There is a tremendous amount of information attributable to our John Love who is the son of James Love Senior. There is also other information, that if applicable, changes greatly our understanding of who John Love is. This presentation will provide some of the facts while acknowledging all that is possible.

Records in Brunswick and Charlotte Counties, Virginia

James Love Senior first appears in the 1745 land grant records of Brunswick County, Virginia. Before that time, we are not certain of where he lived. In 1747 James appears in the Brunswick County tax list taken by Drury Stith. From the fact that John Love first acquired land in 1757, we loosely hold to the belief that he would have been born ca. 1737-1741. Being born prior to his father’s first land entry in Brunswick County, we cannot say with certainty where John was born. We do know from later land records that James Love Senior’s wife was named “Elizabeth or Betty.” We assume she is the mother of John Love.

Dated 26 Jul 1757, James (I) Love and wife “Betty” of Brunswick County sold 100 acres (6-174, Brunswick VA) to John Love for five shillings. Situated on the north side of Waqua Creek and joining lands belonging to Charles Golston and Richard Talliferro, this tract is part of James Love’s 1745 land grant. The transaction was not witnessed. Being the first land sold to another family member, it appears this land record possibly marks the coming of age of what appears to be James Love’s oldest son. John Love was of age to marry and likely did so just prior or soon after this transaction.

On 21 Sep 1763, George Clayton deeded a gift of 783 acres of land and a slave (7-373, Brunswick VA) to son Charles Clayton. The land was situated on Beaver Pond Branch adjoining that owned by Vaughn, Pool, Massie, Griffin, and Fisher. Charles Clayton married John Love’s sister Nancy. This transaction was witnessed by James (I) Love, John Love, and John Ingram. John Ingram is the father in law of John Love’s brother James. Of interest, in the very next deed in the deed book, John Ingram and wife Patience sold land to her brother George Berry. Three years later, George Clayton, Charles Clayton and his wife Nanny sold 723 acres (9-31, Brunswick VA) on the south side of Beaver Pond Branch of Waqua Creek. The transaction was witnessed by John Love.

Dated 17 Feb 1768, John Love purchased 394 acres (9-157, Brunswick VA) from William Merriott of Diniddie County Virginia. Situated on Possom Quarter Branch, the land adjoined that owned by Robert Dunkley, Henry Wilson, and James Love. Peter Jones and Rich’d Elliott witnessed the transaction. Later in the same year, on 24 Oct 1768, John sold 197 acres (9-250, Brunswick VA) of the tract he had just purchased to John Jude. The transaction was not witnessed.

The next two land records are crucial for our story. On 26 Apr 176_, James (I) Love, Elizabeth (x) Love, John Love & Ruth their wives sold an undisclosed amount of land (9-442, Brunswick VA) to Joseph Crook. Situated on the north side of Waqua Creek, the tract was likely part of the land granted to James Love, Senior. The probate clause indicates James Love’s wife Elizabeth relinquishes her dower right. The deed was not witnessed, but was recorded in court on 24 Apr 1769. So in this transaction, John Love and wife Ruth and his father and mother jointly sold the land. We know that John Love married Ruth Crook. So in this deed we see the young couple selling land to Joseph Crook, one of Ruth’s family members. But when did John marry Ruth? He acquired land first in 1757 and actively bought and sold for the next twelve years before this deed identifies his wife. Was John married in 1757 or had he just married prior to 1769? In the next year, John Love and wife Ruth (x) Love of Brunswick County again deeded for 197 acres (10-2, Brunswick VA) adjoining lands of Henry Wilson and James Love situated near Possom Quarter Branch. Robert Lanoer, William Lanoer, and John Dunkley witnessed the transaction.

There are three more land transactions in Brunswick County Virginia in the name of John Love. The name appears in witness for two transactions by Allen Love of Brunswick County. Then in a final transaction, John Love sold a large amount of tobacco. The records could be attributed to our John Love as after his own death, his estate settlement mentions an estate in Virginia. However, believing Allen Love is the brother of James Love Senior, is also believed this John Love is the son of Allen. Let’s take a look at the three deeds:

Deed (12-32, Brunswick VA) 23 Oct 1775. Allan Love of Brunswick sold 129 undefined acres to Thomas Claiborne of same. The transaction was witnessed by Robert Alexander, William Buchanan, and John Love.

