Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy

Joseph Adair

Male 1735 - Abt 1812  (76 years)


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  • Name Joseph Adair 
    Born 12 Apr 1735  of, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died Abt 20 Jan 1812  , Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Buried Duncan Creek Cemetery, Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I3687  Petersen-de Lanskoy
    Last Modified 27 May 2021 

    Father Joseph Adair,   b. Abt 1711, of, County Antrim, Ireland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 9 Jan 1788, , Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 77 years) 
    Mother Sarah Laferty,   b. Bef 1715, of, , Pennsylvania, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Bef 1767, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age < 52 years) 
    Married Bef 1735  of, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F897  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Elizabeth,   d. From 1808 to 1812, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Married Bef 1756  of Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
     1. John Adair,   b. 1756, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 28 Sep 1812, , Morgan, Georgia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 56 years)
     2. Elizabeth Adair,   b. Abt 1757, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 12 Nov 1822, of Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 65 years)
     3. James Adair,   d. Aft 1819
     4. Robert Adair,   d. Aft 20 Jan 1812, of, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location
     5. Jean or Jane Adair,   b. 30 May 1765, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 25 Aug 1830, , Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 65 years)
     6. Cassandra or Casey or Cassy Adair,   b. 23 Sep 1767, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 28 Mar 1835, , Lawrence, Alabama, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 67 years)
     7. Charity Adair,   b. 1770, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Nov 1826, Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 56 years)
     8. Elisha Adair,   b. 23 Nov 1776, of Duncan Creek, Laurens, South Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 19 Mar 1844, , Warren, Kentucky, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 67 years)
    Last Modified 28 May 2021 
    Family ID F932  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • RESEARCH_NOTES:
      1. From: Shawn & Lois Potter March 19, 2005: "If you can document each generation of your lineage to Thomas Adair (born about 1775 in Laurens County, SC), who married Rebecca Brown, then you have some very interesting ancestors. According to Margaret Brownlee's manuscript (pp. 17-18), this Thomas Adair was the eldest son of Joseph Adair (born about 1755 or before), who married Sarah ___. This Joseph Adair was a son of James Adair, Sr. (born about 1715 and died before August 2, 1790) and Eleanor ___. This James Adair, Sr. was a brother of Joseph Adair, Sr. (born about 1718 and wrote his will on January 9, 1788), who married secondly Sarah Lafferty, and an uncle of Joseph Adair, Jr. (born about 1745 and wrote his will January 20, 1812), who married Elizabeth ___. All these James Adairs and Joseph Adairs can get very confusing. I am descended twice from James Adair, Sr. and Eleanor ___ and once from Joseph Adair, Sr. and Sarah Lafferty. But, I have a lot more research to do before I will feel like I have them figured out.
      I think Margaret Brownlee, the author of the manuscript I sent to you, has passed away. She would have been someone to consult."
      Also from Shawn: "Thanks for your note. I received Margaret Brownlee's manuscript from either Lee Adair (wadair1@tampabay.rr.com) or Jett Hanna (jettplane@aol.com), both of whom have contributed notes to the Ancestry.com bulletin board for the Adair surname. I can only judge Margaret's reliability from my use of this one manuscript. I have noticed a few mistakes that might be described as typos-a few obviously wrong dates and perhaps wrong names in her text. But, on the whole, I am very impressed with her work. She tried to document all her statements and she appears to have gained access to many original records. Her manuscript provides a radically better understanding of these families than existed before her work. Having said that, I do suspect she was wrong about her statement regarding the identity of James Adair the Indian trader. I am not yet certain, but I suspect that James Adair, who married Eleanor, was the Indian trader. I worked for about a year on this question, made some encouraging progress, and then had to take a break from my research. I know it seems unfair to say that I have such a suspicion and then to refuse to explain the basis for my suspicion; but I haven't finished my work yet and I don't have time right now to get back into it. Sorry. I have made a couple of trips to South Carolina to review records there. But, since I live in Virginia and I have other responsibilities, I cannot get down there as often as I would like. Some records are available on-line; but I imagine the answers to these, and other, questions about the Adair family will need to be sought in person in the South Carolina archives. But, I also imagine it will take a good deal of time to go through those records to build a strong case for whatever conclusions the records indicate, because so many of the records provide only a narrow slice of the picture." [Kerry's note: I do not believe James the Indian trader was associated with these Adairs.]

      2. From: Colleen Gwynn [mailto:cghistree@msn.com] March 18, 2005: "I have needed to really look at the Joseph Adair men in Laurens. Thomas Adair son of Joseph Adair married Rebecca Brown dau of Roger Brown. I had the deed wherein Thomas is identified by his father Joseph as Joseph's eldest [eldest] son. I also had another record indicating Sarah as grandmother of the generation of my Mary Ann Adair dau of Thomas and Rebecca Brown Adair. So I needed a Joseph with wife Sarah. The Rev War period had three Joseph Adair men [in Laurens Co., SC]. I am aware not always does Jr. mean he is son of Sr. – sometimes in earlier times Jr. is because of an uncle in the same area who is the Sr. and sometimes Jr. and Sr. may not even be related but living in the same area one becomes Sr. the other Jr. to separate and identify. Elizabeth helps to separate the Adair men. The 1790 census only two of the three remained since the one died 1788/1789 and the one who died about 1812 had slaves mentioned in his will and in 1790 only one Joseph of the two listed slaves so that better identifed him. 1790 he had 5 and by death he had 7."

