Stephen Caudill

• about - Stephen Caudill
• about - Stephen Caudill father - James Caudill - born 1641, England born - ca 1680, Scotland
• died - 1758, Virginia
• marrried - Mary Elizabeth Fields, b.rn 1698,
• children -

1. James Caudill - b. 1718/1727, Old Surry, Virginia
2. Benjamin Caudill - b. 1725 (car)

Family Notes:

Cawdor Castle in Scotland

Stephen Caudill and Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Fields came to America from Scotland around 1720. Although I don't know exactly where in Scotland they came from, my Scottish expert tells me that the Caudills belonged to the Clan Campbell of Cawdor. The ancestral home for the Cawdor branch of Campbells is Cawdor Castle. The property was acquired by the Campbells in 1510, and today is the home of Lord and Lady Cawdor, although it is open to the public.

Shakespeare used the castle as the setting for "MacBeth." There is a drawbridge entrance to the castle, although today there is no water in the moat. The exterior walls are, of course, made of stone. There are high walls for defense and a canon near the main entrance, but to me it looked more like a regal home than a place where you would expect a battle. There is a fresh water well deep inside the castle, should it ever be under siege. Oddly, there is a tree growing up from the dungeon inside the castle. It has probably been there for hundreds of years, and I don't know if it was still alive in 1998 when I was there. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the castle (common practice over there), so I don't have anything to jog my memory regarding details, but it was beautifully furnished and liberally scattered with antiques and painted portraits of ancestors.

Like most, Cawdor Castle has a tower, winding stone staircases, arched doorways, and tapestries aplenty behind massive stone walls several feet thick. There are ancient arms displayed on the walls--claymores (Scottish 2-handed swords)and targes (Scottish shields) and so on. On the outside front of the castle, the Cawdor coat of arms is displayed, including the motto "Be mindful." The castle is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens and forests. There is a living hedge maze, and behind the castle there is a rushing stream (probably used to fill the moat in days of old).

The national flower of Scotland is the thistle, and when I was there, there was one about 10-12 feet tall. Many of the castles of Scotland were destroyed by battles with the English or clan feuds or by the ravages of time and the lack of funds for upkeep, but "our" castle is intact, in good repair, and in "like new" condition. I hope all my Caudill cousins find this castle as interesting as I did. I wish I could do it justice with words.

I forgot to mention when the castle was built. Cawdor began as a strong tower, built by the crown in second half of fourteenth century. It was a royal castle until James II gave it to the Thane of Cawdor about 1454. After that, further additions and fortifications were made, and the castle was expanded significantly, with the original square tower in the center.

(Source: Dave Milburn)

Notes for Stephen Caudill:

The "Caudill" spelling is used throughout this databse to maintain consistency unless it is known, with relative certainty, that a particular 'family' or 'branch' used an alternate spelling. Some of the most common 'early' spellings of the "Caudill" surname include Cordell, Cordill, Cordle, Caudle, Cadle, Caddell, etc. Also, be aware that some common misspellings include Candill, Candle, etc. Although, these are most certainly valid surnames, it is suspected that the handwritten 'u' in Caudill, Caudle, etc., is frequently transcribed as 'n' by those unfamiliar with the Caudill, Caudle, etc., surname.

(Source: Dave Milburn)

Cordell Clippings, No. 8, Jan. 1993, Pg. 7:

When Stephen died in 1758, a Virginia Court ordered his widowed, Elizabeth, and son, James, to administer his estate. No other children were listed. However, later information showed that Stephen had at least two, and possibly three sons.

