Kentucky Genealogy

LAZARUS TILLEY OF SHELBY COUNTY, KENTUCKY

2013-05-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Last Will and Testament of Lazarus Tilley - April 1814

Shelby County, Kentucky Will Book 3, page 124,125

Transcribed by Valerie J. Thompson May 11, 2013

Page 124

In the name of God, Amen, I, Lazarus Tilly, of Shelby County and State of Kentucky, being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God for all His mercy’s, calling to mind the mortality of my body, and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, principally, and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of the Almighty God who gave it, and my body to the earth to be buried in a descent Christian burial at the discretion of my exec’rs, nothing doubting, but I shall at the general resurrection receive the same by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate where with it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.

Page 125

(first) After all my just debts are paid, I give a certain negro woman, Milley, her freedom so far as this the said negro woman has [chosen] my son-in-law, Richard Graves, and his wife, Nelly Graves where with the said negro Milly is to work, and be well treated as long as she lives. It will be understood that, if the negro woman should be afflicted, or unable to work the said Graves and his wife shall …. her so long as she lives without any … To the rest of my children all the balance of my real estate such as land, negroes, … is to be equally divided between all of my children. My son Henry has undertaken to make a crop for me this present year. He is to continue peaceably to finish his crop with all that was put on for the benefit of making the crop. The balance of my negroes, except what is put in the crop is to be dealt with as the law directs. Likewise, all of the balance of my estate, except what is engaged in the crop is to be dealt accordingly. It is my wish that Sam’l Tinsley, Esqr., and John Martin shall be my exec’rs of this my last will and testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto caused my hand and seal to be set this 2^nd day of April 1814. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of

Richard Rogers

George Hawkins Lazarus Tilley {Seal}

Shelby County April County Court 1814

This last will & testament of Lazarus Tilly, deceased was this day produced in court and proved by the oaths of Richard Rogers & George Hawkins, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded which is done accordingly. At: James Craig, Clk.

Shelby County Court Order Book 4, page 126A

The last will and testament of Lazarus Tilley deceased was produced into court & proved by the oaths of Rich’d Rogers and Geo. Hawkins, Witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded.

Shelby County Deed Book V1, page 74 Lazarus Tilley’s heirs to Henry Tilley

Transcribed by Valerie J. Thompson May 11, 2013

This Indenture made this 21^st day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, Between Joel Tilley and Betsey his wife, and Jesse Simmons and Nancy Simmons of the County Stokes County and State of North Carolina of the one part, also Aaron Tilley and Nancy his wife, Lazarous Tilley and Caty Tilley his wife, Moses Tilley and Betsey his wife, Richard Graves and Nelly Graves his wife, and James Richardson and Anna Richardson his wife, and Woody Burge and Betsey Burge his wife, Henry Lisby and Polly Lisby his wife, Aggatha Mitchell of the County of Shelby and State of Kentucky of the one part and Henry Tilley of the County of Shelby and State of Kentucky of the other part, Witnesseth that the above persons being heirs and devisees of Lazarus Tilley dec’d, for inconsideration of the sum of five hundred and sixty three dollars & 46 cents to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted, bargained, and sold unto Henry Tilley a certain tract of land lying in the said County of Shelby on the waters of Beech creek and bounded as follows, to wit, Beginning at a Stone, a corner of Aaron Tilley’s running N 20 E 140 poles to a beech & sugar tree, thence N790 W10 poles to a beech and Stake, thence N15 E20 poles to a beech and ash, thence N44 E48 poles to a 2 beeches, thence N45 W68 poles to 2 beeches on the bank of Beech Creek, thence down said Creek N85 W58 poles to a beech and buckeye, thence S20W260 poles to 2 Beeches on the road, thence S70E18 poles to a stone, thence S20 E61 poles to a beech and sugar tree in Scotts line, thence with the same N20 E50 poles to a sugar tree, thence to the Beginning containing 182 acres & 84 poles, To have & to hold the said tract of land as above described and every part and parcel thereof with all the appurtenances thereunto in any way belonging to him the said Henry Tilley and his heirs forever against the claim of all persons whatsoever setting up or holding any right or title thereto they, the said Joel Tilly & Betsey his wife, Jesse Simmons & Nancy Simmons of North Carolina and Aaron Tilly & Nancy his wife, Lazarus Tilley & Caty his wife, Moses Tilley & Betsey his wife, Richard Graves & Nelly his wife, James Richardson & Anna his wife, Woody Burge & Betsy his wife, Henry Lisby & Polly his wife, Aggatha Mitchell all being heirs and devisees of Lazarus Tilly dec’d, Shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. It is also to be remembered that if the foregoing tract of land should be lost in law or equity that the above named heirs and devisees are to pay the purchase money back jointly without interest. In Testimony whereof they, the said legatees, hath hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals this day and year first above written,

Test: Joel Tilley James Richardson

Sam’l Tinsley Elizabeth Tilley Ann Richardson

William Tilley Aaron Tilley Henry Lisby

Jno G. Robertson Nancy Tilley Mary Ann Lisby

Lazarus Tilley Agatha Mitchell (her mark)

Caty Tilley Moses Tilley

Woody Burge (his mark) Elizabeth Tilley

Betsey Burge Jesse Simmons

Richard Graves Nancy Simmons

Nelly Graves By me, R. D. Tilley, Attorney in fact

Shelby County Court Office

This deed was proven before me in my office on the 21^st day of October 1816 to be the acts and deeds of Joel Tilley & Elizabeth his wife, Aaron Tilley & Nancy his wife, Lazarus Tilley and Caty his wife, Woody Burge and Betsy his wife Richard Graves & Nelly his wife, James Richardson & Anna his wife, Henry Lisby and Mary Ann his wife, and Agatha Mitchell by the oath of Sam’l Tinsley a subscribing witness thereto & on the 21^st day of November 1817 said deed was

Page 76

Further proven to be the acts and deeds of the aforesaid parties by the oath of William Tilley another subscribing witness thereto. On the 17^th day of January 1818 said deed was acknowledged by Moses Tilley to be his act and deed, and on the 7^th day of March following deed was acknowledged by Elizabeth Tilley. wife of said Moses Tilley, to be her act and deed, and the said Elizabeth having been examined separate and apart from her said husband has relinquished her dower in and to the lands in said deed mentioned, and on the 19^th day of May 1826 said deed was acknowledged by R. D. Tilley attorney in fact for Jesse Simmons & Nancy his wife to be his act and deed, and thereupon the same was truly recorded.

Ja S Whitaker, Clk

Lazarus Tilley, born about 1749, first appeared on the 1797 Tax List of Shelby County, Kentucky with his son, Aaron. He sold his land in Stokes County, North Carolina to his son Joel Tilley, who remained there. He appears on the 1810 Census of Shelby County, Kentucky with his sons, Aaron and Henry. Lazarus was a Revolutionary War soldier from North Carolina, whose DAR Ancestor number is A202507. His service source records include Hann, North Carolina Revolutionary Army Accounts Journal A 1775-1776, page 166; Absher, Surry County Court Minutes 1768-1789, pages 21,22, & 30. He served under Captain Joseph Phillips, was a juror, and overseer of roads. (www.dar.org)

ALEXANDER MCKAY/MCKOY/MCCOY

2013-04-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

State of Kentucky

County of Rockcastle

On this 26^th day of April 1852 personally appeared before me Thos. J. Smith the undersigned, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State above mentioned, Hector McKay aged 49 years a resident of the county and State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law doth state upon his oath, that he is the Administrator of the estate of Jane McKay, deceased, who was the wife of Alexander McKay, deceased, doth on his oath make and subscribe to the following declaration on behalf of the heirs of the said Alexander and Jane McKay, deceased, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisionary act of Congress of the United States passed the 4 July 1836, or the provisions of such acts of Congress as might apply to the following same case,

Doth declare on his oath that the said Alexander McKay, deceased, is the identical man, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, against Great Britain – From the County of Rowan State of North Carolina, that the said McKay served a part of the time as a private in the North Carolina Militia, and a part of the time in the Continental North Carolina line, and is informed and [verily] believes in some of the tours aforesaid. The said Alexander McKay served once under Captain Pearl, and once under and belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain Campbell, and was commissioned while in the service aforesaid a Sergeant or Lieutenant, and acted in that capacity the greater portion of the time the said McKay served in the war of the Revolution aforesaid, and computing the different times in all was not less than two years, or there about, and that the said Alexander McKay is the identical man that served as aforesaid, and after serving out the different period for which he entered the service aforesaid faithfully was honorably discharged in the war aforesaid, said discharge having long since been lost, and that the said Alexander McKay is the identical man who was married in the County of Rowan, State of North Carolina to Jane Munroe, which took place the early part of the year 1779, and before the close of the war of the Revolution, and is the identical parties mentioned in the annexed Marriage Bond, that said McKay and wife aforesaid married in the County of Rowan, State of North Carolina, after the close of the war aforesaid until the year 1812, which time the said McKay and wife aforesaid migrated to Garrard County, State of Kentucky, and there remained up to his death, never claiming pension, being ignorant of his rights, his death happened in said County and State the year 1830 leaving his wife, Jane, a widow and some children who survived him, and shortly thereafter his said widow and children migrated from Kentucky to Jefferson County, Indiana, and there remained a widow ignorant of her rights to a pension, never claimed one up to her death which happened 5^th day of July 1845, leaving the following and only children who survive their ancestors, the said McKay & wife, Viz: Alexander McKay,Jr., Margaret Munroe, late Margaret McKay, Hugh McKay, William McKay, Hector McKay, that the said Alexander McKay deceased having served his country faithfully in the war aforesaid, that he presents this petition in right of his children to a pension to the department of the United States that governs such causes at Washington City, and reference to the North Carolina Revolutionary Rolls, and the proof in the cause, which is herewith respectfully submitted, will doubtless award to the heirs aforesaid their claim to a pension, as the law of the US direst.

