Notes for Zachariah Gerkin

Family Group Sheet

Notes for Zachariah Gerkin

Research by Jane Stubbs Bailey
ZACHARIAH JERKIN/GERKIN; SON OF ZACHARY JERKIN AND ELIZABETH ? BORN CIRCA 1695 DIED BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE 1754 MARRIED BY MARCH 1718 HANNAH HARRISON BANKS DAUGHTER OF JOHN AND MARY _?__HARRISON EVERETT BORN CIRCA 1694 DIED AFTER MARCH 1756
The first notice of our Zachariah Gerkin, from whom Washington, Beaufort, and Martin County Gurkins are descended, was in 1709 when he witnessed the will of John Walker, his step-father. This Zachariah almost certainly descends from the 1695 reference to Zachary Jerkin, husband of Elizabeth Walker. In 1715 Zachariah Gerkin (II) became active with the family of Nathaniel Everett. Nathaniel Everett had married Mary Harrison, widow of John Harrison, and had become step-father to her children, Thomas and Hannah. Susanna, wife of Thomas Harrison, used Zachery Jurkin as her attorney when she sold land. He may have been married to Hannah Harrison Banks by that time. Hannah's marriage to a Banks was mentioned in the 1710 will of her brother, John Harrison. In 1718 Nathaniel Everett acknowledged the marriage of Hannah to Zachariah by giving land to Zachariah Gerkin, my son-in-law [step son-in-law]. Nathaniel Everett is also the father-in-law of Thomas Stubbs and Benjamin Blount.
Below are land deeds and some court references to Zachariah and Hannah Gerkin.
1715 July 18. Susannah Harrison, Alb, to Zachery Jurkin, letter of attorney to ack unto Captain John Worley a tract of land joining to ye land that was Thomas Cooper's. Wit: John Simpson, Henry Clark. Reg 10 Sept 1715. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #731, from Chowan DB AB #1, pg 152]
same day Thomas Harrison and wife Susannah sold Worley 297 acres. [Hofmann, #732 & Chowan DB AB #1, 152.]
1715 July 20. Chowan Court at house of Henry King. Letter of attorney from Susan Harrison to Zach. Jurkin is proved by oath of John Simson. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1652 from Chowan DB B #1, pages 7-9]
1716 April 23. Nathaniel Averitt, Chowan Prect to Thomas Harrison, Chowan Prect, for love and affection I bear my son-in- law [Step-son. Nathaniel's wife Mary was Thomas Harrison's mother] 212 acres on the head of Coniby Creek, joining the upper Beaver Dam, Beaver Dam Pocoson and a branch of Morattock Swamp. Wit: Zach Jurken (>) his mark, John Nairne. Ack 28 April 1716 by Nath. Averitt before me Christopher Gale also Mary wife of the sd Nath ack her rt of dower 28 April 1716 received of Thomas Harrison the sum of £10 c m of this province as a consideration for the Grant of the within Granted Land by me Nath. Averitt. Reg 6 Aug 1716. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #893 from Chowan DB B #1, 348] 1716 [approximately] Corn Tax List. Seth Jirkin, 1 tythable. He is next to Nathaniel Everett, father-in-law of Zachary Gerkin and I feel sure the name on the list is his. They are located in the part of Albemarle County which is now Washington County, North Carolina. [Corn Lists, no dates, 1715-1716, in Colonial Court Records, Taxes and Accounts, 1679-1754, stack file #CCR.190, North Carolina State Archives]
1716/17 Jan 9. Thomas Lee, Chowan Prect, Gent and Mary my wife the Relict of John Bailey dec'd to Nathaniel Everett of Morattock in Chowan Prect. £100 450 acres more or less between Conaby Creek and Morattock R and 640 acres on Conaby Creek joining the land of White Marsh belonging to Edward Moseley both tracts were in the possession of John Bailey late husband of my sd wife Mary. Wit: Zack Gerkin (o<) his mark, Thomas Darnell, John Adderley. Ack 9 Jan 1716/17 before me C. Gale, C J. Reg 19 Mar 1716. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #946 from Chowan DB B #1, p 412]
