TRACT

This (email) herewith serves as my granting official permission to you and others to post my genealogical research and to disseminate it as widely as you would like for any benefit it may be to others. Permission granted by: Susan Phelps Bedrosian (F/K/A Susan Elise Heinbuch b. 1959). Dated: November 13, 2008

This document was found in the family genealogy section of the NC Library in Raleigh, NC. under GR 929.2 P539H. Note: Footnotes were not transcribed and should be retrieved by the serious researcher. This document was scanned and may contain OCR errors.

Subject, Context and Approach. This is the first in a series of tracts in preparation by the compiler. This specific tract focusses on the compiler's oldest identifiable Phelps ancestor, her 5-greats grandfather James Phelps, Sr. who was born before 1740, probably in northeastern North Carolina. It is, in effect, a profile of an individual person and his family. It is the first in a series devoted to learning and understanding my family heritage beginning with my American immigrants. It is hoped that other, near and distant, present and future, relations will also find it to be of value.

My plan is to first publish a succession of tracts, such as this, each profiling one of my ancestors and their immediate family. Following, all tracts will be republished in a single book that features all my traceable family lines, such as Heinbuch, Buckingham, Kolbe etc. This final book will include any additional information uncovered on individuals subsequent to the release of the tracts, and a full index.

I have chosen the approach of publishing individual tracts in advance of a book, (the latter is more typical), for several reasons. First, I hope that by publishing them as soon as they are complete, I will provide information that may help others who are also searching my own or related lines, with the added hope that they will also share their information with me. Second, I have some elderly relations who have interest in my genealogy project who may not live to see a completed book. Third, several have told me they would find it easier to work through single family tracts because they find many genealogies too "overwhelming." Fourth, I seek the personal gratification that comes from sharing knowledge with others as soon as it is available. Finally, I endeavor toward rigorous, documented research in genealogy and hope that others will find, the provided-references of value in this regard.

I began my research with letter and telephone inquiries to known relations, particularly older ones. Many of them provided information, or clues, to untangling the family tree. Many also sent me whatever they had, often in the form of scrap notes, old faded papers etc. on which they had collected information over the years. It seems most everyone, at one point in time, started on genealogical pursuits. For that, I am eternally grateful.

It is from these humble beginnings that I began roughing out a framework of the family tree from which to seek information for proving, disproving and extending the knowledge of our family heritage. Since then, I have examined thousands of pages of documents, books, maps, censuses, wills, deeds, marriage, death and birth certificates, and visited several cemeteries. Living relations were asked to complete family group questionnaires. Through the joining of family associations and genealogical societies, I discovered others who are also interested in my and related ancestors. I have found many new cousins, and made several friends. Their generosity in sharing treasured, occasionally rare information, often the result of years of their hard work and at no small expense, has contributed greatly to reducing my 'reinvention of the wheel.' It is also because of their willingness to share, that I am also compelled to do so. Sharers know how frustrating it is to learn that others have information, but withhold it from them.

Among the many surprises during this endeavor, was finding some who, upon coming upon ancestors about which they are ashamed, (such as finding Native American Indian or African lines in a Caucasian family), prefer to withhold such information, or deny it. How unfortunate that they can not rejoice in the fascinating history, richness and diversity such backgrounds portend.

Based on the knowledge I have gained so far, I now check 'Other' on the census, and any other documents that dare ask questions about ethnic and racial backgrounds. Why? I conclude that 'Other' is the only non-fictional category offered.

What is known about James Phelps, Sr. and his immediate family, the subjects of this tract, derive primarily from wills, deeds, censuses, church records, and marriage bonds. I also include less substantiated information. I do so, (a) if it comes from a source I have found to be reliable based on other experience, or (b) the unsubstantiated claim or "rumor" has surfaced many times. All sources are documented. If I am unsure about the information, I use the term 'anecdotal' when referring to it, or describe the source, or my reasoning. I do this to allow each of us to determine the merits of my conjectures, as well as to stimulate ideas for others to explore. Aspects of rumors, or conjecture, can often lead to substantiated facts. ;

Finally, because the process of researching a family typically yields much information that may be useful to others searching theirlines, I will make available, shortly, a compendium of Phelps-related information as an Aid to Researchers of Southern Phelps. Of all the family lines I have traced to date, my Phelps line has proved to be the most difficult. I endeavor to reduce this headache for others.

