------------------------------------
Daughter of Samuel Leslie and Sarah Hutchinson Leslie. Wife of Charles Lathan.
------------------------------------
First cousin of Andrew Jackson.
------------------------------------
Sarah Leslie was born about 1760, probably in Pennsylvania. According to the Walkup Papers* she was present as a girl of seven, along with her mother, at the house of George McKemey when Andrew Jackson was born. She married Charles Lathan and died about 1825. There is in the Lathan family records a receipt signed by one James Lessley "For work done on the plantation of the said Sarah Lathen [sic] during her last illness... 30th July 1825." This establishes her year of death as 1825, previously thought to have been about 1823 as per one of the Walkup affidavits. The identity of James Lesley is not known, no doubt a relative. Charles and Sarah Leslie Lathan had six children, as follows:
1. David Lathan - b. 1783, d. Sept. 8, 1843. Buried in Old Waxhaw Cemetery, whose tombstone reads: "Dedicated to the memory of David Lathan, Esqr., who departed this life on the 8th of Sept. 1843, in the sixtieth year of his life, leaving a wife, two sons and a daughter to lament their loss." He married Jane Gettys and had several children, according to Nancy Crockett, one of his descendants, who identifies his brothers and sisters as follows:
2. John Lathan, b. 1788
3. Elizabeth Lathan
4. Mary Lathan
5. Martha Lathan
6. Margaret Lathan
(From "The Lathan-Belk Families and In-Laws by Byron W. Lathan).
------------------------------------
However:
James Hervey Witherspoon, a Waxhaw man, wrote to Andrew Jackson on April 16, 1825 and stated "Your only Cousin Sarah Lathem whose maiden name was Lessley, died about a year past leaving several Children" He then further stated that only his second cousins Lathems and Faulkners were alive.
------------------------------------
*Affidavit of Samuel H. Walkup:
Monroe, N. C., Sept. 7th, 1853
Mr. Edr. I discovered in some of the paper claims set up by Mr. Davenport of Va., to the birthplace of Genl. Andrew Jackson, President of the U. S. The Lancaster Ledger has pretty clearly shown the absurdity of any such pretension on the part of Virginia. It can be very clearly established beyond question that old Andrew Jackson died before the birth of his son Andw. on Twelve Mile Creek in N. C. where he resided about one or two years, before his death. And that Genl. "Andw. Jackson was born 15th March 1767." Therefore the account of his parents leaving Va. in 1768 with a son Andrew, could not be true; since his father died in the first of the year and before 15th March 1767. But the Lancaster Ledger and public opinion abroad, and indeed, General Jackson himself, were and are all equally in error, about his (Jackson) being born in South Carolina. I think it can be as clearly demonstrated, as any such thing can be, at this distance of time, that General Andrew Jackson, late president of the United States was born at the house of George McKemsey or McCamie in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, after his father's death on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.
The truth of the whole matter seems to be about this: There were six sisters, Miss Hutchinsons, who intermarried as follows: Margaret, married George McKemey, or McCamie, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Mary, married John Leslie and settled on Camp Creek, S.C.; Sarah, married Samuel Leslie, and settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Jane married James Crawford, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, S.C.; Elizabeth married Andrew Jackson, the father of the president, who settled on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.; and Grace married James Crow, who settled near Landsford, S.C.
That during the early part of the year 1767, (before the birth of Andrew Jackson, the president, on the 15th of March, Andrew Jackson Senior died at his residence in Mecklenburg County, (now Union) near Pleasant Grove Camp Ground, on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C. That his mother, being quite poor, removed, after the death of her husband, to Waxsaw Creek, and on her way to Major Robt. or James Crawford, she stopped with her sister, Mrs. McKemey. That whilst there she was taken down and delivered of a son Andrew who was afterward president of the U. S. That as soon as she was able to travel, in about three weeks, she went forward with her son to Mr. Crawford's in S.C., where they afterwards remained, until the revolutionary war. And his history is well enough known from that time forward.
The above is the currant tradition of his neighbors and relatives, who best knew his true history. many old persons, who, well knew his father, where he lived died and was buried, prove, that he Genl. Jackson's father, lived at the time of his death, in Mecklenburg County, N. C. and that he was buried in Old Waxhaw Church yard. That his, Genl. Jackson's, mother removed to live with her friends in Waxsaws; and on her way, gave birth to Andrew, at the house of George McKemey, her brother-in-law, near Cureton's pond in Mecklenburg (now Union) County, N. C. This is oral tradition, amongst the near neighbors and nearest relations of Jackson himself in Waxsaws in N. C. and S.C. as is shown by the certificates of Benj. Massey, Eaq., John Kerns, John Lathan, his 2nd cousin, James Faulkner and Thos. Faulkner, also 2nd cousins of Jackson. Who all testify that old Sarah Leslie and Sarah Lathan, the aunt and cousin of Genl. Jackson, often asserted, that he, Jackson, was born at George McKemies and that they were present at his birth, "that Mrs. Leslie, Jackson's aunt, was sent for on the night of his birth. That it was at her brother-in-law's George Mckemsy's in N. C. close to where she, Mrs. Leslie, lived in N. C. and that she took little daughter, Mrs. Lathan with her and recollected well of walking the near way, through the fields in the night time."
