1 Jan 1759
Halifax County created from Edgecombe County — separated from Northampton County by the Roanoke River.
Did not find any reference to John Ivey in the records of Edgecombe County. Later records suggest that he was probably living in Northampton County where his father-in-law was established.
The only records that still exist in Northampton County for the period are deed records and a few others. Court records, most bonds, probate records, and tax records are missing. Some marriage bonds are on film at the NC Archives but most early ones are missing.
22 June 1762
Deed: David Rozier to John Ivey, both of Halifax County, for £230 proclamation money, 150 acres on the south side of Roanoke River beginning at a hickory then S7W 80p to red oak, then N7W 30p to white oak, then S30W 255p to hickory, then S60E 140p to pine in William Johnston’s line, then N15E 40p to white oak Johnston’s corner, then S75e 180p to two pines from thence a straight course to Reuben Harper’s lower corner willow oak, thence along Harper’s line to two ashes then down the branch to the River, thence up the River to the first station. Signed: David (x) Rozier, Mary (x) Rozier. Witness: Reuben Rozier, George Harper. Recorded September Ct. 1762. [Halifax County Deed Book 8, page 182.]
This is the first certain appearance of John Ivey in the records. He appears to have been a relatively young man who had probably been living in Halifax or Northampton for a few years, as he was already married to Sarah Norwood by 1762 — his son Robert Ivey was of age by 1782, thus born before 1761, and later records show that Robert was the sole heir of Sarah Norwood Ivey who was a daughter and heir of Samuel Norwood, a Northampton County native who moved to Halifax in 1770. There do not seem to be any earlier colonial grants or deeds in North Carolina to a John Ivey. (A John Ivey is mentioned as a witness in earlier Bertie County deeds but he was the John Ivey of Norfolk witnessing a deed executed in Virginia but recorded in North Carolina.)
15 Mar 1764
Will: Richard Williamson… “being weak of body”… unto my son George Williamson and his heirs forever my negro boy Brutus and £3 cash… to my daughter Frances Williamson and her heirs forever two negroes Hannah and Judah and in case my daughter should die without lawful issue (then Judah to son George Williamson and Hannah to son John Williamson)…lend to my daughter Susanna Hackett my negro girl called Lucy during her life (and after her death to granddaughter Elizabeth Hackett)… to son John Williamson my negro fellow called Willm. and his heirs forever and a negro man called Frank and a negro girl called Sillah to him and his heirs forever… rest of my personal estate I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Williamson and her heirs forever… Sons George and John Williamson executors. Signed: Robt. Wmson. Witness: Samuel Chappel, William Bennett, Faith(x) Bennett Proved June Ct. 1764 [Halifax County Will Book 1, page 129.]
George Williamson was Robert Ivey’s son-in-law. This identifies his father.
29 Nov 1769
Deed: Greenham Dodson of Halifax County & his wife Elizabeth to Samuel Norwood of Northampton County, for £46, 215 acres south side Roanoke River beginning Oglives (sic) corner white oak tree N 104p to a pine in a branch… [Halifax County Deed Book 11, page 1.]
John Ivey’s father-in-law was still living in Northampton County long after John Ivey had married his daughter. That suggests John Ivey was in Northampton when he married. (Later records tell us that Sarah Norwood was the mother of Robert Ivey, and that Robert Ivey was born 1760 or earlier.
18 Nov 1770
Deed: Evan(?) Ragland to Samuel Norwood, both of Halifax, for £37, 260 acres on south side Chokeot Creek… [Halifax County Deed Book 11, page 270.]
Samuel Norwood was “of Northampton” twelve months earlier but is now residing in Halifax and in a few months will sell his lands across the river in Northampton
“Chokeot” (now Chockoyotte) Creek rises just west of Roanoke Rapids, flows southeast through the present-day city and empties into the Roanoke River just north of the town of Weldon. It is shown on the 1770 Collet map as “Chocolate” Creek.
9 April 1771
Deed: Samuel Norwood of Halifax County to Eaton Haynes of Northampton County, for £175, 300 acres on the north side of Roanoke River bounded by the lands of Richard Spann, John Justice, Betsy Jones and “by the Roanoke River to the South…it being the land & plantation whereon the said Samuel Norwood lately lived & which was devised to him by his father, also an island in Roanoke River opposite to the aforesaid land” of 50 acres. Signed: Samuel (his mark) Norwood. No witnesses. Mary Norwood his wife relinquished dower and Samuel Norwood proved the deed. [Northampton County Deed Book 5, p80.]
Samuel Norwood had been granted the island 22 years earlier in 1749, which was described at that time as opposite to his plantation on the river. [See Northampton Deed Book 1, p390.]
John Ivey must have married Sarah Norwood in Northampton County, since her father Samuel Norwood was living there until 1770. Almost no marriage records for that period in Northampton County still exist.
