TF 141  The Family of James G. Todd b 1760-1770 d 1849

Came from New York to Russell Co VA by 1804, possibly with a sojourn in North Carolina in the 1790s.

Rev October 2008 , December 2010

 

**

Note that later DNA research showed that the Joseph Todd who appears in the 1804 tax list was probably a brother of James G. Todd and that he went to KY about 1810, settling in Adair County, Wayne County and then Pulaski County, KY where he died about 1827.  This family shares a similar DNA pattern with a family from Co Armagh in northern Ireland,

**

James G. Todd (1770-1849) of Russell and Washington Co VA appears to have been born in New York, had a sojourn in North Carolina in the 1790s as a young man, then migrated to Russell Co VA about 1802 and to Washington Co, VA about 1832 dying there in 1849, almost 80 years old.   He was a farmer and a mill owner.  His long life was characterized by one marriage and several liaisons with neighboring women from which came numerous children.  Some of these he provided well for in his will and others received a very limited inheritance or nothing at all.

 

His birth year is based on census records:  the 1830 census says 1760-70 and the 1840 census says 1770-1780.  His birth place in New York is based on the 1880 census for his son William Todd which listed his father’s birthplace as NY.  

 

Just before James Todd arrived in Russell Co or perhaps at the same time, Joseph Todd showed up in the tax lists of 1801.   DNA of a descendant of this Joseph matches descendants of James G. Todd, hence he is definitely kin, and most likely a younger brother to James.  This Joseph married around 1800 to Charity Henninger, probably a daughter of the Henningers of Washington County.  In 1810, he and his family left Virginia and went to Kentucky.    He seems to have settled initialy in Adair County and then he went in 1827 to Pulaski County Kentucky where he soon died.  More information about Joseph is contained in the essay on the Todds of Washington Co VA and Pulaski County KY.

 

James Todd arrived in Russell Co Virginia by 1802 (as evidenced by tax lists 1800-1810), at the age or 32 or so.   He seems to have spent some time in North Carolina in the 1790s (based on his naming Gaspar Todd in his will and the only Gaspar Todd in the region being Gaspar Todd in Stokes/Forsythe Co NC born 1797 in North Carolina).   In Virginia, he seems to have lived with his wife Lucy b 1783-1789 who was probably his second wife (because she would have been too young to have been the mother of Gaspar b 1797) and had a son Joseph in 1808.   Lucy was identified as widow of James Todd in the estate settlement records and lived with her son Joseph in Russell County.  She appeared in the tax lists in 1824, but probably separated from James prior to that.

 

A few years after Joseph’s birth, James had a liaison with a neighbor Catherine (Kirk) Trout, widow of Phillip Trout d 1807 and fathered a daughter Elizabeth born about 1813 or 1815.    Census records and death record give her approximate birth year.  She may be the Elizabeth Trout bound out due to poverty in 1815; as orphan of Catherine Trout, she chose as guardian John Grizzle in 1829.   She moved with William Grizzel, nephew of her guardian, to Lawrence Co KY by November 1829 when she had a daughter Sarah Jane Grizzel.    By 1840, William had died and she was listed in the 1840 census in Floyd Co KY.  In 1846, she married Emanuel Moles and they died in Floyd County in 1894.   Her son John Grizzel b 1830 left a death certificate identifying her as Elizabeth Todd and her daughter Frances Moles b 1842 left a death certificate identifying her as Elizabeth Trout.  

 

Shortly after having fathered Elizabeth, James also seems to have fathered sons Lewis about 1814 and William about 1815, presumably also with Catherine Trout.     In 1824, Lewis Trout and William Trout were bound out to the overseer of the poor and they were identified as children of Barbara Trout deceased.  However, it was Catherine Trout who died in 1824; Barbara was not deceased and reportedly married Jesse Fraley in 1826.   Since we find no later mention of this Lewis Trout in public records, we assume this is the man who marries in Floyd Co KY in 1837. 

 

The only other evidence for linking Lewis Todd to James G Todd is that DNA from Lewis Todd’s family matches that of William Todd’s family.  So they share a common ancestor and could be brothers.  There is also some geographic evidence.  Lewis Todd married in 1837 in Floyd Co KY where members of the Trout family had migrated by 1830 and where Elizabeth Trout/Todd Grizzel settled by 1840.   We have not yet found Lewis in the census in 1830 but suspect he is living with kin.

 

The assumption that Lewis Trout and William Trout became accepted by their father and took the Todd name is just a conjecture.   We have no firm evidence to support this though it is a plausible interpretation of the evidence we do have.  William Todd b 1815 inherited the family farm but Lewis was not even mentioned in James Todd’s 1849 will. 

 

There is some evidence that Lewis was living with James Todd in 1820.  The 1820 census indicates that James Todd had 3 young males under 10 living with him in 1820 which could include Lewis, William and an unknown third brother.   There were a series of guardians for the Trout family:  On 6 October 1812, Henry Dickinson was appointed guardian of all 5 Trout children. Then on 6 June 1815, Edward Campbell was appointed guardian of all 5 Trout children.   Finally, in 1817,  Christopher Chaney, assumed son of Catherine Trout by Abel Chaney of Wythe County, assumed guardianship of the 5 Trout children.     However, the bounding out of her children in 1824 (if they were Todds) means that at least for a while James Todd did not provide for them and might reflect a separation from her.  Or perhaps he took the two boys in and continued to live with Lucy and son Joseph and then disowned them when Catherine died and he separated from Lucy. 

 

Lucy Todd, assumed to be mother of Joseph b 1808, appears in the tax records in 1824 (when Joseph would have been 16) and is later found in the 1850 census living with this Joseph.  She was definitely separated from him by 1824, but we don’t know when between 1808 and 1824, she did so.  She may have separated about the time or before he took up with Caty Trout.  As widow of James Todd, she successfully challenged the will’s bequest of land in Washington County to William Todd and was granted a portion of the land by the court  She later sold this land.

 

James’ may have had a daughter Elizabeth born between 1822 and 1826, based on his mentioning her in his will, as Elizabeth Gobble, wife of Samuel Gobble.  He would not have had two daughters named Elizabeth by the same woman; so if this is his daughter, it was by an unknown mother other than Caty Trout.

 

In 1828, he fathered a daughter named Virginia Powers with a 17 year old young woman, Catherine Powers b 1811, daughter of Peter Powers of Little Moccassin Gap, on the Washington County side of the Russell Co/Washington County line.    He bequeathed Catherine his mill and included Virginia Powers as a beneficiary in his estate.  Virginia is listed on the estate settlement as Virginia Todd.  The will also includes Sarah Powers as a beneficiary; so she might be a daughter as well.  We find a Sarah Powers b 1833 in Russell Co living with the family of Michael Lark but we have no knowledge of whether this Sarah Powers is the one mentioned in the will.

 

In 1831, he appears to have fathered Mary Newberry who he explicitly identifies in his will as “my daughter” presumably to assure that the bequest was not challenged by his other kin.  The only Mary Newberry in the 1850 census who was in the area was Mary Newberry daughter of Elizabeth Newberry who in 1831 was living in Scott County with her husband Henry, about 15 miles SW of his home in Russell Co.

 

By 1832, we find that James had moved to Washington County where he died in 1849.

 

His will makes land bequests to William (his plantation), Catherine Powers (his mill) and Mary Newberry (his land in Russell County).  His personal estate is to be divided amongst the following:  Gaspar Todd, Joseph Todd, Elizabeth Gobble, wife of Samuel Gobble, Virginia Powers and Sarah Powers,  James G. Todd son of William Todd.  Joseph Todd and Virginia Powers are known to be children of James and James G. Todd is a grandson.   We assume that Elizabeth is a daughter.  The Sarah Powers can not be identified as a child of James, but there is a Sarah Powers in Russell Co who would be the right age to be a beneficiary and a daughter.  We assume Gaspar Todd is a son and possibly the Gaspar Todd of NC.

 

 

There is one Todd that might be related to James G Todd for which we don’t have enough information to definitively identify.  

·                     Jane Todd b 1780-1790 who was in Russell Co in 1817 with a young infant but no apparent husband.

·                     A John Todd bastard son of Elizabeth Todd was bound out in 1839.    

 

 

(See will of James Todd on page 15)

The death record of Elizabeth Todd Grizzel’s son John Grizzel in KY which identified his mother as Elizabeth Todd)  indicated a birth in 1812 which is too early for her to have been child of Gaspar born 1797.  Since Sarah Jane Grizzel was born in Nov 1829 in KY, Elizabeth was married sometime before Jan 1829 as a fairly young girl, perhaps only 16.  Yet Elizabeth might have been in Russell Co when she married, assuming that this is where she married Wm Grizzel before migrating to Lawrence Co KY and appearing in the census there in 1830.   The tax lists for Russell Co shows that William was there in 1828 and 1829 but not thereafter.

 

 

Law Order Bk 6 Pg 3 and 6

December 2, 1817

.....accusations of being a person of bad fame and for creating disturbances between husbands and wives, term of 12 months and a day or $50 security.  not being able to find such security, remands to jail for term until security given.

 

December 3, 1817

 Life of an infant now at the breast of the defendant may be perhaps endangered by her imprisionment. released until further noticed.

 

 

Lewis does not appear in the 1830 census with James and we know not of his whereabouts until he marries in Floyd Co KY in 1837.  The 1850 census states his birth as Virginia.  It is tempting to assume he is one of the males living with Gaspar Todd in Stokes Co NC in 1830 but there is no supporting evidence for this and one of those males was still in NC in 1840.

 

So in sum, this appears the most reasonable conjecture to fit together these Todd family members.  However, keep in mind, that it is mostly conjecture without enough evidence to be sure of it.

 

The mysterious Gaspar Todd of NC has some loose ends that are not possible to flesh out.

 

Gaspar Todd 1797 -1871 was buried in a Moravian cemetery in Stokes Co/later Forsyth Co NC along with his first wife Anna Susannah Folts 1798-1849 and an unknown Caroline Todd 1822.  We suspect this was a daughter which reflects his presence in NC by 1822.  He does not appear in the Virginia census in 1820 as a household or with James Toddd; he does not appear in the census for Stokes Co NC.    

 

The 1830 census for Gaspar shows two unknown males one born 1800-1810 and another born 1815-1820 and the 1840 census shows only one of these listed as born 1800-1810.  We suspect these are brothers or nephews rather than sons based on their ages and Gaspar’s age making Gaspar too young to have fathered them.    His estate settlement lists only his step children by his second wife Rachel.  There is no record in Stokes or Forsyth Co of these males.   The census could be interpreted to mean that the older male was born 1810 and appeared in the census as b 1800-1810 in 1830 and 1810-1820 in 1840 and that the younger male b 1815-1820 in the 1830 census was not in the household in 1840.  Or the census could be interpreted that the older male 1800-1810 was not in the 1840 census and that the younger male appeared in 1830 as b 1815-1820 and in 1840 as b 1810-1820.  In either case, neither of these Todds left records.

 

Ibelieve there was a Nathan Todd in the Moravian records around 1804 but I have misplaced these records.

 

 

Detailed Discussion

 

 

James G. Todd b 1760-1770

            1.  (Possible son Gaspar per will of James G Todd, possibly Gaspar b 1797 of NC)

            Md (1) Lucy _____ b 1779-1783

            2. Joseph b 1808 (based on will and estate settlement with Lucy LNU

            3.  Elizabeth b 1813/1815 with Caty Trout

            4.  Lewis b 1814 (w Caty or Barbara Trout)

            5.  William b 1815 (w Caty or Barbara Trout)

            6.   Elizabeth b 1822/1824/1826 md 1842 Samuel Gobble b 1818 (with unknown mother)

            7.  Virginia Powers b 1829/30 (w Catherine Powers b 1811 VA (dau of Peter Powers of                            Little  Mocassin Gap Washington Co), md Robert Fleenor 1856

            8.   Sarah Powers b 1833? (possible daughter with Catherine Powers)

            9.   Mary Newberry b 1831  (with  Elizabeth Newberry b 1806 ? Wife of Henry Newberry

                        of Scott County (abt 15 miles sw of Todd lands in Russell Co) md Wm H Bond                            1856

 

Jane Todd b 1780-1790,

            Infant b abt 1817

 

Elizabeth  (Todd) Gobble is listed in the various censuses as born 1822, 1824, 1826 though one internet source reports an exact date in 1828.  Since she married in 1842, the earlier dates seems more like.  

 

Westley Fleenor, brother of Robert Fleenor husband of Virginia Powers of the will, lived not far from James G. Todd’s son William in 1850.

 

James Todd moved to Little Moccasin Gap by 1832 and been close to Catherine Powers though we can not find her in the census in 1850 but perhaps she was the woman and her daughter the young female living with James in 1840.

 

The Sarah Powers mentioned in the will remains a mystery.  There is a Sarah Powers age 17 in the 1850 census in Russell Co living with Michael Lark.  There is also a Sarah Gobble who married a Powers.  Sarah was reported to be a Gobble and a second cousin once removed of the Samuel Gobble who married Elizabeth Todd.  However, it is unclear why he would have bequeathed a part of his estate to Sarah.  Sarah and her husband were living next door to Robert and Virginia Fleenor in 1880.   The young girl seems a more likely beneficiary.

 

Law Book 9 Page 96:

 

1829

Present Larkin Herndon, absent Robert Fugate gent justices.  Elizabeth Trout an infant, and orphan of Katherine Trout decd., being of the age of 14 years, and upwards came into court and made choice of John Grizzle for her guardian, which choice the court approves of, and thereupon the said John Grizzle with William Grizzle his security entered into and acknowledged a bond according to law in the sum on One Hundred dollars.

 

 

***

 

It would be valuable to get the deeds for the sale of land by Catherine Powers and Mary (Newberry) Bond, presumably in Washington Co, though possibly in Russell Co., VA.

 

***

 

James G Todd 1820 census Russell Co VA 300001-10001

This says James had three sons b 1810-1820.  If one of these is Joseph b 1808 and one is William b 1815, then there is a missing son.   And that James is born prior to 1775.

 

James G Todd 1830 Russell Co VA 000100001-10001

This says James had only one son born 1810-1815, presumably William.  The other either having died or serving as an apprentice or living with an estranged wife.  He also has a daughter born 1820-1830, presumably Virginia b 1829 by Catherine Powers.  James is 60-70 hence born 1760-1770.

 

James G Todd 1840 Washington Co

James G Todd 000000001-1110001

Here he is 60-70 =>born 1770-1780 with a wife 40--50=>1790-1800, son willliam lives next door with his wife, young son and daughter, otherwise no sons; and three daughters born 1825-30, 1830-35, 1835-40.  These daughters do not seem to be consistent with the rest of the marriages/separations, though Virginia was born 1829 and Mary Newberry born 1831. 

           

James G Todd arrived in Russell Co in 1804.  Census of his son William says James was born in NY and mother in PA.

