Widow of George Birdwell Sr.
George Birdwell (Burdwell) and wife Mary sold 140 acres in Botetourt Co., Virginia, to the Rev. Edward Crawford and his wife, Jane McDonald Crawford on 2 March 1779 though "some records show 7 April 1779" (Birdwell history by Aggie Birdwell and Jane LeFevre Teel).
Botetourt Co., Virginia, Deed Bk 2, p 501: record of the above sale dated 9 September 1779.
George Birdwell bought land in Sullivan Co., North Carolina (which later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee) on February 22, 1780.
LOCATION OF BIRDWELL CEMETERY:
Tennessee Genealogical Records: Miscellaneous State Records, by Edythe Whitley, p.163:
"No. 374. Geo., Birdwell, issued 26 June 1793; 640 acres in Davidson County, one mile above Heaton's Station. This was a purchase grant of ten pounds for every 100 acres."
Grant or Warrant #1540
Heaton's Station historic marker is located at these coordinates (on Lock Rd., Nashville):
36° 12′ N, 86° 47.25′ W.
The 640-acre Birdwell property was 1 mile north of this bluff where Heaton's Station was located.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87.
George and Mary Birdwell and their children moved to Tennessee prior to 1780, when his will in Virginia (dated September 1780) stated he was a resident of Sullivan County, N.C. at the time but presently away from home.
He may have been visiting his wife Mary's uncle Joseph Looney or other relatives who lived in Bedford County, Virginia at that time.
Mary Birdwell, widow, appears on the 1796 Sullivan County, Tennessee tax list next to her son Joseph and stepson, Robert, and three names above her other sons John and Benjamin. She paid taxes on 195 acres of land.
Jerry H. Birdwell wrote: "She (Mary) was still living in Davidson County in 1811."
Aggy Birdwell, Lubbock, Texas, wrote:
"It is believed by some that Mary (Birdwell) lived with son George (Jr) in Davidson Co., Tennessee. She must have been alive when the releases were made in 1811. Son George died in 1816, but his Mother is not mentioned in his will. She may have died between 1811-1816.... From all accounts, Mary was some years younger than George, her husband. She had eleven children by George. Where is Mary buried? Not known.
A historian, in the 1950's, did a report on the Birdwells, and stated that it was believed that Mary lived with her oldest son, George, and that a search of George's land in Davidson Co., Tennessee had been made to locate Mary's
grave, but nothing was recovered. The historian stated that there was a graveyard on George's land, but there were no headstones showing Birdwell."
George Birdwell Jr. and nine of his siblings are recorded in the register of Overwharton Parish in Stafford County, Virginia. George Birdwell Sr. owned land in Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia, and Bedford County, Virginia, in 1751. On 2 March 1779, he sold his Virginia Homestead.
Eleven months later, on 22 February 1780, he had one hundred acres entered on the Holston River, Sullivan Co. N.C. This land later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87: George Birdwell of Sullivan County, TN.
Early settlers of the Holston River Valley.
One reference says: "The land office in Nashville, Tennessee, records show that George Birdwell, on the 22 of February 1780, enters one hundred acres of land adjoining Wm. Blythe's line on the north side of the Holston River and Fall Creek.
"Also, grants number 253, 254, and 255, dated March 3, 1780, George Birdwell enters one hundred acres of land on the south side of the Holston River on Kendricks Creek, where the Watauga Road crosses said road. He also enters land on the south side of the Holston River opposite the mouth of Fall Creek."
Another reference says: "When the family moved to the Watauga Valley in what is now Sullivan County in 1780, the area was still wilderness. The only(?) land record which refers to George Birdwell is a land grant to a person named James Blythe, dated October 10, 1783, and which adjoined 'George Burdwell, Samuel Ward, and Brice Russell'."
Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 1, p. 408:
Will of George Birdwell signed 14 September 1781; probate 26 November 1781.
George Birdwell returned to Bedford County, Virginia in 1781 and signed his will on 14 September 1781 stating that he is now of Sullivan Co., North Carolina (present-day Tennessee). He evidently died in Bedford Co before 26 Nov. 1781, when his will was proved and admitted in court.
Apparently he became ill or injured and perhaps already dying at the time the will was signed since it was entered into probate less than 12 weeks later.
George Birdwell is documented as a Patriot with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
"The Preston and Virginia papers of the Draper Collection of Manuscripts" shows George Birdwell receiving a voucher from Colonel John Buchanan of Fort Fanquier for beef to feed the Colonel's company in September of 1758. The back of the voucher shows a receipt signed by George Birdwell & dated August 9th 1759.