Why Start With James Phelps, Sr. ? While many continue to search and speculate, as of this writing, the identity of James' PHELPS ancestors remains a mystery. Although many details about James' early life are unknown, evidence suggests that he was not an immigrant. It also seems likely that James Phelps, Sr is the child or grandchild of our mysterious first American PHELPS. It is also reasonably sure that James descends from the long line of England born PHELPS' who ventured to America beginning in the early to mid-1600s, many of whom have already been written about by others.

Brief Notes on Settlement of North Carolina as it concerns James Phelps; Sr. Historians agree that that area of northeastern North Carolina in which James Phelps, Sr. lived was first settled by English colonists who came south from Virginia, primarily from the Nansemond area. In fact, at the time of the earliest pioneering ventures, prior to 1663, that area we know today as northeastern North Carolina was an organic part of Virginia. These early movements southward were primarily stimulated: (a) by planters of Virginia searching for good bottom lands on which to extend their plantations. Note that the most important rivers of eastern.,North Carolina have their origins in Virginia.; and (b) to escape the repressive penalties being exacted in the new Virginia colonies toward those of independent mind concerning

their religious beliefs. The latter resulting as several "found that human nature was the same on both sides of the Atlantic." 1

There were a few English settlers in North Carolina from Virginia prior to 1619 in the geographical area where James Phelps, Sr. was later born. From then, until about 1660, the settlements slowly increased. After 1660 there was "a steady flow of people from Virginia into what was later known as the Albemarle area, but it was 'a movement so natural that the particulars are not recorded in the local annals of the time. "'2

Other points to remember in the search for James' Phelps ancestors are that during the early settlement of Virginia and North Carolina, the boundaries of each state, and its subunits (counties, precincts, etc.), were more than a little muddled. Moreover, as an examination of any North Carolina map will reveal, access via the ocean was virtually impossible. Finally, owing to the history of settlement of North Carolina, immigration from the south or west was much less probable at the time of James' ancestors. These points should narrow our research focus.

There is some dispute over who were the first Phelps's in North Carolina. Frequently mentioned are Henry Phelps and Jonathan Phelps, both Quakers. Both are known to have been in North Carolina at least by 1672, and some records suggest their presence as early as 1663. 3

If we remember that, prior to 1663, the area we are interested in was considered part of Virginia, then Phelps's clearly had arrived even earlier. In fact, Phelps's may be found in the early records of southeastern Virginia, part of which is now North Carolina. A Robert Phelps is mentioned in a land patent made 16 January 1637 and again on 16 March 1639. These patents reflect transactions concerning land in then Henrico County, Virginia. 4

Of particular interest to descendants of James Phelps, Sr., and other northeastern North Carolinian family historians, is that both Charles White and Edward Evans are names appearing in both the 1637 and 1639 land patents in which Robert Phelps is mentioned. Local historians will recognize these names as possible ancestors for several who reside in present-day Bertie County, North Carolina. Moreover, these two men may be the progenitors for those same White's and Evans' that later married into the Phelps family that descends from the subject of this tract, James Phelps, Sr. 5

Acknowledgments. It is not possible to conduct meaningful genealogy without the generosity and assistance of many people. It is also impossible to mention, or even know, all of those that provide help, many work behind the scenes. I mention here a few who were especially helpful in the development of this particular tract: Miriam Phelps White of Chesapeake, VA; Robert Bridger Phelps of Alexandria, VA; and William J. Hunter, Wildwood, N.J. (all three are fellow Southern Phelps family genealogists); Harry Thompson, Historian, Windsor, N.C.; Veronica Haskett, President, Family Research Society, Belvidere, N.C., and several generous members of the family association, Phelps Connections, based in Lompoc, CA.

Below is the direct drop Phelps ancestry of the compiler beginning with James Phelps, Sr.

2. Micajah PHELPS (b. bef. 1765 - d. 1816) m. Susannah --- (b. bef. 1790 - d. bef. 1818)

4. Reubin L. PHELPS (b. 1817 - aft. 1870) m. Harriett BOWEN (b. 1813 - aft. 1880)

5. Miles Thomas PHELPS (b. 1855 - d. 1914) m. Edward Watson BIRD (BYRD) (b. 1857 - d. ca. 1905)

6. Howard Talmadge PHELPS (b. 1898 - d. 1977) m. `Marguerite KOLBE (b. 1901 - d. 1977)

James PHELPS Sr. was born before 1740, to as yet unknown parents. He is known to have engaged in land transactions as an adult male, on his own, as early as 1767, and is listed as a taxpayer in 1753, both events occurring in Chowan County, N.C. Thus, I conclude that James was born closer to 1732, and probably in North Carolina. More specifically, James Phelps, Sr. was most likely born in what was then Chowan County, in that part which became Hertford County in 1759, and later part of Gates County in 1779. 6

