1650
Fort BoykinIsle of Wright, VA
1.1 Edward Boykin II, b. ca 1676, d. after June 8, 1743 ; m. Judith Hill, b.
1.2 John Boykin, b. ca 1677, d. May 5, 1729; m. Anne Gwaltney, b. May 20, 1696, d. Jan. 4, 1723. Daughter of William Gwaltney and Alice Flake , Isle of Wright, VA.
1.3 William Boykin, b. ca 1680, d. June 19, 1731.
1.4 Thomas Boykin, b. ca 1682, d. 1750
1.5 Mary Boykin
1.2 John Boykin, b. ca 1677, d. May 5, 1729; m. Anne Gwaltney, b. May 20, 1696, d. Jan. 4, 1723. Daughter of William Gwaltney and Alice Flake , Isle of Wright, VA.
(see below) Edward Boykin II, b. ca 1701 d. after June 8, 1743 ; m. Judith Hill, b.
1.3 William Boykin, b. ca 1680, d. June 19, 1731.
1.4 Thomas Boykin, b. ca 1682, d. 1750
1.5 Mary Boykin
Edward
Boykin, the first of his family in Virginia, is said to have been born
at Caernarvon in Wales, but this is unsupported tradition. Edward was a
land owner in Isle of Wight County in 1678 for on July 3, 1678,
Nicholas Cobb sold Thomas Tooke land adjacent to James Manning and
Edward Boykin. He patented 520 acres on the Blackwater in 1683 and
Arthur Allen sold him 525 acres at Blackwater Aug.9, 1692. Arthur Allen
of "Lawnes Creek Parish, Surry Co.,", on Feb. 5, 1702, sold to Edward
Boykin "of the Upper Parish of Isle of Wight one half of 800 acres of
land in the Quit Rents of 1704.
There are conflicting dates and records for Edward Boykin, Edward Jr. and Edward III, as well as multiple links and references to the Gwaltney, Warren and Flake families, some of the original settlers of the Jamestown and Isle of Wright, Virginia. Earlier research had Anne Gwaltney married to Edward Boykin I, however more recently it appears that she was married to Edwards son, John Boykin.
"... married Anne Gwaltney, daughter of William Gwaltney and wife Alice Flake, daughter of Robert Flake and Margaret Marriott, granddaughter of Thomas Warren on the “Warren House” Surry Co. VA."Other records, such as below,9 show that Edward Boykin Jr. may have been the son of John Boykin and Anne Gwaltney. Which would agree with other research documenting statements in the Will of William Gwaltney: "...I give my Grandson, Edward Boykin one cow". 10
The date of birth for Edward Boykin Jr. could be as early as 1676, or as late as 1706, and still be able to support the birth of Edward III circa 1726.
Ann Boykin died soon after her husband; also John Boykin died soon after his father who had given him the plantation "whereon I now live" and prior to settlement of his father, Edward Boykin, Sr.'s estate. Final account of his estate was returned by Edward Boykin Jr, who again, could have been John's son, or John's brother. The following account is from Isle of Wight Co., Court Records:
"In
pursuance of an order of the Court, dated 22 Feb. 1730-31, having
stated and settled all debts and credits relating to the estate of
Edward Boykin, deceased and amended all errors in the accouint of
Edward Boykin, Jr., administrator of the estate of Edward Boykin,
deceased; as aforesaid I've found the balance to be eighten pounds nine
shillings and eight pence due legatee. Errors accepted. Signed Francis
Williamson and John Dunkley, auditors" Will book 3, page 98, Isle of
Wight, VA
Will of Edward Boykin - Jan. 4, 1725
In the name of God, Amen.
I, Edward Boykin, being sick and weak of Body, but of perfect sense and memory, thanks be given to Almighty God, do make this my last Will and Testament.
First principaley, I bequeath my Soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body I commit to the Ground and as for my personall Estate which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, I give and bequeath as followeth:
Item: I give unto my loving son John Boykin the plantation whereon I now live and all land thereto belonging being five hundred and thirty acres... my said son and his Heirs forever.
Item: I give unto my Loving Wife Ann Boykin Two Negros by name James and Luke and after my said wife's Decease I give the said Two Negros James and Luke to my Loving son John Boykin and his Heirs lawfully Begotten of his Body forever.