1716/17 Jan 10. Nathaniel Everett of Morattock in Chowan Prect to Thomas Lee of Chowan Prect. for £120 sterling 450 acres between Coneby Creek and Moratoke river and 640 acres more or less on Coneby Creek, joining the land of White Marsh belonging to Edward Moseley both tracts formerly granted to John Bailey and by him devised to his wife Mary and by her and her husband aliened to me. Wit: John Adderley, Thomas Daniel, Zach Gerkin. Ack 10 Jan before me C. Gale, C J. Reg 19 March 1716/17. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #943 from Chowan DB B #1, p 404]
1718 March 25. Nathaniel Everitt of Morattock in Chowan Prect to Zack Gerkin of the same place, my son-in-law, planter. £5, 60 acres, part of Pyssimon Neck, lying in the fork of Haw branch. Wit: Matt Casewell. Reg 8 April 1718 [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1078 from Chowan DB B #1, p 548]
1720 Sept 2. Nathaniel Everitt of Morottock in Chowan, planter to Mary Everitt. for love and affection I bear my wife now dwelling with me at my Plantation in Morattock acres not given, being my Manor Plantation which I now dwell upon except the lands I hereafter dispose of and at the death of the sd Mary the sd land and Plantation to go to my son Nathaniel Everitt. I also give 100 acres joining 2 swamps between Zachariah Girkin and Benjamin Blount to my eldest daughter Mary Everitt. I also give my daughters Elizabeth Everitt and Sarah Everitt that Land called Pissimon Neck. To my wife Mary, all my personal estate for her life and at her death it is to be divided between my Children mentioned above. Wit: Benjamin Blount, Richard Swinson, John Edwards. Ack by Rd. Swinson 4 Sept 1720 before me Fred. Jones, CJ [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1270 from Chowan DB C #1, p 4]
1721. John Worleys tax list. [present Washington County, NC] Zachery Girkins 60 acres land 0:1:0 tax [Haun, #337, Old Albemarle County North Carolina Miscellaneous Records 1678 to ca 1737] this is 60 acres his father-in-law, Nathaniel Everett, gave him in 1718, part of Persimmons Neck in the fork of Haw Branch, East side of Conaby Creek.
1722 April 14. Thomas Stubbs of Chowan Prect and Mary his wife to Nathaniel Everitt of Chowan Prect, planter. £20, acres not given near Morattock Bridge joining Benjamin Blount and Zachariah Girken. Wit: Wm Rhodes, Cornelius Callihan. 14 April before me C. Gale, C J. Reg 24 Aug 1722. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1499 from Chowan DB C #1, p 292] This was land Nathaniel Everitt gave his eldest daughter Mary in 1720. Mary married Thomas Stubbs by 1722.
1722 Feb 16. Nathaniel Everitt, Chowan Prect, to Thomas Stubbs, Prect aforesd, planter. £25 100 acres more or less near Morattock Bridge joining Benjamin Blount and Zachariah Girken. Wit: William Rodes, Cornelius Callihan. Ack 16 April 1722 before me C. Gale, C J. Reg 20 Sept 1722. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1500 from Chowan DB C #1, p 293]
I find no Gerkin records between 1722 and 1733.
In 1733 and 1734 there are two documents supporting the evidence that Zachariah Gerkin was son of the early Zachary Jerkin and Elizabeth who later married John Walker. Zachariah Gerkin's wife Hannah was witness to the will of Thomas Bell "of Albemarle County." Thomas Bell had bought his Kendricks Creek land from John Walker's son John in 1722. Thomas Bell's nephew or "cousin" William Mackey was one of the executors of the will. William Mackey owned land near the southern edge of Albemarle Sound and operated a ferry, formerly Bells, from the southern shore of Albermarle Sound near Kendricks Creek to Edenton. A second document is a deed March 12, 1733/34 which Zachariah Gerkin's wife Hannah witnessed concerning a son of the John Walker who had married Zachariah Gerkin's mother Elizabeth.
