James* Cole

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Bef 1737, Orange and Frederick Co, Virginia
• Residence: 1747, Black Water River, Bedford Co, Virginia
• Residence: 1748, Mecklenburg Co, North Carolina
• Residence: 1758, Ashpole Swamp, Bladen Co, North Carolina
• Residence: Abt 1765, PeeDee River area, Craven Co, South Carolina
• Residence: Mar 1772, Natchez District, Mississippi; arrived in MS
• Residence: Oct 1772, Natchez District, Mississippi; arrived
• Possessions: 10 Sep 1784, Natchez, Mississippi and Province of Lousiana
• Residence: Abt 1790, Coles Creek, Natchez, Mississippi
• Possessions: 19 May 1794, Coles Creek, Natchez District, Mississippi; Inventory

Notes:

As a child, James moved to the counties of Orange and Frederick, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley between 1732-1737. In 1747, he moved to Lunenburg County (called Bedford County after 1754). In 1747, Janes Jr and his brother Stephen are found with their Uncle Mark Cole and the Rentfroes on the branches of the Black Water and Pigg Rivers in Virginia. On April 16, 1747, James Jr has 400 acres on both sides of Little Creek, a branch of the Black Water River. On March 28, 1748, he has 215 acres on both sides of Little Creek. On December 15, 1753, he has 400 acres on both sides of Story Creek, a branch of the Pigg River. James Jr, Mark Cole, James Sr Cole and Stephen Cole all lived on adjoining land at this time.

In 1757/58, James and his brother Stephen moved to Bladen County, North Carolina. They lived there about 7 years and then moved to Craven County, South Carolina. On March 26, 1765, James Cole of Craven County in the Government of South Carolina, sells to William Rentfroe of Bedford County, Virginia, for 30 lbs,. a tract of land containing 215 acres in Bedford County, on Little Creek, a branch of Black Water River. This land was surveyed for James Cole Jr on March 28, 1748. The grant was issued on August 16, 1756. It was acknowledged by James Rentfroe Jr who was the attorney for James Cole.

On October 10, 1757, James applied for land in Bladen County. One hundred acres on south side of Ashpole Swamp adjoining Richard Barfield. The land grant was issued on April 10, 1761. James conveyed this land to Thomas Robeson in 1765.

On February 18, 1765, James Cole of Craven County in the Province of South Carolina appoints James Rentfroe Jr of the County of Halifax, Colony of Virginia, Power of Attorney to transact all business for him.


James and his family arrived in Mississippi in March 1772. On moving to the Natchez District he is known as James Cole Sr. He and his family lived on Boyds Creek which was changed to Coles Creek in 1777. In 1799, the Natchez District was divided. The Coles Creek area on the north was named Pickering which changed to Jefferson County in 1802. His British Land petition says that James "arrived in this country with a wife and nine children."

On September 10, 1784, James Cole signed an agreement with Osborn Sprigg of the District of Natchez and the Providence of Opelousas, Louisiana. The agreement reads, "James Cole Sr to take in his posession all the stock of mares and colts belonging to the said, Sprigg. To take such care of them as to increase and benefit the stock...for two years; at the end of which, James Cole to take one-fourth of the increase as his own." signed Osborn Sprigg and James Cole.

Documents dating May 7, 1785, show James as an honorable, trustworthy citizen of the Coles Creek Community.

From the Spanish Archives of the Indies, we have a census taken in Natchez District in 1792 showing the names: James Cole Sr, James Cole Jr, John Cole, Stephen Cole, Solomon Cole, Mark Cole and William Cole.

In 1794, an inventory of the estate of the late James Cole, deceased as declared upon oath of Mary Cole, the widow, reads, "John Cole, the eldest son; Jacob Stampley and Captain Richard King, all of this District, Appraisers.
450 acres of land...more or less (not a large estate)
One negro man, supposed to be 35 years of age
One grey horse, about 12 years old
One cow and calf, One yearling heifer
One two year old steer, 12 head of hogs
One saddle One feather bed, sheets, furniture
One large and one small iron pot and one bake oven
Five wooden, common chairs; three pewter basins, 6 pewter plates
Two pewter dishes - 3 earthen dishes
Four knifes and forks
One plough - two falling axes - one broad axe and three weeding hoes
One old drawing knife, one foot adze - one frowe
A small looking glass
This inventory was taken on May 19, 1794.

