Third Generation

21. Robert WALTERS Jr.^{10,12,15,71,72,73} was born about 1754 in Virginia.²⁰ He died in July 1827 at the age of 73 in Franklin County, Georgia.

Robert Jr was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in Capt John Watters' [sic] Company in 1781 and served at the battle of Guilford Court House. Pittsylvania Court Records, May 1781.

Pittsylvania Co Land Tax Lists, 1782. Robert Walters [son of Robert] had 165 acres.

Pittsylvania Co Land Entry: 25 Sep 1790. Robert Walters [son of Robert] entered 200 acres on branches of Birches Creek beginning at pointers in Creed Tanners line, joining his fathers line and by a warrant issued to Crispin Shelton on 7 Mar 1783 #15126.
[The only other Robert, son of Robert, and grandson of Thomas Walters, would be much younger. However, this family supposedly left for George in 1784 or 1787. Perhaps Robert Jr did not go with his father but joined him later.]
Then from Franklin Co GA comes the following power of attorney:
Franklin Co DB K, p.24b [No date] Power of Attorney from Robert Walters Jr [sic - I'd like to see this as I'll bet it's Sr and in fact the book GONE TO GEORGIA, does state Sr.] of Franklin Co to his son Robert Walters Jr to make title to 450 acres in Pittsylvania Co VA on the South Fork of Birch's Creek adj Charles Weatherford, Creed Turner [Tanner], John Nelson, Josiah Harp. Make good title to 275 acres sold to Basil Wilson; remaining 175 acres to be sold & money from sale to be converted to his own use. signed: Robert Walters. Wit: John Walters, Elijah Walters who made oath before Joseph Humphreys JP on 20 Jan 1794.

27 Jul 1792 VA Patent to Robert Waters, Pittsylvania Co. 200 acres on Birches Crk adj Tanner, Givins, & others. Grant Book 26, p.647

Pittsylvania Co DB 9
p.37 LW& T of William Reynolds. 16 Jan 1791. Proved 18 Jul 1791. Wife Martha and Robert Walters Junior, Executors
p.226 2 Jan 1792 Matthew Tanner & Wm White, overseers of the poor of Pittsy Co to John Spencer. Order of court to bind out Travis Carter, orphan of Richard Carter dec'd. Until 25 Oct 1794.. Signed: John Spencer, Matthew Tanner, Wm White. Wit: Robert Walters.
18 Jun 1792 Ordered recorded
p.340 15 Dec 1792 Robert Walters and wife Mary to Benjamin Burgess. 40#'s. Tract of 200 acres. Begin at Creed Tanner's corner, his line. Small branch in Collie's line, along his line, John Gwins corner, his line. Crossing a branch to a gum in Walter's line and along same.
Signed: Robert Walters, Mary (H) Walters.
Wit: Jas Simpson, Erasmus Simpson, Loyd Simpson
21 Jan 1793 ack by Robert Walters
[See land entry of 1790. This seems to be the only tract of land Robert Jr owned. I believe after the sale of this 200 acres, he moved to Georgia. It does appear he went back to Pittsylvania Co circa 1794 for the sale of the remainder of his father's property.]
p.379 27 Oct 1792 John Givens & Betty his wife of Montgomery Co NC. To John Collie. 35#'s
Tract on waters of Burches Crk. James Collies corner, along his line, on Robert Walters Junr's line; to a gum in Robert Walters Sen. Old line crossing a branch. William Collies Corner, his line. 150 acres. John (x) Givens. Wit: Charles Collie, Robert Walters, Billey Holloway, William Bennett.
15 Apr 1793 Ack by oaths of witnesses.

