General Notes

Was Jeffery really the son of Sarah & Edward?  Sarah supposedly died in 1716...Or is his birthdate incorrect?

Notes for JEOFFREY BECK:
It is uncertain whether Jeffrey and Lydia Beck were Quakers. They certainly lived in Quaker communities and followed their migration patterns. Edward Beck's first wife Sarah Buckman certainly was a Quaker. Jeffrey's sisters married Quakers.
Born Phila. PA
Jeoffrey married Lydia Phillips in 1743 in Philadelphia in the First Presbyterian Church, which was known as the Buttonwood church, located between Second and Third Streets on South Side of High street. The young couple spent their early years in Bucks County, PA. Their first four children were born there. They moved to Augusta Co., Virginia and then in 1753 moved to Randolph County, NC. Lydia died in Randolph County in 1755. Jeffrey then married Susannah Gibbs. Susannah and Jeffrey had four children. One source shows Jeffrey and Susannah's children's birth place as Orange Co., PA. I think it is Orange Co., NC. Jeffrey died in North Carolina in 1779.

"The Quaker founders of Pennsylvania and New Jersey came from every part of England, but one English region stood out from the rest. The Friends' migration drew heavily from the North Midlands. The same pattern appeared among immigrants who settled in Bucks County before 1687. Two-thirds came from the counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Notthinghamshire. The rest were mainly from the area of London and Bristol."

"On the banks of the Delaware River, Quakers generally distributed themselves in settlements according to their origin in Britain. Country Quakers from Cheshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire settled mainly in Chester and Bucks counties. The rich uplands in these two counties were a reminder of the dales of northern England. London Quakers preferred the city and county of Philadelphia."

"The Quaker way changed over the years. Historians of Quakerism identify four stages the religious order went through. The first was the founding of the sect (ca. 1646-66) when Quakerism tended to be radical, evangelical and messianic. The second stage (ca. 1666-1750) was the flowering period, when the Society of Friends became increasingly institutional, rational, progressive, optimistic, enlightened, liberal and actively involved in the world without losing its godly purposes. The third stage (ca. 1750-1827) was an era when Quakers turned inward upon themselves and grew increasingly sectarian, exclusive, and perfectionist."

"Of these four stages, the most important for American history was the second (ca. 1666-1750), when the cultural institutions of the Delaware Valley were created. During this period, many Quakers kept slaves and there was no formal Quaker policy against bearing arms. It was the third period of Quakerism in which the Quakers became pacifists and opposed slavery as a matter of religious conviction."

"The rule against outmarriage was strictly enforced by Quakers in America. For nearly two centuries, half of all the disciplinary proceedings among Pennsylvania Quakers were about problems of courtship and marriage with "unbelievers". The rule against outmarriage was grounded not so much as a way of excluding other people, but in the Quaker belief that marriages should be founded in true Christian love, which they thought could only be accomplished between believers."
source--British Origins of the Quakers to the Delaware Valley by William Dollarhide in the Genealogy Bulletin Issue #32

In 1748 Jeffrey sold his half of the land (81 acres) he and his brother, Edward, Jr. and inherited. Jeffrey was listed on the deed as living in Solebury Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In addition to being listed on this deed along with his brother, sisters and their spouses, he signed as a witness." It is probable that Jeffrey and Edward, Jr. were both trying to support families and their mother on this 162 acres of land. Since Jeffrey and Lydia were still in Solebury until at least 1748, it would seem that the first two children, George and Sarah, were born in Bucks County. It is not known where the next two children, Dianna and John, were born. This sale of property is the beginning of the migration of Jeffrey and his family to North Carolina. Edward, Jr. was listed on a poor tax list which was levied on the inhabitants of Solebury Township in 1751 but Jeffrey is not listed.(12) In 1755 Edward, Jr. sold the rest of the land but Jeffrey's name does not appear on the deed. By that time Jeffrey was located in Orange County, North Carolina, after having made a short stop in Augusta County, Virginia.

