Notes on James Phelps in Tyrrell Co, NC

By Doug Phelps

2004, revised 9/2008

with recent  items by Gwen Bjorkman and David Phelps

Much of the following was given to me by Brenda Emory, a long time researcher of Phelps in NC.  Some portions may have been of my own research.  In 2004 I was trying to find a James Phelps in eastern NC who could have been my James Phelps of Caswell Co. NC.  I am now convinced there is no link here.

 While the information is oriented toward by pursuit of a James Phelps, the notes may help others in their research.  For other related material, please see A father from Tyrrell County, N.C     Doug Phelps

James Phelps of Tyrrell Co.

Much of this data was taken from http://patriot.net/~cpbarnes/TYRRELL.HTM

This table places primary source information (provided either below or I can provide) with the most likely James Phelps.  The first column summarizes the definition of the deduced  James using information in the next columns.The next columns left to right are chronologically orderd with a descriptive heading.  

1678  Maryland Assembly Proceedings, October—November 1678. 87

An Act for payment and assessing the Publick Charges of this Province

Whereas There hath been Eight hundred twenty five thousand Nyne hundred Seventy Nyne pounds of Tobacco Expended layd out & disbursed by severall of the Inhabitants of this Province in the late Expedicon against the Nanticoke Indians and other the necessary Charges of this Province which hath been Examined stated and allowed by the upper and lower houses of this present Generall Assembly To the intent therefore That the same may bee satisfyed and payd to those persons to whom the same is due Bee itt Enacted by the Right Hon^ble the Lord Proprietary by and with the advice and Consent of the upper and lower houses of this present Generall Assembly and the Authority of the same That the said Eight hundred twenty five thousand Nyne hundred Seventy Nyne pounds of Tobacco be paid in manner & forme as is hereafter Expressed by an Equall Assessment vppon the persons & Estates of the Inhabitants of this Province And be payd to the severall persons to whome the same is due as aforesaid Any Talbott Law Statute Custome or vseage to the Contrary thereof County Notwithstanding— That is to say to….. To Curtbert Phelps fifteen pounds of Tobacco…. to Darby Phelps … to each & every of them three hundred pounds of Tobacco…   [also listed for a simlar event was Walter Phelps who reportedly was in Chowan early on.]

1695  Cuthbert Phelps Sr proves by his oath his right to 1050 acres of land by the importation of himself Frances Phelps Derby Phelps, Edward Pheps Bartholomen Phelps, Precilla Phelps, Cuthert Phelps Junor…. General Court 26 Feb 1695     NC Headrights A list of Names 1663-1744  (Albemarle precinct)

1694  Robert While proved nine rights…. Cuthbert Phelps.  Certified 18 July 1694. NC Headrights A list of Names 1663-1744    (Albemarle precinct)

1702    Cuthbert and Barth Phelps In 1702  Perquimans tax list.  (Tyrrell records filed in Perquimans district/precinct).

May 28, 1704

Mr: SNODIN Sr: be p1eased to Assigne ffoure of my Rights to Wm: HARDIE & three to Jno. Anderson

ye: Certificates are Recorded, & In so doing I.on obligd Your Servant

May ye: 28th: 1704                                                  Signum: James (x) FFEWOX

Henno? JOHNS!ON                 Go:? PHELPS, 5                Jono: HASSEL, 12                Sam. PREBITT?,   1

Wm: LUDFORD, 2                  Jno: VALLWAY, 1            Seth PHELPS, 6                    Cuth PHELPS, 6

Sile? Catrif?,  4                                                                 Signum: JAMES (x) FFEWOX

                     40____

San thatt _        4

Note ffrom FFEWOXto SO County North Carolina Records /6 ?8' /73} NODIN for Rights

The above is reported in Albemarle County North Carolina Records 1678-1773

 1704 rights to land:    Seth Phelps 290 A rights. I to find 5 rights.  Cutbert: 300 A. rights. I to find 6 rights.   Old Albemarle CO NC records 1678-1737 

1729-32  Quit rent rolls Tyrrell co.  Edward Phelps   James Phelps

May the 24th 1740  [Tyrrell Deed book item # 69)

Edward PHELPS Records for his Son James PHELPSes mark a Crops Two Slittss and an underkeel in the Left Eare and a Crop and a hole in the Right Eare.  Test. Thos. LEARY D.Cl.Cur.

