John Butcher, the true husband of Susannah Lewis Butcher Johnson of Virginia and Kentucky

 In 1894, Alvaro Franklin Gibbens published the book Gibbens-Butcher Genealogy.  On page 149 he clearly stated that Samuel Butcher and his wife Susannah had a son John, who married Susannah Lewis.  However, due to the unfortunate wording on page 153 "The will of John, son of Samuel and Susanna (Lewis) Butcher" an error has been perpetuated for over a century in hundreds of family trees posted online.  People's memories are short, and what they read on page 149 was forgotten when they got to page 153. (1)

Per Gibbens, Samuel Butcher's will was written 12 Sep 1769 and was proved 9 March 1778 in Loudoun County, Virgiia, naming 7 children. (1)

Susannah Lewis, my 7th great grand aunt, was the daughter of Abraham and Rebeckah Lewis of Loudoun County, Virginia.  In Abraham's will, written 27 Feb 1802, he bequeathed 15 pounds to his daughter Susannah Butcher.  Just two years later, John Butcher of Loudoun County wrote his will on 30 Sep 1804.  He left his wife Susannah considerable property to be rented out to provide her an income, along with a negro girl named Lishay*.  It appears that he and Susannah had no children, as no children were named, and he left legacies to his siblings. (2)

Again, just two years later, in Shelby County, Kentucky, Jesse Johnson posted bond to marry Mrs. Susannah Butcher, and her brother Joseph Lewis was surety. (3)  The couple were enumerated on the 1810 census in Madison County, Kentucky and on 21 Apr 1819 Susannah wrote her will.  She clearly had done quite well as she left considerable property to her siblings and nieces and nephews.  It appears that she and Jesse didn't have any children either.  She beqeathed three children of her negro woman Valitia* to her husband Jesse.  Susannah stipulated that Valitia was to be freed upon her death. (4)

I'm quite a fan of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and his TV show Finding Your Roots.  He has said that it is important to follow the enslaved people named in wills to prove family connections, and I believe in this case that it proves who Susannah's husband really was.  Lishay could be pronounced Lishy, which would be an appropriate nickname for Valitia.  'Litia sounds like Lishy.  

I believe the timeline also confirms this.  It appears from the 1810 census that Susannah Lewis was born shortly before 1765, and through census records, a family Bible and tax records, most of her 8 siblings were born in the 1750s and 1760s, while Samuel Butcher and his wife had 7 children by 1769.  (1) Having an average of two years between births, we're back to 1753, and assuming she was 18 at the birth of her first child, we're back to 1736.  Clearly the two Susannahs were of different generations.  John Butcher died in 1804, and Jesse Johnson married Mrs. Susannah Butcher in 1806.  Two years was a common interval for re-marriage, but 28 years is not (Samuel died by 1778).

Susannah Lewis Butcher Johnson married John Butcher, the son of Samuel and Susannah (-?-) Butcher.

* I used the wording and spelling in the wills.

1.  Gibbens-Butcher Genealogy, Alvaro Franklin Gibbens, Gordon B. Gibbens, publisher, Parkersburg, WV, 1894

2.  Virginia, Loudoun, Will Book F, pages 456-457, FHL #007645411, Image 598 of 609

3.  Kentucky, Shelby, Loose Papers 1804-1808, FHL #005552475, Image 544 of 890

4.  Kentucky, Madison, Will Book C, pages 22-25, FHL #007553083, Images 24-25 of 613

Ida Belle Lasley, you were quite the non-conformist!

Ida Belle Lasley was my 2nd great grand aunt, and she certainly did not behave as a woman was expected to in the 19th century.  There are not many records documenting her short life, but the few facts unearthed in them are sure to raise a few eyebrows.

Ida was born on 9 Sep 1872 in St. Louis, Missouri (1), the eldest child of Joseph Thomas Lasley and Mary Jane Mathews.   In late July, 1886, at the ripe old age of 14, she ran away from her Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Oregon home with 22 year old Frederick Caviness, a horse trainer.  They were caught by the sheriff in Spokane Falls, Washington, where he was jailed (2).  He then went to Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon, where he died just 4 months later on 12 November 1886 (3).  

Though Ida never married Fred, she used his surname when she married Robert E. Cook on 21 Dec 1886 in Portland, Oregon, just 5 months after she ran away with Fred, and one month after he died of poisoning (4).  Their marriage lasted four years, and they divorced 26 Dec 1890 in Oregon City, Clackamas Co., Oregon (5).

A decade later, she was enumerated on 4 Jun 1900 on the federal census in Montesano, Chehalis [now Grays Harbor] County, Washington with a woman named Jennie Van.  Their occupation was Prostitute (6).

I don't know when and where Ida met William A. Jolley, but they begin a relationship, and though they never married, he was with her at the end.

