About William GILREATH, 1794 Planter of Newberry Co SC

Background -- NC and SC William GILREATH is enumerated in a 1754 Granville Co NC tax list under Col. William EATON Capt Richard COLEMAN's company.  (William GILREATH's son William was b 1753 NC.  No marriage record for William and Mary the wife named in his 1794 will has been located as yet.)  Col. William EATON is mentioned on a tract of land adjoining that of Littleton SPIVEY.  (Note:  see also, 1761 deed 104 ac ss Reedy Br heirs of SPIVEY to Henry JONES.)  Littleton SPIVEY was enum by Robert HARRIS.  Another name of interest is that of Moses COPPOCK, also on Robert HARRIS' list.  (Possibly some connection to Moses COPPOCK of Bush River settlement in Newberry Co SC?) 8 Jan 1788 Indenture for 1 yr from William WADLINGTON to William GILREATH for 200 acres between Broad & Saludy Rivers on a small branch of King's Creek. 7 Jul 1788 indenture to William GILREATH land on Kings'Creek Proven 18 May 1789 (Witnessed by Robt RUTHERFORD Esq, Thomas MATTHIS, & Henry SLAPPY) (Both Planters of Newberry) 16 May 1789, Indenture from WADLINGTON to Wm GILREATH proven by Henry SLAPPY. [B, p642 Newberry Co Deeds] 18 May 1789, Wm WADLINGTON to Wm GILREATH. 5 sh for (2 Apr 1773 orig grant) Berkley Co. 7 Jul 1788 [A 642 Newberry SC] (22 Sep 1794 Indenture: William GILLREATH to James HALL. Newberry Co, SC)  (Question:  Who proved this one?) 1820 COATE's map of Newberry Co shows WADLINGTON's Mill at fork of Indian Creek & Enoree R.

Education

Unknown as yet; however, he apparently could read and write in 1760.

Interests

William GILREATH was a member of the Bute Co NC Masonic Society--at least for a time. 

He was appointed to resolve an estate issue in SC along with Robt RUTHERFORD (formerly of Chatham Co NC), Robt GILLAM, & Edward FINCH.  (To me, this indicates that William GILREATH was a landowner at the time.)

When he wrote his Oct 1794 will, he declared himself as sick and weak; and, proclaimed himself as a Planter of Newberry Co SC.  He mentions wife Mary's dower to be divided between son Jesse and dau Mary -- at wife's decease.  He mentions a slave Harry to be returned to James HALL -- an what is returned in lieu of him, to be given to son Jesse....  He leaves feather beds; and, he mentions livestock and a tract of land in NC on the Crab Fork.  He leaves his horse called York to his son George -- as well as his wagon and hind gears.

Was he a Quaker? Yes, I think so:  but, why were he and his son John -- who both refused to take the oath required for land ownership -- apparently among the last of the (practicing?) Quakers in the area?  Where were the others?  Where was the nearest meeting? Quaker migrations William WADLINGTON's 1767 plat Details Series: S213184 Volume: 0021 Page: 00288 Item: 02 Date: 1/3/1767 Description: WALLINGTON, WILLIAM, PLAT FOR 200 ACRES IN BERKLEY COUNTY. Names indexed: MURPHEY; PEARSON, ENOCH; TROUP, JOHN; WALLINGTON, WILLIAM Locations: BERKELEY COUNTY; BROAD RIVER; KINGS CREEK; SALUDA RIVER Document type: PLAT Topics: Some GILREATH photos