General Notes

John Allred and wife, Anne Hamilton, came to Orange County, NC about 1750.  Randolph County was later formed from portions of Orange and Rowan Counties.  On March 15, 1755 he received a land grant from the Crown for a tract of land on Sandy Creek.

John was married twice.  His first wife is Unknown.  Thomas and William were possibly children of the previous marriage.

Moved to Frederick Co, VA by 1745; Camden Dist, SC by 1749.  ???
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John’s Will

(transcribed as written)
from http://www.allredfamily.org/johnstranscribedwill.html


In the name of God, Amen. I John Allred of Randolph County and State of North Carolina being sick and weak in body though of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for it calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make ordain constitute and appoint this my last will and testament in manner following declaring this only to be my last will and testament utterly revoking and disavowing all other wills and testaments by me made and in the first place recommending my Soul to God who gave it nothing doubting but I shall receive the same again at the last day by the mighty power of God and my body to be buried in a decent Christian manner at the discretion of my Executor and my just debts and funeral charges to be paid.

Item I give and bequeath to my son John Allred the sum of forty shillings to be paid out of my estate

Item I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Allred one half of my land to wit the upper part containing one hundred and twenty five acres. I give to my son Joseph one cow

Item I give and bequeath to my son Jonathan Allred the other half of my land including the dwelling home.

Item I give to my said son Jonathan one cow

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Horner the sum of ten shillings to be raised out of my estate.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine Julian the sum of ten shillings to be raised out of my estate.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Susannah Guren the sum of ten shillings to be raised out of my estate.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Lidy one cow

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca one cow

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret one mare coult and likewise my bed and bedstead and one cow and likewise ten pounds to be raised out of my estate and my will further is that my negroe man and my horses and the remainder of my cattle exclusive of what is mentioned in the will shall be sold and the money summing there from to be equally divided amongst the following children to wit Joseph Allred, Jonothan Allred, Barbara York, Sarah Allred, Mary Allred, Liddy Allred, Rebecca Allred and Margaret Allred and further I do constitute and appoint Renny Julien and Isaac Julien Executors to this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal the fifteenth day of September 1792.

Signed and Sealed and pronounced his

in the presence of John Allred (Seal)

Isaac Odell mark

John Duncan

Enoch Davis

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State of North Carolina

Randolph County

December Term 1792

It having been certified to the Court that John Allred is dead and hath made his last will and testament in writing a copy of which is hereunto annexed - Renny Julian and Isaac Julian - Executors in said will named qualified accordingly. These are therefore authorized and impower the said Executors to act as such observing the directions of the act of assembly in that case made and provided. Given at the Clerks offices in Randolph the second Monday of December Anno Domi 1792 in the 7 year of our Independence.

I Harper CC
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Land Records:

John received his first land grant March 15, 1755.  Unfortunately, the original paper work for this land grant is in such horrible shape that it is only available for viewing via microfilm now.  As you can see, it's very hard to read.  However, we do have the following description of this original land grant taken from the book Orange County Records, Volume I, Granville Proprietary Land Office, Abstracts of Loose Papers edited by William D. Bennett.  This book is on file in the Genealogy Room of the NC State Archives.  On page 12, you'll find: 

Allrid, John        Warrent        15 March 1755

640 acres on east side Deep River, on mouth of Mount Pleasant Run of Sandy Run; includes his and Thomas Alldrid's improvements; heretofore entered by John McDaniel.

Entered 15 March 1755

Surveyed 2 May 1755

Deed 15 March 1756

Another description of the same land comes from the book (page 50) Orange County Records, Vol. V, Granville Proprietary Land Office, Deeds and Surveys, 1752-1760 edited by William D. Bennett, C. G. also on file in the Genealogy Room, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC:

148.  15 March 1756, John Alred, planter, ten shillings, on both sides Mount Pleasant Creek, begin at a black oak, N crossing the creek 65 ch. to a black oak, E crossing the creek 80 ch. to a white oak, S 65 ch. to a white oak, W 80 ch. to first station, 520 acres, twenty shillings ten pence rent per year, surveyed 2 May 1755, Thos. Allred and Herman Husbands, SCC (SSLG 83-C) (Ed. note: see also N. C. Patent Book 14:332)

We also have this plat map which was attached to the original land grant.

Using this information we have been able to pin-point exactly where John's land was located.  Using today's map of North Carolina, locate Asheboro (Randolph County) in the center of the state.  Follow HWY 64 East from Asheboro to Ramseur.  Go north on HWY 22 about 1 1/2 miles, turn right on Patterson Grove Church Road.  Go 3 miles, turn left on Academy Road (at the church).  Go 1/2 mile and you'll find a bridge which crosses Sandy Creek.  Get out and walk 1/2 way across the bridge looking to your north.  About 50 yards north of the bridge you'll see the "mouth" of Mt. Pleasant Creek as it branches away from Sandy Creek.  Per the descriptions in the land grants, this is where John was living in 1755.  John's younger brother, Thomas, was living with him at that time.  To our knowledge, John remained on this land and is most likely buried on it somewhere.  His grave has not been found. 