Transcriptions of two letters, one written by Ida, and the second by William, both addressed to her brother Fred, were sent to me by Linda Lasley, late of Bickleton, Klickitat Co., Washington:

"Olympia, Feb 24, 1908  Dear Sister, Bro & Babies.  Your letter found me yesterday propped up in a chair with pillow, and I am just the same today writing this letter so if I make any mistakes excuse them for I am almost blind.  I am a victim of Bright's disease and weather I can be cured or not we will not know for some time yet but what I feel so bad about is losing my eyesight but the doctor says when I begin to get better my eyes will get better.  I have an awful bad cold now and that makes everything worse.  I will be better as soon as I get over my cold  I am glad you like the things we sent.  The pictures and purses was my old man last year's samples, he has hundred of such things to give away each year for he gets new line of samples  You did not say if Earl's shirts fit him or not.  I was afraid they would be too small I bought them.  I was going to make Vesta some little dresses but I will have to give that up now as I can not see.  I was going to draw you off a shirtwaist pattern but I cannot see to do the even so I am going to send you my pattern and some day if I need them I will get them.  Dora I am afraid it wouldn't do me any good if I was up there now for I am not eating any kind of meat or potatoes.  What I eat most of is milk and bread and drink lots of buttermilk but if I was up there I would eat just one backbone and we may be up there sooner than we expected on account of my health.  Well Dora I started this two days ago but have been so sick I could not finish.  I thought of so much to write about when I started this letter but I can't think anything now.  Will have to wait till I feel better.  Fred do just as Mr. Faulkner tells you and everything will be O.K. for he know what is best.  I must close  love to you all Ida"

The Fred and Dora mentioned were her brother and sister-in-law (my 2nd great grandparents), and Vesta and Earl were their children, Ida's niece and nephew.  Vesta was my great-grandmother.

April 14, 1908  "Dear Sister & Brother:  Your letter received today glad to hear you are all well I tried to read it to Ida Dear but had to give it up.  She did not seem know who it was from.  She just lies in an unconcious condition from morning till night does not take any interest in anything the Dr just left here a few minutes ago.  he said that her troubles in this world would soon be over.  O it does seem that I cannot stand it, he told that she might leave us at any time within a few days and it was possible that she might linger also for a month or more.  "God" it is awful to sit night and day and see one whom you love die by inches.  She grows weaker and duller every hour.  I will write every few days.  Yours & etc W.A. Jolley"

Ida passed away two weeks later on 30 Apr 1908 in Olympia, Thurston Co., Washington, aged 35.  She was buried 1 May 1908 in Tumwater, Thurston Co., WA.  Her death certificate states she was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, but the Odd Fellows Memorial Park has no record of her burial there (1).  Though unmarried, her surname on the certificate was Jolley.

I'm sure there will be people out there who would judge her harshly, but I am not one of them.  Rest in peace, Ida Belle.

1.  Washington, Thurston, Certificate of Death, FHL #004220849, Image 2039 of 4704, familysearch.org

2.  The Oregonian, Monday, 2 Aug 1886, Portland, Or, page 3, genealogybank.com

3.  Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, CA, 15 Nov 1886, page 5, genealogybank.com

4.  Marriage Records of Multnomah County, Oregon, December 1885 - September 1888, Harriette Ward Park, Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Inc., Portland, OR, 1985

5.  Clackamas, Oregon, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Journal 9, page 37, Dissolution of Marriage

6.  1900 Federal Census, Montesano, Chehalis, Washington, ancestry.com

John U. Muir of Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, Scotland: some additional findings

Janet Cuthbertson 1706 baptism.  The earliest Muir ancestry record I have.

Thanks to the wonderful research performed by John McGee of Wheech Scottish Ancestry Services, new infomation has come to light on the ancestry of John U. Muir, my 5th great-grandfather.

John Muir was born about 1770 to John Muir and Margaret Brown.  The elder John Muir was probably born in Lambroughton, Dreghorn, Ayrshire, Scotland, where his parents resided, but was baptized 21 Oct 1750 at Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, Scotland.  His parents were James Muir, probably a farmer, and Marie Armour.  They married 24 Dec 1744 at Kilmaurs.  James Muir was baptized 2 Dec 1716 at Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, the son of William Muir and Janet Steel.  Marie Armour was probably born in Dreghorn, where her parents resided, and was baptized 20 Jan 1717 at Irvine, the daughter of Alexander Armour and Martha Brown.

