Person Page - 114

     Thomas Merritt was born c 1703. He was the son of Unknown Merritt. Thomas Merritt married Mary (Unknown) a 1728. Thomas Merritt died in 1768 at Edgecombe Co, North Carolina. His estate was probated in Jan 1768 at Edgecombe Co, North Carolina.

      Based on the research of Charles Rathbun, Thomas Merritt lived on Conocanary Creek, Edgecombe Co, NC, adjacent to Beach Swamp where Thomas' presumed brother John Merritt lived. Whereas most of the Merritt family made their living farming near the swamps, Thomas owned a mill in Edgecombe Co and another mill in Granville Co, NC.

Thomas' children's births are aligned with the order in his 1757 will and knowing his married daughter Mary Ingram was likely at least 18 or older in 1757, whereas subsequently named daughters were unmarried and thus were likely under age 18.

On 20 Nov 1739 the petition of Thos Merrit for 400 acres in Edgcombe Co, NC was heard by the governor and council at Newbern, NC and granted. (William L. Saunders, Colonial Records of North Carolina, 1835-1891, Volume 4, North Carolina, 1886, p. 352-353, https://archive.org/details/colonialrecordso04nort/page/352). The land grant process at that time meant Thomas Merritt received 50 acres for each person including himself thus he had 8 people in his household when he was given 400 acres. The eight would have included Thomas, his wife, and six children born by then. On that date Thomas Merrit was granted 400 acres on Jumping Run and Beaver Dam on the Coneycaonary Swamp between the lands of Joseph Lane and Benjamin Joiner.

That same date on 20 Nov 1739 Thomas Merritt received 200 acres in Edgecombe Co, NC on Jumping Run and Coniconary Beaver Dam on the head of Coniconary Swamp between the lands of Capt. Joseph Lane and Benjamin Lane. (grant #2193).

On 19 Feb 1744 Nathaniel Cooper sold Edward Gulledge, both of Edgecombe Co, for 9 pounds current Virginia money 200 acres more or less adjoining Capt. Joseph Lane (formery Col. Barnaby McKinnie), Thomas Merritt and lower Jumping Run, part of a patent to Cooper for 400 acres on 25 Jun 1743. Witnesses were McKinnie and John Strickland. (Edgecombe Co, NC Deed Book 5, p. 350) This land was sold on 17 Feb 1746 by Edward Gulledge and Alice Gulledge of Edgecombe Co to William Waddell of Edgecombe Co for 12 pounds 9 shillings current money of Virginia 200 acres with the same locational description. Witnesses were George Jernigan and Stephen Cade. (Hofmann, p.72) This tract was next sold on 19 Sep 1747 by William Waddell to William Irby, both of Edgecombe Co, for 13 pounds current money of Virginia 200 acres with the same description. Witnesses were Frances Irby, Robert McKinnie and Christopher Addison. (Hofmann p. 176) And the land was next sold on 24 Nov 1749 by William and Elizabeth Irby to William Sanders, all of Edgecombe Co, for 13 pounds current money of Virginia 200 acres adjoining the lower Jumping Run and the lands of Col. Joseph Lane (formerly Col. Barnaby McKinnie), Thomas Merrit, and ___ Calhoun, originally part of a patent to Nathaniel Cooper on 25 Jun 1743. Ann Waddill relinguished her right of dower. Witnesses were William D___, Joseph Irby and Frances Irby. (Hofmann, p. 435) This 200 acres was next purchased from William and Ann Sanders on 3 Mar 1752 by Richard Briggs, all of Edgecombe Co, for 17 pounds current Virginia money with same locational description. Witnesses were B. Saxon, William Irby and Benjamin Wynns. (Hofmann, p. 327)

On 20 Nov 1744 at a meeting held at Newbern, NC before the governor and council, John Pope was admitted to prove the rights for Thos. Merritt of Edgecombe Co with eight whites. (William L. Saunders, Colonial Records of North Carolina, 1734-1752, Vol 4, North Carolina, 1886, p. 704-705, https://archive.org/details/colonialrecordso04nort/page/704) Thus between Nov 1739 and Nov 1744 any children born had not survived. "Proving one's rights" meant the petitioner named his family members, household servants, etc, for the purpose of proving his right to land claimed based on the requirements of the Head Right Land Grant Program. At the time Thomas Merritt's rights were proved, the land allotment was 50 acres per head, free or otherwise, including the head of household. This formula was used particularly during the office term of Gabriel Johnston, Royal Governor of the North Carolina Colony.

