The Work of Elizabeth J. Harrell Gerlack
In another study, Elizabeth J. Harrell,traced the line of Lott Harrell (his estimated birth year is in the 1770s, and he died around 1814), through his father (either Lott Sr. or his brother John Harrell), to his grandfather, Abraham Harrell (c. 1690-1755). Elizabeth acknowledges that because so many documents from Nansemond County, Virginia were destroyed, Lott?s connection to his ancestors ?...can only be speculated upon. She does, nonetheless, feel Lott descends from the emigrant, Thomas Harrell, who purchased land in Nansemond County in 1662 and 1676. Descending from Thomas for ?several generations,? Elizabeth?s line arrives at Abraham, who moved south to the North Carolina Colony near the Roanoke River in Bertie County, which was where Lott Harrell was born around 1770.
Elizabeth seems fairly certain that Abraham descended from Thomas Harrell, and that position is consistent with Orrin?s conclusions which were presented in the paragraphs above?mainly, that all the Harrells in the area descended from his original Thomas Harrell I. Indeed, Elizabeth?s Abraham (c.1690-1755) could well have been the brother (or, of course, even a cousin) of Orrin?s Samuel (c. 1700-1761), and both could have descended from Thomas Harrell. These lines match well, generation to generation. For instance, Orrin?s Samuel (b. c. 1700) was responsible for the following children: Isaac, Abraham, William, Samuel, Martha, and Rachel. We know Orrin descended from William, and consequently, we have estimated dates for William; born about 1720, and died 1762. Elizabeth?s Abraham had eleven children with birth years estimated to be from 1722 to 1744, and death dates in the 1770s. The children of Samuel and Abraham seem to be of the same generation?Samuel and Abraham were probably two of the original Seven Brothers that tradition holds were the first Harrells in North Carolina (of course, some may have been cousins).
One of the family researchers discussed in chapter 1, Elizabeth J. ?Betty? Harrell Gerlack, concluded that Abraham was a son of Thomas of Nansemond.[62] An accompanying conclusion, by inference, would be that Abraham was the brother of Orrin F. Harrell?s Samuel I of the Gates area. I think, however, it is just as likely Abraham was John of Nansemond?s son. My only bases for suggesting this connection is the mutual support and interaction evident among the Harrells in southern Bertie County as seen in the recorded property deeds in the area.
Abraham first appeared in Bertie County documents when he was a witness to John of Nansemond?s purchase of land on the Roanoke River in May of 1729. The land was adjacent to John Harrell (probably John Jr./Sr.). The deed was witnessed by Joseph and Abraham Harrell. Three months later, Abraham bought 100 acres in southern Bertie County from Joseph Harrell, probably his brother. Abraham bought an additional 150 acres near his place in 1733?adjacent to James Parker, Owen O. Daniell, and William Eason. John and John Jr. Harrell witnessed the deed.[63] These deeds put Joseph, Abraham and John Jr./Sr. all in southern Bertie County by 1729. Their probable father, John of Nansemond, may have paid them a visit, and made the May 1729 purchase while in the area.
Abraham Harrell?s will was probated in Bertie County in May of 1755. In his will he provided for his wife, Mary, as well as his sons and daughters. Abraham?s sons, Able and John, were executors for his estate. One of the witnesses was Israel Hardy Harrell, son of John Jr./Sr., which, based on my assumptions, would make him Abraham?s nephew. A receipt was filed by John Harrell, executor to Abraham?s estate at the Bertie County Court in September 1768. It was signed by Abraham?s heirs: Able Harrell, Mary Hubbard, Abigail Harrell, Lott Harrell, Theophilus Tooll, Susanna and Christopher Harrell.[64]
