Edward Gatlin (1742 - 1781)

Born 1742 in Craven Co., North Carolina

Husband of Elizabeth (Johnson) Gatlin — married about 1755 in North Carolina

Descendants

Died 1781 at about age 39 in Craven Co., North Carolina

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Biography

Edward Gatlin, born about 1738 to John and Mary Gatlin of Craven County, North Carolina. Craven County was formed out of Bath County in 1664. According to Some Colonial History of Craven County by Francis H. Cooper p. 3, Bath County consisted of "territory between Albemarle and Cape Fear." In 1705 that land was divided into Precincts with Craven being one of them.

Johnston County was formed from a part of Craven County in 1746.

Edward was married to Elizabeth Johnson about 1758. He lived in western Craven County. Dobbs County was formed in 1758 from Johnston County, though the legislative Act that created it did not become effective until April 10, 1759. It was named for Arthur Dobbs, Royal Governor of North Carolina from 1754 to 1765.

Edward and his wife posted bond on the 6th of July 1763 for the timely administration of his estate upon his death. Edward signed and sealed same and his wife made her mark.

Edward was granted 300 acres on the North Side of the Neuse River in Craven County. It was surveyed 5 Sep of 1764.

When Edward died his wife Elizabeth was the Executrix and Administrator of his estate.

Revolutionary War

Captain Edward Gatlin performed Patriotic Service in North Carolina in the American Revolution.

^[1] Edward was living in western Craven County. News came to New Bern in May that war erupted in the colonies with the confrontation between the local militia and British troops at Lexington Green in Massachusetts on 14 April 1775.

Throughout 1775, North Carolina Whigs organized their resistance to the Crown. Provincial Congresses were called to order. Two months later, on April 12, 1776, the Fourth Provincial Congress passed the Halifax Resolves, officially endorsing independence from Great Britain. North Carolina representatives presented the resolves to the Continental Congress on May 27, the same day that Virginia offered a similar resolution.

In early 1776, British authorities planned to exploit the allegiances of thousands of Scottish settlers who lived along the Cape Fear River near Cross Creek (present day Fayetteville). Word was sent to the Loyalists to organize and prepare for a landing of British regulars along the coast. Soon hundreds of Highland Scots were enlisting in Tory regiments in the region and marching towards Wilmington. The Council of Safety acted swiftly to counteract their intentions, and on February 27, 1776, Patriot troops intercepted and destroyed the Loyalist force at Moore’s Creek Bridge.

Edward was a Captain in the Dobbs County, Militia under Col. Richard Caswell. He was there and took part in the battle.

Military

Edward is on a list with other Gatlins in the North Carolina Militia from Newbern District. Gatling, Edward New Bern District Minutemen 1776 1776 1776, a Captain under Col. Richard Caswell. From Dobbs County. Moore's Creek Bridge.

Family

Edward was married to Elizabeth Johnson. These are their known children:

1. Sarah Gatlin married Weeks Chapman
2. Levi Gatlin 1760–1829, married Barbara Worsley
3. Shadrack Gatlin ??? 1759–1835, married Laney Worsley
4. Esther Gatlin 1761-1815, married Jessie Chapman
5. Stephen Abner Gatlin 1760–1850 married Mary Harris
6. Elizabeth Gatlin married James Roach
7. John Black Gatlin 1760–1801
8. Mary Gatlin married William Tooke
9. Edward Ned Gatlin 1765–1835
10. Louise Gatlin 1777– married Baker, then William Moesly

Last Will and Testament

"Edward’s will, written in May, 1781, “…I Edward Gatlin…being mortally wounded and knowing that all men must die do make this, my last will & Testament…”

The will was probated in the next term of court, June 1781 of Craven County, NC.,

so there is evidence that he died of some kind of injury. Edward and Elizabeth had children: Sarah, Levi, Esther, John Black, Louise, Stephen, Elizabeth, Mary, and Edward. In his will, Edward also named a son "Shadrack" and what appears to be SALTER, leaves him 1 slave, and no other property. (On the written will, the word “my” is at the end of the line on the page, and the page is slightly frayed. It’s possible that a short word comes after it, such as “god” or “grand” or “step” so that this refers to a godson, grandson, or stepson. ^[2]

Edward was born in 1742. He passed away in 1781.

Research Notes

Some researchers have said that it was reported that he was killed by Cornwallis’ troops at Street’s Ferry , on the Neuse River north of Lima in Craven County.

Sources

1. ↑ Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Genealogical Research Databases, database online, (http://www.dar.org/ : accessed 1 Apr 2018), "Record of Gatlin, Edward", Ancestor # A043616.
2. ↑ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~paday/dobbers/caswellconnection/Gats&shep.htm

• https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/nc_patriot_military_captains.html

• Source Citation Description: Certificate Range: 5775-5777, 00-0312 Source Information Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Land Grant Files, 1693-1960 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Original data:North Carolina Land Grants. Microfilm publication, 770 rolls. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina.

• http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~paday/dobbers/index.htm

• http://news.rootsweb.com/th/read/GATLIN/2007-09/1190205573
• Source Information Ancestry.com. Roster of soldiers from North Carolina in the American Revolution [database on-line]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data:Roster of soldiers from North Carolina in the American Revolution : with an appendix containing a collection of miscellaneous records.. unknown: The D.A.R., 1932.
• Source Citation Wills and Estate Papers (Craven County), 1663-1978; Author: North Carolina. Division of Archives and History (Raleigh, North Carolina); Probate Place: Craven, North Carolina Source Information Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: North Carolina County, District and Probate Courts.

• Roster of soldiers from North Carolina during the Revolution

• http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=C-23
• "North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V121-CNB : 8 March 2021), Edward Gatlin, 1781; citing Craven, North Carolina, United States, State Archives, Raleigh; FHL microfilm 1,839,221.
• *rootweb collaboration database Gatlin owner Larry Gatlin

http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~paday/genealogy/dobbers/caswellconnection/Gats&shep.htm