On 10 Jan 1746 William Taylor sold Edward Mitchell, both of Edgecombe Co, for 12 pounds current money of Virginia 200 acres on the south side of Coconary Swamp adjoining the lands of Thomas Merritt and the said Taylor and the swamp. Witnesses were John Pope and Edward Crowell. (Hofmann, p. 106) On 2 Jul 1748 Edward Mitchell sold this 200 acres to include all houses to Thomas Merritt for 15 pounds current money of Virginia, and the land was described as lying on the south side of Connaconary Swamp adjoining the lands of Thomas Merritt, (William) Taylor and the swamp. Witnesses were John Merritt, presumed to be Thomas' brother, and William Tucket. (Hofmann, p. 327)

On 13 Mar 1745/46 Thomas Gary sold Thomas Maples, both of Edgecombe Co, for 18 pounds current money of Virginia, 100 acres on Conoconary Swamp adjoining John Haywood's old line and Licking Branch. Witnesses were Thomas Merrit and Joseph Lane. (Hofmann, p. 491)

On 30 Aug 1746 William Taylor, gentleman of Edgecombe Co, sold Thomas Merritt, planter of Edgecombe Co, for 5 pounds current money of Virginia, 100 acres adjoining Mitchell's Branch and a swamp, part of 1000 acres originally granted to the said Taylor on 5 Jul 1743. Witnesses were John Pope and Martha Murphey. (Hofmann, p. 82)

On 2 Jul 1748 Edward Mitchell of Edgecombe Co sold Thomas Merritt (county not identified) for 15 pounds current money of Virginia 200 acres on the south side of Connaconary Swamp, joining the lands of Thomas Merritt, Taylor, and the swamp, to include all houses, etc. The witnesses were William Tucket and Thomas' presumed brother, John Merritt. The deed was recorded in the Feb 1748 Court in Edgecombe Co. (Hofmann, p. 103/p. 327) By this time Thomas was noted in deeds as having purchased 1100 acres and not selling any land. That Thomas was the father of William, Benjamin and James was proved when Thomas left the "200 acres I had of Mitchell" to his eldest son William in his will. The 100 acres he bought from Taylor and left to his son Benjamin may be the land referred to as adjoining.

Thomas and his presumed brother John Merritt senior both served in the Edgecombe Co, NC militia in the early 1750s (undated roster) along with Thomas’s two oldest sons William Merritt and Benjamin Merritt and with John Merritt senior's two oldest sons, Thomas Merritt and John Merritt Jr. The Militia Act of 1740 (revised in 1746 and 1749) required all freemen between the ages of 16 and 60 to serve, so the elder Thomas and John were under age sixty at the time. Charles Rathbun concluded this militia service showed the senior brothers John and Thomas were both born after 1700, as opposed to a generation earlier as other researchers claim. Thomas Goodson, Thomas' possible son's father-in-law, also served with the Beech Swamp Merritts indicating he was their contemporary.

In 1761 five licenses were issued for ordinaries in the county, including one to Thomas Merritt.

In 1766 as county jailor Thomas was paid sixteen shillings eight pence as a special fee for attending to a negro at the jail.

