by R. Steven Rainwater
The origin of the earliest John and William Rainwater, as well as their exact relationship, has long been a source of controversy among Rainwater researchers. The existance of the earier Robert Rainwater has been known for years as well but only a single record of him is generally reported. And no evidence proving a relationship between Robert and later Rainwaters has yet been found.
While my wife, Susan, sticks mainly to the more pragmatic areas of genealogy and does the majority truly useful work, I have long been fascinated by the problem of these early Rainwaters. I have collected bits and pieces of evidence over the years, including three new references to the mysterious Robert Rainwater. We thought there might be others out there who would enjoy and possibly benefit from the information I’ve collected, so we decided to include my list on the Rainwater web site.
My findings are presented here in chronological order with links to the original source documents where possible or at least descriptions of my sources. This collection represents an ongoing research effort and submissions of any documentation for early Rainwaters are always appreciated. If you have copies of an original source document that isn’t yet online or information that could lead to a new entry, please let me know!
Email srainwater@ncc.com
Total number of entries: 99
1644 August 20 [1038]
Marriage of Abraham Raynewater and Mary
Saudairle is recorded at St. Gregory church in Norwich, England.
1647 [1004]
Tobias Raynemorter [Raynewater] is listed
as a constable in Norwich City, Norfolk, England.
1667 January 15 [177]
In Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, at a meeting of the deputy lieutenants
in Whiteharte, Wymondham Widdow Raynewatter
is fined 40 shillings as a defaulter under the command of Capt. Thomas
Pirpplett, esq. for defaulting 1666 July 10. The implication is that
Widdow Raynewatter is one of the nonconformists following the advice
of the nonconformist bailiffs who had encourages the town’s large
dissenting element to oppose the Anglican Sir Thomas Medowe who
commanded the Yarmouth militia.
1674 January 7 [1008]
Tobias Rainemorter is buried at St.
Katharine by the Tower, London.
1677 August 9 [1007]
John Stevens, listed as the brother of Mr.
Rainemorter is buried in the churchyard of St. Michaels
in Cornhill, London.
1678 August 24 [1005]
The Vicar General of the Archbiship of Canterbury issues a marriage
license forAbraham Rainmorter, age 25, of
St. Andrew Hubbard, London, Wine Cooper Bach., to Mary Sandall, age 23,
of St. Botolph’s Aldgate, London, Sp. with her parents consent at St.
Catherine by the Tower, London. Witnessed by William Austin, a
Cordwayner of Stepney, Co. Middlesex.
1695 January 9 1006
A marriage license is issued in the parish of St. Peter’s upon Cornhill
to John Gerrard of St. Botolph’s, Bishopsgate, Bachelor & Widower to
marry Mary Raynmorter of St. Andrews
Undershaft, Widow.
1706 May 2 [402] [55]
Colonist John Hurt receives a patent on 546 acres of land in King
William Co., VA along the Pamunkey Neck of the Mattopony River
under the importation, or head, right laws. 50 acres of land
could be claimed upon presentation of proof of paying the
transportation costs of an individual into the colony. In this
case, John Hurt paid the way of 11 colonists. Among these
indentured servants is Robert Rainwater. The transportation
costs for a single colonist were approximately 6 pounds Sterling.
1713 [46]
Surry County, VA court records a payment of 400 lbs of tobacco
to Robert Rainwater for two wolf’s heads.
1718 [46]
Surry County, VA court records a judgment for 300 lbs of tobacco
plus court costs to be enforced by Sherif Stith Bolling
against Richard Pace, the defendant, unless he appears to answer
Robert Rainwater’s charges at the next session of the court.
No information about the nature of the suit against Mr. Pace is given.