When the United State asserted its claim on the British Colony in the Natchez District, it ordered the land free and independent of Spanish rule. Winthrope Sargeant was named the first Misssissippi Territorial Governor in 1798. The Land Commission proceeded to confirm all land grants held by the settlers of early British and Spansih titles. A tithable-list was taken of all heads of households. From the list we can account for the surviving members of the Coles in the Coles Creek settlement in 1798. Living in Coles Creek, Natchez District in 1798: Mary Cole, widow; James Cole Jr; John Cole; Stephen Cole; Solomon Cole; Mark Cole. Living in the Homochitto River, Natchez District in 1798, William Cole.

On June 5, 1806, Mary Cole, widow of James, sold to Moses Higgins, "title to that part of land on which I now live, 120 acres for $150.00. All my stock of horses, hogs, horned cattle and household furniture."

Mary Rentfroe Cole's probate of her will was held on March 17, 1810.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0003.html


Residence:
Per "Sunlight on the Southside" pg 84, (from Steve Matthews via email) shown in Deloney's List, Meckenburg, NC titheables were:
Timothy Johnson
James Johnson .........4
Aquilla Gilbert ....... 1
Walter Mathews ........ 1
James Rentfro ......... 1
Joseph Rentfro ........ 2
Peter Vanbeber and
Isaac Vanbeber ...... 2
James Cole, Junr. ..... 1
Robt. Jones and
Thos. Jones ......... 2
William Rentfro ....... 1


Residence:
James and his family arrived in Mississippi in March 1772. On moving to the Natchez District he is known as James Cole Sr. He and his family lived on Boyds Creek which was changed to Coles Creek in 1777. In 1799, the Natchez District was divided. The Coles Creek area on the north was named Pickering which changed to Jefferson County in 1802. His British Land petition says that James "arrived in this country with a wife and nine children."

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0003.html

---
http://www.libertychapelcemetery.org/files/family/travel.html.
.
Early Migration Trails.
From the Pee Dee River Valley, NC
to Cole's Creek and Curtis Landing The pioneers to the new "Natchez Country" would leave the Pee Dee River area of SC/NC and travel about 200 miles using pack-horses to the Holston RIver in northeastern Tennessee. They traveled via the South Carolina State Road (North) on the Warriors Path. They continued on the Catawba Trail to the Wilderness Road Fort near Kingsport, Tennessee. (Some of the present day towns and cities they would pass through were: Cheraws, SC; Wadesboro, NC; New Salem, NC; Lenoir, NC; Blowing Rock, NC; Boone, NC; Hampton, TN; Johnson City, TN; and Kingsport, TN. The automobile driving distance today would be over 250 miles.).
At the Wilderness Road Fort they secured/built flat boats. The flat boats were sturdy with one end enclosed for protection from the elements. The flat boat had to be designed to allow for the women, children, food, bedding and household items. They had to transport a milk cow, chickens, horses, hunting dogs and farm implements. Once aboard the flat boats they followed the Holston River to the Tennessee River which they entered near Knoxville, TN. (They traveled near present day towns of Surgoinsville, TN; Chalk Level, TN: Cherokee Lake; Buffalo Springs, TN; and Mascot, TN).
Indian attacks were a frequent occurrence. The pioneers always had to be prepared. The women often steered the boats while the men fought the Indians. Some used chairs as shields, holding against their chests as protection from the Indian arrows. Following the Tennessee River they reached the Ohio River near Paducah, KY. (On this leg they traveled near present day towns of Dayton, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Scottsboro, AL; Guntersville, AL; Decatur, AL; Florence, AL; Savannah,TN; Perryville, TN; Sycamore Landing, TN; Eva, TN; Aurora, KY; and Lake City, KY) From Paducah the flat boats floated down the Ohio River where they entered the Mississippi near Cairo, IL. (This is near present day Metropolis, IL; and about 30 miles south of Cape Girardeau, MO)..
At Cairo, IL the flat boats embarked on the "mercy" of the mighty Mississippi River for the rest of the journey to the "Natchez Country." (They traveled near present day towns like Hayti, MO; Cathursville, MO; Heloise, TN; Osceloa, AR; Memphis, TN; Helena, AR; Rosedale, MS; Greenville, MS; Lake Providence, LA; and Vicksburg, MS) South of Rodney one group of pioneers steered the flat boats into Boyd's Creek (now Cole's Creek) for the 15 mile trip to Curtis Landing on the South Fork of Cole's Creek. Other pioneers continued on to Natchez or Wilkinson County steering their flat boats up St. Catherine's Creek, the Homochitto River or Buffalo River..
These pioneers had made a trip of approximately 1400 miles by flat boat on water. The total miles traveled by horse-pack and flat boat would be about 1650-1700 miles..
Upon arrival it was necessary to fell trees and build log houses quickly. Fields needed to be cleared and cultivated. The survival for the first year was dependent on the family's ability to fish and hunt. Squirrel, deer, ducks, and wild turkey were the family's fresh meat..
One of the pioneer families who had a British land grant in Jefferson County included James Cole who arrived October, 1772 with the paperwork finalized in 1776. Richard Curtis who arrived in 1780..