The settlement of Augusta County was encouraged by William Gooch, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Virginia, to "remove the frontier of civilization further from Williamsburg, and to place a hardy and enterprising race of people between the capital and the savage Indians." There were Indian disturbances in the county and it must have been a dangerous place to live compared to the established area of Pennsylvania where Jeffrey and Lydia had lived. This might have been the determining factor in Jeffrey and Lydia only staying here for sixteen months. During this time their son Jeffrey Beck, Jr. was born. In June of 1753 they sold the 400 acres of land on Mill Creek. They were on the move again and they probably traveled South along the Great Valley Road for part of their journey. The Yadkin River Road crossed the Great Valley Road in Southern Virginia. They probably took the Yadkin River Road which went to Orange County, North Carolina.

The first record found for Jeffrey in Orange County, NC, was when he witnessed a land grant application for Jacob Evans on April 26, 1754. This 230 acres of land was located in the Parish of St. Matthew on the South West side of Deep River. The river was the North and East boundary for the 230 acres. Deep River is the South Fork and the Haw River is the North Fork which feeds into the Cape Fear River. They both run through the Randolph County area of Orange County before the division. Jeffrey purchased this land from Jacob Evans on August 14, 1759. This location on Deep River became important as there was a ford to cross the river here and it was used by the Tories during the Revolutionary War. Because it was located on Jeffrey's land it became know as Beck's Ford.

Land transactions of Jeoffrey:

VIRGINIA
Beck,Jefry (1) 1752 Augusta Co., VA Land
1752 He bought Land in Augusta County, Virginia on 13 Feb 1752. He bought 400 acres on MILL Creek adjoining Charles Dotson for 5 pounds current Lawful money of Virginia from Jackson ALLen. It states he was from Augusta County, Va. at that time. Deed Book 4, page 357, Augutsa County Court, Staunton, Virginia.
Beck, Jeofry (1)1753Augusta Co., VA Land
1753 Jeffery Beck and Lydia Beck sold 400 acres on Mill Creek, Augusta Co., Virginia on 21 Jun 1753 to Michael SketLishner?? for 10 pounds current Lawful money of Virginia. Deed Book 5, page 345 Augusta County Court, Staunton,
Virginia.
Jeffrey Beck Sr.

In 1753 Jeffery and Lydia Beck sold a "certain tract of land" in Augusta Co.,
Virginia on 22 Jun 1753 to Michael Skeltishner? for 105 pounds of current
Lawful money of Virginia. Deed Book 5, page 346 Augusta County Court, Staunton, Virginia.

ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

1755 Jeffery Beck Listed on 1755 tax List of Orange County, North Carolina. 1 white male, no slaves. 1755 Tax List of Orange Co., p. 107 by Johnson.

1759 Jacob Evans sells 230 acres to Jeffry Beck. Witness William Reed on August 14, 1759. Register of Orange County, North Carolina Deeds, 1752-1768, and 1793, p. 14.

1760 He witnessed a deed in August 1760 from the Granville Proprietary Land office to Jacob Evans for 230 acres. This is apparently the same land which he purchased from Jacob Evans and had proved at November Term of Court 1760 Orange County, North Carolina. Source: Bennett. Also in Randolph County Register 17 Nov 1760, Book 1, p. 51. as per R. J. Wicker. This Land is located in Orange County in the Parish of St. Matthew on the South side of Deep River, joining the said river. The Granville District of North Carolina 1748-1763; abstracts of Land grants, Vol. 2, p. 269, patent book 14.

1762 The Grand Jury impanelted and Sworn to wit - Jeffery Beck(Beek). He was one of thirteen sworn on jury. Orange County, N.C. Court of Please & Quarter Sessions 1752-1766 by Shields, 53-2431, p. 68. Court of May 1761.

1763 "Road to be Laid out from Coxes MILL to CoLLinees Road and the following
Lay it out - Jeffry Beck(Beek)" one of eight men Listed. Orange County, N.C.
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 1752-1766 by Shields, 104, p. 92. Court of
Nov. 1763. Cox's MILL - used to be on Deep River east central Randolph County,
Appears on the Co[Let Map 1770. North Carolina Gazettier, p. 123.

