Susannah Mayfield's Ancestors

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John W. Mayfield was born on December 28, 1780 in the 96thJudicial District, Union County, South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War. He was the last of seven children born to John the Tory Mayfield, 42 and Mary Crain, 38 years old. His father John the Tory died in 1782, when John was just over a year old. He married Unity Bailey before July 6, 1797 and she died before having any children. John then married Edith Brandon some time between 1798 and 1804. By the time their first child was born, they were living in Jackson County, Georgia as were his brothers, Battle and William Mayfield.

The following transactions all took place in Jackson County: In February 22, 1811 John and brother Battle together bought a 147-acre tract of land on the waters of the Oconee River from Thomas Pate for $300. In 1816, John received a Georgia land grant for 161 acres. On December, 30 1817, John conveyed a 130-acre tract of land, located on the water of the North Oconee River and Hurricane Creek "being part of a tract originally granted to myself for 161 acres" to Sion Pritchet for $5.00. In 1818, John received a Georgia land grant for 439 acres. On January 1, 1818: John sold a 200-acre tract of land, for $500.00, to Abner McGuire.

Soon after the above 1818 sale, John W. Mayfield and his family left Georgia. Their daughter, ancestor Susannah was born in Tennessee, where other Mayfields were living, possibly in Mayfield Station. Then they were in Kentucky about 1820, when son Geo was born. See Edith Brandon below for a list of all their children. They ultimately arrived in Lawrence County, Indiana sometime before 1829. The Indianapolis Indiana Journal newspaper for Thursday, July 9, 1829 included a list of folks who had letters in the Bedford (Lawrence County) Post Office that hadn’t been picked up. John W. Mayfield was on that list. Son Battle was married in Lawrence County on February 19, 1829, which suggests they probably were there in 1828. John is listed with his family in Lawrence County on the June 1, 1830 US Census, but the post office or town is not stated. The family moved to Turman Township, Sullivan County prior to December 30, 1837. That is the date listed on the Estray notice printed in the Terre Haute Wabash Courier newspaper on Thursday, January 25, 1838. The notice reads in part: “TAKEN UP, By John Mayfield, living in Turman township, Sullivan County, Indiana, an estray MARE, bay with a black mane and tail, small star in the forehead, black fore legs and hoofs, hind legs white at the pasture joints, black rim aforend the hoofs, three years old last spring, 14 f -2 hands high; appraised to $45 . . .

John W. Mayfield died in August of 1838 in Turman Township. His tombstone states he died at the age of 57 years, 7 months and 28 days, which calculates to August 25th, but this same tombstone reads August 26th. He was buried in the White-Crow Cemetery in Graysville, Sullivan County, Indiana. Three of his sons are also buried there. (Mouse over images for more info.)

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Edith Brandon was born on September 28, 1784 in Union County, South Carolina. She is believed to be the seventh child of twelve born to John M. Brandon and Mary Lawson. Not much is known about her early years, as this parentage is uncertain. If John M. is her father, he died just before her 15th birthday.

Some time between 1798 and 1804, Edith married John W. Mayfield, either in South Carolina or in Georgia. By the time their first child was born, they were living in Jackson County, Georgia. They likely had the following ten children - a daughter born between 1804 -1810; John Battle born about 1807; Gideon born on July 22, 1808; John Jr. born December 12, 1810; Lewis born about 1812; a daughter born between 1815-1820; Andrew Jackson born on December 3, 1816 and died at 25 years old; ancestor Susannah born on the road in Tennessee; a daughter born between 1820-1825; and George born in Kentucky on March 24, 1821.

By 1830, they were living in Lawrence County, Indiana as shown in the US Census of that year. Sons Gideon and Battle were both married and living on their own. Husband John died in 1838 and Edith is found in the 1840 US Census with her five youngest children, four sons and a daughter, living in Sullivan County, Indiana.

Edith Brandon Mayfield died in April of 1850. Her tombstone states she died at the age of 65 years, 7 months and 28 days, which calculates to April 12th, but this same tombstone reads April 13th. On the 1850 United States Census Mortality Schedule it lists an Edy Mayfield, a widow, born in Virginia in 1783 who died in what could be April, 1850 of a B Fever after suffering for two weeks. Edith was buried with her husband in the White-Crow Cemetery in Turman Township, Sullivan County, Indiana, which later became the Union Chapel Church Cemetery, where three of her sons, Gideon, Lewis and Andrew, are also buried. (Mouse over images for more info.)

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Note: Before 1752 the year began on March 25th. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year, not the beginning.

John the Tory Mayfield was born about 1738 in Virginia Colony. His father was probably William Mayfield who died in Culpeper County, Virginia in 1761. About 1763, John Mayfield, 25 married Mary Crain, 21 years old, probably in Culpeper County, Virginia. See Mary Crain below for a list of the children.

They left Virginia, and may have possibly spent a brief time in the Granville County, North Carolina area where John had other Mayfield relatives. By 1767, they arrived in the area of South Carolina that became Union County. On November 3, 1767, John acquired title to 100-acres on the Broad River. Click on the image left to enlarge the original survey of this land that was downloaded from The South Carolina Department of Archives and History website. It is dated August 20, 1763 for Bernard McCaun, who had apparently signed the property over to John Mayfield. Then in August of 1770, he purchased a 300-acre tract of land on Browns Creek from Jacob and Ruth Brown. This 300-acre tract became their primary residence. John operated a general store from his plantation and store owners in the South Carolina back country tended to be men of influence.

Before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775, John was both a constable and a Militia Captain in the Ninety-Six Judicial District. In both capacities he served under the noted Loyalist, Colonel Thomas Fletchall of Fairforest Creek, Ninety-Six District. John was an active participant during all the significant events of 1775, involving Fletchall and the ad hoc Whig Council of Public Safety. At the time, Thomas Fletchall was probably the most influential man in the Ninety-Six District of SC. He was a wealthy planter, gristmill owner, justice of the peace, coroner and the commander of the Upper Saluda Militia Regiment. As tensions mounted leading up to the Revolutionary War, sympathies in South Carolina were divided. On one side were the Tories – those loyal to the King and British rule. On the other side were the Whigs – those that wanted to become independent.