      3. Jett Hanna [jettplane@aol.com] provided me on 8 Jul 2005 with a copy of his analysis of the Brownlee manuscript as follows. It mirrors my own understanding; however, anything with which I disagree I note in [brackets]. Jett entitles his paper as "Laurens County Area Adair Family Trees." It is broken down by three families: James Adair who married Eleanor, his brother Joseph who married Sarah Laferty, and a William of whom absolutely nothing is known except just his name on the Williams Petition and that Brownlee notes he died 1780-84 and that his estate was administered 1784 per Abbe Wills, p. 10. Text quoted as follows:
      "This tree is based on Early Adairs of Laurens County, South Carolina, by Mildred Brownlee. This was provided to me by W. Lee Adair, who obtained it from the Laurens County Public Library. Handwritten notes show a date of 1990 on Brownlee's manuscript. I have not examined these deeds personally. In some cases, notes and questions below are my own additions. This analysis seems to discredit some of the trees in the Adair History and Genealogy, and adds significantly to what is know of the Laurens area Adairs. I have not fully finished analyzing this work, and may have left out parts that are not as critical to my work.
      "Based on this work, it appears very possible that the elder Joseph Adair (m. Sarah, m. Susannah) and his brother James (m. Eleanor) settled in Laurens County at the same time, as suggested by the Adair History and Genealogy. I do not believe, however, that this James was the author of the book on the Indians and reputed patriarch of the Cherokee Adairs. This James was a cooper (barrel maker) according to the deeds. Modern editions of the History of the American Indians suggest that the author James Adair was a direct immigrant to South Carolina, but with no concrete evidence.
      "The Williams Petition: In the tree, LCW is Laurens County Wills; LCD is Laurens County Deeds. Also mentioned is the Williams petition. This petition is a significant document in analyzing the Laurens County Adairs. Published in the South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, Vol. XV, No. 1 1987, p. 32-33, the original is #5767, Manuscript Department, Wm. Perkins Library at Duke University. The petition is in support of Colonel James Williams, a militia leader of the Patriots in the Laurens area (Little River Regiment). The petition, signed by members of the Little River Regiment, is directed to the Governor of South Carolina and the Privy Counsel, and attests to Williams' devotion to the Patriot cause. Williams led militia in a number of battles. I suspect that this petition was provided prior to Williams' elevation to the rank of Brigadier General following the Battle of Musgrove Mill, which was fought in what is now Laurens County. Williams had been accused of puffing his role in the battle. Williams went on to die at Kings Mountain - one of the few Patriot casualties that day on October 7, 1780. Williams had run for the South Carolina legislature as a Patriot in 1778, only to lose to Robert Cunningham, the infamous Loyalist leader. For more on Williams, see Draper, "Kings Mountain and Its Heroes," (Cincinnati, 1883). Signers of the Williams petition include the following Adairs: Isaac Adair, Jms. Adair, James Adair, Sr., Joseph Adair, Jr., Joseph Adair, Benjamin Adair, Joseph Adair, Sr., James Adair, Jr, son of James, William Adair, John Adair, and John Adair, Sr., and Alexander Adair. Comparing deed and will records to the names, Brownlee identifies the Adair signers [copies Brownlee's explanations]. Brownlee's identifications look very logical to me.
      "The Laurens County Adair Tree:
      2. Joseph Adair m. Sarah Lafferty, m. Susannah Long: 250a land grant, present site of Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church. Was sold 1778 to Benjamin Adair LCD A/189, 1778). Release by wife??? Will in LCW A-1/19, dated 1788, other info says death 1801. Joseph 414(5) 1790 Census?
      2.1 Joseph Adair m. Elizabeth - Joseph's son named in father's will. His will LCW D-1/104; Bundle 65, Pkg. 10, proven 1/14/1813.
      2.1.1 John m. Jane Jones: John named as son in father's will.
      2.1.2 James m. Rebecca: James named as son in father's will.
      2.1.3 Robert: Robert named as son in father's will.
      2.1.4 Elisha m Elizabeth (Betsy) Reese?: Elisha named as son in father's will.
      2.1.4.1 Joseph: Named as grandson in grandfather's will
      2.1.4.2 Washington
      2.1.4.3 Isaac
      2.1.4.4 Thomas R. m. Jane Blakely
      2.1.4.5 Allen
      2.1.4.6 Richmond
      2.1.4.7 Matilda
      2.1.5 Elizabeth m. George Davis: Elizabeth named as daughter in father's will. Husband's name in will is John Huston.
      2.1.5.1 Mary Davis m. Robert Cunningham Hanna
      2.1.5.2 Hannah Davis m. Robert McCord
      2.1.5.3 George Davis
      m. John Huston
      2.1.5.4 Joseph Hughston
      2.1.5.5 Elisha Hughston
      2.1.5.6 Nancy/Agnes Hughston m. James Wilson
      2.1.6 Jean m. Thomas Holland: Jean named as daughter in father's will. Husband's name is in will. Thomas Holland 101 1790 Census?
      2.1.7 Cassy m. Thomas McCrary: Cassy named as daughter in father's will. Husband's name is in will.
      2.1.8 Charity m. ___ Farmer: Charity named as daughter in father's will. Husband's name in will is David Little.
      2.1.8.1 Mary Farmer: stepdaughter mentioned in will of David Little.
      m. David Little
      2.1.8.2 David Little
      2.1.8.3 Elizabeth Little
      2.1.8.4 Joseph Little
      2.1.8.5 James Little
      2.1.8.6 Jane Little
      2.1.8.7 John Little
      2.1.8.8 Nancy Little
      2.1.8.9 Thomas E. Little
      2.1.8.10 Holland Little
      2.2 James Adair m. Rebecca Montgomery: James named as son in father's will. 110a from Nathaniel Hillen, 144a granted to him directly. POA to brother Benjamin in Book G, Pg. 666. Does POA mention Rebecca? Or dower releases? Deeds LCW J/161-162, A/308. J/161 is sale to sons of James Sr. -Joseph and George R. James 327 1790 Census? If 13 children, only 10 in this census.
      2.2.1 Joseph Adair: LCW J/160 sells interest to brother George R.
      2.2.2 George R. Adair m. Rachel Musgrove: George named in deed from brother Joseph.
      (From Indiana Data according to Brownlee:)
      2.2.3 Margaret Jane Adair m. John Ewing
      2.2.4 Rebecca Adair m. James Remy
      2.2.5 John Adair
      2.2.6 Jane Adair m. ___Eads
      2.2.7 Isaac Adair m. Jane Holland
      2.2.8 Lucretia Adair m. John Wildridge
      2.2.9 James Adair
      2.3 Benjamin Adair m. Nancy (George?): Benjamin named as son in father's will. Benjamin's will Box 1, Pkg 1. I have seen another cite for will. Benjamin 133 1790 Census. Only 3 of 5 sons accounted for, 2 of 4 daughters. Children below in his will.
      2.3.1 Zadock
      2.3.2 William
      2.3.3 John
      2.3.4 d m. James Jamieson
      2.3.5 d m. Samuel Bowie
      2.3.6 Isaac
      2.3.7 Benjamin
      2.3.8 Margaret
      2.3.9 d m. William Craig
      2.4 Jean/Jane Adair m. Ramage
      2.5 John Adair m. Sarah Adair (son of Joseph???). Died in Revolution. Note: Sarah named in Joseph's will. Might have been daughter in law, wife of the deceased son John. [Jett places John as a son of Joseph Sr. whereas Brownlee makes a case for him being a possible son of either Joseph or his brother James.]
      2.5.1 Benjamin Adair, Jr.
      2.5.2 Joseph Adair
      2.5.3 Martha Adair
      2.5.4 Hezekiah Adair
      2.5.5 Isaac Adair

      4. The book "Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution," by Bobby Gilmer Moss, lists the following two Joseph Adairs. I list both not knowing exactly which one goes to this Joseph or his cousin Joseph, both of whom appears on the Williams Petition, or even another unknown Joseph. It appears some of the information is derived from other more modern and traditional family history - right or wrong. The name Sarah Dilliard appears wrong and may me erroneously taken from Joseph son of James who was married to a Sarah ___. I do not have the abbreviation list as to the sources he gives:
      "Joseph Adair, Jr., b. 1733, d. 17 Oct 1812, m. Sarah Dilliard. He served as a lieutenant and deputy commissary. Patriot Index; S.C. H. & G., XLIX, 229; A.A. 23; X1955; Kinfolks, 1233."
      "Joseph Adair. He served in the militia under Col. Lacey and was at Huck's Defeat. C.S."

      5. "The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research," vol. 3, pp. 24, 26, preface remarks: '1784 Tax Returns. The following lists were gathered from documents at the South Carolina Archives contained in five boxes entitled 'Tax Returns 1783 - 1796.' The list of tax collectors is from a document entitled 'total Amo't of Taxes paid into the Treasury on account of the year 1784.' The list itself is undated, but internal evidence shows that it was compiled a few years later than 1784. Along with the names of the collectors, this document gives the amount of taxes received in their respective areas and notations concerning the collectors' progress in bringing the monies into the State treasury.'
      "Little River district:
      Robert Gillam
      Joseph Adair
      Robt Griffith
      Samuel Wharton
      John Rodgers."
      [Joseph Adair is one of three possible Josephs: the original Joseph Adair the cooper, his son Joseph, or Joseph the son of the original James Adair the cooper.]

