Vol. 5. Page 7
unbroken succession for twelve generations down to the end of the 17th
century. And then, as regards one branch at least of the Featherstone family,
that to which the prisoner Cuthbert Featherstone belonged, the record of
strife and conflict give place to quite another story of actions none the less
heroic.
(note: 2 paragraphs about George Fox deleted here. C.M. "89)....
every
where he went, as he journeyed from place to place, some were found willing to
accept the simple faith he taught; and so it came about that, at a very early
period in the history of Quakerism, members of the Society of Friends were to
be found in remote Allendale. First and foremost among them were various
members of the Featherstone family.
The earliest records preserved tell of the persecution to which these
adherents of the new faith were subjected. In the year 1660 Cuthbert
Featherstone and twenty-three others were taken prisoners at a meeting at New
Shied, and carried off to Hexham where they were put into a "stinking
dungeon". The gaoler walled up the window, and would scarcely allow anything
to be brought to them. Some, if not all the little company were transferred
to Morpeth Gaol. They were all, however, freed at the Assizes by the King's
Proclamation, issued on the assession of Charles II. By this proclamation,
700 Freinds in different parts of the country were released from prison.
But Cuthbert Featherstone's troubles did not end here. In 1663, he was
taken by a writ for refusing to pay tithes, and again found himself a prisoner
in Morpeth Gaol from which he was not released until 1673. Ten years
imprisonment in such a loathsome dungeon would have quenched the zeal of most
men; not so Cuthbert Featherstone, who inherited not only the name, but also
the indominitable spirit of ancestors who knew not when they were beaten; and
so we find him giving his "Testimony Concerning Tyth".
"When I was convinced of God's Truth," he writes, "I took a consideration
about paying of tithes, and in the Light, I saw it to be the great uphold of
the false Anti-Christian Ministry which keeps many from the teachings of
God's Spirit, and I saw there was need to bear a faithful testimony against
it. And the tythers reckonings demanding of me cloth, wool and lamb, I
could not pay them any, but bare my testimony against it and all reckonings;
and whatever I saw was demanded in that kind; whereupon they came and broak
into my field and took away the best lamb of nine, and after, for bearing my
testimony against it, I was put in prison, yet I ever to this day have borne a
faithful testimony against it. Wherefore in the year 1676 and in the year
1677 they have in a plundering manner taken fower lambs more. This I give
under my hand the 28th day of the 10th month, 1677.
Cuthbert Featherstone.
Once again, nearly twenty years later, we catch a passing glimpse of this
venerable Apostle of Quakerism, when Thomas Story visited Allendale in 1696.
In his journal he tells how amongst the little company gathered together to
meet him was "our ancient and honorable Friend Cutherbert Featherstone". Then
he describes how, as they sat conversing together, their minds were drawn
under the canopy of Divine Silence, and he watched the tears trickle down the
furrowed cheeks and long white beard of his ancient Friend. And Thomas Story
adds, "I was greatly affected with love towards him from the same cause and
cont.......
Vol. 5.
Page 8
had this hope and confidence that, as I thus observed the Lord was as near His
children in old age (who had served Him faithfully from the time of their
Visitation) as when He revealed Himself through His Son Jesus Christ and
through our hearts - as He would be with me also in advanced age if I proved
faithful and true to the Lord and attained that degree. This encouragement in
the beginning of our journey, by that tender association in the presence of
the Lord, is not to be forgotten but kept in lasting remembrance to the
promise of the Lord our God.
Of the life of John. son of Cuthbert Featherstone, few details have been
preserved. His religious training and preparation for the battles of life
must have fallen largely to his mother for he was only two years old when in
1663 Cuthbert Featherstone was torn away from home and family never to return
for ten long years. We know that in 1701 he married Isabel Summers. The old
records describe him and his wife as "religious Friends who carefully educated
their children in principles of Faith."
submitted by: Connie Moretti
John Featherston head 47 carpenter VA VA VA
Martha Featherston wife 47 PA IRE IRE
William J. Featherston son 8 NJ VA PA
Margaretta Featherston dau 6 PA VA PA
John Featherston head Jul 1834 65 m. 30 yrs. VA VA VA
Martha S. Featherston wife Dec 1832 67 2 ch/2 liv. PA IRE IRE
William Featherston head Aug 1871 28 m. 5 yrs. NJ VA PA
Mary C. Featherston wife Sep 1874 25 0 ch I A GER GER
John Fetherston head Nov 1858 41 m. 20 yrs. VA VA VA
Lettie Fetherston wife Apr 1859 41 7 ch/6 liv. IA IRE IRE
Walter Fetherston son Apr 1881 19 IA VA IA
Cora Fetherston dau Jun 1883 16 IA VA IA
Freddie Fetherston son Jun 1885 14 IA VA IA
Katie Fetherston dau Jul 1889 10 IA VA IA
Gregory Fetherston son Oct 1893 6 IA VA IA
Elmer J. Fetherston son Oct 1895 4 IA VA IA
submitted by: Mrs. I.D. Oakley.
