Notes:

We now know with certainty that Mary was a Bowater and not a Davis by maiden name. The often printed theory and incongruous lineage that she was Mary Davis in as reputable a source as Farmer, has now effectively been disproven by Stewart Baldwin in "The American Genealogist", July/Oct. 1997 issue. She was a Bowater based on multiple pieces of evidence. Mary Wright's birth date is listed in Feb. 12, 1689 in Hopewell Quaker records. This is off by a 10 days from being Mary Bowater's actual birth date in English records if the 1689 date is interpreted as 1688/1689.

As an orphaned young woman, Mary Bowater was received on certificate from England to live near her brother, Thomas in the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting records dated 28 4th month 1706. This is the only time she is mentioned in this country under her maiden name. She (as Mary Wright) and her husband, James Wright, sign their names to the Quaker marriage "certificate" in the close relatives right hand column of her sister, Elizabeth Bowater's marriage to William Pusey on the 5th day of the 9th month, 1707. James Wright would not even have been a relative of this couple unless his wife was a Bowater related to Elizabeth when this marriage took place. Later marriage records of Mary and James Wright's children include many Bowater relatives as witnesses and do not include any Davis relatives. Mary and James Wright were also listed in the relatives column for her brother, Thomas Bowater's daughter's marriage. Lastly, they have a grandson named Bowater. Stewart Baldwin's case that Mary is a Bowater is actually one of the finest pieces of genealogical analysis I've seen. Mary was a Bowater and NOT a DAVIS. (C-999)

Her will is as follows: "I, Mary Wright, of Frederick County in the Colony of Virginia, being aged and sickly but of a sound and well disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and disanulling all other wills that have heretofore been made or done by me. First, my will is that my body be decently buried and that all my just debts and funeral charges that I leave to be defrayed at the discretion of my executors hereafter named. Secondly, I give and bequeath and demise to the proper use and behalf of him the said Thomas Wright his heirs and assigns forever. Thirdly, I give and bequeath all and singular of my wearing apparel unto my seven daughters, vis., Mary, Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lidia to be equally divided among them. Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Pickering, one brass mortar. Fifthly, I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Wright all and singular of my stock and household goods. I also will that what money remains after my decease, from the land sold on Middlefork is to be equally divided among my ten children, vis. James, Isaac, Mary Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lydia and John. Lastly, I ordain and constitute my well beloved daughter, Mary Ballinger, Jesse Pugh and William Pickering sole executors of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 5th day of the 8th month, 1760. Signed, sealed and acknowledged by the said Mary Wright to be her last will and testament in presence of us. Signed: Mary Wright Witness: Elizabeth Powell, Elinor Rogers, Susanna Bevin. (This was proved March 6, 1764 in Frederick Co., VA) (C-696)

Mary married James WRIGHT, * on 26 Feb 1707 in East Nottingham, Chester, PA, USA. James (son of Thomas WRIGHT?, Jr * and Elizabeth CHITTENDEN?, *) was born in Aug 1671 in , , CT; died on 15 Jul 1759 in , Frederick, VA; was buried in 15th da 5th mo 1759 in Hopewell M.M., Frederick, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Hannah Wright and husband Henry Ballinger moved to Cane Creek, New Garden MM, NC probably by 1751 and definitely by 1754. She was a minister at the New Gardens Meeting. (C-624,259,759)

Hannah married Henry J. BALLINGER on 18 Jun 1726 in Nottingham M.M., Chester, PA, USA. Henry (son of Henry BALLENGER and Mary HARDING) was born in May 1695 in , , NJ, USA; died in Apr 1774 in , , NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anne married James Adams MCCOOL in 1742. James was born about 1709; died in 1751 in Back Creek, Frederick, VA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anne married Thomas PUGH in 1753 in Hopewell (Pughtown), Frederick, VA, USA. Thomas (son of Jesse PUGH and Alice MALIN) was born on 16 Nov 1731 in , Augusta, VA; died in 1798 in , Frederick, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary is singled out in her mother's will as her beloved daughter who was chosen one of her mother's three executors. She and her husband were among the 70 families that started the Opequon Settlement in 1735. They were granted 500 acres adjoining the Hollingsworths near what is now Winchester. (C-696) She was about a decade younger than her husband and he died young. Braddock's army under the command of Co. Dunbar stayed at Widow Ballinger's on May 3, 1755. (C-1991)

Mary married Josiah BALLINGER on 30 Jun 1727 in , Burlington, New Jersey, USA. Josiah (son of Henry BALLENGER and Mary HARDING) was born in 1697 in , Burlington, New Jersey, USA; died in Sep 1748 in Hopewell M.M., Frederick, VA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas married Esther HIATT before 1748. Esther was born on 1 Apr 1731; died in 1778. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Martha was a Quaker Minister for 62 years. Her son John Mendenhall III followed in her footsteps and became a minister also. (C-624,759)

Martha married John MENDENHALL on 4 Apr 1731. John died in 1771 in , Frederick, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth was located in New Garden MM, NC part of her life. (C-624)

Family/Spouse: George MATTHEWS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Much information can be gleaned about this family from a book by Algie I. Newlin entitled CHARITY COOK, A LIBERATED WOMAN, (Friends United Press, 1981). It is a biography of their daughter, Charity Cook, written and researched by a history professor.

Around 1725, he and his family moved to the northern part of Maryland, Prince Georges Co., MD possibly living at Goose Creek MM, Cecil Co., MD first. Rachel's family lived in Prince George's County and they probably met there. John's only wife was Rachel Wells. Some sources list a second wife named Susannah but this has been disproven. The first half of John and Rachel's children were born in Prince George's County Maryland according to Newlin's book: [UL:Charity Cook, A Liberated Woman:UL].

John's family moved from 1733-35 to Frederick Co., VA and became members of the Friends Hopewell Monthly Meeting according to Lewis Wright. (C-588, 610) Possibly the confusion here comes from the changing names of territories. They lived near Monacacy River a few miles south of Frederick which could have been Prince George's Co., Maryland at the time, but is now known as Frederick Co., Maryland. The marriage records of John and Rachel Wells Wright can not be located, and it is thought by some that they were burned with the Hopewell meeting records. Marriage is therefore approximated as 1737, a year before their first child's birth.

Both John and Rachel were appointed overseers of their respective male and female Monthly Meetings in Monocacy in 1745. They were charter members of the Fairfax MM.

Rachel Wells Wright is a very interesting person of her own right. She was a Quaker minister. This involved travel and stamina on her part. She was a very sturdy woman attested by the trials she endured plus the fact that she had three of her children in just a two year period.

What is even more astounding is that during this same two year period, John and Rachel Wright with 7 young children, William through John Jr. moved to the Cane Creek frontier, soon to become Orange County, North Carolina, which was over a distance of 300 miles. They received their letter to go to what was then Carvers Creek MM on 29-5-1749. They were charter members of of Cane Creek Monthly Meeting in Alamance Co., North Carolina when it was established 10m-1751. (C-575) Six more children were born to them in the Cane Creek area. All thirteen are listed in the Cane Creek records.

