Branch No.12
Branch 12 Captain: Belinda J. Peterson, 43 Railway Pde, Murrumbeena, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3163, peterson.belinda.j@edumail.vic.gov.au
Send any updates to Belinda.
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{1996 update: This Branch was thought to be part of Branch No.19. It was found that
the below 1 Robert (1) Latta was NOT the same Robert Latta of Branch No.19, but that
the History of the Robert Latta of Branch No.19 should be move to the Robert Latta of
this branch.} PLEASE NOTE: I have NOT used # 2-16. As you will see the number system
will not be in order over time, being that as new people are found and added they
will need to use the next number not in use. Also as you find new members of the
family, please look to see the last number used and start with the next number to
fill in with.
LAST NUMBER USED: 101
.....................................................................................................................................................
1 ROBERT (1) LATTA,
Robert Latta designed as being of Killenny in the Parish of
Donagheady and the County of Tyrone Ireland came to this country at least by May 11,
1774 in connection with the death of his son, William Latta. He executed a will
on January 30, 1780 at which time he
was living in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. and in the year 1785 his Estate was settled in
Rowan Co., N.C.; m. Jane ____. {1996 NOTE: "Book" by; Jo White Linn, Copyright 1980
Titled: Abstracts of Wills and Estate Records of Rowan County, North Carolina
1753-1805 and Tax Lists of 1759 and 1778.ISBN 0-918470-03-X. Salisbury, NC. Page No.
30}. {Deed recorded in Mecklenburg Co., N.C}.{ Deed book 14 p. 68-70,
Nov-26-1777}. {McCubbins Collection Rowan Co.,. Public Library, Salisbury N.C.} {
Rowan Co., Deed Book 8 p. 298. May 11, 1774}. { Rowan Co., Inferior Court Minutes
1753-1868 Court of pleas & Quarter Sessions.}
Children:
17 JOHN (2) m.
18 WILLIAM (2) m.
19 JAMES (2) m. Elizabeth Houston and Jane Knox.
20 JANE (2) lived in the same area of her father in
Ireland.
21 AGNES (2) lived in the same area of her father in
Ireland
22 ISABELLA (2) m. William Jack of Ruskey.
23 SAMUEL (2) (In his Father's Will he was given all the
land owned by him in;
LILENIE in DONAHADIE PARISH, COUNTY TRYONE, IRELAND)
____________________________________
17 JOHN (2) LATTA,
Robert (1). Lived in Lincoln Co., N.C. 60 miles north of
Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. Was told that in 1792 he went back to Ireland
and died there the same year. He is supposed to be the brother of the above family.
18 WILLIAM (2) LATTA,
Robert (1). Born in Ireland. Was in Rowan Co.,
N.C. pre 1767. He died
interstate some time between February and May 1772.
19 JAMES (2) LATTA,
Robert (1) . Born in Antrim, Ireland August 25, 1755; d. at
Hopewell, Mecklenburg Co., N.C. October 30, 1837. In 1792 he was in Ireland
educating his children. That same year he came to America to administer John
Latta's estate. With him came one son named Robert. They were SHIPWRECKED
near Charleston, S.C. and barely escaped with their lives. From there they
walked to Lincoln, N.C. Here he was taken in and cared for by Albert Torrence.
{1996 note: The home of this James Latta can be seen at: *"Historic Latta
Plantation/Place"* . See note at the end of this branch.) Married twice: First to
Elizabeth Houston, 1780. She was Born:____. Died: 1792. In: Antrim Ireland. Married:
Second wife, Jane Knox, 1796. She was Born:1775 in Lincoln Co., N.C. Died: July 1,
1864 in Mt. Mourne, Iredell Co., N.C. Buried: Hopewell Pres. Cem., Mecklenburg Co.,
N.C. She was the Daughter of Robert Knox & Mary Ewart. For more information on
Jame's family see www.lattaplantation.org
Children by first wife:
24 WILLIAM (3)
25 ROBERT (3)
Children by second wife:
26 MARY "Polly" (3) Born: Dec. 29,1799 in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Died: Nov.
26, 1824 in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Buried: Hopewell Pres. Cem., Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
Married: James Galbraith Torrence, April 14, 1821 in Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
He was Born: Nov. 19, 1774 Died: Dec. 12, 1847 Buried: Hopewell Cem., Meck Co., N.C.
He was the son of Hugh Torrance & Mrs. Isabella Falls. Two known Children; William &
Jane.
