John Crosskeys (1730-1791) of Colleton Co. SC and Jemina MANNING (1741-1794) had 3 children itdentifed so far as John Mell, Sarah (1762-1795) who m. (1) James Ladson, (2) Wm McCants (1756-1829)(Wm m. 2nd Ann RIVERS), and Ann "Nancy" (1764-1791)m.(1) Capt. Francis Fawson (2) Joseph McCants (1759-1818)(Joseph m. 2nd Hannah CULLIATT).

John Crosskeys has in his possession land of James LADSON. Sarah is mentioned in her father's will Sept. 29, 1789, and probated Feb 22, 1791. John Crosskeys also mentions his sons-in-law, William and Joseph McCants, Frances Ann Fawson and James McCants children of Nancy Ann Crosskeys and Joseph McCants.

Jemima Manning Crosskeys, wife of John, also mentions in her will made on Oct 4, 1794, and probated Apr 24 1795, her daughter, Sarah, and her children, Jemima and Thomas McCants.

Difficulty in determining relationships in the McCants lines is due to so many given names alike. Appreciate any clues in solving the Crosskeys-McCants Mystery.

What is the relationship of William McCants of Round O, near Parker's Ferry, ancestor of the Jacksonboro Branch, Colleton Co. SC to the immigrant David McCants d. 1759?

Based on information in An old family Bible (Stiles Rivers) indicates to some family members that William's father was James McCants, but this James could not be James McCants, Esq d. 1772, son of David, but possibly a brother or son of a brother of David's, a William d. 1734 in Williamsburg.

"William McCants was the son of James McCants an emigrant from IRE abt 1718. James McCants was killed by the fall of a tree and is buried at Burnt church".

The records of William McCants families of Colleton Co. indicate James McCants to be a contemporary of David McCants.

(src: 1. South Carolina Hist. Society, Charleston, SC filmed by the Genealogical Soc. Salt Lake City, Utah 1952
"McCants". 2. "A Traditional McCants Family History 1590-1988" By B. Theron McCants. Three Rivers Historical Society P. O. Box 811, Hemingway SC 29554.)