John and Rachel often lived in new, rather unsecured settlement areas. It appears that they moved near Camden, Kershaw Co., South Carolina in 1761/1762 to the Wateree Meeting in Camden, South Carolina, later to become the Bush River Monthly Meeting area that they helped establish. (C-250) He sought a land patent for land on Beaverdam on Sep 17, 1769 with an addition joining it in 1786. Parts of both of this land he granted to his son in law Big John. Later, Big John and Rachel then sold it to their son, Wright Coate.

According to Lewis Wright, John was a Ship Captain by trade. (C-610, 615) However, in his will, he bequeathed his shoemaking tools. Medlin's "Quaker Families of South Carolina and Georgia also states that John was a shoemaker by trade. He never tended to live on the ocean either, so I'd say the Ship Captain must apply to some other John Wright. (C-265, 866) John was also a member of the first and second Provincial Congress of S.C. (C-588)

At an ederly age, he lived with his daughter, Susannah. He used to walk to and from the Quaker meetings. The family reunion in 1908 recalled that his daughter prevailed on him to take her horse on one occasion. When the meeting was over, he walked home. When he got there she asked him where the horse was and he replied "Dad, me Sue, I forgot her."

According to this same family reunion provided by Julia Henry, it states that he and his wife had seven sons and ten daughters, 4 of whom apparently aren't in the Quaker records. He attended his grand-daughter, Sarah Cook's wedding in 1785.

He wrote his will on 9/17/1789. He named his wife, his deceased son, Joseph and Joseph's son, John; John and his son; Jesse; Nathan and his son William; his son-in-law, Isaac Hollingsworth which he left his shoe-maker tools, cow and calf; Joab Brooks, son of James Brooks; Joseph Cook, his grandson and son of Isaac Cook; William Hollingsworth, grandson and son of Isaac Hollingsworth; son-in-law Isaac Cook and Isaac's daughter Rachel. The witnesses were Isaac Hollingsworth, John Coate and Charity Cook. His Executor was his son Joseph Wright. His will was written in Newberry Co., South Carolina. (C-866, 2082)

His death was about 1790. He was living with his son-in-law, Isaac Hollingsworth's family, in the 1790 census. Before he died, he supposedly gathered all of his descendants which numbered 144 persons at the time. (C-945)

John married Rachel WELLS, Minister about 1737 in Hopewell M.M., Frederick, VA, USA. Rachel (daughter of Joseph WELLS and Rachel MARSH) was born on 3 May 1720 in All Hallows Parish, Anne Arundel, MD, USA; was christened on 12 Jul 1721 in Davidsonville, Anne Arundel, MD, US; died on 23 Dec 1771 in Bush River, Newberry County, South Carolina, USA; was buried in Newberry, Newberry County, South Carolina, United States of America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James Jr. bought 194 acres from Josiah Ballinger in Frederick Co., VA, a son of Henry Ballinger Sr. about 1750. James moved across the Blue Ridge mountains during the French and Indian Wars to Guilford Co., NC and were members of the New Gardens MM. They moved back to Frederick Co., VA in 1762. He and his wife had 9 children. (C-624,759,956) It is often listed that he had a second wife named Pheobe, but this is an error. It's his son, James that married Pheobe Parkins. (C-2034, E)

Family/Spouse: Lucy UNKOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

An E-Mail letter from Lewis Wright gives Isaac's wife's name as Sidney George. They had two sons. (C-610)

Family/Spouse: Sidney Ann RODGERS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: William PICKERING. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was the only unmarried daughter at the time of her father's will, Oct. 14, 1751. Farmer says her husbands were a Mathews and a Rogers. Other sources have listed her with a first husband named Evan Rogers. However, in the Quaker marriage records to her husband Owen, she is listed by her maiden name, and not named widow. (C-696, 956, 2034) She and Owen had a son John listed in Quaker records in 1757.

Lydia married Owen ROGERS about 1756. Owen died after 1780. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James was disowned from the Quaker church in 1772 for "profane singing and dancing and offering to lay wagers." His wife and children remained in good standing. In 1773 he moved south into Bush River after his mother, Ann, remarried a Thomas Pugh. By 1777, he sold this land and he, and his family removed back to Hopewell in VA. They had at least 7 children. Their daughters names all included the name Ann. (C-1959)

James married Deborah JAY about 1768. Deborah (daughter of William JAY, * and Mary Elizabeth VESTAL, *) was born before 1752; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married John JAY on 4 Mar 1773 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. John (son of William JAY, * and Mary Elizabeth VESTAL, *) was born on 26 Oct 1752 in , Frederick, Virginia, USA; died on 23 Apr 1829 in , Miami, OH, USA; was buried in Apr 1829 in , Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She is in a deed record dated 1807 in Newberry Co., SC jointly selling land to a Mr. Boyd along with her probable children, Isaiah and William Pemberton. William and Samuel Coate are the witnesses to the deed.

Lydia married Richard PEMBERTON on 30 Jul 1785. Richard (son of Isaiah PEMBERTON and Elizabeth HALL) was born on 22 Jun 1760 in Near Bull Skin Run, Jefferson, WV; died on 19 Feb 1805 in , Newberry, SC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

William and Leah had two sons and three daughters. Two of their children married Pughs. This family removed from Cane Creek probably to Bush River meeting on certificate dated 1762,10,2. William apparently owned land on Bush Creek in Berkley Co. by Oct. 16, 1770. According to "The Annals of Newberry, William and brothers Joseph, Thomas and Isaac migrated to Clinton Co, Ohio and then to Indiana and Illinois. It is therefore likely that William died later than 1803 in one of these northwestern states. (C-610,646,1412)

William married Leah TANSEY on 15 May 1758 in Cane Creek, Orange, NC, USA. Leah was born on 5 May 1738 in Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States; died in 1801 in Orange, Indiana, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Some sources say she married a third time to William Oneal. However, this is suspect, because husband two, James Neal apears to have outlived her. (C-2034)

Mary married Joel BROOKS on 20 Sep 1756 in Cane Creek, Orange, NC, USA. Joel died before Mar 1776. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married James NEAL on 7 Mar 1776. James died before 12 Jul 1777. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: David LIPTON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Joseph had a certificate to Wateree M.M. SC in 1762, probably from the Cane Creek MM and ROCG to Bush River, SC in 1776. He was disowned for reasons unknown on 1774,8,27 by Bush River MM. His wife is said to have been Charity Wells, but if this is true he would have married his Step-Aunt. (C-628,646,724) Joseph Wright is likely the Joseph Wright who owned land next to brothers William and John on Bush Creek, Berkley Co., SC by Oct. 16, 1770. (C-1412)

Bron lists his death date as Jan. 8, 1794, in Bush River, Newberry, SC though I have also seen it listed as 1789 instead. There is a Joseph Wright whose estate was probated in 1794 in Newberry. It is in will book A, p. 244. He names a Charity Wright in it as administrator. W.A.'s are listed as James Patty, Daniel Parkins, Philemon Waters, and Mark Smith. Appraised items included farm animals, carpenter and turners tools, cotton wheel, books, kitchenware, farm tools and beds. (C-1991, 2082)

