Benjamin
Kirkland Family
? Virginia & South Carolina
Benjamin Kirkland
b. c1750 ?SC ? NC ?VA
d. by Nov 1805 Barnwell Co., South Carolina
m. Alce(?
possibly Odom) [will of 1796]
father: Snowden
Kirkland b. c1730
mother: Sibbell (unknown)
| Children |
| Susanna Kirkland |
b. c 1768 |
d. |
m. (unknown)(? many researchers state she married Jeremiah
Roden but not likely - see notes below in 1783) |
| Benjamin Kirkland Jr. |
b. 1770-80
"my eldest son" |
d. after 1830 [Peacock 138] |
m. Ferebee (unk.) |
| Caleb Kirkland |
b. 1770-80 |
d.c1840 |
m. Sarah (Ransom?) |
| Richard Kirkland |
b. c 1774 |
d. c 1798 |
m. unk. |
| Jonathan Kirkland |
b. |
d. |
m. Eleanor (unk.) |
| Moses Kirkland |
b. c1780 |
d. c1848 Henry Co., AL |
m. (Susanna?) |
| William Kirkland |
b. c1786
"my youngest son" |
d. about 26 May 1864 Henry Co., AL |
m. Dicy Helton |
[children in order of Benjamin's will, all seem to be
born of his marriage to Alce]
c 1750 - Benjamin is born to Snowden Kirkland and Sibbell. They
recorded a deed in Charleston County, South Carolina in 1752 and since
Benjamin's exact birthdate is unknown it impossible to tell whether he
was born here or in North Carolina or Virginia.
1774- Benjamin Kirkland petitioned for " ... a tract or plantation
of 200 A. situate in Orangeburg Dist. on Edisto Ck., bd. to the SE on
land gt. Michael Odum & on NE on ?Edisto Ck, other sides vacant ...
certified 27 day of May 1774. per Wm. Daniel, D. S. This land was gt.
Ben 8 Jul. 1774." [S.C. Archives, Colonial Plats, Grants
&Memorials, vol. 13 p 174]
This land was from a Colonial grant although he later another
purchased 100 acres probably from Michael Odum. It is interesting to
note that several of Snowden Kirkland's sons lived in the headwaters of
the Little Saluda River in Edgefield Dist. on Clouds Creek, Mine Creek,
Dry Creek and Indian Creek. Benjamin and Aaron Kirkland moved to the
headwaters of the South Edisto River to Bridge Creek, Rocky Creek and
McTeer Creek which are fairly close proximity to the other Kirklands. [Peacock
136]
1776 - We don't know if Benjamin Kirkland was a Loyalist supporter
to the English. There were a number of Kirklands that did fight on the
side of the Revolution and lend other support. His possible relative,
Moses Kirkland, was a Colonel in the English army and a notorious Tory.
Edgefield Co. seems to have been one of the strong holds of the English
against other surrounding counties such as Laurens and Greenville.
After the Revolution many pressures were laid on loyalists to
compensate for suspected and real wrongs that the loyalist performed
during the revolution. These included the seizing of land and personal
property. Many loyalist were forced out of South Carolina and went
further into the unsettled territories of Georgia, Florida, and
Mississippi Territories. It seems that Benjamin continued to live in
Barnwell County until he died in 1805. This seems to indicate that he
was able to get along with the changes that took place about him. His
children apparently moved out for more or better land.
1783, 28 April, Monday- Susanna Kirkland marries Jeremiah Roden.
