Descendant of William Cantrell, the first Cantrell in North America. William arrived from England with Captain John Smith in Jamestown, Virginia on April 20, 1607
John Cantrell Jr. is an NSSAR Patriot Ancestor. NSSAR Ancestor #: P128281 Rank: Private
John was born in either 1751 or 1757, the records are unclear, in Orange County, North Carolina. He was the son of John Cantrell and Rachel Brittain.
About 1779 John married Elizabeth Cantrell in Guilford County, North Carolina.
He served in the War for American Independence from the Salisbury District North Carolina. After the war, he was granted a warrant for land granted the officers and soldiers in the continental line of the Security Office. This was warrant #3930.[1] No acreage or service listed. He was also allowed 17 lbs and 7 pence on a claim filed 9 August 1782 and the certificate #1575 is on file in the Archives at Raleigh, North Carolina.[2]
After the war, John and Elizabeth moved southward down the Piedmont plateau to the 96th dist of South Carolina. Here he acquired three tracts of land. One was the Maple Swamp tract. One was the tract on Buck Creek where he established a mill and this became known as Old Mill tract.[3] The other was a small unnamed tract. As he was a miller, and to distinguish him from the other John Cantrells in the area, he was known as "Miller John".
The probate of his estate refers to him as John M. He was a devoted and active worker in the Buck Creek Baptist Church, where his father and his uncle/father-in-law served as ministers and messengers. He continued in this service up until his death in 1823. [4]
In 1790, John was recorded as head of family in the 96th dist. which was to become Spartanburg Dist. and later Spartanburg Co., South Carolina. They were parents of five children at that time. He was living almost next door to Sampson Bethel, husband of his wife's sister Mary.[5]
In 1800, the family is recorded in Spartanburg Dist. and now there are nine children listed at home. One child, a male who would have been 14 years old was missing. We don't know this child's name.[6]
In 1810, the family was recorded in Spartanburg Co and eight children were listed. He owned four slaves.[7]
In 1820, the family was recorded in Spartanburg Co and only two children were at home.[8]
After his death in 1823, a lengthy probate was made of his estate. ... he left personal property which was inventoried at $2,077.58 which was sold for $2,102.27. The personal property included five negros. Jesse who was a mulatto, though sold to Elizabeth at the sale, later went to Marion Co., AL with the rest of the family. He was born in 1804 in South Carolina. He married an Indian girl, Sarah, born in 1815 in North Carolina. In later years after the war, he owned land in Marion Co. and was a well known farmer.[9]
Records
On 19 December 1818, John Cantrell sold 100 acres to John Cooper. Description of the land includes; on the waters of Buck Creek, crossing Big Buck Creek, Richard Morris' line, and Abraham Cantrell's old spring branch. Witnesses; Richard Morris, Seth Lewis. Additionally, Elizabeth was identified as John's wife. "Elizabeth Cantrell the wife of the within named John Cantrell... relinquish unto the within named John Cooper all her interest & claim of dowry..." Recorded 2 October 1820. [10]
On 26 March 1823, John Cantrell sold 100 acres to Martin Cantrell on Bucks Creek of Pacolet River. Land description includes adjoining property owners; James Ezell, Henry McKinney, Daniel Cantrell, Suchy Ashley, and William Cantrell. Witnesses; Samuel Ezell, Henry McKinney. Recorded 9 November 1827. [11]
On 21 July 1823, John Cantrell sold 130 acres to Berryman Cantrell on the Pacolet River. Land description includes; on the river bank, running up with Mary Cantrell's line, crossing the old road at Horton's path that goes to Lansford Cantrells, and Burgess' old line. Witnesses; William Cantrell, Martin Cantrell. Recorded 5 January 1824. [12]
Will
WILL OF JOHN CANTRELL
