Theophilus Weeks

Other Events and Attributes:

• tng Album: 45
• Military: Between May 1776 and Nov 1778, North Carolina, USA
• Residence: 1830, Alligator Settlement, Alachua, Florida, USA
• Residence: 1831, Florida, USA

Notes:

Thelophilus Weeks
Son of Silas Weeks
Theophilus Weeks, like his father was a soldier of the American Revolution. He was born in Carteret Co. North Carolina on 21 October, 1760. He died 20 July, 1839 near Alligator Settlement (now Lake City) Columbia County, Florida.

He was a soldier with the 6th Regiment of the North Carolina line, commanded by Colonel Lytle and then by Captain Griffins. He served for two (2) and a half years.

After the war he returned to Carteret Co. where he married Ann O'Steen about 1782. Ann was born 25 October, 1763 and may have been the daughter of William O'Steen and wife Elizabeth Davis, daughter of John Davis.

During the late 1790's Theophilus moved his family South into Beaufort District, South Carolina for a few years. By 1803 he had settled in Camden Co. Georgia, for a brief time he was in Louisiana and finally settled in Columbia County, Florida where he died.

Their Children were:

Mary Weeks born 4 ? 1782
Silas Nathaniel Weeks born 17 September, 1784
Betsey Weeks born ? June 1788
Alsey Weeks born 6 April, 1790
Sarah Weeks born 7 March, 1792
Ezikla Weeks born 3 January, 1795
Ezekiel Weeks born 18 March, 1797
Theophilis Weeks born 29 February, 1800
John Weeks born 9 June, 1804
James Weeks born 25 March, ?
Silas Weeks born 23 December, 1811
Leonard Weeks born 21 September, 1816
Betsie Weeks born 22 February, 1819
Zach Weeks born 20 October, 1820
John Weeks born 5 January, 1820

Gravestone in Price Creek Cemetery:
Theophilus Weeks
PVT Continental Line Rev. Wars
Oct. 21, 1760 July 20, 1839

Died:
near Alligator Settlement which is now Lake City

Theophilus married Ann O'Steen about 1782. Ann (daughter of Living and Living) was born on 25 Oct 1763 in North Carolina, USA; died on 1 May 1844 in Columbia, Florida, USA; was buried in Price Creek Cemetery, Lake City, Columbia, Florida, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Mary Weeks was born on 4 Oct 1782 in South Carolina, USA; died on 20 Jan 1854 in Florida, USA; was buried in Price Creek Cemetery, Lake City, Columbia, Florida, USA.
2. Silas Weeks was born on 17 Sep 1784.
3. Betsy Weeks was born on 3 Sep 1786.
4. Rebecca Weeks was born in Jun 1788.
5. Alsey Weeks was born on 6 Apr 1790.
6. Sarah Weeks was born on 7 Mar 1792.
7. Ezikla Weeks was born on 2 Jan 1795.
8. Theophilus Weeks was born on 28 Feb 1800 in Beaufort, South Carolina, USA; died on 28 Sep 1857; was buried in Old Providence Cemetery, Union, Florida, USA.
9. John Weeks was born on 9 Jun 1804.

Notes:

[Robison.FTW]

[jer261.ged]

Died while in service during the Revolutionary War.

Silas Weeks
Son of Theopilus Weeks
Silas Weeks was the son of Theophlius Weeks and Grace Green Weeks. He was born in North Carolina.

Silas was a soldier in the America Revolution and died in service on May 22, 1778. A Military Land Warrant # 1533. in the name of Silas Weeks was sold by his heirs on February 22, 1785. From this land sale by the heirs three children are known , Theophilus, James and Ada Weeks. The signature of Theophilus is identical with that found on Military Land Warrant Nr 1806, issued in the name of Tehophilus Weeks and sold by him on 23 May, 1785..

Silas Weeks is the proven son of Theophilus Weeks Sr .of Carteret Co. by land deeds.

Zillar Hunter the wife of Silas Weeks, was the daughter of Nicholas and Rebecca Hunter. Zillar was listed as one of twelve children listed in the will of her father Nicholas who died in 1750 in Carteret Co.

Only three children are known born to Silas and Zillar:

1. James Weeks, believed to be the oldest
2. Theophilus Weeks
3. Ada Weeks who married John O'Steen brother to Ann and Esther O'Steen.

Silas married Zillar Hunter about 1757 in North Carolina, USA. Zillar (daughter of Nicholas Hunter and Rebecca Lnu) was born in 1737 in Onslow, North Carolina, USA; died before 1784 in Carteret, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Death: Abt 1787, North Carolina, USA
• Probate: 1787, Onslow, North Carolina, USA

Notes:

Theophilus Weeks
Son of Benjamin Weeks.
Theophilus Weeks Sr. was born in Falmouth, Barnstable Co. MA. Bay Colony in 1708. He removed to North Carolina with his family about 1730 and settled in Carteret County and then moved to Onslow Co. by 1735. Theophilus married Mrs. Grace Green the widow of Jonathan Green. Grace the widow was deceased by August 1792 as evidence by minutes of the August 1792 Court in Carteret Co. which concerned a lawsuit against the estate of Grace Weeks.

