James "John" Crawford

Parentage not verified or known at this time.

From genealogist Marty Grant http://www.martygrant.com/genealogy/crawford/crawford-james-marion.htm

James Crawford was born ca 1718 or before. I have no real clue as to when he was born, but assuming he was a young man when he married in 1739, then he may have been born ca 1718 or so. This is assuming he was about 21 at the time of his marriage. This is a huge assumption though, as he could have been much older or even a little younger.

I have found no record of James' parents. Over the years, I've seen several charts giving his father's name as "John", but never with any documentation. I'm quite sure this is from a misreading of what Sellers wrote. W. W. Sellers wrote about the Crawfords, and he made references to James Crawford, but he was actually referring to the son of this James, (James Crawford-1749), and he incorrectly attributed that James (1749) as being the son of a "John Crawford", though in all fairness, Sellers was just repeating an earlier source (Bishop Gregg). Since Prince Frederick Parish records prove that James-1749 was a son of this James, that has lead several researchers over the years to list this James as "James John Crawford" or "John James Crawford", which is totally incorrect. So for the record, here is what Sellers wrote:

"Bishop Gregg, p. 71, says: "Of the settlers at Sandy Bluff, the Murfees, Sanders, Gibsons and Crawfords accumulated the largest properties, and became most prominent. John Crawford, the first of that name, had three sons---James, John and Hardy. James, the eldest of them, amassed a large fortune for that day, and maintained through life a high character for integrity. He was a Captain in the Revolution, and a valiant soldier in the cause of liberty." In a note, the Bishop says: "He was the grand-father of the late Chapman J. Crawford, of Marion." Thus we have the origin of the once extensive family of Crawfords, so far as Marion County is concerned--to whom they married and what children they had, we are pretty much in the dark". ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, page 142, by W. W. Sellers, Esq)

"Bishop Gregg" referred to by Sellers above, was actually the Reverend Alexander Gregg, who wrote "History of the Old Cheraws ..." published in 1867.

The "John Crawford" mentioned by Sellers and Gregg was obviously a reference to the James Crawford (d 1753) under study here. It is no wonder they got the name wrong, as he died over 100 years before Gregg wrote his book, and it is doubtful that anyone was alive then who would have remembered old James. Also, it is true that James-1749 had a brother John, and a brother Hardy Crawford.

There were other Crawford's in the area at the same time, including a Thomas Crawford, who could be a brother of James (Sr), but that is just a guess.

So, based on what I've found so far, James Crawford's parentage remains unknown. I also don't know where he was born. It is possible that he was born in Virginia and immigrated to SC before 1739, or perhaps he came down from Pennsylvania as part of the Welsh Colony. I have no evidence supporting or refuting either possibility. Gregg suggests England or Ireland.

Presumably he lived at Sandy Bluff (as mentioned by Gregg and Sellers), which was in present Marion County, on the east side of the Great Pee Dee River. Here is what Sellers (and Gregg) said about that area:

"Bishop Gregg, page 70 says:: "The other settlement referred to was made at a point on the east bank of the river called Sandy Bluff, two and a half miles above Mar's Bluff. A few traces of it are yet to be seen at several points immediately on the high bank of the river. The families of Crawford, Saunders, Murfee, Crosby, Keighly, Berry, and shortly after the Gibsons, made up this community. Sandy Bluff extended up the river about three miles. ... They were from England and Ireland, and having landed at Charleston, found their way to Georgetown, and thence up the river, attracted by the bounties which the government had offered. ..." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, page 138, by W. W. Sellers, Esq)

James Crawford married Kesiah Saunders on 15 Sep 1739 in Prince Frederick Parish (Craven County), South Carolina. Prince Frederick Parish (and Craven County) covered a large area, including much of present Marion County. Their marriage is recorded in the Parish Register. (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

I don't know when or where Kesiah Saunders was born, nor do I know who her parents were. Her family seemed to have a similar origin as did the Crawfords (as mentioned above), coming to Sandy Bluff from England or Ireland. There was a George Saunders in the area at the same time, and he could easily be a brother of Kesiah's. Sellers (quoting Gregg) made this entry concerning the Saunders family:

"One John Saunders took up large grants of land between Catfish and Great Pee Dee. "They Came from England. John Saunders had two sons, George and Thomas. George was the father of Nathaniel Saunders, who became a man of some note, and was the father of the late Moses Saunders and Jordan Saunders in Darlington" (Gregg, p 73). ...". ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, page 158, by W. W. Sellers, Esq)

Some of the above is confirmed in the Prince Frederick Parish Records which show George and Hannah Saunders as having Nathaniel Saunders born in 1740. Since George is probably about the same age as Kesiah, I have tentatively assigned them as siblings. So if Gregg was correct that George's father was John Saunders, then that would mean that Kesiah is a child of John Saunders as well. Much more research is needed in order to confirm this theory.

The baptisms of several children for James Crawford and Kesiah (spelled various ways) were recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish Register, including children born in 1742, 1745, 1746/47, 1748/49 and 1752. One child's baptism was recorded in St.Phillip's Parish after the death of James.