On 11 Oct 1766 Thomas and his wife Mary Merritt of Edgecombe Co and their son Benjamin Merritt of Halifax Co sold William Merritt of Halifax Co, the brother of Benjamin, for 150 pounds proclamation money, 350 acres -- part of which had been patented by Thomas Merritt and the rest acquired by Benjamin Merritt -- on the south side of Jumping Run, now called Merritt's Mill Branch, and adjoining the lands of Captain Hardy, Haynes, Thomas Burges, and Licking Branch. Witnesses were John Gunter and Lewis Lewis (sic). Mary Merritt relinquished her right of dower. (Bradley, DB 10, p. 1348/188)

Thomas' 29 Aug 1757 will listed wife Mary and children William, Benjamin, Mary Ingram / Ingraham, Martha, Margaret, Barbary, Tamsey, Shalaty and James. Thomas bequeathed 950 acres to his family; he left 100 acres to wife Mary, 200 acres to son William, 100 acres to son Benjamin, 100 acres and Mill Pond to daughters Mary Ingram and Martha Merritt, 100 acres to daughters Margaret Merritt and Barbara Merritt plus various farm equipment and animals, 50 acres in Granville Co, NC to daughters Tamsey(?) Merritt and Shabaty (Shalety?) Merritt, 300 acres in Granville Co to son James, and to the executors the profits of the plantation and mill in Granville Co. His executors were his wife Mary and sons William and Benjamin Merritt and his witnesses were Sher'd Haywood, Elizabeth Goodson and John Stone.

The probate document where the witnessess attested to the authenticity of Thomas' will was dated January Court and then appears to say 1768 although it could be 1769.

On 18 Nov 1768 Mr. Person presented two certificates to the House from the Court of Bute Co, NC therein recommending Thomas Glover, William Moseley and Thomas Merritt to be exempt from paying public taxes which was granted. Because Thomas' will had already been probated, this action was taken because he was deceased. (William L. Saunders, Colonial Records of North Carolina, 1765-1768, Vol 7, North Carolina, 1890, p. 938-939, https://archive.org/details/colonialrecordso07nort/page/938)

Thomas' estate was contested by Alexander Cromwall. On 28 Nov 1769 the executors were requested to attend the next Edgecombe Co court to answer the plea of Alexander Cromwell. On 22 May 1770 a Edgecombe Co court requested James Moore, a Bertie Co, NC justice of the peace, depose Nolly Ward of Bertie in regard to the case of Alexander Cromwell, plaintiff, and Mary Merritt, executrix of Thomas Merritt's will. The outcome of this action by Cromwall is unknown.

Researcher Charles Rathbun noted Thomas owned multiple lots in Tarboro, Edgecombe Co. His son James Merritt received these lots from his mother Mary after Thomas’ death. James then sold those lots prior to his move to Williamson Co, TN.

Thomas Merritt was incorrectly shown by Dr King Merritt and Lynne Slater Turner in their books as the son of John Merritt Sr of Beech Swamp, who is presumed to be his brother based on their estimated birth dates. The authors assumed Thomas was age 21 when he received his Crown Grant in 1739 and gave him a probable birth date of 1718. However records used by Charles Rathburn to establish the ages of Thomas' children showed if Thomas was as young as age 22 when his first child was born, he had to be born by 1707 or earlier. Rathbun theorized Thomas and John were brothers because they were contemporaries, interacted in the records, and lived next to each other along Beech Swamp and Conocanary Swamp.

Neither Thomas Merritt nor his presumed brother John Merritt senior nor any of their descendants had any interaction in the records with Charles Merritt Sr's of Chowan descendants, yet lived on the other side of the same county for over 100 years, indicating the Merritts of Conoconary Swamp and Beech Swamp were not related to Charles Merritt Sr of Chowan Co, NC.

     Mary (Unknown) was born a 1705. She married Thomas Merritt, son of Unknown Merritt, a 1728. Mary (Unknown) died on 9 Jan 1778 at Edgecombe Co, North Carolina.

      Thomas' wife Mary is associated with many surnames but no proof of any has been found.