1718 [46]
Surry County, VA court records that the case between Robert
Rainwater and Richard Pace is postponed until the next session
of the court. (VA court records after this date were burned.)
ca 1723-33 [180]
Thomas Fussell’s family moves from New Kent Co, VA, where
they had lived since about 1700, to Bertie Co., NC. They are known
to have been in VA up until October 11, 1723 when the birth of Sarah
is recorded in a Parish Register. They must have arrived in Bertie by
1733, because Thomas and his son Aaron are recorded as signers of
a political document at that time.
ca 1733 [180]
John Rainwater marries Mary Fussell.
Mary was born about 1710-11 in New Kent Co., VA and would have turned 16 in 1726-27. In
any case, the marriage has already taken place when Thomas Fussell’s
will is recorded, so it must have occured in the 1727-1734 range. It
could have occured in either Bertie Co., NC or New Kent Co., VA
(assuming John and Mary moved along with Thomas Fussell). James was
born before Dec 2 of 1734 (and if his brother John is older(?) he
was probably born in late 1733 or early 1734).
1735 Jun 4 [68] [180]
Thomas Fussell’s will is recorded in parish of Cartec, Bertie
Co., NC. It indicates that his daughter, Mary is married to John
Rainwater. The will states Thomas Fussell is somewhat sick in
body and he is believed to have died shortly after this date.
1739 Nov 1 [221]
John Rainwater is granted 125 acres of land on the south side
of Morratock River in Edgecombe Co., NC.
1742 Jul 14 [218]
John Rainwater witnesses a deed of land to Joseph Cooper by
Gabriel Pickerin. The deed was for 100 acres on the Roanoke River
for 5 pounds money of VA. Registered in Edgecomb Co., NC court.
George Black is also a witness. John Rainwater’s mark appears
on the deed.
1742 Oct 23 [218]
John Rainwater sells 150 acres of land on the south side of
Roanoke river in Edgecomb Co., NC for 50 pounds proclamation money
to William Rainwater. The land is part of a patent to John
Rainwater made 1739 Nov 20. Witnessed by Richard Smith and
Joseph Cooper. This is the first known reference to William. It is
usually assumed that this William is a brother to John. To own land,
William must be at least 21. If he were John’s son, John would have
to have married Mary in 1721 when she was 12 years old. While
possible, this is very unlikely.
1743 Dec 16 [218]
William Rainwater buys 25 acres of land in Edgecomb Co., NC
for 10 pounds from Gabriel Pickren. The land joins John Rainwaters
land. Witnessed by David Rozar, Robert West, and John Jones.
1744 May 8 [218]
John Rainwater sells 150 acres of land to Daniel Danbe of
Northhampton Co. for 10 pounds current money of VA. The land is part
of a patent to John Rainwater in Edgecomb Co., NC on 20 Nov 1739.
Witnessed by P. Buxton and Robert West.
1745 Feb 7 [218]
John Rainwater sells 125 acres on the south side of
Morratock river to John Noblin. John is living on this land at the
time. The land was part of a grant to John Rainwater made 1739
Nov 1. Witnessed by David Rozar and Ralph Hutspeth.
1745 May 23 [221]
A deed of sale from John Rainwater to John Noblin is recorded
in Edgecomb Co., NC court. Witnessed by David Rozier. This was the
first business of the court on a Thursday morning at 8:00am.
1745 May 23 [221]
John Rainwater is appointed by the court of Edgecomb Co., NC
to provide a room for John Jones, overseer. The court seems to be
assigning the overseers of several county construction projects
(roads, bridges, and a jail) to stay at homes near the construction
sights they will oversee. This occurs on the same day that John
Rainwater appeared at court to have a deed recorded so it may
have been his proximity to the court rather than his homes proximity
to the construction project that influenced the courts decision.
1746 Feb 13 [218] [219]
John Rainwater buys 160 acres of land in Edgecomb Co. NC,
from William Reeves, Jr for 50 pounds sterling money of England.
Witnessed by Robert Harris, Leminder Harris, and Christopher Hains.
A later deed for the same land references this transaction.