Joseph married Charity WELLS after 1760. Charity (daughter of Joseph WELLS and Margaret SWANSON) was born in 1744 in Bush River, Newberry, SC; died on 26 Feb 1818 in Indiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Margaret was listed as Margaret Hammer, daughter of John and Rachel Wright when she married her 2nd husband, Joseph Hollingsworth in 1768. I have seen a couple 2nd hand sources that believed she married an Abraham Hollingsworth between these two men, but obviously this has to be incorrect as she was listed by her widowed surname of Hammer in her marriage to Joseph Hollingsworth. Both of her parents were witnesses to their Quaker marriage in the Bush River Quaker records. In fact, she had a long list of family members in the right hand column of the record listed in this order, John Wright (father), Rachel Wright (mother), William Wright (brother), Isaac Cook (brother-in-law), John Coats (brother-in-Law, Big John married to Rachel Wright, her sister), John Wright , Leah Wright (sister-in-law married to her brother, William Wright), Charity Cook (sister), Mary Ball (???), Jos. Wright (brother), Mary Coats (??? The Wife to Marmaduke was not a known kin to Margaret Wright though some DNA evidence is now stating that Marmaduke and Big John's descendants were related), Sarah Brooks (sister), and Charity Wright (sister-in-law).

Margaret married John HAMMER on 3 Nov 1758 in Bush Creek, Newberry, SC. John died before 1768. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Margaret married Joseph HOLLINGSWORTH on 4 Jun 1768 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. Joseph (son of George HOLLINGSWORTH and Hannah MCCOY) was born in 1735 in Winchester, Frederick, VA, USA; died in 1799. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

I have used the birth date for Charity from her biography, CHARITY WRIGHT COOK, A LIBERATED WOMEN. Hinshaw gives the birth date of 11-13-1742, a day after her sister Margarets. This has been decided to be in error by her biographer. She was disowned by the Cane Creek MM, NC on 1761,2,7 for engaging in carnal behavior. She was reinstated into the Quaker church as an adult (after the boy that had accused her starting accusing many women and was basically caught lying). She became a well-loved Quaker minister who traveled much of each year in the colonies and in Europe during the Revolutions in both, to serve the Quakers. She seemed to stay home long enough to have each child, and then travel on while her husband cared for the family. She apparently had cousins who were Rothchilds in England, whom she probably visited while in Europe. Many incidents of her life are recalled in her biography. One from a family reunion provided by descendant, Bob Henry, tells of a crossing of Kaben Creek. The water apparently drowned two horses. Isaac saved himself by riding a "chunk of wood" while Charity made it across by swimming. There is discrepancy in her death date. CD-102 differs in her death date, stating it was 13 Nov. 1820 and occurred in Clinton Co., Ohio (C-517) I have again chosen the well researched biography's death date for her.

Charity married Isaac COOK, * about 1763 in , Newberry, SC, USA. Isaac (son of Thomas COOK, * and Mary UNDERWOOD, *) was born in 1743 in , Chester, PA, USA; died on 15 Jan 1820 in Silvercreek M.M., , IN, USA; was buried about 18 Jan 1820 in Silvercreek M.M., , IN, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

At least one source says she married first to a John Hollingsworth, but this is thought to be a mix-up that comes from misinformation in Summers book.

Rachel married Big John COATS before 1768. Big (son of Gentleman John COATE and Mary UNKNOWN) was born before 1750; died in 1809 in , Newberry, SC, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John purchased 300 acres in Berkley Co., SC on a small branch of the Saludy River called Beaverdam Creek on Sept. 1766. He was likely the John who purchased one hundred acres of land on Bush Creek in Berkley Co., SC on Oct. 16, 1770 adjoining William and Joseph Wright's land (brothers). John was disowned by the Bush River MM in South Carolina on 1772,8,29 and on 1773,7,3 at the Cane Creek MM, NC for unknown reasons. John obtained 200 more acres of land on the waters of Little River, one of the north branches of the Saludy River. He sold this land to James Douglas in March of 1774. John sold 200 acres of his original land grant on Oct. 1, 1785 to Joseph Thomson. (Joseph Thompson, Jr. lived near Big John in the 1790 census). He is the John Wright who sold land to William Coates on Nov. 2, 1785 in Newberry Co., South Carolina. (C-904, 908)

There are a couple different death dates listed for him. The other is 1790, based on information in "The Annals of Newberry Co., SC," that says he died before his father (who died abt. June of 1790). Whereas his father is not in the census records, John appears to be still living near James Brooks on pg. 77. He is one of two, a John with 4 males above age 16, 5 under and 4 females; or there was one male over, 2 under 16 and 3 females. The census record took a period of time to gather, so it is still entirely possible that the census taker got his information down shortly before he and his father both died, missing his father entirely. This John might have served as private in the Revolutionary War under Colonel William Thompson's Rangers defending Charleston Harbor on June 28, 1776. It was known as the "Battle of Sullivan's Island." (C-588)

DAR records indicate that a John Sr. was a Private in the Revolutionary War. John, however, was a Quaker when he married Jemimah Haworth in Bush River Quaker records in 1768 meaning that it's not probable that he is the Revolutionary War soldier. Persons in this family who attended the wedding were his parents, John and Rachel Wright, Joseph Wright, Isaac Cook, William Wright and John Coate (I am assuming the later is Big John Coate, his brother-in-law.) (C-866)

John married Jemimah HAWORTH on 10 Oct 1768 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. Jemimah was born in 1748; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married James BROOKS about 1768. James died after 2 Sep 1790. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: James PALMER. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James was born in Almance Co., NC according to the Cane Creek MM church records. (I believe Almance was the same as Orange Co. then.) He was disowned for an unknown reason when marrying his Quaker wife on 1774,8,27 by Bush River MM. He and his wife had four sons and seven daughters. James still followed the faith and at 22 when the Revolutionary War started he moved to the back woods of Tennessee to avoid the war. He was again accepted back into the Quaker faith as a member of the New Hope MM in Green Co., Tenn. He moved with his family to Clinton Co., Ohio in 1808 where they were members of the Center MM and where he finished his days. (C-610)

James married Sarah HAYWORTH on 27 Aug 1774 in , Newberry, SC, USA. Sarah was born in 1756; died in 1831. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Susannah was a Quaker minister. She died at her son-in-law's, Robert Pearson. She had been living with her daughter Sarah in Clinton Co., but fell ill when home for a visit in West Milton, Ohio. She had lived alone amongst her children for many years after her husband's death. "She had traveled considerable in different states in the service of the gospel, as the records show." (Mote) (C-759, 2436)

Susanna married Isaac HOLLINGSWORTH on 12 Dec 1771 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. Isaac (son of George HOLLINGSWORTH and Hannah MCCOY) was born in 1748 in Winchester, Frederick, VA, USA; died on 24 Nov 1809 in , Miami, OH, USA; was buried about 25 Nov 1809 in West Branch Quaker Burial Grounds, Union Twp., Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

According to the "Annals of Newberry", her husband, 5 sons and 2 daughters, moved to Miami Valley, OH about 1806. She died some years later and he died after her living on the Stillwater in (Miami) County, Ohio. To me, her death place of Frederick Co., VA from other sources could be off.

