"I Want to Know"
Written by Lawson B. Arrington, 1983
Comments by John M. Arrington, inserted in [ ]


Arrington generations discussed:
William, Christopher, Richard, & Fredrick

REFERENCES
Maps: England, Arrington, England & Virginia/North Carolina
Wills: Christopher, William, William, Sr., Richard, & Ezekiel

Arrington name spelling statistics


Historical Background

Georgia, the last of the British colonies established in America,
was founded in 1733.  The Charter, granted by George II created a
board of trustees called "The Trustees for Establishing the Colony
of Georgia in America" for a term of 21 years.  The first settlement
was made at Savannah, and the colony grew until in 1741 it was
divided into two counties:  Savannah and Frederica.  The latter
never functioned as a government and two years later its affairs
were placed under the jurisdiction of the Savannah officials.  Until
the adoption of the first State Constitution during the revolution,
there was but one county.  The Trustees surrendered there in 1752
and Georgia became a royal colony.  A Statute of 1758 divided the
province into eight parishes, and in 1765 four additional parishes
were created.

Administration of the affairs of the province assumed a mixed
character of civil and ecclesiastical authority until the adoption
of the State Constitution of 1777, When seven counties were created
from the parishes.  Wilkes, the eighth county, also created in 1777,
was made from previously unincorporated territory.


Arrington Family

The Arrington family of Perquimas County, North Carolina, most
likely descends from William Arrington who appears in the records of
Isle of Wight County, Virginia, about 1700.  There is no record
indicating from where he came, but it is most definite that he or
his father came from England during the proprietor colonization.

[records indicate that a William Arrington was ship wrecked on his
journey from Barbatos, but no confirmation that this was our William]

The name Arrington is of English extraction, an is a name
of a parish located ten miles southwest from the city of Cambridge
in the Diocese of Ely, which took its name from the more ancient
word, Ermington.  Landowners living there in the 13th century took
the name as a surname. [JMA does not agree with this] (See Forum on 
the Arrington Info page) The parish Church of St. Nicholas 
in Arrington, England, dates from the Norman Conquest.
(Oxford Dictionary English Place Names, London, 1936).



I. Family of William Arrington

William Arrington of Isle of Wight, Virginia only about fifteen
miles from Perquimas County, North Carolina, married Elizabeth
Pedin, of the same county in Virginia, daughter of James and Jane
Pedin, ca 1681. [Pedin of German ancestry] According to the records
available in the Isle of Wight County, William Arrington was born in
1662, but records do not indicate where he was born.

On 9 June 1703, William and Elizabeth Arrington discharged William
Boddie of a deed of gift he had given to James Pedden, Elizabeth's
father, in 1683.  (Mrs. Blanche A. Chapman's abstracts of Isle of
Wight County).  James Pedden was in Isle of Wight by 1667, at which
time he witnessed a Power of Attorney. (Ibid: 550).

William Arrington witnessed the will of James Pedden, dated 16
October 1693.  Only the wife of James, Jane, was mentioned in the
will.  (Grant Book, Page 347).

On the 9th day of March, 1694, in the Isle of Wight County Court,
Thomas Hutchins accused William Arrington of feloniously taking
various items from his home.  Then, by order of the court the goods
and chattels of William Arrington were seized by the sheriff, and
William was sentenced to leave the county. 

"Elizabeth P. Arrington,
being placed under a very distresed condition through want of the
necessary subsistence and protection, petitioned the court for some
relief.  Therfore, the Court ordered that if Mrs. Arrington would
give bond and good security, the proper estate would be redelivered
to her by the high Sheriff, Mr. George Moor."

"On December 11, 1694, in the information of Thomas Hutchins in
behalf of our sovereign Lord and Lady, King William and Queen Mary
against William Arrington, when personally appearing at the bar, and
nothing appearing against him to make him guilty of any felonious
act, he was therefore acquited from this present information.  But,
since William was considered a person of ill flame and reputation,
and said Hutchins warning he may be bound to his good behavior, he
is therefore committed to the Sheriff's custody till he give bond
and security for his future behavior."

(Page 67, Court Orders of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Oct. 1693 - May 1695).

Will of William Arrington


[Christopher Arrington]

It is assumed that during the time that his father, William, was
having judicial problems in Virginia, Christopher Arrington moved
down into North Carolina, and took on another given name, since the
name Christopher does not appear in William Arrington's will.

William and Benjamin are traditional names for the descendents of
Christopher Arrington, who first emerges in the North Carolina
history in 1727.

