John David Crockett, The Elder - John David Crockett

Davy Crockett's grandfather was David Crockett in all the records that have been found for him. There is no evidence of a first name John. Also his parents have never been proven. Everyone tries to connect all the Crocketts in one family but there are several Crocketts, that have been proven not to be his brother. His known sons were William, John, Robert, Joseph, Alexander, and James. There may have been son David, and a daughter Jean but they are not proven. DNA has linked sons of John, Robert, Joseph, and Alexander. James had no children. No documents support children of William, but the two strongest candidates are John Andrew Crockett who died in McMinn County, Tennessee. Also David Crockett who married Margaret Elder and died in Jefferson County, Tennessee is a strong candidate as of a son of William. He also was in Jefferson County, before going to Gibson. I am a descendent of John Andrew Crockett and my DNA test showed I was from the family of Davy Crockett. so this links John Andrew to the family. Please do not use French and Armstrong as a reference as it is full of mistakes and show no sources. Davy Crockett's uncles, Robert, Joseph, and also had sons names David Crockett.

David Crockett lived on Tuscarora Creek on North Mountain, in Fredrick County, Virginia at least by 1748 as evidenced in a deed by Hugh Lyle. His neighbors included the John and Patrick Gillaspy, William Patterson, Robert Jackson, James Glenn (bought from Mordicai Mendenhall), Richard Beeson (Mordicai Mendenhall's father-in-law), James Brittain, and Robert Elder.
The earliest record found on David Crockett was dated January 8, 1743. David Crockett is called by some David , the elder, to distinquish him from his grandson, the famous Davy Crockett, who died in the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas in 1836. According to this deed, David Crockatt (Crockett) witnessed the sale of land between Morgan Bryan and his wife to Roger Turner in Frederick Co., Virginia. An interesting fact of this association of David Crockett and Morgan Bryan is that it links the families of two of America's greatest frontiersmen. Morgan Bryan's granddaughter, Rebecca, daughter of his son Joseph, married fontiersman Daniel Boone. Assuming David was at least 21 years of at the time of this transaction he would have been born around 1722 or earlier. During this time there were Crocketts in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. Some of David Crockett's neighbors may have also come from Lancaster as the Elders, Pattersons, Beesons who were mentioned in deeds with David Crockett were also names of families in Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Modecai I. Mendenhall, who witnessed a deed with David Crockett, was born in Concord, Chester Co., Pennsylvania in about 1713. He married Charity Beeson on March 21, 1734/35 in Leacock, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, giving proof that some of these neighbors were indeed from Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Modecai moved to Guilford, Guiford Co., NC, as many of these families later moved to North Carolina. Some of these families also moved to the Holston River Valley of Tennessee in what became Sullivan Co., where the Crocketts later moved. One such person that moved from Frederick to the Holston River Valley and then to Clarkesville, Tennessee was Valentine Sevier, whose brother was General John Sevier, the first govenor of Tennesse when it was formed in 1796.
People have searched for many years for the parents of David Crockett, but to date no proof of his parents have been found. Many people link David Crockett to Antone de Saus Crocketagne, a French Heugonot that escaped from France because of religious persecution and moved to Bantry Bay, Ireland. Most of the Heugonots left France around 1686 and the Irish Crocketts started moving to America in the early 1700s. Very little information has been found in Ireland of the Crocketts, but one should remember that the Crocketts were may have been in Ireland as little as 20-40 years before coming to America meaning that only one or two generations may have been born in Ireland before immigrating to America. There were some Crocketts in New Jersey in the 1680's, but these were probably not closely related. Any attempt to link him to definite parents has not been proven todate.
Records show that David Crockett was added to the tythe list in 1748 in Frederick County, Virginia, British Colonies (now Berkley, West Virginia), and he is thought to have married Elizabeth, whose last name is not known, at about this time. There has been speculation that she was the daughter of Jonas Hedge because there a record of David and Elizabeth buying land from Jonas Hedge was not found during the early research, but a deed is in the records showing that tthe David and Elizabeth Crockett sold this land in 1768 when they left Frederick. . This is doubtful in that Jonas Hedge lived for some years after this date and there is no evidence of a daughter Elizabeth. A later search of the records shows a deed from Jonas Hedge to David Crockett in 1756. . She may have been a Patterson and possibly the daughter or sister of William Patterson that was mentioned in several deeds in Frederick and also in Tyron Co., NC. This would also account for the name of John and Rebbeca Crockett's son, Patterson, who was Davy Crockett's brother. Of course this is also only speculation. David and Elizabeth lived in Federick during the period from 1748-1768 so all of proven male sons were born there.