*** 

James G. Todd

            (Wm 1850, 1860=Washington Co, VA; 1880 Fentress Co, TN)

William TODD   b 1815   VA   NY   PA md             Amanda TODD          b 1821   VA   NY PA VA 

                        Algerion TODD          b 1838   VA   VA   VA 

                        Sarah TODD               b 1839         VA      VA   VA 

                        Catherine TODD   DauL   (38) 1842   VA   Keeping House   VA   VA 

                                    William TODD   (18 )             1862   VA   VA   VA 

                                    Stephen TODD   B     1870  VA     md Gracie b 1870

                                                Burton 1891

                                                            Phillip Arthur 1919

                                                            Gracie

                                                Tinna E 1900

                                    Martin L. TODD   B   1873 TN    

                                    (Martin L 44                (1876) TN TN VA md Rose B b 1876  

                                                Mary 1897/1893

(Nancy E. TODD   (18) 1862  Other   TN   TN   TN  )

                        James 1842 md Mary b 1835 VA fb Scotland mb VA

                                    Sarah b 1862 VA

                                    Josephene  b 1873 TN

Issac N. b 1844 md Alezann b 1845 VA (r 1880 North Fork, Washington Co, VA; 1920 Fentress Co, TN)

                                    Martha J. 1866

                                    Daniel A. 1868 md Sallie E. Kestner b 1876

                                                Bonnie L. 1894

                                                Gale H (son) 1900

                        Martha 1845

                        Stephen 1847

                        (Fentress 1880, 1900, 1910)

Stephen TODD   1850  VA   VA   VA  (1) Tabitha Jane TODD   B 1855   VA   vA   VA  10 ch/8 alive

                                    Daniel R 1868/1870 TN VA  VA md Lottie 1872 (1920 Fentress Co, TN)

                                                Thomas 1902

                                                Several girls

                                    Martha TODD   1870 TN      VA   VA 

                                    Andrew TODD   1873 TN      VA   VA 

                                                Wilburn E.       1893 md 1920

                                                            Arnold 1928

                                                Henry E.          1896

                                                Emma E          1903

                                                Clary U           1906

                                                Jo___ia            1909

                                    Joanna TODD   1874 TN      VA   VA 

                                    Jacson TODD   1876 TN      VA   VA 

 Amanda TODD   1879  TN      VA   VA 

                                    Bruno W. 1882 md Verna                 

                                                Earl 1904/5

                                                Claud 1907/8

                                                Herman 1909/10 (see below)

                                                Lester/John Lester 1911 d 2 May 1999 Harriman, Roane Co, TN

                                                            Wilma md Howard Cofer (Rockwood)

                                                            Peggy md James McCullough (Rockwood)

                                                            Glenda md Ken Barnes (Sweetwater:  see below)

                                                            Donna md Cunningham (Harriman)

                                                            John Lester (dec’d) md Pauline (Nashville)

                                                            Hobert md Barbara (rockwood) (see below)

                                                            Gary md Linda (Tuscon, AZ) (see below)

                                                            Steve md Rosemary (Harriman)

Nina 1914

                                                Willis 1915

                                                Carson 1917 d 26 Jan 2002 Oliver Springs, Morgan Co. TN

                                                            Md Helen?

                                    Luther I/Ira L. 1892

                                                Charlie L. 1916

                        Willis E. 1850

                        Rachel 1852

                        William 1854 VA VA VA  md Vandora 1873

                                    Viola B 1893

                                    John M 1895

                                    Maggie 1901

                                    Lloyd ? Honbia?  1903

                                    Ruth 1905

                                    Altha P 1909

                                    Curtis A 1911

                                    Earnest L 1913

                        Mary 1856

                        Amanda 1860

***

Other Fentress Co, Todds

                        Margarett TODD   B 1850 VA   VA   --- 

 James TODD   1869Y VA   VA   VA 

`                                   Franklin TODD   1872   TN      VA   VA 

                                    Nancy TODD   1874  TN      VA   VA 

            Thomas TODD   1878 tN      VA   VA 

            Calvin TODD   1878 W   2   TN      VA   VA 

 

Russell County Todds

______(probably James G)  md Lucy b 1783/1779

            Joseph Todd b 1808 md  Elizabeth 1804 (still in Lebanon 1870)

                        Charity 1834

                        James 1835 md Elizabeth 1836

                                    Albert F  1858  md Mary

                                                William 1879

                                    (Henry Jesse b 1845)

                                    Robert  1861

                                    Joseph 1865

                                    James 1867 (James M 1868?)

                                                Alda (daugthter in law)

                                                            James A. 1916 (grandson)

                        Charles J. 1836

                        Obedience 1837

                        Catherine 1839

                        Cynthia 1841

                        Joseph 1845

                        Elizabeth 1847

                        Elihu 1849 md Margaret ( no children in 1900)

                        Ellen 1844

 

Russell 1880

 

            Melvin  1867 Eliza 1865

                        Lacy B  Mar 1891 (son)

            Brother

                        Bessie 1888

           

 

*** 

Obit for John Lester Todd

Knoxville News-Sentinel, The (TN) - May 3, 1999

 

Deceased Name: TODD, REV. JOHN LESTER 

 

TODD, REV. JOHN LESTER, SR. - age 87, of the Marshall C. Voss Health Care Center, formerly of Harriman, passed away Sunday, May 2nd, in the health care center. He was a member of the Lakeview Baptist Church, retired butcher in Harriman and a Baptist minister for 57 years. He was preceded in death by parents, Bruner and Verna Key Todd; wife, Dovie Todd; son, John Lester Todd, Jr.; grandson, Clarence Ray McCullough; brothers, Earl, Willie, Claude Todd; sister, Levine Todd. Survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Wilma and Howard Cofer, Peggy and James (Junior) McCullough, all of Rockwood, Glenda and Ken Barnes, Sweetwater, Donna Cunningham, Harriman; daughter-in-law, Pauline Todd, Nashville; sons and daughters-in-law, Hobert and Barbara Todd, Rockwood, Gary and Linda Todd, Tucson, Ariz., Steve and Rosemary Todd, Harriman; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Herman Todd, Harriman, Carson Todd, Oliver Springs; sisters, Nina Hall, Deer Lodge, Ina Jane Rhymer, Crossville. Funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Evans Mortuary with Rev. Ted Clower, Rev. Greg Kelley and Mark McCullough officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the Evans Mortuary. Evans Mortuary of Rockwood is serving the family of Rev. John Lester Todd, Sr.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

 

Knoxville News-Sentinel, The (TN)

Date: May 3, 1999

Edition: Final

Page: A9

Copyright (c) 1999 The Knoxville News-Sentinel

 

**

1815 Russell County Tax Assessments

http://www.rootsweb.com/~varussel/census/1815taxassessments.html

JAMES TODD, one farm on the waters of Ceder [Cedar] Creek, 70 acres having thereon one dwelling house of wood, one story, 20 feet by 18 feet, one stable, valued at $140.

CATY TROUT, one farm on the headwaters of Little Ceder [Cedar] Creek, 150 acres having thereon one dwelling house of wood, one story, 15 feet square, valued at $150.

JOHN PRESTON, different tracts of land containing 830 acres valued at $800, no locations given.

ROBERT PRESTON, different tracts of land containing 3779 acres valued at $630, no locatons given..

WALTER PRESTON, two tracts containing 1092 acres valued at $500, no locations given; "not entered in the non resident book."

**

MARY ELIZABETH TODD WAS BORN 06 DEC 1828 IN RUSSELL CO., VA AND DIED 1886  SHE MARRIED SAMUEL GOBBLE 11 AUG 1842, SON OF ABRAHAM GOBBLE AND MARGARET PHELPS.  HE WAS BORN 07 FEB 1818 IN WASHINGTON CO., VA.  I ASSUME SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF JAMES G. TODD. 

 *This would have made her 14 years old at marriage and contradicts the census records which report birth 1822 to 1826.

 

THERE ALSO WAS A GASPER TODD (NOT A COMMON NAME) BORN IN 1797.

From Frances Lancaster

**

I CAME UPON A SITE OF GRAYSON COUNTY, VA WHICH STATED CATY KIRK AND PHILLIP TROUT MARRIED ON JUNE 2, 1795.  PHILLIP DIED AROUND 1808

From frances Lancaster

**

1870 Census North Fork, Washington Co,  VA

 

Fleenor, Robert R 48 b Virginia

Fleenor, Virginia 41 b Virginia (b 1829)

Powers, Catherine 59 b Virginia

 

So this would mean, if the Powers family historians are correct, that Catherine never married and that she was born 1811, dau of Peter Powers who lived in Moccasin Gap, Washington Co not far from James Todd in Russell Co.   

 

 

 

1880

Robert R. FLEENOR   Self   M   Male   W   57   VA   Farmer   VA   VA 

 Virginia FLEENOR   Wife   M   Female   W   50   VA   Keeping House   VA   VA  (b 1830)

 Levie E. FLEENOR   Mother   W   Female   W   78   VA      VA   VA 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source Information:

  Census Place North Fork, Washington, Virginia

  Family History Library Film   1255394

  NA Film Number   T9-1394

  Page Number   183D     

 

**

Samuel GOBBLE   Self   M   Male   W   62   VA   Farmer   MD   VA 

 Elizabeth GOBBLE   Wife   M   Female   W   58   VA   Keeping House   VA   VA  (b 1822)

 Samuel C. GOBBLE   Son   S   Male   W   23   VA   Farm Laborer   VA   VA 

 Sintha J. GOBBLE   Dau   S   Female   W   15   VA      VA   VA 

 Martin E. GOBBLE   Son   S   Male   W   12   VA   Works On Farm   VA   VA 

 Charlie M. GOBBLE   Son   S   Male   W   8   VA      VA   VA 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source Information:

  Census Place North Fork, Washington, Virginia

  Family History Library Film   1255394

  NA Film Number   T9-1394

  Page Number   181D    

**

Mary Newberry 1850 census

 

Elizabeth J Newberry  44 b Russell Co

Jasper P.A. Newberry 18 b Scott Co (1832)

Forset N 16 b ditto (1834)

Lucy I/S 12  b ditto (b 1838)

Esther 10 b ditto (b1840)

Mary E Newberry 19 b ditto  (b 1831)

Eliza McGee 19 b ditto

**

1840 Scott Co VA

Elizabeth Newberry  1112-211001 (Eliz 30-40=>1800-1810; eldest sons b 1820-25, m 1825-30, m 1830-35 (Jasper) m 1835-40( Forest?)

 

1830 Scott Co Va

Henry Newberry 110001-20001  (Henry b 1790-1800 wife b 1800-1810; m b 1820-25; m b 1825-30, 2xf b 1820-30)

 

1820 Scott Co Va

Robert Newberry  401010-03010 

**

Mary Newberry (abt 1835 Wise Co) md 1856 Willam H Buck Bond (George Bond & Lucy Powers)

           

**

One of the gaps in our research is that we have no deed records of what happened to the land bequeathed to Catherine Powers and the  land bequeathed to Mary Newberry.

 

Mary Newberry married W. H. Bond and hence the land was probably sold by him or the Bond family at some point.  Finding such a deed would prove whether or not the Mary Newberry identified as the daughter of Elizabeth Newberry was indeed the daughter of James Todd or whether there is another Mary Newberry that we haven’t located as yet.

 

MARY ELIZABETH BOND, SLANT VIRGINIA

Mary Elizabeth Bond was born in June 1831 and she departed this life November the 23rd, 1925.
She was united in holy matrimony to Rev,W.H. Bond, a preacher of the Methodist Prostestant church, who rode the mountains of Virginia and Tennessee carrying the message of love and truth and who left her in 1913.
To this union were born six boys and three girls. Mrs Bond professed faith in Christ in early life and lived a devoted Christian life. She was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, where she leaves many friends and relations behind.
May God's blessings rest with them all.

R.M. Eller
Pastor of Rye Cove Circuit

Per Rootsweb Aaronodette@hotmail.com 2002

 

Henry Clay Newberry married Elizabeth Dickerson in 1821 in Scott Co VA. 

           

***

HC Newberry had prior and subsequent wives to Permelia Ann Reynolds.He
evidently failed to mention this to Permelia when they married;shortly after
they were married a young man about Permelia's age appeared at thedoor asking
for Mr. Newberry. When Permelia asked his business he responded thathe was
Mr. Newberry's oldest son. This supposedly was the first she hadheard about
any prior marriages. They later divorced. Both remarried; Permeliaat least
twice. Henry Clay is supposed to be buried at Ft. Washita, most ofwhich is
under Lake Texoma nowadays. There is some kind of monument or marker
declaring the site of Ft. Washita but no information yet on who may beburied
there.
HC's marriage certificate states he married Permelia on 15 jan 1847and that
HC was "of Withe (Wythe?) County.

 

 

***

 

HI Tammy,

I think you're onto something.  I think you have found all three of the Powers mentioned in the will of James G. Todd.

 

The Catherine Powers who married Reuben Powers b 1814 was in Wise Co in 1860 and 1870 but in Russell Co in 1850. and in 1870 was still living with her children HIram, Olley/Oliver, John, Rhode and Missouri.    This Catherine is listed as born KY 1807 in 1850 Russell Co census, born VA 1807 in 1860 Wise Co census, and born OH in 1810 in 1870 Wise Co Census.  She does not have a daughter Virginia in the 1850 census.

 

This seems to be a different Catherine Powers that the one in Washington Co in 1870 born 1811 VA even though she is the same age. 

 

There are two Sarah Powers:  One who is in Wise Co in 1870 b 1808 TN, and the other the wife of Henry Powers who is in Washington Co in 1850, 1860 and 1870 b VA 1809.

 

Virginia and Robert are living in Washington Co still in 1880 with Robert's mother Livie B b 1802  next door to Henry and Sarah.

 

So I would conclude that Sarah Powers of the will is Sarah b 1809 VA who married Henry Powers b 1804; that Catherine is her sister-in-law b 1811 VA; and that Virginia is the daughter of Catherine and that Virginia married Robert Fleenor between 1860 and 1870 based on their having no children.  Robert is single living alone in 1850 in WAshington Co.

 

The work of Janet Powers Maune Email: budmaune@aol.com indicates that Henry Powers b 1808 was the brother of Catherine Powers b 1811.  Sarah was Sarah Gobble, supposedly a second cousin once removed to Samuel Gobble who married Mary Elizabeth Todd.

 

**

  

Hi Mindy,

You are doing `!  Thanks so much for the will! and the estate record!

 

1.  Please include Frances Lancaster are your email list as she has done consdierable research on this family and she (or her husband)is a definite descendant.

 

2.  Frances also has the folowing:

 

Deeds Book 20, p 403 (could this be Washington Co?

 

29 October 1850..we..have laid off and assigned to Lucinda Todd, widow of James G Todd deceased, her dower in the said tract of land of which the said James G. Todd died possessed and willed to William Todd.

and

At a Court held for Washington County the 27th day of November 1851 this assignment of dower to Lucinda Todd widow of James Todd, deceased...

 

Deeds, Russell Book 12, p 463

December 16, 1850, Lucy Todd, wife of James G Todd deceased sold 14-3/4 acres of land William W. H. Browning but in all reality about 22 acres for $10.00.

 

 

 

3.  We very much need a copy of this marriage record you refer to.  Is there any way you could get a copy of it? 

 

4.  It is beginning to look to me like James G. Todd and Catherine Powers had a daughter Virginia.  And the confusion of names is either because James G was not married to Catherine or because of marriage divorce or separation.  Virginia is named Virginia Powers in the will, but Virginia Todd in the estate sale.  Virginia Powers' marriage record refers to James as James G. Powers rather than James G. Todd. 

 

5.  The deed books of Russell Co should/might have the sale of land  of James G Todd to Mary Newberry or perhaps at least have some record of the sale of land by Mary Newberry or other Newberry or perhaps by Mary Bond or William H Bond.  This woud require going through all the Newberry and Bond deeds in the index to Russell Co deeds.  However there aren't many Newberry's or Bonds in Russell Co.