Item. I give unto my Son John Boykin Two feather beds which he has in his own possession Already and to his heirs forever.
And all the rest of my Estate Goods and Chattels wherever I give unto my Loving Wife Ann Boykin During her Natural Life, and at her Death it is my wish that it be equally divided among all my children and
Lastly I do appoint my Loving wife Ann Boykin and my son John Boykin my whole and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament revoking Disannulling and making Void all other Wills heretofore made by me.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this 4 day of January 1725/6. Edward (x) Boykin (seal)
Signed Sealed and Declared in presence of James Atkinsson, Mary (x) Atkinsson, John Dunkley.2
I, Edward Boykin, being sick and weak of Body, but of perfect sense and memory, thanks be given to Almighty God, do make this my last Will and Testament.
First principaley, I bequeath my Soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body I commit to the Ground and as for my personall Estate which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, I give and bequeath as followeth:
Item: I give unto my loving son John Boykin the plantation whereon I now live and all land thereto belonging being five hundred and thirty acres... my said son and his Heirs forever.
Item: I give unto my Loving Wife Ann Boykin Two Negros by name James and Luke and after my said wife's Decease I give the said Two Negros James and Luke to my Loving son John Boykin and his Heirs lawfully Begotten of his Body forever.
Item. I give unto my Son John Boykin Two feather beds which he has in his own possession Already and to his heirs forever.
And all the rest of my Estate Goods and Chattels wherever I give unto my Loving Wife Ann Boykin During her Natural Life, and at her Death it is my wish that it be equally divided among all my children and
Lastly I do appoint my Loving wife Ann Boykin and my son John Boykin my whole and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament revoking Disannulling and making Void all other Wills heretofore made by me.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this 4 day of January 1725/6. Edward (x) Boykin (seal)
Signed Sealed and Declared in presence of James Atkinsson, Mary (x) Atkinsson, John Dunkley.2
Settlers killed foxes, wolves, minks, polecats, bears and an occasional panther, partially for the safety of the homesteaders and to protect their livestock
ca 1676
1.1.1 Edward Boykin, III, b. circa 1726, d. circa 1770; m. Judith Holt, d.
1.1.2 Thomas Boykin, (land in Brunswick Co, VA)
1.1.3 Solomon Boykin, b. circa 1705 Isle of Wright, VA, d. May 31, 1771, m. Ester, b. circa 1708. Migrated to Georgia, and petitions for land grant along Briar Creek, March 1765. (see side bar)
1.1.4 Hardy Boykin, (Nash Co. NC Census 1790)
1.1.5 Rachel Boykin, m. Mr. Heron
1.1.6 Martha Boykin,
1.1.7 Bejamin, Boykin,
1.1.2 Thomas Boykin, (land in Brunswick Co, VA)
1.1.3 Solomon Boykin, b. circa 1705 Isle of Wright, VA, d. May 31, 1771, m. Ester, b. circa 1708. Migrated to Georgia, and petitions for land grant along Briar Creek, March 1765. (see side bar)
| 1.1.3.1 Solomon Boykin Jr. b. circa 1745 Isle of Wright VA, d. Dec. 8, 1821 (Clarke County AL) ; m. Judith (1st wife) 1.1.3.1.1 Edward Boykin, b. circa 1779 (Burke Co., GA) 1.1.3.1.2 Mary Boykin, b. circa 1781 (Burke Co., GA) 1.1.3.1.3 Jesse Boykin, b. circa 1783 (Burke Co., GA) 1.1.3.1.4 Burwell Boykin, b. Dec. 24, 1787 (Burke Co., GA), d. May 1860 (Choctaw County AL) m. Margaret McCann. Burwell owned a plantation in Choctaw County, AL, near Old Camp Springs Cemetery and Curch. Burwell was a Private in Capt. Josiah Watts Company, Carson Reg. Mounted Gunmen, Mississippi Territory Militia 1814 - 1815. Burwell revealed to be an ancestor of journalist Anderson Cooper. 13 "Cooper's ancestor, Burwell Boykin, owned a slave, Sandy Boykin, who tried to run away. So Burwell locked him in a shed. When he opened the shed and asked, 'Have you learned your lesson?' Sandy took a hoe and beat Burwell to death. They hanged Sandy him after they found him." 13 1.1.3.1.5 William Boykin, b. circa 1785 (Burke Co. GA)1.1.3.1.6 Zilpha Boykin, b. 1789 (Burke Co. GA) 1.1.3.1.7 Abraham Boykin, b. June 6, 1788 (Burke Co. GA) m. 1796 Second wife Delilah McCann, b. circa 1772 1.1.3.1.8 John Boykin, b. April 11, 1800 (Burke Co. GA) 1.1.3.1.9 James Alexander Boykin, b. Sept. 20, 14802 (Burke Co. GA) 1.1.3.1.10 Susanna Boykin, b. July 15, 1803 1.1.3.1.11 Francis Boykin, b. May 26, 1804 (Bassett Creek Missippi Territory) |