From http://www.allredfamily.org/johnslandrecords.htm

In May 1740, CLEMENT ARLEDGE obtained an attachment against the Estate of JOHN ARLEDGE for nine hundred pounds of tobacco.

On 15 March 1755 is recorded a "Grant from Earl Granville to JOHN ALDRED of Orange Co., N.C., of 640 acres. Entry 154. No. 01128.

On 15 March 1756 there was a "Grant to JOHN ALDRED or ALRED of 520 acres on both sides of Mt. Pleasant Creek.  Grant No31 File No 325 Orange Co Grant Book ? (14:332)

At the period of the insurrection of the Regulators and it's tragic aftermath John Aldred or Alred must have been in full sympathy with those who opposed official tyranny. There is preserved one Petition from a group of his neighbors, and he on behalf of Thomas Welborn, who appears to have come under investigation for his part in the struggle. Among those signing this testimonial were these: SEMORE YORK, JEREMIAH YORK, Tidence Lane, John Lance, JOHN ALREAD, Shubal Stearnes. (Colonial records of North Carolina (25-26)

Randolph County was formed from Orange County and Rowan County, (Guilford Co. from Orange and Rowan, 1771; Randolph Co. From Guilford, 1779), and this included the Sandy Creek Settlement. It is probable that JOHN died before 1779, but the date of his death is uncertain.

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The Rape of Lydia Allred

A Research Report

By: Linda Allred Cooper

Whenever we think of the "good ole days" we tend to forget that some of the horrors we associate with today’s world sometimes happened back then too. The story of Lydia Allred is one such case.

Lydia was born in Orange County, North Carolina in 1770. She was one of the younger children of John Allred who settled in North Carolina in the 1750’s. Lydia was raised on the family farm located near today’s Patterson Grove community just north of Franklinville, NC. In 1779 this same land became part of the newly formed Randolph County.

Most of the time Lydia’s neighbors were law abiding. Court documents from that time period show that there were occasional visits to court to complain about a missing cow or hog and a few accusations of theft of farm equipment, but, for the most part, life was peaceful. One important exception to that rule was the Lewis family.

John and Priscilla Lewis raised a large family on their land located just north of today’s Franklinville. This family, especially the boys and men, were well known as mean, tough, belligerent bullies. They made their own rules, followed no laws but their own and beat or killed anyone who made them mad. One account taken from the book "The Randolph Story" on file in the Randolph Room, Asheboro Public Library states:

The Lewises were tall, broad, muscular and very powerful men. The family were the lions of the country. Their character was eminently pugnacious. Nearly all of them drank to intoxication; aware of power, they insulted whom they listed; they sought occasions of quarrel as a Yankee does gold in California. They rode through plantations; killed their neighbor’s cattle; took fish from other men’s traps; said what they pleased; all more for contention than gain. Though the opposed had power, they were afraid to prosecute them, they knew these human hydras had no mercy; they dreaded their retaliating vengeance. Anything, man or beast, that crossed their path periled it’s life. The neither sheltered themselves under the strong arm of the law nor permitted others to do so, they neither gave nor asked mercy. Their pledge was sure as anything human could be. If they threatened death or torture, those threatened always thought it prudent to retire to the very uttermost part of the earth.

Stephen Lewis, the fifth child of John and Priscilla, was born June 4, 1757. (1) Per Lewis family documents, he fought and bullied his way into adulthood. In the 1770’s he began appearing in court, charged with a variety of theft, assaults and battery. More times, than not, the court found him not-guilty, no doubt fearing retaliation from him or his family. On the few occasions he was found guilty, he was usually fined some small amount which was never collected.

This pattern continued on into the mid 1780’s. Between March and October 1786, Stephen and his brother, John, had been in court 11 different times (2) answering a variety of charges. One of those charges was brought by Lydia’s father, John, who accused John Lewis of assault in June 1786. (3) John Lewis was found innocent and John Allred became the target of some vicious retaliation.

The Allred family found themselves confronted by the Lewis family over the next few months. Farm equipment disappeared. Farm animals were slaughtered. When the family members went to visit neighbors, they were followed and taunted. Finally, on a sunny afternoon in October, it all came "to a head".