Deed (12-300, Brunswick VA) 29 Oct 1777. Allan Love of Brunswick to Charles Collier of same. Being 363 acres on Jeneto Creek joining lands owned by William Ledbetter Peterson, Richard Ledbetter, Widow Williams, and Thomas Preston. John Love witnessed the transaction.

Deed (13-328, Brunswick VA) 26 Apr 1779. John Love of Brunswick VA to Thomas Haynes. John Love sold a Negro named Jacob for 10,000 weight of Petersburg tobacco. The transaction was witnessed by Peter Pelham Jr., Joseph Greenhill, and James Huff.

Records in Charlotte County, Virginia

Charlotte County lies in Piedmont Virginia not too far to the west of Brunswick County. As our Love family began to settle into Charlotte County, revolutionary war maneuvers pushed through the region. In Richmond, Patrick Henry gave his speech on “Give me Liberty or Death.” He later moved to Charlotte County where he debated John Randolph in 1798 before passing this world in 1798. The debate took place at the old courthouse in the county seat presently known as “Court House.” Though most of our Love family had removed by that time, I believe members of the family lived next too or very near Patrick Henry. In 1824, a new Court House was constructed under specifications provided Thomas Jefferson. Spanning through the early 1900’s, six more buildings were built creating a courtyard lined with public offices. Today this rural village rises atop a meadow covered ridge and is a delight for travelers crossing the hilly terrain of south side Virginia. Our Love family settled to the south and west of the courthouse between Roanoke Creek and Wallace Branch. Just beyond Wallace Branch lies Prince Edward County, Virginia. Our Love family may have been recorded in the annals of that county, but as the courthouse was destroyed by fire, there are few surviving records.

J Dated 4 Mar 1770, Robert Bromfield and wife Sussannah sold John Love of Charlotte County 237 acres (2-422, Charlotte VA). The land adjoined that belonging to Stith, David Logan, Robert Hamm, and David Madox. Remember that James Love appeared in the 1747 Brunswick County tax list taken by Drury Stith? Dated 15 Oct 1770, Drury Stith of Brunswick County VA sold 300 acres (2-393, Charlotte VA) to John Love. Situated on Wallace Branch, the tract was part of a larger grant issued to Drury Stith on 16 Dec 1769. John’s brother-in-law Charles Clayton and his brother Britain Clayton witnessed the transaction. On the same day, John’s father James Love of now Charlotte County VA also purchased 300 acres (2-303, Charlotte VA) from Drury Stith of Brunswick VA. Being another part of a larger tract granted to Drury Stith on 16 Dec 1769, the land was adjoined by that owned by Parkins and Moore. Son John Love, and son-in-law Charles Clayton and his brother Brittain Clayton witnessed the transaction. Two years after acquiring land in Charlotte County, James I Love and wife Elizabeth of Charlotte County and Cornwall Parish sold their 300 acres (3-165 Charlotte VA) to Charles Hundley Junior of Nottaway Parish in Amelia County VA.

The court order books for Charlotte County provide valuable information on our Love family. In Nov 1771, “Thomas Moore, James Love, John Love, and John Cox, or the first sworn before a Magistrate of this County are ordered to view the best and most convenient way for a road from Cobbs ferry into Stewarts Road and report to the next court…” In Dec 1772, “James Love is appointed surveyor of the road from Cobb’s ferry to Logan’s Road and …is ordered.. that he together with Thomas Bedford’s hands at his quarter on this county do furtherwith clear and keep the same in repair according to law.” In Feb 1773, “John Love is appointed Surveyor of the road whereof James Love was late Surveyor & it is ordered that he Together with the usual hands that worked on the said road and with the same James Love do furtherwith clear & keep the same in repair…” There is no signature or information distinguishing this James Love. But it appears he is John’s father, stepping down to offer his son responsibility for this civic duty. In Apr 1774, “on motion of James Love, leave is granted him to keep an ordinary at McGraw’s old store in this County he giving security whereupon he together with Paul Carrington Gent. his security entered into and acknowledged their bond according to law for that purpose.” The next entry in the court book is an established appointment of costs or rates for the sell of liquors.