A narrow, skimpy trail led my line of Arringtons down into
Perquimans County, North Carolina, where I found a nest of them
prior to 1800.  A very careful study had to be employed to determine
the early family relation, since, in the family name of individuals,
many would cause change in orthrography [spelling].  At what date
the first white man set foot on Perquimans County soil, staked a
claim and erected his humble abode, no one can say with any degree
of certainty.  As Chowan River has its headwaters in Virginia, with
the Blackwater River as one of its tributaries, the inference may
well be concluded that those early settlers followed the water
courses in their journey into the new country rather than by land
migration.  It is a well known fact that the forest and land
adjoining the Dismal Swamp was at that time an impenetrable tangle
of trees and undergrowth, full of danger for man and beast.  There
were a few Indian paths, but no white man knew where they led.


1622 Indian Massacre

After the 1622 Indian massacre, it is claimed that a band of
settlers moved down the Chowan River, took habitat in what is most
probably now Gates County, and was then Chowan, or still in the
unnamed wilderness called Carolina.  It was in this surrounding that
the first record of Christopher Arrenton was found in 1727.  He died
in Chowan County, North Carolina in 1753.  Thus, this Arrington
lineage began to spread throughout the Albermarle area of North
Carolina.  There are many other prominent Arrington families listed
in the early history of North Carolina, especially in Nash County,
but no relation has been established due to limited records.
(See VA-NC Map for info on this area)

Because of the migration trend in latter 1600's and early 1700's it
is most likely that Christopher Arrington came from Virginia into
North Carolina.



II. Family of Christopher Arrington

The earliest record available indicating that Christopher Arrington
was living in North Carolina is a deed, dated 19 April, 1729, in
Perquimans County where he witnessed the sale of 100 acres of land
by John Gilson to William Roundtree.  Records do not reveal from
where Christopher came into North Carolina.  The only clue available
at this time as to his previous habitate is his association with
persons connected with both Nansemond and Isle of Wight Counties, in
Virginia.  These two Counties are a very short distance from
Perquimans Co., North Carolina.  The almost total destruction of the
Ante-bellum records of Nansemond County, Virginia, limits any
research there.  Sometime before 1735 Christopher Arrington married
Abigail Bounds, the daughter of Richard Bounds.  According to the
will of Christopher Arrington, dated 22 April 1753, he and Abigail
had two children.  Abigail married John Hubbard, and William (more
on him later) married Mary, daughter of William and Martha Halsey.

Will of Christopher Arenton
(transcribed from original)

On 6 October 1753, Sarah Arrington was authorized by the Chowan
County Court, North Carolina, to sell as much of the perishable
estate of the deceased Christopher Arrington as will pay his debts,
and divide the remainder of the estate.  On 27 October 1753 many
items were sold at Public Auction for the total amount of 28
pounds.  (a copy of the inventories is in writer's file)
The division of cash on hand, after the debts and burial expenses
were paid, was made as follows:

"In obedience to an order of Chowan County Court, hereto recorded,
appointing us the subscribers to divide the estate of Christopher
Arington, deceased, into seven parts according to his will, his
debts being first paid, wich we have done as followette:

Sarah Arington, the widows part 20/10's Va.
Sarah       "    his daughter part 20/10's money
Prescilla   "     "          "           "     "   "           "
Rachelle   "     "          "           "     "   "           "
Richard     "     "   sons            "     "   "           "
Ezekiel      "     "     "                "     "   "           "
Benjamin  "     "     "                "      "   "           "
"The above sumes, with the debts, and charges, that was due from the
estate to sundry persons, is the whole amount of the estate of the
Testator, he having no lands.  The above division was completed by
us, the subscribers, being duly qualified, and we have, to the best
of our judgements justly divided the same agreeable to the will of
the Testator, this 16th day of July, 1754.
/s Joseph Harron
/s Thomas Pierce
/s Robert Beafley"


[Christopher and Abigail Bound's Children]

Christopher and Abigail Bound Arrington had tharee children before
she died sometime after April 18, 1742, at which time she and
Christopher sold 100 acres of land for 50 Pounds to William Long of
Perquimans County, N.C.
The children namely:
A. Abigail, daughter, M. John Hubbard.
B. William, Sr., son, M. Martha Halsey.
They had nine children, To-wit:
1. Thomas M. Mary Brinkley
2. Henderson M. Sarah Goodwin 12 December 1827.
3. Deborah (no information - listed in her father's will.)
4. Sarah M. Thomas Creecy 3 March 1778.