Mary Merritt of Edgecombe Co sold her son James Merritt of Nash Co on 30 Aug 1771 for 5 pounds Virginia money, one lot in Tarborough known as lot 81 in the town plan. Witnesses were James Hill and William Goodwin. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB D-432)

The 9 Jun 1778 statement of Amee Bourn stated Mary Merritt died that morning and had stated she wanted her property to go to her grandson Emanuel Merritt. This may however not be the correct Mary Merritt because this researcher is unaware of an Emanuel Merritt in this family.

     Unknown Merritt was born a 1680.

      Researcher Charles Rathbun used record research and DNA comparisons for ancestral verification of this line.

Key evidence was provided by analyzing Edgecombe Co, NC watercourses and landmarks associated with land deeds to discern family groupings because many families lived close to their patriarch and siblings along the same waterways. By studying these different watercourses, Rathbun grouped Merritts into their respective families based on waterways where they lived in the records and based on land sales among family members. In the process Rathbun noted there were two different Deep Creeks in the records -- one each in two different Merritt family groups.

Rathbun theorized John and Thomas Merritt of Edgecome Co were brothers. In regard to their potential father, Rathbun researched yDNA results for Thomas and John Merritt's proven descendants and found they share yDNA in haplogroup E-M35. YDNA TiP reports need to be done to see how closely these four descendants are related to each other. From the Merritt-Marriott FamilyTreeDNA project, two descendants of Thomas Merritt through his sons Benjamin and William and two descendants of John Merritt senior through his son Thomas are in haplogroup E-M35:

Thomas Merritt descendants with FTDNA yDNA kits:
#31582 37-marker test, Henry Clinton Merritt > Benjamin Merritt II > Benjamin Merritt I > Thomas Merritt
#161885 37-marker test, Lovett Merritt > John Merritt > William Merritt > Thomas Merritt

John Merritt Sr descendants with FTDNA yDNA kits:
#166941 37-marker test, Robert Josey Merritt> Shadrack Merritt Jr> Shadrack Merritt Sr> Thomas Merritt > John Merritt Sr
#162982 12-marker test, Ethington J Merritt> Shadrack Merritt Jr> Shadrack Merritt Sr> Thomas Merritt > John Merritt Sr

For years some researchers and descendants believed Charles Merritt senior (1652-1718) of Surry Co, VA and Chowan Co, NC was the father of John Merritt Sr and Thomas Merritt of Edgecombe Co. This theory was published as fact by early Merritt researchers Dr. King Merritt and Lynne Slater Turner in their books, although Charles' will did not even include a Thomas who died after his proposed father. By meticulously tracing Charles Merritt's descendants in county records, Rathbun established Charles' children were likely born between 1695 and 1707, with his son John born about 1707. Confusion occurred among researchers because Charles' son John Merritt and his contemporary John Merritt senior were born about the same year in the same county, with only the latter man appearing in county records. However Rathbun proved descendants of this Charles through his known son Nathaniel and grandsons Ephraim (kit #334176) and Nathaniel Merritt junior (kit #415048) are in haplogroup R1a1, and thus cannot be related to the E-M35 descendants of Thomas and John Merritt senior. Furthermore, descendants of Capt. Robert Merritt of Duplin and Sampson Co, NC, a possible descendant of Charles, also are in haplogroup R1a1.

Rathbun also questions the concept William Merritt senior (d. 1784) was a son of Charles Merritt of Chowan Co, NC based on William residing in relative proximity with our Thomas and John on the swamps. William senior was possibly the son of Charles senior of Chowan Co, but William senior also could have arrived in the area with Thomas and John and be their relative.

On 5 Nov 1735 the governor and council granted the petition of this William Merrit for 100 acres on the north side of Kehukee Swamp/Cahukey Creek. (William L. Saunders, Colonial Records of North Carolina, 1835-1891, Volume 4, North Carolina, 1886, p. 67-68, https://archive.org/details/colonialrecordso04nort/page/68) William's land was adjacent to Conocanary Swamp where Thomas Merritt acquired land and to Beech Swamp where John Merritt senior and junior both became land owners. William had children William Merritt Jr who died in 1748 leaving only a widow Elizabeth; Absolom Merrit who married Lucreatia Cotton; Judith Merritt who married Solomon Turner; Thomas Merritt (d 1811) who married his first cousin Mary Ann Merritt and secondly a Phoebe; and Richard Merrit (d 1781) who married Mary Merritt's sister Sarah Merritt.

