Larkin William Wisdom (abt. 1763 - aft. 1844)

Born about 1763 in Spotsylvania, Orange, Colony of Virginia [uncertain]

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Phelps) Wisdom — married before 1789 (to about 1844) in North Carolina

Descendants

Died after 16 May 1844 after about age 81 in Sparta, White County, Tennessee, USA

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Stacy Pulliam [send private message]

Biography

Larkin was born about 1760.

• Fact: Mil Enlist (1779)

He passed away in 1844. He is supposedly buried at the Wisdom Family Plot in Sparta in White County, Tennessee, United States^[1]

Will

Larkin Wisdom , will "Secondly I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Elizabeth Wisdom all that part of my farm and lands situated lying and being on the south side of my land that runs through my farm and lands past my house and also the benefit and use of my barn which stands on the north side of my land during (P 243) the natural life or Widowhood " Children mentioned are Elizabeth, Rachel Stewart, Nancy Southard Elizabeth Wisdom and the Children of William Wisdom Decd , grandsons James W and Thomas D. Wisdom , sons of William Wisdom, Decd. "I do to this my Will set my hand and Seal this 16th day of May in the year 1844. State of Tennessee White County November Term of White County Court AD 1846 This day was produced in open Court in writing purporting to be the last Will and testament of Larkin Wisdom late a citizen of the County of White deceased whose death was duly proved and the due execution and publication of said writing to be the last Will and testament of said Larkin Wisdom was proved in open Court "

Research Notes

"Per multi-Gr GD Carolyn Johnson Martin,2010: Larken William Wisdom m. Elizabeth Phelps, moved to White Co., TN 1817-1820...rented large section of land. His homeplace is now known as "Old Cooper" homeplace. The graves of Elizabeth & their grandaughter SARAH LARKIN WISDOM (she was handicapped) are a top a hill on this property in the cemetary. Elizabeth's dad was Thomas Phelps....wealthy family from VA...and he was against Larken m. his daughter...felt he was a "moneydigger"...Anyhow...Larken & Elizabeth were happy and followed Davey Crockett to TN "

Larkin may have had a son, Thomas Wisdom b about 1792. He married peggy Whitsell/Whitsett , NC. bond posted by his brother in law, M. Southard. Thomas Wisdom + Peggy Whitsell ~ 2 Apr 1813 bond ~ Macklin Southard William Wisdom + Sarah A. Holeman ~ 2 Dec 1817 bond ~ Spencer A. Holman North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 , https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP9K-SB7F Thomas may have died without issue , shortly after marriage.

1779-81: Larkin Wisdom was a Rev. War Soldier. (SOURCE: page 20, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

1781: Larken Wisdom was listed as a buyer in the sales of the estate of Thomas Wisdom. Other Buyers: Thomas Yates, Martha Wisdom, Baze Newman, David Culbertson. (SOURCE: Caswell County, NC Will Abstracts, 1780-1781Book A., p. 126.)

[pg 6][Book A 1780-1781; March Court 1781] 126 Sales estate of Thomas Wisdom. Buyers: Thomas Yates, Martha Wisdom, Baze Newman, David Culbertson, Larkin Wisdom.

1782: Larkin purchased only 1 shotbag and horn for 7 shillings and 12 pence when his mother was forced to sell their estate to pay off her debts for the satisfaction of the courts. (SOURCE: page 20, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

1784: Larkin Wisdom is shown in the Tax list of 1784 as a land owner paying taxes. In the same year Larkin m. Elizabeth Phelps, dau of Thomas Phelps of Caswell Co., NC who was a neighbor of the Wisdom's in the 1800 census. (SOURCE: page 20, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

[pg 139][1784 tax list Gloucester Dist] Wisdom Martha 150 - 1 - 0 Wisdom Larkin 0 - 1 - 0

State Census of North Carolina 1784 1787 1786 Gloucester District Caswell Co p3 Martha Wisdom 4 W.M. under 20 over 60 WF all ages 5 Black 12Ð50

1 p5 Larkin Wisdom 1WM under 20 over 60 WF all ages 2 Per William Gooch Junr. 14 Jany. 1786

St. David District p6 Wisdom Joseph WM 21Ð60 (1) WF under 20 over60 (3) all ages

1784-87: Larkin Wisdom is listed on the Caswell Co., NC State Census, page 5 with 1 white male ages under 21 and over 60 yrs, 4 white females all ages. (SOURCE: page 23 , State Census of NC 178401787, Second Edition Revised, Transcribed and Indexed by Mrs. Alvaretta Kenan Register, published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1978. This book is at the Little Rock Public Library, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, AR.)

