Lt. Nathaniel Erwin, Sr.

https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LRHY-NMM/nathaniel-erwin-1713...

When Nathaniel Erwin was born in 1713, in Ulster, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, his father, Mathew James Irvine, was 35 and his mother, Elizabeth Margaret Patterson, was 33. He married Mary Faulk in 1732, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 2 sons and 2 daughters. He died on 18 February 1794, in York, York, South Carolina, United States, at the age of 81, and was buried in Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery, York, York, South Carolina, United States.

Spouse

Nathaniel Erwin
Male1713–1794 • Male

• Leah Julian Female1733–1794 • Female

Children (8)

• Col. Alexander Erwin Male1750–1830 • Male
• Mary Erwin Female1770–1811 • Female
• Abigail Erwin Female1770–1823 • Female
• Nathaniel Erwin Jr. Male1776–1845 • Male
• Susannah Erwin Female1780–1823 • Female
• William Irwin Male1780–Deceased • Male
• James Erwin Male1782–1843 • Male
• Sophia Suffia Erwin Female1785–1812 • Female

Spouse

Nathaniel Erwin
Male1713–1794 • Male

• Mary Faulk Female1713–1747 • Female

Marriage
1732County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Children (4)

Sophia Erwin Female1733–1765 • Female
William Irwin Male1735–1814 • Male
Susannah Erwin Female1736–Deceased • Female
Arthur Erwin Male1738–1821 • Male

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Erwin-764

Nathaniel Erwin Sr.

• Born 1713 in Glencoe, Antrim, Ulster Province, Ireland
• Son of Matthew Irvine Sr. and Elizabeth (Patterson) Erwin
• Brother of Jane Erwin [half], Isabella (Irwin) Patterson, Gennet (Erwin) Johnson [half], Agnes Erwin [half], John Armstrong Erwin, Ann (Erwin) Anderson [half], Ellinor (Erwin) Patterson [half], Mary (Erwin) Francis [half] and Elizabeth (Erwin) Braden [half]
• Husband of Leah (Julian) Crow — married [date unknown] [location unknown]
• Father of Arthur Erwin, Alexander Erwin, Mary (Erwin) Roach, Abigail Erwin and Alexander Samuel Erwin
• Died 18 Feb 1794 at about age 81 in Lowry, York County, South Carolina

Nathaniel Irwin was married twice: 1) Mary Faulk, and 2) Leah Julian

http://erwinbagpiper.com/nathaniel_irwinerwin.htm

Nathaniel Irwin/Erwin was born in Glencoe, County Ulster, Northern Ireland. He first married Mary Faulk about 1732 in Glencoe. She was born in Glencoe as well, probably in 1712. Nathaniel and Mary had six children.

1. William Erwin, b. 1734 in Ulster, m. Sallie Ross

2. Susannah Erwin, b. abt. 1736 in Ulster, m. John Graham

3. Arthur Erwin, b. 1738 in Ulster, m. Margaret Brandon

4. Mary Erwin, b. abt. 1740 in Ulster, m. Abraham Roach

5. Sophia Erwin, b. 1748, in Ulster, m. John Darnall

6. Alexander Erwin, Dec. 29, 1750 in Bucks Co., PA, m. Sarah Ann Robinson

Nathaniel married (2) Leah Julian about 1770 in Cecil County, Maryland. She was born in 1743 in Cecil County, the daughter of George Julian and Martha Denton. (see More Erwin Roots this issue). The children of Nathaniel and Leah were:

1. Abigail Erwin, b. abt. 1772 in Bucks Co., PA, m. Thomas Polk

2. James Erwin, b. September 9, 1774 in Burke Co., NC, m. Jane Kennedy

3. Nathaniel Alexander Erwin, b. 1776 in Rowan Co., NC, m. Mary Elizabeth “Pretty Polly” Erwin (a cousin)

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Dec 29 2016, 6:35:34 UTC

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• Residence: Pennsylvania, United States
• Residence: Bucks, Pennsylvania, United States - 1790
• Residence: Warminster, Bucks, Pennsylvania, United States - 1793
  • Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Jan 4 2017, 22:48:01 UTC

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Nathaniel Irwin/Erwin was born in Glencoe, County Ulster, Northern Ireland. He first married Mary Faulk about 1732 in Glencoe. She was born in Glencoe as well, probably in 1712. Nathaniel and Mary had six children.

