The first record of land transfer involving the island, found in Beaufort County Deed Book 1, shows that the 2400 acre island was first patented by Farniford Green in January 1708 and was transferred to Thomas Sparrow through William Brice on the same day. Sparrow, who paid ten pounds for the island, sold it to Thomas Pollock for one hundred and thirty pounds on July 14, 1714. At this time it was known as Craney Island.
Ebenezer Harker purchased Craney Island from Pollock in 1730.
There is no evidence that any of the first three generations of Harkers ever referred to the island by any name other than Craney Island, although the name Harkers Island was appearing on maps by1808. However, the name Craney Island still appeared in deed transfers into the early 20th century.
History information researched and provided by Rose Griffin, a native
daughter born on and still living on Harkers Island.