27 NANCY ALGELINA (3) Born: February 15, 1804 in
Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
Died: Nov. 6, 1833 in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Married: Maj. Rufus Reid, Dec. 11, 1828
in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. He was Born: 1797 Died: July 15, 1854. Buried: Centre Pres.
Cem., Iredell Co Capt. He was the son of: John Reid & Mary Johnston. Had three
children: Sarah, Mary & Nannie (Nancy) Reid. After the death of his wife he married
her sister Elizabeth.
28 ELIZABETH "Betsy" (3) She was Born: February 9,
1797.In: Mecklinburg Co., NC., USA. Died: May 14, 1838. In: Mecklinburg Co.,
NC. Married twice. Benjamin Wilson Davidson, born 20 May 1787 in Mecklenburg
Co., NC, and died 25 Sep 1829 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. He married Elizabeth in Aug. of
1818 in Mecklenburg Co., NC, daughter of James Latta and Jane Knox. She was born 09
Feb 1797 in Mecklenburg Co., NC, and died 14 May 1838 in Mecklenburg Co., NC.
Children of Benjamin Davidson and Elizabeth Latta were William Lee Davidson, Sr.,
born Feb. 10, 1825, and John Ramsey Davidson. Married 2nd: Maj. Rufus
Reid, Jan. 24, 1835. They had two children: Elizabeth & the other was a stillborn
female.
29 EZEKIEL (3) b. January 16, 1810; d. November 21,
1820.
20 JANE (2) LATTA
Robert (1) In the Will of her Father of January 30, 1780. she was stated to be
living in Ireland a single woman. { From the notes of branch 19 She had Married:
Churza Hopkins in Orange Co.., N.C. October 11, 1793. The marriage will need to
be looked into for more details}
No history of the next children;
21 AGNES (2) LATTA
22 ISABELLA (2) LATTA
23 SAMUEL (2) LATTA
Robert (1) Samuel was born abt. 1770. He inherited the land in Ireland when Robert died and lived n Ireland, having returned from America. Children:
88 JOHN (3) b. abt. 1813 in Ireland, immigrated to Australia
89 WILLIAM (3) b. 1836 in Australia (the Ballarat District of Victoria)
89 WILLIAM (3) LATTA
Samuel (2) Robert (1) William was born in 1836 in Australia (the Ballarat District of Victoria). married Sarah ____________. Children:
90 JOHN (4) b. 1856 in Australia; m. Grace Parker
90 JOHN (4) LATTA
William (3) Samuel (2) Robert (1) John was born in 1856 in Australia; m. Grace Parker. Children:
91 JOHN "Jack" (5) b.
92 ALICE (5) b.
93 CATHERINE "Nancy" (5) b.
94 GRACE (5) b.
95 ROBERT "Bob" (5) b.
96 SHAW (5) b.
97 GLADYS (5) b.
98 ALICE (5) b. 1904; d. 1922
99 THOMAS CHARLES BLACK (5) b. 1904; d. 1977
100 LUCY (5) b.
101 HELEN (5) b.
24 WILLIAM (3) LATTA,
James (2) Robert (1). Born Antrim, Ireland October 8
or 9, 1781. Died: Darlington, N.C. September 26, 1829. Came to America
alone in 1794 after the death of his mother. Wife Mary Permella Woods, born America
July 19, 1791; d. Louisiana November 1, 1849. Married December 1811, Darlington, N.C.
Children all born at Darlington, N.C. Children:
76 WILLIAM FRAME (4) Born: July 28, 1812. Died: Aug 14,
1812.
He was named after Rev. Frame Woods
33 MARY ELIZABETH (4) Born: July 28, 1812. m. William
J. Kelton
(Also seen as: Kellinues, Kellin, Killen), May 17, 1832.
32 ANN PAMELA (4) Born: May 1?, 1814. m. William
Henry, March 15, 1832. William HENRY born 7
Oct 1808 in NC. He married (1) Ann LATTA in Mar 1832 Darlington District, SC. They
moved to Perry/Decatur Co. TN in 1836. Their children were John, Frame W., A. J.,
William, Robert L., A.E.C., and Corry P. Ann Latta HENRY died in Decatur Co. TN in
1849. William HENRY married (2) a widow, Julia COLLINS VAN HOOK in 1851 in Henderson
Co. TN. Their children were Mary Elizabeth (m. James William BRYANT) ;Alonza B.;
Martha Frances "Fannie" (m. Jon HISE); Andrew Collins (m. Elizabeth E. JOHNSON)
;Sophie (m. Bob BRYANT); and Albert B. (never married). William HENRY moved from
Decatur Co. TN to Lamar Co. TX about 1868. He died in Fannin Co. TX 7 June 1884 and
is buried in the Oakhill Cemetery near Honey Grove, TX.
