The Burch Connection

This is taken from my book, “Footsteps From Baronshill,” which documents the Collings family from England to the US, from 1600’s to 1900’s. Jackie Foster

William Burch , SR b. 1744, Caroline Co., VA, d. 1816, Surry County, NC. William m. Mary Ann Lawrence 1762, b. 1748, Albemarle Co., VA, d. 1805, Surry Co., NC. William and his wife, Mary Ann, stayed in Surry Co., N.C. and were probably buried on their place as that was the custom at that time. As yet their graves have not been found. In 1820 most of their children had moved to Greene and Monroe Counties of Indiana. William and Mary had 13 children, with two sets of twins, Henry and Mary; and Charles and an unnamed girl that d. in infancy.

William and Mary had children:

M i. George Burch Sr. b. 14 Oct 1777, Stokes County, NC, Greene CO, IN and was buried Jun 1862,Burch Cemetery, Beech Creek TWP, Greene Co. IN. Records from Burch Family Bible in possession of Mae H. Kent (decs.) La Crescenta, Calif. From Cora S. Winkler to Edward Burch.

In Beech Creek Burch Cemetery #2, located Center Township I find listed the following:

Burch, George, Sr. s/o Wm. and Mary 85 yr 5m 3 da, 17 June 1862;
Burch, Martha w/o G. Burch, Sr. 89 yr 5 mo 10 da

The cemetery is located south of Solsberry, off State Road 43, east of 250N. One mile on left after crossing Beech Creek, off the road on an overgrown lane that is almost impossible to see.

George Burch m. Martha Lawrence daughter of Richard Lawrence and Isabella Cherokee Indian ROSS, on 13 Oct 1799 in Surry County, , N C. Martha b. 27 May 1779 in NC. She d. 7 Nov 1868 in Greene Co., IN and was buried Nov 1868 in Beech Creek TWP.

The Bottom of Martha’s tombstone reads “She was a member of the ---- ---- Predestination Baptist Church – years.

Similar writing on George’s Stone

M ii. William Burch Jr. b. 10 May 1764,Haw River,Rowan county, NC, d. 17 Sep 1848, Monroe County, IN.

From Revolutionary War Pension Applications Stokes and Surry Counties, NC

BURCH, William R 788 (b. May 10, 1764, on Haw River, NC - d. Sept. 17, 1848, Monroe Co., IN) wife Elizabeth Ritter sister Delila (Burch) Edwards (typed with original text)

Declaration of Wm. Birch, 3 Nov. 1843, Monroe Co., IN Capt. Jesse Franklin’s Co. of Cavalry - at time he enlisted he lived about 20 miles from Rockford, county seat of Surry Co., NC (prob. Feb.) - He with Capt. Franklin’s C. joined General Green’s army near Guilford Court House, NC. They marched through the country from StokesCo. to Guilford County. Then near Hillsborough scouting on the border of Gen. Green’s army. Was in service before and after the battle of Guilford. This company “was generally making excursions through the country and Spying the enemy.” Served also under Capt. Underwood and Ensign Richard Toliver (killed in a skirmish)

Interview of Wm. Birch by Judge Aquilla Rogers Monroe Co., IN, Probate Court, 3 Nov. 1843:

Berch born “On Haw River NC the County not recollected” - has a copy of record of age “in my house written by one Thomas Barnes an Irishman” Resided when called into service “on Fish River Surry County” NC. Since war lived in Stokes Co, moved from Surry and from Stokes Co. NC to Monroe Co., IN Remembers names of officers: Col. Micajah Lewis who was killed (Militia); Col. John Armstrong (regular army) Names of persons to whom known in neighborhood who can testify to reputation and belief in Rev. War service: Wm. Edwards , Samuel Stone and all the neighbors. Berch signed by mark [o]

Affidavits:Sexson Long & David Carpenter 3 Nov. 1843, Monroe Co., IN (Wm. Berch believed to be 79 and reputed in neighborhood to have been Rev. War soldier)

Absalom Baker (age 41) & James Gentry (41) 3 Nov. 1843 Monroe Co., IN. (known Wm. Berch for 14 years - Berch maintained good character and standing in neighborhood and as member of the Baptist Church) (Absalom Baker known Birch for 20 years

Judge Aquilla Rogers Probate Ct., Monroe Co., IN, 3 Nov. 1843: visited William Berch at his residence in Monroe Co., IN - in Judge’s opinion Berch was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. From Berch’s appearance, now in his 80th year and “from bodily infirmity he is unable to appear in open court”

George W. Hardin “friend and agent” of Wm. Berch submitted application 6 Nov. 1843

Declaration of Elizabeth Berch - Green Co, IN 5 Feb. 1853 - Elizabeth a resident of Green Co., IN, aged 66. She is widow of William Berch, deceased, late of Monroe Co., IN, a soldier in the Revolution. Elizabeth married William Berch on 2 Apr. 1826 in Surry Co., NC, by Rev. William Fletcher