1. William Erwin, b. 1734 in Ulster, m. Sallie Ross

2. Susannah Erwin, b. abt. 1736 in Ulster, m. John Graham

3. Arthur Erwin, b. 1738 in Ulster, m. Margaret Brandon

4. Mary Erwin, b. abt. 1740 in Ulster, m. Abraham Roach

5. Sophia Erwin, b. 1748, in Ulster, m. John Darnall

6. Alexander Erwin, Dec. 29, 1750 in Bucks Co., PA, m. Sarah Ann Robinson

Nathaniel married (2) Leah Julian about 1770 in Cecil County, Maryland. She was born in 1743 in Cecil County, the daughter of George Julian and Martha Denton. (see More Erwin Roots this issue). The children of Nathaniel and Leah were:

1. Abigail Erwin, b. abt. 1772 in Bucks Co., PA, m. Thomas Polk

2. James Erwin, b. September 9, 1774 in Burke Co., NC, m. Jane Kennedy

3. Nathaniel Alexander Erwin, b. 1776 in Rowan Co., NC, m. Mary Elizabeth “Pretty Polly” Erwin (a cousin)

Some studies of Nathaniel Irwin’s history estimate that he and his family, as well as his parents and several siblings, left Ireland about 1740 and settled in Pennsylvania, probably Bucks County. Most birth records, however, have Sophia being born in 1748 in Ulster, and Alexander, the last child of Nathaniel and Mary Faulk, being born June 6, 1750 in Bucks County. A letter to Francis Erwin Evans (Erwins and Related Families, 1984), dated August 13, 1968, from Mrs. Alexander E. Nisbet of San Angelo, Texas reads: “Col. Arthur Erwin who was born in Scotland in 1726 came to Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1788...other brothers already here were John, Hugh, Nathaniel, Alexander and William, having arrived in 1750.”

Francis Erwin Evans states in her book, page 107: Inherited papers in the writer’s family state: In 1750 the following Erwin brothers came to America: William, Hugh (d.1752), Nathaniel, (b. 1713, d. 1794, m. Leah Julian in Ireland), John, Alexander, Arthur (b. 1726, d. 1791).

Nathaniel Irwin and his family may have been living in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina in 1767, or he may have gone there just to take care of the affairs of his late father. Letters of administration in the courthouse there show that on “21 Octr 1767” a letter of administration was granted to “Nathaniel Irwyn” on the estate of “Mathew Irwyn.”

Articles about the Catawba Indian problems in the Piedmont area of the Carolinas places Nathaniel in the “Catawba Nation” as late as 1775. This is the area that now encompasses the counties of York, Chester, and Lancaster in South Carolina. The Governor of South Carolina commissioned Nathaniel as one of five agents to represent the Catawba Indian tribe in their dealings with the state government. Thomas Spratt and Nathaniel Irwin, and their families, lived among the Indians, and were given grants of Indian land about the time of the American Revolution.

The Treaty of Augusta of 1773 had ruled, however, that all white settlers within the boundary of the Catawba Nation must leave, and that all claims of land ownership were null and void. It seems likely that this is what prompted Nathaniel to move north into North Carolina. As noted previously, Nathaniel Alexander, his youngest son, was born in Rowan County 1776.

Certain known facts, such as the birth places of his children after arriving in North America, seem to indicate that Nathaniel moved about quite a lot. On the other hand, the confusion over state and county boundary lines, and the establishment of new counties, may have something to do with it. Frances Erwin Evans, on page 113 of her book, speculates:

Another premise as to the placement of Nathaniel at an early date is: In the middle of the 1700s a part of what was considered North Carolina territory is now known as that portion of South Carolina which includes the counties of Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee , York and Chester. A good part of that same area was known as Tryon County up to about 1775 or 1780. There were many changes in the boundaries of counties in that area through the 1700s and into the 1800s.

Nathaniel Irwin probably lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania from about 1750 (where his sixth child was born) through at least 1772 (when his seventh child was born). James, his eighth child, was born in Burke County, North Carolina, and Nathaniel, his youngest, was born in 1776 in Rowan, or possibly Mecklenburg, North Carolina. Nathaniel can be placed in Rowan, Anson, Mecklenburg, and Iredell Counties as the boundaries went through a series of changes.

