Ephraim Pennington IV (abt. 1689 - abt. 1750)

Born about 1689 in Morristown, Middlesex, New Jersey

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 1750 at about age 61 in Rowan, Bladen, North Carolina, British Colonial America

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Brenda Duncan [send private message], MG Pitts [send private message], Greta Moody [send private message], Herbert Wolfe [send private message], Chris Judson [send private message], Greg Meland [send private message], and Patricia Pennington [send private message]

Biography

NOTE: I'm adding the Unsourced categories to this profile only because there are several facts that seem to be in conflict, e.g. his birth place. Also, there appears to be a lengthy excerpt from a text here, and that should be summarized instead of included in full. Did the author of that research cite his sources?? Those would make for a great starting point to add inline citations to this profile. Thanks! -- Fiscus-32 13:53, 17 May 2016 (EDT)

Birth

Ephraim was born in 1689 in Morris County, New Jersey. ^[1]

Death

Ephraim died in the year 1730 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. His burial is unknown at this time. ^[1]

1772 Salisbury, Rowan County, NC, USA
Note: I believe this one is correct.

1750 Rowan, North Carolina, USA Age: 60-61

Timeline

Marriages

Married about 1710 Johanna Davis Birth Abt. 1693 Death Nov 1775 in Rowan Co., NC To this union, at least one son was born named Benajah Pennington 1724 – 1792 Source; PRA JFMF

Children

Note: Several of the children listed for Ephraim here on Wikitree are most likely not his children. As for Levi Pennington, this is PRA Group 6. Levi's parents are unknown at this time. I'm still working on a correct list of Ephraim's children ... but if you read below in Jim's NC research you will see the challenge in defining his true children with certainty. I'm leaving the children connected for now but they are clearly unproven.

Census

Research on NC Ephraim Pennington's by Jim Pennington

Ephraim Penningtons in North Carolina: The primary purpose of this document is to try and identify locations and movements of some of the Ephraim Penningtons in and around North Carolina prior to 1800.

The focus is an attempt to determine some of the relationships within PRA Groups 4, 7, 30 and 31.

It is reasonable to assume that the information on the Ephraims b.1689 and 1720 is generally correct and a good starting place in trying to identify the Ephraims in North Carolina. The source for some of the information on these Ephraims was the Pennington Pedigrees and PRA Group 4.

Ephraim b. 1689:

One theory is that an Ephraim Pennington born about 1689 moved to the (present day) Salisbury area of Rowan Co., N.C. after 1720 and before 1761. This Ephraim would have been between 31 and 72 years old at that time. However, it is doubtful that this Ephraim would have moved to North Carolina without his son Ephraim b.1720 in New Jersey or PA. and likewise that the Ephraim b.1720 would have moved to North Carolina with his father and without his possible family of Ephraim b.1745 (PA), Timothy b.1748 (PA) and Richard b.1752 (PA). If correct, it would seem more likely that the Ephraim b.1689 came to North Carolina between 1752 and 1761 and would have been between 63 and 72 years old.

Prior to 1761 no records have been identified which refer to an Ephraim Pennington in North Carolina. There are references and/or records for Benajah, Aaron, Edward, George, Thomas and Levi which have been located in North Carolina between1744 and 1761.

It appears that there is an assumption that Ephraim b.1689 met and married Joanna Davis in North Carolina and they may have been one of the early Pennington families in North Carolina. If true, based on the above information, Joanna Davis (said to be born abt.1693 in NC) may not have been this Ephraim’s first or only wife.

Possible Children listed for Ephraim b.1689: (PRA Group 1) Levi b.1712 (PRA Group 6) Ephraim b. 1720 (NJ or PA) Benajah b.1724

It seems apparent that Ephraim b.1689, who appears to have lived to at least age 70, would have had more than 3 children. In addition, the PRA DNA Study strongly suggests that Levi b.1712 may not have been the son of Ephraim b.1689. However, based on the DNA Study, Ephraim b.1720 and Benajah b.1724 can not be eliminated as possible sons of Ephraim b.1689.

Ephraim b.1720: PRA Group 4

In 1761 the name of Ephraim appears in North Carolina Records. There are two Ephraims listed in Rowan Co. and are presumed to be Ephraim b.1689 (age 72) and his son Ephraim b.1720 (age 41).

1761 Oct. Rowan Co: Two Ephraims listed on Tax List of Caleb Osborn 1762 Rowan Co.: Ephraim exempt from taxes 1768 Rowan Co. Tax List: Ephraim

In April of 1762 a Certificate from the Court of Rowan Co. was presented recommending that Ephraim Pennington be exempt from paying taxes and performing public duty.