Pittsylvania Co VA DB 10
p.51 17 Mar 1794 Robert Walters of Franklin Co GA to Bassel Wilson of Pittsylvania Co VA. 120#'s. Plantation lying in Pittsylvania on Water's fork of Burches Creek, the lands being the property of the said Walters's Father Robert Walters who made his son Robert Walter Power of attorney to sell & convey the said lands to the said Bassel Wilson. 275 acres. Begin at pine in Weatherford line, thence new lines, dividing line between the within mentioned land and the said Robert Walters; pine in Weatherfords line, along his line. With all houses, outhouses, Orchards, Gardens, etc. signed: Robert Walters
Wit: Matthew Fitzgerald, William Walters, Ezekiel Walters, Samuel Hedgbeth.
15 Apr 1794 proved by oath of one of the witnesses. 15 Sep 1794, further proved by oaths of two of the other witnesses. Teste: Will Tunstall CS
p.52 Robert Walters Senior of Co of Franklin in state of GA by these presents do make my Son Robert Walters junior my true & Lawful Attorney for me and in my name to make & assign title to a certain tract of land in Pittsylvania VA on South fork of Birch's Creek, bounded by lands of Charles Weatherford, Creed Tanner, John Wilson & Josiah Harp containing 450 acres. 275 acres sold to Basil Wilson. To make & assign good title to the sd 275 acres as I myself might or could do were I personally persent. Also the remaining part of 175 acres to make of and make good & sufficient title to any person as he shall think proper. And consent the money arising from the Sale of this last tract to his own use.
Signed: Robert Walters (R)
Wit: John Walters, Elijah (X) WaltersGeorgia, Franklin Co
Personally appeared before me John Walters & Elijah Walters & being duly sworn. They saw Robert Walters, sign, seal as his act & deed the within power of Attorney.
28 Jan 1794 Jos. Humphreys
Rec in Clerks office in Franklin Co Book K, folio 25, the 28th day of Jan 1794 Jno. Smith CFC
Georgia, Franklin Co. Certify that the Hon. Joseph Humphreys esq is one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of sd County. 28 Jan 1794 Jno Smith.
15 Sep 1794 Pittsylvania Co VA. Power of attorney from Robert Walters Senr to Robert Walters Jr with the Certificate of the Clerk of the County Court of Franklin in Satate of GA were exhibited & Ordered to be recorded.
p.303 28 Jul 1795 Josiah Earp to Zachariah Butt. 12#'s 10sh Parcel on branches of Birches Crk. Near Richard runnel fence on the old rode from Petersbirg to Dixes ferry, Jesse Runnels fence to his line, to John Wilson's line. Signed: Josiah (X) Earp. Wit: Robert Walters, William Russell, John Akin. Ack 15 Feb 1796.
p.365 22 Dec 1796 Robert Walters of Franklin Co & State of GA to John Akin of Pittsy. 70#'s. Tract on little Burch Creek containing one hundred and _____[page has blot] acres. Begin John Wilsons line, Josiah Earps line, Elisha Cooksons, Matthew Fitzgeralds line, pointers in Bassel Wilsons line, dividing line between said Akin & Bassel Wilson to the beginning. Signed: Robt Walters.
Wit: Samuel Pruitt Jr, Joseph Flippin, Loyd Simpson, Jer. Simpson, Reuben Lewis, Geo. Shelton
18 apr 1796 proved by three of wit.
[The remaining 175 acres of Robert Sr's tract of 450 acres.]

Robert, along with his brother John, was designated one of the Executors of his father's will written 2 Nov 1793. They jointly reported the Inventory of the estate in Court, 8 Nov 1794. It would appear Robert Jr traveled back and forth between Virginia and Georgia perhaps several times to carry out his father's business.

Franklin Co GA Tax list of 1798 includes Robert Walters. 1 dwelling, 4 out houses, 2 acres, value $110. District 7, 3rd Division.
On another page, listed with 91 acres, $91 value.

DEEDS OF FRANKLIN CO GA, 1784-1826; Martha Walters Acker; 1976
Deed Book NNN, Page 121: Deed dated Ga. 30 April 1798, rec. (no date), from Moses Walters and wife Elizabeth of Franklin Co. to Robert Walters of same. In cons. of $200, conveys 43 ac. in Franklin Co., being part of land wereon said Moses Walters now lives, adj. Peter Walters ... (Note - the remainder off this deed is missing).
Deed Book NNN, Page 78: Deed dated 21 April 1802, rec. 15 Oct. 1802, from John Walters of Franklin Co. to Robert Walters of same. In cons. of $250, conveys 50 ac. in Franklin Co. on Little Shoal Crk. Wit: Henry Chaplear, J.I.C., Peter Walters.