7 April 1773
Will: …I John Ivey of Halifax County… my last will and testament… I give unto my dearly beloved wife Sarah Ivey one negro called Nick, one sorel (sic) mare and saddle and bridle, three cows and calves, one heifer and two stears (sic), two feather beds and furniture and all my other household furniture and plantation tools to raise my children upon until they marry or attain the age of twenty-one years. Likewise I lend unto my wife the plantation whereon I now live during her life. Item, I give unto my wife all my hogs & two ewes and lambs. Item, [I] give unto my daughter Patty Ivey one tract of land beginning at a willow oak on a branch then up the branch to the head then along a line of markt trees to a red oak in my upper line then southerly along my line thus to the beginning… Item, I give unto my son Robert Ivey one tract of land known by the name of Black’s Island, likewise the land joyning (sic) where I now lifd (sic) and at my wife’s decease the plantation where I now live, one cow and earling (sic), one ewe and lamb… the rest of my estate that I have not give away should be sold… and equally divided among my two children… I do appoint my dearly beloved wife Sarah Ivey executrix and my dear friends Richard Norwood and Samuel Weldon executors… Signed: John (x) Ivey. Witness: Samuel Weldon, Rchd. Norwood. Presented at May court 1774 by Richard Norwood, executor, and proved by oath of Samuel Weldon. [Halifax County Will Book 1, page 361.]
The two children were probably quite young, as John Ivey likely did not marry Sarah Norwood until 1755-1760. Sarah was the daughter of Samuel Norwood, who died testate in 1795 (see petition below naming Sarah Ivey as a daughter and heir of Samuel Norwood.). “Mary Norwood wife of Samuel Norwood” was named as a daughter in the 3 January 1762 Halifax County will of James Smith (Will Book 4, page 70). I note that the will singled out “Mary Norwood, daughter of Samuel Norwood” as a residual legatee, but does not mention Samuel Norwood’s other six children.
15 August 1774
Inventory, estate of John Ivey: 26 head of hogs, 18 head of black cattle, 11 head of sheep, one mare & saddle and bridle, 2 beds and furniture, 3 pine chests, 2 tables, 4 chairs, 1 gun, 1 spinning wheel and 2 pair of cards, 1 cart and wheels, 4 barrels, 1 tub, 3 water pails, 1 half bushel, 3 iron pots, 1 frying pan, 3 pewter dishes, 11 plates, 1 basin, half dozen knives and forks, 6 earthen bowls, 1 mug, 2 bread bowls, 4 axes, 5 hoes, 1 pair iron wedges, 1 iron pestle, 1 iron pot rack, 6 bottles, 4 jugs, 5 spoons, 1 looking glass, 2 padlocks, 1 box iron and heaters, 1 pepper box, 2 pair scissors, 1 (veal?), 1 loom, 1 plow and hoe. Signed: Richard Norwood, executor. [Halifax County Inventories of Estates 1773-1779, page 53.]
8 Dec 1781
Will: Sarah Stoudivant will witnessed by George Williamson and Robert (x) Ivey. [Halifax County Will Book 3, page 37.]
Although it was not strictly required that a witness be over 21, it was typical and normal, thus it is safe to assume that Robert Ivey was born 1760 or earlier.To be taxed in 1782 he was definitely born by 1761.
1782
Tax List: Robert Ivey – 30 acres, no slaves, 1 horse, 4 cattle (District 16)
1783
Tax List: Robt Ivey – property valued at £218 (District 16)
1784
Tax List: Robert Ivey – 30 acres, 1 white, 1 black (District 16)
The nature and format of personal taxes were in flux in the first three years of North Carolina’s existence as a state, until standardized in 1784.. White polls were males 21 and over in North Carolina.
1786
State Census: Robert Ivey – 1 white male 21-50, 1 white male <21 or >60, 3 white females, 1 black 21-50, 1 black <21 or >60 (District 16)
28 April 1786
Deed: Patrick Martin to George Williamson, both of Halifax, for £100, 640 acres both sides little Broad River in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Signed: Patrick Martin. Witness: W. Monford, Wm. Jones. [Rutherford County Deed Book “A-D”, page 472.]
Elizabeth Ivey will later sell her interest in this parcel as an heir of George WIlliamson.
1787
Tax List: Robert Ivey – 186 acres, 2 white polls, 2 black polls (District 16)
Note that there is no sign of Patty Ivey in these tax lists. Land was not taxed, merely noted, meainging that Patty Ivey had no taxable males or slaves.
3 Jan 1788
Deed: Allen Jones to Robert Ivey, for $50 hard Spanish dollars, 30 acres on Roanoke River now in the said Ivey’s possession and known by the name of Black’s Island… Signed: Allen Jones. Witness: Robert Jones, Thos. Eaton, L. Long. Recorded May Ct. 1788. [Halifax County Deed Book 17, page 24.]