William Muir was born about 1695, probably at Irvine, and died May 1771 at Kilmaurs, he was a wright by occupation.   Janet Steel was also probably born about 1695 at Irvine.  They had 5 known children, all baptized at Irvine:

1.  James Muir, baptized 2 Dec 1716, married Marie Armour.

2.  Samuel Muir, baptized 21 Jul 1719.

3.  Agnes Muir, baptized 12 Apr 1724.

4.  Marion Muir, a daughter, baptized 20 Mar 1726.

5.  William Muir, baptized 26 Jan 1729.

Marie Armour was baptized 20 Jan 1717 at Irvine, the daughter of Alexander Armour and Martha Brown.  They had another known daughter, Agnes, born 28 Jan 1722 and baptized 11 Feb 1722 at Kilmaurs.

Mr. McGee also uncovered additional information about Thomas Cuthbertson, who married Jean Paton, of whom I wrote in my earlier John U. Muir post.  Thomas Cuthbertson was baptized 21 Nov 1675 at Fenwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, the son of William Cuthbertson and Janet Andrew of Clonherb, Fenwick, Ayrshire, Scotland.  They had three known children, all baptized at Fenwick:

1.  John Cuthbertson, baptized 11 Feb 1674.

2.  Thomas Cuthbertson, baptized 21 Nov 1675, married Jean Paton 26 Jan 1704 at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, and was buried 4 Mar 1746, at Kilmarnock, a resident of Blackwood, Kilmarnock.

3.  Elizabeth Cuthbertson, baptized 10 Jul 1677.

Fenwick Parish Church

John U. Muir of Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, Scotland

 

Burford Congregational Cemetery,
Burford, Ontario, Canada

John U. Muir (1) was born about 1770-1774 in Ayrshire, Scotland (1,2,3,4), married Diana Winnett about 1793 (birth of first child) and immigrated to Ontario, Canada, probably on the ship "Commerce" from Greenock, Scotland to Québec, Canada, in 1821 (5).  I say probably, because the number of children is off by one, and the ages for all do not match well.  They had 9 children:

1.  Thomas White Muir, born 10 Jun 1795 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, baptized 14 Jun 1795 in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland (6,7), married Mary Wiley 2 Sep 1831 in Bathurst District, Ontario, Canada (8), and died 16 Jan 1876 in Middlesex, Ontario, Canada (1,7).

2.  Margaret Muir, born 16 Aug 1797 and baptized 20 Aug 1797 in Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland (6), married William Bennett 20 Feb 1822 in Perth, Lanark, Ontario, Canada (8) and died after 1883 (1).

3.  John Muir, born 7 Jun 1802 [calculated] in Ayrshire, Scotland (9), married 1st Charlotte Thompson 3 Oct 1823 in Perth, Lanark, Ontario, Canada and 2nd Elizabeth Thompson Crosker 28 Sep 1847 in Burford, Brant, Ontario, Canada (8), and died 27 Apr 1885 in Woodstock, Oxford, Ontario, Canada (9,10).

4.  James Muir, born about 1806 in Ayrshire, Scotland (11,12), married 1st Christiana Campbell about 1833 (13) and 2nd Susanna Kipp Laurence 2 Jan 1849 in Burford (8), and died 24 Jan 1881 in Lambton, Ontario, Canada (1,12).

5.  Robert Cuthbertson Muir, born 11 Feb 1809 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland (1,7,14), married Margaret Elizabeth Thwaites 3 Aug 1852 in St Quivox and Newton-on-Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland (15), and died 10 Mar 1905 in Burford (7,16).

6.  Janet Muir, born about 1812, probably in Renfrewshire (7,17), married Matthew Virtue 27 Sep 1832 in Bathurst District (8), and died 10 Jan 1896 in Burford (7,17).

7.  Allan Brown Muir, born about 29 Apr 1814 [calculated], probably in Renfrewshire (7,18), married Barbara Jane McWilliams about 1843, probably in Burford (birth of first child), died 29 Jan 1892 in Burford (10,18).

8.  Agnes Cuthbertson Muir, born 17 Dec 1818 [twin] in Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, Scotland and baptized 31 Jan 1819 in Paisley Abbey, Renfrewshire, Scotland (6).  No further record, probably died in Scotland before the family emigrated.

8.  Grace Mitchell Muir, born 17 Dec 1818 [twin] in Eaglesham and baptized 31 Jan 1819 in Paisley Abbey (6).  No further record, probably died in Scotland before the family emigrated.

John's surname was spelled Mair in the baptisms of the first two children and Diana's surname was spelled Winnacoat, Winacot, Winacoat and Wincioat in the baptisms of the first two and final two of her children (6).