"I, John Cantrell, of the State of South Carolina, and the County of Spartanburg, being of sound mind and memory, do make and constitute this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say, I recommend my soul to God and my body to a Christian burial. "First: I will that all my just debts bo paid, also "I give and bequieth until my daughter Anna Turner, one hundred acres of land, more or less, lying on the Maple Swamp, on both sides of the creek. "I also give and bequeath unto my daughter, Synthia, one bed and two pillows and slips, four civer lids, one bed quilt, six sheets, one cow, one chest, one pot, one wheel, and table pair of cards. "I give and bequeath unto my loving wife, Elizabeth Cantrell, the remainder of my estate, both real and personal, during the time of her natural life, or widowhood, to be equally divided amongst my children, at her death, that is to say: Abraham, Isaac, and my daughter Tilitha's heirs, and Betsey, William, Polly, Martin, Berry, Anna, Sally and her heirs, and Synthia; also twenty-five dollers to be given to my granddaughter, Janny Robbins. "Lastly, I appoint my three sons, William Cantrell, Martin Cantrell, and Berry Cantrell, executors of this my last Will and Testament. "In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 30th day of March, 1823. (Signed) "JOHN CANTRELL. "Test Lanceford Cantrell, George Cantrell, Nimrod Cantrell." [3]
The LWT appears to be proven on 16 December 1823, "... John Cantrell late of said district died leaving a will with, William Cantrell, Martin Cantrell and Berryman Cantrell named executors who hath applied to me for the probate of said will..." Pg. 796-21 [3]
On 21 December 1823, a public notice took place at Buck Creek Meeting House regarding the LWT of John Cantrell.
“Citation to prove the will of John Cantrell dec’d.
Spartanburgh District December 21st, 1823.
I do hereby certify that this citation has been read publicly
at Buck Creek meeting house by me. James For_st” [3]
On 24 February 1824, appraisers were appointed by the Court in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, for the estate of John Cantrell. They were to return their report by 24 April 1824. Appraisers: Charley Cantrell, Samuel Jenkins, Wm Cantrell, James Foster, Daniel Cantrell. [13]
On 3 March 1824, two tracts of land belonging to John Cantrell dec'd were sold to Mark Cantrell. Both William Cantrell of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, and Abraham Cantrell of Warren County, Tennessee acted as Administrators. Land description includes; 30 acres and 100 acres on Pacolet River. Witnesses; Martin Cantrell, John Calvert. [14]
17 October 1825 is neither the date John M. Cantrell died, nor the date his estate was probated. It is a commonly used date of death, in error. The 17 October 1825 date comes from a record within the estate papers regarding how to distribute the real estate. It is for the Court of Ordinary. Heirs named to appear in court, in November, regarding real estate of 237 acres. In part it states, "should not be divided a (sic) sold allowing to Elizabeth Cantril one third thereof and the other two thirds... to each of the legatees..." Pg. 796-5 [3]
On 24 October 1825, a guardianship petition regarding the estate of John Cantrell documents a middle initial. "Abram Cantrill petitions to be appointed guardian for... [Forist legatees named]... of John M. Cantril dec'd." On this same date, William Cantrell also petitions for guardianship regarding Jane Robins. [15]
On 5 January 1826, James Ezell and James Ezell Junior made oath that they "... have been acquainted with the Maple Swamp tract of land and also the old Mill Tract and the River Shole and that it will not bear a division amongst the legatees, sworn and subscribed to the 5th Day of January 1826. Henry Turner. Signed James Ezell and James Ezell Junior." Pg. 796-18. [3]
Activity on his estate continued until at least 1828, according to dated documents found within his estate file.
In 1830 widowed Elizabeth Cantrell is listed in Spartanburg Co. South Carolina and probably died soon thereafter.
Name
John's name is documented as John M. Cantrell on several pages found within his estate file. [3] The 1908 book by Christie appears to be the original source for the nickname "Miller John". It is unclear if the author opted to use said name to distinguish between the numerous men named John Cantrell in Spartanburg or if John was actually known as such during his lifetime.