Dated 2 Feb 1777, John Love purchased 200 acres (4-48 Charlotte VA) from David Maddox. The land adjoined that belonging to Charles Talbort, Israel Perkins. On 17 Nov 1781, James Middleton and Sarah Love married in Charlotte County. Their marriage bond on file at the courthouse reads as follows:

This shall Certify that I have given Consent to James Middleton to take out License to Marry my daughter Sarah Love and that I will for ever warrant & defend any person from sustaining any damage for granting the same; Witness my hand Jno Love
Nov 15th 1781

John Middleton
James Love

On 2 May 1785, John Love and wife Ruth of Charlotte County sold two tracts of land (5-126 Charlotte VA) to Burwell Brown. The land was John’s 200 acres purchased in 1777 from David Maddox and his 237-acre tract purchased from Robert Bromfield in 1770. From tax lists in Surry County NC, we know that at the time of this transaction, John Love owned land in North Carolina. This transaction formally signals John has moved to North Carolina. Also appearing in the records of Stokes County are his father and sister Nancy Clayton. John Love died in Surry County NC and his father later died in Stokes that grew from Surry. John’s sister moved to Georgia and his brother James to Cabarrus County NC. The story line for John’s brother James is questionable as it conflicts with records attributable to their father James and John’s son of the same name. John Love’s daughter Sarah Middleton also moved to Surry County NC before returning to Charlotte County VA where she lived out her life. Let’s take a look at Surry County.

Records in Surry/Stokes County, North Carolina

On 26 Dec 1799, our James Love [Sr.] wrote his last will and testament in Stokes County NC. The will was probated September Session 1800 indicating he died sometime between Christmas of 1799 and September 1800. We know his wife Elizabeth had already passed, as he did not mention her in the will. He did name “son in law Charles Clayton … to him and his heirs children of his wife Nancy my Daughter forever.” He also mentioned and named son James Love, Junior to be his executor. Receiving one-third of the residue of his estate, James Love Senior lastly mentioned “the children of my Son John Love by my daughter in Law to be equally divided between them.” The will supports the fact that James son John Love died earlier, leaving wife Ruth and their children. Comparing this document to land records earlier in Brunswick and Charlotte Counties VA, it is also easy to see that this is our Love family.

Stokes County grew from Surry County North Carolina in 1789. Found in the Surry County Court minutes, a __ November 1786 entry reads:

Admr Estate of John Love, decd, granted to Ruth Love, widow & relict of sd. Decd; James Middleton security; James Love & Wm. Campbell securities

There are very good tax records for Surry and later in Stokes County NC. However, it is not clear exactly when our John Love first appeared in the county as a Quaker by the name of John Love also located nearby. There are at least three John Love’s in the early to mid 1780’s lists making it hard to distinguish who is who. But the appearance of James Middleton in 1783 is a good benchmark for our family’s move to the county. From deduction based on proximity to known relatives, we believe our John Love is the one who is consitently listed as owning 400 acres. Knowing John sold his land in Charlotte County VA and does not reappear there beyond 1785, it is clear he removed to Surry County NC ca. 1785 or earlier. He died in 1786 Surry explaining why his wife Ruth appears in lists beginning in 1789. In that same year, Stokes County was created from the southwestern portion of Surry County where the Love family lived. The 1790 census of heads of household for the new county lists the following:

James Love, Page 181,
1m 16+, 2f

James Love , Page 181,
1m 16+, 1m16-, 7f, 7 slaves

Stokes County, North Carolina

                          Acres    White Polls     Black Polls
James Love Senr                                            2
James Love Jun              402         1                     
Ruth Love                                                  2
 

At the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, the small range known as the Saurtown Mountains rise in present day Stokes County. German Moravians from Pennsylvania settled in the area with Quakers settling nearby to the east. The Moravian settlement encompassed a large amount of acreage and was officially known as “Wachovia.” Dated 1 Sep 1791, Frederick William Marshall, Esquire of Salem, in Wachovia sold 402 acres (1-99, Stokes NC) to James Love also of Wachovia. While the church had domain over all things heavenly, the Moravian’s needed an agent or trustee with legal authority to sell lands and control the church’s vast holdings within the framework of North Carolina State Law. Acting in such capacity, William F. Marshall sold lands in the Moravian settlement. Keeping in mind that John Love was once listed as owning 400 acres on Muddy Creek, this deed to James Love was for 402 acres “on the head branches of a branch of the middle fork of Muddy Creek called the Rocky Branch.” Found in The Records of Moravians in North Carolina, a map and list of owners Wachovia [1779 and later] locates James Love’s purchase as lot No. 160. Note that this part of Stokes County became Forsyth County in 1849. Comparing the early plat map of Wachovia to the present day Forsyth County map, we can locate James Love’s land on Rocky Branch Road just south west of Walkertown. This deed makes us believe that John Love was living on the land, paying taxes for it, but had not legally purchased it before his death in 1786. Knowing that John’s father James Love Senior named son James Love Junior in his 1799 last will in testament, this transaction appears at first to be filed by the same James Love, Junior. But this is not the son of James Senior. This is not the brother of John Love. From later conveyances of the land, we know this is the son of John and Ruth Crook Love. This is the same James Love who witnessed the marriage of his sister Sarah Love Middleton back in 1781 Charlotte County VA. Looking back to the 1793 tax list for Stokes County, what appear to be father and son are really Grandfather and Grandson. So with that in mind, we have no proof that James Love Junior, the son of James Love Senior ever acquired land in Stokes County NC.

