Creswell, Criswell, Cresswell
Much of our Creswell/Criswell line has been extensively researched and documented in the “Creswell Family Notebook, by James C. and Edith F. Stormont. Later research into two comprehensive Creswell references (“Creswell-Criswell Genealogical Records” by George Ely Russell and “The Cresswell Family and the American Criswells” by Edgar Golden Criswell) has provided insight into various wills, marriages and allied families (particularly the McAdoo(w)s) that tie isolated Creswells/Criswells together.
The Irish “Creswells” spelled the name in a number of variations (see below) while he English “Creswells” almost uniformly spelled the name “Cresswell”, and the American “Creswells” called themselves (variously) “Criswell”, “Crisswell”, “Cresswell”, etc. (One particular American “Creswell” family had three sons, each spelling his name differently, and passing that name through their families). In considering place names for Creswells (and others coming through the State of Kentucky) it must be remembered that the original three counties in Kentucky were Jefferson, Fayette, and Lincoln (1784). Bourbon Co. was formed from Fayette Co. by 1788, with Mason Co pending formation from Bourbon and Woodford Co. pending from Fayette. By 1792, Scott Co. was formed from Woodward. And too, many of the counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland from whence the various Creswells came underwent name changes during periods of their residency.
Please note that any ancestral relationships leading to James married Catherine are assumed, in that adequate records do not exist confirming any information leading to James and any information concerning Catherine’s father Robert. Catherine’s descendancy, and those of her siblings are either confirmed or highly probable, given existing works. Many early Creswell references exist in various genealogy sources, and those have been brought together, as completely as possible, to give some sort of picture of the history of the family, in this listing.
Creswell Research
By John C. Stormont
163 Coconut Row
Tavernier, FL 33070
(305) 852-3098
As most persons researching various Creswell lines (and variant spellings) realize, no definitive, documented evidence exists concerning the predecessors of James (Criswell) Creswell and Catherine (Kate) Creswell.
No one was more aware of this than my mother, Edith Foster Stormont, and my father, James Creswell Stormont, in their publication of “The Creswell Notebook”.
In attempting to sort out various Creswell (and variant spelling) lineages for our website information ( http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Cliffs/6573/index.html ) we had advantage of certain other documentation than did James and Edith (the Internet having not been available with its wide range of genealogical publishing houses, online publication and genealogy pages, etc.), and, in attempting to place various early “Creswell Notebook” Creswells, and, rather than adding further definitive proof (which was not available) we were able to expand other Creswell lines from those sources so as to exclude ancestries which did definitely not fit “Creswell Notebook” information.
In so doing, materials found in the “Creswell Notebook” were expanded and annotated at our website so as to clarify the materials found in the “Notebook”. Edith and James Stormont did not have the below publications and Internet research available, but depended on wide and varied personal library research and correspondence (most of which is documented in the “Creswell Notebook”).
Serious Creswell researchers would do well to obtain (for their libraries) several publications which might give clarity to their own lineages, and which shed much light on what we were able to place at the website.
“Creswell-Criswell Genealogical Records” – by George Ely Russell, published by the Catoctin Press, 1987, Middletown, Maryland
“The Cresswell Family and the American Criswells” – by Edgar Golden Criswell, Brooklyn, NY, 1931, reprinted by Catoctin Press, 709 E. Main Street, Middletown, MD 21769-7802
(We obtained our copies from http://higginsonbooks.com , who no longer list them, but perhaps they may be obtained from the publisher listed above)
“The National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vols 1-85, 1600s-1900s” available on CDROM for $49.99 from http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com or online as part of your subscription ($79.95/yr) to GenealogyLibrary.com at the same site.
Since the “National Genealogical Society Quarterly” has not been previously available, we will attempt to transcribe here two articles (one found in Vol. 54, the other found in Vol. 55), for research purposes only, together with any footnotes, so as to aid Creswell researchers.
By George Ely Russell
Transcribed for research purposes only.
“Among the Ulster settlers of Chester County, Pennsylvania in the 1720’s and 1730’s was a large Creswell family group apparently headed by one James Creswell born about 1660. Found in the English counties of Norfolk, Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Essex, Oxford, Devon, and Northampton in the early seventeenth century[1] branches of the Cresswell-Carswell family were established in Ireland as early as the 1620’s[2]. Bt 1675 a branch of the family was settled on the Clanbrissill Estate in Hollywood parish in County Down, where James, Jr., Hugh and William Criswell were listed on the rent rolls[3]. The will of James Criswell of Carrowmuddle (Cormadle), County Derry, farmer, dated 23 November 1698, proved 10 October 1701, mentioned wife Ann, sons George, James, and Robert, daughter Elizabeth Porter, son-in-law James Con, and Hugh Wilson, Robert Miller, James Gethrey and Ann and Jean Porter[4]. The will of a James Creswell of Tubuncaragh, Fahan Parish, County Derry, was made in 1722[5]. By will dated 28 November 1741, Elizabeth, widow of a James Carswell, of Hollywood Town, County Down, named her son Joseph Carswell and grandchildren James, Archibald, Elizabeth, and Mary Carswell[6]. The frequency with which the name James Creswell occurred in Northern Ireland was equaled in the American colonies. The purpose of this article is to provide information about and distinguish among the several men names James Creswell (and variant spellings) who lived during the colonial period.
