Claiborn-John-PV341S-1717-1785
John Claiborn (c. 1717-1785)
John Claiborn, born around 1717, likely lived until 1785. He married Jean Clarke (born around 1724) around August 1746. They had at least five children: John Clyburn (1747-1824), William Clyburn (1749-1821), Ephraim Clyburn (1751-1823), Joshua Clyburn (1753-1798), and Robert Cliburn (1755-1789).
- John Claiborn's father may have been a John Claiborne of Henrico, Virginia.
- John Claiborn's half-uncle was Joshua Stapp.
- John Claiborn's father-in-law was Robert Clark.
John Claiborn's origins are unclear. However, he may have arrived in Edgecombe County, North Carolina with his half-uncle, Joshua Stapp, who was granted land in Bertie County in 1739. DNA evidence suggests that John Claiborn descended from Edward Cleborn (1614-1662) of Virginia.
John Claiborn was involved in several property transactions in Halifax County, North Carolina. He witnessed a property transaction in 1762 at "Jack Swamp", likely present-day "Jack Horse Swamp" near Glenview, North Carolina. Later, in 1780, he witnessed the will of James Allen in Halifax County. John Claiborn's son, John Clyburn, moved south to Bladen and Robeson counties. John Claiborn's other sons, William and Joshua, also migrated south.
John Claiborn's life is not well documented. However, the available evidence reveals that he played a role in the early development of North Carolina. He participated in civic affairs by witnessing legal documents. His family contributed to the agricultural growth of the region.