George Birdwell's service rank is listed as CS or Civil Service.
He served on several juries in Botetourt County, VA. He was ordered by the Court, "to report the nearest and best way from where the court house is to stand to George Skillerns plantation." He also maintained roads.
On August 12, 1773 George Birdwell was appointed constable.
Descendants of George Birdwell reportedly qualify for membership in the Colonial Dames of the VII Century, and a couple of ladies were in the process of induction at last report.
All descendants of George Birdwell qualify also for the First Families of Tennessee (East Tennessee Historical Society). Many also qualify for First Families of Alabama (Alabama Genealogical Society), Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Sons of the Republic of Texas.
Mary Birdwell's maiden name has been shown as Looney by Birdwell family historians since the 1950s but without adequate documentation. The Birdwell Bible shows no maiden name for her but the group of family researchers concluded that her maiden name was Looney based on multiple clues without conclusive facts.
Augusta County, Virginia Order Book 3, page 181, dated 28 August 1751: Mary, "Orphan of Thomas Lunday" (or Looney) was ordered bound out to William Williams who was about to remove to (North) Carolina.
DNA tests of descendants of Mary Looney Birdwell show results matching descendants of Thomas Looney and indeed appear to indicate that Mary, wife of George Birdwell, was the Mary, orphan of Thomas "Lundy" (Looney) in the Augusta County Court Order Book; i.e., the daughter of Thomas Llewellyn Looney and his wife Margaret Jane Harman Looney.
George Birdwell's first wife is unknown. A descendant recorded seeing an old Birdwell family bible with the name "Mary Riggs" written on one page of it, although it didn't identify her as George's wife.
On the first page of another Birdwell family bible published in 1721 two signatures, "I.George Birdwell" and "Acquilla Lane," are written, without explanation. George's signature appears as "I.George Birdwell" on all other known documents bearing his signature, including his will. Some descendants believe his name was Isaac George Birdwell.
Some have speculated his first wife was Acquilla Lane, but Acquilla was a man's name. Revolutionary War hero Acquilla Lane (1753-1819) was from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and was one of the Overmountain Men at the Battle of King's Mountain. The signature appears to match known handwriting, but why his autograph appears in the family Bible is not clear. Apparently he was acquaintance if not a family friend or associate.
The first Mrs. Birdwell is thought to have died circa 1753. Her children with George Birdwell:
1. Robert Birdwell 1751 – 1815 DAR A#010380 Rev War
2. Sarah Birdwell 1751 – 1849
3. Ann Birdwell 1753 – 1849
George Birdwell married his second wife Mary probably in Botetourt County, VA., c1757-59 where their first eight children were born, the last three being born in Sullivan Co., TN.
One historian says she was born about 1746 in Washington, Va, though most others say Stafford Co., VA.
Madalyn Riley Williams (#47572481) stated: "Mary Birdwell, wife of George Birdwell, Sr. was the daughter of Thomas Looney and his wife Margaret Harmon. Her younger sister was Louisa Looney, wife of James Brigham., my 4th great grandparents. She was born 1742. Orphaned by 1749. She is my 4th great grand aunt."
Book, "Pieces of the Puzzle---The George Birdwell Family History 1721" by Delories A. Birdwell Greene (Tallassee, Florida) at Kingsport, Tenn. Public Library.
DNA results show conclusively that Mary Birdwell's descendants do match Looney and Harman/Harmon descendants within the range to be expected, so the DNA does seem to prove it.
Mary Looney Birdwell was a niece of Louisa Looney who married Maj. John Shelby of the Watauga Settlement (Shelby's Station), and Notable Southern Families says Louisa met Maj. Shelby when he visited in N.C. He was an uncle of Gov. Isaac Shelby of KY., son of Evan Shelby Jr & Letitia Cox. Mary Looney Birdwell's sister was Louisa Looney who married her cousin James Burch Brigham (son of John Brigham II & Eliz Llewellen) and their daughter married her mother's (and Mary Looney Birdwell's) first cousin, John Shelby Jr.
Zella Armstrong, Notable Southern Families, Vol. II, p. 305: John Shelby, son of Evan Shelby and Catherine Davis (Davies-Morgan) Shelby, served with his brother, Brig-Gen. Shelby, at the Battle of King's Mountain. Also p. 313.
John Shelby was a Lt. in the 3rd Bn., Penn. Regiment. Around 1773 moved to Fincastle Co., VA. where the Birdwells lived. His plantation was called "Wolf's Hill" and located near Abington, VA.