First document: 1733 Dec 11. Will of Thomas Bell. Jan Ct 1733 before Moseley Vail Cousin Wm Bell all my land called Mathew's Point in Perquimmons Precinct Cousin Thomas Bell, son of my brother John Bell, 15 acres where I now live on Kendricks Creek at Back Landing Cullen Pollock. 200 acres joining Deep Run Cousins Ann and Jane, children of brother John Bell, £50 each Cousins Thomas & Anne, children of brother John Bell, to be educated from money of my estate Wife Elizabeth, remainder of estate. At her death to my cousin Wm Mackey then to Bells cousin Thomas Bell, son of my brother John Bell Mentions a sloop. Execs are wife Elizabeth and cousin Wm Mackey Wit: Samuel Durrance, W. Downing, Hannah (H) Gerkin [From Bradley, Early Records of North Carolina, volume V: Wills 1723-1736, #31 & S.108.195, Sec of State NC Wills 1663-1789, ABE- COL]
Thomas Bell's use of the word "cousin" is the old form. He is referring to nephews in contemporary terminology.
Second document: 1733/34 March 12. John Adderley [resident of Tyrrell County] to Benjamin Walker. [son of John Walker, will 1709. John Walker was Zachariah Gerkin's step-father.] 100 acres back of Coneby Creek. Test: Hannah Jearkin [wife of Zachariah Gerkin], William Stilly. [from Hathaway, vol 2, p. 453, North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register]
In 1722 John Walker, probably son of John Walker of the 1709 will, sold land to Thomas Bell who left the 1733 will ` witnessed by Hannah Jearkin. John Walker, in his 1709 will, left his son John "plantation I now live on at Kendricks Creek."
1722 August 1. John Walker, Bath County, planter to Thomas Bell, Albemarle County, gentleman. For £115 current money. 1120 acres on south side of Chowan [Albemarle] Sound joining Kendricks Creek & the Deep run. Wit: John Davis, Joshua Porter, Patrick Ogilby (mark). Ack 1 Aug 1722 before C. Gale Ch Just. Registered 22 August 1722. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1476 from Chowan DB C #1, page 264]
1722 December 30. John Walker, Bath Co, planter to Thomas Bell, Alb Co, gent. For £115 current money of NC. 1120 acres south side of Kendrick's Creek joining Deep run & the Creek. Wit: Patrick Ogilby (PO), James Long, James Hooper (I). Ack 11 July 1723 by oath of Patrick Ogilby before C. Gale, Ch Just. Reg 28 February 1722/23. [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1534 from Chowan Deed Book C #1, page 335]
1734 Oct 28. Sale of Estate of John and Jane Hambleton by John Garrett. Buyers included: Daniel Garret, Cornelius Callehan, Ester Worley, Rose Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Mathias Adams, Robert Hill, Mulford Langston, Thomas Garrat, Matthew Adams, Hannah Girking, Dennis Callehan, John Worley, Thomas Evan, John Akerman, William Rhodes, Sarah Garrat, Jonathan Davis, James Frost, Thomas Evans, Samuel Durrance, Henry Rhodes, John Hardison. Debtors noted: Peter Barbery, Ann Waters, William Badham. John Garret administrator and executor. [Bradley, Tyr Est, #170]
1736 June Court. Zachariah Gerkin appointed overseer of the roads in the room and district of Daniel Garret. [Burr, Tyr Ct Min, Bk 1, #20]
1737 Aug 15. Thomas Lee, Tyrrrell Precinct, to Nathaniel Eaveret. £31. 100 acres which was part of a tract joining Mary Bowler, a branch of Coneby Creek and [apparently] had been patented by William Downing who assigned it to sd Thomas Lee by patent 30 March 1721. Wit: Zachariah X Gerking, Cornelius X Callahan. June Ct 1741 CC: W Downing [Bradley, Tyr Deeds 1735-60, #94 from Tyr DB 1, 126]