Notes
Orange County, North Carolina was formed in 1752. Later the county was split among several new counties, including Guilford County which was formed in 1770.[16]
Research Notes
The following land records involving the name John Cantrell are provided here for consideration when researching John M. Cantrell "Miller John" (died before 16 Dec 1823 per probate records) of Spartanburg County, South Carolina.[3] Use caution as there were five John Cantrells enumerated on the 1800 Census. Four born 1756-1774 (ages 26-44) found on pages 505, 523, 533, and 535. One born 1775-1784 (age 16-25) found on page 535. Raffety-49 23:16, 28 September 2022 (UTC)
It is unclear if the 1789 and 1795 land records represent one or both of the John Cantrells enumerated on the 1790 Census in Spartanburg.
1789 - John Cantrell: 75 acres on Bucks Creek from John Hightower. Both men of Spartanburgh. The land description includes; Thomas Warren and Thomas Jordan. Witnesses; Sampson Bethel, Elijah Green, and Isaac Young. Originally granted to John Hightower in 1785. Deed dated 20 Mar 1789. Conveyance books, v. 1A-B 1785-1792; Book B, Pg. 312.
1795 - John Cantrell: 186 acres on Big and Little Bucks Creek from Thomas Jordan. The land description includes; originally granted to John Hightower in 1785 and William Morris in 1787. Witnesses; Bethel, Larkin Bethel, and Cantrell Bethel. Conveyance books, v. C-E 1792-1797; Book E, Pg. 61.
Additional land records that might be associated with John M. Cantrell "Miller John" (died 1823).
1802 - Isaac Young: Plat for 295 acres on Branch of Island and Buck Creeks, Spartanburgh District, Surveyed by Richard Thomson. Date: 10/22/1802. Other people in this record: Abbet, William; Cantrell, Abraham; Cantrell, John; Thomson, Richard. Places in this record: Broad River; Buck Creek; Island Creek; Meadow Creek; Pacolet River. SC Archives.
1810 - John Cantrell to son Isaac Cantrell: 94 acres. Notes regarding deed; John Cantrill… $400 paid by my son Isaac Cantrill... land... where said Isaac Cantrell now lives containing 94 acres. Adjoining Bankston, Moses Cantrell, and John Cantrell. Delivered in presence of Isaac Cantrell son of Thomas and Jacob Cantrell. 14 Sep 1810, Isaac Cantrill son of Thomas and Leonard Adcock confirmed John Cantrell signed and delivered unto Isaac Cantrell son of John. Issued on 29 Feb 1810. Note that the language in this deed distinguishes between 'Isaac Cantrell son of John' and 'Isaac Cantrell son of Thomas'. Conveyance books, v. O-Q 1813-1820; Book P; Pg. 95.
1812 - Isaac Cantrell son of John Cantrell: 60 acres Pacolet River, Island Creek, Maple Swamp. From Lawrence Bankston to Isaac Cantrell son of John. The land description includes; on waters of Maple Swamp of Island Creek... the road that leads from Island Ford of Broad (river?) run to Colten Ford on Pacolet River... wagon road. Adjoining Martin Baugh, Mark Forester, and Isaac Cantrell's line. Witnesses; Henry Turner, Leonard Adcock. Book P, Pg 96, Issued 1812, Recorded 1816.
1820 - Samuel Cantrell and Polly Cantrell: 115 acres on Bucks Creek to Wm Cantrell. The land description includes; along John Cantrell's line, to Samuel Cantrell's line. Witnesses; Mishick Hall and Judah Terry. Date: 1820. Conveyance books, v. R-T 1820-1827; Book S; Pg. 107.
1820 - William Cantrell: 110 acres on Buck Creek to George Cantrell. The land description includes; John Cantrell's line, John Morrow, Abraham Cantrell, Mark Forest, and School House Branch. Witnesses; Ephraim Ezell and James Cantrell. Signed 10 Dec 1820. Conveyance books, v. U-V 1827-1836; Book V; Pg. 406-407.