Her name before marriage was Elizabeth Ritter

William Berch d. in Monroe Co., IN, 17 Sept. 1848. Family started from Surry Co NC in fall 1823 and arrived in Monroe Co IN “in December only a few days before Christmas” 1823. Her residence is about 15 miles from courthouse of Green Co. IN. Elizabeth and William raised seven children, all of whom are now living; William Berch and his first wife raised seven children to the age of maturity all of whom were males. Signed by mark [x] before William M. Haley

Affidavits:

Owen Adkins aged 69, Monroe Co., IN, 31 May 1853 - Personally acquainted with Wm. Berch deceased for 5 years preceding his death and with his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth now lives with her son Henry Berch of Green Co., IN. Conversed with William Berch about the Rev War in which Adkins’ father served. Adkins visited at home of William Berch and knew him to be a man of veracity and integrity. Adkins a preacher of the Gospel for 32 years. Berch was a member of the Baptist Church during time Adkins knew him. Berch died about four years ago. [before James Robertson, JP]

Ammon Godwin and William Sandafer [?], residents of Green Co., IN 5 Feb. 1853 - acquainted with both William Berch and wife Elizabeth for ten years.

Samuel R. Cavins, Green Co., IN 11 Feb. 1853 - Became acquainted with and well knew William Burch and Elizabeth since early part of 1824 in Monroe Co., IN. Believes William Burch served in Rev. War [before Thomas Patterson

Letter, Feb. 20, 1860, from Edgar E. S. Brown Winchester, Randolph Co., IN - m. Rebecca Burch dau. of Elizabeth [affidavit actually says m. Elizabeth dau of Rebecca] - writing to obtain pension money for the widow as there has been no draught since Wm. Burch’s death.

Affidavit of Delila Edwards (age 75) Monroe Co., IN. 26 Feb. 1844 -- sister of Wm. Burch -- wife of William Edwards of Green Co., IN. “The declarant recollects the general Calamities occasioned by said War and only remembers a few particular circumstances relative to it. One of which is indelibly left on her memory….her said brother William went to the army as a soldier at a time when several persons direct in the neighborhood also went to serve in the army.” She believes he joined in the fall and returned home in the spring or vice versa as it was at the beginning or end of cold weather. He served at least six months she believes. She heard him speak of seeing ships and vessels while he was in the service. Her father lived in Wilkes County NC when her brother left home and joined the army. She is of the opinion “that her said Brother during his life has cared less for property or money than most persons that he would lose his deserved rights rather than distress persons …” Brother William had been a member of the Baptist church for 50 or 60 years, “part of the time an exhorter or public speaker.” He has been for several years quite feeble by reason of old age.

William N. Roseberry, JP, stated that Delila Edwards resides about 12 or 15 miles from Bloomfield, county seat of Green Co., IN and one-half mile from Samuel Sloan, who resides in Monroe Co, IN, and about 10 miles from Bloomington. The county line comes between the residences of Wm Edwards and Samuel Sloan. Delila Edwards appears to be not less than 75 years old and is unable to attend court.

Affidavit of Henry Berch(sic) (age 26) Green Co., IN 5 Feb. 1853 - Family records taken from family Bible of William Berch, my father, which Bible has been in my possession since the death of father in Monroe Co., IN, 17 Sept 1848. Bible records he believes were written by a cousin and namesake, Henry Berch, who resides in Monroe Co., IN. The oldest writing of said family record contains the name of declarant’s father and his brothers and sisters. The part written by cousin Henry Berch contains the names of the children of declarant’s father and mother, she being his second wife. Signed, Henry Burch [bef William M. Haley JP]
Bible pages:

[microfilm copy too dark to read copy] daughter Apr. 1761
daughter to William and --- February 1768
daughter 1770, ------ 1773, -------
Left page: Sally Burch born 2 June 1821
Levi Burch born September 18, 1824
Henry Burch born October 18, 1826
Right page: William Burch in the year of our Lord 1764 May the 10th
blank left page
Right page: The ages of William and Elizabeth Burch’s Child…
Mary Burch born Feb. 4, 1813
George Burch born Feb. 7, 18-
Nancy Burch born May 27, 18-
Lazarus Burch born --- 6,

William m. (1) Mary Mourning Harris , daughter of Robert Harris and Lucretia Brown , abt 1783, NC. Mary d. by 1812. William m. (2) Elizabeth Ritter , daughter of James Ritter and Anne Burcham, on 2 Apr 1812 in Surry County, NC. Elizabeth was christened 1798 in Surry Co., NC.

She is the sister of Lazorous Ritterwho m. Patsy Burch, Dau of Joseph and Malinda Collins Burch. Elizabeth is living with son, Henry Burch, Solsberry, Greene CO, IN 1860.