In 1779, an expedition under Don Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana Territory, captured the British Fort in Natchez. After the fall of the British at Baton Rouge, General Galvez negotiated the surrender of the English Fort Panmure in Natchez on September 21, 1779. The Spanish, with generous land grants, gave the residents opportunity to move to Opelousas Post in early 1780.

Residence:
Residence Oct 1772 Natchez District, Mississippi
"Family tradition says, that 'James Cole with neighbors and kin came to the Natchez Country,' Mississippi on flat boats, by floating down the Holston, Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers.'
"From the records of the West Florida Land Petition, we know that James Cole arrived October 1772, with a wife and nine children."
Cole Foot Prints, p 29

Possessions:
p 6 Agreement. 10 Sep 1784 Osborn Sprigg, of District of Natches and Province of Louisiana, and James Cole, Jr., of same, agree that James Cole take into his possession all the stock of mares and colts that said Sprigg may have and take such care of them as to increase and benefit said stock, ... for two years, at the end of which James Cole to take one-fourth of the increase as his own. James (X) Cole, Osborn Sprigg, ack before Trevino.

The Natchez Court Records, 1767-1805 by May Wilson McBee
pg 135
http://books.google.com/books?id=yvJw1hHgSLMC&pg=PA115&lpg=PA115&dq=green,+province+of+west+florida&source=bl&ots=-PhXvwnRzr&sig=UyLpAOAD_6BqmGrQBlpgUxY2Cfc&hl=en&ei=tAIUTYznK8K88gbewKy7Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFcQ6AEwCA#v=snippet&q=hayes&f=false


Residence:
Natchez Records 1767-1805 by May Wilson McBee
Page 357 (no preview available)
William Ferguson to Thos Marston Green, 348 acres on Cole's Creek, b. by lands of John Smith, James Cole, Ben Stanley, and Benj. Roberts, for $350. ...no preview available for this page

page 80
1790. William Ferguson to Thomas Marston Green, 348 arpents b. by John Smith, James Cole, Benj. Stampley, Benj. Roberts, for $350 paid. Wit: Eben Rees. ...no preview available for this page

Possessions:
In 1794, an inventory of the estate of the late James Cole, deceased as declared upon oath of Mary Cole, the widow, reads, "John Cole, the eldest son; Jacob Stampley and Captain Richard King, all of this District, Appraisers.
450 acres of land...more or less (not a large estate)
One negro man, supposed to be 35 years of age
One grey horse, about 12 years old
One cow and calf, One yearling heifer
One two year old steer, 12 head of hogs
One saddle One feather bed, sheets, furniture
One large and one small iron pot and one bake oven
Five wooden, common chairs; three pewter basins, 6 pewter plates
Two pewter dishes - 3 earthen dishes
Four knifes and forks
One plough - two falling axes - one broad axe and three weeding hoes
One old drawing knife, one foot adze - one frowe
A small looking glass
This inventory was taken on May 19, 1794.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0003.html

