Jemima Butner

Jemima Smith

• Birth: 1728 in Maidenhead, Hunterdon, New Jersey
• Parents: Andrew Smith IV, Anna Mershon
• Spouses: Benjamin Merrill, Harmon Butner
• Died February 1803 in Rowan, North Carolina (will written 7 May 1801)

Married

1. Benjamin Merrill on 11 Dec 1750 in New Jersey
2. Harmon Butner on February 20, 1775 in Rowan County, NC

Children with Benjamin Merrill

1. Samuel Merrill, (1748-1803) m. Susannah.[9][10]
2. John Merrill, (1750-1838) m. Mary Wiseman.[11][12]
3. Andrew Merrill, (b. 1751) m. Rachel Wiseman.[13][14]
4. Nancy Merrill, (abt 1756-1837) m. Joseph Clark.[15]
5. William Merrill, (abt 1757-aft 1803) m. Sally Hayden. [16][17]
6. Anna Merrill, (b. 1758) m. Boyd McCreary.[18][19]
7. Penelope Merrill, (abt 1760-1839) m. Benjamin Merrill.[20][21]
8. Charles Merrill, (1761-1822) m. Elizabeth.[22][23]
9. Elijah Merrill, (b. 1763).[24][25]
10. Jonathan Merrill, (1767-bef 1850) m. Nancy Elliot.[26][27]

Children with Harmon Butner:

1. Ellen Butner.[33]

Family notes

From http://genealogy.patp.us/bio/bmerrill.aspx

All his tree from WE Merrill (1935) history, Capt. Benj Merrill and the Merrill Family of NC, where the children listed are: Sam'l, John, Andrew, Wm, Chas, Elijah, Jona, Anna, Penelope. References to his children vary from 7 to 10, with 8 most common.

Merrill Bulletin #1-3 says 3 of his sons served in the Revolution.

Father-in-law's will names grandchildren, Benj's children.

widowed

From http://genealogy.patp.us/bio/bmerrill.aspx

Capt Merrill was a man held in general esteem for his honesty, integrity and piety. Just a few minutes before Benjamin was executed, he is quoted as saying, "In a few minutes I shall leave a widow and ten children. I entreat that no reflection be cast on them on my account, and, if possible, I shall deem it a bounty, should you gentlemen petition the Governor and Council that some part of my estate may be spared to the widow and fatherless." Gov. Tryon said, "Benjamin Merrill, a Capt of the militia, left it in charge of the officers to solicit me to grant his plantation and estate to his wife and eight children. Wm Tryon."

"Mr. A.J. Owen, a member of the Jersey Church, said, "that the grant was actually made as requested to the widow and children, and that the document given by Gov Tryon was handed down, with other old papers belonging to the Merrill family, and finally lodged in the hands of Wilson Merrill, brother-in-law of Mr. Owen. In 1855, Mr. Owen got possession of this rare document and held it until 1872, when he went West, at which time it slipped from him. ... Mr. Owen committed to memory its contents. "On the back of the folded instrument was inscribed: "To Jemima Merrill and her Children.' The contents were: "I, Wm. Tryon, Gov and Captain-General for the province of NC: To Jemima Merrill and her children: You are commanded to hold and possess the land and tenements, goods and chattels of the late Benjamin Merrill, hung for high treason, till His Majesty's pleasure shall be known: and all his tax collectors and receivers shall take due notice thereof. Done at Hillsboro, --- June, 1771. Wm. Tryon.'

The correspondence between Gov Martin and the Earl of Hillsborough clearly shows that the estate was given back to the family. "Dec 4, 1771 - The Earl of Hillsborough to Gov Martin: In the last letter I received from Mr. Tryon relative to the affairs of NC and which is dated from NY, he expresses a wish that the plantation and estate of Benjamin Merrill, a Capt of the Militia and who was one of the six rebels executed on the 19th of June may be granted to a wife and eight children he left behind him, and I have a command from the King to signify to you His Majesty's pleasure, that you do accordingly take proper measures that whatever property belonging to that unhappy person became forfeited to the Crown by his conviction should be regranted to his Widow and Children. "Dec 12, 1771 - Gov Martin to Earl of Marlborough: Benjamin Merrill one of the six criminals executed soon after the action with the insurgents has left an innocent and miserable family consisting of his widow and seven young children who must starve unless his Majesty will be graciously pleased to continue to them the possession of the lands of the delinquent. I am therefore my Lord engaged by the feelings of humanity to implore his Majesty's favor to this wretched and fatherless family.' "Oct 25, 1772 - Gov Martin to Earl of Hillsborough: I am to acquaint your Lordship, that I have displayed His Majesty's most gracious Acts of beneficence to the family of Benjamin Merrill, - and I had the satisfaction to see them received with most dutiful and lively gratitude.'