It is also possible, though less likely, that James was born in southern Virginia, in the Isle of Wight or Nansemond areas, and was brought to North Carolina by his parents. Though it is more likely that it is James' earlier ancestors that may have come to North Carolina via Virginia, when North Carolina was part of Virginia. However they came, their passage to the northeastern section would most likely occur down in-land waterways from Virginia. Direct access to northeastern North Carolina via the ocean was almost impossible. Few roads existed. The few roads that did exist began appearing after 1700 and were described as poor and dangerous.

If road passage was tried by James parents, then it would probably have been on the road from Nansemond, in Virginia, to Chowan County, in North Carolina. This road ran north-south, west of the Great Dismal Swamp, and terminated in Edenton. This road appears on the Moseley 1773 map.' 7

It is possible that James was orphaned at a fairly young age. Speculation for this comes from a record found by one of our Phelps relations. He recalled finding a James Phelps listed as an orphan in the Records of St. Paul's Parish, Chowan County, about or before 1750. 8

Tracking James, as well as others of his family, is difficult during this early period for two reasons. First, many records were destroyed during the Civil War. Since James lived for a time in Hertford, one of the "burn" counties, it is assumed that some of his records are forever gone. Second, county lines were redrawn several times during James' life. This makes it possible for James to appear to have moved at least three times when all that occurred was a change in the county-boundaries where he lived.

The most likely scenario is that he was born in pre-1759 Chowan County and lived there for several years. In 1759, without moving, his property fell into the county of Hertford County. Twenty years later, without moving, his property fell into Gates County, where he lived for fifteen years from 1779 until his death in 1794. We know that James

James Phelps, Sr. was a farmer. He appears to have been reasonably prosperous, though not extraordinarily so, if his activities in purchasing and selling land can be the guide. That is, while he engaged in many land transactions, the acreage being exchanged was not as significant compared to other, presumed "wealthy" families of the area.

Moreover, a review of several deeds in which James Phelps, Sr.'s Hertford County, later Gates, property is mentioned as a boundary for others' land transactions, shows that his neighbors were also quite active in land transfer activities. 9 In fact, buying and selling land seems to have been a pre-occupation of many during this period. It also seems consistent with the view that property ownership was the primary basis on which personal wealth was established and maintained.

Summaries of some James' land purchasing and selling activities are described below.

On 8 June 1767, James Phelps "of Hertford County" bought, for 25 pounds, "...plantation ... one hundred acres more or less..." in Chowan County from Demsey Sumner of Chowan, who had been conveyed it by Daniel Peeles [possibly Peels]. This deed was signed by Demsey Sumner. It was witnessed by Samuel Harrell, Benjamin Sumner and John Slawn [I am unsure of the spelling of this man's last name].10 On 7 August 1772, James Phelps "of the County of Hertford" sold 136 acres "being in the County of Chowan" to Amos Smith also of Hertford County for sixty pounds proclamation money. This deed was signed in the presence of Jacob and Elizabeth Hunter. It was registered in Chowan County on 4 March 1773. 11

On 10 August 1772, James purchased a SS acre plantation located in what was then Hertford County, N.C "in consideration of the sum of sixty pounds proclamation money." He purchased the land from Amos Smith, who also signed the deed. The land is described as " beginning at gum on side of Middle Swamp, along Micajah Riddick's line to white oak, along Edward Arnold's line to pine, corner tree, along said Smith's line to aforesaid swamp and along swamp..." The deed was witnessed by William Powell, John Duke Jr 12 and- Abraham Morgan.13

On 13 October 1792, James Phelps Sr. sold 30 acres of his Gates County property to John Arnold for 36 pounds. Both James and his second wife, "Trentha," signed the deed. The transaction was witnessed by John Simons and William Gwin. 14

On 13 February 1794 (the year of his death), in Gates County, James Phelps, Sr. purchased 52 acres of land from his son James Phelps, Jr. for 20 pounds. James Phelps, Jr. signed the deed. Witnesses were James Phelps, Jr., Christian Phelps and Hy (Humphrey) Hudgins 15 [Note that Christian Phelps married James Phelps, Jr. several months later.]