Next Page
Vol. 5.
Page 9
In a letter written by J.H. Sharpe, M.D., from San Augustine, Texas, the
writer identified himself as the son of Phoebe Featherston. the daughter of
Henry, who married M.D.L.F. Sharpe. The letter was written in longhand and
the person who typed it found some of it illegible, stating that it is
believed to be dated in 1893. The letter contains the following, which
apparently deals with the presidential election of 1840, when General William
Henry Harrison was elected to the presidency:
When the first Gen. Harrison was a candidate on the Whig ticket
for the Presidency, the Democrats of Nashville charged him with
being an Abolitionist - the Whigs ___ ___ ___ called it ___
lies, etc. Two or three Democrats got on their horses - went to
Virginia - where Gen. Harrison moved to from Ohio - got the Church
books of which he was a member there, and in them found the ___
and by-laws of the Abolition Society, and Gen. Harrison's name was
the first one on it, and my grandfather Henry Featherstone, was the
second name. This can be seen in the files of the Nashville Union
of that date. That is where I read it.
Two of his young Negro ___ (free) came with him to Tennessee.
I knew them well when five or six years old. That ___ the records
in the paper. But he got tired of his Abolitionism - went back to
Virginia, bought more Negroes and gave my mother a nurse - and that
nurse raised 10 or 15 children and died here on this place 10 or 15
years ago.
I never saw my Grandfather but one time that I can remember.
Then he was confined to his house and bed with extreme old age.
JFH: The above item (among others) was submitted and approved for publication
with a request that the submitter's name not be used.
Amelia Co., Virginia. Will Book 2X. p. 316
April 26, 1770 - Inventory and Appraisal of estate of William Featherston
Includes among other items five slaves named Abram, Jack, Ben, Bob and
Sam. Total value 319 pounds 15 shillings 9 pence.
Amelia Co.. Virginia. Will Book 3. 1780-1786
In the Name of God Amen I Lewis Featherstone of Amelia County and Parish of
Nottoway being in perfect memory and mind do appoint this my Last will and
Testament — Item I give & bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth Featherstone
one negro woman named Aggy, one negro boy named Dick, one negro boy named
Dego, one negro boy named Jim, one feather bed & furniture one half of my
stock of horses, cattle, hogs & sheep also one blew side saddle which she has
in possesion also all the Pewter that came by her, all of which I give to her
to dispose of as she shall think proper. I also lend to my loving wife
Elizabeth one negro man named Joe, one negro man named Sam, one negro man
named Ben all which I lend her during her widowhood --------cont.....
Vol. 5.
Page 10
ITEM I give & bequeath to my brother Charles Howel Featherstone one negro man
named David also one feather Bed & Furniture also all my Pewter that I have
not already given also all my stock of cattle, horses, hogs & sheep that I
have not already given also two brass mounted guns also my blacksmiths tools
all which I give to him —— when he comes of age or marrys all which I give
to him & his heirs forever —— It is further my desire, that the three negroes
that I have lent my wife and all the rest of my estate that I have not already
given may be equally divided between all my brothers & sisters it is my will
and desire that my estate may not be appraised, and lastly I do appoint my
brother William Featherstons & Charles Featherstone my Executors of this my
Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal this fourteenth day January 1781.
Signed sealed & Delivered
in presence of /s/ Lewis Featherstone (Seal)
Peter Jones
Robert (X) Hinton
Mary (X) Clardy
December 21, 1781 - Inventory of the estate of Lewis Featherston, deed.
Includes seven negro slaves. Recorded June 27, 1782. (I have only the
abstract of these two inventories; however we do have a photocopy of the will
of Lewis Featherston - in the will dated Jan. 14, 1781, Lewis gives and
bequeaths to "loving wife Elizabeth Featherston"
one negro woman named Aggy
one negro boy named Dick
one negro boy named Dego
one negro boy named Jim
"These she may dispose of as she shall think proper"
He also Lends to "Loving wife Elizabeth during her widowhood"
one negro man named Joe
one negro man named Sam
one negro man named Ben
And to "my brother Charles Howel Featherston"
one negro man named David (and various other items)
"when he comes of age or marrys"
Not dated - Inventory of the estate of William Featherston. Deceased
Returned and ordered recorded February 28, 1788
Includes among other items three slaves named Robin, Abram, and Dego
Total value 482 pounds 1 shilling 3 pence
(Note by BGF: This is William Grigg Featherston. Apparently Abram came to
him from his father's estate. Dego was one of the slaves given by Lewis
Featherston to his wife Elizabeth; perhaps Wm. Grigg Featherston bought Dego
from his sister-in-law).
NEXT PAGE
Vol. 5.
Page 11
Nottoway Co.. Virginia. Will Book 1, 1789-1802. p. 25
Will of Charles Howell Featherston
In the name of God Amen The Twelfth day of January one thousand seven
hundred and ninty one I Charles H. Featherston of the County of Nottoway being
sick in body but of good sound mind do make Constitute, order and declare this
my last Will and Testament in manner and form following. Item: I will that
all my Just Debts be paid. Item: I give and bequeath to Lewis Featherston
son of Elizabeth Featherstone the Tract of Land whereon I now live, which sd
Land I desire to be rented out at the discretion of my Executors untill the
said Lewis Featherstun shall arrive at the age full age of Twenty one years
and the profits arriving from such rents likewise given to the said Lewis
Featherstun when of full age it is also my will and desire that fifty pounds
Current money of Virginia be Raised and levied out of my Estate for the said
Lewis Featherstone be kept for him untill the time above mentioned Item It is
my desire that my personal Estate be kept together until a Crop be made on the
plantation, and then Equally Divided between Burwell Featherstone and Luke
Clarke —
I also appoint Burwell Featherstun and Luke Clarke Executors to this my
last will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal the Day and year before Written
Signed Acknowledged /s/ Chas. H. Featherstun (Seal)
And Delivered in presents of
A(?)mey Davis
Lewis Vaughn
James Davis
p. 26
It is my will and Desire that whatsoever I have given or willed to Lewis
Featherstone son of Elizabeth Featherstun shall return to Burwell Featherstone
and Luke Clarke Equally Provided the sd Lewis Featherstone Should die without
a Lawful 1 Heir, or before he arrives to full age but not else
Witness: /s/ Chas. H. Featherstun (Seal)
A(?)mey Davis
Lewis Vaughn
James Davis
Note: No record of probate of this will was given on this photostat.
submitted by: Brenda G. Fischler
1659-1820
Perquimans Precinct North Carolina
John Coles the son of James Coles of Virginia In Nancymum County Was Marryed
to Elizabeth Tederton? (Federton?) ye daughter of William Tederton And
Margaret His Wife ye 5 day of Janeuary Anno Corn 1698 by Mr. John Barrow,
Justis.
Next Page
Vol. 5.
Page 12
Twenty-ninth edition
Garland Co., AR Historical Society 1988
FULTON
The earliest known ancestor of this family was John Fulton b. 1726, MD,
d. 4 Aug 1754, St. Parish Church. Baltimore Co.. MD, wife Hannah Norris born
1742, issue eight:
1. Cassandra Fulton, b. 1757
2. Wm. Fulton, b. 1759
3. Alexis Fulton, b. 1761
4. Letetia Fulton, b. 1763
5. James Fulton, b. 1765. NJ
6. Priscilla Fulton, b. 1768
7. Savannah Fulton, b. 1770
8. Rachael Fulton, b. 1772
(This information from Bush River Lower Hundred Census taken Aug. 15, 1776,
Hartford Co., Maryland.)
No. 5 above, James B. Fulton b. 21 Jan. 1765, Bordentown, Burlington Co., NJ
d. 26 Apr 1848 York Co., SC, m. 27 May 1787. Montgomery Co., Maryland to
Anastasia Tuel b. 9 Oct 1763 near Georgetown, Maryland d. York, York Co., SC
dau. of Wm. Tuel & wife Rachel Offutt, issue nine, all born York. York Co., SC
1. Rachel Offutt Fulton, b. 22 Jun 1788. m. 23 Dec 1808 Buday W. Wheeler
2. Ezekiel Tuel Fulton, b. 28 Apr 1791, d. 10 Apr 1816
3. Elalah Pratt Fulton, b. 30 Jun 1793, m. 18 Oct 1803 Richard Featherston
4. Horatio Sparburn Fulton, b. 16 Jun 1795, m. 21 Feb 1822, Gil ley James
5. Theodore D. Fulton, b. 15 Apr 1698. m. 1821 Elizabeth Parker
6. Amarandah E. Fulton, b. 20 Sep 1799, d. 14 Apr 1801
7. Arcbelah Clement Fulton, b. 8 Feb 1802, m. 16 Sep 1819 Daniel James
8. Daniel Asberry Fulton, b. 5 Aug 1804, m. 4 Jan 1827 Elizabeth Blalock
9. James W. Fulton, b. 11 Nov 1807, m. 10 Aug 1837 Mary Cleromon
(This information taken from James B. Fulton's Revolutionary Pension
application. The family listings were from a Bible. James B. Fulton entered
the service of the United States in May 1781 under Captain Richard Wall is of
the 3rd Maryland Regiment commanded by Col. Aarons and was attached to General
Gist's Brigade under the command of General Washington. His company first
rendesvoused at Georgetown and marched from there to Annapolis. Still in the
company of the same officers, they marched to Yorktown where he remained in
active service in the beseiging Army. Fulton had the honor of bearing his
part in the action which resulted in the capture of Lord Cornwall is. At age
68, he filed for a pension on 28 Oct 1833, and rec'd $22.00 per year.)