David and Elizabeth are proven by Davy Crockett's autobiography to have children by the name of John (Davy's father), William, James and Joseph. A claim filed by William for James and Alexander, the orphans of David Crockett, proves Alexander and shows that James and Alexander were underage in 1779. Robert Crockett is proven by his Revolutionary pention application and by the fact he filed the estate papers with William when David was killed. He also had the authority to sell David's land. There is also evidence of a son named David that was mentioned as David Crockett, Jr. in a court document in Tyrone Co. and that signed one of the petitions that David signed. It has been suggested that jr. could also infer another David Crockett that was younger, but may not be his son. Deeds show that a David Crockett was still living in the vicinity of where the Crocketts lived near what is Rogersville, Hawkins Co., Tn. after David and Elizabeth were killed. Hawkins County, Tennessee was not formed until 1786. It was originally part of Spencer County, North Carolina. David's will and estate records were filed in Abingdon, Washington County, Virgina.

Results from DNA studies of the Crockett family have now shown that many of the Crockett familes are not related so the attempt to connect everyone to a common Crockett. This seems to conflict with the Maury Letter of Notable Southern families that links all the Crocketts to one ancestor.

In contempt of the peace proceedings at Fort Henry in April 1777, Dragging Canoe led a war party that killed a settler named Frederick Calvitt and stole fifteen horses from James Robertson, then moved to Carter's Valley, killing the grandparents of later U.S. Congressman David Crockett along with several children near the modern Rogersville, and marauding across the valley. In all the raiders took twelve scalps.

ESTATE OF DAVID CROCKETT
Take from Courthouse, at Abingdon, Va., Washington Co.

August 19, 1778

First Minute Book, p. 39.
On motion of William and Robert Crockett administration is granted them on the estate of David Crokett, who made oath thereton and entered and acknowledged their bond with John Coulter and John Lowry their secureties in the sum of one thousand pounds in the faithful admisistration of the said descedent's estate.
Ordered that,
John Cos,
William Ingham,
Abraham McClelan, and
James Hodges or any three of them being sworn appraise
the estate of David Crockett

First Will Book, p. 54
An inventory and Appraisal of the Estate of David Crockett
Black Horse....................60 lbs.
Black Mare.....................40 lbs.
Cow, Calf, Bull................15 lbs.
Cow & Bull.....................17 lbs.
Cow............................12 lbs.
Steer..........................13 lbs.
Bull............................2 lbs.
Brown Mare.....................30 lbs.
Cow & Calf.....................15 lbs.
Cow & Calf.....................12 lbs.
Cow & Yearling.................15 lbs
Cow & Yearling.................18 lbs.
Cow & Yearling.................18 lbs.
Cow............................13 lbs.
Roand Mare.....................35 lbs
Man's saddle and bridle........12 lbs., 16s.
Man's and saddle ba.............3 lbs.
Bed and furniture .............15 lbs.
Bed and bed clothes............17 lbs.
Cotton and bag..................5 lbs., 6s
Great Coat.....................10 lbs.
Frying Pan..................... 1 lb.,2s,10
One musket..................... 1 lb.,2s,1
One Spinning Wheel
Azex and Chizel
Parsel of book
Set of spools
A Heckle
Wier Sifter
Plow irons i& ols iron
Cutting knife & steel
Drawing knife & lock
Pepper mill
Old clothes
Brimstone
Chest & Tromphney
One bell
Four old sickles
One pot & hook
A wagon & hook, chain, & geres
Mattick
Tract of land Carter's Valley
Ten notes
One note
Nov. 21, 1778.