Theophilus laid out and established the Town of Swanboro, North Carolina., in 1770. He surveyed forty-eight lots which are still part of the town.

Theophilus was inspector for the port, which was called Weeks Landing, Week's Whard, The Whard, Weeks Pint, Bogue, New Town and Swansboro. His house was just up from the wharf so he could see the ships as they came in.

Grace had one son by Jonathan Green and four sons for Theophilus Weeks. If they had daughters they are unknown.

1. Jonathan Green Jr. born before 1735 and died 7 February, 1777
2. Benjamin Weeks
3. Silas Weeks, died 22 May, 1778 Rev. Soldier
4. Silvanneus Weeks, Rev. Soldier as swore in open Court by Edward Marey on July 10, 1792.
5. Archelus Weeks married Abigail Edwards, widow of Thomas Edwards.

A Sketch of the Life of Theophilus Weeks
Founder of the Town of Swansboro

Theophilus Weeks, son of Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks, was born at Falmouth, Massachusetts, in 1708. Sometime in 1730 Benjamin Weeks moved his family from Falmouth to Carteret County, North Carolina, settling along Hadnot's Creek, a tributary of the White Oak River. Apparently about the same time, another Falmouth family-that of Jonathan Green, Sr.-moved to the White Oak River area and settled on the land where the town of Swansboro eventually began. Very little is known about Jonathan Green, Sr., except that he moved to his new home along with his wife Grace and his older brother, Isaac Green. Jonathan and Grace Green had a son named Jonathan, Jr., but it is not presently known whether Jonathan, Jr., was born in Massachusetts or in North Carolina. In 1730, the two brothers, Isaac and Jonathan Green, jointly bought their new plantation on the White Oak.

Meanwhile, Theophilus Weeks appears to have lived in his father's household until 1735. By that year, Jonathan Green, Sr., had died of some unknown cause at the early age of approximately 35 years old; and Theophilus Weeks had married the widow, Grace Green. Weeks moved to the Onslow County side of the river upon marrying the Widow Green, and they made their home in the house that had earlier been the home of Jonathan Green, Sr. In due time Weeks bought the half interest of Isaac Green, who thereafter returned to Massachusetts. Thus, by purchase from Isaac Green and by intermarriage with Jonathan Green's widow, Theophilus Weeks came into full possession and control of the plantation on the Onslow County side of the mouth of the White Oak River.

Plaque in Swansboro Public Park Honoring Theophilus
In addition to his stepson, Jonathan Green, Jr., Theophilus Weeks's family increased by four sons born to him and his wife Grace. Their four sons were Benjamin Weeks, Silas Weeks, Silvanus Weeks, and Archelaus Weeks, whose name sometimes appears incorrectly as Archibald Weeks. If Jonathan Green, Jr., should ever prove to have been born in Massachusetts before his parents moved to North Carolina, then Theophilus and Grace's son, Benjamin Weeks , would be the first child of European descent ever born on the site of what became the town of Swansboro. Not much is known about the occupation of Theophilus Weeks prior to 1751. In January of 1741 (New Style), Weeks recorded his stock mark, which indicated agricultural interests. In 1747 Weeks mortgaged to Col. John Starkey for slightly over 200 pounds the land he had bought of Isaac Green. There is no indication of the use Weeks made of the borrowed money, but he evidently paid it off by the end of 1748. In 1751 Weeks petitioned the Onslow Court for permission to operate an ordinary (18th century term for tavern or inn)and was licensed to "keep an ordinary at his now dwelling place," which suggests that port activity was thriving at the mouth of the White Oak and that Weeks' plantation was a favorite spot for the seafarers to visit.

PLAQUE COMMEMORATING THEOPHILUS WEEKS - FOUNDER OF SWANSBORO
Three years later in 1754, the Onslow Regiment of Militia was organized in response to the French and Indian War. The regiment was divided into four companies, and Theophilus Weeks was commissioned a sergeant in Capt. Stephen Lee's Company of the Onslow Regiment of Militia. His service as one of the original officers in the regiment indicates a more-than-usual capacity for leadership and public responsibility.
In 1757 Theophilus Weeks was appointed the first inspector of exports for Bogue Inlet. Though the record for some years is incomplete, there is every indication that Weeks held the office of inspector continuously from 1757 until his death in 1772, It is significant that there is no record of any complaint ever having been lodged against him with respect to the administration of his official duties. Nor was he ever involved in any lawsuit or uncomplimentary situation so far as the record reveals. From all indications, Theophilus Weeks was a prime example of the unassuming, hardworking, solid citizen upon whom our great democracy was built.
No record has come to light which reflects the religious affiliation of Theophilus Weeks. However, he is known to have had an eminent Puritan minister in his ancestry, and the fact that other members of the Weeks family in the Hadnot's Creek area were deeply involved in the early Baptist movement suggests the strong possibility that Theophilus was also numbered among them.