      6. "The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research," vol. 6, p. 26: "Laurens County Estate Book A-1," p. 7:
      "Will of Hanse Miller being sick and weak of body… 14 April 1788. Wit: Joseph Adair, Thomas Ewings, James Adair."
      [Joseph and James Adair could be the sons of the original Joseph Adair the cooper or the sons of the original James Adair the cooper or the two original Joseph and James, both coopers; Most likely it is the the sons since the two original Adairs may be deceased by this date.]

      7. The following Joseph Adairs could either be the Joseph, the son of Joseph the cooper, or the other Joseph, the son of James the cooper. Laurens County Estate Book A-1:
      Pp. 76: "An account of the appraisement of the Estate of Wm. Davis decd., 17 Jan 1792 by Joseph Adair, John Owins, Thos Ewing. (No total.)"
      Pp. 108-109: [Abt 1794-1795: "Memorandum of the Sale of the Estate of Jeremiah Holland, decd. Purchasers: Nancy Holland, William Holland, Jos. Adair, Simpson Bob, Abraham Holland, Basl. Holland, Resin Holland, Sampson Bobo, William Lard, Richard Holland..."
      Pp. 120-127: "An Inventory of the Goods and Chattles of M'Crary MatthewDecd appraised by us whose names are under Written [No total appraisement, no appraisers names given.] A list of the Sales of the Estate of Mathew McCrary deceased. Purchasers... Jos Adare... Thomas M'Crary...13 and 14 of Nov 1794."
      Pp. 155-156: "An Inventory of the Goods and Chattles of William Price Decd. Total ₤ 101 11 8 certifyed 5 Nov 1796 by Joseph Adair, Thomas Gammel, Patrick O Briant. Memorandom of the goods and Chatles of Wm. Price decd sold at public Sale on 15 Nov 1796. Purchasers: Margret Price, Ruth Price, Sarah Price, Mary Cunningham, John Adair, William McCoy, William Barksdale, James Adair, Joseph Adair."
      Pp. 156-157: "A list of the Debts due the Estate of Matthew McCrery decd & now in the hands of Smauel Dellard, Admr. Samuel Dillard, Samuel Simpson, Benjamin Adair, John A. Elmore, James Dillard, Joseph Adair, Jesse Dodd, George Bush, Joseph Jeanes, Robert Scott, John Majors, James Ducket, Alie Whitmore, Thomas Elett, John Odle, George Bush, Nicholas Welch, John A. Elmore, Mary Baty, Daniel McCarty, Recd of Joseph Martindale, Paid Doctr Ross, John Boyce, Paid by order of Court for keeping the children for the year 1795. To 5 months duting and boarding one Boy child 10 years old. The same sum to be allowed for keeping one other boy child about 8 years old. 9 May 1796, before Joseph Downs, J.P."
      Pp. 209: "Amt of money paid in behalf of the estate of William Price decd by Margaret Price, admx. & James Cunningham, admr. Names mentioned: Joseph Adair, Robt Greer, Edward Giddins, Francis Ross, Joseph Downs, Joseph Huddleston, James McDavid, John Owens, Charles Murrell, Wm Dunlap; James Cunningham, admr. July 18th 1799."
      Pp. 263-265 [there are several Joseph Adairs in Laurens County at this time – I assume the following is for this individual considering the relations among the purchasers]: "Saile Bill of the Estate of Aberham Hollen decd. Purchasers: Esener Hollen, Baswel Hollen, Thos Hollen, Reson Hollen, Wm. Hollen, Richd Hollen, Joseph Mitchel, James Adair, Elisha Adair, Joseph Adair, George Adair, Benjamin Adair, Robert Hannah, James Hannah, George Dillard, James Ensley, Aberham Tinsley, Michael Farguson, Saml Lard, Jas. Lard, John Kirk, John Cargil, Jas Jones, Jas Ramage, David Little, Alexr Monro, Elexander Morrison, Wm. Gray, John Miller, Bennet Langston, John A. Elmore, John Pucket, John Ginn, Jas. Brown, Thos Ensley, Joseph Gallegly, Jas. Blakely, Wm. Jones, Wm. Rogers. Proven accompts Sarah Lard, Thomas Holland, Richard Holland, John Dannel Kern, John Waer; Basel Holland, Thos Holland admrs."