1748 Dec 12 [218] [219]
John Rainwater, a planter, and his wife Mary sell 160 acres of
land at Jenneto meadows Edgecombe Co, NC for 100 pounds sterling
English money to Robert Williams. This land was previously owned by
William Reeves. The land is said to be on Quonque swamp. Witnessed
by William Green, Franics Williams, and Richard Bagly. A later deed
for the same land in 1759 references this transaction.
1750 May 18 [218]
William Rainwater (probably the elder John’s brother) sells
12 acres of land in Edgecomb Co., NC on the south side of the
Roanoke River to Gabriel Pickren for 20 pounds current money of VA.
The land was part of a land patent to John Rainwater made 20
Nov 1739. Witnessed by David Rozar and Richard Cagley.
1750 Jul 11 [218]
William Rainwater (probably the elder John’s brother)
witnesses a deed of land sold to Nathaniel Merrit by Gabriel
Pickren in Edgecomb Co., NC. Williams mark appears on deed.
1751 Apr [218]
William Rainwater and wife Ann sell land in Edgecomb
Co., NC on the south side of Roanoke river to Nathaniel Merritt for
20 pounds sterling money of England. The land joins part of grant
to John Rainwater. Witnessed by David Rozier, Reuben Rozier,
and Ann Rozier. This is the only known reference naming William’s
wife. It is worth noting that William’s older brother, John,
married Thomas Fussell’s daughter Mary and that Mary had a
younger sister named Ann.
1754 Oct 8 [211]
James Rainwater (probably John Rainwater’s first or
second son) appears on the muster list of Captain Sugar Jones’
company under the command of Colonel William Eaton in the Granville
county regiment of the NC Militia.
1754 Dec 6 [211]
Roster of Colonel William Eaton’s Granville County Regiment is
endorsed by Granville official. The roster lists James Rainwater
(probably John Rainwater’s son) and John Rainwater
(either the James’ father or brother) along with Aaron Fussell
(Thomas Fussell’s son) under the command of Captain Sugar Jones.
The other John Rainwater (again, either the father or son) is
listed under the command of Benjamin Simm.
1754 Jan 30 [143] [434]
John Rainwater has a warrant issued to Captain Sherwood
Haywood, Deputy Surveyor to survey 640 acres of land on the south
side of Sandy Creek in Granville Co. at the first falls above
Rainwater’s Plantation and including Rainwater’s Plantation.
The warrant was entered 1753 Sep 6 and a deed issued on 1755 May 9.
1755 [122]
John Rainwater and James Rainwater "son of John" listed
in Granville Co., NC as taxpayers.
1755 May 9 [143] [1073]
John Rainwater purchases from John Earl 480 acres of land in Granville Co.,
NC on both sides of Sandy Creek. His mark appears on the document. Deed Book H.
1755 Aug 12 [220] [141]
William Rainwater (probably John’s brother) and Nathaniel
Merritt witness the will of John Nobleland in Edgecombe Co., NC.
John Nobleland is very sick at the time. William Rainwater’s
mark appears on the document.
1755 Oct 1 [228]
John Rainwater sells 100 acres on south side of Sandy Creek
along Rainwater’s line in Granville Co. to Jacob Crocker for 20
pounds. This land was part of 480 acres granted May, 1755.
1755 Sep 30 [143]
James Rainwater is one of three Sworn Chain Carriers
on a survey of 482 acres of land for John Carley in Granville
Co. NC in the Parish of St. John on both sides of Richland Creek.
The land adjoins Thomas Fussel’s land and is purchased by
Shurley Whatley on 1757 Nov 9. A Sworn Chain Carrier was someone asked to assist an official land survey
because of some knowledge of existing survey lines. This was often the son of a nearby
land owner. James would have been 20-22 years old by most guesses at this time.
1755 Dec 2 [228]
James Rainwater buys 125 acres on both sides of Sandy Creek
in Granville Co. from John Rainwater (probably the elder
John based on the location of the land being sold) for 10 Pounds.
Witnessed by Aaron Fussell. James must have reached the
age of 21 by now in order to own land. This means James must have
been born by on or before Dec 2 of 1734.
