William Rhoads
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William Rhoads (1745 - bef. 1802)

William Rhoads aka Rhodes, Roads
Born in Virginiamap [uncertain]
Son of [father unknown] and [uncertain]
[sibling(s) unknown]
Husband of — married before 4 Jan 1772 in Orange, North Carolinamap
Descendants descendants
Father of , , , , , , , , and
Died before before age 57 in Randolph, North Carolina, United Statesmap
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Profile last modified | Created 5 Jul 2011
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Biography

U.S. Southern Colonies Project logo
William Rhoads was a North Carolina colonist.

William Rhoads, Roads or Rhodes was born circa 1732 -1750. His birthplace is not known, but proposed to be Virginia. The first Rhodes family to enter Orange County, North Carolina, came from Virginia in 1752.[1] Early land claims have been found for four brothers named Christopher, Benjamin, William Rhodes II and John Rhodes. This family came to Orange County from Middlesex County, Virginia. William Rhoads most likely belonged to this family, as evidenced by DNA matches to descendants of that branch of the Rhodes tree. More research is needed to determine exactly how he fits into the Rhodes family tree:

Rhodes and Barbee on 1752 Tax List

William Rhoads was married to Ann Underwood circa 1771.[2] Ann Underwood was the daughter of Quakers Samuel and Ann Travilla Underwood of Snow Camp, North Carolina.[3] Ann "Rodes" was chastised by the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting Quaker church in January of 1772 for marrying a non- Quaker:

Ann Underwood Rhoads Apology for Marrying Out of Unity

William Rhoads has a brief mention in The Underwood Families of America, Volume 2, by Lucien Marcus Underwood. He is named the husband of "Nancy" Underwood.[4]

William Rhoads Named in Underwood Genealogy Book

There were three men named William Rhoads/Roads/Rhodes in the Hillsborough District during the time of the Revolutionary War.[5][6][7] All seem to have joined the patriot side of the Revolution.[8][9][10] The William Williams Company of Orange County Militia had three men with the surname Rhodes: John Rhodes, William Rhodes and Aquilla Rhodes. These three men were brothers who entered land claims in Orange County in March of 1778. Their father was Richard Rhodes of Baltimore, Maryland.[11] "Our" William Rhodes does not appear to be related to this branch of the Rhodes family. Here is their service document:

Rhodes Brothers, Sons of Richard Rhodes of Baltimore

A William Rhodes served as a foreman on a community road building project in May of 1777.[12] Because the project was near Lindley's Mill, it seems likely that he was the same William Rhoads represented in this profile. Lindley's Mill was quite close to the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting House.[13] William's wife, Ann Underwood Rhoads, remained a member there for many years, and would have lived within walking distance of the church.

Source for Revolutionary War Service

Revolutionary War Army Accounts for the Hillsborough District have been ordered from the State Archives of North Carolina online store. A professional search of the repository by librarians there yields four results that could possibly represent this William Rhodes.[14][15][16] Possibly a comparison of land ownership maps and tax list neighbors could be used to determine which William Rhodes represents this man.

Here is a map of the area showing the Lindley's Mill battle site in what is now southern Alamance County.[17] This map is kindly provided by J.D. Lewis, whose Carolana website is a rich source of North Carolina military history. The site of the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting House is at Snow Camp, also shown on the map:

Orange County During Revolutionary War, Now Alamance County

A William Rhodes was summoned for jury duty in 1777.[18] This could also be considered as patriotic service during the American Revolutionary War.

William Rhodes Served Jury Duty

After the American Revolutionary War, the William Rhoads family was enumerated in the first census of the United States in 1790.[19] This William Rhoads is differentiated from the others by his number of children. Ann Underwood and William Rhoads were the parents of ten known children. Another William Rhodes, who died in 1791, had just three children.[20]

There is an Orange County Probate sale of an enslaved woman named Juno.[21] Because William Rhoads's wife was known to be a vocal abolitionist and Underground Railroad worker, it would seem that she would not have wanted slaves in their household. This could possibly indicate a record for "our" William Rhoads:

William Rhoads Sells Slave Girl Named Juno

There are two men named William Rhodes in an early Orange County, North Carolina plat book.[22] The first one (farm # 65) appears to represent William Rhodes the son of Richard Rhodes of Baltimore County, Maryland, as his farm is neighboring his brothers and in-laws. The second one (farm # 146) is a good lead for our William Rhoads but this land belonged to William Rhodes II Specifically, this farm is in the southwest corner of Old Orange County and not far from the Cane Creek Quaker meeting house, where his wife, Ann Underwood Rhoads, maintained her membership. But, it represents the two brothers, Benjamin and William Rhodes from Christchurch, Middlesex, Virginia and their land claim on the Newhope River.