In addition to this positive testimony of Mrs. Elizabeth McWhorter, and her son George McWhorter, and Mrs. Mary Cousar, Who states that they were "near neighbors and present on the night of the birth of Genl. Jackson and were there on that next day," and have a distinct recollection, that "he was born at the house of Geo. McKemmies, in N. C.," which testimony rests upon the statements of Samuel McWhorter, the grandson of Elizabeth and of George McWhorter, Thos. Cureton, Senior, and Jeremiah Cureton, Senr., who heard those old person, very often speak of these facts, in the most positive terms; and who have many circumstances in corroboration of its truth. And all these witnesses, and those whose traditions they relate, were persons of unimpeachable honesty and veracity; who had the very best opportunities of knowing the truth of all the facts they narrate, who were near neighbors, near relations and intimate associates with Jackson in his youth. There are other witnesses, who testify of facts they personally knew, or heard from good authority, whose characters for truth can not be called in question. Many of their statements have been published long ago, and often and always publicly proclaimed. Many of their statements, I understand, were published in the U. S. Telegraph, edited by Duff Green about 1828, or 1932, when Genl. Jackson was candidate for president. Others, Benj. Massey, Esq, John C ------- were published in 1845, in the two Charlotte papers N. C.; and in Lancaster Leddger, some two, or three years ago; and these statements have never been successfully controverted. In fact, I have seen no attempt, at the time, to controvert them at all. The most, and strongest testimony comes from immediate relations of General Jackson, and from persons living in the State of South Carolina, whose ----- and inclinations would naturally all tend to opposite side.
(To Be Continued) NOTE: Article stops there and continuation has not been found.
------------------------------------
Benjamin Massey's Affidavit (August 5, 1845):
Sir: Agreeable to your request, and to fulfill my promise to you, I herewith send you Mrs. Lathen's history of the birth of Andrew Jackson, as related to me by herself about the year 1822, as well as my memory now serves me. Mrs. Lathen states that herself and General Andrew Jackson were sisters' children; that Mr. Leslie, the father of Mrs. Lathen, Mr. McCamie, Mr. Jackson, the father of Andrew, and Mr. James Crawford, all married sisters; Mr. Leslie and Mr. McCamie located themselves in Mecklenburg, N.C., Waxhaws; Mr. Crawford located in the Lancaster District, S. C., Waxhaws; Mr. Jackson located himself near Twelve-Mile Creek, Mecklenburg, N. C.; that she was about seven years older than Andrew Jackson; that when the father of Andrew died, Mrs. Jackson left home and came to her brother-in-law's, Mr. McCamie's, previous to the birth of Andrew; after living at Mr. McCamie's awhile, Andrew was born, and she was present at his birth; as soon as Mrs. Jackson was restored to health and strength she came to Mr. James Crawford's, in South Carolina, and there remained.
I believe the above contains all the facts as given by Mrs. Lathen to me.
Benjamin Massey
------------------------------------
Affidavit by John Lathan, son of Mrs. Sarah Lessley [Leslie] Lathan and 2nd Cousin of Andrew Jackson:
The following is about what I have heard my mother, Sarah Lathan, say in frequent conversation about the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. She has often remarked that Andrew Jackson was born at the house of George McCamie and that she, Mrs. Lathan, was present at his birth. She stated that the father of Andrew Jackson, viz., Andrew Jackson, Sr., lived and died on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, and that soon after his death Mrs. Jackson left Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, to go to live with Mr. Crawford in Lancaster County, South Carolina. That on her way she called at the house of George McCamie, who had married a sister of hers. Mrs. Jackson, and while at McCamie's she was taken sick and sent for Mrs. Sarah Leslie, her sister, and the mother of Mrs. Sarah Lathan, who was a midwife, and who lived near McCamie's. That she, Mrs. Lathan, was a young girl, and recollects going with her mother; they walked through the fields in the night; and that she was present when Andrew Jackson was born. That as soon as Mrs. Jackson got able to travel after the birth of Andrew Jackson she went on to Mrs. Crawford's, where she afterward lived.
The maiden names of my grandmother and sisters (Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. McCamie, and Mrs. Crawford) were Hutchison. One of them married Samuel Leslie, my grandfather, one married James Crawford, one married George McCamie, and one married Andrew Jackson, Senior. Jackson lived on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina; Leslie lived on the north side of Waxhaw Creek, North Carolina, on the east side of the public road leading from Lancaster Court House, South Carolina, to Charlotte, North Carolina, about one mile east of said road, and east of a large branch, and near George McCamie's, as I understood, but not so near the public road of McCamie's. I don't know where McCamie lived - Crawford lived near Waxhaw Creek South Carolina.
My mother, Sarah Lathan, was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Leslie, and died about 35 years ago, and was over 60 years old at her death. My mother lived near me until her death, and we lived about seven or eight miles from Samuel Leslie's and William J. Cureton's place, and about two miles from old Waxhaw Church, in South Carolina. I am 70 years of age and have a very distinct recollection of all facts above stated as true and correct, as stated by my mother, and as recollected by myself.
John Lathan.