1.1.4 Hardy Boykin, (Nash Co. NC Census 1790)
1.1.5 Rachel Boykin, m. Mr. Heron
1.1.6 Martha Boykin,
1.1.7 Bejamin, Boykin,
Born in Isle of Wright VA, (next to Jamestown), Edward Jr. migrated south thru North Carolina, obtaining land grants in Virgina and North Carolina. He was granted a deed on 19 Jul 1724 at Sea Cock Swamp, Isle of Wight Co., Virginia, 370 acres of land on the north side of Sea Cock Swamp in Isle of Wight Co. (now Brunswick Co.), VA. He was granted a deed between 1725 and 1730 at Blackwater Swamp, Prince George Co., Virginia, 35 acres. He was granted a deed in 1743 at Edgecombe Co., North Carolina,
200 acres. 2
Edward Boykin served with his cousin Francis Boykin as juryman for Bertie Co, NC and Edgecomb Co, NC. 3
He made his will in Northampton Couty, North Carolina, June 8, 1743.
In
the name of God, Amen, I Edward Boykin, of Northampton County, North
Carolina being sick and weak in body, but perfect mind and memory, God
be praised but calling to mind this mortal state and that it is
appointed for all men to die. Do make this my last Will and Testament
in manner and form following:
First and principally I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God my Creator, who gave it to me and my body to the ground to be buried decently in Christian burial at the discretion of my Executrix and Executor hereafter named in sure and certain hopes of a joyful resurrection through Jesus Christ my Blessed Saviour and Redeamer and as for what wordly estate it hath kindly to bestow upon me.
I give and bequeath as following Imprimies I will that all my lawful debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving son Thomas Boykin all my lands lying between Richard Walls line and the Meadow Branch: also a parcel of my lands over the Creek in Brunswick County beginning at the head of the Great Swamp, then turning down the same to my cartpath and then bounded by the said path quite to the river. Also all my lands and Plantation at Potocarie to him and his heirs.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving son Solomon Boykin all my lands lying above the Meadow Branch running up the Creek to Thomas Nicholns (Hicholans) line, with all the remaining part of my lands on the Creek in Brunswick County not bequeathed already. Also fifty acres of land upon the Creek within old Richard Walls line to him and his heirs.
Item: I give and bequeath upon my loving son Hardy Boykin all my lands and Plantation lying upon the Cypress Swamp if he thinks proper to live upon it. And if not to let some one of his Brothers have the refusal of it when he is disposed to sell it.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Hardy Boykin a negro named Jack but in case he should die without issue lawfully begotten then to my son Solomon Boykin.
First and principally I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God my Creator, who gave it to me and my body to the ground to be buried decently in Christian burial at the discretion of my Executrix and Executor hereafter named in sure and certain hopes of a joyful resurrection through Jesus Christ my Blessed Saviour and Redeamer and as for what wordly estate it hath kindly to bestow upon me.
I give and bequeath as following Imprimies I will that all my lawful debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving son Thomas Boykin all my lands lying between Richard Walls line and the Meadow Branch: also a parcel of my lands over the Creek in Brunswick County beginning at the head of the Great Swamp, then turning down the same to my cartpath and then bounded by the said path quite to the river. Also all my lands and Plantation at Potocarie to him and his heirs.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving son Solomon Boykin all my lands lying above the Meadow Branch running up the Creek to Thomas Nicholns (Hicholans) line, with all the remaining part of my lands on the Creek in Brunswick County not bequeathed already. Also fifty acres of land upon the Creek within old Richard Walls line to him and his heirs.