1764 "Ordered that Jeffry Beck(Beek)(one of 19) meet and Lay out a road... from Rowen Line opposite Frazier's Road to the best and nearest road Leading to Cross Creek." Orange County, N.C. Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 1752-1766 by SheiLds, 223, p. 106. Court of Aug. 1764. Cross Creek was a colonial trading center in central Cumbertan County on Cape Fear River begun about 1760. North Carolina Gazattier, p. 123.

GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA (created 1770)

1764 Jeffery Beck home placed on historical map of Guilford Co, North Carolina.
This map stated droves of Germans settled this area. They came thru Penn. first.
Beck Research book from Coleman, p. 29.

1764 He purchased 175 acres on Brush Creek waters of Rock(y) River from Moses Nelson on 4 Jan 1764. Deed Book 1 page 348 Guilford County, North Carolina.

1767 He sold 175 acres on Brush Creek water of Rock(y) River to John Johnston on 27 July 1767. Deed Book 1, page 348 Guilford County, North Carolina (Bennett)

1768 He sold 175 Acres to John Johnton witnessed by Simon Hadley on 26 July
1768. Register of Orange County, North Carolina Deeds 1752-1768, and 1793, p.
53.

1768 Jeffery Beck Signs Regulator Petition. Colonial Records of North Carolina, p. 734.
1771 Fought in the Battle of Alamance Colonial Records of NC

Jeffery Beck Listed as Orange Co., North Carolina Regulator. The Regulators by Bennett. His fellow signers were Joseph Sitton, Joseph Craven, Peter Craven, William Moffett, and David Jackson. Two of these fellow signers were witnesses to his will and the Last two were appointed guardian to young Jesse Beck.

Jeffery Beck Listed as Guilford Co., North Carolina Regulator. There were many German names. Guilford County, North Carolina, A Map Supplement by Fred Hughes, p. 34.

WILL
Jeoffrey's will written in 1774 is in the Randolph Co., NC, archives. The will stated that he had four minor children.

Will dated July 11, 1774. Original will in North Carolina State Archives. The
will was copied into WILL Book 1, page 57. There were several mistakes made when Jeffery's name was changed to Joseph. Susan Koyle has copies of both. WILL states wife is Shusannah. He lists two minor sons Abraham and Jesse and two minor daughters Susannah and Lydia. He also mentions sons George , John and Jeffery. John was left a German body coat. There were also two married daughters listed Sarah Hobson wife of Charles Hobson and Dianna Sitton wife of Joseph Sitton. These older three sons and two daughters are assumed to have been by his first wife. His land, plantation, tools, gears, stock are left to his minor sons Abraham and Jesse Beck. Half of the stock and household furniture are given to his daughters Shusanna and Lyddy Beck. He was also concerned that Abraham and Jesse be schooled with the money on hand. It is assumed these minor four children were by his second wife Shusannah.

Spouse Lydia and daughter Sarah given in Descendants of George and Elizabeth Hobson by Earl H. Davis-1957, p. 243.

1779 Tax Lists of Randolph County, North Carolina Lists a widow Beck who refused to take the oath of allegiance to the new State of North Carolina.

1779 Dec. John Beck granted granted administrator of the estate of Jeffrey Beck deceased. Randolph County, North Carolina Court of Please & Quarter Sessions.

1780 March - WILL proved in court in Randolph Co., North Carolina. Letters
of Testamentry issued to Jesse Beck. Inventory of estate returned to court by John Beck, administrator. Randolph Co. Court of Pleas & Quarter Session 1779-1782.

1782 Sep 11 - Jeffery Beck issued Letters of Administration on the Estate of
Jeffre Beck, deceased. John McDaniel was one of the men who posted surity.
Randolph Co. Court of Pleas & Quarter Session 1779-1782.