Hector McKay (Adm.)

Marriage Bond of Alexander McKay to Jean Munroe

Marriage Bond of Alexander McKay and Jane Munroe:

North Carolina

County of Rowan

Know all men by these presents, that we, Alexander McKay and Robert McKay of the County and residence aforesaid, are held and firmly bound unto said State in the just and full sum of five hundred pounds for the true payment whereof, we jointly and severally bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, and each of them firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated the 12^th day of March anno Dom. 1779.

The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound, Alexander McKay hath made application for a license for a marriage to be celebrated between him and Jean Munroe of the County aforesaid. Now, if it shall not appear at any time hereafter that there is any lawful cause to obstruct said marriage, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in force and virtue.

Signed, sealed and delivered, Alexander X (his mark)McKay {Seal}

In presence of Robert X McKay (his mark) {Seal]

…Osborne

JAMES MONROE MYERS 1840-1879

2013-03-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JAMES M. MYERS – 1879

Transcribed by Valerie J. Thompson, 20 Mar 2013

Nicholas County, Kentucky Will Book H, page 266

Last will and Testament of James M. Myers, owing to the uncertainty of life and certainty of death, I make this my last will and testament.
First, I will that my insurance money, or so much of it as it will take you towards paying off my land debt.
Second, That I desire that my wife Lucy H. Myers shall have full possession and control of my entire estate, real and personal so long as she remains a widow, or until my children become of age.
Third, That I desire to empower my wife, if she thinks is best for the interest of herself and my children, to sell the land on which we now live, and to re-invest the money in land, or not to re-invest as she may think best, and I request the court to confirm the sale; if the money is not re-invested in land, I require of my wife to give security that is good and satisfactory for my children’s money until they become of age.
Fourth, I desire all my debts be paid as early as practicable.
Fifth, I hereby appoint my father-in-law, Milford Berry and request of him to see to it that this, my will, is properly and rightfully executed.

Signed by me this First day of February 1879, J. M. Myers

Attest: George C. Faris

R. T. Hill

Nicholas County Court, March Term, 1879

This instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of James M. Myers, deceased was this day produced in open court and was fully proved by the oaths of Geo. C. Faris and R. T. Hill, the attesting witnesses, thereto, Whereupon said last will and testament is confirmed, established, and ordered to be recorded, which is done. Attest: Jno. A. Cambell, CNCC

James Monroe Myers was born 21 May 1840 and died 9 Feb 1879 according to his tombstone located at the Hopkins Cemetery, also known as the W. B. Hopkins burial ground in Nicholas County, Kentucky. His death notice was given in the Carlisle-Mercury newspaper 20 Feb 1879. Photograph of his tombstone can be found at Find A Grave Memorial #6973315.

This young man, who died at age 39 was married to Lucy H. Berry, daughter of Milford Berry, who was named as his Executor. Lucy was the young widow of Jacob J. Hopkins, who is also buried at the Hopkins Cemetery, Find A Grave Memorial #6973288.

Lucy and Jacob J. Hopkins had one son, Jacob Milford Hopkins born 25 Feb 1870-19 July 1933. According to his death certificate he is buried at Lexington Cemetery, Fayette County, Kentucky. Death certificate image is available at Kentucky Death Records, Ancestry.com.

James Monroe Myers and Lucy had three sons. She is listed on the 1880 Census of Moorefield,Nicholas County, Kentucky with her four sons.

The sons of James Monroe Myers and Lucy Berry Hopkins:

*Herdy Pickett Myers was born 1July 1873 (WW I Draft Registration), although tombstone reads 1874. He died 27 Nov 1958 Nicholas County, Kentucky. He is buried at Carlisle Cemetery, Nicholas County, Kentucky, Find A Grave Memorial# 83240816. His Kentucky death certificate is viewable at Kentucky Death Records, Ancestry.com

*Herman P. Myers was born 1873, possibly a twin to Herdy Pickett Myers, in Nicholas County, Kentucky. He died 1900 and is also buried at Carlisle Cemetery, Nicholas County, Kentucky, Find A Grave Memorial# 83240879

*James Walter Myers was born 4 Sep 1878 (WW I Draft Registration). He died 30 Dec 1952 Nicholas County, Kentucky. He is also buried at Carlisle Cemetery, Find A Grave Memorial# 83241043 His Kentucky Death certificate viewable at Kentucky Death Records, Ancestry.com states his parents were James Monroe Myers and Lucy Berry.

Lucy H. Berry, daughter of Milford Berry and Frances Ann Hendricks, and widow of Jacob J. Hopkins and James Monroe Myers was born Sep 1849, and died 12 July 1908. She is buried with her sons at the Carlisle Cemetery in Nicholas County, Kentucky, Find A Grave Memorial# 75082089

PETER SHUTTS 1841-1900

2013-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Peter Shutts Co D, 116th Ohio Infantry
Rock Springs Cemetery, Rockcastle County, Kentucky

A tombstone represents a family. The following is a glimpse of the life of Peter Shutts of Company D 116th Ohio Infantry. This Company was organized in Monroe County, Ohio, which is where I believe Peter Shutts was born about 1841. He is listed with his parents William and Catherine Shutts on the 1850 and 1860 Census of Monroe County, Ohio. He remained in Monroe County, Ohio after the Civil War through 1880, where he is listed in Summit, Monroe County. About 1886 he and his wife, Margaret Powell, and their children moved south to Rockcastle County, Kentucky.

Application for Military Marker

Peter died Thursday, 24th May 1900. The cemetery is listed as 'Thompson' on the application for a military marker. The Rock Springs Cemetery may have been identified with the Thompson family at one time, as the tallest monument there is for a young Thompson woman, whose family are also buried there.

Mt Vernon Signal 25 May 1900

Pension Index Card

Peter filed for his pension 26th April 1880. Margaret, as his widow, filed 19th Nov 1900 in Kentucky.

1890 Veterans Schedule
Glades, Rockcastle

Peter is listed on the 1890 Veterans Schedule of Glades, Rockcastle County, Kentucky. He enlisted 12 Aug 1862 (Union) and mustered out 14 June 1865 Richmond, Virginia. His residence is listed as Wabd.

Tombstone photo for Peter Shutts by Valerie J. Thompson located at Find A Grave Memorial# 5368028

Martha Powell Shutts survived her husband another six years. She died 28 Feb 1916 in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Her Kentucky Death Certificate lists her birth as Monroe County, Ohio, 12 Aug 1846, and her parents as John and Katie Powell.

Children of Peter and Martha Shutts:

*Susan Dorman listed in the 1880 Census, Summit, Monroe County, Ohio is named as a sister to Peter H. Shutts in his obituary. Susan Dorman was born 15 April 1869. She married William D. Livesay 24 Nov 1887 in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. She died 17 July 1950, Find A Grave Memorial# 5379037 and photo at the Livesay Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County, Kentucky.

William D. Livesay was born 11 Dec 1865 and died 28 Apr 1936, Find A Grave Memorial# 5379036 and tombstone photo.

*Harriet "Hattie" Shutts was born 20 May 1870 in Monroe County, Ohio. She married John McNeil 13 Dec 1896 in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. (Rockcastle County, Marriages)

*Peter Herman Shutts was born 30 Nov 1872 in Monroe County, Ohio. He married Balzora W. Price, daughter of William H. Price and Sarah Colyer, 15 Mar 1896 in Pulaski County, Kentucky. He died 28 Feb 1944 in Hendricks County, Indiana. He was a school teacher at one time. He is buried at the Danville South Cemetery, Hendricks County, Indiana. Find A Grave Memorial# 36562871 and tombstone photo. Public photo of his obituary at Ancestry.com

Balzora W. Price (1875-1968) died in Bradenton, Florida and is buried at Skyway Memorial Gardens, Palmetto County, Florida Find A Grave Memorial# 52514378 and tombstone photo. Public photo of obituary at Ancestry.com

*John W Shutts was born 15 Nov 1875 in Monroe County, Ohio. He married Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" McMullin 18 Sep 1895 in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. He died 1 April 1955. They are buried at Providence Church Cemetery in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Find A Grave Memorial# 6959220. Mary "Lizzie" McMullin 30 Sep 1877 -25 April 1963 Find A Grave Memorial# 6959219

Other References:

U.S. Civil War Pension File Index - Ancestry.com

U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans 1925-1963 - Ancestry.com

Newspaper Images of Mt. Vernon Signal chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

AMBROSE COFFEE, BOONESBOROUGH SETTLER, 1775 - Part II

2013-02-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

AMBROSE COFFEE, BOONESBOROUGH SETTLER, 1775 - Part II

Where Did Ambrose Coffee Live?