Family/Spouse: Isaac RIDGEDON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Gabriel MCCOOL. Gabriel died in 1828 in West Milton, Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nathan was married out of the order in 1778 and is in the Bush River MM records for that event on 1778,7,25. He got a certificate to Hopewell in 1793. His wife's name has been listed as Nancy, Elizabeth and Sarah Jay. It is not known for sure which one he was actually married to. It is still believed that he only had one marriage. (C-2034)

He is likely the Nathan Write listed in the 1790 census for the 96th District, Newberry Co., SC living in the same area as Big John Coats (p. 79). He was over 16, had 2 sons under 16 and 4 females in the household.

Nathan married Sarah JAY on 25 Jul 1778 in Newberry, South Carolina, USA. Sarah (daughter of William JAY, Jr. * and Elizabeth LNU) was born on 27 Apr 1762 in ,Orange, NC; died on 2 Sep 1833 in Paoli, Orange County, Indiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas has served in the Revolutionary War along with his brother Isaac, according to Isaac's Pension application in 1838. (C-1991) Descendants say that he had all of his children by his first wife, Elizabeth Jay. He moved to Indiana after marrying his second wife, Elizabeth Voss. However, treat this second marriage with caution as there is a Thomas Jay who married an Elizabeth Vice in Union Co. (SC?) and left a will there. (C-2034) Maybe the confusion comes from the fact that there are two Thomas Write's listed in the 1790 Newberry Co., SC census. They lived in the same region and could easily be related. One had 2 males over 16, 1 under 16 and 2 females. The other 1 male over 16, 2 under 16 and 4 females. They lived in the same region as John (C.) Wright had lived.

Thomas married Elizabeth JAY in 1785. Elizabeth (daughter of William JAY, Jr. * and Elizabeth LNU) was born on 16 Apr 1769 in , Orange, NC; died in Oct 1803 in , Newberry, SC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth VOSS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Krissie as she was called in a 1908 reunion transcription was widowed early in life. She reared three children on her own and moved to Ohio in the process. Although most sources list William as her husband, her daughter Mary Hank's 2nd marriage to John Abbot list her parent's as T. and K. Hanks. (C-759, 945, 2034)

Family/Spouse: William HANKS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Isaac was in the Revolutionary War. He moved to Jefferson Co., TN where he married. Isaac had a son, John Prior born in 1803. In 1812 they moved to Ohio. In 1822, John Prior married Hephsiba Coats. In 1824 Isaac, son John and family moved to Illinois. The author of a addedum to "The Annals of Newberry" says that he saw his great uncle Isaac Wright in 1834, then being a little, old, dingy man of an intemperate nature. By 1838, they moved to Indiana and bought 160 acres. It was here they lived when he applied for a pension on Sep 10, 1838. Isaac and his wife Susannah died there. Son, John purchased and lived on a different 160 acres four years after moving there between Russiaville and New London. It is where John and his wife raised thirteen children and where the old Wright Homestead still stood at the 1908 reunion. (C-945, 1991)

Isaac married Susanna HAWORTH on 19 Feb 1784 in , Greene, TN, USA. Susanna died after 1840 in , Howard, Indiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jesse married Sarah BROOKS on 5 Apr 1798 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. Sarah was born on 17 Mar 1779; died on 2 Sep 1833 in , Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary STEDHAM. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Walter D. Jay and James Jay (brothers) were his executors and the witnesses to his will were two different John Jays (father and brother) in 1815. (C-2320)

Family/Spouse: Mary PEARSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jesse DILLON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Samuel PEARSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary STEDDOM. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Samuel and his brother Denny appear to have been operators on the Underground Railroad in Montgomery Co., Ohio.

Family/Spouse: Bathsheba PUGH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Walter Denny Jay, was "a most remarkable man. One who knew phrenology said he had a head much like that of Napoleon Bonaparte, and in many traits he resembled him... concentration ...courage with prudence.." according to the "Annals of Newberry." He is likely the "Denny Jay" along with his brother Samuel Jay who were operators on the Underground Railroad in Montgomery Co., Ohio. Walter Denny Jay likely had a son named John who is buried in the Quaker burial in West Milton. His stone says he is the son of W.D. and M. Jay, died 2 Mo. 6, 1840 at 27 years of age. (C-PHO, 296)

Family/Spouse: Mary MACY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He is listed as the son of John and Betty Jay in his marriages. He and his wife were living in Newton Twp., Miami Co., Ohio in the 1830 census, both between the ages of 40-50. They had 1 son between the ages of 10-15, 2 sons from 15-20 and 2 daughters from 15-20. (C-2560)

Family/Spouse: Mary Pearson FURNAS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Mary COATE on 27 Apr 1824. Mary (daughter of Henry COATE, * and Mary Ann HASKETT) was born on 28 Jun 1797 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA; died before 1830. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Rebecca TEAGUE before 1830. Rebecca (daughter of Samuel TEAGUE and Rebecca FURNAS) was born in 1784; died in Mar 1847 in Of Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James and his family had their last 3 children in the W.Branch MM, Miami Co., OH area from 1832 on according to Hinshaw. (C-95)

James married Martha COPPOCK on 29 Sep 1813. Martha (daughter of James COPPOCK and Hannah PUGH) was born in 1798 in , , SC, USA; died after 1813. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lydia married Moses COPPOCK on 22 Nov 1809 in Mill Creek M.M., , OH, USA. Moses (son of James COPPOCK and Hannah PUGH) was born on 8 Mar 1787 in , Newberry, SC, USA; died on 9 Jan 1877 in , Miami, OH, USA; was buried in Union Joint Cemetery, Ludlow Falls, Newton Twp., Miami, OH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Thomas MACY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following family members attended her Quaker marriage to James Hollingsworth: Jos. Wright, John Wright, Jane Hollingsworth, John Hollingsworth, Isaac Hollingsworth, Jos. or Jas. Brooks, Abigale Thomas and Rachel Wright. Guests included John Coate, George Hollingsworth (Jr.) and John Hollingsworth.

Sarah married James HOLLINGSWORTH, Sr. on 16 Nov 1786 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. James (son of George HOLLINGSWORTH and Jane ELWELL) was born in 1758 in Frederick, Virginia; died on 21 Sep 1821 in Wayne, Indiana, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was named in his grandfather, John Wright's will.

