from Carter County, Tennessee & It's People 1796-1993
William Whitson came to Washington County, Tennessee from the Shenandoah Valley after 1775 settling on
land which became Carter County. His land lay on the Catbird Branch of Sinking Creek off the Watauga River.
This was the second move for William and wife Margaret Whitson. They had both been born in the tidewater area of
Virginia--Stafford County and moved to the Shenandoah Valley shortly after 1750 settling on land in the Powell
Fort area. They endured the years of constant Indian attacks during the French and Indian War. William Whitson
was in the militia in Frederick County, VA.
In his father, William Whitson's will probated in Stafford County, VA in 1739, William Whitson (II) was
described as a planter. And so he seemed to remain always in search of more and better land. His line of
descent in Stafford County can be traced back to Joseph Whitson who may have come from Norfolk County, VA
before purchasing land in Stafford 1694. This 400 acre tract lay on the north side of Aquia Creek off the Potomac River.
In the 1779 tax list of Washington County, Tennessee, William Whitson's property was valued at $520.00.
This consisted of three horses and two cows. He had no "ready" money. He died in Washington County, TN in
1783 leaving a will naming four children.
He had at least ten children:
(1) Captain Thomas Whitson was born ca 1736 in Stafford County, VA. He left Shenandoah County , VA and
moved to Rowan County, NC sometime prior to the Revolution. His land lay on the Catawba River where he
operated a ferry. He was commissioned a Captain in the Revolution but towards the close of the war switched sides
and fought with the British. He came to Tennessee sometime after 1790 and took up land on the north bank of Little Doeoff ...Creek.
(2) John Whitson born ca 1738 in Stafford County, VA and moved to Rowan County, NC with his brother.
(3) William Whitson, Jr. was born 7 March 1740 in Stafford County, VA. He came to Tennessee with his father
and eventually moved south to land in present Cocke County on the waters of Big Pigeon River. He established a fort
during the Indian uprisings which bore his name. Both William Whitson, Jr. and wife Elizabeth helped establish the Big Pigeon Baptist Church and both became charter members.
(4) Charles Whitson was born 5 March 1742 in Stafford County. He held the rank of private in the Revolution.
He remained in Shenandoah County where he died 1782.
(5) James Whitson was born 10 Feb 1744 in Stafford County and came to Tennessee with his father. He fought in
the battle at King's Mountain. he received the bulk of his father's estate including the plantation. With daughter
Martha and wife Rachel, he is included in minutes of Sinking Creek Baptist Church in Carter County. About 1820
he moved south into recently formed Monroe County probably settling near the town of Madisonville.
(6) Susannah Whitson was born ca 1755 in Frederick County, VA and married to Barnaby Eagan. She lived on
land near her father on Sinking Creek. Along with several other families Barnaby and Susannah Whitson Eagan moved
west into Wilson County, TN settling on land on Spencer' s Creek off the Cumberland River.
(8) Lydia Whitson married Jeremiah McKay and remained in Shenandoah County, VA. Where in 1790 she
petitioned for her portion of brother Joseph's estate.
(9) Sarah Whitson married a Nelson.
(10) Joseph Whitson died in Washington County, TN 1790 leaving his entire estate to brothers and sisters and a
nephew Joseph Peyton.