According to the Journal of Alexander Chesney, an eyewitness, when the war broke out, the congress party, early in 1775, sent a quantity of ammunition and clothing to a fort called “Ninety-Six”, to be distributed as presents to the Indians, presumably to obtain their help against the British. Loyalists besieged the fort for some days took it and confiscated the stores. Afterwards, both parties agreed to truce for some weeks until several of the leading men could go to Charles Town to receive Lord William Campbell's directions on the business. Colonel Fletchall and Captain John Mayfield were two of the delegates sent under the faith and sanction of a treaty. In Charles Town they were jailed and the papers they had received from the Governor Lord William Campbell were seized. In the meantime the congress party sent an army under the command of Colonel Richardson, who jailed the leading men of the loyalists and disarmed the rest.

John was apparently released because, during the so-called Winter Campaign on December 2, 1775, Captain John Mayfield was captured along with several other officers at McLaurins Store in the Upper Saluda region by Whig forces under Colonel Richard Richardson. On January 20, 1776, thirty three of the imprisoned loyalists sent a petition to the Council of Safety requesting release from prison. The second signature on the petition is that John Mayfield. On April 11, 1776, the South Carolina General Assembly issued a Declaration of Pardon or Amnesty for the captured backcountry. As a condition of his release, John was required to yield to Whig rule in South Carolina and take an oath of allegiance to the Whig Government.

Even though a former Loyalist leader, John Mayfield appears to have retained his popularity among his neighbors. Indeed, there probably was still a Loyalist majority in the Upper Saluda area that became dormant until the British captured Charles Town in May 1780. He was elected to the South Carolina Assembly from the “Upper or Spartan District between Broad and Saluda Rivers.

John took his General Assembly seat on February 1, 1780, but his career as a politician was short-lived. The Assembly adjourned on February 12, 1780 with the intention to reconvene in June. However, a British Fleet had arrived on February 9th and, by May 1780, had captured Charles Town (later renamed Charleston) and took a large American army prisoner. Sir Henry Clinton immediately ordered all the dormant Loyalist forces to rise in support of the King. Apparently both Fletchall and Mayfield heeded his call. John Mayfield was appointed as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Loyalist Home Militia.

During 1780-1781, John Mayfield was apparently involved in several skirmishes with the Whigs in and around the Browns Creek area where he lived. The best known of these conflicts was the so-called Battle of Hammond's Store, which took place on 30 December 1780. Colonels Washington Hayes with their troops were sent on down there. The battle was not of long duration. There were 40 Tories killed and one or two hundred taken prisoner. By the beginning of 1782, John Mayfield had sent his family to Charles Town as a safety measure, while he remained in Browns Creek to protect his farm and store. By this time, things had gotten very bloody in the South Carolina Backcountry. Neighbors fought neighbors and brothers fought brothers.

Some time between February and April of 1782, John Mayfield was killed at his house, by Captain John Hood, along with Major James Meek, and several other Whig partisans. They dressed themselves in British uniforms and approached the house dragging Meek along with them as a Whig prisoner. Mayfield knew none of them, but was believed them to be what they seemed, but before getting quite into their hands, he suspected something, and turned to fly. Hood exclaimed “You may run sir, but I have something here to overtake you” and leveling his rifle, shot him dead. The ball passed through his head. At the end of the war, the loyalists’ lands and possessions were confiscated and they were forced to leave and start a new life in the Bahamas, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or across the sea in Great Britain. Thomas Fletchall survived the war but lost all of his worldly possessions and went into exile in Jamaica where he died only a few years later. John’s family was spared, probably because he was murdered and also was a well respected man in spite of his Tory stand.

Thanks to the many years of research on the Mayfields done by Phil Norfleet that he has made public on his site, South Carolina Loyalists and Rebels.

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Mary Crain was born about 1742. Her parents are unknown, but she was the sister of Charles Crain, a Whig soldier in the Revolutionary War. About 1763, about 21 years old, she married John Mayfield, 25, probably in Culpeper County, Virginia.

John and Mary Mayfield had at least seven children - William, born about 1764, probably in Culpeper County, Virginia; Mary, about 1765, probably in Virginia. The rest were born in South Carolina - Richard, about 1768; a daughter (name unknown) about 1770, she died young as a refugee in Charles Town in February 1782; another daughter about 1776; Battle, about 1778; and John on December 28, 1780. Click here to read more about them.

Their life was marked by John’s loyalty to the British before and during the Revolutionary War. Mary’s brother was on the side of the colonies. Professor Bobby Gilmer Moss, a noted historian of the Revolution in South Carolina wrote, “ ... Charles Crain ... served in the [Whig] militia from February 3 to February 27, 1779 under Capt. Joseph Palmer and from May 7, 1780 to June 25, 1781 under Capt Benjamin Jolly and Col. Brandon. ... His sister, the wife of Capt. Mayfield the Tory, often told him the plans of the Tories. ...

As detailed in John Mayfield above, John was murdered by Whigs in 1782. In February of that year, the South Carolina legislature passed the Estate Confiscation Act in which proven British Loyalists’ land was taken from them. John Mayfield's estate, however, was not confiscated. The South Carolina Legislature probably thought that, since he already had been killed by Whigs, his widow and children had suffered enough. Also, as reported above, Mary Mayfield had cooperated with the local Whig forces, often telling them, via her brother Charles Crain, of the Tory plans. In the Ninety-Six District, South Carolina, Journal of the Court of Ordinary (aka Pat Calhoun's Surrogate Court Book), we find that on February 13, 1783, a citation was granted to Mary Mayfield on the Estate of John Mayfield late of Brown's Creek in 96 District, Deceased; as next of kin.  (Click on the photo left to enlarge it.) This seems to confirm that Mary was the widow of John the Tory Mayfield of Brown's Creek. 

After the Revolution, in 1787, Mary acquired 185 acres of land on Browns Creek from Colonel Thomas Brandon (no relation to John W. Mayfield’s future wife, Edith Brandon). Mary Mayfield sold this land in 1799. Also, her eldest son, William, sold his remaining 100 acres in Union County, South Carolina in 1800. In about 1800, Mary and her eldest son, William Mayfield apparently moved to Jackson County, Georgia. A few years later, in about 1808, two of Mary's other sons, Battle and John W. joined them there. The last record found for Mary Mayfield, widow of John the Tory, is when she participated in the 1807 Georgia land lottery. She drew a lot (202½ acres) for land in Wilkinson County, Georgia. Mary was then a resident of Jackson County, GA. Mary Crain Mayfield died after 1807, probably in Georgia.

Interestingly, a certain Luke Mayfield, also of Jackson County GA, also drew a lot of land in that year. He was probably a son of Stephen Mayfield (1758-1846) and a grandson of Robert Mayfield (d. 1816) of Chester County SC. Robert Mayfield was probably an uncle of John the Tory.  Click here to read more about other Mayfields.

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John M. Brandon was born in Halifax County, Virginia about 1750, the eldest son of four born to William Brandon and Elizabeth Irvine. He received a land grant in York County, South Carolina on April 25, 1767 consisting of 2 parcels of 200 acres each being on “waters of Turkey Creek, on head of Tius Branch, on both sides of Waggon Road, including Wm.Hillhouse's Great Cowpen.” This could have been a grant given to young men that had signed up for Militia duty to help claim part of that country from the Indians, as they were continually pushed further to the west. He was only about 17 years old at the time of the grant and could not take possession of the land until he was 21. Records indicate that he did not move onto this claim until some time prior to 1782, after he had married and started his family.  He married Mary Lawson in Halifax County, Virginia, on January 20, 1772 and they had at least twelve children together. The first five were born in Halifax, the others were born in either York or Union County in South Carolina. (York and Union Counties abut each other.)

There is a John Brandon listed on the 1790 US Census in Union County, South Carolina. This may be him or his son. There is also a John Brandon buried in the Old Union Cemetery there. The gravestone is so old, the dates can no longer be read (photo right).

John M. Brandon died in York County after August 20, 1799, the date of his will and before May 5, 1800, the date the will was presented in court. Although he doesn't mention ancestor Edith by name, he does refer to his younger family in the will. Edith was about 15 years old and unmarried when her father died. The will is filed as Recorded Case No. 52, File No. 18, Will Book A P-11, tells much about the family and their lifestyle. It reads as follows:

WILL OF JOHN BRANDON, SENIOR
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
20th August 1799
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN.

I, John Brancon senior of York Co'ty in the State of South Carolina, being weak in body, but of sound sense and Disposing mind and Memory, (Bless be God for all his Mercies), But Calling to remembrance the Transitoryness of this life, and that it is appointed for All men once to Die, Do make and ordain this to be my last will and Testament in manner and form following. Viz, My Will and Desire is, that All my just Debts and funeral Charges be justly and fully paid by my Executors hereinafter named.

ITEM; I give and bequeath to my Daughter, now Elesabeth Matthew one feather Bed & furniture (which she is now in possession of), and at the time my son George Brandon, SHOULD or SHALL arrive Twenty five y'rs of Age then my Will is that my daughter Elisabeth be paid out of my Estate Twenty pound Virginia money, (my said son George now being in his Seventh y'r of age) which bequethes substance is to be to her Use and benefit of her my said daughter & her present Husband during her Natural Life, and at her Decease to be equally Divided amongst her then surviving Children by her present Husband, John Matthew.

ITEM: I Give and Bequeth to my daughter now Sarah Kindrick, one feathe Bed and furniture (which she is now in possession of) one Cow and Calf, one Sorrell horse-colt came from a mare called Poll-And at the time my said son George, SHOULD and SHALL arrive to twenty five y'rs of Age, then I allow my said daughter Sarah to be p'd out of my s'd Estate Twenty pounds of Virginia money, which bequeathed substance is to be to the Use & benefit of her my s'd daughter Sarah & her present Husband during her natural life and at her decease to be equally divided amongst her then surviving children by her present husband, Anthony Kindrick.

ITEM: I Give to my son John Brancon a bay mare called Strainner, together with a Saddle and Briddle. Also I give and bequeath to my son James Brandon a bay colt called Liberty, and a saddle and briddle, which bequeathed substance is to be to the Use, benefit and disposal of each of my s'd Sons & their Heirs for Ever.

ITEM: Also I give & bequeath to my daughter Sussey, one feather Bed & furniture, one cow and calf, a Horse creature & briddle & saddle...

ITEM: I Give and Bequeath to my daughter, Pressillah, one feather Bed & furniture, one Cow & Calf, a hose-Creature, and briddle & saddle, and the time my s'd son George arrives to the afores'd Age of twenty five years, then I allow my two last mentioned daughters to be paid of my Estate Twenty five pounds a piece, and each of their parts of Legacy & if either of my two last mentioned daughters Died, without issue, then the surviving one to enjoy as her own property the Deceased ones part of legacy, & at her decease to descend to her Issue as aforesaid.

My further Will & Desire is, that my beloved wife Mary Brandon, Do have as Plentiful, Sufficient, & Comfortable a living out of my Unbequeathed part consisting of 247 acres of land in Halifax, Co'ty in Virginia on the North side of the Dann River, which was bequeathed by my s'd wifes father John Lawson Senior to her and my self; Also Eight Negros whose names are Harry, Nedd, Fann, Patt, Daniel, Tobby, Dice & Hannah, with all the rest of my unbequeathed Chattle Estate of different kinds: I Desire & Enjoin the same be kept together with as little separation as possible and to be by my present family possessed and occupyed principally under the direction of my said Wife for the support and maintainance of my younger family untill the first sepeartion by marriage takes place in the same, When it is my desire, that the most equitable mode of Division be done into for the Dividing the s'd property equally between my s'd wife and my six sons John, James, Irvine, Joseph, Francis & George Brandon, allowing my said Wife her living as afores'd; And at her decease, or any of my said sons I allow the deceased ones part to be equally divided between my s'd wife and surviving Sons, Allowing it optional with her and them to either continue living in South Carolina, or return to Virginia & live on the afores'd Survey there of 247 Acres, or elsewhere they may think they can do for the best: And further and lastly, I do hereby authorize Constitute & ordain, my said wife Mary Brandon Executrix, my two sons John & James Brandon, Robert Johnston & David Gordon all of York Co'ty & State of South Carolina my whole & Sole Execut'rs of this my last Will & Testament, Thereby Revoking & Disannuling all other Wills by me heretofore made,

Ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my last Will & Testament, In Witness whereof I have hereinto set my hand & seal the day & year above Written.

Signed Seal'd published and declared by the Testor to be his last Will Testament in presense of:
Valentine Horsley
Zadok Darby
his mark
Richard X Horsley John Brandon (L. S.)
John Farley
Thomas Brandon

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Mary Lawson was born about 1752 in Halifax County, Virginia, the eldest of six children born to John Lawson and Priscilla Bryant (maiden name uncertain). Mary married John M. Brandon there on January 20, 1772 and they had at least twelve children – Elizabeth born on March 7, 1773 in Halifax County; William on January 10, 1774; Sarah born on September 26, 1776; John born about 1778; James born on February 3, 1780; Priscilla, the first child born in York County, South Carolina was born on January 27, 1782; Susanne born in December 1783; ancestor Edith; Irvine B. born in March of 1785; Francis born in March of 1787; Joseph born in March of 1789; and George born on October 2, 1791.