30 ROBERT EDWARD (4) Born: Feb. 9, 1816
34 EDITH ROGERS (4) Born: Dec. 21, 1817. Died: March
17, 1849.
Named after the wife ( Edith Rogers) of Rev. Frame Woods.
Married: Ezer (or "Eyn") Evans Woods, Louisiana April,1845. One known child: Mary
Edith
Woods, Born: March 17, 1849. Died: June 2?, 1849.
79 JAMES (4) Born: Oct. 24, 1819. Died: Oct. 26, 1822.
35 ANDREW WOODS (4)Born: Sept. 12, 1821. Died:
Aug. 22, 1842. In: West Feliocoasa
Parish, LA. (Robert listed him as " Died Single")
80 HARRIET (4) Born: June 23, 1823.
78 JOHN HENRY (4) Born: June 29, 1825.
77 WILLIAM DOPEY (4) Born: Sept. 1?, 1827. Died: Oct.
27, 183?.
He was named after the Rev. William Dopey.
31 ALBERT TORRENCE (4) Born: May 13 or 15, 1829.
25 ROBERT (3) LATTA,
James (2) Robert (1). Born Antrim, Ireland August 21,
1784; d. August 25, 1852 Columbia, S.C. Naturalized February 7, 1814 Charlotte, N.C.
Was the President of National Bank. Married twice. First wife: Jane Allison b.
____;d. ____; m. November 4, 1806.
Mrs. Jane Allison Latta-[Died] At Philadelphia, on the 13th ult., wife of Mr. Robert Latta , merchant of Yorkville, S. Carolina. (Camden Gazette, July 1, 1819.)
Latta House/York Funeral Home 43 17 S. Congress St., Yorkville, SC
A pivotal house. This three-story house was built by Robert Latta, a wealthy merchant, in 1824. The walls of the house are twenty-four-inch solid brick. These bricks were brought from England as ballast by merchant vessels returning to Charleston and were hauled by wagon from there to York. The building rests on a three-foot-wide solid granite base extending eight feet into the earth. The false window inserts show the designer's devotion to balance and symmetry. The home was famed for its walled-in gardens, complete with strutting peacocks, and for its own gas light system for the chandeliers in the house. Mr. Latta sought the finest materials from around the world for his Yorkville residence. The interior features cherry woodwork and rare imported black marble mantels. At the turn of the century, a two-story addition at the rear of the home was built for servants. The crack visible in the south end of the building was caused by the Charleston Earthquake of August 31, 1886.
Episcopal Church Of The Good Shepherd 36 102 E. Liberty St., Yorkville, SC (Tour of Homes)
A pivotal building. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that there were sufficient Angelicans in Yorkville to establish an Episcopal Church. Rev. John D. McCullough was sent as a missionary from Charleston to the Up-Country, and he established churches in Spartanburg, Glen Springs, Union and Yorkville. Beginning in 1849, services were held irregularly in the Courthouse, Methodist Church, and Presbyterian Church. Good Shepherd Church was officially established in 1852, and the sanctuary, of plain Gothic style, was built in 1855, at a cost of about $5,000. Dr. J. M. Lowry (#35) gave a corner of his lot, and Mr. William Latta (#43) donated five hundred Mexican Silver Dollars to be cast into the bell, which is still used. He also donated a melodeon, making Good Shepherd the first church in York to have a musical instrument.