David married Charlotte JAY on 21 May 1798. Charlotte (daughter of William JAY, Jr. * and Elizabeth LNU) was born on 27 Apr 1771 in , Orange, NC; died on 28 Dec 1852 in , Randolph, IN, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was given a double breasted waist coat in his grandfather, John Wright's will. Joseph and family got a certificate to move to Little Miami MM, OH from Bush River MM, SC on May 30, 1807. (C-95)

Joseph married Mary HERBERT in 1782. Mary died in 1807. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth MILLS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Family Members attending the Quaker wedding of Sarah and Zimri Gaunt included Zebulon Gaunt, John Wright, Isaac Cook, Charity Cook, Joseph Cook, Susanah Holliswroth, Mary Pearson, Mary Thomas, Betty Jay, Hannah (Gaunt) and Hannah Gaunt.

Family/Spouse: Zimri GAUNT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Henry HOLLINGSWORTH on 26 Jul 1794 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. Henry (son of George HOLLINGSWORTH and Jane ELWELL) was born in 1760 in Winchester, Frederick, Virginia, USA; died before 12 Apr 1824 in , Darke, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Isaac EMBREE in 1825 in , Miami, OH, USA. Isaac was born on 24 Jun 1762 in , , VA, USA; died after 1832. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was the only granddaughter named in her grandfather, John Wright's will.

Family/Spouse: Thomas LEWIS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Caleb HAREY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas got a certificate to go to Miami MM, OH from Bush River, SC on Aug. 31, 1805. (C-95)

Family/Spouse: Kezia HENDERSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Alexander BRADY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George BROCK. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ruth married John FURNAS on 1 Mar 1798 in , Newberry, SC, USA. John was born on 5 Aug 1765; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

There is a Wright Cook in the 1800 Newberry Co., SC census listed as being between 16 and 26 with a wife of the same age and no children. On 1/25/1806, he and his family got a certificate to remove to Miami MM, OH from Bush River MM, South Carolina. (C-95, 931)

Family/Spouse: Rebecca PEARSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ann HODGSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

This is probably the Isaac Jr. who married out of unity as it was reported on 2/27/1802 in the Bush River MM, South Carolina. He apparently wasn't disowned because he and his family got a certificate to moved to Miami MM, OH on 2/23/1805 from Bush River MM, South Carolina. (C-95)

Isaac married Elizabeth UNKNOWN before 27 Feb 1802 in , Newberry, SC, USA. Elizabeth was born on 23 Sep 1783; died on 14 Aug 1867. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Caleb LEWIS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Charles MADDEN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

It is highly likely that this William is the son of Big John. Big John's son William had a wife named Mary who witnessed her husband's sale of land in Newberry, SC in 1807. He is often stated to have the same children as attributed to this William and Mary who lived in Miami Co., Ohio. There is no overlap in timelines if he is the same William who was the probable son of Big John. There is also now much DNA evidence that this line goes through Big John. Three tests through William closely match a test through Big John's son James named in his will and to Wright Coate whom you'll see mentioned below. They were all said to be his sons in Summeral's early Coate research and in Randolph Co., IL books. William bought 100 acres of land in 1785 from John Wright, Jr. that adjoined Big John's land north of Newberry, South Carolina. He is likely to be the William Coats who was listed on the same page as Big John in the 1800 census records for Newberry Co., South Carolina. He and his wife were between the ages of 26 and 45. He had 2 sons under age 11, one between 10 and 16 and 4 daughters under age 11 and 1 from ten to 16 at that time. In 1799, he bought land on Beaverdam, on the waters of the Saluda from Elisha Oneal. He sold part if not all of this land in 1807 to James Brooks. Wright Coate (his brother?) was a witness to this sale. On Nov. 2, 1802, Wright Coats sold him 150 acres that adjoined his first purchase. He appears to have moved to Miami Co., Ohio by about 1807. In 1810, his "adopted" brother John (named as a brother in "The History of Miami County Ohio", p. 462) gives him guardianship of his children including a son named Henry born in 1799. I am calling John adopted, because everyone in his matching DNA group are not related to all of the other Big John Coate sons. According to "Beers History of Miami County" on Newberry Township, William and John were the 2nd and 3rd settlers of the northwest quarter of Section 30, Newberry Twp. along with son-in-law (i.e. Daniel Wright) of William Coats. Beers called it the Upper Piqua region where wars with the Indians meant that Col. John Johnston requested Captain George Buchanan to send a detail of men to protect certain public property and harvest the wheat at the beginning of the war (about 1812). William and John Coats (This could be his brother or son John who came with him to Ohio in "The History of Miami County) settled next to Michael Ingle in Stillwater. Will's son in law, Daniel Wright lived nearby at the corner of what is now Main and Wright St. in Covington, Ohio. According to that same history, they sold this land in 1822 when William and family moved to Indiana. "Pioneer Ancestors of Members of Society of Indiana Pioneers", states that William Coats who settled in Marion Co., Indiana in 1822, was born in South Carolina about 1768 before moving to Ohio and then Indiana. Specifically, "William received a patent in Miami County for the NE 1/4 of Sec. 30, Twp. 8, Range 5E (159.06 acres) on 28 Jan 1811. He and Polly sold part of that land to their son-in-law Daniel Wright 25 Oct. 1813. They sold more to James Dickey on 15 May 1820 and the rest on 20 July 1822 to James Thompson." Their son John had a section of it which he also sold in 1822. "On 16 Nov 1822, William bought 80 acres of land (E 1/2 NW 1/4 Sec. 29) in Marion County, Washington Twp. IN. (See Marion County, Indiana Records by J.E. Darlington). His son Joseph Coats also bought two parcels of land in Washington Township and his son William Coats Jr. bought 80 acres on the same day his father did in the same area." (Quotes are from John H. Coats, Email, 2004) "The History of Randolph Co., IN" says he was born in Paisley, (Scotland) and was the son of Phillip. The book was written in 1882 and would have been the kind of book being published at the time that interviewed family members (living grandchildren of William) to highlight a communities citizens. Errors were often made in these publications as family heresay was involved. In this case, someone probably was hoping that they were descendants of the wealthy Coate Thread company in Paisley, Scotland. Some of these descendants could have been the Coate's that hired a genealogist in the early 1900's to connect them to the Coats thread company family. She/he did not find any proof but in reality also gave a highly questionable genealogy for them known now as "The Old Coates Genealogy" that is riddled with errors. What I do believe is accurate from the history are the names of William and his children, all of whom would have been known by living kin at the time. The children named in this source were John, William, Joseph, Hepsy Wright, Rhoda Wrench, Hetty Harrison and ? Beanblossom. It failed to mention an Elizabeth, Sampson or Henry that I've also seen mentioned in this family. Out of these 3, I personally believe that Elizabeth is also William's child. These children's names can be verified by the following patterns. All of the spouses it mentioned are verified in marriage records for Indiana and Ohio. William moved to Miami Co., Ohio about 1807. (C-1065, 1898) He lived next to his son Joseph in the 1820 census for Miami Co., Ohio. He was listed at over age 45 in this record with one son between the age of 10 and 16 (Henry), plus two females age 16-26 (Hetty and Hepsy) in his household. His son Joseph was age 26 to 45 with two sons under age 10 and a wife age 16-26. (E) His son-in-law, Daniel Wright also lived in Newberry Twp. with a very large family within a few dozen homes of his in this census. Before William died, he and his sons, William and Joseph, purchased land in Marion Co., Indiana records in 1822. His daughter, "Hettie" apparently moved with them and married in that county in 1823. The Randolph Co., Indiana History also stated that family reunions for the family still took place in 1888 in Randolph Co. that included descendants of William's sons, William and Joseph, who had moved elsewhere (Marion and Howard Co., IN), as well as his son John who had moved to Randolph Co., Indiana. William's children are also listed the same way in Willard Heiss's and Mary Helen Pemberton's work. William Coats died by Sept. 1826 in Marion Co., IN without leaving a will. Pages 146-7 of the Inventory and Sale Book A for Marion County, IN give the appraisement and inventory by his administrators/sons, Joseph and William Coats. Buyers at the sale include Joseph Coats, William Coats and William Sr's son-in-law Daniel Wright. Some second hand sources say he died on Jan. 16, 1828 instead. The next question is how is William related to Marmaduke Coate of Newberry, SC? There is the possibility that William is the grandson of William or his brother Henry of Hunterdon Co., NJ and Newberry Co., South Carolina. We believe we know most of the descendants of Henry but have only figured out a couple of William's likely sons and grandchildren so far. By age and place he'd fit into the family through one of these two Coate's also. The supporting evidence for this later possibility is that the current day descendants of William through his son Joseph had the clear family tradition that they were related to Marmaduke Coate of SC who is the son of Henry. Their DNA testing also is within 1 point out of 36 points of a match - the closest match to Marmaduke (b. 1738) so far. What doesn't match thought is William's brother John.. current day descendants of John are not genetically related to William throwing us a curve ball. One likely theory is that William was the son of Big John, but John (William's supposed brother) was simply adopted by Big John.

