in Iredell” County, North Carolina. Margaret Plott, his mother, lived with Elias Plott until her death. Elias was one of the executors of George Plott's Last Will and Testament. Elias was the primary Executor for George and Margaret’s estate; ergo, Elias Plott’s original signature is found on several documents. On February 8, 1845, Elias Plott wrote his Last Will and Testament, “I set my hand and seal 8th day of February, 1845.” Elias made provisions to take care of his second wife Margaret and his children. Upon the death of his wife, Margaret, his land is to be divided equally between his four sons, Rudolph Plott, Elias W. Plott, Isaac Jeremiah Plott and Philip O. Plott. He bequeathed monies to his six daughters, Margaret Leonard, Catherine Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Lucinda Baringer, Susannah Plott and Sarah J. Plott. He also mentions one granddaughter, Catherine Waugh. Elias Plott's will can be found in North Carolina, Iredell County. The estate settlement documentation can be found in North Carolina, Iredell County Estates, 1790-1970, C.R.054.508.180, F. Elias Plott, 1849. His two sons Rudolph C. (Conrad) Plott and Elias W. (Wagner) Plott were the executors of his Will. An extra comment about, Elias's son, Elias Wagner Plott was to have been a “blacksmith” and “he never saw an instrument, he could not play”. (According to a granddaughter, Ruby Alexander.) Rudolph Conrad Plott is buried in Troutman Cemetery, Iredell County, North Carolina. Elias Wagner Plott is buried in Sipe Springs Cemetery, Texas.

*Isaac Plott (c. 1778 to c. about 1832 according to archive documentation) married Unknown Name. Census reports suggest that Isaac may have been married twice and could have had four sons and two daughters. “Cabarrus” County, North Carolina. On the 1810 U.S. Census, it is observed that Isaac Plott's name is the name right below Catherine's husband, Robert Lee. It is also noted that Isaac Plott died during the settlement of George and Margaret's estate settlement; “certify that Tobias Klutts, Jr. was duly appointed Administrator on the Estate rights & credits of Isaac Plott . . . our said Court at January Sessions 1833.” Within George and Margaret Plott's estate settlement documents, there is a receipt from Tobias Klutts, Jr. on the behalf of the deceased Isaac Plott for “76 1/3 cents being one ninth of the sell of land belonging to the estate of George Plott de'd . . .” This information again confirms that George and Margaret Plott had nine children. What is recorded in the North Carolina Archives for Isaac Plott? At this time, a search in North Carolina Archives cannot find any documents for Isaac Plott. “We searched the estate files of Cabarrus County and did not find a record for Isaac Plott (1832), various spellings.” Unfortunately, the names of Isaac's children are not specifically known or proven; however, possible candidates for his children are: William Plott (married Sarah Rosannah Vanderburg/ Funderburg), Daniel Plott (married Leah Shank), George M. Plott (married Margaret Wilkinson), Elias H. Plott (married Mary Motley), Hannah Plott (married Robert McCommon) and Unknown Daughter. Sadly, as of the date of this report, no proof has been found and/or released to connect the parentage of the children candidates to Isaac Plott. What other subtle hints has genealogy research found about Isaac Plott? It is considered, perhaps, Isaac Plott rented a home (perhaps, on his parents land) and/or he was a tradesman of some kind, perhaps, a blacksmith. However, no documentation has been found and/or released to prove Issac's profession. Research needs to continue to link children, his residence and profession.

*Daniel Plott (c. 1780 to c. 1842 -1850 is most likely buried in Arkansas) married Francis/Fanny/Fannie Unknown Maiden Name (c. About 1793 Missouri or Kentucky per her declaration on census, most likely Missouri to 8-23-1883) Fannie is buried in Sipe (pronounced ‘Seep’) Springs, Texas with the inscription on her tombstone, “Wife of Daniel Plott” and “Age 87 Yrs.”). Daniel and Fannie lived around Lawrence County, Arkansas as documented by Arkansas, Compiled Census and on the List of Children included in George and Margaret Plott’s Estate Settlement papers. From census reporting it is concluded that their children were, Culpepper Plott, Parnesa Plott, Caroline Plott, Elias Plott, and Thalia Plott. Daniel’s nephews, from his sister Sophia, according to census and the List of Children included in George and Margaret Plott’s Estate Settlement papers, lived in the same Arkansas community as Daniel and Fanny Plott. Daniel was not declared on the 1850 or 1860 Census with Fannie or the children; ergo, it is presumed that he died prior to 1850 and prior to the Civil War in Arkansas. Between 1860 to 1870, Fannie and the children moved to Comanche, Texas. On the 1880 U.S. Federal Census for Comanche, Texas, Daniel’s nephew, Elias Wagner Plott, was living in the same community as Daniel’s wife and children. Daniel’s son, Elias Plott, is declared to be a Druggist (Pharmacist). I stress to the reader to not mix up the Elias names and heritage lines.