1737 Aug 15. Thomas Lee to Cornelius Callahan. £40 200 acres which was part of a tract patented by William Downing 30 March 1721 and who made it over to Stevens Lee joining Mary Bowler, a branch of Connbe Creek, Highs [HUghs?] Swamp Wit: Nathaniel Everitt, Zachariah X Gerking. June Ct 1741 CC: W Downing [Bradley, Tyr Deeds 1735-60 #102 from Tyr DB 1, 139]
1739 June Court. Mulford Langstone appointed overseer in room of Zachariah Girkin. [Burr, Tyr Ct Min, Bk 1, #53]
1739 June 16, Sale of goods of Robert Hill. Buyers included: Jonathan Davis, Dennis Callehan, Zachriah Girken, William Stealey, Samuel Durrance, John Akerman, John Garrett, Matthias Adams, Benj Blunt, Mathew Adams Jr. Thomas Adams, Henry Rhodes, Ann Davis, Daniel Garrett, William Ray, John Worley Jr. Signed by William Rhodes, guardian to the children. In 1743 Jasper Hardison was named guardian to Sarah Hill, orphan. [Bradley, Tyr Estates, #191]
1739 December Court. Elizabeth Bell [widow of Thomas Bell of the 1733 will] petition for road jury to lay out road from her house to the main road leading to Morratuck Bridge. Jury was Nath Everet Sr, Nath Everet Jr, Richard Fagan, Benjamin Walker, Zachariah Girkin, William Steeley, Benjamin Blount, Edmund Blount, William Ray, James Jones, Daniel Garret, Charles Hardeson, James Turnbull, Wm Rhoads. [Burr, Tyr Ct Min, Bk 1, #65]
1739 Feb 1. Benjamin Blount Sr.'s Will sons James Jacob, Isaac, Edmund, Benjamin Daus Esther, Mary, Sarah Wife Elizabeth Execs Wife Elizabeth, son Benjamin. Wit: Ann X Hollis, Zachariah (<) Gurkin. Probate June Court 1740. [Bradley, Tyr Wills, #36 & S.108.195, Sec of State NC Wills 1663- 1789, ABE-COL]
1740 June Court at house of Grace Fryley. Will of Benjamin Blunt is exhibited and proved in due form of law by oath of Zachariah Gerkin and Ann Holliss two of the subscribing witnesses. [Burr, Tyr Ct Min, Bk 1, #78]
Benjamin Blount was Zachariah Gerkin's brother-in-law. He had married Elizabeth Everett, daughter of Nathaniel Everett [Hofmann, Chowan Deeds #1077 from Chowan DB B #1, p. 548] Elizabeth was half-sister of Zachariah Gerkin's wife, Hannah Harrison Banks Gerkin. 1744/5 Feb 4. William Stubbs, yeoman of Tyrrell to Mr. Thomas Corprew of same. £50 100 acres near Moratock Bridge, joining Moratock Bridge Swamp, Benjamin Blount, Zachariah Gerking, Mr. Nathaniel Everet. Signed by William Stubbs, his wife Mary X Stubbs. Wit: Stevens Lee, John Hughes, Thos Lee. Reg 18 May 1745 by James Conner Reg. [Bradley, Tyr Deeds 1735-60 #200 from Tyr DB 1, 286]
1746 Sept 3. Thomas Corprew Esq to Jonathan Corprew. £40 100 acres near Morratuck Bridge joining Moratock Bridge Swamp, Benjamin Blunt, Zachariah Gerkin, Nathaniel Everet. Wit: James Conner, John Cannady. Reg 14 Nov 1747 by James Conner Reg. [Bradley, Tyr Deeds 1735-60 #267 from Tyr DB 1, 261]
1748 June 7. Richard Fagan and his wife Sarah to William Stubbs planter. For £30. 50 acres on Persymon Swamp on east side of Coneby Creek, joining Nathaniel Everitt...Gerkin, Cottans former land. Wit: W. Kenneday, Jno Hooker. [Bradley, Tyr Deeds 1735-60 #352 from Tyr DB 2, 25] The William Stubbs in the 1744/45 & 1748 deeds was son of Thomas Stubbs. Thomas Stubbs was a brother-in-law of Zachariah Gerkin. William Stubbs' 1795 will named daughter Mary Gerkin. Mary Stubbs may have married Jeremiah Gerkin, grandson of Zachariah Gerkin.
