Caswell County NC

Biography of Joseph Knight

Joseph A. Knight, born on September 19, 1838, in Caswell County, North Carolina, is a prominent figure in Union County’s development. After spending his early years in Missouri, he moved to the Grande Ronde Valley in 1865, where he acquired a 200-acre farm, later expanding to 480 acres. Knight is recognized for his diligent farming and stock-raising efforts. He married Priscilla Harris in 1863, and they had eight children. The Knights are respected community members, contributing positively to the county’s growth.

Biography of Jacob Thompson

Jacob Thompson, born in 1810 in Leasburg, North Carolina, became a prominent political figure in Mississippi, serving twelve years in Congress and as Secretary of the Interior under President James Buchanan. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Thompson was known for his integrity and strong character, influenced by a family legacy of honesty. He opposed the endorsement of risky bank bonds, warned against economic ruin, and played a crucial role in the annexation of Texas. His career, marked by public service and ethical principles, reflected well on North Carolina, his home state.

Slave Narrative of William Williams

William Williams was born into slavery on April 14, 1857, in Caswell County, North Carolina. He learned his father’s identity, Thomas Williams, only after the Civil War. Sold at age three, he remembered little of slave life, although his father was a cobbler. After the war, both parents worked small farms while he undertook various jobs. Williams recounted the harsh conditions of slavery, including lack of education, poor living standards, and strict overseers, and later migrated to Canton, Ohio, where he has lived since 1884.

Caswell County, North Carolina – Wills 1777-1799

Sample Last Will and Testament

These abstracts were made on all Caswell County, North Carolina Wills dating from 1777-1799. The information contains the year of the will, the individual who wrote the will, and any family members mentioned in the will.

Biography of Joseph M. Shelton

Joseph M. Shelton, originally from Caswell County, North Carolina, faced adversity after significant losses during the Civil War. Demonstrating resilience, he left his family plantation, journeying to Colorado in 1865, where he engaged in stock-raising. In 1866, he married Missouri C. Jones, and together they settled in Kittitas Valley, Washington, in 1882. Shelton actively contributed to local infrastructure and served as a county commissioner. He raised livestock, particularly Hereford cattle, and raised five children, establishing himself as a respected figure in the community.

J. A. Newman

Sergt. M. G. Co., 49th, 5th Group, from Caswell County, was the son of R. I. and Mrs. D. G. Newman. He entered service on July 24, 1918, in Yanceyville, N.C., and was sent to Camp Hancock, Ga. Due to his evident skill, he returned to the United States to serve as a Machine Gun Instructor and qualified in hand-to-hand combat. He was mustered out at Camp Hancock on December 20, 1918.