John Lott the Elder, 1700's NC>GA

Before I share the history of John Lott the Elder, I must disclose that there are several discrepancies in the family histories recorded for John Lott.  There existed a family line of several John Lott's, at least three to four that are accounted for; however, the numerous deeds and records associated with the name John Lott do not sufficiently discriminate between these similarly named individuals.  Therefore, varied conclusions have been drawn by family researchers regarding John Lott.  Among their theories are claims that John Lott the Elder was born c. 1700 in Virginia, married Elizabeth "Bethany" Joyner, resided in North Carolina and eventually settled in Georgia. Another theory states that John Lott the Elder had a son, also John Lott, born c. 1720 in North Carolina, married (spouse unknown), immigrated with seven children to Georgia where he eventually married a second time to Bethany (last name unknown).  Applying the latter theory to my Lott family means that John Lott the Elder and his wife Elizabeth Joyner would have been grandparents to the John Lott Sr who married Sarah "Sallie" Lightfoot, rather than parents.  For the time being, until evidence proves otherwise, I am leaning toward the first theory, which much of the documentation of the John Lott history was based upon.  I draw my conclusions from documentation by family researchers John C. Barron, Daniel Lavaine Worth and Frances Smith Blitch.

John Lott (the Elder), my 6th maternal great-grandfather, was born c. 1710-1715.  The place of his birth is presently speculative, some say he was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia while others state he was born in North Carolina.  He married Elizabeth Joyner, daughter of John Joyner and Elizabeth Brown.  She was born c. 1710-1720 in Virginia.  

It is known that this John Lott was in Bertie County then Edgecombe County, North Carolina in the early 1730's, as he was a witness on several deeds and land transactions during that time.  On 22 March 1742, John patented 600 acres north of Tosnet Swamp in Edgecombe County.  On 24 November 1744, he petitioned for 100 acres of land south of Tar River above Green's path and against Turkey Creek, Edgecombe County.  John additionally patented 300 acres of land on Contentea Creek, Edgecombe County, 20 April 1745.  In 1744, John Lott established Lott's Mill and managed the operations of the mill until he and Elizabeth sold it, along with 640 acres north of Tosnet Swamp, on 28 February 1748 to Nathaniel Hickman.  It later became known as Viverett's Mill and is said to have been mentioned in the travels of Lord Cornwallis and Colonel Tarleton as they passed through the area in May 1781, on their way to defeat at Yorktown, Virginia.  On 02 April 1751, John requested a patent of 200 acres in Duplin County, North Carolina.  It is assumed that John's family moved to Duplin County, because on 28 September 1754, John Lott purchased 200 acres on the north side of Cohera River, Duplin County.  He transferred 100 acres of this land to his son, John Lott on 11 August 1760 (deed said, John Lott Sr., gentleman, to John Lott Jr. both residents of Duplin Co. 100 ac of land).  The following year, John transferred 200 acres of land to William Pope in an executed deed dated 11 May 1761, Duplin County, North Carolina.

Apparently John was preparing to leave North Carolina which explains why he sold his land there.  The Lott family then supposedly arrived in St. George's Parish, Georgia about 1762.  In 1764, four of the Lott family members made applications for land grants in Georgia- John Lott Jr (06 March 1764, 300 acres), Daniel Lott (03 April 1764, 150 acres), Solomon Lott (08 September 1764, 100 acres) and John Lott Sr (06 November 1764, 200 acres).  It is said that when John Sr petitioned for his land grant, there was no mention of a wife, only himself and 7 children.  Another petition for 150 acres of land dated 03 September 1765, St. George's Parish, states John Sr had 6 children at that time, and still no mention of a wife.  (This is one piece of the John Lott history which puzzles its researchers- it is stated that Elizabeth Joyner, his wife, died in 1795.  And, with John Lott's history of land hunger, it seems unthinkable for him to not include his wife in the petition for land considering that every person counted toward the sum of land he would receive.  This just leaves me to wonder- did Elizabeth die before the land petitions?  Where is the proof of her actual death being in 1795?  If Elizabeth left a will before her death, it is unknown to me.  This is one of the reasons that some researchers believe there was another John Lott associated with the family).  