      8. Excerpts of "Adairs" from the book "Laurens County South Carolina - Minutes of the County Court, 1786-1789," by Brent H. Holcomb, SCMar, Columbia, South Carolina, 2004. The book notes: "This is a record that has only been recently found after being lost for so many years. It is incomplete missing the first 54 pages, pages 103-126, and an unknown number of pages at the end of the volume. There is at least one other volume, still missing, covering the years 1790-1799."
      It also notes: "Laurens County was formed in 1785 as a county of Ninety Six District. In that year justices of the peace were elected by the General Assembly to be administrators of the county courts. Within the pages of these court minutes are small court cases, lists of deeds presented to be recorded, applications for administrations on estates and wills proved (beginning in 1787), jury lists, petitions of various kinds, appointments for various offices, apprenticeships, estray animals tolled, and other items. The cases heard for debt or damages could not exceed £50, and cases heard for personal damages could not exceed £20. Criminal cases heard could not call for the loss of life or corporal punishment. Larger court cases were heard in the district courts, such as Ninety-Six."
      The Adair records mention mainly James and Joseph Adair - the only problem was there were at least three Josephs and three James who were all adults at the same time as these court records. The two original brothers, James and Joseph Adair, both coopers by trade, arrived in the Laurens County area probably in the early 1760s. James was born ca 1715 and died in Laurens Co. sometime between 1784 and 1796. Joseph was born ca. 1718 and died after Jan 9, 1788 when his will was written. James had at least two sons who were alive in the time period of these court records: Joseph (ca. 1745 - ca. 1820) who married Sarah and James (1752-1818) who married Hannah. The other original brother, Joseph whose first wife was Sarah Lafferty and second wife Susannah Murdough, widow of Daniel Long, had at least three sons, Joseph (1735-1812), James (1747-1831) whose trade is noted as "saddler", and Benjamin (1752/1754-1823/1825). Generally speaking, the eldest living Adair of a given name was given the suffix of Sr. or no suffix at all while the younger Adairs were noted as Jr. or "son of" – in some cases an uncle could be a "Sr" and a nephew or cousin could be the "Jr." depending on age. As to which James and which Joseph are cited in the records below, they could be any of the above because there is no guarantee that the Court properly used Sr., Jr., or whatever. The citations could be a mix of all. The following are just the Joseph Adair quotations:
      Pg. 63, 16 Mar 1786: "A Lease and Release for the Conveyance of 250 acres of Land from Joseph Adair Senr to Benj'a Adair proved according to the former Act & ordered to be Recorded."
      Pg. 94, 16 June 1786: "Ordered that Joseph Adair be appointed Overseer of that part of the high road leading from Duncan's Creek to Hendrizes old place on the South fork of Duncan's Creek from thence to the County line, and that he cause the same to be kept in good repair for one year from this date as directed by law."
      Pg. 160, 16 Mar 1787: "Joseph Adair vs. Thomas Pearson. This day came the Plft by his Attys and the Attachment being returned execution on 300 acres of land the Property of the Deft and the said Deft not appearing to Replevy the same or Plead to the Plfts Declaration agreeable to a former order of this court, Therefore upon a Jury to wit [jury named]... upon their oaths do say that the Plft hath Sustained by accation of the Trespass in the Declaration mentioned, upon their oaths do say that the Plft hath Sustained Damages by accation thereof to £20 besides his cost, thereupon it was Considered by the Court that the Plft Recover against the s'd Deft his damages aforesaid in form aforesaid assest and his cost by him in this behalf Expended." [Kerry's note: There were three exact same cases against Thomas Pearson with James Montgomery, James Adair, and Joseph Adair as individual plaintiffs with all three in sequence.]
      Pp 205-206, 16 Dec 1787: "Ordered that the following Estrays be sold at Public Sale by the Sheriff after being advertised ten days to wit… A bright bay mare taken up by Joseph Adair Jun'r & told before James Montgomery, Esqr… Any Moneys that comes in the Sheriffs hands by Virtue of the Sale of the Above Estrays, he is Ordered to pay into the hands of the County Treasurer as soon as is Convenient."
      Pg. 219, 12 Mar 1788: "James Pucket vs. Joseph Adair. In Slander. The parties Mutually Submitted the Determination of this Suit to John Hunter & Saml Saxon with liberty to Choose a third man in Case of Disagreement, and agreed thereupon should be made a Judgment of this Court the s'd Arbitrators to return their award to next Court."
      Pg. 225, 13 Mar 1788: "James Pucket vs Joseph Adair. In Slander. On application of Ayres Gorely on oath a Witness for the Defendant agaist the s'd Pltf Ordered that the Deft pay him the sum of Ten Shillings for 4 days attendance @ 2/6 P'r day with Milage Coming and Going 70 Miles from the State of Georgia £ 14 2 Together with Mileage coming & returning 3/6.
      Pg. 234, 10 Jun 1788: "Sarah Jones Infant orphan of John Jones dec'd with the approbation of the Court made Choice of John Adair as Guardian, who Together with Joseph Adair his Security entered into and acknowledged their Bonds in the sum of £100 conditional to secure the said Orphans Estate and Indemnify the Court."
      Pg. 234, 10 Jun 1788: "Joseph Adair vs Wm Dean. Sum'r. Trover. Continued by Consent till next Court."
      Pg. 236, 10 Jun 1788: "Joseph Pucket vs. Joseph Adair. Slander. The parties mutually Submitted the Determination of this Suit to the award of Saml Saxon, John Hunter & Samuel Ewing and Agreed their Award thereupon should be made a Judgement of this Court the said Arbitrators now Returning their Award to wit, that the s'd James Puckett Pltff the said Joseph Adair Deft pay Each one their own cost, Whereupon it was ordered to be Dismiss'd accordingly."
      Pg. 254, 9 Sep 1788: "The Last will and testament of Haunce Miller Dec'd was proven in Open Court by the oaths of Thos Ewing & Joseph Adair & ordered to be Recorded."
      Pg. 279, 10 Dec 1788: "Joseph Adair vs. Wm Dean. Sum'r Process. Discontinued at Defts Cost by his Consent."
      Pg. 286, 12 Dec 1788: Joseph Adair was drawn to serve as grand jurour at next court to be held for the County on the second Monday in June next.
      Pg. 301, 12 Mar 1789: John D. Kern vs Charles Hutchings. In Case. This day came the parties by their attorneys & thereupon Came also a Jury [jury named] upon their oaths say that the Deft is not Guilty on fhe Nonperformance of the promises & assumptions in the Declaration mentioned & that he go hence without day and Recover against the s'd Plft his Cost by him in this behalf expended, Whereupon it was ordered accordingly.
      On application made on oath by James Adair a witness in said suit, ordered that the Plft pay him the sum of 35/ for 14 days attendance at 2/6 P'r day.
      Also Joseph Adair the sum of 32/ for 13 days attendance at 2/6 P'r day."
      Pg. 308, 9 Jun 1789: "Susanna Man vs. Josiah Grier, James Greier & John Jones. In Trover. Referred to the award of John Hunter Esq'r, John Owins & Joseph Adair. Ordered that they Return their award to Next Court."
      Pg. 323, 17 Sep 1789: "Susanna Man vs Josiah Greer & James Greer. The Trial of this suit being Refer'd to the Award of John Hunter Esq'r, John Owings, & Joseph Adair & the award being Return'd Sign'd by Two of the s& thereupon came also a Jury [jury named] upon their oath do say that the Plft hath Sustained Damages by occation of the Trover & convertion in the Declaration Mentioned to the Amount of £19 beside her cost; therefore it is considered by the Court that the Plft Recover against the s'd Defts her Damages afores'd in form afores'd assest & her cost by her in said suit Expended & s'd Defts in Mercy &c."
      Pg. 331, 15 Dec 1789: "Ben: Adair Jun'r, Joseph Adair, Martha Adair, Hezekiah Adair & Isaac Adair, Infants orphans of John Adair Dec'd came into Court Chose Ben Adair Senr as their Guardian; Whereupon he the s'd Benjamin Adair Sen'r together with Joseph Adair his security Entered into and acknowledged their bond according to Law."
      Pg. 334, 16 Dec 1789: "The last will and testament of Joseph Adair Dec'd was presented in open court by James Adair the Ex'r and proven by the oath of James Montgomery and Ordered to be Recorded. Ordered that a Probate thereof issue in due form &c.
      Ordered that a warrant of Appraisement Issue to four freeholders of this county to View and appraise the estate of the s'd Jo's Adair Decd & Return an account of the same to the Ext'r within the Time Prescribed by Law."