Valerie J. Thompson

Boonesborough lots, page 17 from Searching for Boonesborough by Anthropologist, Nancy O'Malley, 1989

In previous post about Ambrose Coffee, he lived for some time at the Fort Boonesborough, and received by lottery one of the town lots of the town of Boonesborough. He also had a settlement of 400 acres and a 1000 acre preemption "for residing in the country since the year 1775 and improving the land in the year 1777 lying on the road that leads from Boonsborough to the Salt Springs". This he assigned to Henry Fields.

Ambrose Coffee's mark, and location of land was noted in other land records. Christmas Eve, 1779, John Fleury asssigned his settlement and preemption Warrant #369 to James Estill. Description of the land was as follows: "lying on a branch of the South Fork of Licking East of the Salt Spring Trace leading from Boonsborough and about two miles East of Ambrose Coffes land". (Old Kentucky Land Grants 3629.0) This land was later part of the land dispute of the heirs of James Estill.

In 1780 "James Read assignee of George Blackburn enters 500 acres upon a Military Warrant on the waters of Drowning Creek westwardly from the Trace from Boones Station Camp Creek including a Spring & a tree marked by Ambrose Coffee." (Lincoln Land Entries #706, June 17, 1780)

November 27, 1783 John South "entered 1000 acres of land upon part of the said Warrant No 17610 lying on the East side of the South Fork of Kentucky about 8 miles from the mouth of the said fork...including a small improvement made by Ambrose Coffee for the quantity." (Lincoln Land entry #3252, Treasury Warrant No. 17610)

In 1788-1790 Ambrose Coffee is among the taxpayers for Fayette County, Kentucky.

In 1792 the county boundaries change and Ambrose Coffee is now located on the tax lists for Clark County, Kentucky.

The only deed record in Clark County, Kentucky for Ambrose Coffee is in Deed Book 1,page 485 when he purchases from Daniel and Violet Williams, 20 acres of land on the waters of Spencer Creek, dated 1795.

Kentucky is changing and the county lines are moving again. In 1797 Montgomery County is formed from Clark County, Kentucky. Ambrose Coffee is listed on the tax list of Montgomery County for the years 1800-1809. The first deed book of Montgomery County, Kentucky is missing.

During those years Ambrose Coffee was often called upon to give deposition during various land disputes. September 16, 1811 Ambrose himself fills in the gaps of his known whereabouts, when questioned by Green Clay in the Henry Banta land dispute in Madison County, Kentucky.

Thirty-three years ago I came to Kentucky, in the year 1776, and landed at the town called Lee’s Town, on the Kentucky; from thence Major Crittenden & Co. went near the head of Willis Lee’s run, waters of Elkhorn, and now known by Crittenden’s Camp. There we cleared a piece of ground and planted corn in the same year, 1776, and in the fall of 1776 Major Crittenden & Co. went up the Ohio and I went to Harrodsburh, and there I continued part of that fall and the greater part of the winter; and report came that Colonel Boone was taken from the Lower Blue Licks to Logan’s Station, and to Harrodsburgh the report came; and one Richard May raised a company to go to the Lower Blue Licks to see what was done. I was one of the company with Richard May. Some time in February 1777, we arrived at Boonesborough, and there I continued till 1785 or 1786, and moved then out of Boonesborough into Bush’s Settlement; stayed there a year or two; from that there were two of the Martin’s built a mill on Lower Howard’s Creek and there I attended the mill going upon two years, and then Colonel Holder bought her, an after he bought her I attended her near two years, and from that I moved up to the head of Spencer Creek, near old Nicholas Anderson’s, and from that to Slate Creek, where I now live, near Myer’s Mill.

Draper Manuscripts, Shane Interview - Jacob Stevens

Draper Manuscripts, Kentucky Calendar 12CC 133-138, , page 136 Shane Interview with Jacob Stevens, who was born 1761 in Bedford, Virginia. Interview taken near Slate 1 ½ miles to the left of Jeffersonville. Shane’s notes in margin:

“Ambrose Coffee, that says he was in the (died over Slate, here) attack on Bnsbgh"

Look for Part III of the life of Ambrose Coffee.

KENTUCKY CHAPTER OF APG

2013-02-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Historical Event:

The first meeting of the Kentucky Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists was held this evening 19 Feb 2013 via GotoMeeting. I think it was a success!

As one of the first items of the agenda, we the members would like to encourage new members to join the Kentucky Chapter of APG. You may be contacted by one of the current members. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Kentucky Chapter of APG you may contact Cohen Swiney. our representative to the National Association of Professional Genealogists:
email:cswiney@csgenealogyservices.com
www.csgenealogyservices.com

One must be a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists to join the Kentucky Chapter.

Hope to see you at our next meeting. The date and time will be announced.

All the Best,

Valerie J. Thompson

LAWRENCE HEATHER BURNS

2013-02-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

Lawrence Heather Burns age 3 1/2

Back of photo Hall & Co 306 Main St, Buffalo, NY

     The beautiful photograph of little Lawrence Heather Burns, immediately caught my eye, as I had been researching Burns surname in New York for a client in Scotland. Phyllis Brown of Kentucky Kindred had purchased the photo on Ebay, and posted it to Facebook. I shared the photo with my client. Although this Lawrence was not from her family, she did know a little something about this young fellow. Sometimes genealogy is serendipity!

Lawrence Heather Burns was born in 1888. His mother was Annie Heather (her surname). With a birth date and the name of his mother, I was then able to learn more about young Lawrence Heather Burns.

The father of Lawrence Heather Burns was Millard Shelton Burns born 7 Apr 1854, son of George Burns and Elizabeth Christie. Elizabeth Christie was the daughter of Joseph Christie who died 1863 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York. The Christy's were from England.

Anna Heather was the daughter of William and Mary Ann Heather. Mary Ann was born Jan 1821 Ireland, or Scotland, and was living with Anna and her husband in 1900 - 1910 in Buffalo, New York.

Lawrence Heather Burns lived in Buffalo, Erie County, New York all his life. June 5, 1917 he registered for the draft of World War I. He gave his birth date as March 25, 1888 Buffalo, New York. At age 29, he was married and Vice-President of Buffalo Non-Ferrous Castings, Company. He was of medium height and build, with grey eyes and dark hair.

About 1916 Lawrence married Annie Livingston Cox, also known as Anita, the daughter of John Sayre Cox and Miriam Franklin Leggett. They had four children:

     Lawrence Heather Burns, Jr. was born 27 March 1917.

     Donald Whitley Burns was born 24 May 1919.

     Clara Ann Burns was born Christmas Day, 1920.

     Sayre S. Burns was born 7 Aug 1924.

After a full life Lawrence Heather Burns passed from this life 18 Nov 1952. He is interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York along with his parents.

A descendant of Lawrence Heather Burns has been contacted. I am hoping the photograph can be returned to the family.

References:
Census records Erie County, New York for years, 1890-1930
WW I Draft Registrations
St Luke's Episcopal Church Records, Nov 1894
U.S. Directories
Social Security Death Records
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Findagrave.com
Permission from Phyliss Brown to use the photograph

An a special 'Thank You!" to my client in Scotland.

Ambrose Coffee, Boonesborough Settler 1775.

2013-02-03T10:15:00.001-08:00

     We do hereby certify that Henry Field, assignee of Ambrose Coffee is entitled to Four hundred acres of land in the district of Kentucky on account of the s'd Coffee residing in the country ever since the year 1775, and improving the land in the year 1777, lying on the Waters of Licking on the road that leads from Boonesborough to the Salt Springs and that said Henry Field Assignee is also entitled to the preeemption of one thousand acres of land adjoining his said settlement. Given under our hands at Harodsburgh this 4th of November 1779.
                                                                                            William Fleming
                                                                                             Stephen Trigg
Test: John Williams CCC                                                    Edmund Lyne

(Page 5 of documents for Preemption Warrant #679 located at sos.ky.gov)

     On April 25, 1775 names were drawn for 40 of the 54 lots of the new town of Boonesborough. Ambrose Coffee drew lot number 13. (Draper Manuscripts 1CC36) (William Calk papers)

More about about Ambrose Coffee, immigrant, and historical Boonesborough figure, to be posted in future.