NC Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868; Bride: Elizabeth Writter(sic); Groom: William Burch; Bond Date: 31 Mar 1812; County: Surry; Record #: 01 029; Bondsman: George Burch; Bond #: 000143512

F iii. Elizabeth Burch b. Apr 1766, Rowan County, NC.

F iv. Margaret Burch b. 3 Feb 1768, NC.

F v. Delilah Burch b. May 1770, Stokes County, NC, d. 6 May 1848, Greene CO, IN, buried Solsberry, IN, m. William Edwards, 1790, Surry County, NC. William b. 1776, NC, d. 6 May 1848, Greene Co, IN and was buried Edwards Cemetery, Beach Creek TWP, Greene Co, IN. Family came to IN about 1821 and were members of Predestination Baptist Church.
M vi. Henry Burch b. 7 Oct 1772, NC, d. 10 Oct 1773, NC.
F vii. Mary Burch b. 7 Oct 1772, NC, d. 19 Oct 1773, NC.

M viii. John Lawrence Burch b. 7 Aug 1774, Stokes County, NC, d. 12 Feb 1840, Monroe County, IN. John m. Judith Southern, daughter of William Southern and Magdalena Vernon, 16 Feb 1802, Stokes County, NC. John Southern, NC Marriage Bonds, 1741-186; Bondsman; Bride: Juda Southern; Groom: John Burch; Bond Date: 16 Feb 1802; County: Stokes; Record #: 01 040; Bondsman: John Southern; Witness: T Armstrong; Bond #: 000137628

M ix. James Burch b. 14 Oct 1777, Surry County, NC, d. 14 Dec 1855, Greene CO, IN. Family came to IN early 1820s. James was a farmer and Baptist minister.

Children are from Family Bible in possession of Abrams family of Utah.

Doyle Fenn - Sep 24, 2003 My great grandmother was Amanda Jane Burch (1844 MO-1934 TX). She m. 1st John Wesley Brashears who d. She married 2nd, to widower Enoch Dawson. She was the daughter of Elijah Burch (1802 NC - 1863 TX) and his 2nd wife Catherine McHaley. Elijah was married 3 times. His first wife Phoebe May deserted him and the kids. Catherine McHaley d. abt 1846 in MO. His 3rd wife was widow, Mary Smith who made her youngest son murder Elijah. Elijah Burch was the 2nd son of James Burch (1777 NC-1855 IN) and Sarah Gillespie, his 2nd wife. I don't have another husband for Sarah Gillispie. James & his first wife Sarah Whaley had one son, Barnabas. She apparently d. in child birth or shortly thereafter and he married Sarah Gillespie. I did not originate the name of Sarah Whaley being James' first wife, and I don't remember who gave that information to me. It is obvious that that James was m. before. Long time deceased descendants of both Barnabas and Elijah told their children, grand children, etc that Barnabas and Elijah were brothers, but he wasn't m. to Elijah's mother until 1801 and Elijah b. in 1802. Elijah is my g-g grandfather. Barnabas b. before 1800 according to all the information I can find. I don't have an exact date and census records give a range of birth years.

M x. Joseph Burch b. 8 Aug 1780, Surry County, NC, d. 4 Aug 1852 Greene CO, IN. Family came to IN abt 1820. Were adherent to Predestination Baptist Church. Children listed in a deed dated 10 Mar 1843, Greene Co, IN recorders office. Joseph m. Malinda (Mallinder) (Millendea) Collins, daughter of William Collings and Elizabeth Unknown, 25 Jun 1801, Surry County, NC. Malinda b. 16 Jan 1784, NC, d. 10 Mar 1857, Green County, IN. See Section 2

M xi. Charles Burch b. 10 Mar 1783, Surry County, NC, d. 10 Jan 1860, Greene CO, IN and was buried Jan 1860, Beech CREEK TWP, IN. Couple came to IN abt 1827 after living a short time in Hart Co., KY. This family also adhered to the Predestination Baptist Church. Charles, Elizabeth and at least one daughter, Mary, are buried in Burch Cemetery #2. Children in family group complied by Dr. Altus, Laura A. Burch Price, and Edw. E. Burch. 1850 Greene Co., IN census: Charles Burch age 68, Farmer, born NC; Elizabeth 70 born NC.

Charles m. Elizabeth Southern, 20 Aug 1802, Stokes County, NC. Elizabeth b. 1782, NC, d. 9 Apr 1858, Center TWP, Greene Co, IN and was buried in Carmichael Cemetery, Center TWP, Greene Co, IN.

F xii. Daughter Burch b. 10 Mar 1783, Surry Co., NC, d. aft 10 Mar 1783, Monroe Co., IN.

F xiii. Sarah (Sally) Burch b. 19 Jun 1785, d. 6 Apr 1863, Patrick County, VA, m. Isham Barnard 26 Feb 1805, Surry County, NC. Isham d. 16 Jun 1871, Patrick Co., VA, buried in Patrick Co., VA. Isham was a farmer.

Jackie Foster

Last updated 22.10.2009