family history - sellers family genealogy

FAMILY HISTORY
JOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
SELLERS
By Carol Sellers Herbert (Viola Carol Sellers, born 1943), Daughter of George Grover Sellers, born 1907,
Son of Daniel Crawford Sellers, born 1885. Compiled August, 2010
Daniel Crawford Sellers, born 1885
My grandfather is Daniel Crawford Sellers, born16 Mar 1885 in Johnston County, North
Carolina, and died 28 Nov 1949 in Johnston County, North Carolina. He married, first, Viola
Capps, born 1892 in Johnston County, North Carolina, and died in childbirth 12 Sept 1930. They
had one son, my father, George Grover Sellers, born 3 March 1907 in Johnston County, North
Carolina.
Daniel Crawford Sellers and Viola were divorced after the son’s birth. Daniel Crawford married
Smithie Pittman in 1909. They had 13 children. Viola then married Ed Orrell and had 12
children. Viola Capps line is traced to the original immigrant in Jamestowne, Virginia.
The above is documented by both family and County records of births and marriages and
divorce.
George William Sellers, born 1858
George W. (William) Sellers was the father of Daniel Crawford Sellers. George W. Sellers was
born 7 April 1858, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He died 12 July 1922, in Johnston
County, North Carolina.
George W. Sellers married. Elizabeth Catherine Futrell, who was born 30 Oct. 1859, in Johnston
County, North Carolina, and died 8 November 1948, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She
was the daughter of Daniel Crawford Futrell and Pachie Caroline Peeden. Both the Futrell and
Peeden lines have been traced to the original immigrants to Virginia. The Peedens were in Isle of
Wight, Virginia, in the 1600’s and 1700’s and interacted there with the Sellers, Edwards, and
Gurleys in land transactions, will, and marriages.
The children of George W. and Elizabeth Catherine are
1. Viola Maud, b. 6 Feb. 1880 m. Mal Richardson
2. Reneaton (Male) b. 2 Dec 1882, died as a child
3. Martha b. 24 Oct 1884 m Leroy Hatcher
4. Daniel Crawford, b.16 Mar 1885 m. Viola Capps
5. Undine b. 9 Nov. 1888 m. Nerry Hatcher
6. Jessie (Male) 18 Dec. 1890 m Iode Bradwell
7. Eula b. 23 Feb 1893 m. Willie Wood
8. Minnie b. 27 Dec 1894 m. Bennie F. Nicholas
9. Patience b. 2 July 1897 m. Captain Flowers
10. Kate 24 June 1899, died as a child
11. Mary Noble, 1 June 1902 m. Alonzo Z. Thompson
The above is documented by family records and Johnston County records of birth, deaths,
census, marriage, and Court Minutes.
Daniel Sellers, born 1828
George William Sellers' father was Daniel Sellers. Daniel Sellers was born 10 September 1828,
in Johnston County, North Carolina. He died 6 September 1884, in Johnston County, North
Carolina (from gravestone in Selma City Cemetery, Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina,
also "husband of Sarah" on gravestone).He married 13 October 1856, Sarah Ann Blackman who
was born 9 Jun 1834, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She died 5 Jan 1888 (from gravestone
in Selma City Cemetery, Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina also "wife of Daniel" on
gravestone). The Blackman line is traced to the original immigrant.
The children of Daniel and Sarah are
1. George William Sellers b. 7 Apr. 1858 m. Elizabeth Catherine Futrell
2. Nancy b. 1858 ( a twin)
3. Mary Winnie b. 11 Apr. 1861
4. John H. b. 27 Aug 1863 m Mary Carter (?)
5. Laurendie b. 21 June 1866
6. Sally b. 8 Oct 1868 ("sister" of George W. in 1880 Census in George W.'s household)
Documentation for Daniel follows:
Daniel Sellers b. circa 1828
Johnston County, North Carolina
Daniel Sellers and his wife Sarah were buried in the Selma City Cemetery. Daniel’s gravestone shows a
birth date of 10 September 1828, a death date of 6 September 1884, and is inscribed “husband of
Sarah.” Sarah’s gravestone shows a birth date of 9 June 1834, a death date of 5 June 1888, and is
inscribed “wife of Daniel.”
Census Records
In the 1880 Census Daniel (51) and Sarah (45) appear with their unmarried children: Nancy A., Winnie,
John H., and Laurendia.
In the 1870 Census Daniel (39) and Sarah (30) appear with all their children of record: George W. (my
ancestor), Nancy A., Mary W. (Winnie), John H., Laurendia, and Sally.
Daniel (24) and Sarah (26) first appear together in the 1860 Johnston County Census with twins: George
William Sellers (my ancestor) and Nancy A., both born in 1858. Cemetery records establish their date of
birth as 7 April 1858.
In the 1850 Census there are two Daniels, one age 18 (or 28) and one 22.
Daniel, age 18 (or 28) is living in the household of Penelope Holt (38), her 6 children, and apparently
another boarder John Hollowell (33), an ostler.
Daniel, age 22, is living in the household of William H. Sellers (24), Faithey Sellers (75), Martha Sellers
(23).
The 1840 Census shows two household from which these young Sellers boys could have come:
1. Maria (Moriah) Sellers: 2 M 10-15 (Daniel and William H.), 1 F 30-40 (Moriah), 1 F 50-60 (Faithey)
2. Benjamin Sellers: 2 M under5 (Richard and William Benjamin), 1 M 5-10 (Daniel), 1 M 10-15 (Alsey), 1
M 50 to 60 (Benjamin), 1 F under 5 (Lucretia) , 2 F 5-10 (Mourning and Betsey), 2 F 10-15 (Luvenia and
Martha), 1 F 40-50 (wife Sally Taylor).
Marriages in Johnston County
Johnston County Marriage Bonds show a record of Daniel Sellers to Sarah Ann Blackman 13 Oct. 1856.
Johnston County Marriage Records show a marriage between Daniel A. Sellers and Patsy Jane Peeden
30 June 1859. An Augustus (31) and Patsy (20) appear together with no children in the 1860 Census. So
this Daniel A. who married Patsey Jane Peeden must be Daniel Augustus Sellers.
Two Daniels
One is the Daniel who marries Sarah Ann in 1856 (my ancestor) and the other is Daniel Augustus who
marries Patsy Jane Peeden in 1859.
In which household in 1840 did each young Daniel live? Benjamin’s or Maria (Moriah)’s? We will
distinguish them by referring to them as “Daniel” and “Daniel A.” Daniel is my ancestor, not Daniel A.
Johnston County Deeds
1. From “The Heritage of Johnston County,” pub. 1985, p. 77-78:
“Late in 1866 Col. John W. Sharpe came to Mitchner’s Station looking for naval stores for a Virginia
Company. He was impressed by the tar and turpentine available in the rich pine forests of central
Johnston County and decided that the station would be a good site for a town. Upon investigation of
the Mitchner property and titles, it was found that minor heirs were involved, and it would take quite
some time to unravel the tangle, so he met with Daniel Sellers, another local land owner and purchases
50 acres of land. He convinced the North Carolina Railroad to move their depot and train stop to this
location and named it Selma, possibly after the Alabama town of Selma, his hometown. The land was
surveyed and plotted by Charles Massey, the Johnston County surveyor. On May 1, 1867, a sale of lots
was held at the station on its new lot. Very few lots brought as much as $100.”