County Jail/Wilson House 42 3 S. Congress St., Yorkville, SC (Tour of Homes)
This pivotal building was designed by Robert Mills in 1823 for York County as a jail. The plain façade, broken only by the lines of the windows and fanlighted doorway, shows the simple symmetrical lines of the Federal Period. When a new county jail was erected on West Liberty Street, William A. Latta, a wealthy merchant, whose lovely home still stands next door, bought the old building, and, after converting it into a residence, gave it to his daughter, Anna Latta Wilson. Her heirs bequeathed the income from the building to Episcopal Church Home for Children, and the proceeds of the sale of it, if ever sold, to Thornwell Orphanage in Clinton, SC. It is presently occupied as offices for commercial purposes. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Latta House/York Funeral Home 43 17 S. Congress St., Yorkville, SC (Tour of Homes)
A pivotal house. This three-story house was built by Robert Latta, a wealthy merchant, in 1824. The walls of the house are twenty-four-inch solid brick. These bricks were brought from England as ballast by merchant vessels returning to Charleston and were hauled by wagon from there to York. The building rests on a three-foot-wide solid granite base extending eight feet into the earth. The false window inserts show the designer's devotion to balance and symmetry. The home was famed for its walled-in gardens, complete with strutting peacocks, and for its own gas light system for the chandeliers in the house. Mr. Latta sought the finest materials from around the world for his Yorkville residence. The interior features cherry woodwork and rare imported black marble mantels. At the turn of the century, a two-story addition at the rear of the home was built for servants. The crack visible in the south end of the building was caused by the Charleston Earthquake of August 31, 1886.
Children by First Wife:
59 WILLIAM " Willy" (5) Born: May 9, 1835. Died: July
12,1841. Buried: Rose Hill Cem,
York, S.C.
53 MARGARET M (5) Born: About 1837. Died:About 1919.
single.
55 ANNIE I. (5) m. Col. William Blackburn Wilson, two
daughters: Florence Wilson. Annie
Latta Wilson.
60 ADA (5) Born: About 1842 Died: About 1854
56 JANE ALLISON " Jennie" (5) Born: 1844 in York, S.C.
Died: 1918 in Bartow, Fla.
Married: Gen. Evander McIvor Law, March 9, 1863. In: Law Plantation, Columbia, S.C.
He was Born: Aug. 7, 1832 in Darlington, S.C. Died: Oct. 31, 1920. In: Bartow, Fla.
He was the son of Judge E.H. Law & Elizabeth E. " Bettie" McIver. 4 children; McIver
Law, Augustus Law, Annie Law, William Latta Law.
52 ROBERT JAMES (5) single. The TOWN OF LATTA,
S.C. was named after him.
He was educated at King's Mountain Military Academy and served in the Confederate
Army.
Worked as an Engineer for the railroad where he surveyed the area that became the
town of Latta, Dillon, SC.
54 FLORENCE CAMILLA (5) Born: About 1853. Died: About
1915. single.
Children of the Second Wife:
81 Child Latta (5) Born and Died: 1854.
Children by Third Wife:
57 JOHN ALLISON (5) b. July 13, 1857; d. January 21,
1936; m. Anna R. Lewis
January 2, 1921.
* The next 2 children were listed by Robert, but I was unable to find a record of
them*
58 WILLIAM (5) b. ___; d. ____ when eight years old.
61 WALTER (5) b. ____; d. ____ young.( This maybe the
child of 39 James T (4) Latta)
39 JAMES THEODORE (4) LATTA,
Robert (3) James (2) Robert (1). Born: June 19, 1827.
Died: May 22, 1865.
Married: Angel Wetherill Lott (Also seen: Angel Lott Wetherill) She was Born: 1832 in
Philadelphia, PA. Died: 1875 Children:
62 EDWARD DILWORTH (5) b. Pendleton, S.C. May 4, 1851;
d. Nashville, Tenn.
or Ashville, N.C. July 14, 1925.
82 WALTER (5)
83 ANGELA WETHERELL (5) Born: Aug. 31, 1852. Died: Sept.
10, 1852 in Europe.
84 WILLIAM PINCKNEY (5) Born: 1853. Died: 1874.
Buried: St. Paul's Epis. Cem,
Pendleton, S.C.
85 JAMES THEODORE, Jr. (5) Born: Dec. 9, 1855. Died: April
17, 1891. In: Charlotte, N.C. Buried: Elmwood Cem, Charlotte, N.C.
_________________________________________
44 WILLIAM ALBERT (5) LATTA
Robert E (4) William (3) James (2) Robert (1) Born: February 5, 1860. In: Camden,
S.C.
Died: August 16, 1932. Buried: Quaker Cemetery, In: Camden, S.C.
Married: Sallie Cason Francis (Also seen as : Sarah Carson Francis) She was Born:
Dec. 17, 1866 Died: Feb. 13, 1913. Buried: Quaker Cemetery, Camden, S.C. She was the
daughter of: John Herbert Francis & Margaret " Maggie" Joesy.