George Birdwell (Burdwell) and wife Mary sold 140 acres in Botetourt Co., Virginia, to the Rev. Edward Crawford and his wife, Jane McDonald Crawford on 2 March 1779 though "some records show 7 April 1779" (Birdwell history by Aggie Birdwell and Jane LeFevre Teel).
Botetourt Co., Virginia, Deed Bk 2, p 501: record of the above sale dated 9 September 1779.
George Birdwell bought land in Sullivan Co., North Carolina (which later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee) on February 22, 1780.
LOCATION OF BIRDWELL CEMETERY:
Tennessee Genealogical Records: Miscellaneous State Records, by Edythe Whitley, p.163:
"No. 374. Geo., Birdwell, issued 26 June 1793; 640 acres in Davidson County, one mile above Heaton's Station. This was a purchase grant of ten pounds for every 100 acres."
Grant or Warrant #1540
Heaton's Station historic marker is located at these coordinates (on Lock Rd., Nashville):
36° 12′ N, 86° 47.25′ W.
The 640-acre Birdwell property was 1 mile north of this bluff where Heaton's Station was located.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87.
George and Mary Birdwell and their children moved to Tennessee prior to 1780, when his will in Virginia (dated September 1780) stated he was a resident of Sullivan County, N.C. at the time but presently away from home.
He may have been visiting his wife Mary's uncle Joseph Looney or other relatives who lived in Bedford County, Virginia at that time.
Mary Birdwell, widow, appears on the 1796 Sullivan County, Tennessee tax list next to her son Joseph and stepson, Robert, and three names above her other sons John and Benjamin. She paid taxes on 195 acres of land.
Jerry H. Birdwell wrote: "She (Mary) was still living in Davidson County in 1811."
Aggy Birdwell, Lubbock, Texas, wrote:
"It is believed by some that Mary (Birdwell) lived with son George (Jr) in Davidson Co., Tennessee. She must have been alive when the releases were made in 1811. Son George died in 1816, but his Mother is not mentioned in his will. She may have died between 1811-1816.... From all accounts, Mary was some years younger than George, her husband. She had eleven children by George. Where is Mary buried? Not known.
A historian, in the 1950's, did a report on the Birdwells, and stated that it was believed that Mary lived with her oldest son, George, and that a search of George's land in Davidson Co., Tennessee had been made to locate Mary's
grave, but nothing was recovered. The historian stated that there was a graveyard on George's land, but there were no headstones showing Birdwell."
George Birdwell Jr. and nine of his siblings are recorded in the register of Overwharton Parish in Stafford County, Virginia. George Birdwell Sr. owned land in Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia, and Bedford County, Virginia, in 1751. On 2 March 1779, he sold his Virginia Homestead.
Eleven months later, on 22 February 1780, he had one hundred acres entered on the Holston River, Sullivan Co. N.C. This land later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87: George Birdwell of Sullivan County, TN.
Early settlers of the Holston River Valley.
One reference says: "The land office in Nashville, Tennessee, records show that George Birdwell, on the 22 of February 1780, enters one hundred acres of land adjoining Wm. Blythe's line on the north side of the Holston River and Fall Creek.
"Also, grants number 253, 254, and 255, dated March 3, 1780, George Birdwell enters one hundred acres of land on the south side of the Holston River on Kendricks Creek, where the Watauga Road crosses said road. He also enters land on the south side of the Holston River opposite the mouth of Fall Creek."
Another reference says: "When the family moved to the Watauga Valley in what is now Sullivan County in 1780, the area was still wilderness. The only(?) land record which refers to George Birdwell is a land grant to a person named James Blythe, dated October 10, 1783, and which adjoined 'George Burdwell, Samuel Ward, and Brice Russell'."
Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 1, p. 408:
Will of George Birdwell signed 14 September 1781; probate 26 November 1781.
George Birdwell returned to Bedford County, Virginia in 1781 and signed his will on 14 September 1781 stating that he is now of Sullivan Co., North Carolina (present-day Tennessee). He evidently died in Bedford Co before 26 Nov. 1781, when his will was proved and admitted in court.
Apparently he became ill or injured and perhaps already dying at the time the will was signed since it was entered into probate less than 12 weeks later.
George Birdwell is documented as a Patriot with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
"The Preston and Virginia papers of the Draper Collection of Manuscripts" shows George Birdwell receiving a voucher from Colonel John Buchanan of Fort Fanquier for beef to feed the Colonel's company in September of 1758. The back of the voucher shows a receipt signed by George Birdwell & dated August 9th 1759.
