Garrett Van Swearingen

Other Events:

• AFN: 25M2-4B

Notes:

Garrett Van Swearingen, son of Dutch noble family was appointed to the post of "super cargo" for the ship "Prince Maurice" which was ready to sail for America from Texel, Holand on 25 December 1656. The ship "Prince Maurice" was stranded near the coast of Long Island on 8 March 1657. Shortly after the incident, Garrett Van Swearingen had to charter the ship "Beaver" at New Amsterdam (now New York) for the voyage to Fort Casimir and surrounding area. On 25 April 1657, Garrett Van Swearingen and the Dutch colonists took Fort Casimir and surrounding area from the Swedes. As one of the founders, Fort Casimir was renamed as New Amstel (now New Castle, Delaware).

Garrett Van Swearingen wrote the following letter:

"New Amstel, December 8, 1659

"NOBLE, WORSHIPFUL, WISE, RIGH, PRUDENT SIR: --

"With due respect and reverence, have I hereby taken the liberty to greet you, though bound in duty of gratitude, to devote to you all the days of my life. ...I cannot neglect, hereby to communicate my promotion. About a year and a half, after my departure from Patria (my native country), with your Honor's favorable recommendation, I have been appointed Sheriff here subject to the approbation of the Honorables the Principals. Previously, I have taken care of the store as clerk; and after J. Rynevelt's death, as Commissary, from which I have not requested to be discharged, as I have, though unworthy, been recently made Second Councilor, with Sir Alexander Hinojossa, First Councilor, and Captain of the military here, who intends to go over in the Spring, to represent this miserable place.

"If things become worse, I, individually, am ruined, for I have received here, some goods from my brothers, all of which I have laid out in a house, horses and mules, which cost me full, four to six thousand guilders, Holland currency.

"Besides that, I am also married. ...

"Herewith I commend your Honor to the mercy and protection of the Most High God, and remain.

"Your obedient, humble servant,
"G. Van Sweringen"

On 20 August 1660, Garrett Van Swearingen and his family were granted permission to visit Holland.

On 27 August 1661, the City of Amsterdam in Holland was determined to continue the colony at New Amstel in America. Garrett Van Swearingen was again appointed as the councilor.

Also in a letter to Peter Stuyvestant, Director-General of the New Neatherlands from William Beekman, Garret Van Swearingen was called "The Honorable President, Van Swearingen."

In 1664, Colonel Nicols of England, sent by His Majesty, Charles II, and his duputy Sir Robert Carr were to take over the Dutch colony at New Amstel. Garrett Van Swearingen made a deposition in 1684 regarding the conquest of the Dutch possessions at New Amstel by English...

"In the year 1664, arrived Col. Nicholas, sent out by his Majesty, King Charles II, whereupon the Fort and country were brought under submission by Sir Robert Carr, and duputied with two ships, for that intent. Sir Robert Carr did often protest to me, that he did not come as an enemy, but as a friend; demanding, only in friendship, what was the King's own, in that country. There was taken from the City and the inhabitants thereabout, to the value, so near as I can now remember, of four thousand pound sterling, likewise arms, powder and shot in great quantity. Four and twenty guns were, the greatest part, transported to New York.

"The Dutch soldiers were taken prisoners, and given to the merchantmen that were there, in recompense of their services; and into Virginia, they were transported to be sold, as was credibly reported by Sir Robert Carr's officers, and other persons there living in the town.

"All sorts of tools for handicraftsman, and all plough gear, and other things to cultivate the ground, which were in great quantity; besides the estate of Governor Debouissa and myself; except some household stuff and a negro I got
away; and some other movables, Sir Robert Carr did permit me to sell.

"Colonel Nicholas, understanding what Sir Robert Carr had got at Delaware, took all again from the said Sir Robert Carr, when the said Colonel came there again in person, as I was informed, when I was upon my way to Maryland."

Swearingen family tradition says that when the Dutch colony at New Amstel surrendered to the English Crown, Garrett Van publicly broke hs sword across his knees, and, throwing it to the left and right, renounced his allegiance.