In fact, the deed recorded 20 April 1867 was for 219 acres sold by Daniel Sellers and his wife Sarah Ann
for $3100 to John W. Sharpe. This property was subdivided in the deed and became the town of Selma.
Adjacent land remained in the hands of Daniel and Sarah Ann. Daniel states in this deed that the land
was part of the lands conveyed to him by G.W. Collier 28 February 1850 and by J.T. Linch 25 September
1855. I have copies of this deed and the following one to Cynthia, wife of Alsey.
On the 29th of January 1868 Daniel and Sarah sold land adjacent to the above property to Cynthia
Sellers, wife of Alsey, “as her sole and separate property free of the liabilities of her husband Alsey.”
This deed indicates a close relationship between Daniel and Sarah Ann with Alsey and his wife. This
Daniel and Alsey are probably brothers. Alsey (25) appears in the 1850 Census, married to Cynthia(23)
with two small children. There is a marriage record of Alsey Sellers to Cynthia Milliner 13 June 1846. He
is also in the 1860, 1870, 1880 Censuses.
Johnston County School Reports 1841
School District No. 16: Moriah Sellers-William Henry and Gusten
Johnston County Court Minutes by W. Haun
Vol. 16 p.78 1841 Ordered William H. Sellers and Augustus Sellers to be brought to the next court to be
bound out.
Which Daniel is Daniel and which is Daniel A.?
The above Court Minutes and School Reports are the most significant clue to sorting out the Daniels.
William H. and Daniel Agustus (Gusten) live in Moriah’s household. The two boys, 10-15, living in Maria
(Moriah)’s household in 1840 do not have a male in the household. This is one situation that gave rise to
boys being bound out. By identifying William H. (14) and Augustus (12) together the court also helps us
place these two boys in the household of women, Maria (Moriah)’s rather than in Benjamin Sellers’s
household. It is Daniel Augustus who is the brother of William H. and is in the 1850 household with
cousin Martha and Great Aunt Faithey. This is the same household headed by Cuzzy/Casa Sellers
(widow of Sampson) in 1810, 1820, 1830. The location is the same…same district and same neighbors,
and ages of household members are consistent between 1830 and 1840.
The Daniel who acquires property and later marries Sarah Ann Blackman is living in Penelope Holt’s
household. Penelope Holt is the daughter-in-law of Etheldred Holt, who is the brother of William Holt.
The Holt’s land joins the Howell and Massey land. These families have had relationships as neighbors, in
land transactions, and even as marriage bondsmen with Sampson Sellers and his sons, including
Benjamin Sellers.
The father Benjamin Sellers disappears from official records after 1840 except for his home being
mentioned as the place of Richard Sellers’s marriage and his mortality record at age 90 in Selma in the
1870 Census and Mortality Records. Maria (Moriah), the other head of household in 1840, appears in
the 1850 Mortality Record. She died in 1849 at age 45 of a “nervous fever.” Thus, we are relying on
land and court records to determine which Daniel is in which household.
Conclusions
1.Daniel Sellers who married Sarah Ann Blackman is the brother of Alsey and one of the sons of
Benjamin, son of Sampson and Cuzzy.. The Daniel A. Sellers who lives with William H. is a son of
Moriah ( wife of a brother of Benjamin who died prior to 1830 is indicated by the DNA Footnote
below) and grandson of Sampson and Cuzzy.
2.The above conclusion and the composition of the households in 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 account for
all the Sellers that appear in Census, land, and marriage records of Johnston County in 1850, 1860, and
1870.
Footnote: Confederate War Records
The Daniel Sellers who married Sarah Ann Blackman did not serve as a soldier in the Confederate Army.
However, he supported the war effort by selling supplies to the Confederacy. There are records of his
animals and crops that were sold to the Army.
William H. and Daniel A. both enlisted in the Confederate Army.
William H. Sellers became an officer. He never appears in another land or Census record in North
Carolina. I have not been able to locate his wife and children. It is possible that after the War they went
west with the thousands of other soldiers who chose to go. Perhaps one of his descendants will trace
this line.
Daniel A. Sellers (in Richard Wright’s Battalion of North Carolina) died 19 September 1863 of chronic
diarrhea in General Hospital #2 in Wilson, North Carolina. I am not able to positively identify this Daniel
A. as the Johnston County Daniel A. However, Daniel A. and Patsy Jane appear in no more North
Carolina records that I have found. If the Daniel A. who died is not the Johnston County Daniel A.,
perhaps he and Patsey Jane moved with William H. after the War.
Footnote: DNA records
My brother Steve (George Stephen Sellers, born January 31, 1944) did the DNA testing with 67 markers.
This DNA sample is almost a perfect match with a descendant of Alsey Sellers.
There is a Bastardy bond which shows Daniel A. Sellers as the named father of a child by Zilpha Pace. A
descendant of this son, McDaniel Pace, has been DNA tested. This DNA sample is a close match to
Steve’s, though not as close as the Alsey descendant.
These results are another piece of evidence that Daniel and Alsey are brothers, cousins of the William H.
and Daniel A. Sellers in the household of Maria (Moriah) and Cuzzy.
See the DNA Records included in the Appendix.
Benjamin Sellers II, born circa 1780
Benjamin Sellers II was the father of Daniel Sellers. Benjamin II was born circa 1780, based on Census,
Military, and Marriage records, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He died in August 1870 at the age
of 90 years old in Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina. He married Sally Taylor, 5 August 1820, in
Johnston County, North Carolina. Her line has not yet been traced (as of July 2010). They had 11
children, according to Census records. The children are named below in the documentation.
Documentation regarding Benjamin Sellers II and his children follow:
Benjamin Sellers II, b. circa 1780
Johnston County, North Carolina
Benjamin II appears by name in Johnston County in the Johnston County North Carolina Militia in the
War of 1812, along with John Sellers (probably Benjamin's brother), Second Regiment, Eighth Company,
detached from the Johnston Regiment. (Johnston County Militia Records, War 0f 1812.)
Johnston County Marriage Records
He married Sally Taylor, 5 August 1820, with Adin Powell as bondsman. George Sellers(probably
Benjamin's brother) paid poll tax in Capt. Adin Powells District during the years 1802-1805.
Johnston County Census Records
Benjamin II does not appear in the 1820 Census. However, he is in the 1830 Johnston County Census: 1
M 40-50 (b. 1780-1790) dates that are consistent with Benjamin II, 1M under 5 (b. 1825-1830), 1 F 30-40
(Sally, b. 1790-1800), 2 F 5-10 (b. 1820-1825), 2 F under 5 (b. 1825-1830).
Benjamin II is also in the 1840 Census: 1 M 50-60 (b. 1780-1790), 1 M. 10-15 (1825-1830), 1 M under 510 (b. 1830-35), 2 M under 5 (b. 1835-1840), 1 F 40-50 (Sally b. 1790-1800), 2 F 10-15 (1825-1830), 2 F 510 (b. 1830-1835), 1 F under 5 (b. 1835-1840). The two females shown in the 1830 Census b. 1820-25
are no longer in the household. Are their marriages in Johnston County for two Sellers' girls between
1835-1840?
Johnston County Deeds by W. Haun
Benjamin II witnesses two deeds from Powell's to Stephens in 1820, and in 1823 he witnessed an estate
transaction by William Pilkington in the Estate of Joseph Edwards.
