Immigrant Captain John Dickey 1724-1808
1) Rachel Tanner 1724-1789 – 4^th Great Grandparents
2) Elizabeth Leasey

Ken Burns’ American Revolution has inspired me to write about my family’s connection to that Revolution – both the Howard and Dickey lines.

See

• John Dickey Revolutionary War Pension File (W3962),
• https://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:John_Dickey_%2839%29
• https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/patriots_nc_capt_john_dickey.html
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Dickey-115
• Rowan County Register. v.11, no. 1, February 1996 for an article “Captain John Dickey, Patriot” by Joseph H. Howard

Lineage

Robert Dickey (c1463-c1536) Elizabeth Auchincloss (1460-1501)
John Dickey (1501-1567) Janet Gayne (c 1505-1605)
John Dickey Jr (c 1542-1606) Janet Sproul (c 1545-1606)
John Dickey III (1584-1641) Agnes McIlvaine (1585-1661)
William Dickey (1619-1693) Sarah McMurtry (1628-1693)
Thomas Dickey (c1658-1728) (1) Elizabeth Patterson -1661-1680 (2) Jane Awl (1660-1742
George Dickey (c1690-1748) Margaret Walker(?) (1690-1759)
John Dickey (1724-1808)  (I) Rachel Tanner (1724-1789) (2) Elizabeth Leasey (1764-1845)

Chronology

1724  John Dickey was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.  John Dickey’s tombstone and the John Dickey Bible indicate that he departed this life 20 March 1808 aged 84 which means that he would have been born in 1724 or 1725.

1724  Rachel Tanner, John Dickey’s first wife, was born. (“Centre Church Cemetery Directory [Olde Graveyard Listing …]” Mecklenburg N.C. Genealogical Society Quarterly, v. 6, no. 4, 1988)

c1729 John’s parents, George and Margaret (Walker?) Dickey, immigrated to Chester County PA. After a few years they moved across Octoraro Creek to Lancaster PA.  (Dr. Raymond M. Bell. Unpublished Research)

1729  George Dickey first taxed in 1730. He perhaps came to PA after the death of his father, Thomas, in 1728.  (Dr. Raymond M. Bell. Unpublished Research)

1740  First Scotch-Irish came down the “Great Road” from Pennsylvania through the valley of Virginia to Bladen County (later Anson and Rowan and now Iredell County), North Carolina – a distance of 435 miles.

1748  John’s father, George Dickey (c1690-1748) died in Salsbury Twp, Chester County PA.  (Lancaster County Pennsylvania Will Book A, v. 1, p. 158)

1749 Anson County North Carolina formed from Bladen County.

1750  12 July.  Daughter, Elizabeth Dickey, born (The John Dickey Revolutionary War Pension File (W3962), based on the application of his 2^nd wife and widow Elizabeth (Leasey) Dickey, located in the U.S. National Archives, Washington DC. (Hereafter noted as National Archives Pension File).

1751  3 June.  Rachel inherited 20/ from her father, Philip Tanner, who died in East Nottingham, Chester County PA. Philip Tanner. E. Nottingham. cloth worker. Jan 26 1750/1 – June 3, 1751. C 287

To son Philip 20/. To son Joseph 5/. To daus Hannah wife of William Henry, Rachel wife of John Dickey, & Rebecca wife of John Crosier 20/ each. To son James when 21. The fulling mill & 100 acres adj. Remainder of land & stock to wife Mary. also Exrs. Mentions servant man Wm. McWherry. Witnesses. John Hathorn, David Wharry. Zach. Butcher. (Martin, Jacob. Abstract of Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, v. 1, 1714-1758, p. 349)

1753  Rowan County (part of which is now Iredell County) formed from Anson County which was taken from Bladen County.

1753  John Dickey listed as a taxable in Sadsbury (Chester) PA. (Futhey, J. Smith & Cope, Gilbert. History of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, Everts, 1881, p. 204.)

c1753 John’s widowed mother, Margaret and her four sons moved to the western Carolinas: the widow to the south side of the Catawba on a branch of Fishing Creek (Hoffmann, Margaret M. Colony of North Carolina 1 735-1 764; Abstracts of Land Patents, v. 1. Weldon, NC, Roanoke News Company, 1982) in present day South Carolina.

Moses (after 1724-1753) to the south side of the Catawba on the north fork of Turkey Creek (Hofmann, Margaret M.  Colony of North Carolina 1 735-1 764; Abstracts of Land Patents, v.1. Weldon, NC, Roanoke News Company, 1982) in present day York South Carolina.

James (1712/3-1792) to the north side of Broad River on the west side of Mountain Creek on Polk Branch (Philbeck, Miles S. Tryon County NC Land Warrants 1768-1774. Chapel Hill, NC, privately printed, 1987, p. 467) in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

William (ca1715) to the south side of the Catawba River on Allison’s Creek (Hofmann, Margaret M. Colony of North Carolina 1735-1764; Abstracts of Land Patents, v. 1. Weldon, NC, Roanoke News Company, 1982) in present day SC; and

Captain John whose first move was to the south side of Fair Forrest on Sugar Creek, also in present day SC.

1754  23 Feb. John Dickey was granted 200 acres in Anson County on the South side of Fairforrest on Sugar creek above John Hitchcock’s Survey. The original abstract is available from the Land Grant Office, New Legislative Office Building – Room 302, 300 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 and is here transcribed:

John Dickey, 200 Anson, No. 656. John Dickey 200 Anson on the So side of Fairforrest, on Sugar creek, above John Hitchcocks Survey, beginning at a White Oak and running No. 41, E. 30 chains to a White Oak, then No. 49, W 67 chains to a Black Oak, then So 41, W 30 chains to a stake thence to the first Station. February 23rd, 1754. Matt Rowan

1755  18 April. Doctor John Lynn of SC gave power of attorney to Major James Carter to sell a tract on Grants Creek adjacent to John Todd on Reedy Branch to John Dickey … (Linn, Mrs. Stahle, Jr. Abstracts of Deeds of Rowan County, NC, 1753-1785, privately printed, 1983. 2:7)

1756  26 May. John Dickey made application for a grant of land (for the final grant see 22 February 1759 below) in the Granville District of North Carolina. In the application it is described as:

“543 acres in Rowan County in the Parish of St. Luke in a Fork of the Beaver Dam Branch of Grants Creek, joining Mr McCulloch’s Land, a Thicket in the sd McCulloh’s line, and both sides of the sd Branch /s/ John Dickey Wits: W Churton, Michael Robinson entered 26 May 1756 surveyed 12 October 1758 SCC [i.e., sworn chain carrier]: John Todd, Robert Luckie, W Churton Survr A notation on the plat mentions “John Todd’s Land” and “Robt Bell’s Claim”

1759  22 Feb. John Dickey was granted 543 acres in Rowan County on Beaver Dam Branch of Grant’s Creek, joining Alexander McCulloch’s line. It was proved May Court. The following is a transcription of the original Granville Grant Indenture (copies of the original available from the NC State Archives, 109 East Jones St., Raleigh, NC 17601-2807 on mf reel S.108.255, S.S.L.G. 116-I, 4519):

 This Indenture Made the Twenty Second Day of February in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Nine Between the Right Honorable John Earl Granville, Viscount Carteret, and Baron Carteret, of  Hawnes in the County of Bedford, in the Kingdom of Great-Britain Lord President of his Majestys Most Honorable Privy Council, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, of the one Part, and John Dickey of Rowan County Province of North Carolina Planter on the other Part. WHEREAS His Most Excellent Majesty King George the Second, in and by a certain Indenture bearing Date the Seventeenth Day of September, in the Eighteenth Year of his Reign, and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Four and made between His said Most Excellent Majesty of the one Part, and the said John Earl Granville, by the Name Stile, and Title of the Right Honorable John Lord Carteret, of the other Part; DID, for the Considerations therein mentioned, Give and Grant, Release, Ratify, and Confirm, unto the said Earl, (by the Name, Stile, and Title of John Lord Carteret, as aforesaid) and his Heirs and Assigns, forever, a certain District, Territory, or Parcel of Land lying in the Province of North-Carolina in America, and all the Sounds, Creeks, Havens, Ports, Rivers Streams, and other Royalties, Franchises, Privileges and Immunities, within the fame, as they are therein set out, or described, allotted, granted and confirmed, to the said John Earl Granville, as aforesaid, for one Eighth Part of the Charters granted by King Charles the Second, in the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Years of his Reign to Eight Lords Proprietors of Carolina; as by the said Indenture duly Enrolled in the High Court of Chancery in Great-Britain, and in the Secretary’s Office of the Province of North-Carolina, Reference being thereto had, will more fully appear. Now This Indenture Witnesseth, That as well for and in Consideration of the Sum of Ten Shillings Sterling Money to the said John Earl Granville in Hand paid, by the said  John Dickey  at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents, the Receipt whereof he the said Earl doth hereby acknowledge; as also for and in Consideration of the Rent, Covenants, Exceptions, Provisoes, and Agreements, herein after mentioned, reserved and contained, and by, and on the Part and Behalf of the said  John Dickey his  Heirs and Assigns, to be paid, kept, and performed; He, the said Earl Hath given, granted, bargained, sold, and confirmed, and by these Presents, Doth give, grant, bargain, sell, and confirm, unto the said  John Dickey his Heirs and Assigns, forever, All that Tract or Parcel of vacant Land situate, lying, and being in the Parish of Saint Luke  in the County of  Rowan  in the said Province lying on Fork of the Beaver Dam branch of Grants Creek Beginning at a white oak corner to McCullochs land & running thence North 25 ch. 50 links to a black oak thence West 44 Chains 50 Links to a white oak thence  North (Crossing the branch at 35 chs;) 49 chains to a black oak thence East 90 chs: to a white oak thence South 71 Ch. 50 links  to a black oak Saplin in a Thicket on Mr McCullochs line thence West with his line crossing the branch to the first Station.

