My Houser/Howser Family Genealogy
As I have only been able to prove my Houser/Howser ancestry to Henry Howser (born about 1756 in York County, Pennsylvania), I will begin with him.
It appears that Henry spelled his surname as Howser and may have changed it from the spelling of Hauser. In addition, many of his descendants spell the surname as Houser, which is how my great-great-grandmother Mary Louisa "Polly" Houser seemed to spell it.
View Howser House and Cemetery in a larger map
I believe his name was spelled Henry Hauser while serving in the American Revolution. Elmer Houser, Jr., in his Descendants of John Houser 1709-1763 Houser Hunters The Carolina Branches (December 15, 2001) states: Henry fought in the American Revolution from Northampton Co. Pennsylvania. Henry's name is listed on two different muster rolls in North Hampton Co. Pennsylvania in 1778, showing service of about one year. Henry's name is found on the Revolutionary War Pension Application #R4753BLWT45668-16-55 York District, South Carolina which shows Henry served from Northampton Co. Pennsylvania as a Private with Colonel Michael Past in the Militia for one year. This record is verified in the Service Volume viii page 45 in the Pennsylvania Archives. Henry mustered out of the army in 1779 at Norfolk, Virginia.
He married Christina Hafner (Havener, Heavener - several different spellings) on 15 December 1779 in Lincoln County, North Carolina.
Henry obtained a land grant for 200 acres at Howard Creek in Lincoln County, North Carolina, on 1 November 1784 by Governor Alexander Martin. This is the same area in which his brothers, John and Peter, moved in 1795. He then bought 125 acres of land on Kings Creek in York County, South Carolina, from John and Eve Hostler on 10 January 1788. He bought and sold land throughout that year. Henry was also a slave owner.
A stone mason by trade, Henry built a stone house that is on the grounds of the Kings Mountain National Military Park, in what is now Cherokee County, South Carolina.
In 1820, Henry Howser and his wife were the only white residents in the stone house at Kings Creek (York District, South Carolina) when the census enumerator visited. They were both shown to be over age 45. The census showed Henry to be a stone mason and distiller. In the household, was one male slave under 14, one male 14-25, and one female slave under age 14.
At the time of his death in 1822, Henry owned over 2,000 acres of land was considered to be the wealthiest man in three counties.
Henry signed his last will and testament two days prior to his death.
Henry Howser Last Will and Testament
Henry's will (the transcription I received from York County Probate Court)
I believe his name was really spelled Henry Howser on the actual will of which I do not have a copy
Will of
Henry Houser
State of South Carolina
York District
In the Name of God Amen I Henry Houser late of the state and district aforesaid being in my perfect Senses and Memory but low and weak in body and Calling to Mind that all Men have once to die and after Death the Judgement and of all such Estate as God hath been pleased to bless me with I Desire to be disposed in the Following Manner Viz.
First I Will and bequeath to my Wife Cristina Houser the following property- Her Walnut Chest & wearing apparel with her Bed and furniture and a four legged Walnut Table two Cows and One Hundred Dollars Cash.-
Second I will and bequeath to my son John Howser Two Hundred Dollars that I have paid him out of my estate-
Thirdly I will and bequeath to my son Henry Houser two Hundred Dollars paid to him out of my estate
Fourthly I will and bequeath to my son David Houser (the tract of Land on Cain Creek Rutherford N. C. purchased of John Patterson) One half of which devided according to Value I will and bequeath to him at five Hundred Dollars Value-
Fifthly I will and bequeath to my son-in-law Jacob Sapoh two Hundred and fifty Dollars paid to him out of my Estate-
Sixthly I will and bequeath to my son-in-law Henry Honvae (Honvat) [Hoover] two Hundred Dollars pd to Him out of my Estate.
Seventhly I will and bequeath to my son-in-law John Whisonant two Hundred Dolalrs paid to him out of my Estate--
Eighthly I will and bequeath to my son-in-law Joshua Moss Ninety-one Dollars and fifty Cents paid to him out of my Estate
Ninthly I will and bequeath to my son-in-law Gilbreth Dixon Eighty Dollars paid to him out of my estate.
Tenthly I will and bequeath that the tract of land whereon I now live to gether with 18 acre I purchased of Robert Black adjoining said tract also 3 and 4/10 acres purchased of Nicholasm Whisonant Sen. adjoining Said tract Like wise also two Tracts being survey I made adjoining said Land one Containing one Hundred and thirty nine acres the other four Hundred and sixty acres all to be sold together on a Credit of 12 Months to the highest bidder at Public Sale.
Eleventhly I will and bequeath that my 1000 acre Survey on Branches of Clarks fork adjoining McElwees Land Hambright Land & Situate in York District So. Carolina to be sold separately at the same time to the Highest bidder.