Sep 1752, Court ordered that a road be laid out from the Red Banks at Roger Snell's on the East side of Scuppernong River to the fort landing at Aligator Creek. Jury appointed: John Alexander, Joseph Alexander, Joseph Spruell, Jr., Joseph Davenport, Godfrey Spruell, James Phelps, Jr., Roger Snell, Joseph Spruell, William Gennet, Isaac Alexandor, Samuel Norman, Joseph Norman, Thos. Spencer, Capt. Sam. Spruell, Jr., and Jas. Phelps, Sr. Minutes of the September, 1752 session of the Tyrrell County, NC Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1:135.

 

Dec 1754, Court petitioned by James Phelps, Josiah Phelps, Edwd. Phelps, Benjn. Tarkington, Jos. Tarkington, and Edwd. Hassell for a road from Scuppernong River near Davis' Landing to the Upper Inhabitants on Bear Creek. Court appointed John and Isaac Alexander, John Bateman, James Phelps, Sr., James Phelps, Jr. Joseph Davenport, John Tarkington, Benjamin Tarkington, Joshua Tarkington, Joseph Tarkington, Edward Hassell, Sr., Alexandor Olever, Nathan Bateman, Nehemiah Norman, and James Davenport. Minutes of the December, 1754 session of the Tyrrell County, NC Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1:231.

 

1754 Tyrrell Militia  Capt. Samll. Spruill Jun:

Jams Phelps senr, Jams Phelps junr,

            Edward Phelps senr,  Edward Phelps junr

1747 tax list:  James Phelps 3 times; Edward, brother of James.

Dec 1, 1747, deed of gift John Davenport to son James Davenport, 360 acres West side of Scuppernong River, adjoining "the saw pit on my plantation", Burnt Ground Tract, Reedy Branch, Indian Swamp. Witnesses: James Phelps, Joseph Davenport.

 

Dec 1755, Court petition James, Joseph, & Edward Phelps, Benjamin Tarkington, and Edward Hassell mentions "the road that leads from Joseph Devenports to the Head of Scuppernung River." Minutes of the December, 1755 session of the Tyrrell County, NC Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 2:18.

 

1750-57  Estimate when Our James would appear (born 1729-1736)

The following is related to a James Phelps.  The abstract books contain many, many similar references to other Phelps

1744  EDWARD PHELPS planter of Tyrrel Co. to JAMES PHELPS of same. 3 Sep 1744. 15 pounds. 140 acres

on west side of Scuppernonq River, joininq Sapperless Point Branch, Palmetoe Island, Punk Knot Ridge, Bull

Savannah. EDWARD PHELPS. Wit: J HN(x)BATEMAN, ANDREW(x)OLIVER. Registered 20 Sep 1745 by Jas Conner, Reqr  209 (298) Deed book 1

1744   EDWARD PHELPS planter of Tyrrell Co. to JAMES PHELPS of same. 3 Sep 1744. 15 pounds. 150 acres(messuaqe) on west side of Scuppernong River, joining Supperless Point Branch, Permetes Island, Punk Knot Bridge, Bull Savanah. EDWARD PHELPS. Wit: JOHN(x)BATEMAN, ANDREW(x)OLIVER. Registered 9 Dec 1745 by Jas. Conner, Regr   211 (300) Deed book 1

1756 JAMES PHELPS SR. of Tyrrel Co. to JAMES PHELPS JR. of same. 28 Feb 1756. 5 pounds. 100 acres which was part of a 350 acre Granville Grant dated 24 Sep 1756, on west side of Scuppernonq River, joining Bull Savana, JAMES PHELPS JR. JAMES PHELPS. Wit: JOSIAH PHELPS, EDWARD PHELPS. Registered 13 Sep 1757 by Fr. Nard, PReq. [Note discrepancy in dates.] 572 (299) Deed book 2

  In 1729 seven of the eight Lord Proprietors sold their colonial holdings in Carolina to the Crown. The lone Proprietor was John Carteret, Earl Granville, who retained the Granville Tract in North Carolina without governing control until the American Revolution. In 1744 a special grant was made to Granville giving him one-eighth of the Carolinas. Beginning at the Virginia line on the north, the tract ran south into North Carolina giving Granville a belt of land 60 - 65 miles deep which like the Carolinas stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

