Stephen Brooks II

b. c1725 Currituck Co, NC

d. 15 July 1797 Hyde Co, NC

m. Mary Farrow

Children:

William Brooks

Jacob Brooks

Stephen Brooks III

Isaac Farrow Brooks

Sarah Brooks Midyett

Charity Brooks

Easter Brooks Corbin?

Ephraim Brooks

So far, I have a theory that Stephen Brooks I is another son of Joseph Brooks I, the man of piratical influence who served on Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge when Blackbeard was captured in 1718. His son, Joseph Brooks II also served on that ship, was captured in 1718 and hanged in Williamsburg, VA in 1719. My only support for this theory is that much of Blackbeard’s crew came from the Outer Banks of NC and Blackbeard, himself lived there briefly in Carteret County and for the simple presence of John Brooks in Currituck Co, NC at this time and earlier. Stephen Brooks I was apparently a resident of Hatteras Island in those infamous Outer Banks almost until his death when he was buried on the mainland of Hyde Co, NC near Lake Mattamuskeet. I believe that his son, Stephen Brooks II probably brought him to Hyde in his latter years to live with him.

The residents of the Outer Banks lived a unique lifestyle, braving the storms and subsistence living relying on what little they could grow there. Much of their income was supplemented by shipwreck debris. One historian even noted that, in times of debris shortage, the residents would often lame a horse, hang a lantern around its neck and have that horse walk back and forth along the water’s edge at night. Passing ships would see this light, bobbing as it did and assume that it was another ship at safe anchorage off shore, hugging the coastline closer to those lights. Little did they realize that they were being lured onto the shallow, dangerous shoals along the Outer Banks. Many a “Banker” would gain “booty” in this criminal manner. They were simply pirates without a ship.

Stephen Brooks I was, by association at least, a part of this barely legal society and probably not what many of his later descendants would have desired or certainly admitted to as their ancestors. Of course, today it’s kind of popular to be linked to Indians or the “romanticized” pirates of the Outer Banks. Thanks, Captain Jack Sparrow! In that light, many conclusions of the past are re-analyzed and a more objective history is attempted.

OK… the following comes from the Hyde County Heritage. It is an article on Stephen Brooks II of Lake Mattamuskeet and his history. I plan to follow up this article with an analysis of several of the key historical points to determine how much of it is historical fact and what is conjecture.

Stephen Brooks

Stephen Brooks, the son of Stephen and Hannah Brooks was born in Wallingford, Connecticutt, April 15, 1728, and died at Lightwood Creek, Mount Pleasant in Hyde County, North Carolina, on July 15, 1797, where he is buried in the cemetery on his farm. His grandfather, Henry Brooks had “proved his rights” in the colony on November 26, 1694. His father, Stephen Brooks, Sr. died at Mattamuskeet in 1776 having patented lands as early as 1735 in Bladen County as did his brother John. Stephen Brooks, Sr. had among others sons named Stephen, William, and Thomas. William left the country in 1748, leaving Stephen and Thomas in the country. Among the heirs of Thomas were David, William N., and John.