The Joseph E. Hart Collection - Deeds and Wills Abstracts held in The Historical Center of York County has a record for Mary and John’s inheritance from her father John Lawson which reads: “see BRANDON, JOHN, will dated August 1799: John Lawson, father of Mary Brandon, wife of John Brandon, dec'd. John Lawson bequeathed to John & Mary Brandon 245 acres in Halifax City, Virginia, North Side of the Dann River.

It is not known when and where Mary Lawson Brandon died and was buried, but it was probably in York County, South Carolina. Some researchers estimate she died the same year of her husband, but documentation doesn’t exist to support this.

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William Mayfield was born about 1710 in Warren County, North Carolina, the eldest of seven known children of Abraham Mayfield and Elizabeth Bell. Most researchers believe William is the father of ancestor John Mayfield, the Tory, because of various court cases, locations where they both lived (in 1749 Culpeper County is formed out of Orange County, Virginia), and the fact that John named his first son William, possibly after his father. Who William married or how many other children they may have had is unknown.

William died in Culpeper County, Virginia prior to May 21, 1761, the date the appraisal of his estate, “William Mayfield, deceased is returned and ordered to be recorded.”

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William Brandon was born about 1729 probably in Halifax County, Virginia to father Thomas Brandon and an unknown mother. He is listed in the then named Lunenburg County in 1748 as an appraiser and married Elizabeth Irvine there about 1749. They had at least four sons together that are mentioned in William’s will. By 1762 he is said to have been sick, old, and unable to travel. William wrote his will on January 26,1778. It gives one a true idea of the lifestyle of the family and reads as follows:

“IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN, I, William Brandon of Halifax County of Parish Antrim, being in desposed in body but of perfect mind and memory, praised be the Lord for the same, do make, constitute, and ordain this and none other to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:

ITEM--- I give and bequeath unto my son John Brandon the land and plantation whereon he now lives, also two negros viz. Minge and Hairy which is now in his possession, also one gray horse, one gray mare, three Ewes, to him my son and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM--- I give and bequeath unto my son Ervine Brandon one negro boy names Charles, likewise a negro girl named Sal, to be given to him my said son and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM---I give and bequeath to my son David Brandon one negro boy named Jack, also a negro girl named Patt, to be given to him my said son and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM--- I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Brandon one negro woman named Rachall, also one negro boy named Frank, likewise one negro boy named Joseph, to be given him my said son, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM--- I lend unto my well beloved wife, Elizabeth Brandon, during her natural life or widowhood the following slaves, viz: one girl names Kate, also one other girl named Hannah.

ITEM--- My will and desire is that after the death of my said wife, or her marrying, the aforesaid slaves viz: Kate and Hannah with their increase to be given and equally divided between my two sons - Ervine and David Brandon, and to their heirs and assigns forever.

I give and bequeath to my son Ervine Brandon one hundred acres of land as the upper end of the same tract I now live on adjoining Robinson's line on the River which is to be one third of high lands and low grounds to be given to him my said son, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

I give and bequeath to my son David Brandon one hundred acres of land it being part of the aforesaid tract of land adjoining to his brother Ervine on the River to him my said son, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM--- I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Brandon the plantation whereon I now live, including one hundred acres of land to him my son, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM--- I give and bequeath to my son John Brandon one negro boy named Ned to be given to him my said son and to his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM--- My will and desire is that after all my lawful debts is paid off and to collect the balance of cash present be equally divided among my three sons viz: Ervin, David and Thomas.

ITEM--- I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Brandon my waggon and teeme of horse for the use and benifit of the plantation and family, my desire is that my other sons should have the use of the waggon and team when required.

ITEM--- I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Brandon the still I am now possest with to him my son and to his heirs and assigns forever. My will and desire is that my other three sons should have the use of the said still when required.

I give to my son David Brandon my riding saddle and bridle.

ITEM--- My will and desire is that all the rest of my stock of whatever kind or quality not heretofore mentioned be equally divided between my three sons Ervin, David and Thomas Bandon to them and their heirs forever.

ITEM--- My will and desire is that my said wife, Elizabeth Brandon have her life support on the plantation I now live on, on her remaining in a single state.

ITEM--- My will and desire is that all my household furniture of whatever kind or quality be equally divided among my three sons Ervine, David and Thomas Brandon together with my wife Elizabeth Brandon, and lastly I appoint, constitute and ordain my son, John Brandon, together with my son Thomas Brandon Executors of this my last will and Testament, hoping they will see the same duly performed as my trust in them reposed, and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty sixth day of January, one thousand seven hundred seventy-eight.

Signed, sealed, published and declared to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of: Theo Carter, Andrew Ferguson, Samuel Matthews, David Brandon.

It should be noted that the original signature on the will looks as if it does not have a d in the surname, and was spelled Branan. However, it is filed under the name of Brandon, William in the Halifax County Wills and Administrations Book No. 1.

William Brandon died about eight months after writing his will, as the will was probated on September 17, 1778 in Halifax County.

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Elizabeth Irvine was born in either 1728 or 1730 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.  Some researchers say she was born in 1730, the second of ten known children of John Robert Irvine and Mary Margaret Boyd. Other researchers say that this John and Mary’s daughter Elizabeth never married. They say she is the daughter born in 1728 of John’s brother and his wife, David Irvine (Irwin) and Margaret Berry.  In either of these cases she is the granddaughter of James Irvine and Margaret Wylie. But still others say her father was named David, not the child of James Irvine and Margaret Wylie, and her mother was not Margaret Berry. This researcher believes her father was David- see his bio for more on this.

Elizabeth married William Brandon about 1749 in the then named Lunenburg County and they had at least four sons together in the now named Halifax County – ancestor John M born about 1747; Irvine born about 1752; David born about 1757; and Thomas born about 1758. The naming of her children is interesting and doesn’t give us a clue to her parentage, as she named one son John and another David. The second son was named Irvine, her maiden name. The fourth son Thomas is named after her husband William’s father. Some researchers say she had daughters Mary and Anna, but they, nor their husbands, are mentioned in William's will. Documentation has not been found to support these daughters and many say they were their nieces.