Tax Records by W. Haun
Benjamin II appears in the following Johnston County Tax lists:
1.
Capt Alfred Whitley's District 1813 (1WP) near Allen Collins, Thomas Edwards, Ingram, Powell,
Joshua Creech Jr. & Sr., William Massey, William Teal. These families all live near the Sampson County
line (in same area as Sampson Sellers and Benjamin (B) Sellers I.
2.
Capt. William H. Guys District 1816 (1WP). Same people as above.
3.
Capt. Daniel Boons District in 1817 (1WP) near Ralph Massey, William Massey, Edin Rhodes, Mill
Creek area John Sellers with Benjamin.
4.
Capt. Daniel Boons District 1818 (1 WP), Same area as above. John is still with Benjamin.
5.
Capt. William Brady’s District in 1819. Joseph Farmer (neighbor on 1830 Census) paid 1 WP for
Benjamin near Jacob Daughtry, Collins, Edin Rhodes (Mill Creek, Bentonville area).
6.
Capt. William Brady’s District in 1820. Benjamin (1WP). James is with him. Same people and
area as above. Since they (Benjamin and John) are both paying poll tax, they are under age 45. This
places them born circa after 1775. This is consistent with other records
Benjamin is clearly in Johnston County during the years from 1812 to 1823 even though he does not
appear in the 1820 Census.
Johnston County Court Minutes by W. Haun
Vol. 1823-26 #10 1823 Benjamin Sellers wit. Charles Stevens, adm. of John Farmer
Vol. 1823-26 #81 Benjamin Sellers proved deed Willie Atkinson to Joseph Edwards (same location as
Abraham and James on tax lists)
Vol. 1827-1830 #102 1829 Benjamin Sellers took oath of insolvency in case Oliver Williams vs. Benjamin
Sellers; same court Jonathan Britt vs. Benjamin Sellers-Sellers in custody of Sheriff.
Vol. 1835-1838 #148 1838 State vs. Benjamin Sellers for petty larceny. 20 lashes on back.
Vol. 1835-1838 #154 1838 Benjamin Sellers in prison for the petty larceny.
Other records
There are only two appearances of Benjamin II in Johnston County records after 1840:
1. 16 May 1855 Richard W. Sellers marries Elizabeth Hedgepeth at Benjamin Sellers's, performed by
William H. Sellers J.P.
2. Mortality Record August, 1870: Benjamin Sellers dies in Selma, North Carolina (where Daniel and
Alsey live) in 1870. The record states “ b. ca 1780, 90 years old, WM, cancer.”
CONCLUSIONS
1.
Benjamin II has to be the son of Sampson Sellers and Cuzzy, as there is no other Sellers with sons
in Johnston County at this time. Benjamin I has only daughters in his household in 1787, and he does not
appear in the 1790 Census.
2.
Benjamin II lives in the same area as Sampson.
3.
Benjamin has relationships with the same families as Sampson and the earlier Benjamin.
4.
Benjamin probably supports the household of his mother Cuzzy and the daughters and
grandchildren living with them. That he is financially strapped is evidenced by his conviction and
punishment for petty larceny in 1835-38.
5.
Benjamin was well thought of by his neighbors. He witnessed deeds; Joseph Farmer paid poll
tax for him, and his children lived with and married among the local families in the 1840' and 50's.
6.
Based on Census and Marriage records, Benjamin's children were probably
(1)
F Unknown, b. 1820-25 (out of household in 1840)
(2)
F Unknown, b. 1820-25 (out of household in 1840)
(3)
Alsey Sellers, b. 1824 m. Cynthia Milliner 13 June 1846. In 1850,60 etc. Census with wife and
children.
(4)
Martha Sellers, b. 1827 m. Jonathan Colyer 1866 (brother Richard bondsman)
(5)
Daniel Sellers b. 1828 (per gravestone) m. Sarah Ann Blackman 13 Oct 1856 (Adin Powell
bondsman).
(6)
Luvenia Sellers b. 1831 m. Herrin Creech 1 Mar 1849.
(7)
Betsey Sellers b. 1830 m. John Sasser 9 Dec 1846.
(8)
Mourning Sellers b. 1833 m. Isaac Stallings 13 Apr 1854
(9)
Richard W. Sellers b. 1835 m. Elizabeth Hedgepath 16 May 1855
(10)
Lucretia Sellers b. 1837 m. James Peeden 16 May 1854
(11)
William Sellers b. 1840 (living with Daniel in 1860-20 yrs) or Benjamin Sellers (1870-30 yrs) m.
Minerva. It is possible that both of these were sons, but census records show that at least one was a
son.
Sampson Sellers, born circa 1747
It is probable that Sampson Sellers, born circa 1747, probably in Northampton County, North Carolina, is
the father of Benjamin Sellers II. He died after 1798 and before 1810, according to land and Census
records. He married Cuzzy (Casa) circa 1779 or 1780, based on their having two sons in 1784-87 Tax List
and Census of Johnston County, North Carolina. Cuzzy’s surname is unknown at the present time (July
2010).
Documentation for Sampson, Cuzzy, and for their other sons (Benjamin I’s is above) follow:
Sampson Sellers, b. circa 1747
Johnston County, North Carolina
The first mention of a Sampson Sellers in North Carolina is as chain carrier on a survey crew in Orange
County (just to the east and North of Johnston County) in 1760. He buys property in Johnston County in
1768.
In the 1784-87 Johnston County census and tax list Sampson appears, age 21-60 (b.1727-61), with 2
boys under 21 and 1 female. He has 640 acres of land. He owns no slaves. Benjamin Sellers appears on
this same record with 1 M over 21, 7 F. He is probably Sampson’s older brother. In the 1790 Johnston
County Census Sampson appears, age over 16, with three boys under 16 and 1 female. Benjamin does
not appear in this Census. He probably died before 1790.
A Sampson also appears in the 1790 Richmond County Census, age over 16, 3 boys under 16, and 3
females. He owns slaves.
There are no Sellers that can be read in the 1800 Johnston County Census. This census is badly
fragmented and what there is is hard to read.
However, there are two Sampson Sellers in 1800 Richmond County. Sampson (1) age over 45(b. before
1755), with 2 boys under 10, and 1 female over 45. He owns 6 slaves. Sampson (2) age over 45(b. before
1755), 1 boy under 10, 2 boys, 10-15, 2 females 26-44, and 1 female over 45. He owns 4 slaves.
In 1810, the only Sampson Sellers in ANY Census is Sampson Sellars in Montgomery County, bordering
Richmond on the northeast, 1 M over 45 with 3 slaves. After that the only Sampson Sellers I could find
is mulatto living in South Carolina just below the Richmond County boundary. Is this the son of one of
the Mongomery County/Richmond County Sampson and a slave whom he has freed?
Since the 1810 Johnston County Census is clear and readable, it is likely that the Johnston County
Sampson died prior to 1810.
Secretary of State Land Office Records: Land Warrants, Plats of Survey, etc.
Orange County: 1760,1761 Survey of 700 acres owned by Benjamin Landrum. Orange County: Mill
Creek, Rocky River Plat. Chain carriers: Timothy Terrell and Sampson Sellers.
Johnston County: 1778, 1779 Land Warrant to Sampson Sellers, 2 sections on Black Creek.