Stephen Brooks II married about the year 1752 Mary Farrow the daughter of Captain Jacob Farrow, Sr and his wife Amey Elizabeth. Captain Farrow was in command of the militia company at Cape Hatteras banks in 1776. Stephen Brooks (Bruck) served in that company. In 1771, Captain Farrow had transferred land he had purchased from the Mattamuskeet Indians on Lightwood Creek to his daughter and son-in-law. During the revolution the Brooks family took refuge on that farm. They lived there permanently after 1784/1785. Stephen Brooks III became an Ensign serving under Colonel Samuel Jarvis in 1780. On page 129 of Heitman’s List of Officers of the Continental Army, Stephen Buck is listed. This is our Stephen Brooks. In 1787 Stephen Brooks II submitted a Memorial to the Government of North Carolina for services of his ship which had ferried supplies from the banks to the mainland troops, as well as grain and other supplies to the “near starving Bankers who could not leave to get their bread.” Numerous attempts were made to gain for him recognition for this service, but he was denied compensation due to the fact that his services were strictly voluntary and his ship was not “Impressed by Law”: Stephen and Mary had the following children: Isaac, William, Esther, Jacob, Charity, Stephen, and Sarah. Isaac married about 1779, a woman named Sarah. William grew up to become a well known Methodist minister. He married Martha Foreman on March 13, 1783, and lived at Mount Pleasant as did his sister Esther who married Ignatious Hurbert. Jacob married Sally Warrington, daughter of Colonel John Warrington of Tyrrell County, January 7, 1793. They moved from Mount Pleasant to Johnston County. Charity married Reverend Israel S. Watson, Sarah married Jesse Midyett about 1789 at Chickamacomico and moved to Lightwood Creek in 1791. Their son, Micajah moved to Tennessee. Stephen Brooks III became a Methodist minister in Tennessee. He married first Anna Ernest and secondly after her death, Margaret Whittenburg. They are buried in Greene County, Tennessee. Two of his sons Jacob Farrow Brooks and Francis Asbury Brooks became Methodist ministers in Tennessee also.

Mary Farrow Brooks, the wife of Stephen Brooks, died about the year 1795. He died on July 15, 1797. This man who served at the very founding of these United States as one of the first public officials of the free state of North Carolina, who fought the British along the Outer Banks, who sailed his ship to and fro across Pamlico Sound carrying war supplies and food for the troops – receiving in the end no compensation from our government. Even his name is misrepresented in public records pertaining to his service. His remains lay on Lightwood Creek – no Revolutionary War Marker standing on that spot so only the wind whispering through the marsh grass can tell the life story of Stephen Brooks in the American Revolution.

Map showing place names in life of Stephen Brooks II’s family

Now, this story on Stephen Brooks II is well written and well researched… at least upon the matter of Stephen Brooks II’s life in Hyde Co, NC. The first paragraph contains information that sounds like conjecture. As for Henry Brooks being Stephen Brooks II’s grandfather, for instance… what is the source? It may be that the author simply placed him in that position due to his location. To this date, however, I haven’t seen that information. I have a “John Brooke” as early as 1676 but that’s all. The date of “November 26, 1694” is pretty specific though and probably has a specific source. Still looking… he could be the Brooks that links John Brooks I to Joseph & Stephen. I feel that John and Joseph were brothers… but this is extremely flimsy because of the 17^th century time period and the lack of records for this period. My critics will say “you just want to be connecting to pirates, that’s all! And, they could be right…

Now, as to Stephen & John Brooks in Bladen County, well that sounds pretty far-fetched. Bladen County has never been that close to Hyde. Craven encompassed the area that later became Bladen, but it was much further southwest than any of these Brooks had ever gone by this time. A Stephen & John Brooks were part of the Cumberland County crowd and I strongly suspect that the Colonial Records refer to them. That John Brooks was said to have once owned the land where the City of Fayetteville later sat… my hometown!

Another website (http://newenglandgenealogy.pcplayground.com/f_3b7.htm) shows:

BARNES, Hannah
b. 31 MAY 1702 New Haven, CT.
Parents:

Father: BARNES, Thomas
Mother: FROST, Abigail

Family:

Marriage: 6 MAY 1725
Spouse: BROOKS, Stephen
b. 28 MAY 1703 Wallingford, CT.
d. 16 MAY 1773 Bristol, CT.
Parents:

Father: BROOKS, Thomas
Mother: HOTCHKISS, Martha

Children:

BROOKS, Hannah
BROOKS, Stephen
b. 15 APR 1728 Wallingford, CT.
d. 5 NOV 1749 Farmington, CT.
BROOKS, Jonathan
b. 1730 Wallingford, CT.
d. FEB 1736/37
BROOKS, Jerusha
b. 10 AUG 1731 Wallingford, CT.
d. 7 NOV 1749 Farmington, CT.
BROOKS, Martha
b. 11 JAN 1734/35 Wallingford, CT.
BROOKS, Thomas
BROOKS, Lois
b. 17 DEC 1740 Wallingford, CT.
BROOKS, Abraham

This information puts the birthdate of Stephen Brooks given by this article serious contention. This data above shows a specific death date for Stephen Brooks II, son of another Stephen Brooks… but grandson of a Thomas Brooks! Now, the names Thomas & Stephen are popular on that side of the Currituck Brooks family and, being sea-farers could very well be from somewhere in New England, but since they show relationship to John Brooks II through the Mattamuskeet Indian reservation and Hatteras Island… not as likely.