This plat record belongs to which John Cantrell?
1810 - John Cantrell Plat for 29 acres on Pacolet River. Land description includes; Mary Cantrell's line. Surveyed by Henry Turner. Date: 11/27/1810. Places in this record: Birds Creek; Green Creek; Lawsons Fork Creek; Pacolet River; South Pacolet River. Note: the plat image shows the acreage is on the water. SC Archives.
The following are additional records for the name John Cantrell that do not appear to involve John M. Cantrell "Miller John" (died 1823). This information might be helpful to other researchers in their endeavors. It is provided here with the hope of mitigating conflation issues.
Swamp Meadow on the South side of Pacolet River
1799 - John Cantrell 125 acres on Pacolet River (South side), Swamp Meadow. Bought from John Morrow. Land formerly granted to William Dickson. The land description includes; being part of a certain tract of land containing 534 acres formerly granted to Wm Dickson on South Side of Pacolet River. Adjoining Solomon Abbett. Witnesses; John Morrow, Mary Morrow, and Elizabeth Morrow. Conveyance books, v. F-H 1797-1803,1805; Book G, Pg 190. Note: Isaac Cantrell (c1729-1805) also had land originally granted to William Dickson.
1805 - John Cantrell 125 acres on Pacolet River (South side), Swamp Meadow sold to James Turner. Land formerly granted to William Dickson. Adjoining Solomon Abbitts, Swamps Meadows Waters. Witnesses; Henry Turner and Edward Turner. Conveyance books, v. I-K 1803-1807; Book K, Pg. 187.
Fairforest Creek and Beaverdam Creek
1797 - John Cantrell purchased 102 acres. Fairforest Creek, Beaverdam Creek. Conveyance books, v. C-E 1792-1797; Pg 134.
1807 - John Cantrell sold 102 acres to Edith Berry. Book L. Pg. 57. Logistically, this is in a different part of the county than the Cantrells of Buck Creek.
Beaverdam Creek
1799 - John Cantwell sold 104 acres to James Bagwell on Beaverdam. The deed interchangably spells his name Cantwell and Cantrell. See Conveyance books, Direct Deeds Index Pg 5A.
South side of Pacolet River
1808 - John Cantrell: multiple entries. Pacolet River (South side). #151 from Arnold Thomason. #152 to Aaron Templeton. 200 acres. Land description: granted to Jesse Cannel then to Joseph Davis and conveyed by Vincent Wyatt attorney to Thomason to John Cantrell. Witnesses; Abner Benson and Jas H Jones. Conveyance books, v. L-N 1807-1813; Book L; Pgs 164-166.
1808 - Jane Cantrell wife of John Cantrell dec'd. #174 to Aaron Templeton. Signed 24 Feb 1808. Recorded 4 Mar 1808. Book L; Pg 193.
↑ Ancestry.com. North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2019. Original data: North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782. Salt Lake City, UT, USA: FamilySearch, 2016. Accessed on ancestry.com, October 2022.
↑ "United States Census, 1790," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHKN-MPR : accessed 25 December 2016), John Cantrell, Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States; citing p. 32, NARA microfilm publication M637, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 11; FHL microfilm 568,151.
↑ "United States Census, 1800," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHRC-48Y : accessed 25 December 2016), John Cantrell, Spartanburg District, South Carolina, United States; citing p. 175, NARA microfilm publication M32, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 50; FHL microfilm 181,425.
↑ "United States Census, 1810," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH2Y-X8M : accessed 25 December 2016), John Cantrell, Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States; citing p. 431, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 61; FHL microfilm 181,420.
↑ "United States Census, 1820," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHG6-WYG : accessed 25 December 2016), John Cantrell, Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States; citing p. 245, NARA microfilm publication M33, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 120; FHL microfilm 162,023.