Site of William and Benjamin Rhodes Farms

In the above plat map there is a neighboring farm owned by Benjamin Rhodes. Brothers Benjamin, William and Christopher are quite likely relatives, but more research is needed. Unfortunately, it seems that every one of the Middlesex, Virginia Rhodes brothers had a child named William Rhodes. At this time, it is impossible to tell where or how this William Rhodes fits into the family.

Some research has been done to the south, where Ann Underwood's family lived. Evidently, when Chatham County was carved from Orange County, the Underwood farm was there. More research will be needed to determine the exact place where William Rhoads and Ann Underwood lived between 1771 and 1790. There was a William Rhodes living in Chatham County as early as 1778.[23] It is unclear if this is the same William Rhoads or the William Rhodes who was married to Susannah Willis. At this time, there are more questions than answers.

On June 30, 1794, this William "Roads" purchased land in nearby Randolph County, North Carolina from Solomon Evans.[24][25] The land was on Mill Creek, so it seems likely that the family operated either a water-powered grist mill or saw mill. There is some evidence that Mill Creek extended into Guilford County, North Carolina, where one of the Rhodes DNA match's ancestor John V Rhodes lived. In searching Revolutionary War era records for Chatham County, it is clear that during the war, Solomon Evans was a soldier under Captain Harper of Chatham County, North Carolina.[26]

50 Acres on Mill Creek Purchased From Solomon Evans

The William Rhoads household appears on the 1800 Randolph County, North Carolina, Census.[27] Both he and his wife are listed as being aged "over 45." This agrees with Ann Underwood Rhoads's birth year, which is purported to be 1750 per tombstone records and Underwood family records. Eight children were counted in this 1800 Census record: 2 males under 10 (John and Thomas) ; 1 male aged 10 - 15 (William Rhoads Jr) ; 1 female under 10 (Margaret) ; 1 female aged 10 - 15 (Mary) ; and 3 females aged 16 - 25 (Rachel, Ann & Rebecca). Daughter Jemima was married to Jeremiah Cox before 1800.[28] Also, daughter Keziah was married to William Cox before 1800.[29]

William Rhoads died in 1802 at Randolph County, North Carolina.[30] His twelve page probate file indicates that he died intestate. His widow, Ann Underwood Rhoads, and son-in-law, Jeremiah Cox, served as administrators of his estate.[31] Basically, all of his possessions, farm and farm animals were sold. His widow was given one year's worth of provisions and told to vacate the premises at the end of the year.[32]

One Year Provisions for Ann, widow of William Rhodes

The itemized list from the sale of William Rhoads's property was only two pages.[33] Each line had the name of the purchaser and the item purchased. The widow Ann Rhoads had to buy back her family's spoons, dishes and other kitchen utensils. Son-in-laws Jeremiah Cox and William Cox each purchased several items. Nephew John Underwood bought a horse and two beef heifers from the estate.[34] There is a clue to another potential relative named Ruth Rhodes on page two of the probate sale document.[35]

Research Notes

Orange County started out huge. It was part of the Hillsborough District of North Carolina. In 1771, a chunk of western Orange County was removed and called "Guilford County." Guilford County was in the Salisbury District of North Carolina. In 1779, a chunk of southeastern Guilford County was removed and called "Randolph County." William Rhoads lived in the very north east corner of what is now Liberty Township, Randolph County, North Carolina. Apparently he started out in Orange County, Hillsborough District. Without moving, he could have been placed in Guilford County, Salisbury District in 1771. From 1771 - 1779 he could have been in Guilford County. Then, in the middle of the Revolutionary War, the area was re-districted again. From 1779 - 1783, without moving, his farm could have been back in the Hillsborough District, Randolph County. So, another layer of confusion is added to William Rhoads.