Frederick County, Virginia Court Records
Feb. 1743 Deed Bk 1, page 38 - 8 Jan. 1743," Frederick County Virginia, Deed Books 1,2,3,4 1743-1758" Abstracted and Compliled by Ameliia C. Gilreath
Bk 1, page 37 - 7 Jan. 1743
[Lease) Between Morgan Bryan & Martha his wife of Frederick County [to] Roger Turner of the same place ... Consideration of five Shillings Tract of Land being part of a Tract of Land containing four hundred Acres Granted unto said Morgan Bryan by patent dated the 12th Nov. 1735 ...Containing one hundred and twenty five Acres . . Yielding & paying one pepper corn on 29th Sept. only if the same be demanded
Wit: Edw. Hughes Morgan Bryan
John Grayson Martha (M) Bryan
David Crockatt
Recorded: xth Feb. 1743

Feb. 1743 Deed Bk 1, page 38 - 8 Jan. 1743, "Frederick County Virginia, Deed Books 1,2,3,4 1743-1758" Abstracted and Compliled by Ameliia C. Gilreath
[Release] Between Morgan Bryan & Martha his wife of Frederick County [to] Roger Turner of the same place ... Consideration of twenty five pounds Tract of Land being part of a Tract of Land containing four hundred Acres Granted unto said Morgan Bryan by patent dated the 12th Nov. 1735 ... Containing one hundred and twenty five Acres.
Wit: Edw, Hughes Morgan Bryan
John Grayson Martha (M) Bryan
David Crockatt
Recorded: xth Feb. 1743

3 Aug. 1748 - It was ordered by the clerk that the name of David Crockett and his tithables be added to the tithe list. Order Bk. 2, pg. 456 (from Crockett Cousins"), Kathryn Jones, 1984.

6 Dec. 1750 - Hugh (x) Miller sold to "Robt Elder, waver of the county." Land between James Nail & Danl Kennedy. Miller reserves use of house until May next, to reap & carry away that rye "which his Brother Claims Likewise a Nursery of young apel treys. . . " (Signed) Hugh (X) Miller. Wit. Wm Pattison, and Wm. Paul, David Croket (?). "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1751 Hugh Lyle, assignee of James Brittain; no warrant, surveyed 22 April 1751; 177 acres where he has improvements; adj. George Hobson, Wm Patterson. CC- Mordeca Mendenhall & David Crokett. Surv. William Baylis
N.D. Brittain has now gone to Carolina. 1754 - Brittain to Lyle. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1751 John Glenn, assignee of Mordecai Beeson, assignee of John Beeson; 21 Sept. 1751 - 4 Apr. 1752; 247 acres where he (Glenn) has a good plantation on brs. of Tuscarora; adj. Richard Beason, Richard Thatcher, Hugh Miller, James Glenn. CC - David Crockett & Saml Glenn. Surv. John Baylis. Warrant in name of John Beeson, surveyed for James Glenn. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1751- Hugh Lyle, assignee of John & Patrick Gillaspy, sons of Ann Gillaspy, widow of Patrick; 21 Sept. 1751 - 31 Mar. 1752; 789 acres where she lived in 1748 onTuscarorah at North Mt.; adj. David Croket. CC- Francis Meginnise & Saml Glen. Survyed by Wm Baylis.1751 John Snodgrass, assignee of Cornelius Bryson; no warrant, surveyed 7 Nov. 1751; 142 acres whereon Bryson lives on Mill Crk., Opeckon at foot of North Mt., Tuscarorah; adj. Richard Beason, David Croket, Jas Glen. CC - Wm Patterson & Jas Minnes. Surv. Wm Baylis. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1751- Thomas Akings, assignee of David Croket; no warrant, surveyed 8 Nov. 1751; 116 acres whereon David Croket has improved, adj his late survey on Tuschorarah, a br. of Opeckon; adj Andrew Paul, David Croket. CC - William Patterson & Cornelious Bryson. Surv. William Baylis. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1751- Hugh Miller, Junior, assignee of Hugh Miller; no warrant, surveyed 7 Nov. 1751; 404 acres whereon he lives on Tuscarorah; adj, James Glen, Andrew Paul, Wm Patterson. CC - David Croket & James Minnes. Surv. William Baylis. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1752-JOHN GLENN, assignee of Mordecai Beeson, assignee of John Beeson; 21 Sep 1751-4 Apr 1752; 247 ac. where he(Glenn) has a good plantation on brs. of Tuscarora; adj Richard Beason, Richard Thatcher, Hugh Miller, JAMES GLENN. Chain carriers David Crockett & SAML GLENN. Surv. John Baylis. Warrant in name of John Beeson, survd for JAMES GLENN. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

1752- John Gillaspy ( Patrick being dead to John Alone); no warrant, surveyed 21 Nov. 1752; 267 acres on drs. of Middle Crk. & Tuscororah brs. of Opeckon; adj the said orphans survey, Wm Patterson, David Crokett, James Brittain. CC - Wm Patterson & David Crokett. Surveyed by William Baylis. John & Patrick Gillaspy, Orphans of Gillaspy, decd. "Abstracts of Virginia's NORTHERN NECK WARRANTS & SURVEYS, FREDERICK COUNTY, 1747 - 1780, Volume II'', compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner.