29 Nov 1790. Sally Featherston and Roily Harwell. Lincoln Co.
1 Jul 1797. Susanna Featherston and Henry Gaines. Lincoln Co.
Bondsman/Witness: Roily Harwell cont...
Vol. 5.
Page 13
5 Nov 1799. M.N. Featherston and Milly Mills. Rutherford Co.
Bondsman/Witness: Ambrose Mills
6 Jul 1802. Nancy Featherston and Gardner Harwell. Lincoln Co.
Bondsman/Witness: John Allen / Rolly Harwell.
29 Apr 1809. William Featherston and Caty Spencer. Lincoln Co.
Bondsman/Witness: John Spencer
2 Feb 1846. Jasper N. Featherston and Elizabeth Rhyne. Lincoln Co.
Bndsman/Witness: Adam Cloninger
20 Nov 1846. Sarah Featherston and Levi Clemmer. Lincoln Co.
Bondsman/Witness: George Clemmer / Andy Hogh
26 Jan 1848. James W. Featherston and Nancy J. Walton. Person Co.
Bondsman//Witness: Sidney Walton
3 Sep 1854. Isabella G. Featherston and Richard Crowder. Person Co.
Bondsman/Witness: Wm. J. Ellott/Ambrose Jones
20 Jul 1858. Hariett A. Featherston and Daniel J. Donly. Wake Co.
Bondsman/Witness: William N. Andre
15 Dec 1858. George A. Featherston and Elizabeth J. Bowe. Caswell Co.
Bondsman/Witness: Robert Newman
22 Apr 1867. Polly (Blanch) Featherston and Samuel Long. Caswell Co.
14 Nov 1867. Thomas W. Featherston and Virginia Richmond. Caswell Co.
Final Rolls Citizens By Marriage - ages calculated to 25 Sept 1902
Number Name age sex Blood Card #
301 Featherston, Lucius C. 49 M IW 3226
Henry B. 37 M IW 4520
Viola 31 F IW 4531
Final Rolls of Citizens & Freemen of the Five Civilized Tribes 25 Sep 1909
9313 Featherston, Mittie A. 29 F 1/8 3221
Charles C. 10 M 1/16 3221
Willis F. 8 M 1/16 3221
Lucius C., Jr. 7 M 1/16 3221
Henry B. 6 M 1/16 3221
James T. 4 M 1/16 3221
Edward M. 2 M 1/16 3221
Choctaw Freemen 25 Sept 1909
5450 Featherston, Sallie 58 F 1564
5454 " John 27 M 1564
5455 " Clement 12 M 1564
5465 " Matthew 30 M 1567
5466 " Norene 7 F 1565
5467 " Roma 5 F 1565
5468 " Mathew B. 4 M 1565
submitted by; James W. Callahan,
Vol. 5.
Page 13a
The BRANCHES section of FEATHERSTON FINDINGS presents an opportunity for
all of those interested in our heritage to record our direct descent.
These BRANCHES are not confined to the spelling of Featherston, but may also
include Featherstone, Featherstun, etc. If you have not yet sent in your
BRANCH, please do so as soon as possible. I encourage you to take advantage
of this FREE SERVICE.
These BRANCHES will be published in the order in which they are received
or at my discretion. Every effort will be made to transcribe material exactly
as it is submitted. However, if errors occur in this transcription process,
please let me know, so I can make corrections in a future volume. If, while
typing your lineage for publication, there is a doubt as to the spelling of
your surname, the spelling of Featherston will be used.
These BRANCHES may be added to or corrected in future volumes.
Therefore, it is not necessary to wait until you have completed your research
before submitting your lineage for publication. Although we all may have best
intentions of permanently recording our findings, too often the family
historian passes away or becomes too ill to continue research work and those
years of research are lost forever.
By publishing your BRANCH and research material in FEATHERSTON FINDINGS
you not only protect your family information, but help future researchers find
their elusive family heritage.
You may submit your lineage in the form found in this section or you may
submit the information on Family Group Sheets. It is not so important how you
submit your lineage, but that you do submit it. Please cite your sources
whenever possible.
If you find you are fortunate enough to connect with an established
branch already in print, please let me know. The branches will be merged in
a future volume, the earlier branch number will be maintained, and later
number be eliminated. Perhaps we may eventually find a common ancestor and
become one large family!
Joyce Featherston Hawkins