1779, 1782 Land Warrant to Sampson Sellers, 2 sections on Hannah Creek
and Mill Creek.
Richmond County: 1795, 1797 Land Warrant to Sampson Sellers, 2 Sections on Big Buffalo
Creek
Montgomery County: 1803,1807 Land Warrant to Sampson Sellers on Mountain Creek.
Johnston County Deeds by W. Haun:
Vol. II, p.310 1768 Sampson Sellers purchased land from Thomas Chambers. Both men of Johnston
County. John Tines and Nathan Gurley wit. (Sampson must be at least 21, b. by 1747)
Vol. 1, p.531 4 Feb 1771 Sampson Sellers of Johnston County sold land to William Davis. 100 acres NE
Neuse River, SS Bawdy Swamp, part of a grant to Thomas Chambers (FH: land near William Capps). Wit.
Nathan Gurley, William Capps. William Capps purchased this land from Thomas Chambers.
Vol II, p. 434 1783 Sampson Sellers sold land to George Fields, both of Johnston County, land on
Hannah's Creek, joining John Blackman, Sampson(S) Sellers. (FH: Hannah's Creek-Mill Creek same
location Eden Rhodes. My ancestor had land on both creeks at Bentonville).
Vol. III #619 &621 1781 Sampson (7) Sellers dealing with Nicklas Farmer. SS Neuse River. (In 1820 John
Farmer paid tax for Benjamin).
Vol.III #889 (839?) 1781 Sampson from Nicklas Farmer. James Farmer a wit.
Vol. IV #542 1784 John Faile to Nathan Williams SS Neuse River joins Thomas Lee and Arthur Blackman.
Wit. Sampson (7) Sellers and David Lee.
Vol. IV #598 1783 Sampson Sellers to Mary Ballenger. Sampson (S) Sellers. SS Neuse River. Part of 100
acres James Farmer.
Vol. IV # 676 1779 Joseph Bridgers to Joshua Johnson. Stones Creek along Sellers Line. Wit. Sampson (no
mark) Sellers (did he write name?), Mary Bridgers. (Stones Creek is above Bentonville, SS Neuse River).
Vol. V #23 1789 Jeremiah Lee from Lemuel Lee SS Mill Creek, etc. where Sampson Sellers now lives.
Vol. V #74 1790 Sampson Sellers to Nathan Allen. Stone's Creek pat. To Edward Lee (no mark…he
wrote?)
Vol. V #371 1791 Stephen Lee to Sampson Sellers. Land on Stones Creek.(No mark…he wrote?)
Vol. V #374 1796 Sampson Sellers to Isaac Powell above land. Blackman wit. Sampson Sellers (no
mark…he wrote?)
Vol. VI 1798 Sampson Sellers a Wit with new mark that looks like a small j. This was probably a son of
older Sampson.
Johnston County Court Minutes by W. Haun
Nov. 1784 Court, Priscilla Capps (sister of Milbury, and possible daughter of William Capps II) was bound
to Samson Sellers until she reached the age of 18, being age 14 at that time.
Vol. 1781-1807 p.1, 1781 Estate of John Ingram-Sampson Sellers, Powells, Lees, John Faile, Farmers,
Blackman.
Vol. 1781-1807 p.29, 1795 Estate sale of Nicholas Farmer- Sampson Sellers, Collins, Foxly, Powells,
Bryans, Farmers.
Militia List
1777 Sampson (and Benjamin) on Johnston County, North Carolina, Militia List.
CONCLUSIONS
1.
Sampson Sellers first appears in Johnston County, North Carolina buying land in 1768. If he was
21 at that time, his birth year would have been 1747 or earlier. It is likely that he is a young man at this
time because in the 1784-87 Tax List and Census he has 2 boys under 21, and in 1790 Census he has
three boys under 21. Since he and Benjamin appear on the 1777 Militia List, he is likely that he got
caught up in the Revolutionary War and married late. Two boys in 1784-87 indicates a marriage in 1779
or 1780.
2.
Land records indicate that he settled with his family on land bordered by Stone Creek, which is
just above Bentonville.
3.
He seems closely associated (through land, estate records, and court minutes) with the other
families who settled the Bentonville area and also the Boon Hill area on the NS of the Neuse River:
Capps, Gurley, Farmer, Powell, Collins, Foxley, Lees, Blackman, Faile, Ingram, Johnson, Ballenger,
Bridgers, Rhodes.
4.
His neighbors on the 1784-87 Tax List and Census are John Rhodes (father of Eden Rhodes who
owned land at Bentonville), Lee, Bryson, Nicholas Farmer, Blackman, Linch, Faile, Powell. His neighbors
in 1790 are John Rhodes, Andrew Collins, Lee, Blackman, Powell. The location of these neighbors and
the land records show a close association with these families.
5.
Sampson's wife Cuzzy (Cassa) appears on the 1810, 1820, 1830 Censuses in this same area with
the same neighbors. See “Cuzzy Sellers” for her records. Cuzzy could not have been the wife of
Benjamin because of both her age and also the fact that neither he nor she are on the 1790 Census.
Since Sampson has clearly died prior to 1810, this is the first census where she appears as head of
household.
6.
The Johnston County Sampson is clearly distinguished from the Richmond/Montgomery County
Sampsons by the fact that they were engaged in land and estate transactions at the same time in
different places. The Johnston County Sampson was not a slaveholder, and he had extensive land which
was not sold in his lifetime. Also, since he was the only head of household male Sellers in Johnston
County from approximately 1790 to 1810 , he had a large family of sons and daughters who lived in this
same area and had associations with the same families above.
7.
Sampson probably died before 1805 based on the estimated ages of his children, and the facts
that he doesn't appear in land or estate records after 1800 or on the 1810 Census.
8.
The children of Sampson and Cuzzy Sellers from Census, Land, Court, and Marriage records are
probably
(1)
Benjamin Sellers, b. circa 1780 m. Sally Taylor 1820. See Benjamin b. circa 1780.
(2)
John Sellers b. 1782, no marriage record, appears in 1830,40 Census with no wife or children.
John appears on numerous land and tax records alone or with brothers. See John, born circa 1782.
(3)
George (X) Sellers b. circa 1784, no marriage recorded, no Census, appears in tax and land
records only with no evidence of spouse or children. See George b. circa 1784.
(4)
Sampson (j) Sellers b. circa 1787 , probably died young or left County. Appears in only one land
record with brother George
(5)
James Sellers b. circa 1790 m.Elizabeth Collins 13 Aug 1819. See James b. circa 1790.
(6)
Abraham Sellers, b. 1793 Appears only on tax and land records with brothers. No census or
marriage record. It is possible that he is a Sampson County Sellers who has moved to Johnston…but
unlikely because of location and family associations.See Abraham b. circa 1793.
(7)
Fanny Sellers, b. circa 1795 m. David Watkins26 Feb. 1812.