James* married Mary* Rentfroe about 1754 in Black Water River, Bedford Co, Virginia. Mary* (daughter of James* Rentfroe, Sr and Esther* Van Bibber) was born in 1736 in Crooked Run, on the Shenandoah, Orange Co, Virginia; died in 1810 in Coles Creek Settlement, Natchez District, Jefferson Co, Mississippi. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Elizabeth* Cole was born about 1755 in Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania; South Carolina; died after 1810.
2. John Cole was born about 1758 in Ashpole Swamp, Bladen Co, North Carolina; died in 1812 in Coles Creek Settlement, Natchez, Mississippi.
3. Stephen Cole was born about 1760 in Ashpole Swamp, Bladen Co, North Carolina; died about 1798 in Claiborne Co, Mississippi.
4. James Cole (Coale) was born in 1762 in Ashpole Swamp, Bladen Co, North Carolina; died in Feb 1838 in Cow Bayou, Orange Co, Texas.
5. Solomon Cole was born about 1765 in Ashpole Swamp, Bladen Co, North Carolina; died in 1825 in Prairie Soileau, St.Landry Parish, Louisiana.
6. Mark Cole, Sr. was born about 1768 in PeeDee River area, Craven Co, South Carolina; died in 1830 in Pike Co, Mississippi.
7. Mary Cole was born in 1770 in PeeDee River area, Craven Co, South Carolina; died on 18 Mar 1815 in Stampley Station, Jefferson Co, Mississippi.
8. Sarah Cole was born about 1772 in Coles Creek Settlement, Natchez, Mississippi; died after 1791 in Adams Co, Mississippi.
9. William S. Cole was born on 13 Jun 1775 in Coles Creek Settlement, Natchez, Mississippi; died on 10 Jul 1839 in Tensas Parish, Louisiana.
10. Susannah Cole was born about 1777 in Coles Creek, Natchez, Mississippi; died after 1810.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: Bef 1713, Chester, Pennsylvania
• Residence: Aft 1730, West Virginia
• Residence: Aft 1732, Frederick Co, and Orange Co, Virginia
• Residence: 1737, Orange Co, West Virginia

Notes:

1731 Yoist Hite, German from PA, first settler in Western VA, and Robert McKay, a Quaker from Cecil Co, MD, secured a 100,000 acre Grand from the Council of VA 21 Oct 7131. Terms required Hite and McKay to settle 100 families within 2 years. The Cole bros, Rentrfoes and Robinsons came to Western VA at that time.


1737 living in old Orange Co, VA, signed a petition:
"The inhabitants of Opeckon and Shenanadore humbly beg, that your Court give permission that two meeting places might be erected. One on the land of Rev William Williams near his home and another near the home of Morgan Bryan. Rev William of Presbyterian faith has promised to supply us the ministry of his office. " (Bk 3. p 101, Orange Co, VA) Also signed by William Rentfroe.

(Opeckon River (just north of present day Winchester, Frederick, County. This location also mentioned in John Madden documents a little later in 1745)

__
James migrated to West Virginia after 1730. He was in Orange County, West Virginia in 1737.

In 1742, James was appointed Constable by the Augusta County Court that was formed from Orange County, West Virginia.

In July 1745, James received a 400 acre grant along Buffalo Creek. In December 1753, he buys 400 acres on Story Ceek in Lunenburg County, Virginia. In May of 1773, he sells 49 acres. He seems to have continued living in this area, even after his sons left in 1757/58, until his death.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0002.html#CHILD3
___

http://www.ancestorstories.org/dad/cook/merlyn/index.cfm
Merlyn Joseph Cook Bio
1914 - 1995, Honorary Researcher
charlie -cookstuff@aol.com

, William Cook II (ca 1725-1785) and his wife Margaret, started their married life ca 1750, in what is now Franklin Co., VA., living first on Fox Run on the Blackwater River. In about 1767, they moved a few miles south of where Hatchet Creek enters the north side of Pigg River, a few miles west of Rocky Mount. In 1784 they moved on west to Franklin Co., KY, near Frankfort, where some of the older children had already migrated. But for approximately 34 years they lived in what is now Franklin Co., VA, although they left just before Franklin Co. was organized.