Could not find a reference to Black’s Island.
1787
Tax List: Robert Ivey – 186 acres, 1 white poll, 2 black polls (District 16)
26 Sept 1789
Deed: Patty Ivey to Robert Ivey, for £80 Virginia money, 130 acres beginning at a willow oak the said Robert Ivey‘s corner in Charles Moore’s line thence his line to two pines his corner in William Parnell’s line thence his line N75W 80p to his corner, thence his line N60W 140p to hickory, thence N30E to a red oak the said Robert Ivey‘s corner, thence his line to the beginning “being the tract of land the said Patty Ivey‘s father gave her in his last will and testament”. Signed: Patty (x) Ivey. Witness: William Parnell, George Wmson, Robert Williamson. Recorded February Ct. 1790. [Halifax County Deed Book 17, page 160.]
26 Dec 1789
NC Grant: Entered by Robert Ivey, 36 acres on south side Roanoke River beginning at a red oak standing on the aforesaid River bank, then S26W 48p to Ivey’s corner a pine, then along his line S7E 30p to a pine, then along his line E 60p to a red oak and hickory, then N7E 30p to a hickory and ash, then along his other line S18E 94p to a white oak standing on a prong of Saxters Branch then running down the various courses of said branch to a beech and maple standing at the mouth thereof on the bank of Roanoke River, then running up the various courses of said River to the first station. Issued 16 Nov 1790. [NC Grant Book 77, page 156.]
1790
Tax List: Robert Ivey – 1 white, 2 black, 266 acres (District 16)
1790
Census: Robert Ivey 1 male >21, 2 males <21, 4 females – 3 slaves
17 Feb 1795
Deed: Thomas Tabb to Robert Ivey, £40 Virginia money, one negro boy named Nelson. Witness: Richard Norwood. Recorded February Ct. 1795. [Halifax County Deed Book 17, page 756.]
15 Oct 1795
Will: Richard Norwood… to my cousin Lydia Norwood the saddle & bridle in her possession, my sorrel horse… and $500. Residual estate divided among “my three sisters that is living” and “of my three sisters that is dead each sister’s children to divide their mother’s part among them equally.” Executors brother-in-law Uriah Smith and David Arnold. Signed: Richard (x) Norwood. Witness: Cullen R. Fennell, Starling Wood. Proved November Ct. 1795. [Halifax County Will Book 3, page 256.]
The only son of Samuel Norwood died about the same time as his father — their wills were both proved in November 1795. Richard Norwood was clearly single, so the heirs to the land left to him by Samuel Norwood’s will were his sisters. See petition of November 1796..
5 Oct 1795
Will: Samuel Norwood… unto my son Richard Norwood all my lands and three negroes Ned, Jacob & Bob… unto my daughter Elizabeth Yarborough two negroes Davy & Nancy… unto my daughter Tabitha Smith two negroes Harry & Priscilla… unto George Williamson Senr. 20 shillings current money… unto my three grandchildren George Williamson, David Williamson, and Tabitha Bishop £6 current money each… unto my daughter Amy Smith three negroes Dan, Nan & Polly… unto my cousin Lydia Norwood her choice of a feather bed & furniture, two cows & calves, first choice of my hogs & half of my crop of corn & fodder… also lend my cousin Lydia Norwood the house and land I live on during her life… also give to my son Richard Norwood negroes Lewis, Fanny & Winny provided my son should pay all the money legatees & all my just debts… residue of my estate to be sold & equally divided among my children. Executors to be Richard Norwood & David Arnold. Signed: Samuel (x) Norwood. Witness: Starling Wood, Uriah Smith, David Arnold. [Halifax County Will Book 3, page 257.]
See petition below
Feb 1796
Newspaper Notice: Sale of four negroes belong to the estates of Samuel Norwood and two negroes belonging to the estate of Richard Norwood to be held “at Richard Norwood’s plantation on Roanoke River twelve miles above Halifax town.” [North Carolina Journal, issue of 29 February 1796, page 3.]
Twelve miles above (upriver) from Halifax Town is the vicinity of Roanoke Rapids.
Nov 1796
Petition: George Yarborough & Elizabeth his wife, Uriah Smith & Tabitha his wife, John Smith & Amey (sic) his wife… that the said Elizabeth, Tabitha and Amy are the daughters of the late Samuel Norwood deceased, that the said Samuel Norwood died some time ago, intestate (sic)… regarding a tract of 250 acres on Chockeott Creek… in consequence of the death of the aforesaid Samuel Norwood your petitioners became entitled to the said land along with the heirs of Mary Williamson late the wife of George Williamson, the heirs of Sarah Ivey late the wife of John Ivey, & the heirs of Betty Easley late the wife of James Easley… petitioners request a commission to divide the land… [Halifax County Deed Book 18, page 147.]