Shortly after the English's takeover of Dutch colony at New Amstel, Garrett Van Swearingen and his family migrated to St. Mary's City, St. Mary's County, the province of Maryland.

On 13 April 1669, a bill was passed by the General Assembly of the province of Maryland for the "Free Denization and Naturalization of Garrett Van Swearingen and others," upon the following petition. The petition was transcribed as follows:

"To the Right, Honorable, the Lord Proprietory of the Province of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore.

"The Petition of Garrett Van Swearingen, Elizabeth de Barrette, wife of the said Garrett, Elizabeth and Zacharias Van Swearingen, children of the said Garrett and Barbara ... all residents and inhabitanst of this Province, humbly
soweth into your Lordship:

"The Petition of Garrett Van Swearingen, was born in Reenstwerdam, Holland, under the dominion of the States General of the United Provinces: Barbara De Barrette, his wife, in Valenciennes, in the Low Countries, belonging to the King of Spain: Elizabeth Van Swearingen and Zacharias Van Swearingen their children in New Amstel, on Delaware Bay, then under the government of the said States General: ... and your Petitioners being now removed into this Province --- being invited to come and dwell in this Province upon confidence of your Lordship's Declaration of July 2, 1649, whereby you did empower your Governor to grant lands to any persons of French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish, or other foreign descent, in as ample manner, and upon the same term, as to any persons
of British or Irish descent.

"And during their abode in this Province your Petitioners have been faithful and obedient to your Lordship's Law; yet for that your Petitioners are not of British or Irish descent they cannot take benefit of the laws and customs of this Province, as the good people of British and Irish descent.

"May it please your Lordship, out of your abundant goodness and care, that your Petitioners shall henceforth be adjudged, as natural born people of this Province of Maryland, or as if they were of British or Irish descent as aforesaid, and that they shall be enabled to prosecute and defend all manner of actions and other demands, as liberally and frankly as if they have been naturally born within this Province of Maryland or were of British or Irish descent, any Laws or customs of this Province to the contrary notwithstanding.

"And your Petitioners shall as in duty bound pray & c."

During the period of 1680 and 1692, the Upper House of the General Assembly of the Province of Maryland held their meeting at Garrett Van Swearingen's house in St. Mary's City, St. Mary County, Maryland.

On 12 May 1684, Garrett Van Swearingen "Of the City of St. Mary's, Gentleman, aged eight and forty years, or thereabouts," made the deposition regarding the settlement of Delaware Bay and River by the Dutch and Swedes people.

On 4 May 1686, Garrett Van Swearingen was made Sheriff of St. Mary's County, Maryland. Again on 12 May 1687, he was made sheriff for said county for another year.

In 1688 Garrett Van Swearingen was appointed as Alderman for the city of St. Mary's, St. Mary's County, Maryland.

Garrett Van Swearingen left a will which was written on 25 October 1698 and probated on 4 February 1698. He mentioned:

1) "To two sons, viz - Joseph and Charles, equally, and heirs, dwelling house; also the Council Room and Coffee House and lands thereunto belonging:
2) "In event of death of both sons aforesaid without issue, said estate to pass to daughters (unnamed) by present wife"
3) "Wife (unnamed) to have estate during widowhood, and she is not to be disturbed by children (unnamed) or sons-in-law (unnamed)"
4) "To daughters aforesaid personalty; son Joseph appointed guardian of said daughters (unnamed)"
5) "To priest of Romand Catholic Church, personalty"
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 203-206.

http://www.stmaryscity.org/history/bio%20Garrett%20Van%20Sweringen.html

Garrett married Barbara De Barrette Jan 1659, New Castle, New Castle, Delaware. Barbara (daughter of Isaac De Barrette and {Unknown}) was born Abt 1640, Valenciennes, Nord, France; died Abt 1670, St. Mary's City, St. Mary, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Garrett married Mary Smith 5 Sep 1676, St.Marys, Maryland. Mary was born 1645/1650; died Bef 5 Sep 1713, , St. Mary, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 4358-S3

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Elizabeth — John Evans. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 3Z9D-QG

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Zacharias married Martha Divine 1677, St. Marys, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 3Z9D-RM

Notes:

Thomas Swearingen anglicized his family name by dropping the "Van" and adding an "a" to it. He lived with his wife Jane in Prince George's County, Maryland during their married life.

