A researcher has insinuated the name DRAYTON originiated from the O’Sheal family and passed down to other O’Sheal descendants.  This is not true.  The name Wiley DRAYTON O’Sheal was taken from John DRAYTON, a beloved and respected man. Many families in and from the state of South Carolina named their sons DRAYTON.

NO DOUBT….Sanford DRAYTON Harrison was named after Governor John DRAYTON.   Sanford Drayton Harrison was the son of Elizabeth O’Sheal Harrison and Tyree/Tyrie Harrison.  Elizabeth O’Sheal was the daughter of Jethro O’Sheal, who served in the Revolutionary War.

Naming children after famous people was certainly very common in the 19th century.  For example, my great-grandfather’s name was, Joseph Brown Chumley.  He was named after the governor of Georgia.  Joseph Brown was the governor of Georgia during the Civil War.  My great-grandfather was not born until 1872.

Sharlotte Letitia (Lettie) Hewitt Cowan and William Cowan had these children: ADELINE, Joseph, William, Clarinda, Monroe, Leander, RHODA, Sylvanus, and PATRICK.

Sharlotte Letitia (Lettie) Hewitt Cowan’s children’s names match some of the  names within the family of one Daniel O’Sheal.  This Daniel O’Sheal was NOT the son of Jethro O’Sheal, and this Daniel O’Sheal’s parents are unknown.  However, one can feel safe at saying Lettie Hewitt Cowan’s children carried some of the same names as this Daniel O’Sheal’s wife, children, and grand-children.

Daniel O’Sheal’s wife, children, and grand-children:  RHODY (Rhoda), ADELINE, and PATRICK are some names Lettie Hewitt Cowan chose for her own children.

Whether the Daniel O’Sheal mentioned in this Post was the brother of Elizabeth O’Sheal Hewitt has not actually been proven; however, because Sharlotte Letitia (Lettie) Hewitt Cowan chose names from Daniel O’Sheal’s family, it is very likely their was a close family connection.  Names such as ADELINE, PATRICK, and RHODY, were not the most common names to have chosen.  And, because Daniel O’Sheal’s children were born before Lettie Hewitt Cowan’s children, Lettie chose these names out of her relative Daniel O’Sheal’s family.

A researcher has stated that Theresa O’Sheal had a son named, Daniel.  As I’ve stated, I haven’t found proof, but it is very tempting to believe this is true since S. Letitia (Lettie) Hewitt Cowan did take names from Daniel O’Sheal’s family.  This Daniel O’Sheal would have been the uncle of Lettie Hewitt Cowan.

David O’Sheal owned properties and lived in Norfolk, Virginia.  He married Catherine Veale, daughter of George Veale, in 1773.

The last Royal Governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, burned the town of Norfolk, Virginia, 1 January 1776.

According to newly uncovered documents I discovered while on a trip to Virginia, the properties of David O’Sheal, grandson of David O’Sheal, the emigrant, were burned during the fire started by Lord Dunmore.  David O’Sheal owned three houses, valued at 397 Pounds.

Living next door to David O’Sheal was James Holt, his step-father, and his mother, Ann Bousch O’Sheal Holt.  James Holt was also an attorney and owned two houses which were valued at 1,842 Pounds.

The street name(s) of David O’Sheal’s and James Holt’s properties are also known to me, but I cannot give this information on the internet because my research is constantly being taken and used on message boards and kept by individuals who intend to publish my findings without giving me credit for my work and for making claims I use stolen research.  It is truly a shame I cannot give the documentation or reference for fear my work will be used for another’s financial gain and/or used to satisfy narcissistic urges.

I informed Mary’s daughter that a myth has persisted on the internet, and this myth claims Elizabeth O’Shields, the daughter of Jethro O’Shields, did not marry Tyrie/Tyree Harrison.  Mary Howell Cotterell’s daughter replied, “I can only tell you I rely on my mother’s research, and my mother said Jethro O’Sheal married Lucretia Wooten, and their daughter, Elizabeth O’Shields, married Tyrie/Tyree Harrison.”

Mary’s daughter had no knowledge of the distortion of her mother’s research, especially the perverted suggestion Tyrie Harrison’s wife, Elizabeth O’Shields/O’Sheal was the daughter of Maria Theresa/Treecy O’Shields and not the daughter of Jethro O’Sheal.

Over the years I have placed messages at various genealogical websites about the O’Sheal family.  Many of my messages were removed due to the undermining of one individual. Some of my deleted messages were discussions about the wife of Jethro O’Shields.  I have stated Henry O’Sheal’s wife was Sarah, and this Sarah was the Sarah O’Shields named in the Friendship Baptist Church Minutes.  I have also stated Sarah could have been the wife of John or Jeff O’Shields.  Quite frankly, no one has absolute proof– through primary documentation–the true identity of one Sarah O’Shields named in the Friendship Baptist Church Minutes.