Item: I give and bequeath upon my loving son Hardy Boykin all my lands and Plantation lying upon the Cypress Swamp if he thinks proper to live upon it. And if not to let some one of his Brothers have the refusal of it when he is disposed to sell it.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Hardy Boykin a negro named Jack but in case he should die without issue lawfully begotten then to my son Solomon Boykin.
Item: I
give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Boykin two Negroes Dill and George
after the death of my wife or her widowhood, but if my son Thomas dies
without issue lawfully begotten, my will is that the said Negroes shall
go to my sons Hardy and Solomon Boykin.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel Heron one Negro girl named Lucy.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Martha Boykin one negroe girl named Joan, after the death of her Mother, or her widowhood or at the age of twenty-one years, but if my said daughter dieth without lawful issue then the said negroe to be equally divided amongst my three sons (viz) Hardy, Solomon and Thomas Boykin.
Item: My Will is that the first child my negroe wench Dinah beareth may be given to my grandson Drury Boykin.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Boykin, my negroe Boy Abraham after the death of his Mother or widowhood.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson Henry Boykin, one negroe wench named Dinah, after the death of my wife or widowhood, and my Will is that my son Edward Boykin, shall have the benefit of the said negro wench's labour during his natural life.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving son Benjamin Boykin all the money he is indebted to me, also one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel Heron one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha, one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson of my firstborn, Edward Boykin, one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Judith Boykin, all the residue of my estate, whom also I constitute and appoint with my son Solomon Boykin, whole and sole executor and executrix, of this my last Will and Testament, revoking and annulling any other Will by me made, Ratifying this only to be my Last Will and Testement. Witness whereof, I have set my hand and afixed my seal, this 8th day of June 1743.
Edward Boyikin (Seal)
Witness Chas. Campbell
Richard Wall jurat called Testis.
Proven in open court by the oath of Richard Wall, one of the subscribing evidences therto. At the same time Solomon Boykin was qualified executor thereof. Tes. J. Edwards, Clerk Cour. 5
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel Heron one Negro girl named Lucy.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Martha Boykin one negroe girl named Joan, after the death of her Mother, or her widowhood or at the age of twenty-one years, but if my said daughter dieth without lawful issue then the said negroe to be equally divided amongst my three sons (viz) Hardy, Solomon and Thomas Boykin.
Item: My Will is that the first child my negroe wench Dinah beareth may be given to my grandson Drury Boykin.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Boykin, my negroe Boy Abraham after the death of his Mother or widowhood.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson Henry Boykin, one negroe wench named Dinah, after the death of my wife or widowhood, and my Will is that my son Edward Boykin, shall have the benefit of the said negro wench's labour during his natural life.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving son Benjamin Boykin all the money he is indebted to me, also one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel Heron one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha, one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson of my firstborn, Edward Boykin, one cow and calf.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Judith Boykin, all the residue of my estate, whom also I constitute and appoint with my son Solomon Boykin, whole and sole executor and executrix, of this my last Will and Testament, revoking and annulling any other Will by me made, Ratifying this only to be my Last Will and Testement. Witness whereof, I have set my hand and afixed my seal, this 8th day of June 1743.
Edward Boyikin (Seal)
Witness Chas. Campbell
Richard Wall jurat called Testis.
Proven in open court by the oath of Richard Wall, one of the subscribing evidences therto. At the same time Solomon Boykin was qualified executor thereof. Tes. J. Edwards, Clerk Cour. 5
James River from Fort Boykin
Indians avoided forts but fell upon isolated farms in a new clearing of settlement. The settlers felt the government was indifferent to their safety and well-being.
Indentures may have been as high a 75% of those who came to Virginia, but former indentures comprised no more than one third of the landholders, partly due to the appalling mortality rate. Casualties were as high as 100,000 in the first 30 years, or 5 of every 6 adventurers. Some indentures ran away.
Freeholding families could rise rapidly in social position.