      9. Typescript "Early Adairs of Laurens County, South Carolina. Compiled by Mildred Brownlee; Source Records: Wills; Intestate Estates; Deeds; Court Records; Cemetery Inscriptions. Some dates of birth and death obtained from Lineage Charts. Dates of birth and death subject to correction. Spelling of names subject to correction." [Note that bracketed comments are later additions by other reviewers including myself - Kerry Petersen.]:
      A. "Laurens County, South Carolina - Will Book A-1, p. 19 [Will of father Joseph Sr. to son Joseph, Jr.]
      'I, Joseph Adair of the State of So. Carolina & County of Laurens cooper; yet of sound & perfect understanding & memory; do constitute this my last will & testament & desire it may be received as such. First I most humbly bequeath my soul to God my maker, beseeching his most gracious exceptance of it, through all sufficient merits & meditations of my most compassionate Redeemer Jesus Christ who gave himself to be an atonement for my sins & is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intersession for them & who I trust will not reject me a returning penitent sinner when I come to Him for mercy; In this hope & confidence I render up my soul with comfort, humbly beseeching the most glorious & blessed Trinity, one God most Holy most merciful & gratious to prepare me for my disolution then take me to himself into that place of rest & incomparable felicity which He hath prepared for all that love his holy name, Amen; Blessed be God I give my body to the earth from whence it was taken, in full assurance of its resurrection from therein at the last day; As for my burial, I desire it may be decent without pomp or state at the discretion of my dear wife who I doubt not will manage it with all prudence; As to my worldly estate I will & positively order that all my debts be paid & next I give & bequeath to Susanna my dearly beloved wife all my stock of black cattle & hogs with all the pewter of my dresser; one hundred & sixty Continental dollars which is in the hands of my son Joseph Adair & all the store of my grain that may be mine at the time of my death for her support; Also all the farming utentials that belong to me at my death; Also my beds & bed furniture to possess the same during her life, & at her decease to go to my son James Adair, Also to my son Joseph Adair I give & bequeath the remainder of the Continental money that remains in his hands; Also one long posted bedstead & my armed chair; Also I give & bequeath to my son James Adair the one-half of my coopers tools; & other utentials belonging to my trade with the whole of my wearing apparel, & also my chest at the decease of my wife; Also to my son Benjamin Adair, I give & bequeath the other half of my coopers tools & utentials belonging to my trade & also the half of that twenty pounds old currency which he had of me for which he was to have palled a graveyard which he never performed; Also to my daughter Jean Ramage, I give & bequeath my brass seals; Also to my daughter Sarah Adair, I give & bequeath that other half of that twenty pounds old currency which is in the hands of my son Benjamin Adair; Also I give her at the death of my wife, that iron pot that was her mothers with my iron crook; Also I give & bequeath my daughter Mary Owens my biggest iron pot & my course flax hackle at the decease of her mother & to her husband John Owens the one-half of the sawed plank of my loft and floor; & if it shall please God to call me home by this present disease, it is my will that the money he owes me should go to defray my funeral charges; Also to Robert Long my son-in-law, I give & bequeath the other half of plank of my loft & floor; And I do by these presents nominate constitute & appoint & ordain as the executors of this my last will & testament my truly & well beloved sons Joseph & James Adair; & I do hereby revoke & disavow & make null & void every former will by me made ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 9th day of January in the year of our Lord 1788.
      s) Joseph Adair
      wit: James Montgomery, William Borland, James (J) Greer'
      Recording date of the will is not stated. Judging by dates of other estate records recorded on pages preceding and following page 19, the will appears to have been recorded sometime in 1789 or early 1790.
      There are no loose probate papers for the estate of Joseph Adair; Sr.
      Joseph Adair, Sr., cooper, married in Ireland? Or in Pa. ? a first wife, said to have been Sarah Laferty. Laurens Co. SC records give no proof data for this wife. She was the mother of Joseph's children. Joseph Adair's will was written 9 Jan. 1788 and proved 1789/90, recorded in Will Book A-1, p. 19. The following children are mentioned in the will:
      1. Joseph Adair, b. 12 Apr. 1735 (from lineage chart), died 17 Oct. 1812. He was called Joseph Adair, Sr. after the death of his father.
      2. James Adair. b. Dec. 1747, d. 23 Mar. 1831 in Indiana. Proved to have been son of Joseph Adair, Sr. cooper, by the Power-of-Attorney issued to his brother, Benjamin Adair. (Deed Bk. G, p. 666.)
      3. Benjamin Adair, b. 1752, d, 3 Sept. 1823.
      4. Jean/Jane Adair, b. before 1755, married (John ?) Ramage.
      5. Sarah Adair - Single in 1788? Or married to an Adair?"
      B. Typescript "Early Adairs of Laurens County, South Carolina. Compiled by Mildred Brownlee; Source Records: Wills; Intestate Estates; Deeds; Court Records; Cemetery Inscriptions. Some dates of birth and death obtained from Lineage Charts. Dates of birth and death subject to correction. Spelling of names subject to correction." [Note that bracketed comments are later additions by other reviewers including myself - Kerry Petersen.]:
      "Joseph Adair, b. 12 Apr. 1735 (from a chart), d. 17 Oct. 1812, said in Dr. Adair's History to have married Sarah Dillard but Laurens Co. legal documents prove that the Joseph Adair whose wife was Sarah, was a son of James Adair, Sr., cooper (died before 1796) and his wife, Eleanor.
      The only record found to date naming a wife of Joseph Adair, son of Joseph Adair, cooper, is the deed from Book J. p. 50 which documents her as being Elizabeth Adair in 1808. Whether she was a 1st wife, 2nd. wife, etc., we have no positive record. She evidently had died before Joseph Adair wrote his will in 1812 in which he named no wife but "my eight children".
      Deed Bk. J, p. 100 - Shows a plat of 340 a. on Miller's Fork of Duncan Creek measured out for Joseph Adair and Elisha Adair.
      Joseph Adair for $100 paid by Elisha Adair deeds to said Elisha Adair all that tract of land containing 340 a. more or less, part of tract. of land including 800 a.* originally granted to Joseph Adair on 13 Sept. 1774. Said tract is to remain in possession of said Joseph Adair during his natural life and also that of his wife during her natural life so that this conveyance is not to take place or be of fore during the natural life of either the said Joseph Adair or his wife but the land hereby conveyed ie. to remain the property or the said Joseph Adair during his life as tho this conveyance had never been made or entered into. In witness whereof I, the said Joseph Adair, have hereunto set my hand and seal the 15 day of July 1802.
      Joseph Adair (seal)
      In presence of James Adair, John Hunter
      Recorded Aug. 31, 1809.
      (Either the Register of Deeds recorded in error the 800 a. figure as a single grant or the 800 a. was intended to represent the accumulation of several smaller grants. No single grant of 800 a. to a Joseph Adair has been located.)
      Deed Bk. J, p. 50 - Joseph Adair and Elisha Adair for $350 deed to Alexander Wilkinson, a tract of land containing 150 a. more or less, on the waters of Duncan Creek, on a branch called Miller's Branch beginning at a poplar thence S 74 E 40ch 50 links to a white oak. thence due E 13.70 to a stake, thence N 79 W 24.46. etc., mentioning "meanders of said creek" to the beginning corner. 4 Nov. 1808.
      Joseph Adair (Seal), Elisha Adair (Seal)
      In presents of Thomas McCrary, Senr.; James Adair
      South Carolina)
      Laurens District) I, JA Elmore, one of the Justices of Quorum for the said district, do hereby certify unto all whom it may concern that Elizabeth Adair, Senr. the wife of the within named Joseph Adair, Senior and Elizabeth Adair, Junr. the wife of the within named Elisha Adair did this day appear before me and upon being privately and separately examined by me did voluntarily renounce, release, and forever relinquish unto the within named Alexander Wilkinson all their right and claim of dower of, in, or to the premises within mentioned. 23 Nov. 1808.
      her mark Elizabeth E Adair
      (L.S.) JA Elmore, J.Q.
      Recorded 14 Jan. 1809.
      Elizh. Adair
      (The 150 a. above is evidently part of the 340 a. which Joseph Adair had previously deeded to Elisha Adair but retained life estate for himself and his wife. In order to insure that there would be no future legal entanglements, both Joseph Adair and Elisha Adair entered into the sale of the land. Their wives, both of whom were named "Elizabeth", released dower rights.)
      *It should be noted here that Joseph Adair of above deed was called Sr. after the death of his father. During the period with which we are concerned, the terms "Sr." and "Jr." were used differently than they are today. The term "Sr." was used to denote an older man of a neighborhood who had the same name as a younger man of the neighborhood..the younger being called "Jr". The "Jr." was not necessarily "son of" but could be nephew, grandson, cousin and sometimes not related by blood. When a man known as "Sr." died, the man of the same name who had previously been known as "Jr." now became "Sr." Very confusing, to say the least. The terms "Sr." and "Jr." were also occasionally used with women's names.
      Records of the eight children named in the will of Joseph Adair who died in 1812 begin on page 6. A copy of his will can be found in Will Book D-1, p. 105. Probate records are in Box 3, pkg. 6.
      Recorded in Will Book D-l, Page 104, Bundle 65, pkg. 10. Proven January 14, 1813. David Anderson Ordy. Will of Joseph Adair:
      "State of South Carolina Laurens District. In the name of God, Amen. Know all men by those presents that I Joseph Adair of tho same State and District are now in good health and in my natural senses at this date and time make this my last will and testament. At my death I bequeath my body to the tomb, my soul to the almighty God, my maker and created and Jesus Christ my redeemer. Likewise I give and bequeath unto John Adair my son all the land that I layed off for him, that Richard Hollen and John Frier now lives on and one Negro woman named Jude. Likewise, I give and bequeath unto my son James Adair all that part of a tract of land he now lives on lying on the South Side of Little Dunkins Creek bounded on land of Thomas McCrary, Alexander Wilkerson, Elisha Adair and one Negro man named Duke. Likewise, I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Adair the money that he did receive from Alexander Wilkerson for a tract of land made over by me and my son Elisha Adair to said Wilkerson and one Negro girl named Tamer. Likewise I give and bequeath to my son Elisha Adair all that part of land I now live on containing three hundred and seventy five acres more or less, resurvayed by John A. Elmore one Negro boy named Morris, one new waggon and all her harness. Likewise, I give and bequeath unto my grandson Joseph Adair, son of Elisha Adair, one set of silver coat buttons, and one set of silver breeches buttons to my son Robert Adair. I likewise, give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth and her husband John Huston, one Negro girl named Clartis to be thern during there natural life, and at their death to be equally divided among all Elizabeth Huston's children of her natural body. Likewise, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Jean, wife of Thomas Holland, one Negro girl named Dice. Likewise, I give unto my daughter Cassy, wife of Thomas McCrary one Negro woman named Lid. Likewise, I give and bequeath, unto Charity, wife of David Little, one Negro woman named Sarah and all the rest of my perishable property to be equally divided among my eight children of my natural body. I hereby set my hand and seal this 20th of January, 1812. It being the thirty sixth and thirty seventh years of American Independency. And l do here appoint Elisha Adair and John Adair my Executors.
      Joseph Adair (Seal)
      Witness present: Richard Holland, William Adair, George McCrary
      Recorded in Will Book D-1, Page 105. Recorded date not available. Proven Jan, 15, 1813. David Anderson Ordy."