Last Will and Testament of Leonard Richards, 1828

2013-01-22T06:22:00.001-08:00

Will of Leonard Richards

1828 Casey County, Kentucky

Valerie J. Thompson

Transcribed Jan 21, 2013

In the name of god, Amen, Be it remembered that I, Leonard Richards, being in the county of Casey and state of Kentucky, considering the immortality of the mortal life & being of sound and perfect mind, blessed be to God for the same, do make this my last will and testament, in manner and form as followeth (to wit):

1^st First I command my soul to God who gave it, and my body to be buried in a decent Christian manner.

2^nd I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Susannah, fifty acres of land to include the plantation & improvements whereon I now live for and during her natural life, and at her death to belong to my son, Benjamin Richards; also, that she have one third part of my personal property to be understood, all my estate, except … lands for and during her life & she is to have the privilege to choose such of my perishable property to that amount and at her death to be equally divided between my children hereafter named (to wit), my daughter, Ruth Spears, to have one fifth part; my daughter, Elizabeth Miller, one fifth part; my son, John Richards, one fifth part; one fifth part equally divided between all the heirs of my daughter, Susannah Hickerson, dec’d; one fifth part to my daughter, Hannah Breeding, also all the balance of my perishable property to be divided amongst my children hereafter named, one fifth part to my daughter Ruth Spears, one fifth part to my daughter, Elizabeth Miller, one fifth part to my son, John Richards, one fifth part equally divided between all the heirs of my daughter, Susannah Hickerson, dec’d & one fifth part to daughter, Hannah Breeding. I do hereby give & bequeath to my son, Benjamin Richards all the balance of my tract of land on which I now live, except 100 acres conveyed by me to my son, Leonard Richards, by deed. I do give & bequeath to my beloved wife, my negro woman named Inda during her life & at her death s’d negro to be sold & the money to be equally divided between all my children, children: my daughter, Ruth Spears to have one seventh part; my daughter Elizabeth Miller, one seventh part; my son, John Richards, one seventh part; one seventh part to be equally divided between all the heirs of my daughter, Susannah Hickerson, Dec’d; to my son, Leonard Richards, one seventh part; to my daughter, Hannah Breeding, one seventh part; to my son, Benjamin Richards, one seventh part.

I do hereby appoint my son, Leonard Richards & James Allen Executors to this my last Will & Testament revoking all former wills by me made,

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 8^th day of August 1828.

Leonard X Richards his mark {Seal}

Witness:

Daniel Sherwood
William Bigg
John Miller

Samuel Hacker born about 1797 Tennessee

2013-01-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Samuel Hacker born 1797

Valerie J. Thompson

Samuel Hacker was born about 1797 in Tennessee. He was the son of John Hacker and Massie/Marcie Percifield. John Hacker was the son of Julius Hacker of Tennessee. This family is noted in the biography of W. R. Hacker in The biographical record of Jasper County, Missouri, pages 509, 510. (Ancestry.com. The biographical record of Jasper County, Missouri [database on-line]. Provo, UT: The Generations Network, Inc., 2005.Original data: McGregor, Malcolm G., The biographical record of Jasper County, Missouri. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1901)

Samuel married Chaney Roberts, daughter of Joseph Roberts 23 Mar 1823 in Clay County, Kentucky. There is no marriage bond to be found in Clay County, but the marriage is listed in the index records, per correspondence with Clay County, Kentucky Court Clerk (2012). Chana Roberts is also mentioned as the wife of Samuel Hacker, “the largest man in Clay County”, in the interview of John E. Roberts (Dr. John J. Dickey Diary, Fleming County, Ky. Recorded in the 1870's and beyond, Reprinted in Kentucky Explorer, Vol. 11, Number 8, February, 1997, p. 91, by permission. Clay County and online at http://www.oblevins.com/Blevins/d0018/g0000014.html)

On the 12th Dec 1826, 50 acres was surveyed on Big Creek, Clay county, Kentucky for Samuel Hacker, Survey Book U, page 470.

1830 Census Clay County, Kentucky

2 males under 5, 1 male 20-29, 2 males 30-39; 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-9, 1 female 20-29

1840 Census Clay County, Kentucky

I male under 5, 2 males 10-14, 1 male 40-49; 1 female under 5, 3 females 5-9, 2 females 15-19, 1 female 30-39 Total of 11 persons

1850 Census Perry County, Kentucky

Samuel Hacker 45, Nancy 40, Massa 14, Alfred 15, Armilda 14

1860 Census Boonesville, Owsley County, Kentucky

Samuel Hacker 65, Chaney 54

Samuel Hacker died 23 May 1870. He and Chaney are buried in the Samuel Hacker Cemetery, Clay County, Kentucky. Chaney Roberts was born about 1804, the daughter of Joseph Roberts. She died 27 April 1888. (Samuel Hacker Cemetery, surveyed by Robert Torbert, October 2005 listed online http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kyclay2/Cemeteries/shacker.html)

Julious Hacker Land Grant

2013-01-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Julious Hacker Land Grant

Transcribed by

Valerie J. Thompson

November 30, 2012

Tennesse State Libraries and Archives

North Carolina Land Grant in Tennessee

Sullivan County, Tennessee

Volume 15, Page 256, Reel 23

State of North Carolina No. 266

To all to Whom these presents shall come greeting, Know ye that we for & inconsideration of the sum of fifty shillings for every hundred acres hereby granted, paid into our treasury by Julious Hacker have given & granted & by these presents do give & grant unto the said Julious Hacker a tract of land containing six hundred & forty acres lying & being in our County of Sullivan on both sides of Beaver Creek, Beginning at a buckeye, white oak & hickory, John Coopers line North 45 East 20 poles to a large white oak on a …. Due North 150 poles to two white oaks North 35 East 8 poles to a white oak North 32 East 200 poles to a poplar & white oak North 72 East 104 poles to a white oak, due South 114 poles to a white oak South 30 West 270 poles to an Ash South 28 Eat 56 poles to a stake & thence a straight course to the Beginning as by the Julious, hereunto annexed doth appear together with all road, waters, mines, minerals hereditaments & appurtenances to the said land belonging or appertaining to hold to the said Julious Hacker , his heirs & assigns forever yielding & paying to us such sum of money yearly, or otherwise as our general assembly from time to time may direct provided always that the said, Julious Hacker shall cause this grant to be registered in the Registers Office of our said County of Sullivan within twelve months from the date hereof otherwise the same shall be void of the affect, in testimony whereof we have caused there our Letters to be made pertinent & our great seal to be here on affixed, Witness Alexander Martin, Esq’r, our Governor, Captain, General & Commander-in-Chief oat Newburn the tenth day of November in ninth year of our Independence & in year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty four.

By his Execell’y, Gov’r Alex. Martin

L. Glasgow, Sec.

Last Will and Testament of John Thomas 1807 Adair

2012-11-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

Last Will and Testament

John Thomas 1807

Transcribed by

Valerie J. Thompson

Nov 4, 2012

Adair County Will Book A, page 113

In the name of god, Amen. I, John Thomas of County of Adair & State of Kentucky do make this my last will and testament, to wit:

Item, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Ann Thomas all my estate and at her death to be equally divided among my children, Harding Thomas, Robert Thomas, John Thomas, Susanney

Page 114

Bondurent, Lucy Sweeney, & Nanncy Hellems &

it is my will that Sarah Winifrey shall have six shillings to be paid by my Executors, &

it is my will that William Cabbel Ballewe shall have six pounds to be paid by my Executors.

There is a certain Bricke debt that, if it comes, it is my will that all my children shall pay an equal part. I, likewise , appoint my three sons, Hardin Thomas, Robert Thomas, & John Thomas, my Executors of this my last will & Testament, as Witness my and seal this the twentieth day of March One thousand Eight hundred and Seven.

John D. Thomas {Seal}

x his mark

Witness by us:

John Miller

Phillip Winfrey

Judith Thomas (her mark)

Adair County

At a County court began and held for Adair County on Monday the 6^th of July 1807 this last will and testament of John Thomas dec’d was exhibited in court and proven by the oath of John Miller and Phillip Winfrey, subscribing Witnesses.

Signing of the Cane Treaty 2012

2012-10-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Signing of the Cane Treaty 2012

October 12th was the 65th annual signing of the Cane Treaty between the people of Barbourville and the Cherokee people. It was historically significant, as both the Eastern Band and Western Band of Cherokee were represented. Rick Bird and his family from North Carolina and Nammy Award winning flutist, Tommy Wildcat and some members of his family from Oklahoma were present for the signing. The signing was held at the 65th Daniel Boone Festival in Barbourville, Kentucky

The Kentuckians wish to make a new treaty with the Cherokees. It shall be known forever as the Cherokee Cane Treaty and shall read:

We the people of the Cherokee Nation and the people of Kentucky, in friendly council here assembled, do make this solemn compact, to last until such time as the sun shall no longer rise in the East, the birds no longer sing, and green things no longer grow upon the earth.

Article One

We the people of the Cherokee Nation do agree to send a delegation of one or more, to Barbourville, Kentucky, to visit our Kentucky friends.

Article Two

We the people of Kentucky do agree to repay the kindess of the Cherokees with gifts of cane. We the people of Kentucy affirm and believe that Kentucky cane, woven with Cherokee skill and artistry, will make baskets strong and filled with friendship.

Rick Bird signs treaty

Cherokee basketweaver signs treaty.

The Cane

Many years ago the Cherokee people made baskets from the cane that grew along the banks of the Cumberland River.

Tommy Wildcat and Cherokee Dancers

NAMMY winning flutist,
Tommy Wildcat

Cherokee Dancers, National Armory, Barboursville, Kentucky

Dedication to B58 Hustler, "Pink Panther"

2012-06-23T14:41:00.002-07:00

Today, June 23, 2012, I attended the dedication ceremony for the Historical Marker commemorating the December 12, 1966 crash of the B-58A Hustler 60-1119 76 assigned to 305^th BW, known as the “Pink Panther”. Three United States Air Force personnel lost their lives that fateful day, Major Richard F. Blakeslee, pilot; Captain Floyd E. Acker, Nav/Bomardier; and Captain. Clarence D. Lunt.

B-58 Huslter, "Pink Panther"

With an application from Becky Riddle, the Kentucky Historical Marker Program Coordinator, Chris Bennett and Alan Reed were able to push the project forward. It was the dream of Major Richard Blakelee’s son, Rob to have a historical marker placed at the site of the crash.

Rob Blakeslee

Becky Riddle, Kentucky Historical Society

Darrell Hovius, an English Professor at the University of Cincinnati was a 14 year boy home watching “Big Valley” on the family TV, when simultaneously he heard the crash and the electric power went out. The family thought the Russians had attacked. Remember this was during the Cold War.

Darrell Hovius

Rev Don Scilly

Reverend Don Scilly shared a moving remembrance of the crash day. Much more personal information about officers who died, the airplane, and the historical marker project can be found at www.b58memorial.com. Honor guard for the dedication was provided by the VFW post 6097.


VFW Post 6097


Historical Marker B58 "Pink Panther"


Crash site 1966

B-58 Hustler, 60-1119 76 crashed about 1.3 miles west of McKinney, Lincoln County, Kentucky.


Alvin Hamm, Valerie Thompson, Don Scheffler

I am proud to say that two of my own cousins, Alvin Hamm and Don Scheffler are members of the Kentucky Patriot Guard Riders who road today for this dedication. More about the mission of the riders can be found at http://pgrofky.com/

I was pleased to observe the dedication ceremony and applaud all those responsible.
All photographs are my own.

John Crawford and Sarah Aldridge Marriage Records 1840

2012-06-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

John Crawford and Sarah "Sally" Crawford were married 3 December 1840 in Henry County Kentucky by Joseph Sewell.

The Marriage Bond for John Crawford and Sarah Aldridge

Know all men by these presents that we, John Crawford and Henry Blackaby, are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of Fifty pounds to the payment whereof will and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, Ex'er's and Adm'rs jointly and severally, virtually by these presents.
Signed, sealed this 2 day of Dec 1840.
The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas a marriage is about to be solemnized between the above bound John Crawford & Sarah Aldridge, daughter of John Aldridge of this County. Consent legally certified.
Now if it shall always appease that there is no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue.
John (his x mark) Crawford {Seal}
Henry (his x mark) Blackaby {Seal}

Consent from John Aldridge, for his daughter Sarah

Mr. E. J. Thomas Clerk of the Henry County Court you are hereby permitted and requested by me to issue license to John Crawford to marry my daughter, Sally Aldridge. Given under my hand this 24th Nov 1840.

Attest. Jas. E. Houghton John (his mark x) Aldridge
Henry Blackaby

The Minister's Return

The minister was required to record a list of the marriages he performed. This is the list for Joseph Sewell. The last couple on the list are John Crawford and Sarah Aldridge.

John Crawford to one Sarah Aldridge the 3 of December 1840.

Note: Henry County Kentucky early original marriage records are held at the Henry County History Center and Museum located in the Caplinger House at 219 S. Main Street, New Castle County Kentucky. This is also the home of the Henry County Kentucky Historical Society. They are not at the local courthouse in New Castle.

Photographs by Valerie J. Thompson, Professional Genealogist

Alexander Thompson Surveys 1799

2012-06-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

175 acres surveyed for Alexander Thompson 1799

This past week I had the pleasure of assisting an Alabama descendant of Alexander Thompson in the quest for the ancestral homelands. Alexander Thompson had two land grants originally issued in Lincoln county Kentucky in 1799. They are located at the mouth of Cedar Sinking Creek, South Fork of the Cumberland River. Lincoln County Survey Book for years 1792-1821, page 120, 122, 123.

200 acres surveyed for Alexander Thompson 1799

Modern mapping of the surveys

With a huge assist from Jeff Renner, author of Three Springs and a Wilderness Station, the surveys can be seen on a current satellite map. Jeff is a Pulaski County resident, and county coordinator for the Rockcastle County genealogy site http://kykinfolk.com/rockcastle/

Alexander Thompson was born between 1770-1761 according to the 1830 Census of Pulaski County. He was married to Mary "Polly" Norton, daughter of Messer Norton who is listed as chain carrier on both of Alexander's survey's. He was listed on the 1810 Census of Wayne county Kentucky, and the 1820 Census of Pulaski County Kentucky. His surveys are very close to the Wayne and Pulaski county lines. Alexander is listed on the 1831 tax list for Pulaski County Kentucky. He may have removed to Benton county Alabama shortly before his death, or he may have died in Kentucky and his widow removed to Benton county Alabama to be with an older child there prior to the settlement of his estate. There are no land records in Alabama for Alexander. Deed records regarding the Power of Attorney given to his son William D. Thompson to sell the property in Pulaski County are recorded in Deed Book 10, page 61-73, dated 1838. Names of his heirs are listed. Polly Thompson, Alexander's wife, also relinquished her right of dower. Final settlement was in Alabama in 1841.

Children of Alexander Thompson and Mary "Polly" Norton are:
1. John A. Thompson was born 25 Feb 1795. Census records read he was born in Tennessee. By 1835 John and his wife, Martha Harper, had removed to St. Clair County Missouri. He died there 8 July 1867 and is buried at the Iconium Cemetery, St. Clair County, Missouri. Photo of his tombstone can be found at Findagrave.com.
2. William D. Thompson was born about 1797 in Kentucky. His wife's name was Mary. He died in February of 1849 according to the 1850 Mortality Schedule of Benton, now Calhoun County Alabama.
3. Anna "Anny" Thompson was born about 1805. She married Oswell Griffin. This family, too, removed to Benton, now Calhoun County Alabama. She died about 1878. Bible records of Oswell Griffin give some information about this family. See footnotes: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jareeves&id=I1280
4. Martha "Patsy" Thompson was born about 1806 in Kentucky and died after 1860. She married Eli Phillips. This couple were on the 1860 Census St. Clair County, Alabama.
5. Mercer Thompson was born 18 May 1807 in Kentucky. He married Matilda Sullins. He married second, Cassandra Elizabeth..... He also migrated to Alabama. He died there 25 Nov 1887 Etowah County, Alabama. He and both wives are buried at the Lebanon Avent Cemetery in Gadsden, Etowah County. Photos of stone at Findagrave.com
6. Sampson Thompson was born 1 Aug 1809 in Kentucky. He married 21 Mar 1829 Pulaski County Kentucky Elizabeth Fry, daughter of Valentine Worley (per consent). Alexander gave written consent for this son, as did Valentine Worley. Mercer Thompson was witness to both consents and Bondsman. He and his wife are buried at Lystra Baptist Church Cemetery in Cullman, Alabama. Eliza Thompson died 1901. Photo of her stone can be found at Findagrave.com
7. Hester "Hettie" Thompson was born about 1810 in Kentucky. She married Humphrey Hardwick 5 Dec 1833 in Wayne County Kentucky. She died after 1864, Humphrey Hardwick died 20 Sept 1862 according to the affadavit Hettie filed for his pension. He is buried at Zion Hill Cemetery Calhoun County Alabama.
8. Leonard Thompson was born about 1811 in Kentucky. He married Mary "Polly" Laughlin 14 Feb 1837 in Calhoun County Alabama. He was living in Jackson County Alabama in 1870.
9. James Thompson was born about 1815 in Kentucky married Ann Grimes 28 Mar 1837 Benton/Calhoun County Alabama. He was living in Calhoun County Alabama in 1860.

Richard Brock 1795-1864

2012-04-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Richard Brock was born Aug 27, 1795 and died May 15, 1864 in Lincoln County Kentucky.
He married Hannah Jones April 10, 1819 Casey County Kentucky. Their residence was in Hustonville, Lincoln County Kentucky in 1850 and 1860. The 1860 Census indicates Richard was born in South Carolina, and the value of his personal estate was $4,475.