This action was customary for individuals of advanced age; therefore, it is reasonable to assume this was the Ephriam b.1689 approx. 73 years of age. The Ephraim on the 1768 Tax List is assumed to Ephraim b.1720.

Possible Children of Ephraim b. 1720:

Ephraim b.1745 (PA) Timothy b.1748 (PA) Richard b.1752 (PA) Joshua b.1753 Jemimah b.1760 (NC) Robert b.1763 (NC)

Based on the birth dates and locations of this Ephraim’s children, it would appear he came to North Carolina after 1752 and before 1761.

The PRA Group 1 and 4 sites refer to the issue that only Timothy and Richard are felt to be proven sons of Ephraim b.1720. The assumptions that Joshua and Richard were sons of Ephraim b.1720 seems reasonable based on locations, records and their apparent traveling together.

The source or reference of Ephraim b.1745 as the son of Ephriam b.1720 is unknown. ..

1772 Rowan Co. Tax List of Wm. Sharp: Ephraim w/ sons Timothy and Richard. 1777 Montgomery Co., Va.: Ephraim and Joshua take Oath of Allegiance for Capt. Enoch 1782 Montgomery Co., Va. Land Record: Ephraim 50 acres and Richard 50 acres. 1782 Montgomery Co., Va. Tax List: Ephraim, Richard, Timothy, Micajah and Unk. 1782 Montgomery Co., Va. Militia List: Ephraim (listed and crossed off), Timothy, Joshua Richard, Robert, Elijah and Micajah.

Note: Montgomery Co, Va. was formed about 1777.

It has been suggested that Ephraim b.1720 relocated from Rowan Co., NC to Montgomery Co., Va. between 1772 and 1777 and that this Ephraim’s sons Timothy b.1748, Richard b.1752 and Joshua moved with him. Ephraim would have been approx. 52 years old at that time and it is not unreasonable to assume that he could have been capable of making such a move.

The location of the proposed son Ephraim b.1745 is unknown.

This time frame is one of the key areas in attempting to identify the Ephraim b.1720 and the Ephraim b.1745.

There is an Ephraim listed in 1777 as taking an Oath of Allegiance for Capt. Osborne. Would the Ephraim b.1720 have taken such an Oath at the approx. age of 57 or could this be another Ephraim? In 1782 Ephraim’s name is listed and crossed out on the Militia List. Could this have been Ephraim b.1720 at age 62 or a younger Ephraim whose name was crossed off because he had left Montgomery Co. and eventually relocated to Wythe Co., Va.?

As previously noted, the source of an Ephraim b.1745 as a possible son of Ephraim b.1720 is unknown at this time. It is possible that the Ephraim in Montgomery Co., Va. was the Ephraim b.1745 and that the Ephraim b.1720 never left Rowan Co. It would seem reasonable to consider that the Ephraim b.1720 either died in Rowan Co., NC or Montgomery Co., Virginia.

Certainly additional research is required regarding this possibility.

Ephraim b.1745:

Although the information on Ephraim b.1745 is somewhat vague, it is reasonable to assume there may have been an Ephraim born around that time.

A key area to question is if he was the son of Ephraim b.1720 or possibly the son of Benajah b.1725. It is of interest that the first probable records for an Ephraim b.1745 appear at about the same time as documentation for Micajah b.1743 the believed son of Benajah. The fact that Benajah is also found in Montgomery Co., Va between 1782 and 1787 certainly makes one consider if this Montgomery Co., Va. Ephraim could be more closely related to Benajah b.1725 than to the Ephraim b.1720. Additionally, the Montgomery Co., Va. Ephraim appears in Wythe Co., Va. with Benajah by 1793.

1793 Wythe Co., Va. Tax List: Ephram, Benaji, Benaje 1793 Wilkes Co. Tax List: Ephraim 0 acres and 1 poll, William 1794 Wilkes Co. Land Record: Ephraim 50 ac., Ephraim 50 ac. 1794 Wilkes Co. Tax List: Ephraim 50 ac. and 1 poll, William, William Jr. 1794 Grayson Co., Va.: Ephraim with 2 males 16 + (b. bef.1778) 1796 Wilkes Co. Tax List: Ephraim 100 ac. and 1 poll, Ephraim Jr. 50 ac. and 1 poll 1797 Wilkes Co. Land Grant: Ephraim 50 ac., Ephraim 50 ac. 1797 Wilkes Co. Tax List: Ephraim Sr. 66 ac. and 1 poll, Ephraim 50 acres and 1 poll 1799 Wilkes Co. Tax List: Ephraim Sr., Ephraim Note: Wythe Co. was formed in 1790 from Montgomery Co. Grayson Co. was formed in 1793 from Wythe Co.