A bishop and founding force within the Methodist Church, Francis Asbury toured the region in 1799. During the fall of the same year, he recorded the following in his diary:

“On October 3, we rode twelve miles to Convey’s in Guilford County. Friday October 4, we rode twelve miles to Mrs. Campbell’s on the south fork of the Haw River. We had to work our way through the woods and on Sunday we attended the Quarterly meeting at Bethel upon Belews Creek where I ordained five deacons; preached on 1 Timothy 6:11-12. We had a gracious time and rode through Stokes County and attended the meeting at Loves Church, which had glass windows and the yard was fenced in.”

1788 Salem Diary, page 2266, Records of the Moravians in North Carolina.
April 12. Easter. At five o’clock the congregation gathered in the Saal, and after the usual greeting went into procession to God’s Acre. The weather was fine.
Twenty-three Methodist preachers passed through on Good Friday on their way to Mr. McKnight’s to hold a Church Meeting as they call their conference, and stopped today on their return trip. The meeting had been called by Mr. Coke, who recently came from England to make a visitation among the Methodists in North Carolina. During the meeting seven deacons were ordained. They say that in addition to this church order, which is the lowest, they have elders (presbyters) and bishops. Mr. Coke claims to be a bishop, and this is confirmed by Mr. Astley, the leading preacher and superintendent among the Methodists here. From here Mr. Coke goes to Virginia, where he has called a meeting and will make a visitation; and he will continue his work through all the states as far as New England. The Methodists make such visitations here and there each year. This Mr. Coke was on a visitation last year to their mission in Antigua, as he told Br. Bagge during a friendly conversation. (They count 28,000 Negroes as belonging to their mission.) Mr. Boxter went a year ago to St. Vincent to found a Methodist mission there. Our Nachrichten mentioned him as having found it difficult in Antigua to discharge the functions of an ordained minister, although he had received written ordination from England. Mr. Coke knew about our Negro mission in Antigua, spoke kindly of the Brethren, and remembered with pleasure that Br. Marshall once showed him around our town here.

1799 Bethania Diary, page 2635, Records of the Moravians in North Carolina
Feb 24. Sunday A certain young man, who used to belong to us but has turned to the Methodists and serves them as a preacher, had announced a meeting for this place today. As no house was emptied for him he preached on the public street. As he did not begin until after our public service, and stopped soon after one o’clock, it did not disturb our meetings, which were attended by rather more people than is usual. We would be glad to forget this meeting, which was attended to annoy us, if he had not announced a similar meeting for two weeks hence.

Looking back to the last will and testament written by James Love Senior, before mentioning his children, James bequeathed two slaves for the use and benefit of seven people who were heavily involved in founding area Methodist churches. Imagining that John Love died and could likely be buried at Love’s Methodist Church, it is also possible that James Love Senior may be buried there as well. We know for sure that John’s son, John C. Love is buried at the church cemetery. As for John’s wife Ruth, Stokes County tax lists show she did not acquire any land until in 1800 there is a shift of 200 acres to her from her son James. She continues to appear in the lists until in 1807 she falls from record. In her place, son John Crook Love is taxed for Ruth’s 200 acres. Had Ruth died? Or had she given over land to her youngest son and then living in his household?