1. The Creswell name is first found in Pennsylvania in 1722 when James Cresswell (sic) was taxed in East Nottingham Township, Chester County. As James Carswell he was taxed there in 1724. In 1734 Londonderry Township was formed from Nottingham and in 1735 James Caswell (sic), and John, William and the Widow Cresswell were listed there[7]. A warrant for 200 acres was issued to James Criswell of Chester County 7, August 1737[8], [9]. Though no gravestone or probate record has been found, it is assumed that this James died between 1739 and 1749. Buried at Faggs Manor Presbyterian Cemetery, Londonderry Township is Jane, widow of James Criswell. She died 7 August 1749, aged about 85 years (born about 1663-1664).[10].
2. By unpatented certificate number 287 dated 24 February 1745/46, the 170-acre lot number 25 in Susquehannah Manor, Cecil County, Maryland, was granted to James Creswell. This lot adjoined David Creswell’s grant.[11] James Criswell’s will was dated 10 November 1749; he mentioned his wife Mary, son Samuel, daughters Isabel and Margaret, sons-in-law William Criswell and John McAdow, and brother Samuel Criswell. David and James witnessed the will, which was proved in Cecil County 7 May 1750 by the testimony of David Criswell.[12] The inventory was made 21 May 1750, approved by kinsmen John McAdow and Samuel and David Criswell, and presented to the court 13 August 1750 by the co-executors Mary and James Cresswell.[13]. As executors, Mary and William Creswell and John McAdoo were commissioned to pass accounts 24 June 1751; their account was filed 23 September 1751 with David Creswell and James Lopor as sureties and listing widow Mary Creswell, William Creswell (of age), and Margaret (wife of John McAdoe), as representatives of the heirs.[14] It is known that the daughters Isabel and Margaret later lived in Harford County, Maryland. Isabel (Isabella) and her husband William Criswell settled at “Green Spring Forrest”, Susquehanna Hundred, Harford County in 1760.[15] Isabella’s will was dated 19 July 1794 in Harford County; she mentioned Isabella, James, and Elizabeth Criswell, daughter-in-law Mary Criswell, daughter Mary Edgar, William Criswell, Edgar and Elinor Edgar, and brother-in-law John McAdoo.[16]
3. James Creswell was named with other sons David Creswell, as a party to David’s lease of 166-acre lot number 24 in Susquehannah Manor, Cecil County, Maryland, 26 May 1746. [17] On 10 November 1749 he and his father were witnesses to the will of James Criswell (No. 2 above) in Cecil County.12 Apparently the eldest son, he inherited a still and the still house by the will of his father David dated 9 September 1751, Cecil County, and was appointed co-executor with mother Isabell. Another James Creswell witnessed the will.[18] He and his mother filed the balance of the final distribution 9 September 1756.[19] James married Catherine Steele, daughter of John and Elizabeth Steel if “Steels”, Cecil County, before 5 June 1754, when they sold a portion of the Steel estate.[20] (Editor’s note: In the ADDENDA to this transcript, G. E. Russell states “May be the James taxed in Scott Co., KY., 1795-1797; Katy taxed there in 1799-1802 (Scott County Tax Lists, abstracted by T. J. Cramton” which is incorrect, in that we know that that James and “Katey” were the predecessors of the Greene County, OH Creswells, subject of the “Creswell Notebook”). James was listed in the 1755, 1761 and 1766 Cecil County Debt Books as the possessor of the 75-acre “Steels”. [21] By bill of sale dated 2 March 1758, James Creswell of Cecil County, farmer, sold a horse, mare, two cows, and wheat growing on Hog Island to William Meek for £8/15/10. [22] By assignment dated 20 April 1763, James and his brother John, and George Ankrime and John Anderson sold their lease of the 166-acre lot number 24 to Joseph McNiely.17. As no further record is found for James in Cecil County, it is presumed that he moved away possibly in the 1760’s
4. The will of Robert Caldwell was made in 1754 in Lecok Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; he mentioned his sister Rachel, wife of James Cresswell. [23]
5. James Cresswell, of Oxford Township, Chester County, Pa., tanner, made his will 7 May 1760. He mentioned his brothers John and Robert Creswell, sister Mary Cresswell, sister Rachel (wife of James Whitehall), nephews Joseph and James (sons of Robert Creswell), nephews James, John, and Robert (sons of Mary Creswell), nieces Isabella, Hannah, and Jane (Daughters of Robert Creswell) and nieces Jane Clark and Rachel Whitehall (daughters of John Creswell). The will was proved 16 October 1760.[24] (Editor’s note: The reference mentioned in the footnote says further “A son of Robert, named in this paragraph, was James Criswell, who died in 1781. His will is dated June 2, 1781, and probated September 26, 1781. Wife’s name was not given. His children were David, James, Charles, Hannah and Mary”. – This James is the next mentioned (#6).
6. James Criswell was taxed in Londonderry Township, Chester County, Pa., 1765 through 1780. 8 His will, 1781, Londonderry Township, named children David, James, Charles, Hannah, and Mary (wife of Benjamin Creswell).24.