The place Jeffery lived in North Carolina was originally in Orange County which was created in 1752. In 1770 Guilford County was divided off of Orange and
Jeffery was in Guilford County until 1778 when Randolph County was divided off of Guilford. He Lived in the same place but records for him can be found in all of these counties.


PENNSYLVANIA
1743 Married Lydia Phillips in 1743. They had George, John, Jeffery, Sarah, Dianna. Information from original will from North Carolina State Archives.

Married Susannah (Gibbs?). They had Abraham, Jesse, Lydia, and
Shusannah. Information from original will from North Carolina State Archives.

1743 Jeffery Beck & Lydia Phillips marriage 12th month 3rd day 1742/3 Listed in First Presb. Church, Phil., Penn. Marriages prior to 1810, voL. 11, p.6. Susan Koyle has copy of original marriage register from church. The Julian Calendar was being used in 1742 by England and the Colonies. The first day of the year for the Julian Calendar was March 25th. December would be the 12th month in 1742/3 so they were married Feb. 31 1743. After 1752 Jan. 1 became first day of new year. Dates written between Jan. 1 & Mar. 25 are sometimes given with double years 1742/43 depending on which calendar used.

By the time England and the colonies adopted the new calendar, the discrepancy between the calendars were eleven days. To resolve the discrepancy, the government ordered that Sept. 2, 1752 be followed by Sept. 14, 1752.

A Listing in Licenses issued by the State of Penn. Lists only Jeffrey's name and is dated 1 Feb 1742/3. He could have taken out the License on Feb lst and been married on Feb. 3rd. This License is recorded in a book entitled Licenses for "Marriages, Public Houses, Indian Traders and PedLars, Vessels Preistered, and Fines". He paid one pound for the license. Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790, p.26 1743, Feb. 1, Jeoffrey Beck, p. 277 1743, Feb. 3, Beck, Jeoffrey and Lydia Philips.

The first church build by the Presbyterians was build in 1704 on the south side of High Street between Second and Third Streets. It was surrounded by some fine sycamore trees and was called the "Buttonwood Church.,, This church was enlarged twice before 1974 when it was taken down and a new church was built. Early PhiLadeLphia; its people, Life and progress by Lippincott, p. 73-74.

1748 He witnessed a deed with his brother Edward in Bucks Co,. Penn. on 18 Sep 1748. He is Listed with his father and brother and sisters.


Susan KoyLe has found no connection to James Beck being his father except from undocumented information sent to her by Fred Beck.

Witt of father Edward Beck in Bucks Co., Penn. Lists Jeffry as son. Same brother and sisters as mentioned as Fred Beck has on family group sheet.

Other marriages:

1752 Susannah Gibbs-



Article: Virginia TideWater Genealogy , March 1996 , Volume 27 , Number 1


Jeffrey Beck, Sr.
Typical Colonial Settler

by
Susan Lewis Koyle and
Patricia Lewis Cramer


During the late 1600's and early 1700's Philadelphia was a port of entry for emigrants from many different countries. As the population increased in Pennsylvania, land became scarce and the cost increased. The population responded to this situation by settling new land and creating new communities. The migration flow was in a Southerly direction, which was sager than toward the Indians in the interior. Jeffrey Beck's movement was typical of the population shift during this time. Varied surnames can be found with his in the records of Pennsylvania as well as along the migration route to North Carolina. Examples of families who traveled the same migration route are Harlon, Phillips, Gibbs, Graven, Cox, Pugh, Hunter, White, Baker, Wilson, Linderman, McPherson, and McDaniel. Many of these families became prominent in public life. The migration routes of the 1700's were similar to our modern day highways and freeways. It was necessary for the people to move from one location to another and these migration routes provided the way. This study of Jeffrey Beck, Sr.'s life provides an example of the migration pattern that many followed.

Jeffrey Beck, Sr. was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania about 1723. He was the son of Edward Beck and Sarah ---------- . He was mentioned in his father's will in Bucks County on 1 December 1736. His brother and sisters were also mentioned in the will.'