will data

Father's Will

October 17, 1774
Will made 17 Oct 1774 bequeathed to his daughter Jemima, "one Spanish Pestole to her forever, if it should so happen that my Daughter Jemima should become poor and needy in this life I do require my Execs to give her reasonable relief out of my estate. I also give and devise to my daughter Jemima's children that she bear to Benjamin Merrill to wit: Saml, John, Andrew, Wm, Chas, Elijah, and Jonathan Merrill, Anna McCleary and Penelope Merrill to all and each of them severally 50 pounds."[5]

Will

Will of Jemima Butner, Rowan County, North Carolina Will Abstracts N.C. 7 May 1801.[6]

Sons: Samuel Meril (eldest), John Meril, Charles Meril, William Meril, Jonathon Meril, Elijah Meril, Daus: Nancy Ellien, Exrs: sons Andrew & Johathon Meril Wit: Thomas Durham, Azariah Merrell.

In the name of God Amen! I Jemima butner of the County of Rawan and State of N. Carolina being in perfect mind and memory, but weakly in body and calling to mind my mortality think proper to make and ordain this as my last will and test: knowing that it is appointed unto men once to die, do this proper to confirm my intention by these presents, and in the first place I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, and my body to be decently buried, at the discretion of my executors, and as touches such worldly estate, as it had pleased God to bless me with, I dispose, devise and give in manner and form following, that is, I give and bequeath to my eldest son Samuel Meril 14 pounds which I paid for the improvement whereon Meril now lives also 27 pounds, which I paid in taking up a judgment that was against him, also my sorrel horse, also and equal part of all my moveable property with the rest of my sons; my negroes except

I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy my negro woman Slager, which is to be valued, and John, William and Charles Meril is to have an equal part of the value of said Negroe in money; also I give one half of my wering cloaths to my daughter Nancy; I give and bequeath to my daughter Ellien one negro girl named Rose, which is also to be valued and the above John, Wm and Chas Meril is to have an equal part of her value in money, I also give to my daughter Ellien the other half of my wearing cloaths. I give and bequeath to my son Sandrew Meril my Negroe boy named James, which is also to be valued and the above John Meril, Wm and chas Meril to have an equal part of the value in money, also I give to my son Andrew an equal part of my moveable property, that I do not mention in my will. I give to my son Jonathan Meril my Negro boy named David and he is to pay to my son Chas Meril 10 pounds current money 2 yrs after my decease I give also to my son Jonathan Meril and equal part with the rest of my sons of my moveable property, which is not here mentioned or given. I give to my son Elijah Meril and equal part of my moveable property which is not mentioned or given in this will - Lastly I also appoint constitute and ordain, my son Andrew A Meril and Jonathan Meril whole and sole executors of this my last will and test: I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of May, 1801. Jemima Butner, Signed, and sealed and declared in the presence of (her mark and seal. Thomas Durham, Azariah Merrell (Provided courtesy of descendant Dorris McKinney)[7]

Links

• http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Smith-15971

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GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ Family Data Collection - Individual Records Edmund West, comp. Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,4725::0

GEDCOM Source

Birth year: 1728; Birth city: Hopewell; Birth state: NJ 1,4725::4752571

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,9061::0

GEDCOM Source

Wills and List of Early Settlers, 1743-1868; Author: North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Rowan County); Probate Place: Rowan, North Carolina 1,9061::1893706

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ Family Data Collection - Individual Records Edmund West, comp. Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,4725::0

GEDCOM Source

Birth year: 1728; Birth city: Hopewell; Birth state: NJ 1,4725::4752571

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,9061::0

GEDCOM Source

Wills and List of Early Settlers, 1743-1868; Author: North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Rowan County); Probate Place: Rowan, North Carolina 1,9061::1893706

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ 1790 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,5058::0

GEDCOM Source

Year: 1790; Census Place: Rowan, North Carolina; Series: M637; Roll: 7; Page: 334; Image: 525; Family History Library Film: 0568147 1,5058::194089

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,7836::0

GEDCOM Source

Source number: 532.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: NJH 1,7836::1121431

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ Family Data Collection - Individual Records Edmund West, comp. Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,4725::0

GEDCOM Source

Birth year: 1728; Birth city: Hopewell; Birth state: NJ 1,4725::4752571

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ 1790 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,5058::0

GEDCOM Source

Year: 1790; Census Place: Rowan, North Carolina; Series: M637; Roll: 7; Page: 334; Image: 525; Family History Library Film: 0568147 1,5058::194089

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,9061::0

GEDCOM Source

Wills and List of Early Settlers, 1743-1868; Author: North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Rowan County); Probate Place: Rowan, North Carolina 1,9061::1893706

GEDCOM Source

@R-849847923@ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Ancestry.com Operations Inc 1,7836::0

GEDCOM Source

Source number: 532.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: NJH 1,7836::1121431