It is believed that Elizabeth Irvine Brandon died on August 20, 1799 in Halifax and is buried there.

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John Lawson was born about 1726 most likely in Chester County, Pennsylvania, one of at least eight children born to Mary (last name unknown) and Mr. Lawson (first name unknown). He moved with his family to the now named Halifax County, Virginia about 1746. (Halifax County was formed from Lunenburg County in 1752, see map.) The then named Lunenburg County records show John was deeded 200 acres of land on south side of Dan River at mouth of Lawson's Creek on February 23, 1746/47.  He continued to purchase land after his marriage for example: 469 acres . . . beginning at Carthy's Corner on river and 200 acres on both sides of Lawson's Creek, both deeded on October 1, 1751; on October 2, 1751, Daniel Patterson's will stated “My executor is to make an equal division of the rest of my estate between him and his two brothers John and David Lawson.” So John amassed much land during his life.

In 1750 in Halifax, John married Prisilla Bryant, last name uncertain, whom he mentions in his will written in 1776. Prisilla is thought to have been older than John, born about 1720 in Halifax.  They had at least six children together, all born in Halifax and mentioned in John’s will – ancestor Mary; John born in 1753; Elizabeth born about 1754 married John Irvine; Thomas in 1756; son Francis born about 1758; and Margaret born on March 17, 1764. The last two not being of age upon the writing of John’s will.

John Lawson Sr. wrote his will on October 14, 1776.  In it he mentions “wife Prisilla, sons John, Thomas and Francis, daughters Mary Brandon, Elizabeth Irvine and Margaret Lawson.” Executors were his brother “William Lawson, Micajah Watkins, John Brandon and John Irvine.”   Witnesses were “Theo. Carter, Wm. Watkins, Wm. McCraw Jr. and John Shawr.” In The Smyer Family of Alabama by Robert F. Smyer it states that John “left four hundred fourteen acres of land on the southside of the Dan River and upon the waters of Wynn's Creek to his daughter, Elizabeth Irvine.” And as stated in Mary’s bio, John left her “245 acres in Halifax City, Virginia, North Side of the Dann River.

John died on February 21, 1782 in Halifax. His will was probated by his son-in-law John Irvine. “The last Will and Testament of John Lawson deceased was Exhibited in Court by John Irvine of the Executors therein named and the same was proven by the Oaths of two of the subscribing and order to be recorded and on the motion of the said Executor who made Oath thereto according to Law. Certificate was granted him for obtaining Probate thereof in the form he giving security whereupon he together with James Coleman Gentleman and John Shackelford his securities enter into and acknowledged Bond for the same according to Law.”

An Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of John Lawson, deceased was returned 16 May 1782 and same was ordered to be recorded.” It reads as follows: “John Lawson, Senior’s Inventory and Appraisement.  Among items listed: Negroes Dick, Aleck, Tom, Sippear, Sarah, Pegg, Moll, Daniel, Tom, Jack, Dick, Gabriel, black horse called Jacob, mare called Poll and colt, ditto, ditto Fancy and colt, ditto, ditto Fly, ditto, ditto Jewel, horse called Derick, mare called Boney, horse called Roan, horse called Silver heals, one gray horse, horse called Pompey, sheep, cattle, hogs, one still, saddle bags, 6 beds & c., a arcel of books, looking glass, 3 guns.  Dated 28 February 1782      Total not given. Appraisers: Theo. Carter, William Boyd, Irvin Brandon.

Another record attached to John’s file adds an interesting mystery to his life. In Book 10, on page 233 of the Halifax County, VA – Pleas February Court 1782 it mentions John’s wife Martha and reads as follow: “Martha Lawson, widow and relict of John Lawson, deceased came into Court disclaimed and relinquished all legacies or any right under the Will of the said deceased pray that her Dower may be allotted her in the said John’s Estate according to Law which is accordingly ordered.” Because of this, some researchers say the Prisilla’s name may have been Martha Prisilla, but others believe that his wife Prisilla died before him sometime prior to December of 1778 and he never adjusted his will. In the Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940 collection, a record exists for a marriage of a John Lawson to a Martha Bates on December 15, 1778 in Halifax. It makes sense for a wife of only a few years to relinquish all rights to his estate, except for what she brought into the marriage, but not for his wife of over 30 years. What possible reason would Prisilla have to do this? We know John Jr. married Anne Irvine on July 19 1782, so it is not his marriage. So in this researcher's mind, John Lawson Sr. married Martha Bates, after Prisilla died.

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Abraham Mayfield was born about 1679 in Essex County, Virginia, the fourth of nine children born to Sarah and Robert Mayfield Jr. Abraham married Elizabeth Bell (maiden name uncertain) about 1709 and they had at least eight children.

His father died six years after his marriage and within a few years of his father’s death, Abraham began having financial difficulties. The Essex County court records show: on May 23, 1717, an action of debt against Abraham is brought by Katherine Edwards and he is ordered to pay one pound plus court costs; on November 19, 1718, an action of debt against Abraham is brought by Robert Parker and he is ordered to pay 300 pounds of tobacco; on March 18, 1718/1719, an action of debt by Robert Jones against Abraham and Sarah, his widowed mother, they are ordered to pay 800 pounds of tobacco plus court costs and an attachment against their estate is ordered; on
June 17, 1719, an attachment against Abraham’s estate for 900 pounds of tobacco plus costs is issued; on January 19, 1724/1725 in an attachment obtained by James Garnet against Thomas Hewitt-Abraham Mayfield being the guarantee, not appearing in court, it was ordered that the Sheriff take him into custody; on September 20, 1726 an action of debt against Abraham is brought by Robert Gibson and he is ordered to pay 500 pounds of tobacco plus attorney fees and court costs; on February 21, 1726/27 a Return of Execution is issued to the Sheriff of Essex County against Abraham in the lawsuit Gibson vs. Mayfield. The sheriff's return states “the within named Abraham Mayfield is not to be found within my bailiwick”; and lastly on January 2, 1727/28 Abraham, sells his father's 125 acres of land to Robert Brooke by indenture. Abraham could only have received title to this land under the prevailing laws of primogeniture if both his mother Sarah and older brother Jacob were dead. Only under such circumstances, could the ownership of the land of his father, Robert Mayfield, Senior, have passed to son Abraham, who must have been the next oldest living son at the time.