1786: Larkin Wisdom was on the Caswell Co., NC Taxpayers List. (SOURCE: page 226, N C Taxpayers, 1679-1790, V 2, compiled by Clarence E. Ratcliff, published by the Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, Baltimore, 1987. This book is at the Little Rock Public Library, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, AR.)

abt 1786: Larkin Wisdom received Survey No. 871 in Washington Territory, NC for 300 acres located on Harmony Creek on the South side of the Holstein River. (SOURCE: page 24, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

Per letter from Mary Jack Powell Larkin Wisdom in 1789 received a grant of 300 acres in Washington Co on the south side of the Holstein on _____ Creek. #871

1790 TN lists of NC Land Grants in TN 1778-1791 Wisdom, Sachin - 300 acres on the south side of Holstein on Inmans Creek

1794: NC ceeded Larkin's land in Washington Territory, NC to become a part of the new state of TN. (SOURCE: page 24, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

26 Jan 1795: In Caswell Co., NC; Letter of Attorney: Sarah Wisdom and Martha Wisdom, to brother Larkin Wisdom to recover from estate of Francis Wisdom their deceased grandfather of Pittsylvania Co., VA such property now in the hands of Dr. Crawford Williams. Attested by Billy Wisdom's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal collection of Jane Fagan.) [pg 47] [Book C 1794-95; January Court 1795]

[pg 47][Book C 1794-95; January Court 1795] 106 Letter of Attorney: James Wisdom to Brother Larkin Wisdom to recover estate due from Francis Wisdom decd. of Pittsylvania County, Va. 6 Jan 1795. Test: William Rainey JP, John McMullen.

[pg 183][Deed Book K] 169 James Richmond of CC to James St. John of same, for 160 lbs, 160 A on N Hico adj Ann Greer, Thomas Evans. 9 Sept 1797. Wit: William Richmond, Larkin Wisdom, James Birk.

Oct 1797: Larkin Wisdom's ear mark for his stock 'A carap and underkeel in each ear'. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C, page 248.)

1797: Larkin Wisdom was a buyer on the settlement of the estate of James Smith by O. Dickie, administrator. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C.)

1797: Larkin Wisdom was a buyer on the settlement of the estate of John Crisp. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C, page 104.)

1798: Larkin Wisdom was a buyer on the settlement of the estate of Buckner Wall. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C, page 327.)

June 5, 1798 - James Jay and Martha his wife and Larkin Wisdom of Caswell Co., to Lewis Wisdom of same for 50 lbs, 150 Acres on N. side Hico. adj Bandston, Joseph Boren, John Graves, Mother???...Wit Wm. Brown, Wm. Wait, John Womack, Gabriel Lea.....Caswell Co., N.C. Deed Book K, Page 273

1800 North Carolina Census Index Wisdom, Abner Caswell Co NC 707 20010Ð20010ÐÐ00 Wisdom, Anne Wilkes Co NC 69 00000Ð00000ÐÐ00 Wisdom, James Caswell Co NC 707 10010Ð20100ÐÐ00 Wisdom, John Caswell Co NC 707 00010Ð00000ÐÐ00 Wisdom, Thomas Anson Co NC 222 00020Ð00000ÐÐ00 Wisdom, William Anson Co NC 240 11101Ð02100ÐÐ00 Wisdom, Larkin Caswell Co NC 705 20010Ð21010ÐÐ04

[pg 256][Deed Book O] 18-9 Miles Wells of CC to Bazzell Warren of same, for $200, 200 A adj Hugh Currie, David Mitchell, William Warren. 14 May 1803. Wit: Thos Compton, Larkin Wisdom.

Aug 1804: Larkin Wisdom was among the buyers of the accounts of property and sale of estate of Thomas Langley taken on 18 Aug. 1803. Other buyers: James Wisdom & Lewis Wisdom. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1804, Book E, page 160.)

1807: Larkin Wisdom bought property of Mordecai Burgess estate. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1808, Book E, page 384.)