Some researchers have said that this Richard Merritt instead married Sarah Whitehead, however this Richard and his brother Thomas Merritt, sons of William Merritt (d. 1784), married sisters Sarah and Mary Merritt, daughters of Nathaniel Merritt senior. Nathaniel Merritt senior's wife named grandchildren in her will as sons of Richard and Thomas Merritt. Thus Charles Rathbun concluded because Richard Merritt married Sarah Merritt, then it was Benjamin Merritt who married Sarah Whitehead, daughter of our ancestor William Whitehead who died in 1765.

A Tho Merrett was entered as a headright by Caleb Calloway in Feb 1693 and a Francis Merrit in Jul 1694 was counted as a headright for Jno Wilson in North Carolina. That would be a good time frame for men in the generation before our Thomas and John, but there is no known relationship to our family. (Caroline Whitley, North Carolina Headrights: List of Names 1663 - 1744, NC Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh, NC, 2001, p. 21, 161.)

     Cpl. John Merritt I was born c 1707. He was the son of Unknown Merritt. Cpl. John Merritt I married Mary (Unknown) a 1730. Cpl. John Merritt I died in 1757. His estate was probated in Nov 1757 at Edgecombe Co, North Carolina.

      Based on records research and DNA evidence, descendant Charles Rathbun concluded John Merritt senior cannot be the son of Charles Merritt of Chowan Co, NC as was published by Dr. King Merritt and Lynne Slater Turner in their respective books. John senior never appeared in any Chowan Co, NC records or interacted in the Edgecombe Co, NC records with any descendants of Charles Merritt of Chowan Co. Charles Rathbun concluded if either of the John Merritts were born in the 1680-1700 timeframe as other researchers have theorized they likely would have appeared in the Chowan or Edgecombe Co, NC records before 1748, but they did not.

John senior first appeared in the Edgecombe Co, NC records as a witness to a 1748 deed involving his presumed brother Thomas Merritt. On 20 May 1755 John senior purchased for 18 pounds Virginia current money 120 acres on the north side of Beech Swamp adjoining the land of Philip Raford and the swamp. (Margaret Hofmann, Abstracts Of Deeds Edgecombe Precinct, Edgecombe County North Carolina 1732-1758, Roanoke News Co, Weldon, NC, 1969, (p. 61), p 250.)

On 20 May 1755 John Merritt of Edgecombe Co purchased 190 acres from John Lane which are in juxtaposition with the land purchased by his son Thomas the previous year based on Robert Merritt's research. Shortly afterwards this land was bequeathed to his wife for life to subsequently be divided among his five children. John's children and grandchildren formed a large cluster of land ownership around this Beech Swamp area based on deed maps created by Charles Rathbun.

A 16 Feb 1757 deed in which his son John Merritt junior is first mentioned provided key evidence Charles Rathbun used to establish dates for John senior and his children. John junior purchased from James Jones 353 acres on the south side of Beech Swamp adjoining the lands of John Wilkins, Morgan, John Spier, Williams and Christopher Haynes. (Margaret Hofmann, Abstracts Of Deeds Edgecombe Precinct, Edgecombe County North Carolina 1732-1758, Roanoke News Co, Weldon, NC, 1969, (p. 225), p 138.) Given that John junior was at least age 21, so born no later than 1736 when he purchased this acreage, and because he was the last named child in his father's will his siblings and parents' ages were aligned based on his birth date.