3 May 1753 - David Crockett entered suit against William Williams but the suit was ordered to be dismissed. Order Bk. 4 pg. 494. (from "Crockett Cousins")

1754 - John Boyd, assignee of Robert Jackson; no warrant, surveyed 4 Dec. 1754; 101 acre on drains of Opeckon at North Mt. where said Jackson lives; adj. David Crokett, John & Patrick Gillaspy. CC - William Bowl & John Tippey. Surv. William Baylis.

7 Sept 1756 Tract to David Crocket from Jonas Hedge was confirmed. (from "Crockett Cousins")

24 May 1760 Book K, entry 140. John Snodgrass of Frederick Co. 142 ac. in said co. Where Cornealious Bryson lived, adj. David Crockett, on Mill Cr. of Opeckon, JAMES GLEN, Richard Beason, foot of N. Mt, Tuscararah Br. Surv. Wm Baylis. VA NORTHERN NECK LAND GRANTS. Gray, Gertrude Entz. Gen. Pub. Co., Baltimore, 1987. DalPubLib 929.37552 G779v

Sept. 1762 - Suit dismissed when David Crockett refuses to prosecute William Long. (from "Crockett Cousins"

9 Aug. 1766 - 400 acres of land was patented to David Crockett, located at foot of North Mountain on the Tuscorora, by Lord Thomas Fairfax, this land in said county. Northern Neck Grant Bk. N, pg. 108.

3 Mar. 1767 - Between David Crocket of County of Frederick (to) James Morrison of the same place . . . consideration of ten shillings . . . Tract of Land lying and being on the north side of Opechon Creek near the head of Tuscarorah being part of a Tract of Land Granted by Patent to said David Crocket . . . containing one Hundred and seventy eight and one half Acres more or less . . . rent of one pepper corn on the feast of St. Micaels the Arch Angel . . . Witt: none signed David Crocket, Elizabeth (x) Crocket Bk 11, pg. 258, recorded 3 March 1767

4 Mar. 1767 - Between David Crocket of Virginia Colony, County of Frederick, (to) James Morrison of the same place, consideration of one hundred and forty pounds, 178 1/2 acres of land on north side of Opechon Creek near head of Tuscorora, being part of a tract of land granted by said David Crockett. Deed Bk. Vol. 11, pg. 258

3 Mar. 1767 - Between David Crocket of County of Frederick (to) Thomas Atkins of the same place . . . consideration of ten shillings . . . Tract of Land lying and being on the north side of Opechon Creek near the head of Tuscarorah being part of a Tract of Land Granted by Patent to said David Crockett . . . containing one Hundred and two and one quarter Acres and six poles more or less . . . rent of one pepper corn on the feast of St. Micaels the Arch Angel . . . Wit: none \s\ David Crocket, Elizabeth (x) Crocket Bk 11, pg. 258, recorded 3 March 1767

4 Mar. 1767 - David Crockett of Virginia Colony, County of Frederick, conveys to Thomas Atkins of same, consideration of one hundred forty pounds, 102 1/4 acres and six poles more or less of land on north side of Opechon Creek near head of Tuscorora, being part of a tract of land granted by said David Crocket. . .
Wit: none Recorded 3 March 1767 Deed Bk. Vol. 11, pg. 260 \s\ David Crocket, Elizabeth (x) Crocket

4 Mar. 1767 - David Crockett of Virginia Colony, County of Frederick ,conveys to John Snodgrass 102 1/4 acres of land on north side of Opechon Creek near head of Tuscorora, being part of a tract of land granted by said David Crocket. (From "Crockett Cousins" by Kathyrn Jones)

13 June 1768 - David Crockett and wife, Elizabeth, of Frederick County convey 352 acres of land to Robert Watt. Deed reads "a certain plantation or Tract of Land lying in the County of Frederick within four miles of Watkins Ferry, it being a patent granted to a certain Jonas Hedge and his wife, Elizabeth, bearing date of 7th of Sept. 1756".