 

6.  I have attached another file of the Newberry's.  It looks to me like Mary Newberry b 1831 is the daughter of Elizabeth J. (Dickson or Dickerson) Newberry and possibly James Todd.  That Elizabeth Newberry and her children (including Mary b 1831 and Jasper b 1832/3) were living in Russell Co in 1850 census and the census shows that Elizabeth was born in Russell Co and the children in Scott Co, vA.  This family shows up in Scott Co in 1840 with Elizabeth as head of family.  Her husband was Henry Clay Newberry b 1799 Wythe Co? VA and in 1830 Henry was in Scott Co.   Now Henry seems to have left his wife Elizabeth and moved to Botetourt Co where he married Parmelia Reynolds in 1847; then in 1855 went to MO and by 1860 were in Montague Co, TX.  Elizabeth's son Jasper went to MO also and by 1860 Jasper's widow was in Dent Co. Mo.  The attached describes Henry's not telling his wife Permelia about his prior marriage.

 

 IF James G Todd and Elizabeth Newberry had a child Mary Newberry in 1831, then it was during the period that Henry and Elizabeth were married.

 

7.  So here is what it looks like to me, building on what Mindy and others have found and said:

 

James G. Todd b 1760-1770 (most likely 1770)

    ?Gasper b 1799 NC? (lived in Stokes Co NC)

    Joseph b 1808 VA (mother Lucy b 1783)

     Elizabeth b 1813

    Lewis 1814

    William b 1815

    Elizabeth b 1822 md 1842 to Samuel Gobble b 1818 VA.

    Virginia b 1829 (mother Catherine Powers b 1811 VA dau of Peter Powers of Little Moccasin Gap, Washington Co VA) md Robert Fleenor 1856, r Washington Co VA 1860 & 1870

            Sarah Powers b 1833

    Mary b 1831 (mother Elizabeth (Dickson or Dickerson) Newberry b 1804 VA, abandoned (between 1837 and 1840) wife of Henry C. Newberry of Wythe and Scott Co Va). Mary md Rev W.H. Bond in 1855.  Elizabeth Newberry was linving near W.H. and Mary E. Bond in 1860 in Wise Co, VA)  Scott and Wise Co are just west and SW from Russell co.

 

DEbbie FErguson on Rootsweb reports the wives as:  Lucinda UNK, Catherine Trout, and Elizabeth Kirk.

 

What we have constructed above is:  Lucinda UNK b 1783, Catherine Powers b 1811 and Elizabeth Dickerson Newberry b 1804.  So that is nice and consistent as far as first lines.It is too bad that Debbie's computer crashed or perhaps we would have a better idea of where the wives' last names came from. 

 

Frances, do you have any information about where the wives' names came from?

 

Puzzles:

 

1.  Kirk connection

I can not figure out who Elizabeth Kirk was.  The Caty Kirk 1795 marriage to Phillip Trout d 1808 would make her born 1775-1780; so she is not the Catherine Powers b 1811, mother of Virginia, though Caty Kirk Trout is probalby the Caty Trout living near to James G. Todd in Russell Co in 1815.  It is tempting to assert that Elizabeth Kirk is Elizabeth Newberry, but this would only work if Elizabeth Dickerson's maiden name were Kirk or if Dickson/dickerson is an error in the records of Carly Crisswell or whoever was the original source of this.

 

 

 

2. I still am not sure about Lewis.

 

James G Todd 1820 census Russell Co VA 300001-10001

This says James had three sons b 1810-1820.  If one of these is Joseph b 1808 and one is William b 1815, then there is a missing son.  

 

James G Todd 1830 Russell Co VA 000100001-10001

This says James had only one son born 1815-1820, presumably William.  The other either having died or serving as an apprentice or living with an estranged wife.  He also has a daughter born 1820-1830, presumably Virginia b 1829 by Catherine Powers.

 

Lewis could fit in here, but the 1830 census seems to have only one child.  As we all know, the DNA will help with this one.

 

 

Richard

I also have an inventory and who bought what.

 

I will try to type this out later.  Worth noting at first glance.

 

Joseph Todd purchased the Family Bible.  The only thing from the estate he bought. (I KNOW I WANT TO KNOW WHERE IT IS MYSELF!!!!)  I think this confirms that Joseph is his child.

 

Catherine Powers bought a lot of things like a bureau, two chairs, 1 chopping axe, 1 kettle,  1 oven, 1 pair of dog irons, candlesticks, 1 bed 1 bedstead 18 bushels of corn

 

There is another interesting listing:  Virginia Todd bought the Spinning Wheel

 

A man by the name of  David Willis bought a Violin that was listed.

 

William purchased an axe, 1 mowing Leythe, 1 set of books, 1 old ladder, 1 lot of oats, 1 black bottle (14 cents)

 

Missing from the sale were Lewis and Elizabeth and Mary.  Maybe this is because Lewis and  Elizabeth were in Kentucky and Mary wasn't close by either.

 

Another man purchased a Geography and Atlas.

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

I believe this so far:

 

James married someone named Lucy______ and had Joseph Todd in 1808.

Same Lucy that lives with him for many years.

 

He then James married someone else before 3-29-14 when William G. was born.

Maybe this is Elizabeth Kirk.  Then if she really died in 1920, he could have

remarried and had

 

Mary Elizabeth in December of 1828. I believe this is the Mary Newberry he claims as his daughter in the will.  It is intersting to me that she is the ONLY one he names as a child.  It almost says to me he didn't want any doubts about it. 

 

He may have had children before Joseph, William,  Lewis and Elizabeth.

 

He was VERY CLOSE to Catherine Powers.  James G. and Catherine Powers They are listed as the parents of Virginia POWERS on her marriage certificate.  Also note, Virgina Todd bought the spinning wheel.  Virginia did not get married until 1855 at the age of 26 which would make her being born around 1829.

 

By the way. William G. Todd's son James G. Todd's middle name was not Gasper but rather George.  He married Mary Kistner on July 1, 1861.  The marriage certificate shows his whole name of James George Todd.

 

I went back to Russell County today and found some records on the Todd Cemetary. In a book on Cemetaries of Russell County

 

Todd Cemetary  #1 is off Alt. US 19 on the David A. Leonard Farm.

 

Joseph Todd B 3-4-1808 d 7-25-74

Elizabeth Todd b 2-13-1803 d 2-18-73

 

There are other Todd's from this family buried here.  These are the ones that jumped right out.  I found these records late and didn't have much time to look.

 

Todd Cemetary #1 (where Joseph and Elizabeth are buried) are about  1 mile from the Leonards home with Todd Cemetary #2 located another mile beyond that through the beautiful pastures.  It said that this was recorded in 1995 and that it appeared Mr. Leonard was trying to restore all the old homes that were once located on the property.  I hope to get to visit and take pictures of these. 

 

Well it's late I will talk to you later.

 

Mindy

 

**

JAMES GASPER TODD 1 

Birth: 1769 in Scotland 2 3 4

Death: Jul 1850 in Little Moccasin Gap, Washington Co., Virginia 3 5

Sex: M

Father:  

Mother: 

   

Burial: Little Moccasin Gap, Washington Co., Virginia

 

   Spouses & Children   

  

  

 

  ELIZABETH KIRK (Wife) b. About. 1790 in Pennsylvania 

 

Marriage: ABT. 1810

Children:  

ELIZABETH TODD b. Bet. 1810 - 1815 in Russell Co., Virginia

William George Todd b. 29 Mar 1814 in Russell Co., Virginia

Lewis Todd b. About. 1815 in Virginia

 

 

 

Catherine "Polly?" (w\o James G.) Todd (Wife) b. About. 1774 

 

Marriage: AFT. 1815

Children:  

Joseph Todd b. After. 1815

 

 

 

Lucinda "Lucy" Newberry (Wife)

 

Marriage: ABT. 1840

 

 

**  

Hello Everyone,

 

I went to the Historical Society here in Washington County and found some research by Willie E. Todd of 1021 Spruce St. Hammond IN 46324.  He apparently conducted research in September and October of 1972.

 

He states:

 

"James G. Todd and wife, Elizabeth Kirk, were assessed for tax purposes in Russell County Virgina in 1815 on Little Cedar Creek  70 acres value $140.00 and this land laid next to 140 acres owned by widow Catherine Trout and value $150.00.

 

Willie also writes:

 

Family Record of The Todds

 

James, John and Andrew Todd.  Who are said to be of Irish decent, came from Scotland when young.  Some time during the seventeenth century.  Andrew settle some where out west, perhaps in Missouri.  John settle in Floyd County, Virginia and James settle in Russell County Virginia and died in Little Moccasin tap, Washington County, Virginia.  James married Elizabeth Kirk and  raised three children, William, Lewis and Elizabeth.  After the death of Elizabeth James then  married Catherine Trout a widow lady and raised one child, Joseph.  Joseph settled in Russell County, Virginia. Lewis settled at Paintville, Ky.  Elizabeth married John Grizzle, and settled in Rockcastle, KY.

 

The bulk of his information is concentrated on the William Todd side of the family.

 

I still believe Lucinda "Lucy' Todd is his first wife and they had Joseph.  He never divorced her and that is why she is still a Todd and after James' death in 1850 the court ruled and was given back her dower interest in property that he had willed to William Todd

 

This Catherine Trout had been a neighbor as noted above and was widowed. She may have had Sarah and Virginia and Mary by him and then married a Powers and that male Powers gave them his name.  Then that Powers dies and she goes back to James.  At that point Mary has become a Newberry and Sarah is not married and NOTE on the notes of Willie Todd I found that Virginia's name was listed at Beuty not a Powers so I assume she had married to....another name to research.

 

Let me know what you think of this new information.

 

Mindy

** 

WILL OF JAMES G. TODD

 

WILL BOOK 11

 

PAGE 362

 

 

 

I James G. Todd of Washington County and State of Virginia being weak in body, but of sound mind and disposing memory, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. I direct my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid, I will and bequeath to William Todd my home plantation where I now reside, it was conveyed to me by Robert Combs, to said William Todd and his heirs forever. I will and bequeath to Catherine Powers my mill (sp?) tract of land adjoining the land of David Silly and John J. Scott which I will to her and her heirs forever. I will and bequeath to my daughter Mary Newberry a tract of land lying, and said tract was conveyed to me in the county of Russell supposed to contain 85 acres, and conveyed to me by George Robertson which I will to her and heirs forever. I direct all of my personal property to be sold by my Executor and soon is convenient after my decease, and the proceeds of the sale to be equally divided between the following named persons Gasper Todd, Joseph Todd, Elizabeth Gobble wife of Samuel, Virginia Powers and Sarah Powers, James G. Todd son of William Todd, and an equal share to them and their heirs forever, I hereby constitute and appoint my friend Abram Mongle Executor of this my last Will and Testament revoking all former Wills and Testaments made by me in writing whereof I have herein to set my hand and affixed my seal this 10th day of September 1849.

 

Bird Silly                                         James G. Todd

 

William Briggs

 

_______ Mcormack

 

John Phelps

 

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF PROBATE FOR JAMES G. TODD

 

WILL BOOK : 11

 

PAGE: 363

 

At a court held for Washington County the 22 day of July 1850, The last Will and Testament of James G. Todd deceased was exhibited in court and proved

 

by the oath of Bird Silly and John Phelps two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Abram Mongle the Executor therein named who took the oath of an executor prescribed by law and entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of four hundred with Jacob Lynch and Charles P. Cummings his securities conditioned as the law directs. A certificate is therefore granted him for the probate of the said Will in due form.

**  

Hello everyone,

 

I have attached a copy of what James G. Todd's will said.

 

I also have an inventory and who bought what.

 

I will try to type this out later.  Worth noting at first glance.

 

Joseph Todd purchased the Family Bible.  The only thing from the estate he bought. (I KNOW I WANT TO KNOW WHERE IT IS MYSELF!!!!)  I think this confirms that Joseph is his child.

 

Catherine Powers bought a lot of things like a bureau, two chairs, 1 chopping axe, 1 kettle,  1 oven, 1 pair of dog irons, candlesticks, 1 bed 1 bedstead 18 bushels of corn

 

There is another interesting listing:  Virginia Todd bought the Spinning Wheel

 

A man by the name of  David Willis bought a Violin that was listed.

 

William purchased an axe, 1 mowing Leythe, 1 set of books, 1 old ladder, 1 lot of oats, 1 black bottle (14 cents)

 

Missing from the sale were Lewis and Elizabeth and Mary.  Maybe this is because Lewis and  Elizabeth were in Kentucky and Mary wasn't close by either.

 

Another man purchased a Geography and Atlas.

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

I believe this so far:

 

James married someone named Lucy______ and had Joseph Todd in 1808.

Same Lucy that lives with him for many years.

 

He then James married someone else before 3-29-14 when William G. was born.

Maybe this is Elizabeth Kirk.  Then if she really died in 1920, he could have

remarried and had

 

Mary Elizabeth in December of 1828. I believe this is the Mary Newberry he claims as his daughter in the will.  It is intersting to me that she is the ONLY one he names as a child.  It almost says to me he didn't want any doubts about it.

 

He may have had children before Joseph, William,  Lewis and Elizabeth.

 

He was VERY CLOSE to Catherine Powers.  James G. and Catherine Powers They are listed as the parents of Virginia POWERS on her marriage certificate.  Also note, Virgina Todd bought the spinning wheel.  Virginia did not get married until 1855 at the age of 26 which would make her being born around 1829.

 

By the way. William G. Todd's son James G. Todd's middle name was not Gasper but rather George.  He married Mary Kistner on July 1, 1861.  The marriage certificate shows his whole name of James George Todd.

 

I went back to Russell County today and found some records on the Todd Cemetary. In a book on Cemetaries of Russell County

 

Todd Cemetary  #1 is off Alt. US 19 on the David A. Leonard Farm.

 

Joseph Todd B 3-4-1808 d 7-25-74

Elizabeth Todd b 2-13-1803 d 2-18-73

 

There are other Todd's from this family buried here.  These are the ones that jumped right out.  I found these records late and didn't have much time to look.

 

Todd Cemetary #1 (where Joseph and Elizabeth are buried) are about  1 mile from the Leonards home with Todd Cemetary #2 located another mile beyond that through the beautiful pastures.  It said that this was recorded in 1995 and that it appeared Mr. Leonard was trying to restore all the old homes that were once located on the property.  I hope to get to visit and take pictures of these.

 

Well it's late I will talk to you later.

 

Mindy

 

I really believe James G. Todd started his adventure of fathering in NC (Stokes/Forsythe) and then I believe he moved on to Russell County then to Washington County.  I also believe he fathered children by 4 different women.

__________NC wife. Lucy ________Todd in Russell County, VA, Elizabeth Kirk in Washington County Virginia and again with the Powers' women in Washington County, VA.  And there are probably others truth be known.....remember the Jane Todd of Russell County, VA that was in jail and got released because of having a young child at home and needed to breastfeed.

 

Keep me updated.

 

Thanks,

 

Mindy

 

 

One of the gaps in our research is that we have no deed records of what happened to the land bequeathed to Catherine Powers and the  land bequeathed to Mary Newberry.

 

Mary Newberry married W. H. Bond and hence the land was probably sold by him or the Bond family at some point.

 

MARY ELIZABETH BOND, SLANT VIRGINIA

Mary Elizabeth Bond was born in June 1831 and she departed this life November the 23rd, 1925.
She was united in holy matrimony to Rev,W.H. Bond, a preacher of the Methodist Prostestant church, who rode the mountains of Virginia and Tennessee carrying the message of love and truth and who left her in 1913.
To this union were born six boys and three girls. Mrs Bond professed faith in Christ in early life and lived a devoted Christian life. She was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, where she leaves many friends and relations behind.
May God's blessings rest with them all.

R.M. Eller
Pastor of Rye Cove Circuit

Per Rootsweb Aaronodette@hotmail.com 2002

 

 

**

Lewis is listed in census as b 1816, and 1815 and 1812; Wm is listed as b 1815, 1813, 1814, 1815.  So I’d put Wm as born 1814 and Lewis as 1815, the reverse could be just as true unless we can find a tombstone..

