Lazarus/Larsus FLORA-Patriarch of the North Carolina Floras
By Donna O'Malley
Before we start with Lazarus, we would like to begin with some historical information on people who may or may not be directly related to him.
John FLORA/FLOWER/FLORY
The earliest record of a FLORA in Currituck Co., North Carolina is for a John FLORA having one tithable in 1719. According to the Laws
of 1715, Chapter LI reads: "All Males not being slaves in this Government
shall by Tythable at the Age of Sixteen Years And All Slaves Male or Female,
either Imported or born in this Country, shall BE tythable at the Age of Twelve
Years." Further records for a John FLOWERY (1720), Jno FLUERY (1721) and Jno FLOREY (1722) -- note the range of spellings -- continue
to show only a single "tithable." Based on this information, it can be deduced
that John had no male children over the age of 16 living with him between the years of
1719 and 1722. In addition, John was either born in 1703, or was born prior
to 1703 and moved to Currituck Co. in 1719. The next record for a John FLORY in the county is a deed dated 1735. Then, in 1738, Humphrey
Vince wills some property to both John FLOWER and Lazarus FLOWER. We assume that John FLOWER is the John FLORY/FLORA mentioned above because the
Tythable
Lists include Humphrey Vince and John FLORY/FLORA. The question then is "What is Lazarus' relationship to John?"
Lazarus FLOWER (Lazarus FLORA I)
The earliest record for Lazarus FLOWER is his inclusion in the 1738 Vince will cited above. There is no mention of Lazarus' "coming of
age" or any other indication that he might have been a minor. Therefore, we can assume
that he was born prior to 1717. However, no Lazarus FLOWER was included on
any of the Tithable Lists along with John above. This would indicate that
he was born after 1706. If John were born in 1703, then he and
Lazarus would most likely have been brothers. However, were he born prior
to 1703 and moved to Currituck Co. in 1719, then it is possible that John was Lazarus'
father. We have the Tithable Lists for the county between 1714
and 1718 and neither John nor any other FLORY/FLORA/FLOWER is listed. This
would lend credence to the idea that John moved to Currituck in 1719 and would support
our hypothesis that John may be Lazarus' father.
Now, the plot thickens. What is Lazarus FLOWER's relationship to the Lazarus FLORA, whom we have
nominated as the "patriarch" of our
line? If the two are the same individual, Lazarus FLOWER waited a long
time to have children. Based on the information presented above, he would
most likely have been born between 1706 and 1717. Since Lazarus FLORA did
not have children until the mid-1750s, this Lazarus would have to have been in his
late 30s to late 40s. This would not have been outside the realm of biological feasibility. However, Helen
Leary in her North Carolina
Research: Genealogy and Local History, Second Ed., says rough estimates for
birth dates can be made using the following rules of thumb: marriage age for
males 18-25; allow 1-2 years between the marriage and the birth of the first
child. We do not exclude that this might have been a second marriage for
Lazarus FLOWER, or that he could have been a "late starter." However, we believe that it is improbable that this Lazarus would have waited
so long Now, let's assume that Lazarus FLOWER is the father of Lazarus FLORA. Based
on the Tithable Lists, Lazarus FLOWER's birth year is after 1706, assuming
that he was in Currituck County. We believe that Lazarus FLORA was born prior to 1728 since he was a witness to Nehemiah Heath's will
in 1749/50. This would mean that Lazarus FLOWER was 22 or younger when Lazarus
FLORA was born. This hypothesis is neither impossible, nor (in our view) improbable.
Though there is no conclusive documentary evidence at present, our view is
that Lazarus FLORA (whom we will now refer to as Lazarus FLORA (II), was the
son of Lazarus FLOWER (I), who was the son of John FLORA/FLOWERY/FLUERY/FLORY. We are eager to uncover
additional
evidence to support this theory, but this is a tall order to fill. Almost
all of the early records of Currituck County have been lost at the county level. In
addition, the Sixty-Four-Thousand-Dollar Question remains. Was John an immigrant from England, or did he "wander" down from Maryland
or Virginia?