Cordell Clippings, No. 8, Jan. 1993, Pg. 21:

Although Old Lunenburg Stephen was known to have two sons, Benjamin of Sussex and James Sr., it has generally been assumed that he might well have had other sons. This seems particularly true when we look at early records of Granville and Chatham Counties, NC. By 1769 James Sr. was in Granville County, associating with a contemporary named Isham. In 1790 in Chatham County, NC there were a number of unidentified Cordells with first names similar to our other known cousins, first names like Benjamin, James, Jesse, John, and Isham. These men could possibly be sons of either Benjamin of Sussex or Old James, but perhaps there is a THIRD brother whose sons are inhabiting these counties in North Carolina. The 1769 Isham Cordell of Granville seems as good a bet as any other to be this brother, but there is absolutely no hard evidence to support this, just an overabundance of cousins in Chatham County, NC.

Cordell Clippings, No. 14, Apr. 1996, Pg. 3

"Appalachia Crossroads: The Caudill Family", Ch. 2, Pg. 7:

Stephen first appeared on a land grant from King George II of 195 acres in Surry Co., VA, which later became Brunswick Co., then Lunenburg Co., VA, & NC. There is a possibility that this Stephen could have been born in VA, or one of the New England States. There were Caudills in VA as early as 1648, which would provide ample time for a VA birth. Lack of records cannot rule out this possibility. A maiden name for his spouse has not been discovered, thus the listing Mary/Elizabeth, taken from two different research groups (Leroy Caudill furnished the name Mary and another group in GA furnished the name Elizabeth). From various deeds, we know his wife was named Mary, however, we do not know whether he was married more than once. On some deeds, Stephen used an "S" mark and Mary used an "H" sometimes. The families of Hardin, Harrison, Hammons and Hardaways are in this parish. Whether the "H" stands for her maiden name or for one of these families is not known. - Guy Ford Childers

"Appalachia Crossroads: The Caudill Family", Ch. 127, Pg. 2511, 2512:

Also I received a letter that appears to materially alter the start of this book. According to this letter from Mr. Dick Howell, additional research is warranted on the origin of this family. If I am to complete this book, I have to put a halt to such research. Therefore I am including the contents of this letter for your further study.

"Sometime ago you said in a note that you never determined what happened to the 195 acres of land that Steven Caudle received in Surry Co (VA) in 1731.

According to DB 1741 to 1746 - page 163, Surry County, VA - Indenture Feb. 16, 1741; Recorded October 19, 1743 - Stephen and Mary Caudle, (both signed) of Brunswick Co. to Lawrence Gibbons of York Co., Va. for 5 SH Sterling 195 acres n. side of Nottaway River in Surry Co., Va., adjoining Col. Benjamin Harrison and Francis Russell; granted Caudle Aug 25, 1731. Witnesses - William Fletcher and William Manin.

Also I have come across a copy of the grant of 400 plus acres that Stephen Caudle received in Aug. of 1759. Note the date is 1759 not 1739, and it is in Lunenburg County, on the Great Creek. There is also a Great Creek in Brunswick Co. and this is probably is what has caused some confusion as to location.

From this what conclusion can be drawn? The Stephen who died in 1758, inventory 1759, was married to an Elizabeth (not Mary) and had a son (or son-in-law) James. I still have not seen enough data that allows me to state unequivocally that James was a son.

The Stephen, who received the grant in 1731, sold it in 1743, and purchased more land in 1759 in Lunenburg County, was the same man in all cases, as his wife was named Mary (only positive tie-in).

Who was the Stephen who received support from the church 1759 to 1764 (approximate dates - I did not review my notes for exact dates)? Was he another Stephen, or did Steven who was married to Mary lose all his money (this not seemingly possible because he was selling off parts of the 400 acres during the same period). What happened to this Stephen (the apparent poor one), and his daughter?

Could there be three Stephen Caudles? There were surely enough other Caudle's in the area of that same time to have had children they could have named Stephen, and it is possible that one of the Stephen's was the son of a Stephen."

Still another letter from Mr. Howell as follows:

"One last thing. It would appear that Ben Caudle of Sussex Co was a brother of Stephen Caudle, and Mary (who had the 195 acres in Surry Co). To theorize a little further, they along with the James who died in 1737, could all have been brothers, sons of the James who came over in 1654.