Thomas Swearingen left a will which was written on 29 July 1708 and probated on 9 March 1711. He mentioned:

1) "To eldest son Thomas and heirs, plantation, 100 acres, _______, where he now lives"
2) "To son Van and heirs, 100 acres, _______, residue of said tract"
3) "To son Samuel and heirs, dwelling plantation and land at decease of his mother"
4) "In event of death of either son Samuel or Van aforesaid, deceased's portion to pass to their youngest brother John; otherwise he to have personalty at majority"
5) "To wife Jane, executrix, all personal estate"
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 208.
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen, 1894, p 5.

Thomas married Jane Doyne Mar 1687, , Somerset, Maryland. Jane (daughter of Joshua Doyne and Jane Sanders) was born 1660, , Somerset, Maryland; died 1 Jun 1716, , Prince George, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Thomas — Jane Swearingen. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: PGMN-FM

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Anne — William Bladen. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Joseph — Mary Neale. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Eleanor — Carroll. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 206.

Other Events:

• AFN: JCXZ-GL

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 208.

Jane married Richard Jones 1696. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 25M2-6N

Notes:

About 1734, Thomas Swearingen settled near he present site of Shepherdstown,
West Virginia, on the Potomac river, where he passed the remainder of his days,
having accumulated considerable land, which remained in the possesion of his
descendants for more than a centry.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 208.
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen,
1894, p 5.

Thomas married Lydia Riley 1712, Queen Anne'S Par, Prince George'S, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 3Z9D-1T

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 208.

Van married Elizabeth Walker 14 Feb 1715, , Prince George'S, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 3Z9D-21

Notes:

Samuel Swearingen lived with his parents until his marriage. After his mother's death in 1727, Samuel Swearingen and his family migrated to Bertie County, North Carolina from Prince George's County, Maryland.

On 11 May 1728, Samuel Swearingen bought 338 acres of land from Joseph Lane and his wife Patience for 40 Pounds. This land was located "on south side of Morattuck River and south side of Connoconnaro Swamp at side of String Meadow at Reedy Pocoson and 'Goodson Corner'."

On 20 February 1733, Samuel Swearingen and Elizabeth his wife sold 338 acres of land to Joseph Lane Junior for 40 Pounds of "good silver or gold". This was the land bought from Joseph Lane and his wife Patience in 1728.

On 21 February 1737, Samuel Swearingen sold 200 acres of land to John Stevens for 40 Pounds. This land was located on "the north side of Tar River which said land he the said Swearingen formerly sold to Arthur Crafford, joining Mr. Richard Cheek and the River,"

On 1 March 1739, Samuel Swearingen received a patent for 640 acres of land in Edgecombe County, North Carolina from the province of North Carolina.

On 16 November 1741, Samuel Swearingen Sr. deeded 200 acres of land to Samuel Swearingen "for the love and affection I bear my son". This land was located near John Stevens' Landing, joining a marsh and a slash part of 640 acres whereon I now lives."

On 15 February 1742, Samuel Swearingen Sr. sold 40 acres of land to Francis Bettis for 4 Pounds. This land was located above John Stevens' Landing, part of the tract the said Swearingen now lives on and was a patent to him for 640 acres.

On 23 June 1754, Samuel Swearingen Sr. deeded 100 acres of land to Thomas Swearingen "for love, goodwill, affection I Bear my sone". This land was located near a small run, my mill pond and a path.

On 15 August 1756, Samuel Swearingen Sr. bought 50 acres of land from David Averitt for 2 Pounds 10 Shillings Virginia Currency. This land was located on the south side of Tar River, joining the said Swearingen, Jumping run, and Samuel Swearingen the eldest son of the said Samuel Swearingen Sr.

On 21 January 1761, Samuel Swearingen Sr. sold 125 acres of land to John Wombwell for 4 Pounds 17 Shillings 6 Pence. This land was located near MatthewCook and William Allen's patent line, it being part of a tract of 640 acres granted to said Swearingen in 1738.