John Muir and Diana Winnett's ancestry has long been a brick wall, so I hired John McGee of Wheech Scottish Ancestry Services to see if he could learn more about the family by searching through the National Archives in Edinburgh.  He didn't have much success with the Muir line, but he did with Margaret Brown's.  Here are the results of his research, along with further research by myself --

John U. Muir's parents were probably John Muir, born about 1750, probably in Ayrshire (4), and Margaret Brown, baptized 7 Apr 1752 in Stewarton, Ayrshire, Scotland (4,20).  Their marriage bann was dated 26 Feb 1769 in Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, Scotland (19).  They had 5 known children: 

1.  John U. Muir, see above

2.  William Muir, born 28 Sep 1771 and baptized 8 Oct 1771 in Kilmaurs (4,20).

3.  probably Margaret Muir, born about 1776, who married Thomas White, living 1841 in Galston (21).  I believe Thomas White is the namesake of John U. and Diana's firstborn son.  John Orr, age 15 was living with them.  This same John Orr was living with Robert Muir, his uncle, in 1851 in Galston (22). [See #5 below].

4.  Barbara Muir, baptized 13 May 1781 in Kilmaurs (20).

5.  Robert Muir, born 7 Jun 1790 and baptized 1 Jun 1790 in Galston (20).  Living with John Orr, his nephew, in 1851 in Galston [see #3 above].

6.  James Muir, born 8 Mar 1792 and baptized 11 May 1792 in Galston (20), married Janet Scott 27 Nov 1814 in Galston (19) and was a mason by trade (21).

Margaret Brown, baptized 7 Apr 1752, was the daughter of John Brown and Janet Cuthbertson of Blacklaw, Stewarton, Ayrshire, Scotland.  John was born about 1715 (20,23) in Stewarton, married Janet 25 Mar 1737 in Neilston, Renfrewshire, Scotland (4) and died 21 Dec 1759 and is buried in Stewarton Cemetery (23).  Janet died 11 May 1782 and is buried in Stewarton Cemetery (23).  They had 5 known children:

1.  Agnes Brown, baptized 2 Feb 1738 in Stewarton (4,20)

2.  John Brown, born about 1740 (23), married Grizel Mitchel 19 Apr 1771 in Stewarton (19) and died 10 May 1778 and is buried in Stewarton Cemetery (23).  I believe Grizel Mitchell may be the namesake of John U. and Diana's child Grace Mitchell Muir.

3.  Thomas Brown, baptized 1 Feb 1748 in Stewarton (4,20).

4.  Margaret Brown, see above.

5.  Allan Brown, baptized 5 Nov 1754 in Stewarton (4,20), married Mary Barr before 3 May 1783 in Ayrshire (20,21,24), and was buried 21 Oct 1850 in Fenwick, Ayrshire, Scotland.  He was a farmer (21).  I believe he was the namesake of my 4th great-grandfather Allan Brown Muir (1814-1892).

John Brown, born about 1715 in Stewarton (20,23), was the son of John Brown and Mary Fulton.  They had 5 known children.

1.  Anne Brown, baptized 22 Jun 1707 in Stewarton (20).

2.  Matthew Brown, born 22 Oct 1714 and baptized 24 Oct 1714 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland (20).

3.  John Brown, see above.

4.  David Brown born 27 Apr 1717 and baptized May 1717 in Kilwinning (20).

5.  Joseph Brown born 4 May 1720 and baptized 8 May 1720 in Kilwinning (20).

Janet Cuthbertson, wife of John Brown, was the daughter of Thomas Cuthbertson and Jean Paton.

Thomas, son of William, and Jean, daughter of James, married 26 Jan 1704 in Kilmarnock, after bann dated 12 Jan 1704 (4,19).  Thomas, a farmer of [Little] Blackwood, Kilmarnock (4,20) was buried 4 Mar 1746 in Kilmarnock (25).  Jean was buried 5 Feb 1736 in Kilmarnock, aged 55 years (24).  They had 6 known children:

1.  Janet Cuthbertson, see above.

2.  Jean Cuthbertson, born 7 Feb 1708 and baptized 15 Feb 1708 in Kilmarnock (20).

3.  Margaret Cuthbertson, born 3 Jan 1710 and baptized 5 Feb 1710 in Kilmarnock (20) and buried 28 Apr 1732 in Fenwick (25).

4.  Elizabeth Cuthbertson, born 11 Oct 1717 and baptized 27 Oct 1717 in Kilmarnock (20).

5.  Mary Cuthbertson, born 7 Apr 1720 and baptized 5 May 1720 in Kilmarnock (20).

6.  William Cuthbertson, son of Thomas, married Agnes Lymburner 15 Dec 1743 in Kilmarnock (19).

Sources:

1.    The History of the County of Brant, Ontario, Warner, Beers & Co., Toronto, 1883, Hathitrust.org

2.    Find a Grave, memorial #42016992, Burford Congregational Cemetery, Burford, Ontario, Canada.

3.    The Early Political and Military History of Burford, Major Robert Cuthbertson Muir, La Cie d'Imprimerie Commerciale, Québec, 1913

4.    John McGee, Wheech Scottish Ancestry Services, 7 Hillside Drive, Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, G61 3QH, 24 Oct 2021