1758 JAMES PHELPS JR. to THOMAS HILL of same. 8 Jul 1758. 15 pounds vn. 132 acres(messuage) on west side of Scuppernong River, joining Bulls Savanna. JAMES PHELPS. wit: JOHN HOOKER, ALEXR.(x)McKEB. Registered 23 Feb 1759 by Fr. Ward, PReg   305 (422) Deed book 1

1759  JAMES PHELPS JR. of Tyrrell Co. to BENJAMIN TARKENTON of same. -Dec 1759. 14 pounds proclamation. 160 acres on south side of Scuppenong River, joining Beaverdam Creek Swamp, Cypress Branch. JAMES PHELPS. Wit: ALEXANDER OLIVER, MARY(x)OLIVER Registered 6 Jul1761 by Fr. Ward, Register  30 (33) Deed book 4

1759 JAMES PHELPS SR. of Tyrrell Co. to SAMUEL WOODLAND of same. (no day) Mar 1759. 13 pounds 15 shillings VA. 100 acres called Burdenshall Island, on west side of Scuppernong River, joining Bull Creek. JAS. PHELPS. wit: ANDREW LONG, REBECKER(x)PHELPS. Registered 20 Aug 1759 by Fr. Ward, PReg  325(448)  Deedbook 1

1759   JOHN HOOKER of Tyrrell Co. to JAMES PHELPS JR. 8 Mar 1759. 75 pounds proclamation. Assigns all his riqht to a tract of land. JOHN HOOKER. Wit: JER. WYNNE, JOSP. ALEXANDER. Registerd 4 Jul 1759 by Fr. Wrd, Preg    321 (443) Deed book 1

1764 JAMES PHELPS SR. of Tyrrell Co. to EDWARD PHELPS SR. of same. 11 Jan 1764. 5 pounds. 75 acres which was part of a 350 acre Granville Grant to sd JAMES PHELPS SR. 24 Sep 1756, on west side of Scuppernong River, joining Supperlis Point Branch. JAMES PHELPS SR. Wit: JAMES PHELPS, EDWARD PHELPS. Sep Ct 1766. Fr. Ward, Clk  411 (33) Deed book 4    In 1729 seven of the eight Lord Proprietors sold their colonial holdings in Carolina to the Crown. The lone Proprietor was John Carteret, Earl Granville, who retained the Granville Tract in North Carolina without governing control until the American Revolution.

1765 JAMES PHELPS SR. of Tyrrell Co. to JACOB PHELPS of same. 10 Oct 1765. 10 pounds proclamation. 50 acres (messuage) on west side of Scuppernong River, joining Supperless Pint Branch, Derbies Ridge, EDWARD PHELPS, GEORGE OLIVER. JAMES PHELPS SR Wit: JEREMIAH FRAZIER, JOSEPH HUMPHREYS. Sep Ct 1766. Fr. Ward, Clerk  412 (35) Deed book 4

1765  JAMES PHELPS planter of Tyrrell Co. to JAMES PHELPS planter son of JAMES PHELPS SR. of same. 22 Ju11765. 5 pounds proclamation. 75 acres on east side of Scuppenong River, joining JOHN BATEMAN, sd JAMES PHELPS SR. JAMES PHELPS. Wit: JEREMIAH FRAZIER, JACOB PHELPS, AMOS PHELPS. Sep Ct 1766. Fr. Ward, Clk. [Note: Grantee is once written EDWARD Phelps.] 448 (87) Deed book 4

[Around 1765 - not dated]  JAMES PHELPS SR. planter of Tyrrell Co. to JOSEPH HUMPHRIES joyner of same. 10 pounds proclamation. 25 acres which was part of a Granville Grant to sd JAMES PHELPS, joining Scuppenong River, sd JAMES PHELPS, Scupperless Branch, Last Nick Branch, Scupperless Point Branch. JAMES PHELPS. Wit: .FRANCIS EZELLTON, ANTHONY ALEXANDER, EDW PHELPS. Sep Ct. Fr. Ward, Clerk   449 (89) Deed book 4   In 1729 seven of the eight Lord Proprietors sold their colonial holdings in Carolina to the Crown. The lone Proprietor was John Carteret, Earl Granville, who retained the Granville Tract in North Carolina without governing control until the American Revolution.