1820 NC Wisdom, Abner Caswell Co 53 Wisdom, Bird Caswell Co 54 Wisdom, James Person Co 13 John Wisdom Person Co 13

1820 Census White Co TN Wilson, William 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 Wisdom, Larkin 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 Wisdom, William 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 Withght, Reuben 3 3 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0

[pg 68][Book E 1824; July Court 1824] 316 Power of attorney - William Wisdom, William Stuart and Rachel his wife, and Elizabeth Wisdom of White County, Tenn., to Larkin Wisdom of county and state aforesaid to recover from Gabriel Lea of Caswell Co., exec of will of Thomas Phelps decd., part bequeathed to them by his will. 8 June 1824

[pg 77][Book L January 1826 - April 1831; January Court 1826 continued] 8 Power of attorney - Martin Southard of White County, Tenn., to friend Larkin Wisdom of county and state aforesaid to recover from estate of Thomas Phelps decd late of Caswell Co. in hands of Gabriel Lea exec part due in right of wife Nancy Southard a div of said Thomas Phelps, said Nancy his granddaughter and daughter of Larkin Wisdom. 1 Oct 1825. Signed McLin Southard. Drury Smith and William Irvin, JP's of White Co. Tenn. approve P of A for Maclin Southard.

Per copy of will. dated 16 May 1844 White Co Tn 1846: White County Wills Larkin WISDOM died October or November, 1846 in White County, TN. Will mentions wife, Elizabeth WISDOM, who receives farm, tools, slave, and livestock. Daughter Elizabeth to be supported by her mother and kept during her life. Grandsons Larkin W. STEWART, James K. WISDOM, and Thomas D. WISDOM (last two are sons of Larkin's deceased son, William WISDOM) receive lands. Daughters Rachel STEWART and Nancy SOUTHARD mentioned. Executor is William G. SIMS.

Larkin Wisdom wife was Elizabeth daughter Elizabeth to be supported (something wrong with her?) Grandsons Larkin W. Stewart, James H. Wisdom and Thomas D (or P.). Wisdom

States that his Children were Rachel Stewart, Nancy Southard and Elizabeth Wisdom and William Wisdom (who seems to be deceased)

This was sent to me by Shannon Wisdom Martin. Last Will and Testament of Larkin Wisdom, May 16, 1844. The following was copied from microfilms of the original White County, Tennessee, Settlements and Wills, Volume C, pages 242-244, which covers the period March 1841-July 1851. Copied by William Andy Cooley, 15506 Blackhawk Blvd., Frendswood, Texas, on June 4, 1983.

In the name of God Amen. I, Larkin Wisdom of the County and State aforesaid being weak of Body but of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and publish this as my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all other Wills by me at any other time made.

First, I direct that my furneral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of the first monies that may come to the hands of my Executor herein-after named.

Secondly, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Wisdom all that part of my farm and lands situated lying and being on the south side of my lane that runs throught my farm and lands past my house and also the benefit and use of my barn which stands on the north side of my lane during Her natural life or Widowhood and also I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Wisdom my negro man Thomas together with all my stock of horses Cattle, Hogs, Sheep and all other stock together with my farming tools and tools of all kind. Household and kitchen furniture during her life and Widowhood and her to keep and support my Daughter Elizabeth during her life and in case my Wife should die before my Daughter then my Daughter Elizabeth is to have my negro man Thomas and the proceeds of the land above bequeath is to go to the benefit of my said Daughter Elizabeth during her life and after the death of my Daughter Elizabeth and my wife then all my land laying on the south side of the lane to be giving to my Grandson Larkin W. Stewart and his heirs forever and further should my wife die before my Daughter Elizabeth then she is to live with whichever one of my children that my negro man Thomas choses to live with.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my two Grandsons James H. Wisdom and Thomas D. (P) Wisdom, sons of my son William Wisdom, deceased all my lands on the North side of my land forever after the death or marriage of my Wife and also after the death of my Daughter Elizabeth they to have the benefit and use of said land during the life or widowhood of my Wife then to be and amure to my tow Grand Sons aforesaid James H. and Thomas D. (P) Wisdom and their heirs or assigned forever.

Fourth, after the death or marriage of my Wife all my personall property of every and all kind with the exception of my negro man Thomas that is all such as shall be left after the supporting of her and my Daughter Elizabeth untill the death of my wife I give and bequeath to my children, Rachel Stewart, Nancy Southard, Elizabeth Wisdom, and the Children of William Wisdom, deceased to be sold at public sale By my Executor hereinafter named on a credit of twelve months and the proceeds arising there from equally divided amongst them that is to say Rachel Stewart one share, Nancy Southard one share, Elizabeth Wisdom on share and the children of my son William Wisdom deceased one Share.