Was it an uneven swap? Regarding the above land transactions, I draw your attention to the two which occurred between James Phelps, Sr. and Amos Smith in August 1772 just three days apart for the same amount of money, sixty pounds, but involving a significantly different amount of acreage. That is, 136 Chowan acres sold by James so he could buy 55 Hertford acres. Given the nature of these transactions, particularly the discrepancy of acreage, these deeds may represent the formalization of a very informal land swap made between James and Amos. They may have also been surrounded by extenuating circumstances. I have assumed that land values fluctuated by location then as now. However, an exchange of 136 for 55 acres, for even money, seems a bit extreme given the general development of land in those areas at that time.

Some Notes on County Formations to Aid in Discovery of the Ancestors and Details concerning James Phelps, Sr. and His Family

As mentioned earlier, it can be difficult to track our James Phelps, Sr. due to lost records and county re-divisions. Some background on the county formations that relate to James may help in our understanding of the circumstance surrounding his life and that of his ancestors.

As a way of explaining it, I use the deed of 10 August 1772, in which James bought his 55 acre plantation as a jumping off point to this discussion. This Hertford County deed survives because when Gates County was created in 1779 from sections of Chowan, Hertford, and Perquimans counties, James Phelps, Sr.'s plantation was located in that northeastern section of Hertford that fell within the boundaries of Gates County. (See the County Formation Comparison below). As a result, the affected Hertford County records were transferred to Gates County.

Moreover, we should recognize that Hertford County was formed in 1759, from sections of then Chowan, Bertie and Northampton Counties. Therefore, if James and his parents lived in that same area during and prior to that year, then he may appear in the records of those counties. In fact he does appear in the records of Chowan County, as being "of Hertford County." I conclude, at this time, that we are looking at another situation in which, James owned land and probably lived in one County, that of Chowan, and merely had the lines redrawn on him, thus placing him as being "of Hertford County," which, as we already know, the section of Hertford wherein he lived in 1779 became Gates County. In short, he may never have moved. Thus, I conclude that we should look to Chowan County for more about our James.

We should also note that in our ongoing search for James' ancestors and possibly the precise location of his birth, we should look to records of southeastern Virginia. Why? Because Hertford, and later also Gates, as well as Chowan, Perquimans, and Bertie Counties all, at varying points in time, held a boundary with Virginia.

Moreover, the entire northeastern region of North Carolina, which includes all the counties in which James is reported to have resided or engaged in transactions, was variously known as The Albemarle, or Albemarle Section or Albemarle Precinct, in the early times of settlement in North Carolina, that is, prior to 1664. It was in 1664, from The Albemarle, that the first official North Carolina county was formed, known, unsurprisingly, as Albemarle County.

Shortly thereafter, in 1668, Albemarle County was divided into four Precincts. The first was known as Shaftesbury Precinct, which was renamed Chowan Precinct about 1685. The Second, was Currituck Precinct. The third was Pasquotank Precinct. The fourth was Perquimans Precinct.

Albemarle County ceased to exist as a unit of government in 1689, when then Governor, Seth Sothel, departed. The new Governor's commission was basically the whole of modern North Carolina, "that part of our province of Carolina that lyes north and east of Cape feare."16

The names of the first four Precincts survived, and became the names of Counties. Each of the four Counties, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank, and Perquimans, still find some of the original land from the Precincts of which their names derive within their present-day boundaries. However, present-day boundaries result from transformations that involved shrinking their original sizes as newer counties were formed or expanded.

A map comparison of North Carolina Counties at 1760 compared to 1912 is presented below. Based on my research to date, I conclude that James lived in that section of Chowan County, later Hertford and then absorbed into Gates, that is near the tip or northeast of the Chowan River, in what would be present day Gates County. Thus, I also suspect that if "Middle Swamp," which is frequently mentioned in deeds concerning the land where James dwelt, can be found on maps of his time, it will be found there.

In fact, while Middle Swamp has not appeared on any of the maps reviewed so far, it was identified by another in 1963. He described it as "rising in north Gates County and flowing east into Duke Swamp." This would place it near Bennetts Creek which "is formed by the junction of Duke Swamp, Harrell Swamp and Raynor Swamp," and is located in present-day central Gates County.17

To maintain our historical perspective, the following are some events that occurred during the life of James PHELPS Sr.: birth of William Henry Harrison, 9th President (served Mar 4-Apr 4, 1841) on February 9, 1773; Captain James Cook stumbles over the Hawaiian Islands on January 18, 1778; New York City becomes the capitol of the United States on September 13, 1788; 1st successful Caesarean performed on January 14, 1794; birth of Sylvester Graham, inventor of the Graham cracker on July 5, 1794.