George Birdwell's service rank is listed as CS or Civil Service.
He served on several juries in Botetourt County, VA. He was ordered by the Court, "to report the nearest and best way from where the court house is to stand to George Skillerns plantation." He also maintained roads.
On August 12, 1773 George Birdwell was appointed constable.
Descendants of George Birdwell reportedly qualify for membership in the Colonial Dames of the VII Century, and a couple of ladies were in the process of induction at last report.
All descendants of George Birdwell qualify also for the First Families of Tennessee (East Tennessee Historical Society). Many also qualify for First Families of Alabama (Alabama Genealogical Society), Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Sons of the Republic of Texas.
Mary Birdwell's maiden name has been shown as Looney by Birdwell family historians since the 1950s but without adequate documentation. The Birdwell Bible shows no maiden name for her but the group of family researchers concluded that her maiden name was Looney based on multiple clues without conclusive facts.
Augusta County, Virginia Order Book 3, page 181, dated 28 August 1751: Mary, "Orphan of Thomas Lunday" (or Looney) was ordered bound out to William Williams who was about to remove to (North) Carolina.
DNA tests of descendants of Mary Looney Birdwell show results matching descendants of Thomas Looney and indeed appear to indicate that Mary, wife of George Birdwell, was the Mary, orphan of Thomas "Lundy" (Looney) in the Augusta County Court Order Book; i.e., the daughter of Thomas Llewellyn Looney and his wife Margaret Jane Harman Looney.
George Birdwell's first wife is unknown. A descendant recorded seeing an old Birdwell family bible with the name "Mary Riggs" written on one page of it, although it didn't identify her as George's wife.
On the first page of another Birdwell family bible published in 1721 two signatures, "I.George Birdwell" and "Acquilla Lane," are written, without explanation. George's signature appears as "I.George Birdwell" on all other known documents bearing his signature, including his will. Some descendants believe his name was Isaac George Birdwell.
Some have speculated his first wife was Acquilla Lane, but Acquilla was a man's name. Revolutionary War hero Acquilla Lane (1753-1819) was from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and was one of the Overmountain Men at the Battle of King's Mountain. The signature appears to match known handwriting, but why his autograph appears in the family Bible is not clear. Apparently he was acquaintance if not a family friend or associate.
The first Mrs. Birdwell is thought to have died circa 1753. Her children with George Birdwell:
1. Robert Birdwell 1751 – 1815 DAR A#010380 Rev War
2. Sarah Birdwell 1751 – 1849
3. Ann Birdwell 1753 – 1849
George Birdwell married his second wife Mary probably in Botetourt County, VA., c1757-59 where their first eight children were born, the last three being born in Sullivan Co., TN.
One historian says she was born about 1746 in Washington, Va, though most others say Stafford Co., VA.
Madalyn Riley Williams (#47572481) stated: "Mary Birdwell, wife of George Birdwell, Sr. was the daughter of Thomas Looney and his wife Margaret Harmon. Her younger sister was Louisa Looney, wife of James Brigham., my 4th great grandparents. She was born 1742. Orphaned by 1749. She is my 4th great grand aunt."
Book, "Pieces of the Puzzle---The George Birdwell Family History 1721" by Delories A. Birdwell Greene (Tallassee, Florida) at Kingsport, Tenn. Public Library.
DNA results show conclusively that Mary Birdwell's descendants do match Looney and Harman/Harmon descendants within the range to be expected, so the DNA does seem to prove it.
Mary Looney Birdwell was a niece of Louisa Looney who married Maj. John Shelby of the Watauga Settlement (Shelby's Station), and Notable Southern Families says Louisa met Maj. Shelby when he visited in N.C. He was an uncle of Gov. Isaac Shelby of KY., son of Evan Shelby Jr & Letitia Cox. Mary Looney Birdwell's sister was Louisa Looney who married her cousin James Burch Brigham (son of John Brigham II & Eliz Llewellen) and their daughter married her mother's (and Mary Looney Birdwell's) first cousin, John Shelby Jr.
Zella Armstrong, Notable Southern Families, Vol. II, p. 305: John Shelby, son of Evan Shelby and Catherine Davis (Davies-Morgan) Shelby, served with his brother, Brig-Gen. Shelby, at the Battle of King's Mountain. Also p. 313.
John Shelby was a Lt. in the 3rd Bn., Penn. Regiment. Around 1773 moved to Fincastle Co., VA. where the Birdwells lived. His plantation was called "Wolf's Hill" and located near Abington, VA.
Widow of George Birdwell Sr.
George Birdwell (Burdwell) and wife Mary sold 140 acres in Botetourt Co., Virginia, to the Rev. Edward Crawford and his wife, Jane McDonald Crawford on 2 March 1779 though "some records show 7 April 1779" (Birdwell history by Aggie Birdwell and Jane LeFevre Teel).
Botetourt Co., Virginia, Deed Bk 2, p 501: record of the above sale dated 9 September 1779.
George Birdwell bought land in Sullivan Co., North Carolina (which later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee) on February 22, 1780.
LOCATION OF BIRDWELL CEMETERY:
Tennessee Genealogical Records: Miscellaneous State Records, by Edythe Whitley, p.163:
"No. 374. Geo., Birdwell, issued 26 June 1793; 640 acres in Davidson County, one mile above Heaton's Station. This was a purchase grant of ten pounds for every 100 acres."
Grant or Warrant #1540
Heaton's Station historic marker is located at these coordinates (on Lock Rd., Nashville):
36° 12′ N, 86° 47.25′ W.
The 640-acre Birdwell property was 1 mile north of this bluff where Heaton's Station was located.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87.
George and Mary Birdwell and their children moved to Tennessee prior to 1780, when his will in Virginia (dated September 1780) stated he was a resident of Sullivan County, N.C. at the time but presently away from home.
He may have been visiting his wife Mary's uncle Joseph Looney or other relatives who lived in Bedford County, Virginia at that time.
Mary Birdwell, widow, appears on the 1796 Sullivan County, Tennessee tax list next to her son Joseph and stepson, Robert, and three names above her other sons John and Benjamin. She paid taxes on 195 acres of land.
Jerry H. Birdwell wrote: "She (Mary) was still living in Davidson County in 1811."
Aggy Birdwell, Lubbock, Texas, wrote:
"It is believed by some that Mary (Birdwell) lived with son George (Jr) in Davidson Co., Tennessee. She must have been alive when the releases were made in 1811. Son George died in 1816, but his Mother is not mentioned in his will. She may have died between 1811-1816.... From all accounts, Mary was some years younger than George, her husband. She had eleven children by George. Where is Mary buried? Not known.
A historian, in the 1950's, did a report on the Birdwells, and stated that it was believed that Mary lived with her oldest son, George, and that a search of George's land in Davidson Co., Tennessee had been made to locate Mary's
grave, but nothing was recovered. The historian stated that there was a graveyard on George's land, but there were no headstones showing Birdwell."
George Birdwell Jr. and nine of his siblings are recorded in the register of Overwharton Parish in Stafford County, Virginia. George Birdwell Sr. owned land in Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia, and Bedford County, Virginia, in 1751. On 2 March 1779, he sold his Virginia Homestead.
Eleven months later, on 22 February 1780, he had one hundred acres entered on the Holston River, Sullivan Co. N.C. This land later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87: George Birdwell of Sullivan County, TN.
Early settlers of the Holston River Valley.
One reference says: "The land office in Nashville, Tennessee, records show that George Birdwell, on the 22 of February 1780, enters one hundred acres of land adjoining Wm. Blythe's line on the north side of the Holston River and Fall Creek.
"Also, grants number 253, 254, and 255, dated March 3, 1780, George Birdwell enters one hundred acres of land on the south side of the Holston River on Kendricks Creek, where the Watauga Road crosses said road. He also enters land on the south side of the Holston River opposite the mouth of Fall Creek."
Another reference says: "When the family moved to the Watauga Valley in what is now Sullivan County in 1780, the area was still wilderness. The only(?) land record which refers to George Birdwell is a land grant to a person named James Blythe, dated October 10, 1783, and which adjoined 'George Burdwell, Samuel Ward, and Brice Russell'."
Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 1, p. 408:
Will of George Birdwell signed 14 September 1781; probate 26 November 1781.
George Birdwell returned to Bedford County, Virginia in 1781 and signed his will on 14 September 1781 stating that he is now of Sullivan Co., North Carolina (present-day Tennessee). He evidently died in Bedford Co before 26 Nov. 1781, when his will was proved and admitted in court.
Apparently he became ill or injured and perhaps already dying at the time the will was signed since it was entered into probate less than 12 weeks later.
George Birdwell is documented as a Patriot with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
"The Preston and Virginia papers of the Draper Collection of Manuscripts" shows George Birdwell receiving a voucher from Colonel John Buchanan of Fort Fanquier for beef to feed the Colonel's company in September of 1758. The back of the voucher shows a receipt signed by George Birdwell & dated August 9th 1759.
George Birdwell's service rank is listed as CS or Civil Service.
He served on several juries in Botetourt County, VA. He was ordered by the Court, "to report the nearest and best way from where the court house is to stand to George Skillerns plantation." He also maintained roads.
On August 12, 1773 George Birdwell was appointed constable.
Descendants of George Birdwell reportedly qualify for membership in the Colonial Dames of the VII Century, and a couple of ladies were in the process of induction at last report.
All descendants of George Birdwell qualify also for the First Families of Tennessee (East Tennessee Historical Society). Many also qualify for First Families of Alabama (Alabama Genealogical Society), Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Sons of the Republic of Texas.
Mary Birdwell's maiden name has been shown as Looney by Birdwell family historians since the 1950s but without adequate documentation. The Birdwell Bible shows no maiden name for her but the group of family researchers concluded that her maiden name was Looney based on multiple clues without conclusive facts.
Augusta County, Virginia Order Book 3, page 181, dated 28 August 1751: Mary, "Orphan of Thomas Lunday" (or Looney) was ordered bound out to William Williams who was about to remove to (North) Carolina.
DNA tests of descendants of Mary Looney Birdwell show results matching descendants of Thomas Looney and indeed appear to indicate that Mary, wife of George Birdwell, was the Mary, orphan of Thomas "Lundy" (Looney) in the Augusta County Court Order Book; i.e., the daughter of Thomas Llewellyn Looney and his wife Margaret Jane Harman Looney.
George Birdwell's first wife is unknown. A descendant recorded seeing an old Birdwell family bible with the name "Mary Riggs" written on one page of it, although it didn't identify her as George's wife.
On the first page of another Birdwell family bible published in 1721 two signatures, "I.George Birdwell" and "Acquilla Lane," are written, without explanation. George's signature appears as "I.George Birdwell" on all other known documents bearing his signature, including his will. Some descendants believe his name was Isaac George Birdwell.
Some have speculated his first wife was Acquilla Lane, but Acquilla was a man's name. Revolutionary War hero Acquilla Lane (1753-1819) was from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and was one of the Overmountain Men at the Battle of King's Mountain. The signature appears to match known handwriting, but why his autograph appears in the family Bible is not clear. Apparently he was acquaintance if not a family friend or associate.
The first Mrs. Birdwell is thought to have died circa 1753. Her children with George Birdwell:
1. Robert Birdwell 1751 – 1815 DAR A#010380 Rev War
2. Sarah Birdwell 1751 – 1849
3. Ann Birdwell 1753 – 1849
George Birdwell married his second wife Mary probably in Botetourt County, VA., c1757-59 where their first eight children were born, the last three being born in Sullivan Co., TN.
One historian says she was born about 1746 in Washington, Va, though most others say Stafford Co., VA.
Madalyn Riley Williams (#47572481) stated: "Mary Birdwell, wife of George Birdwell, Sr. was the daughter of Thomas Looney and his wife Margaret Harmon. Her younger sister was Louisa Looney, wife of James Brigham., my 4th great grandparents. She was born 1742. Orphaned by 1749. She is my 4th great grand aunt."
Book, "Pieces of the Puzzle---The George Birdwell Family History 1721" by Delories A. Birdwell Greene (Tallassee, Florida) at Kingsport, Tenn. Public Library.
DNA results show conclusively that Mary Birdwell's descendants do match Looney and Harman/Harmon descendants within the range to be expected, so the DNA does seem to prove it.
Mary Looney Birdwell was a niece of Louisa Looney who married Maj. John Shelby of the Watauga Settlement (Shelby's Station), and Notable Southern Families says Louisa met Maj. Shelby when he visited in N.C. He was an uncle of Gov. Isaac Shelby of KY., son of Evan Shelby Jr & Letitia Cox. Mary Looney Birdwell's sister was Louisa Looney who married her cousin James Burch Brigham (son of John Brigham II & Eliz Llewellen) and their daughter married her mother's (and Mary Looney Birdwell's) first cousin, John Shelby Jr.
Zella Armstrong, Notable Southern Families, Vol. II, p. 305: John Shelby, son of Evan Shelby and Catherine Davis (Davies-Morgan) Shelby, served with his brother, Brig-Gen. Shelby, at the Battle of King's Mountain. Also p. 313.
John Shelby was a Lt. in the 3rd Bn., Penn. Regiment. Around 1773 moved to Fincastle Co., VA. where the Birdwells lived. His plantation was called "Wolf's Hill" and located near Abington, VA.