The other Stephen Caudle, who had the land grant or patent, in Brunswick Co., Va of apparently 1739, and died 1758, was possibly a brother to Sampson (he sold his land in 1747 part of this parcel) and also a brother to Richard who is in that same deed of sale to Sampson. I say brother, because Sampson is noted in that deed to have a son, John, who is old enough to own land adjacent to the land Sampson bought from Stephen.

There appears to be a third Stephen who received money (or tobacco) from the Church for the support of his daughter in the late 1750's and the early 1760's. This third one I can not tie in, unless he was a brother of James, born 1716/17, son of James who died in 1737."

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/h/e/f/Rick-Heflin-Ohio/W...

Stephen Caudill650, 651 was born Abt. 1680 in Scotland652, 653, and died 1759 in Lunenburg, VA654, 655. He married (1) Mary Elizabeth Fields.

More About Stephen Caudill:

Date born 2: Bet. 1680 - 1690, Scotland.656, 657

Children of Stephen Caudill and Mary Elizabeth Fields are:

+James Caudill, b. 1720, Lunenburg, VA or Scotland658, 659, d. Aft. 1787, Of Wilkes Co., NC660, 661.

+Benjamin Caudill, b. 1730, Virginia662, 663, d. date unknown.

Notes for Stephen Caudill: The "Caudill" spelling is used throughout this databse to maintain consistency unless it is known, with relative certainty, that a particular 'family' or 'branch' used an alternate spelling. Some of the most common 'early' spellings of the "Caudill" surname include Cordell, Cordill, Cordle, Caudle, Cadle, Caddell, etc. Also, be aware that some common misspellings include Candill, Candle, etc. Although, these are most certainly valid surnames, it is suspected that the handwritten 'u' in Caudill, Caudle, etc., is frequently transcribed as 'n' by those unfamiliar with the Caudill, Caudle, etc., surname.

The following is from the Cordell Clippings, No. 8, Jan. 1993, Pg. 7: When Stephen died in 1758, a Virginia Court ordered his widowed, Elizabeth, and son, James, to administer his estate. No other children were listed. However, later information showed that Stephen had at least two, and possibly three sons.

The following is from the Cordell Clippings, No. 8, Jan. 1993, Pg. 21: Although Old Lunenburg Stephen was known to have two sons, Benjamin of Sussex and James Sr., it has generally been assumed that he might well have had other sons. This seems particularly true when we look at early records of Granville and Chatham Counties, NC. By 1769 James Sr. was in Granville County, associating with a contemporary named Isham. In 1790 in Chatham County, NC there were a number of unidentified Cordells with first names similar to our other known cousins, first names like Benjamin, James, Jesse, John, and Isham. These men could possibly be sons of either Benjamin of Sussex or Old James, but perhaps there is a THIRD brother whose sons are inhabiting these counties in North Carolina. The 1769 Isham Cordell of Granville seems as good a bet as any other to be this brother, but there is absolutely no hard evidence to support this, just an overabundance of cousins in Chatham County, NC.

The following is from the Cordell Clippings, No. 14, Apr. 1996, Pg. 3 (also, reference "Appalachia Crossroads: The Caudill Family", Ch. 2, Pg. 7): Stephen first appeared on a land grant from King George II of 195 acres in Surry Co., VA, which later became Brunswick Co., then Lunenburg Co., VA, & NC. There is a possibility that this Stephen could have been born in VA, or one of the New England States. There were Caudills in VA as early as 1648, which would provide ample time for a VA birth. Lack of records cannot rule out this possibility. A maiden name for his spouse has not been discovered, thus the listing Mary/Elizabeth, taken from two different research groups (Leroy Caudill furnished the name Mary and another group in GA furnished the name Elizabeth). From various deeds, we know his wife was named Mary, however, we do not know whether he was married more than once. On some deeds, Stephen used an "S" mark and Mary used an "H" sometimes. The families of Hardin, Harrison, Hammons and Hardaways are in this parish. Whether the "H" stands for her maiden name or for one of these families is not known. - Guy Ford Childers

The following is from "Appalachia Crossroads: The Caudill Family", Ch. 127, Pg. 2511, 2512:

Also I received a letter that appears to materially alter the start of this book. According to this letter from Mr. Dick Howell, additional research is warranted on the origin of this family. If I am to complete this book, I have to put a halt to such research. Therefore I am including the contents of this letter for your further study.