As George Plott purchased the Cold Water & Dutch Buffalo Creeks property from the Castors on “the fourth Day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and sixty seven...”, it is presumed that all of George and Margaret Plott's children were born in Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina. During this time period, it was common for people to live on the property that they were purchasing and/or claimed for a land grant prior to the legal paperwork being completed. This could take many months. It is not specifically known when George Plott gave the Castors payment for the property to when the deed was actually signed.

As already read above, George Plott has pledged himself to be a good citizen of the newly formed United States and to the State of North Carolina by taking part in local issues by signing the petition being sent to the North Carolina General Assembly. In 1790, the first US Census was recorded, and George declared his name George Plott in the Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County home with 3 males under 16, 3 males 16 and over, 3 white females, total of 9 household members. On the 1800 census Lincoln County home, the George Plott family declares 2 males under 10, 2 males 16 thru 25, 1 male 45 and over, 1 female 45 and over, total of 6 household members. On the 1810 census Capt. Clines District, Lincoln County home, the George Plott family declares 1 male 10 thru 15, 1 male 45 and over, 1 female 45 and over, total of 3 household members.

Before the 1800 census, George and Margaret Plott moved to Lincoln County, North Carolina. It has not been documented, found and/or released why they chose to move from Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County over to Lincoln County, North Carolina. The following deeds have been found in the North Carolina Archives of George Plott acquiring land in Lincoln County:

Year 1797, (19th day of May in the year of our Lord 1797), Kind of Instrument Deed, Paid 50 pounds, Grantor Adam Forbaugh, Deed Book 19, Page 141. He is documented as “George Plott”. It is noted that John Moore and John Campbell witnessed this deed. It is unknown if this said John Campbell is George’s son-in-law. George and Margaret’s daughter Mary married a John Campbell.

Year 1802, (Eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two), Kind of Instrument Deed, Paid 25 pounds, Grantor Adam Hysler, Deed Book 229, Page 21. He is documented as “George Plott”. It is noted that this property is mentioned by George in his Last Will and Testament, “. . . the little Heisler Place containing of one Hundred and fifty acres of land, and dwelling house . . .”

At this time, I want to clear up confusion of information concerning a totally unrelated man named George Platt and his wife Lucretia, who lived in old Bute County, North Carolina, with deeds dated 1763, 1764 and 1769. Bute County was named after a British Earl of Bute, John Stuart. This man, George Platt, who spelled his surname with an “a”, was a British Loyalist with a British heritage. During the time period Mr. Platt and his wife Lucretia owned land in old Bute County, North Carolina, our George Plott and Margaret Unknown Maiden Name were marrying and starting their family of nine children in Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina. As mentioned above, George and Margaret’s children were born c. 1764 through c. 1780. In fact George and Lucretia Platt sold by deed a property in Bute County, North Carolina on the 16th day of October 1764. I calculate a distance between old Bute County, North Carolina to Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina to be at least 200 miles and a 3 ½ hour trip with modern roads and cars. I cannot calculate how long it would have taken to travel in the 1760’s. On a deed dated, “Sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Sixty four Between George Platt Planter of Bute County and Provance of North Carolina . . .”, Mr. Platt was recorded to be a ‘planter’. The occupation 'planter', generally, refers to a tobacco planter, which Mr. Platt reports on a Memorial, Claims D (Dunbar) M-P, R. S. South Carolina, that he lost tobacco when he fled from America. On census, the Plott clan has always referred to themselves as ‘Farmers’ of vegetables. Mr. Platt had moved from Bute County, North Carolina to Loyalists, Camden District, South Carolina and eventually, evacuated back to England at the end of the American Revolution, as the Colonist won. To the date of this report, NO documentation has been found and/or released that George Plott was in the eastern side of North Carolina, had a wife named Lucretia, migrated through New Bern, or migrated through Bute County, North Carolina. Hastefully, people are attempting to gather information and “piecemealed” a story of George Plott’s voyage and entrance into America; and, are not dutifully studying the facts and details of documents for accuracy. Ergo, wrongfully, George Platt’s information is being included into the story of George Plott’s voyage to and movement through America by him migrating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to New Bern and Bute County, North Carolina; of which, both locations are false information for George Plott with an “o”.

Within our actual Plott family bloodline of relatives, is there any reasoning to our Plott name with on “o” versus the use of Platt with an “a”? From the documents, we have of our great grandfather, I again refer back to the North Carolina Archives of the Petition he signed. His signature is very legible, Gor Plot. George wrote an “o”. The other archive documents detailing his name were written by clerks, who perhaps had poor spelling and/or writing skills making an “a”, so there was an appearance of Platt. We have original signatures for his sons, Elias Plott and John Plott, who both wrote Plott with an “o”. Remember, these two sons were documented as the executors for George Plott’s Last Will and Testament, so they are given credence in their documentation. It is noted that George wrote Gor, which is a German abbreviation of George. He, also, only used one “t”. At this point of Gor versus George and “t” versus “t t”, I honestly have to ask great grandfather, which is most accurate to find our roots in Germany. Unless a miracle happens and he rises from the dead, I will remain the genealogist and keep my options open to finding the truth about our Plott lineage.