      2. American Revolutionary War Stories involving Mangum and Adair Families in Laurens County Area of South Carolina:
      In John Mangum the Patriot's application for his American Rev. War pension, he mentions serving with several of the following commanders. He specifically states he was with Col. Joseph Hayes when he was killed and that he received a wound under the hands of the Tory leader William Cunningham aka "Bloody Bill." The following accounts help understand John's and the Adair family's patriotic commitment and puts some flesh to names. See separate notes in the Adair family notes for John Mangum's Adair family comrades in arms who signed the James Williams Petition which would mean that the Adair and Mangum families probably first came in contact both knowing and serving under James Williams. Both modern Laurens and adjoining Newberry Counties were in the old District Ninety Six of South Carolina.
      "A Laurens County Sketchbook," by Julian Stevenson Bolick, FHL book 975.731-H2b, p. 9, in speaking of the American Revolutionary War: "The people, cut off as they were from the coast and seat of government [KP note: at Charles Town or Charleston as it was later known], were not aware of the many grievances of the colonists toward the mother country. Naturally, in the months to follow, many of the Up Country people remained loyal to England, and particularly those who had been given large grants by the king. These people became known as Tories, and a gentleman's agreement was reached among some of the colonists whereby the Tories in the Carolina "Back Country" should remain in a state of neutrality. Since this agreement was made without the knowledge of Robert Cunningham, a man of high esteem and immense influence among his neighbors in Ninety Six District, he did not feel bound by the agreement. Thus, he continued to urge opposition to the revolutionary movement to the point of being apprehended on an occasion by a group of men dressed as Indians. Learning of Robert's proposed confinement in Charles Town, his brother Patrick gathered a body of friends and set out in pursuit of the group. The pursuers failed to overtake the first group, but Patrick and his men learned of, and captured, 1000 pounds of powder being sent as a present to the Cherokee Indians by the governor. Because of the proximity of the Cherokees, it was customary to make gifts from time to time to the Cherokee Nation to encourage friendship. An amount of gunpowder, included with cloth and trinkets, was intended to be only enough to meet the Indians' needs for hunting, and not a sufficient quantity to incite them to attack the settlers...
      "Unbiased recounting of history must include here the distasteful authority and influence exerted by two Tory leaders over their followers in dealing with their enemies, the Whigs [KP note: pre-Revolution ]. The two 'Bloody Bills', William Bates and William Cunningham, headed the list of atrocities ... Cunningham ... belonged to one of the best families in the province. A cousin of Robert and Patrick Cunningham, Bill was the only member of the family to depart from its high standard of chivalry and honor ... William was a Whig at the beginning of the struggle ... William was ordered to the Low Country, was whipped for some minor offense and was placed in chains. His work of pillage and murder apparently was a retributive vengeance on those who had wronged him, especially his former commander in arms.
      "So, the good citizens and the bad citizens were divided in their partisanship. Before the end of hostilities, the great plantations where hospitality had been dispensed in generous and gracious manner were closed to friendship because of divided loyalties and sympathies. These homes included White Hall, home of Andrew Williamson; Rosemont and Peach Hill, Cunningham seats and Mount Pleasant, owned by James Williams. In many cases, animosity continued. In the election of 1778, Colonel Williams and Cunningham engaged in gentlemanly fisticuffs, in which the wife of the Colonel seized Cunningham by his queue before friends could come between them. The fact that Cunningham was elected to office was evidence of the strong Tory influence in the district. It will be recollected here that Robert Cunningham had been arrested by Colonel James Williams in 1775 and sent to Charles Town, where he refused to recognize the authority of the Provincial Congress. His arrest created indignation in the "Back Country", and three years later his friends gave full support to his candidacy.
      "Logan's History of the 'Upper Country of South Carolina' characterizes this area as 'the classic ground of the American Revolution,' but it is difficult to locate exact spots of skirmishes occurring with the confines of the present county of Laurens. Meager records show that one encounter took place on the banks of Rabun Creek. While the armed forces on the coast had been occupied with the defense of Fort Moultrie, the western frontier of the state had become ablaze with Indians on the warpath [KP note: the neutrality of the Indians was broken when the British and their allies could use strong persuasion]. Inhabitants along the Saluda River had taken refuge in an old fort known as Lyndley's, located on Rabun Creek. Early morning of July 15, 1776, 88 Indians and 102 white men attacked the safety station. Major Jonathan Downes with 150 men had arrived at the station the evening before. The latter were on a mission to join forces with Major Williamson in an effort to suppress the Indians who erroneously had been told that their gift of gunpowder and lead captured so recently would be used by the Whigs to kill them. The attack on the fort was repulsed and thirteen prisoners, all whites dressed as Indians, were sent to Ninety Six for confinement.
      "On another occasion, Major Downes, commanding a small force of Whigs, happened to come upon an armed aggregation of Indians in the Scuffletown area. Tradition says that the Major overcame the Indian chief in a hand-to-hand fight, and that he took off his suspenders, tied the Indian's hands behind his back and left the fighting field with the captured chieftain astride Downes' horse.
      "In August of 1780, the Battle of Musgrove's Mill was fought about twelve miles north of the present city of Laurens on the Enoree River. Major Downes again served gallantly; in this encounter was, also, Colonel Joseph Hayes, who was among those massacred at Hayes Station the following year. In the home of Major Edward Musgrove a garrison of 500 British troops maintained headquarters. They were regimented soldiers retrained by platoons. The Major, too old for active duty, remained neutral in his sympathies; but his family took a very active part with sons fighting on both sides. On that August day the Whigs took up position within one mile of the mill and were in the process of planning an attack when a skirmish between a British patrol and a Whig reconnaissance group brought the entire British garrison to the scene. Young Captain Shadrack Inman asked permission to take 25 men and act as a decoy to draw the Tories into a three-pronged trap formed by force commanded by Colonel Isaac Shelby on the right, Colonel Elijah Clarke on the left and Colonel James Williams in the center. Shadrack Inman was shot seven times following the retreating British. A simple stone marks the spot where he fell.
      "The battle is said to have been one of the hardest ever fought in the county with small arms alone '...the smoke so thick as to hide a man at a distance of twenty rods. With the aid of Tories, the British had hoped for a quick victory in the South; instead they suffered heavy losses and their strength in South Carolina's Up Country had been badly shaken.
      "November, 1781, will be remembered as a month of terror for the Whigs and their families in the Ninety Six District at the hands of William Cunningham, who had left Charles Town in August for the purpose of inflicting punishment on the Whigs. Crossing Saluda River, 'Bloody Bill' and his band of 300 ruthless followers attacked Hayes Inn, a station which before had been known as Edge Hill, on the stagecoach route through this part of the Up Country. The exact date of this attack is not known, but McCrady in his 'History of South Carolina in the Revolution' traces the movements of the group of Tories. On November 7, 1781 thirty Whigs had taken refuge in an unfinished log house without door or windows on a small stream called Cloud's Creek in Edgefield County. Two of the thirty escaped, the rest being slaughtered after they had surrendered. Mr. McCrady states 'it was a fine morning after the massacre at Cloud's Creek, when at ten o'clock a party led by John Hood rode up to the station (Edge Hill) at full gallop...' Hayes Inn was burned by shooting out of a musket a ramrod tipped with flax, saturated in tar and set afire. The flaming roof caused suffocation and terror among those inside. "Captain Daniel Williams, with a group of patriots, had rested overnight at the inn. The Captain, only eighteen years of age, and Colonel Joseph Hayes, owner and operator of the inn, were promptly hanged from a pole of the fodder stack. The pole broke; and Cunningham, continuing the cruelty which gave him the name 'Bloody Bill,' cut the half strangled men to pieces with his sword. The encounter is recorded as 'Hayes Station Massacre,' a terrifying experience related by the one survivor...
      "It was such odious treatment of human beings that prompted General Nathanael Greene of the Whig side to make the following declaration: 'The inhabitants hunt one another like wild beasts. If a stop cannot be put to these massacres, the country will be depopulated in a few more months, as neither Whig nor Tory can live." In the District of Ninety Six alone, there were 1400 hundred widows and orphans as a result of the war."