There has been a good deal of confusion on the marriage of Susanna
Kirkland, daughter of Caleb. Although we don't have The Roden Bible
gives the date of the marriage but it is doubtful if this Susanna is
the daughter of Benjamin Kirkland. The age of Susanna Roden is born
1759 in Georgia, according to the Roden Bible, which would make her
father approximately nine years old at the time of her birth. She made
an affidavit in 1853 for military benefits where she gave the story of
Jeremiah and herself. She makes no mention of who her father was. It is
further believed by other researchers that since she was married at the
time of Benjamin Kirkland's will 1796 he would have addressed her as
Susanna Roden not Susanna. It is curious that Benjamin only gave her 5
shillings in sterling. This is usually done for an heir that has been
well taken care of during his life with such things as land grants for
wedding presents. [The Roden Bible KSBR v1 p209,210,346]
1787- 3 Mar - Vol. 15q, p. 151
JAMES KIRKLAND 640 A Orangeburg Dist., water of Turkey & Tobys Ck.,
both creeks run into the Big Saltketcher R. Surveyed for BENJAMIN
KIRKLAND 7 Oct 1785. Bds. by land run for BENJAMIN HARRISON and land
run off for JAMES KIRKLAND, Sr.
[South Carolina Archives, State Plat #1, KSBR v1 p63]
1788-Jul 21 - Vol.23, p. 135
Benjamin Kirkland 252 A surveyed 3 May 1787, gt. 4 Aug 1788, in
Orangeburg Dist., on the Beaverdam Branch of Little Pond Branch, both
branches running thru property. All sides vacant. NATHANIEL ABNEY, DS.
[South Carolina Archives, State Plat #1, KSBR v1 p63]
1788-Jul 21 - Vol. 23, p. 134
Benjamin Kirkland 240 A a survey for him 5 Feb 1787, gt. 4 Aug 1788, in
Orangeburg Dist., on Edisto r. Bds. SW by FESTERS (Fusters?) SE vacant,
NE vacant & WOOTANS, NW vacant. NATHANIEL ABNEY, DS. Edisto R. runs
thru property & Lovelace Branches off Edisto.
[South Carolina Archives, State Plat #1, KSBR v1 p63]
1790 - US Census, Orangeburg dist.
Benjamin Kirkland is listed with 3 males over sixteen, 4 males under
sixteen, 3 females, and no slaves
Benjamin Jr is listed with 1 male over sixteen, none under sixteen, and
1 female with no slaves.
Benjamin Jr. is enumerated in Benjamin Sr's household although
apparently married. This says that Benjamin Sr. had seven sons by this
date. Perhaps one son died without issue. [Peacock 137]
1793-Jul 22 - Vol. 31, p. 476
Benjamin Kirkland 150 A surveyed 12 Aug 1793, Orangeburg & Ninety
Six Dist., Edgefield Co. Gt. 1 Dec 1794 on branches of Edisto R., bd. S
on MONKS, WOOTENS, & vacant, NE by FESTERS, other vacant. CHARLES
BANKS, DS. Two small branches run thru property. Loose plat on this
says BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, JR.
[South Carolina Archives, State Plat #1, KSBR v1 p64]
1794-Nov 7 - Vol. 33, p. 126
BENJAMIN KIRKLAND 240 A surveyed 2 Jan 1794 & gt. 1 Dec 1794. In
Ninety Six Dist. on waters of S. Edisto R., bd. SE & SW on BENJAMIN
KIRKLANDS, NW on AARON KIRKLAND, NE on formerly surveyed land. A large
Ck. runs thru property and one area along edge of property is in swamp.
WM. Evans DS.
[South Carolina Archives, State Plat #1, KSBR v1 p65]
1796, 13 Mar. - Benjamin made his will in Winton Co, Orangeburg Dist.
South Carolina. Later probated in Barnwell Co., as boundaries changed.
[KSBR v1, p. 76]
I, Benjamin Kirkland of the state of SC, Orangeburg Dist.,
Winton Co., ... my beloved dau. Susanna 5 shillings sterling,
...my son Benjamin Kirkland 75A, being part of a tract
containing 240 A gt. me 4 Aug 1788... my son Caleb Kirkland 100
A, being part of above tract lying above 70 A willed to Benjamin &
where the sd. Caleb now lives... my son Richard Kirkland a cow
& calf... my son Jonathan 70 A, the remainder of above
mentioned tract, lying on S side of R. were the sd. of R. where sd.
