James Mason Rawlins

http://www.rawlins.org/origins/jamesrawlinsquest.html

http://rawlins.org/quest.html

GEDCOM Note

Multiple DNA proofs

James Mason Rawlins, who was of pure English descent, came with two brothers Charles and Roderick, from England to America some years prior to the Revolutionary War. James Mason Rawlings lived at the beginning of the War in Massachusetts, near Bunker Hill, with his family. They moved to North Carolina while the War was in progress. The wife of James Mason Rawlings was Miss Priscilla Blount. They had five children, viz: Charles, James, Roderick, Elizabeth and Nancy. He was an adherent of the King of England, and fought on that side, while his brothers espoused the cause of the colonies. He was captured and imprisoned at Raleigh. During this time his two brothers Charles and Roderick, dropped the "g" from their names, spelling it afterwards "RAWLINS". Subsequently the descendants of James Mason also discarded the same letter. Martin County, North Carolina, 19 September 1774; James witnessed to Deed by William Wallace, Martin County, North Carolina. (William Wallace later testifies against James Rawlins and Lewelling in conspiracy trial), William Lewelling also a witness. Martin County, North Carolina, James and Priscilla witness to Deed. 1777 James Rawlins referred to as Rev. and mention made of his preaching. He was a Tory and supporter of the Church of England. 28 March 1777, Rawlins entered into Conspiracy with John and William Lewelling while attending a muster at Plymouth, Martin County, North Carolina. Rawlins wrote their Constitution. Between 28 March 1777 and 6 August 1777 Rawlins and John Lewelling set out from Martin County, North Carolina to see General Howe. Rawlins testified he "expected to see his father and friends" but they only got to Scotland Neck in Halifax County, North Carolina before turning back.

August 6, 1777, Rawlins and family captured trying to escape by sailboat in Pamlico Sound, Lake Mattamuskeet, Hyde County, North Carolina, on coast of North Carolina (open to sea at that time, it is now a self-contained lake).

September 11, 1777, Abstracts for North Carolina Gazette of New Bern, North Carolina 1751-59 and 1768-90 p. 41/42 (by Fouts) states:

Advertisements. State of North Carolina, Craven County. SS. To all Sheriffs, Constables, and others, liege subjects of the said state. Greeting. Whereas complaint hath been made to me, one of the Justices of Peace for said state, by John Bryan, Esq.; High Sheriff of the same, that last night the public gaol (jail, compiler's note) of the said county was broke open, and the following persons made their escape from thence viz. James Rawlins for High Treason. He is a noted villain, and one of the principals in the late conspiracy against the state, has lived for two years past in Martin County and is very famous in the art of legerdemain; about 40 years of age, of a very black complexion, and had a cut on one of his cheeks . . . Whoever apprehends and secures the above persons . . . shall have 10 Pounds reward for Rawlins . . .

Between 11 September 1777 and 22 November 1777, Rawlins signed up to sail from New Bern with Captain William Pile but did not report. Pile testified 22 November 1777 that a Colonel White from Georgia had promised Rawlins a better situation and the last Pile had heard Rawlins was "on the way to South Carolina in the company of Colonel White's wagons."

James Mason Rollins, and Priscilla Blount: Marriage: 1759, England.

GEDCOM Source

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