James Edward Acton (abt. 1746 - abt. 1819)

Born about 1746 in Longnor, Shropshire, England

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth McCraft — married about 1764 (to 1819) in Virginia [uncertain]

Descendants

Died about 1819 at about age 73 in Garrard, Kentucky, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Robin White [send private message]

Biography

James Acton is a DAR Patriot Ancestor, A000346.

Captain James and Elizabeth (McCraft) Acton, the former a representative of one of the first families of England, the latter a beautiful and gifted young woman of Scotch descent, who was kidnapped in the old country and brought to America to be sold and was set free by Captain Acton, whom she later married.   Capt. James Acton. Sr. born 1746, Longnor, Shropshire, England. He was married to Elizabeth McCraft in 1764 in Henry Co, Va. He is on the County tax list for Henry Co, Va.in 1778. James died 1819 in Garrard Co., Ky. Elizabeth McCraft was born about 1750 in Scotland and died 1822 in Garrard Co., KY. James and Elizabeth had 10 children: James S., Jr.; Sally; Uriah; Elizabeth; Stephen; John James; Aaron, Sr.; Samuel; William; and Jerry. 　 James Acton's first dated record in VA is 1 January 1778, at which time he refused to take up service against England. Later (20 July 1778), however, he did take the oath of allegiance. Places of residence are Henry County, Virginia; Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Flat Creek (where he moved after the Revolution); and Alabama (probably Shelby County). According to family legend, he bought Elizabeth McCraft out of indenture and married her. She is said to have been kidnapped in Scotland by Barbary pirates and forcibly taken to Virginia, where she was sold into indentured service. DAR Patriot Index, "James Acton b c 1750 EN, d ante 12-20-1819 KY m Elizabeth McCraft patriotic service VA" Augusta Fothergill, _Virginia Tax Payers 1782-1787_, lists James Acton, 1 poll, 0 slaves, Henry County.

The title 'Captain' may have come from his Revolutionary War service (though none can be proved) or from his militia service either in VA or KY.

Sources

• Find a Grave, database and images (accessed 14 December 2022), memorial page for James Edward Acton (1746–1819), Find A Grave: Memorial #135177754; Burial Details Unknown; Maintained by Jerald Watson (contributor 48090129).

• History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography - http://books.google.com/books?id=nkoUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA8&lpg=PA8&dq=captain+james+act on+virginia&source=web&ots=3y_AnB2G0I&sig=F0LF3WiePE9W3TLMrhfza3OHARQ&hl=en&sa=X& oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result

• http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.acton/303.1/mb.ashx

• HIST OF HENRY CO, VA, (Hill) P 304 says James Acton took the oath of Allegiance in Henry County. His will on file in Garrard Co, KY. https://www.ancestry.com/boards/surnames.acton/211

• http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.acton/303.1.4/mb.ashx