A series of land transactions in Stokes County provide proof as to the familial relations implied in the tax lists. Furthermore, the same records provide proof that James Love, Junior in the tax lists is not the son of James Love, Senior. Let’s take a look at these records:

Deed (3-208, Stokes NC) 22 Feb 1799, recorded Jun 1799. James Love, Junior of Stokes County sold two acres to Edward Cooley for twenty shillings. Situated on a branch of Muddy Creek, the land included the branch and cripple (low marshy land) and adjoined that owned by Reuben Crews and Edward Cooley. James Campbell, and Joshua Howell witnessed the transaction.
Deed (3-331, Stokes NC) 21 Jun 1800, recorded Sep 1800. James Love, Junior of Stokes to John Crook Love, a minor. James Love conveyed 200 acres, “being a moiety of a tract of land conveyed to the said James Love by a deed from Frederick William Marshall deeded the first day of September 1791.” The deed further states “that the said James Love Junior for and in consideration of the natural Love and affection which he hath and beareth unto his brother the said John Crook Love and for other good and valuable considerations…” Routh (x) Love and James Campbell witnessed the transaction.

James, the son of James Love Senior, acquired land in Cabarrus and Montgomery County NC. Cabarrus grew from Mecklenburg in 1792. Beginning in 1770/1772, a James Love and wife Elizabeth acquired land very near to where James, the son of James Love Senior is known to have eventually lived and died. Could this be James and Elizabeth Love, the parents of our James, John and Nancy Love? Knowing James and wife Elizabeth sold their land in 1772 Charlotte County Va, is it possible they did so after entering land in Mecklenburg County NC? Or… as the court order book indicates, in 1774, could James Love [Senior] have operated an Ordinary out of an older existing store and therefore need not acquire more land? And at this time, I am sure you ask what does all this have to do with the life story of John Love? Though the application to our story is faulty at best, there is a John Love acquiring land next to James Love in 1770’s Mecklenburg County NC. What’s more, a James Campbell lived near James and John Love. In 1782, this James Campbell wrote a will that was witnessed by John Love. Remember that John’s son John Crook Love married Flora Campbell, the daughter of Archibald Campbell? Well it is known that John C. Love’s father-in-law Archibald relocated to Iredell County NC by 1840. The children of James Campbell who died in Mecklenburg also settled nearby in Iredell. To add more suspense, an “Archibald Campbell” also left a will in 1780’s Mecklenburg. Living on Crooked Creek, this person named sons James and Andrew in his will. Deed and land grant records for Archibald, James and Andrew go back to now Union County South Carolina where in 1762 they received land on “Love’s Creek” of the Broad River. As found in The North Carolina Colonial Records, a 1754 diary of a presbyterian elder mentions his travels through the Rocky River area of then Anson County where he stayed at the home of “Osborne” before heading on to hear Rev. James Love who lived on the Broad River. It is a fact that a son of James and grandson of James Love Senior married a daughter of Christopher Osborne. Are we the first Love Family to settle in Mecklenburg County or could the Love’s from now South Carolina have been there first? And… could there be a familial relation between the two families? Though I have no idea as to weighing the truth of the matter, I do feel the need to present now the early records in Mecklenburg that may apply to our John Love, son of James Love Senior.

Records in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

On 2 Sep 1770 and recorded Jan 1772, James Love and John McEachin jointly purchased land (9-42, Mecklenburg NC) from James Caldwell and wife Elizabeth in Mecklenburg County NC. The witnesses were James Harris and Robert Harris. Being 140 acres, the tract was situated “near back creek two branches of Rocky River.” Flowing into Reedy Creek before emptying into the Rocky River, Back Creek flows east, passing just south of present day Harrisburg. The land was very near Rocky River Presbyterian Church. Dated 28 Nov 1776, James Love and John McEachin sold the very same tract (2-511, Mecklenburg NC) to John Davis. Witnesses were James Harris and Robert Rodgers.

In 1778, a petition from Mecklenburg County raises concerns of land use related to issues pertaining to the Revolutionary War. This petition was signed by James Love. The name of “Jno Love” appears nine signatures below the that of James. Also nearby are the signatures of John McEachern, Jas. Camble Junr and Andrw Campbell. One year after signing the petition, James Love entered for issuance of a land grant in Mecklenburg County. Entered 25 Feb 1779 and Surveyed 17 Mar 1780, James Love was issued a grant ( No. 3167, Mecklenburg NC) for 180 acres on 22 Oct 1782. This tract of land was situated on the west side of the Rocky River near Waddington’s land. The survey line runs to the river “at the swiarl hole thence down sd. River as it meanders to a white oak near [a] ford of sd. River.” The chain bearers were Wm. Mcanally and James Armstrong. On 22 Mar 1785, “James Love and wife Elizabeth” sold land (12 561, Mecklenburg NC) to Archibald McCurdy. Archibald was listed as “Blacksmith” in the deed. Granted to James and Elizabeth by Act of Assembly 1782, the 180 acres of land is situated on the west side of Rocky River by “The Swearl Pool” and near “a ford of sd. River.” It is near Waddonton’s land and adjoins that of William McAnulty. This is positively James Love’s grant # 3167. The transaction was witnessed by Will’m McAnulty, John White, and Archibald White.