In 1793 there are Ephraims in Wythe Co., Va. and Wilkes Co., NC.

By 1794 there is at least one Ephraim still in Wilkes Co., NC and another Ephraim is in Grayson Co., Virginia. Although the Wilkes Co. and Grayson Co. locations were in close proximity to each other, based on the family information this would appear to be two different Ephraims.

Furthermore, it appears that the Ephraim in Montgomery Co., Wythe Co. and Grayson Co. was probably the same Ephraim and that the Wilkes Co. Ephraim was the Ephraim b.1769.

Possible Children of Ephraim b.1745:

Abel b.1768 (Group 30) Abraham b.1775 (Group 30) Aaron b. 1786 (Group 31) (Son of Ephraim & born in Virginia-Harlan Co., Ky. Death Record).

One would have to assume that there is more to this family than is listed above. Three children in the span of some 18 years would not be consistent within the Pennington family unless there were several undocumented females born somewhere in between the gaps. Furthermore, I have been unable to locate any substantial evidence which clearly suggests that Abel, Abraham and Aaron were indeed brothers.

To date, no references have been located which would remotely connect the Group 30 Abel to the Group 30 Abraham or to Group 31 Aaron or any of the Ephraim’s.

The 1794 Grayson Co., Va record lists an Ephraim with two males 16 years plus (b. bef. 1778). Could one of these males be the Group 30 Abel b.1768 or Abraham b.1775 with Ephraim b.1745?

The 1796, 1797 and 1799 Wilkes Co. references refer to Ephraim Sr. and Ephraim Jr. I have not seen the original documents to confirm if either of them was indeed listed as a Sr. or Jr. or if the transcriber of the records made an assumption. Certainly one could speculate that one of them was older than the other. It certainly appears there were at least two Ephraims in Wilkes Co., NC during this time period. If one were the Ephraim b.1720 he would have been approx.79 years old. It would seem more likely that one was the Ephraim b.1745 and the other was most certainly the Ephraim b.1769 (re: 1850 Ashe Co. Census).

I am somewhat of the opinion that the Grayson Co., Va. Ephraim is the Ephraim b.1745 and by 1796 became a resident of Wilkes Co., NC with the Ephraim b.1769 and that they were not father and son.

1800 Ashe Co. Land Records: Ephriam 50 ac., Ephraim 25 ac., Ephraim 100 ac., Ephraim 100 ac 1800 Ashe Co. Census: Ephraim 26-45 (b.1755-1774), Ephraim 45+(b.bef.1755) w/ male 10-16 1803 Ashe Co. Land Record: Ephraim 50 ac. 1805 Ashe Co. Land Record: Ephraim 50 ac., Ephraim 40 ac. 1807 Ashe Co. Court Records: Ephraim 1808 Ashe Co. Court Records: Ephraim 1809 Ashe Co. Court Record: Ephraim 1810 Ashe Co. Census: Ephraim 45+ (b.bef.1765) and Ephraim 26-45.

Note: Ashe Co. was formed in 1799 from Wilkes Co.

Although there are multiple Ephraims listed on Ashe Co. Land Records, the 1800 Census only confirms there were two Ephraims in Ashe Co. during that time. It would seem that one of them was clearly the Ephraim b.1769 and he was obtaining multiple tracts of land and the other may well have been the Ephraim b.1745.

The 1800 Ashe Co. Census lists an Ephraim 45+ with a male 10-16. This could easily be the Ephraim b.1745 at age 55 and a possible son Aaron b.1786. Aaron b.1786 (Group 31) would have been about 14 years old at the time of the 1800 Census. Aaron’s death record states he was born in Va, and his father was Ephraim Pennington. This information would be consistent and could easily be the Ephraim who moved from Va. to Wilkes Co. /Ashe Co. between 1794 and 1796. If there were an Ephraim b.1745 that has been speculated as the father of Aaron b.1786, this would almost have to be him.

The 1810 Ashe Co. Census did not list first names. Only a first initial was utilized. It is my opinion this has created some confusion regarding the Ephraim’s in Ashe Co. during that time.

Based on the various transcriptions and/or opinions, there were either three E. Pennington’s listed in the Census or two E. Pennington’s and possibly one C. Pennington. No matter what the situation may be, one E. Penington listed age 45+ could possibly be the Ephraim b.1745 at age 65. If correct, this would be the last known reference in North Carolina for an Ephraim b.1745.