While there are additional references to his keeping an ordinary and serving as inspector, the most significant accomplishment of Weeks's life came just about a year before his death. It is not known exactly when Theophilus Weeks decided to start a town on his plantation called "The Wharf." He may have toyed with the idea for years, but it seems certain that he had finalized the plan of a town by sometime early in 1771 or possibly even in 1770. The earliest Swansboro lot for which there is a deed from Theophilus Weeks on record is lot number 6, which Theophilus and Grace Weeks sold to Edward Starkey on May 11, 1771. Strangely enough, that deed refers to an adjoining lot as belonging to a Mr. Lee, though no deed from Weeks to Lee is recorded. The deed from Weeks to Starkey, however, does prove that as early as May of 1771 a plan of the town existed and that the lots in the town had already been assigned their numbers. That the establishment of a town on his property was the idea of Theophilus Weeks is further supported by the deed to Mrs. Mary Pitts for lot number 11. Mrs. Pitts received the deed for what was called "lot number 11 in the plan of a town laid out by Theophilus Weeks.” It is, therefore, clear that the town that became Swansboro was the idea of Theophilus Weeks, who thereby earned the title of "Founder of the Town of Swansboro."

As laid out by Weeks, the new town contained a total of 48 lots and 6 streets. The lots were arranged in three tiers with 16 lots to the tier. Of the 6 streets, 3 streets ran basically north to south and 3 ran basically east to west. Those streets today are known as, Front, Water, Elm, Moore, Main, and Church streets, though 4 of the 6 streets have been greatly extended as the town has grown. All of the original lots measured 60 feet in width and 200 feet in length, except that those lots on the north side of Front Street were intended to extend across the street to the rivershore. Seven of the 48 lots were called "water lots" because in varying amounts a part of each of those 7 water lots lay beneath the water. The 7 water lots were known in the plan of the town as lots number 10 through 16. All of the streets in the town were laid out to be 30 feet wide, except for Front and Broad streets, which were 40 feet wide. The Broad Street shown on the early maps of Swansboro should not be confused with the present-day Broad Street. What Theophilus Weeks called Broad Street is today known as Main Street and was the end of the old county road which ran from Onslow Courthouse (as Jacksonville was formerly called) to Weeks's wharf where he inspected exports leaving the White Oak River area.

The sale of lots in the new town continued slowly, and only a few of the original 48 lots had been sold when Theophilus Weeks died. From the deed records, it is known that the Weeks home stood on the west side of Broad Street (now Main Street) somewhere between Front and Water streets. In the plat of the town, the lot on which Weeks's home sat received the number 7. Because Weeks had a wharf nearby where vessels tied up to have their cargoes inspected, one of the earliest names for the town was Weeks's Wharf. Some called the town Weeks's Point, and still others called it "New Town." In one petition, the town was called "New Town-upon-Bogue." During the Revolutionary War years, the most common name for the town was Bogue. In 1783, when the town was established by law, the General Assembly put an end to the confusion over names by bypassing all the earlier names and officially naming the town Swannsborough, which has since been shortened to Swansboro.

The precise date and cause of Theophilus Weeks's death is unknown, though it appears to have occurred in early January, 1772. On January 1, 1772, Theophilus and Grace Weeks signed a deed to Archibald Gillespie for half an acre of land. That was the last deed Theophilus ever signed. When the Onslow Court met just a few days later, one of the actions taken by the court was to appoint Archibald Gillespie inspector for Bogue Inlet "in the room of Theophilus Weeks, deceased."

While Theophilus Weeks lived and died a subject of the king of England, he was the father of patriots. Of his four sons, two - Silas and Silvanus - died as soldiers in the American Revolution. In his final years, Theophilus Weeks founded a new town and left behind him sons who would help to found a new nation. It is appropriate that the bill legally erecting the town which Weeks had founded was passed by the General Assembly in the same year that Great Britain officially recognized American independence. Tucker R. Littleton

[Note: This biography of Theophilus Weeks was extracted from a guide that was sold to tourists visiting Swansboro. The old buildings of downtown Swansboro have been converted to gift shops, boutiques, restaurants and other tourist-oriented establishments in order to attract the trade of visitors to the North Carolina outerbanks. The author of this guide, Tucker R. Littleton, was probably himself a descendant of Benjamin Weeks.]

Theophilus married Grace Green on 7 Oct 1735 in Swansboro, Onslow, North Carolina, USA. Grace was born in 1708 in Falmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts, USA; died after 1775 in Onslow, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

[Robison.FTW]

[jer261.ged]

Widow of Jonathan.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 17 May 1742, Carteret, North Carolina, USA
• Will: 3 Jan 1749, Carteret, North Carolina, USA
• Probate: Mar 1749, Carteret, North Carolina, USA

Nicholas married Rebecca Lnu in 1703 in Nansemond, North Carolina. Rebecca was born in 1683; died in Jun 1785 in Carteret, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Rebecca Hardy

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Bingman Weeks
• Residence: North Carolina, USA

Notes:

Benjamin Weeks
Son of William Weeks Jr.
Benjamin Weeks was born 4 April, 1685 in Falmouth, MA. He died 1744 in North Carolina. His will was probated in Carteret Co. North Carolina in 1745.

Benjamin married Mary Chase 14 January, 1704 in MA. She is the daughter of Isaac Chase and wife Mary Tilton Chase. According to Mary's will she died 11 August, 1788.