**

My sister went to the KY Department of Archives last week and looked up the death of Lewis Todd and found that

Lewis Todd died 9-15-1878 in Morgan County.  His death record lists his mother and father's place of birth as North Carolina for both parents.   No names were given. 

 

Also, we found the death record for John Grizzle b.12-14-1831 in Floyd County   d. 9-06-1913 in Penn, Greenup County, KY   (Fell Dead instantly no medical attention).  The death certificate shows his parents as William Grizzle and Elizabeth Todd both born in Washington County, VA.

 

I also had her look up the death certificate of Martha Ellen Moles Spears b. 6-2-1852  born in KY d. 8-4-1941 in Johnson County (Riceville)  which showed her father

as Emmanuel Moles and mother unknown. Martha would have been the daughter of Elizabeth Todd Grizzle Moles. The also had a son named Daniel.  I will try see what I can find on him as well.

**

I went to the Historical Society here in Washington County and found some research by Willie E. Todd of 1021 Spruce St. Hammond IN 46324.  He apparently conducted research in September and October of 1972.

 

He states:

 

"James G. Todd and wife, Elizabeth Kirk, were assessed for tax purposes in Russell County Virgina in 1815 on Little Cedar Creek  70 acres value $140.00 and this land laid next to 140 acres owned by widow Catherine Trout and value $150.00.

 

Willie also writes:

 

Family Record of The Todds

 

James, John and Andrew Todd.  Who are said to be of Irish decent, came from Scotland when young.  Some time during the seventeenth century.  Andrew settle some where out west, perhaps in Missouri.  John settle in Floyd County, Virginia and James settle in Russell County Virginia and died in Little Moccasin tap, Washington County, Virginia.  James married Elizabeth Kirk and  raised three children, William, Lewis and Elizabeth.  After the death of Elizabeth James then  married Catherine Trout a widow lady and raised one child, Joseph.  Joseph settled in Russell County, Virginia. Lewis settled at Paintville, Ky.  Elizabeth married John Grizzle, and settled in Rockcastle, KY.

 

He seems to have conflated the three different Todd families - Andrew Todd of Russell and Tazewell Co and the John Todd of Washington Co and the James G. Todd of Russell and Washington Co.   He also has numerous facts wrong.  .  Who knows where the Kirk name came from???

 

**

The following is not Elizabeth Todd!

1850 Russell Co VA

William H Grizzle 38  Russell Co Va

Elizabeth Grizzle 38  NC (b 1812)

John Grizzle 19  Russell Co VA b 1831

James F Grizzle 17 

Nancy Grizzle 15 

Elisabeth Grizzle 12 

Jane Grizzle 10 

Alcy Grizzle 8 

Jessee Grizzle 4 

Polly Grizzle 6 

William Grizzle 1 

 

**

1850 Floyd Co KY

Emanuel Moles 37 VA (b1813)

Elizabeth  37 VA

Jane 20 KY

Elizabeth 18 KY

John 17 KY

John 15 VA

Harriett 11 OH (1839)

Marion 7 KY (1843)

Catherine 5 KY (1845)

Mary 1 KY

Daniel Davis 6 OH (1844)

 

The presence of two John’s suggests these were children by different sets of parents – one by father and one by mother.  Marion’s birth in KY means that she could have been born in Floyd Co.  The “Elizabeth Trout” listed as her mother

**

1850 Carter Co (but in Floyd Co in 1840)

Daniel Trout b 1807 VA

Rhoda b 1807 VA

Phillip b 1830 VA

Elizabeth b 1832 VA

Noah b 1835 KY

 

Daniel d in Carter Co 1850-1860.

 

**

 

One fun little thing.  I found in the order books something on a Jane Todd.

Law Order Bk 6 Pg 3 and 6

 

 

December 2, 1817

 

.....accusations of being a person of bad fame and for creating disturbances between husbands and wives, term of 12 months and a day or $50 security.

not being able to find such security, remands to jail for term until security given.

 

December 3, 1817

 

Life of an infant now at the breast of the defendant may be perhaps endangered by her imprisionment. released until further noticed.

 

**

Becky Hough Griswold’s emails

 

Hope,

I would really like to solve this William "Big Billy" Grizzle mystery. I belive my William Grizzle is the son of George and Sarah from Russell Co., VA. So that leaves "Big Billy" without parents. Does the family bible your distant cousin possesses have any other family birth/death records that might give us something to go on?

Becky

2. hmbarnes

George Grizzle b abt 1782 d 11-12-1814 and wife Sarah
had Sarah Grizzle b abt1804 who Ithink md Wm F Lyon; Lucinda (Senah) b 2-6-1806 md Louis Lyons; William Big Billy b abt 1807; Lucy b abt 1809 md Elijah Hammon John b abt 1812. Father of George Grizzle was William b abt 1750 Pittslyvania Co, Va He md Sarah W Sladen 2-13-1786 in Va.

George had siblings Jessee,Elam,William, Solomon and John.

 

So here we have Becky and hmbarnes having different ideas of who the Wiliam Grizzel was.  Apparently there are two William Grizzel’s born about the same time.

3.

Could this be our Becky?

Becky Griswold P.O. Box 3398 Los Lunas, NM 87031 505-864-1254

 

4.

From: "CDM2 ." < whm@index.com.jo>
Subject: [GRIZZLE-L] William Grizzle - Elizabeth Todd
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 11:09:40 +0300


I am researching the descendants of William Grizzle and Elizabeth Todd, Washington Co., VA.

Their son John Grizzle (b. 14 Dec 1831, Floyd Co., KY; d. 6 Sept 1913, Greenup Co., KY) married 25 August 1855, Araminta Roberson. The relationship between John Grizzle and William Grizzle was obtained from John Grizzle's KY death certificate.

John Grizzle and Araminta had the following children:
William Grizzle b. 7 July 1857, d. 20 June 1920, Greenup Co., KY
John Crite Grizzle, b 1878
Nathanel Grizzle
Lewis (or Luis) Grizzle
Jim Grizzle
Ellen Grizzle
Ebbie Grizzle

Anyone have information on other children of William Grizzle-Elizabeth Todd or the children of John Grizzle-Araminta Roberson?

Best regards,
Bill McKenzie
whm@mindspring.com
dspring.com

 

5.

From: B Griswold < patinas@uswest.net>
Subject: Re: [GRIZZLE-L] Elizabeth Grizzle
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 20:52:42 -0700


Lyn,

Elizabeth Grizzle married Thomas Davis on 7/27/1850. From the 1860 Floyd
Co., KY census, their children are Martha J., Daniel, and William.
William was born 9/24/1858 in Floyd Co.

I don't know who her parents were or any other siblings. I was hoping
this was my Elizabeth Todd Grizzle, remarried. But on the 1860 census it
lists Elizabeth's age as 26 which means she was born about 1834. My
Elizabeth Todd Grizzle was born about 1812.

Does this help?

Becky

 

6.


From: Bill McKenzie < whm@mindspring.com>
Subject: Grizzle
Date: Mon, 05 Jan 1998 22:03:58 -0500


I want to present the following information for review and comment.

<bold>1. William Grizzle</bold>, b. Washington Co., VA, m. Elizabeth
Todd, b. Washington Co., VA.
This information was obtained from the KY

death certificate of their son John Grizzle which listed the parents
names and their places of birth. From the Ancestral Tree site on the
Internet I believe Elizabeth Todd to be the daughter of James G. Todd and
Elizabeth Kirk of Russell Co., VA but I'm still working on this.

<bold>2. John Grizzle</bold>, b. 14 Dec. 1831, Floyd Co., KY; d. 6 Sept
1913, Greenup Co., KY; m. Araminta Roberson, 25 Aug. 1855. Their children
were:

 

(ED note:  Note that he takes on face value the information from the death cert of John Grizzle without citing sources.  Though John was born in 1831, please note that the census information differs from year to year.

7. From: Becky Griswold < beckygrizz@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [GRIZZLE-L] Martin Luther Grizzle
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 13:38:50 -0700 (PDT)
In-Reply-To: <001f01c1e4b8$13eb7d00$8901a8c0@Jim>


Phyllis,

Leona's ancestors are my ancestors as well. I cannot
confirm any information for anyone past George and
Sarah Grizzle because I have not researched them
myself. However, this is how the line goes back from
John Grizzle and Araminta Roberson.

John Grizzle b. 12/14/1831 d. 9/6/1913 married
Araminta Roberson.

John's parents were William Grizzle b. abt. 1807 d.
bet 1831-1846 married Elizabeth Todd.

William's parents were George Grizzle and Sarah
Unknown of Russell Co., VA.

Regards,
Becky

 

8.


From: "B Griswold" < patinas@uswest.net>
Subject: [GRIZZLE-L] Mystery Solved? 2 William Grizzles
Date: Mon, 14 May 2001 20:53:02 -0700


Okay all you Grizzle researchers...

I think I have part of the William Grizzle mystery solved.
Here are some of my reasons for this line of thinking.

Here goes:

I believe that the William Grizzle born abt. 1807, son of
George (1782-12/11/1814) is the William Grizzle who married
Elizabeth Todd (My Line). My reasoning for this is that from

the 1830 Lawrence Co., KY census William Grizzle (whom I am
POSITIVE is my William) is listed as being "of twenty and
under thirty" years of age. That would mean he was born
between 1800-1810. William, s/o George was born abt 1807.
Big Billy was born Sept.(Oct.?) 26, 1810. Also, William and
Elizabeth Todd's first child was a girl born between
1825-1830
. Big Billy's first child was a boy, John, born

Oct. 13, 1830. (By the way, my William had a son, John, born

December ?, 1831. Confusing isn't it!! Are you still with
me?????) It is more likely that Big Billy was 20 years old
when his first child was born and not 23 like he would be if

he was born abt. 1807. Also, at least 2 of George's children

(Sina and John) were married in Lawrence Co., KY. The only
census that William h/o Elizabeth Todd was hoh in was the
1830 LAWRENCE CO., KENTUCKY census. That leads me to believe

that he followed his siblings to Lawrence Co., KY and was
probably married there as well. I haven't found out where he

was married yet, but you can bet that I'm going to check the

Lawrence Co. marriage records soon. There is also a mystery
around William's death, but that is another story for
another time.

Therefore this creates a mystery as to who William "Big
Billy's" parents were. Hope Grizzel posted msg #881 on the
Grizzle genforum that a distant cousin of hers has the
family bible
that belonged to Big Billy's family. The bible states that
Big Billy's mother, Rebecca, died on 12/25/1857. Rebecca
Hammon Grizzle married to William Grizzle (s/o William
Grizzle and Lucy Deming) died 12/25/1857 so it is likely
that William and Rebecca are Big Billy's parents. Now, I
have seen no research that places Big Billy as a child of
Rebecca. However, Rebecca was born April 2, 1782 and her
1st? child, Nancy, was not born until abt 1814. I don't
believe for a second that Rebecca waited until she was 32
years old to have her first child. That means that she
probably has other children born before Nancy. Therefore,
Big Billy, born Sept. (or Oct.) 26, 1810 could be one of
several children born to William and Rebecca before Nancy.

Let me throw one more curve ball at you all (or Y'all for
you Southern folks). I contend that William George or George

William or George or William Grizzle who married Lucy Deming

also married Sarah Sladen. I think Lucy died between 1782
(after George was born) and 2/13/1786 when William (or
George) Grizzle married Sarah Sladen. That indeed would make

Sarah Sladen George's step-mother as some other researchers
on this forum have speculated. That also means that the
Sarah that George was married to was NOT Sarah Sladen, but
was Sarah UNKNOWN (unless someone out there has discovered
her surname). It also means that William, father of George,
et. al., was probably named either William George or George
William since both names were used separately in marriage
records to Sarah Sladen.

I have been trying to figure out where my William fit in
with all you other Grizzles out there and which William
belonged to which John, George, Paul or Ringo. I think I
have finally done it!!!!!!! And with that, I will say
Goodnight.

Regards,
Becky Hough Griswold (um Grizzle????)



 

Richard McMurtry
Santa Clara County Creeks Coalition

http://www.sccreeks.org
831-336-3262
rmcmurtry@baymoon.com

 

Hi folks,

The Barbara Trout daughter of Phillip and Caty Trout who we assume was the Barbara whose sons Lewis and William were bound out to the overseer of the Poor in 1824 in Russell Co appears NOT to have been deceased but to have married Jesse Fraley around 1824 or perhaps 1824-1830 and moved to Floyd Co by 1830.

So here is another Russell Co migrant to Floyd Co area in addition to Wm Grizzel (husband of Elizabeth Todd/Elizabeth Trout).

What this is shaping up to look like is that James G. Todd fathered Elizabeth Trout b 1813 and Lewis Trout 1815 and William Trout 1816 with Lewis and William being sons of Barbara Trout and Elizabeth being either Barbara or her mother Caty.

We had assumed that Barbara was born about 1798, but the date below is given as Oct 1795, just a few months after Phillip and Caty married.  Since we know that Barbara was minor in 1817, she must have been born after 1796.   If born in 1796, she would have been 17 in 1813 when Elizabeth was born; if born 1798, she would have been 15 in 1813 when Elizabeth was born.  So it is hard to tell from these ages whether Barbara could have been the mother of Elizabeth Trout/Todd who married Wm Grizzel.  In any event, we can place these three with Trout mothers.

Since Wm Grizzel migrated to Lawrence Co KY by 1830 and Jesse Fraley, reported to be husband to Barbara Trout, was in Floyd Co KY by 1830, we have a migration of these Trout related families to the very area where Lewis Todd married in 1837.

So this would make James G. Todd’s family look like:

b1797 Gaspar Todd (by first wife

b 1808 Joseph (by Lucy LNU)

b 1813 Elizabeth (by Barbara or Caty Trout)

b 1814 Lewis (by Barbara Trout)

b 1815 William (by Barbara Trout)

b 1822/24 Elizabeth/Mary Elizabeth (by?)md Samuel Gobble

b 1829 Virginia (by Catherine Powers)

b 1831 Mary Newberry (by ?, possibly Elizabeth Newberry but she was still the wife of Henry Newberry and a death (or marriage) record for Mary indicates her father as Henry.)

I still have a hard time believing that Elizabeth Trout/Todd could be James’ daughter since we have another daughter named Elizabeth b 1822 unless this Elizabeth b 1822 is not his daughter, even though he names Elizabeth Gobble in his will as receiving an equal share.

Nevertheless, this is the closest we can come at the present moment to discerning the parentage of Lewis and the various liaisons of James G. Todd.

**

Hi folks,

The Barbara Trout daughter of Phillip and Caty Trout who we assume was the Barbara whose sons Lewis and William were bound out to the overseer of the Poor in 1824 in Russell Co appears NOT to have been deceased but to have married Jesse Fraley around 1824 or perhaps 1824-1830 and moved to Floyd Co by 1830.

So here is another Russell Co migrant to Floyd Co area in addition to Wm Grizzel (husband of Elizabeth Todd/Elizabeth Trout).

What this is shaping up to look like is that James G. Todd fathered Elizabeth Trout b 1813 and Lewis Trout 1815 and William Trout 1816 with Lewis and William being sons of Barbara Trout and Elizabeth being either Barbara or her mother Caty.

We had assumed that Barbara was born about 1798, but the date below is given as Oct 1795, just a few months after Phillip and Caty married.  Since we know that Barbara was minor in 1817, she must have been born after 1796.   If born in 1796, she would have been 17 in 1813 when Elizabeth was born; if born 1798, she would have been 15 in 1813 when Elizabeth was born.  So it is hard to tell from these ages whether Barbara could have been the mother of Elizabeth Trout/Todd who married Wm Grizzel.  In any event, we can place these three with Trout mothers.