Lastly, I do hereby mamonate and appooint William G. Sims my Executor. In Witness whereof I do to this my Will set my hand and Seal the 16th day of May in the year 1844. Larkin Wisdom (Seal) Test: David Snodgrass, Nicholas Mercer, John H. McCugh.

(Larkin Wisdom's death and will were proven in open court on November 2, 1846 A.D. Recorded on November 10, 1846 A.D.)

Appointment of Estate Administrators fro Elizabeth Wisdom, October 6, 1851. Copied from White County, Tennessee, Settlements and Wills, Volume D, page 4, which covers the periond of September 1851 - December 1851. The following is a summary of the contents of the original court entry.)

The death of Elizabeth Wisdom was proven in open Court on October 6, 1861. Andrew J. Sims and R. (Mahite?) were appointed administrators.

Notes for Larkin Wisdom:

1807: Larkin Wisdom bought property of Mordecai Burgess estate. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1808, Book E, page 384.)

Aug 1804: Larkin Wisdom was among the buyers of the accounts of property and sale of estate of Thomas Langley taken on 18 Aug. 1803. Other buyers: James Wisdom & Lewis Wisdom. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1804, Book E, page 160.)

1798: Larkin Wisdom was a buyer on the settlement of the estate of Buckner Wall. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C, page 327.)

Oct 1797: Larkin Wisdom's ear mark for his stock 'A carap and underkeel in each ear'. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C, page 248.)

1797: Larkin Wisdom was a buyer on the settlement of the estate of James Smith by O. Dickie, administrator. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C.)

26 Jan 1795: In Caswell Co., NC; Letter of Attorney: Sarah Wisdom and Martha Wisdom, to brother Larkin Wisdom to recover from estate of Francis Wisdom their deceased grandfather of Pittsylvania Co., VA such property now in the hands of Dr. Crawford Williams. Attested by and Related Families. Personal collection of Jane Fagan.)

26 Jan 1795: In Caswell Co., NC; Letter of Attorney: Sarah Wisdom and Martha Wisdom, to brother Larkin Wisdom to recover from estate of Francis Wisdom their deceased grandfather of Pittsylvania Co., VA such property now in the hands of Dr. Crawford Williams. Attested by James Robinson. (SOURCE: page 26, Billy Wisdom's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal collection of Jane Fagan.)

1797: Larkin Wisdom was a buyer on the settlement of the estate of John Crisp. (SOURCE: Caswell Co., NC Will Abstracts, 1777-1814, Book C, page 104.)

1794: NC ceeded Larkin's land in Washington Territory, NC to become a part of the new state of TN. (SOURCE: page 24, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

abt 1786: Larkin Wisdom received Survey No. 871 in Washington Territory, NC for 300 acres located on Harmony Creek on the South side of the Holstein River. (SOURCE: page 24, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

1786: Larkin Wisdom was on the Caswell Co., NC Taxpayers List. (SOURCE: page 226, N C Taxpayers, 1679-1790, V 2, compiled by Clarence E. Ratcliff, published by the Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, Baltimore, 1987. This book is at the Little Rock Public Library, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, AR.)

1784: Larkin Wisdom is shown in the Tax list of 1784 as a land owner paying taxes. In the same year Larkin m. Elizabeth Phelps, dau of Thomas Phelps of Caswell Co., NC who was a neighbor of the Wisdom's in the 1800 census. (SOURCE: page 20, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

1784-87: Larkin Wisdom is listed on the Caswell Co., NC State Census, page 5 with 1 white male ages under 21 and over 60 yrs, 4 white females all ages. (SOURCE: page 23 , State Census of NC 178401787, Second Edition Revised, Transcribed and Indexed by Mrs. Alvaretta Kenan Register, published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1978. This book is at the Little Rock Public Library, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, AR.)

1782: Larkin purchased only 1 shotbag and horn for 7 shillings and 12 pence when his mother was forced to sell their estate to pay off her debts for the satisfaction of the courts. (SOURCE: page 20, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

1781: Larken Wisdom was listed as a buyer in the sales of the estate of Thomas Wisdom. Other Buyers: Thomas Yates, Martha Wisdom, Baze Newman, David Culbertson. (SOURCE: Caswell County, NC Will Abstracts, 1780-1781 Book A., p. 126.)

1779-81: Larkin Wisdom was a Rev. War Soldier. (SOURCE: page 20, Billy Smith's Wisdom and Related Families. Personal Collection of Jane Fagan.)