While Benjamin lived in MA. he owned a ferry that was given to him by his father-in-law, Isaac Chase as stated in the History of Martha's Vineyard, volume 1.

Benjamin moved southward and into Carteret Co. North Carolina about 1730. He lived in the area of White Oak River and died there in 1744. He is buried in the Weeks family Cemetery in the area.

Benjamin and Mary were the parents of ten (10) children:

1. Benjamin Weeks, Jr
2. Theophilus Weeks, born 1708
3. Lydia Weeks married Thomas Whitton 1 Sept. 1733
4. Archelaus Weeks
5. Mary Weeks married Weston Williams
6. Christian Weeks married Mathew Rowley
7. Thankful Weeks married Thomas Hicks
8. Isaac Weeks married Sarah ?
9. Jabez Weeks Mary Rhodes
10. Elizabeth Weeks

Ref. History of Martha's Vineyard, Volume I,II,III and Benjamin's Will probated 1745 book 6 page 62.

WEEKS/CHASE FAMILY REGISTRY
A LISTING OF THE DESCENDANTS OF BENJAMIN AND MARY CHASE WEEKS OF FALMOUTH, MA. AND CARTERET COUNTY, N.C.

TABLE OF LINKS
BENJAMIN WEEKS A Biography of Our Patriarch
THEOPHILUS & SWANSBORO The Founding of Swansboro, North Carolina
HATCH OR Robinson Who was Benjamin's Mother?
JONATHAN HATCH The Hatch Connection
CHASE HERITAGE The Ancestry of Mary Chase Weeks
THE GRAVES OF MARY & LT. CHASE A Quaker Life
THE PHILBRICK LINE More Ancestors
ALIAS FYLBRIGG A Philbrick Link
INDEX & SURNAMES 941 Surnames - 4400+ Individuals in Index
CONTRIBUTORS E-mail Our Contributors
WORLD WYKES WEB Weeks=Wykes?
ROWLEY FAMILY Sarah's Folks
GUEST BOOK Sign/Read Our Guest Book

VISIT WEEKS COUNTRY
PLYMOUTH BARNSTABLE FALMOUTH
CARTERET COUNTY ONSLOW COUNTY SWANSBORO

BENJAMIN WEEKS
HIS LIFE, HIS ANCESTORS & HIS DESCENDANTS
Benjamin Weeks was born on 4 April 1685 in Falmouth, Massachusetts. He married Mary Chase at Martha's Vineyard on 14 January 1704. Mary was born in Tisbury, Ma., on 17 January 1687. The ancestry of Benjamin and Mary is still open to question though it is certain that they count among their forebears the early Pilgrim and Puritan settlers of Massachusetts Bay Colony. As more settlers flocked to the Bay area good arable land grew scarcer, forcing the children and grandchildren of the original colonists to seek elsewhere for the means with which to support their families. The newly-established Carolinas answered this need with the promise of plentiful land and a gentler climate to those of an ambitious and pioneering spirit. Benjamin and Mary were among such a group of kinsmen and neighbors from the Falmouth region who migrated together to the White Oak River area of eastern North Carolina. Court records first indicate the presence of Benjamin and Mary in the area in 1741 though it is thought they had arrived as early as 1730. The Weeks family obtained land in Carteret County on Hadnots Creek at its confluence with White Oak River and set up housekeeping. Their grown children and other relatives and former Falmouth neighbors were soon established on lands of their own on both sides of the river. Benjamin died in 1744 and left the following will. All the children named in the will were born in Falmouth.
BENJAMIN WEEKS' WILL
In the Name of God Amen, ys. Ninth Day of November in the Year of our Lord, One thousand, seven hundred & Forty Four. I, Benjamin Weeks, of Cartwright County, in North Carolina, being of sick and weak Body, but of Perfect Mind & Memory, Thanks be given unto almighty God for it, & Knowing it is appointed for all Men Once to Die, do make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament, that is to say; First of all I give my Sole into the Hands of God that gave it; & for my body, I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executors, Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shal receive the same again by the mighty Power of God that gave it; And as for Touching such Worldly Estate wherewith if has pleased God to bless me with, I give & Dispose of the same in the Manner & form following.

Item, I give and bequeath unto my two sons, Isaac Weeks & Jabas Weeks, the Tract of Land that I now dwell on with the March thereunto belonging, to be Equally divided between them and their Heirs & Assigns for Ever. That is to say, my son Jabas to have that Part of the Land that the Plantation & Houses is on, and Isaac to have the other Part with half the Marsh.

Item, I give to my Son, Theoflis Weaks, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Son, Archelas, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Son, Bingman, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Daughter, Lidde Witton, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Dafter, Mary Williams, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Dafter, Christian Weake, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Dafter, Thankful Hicks, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, I give to my Dafter, Elizabeth Weake, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item, my Will & Desire is for my Wife to have the Plantation in her Lifetime.

Item, my Will and Desire is that my two Sons, Isaac & Jabas, do Each of them pay unto my Grand Son Edward Weaks, the Sum of Ten Pounds, current money of Carolina, & upon Failure thereof to be Dispossessed of the Land before given.

