It’s Family Time~The Benjamin Brock & Caty Wright Family

The family of Benjamin Brock and Catherine “Caty” Wright is an enigma. They only appear in one Census - The 1800 Population Census for Anson County, North Carolina.

The Family Composition was:

1 Male age 26-44, Benjamin Brock

1 female age 26-44, Catherine Wright

2 Males under 10

2 Females under 10

1800 CENSUS: Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Series: M32  Roll: 29; Page: 224;  Benjamin BROCK, Age 26- 44 [1756-1774], 2 Males, under 10; 2 Female, under 10 and 1 Female, age 26-44 [Wife, Catherine Wright].

Benjamin Brock was born between 1756 and 1774 based on his age as reported in the 1800 Census above. He married Catherine “Caty” Wright sometime before 18 January 1794. This is proven by comments in an Anson County Land Deed – Benjamin Brock to William Peques (Deed Book “E”, page 229).

Benjamin Brock to William Peques
                THIS INDENTURE made this Eighteenth day of January one thousand seven hundred and Ninety Four Between Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife of Anson County in the state of North Carolina of the one part and William Peques of the County of Chesterfield in the state of South Carolina Planter of the other Part Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen Pounds Current money of the state of South Carolina aforesaid to them in hand Paid by the said William Peques before the unsealing and Delivery hereof the Receipt whereof they the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife doth hereby acknowledge and themselves to be fully satisfied contented and Paid hath granted bargained sold aliened Enfeoffed Conveyed and Confirmed and by these presents Doth freely and absolutely grant  bargain Sell alien Enfeoff Convey and Confirmed unto the said William Peques all that piece or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Anson State aforesaid on Hucklelberry Creek on the South West side of the great Pee Dee river Containing one hundred & twenty four acres being  part of a tract of land Containing four hundred originally granted to John Wright Senr. Beginning at a Stone in the road & runs No 9 West Eighty Nine poles to a small gum on Huckleberry Creek thence North seventy six West one hundred and seventy poles to a post oak thence South Nine West One hundred and forty six poles to a black oak  on the upper line of a Tract of land formerly claimed by Stephen Tomkins thence with the said line to the Beginning Together with all & singular the buildings profits privileged and appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining & the reversion and Reversions  remainder &remainders Rents Issues & profit thereof and every part and Parcel thereof &all the Estate right title Interest use trust possession Property profit benefit claim & demand both in law and Equity  whish they the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife now hath or ever had of in and to the premises aforesaid to have And To Hold the said piece or parcel of land aforesaid with every the Premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Peques his heirs and  assigns forever and they the the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife Doth for themselves their heirs Executors administrators and assigns in manner and form following (that is to say) that he the said William Peques his heirs and assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter peaceably and Quietly  have Hold use occupy possess and enjoy the said pierce or parcel of land with Every the Premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging without any manner of Trouble hindrance Molestation Interruption or denial of them the said Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife their heirs or assigns and all and every other person or Persons Whatsoever lastly they the said Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife for themselves & their heirs doth herby promise and agree to and with the said William Peques his heirs and assigns that they the said Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife their heirs and assigns the above bargained Premises to him the said William Pegues his heirs and assigns from and against then the said Benj. Brock & Catherine his wife & their heirs and from and against all and every person or persons claiming under them shall and will warrant and forever Defend by these Premises_____________In Witness whereof the said Parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written Signed sealed & Delivered
In the Presence of                                                Benjamin Brock {seal}
John Wright                                                         Caly Brock  {seal}
John X Evans                                       Anson January Court 1794
                                                        Then this deed was duly proved by John
                                                        Wright witness thereto and ordered to,
                                                        be registered
                                                                               Test. Wm. Johnson Clk.

Land Deed “E” page 229 states that Catherine is the daughter of John Wright, Jr.

“Conveyed by John Wright Jur. By Deed dated the 20th day June 1789 to his Daughter Caty Wright now Caty Brock Excepting a Piece Containing________ acres…”

There is a total of 7 Land Deeds in Anson in which Benjamin and Catherine (Wright) Brock, one or the other or both, are parties too in their execution. The specific Deed Book and pages can be found in the footnotes to this web blog. 

The last record we have of Benjamin Brock is Land Deed “W” pages 147 to 148, dated 12 December 1827 – Ben Brock to James Brock.

Ben Brock to James Brock
Known all men by these presents that I Benjamin Brock of the state of South Carolina Chesterfield District for and in consideration of the sum of fifty cents have granted, bargained sold released unto James Brock of the state and district aforesaid and by these presents do grant, bargain sell and  release unto him the said James Brock a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the state of North Carolina Anson County on a branch of Westfield Creek containing four hundred acres more or less which I the sd Ben Brock purchased from Jane McIntire Ann McIntyre Duncan Nicholson and James Nicholson reference being had to the deed for a more particular description of said lands…

After this date (12 Dec 1827) no record of Benjamin Brock, Catherine (Wright) Brock; their 2 sons and 2 daughters has been found. If you have any information about this family please contact me through this blog.

____________________________

1. Land Deed - Benjamin Brock to William Pegues; 18 January 1794; Deed Book #C2; Page(s) 239; Register of Deeds; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina; 3 January 2020.

2. Land Deed - BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; Deed Book # E; page(s)229.

3. 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224; Household of Benjamin BROCK; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.

4. Land Deed - JOHN WRIGHT SEN. TO BENJAMIN BROCK; 13 July 1801; Deed Book # H2; page(s)212.

5. Land Deed - BENJN. BROCK TO WILLIAM BROOK & RICH’D KNIGHT; 21 November 1801; Deed Book # H2; page(s)269 & 270.

6. Land Deed - BENJAMIN BROCK TO SAMUEL PRATT; 15 December 1807; Deed Book # M; page(s)259.

7. Land Deed - BEN BROCK to JAMES BROCK; 12 December 1827; Deed Book # W; page(s)47 & 48.

8. Land Deed - BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; ; Deed Book # E; page(s)229.

9. 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224; Household of Benjamin BROCK.

Mystery Monday~Ben and Caty Wright Brock, Revisited

There is no doubt that Catherine Wright, daughter of John Wright, Jr and Elizabeth Baker, married Benjamin Brock between 1792 and 1794.

Land deeds in Anson County, North Carolina tells the story; but, what it doesn't tell is what happen to Benjamin & Catherine Wright Brock.  

Deed Book “E”, page 109
2630 (94) Nov. 8, 1796 John Wright jr & wife Elizabeth (Anson Co) to John Auld esq. (same) for £0.10 (sic) sold 500 ac; border:begins at 2 white oaks & a  black gum marked with 12 notches each 3 against 3 and 3 against 3 on E side of Goulds fork of Brown Cr on the point of a hill; surveyed May 22, 1770 by Robert Jarman for William Thomas, son of Philemon, who sold to Aaron Baker and descended to his daughter Elizabeth. (signed) John Wright & Elizabeth’s mark “X”; witness W. W. Strain, John Hallaway, & William Johnson; wit. Oath April 1797 by William W. Strain; book E p. 109 [1]

Addition Info from Land Deed: Suit is depending in Equity in the superior Court of Fayetteville district between the said John & Elizabeth & Patrick Boggan for a part of the above granted lands now if the said John & Elizabeth Recover the said suit & land then the said John Auld is to have the said land…

Anson County Land Deed; Deed Book “E”, page 109
This transaction is proof that John Wright, Jr was married to Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Aaron Baker.

Deed Book “E”, page 229
Set over unto the said John Wright Jur. his heirs and assigns forever a Certain Tract or parcel of land in the County aforesaid on Huckleberry Creek being the Lands sold and Conveyed by John Wright Jur. By Deed dated the 20th day June 1789 to his Daughter Caty Wright now Caty Brock [Deed Book C2:378] Excepting a Piece Containing              acres sold by said Caty to Richard Edgeworth… [Deed Book C2:171].

John Wright, Jr states that he sold this piece of land to his daughter, Caty Wright, now Caty Brock, on 20 June 1789. [Deed Book C2:178]

Deed Book C2, page 170
This deed is dated 28 March 1792. Caty Wright (Anson Co0 is selling 40 acres of land to Richard Edgeworth (same)… 

Deed Book C2, page 239
Anson County Deed Book C2, Page 239 - Benjamin Brock to William Pegues. dates 18 January 1794 states “THIS INDENTURE made this Eighteenth day of January one thousand seven hundred and Ninety Four Between Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife of Anson County in the state of North Carolina of the one part and William Peques of the County of Chesterfield in the state of South Carolina… 

Married Ben Brock between 28 Mar 1792 & 18 January 1794.
We can see that on 28 March 1792 Caty was single, going by the name Caty Wright [C2:170] and by 18 January 1794 she was married to Ben Brock and known as Caty Brock [C2:239].