1755 Dec 2 [228]
John Rainwater (probably the elder John) buys 212 acres on
both sides of Sandy Creek in Granville Co. on John Terrell’s line
from Thomas Fussell for 12 pounds. Witnessed by Aaron
Fussell, John Stroud, and Edward Weaver.
1755 Dec 2 [228]
John Rainwater (probably the elder John) buys 7 acres on
north side of Sandy Creek in Granville Co. from John Terrell for
10 pnds. Witnessed by Aaron Fussell, Edward Weaver, and
Elio Fussell.
1755 Dec 21 [228]
John Rainwater (probably the elder John) sells 130 acres on
north side of Sandy Creek in Granville Co. to John Halcum (Halcomb)
for 14 pnds, 14 shillings, 6 pence. John Halcomb is said to be
living on the land at the time of the transaction. The land is part
of 480 acres granted May, 1755. Witnessed by James Rainwater
and Josh Yarbro.
1757 Jun 6 [228]
John Rainwater sells 125 acres on Sandy Creek in Granville Co.,
NC to John Stanfold (Stanfield) for 10 Pounds.
1760 Mar 25 [219]
John Rainwater and William Rainwater witness a deed of
sale of land from Wm. Oglive Sr. to John Norwood in Halifax Co., NC.
Both Rainwater’s marks appear on original document.
1760 Dec 2 [228]
John Rainwater sells 112 acres on the south side of Sandy Creek
in Granville Co., NC to John Foster for 100 pounds. Witnessed by Hez. Terrell and Reuben Lawson.
25 Jan 1762
Sources: [1072]
James Rainwater is recorded in the Bear Bare Swamp District of Granville Co., NC, with
one person eligible to be taxed, probably himself.
John Rainwater, his son John Rainwater and Jonathan Peaser are recorded in a single
household in Goodwin’s District of Granville Co., NC, all three men being taxable.
1762 Nov 7 [219]
William Rainwater sells 118 acres of land in Halifax Co., NC
to George Norwood for 100 pounds of Great Britain. Witnessed by Nathaniel Merritt and Benjamin Harrison.
The land sold borders land owned by Rainwater and Merritt.
1763 Jan 1 [228]
John Rainwater sells 220 acres on Wilson’s line on Lick Branch
in Granville Co., NC to Hezekiah Terrel and his wife Phoebe for 100
pounds. Witnessed by John Rainwater, Jr. and John McGlemore.
One John is the father and one the son but until a more detailed
study of the land ownership can be made, it’s hard to say which is which!
1766 [121]
James Rainwater and John Rainwater listed as
taxpayers in Bute Co., NC.
1767 Oct 21 [991]
Moses Rainwater witnesses the sale of property from Allen Monjoy to John
Langston, both of Bute Co., NC.
1768 Aug 11 [212]
John Rainwater serves on a Bute Co., NC jury for two cases.
1768 Aug 13 [212]
John Rainwater buys 112 acres of land from Abraham Baget in
Bute Co., NC. Witnessed by Benjamin Hill.
1769 Feb 10 [219]
William Rainwater witnesses a deed of sale of 100 acres of
land from Jonathan Carpenter to William Carpenter Sr. in Halifax
Co., NC. Document is said to have William Rainwater’s mark.
1769 Feb 16 [212]
John Rainwater serves on a Bute Co., NC jury for three cases.
1769 May 9 [212]
John Rainwater & wife Mary register a deed of sale of
land to James Miles in Bute Co., NC court. Witnessed by John Cole.
1769 May 11 [212]
John Rainwater petitions the Bute Co., NC court to exempt his
son William Rainwater from taxes and other public services
because of his being an idiot. The court so orders.
1770 Nov 15 [212]
John Rainwater registers a deed of sale of land to Benjamin
Hill in Bute Co., NC court. John Norwood is a witness.