In May 1797 the Commissioners divided the a lot of 189 acres bordered on the north by Chockoyotte Creek into six parcels of 31½ acres each [map on Deed Book 18, page 148]. Lot #1 to George Yarborough, Lot #2 to Allen, Samuel, Roderick and James Easley. Lot #3 to John Smith. Lot #4 to George and David Williamson. Lot No. 5 was allotted to Robert Ivey. Lot #6 to Uriah Smith. [Halifax County Deed Book 18, page 148-9.]
Useful information here: (1) Proof that John Ivey’s wife was Sarah Norwood, (2) Proof that Sarah Norwood was Robert Ivey’s mother, (3) Proof that Patty Ivey was dead without issue, as Robert Ivey was the sole heir, and (4) strong indication that Robert Ivey lived nearby, as William Powell and the other commissioners were neighbors to his own lands.
This gives us a rough idea of where Robert Ivey lived, assuming that the inherited land was near his own lands, The creek mentioned in this and earlier deeds (and later in his will) is Chockoyotte Creek, which rises in northern Halifax County just west of Roanoke Rapids, flows through modern city limits of Roanoke Rapids and continues ten or so miles eastward before turning north just west of Weldon and emptying into the Roanoke River. Most of the creek is within 3-4 miles of the river. Nearly all the persons named in the Norwood wills and this petition lived in District 16, which obviously included the creek.
15 Jan 1798
Bill of Sale: George Yarborough to Robert Ivey, for £165 Virginia money, four negro slaves by the names of Cate, Nancy, George & Lucy. Recorded February Ct. 1798. Signed: George (x) Yarborough. Witness: William Powell, Samuel (x) Yarborough. [Halifax County Deed Book 18, page 273.]
George Yarborough was his uncle.
7 Aug 1798
Deed: Robert Ivey to George Yarborough, for £30 Virginia money, a tract of 31½ acres beginning at a sycamore lying on the main run of Chockeott (sic) Creek then S 102p to a red oak, then N88E 59p to a white oak and red oak, then N 67p to a gum on the main run of said creek then running up the various courses of the creek to the first station, it being the land that the said Robt Ivey had in the division of that tract devised by Samuel Norwood to his son Rich’d Norwood, his Robert Ivey‘s lot being No. 5 which more fully appear by having recourse to the office of Halifax… Signed: Robert (x) Ivey. Witness: William (x) Kelly, Edmund Jeter, Junr. Acknowledged by Robert Ivey at August Ct. 1799. [Halifax County Deed Book 18, page 471-2.]
Samuel Norwood’s son Richard died about the same time as his father without heirs of his own. His land would have reverted to his sisters (or their heirs) in equal shares.
1800
Census: Robert Ivy 2 2 0 1 0 — 2 0 1 1 0 — 7 slaves
1802
Tax List: Robert Ivey – 266 acres, 1 white poll, 4 black polls (District 16)
19 Aug 1803
Deeds: (1) George Williamson of Halifax County to Anderson Williamson of Rutherford County and (2) David Williamson of Halifax County to Anderson Williamson of Rutherford County. For $250 Spanish dollars each, George and David each sell their claims to a one-fifth part of land “which my late father George Williamson died seized of…” that on the death of my father intestate descended to me as one of his heirs… subject to the dower claim of my father’s widow. [Rutherford County Deed book 20-21. page 175 and 176.]
George Williamson had five heirs at his death: Anderson Williamson and Elizabeth Ivey (evidently being his elder children by some unknown wife) and George and David Williamson (children of Mary Norwood), plus a fifth child. Whether the fifth child was Tabitha Bishop (a third child of Mary Norwood) or someone else I don’t know. Rutherford County deed books do not seem to show any deeds to Anderson Williamson for the remaining two-fifths of this land.
George Williamson’s widow was his third wife, Dorothy Mitchell, who apparently did not bear any of his children.
22 May 1804
Deed: Robert Ivey & Elizabeth Ivey his wife to Joshua Hopkins, for $500, the full undivided fifth part of all the lands and tenements lying & being in the county of Halifax… which the late Geo. Williamson Senr. died seized & possessed of which sd. undivided fifth part in the death of said George Wmson Senr. intestate descended to sd. Robert Ivey in right of his wife Elizabeth one of the heirs at law subject to right of dower of sd. Williamson’s widow… Signed: Robert (x) Ivey, Elizabeth (x) Ivey. Witness: Daniel Macon, J. Bishop. Proved May Ct. 1804. [Halifax County Deed Book 19, page 314.]
This proves that Robert Ivey’s wife was Elizabeth Williamson, daughter of George Williamson Senr., though it is not completely clear that she was the mother of his children.