"Sometime ago you said in a note that you never determined what happened to the 195 acres of land that Steven Caudle received in Surry Co (VA) in 1731.

According to DB 1741 to 1746 - page 163, Surry County, VA - Indenture Feb. 16, 1741; Recorded October 19, 1743 - Stephen and Mary Caudle, (both signed) of Brunswick Co. to Lawrence Gibbons of York Co., Va. for 5 SH Sterling 195 acres n. side of Nottaway River in Surry Co., Va., adjoining Col. Benjamin Harrison and Francis Russell; granted Caudle Aug 25, 1731. Witnesses - William Fletcher and William Manin.

Also I have come across a copy of the grant of 400 plus acres that Stephen Caudle received in Aug. of 1759. Note the date is 1759 not 1739, and it is in Lunenburg County, on the Great Creek. There is also a Great Creek in Brunswick Co. and this is probably is what has caused some confusion as to location.

From this what conclusion can be drawn?

The Stephen who died 1758, inventory 1759, was married to an Elizabeth (not Mary) and had a son (or son-in-law) James. I still have not seen enough data that allows me to stated unequivocally that James was a son. The Stephen, who received the grant in 1731, sold it in 1743, and purchased more land in 1759 in Lunenburg County, was the same man in all cases, as his wife was named Mary (only positive tie-in).

Who was the Stephen who received support from the church 1759 to 1764 (approximate dates - I did not review my notes for exact dates)? Was he another Stephen, or did Steven who was married to Mary lose all his money (this not seemingly possible because he was selling off parts of the 400 acres during the same period). What happened to this Stephen (the apparent poor one), and his daughter?

Could there be three Stephen Caudles? There were surely enough other Caudle's in the area of that same time to have had children they could have named Stephen, and it is possible that one of the Stephen's was the son of a Stephen."

Still another letter from Mr. Howell as follows:

"One last thing. It would appear that Ben Caudle of Sussex Co was a brother of Stephen Caudle, and Mary (who had the 195 acres in Surry Co). To theorize a little further, they along with the James who died in 1737, could all have been brothers, sons of the James who came over in 1654.

The other Stephen Caudle, who had the land grant or patent, in Brunswick Co., Va of apparently 1739, and died 1758, was possibly a brother to Sampson (he sold his land in 1747 part of this parcel) and also a brother to Richard who is in that same deed of sale to Sampson. I say brother, because Sampson is noted in that deed to have a son, John, who is old enough to own land adjacent to the land Sampson bought from Stephen.

There appears to be a third Stephen who received money (or tobacco) from the Church for the support of his daughter in the late 1750's and the early 1760's. This third one I can not tie in, unless he was a brother of James, born 1716/17, son of James who died in 1737. /s/ Dick Howell, 10086 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island, Fl 33706"

Source:

http://www.tiptopwebsite.com/websites/index2.php?username=dnhrose&p...

Stephen was of Scotch descent and born in Scotland. He came to America about 1700.

On August 5, 1731, Stephen Caudill paid twenty shillings for a King George II patent for 195 acres on the North Side of Nottaway River in Old Surry County Virginia, which later became Brunswick and then Lunenburg County. A patent to the people then was the same as a deed today.

On the tax list for 1752, Stephen Caudill apprears on the list with his son James paying two tithes. Tithables are men who are eligable for military service.

Source:

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/a/u/Brian-K-Caudill/GE...

Some of the most common 'early' spellings of the "Caudill" surname include Cordell, Cordill, Cordle, Caudle, Cadle, Caddell, etc.