------------------------------------
Daughter of Samuel Leslie and Sarah Hutchinson Leslie. Wife of Charles Lathan.
------------------------------------
First cousin of Andrew Jackson.
------------------------------------
Sarah Leslie was born about 1760, probably in Pennsylvania. According to the Walkup Papers* she was present as a girl of seven, along with her mother, at the house of George McKemey when Andrew Jackson was born. She married Charles Lathan and died about 1825. There is in the Lathan family records a receipt signed by one James Lessley "For work done on the plantation of the said Sarah Lathen [sic] during her last illness... 30th July 1825." This establishes her year of death as 1825, previously thought to have been about 1823 as per one of the Walkup affidavits. The identity of James Lesley is not known, no doubt a relative. Charles and Sarah Leslie Lathan had six children, as follows:
1. David Lathan - b. 1783, d. Sept. 8, 1843. Buried in Old Waxhaw Cemetery, whose tombstone reads: "Dedicated to the memory of David Lathan, Esqr., who departed this life on the 8th of Sept. 1843, in the sixtieth year of his life, leaving a wife, two sons and a daughter to lament their loss." He married Jane Gettys and had several children, according to Nancy Crockett, one of his descendants, who identifies his brothers and sisters as follows:
2. John Lathan, b. 1788
3. Elizabeth Lathan
4. Mary Lathan
5. Martha Lathan
6. Margaret Lathan
(From "The Lathan-Belk Families and In-Laws by Byron W. Lathan).
------------------------------------
However:
James Hervey Witherspoon, a Waxhaw man, wrote to Andrew Jackson on April 16, 1825 and stated "Your only Cousin Sarah Lathem whose maiden name was Lessley, died about a year past leaving several Children" He then further stated that only his second cousins Lathems and Faulkners were alive.
------------------------------------
*Affidavit of Samuel H. Walkup:
Monroe, N. C., Sept. 7th, 1853
Mr. Edr. I discovered in some of the paper claims set up by Mr. Davenport of Va., to the birthplace of Genl. Andrew Jackson, President of the U. S. The Lancaster Ledger has pretty clearly shown the absurdity of any such pretension on the part of Virginia. It can be very clearly established beyond question that old Andrew Jackson died before the birth of his son Andw. on Twelve Mile Creek in N. C. where he resided about one or two years, before his death. And that Genl. "Andw. Jackson was born 15th March 1767." Therefore the account of his parents leaving Va. in 1768 with a son Andrew, could not be true; since his father died in the first of the year and before 15th March 1767. But the Lancaster Ledger and public opinion abroad, and indeed, General Jackson himself, were and are all equally in error, about his (Jackson) being born in South Carolina. I think it can be as clearly demonstrated, as any such thing can be, at this distance of time, that General Andrew Jackson, late president of the United States was born at the house of George McKemsey or McCamie in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, after his father's death on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.
The truth of the whole matter seems to be about this: There were six sisters, Miss Hutchinsons, who intermarried as follows: Margaret, married George McKemey, or McCamie, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Mary, married John Leslie and settled on Camp Creek, S.C.; Sarah, married Samuel Leslie, and settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Jane married James Crawford, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, S.C.; Elizabeth married Andrew Jackson, the father of the president, who settled on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.; and Grace married James Crow, who settled near Landsford, S.C.
That during the early part of the year 1767, (before the birth of Andrew Jackson, the president, on the 15th of March, Andrew Jackson Senior died at his residence in Mecklenburg County, (now Union) near Pleasant Grove Camp Ground, on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C. That his mother, being quite poor, removed, after the death of her husband, to Waxsaw Creek, and on her way to Major Robt. or James Crawford, she stopped with her sister, Mrs. McKemey. That whilst there she was taken down and delivered of a son Andrew who was afterward president of the U. S. That as soon as she was able to travel, in about three weeks, she went forward with her son to Mr. Crawford's in S.C., where they afterwards remained, until the revolutionary war. And his history is well enough known from that time forward.
The above is the currant tradition of his neighbors and relatives, who best knew his true history. many old persons, who, well knew his father, where he lived died and was buried, prove, that he Genl. Jackson's father, lived at the time of his death, in Mecklenburg County, N. C. and that he was buried in Old Waxhaw Church yard. That his, Genl. Jackson's, mother removed to live with her friends in Waxsaws; and on her way, gave birth to Andrew, at the house of George McKemey, her brother-in-law, near Cureton's pond in Mecklenburg (now Union) County, N. C. This is oral tradition, amongst the near neighbors and nearest relations of Jackson himself in Waxsaws in N. C. and S.C. as is shown by the certificates of Benj. Massey, Eaq., John Kerns, John Lathan, his 2nd cousin, James Faulkner and Thos. Faulkner, also 2nd cousins of Jackson. Who all testify that old Sarah Leslie and Sarah Lathan, the aunt and cousin of Genl. Jackson, often asserted, that he, Jackson, was born at George McKemies and that they were present at his birth, "that Mrs. Leslie, Jackson's aunt, was sent for on the night of his birth. That it was at her brother-in-law's George Mckemsy's in N. C. close to where she, Mrs. Leslie, lived in N. C. and that she took little daughter, Mrs. Lathan with her and recollected well of walking the near way, through the fields in the night time."