Was his wife also his first cousin? It appears that Elizabeth was a daughter of an unknown first wife of George Williamson, rather than a child of Mary Norwood. According to Samuel Norwood’s 1795 will and the 1796 petition George Williamson Senr. had been married to Mary Norwood, daughter of Samuel Norwood and John Ivey’s aunt, who was deceased by 1795. But Samuel Norwood’s will mentioned only three heirs of his deceased daughter: George Williamson Junr., David Williamson, and Tabitha Bishop. That is, Anderson Williamson and Elizabeth Williamson Ivey were not mentioned as heirs of Mary Norwood. Thus, whether Elizabeth Ivey was another daughter of Mary Norwood, or a child of an earlier wife is not clear from the will, However when the land of Samuel Norwood was partitioned among the heirs, the only heirs of Mary Norwood were George and David. Thus Elizabeth Williamson (as well as Anderson Williamson) must have been the children of an earlier wife. George Williamson Senr. had married for a final time to Dorothy Mitchell sometime between 1788 (when her father’s will called her unmarried) and 1798 (when her mother’s will called her the wife of George Williamson Sr.) but he had no children by her.
16 Feb 1807
Bill of Sale: Daniel Weldon to Robert Ivey, for $400, one negro man slave named Alfred… Signed: Daniel Weldon. Witness: David Arnold, Jos. Parsons. [Halifax County Deed Book 21, page 59.]
24 April 1810
Deed: James Turner to Robert Ivey, for £230 Virginia currency, 230 acres beginning at a birch on the run of Choceotte Creek on the south side of said Creek William Kelly’s corner then S23E 68p to a pine in George Peebles line… Warren Harris’s line… Daniel Macon’s corner… Signed: James Turner. Witness: Daniel Macon, Henry Purnell, James Johnston. Proved Mary Ct. 1810. [Halifax County Deed Book 21, page 422.]
1810
Census: Robert Ivy 2 0 3 0 1 — 3 1 2 1 0 — 15 slaves
7 Oct 1810
Deed: John Parker & wife Mary to Robert Ivey, for $150, 180 acres beginning at a pine Virginia Powell’s corner thence N 80p to a pine in the Wolfe Trap Branch, thence up the branch… a pine in Thomas Green’s line… pine in Powell’s pond,,, along Virginia Powell’s line to beginning. Signed: John Parker. Witness: Daniel Macon, David Arnold, William Parker. Proved November Ct. 1810 and Mary Parker privately examined and consented. [Halifax County Deed Book 21, page 512.]
Wolf Trap Branch does not survive on modern maps, but was probably a branch of Chockoyotte Creek. There is a Wolf Trap Ct. in the southern part of Roanoke Rapids that lies just above a branch of Chockoyotte Creek.
7 Feb 1812
Deed: Ptolemy Powell to Robert Ivey, for $239.50, 23¼ acres south side Roanoke River (metes and bounds follow, no neighboring landowners mentioned). Signed: Ptolemy Powell. Witness: Benja. Harris, Geo. Williamson. Proved February Ct. 1812. [Halifax County Deed Book 22, page 83.]
14 Aug 1813
Deed: Robert Ivey to John Ivey, for and in consideration of the love and affection which he bears toward the said John Ivey, 230 acres beginning at a birch on the run of Choceot Creek on the south side William Kelly’s corner… (The same parcel purchased from James Turner in 1810) Signed: Robert (x) Ivey. Witness: Thomas Hudson, Martha Hudson. Proved August Ct. 1813. [Halifax County Deed Book 22, page 322.]
Note that there was no dower release by Elizabeth Ivey, apparently due to the clerk’s preferences regarding dower releases.
25 June 1813
Deed: Henry G. Montfort atty in fact for Thomas M. Dean & Elizabeth his wife, to Robert Ivey…by a power of attorney executed the — day of June 1813, for £80 Virginia money, 80 acres beginning at an oak and maple in Wolf Trap Branch then S 160p along Benja. Green’s line to a blackjack oak, then N87W 94p along Henry Green’s line to two pines in Peter Smith’s line, then by his line N 167p to a red oak & white oak at the wolftrap branch, then down the branch to the first station. [Halifax County Deed Book 23, page 13.]
21 July 1814
Will: Robert Ivey of Halifax County… I lend to my wife Elizabeth Ivey during her life or widowhood the land and plantation whereon I now live, and five negroes, to wit: Will, Alfred, George, Amy, & Nancy, the black Tennessee hors (sic) & the (Scote?) colt, four cows and calves, one young ox, eight sheep, twenty two hogs (first taking out two thousand pounds of pork for the use of herself & family), one walnut chest, one large new trunk, one small Do, four beds & furniture, twelve chairs, one walnut table, one pine Do, one walnut cupboard, and all the kitchen furniture during her life or widdowhood (sic) and at her death or marriage the land I give to my two sons Robert & Richard to be equally divided between them by a line running across the Island and from the river out to the boundary line upon Powell’s side, all and every part of the rest to be sold and equally divided among all my children.