Lazarus FLORA (II)
The earliest FLORA for whom we have more extensive documentary information
is Lazarus FLORA, whom we have dubbed "II" and consider to be the patriarch
of our line. We are uncertain of his birthplace (most probably
in Virginia or North Carolina), but it is likely he was born prior to 1728
because he is mentioned in Nehemiah Heath's 1749/50 will in Currituck Co.,
North Carolina. He shows up in the tax records of Currituck Co. as Lazarous FLOREY
in 1751, as Lazarous FLOREY in 1752, and Lazarus FLORAH in 1756, and he (or his son)
as Lazarus FLORAH in 1773. He is also listed on the "1750 Muster Roll" of
Maj. Wm. Shergold's Regiment in Capt. Jacob Caron's Company as Lazarus FLURRY.
(Currituck County Eighteenth Century Tax and Militia
Records, William Doub Bennet, 1993.) Again, note the variations of the surname's
spelling. Larsus FLORA (II)'s will is recorded in the Currituck Co., North
Carolina Will Book No. 1, for 1778, p. 134. He had married an Eleanor (Elener), with whom he had had at least four children: Lazarus
(III), Richard, William, and Elizabeth.
Children of Lazarus FLORA (II)
1. Lazarus FLORA (III)
We are uncertain of his birth date, but it was likely prior to
1757, since he was not indicated as a minor in his father's will. The next
recorded information on Lazarus FLORA (III) is his listing on the "Currituck
Co., North Carolina Tax and Militia Lists of 1773." He is next found (along with
Richard, his brother) as a private in the North Carolina Continental Line,
10th Regiment, Col. Abraham Shepard, in Jarvis' Company. The record is dated Sept. 4, 1777. Another source places him (and Richard)
in the same regiment, but in Lytle's Company. After the Revolutionary War,
Lazarus (III) apparently returned home to Currituck Co., NC. On August 26, 1783, he
sold land to Josiah Stack for 50 pounds (Currituck Co., North Carolina Deed
Book, No. 4, p. 181.) According to the "Army Accounts of the North Carolina Line in Halifax," on May 21, 1784, Lazarus (III), along
with Richard, was granted 274 acres of land in the state of Cumberland (Tennessee) for his 36 months of service with the Continental
Army. In October 1784, Lazarus FLORA (III) married Winnefred (last name unknown)
at her father's house in Currituck. They were married by Justice of the Peace Jesse Simmons. While there is no recorded evidence at
the time of marriage, the date was cited by Winnefred in her pension request. Sometime
between 1784 and 1790, Lazarus and Winney moved to Edgecombe Co., NC, about
80 miles west of Currituck Co. The reason for the move is unknown. Lazarus
is listed in the 1790 census in Edgecombe Co. along with two other free white males (presumed to be sons Jesse and William) and four
white females, which we assume to be Winnie and three unknown daughters. A
look at all of the records for this family indicate that Jesse was most likely
born early in the marriage, probably around 1785. Then the three daughters
may have been born between 1785 and 1790. It appears that they moved out of the area
(or died?), as they are not mentioned in his will. Lazarus FLORA (III) passed away in 1799, leaving several young
children in the care of his wife Winney, including an infant. Lazarus' will
lists his children as Jessee, William, Richard, Ephraim, Benjamin, Mary and Enoch.
The 1800 census record for Winnifred lists her, one free white male aged 10-16 (assumed to be William), five free white males under 10
(assumed to be Richard, Ephraim, Benjamin, Enoch, and an unknown male child)
and one free white female under ten (assumed to be Mary). Jesse was no longer
living at home at that date.
2. Richard FLORA
He was born between 1755 and 1776, based on 1800 census data,
but it is most likely he was born circa 1757 due to his service in the Revolutionary
War. As noted above, he and Lazarus (III) served together in the 10th Regiment,
North Carolina Continental Line. On July 25, 1783, he is listed with the North Carolina
Continental Line in Halifax, Halifax Co., about
80 miles west of Currituck Co. He and his brother Lazarus, as noted above,
were awarded land in Tennessee for their service. Richard does not appear as head of household in the 1790 Currituck
Co. census, but does show up in 1800. His household consists of himself (26-45), his wife (26-45), a free white male (age 10-16) and
one under 10, two free white females (10-16), and one under the age of 10.