↑ “Conveyance books, v. R-T 1820-1827”; FamilySearch (FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQQ-33VR-S), Conveyance books (Spartanburg County, South Carolina), 1785-1911; indexes, 1785-1919; John & Elizabeth Cantrell 100 acres to John Cooper; Bucks Creek. Book R; Pg 127.
↑ "Conveyance books, v. U-V 1827-1836” ; FamilySearch (FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSHM-S7JC-3), Conveyance books (Spartanburg County, South Carolina), 1785-1911; indexes, 1785-1919; John Cantrell 100 acres to Martin Cantrell; Bucks Creek. Book U; Pgs. 22-23.
↑ "Conveyance books, v. R-T 1820-1827”; FamilySearch (FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQQ-33J8-D), Conveyance books (Spartanburg County, South Carolina), 1785-1911; indexes, 1785-1919; John Cantrell to Berryman Cantrell; Pacolet River. Book S; Pgs 277-278.
↑Warrants of Appraisements, 1816-1827; Author: Spartanburg District (South Carolina). Ordinary; Probate Place: Spartanburg, South Carolina. South Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1670-1980 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. John Cantrell
↑ "Conveyance books, v. R-T 1820-1827”; FamilySearch (FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQQ-33JH-J), Conveyance books (Spartanburg County, South Carolina), 1785-1911; indexes, 1785-1919; John Cantrell dec'd to Mark Cantrell; Pacolet River. Book S; Pg 384.
↑ "South Carolina Probate Records, Bound Volumes, 1671-1977," images, FamilySearch (FamilySearch Image: 939L-JF9T-9Y : 21 May 2014), Spartanburg > Journal of the Ordinary, 1821-1826 > image 82 of 90; citing Department of Archives and History, Columbia.
See also:
Please use caution when sourcing from genealogy books, specifically The Cantrill-Cantrell Genealogy, published in 1908. Several theories found within have been disproven after a comprehensive review of records.
Christie, Susan Cantrill. The Cantrill-Cantrell Genealogy: A Record of the Descendants of Richard Cantrill, who was a Resident of Philadelphia Prior to 1689, and of Earlier Cantrills in England and America. New York: The Grafton Press Genealogical Publishers, 1908. p 73-75
Source: S-2071602537 Repository: #R-2141038929 Title: U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Author: Yates Publishing Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.Original data - This unique collection of records was extracted from a variety of sources including family group sheets and electronic databases. Originally, the information was derived Note: APID: 1,7836::0. (note: this database is sourced from trees, not from official records.)
Acknowledgements
Thank you to William Graham for creating WikiTree profile Cantrell-718 through the import of WLGraham.ged on May 24, 2013.
WikiTree profile Cantrell-486 created through the import of Lozon.ged on Jul 26, 2012 by Jamie Henderson.
This person was created through the import of PittsPenn_2010-09-21.ged on 22 September 2010.
WFT Vol. 73 Tree 0179.
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DNA Connections
It may be possible to confirm family relationships with John by comparing test results with other carriers of his Y-chromosome or his mother's mitochondrial DNA.
Y-chromosome DNA test-takers in his direct paternal line on WikiTree:
Reportedly, the image of the headstone is not for this person. "Found out that this gravestone is of Orrie Elizabeth Turner and not that of Elizabeth Cantrell. The gravestone photo has been removed from Elizabeths' memorial on findagrave." Comment by researcher on Ancestry.com. I'll add that the photo has also been removed from John Cantrell's memorial.
Cantrell-2724 and Cantrell-89 appear to represent the same person because: nearly same birth date: records are unclear, birth year is either 1751 or 1757. Same birthplace, same death date.
Cantrell-2724 and Cantrell-89 appear to represent the same person because: nearly same birth date: records are unclear, birth year is either 1751 or 1757. Same birthplace, same death date.