George Birdwell (Burdwell) and wife Mary sold 140 acres in Botetourt Co., Virginia, to the Rev. Edward Crawford and his wife, Jane McDonald Crawford on 2 March 1779 though "some records show 7 April 1779" (Birdwell history by Aggie Birdwell and Jane LeFevre Teel).
Botetourt Co., Virginia, Deed Bk 2, p 501: record of the above sale dated 9 September 1779.
George Birdwell bought land in Sullivan Co., North Carolina (which later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee) on February 22, 1780.
LOCATION OF BIRDWELL CEMETERY:
Tennessee Genealogical Records: Miscellaneous State Records, by Edythe Whitley, p.163:
"No. 374. Geo., Birdwell, issued 26 June 1793; 640 acres in Davidson County, one mile above Heaton's Station. This was a purchase grant of ten pounds for every 100 acres."
Grant or Warrant #1540
Heaton's Station historic marker is located at these coordinates (on Lock Rd., Nashville):
36° 12′ N, 86° 47.25′ W.
The 640-acre Birdwell property was 1 mile north of this bluff where Heaton's Station was located.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87.
George and Mary Birdwell and their children moved to Tennessee prior to 1780, when his will in Virginia (dated September 1780) stated he was a resident of Sullivan County, N.C. at the time but presently away from home.
He may have been visiting his wife Mary's uncle Joseph Looney or other relatives who lived in Bedford County, Virginia at that time.
Mary Birdwell, widow, appears on the 1796 Sullivan County, Tennessee tax list next to her son Joseph and stepson, Robert, and three names above her other sons John and Benjamin. She paid taxes on 195 acres of land.
Jerry H. Birdwell wrote: "She (Mary) was still living in Davidson County in 1811."
Aggy Birdwell, Lubbock, Texas, wrote:
"It is believed by some that Mary (Birdwell) lived with son George (Jr) in Davidson Co., Tennessee. She must have been alive when the releases were made in 1811. Son George died in 1816, but his Mother is not mentioned in his will. She may have died between 1811-1816.... From all accounts, Mary was some years younger than George, her husband. She had eleven children by George. Where is Mary buried? Not known.
A historian, in the 1950's, did a report on the Birdwells, and stated that it was believed that Mary lived with her oldest son, George, and that a search of George's land in Davidson Co., Tennessee had been made to locate Mary's
grave, but nothing was recovered. The historian stated that there was a graveyard on George's land, but there were no headstones showing Birdwell."
George Birdwell Jr. and nine of his siblings are recorded in the register of Overwharton Parish in Stafford County, Virginia. George Birdwell Sr. owned land in Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia, and Bedford County, Virginia, in 1751. On 2 March 1779, he sold his Virginia Homestead.
Eleven months later, on 22 February 1780, he had one hundred acres entered on the Holston River, Sullivan Co. N.C. This land later became Sullivan Co., Tennessee.
FIRST FAMILIES OF TENNESSEE (2000) by the East Tennessee Historical Society, page 87: George Birdwell of Sullivan County, TN.
Early settlers of the Holston River Valley.
One reference says: "The land office in Nashville, Tennessee, records show that George Birdwell, on the 22 of February 1780, enters one hundred acres of land adjoining Wm. Blythe's line on the north side of the Holston River and Fall Creek.
"Also, grants number 253, 254, and 255, dated March 3, 1780, George Birdwell enters one hundred acres of land on the south side of the Holston River on Kendricks Creek, where the Watauga Road crosses said road. He also enters land on the south side of the Holston River opposite the mouth of Fall Creek."
Another reference says: "When the family moved to the Watauga Valley in what is now Sullivan County in 1780, the area was still wilderness. The only(?) land record which refers to George Birdwell is a land grant to a person named James Blythe, dated October 10, 1783, and which adjoined 'George Burdwell, Samuel Ward, and Brice Russell'."
Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 1, p. 408:
Will of George Birdwell signed 14 September 1781; probate 26 November 1781.
George Birdwell returned to Bedford County, Virginia in 1781 and signed his will on 14 September 1781 stating that he is now of Sullivan Co., North Carolina (present-day Tennessee). He evidently died in Bedford Co before 26 Nov. 1781, when his will was proved and admitted in court.
Apparently he became ill or injured and perhaps already dying at the time the will was signed since it was entered into probate less than 12 weeks later.
George Birdwell is documented as a Patriot with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
"The Preston and Virginia papers of the Draper Collection of Manuscripts" shows George Birdwell receiving a voucher from Colonel John Buchanan of Fort Fanquier for beef to feed the Colonel's company in September of 1758. The back of the voucher shows a receipt signed by George Birdwell & dated August 9th 1759.