5.    "Canadian Immigrant Records, Part Two," ancestry.com

6.    Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950, ancestry.com

7.    Ontario, Canada, Deaths and Deaths Overseas, 1869-1948, ancestry.com

8.    Canada, Ontario, Marriages, 1800-1910, familysearch.org

9.    Find a Grave, memorial #139476945, Woodstock Baptist Cemetery, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

10.  Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947, familysearch.org

11.  Canada Census, 1871, familysearch.org

12.  Find a Grave, memorial #216707076, Bear Creek Cemetery, Lambton, Ontario, Canada

13.  Marriages, 1869-1927, familysearch.org (married of their child)

14.  Canada Census, 1901, familysearch.org

15.  Scotland, Marriages, 1561-1910, familysearch.org

16.  Find a Grave, memorial #42017230, Burford Congregational Cemetery

17.  Find a Grave, memorial #45851921, Burford Congregational Cemetery

18.  Find a Grave, memorial #41914711, Burford Congregational Cemetery

19.  Scotland, Parish Marriages & Banns 1561-1893, findmypast.com

20.  Scotland, Parish Births & Baptisms 1564-1929, findmypast.com

21.  1841 Census of Scotland, findmypast.com

22.  1851 Census of Scotland, findmypast.com

23.  Ardrossan Library & Carnagie Library, Compiler, Some Ayrshire Monumental  Inscriptions, Ayrshire Roots, https://www.ayrshireroots.co.uk/Genealogy/Records/MIs/some%20Ayrshire%20MIs.htm

24. An Inquiry into the Origin, Pedigree & History of the family, or clan, of Aitons in Scotland, William Aiton, A. Miller, Hamilton Scotland, 1830, Hathitrust.org

25.  Scotland, Parish Deaths & Burials 1564-2017, findmypast.com

Corrected Ancestry of Edward Jones of Isle of Wight, Virginia

image by Randy Young, 18 Feb 2017

 Edward Jones (Edward, Arthur,Arthur, Robert) wrote his will 15 Jan 1722, which was probated 17 Jul 1730 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia (1).  He married only once, to Deborah Exum, about 1683, mother of all his children (2).  Their children were:

1.  Edward Jones, born circa 1685, married Abigail Sugar about 1720 in Isle of Wight, Virginia (2).

2.  Joseph Jones, married Elizabeth Kinchen in Isle of Wight, Virginia (3)(4).  He wrote his will 5 Dec 1726, proved 25 Sep 1727 (4).

3.  Sarah Jones

4.  Deborah Jones

5.  William Jones, he witnessed his brother Joseph's will (4). 

6.  Jane Jones

7.  Mary Jones

I learned the ancestry of Edward Jones from two articles by John Anderson Brayton, a noted and highly respected authority of Virginia, North Carolina and royal genealogy, published in The Virginia Genealogist, which can be seen at New England Historic Genealogical Society, americanancestors.org.

Edward Jones was the son of Edward Jones (Arthur, Arthur, Robert), baptized 1 Nov 1626 at St Mary in Bitton, Gloucestershire, England, the son of Arthur Jones (5)(6).  He owned land in Isle of Wight, Virginia in 1653 (7). On 22 Feb 1671 he was overseer of the will of Sarah Watson and on 9 Apr 1677 he was surety for the will of William Dixon (4).  His children were:

1.  Edward Jones, husband of Deborah Exum, died between 15 Jan 1722 - 27 Jul 1730 in Isle of Wight, Virginia

2.  Arthur Jones, married first before 1679 Susannah King in Isle of Wight and second Prudence.  He wrote his will 22 Jan 1715/16 in Surry County, Virginia (7).

3.  Richard Jones, married Jane Harris before 14 Mar 1687 in Isle of Wight, his undated will was proved 22 May 1721 in Isle of Wight (2)(4).

4.  Sarah Jones, married Blackaby Terrell, marriage contract 1698 in Isle of Wight (3).  There was no mention of Sarah or children in his will, dated 7 Sep 1726 in Isle of Wight (4).

Arthur Jones (Arthur, Robert) was baptized at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6).  Children of Arthur, baptized at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire (5)(6) were:

1.  Arthur Jones, baptized 16 Jan 1624/25, married Margaret Barrett, wrote his will 29 Aug 1692 in Hamilton, Bermuda, proved 27 Oct 1692 (7).

2.  Edward Jones, baptized 1 Nov 1626.

3.  Samuel Jones, baptized 16 Nov 1628, buried 13 Sep 1631 at St Mary, Bitton, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6).