Containing in the Whole  Five Hundred & Forty Three Acres of Land; all which Premises are more particularly described and set forth in the Plan or Map thereof hereunto annexed; TOGETHER with all Woods, Underwoods, Timber and Timber-Trees, Water-Courses; and the Privilege of Hunting, Hawking, Fishing and Fowling, in and upon the Premises, and all Mines and Minerals whatsoever therein to be found, (excepting, and always reserving out of this present Grant unto the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, one Fourth Part of all the Gold and Silver Mines to be found in and upon the Premises; and also excepting and always reserving unto the said John Earl Granville, his Heirs and Assigns, one Moiety or half Part of the remaining Three Fourths of all such Gold and Silver Mines; To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of vacant Land and all the singular other the Premises with their Appurtenances, (except before excepted,) unto the said  John Dickey his  Heirs and Assigns, forever; Yielding and Paying therefore Yearly, and every Year, unto the said John Earl Granville, his Heirs or Assigns, the Yearly Rent or Sum of  Twenty one Shillings and Nine Pence  which is at the Rate of Three Shillings Sterling for every Hundred Acres, and so in Proportion for a less Quantity, at or upon the Twenty-fifth Day of March, and the Twenty-ninth Day of September in every Year, by even and equal Portions, and to be paid at the Court-house of the said County of Orange unto the said Earl, his Heirs or Assigns, or to his or their lawful Attorney or Receiver for the Time being; the first Payment thereof to be made on such of the aforementioned Days of Payment, as shall first happen after the Date hereof And the said John Dickey  for himself his Heirs and Assigns, and for either and every of them Doth,  hereby covenant, promise, and agree, to and with the said Earl, his Heirs and Assigns, and to and with either and every of them, by these Presents, in Manner and Form following: That is to say; That  John  Dickey his  Heirs and Assigns, shall and will Yearly, and for every Year forever, well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said Earl his Heirs or Assigns, or unto his or their lawful Attorney or Receiver for the Time being, on the Days, and at the Place aforesaid, the aforesaid Yearly Rent or Sum of Twenty One Shillings & Nine Pence  by half Yearly Payments, as aforesaid: Provided always, and this present Grant is hereby expressly declared and agreed, by and between the said Parties, to be nevertheless Upon this Condition, viz. That if it shall happen that the said Yearly Rent of Twenty one Shillings & Nine Pence or any Part thereof, shall, at any Time Hereafter, be behind or unpaid for the Space of Six Months, next over or after either of the aforementioned Days of Payment (and no sufficient Distress can be found on the Premises whereon it shall be lawful to levy such Rent and Arrears, with the full Costs, Charges, and Expenses in making the same) That then this present Grant, and all Assignments thereof, shall be utterly void and of none Effect: And it shall be lawful for the said year, his Heirs or Assigns, to re-enter into the said Lands, and to re-grant the same to any other Person or Persons whomever, as if this Grant, and such Assignments, had never been made. In Witness whereof, the Parties above-named have to these Presents interchangeably set their Hands and Seals, the day and Year herein first above written.

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of us: W. Churton, Michael Robinson [Signed] John Dickey, seal

[on the outside is written:] N. 152, John Dickey, 543, Rowan, Feby 22d 1759, £4.9.6.

[The survey plan reads as follows:]

North Carolina
Rowan County

This Plann Represents a Tract of Land Surveyd for John Dickey. Lying on a Fork of the Beaver Dam Branch of Grants Crk. Beginning at a White Oak Corner to Mr McCulloh’s Land Running thence North 22 chs. 50 links to a B.O.[black oak] thence West 44 chs. 50 links to a W.O.[white oak] thence North (Crossing the Branch at 35 chs) 49 chs to a B.O. thence East 90 Chains to a W.O. thence South 51 chs. 50 links to a B.O. saplin in a Thicket on Mr McCulloh’s line, thence, West with his line Crossing the Branch to the first station. Containing five Hundred & Forty Acres. Surveyd October 12th 1758.

Sworn Chain Carriers
John Todd & Robert Luckie
W. Churton

1759  9 October. Daughter, Mary Dickey, was born. (National Archives Pension File)

1760  3 November. Mecklenburg County (seat Charlotte) formed from Anson County.

1761  4 Apr. A Granville Grant was made for John Dickey of 390 acres on Rocky River adjacent John Brevard & Robert Brevard. It was proved Oct. Court 1761. The following is a copy of the original and a transcription of the original

Granville Grant Indenture listed above (copies of the original available from NC State Archives, 109 East Jones St., Raleigh, NC 17601-2807, mf reel S.108.255, S.S.L.G. 116-I, John Dickey, 4 Apr 1761, Frames 0078-0080):

This Indenture Made the Tenth Day of April in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and  sixty one Between the Right Honorable John Earl Granville, Viscount Carteret, and Baron Carteret, of Hawnes in the County of Bedford, in the Kingdom of Great-Britain, Lord President of his Majesty’s Most Honorable Privy Council, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, of the one Part; and  John Dickey of Rowan County in the Province of North Carolina  on the other Part. WHEREAS His Most Excellent Majesty King George the Second, in and by a certain Indenture bearing Date the Seventeenth Day of September, in the Eighteenth Year of his Reign, and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Four, and made between His said Most Excellent Majesty of the one Part, and the said John Earl Granville, by the Name, Stile, and Title of the Right Honorable John Lord Carteret, of the other Part; DID, for the Considerations therein mentioned, Give and Grant, Release, Ratify, and Confirm, unto the said Earl, (by the Name, Stile, and Title of John Lord Carteret, as aforesaid) and his Heirs and Assigns, for ever, a certain District, Territory, or Parcel of Land lying in the Province of North-Carolina in America, and all the Sounds, Creeks, Havens, Ports, Rivers Streams, and other Royalties, Franchises, Privileges and Immunities, within the fame, as they are therein set out, or described, allotted, granted and confirmed, to the said John Earl Granville, as aforesaid, for one Eighth Part of the Charters granted by King Charles the Second, in the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Years of his Reign to Eight Lords Proprietors of Carolina; as by the said Indenture duly Enrolled in the High Court of Chancery in Great-Britain, and in the Secretary’s Office of the Province of North-Carolina, Reference being thereto had, will more fully appear. Now This Indenture Witnesseth, That as well for and in Consideration of the Sum of Ten Shillings Sterling Money to the said John Earl Granville in Hand paid, by the said John Dickey at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents, the Receipt whereof he the said Earl cloth hereby acknowledge; as also for and in Consideration of the Rent, Covenants, Exceptions, Provisoes, and Agreements, herein after mentioned, reserved and contained, and by, and on the Part and Behalf of the said John Dickey his Heirs and Assigns, to be paid, kept, and performed; He, the said Earl Hath given, granted, bargained, fold, and confirmed, and by these Presents, Doth give, grant, bargain, sell, and confirm, unto the said  John Dickey his Heirs and Assigns, forever, All that Tract or Parcel of vacant Land situate, lying, and being in the Parish of Saint Luke  in the County of Rowan  in the said Province lying on both sides of the Middle fork of Rockey River Joining John Brevard and Robert Brevard Beginning at a White Oak in the East side of said Creek on Robert Brevards Land  and Runs thence No. 52 Chains to a pine thence W. 75 Chains to a Black Oak Thence So. 52 Chains to a Post Oak on John  Brevards Line Then along his line to the Beginning

Containing in the Whole,  Three Hundred and Ninety Acres in the Plan of Land; all which Premises are more particularly described and set forth or Map thereof hereunto annexed; TOGETHER with all Woods, Underwoods, Timber and Timber-Trees, Water-Courses; and the Privilege of Hunting, Hawking, Fishing and Fowling, in and upon the Premises, and all Mines and Minerals whatsoever therein to be found, (excepting, and always reserving out of this present Grant unto the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, one Fourth Part of all the Gold and Silver Mines to be found in and upon the Premises; and also excepting and always reserving unto the said John Earl Granville, his Heirs and Assigns, one Moiety or half Part of the remaining Three Fourths of all such Gold and Silver Mines; To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of vacant Land and all the singular other the Premises with their Appurtenances, (except before excepted,) unto the said  John Dickey his  Heirs and Assigns, forever; Yielding and Paying therefore Yearly, and every Year, unto the said John Earl Granville, his Heirs or Assigns, the Yearly Rent or Sum of fifteen shillings & seven pence which is at the Rate of Three Shillings Sterling for every Hundred Acres, and so in Proportion for a less Quantity, at or upon the Twenty-fifth Day of March, and the Twenty-ninth Day of September in every Year, by even and equal Portions, and to be paid at the Court-house of the said County of Rowan  unto the said Earl, his Heirs or Assigns, or to his or their lawful Attorney or Receiver for the Time being; the first Payment thereof to be made on such of the aforementioned Days of Payment, as shall first happen after the Date hereof. And the said  for himself his  John Dickey  Heirs and Assigns, and for either and every of them Doth,  hereby covenant, promise, and agree, to and with the said Earl, his Heirs and Assigns, and to and with either and every of them, by these Presents, in Manner and Form following: That is to say; That John  Dickey his  Heirs and Assigns, shall and will Yearly, and for every Year forever, well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said Earl his Heirs or Assigns, or unto his or their lawful Attorney or Receiver for the Time being, on the Days, and at the Place aforesaid, the aforesaid Yearly Rent or Sum of fifteen shillings and seven pence by half Yearly Payments, as aforesaid: Provided always, and this present Grant is hereby expressly declared and agreed, by and between the said Parties, to be nevertheless Upon this Condition, viz. That if it shall happen that the said Yearly Rent of Fifteen Shilling and Seven pence  or any Part thereof, shall, at any Time Hereafter, be behind or unpaid for the Space of Six Months, next over or after either of the aforementioned Days of Payment (and no sufficient Distress can be found on the Premises whereon it shall be lawful to levy such Rent and Arrears, with the full Costs, Charges, and Expenses in making the same) That then this present Grant, and all Assignments thereof, shall be utterly void and of none Effect: And it shall be lawful for the said year, his Heirs or Assigns, to re-enter into the said Lands, and to re-grant the same to any other Person or Persons whomever, as if this Grant, and such Assignments, had never been made. In Witness whereof, the Parties above-named have to these Presents interchangeably set their Hands and Seals, the day and Year herein first above written.