7. Rev James Creswell, said to have been born in Ireland and to have lived at Creswell’s Ferry (now Port Deposit), Cecil County, Md., was in Lancaster County, Va., with Dr. John Creswell in 1762. He and Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Garlington, age 29, were married in Lancaster County, bond issued 9 June 1763.[25] She was born 1733-1734, a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Conway) Garlington. Pursued his religious studies while teaching school in Lancaster County for Colonel James Gordon (from County Down, Northern Ireland) and a few neighboring gentlemen. Presented to the Presbytery at Cub Creek 6 October 1763, and was licensed to preach by the Hanover Presbytery at Tinkling Spring Church, Beverly Manor, Augusta County, VA., 2 May 1764. On 6 October 1765 at Lower Hico, North Carolina, he opened with his trial sermon and was ordained a Presbyterian minister by Messrs. Todd, Henry, and Patillo. William Henry Foote, in his Sketches of Virginia, Historical and Biographical Philadelphia, 1855, p87), goes on to state that Rev. Creswell “commenced his ministry with high expectations. But in a little time fell into improprieties, and passed from usefulness and honor through obloquy to forgetfulness.” Presbyterian historian George Howe was not as critical. He reported that Rev. Creswell “was a man of more than ordinary activity in his calling, if we may judge from the pulpits he filled, their distance apart, and the large number of carefully-written sermons left at his death.” He served Little River Church in Laurens District (near the Newberry line), the Duncan’s Creek congregation in the edge of Union, and was an occasional preacher at Rocky Creek (now Rock Church, Abbeville until the time of his death.” (Editor’s note: strangely and coincidentally, this church (in Chester District – not Abbeville unless Abbeville was also Chester at one time) was the church of the Samuel and Martha Stormont and family when they came to America c. 1772, having been formed in 1750/1770 where “At this place from May 1759 until 1773, Covenanters or reformed Presbyterians, Associates and Presbyterians worshipped together” – per The Revolutionary Soldiers of Catholic Presbyterian Church, Chester, South Carolina. Descendants of Samuel and Martha married James and Catherine Creswell descendants in Green County, OH, after James death in Kentucky and Catherine’s settling in Greene Co. c. 1802). “His home plantation was near Island Ford on the Saluda Run in Laurens District. A Staunch Whig and patriot, he was a member of the Committee of Safety and the Provincial Congress in 1775 and was among the defenders of Lindley’s Fort in 1776.[26] Various references to his activities may be found in the North Carolina Colonial Archives, Foot’s Sketches of North Carolina (p. 323), S. M. Rankin’s Buffalo Church and Her People, Hanover Presbytery Records (mistakenly calls him “John”). His will was made 26 May 1778 in 96 District, S. C. and mentioned his minor children David (eldest son), James, Elizabeth, Robert, and Elihu. Executors were his wife, Major John Williams, and William Anderson. Witnesses were Mary Williams, James Martin, and John Caldwell. Rev. James undoubtedly died soon after the making of his will. His grave is now under Greenwood Dam on the Saluda River. A Copy of his will is included among the probate papers for his son James’ estate in 1823 (Laurens County Wills, Box 12, Package 2). His widow Molly died in 1820 at her son Elihu’s home near Island Ford.
Their children were:[27]
i. Col David Creswell, b. c. 1764; m. Phoebe Talbot; lived at Smyrna, Wilkes County, Ga.
ii. Col. James Creswell, b. c. 1765; m. Virginia Conway; d. 1822 Laurens County, S.C.
iii. Elizabeth Conway Creswell, b. 1769; m. Thomas Talbot, 22 Aug. 1790. Laurens County. S.C.; lived at “Mt. Pleasant”, near Smyrna, Ga.,; d. 5 Sept. 1816
iv. Robert Creswell, b. 1772-1773; m. (1) Nancy Hunter; m. (2) Mary “Polly” Davis, 1812; attorney at Laurens, S.C.; moved to Eutaw, Alabama; d. 11 Sept. 1850, age 77, Eutaw, Alabama
v. Elihu Creswell, b. c. 1774; m. (1) Katherine Mayson; m. (2) Sarah Hunter, 1806; lived at “Peach Hill” near Island Ford, Laurens County, S.C.; d. 1833, Tamassee Mountain.
1. James Creswell, paid fee of 34 pounds of tobacco to Beale Bordley, Clerk of Baltimore County, Md., list given to sheriff 9 January 1759. [28] James Creswell took oath of fidelity, Baltimore County, 1778.[29] James Crisswell, single man, was taxed in Delaware Upper Hundred, Baltimore County, 1783, with Benjamin Crisswell as security,[30] this is probably a younger James. Not to be confused with James Croswell, patentee of “Croswell’s Adventure”, in 1755, Baltimore County, sold land in 1766 and 1767.[31]
2. James Criswell was taxed at West Nantmill Township, Chester County, Pa., 1765 through 1785. 8. His will, 1788, mentioned wife Mary and son James Ross Criswell. 24. Widow Mary was head of family at West Nantmill, 1790: 2-1-1, [32] she died 4 May 1821, age 79, and was buried in Brandywine Manor Lower Presbyterian Cemetery. [33] Their child was:
i. James Ross Criswell, b. 1770-1771; m. Sarah ____; lived at West Nantmill, 1800;[34] d. 13 July 1837, age 66, buried Brandywine Manor Presbyterian Cemetery.33
10. James Criswell was taxed at Oxford Township, Chester County, Pa., 1765 through 1785, a tanner in partnership with George Criswell in 1781. 8 James Carswell, Sr., was head of family, Oxford Township, 1790: 2-1-3.32 James Caiswell (sic) was head of family at Upper Oxford Township, 1800.34
11. James Creswell was taxed at Shavers Creek, Barree Township, Huntingdon County, Pa., 1778-1788; 8 was overseer of the poor and active in the militia, 1782.