Item, I give unto my well beloved wife, Mary Weake, Two Beds & Furniture, Two Cows & Horses, and all other Household Goods & all the Remaining Part of my Estate that is not yet given During her Widowhood, She Paying all my Lawful Debts.

I also Depute and apoint my sd. Wife to be my whole & sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, Ratifying and alowing this & no other to be my last Will & Testament, Disanulling all other Wills formarly by me made.

In Testimony hereunto I have Set my Hand & Seal the year and date written above.

His Mark

Signed: BENJAMIN (B) WEEKS

SWANSBORO, N.C. BOGUE INLET TO THE LEFT
Among the Falmouth neighbors who participated in the move to North Carolina were Jonathan and Grace Green who established a plantation on the Onslow County side of the White Oak River not far from Bogue Inlet. Jonathan Green died a premature death and Benjamin Weeks' son, Theophilus, then married Grace, gaining in the bargain ownership of the riverside plantation. His proximity to Bogue Inlet and, doubtless, his demonstrated ability and honesty, earned Theophilus the appointment as Customs Inspector, a responsibility that entailed inspecting the cargoes of ships entering and leaving the inlet. To perform these duties, Theophilus constructed a wharf at his plantation and later a tavern nearby to slake the thirst of the transient seamen. The bustle of activity surrounding the wharf inspired Theophilus to subdivide his plantation into town lots which he sold to those of his neighbors who preferred the urban life. First called Weeks Wharf, the community was eventually renamed Swansboro. A plaque in Swansboro park honors Theophilus for his roll in founding the town. In time Weeks descendants would own most of the land bordering the White Oak River.

The end of the French and Indian Wars in 1763 would have a profound effect on the lives and fortunes of the Weeks family. At the ensuing peace conference France ceded Canada and Florida to the victorious English who immediately took steps to populate and control the new territories. The Crown offered generous land grants to veterans of the recent war and to eastern seaboard residents who were willing to homestead in British West Florida as the recent acquisition was called. It comprised parts of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. On the White Oak River history repeated itself as Weeks family members and neighbors responded to the call by trekking off to East Florida and British West Florida to seek their fortunes, no doubt spurred on by the same population pressures that had influenced their Falmouth forebears. Those so far identified as homesteading in British West Florida were Christian Weeks and her husband Abel Goffigon, Theophilus Weeks (thought to be the son of Silas and Zillar Weeks) and his wife Ann Osteen and John Hewitt, a cousin of Christian. No doubt there were others. Theophilus would later move to East Florida. As a result of these migrations both Florida and Louisiana possess well-populated branches of the Weeks family. After the Revolutionary War the migration of Weeks descendants followed the pattern established by other southern Americans as they spread westward across the gulf states into Texas and beyond so that today descendants of Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks reside from coast to coast.

THE REGISTRY
This registry is the product of the independent research efforts of a group of Weeks descendants who have agreed to pool and share their data. It contains more than 3,500 names in 1,100 family groups, the majority of whom are lineal descendants of Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks and their children, Theophilus, Lydia Weeks Witton, Thankful Weeks Hicks, Isaac, Elizabeth, Jabez, Christian Weeks Goffigon, Mary Weeks Williams and Benjamin. We are providing this data base for the benefit of other Weeks researchers in the hope that those who avail themselves of the information will join us in expanding the Registry by contributing additional unrecorded branches of the family. We will happily supply a GEDCOM of any portion of this data base in exchange for a GEDCOM that expands the Registry. Contributors will also be listed on this site as contact persons if they wish. At the present time no sources are provided to support the accuracy of the data. Researchers are urged to consult with the listed contact persons or to independently confirm the authenticity of the information themselves. You will no doubt find some errors in the data base; please be gentle in calling them to our attention. We hope in time to add a greater degree of accuracy and uniformity to the data base as well as some other interesting features. In the meantime, please bear with us. And Good Luck! (Please note: Fnu = First Name Unknown)
INDEX
SURNAMES

CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME ADDRESS RESEARCH INTEREST
Judy Anderson Andersonjb@aol.com Thankful Weeks Hicks
Jim McLoughlin mclou@hal-pc.org Christian Weeks Goffigon
Eric Harvester flconfed@GTE.net Theophilus Weeks
Judy Roberts J2ROBERTS@aol.com Ada Weeks Osteen
Keith Rabb, Jr. Krabb@Prodigy.com Ada Weeks Osteen
Ann H. McWhirter annie_b@netwrench.com Jabez Weeks
Doug Hanke DHanke@prodigy.net Phoebe Weeks Osteen
Connie Owens ceo@flash.net Tamar Weeks Sanders
John Palmer Palmerjo@SONOMA.EDU Henry Lee Mangum
Alice Bruce Bruce1013@aol.com Rhodes Weeks

Thank you for dropping in. We would really appreciate your sharing your Weeks data with us. Please send us a GEDCOM, post an inquiry or just let us know what you think of our page.