On 13 June 1768, David and Elizabeth Crocket of Frederick Co, VA, sold to Robert Watt of Cumberland Co, PA, for 100 pounds, 352 acres patented 7 Sept 1756 to Jonas and Elizabeth Hedges, within four miles of Watkins Ferry. The land was surveyed in April 1752, and a grant was dated 14 Nov 1754, for 352 acres about four miles from Watkins Ferry, on both sides of the Wagon Road, surveyed by John Mauzy, adjoining Major Carlisle. Witnesses: John Park, Hugh Lyle, Alex. Black. Recorded 2 August 1768. (Fred. Deeds 12, 410.) Somewhere between 1756 and 1768 Crockett acquired the land.

Tyron County, North Carolina Deeds

1771, Feb 4: David Crockatt witnessed a deed for John and Jane Hill to
Thomas Espy.
1771, March 6. Thomas Yates sold to William Crocket. John Crockatt
witnessed. Proved by John Hill in July 1771 court.

11 March. 1771 - Thomas Yeats of Berkley Co., S. C. sells to David Crockett of Tyron County Province of North Carolina on branch of Killion Creek, beginning at William Cathy's land, Kinneards corner, Ramsey's line, from patent Yeats got on 22 Dec. 1768 containing 160 acres. Witnesses: John Hill, James Johnston and John Crockett. Bk. 1, pg 477

12 March. 1771 - David Crockett of Tyron County deeds to William Patterson of same for 50 lbs., land he purchased the day before the date hereof of Thomas Yeates, lying in Tyron County containing 250 acres adjoining Abraham Scotts's south corner on Coburn Creek. Witnesses: Alexander Patterson, John Beaty, James Beaty. Bk. 1, Pg 454 (Mention is made that if David does not repay the 50 lbs. from William Patterson within 18 months, Patterson can sell the property to recover his money).

1771, July 19: David Crockett witnessed a deed for James and Mary Carson
to David Abernathy.

21 Oct. 1771 Samuel Coburn of Tyron County sells to John Dozier of same for 20 lbs., 100 acres on south side of Catawba adjoining Joseph Wisharts, James Coburn, John Coburn, Samuel Coburn, part of a patent to said Samuel Coburn for 176 acres on Oct. 6, 1767. witnesses: David Crockett, Jr. and David Crockett, Sr.
Recorded July term 1772.

1771, Oct 24: David Crocket, juror; other jurors were John Stanford,
Nicholas Fisher, James McAfee, Lowry Glover, Thomas Bond, Samuel Lacey,
Thomas Clark, Ephraim Wilson, John Williams, John Anderson, Sam'l Wilky.

1771 October - John Weedingham vs William Marchbank, Case
The Jury Panel -John Stanford, N. Fisher, James McAfee, Lowry Glover, Thomas Bond, Samuel Lacey, Thomas Clark, Ephraim Wilson, John Williams, John Anderson, Sam'l Wilky, David Crockett
Impennelled & Sworn find for the plff Pounds 4 3 & /6 Costs

17 October 1772 - A deed of Sale from Jon Kinkaid to William Kinkaid for one hundred and fifty acres proved by David Crockat Evidence thereof. Tyrone County NC Court Records October Term 1772

19 January 1773 - Warrant 1158, To David Crockatt 300 Acres. On head waters of Coburn's & Killians Creeks. SS 558.

28 April 1773 - The Last Will and Testament of Alexander Wells was produced in Open Court and Proved by Oath of David Crocket. On motion of John Dun Esq'r Ordered by the Court that Robert Ewart and James Johnston Executors of said Will have Letters Testmentary of all and Singular the good and chattles of the said Deceas'd who took the Oath of Executors which was accordingly granted.

1774, December: David Crockatt witnessed a codicil to the will of William
Haeger.
* 1775, January: Tryon County Crown Docket shows William King and John King
each charged with trespass, the prosecution brought by John McCartney and
Susanna his wife, evidence to be given by Wm Cathey and John McCartney. Davd
Cro(c)ket bonded as security, along with William King for John King and John
King for William King.
* 1775, April: Tryon County Crown Docket shows both King cases continued.
Robert Crockett to be subpoenaed in William King case. David Crocket bound.
* 1775, July: Tryon County Crown Docket shows both King cases continued a
second time. David Crocket bound.
* 1775, October: Tryon County Crown Docket shows both King cases continued a
third time. Davd Crocket bound.
* 1776, January: Tryon County Crown Docket shows William King case
continued. David Crockett bound.
* 1776, April: Tryon County Crown Docket shows both King cases continued a
fifth time. Davd Crockatt bound.

January 1775 - Court Case The King vs Thos Espey. Extortion
Jury Panel: John Hoyle, Wm. Kinkaid, Wm Crocket, Dav'd Crocket, Sam'l Gray, Ambrose Foster, Wm Going, Joseph Richey, Christopher Walbert, David Ramsey, John Gallespie, Adolph Reep.
Jury Impanneled and sworn find the Def'endent not Guilty.

Watauga Petition

Petition to North Carolina - July 5, 1776

To the Hon. the Provincial Council of North Carolina:

The humble petition of the inhabitants of the Washington District,
including the River Wataugah, Nonachuckie, &c., in committee assembled,
Humbly Showeth, that about six years ago, Colonel Donelson, (in behalf
of the Colony of Virginia), held a Treaty with the Cherokee Indians, in
order to purchase the lands of the Western Frontiers; in consequence of
which Treaty, many of your petitioners settled on the lands of the
Wataugah, &c., expecting to be within the Virginia line, and
consequently hold their lands by their improvements as first settlers;
but to their great disappointment, when the line was run they were
(contrary to their expectation) left out; finding themselves thus
disappointed, and being to inconveniently situated to move back, and
feeling an unwillingness to loose the labour bestowed on their
plantations, they applied to the Cherokee Indians, and leased the land
for a term of ten years, before the expiration of which term, it
appeared that many persons of distinction were actually making purchases
forever; thus yielding a precedent, (supposing many of them, who were
gentlemen of the law, to be better judges of the constitution than we
were,) and considering the bad consequences it must be attended with,
should the reversion be purchased out of our hands, we next preceded to
make a purchase of the lands, reserving those in our possession in
sufficient tracts for our own uses, and resolving to dispose of the
remainder for the good of th community. This purchase was made and the
lands acknowledged to us and our heirs forever, in an open treaty, in
Wataugah Old Fields; a deed being obtained from the Chiefs of the said
Cherokee nation, for themselves and their whole nation, conveying a fee
simple right to the said lands, to us and our heirs forever, which deed
was for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand pounds sterling
(paid to them in goods,) for which consideration they acknowledged
themselves fully satisfied, contented and paid; and agreed for
themselves and their whole nation, their heirs, &c., forever to resign,
warrant and defend the said lands to us, and our heirs, &c., against
themselves, their heirs, &c.

The purchase was no sooner made, than we were alarmed by the reports of
the present unhappy situation between Great Britain and America, on
which report, (taking the new united colonies for our guide,) we
proceeded to choose a committee, which was done unanimously by the
consent of the people. This committee (willing to become a party in the
present unhappy contest) resolved (which is now in our records) to
adhere strictly to the rules and orders of the Continental Congress, and
in open committee acknowledged themselves indebted to the united
colonies their full portion of the Continental expense.

Finding ourselves on the Frontiers, and being apprehensive that, for the
want of a proper legislature, we might become shelter for such as
endeavored to defraud their creditors; considering also the necessity of
recording Deeds, Wills, and doing other public business, we, by consent
of the people, formed a court for the purposes above mentioned, taking
(by desire of our constituents) the Virginia laws for our guide, so near
as the situation of affairs would admit; this was intended for
ourselves, and was done by the consent of every individual, but wherever
we had to deal with people out of our district, we have ruled them to
bail, to abide by our determinations, (which was, in fact, leaving the
matter of reference,) otherways we dismissed their suit, lest we should
in any way intrude on the legislature of the colonies. In short, we have
endeavored so strictly to do justice, that we have admitted common proof
against ourselves, on accounts, &c., from the colonies, without
pretending a right to require the Colony Seal.

We therefore trust that we shall be considered as we deserve, and not,
as we have (no doubt) been many times, represented, as a lawless mob. It
is for this very reason we can assure you that we petition; we now again
repeat it, that it is for want of proper authority to try and punish
felons, we can only mention to you murderers, horse thieves and robbers
and are sorry to say that some of them have escaped us for want of
proper authority. We trust, however, that this will not long be the
case; and we again and again repeat it, that it is for this reason we
petition to this Honorable Assembly.