The 13 Jan 1757 will of John Merritt, a planter in Edgecombe Co noted his five children: Pegee, wife of John Stone; Thomas; John; Amee, wife of William Hamby/Hendley; and Betty Merritt. His wife Mary was his executrix and his witnesses were Jno. Haywood, Thos. Merritt and Mary Merritt, the latter two being his son and wife.

After the death of John, his daughter Betty married into the Leeman family which had also migrated from Essex Co, VA to Edgecombe.

     Mary (Unknown) was born a 1712. She married Cpl. John Merritt I, son of Unknown Merritt, a 1730.

      Many researchers and authors incorrectly show that John's wife Mary was Mary Haywood, daughter of John Haywood. Charles Rathbun proved this cannot be the case as Mary Haywood, the daughter of John Haywood, married Rev. Thomas Burgess.

     Pvt. Thomas Merritt was born a 1734. He was the son of Cpl. John Merritt I and Mary (Unknown). Pvt. Thomas Merritt married Mary (Unknown) a 1757. Pvt. Thomas Merritt died b 1794 at Halifax Co, North Carolina.

      The Merritt family first appeared at Beech Swamp when a survey was done for a Granville Grant of 175 acres in Edgecombe Co, NC for Thomas Merritt according to the research of Robert Merritt. The survey chain carriers were William Campbell and John Merritt, either the father or brother of Thomas, who also appeared as the witnesses for the indenture. On 28 Oct 1754 Thomas signed the indenture for this land and paid 3 shillings per 100 acres rent.

In his will Thomas Merritt named his wife Mary; sons Frederick, Shadrack and Madrack Merritt; and daughters Bethiah Knight and Bethany Knight.

     Pvt. John Merritt II was born a 1736. He was the son of Cpl. John Merritt I and Mary (Unknown). Pvt. John Merritt II married (1st wife of John Merritt Jr) (Unknown) a 1759. Pvt. John Merritt II married Prudence Green a 1770. Pvt. John Merritt II died in 1805 at Franklin Co, North Carolina.

      On 16 Feb 1757 John Merritt junior purchased 350 acres on the south side of Beech Swamp according to Charles Rathbun's research. John remained on this land until 1776, when he bought 170 acres on Little Buffalo Creek in Franklin Co, NC. He and his large family made the move, all except William, the eldest son, who remained on the Beech Swamp property which was given to William in 1789.

     Benjamin Merritt II was born a 1759. He was the son of Benjamin Merritt I and Sarah Whitehead. Benjamin Merritt II married Hannah (Unknown) a 1786. Benjamin Merritt II died c 1807 at Greene Co, Georgia. His estate was probated on 6 Jul 1807 at Greene Co, Georgia.

      Benjamin Merrit wrote his will in Greene Co, GA on 20 Oct 1806. Benjamin mentioned his wife Hannah and six under-age children including one named William. Benjamin left his wife land, tools, furniture, livestock and eight negroes; his cotton crop was to be used to pay his debts. Executors were his brother William Merritt and Richard Asburry. Witnesses were Richard Asberry, William Merritt and James Roach. The will was probated on 6 Jul 1807. Extensive information about Benjamin and his brother William was posted by researcher Gerry Hill at http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/greene/bios/merritt.txt.

     James Merritt was born in 1747 at Tarboro, Edgecombe Co, North Carolina. He was the son of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown). James Merritt married Mary Scrutchens on 30 Jan 1768 at Tarboro, Edgecombe Co, North Carolina. James Merritt died on 28 Jun 1837 at Williamson Co, Tennessee. His estate was probated in Jul 1837 at Williamson Co, Tennessee.