During the course of his life, James is known to have been married at least twice, and have fathered ten children. His first marriage was to an unknown woman who is believed to have been the mother of all of his children. Owing to the fact that James remarried in 1788, we conclude that his first wife died before that date.

Anecdotal evidence reports that James Phelps, Sr is listed in the 1784 - 1787 North Carolina Census. Of interest is the possibility of an additional Phelps person living in his home along with two other

women. This census record is reported to list the household of James Phelps, of Gates County, as having two white males between the ages of 21 and 60 years of age, three white men under twenty-one and over sixty, four white females of all ages, no blacks, Feriba Phelps (spelled "Phelpes" in census report I received) and two white females of all ages. It is not, as yet, known who Feriba Phelps may be or the two other females listed. It is also possible that Feriba Phelps represents a separate household. In either case, the count of four white females suggests that James' first wife was living at the time of the census.18

About the time of the 1784 - 1787 census, on 27 August 1787, James Phelps served as the bondsman for the marriage bond of Kedar Phelps to Elizabeth Hines, in Gates County.19. The relationship of Kedar Phelps to James Phelps, Sr. is not yet established.

James' second marriage was to Terentha BOYCE, also known as ' Renthy,' and 'Trentha.' They were bonded for marriage on 29 Jul 1788 before 1810. 21

James Phelps, Sr. made his will on 21 April 1794, and died sometime shortly thereafter, as his will was presented for disposition to the August 1794 Court of Gates County. 22 A transcription of his will appears in the appendix.

James PHELPS Sr. and --- --- had ten children. Details about them are provided below.

1. Henry PHELPS was born before 1765. He died in 1818 in Bertie County, N.C. His will was proved in November, 1818. He married Margaret --- on an unknown date. Henry is believed to be the oldest of James' children.

A family bible, examined a few years ago by one Phelps' descendant, shows that Henry Phelps left, or intended to leave, his estate to a John Anthony PHELPS, believed to be his grandson. However, according to an abstract of Henry's will, it mentions, in addition to his wife Margaret, a Luke L. Phelps, Henry Phelps, and a Joseph M. Phelps, the latter three men are probably his sons.23

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Henry's son, Henry Phelps, Jr. may have removed to Illinois with possible descendants in Kansas. Note also, that the Will of Elizabeth Byrum, proved 8 Jul 1876 in Bertie County, mentions John Anthony Phelps as the sole recipient of her estate. Elizabeth Byrum's relationship to the Phelps family has not yet been established.24 No more is known.

+ 2. Micajah PHELPS was born before 1765. He died in 1816 in Bertie County, N.C. He married Susannah ---.25 Micajah Phelps and Susannah --- had at least six children: (a) + John Phelps (b) Robert Phelps (c) Ann Phelps (d) Elizabeth Phelps (e) Micajah Phelps, Jr. (f) Muntrandy Phelps.' 26 More on Micajah's line in Tract # 2P: Micajah Phelps, and on John Phelps, son of Micajah in Tract # 3P: John Phelps.

3. William PHELPS was born before 1780. He died in 1836 in Bertie, N.C. He married Edith B=ERTON per bond dated 22 Feb 1800 in Gates County, N.C. Bondsman was Clem Matthews (who seven years later became the second husband to Terentha (Boyce) Phelps). Witness was Law Baker.

William Phelps is mentioned as the former owner of land being sold by John Powell to Docton Riddick in 20 Sep 1779. William Phelps also appears as a witness to a land transaction on 20 Jan 1798 occurring between William Speight and John Duke, Jr., in Gates County. Other witnesses were Miles and Betsey Benton. William also appears as a witness to a land transaction on 28 Dec 1800 occurring between his brother, Micajah Phelps, and William Cleaves, in Gates County. Another witnesses to this transaction was Wm. W. Riddick.27 No more is known.

4. Jesse PHELPS was born before 1780. He died on an unknown date, but probably after 1808. It is not known if he married. It is known that he was an adult male in Dec 1794, as he appears as a witness to a land transaction in which John Simons sells land to John Arnold, in Gates County. Others party to this event were Nancy Simons as cosigner of the deed with John Simons, and James Pruden as the second witness. 28 No more is known.