If Jethro O’Sheal/O’Shields did not marry Lucretia Wooten, no primary documentation has surfaced to prove this claim.  If Elizabeth O’Sheal/O’Shields, the daughter of Jethro O’Sheal and Lucretia Wooten, did not marry Tyrie Harrison, no primary documentation has surfaced to prove this claim. The ONLY evidence presented to refute the research of Mary Ethel Howell Cotterell has been  speculation and insolent hyperbole.

Finally, after careful examination of land records, I now believe Lucretia Wooten O’Shields was the daughter of Nathaniel Wooten and the sister of Dudley Wooten.

Sometime in 1766, Daniel O’Sheal, his wife, and five children removed from Granville County, North Carolina to St. George Parish, in the colony of Georgia.
After hours of research in the Georgia Archives, along with a veteran archivist of twenty-five years experience, we found that Daniel O’Sheal was never granted land in Georgia.  Daniel requested two land grants (300 acres and 200 acres); however, he did not take possession of the land but did live on the property.
The O’Sheal family was living in what is now Jenkins County, Georgia, not far from the town of Millen, on the Ogeechee River at Buckhead Creek, near the site of the Old Buckhead Church and the stage coach stop at “The Jones House,” which was built in 1762.

Daniel O’Sheal and his family lived about 50 miles from Augusta, Georgia, and 79 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It is highly probable the O’Sheal family reached St. George Parish by way of ship that sailed into the Port of Savannah. From Savannah, the O’Sheal family would travel the black water Ogeechee River to their destination.

Daniel O’Sheal was named in the Inventory and Appraisal papers in the Estate of  James Anderson, 20 February 1769, St. George Parish, Colony of Georgia.

(James Anderson was a cabinetmaker and carpenter, who originally settled in Christ Church Parish, Savannah, Colony of Georgia.)
TO BE CONTINUED…
Researched and written by Connie Chumley Stringer
Copyright 2003-2009

David O’Sheal witnessed the sale of slaves, land, and livestock:

Elizabeth Lockhart of Virginia to John Beverly of Ahoskey, November 1727, Two negro women for 500A.  One woman named Betty; one named Nann. Land on Ahoskey Swamp “as by patent” Wit:  Henry Baker, Benajmin Hill, DAVID O’SHEAL.  N.C. Court April 1, 1729, C. Gale, C.J., Test:  Ed. Mashborne  D.C/C.

Elizabeth Lockhart to John Beverly, Nov. 14, 1727. “two cows and calves and their increase…the same I received from Beverly on a former bargain…” Wit: Benjamin Hill, Major DAVID O’SHEAL.  N.C. Court, April 1, 1729.  C. Gale, C.J.

John Lovick of Edenton to John Speir, Aug. 1, 1729, 120 pds. for 640 A.   On SS Morattuck River at Goose Meadow.  Adj. James Turner at Gum Swamp “to the Governons corner tree.”  Wit:  Thomas Jones,  DAVID O’SHEAL.  N.C. Court 1729. C. Gale, C.J.   Test:  Ed. Mashborne

16 June 1789
The State against John Roebuck & John CHUMLER.  Indictment for Petty Larceny.  The defendants came into court and acknowledged themselves to owe to the State     20 each and William Bracher and Joseph Power as their Surities, acknowledged to owe to the State
10 each provided the said defendants shall not personally appear at next Court, and abide by the Judgment thereof on said Indictment.

March 12, 1792, Nathaniel Wooten and wife Mary to Samuel Sharbut; for 30  sterling sold 100 ac on N side of Cane Cr and N side of Tyger R; border:  Timothy Tonie; part of 200 ac grant to James Hembree.  Witness BENJAMIN GRIST, JOHN CHUMBLE, and JOHN GRIST. Signed Nathaniel and Mary Wooten’s marks.  Wit.  oath March 19, 1792 BENJAMIN GRIST to Wm. Smith.   Rec. Oct. 19, 1792.
4 January 1794
The State against Thomas Huckeby.  Bastardy.  The defendant with John CHUMLIE and William Avet came into Court and confessed Judgment for the following sum, to wit,   10 proc. money,   5and costs to be paid 6 months hence, and    5  12 months hence for his and Mary Powers fines for said charge, which remits her fine.

15 January 1794,The last will and Testament of John Grist deceased was approved of and proven in open Court by John CHUMLER & Thomas Tod according to law, Ordered to be recorded.

14 January 1796, Robert McNees against Thomas CHUMLER & Mary CHUMLER.  Debt.  Came the plaintiff by his Councellors, and the defendants by their attornies also a jury (same as before…We find for the plaintiff against Mary CHUMLER Debt and Costs with all lawful interest.   George Kirk, foreman, to recover against Mary CHUMLER   13   d  1 1/2 and costs…Samuel Farrow attorney for the defendant motioned for a new trial.