St. George's Parish became Burke County in 1777.  It is reported in one of the Lott family histories that during the Revolutionary War, Burke County was overrun by Tories, and for that reason John Lott's family left and went to South Carolina, residing near the Barnwell District.  There, supposedly, they furnished military supplies and rendered aid to the militia.  John Lott Sr made a claim against the state for furnishing 5 bushels of wheat for "Continental use" on 19 Oct 1784 SC.   It is my understanding that both John Lott, Sr (RS) and John Lott the Elder received land grants in Effingham County, Georgia upon their return from South Carolina.  It is said that county lines changed, so their lands were located in Screven County in 1793.  

It is in Screven County that the name "Bethany" comes into play in the John Lott mystery.  A deed from a John Lott Sr to John Lott Jr which, in part, states.... I John Lott Senr ... for love and affection toward my dutiful and loving son John Lott, Jr. give 150 head of cattle, signed 11 Oct 1795 John Lott Senr and Bethany (X) Lott [wit:] Benjamin Richardson Junior, Benjamin Richardson J.P. ...  Earlier that year, a deed in the same county stated  ... we John Lott Junr son of John Lott Sr and Sally my wife ... grant to John Lott, Sr 900 acres, signed 13 Jan 1795 John Lott Junr and Sally (X) Lott [wit:] John Hatcher, Elyhu Wiggins ... (Deed Record A, part I pp.22-23 and pp. 39-40).  It is obvious that the John Lott Jr mentioned in these deeds was the one married to Sarah "Sallie" Lightfoot.  It is also obvious that John Lott Sr was married to a woman called "Bethany".  The question here is- was "Bethany" the same person as John's first wife, Elizabeth Joyner???  Or, had Elizabeth died and Bethany was John's second wife???  

Reportedly, both these John's transferred their land in Screven County and moved to Montgomery County, Georgia.  The tax list for Montgomery County, 1797-98 listed a John Lott, Jr and a John Lott, Sr.  It is known that one of these John's was the one married to Sallie (Lightfoot).  The other John could have been his father, John the Elder, or his son, listed in my history as John Jr., married to Sarah Ann Jones.  

According to some family records, John Lott the Elder died 08 January 1810.  It is debatable if he died in Montgomery County or Tatnall County, where some claimed he had moved.  I've seen some databases that have his death date listed as before 1778.   I am presently uncertain of the facts surrounding John the Elder's death, or even his marriage(s).  I have chosen to try to sort through the information surrounding the life of John the Elder and present it here as best I know how.  A few more tidbits of information might one day surface which may or may not clear some of the misunderstandings in the John Lott histories, but until then, I will let it rest. I am, however, always open to suggestions and comments from others- so, if you have information which may help answer some of my questions, please feel free to contact me. 

Children of John Lott and Elizabeth Joyner:

i.    Daniel Lott, born c. 1730

ii.   Mark Lott, born c. 1733

iii.  James Lott, born c. 1735

iv. Ann Lott, born c. 1735

v.  John Lott Sr (RS), born c. 1740 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina; married Sarah "Sallie" Lightfoot
vi. Jesse Lott, born c. 1740
vii. Solomon Lott

Children connected to John Lott in other family histories (some say they are the children of John Lott and Elizabeth Joyner, some say they are the children of John Lott and a second wife):

Arthur Lott

William Lott

Absalom Lott

Nathan Lott

Joshua Lott

Mary "Polly" Lott

I will update information on the children at another time, when I have sorted through what I have.  There lies some confusion amongst some of their information as well.  Until then... Happy Hunting!

John Lott, Sr (RS), c. 1740-1808, NC>GA>MS

Revolutionary War Soldiers

John Lott, Sr., my maternal 5th great-grandfather, was born c. 1740 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.  He was the son of John Lott and Unknown Spouse.  He married Sarah "Sallie" Lightfoot c. 1760.    Little is known about Sallie, including her date of birth or information on her parents and siblings.  There has been a lot of speculation, but no concrete documentation.

