There has been a lot of interest in the land deed for Obadiah Martin that I referenced in a former post, so as promised, I’m providing it. A few years ago I found an obscure reference to a 1796 land deed for Obadiah Martin in Tennessee. At that time I was trying to determine if my Martin family was a First Family of Tennessee. In order to qualify, a family must be able to prove they lived in Tennessee prior to statehood of December 1796. I found a couple deeds for Obadiah Martin that were for the nephew of my Obadiah (1738-1820). (Obadiah, son of David) The last one I found, I believe is for my 5th great grandfather Obadiah (1738-1820). The following deed was located in the basement archives in Claiborne County, Tazewell, Tennessee.
Obadiah obtained land in Powells Valley in May 1796; in August and September 1796 he sells his land in North Carolina.
Transcription of Land Deed
William DuVal indenture to Obadiah Martin of Orange County, NC
1610 acres in Powells Valley
May 10, 1796, recorded November 11, 1796, registered January 27, 1819.
Claiborne County, TN Court
Deed book, Pg 286-288
Whereas William DuVal Esq. of the County of Henrico sold James Coursey of the County of Rockbridge a tract of land lying in the Powels Valley containing one thousand six hundred and ten acres, and executed a deed of bargain for sale for the same to the said Coursey, and James Brooks of the County of Albemarle, said Brooks also to have the one fifth part thereof, and whereas the said Coursey having sold his interest in the said land to Menan Mills of the County of Albemarle and to the said James Brooks, viz Menan Mills to have twelve hundred and seven and a half acres of the same and the said Mills and Brooks having sold their respective shares of said land constituting the whole of said tract to Obadiah Martin of Orange County of the state of North Carolina, and having specially agreed to and with said Martin as the deed mentioned as above said Executed by the said DuVal having run out of date and having not been recorded and the warranty thereof being special from the said DuVal by his heirs only without warranting from the lawful claims of any other persons the said Martin being content to take a deed with such like warranty for said land from said William DuVal Esq it being agreeable to the terms upon which the purchase said tract of land of the said Mills and Brooks now therefore.
This indenture made this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six between William DuVal Esq of the County of Henrico and State of Virginia of the one part and Obadiah Martin of Orange County of State of North Carolina of the other part witnesseth that the said William DuVal Esq. for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Obadiah Martin the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge hath bargained and sold and doth hereby these bargain and sell a lien and xxx unto the said Obadiah Martin a certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in Powells Valley on Powels River said tract being known by the name of Abercom containing one thousand six hundred and ten acres, and bounded as follows to wit Beginning at a cedar on the bank of said River and running through north twenty poles to an elm leading towards the river north thirty two degrees west seventy poles down the river to two sugar trees north 160 poles along a ridge to a walnut and two post oaks west twenty poles to a walnut and three dogwoods on a ridge, North 200 poles crossing a hollow to a black oak and white oak, East ninety poles to a Chestnut and White Oak on a ridge N 45E 74 poles up a hollow to a white oak on a ridge East 692 poles to two white oaks on a flat of the river, S20 E40 poles to a large post oak on the banks of Powels River S45 W22 poles down the river to a buckeye and hickory S20, W 20 poles down said river to three sycamores S38 degrees E20 poles crossing the river to a cedar on the point of a sharp spur above a cleft of rocks south 64 degrees west 886 poles down Powels River to the beginning.
Together with singular benefits here determined and appurtenances thereunto belonging to have and to hold the aforesaid of land to the said Obadiah Martin his heirs and assigns forever and the said William DuVal Esq. doth for himself his heirs and forever warrant and defend the said land and premises to the said Obadiah Martin and his heirs from the just and lawful claim of all persons whatsoever claiming in or through him the said William DuVal or his heirs and them only in witness whereof the said William DuVal hath set his hand and seal this day and year above written.
William DuVal
Signed sealed and acknowledged in presence of
Eli Price
John Courtney
Cha. Pirrell
Benj. Mosby
Menan Mills
Virginia to wit,
At a general court held at the capital in the City of Richmond the 11th day of November 1796. This indenture was acknowledged by William DuVal a party thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste J. Brown.
Registered January 27th, 1819
William Rogers Registrar for Claiborne County by his deputy Dennis Condray
I believe this deed proves My Martin Family settled in Tennessee prior to statehood. Please let me know what you think.
Happy researching!
Cheers,
Deborah