Children:
68 WILLIAM HERBERT (6) Married: Sarah Pauline Johnson.
69 JOHN HENRY (6) Born: Oct. 10, 1888. Died: May 17, 1889.
Buried: Quaker Cemetery,
Camden S.C.
70 ROBERT EDWARD (6) (Doctor) Married: Mary Stewart Hewlett.
71 MARGARET ELIZABETH (6) Born: Sept. 1, 1898. Died: Dec. 18,
1964. Buried: Magnolia
Cemetery, Hartsville S.C.
72 FRANCES MOZELLE (6) Born: Jan. 9, 1904.In: Camden, S.C.
Died: July 16, 1982.
Buried: Magnolia Cemetery, Hartsville, S.C. Married: August John "Joe" Haun, June 30,
1926.
47 WILLIAM ALBERT (5) LATTA,
Albert T. (4) William (3) James (2) Robert (1). Born
Camden, S.C. May 5,
1862; d. living in Louisville, K.Y. 1926. Married Jessie A. Garland b. White
Plains, S.C. July 17, 1864; d. ____; m. February 1885.
Children:
63 NANCY (6) b. Sherffield, Alb. 1885.
64 JESSIE GARLAND (6) b. Sherffield, Alb. 1889.
62 EDWARD DILWORTH (5) LATTA,
James (4) Robert (3) James (2) Robert (1). Born
Pendleton, S. May 4,
1851; d. July 14, 1925. Married twice. First wife Harriet " Hattie"
Nisbet b. May 18, 1853;
d. Oct 9, 1910; m. Macon, G.A. March 14, 1877. She was the daughter of Thomas
C. Nisbet and Mary Wyatt. Second wife: Jennie Lea b. ____; d. ____; m. Atlanta,
G.A. August 31, 1918.
Children by first wife:
65 MARION NISBET (6) b. New York City, N.Y. December
25, 1877; d. living in
1909 Milwaukee, Wis. Wife Orgarita Merrill b. ____ d. ____. She descended
from Maj. Gen. John Stark of N.H. D.A.R. # 45614.
66 EDWARD DILWORTH, JR (6) b. New York City,
N.Y. December 6, 1879.
67 JANET ACTON (6) b. Charlotte, N.C. October 17,
1883; d. ____, D.A.R. #
49148; m. William Haskell Porcher.
68 WILLIAM HERBERT (6) LATTA
William H (5) Robert E (4) William (3) James (2) Robert (1) Born: June 22, 1886. In:
Camden
S.C. Died: August 12, 1952. Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Hampton, VA. Married: Sarah
Pauline Johnson. She was Born: April 8, 1900. In: Cheraw S.C. Died: Oct. 14, 1986.
Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Hampton, VA. She was the daughter of: James Henry Johnson &
Isabella Gaskins.
Children:
73 JOHN FRANCIS (7) Born: February 7, 1921. Died: February
9, 1921.
74 WILLIAM ROBERT (7) Married: Mary Lois Hodge.
74 WILLIAM ROBERT (7) LATTA
William H (6) William H (5) Robert E (4) William (3) James (2) Robert (1)
Born: September 25, 1922. In: Elizabeth City County, VA. Died: July 6, 1987. In:
Hampton, VA. Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Hampton, VA. Married: Mary Lois Hodge, May 10,
1947 In:
Hampton, VA. She was Born: December 23, 1927 In: Giles County, VA. Died: June 1,
1980. In: Newport News, VA. Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Hampton, VA.
Child:
75 CONSTANCE MARQUITA (8) Born: December 1, 1948 In: Newport
News, VA.
Married: Carl Christopher Backus, April 19, 1964 In: Sparta, N.C. They had one child.
Married: Daniel Thomas Mullady, August 15, 1971 In: Hampton, VA. No Children.
Re-Married: Daniel Thomas Mullady, July 28, 1977 In: Newport News, VA.
Child: CRYSTAL CHRISTINA LATTA, Born: September 25, 1964 In: Hampton, VA. She
Married: Eric Lane Brown, February 14, 1990. He was born: Dec. 3, 1964 In: Hampton,
VA.
They have Two children: William Austin Brown, Born: Nov. 28, 1988. & Karah Elane
Brown,
Born: July 17, 1992.
______________________________________________________________________________
THIS IS THE END OF THE BRANCH......................................THE REST ARE NOTES
______________________________________________________________________________
1996 Note:
Information was added to this Branch from the records of; 75 Constance Marquita
(8) Latta.