Our examination of various documents leads us to believe the following: Richard's wife was Mabel; his oldest son was Dennis, and his youngest son was Richard Bell. We also know that Richard (Sr.) died sometime in late 1802, because the Currituck County Court Minutes for March 1, 1803, gave Mabel FLORO right of administration of the estate of Richard FLORA, deceased.
3. William FLORA
He was also born between 1755 and 1776, based on 1800 census
data. As there is no record of his service in the Revolutionary War with his
brothers, it would appear he was born later, circa 1765. The first documentation
is his listing in the Currituck Co., NC List of Taxables 1779, as having property
worth 821 pounds. He is not, however, reflected as head of household in the
1790 census. He married Luraney prior to 1800, since she is listed with him
in the 1800 and 1810 Currituck County census records. On February 3, 1804,
William bought land worth $94.25. (Currituck Co. Deed Book, No. 3, p. 468.) The
next available record is his will dated May 27, 1811, found in the Currituck
County Will Book, No. 2, p.9. His wife Luraney was listed, as were his sons
John, William, Aaron, and Lazarus. His daughters were Jean, Mary, Frankey,
Charlotte, and Julia. He lists each child by his or her full name, but Jean
and Mary have the last name Fulford. At the end of the will, he leaves the
remainder of the property for the use of his wife until her death. At that
time, he states that the property should be divided among his seven children. He lists them by name, excluding Jean and Mary. Could
Jean and Mary have been adopted or taken in by the family, or had they both married
Fulfords and established their own households? A Dennis FLORY witnessed William's will and appears to be related to him. Dennis was
possibly a son of William's brother Richard.
Migrations
Most of the descendants of the first Lazarus Flora/Florry remained
in northeastern North Carolina for some time, and there is still a strong Flora
presence in Currituck County and Edgecombe County, where Lazarus Jr.
settled. Donna O'Malley has information on these lines and is interested
in sharing facts and speculation. Her e-mail address is: donnafomalley@yahoo.com
One of Lazarus' FLORA (III)'s younger sons, Ephraim, moved to
Mississippi, where many descendants spell the name as "Floore." Deborah Waddell
and Janelle Floore Craig descend from that line and are eager to exchange information and messages with "cousins." Deborah's e-mail address
is
dpwaddel@bellsouth.net and
Janelle's
is Ccurbfarm2@aol.com For a more extensive
look at the line of Lazarus Flora/Florry, view the genealogical line below.
Descendants of Lazarus Flora
Generation No. 1
1. LAZARUS1 FLORA died 1778 in Currituck, NC. He married ELENER.
Children of LAZARUS FLORA and ELENER are:
2. i. LAZARUS2 FLORA, d. 1799, Edgecombe Co., NC.
3. ii. RICHARD FLORA, b. 1775-1776; d. Abt. 1801, Currituck Co., NC.
4. iii. WILLIAM FLORA, b. 1755-1765; d. 1811.
iv. ELIZABETH FLORA.
Generation No. 2
2. LAZARUS2 FLORA (LAZARUS1) died 1799 in Edgecombe Co., NC. He married WINNIFRED October 1784 in Currituck Co., NC.
Lazarus (Larsus) was a Revolutionary War soldier in Captain Jarvis' Compnay, 10th Regiment. His widow was pensioned # w-3975. He was granted 274 acres for his war service. He was married at Winnifred's father's house in Currituck Co., NC by J.P. Jesse Simmons.
Children of LAZARUS FLORA and WINNIFRED are:
5. i. JESSE3 FLORA, b. 1776-1794; d. 1833-1835.
ii. WILLIAM FLORA, b. 1784-1790; d. 1817.
iii. RICHARD FLORA, b. 1790-1794.
iv. BENJAMIN FLORA, b. 1794-1799; d. Abt. 1819.
6. v. MARY FLORA, b. 1794-1800.
7. vi. EPHRAIM FLORA, b. July 20, 1796; d. October 24, 1876, Noxubee Co., MS.
vii. ENOCH FLORA, b. Bef. 1799; m. ELIZABETH VARNELL, July 11, 1827.