A number of family histories have been written over the years, and the facts and dates often conflict. Lucinda Joan Rogers, an Irvine descendant, wrote The Irvines and Their Kin

in 1907, and in 1918 General John Hugh McDowell published The History of the McDowells, Erwins, Irwins, and Connections. Chapter III of McDowell’s book, which covered Nathaniel Irwin and his descendants, was actually written by descendant Lawrence S. Holt, Jr., and it included a condensed transcript of Nathaniel’s quite lengthy will. The family facts and connections listed by Mr. Holt are not totally accurate, but was, nevertheless, an impressive study for the time… and before computers.

Most accounts indicate that Nathaniel was a farmer in his early days in Pennsylvania, and a “plantation owner” later in the Carolinas, specifically mentioning a plantation known as “Cherry Fields” in the Iradell/Rowan County area. Cherry Fields could have even been in Burke County, close to son Arthur’s extensive holdings known as Belvedere. His son Alexander’s plantation, called Bellevue, was close by as well, and both were near Morganton in Burke County.

Nathaniel was also a Presbyterian minister. In McCall-Tidwell and Allied Families, a book written by Ettie Tidwell McCall, in 1931, the author wrote, “He was a Presbyterian preacher and a maker of spinning wheels.” It is probable that his service to the church was not a full time job, for in the early days the clergy often had to supplement the support offered by their congregation. The comment about spinning wheels is curious, and indicates that he may have had other talents and interests as well.

In his twilight years Nathaniel, and wife Leah Julian Erwin, lived in York County, South Carolina, probably near the town of McConnells. It is generally believed that Nathaniel was one of the founders of the Bethesda Presbyterian Church there. It is also thought that he may have been the congregation’s first minister. The church, built of stone, is still active, and it is reported that one can still make out the slave sitting area in the back of the balcony. The large cemetery adjacent to the church contains a marker in memory of Nathaniel Irwin, and tells his story in part:

In Memory of

Nathaniel Erwin

Born in Ulster, Ireland 1713

Married Leah Julian In 1733

Migrated to America In 1740

Settled in Bucks Co., Pa. For Awhile

Moved to Mecklenburg Co., N.C. About 1768

Engaged in Active Military Service

From 1775 to 1785

Later moved to York Co., S.C.

Died Feb. 18, 1794

Buried In This Vicinity

Some points are inaccurate or questionable: Leah Julian was not born until 1743, and she married Nathaniel about 1770. In 1775 Nathaniel would have been sixty-three years old; an advanced age for the 1700s, making it questionable whether he was an active field soldier.

Nathaniel is buried near the site of the original pioneer church, about a mile away from the current stone church.

Nathaniel Irwin’s extensive original will is in the York County Courthouse, York, South Carolina. All of his children, except Arthur of Morganton, North Carolina, were mentioned in the will. It is thought that Arthur was not named because Nathaniel had advanced money to Arthur so that he could build a house for his oldest son, William Willoughby Erwin, on Arthur’s plantation. He his wife is mentioned: “My beloved wife Leah Irwin to enjoy the mansion house during her life or widowhood,” as well as her brother: “I likewise constitute and appoint my beloved wife Leah Irwin and my brother in law Jacob Julian my sole executrix and executor of this my last will and testament.”

The comment “brother in law,” of course, applies to Jacob Julian as brother of Leah, but some believe that Julian, in fact, was married to an Erwin as well. The will was witnessed by William Kerr, William Elliot, John F. Garrison, Mark Garrison and Isaac Garrison. Could these three Garrisons be related to the Garrisons of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas? Perhaps Sylvia Kelly Smith of Franklinton, Louisiana can answer that.

Leah Julian Irwin apparently died shortly afterward as well, for in February 1796 the local court ordered that that Nathaniel Irwin, Sophia Erwin and James Irwin, children of Nathaniel Irwin deceased, be taken into the custody Jacob Julian until they became of legal age to choose guardians for themselves.

Nathaniel Erwin's Will: Recorded in Probate Judge's Office, York Co. Courthouse, SC in cases No. 65 and 483, Book A, No. 50, pages 91-93.

In the name of God, Amen. December the thirteenth Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety three. I, Nathaniel Erwin of the County of York, and state of SC, being weak in body but sensible and of perfect mind and memory, thanks to God, calling to mind mortality, I recommend my Soul to God, and my body to the Earth, and as touching my worldly estate, I give, devise and bequeath in the following manner, that is to say,

I give to my beloved Son in law and daughter Abraham and Mary (Erwin) Roach -- thirty pounds Virginia money, three cows, our sheep, to be levied out of my estate.