Above we have given you and extract of our proceedings, since our
settling on Wataugah, Nolachuckie, &c., in regard to our civil affairs.
We have shown you the causes of our first settling and the
disappointments we have met with, the reason of our lease and of our
purchase, the manner in which we purchased, and how we hold of the
Indians in fee simple; the causes of our forming a committee, and
legality of its election; and same of our court and proceedings, and our
reasons for petitioning in regard to our Legislature.

We will now porceed to give you some account of our military
establishments, which were chosen agreeable to the rules established by
convention, and officers appointed by the committee. This being done we
thought it proper to raise a company on the District service, as our
proportion, to act in the common cause on the sea shore. A Company of
fine riflemen were accordingly enlisted, and put under Captain James
Robertson, and were actually embodied, when we received sundry letters
and depositions, (copies of which we now enclose to you,) you will
readily judge that there was occasion for them in another place, where
we daily expected attack. We therefore thought proper to station them on
our Frontiers, in defence of the common cause, at the expense and risque
of our own private fortunes, til farther public orders, which we flatter
ourselves will give no offence. We have enclosed you sundry proceedings
at the station where our men now remain.

We shall now submit the whole to your candid and impartial judgement. We
pray your mature and deliberate consideration in our behalf, that you
man annex us to your Province, (whether as County, district, or other
division,) in such manner as my enable us to share in the glorious cause
of Liberty; enforce our laws under authority, and in every respect
become the best members of society; and for ourselves and constituents
we hope, we many venture to assure you, that we shall adhere strictly to
your determinations, and that nothing will be lacking or any thing
neglected, that may add weight (in the civil or military establishments)
to the glorious cause in which we are now struggling, or contribute to
the welfare of our own or ages yet to come.

That you may strictly examine every part of this our Petition, and delay
no time in annexing us to your Province, in such a manner as your wisdom
shall direct, is the hearty prayer of those who, for themselves and
constituents, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.

John Carter, Chn Zach Isbell Jacob Brown George Rusel
Charles Robertson John Sevier Wm. Bean Jacob Womack
James Robertson Jas. Smith John Jones Robert Lucas

The above signers are members in Committee assembled.
Wm. Tatham, Clerk, P.T.

Jocob Womack James Easley John I. Cox Joud.Bostin, sen.
Joseph Dunham John Haile John Cox, jr. Henry Bates, jun.
Rice Duncan Elijah Robertson Abraham Cox Will'm Dod
Edward Hopson William Clark Emanuel Shote Groves Morris
Lew. Bowyer John Dunham Thomas Houghton Wm. Bates
Joseph Buller Wm. Overall Joseph Luske Robert Mosely
Andw. Greer Matt. Hawkins William Reeves Ge. Hartt
Jaob Mitchell John Brown David Hughes Isaac Wilson
Gideon Morris Jos. Brown Landon Carter Jno. Waddell
Shadrach Morris Job Bumper John McCormick Jarret Williams
William Crocket Isaac Wilson David Crocket Oldham Hightower
Thomas Dedmon Richard Norton Edward Cox Abednago Hix
David Hickey George Hutson Tho's Hughes Charles McCartney
Mark Mitchell Thomas Simpson Wm. Roberson Frederick Vaughn
Hugh Blair Valentine Sevier Henry Siler Jos. McCartney
Elias Pebler Jonathan Tipton Frederick Calvit Mark Robertson
Jos. Brown Robert Sevier John Moore Joseph Calvit
John Neave Drury Goodan Wm. Newberry Joshua Houghton
John Robinson Richard Fletcher Adam Sherrell John Chukinbeard
Chris. Cunningham Alexander Greear Sam. Sherrell,jr James Cooper
Jas. Easley Joseph Greear Sam. Sherrell,Sr William Brokees
Ambrose Hodge Andrew Greear,jr Ossa Rose Julius Robertson
Dan'l Morris Teeter Nave Henry Bates,jr John King
Wm. Cox Lewis Jones Jos. Grimes Michael Hider
Crs.Cunningham,Sr John Davis Joshua Barten,sr John Barley

DEEDS THAT MENTION DAVID CROCKETT
9 Jun. 1777 - William Patterson of Tyron County sells to Jacob Baker of same for 125 lbs., 250, acres on south side of Catawba on Coburn's Creek adjoining Abram Scott, part of a grant to John Killion 13 Sept. 1759, conveyed to Thomas Yeates, then to David Crockett, then to said William Patterson, Recorded July term 1778.

