John ALSTON (ALLSTON) of Sth Carolina [279]

  Research Notes:

This John Allston is the second leg of the 100 year old, assumed, but unproven connection between the American and Great Britain Alston's. While nothing yet is known of the life of John Alston [15899] baptised 25 Feb 1668/69 at Pavenham BDF, he may have died early in the 18thC. unfortunately some pertinent records are missing. There is not the slightest evidence or suggestion he might be John Allston [279] of South Carolina. A number of John Alston's are recorded in the Caribbean and America at this time, see Cresswell's extensive rebuttal in the General Notes on John Alston [543] also John Alston [15891] and John Alston [15892]

Dr Groves Book, Alstons and Allstons of North and South Carolina 1901, contains some details of John's will dated 2 Jan 1718 but there is no reference to England or English family.

The following is recorded about John Allston, where the evidence of his returning to England is sourced, is unknown to the writer, no Alstons are identified travelling between America and England at that time. "Abt 1682 Emigrated to America as an apprentice to John Jones, a merchant in Charleston, SC. Abt 1690 Returned to England to visit his parents Abt. 1691 After brief visit, returned to America and acquired property in SC. John was the first of his family to use the "LL" spelling of Alston.

At the Public Record Office in Kew, London: Colonial Office 5/398 Land Grants in South Carolina has been found. Ann Weller writes: "This John has been proven to be the John who emigrated to the colonies and died at St. John's Berkeley Colony of South Carolina in 1719 as stated by Groves. At the PRO in Kew, Harry and Joan Arch found the records for Berkeley Co. South Carolina of a land grant to John ALSTON for 190 acres on January 11 1686. Both Johns are supposed to have come to this county with John Archdale. John, son of William, going to the Colony of Carolina and settling in South Carolina and John, son of John going first to Virginia and then down into the far north eastern section of the Colony of Carolina".

Note: I have searched, at the PRO for any information about John Archdale and/or the two Johns going to America with Archdale, but can find nothing at all. I searched sailing dates from various ports in England, giving passenger lists, but no ALSTONs listed.

In abt 1691 when John was 23, he married Elizabeth TURGES, in America. Elizabeth died on 6 FEB 1729/30 in America." Ref: The Alstons of Bedfordshire. S Perrett.

John married Elizabeth TURGES [6394] [MRIN: 2143] about 1691. (Elizabeth TURGES [6394] died on 6 Feb 1729/30.)