I also give my wife Elizabeth seventy five barrels of corn, two thousand pounds pork (as above mention’d) & fifty bushels wheat for the use of her and my three youngest children to wit: Elizabeth, Robert & Richard, which three children she is to mentain (sic) untill they become of age or marry.
I give and bequeath unto my sons John Ivey & George Ivey that tract of land upon Chockeatt Creek which I purchased of James Turner to be equally divided between them. I give and bequeath to my son Benja Ivey the land which I purchased of John Parker & Thomas Dean. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Ivey one negroe girl by the name of (Chania?). I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Ivey one negroe boy by the name of Abram. I give and bequeath to my daughter Susan two negroes to wit: Tome & MIlly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth one negroe girl by the name of Pheribee… property not already disposed of to be sold and the monies arising therefrom to equally divided among all my children, except my gigg and harness which I lend to my wife Elizabeth as above. I hereby nominate and appoint my son John Ivey and Thomas Hudson my executors…
Signed: Robert (x) Ivey. Witness: David Arnold, David Williamson. Proved at November Ct. 1814 by both witnesses, and John Ivey qualified as executor. [Halifax County Will Book 3, page 555.]
Note that the wording of the will avoids identifying Elizabeth Ivey as the mother of the children, although her own will calls the four sons “my sons” and Sarah “my daughter”. Note also that Robert Ivey died sometime after 14 July 1814, when he signed this will, and 14 October 1814, when an inventory of his estate was made.
14 Oct 1814
Inventory, personal estate of Robert Ivey: Items included farming and carpentry tools, a variety of household furniture including a desk, four beds, 4 books, 2 guns; quantities of tobacco, wheat, cotton, corn, potatoes, peas, and oats; 6 spinning wheels, ; livestock including 3 horses, 20 cattle, 20 hogs and sows, 13 sheep, 22 geese, and 2 bee hives. Also several small bonds on David Arnold, D. Williamson, W. Norwood and notes on James Bishop, George W. Ivey, and George Hockaday. Cash on hand totaled $302. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Robert Ivey 1814”.]
6 Dec 1814
Sale of Robert Ivey personal estate: The list covers four full pages. The sale raised $2,530 of which $1,260 was from the sale of six slaves. Elizabeth Ivey bought a slave named Sarah and a slave boy named Clayborn, while John Ivey bought a woman named Cate. Buyers included Elizabeth Ivey, John Ivey, George Ivey, Benjamin Ivey, Sarah Ivey, Mary Ivey, David Arnold, Benjamin Hill, Herbert Hill, Solomon Powell, John D. Powell, Daniel Powell, Eaton Powell, Warwick Hockaday, William West, Henry C. Jones, Benjamin Glover, Thomas Allen, John Martin, William Chamblis, Julius Cofer, Peter Avent, Archibald Cullem, West Goodrich, James Bishop, Alfred Harwell, John Gary, George King, Carter Harrison, James Jones, Thomas Hudson, and William Hale. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Robert Ivey 1814”.]
10 June 1815
Deed: Elizabeth Ivey to George Ivey, for $256, claim to the one-fifth part of a certain tract or parcel of land lying in Rutherford County on Broad River and bounded as follows… Signed: Elizabeth (x) Ivey. Witness: William Norwood, Saml. Ives. [Halifax County Deed Book 23, page 312.]
George Williamson had purchased 640 acres on the Little Broad River in Rutherford (later Cleveland) County in 1786. He died in 1801 leaving (apparently) five heirs judging from this record, one of whom was Elizabeth Ivey.
30 Aug 1815
Inventory of Susan Ivey estate by John Ivey, administrator: Spun cotton, two pair stockings, one bed, two Negroes (not named). Recorded a year later at November court 1816. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Susan Ivey 1815”.]
1 Jan 1816
Sale of Susan Ivey estate: Same items as inventory, except that slaves are identified as Tom and Milly, both of whom were bought by John Ivey for $662. Other items brought $53. John Ivey, Benjamin Ivey, George W. Ivey, and Sarah Ivey were the only buyers. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Susan Ivey 1815”.]
August 1816
Court Order: Henry Smith, David Arnold, and Thomas Hudson appointed to audit and settle the estate of Robert Ivey deceased. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Robert Ivey 1814”.]
— Nov 1816
Settlement of Susan Ivey estate: Included in the estate was a “proportionable part of Robt. Ivey’s estate” of $325.93. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Susan Ivey 1815”.]
7 Nov 1816
Estate Accounting by three men listed above: Includes several payments for the year 1814, including funeral and estate expenses and “sugar and coffee for the family for 1814”. Another item for $28.53 labelled “paid B. Ivey the overseer his 6th part of the amt. of sales of cotton & tobacco.” Total estate value was $3,242.50. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Robert Ivey 1814”.]