3. RICHARD2 FLORA (LAZARUS1) was born 1775-1776, and died Abt. 1801 in Currituck Co., NC.
Children of RICHARD FLORA are:
i. SUSANNAH3 FLORA, m. CHRISTOPHER BUNDY.
ii. ELENDER FLORA, m. WILLOUGHBY WEST.
iii. MARGARET FLORA, m. SOLOMON BRIGHT.
8. iv. ISAAC FLORA.
9. v. RICHARD BELL FLORA, b. 1795; d. 1898.
4. WILLIAM2 FLORA (LAZARUS1) was born 1755-1765, and died 1811. He married LURANEY.
Children of WILLIAM FLORA and LURANEY are:
i. ARAN3 FLORA, b. 1794-1800; d. Abt. 1814, Currituck Co., NC.
10. ii. LAZARUS FLORA, b. 1794-1800; d. Bef. 1850, Currituck Co., NC.
11. iii. JOHN FLORA, d. Currituck Co., NC.
iv. WILLIAM FLORA.
v. JEAN FLORA, m. FULFORD.
vi. MARY FLORA, m. FULFORD.
vii. FRANKEY FLORA.
viii. CHARLOTTE FLORA, b. 1784-1800; m. JOHN TATUM, August 18, 1858.
ix. JULIA FLORA.
Generation No. 3
5. JESSE3 FLORA (LAZARUS2, LAZARUS1) was born 1776-1794, and died 1833-1835.
Children of JESSE FLORA are:
i. SON4 FLORA, b. 1810-1820.
ii. SON FLORA, b. 1810-1820.
iii. SON FLORA, b. 1810-1820.
iv. DAUGHTER FLORA, b. 1810-1820.
6. MARY3 FLORA (LAZARUS2, LAZARUS1) was born 1794-1800. She married TULLY DOZIER May 10, 1823.
Mary was Tully Dozier's third wife.
Children of MARY FLORA and TULLY DOZIER are:
i. ARPHA4 DOZIER, b. September 24, 1838; d. July 03, 1915.
ii. GRANDY FLORA DOZIER, b. November 15, 1840; d. December 09, 1913.
iii. GEORGE DOZIER, b. September 08, 1849.
George died young.
iv. ARABELLA DOZIER, b. February 17, 1854; d. March 04, 1941.
7. EPHRAIM3 FLORA (LAZARUS2, LAZARUS1) was born July 20, 1796, and died October 24, 1876 in Noxubee Co., MS.
Ephraim was buried in the Floore Family Cemetary in Kemper Co., Mississippi.
Children of EPHRAIM FLORA are:
i. WILLIAM HOSEA4 FLORA.
William migrated to Kemper Co., MS
ii. HENRY FLORA.
Henry migrated to Dallas, TX
iii. JOHN FLORA.
John migrated to Tyler, TX
iv. GREY FLORA.
Grey remained in Noxube Co., MS
v. BENJAMIN E. FLORA.
Benjamin remained in Noxube Co., MS
vi. JANE FLORA.
vii. MARGARET LOU FLORA.
viii. MARY FLORA.
ix. NANNIE FLORA.
x. LENNIE SUSAN FLORA.
xi. MAHALA FLORA.
xii. DICK FLORA.
xiii. PETER FLORA.
8. ISAAC3 FLORA (RICHARD2, LAZARUS1). He married MABEL LEE, who died sometime prior to 1847. ISAAC married SARAH J..
Children of ISAAC FLORA and MABEL LEE are:
12. i. DENNIS4 FLORA, b. Abt. 1829; d. Bef. 1880.
ii. WILSON HAYWOOD FLORA, b. Bef. 1842.
iii. ELIZABETH FLORA.
iv. POLLY FLORA.
v. ISAAC H. FLORA, b. Abt. 1846.
Child of ISAAC FLORA and SARAH J. is:
vi. J.B. FLORA, b. Abt. 1853.
9. RICHARD BELL3 FLORA (RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born 1795, and died 1898. He married (1) NANCY. He married (2) PATSY LEE.
Children of RICHARD FLORA and NANCY are:
13. i. ANDREW4 FLORA, b. 1817.
ii. SON FLORA, b. 1820-1825.
iii. DAUGHTER FLORA, b. 1825-1830.
iv. SON FLORA, b. 1825-1830.
v. SON FLORA, b. 1825-1835.
14. vi. RICHARD FLORA, b. 1832; d. 1905.
Children of RICHARD FLORA and PATSY LEE are:
vii. PATRICK4 FLORA, b. 1863; d. 1928.
viii. DENNIS FLORA, b. 1874.
Dennis never married.
ix. AMANDA FLORA, b. September 1867.
10. LAZARUS3 FLORA (WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) was born 1794-1800, and died Bef. 1850 in Currituck Co., NC. He married ELIZABETH Bef. 1828.
Children of LAZARUS FLORA and ELIZABETH are:
i. THURSDAY4 FLORA, b. 1828.
ii. ISAAC FLORA, b. 1830.
15. iii. GIDEON FLORA, b. 1833.
iv. MARY JANE FLORA, b. January 25, 1835; d. February 10, 1899.
v. CHARLOTTE FLORA, b. 1837.
vi. OLIVE FLORA, b. 1839.
vii. MARGARET FLORA, b. 1841.
11. JOHN3 FLORA (WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) died in Currituck Co., NC.
Children of JOHN FLORA are:
16. i. JOHN4 FLORA, b. 1822; d. 1870-1880.
ii. WILLIAM FLORA.
Generation No. 4
12. DENNIS4 FLORA (ISAAC3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born Abt. 1829, and died Bef. 1880.
Children of DENNIS FLORA are:
i. JOHN A.5 FLORA, b. Abt. 1847.
17. ii. WILLIAM ISAAC FLORA, b. 1855.
iii. LUVENIA FLORA.
13. ANDREW4 FLORA (RICHARD BELL3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born 1817. He married HARRIET.
Children of ANDREW FLORA and HARRIET are:
i. JOHN5 FLORA, b. 1838.
ii. SON FLORA, b. 1835-1840; d. Bef. 1850.
iii. MARY B. FLORA, b. 1838.
iv. GEORGIANA FLORA, b. 1849-1850.
14. RICHARD4 FLORA (RICHARD BELL3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born 1832, and died 1905. He married ANITHIA SABRINE WILSON.
Children of RICHARD FLORA and ANITHIA WILSON are:
i. CLARA LOUISE5 FLORA, b. 1856; m. L.C. IVES.
ii. SABRINA FLORA, b. 1856; d. June 14, 1875.
iii. LATTIMORE FLORA, b. 1859.
18. iv. ANDREW WILSON FLORA, b. March 10, 1863; d. April 29, 1933.
v. NANCIE FLORA, b. 1865; m. F.V. WILSON.
19. vi. RICHARD WILSON FLORA, b. April 01, 1867; d. May 18, 1938.
vii. ANTHEA SABRINA FLORA, b. April 1876.
15. GIDEON4 FLORA (LAZARUS3, WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) was born 1833. He married LYDIA ANN LEE December 05, 1852.
Children of GIDEON FLORA and LYDIA LEE are:
i. GEORGE A.5 FLORA, b. 1855.
ii. MARY FLORA, b. 1855-1857.
16. JOHN4 FLORA (JOHN3, WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) was born 1822, and died 1870-1880. He married ELSEY TODD March 19, 1851.
Children of JOHN FLORA and ELSEY TODD are:
i. THOMAS E.5 FLORA, b. Abt. 1851; d. March 26, 1912.
ii. FLORENCE FLORA, b. Abt. 1855.
iii. GEORGEANA FLORA, b. Abt. 1858.
iv. PINNINAH FLORA, b. Abt. 1859; m. J.R. LUPER, February 27, 1881.
20. v. LEVI FLORA, b. July 17, 1861.
Generation No. 5
17. WILLIAM ISAAC5 FLORA (DENNIS4, ISAAC3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born 1855. He married ANNIE LAURA SMITH May 10, 1883.
Children of WILLIAM FLORA and ANNIE SMITH are:
i. ANNIE WILLIAM6 FLORA, b. February 14, 1884.
ii. JEROME CHARLES FLORA, b. December 09, 1886.
iii. SADIE HUGHES FLORA, b. April 20, 1896.
iv. JENNIE VIRGINIA FLORA, b. November 11, 1899.
v. BETTIE FLORA, b. September 18, 1901.