It appears Abraham moved (some say fled) to Spotsylvania County, Virginia in 1727/28 (was formed in 1721). The county records show that Abraham had settled down and lives a better life: on June 5, 1727 he witnessed a power of attorney from John Blackly to Thomas Smith; on
May 6, 1729 Abraham is a Defendant versus Anthony Foster, Assignee of James Booth, Plaintiff in an action of debt; on August 1, 1732 he is appointed overseer of Bush's Road; on
May 7, 1734 Abraham allowed payment for four days attendance in court as a witness in the case of Francis Kirkley against William Bartlett; on September 4, 1734 he is a defendant versus Benjamin Walker, Gentleman, Plaintiff in an action of trespass; on
May 6 ,1735 Abraham is mentioned as a member of a grand jury; on July 1, 1735 “Abraham Mayfield of Saint George's Parish, Spotsylvania County” acquires 200 acres of land from the Administrators of the estate of Larkin Chew, deceased; on May 3, 1737 Abraham is mentioned as a member of a grand jury; and on October 4, 1737 “Abraham Mayfield of Spotsylvania County” conveys 200 acres of land to Bloomfield Long of Essex County and Abraham’s wife, Elizabeth, relinquishes her right of dower.
After the sale of this land, Abraham and Elizabeth apparently left Spotsylvania County in late 1737 or early 1738 as the following court entries imply: on

April 4, 1738 “Attachments against the estate of Abraham Mayfield are obtained for Archibald McPherson and William Johnston”; on May 1, 1738 it was ordered by the court that John Durrett be overseer of Bush's Road in the room of Abraham Mayfield “who is removed out of the County.”

This is when Abraham and his family moved to Orange County, Virginia. His name appears in the following Orange County records: for the year 1738 he’s listed with two tithables in the tax list for Orange County, in the Precinct of Henry Rice, Constable; on
August 24 1738 “the indenture whereby John Cook and Ann, his wife, convey a tract of land to Abraham Mayfield” is admitted to record in the Orange County Court; in
May and August of 1738, Abraham is a witness to two different Lease and Releases in which land is transferred between two other people; on 
March 18, 1742/1743 Abraham again is a witness to another Lease and Release of a 50-acre tract of land “in the fork of Pamunky River”; and lastly on
July 25, 1745, an Indenture is recorded between Abraham Mayfield and his wife Elizabeth of Orange County whereby they convey a 162-acre tract of land “. . . in the fork of Pamunky River . . .” to Peter Montague, also of Orange County. The land is stated to be “ . . . part of the patent granted to John Cook and sold by the said Cook to the said Mayfield . . . ” This indenture is the last record for Abraham and Elizabeth Mayfield in Orange County. However, several records exist which for Abraham and Elizabeth's son, Abraham Mayfield, Jr. Some researchers say Abraham died here, based solely on his age. But there is no documentation in the Orange County will and probate records that Abraham Mayfield, Sr. died in Orange County.

In 1749, Culpeper County was formed out of a portion of Orange County.  It is possible that Abraham's place of residence may have fallen into the boundaries of this new county.  We do know that his sons Robert Mayfield and Thomas Mayfield were living in Culpeper County prior to moving to North Carolina and ancestor William died there in 1761.

Although very old at the time, in about 1760/61 Abraham and Elizabeth apparently moved to Granville County, North Carolina, with two (at least Stephen and Robert) or more of their sons. This may have been soon after son William died. Several years later, in about 1768, Abraham Sr.'s son, Abraham, Jr. and his wife Ann, also migrated to North Carolina. Abraham Mayfield, Sr.'s name appears in the following Granville County, North Carolina records: on December 6, 1762 William Stroud, Sr. conveys to Abraham Mayfield of Orange County, for 100 pounds, 296 acres in Granville County on Little Creek; in 1764, the eastern portion of Granville County (St Thomas Parish) became the new County of Bute and Abraham's Little Creek land was within this new county; and finally in May of 1769, a deed (most likely the 296-acres was sold) to James Harrison is acknowledged by Abraham and Elizabeth and on motion, is ordered to be registered. The date of the sale was probably shortly before February 20, 1769 as Abraham made out his will as of that date and mentioned that he had recently sold his land.

The will of Abraham Mayfield is dated February 20, 1769 and was entered into probate in the County Court of Granville County, NC during the February 1778 Term of Court and reads as follows:

In the name of God Amen. The twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred sixty and nine. Abraham Mayfield being very sick & weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament. That is to say principally and first of all, I give and Recommend to God [my Soul] that giveth it me and for my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian manner at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall Receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as Touching such worldly Estate where with it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose in the manner and form following. That is to say: 

In the first place I give and bequeath [to] Elizabeth my dearly beloved wife, whom I make & ordain my only & sole executor of this my last Will and Testament, all and every singular thing that I am now possessed with during her lifetime to peaceably enjoy without any Molestation or In cumbrance. 

And at her death I do give and bequeath to Valentine Mayfield and Abraham Mayfield, my well beloved sons, two feather beds and furniture and also the money that I sold my land for, or the produce of the same if their mother please, to lay it out for them by them freely to possess & enjoy and to be Equally divided between them both. 

And I also give and bequeath all the rest of my Estate, household goods & everything that there shall be left after my beloved wife's decease to be equally divided between all my children for them to possess & enjoy. 

And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & annul all & every former Testaments, Wills & Legacies bequeathed and Executed by me in any way before named wills & bequests. Ratifying & Conforming this & no other to be my Last Will & Testament, In Witness thereof I here unto set my hand the day and year first above written, 


/S/ Abraham Mayfield (Seal)


Signed sealed published promised & declared to be the said Abraham Mayfield as his Last Will & Testament in the presence of the subscribers, that is to say: 

James Harrison
James House
Milly House (Her Mark)

Granville County, February Court A. D. 1778.

This will was duly proved by the oath of James House who swore that he saw James Harrison and Milly House Subscribe as Witnesses to this will which was ordered to be Recorded. And at the same time Elizabeth Mayfield qualified as executrix to this will which was ordered to be probated. It is believed that Abraham died in late 1777 or early 1778.

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Elizabeth Bell was born about 1684 in Virginia to unknown parents. Not much is known about her, even her maiden name is uncertain. She married Abraham Mayfield about 1709 and they had at least eight children together who survived to adulthood – William born about 1710 in Warren County, North Carolina; Abraham Jr. about 1720 also in Warren County; Valentine about 1725 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia; John born about 1726 in Essex/Caroline County, Virginia; Agness in about 1730 in Spottslyvania, Virginia; Robert about 1732 in Spotsylvania County, VA; Stephen whose birthdate is unknown; and Thomas born about 1735 in Virginia.  Some researchers say there was also a son named Joseph. Only Abraham and Valentine were mentioned in her husband Abraham’s will.

It is believed that Elizabeth Mayfield died after 1778, as she took on the job of executrix of her husband’s will, which was probated in February of that year in Granville County, North Carolina.

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Thomas Brandon was born about 1700 in Lunenburg County, Virginia. His parentage is very uncertain. Some researchers believe that Thomas’ parents were John and Margaret (widow Orr) Brandon. This John died in Lancaster County in 1750, naming sons Thomas and John. Making him the probable father is supported by pieces of circumstantial evidence: Thomas is in the right generation to be John's son; David and Francis Brandon both name one of their daughters Margaret the name of John's wife and probably Thomas's mother; Lancaster was a county from which several families migrated to the Halifax County area especially families which Halifax County Brandons had close ties to and intermarried with, such as Lawsons and Irvines; a witness to John's will was a Sydnor, another Lancaster County family which moved to Halifax; and Thomas and his sons were affluent enough to purchase land in the 1746-1760 period, suggesting parentage of some status for Thomas. Other researchers say this is impossible as John was born much too late to be Thomas’ father. Without proper documentation, we will never know who his parents were.

Thomas being the father of ancestor William Brandon is also uncertain. Because birth documentation hasn’t been found for this family, it is surmised from the deeds and wills of Francis, William and David Brandon in Halifax County, that these three men are brothers. They had adjoining land, they witnessed documents for each other and served as security for each other on bonds. In addition, the given names of their children and grandchildren are similar. Also the names of their children and grandchildren provide a strong point of evidence for the father of Francis, William and David to be Thomas Brandon. Thomas Brandon along with Francis purchased land in Lunenburg County in 1746. Each of them named a son Thomas, which is the only male name found in all three families. The name Thomas is also carried forward to the grandsons in all of these families.

Unfortunately it is not known who Thomas married, but the birthdates of his presumed sons are as follows – David born about 1720 in Halifax County; ancestor William Brandon born about 1729; and Francis B. Brandon born about 1730. It is almost certain that there were other children in this family, but nothing has been found on them except for an unnamed female.  It is believed they had a sister who married Hutchens Burton, as Thomas was found in his old age in the Burton household as a titheable member of that family.

Most researchers say that Thomas Brandon died about 1785. Nothing more is known about him.

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David Irvine is said to be the name of ancestor Elizabeth’s father in the book The Heritage of Halifax County, Virginia, although some researchers say his name was John as discussed in Elizabeth’s bio above. One David who was in the area at the time was known as David Irvine/Irwin. He was born about 1700 in Northern Ireland, the eighth of ten children born to Robert Irwin and Margaret Wylie. In 1725 this David married Margaret Berry, born about 1704 to unknown parents and they had a son Richard born about 1740 in Armaugh County, Pennsylvania.  If these are Elizabeth’s parents, then how could she have been born in Virginia twelve years prior to her brother being born in Pennsylvania? The emigration flow went from Pennsylvania to Virginia, not the other way around.

The other strong candidate named David, who could be her father, was born in Scotland, date and parents unknown. This is the David that the Halifax County Heritage Book Committee says is her father. Unfortunately, nothing more is known about him except that he married and had a daughter, ancestor Elizabeth. So this researcher is assuming that Elizabeth’s father was named David, but he wasn’t the David who married Margaret Berry.

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Mr. Lawson is believed to have been born about 1695 probably in Northern Ireland. There were several groups of Lawsons living in Lunenburg County when it was first formed out of Bedford County, so it’s not certain what was the first name of the father of ancestor John. Some researchers believe that his name was John, the brother of Hugh Lawson, but documentation has not been found to prove this, and this line of Lawson settled in Geogia. There is one document dated February 23, 1746/47 that indicates there were two Francis Lawsons in Lunenburg at that time and since Francis was a name used by two of his sons, his name could have been Francis. Some researchers say that John’s father came from the line of John and Elizabeth Lawson of Bedford County, Virginia. But we may never know for certain.

Whatever his first name was, he married a woman named Mary and they had at least eight children. The family moved near the Dan River in what is today Halifax County, Virginia as early as 1746. When they moved there it was called Lunenburg County.
This may be the same group of Lawsons that lived in the Blunston Tract Patents in Pennsylvania. A Frances Lawson obtained “license #86, August 24, 1734 for 200 acres on the Northside of Yellow Bitches Creek where the Potowmac Road went by Indian Cabin. William Lawson obtained license #85 on the same day for 200 acres at Carrying Place on the South Branch of Conedoget joining William Thomson’s tract.” Frances Graham/Grimes, John Boyd and James Rutherford are also listed in the Tract Patents and are names we see on documents with our Lawsons in Halifax County. Most of these people were Presbyterians from Ulster, Northern Ireland and may have been part of the group that left Pennsylvania to go to the Caldwell Settlement at Club Creek in what is today Charlotte County, Virginia. Mr. Lawson and Mary purchased their land in the southern part of Lunenburg County from the Cavalier, William Byrd or his estate. Most of this land was located on or near Lawson’s Creek just south of the Dan River and north of North Carolina state line, which later became Halifax County.

It is assumed that Mr. Lawson died about 1749, the year his wife wrote her will which doesn’t mention a husband. If she had a husband, there would have been no need for a will. He may have died just after the family moved to Virginia. Unfortunately we may never know more about him.

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Mary Graham was born about 1695 in Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland. Although most researchers say her maiden name was Graham, no documentation exists, so her maiden name is uncertain. She married Mr. Lawson, probably in Northern Ireland and they had at least eight children together – Francis, who was born about 1715 in Northern Ireland; Ann, the first child to be born in America about 1718, in Chester County, Pennsylvania; Mary about 1719; David about 1721; Margaret; ancestor John; Isabel; and William born about 1733. Mary’s four sons were well-educated men and served as lawyers or surveyors for the county of Halifax. They were at times referred to with the title of Gentlemen and also served as Captains in the Militia. Francis, John and David lived and died in Halifax County. William and Jane Lawson moved to Georgia, where William died October 1800 in Hancock County, Georgia. Francis’ son John moved just south into Person County, North Carolina. David’s family moved to Kentucky after his and Frances’ death.