Likewise, I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Abigail Erwin one hundred pounds North currency to be levied out of my personal estate.

I give and bequeath to my beloved son William Erwin one fourth of my real estate, that is my lands, messauges, and tenements according to quantity and quality of the same.

I likewise give and devise to my beloved son Alexander Erwin one forth part of my real estate, that is my lands, messauges and tenements.

I likewise give and bequeath to my beloved son Nathaniel Erwin one forth part of my real estate, my lands, messauges and tenements according to quantity and quality.

I likewise give and bequeath to my beloved son James Erwin one forth part of my real estate, to be divided according to quantity and quality.

I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Susannah Erwin fifty pounds Prock to be levied out of my estate.

I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Sophia Erwin fifty pounds Prock to be levied out of my estate.

My beloved wife Leah (Julian) Erwin to enjoy the mansion house during her life or widowhood.

I likewise constitute and appoint my beloved wife Leah [Julian] Erwin and my brother-in-law, Jacob Julian, my sole executrix and executor of this my last will and testament, and no venue be made, the rest of my estate not mentioned, to be ordered according to their will, and as they think best, to be conducted with their schooling and clothing of the children -- and revoke all other will and wills, legacies and bequests, and acknowledge this as my last will and testament the day and year above, witness my hand and seal --

Signed, Sealed, published and pronounced by said Nathaniel Erwin as his last will and testament in presence of us William Kerr William Elliott John F. Garrison Mark Garrison Isaac Garrison

Source: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=treeclimb...

Marriage 1 Mary Faulk b: Abt 1712 in Ulster, North Ireland

   Married: Abt 1732 in Glencoe, Ulster, North Ireland

   Change Date: 23 Feb 2006

Children

   Has Children William Erwin b: 1734 in Ulster, North Ireland

   Has Children Susannah Erwin b: Abt 1736 in Prob. Ulster, North Ireland

   Has Children Arthur Erwin b: 1738 in Ulster, North Ireland

   Has Children Mary Erwin b: 1740 in Ulster, North Ireland Or Bucks Cty, PA

Marriage 2 Leah Julian b: 1733 in Cecil Cty, MD

   Married: Abt 1748 in Cecil Cty, MD

   Change Date: 23 Feb 2006

Children

   Has No Children Sophia (Suffia) Erwin b: 1748 in Pennsylvania

   Has Children Alexander Erwin b: 29 Dec 1750 in Bucks C0, PA

   Has No Children Abigail Erwin b: 1772 in Pennsylvania

   Has Children Nathaniel Alexander Erwin b: 1776 in North Carolina

   Has No Children James Erwin b: 1787

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Jan 9 2017, 8:28:24 UTC

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• Residence: 1774 - Burke, North Carolina, United States
  • Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Sep 23 2019, 10:12:15 UTC
• Residence: York, South Carolina, United States
  • Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Sep 23 2019, 10:28:57 UTC

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• Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Aug 12 2020, 15:20:18 UTC

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• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Dec 16 2021, 18:13:10 UTC

Son of Matthew Erwin

Alas! There are errors in this inscription. We would be the first to say that the "new" 1940's or 1950's) marker was erected by well-intentioned descendants, but serious historical research shows that some of what was carved in granite is simply not correct. We suggest the following emendations:
1. The Irwins migrated to American about 1740.
2. Nathaniel Irwin was born in Ireland in the year of 1713.
3. Moved to Mecklenburg County, N.C. about 1756.
4. Married his first wife, Mary Faulk about 1733, in Ireland. She died in 1746 in the American Colonies.
5. Married his second wife Leah Julian around 1746 - 1750
6. Leah Julian was born in 1733 in Cecil County, Maryland, the child of George and Martha.
7. She died in 1794 in York, South Carolina, at the age of 61.
8. Lived in northern York County, S.C., near Sugar Creek, where he died in 1794.
9. Since Nathaniel Irwin never lived south of the Catawba River, it is highly unlikely that he was buried in Bethesda Presbyterian Churchyard.
10. He was buried either in the first cemetery of Unity Presbyterian Church (near Fort Mill, S.C.) or in the cemetery of a Presbyterian Church located in southern Mecklenburg County, N.C.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Dec 16 2021, 18:14:42 UTC