James Crawford died on 28 May 1753, as recorded in the Parish Register. (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

I have not found any additional records on Kesiah Saunders Crawford. She may have died shortly afterwards, or perhaps remarried. I did not see a death record for her in the Prince Frederick Parish Records. At some point Kesiah and her children might have moved into neighboring Prince George Parish, which records are lost for that timeframe.

There is some evidence that they may have moved down to the Charleston area for Hardy Crawford was baptized in St. Phillips Parish in 1759. This shows that Hardy was there anyway. More research in that area may prove useful.

Children of James and Kesiah (Saunders) Crawford. James and Kesiah had six children as proven by Parish records. Five were proven by the Prince Frederick Parish records, and on by St. Phillips Parish records.

Charity Crawford (1742)

Mercy Crawford (1745)

John Crawford (1746/47)

James Crawford (1748/49)

Hepsabeth Crawford (1752)

Hardy Crawford (c1753)

Charity Crawford was born 4 Jun 1742 in Prince Frederick Parish, Craven Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC). Her birth was recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish Register, as "Charity, daughter of James Crawford and Casia his wife". Her baptism was recorded on 15 Apr 1743. (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

Her birth and baptism are the only records I have for Charity. I don't know who she married, nor when she died. Some researchers have apparently confused her with her niece, and have her married to Abijah Porter, but that was a different Charity Crawford, daughter of James Crawford-1749 (see below).

Mercy Crawford was born 27 Mar 1745 in Prince Frederick Parish, Craven Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC). Her birth was recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish Register, as "Mercy, daughter of James Crawford and Cassia his wife". (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

Her birth is the only record I have for Mercy. I don't know who she married, nor when she died.

John Crawford was born 16 Feb 1746/47 in Prince Frederick Parish, Craven Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC). His birth was recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish Register, as "John, son of James Crawford and Cassiah his wife". (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

His birth is the only record I have for John. Over the years, I have seen charts supposedly pertaining to this John Crawford, but they have all been contradictory, and undocumented. They typically show that his wife was named "Elizabeth Alston" and that may be correct, but I've seen no evidence to support it. So for now, I have nothing on him, other than his birth.

He was not listed on the 1790 census in the Marion County region, so he may have died by then, or moved away from the area.

Winkie Robinson discovered a record showing that a John Crawford had died by 4 Sep 1771 for on that date James Crawford, next of kin, was granted administration for his estate. This may be John Crawford (1747) and his brother James (1749). The only trouble is that this was in St. David's Parish. However since that was "next door" to Prince Frederick's Parish this could easily be the same Crawfords. One interpretation of the Parish lines show that St. David's covered part of present day Marion County at that time. There is much dispute about this, but it could explain the presence of our Crawfords in St. David's parish.

If we assume that the John who died ca 1771 is our John, then he would have only been in his mid 20's at that time.

Since John died relatively young (in his 20's if he is the one who died 1771) then he probably didn't leave a large number of children.

More research is needed for John Crawford. I believe he is the father of James Crawford who married Mary Tart, but have no absolute proof. Sellers did refer to that James' children as being from a "John Crawford."

Another possible son is Levi Crawford who died 1806. I've seen no direct evidence that he is John's son, but I just don't know where else to put him.

James Crawford was born 1 Jan 1748/49 in Prince Frederick Parish, Craven Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC). His birth was recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish Register, as "James, son of James Crawford and Cassiah his wife". (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

James married twice, though neither wife's name is known. He died 1817 in Marion Dist, SC. See his own page for additional information.

Hepsabeth Crawford was born 1 Apr 1752 in Prince Frederick Parish, Craven Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC). Her birth was recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish Register, as "Hepsabeth, daughter of James Crawford and Kessiah his wife". (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")

We believe that Hepsabeth Crawford married Osborne Lane before ca 1770 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC). They lived in the Buck Swamp area (Marion - Dillon border area), and Hepsabeth died there ca 1820/30.

No one has found any direct evidence that Hepsabeth Crawford was the wife of Osborne Lane. Her name does not appear on any records as far as I could find. Mr. Sellers did state that Osborne Lane married a daughter of James Crawford, but he was referring to the younger James (1749-1817) who was actually Hepsabeth's brother. However, this reference does seem to explain several things like the use of the middle name "Crawford" amongst several of the Lane descendants. There were several girls named "Hapsy" Lane, presumably in honor of Hepsabeth. Not solid proof, but about the only proof we will ever find, unfortunately.

Osborne and Hepsabeth are my ancestors.

See their own page for additional information.

Hardy Crawford was born ca 1753 or early in 1754. His birth was not recorded in the Prince Frederick Parish records, but he was baptized on 2 Apr 1759 in St. Phillips Parish (Charleston area). That record proves he is James & Kesiah's child.

Hardy married Rhoda Gibson. He died 22 Aug 1807. See his own page for additional information.

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James Crawford (d 1753) and Kesiah Saunders of Marion County, South Carolina

James Crawford married Kesiah Saunders on 15 Sep 1739 in Prince Frederick Parish (Craven County), South Carolina. Prince Frederick Parish (and Craven County) covered a large area, including much of present Marion County. Their marriage is recorded in the Parish Register. (Recorded in "The Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw")