James 2

1751: Samuel Dean was born in Maryland, the son of Richard and Priscilla Dean.[1] Samuel's father is not the Richard Dean who sold Sharpsburg Lot #66 to our Griffith James . That Richard Deane was a free black man married to Catherine Pearl, who released her dower rights to the property.[2]

6 Jan 1776: Samuel Dean enrolled in the first militia company organized in Frederick County [Elizabethtown District, now the Hagerstown area of Washington County] along with James, Massam, and Thomas Dean.[3] He is presumed to be our Samuel, although Massam was the son of the Richard and Catherine Pearl Dean. Despite numerous claims to the contrary, he apparently served only a brief stint.[4] There is no evidence that he ever received a land grant for military service. Louise Vandiver wrote that: "Mr. Dean had been rejected [for military service in the Revolution] upon the ground of being more needed to keep the Indians in subjection."

Along with the Leonards, Harmons, Cummins, and assorted James, Samuel and Gwendolyn moved to South Carolina not long after the Revolutionary War. According to Louise Vandiver:

"Among pioneer settlers in this section were two brothers-in-law, Samuel Dean and Harmon Cummin. They had married sisters, Misses James, and the two families came from Maryland some years after the war. Mr. Cummin had served as a soldier, but Mr. Dean had been rejected upon the ground of being more needed to keep the Indians in subjection. His home at that time was on the borders of civilization, and it was subject to terrible Indian ravages, which were so dreadful that the horror of them reconciled Mrs. Dean to leaving her mother so far away and removing to the new section of South Carolina. In her old age she used to tell her grandchildren about the long and trying trip. The family came in a cart whose wheels were sections of a big tree sawn out thicker in the center than on the edge, and a hole bored through for support. Days and nights of slow moving through pathless forests, with bitter consciousness of having left loved ones forever; not even letters passed in those days between South Carolina and Maryland. When the family first reached Pendleton District they were disappointed, but they settled on what is known as a [sic] Dean place, somewhere near Mountain Creek, and being free from Indian raids reconciled them to their new home. There they raised ten children, eight boys and two girls. Most of the family in later years went west, but one son, Moses Dean, remained . . . There is in the county a large Dean connection and they have been useful and respected citizens."[5] Eventually both of Gwendolyn's parents moved to South Carolina with their children.

1790 Census, 96 District, Pendleton County, SC: Samuel Deen was listed with 1 male over 16, 5 under; 3 females; 0 slaves.[6]

17 Jun 1794: He purchased 125 acres for £20 on Big Generostee of the Savannah River adjoining Richard Beauderet from Jacob Herring. The sale was witnessed by [brother-in-law] Thomas Linard and [father-in-law] Griffith James.[7]

1800 Census, Pendleton District, SC: 3 males under 10, 1 10-16, 3 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female 16-26, 1 26-45; 1 slave.[8]

28 Nov 1803: Along with James Kenedy, Samuel witnessed a deed from [probable brother-in-law] John James to [probable son] Thomas Dean for 50 acres on 26 Mile Creek adjoining Caleb Edmondson, Beazley, Abraham Elledge, and Jon James. Sam proved the deed in court on 30 Apr 1805.[9] James Kenedy was probably the James Canaday who was married to Hannah Cummins, daughter of Mary James Cummins.

1810 Census, Pendleton District, SC: Sam'l Dean is listed with 4 males 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female over 45.[10] Only two "doors" away is the household of [brother-in-law] Harman Cummins.

1820 Census, Pendleton District, SC: 2 males 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female over 45.[11]

22 May 1826: Samuel signed his will in Pendleton District [now Anderson] . . .

In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Dean of the State of South Carolina, being weak of body but of sound and disposing memory, blessed be God for his mercy, do this day being the twenty-second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say - First, I give to my beloved wife Gwenna Dean one third part of all my estate both real and personal during her natural life, then at her decease to return to my heirs, only she to have the disposing of one negro out of her third. Also I give to my sons Aaron Dean and Moses Dean all that plantation or tract of land containing one hundred and thirty acres more or less whereon Moses Dean now lives. Then the rest of my estate both real and personal to be equally divided amongst my heirs as follows, Thomas Dean and Miriam McGregor and Joseph Dean and Samuel Dean, Mary Hillhouse and the heirs of my son John Dean, deceased, as follows that Obediah Dean, Elizabeth, Matason, Samuel, and Rhoda and Joseph, to those six children to receive their father's legacy, and my sons Richard and Griffith and Moses, where as I sold property to Joseph Dean and now hold one note to the amount of six hundred dollars payable to the heirs of my son John, I will that said note stands as payment for the amount if calls for, and I make and ordain my sons Thomas Dean and Griffith as my full Executors of this my last will and testament, in trust for the true intent/purpose in this my last will and testament, contained to do and perform according to the true intent and meaning of the same. In witness whereof I, the said Samuel Dean, have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.

The will was not recorded in the regular will books, but was instead a "floating will". The original is located in Box 15, #173.

25 Sep 1826: As a result of son Samuel's protest, the court disallowed the will on the basis that "all the witnesses to the within will are interested". The estate was therefore not settled until 27 Mar 1843 in Anderson District.[12]

In the name of God, amen. I Gwenny Dean, widow of the State and District aforeread, being of sound and perfect mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner and form following (that is to say); first I give and bequeath unto my grandson James M. Dean an negro girl about eleven years old known by the name of Carline at my death; and secondly I do give and bequeath at my decease unto my beloved daughter Meriem McGregor, widow, one negro woman known by the name of Lew. Thirdly I do give and bequeath unto my grandson Silis McGregor one melatto boy child about eighteen months old named Anderson. Fourthly I do give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Mariah McGregor (if the above named negro woman known Luw will or when she may have another living child) then said child is to be the property of the said Mariah. Fifthly, as to all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate, goods and chattels of whatsoever kind and nature, I give to my above named daughter Meriem McGregor to be hers without any trouble or molestation whatsoever at my decease, but if Meriem McGregor should die before my decease, then all the above property willed to said Meriem is to return to myself for my own use. Sixthly, I will at my decease that my Executor shall sell so much of my goods or chattels as he may think will pay the several Legatees there dividends. Seventhly, I will that after my decease that my Executor pay to my children who are here below named (that is) Thomas Dene, Joseph Dane, Richard Dane, Aaron Dane, Samuel Dene, Grephett Dane, Moses Dane, and to the heirs of John Dean, deceased, and to the heirs of Polley Hillhouse, to each of them the sum of five shilling sterling, and lastly I do hereby appoint and ordain my son Thomas Dane and James Bourrough Senior to be my Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth dau of December in the year of our lord - - 1834.

Samuel and "Gwenny" are buried in the family graveyard just north of Starr, SC. [14]

Thomas Dean (13 Sep 1774 - 27 Jul 1854; m. 1st Mary Welleford 1810, m. 2nd Elizabeth Seawright 1821)

Griffith Dean (1794 – 22 Dec 1858; m. 1st Annice Bishop, m. 2nd Mary Harris)

Moses Dean (6 Sep 1798 – 12 Mar 1878; m. Narcissa Lewis 12 or 13 Sep 1822)

Those wishing more detail on the Dean family should contact Beverly Dean Peoples, co-author of Country Cousins - Descendants of Samuel Dean - 2nd edition at beverlypeoples1@gmail.com.

11 Aug 1787: A plat in the name of John James was recorded in 96 District, South Carolina.[15]

1800 Census, Pendleton District, SC: 1 male 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45; 1 female over 45; 0 slaves.[16] There is also a John James in Pendleton with 3 males under 10, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female over 45, 0 slaves.[17]

1 May 1805: John sold 50 acres on a branch of Twenty-six Mile Creek to Thomas Dean. Witnesses: James Kennedy and Samuel Dean.[18]

1810 Census, Pendleton District, SC: A John James was enumerated with 1 male 16-26, 1 over 45; 2 females under 10, 1 10-16, 1 26-45.

3 Mar 1813: He sold 154 acres to Thomas Dean.[19] John retained possession of the land, however, until his death.

12 Mar 1819: John gave oath in Pendleton District regarding the Revolutionary War service of Harmon Cummins. In it, he stated that "he and Harmon Commins were raised together in Frederick County, Maryland, in that part now called Washington County".[20]

Jan 1842: John died in the home of William Hembree, husband of John's illegitimate daughter. The household was on land that John had sold to Thomas Dean, Thomas Dean then selling to Samuel James; yet John had remained in possession. Sister Mary James Cummins claimed ownership through inheritance from her deceased brother Samuel, the last legal owner of the land. She and husband Harmon made a deed of gift for the property to their daughter Malinda Cummins Junkins, who sued Hembree for possession, apparently unsuccessfully.[20a]

23 Mar 1756: Harmon Cummins, the son of Francis S. Cummins and Sarah Thompson, was born in Sharpsburg, Frederick County, MD.

Harmon served in the Revolutionary War as Private, VA Continental Line. He was present at the Battles of White Plains, Trenton, and Princeton. Taken prisoner at Germantown, he was held by the British for about six months before being exchanged for a Hessian prisoner of war. His pension began 26 Nov 1819, [brother-in-law] John James having given oath on his behalf on 12 Mar 1819. The pension was discontinued on 1 May 1820, only to be restored on 5 Nov 1833.

7 Sep 1779: Harmon and Mary were married in Washington County, MD.[21] According to Stephen Aphat, the year was 1778, who adds that the ceremony was performed by Rev. George Mitchell.

According to Louise Vandiver: "Among pioneer settlers in this section were two brothers-in-law, Samuel Dean and Harmon Cummin. They had married sisters, Misses James, and the two families came from Maryland some years after the war. Mr. Cummin had served as a soldier . . ."[22]

"Samuel and Harmon Cummings, his brother-in-law, built two houses near Mountain Creek Baptist Church, Anderson County, then drew straws to see which got which house".[23]

1790 Census, 96^th District, Pendleton County, SC: Hermin Cummins listed with 1 male under 16, 1 over; 4 females; 0 slaves.[24]

17 Jun 1794: Harmon purchased 125 acres on Big Generostee in Pendleton District from Hacob Herring.[25]

26 Jan 1797: He purchased 640 acres on Mountain Creek of Great Generostee in Pendleton District from James Martin of York County, SC. The land, upon which Harmon lived, adjoined [brother-in-law] Thomas Leonard and Walker. Witnesses: John Hillhouse and Thomas Morrow.[26]

1800 Census, Pendleton District, SC: 2 males under 10, 1 over 45; 2 females under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45. The family was enumerated next to Thomas Cummins, close to Samuel Dean.[28]

1 Jan 1801: He sold 160 acres on branch of Willson's Creek, part of 640 acres, to Robert Willson.[29]

1810 Census, Pendleton District, SC: Harmon Cummins was enumerated with 2 males under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 26-45; 2 females 16-26, 1 over 45. The family was listed very close to that of Samuel Dean.

February 1817: "There was a grievance between S[ister] Cummins and her mother and the old woman being not able to attend the meeting, therefore the church thought it expedient to appoint a committee to go to Mr. Samuel Dean's, where the old lady lives, and settle it on behalf of the church . . ." Sister Cummins was also requested to attend the meeting. Either there, or perhaps when requested to attend, Sister Cummins denied the authority of the church and was thus considered to be "in sin" by the above named committee. In August, however, the church "received the settlement that the committee made between Cummins and Sister Jeames".[30]

1820 Census, Pendleton District, SC: Harmon Commings was listed with 1 male under 10, 1 16-18, 2 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female 16-26, 1 25-45, 1 over 45.

1840 Census, Anderson District, SC: Harmon Cummin listed with 1 male 80-90; 1 female 40-50, 1 female 70-80. He was also listed in this census under "Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Service" with age of 84.

16 May 1843: Harmon signed his will with his mark, naming Aaron Hall and Andrew W. Norris as Executors. Witnesses: John Moore, James and George Stevenson.

27 Apr 1846: Harmon and Mary made a deed of gift to daughter Malinda Junkins of land on Twenty-Six Mile Creek. This parcel had belonged to brother Samuel James upon his death, but was in the possession of brother John James. After both brothers died, Mary and Harmon considered the parcel to be theirs by rightful inheritance. Malinda had to petition for title and possession, however, because William Hembree, husband of the illegitimate daughter of John James, claimed ownership as well as possession. Hembree won.[30a]

29 Mar 1847: Mary James Cummins died in Anderson County, SC.[31] She is presumably buried in the Old Cemetery at Mountain Creek Baptist Church. The cemetery lies behind the church on Highway 29.

9 Feb 1851: Harmon died and is believed to have been buried in the Old Cemetery at Mountain Creek Baptist Church, but his grave is now lost. His will was proved on 3 Mar 1851 and the estate was appraised on 16 Apr 1851.[32]

Thomas Cummins (17 Jan 1781 – ; m. 1st Sarah Crown, m. 2nd Ester Armstrong)

Hannah Cummins (5 Jan 1790 – ; m. 1st James Canady, m. 2nd John L. Davidson)

If you have material about or photos of any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com. However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone.

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Any information is only as reliable as its source. Evaluate the following sources accordingly.

[1] Desoto County Genealogical Society, Desoto Descendents, v. 9, n. 3, p. 91, Aug 1991

[2] Beverly Peoples; Anderson, Frederick County, Maryland Land Records, Liber J Abstracts 1763 -1767, p. 49-50

[3] Vandiver, Traditions and History of Anderson County, p. 71, transcribed by Louise Rourke; Peden, Revolutionary Patriots of Washington County, Maryland, p. 93

[4] Beverly Peoples

[5] Vandiver, p. 71-72, transcribed by Bill Lindsey

[6] Heads of Families, First Census of the U.S. 1790: South Carolina, p. 82

[7] Willie, Pendleton District, South Carolina Deeds 1770-1806, p. 153, from original p. 360; Beverly Peoples

[8] Stewart, 1800 Census of Pendleton District, South Carolina, p. 103

[9] Willie, p. 378, from original p. 251

[10] Pendleton District 1810 Census

[11] Pendleton District 1820 Census, p.167

[12] Louise Rourke

[13] Will Book B, p. 6

[14] Beverly Peoples

[15] Beverly Peoples

[16] Stewart, p. 120

[17] Stewart, p. 11

[18] Louise Rourke, from Book H, p. 251

[19] Louise Rourke, from Book M, p. 74

[20] Stephen Aphat, copy of abstract provided by Bill Lindsey

[20a] Transcription by Beverly Peoples of Anderson District Equity Court documents

[21] Louise Rourke, from James News, v. 4, n. 1, Nov 1990; Heidi Lahey.

[22] Vandiver, Traditions and History of Anderson County, p. 71, transcribed by Louise Rourke

[23] Peoples, Country Cousins, p. 5

[24] Heads of Families, First Census of the U.S. 1790: South Carolina, p. 82

[25] Stephen Aphat, copy of abstract provided by Bill Lindsey

[26] Stephen Aphat, copy of abstract provided by Bill Lindsey

[27] Stephen Aphat, copy of abstract provided by Bill Lindsey

[28] Stewart, p. 103

[29] Stephen Aphat, copy of abstract provided by Bill Lindsey

[30] Mountain Creek Baptist Church Minutes, transcription provided by Beverly Peoples

[30a] Transcription by Beverly Peoples of Anderson District Equity Court documents

[31] Louise Rourke

[32] Copy of unknown source, p. 112, provided by Louise Rourke, from original p. 314

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