12. James Creswell was taxed at Derry Township, Mifflin County, Pa., 1779-1782. May be one taxed at Wayne Township 1785. 8 Will dated 20 December 1785, Wayne Township; proved 25 October 1786; named children John, Michael, Mary, Jane, Elizabeth, and Susannah.[35]
12. James Carswell was taxed at East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pa., 1781; did not own any property there.8
13. James Criswell was taxed at Armagh Township, then in Cumberland County. Pa., in 1780.8
14. James Creswell was born at Creswell’s Ferry, Cecil County, Md., 12 May 1743, a son of James and Catherine (said to have been a Creswell) Creswell. (Editor’s note: This is not the James Criswell and Catherine Creswell of Scott Co., KY.) He married Mary Johnson (1756-1823) of Little Britain, Lancaster County, Pa., 1779. In 1789 they settled at Chartiers Creek, Washington County, Pa., where he was head of family in 1790: 2-3-4.32 They later moved to Crosscreek, Brooke County, West Virginia, where he died 13 September 1816. Their children were:[36]
i. Robert Creswell, b. 10 December 1780; m. (1) Mary McCarroll, m. (2) Nancy Phyllis Alexander; lived at Rylands, Brooke Co., W. Va.,; d. 21 November 1861, Hanover, Beaver County, Pa.
ii. Catherine Creswell, b. 1782’ d. 1783, Little Britain, Pa.
iii. John Creswell, b. 1784, m. Mary A. Boal, 1811; d. 3 March 1850, Port Louise, Iowa.
iv. Samuel Creswell, b. 1786; m. Sarah Creighton, May 1, 1810, Columbiana County, Ohio; d. 11 Aug. 1869, near Kirkwood, Warren County, Ill.
v. Jean Creswell, b. 1788’ unmarried; d. 1826, Brooke County.
vi. Margaret Creswell, b. 1790, m. James Moore, 1824; d. at Rixville, Ohio.
vii. Mary Creswell, v. 1793; unmarried; d. 1856, Brooke County.
viii. Betty Creswell, b. 1796; unmarried; d. 1852, Brooke County.
ix. James Creswell, b. 1801; m. June P. Barr; d. 1852, Brooke County.
13. James Criswell was born in 1746, a son of John and Jane Criswell of West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pa. He was named in his father’s will, 4 June 1761, West Nottingham.[37] His widowed mother moved to Reedy Fork, Guilford County, N.C. before 1775. [38] By deed dated 16 August 1775, James and his brother William sold a 130-acre parcel in Cecil County, Md., inherited from their father, to Joseph Coulson of West Nottingham, Cecil County, for £200. 37 James was head of the family in Guilford County, N. C. in 1790: 2-0-2-0-1.[39] His will was dated 2 September 1822, Guilford County, proved August 1823. He named sister Mary Donnell, nieces Margaret and Jean Short, and friend John Wilson; appointed Major Robert Donnell, Latham Donnell, Sr., and Moses Gilchrist as co-executors. He bequeathed $100 to the Buffalo Congregation.[40]
17. James Criswell and Elizabeth Dean were married by Rev. William Thompson by license dated 30 April 1778, Cecil County, Md.[41] The inventory of his estate was made 7 November 1786, Cecil County, approved by kinsman John Creswell.[42] His widow Elizabeth married Francis Brumfield by license dated 24 May 1787, Cecil County.41 She filed the balance of the final distribution of James’ estate in February, 1790, listing children Sarah, Samuel, Hartford Montgomery, and John Criswell.[43]
18. James Criswell was a grand juror in Washington County, Virginia, 20 November 1781. He was appointed co-administrator of the James Laird estate, 22 November 1781. Appointed to appraise Benjamin Estill estate 17 April 1782. Grand juror 19 November 1782. [44] James and Andrew Carswell were taxed in Washington County in 1782. [45] James Criswell and Mary “Peggy” Cargo were married in Augusta County, Virginia, 24 December 1794 by Rev. John McCue. In an Augusta County court judgment case of Gibson vs. Elliot, August 1794, it was mentioned that “James Creswell lives on the French Road.” The will of Alexander Gibson, dated 13 July 1804, proved 3 September, 1804, Augusta County, mentions sister Margaret, wife of James Creswell, and her daughters Elizabeth Cargo and Harriet Cresswell, and her son Samuel Alexander Cargo. [46]
19. James Creswell was born 1758-1759, a son of Samuel and Jennett Creswell of Londonderry Township, Chester County, Pa. He served in the Revolutionary War, 1776-1779, “with gun four months, with the team two years.” [47] He married Agnes Gibson (daughter of Andrew Gibson), who died 7 August 1839, age 75 (born 1763-1764).10 He applied for a pension 13 February 1841, in 82nd year of age; the claim was rejected because he did not serve six months in a military capacity. 47 His will, probated in 1842, mentioned son Andrew G. Creswell. 34 James died 18 June 1842, age 83, and was buried with his wife in Faggs Manor Churchyard, Londonderry Township. Known children were: 10
i. Andrew Gibson Creswell, b. 8 May 1791; m. Alice _____; d. 30 June 1866; buried with parents.
ii. James Creswell, d. 18 Jan 1796, age 6 months; buried with parents.