My personal view…

When John Brooks I^st died in Currituck County, his son, John Brooks II received a deed of land from Benjamin Tulle in 1709 in Currituck Co, NC. This land was probably what was then called “Tull’s Creek” in c1715. Today, on the shores of Hyde Co, NC, there is “Brooks Creek” near the Middletown Anchorage in Lake Landing township at a place known as “White Plains” that may indicate this location. This eastern shore area has long been the sight of an Indian Reservation for the families of Mattamuskeet Indians. Today, those Mattamuskeets have come under the scrutiny of researchers at East Carolina University as they discover the origins of The Lost Colony of 1587. (see www.lost-colony.com )

This map showing colony settlement, published by The Virginian-Pilot, shows Buxton, the Croatan capital on Hatteras island, directly east of Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde Co, NC on the mainland. Stephen Brooks is found in both locations.

The Brooks’ family evidently began here and on the Outer Banks island of Hatteras. John & Joseph were the first two Brooks men that we know of in the area. We’re not really that sure of Joseph. Just that Stephen Brooks I is probably not a son of John Brooks I. The earliest Brooks lived on the Outer Banks, it seems and were probably involved, like many of the residents, in ship building. If the stories are true, some of them had “sidelines” too. It is also very possible that Stephen, John or both Brooks sallied back and forth to & from the New England area during the early 18^th century through their shipping profession. A new pattern of Indian migration to NC has been proposed by Fred Willard at www.lost-colony.com that includes Indians as a part of the early whaling community stretching as far south as Cape Hatteras.

Stephen Brooks II made the first attempt along with his cousin, John Brooks II to stray from the sometimes nefarious activities of the Outer Banks. I’m sure that it wasn’t a complete departure from the lifestyle, but it did represent a desire to become more “landed” or legitimate. Naturally, Stephen Brooks II made the largest impression upon Hyde Co, NC, having married there, been deeded large tracts of land all around Lake Mattamuskeet and was eventually buried there at his farm. His cousin, John Brooks spent more of his time in the Beaufort/Craven area before moving further inland to western Beaufort and eventually, Pitt Co, NC.

For whatever reason, John Brooks moved away from Hyde Co, NC. But, Stephen must have found his niche and stayed there at Lake Mattamuskeet. He married there to Mary Farrow, daughter of Jacob Farrow, Sr. Stephen had many dealings with the Farrows of Lake Mattamuskett and Hatteras Island, even lived next door to John Farrow. Stephen lived in Lake Mattamuskeet, part of Hyde Co, NC and sometimes in Currituck Co, NC before 1745. He may have been born there as his father, Stephen Brooks I seems more a part of that early “Banker” community and therefore, more secluded. It may have indicated that he was not indigenous to this area. It is the sole reason that I link him to Joseph Brooks, the pirate.

290 (291) (306) Hezekiah Farrow Sr. to John Farrow, both planters of Caphatteras Banks Curituck Co 500 pounds lm 500 acres; beg at sedar post on Mount Pleasant Ridge (in Hyde Co.), … 30 Mar 1769, 9 George III. Hezekiah (H) Farrow. Wit: Jacob Farrow Jr, Samuel Stow, Stephen Brooks. Proved at Jul Ct 1769 by Stephen Brooks. Test: Stephen Denning, Clk. Test: George Barrow, Reg. Regd 14 Oct 1769.

360 (383) (408) Jacob Farrow Sr, Esq to Stephen Brooks both of Cape Hatteras Banks in Currituck Co 10 pounds pc 100 acres Armuskeat Hyde Co; beg lowermost land on Crooked Creek, WNW… down creek to Wisockin Creek*, down creek to sound, along sound to mouth of Crooked Creek… 17 Apr 1771, 11 George II. Jacob Farrow Sr. Wit: Josiah Nicholson, Isaac Brooks, Hodges Binsham. Proved at Jun Ct 1771. Test: Geo Barrow, Clk and Reg. Regd 19 Aug 1771

*Wisockin, also referred to as Wapopen , is part of the Mattamuskeet Reservation territory. This may also indicate when Stephen Brooks I moved from the Outer Banks to Hyde County. It is included here because the land was sold by Stephen Brooks II’s father-in-law.

361 (384) (409) John Smith to Stephen Brooks both of Currituck Co 100 pounds pc 150 acres Hyde Co in Swan Quarter; part of 300 pat to John Smith; … 2 Mar 1771. John Smith. Wit: William Balance, Isaac Brooks, Joseph Williams. Proved at Jun Ct 1771. Test: George Barrow, Clk and Reg. Regd 20 Aug 1771.

Another possibility for Stephen Brooks I’s move.

540 (575) (585) Stephen Brooks Sr of Hyde Co to John Farrow, planter 30 pounds NC 50 acres in Arrowmuskeet Hyde Co; … 29 May 1775. Stephen Brooks. Wit: Isaac Brooks, Stephen Brooks. Ack at Jun Ct 1775 by sd Brooks. Test: George Barrow, Clk and Reg. Regd 27 Jul 1775.

“Stephen Brooks Sr.” here may very well represent Stephen Brooks I who died in 1776. The family names though indicate a stronger connection to Stephen Brooks II.

545 (580) (590) Jacob Farrow Sr. Esq to Stephen Brooks both of Cape Hatteras Banks in Currituck Co 100 pounds pc 300 acres in Armiskeat Hyde Co; part of tract… along Stephen Brooks former grant from sd Jacob Farrow, Joshua Walls line.. 13 Apr 1775, 15 George III. Jacob Farrow Sr. Wit: Isaac Brooks, Job Wahab, John Flower (Hower) . Proved at Jun Ct 1775. Test: Geo Barrow, Clk and Reg. Regd 8 Aug 1775

This seems to indicate that Stephen Brooks I was still a resident of the Outer Banks & connected well enough with Jacob Farrow unless this is Stephen Brooks II and he, too had lived for a time on the Outer Banks. Obviously, the Brooks & Farrows existed in both places nearly simultaneously, which is supported by the revolutionary activities purported in the short treatise on Stephen Brooks II mentioned earlier.

547 deed from Stephen Brooks Sr to Stephen Brooks Jr. 29 May 1775.

Here, the elder Stephen Brooks I may be aware of his impending death.

595 (637) (700) John Knowis and Josiah Little of Pitt co, Execs of John Knowis decd, to Stephen Brooks of Hyde Co 39 pounds pc 100 acres N side Mattamuskeet Lake; … land formerly held by John Stuchberry… 2 Sept 1777. John Knowis, Josiah Little. Ack at Sept Ct 1777 by sd Knowis and Little. Test John Jordan, Clk. Test: Joseph Hancock, Reg Regd 13 Nov 1777.

A hint of Indian migration to Pitt County.

650 (699) (759) James Clayton Sr, planter of Craven Co to Stephn Brooks, planter of Hyde Co 3 pounds 10 s cm NC releases all right, title, interest and claims for 100 acres Hyde Co, N side Mattamuskeet Lake; beg William Porters corner on lake, up lake 100p… Part of 20 acre pat to sd James Clayton. 10 Aug 1778. James Clayton. Wit: John Sparrow, Thomas (X) Brooks. Proved at Nov Ct 1778. Test: John Jordan, Clk. Test Jos Hancock, Reg. Regd 4 Aug 1779

Another hint of Indian migration coinciding with Brooks’ migration paths.