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of:

Examined by Will Cumming, John Frohock, John Howard

Signed John Dickey, seal

[The survey plan reads as follows:]

North Carolina
Rowan County

This Plan represents a tract of land [illegible] and laid out(?) [illegible] John Dickie lying on both sides of the Middle fork of Rockey River adjoining to John Brevard & Robert Brevard. Beginning at a white oak on the East side of sd Creek on Robert Brevards Line and Runs No 52 chs: to a pine thence W: 75 chs to a Black Oak, thence So 52 Chains to a post oak on John Brevard’s line then along his line to the Bee Containing three hundred and ninety acres. Surveyed February 12th, 1764.

William Crawford, James Crawford, Ch C
John Frohock, Surv.

1763  28 Nov. John Dickey sold 200 acres on the south side of Fair Forrest on Sugar Creek to James Henderson. The following transcribed from a photocopy of the originals available from the Register of Deeds, Mecklenburg County, 720 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202: Deeds Book 1, p. 739 (On page 740 & 741 is another John Dickey Indenture for the same land, dated 29 Nov. 1763. It is virtually the same except for many non-important “boilerplate” inclusions.)

This indenture made the twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord Christ One thousand seven Hundred & sixty three  Between John Dickey of the County of Rowan in the Province of North Carolina Gent of the one Part & James Henderson of the County of Roan in the Province aforesaid Gent of the other part Witnesseth That the Said John Dickey for & in Consideration of the Sum of five Shillings Sterl. Money to him in hand paid by the said James Henderson at or before the sealing & Delivery of these Presents Doth Grant Bargain & Sell Unto the said James Henderson all [that] tract or Parcel of Land Containing by Estimation Two Hundred Acres to the same more or less situate Lying and being in the County of Anson in the said Province on So. Side of Faire Forrest on Sugar Creek above John Hitchcocks survey  begining at a White Oak & Runing 30 chs to a White Oak thence No. 49° W 67 Chs to a Black [oak?] thence So 41 Wt. 30 chs to a Stake thence to the first station. The Sd Track of Land was Granted by his Majesties Patent Bearing date the Third Day of February 1754 to the above names John Dickey And all houses Buildings Orchards Gardens ? Improvements Ways Waters Water Courses Profits Commodities Hereditaments appurtenances Whatsoever to the Same belonging or in any wise appertaining & the Reversion & Reversions Remainder & Remainders and of Profits thereof To Have & To Hold the said Described Tract or Parcel of Land be the same more or less and all & singular other the premises with their Every of their appurtenances unto the said James Henderson his heirs and assigns from the Day before the Date hereof for and During the full Term of the Whole Year from thence Next Ensuing & fully to be completed(?) and Ended Yielding and Paying therefore the Rent of one Pepper Corn on the Twenty-fifth Day of March next only ? same be Lawfully Demanded to ? of the Reversion into Possessions and be hereby Enabled to Accept & Take ? grant forever. Witness Whereof the said John Dickey doth hereunder set his hand and affixed his seal this Day month & year here first above Written. Signed sealed & Delivered In the Presence of Wm Moore, Thos Yeats, Richd Barry

John Dickey (Seal)

Mecklenburg County the Clerks record of the probate of this Deed is ? Test W. B. Alexander, Clk

1765  John Dickey’s second wife to be, Elizabeth Leasey was born. (National Archives Pension File)

1765  Stamp Act passed. Many colonists resented direct taxation without representation. Sons of Liberty formed and successfully resisted the Act.

1765  29 August. Son, Samuel Dickey, born in NC. (National Archives Pension File)

1765  9 Oct. John and Rachel Dickey sold 543 acres to Hugh Montgomery on a fork of Beaverdam Branch of Grants Creek. Proved Oct Court 1765. The following is a transcription of the original deed (Rowan Deeds, Book 6, p. 208):

North Carolina. This Indenture Made the Ninth Day of October in the year of our Lord 1765 Between John Dickey of Rowan County, Gunsmith and Rachel his wife of the one part and Hugh Montgomery of the county & province afsd gentleman of the other part. Witnesseth That the said John Dickey & Rachel his wife for & in Consideration of Five shillings sterling money to them in hand paid by the Sd Hugh Montgomery at or before the sealing and Delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged; They have Granted Bargained & Sold and by these presents Do Grant Bargain & Sell unto the Sd Hugh Montgomery all that Tract piece or parcel of land containing by Estimation Five Hundred & Forty three acres be the same more or less Situate lying or being in the parish of St. Luke in the County of Rowan afsd on a Fork of the Beaver Dam Branch of Grants Creek Beginning at a white oak corner to Mr. McCulloch’s Land Runing thence North 22 chs & 50 Links to a Black Oak thence West 44 chs & 50 links to a White Oak, thence North Crossing the Branch (at 35 ch’) 49 chs to a Black Oak thence East 90 chs to a White Oak, thence South 71 chs & 50 links to a Black Saplin in a Thicket on Mr. McCullochs Line, thence West with his line Crossing the Branch to the first Station, which s4 Land was Granted & Confirmed unto the s4 John Dickey from the Earl Granville by a Deed of Sale bearing the Date the Twenty second Day of February A.D. 1759 of Record and all houses, buildings, Orchards, Gardens, Inclosures, Ways, Waters, Water Courses, Profits, Commodities, Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining, with the Rents, Issues & profits thereof; To have & to hold the sd Land or parcel of Land and all & singular other the premises with their appurtenances unto the sd Hugh Montgomery his Heirs Execs & Admins from the Day before the Date hereof for & During the full Term of one whole year from thence Next Ensuing and fully to be Completed & Ended; yielding & paying therefore the Rent of one pepper corn on the Twenty fifth Day of March next if the same shall then be lawfully Demanded. To the intent that by Virtue of these presents and of the Statute for Transferring uses into possession the Sd Hugh Montgomery may be in actual possession of the premises and be hereby enabled to accept a Grant & Released of the Reversion and Inheritance thereof to him & his Heirs & Assigns forever. In Witness whereof the sd John Dickey & Rachel his wife have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the Day and year first above Written.

Signed Sealed & Delivered in the presence of John Brevard, Ephriam Brevard, Adam Brevard

John Dickey (seal)

Rachel Dickey (her R mark) (seal)

1767  British Parliament adopted the Townshend Act which placed import duties on wine, tea, paper, glass and lead.

1768  NC General Assembly declared the Townshend Act illegal and unconstitutional.

1768  Tryon County formed.

1769  An extralegal convention of the NC General Assembly adopted a “non-importation association,” which was to become effective on January 1, 1770. No slaves, wine, or British manufactures of any kind were to be imported.

1770  The British Parliament repealed all the taxes, except the one on tea.

1771  The North Carolina Battle of Alamance climaxed over a decade of social unrest, violence, and disorder in the back country. Known as the Regulation, the volatile movement protested the corruption of government officials who were charging extortionate fees for land claims and similar legal proceedings. At first the regulators had tried to present their case in a peaceful manner. Many refused to pay their taxes. Disorders soon followed. With the imprimatur of the legislature, Governor Tryon led the colonial militia and met a large force of rebels near Alamance Creek (Orange County). In a two-hour battle, the militia inflicted a bloody defeat on the regulators.

1774  6 May. John Dickey named constable for Rowan County instead of John Brown. (Linn, Jo White. Abstracts of the Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, Rowan County, NC. Salisbury, NC, privately printed, 1977-82, 4:25)

1774  The First Provincial Congress of NC met. It recommended the establishment of five-member “committees of safety” in each county. These revolutionary institutions were to act as agencies for the enforcement of the boycott and as Committees of Correspondence and Inquiry which were created to obtain information about all activities affecting the colonies and to disseminate such information.

1774 John Dickey became a member of the Committee of Public Safety and served from 8 August 1774 to 7 May 1776.

1774  September – October. First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.

1775  Bethany (place of John Dickey’s burial in 1808) and Concord Presbyterian Churches were established as daughters of Fourth Creek Church.

1775  February. The Second Provincial Congress in North Carolina met and endorsed the committees of safety and created a Council of Safety for the whole colony.

1775  20 May. The Mecklenburg Committee of Safety met and drafted a “Declaration of Independence”. The Mecklenburg Resolves were adopted on 31 May.

1775  20 August. 184 delegates, representing every county and town, gathered at Hillsborough for the Third Provincial Congress. The delegates signed a “test oath” which expressed allegiance to the crown but denied the right of Parliament to tax the colonies. To fund the new government, the congress issued its own provincial currency which was to be floated on the collection of all back taxes and on a poll tax which would commence in 1777 and continue for nine years. Social ostracism and harsh penalties were promised to those who refused to honor the colony’s new currency. The Congress authorized the formation of two regiments of 500 men each for the Continental Line.