(8)
Sally (Cally) Sellers b. 1798 m. Barna Lovett 17 Feb. 1816
(9)
Polly Sellers b. 1800 m. Warren Collins 26 Mar. 1822
(10)
Betsy Sellers b. circa 1802 m. John Sasser 9 Dec. 1846 (1850 Census Elizabeth is 48, John is 50)
(11)
Daughter-in-Law (Husband not identified) or unmarried daughter. Maria (Moriah) b. circa 1804
d. Aug. 1849 ( according to Moriah's Mortality record 1850 “Died Aug. 1849 of nervous fever”). She
appears as head of Household in 1840 Census with two boys.Prior to 1840 she appears in household of
Cuzzy with the two boys. By Court records of 1841, William H. Sellers and Augustus (Daniel A.) to be
brought into next court to be bound out. In the 1850 Census, after her death, these two boys, William
24 and Daniel A. 22, Martha 23 (Benjamin's daughter) and Faithey 75 (Benjamin's sister) are living
together in same household in same area as Sampson, Cuzzy and Moriah (from 1790-1840) near the
residence of 1840 Benjamin.
Cuzzy/Cassa Sellers, wife of Sampson Sellers
I believe that these names designate the same woman who appears as head of household in these
Johnston County Census Records: 1810 "Cuzzy" 1820 "Cassa" 1830 "Cuzzy"?
What are the possibilities for Cuzzy’s husband, since there is not a marriage record or a deed to
rely on? Following are all the men who appear in Johnston County records during this period:
1. Benjamin Sellers (1) dies or disappears between 1784 and 1790. He does not reappear in any
other location. There are seven females in his household in 1784/87. Therefore, Cuzzy could be
his wife. However, her age in subsequent Censuses might indicate that she is too young to be the
mother of six before 1784/87 and live until after 1830 with children and perhaps grandchildren in
her home. Also, she does not appear in the 1790 Census as head of household (although
Benjamin is dead). She does not appear as head of household until the 1810 Census.
2. Since the Johnston County Sampson Sellers (b. circa 1747) had two boys in 1784/87 and
another boy by 1790, his wife was still bearing children. The age of this woman (b. after 1755) is
more consistent with Cuzzy. Also, Sampson’s wife apparently continued having children (See
Sampson Sellers b. circa 1747) until as late as 1802. Sampson probably died between 1800 and
1810. Cuzzy first appears as head of household in 1810. It is likely that Cuzzy is the wife of
Sampson.
3. James (1) is married to Faithey and he appears in the 1810 Johnston County Census with his
wife and children, the first census that Cuzzy appears in as head of household. Cuzzy could not
have been his wife.
4. George Sellers (b. before 1778) appears in tax lists, paying a poll tax between 1802 and 1805.
He appears in land transactions in Johnston County in 1798 and 1803. He appears in no other
records, census, marriage, military, etc. A George Sellers appears in the 1810 Cumberland
County Census with a wife and young child. It is unlikely, but possible for George to have his
first child at age 35 and live with a wife in the 26-45 year range. This George is too probably too
young to be the Johnston County George. Therefore, it is unlikely that Cuzzy is the wife of
George.
5. John Sellers is in the census as a single male in 1830 and 1840. There is no reason to believe
that he evr married. Cuzzy could not have been his wife,
Therefore, I conclude that Cuzzy is the wife of Sampson b. circa 1847.
NO SELLERS APPEAR IN THE 1800 CENSUS although land and tax records establish that
the Sellers men were in the County shortly before and shortly after 1800. The 1800 Johnston
County Census is seriously degraded and fragmented. What is there is very difficult to read.
Therefore, the fact that Cuzzy is not in the 1800 Census is no way indicates that she and her
husband were not in Johnston County during this period.
In the 1810 Census Cuzzy appears as head of household (F over 45) with a M and F, both born
between 1784-1794, and 2 girls under 10. This M fits the age of Benjamin(2) exactly. So Cuzzy
is living with her son Benjamin(2) and three daughters.
In the 1820 Census Cassa (in the same district of Johnston County) F over 45, appears with 1 F
26-45 and 2 F 16-26. The daughters are still in her household.
Benjamin marries Sally Taylor in August of 1820. The 1830 Census indicates that Benjamin's
wife was born between 1790 and 1800.
In the 1830 Census, Cuzzy appears for the last time. The original Census shows her age as
between 70 and 80. I have reviewed the original 1830 Census to determine the age markings for
the Females in Cuzzy's household which appeared to be mismarked or omitted in the
Ancestry.com index and the Johnston County Genealogical Society Summary of Johnston
County Census records..
The original census record shows a F 70-80. This is entirely consistent with Cuzzy's
appearances in Census records as the wife of Sampson and the head of household in 1810 and
1820.
Also in the 1830 Census, there are two "new" women in Cuzzy's household: F 30-40 and F 20-30
with 2 M under under 5. Because of the ages of these women in 1840 and 1850, I believe that
the age of F 30-40 is mismarked. In 1840 this F is 50-60, and in 1850, assuming this is the same
household this F is Faithey at 75.
The F 20 to 30 in 1830 is Maria 30 to 40 in 1840 and shows in the 1850 Mortality Record as
Moriah, a widow, dying at age 45 of a "nervous fever." Therefore, her two boys, under 5 in
1830, 10-15 in 1840, are Daniel Augustus 22 and William 24 in 1850 living with Faithey 75 and
Martha 23. It is likely that Martha is one of Benjamin's daughters, a first cousin who has joined
the household at the death of Maria/Moriah.
Maria/Moriah may be an unmarried daughter of Cuzzy and Benjamin with two boys. Or, more
likely based on DNA of descendant of her son Damiel A. Sellers, she is a daughter-in-law, wife
of young Sampson, who has died or disappeared. She appears as parent of “William Henry and
Gusten” in a Johnston County School Record in 1841, School District #16. Court Minutes of
1841 indicate that the Court has ordered William and Augustus to appear to be bound out. There
is no further record showing any Court action. It is likely that their Uncle Benjamin took the two
boys in hand since they appear together in this same household with Faithey and Benjamin’s
daughter Martha after their mother Moriah died in August 1849. See DNA records of Daniel A.
Sellers son, McDaniel Pace (Bastardy Bond by Zilpha Pace against Daniel A. Sellers).
John Sellers b. circa 1782, son of Sampson Sellers
Johnston County, North Carolina
This John Sellers is to be distinguished from John Sellers of Nash County with wife Cloey, who appears in
Nash County 1800 Census as M over 45, and from Sampson County John Sellers with wife Ann who
appear consistently in 1820, 1830, 1840 Sampson County Censuses.
This John first appears in the War of 1812 North Carolina Muster Rolls of Soldiers in the Second
Regiment, Eighth Company, detached from the Johnston District, along with Benjamin Sellers.
Johnston County Court Minutes by W. Haun
Vol. 15 p. 44 1836 John Sellers and William Ashford purchased land from Robert H.Holme.(Thomas and
wife Elizabeth Ashford (from Sampson County Wills) have a son William Ashford. . . should be on 1850
Census)
Vol. 15 p. 96 1837 Ordered property of John Sellers be entered on Johnston County Tax records.
Vol. 16 p. 27 1839 John Sellers exempt from paying double poli tax.
Vol. 17 p. 67 1843-46 John Sellers vs. John B. Allen, adm. Of William Allen dec’d. Found for plaintiff.
It is likely that every mention of “John Sellers” in these Court Minutes refers to the Sampson County
John Sellers because the other parties are Sampson County, and also because the Johnston County John
Sellers pays only a W poll tax and no taxes on property.
