Phelps of Caswell County,Person and Nearby Counties, NC (Including those who moved to Kentucky)
Chronology by census years 1800-1850 with annotations
Douglas Kemper Phelps
NOTE: This research may not reflect the most recent research. It was current around 2001.
The well known 1788 will of James Phelps of Caswell Co, list as his sons: William, Ambrose, Obadiah, Reubin, Thomas and Larkin. The objective of this table is to determine which Phelps remained in Caswell County and which was the father of my Ambrose Phelps, b. 1805, d 1850 in Caswell County.
The reader may find helpful "A Guide to Understanding the Table “Phelps of Caswell County,Person and Nearby Counties, NC” and My Conclusions. It is found here.
Scroll to the right to see all the information.
James Phelps’ sons are printed in purple and are numbered 1-6.
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1777 Cas Tax list |
Land grants |
1780 tax list |
1784 tax list |
1786 Cas Census |
1790 Cas Census |
1800 Census |
1803 Cas taxables |
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1810 Census |
1820 Census |
1830 Census |
1840 Census |
1850 Census |
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Mary PhelpsWife of James Phelps |
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Living in Richmond district (upper-to-mid right side of Caswell) |
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Joshua Phelps WHO? |
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Joshua Phelps Richmond Dist |
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John Phelps Who?? |
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1786 wit to James’ will |
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James Phelps |
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11/20/1778 entered 320A on Mill Crk (Wins Mill Crk likely See other land entries), border Ann Smith & Va line
grant was 1779, December 20 |
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Richmond dist on Mill Crk, 2 white polls, 0 black pools, 292a 461 lbs |
Died 1785-86 |
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born 1776-1780 (deduced), died 1837
Youngest son of James (see James’s will)
Moved to KY |
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Amby Felps Caswell NC 1 male 1774-1783 1 fem 1774-1778
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Ambrose 120 Richmond Dist |
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Ambrose Felps Pulaski, KY 1 male 1765-1784 1 fem 1765-1784
son b 1794-1800 Cabird b 1801
son b 1801-1810 Anderson/Ambrose? Jesse?
2 fem. Under 10 1 fem 10-16
Second Ambrose at Pulaski: Ambrose Felps Pulaski, KY (appears to be a duplication or correction) 1 male 1765-1784 1 fem bef. 1765 2 males under 10 2 fem. Under 10 1 fem 10-16
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Ambrose Phelps Pulaski 1 male 1776-1794 1 fem 1776-1794
son b. 1796-1804 (1801-804)
son b. 1805-1810
son b 1811-1820 Dempsy?
2 fem under 10 1 fem 10-15
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Ambrose Phelps Pulaski 1 male 1770-1780 1 fem 1770-1780
1 female 20-30
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(Ambrose dies abt 1837) Estate settled in Pulaski |
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Anderson Phelps, son of Ambrose of KY.
Born bet 1800-1810 |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census |
Anderson Phelps Pulaski B, 1800-1810
1 male under 5
1 female 20-30 |
Anderson Phelps Butler Co. B. 1800-1810
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In 1860 in Butler Co, an Anderson Phelps, B 1805 is living with James M Phelps, age 32,
Anderson Phelps Butler Co, B.1825
Anderson Felps, B 1820 living with a Julian Phelps next door to Jess Phelps Butler Co Age 30 |
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2. Larkin, son of James Born 1773 (1850 mortality census record) , before Obediah (who was 2nd youngest son) Moved to KY |
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Not in census |
Larken Richmond Dist 120 |
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Larcin Felps Pulaski, KY Born 1765-1784 Wife b. bef 1765
4 males 1800-1810 1 male 1794-1800 1 fem.1800-1810 2 fems 1794-1800 |
Larkin Phelps Pulaski B. 1796-1804(error because children b. abt 1807) Wife b. bef 1775 2 males 1804-1810
1 fem 1810-1820 1 fem 1804-1810 |
Larkin Phelps Pulaski |
Larkin Phelps Pulaski Died 2/1850 per mortality census |
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3. Obediah, son of James born 1774 (see reasons below
Jim Phelps has a date of 11/5/1775(no support
Was 2nd youngest (see James’ will) Moved to KY |
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m. 1796 |
Obadiah Felps Caswell NC Born 1756-1774 Wife b.1756-1774
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Obediah Richmond Dist 120 |
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Obediah Felps Pulaski, KY Born 1766-1784 Wife b. 1766-1784
3 males under 10 1 male 10-16 1 female under 10 2 females 10-16
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Obediah Phelps Pulaski Born bef 1776 Wife b.bef 1776
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Obadiah Phelps Pulaski
(need this data)
Jim Phelps has a death at Nov 7,1838 |
Obediah Phelps Pulaski born 1780-1790 (does not agree with previous ages. Likely was Obediah Jr.) |
Obediah Phelps Pulaski
(need this data)
. Likely was Obediah Jr.) |
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1777 Cas Tax list |
Land grants |
1780 tax list |
1784 tax list |
1786 Cas Census |
1790 Cas Census |
1800 Census |
1803 Cas taxables |
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1810 Census |
1820 Census |
1830 Census |
1840 Census |
1850 Census |
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1727-1823
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Glouster Dist, 287 pounds |
9/10/1778 land grant: 640A, N Hico
10/1/1779 land grant: 484A, N Hico |
Glouster Dist 1140a 2212 lbs |
Glouster Dist, 1 white poll, o black polls, 1084a, 461 lbs |
Glouster Dist |
Living in Glouster district (mid-to-lower right side of current Caswell Co)
(1784-87 NC Census: Glouster district, WM 21-60: 1; WF all ages 3; 1 black <12 or > 50) |
Thomas Felps Caswell NC Born. Bef 1756
Wife b. bef 1756
1 girl 1774-1784 2 girls 1755-1774
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Thomas Phelps Glouster Dist 680
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Thomas Phelps Caswell Born bef. 1766
Wife b. bef 1766
Had 13 slaves |
Thomas Phelps Born bef 1775 Alone
He died 1823, age 96. Caswell will probated in 1823 shows 3 married daugh, one deceased, no sons
14 slaves |
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born bet. 1766-1770 (deduced) Died 1849
Likely married Mary Pass in 1791, since the older Thomas' daughters were born before Mary's marriage.
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Living in Richmond district (upper-to-mid right side of present Caswell) |
Thomas Felps Caswell Co Born 1755-1774
Wife b. 1755-1774
2 boys 1790-1800 Hiram (to TN) & John (documented by researcher Jacob Phelps)
2 girls 1790-1800 |
Also a Thomas Phelps Jun Richmond Dist 147 Junior?? |
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Thomas Felps Caswell Co Born 1766-1784
Wife b. 1766-1784
1 boy born 1801-1810
1 boy 1795-1800 1 boy 1785-1794
4 girls borrn 1801-1810
2 girls born 1795-1800
No slaves |
Thomas Phelps Caswell Co Born bef 1775
Wife b. bef 1775
2 boys 1811-1815: Richard A. (in Thomas Sr’s will) & Thomas H. as documented by researcher Mark Phelps.)
1 boy 1805-1810
(not reported)
2 girls 1795-1804
4 of original 6 girls not in census, who are they?
1826: buys land in Person co.
Had 1 slave. |
Thomas Phelps Person Co. Born 1761-1770
Wife b. 1761-1770
1 boy 1811-1815 Richard A.
Thomas H. not reported
1 boy 1801-1810. Should be Ambrose, b. 1805
2 girls 1801-1810 |
Not in the census. Person C: Married Polly McKissack in 1845 At age 74!
would be abt 50 in 1849. |
Died 1849 His 1849 will, in Person Co., list him as Sr. Wife is Polly
Will lists wife, 2 sons, 2 daugh and also refers to Thomas H.
Wills to adult son Richard A.
1 boy and 1 girl are under 21. |
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None listed in Ky. |
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None listed in KY. |
Adai Co, KY |
Madi. Co, KY |
Call Co, KY |
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B 1813, d. 1880 Based on 1880 Mortality Census. |
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Not in census |
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1813: Thomas H. Born outside Person Co. |
Not in census |
1830:Thomas H. moved to Person Co.
1839, this Thomas?? buys from an estate sale – along with an Ambrose Phelps |
Thomas Phelps,Jr Person Co. Adjacent to Caswell Born 1811-1820
Wife b.1811-1820
1 son b.1836-1840
1 girl b.1836-1840
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Thomas H Philips Person Co.
B 1813
Wife B. 1813
Boy b. 1838
Girl b. 1841 Boy b. 1843 Boy b. 1846 Boy b. 1849
In 1860 census, data missing
In 1870 census he & she born in 1805??