This Website was created on 2-26-97. All rights reserved.
Jim Mc Loughlin last tinkered with this page on 4-21-01. E-mail to: mclou@hal-pc.org

BENJAMIN WEEKS

Benjamin Weeks was born 4 April of 1685, Falmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts.(68) The marriage date of he and Mary Chase, daughter of Isaac Chase and Mary Tilton, is somewhat in question. In the vital records of Tisbury, Massachusetts, under marriages, it lists Mary Chase and "Benjiman Weck" of Falmouth, 14 Jan. 1704 with as asterisk. The asterisk indicated that an intention had not been recorded. I assume that to mean that they announced their desire to marry at that time, but did not state a given time for that marriage to take place.(69) Going to the original vital records of Barnstable County, it lists
"Beniamin Wekes and Mary Chaces Intentions of marring published May the 27th 1704."(70) The actual marriage could have occurred after that date, so it would seem we can only say they may have married in 1704, after May 27th.(71) Mary was born 17 January 1687/88 in Tisbury, Middlesex, Massachusetts.(72)

Mary's father, Isaac, was supposedly a Quaker, although not ultra orthodox. It was Quaker custom to appear at two monthly meetings, in succession, when contemplating marriage. The publishing of their intentions had a span of several months between, however, so maybe one or the other got cold feet, then changed their mind.

The first reference I find concerning Benjamin after their marriage is when he purchased Weepecket, a small four-acre island on the north side of Naushon. It had been originally acquired by Thomas Mayhew, who sold it to Matthew Mayhew in 1682. Mathew then sold it to Benjamin Weeks, of Falmouth, in 1714.(73)

Benjamin's father-in-law, Isaac Chase, kept a tavern at Holmes/Home's Hole for many years. In concert with that, he operated a ferry to transport persons and their mounts from Martha's Vineyard to Falmouth.(74) In 1716, Benjamin Weeks is referred to as the ferryman, so it might be that Isaac turned the business over to him.(75)

By 1741 Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks were in Carteret County, North Carolina. Where they were between 1716 and 1722 when their son, Isaac, was christened in Plymouth, and after 1729 when their son Jabez/Jabish was christened in Plymouth, I have not been able to discover at this point.

Benjamin and Mary Weeks first appear in the Carteret County records in 1741, when Benjamin made oath at the March term of Court for that year that he had in his family six white persons.(76) I assume that was in addition to himself. He and Mary were also to give evidence in a court case.(77) However, in 1732 there is mention of a Benjamin Weeks, Sr., in Court records and in 1730 there is an Onslow County land transaction involving Jonathan Weeks who is described as a "yeoman from Massachusetts Bay," indicating with a high degree of probability that Weeks family members were in North Carolina at least by this earlier date.

By March of 1744/45 we find that Mary is a widow when she requests a summons for Thomas Person to appear at the next court so that he can prove her husband's will. At that time she also requested that the boy, John Jones, be allowed to live with her family and be taught to read.(78) At the June term of Court in 1745, Mary, as widow of Benjamin Weeks, deceased, produced the last will and testament of the said Benjamin.(79) A transcribed copy of the original will was sent to me by Mr. James McLoughlin, who is a descendant of Christian Weeks. It can also be found in J. Bryant Grimes North Carolina Wills and Inventories, pg. 441-442.

WILL OF BINGMAN WEEKS(80)

In the Name of God Amen, ys. Ninth Day of November in the Year of our Lord, one thousand, Seven hundred & Forty Four.
I, Bingham Weeks, of Cartwright County, in North Carolina, being of sick and weak Body, but of Perfect Mind & Memory, Thanks be given unto almighty God for it, & Knowing it is appointed for all Men Once to Die, Do make & Ordain this to be my last Will & Testament, that is to say; First of all I give my Sold [sic] into the Hands of God that gave it; & for my Body, I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executors, Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shal receive the same again by the mighty Power of God that gave it; And as for Touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with, I give & Dispose of the same in the Manner & form following:

Item: I give and bequeath unto my two sons, Isaac Weeks & Jabas Weeks, the Tract of Land that I now dwell on with the Marsh thereunto belonging, to be Equally divided between them and their Heirs & Assigns for Ever. That is to say, my Son Jabas to have that Part of the Land that the Plantation & Houses is on, and Isaac to have the other Part with half the Marsh.

Item: I give to my Son, Theoflis Weaks, one Shilling, Sterling.

Item: I give to my Son, Archelas, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item: I give to my Son, Bingman, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item: I give to my Daughter, Lidde Witton, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item: I give to my Dafter, Mary Williams, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item: I give unto my Dafter, Christian Weake, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item: I give to my Dafter, Thankful Hicks, One Shilling, Sterling.

Item: my Will & Desire is for my Wife to have the Plantation in her Lifetime.

Item: I give to my Dafter, Elizabeth Weake, One Shilling.

Item: my Will and Desire is that my two Sons, Isaac & Jabas, do Each of them pay unto my Grand Son, Edward Weaks, the Sum of Ten Pounds, current money of Carolina, & upon Failure thereof to be Dispossessed of the Land before given.