Photos of their tombstones can be found at
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kylinco2/3Cemeteries/Brock_Richard_MtSalem.jpg

Receipt for headstones was found among the estate papers for Richard Brock

$40 Rec'd June 13th 1871 of D S Jones Administrator

of R Brock Dec'd the sum of forty dollars in

full for two sets of grave stones put up at

the graves of Richard & Hannah Brock.

Saml Larimer

The above Estate Settlement was found in Will Book 'Y', page 464 Lincoln County Kentucky. Richard's Estate papers are numerous and contain several notes and receipts. The Inventory and Appraisement is lengthy, as is the Estate Sale.

Richard left his estate to the heirs of Chesley Brock, the heirs of Davis Brock, and the heirs of Harvey Brock. For more information on these individuals see previous posts at www.brockancestry.com

Will of George Woodroof, Spotsylvania County Virginia 1769

2012-03-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Will of George Woodroof, Spotsylvania County Virginia, Will Book D, page 494

Transcribed by Valerie J. Thompson, 17 Mar 2012

In the name of God, Amen. I, George Woodroof, of Spotsylvania County being of perfect mind and memory, Thanks to God for the same, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following. That is to say, I recommend my soul to God hoping to receive pardon and remission of all my sin thru the merits of Jesus Christ, and my body to the Earth to be interred in a Christian way at the discretion of my Exec’rs herein after named and for what worldly goods God in his Mercy hath been pleased to bestow upon me, I give and bequeath the same as follows, Viz:

…It is my will that all my just debts, and funeral expenses ….be paid.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son, Richard, and his heirs forever the tract of land whereon I now live.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my said son, Richard, one feather bed & furniture, my horse, bridle, and saddle, and all my wearing clothes.

Item: I likewise give unto my said son, Richard, Two cows and calves, also, two Ewes, one dish and two plates and two Chairs.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson BenOny (son of my daughter, Sarah) Fifty pounds current money.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Sarah, one bed and furniture, her mothers trunk, also her Mother’s mare that she used to ride, and her saddle and bridle.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Jean, ten pounds current money

Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary, fifteen pounds current money

Item: It is my will that the balance of my estate shall be equally divided between my son, Richard, and daughter, Sarah.

Item: It is my will that my Exr’s shall put the fifty pounds given to my grandson, Benony to interest and they shall apply the interest of the said money towards his schooling and maintenance.

Item: It is my will that if my said grandson should die, he comes to age, or marries, That the fifty pounds given to him shall go to my daughter, Sarah.

Item: It is my will that there shall be no appraisement of my estate only an inventory returned to court.

Item: I appoint and constitute my son, Richard, and my friends, Joel Parish, and Thomas

Minor, Executors of this my Last will and Testament, and lastly, I do revoke and make void all former wills heretofore made by me, and do declare this to be my Last will and Testament.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fifth day of October 1769.

Geo. Woodroof {Seal}

Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged by

Geo. Woodroof, the testator to be his Last will and Testament

In presence of us

Page 495

George Carpenter

William Clift

Nathaniel Parrish

Sarah Parrish

Know all men by these presents that we Richard Woodroof, Joel Parish and Thomas Minor are held and firmly bound unto Fielding Lewis, Charles Dick, John Carter, & Charles Washington, Gentlemen Justices of the County Court of Spotsylvania now selling in the sum of five hundred pounds current money to the payment Whereof well and truly to be made to the said Justices and their successors, we bind ourselves and each of us our and Each of our heirs, Executors and Adm’rs, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents sealed with our seals this 19^th day of September 1771. The Condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Rich’d Woodroof, Joel Parish, & Ths. Minor, Executors of the Last will and Testament of George Woodroof Dec’d do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular, the goods and chattels and credits of the said Dec’d, which have or shall come to the hands, possession, or knowledge of them the sd Ex’rs as into the hands, or possession of any other person or persons for them and the same so made, do Exhibit, or cause to be Exhibited into the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as he shall be there unto required by the said Court and the same good, chattels and credits of ….at the time of his death, which if at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said Ex’ers, or into the hands or possession of any other person, or persons for him do well and truly Administer according to law and further do make

Page 496

A Just and true account of their actings and doings therein, when thereto required by the said court and also do well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained & specified in the said Testament as far as the said goods, chattels and credits will make unto Extant according to the virtue, thereof, and as the law shall charge, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.

Rich’d Woodroof {Seal}

Sealed and Delivered Joel Parrish {Seal}

In Presence of } Thomas Minor {Seal}

J. Lewis {Seal}

DICKERSON PARRISH

2012-02-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Dickerson Parrish, a man whose last wishes speak volumes about the man. He was born in Virginia about 1785 and died in Clark County Kentucky in 1852. He was the son of Timothy and Mary Parrish.

Will of Dickerson Parrish, Clark County Kentucky Book 13, page 232-234

Transcribed by Valerie J. Thompson Jan 28, 2012

I, Dickerson Parrish of the County of Clark and State of Kentucky being of sound and disposing mind and memory hereby make ordain and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others, by me at anytime heretofore made.

Item 1^st, I direct the payment of all my debts of which the amount will be found small.

Item 2^nd, I bequeath to my brother William D. Parrish the two debts he owes me and evidenced by his two several notes, which notes, I direct to be delivered up to him.

And, to my brother, Dabney W. Parrish, and his heirs the sum of two thousand dollars in money to be considered due the one half at the end of thirty days after the probate of my will and the other half at the end of twelve months, thereafter interest, however, that the said Dabney W. Parrish and his heirs shall pay over to the said William D. Parrish the interest on said money yearly for his support and maintenance and at the death of said William D Parrish the amount remaining unpaid of said sum of two thousand dollars to revert to my estate.

Item 3, I bequeath to my niece, Mary E. Carty, Fifteen hundred dollars To my niece, Sarah Ann P Stephens, Fifteen hundred dollars. To my niece Catherine R. Ellis, Two thousand dollars to be due and paid to them respectively the one half in thirty days after the probate of my will and the other half at the end of twelve months, thereafter, and to be held by them respectively for their separate use and benefit free from the control of such husbands, as they may at any time have, during their respective lives and upon the death of either of them her legacy to be distributed among such issue as she may have living at the time of her death and in default of such issue then among her sisters, and if any of her sisters should at that time be dead leaving issue then living such issue to stand in the place of the parent.

Item 4, I bequeath to my brother Dabney W. Parrish the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, the one half to be considered due in thirty days after the probate of my will and other half at the end of twelve months thereafter. In trust after reserving a proper commission or compensation for his service as trustee to pay over the interest and such portion of the principal as he may think proper to my niece, Martha L. Fishback for her separate use free from control of her husband during her life and upon her death the amount so paid to her of the principal and the balance of the principal and interest remaining unpaid to be distributed among the issue of said Martha L. Fishback to be paid over to such issue of said Martha L. Fishback to be paid over to such issue as they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years or may and in case of death of any of such issue before arriving at age of twenty-one years or marrying then the portion of such issue to go to the survivors, and in case of death of the said Martha L. Fishback without leaving issue at the time of her death then the legacy hereby be bequeathed to her to be distributed among her sisters and in case any of them should at that time be dead leaving issue at the time of the death of said Martha L. Fishback such issue to stand in place of parents.

Item 5, I bequeath to my nephew, Peter D. Dudley the debt he owes me and direct his note be give up to him.

Item 6, I hereby emancipate my old slave, James and bequeath to him my old broad axe and a good common chopping axe and also the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid in installments from the time of the probate of my will

Item 7, I bequeath to the American Bible Society located in Cincinnati, Ohio five hundred dollars, to the American Christian Missionary Society organized in Cincinnati, Ohio in the year 1849, Five hundred dollars and to the Female Orphan School located near Midway, Kentucky the sum of Five hundred dollars, in which last, however must be my note or subscription of Fifty Dollars to the Institution of which subscription I have already paid ten dollars. The legacies in this seventh Item mentioned are to be paid in five equal and annual installments commencing one year after the probate of my will.

Item 8, I desire and bequeath to my brother, Dabney W. Parrish, all the rest and residue of my estate, land, slaves, money, bonds, notes, crop, stock, and property of every kind and description whatsoever to him and his heirs forever. I hereby appoint my said brother, Dabney W. Parrish, my Executor and request and direct that no security be required of him for the execution of the trust, hereby confided to his care. This done and published this the 20^th day of January one thousand and eight hundred and fifty.

Dickerson Parrish {Seal}

In presence of us as witnesses who sign the same in presence of the said Dickerson Parrish at this request and in presence of each other, August 19, 1852

John Spencer

John M Fishback

Clark County September Court 1852

This last will and testament of Dickerson Parrish deceased was produced in open court and proved according to law by the oaths of John Spencer and John M Fishback.

Witnesses thereto subscribed and ordered to be recorded.