      James Merritt purchased from William and Jean Proctor, all of Edgecombe Co, NC in Jan 1772 for 60 pounds two tracts of land: 150 acres on the south bank on Tyanococa Swamp adjacent to the land of John Cahoon and 100 acres on Coakey Swamp adjancent to Richard Swanson. Witnesses were Henry Irvin, James Hill and Richard Wills. Jean Proctor relinguished her right of dower. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB D-419)

James and Mary Merritt of Edgecombe sold William Goodwin of the same on 7 Feb 1775 lot 81 in Tarborough which he had purchased from his mother. Witnesses were Robert Bignall and James Hill. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB 3-45)

James Merritt served in the Revolutionary War in the Halifax District and after the war moved from Edgecombe Co to Nash Co, NC with his brothers Benjamin and William where he witnessed a Cain - Wall deed on 6 apr 1779. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB 1-57)

On 28 Oct 1782 James Merritt was granted 640 acres between Toisnot and Homony Swamps adjacent to the lands of William Godwin, Joseph Barnes, David Godwin, Thomas Mewborn and John Broadstreet. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB E-359) On the same day a 200-acre grant on both sides of Tyancoque Swamp and adjacent to the lands of James Merritt was awarded to Benjamin Lancaster. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB E-338) On 32 Aug 1785 when Henry Lancaster sold 200 acres on the south side of Tyancoca Swamp to Jacob Boyet, both of Edgecombe, the land was noted as adjacent to the lands of Robert Lancaster, James Merritt and Wiliby Hooks. (Joseph Watson, Nash Co, NC DB 4-463)

James was on the 1790 Edgecombe Co, NC census with 9 males under age 16 and 3 males over age 15, 4 females and 2 slaves. His 1768 marriage would not have created this many members by 1790 so his was a combined household.

James was in Edgecombe and Nash County, NC deeds up to about 1798 when he is shown in an Edgecombe Co, NC deed to be living in Williamson Co, TN.

In 1820 James was enumerated in Franklin, Williamscon Co, TN with he and his presumed wife over age 44 and 5 slaves. In 1830 the family was still in the county. James was age 80 or older and his presumed wife was under age 80, and 1 male age 15 to 19 and 7 slaves were in the household.

James' 1747 birth date was established from Cutchins Genealogy posted in 2006, although find-a-grave stated 1 Mar 1743 for his birth. A 1747 birth brings him to the age of majority at his marriage. (https://docplayer.net/94541347-Cutchin-genealogy-samual-thomas-cutchin-i-genealogy-report-copyright-c-2006.html)

James' 20 Mar 1837 Williamson Co, TN will bequested to son Benjamin $1600; grandson Daniel R. Merritt plantation in trust to him where his parents Samuel (James' son) and Sally Merritt live until their deaths when he was to equally divide it among all the children of Samuel and Sally; slaves were named to go to grandson Washington Merritt and granddaughter Nancy Priest; daughter Polly Tisdale $800 was to go to the education of her unnamed children, and James York in trust for granddaughter Lucinda Merritt for the education of these grandchildren; son Shimmie (Sherrod) $1; son Thomas $1; old slave Cherry is to be freed and $300 provided for her support; rest of property is to be sold and divided equally amongst his daughters Sally Winborne (Wilburn), Mary "Polly" Tisdale, Lois Parks who now resides in Missouri. Executor friend James Park. Witnesses H. Van Pitt, John N. Otey, James Park.

James' son Thomas made much to do of the estate settlement. Thomas contested his father's will on 4 Sep 1837 and claimed his father was incompetent and unduly influenced. The will probated by James Park and his administration of the estate was set aside by the court on 4 Oct 1837. The "will" Thomas brought to court did not change his own allocation of only one dollar but just made slave Cherry a slave for life for his brother Samuel instead of freeing her as the probated will had stated. Next James' son Samuel Merritt reintroduced the 20 Mar 1837 will for probate, and his brother Thomas contested that will again. The issue went to trial 27 Nov 1837 and the resolution was not found.

     William Merritt was born a 1755. He was the son of Benjamin Merritt I and Sarah Whitehead. William Merritt died a Aug 1825 at Greene Co, Georgia. His estate was probated on 3 Feb 1826 at Greene Co, Georgia.