WISDOM-L Archives

From: Jane Fagan bject: [WISDOM-L] NC Wisdom's on the net Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 23:52:56

CASWELL CO, NC WILL - Philps, Thomas

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Joy Hyde

North Carolina //\\ Caswell County//\\ Pursuant to as Order of Court ............. to us Gabriel Lea William Warren & John McMurry have s...... on the land or lands of Thomas Philps Desc. for the purpose of allotting the said lands to the several legates agreeable to the quantity and value where fore we have proceeded the same and have allotted and divided it the following manner Viz. To Larkin Wisdom with the right of his wife Elizabeth who was Elizabeth Philps. No 1 Beginning at an elm tree thence South along Smiths line thirty seven Chs and 52 links to a White Oak thence East along.....Sergents line forty chains 15 links to Hickory thence South along the said Sergents line four chs and 15 links to a Stake thence east ....his line thirty eight chains 60 links to ..............thence north along Owen line twenty eight chains and 15 links to a..... thence west along Joseph Curries line thirty four chains and 50 links to a Hickory thence North . ............Curries line twenty seven chains and fifty links to a branch thence down said branch as it measures nineteen chs to the confl.....of another branch thence a North Easterly course one chain to a Mulberry thence west twenty nine chains and 75 links to the beginning containing by estimation two hundred and fifty five acres be the same more or less valued to be worth

To James Sergent with the right of his Wife Rachel who was Rachel Phelps, No. 2 Beginning at a White Oak thence East along Larson Wisdom line forty ...and 15 links to a Hickory thence South four Chs. & 15 links to a stake thence east along said Wisdoms line thirty Chs. and 60 links to p................. thence South along Owens line thirty Chs. and 58 links top............thence west along Thomas Roans line and ..................twenty eight chains and 75 links to..................................

White County, TN

12 Aug 1842 -- Will Book ?, page 81: James Snodgrass & Thomas Snodgrass were two of the commissioners who assigned one year's provisions to the widow and family of William Wisdom, dec'd.

Feb 1844 -- Will Book ?, page 129: James Snodgrass was appointed administrator of Mary Howard. 16 May 1844 -- Will Book ?, page 243: David Snodgrass witnessed the will of Larkin Wisdom.

11 Aug 1845 -- Will Book ?, page 185: David Snodgrass, receipt of; settlement of estate of William Wisdom, dec'd; page 186 ditto, James Snodgrass, F. Snodgrass.

2 Nov 1846 -- Will Book ?, page 244: David Snodgrass proved the will of Larkin Wisdom in court.

1790 Census Caswell county Thomas Felps Thomas Roane James Sargeant Larkin Wisdom

Larkin served in the Rev. War from 1779 to 1781. For his service he was awarded Bounty Land Warrant survey #671 (may have actually been #871) for 300 acres located in the Washington Territory. The land was located on the south side of the Holstein rove on Harmony Creek which was at that time in NC. In 1794 the land became part of the new state of Tennessee.

Horses were the main source and means of power and transportation in North Carolina, as elsewhere, and the breeding of horses was of prime importance. In Guilford in 1815 there were 9 men who offered stud horses to the public: Nathan Armfield (p. 11), Hezekiah Bevill (p. 18), Jesse Hunt (p. 25), John Dillin [Dillon] (p. 28), Edmond Donnell (p. 32), Arthur Woodbourn (p. 46), James Hendrix (p. 47), John Woodburn (p. 47), and Larkin Wisdom (p. 77).

Sources

1. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52067848/larkin-william-wisdom: accessed 31 August 2022), memorial page for Larkin William Wisdom (1763–16 Mar 1844), Find a Grave Memorial ID 52067848, citing Wisdom Family Plot, Sparta, White County, Tennessee, USA; Maintained by Arkieologist (contributor 47246586) . Memorial only. Nothing to show he is actually here.

• Tennessee Wills White County Will Book, Pgs. 242-244, dated 16 May 1844, Recorded November 10, 1846, Larkin; International Genealogical Index www.familysearch.org

• "Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 11 March 2018, 17:57), entry for Larkin William Wisdom(PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:LD17-XZW); contributed by various users.

• Year: 1790; Census Place: Caswell, North Carolina; Series: M637; Roll: 7; Page: 80; Family History Library Film: 0568147

• 1820 U S Census; Census Place: White, Tennessee; Page: 351; NARA Roll: M33_122; Image: 313

• Tennessee, Early Tax List Records, 1783-1895