Att. Cad Jones, Clerk

Oscar H. Murrell

2012-02-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

Master Sargent Oscar H. Murrell, WW II Purple Heart recipient, was born December 10, 1914 in Lincoln County Kentucky to Granville L. Murrell and Sally Thompson. He enlisted September 5, 1941 in the United States Air Force at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. He was killed and listed as missing at Bari Harbor, Italy 2 Dec 1943, eight days short of his 29th birthday. He was a member of the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Group, a World War II Honor Roll member. He was awarded the Purple Heart. His name is engraved on the Tablet of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery, Florence, Italy. There is also a memorial "erected in Memory of Oscar H. Murrell" in Ladoga Cemetery, Ladoga Indiana where his parents are buried.

Note: Photo that was previously posted to this blog was misidentified. All information about Oscar H. Murrell is, however, correct.

WILLIAM D. PARRISH

2012-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

William D. Parrish

Professional Genealogist

Valerie J. Thompson

January 26, 2012

William D. Parrish

William D. Parrish was born 15 Dec 1782 according to the biography of his son Benjamin Bomar Parrish ( Fannin Folk and Facts) His son’s biography states he was born in Cumberland County Kentucky, but the 1850 Census notes his birthplace as Virginia. He was the son of Timothy and Mary Parrish of Clark County Kentucky. He served in the War of 1812 and was a Representative from Adair County Kentucky to the Kentucky Legislature 1827 and 1835. He married three times, first on 6 March 1803 in Cumberland County Kentucky to Elizabeth “Betsey” Chilton, daughter of Rev. Thomas John Chilton and Margaret “Peggy” Bledsoe. After the death of his wife Betsey and his service in the War of 1812 he married secondly, Nancy Bomar, daughter of Benjamin Bowmar and Mary Burbridge on 25 May 1815 Adair County Kentucky. While a resident of Adair County he was appointed as Tax Commissioner for the County and served as Justice of the Peace. When the town of Millersburg was formed by act of the General Assembly, he was appointed trustee. He was a member of the Zion Baptist Church. (Adair Court records) (History of Adair County)

Thirdly, he married Minerva Fergus, on 24 Aug 1841 (Marriage affidavait, pension papers) in Creelsboro, Russell County Kentucky. Minerva was the widow of James Fergus, Jr., and daughter of Elisha and Nancy Embree. William D. Parrish died in Cumberland County Kentucky 24 Jan 1865 (Pension papers).

Children of William D. Parrish and Betsey Chilton:

*Jefferson Chilton Parrish born 31 Mar 1804 married Amanda Lee 15 Sep 1828 Barren County Kentucky. Elizabeth Lee gave consent for her daughter’s marriage. Jefferson C. Parrish married secondly, Elizabeth Ketchings 21 April 1841 in Fannin County Texas. Biographical Souvenir of State of Texas, page 367 biography of John E. Harnest, states J. C Parrish died Aug 1860 in Fannin County Texas. He is listed on the 1860 Census of Fannin County which was enumerated 10 Aug 1860. John E. Harnest was married to Mary Parrish, daughter of Charles Penn Parrish, son of Jefferson C. Parrish.

*Sallie D. Parrish was born about 1806. She married Sinclair Stapp 1 Nov 1826 Adair County Kentucky. “By an Act of the General Assembly of the state of Kentucky the couple divorced 7 Feb 1845” (Acts of the General Assembly of state of Kentucky 1845, page 165) but remarried a few months later in Pike County Missouri on 10 June 1845.

She married secondly, George N. Denton in Fannin County Texas 5 Mar 1873. She was affectionately known as Aunt Sallie Denton. She and George are listed on the 1880 Census Fannin County Texas.

Children of William D. Parrish and Nancy Bomar:

*Elizabeth Parrish was born 3 May 1816 Kentucky. She married James G. Gilmer 21 Sept 1837 Adair County Kentucky. He died a few months after their arrival in Fannin County Texas. Secondly, she married Benjamin Stuart Walcott on 25 May 1848 in Fannin County Texas. She died 26 Mar 1865 Fannin County Texas. She and both husbands are buried at Oakwood Cemetery. See Historical Markers for James Gilmer and Benjamin S. Walcott Honey Grove, Fannin County Texas. Honey Grove was built upon the land left to Elizabeth Parrish, when James Gilmer died. Oakwood cemetery was also set aside from this same land.

*Martha Jane Parrish born 12 Sep 1823 Kentucky. She married Paschal Willis on 9 September 1841 in Adair County Kentucky. William D. Parrish gave consent for his daughter. She died 15 Apr 1851 Adair County Kentucky. (Family Group Sheet, Mary Allis Garnett Cundiff, of Columbia, Adair Co. KY). Martha seems to be the only child of William and Nancy that remained in Adair County Kentucky, while her siblings removed to Fannin County Texas. Paschal Willis married secondly, Susan McCain 13 Nov 1851 Adair County KY.

*Cynthia Maria Parrish was born Feb 1824. She married John Turk Allen 19 Dec 1844 Russell County Kentucky. She died 22 Dec 1905 Fannin County Texas. She is buried at Oakwood Cemetery as Mrs. C. M. Allen.

*Benjamin Bowmar Parrish was born 8 Aug 1829 Adair County Kentucky. He married first Tabitha Cheatham, daughter of Josiah Cheatham of Cumberland County Kentucky 8 Jan 1852 Lamar County Texas. Secondly, he married Sally S. Rogers 24 Oct 1869 Fannin County Texas. His biography, written by Lieutenant Colonel James Parrish is in Fannin Folk and Facts, page 282, which is online at www.txfannin.org He died 31 May 1895 Fannin County Texas. He is buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Honey Grove, Fannin County, Texas. Photo of the double stone of he and Sally is located at Findagrave.com

*Theresa Catherine Parrish was born 16 Nov 1831 Kentucky. She married Andrew Jackson Nicholson 20 Dec 1848 (Biography of Andrew, Handbook of Texas). She died 16 Dec 1915 Fannin County Texas. Captain Andrew Jackson Nicholson was a Confederate officer and later Texas State Representative of District 11. Both are buried at Oakwood Cemetery Fannin County Texas.

*Timothy Parrish – “died young” (Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas, F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, 1889.

*Dickerson Parrish – “died young” (Biographical Souvenir of State of Texas, F. A. Battey & Co., Chicago, 1889)

*Elmira/Almyra Parrish was born 12 May 1835 in Kentucky. She married James M. Taylor 12 Dec 1856 Fannin County Texas. (Texas Marriages 1814-1909) She was widowed by 1889, when biography of Benjamin Bowmar Parrish was written, (Biographical Souvenir of State of Texas). She died 7 Oct 1898 Montague County Texas.

She and James are buried at McDonald Cemetery, Montague County Texas. James M. Taylor was born 12 Dec 1835 Georgia and died 10 Oct 1886 Montague County Texas.

Minerva Fergus, widow of James Fergus, Jr. became the third wife of William D. Parrish on 24 March 1841 at the “residence of Benjamin Walter Graves in Russell County Kentucky” (Marriage affidavit, Pension papers). She was the daughter of Elisha Embree and Nancy Wilhoit. She was born 5 Apr 1802 and died 11 May 1890 in Irish Bottom, Cumberland County Kentucky. (Fergus Family Bible)

Minerva filed a pension application for husband, William D. Parrish for service in the War of 1812. Minerva provided a wealth of information about William D. Parrish amid the affidavits, including the marriages of his first two wives. Nancy Radford wife of John Page in affidavits in pension application for her husbands Civil War service states she gave birth with the help of midwife, Minerva Parrish. Minerva Parrish signed affidavit to the same 12 Oct 1877. (Dumroese, 2012)

William D. Parrish, himself applied for Bounty Land for his service in the War of 1812. He stated in affidavit that he was a private in the Company commanded by Captain John Butler in the Regiment of Colonel Young Ewing commanded by Major General Samuel Hopkins. The burial location of the soldier and United States Representative William D. Parrish is not known. His residence was Cumberland County, Post Office Amandaville in the 1860 Census. Minerva states “at the time of his death the soldier lived in Cumberland County Kentucky” (Widow’s Brief)

References:

Pension File of Widow, Minerva Parrish

Biography of Benjamin Bowmar Parrish, Fannin Folks & Facts

Court Records Adair County Kentucky

Court Records Cumberland County Kentucky

Court Records Russell County Kentucky

Court Records Clark County Kentucky

History of Kentucky by Collins

Fannin County Texas, www.txfannin.org

Biographical Souvenir of State of Texas

Handbook of Texas online

Pension application of Nancy Radford, widow of John Page

History of Adair County Kentucky

History of Cumberland County Kentucky

http://page-dumroese.name/getperson.php?personID=I1288&tree=Page-Dumroese (Jan 2012) Permission for use of Portrait of William D. Parrish which was first downloaded to Ancestry.com by Linda Knowles.