George Birdwell's service rank is listed as CS or Civil Service.
He served on several juries in Botetourt County, VA. He was ordered by the Court, "to report the nearest and best way from where the court house is to stand to George Skillerns plantation." He also maintained roads.
On August 12, 1773 George Birdwell was appointed constable.
Descendants of George Birdwell reportedly qualify for membership in the Colonial Dames of the VII Century, and a couple of ladies were in the process of induction at last report.
All descendants of George Birdwell qualify also for the First Families of Tennessee (East Tennessee Historical Society). Many also qualify for First Families of Alabama (Alabama Genealogical Society), Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Sons of the Republic of Texas.
Mary Birdwell's maiden name has been shown as Looney by Birdwell family historians since the 1950s but without adequate documentation. The Birdwell Bible shows no maiden name for her but the group of family researchers concluded that her maiden name was Looney based on multiple clues without conclusive facts.
Augusta County, Virginia Order Book 3, page 181, dated 28 August 1751: Mary, "Orphan of Thomas Lunday" (or Looney) was ordered bound out to William Williams who was about to remove to (North) Carolina.
DNA tests of descendants of Mary Looney Birdwell show results matching descendants of Thomas Looney and indeed appear to indicate that Mary, wife of George Birdwell, was the Mary, orphan of Thomas "Lundy" (Looney) in the Augusta County Court Order Book; i.e., the daughter of Thomas Llewellyn Looney and his wife Margaret Jane Harman Looney.
George Birdwell's first wife is unknown. A descendant recorded seeing an old Birdwell family bible with the name "Mary Riggs" written on one page of it, although it didn't identify her as George's wife.
On the first page of another Birdwell family bible published in 1721 two signatures, "I.George Birdwell" and "Acquilla Lane," are written, without explanation. George's signature appears as "I.George Birdwell" on all other known documents bearing his signature, including his will. Some descendants believe his name was Isaac George Birdwell.
Some have speculated his first wife was Acquilla Lane, but Acquilla was a man's name. Revolutionary War hero Acquilla Lane (1753-1819) was from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and was one of the Overmountain Men at the Battle of King's Mountain. The signature appears to match known handwriting, but why his autograph appears in the family Bible is not clear. Apparently he was acquaintance if not a family friend or associate.
The first Mrs. Birdwell is thought to have died circa 1753. Her children with George Birdwell:
1. Robert Birdwell 1751 – 1815 DAR A#010380 Rev War
2. Sarah Birdwell 1751 – 1849
3. Ann Birdwell 1753 – 1849
George Birdwell married his second wife Mary probably in Botetourt County, VA., c1757-59 where their first eight children were born, the last three being born in Sullivan Co., TN.
One historian says she was born about 1746 in Washington, Va, though most others say Stafford Co., VA.
Madalyn Riley Williams (#47572481) stated: "Mary Birdwell, wife of George Birdwell, Sr. was the daughter of Thomas Looney and his wife Margaret Harmon. Her younger sister was Louisa Looney, wife of James Brigham., my 4th great grandparents. She was born 1742. Orphaned by 1749. She is my 4th great grand aunt."
Book, "Pieces of the Puzzle---The George Birdwell Family History 1721" by Delories A. Birdwell Greene (Tallassee, Florida) at Kingsport, Tenn. Public Library.
DNA results show conclusively that Mary Birdwell's descendants do match Looney and Harman/Harmon descendants within the range to be expected, so the DNA does seem to prove it.
Mary Looney Birdwell was a niece of Louisa Looney who married Maj. John Shelby of the Watauga Settlement (Shelby's Station), and Notable Southern Families says Louisa met Maj. Shelby when he visited in N.C. He was an uncle of Gov. Isaac Shelby of KY., son of Evan Shelby Jr & Letitia Cox. Mary Looney Birdwell's sister was Louisa Looney who married her cousin James Burch Brigham (son of John Brigham II & Eliz Llewellen) and their daughter married her mother's (and Mary Looney Birdwell's) first cousin, John Shelby Jr.
Zella Armstrong, Notable Southern Families, Vol. II, p. 305: John Shelby, son of Evan Shelby and Catherine Davis (Davies-Morgan) Shelby, served with his brother, Brig-Gen. Shelby, at the Battle of King's Mountain. Also p. 313.
John Shelby was a Lt. in the 3rd Bn., Penn. Regiment. Around 1773 moved to Fincastle Co., VA. where the Birdwells lived. His plantation was called "Wolf's Hill" and located near Abington, VA.
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