Between 1801 and 1807 Ben/Benjamin Brock bought, sold or witnessed seven land transactions in Anson County.
Deed Book H2, Page 212 – 13 July 1801
Deed Book H2, Page 269 – 21 Nov 1801
Deed Book H2, Page 377 – 15 July 1801
Deed Book H2, Page 549 – 2 May 1801 (Grant# 1649)
Deed Book L, Page 11 – 8 March 1805
Deed Book M, Page 183 – 15 December 1807 (witness)
Deed Book M, Page 259 – 15 December 1807

Deed Book “W”, Page 147-148
The next Deed that I have is dated  12 December 1827 between Ben Brock to James Brock
Known all men by these presents that I Benjamin Brock of the state of South Carolina Chesterfield District for and in consideration of the sum of fifty cents have granted, bargained sold released unto James Brock of the state and district aforesaid and by these presents do grant, bargain sell and  release unto him the said James Brock a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the state of North Carolina Anson County on a branch of Westfield Creek containing four hundred acres more or less which I the sd Ben Brock purchased from Jane McIntire Ann McIntyre Duncan Nicholson and James Nicholson reference being had to the deed for a more particular description of said lands. To have and to hold unto the said James Brock his heirs Execrs, Adms and assigns to the sd bargained premises forever and I the sd Benjamin Brock for myself and my heirs exers Adms. and assigns the above named premises will forever warrant & defend. Now if I the above named Benjamin Brock my execs, Adms and assigns shall and do will & truly pay unto the sd James Brock his heirs execs adms and assigns the full & just sum of fifty dollars good and lawfull money on the first day of January 1832 with lawfull interest of the state of South Carolina for the same. Then this indenture to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue and lastly it is covenanted and agreed that the said Benjamin Brock shall remain in the possession of the above named premises and all the privileges thereof necessary to the enjoyment of the same and shall receive all the rents profits in the premises untill default be made in the proviso herein contained. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 day of December 1827.
                                                                                        Benjamin X Brock
Signed & sealed in presence}
of Eli P. Brock }    Anson Jany SC 1828
Squire Brock }    Then this Deed was proven in open Court by Eli P. Brock
Dun Nicholson}    and ordered to be registered.               
                            W. Dismukes Clk

Beyond what is documented here, nothing more is know of Catherine Wright and Benjamin Brock. Did they pass away? Did they move out of state. If you have information or suggestions about this couple I would love to hear from you.


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[1] [Abstracts of Deeds, Anson County, NC, Books D, C2, & E, by Dr. A. B. Pruitt, 2000, Page 68]
[2] All deeds cited are reference by book and page numbers and can be obtained from the Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina. Many of the deeds cited above can be viewed and accessed on-line at -- http://www.ansonncrod.org/> They can also be printed from this web site.

Amanuensis Monday~Land Deed-Benjamin Brock to John Wright

 
Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.


Today’s posting is a Land Deed from Benjamin Brock to John Wright that mentioned Ben’s wife Catherine Wright daughter of John Wright, Jr. dates 30 May 1797.

Several land deeds in Anson County, North Carolina show the presence of  a Benjamin Brock that married Catherine Wright, daughter of John Wright, Jr.

Benjamin Brock born between 1756 – 1774 is listed in the 1800 Census for Anson County, NC.
1800 CENSUS: Fayetteville District, Anson County, NC, Series: M32  Roll: 29  Page: 224;  Benjamin BROCK, Age 26- 44 [1756-1774], 2 Males, under 10; 2 Female, under 10 and 1 Female, age 26-44 [Wife, Catherine Wright]. ¹

This Benjamin is believed to have been the son or grandson of Valentine Brock of Switzerland & Germany and his wife Susannah Bleaster, whom he married 11 Nov 1760 in Germantown, Lancaster County, PA.
Proof of Benjamin Brock marriage to Catherine Wright can be found in Anson County Deed Book “H2”, Page 212 & Anson County Deed Book ‘E”, Page 229. ²