John Sr received a land grant on 06 March 1764 in St. George's Parish, Georgia (became Burke County in 1777).  He began military service on 21 March 1767 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in Captain James Pugh's Buckhead Company, 2nd Regiment, Augusta Division (Revolutionary War, Clark, Colonial Soldiers of the South, p.957).    When Burke County was overrun by Tories during the Revolutionary War, John Sr and his family left for South Carolina, where they assisted with supplies and provided military service to the militia.  John Sr made a claim against the state of South Carolina for 30 days Militia duty on 19 Oct 1784 SC (Salley Stub Entries to Indents, Book I p 63.).  After the war, John and his family returned to Georgia and on 29 July 1873  he was appointed Road Commissioner from Queensboro to Horse Creek on the Ogeechee in Burke County, Georgia.   He was then granted 100 acres on 06 September 1784 in Effingham County, Georgia.  John Sr began military service again 09 October 1787 serving as Captain of 7th Company, Effingham County Militia.  

Additional land grants issued to John Lott, Sr include:  2 (200 acre) headright warrants issued 07 April 1787, Washington County, Georgia  (Warren and Jones, Georgia Govenor & Council Journal, p 62.), 200 acres in 1789, Washington County, Georgia (Carol A. McElligott (ed.), "Lotts Who Received Land Grants in Georgia", Lott Family Newsletter vol. 1, #1 (Jan 1983): p 14, 200 acres in 1795, Effingham County, Georgia  (McElligott (ed.), "Lott Land Grants", p 14).

John, Sr was residing in Montgomery County, Georgia in 1791 as it is shown he served on the petit jury there dated 09 January 1791.  In 1797, he was still a resident there and was included on the tax list for that county (see Montgomery County Tax List Digest, 1797-98 under Luke Lott).  

On 07 Nov 1807, John Lott, Sr and his family immigrated westward to the Mississippi Territory (Mary Givens Bryan, Passports Issued by Governers of Georgia 1785 to 1820 (Washington, D.C.: National Genealogical Society, 1962), p 46, said a passport through Creek Nation be prepared for James Taylor, John Lott Senr., William Williams, and Samuel Newton with their families.).   His son, John Lott, had already immigrated to the territory in 1805.  

Migration of Pioneer Families

According to the "History of Marion County, Mississippi", Marion County Historical Society, pp. 6 & 7, Marion County Public Library, # 976.221:     "Among the original routes used by the people coming into what is now Marion County, Mississippi, were the Indian Trails through the Creek (Indian) Nation.  The State of Georgia had an agreement with the Creek Nation that white people would not encroach upon their land in the western part of Georgia and the eastern part of the Mississippi Territory that is now a part of the state of Alabama.  Therefore, any persons traveling through the Indian lands were required to obtain a passport from the Governor of Georgia.  Many settlers coming into the Mississipppi Territory from Georgia and the Carolinas used these routes through the Indian lands.  Among the earliest pioneers who chose one of these routes was the Lott family from Tatnall County, Georgia, who came into the Mississippi Territory in the early 1800's.  Family tradition says that as soon as the territory was opened to settlement John Lott, Jr., went to look over the new lands and the rest of the family began to move as soon as he could get back with a good report.  John Lott Jr.'s, passport signed by the Governor of Georgia, was dated 6 December, 1805.  Next came Jesse Lott, whose passport was dated 22 November, 1806.  Then, on 7 November, 1807, John Lott, Sr. obtained his passport.  On 9 January, 1809, Robert Lott, Amos Lott, Stephen Lott, along with other people, received a joint passport.  On 2 April, 1809, Joshua Lott, "wife and five children", procured their passport."   

Not long after the move into the Mississippi Territory, John Lott Sr made his will.  His estate was probated in October and December 1808 in Washington County, Mississippi Territory.  (Information gathered from John C. Barron's research on the Lott family).