Item: I give unto my well beloved wife, Mary Weake, Two Beds & Furniture, Two Cows & Horses, and all other Household Goods & all the Remaining Part of my Estate that is not yet given, During her Widowhood, She paying all my Lawful Debts. I also Depute and apoint my sd. Wife to be my whole & sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, Ratifying and alowing this & no other to be my last Will & Testament, Disanulling all other Will formarly by me made.

In Testimony hereunto I have Set my Hand & Seal the year and date above written.

His Mark

Signed: Bingham (B) Weaks

Signed, Sealed in the Presence of us,

Jehosaphat Holland
Francis Burns
his
Thomas T. Person
mark
Carteret County, North Carolina. June Court, 1745.

These may certify that Thomas Person, one of the Evidences to the Within Will, in open Court made Oath that he Saw Benjamin Weeks, Decd., Sign & Seal the same: and that he also saw Jehosaphat Holland & Francis Burns, Evidence the same, And Mary Weekes, Widow, hath taken the Oath of an Executrix, and by the Court admitted to Record. Dated at the Court House the 6th Day of June, Anno Domini, 1745.

Teee. Geor. Read, Clk. Cur.

Recorded in Will Book 6, pg. 62.

Mary is still living in 1749, as she and her son, Isaac, are to give evidence for a suit against William Gray, who was accused of taking a hog.(81)

At the present time, a death date for Mary is not known.(82)

With the exception of Isaac, Elizabeth and Jabez, the dates for the children are estimates, and they could have been born before or after the years indicated. Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks had the following children, most of whom were probably born in Tisbury or Falmouth, Massachusetts:

1) Mary Weeks, born abt. 1710, Massachusetts. Md. Weston Williams.(83)

2) Lida Weeks, born abt. 1712. Md. a Witton.(84)

3) Archelas Weeks, born abt. 1714.

4) Theophilus Weeks, born abt. 1716. D. 1772, Swansboro, North Carolina. Married Grace Green, a widow. She was born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, died in Onslow County, North Carolina.(85)

5) Christian Weeks, born abt. 1734. D. 21 Jan 1806, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Md. Abel Goffigon. He was born 1747 in Northampton Co., Virginia; died before 1794 in St. Tammany Parish.(86)

6) Thankful Weeks, born abt. 1720, Massachusetts. Died abt. 1785, Craven County, North Carolina.(87) Md. Thomas Hicks, possibly a son of Thomas and Abigail Hicks of Swansea, Massachusetts.

7) Isaac Weeks, christened 21 July 1722, Plymouth, Massachusetts.(88) Md. Mary ? or Sarah. Living in Carteret County, North Carolina by 1741. Gave evidence in a suit of the King against Thomas Hicks in 1749.(89) Thomas, a planter, had acknowledged himself indebted to the King for the sum of ten pounds during the March term of court 1747.(90)

8) Elizabeth Weeks, christened 14 Feb. 1724/25, Plymouth, Massachusetts.(91)

9) Benjamin Weeks, born abt. 1726, Plymouth, Massachusetts.

10) Jabish [Jabez] Weeks, christened 4 Aug. 1729, Plymouth, Mass.(92) Md. Mary Rhodes abt. 1745. He is mentioned in the June term of court, 1751.(93)

SOURCES:

68 Vital Records of Falmouth Massachusetts, film # 0904590, pg. 155.

69 Vital Records of Tisbury, Massachusetts, New England Genealogical Society: Boston, Mass., 1910, pg. 119.

70 Film #0904590 - Barnstable County Registry Bldg., Falmouth Mass, Vital Record, pg. 155.

71 Vital Records of Tisbury, Massachusetts, New England Genealogical Society: Boston, Mass., 1910, pg. 26 -- under marriages it lists Mary & Benjiman Weck of Falmouth, 14 Jan. 1704, intention not recorded. They are then listed in the Vital Records of Falmouth, Massachusetts, microfilm of written recording, pg. 155, "Beniamin Wekes and Mary Chaces – intentions of marring published May the 27th 1704." I assume the first date recorded in Tisbury must have been equivalent of getting a license, and the second date, found in the Falmouth records, possibly the actual marriage date.

72 Vital Records of Tisbury, MA, pgs. 25 & 26 for Chase Family.

73 History of Martha's Vineyard, Vol. 2, "Annals of Gosnold", pg. 20.

74 History of Martha's Vineyard, Vol. I, pg. 452 -- the following action was taken in 1703: "Leift Isaac Chase is appoynted by this Courte to keepe a publike fery for the transporting of man and beast from Marthas Vineyard to Sickanesset alias falmouth and the fees allowed for said ferriage viz: -- six shillings for a man and a hors or three shillings for each person or horse forew'd to s'd Suckanesset: but if he doth cary but one hors over sd ferriage that he shall have the sume of five shillings."

75 History of Martha's Vineyard, Vol. I, pg. 452 -- Barnstable Deed, III, 148.

76 Sanders, Rebecca W. Early Carteret Court Minutes 1747-1764. Private Published, Beaufort, North Carolina, 2 Vols., Vol. 1, pg. 70.

77 Rebecca W. Sanders, Early Carteret Court Minutes 1723-1747. Privately Published: Beaufort, North Carolina 1991, pg. 71: By consent of John Starkey and Enock Ward, John Gillet, John Dugley, John
Roberts, Benjamin Weeks and Mary Weeks were to give evidences in the case of Williamson and Ward. They were to be sworn and affidavits taken.