In addition to this positive testimony of Mrs. Elizabeth McWhorter, and her son George McWhorter, and Mrs. Mary Cousar, Who states that they were "near neighbors and present on the night of the birth of Genl. Jackson and were there on that next day," and have a distinct recollection, that "he was born at the house of Geo. McKemmies, in N. C.," which testimony rests upon the statements of Samuel McWhorter, the grandson of Elizabeth and of George McWhorter, Thos. Cureton, Senior, and Jeremiah Cureton, Senr., who heard those old person, very often speak of these facts, in the most positive terms; and who have many circumstances in corroboration of its truth. And all these witnesses, and those whose traditions they relate, were persons of unimpeachable honesty and veracity; who had the very best opportunities of knowing the truth of all the facts they narrate, who were near neighbors, near relations and intimate associates with Jackson in his youth. There are other witnesses, who testify of facts they personally knew, or heard from good authority, whose characters for truth can not be called in question. Many of their statements have been published long ago, and often and always publicly proclaimed. Many of their statements, I understand, were published in the U. S. Telegraph, edited by Duff Green about 1828, or 1932, when Genl. Jackson was candidate for president. Others, Benj. Massey, Esq, John C ------- were published in 1845, in the two Charlotte papers N. C.; and in Lancaster Leddger, some two, or three years ago; and these statements have never been successfully controverted. In fact, I have seen no attempt, at the time, to controvert them at all. The most, and strongest testimony comes from immediate relations of General Jackson, and from persons living in the State of South Carolina, whose ----- and inclinations would naturally all tend to opposite side.
(To Be Continued) NOTE: Article stops there and continuation has not been found.
------------------------------------
Benjamin Massey's Affidavit (August 5, 1845):
Sir: Agreeable to your request, and to fulfill my promise to you, I herewith send you Mrs. Lathen's history of the birth of Andrew Jackson, as related to me by herself about the year 1822, as well as my memory now serves me. Mrs. Lathen states that herself and General Andrew Jackson were sisters' children; that Mr. Leslie, the father of Mrs. Lathen, Mr. McCamie, Mr. Jackson, the father of Andrew, and Mr. James Crawford, all married sisters; Mr. Leslie and Mr. McCamie located themselves in Mecklenburg, N.C., Waxhaws; Mr. Crawford located in the Lancaster District, S. C., Waxhaws; Mr. Jackson located himself near Twelve-Mile Creek, Mecklenburg, N. C.; that she was about seven years older than Andrew Jackson; that when the father of Andrew died, Mrs. Jackson left home and came to her brother-in-law's, Mr. McCamie's, previous to the birth of Andrew; after living at Mr. McCamie's awhile, Andrew was born, and she was present at his birth; as soon as Mrs. Jackson was restored to health and strength she came to Mr. James Crawford's, in South Carolina, and there remained.
I believe the above contains all the facts as given by Mrs. Lathen to me.
Benjamin Massey
------------------------------------
Affidavit by John Lathan, son of Mrs. Sarah Lessley [Leslie] Lathan and 2nd Cousin of Andrew Jackson:
The following is about what I have heard my mother, Sarah Lathan, say in frequent conversation about the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. She has often remarked that Andrew Jackson was born at the house of George McCamie and that she, Mrs. Lathan, was present at his birth. She stated that the father of Andrew Jackson, viz., Andrew Jackson, Sr., lived and died on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, and that soon after his death Mrs. Jackson left Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, to go to live with Mr. Crawford in Lancaster County, South Carolina. That on her way she called at the house of George McCamie, who had married a sister of hers. Mrs. Jackson, and while at McCamie's she was taken sick and sent for Mrs. Sarah Leslie, her sister, and the mother of Mrs. Sarah Lathan, who was a midwife, and who lived near McCamie's. That she, Mrs. Lathan, was a young girl, and recollects going with her mother; they walked through the fields in the night; and that she was present when Andrew Jackson was born. That as soon as Mrs. Jackson got able to travel after the birth of Andrew Jackson she went on to Mrs. Crawford's, where she afterward lived.
The maiden names of my grandmother and sisters (Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. McCamie, and Mrs. Crawford) were Hutchison. One of them married Samuel Leslie, my grandfather, one married James Crawford, one married George McCamie, and one married Andrew Jackson, Senior. Jackson lived on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina; Leslie lived on the north side of Waxhaw Creek, North Carolina, on the east side of the public road leading from Lancaster Court House, South Carolina, to Charlotte, North Carolina, about one mile east of said road, and east of a large branch, and near George McCamie's, as I understood, but not so near the public road of McCamie's. I don't know where McCamie lived - Crawford lived near Waxhaw Creek South Carolina.
My mother, Sarah Lathan, was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Leslie, and died about 35 years ago, and was over 60 years old at her death. My mother lived near me until her death, and we lived about seven or eight miles from Samuel Leslie's and William J. Cureton's place, and about two miles from old Waxhaw Church, in South Carolina. I am 70 years of age and have a very distinct recollection of all facts above stated as true and correct, as stated by my mother, and as recollected by myself.
John Lathan.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Daughter of Samuel Leslie and Sarah Hutchinson Leslie. Wife of Charles Lathan.