Twelvthly. I will and bequeath that my Negro man Ned be sold at Public sale to the highest bidder also my Nego Man Ben to be sold and my Negro Woman Franky with her two Children to be also sold-
Thirteenthly. I will and bequeath that my Stock of Horses and Cattle with my Waggon and Harness be all sold together with all other Stock Hogs, sheep & Farming Utensels and Household Furniture be all sold in like manner-with one Still and Vessels, with Smith Tools Including all the rest of my Estate to be sold as above
Fourteenthly- I will and bequeath an an Equal divide be made among my Heirs after discounting what has already been received by each.-
And I do hereby Revoke all former wills by me made and I Hereby nominate and appoint Henry Houser and John Whisonant my Executors, to carry this my last will and Testament into Execution
In Witness whereof I Have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this second day of March 1822
Test
Jno. Ellis Edward Bird Henry Houser (LS)
George Whisonant (his x mark)
Recorded-----
Will Book "G" P-78
Case No. 23
File No. 960
Christina lived until 1856.
Christina Hafner/Heavener/Heavner Last Will and Tesatment
Christina's will is found in the courthouse in York County, South Carolina. The will is dated September 23, 1853, and was admitted for probate on November 12, 1856--Will Book "3" P-368, Case No 34; File No. 1951. I have a copy of the transcribed will that I received from York County, South Carolina, Probate Court. Apparently Christina could not write because her will is marked with an "X"
[Transcribed by York County, South Carolina, Probate Court]
Will of Christina Howser State of South Carolina
South Carolina)
York District)
In the name of God Amen. I Christina Howser being of sound and disposing mind and memory, but mindful of the uncertainty of life, do make declare and publish, the following as my last will and Testament in maner and form as follows, to wit.
Is That as soon after my decease as may be convenient, I desire my Executors herein after appointed, shall pay all the Just debts I may owe and collect all debts that may be justly due me
2 I will and bequeth to my daughter Mary Hoover two-Hundred dollars in cash.
3. I will and bequeth to the three youngest children of my son John Howser namely Polly, Nancy and Doctor Thirty three dollars & thirty-three & third cents, each provided they claim the said Legacy within three years after my death, if they do not, then their leagacy, or legacies shall go to my daughter Susannah Whisonant.
4. I will and bequeth to my son-in-law John N. Whisonant my negro man Wilson during his (John N. Whisonants) natural life, and at his death, then the said negro man Wilson shall go to my Grandson Thomas P. Whisonant absolutely and unconditionally in fee Having some time since conveyed this negro man, Wilson, by deed of Gift to my son-in-law John Whisonant, which deed of Gift has been burnt up in the house of the said John N. Whisonant. I have hereby willed and bequethed the said negro man Wilson to my son-in-law, John N. Whisonant in full and perfect confirmation of said. deed of Gift.
5. I will and bequeth to my daughter Susannah Whisonant the entire balance of my money of cash, notes, bonds or other demands, due me after my Executors shall have paid out the specific legacies of this will to her the said Susannah Whisonant absolutely and unconditionally.
6. I will and bequeth to my three daughters, namely Mary Hoover, Lidia Dixon and Susannah Whisonant, all my wearing clothes, Bed and bed clothes, side saddle, and household furniture share and share alike.
7. I do hereby constitute and appoint my friends, William C. Black and John N. Whisonant, the Executors of this my last, and Testament.
Witness, my hand and seal, this, the twenty third day of September A.D. 1853.
Signed, Sealed and published
in presence of
Thomas McGill
Jam H. McGill
Daniel James
her X mark
Christina Howser (Seal)
Probated Nov. 12, 1856
Will Book "3" P-368
Case no. 34
File No. 1951
John Howser Last Will and Testament
The will below was sent to me by the York County Probate Court and this was their transcription:
Will of
John Houser
State of South Carolina
In the Name of God Amen I John Houser of the State of South Carolina and District of york Being of Sound Disposing mind but in a Low State of health and knowing the frailty of mortality I do make and Ratify this my Last Will and Testament
lst I Resign my Soul to Almighty god Who gave it and I will that my Body be Buried in Christian order as it Respects the property that God has blessed me with I will that it be disposed of as follows--
1st I will that all my just Debts be paid out of my Estate
2nd I will and Bequeath unto my Beloved Wife Nancy the Choice of my two planta Either the one on King Creek Containing Seventy Acres or the plantation where I now live Containing three hundred and forty Acres with all the rights and preveledge there of During her Natural lifetime and the other one of these two beforementioned plantations to be Rented out to the highest Bider anually and the rents applied to the Support and Education of the family until my youngest Child Shall arrive at the age of Twenty one years old Then the Executor or Executors of this my Will are Required to put the plantation formerly Rented out to Sail and Divide the price Equal amongst my Children after making them Equal withe those that have Receive part of their Devidents before hand and as I purchased all that tract of land of my Fathers Estate sold as the McCorthers tract on the South side of Kings mountain and there Remains a part of said tract viz three hundred and thirty three and a third Acres that I