Thomas H. Died 4/1880 (mortality sched says born 1818 à> |
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Ancestor of Douglas Phelps, New Bern, NC |
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Not in censusBorn 1805 in Caswell Co. (documented)
1803 Taxables, Richmond |
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Not in census
1812: wife Elizabeth born (documented) |
Not in census |
Not in census
Later records show that Ambross’s 4 daughters were born: Bet 1834-1840 Bet 1836-1841 Bet 1838-1845 Bet 1842-1852
1836, property record is the first record of Ambrose (1805-1850) in Caswell Co.
1837, mentioned in property xact
1839, he buys small item from a John Russell estate sale – along with a Thomas Phelps |
AmbrosePhillips Caswell Co Born 1801-1810
Wife born 1811-20
2 girls b. 1831-35
2 girls b. 1836-40 exact sex and very close ages of known children of Ambrose (1805-1850) and also matches age of known wife.
1842, Ambrose Phelps is indentured on property on S Hyco Creek.
1848, mentioned in court records. |
Ambrose Phelps Caswell, in Mortalityi Census, d. 1850 |
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Phelps of Caswell Co., son of James Phelps. 1754-1824. A William Phelps died in Caswell in 1824 at age 70 as reported by the Raleigh Star. He was a Rev. War veteran. |
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William Phelps
Living in St. Lawrencedistrict (upper-left side of current Person Co.)
1786, January 10, Marry - Jane Warrin |
Not in census |
William Phelps Richmond Dist |
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William Felps Caswell B. bef 1766
Wife b. 1766-1784 Boy b. 1795-1800 Girl b. 1795-1800 Girl b. 1785-1794
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William Phelps Caswell Co Born bef 1774,
No wife No children reported. All now would be over 20.
No slaves
Died 1824 Rev. War soldier, age 70, near Milton, Caswell. |
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5B. William Phelps of KY |
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Not in census |
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William Felps Sr Grayson Co, Ky B. bef 1765 Wife b.bef 1765
Male b 1765-1784 |
William Phelps Butler Co |
William Phelps Butler Co B. 1790-1800 |
William B Phelps Butler Co |
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5C. William Phelps of KY |
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Not in census |
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William Felps,Jr Grayson Co, KY Born 1765-1784 Wife b 1765-1784 5 girls |
William Phelps Butler Co |
William Phelps Butler Co B 1790-1800 |
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1800 Census |
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1810 Census |
1820 Census |
1830 Census |
1840 Census |
1850 Census |
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6. Reubin Phelps, son of James b.bet 1761-1770 based on the one ceusus. .
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Living in Richmond district (upper-to-mid right side of Caswell)
Bought property in Caswell in 1799 Book C p372 |
Not in census |
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Not in census |
Person Co. 1821 listed as a buyer of hoes in Hamblett estate |
Halifax co census M+F b 1761-1770 M 5-9 M10-14 M b 1791-1800 F 10-14 2F 20-29 2f 30-39 |
A Reubin married Mary M Taylor May 16, 1848 in Caswell
His will of 1837 |
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John Phelps Person Co.
Proved James' will likely |
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John FLEPS St Lawrence District |
Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census |
(Will of John Phelps, Person Co. 1837)
(b. 1792:LJP) (d. abt 1839: court record)
Could be a different person than the 1790 John. |
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Richard A Phelps B 1816 (MLP) |
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Hiram Phelps Caswell Co. Born bet 1775-1794 (B abt 1796, D abt 1865:JLP)
Son of Thomas Sr. per descnd.Jacob L Phelps |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Caswell Co. Born 1775 –1794 1 f 0-10 1 f 10-16
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Person Co. & Davidson Co |
Person Co. & Davidson Co
Moved to Tenn in 1842, per Jacob Lester Phelps, descnd of Hiram |
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Frances B. Phelps Caswell Co. Born bef 1774 Who is this??? |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Caswell Co. Born bef 1774 Wife b. 1775-1794 2 sons b. 1811-1820 1 f 0-10 1 f 10-16
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Not in census |
Not in census |
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Isham Phelps Caswell Co. Born 1790-1793 |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census |
Not in censusIn Halifax Co, Va from two Caswell deed records: 1831/32 |
Caswell B 1790-1800
1 boy b 1835-1840 2 girl b. 1835-1840 1 girl b. 1830-1835 |
Caswell Born 1790 Wife b. 1830 8 children Had 1 slave |
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Demsy Phelps of KY. |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census |
Demsy Phelps Pulaski Co |
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Cabird Phelps of KY 1801-1855 |
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Cabird Phillips B 1802 NC Wife born 1811 NC 4sons 5 girls |
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Jesse Phelps of KY. B. 1804 |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census |
Jesse Phelps Butler Co B 1805-1810
2nd Jesse Phelps Butler Co???