      3. James Williams Petition listing the Adair family Patriots. Note that Thomas Adair's parents are the ones listed as number 4 (Joseph and Sarah) and his grandparents are number 3 (James and Eleanor). Most of the other Adairs were brothers or cousins. The petition has come to me from Mildred Brownlee's manuscript "Early Adairs of Laurens County, South Carolina" and also from the "South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research," vol. 15, p. 32. James Williams was one of the most renown Patriots of the Laurens area and this listing of signers of the petition of the area gives us a good source of patriots also associated with him. Col. James Williams and Capt. Josiah Greer were also military leaders of many of these same individuals during the 1778 American invasion of British East Florida per the source of Doctor George Ross' medical reimbursement papers quoted in this database under Rebecca Montgomery's notes. This petition typescript is item #5767, Manuscript Dept., Wm. M. Perkins Library at Duke University, Durham NC. Submitted by Mrs. Mary Ann McCrary and published with permission of the Manuscript Dept. This petition pre-dates the Battle of Kings Mountain (7 Oct 1780), as Col. James Williams was killed at that time. [NB: a second version of the petition was located in the South Carolina Library in 1999 and the gaps in the Duke University petition were filled in as indicated by brackets.] {Any notes or comments added by me are in these brackets.}
      "To his Excellen[cy John Rutledge, E]sq. Governor & Commander in Chief in & [over th]e state of South Carolina, the Honourable the privy Counsel, the Honourable the Senate & House of Representatives in General Assembly.
      Whereas we (the zealous friends to our country, and to all who love and distinguish themselves in her cause) do understand & are exceeding sorry to hear that there are false & [evilly designing] Accusations either lying on or about to shortly be laid against James Williams, our present Colonel in & over Little River Regiment, and designed (as we believe) by the private Enemies of our country to deprive us of so worthy a friend of his Country in general a good officer to us in particular & thereby do a very singular Piece of Service to the common enemies of America. We do briefly & anxiously remonstrate this: that we experimentally know Colo. James Williams to have been a zealous Patriot from the commencement of the America contest with Briten; and to have always stood foremost in every occasion when called upon to the defence of his country. We do further declare that we have never known said Colo. [Jas.].Williams to distress any individuals in the Regiment who voluntarily & judiciously, when legally called upon and commanded to the field, have turned out in the Defence if their Native Rights & Privileges together with that of their Country; & we do avow it from our knowledge, that whensoever Colo. Jas. Williams either directly or indirectly executed any distressing things, it was upon the stubborn & refractory, whose practices of obstinacy declare them inimical to their country: & and that this he did, as being last promissing Effort to reduce them to the dutiful obedience of loyal & fellow citizens. Without delaying you; we your humble Petitioners do earnestly beg that you will hear this our faithful Remonstrance & proceed with our respected Colo. James Williams & all such unjust & disaffected Clamours as may come before you against him, as your superior Judgements may direct: only begging leave to conclude with this one Remark, that doubtless you know that such clamours are frequently the necessary Effect of Disaffection to the Country.
      [Signed:] Robt. McCrery Lt. Colo.; George Davis, Capt.; Matthew McCrar[e]y, Lt.; George Young; Matthew Cunningham; Andrew McCrary; James Greer; [James Dillard]; [John Owens]; [Samuel Ewing]; [William Davis]; [Absolom Filby]; [John McCrary Sener]; [John McCrary Juner]; [Robert Long]; [Matthew McCrary]; [William Bean]; [John Williams J.P {note J.P. is crossed out}]; [Wm. Arthur Capt.]; Josiah Greer; Joseph Ramage; John Robinson; John Bourland; John Greer Juner; Isaac Adair; Jms. Adair; [Thos McCrery J.P.]; [James Ones]; [Andrew Ones]; [John Watson]; [Hughes Manford (?)]; [David Watson]; [Isaac Greer]; [James Ralley]; [John Ramage]; [John Glenn]; [John Jones (M L. (?)]; Henry Atwood; James Adair, Sr.; Joseph Adair Jr.; Joseph Adair; Benjamin Adair; Joseph Adair Sr.; James Adair Jr., son of James; [William Adair]; [John Finney]; [John Adair]; [John Adair Sener]; [James Craige]; [William Craig]; [James Howerton]; [Phillip Whitten]; [John Gray]; [John Greer]; [James Montgomery]; Thomas Ewing; William Blake; James Gamble; [Edward Stapleton]; [John Gamble]; [William Huddleston]; [James Huddleston]; [Alexander Adair]; [Benjamin Willson]; [Benja. Goodman]; [Daniel Williams]
      Suggested identification of the Adairs who signed this petition:
      1. Isaac Adair - Killed in Apr. 1781, left widow, Ruth.
      2. Jms. Adair - b. 1747, son of Joseph Adair, Sr.; mar. Rebecca Montgomery.
      3. James Adair, Sr. - died before 1796; wife, Eleanor.
      4. Joseph Adair, Jr. - Son of above James & Eleanor; wife Sarah.
      5. Joseph Adair - died 1812; son of Joseph Adair, Sr.
      6. Benjamin Adair - died 1823; son of Joseph Adair, Sr.; wife Nancy.
      7. Joseph Adair, Sr. - died 1789-90; wife: Susannah.
      8. James Adair, Jr., son of James - son of James Adair & wife Eleanor; died 1818, wife Hannah.
      9. William Adair - died 1780-84. Estate administered 1784, Abbe. Wills, p. 10.
      10. John Adair - died 1813 in Ga., wife Jane; son of Joseph Adair; grandson of Joseph Adair, Sr.
      11. John Adair, Sr. - Killed in 1782, wife Sarah. Abbe. Wills, p. 10. Probable son of Joseph Adair, Sr. {Kerry's note: or maybe James Adair, Sr.}
      12. Alexander Adair - Scotch-Irish immigrant in 1767? See Protestant Immigrants to SC - Janie Revill, p. 74.
      {Note the above suggestions are as provided by Mildred Brownlee. I make the following additions of individuals related to the Adairs:
      13. James Gamble - father of William Gamble who marries Martha Adair, daughter of James Adair who was son of James Adair, Sr., the original settler and cooper.
      14. Robert Long - Son of Susannah Murdough from her first marriage before she married Joseph Adair the cooper.
      15. John Owens - Husband of Mary Long. Mary was the sister of Robert Long and a daughter of Susannah Murdough from her first marriage before Joseph Adair.
      16. John Ramage - Husband to Jean or Jane Adair, the daughter of Joseph Adair the cooper and his first wife Sarah Laferty.
      17. George Davis - Died 1781- 1783. First husband to Elizabeth Adair, daughter of Joseph Adair, Jr. and Elizabeth ___.
      18. James Montgomery - Father to Rebecca who married James Adair, the saddler and son of Joseph Adair the cooper. James' other daughter Isabella married Dr. George Ross who was a physician with many of the above in their East Florida expedition in the early days of the Rev. War.
      19. John Jones - There were two John Jones in the area at the time. One was the husband of Hannah Adair, daughter of James and Eleanor Adair. Unsure which John Jones this may be. Our John Jones died before Sep 1788."