5. James PHELPS Jr. was born before 1780. He married Christian PHELPS per bond dated 18 Feb 1795 in Gates County, N.C. Bondsman was John Arnold. Witness was Law Baker. No children are believed to have been produced of his marriage. It is not known what relationship Christian Phelps is to James Phelps, Jr., if any. [Note that Christian could be a Phelps by a previous marriage into the family.]

James Phelps, Jr. died sometime between 6 Sep 1832, the date he made his will, and 1834 the year the will was presented to the Gates County 'Court for proving. His will is brief, and difficult to read. As it concerns the disposition of his assets, he states "I leave my land & plantation to my beloved wife Christian Phelps ...& further I do give her all my hogs, cows & potatoes..."

In a deed made 29 August 1791, Richard Baker sells land to James Phelps, Jr. in Gates County. Witnessed by Benjamin Baker. Deed was presented to Gates County Court 2 February 1792. It was officially filed on 11 May 1792 and testified by C. Riddick, PR and Law Baker, CC. On 13 February 1794 (the year of his father's death), in Gates County, James Phelps, Jr. sold 52 acres of land to his father, James Phelps, Sr., in Gates County. Witnesses were Hy (Humphrey) Hudgins and Christian Phelps, who married James Phelps, Jr. the following February.

In a deed made 29 August 1794, James Phelps sells land to Noah Felton in Gates County. Witnessed by John Arnold and Daniel Riddick. In deed made 20 August 1805 James Phelps buys from Jacob L. Powell a tract of land known as the "Crossroads." Witnessed by Jethro Sumner and Hy Hudgins.

In 6 April 1807 James Phelps "of Gates County" sells to Charles Robertson of Nansemond County, Virginia, "$500.00 land in Gates Co. known by the name the Cross Roads & being the land on which the Meeting House formerly Stood. "

In a deed proved in August 1819, Gates County, James Phelps witnessed for Frederick Jones.

On 16 Jan 1829, James Phelps "of Gates" sells to James Costen of same for $1.00 & security to make safe George Costen for becoming said Phelps' security to the following notes" (many were listed). Names included in this transaction were: Walton Freeman, James Lassiter, John Felton, Frederick Jones, Elisha Hunter, and "#2 tract which Phelps bought of James Howard it being the dower or thirds of his wife Gelly formerly belonging to Henry Watson desd Senior 100 acres also one negro woman Cloe. 29 No more is known.

6. Leah PHELPS was born before 1775. She died after 1791. She married William BRIGGS per bond on 29 Sep 1791 in Gates County, N.C. Bondsman was Robert Riddick. Witness was Law Baker." No more is known.

7. Sally PHELPS was born before 1780. She died after 1790. She married William COFFIELD on 10 Jul 1790 in Bertie County, N.C. Bondsman was John Morgan. Witness was Amos Turner." No more is known.

8. Elizabeth PHELPS was born before 1780. She died after 1793. She married Curre BUTLER on 12 Jan 1793 in Bertie County, N.C. Bondsman was James Hardy. Witness was Thomas Castellow.32 No more is known.

9. Luton King PHELPS was born before 1794. He died after 1810. Regarding his birth date, it is known that Luton King was not yet an adult as'of 1794 because James Phelps, Sr. specifically provides in his will that his executors should look after Luton's schooling and other necessaries.

In a deed made 10 Jan 1810, Luton King Phelps and Clem W. Matthews, second husband to Terentha (Boyce) Phelps Matthews, sell 25 acres to Nathaniel Pruden. This land includes mention of Middle Swamp which was known to be on part of James Phelps, Sr.'s plantation which he bought in 1772. Both Luton King and Clem signed the deed. Witnesses to this transaction were Hy (Humphrey) Hudgins and P. Hagerty. 33 No more is known.

10. Kitchen PHELPS was born before 1794. He died after 1925, probably in Gates County. He married Celey ROUNDTREE per bond on 8 Jan 1814 in Gates, N.C. Bondsman was Josiah J. Hudgins.

Witness was D. Southall. The Southalls were known to be neighbors of Micajah, James Phelps Sr.s' son, as early as 1808. Regarding his birth, it is known that Kinchen was not yet an adult as of 1794 because James Phelps, Sr. specifically provides in his will that his executors should look after Kinchen's schooling and other necessaries.34 No more is known.