Re: George Durham VA
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In reply to:
Re: George Durham VA
Edward Miller 12/20/11
Hi Edward.I had not seen this tidbit of news before. Thanks. I have always thought that George Durham was in Virginia.
When I first started researching my DURHAMS living in Surry County, NC, I did some research of James Lindsey Durham, thinking he was my ancestor.But after quite a bit of research I realized I was wrong.James Lindsey Durham is listed in Surry County, NC in the 1790 and 1800 Census.In 1820, he is listed in Warren County, Tennessee. His DURHAM descendants seemed to move on towards Tennessee and James, himself settled and died in Saline County, Illinois.James Lindsey Durham left NC around 1812.
His brother Humphrey Durham (died ca 1792) and wife, Ursela are reported in Wilkes County, NC, with many of the DURHAMS there as descendants.John Durham (son of George and Winifred) leaves Surry County, NC before 1800 with James Lindsey and settle in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
My DURHAMS came to Surry County, NC around 1847 from Patrick and Henry County, VA, and are most likely connected with Gregory Durham and wife, Elizabeth Shelton.Most of the Durhams in this area are descended from Gregory Durham.Gregory Durham was born in 12 November 1746 in Middlesex County, Virginia (Source: Christ Church Parish, Virginia Births, 1653-1812) - his parents are listed as Robert Durham and wife, Elizabeth.I believe this Robert Durham came from England, possibly the Robert Durham who came from Newgate Prison in 1728 on a ship called Patapsco sailing toward Baltimore, Maryland.Robert Durham had been convicted of stealing 3 sheep and his punishment was "transportation".There is an "Elizabeth Durham, alias HUNT", who followed the same path in 1733 on the same ship.These could be Gregory Durham's parents.I have found several other "Robert Durhams" who may also be the same person. One such "Robert Durham" is listed as creator of the DURHAM BOAT which one of these boats is the boat George Washington used to make his famous crossing of the Delaware, during the Revolutionary War.
Gregory Durham is living in Henry County, VA on the 1800 and 1810 Tax Lists. Most of his DURHAM descendants move to Surry and Stokes County, NC.