… The local committees of safety [John Dickey served as a member in Rowan County] reprimanded merchants who continued to do so [i.e., trade heavily with Britain] against their orders and tried to prevent people from doing business with them. The attention marked these merchants as dissenters early in the conflict, a distinction that some of them retained and others did not. …

People who were asked to sign a nonimportation agreement usually were required to make one or more additional promises. Although the promises varied in form, they stemmed from the Continental Association. After the North Carolina Convention adopted it in April 1775, the committees of safety took it up as a badge of unity. They called in or hauled in persons whom they suspected of disapproving the committee’s actions, interrogated them, and pressured them to sign a statement or take an oath. …

[The oath] used after Moore’s Creek Bridge [in 1776] was worded vaguely enough to shield a tender conscience:

I A.B. do sincerely promise and swear, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, and to the Powers and Authorities which are or may be established for the Government thereof, and that I will to the utmost of my Power, maintain and defend the same against all Attempts whatsoever; and I do swear, that I will do no act wittingly, whereby the Independence of the said State may be destroyed or injured. SO HELP ME GOD.

The new oath [after April, 1777], embodied in the state’s first treason act, allowed no mental hedging:

I will bear faithful and true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, and will to the utmost of my Power, support and maintain, and defend the independent Government thereof, against George the Third, King of Great Britain, and his Successors, and the Attempts of any other Person, Prince, Power, State, or Potentate, who by secret Arts, Treason, Conspiracies, or by open Force, shall attempt to subvert the same, and will in every Respect conduct myself a peaceful, orderly Subject; and that I will disclose and make known to the Governor some Member of the Council of State, or some Justice of the Peace, all Treasons, Conspiracies, and Attempts, committed or intended against the State, which shall come to my Knowledge.

The law directed that this oath be offered to crown officials and merchants trading directly with Britain; they could take it or give bond to leave the state within sixty days. It could be administered to anyone, however, and it came to be used with the militia even before a law specified that it be offered to every adult male. (Troxler, Carole Watterson. The Loyalist Experience in North Carolina. Raleigh, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History, 1976)

1775  17 Oct. John Dickey attended the meeting of the Committee of Public Safety as a member. (Wheeler, John Hill. Historical Sketches of North Carolina from 1584 to 1851 ... Baltimore, Regional Pub. Co., 1964)

1775  7 November. The Committee of the County of Rowan met 7th of Nov., 1775, according to adjournment. Present, … John Dickey, … pursuant to resolve of last Committee, a number of Captain James Smith’s Company being cited appeared, three of whom signed the test. Ordered that the remainder have till tomorrow morning to consider the matter. The Committee adjourned till tomorrow morning, eight o’clock. (Wheeler, John Hill. Historical Sketches of North Carolina from 1584 to 1851 … Baltimore, Regional Pub. Co., 1964)

1775  8 Nov. John Dickey attended the meeting of the Committee of Public Safety as a member. The Committee [of Safety in Rowan County] met according to adjournment. … Resolved that Mr. John Brevard, John Dickey, Moses Winsley and Hugh Brevard, or any three of them attend at Capt. William Davidson’s on the 20th Instant to see that the company of Minute Men whom he has enlisted are embodied, and able, effective men, and make report to the next Committee. (Wheeler, John Hill. Historical Sketches of North Carolina from 1584 to 1851 … Baltimore, Regional Pub. Co., 1964)

1775  14 Dec. North Carolina troops (Whigs) helped to defeat the British at the Battle of Great Bridge, Norfolk VA.

1775  22 Dec. North Carolina troops (Whigs) helped to crush the Tories or Loyalists in the “Snow Campaign” in South Carolina.

1776  Lasting nearly six weeks, the Fifth Provincial Congress drafted a state constitution, formulated a bill of rights, and established North Carolina’s first state government. In addition, the legislature chose delegates to the Continental Congress.

1776  27 Feb. The North Carolina troops (Whigs) won against the North Carolina Loyalist armies in a short but brutally decisive engagement at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge. North Carolina was free from invasion for the next four years.

1776  4 April. Fourth Provincial Congress of NC convened, and the Halifax Resolves were adopted urging the Continental Congress to proclaim independence, negotiate foreign alliances, and reserve to North Carolina “the sole and exclusive right of forming a constitution and laws for this Colony …”

1776  7 May. May 7th, 1776. The Committee [of Public Safety] met according to adjournment. Present … John Dickey, … (Wheeler, John Hill. Historical Sketches of North Carolina from 1584 to 1851 … Baltimore, Regional Pub. Co., 1964)

1776  25 July. Having received news of the Declaration of Independence three days earlier, the Provincial Council of Safety adopted a resolution absolving North Carolinians of “all Allegiance to the British Crown.” The council then ordered the safety committees of the counties and towns to proclaim America’s independence.

1776  Lasting nearly six weeks, the Fifth Provincial Congress drafted a state constitution, formulated a bill of rights, and established North Carolina’s first state government. In addition, the legislature chose delegates to the Continental Congress. (Haun, Weynette Parks. North Carolina Revolutionary Army Accounts Secretary of State Treasurer’s & Comptroller’s Papers Journal “A”, (Public Accounts) 1775-1776. Durham, North Carolina, 1988)

1776? Lt. John Dickey was paid £8 s10 for 34 days of military service.

1777  7 April. North Carolina’s first General Assembly was convened. The legislature passed acts providing for loyalty oaths, the confiscation of Tory property, and poll taxes. Those who refused to sign the oaths had no legal recourse to protect themselves or their property.

1778  6 Feb. John Dickey applied for 200 acres of vacant land in Rowan County on East side of Ridge Road between John Brevard’s Creek & Robert Brown’s Creek; including “the” crossroads, some head waters of Brevard’s Creek & branches of Davidson Creek. (Pruitt, A. B. Abstracts of Land Entrys, Rowan County NC 1778, #300)  (The application was successful, see entry under 1 July 1779)

1779  The NC legislature adopted a severe Confiscation Act which permitted the seizure of loyalist property.

1779  Tryon County abolished.

1779  1 July. The application for vacant land of 6 Feb 1778 was successful, and John Dickey was granted 200 acres on the waters of Brevard’s Creek and Davidson’s Creek. The following is a transcription of the original deed: (Available from the Register of Deeds, Salisbury NC 28144.155)

State of North Carolina, no. 15

To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting. Know Ye That we, for and in Consideration of the Sum of Fifty Shillings for every Hundred acres hereby Granted paid into our Treasury by John Dickey have Given & Granted & by these presents do give and Grant unto the sd John Dickey a Tract of Land Containing Two Hundred Acres Lying and being in our County of Rowan On the Waters of Brevards Creek and Davidsons Creek and Including the Cross Roads Begining at a post Oak Ten Chains to the South of Wallings corner [to] a post Oak Near a Branch of Brevards Creek Runing thence East Forty Six Chains and fifty Links to a Black Oak thence North forty four Chains Crossing two springs to a White Oak thence West forty Six Chains and fifty Links to a stone Near a Marked Hickory on Wallings line thence with his Line Passing his Corner South Forty four Chains to the Begining — as by the Plat hereunto annexed doth appear; Together with all Woods Waters Rivers, Mines Minerals Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the said Land belonging or appertaining To hold to the said John Dickey his heirs and assigns forever Yielding and paying to us such Sums of Money Yearly or Otherwise, as our General Assembly from Time to Time may Direct Provided Always, That the Said John Dickey shall Cause this Grant to be Registered in the Registers Office of our Said County of Rowan within Twelve months from the Date hereof — otherwise the same shall be void & of no Effect. In Testimony whereof we have caused Great Seal to be hereunto affixed. Witness Richard Caswell, Esquire our Governor Captain General & Commander in Chief, at Kingston the first Day of July in the Third Year of our Independence and in the year of our Lord, One Thousand seven hundred and Seventy nine—

By his Excellys corn” J. Glasgow, Sec,

Seal Rd Casswell no. 15

John Dickey 200 acres Rowan County. Recorded Deed in the Secretary’s office, Wm Sheppard D. Sec.

1779  14 Oct. John Walace and John Dickey applied for vacant land.

John Walace & John Dickey 500 A. on both sides of Snow Crk & including the Great Falls [great flatts?] on sd crk. (Enochs, Richard A. Rowan County, NC Vacant Land Entries, 1778-1789. privately printed, 1988, #2342) [no record as to the success or failure of the application]

1780  The General Assembly passed the Bonus Act of 1780 which set aside a military reservation for the state’s veterans. Supplemented by another Act two years later, the military reservation provided land grants of up to 640 acres for each veteran.

1780  20 June. Battle of Ramsour’s Mill. With the approach of an invading army from the south, civil war between Whig and Tory forces broke out along the North Carolina border. At Ramsour’s Mill a Whig force of some 400 men defeated a Tory force over twice its size. Engagements such as this helped to undermine the Tory cause in North Carolina, disrupt British military movements, and raise confidence in the fighting efficacy of militia units.