The following is from the Cordell Clippings, No. 8, Jan. 1993, Pg. 7:

When Stephen died in 1758, a Virginia Court ordered his widow, Elizabeth, and son, James, to administer his estate. No other children were listed. However, later information showed that Stephen had at least two, and possibly three sons.

The following is from the Cordell Clippings, No. 14, Apr. 1996, Pg. 3 (also, reference "Appalachia Crossroads: The Caudill Family", Ch. 2, Pg. 7):

Stephen first appeared on a land grant from King George II of 195 acres in Surry Co., VA, which later became Brunswick Co., then Lunenburg Co., VA, & NC. . . . From various deeds, we know his wife was named Mary, however, we do not know whether he was married more than once.

The following is from "Appalachia Crossroads: The Caudill Family", Ch. 127, Pg. 2511, 2512:

According to DB 1741 to 1746 - page 163, Surry County, VA - Indenture Feb. 16, 1741; Recorded October 19, 1743 - Stephen and Mary Caudle, (both signed) of Brunswick Co. to Lawrence Gibbons of York Co., Va. for 5 SH Sterling 195 acres n. side of Nottaway River in Surry Co., Va., adjoining Col. Benjamin Harrison and Francis Russell; granted Caudle Aug 25, 1731. Witnesses - William Fletcher and William Manin.

There is little additional information about Stephen Caudill, other than he married Mary Elizabeth Fields. Their children: Sampson, born about 1717; and James, who was born about 1718 in Surry Co., VA. Stephen followed his sons to North Carolina.

Born: 1680 in Argyll, Argylishire Parish, Scotland

Married: Mary Elizabeth Fields

Died: after 1764 in Lunenburg County, Virginia

Buried: Brunswick County, Virginia

Deed Book 3, Page 165 – 8/4/1747 – mentions an earlier 446 acres land grant in Brunswick County, Virginia made to Stephen Caudle from the King’s Office. Stephen Caudle appears to have settled in Brunswick County, Virginia following his immigration to the colonies.

On 8/10/1759, Stephen Caudle was granted another land patent of 400 acres in Lunenburg County, Virginia.

During the early days of colonization, it was not unusual for an individual to own land in several counties or states. They did not necessarily live on the land themselves, although land given by the royal/colonial government via grants was for the purpose of creating a residence and to be worked by the owner or tenants.

Lunenburg County, Virginia Deeds

Deed Book 6, 1760-61, Pages 339-341 – 1/31/1761 – Stephen Caudle to Nathaniel Laffone, both of Lunenburg County, 10 lbs for 100 acres … Lunenburg County branch of Great Creek … part of Caudle’s 400 acres patented on 8/10/1759. Witnesses: Joseph Parrish, James Dicks, & Thomas Harding. Signed: Stephen (S) Cordl … Received 2/3/1761.

Deed Book 9, Pages 434-436 – 11/28/1763 - Stephen Caudle to William Gallemore, both of Lunenburg County … 100 lbs for 200 acres in Lunenburg County, Great Creek …adjoining Thomas Harding, Matthew Laffoon, & Nathaniel Laffoon. Witnesses: Nathaniel Laffoon, Matthew Laffoon, & Thomas Harding. Signed: Stephen (S) Caudle & Mary (X) Caudle. Received: 4/12/1764

[Mary%E2%80%99s signature along with her husband’s indicates a portion or all of this land is included in the dower legally reserved for the wife’s use following her husband’s death. At age 84, Stephen appears to be preparing for his and Mary’s death.]

GEDCOM Source

@R1050076933@ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,7836::0

GEDCOM Source

Source number: 154.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: BPP 1,7836::216556

GEDCOM Source

@R1050076933@ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,7836::0

GEDCOM Source

Source number: 154.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: BPP 1,7836::216556

GEDCOM Source

@R1050076933@ Ancestry Family Trees Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members.

GEDCOM Source

Ancestry Family Tree http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=101506137&pi...