Ephraim b. 1769:

The exact identity or father of this Ephraim remains unproven. There is speculation that he may have been a Levi Ephraim or Ephraim Levi and is associated within PRA Group 7. The approximate birth year for this Ephraim was obtained from the 1850 Ashe Co. Census.

One of the Ephraims listed in the 1794 Wilkes Co. Records with one male 16 years plus (b.bef. 1778) could possibly be the Ephraim b.1769.

The 1800 Ashe Co. Census lists two Ephraims and one Levi. One of the Ephraims is listed as 26-44 (b.bet.1756-1774) with 2 males and 1 female all 0-10 (b.bet.1790-1800). He appears to be younger than the other Ephraim and is approximately the same age as the Levi. It is of note that the two Ephraims are listed together and the younger appears to be listed as junior. It is unknown if the junior notation could have been based on a relationship, age difference or both.

The 1810 Ashe Co. Census did not list first names. Only a first initial was utilized. It is my opinion this has created some confusion regarding the Ephraim’s in Ashe Co. during that time.

Based on the various transcriptions and/or opinions, there were either three E. Penningtons listed in the Census or two E. Pennington’s and possibly one C. Pennington.

No matter what the situation may be, one individual listed as age 26-45 no doubt was Ephraim b.1769 and another listed as age 45+ possibly the Ephraim b.1745.

By 1820 it appears there was only one Ephraim remaining in Ashe Co. The 1830 Land Record is believed to be Ephraim b.1769 and son Andrew b.1814.

The 1840 Ashe Co. Census lists one Ephraim 70-80 living alone.

The 1850 Ashe Co. Census lists one Ephraim 81 living with Andrew.

The information contained in the 1800 to 1850 Ashe Co. Census Records is the source for identifying this Ephraim b.1769.

Two possible children of this Ephraim were Andrew b.1814 and Daniel b.1810-20. The males listed in the 1800 Census b. bet. 1790-1800 are unknown.

1800 Ashe Co. Census: Ephraim 45+, Ephraim 26-44 (junior) 1810 Ashe Co. Census: E. 45+, E. 26-45 1811 Ashe Co. Land Record: Ephraim 100 ac. bordered by Lucy Pennington 1815 Ashe Co. Tax List: Ephraim 346 ac., $300.00 evaluation and 0 polls 1820 Ashe Co. Census: Ephraim 45+ (b.bef. 1775) w/ males b.1804-10 and b.1810-20. 1830 Ashe Co. Census: Ephraim 60-70 (b.bet.1760-1770) w/ males b.1810-15 and 1815-1820 1830 Ashe Co. Land Record: lists Ephraim with name lined through and Andrew written above. The Grant was for 75 ac. on the waters of Little Laurel. 1840 Ashe Co. Census: Ephraim 70-80 (b.bet.1760-1770) and no other males. 1850 Ashe Co. Census: Ephriam 81(b.abt.1769) living with Andrew b.abt.1814

Ephraim b.1796:

The 1850 Monroe Co., Ky. Census lists an Ephraim age 54 born about 1796 in North Carolina with wife Rebecca.

Efrain Penington 63 b. NC is said to be listed in the 1860 Johnson Co. or Jackson Co., TN Census. Need to confirm.

Additional research on this Ephraim will be conducted as a future project.

Note: An article by W. Lake in PP Vol.27-1 (1995) / Vol. 29-1 (1997) references an Ephraim b.1793 in Wilkes Co., NC who by 1850 was in Perry Co., Ky. However, the Ephraim in the 1850 Perry Co., Ky. Census was born abt. 1812 and was the son of Aaron b.1786 (PRA Group 31).

Group 7 believes this Ephraim may have been the son of Levi b.1767.

Summary / Speculation:

Based on the information to date, the following is a concept which certainly requires additional research to prove or disprove:

It would not be outrageous to consider that Ephraim b.1720 and Benajah b.1725 could have been brothers and sons of Ephraim b.1689. Some of the other Pennington’s found early in North Carolina who also could be possible close family members are Aaron, Edward and George whom I have not been able to identify as of yet.

It is not a far stretch to determine that the children of Ephraim b.1720 and Benajah b.1725 were very closely related to each other. It certainly appears to be much more than a coincidence that they were residing in the same general locations in the same time frames during the late 1700’s in North Carolina and Virginia.

For lack of a better description, some of the second generation of early NC Pennington families including Group 7 Micajah (b.1743) & Andrew (b.1745); Group 4 Timothy (b.1748) & Richard (b.1752) and Group 11 Abel (b.1745) are fairly well identified and documented. The referenced Ephraim b.1745 has been somewhat vague and remains so to some extent.