4.  Samuel Jones, baptized 22 Apr 1632, buried Mar 1680 at St Mary, Bitton, Gloucestershire, England (6).

5.  Richard Jones, baptized 9 Nov 1633,  died before 29 Aug 1692 in Bermuda (7).

Arthur Jones (Robert) was born about 1570 in England (5), married Ellen Pitman 4 Jul 1591 at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6) and was buried 4 Jun 1636 at St Mary, Bitton, Gloucestershire, England.  Their children, baptized at St Anne, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6) were:

1.  Martha Jones

2.  Edmund Jones, baptized 03 Feb 1594/95.

3.  Arthur Jones, baptized 19 Jul 1597.

4.  Mary Jones, buried 3 Sep 1607 at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6).

5.  Ffreydeswede (Ffriswide, Ffrisey) Jones, baptized 6 Apr 1602, married Henry Eiles alias Monk 26 Oct 1622 at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6), buried 1 Jun 1655 at St Mary, Bitton, Gloucestershire, England (6).

6.  Sarah Jones, baptized 16 Jun 1604.

7.  Henry Jones, baptized 1 Nov 1606, married Sislye Creede at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (6) and was buried Sep 1680 at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (6).

Robert Jones, born about 1545 in England married Margery (5) and was buried 13 Nov 1604 at St Anne, Oldland, Gloucestershire, England (5)(6).  Their child was:

Arthur Jones, born about 1570, who married Ellen Pitman.

Sources: 

(1)  Virginia, Isle of Wight, Deed Book 3, pages 210-211, FHL #007645159, Images 509-510 of 605, familysearch.org

(2)  Brayton, John Anderson, Colonial Families of Surry and Isle of Wight Counties, Virginia, Volume 2, J. A. Brayton, Memphis, TN, 1999, familysearch.org

(3)  Chapman, Blanche Adams, Marriages of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., Baltimore, MD, 1976

(4)  Virginia, U.S., Land, Marriage, and Probate Records, 1639-1850 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2004.

(5)  Brayton, John Anderson, "The Ancestry of Edward Jones of Isle of Wight County, Virginia," The Virginia Genealogist, Volume 45 Number 1, Jan 2001, americanancestors.org

(6) FreeReg, FreeUKGenealogy, https://www.freereg.org.uk/

(7)  Brayton, John Anderson, "The will of Arthur Jones of Bermuda," The Virginia Genealogist, Volume 43 Number 3, Jul 1999, americanancestors.org

Esther Homer, wife of Amor Preston: errors corrected and new information discovered.

Amor Preston married Esther Large 6 Jan 1710/11 in Bucks County, Pennsylvana (1, 2, 3), and for many years I assumed that was her maiden name.  After discovering an article in The Oregon Daily Journal, dated 16 Mar 1919, I learned that her maiden name was Homer.  I then went looking for a marriage record between Esther Homer and a man with the surname Large.  Richard Large and Esther married 21 Jun 1705 in Falls, Bucks County, Pennsylvania (1).

Many more years went by, and I thought I'd look for more information about Esther.  I reviewed her marriage certificate to Richard Large, and one witness to their marriage stood out:  William Homer.  I did a simple google search using the search terms "William Homer" "Bucks, Pennsylvania" and got a great hit.  It was an abstract of the will of William Sanford, dated 25 Mar 1689 and probated 17 Oct 1692, and a witness was named James Boyden (remember that name).  Sanford named "my son William Homer" and "daughter in law Ester Homer" (4).  William Sanford had a son named William Homer?  This is why abstracts are only a jumping off point, we must search for the will!  It is also very important to remember that in the colonial era, the term "in-law" didn't mean what it does today.  At the time, it meant that Esther was the child of his wife, and she became his daughter-in-law at the time of William's marriage to her mother.  Unfortunately, though he mentioned "my dear wife" in the will, her name was not given.

I then went on a hunt for a copy of the will, and found it, along with a codicil, and another juicy piece of information, at familysearch.org.  

What is very interesting is what I discovered first, as I was searching through the record set that contained the will.  I found the indenture for Ester Hummer, daughter-in-law of William Sanford, "between 8 & 9 years of age," dated 10 Mar 1690/91 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to James Boyden for 8 years.  He was the witness to Sanford's will.

Watts and Belsterling stated that Esther died 14 Feb 1774 in Buckingham, Bucks County, Pennsylvania "aged upwards of one hundred years" (2, 3).  this would have put her birth year about 1674.  The Indenture proves that this is in fact incorrect.  She was born about 1682, and died at about 92 years of age.

I then went in search of a marriage record for William Sanford to a woman with the surname Homer.  William Sanford and Frances Homer were married 31 May 1684 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (7, 8, 9).  She is purported to have come from England as a widow with her two children.  She is also said to have been Swedish (2, 3). 

I then went in search of William Homer.  His marriage intention to Elizabeth Warmsley was recorded 4 Jul 1700 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (1), and he purchased 250 acres in Byberry, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania in 1713 (7).  He wrote his will 3 Sep 1714 and it was probated 17 Mar 1715 (10).

Sources:

1.   U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935, [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com  Operations, Inc., 2014.