ADDENDA (Mar. 1966) : No. 7, Rev. James Creswell is identical with No. 3, son of David and Isabelle Creswell of Susquehannah Manor, Cecil Co., Md. James is described as an expert distiller in Journal of Col. James Gordon, Lancaster Co., Va., 1759 (William and Mary Quarterly, series 1, vols. 11-12). James and his son David were mentioned in will of his brother Isaac, 1769; proved 1772, Rowan Co., N.C. (Wills, vol. V, p. 72).
An older James married Catherine Steel and owned “Steels” in Cecil Co., Md. May be the James taxed in Scott Co., KY., 1795-1797; Katy taxed there in 1799-1802 (Scott County Tax Lists, abstracted by T. J. Cramton). (Editors Note: Most probably incorrect – this James and Katy were our James and Catherine, but would be very interesting if the same.)
No, 18, James of Washington Co., Va. May be same one who received two No. Carolina land grants in eastern Tennessee, 1788 (Cartwright & Gardiner, N. C. Land Grants in Tenn. (1958) pp. 45, 54); lived in Jefferson Co., Tenn., until 1794 when his attorney Andrew Creswell sold James’s extensive holdings in Jefferson and Knox Counties, Tenn.
_ _ _ _ _ _
By George Ely Russell
(Transcribed from The National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 55)
Transcribed for research purposes only.
Persistent traditions of Northern Ireland origin for American Creswell colonists of the early eighteenth century led a group of descendants to establish a research fund and to retain the professional services of Dr. Patrick Smythe-Wood of Ballycastle, County Antrim. The purpose of this article is to present an annotated report of research findings.
At the outset it should be noted that – lacking information about the Irish parish from which any of the Creswell colonists came – we have not succeeded in tracing their Ulster ancestry. Nevertheless, ample information is available to demonstrate that the Creswells (undoubtedly from England) were established in Ireland in the early seventeenth century, were dispersed among the Ulster counties of Down, Derry, Donegal, Armagh, and Antrim by the early eighteenth century, and were among the Ulstermen settling in Chester County, Pennsylvania, beginning in the 1720’s.
Though the genealogy of the American Creswells is beyond the scope of this article, some basic information about the colonists should be reviewed. Though there are a few isolated references to Creswells in the Barbadoes beginning in 1635, in Virginia beginning in 1662, and in North Carolina beginning in 1713, no evidence has been found to indicate that any of these men were ancestors of present American Creswells. However, beginning in 1722 there appeared in Chester County, Pennsylvania, one Creswell after another until by 1740 there was a large group centered at Faggs Manor (in present Cochranville), Londonderry Township. They rapidly dispersed into adjoining townships and counties and joined the Pennsylvania Irish migrations into Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
This far only one documentary reference has been found to the birthplace of an American Creswell during the colonial period. The roll of Captain Paul Jackson’s militia company lists Robert Criswell, age 21 or 24 (two lists), born in Ireland, enlisted in Chester County 9 May 1758[48]. A county history published in 1883 reports a family tradition that “Robert Cresswell emigrated from the County Down, Ireland, and settled in Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin Co.”[49]. A family genealogist, Edgar Golden Criswell, quoted from a letter which he received in 1894 from a member of the Pennsylvania family: “Matthew Cresswell (son of Robert of Mifflin County) hears his grandfather (Robert) say that when he left Ireland his father and seven brothers were preparing to come to America[50]. The genealogies of the families intermarried or associated with the early American Creswells invariably show Ulster origins, and there is no reason to doubt that most of the pre-Revolutionary American Creswells were of Ulster descent.
Before commencing the account of the Irish Creswells, it is in order to briefly discuss the spelling of the surname, which has many variants. Of the twenty-four men of this name listed in a cross section of English Subsidy Rolls in the 1620’s and 1630’s[51], six were spelled “Carswell,” five “Creswell”, four “Cresswell,” and the remainder variations of these. Seventeenth century English wills show about four times as many spelled “Creswell” as “Creswell”. “Chriswell” is occasionally found in Ireland, but was most commonly a later American variation adopted by Pennsylvania branches of the family.
The history of the Creswell family in Ireland apparently began with one John Creswell who was a scholar at the University of Dublin in 1626 and received his B. A. degree in 1629[52]. His later history is unknown. Because of the destruction of the Public records Office in Dublin in 1922, almost all Irish wills were lost. Fortunately, copies of chart pedigrees compiled from Prerogative Wills prior to 1810 are preserved in Dublin Castle and at the Public records Office of Northern Ireland at Belfast (hereinafter referred to as “PRONI”). Included are the following entries: “Simon Creswell of Dublin, Gent. Adm(inistration) 15 May 1629. Robert Creswell, Cap.(tain) Adm(inistration) 20 May 1652.” These two entries are bracketed together with the annotation “to P. creditor.” On the same page is a chart from the will of Mary Creswell indicating that her husband was of Dublin[53]. We presume that Robert was the Captain Robert Creswell, an English officer who served in Ireland in 1649[54].
The Templemore Parish Registers at Londonderry Cathedral are extant from 1642. Prior to 1809 this parish was partly in County Derry and partly in Donegal. The earliest Creswell entries are as follows:
“The marriage of John Creswell and Issabel Scott[55] was, after due proclimation, solemnized, John Graham, Henry Gardner with divers others being present, att London Derry, Month the Fourt 1660.”
“Bapt. In June anno Domini 1663. John, the son of John Williams, soldr. Bap. Ye 19th. John Ellis, Henry Criswell and Issabell Bennett[56], gossips.”
“March 1668. James the sonn of John Cresswell baptized March 26th, 1668”. “Burials in Ocktober 1672. James the son of John Creswell, seaman, buried the 13th.”
“Marriages in January 1684. James Crisswell and Martha Meason both of this parish, married by License by Mr. Thomas Wallis, chancellor, the 21st.”
“Marriages in August 1685, Robert Stewart[57] of the parish of Conwall and Jenot Crisswell of the parish of Fane, married by License by Mr. Seth Whittle, Clarck, the 12th.”
By 1675 there was established at Hollywood parish in Castlereagh Barony, County Down (four miles northeast of Belfast) a branch of the Creswell family. The Clanbrissill Estate Rent Rolls[58] of about 1657 list three Creswells as holding tenements in Hollywood Towne:
“Ja. Criswell, junior. Holds two Tenements at 10s p: Tenmt. One ac.: and ½ of inland: three ac: and ½ of outland, paies. Rent £1:16:3d. Hens 12. Daies work 12.”
Hugh Criswell. Holds halfe a Tenmt. At 55; one ac: of Inland at 5s; two ac: of Outland at 2s 6d p:ac:paies. Rent. 15 shilling. Hens 3. Daies work 3.”
“Wm Creswell. Holdeth one Tenmt. At ten shill: foure ac: of Inland at 5s p:ac: 4 ac: Outland at 2s 6d p:ac Rent £2. Hens 6. Daies work 6.”
One of the few extant early parish registers in County Derry is that of the Presbyterian congregation at Ballykelly (twelve miles east of Londonderry)[59]. The marriage register 1699-1740 and the baptism register 1699-1709 include the following Creswell entries:
Children of George Carswell: Jenet Carswell, 21 April 1700; George Criswell, February 1702/3; Mary Craswell, Ballkelly, February 1704/5.
Children of William Criswell: John Criswell, September 1703; Robert Carswell, January 1705.
Child of John Craswell: James Craswell, 8 April 1705.
“John Creswell and Rebecca Ramadge both of this parish gave in ye names to be proclaimed in order to Marriage ye 7 of May and were married ye 22 inst 1704.”
“George Carswell and Jean Clarke[60] both in Ballykelly are allowed ye benefite of proclamation in ordeur to mary August 9, 1712 and were married Aug. 29.”
“Jon. Carswell in Dungiven parish (ten miles south of Ballykelly) and Mary Thompson[61] in Ballykelly are allowed proclamation in order to marriage July 9th 1714 and were married.”
“Michael Carswell and Janet Holmes were allowed proclamation in ordeur to marriage Jenr. 14 1714/15 and were married Febr. 17, 1714/15.”
“George Carswell and Margaret Hall[62] in Dumbo are allowed proclamation 9 br. (September) 7 1724.”
Before the destruction of Irish wills in 1922 the Irish genealogist Tenison Groves abstracted a number of Ulster Creswell wills[63]. The earliest abstract is of the will of James Criswell, farmer, of Carrowmuddle, County Derry (in Tamlaght Finlagen parish adjoining Ballykelly). Dated 23 November 1698 and probated 10 October 1701, James’ will makes the following bequests: “to my son James Criswell, £3:10:0d plus one cow;” “to my son Robert Criswell, £3:10:0d plus one cow;” to son-in-law James Con, 10 sheep; to Hugh Wilson[64], 2 cows; to daughter Elizabeth Porter[65], 1 cow; to Robert Miller[66], £1:10:0d; to Ann Porter, 1 heifer; to James Gethrey(?), 1 heifer, to Margaret Porter, 1 heifer; to Jean Porter, 1 heifer, “to my wife Ann Criswell, 1/3 of residue;” the residue and the lease “to my son George Criswell in consideration of his portion which is not yet paid him.” Son George named executor. Witnesses John Dennison and Henry Pierce[67].
Continuing with the Carrymuddle family, an Exchequer Bill[68] provides an account of the case of James, George, Anne, and Jennett Creswell, minors, by their guardian John Dining, as plaintiffs against Abraham Torrence, Jennett his wife, John Moore, and Robert Caldwell, defendants. The Bill was dated 3 July 1711, showed “no answer” by the defendants, and stated that “George Cresswell the elder, late of Cormadle (sic), County Derry, deceased, the plaintiff’s father, about five years ago was possessed of goods of considerable value and also one or two beneficial leases of lands at Caremudle and other lands in County Derry and being so seized did die in 1706 intestate, leaving widow Jennett Cresswell and plaintiffs very young. Jennett Cresswell the widow soon after did marry one Abraham Torrence[69] who did thereby get into his possession all the goods…and he with Jennett have sold or disposed of a great part…for their own use. On 18 July 1709 the plaintiffs chose John Dinning to be their guardian. At length Torrence was prevailed on to return an inventory of the estate…valued by John Moore[70] and Robert Caldwell[71] to be the sum of £48, whereas the real value thereof – according to the plaintiffs – was £300 and upwards. They charges the defendants with concealing the greatest part of the estate, disposing of it to their own advantage, and refusing to come to a fair account thereof.”