Tax Records by W. Haun
He appears in the Johnston County tax lists, paying 1 poil tax:
1816 Capt. John Crawfords District, near Samuel Lee, Eden Rhodes (same neighbors of Cuzzy in 1820)
1817 Capt. Daniel Boons District (along with Benjamin Sellers) Ralph Massey, William
Massey, Eden Rhodes (Mill Creek area)
1817 John Eason’ s District Robert Gurley paid 1 WP for John Sellers
1818 Capt. John Crawfords District near Samuel Lee, Eden Rhodes (Cuzzy’ s neighbors)
1819 Capt. John Crawfords District (same as above)
Estate Records by E. Ross
p. 71 1820 John Sellers at Estate Sale of Isaac Powell. John Farmer and William Capps also at Sale.
(Cuzzy’s area)
Census Records
John does not appear in a Census until the Johnston County 1830 Census: 1 M 40-50 with no wife or
children. This places his birth between 1780-1790. Sampson is the only head of household with sons
during that period. He appears in the 1840 Johnston County Census, but the information is not readable.
Conclusions
John is probably a brother of Benjamin, a son of Sampson and Cuzzy. He is in the Johnston County Militia
in the War of 1812 with Benjamin. He appears with Benjamin on tax lists and in the same area as Cuzzy
on both tax lists, estate sales records, and census records.
I speculate that he is a brother of Benjamin Sellers, apparently about the same age, who never marries.
It is probable that he is one of the Sampson Sellers’ boys. Since he apparently had no children, there is
no one to trace his heritage.
GEORGE SELLERS b. circa 1784, son of Sampson
George Sellers appears in no census records in Johnston County, North Carolina.
Johnston County Court Minutes by W. Haun
Vol. 6 #151, 1801, George Sellers appears. This shows George Sellers 1 year before the tax
records below.
Estate Records by E. Ross
Vol. 1781-1807, p. 55, 1803. Estate Sale of William Farmer. George Sellers, Powell, Blackman,
Farmer, Aden Powell, Bryan.
Deeds by W. Haun
Vol. 6 #103 15 Apr.1798 Samuel Herrel of Green Co., Georgia P.q.A. (?) to Jenkins Farmer.
Nickolas Farmer dec., dau. Mary Farmer. SS Neuse River joins Collins. Wit. William Guy and
George Sellers (mark “X”)
Vol. 6 #465 14 Oct 1799 Adin Powell to William Farmer NS Neuse River. Wit. Benjamin
Farmer (j) and George Sellers (x).
Vol. 6 #556 20 Feb1802 Sheriff property of Jesse Lee for taxes. SS Mill Creek. Farmer paid tax
on 240 acres of 950 acres.Land on Mill Creek. George Sellers (x) Wit.
Tax Records by W. Haun
George Sellers appears in the following Johnston County tax lists, paying only a poll tax
(meaning he is over 21 and under 50): 1802,1803, 1804, 1805. He is in Capt. Adin Powells
District (with Needham Capps, Ralph and William Massey, Farmers, Guys)all four years. If he is
under 50 in 1805, he could not have been born before 1755. So his birthdate range is 1755 to
1780.
Other Counties
A George Sellers is in the Cumberland County 1810 Census: 1 M 26-45 (1765-1784), 1 F 26-45,
1 F under 10. He is in no Cumberland County Census's before or after that. His birth range
would fit the Johnston County George and it would be more likely that he was a son rather than a
brother of Sampson
On the Sellers site (sellers-sellars-zellers-etc) there is posted "Muster Rolls of the War of 1812."
There is a George Sellers on the Muster Rolls from Lincoln County. However, I can't find him
in any War of 1812 records on ancestry or rootsweb. Lincoln is west of Cumberland and closer
to South Carolina. He appears on the Lincoln County Census in 1800.
One question raised by reviewing Lincoln County records is whether this Johnston County
George is the same as the Johnston County George? Since the George in Johnston County
appears on land and tax records in 1798, 1799, and 1802, etc., he could not be the George in
Lincoln who has a family there and owns land.
Conclusions
It is most likely that this Johnston County George is a son of Sampson: his age is right; he
appears associated with land in the exact area of the County where Sampson owned land and
resided, and he is on land records witnessing transactions by families with whom Sampson was
closely associated.
Abraham Sellers b. circa 1793, probable son of Sampson
Johnston County, North Carolina
Abraham Sellers b. circa 1793 in Johnston County is probably a son of Sampson Sellers b. circa 1747.
Abraham appears in 1819 on Capt. Brady's District Tax list, according to W. Haun. He is in this
Bentonville District with James and Benjamin, probably brothers.
According to Johnston County Court Minutes by W. Haun, Abraham Sellers was found insolvent in the
year 1819 by oath of William Holt, a deputy collector of taxes for Capt. Raiford's District. William Capps
Jr (son of William and Zilphia Bulls Capps) and Isaiah Massey were also found insolvent in this year and
District.
Since Abraham Sellers is a prominent name in Sampson County, it might be assumed that our Abraham
is a Sampson County Sellers. While this is possible, it is unlikely because of his location in paying (and
not paying) taxes, and his appearance with other sons of Sampson.
It is likely that Abraham is a son of Sampson.
James Sellers I b. circa 1765, son or nephew of Sampson
Johnston County, North Carolina
I believe that the James Sellers in Johnston County and the one in Nash County are the same
person.
Nash County Court Records by Stephen Bradley
The first mention of James Sellers is in Nash County Court Minutes: August 1791 the Court
orders that Catherin, the orphan of John West, be bound to James until she is 18. She is 11
(b.1780).
James Sellers and his wife Faithfull are ordered to Court in May of 1792 in reference to the
orphan. Assuming they are both at least 21 by 1791, they would have been born before 1770.
In 1798 by deed in Nash County and confirmed by the Court in 1799, James Sellers and wife
Fatha sell property that was Fatha's dower from her deceased husband John West.
Census Records
James is in the 1800 Nash County Census: 1 M 26-45 (1755-1774), 1 M under 10 (1790-1800),
1 F over 45 (before 1755; this is probably an error and should have been 26-45 to be consistent
with 1810 and 1850 data about Faithey), 1 F 10-16 (1784-1790), 1 F under 10 (1790-1800).
James is in the 1810 Johnston County Census: 1 M 26-45 (1765-1784), 1M under 10 (18001810), 1 F 26-45 (1765-1784), 1 F under 10 (1800-1810), 1 F 10-16 (1794-1800), 1 F 16-26 (
1784-1794). These children are consistent with the Nash County children: the young male in
1800 is no longer in the household.
It seems necessary to point out here that living near James in Johnston County in the 1810
Census is a household headed by a female, Cuzzy/Cassa. In her household, there is a M 16-26
(1784-1794), 1 F over 45 (before 1765), 1 F 26-45(1784-1794) 2 F under 10 (1800-1810). who
will be discussed in Benjamin Sellers II. Cuzzy, wife of Sampson, could be James’ mother or
aunt or mother-in-law.
Land and Tax Records
James Sellers appears in no land transactions in Johnston County. However, he appears in one
tax list of Johnston County: 1803 in Captain Irwin Pierce Company District.
Conclusions
I speculate that James died sometime after 1810 and before 1820, and that Faithey remained in
Johnston County where she may appear in the 1850 Census at the age of 75 living with three
young single Sellers, William, Daniel, and Martha. Faithey West (widow of John West who
married James Sellers) may be James cousin, daughter of Benjamin I, brother of Sampson. This
would explain her close relationship with Cuzzy, Moriah, and the children of Moriah and
Benjamin II in 1850..