Anson County, NC
Deed Book "E"
Page 229
BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT ³
This INDENTURE made this 20th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Ninety seven Between Benjamin Brock & Caty his wife of Anson County & State of North Carolina of the one part and John Wright Jur. of the County & State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Brock and Caty his wife for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds to them in hand paid by the said John Wright Jur. the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath Bargained & sold and Do by these presents grant Bargain sell & forever Set over unto the said John Wright Jur. his heirs and assigns forever a Certain Tract or parcel of land in the County aforesaid on Huckleberry Creek being the Lands sold and Conveyed by John Wright Jur. By Deed dated the 20th day June 1789 to his Daughter Caty Wright now Caty Brock Excepting a Piece Containing                   acres sold by said Caty to Richard Edgeworth forty acres to William Pegue one hundred ten acres the Balance is two and Ten acres and the said Benjamin Brook & Caty his wife for themselves & their heirs doth hereby forever warrant and Defend the aforesaid land and every part thereof Except as before Excepted to the said John Wright Jur. his heirs and assigns forever In Witness whereof the said Benjamin Brock & Caty Brock hath hereunto set their hands & seals this day and Date above written
Signed sealed & Delivered
In presence of                                             Benjamin Brock (seal)
                                                                    Caty Brock (seal)
Anson October Court 1797
Then this deed was proved by John Crawford a witness thereto & ordered  to be registered.
Test. Wm. Johnson CLK

Anson County Deed Book C2, Page 239 - Benjamin Brock to William Pegues. Film #018147. Witness John Wright, John Evans. ⁴

Anson County Deed Book “W”, page 147-148  lists Ben Brock, James Brock, Eli P. Brock and Squire Brock. ⁵

These 4 men are believed to be related. I believe that Ben & James listed in the below deed are brothers and that Squire H. Brock & Eli P. Brock are sons of James Brock.

These references are all that are known of Ben & Catherine Brock. . James Brock remained listed in Chesterfield County, SC census through 1840. He died in a house fire at almost 100 years of age on 29 December 1847. 

Eli P. Brock is believed to have migrated to Mississippi where he died abt 1844
1844 - Moses Brock, adm of the estate of Eli P. Brock, dec'd. Accounts include burial expenses, printer's bill, taxes for 1843 & 1844. 20 Dec 1844 - Auditors for estate report: one lot of sundries $6; one yearling $3. Estate declared insolvent 23 Jun 1846. 17 April 1851 publication of estate brings in no additional money. Heirs listed: Samuel Brock, Esquire Brock, Benjamin Brock (non-residents of the state). What relationship is Eli to Moses? [Ref: Eli P. Brock Probate # 778, Hinds Co. Court House, Raymond, MS, 2004] ⁶

From these land deed we know that there is a family relationship between Ben Brock, James Brock, Eli P. Brock and Squire Brock.

• We know that Benjamin Brock and Caty Wright were married prior to 20 May 1797.
• We know that Benjamin is still in Anson County on 12 December 1827, Land Deed Book W:147-Benjamin Brock to James Brock. No wives are mentioned in this deed.  

If you follow all the deeds it looks as if Caty’s grandfather, John Wright, Sr.  gave her and Benjamin some acreage in 1879 probably as a inheritance or marriage gift. Then Ben sold the property to John Wright Jr. but he kept 10 acres of the tract for themselves. Then in 1827 he sold the ten acres plus what Benj had purchased between 1797 and 1827 to James Brock for a minimum sum. It appears he was leaving and wanted to leave the land to James Brock . This James Brock may be the James Valentin Brock that died 29 Dec 1847 at almost 100 years of age. The deal was not signed until Jan 1828.

No trace of Benjamin and his wife Caty Brock has been found after this date (Jan 1828) and it’s almost certain they left North & South Carolina sometime around this time. 

If you have a Benjamin Brock in your line with a wife named Catherine please contact me.



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[1] 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224;, Household of Benjamin BROCK; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.
[2] North Carolina, Deed Book: DEED BOOK H#2,, Page 212, JOHN WRIGHT SEN. TO BENJAMIN BROCK; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[3] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "E", Page 229, BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[4] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "C2", Page 239, ; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[5] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "W", Pages 147-148, BEN BROCK to JAMES BROCK; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[6] Hinds County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Old Series,, Probate Folder #778: , Eli P. BROCK; LDS Family History Film #1749976.