Life for George and Margaret Plott:

How did George and Margaret Plott earn money to pay for their land acquisitions and all of the items that were sold at Margaret's estate settlement? We don't officially know. Some speculate that George used the Plott Hounds to hunt for game for resale or trade to the community. It is a fair assumption that George surely used any and all of his assets and skills to his advantage, including the Plott Hounds, to provide for his family. Plus, items sold at Margaret's estate settlement, included: leather, leather irons, a fur hat, a meat tub and a rifle. These items are evidence that George and his sons killed game, furred and tanned animal skins; perhaps, they sold or bartered the meats, fur and leather for goods, services or money. For a side note, two fur hats, hatter tools, hatters kettle, sheepskin, lot of cotton, and a lot of fur were sold at the estate settlement of Elias Plott. Also, from Henry Plott’s Will, he bequeaths, “. . . to my loving wife Lydia . . . Stock of Cattle and Hogs and Sheep and my Blacksmith Tools, my still . . . “ As for Margaret, it is a fair assumption that she helped George in daily life and, more than likely, earned money or bartered with her efforts. As mentioned above, sheep shears, combing cards, a spinning wheel, sleeve buttons, etc. were sold at the estate settlement, which would suggest that Margaret and the girls made clothing for the family and, perhaps, they could have sold or traded these items in the community. In Elias Plott's estate settlement file, there is a list of items sold, which included: sheep, a sorrel horse, angus and a fat hog. I will further note that Elias' son, Isaac Jeremiah. Plott, was a shoemaker according to the U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules Index, 1850-1880. Isaac Jeremiah Plott, Elias Plott's son, died in 1849 of unknown cause. More research efforts are being made to find out more about Isaac Jeremiah Plott's estate settlement. Rudolph Conrad Plott (brother) was the administrator of Isaac Jeremiah’s estate.

George and Margaret could not feed their family only meat. On Margaret's estate settlement sale it lists two hilling hoes, a half bushel basket, and baskets, which are evidence that that they must have had a garden for vegetables. It is noted that 16 bushels of corn at 60 Pts. pr. Bushel total $9.60 was sold. On Elias Plott's estate settlement, it lists that a grind stone, wind mill, shovel plough, horses and 22 bushels corn, and a corn harrow were sold. Also, on Elias Plott's estate sale, several bee gums (bee hives which are in tree logs) and bees were sold. It is not known if George taught Elias beekeeping; however, I make note to the reader of the Plott family's tenacity for survival.

Unfortunately, during the late 1770s and early 1800s, Lutheran church records are nonexistent to help us know how active George Plott was in church. This is confirmed in a letter from and by Pastor Luther L. Knauff, of Old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Newton, North Carolina, “Unfortunately the early circuit riding ministers didn’t help much of any records, and if they did, we don’t have them.” The early Lutheran churches had to wait weeks or months for circuit riding ministers to pass through for weddings, burial blessings, baptisms, and sacraments. The circuit riding ministers typically did not record activity. Some of the ministers may have written out a marriage certificate and handed it to the couple; however, we do not have such documentation for George and Margaret Plott. In the same letter from Pastor Knauff, “First of all, the Plotts were definitely Lutherans, . . .” and “Rudolph Conrad Plott was born July 1, 1814 and died December 11, 1906. He was Lutheran, as well as all the Plotts ahead of him. His granddaughter was 16 when he died, so she remembers him well. He married a Baptist, but remained Lutheran.” and “Well, I hope this helps some, in your relationships to realize that their ancestors were baptized and practicing Lutheran Christians.”

Beyond Martin Luther's reforms within the Catholic church, Luther believed in education. More than likely, during George’s upbringing he received, at minimum, a rudimentary education. George signed his name on the Mecklenburg petition and the land deeds to his sons John and Henry, so we have established that he knew how to, at least, sign his name. On the list of items sold at Margaret's estate settlement it records, “Basket and Books”. Please be aware that “books” is in plural, so they owned more than one book. The list does not state how many books or what kinds of books. Also, on Elias Plott's estate settlement it lists “Lot of Books”. Again, it does not state how many or what kind of books. Also, as mentioned above, concerning Sophia’s sons, it is reported that the sons or one of the sons started a Jarrett school in their Arkansas community. Also, I quote from Deborah Plott-Hopkins journal dated August 2, 1973, “Next we went to see the land Haines Plott used to own. The Troutmans live on the land there now. Mrs. Troutman showed us the old logs of the ‘Plott school’. These logs were moved from the original location.”

George and Margaret Plott were an accomplished couple, who provided strong valued traditions of home, food, clothing, furniture, household items, morale character, fairness, Christian faith and rudimentary education for their nine children, both sons and daughters. It can be observed in the census and documents that the Plott family and its extended family looked out for each other. Life in the establishing United States from the western frontier of North Carolina to Texas and beyond was not easy.

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