On 8 February 1764, Samuel Swearingen Sr. sold 40 acres of land to James Cravey for 40 Pounds ... "him hereunto moving, more especially on ye sincere request and desire of Mr. Charles Evans and Mr. William Randall for and in behalf of Francis Bettis and Alexander Randall Senr., persons herein concerned." This land adjoined the lands of Samuel Swearingen Sr., Samuel Swearingen Junr., and the 'now' dwelling plantation of said Cravey.

Circa 1765/66, Samuel Swearingen and his wife joined their children in migration to Anson County, North Carolina. They settled in the area of Little River, a part of Great Peedee River in Anson County, North Carolina.

On 24 October 1767, Samuel Swearingen "the elder" of Anson County, North Carolina bought 250 acres of land from Van Swearingen of Anson County, North Carolina for 30 Pounds. This land was located on the south side of Tar River and on the south bank of Autry's Creek at or near Josiah Swearingen's land.

On 14 April 1772, the Inferior Court of Anson County, North Carolina ordered Samuel Swearingen Senior "poor, inform and aged" to be exempted from payment of public taxes and doing public duty.

On 25 November 1782, Samuel Swearingen Senior was listed as "invalid - 150 acres of land" in Montgomery County, North Carolina.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 209-210.
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen, 1894, p 29.

Samuel married Elizabeth Farmer 14 Feb 1715. Elizabeth was born Abt 1695, , Maryland; died , Anson, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 25LV-87

Notes:

Married at Queen'S Parish, Prince George Co., Maryland.

John Swearingen emigrated to Montgomery County and settled on Rock Creek not far from where Washington City now stands.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 208.
Married at Queen'S Parish, Prince George Co., Maryland
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen,
1894, p 39.

John married Mary Ray 9 Feb 1715, Queen'S Parish, Prince George Co, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Lurannah — Edward Teague. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

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Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 210.

— Francis Bettis. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Samuel Swearingen Junior came with his parents as a small lad to Bertie County,
North Carolina in 1727.

On 16 November 1741, Samuel Swearingen Jr. received a deed of gift from his
father Samuel Swearingen Sr. This deed of gift contained 200 acres of land
which was located near John Stevens' Landing, joining a marsh and was a slash
part of his father's 640 acres.

On 3 November 1761, Samuel Swearingen Jr. received a patent for 617 acres of
land in Edgecombe County, North Carolina from Lord Granville. This land was
located on "Autrey's Creek at the mouth of John's Branch adjoining William
Woten and Benjamin Evans."

On 21 June 1762, Samuel Swearingen Jr. sold 308 acres of land to John Corbit
for 10 Pounds. This land was located on Autry's Creek and John's Brach
adjoining said Swearingen, it being a part of the said Swearingen's survey of
617 acres.

On 21 June 1762, Samuel Swearingen Jr. deeded 100 acres of land to his
son-in-law Samuel Williams "for love and affection." This land was located on
the north bank of Autry's Creek adjoining said Swearingen, it being a part of
the said Swearingen's survey of 617 acres.

On 7 January 1765, Samuel Swearingen Jr. deeded 50 acres of land to his
son-in-law Solomon Williams "for the kind love". This land was located on the
Autry's Creek, Hurley's Branch and the Causeway Branch adjoining said
Swearingen.

On 22 October, Samuel Swearingen Jr. sold 159 acres of land to Thomas Wallis of
Pitt County, North Carolina for 55 Pounds. This land was located on the
Autry's Creek at the mouth of Hurley's Branch adjoining John Corbutt and Samuel
Williams, it being part of a deed he purchased from Lord Granville bearing date
3 November 1761.

Circa 1765/66, Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his family migrated to Anson County,
North Carolina from Edgecombe County, North Carolina. They settled in the area
of Little River, a part of Great Peedee River in Anson County, North Carolina.

Circa 1768, Samuel Swearingen Jr. along with his two brothers, Thomas and Van
Swearingen were members of the "Regulators" in Anson County, North Carolina.
The people in Anson County, North Carolina suffered from excessive taxes,
dishonest officials and exorbitant fees. The "Regulators" sought vainly to
obtain reforms. Then they refused to pay taxes until they were sure that the
money would be spent properly, public officials punished and interference with
the county courts stopped. This was an open revolt between the people and the
British Crown - perhaps the first real revolution in America started in North
Carolina.