"As a young married man living on the Blackwater River, William had served as an Anglican Lay Reader (because of the shortage of clergymen). The meetings were held in the houses Joseph RENTFROE and Mark COLE, and William was paid a small stipend in tobacco. Later he served as a J.P., in early Henry Co. History.

"Their home was apparently quite close to the old Bedford Co., line before Franklin Co., was formed. Before the COOK family left for Ky., a letter was prepared by their neighbors and friends, some of whom lived in Bedford Co. The letter which is still preserved, reads as follows: Sept. 26, 1783 "HENRY CO., VA: This is to certify that William COOK has been a resident in this place for near thirty years; and has always behaved unblameable; and demeaned himself as a good citizen, Patriot, and friend, to his country and has faithfully Acted in the Civel department--and now being disposed to move to the Western Waters, we recommend him to the Inhabitants of that Country hoping he will meet with as warm a reception as the Merits of his Caracter Intitles him to. Test

Joseph Anthony Jno. Rentfro, J.P. Swinfield Hill, J.P.

A. Hughes, J.P. Robt. Jones, Sen'r James Calloway, Cty. Lt.

Peter Saunders, Col. Robt. Jones, Jun'r Campbell Co.

John Dillard, J. P. Thos. Jones, Jun'r Thos. Hale, Capt'n

Sam'l Hairston Henry Jones Acquilla Greer

Moses Greer, J. P. Jesse Heard, J. P. Jesse Rentfro

Thos Cooper John Hall Abraham Penn, Col."

William Hall

James* married Susannah* Rentfroe (or Renfro) about 1719 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania. Susannah* (daughter of Tailor John R.* Rentfrow (Rentfro), Jr. and Margaret* Robinette) was born between 1699 and 1705 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania; died after 1752. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
James Cole, Sr. (s/o Stephen b. ca. 1661, and Elizabeth "Temple" Cole b. 1662) made his intention to marry Susannah Rentfroe in Chester Co., PA. in 1719 at the New Garden Monthly Meeting (found at the Swathmore College in PA). We have no idea when they married, but know they did as she was on Land Records until 1752 in VA. The only other Renfro found in PA was a John Renfro and Elizabeth who could be Susannah's parents. (Not confirmed) They had witnessed some legal papers together there at the Meetings.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: Bef 1713, Chester, Pennsylvania

Notes:

The Cole ancestors came to America before 1725, landed near Chester, PA, lived in the WELSH TRACT, 30,000 acre grant from William Penn in 1701 to the Society of Welsh Baptist. Original Welsh immigrants of Baptist, Presbyterian faiths.

Original entry record, "We set sail in June 1701 from Melford in the ship JAMES and MARY landing in Philadelphia in September. All were memebers of the Churches of Jesus Christ in the counties of Pembroke and Carmarthen, South Wales in Great Britain. We were moved and encouraged to come to these parts viz Pennsylvania."

They first lived in Radnor Township, PA, a group settled in the great Valley of Chester at Trediffrein. Most moved into New Castle Co, where the Presbyterians found the Pencader Church at Glasgow. The Baptist established their first church upon Iron Hill in New Castle. The Welsh brought letters of Commendatory so they might be received as brethern in Christ if they met others of like faith. Known members of this early group were Robinson, Evans, McDonald Graham, Cloyd, RONTRFO, VAN BIBBER.

Their sons pioneered down to the Shenandoah Valley in Orange and Frederick Counties, VA with James Cole, John Cole and Mark Cole in 1732/37.

(John, James, Mark and William went to frontier of Virgina with Captain George Robinson.:
http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/w/a/l/Shelly-Wales/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0041.html)

Since Stephen's wife, Elizabeth, died in 1732, and his sons left for Virginia right after this, it could be probable that Stephen started this trip with his sons. He could have died and been buried on the journey since he is not buried in the family plot in New Castle and there is no record of him in Virginia.

Elizabeth was buried on September 24, 1732 in the Cole plot at Saint Paul's Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. her tombstone reads that she was 70 years of age at death. Her son Stephen Jr, daughter-in-law, Martha, and Stephen and Martha's daughter, Elizabeth Cole, who died on June 19, 1731 at the age of 9 months, are buried with her.

