Edward
Broughton and Family
Their is much speculation over the father of Edward Broughton. Descendants researching the line have claimed descent from two different sons of Thomas Broughton of South Carolina, who served as governor of that state from 1735 to 1737.
Here are three possibilities of paternity:
- In one source, The Broughton Memoirs, the author M. Leon Broughton speculates that Edward Broughton was actually Edward "Nathaniel" Broughton, son of Nathaniel Broughton and his wife Mary Ravenel. That would make Edward the grandson to Thomas Broughton. However, no documented proof is given and the name "Nathaniel" or the initial "N" does not appear on any of the records which bear Edward Broughton's name, but he did name one of his sons Nathaniel. One descendant and contributing researcher who documents Edward as the son of Nathaniel puts Edward's birth at about 1749 in Clarendon, Sumter County, SouthCarolina.
- Another claim to the Thomas Broughton line is based on the will of Thomas' son Andrew Broughton, who married Hannah Guerard. A descendant of Edward's son John claims Andrew's will states the possibility of an unborn son or daughter. If Edward was this male infant born shortly after the death of Andrew, he would have been born sometime in 1739-40 since the will was dated July 30, 1739.
- Finally, another possiblity is that Edward was the son of Edward Broughton and Sarah Weatherly, widow of Thomas Weatherly, who were married in 1740 in St. Helene's Parish, SC. This possible patron is documented as a witness to several land deeds in the 1730's and early 1740's. Other records show Edward and his wife Sarah, of Granville County, St Helene's Parish, sold slaves to Joseph Jenkins on July 1, 1740.
Despite his now controversial paternity, we do know Edward was married Elizabeth Ragan, the daughter of Revoluntionary patriot William Ragan of Sumter Co., South Carolina and his wife, Lucy (maiden name unknown.) The couple lived in South Carolina while it was still under British rule. As documented in a land grant dated May 10, 1773 (Sec. of State's Office, Book 000, Pg 638), King George III granted 250 acres north of the Santee River in "Craven County St Mark's Parish on a branch called Halfway Swamp" to Edward Broughton. It was signed by then Lieutenant Governor in Council, Geo. Davidson, certified by John Bremar and witnessed by the "Honorable William Bull Esq."
Another grant obtained by Edward Broughton followed the Revolutionary War. It states that for "Two pounds six shillings of sterling money paid by Edward Broughton into the Treasury for the use of this State (of South Carolina)" he is granted "a Plantation or Tract of Land, containing One hundred acres situation in the District of Camden on Halfway Swamp...." It was witnessed by "his excellency William Moultrie esq., Governor and Commander in Chief" of the State, at Charleston on May 2, 1784.
Edward would later have to sell part of his land to satisfy a debt he owed John Chesnut and Company in 1785. The court ruled that Chestnut and Company should recover the sum of 12 pounds, 6 shillings, 7 pence plus 3 pounds, 1 shilling, 5 pence for court cost. A writ of Furifacias issued by Honorable Thomas Waters, one of the judges, directed Sheriff Joseph Brevard to take over the lands and sell them to the highest bidder. A deed (indenture recorded 1797) confirms that one of Edward's own sons, Nathaniel was the highest bidder and bought the property at a public auction in 1785 for a flat 9 pounds. Fifteen years later Nathaniel would sell the land (350 acres) to James Harkneys (Harkness) for 140-150 dollars. (Deed Book AA, p. 61, Sumter Co., SC)
[Note: St Mark's Parish would later be charted as Sumter County, South Carolina]
Edward was active in the community. According to Camden District South Carolina Wills and Administration, 1781-1787 (by B. Holcomb & E. O. Parker Southern Historical Press, p.53), Edward was one of three men who appraised the Estate and Inventory of John Felder of St Mark's Parish, Craven County. On February 4, 1784, in the Estate of Joshua Stone, the Warrant of Appraisement was issued for Edward and two others. According to South Carolina Jury Lists, 1718-1783 (by Mary B. Warren, Heritage Press, 1977, p.35) Edward served on the Petit Jury in Camden District, Craven County, East of the Wateree in 1783.
According to the 1790 census of Clarendon Co. SC, Edward Broughton had 3 males over the age of 16 including himself, 2 boys under the age of 16 and 3 females living with him at the time.
Edward and Elizabeth had the following children during the 18th century:
- Jemima Broughton was born ca. 1765. She married John Cannon, but following his death in 1809, she married her second husband, John Randall.
- Nathaniel Broughton was born ca. 1768.
- John Henry Broughton was born ca. 1773.
- Edward Broughton Jr. was born ca. 1777.
- Martha Broughton was born ca. 1778. She married Jeremiah James.
- Sally Broughton whose date of birth is unknown.
Edward's death is reported to have occurred in 1817 in Alabama.
Research
information was submitted by Mary Lee Barnes of Tennessee - a descendant of Edward Thomas Broughton Sr.
and
Herbert W. "Hub" Broughton of Frisco, Alabama - a descendant of Nathaniel Broughton
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