July 14, 1796
James Crow, sr and wife Elizabeth (Spartanburg 80 ac on S side Tygar R; part of 300 ac grant Apr. 3, 1788 Gov. William Moultrie to Thomas White “a party to these presents” (sic) who sold in 1788 to Isham Chote who sold in 1791 to James CROW, sr.
Witness  Nicholas Keating, THOMAS CHUMLEY, and Alexr Alexander.
Signed James CROW and Elizabeth’s mark.  Wit. oath Sept. 10, 1796

THOMAS CHUMLEY to George Bruton, Rec. Sept. 20, 1796

December 28, 1796
John Roebuck and wife Sarah (Spartanburg) both sides Motley’s Cr and N side Tyger R; border:  BENJA GRIST and JOHN CHUMLEY, Witness John Gowen and JOHN CHUMLEY.  Signed John Roebuck and Sarah’s mark.  Wit.  oath Jan. 18, 1797 Jon Gowen to H McCray.  Rec.  Feb. 6, 1797.

January 9, 1799
William Earnest and wife Rachel (Spartanburgh) to THOMPSON CHUMLEY (same); for 55  sold 150 ac; border; Alexander Alexander and Richard Stone; and sold :piece of land” William Earnest bought from Richard Chesney sr; otherwise William “forfiets” 55  to
THOMPSON CHUMLEY.  Witness  Jacob Earnest and Isaac Crow.  Signed William Earnest and Rachel’s mark.  Wit.  oath Mar. 23, 1802 (sic) Isaac Crow to John Dean.  Rec.  Dec. 24, 1801

December 13, 1801
In the land deed of James Millican to William Millican, THOMAS CHUMLEY was witness to the selling of 220 acres of land on the South side of North fork of Pacolet River.

October 22, 1817
In the Will of Isaac Crow, two Chumleys are named…“to my daughter Hannahs son John, land on Jamies Creek bought of WILLIAM CHUMBLES and THOMSON CHUMBLES & Isaac Crow the son of James.”

Mary M. Root stated:

“Two works emerged from Byrd’s diary: The History of the Dividing Line Betwixt Virginia and North Carolina and The Secret History of the Line Betwixt Virginia and North Carolina. The latter was intended as a literary piece for the amusement of his friends in London Society, while the former suppressed personal details and seemed intended for a wider audience. Neither work was published in Byrd’s lifetime, though the manuscript of the Secret Line circulated among Byrd’s London friends amid great approval.”

During William Byrd’s travels, it becomes clear he well knew, David O’Sheal.  According to Colonial American Travel Narratives,

“…a present from Mr. O’Shields of 12 bottles of wine and as many of strong beer” (p. 110, Martin, Rowdanelson, Imbarett).

Copyright 2006

During the winter, spring, and summer of 2003, my cousin, J.V. Michael Motes, and I researched, compiled, and published the Colonial history of the O’Sheal family.  J.V. Michael Motes compiled the law cases of David O’Sheal, who was an attorney in Virginia and North Carolina.   One of those cases from the O’Sheal book:

“in the said Court was brought by Sir Richd. Everard against Mr. David O’Sheal on a Bond Entered into at Edenton as security for the Faithfull Discharge of a Naval Office…And the said David was fined 50 pounds, and immediately by the Judges order drag’d away to the common Goal in a very rough manner which was broke open on the occasion and with the Judges assistance the said David was thrust into it and another Lock ut on, and he lockt up and kept ’till weary of so Noisome a place the Gentleman was compelled to pay the money to be discharged compelled to pay the money to be discharged which the judge also received himself” (p. 24, O’Sheal and Chumley, 2003; This case was copied from the Colonial Records of North Carolina.)

After publishing the 2003 book, I continued my research into the O’Sheal family.  In 2006, while researching in the Emory University Library, Atlanta, Georgia, I uncovered O’Sheal family news (previously unknown to anyone in our family) concerning Benjamin O’Sheal and David O’Sheal.  A short, fantastic book, Whaling on the North Carolina Coast, 1990, written and published by Marcus B. Simpson, Jr. and Sallie W. Simpson, revealed what was long forgotten by the descendants of David O’Sheal and partially described in one record from the Colonial Records of North Carolina which my cousin quoted and included in the O’Sheal book of 2003, on page 24.

According to (Simpson and Simpson), in 1723, Governor Richard Everard of the Provence of North Carolina, was granted by the proprietors “the power and Liberty of Fishing and takeing (sic) all sorts of Whales” on the Northern coast of what is now the state of North Carolina. (p.12)

Simpson and Simpson (1990) gave a full account of serious theft committed by David O’Sheal’s brother, Benjamin O’sheal:

“Everard requested that the Court of Vice-Admiralty issue a warrant for the arrest of David O’Sheal, originally from Virginia but then practicing law in the North Carolina courts.  David O’Sheal had induced Everard to appoint his brother Ben O’Sheal as naval officer in charge of Port Beaufort in November, 1728, in which capacity he was empowered to “receive the Tenths of Whale Oyl  & Bone Catched  on the Sea Coast of the Said Port.”  During his appointment, Ben O’Sheal had reportedly collected eighty barrels of oil and half a ton of bone, a total value of 500 pound sterling; but after converting the duty to his own use, he fled to Gambia.  David O’Sheal was arrested and ordered to pay the amount owed by his brother, for whom he had earlier posted a bond.”  (Simpson and Simpson cited Vice-Admiralty Papers, CCR 191,  Court Order for David O’Sheal, 3 August 1730.)