The plaintiffs James and George Carswell were listed in Carrymuddle in the 1740 census of Protestant Householders[72]. The will of George Crisswell of Carrymuddle was probated in1776[73].
Returning to Hollywood parish, County Down, the will of John Christwell of Hollywood was dated 16 January 1717 and probated 14 May 1718, and made the following bequests: “To my grandson Robert Christwell, £100; to my granddaughter Annabel Christwell, £100; to my granddaughter Mary Christwell (a minor), £100.” Witnesses James Russell and Dave Lennox. William Corry and William Sim were named as executors[74]. The will of John’s daughter-in-law Annabelle Carswell of Ballymenagh townland, Hollywood parish, was dated 18 June 1722 and probated in July 1722, and made the following bequests: “To my son Robert Carswell, £40, cattle and crop; to my daughter Annabelle, wife of James Russell, and her son John Russell (minor), £6; to my daughter Mary Carswell, £2; to my daughter Jane Hamilton, £2; Five shillings to my son John Hamilton; to my daughter Margaret Hamilton; my son Ju(?) Hamilton deceased.” Executors named were son Robert Carswell and Mr. James Hamilton of Ballydavie. Witnesses were Robert and William Smith. The inventory of Annabelle Carswell, deceased, 14 August 1722, was signed by Robert Carswell, Robert Smith, and John Flemin[75].
The son Robert settled at Rathmore townland, Dunegore parish, County Antrim (twelve miles northwest of Belfast), where Robert Carswell, linen draper, was a witness to the will of Benjamin McDowell of Rathmore, 22 December 172575. Bequests were “To John Russell, son of James Russell, eldest son of my sister Annabelle, £19 including the £6 bequeathed to him by his mother. To Robert Russell, her third and youngest son, £14, a tankard, and a tea chest in possession of my brother James Russell. To James Russell, her second son, £14; all three under age 21 and unmarried. To Robert Greer (under age 21), son of my sister Mary, £14 and a sea chest in custody of my sister Hamilton, and five silver spoons in custody of my brother James Russell. To my brother-in-law John Greer[76], 5 shillings and my chest. To Hamilton Rodger, son of my sister Rodger, £10. To James Allen, her son by her first marriage, my mare. Executor, my brother-in-law William Rodger.” Witnesses: James Crafford and James Rodger. Signed “Robt. Carswell.” Probate to James Russell and John Greer in trust for the legatees; William Rodger renouncing. The Administration Bond was signed 17 May 1727 for the administration of Robt. Carswell of Dungore parish, County Antrim, Esquire. James Russell, John Greer of Hollywood, and William Bryson of Bangor, all in County Down. Renunciation 11 May 1729 of executorship of will by Wm. Rodgers of Rathmore in favor of James Russell and John Greer of Hollywood parish. Witnessed by James Hamilton and Thomas Martin[77].
Two Derry wills of the 1720’s are not extant. The will of James Creswell of Tubuncaragh townland, Fahan parish, was probated in 1722. The will of Robert Carswell of Ballyderogh was probated in 172773 . The next Down will was the nuncupative will of Archibald Carswell of Lisnegennall, Dromore diocese, County Down, made by word of mouth 2 December 1723 and proved in Dromore Diocesan Court 17 January 1732/3. “There is an agreement between his widow Margaret Carswell and his three daughters Anne, Margaret and Sara Carswell dated 3 January 1732/3 to equally divide his assets including his freehold farm (part of which is sub-let to William Dick). He bequeaths £2:2:8 1/2d to son-in-law George Carson[78]. Bequeaths 12 acres of his farm in Lisnagennall to Archibald and Andrew McCormick, sons of John McCormick, late of Carrickdrummond and grand nephew of testator[79]. Archibald was probably related to James Carswell of Carukdrummond whose will was proved in 1794[80]. Carukdrummond is in Aghaderg parish where Andrew Carswell was a householder in 1742[81]. The will of an earlier Andrew Carswell, Senior, of Minin (Meenan), Aghaderg parish was proved in 173380. A later trace of this family is found in a memorial of a deed dated 27 October 1791: James Carswell of Alnanahon, County Armagh, to Andrew Carswell of Minin, County Down, conveyance of lands for £103:12:6d. The father of James Carswell was Andrew Carswell, deceased. Witnesses: Joseph Carswell of Ballymackaraakmore, County Down; John Jenkins of the Fews, County Armagh; and Thomas Morris of Bandbridge, grocer[82]. The will of John Carswell of Minin was probated in 182380. Possibly there was some relationship between these Creswells and William and Margaret Carswell whose Dromore estates were administered in 1754 and 1757, respectively[83].
A search of all extant early parish registers would undoubtedly reveal a few Creswell marriages. A Marriage license bond was issued in 1735 to Rebecka Carswell and John Davis[84] in Raphoe[85]. An administration bond was issued in Raphoe in 1724 on the estate of John Corswell[86].
The 1740 Lists of Protestant Householders in Ulster are partially preserved by copies72, which indicate some 14,000 names, unfortunately not indexed. These lists indicate the distribution of the Creswell family in counties Donegal and Derry; lists for the other counties are for only a few parishes.
