Theophilus Weeks (1708 – January 1772)[1] was an early settler in the British colony of Province of North Carolina.
He served as a soldier in the French and Indian War, and he was the founder of the town of Swansboro, North Carolina.
In 1730, Benjamin Weeks moved the family to North Carolina, settling on Hadnots Creek.
The plantation was located on the Onslow (west) side of the mouth of the White Oak River, and was named “The Wharf.” Theophilus and Grace had at least four children.
[citation needed] At a court held 5 April 1743, Theophilus proved rights for eight white persons belonging to his family.
The religious affiliation of Theophilus Weeks is not known, however, he is descended from the Reverend John Robinson, pastor of the Pilgrims in Holland.
In 1751 Weeks petitioned the Onslow Court for permission to operate an ordinary, and he did receive a license to “keep an ordinary at his now dwelling place.”[3] The White Oak River flows into Bogue Inlet, and this suggests that port activity was thriving at the mouth of the river, and that the Weeks’ plantation was a favorite place for seafarers to visit.
His plantation, The Wharf, was an ideal location for trade and navigation, and as commerce increased, he saw the advantage it offered as a seaport.
They are known today as Front, Water, Elm, Moore, Main (originally Broad), and Church Streets.
When the Onslow Court met a few days later, Gillespie was appointed inspector for Bogue Inlet, “in the room of Theophilus Weeks, deceased.” His wife, Grace, died in August 1792.
As part of the Fourth of July celebration, a memorial marker was dedicated to Theophilus Weeks as founder of Swansboro.