Since Wm Grizzel migrated to Lawrence Co KY by 1830 and Jesse Fraley, reported to be husband to Barbara Trout, was in Floyd Co KY by 1830, we have a migration of these Trout related families to the very area where Lewis Todd married in 1837.

So this would make James G. Todd’s family look like:

b1797 Gaspar Todd (by first wife

b 1808 Joseph (by Lucy LNU)

b 1813 Elizabeth (by Barbara or Caty Trout)

b 1814 Lewis (by Barbara Trout)

b 1815 William (by Barbara Trout)

b 1822/24 Elizabeth/Mary Elizabeth (by?)md Samuel Gobble

b 1829 Virginia (by Catherine Powers)

b 1831 Mary Newberry (by ?, possibly Elizabeth Newberry but she was still the wife of Henry Newberry and a death (or marriage) record for Mary indicates her father as Henry.)

I still have a hard time believing that Elizabeth Trout/Todd could be James’ daughter since we have another daughter named Elizabeth b 1822 unless this Elizabeth b 1822 is not his daughter, even though he names Elizabeth Gobble in his will as receiving an equal share.

Nevertheless, this is the closest we can come at the present moment to discerning the parentage of Lewis and the various liaisons of James G. Todd.

**

 

 

From: "Ramona" < witchy2@zoomnet.net>
Subject: [VARUSSEL-L] Seeking information on Jesse Fraley, Sr and his son Jesse Fraley, Jr.
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 20:19:09 -0500


I am looking for information on the following family lines.
Jesse Fraley, Sr. was born circa 1776, Washington Co., VA. He married Mary
English d/o John and Mollie English circa 1794.
Jesse died 1801 Russell Co. VA.
The children of Jesse and Mary English Fraley all born in Russell Co. VA.:
James Fraley; born circa 1795; m Julia Ann Waggoner, d/o John Waggoner and
Margaret ?, circa 1825; d Sept. 1840, Carter Co., KY.
Nancy Fraley; born 1798; m Samuel Isaacs, s/o Fielding Isaacs and
Sarah Harris, circa 1826; d Oct. 14, 1875 Wayne Co., WV.

Jesse Fraley, b Sept. 10, 1799 Castlewood, Russell Co. VA. He m
Barbara Trout, d/o Phillip Trout and ?, circa 1824 Russell Co., VA.
Jesse Jr. d. Oct. 2, 1862 Bruin, Carter Co., KY, at age 63.
Barbara Trout Fraley was b Oct. 2, 1795 in Russell Co., VA.
Barbara d Dec. 30, 1870 at Bruin, Elliott Co., KY at age 75.
Jesse Fraley Jr and Barbara Trout Fraley are my ggggGrandparents.
They are buried in the Harve Gray Cemetery Elliott Co., KY.
Mollie Fraley, b circa 1800; m a Sexton before May 23, 1821 Russell Co., VA.
Note: I was always told and it is recorded in our family Bibles that Mary
English's parents Captain John English and wife Mollie were killed at
Blackmoores Forte Russell Co., VA.
Any corrections or additional information on any of these surnames or
dates will be greatly appreciated.
I forgot to add Jesse Fraley, Sr. was a son of Frederick and Chloe ? Fraley
of Russell Co., VA.

Thank you,
Ramona

 

Richard McMurtry
Santa Clara County Creeks Coalition

http://www.sccreeks.org
831-336-3262
rmcmurtry@baymoon.com

 


From: Richard McMurtry [mailto:rmcmurtry@baymoon.com]
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2008 10:05 AM
To: 'tmtwade@yahoo.com'; 'brenda003'; frances LANCASTER (LANCASTER3011@msn.com); 'uklexcat@comcast.net'; Jim Saddler (am2htc@webtv.net); 'beckygrizz@yahoo.com'
Subject: new discovery

 

Hi folks,

 

Becky Griswold had made a new discovery that may be the clue to the identity of Lewis Todd.

 

With respect to Wm Grizzel (whose son John  Grizzel left a death certificate that said his mother was Elizabeth Todd), she found Wm Grizzel in the Russell Co tax lists in 1828 and 1829 but not thereafter which fits with his appearance in the 1830 census for Lawrence Co KY and would be compatible with Elizabeth having been raised in Russell Co.  She also found a death cert for a daughter of Elizabeth by Emanuel Moles which said her name was Elizabeth Trout.

 

Putting this together raises the question about whether Elizabeth was the daughter of Catherine Trout, the next widowed next door neighbor to James G. Todd.

 

Becky has found that Catherine Trout left several minor children at her death who were apprenticed out.  One pair of these children were Lewis Trout and William Trout.

So the question arises as to whether these were children by James G.Todd.   The key to this is to get the actual apprenticeship record and see what their ages were and the date of the apprenticeship.   If the date was 1817 and they were 14, then they were Phillip Trout’s children.  If the date was 1825 and they were 10, then this would make their birth years as 1815 and match the birth years of William and Lewis Todd and would make them born after the death of Phillip Trout and therefort conceivably the children of James G. Todd.

 

We will have to wait until Becky gets the actual records for which she found the index references.  But this would place Lewis back as son of James g. Todd and throw out my theory about Lewis being a nephew rather than a son.

 

Stay tuned!

 

Wait a second, here’s an even newer discovery:

 

After I wrote this, I found on the web the following that indicates that Lewis and William Trout were children of one Barbara Trout and that Catherine’s children were:

Christiana, Barbara, Catherine, Jacob and Daniel.

 

This is all moving towards supporting Willie E Todd’s conclusion that Lewis, William and Elizabeth Todd were siblings.  Perhaps they were siblings and children of Barbara Trout rather than Caty.???

CHANEY

- Christopher CHANEY is found in Russell Co. VA in January 1817 helping Jacob TROUT to get released as an apprentice of Henry CHILDS. Jacob was placed there by his mother and Christopher is listed as a "half brother" of Jacob. In September 1817, Christopher CHANEY becomes the quardian of all the TROUT children; Christiana, Barbara, Catherine, Jacob and Daniel. There is a Christopher CHANEY listed in the 1820 Washington Co. VA census, (1 male to 10, 1 male 16-26, 1 female to 10, 1 female to 26), and 1830 Washington Co. VA census, (1 male 10-15, 1 male 30-40, 2 females under 5, 2 females 5-10, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 20-30). Is this the same Christopher CHANEY? Who is this Christopher CHANEY and how can is he a *half brother* to Jacob Trout?

TROUT

- Amanda TROUT, white, age 30, female, married, lived in Carter Co., KY, born Lawrence Co., KY, parents Archibal and Sindrilla RICE, died 15 January 1858. What TROUT was she married to?


TROUT - Daniel/David/Davis TROUT, white, age 46, male, single, Minister of the Gospel, lived in Straight Creek, Carter Co. KY, died 24 July 1855, consumption. Who is this Trout?


TROUT - Lewis and William TROUT, children of deceased Barbara TROUT ordered bound out by the overseer of poor 3 August 1824 in Russell Co. VA. Who is this Barbara TROUT? Who is the father?


TROUT - Phillip TROUT died in 1807 in Russell Co. VA leaving children: Christiana, Barbara, Catherine, Jacob and Daniel. Who is their mother? What happened to Christiana, Jacob and Daniel?

Christiana - last seen in Russell Co. VA in September 1817 court records as an infant, with guardian Christopher CHANEY.

Barbara - married Jesse FRALEY and moved to KY and their family continues today.

Catherine - married William KINSER and moved to IA and IN and their family continues today.

Jacob - last seen in Russell Co. VA in September 1817 court records as an infant, with guardian Christopher CHANEY. (Christopher CHANEY is listed as his "half brother" in January 1817.)
In the 1845 Tax Records of Floyd Co. KY is a Jacob TROUT listed (1 male over 21).
Is this the same Jacob TROUT?

Daniel - last seen in Russell Co. VA in September 1817 court records as an infant, with guardian Christopher CHANEY.
In 1830 Washington Co VA census is a Daniel TROUT listed (1 male under 5, 1 male 20-30, 1 female 20-30).
In the 1837 Tax Records of Floyd Co. KY is a Daniel TROUT listed (1 white over 21 and 1 horse).
In 1840 Tax Records of Floyd Co. KY is a Daniel TROUT listed.
In 1843 Tax Records of Floyd Co. KY is a Daniel TROUT listed (3 children between 7-17)
In 1844 Tax Records of Floyd Co. KY is a Daniel TROUT listed (4 children between 7-17)
No record after 1844 in Floyd Co. KY.
Is this the same Daniel TROUT?


TROUT - Stephen TROUT born 10 August 1810, Russell Co. VA. Who are his parents?



http://yelnam.tripod.com/brickwalls.html

 

**

 

 

 


Christopher Chaney

Abel Chaney in Wythe County, Virginia

It is presumed that Abel was the oldest of the five sons, because he was the first of the children mentioned in the will. In 1810, Abel’s household consisted of just three persons.

15

Abel was is listed as between 26 and 45 years old. That places his year of birth sometime between circa 1765 and 1784. In 1798, Hezekiah Chaney, Sr. first paid the poll tax for two white males.

16

Assuming that Abel is the second poll, 12

Kegley, M. B., Early Adventures on the Western Waters, Volume III, Part 1, The New River in Pioneer Days, 1745-1805.

Kegley Books, Wytheville, Virginia, 1999, Page 396.

13

Probate Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Will Book 2, Page 88. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia.

14

1810 Census, Wythe County, Virginia, Page 276.

15

1810 Census, Wythe County, Virginia, Page 276.

16

Personal Property Tax Records, Wythe County, Virginia, 1802-1830. Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia.

5


Page 6

Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page

6 of 11

then Abel was born circa 1776. Thus, he would have turned 21 years of age during the year 1797 and just old enough to have been assessed for his poll tax in 1798. It is presumed that Christopher is the young male then just sixteen years old. The third member of Abel’s household was a slave. The name of Abel’s first wife is unknown as she is mentioned in no extant records. Unfortunately, no record of their marriage has been located. Her maiden name may have been Cowden, as two of Abel’s sisters married men named Cowden and Christopher named his youngest son Hiram Cowden Chaney.

The children of Abel and ( ? ) Chaney were:

i. Christiana, born circa 1793 in Wythe County, Virginia.

ii. Christopher, born circa 1794 in Wythe County, Virginia.

It is presumed that Abel Chaney continued to live with his father through 1807, as Hezekiah, Senior paid

the poll tax for two white males during that period. On January 12, 1807, Able Cheney recorded a survey for a 20-acre tract of hitherto vacant land between his own land and that of William Henly.

17

The survey was made by virtue of part of a Land Office Treasury Warrant, but no record of that warrant has been located.

In 1809, Abel Chaney paid his own poll tax. He also was assessed for seven horses. On September 12,

1809, the Wythe County Grand Jury charged Able Chayne for stopping the road round his plantation.

18

Precisely what Able was alleged to have done to “stop” the road was not recorded. The sheriff was

ordered to summon Abel Chaney before the Court to answer the allegations. Apparently, Abel answered

the Court in a satisfactory manner as the presentment was dismissed that November.

 

Again, in 1810, he was assessed for his poll tax and seven horses. On March 2, 1810, Abel R. Chaney

purchased two tracts of land from Jonathan and Jane Henderson. Abel paid $400 for the first tract

consisting of 250 acres on the waters of Cripple Creek.

19

He paid $220 for the second tract of 140 acres also on the waters of Cripple Creek.

20

On August 2, 1810, Abel purchased a tract of land from his parents for $1,000.

21

The 357-acre tract was located on the waters of Cripple Creek on the side of Lick Mountain.

On October 15, 1810, the sheriff was ordered to arrest Rufus Morgan and hold him until the next meeting of the County Superior Court.

22

Both Abel R. Chaney and his younger brother Hezekiah Chaney claimed

17

Land Entry Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Book 3, 1804-1845, Page 31. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville,

Virginia.

18

Criminal Court Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Commonwealth vs. Chayne, No. 1809-038. Wythe County Courthouse,

Wytheville, Virginia. (Hereinafter cited as Wythe Criminal Cases.)

19

Land Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Deed Book 5, Page 245. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia.

(Hereinafter cited as Wythe Deeds.)

20

Wythe Deeds, Book 5, Page 247.

21

Wythe Deeds, Book 5, Page 290.

22

Superior Law Court Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Chaney vs. Morgan, No. 1812-037. Wythe County Courthouse,

Wytheville, Virginia.

6


Page 7

Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page

7 of 11

that on October 14, 1810, Rufus Morgan had committed trespass and then assaulted and beat them. They

each claimed damages amounting to $1,000. The case dragged through the court for awhile, until finally

the case was dismissed at the defendant’s cost on May 3, 1812.

In 1811, Able Chaney was taxed for only two tracts of land.

23

One tract of 250 acres was assessed at $62.50. The other tract of 356 acres was assessed at $178. Obviously, Abel either hid his third tract of 140 acres from the tax man or he had sold it to someone else before the taxes were due. If he did sell it, no deed was recorded. That same year, Abel paid personal property taxes for only two horses. On July 22, 1811 Abel Chaney purchased a fourth tract of land.

24

He paid Jacob Newman of Pulaski County, Kentucky $22 pounds Virginia money for the tract located on Tate’s Run. In 1812, Abel Chaney paid taxes on the same two tracts of land as well as the 22-acre parcel of vacant  land that he had surveyed in 1807. That third tract was valued at $11. He also paid personal property taxes on just one horse. Again, in March of 1812, the Grand Jury again alleged that Abel Chaney, farmer, had stopped and turned the road leading from Wythe Courthouse to Grayson County on Davis’ Branch.

25

A summons was duly issued ordering Andrew Porter, George Rosenburn, and Alexander Mahood to

testify for the Commonwealth. Another summons was issued ordering David Fisher, George Davis,

Henry Hufman, and Jacob Gose to testify for the defendant. After hearing the evidence, the Court

dismissed the allegations. In 1813 and again in 1814, Abel paid property taxes on the same three tracts of land, but he was taxed for only one stud horse. It is evident that he avoided paying property taxes on all of his property. On May 11, 1813, Abel Chaney sold 430 acres of land on Cripple Creek to Henry Hoffman for $750.

26

He signed the deed as Abel R. Cheyne. On March 8, 1814, Abel R. Cheyne sold two adjacent tracts of land to Jacob Sprecker of Grayson County for $5,000. One of the tracts contained 357 acres and the second 68 acres.

The Wythe County Court issued a summons on July 13, 1813 ordering the sheriff to summon James

Mills, Hezekiah Cheyne, and William King, Jr. to testify on behalf of Abel R. Cheyne.

27

Unfortunately, the case file contains no papers other than the original summons. Thus, the nature of the case now is lost to history.

In March 1817, William Litz filed suit against Abel R. Cheyne to recover a debt in the form of a note in

the amount of $20 with six percent interest from May 20, 1814.

28

William Litz complained to the court  that Abel Cheyne had since left the jurisdiction of Virginia and taken all of his property with him. However, William Litz claimed that both Henry Huffman and Jacob Spracher, both residents of Wythe

23

Real Property Tax Records, Wythe County, Virginia, 1793-1815. Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia.

24

Wythe Deeds, Book 5, Page 376.

25

Wythe Criminal Cases, Commonwealth vs. Abel Chaney, No. 1812-017.

26

Wythe Deeds, Book 6, Page 395.

27

Wythe Criminal Cases, Commonwealth vs. Abel R. Cheyne, No. 1813-032.

28

Chancery Court Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Litz vs. Cheyne et al, No. 1817-035. Wythe County Courthouse,

Wytheville, Virginia.