William married Mary "Polly" JAY before 1785. Mary (daughter of William JAY, Jr. * and Elizabeth LNU) was born on 11 Jan 1777 in Newberry, South Carolina; died on 3 Mar 1822 in Of Miami, OH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Wright's birth date could easily have been before 1770. He is the only Wright Coats we know of in the area, and he is on one census, 1800's. In it he and his wife are between 26 and 45. They have 2 sons age ten and under, and one daughter from 10-16. According to Daphne they also probably have Mary's sister Rebecca, and mother who had been widowed that year living with them. In the year 1800, Wright Coate (and probably his wife Mary Coate) made purchases of land at Nathan Perry's estate sale in the year 1800. Nathan Perry lived very near the Chandlers and therefore near land belonging to Gentleman John Coates. Wright Coate sold land to his brother, William in 1802 in Newberry Co. The following court record applies to this Wright and several of his brothers as well as a freed slave of his father's named Jesse.LDS Film # 24219 FiledJune 19, 1818 Box 45, No. 1Daniel McMahan Decree -Bill for Injunction Judge W. ThompsonVsJohn O'NeallDaniel McMahan employed Wright Coats and Jesse Coats (a man of color) to carry two loads of cotton to Charleston and to bring back two loads of dry goods. Wright Coats and Jesse Coats did not return to Newberry when expected and Daniel McMahan became apprehensive. He set out to find Wright Coats and Jesse Coats leaving instructions with his clerk Pendleton Pope that if Wright Coats and Jesse Coats returned in his absence, not to pay them. They did return in his absence and Wright Coats received a note from Pendleton Pope for the amount he would be paid after deducting for some goods he took from the store. He said it would be inconvenient for him to return at a later date and that he would send some other person in his place to collect the money. Afterwards Jesse Coats and James Coats applied for the money due to both Wright Coates and Jesse Coats and all money owed was given to him. Jesse Coats and James Coats (brother of Wright Coats) then went to the home of William Lesley in Newberry and gave Wright Coats his portion of the payment. Wright Coates sometime afterwards sued Daniel McMahan for more payment. Daniel McMahan in turn sued Wright Coates but before the trial Wright Coates died leaving John O'Neall as his executor. Daniel McMahan had petitioned the Court to dismiss the Bill because of fraud on the part of William Coates and to have the estate of Wright Coates pay for the Court costs. Wright witnessed the sale of his brother William Coate's land in 1807 and verified that William's wife, Mary, had given her consent to the sale. Wright had his will administered in 1808 or 1809 in Newberry Co., SC with his administrators listed as Mary Coate (wife) and J. O'Neal. His will starts with the words, "In the name of God, Amen" which indicate he was not a Quaker. (C-266, 1403, C-1479, 1942)

Wright married Mary GAUNT after 1789. Mary (daughter of Israel GAUNT and Hannah SPENCER) was born on 10 Nov 1772; died on 10 Nov 1848 in , Giles, TN, USA; was buried in Old Gilbert Cemetery, Giles, TN, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rachel's husband was disowned from the Quaker Church on Feb 25, 1792 for marrying out of unity. They both moved to Miami Co., Ohio along with her sister, Mary. She and Mary's families are buried next to each other in Old Concord Cemetery. Her husband, Thomas W. Furnas, became an Ohio State Legislator. She could be the Rachel Coate buried in Union Cemetery just north of Ludlow Falls, Ohio who is listed as the wife of Wm. Furnas, age 73 years, 6 mo, 11 days who died on Mar. 16, 1847. (C-1935, 1943)

Rachel married Thomas Wilkinson FURNAS on 4 Jul 1792 in , , SC, USA. Thomas was born on 23 Mar 1768 in Bush River, Newberry, SC; died on 11 Oct 1846. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

This Mary is the ancestor of Mary Pearson Greenlee who had the records of Marmaduke's 4 extra children. It can be proved that she is the daughter of this Big John Coate because in her Quaker marriage record, she is listed as the daughter of John Coate, Blacksmith, of the 96th District. When he witnesses the marriage his name is right next to Rachel Coate (his wife).

Their Quaker marriage record follows: Whereas Samuel Pearson, Son of Samuel Pearson, of the District of 96, and the County of Newberry, farmer, and Mary Coate, daughter of John Coate, blacksmith, district and county aforesaid. Having declared their intentions of taking each other in marriage before several meetings of the people called Quakers, in the county of Newberry, aforesaid, and the proceedings of the meetings. Samuel Pearson, esq. and Mary Coate after due inquiry and deliberate consideration thereof were followed by the Friends Meeting, they appeared clear of all others, and having the consent of their parents, relatives concerned, now these are to certify to all whom it may concern that for accomplishing of such marriage, this second day of the ninth month, called September, in the year 1790. They, Samuel Pearson and Mary Coate appeared in a public assembly of the people, and others in their meeting. Now declares as followeth before the assembly. 'I take this my friend, Mary Coate to be my wife, promising through divine assistance to be unto her a loving and faithful husband, until it shall please the Lord by death to separate us,' And the Mary Coate then and there in the assembly in like manner declares as follows, 'Before God and this assembly I take this my friend Samuel Pearson to be my husband promising through divine assistance to be unto him a loving and faithful wife until it please the Lord to separate us.' And the Samuel Pearson and Mary Coate as a further confirmation thereof and in testimony thereunto did then and there and before those present set their hand." The certificate continues with the names of those who witnessed the ceremony. "We whose names are hereunto subscribed being present among others at the solemnizing of the marriage and the subscription in the manner aforesaid, and the year above written: James Brooks (uncle on mom's side), Isaac Hollingsworth (uncle on mom's side) Abraham Hollingsworth (future brother-in-law), John O'Neall, Simbra Grant, Rachel Hollingsworth, Rachel McCoole, Mary Cook, Susannah Brooks, Susannah Coate, Mary O'Neall, Jehu Beel, Lydia Hasket, Hugh 0'Neall, Joseph Furnas, Esther Pearson, Charity Cook (sister), Rachel Coate (sister), Ann Galbreath, and Samuel, Mary (2), William, Benjamin, Margaret, and Sarah Pearson, John Coate (father), Rachel Coate (mother), Isaac Cook (brother-in-law)." "Quote from Enid M. Hawthorne book, The Pearson Family Tree from England to America" (C-729, 1536, 1538, 1540)