Jonathan now lives ... my son MOSES KIRKLAND 100 A, part of a
250 A tract gt. me 4 Aug 1788, bd. on NW by a line made by me and MOSES
SMITH... also 2 cows & calves... unto my beloved grandaughter
Patience one cow & her increase... my beloved wife Alce my
plantation lands we now live on being 300 A, 200 gt. me Jul 8, 1774 the
other 100 gt. MICHAEL ODOM... also all stock, cattle, etc... for her
use during her lifetime then to my youngest son William Kirkland
... I choose my eldest son Benjamin and my son Caleb
& Jonathan Gregory my Exors.
Wit: JONATHAN GREGORY signed BENJAMIN KIRKLAND
(seal)
CALEB KIRKLAND
BENJAMIN KIRKLAND
When this will was made the district line of Orangeburg touched
Edgefield and this line went right through Benjamin's property. His
deeds were recorded in Edgefield,... and Orangeburg. Since Barnwell Co.
was created just prior to Ben's death his will was recorded in Barnwell
Co. " His wife, Alcy, was to get the plantation that he was living on -
"200 A. gt. him July 8, 1774 and 100 A. gt. Michael Odom". There is no
record in the KSBR or any in any discovered record to indicate that
Alcy was an Odom herself although Benjamin and Michael Odom, Sr and Jr.
had close proximity and similar emigration patterns. [KSBR., v2,
p.188.189]
1802- Feb 20 - Benjamin Sr. sells 150 acres to Caleb Kirkland and
170 acres to Benjamin Jr.
Deed Bk. 24, pp. 66-69, Rec. 26 Oct. 1803
BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, SR. of Orangeburg Dist. sells to CALEB KIRKLAND of
Edgefield District. 150 acres for $100, being part of two surveys.
First survey was granted 4 Aug. 1788 & contained 240 A., crossing
the Dist. line on Edisto R. bd. by FASTERS, WOOTANS & vacant at
time fo survey. 2nd survey gt. 5 Aug. 1793, containing 150 acres
situate in Orangeburg and Ninety Six Dist. on branches of S. Edisto R.
bd. MONKS, WOOTANS, BENJAMIN KIRKLANDS, FASTERS & vacant at time of
survey. Present bargained for 150 A. begins on 1st survey on N. side of
Edisto at the mouth of a certain branch running thru survey joining
land sold BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, JR.
wit: ISAAC KIRKLAND BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, JR.
ISAAC KIRKLAND swore before THOMAS. SWEARINGEN, JP 15 May 1802
[Edgefield Co., S. C. land records., KSBR vol. I, p 151-2]
1802- Feb 20 - Deed Bk. 24, pp. 58, 59, 60, Rec. 26 Oct. 1803
BENJAMIN KIRKLAND of Orangeburg Dist. sells to 170 acres for $100 to
BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, JR. of Edgefield Dist., being part of two surveys.
1st survey was a gt. 4 Aug. 1788 & contained 240 A., crossing the
Dist. line on Edisto R. bd. by Fasters, Wootans & vacant at time fo
survey. 2nd survey gt. 5 Aug. 1793 containing 150 A. situate in
Orangeburg and Ninety Six Dist. on branches of S. Edisto R. bd. MONKS,
WOOTANS, BENJAMIN KIRKLANDS, FESTERS & vacant at time of survey.
Present bargained for 170 A. begins on 1st survey on N. bank of Edisto
on the mouth of a certain branch ...
signed: BENJAMIN KIRKLAND (LS)
wit: ISAAC KIRKLAND Caleb KIRKLAND, JR.