13 Dec 1816
Deed: Thomas Hudson to John Ivey, for $106.67, 32 acres beginning at a birch on south side of Chockyotte Creek, then S4W 59p to a pine… Signed: Thomas Hudson. Witness: Benja. Hill, M. H. Pettway. Proved February Ct. 1817. [Halifax County Deed Book 24, page 30.]
August 1817
Settlements from the estate of Robert Ivey of $436.81 each for to Robert Ivey and Richard Ivey, and $461.52 for Elizabeth Ivey, paid to James Bishop, guardian of Robert Ivey and Richard Ivey. [Halifax County Loose Estate Records, file labeled “Robert Ivey 1814”.]
1 Jan 1819
Deed: Henry Shaw to John Ivey, for $5,775, 396 acres beginning at a willow oak on the run of Chockeotte Creek, then N45W 2p to a sweet gum the N41E 38p and N45E 22p to a pine… running along the road 165p… Signed: Henry Shaw. Witness: E. Hobbs, Thos, Hudson. Proved February Ct. 1819. [Halifax County Deed Book 24, page 587.]
The long frontage on “the road” may account for the hefty price.
1820 Census
Elizabeth ivy 010120 – 00011
John Ivy 000010 – 10110
David Ivy 010101 – 22110 [??]
ancestry.com mistakenly filed this under Hertford County, but the segment is actually a continuation of Halifax County. Elizabeth Ivey appears to have at least three of her four sons at home, and presumably her daughter Sally as well. But who is the youngest male aged 10-16? Is that Richard Ivey? And where is Mary Ivey? Who is David Ivy, or did I read the surname wrong — he appears in no deed or will records.
5 Nov 1821
Bill of Sale: Batt Peterson to Mrs. Elizabeth Ivey, for $250, one negro man Davy. [Halifax County Deed Book 25, page 443.]
17 Dec 1821
Marriage License: James W. Ivey & Nancy Marshall. Bondsman Jno. H. Powell. Witness: S. M. Johnston. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]
Who is this? The wills of Robert and Elizabeth Ivey do not mention a James. Is he a son of David Ivey?
May 1822
James Bishop appointed guardian to Richard Ivey, bond $5000, With Cad’r Jones & Rice B. Pearce securities. [Guardianships in Halifax County Court Minutes 1822-1824, online]
Nov 1822
Benjamin W. Finnie appointed guardian to William, Martha, and Sophia, Bosman, orphans of James Bosman who entered into bond of $5000 with Benjamin Campbell and George W. Ivey Securities. [Guardianships in Halifax County Court Minutes 1822-1824, online]
Feb 1823
James R. Turner appointed guardian to Louisa, Henrietta, Caroline, Whitmell, Lavinia & Frances Hardy who entered into bond of $2000 with George Ivey & Thomas Allen securities. [Guardianships in Halifax County Court Minutes 1822-1824, online]
4 Mar 1823
Deed: John Ivey & wife Jane Ivey to Henry Sledge, for $209, 48 acres beginning at a white oak & beech on the Chockoyotte Creek and running S40W 18p to a stake then S 172p to two pines… Signed: John Ivey, Jane Ivey. Witness: A. B. Green, Wm. (x) Powell. Proved at May Ct. 1823 when “Mrs. Jane Ivey, wife of John Ivey” relinquished her right of dower. [Halifax County Deed Book 26, page 24 and also page 35.]
24 Dec 1823
Deed: John Ivey trustee for R. Parker & his heirs to William Johnson, for $876.35, 201 acres beginning at a pine on the Piney Glade branch (at) William K. Powell’s line, running thence down the meanders of the run of said branch… Signed: John Ivey. Proved at February Ct. 1823 [Halifax County Deed Book 26, page 87.]
Feb 1824
John Ivey appointed guardian to Richard, Mary, & William Parker children of D. Parker who entered into bond of $10,000 with James Bishop and George Ivey securities. [Guardianships in Halifax County Court Minutes 1822-1824, online]
18 Feb 1824
Marriage License: Robert Ivey & Candas (sic) Powell. Bondsman Uriah Smith. Witness: S. M. Johnston. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]
27 Dec 1824
Deed: George Powell to Benjamin Ivey, for $150, 100 acres beginning at a gum in Wolf Trap branch then S along said Ivey’s line to Green’s line then E to Hudson’s line corner black gum, thence N to the prong branch thence down said branch to the Wolf Trap branch… Signed: George (x) Powell. Witness: John Ivey, Asa Powell. Proved at February Ct. 1825 [Halifax County Deed Book 26, page 195.]