John Dickey “served as Captain of a company under Colonel Locke in the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill. That he courageously led on the attach in that Battle. That when a retreat was ordered by the Commander in that battle the said Captain Dickey refused to quit his post – bravely fighting sword in hand until the line, which was broken and driven back, was restored and the battle gained.” (National Archives Pension File – Elizabeth (Leasey) Dickey’s Statement of 12 September 1844, p. 75)

1844 John Cochran statement of 26 September 1844, p. 77

“…Dickey was Captain of a company in the battle of Ramsours Mill, when he acted with great bravery during the battle so much so that his conduct on that day was the chief topic of conversation in his neighborhood & the county around for some time afterwards. That he still recollects part of a song that was composed immediately after the battle & frequently sung for a long time afterwards. The only verse or part of a verse that has not escaped his memory is as follows viz

As for old Colonel Locke he kept pretty well back.
While brave Captain Dickey brought on the attack.
He ordered them to retreat & form
Which made our old hero grievously storm

(National Archives Pension File – John Cochran Statement of 26 September 1844, p. 77)

1846 John Dickey, as a Captain of a company, fought in this battle and according to his daughter Margaret (Dickey) Anderson, “That her said father John Dickey served under Col. Locke, at the battle of Ramsour’s Mill and was assigned by the colonel to the command of a company at the time and when in the course of events during that battle, the colonel ordered a retreat in order to reform his line. The said Captain Dickey, who had gained an advantageous position, refused to quit it and continued the fight until order was restored in the line and the battle gained. That she is not aware that her father was commissioned, at this time, or whether he only acted under the verbal orders of his colonel, for the time being. Tho she believes he always had the title of Capt. from this period which may have been awarded him, from this occurrence … (National Archives Pension File – Margaret Anderson Statement of 19 November 1846, p. 84)

Ramsour’s Mill, about half a mile north of Lincolnton (U.S. 321), Lincoln County. Patriot militia under Col. Francis Locke attacked a larger body of Tory militia under Col. John Moore and defeated them here in a bloody fight at close quarters. This victory on 12 June 1780 deserves more recognition as a turning point in the war. As a prelude to the Battle of Kings Mountain (7 October 1780), it contributed toward that famous victory by depriving the British of much-needed Loyalist strength. Ramsour’s Mill is remembered also as the place where Lord Cornwallis paused 25-28 January 1781 to burn his wagons and excess baggage before resuming his futile pursuit of General Greene to the Dan.

The battlefield is 400 yards west of a highway marker on U.S. 321, half a mile north of Lincolnton. The top of the hill where much of the fighting occurred has been graded for construction of a school complex, but about two-thirds of the battlefield remains open land. The mill was destroyed years ago, and the mill pond to the north is covered by a football stadium. A mass grave reported to be near the top of the hill has never been discovered. About 30 yards north of the school and marked with a bronze plaque by descendants in 1934, is the grave of Tory Capt. Nicholas Warlick, his brother Philip, and Israel Sain. Captain Warlick was the most effective Tory leader in the bloody battle, and his death was the signal for the Tory retreat. Six Patriot leaders are buried on the south slope of the hill about 50 yards from the road in an unmarked but easily recognized brick structure. “Tarleton’s Tea Table,” a large flat rock on the battlefield said to have been used by the famous British dragoon in January 1781, was moved in 1930 to the northeast edge of the Lincoln County Courthouse grounds -about half a mile south. (Lincoln County Historical Society, 706 Dogwood Dr., Lincolnton 28092.) (Boatner, Mark M. III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. Stackpole Books)

1780  22 June. Skirmish at Colson’s at mouth of Rocky River where General William Lee Davidson was wounded.

1780  16 August. Despite warnings from his subordinates, Gates impulsively marched into South Carolina to engage the British. At the Battle of Camden (in which, according to the National Archives Pension File, John Dickey fought (National Archives Pension File, Moss, B. G. The Patriots at Kings Mountain. Blacksburg, SC, Scotia-Hibernia Press, 1990, p. 67-68) Lord Cornwallis routed the American army in an ignominious defeat that cost the patriots 800 killed and 1,000 captured — including Griffith Rutherford — out of a force numbering over 3,000.

1780  7 October. The Battle of King’s Mountain (in which John Dickey fought) was a magnificent victory for the “over-mountain men.” Cornwallis had dispatched Colonel Patrick Ferguson to protect his left flank as he drove northward into North Carolina. At Gilbert Town in Rutherford County, Ferguson had imperiously announced that if the mountain patriots did not lay down their arms, “he would march his forces over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay waste to their country with fire and sword.” In response to the impudent threat, frontiersmen from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and what later became Tennessee joined forces to attach the British army. Ferguson retreated to King’s Mountain and camped atop its steep slopes, some one-and-one-half miles from the North Carolina border. In a brilliant four-pronged attack, the undisciplined and untrained militia captured the mountain while inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Ferguson was killed. The victory was all the more remarkable because the military force had proceeded without the leadership or guidance of the state or of the Continental Line.

1781  31 January. Beattie’s Ford. (lost site), Catawba River, 4 miles north of Cowan’s Ford Dam on Lake Norman. A dramatic moment occurred here shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 31 January 1781. Dan Morgan’s column had beat a retreat from Cowpens, S.C., hotly pursued by the main British force under Lord Cornwallis. Gen. Greene had just reached this point after a hurried ride with a small escort from Cheraw, S.C., and Gen. William L. Davidson rode up at the head of his North Carolina militia. As the three American generals and Col. William Washington talked, they saw redcoats of the British advance guard approach the opposite side of the swollen Catawba River. Greene decided to take advantage of the river barrier to make a stand, particularly because this would be a way to use his newly joined militia under Davidson. Cornwallis showed his finest qualities of generalship on the Catawba by making his main crossing at Cowan’s Ford, virtually destroying Greene’s militia support. The site of Beattie’s Ford is flooded by Lake Norman, about where old N.C. 73 used to cross the Catawba River. (Boatner, Mark M. III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. Stackpole Books)

Davidson’s recruiting strategy accomplished its aims. He was not only “the most popular man in the region”, he was also one of the canniest. Despite the loss of property, which the farmers risked, to say nothing of life or limb, 300 then flocked to augment the camp at Beatties. Thomas McCaule was there, with most of the pillars of (Davidson, Chalmers Gaston. Piedmont Partisan, the Life and Times of Brigadier-General William Lee Davidson. Davidson, NC, Davidson College, 1968, p. 111) Centre Church and John Dickey captained a company from the same congregation.

1781  1 February. On the night of January 31, Brigadier General William Davidson was ordered by General Greene to guard, with 300 men, a ford which proved to be the one selected by Lord Cornwallis for his passage of the Catawba River on the following morning. A considerable force of the British crossed the stream at what was known as Cowan’s Ford. Davidson and his militia, although far inferior in numbers, attacked them, only to be driven into the woods. General Davidson fell on the field, shot in the breast by a rifle-ball, and died immediately.

John Dickey “served … one tour under General Davidson and was near the person of that General when he fell in the skirmish with the British when they crossed the Catawba River at Cowan’s Ford …” (National Archives Pension File – Elizabeth (Leasey) Dickey’s Statement of 12 September 1844, p. 75)

John Dickey ” … was Captain of a company & served under Genl Davidson in guarding the ford, on the Catawba river & was at Cowan’s ford when the British crossed at that place where Genl. Davidson was killed & continued firing until his men had nearly all left him & till numbers of the arriving had passed him. When he, “Dickey” secreted himself under the bank of the river till the British had passed on. He then followed on & joined his company.” (National Archives Pension File – John Cochran’s Statement of 26 September 1844, p. 77)

“… A few scattering shots met the British as they mounted the bank. But the fall of their General [Davidson] and the machinelike movements of the Redcoats put the Whigs in panic. The roar of the cannonading at Beattie’s began to thunder down the river. The American Militia “made straight shirt tails.” In attempting to rally his corps, the Reverend James Hall was all but stampeded. Captain John Dickey stopped firing long enough to check his company and found himself alone. Joseph Graham’s cavalry, admitting defeat, retreated in order. At the horse ford below, many had been left in confusion; Polk arrived and marched them off. Cornwallis’s bleeding horse bore his Lordship safely to the shore and crumpled beneath him. The crossing at the river was completed. (Davidson, Chalmers Gaston. Piedmont Partisan, the Life and Times of Br gadier-General William Lee Davidson. Davidson, NC, Davidson College, 1968)

Cowan’s Ford (lost site), Cowan’s Ford Dam of Lake Norman, N.C. 73, north of Charlotte. Destroyed by creation of 32,510-acre Lake Norman in 1963, this is where British valor triumphed over the bad fortune of having a treacherous (or timid) guide in troubled waters. It was 1 February 1781 and the swollen Catawba was a torrent almost 500 yards wide at this place when Lord Cornwallis pushed across after dark to turn Gen. Greene’s main defensive positions farther up the river. The principal ford, Beattie’s Ford, was a few miles to the north, near the present Iredell-Mecklenburg County line. What the British did not know was that Cowan’s Ford split around mid-stream, the wagon ford continuing straight ahead and the shallower horse ford forking south at a 45-degree angle to exit several hundred yards below the other. Gen. William L. Davidson posted most of his militia at the horse exit. When the British were deserted in midstream by their guide, they floundered forward in the face of enemy fire and naturally took the wagon route. This was harder going insofar as the water was concerned but it led to the more lightly defended exit, where they secured a foothold before Davidson could shift strength from the horse ford. Davidson was killed as his troops were pushed back. British Gens. O’Hara and Leslie were thrown into the water when their horses fell, and Cornwallis’s mount collapsed on reaching the bank. There is a memorial near the modern dam to Gen. Davidson, who had been promoted for gallantry at Germantown, Pa. (4 October 1777), and served with distinction in his native state of North Carolina, notably at Ramsour’s Mill, before being promoted to general and joining the forces of Gen. Greene.

Lake Norman extends nearly 34 miles up the Catawba and has more than 520 miles of shoreline when filled. A detailed map and other literature, including some historical information on the region, may be had from the Public Relations Department, Duke Power Company, 422 South Church St., Charlotte 28201. (Boatner, Mark M. III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. Stackpole Books)

1781  1 February. Engagement at Torrence’s Tavern in John Dickey’s neighborhood.

About ten miles from Cowan’s Ford, on the road to Salisbury, was Torrence’s Tavern, which had been selected as an American rendezvous for February 1st. Corwallis learned of the location and dispatched Tarleton to rout those there. At the tavern bedlam reigned. Soldiers from Beattie’s, soldiers from Cowan’s refugees to Salisbury, all were massed in the road. Wet, cold and hungry, they bought spirits of the Widow Torrence, and carried it out in pailfuls. Wagons of the fugitives jammed up the land, and armed men, all out of order, were mixed with the people and carts. Suddenly someone shouted, “Tarleton is coming!” The militia formed as best they could but their General’s death had left them befuddled. The dock-tailed British cavalry, the nightmare of the helpless, put all to flight. Beds were ripped up and feathers covered the lane. Furniture was battered to pieces and innocent chickens were beheaded. Ten dead Americans, several of them old men and unarmed, were left on the ground by the dragoons of “bloody Tarleton.” Not satisfied, the British on the day after burned the tavern of the Widow Torrence, whose husband had fallen at Ramsour’s Mill, and also the home of Squire Brevard, father of eight rebel sons and father-in-law of the late General of “the most hostile part of North Carolina.”

Meantime at Cowan’s Ford, Cornwallis’s soldiers had dried themselves and cooked their breakfasts by American fires. After burying their dead who fell on the bank, they marched to join the detachment which had crossed at Beattie’s. It rained at times all day, and by night it poured in torrents. (Davidson, Chalmers Gaston. Piedmont Partisan, the Life and Times of Brigadier-General William Lee Davidson. Davidson NC, Davidson College, 1968)

1781  2 February. John Dickey certified for Robert Cochran’s military service:

This may certify that Robert Cochran served fifteen days in the Regiment commanded by Col. Lock against the British at the Catawba River and was discharged February ye 2nd 1781. John Dickey, Capt. (National Archives Pension File, p. 74)

1785  John Dickey’s taxable property (Capt. Hugenses [Huggins’?] Company) listed as 500 acres, 3 white polls, 2 black polls.

1787  In “A list of the householders in Captn. James Huggins’ Company, or a Return of Souls in 1787 (Coddle Creek and Centre Church Area of Present Iredell Co.)”, John Dickey is listed as having 2 while males above 50, 1 white male above 18, 0 white males under 18, 1 white female and 5 blacks. (Genealogical Society of Iredell County. News, Apr. 1986, p. 65-66)

1788  3 November. Iredell County NC formed out of Rowan County.

1789  24 June. John Dickey took oath required by law. (Linn, Jo White. Abstracts of the Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, Rowan County, NC. Salisbury, NC, privately printed, 1977-82, 1:9)

1789  16 October Rachel Dickey died and was buried in Centre Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Mecklenburg NC Genealogical Quarterly, v. 6, no. 4, 1988)

1790  Town of Statesville laid out on New State Road going East and West.

1790  The Census for 1790 lists John Dickey as having a family of two males over the age of sixteen and three slaves.

1792  In John Knox’s will dated 1792 in Mecklenburg he gives John Dickey 20 pounds for Centre Congregation with the balance of the estate being divided between Ambrose Ramsey, eldest son of David Ramsey, and Rachel Dickey, eldest daughter of Samuel Dickey. Since it appears that John Knox had no descendants, how was he related to Samuel Dickey and wife Rebecca Patterson and why was Samuel’s daughter left half of his estate? — Lois M Schneider

1793  20 July. John Dickey sold 200 acres to his son Samuel Dickey for £100 on the head branch of Rocky River on branch of Davidson’s Creek including the cross roads joining Wallings corner and Brevard’s Creek. Recorded 28 Aug 1794 (Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Iredell, 1789-1800). The following deed of sale from is transcribed from Book B, p. 147-8, Iredell County NC:

This Indenture made this twentieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three. Between John Dickey of the County of Iredell and State of North Carolina of the one part and Samuel Dickey of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Dickey for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds Proclamation money to him in hand paid by the said Samuel Dickey at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge hath bargained granted alien and sold, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain, and sell alien convey and confirm unto the said Samuel Dickey his heirs and assigns forever a certain Tract or parcel of land containing by estimation two hundred acres of land be the same more or less situate lying and being in the County of Iredell in the State aforesaid on the said branches of Rocky River and on a branch of Davisons Creek and including the Cross Roads beginning at a post oak ten Chains to the south Wallings Corner a post oak near a branch of afsd, Brevards Creek, running thence east forty Six chains and fifty links to a black oak thence North forty four chains adjoining two springs to a white oak thence west forty six chains and fifty links to Stone near a marked hickory on Wallings line thence with his line passing his Corner [?] forty four chains to the Beginning; together with all Houses, outhouses, orchards, profits, commodities, heriditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said belongings [?[ appertaining and all the estate right interest claim and demand whatsoever of his the said John Dickey, in and to the said hereby granted land, and premises and [7] to every part and parcel thereof to have and to hold the said two hundred acres of land & plantation with the appurtenances and premises aforesaid to the said Samuel Dickey his heirs and assigns forever and the said John Dickey his heirs exrs and admrs and from all and every person and persons by, from, or under him, to the said Samuel Dickey heirs exrs admrs and assigns, will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the said John Dickey hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year above written

John Dickey

Sealed and delivered in presence of John Huggins Wm Davidson Jurat, Feby 5 1795, N. Carolina, Iredell, August Sessions 1794. The Execution of the within deed was duly proven in open Court by Wm Davidson the same is recorded in the Clerks office Ordered to be Registered. A. Sharpe, Clk.

1793  10 Nov. John Dickey and Elizabeth Leasey (second wife) were married.   The marriage bond that was in Mecklenburg County NC reads:

“Know all men by these presents that we John Dickey of Iredell County & Thomas Harris of Mecklenburg County are held firmly bound to Richard Dobb Speight Governor & Commander in Chief of the State of North Carolina & his successors in office in the penal sum of Two Hundred Pounds. Conditions as follows: Whereat the above John Dickey & Elizabeth Leacy is about to enter into the state of marriage now if there is no lawful cause why they may not marry then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force & virtue. Given under our hands this 10th Nov 1793. Signed: John Dickey, Thomas

Harris. (National Archives Pension File)

1794 18 Aug. John Dickey sold 200 acres to his son, Samuel, for £150 on N. Fork of Rocky River joining Robert Brevard and John Haines. Recorded and proved same date (Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Iredell, 1789-1800). The following deed of sale from John Dickey to his son Samuel Dickey is transcribed from Register of Deeds Office, Iredell Co, Statesville, NC, Book B, p. 515 NC

This Indenture made this eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and ninety four between John Dickey of the County of Iredell and State of North Carolina on the one part and Samuel Dickey of the County and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the said John Dickey for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds lawful Currency of the State to him in hand paid by the said Samuel Dickey at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge. Hath bargained, granted and sold, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain and sell, convey and confirm unto the said Samuel Dickey his heirs and assigns forever. certain tract or parcel of land containing by estimation two hundred acres be the same more or less situate lying and being in the County and State afsd on the north Fork of Rocky joining Robert Brevard and John Haines. Beginning at the white oak on Robt Brevard’s line and Running No. 243 poles to a pine, then west 218 poles to a white oak saplin on a branch, then So.60 poles following the meander of the branch for the line to an oak sapling then east [?] the corner of an old field and corners five poles from the fence on a block & then So. until the line intersects the old line. Together with all profits and commodities, heriditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and all the estate right title, interest, claim & Demand of his the sd John Dickey in and to the said hereby granted land and premises and in and to every part and parcel thereof to have and to hold the said two hundred acres of land and plantation with the appurtenances and premises afsd to the said Samuel Dickey, his heirs & assigns forever and the said John Dickey for himself and his heirs exrs & admrs and from all persons whatsoever by, from, or under him, to the sd Saml. Dickey his heirs and assigns will warrant and forward joined by these presents. In Witness the said John Dickey bath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day & year first above written. John Dickey

Sealed & delivered in presence of us Wm Davidson Jurat, Mary Davidson. N. Carolina, Iredell County, Novr. Sessions 1796. The execution of the within deed was duly proven in court by Wm. Davidson, the same is recorded in the Clerks office. Ordered to be registered. A. Sharpe, Clk. Feb 3rd(?) 1797.

1795  21 Sept. Daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Dickey, born. (National Archives Pension File)

1799  8 October. Son, John L. Dickey, junior, was born. (National Archives Pension File)

1800  Iredell county, NC Land Valuations for Direct Tax in 1800: John Dickey – House, valued over $100; 2 outbuildings and 2 acres, $225; Barn, 35×20, shop, $30; 200 acres, $250. (Schneider, Lois M. P. Iredell County, NC Land Valuations for Direct Tax – 1800. Statesville, NC, 1983)

1800  John Dickey listed in Iredell census, p. 660: 1 male less than ten; 1 male over 45; one female less than 10; 1 female between 26 and 45; 2 slaves.

1806  22 August. John Dickey, Sr. sold to James Braley for $800, 337 acres on waters of Rocky River, part of a Granville Grant to Dickey. Witness: David Binning, Hu Braley. Registered 17 March 1807.

This Indenture made the twenty second day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & Six. Between John Dicky Seri’ of Iredell County & State of North Carolina of the one part and James Braly of the County & State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Dicky for & in consideration of the Sum of Eight Hundred Dollars to him in hand paid by the said James Braly the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Hath given granted bargained & sold & by these presents do give grant bargain & sell Alien & Confirm unto the said James Braly his heirs and Assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County & State aforesaid on the waters of Rocky river. Beginning at a white oak and Hickory the beginning corner, then North three West two hundred & forty six poles to a pine then South Eighty eight Degrees west two hundred & thirty two poles to a white oak on a branch, then South twenty two degrees East sixty poles to a black oak & ash on the East bank of a branch, then East one hundred & five poles to a white oak on the west bank of a branch then South three Degrees East one hundred & eighty four poles to an elm on the west bank of the Creek then North eighty five degrees East one hundred and five poles to the beginning Containing three hundred & thirty seven acres of Land be the same more or less being part of a tract of land Granted to John Dickey by the Earl Granville as appears of record. and also all woods, ways, waters & water courses & all and every the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion & reversions, remainder & remainders, rents Houses & profits thereof the aforesaid lands and premises and every part thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, claims property and demand whatsoever of the said John Dickey of in & to the land and premises hereby granted to have & to hold the aforesaid lands & premises with the appurtenances unto the said James Braly his heirs and assigns to the proper use and behoof of the sd Jas Braly his heirs & assigns forever: And the said John Dickey for himself & his heirs the aforesaid land & premises & every part, thereof against him & his heirs and against the claim or claims of all & every other person or persons whatsoever to the said James Braly his heirs and assigns shall & will forever warrant & defend by these presents. In witness whereof the said John Dickey has hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written. Sealed and delivered in presence of David Binning, Hu Braley. John Dickey (seal)

North Carolina Iredell County. Feby Sessions 1807. The within deed was recorded. Let it be registered ??? A. Sharpe Clk. Re[corded] March 17th 1807. (Iredell County NC Deed Book F, p. 391-2)

1808  9 Jan. The following is a copy of John Dickey’s will which was made on the 9th of January 1808, three months and twelve days prior to his death; a copy of the original can be obtained from the State of North Carolina, Dept. of Cultural Resources, Raleigh, N. C. 17611 or from the Iredell Court House, Statesville, N. C., Will Book I, no. 21, page 30; the original Will is in the Dickey file in the Presbyterian Church (USA) History Department at Montreat, NC:

1808 15 January. William White sold to John Dickey for $200, 99 acres on waters of 5th Creek joining John Hall and Andrew Morrison, part of 123 acres made to Samuel Love by grant 893 dated 4 Nov. 1784, conveyed by him to Isaac Mitchell 5 Nov. 1785, then to Robert Patterson 28 Jan. 1786 and to Paul Summers 6 Apr. 1797, then to William White 19 Nov. 1801. Witness: Hugh Gray, James Hall. Registered 20 April 1808.

This Indenture made this fifteenth day of January in the year of our Lord 1808 between William White of the County of Iredell State of North Carolina of the one part & John Dickey of the County & State art of the other part Witnesseth that the said William White for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to him the sd William White in hand paid by the Sd John Dickey the receipt whereof is hereof is hereby acknowledged by him the Sd William White him the sd William White for himself & his heirs doth hereby bargain sell alien enfeoff & confirm unto him the sd John Dickey a certain piece or parcel of Land situate lying & being in the County & State afd on the waters of fifth Creek Beginning at a stake John Halls line then with said line East 44 Ch’ to a stake on Andrew Morrisons line thence said Morrisons line south 22 Ch’ & fifty links to a post oak thence West 44 chs to a stake thence North 22 Chs & fifty links to the beginning, containing by estimation 99 acres more or less being part of a tract of one hundred & twenty three acres of land made to Samuel Love by an original grant No. 893 & bearing date the 4th of Nov. in the year 1784 (In the Samuel Love deed, the property is described as “on the North fork of fifth on the south side of the same joining Peter Thompson, Andrew Morrison, William Hall & Samuel Thompson including Joseph Forsters(?) old fields.”)  and conveyed to him by Isaac Mitchell by a deed bearing date Novr 5th 1785 and conveyed to Patterson by a deed bearing date of Janry 28th 1786 & conveyed from him Robert Patterson to Paul Summers by a deed bearing date April 6th 1797 and by him conveyed to sd Wm White by a deed bearing date Nov” 19th 1801 as references thereunto has may more fully & at large appear. Which said piece or parcel of land with all woods ways waters with every other appurtenance thereunto belonging or appertaining he the said Wm white for himself his heirs exrs and admrs hath hereby sold set over conveyed or leased & confirmed in open market to him the said John Dickey his heirs ex’ admrs & assigns forever. And he the said Wm White for himself his heirs ex” and admrs doth covenant and agree to & with the sd John Dickey his heirs ex” or assigns that he the sd William White his heirs and ex” admrs shall & will warrant and forever defend the said piece or parcel of land with all its members and appurtenances free from all Lawful Claims of any person or persons whatever unto him the said John Dickey his heirs ex” admrs or assigns forever. In Witness whereof he the sd William White hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day & year above written. Signed sealed & delivered in presence of James Hall, Jurat. Hugh Gray. William White (seal) Iredell County Feb Session 1808. The within deed was duly proven in open court by James Hall. recorded & ordered to be registered Jn° Nisbet Clk. Reg April 20th 1808.  (Iredell County Deed Book F, p. 656-7)

1808  20 March. John Dickey died and was buried at Bethany Presbyterian Church Cemetery where his grave can still be seen. Six miles north of Statesville NC on highway 21.

Bethany Presbyterian Church and Cemetery – Adjacent to Ebenezer Academy (the church was organized in 1775 and is among the oldest in the county). The congregation was originally a part of the Fourth Creek Congregation.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOHN DICKEY (1724-1808) IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I, JOHN DICKEY, OF IREDELL COUNTY AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, BEING OF SOUND AND PERFECT MIND AND MEMORY, BUT SENCIBLE OF MY MORTALITY, DO HEREBY MAKE AND ORDAIN THIS MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT; HEREBY REVOKING ALL FORMER WILLS AND TESTAMENTS BY ME MADE. AS OF MY WORLDLY ESTATE, AFTER ALL MY JUST DEBTS AND FUNERAL EXPENSES ARE PAID, I DISPOSE OF THE REMAINDER IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: FIRST, I GIVE AND BEQUEATH UNTO MY SON, JOHN DICKEY, MY OWN RIDING HORSE, SADDLE AND BRIDLE AND SILVER WATCH AND THE REMAINDER OF MY ESTATE, REAL AND PERSONAL, I HEREBY DIRECT TO BE DIVIDED INTO THREE EQUAL SHARES BY MY EXECUTOR, ONE OF WHICH TO GO TO MY DAUGHTER, PEGGY DICKEY AND THE OTHER TO GO TO MY SON, JOHN DICKEY. AND I DO CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT MY TRUSTY FRIENDS, NEAL BRADLEY, HUGH GRAY AND JOHN HUGGINS MY SOLE EXECUTORS OF MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. AND I ALSO FURTHER ORDAIN AND APPOINT MY FRIENDS, JOHN AND ROBERT JOHNSTON (ROBERT JOHNSTON IS MOST LIKELY THE FATHER-IN-LAW OF THE ORPHANS’ HALF SISTER, ELIZABETH (DICKEY) JOHNSTON), GUARDIANS OF MY TWO CHILDREN, PEGGY AND JOHN DICKEY AND THEIR ESTATES. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I, THE SAID JOHN DICKEY, HAVE TO THIS MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT, SET MY HAND AND SEAL THIS NINTH DAY OF JANUARY, ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND EIGHT. JOHN DICKEY SIGNED, SEALED, PUBLISHED AND DECLARED BY THE SAID JOHN DICKEY AS HIS LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF US: ELISHA SMITH KIRKSEY, H. CONNER JNR., DAVE BROWN, JURAT.

1810  Census lists Elizabeth Dickey (Iredell County), p. 260: 1 male, 10-16; 1 female, 16-26; 1 female 26-45.

1810  23 October. Elizabeth Dickey bought from Theophilus Thornton for $25, 10 acres on waters of 5th Creek joining James Hall and Andrew Morrison.

This Indenture made this 23d day October one thousand eight hundred & ten. Theophilus Thornton of the one part and Elizabeth Dickey of the other part both of the County of Iredell & State of North Carolina. Witnesseth that the said Theophilus Theophus for & in consideration of the sum of 25 Dollars to him in hand paid by the said Elizabeth Dickey the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the said Theo. Theophus Thornton for himself his heirs ex” and admrs hath bargained sold set over & conveyed to the said Elizabeth Dickey her heirs ex” admrs a certain piece of land in the County of Iredell situated on the waters of fifth Creek Beginning at a post oak James Halls corner with his line South 32 poles to a post oak Grub near a branch of said line then East 34 poles to a black oak sapling then North 18 poles to a white oak then East 40 poles to a stake on Andrew Morrisons line with the same North 14(?) poles to a post oak then to the Beginning containing 10 acres more or less originally granted by the Earl Granville to Samuel Thornton by deed dated May 7th 1751 then conveyed to Theo’ Thornton Feb. 11th 1786 reference being had will fully appear together with all and singular the improvements appurtenances & advantages to the sum(?) belonging or in any wise appertaining to have & to hold the sd Bargained premises to her the said Elizabeth Dickey her heirs & assigns that they shall forever hereafter peaceably occupy possess and enjoy the afsrd land free and clear from any ? Trouble ? ? what ? the sd Theo Thornton for himself his heirs ex” and admrs Shall and will warrant & defend the afd land and premises unto the sd Elizabeth Dickey her heirs and assigns forever. In Witness whereof the sd Theophilus Thornton hath set his hand and affixed his seal the day & year above written. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of James Irwin, Jas T(?) Young, jurat. Theophilus Thornton (seal).