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Jesse Phelps Butler Co B 1800-1810 |
Jesse Phelps Butler Co B.1804, Wife Nancy B 1804 |
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Ambrose Phepps/Phipps Wake & Orange Co. A documented Phipps, not a Phelps. Born 1800-1810, son of Dudley Phipps. Married Susan Holloway 1828, 8 children Married Martha Wilson 1867
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census |
Ambrose Phipps/Phepps Wake Co, NC B. 1800-1810 Wife b. 1800-1810
No children
Was in Wake tax list, Lick Creek area Had 1 slave. |
Ambrose Phipps Wake Co. NC
B. 1800-1810 Wife b. 1800-1810
1 boy 1830-1835 1 boy 1835-1840,
1 girl 1830-1835 1 girl 1835-1840 In 1840 our Ambrose Phelps had only 4 girls, no boys.
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Ambrose Phipps Orange Co.
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Dudley Phipps, Wake Co Born 1780-1790, a documented Phipps, not a Phelps. Father of Ambrose Phipps. |
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Not in census |
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Not in census |
Not in census,
But is in Wake tax list |
Dudley Phipps B. 1780-1790 Wife B.1780-1790
1 boy 1800-1810, named Ambrose Phipps born 1805
1 boy 1810-1815 1 boy 1820-1825
2 girls 1800-1810 2 girls 1815-1820 1 girl 1825-1830
Was in Wake tax list, Lick Creek area Had 2 slaves, prop. |
Not in census |
Not in census |
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Reason for the 1774 birth date chosen for Obediah:
1. The census records of 1800, 10, 20 (I dont have 1830), give a net birth range of 1766-1774. This range fits agrees with all 3 census records. This puts the upper limit at 1774.
2. He was the second youngest son of James (as specified in James' will). Ambrose was named as the youngest, and the 1800 census records give a net birth range of 1776 - 1780 for Ambrose. So Obediah's birth has to meet that requirement.
3. Obediah was married 1796 per known records. We might assume he was married between 20 and 25, perhaps older. Meaning between 1771 (maybe earlier) and 1776.
4. Larkin , who was older than either Obediah or Ambrose, was b. 1773 per 1850 mortalitiy census records. So Obediah had to be born after 1773
Therefore to agree with those 4 points, the only logical birth year that fits all that is 1774
A Guide to Understanding the Table “Phelps of Caswell County,Person and Nearby Counties, NC”
And My Conclusions
Douglas Kemper Phelps, New Bern, NCC
Draft 11/18/2001
The purpose of the table
The document “Phelps of Caswell County,Person and Nearby Counties, NC” includes many of the records of the Phelps who could be related to Ambrose Phelps (1805-1850 of Caswell Co, NC) who was my great, great grandfather. The table is a visualization of those and other the key facts.
As documented by the 1850 Caswell, NC Mortality Census an Ambrose Phelps died that year and was born in Caswell in 1805 (or about 1805). His children moved to Forsyth County in the late 1800’s. My primary goal was to determine his father. Ambrose died young so was likely never named in a will. I have found no specific record proving his parentage. But this table may gives a evidence as to who was most likely Ambrose’s father – and who was clearly NOT his father. Further, it may allow one to deduce information about other Phelps.
Probably the earliest Phelps in Caswell are the sons of a James Phelps. His well-known 1788 will of James Phelps of Caswell Co, list as his sons: William, Ambrose (the youngest), Obadiah, Reubin, Thomas and Larkin.. Based on the data I have, I agree with other researchers that Ambrose, Larkin and Obediah moved to Kentucky. I am not certain of William or Reubin, but it is evident that Thomas did not move. A large Phelps family developed in Kentucky with reunions currently active.
