NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

VAUGHAN FAMILY

Discussion

Thomas Vaughan. The 1821-1826 estate of Thomas Vaughan of Northampton Co., NC is one of those incredible finds that do not happen often. What is unique about his estate is that he died without surviving wife or children. Although he appears to have been one of the oldest of his family, his brothers died before him. This generated a lengthy list of heirs.

Until right before he died he lived in Southampton Co., VA (He paid personal and land taxes in Virginia in 1820 and died in NC in 1821). There we learn about Henry Vaughan who d. in 1784 leaving sons Thomas and Howell Vaughan (VA Southampton Will Book 04.052). There is also a record of Major Thomas Vaughan, Sr. who had a brother William who died in 1794 leaving sons William Vaughan, Thomas Vaughan, James Vaughan, John Vaughan, Henry Vaughan and Howell Vaughan (VA Southampton Will Book 04.643). The evidence is compelling from Northampton Co., NC that Thomas, son of Henry and brother of Howell is one and the same as Major Thomas Vaughan, Sr. who had a brother William.

In addition, they had a brother James who moved early on from Virginia to North Carolina. In 1795, James bought 435 acres of Potecasi Cr. in Northampton Co. (NC Northampton Deed Book 10.201). In 1799 the land was sold at sheriff’s sale. It was purchased by none other than Thomas Vaughan of Southampton Co., VA (NC Northampton Deed Book 10.428). [Often when a family member lost land to legal problems, other family members stepped up and bought the problem. It is my educated guess that James remained on the land, after his brother bought the land.] This was the same land that, re-surveyed at 524 ½ acres, is divided in the estate of Thomas Vaughan (See his estate as well as NC Northampton Deed Book 23.039). By this time James had died and his heirs divided 164 3/4 acres (See his estate as well as NC Northampton Deed Book 23.043).

Note: This is a great example of why you should always research deeds and estates, other than wills.

Compiled By: David H. Robertson, 159 Hickory St., Roswell, GA 30075 davidhr@hushmail.com