OCT 21 1786: "William ASHLEY to John SMITH,Sr of Sullivan Co, TN by his Atty John WILLIS of Bladen Co - lands between Ashepole and Drowning Creek adj. lands of Edward FLOWERS. Wit Andrew GRIFFIN & James GRIFFIN" - (BLADEN CO NC DEEDS - BK 1 P.296)

Question: How did Wm ASHLEY get Ashepople - Drownig Creek land prior to 1786? Why was Wm ASHLEY selling to John SMITH SR of Sullivan Co TN. Was there some family connection with this SMITH?