October 30th no doubt began as a normal day on the farm. Chores were performed, meals were cooked and served by the women while the men worked in the fields. The colorful fall leaves were falling and the weather had a slight "nip in the air". When her chores were finished, Lydia decided to walk the well worn wagon path to her sister and brother-in-law’s home, Barbara and William York. Barbara was 17, only one year older than Lydia and a newly wed. The sisters were close and no doubt missing each other’s daily company. A visit would be welcome.

The court document filed November 6, 1786 tells the story in chilling detail. Lydia was walking along the path when Stephen Lewis rode up on his horse. He, no doubt, recognized her as one of John Allred’s daughters. Lewis got off of his horse and grabbed Lydia, pulling her to him roughly and forcing her onto his lap as he sat down on a log. Holding her tightly, he asked her to have "carnal knowledge" with him. She refused, telling him she would rather die and tried to fight her way free of his clutches. Angered, he forced his hand under her skirt and "placed his hand on her privates and forced his fingers into her body". She fought valiantly, but he was bigger and stronger than the frightened 16 year old girl. He pushed her to the ground and violently beat and raped her.

When finished, Lewis left Lydia lying on the path and rode off. She pulled herself together and somehow managed to get to her sister’s home. As you can imagine, the family reacted in horror and demanded justice. On November 6, Lydia’s father, brothers and brother-in-laws came to court to file charges (4) against Stephen Lewis.

Unfortunately, as in the past, the court continued to be reluctant to indict or convict anyone in the Lewis family of anything - even something as horrible as rape. Court records show that although the Allred family presented overwhelming evidence and Lydia herself was forced to testify in detail about the rape, little was done to Stephen Lewis. Finally, in December, the court agrees to indict Lewis (5 & 6) and hold a trial. However, the intimidated jurors and court officials, fearing reprisals from the Lewis family, vote to post-pone the trial until Spring 1787. They were probably hoping that, with the new court session, they would not be chosen as jurors and would escape the Lewis family wrath.

On February 1, 1787, Stephen Lewis was back in court (7) accused of threatening the life of Lydia’s father, John. He had already beat John, breaking his nose, and continued to harass the family every chance he got. John asked the court for protection. It wasn’t awarded until another week passed. In response, Stephen and his family increased their campaign of harassment and terror.

Finally, in March 1787, the court imposes a 100 pound bond on Lewis (8) to guarantee his appearance in court for trial.  But, the trial is post-poned once again as the Lewis family’s threats scare the jurors. By June, Lydia’s father had reached his limit and begins fighting back. However, he accomplishes nothing except getting himself arrested (9) for "profane swearing in public". The humiliation must have been unbearable as John is arrested for "swearing" while his daughter’s rapist still roamed free. While in court facing the original "swearing" charge, John loses his temper again and swears at the court officials. Again he is charged and fined.

The rape trial is post-poned again and again as the jurors and court officials were harassed by the Lewis family. Court documents also show that the Lewis brothers were in court many times (10) over the next 4 years as they continued to wreak havoc in Randolph County. But, as we’ve all heard, "you reap what you sow" and eventually everyone pays for the evil they do.

When Stephen raped Lydia, he was married. Lewis family records show that he beat his wife on a regular basis, treating her no better than he did his neighbors. Finally, in 1791, Stephen’s brother, Richard, helped Stephen’s wife escape and hid her outside of the county at the home of a friend. Richard was no better than Stephen, so this unusual act of kindness was rare. Stephen and Richard argued violently about the beatings, and finally Richard agreed to return Stephen’s wife if he would promise to quit beating her. Stephen refused. Eventually he found his wife and dragged her back home, beating her severally. Stephen then went to his brother’s home intending to kill him. Richard, seeing Stephen approach, grabbed his shot gun and ran upstairs. As Stephen climbed the stairs looking for Richard, Richard shot and wounded him. The family gathered around and soon Stephen was sent back home patched up, but very angry.

As Stephen laid at home recovering from the gun-shot wound, he swore to everyone in hearing distance that he would kill his brother as soon as he was healed. Richard, knowing Stephen fully intended to carry out this threat, finally decided to end the feud once and for all. He rode to Stephen’s house, crept quietly to the back of the house where he knew Stephen was recovering. As he looked through a crack in the wall, he could see Stephen sitting up in bed having his wound dressed. Richard stuck the barrel of the gun through the crack in the wall and shot his brother through the heart, killing him instantly.

Lydia, in the meantime, never recovered emotionally from the rape. She became a recluse, painfully shy, never wanting to go out in public or leave the confines of home. Her father, John, died in 1792 knowing that his daughter’s rapist had finally paid for his crimes. After John died, Lydia moved in with her sister, Barbara, and her family where she lived until her death.
from http://www.allredfamily.org/lydiareport.htm 
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Other Sources:
Historical Southern Families, Vol X, Allred (Aldridge) of North Carolina, Page 82.
1755 Tax List for Orange Co, NC