2.   Charles S. Belsterling, "William Preston of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Philadelphia," The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine, Volume 11 Number 2, Mar 1931

3.   William Watts Hart Davis, "History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time," Democrat Book and Job Office Print, Doylestown, PA, 1876

4.   Martha Cross Sargent, "Sanford, William," PA-Roots, 1 Nov 2009, http://www.pa-roots.org/data/read.php?28,617782,617782

5.   A registry of wills, letters of administration, and the names of executors, guardians and trustees, 1684-1693, Film #005547281, pages 59-60, Images 70-71 of 780, familysearch.org

6.   Pennsylvania, Bucks, Orphans' Court record Book A, Volume 1, Film #005534520, pages 24-25, 28-29, Images 27 and 29 of 360, familysearch.org

7.   William Joseph Buck, "Local Sketches and Legends Pertaining to Bucks and Montgomery Counties," printed by the author, 1887

8.   Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669-2013, [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

9.   William Montgomery Clemens, "American Marriages Before 1699," The Biblio Co., Pompton Lakes, NJ, 1926

10.  Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, U.S., Will Index, 1682-1819, [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2000

NOTE:  I apologize for my poor sourcing in previous articles.  I strive to do better in the future.

Blair Blunders

  

Part I - Colbert Blair and Sarah Morgan

A few days ago, I read an article titled "The Family of Edward1 Morgan of Pennsylvania," by Stewart Baldwin, published in The Genealogist, Volume 15 Number 1 (Spring 2001), Volume 15 Number 2 (Fall 2001) and Volume 16 Number 1 (Spring 2002).  It shed quite a bit of light on the family of Colbert Blair and Sarah Morgan.  The brightest light regarded their son James.  Most family trees and websites say that he was born in Augusta County, Virginia, married Margaret Sudderth, and died in Pickens County, Georgia.  However, according to the article, Colbert's son James died during the Revolutionary War.  The Blair Family DNA Project confirms this.  According to the DNA test results, Colbert Blair is not related to James and Mary (unknown last name, probably not Colbert) and their son James Blair, husband of Margaret Sudderth, and their descendants are not related to Enos Blair (1750-1834), who is the only proven child of Colbert Blair and Sarah Morgan.  The other children are considered theirs according to geographic proximity, family naming patterns, etc.  Enos Blair is the linchpin:  if a DNA test does not show a match to him or his descendants, then you're not a descendant of Colbert Blair and Sarah Morgan.

Children of Colbert Blair and Sarah Morgan:  unless otherwise cited, source is the above mentioned article.

1.  Enos Blair, born 1750 (a), probably in Pennsylvania (the first record found for Colbert Blair in Virginia is in 1765), married Hannah Millikan 10 May 1775 in Centre, Guilford County, NC, died 13 Jul 1834 in Randolph County, NC (b).

2.  Mary Blair, born about 1752 (c), probably in Pennsylvania, married Moses Guest about 1772 (c), died before 8 May 1829 in Franklin County, GA, when Moses married his second wife (c).

3.  Isabel Blair, born 13 Dec 1761, probably in Pennsylvania, married John Grider in 1781 (d), probably in Burke County, NC (the first record of Colbert Blair in North Carolina was in 1778), died 23 Feb 1857 in Henderson County, TN (e).

4.  James Blair, probably born in Pennsylvania, died before 22 Oct 1783 in Burke County, North Carolina, when his widow Anna was granted administration of his estate, estate inventory taken 10 Nov 1783 (i).  According to John O. Hawkins in his article titled "Caldwell County Area," North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Volume 16 Number 2, May 1990, he was born before 1767 and his widow moved to Pendleton Co., TN with their eldest son George Blair, who was also mentioned in the estate records of his father.  The estate records also noted that James and Anna married in Virginia (i).

5.  Colbert Blair, born about 1771 (f), probably in Augusta County, Virginia, married Jane Murry (g) about 1794, probably in Burke County, NC, died between 28 Aug - 5 Sep 1846 (the dates of his will and probate) in Mongtomery County, IL (h).

Sources:

a.  Gravestone, Springfield Friends Meeting House Cemetery, High Point, Guilford County, NC

b.  The Johnsons and their kin of Randolph, Jessie Owen Shaw, McGregor & Werner, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1955, hathitrust.org

c.  Guest-Guess History and Lineage in America, Alta Louise Biggs Martin, Bowman Printing Co., Atlanta, TX, 1981, familysearch.org

d.  Isabel Grider Revolutionary War Pension Application, W358, fold3.com; The National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 22 Number 3, Sep 1934 has an abstract by Jessie McCausland Casanova.

e.  United States Revolutionary War Pension Payment Ledgers, 1818-1872, familysearch.org, citing National Records and Archives Administration micofilm publication T718, Washington, D.C.

f.  United States Federal Censuses 1790, 1800, 1820, 1830, 1840 and Illinois Census Returns, 1810 and 1818, Illinois, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index for 1820 and 1825, ancestry.com

g.  History of Benton County, Oregon, David D. Fagan, A. G. Walling, Printer, Lithographer, Etc., Portland, OR, 1885

h.  Will & Probate records in my personal possession, obtained from the Montgomery County, IL Probate Court

i.  North Carolina, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, ancestry.com

Part II - Colbert Blair and Jane Murry

I recently received some information from the Montgomery County Genealogical Society, and thanks to my new discoveries concerning Colbert Blair and Jane Murry, I've corrected some errors and confirmed information about Colbert Blair and some of their children.

I confirmed that he died on or about 29 Aug 1846 (2, 7) and that he was buried in Clear Springs Cemetery, Hillsboro, Montgomery Co., IL. (7).  I've created a corrected memorial for him at Find a Grave, and you can search under Memorial #221516100.  I don't have him connected to Jane or his children, however.

Little is known about his wife Jane, but she was born between 1771-1780 (1) and died between 1840 and 28 Aug 1846 in Montgomery Co., IL (1, 2).

Children of Colbert Blair and Jane Murry:

1.  Dolly Blair born circa 1795 in Burke Co., NC (1, 4) married Paul Beck 19 Oct 1815 in Adair Co., KY (4).  She died before 23 Jun 1832 in IL when Paul married second Margaret Brents in Montgomery Co., IL (5).  Paul and Dolly are my 5th great-grandparents.

2.  Enos Blair born circa 1798 in Burke Co., NC (1) married Nancy Jones 16 Jan 1817 in Adair Co., KY (6), died between 5 Sep 1846 and 1 Oct 1850 in Montgomery Co., IL (1, 2).

3.  Nancy Blair born circa 1798 in Burke Co., NC (1) married John Beck 3 Feb 1814 in Adair Co., KY (6) and died 3 Jan 1851 in Montgomery Co., IL (7, 8).

4.  John Blair born about 28 Feb 1799 [calculated] (13) in Burke Co., NC (9) married Elizabeth Jane Isaacs 3 Sep 1817 in Adair Co., KY (4) died 22 Apr 1871 in Fillmore, Montgomery Co., IL (13) and died 22 Apr 1871, age 72 years 1 month and 22 days, buried 26 Apr 1871 in Clear Springs Cemetery, Hillsboro, Montgomery Co., IL (9, 13).  He wrote his will 20 Mar 1871, probated 31 Oct 1871 (7).

5.  Elizabeth Blair born about 1801 in Burke Co., NC (1) married first Hiram Beck 26 May 1820 in Bond Co., IL (5), married second Henry Ginger 2 Jul 1855 in Fayette Co., IL (5).  Some family trees incorrectly state that she married a Lee.  She was on the 1860 census in Dry Point, Fayette Co., IL but died before 8 Jul 1870 in Dry Point (1).

6.  Colbert Powell Blair born 30 Jan 1805 in Burke Co., NC (3, 10) married Elizabeth Hill 19 Feb 1824 in Montgomery Co., IL (5).  He was a member of the Oregon State Legislature in 1862 (3) and died, age 101, 16 Jun 1906 in Pendleton, Umatilla Co., OR (9, 11) and was buried 18 Jun 1906 at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton (9). 

 

7.  Meeky Montgomery Blair born 9 Mar 1810 in Adair Co., KY (1, 7) married first Gilham Scribner 16 Jan 1826 in Montgomery Co., IL (5), married second John Wesley Powell 15 Dec 1830 in Montgomery Co., IL (5), married third Jacob Styner 24 May 1857 in Clark Co., MO (12).  She died 12 Feb 1863 in Fort Madison, Lee Co., IA (7).

There may be additional Blair / Powell connections.  Why was Colbert's middle name Powell?  Some claim without providing proof that Meeky Blair and John Wesley Powell were cousins.  Records in the Montgomery County Genealogical Society say that John was the son of Elias Powell and Elizabeth Day, the daughter of Nicholas Day and Miss Blair.  If anyone has records confirming Blair / Powell connections, please contact me at wrxwoman@gmail.com.

Sources:

1.    United States Federal Census

2.    Will and Probate record of Colbert Blair

3.    History of Benton County, Oregon, David D. Fagan, 1885

4.    Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979

5.    Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900

6.    Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954

7.    Montgomery County Genealogical Society

8.    History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, William Henry Perrin, 1882

9.    Cemetery Transcription

10.  Oregon Historical Records Index, Oregon State Archives

11.  Colbert Powell Blair obituary

12.  Missouri, Marriage Records, 1805-2002

13.  FHL #848951, http://genealogytrails.com/ill/montgomery/cem_clearsprings.html