------------------------------------
First cousin of Andrew Jackson.
------------------------------------
Sarah Leslie was born about 1760, probably in Pennsylvania. According to the Walkup Papers* she was present as a girl of seven, along with her mother, at the house of George McKemey when Andrew Jackson was born. She married Charles Lathan and died about 1825. There is in the Lathan family records a receipt signed by one James Lessley "For work done on the plantation of the said Sarah Lathen [sic] during her last illness... 30th July 1825." This establishes her year of death as 1825, previously thought to have been about 1823 as per one of the Walkup affidavits. The identity of James Lesley is not known, no doubt a relative. Charles and Sarah Leslie Lathan had six children, as follows:
1. David Lathan - b. 1783, d. Sept. 8, 1843. Buried in Old Waxhaw Cemetery, whose tombstone reads: "Dedicated to the memory of David Lathan, Esqr., who departed this life on the 8th of Sept. 1843, in the sixtieth year of his life, leaving a wife, two sons and a daughter to lament their loss." He married Jane Gettys and had several children, according to Nancy Crockett, one of his descendants, who identifies his brothers and sisters as follows:
2. John Lathan, b. 1788
3. Elizabeth Lathan
4. Mary Lathan
5. Martha Lathan
6. Margaret Lathan
(From "The Lathan-Belk Families and In-Laws by Byron W. Lathan).
------------------------------------
However:
James Hervey Witherspoon, a Waxhaw man, wrote to Andrew Jackson on April 16, 1825 and stated "Your only Cousin Sarah Lathem whose maiden name was Lessley, died about a year past leaving several Children" He then further stated that only his second cousins Lathems and Faulkners were alive.
------------------------------------
*Affidavit of Samuel H. Walkup:
Monroe, N. C., Sept. 7th, 1853
Mr. Edr. I discovered in some of the paper claims set up by Mr. Davenport of Va., to the birthplace of Genl. Andrew Jackson, President of the U. S. The Lancaster Ledger has pretty clearly shown the absurdity of any such pretension on the part of Virginia. It can be very clearly established beyond question that old Andrew Jackson died before the birth of his son Andw. on Twelve Mile Creek in N. C. where he resided about one or two years, before his death. And that Genl. "Andw. Jackson was born 15th March 1767." Therefore the account of his parents leaving Va. in 1768 with a son Andrew, could not be true; since his father died in the first of the year and before 15th March 1767. But the Lancaster Ledger and public opinion abroad, and indeed, General Jackson himself, were and are all equally in error, about his (Jackson) being born in South Carolina. I think it can be as clearly demonstrated, as any such thing can be, at this distance of time, that General Andrew Jackson, late president of the United States was born at the house of George McKemsey or McCamie in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, after his father's death on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.
The truth of the whole matter seems to be about this: There were six sisters, Miss Hutchinsons, who intermarried as follows: Margaret, married George McKemey, or McCamie, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Mary, married John Leslie and settled on Camp Creek, S.C.; Sarah, married Samuel Leslie, and settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Jane married James Crawford, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, S.C.; Elizabeth married Andrew Jackson, the father of the president, who settled on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.; and Grace married James Crow, who settled near Landsford, S.C.
That during the early part of the year 1767, (before the birth of Andrew Jackson, the president, on the 15th of March, Andrew Jackson Senior died at his residence in Mecklenburg County, (now Union) near Pleasant Grove Camp Ground, on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C. That his mother, being quite poor, removed, after the death of her husband, to Waxsaw Creek, and on her way to Major Robt. or James Crawford, she stopped with her sister, Mrs. McKemey. That whilst there she was taken down and delivered of a son Andrew who was afterward president of the U. S. That as soon as she was able to travel, in about three weeks, she went forward with her son to Mr. Crawford's in S.C., where they afterwards remained, until the revolutionary war. And his history is well enough known from that time forward.
The above is the currant tradition of his neighbors and relatives, who best knew his true history. many old persons, who, well knew his father, where he lived died and was buried, prove, that he Genl. Jackson's father, lived at the time of his death, in Mecklenburg County, N. C. and that he was buried in Old Waxhaw Church yard. That his, Genl. Jackson's, mother removed to live with her friends in Waxsaws; and on her way, gave birth to Andrew, at the house of George McKemey, her brother-in-law, near Cureton's pond in Mecklenburg (now Union) County, N. C. This is oral tradition, amongst the near neighbors and nearest relations of Jackson himself in Waxsaws in N. C. and S.C. as is shown by the certificates of Benj. Massey, Eaq., John Kerns, John Lathan, his 2nd cousin, James Faulkner and Thos. Faulkner, also 2nd cousins of Jackson. Who all testify that old Sarah Leslie and Sarah Lathan, the aunt and cousin of Genl. Jackson, often asserted, that he, Jackson, was born at George McKemies and that they were present at his birth, "that Mrs. Leslie, Jackson's aunt, was sent for on the night of his birth. That it was at her brother-in-law's George Mckemsy's in N. C. close to where she, Mrs. Leslie, lived in N. C. and that she took little daughter, Mrs. Lathan with her and recollected well of walking the near way, through the fields in the night time."