How to Use the Table
While there are many records related to the Phelps of Caswell and Person Counties in the 1800’s, it is sometimes difficult to know to which Phelps the fact applies. This is especially true for Ambrose Phelps and Thomas Phelps, since in the early days the last name is sometimes recorded very differently and there were three Ambroses and three Thomases in the general area. Even though property, marriage records, census records, etc. show different spellings, it is possible to identify a specific Phelps by first organizing the 10-year census records - which show birth year ranges of the family including the head of household, wife, and the numbers of sons and daughters in the family – allowing one to construct an identification or “fingerprint”. For example: A John Jones is listed in 1840 as born between 1775 and 1810 in a census. In a later census a John Jones is listed as born between 1800 and 1820 while another John Jones was listed between 1815-1830. One can deduce that the latter Jones is most likely a different person. Confirming information can be made using this approach with his children and wife. This technique sometimes allowed me to identify individual children and wives as unique people. Most importantly, one may narrow the range of birth years reported by comparing several census records.
I used this approach in setting up the “Phelps” table with rows for each Phelps and columns for each 10-year census. Each Phelps’ census record was applied to where it fit, based on birth ages of the family. I then applied many of the key facts documented on my paper “Key Facts to Determine the Father of Ambrose”. Note that in some census records Phelps might be spelled very differently and a junior and senior may not be designated as such. In a single county census one might find two Thomas Phelps and a Thomas Felps. However, by tracing the birth years of all the family in a census record, a clear identification is observable. This is especially true when a census family is matched already known family members and birth years. (Pre-1850 census records do not list individual named family members). The table allows one to visualize where each Phelps was over time.
Conclusions From the Table
Who were the sons of James Phelps (died abt 1788, Caswell Co. NC) and where did they go?
1. Ambrose Phelps, youngest son of James, was in Caswell in 1800 but was recorded as Amby Felps. (Amby” is very likely to be the shortened version of Ambrose. For example “Amby” was used as a middle name of my great grandfather which came from his father, Ambrose.) There is general agreement that he was a son of James and moved to Pulaski, KY by 1810, had children there and died abt 1837. There was a second Ambrose Phelps in recorded in Pulaski in 1810 but based on a review of the census records, that entry was either a duplication or a correction. In any event that Ambrose never appeared again in any census. Based on many records in Pulaski, including his will, it is evident he died there.
2. Larkin Phelps, son of James, shows up in the 1810 (as Felps) through 1840 census records in Pulaski. There is general consensus that this Larkin was a son of James and he moved to Kentucky.
3. Obediah Phelps, son of James, is first in the 1800 Caswell census as Felps but afterwards is in Pulaski through the 1850 census. In 1803 Obadian Phelps sold 70 acres to Thomas Phelps. (10/28/1803 Deed Book N page 91-2 ) It was adjacent to Ambrose Phelps (the one who moved to Ky) There is general consensus that this Obedian was a son of James and he moved to Kentucky.
4. Reubin Phelps, Bought property in Caswell in 1799 (Book C p372) but was only in the 1790 NC census. Yet he was recorded in 1821 as a buyer of hoes in Hamblett estate sale. And a Reubin married in 1848 in Caswell. It is odd that he was missed in all the censuses – unless he lived with someone else. So it is possible to say this Reubin was a son of James and stayed in Caswell and had no children – or that he left the area completely, whereabouts unknown.
5. Thomas Phelps, 4A and 4B. (Changed 2/2004) These two by the same name are listed in Caswell Co in the 1800 and 1810 censuses. In 1820 one is listed in Caswell; the other was not listed but died in 1823. The other continues in the Person County census in 1830 and was married in 1845 and died in 1849. (A Thomas Phelps, Jr. appears in the 1840, 1860 and 1870 censuses.) Kentucky censuses do not show a Thomas (4C) until 1820 through 1840, each in a different county. So it seems that Thomas did not move with his brothers and remained in Caswell. It is commonly reported that James was born 1735-1740. Supporting that is that since his son William was very likely the oldest son. He was born in 1754 (reported in the Raleigh Register paper), meaning James would have been about 20 at William's birth, a reasonable age. Thomas 4a was born in 1727, too early to be James' son. So Thomas 4b, born bet 1776-1770 (based on census record deductions) had to be James' son.
6. William Phelps. William (6A), born 1754, is listed in the Caswell Co censuses of 1810 and 1820. Williams 6B and 6C are in Grayson Co, KY in 1810: a Sr. and Jr. They appear again in another county in 1820 and 30. A William Phelps died in Caswell in 1824 at age 70 as reported by the Raleigh Star, Therefore he was born in 1754. He was a Rev. War veteran. Either this William or the William (6B) of Kentucky could have been the son of James. Ky census records should be reviewed. But it is likely that William 6a was a son of James Phelps.