Constance M. Latta
102 Shenandoah Road
Hampton, VA 23661-3428
......................................................................................................................................................
Jan. 15, 1997. Note.
Information was added to this branch from the records of:
A. Douglas Marion, M.D.
145 York St.
Chester, S.C. 29706.
......................................................................................................................................................
{ 1996 Note: See the above Family Number 52, Town of Latta S.C.}
{ 1996 Note: See the above and Below information on Family Number 19}
(Notes from 1930's about 1 ROBERT (1) LATTA)
From Historical Sketches of North Carolina from 1584 to
1851. From Journal of
Committee of Safety: "Whereas Robert Latta complained to this Committee that sundry
persons are indebted to him and will not pay their accounts. Resolved: That the
said Robert Latta again make demand of each person his debt, and upon non-payment, to
demand security for the payment of the same on the first day of November, next.
Upon failure there of he is hereby authorized to spe for the same." On page
374, "Robert Latta came into Committee and acknowledged the receipt of L14.10s.
supposed to be counterfeit, from Adlai Osborne, agree to order of Committee."
Osborn was afterwards arrested as a tory.
In the census of 1790, the name of Joseph, of Mechlenburg,
N.C. was the only name
mentioned. The census is not given for Orange Co., N.C. but in that county five
Latta's
appeared in the text books; they were John, Sr.; John, Jr.; James Sr.; James Jr.; and
Thomas. They were in St. Mary's or Hillsboro Districts.
The mother of Rev. S.A. McPherson, in her journal dated
1854, says that she
received a letter from Cousin John Nesbit. Does this connected branches 12 and
19? See
Mrs. Edward Dilworth Latta, nee Nesbit branch No. 19.
(Note 1996: See Notes in branch # 8)
......................................................................................................................................................
(1996 Notes on 19 JAMES (2) LATTA)
Historic Latta Place
The Plantation Home of James Latta
Circa 1800
Tucked away on the banks of the Catawba River, this backcountry plantation
offers a glimpse into the life of merchant/planter James Latta and his
family in rural Mecklenburg County in the early days of our republic.
You'll find the restored Latta house, various out buildings, a replica
kitchen, wellhouse and log house, as well as a barn and barnyard animals.
James Latta was a Scot who came to America from Ireland in 1785 to settle
his father's estate. Having a good head for business and seeing a ripe
opportunity in this burgeoning republic, he became a traveling merchant who
bought his wares in Philadelphia and Charleston and sold them from the back
of his wagon to Piedmont Carolina farmers and villagers. Imagine the
excitement of local folks to see Latta's wagon coming down the road with
his muffin tins, muslin, needles, salt and sugar, toothbrushes, tea, bridle
bits and curry combs, tinware, cast iron pots - even English china and fine
silks!
James Latta was first married to Elizabeth Houston in Ireland. She died,
leaving her husband and two sons, William and Robert. By 1796, James Latta
had married Jane Knox of nearby Lincoln County, purchased the first of six
farms totaling 725 acres, and started construction of his white, two-story
Federal style Philadelphia town house.
Latta's entrepreneurial spirit soon led him into cotton farming. By 1825,
he hired an overseer to manage the plantation and his slaves. Being a
prudent Scot, in later years he had no urge to build a more grandiose
house; he simply invested or banked his money. He died a wealthy man in
1837.
Rich and cultured and naturally quite popular, daughters Betsy, Polly and
Nancy were often called "the Belles of the Catawba." Father James intended
that they marry well. Perhaps he had the inside window cut from the parlor
to the hall so he could keep an eye on gentlemen callers. Educated at the
Girl's Boarding School in Salem, North Carolina, the daughters did, indeed,
marry prominent local landholders. Like his father, Latta's son, Robert,
was a merchant and became known as the "merchant prince" of South Carolina.
The youngest son, Ezekial, died at the age of ten. You can visit the family
gravesite just down the road at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, the center of
their social and community life.
Distinguished by its fine craftsmanship, James Latta's white two-story
frame house is elegantly simple, yet quite grand compared to the rustic log
homes of the day. Latta made a proud, clear statement of his urban
connections by choosing a Philadelphia town house style.