In addition to this positive testimony of Mrs. Elizabeth McWhorter, and her son George McWhorter, and Mrs. Mary Cousar, Who states that they were "near neighbors and present on the night of the birth of Genl. Jackson and were there on that next day," and have a distinct recollection, that "he was born at the house of Geo. McKemmies, in N. C.," which testimony rests upon the statements of Samuel McWhorter, the grandson of Elizabeth and of George McWhorter, Thos. Cureton, Senior, and Jeremiah Cureton, Senr., who heard those old person, very often speak of these facts, in the most positive terms; and who have many circumstances in corroboration of its truth. And all these witnesses, and those whose traditions they relate, were persons of unimpeachable honesty and veracity; who had the very best opportunities of knowing the truth of all the facts they narrate, who were near neighbors, near relations and intimate associates with Jackson in his youth. There are other witnesses, who testify of facts they personally knew, or heard from good authority, whose characters for truth can not be called in question. Many of their statements have been published long ago, and often and always publicly proclaimed. Many of their statements, I understand, were published in the U. S. Telegraph, edited by Duff Green about 1828, or 1932, when Genl. Jackson was candidate for president. Others, Benj. Massey, Esq, John C ------- were published in 1845, in the two Charlotte papers N. C.; and in Lancaster Leddger, some two, or three years ago; and these statements have never been successfully controverted. In fact, I have seen no attempt, at the time, to controvert them at all. The most, and strongest testimony comes from immediate relations of General Jackson, and from persons living in the State of South Carolina, whose ----- and inclinations would naturally all tend to opposite side.
(To Be Continued) NOTE: Article stops there and continuation has not been found.
------------------------------------
Benjamin Massey's Affidavit (August 5, 1845):
Sir: Agreeable to your request, and to fulfill my promise to you, I herewith send you Mrs. Lathen's history of the birth of Andrew Jackson, as related to me by herself about the year 1822, as well as my memory now serves me. Mrs. Lathen states that herself and General Andrew Jackson were sisters' children; that Mr. Leslie, the father of Mrs. Lathen, Mr. McCamie, Mr. Jackson, the father of Andrew, and Mr. James Crawford, all married sisters; Mr. Leslie and Mr. McCamie located themselves in Mecklenburg, N.C., Waxhaws; Mr. Crawford located in the Lancaster District, S. C., Waxhaws; Mr. Jackson located himself near Twelve-Mile Creek, Mecklenburg, N. C.; that she was about seven years older than Andrew Jackson; that when the father of Andrew died, Mrs. Jackson left home and came to her brother-in-law's, Mr. McCamie's, previous to the birth of Andrew; after living at Mr. McCamie's awhile, Andrew was born, and she was present at his birth; as soon as Mrs. Jackson was restored to health and strength she came to Mr. James Crawford's, in South Carolina, and there remained.
I believe the above contains all the facts as given by Mrs. Lathen to me.
Benjamin Massey
------------------------------------
Affidavit by John Lathan, son of Mrs. Sarah Lessley [Leslie] Lathan and 2nd Cousin of Andrew Jackson:
The following is about what I have heard my mother, Sarah Lathan, say in frequent conversation about the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. She has often remarked that Andrew Jackson was born at the house of George McCamie and that she, Mrs. Lathan, was present at his birth. She stated that the father of Andrew Jackson, viz., Andrew Jackson, Sr., lived and died on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, and that soon after his death Mrs. Jackson left Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, to go to live with Mr. Crawford in Lancaster County, South Carolina. That on her way she called at the house of George McCamie, who had married a sister of hers. Mrs. Jackson, and while at McCamie's she was taken sick and sent for Mrs. Sarah Leslie, her sister, and the mother of Mrs. Sarah Lathan, who was a midwife, and who lived near McCamie's. That she, Mrs. Lathan, was a young girl, and recollects going with her mother; they walked through the fields in the night; and that she was present when Andrew Jackson was born. That as soon as Mrs. Jackson got able to travel after the birth of Andrew Jackson she went on to Mrs. Crawford's, where she afterward lived.
The maiden names of my grandmother and sisters (Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. McCamie, and Mrs. Crawford) were Hutchison. One of them married Samuel Leslie, my grandfather, one married James Crawford, one married George McCamie, and one married Andrew Jackson, Senior. Jackson lived on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina; Leslie lived on the north side of Waxhaw Creek, North Carolina, on the east side of the public road leading from Lancaster Court House, South Carolina, to Charlotte, North Carolina, about one mile east of said road, and east of a large branch, and near George McCamie's, as I understood, but not so near the public road of McCamie's. I don't know where McCamie lived - Crawford lived near Waxhaw Creek South Carolina.
My mother, Sarah Lathan, was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Leslie, and died about 35 years ago, and was over 60 years old at her death. My mother lived near me until her death, and we lived about seven or eight miles from Samuel Leslie's and William J. Cureton's place, and about two miles from old Waxhaw Church, in South Carolina. I am 70 years of age and have a very distinct recollection of all facts above stated as true and correct, as stated by my mother, and as recollected by myself.
John Lathan.
------------------------------------
Daughter of Samuel Leslie and Sarah Hutchinson Leslie. Wife of Charles Lathan.
------------------------------------
First cousin of Andrew Jackson.