Applying source records to the proper Thomas Phelps
Fact: A Thomas Phelps was born in 1727. As reported in in Abstracts of Vital Records from Raleigh Newspapers Vol II , p 553 – “Raleigh Register”, he died in 1823 at age 96. Therefore he was born in 1727.
This fact has to apply to Thomas 4A, born before 1766 as shown in the censuses. On the other hand, Thomas 4B was born between 1766 and 1770 as deduced from census records.
Fact: In 1821, a Thomas Phelps' will list daughters Elizabeth Wisdom, Nancy Roan, Rachel Sargent, Delsshe (Delphia? Roan), dec'd. NO mention of a wife or sons. (Caswell Abstract of Wills 1800-1850 Caswell Will Bk I, Pg 247 4/1821, probated 10/18/23.)
This fact has to apply to Thomas 4A because his 1800 census lists him with 3 daughters. Thomas 4B had a wife in 1820 (just before the 1821 will) and 2 girls and 3 boys.
Fact: On 12/17/1791 a Thomas Phelps married Mary Pass in Caswell Co. (Caswell Co Marriage Bonds)
This fact very likely applies to Thomas 4B yet could possibly apply to Thomas 4A. In the 1800 census, Thomas 4A had three girls born before the 1791 marriage date and names them (only) in his 1823 will. He would have been 64 at the 1791 marriage. His 1800 census record shows a wife born bef 1756 meaning she would have been at least 35 at the 1791 marriage. Thomas 4B had four children reported in the 1800 census, all born between 1790 and 1800 – which fits the 1791 marriage. Also, the reported ages of 4B and his wife in the 1800-1830 censuses both allow for a typical youthful age at the 1791 marriage.
Fact: In 1845 a Thomas Phelps married Polly McKissack in Person county.
This fact applies to Thomas 4B based on a personal family genealogy by Mark Latham Phelps whose ancestor is this Thomas. This Thomas is Thomas Phelps Sr based on Phelps Sr’s will in 1849 listing a wife named Polly. Interestingly, this Thomas 4B would be 75-80!
This fact does not apply to Thomas 4A since he died in 1823. This marriage did not apply to Thomas H. (as listed in the 1840 Person census) because his children were born between 1836 and 1840, before the 1845 marriage and he was officially a Jr, not a Sr.
Fact: In 1849 a Thomas Phelps,Sr.’s will in Person Co lists Polly as his wife with 2 sons, 2 daughters (two children under 21) and refers to a Thomas H(?) Phelps, likely his son.
This fact applies to Thomas Phelps 4B based on a personal family genealogy by Mark Latham Phelps. Further, since this Thomas had so many children over the years, it appears he had young children with Polly and named them as recipients. His other children would now be 45 to 50.
Fact: There is a Thomas Phelps Jr and a Thomas H Phelps. Were they the same and who was the father?
They were the same and the father was Thomas Phelps, Sr (4B) based on a personal family genealogy by Mark Latham Phelps. Additionally, a Thomas Jr is listed once in the 1840 Person Co census. A Thomas Phelps appears in the Person Co censuses of 1860 & 1870. The 1880 Person Co mortality census lists a Thomas H Phelps who died that year, born in 1818 and had lived in Person Co since 1830. Thomas H and Thomas Jr. are clearly the same person. Thomas H and a son Robert appear in the 1849 will of Thomas 4B. Census records of 1820 and 1830 for Thomas Sr. show two sons born between 1811-1820 while he was in Caswell Co. Thomas H. had lived in Person since 1830. With this evidence and - since census records show no boys for Thomas 4A - Thomas 4B was the father.
Who was the father of Ambrose Phelps (1805-1850 of Caswell Co)?
Considerations:
1. The father must have been living in Caswell Co in 1805 where Ambrose was born, because the Mortality census states he was born in Caswell.
2. Since it was common in the early 1800’s for Phelps to be spelled Felps, either name is acceptable.
3. His father may have been a brother of Ambrose, son of James Phelps, who moved to KY. Ambrose’s (born 1805) youngest son was named Jacob Amby Ibsam/Ibzam Phelps. While “Jacob” likely came from his mother’s father’s name, “Ambrose” may have been a name from an uncle. “Amby” (perhaps short for Ambrose) was handed down through several descendants.)