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN CO GA; Franklin Co Historical Society, 1986
In 1805 there were a number of Walters males from Franklin Co that qualified for the draw in the first Georgia Land Lottery. A family man was allowed two draws; a bachelor only one. The land was in what is now Baldwin, Wilkinson & Wayne Counties. B signified the drawer drew a "blank"; P, he drew a prize, or lot. I have included who I believe these men to be:
Clement Walters, BB [son of Thomas & Lucy Walker Walters]
Elijah Walters, BP [son of Robert Walters & Joanna McBee]
John Walters Sr, BP [son of Robert & Joanna]
John Walters Jr, PB [son of Robert Walters Jr, who was of Robert & Joanna]
Joseph Walters, B [son of Robert Walters Jr, still single]
Moses Walters, BP [son of Robert & Joanna]
Peter Walters, BB [son of Robert & Joanna]
Robert Walters Sr, BB [Son of Robert & Joanna; he is now called "Sr" because his father is dec'd]
Robert Walters Jr, B [son of Elijah, still single]
Samuel Walters, BB [son of Robert & Joanna]

A list of those who did draw land:
Elijah Walters, John Walters Jr., John Walters Sr. & Moses Walters.

DEEDS OF FRANKLIN CO GA 1784-1826; Martha Walters Acker
p.296 22 Jul 1812; Rec 3 Aug 1812 Elias Sanders to Robert Walters Jr for $100. 80 acres in Franklin Co on waters of Little Shoal Crk and part of 300 acres granted to Thomas Carter adj land granted Larkin Cleveland, on a line of Robert Walters Sr and Richard Carnes.
p.321 1 Nov 1813; Rec. 14 Dec 1814 Henry Wall to Robt Walters Jr. $100. 25 acres on branch of Little Shoal Crk part of 155 acres surveyed for Thomas Carter 10 Dec 1791 and granted 25 Nov 1795; the old trading path being the line bet Wall & John Payne dec'd. [a note states that the remaining part of the 155 acres seems to belong to sd Robert Walters, but I don't know if this note was part of the deed]
p.370 28 Jun 1808 [No recording date, but must have been ca 1814] Charles Warren to Robert Walters SR. $100 for 63 acres on Little Shoal Crk granted Thomas Carter on 6 Dec 1785, adj Larkin Cleveland and a condidtional line made by sd Carter & Elias Sanders. Wit: Jos. Walters, Claborn Cawthorn, & John Walters, JIC [Justice Inferior Court].
[Since Robert Walters who married Joannah McBee died in 1785, it would appear that his son Robert became the Robert "Sr" of Franklin Co and there must also have been either a son or nephew of the same name. There seem to be two living Robert Walters in the time period from 1808 to 1812. There was a nephew Robert, son of Elijah, but if he was born about 1798 as given he would not old enough to be a land owner at this time. There is a serious problem with this date though, because if the children ascribed to Robert & found in the 1850 census are correct, then he was an older man, born probably some 10 years older which could then qualify him for Robert "Jr" of the deeds. An 1820 census index [prob a tax list, not a census] does contain a Robert and a Robert Walters Jr. In 1830 there is only one Robert, age 40-50, or born bet 1780 and 1790, which seems about right to be the nephew, son of Elijah based on ages of his children.]
p.420 12 May 1821; Rec 8 Mar 1822 John C. Payne, Benedict Payne, Thomas Payne & Nancy Payne to Robert Walters. $200 139 acres, part of a tract granted to Thomas Carter. Wit: Joseph Walters, JP and Reuben Payne JP

Found online at <http://www.mindspring.com/~allendew/wal/walnm001.htm>, by Allen Powell Dew. Lavina Walters, daughter of Robert Walters Jr. was married to Samuel Pruitt III, who was born in Pittsylvania Co VA 10 Sep 1762. Lavinia born 7 May 1774. Married in Pittsylvania Co VA on 1 Jan 1789. Children given as Hezekiah, b. 5 Oct 1789, Lucy b. 10 Mar 1791, and Samuel the 4th b. 2 Sep 1792. These three born in Virginia. Then born in Georgia were: Elizabeth b. 14 Jun 1794, Robert b. 14 Jan 1796, Joseph b. 7 Apr 1798 and Polly b. 14 Apr 1805. Lavinia Walters Pruitt died in Franklin Co GA on 13 Feb 1813. Samuel Pruitt married (2) Keziah Stokes Conolly, widow of Charles Conolly of Rockingham Co NC on 15 Nov 1814. Samuel and Keziah had one son, John Willis Pruitt b. 12 Dec 1815.
No daughter Lavina, nor children of said daughter, were mentioned in the Will of Robert Jr. in 1827.

Robert Jr is said to have died Jul 1827 in Franklin Co GA. Buried Shoal Creek Bapt Church. Married Mary Cleveland and or Mary Reynolds [1773] - I don't know which wife came first, have seen it both ways. Said to have served in the Revolution in most databases. He was the Executor of the will of William Reynolds in Pittsylvania Co. VA.