      William Merritt wrote his will on 31 Aug 1825 in Greene Co leaving his estate to his two daughters' fifteen children who were all under age. One daughter was Elizabeth Brown with her children William M., Ezekiel, Reuben, Adeline, Emeline, Catherine, Franklin, James M. and Bluford, and the other daughter was Nancy Green, deceased, whose children were Emily, Caroline, Hamilton, Benjamin, Augustin and Mary. The witnesses were Henry Rogers, Henry Sanford and Charles A. Redd. William's executors were Douglas Watson and Ebenezer Torrence. Extensive information about William and his brother Benjamin was posted by researcher Gerry Hill at http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/greene/bios/merritt.txt.

     Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt was born a 1769. She was the daughter of William Merritt I and Elizabeth "Eliza" (Unknown). Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt married Michael Winbrough a 1790.

     William Merritt II was born a 1774. He was the son of William Merritt I and Elizabeth "Eliza" (Unknown).

     Michael Winbrough was born a 1767. He married Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt, daughter of William Merritt I and Elizabeth "Eliza" (Unknown), a 1790.

     Pvt. Thomas Merritt was born c 1776. He was the son of William Merritt I and Elizabeth "Eliza" (Unknown).

      Pvt. Thomas Merritt, a 39-year-old farmer from Halifax Co, NC, was assigned to the 35th US Infantry in the War of 1812. Thomas was 5'8" with gray hair, dark eyes and a swarthy complexion. He was enlisted for five years on 21 Sep 1814 in his home county by Lt. J Huson and served under Cpt. Jas. H. Belschis. On 23 Dec 1814 Thomas died in the infirmary from indisposition. (Records of Men Enlisted in the US Army Prior to the Peace Establishment, 17 May 1815, p. 285.)

     Mary "Polly" (Unknown) was born a 1751. She married William Merritt I, son of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown), a 1783.

     Margaret "Peggy" Merritt was born a 1784. She was the daughter of William Merritt I and Mary "Polly" (Unknown).

     Mary Merritt was born a 1733. She was the daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown). Mary Merritt married Unknown Ingram a 1751.

     Unknown Ingram was born a 1728. He married Mary Merritt, daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown), a 1751.

     Martha Merritt was born a 1735. She was the daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown).

     Margaret Merritt was born a 1737. She was the daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown).

     Barbara "Barbary" Merritt was born a 1739. She was the daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown). Barbara "Barbary" Merritt married James Hill a 1757.

     Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt was born a 1744. She was the daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown). Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt married William Goodwin in 1768 at Edgecombe Co, North Carolina. Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt died a 1800.

      Tabitha Merritt was shown on her father's original will as Tamsey, not Fanny.

     Henry Merritt was born a 1757. He was the son of Benjamin Merritt I and Sarah Whitehead.

     Tamsey Merritt was born a 1761. She was the daughter of Benjamin Merritt I and Sarah Whitehead.

     Tassy Merritt was born a 1764. She was the daughter of Benjamin Merritt I and Sarah Whitehead.

     James Hill was born a 1734. He married Barbara "Barbary" Merritt, daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown), a 1757. His estate was probated on 27 Aug 1778.

     William Goodwin was born a 1738. He married Tabitha "Tamsey" Merritt, daughter of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown), in 1768 at Edgecombe Co, North Carolina.

     Mary Scrutchens was born on 30 Aug 1754 at Isle of Wight Co, Virginia. She married James Merritt, son of Thomas Merritt and Mary (Unknown), on 30 Jan 1768 at Tarboro, Edgecombe Co, North Carolina. Mary Scrutchens died on 15 Dec 1830 at Long Lane, Williamson Co, Tennessee, at age 76.

     Margaret "Pegee" Merritt was born a 1732. She was the daughter of Cpl. John Merritt I and Mary (Unknown). Margaret "Pegee" Merritt married John Stone b Feb 1757.

      Margaret Merritt Stone moved with her family and some siblings to Franklin Co, NC by 1780.

     John Stone was born a 1727. He married Margaret "Pegee" Merritt, daughter of Cpl. John Merritt I and Mary (Unknown), b Feb 1757.