1771 [212]
John Rainwater, Jr. listed as taxpayer in Surry Co., NC.
1771 Feb 12 [212]
John Rainwater registers a deed of sale of land to Benjamin
Hill in Bute Co., NC court. Sampson Bobo is a witness.
1771 Nov 4 [62] [68]
John Rainwater’s will is written Surry County, NC. It lists
his daughters Mary, Sarah, Betty, Winney, Milley, and Molley;
his sons James, John, and William; and his wife Mary.
James is made the trustee of the estate. James is to
see to the maintenance of Mary and William (who is
mentally retarded [212]). Should James die
while Mary or William still lives, John is to
take over as trustee and see to their care. The interesting thing
to note here is that, contrary to tradition, James rather than
John would seem to be the older son.
1772 [122]
John Rainwater Sr. and James Rainwater listed as
taxpayers in Surry Co., NC.
1772 Aug 13 [212]
James Rainwater (probably John’s son) registers a deed of sale
of land to Jacob Bass in Bute Co., NC. Mathew Thomas is a witness.
1775 Oct [991]
William Rainwater witnesses the sale of land by Susannah Reed to Moses
Myrick, both of Bute Co., NC.
1776 Sep 9 [991]
William Rainwater, Sr. and William Rainwater, Jr., witness the sale of
land by Alexander and Mary Anderson of Bute Co., NC to Henry Beauford
of Amelia Co., NC, paid in “Virginia” money.
1777 [62]
Widow Rainwater listed as taxpayer in Surry Co., NC. This
is most likely Mary, John Rainwater’s wife.
1777 May [62] [68]
John Rainwater’s will filed in Surry Co. NC. It is likely
that John died prior to this date.
1778 Aug 12 [2930]
James Rainwarters enters 200 acres of land in Surry Co. NC on Hogins Creek
where Widow Rainwarters now lives.
1778 Sep 18 [427]
William Rainwater’s land is mentioned as adjoining 200 acres
on which a warrant was issued to James Adams in Halifax Co., NC.
1778 Nov 10 [212]
William Rainwater (John’s brother or nephew?) is witness to
a deed of sale of land from Alexander Anderson and his wife Mary to
Henry Beauford in Bute Co., NC.
1778 Nov 12 [2930]
James Rainwater enters 200 acres on Fishers River adjoining
land of John Jarvis in Surry Co., NC into the land entry book of
Surveyor Joseph Winston. A Warrant for the land is granted.
ca 1778 [2352]
Photograph of original land grant from the state of North Carolina to James Rainwater
1779 Feb [216] [140]
John Rainwater (probably John’s son) is paid 50 pounds by NC
for providing corn.
1781 May 26 [225]
Anne Rainwater (probably William’s wife) received a deed to
land in Granville Co., NC as a "gift from her friend", Nathaniel Hix.
1781 Sep 20 [216]
William Rainwater (John’s brother) paid 8 pounds,
18 shillings by NC comptrollers office.
1782 [121]
James, Mary and John Rainwater (John’s son)
listed as NC taxpayers in Surry Co.
1783 [121], [990]
Arm or Ann Rainwater listed as taxpayer in Halixfax Co., NC.
1783 Jun 10 [216]
(unknown) Rainwater was paid an unknown amount by the NC
comptrollers office for Revolutionary War related services.
1783 Jun 10 [140] [216]
Gilliam Rainwater is paid 4.8 pounds by the NC comptrollers
office for Revolutionary War related services. Unknown relation,
possibly the son of the earliest William Rainwater?
1784 [121]
Moses Rainwater listed as NC taxpayer in Johnston Co., NC
Most likely the son of James Rainwater. Later census records
for Moses make him about 16 years old at this time.
1784 [121]
William Rainwater listed as NC taxpayer in Warren Co., NC.
Probably the son of the earlier William Rainwater.