18. ANDREW WILSON5 FLORA (RICHARD4, RICHARD BELL3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born March 10, 1863, and died April 29, 1933. He married MOLLIE JENETTE WILSON February 27, 1889.
Children of ANDREW FLORA and MOLLIE WILSON are:
i. MARTHA6 FLORA.
ii. JOSEPH WILSON FLORA, b. 1892; d. October 18, 1949.
iii. ALPINE VIRGINIA FLORA, b. August 20, 1893; d. November 15, 1964.
iv. DENNIS FLORA.
v. JOHN JAMES FLORA, b. June 09, 1900; d. December 03, 1961.
vi. FRANK CORNELL FLORA, b. February 06, 1905; d. October 18, 1935.
vii. ANDREW WILSON FLORA, b. November 30, 1894; d. May 26, 1928.
Andrew never married.
viii. ANTHIA SABRINA FLORA, b. July 21, 1896; d. October 19, 1960.
19. RICHARD WILSON5 FLORA (RICHARD4, RICHARD BELL3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1) was born April 01, 1867, and died May 18, 1938. He married CHLOE MORSE.
Children of RICHARD FLORA and CHLOE MORSE are:
i. PAULINE6 FLORA.
21. ii. ISAAC FLORA.
iii. CHLOE FLORA.
iv. MARTHA FLORA.
v. ELIZABETH FLORA.
vi. THOMAS FLORA.
20. LEVI5 FLORA (JOHN4, JOHN3, WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) was born July 17, 1861. He married MARY RILEY EDWARDS November 19, 1895.
Children of LEVI FLORA and MARY EDWARDS are:
i. ELVE6 FLORA, b. 1891.
22. ii. LONNIE MARK FLORA, b. August 01, 1895; d. January 29, 1967.
iii. RUTH FLORA, b. 1898.
iv. ELMAR FLORA, b. 1901.
v. UNKNOWN FLORA.
vi. UNKNOWN II FLORA.
vii. UNKNOWN III FLORA.
viii. UNKNOWN IV FLORA.
Generation No. 6
21. ISAAC6 FLORA (RICHARD WILSON5, RICHARD4, RICHARD BELL3, RICHARD2, LAZARUS1).
Child of ISAAC FLORA is:
i. LOUISE7 FLORA, m. NEWBERN.
22. LONNIE MARK6 FLORA (LEVI5, JOHN4, JOHN3, WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) was born August 01, 1895, and died January 29, 1967. He married LEE ORA JORDAN January 11, 1916.
Children of LONNIE FLORA and LEE JORDAN are:
i. EDGAR LEE7 FLORA.
ii. LUTHER WILLIARD FLORA.
iii. DAUGHTER FLORA.
iv. DAUGHTER II FLORA.
v. DAUGHTER III FLORA.
vi. SON FLORA.
vii. SON FLORA, b. 1930; d. 1930.
23. viii. JAMES LLOYD FLORA.
ix. SON FLORA.
Generation No. 7
23. JAMES LLOYD7 FLORA (LONNIE MARK6, LEVI5, JOHN4, JOHN3, WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1). He married SHIRLEY MAE JOYNER.
Children of JAMES FLORA and SHIRLEY JOYNER are:
i. SON8 FLORA.
ii. DAUGHTER FLORA.
24. iii. DONNA LYNNE FLORA, b. July 19, 1966.
Generation No. 8
24. DONNA LYNNE8 FLORA (JAMES LOYD7, LONNIE MARK6, LEVI5, JOHN4, JOHN3, WILLIAM2, LAZARUS1) was born July 19, 1966. She married CHRISTOPHER PATRICK O'MALLEY.
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Children of DONNA FLORA and CHRISTOPHER O'MALLEY are:
i. JONATHAN ANDREW9 O'MALLEY, b. September 18, 1998.
ii. AARON THOMAS O'MALLEY, b. April 11, 2000.
iii. SARAH GRACE O'MALLEY, b. October 21, 2002
iv. HANNAH JOY MUXIANG O'MALLEY, b. 11/3/2003
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