Not only are most of these witnesses relatives of the bride or groom, but Mary and Samuel named their first son Wright after her family surname, the second son Enoch after a great grandfather, and another son, Sampson after Mary's youngest brother, all of this as kindly provided by John H. Coats of Michigan. (C-1547) Mary is some second hand sources, is listed with a second husband, Thomas Furnas, right before her marriage to Samuel Pearson. However, this information is incorrect. It is her sister Rachel that marries Thomas Furnas in 1792. (C-2111)

Mary married Samuel PEARSON on 9 Sep 1790 in Bush River M.M., Newberry, SC, USA. Samuel (son of Samuel PEARSON and Mary ROGERS) was born in Mar 1767 in , Winchester, VA; died on 29 Sep 1846 in , Miami, OH, USA; was buried after 29 Sep 1846 in , Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

This John is sometimes listed as the son of Gentleman John. No proof exists for this. John and his wife were having children before 1796 when they had son John. Their daughter, Rachel, was born first. They had 12 or 13 children total, the last born in 1818. (C-1320, 1630) In the 1800 census, John is possibly listed on page 69 of the Newberry Census. He and his wife were between the ages of 16 and 26. They had 2 sons under age 10 and 3 daughters in the same age range. The youngest they would likely be with 5 children is 21, giving them a birth date range of 1774-1779, with 1774 being the more likely.... or he could be the John Coats of Laurens Co., SC in 1800 with 1 male under 10 [possibly John Jr.?], and one male 26-45 [John himself?]; 4 females under 10 [Rachel, Rebecca, Susan, ?], a female 26-45 [wife-Susan?Brock?] and 1 female over 45[a mother or a mother-in-law?] as Jack Waddell theorizes. He is not in the 1820 Ohio census, and it appears that his son John is living as the head of household with siblings or hired workers and possibly his mother living with him: 1 male 16/26 [himself]; 1 male 10/16; 1 male 16/18; 1 female 10/16; 1 female 16/26; 1 female over 45; 4 in agr. He is in the 1830 census records again at age between 60-70, his wife is between 50-60. They have 2 sons living with them between 20-30 and 2 daughters aged 10-15, and 15-20. They are living next door to their son John, Jr. in Newberry Twp., Miami Co., Ohio. John, Sr. is missing from the 1835 quad census suggesting that he had died or had moved by that time. Every child from George on was born in Ohio. Those previous to him were born in SC according to their census records. Several of the children were listed as members of the Greenville Creek Christian Church in Miami Co. or Darke Co., Ohio. They included George, John, Patsy (Daughter-in-Law), and Lucinda. (C-1958) It is not known with certainty that his wife's name was Susan Brock.

John married Susana BROCK after 1788. Susana (daughter of Elias BROCK and Ann HOLLINGSWORTH) died after 1840 in of Newton, Miami County, Ohio, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James is given land in his father's will written in 1803. He is obviously of an age to receive the land at his father's death estimating his birth age to be before 1787 as landowners could be age 16 or older at that time. According to "The Annals of Newberry" James, son of Big John and a John Turner, Jr. were involved with the death of a William Cox. William apparently got in a fight with them over a fishing hole around the Saluda River and died in the scuffle. The trial for murder took place in the March 1807 court. John Turner, Jr. was sentenced to the pillary and James fled the state. (C-1838, 1839, 1917, 1922) Most accounts state that nothing further was ever heard of James Coats. According to some descendants, this is the James Coate b. 1779 (from PA) married to Mary West who is the son of Stephen Marmaduke Coate and Martha Ann Matthews. Guy Coates and others believe he is the son of Big John Coate instead. DNA matches with descendants of son Wright, and possible son William are a match to this theory.

I've currently placed James married to Mary West as the son of Big John for this reason as well as the following. 1. It doesn't fit that he could be the son of Stephen Marmaduke Coate because: James's first 3 children were all born in SC all previous to the 1807 murder according to their census records. The only Stephen Coates (no Stephen Marmaduke) of this time period we've been able to find lives in Pennsylvania and New York at the time. His children were not being born in South Carolina. 2. James was born in PA in 1779 according to his 1850 census record, but in South Carolina according to his son John C. Coates 1880 census record.

If James is the son of Big John who committed murder, he could have lied about his birth place while his son gave the truth not knowing his parents had done otherwise. (C-2216, EL) 3. James, the son of Big John, was involved in a murder in 1807 and escaped from South Carolina. The first verified specific birth date of one of James's children is Elizabeth who was born in 1809 in Miami Co., Ohio. This is also still a fit. (C-482, C-1628)

For futher proof, please see the quoted section by Guy Coates below. Guy Coates believes James Coate of Newberry, Twp., Miami Co., Ohio is the missing son of Big John for the following reasons based upon his ancestor's known timeline and his DNA that matches other persons whom were descended from William, Big John's other possible son. Guy Coate's grandfather said that his ancestor, James Coates fought in the War of 1812 and was from Pennsylvania. "A James Coats (is) on the roster of Ohio soldiers in War of 1812. A James Coats is listed as a captain in Westfall's Mounted Company. This group of soldiers was trained in Pennsylvania and assigned the task of building a fort along the Stillwater River near today's Covington, Ohio. The fort was originally named "Fort Recovery," but later became known as "Fort Rowdy." The old fortress, which has been restored as a museum, was part of Newberry Township, Ohio.

Between 1810 and 1816 most Miami County residents moved to Darke County, Ohio for a period of years during the Indian uprisings and returned to Miami County after their safety was more assured by the government. According to census records, in 1820 James was living in Adams Twp., Darke County, Ohio. By 1830, James and his family were back in Newberry Twp., Miami County; then by 1846 they were living in Gibson Twp., Mercer County, Ohio. ('The history of Newberry County Ohio mentions William and John Coats who settled in the area with their sons. William and John were probably his brothers, sons of Big John Coate.') Children of James Coats (b. Jan. 28, 1779) & Mary West (b. April 9, 1780).Joseph Coats, b. abt, 1802 William Coats, b. abt. 1803 Abigale Coats, b. Dec. 24, 1803, b. S.C. Mark Coats, b. May 27, 1806 in So. Carolina. d. 8/15/1883 in Koszta, Iowa. Mary Coats, b. July 10, 1806.Elizabeth Coats, b. February 14, 1809.Sarah Coats, b. June 11, 1812.John C. Coats, b. July 15, 1817 in Covington, Ohio. d. December 13, 1888, Ponca, Nebraska, age 71.James B. Coats, b. May 19, 1825Wesley Coats, b. March 2, 1829.