7


Page 8

Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page

8 of 11

County, owed a considerable sum of money to Abel Chaney. One can only presume that the considerable sums consisted of the proceeds from the sale of Abel’s real estate. Thus, William Liz wanted the c ourt to order that his debt be settled out of the money owed to Abel Chaney. This the court did, in the amount of $78.38 to cover the original, costs, and interest.

Just why and when he left his home in Wythe County is unclear. Based on the foregoing, it is presumed

that Abel Chaney left Wythe County soon after selling his real estate in 1814. At the time, it further is

presumed that he was alone in life. His wife had left him a widower. His only two known children had

left home. His daughter Christiana had married Philip Trout and was then living in Russell County. His

son Christopher probably was living in Russell County with his sister and brother-in-law.

Moving to Monroe County, Tennessee

Perhaps, Abel R. Cheyne moved to Tennessee seeking to start life afresh. In any event, he probably

moved to Roane County, Tennessee although no record of him there has been located. In 1819, a portion

of Roane County was set aside to form the new Monroe County. The 1820 Census of Monroe County has

been lost. But, it seems likely that Abel had remarried and was living in Monroe County by 1820 or very

soon thereafter.

On November 18, 1829, the local court found against Josiah Price and ordered him to pay $125 to Able R.

Cheyne and James P. Hanes.

29

At the same term, the court also found against William R. Sitter and

ordered him to pay $125 to Able R. Cheyne and James P. Hanes. Unfortunately, the specific nature of

their disputes was not recorded. It was recorded only that the two defendants did not appear in court and

thus forfeited. At the same time, the victorious A. R. Cheyne and J. P. Hanes filed an affidavit requesting

that the suit by William G. White against them be continued until the next term of the court.

On May 11, 1831, the two defendants filed their affidavit together with affidavits from John Waugh, John

L. White, and H. P. Gibson requesting a change of venue.

30

The court agreed and transferred the matter to

the McMinn County Court.

In 1830, Abel R. Chaney’s household consisted of eight persons.

31

Males

Females

Two, under 5

One, between 5 and 10

Two, between 5 and 10

One, between 10 and 15

One, between 40 and 50

One, between 30 and 40

29

Circuit Court Minutes, Monroe County, Tennessee, 1827-1839, Page 146. Monroe County Courthouse, Madisonville,

Tennessee. (Hereinafter cited as Monroe Circuit Court.)

30

Monroe Circuit Court, Page 229-230.

31

1830 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 81.

8


Page 9

Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page

9 of 11

Of course, it is presumed that Abel was the lone male between 40 and 50 years of age. One wonders why

he reported to be so young. Probably born circa 1775, he would have been about 55 years old in 1830.

Perhaps he simply was vain. Perhaps he wanted to minimize the large difference in age between him and

his wife. Perhaps he was unsure of his age. Perhaps his wife was unsure of his age when she reported his

age to the census enumerator. Based upon the available records, it simply is not possible to know for sure

why his age was not recorded correctly. His wife is presumed to be the eldest female between 30 and 40

years of age. The six youngsters are presumed to their children Darthula, Elizabeth, Margaret, Keturia

Sophronia, Ethelred Ichabod, and Martha Minerva. Abel’s younger brother Hezekiah also was living in

Monroe County in 1830.

32

Abel owned no slaves.

On May 15, 1835, William G. White of Overton County, Tennessee gave his power of attorney to George

Henderson and George Harris.

33

The two men were empowered to collect on a judgment against Abel R.

Chaney and James P. Haynes. Unfortunately, the nature and amount of the judgment were not recorded.

In 1836 Abel R. Cheyne paid the poll tax. He also was assessed for 160 acres of land valued at $1,000.

In 1840, Abel R. Chaney’s household had increased in size to ten people.

34

Males

Females

One, under 5

One, between 5 and 10

One, between 5 and 10

Two, between 10 and 15

One, between 15 and 20

Two, between 20 and 30

One, between 50 and 60

One, between 40 and 50

Abel is reported incorrectly as between 50 and 60 years of age. His wife was reported correctly as

between 40 and 50 years of age. Their eight reported children are presumed to be Darthula, Elizabeth,

Margaret, Keturia Sophronia, Martha Minerva, Robert, David, and an unknown daughter between 5 and

10. Their son Ethelred Ichabod, then about 15 years old, apparently was not living at home. Had he

struck out on his own at such a tender age? Was he away at school?

A suit was filed over the proposed settlement of the estate of Samuel Blackburn in 1842.

35

Called to

testify in the matter, Abel R. Cheyne, aged about 60, deposed in January 1846 that he and Samuel

Blackburn had married sisters and that he had been married 29 years the 13th of April last. Unfortunately

the names of the two sisters were not recorded. But, the record does place the date of his marriage as

April 13, 1817. Based upon the date it is likely that his marriage took place in Tennessee; but it is

uncertain just where.

32

1830 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 110.

33

Monroe Deeds, Book G, Page 68.

34

1840 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 202.

35

Chancery Court Records, Monroe County, Tennessee, Case File No. 221. Monroe County Courthouse, Madisonville,

Tennessee.

9


Page 10

Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page

10 of 11

In 1850, A. R. Chaney was living in the Second District of Monroe County.

36

Abel is listed as a 65-year-

old farmer. His reported age in the three Tennessee census records is consistent, but wrong. Just why his

age was wrong so consistently is uncertain. The only satisfactory explanation is that he wanted to lessen

the difference between his age and his wife’s. In any event, he valued his real estate at $1,300 and

reported correctly that he was born in Virginia. His wife Easter is listed as 53 years old and born in

Tennessee. Living with them were their children Darthula, Minerva, Jane, Robert, and David, all of

whom were born in Tennessee. Also, living in their household was Eliza Jane Mason, aged 7 years.

Abel R. Cheyne died in Monroe County on or about September 13, 1854. His death was noticed in the

local newspaper.

37

“J. A. Hare, Esq. of Madisonville, informs us that the health of that place is now good.

The last case of cholera was Capt. A. R. Chaynie who died about the 13th.”

It is interesting that the newspaper notice used his military title. Apparently, Abel Chaney was a captain

in the local militia. The heirs of his estate filed a suit concerning the disposition of his estate. It was

necessary to file the suit because there was no will, the widow was entitled to her dower share in the real

estate, and some of the heirs were minors. On December 2, 1856, began the process of overseeing the

administration of the estate.

38

The court ordered that the land be surveyed, the dower portion laid off, and

the remainder of the lands sold to pay the debts. A total of 80 acres was set aside and assigned to Esther

Cheynie as her dower lands. The remainder of the 160-acre tract was sold at public auction to William

Williams for $700. The heirs were identified as Esther Cheynie widow, Robert Cheynie, Darthula wife of

Rice C. Spears, Elizabeth wife of William Williams, Sophronia wife of James P. Minis, Margaret Minnis

deceased, E. E. Cheynie, Arinista Minerva Cheynie, and Jane wife of James Roy.

The foregoing record makes it clear that only his second wife and their children benefited from Abel’s

estate. His first wife and their two children had long since passed away. Yet, both of his children by his

first wife were survived by children who were living at the time his estate was settled. Surely they were

entitled to a share of the estate. Of course, it is easy to understand how his second family felt that they

were entitled to the entire estate. After all, the estate was not large especially after the widow’s dower

portion was deducted. The other heirs, so far away in Virginia and Texas, had little contact with their

grandfather. It is doubtful that Abel had ever seen those grandchildren. Yet, one wonders why they did

not benefit from their grandfather’s estate.

The children of Abel and Esther (Thompson) Chaney were:

i. Darthula, born circa 1818 in Tennessee.

ii. Elizabeth, born circa 1822 in Tennessee.

iii. Margaret R., born circa 1823 in Tennessee.

36

1850 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 89.

37

Loudon Free Press, Volume II, Number 41, September 20, 1854. Loudon, Tennessee.

10

38

Chancery Court Minutes, Monroe County, Tennessee, 1856-1865, Pages 32, 60, and 166. Monroe County Courthouse,

Madisonville, Tennessee


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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page

11 of 11

11

iv. Keturia Sophronia, born circa 1826 in Tennessee.

v. Martha Minerva, born circa 1829 in Monroe County, Tennessee.

vi. Ethelred Ichabod, born circa

vii. Robert, born circa 1834 in Monroe County, Tennessee.

viii. David H., born circa 1837 in Monroe County, Tennessee.

ix. Jane, born circa 1839 in Monroe County, Tennessee.

The widow Esther Cheyne married Zachariah Givens on October 21, 1858.

39

It is presumed that Esther

was buried with her second husband at the Tellico Baptist Church, but no record of either’s death has

been found.

Conclusion

The foregoing represents all of the public and private records that the author has found concerning the

identity of Christopher Chaney’s parents. The author is indebted to the staff of many public and private

institutions for their patience, cooperation, and assistance. Special mention is due the helpful staff at the

Johnson County Courthouse, Texas General Land Office, Wythe County Courthouse, Virginia State

Library and Archives, Monroe County Courthouse, and Tennessee State Library and Archives. Thanks

also go to Lynn McConkey, a Chaney descendant and local genealogist and historian specializing in

Monroe County, who kindly shared her research work. Also, special thanks are due to Mary B. Kegley

for her very extensive knowledge of the early families of Wythe County. The publication of additional

material is anticipated as research continues.

*

5427 Mission Road, Fairway, Kansas 66205. Member, Texas State Genealogical Society.

39

Marriage Records, Monroe County, Tennessee,

 

The Francis S. Chaney Estate Controversy Francis S. Chaney, born circa 1818 in Washington County, Virginia, was the eldest son of Christopher and Rebecca Chaney. He was raised there in rural Appalachia. It is presumed that he accompanied his parents on their long trek to Sabine County, Texas in 1836. On June 8, 1838, he proved to the Sabine County Board of Land Commissioners that he had arrived in the Republic of Texas during April 1836, subsequent to the Declaration of Independence.2As a single man, he was entitled to a second class grant for 640 acres of land. Two other Chaney men followed Christopher and his family to Sabine County. Asa N. Chaney and Loveless R. Chaney arrived in Texas together on December 7, 1839.3As single men, they were entitled to 320 acres of land. However, no record has been found indicating that the two Chaney men ever completed the process of obtaining their land grants in Texas. It is certain that AsaChaney returned to Alabama. By 1845, Frank Chaney moved his family to that part of Montgomery County that was formed into Grimes County the following year. He married Keziah W. Davis there on July 10, 1849.4Sometime during the Civil War or soon thereafter, Frank Chaney moved the seat of his ranching operations from Grimes County to Johnson County. In 1868, he located his homestead five miles south of Cleburne in the 1STIRPES, Texas State Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 41, Number 2, June 2001.2Conditional Certificate No. 11, Second Class Headright Grants, File No. Nacogdoches-2-145. Archives and Records Division, Texas General Land Office, Austin, Texas.3Clerk’s Return, Sabine County Board of Land Commissioners, Conditional Certificates Nos. 305 and 306. Archives andRecords Division, Texas General Land Office, Austin, Texas.4Marriage Records, Grimes County, Texas, Marriage Record Book H, Page 37. Grimes County Courthouse, Anderson, Texas.

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 2 of 11fork of Buffalo Creek and Noland’s River. The property was known locally as the Kennard Ranch, but had been taken from the northeast corner of the Lawrence Perry Headright. Keziah Chaney died there onor about April 18, 1869. It is presumed that she was buried on that property, although a detailed search ofaerial photographs and topographic maps of the area provide no evidence of any family cemetery in the immediate vicinity. In August 1869, Frank married Mary Burk, the step-daughter of his neighbor Levi Boatright.5Mary thenwas only eighteen years of age. Unfortunately, no official record of their marriage has survived. The genesis of their romance and courtship remains a mystery. However, from surviving records it is evident that Frank loved his young wife. Whether or not she returned his affection is uncertain. In fact, she left him and returned to her step-father’s house for at least two extended periods. Perhaps she did not love her husband. After all, he was old enough to be her father, not in good health, and one of the richest men in the county. Under such circumstances, it is not difficult to conclude that the young Mary was just an opportunist and wanted only for her husband to die quickly so that she could inherit her share of hisestate. Because she was not named in his will, she contested the probate in order to claim a portion of herestranged husband’s estate. The details of that contest have survived. Chaney descendants should thank her for contesting the will, as the recorded testimony of the various witnesses provide much detail about Frank Chaney’s estate as well as his personal life just before he died. In any event, Frank died of pneumonia in Johnson County, Texas sometime during March 1870.6His willwas dated February 23, 1870 and the attached codicil was dated March 2, 1870. Both the will and the codicil were filed for probate on March 29, 1870.7Frank and his wife Mary were separated and living apart when he wrote his will and the codicil. Thus, it is no surprise that she was not mentioned in either document. However, Mary returned to her husband’s side on the morning of the very day that he died. Soon after his death, Mary filed her claim with the County Court. But the existence of her claim would not have been discovered without a careful search of the old loose papers located in the courthouse attic. The testimony of one witness is most interesting. Only selected portions of her testimony are included here. A more detailed treatment of the dispute is included in a subsequent article titled Francis S. Chaney, Pioneer Rancher. Witness for Defense Clementine A. Weatherly third witness for the Defendant being sworn says: “I wasacquainted with Frank S. Chaney in his lifetime. I had known him some 2 or 3 years. live about ¾ of a mile from his place where he died. I also knew his first wife. she died in the latter part of April last. He married again in a few months. his 2 wife was named Mary. They lived together something over a month before she left him. When she left she went to her Step father’s. She returned again in some 2 or 3 weeks. Chaney went after her and 5Probate Records, Johnson County, Texas, Probate Papers, Docket No. 212, File No. 2. Johnson County Courthouse, Cleburne, Texas. 61870 Census, Mortality Schedules, Johnson County, Texas, Page 452. All census records from microfilm at NationalArchives and Records Administration, Washington, DC.7Probate Records, Johnson County, Texas, File No. 12, Will Book D, Page 237 and Probate Papers, Docket No. 212, File No.2. Johnson County Courthouse, Cleburne, Texas.2

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 3 of 11carried her home. They separated or she left him again. This time she returned. Mr. Chaney sent his sister Mrs. Hill after her. She returned with Mrs. Hill. And she left again about 2 weeks before Mr. Chaney’s death. He Chaney was at that time very low notexpected to live. I was long intimate with Chaney’s family. was there a good deal... “...There was no one there at that time to wait on him. Witnesses sister prepared his food and carried it to him from her own home. “On the day that F. Chaney died when we all thought he was dying I was standing by his bedside. I looked out at the window and saw Mary and her mother coming. & I said Uncle Frank Mary and her mother are coming to see you. He said alas too late...” Cross Examination “I am a second cousin to Mr. Chaney. I lived about ¾ from him at the time of his death. I was not present at the time Mrs. Humphreys proposed to send for Mrs. Hill but was told soby Chaney & others. Mrs. Hill had been in the neighborhood some 7 or 8 months at the time of Mr. Chaney’s death. At the time Mrs. Humphreys proposed to send for Mrs. Hill Chaney told me he said nothing but that she came and nursed him tenderly. I never was about the home of Mrs. Humphrey. Since she moved up here it is understood that Mrs. Hill & Mrs. Humphreys had a disagreement. As to my own knowledge, I know nothing of it. I am twenty five years of age. I am the wife of William Weatherly. I had know Uncle Frank Chaney some 2 or 3 years. Mrs. Humphreys nearly as long & I never met Mrs. Hill until last July. Mary Chaney’s father is dead. Her mother married Levy Boatright. I mean by her ward robe her wearing clothing. Uncle Frank told me that he kept his valuable papers & money in a table drawer and a trunk. I think the table drawer & trunk had keys & locks. The key of the trunk broken. I heard Uncle Frank tell my husband thathe had I think $180. Mr. Chaney requested me to come to town with his wife and assist herin selecting some winter dresses & a cloak & to say to the merchants that he would settle the bill.” Clementine Weatherly Sworn to and subscribed before me this April 1st AD 1870. P. W. Wynne, clerk CCJC TexasWho Was Clementine Weatherby? Based upon her own statements that she made under oath, Clementine was born circa 1845. She and her husband were living in Johnson County in 1870.8The 32-year-old W. W. Weatherby is listed in theschedules as born in Alabama. His wife Carrantine is listed as 28 years old and born in Alabama. Living in their household were three children: William 8, Henrietta 4, and Jno. 1. All three are listed as born in Texas. The discrepancy in her two reported ages may be a result of her simply shaving three years from her age when in open court room in front of her neighbors. The rather unconventional spelling of81870 Census, Population Schedules, Johnson County, Texas, Beat 1, Page 23.3

