52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 48: James Joseph Mendenhall (1718-1782)

I skipped last week due to having a friend from out of town visiting me--so instead of playing catch-up, I'm just picking up where I left off~~

  

James Joseph Mendenhall- my 1st Cousin, 10x Removed

Born: 26 Nov 1718 in East Cain, Chester, Pennsylvania

Parents: Aaron Mendenhall (1690-1765) &

              Rose Pierson (1693-1771)

Siblings: 

1. George (1716-1751)

2. John (1718-1800)

3. Elijah (1719-?)

4. Elizabeth (1723-1785)

5. Aaron (1729-1813)

6. Rose (1733-1824)

7. Lydia Mary (1737-1816)

James married twice: 

Wife #1: Martha Griffith (1718-1742)- on 31 Dec 1739 in Bradford, PA, Daughter of John Griffith (1692-1744) & Amy Morgan (1689-1762).

They had 2 Sons:

1. Griffith (1740-1794)

2. Phineas (1742-1826)

Wife #2: Hannah Thomas (1717-1792)- on 10 Sep 1743 in Goshen, Clearfield, PA, daughter of Richard Thomas (1688-?) & Grace Atherton (1694-?).

They had 8 Children:

1. Richard (1744-1770)

2. Grace (1747-1764)

3. Elijah (1749-1781)

4. George (1751-1805)

5. Judith Reeves (1753-1846)

6. Marmaduke (1754-1797)

7. Hannah (1757-1800)

8. Stephen (1759-?)

Jamestown North Carolina is named after this James Joseph Mendenhall. It was settled in 1752 and named by his grandson. Here is the website to read more about Jamestown. 

I would love to visit this town since the name Mendenhall is really prevalent in this town! There is rich Mendenhall history there. 

One town historical attraction is the Mendenhall plantation- established in 1811 by Richard Mendenhall-- it is now a museum depicting a non-traditional view Southern history that valued education, women's rights and industry. There is also the Mendenhall Store (est. 1824) and the Quaker Meetinghouse (est 1820's). 

Mendenhall Plantation

Meetinghouse

James died in Feb 1782 in Wrightsboro, Wilkes, Georgia. He is buried on the Colonsay Plantation (source: Findagrave.com).