----------


Immigration:
According to "The Cole Family" by R. Voyt Hill
When Stephen received a disappointing inheritance, he left home to seek his fortune. He boarded a ship headed for America, and showed up in Philadelphia, Chester county, Pennsylvania circa 1682.
http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/ourfamily2/stephencole.html

Stephen* married Elizabeth* Temple, (immigrant) in 1687 in St Paul's Ch, Chester Co, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth* (daughter of Sir John* Temple and Jeane* (or Jane) Yarner (or Yernar)) was born in Sep 1662 in Dublin, Ireland; was christened in 1667 in St. Michan Church, Dublin, Ireland; died on 22 Sep 1732 in Chester , Delaware Co, Pennsylvania; was buried on 24 Sep 1732 in Cole plot in St Pauls Church-yard, Chester Co, Pennsylvania (age 70). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1725

Notes:

arrived in the colonies in 1725, possibly as a widow.


Christened:
Ireland\u002C Select Births and Baptisms\u002C 1620-1911
Name Ellizabeth Temple
Gender Female
Baptism Date 1667
Baptism Place Saint Michan, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Father John Temple
Mother Jeane
FHL Film Number 824048

about St. Michan's:
"St Michan's is very interesting. It is Church of Ireland.
Burials were done under the church in vaults and catacombs. The air was very arid and many bodies were well preserved."
followed by listing of the Cole/Temple children with bt dates derived from a book "The Registers of St Michan, Dublin." Posted to Rootsweb by Debra Cole
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/COLE/2001-02/0983226487


Buried:
Elizabeth was buried on September 24, 1732 in the Cole plot at Saint Paul's Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. her tombstone reads that she was 70 years of age at death. Her son Stephen Jr, daughter-in-law, Martha, and Stephen and Martha's daughter, Elizabeth Cole, who died on June 19, 1731 at the age of 9 months, are buried with her.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1734, Cecil Co, Maryland (later Virginia)
• Property: 14 Mar 1742, Edgecombe Co, North Carolina
• Will: 1748, Edgecombe Co, North Carolina

Notes:

Updated: Wed Oct 29 23:45:48 2003 Contact: Delores Willey (felinesmama@msn.com)
http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GED&db=:2619333&id=I539511753

John was a Quaker in New Garden Township, Chester Co., PA. John was perhaps part of a westward movement from Chester Co., PA to Frederick Co, Virginia., a distance of at least 200 miles south and west of Chester Co. Many emigrants to Virginia moved across the river into Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania then returned to Virginia. Several Renfros are found on the records of these early counties on the edges of the mountains on both the western slopes and the eastern. One of the first emigrants was a John Rontfro of record in Delaware. He appears on pages 18 and 19 of records of the Welsh Tract Baptist Meeting, Pecander Hundred, New Castle Co., Delaware, 1701 to 1728.
Citing: (1) Signers of the Confession of Faith, 1725
(2)John Rontfro Margaret Rontfro and The names of Such as has been removed from us by death
..John Rontfro

Although John was a member of this Welsh community church, it is believed he just roamed into the area and settled with these people, not that he had Welsh ties. All research points to his French/Scot background.
John Rentfro's house is mentioned in a coroner record at Court, 26 June 1707, Chester Co., PA , History of Chester Co., PA., G. Cope and J.S. Futhey. John Rentfro was a witness to the will of Thomas Rowland on Mar. 3, 1708 in Chester Co., Pa.
(Gilb ert Cope, Gen. & Pesn. Memoires of Chester & Deleward Cos., PA. II:435. Newberry Library E4854085)

In 1712 and 1718 John Rentfro witnessed to Quaker marriages in Chester Co., Pa. And appears on tax list in 1718-1719 in New Garden Township, Chester Co., Pa; 1724 Birmingham Township, Chester Co., Pa and 17 26 in Nottingham Township, Chester Co., Pa.
(NOTE: Although John was a witness to a Quaker marriage, there is no record he was a Quaker. He is on the Welsh Tract Baptist Church records. It was not necessary to be a Quaker to witness for them.)
At a Monthly meeting in East Nottingham, Cecil Co., Maryland (later Virginia) in 1734, John Renfro was witness to the wedding of Geo. Hollingsworth. Also present was Elizabeth Renfro (Maryland Arch. Annapolis, Film M564)

The will of Samuel Robinet, April 30, 1745, Chester Co., PA mentions Son-in-law, John Rentfro and grandson, George Rentfro (first mention of the given name, George), at Nottingham. (Book F (A 1) p 555, dated May 23, 1745. This will not only proves the Margaret Robinet, John Rentfro marriage but also proves that he was alive as late as 1745. Margaret was John's first wife.