The following theory is in reference to the Ephraim b.1745 and certainly is dependant upon receipt of additional information:

Based on current information, some of the conflicting information regarding the Ephraims in North Carolina would be simplified if the Ephraim b.1720 never left Rowan Co., NC after 1772 and that he may have died there.

If that were the case, the Ephraim who was in Montgomery Co, Va. by 1777 may well have been an Ephraim b.1745 who relocated there with his presumed brother Joshua. By 1782 they were joined in Montgomery Co., Va. by other possible brothers Timothy, Robert, and Richard as well as close relatives Micajah and Elijah with Benajah soon to follow if not at the same time.

Due to the close proximities of these families in Rowan, Mecklenburg and Anson Counties; and based on the time frames and gaps in information, it is not inconceivable that all of these families relocated to Montgomery Co., Va. within the same time period. If that were the case, the possibility would exist that the Ephraim b.1745 could have been a son of Benajah b.1725 or Ephraim b.1720. One of the concerns has always been why the Ephraim b.1745 does not show up in any records with Ephraim (b.1720), Timothy and Richard, but does suddenly appear around the same time as Micajah son of Benajah.

By 1793 Ephraim b.1745 leaves Montgomery Co. and is located in Wythe Co., Va. with a Benaji and Benaje (probable Benajah’s). By 1794 this Ephraim is listed in Grayson Co., Va. with a family of two males 16+ (b. bef.17787). It is speculated that one of the males with Ephraim could have been Abel b.1768 or Abraham b.1775.

It is of note that a Charles (b.bef.1778) is also listed in Grayson Co., Va. in 1794.

By 1796 Ephraim b.1745 is believed to be in Wilkes Co. in the area which became Ashe Co. in 1799. In the 1800 Ashe Co. Census an Ephraim 45+ is listed with a male 10-16. This would be consistent with Ephraim b.1745 and Aaron b.1786.

Obviously more documentation and research is required. The above information could make a case that an Ephraim born about 1745 may have existed and despite the lack of documentation, he could have been the father of Abel b.1768, Abraham b.1775 and Aaron b.1768 as speculated in the published PRA information. The PRA DNA Study confirms a very close relationship between PRA Group 7, Aaron of Group 31 and Abraham of Group 30. No DNA information regarding the Group 30 Abel is currently available.

However, based on several factors including migration patterns, I believe the concept that the Ephraim b.1745 could have been the son of Benajah b. 1725 can not be ruled out.

Second Draft: 6/02/05 jwp

Additional Comments:

From the above information it is obvious there are issues regarding the Ephraim b.1745.

The most common speculation regarding the Ephraim b.1745 is that he was the father of Abel b.1768, Abraham b.1775 and Aaron b.1786 as noted above.

The proposed Ephraim b.1745 and Aaron b.1786 can be easily identified with individuals of the Group 7 families. They appear to have always lived in close proximately in North Carolina and Virginia and later traveled to Southeastern Kentucky together.

The Ephraim b.1769 I believe can be identified as an individual. There is still some work to sort out his family and who his father may have been as well as potential Levi and Andrew connections. This Ephraim could have been the son of Micajah b.1743 or may have been Levi Ephraim per a theory discussed by Carmen based on land records.

It is doubtful that the Ephraim b.1769 was the son of Ephraim b.1745 Need to continue searching other files and contacts for additional information.

Written by James Pennington, 3825 Durfee Lane, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673-9807, PRA Group 31

Notes

General Notes: Ephraim Pennington IV was found "aged and infirmed" in Caleb Osborne's District. The court approved a recommendation that Ephraim Pennington IV be exempt from paying Public Tax and doing Public Duties. Reference: Tax List 1761 Yadkin River, Rowan, North Carolina.^[1]

Ephriam was born about 1690. He passed away about 1740.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Find a Grave, database and images (accessed 27 January 2021), memorial page for Ephraim Pennington IV (1689–1761), Find A Grave: Memorial #143277176; Maintained by Walter C. Burgner, Jr. (contributor 47091841) Unknown.

• Ancestry Family Trees (many if not all of them are incorrect & unproven)

• Pennington Research Association (PRA)

• NC Ephraim Penningtons by Jim Pennington, PRA Ex-President (see below)
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143277176/ephraim-pennington : accessed 11 September 2021), memorial page for Ephraim Pennington IV (1689–1761), Find a Grave Memorial ID 143277176, ; Maintained by Walter C. Burgner, Jr. (contributor 47091841) Unknown.
• Arlene Knipfer