James Sellers II, b. circa 1794, possible son of Sampson
Johnston County, North Carolina
Census
This young man appears in one Johnston County Census: 1820 1 M 18-26, 1 M under 10, 1 F 1626. Young James and Elizabeth apparently left North Carolina before the 1830 Census
I believe I have seen a record of them in Tennessee on the Sellers site. Is that correct? Is there
any chance that they went to the same area as Jordan or Gurley or Emanuel Sellers (Nash County
Sellers who left North Carolina about this time)?
Marriage
There is a Johnston County North Carolina Marriage Record: James Sellers married Elizabeth
Collins 13 Aug. 1819.
Tax Records by W. Haun
Vol 3 #1104 1819 Capt Brady’s District (Bentonville area) James and Abraham are together,
each paying 1 WP
Vol. 2 #736 1820 Capt Brady’s District (Bentonville area) James and Benjamin together, each
paying 1 WP.
Estate Records by E. Ross
p. 62 1819 James Sellers at Estate Sale of Oliver Rains (Princeton area family)
p. 99 1821 James Sellers at Estate Sale of Edward Lee (Bentonville family)
CONCLUSIONS
James Sellers II may be the Son of James Sellers I, the M under 10 living with him in 1800 Nash
County Census who doesn’t appear in the 1810 Census James household or he is a son of
Sampson. The area in which the young James lives and his appearance with Abraham and
Benjamin on the tax records and his marriage into a prominent Bentonville family make it more
likely that he is another of Sampson’s sons or a grandson or even a close nephew.
Benjamin Sellers I, born circa 1740, Of Johnston County
Benjamin Sellers I, born circa 1740, probably in Northampton County, North Carolina, lived in Johnston
County at the same time and in the same area as Sampson. He died before 1790. It is probable that he
was an older brother of Sampson because the age difference is not enough for him to be Sampson’s
father.
Documentation on Benjamin Sellers follows:
Benjamin (B) Sellers I b. circa 1740
Johnston County, North Carolina
Benjamin Sellers, b. circa 1740 served in the Revolutionary War. He and Sampson (his brother)
are listed in the Militia from Johnston County in 1771.
Johnston County Land Grants
Benjamin (B) Sellers of Johnston County received by land grant from the State of North Carolina
150 acres in 1782 and 200 acres in 1778. He sold the 150 acres in 1784 to Brian Medlin and the
200 acres in 1782 to John Whitley.
Census and Tax Records
Benjamin probably married before the War, between 1765 and 1770.. He is on the first Johnston
County Census and tax list, dated 1784-87. In his household are 1 M 21-60 (1724-66) and 7
Females. Apparently, he had no sons unless they were out of his household prior to 1787.
He is not recorded as paying any taxes or owning land on the 1784 tax list.
Benjamin does NOT appear in the 1790 Census.
Other Land Records
He appears in the following land records:
1768 Edgecombe County : Arthur, Benjamin (B), Joseph Sellers
Johnston County Deeds by W. Haun
7 Sept. 1771 Frederick Gurley of Edgecombe County to Nathan Gurley of Johnston County land
on NS Neuse River NE of Moccasin Swamp Wit. Benjamin (X) Sellers, Arthur (A) Sellers,
Joseph (J) Sellers. (This Benjamin is likely the son of Arthur or Joseph, as his mark (X) is
different from the Johnston County Benjamin who signs (B).
Vol. II, #54 (?) 21 Oct. 1782 Grant to John Whitley, joins Benjamin Sellers and Capps (this is
near Sampson County).
Vol II, #24 21 Oct. 1782 N.C Grant to Benjamin Sellers on NS Bawdy Swamp, joins John
Whitley, Col. Benj. Williams, Joseph Edwards. This is near Capps and Bulls land.
Vol. II #538 Benjamin sold this land to Brian Medlin. Signed his name (B) mark.
Vol. III #448 12 Dec 1778 Grant 200 acres Neuse River near William Capps.
Vol. III #865 29 May 1781 Sold above land to John Whitley. Signed Benjamin (B) Sellers.
Benjamin (1) appears in no more census records, tax lists, or land transactions that I have found.
Conclusions
It is likely that the following are among Benjamin’s daughters since there are no other Sellers
men in Johnston County with daughters during this period (this is the data reflected on the 178487 tax list and Johnston County Marriage and Land Records):
1. Faithey, born circa 1775, who married John West, then James Sellers (her cousin?).
2. Unknown F, born circa 1777
3. Winnifred, born circa 1778 (m. Nathan Lee 20 July 1796)
4. Sally, born circa 1780 (m. Robert Massengil 15 Aug. 1798)
5. Unknown F, born circa 1782
6. Unknown F, born circa 1784.
George Sellers, born circa 1718, Isle of Wight
Based on Land records, relationships with families that migrated from Isle of Wight through
Southampton, and Northampton to Nash County and Johnston County, I speculate that George Sellers,
born circa 1718, Isle of Wight, is the father of Sampson and his older brother Benjamin. George married
Faithey Gurley, according to George Gurley Sr.’s 1768 Will in Southampton County, Virginia. Faithey’s
Uncle Frederick and his son Nathan migrated to Nash County and Johnston County and appeared in land
transactions with both Sampson and Benjamin as well as Arthur and John Sellers in Nash and
Edgecombe County. The Gurley family is traced to the original immigrant.
Other Isle of Wight Families migrated to Nash and Johnston and remained interrelated with the Sellers
in these locations: Peeden, Edwards, Boon, Strickland, Braswell, among others.
DNA results support the conclusion that Nash County Gurley Sellers and Johnston County Daniel Sellers
are very closely related. See DNA Appendix. It is likely that George Sellers and Faithey Gurley or
George’s parents, William Sellers and Providence Gurley are the common ancestors.
Documentation on George Sellers Family in Northampton County follows:
SELLERS IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY DEEDS
1744-1774
Northampton County Deeds by M. Hofmann
On 28 November 1744 George Sellers purchased from Joseph Strickland, both of Northampton County
150 acres south side of Meherrin River joining Horsely Pocasin. Coreroy Swamp, Miry Branch, part of
patent to Thomas Boon 1723. Wit. Robert Rawlings and Thomas Crew.
28 March 1745 Arthur Sellers of Isle of Wight purchased from Thos. Wall 100 acres, part of patent to
Thos. Wall 1742/43 on South East side of Coreroy Swamp, joining Miry Slew, Thos. Boon and said
swamp. Wit. John Wade and George X Sellers.
11 September 1746 George Sellers sold to Jacob Strickland 234 acres on South Side of Wildcat Swamp,
joining Miry Branch, other lands of George Sellers and said swamp, all horses orchards, gardens, etc.
Wit. John Wade, William Carter.
29 December 1747 George Sellers purchased of John Wade 100 acres on Coreroy Creek, joining a marsh,
Jacob Strickland, the creek being the upper part of a patent to Nicholas Tyner 1742. Wit. Joseph
Strickland, Jacob Strickland (?), and William Sellers.
This William Sellers is without doubt the father of George and Arthur. 1743 William is in Isle of Wight.
He cannot be the William Sellers 1790 Nash County Census. He has 1 Male in his household over 16 (b.
circa 1770-74). William was b. circa 1745-49. He is only one with a son 16 and up.