------------------------------------
Sarah Leslie was born about 1760, probably in Pennsylvania. According to the Walkup Papers* she was present as a girl of seven, along with her mother, at the house of George McKemey when Andrew Jackson was born. She married Charles Lathan and died about 1825. There is in the Lathan family records a receipt signed by one James Lessley "For work done on the plantation of the said Sarah Lathen [sic] during her last illness... 30th July 1825." This establishes her year of death as 1825, previously thought to have been about 1823 as per one of the Walkup affidavits. The identity of James Lesley is not known, no doubt a relative. Charles and Sarah Leslie Lathan had six children, as follows:
1. David Lathan - b. 1783, d. Sept. 8, 1843. Buried in Old Waxhaw Cemetery, whose tombstone reads: "Dedicated to the memory of David Lathan, Esqr., who departed this life on the 8th of Sept. 1843, in the sixtieth year of his life, leaving a wife, two sons and a daughter to lament their loss." He married Jane Gettys and had several children, according to Nancy Crockett, one of his descendants, who identifies his brothers and sisters as follows:
2. John Lathan, b. 1788
3. Elizabeth Lathan
4. Mary Lathan
5. Martha Lathan
6. Margaret Lathan
(From "The Lathan-Belk Families and In-Laws by Byron W. Lathan).
------------------------------------
However:
James Hervey Witherspoon, a Waxhaw man, wrote to Andrew Jackson on April 16, 1825 and stated "Your only Cousin Sarah Lathem whose maiden name was Lessley, died about a year past leaving several Children" He then further stated that only his second cousins Lathems and Faulkners were alive.
------------------------------------
*Affidavit of Samuel H. Walkup:
Monroe, N. C., Sept. 7th, 1853
Mr. Edr. I discovered in some of the paper claims set up by Mr. Davenport of Va., to the birthplace of Genl. Andrew Jackson, President of the U. S. The Lancaster Ledger has pretty clearly shown the absurdity of any such pretension on the part of Virginia. It can be very clearly established beyond question that old Andrew Jackson died before the birth of his son Andw. on Twelve Mile Creek in N. C. where he resided about one or two years, before his death. And that Genl. "Andw. Jackson was born 15th March 1767." Therefore the account of his parents leaving Va. in 1768 with a son Andrew, could not be true; since his father died in the first of the year and before 15th March 1767. But the Lancaster Ledger and public opinion abroad, and indeed, General Jackson himself, were and are all equally in error, about his (Jackson) being born in South Carolina. I think it can be as clearly demonstrated, as any such thing can be, at this distance of time, that General Andrew Jackson, late president of the United States was born at the house of George McKemsey or McCamie in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, after his father's death on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.
The truth of the whole matter seems to be about this: There were six sisters, Miss Hutchinsons, who intermarried as follows: Margaret, married George McKemey, or McCamie, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Mary, married John Leslie and settled on Camp Creek, S.C.; Sarah, married Samuel Leslie, and settled on Waxsaw Creek, N. C.; Jane married James Crawford, who settled on Waxsaw Creek, S.C.; Elizabeth married Andrew Jackson, the father of the president, who settled on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C.; and Grace married James Crow, who settled near Landsford, S.C.
That during the early part of the year 1767, (before the birth of Andrew Jackson, the president, on the 15th of March, Andrew Jackson Senior died at his residence in Mecklenburg County, (now Union) near Pleasant Grove Camp Ground, on Twelve Mile Creek, N. C. That his mother, being quite poor, removed, after the death of her husband, to Waxsaw Creek, and on her way to Major Robt. or James Crawford, she stopped with her sister, Mrs. McKemey. That whilst there she was taken down and delivered of a son Andrew who was afterward president of the U. S. That as soon as she was able to travel, in about three weeks, she went forward with her son to Mr. Crawford's in S.C., where they afterwards remained, until the revolutionary war. And his history is well enough known from that time forward.
The above is the currant tradition of his neighbors and relatives, who best knew his true history. many old persons, who, well knew his father, where he lived died and was buried, prove, that he Genl. Jackson's father, lived at the time of his death, in Mecklenburg County, N. C. and that he was buried in Old Waxhaw Church yard. That his, Genl. Jackson's, mother removed to live with her friends in Waxsaws; and on her way, gave birth to Andrew, at the house of George McKemey, her brother-in-law, near Cureton's pond in Mecklenburg (now Union) County, N. C. This is oral tradition, amongst the near neighbors and nearest relations of Jackson himself in Waxsaws in N. C. and S.C. as is shown by the certificates of Benj. Massey, Eaq., John Kerns, John Lathan, his 2nd cousin, James Faulkner and Thos. Faulkner, also 2nd cousins of Jackson. Who all testify that old Sarah Leslie and Sarah Lathan, the aunt and cousin of Genl. Jackson, often asserted, that he, Jackson, was born at George McKemies and that they were present at his birth, "that Mrs. Leslie, Jackson's aunt, was sent for on the night of his birth. That it was at her brother-in-law's George Mckemsy's in N. C. close to where she, Mrs. Leslie, lived in N. C. and that she took little daughter, Mrs. Lathan with her and recollected well of walking the near way, through the fields in the night time."