The most likely candidate is Thomas Phelps Sr (4B). The reasons are:
1. Based on the analysis in the table, Thomas Phelps, Sr (4B) had eleven children, all were born in Caswell County. He moved to Person by 1830. In the 1800 census he had two boys and two girls born 1790-1800. In 1810 he reported nine children: two boys and two girls from the 1800 census and 4 new girls born 1801-1810 and 1 new boy born 1801-1810. In the 1820 census he reported nine children but not the same nine: Four of the six girls from 1810 are not reported, the two pre-1800 boys are omitted, but two new boys born 1811-1820 are reported, and the boy from the 1810 census is reported.
A total of 5 boys were reported in the censuses. The ancestry work of Mark Latham Phelps names the two boys of 1811-1820 as Thomas H, b. 1813 and Richard A, b. 1816. Jacob L Phelps, researcher, has documented two other sons: Hiram b. 1790-1800 and John Phelps b abt 1792. Therefore, there is one boy unaccounted for and according to the census of 1820 (supported by 1810) he was born 1805-1810. This fits Ambrose Phelps who was born in 1805 in Caswell County.
2. Ambrose’s property of 1842 was on the South Hyco Creek in Caswell. This area is a few miles from the Phelps cemetery and home place of Thomas Phelps Jr and Sr. in Person County.
3. In 1839, Thomas Phelps and an Ambrose Phelps bought from an estate sale in Person Co. Their names are listed together. Thomas, Sr (who moved to Person about 1830) would have been about 70; Thomas H, 21; Ambrose, 34. Ambrose is likely buying with his father or brother.
4. Even though Ambrose is not known to be in the Phelps cemetery in Person County, that is understandable since he died before the others including Thomas Sr. He likely was buried in Caswell County.
5. Ambrose’s indenture of property in 1842 list a Thomas Phelps as the person he owed the most –likely his father.
Who probably wasn’t his father?
1. William Phelps of Caswell Co (1754-1824), but in 1810 his children were a boy b.1795-1800, Girl b. 1795-1800, Girl b. 1785-1794. Ambrose would have been 5 in 1810, not matching the youngest boy’s age exactly. Yet, the age is close, and this William was in the Revolutionary war (a rumor handed down that our line had a patriot).
2. Reubin Phelps It is very unlikely that Reubin was Ambrose’s father, since Reubin was never listed in a census in Caswell or Person. Whereabouts unknown. Yet, this is conceivable.
Who definitely wasn’t his father?
1. Ambrose Phelps, who moved to Ky. There is no possible connection between the Ambrose who moved to Pulaski and the Ambrose Phelps (1805-1850) of Caswell County. Strangely, Ambrose of Pulaski did have a son, Anderson, born in the same period as Ambrose of Caswell Co. One researcher offered that his nickname was Ambrose, but after extensive research I have proved that there was never a son of Ambrose in KY named Ambrose. This sometimes-reported claim is due to errors in reporting in KY. I have a paper documenting this oversite. Census records indicate that Anderson was in Kentucky at least through 1850, well past the time Ambrose of Caswell (1805-1850) had property transactions..
2. Larkin and Obediah, as shown by the table, their children were born in Ky.
3. Hiram Phelps appears in the 1820 census. He was born 1775 –1794, a reasonable age for Ambrose’s father, but he had no sons in 1820 when Ambrose would have been 15. While Ambrose may have left by then, that is not likely..
4. Isham Phelps. In the 1850 Caswell census he was born in 1790. Bible records state 1793. That would be only 12 years before Ambrose was born.
5. Ambrose or Dudley Phepps/Phipps of Wake Co. As noted in the “Key Facts” document Dudley Phipps was the father of Ambrose Phipps, born in 1805. This Ambrose married in 1828 to Suasn Holloway and had 8 children. He married again in 1867 to Martha Wilson. This was well described by several researchers. Additionally, in the census, Ambrose Phipps’ children do not match those of our Ambrose.
6. Francis B Phelps Born bef 1774, is old enough, but in the 1820 census he had sons born 1811-1820, not matching Ambrose’s birth of 1805.
Who else conceivably could be his father?
1. A John Phelps, never in the census during this period, but I have a note that he had a will in 1837. Will follow this up.
2. Someone outside Caswell or Person Co. I have researched the adjoining states and counties with no suspects.