Ennishowen Barony
Templemore Parish
Castle Quarter – Henry and Thomas Carswell
Belet – James Carswell
Moress – Joseph Carswell
Lagnedavagh – Widow Carswell
Dondrein – James Carswell
Church Towne – Joseph Carswell
Cloncha Parish
Drumcarbett – John Carswell
Fawn Parish
Tooban – Robert and Samuel Carswell
Glebe – Robert Carswell
Achully – Michael and John Carswell
County Derry
Tyrkeering Barony
Templemore Parish
Londonderry – Thomas Carswell
Glendermott Parish
Dromcorrin – James Carswell
Tamlaghtfinlagan Parish
Ned – Mick Carswell
Dumbrock – George Carswell
Moisc – John Carswell
Carrymuddle – James and George Carswell
Tamlahtard Parish
Carnouvy – James Carswell
Coleraine Barony
Dunboe Parish – John Corswell and John Croswell
Arigall Parish – Widow Carswell
To these 1740 householders are added a few more from the 1742 List of Protestant Householders[87]:
County Down
Eveagh Barony
Aghaderg Parish – An. Carswell
County Armagh
Fewes Barony
Armagh Parish – Robert Carswell
Orior Barony
Killeney Parish – Jas. Creswell
Returning again to Hollywood parish, County Down, we find another Creswell will. Elizabeth Carswell, widow of James Carswell, of Hollywood town, made her will 28 November 1741. Wished to be buried in Hollywood churchyard. Bequests: To son Joseph Carswell, £50 in Robert Liel’s lands (hands?); to granddaughters Elizabeth and Mary Carswell; to my son Joseph Carswell’s three children James, Archable (Archibald?), and Elizabeth Carswell, £1 each, the £3 being in the hands of James Russell of Ballyliel, and £1:10:0d in hands of James McDowell of Ballymanock. Son Joseph named executor. Witnesses George Curry, John Corre, and William Martin. Inventory exhibited 1 December 1741. Will proved 26 April 174274. Joseph Carswell of Ballymegert townland, Hollywood parish, died 23 June 1743. The inventory of his goods was signed by his widow and administratrix Janet Carswell, who was bonded for £100 in April, 1744 with James Patterson65 as surety75.
Because the Creswells appear to have become well-established in America by the 1740’s, we have not attempted to locate later Ulster records of this family. Migration from Ireland continued, however, and – according to passenger lists of vessels arriving at American ports of entry87 – the following Creswells came to America from Ireland:
Allen Creswell, age 18, clerk, 1833
Ann Creswell, age 24, and Hannah Creswell, 1849
J. Cresswell, age 36, and three children, 1827
James Criswell, age 37, with wife Mary, age 35, and children Moses, age 12, and Richard, age 10, 1841
James Creswell, age 27, with children James, age 3, and John, age 1, 1846
James Creswell, age 18, Ellen, age 18, and Mary, age 16, 1859
Jane Craswell, age 20, 1882
Joseph Crisswell, age 25, 1824
Mary Cresswell, age 18, 1877
Matilda Creswell, age 20, 1851
Robert Cresswell, age 26, 1824
Sarah Cresswell, age 19, 1845
With no intention to claim the right of American Creswell descendants to use it, we might mention that the crest used by an Irish branch of the Cresswell family is described[88] as “a savage’s head ppr., wreathed vert.” This crest is quite similar to that adopted by the Cresswell families of Pinkney Park, Wiltshire, and of Northamptonshire, England, in which, however, it is described as a Saracen’s head.
We would be remiss if we did not mention – and refute – one published allegation of Creswell origin. In a biographical sketch[89] of the Hon. John A. J. Creswell (1828-1891) of Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland, Postmaster General under President Grant, reference is made to Robert Creswell, one of the merchant members of the London Company for Virginia who ventured £12/10/0 in the period 1608-1616[90]. The biography alleges that “From him sprang the branch of the family that sailed up the Chesapeake and settled on the banks of the Susquehanna where some of their descendants have ever since resided.” As shown in the account, however, John A. J. Creswell was unable to trace his ancestry beyond Colonel John Creswell (c. 1754-1814) of Creswell’s Ferry (now Port Deposit), Cecil County, Maryland, alleged brother of Captain Robert Creswell (c. 1752-1814) of Augusta, Richmond County Georgia, and Samuel Criswell (c. 1754-1810) of Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The biography completely overlooks the facts that Robert Creswell of the London Company never came to America, that the Creswells were well established in Cecil County, Maryland by 1741, and that they were of the large group of related Creswells of Londonderry township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, undoubted Ulstermen. Cecil County land records show that – instead of “sailing up the Chesapeake and settled on the banks of the Susquehanna” – they probably rowed or floated down the Octoraro Creek from Chester County to what was then Susquehannah Manor in Cecil County, only one day’s walk from Londonderry township. It is not necessary to force the Cecil County Creswells over the unlikely path from London via Jamestown. Unfortunately, this biographical account has misled a number of subsequent family genealogists into a fruitless “First Families of Virginia” search. It even led the family historian, Edgar Golden Criswell to state50 that “two chief distributing points for the Cresswells in America are thus indicated and they account for the dispersion of the family throughout the United States: from Virginia, southward to Georgia, and westward through the Shenandoah Valley via Kentucky and Tennessee; from Pennsylvania westward through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and far beyond.” Like many other genealogists, he failed to realize that the Chester and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Ulstermen moved southward as well as westward.
[1] Charles E. Banks, Transcripts of English Subsidy Rolls, MS at Rare Book Room. Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
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