ISAAC KIRKLAND swore before THOS. SWEARINGEN, JP 15 May 1802
[Edgefield Co., S. C. land records., KSBR vol. I, p 151-2]
1805 - June 22, Deed Bk. 31 pp. 375-376, Rec. Sep 1813
BENJAMIN KIRKLAND Jr. of Edgefield Dist., S.C. sells to 170 acres for
$150 to Jonathan KIRKLAND, of Orangeburg Dist., being part of two
surveys. 1st survey was a gt. 4 Aug. 1788 & contained 240 A.,
crossing the Dist. line on Edisto R. bd. by Fasters, Wootans &
vacant at time fo survey. 2nd survey gt. 5 Aug. 1793 containing 150 A.
situate in Orangeburg and Ninety Six Dist. on branches of S. Edisto R.
bd. MONKS, WOOTANS, BENJAMIN KIRKLANDS, FESTERS & vacant at time of
survey. Present bargained for 170 A. begins on 1st survey on N. bank of
Edisto on the mouth of a certain branch ...
signed: BENJAMIN KIRKLAND (LS)
wit: BENJAMIN KIRKLAND IABAN SHEPPARD
FEREBEE KIRKLAND, wife of BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, JR. released her dower
before isaac Kirkland, JP 23 Sept. 1805
Benjamin Kirkland swore before Isaac Kirkland, JP 23 Sept. 1805
[Edgefield Co., S. C. land records., KSBR vol. I, p 153]
1805, Oct. 2 - Inventory Book 1810-20, Bk. C, p. 50
Estate of James Roberson, dec. (will made 2 Oct. 1804). One note on
Jonathan KIRKLAND supposed to be good.
Appraisers - BENJAMIN KIRKLAND, CALEB KIRKLAND & JOHN FREDRICK.
Will of JAMES ROBERSON - wife Sarah, step-son JOHN SANDERS and his wife
RUTHA.
Wit: JESSE LOT, WM. DIXON, ELENDER POSEY - will proven 22 Oct. 1804.
Alternate appraiser JOHN WALKER did not sign. THOMAS SWEARENGIN
co-exor. with SARAH ROBERSON. [Edgefield Co., deed books(typed
edition), KSBR v1 p153]
1805, November - Benjamin Sr. dies in Barnwell Co., South Carolina. His
will is proved 6 Jan 1806. From "John Ryan's Book", published in the
National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 51, p. 117. where it
states, "...BENJAMIN KIRKLAND died." [KSBR v1, p 153]
On 23 Oct 1805 Jonathan Gregory came before me and said he saw the
within named Benjamin Kirkland, now deceased, sign ... and that he saw
Caleb & Benjamin, then Jr. together with himself subscribe... Isaac
Kirkland, JP (Note: Isaac was JP, Edgefield Dist. ) Barnwell Dist. -
Jonathan Gregory swore he saw Benjamin Kirkland sign ... and that John
B (name struck through) Caleb and Benjamin Kirkland together with this
deponant sign their names... 6 Jan 1806 before Gideon Hagood.
[Will Book A pp 15-16 Bundle 9 Pkg. 10 Proven 6 Jan 1806]
Benjamin's four sons, Benjamin Jr., Caleb, Moses and William are known
to be some of the earliest settlers to Henry Co. Alabama. They came to
Alabama from Edgefield Co., South Carolina about 1824. [KSBR., v2,
p.188.189]
sources:
Anonymous Kirkland researcher. (I have had much help and assistance
from a person that has researched this family for more that thirty
years. Privacy restricts more information.)
Kirkland Source Book of Records (KSBR),in two volumes, 1977
reprinted 1989. compiled by Mrs. Schlandensky, Mrs. Green, Mrs.
Leonard, Mrs. John H. Kirkland. Greenwood, S. C. , out of print
Peacock, Dr. J. R., Kirkland Family Roots, Virginia, - South
Carolina, Henry County, Alabama, 2002, J. R. Peacock, 1330 Eleventh
St, Clermont, FL 34711-2815
Kirkland Family Index || Elroy's Family Index || Ancestoral Chart #10 || Kirklands of Henry Co., AL
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