Mississippi Territory}

Washington County }

In the name of God Amen, I John Lott senior being of sound and perfect mind memory blessed by God do this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say -

First I give and bequest unto Luke Lott sr and Elizabeth Lott sr our negro man named xxxxx is to be equally divided between the sd two heirs and their executors and assigns forever - 

And I here by appoint Robert Lott and John Lott Jun Guardians for my daughter Elizabeth part of my property - I give and bequeath unto Robert Lott one sorrell mare his heir and assigns forever - 

I give and bequeath unto John Lott junr one feather bed his heirs and assigns forever - 

The said Elizabeth Lott is to live with the sd Luke Lott during a single life the sd Luke Lott is to support the said Elizabeth during the time of living with the sd Luke Lott.

I also give and bequeath unto the sd Elizabeth Lott all the household furniture her heirs and assigns forever - 

I also give and bequeath unto Robert Lott one saddle his heirs and assigns forever - 

I give and bequeath unto Jessa Lott one Dollar his heirs and assigns forever. 

And I hereby make and ordain my worthy friend John Lott Executor of my last will and testament. 

In witness where of I the said John Lott Snr have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and date above written. Signed sealed published and declared by the sd

John Lott Snr. 

The testator as his last will and testament in presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof. 

/s/ Test J. Sham, B. Phillips, N. S. Tapley. 

/s/ John Lott Snr (L.S.) 

14 April 1808

Family tradition states that John and Sallie had a son named Mark, unnamed in the will apparently because Mark stayed behind in Georgia while the others had moved to the Mississippi Territory.  Note there is no mention of John's wife, Sallie, in the will.  Some records have her death year as 1818 and state she died in Tatnall County, Georgia.  If those claims are true, why didn't she move to the Mississippi Territory with her husband- was she ill? did she stay behind with son Mark?  Why wasn't she mentioned in her husband's will?There are still many unanswered questions regarding John's wife. 

Children of John Lott Sr and Sarah "Sallie" Lightfoot:

i.    John Lott Jr, born abt 1760 in Georgia, married Sarah Ann Jones
ii.   Elizabeth Lott, born abt 1764; no further info

iii.   Luke Lott, born 1765-1770 in St. George District, Charlton County, Georgia, married Cynthia Herring

iv.  Mark Lott, born abt 1769, Georgia; married Judith Delilah Jones

v.   Robert Lott, born abt 1775, Georgia; married Sarah Tyner

vi.  Jesse Lott, born abt 1782, Georgia; married Isabella Denmark; married Levicia Williams

Much of the information obtained on the Lott family comes from the research of John C. Barron and others named on the Lott family website.  Click here to visit his home page.

Luke Lott, c. 1770-1858, GA>MS

My maternal 4th great-grandfather, Luke Lott, was born c. 1765-1770 in St. George District, Charlton County, Georgia, the son of John Lott, Sr and Sarah "Sallie" Lightfoot.  A page from the tax list digest of Montgomery County, Georgia in 1797-1798 shows Luke Lott along with several of his Lott relatives- Arthur, Absolum, John Sr, John Jr, Robert and Luke.  

Montgomery County (Georgia) Tax List Digest,
1797-1798

In 1800, Luke Lott received a land grant of 200 acres in Montgomery County, Georgia.  Four years later, another land grant of 1,000 acres in the same county was issued to Luke Lott.  It was within this time frame at the turn of the century 1800 that Luke married Cynthia Herring (Herrin).

Luke Lott was in Wayne County, Mississippi by 1810 as his name appeared on the tax list that year.  He was taxed $1.75 for one poll and one slave (Territory Tax List, Wayne County, Mississippi, p.6-7).  His name later appeared on a petition to Congress, 27 Dec 1811, by inhabitants of the territory seeking to be combined with West Florida and made into a new state (Document: Territorial Papers of the US; Volume Number: Vol 6; Page Number: 255; Family Number: 72).