Here are some profiles that are likely relatives-- possibly uncles or cousins of this William Rhodes:

William Rhodes II, who died in Orange County, North Carolina in 1804.[36] He referenced a living son named William in his will, so he could not have been the father of this William Rhodes, who died in 1802.
Christopher Rhodes, who removed to South Carolina from Orange County, North Carolina. Christopher Rhodes made his will in 1806 and referenced his living son William, so he could not have been the father of this William Rhodes, who died in 1802.
Benjamin Rhodes, who removed to Georgia from Orange County, North Carolina
Christian Rhodes has a descendant (HG7579523 ) who shares a 7.5 cM segment of DNA on Chromosome 5 with descendant (A957320) Larry Stephenson. Larry matches on Ancestry DNA with several other descendants with 16 -40 cM segment sizes.
John V Rhodes who was the brother of William, Christopher and Benjamin, above. He has a descendant (M190888) who shares a 9 cM segment of DNA on Chromosome 2 with descendant (A957320) Larry Stephenson. John is especially promising as a relative because he lived in southeastern Guilford County, North Carolina. This is not too far from where William Rhodes lived. Again, there are several Ancestry DNA matches with the larger segments of DNA matching.

Unfortunately, William Rhoads cannot be accurately connected to any specific relatives with the surname Rhoads/Rhodes/Roads at this time.


Sources

  1. ↑ Land grants to first settlers in old Orange county, North Carolina, page 12. https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/52461/?offset=0#page=12&viewer=picture&o=&n=0&q=
  2. ↑ U S Quaker Meeting Records, Cane Creek Quaker Meeting Records, Alamance County, North Carolina, the fourth of the first month, 1772. Ancestry.com Repository.
  3. ↑ https://archive.org/details/underwoodfamilie02unde/page/n91/mode/2up?q=chatham&view=theater
  4. ↑ Underwood, Lucien Marcus, The Underwood Family in America, Volume 2, page 440. Published in 1913.
  5. ↑ http://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.html/document/csr26-0055
  6. ↑ "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WB-8KZW?cc=1498361&wc=QDRZ-1VX%3A1589672486 : 7 October 2016), 5-HH, Reeves, John to Ruks, William > image 413 of 908; citing State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh.
  7. ↑ "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WB-8JBP?cc=1498361&wc=QDRZ-1VX%3A1589672486 : 7 October 2016), 5-HH, Reeves, John to Ruks, William > image 415 of 908; citing State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh.
  8. ↑ "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-PX6P : accessed 20 July 2017), William Rhodes, 13 Feb 1782; citing Hillsborough, Orange, North Carolina, United States, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh.
  9. ↑ "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-PXP6 : accessed 3 August 2017), William Rhoads, 20 Aug 1783; citing Hillsborough, Orange, North Carolina, United States, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh.
  10. ↑ "The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Volume X, 1775-1776," P. 759.
  11. ↑ Baltimore County Families 1659 - 1759, page 537.
  12. ↑ Orange County, North Carolina Court Minutes, 1777 - 1795. Family History Library Film Number 007837456, Image 7 of 904.
  13. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lindley%27s_Mill
  14. ↑ State Archive of North Carolina, Treasurer and Comptroller Revolutionary War Army Accounts, Hillsborough District, Volume C, p 50 and p 51, clearly representing two separate men, S.11.45.
  15. ↑ State Archive of North Carolina, Treasurer and Comptroller Revolutionary War Army Accounts, Hillsborough District, Volume VIII, p 36, Folio 2, S.115.59.
  16. ↑ State Archive of North Carolina, Treasurer and Comptroller Revolutionary War Army Accounts, Hillsborough District, Volume XI, p 43, Folio 4, S.115.61.
  17. ↑ https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/revolution_battle_of_lindleys_mill.html
  18. ↑ Orange County, North Carolina Court Minutes, 1777 - 1795, Family History Library Film Number 007837456, Image 11 of 904. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS35-4SMT-Y?i=10&cat=474816
  19. ↑ "United States Census, 1790," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VJ1N-6D8 : accessed 20 July 2017), Wm Roads, Orange, North Carolina, United States; citing p. 96, NARA microfilm publication M637, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 7; FHL microfilm 568,147.
  20. ↑ "North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9GNB-5ZM?cc=1867501&wc=32L6-DPF%3A169812501%2C170487801 : 21 May 2014), Orange > Wills, 1787-1795, Vol. B > image 65 of 333; county courthouses, North Carolina.
  21. ↑ "North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GGNB-5X1?cc=1867501&wc=32L6-DPX%3A169812501%2C170288501 : 21 May 2014), Orange > Wills, 1752-1788, Vol. A > image 191 of 414; county courthouses, North Carolina.
  22. ↑ Land grants to first settlers in old Orange county, North Carolina, page 1. https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/52461/?offset=0#page=1&viewer=picture&o=&n=0&q=
  23. ↑ "North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JZ93-TG?cc=1867501&wc=32LN-3TL%3A169766301%2C169824301 : 21 May 2014), Chatham > Land Records, 1778-1795 > image 202 of 318; county courthouses, North Carolina.
  24. ↑ Randolph County, NC Land Grant Files, Ancestry.com Repository: William "Roads" entered a claim for land in Randolph County NC on 30 Jun 1794.
  25. ↑ North Carolina, U.S., Land Grant Files, 1693-1960, Randolph County, Warrant Number 394, Book 114, Page 64.
  26. ↑ https://digital.ncdcr.gov/Documents/Detail/chatham-county-regimental-return/598312?item=598344
  27. ↑ "United States Census, 1800," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHRD-9LQ : accessed 23 August 2018), William Roads, Hillsboro, Randolph, North Carolina, United States; citing p. 338, NARA microfilm publication M32, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 32; FHL microfilm 337,908.
  28. ↑ Jericho Friends Meeting and Its Community, Randolph County, Indiana, 1818 to 1958, p 96.
  29. ↑ "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHJY-1RJ : 19 December 2020), Kosiah Cox in household of William Cox, Union Township, Montgomery, Indiana, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
  30. ↑ "North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8G-M9PL : 20 November 2015), William Rhodes, 1802; citing Randolph County, North Carolina, United States, State Archives, Raleigh; FHL microfilm 2,078,996.
  31. ↑ "North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99C6-RGP4?cc=1911121&wc=Q64M-ZPQ%3A183652401%2C183381101%2C1066672345 : 21 May 2014), Randolph County > R > Rhodes, William (1802) > image 2 of 12; State Archives, Raleigh.
  32. ↑ "North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9GHL-9H6Y?cc=1867501&wc=32GM-VZ9%3A169889001%2C170828401 : 21 May 2014), Randolph > Wills, 1794-1804, Vol. 02 > image 62 of 79; county courthouses, North Carolina.
  33. ↑ "North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9C6-RLL8?cc=1911121&wc=Q64M-ZPQ%3A183652401%2C183381101%2C1066672345 : 21 May 2014), Randolph County > R > Rhodes, William (1802) > image 4 of 12; State Archives, Raleigh.
  34. ↑ "North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9C6-RGM6?cc=1911121&wc=Q64M-ZPQ%3A183652401%2C183381101%2C1066672345 : 21 May 2014), Randolph County > R > Rhodes, William (1802) > image 5 of 12; State Archives, Raleigh.
  35. ↑ "North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9C6-RGM6?cc=1911121&wc=Q64M-ZPQ%3A183652401%2C183381101%2C1066672345 : 21 May 2014), Randolph County > R > Rhodes, William (1802) > image 5 of 12; State Archives, Raleigh.
  36. ↑ "North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77T2-VD2X?cc=1867501&wc=32L6-6TL%3A169812501%2C170508201 : 21 May 2014), Orange > Wills, 1800-1822, Vol. D > image 161 of 649; county courthouses, North Carolina.




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DNA Connections
It may be possible to confirm family relationships with William by comparing test results with other carriers of his Y-chromosome or his mother's mitochondrial DNA. However, there are no known yDNA or mtDNA test-takers in his direct paternal or maternal line. It is likely that these autosomal DNA test-takers will share some percentage of DNA with William:

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Images: 38
Estate Papers of William Rhodes
Estate Papers of William Rhodes
Sale of William Rhodes Estate
Sale of William Rhodes Estate
Underwood Marriages
Underwood Marriages
Ann, widow of William Rhodes
Ann, widow of William Rhodes
Revolutionary War Pay Voucher
Revolutionary War Pay Voucher
view all


Comments: 2

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Langsdorf-34 Deb (Langsdorf) Gunther
See https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LDPC-54P.
posted by Deb (Langsdorf) Gunther
Stephenson-2354 Beth Stephenson
I am working to establish William Rhoads as a DAR Revolutionary War patriot ancestor. Based on my research, I believe that he is related to the Rhodes family descending from Hezekiah Rhodes and Elizabeth Nichols. It would be great if any Rhodes/Rhoads/Roads family researchers out there would be interested in collaborating.

Thank you in advance!

posted by Beth Stephenson
edited by Beth Stephenson

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Categories: Rhoads Name Study | North Carolina Colonists