have not yet Received my title for as Such I Will that my Executors obtain from the Executors of my Fathers Estate the title for sd land if it can be obtained and proceed to Sell to the highest bider and Divide the price amongst my Children as before mentioned I also Will my beloved wife Nancy one Negro man Named Washington and all the Stock of hogs that I now own and so much of the Stock of neet Cattle as She in her Discrition may think proper to retain for the use of the family I also Will that my stock of horse beasts be left to her to use and Dispose of to the Children as they may need agreeable to her Discretion I also Will that the Negro Woman named Jiney be hired out annually until my youngest Child arrives at the age of Twenty one eyars old thin to be Sold and the money Divided as before mentioned in other Cases I also Will that all my house hold and kitchen furniture and the implements of Husbandry be left to my beloved wife Nancy to use and Dispose of to the Children as they
Come to the age of Twenty one years old agreeable to her Discretion I will that the Still and vessels be sold also a Small Wagon and truckle waggon also the Surples of Neet Cattle if any there be after my wife Nancy retaining so much as she may need and the Money applied to the family as they may arrive at the age of twenty one years old and if there be any property not mentioned I will that it be Disposed of as before mention and I do hereby Revoke all former Will by me made and I hereby ordain my Wife Nancy Houser and Thomas N. Marten as the Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament N.V. I will that all the property that I Bequeath unto my beloved wife Nancy at her Death that it be Sold and Devided as before mentioned in other property Except she should Die before the Children all arrives at full age in that Case the Executor shall Retain the property until the Children all Come to full age and then Sell and Divide as before mentioned I will that my Large Waggon Remain on the plantation with my wife Nancy and for the use and benefit of my family and as there is a Negro boy Named Bill that has been omitted I will that he be hired out annually as the Negro Woman until the Children all Comes to full age and the Money applied to the use of the family, as before Mentioned
Singed Sealed in the presents of us this 29 day of November---in the year of Our lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two and in the fifty Seveth year of independend of the united States of America------
Sharred James
her X mark
Lucy James
Abraham Hardin
John Houser (L.S.)
Probated March 25, 1833
Will Book "G" P-
Case No. 5
Nancy Howser Last Will and Testament
Case #5
File #1955
John Howser Dec’d
Alpheus Howser Admr. DBN CTA
1833
South Carolina
York District
Whereas I Nancy Houser the Executrix of the last Will and Testament of John Houser (Deceased) being in a debilitated state of health and knowing the frailty of mortality, I will that my son Alpheus Houser be the grantor of the executor of the said last will and testament of said John Houser (Deceased) at my death as the other executor orig. Thomas N. Martin has removed from this state and it was left to my discretion to apportion and make the minor children equal with those that had received a part of their dividends of the estate of said deceased heretofore and to enable him to distribute the amount received by each one. I give the following statement:
1st Alpheus Houser has received heretofore in good property about Ninty dollars....
2 Thomas N. Martin in right of his wife Parthena received good property to the amt of about one Hundred dollars......
3 Frederic A Boston in right of his wife Fanny in good property about one hundred dollars worth;
4 Hampton H. Houser received in good property sixty five dollars;
5 James Noble in right of his wife Cinthy received in good property at about one hundred dollars;
And I will that John M. Houser and James S. Houser & Mary Houser and Nancy Houser & Samuel Wright Houser being five minor or infant children receive out of the estate of said deceased the same one hundred dollars each and also those that have not received that amount at first to be made equal before there be a general dividend. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this Eight day of July one Thousand Eight hundred and Forty.]
Her X Mark
Nancy Houser
Attest Abraham Hardin
Elijah Willson
Nancy's will is the most interesting to me in that in the book that was put together by Edwin C. Bearss and Michael Adlerstein named Historic Structure Report, Howser House, Historical and Architectural Data, Kings Mountain National Military Park, South Carolina for the Denver Service Center, Historic Preservation Team, National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado, [more will be written about this book on the Howser House page when time allows] the children James S. and Mary were omitted. It may be noted that Christina listed Polly as one of John Howser's children. Nancy listed a Mary. Mary's actual name was Mary Louisa and she was known as Polly.
This is my ancestry from my grandfather up to Henry and Christina Howser:
Reyburn Peay Vance (my grandfather)
son of Faith (Faithe, Faithie, Faithey) Roberts Bradfield Vance and Robert Campbell Vance
daughter of Mary Louisa Houser Dickson Roberts and Thomas Jefferson Roberts
daughter of John Howser and Nancy Jones (or James)
son of Henry Howser and Christina Hafner (Heavner or Heavener)
Howser Family Cemetery
Many of the family are buried in the Howser Cemetery which is located near the stone house.
Houser Family Death Certificates
Houser Family Death Certificates may be found here.