Orange Co, Virginia. was formed from Spottsylvania in 1734.

North Carolina
Sometime after the death of Margaret, John moved to Edgecombe Co., N.C. and married Tomasin Simmons. Sometime in-between, John was in Frederick Co, Virginia where he witnessed a Quaker marriage. It should be pointed out that others than Quers did witness these marriages on occasion. John was on the Welsh Tract Baptist roll earlier. So many of his descendants were Baptist ministers in later generations. One Franklin County resident points out that some may have been Anglican, as Anglican services were held in some of the Rentfro homes prior to the Revolution.

John Rentfro's will was filed in Edgecombe Co., NC in 1748. WILL lists, Sons, George, Enoch & Jacob Ranfrow; wife, Tomasin and ?her two sons, William Ranfrow and James Ranfrow. (N.C. Wills, 1663-1 789, Vol XXVI:27, State Archives, Raliegh, NC. Wife, Tomsen Ranfrow and Matthew McKinney Executors.

Edgecombe Co., NC was formed from Bertie Co. in 1741. Later became Granville Co., laying on the South West side of the Roanoke River adjoining Virginia. Evidence that John was married to Tomasin Simmons is found in the property settled on her by her mother, presumably soon after her marriage.

Mary Simmons to John Rentfroe of Edgecombe Co., tailor, 14 Mar 1742/43 for the love and affection I bear my son, (son-in-law); 100 acres of land on the north side of Buck Swamp

---

It has been reported that John Rentfrow married probably three times.

He was first married in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

He then married in Frederick County, Virginia (Winchester in NW part of state.)

Thereafter, he moved to Edgecombe County, North Carolina where he married Tomesin (Simmons) Ridgens before 1742/3.

He left a will in Edgecombe County, North Carolina in 1748.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=clucas&id=I2583


Residence:
1734 witness marriage between George Hollingsworth and Hannah McKay. Wife Elizabeth also present. Cecil Co., MD. (later VA)

Property:
Edgecombe County, NC
Deed Book 5, p161
Mary Simmon of Edgecombe County
to John Renfroe of Edgecombe County, taylor
14 Mar 1742/3 for love, good will, and affection I bear my son 100 A on the north side of Bush Swamp joining Joseph Lane, and Bakers Branch all houses, orchards, gardens, etc. part of a grant to Edward Simmons, 17 Oct 1735
Wit: Walter MacFarlan, William Holley
Reg. Edgecombe County
May Ct 1743

(Abstract of Deeds, Edgecombe Precinct, 1732-1758, Hofmann, p. 182 #161


Will:
Will of John Rentfrow

W: 30 May 1748
P: Aug Ct 1748
Edgecombe County, NC

being very sick and weak of body

Sons: Enuch (Enoch) Renfrow, George Renfrow five shillings each and they are to have no further demands on my estate.

Wife: Tomasin Renfrow all my land for her lifetime and reversion to my son Jacob Renfrow. Rest of estate to be divided between my wife and her two sons William and James Renfrow.

Exec: Matthew MacKinne
Witnesses: John Haywood, Nathaniel Holly, John Evans

(Edgecombe County, NC Will Abstracts, 1732-1792, Golden West Marketing, page 68)
(NC Wills by Grimes, page 310.)

----
John Rentfro's will was filed in Edgecombe Co., NC in 1748. WILL lists, Sons, George, Enoch & Jacob Ranfrow; wife, Tomasin and her two sons, William Ranfrow and James Ranfrow. (N.C. Wills, 1663-1 789, Vol XXVI:27, State Archives, Raliegh, NC. Wife, Tomsen Ranfrow and Matthew McKinney Executors.