1784 Nov 3 [166]
James Rainwater granted 188 acres of land on Fisher’s Creek
and granted 204 acres on Hogins Creek, in Surry Co., NC. This is
probably the son of John Rainwater
1785 Aug 10 [69]
James Rainwater serves on Surry County Court jury for two
cases: Matthew Brooks vs. Thomas Ross and Peter Eddleman vs. Isham
Westmoreland. Probably the son of John Rainwater
1786 May 16 [70]
James Rainwater is a witness for the plaintiff in the case of
Stephen Williford vs. John Jarvis tried in Surry County Court.
Probably the son of John Rainwater
1786 Aug 8
Sources: [1310]
Jacob Reinweiter baptized at Lowerstone Reformed Church of Rowan Co., NC.
1787
Sources: [1081]
Surry Co., NC census of Willeses District includes James Rainwater, whose
household contains 1 white male age 21-60, 1 white males under age 21 or over age 60, 5 white
females and 1 black individual age 12-50
1787
Sources: [1081]
Warren Co., NC census of Capt. Colclough’s District includes William Rainwater,
whose household contains 1 white male age 21-60, 2 white males under age 21 or over age 60, and 4
white females.
1787 Mar 16
Sources: [1081]
Johnston Co., NC census of Capt. Alexander Hobbys District includes Miles Rainwater,
whose household contains 1 white male age 21-60, 6 white males under age 21 or over age 60, and
4 white females
1787 May 28 [423]
William Rainwater is bound Apprentice to Robert Burch until
he reaches the age of 21 by the Johnston Co., NC court. He is said
to turn 13 on the "3rd day of June next". There are probably two
young William Rainwater’s in Johnston Co., NC at this time
unless this one marries at the age of 13 (see next entry).
1787 Aug 27 [425]
Moses Rainwater witnesses the will of Robert Bunch. His mark
is said to be on the document. The will is probated in 1788 Feb.
1787 Nov 16 [67][422]
William Rainwater marries Molley Reaves67 or Medley
Rives422 in Johnston Co., NC.
1787 Nov 7 [67]
Gilliam Rainwater marries Nancy Christmas in Warren Co., NC.
Unknown relation, possibly a son of the earliest William
Rainwater?
1787 Dec 20 [62]
James Rainwater receives power of attorney from Abraham Howard
of SC to sell William Silvey his land on Double Creek of Yadkin River.
Witnessed by Edmond Pace. Recorded in Surry Co. Court in May of 1790.
1790 [1]
The following are found in the 1790 census:
1791 Aug 11 [341]
James Rainwater is among a group of Surry Co., NC residents
ordered by the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions to "mark
and lay out a road the nearest and best way from Cornelius Reich’s
old place into the Hollow Road to Rockford and make a report thereof
to the next court".
1792 Feb 29 [426]
Nuseham Rainwater witnesses a deed transfering 70 acres of
land on the north side of the Neuse River in Johnston Co., NC from
James Lockhart to John Smith. The document is said to contain
Nuseham Rainwater’s mark.
1792 Apr 27 [426]
Moses Rainwater witnesses a deed transfering 200 acres of land on
the south side of the Neuse River in Johnston Co., NC. from John
Smith to Elijah Walter. The land is mentioned as being near the land
of a "John Rai...." (not legible by the transcriber). The
document is said to include Moses Rainwater’s mark.
1793 [424]
William Rainwater is listed as an insolvent in a report to the
Johnston Co., NC court by the sheriff.
1793 Aug 14 [341]
James Rainwater of Edwards District, Surry Co,. NC presents
evidence in court that he has been "taxed with two polls for the year
1792 more than he has a right to be taxed with" and is released from
his obligation to pay the overage.
1794 Dec [428]
Nusom Rainwaters is one of several buyers at the estate sale
of John Brady in Johnston Co., NC.
1796 Mar 1 [424]
William Rainwater is on a list of insolvents prepared by the
Sheriff, Henry Gray, of Johnston Co., NC.
1800 Nov 12 [67]
Elizabeth Rainwater marries Daniel Collins in Richmond Co., NC.