Now, here is some evidence to consider: James Coats' oldest daughter, Abigale married a man named Abraham Mott and they show up in the 1860 census living in Gibson Township, Mercer County, Ohio. In this census, Abigail shows her place of birth as South Carolina. In addition, living in the same household is probably her mother or mother-in-law, Mary, age 76. (Remember that her husband, James, died in 1856). Mary also shows her place of birth as South Carolina. By 1860, John C. Coats, age 44 year, shows up living in Honey Creek, Iowa. Next door to him is brother, Mark Coats, age 55, who shows his birth place as South Carolina. Finally, in 1880, John C. Coats, age 64, is living in Ionia, Dixon County, Nebraska and in the census he states that both his father and mother were born in South Carolina."

Starting with his daughter Elizabeth, in 1809, they were having children in Miami Co., Ohio. His son John born 1817 is the last child that can be verified as being born in Miami Co., Ohio. He is living in Newberry Twp. in the 1835 tax lists for Miami Co., Ohio. His grandson, Eli Inman Coate was born in 1843 in Covington, Miami Co., Ohio (Covington is north of Ludlow Falls, Miami Co., OH) A James Coate family that appears to fit this James and not the James who is the son of Marmaduke Coate in Miami Co, OH is in the census in 1830, 1840 and 1850 for Miami Co., Ohio (C-1628) In the 1830 Newberry Twp., Miami Co., Ohio census, he is between the age of 50-60 and his wife is of 40-50. They have the following children in their family: 1 son under 5, 1 from 10-15, 1 from 15-20, 1 from 20-30 and 1 daughter of 5-10 and 1 of 15-20. They are living next door to their son Mark Coats. They are living within six farms of John Coats, Sr. and Jr. in Newberry Twp. that is related to Steve Pearson's family. The connection is not known however.

He might be the following James and Mary Coate in the 1850 census records for Clinton County, Ohio, Chester Township. He is 66 years old and Mary Coats is 63 living at the residence of a blacksmith named Seaseney (sp?), probably in Wilmington, Ohio. Both are from South Carolina. If this is him, James would have been born in 1783 and Mary in 1786. Some researchers believe that James died in 1856. He might be buried near Wilmington, Ohio or in Iowa Co., Iowa as others claim. It should be noted though that Mary is listed with a birth date of 4/19/1780 in several 2nd hand sources and at age 76 in the 1860 census where she is living with her daughter, Abigail Mott.

James married Mary WEST on 12 Nov 1801. Mary (daughter of William WEST and Elizabeth HILBORN) was born on 19 Apr 1780 in SC; died after 1860 in Of Mercer, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

It is theory that M.D. Coats is the son of Big John because M.D. is the ancestor of James Jefferson Coats of Texas. His descendant, James Jefferson is the descendant of Big John by his strongest YDNA match with our group at FTDNA. The only place this M.D. Coats fits is as an actual son of Big John Coats and not as one of his grandsons.

Family/Spouse: Mary SCOTT. Mary was born before 1789; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sampson and Susan might have also had a son named John. They moved from South Carolina to Lawrence Co., IN by 1820 as he was in the census for that county in 1820. His property is listed at W

Sampson married Susan UNKNOWN on 13 Feb 1830 in , Lawrence, IN, USA. Susan was born on 7 Feb 1801; died in 1847 in , Greene, IN, USA; was buried in Marco Cemetery, Greene, IN, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sampson married Sarah EVANS on 4 Oct 1848 in , Greene, IN, USA. Sarah was born about 1800 in , , Tennessee, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Abigail PEARSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Hannah DILLON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Wallace JONES. Wallace was born in in Of S.C.; died in 1854 in , Miami, OH, USA; was buried in 1854 in West Branch Quaker Burial Grounds, Union Twp., Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John PEARSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She died of Typhoid Fever.

Family/Spouse: Robert PEARSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Susanna died at age 28 after being killed by a bolt of lightening at noon on May 22, 1817. She left 5 children from ages 2 to 10 when she died. Her husband never was able to come to peace about it, a kind, affectionate, Christian wife and mother brought to her death so suddenly. Her husband said that he had forshadowed to him, but didn't understand the meaning of the visions.

Family/Spouse: Elisha JONES. Elisha was born about 1785; died in 1840 in , Miami, OH, USA; was buried in 1840 in West Branch Quaker Burial Grounds, Union Twp., Miami, OH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Mary S. MILLS in 30 Oct or Nov 1800 in Newberry County, South Carolina, USA. Mary was born on 1 Jan 1780 in Bush River, Newberry, South Carolina, USA,; died on 28 Dec 1852 in , Miami, Ohio, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Marjorie Caroline PALMER in 1828 in Bush River, Newberry Co. South Carolina. Marjorie was born about 1811 in Newberry, South Carolina, ISA; died in in Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth WRIGHT. Elizabeth (daughter of Nathan WRIGHT and Sarah JAY) was born about 1784 in Bush River MM, Newberry, South Carolina, United States; died between 1870 and 1880 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John WRIGHT. John (son of Nathan WRIGHT and Sarah JAY) was born in 1781 in Bush River MM, Newberry, South Carolina, United States; died in May 1850 in Chester, Chester, South Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sarah's father was Thomas Wright who died in Randolph Co., IN in 1835 and was born in Newberry SC in the 1760's. He and his wife are verified as the parents of Sarah Wright in her marriage certificate to John Coats. She, however, is listed as being born in North Carolina in her son William's 1880 census record, but in South Carolina in several other of her children's 1880 census records.

She is often confused with a likely relative Sarah Wright who also married a John Coate/s and was the daughter of Nathan Wright and a Sarah Jay. John Coate/s is also confused because of this.

Sarah married John COATS, Sr. on 21 Oct 1807 in Miami, Ohio, USA. John (son of William COATS and Mary "Polly" JAY) was born on 20 Jan 1788 in Bush River, Newberry County, South Carolina, United States of America; died on 19 Sep 1878 in Union City, Randolph, IN, USA; was buried in White River Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph, Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

If she and William had a daughter named "Sallie" married to a Solomon Phenis, then Charlotte was living with this daughter at age 74 in Madison, Greenwood, Kansas in the 1870 census.

Charlotte married William COATS on 30 Oct 1817 in , Clinton, OH, USA. William (son of William COATS and Mary "Polly" JAY) was born on 25 Mar 1796 in , , SC, USA; died after 1860 in Of Palmyra, Warren Co., Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]