The Arthur on the 1790 Nash County Census has to be Arthur II.
29 May 1749 Arthur Sellers sold the above 100 acres he purchased of Thos. Wall in 1745. Wit. William
and Owen Burr (Bunn?) and John Wade.
26 November 1751 George Sellers sold to John Scammel of Southampton County, Virginia, the above
100 acres he purchased of John Wade with all houses, orchards, gardens, etc. Wit. James Washington Jr.
Henry Crafford (Crawford?).
12 March 1753 George Sellers wit. A deed between John Bryant and Benj. Cobb. Thos. Boon also
witnessed that deed, indicating that George Sellers and Thos. Boon are still neighbors.
6 March 1754 Arthur Sellers (A his mark) witnessed a deed between George Rachel of Edgecombe
County and Benj. Deberry (?).
28 …1755 George Sellers witnessed a deed along with Thos. Boon between Wm. Moore and wife Ann to
James Hough of Isle of Wight, land joins Wild Cat Swamp.
7 Feb 1756 George Sellers and wife Faithey Sellers sold 150 acres to Jesse Lassiter “my plantation” on
south side of Coreroy Swamp joining the Miry Branch and said swamp. This is the 150 acres George
purchased 1744 from Joseph Strickland. Witnessed by Arthur Sellers and John Turner.
5 March 1756 Arthur Sellers sold 90 acres tp Benj. Deberry (?) located on Wild Cat Swamp joining
Mendes (?), Thos. Boon and said swamp. The only land mentioned in the Deeds of Wild Cat Swamp is
George Sellers’. George gave or sold land, probably 90 acres) to Arthur, but there is no record of this
transaction. Could be, and probably were, grants.
Northampton County Deeds 1759-1774
22 August 1765 Thos Strickland sold 184 acres patented by George Sellers and signed over to Joseph
Strickland who willed it to Evan (Erin?) Strickland who had no issue and the said Thomas Strickland was
his eldest brother’s son and inherited the land.
There is no deed activity or witnessing by George and Arthur Sellers during this period except for
references to land they once had owned.
There is a deed by Henry Crafford (Crawford?) in 1760 land on south side of Meherrin River, County
Line, joining John Sellees. Another refers to a patent by Henry Crafford, patent 1739/40 north side of
Meherin River joining John Sellers. Also one referring to Matthew Sellers south side of Meherrin River.
This is William’s family without doubt. This land is referred to years after the land was sold and the
owners had moved on: Benjamin Sellers of Johnston County, Sampson Sellers of Johnston County,
John Sellers of Nash County, William Sellers of Nash County, and Arthur Sellers of Nash County.
Joseph Selah on the 1790 Nash County Census is not a Sellers. That is a Virginia surname, distinctive
from Sellers.
There is no question in my name that the above Sellers are sons of George and Arthur and grandsons of
William. The strong connection to the Gurleys, the Boons, and the Stricklands who settle in Johnston
County at the same time as the above Sellers appear in Johnston and Nash County (which join each
other) is further evidence. Also, the interconnection of the land transactions with these families in
Johnston County is more evidence, albeit circumstantial.
The Arthur Sellers(II) or John Sellers or William Sellers who names a son Gurley could be a son of Arthur
I, or of John or of Benjamin or Sampson. He most surely is a grandson of William. Further evidence of
ages could help. The miracle of a Family Bible could help solve this family. This appears to be one of
those times when we are left without direct evidence and must depend on circumstantial evidence
through land records and family connections to determine lineage.
We have no way of knowing how many other grandchildren of William’s left the state.
It is likely that George Sellers and Faithey Gurley were parents of
1. Benjamin Sellers b. circa 1740
2. Sampson Sellers b. circa 1747, wed Cuzzy
3. William Sellers b. circa 1750, wed Martha
4. John Sellers b. circa 1756, wed Cloe Braswell
See more documentation of research by Jack Sellers and James Marlowe in Appendices.
William Sellers, born circa 1690, Isle of Wight
William Sellers was father of George Sellers. William married Providence Gurley.
Their children were likely
1. Elizabeth Sellers b.circa 1715 m. Thomas Moore
2. John Sellers b. circa 1720
3. Arthur Sellers Sr. b. circa 1720
4. George Sellers b. circa 1718 m. Faithey Gurley
See documentation of research by Jack Sellers and James Marlowe in Appendices.
John Sellers, born circa 1665, Isle of Wight
John Sellers was the father of William Sellers. John married Elizabeth, surname unknown.
See documentation in research by Jack Sellers and James Marlowe in Appendices.
It is this generation where James Marlowe, Sellers researcher, believes Matthew, father of Benjamin
whose children went to Brunswick County, connected. He believes Matthew was the second son of
John. However, DNA evidence indicates no close connection between these two lines. The line of
William, father of George, and of Matthew are distinctly different. This researcher believes that
Matthew was either an immigrant whose records are lost or the son of another immigrant to the
Albemarle area of North Carolina or to an immigrant who followed the Albemarle migration route. It is
clear from land records that George and his father William and their brothers occupied land in the Isle of
Wight where William Sellers Sr. originally immigrated.
William Sellers, Sr. born circa 1640 Immigrant
William Sellers Sr. was the father of John Sellers. William married Sarah Harrison (likely daughter of
Josiah Harrison), after immigrating to Isle of Wight, Virginia, in the 1650’s
Again, see research of Jack Sellers and James Marlowe in Appendices.
Some documentation done by Frances Howell follows:
SELLERS IN EARLY VIRGINIA RECORDS
Cavaliers and Pioneers, Virginia Land Patents
Volume I 1623-1666
p. 363 1657 William Sellers imported by Christopher Reynolds by a patent of land record in Isle of
Wight, Virginia.
Volume II 1666-1695
p. 117 1672 Wm. Elliot patent joins Thomas Sellers, Queen’s Branch, ? , Richard Carew, George
Armstead, John Seton, and Boswell.
Volume 3 1695-1732
p. 53 1701 John Saxon New Kent County branch of Panuckey (?) River transported Nicholas Sellers.
p. 68 Jacob Sellers patented 323 acres in King William County,Pamucskey (?) Neck beginning at
Yarbourgh’s line for transport of 7 persons.
p. 74 1703 Thomas Perring (Perrins) patented land in King William County. Imported Thomas and Mary
Sellers.
p. 127 1712 John Higgson patent King William County, St. John’s Parish near Thos. Hancock’s near
Sellers Race Round.
p. 128 1713 Thomas Johnson patent King and Queen County Co. Mattspony (?) River joins James
Edwards, Andrew McAllister, Rollins, and Sellers Race Round.
p.250 1723 John Whitehead patent King William County Mattspony (?) River, St. John’s Parish, “Sellers
Old Line.”
p. 295 1731 Richard Vicks patent Isle of Wight south side Nottoway River joins William Sellers and
Richard Braswell.
p. 296 26 June 1731 William Sellers patent 200 acres south side Nottoway River.
Neither Richard Vicks or William Sellers on 1704 tax list of Isle of Wight.
Certificates and Rights Accomack County, Virginia 1663-1709
p. 9 18 October 1664 Certificate granted Capt. John Savage 4200 acres for transport of persons
including Robt. Sallers.
p. 47 7 March 1671/2 Certificate granted Deverox Browne for 4750 acres for transport of persons
including Elenor Seller”