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 4 of 11Clementine’s name on the census schedule cannot be explained easily. However, mistaking Weatherby for Weatherly seems a common and understandable error. With these errors, can we be certain thatCarrantine Weatherby was the Clementine Weatherly? Obviously, more corroborating evidence is required. No other women named Clementine in their mid-twenties were found after a careful search ofthe 1870 census population schedules for all of Precinct 1, Johnson County, Texas. Clementine testified that her sister prepared food for Uncle Frank during his last illness. Alabama S. Haggard in her testimony stated that she prepared food for Frank Chaney. She was the wife of CalvinHaggard. Living next door to William and Clementine were Calvin and Alabama Haggard. Calvin islisted as 25 years old and born in Alabama. His wife Alabama is listed as 30 years old and born in Alabama. Also living with them were N. Chany, Robert Chany, and Emma Chany. N. Chany was then 55 years old and born in Virginia. Robert was 15 and Emma 19 years old. Both were born in Alabama. No doubt Clementine called him Uncle Frank because he was so much older than she. They were second cousins; thus they shared the same great grandparents. In order to determine the identity of her parents,grandparents, and great grandparents, the search moved to Alabama. The young couple were in Talladega County in 1860.9W. W. Weatherly, just 22 years old, is listed as the head of the household. The census enumerator unfortunately did not take the effort to record the names for each person. Instead, he recorded only their initial or initials. The three persons named Weatherly that were living in the same household are identified only as C., an 18-year-old female, L. a 14-year-old male, and C., a fifteen-year-old female. In 1850, we find both Alabama and Clementine living in the household of their parents.10Nathaniel N. Chaney 33 stone cutter $400 Virginia Nancy A. “ 23 Tennessee Alabama S. “ 10 Alabama Clementine A. “ 8 Alabama Margaret A.“ 6 Alabama Nathaniel Spitler7 Alabama Henrietta Chaney 27 Tennessee Jane Chaney 25 Tennessee Thus, we see that Nathaniel Chaney moved to Johnson County, Texas with his daughter Alabama and her husband Calvin Haggard. The identity of Robert and Emma Chaney remains unclear. Nathaniel,Henrietta, and Jane were children of Hezekiah and Alpha (Nuckolls) Chaney. Living nearby was Asa N. Chaney, who had come to Sabine County in 1839 with his brother Loveless.11Both Asa and Loveless were sons of Hezekiah and Alpha (Nuckolls) Chaney. That discovery in Alabama completes part of the puzzle. Clementine was the daughter of Nathaniel Chaney. Nathaniel was the son of Hezekiah Chaney, Jr. who married Alpha Nuckolls in Wythe County, Virginia in 1809. Thus, both Clementine Chaney and Frank S. Chaney, as second cousins, were great grand children of Hezekiah Chaney, Sr. of Wythe County,91860 Census, Talladega County, Alabama, Northern Division, Page 142.101850 Census, Talladega County, Alabama, Talladega District, Page 391.111850 Census, Talladega County, Alabama, Talladega District, Page 396.4

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 5 of 11Virginia. Hezekiah Chaney, Sr. in Wythe County, Virginia The family of Hezekiah Chaney, Sr. in Wythe County is rather well documented. He settled along McCendley’s Run in the Cripple Creek neighborhood as early as 1776.12Chaney’s name by any spelling does not appear in any extant records of the area until 1781, when his name appears on the muster roll of James Newell’s militia company. Hezekiah Chaney died testate in 1812.13In his will, Hezekiah named his wife Jane, six daughters, and five sons. Frank S. Chaney was his great grandson and Christopher Chaney was his grandson. But, who were the parents of Christopher Chaney? Of course, it is possible that Christopher was the illegitimate son of one of Hezekiah’s daughters. However, without more evidence, that possibility is discounted. Perhaps Christopher’s father died prior to 1812 and, thus, was notmentioned in the will. That possibility also is discounted under the presumption that orphaned grandchildren likely would have been entitled to their father’s inheritance.The best possibility is that Christopher was the son of one of the five sons named in their father’s will. The five sons were Abel, Hezekiah, Archibald, Hiram, and Hosea. Of course, Hezekiah, Jr. could not have been Christopher’s father. Otherwise, Frank and Clementine would have been first cousins. Based solely upon the ages of his children, Christopher likely was born no later than circa 1797. He first paid his poll tax in 1816, placing his year of birth no later than 1795. The best estimate of Christopher’s year of birth is 1794 or 1795. Thus his father would have been born circa 1775, perhaps later but not much later. Archibald, Hiram, and Hosea all appear to have been too young to be Christopher’s father. In 1810, there were four males listed in the household of Hezekiah Chaney, Sr.14Of course, Hezekiah, Sr. is the lone male over 45 years of age. The youngest son Hosea is listed as between 10 and 16 years of age. Archibald and Hiram are listed as between 16 and 26 years of age. Even at 26, the older of the two would have been just too young to be Christopher’s father. Abel Chaney in Wythe County, Virginia It is presumed that Abel was the oldest of the five sons, because he was the first of the children mentioned in the will. In 1810, Abel’s household consisted of just three persons.15Abel was is listed as between 26 and 45 years old. That places his year of birth sometime between circa 1765 and 1784. In 1798, Hezekiah Chaney, Sr. first paid the poll tax for two white males.16Assuming that Abel is the second poll, 12Kegley, M. B., Early Adventures on the Western Waters, Volume III, Part 1, The New River in Pioneer Days, 1745-1805.Kegley Books, Wytheville, Virginia, 1999, Page 396.13Probate Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Will Book 2, Page 88. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia. 141810 Census, Wythe County, Virginia, Page 276.151810 Census, Wythe County, Virginia, Page 276.16Personal Property Tax Records, Wythe County, Virginia, 1802-1830. Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia. 5

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 6 of 11then Abel was born circa 1776. Thus, he would have turned 21 years of age during the year 1797 and just old enough to have been assessed for his poll tax in 1798. It is presumed that Christopher is the young male then just sixteen years old. The third member of Abel’s household was a slave. The name of Abel’s first wife is unknown as she is mentioned in no extant records. Unfortunately, no record of their marriage has been located. Her maiden name may have been Cowden, as two of Abel’s sisters married men named Cowden and Christopher named his youngest son Hiram Cowden Chaney.  It is presumed that Abel Chaney continued to live with his father through 1807, as Hezekiah, Senior paid the poll tax for two white males during that period. On January 12, 1807, Able Cheney recorded a survey for a 20-acre tract of hitherto vacant land between his own land and that of William Henly.17The surveywas made by virtue of part of a Land Office Treasury Warrant, but no record of that warrant has been located. In 1809, Abel Chaney paid his own poll tax. He also was assessed for seven horses. On September 12, 1809, the Wythe County Grand Jury charged Able Chayne for stopping the road round his plantation.18Precisely what Able was alleged to have done to “stop” the road was not recorded. The sheriff was ordered to summon Abel Chaney before the Court to answer the allegations. Apparently, Abel answered the Court in a satisfactory manner as the presentment was dismissed that November. Again, in 1810, he was assessed for his poll tax and seven horses. On March 2, 1810, Abel R. Chaney purchased two tracts of land from Jonathan and Jane Henderson. Abel paid $400 for the first tract consisting of 250 acres on the waters of Cripple Creek.19He paid $220 for the second tract of 140 acres also on the waters of Cripple Creek.20On August 2, 1810, Abel purchased a tract of land from his parents for $1,000.21The 357-acre tract was located on the waters of Cripple Creek on the side of Lick Mountain. On October 15, 1810, the sheriff was ordered to arrest Rufus Morgan and hold him until the next meeting of the County Superior Court.22Both Abel R. Chaney and his younger brother Hezekiah Chaney claimed17Land Entry Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Book 3, 1804-1845, Page 31. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia. 18Criminal Court Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Commonwealth vs. Chayne, No. 1809-038. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia. (Hereinafter cited as Wythe Criminal Cases.) 19Land Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Deed Book 5, Page 245. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia. (Hereinafter cited as Wythe Deeds.)20Wythe Deeds, Book 5, Page 247.21Wythe Deeds, Book 5, Page 290.22Superior Law Court Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Chaney vs. Morgan, No. 1812-037. Wythe County Courthouse, Wytheville, Virginia. 6

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 7 of 11that on October 14, 1810, Rufus Morgan had committed trespass and then assaulted and beat them. They each claimed damages amounting to $1,000. The case dragged through the court for awhile, until finally the case was dismissed at the defendant’s cost on May 3, 1812. In 1811, Able Chaney was taxed for only two tracts of land.23One tract of 250 acres was assessed at $62.50. The other tract of 356 acres was assessed at $178. Obviously, Abel either hid his third tract of 140 acres from the tax man or he had sold it to someone else before the taxes were due. If he did sell it, no deed was recorded. That same year, Abel paid personal property taxes for only two horses. On July 22, 1811 Abel Chaney purchased a fourth tract of land.24He paid Jacob Newman of Pulaski County, Kentucky $22 pounds Virginia money for the tract located on Tate’s Run. In 1812, Abel Chaney paid taxes on the same two tracts of land as well as the 22-acre parcel of vacantland that he had surveyed in 1807. That third tract was valued at $11. He also paid personal property taxes on just one horse. Again, in March of 1812, the Grand Jury again alleged that Abel Chaney, farmer, had stopped and turned the road leading from Wythe Courthouse to Grayson County on Davis’ Branch.25A summons was duly issued ordering Andrew Porter, George Rosenburn, and Alexander Mahood to testify for the Commonwealth. Another summons was issued ordering David Fisher, George Davis, Henry Hufman, and Jacob Gose to testify for the defendant. After hearing the evidence, the Court dismissed the allegations. In 1813 and again in 1814, Abel paid property taxes on the same three tracts of land, but he was taxed for only one stud horse. It is evident that he avoided paying property taxes on all of his property. On May 11, 1813, Abel Chaney sold 430 acres of land on Cripple Creek to Henry Hoffman for $750.26He signedthe deed as Abel R. Cheyne. On March 8, 1814, Abel R. Cheyne sold two adjacent tracts of land to JacobSprecker of Grayson County for $5,000. One of the tracts contained 357 acres and the second 68 acres. The Wythe County Court issued a summons on July 13, 1813 ordering the sheriff to summon JamesMills, Hezekiah Cheyne, and William King, Jr. to testify on behalf of Abel R. Cheyne.27Unfortunately, the case file contains no papers other than the original summons. Thus, the nature of the case now is lost to history. In March 1817, William Litz filed suit against Abel R. Cheyne to recover a debt in the form of a note in the amount of $20 with six percent interest from May 20, 1814.28William Litz complained to the court that Abel Cheyne had since left the jurisdiction of Virginia and taken all of his property with him. However, William Litz claimed that both Henry Huffman and Jacob Spracher, both residents of Wythe23Real Property Tax Records, Wythe County, Virginia, 1793-1815. Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia. 24Wythe Deeds, Book 5, Page 376.25Wythe Criminal Cases, Commonwealth vs. Abel Chaney, No. 1812-017. 26Wythe Deeds, Book 6, Page 395.27Wythe Criminal Cases, Commonwealth vs. Abel R. Cheyne, No. 1813-032. 28Chancery Court Records, Wythe County, Virginia, Litz vs. Cheyne et al, No. 1817-035. Wythe County Courthouse,Wytheville, Virginia. 7

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 8 of 11County, owed a considerable sum of money to Abel Chaney. One can only presume that the considerable sums consisted of the proceeds from the sale of Abel’s real estate. Thus, William Liz wanted the court to order that his debt be settled out of the money owed to Abel Chaney. This the court did, in the amount of $78.38 to cover the original, costs, and interest. Just why and when he left his home in Wythe County is unclear. Based on the foregoing, it is presumedthat Abel Chaney left Wythe County soon after selling his real estate in 1814. At the time, it further is presumed that he was alone in life. His wife had left him a widower. His only two known children had left home. His daughter Christiana had married Philip Trout and was then living in Russell County. His son Christopher probably was living in Russell County with his sister and brother-in-law. Moving to Monroe County, Tennessee Perhaps, Abel R. Cheyne moved to Tennessee seeking to start life afresh. In any event, he probably moved to Roane County, Tennessee although no record of him there has been located. In 1819, a portion of Roane County was set aside to form the new Monroe County. The 1820 Census of Monroe County has been lost. But, it seems likely that Abel had remarried and was living in Monroe County by 1820 or very soon thereafter. On November 18, 1829, the local court found against Josiah Price and ordered him to pay $125 to Able R. Cheyne and James P. Hanes.29At the same term, the court also found against William R. Sitter andordered him to pay $125 to Able R. Cheyne and James P. Hanes. Unfortunately, the specific nature of their disputes was not recorded. It was recorded only that the two defendants did not appear in court and thus forfeited. At the same time, the victorious A. R. Cheyne and J. P. Hanes filed an affidavit requesting that the suit by William G. White against them be continued until the next term of the court. On May 11, 1831, the two defendants filed their affidavit together with affidavits from John Waugh, John L. White, and H. P. Gibson requesting a change of venue.30The court agreed and transferred the matter tothe McMinn County Court. In 1830, Abel R. Chaney’s household consisted of eight persons.31MalesFemalesTwo, under 5 One, between 5 and 10 Two, between 5 and 10 One, between 10 and 15 One, between 40 and 50 One, between 30 and 40 29Circuit Court Minutes, Monroe County, Tennessee, 1827-1839, Page 146. Monroe County Courthouse, Madisonville, Tennessee. (Hereinafter cited as Monroe Circuit Court.)30Monroe Circuit Court, Page 229-230.311830 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 81.8