Thompson Cemetery

2012-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Thompson Cemetery Pulaski County Kentucky is located in the Bee Lick Community. Today, 1 Jan 2012, I completed the photographs and entered them into Findagrave.com. The sign is not visible from the road as the cemetery is about 750 feet from Highway 328.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2336290&CScn=Thompson+Cemetery&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1088&

The Cemetery is fenced, but there is no gate for easy access. There are many field stones. It appears that the oldest readable stones are Betsy Wilson (1794-1849) and Joshua Wilson (1793-1835)
There are only 21 readable stones in the cemetery.
J.L. Thompson 1853-1899
Sarah E. Thompson 1859-1937
Infant Dau of J & S Thompson 1882
Morris W. Thompson, son of V. W. & S.E Thompson 1883-1884
R. M. Towery 1857-1913
Walter M. Thompson 1881-1895
Double stone: V. W. Thompson 1849-1922
Mary E. Thompson 1855-1922
Betsy Wilson 1794-1849
Joshua Wilson 1793-1835
Catherine Wilson 1804-1875
Betsy Wilson 1813-1864
W. B. Harness 1845-1907
Louisa Wilson Harness 1847-1889
Surrilda Wilson 1820-1854
Joshua Wilson 1816-1891
Elizabeth Wilson 1845-1846
Gemima Thompson died 1867, 76 years
Mary G. Thompson 1867-1869
Wm. Stanley Co. G. 32nd Ky Inf
J. L. Cummins 1855-1942

Although the cemetery lies within Pulaski County, the cemetery was inventoried for the Rockcastle Cemetery Book published by Bonham and Hyatt, Highgrass Publications, 1986, page 626. My Aunt and Uncle, Ruby Thompson Adams and William Adams recorded this cemetery. The Beelick Community lies at the intersection of the three counties Lincoln, Rockcastle and Pulaski.

Benjamin Potter 1733-1823

2011-11-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 11, 2011 Veteran's Day

Benjamin Potter 1733-1823, Revolutionary War Patriot

Benjamin Potter was born about 1733. He and his sons, Lewis and Thomas signed the Oath of Allegiance in the Commonwealth of Virginia in Henry County on the 13 Sep 1777, as well as another Thomas Potter, who may have been his brother. He rendered aid during the Revolutionary War, and is listed as DAR Patriot number A135255. His wife is listed as Mary on deeds recorded in Franklin County Virginia and also in Lincoln County Kentucky. Benjamin Potter died in Lincoln County Kentucky about 1823, having purchased land in the same county in 1818. The following Deed names the heirs of Benjamin Potter.

Deed Book L, page 115 Lincoln County Kentucky Heirs of Benjamin Potter to Thomas Potter.

Transcribed by Valerie J. Thompson Nov 6, 2011

This indenture of bargain sale and conveyance made and entered into between Stephen Potter, Elijah Thompson, and Polly his wife, late Polly Potter and Elias Potter by Stephen Potter his attorney in fact three of the heirs of Benjamin Potter deceased of the one part and Thomas Potter of the County of Lincoln and State of Kentucky of the other part. Whereas ……. Since Benjamin Potter father of the before mentioned persons departed this life intestate leaving a tract of land lying in Lincoln County on the waters of Logan’s Creek containing fifty acres the same more or less as part of which land was conveyed to the said Benjamin by William Lawrence by Deed Indenture bearing date on the 26^th day of May 1818 which Deed is now of record in the Clerk’s office of the Lincoln County Court and also some personal estate which property by law descended to the legal representatives of the said Benjamin Potter, dec’d of whom the before mentioned three persons together with Lewis Potter, Benjamin Potter, Thomas Potter above named, Moses & Mary Rigney, late Mary Potter and his heirs and legal representatives. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that for and in Consideration of one Hundred & fifty dollars to each of us In hand paid and secured the receipt of which we hereby acknowledge have and by those presents do give grant bargain sell and convey unto the said Thomas Potter, all our right title Interest Claim and demand of in and to the estate of our deceased father, Benjamin Potter above described, and it is understood that we hereby convey our interest as heirs to all and every part of said estate as well such as we have any knowledge of as such may be hereafter discovered. And the said Stephen Potter, Elijah Thompson & Polly his wife late Polly Potter & Elias Potter by the said Stephen Potter his attorney in fact being three of the heirs of the said Benjamin Potter deceased for themselves their heirs, Excu do hereby covenant and agree to and with the said Thomas Potter, another of the heirs, his heirs & do warrant and defend their interest which is hereby sold and conveyed from and against the Claim or Claims of all and every person claiming by them or under them but against no other claims whatsoever, In Testimony whereof the said Stephen Potter, Elijah Thompson & Polly his wife & Elias Potter by said Stephen Potter his attorney in fact have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals this 15 day of December 1823.

Test W. G. Shackleford, DC Stephen Potter {Seal}

Elijah Thompson {Seal}

Elias Potter {Seal}

By his Attorney in fact

Stephen Potter {Seal}

Kentucky Lincoln County Set

I do certify that on the day of the date hereof the within and foregoing Deed of bargain sale and conveyance from Stephen Potter, Elijah Thompson and wife and Elias Potter by his attorney in fact Stephen Potter to Thomas Potter was presented to and in my office and acknowledged by the said Stephen Potter in his own right and as attorney in fact for Elias Potter, and Elijah Thompson to be his act and deed for the purpose therein mentioned & …. I admitted the same to record in my office this 15^th day of December 1823.

Witness Thomas Helm Clerk by

Willis D. Shackleford, DC

Benjamin's son, Thomas also purchased the portion of the estate that would belong to his brother Moses "of Jefferson County Kentucky" Deed Book L, page 119-120.

Who was Thomas Twitty?

2011-09-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Can court records lead us astray? I posted a blog on Saturday, February 26, 2011, about Fort Twitty, or the Little Fort, named for Captain William Twitty who died there. Recently, I was asked to research Thomas Twitty. Dr. Don Chesnut, Geology Professor at University of Kentucky has compiled a list of the Boonesborough Settlers at http://donchesnut.com/genealogy/pages/fortboon.htm Twitty surname descendants want to know just who was Thomas Twitty on this list?

It appears that some of the names on the Boonesborough Settlers list were taken from depositions given by pioneer settlers during law suits over early land boundary disputes. Because the names are in the Madison county court records, does that necessarily mean they were early settlers at Fort Boonesborough? Madison County was formed in 1785. Should Thomas Twitty be listed there?

The following document was found in Madison County Circuit Court Complete Records Book B, part 2, page 528 Blythe Heirs vs Kincaid. These volumes of the Madison County court records are photocopies of the actual circuit court records, not transcriptions, or abstracts.

I have transcribed the document in slightly different format, in order to more clearly see the questions and answers.

The deposition of Samuel Estill who being of full age deposeth and sayeth by use of interrogatories:

Question by Complainant: When did you first become acquainted with this place called the little fort?

Answer: In 1779 or 1780 I can't say positively whether I was acquainted with it in 1779 or 1780, but know it was early in 1780. [Note: this was four or five years after Twitty's death]

Question: By some was it not a place notoriously known by the name of the little Fort at that time?

Answer: It was notoriously known by the little Fort but after called Twitties fort as Twitty was killed at or near the fort and I understand was buried at the fort and I saw T.T. on a tree which was the first letters of his name as I was told his name was Thomas Twitty and it was called the little fort from there being a small fort erected but Twitty and the little fort are both one place. [The interrogation continues regarding other known landmarks.]

As I mentioned in the previous Fort Twitty blog, there are the other personal accounts of Daniel Boone in his letter to Col. Richard Henderson April 15, 1775, and Felix Walker's narrative, Memoirs of a Southern Congressman. Felix was also wounded at the time Captain William Twitty was killed. Lastly, there is the nuncupative will of Captain William Twitty. With those together in context, I suggest that Samuel Estill was mistaken in his recollections given in the above deposition. I would also suggest that Thomas Twitty was not among the Boonesborough settlers as there is no other mention, or record of a Thomas Twitty other than in this deposition.

Ottenheim Immanuel Luthern Church Picnic 4 Sep 2011

2011-09-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Emanuel Church built 1886
Dedicated to the triune God [The Father, Son and Holy Spirit] on 18 Sep 1887

Dinner was served inside the newly air-conditioned church.

I Am the Way, The Truth and The Light John 14:6

Original chandolier

This is a fitting follow-up to last week's blog, regarding Brock, Schrader, and Scheffler from the Ottenheim community. This is also my first look inside the historic Immanuel Luthern Church in Lincoln County Kentucky. Food was served inside the newly air-conditioned church, thanks to the generous donations and hard work of those working to restore the church to the community. Folks gathered under a large tent to eat and listen to some good gospel music; that is until the promised thunderstorms arrived. Everyone dashed inside the church for more music, and a live auction of some very excellent hand-crafted items. Proceeds help with the continued restoration of the church.

Several books and binders were for sale. See "Ottenheim, Lincoln County, Kentucky" on Facebook, for more information about purchasing Memories of Ottenheim by Jerry Zwahlen, and other binders of historical church records and newspaper articles.

Second cousins, Donnie Scheffler and Valerie J. Thompson.
Behind us, Susanne Zwahlen.

This was also a first for two second cousins to sit down together and have a little face to face chat. I thoroughly enjoyed the food, fun and fellowship. Thank you to all who worked so hard to put the Immanuel Luthern Church picnic together.

Photos are my own.