John married Margaret* Robinette about 1695. Margaret* (daughter of Samuel* Robinette, (immigrant) and Mary* Taylor, (immigrant)) was born in 1697 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania; died before 1733 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas* married Jane* Lucy about 1658 in England. Jane* was born in 1640 in England; died after 1660 in England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cambridge University Alumni, 1261-1900
Name: John Temple
College: PEMBROKE
Entered: 1647
BORN: 1632
Died: 10 Mar 1704

More Information:
Adm. pens. at PEMBROKE, Jan. 30, 1646-7.
Son of Sir John, of London, Knt., Master of the Rolls (for whom see D.N.B.).
B. 1632, in London.
Matric. 1647.
Student of Christ Church, Oxford (by the visitors), 1648. B.A. (Oxford) 1649;
M.A. 1652.
Adm. at Lincoln's Inn, May 4, 1650.
Called to the Bar, 1657.
Solicitor-General in Ireland, 1660-88.
M.P. for Carlow, 1661-6.
Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, 1661.
Knighted, Aug. 15, 1663.
Attorney-General of Ireland, 1690-5.
Purchased a home at East Sheen, Surrey.
Married Jane, dau. of Sir Abraham Yarner, of Ireland, Knt.
Died Mar. 10, 1704-5, aged 72.
Buried in Mortlake Church, Surrey.
Brother of William (1644) and doubtless father of Henry (1693).
(Al. Oxon.; A.B. Beaven; Lodge, V. 240; Manning and Bray, III. 139; D.N.B.)


Christened:
London, England, Church of England Baptism
City of London
St. Ann Blackfriars Parish 1560-1700

Name John Temple
Baptism Date 3 Apr 1632
Parish St Ann Blackfriars
County London
Borough City of London
Parent(s) John, Mary Temple, Temple
Record Type Baptism
Register Type Parish Register

John* married Jeane* (or Jane) Yarner (or Yernar) on 4 Aug 1663 in Michan, Dublin, Ireland. Jeane* (daughter of Sir Abraham* Yarner and Mary* Hammond (or Hamond)) was born about 1640 in Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; died in 1680 in England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
JOHN TEMPLE He married JEANE/JANE YERNAR August 4, 1663 in St Michan, Dublin, Ireland by Bishop Parker, Lord Bishop of Elfine.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Property: 14 Feb 1707, Marlborough, Chester Co, Pennsylvania
• Property: 28 Jul 1727, Marlborough, Chester Co, Pennsylvania

Notes:

Property:
One of the first public services to which he (Henry Hayes) was called to lay out a road from John Renthrow's, in Londongrove, probably near the present Chatham, by way of
Avondale and Kennett Square to the Anvil Tavern. This
was located on the 14th of February, 1707. On Nov. 28,
1710, he was appointed supervisor of roads in Marlborough, but at that time roads were very few.
book: Descendants of Henry Hayes


Property:
referenced in will of Hugh Morgan (2nd husband of his wife)
Hugh Morgan of Nottingham. 7/28/1727. April 6, 1728. A. 273. "To wife Mary all personal estate to bring up the children. To son John all my right to a tract of land that I look up in Co. with Thomas Jackson of Marlborough, lying next to the north of John Rentfroes."

John married Mrs. Mary Elizabeth* Thompson (?). Mary was born in Chester Co, Pennsylvania; died after 1728 in Chester Co, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

speculation that Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Rentfroe is same as Mary Thompson, widow of Hugh Morgan.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 1745, Chester Co, Pennsylvania

Notes:

Will:
The will of Samuel Robinet, April 30, 1745, Chester Co., PA mentions Son-in-law, John Rentfro and grandson, George Rentfro (first mention of the given name, George), at Nottingham. (Book F (A 1) p 555, dated May 23, 1745. This will not only proves the Margaret Robinet, John Rentfro marriage but also proves that he was alive as late as 1745. Margaret was John's first wife.

Samuel* married Mary* Taylor, (immigrant) about 1695 in Pennsylvania. Mary* (daughter of William* Taylor and Margaret* Finsham) was born about 1675 in Kakewick, Prestbury, Cheshire, England; died after 1677 in E. Nottingham Twp, Chester Co, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Samuel Robinette married MARY TAYLOR in Upper Providence Twp, Chester Co, PA, daughter of WILLIAM TAYLOR and MARGARET FINSHAM