78 Sanders, pg. 101.

79 Sanders, pg. 103.

80 Undoubtedly the given name of "Bingman" and the county of "Cartwright" were an error in transcription of the original will. Some of the old writing was very difficult to decipher.
Also, there is no Cartwright County in North Carolina.

81 Sanders, Vol. 2 - 1747-1764, pg. 22.

82 NOTE: I am still searching the court records for Carteret and may find something relating to her death.

83 P. W. Fisher, One Dozen Pre-Revolutionary Ward Families of Eastern North Carolina and some of Their Descendants, New Bern Historical Soc. Foundation, Inc.: New Bern, North Carolina, pg. 350.

84 Oliver B. Brown, Vital Records of Falmouth Massachusetts to the Year 1850. Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1976, pg. 216 - Marriages: There is a marriage between a Lydia Weeks and a Thomas Whitten of Plymtown, 1 June 1736. Since I don't pick up Benjamin Weeks until after that date in North Carolina, this may be the marriage of his daughter "Lida" to a "Witton."

85 Records of James McLoughlin, a descendant. Copies in my possession.

86 James McLoughlin, a descendant, via correspondence 1997, and via the Weeks Family Registry web page on the internet.

87 Will of Thankful Hicks. Found in Duplin County, North Carolina. See Hicks Family History.

88 Sherman, Ruth Wilder. Vital Records of Plymouth, Massachusetts to the Year 1850. Picton Press: Camden, Maine, 1993, pg. 70.

89 Sanders, Vol. 1, pg. 22.

90 Sanders, Vol. 1, pg. 3.

91 Sherman, Ruth Wilder. Vital Records of Plymouth, Massachusetts to the Year 1850. Picton Press: Camden, Maine, 1993, pg. 70.

92 Sherman, Ruth Wilder. Vital Records of Plymouth, Massachusetts to the Year 1850. Picton Press: Camden, Maine, 1993, pg. 70.

93 Sanders, Vol. 1, pg. 33.

Compiled by:
Judy B. Anderson
4485 S. 2025 W.
Roy, UT 84067

Bingman Weeks' Will.
In the Name of God Amen, ys. Ninth Day of November, in the Year of our Lord, One thousand, Seven hundred & Forty Four . I, Bingman Weeks , of Cartwright County , in North Carolina , being very sick & weak of Body, but of Perfect Mind & Memory, Thanks be given unto almighty God for it, & Knowing it is appointed for all Men Once to Die, Do make & Ordain this to be my last Will & Testament, that is to say; First of all I give my Sold into the Hands of God that gave it; & for my Body, I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executors, Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shal receive the same again by the mighty Power of God that gave it; And as for Touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with, I give & Dispose of the same in the Manner & form following.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give & bequeath unto my two Sons, Isaac Weeks & Jabas Weeks , the Tract of Land that I now dwell on with the Marsh thereunto belonging, to be Equally divided between them and their Heirs & Assigns for Ever. That is to say, my Son Jabas to have that Part of the Land that the Plantation & Houses is on, and Isaac to have the other Part with half the Marsh.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give to my Son, Theoflis Weaks , on Shilling, Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give unto my Son, Archelas , One Shilling, Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give to my Son, Bingmam , One Shilling Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give to my Daughter, Lidde Witton , One Shilling Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give to my Dafter, Mary Williams , One Shilling, Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give to my Dafter, Christian Weake , One Shilling Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give to my Dafter, Thankful Hicks , One Shilling Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, my Will & Desire is for my Wife to have the Plantation in her Lifetime.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
I give to my Dafter, Elizabeth Weake , one Shilling Sterling.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, my Will & Desire is that my two Sons, Isaac & Jabas, Do Each of them pay unto my Grand Son Edward Weaks , the Sum of Ten Pounds, current Money of Carolina, & upon Failure thereof to be Dispossessed of the Land before given.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Item, I give unto my well beloved Wife, Mary Weake , Two Beds & Furniture, Two Cows & , and all other Houshold Goods & all the Remaining Part of my Estate that is not yet given During her Widowhood, She paying all my Lawful Debts. I also Depute and apoint my sd. Wife to be my whole & sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, Ratifying and alowing this & no other to be my last Will and Testament. Disanulling all other Will formarly by me made.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
In Testimony hereunto I have Set my Hand & Seal the Day & Year above written.
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Bingman Weaks (Seal)
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Signed, Sealed in the Presence of us, Jehosaphat Holland . Francis Burns . Thos. Person .
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.
Carteret County, North Carolina . June Court, 1745 .
North Carolina Wills and Inventories
Bingman Weeks' Will.

Benjamin married Mary Chase on 14 Jan 1702 in Vineyard Haven, Dukes, Massachusetts, USA. Mary (daughter of Lieutenant Isaac Chase and Mary Tilton) was born on 17 Jan 1686 in Tisbury, Dukes, Massachusetts, USA; died on 11 Aug 1788 in Carteret, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William + Ann Norseworthy. Ann was born in 1662; died in 1751. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]