WILL OF WILLIAM ARRINGTON SR.
(transcribed from original)

On 9 November 1782 Richard Arrington sold 150 acres of land near
Hertford, Perquimas County, N.C., to Thomas Creecy for 200 Pounds.
The land was given to his daughter, Susannah, wife of Richard
Arrington, by John Harmon.  On 18 November, 1783 Thomas Creecy
purchased 37 acres on southside of Perquimans River, from William
Clemons of Perquimans for 74 Pounds.

On 9 November 1782 Thomas and Sarah Creecy sold 100 acres, located
on northeast side of Yeopin River, to Richard Arrington, her father,
for 200 Pounds.  This land was given to Thomas in the will of his
father, John Creecy.  John and his brother, Joseph Creecy, owned
sereral hundred of acres along the Yeopin River, which was very
fertile soil.

5. Elizabeth M. Joseph Jackson 15 April 1782.
6. Many M. James Jackson 1 September 1791.
7. John (no information)
8. William, Jr. M. Penelope Wyatt 1 March 1809.
They had three children: Parthenia, Charles, and James B. Penelope
died in 1830, and buried at Hertford, N.C.
9. Anne M. Nathan Goodwin 1 October 1785.
C. Richard M. Susannah Harmon 17 January 1748.
Christopher's children by his second wife, Sarah (MNNA):
D. Sarah ( no information except in will of Christopher).
E. Prescilla (no information)
F. Rachelle M. Thomas Rae 3 October 1785.
G. Ezekiel M. Margaret Newby, the daughter of Mark Newby 9 March
1778.  The Bondsman was his brother, William. 

On 17 October, 1774 Ezekiel purchased from his brother,
William Arrington, 128 acres of land for 35-45 Pounds.  This part of
580 acres pattoned by William Titterton 16 August 1716.  On 10
October 1780 he purchased 50 acres for 5 pounds from William
Arkill.  On 18 August 1783 Ezekiel purchased 148 acres for 50
Pounds, Bounty Land, from the State of North Carolina.

This property was on the North side of the Yeopin River Swamy,
adjoining land acquired by Thomas Harmon.  Then on 2 October 1748 he
purchased a lot in Hertford, Perquimas County, N.C., for 10 Pounds.
It is interesting to note that Richard and Ezekiel Arrington were
very prominent in buying and selling.  In those days a very good
investment.

[ Do not confuse this Ezekiel with Ezekiel I, son of Richard, 
who was brother to Ezekiel ]

Ezekiel and Margaret Arrington inherited substantial portion of
property when her father deceased 28 November 1782.
They had five boys to wit:
1. Edward M. Milicent Brinkley 11 September 1815.
2. Nathan - (no information)
3. Mark - (no information)
4. Joseph M. Milley Gibson 2 April 1811.
5. Josiah M. Elizabeth Hatfield.

Will of Ezekiel Arrington
(transcribed from original)
[Ezekiel is Uncle of Ezekiel I ]


H. Benjamin

(no information available)  Due to some records that are not
properly identified, it is believed that Benjamin married and moved
to Virginia.


Priscilla Arrington

Since Priscilla Arrington was under age of accountability, her half
brother William Arrington, was legally appointed by the Court on 3
April 1755 (copy of document in writers's file), guardian of all the
estate left for her by Christopher Arrington, her father.

Christopher Arrington appears on the Perquimans County Taxable List
each year from 1742 to 1749.  In 1741/42 he served as one of the
Grand Jury.  His name was added to the list of juryman by the House
of Commons 25 February 1739 from Perquimans County, North Carolina.



III. Family of Richard Arrington

Richard Arrington, son of Christopher Arrington, was born ca 1743,
married Susannah B. 3 March 1767, daughter of John and Susanah
Harmon of Perquimans County, North Carolina.

(A copy of Richard Arringtons marriage license date 3 March 1767 is
on file in the home of the writer.  The original copy of the
document is so deteriorated due to longevity storage, until the copy
is not entirely legible.)

Richard and Susannah were the parents of three females and four
males:
A. Penelope - daughter
B. Nancy - daughter
C. Abigail - daughter
D. Ezekiel - son  [this Ezekiel I. M. 1st Dorcas Hornbee 1804, 2nd
Celia Webb 1833 ]
E. William - son
F. Robert _ son
G. Frederick - son The writer's [Lawson B. Arrington] fifth
generation grandfather.

The names are listed in order as shown on his will, and not in order
of birth.  No record has been found to indicate the birthdate of
these siblings;  however, according to the minutes of the Perquimans
County Court recorded in May term, 1796, William, orphan of Richard
Arrinagton, was bound as apprentice to Joseph White and the
indenture was filed.  This indicates that William was possibly the
youngest child.  Also, other records available reveals that Fredrick
was born about 1775.