1777 AMOS(x)PHELPS planter of Tyrrell Co. to JAMES PHELPS JR. of same. 22 Feb 1777. 60£ proclamation. 50 acres on west side of Scuppernong River, joining ANTHONY ALEXANDER, JEREMIAH FRASIER, SAMUEL WOODLAND. Wit: J. FRASIER, ANDREW BATEMAN. May Ct 1777. J. Frasier Clerk   254 (65) Deed book 5, pt 2

1777 JAMES PHELPS JR. planter ofTyrrell Co. to AMOS PHELPS planter of same. 22 Feb 1777. 5£ proclamation. 75 acres which was part of a patent to JAMES PHELPS SR., on east side of Scuppenong River, joining JOHN BATEMAN, sd JAMES PHELPS. Wit: ANDREW BATEMAN, J. FRASIER. Feb  271 (94) Deed book 5

1777 JAMES PHELPS SR. planter of Tyrrell Co. to JOSHUA PHELPS of same. 20 May 1777. 50£ ~ proclamation. 25 acres on east side of Scuppernong River, joining Juniper Pocoson, EDWARD PHELPS,  JAMES PHELPS JR., JAMES PHELPS, JOSEPH CHAPMAN. Wit: J. FRASIER, JAMES PHELPS JR. .May Ct 1777. J. Frasier Clerk  257 (70) Deed book 5

1779  Granville Grant to JAMES PHELPS SR. of Tyrrell Co. 24 Sep 1756. 350 acres in St. Andrews  Parish on west side of Scuppernong River, joining JNO. BATEMAN, Bull Savannah, JAMES PHELPS JR. Fra. Corbin for Granville. Wit: WM. MAKEY, RICHD. VIGAR. Aug Ct 1779. Thos. Hoskins Clerk     366 (37) Deed book 5

1782 Tax list  James Jr    James Sr     Edwrd Senr     Edward    James

Phelps, James Estate 1778 NC Archives/Tyrrell Co. Estates - C.R.096.508.27

            James Phelps 17 Feb 1778. Bond for Edward Phelps to administer estate.  Bondsmen: Jeremiah Wynne, Jacob Phelpd   Estate Records 1734-1800 Abstracts

1793 James Phelps Jr.   Bondsman for Odin Galloway Estate

Phelps, J. Estate 1796 NC Archives/Tyrrell Co. Estates - C.R.096.508.27

            J. Phelps 1796 Bond for W. Hathaway to administer estate. Bodnsmen: Moses Davenport, Frederick Davenport. Estate Records 1734-1800 Abstracts

1799  Phelps, James  married Spruill, Mary 16 Nov 1799 Andrew Oliver   BOND

Phelps, James and Ann Chapman. Feb 17.1779 Stephen Swain.  Tyrrell at genealogy.com

Phelps, J. W. Estate 1882 NC Archives/Tyrrell Co. Estates - C.R.096.508.27

The following was copied from Granville District of NC Land Grants (5 volumes)

Tyrrell Land Grants

LORD GRANVILLE to:                     (OR: refers to original record)                             PATENT BOOK 12 --

2400 pg. 85 J0SIAH PHELPS 19 Novenber 1760 656 acres in Tyrrell County in the Parish of St Andrew on the S side of Scupernong River, joining the Fork of the sd river, beaver Creek, a Great Swamp, and the Creek Swamp   OR: /s/ JOSIAH PHELPS  Wits: THOS  BLOUNT,  THOS ROBINSON surveyed 10 April 1760   CC: JAMES PHELPS, JOSEPH PHELPS JOHN HARDISON Surveyor (?)

2402 pg. 86 EDWARD PHELPS ---  ------ 1749 640 acres in Tyrrell County on Scupernong River at a place called Commonly Bridge Land, joining the Beaver Creek and the river pocoson   OR: /s/ EDWARD PHELPS   Wits: DAN

WELDON, WM CHURTON surveyed 26 January 1748   OCC: JAS SPRUILL, THOS DAVES WILLM Surveyor

2404 pg .86 John PHELPS 30 September 1760  600 acres in Tyrrell  County in the Parish of St Andrew on the S E side of Scopernong River,  joining (a point) near the Rooleing Swamp, the Juniper Swamp, the Place called the Cowpen, the Savanah, the head and side of the Western SWamp, and GODFREY PHEI.PS   OR: /s/ (mark) Wits: JER WYNNE, THOS JONES examined by : THO JONES and RICHD VIGERS entered 10 April 1759  surveyed 1 December 1759 CC: SAMUEL WEST , JOSEPH CRADOCK   JNO CLAYTON  D S

2405 pg. 87 JAMES PHELPS SR 24 Septanber 1756 350 acres in Tyrrell County in the Parish of St Andrew on the W side of Scupernong River, joining JOHN BATEMAN, Bull Savannah, and JAMES PHELPS JR  OR: /s/ JAS PHELPS SR Wits: JEREMIAH SLADE, VM MACKEY surveyed 1 October 1753 SCC: : JON BATEMAN EDWD PHELPS JR   SAMIL DURRANCE D Sur

2406 pg. 87 JOSEPH PHELPS 20 Decanber 1756 320 acres in Tyrrell County in the Parish of St Andrew upon Second Creek on the E side of Scuppernong River, joining the River pocoson, the dismal, and Reedy Grounds -being Surplus land within ye Bounds of a patent dated 21 March 1742 Granted to GODFREY PHELPS for 498 acres   OR: /s/ (mark) Wits: RICHD VIGERS, JOSEPH TARKINGTON surveyed 16 May 1753  SCC: SAMUEL WEST, JOSHUA PHELPS  SAMLL DURRANCE D Sur

2408 pg .87 JAMES PHELPS JR 18 August 1755 165 acres in Tyrrell County in the Parish of St Andrew on the W side of Scuppernong River , joining ye W side of  Bull Branch and pocosoney Grounds   OR: /s/  JAS PHELPS  Wits: ALEX STEWART, WM MACKEY surveyed 13 March 1752  SCC: SAMIL WOODLAND, EDWD PHELPS SAMLL DURRANCE D Sur ( ? )

2409 pg .88   JAMES PHELPS JR 28 May 1753 345 acres in Tyrrell County on the E side of Scupperlung River , joining Beaver Creek and a Reedy pocoson  OR: /s/ JAMES PHELPS   Wits: WILIM HOSKINS, JAMES CAMPBELL  surveyed 13 February 1752    SCC: SAML WOODLAND,  EDWD PHELPS   SAMIL DURRANCE D Sur ( ? )

LORD GRANVILLE TO:     (MISCELLANEOUS LAND OFFICE PAPERS - NC STATE ARCHIVES)

7870 JAMES PHELPS JR warrant dated 25 November 1751 to SAMUEL DURRANCE to survey 300 acres in Tyrrell County on both sides of Bull Branch, joining Pump Knott Ridge Survey on the West side of Scuppernong River  /s/  FRAS CORBIN Entered at Edenton 11 October 1751   Back of document reads: "165 Acres Deed 18 (?) August 1755" 

7871 JOHN PHELPS warrant dated 10 (?) April 1759 to JOHN CLAYTON to survey "Slrvey 640 acres in Tyrrell County on the East Side of Scuppernong River, joining GODFREY PHELPS -commonly called Sandy Islands  /s/ FRAS CORBIN   Entered 10 April 1759    Back of document reads: "Grant 30 September 1760 600 acres"

7872 JOSEPH PHELPS warrant dated 19 April 1753 to SAMUEL DURRANCE to survey ---acres in Tyrrel COunty -Vacant Land on second Creek on the East side of Scuppernong River within the courses and Distances of GODFREY Phelps's Decd Patent   /s/ FRAS CORBIN Entered 22 February 1753 Back of document reads: "Deed ?20 December 1756"

 7873 JOSIAH PHELPS of Tyrrel County  entry dated 4 March 1760 640 acres in Tyrrel County on the South side of Scuppernung River and on the West Side of the Bever Creek in the fork of the river and sd Creek -commonly called the Bare Grass Land   /s/ JOSIAH PHELPS Wit: JNO (?) WYNNE

Deed Book:  1780, James Phelps gets 325 acres in land grant.