[Deed Book 6, pg. 77] Chisbey SCARBOROUGH to Elizabeth DRING. June 29, 1789. Land by Stephen BROOKS and John SMITH. Signed, Chisbey SCARBOROUGH. Witnesses, Major CLARK and Caleb TAYLOR. June Term, 1790.

An interesting thought…

What I have found interesting is that a family related to my Brooks of Anson Co, NC would have had dealings with the Brooks here on the coast. In my Brooks family, the Sugg family marries into the Brooks family through John Brooks II, who died in Jan. 1792, leaving his wife Rebecca Sugg Brooks and several children, both young and adult. It would be an Uncle of hers in the following:

Folder: 1780

Information: Indictment of Aquila SUGG for saying to Stephen BROOKS, 3that he

was told Fourteen thousand of the English were at Cross Creek and that the Enemy

were to go through the State, and winter in Virginia,2 wheras in fact he had

not heard the same, but invented the story to weaken and discourage the defense

of the state. Later he said to Stephen BROOKS 3that men were to be stationed by

the English in every county in this state, and that proper judges would be

appointed to try and hang every leading man in the state.2 SUGG said this to

discourage BROOKS from going out in the defense of his country.

Date: 20 July 1780

County: Pitt

Even though this may be a younger Stephen Brooks in Pitt Co, NC, the elder Stephen Brooks II did serve in the war:

BROOKS, Stephen - Hyde County Militia, 7 Feb., 1782. Over 50 years of age.

There seems to be no connection to Anson Co, NC here with the possible exception of Ephraim Brooks who lived there briefly and had many children, one of whom is Asa Brooks b. 18 June 1787. These names are similar to names found in this coastal Brooks family. Another possible descendant of Ephraim is Abraham Brooks, b. c1795. This Abraham Brooks meets the Meeks family… Brittain Meeks and particularly, his daughter Dorcus. Abraham sells his land and moves to Georgia with the Meeks. Interestingly enough, the Meeks came from Pitt Co, NC. Also, there has been a tradition among descendants of Asa Brooks to think that they are not from our family, but were rather from England. Whereas I don’t think that Asa is from as far away as England (a popular genealogical supposition years ago), it still represents the idea that there is something different about this branch from Anson Co, NC.

Back to Stephen…

Interestingly, a couple of deeds show that John Squires, king of the Mattamuskeets and Charles Squires sell of former Indian lands in (now) Hyde Co, NC where Stephen Brooks II is later found, only to return (Charles Squires) to the original home territory of the Croatan in 1587:

[Deed Book 3, pg. 23]  John & Charles SQUIRES to William BROWNING. June 24, 1739.  John SQUIRES and Charles SQUIRES by and with the free and willing consent of all the rest of the Mormeskeet Indians in the county of Currituck and province of North Carolina of the one part and William BROWNING of the other part of the afsd. county and province. For the sum of �10 sterling money of Great Britian. Land lying and being on Mormoskeet afsd. upon hogg Island on a ridge commonly called the English Mount Pleasent lying on the south end of a ridge begining at a grate poine tree marked by the Indians and from thence on east containing estimation five hundred acres of land.  /s/ John SQUIRES and Charles SQUIRES.  Wit: Wm. SHERGOLD, T. LOWTHER. Acknowledged the 3 day of April 1740. Registered 26 day of June 1740.

[Deed Book 3, pg. 24]  Jacob FARROW to Charles SQUIRES.  April 2, 1740.  I Jacob FARROW for the sum of �100 lawfull money to me in hand paid by Charles SQUIRES Indian of Arrowmuskeet in the county of Currituck in the province afsd.. Two hundred acres of land lett the same be more or less lying and being on Hatteras Banks in the county and province afsd. and bounded as followeth that is to say begining at the North side of the cutting sedge marsh as is by the house that Vallintine WALLIS built on the said banks so runing to the sound side and so back to the first station.  /s/ Jacob FARROW. Wit: Cornelius JONES, Thos. DUDLEY.  Registered the 22 day of Aug. 1740.

Brooks point is a map feature that I almost overlooked because on some maps it is indicated as “King’s Point.” This spot is approximately 3 miles west of Buxton and is in the heart of old Croatan territory as the colonists of 1587 knew it. This could indicate the location of Stephen Brooks’ docking sight as well as Farrow land. It is interesting that the Farrows had so much to do with this area and the Brooks left it, still I’ve yet to see any place names involving “Farrow.” There’s even Farrows still living there, according to a local Hatteras History site. “King’s Point” may well have come about because of the Mattamuskeet “King” rather than an English King… wouldn’t that be rather appropriate?

Despite 100 years of English settlement and influence, it seems the Croatan/Hatteras Indians carry on “business as usual” in the mid-18^th century. Stephen Brooks dies 15 July 1797, is buried in Gulrock on the Southeast side of Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde Co, NC and left a will:

1797 Brooks Stephen NC Hyde will proved 1797

wit Thomas x Brooks, Banister Midyet

exor Wm Brooks, Jesse Midyet

son Isaac (got only 1 cow and calf)

son Wm 82a adj Thomas Brooks

son Stephen 150a

son Jacob 1 negro man, 1 family bible $10.00

dau Easter

dau Charity

Dau Sarah 30a adj Banister and Jesse Midyet south line.

Wm Brooks, Charity Brooks and Sarah Midyet: equal division of all the rest of my property

Hyde County Wills: will books 1,2,3 pp. 290-1 CR 53.802.1

Jacob Farrow’s will also shows his daughter “Mary Brooks”:

Jacob Farrow, Sr.
April 23, 1783 - Jan. 20, 1785
Currituck Co. Will Book 1, pp. 201-202

In the name of God Amen, the twenty third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty three. I Jacob FARROW SEN. Esq. of Currituck County in the State of North Carolina being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory Thanks be given to God therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament (that is to say) principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and for my body I recommend it to the earth, to be buried in a christian like and decent manner at the discetion of my executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.

Imprimis: It is my will and do order that in the first place all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.

Item: I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved Wife Amey FARROW, this house wherein I do live during her natural life also two feather beds and such household furniture as may be sufficient for her use. Five cows and calves, ten ews, one riding horse or mare as she thinks proper to take,

Next I give and bequeath to my Daughters Mary BROOKS, Rosimon PERKINS, Pheby MERCER [or MORSE?], Sarah HANDCOCK, Barbary PHILLIPS the sum of one shilling lawfull money of North Carolina each, to my Daughter Comfort WILLIAMS widow two cows and calves

Next to my youngest Son Francis FARROW I leave this S^d plantation in manner and form as follows, begining at the sound side running a due east course to the sea also joining Marg[torn] WALLS line along the sea side south ward to Adkins Creek then westward to the sound then various courses to the first station also fifty acres of land being part of the north end of deed of my Brother Ezekiah FARROW with all the properties and benefits thereunto belonging

Next I leave to my eldest Son Isaac FARROW the remainder part of all my lands and pattans also the just half of all my moveables goods, cattle, sheep, horses, hogs, and houshold furniture the remainder half of said Francis FARROW likewise to Isaac FARROW one negroe wench named Susey and her increase that may hereafter be born her child named William that is already born to my Son Francis FARROW, they said Isaac and Francis FARROW paying my said legacies to their Sisters as above mentioned and they said Isaac FARROW and Francis FARROW, whom I likewise constitute make and ordain my sole executors of this my Last Will and Testament, and I do hereby disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former wills legacies and executors as me in any ways before this time mentioned or named willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
/s/ Jacob FARROW SEN. seal

signd, sealed, published, pronounced and declared(torn) said Jacob FARROW SEN. Esq. as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers
John FLOWERS jurat
    Jacob WILLIAMS jurat
Clisby SCARBOROUGH jurat

Recorded and examined Jany. 20^th 1785