Iredell county, Nov session 1810. This deed was duly proven in open court by Jas A(?) Young the same recorded and ordered to be registered. Jno Nisbet CC. (Iredell County NC Deed Book G, p. 458-9)

1811  24 August. Elizabeth Dickey mortgaged, for $220.50, a negro man named Homar, a sorrel mare and all land and crops to David Hampton and Alexander Huggins. (Iredell County NC Deed Book G, p. 569; this, as well as the 1812 mortgage, was most likely the way to formalize the borrowing of money -perhaps until the crops were harvested)

1812  31 August. Elizabeth Dickey, for $234.26, mortgaged a negro man named Homar, a sorrel mare and her land containing 33 1/3 acres, a tract of land belonging to the late John Dickey, joining James Hall and Theos. Thornton. Reg. Nov. 1813.

Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Dickey of the State of North Carolina and county of Iredell for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred & thirty four dollars and twenty six cents to me in hand paid by David Hampton & Alexander Huggins ? ? hereby acknowledge have bargained sold and delivered & by these presents do bargain sale & deliver unto the sd David Hampton & Alexander Huggins the Negro man named Homar and one sorrel mare and the Lands of which I am possessed, viz thirty three & 1/3 acres belong to John Dickey deed Beginning at a black oak West 57 poles ? to a post oak ? poles to a black oak E. 57 poles to a post oak ? 94 poles to the beginning also 10 acres upon which I now live bounded on the north by the above ? ? Jas Hall ? ? Theo. Thornton East by Andrew Morrison ? the whole of next crop. To have and to hold the said bargained premises unto the said David Hampton and Alexander Huggins their heirs and adm’ and assigns forever ? I the sd Elie Dickey for myself my heirs exs admr shall and will warrant and defend against all persons by these presents the sd bargained premises unto the sd David Hampton and Alexander Huggins their ex” ad’ and assigns. Provided never the less that if I the sd Elizabeth Dickey my exr adms and assigns or any of us do and shall will and truly pay or cause to be paid into the Sd David Hampton and Alex’ Huggins on their ex’ & adms and assigns the sum of two hundred thirty four & twenty six in ??? months with interest from the sale for redemption(?) of the said bargained premises then this bill of sale to be voided or else to remain in full force. In witness ? here of I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 31 day of Aug’ 1812. Witness George White Elizabeth (her x mark) Dickey (seal)

Iredell County Nov’ Term 1813. This mortgage was duly proven in open court by George White recorded and ordered to the registered. (Iredell County NC Deed Book H, p. 218-9)

1815  The 1815 Poll Tax List for Iredell County (Bunch, David A. 1815 Poll Tax List Iredell County. Statesville, NC, 1980) lists Elizabeth Dickey as having one black and being in McKee’s Company; also John Dickey’s heirs are listed as owning 66 acres with a value of $50 in McKee’s Company located on 5th Creek.

1815  21 April. Elizabeth Dickey sold to David M. Stephenson for $100, 44 acres on waters of 5th Creek joining John Hall, David Stevenson, purchased from Theophilus Thornton 23 Oct. 1810 and also the last will of John Dickey, Dec.

This Indenture made this 21 day of April in the year of our Lord 1815. Between Elizabeth Dickey of the one part & David Stephenson of the other part both of Iredell County & State of North Carolina. Witnesseth that for & in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars in hand paid by the Sd David Stevenson the receipt whereof the said Elizabeth Dickey doth hereby acknowledge hath given granted bargained and sold in open market to David Stevenson his heirs exrs admrs all that tract or parcel of land situate being and lying in the County of Iredell on the waters of fifth Creek. Beginning at a black oak John Halls Corner and on s” David Stevensons line then with sd Halls line West 56 poles to a post oak then South 94 poles to a peach tree then West 10 poles to a post oak then South 32 poles to a post oak on the South Side of a branch then East crossing the branch 37 poles to a black oak then North 18 poles to a white oak then Et 39 poles to a stake on Said David Stevensons line then North 106 poles to the first station, containing by estimation forty four acres more or less reference being had to a deed of conveyance from Theophilus Thornton to s” Elizabeth Dickey dated the 23 day of October 1810 & also the last will & testament of John Dickey deceased which will more fully appear also all & singular the ? ? presents appear ? ? advantages to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining to have & to hold the sd premises unto him the s” David Stevenson his heirs & assigns forever & the sd David Stevenson his heirs & assigns forever & the s” Elizabeth Dickey doth covenant & agree for herself her heirs ex” or administrators to & with the said David Stevenson his heirs exers admrs ? that he may forever hereafter peaceably have been ? posses & enjoy the afsd land free & clear of any restriction whatever & the Sd Elizabeth Dickey for herself her heirs exers & admrs shall & will ? and for ever defend the afsd land & premises unto the sd Dave Stevenson his heirs & assigns forever In Witness whereof the Sd Elizabeth Dickey has hereunto set her hand her seal the day & year above written. In presence of George L Davidson, George Morrison Jurat. Elizabeth (her x mark) Dickey (Seal)

1816  12 July 12th. This deed was duly proven in open court by George Morrison recorded & ordered to be registered. John Nesbit Clk. (Iredell County NC Deed Book H, p. 594-5)

1817 22 December. Margaret (Dickey) Anderson and her husband, William, sold 33 1/3 acres (being 1/2 of a parcel that she inherited from her father) to David Stevenson on Fifth Creek adjacent John Hall, James Hall & David Stevenson. (Iredell County Power of Attorney, Gift and Miscellaneous Deeds, Book J, p. 270)

1821  20 February. John L. Dickey sold for $50, 33 1/3 acres (being 1/2 of a parcel that he inherited from his father) to David Stevenson on the waters of 5th Creek joining John Hall, James Hall, Houpe and David Stevenson. (Iredell NC Deed Book K, p. 122-3)

1844  12 September. Elizabeth Dickey made statement about John Dickey’s military service as part of the application for a Revolutionary War pension.

1844  26 September. John Cochran made statement about John Dickey’s military service as part of the application for a Revolutionary War pension.

1844  30 September. David Hair made statement about John Dickey’s military service as part of the application for a Revolutionary War pension.

1845  28 September. Elizabeth (Leasey) Dickey died and was buried at Third Creek Presbyterian Church, Rowan County NC.

1846  19 November. Margaret “Peggy” (Dickey) Anderson made statement about John Dickey’s military service as part of the application for a Revolutionary War pension.

1847 Elizabeth Dickeys estate papers filed. (Copies of the papers are available from the Rowan County Library, Salisbury, NC)

The following are transcribed from the original: Acct Sales of Esta: of Elizth Dickey,

Feb 1847

A list of the sale of Property of Elizabeth Dickey Decd December [illegible] (Elizabeth Dickey died 28 September 1845)

Sold on a nine months credit
One Bed and furniture $4.00(?)
one small trunk 1.00(‘?)
Do do trunk    1.00
Do —- trunk   .10
Lot of clothing 1.00
Fine quilt        2.00
Do quilt          [illegible]
one quilt         [illegible]
small work Basket       [illegible]
two split bottom chairs [illegible]
Sorrel mare     10.00
[illegible] cow   [illegible]
Negro boy Juli’s          [illegible]

Amount of cash on hand Fifty [illegible] Dollars and fifty cents

Received of Archibald Blue of Cheraw a Negro woman and Nineteen dollars and fifty cents by the hands of Joseph Irvin.

December 6th [illegible]

M. Anderson

A Return of the sale of a negro woman Dutta(?) sold by Margaret Anderson administrator Elizabeth Dickey Decd. By order of Court which was three(?) dollars and twenty five cents. January 29th 1847

Margaret Anderson

1852  9 April. Margaret “Peggy” (Dickey) Anderson made statement about John Dickey’s military service as part of the application for a Revolutionary War pension.

1852  Margaret “Peggy” (Dickey) Anderson, as sole surviving heir, was granted the pension due Capt. Dickey.

 

John Dickey’s Birth Date

Family records have uniformly considered John Dickey’s birth date as 1720; however, selected pages from the family Bible (which is on file at the National Archives as part of Elizabeth (Leasy) Dickeys application for a pension as a Revolutionary War widow) states, in John Dickey, Jr.’s handwriting, “John Dickey departed this life 20th of March 1808, age 84 years”. This means that he would have been born in 1724 or 1725.

 

Know Land Applications Summary

1756 Applied for grant, Granville District, NC, (final grant 1759)

1759 Received 543 acres in Rowan County on Beaver Dam Branch of Grant’s Creek

1761 Granville Grant, 390 acres on Rocky River

1763 Sold 200 acres, south side of Fair Forrest on Sugar Creek

1778 applied for 200 acres of vacant land in Rowan County on east side of Ridge Road between John Brevaard’s Creek & Robert Brown’s Creek

1779 Application for vacant land of 1778 was successful

1779 Granted 200 acres off waters of Brevard’s Creek and Davidson’s Creek

1779 John Wallace and John Dickey applied for 500 acres vacant land on both sides of Snow Creek including the Great Falls.

1794 John sold to son, Samuel, 200 acres for 150 pounds on North Fork of Rocky River.

1808 William White sold to John for $200, 99 acres on waters of 5th Creek.

1812 Elizabeth Dickey mortgaged 33 1/3 acres.

1815 Elizabeth Dickey sold for $100, 44 acres on waters of 5th Creek.

1817 Daughter, Maragaret (Dickey) Anderson sold 33 1/3 acres on 5th Creek.

1821 Son, John L. Dickey sold for $50 33 1/3 acres on waters of 5th Creek.