Evidently, Richard Arrington was a citizen of distinction in the
community.  He was very active in the church, but no denomination
specifically recorded.  However, in the History of Perquimans
County, Mrs. Watson Winslow records that the Baptist Church at Bethel
is the oldest church in Perquimans County, being established about
1806.  Since William Creecy a very close friend and neighbor to the
Arrington family and having sold the land to the Bethel community
for a church, gives much evidence that Richard Arrington and his
family were Baptist church affiliated.

Richard Arrington was eight years of age when his father,
Christopher, died; therefore, since Richard was a minor, and it was
necessary to appoint a guardian to administer all of the estate
goods, chattles, rights and credits of the orphan.  However, the
appointment of such guardian was not made until the 9th day of July,
1758, at which time Richard was thirteen years of age.  It is
presumed that he was in custody of his stepmother, Sarah, between
the time of Christopher Arrington's death until the guardian was
appointed.  The minutes of the July, 1758, Chowan County, North
Carolina, Court reads in part as follows:

"The petition of Richard
Arendell(Arrington) praying that John Hubbard (Richard's brother in
law) might be appointed his guardian,
granted on his giving security according to law, which security is
given by Arthur Allen."

A copy of the bond made by John Hubbard and co signed by Arthur Allen,
 dated 9 July, 1758, is in the writer's file.

Will of Richard Arrenton
(transcribed from original)



IV. (III-G) Family of Fredrick Arrington

Fredrick Arrington, son of Richard Arrington (often spelled
Arrenton) was B. ca 1773 in Perquimans County, North Carolina,
married Nancy Spruill of Tyrell County, North Carolina 12 April,
1792, in Perquimans County.  Jesse Hatfield signed Fredrick's
marriage bond.  D. 2-16-1815 in Perquiman County, North Carolina,
when he was ca. 35 year of age.  He left a widow and two small
children, Hardy and Laronia.  On 25 August, 1796, Frederick signed a
marriage bond for John Dillon and Martha Allcock in Perquimas
County, North Carolina.

According to the 1800 Federal Census, Frederick and his wife were
living in Washington County North Carolina: One son and three
females under ten years of age.  The 1810 census of the same County
enumerated one male between ten and sixteen, one female under ten
and one female between sixteen and twenty six.  Apparently, when the
census was taken at these periods some relatives were visiting or
residing in his home.  The documents available indicate that
Frederick, at the time of his death, and Nance had a boy and a girl
under ten years of age, who were indentured for training and
security soon after the death of their father.


Lovey Arrenton

Lovey Arrenton was officially bound as apprentice to Ezekiel
Arrenton, her uncle, 9 May, 1815, by Perquimans County Court  (copy
in writer's file).  On 13 August, 1815, Lovey Arenton, orphan of
Frederick Arrenton, was indentured to William Webb who married Polly
Arrington 15 July, 1815.  Apparently, Ezekiel Arrenton had deceased.


Hardy Arenton

Hardy Arenton, orphan of Frederick Arenton, was bound and
apprenticed to Asa Parsons, during the 12 May 1818 term Perquimans,
North Carolina Court, (copy of indenture in writers files).  After
the death of Asa Parsons, during the May Term 1826 of the Perquimans
County Court Hardy Arenton was indentured to Lemuel Barrow.


Brothers Frederick & Exekiel

Frederick Arrenton was listed on the Perquimans County taxable list
in 1812, 1813 and 1814 for one white poll each year.  On 8 May 1815,
Exekeil Arrenton, a brother, was appointed administrator for proper
disposition of Frederick Arrenton's estate, who died 16 February
1815.  He was instructed to take inventory of the property in order
to pay any remaining debts.  The estate of Frederick Arrenton in
account with Ezekiel Arenton was audited and approved by the County
Court in the August term of 1816.  There is no record of Nancy
Arrenton being involved in any of these transactions.  There is the
possibility that she may have preceeded Frederick in demise.

The only records available indicating Frederick Arrenton owned any
real estate are as follows:  On January 1, 1797 Frederick and Thomas
Spruill purchased 300 acres of land from Timothy Savell (copy of
deed in writer's file) for thirty pounds.  12 August 1800, Frederick
sold to William Spruill twelve acres of land for $25.00, also in
Tyrrell County, North Carolina.  Louvinia (Lovey) Arrington married
Asa Overton of Perquimans County 18 June 1830.  The Bondsman was
Thomas Spruill, her uncle, and witness: Joseph Halsey.