Before 18 July 1772, Samuel Swearingen Jr. bought 200 acres of land from William
Mears. This land was located on the west side of Little River of Great Peedee
River in Anson County, North Carolina.

On 15 January 1771, Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his wife Mary sold 100 acres of
land to John Smith, Sandhill for 100 Pounds. This land was located on the east
side of Little River of Great Peedee River in Anson County, North Carolina.

On 18 July 1772, Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his wife Mary sold 100 acres of land
to David Smith. This land was located on the west side of Little River of
Great Peedee in Anson County, North Carolina.

Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his wife Mary were living in Montgomery County, North
Carolina. He was mentioned several times in the land entries for said county.

Prior to 1790, Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his wife Mary migrated to Burke
County, North Carolina. They were listed in 1790 Federal Census of Burke
County, North Carolina... just one white male over 16 years of age and one
white female-all ages.

Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his wife Mary were listed in the 1800 Federal Census
of Lincoln County, North Carolina. Both are in age bracket, over 45 years of
ages, in the household.

Samuel Swearingen Jr. and his second wife Eleanor were listed in the 1810
Federal Census of Haywood County, North Carolina. There were one white female
born 1800/10; one white male and one white female born before 1765 in the
household.

Samuel Swearingen Jr. left a will which was written on 27 June 1805 and
probated January 1819. It is transcribed from the original hand-written will
--- now in the custody of North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North
Carolina.

"North Carolina)
Lincoln County) "In the name of god amen I Samuel Sweringen Sr being in
perfect Sound memory thanks be to god therefore I do make ordain and Constitute
this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz.

"first I bequeath my Soul into the hands of god almighty hoping to be saved by
the merrits of Jesus Christ is for Body to be Buried in a Christian Burial at
the Description of my Executors hereafter named after my Just debts paid

"Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth two Shillings

"Item I give to my Daughter Mary two Shillings

"Item I give to my Daughter Nancy two Shillings

"Item I give to my Son Samuel two Shillings

"Item I give to my Son John two Shillings

"Item I give to my Son Van two Shillings

"Item I give to my two Daughters Sarah and Patsy two Shillings piece

"Item I give to my Son Cheek two Shillings

"Item I give to my Daughter Anson two Shillings

"Item I likewise give to my beloved wife Elioner all the Remainder of my Estate
both goods and Chatels intail forever

"I likewise construe and ordain my beloved wife Ellioner my whole and Sole
Executor of this my Last Will

"In witness my hand and Seal this twenty seventh of June 1805"

"Test
William Whitworth Junr "Samuel Swaringen Senr (Seal)"
Her
Mary X Whitworth
Mark
Thomas Graham
Nancy Graham"

"State of North Carolina)
Lincoln County ) "January Sessions 1819
"The written Will was proven in Open court by the Oath of William Whitworth as
Subscribing Witnesses thereto & admitted to record
"Witness V. McBee, CC"

H. H. Swearingen lists children as:
Eli,
Van,
John,
Bowling,
Henry,
Frederick,
Thomas,
Richard Cheek.

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 212-214.
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen,
1894, p 29.

Samuel married Mary Bolling Abt 1743, , Edgecombe, North Carolina. Mary was born Abt 1722, North Carolina; died Bef 20 May 1805, Lincoln County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]

Samuel married Eleanor Hunt 20 May 1805, , Lincoln, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 210.

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 210.

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 210.

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 211.

Van — Martha Parmenter. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 211.

Josiah — Mary S. Parmenter. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Lived in Montgomery County. Children numbered upwards of twenty from two wives.
----------
Reference:
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen, 1894, p 39.

Thomas — . Unknown [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, Samuel Swearingen settled in
what is now Hanover Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. His home was a
stopping place for the Indian scouts. The farm that he settled on still
belonged to his descendants in 1894.
----------
Reference:
"Family Register of Garret van Sweringen and Descendants", H. H. Swearingen,
1894, p 39.

Samuel — Catherine Condell. [Group Sheet]