FRANKLIN CO GA COURT OF ORDINARY RECORDS 1787-1849; by Martha Walters Acker; 1989
p.140
Robert Walters Sr Deceased
Will presented and proved 7 May 1827
Wife Mary. Children Rhoda Cawthon, Martha Looney, Pheby Marett, Elizabeth, Leah [if she marries her share to go to her daughters Mary & Martha]. Children of deceased son John. To John Conner 25 cents and no more. Exr: son Joseph Walters, William Cawthon, Isham Meret. Signed Apr 1827. Wit: James H. Belue, William Ray, Eli Woods
Petition of William Cawthon, ex'r. Mar 1828; granted Nov 1828
Petition of Isham Merett, ex'r Jul 1828; granted 2 Mar 1829
The Will is reprinted in the Walters book. To Wife Mary the whole of the estate during her lifetime. To son Joseph the land conveyed by Moses Walters & Elizabeth his wife to me, all that part on the North side of Big Shoal Creek adj the Cleveland land and the land SE of the Creek. To daughter Rhoda Cawthon my land on the East side of the Big Branch adj the land where she now lives. To dau Martha Looney the tract purchased from Charles Warren. To Dau Pheby Marett the land where they now live supposed to contain 30 acres, not to contain any part in the Shoals belonging to sd Creek or interferance with the improvements
to sd Shoals. The balance of my estate to be equally divided between daughters Elizabeth and Leah, the right of the same to remain with Leah as long as she may remain single; if she marries to fall to Mary & Martha her daughters. To children of deceased daughter Lavinia Pruitt, 25 cents each. Children of my deceased son John 25 cents each. To John Conner 25 cents. To daughter Mary Pruitt 25 cents and no more. Mary & Martha, Leah's children a feather bed each. Elizabeth, a horse to be worth $75 exclusive of her proportion. The balance to be sold and divided between Joseph, Rhoda, Elizabeth, Martha, Pheby & Leah. Sons Joseph & William Cawthon & Isham Marett to be executors.

Joseph Walters, Deceased
Administration to William Cawthon & Robert Prewett 2 Jul 1827
Distributees: William Cawthon, Robert Prewett, Adam Looney, Isham Merett, Larkin Cleveland guardian for Joseph, Robert & George Walters the children of John Walters, dec'd, Samuel Prewett by his agent Joseph Prewett, Elizabeth and Leah Walters, Benjamin Prewett, Polly Walters.
[I believe Joseph died without heirs other than his siblings. William Cawthon, was the husband of his sister Rhoda. Robert Prewett could be a nephew, son of Levina & Samuel, Adam Looney would be the husband of sister Martha. Isham Merett is the husband of his sister Phoebe. Brother John who is deceased had children Joseph, Robert & George and Larkin Cleveland is claiming their share as their guardian. Samuel Prewett was the husband of sister Lavina, but Lavina had already died before 1827, so all her children should have inherited if this was an intestate settlement.. Elizabeth is unmarried. Leah was unmarried as per her father's will. Benjamin Prewett was husband of sister Mary. Since Benjamin Prewett would have claimed a share in right of his wife Mary [or Polly] then we are left with an "extra" Polly Walters. However, I don't know if this administration is from a will or an intestate settlement. If there was a will, this extra Polly Walters, could have been the widow]
Return of Inventory & sale Sep 1827 by Wm Cawthon & Robert Prewett, adm'rs.
Return of William Cawthon, adm'r Nov 1827
Deed of gift from Joseph Walters to Mary and Martha present Nov 1827; ordered recorded.
Return of Prewett & Cawthon, July 1828
Adm'rs have leave to sell, Nov 1828.
Order William Cawthon, adm'r to sell land 3 May 1837.
Petition for last distribution 6 Sep 1841 by William Cawthon; granted 7 Mar 1842
Final Return May 1842.

Robert WALTERS Jr. and Mary [WALTERS] were married. Mary [WALTERS]^19,74 was born (date unknown). 1830 Franklin Co GA, p.253. Mary Walters - probably this Mary. No males in household. 2f 10-15, 1f 20-30, 1f 70-80 [Mary]

Robert B. Walters gives her surname as Galloway. Other possibilities are Cleveland or Reynolds. Robert Walters Jr. was one of the Executors of the Will of William Reynolds in Pittsylvania Co but no daughter Mary is among the children named in that Will.

Robert WALTERS Jr. and Mary [WALTERS] had the following children: