This is a history of two young Baxley boys who made the decision to try their fortune in the newly settled America as young men.
We begin our line with William Baxley (b. 1745) in Bowes, Yorkshire, England. We have been unable to determine if he came to America, around 18 years old, with only his brother, John (b. 1743) to earn their fortune in the new country or if he came with his entire family. William and John were sons of Thomas Baxley (b. 1720) and Mary Wood, his wife. Prior to 1650, many Englishmen immigrated to the New World, specifically to the North American Colonies. These immigrants fled from a society that they found to be displeasing in many specific ways. Although economic and political values led to much of the English migration to the New World, religious tumult in England was undoubtedly the main cause for the immigration. Furthermore, England's unstable economy and inflation led to much poverty. People saw that moving to the North American Colonies was a great money-making opportunity.
|
It appears that JOHN WENT TO BALTIMORE, MD AND William went directly to Robeson Co., NC BECAUSE OF LAND Grants. King Charles II gave land grants to 8 men in the Carolinas who could, in turn, give land grants to settlers. William received a land grant as early as 1763 along Ten Mile Swamp in the central section of Robeson Co., NC. He married Mary Williams about 1762 and his first child was born in 1763. William is listed as head of the family in the Robeson Co., N.C. census in 1790, 1800, 1810, and 1820. He died in 1831. his will was probated in May, 1831 by his grandson, William.
|
|