Fine hand-crafted exterior and interior trim give the house a special
significance among historic buildings - dog ear molding over the doors,
wave and scroll detailing on the stairs, and sophisticated mantels. Inside
you'll find painted walls, fine furniture, and even family silver. The
deeply worn board just outside the dining room door, where the servants, no
doubt, stood waiting to serve meals, will spark your imagination.
You'll enjoy wandering the grounds, seeing the barnyard animals, and
visiting the outbuildings, replica log house, and garden. Learn about the
Lattas and how they lived from guided afternoon tours.
James Latta's plantation home is now a part of beautiful Latta Plantation
Park, located on Mountain Island lake in northern Mecklenburg County. Canoe
rentals, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and picnic facilities are
available in the park. Bring the family for a picnic (nearest restaurant 6
miles) and make a day of it!
Location:
Historic Latta Place is located 12 miles northwest of Charlotte, North
Carolina. The address is 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.
From Charlotte take I-77 North to Exit 16B, Sunset Road west. Travel west
on Sunset Road to Beatties Ford Road. Turn right and proceed north for 4.8
miles to Sample Road (across from Hopewell Presbyterian Church). Turn left
on Sample Road and enter Latta Plantation Park.
Call 704-875-2312 for admission fees and tour schedule. Group tours
available by appointment.
..............................................................................................................................
1996 Note By George P Latta. The above information was taken from a Web Site.
The above James Latta can be found in Branch No.12 Family No.19, In the;
"The 49 Branches of the Latta family" By: Robert H Latta.
...............................................................................................................................
{1997 Note: The information below was given to me by; Bill Bigham of Winston-Salem,
NC}
He writes; This is information on Branch No. 12, family No. 19 James Latta.
From the History of Hopewell Presbyterian Church published in 1939. The below is an
exact
quotation from that book as well as the Latta cemetery listings from appendix D.}
Somerville, Charles William. The History of Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
Charlotte: Observer Printing House, 1939.
page 152
JAMES LATTA
James Latta came from Ireland in 1790, located between Hopewell and Catawba
and built the house occupied by David Sample one hundred years later. A shingle roof
on this house lasted eighty-two years. In 1795 he married his second wife, Jane Knox,
who bore him three daughters, Betsy, Polly, and Nancy. Betsy
married Ben Wilson Davidson; Mary was the second wife of James Torrance, and the
mother of two children: Dr. William Torrance, bachelor, and Jane Torrance who married
Dr. W.S.M. Davidson and lived on the Billy Wilson place. Nancy married Rufus Reid, of
Iredell County. Mr. Latta died in 1837.Ó
[Sommerville cites Alexander: Sketches, pg. 53 as his source.]
pg. 302, Appendix D (Cemeteries - Hopewell Cemetery Names)
In memory of JANE K. LATTA, wife of James Latta; died July 1, 1864, in the
89th year of her age. She being dead yet speaketh.
Beneath this tomb is deposited the remains of EZEKIEL LATTA, who was born
January 16th,1810, and died November 21st, 1820.Ó
Sacred to the memory of JAMES LATTA, who departed this life 30th October,
1837; aged 82 years, 2 months and 9 days.
....................................................................................................................................................
Message Board Post:
Ferguson, Herman W. Mecklenburg County, North Carolina minutes of the court of common
pleas and quarter sessions, v. 6:1851-1860.
Book 10:565
Page 74
1855 April session
[30] Deed from R.D. Parks to James Latta for 37 acres bearing date 21 Novr. 184?,
proved by Wm. Knox.
State of North Carolina)
Mecklenburg County) At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions began and held for the
County and State aforesaid at the Court House in Charlotte on the 4th Monday in April
A.D. 1855 being the 23rd day of said month. Present the worshipful & John P. Ross,
M.N. Hartt, Wm. Reid, Wm. Maxwell, B.W. Alexander Esqrs. [Justices].
Book 10:639
Page 90
1855 October session
Ordered by court W.K. Reid, C.C.C. pay Wm. Latta, Guardian of his own children, his
order or agent, $114.13 the balance of their distributive share of the estate of Wm.
L. Torrence, decd., paid to office by Thos. M. Kerns, admr.
State of North Carolina)
Mecklenburg County) At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions began and held for the
County and State aforesaid at the Court House in Charlotte on the 4th Monday in
October A.D. 1855 being the 22nd day of said month. Present the Worshipful Wm. Reid,
Wm. Maxwll, B. W. Alexander, John P. Ross & M.N. Hart Esqrs. [Justices].