On 21 Jul 1774, Elizabeth Gatlin was issued a patent for 100 acres of land in Craven County on the north side of the Neuse River and east side of Swift Creek.
North Carolina Land Grant Images and Data, Book 22, pg. 362, Grant Number 225
At the time in question, the only known Gatlin widow named Elizabeth was Elizabeth Reel Gatlin, widow of the Edward Gatlin who died in 1763. Then,
BE IT KNOWN THAT EVAN THOMAS AND WIFE SARAH JOHN RODRICK AND WIFE SARAH FREDRICK JOHNSTON and wife Elizabeth James Hoover and wife, Naeme Levey Gatling and Joshua Gatling for and in consideration of the sum of thirty dollars to us in hand paid by Shadrick Gatling at and before the signing and sealing of the as [these] presents the receipt and payment whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained, sold alieaned enfeoffered and consumed and we do hereby bargain sell alien enfee off and confirm unto the said Shadrick Gatling his heirs, and assigns for ever a certain piece or parcel of land lying and being as follows: One third and two undivided sixths of a certain piece or parcel of land in the County of Craven on the north side of Neuse River near the mouth of Swift creek was patented by Elizabeth Gatling, beginning at a read oake neare the cuting seg John Gatlins corner, and runs No. 25 W. 140 poles to a small white oak near the head of Griffiths branch, thence north 65 east 140 pole to a small pine, thence south 25 east 140 pole to a blackjack near the road, thence to the beginning, containing one hundred acres, be the same more or less. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said two undivided sixths of said piece or parcel of land with all and every of its improvements and other appurtenances thereunto belonging to him the said Shadrick Gatlin his heirs and assigns forever in fee-simple, and we for ourselves our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, that is to say, even Thomas and wife Sarah for one sixth and John Rodrick and wife Sarah, Fredrick Johnston and wife Elizabeth James Hoover and wife Naomea Levy Gatling and Joshua Gatlin for one other sixth, shall and will forever warrant and defend the said two undivided sixths of said land against the lawful claim of any person or persons whatsoever, unto the said Shadrick Gatlin his heirs and assigns forever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands and seals at Newbern this 20th. day of August 1818.
Craven County Deed Book 163, page 373
Everyone signed with an “X” mark except for Evan Thomas, who signed his name. The implication of this deed is that Sarah Thomas and the father of Sarah Roderick, Elizabeth Johnston, Naomi Hoover, Levy Gatlin and Joshua Gatlin were siblings, children of Edward Gatlin and Elizabeth Reel.
Evan Thomas and James Gatlin purchased a bond for Evan to marry Sarah Gatlin 6 Oct 1782. The Shadrick Gatlin mentioned in the above deed was, probably, Shadrack son of John Gatlin and Esther Tingle. A James Gatlin stood bondman at their marriage, 16 Jan 1784, as well. And for that of Joshua Gatlin and Sarah Banks 11 Oct 1783. Joshua returned the favor 11 Feb 1784 for James to marry Mary Surles.
So, what I think is that Elizabeth Reel and her Edward had six children, four of whom were James, Joshua (who I believe to have been the father of the other parties), John and Sarah. Another possible child is the David Gatlin, orphan, apprenticed to John James 7 Apr 1762.
Craven County Court Minutes, Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, Apr 1762
Note: See post Another possible heir of Elizabeth Gatlin Reel for more information.
Unapologetically Nerdy 