In addition to this positive testimony of Mrs. Elizabeth McWhorter, and her son George McWhorter, and Mrs. Mary Cousar, Who states that they were "near neighbors and present on the night of the birth of Genl. Jackson and were there on that next day," and have a distinct recollection, that "he was born at the house of Geo. McKemmies, in N. C.," which testimony rests upon the statements of Samuel McWhorter, the grandson of Elizabeth and of George McWhorter, Thos. Cureton, Senior, and Jeremiah Cureton, Senr., who heard those old person, very often speak of these facts, in the most positive terms; and who have many circumstances in corroboration of its truth. And all these witnesses, and those whose traditions they relate, were persons of unimpeachable honesty and veracity; who had the very best opportunities of knowing the truth of all the facts they narrate, who were near neighbors, near relations and intimate associates with Jackson in his youth. There are other witnesses, who testify of facts they personally knew, or heard from good authority, whose characters for truth can not be called in question. Many of their statements have been published long ago, and often and always publicly proclaimed. Many of their statements, I understand, were published in the U. S. Telegraph, edited by Duff Green about 1828, or 1932, when Genl. Jackson was candidate for president. Others, Benj. Massey, Esq, John C ------- were published in 1845, in the two Charlotte papers N. C.; and in Lancaster Leddger, some two, or three years ago; and these statements have never been successfully controverted. In fact, I have seen no attempt, at the time, to controvert them at all. The most, and strongest testimony comes from immediate relations of General Jackson, and from persons living in the State of South Carolina, whose ----- and inclinations would naturally all tend to opposite side.
(To Be Continued) NOTE: Article stops there and continuation has not been found.
------------------------------------
Benjamin Massey's Affidavit (August 5, 1845):
Sir: Agreeable to your request, and to fulfill my promise to you, I herewith send you Mrs. Lathen's history of the birth of Andrew Jackson, as related to me by herself about the year 1822, as well as my memory now serves me. Mrs. Lathen states that herself and General Andrew Jackson were sisters' children; that Mr. Leslie, the father of Mrs. Lathen, Mr. McCamie, Mr. Jackson, the father of Andrew, and Mr. James Crawford, all married sisters; Mr. Leslie and Mr. McCamie located themselves in Mecklenburg, N.C., Waxhaws; Mr. Crawford located in the Lancaster District, S. C., Waxhaws; Mr. Jackson located himself near Twelve-Mile Creek, Mecklenburg, N. C.; that she was about seven years older than Andrew Jackson; that when the father of Andrew died, Mrs. Jackson left home and came to her brother-in-law's, Mr. McCamie's, previous to the birth of Andrew; after living at Mr. McCamie's awhile, Andrew was born, and she was present at his birth; as soon as Mrs. Jackson was restored to health and strength she came to Mr. James Crawford's, in South Carolina, and there remained.
I believe the above contains all the facts as given by Mrs. Lathen to me.
Benjamin Massey
------------------------------------
Affidavit by John Lathan, son of Mrs. Sarah Lessley [Leslie] Lathan and 2nd Cousin of Andrew Jackson:
The following is about what I have heard my mother, Sarah Lathan, say in frequent conversation about the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. She has often remarked that Andrew Jackson was born at the house of George McCamie and that she, Mrs. Lathan, was present at his birth. She stated that the father of Andrew Jackson, viz., Andrew Jackson, Sr., lived and died on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, and that soon after his death Mrs. Jackson left Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina, to go to live with Mr. Crawford in Lancaster County, South Carolina. That on her way she called at the house of George McCamie, who had married a sister of hers. Mrs. Jackson, and while at McCamie's she was taken sick and sent for Mrs. Sarah Leslie, her sister, and the mother of Mrs. Sarah Lathan, who was a midwife, and who lived near McCamie's. That she, Mrs. Lathan, was a young girl, and recollects going with her mother; they walked through the fields in the night; and that she was present when Andrew Jackson was born. That as soon as Mrs. Jackson got able to travel after the birth of Andrew Jackson she went on to Mrs. Crawford's, where she afterward lived.
The maiden names of my grandmother and sisters (Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. McCamie, and Mrs. Crawford) were Hutchison. One of them married Samuel Leslie, my grandfather, one married James Crawford, one married George McCamie, and one married Andrew Jackson, Senior. Jackson lived on Twelve Mile Creek, North Carolina; Leslie lived on the north side of Waxhaw Creek, North Carolina, on the east side of the public road leading from Lancaster Court House, South Carolina, to Charlotte, North Carolina, about one mile east of said road, and east of a large branch, and near George McCamie's, as I understood, but not so near the public road of McCamie's. I don't know where McCamie lived - Crawford lived near Waxhaw Creek South Carolina.
My mother, Sarah Lathan, was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Leslie, and died about 35 years ago, and was over 60 years old at her death. My mother lived near me until her death, and we lived about seven or eight miles from Samuel Leslie's and William J. Cureton's place, and about two miles from old Waxhaw Church, in South Carolina. I am 70 years of age and have a very distinct recollection of all facts above stated as true and correct, as stated by my mother, and as recollected by myself.
John Lathan.
------------------------------------
Family Members
Advertisement
Advertisement