      4. "South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research," vol. 25, pp. 22-23, 84, "Laurens District Coroner's Inquisitions 1802-1865," show Robert Long, Esquire, as one of the Justices of the Peace:
      Pp. 22-23: "Inquest on the Body of John Rea. Filed 2nd Jany 1809. Laurens District - An Inquisition Indented taken at John Luks in the district aforesaid the twenty first day of november in the year 1808, before me Robert Long Esquire one of the Justices assigned to keep the peace in and for the said district (the Coroner being absent) upon the view of the body of John Rea of the district of Laurens aforesaid taylor, then and there Lying dead upon the oaths of William Craigg, James Howeton,Samuel Mcconokey, Patrick Scott, James Willson, David Graham, John Dilard, francis Bradock, James Adair senior, Thomas Mccrery, William Mcclure senior, Reuben Meddows, James Craig, David Templeton senior good and Lawful men of the said district who being charged and Sworn to enquire for the Said State, when, where, how, and after what manner the Said John Rea came to his death do Say upon their oathes that he aforesaid John Rea did come to his death By Intoxication... In witness whereof... the Jurors... put our hand and seal the day and year first above written. Robert Long J.P., Willam Craig, James (X) Howerton, Samuel Mconaky, Patrick Scott, James Willson, David Graham, John Dillard, Francis (X) Braddock, James Adair, Thomas Mccrary, William (X) McCluer, Reuben Meador, James Craig, David (X) Templeton."
      P. 84: [Note: I suggest that Joseph Adair was probably the son of Joseph (the cooper) and Elizabeth Adair, the first James was their son, and the second James was probably the son of James(the cooper) and Eleanor Adair. "Inquest on the dead Body of Jack and African the property of Thomas McCrery... Filed 16 April 1810. Laurens District - An inquisition indented taken at Thomas McCrery's... the Sixth day of April in the year 1810, before me Robert Long one of the Justices assinged to keep the peace for the district aforesaid, upon the view of the Body of a Negro man named Jack... then and there lying Dead upon the Oaths of Joseph Adair, Josiah Williams, John Finney, Manaseh Finney, Abraham Holland, Richard Holland, George McCrery, John Weeks, James Adair son of Joseph, John Gamble, George Gamble and James Adair; good and lawful men of the said district... Say upon their oaths that Jack the Negro... with a Cord made of cotton usually termed a plough Line... and there in his cabin with said rope Round his neck, double in the form of a noose and the other part tied round one of the ribs of the cabin aforesaid by which means he was strangled to death then and there Volontarily and feloniously as a felon ofeldid kill and Murder and hang himself against the peace of this State. Robert Long, J.P., Joseph Adair, Josiah Williams, John finney, Manasseh Finney, Abram Holland, Richard Holland, Geo. McCrery, John Weeks, James Adair, John Gamble, George Gamble, James Adair."

      5. From Ancestry.com's "Blacks Found in the Deeds of Laurens & Newberry Counties, SC: 1785-1827" is found Roger Brown as Justice of the Peace from 1792 through 1799. Some of the transactions involved Adairs as follows. I am not sure exactly which Adair family since the names were so repetitive among cousins, but I believe the most likely candidate is Joseph Adair who had the sons John, Robert, and James:
      "Deed Book D: 155. April 17, 1792. Bill of Sale. James Flin, of Laurens County, South Carolina in consideration of the sum of ₤120 Sterling have sold unto John Doyal, a negro woman named Sela, about 35 or 36 years of age, country born. Also one negro girl named Tabbey about 10 or 11 years of age, also one other negro girl child named Willey about 7 years of age and one other negro child named Dicey about 2 years old all three the children of said Sela. James (mark) Finn, Wit. Robert Adair, James Adair. Proved by Robert Adair 11 May 1792 before Roger Brown. J.P. Recorded May 15, 1792."
      "Deed Book E:370. February 12, 1795. bill of Sale. I Patrick O'Bryant, planter, of Laurens County, South Carolina in consideration of the sum of ₤60 Sterling paid by Joseph Adair of the County and State aforesaid sell one Negroes Wench named Poll ages about 40 years old, one Negroes boy named Jacob, One grey horse, one black mare, and one bay cold mare, three cows, one black, one spotted, one red and 3 calves... 12 February 1795. Signed Patrick (O) O'Bryant. Wit. John Adair, James Adair. Proved by John Adair 14 Feb. 1795 before Roger Brown, Justice of said County. Recorded February 18, 1795."
      "Deed Book F: 184. December 15, 1796. Bill of Sale. Joseph Adair and Thomas Hughey, both of Laurens County, South Carolina, planters, to Bryant Leek, of the same place in consideration of the sum of $152, sell one negro boy named Jacob to said Bryant Leek. Joseph Adair, Thomas Hughey. Wit. Robert Adair. William Saxon. Proved by William Saxon 4 January 1797 before Roger Brown, J.P. Recorded February 21, 1797."
      "Deed Book F: 431. September 1, 1798. Bill of Sale. Thomas Gary, of Laurens County, South Carolina in consideration of the sum of $00?? have sold to James Adair for, of the same place, two negroes, one woman name Cynthia and the other a negro girl named Jemina. Thomas Gary, L.S. Wit. J.P. Williams, David Mason. Proved by David Mason. 19 February 1799 before Roger Brown, J.P."

      BURIAL:
      1. Per http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/9708/dcem.html, there is a listing in the Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church cemetery that reads: Adair, Joseph, Jr., S.C. Militia, Revolutionary War (also buried here Joseph Adair, Sr.).