2165.Nov. 8, 1779 William Crockett, for Alexander & James Crockett orphans of David Crockett deceased, 400 ac in Sullivan Co. on N side of Holston R and on head waters of Back Cr; including said Crockett deceased's improvement; warrant issued Oct. 13, 1780 by Landon Carter; 400 ac surveyed Jan. 24, 1788 for "Thomas Randen" (or Rankin) by Arthur Moore; 400 acres entered by William Crockett on entry taker's report; [for grant see file#1204 in Green Co.; MARS 12.14.6. 1204]

PETITIONS FOR GRANT SUSPENSIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA 1776 -1836 (PART 2)
pgs. 185-186, by Dr. A. B. Pruitt, ISBN #0-944992-48-X Copyright 1993 A. B. Pruitt

1534. Sept. 5, 1792 Hawkins Co Arthur Gilbrath (of Hawkins Co) swears: On Feb.10, 1784 he bought "or exchanged" land with David Mahan agreeable to the following obligation: Feb.10, 1784 Arthur Glibrath (of "Sullivan" Co) to David Mahan (of Sullivan Co)--Gilbrath sells Mahan "a tract" on the Kentucky Road above widow Elliot's; the land includes a large spring where Levin Bledsoe formerly lived. Mahan sold Gilbrath--200 ac in Carters Valley; the land borders: David Crockitt deceased's claim In said valley and above said "Crocket's". Mahan and Gilbrath agree to the bargin under a bond of £500 specie each. Gilbrath is to "support his claim" to the above place. Mahan is to conduct "all further proceedings at Gilbrath's expence". "Mayhan" is to make a "proper conveyance" of the patent of his claim to Gilbrath. [copies of signatures] Arthur Gilbrath and David Mahan; witness [copies of signatures] George Maxwell and John Anderson. Mahan gave Gilbrath "immediate" possession. Later Gilbrath sold the land to Benja Merrell who has since sold to Thomas Amis who has made a large and valuable improvement there the value of which is "very considerable". But Mahan neglected to get and make out the title. Mahan's excuse was that he lost the warrant. To have a "legal trial we" laid a supernumery [vague] warrant on the land and got a grant Sept.26, 1791 in Thomas Amis' name. Mahan ignored the bargin and intends to defraud Gilbrath. In the Spring of 1792, Mahan got a copy of his warrant from Carter's Office and sold the claim a second time to James Berry who later sold to Daniel Hamblin, "have" surveyed the land due to a copy of this warrant, & "is" about to get a grant in the name of David Mahan, James Berry, or Daniel Hamblin "or some other assignee". The warrant from Carter's office is No.1863 dated Oct. 7, 1779. [signed] Arthur "Galbrith"before Elijah Chisum, J P. To Gov. Alexander Martin: I ask that the grant to David Mahan, James Berry, Daniel Hamblin, or anyone else be suspeded and a copy of "the proceedings" be sent to Hawkins Co Court so a trial can be held. [signed] Arthur "Galbraith". [on the back] Sept.12,1792 I certify Eiljah Chisum is Commissioner of the Peace for Hawkins Co. [signed] Rich. Mitchell, Hawkins Co Clerk Sept 22, 1792 at Danbury to James Glasgow, Secretary of State: I have suspended execution of a grant for the within described land; certify the same to Hawkins Co Court so a trial can be held. [signed] Alex Martin: fees paid T Rhodes.

REFERENCES

TYRON COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA LAND WARRANTS, 1768-1774 by Miles S. Philbeck

17 Aug 1779
"JEAN CROCKETT came into Court and Chose JAMES GLEN her guardian and he was approved by the court." Washington County, VA, Court Minute Book No. 1 1777-1787. LDS film #34382, p. 70.

DNA studies of descendents are showing that the many families of Crocketts in America are not related. Several decscents of David , the elder, Crockett, have been in the study and have been proven not to be related to several distinct Crockett familys. Several Crocketts related to Anthony Crockett who died in Kentucky and whose family is listed in the Maury letter show that they are no relation to Davy Crocketts family.