Mary wrote her will on October 15, 1749 probably soon after her husbands death. In it she leaves:

20 shillings to her son Francis and To his daughter Mary, 20 shillings;
To John Boyd and his wife Margaret
{her daughter} 5 shillings and the one-half of my body
To David Sheerer and wife Ann
{her daughter}, 5 shillings;
To John Lawson a coalt called Ball;
To Alexander Irwin and his wife
{her daughter Mary} 10 shillings. To his daughter 10 shillings.
The half of my body I leave to my daughter Mary Lawson.
The remainder of my worldly goods I leave to my three sons, John Lawson, William Lawson and David Lawson, to be equally divided between them. I leave to Isobel Boyd
{her daughter} one five year old horse and saddle.

She named her Executors: Sons John and William Lawson. John Dalharte, Mary Evan, and David Graham witnessed the will. She died before April 2, 1751, as that is the date the will was recorded by the court - “The last Will & Testament of Mary Lawson deceased was exhibited in Court and the same is proved by the oaths of all the witnesses and order to be recorded.” During that same court, the inventory was ordered: “Ordered that James Doggastor, Alexander Irvine, John (or Jabez) Evans and Alexander Caldwell or any three of them were ordered to appraise the slaves and personal estate of Mary Lawson deceased and return an appraisement in the next court.” Unfortunately no other records on this matter can be located.

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Lives of the other children of John Mayfield and Mary Crain Mayfield

William Mayfield was the eldest son of John Mayfield and was the heir-at-law to all of John's real property. In 1781, William served, at least for a time, in the South Carolina Royalist Regiment, then stationed at Camden, South Carolina. The regimental muster roll for February-April 1781 contains the names of both William Mayfield and a certain Mayfield Crane, probably a relative of Mary Mayfield, William's mother, both men listed as Privates. The muster roll further indicated that William Mayfield deserted on 24 April 1781 and Mayfield Crane deserted on 23 June 1781.

After the Revolution, William sold John Mayfield's 300-acre tract of land on Browns Creek to Colonel Thomas Brandon in March 1785, probably soon after his 21st birthday when he became of legal age to sell the land. One of the witnesses to this transaction was Charles Crain, the brother of Mary Mayfield. William sold John Mayfield's other tract of land -- 100 acres on Broad River -- to Archibald Fore in 1800.

William apparently never married. He moved to Georgia with his mother in about 1800. William appears on the 1810 tax list for Jackson County, Georgia. However, he was either dead or had left Georgia by 1820, as he is not listed in the 1820 Federal Census for Georgia.

Mary Mayfield married John Boden on July 31, 1782 in Charles Town South Carolina as documented in the Register of St. Philips Parish, Charles Town South Carolina. She and her family had taken refuge in Charles Town (Charleston), which was under British occupation at this time and populated mainly by Loyalist refugees. It is probable that John and Mary Boden left with the British when they evacuated Charles Town in December of 1782. At that time, over 9000 South Carolina Loyalists left with the British forces. The surname Boden does not appear in the 1790 Federal Census for South Carolina.

Richard Mayfield was the only son of John and Mary Mayfield who remained in South Carolina. He married either Joanna (maiden name unknown) or Polly Mulkey, who is more likely. His wife was born between 1774-1784. They had four sons and three daughters born between 1790 and 1820. The first son was named Battle after Richard’s brother and another son was named John after Richard’s father and/or brother. He was admitted as a member of Padgett's Creek Baptist Church in 1803.

Daughter (Name Unknown), born about 1770. Tragically, she died young as a refugee in Charles Town in February 1782. John Mayfield had probably sent his family to Charles Town as a safety measure, while he remained in Browns Creek to protect his farm and store. On February 20, 1782 the coffin maker, James Donaldson of 90 Tradd Street, Charles Town, South Carolina, received an order to provide a coffin for the daughter of Capt. Mayfield. This was within a month of John Mayfield being killed.

Battle Mayfield and a certain Robert Whitlock acquired a 142-acre tract of land in Union County, South Carolina from William and Sally Porter on 20 November 1805. On January 2, 1808, Battle Mayfield and Robert Whitlock sold this 142-acre tract to Charles Adams and Zidack Adams. After sale of his land in 1808, Battle probably moved to Jackson County, Georgia, where his mother Mary and his brother William had previously relocated.

On February 22, 1811 Battle and brother John W. Mayfield bought a 147-acre tract of land on the waters of the Oconee River from Thomas Pate of Jackson County, Geogia, for $300. On November 7, 1812 Battle bought a 100-acre tract of land from William Lyles of Prince George County, Maryland, for $200. On September 17, 1813 Battle bought a 30-acre tract of land from William Lyles of Prince George County, Maryland, for $50.

On November 30, 1813 Battle married Abea Snow in Jackson County Georgia. Based on the 1820 Federal Census record, she seems to have died before that census was taken. They had at least two sons, probably named James and Giles. On August 1, 1814, The Jackson County Georgia Court appointed Battle Mayfield as the guardian for Fanny McCarrel, a bastard child (his?). On February 6, 1816 the Jackson County Georgia Court appointed Battle Mayfield administrator of the estate of Moses Snow, deceased. Moses Snow is probably the father of Battle Mayfield's wife, Abea Snow. On March 4, 1816 the Jackson County Georgia Court ordered Battle Mayfield to make return as guardian for a bastard child, Fanny McCarrel.

The Census of 1820 shows Battle, apparently a widower, with two sons. The Census of 1830 shows Battle, apparently remarried, with two sons. There is a marriage record dated April 1, 1838 for Battle Mayfield and Martha Bobo in Forsyth, Georgia. The Census of 1840 shows Battle and his wife. The Census of 1850 shows Battle living with son Giles and his family. This is the last known of Battle, when he was 72 years old.

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Other Mayfields

Prior to the Revolution, only two Mayfields are mentioned in the official records of South Carolina Colony - John Mayfield and Stephen Mayfield; both men resided near Brown's Creek in the Ninety-Six Judicial District. Stephen Mayfield was probably John’s uncle. Stephen was also listed in the muster records of the South Carolina Royalists during the Revolution with the rank of Lieutenant along with Private William Mayfield, John’s son. Records also show that in 1778 there were a Robert Mayfield and an Edmond Mayfield living in Craven County, South Carolina. Robert was probably also and Uncle of John.

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