By 1813, Luke had arrived in Marion County, Mississippi as his name appeared on a Superior Court juror's list for the June 1813 term.  He was also enumerated in the Mississippi state and territorial census that year for Marion/Lawrence counties.  

Like several of his male peers and family members, Luke served as a Private during the War of 1812, in the 13th Regiment, Nixon's Command, Mississippi Militia.  His first muster date was 06 January 1815 and discharge date was 05 April 1815.  

There is no question that the Lott family of south Mississippi actively participated during the war: "From Archives and History, Jackson, Miss., War Memorial 25, 1960, it was found that in Lt. Col. Nixon's Regt. Miss Militia, War of 1812 included the following Privates, all of whom were from Marion County, Miss. Territory:  Arthur Lott, Jr., Arthur Lott, Sr., & Solomon Lott.  From another section of the same reference the following were included in Nixon's Regt. (13th), Miss. Militia, War of 1812:  Privates Abraham Lott, Arthur Lott, Jr., Arthur Lott, Sr., John Lott, Jr., John Lott, Sr., Luke Lott, Nathan Lott, Solomon Lott & William Lott, Sr.; Simon Lott was a Sergeant; William Lott, Jr. was a Lieutenant.  All of these were early Marion Countians and have many descendants presently living in Marion County and surrounding territory."  (Historical Notes, Columbian-Progress, December 3, 1964, "Marion Countians in New Orleans Battle", by Carroll Watts, chairman of the committee of Marion County Historical Society).  

The 1816 Mississippi State & Territorial Census, Marion County, shows Luke Lott with the following in his household:  1 male > 21, 4 males < 21, 1 female > 21,  2 females < 21, 1 slave.  

Mississippi State & Territorial Census, 1816
Marion County

Additional Marion County, Mississippi documents which mention Luke Lott are a land grant in township 4, range 17W, dated 06 December 1819, an Orphans Court record December 1821 term, and a tax list for 1825.

Luke Lott and his family appeared on federal census records in Marion County, Mississippi as follows:

1820: 1 male < 10 (Elijah), 2 males 10-15 (Jackson and Absalom), 1 male 16-18 (Jesse), 1 male 16-25 (Joshua), 1 male 45 and over (Luke, head); 2 females < 10 (Cynthia and Susannah), 1 female 10-15 (Mary), 1 female 26-44 (Cynthia, wife), and 1 male slave age 45 and over.  

1830: 1 male age 10-14, 1 male age 60-69, 2 females age 5-9, 1 female age 30-39. 

1840: 1 male age 60-69, 1 female age 15-19, 1 female age 50-59

By 1850, Luke and Cynthia's children had finally all moved out.  It was about time,- Luke was 80 years old then.  However, some of their children weren't far away at all- their daughter, Cynthia, had married Green Herrin, and their family resided next door.  Their son, Joshua, lived on the other side of them.   

1850 Federal Census, Marion County, Mississippi

Family history states that Luke's wife, Cynthia, died in 1850.  Luke died in 1858, Marion County, Mississippi.  Luke and many of his other Lott relatives were actively involved in both civil duties and politics in their area and in the early stages of development of the town of Columbia.  

Children of Luke Lott and Cynthia Herring:
i.    Joshua Lott  (1802-1875), married Rosanna Barnes
ii.   Jesse Lott (1805-1870), married Ellen Holden
iii.   Mary Lott (1808-1908), married John Whiddon
iv.  Absalom Lott (1810-1885), married Canzada Burt
v.   Susannah Lott (1813-1913?), married Henry Slade
vi.  Jackson Lott (1815-      )  No info
vii. Cynthia Lott (1819-1919?), married Green Herrin
viii. Elijah Lott (1820-1828) Died young
ix.  John Lott (1821-     ) No info
x.   Samuel L. Lott (1829-     ) No info

*** The children of Luke and Cynthia are not all verified yet.  I'm not certain the last two were their children.  They don't appear to be included in the 1830 census enumeration of Luke's household.   Furthermore, that census shows Luke and Cynthia had two females age 5-9 in their household- who were they?