On the same day that James Love entered land in Mecklenburg County, a John Love did the same. Dated 25 Feb 1779, John Love entered a grant for 100 acres on both sides of Rocky River adjoining lands belonging to John Rodgers, James Love and Thomas Watson. On 18 Mar 1780, the tract was surveyed by Zacheus Wilson to be actually 87 acres. The survey was for land “on both sides of Rocky River including his own improvement where he now lives.” James Martin and Charles Foster served as the surveyor’s chain bearers. Issued 9 Oct 1783, the tract was recorded as Secretary of State Land Grant No. 3224. Note that in 1776, Robert Rodgers witnessed the conveyance by James Love and John McEachin to John Davis.

Could this be James Love’s son John who married Ruth Crook? The early date makes it nearly impossible for John to be a grandson. Indicating he was not active in the community, John Love does not appear in the court records of Mecklenburg County. However, in 1789, “John Love and wife Elizabeth of Mecklinburg” sold his lands on Rocky River. The deeds are as follows:

Deed (13-659, Mecklenburg NC) Transaction date 28 Jul 1789, Recorded Jul 1789. John Love and Elizabeth his wife to Charles McCammon. The deed was for fifty-two acre on the south side of Rocky River that was part of the 87-acre tract. The tract adjoined lands owned by Archibald McCurdy and Thomas Watson. “John Rouch and J.” witnessed the transaction. Signed John Love and Eliz (x) Love.
Deed (13 –88, Mecklenburg NC) Transaction date 24 Oct 1789. John Love and ------- Elizabeth his wife freeholders of Mecklenburg to John White. Being 330 acres of land joining Rocky River, Cold Water Creek, and Buffalow Creek and adjoining lands belonging to James Campbell, John McCallum, and David Purrins. This tract was granted to John Love in 1787. Also sold was a tract of 35 acres adjoining the 330-acre tract and lands belonging to John Rodgers. The 35 acres is the remaining portion of John’s 1783 land grant for 87 acres.

Knowing our John Love’s wife is named Ruth, how could this “John and Elizabeth” be the son of James Love, Senior? And as had been made clear, it is known that James Love Senior’s son John died in Surry County NC prior to the 1789 selling of the above land. What’s more, “Ruth Love” settled his estate. This could not be the son of John married and selling his father’s interest as it is known that John Crook Love was identified as a “minor” in a 1799 transaction. If this John Love is not the son of our James Love Senior, then it is really possible that James and Elizabeth Love of early Rocky River may not be ours. That thought would significantly change ours beliefs as based on past histories. And if they are not our family, just who are they and what happened to them and their heirs? Where did they go and what records are left to define their roles in life?

About to fall into a trap of making more out of a document than should be, I was surprised upon closer inspection of the above early records pertaining to a Love family in Mecklenburg County NC. The vary first deed in that county for this family defines them as being from Cumberland County NC. Looking at records in Cumberland, we learn that James and "John Love" appear in land deeds and the 1767 tax list for that county. So while our Love family was up in Brunswick and just making a move west, it appears there was another Love family in Cumberland that was also about to make a move. To learn more, take a look at: James and John Love of Cumberland County NC.

So our John Love was likely born in Brunswick County VA where he married Ruth Crook. They moved to Charlotte County VA before settling breifly in Surry County NC. John died ca. 1786 leaving his wife Ruth to raise the family. She appears on the tax lists throughout the 1790's in the newly formed Stokes County. Ruth died ca. 1806 after raising her youngest son. She is likely buried in Stokes, now Forsyth County at the Methodist Church that is named for the Love family.

John and Ruth Crook Love raised the following children:

A. Sarah Love

B. James Love

C. Martha Love

D. John Crook Love

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