Solomon Boykin, son of Judith and Edward Boykin, Jr., married his wife Ester before leaving Virginia for Georgia, where he petitioned for a grant of 200 acres in March 1765. He stated at that time that "he had been about eight months in the Province of Georgia from Virginia. Had no land granted him in Georgia and was desirous to obtain land for cultivation, having a wife and eight children, prays for 200 acres of land on South side of Briar Creek". In 1766, he petitioned for 300 acres and the Governor granted him 500 acres in St. George's Parish (Col. Rec. of Ga.. Vol. 10, pp. 187, 485). He had previously been granted 120 acres in Brunswick Co., Va., May 9, 1753, on the south side of Fountain Creek by Gov. Dinwiddie. He made his will in St. George Parish Aug. 25, 1770, probated May 31, 1771,
Indians avoided forts but fell upon isolated farms in a new clearing of settlement. The settlers felt the government was indifferent to their safety and well-being.
Indentures may have been as high a 75% of those who came to Virginia, but former indentures comprised no more than one third of the landholders, partly due to the appalling mortality rate. Casualties were as high as 100,000 in the first 30 years, or 5 of every 6 adventurers. Some indentures ran away.
Freeholding families could rise rapidly in social position.
Solomon Boykin, son of Judith and Edward Boykin, Jr., married his wife Ester before leaving Virginia for Georgia, where he petitioned for a grant of 200 acres in March 1765. He stated at that time that "he had been about eight months in the Province of Georgia from Virginia. Had no land granted him in Georgia and was desirous to obtain land for cultivation, having a wife and eight children, prays for 200 acres of land on South side of Briar Creek". In 1766, he petitioned for 300 acres and the Governor granted him 500 acres in St. George's Parish (Col. Rec. of Ga.. Vol. 10, pp. 187, 485). He had previously been granted 120 acres in Brunswick Co., Va., May 9, 1753, on the south side of Fountain Creek by Gov. Dinwiddie. He made his will in St. George Parish Aug. 25, 1770, probated May 31, 1771,
ca 1701
Boykin, SC to Savanah, GA
Boykin Mill Pond
Boykin, SC
The last battle of the Civil War was fought in Boykin, SC on April 18th, 1865.
1.1.1.1 Henry Boykin, b. 1742
1.1.1.2 John Drury Boykin, b. 1750, d. Dec. 1817, m. Apr. 20, 1772 Sarah Tanner. Ebenezer Church, Effingham Co. GA.
1.1.1.2 John Drury Boykin, b. 1750, d. Dec. 1817, m. Apr. 20, 1772 Sarah Tanner. Ebenezer Church, Effingham Co. GA.
South Carolina land grant documents show an Edward Boykin near Florence SC circa 1755:
“...
there are to be found in the State records two early grants, each dated
Oct., 1755, one to Henry Boykin of 100 acres on the south fork of
Lynches Creek, the other of 100 acres to Edward Boykin on Jeffreys
Creek, in the present County of Florence.” 6
Boykin relatives, Burwell Boykin moved with his parents (William Boykin II and Elizableth Bryant) to Camden District, S.C., c. 1755, where on March 3, 1756, a conveyance was made to William Boykin by Ann Sinnexon, formerly Ann Duyett, of 300 acres in Fredricks Township, adjoing lands of Benjamin McKinnie, near Town Creek. He possessed in a high degree the family qualities of enterprise and sturdy manhood. He too was militant patriot of the Revolution, every ready to respond to the call of Marion, Sumter and other leaders.7
Burwell, came to own most of the land on the north and south sides of Swift Creek. In 1792, he dammed the creek to make a 400-acre millpond to power a grist and flour mill, as well as a sawmill. 8
Water from the pond generated power to run the grits and flour mill, also a saw mill and later a cotton gin. In 1786 a church was established. A tavern was built at the juncture of The Kings Highway (now highway 261) and roads leading to the East.
It is very likely that Edward Boykin III and William Boykin II were first cousins, thier fathers being brothers Edward Jr, and William of the second generation.
Colonial Records of Georgia. Vol IX, p. 174., April, 3, 1764 (Edward Boykin)
"Petition settting forth that he had been about one year in the Province from South Carolina, and had no land granted him and was desirous to obtaining land for cultivation, having a wife, son, and four slaves, therefore prays for 200 acres up Savannah River lying along land granted John Prothard, deceased and Joseph Subdrien. Petition granted. Boykin petition for another tract of 200 acres on the n/s of adjoin lands of John Bentley." 3
Generation
ca 1750
Hudson's Ferry
(Lodowick Tanner b. Johnson County, NC, d. Effingham Co. GA,; m. Sarah. Children; Sarah Tanner, Asa Tanner m. Feb. 15, 1774 Seelina Rogers, (Ebenezer Church Screven Co. GA), Mary Ann Tanner, m. Andrew Mock.)