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 9 of 11Of course, it is presumed that Abel was the lone male between 40 and 50 years of age. One wonders why he reported to be so young. Probably born circa 1775, he would have been about 55 years old in 1830. Perhaps he simply was vain. Perhaps he wanted to minimize the large difference in age between him and his wife. Perhaps he was unsure of his age. Perhaps his wife was unsure of his age when she reported his age to the census enumerator. Based upon the available records, it simply is not possible to know for sure why his age was not recorded correctly. His wife is presumed to be the eldest female between 30 and 40 years of age. The six youngsters are presumed to their children Darthula, Elizabeth, Margaret, Keturia Sophronia, Ethelred Ichabod, and Martha Minerva. Abel’s younger brother Hezekiah also was living in Monroe County in 1830.32Abel owned no slaves. On May 15, 1835, William G. White of Overton County, Tennessee gave his power of attorney to George Henderson and George Harris.33The two men were empowered to collect on a judgment against Abel R. Chaney and James P. Haynes. Unfortunately, the nature and amount of the judgment were not recorded. In 1836 Abel R. Cheyne paid the poll tax. He also was assessed for 160 acres of land valued at $1,000. In 1840, Abel R. Chaney’s household had increased in size to ten people.34MalesFemalesOne, under 5 One, between 5 and 10 One, between 5 and 10 Two, between 10 and 15 One, between 15 and 20 Two, between 20 and 30 One, between 50 and 60 One, between 40 and 50 Abel is reported incorrectly as between 50 and 60 years of age. His wife was reported correctly asbetween 40 and 50 years of age. Their eight reported children are presumed to be Darthula, Elizabeth, Margaret, Keturia Sophronia, Martha Minerva, Robert, David, and an unknown daughter between 5 and 10. Their son Ethelred Ichabod, then about 15 years old, apparently was not living at home. Had hestruck out on his own at such a tender age? Was he away at school?A suit was filed over the proposed settlement of the estate of Samuel Blackburn in 1842.35Called totestify in the matter, Abel R. Cheyne, aged about 60, deposed in January 1846 that he and Samuel Blackburn had married sisters and that he had been married 29 years the 13th of April last. Unfortunately the names of the two sisters were not recorded. But, the record does place the date of his marriage asApril 13, 1817. Based upon the date it is likely that his marriage took place in Tennessee; but it is uncertain just where. 321830 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 110. 33Monroe Deeds, Book G, Page 68.341840 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 202.35Chancery Court Records, Monroe County, Tennessee, Case File No. 221. Monroe County Courthouse, Madisonville, Tennessee.9

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 10 of 11In 1850, A. R. Chaney was living in the Second District of Monroe County.36Abel is listed as a 65-year-old farmer. His reported age in the three Tennessee census records is consistent, but wrong. Just why his age was wrong so consistently is uncertain. The only satisfactory explanation is that he wanted to lessenthe difference between his age and his wife’s. In any event, he valued his real estate at $1,300 and reported correctly that he was born in Virginia. His wife Easter is listed as 53 years old and born in Tennessee. Living with them were their children Darthula, Minerva, Jane, Robert, and David, all of whom were born in Tennessee. Also, living in their household was Eliza Jane Mason, aged 7 years. Abel R. Cheyne died in Monroe County on or about September 13, 1854. His death was noticed in the local newspaper.37“J. A. Hare, Esq. of Madisonville, informs us that the health of that place is now good. The last case of cholera was Capt. A. R. Chaynie who died about the 13th.” It is interesting that the newspaper notice used his military title. Apparently, Abel Chaney was a captainin the local militia. The heirs of his estate filed a suit concerning the disposition of his estate. It was necessary to file the suit because there was no will, the widow was entitled to her dower share in the realestate, and some of the heirs were minors. On December 2, 1856, began the process of overseeing the administration of the estate.38The court ordered that the land be surveyed, the dower portion laid off, and the remainder of the lands sold to pay the debts. A total of 80 acres was set aside and assigned to EstherCheynie as her dower lands. The remainder of the 160-acre tract was sold at public auction to William Williams for $700. The heirs were identified as Esther Cheynie widow, Robert Cheynie, Darthula wife of Rice C. Spears, Elizabeth wife of William Williams, Sophronia wife of James P. Minis, Margaret Minnisdeceased, E. E. Cheynie, Arinista Minerva Cheynie, and Jane wife of James Roy. The foregoing record makes it clear that only his second wife and their children benefited from Abel’s estate. His first wife and their two children had long since passed away. Yet, both of his children by hisfirst wife were survived by children who were living at the time his estate was settled. Surely they wereentitled to a share of the estate. Of course, it is easy to understand how his second family felt that they were entitled to the entire estate. After all, the estate was not large especially after the widow’s dower portion was deducted. The other heirs, so far away in Virginia and Texas, had little contact with their grandfather. It is doubtful that Abel had ever seen those grandchildren. Yet, one wonders why they did not benefit from their grandfather’s estate. The children of Abel and Esther (Thompson) Chaney were: i. Darthula, born circa 1818 in Tennessee. ii. Elizabeth, born circa 1822 in Tennessee. iii. Margaret R., born circa 1823 in Tennessee. 361850 Census, Monroe County, Tennessee, Page 89. 37Loudon Free Press, Volume II, Number 41, September 20, 1854. Loudon, Tennessee.10 38Chancery Court Minutes, Monroe County, Tennessee, 1856-1865, Pages 32, 60, and 166. Monroe County Courthouse, Madisonville, Tennessee

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Mystery Solved, The Origin of Christopher Chaney/Michael A. Ports – page 11 of 1111 iv. Keturia Sophronia, born circa 1826 in Tennessee. v. Martha Minerva, born circa 1829 in Monroe County, Tennessee. vi. Ethelred Ichabod, born circa vii. Robert, born circa 1834 in Monroe County, Tennessee. viii. David H., born circa 1837 in Monroe County, Tennessee. ix. Jane, born circa 1839 in Monroe County, Tennessee. The widow Esther Cheyne married Zachariah Givens on October 21, 1858.39It is presumed that Estherwas buried with her second husband at the Tellico Baptist Church, but no record of either’s death has been found. Conclusion The foregoing represents all of the public and private records that the author has found concerning the identity of Christopher Chaney’s parents. The author is indebted to the staff of many public and private institutions for their patience, cooperation, and assistance. Special mention is due the helpful staff at the Johnson County Courthouse, Texas General Land Office, Wythe County Courthouse, Virginia State Library and Archives, Monroe County Courthouse, and Tennessee State Library and Archives. Thanks also go to Lynn McConkey, a Chaney descendant and local genealogist and historian specializing in Monroe County, who kindly shared her research work. Also, special thanks are due to Mary B. Kegley for her very extensive knowledge of the early families of Wythe County. The publication of additionalmaterial is anticipated as research continues. *5427 Mission Road, Fairway, Kansas 66205. Member, Texas State Genealogical Society.39Marriage Records, Monroe County, Tennessee,

 

**

HI folks,

Here’s some data on the Kirks.  I can not tell the relationship between the Kirks who lived (based on tax lists) in Russell county for a few years between 1800 and 1810, but I would think they are the Grayson Co or the Montgomery Co Kirks, possibly two different families.  However, the Barbara Kirk who md in Grayson Co and came to Russell Co is undoubtedly of Caty Kirk’s family based on similar migration patterns. The George Kirk on the Russell Co tax lists might be the George who married in Grayson co 1801.

 

The next step would be to search the Russell Co records for Kirks to flesh out their relationships and migrations, i.e. court, land, probate records.

 

The next step here would be to search the records of Smyth County to see if there is a probate or estate settlement for Henry Kirk.

 

Perhaps searching the Wythe and Grayson Co records might also yield valuable information to identify Caty Kirk and see if there indeed was an Elizabeth Kirk (or not).

 

By 1820, there was a Henry Kirk and Jacob Kirk in Grayson Co both born 1775-1794.  Perhaps these are both sons of Henry Sr.

 

Richard

 

1.  from Francees Lancaster

Hi everyone,

 

I have a copy of the Kirks of Grayson County.

 

It's based on Jacob & Elizabeth Pool Kirk, parents unknown but leaning towards being Henry Kirk.

 

30 Aug 1792    Henry Kirk grantee, from Richard & Sarah Wright grantors, 25 acres on Elk Creek,

recorded 12 Feb. 1793. (Wythe Co. Deed Book 1, pg. 125)

 

5 Nov. 1799     Surveyed for Henry Kirk, assignee of Philip Trout, 46 acres, by virtue of an entry made 5 Nov. 1781...lying in Grayson County on a branch of Turkey Fork of Elk Creek. (Grayson Co. 1st Platt Book)

 

Grayson County Marriage Register, Vol. 1 shows:

Philip Trout and Caterina Kirk, Bond 1795-2, dated 21 Feb. 1795, Principal: Philipmon Trought,

Surety: Henery Heark, for the marriage of Philip Trout to Catereener Hearck, daughter of Henery

Hearck. Return: 1-2: Rev. Charles Hardy certifies that he married Philip Trout and Caty Cirk,

(date not given) return dated 2 June 1795.

 

Henry's first wife was also named Caterina, as shown on an old deed. The various spellings are the ones

found in the court records.

 

Jacob first married Sarrah Wright 29 July 1800. Between the 1812 entry and 1818, Sarah died and Jacob

married Elizabeth Pool. The list of Jacob's heirs mentioned shows that he and Sarrah Wright Kirk had

 

Rachel, born 28 Aug 1803

Richard born 1808

Elizabeth,  Lewis, and Patsy     (no dates)

 

No Todd's listed in book

 

Frances Lancaster

2.  Henry Kirk from Rootsweb

Also:

1.

Henry Kirk was born 1755 in Blue Springs, Smyth, Virginia, USA, and died 1805 in Blue Spring, Smyth, Virginia, USA.

 

 

 

Child of Henry Kirk is:

+

2

  i.

Jacob Kirk was born 1781 in Blue Springs, Smyth, Virginia, USA, and died 1825 in Wythe, Virginia, USA.

 

3.                   Barbara Kirk (possible sister to Jacob and Caty/Caterina

·  ID: I30664

·  Name: Barbara KIRK

·  Sex: F

·  Birth: C.1770

·  Death: bef 1805 in Russell Co.,VA

Marriage 1 Mark HART b: C.1770 in Montgomery Co.,VA

·                     Married: 17 SEP 1800 in Grayson Co.,VA

 

4.                   George Kirk possible brother to Caty

·  ID: I8784

·  Name: GEORGE KIRK 1

·  Sex: M

·  Birth: BET 1775 AND 1794

Marriage 1 POLLY STALEY b: ABT 1781 in RANDOLPH COUNTY, NC.

Married: 27 MAY 1801 in GRAYSON COUNTY, VA. 1

5.                   Mary Kirk possible sister to caty

·  ID: I32

·  Name: Mary M Kirk

·  Sex: F

Father: Samuel Kirk

Marriage 1 Fredrick Staley

·                     Married: 11 Apr 1797 in Grayson, Virginia

Children

1.                  Noah Staley b: 17 Jan 1811

 

6.                   Land grants for Kirks in SW VA

KIRK GRANTS

Alexander Kirk - 22 Aug1792
Washington County
400 a. On the North side of the North fork of Holstein river Beginning onthe South side of Poor Valley Knob &c.
Grants No. 27, p. 65

Caleb Kirk - 6 Feb 1800
Wythe County
1000 a. On the waters of Clinch river joining the land of Thomas Whitten Beginning on the top of Rich Mountain at the North East end of Morris Knob
Grants No. 44, p. 256

Henry Kirk - 16 Jul 1793
Montgomery County
200 a. On the Turkey Fork of Elk Creek and adjoining Richard Riteslines
Grants No. 28, p. 558

John Kirk - 7 Oct 1785
Montgomery County
196 a. On the Meadow Branch the waters of New river
Grants No. R, p. 578

7.                   Kirks in Grayson Co 1800 tax list: column 1 is males over 21, column 2 is horses

Kirk, Saml.

1

1

Kirk, Henry

1

2

Kirk, Jacob

1

4

Trout, Phillip

1

3

Jacob is assumed son to Henry;

In 1796, only one taxed is Henry. No Trouts.

In 1799, Henry and Samuel with 100 acres for Henry and 172 acres for Samuel; Phllip Trout has 100 acres.

In 1794, only Samuel with 1 male over 16., no Trout.

IN 1805, Henry and Jacob. One 1 m over 16.

 In 1810, only Jacob.

 

The tax lists do not suggest a lot of males in these familes, but perhaps they were young, i.e. born after 1780.

 

8.                   asdf

Richard

 

**

Emanuel Moles and Elizabeth Moles died in 1894 in Floyd Co and their death record indicates age 82 (hence born 1812) but both are listed as “parents unknown” though almost all the other death records on the same page lists parents names.   Elizabeth is listed in the census as born 1813, 1823, 1815, 1812 in the 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 census.  The preponderance of these numbers favors an 1812/1813 birth.

** 

 

Attached is the actual entry for Elizabeth Trout asking for John Grizzle to be her guardian. The date on the entry was 1/6/1829. Elizabeth and William Grizzle's first child, Sarah Jane Grizzle was born

11/1829 in Kentucky. That means Sarah would have been conceived about 2/1829. William was taxed in Russell Co. in 1829 so depending on what month they assessed the taxes, it looks like Sarah was conceived in VA and William and Elizabeth moved to KY sometime late summer or early fall in 1829.

 

Also, I just noticed that William and Elizabeth's 2nd child was named Elizabeth C. Grizzle. I bet the C.

stands for Catherine after Elizabeth's mother.

Especially since William's mother was named Sarah and that was their first child's name. It looks like they named the girls after William and Elizabeth's mothers.

 

Becky Griswold

  

>

> Law Book 9 Page 96:

>

> 

>

> 1829

>

> Present Larkin Herndon, absent Robert Fugate gent justices.  Elizabeth

> Trout an infant, and orphan of Katherine Trout decd., being of the age

> of 14 years, and upwards came into court and made choice of John

> Grizzle for her guardian, which choice the court approves of, and

> thereupon the said John Grizzle with William Grizzle his security

> entered into and acknowledged a bond according to law in the sum on

> One Hundred dollars.

>

> 

** 

Okay Everyone,

 

I have attached the picture of the law book entry for William and Lewis "Trout" ordered to be bound out. It definitely says Barbara Trout, deceased. The date for the entry was 8/3/1824. If Catherine Trout died on 5/12/1824, this was only 3 months later that these boys were bound out.

 

As far as I can see there was only one Barbara Trout in Russell Co. at that time. I really believe that the name was recorded wrong and that the deceased person was Catherine Trout.

 

I guess it is possible that they really WERE Barbara's children, but Barbara was not even living with Catherine in 1813 and 1814 when the boys would have been conceived. On 10/6/1812, Henry Dickinson was appointed guardian of all 5 Trout children. Then on 6/6/1815, Edward Campbell was appointed guardian of all 5 Trout children. So since Catherine was living next to James G. Todd in 1813 & 1814 it is more likely that she is the mother of William and Lewis.

 

The other picture is of an entry dated 7/4/1815 for a Betsy Todd who was ordered bound out because she was poor. I am thinking this is Elizabeth Trout/Todd, daughter of Catherine Trout, who married William Grizzle. So in 1815 Catherine had two baby boys and 2 or 3 year old Elizabeth was sent to live with someone else because Catherine had her hands full. I guess James didn't take her because he was still married to Lucy and she didn't want to take in James'

illegitimate children. Remember Lucy didn't move out on her own until 1824.

 

Becky Griswold

 

**

 

Anyone know who this John Todd is who was the

"bastard" child of Elizabeth Todd? This record was

dated 9/3/1839. I don't know who either of these are.

There was a Thomas Todd who married Elizabeth Edmiston

in Washington Co., VA on 9/20/1822. I suppose it could

be her. But this family seems to be living in

Rockcastle Co., KY in 1850 minus mother, Elizabeth.

 

This child, John Todd, kept being bound out to James

Shoemaker and then returned to the custody of his

mother, Elizabeth.

**

John Todd was apparently bound out to James Shoemaker before 8/8/1837 (I didn't find that record) because on that date the binding out of John was cancelled and he was he was returned to his mother. Then on 9/3/1939 John Todd was again bound out the James Shoemaker and later that day the binding out was ordered rescinded and he was once again returned to the custody of his mother.

 

I checked online for more explanation of binding out.

And yes, courts did bind out toddlers, but usually it was because they were poor and they were given to someone else to take care of, not necessarily to be apprenticed. This is basically what we call today a Foster Child.

 

I don't know who these children were bound out to but I can look at the Chancery books the next time I go to the VA Archives to see if it lists this info.