While browsing David McCorkle’s North Carolina Land Grants for holdings along Gourdvine Creek, I came across a person who didn’t seem to fit the neighborhood. Being the day after the New Year, it was a good and quiet time to explore this person at my favorite place …North Carolina State Archives.
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My Great-Great Grandfather is David Thomas who married Alice Newsome, the daughter of Christian Barnes and Joseph Newsome originally from Wayne County NC. David and Joseph lived near the mouth of Gourdvine Creek in present day Union County. I remember well the day I found William Barnes also living on Gourdvine Creek. Joseph’s brother-in-law William is Alice Newsome Thomas’ uncle. This was one of those discoveries that reminded me that people have the same needs, they’re bound by family and they’re forever building community.
My ancestor, David Thomas served as chain carrier in the 1829 survey (see above) for 12 acres issued to Moses K. Hyams. The survey indicates the land adjoined that of Thomas and Barnes. Looking for more on Moses, I found nothing. So who was Moses? Where did he come from?
Born in Charleston SC, Moses Kosciusko Hyams is the son of Samuel Myers Sr and Meriam Levy Hyams. In 1823, Moses K. is listed as Justice of Peace in Charleston. Being a well-documented Jewish family, information on Samuel can be found in Malcolm H. Stern’s First American Jewish Families. From that source we learn that Samuel was the son of Moses and Judith Isaacks Hyams. This Moses was born in Gdansk Poland and had removed to Dublin Ireland and then on to London where he died. The family came to America around 1765. Arriving in Charleston, Samuel is later honored as being the first Jew to settle in Natchitoches Louisiana. It’s there, on 18 Aug 1836, the Thomas’ brief neighbor died in Pointe Coupee Parish.
One of Moses K. Hyams’ brothers studied engineering and during his life is credited as surveying much land in Louisiana. The family was involved in building community and as leaders of government. Moses’ brother Henry Michael Hyams also served the State of Louisiana as Lieutenant Governor during the American Civil War. This family established the historic Jewish Cemetery of Rapides Parish and is prominent in the Natchitoches American Cemetery.
How cool is all this! My ancestor walked the rudes of Carolina with this family. They must have shared times, beliefs, and their thoughts on life. We’re all connected much more than by birth and death alone. Never knowing where tomorrow will lead, it’s important that we acknowledge each moment. Moments like this remind me of my father’s favorite poem:
Let me live in a house by the side of the road, Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad, As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner’s seat, Or hurl the cynic’s ban;-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road And be a friend to man.
Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)
They Lived Along a Rocky River 
“My ancestor, David Thomas served as chain carrier in the 1829 survey (see above) for 12 acres issued to Moses K. Hyams. The survey indicates the land adjoined that of Thomas and Barnes. Looking for more on Moses, I found nothing. However, early family history wrongly identifies David’s uncle Ezekiel Thomas as marrying Charity, the daughter listed in the Anson County will of John Hyames/Haynes. The marriage could not have happened as the dates made it impossible. What a consequence, or am I missing something?”
Your family does wrongly identify Ezekiel’s spouse, Charity Thomas, as the daughter of John Haymes. John also had a daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Betty Ann), born Mar 1736 in North Farnham, Richmond County, Virginia, and Charity would most likely have been born about the same time. Ezekiel’s spouse would have been from a different generation. You’re correct – ‘The dates made it impossible.’
John’s daughter, Charity, most likely married a Thomas male from the family of William Thomas (c. 1721-1772) of Amelia County, Virginia, as John owned property within about five miles of this family. The William Thomas line descends from Samuel Thomas line of Gloucester County, Virginia. Charity’s son is also named Samuel.
Jeff, don’t know what planet I’ve been on, but this is the first I’ve seen of this post. So, sorry for the late response!
You’re right that there’s no way Charity is the same who’s the daughter of John Hymes. But, this Moses is not Hymes, but Hyams …a totally different family. Also, agree that Charity ties to Samuel. I try to address old falsehoods any chance I can. Thanks!