1754 June Court. Hannah Girken exhibited a petition praying an order for administration on the Estate of Zachriah Girken deceased which is accordingly granted and she enters Jasper Hardison and Samuel Durrance Securities in the sum of £100 proc money. [Burr, Tyr Ct Min, Bk 1, #214]
1754 June Court. An inventory of the estate of Zachriah Girken was proved in open court by the oath of Hannah Girken. [Burr, Tyrrell Ct Min, Bk 1, #215]
1754 Oct 1- Dec 12. Misc papers indicated that Hannah Girkins was administratrix of Zachariah Girkins. [Bradley, Tyr Estates, #161]
1756 March. We Joshua Gerken, Tyrrel Co in the province of NC, planter & Ann his wife for £21 6 shillings & 8 pence to Benjamin Blount. A tract of land lying in a Fork of the Haw Branch in the county aforesaid & is part of a Larger Tract pisymon neck & was conveyed to Zachariah Girkin late of the said county deceased by Deed bearing date the 25 of March 1718 containing by estimation 60 acres...it also joins the other Land of the said Benjamin & the Lands Called Steeleys...& Hannah Gerkin the widow & trust of the aforementioned Zachariah Gerkin & in consideration of the sum of £3 4 shillings proclamation money doth surrender her right of dowry & power of thirds of in & to the said messuage. In witness whereof we have the sd Joshua & Ann & the said Hannah have hereunto set our hands & seals this ___day of March 1756.Joshua Gerkin,Hannah (H) Gerkin. [Ann didn't sign]Wit: John Hardison, William Harrison. Reg 8 Jan 1757 by Fr Ward P Reg. [From Tyr DB 2, 225-227, microfilm 19984 filmed by Gen Soc, Salt Lake City, Utah]
Joshua Gerkin was evidently the oldest son of Zachariah and Hannah Gerkin. This sale was the 60 acres given Zachariah Gerkin in 1718 by his father-in-law, Nathaniel Everett.
1756 March Court. Ack a deed of sale of land from Joshua Girking and Hanah Girking to Benjamin Blount and on motion ordered to be recorded. [Burr, Tyr Ct Min, Bk 2, #28]
1762 March 3. William Steley, renter Tyrrell to William Mackey. £5 proc 50 acres called Steeleys and part of Adderleys Survey joining Adderley, Zachariah Perking[Gerking], a branch the main road. Wit: John Leary, Jerimiah Wynne. March Ct 1762 [Tyr Bk 4 pt 1, 183]
1786 Nov 4. Will of Benjamin Blount Sr [son of Benj of 1739 will] Wife Africa Son Edmund 1 plantation called Gurkins, 1 called Persymons Neck (1756 purchase from Gurkin)Dau Chloe SladeSon Benjamin, grandson BenjaminDau Asia Hunterson Levi Blountgrandchildren Janet, Hannah, and James BoggExecs sons Edmund and Levi Blount. Wit: Samuel Corprew, Penelope Corprew, Lydia Whedbee. Probate 1788. April Term [Bradley, Tyr Wills 3 37]