c1.1.1.2.1 Lodowick Boykin, b. 1777, ; m. Ann Mock, (daughter of Andrew Mock Sr. and Mary Ann Tanner)
1.1.1.2.2 Seleh (Celia) Boykin, b. 1789 ; m. George Mock, (son Andrew Mock Sr. and Mary Ann Tanner)b. 1784, d. Oct. 1862
1.1.1.2.3 John D. Boykin, b. 1795, d. 1855
1.1.1.2.4 Rodiah Boykin, b. 1800
1.1.1.2.2 Seleh (Celia) Boykin, b. 1789 ; m. George Mock, (son Andrew Mock Sr. and Mary Ann Tanner)b. 1784, d. Oct. 1862
1.1.1.2.3 John D. Boykin, b. 1795, d. 1855
1.1.1.2.4 Rodiah Boykin, b. 1800
 |  |
| Notice of Will July 20, 1816 |
In the 18th Century Hudson’s Ferry was a very important place in southeastern Georgia. It was Robert Hudson’s ferry crossing on the Savannah River—one of only a few crossing points between the Fall Line and the city of Savannah. Robert Hudson’s ferry was 37 miles upstream from Savannah.
Hudson’s Ferry reached its zenith in importance in American History, when it was occupied by the British Army in their 1778/1779 Southern Campaign. Used Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, commanding Fraser’s 71st Regiment to move from the Battle of Kettle Creek to engage the enemy at Brier's Creek .
Today Hudson’s Ferry is a part of rural Screven County, just above the Effingham County line. The area is dominated by woodlands, although a number of residences (both permanent and seasonal) are located in the general vicinity. 11
Early settlers who received in the Poor Robin’s Landing to Hudson’s Ferry stretch of the Savannah River in Georgia included:
John Davis, 1758
Robert Hudson, 1758
William Moore, 1762
Bryan Kelly, 1762
Richard Scruggs, 1762
John Bowles, 1763
James Thomas, 1764
Abraham Odom, 1764
Ludwig Tanner, 1770
Pride Williams, 1771
Chaplin Williams, 1771
John Boykin, 1771
Abraham Ravotte, 1774
Ben Daley, 1774 (Miller 2003; Hollingsworth 1976).
Robert Hudson, 1758
William Moore, 1762
Bryan Kelly, 1762
Richard Scruggs, 1762
John Bowles, 1763
James Thomas, 1764
Abraham Odom, 1764
Ludwig Tanner, 1770
Pride Williams, 1771
Chaplin Williams, 1771
John Boykin, 1771
Abraham Ravotte, 1774
Ben Daley, 1774 (Miller 2003; Hollingsworth 1976).
Petition - 1771
Convey - 1794
Land Sale - 1815
The Brier's Creek battlefield is a few miles north of Poor Robin's Landing, and a few miles south of Hudson's Ferry.
1775 - 1783
Battle of Brier Creek - March 3, 1779
On the same day that Colonel Boyd was defeated at the Battle of Kettle Creek, British Colonel Archibald Campbell withdraws from Augusta when a large force of North Carolina patriots appear across the river from the Augusta outpost on the Georgia frontier. A planned rendezvous at Wrightsville leads to the capture of some of Boyd's men when Campbell fails to show up and doesn't tell Boyd.
The North Carolina troops under the command of General John Ashe smell blood. With the victory at Kettle Creek Ashe's men are hot on the trail of Campbell's loyalists and Regulars. Unknown to Ashe, Campbell is re-enforced with men from Savannah under the command of Augustine Prevost. Together the British forces now total 2,300 men.
Camped at Brier Creek, near the Savannah River, Ashe's patriots were caught unaware by hundreds of handpicked soldiers and loyalist militia on March 3, 1779. The men from North Carolina, along with Ashe, fled the scene of the battle. Only Colonel Samuel Elbert and his Georgia militia remained. Outnumbered and overpowered, the men defended the camp until almost all were dead. The late afternoon action ended at sunset, with the rebellion forces suffering a humiliating defeat. Almost 400 Americans were killed or captured, while the British lost 5 men.
Elbert, who would eventually be elected governor of Georgia, is captured and serves time in a British prison until his release in 1781. 12