22 Sep 1825
Marriage License: Benjamin Ivey & Harriette Drake. Bondsman Lewis S. Drake. Witness: S. M. Johnston. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]
15 Nov 1825
Marriage License: George W. Ivey & Elenora Adams. Bondsman J. Bishop. Witness: Richard Eppes. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]
11 Feb 1827
Deed: Hamilton J. Weldon & Temperance his wife formerly Temperance Powell to John Ivey, for $35, 14 acres beginning at a stake the corner of the dower & Lot #1 and then along the line of #1 N19E 20p to a maple in a branch in Spann’s line… Signed: H. J. Weldon, Temperance (x) Weldon. Witness: Thomas Gary, L. Gary. Proved at February Ct. 1827 [Halifax County Deed Book 27, page 219.]
29 May 1827
Will: Elizabeth Ivey… to my two sons Robert Ivey and Richard Ivey, five negroes, to wit: Dave, Sall, Anne, Stuling(?), and Claiburn to be equally divided between them, with the following condition, that they jointly find my daughter Sally a home and board as long s she lives unmarried… to my daughter Sally Ivey one bed & furniture, one bright sorrel horse named Niger… to my son Benjamin Ivey one cow and calf, one ewe and lamb… to my son George Ivey [Benjamin crossed out, George written above] one ewe and lamb and to his daughter Martha Elizabeth Ivey one small bed… to my son Robert Ivey $20 and one of the work steers(?)… to my son Richard Ivey one bed and furniture, one desk, one large kettle, one large iron pot, one of the work steers, the cart and wheels with the joint use of them to his brother Robert Ivey while they live together, and one sorrel horse named Bird… to my granddaughter Elizabeth Ivey, daughter of John Ivey $30… to my grandson James Ivey son of Robert Ivey $100 to be put on interest yearly until he arrives to the age of twenty-one years… to my grandson Robert Green the bed and furniture I lent to his mother during her life… to my sons Robert Ivey and Richard Ivey the remainder of my stock of cattle and sheep to be equally divided between them… to my son Richard Ivey all the ready money that is left after paying my just debts and the money legacies above mentioned in this will and a note of hand of John Ivey‘s for $30. Appoint John Ivey executor. Signed: Elizabeth (x) Ivey. Witness: David Arnot, Mary E. Arnot. Proved August Ct. 1827 and executor qualified. [Halifax County Will Book 4, page 35.]
3 Aug 1827
Deed: James Kelly to Mary Ivey, for $125, 4 acres whereon the said Kelly now lives, also 70 acres adjoining the land of James H. Hailes heirs, Wm. E. Shine & others… Signed: James Kelly. Witness: L. Gary, E. Hobbs. Proved at August Ct. 1827 [Halifax County Deed Book 27, page 252.]
19 Sep 1827
Deed: Benjamin Ivey to Lewis S. Drake for $60, all my interest in right of my wife Harriet G. Ivey, formerly Harriet G. Drake, in a certain tract (of 30 acres) adjoining George Peebles & others… Signed: Benjamin W. (x) Ivey, Harriet G. Ivey. Witness: Thomas Gary, L Gary [Littleberry Gary]. [Halifax County Deed Book 27, page 347.]
10 Oct 1827
Marriage License: Richard Ivey & Sarah Fulgham. Bondsman Robert W. Ivey. Witness: S. M. Johnston. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]
19 Oct 1827
Deed: Richard N. Smith to Mary Ivey, for $500, 250 acres beginning at a sassafrass (formerly where there stood a white oak) Thomas Martin’s corner thence E 150p to a forked poplar in Meadow branch Uriah Smith’s corner thence N 258p to a pine in said Smith’s other corner… James Kelly’s corner… Signed: Richard Smith. Witness: L. Gary, H. T. Jackson. Proved at February Ct. 1828 [Halifax County Deed Book 27, page 334.]
==> Stopped reading deeds with Book 27
25 Aug 1829
Marriage License: Robert M. W. Ivey & Nicey Williams. Bondsman: Nathaniel M. Smith. Witness: S. M. Johnston. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]
1830 Census
John Ivey 2130001 – 113002001 – 25
Robert Ivey 010001 – 001 – 7
Richard N. Ivey 00101 – 01 – 9
Benjamin W. Ivey 10001 – 10001 – 6
George W. Ivey 00001 – 20001 – 8
May 1832
George Ivey a juror empaneled in several separate civil cases. [Halifax County Court Minutes 1832-1846, online]
Aug 1832
John Ivey appointed to commission to settle estate of Nathaniel Shelton with executor. Benjamin W. Ivey appointed to grand jury. [Halifax County Court Minutes 1832-1846, online]
Nov 1832
John Ivey appointed guardian to [John] Hudson heirs. [Halifax County Court Minutes 1832-1846, online]
Feb 1833
Robet Ivey, Hambleton Weldon, and George Sledge paid $2.30 each as patrollers for District No. 16. [Halifax County Court Minutes 1832-1846, online]
23 Apr 1834
Marriage Bond: Joseph Green and Elizabeth Ivey, bondsman John Shaw. [Halifax County Original Marriage Bonds.]