Fielding Fletcher 1805-1878 (110110)

The lightest green area shown here is the heart of the Blue Grass Region of Kentucky.
This is where the Fletcher family lived.

The quest to find Fielding Fletcher’s parents has been a long and difficult process. Fletcher is an extremely common name, for which it is never safe to draw early conclusions. One cannot assume that several individuals with the same surname who reside within the same county are related, as you can with uncommon surnames. I have had to learn a lot about genealogy along the way, as well as collect a lot of data about all of the Fletchers in several counties of Kentucky, before I could come to any conclusions. At this point, I feel fairly comfortable in the conclusion that Fielding’s parents were Gilson and Rhoda (Heflin) Fletcher (see notes below for details). 

Fielding Fletcher was probably born in Fleming
County, Kentucky.

Census Records and his death record gives Fielding’s age, from which we can estimate his birth year of about 1805, they also confirm that he was born in Kentucky. I have listed his birth as Fleming County Kentucky, because the tax records show Gilson Fletcher was living there at the time of Fielding's birth—from 1799 until about 1809.

Fielding was born just thirteen years after Kentucky had become a state. Kentucky was, at the time, one of the westernmost reaches of the United States. It was as untamed and dangerous as any place on earth. It was also a land of unlimited opportunity. His family helped pioneer the beautiful bluegrass region of Kentucky, which was famous for its bourbon and racehorses, but also as a center of the profound Restoration Movement in the Christian religion.

The Restoration Movement occurred from roughly 1795 through 1870. During this time, christians throughout America were debating important issues like the centrality of faith in Christ, the effectiveness of infant baptism and the essentials of discipleship as contained in the scriptures. It was arguably as important in shaping the Christian faith in America as the Protestant Reformation had been in Europe. 

The leaders of this movement wanted to do away with the creeds and rituals that separated the churches, to get back to the origins of the church as it occurred in New Testament times. In order to achieve this, they relied heavily on the stories and admonitions of the early disciples as contained in the scriptures. They attempted to hasten the coming millennium of peace by a unification of the faith after the manner of the church during Christ’s earthly life.

Mt. Sterling, in Montgomery County, Kentucky is in the
vicinity of the small red star on the above map.

Fielding Fletcher’s family were among the first to join the new ecumenical church. The church at Mt. Sterling was originally a baptist church, but converted when the preacher John “Raccoon” Smith (a key figure in the Restorationist movement) convinced the congregation to abandon their sectarian ways. Fielding Fletcher attended Mt. Sterling church throughout his years growing up, and it was where he eventually married. The family remained true to this faith throughout his lifetime, and even through his grandchildren’s lives. One of his granddaughters husbands became a minister in the restored Church of Christ in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky.

So, like many young men of his time, Fielding was a devout Christian willing to think hard about the foundations of his faith. And, like so many men of his time, Fielding was also a hard working farmer  trying to make the land fruitful. A young man who was willing to work hard could etch a good living out of the rich soil of Kentucky’s bluegrass region, and the earlier in his life that he could accomplish that, the sooner he could establish a family of his own. Fielding did well for himself. He was able to marry in his twentieth year. He married Elizabeth Sharp on 15 March 1825 in the Mt. Sterling Church. The marriage was officiated by the famous John “Raccoon” Smith.

Fielding married in Montgomery County as well:

Marriage Record Fielding Fletcher and Elizabeth Sharp, nr Mt. Sterling, Montgomery, KY by Elder John "Racoon" Smith

Marriage Records Montgomery County, Kentucky 1817-1850 

Name: Fielding Fletcher 

Spouse: Elizabeth Sharp 

Marriage Date: 15 Mar 1825

In 1830, he is in Montgomery County KY for the Census. He has one male 20-30 (Fielding), 2 females under 5 (Rhoda & Elizabeth, the daughter) and one female 20-30 (Elizabeth, the wife) in his household.

Fielding Fletchr in the 1830 Census in Montgomery County, Kentucky.

By 1840, they had moved to Bath County Kentucky.

1 Jun 1840 Census West of Slate Creek, Bath, KY Fielden Fletcher 2 m under 5 (David and John) 2 m 5-10 (Richard and William) 1 m 30-40 Fielding (36) 1 f 10-15 (Rhoda) 1 f 15-20 (Elizabeth the daughter) 1 f 20-30 Elizabeth (wife, 34)

Fielding Fletcher in the 1840 Census in Bath County, Kentucky.

In 1850, he was in Nicholas County Kentucky for the census.

1850 District 1, Nicholas, KY

Fielding Fletcher 45 Farmer KY no acres

Elizabeth             44            KY

Elizabeth             25            KY

Rhoda                 22            KY

William                 20   Laborer   KY

Richard                18   Laborer   KY

John                     15  Laborer   KY

David                    14                KY

James                      7                KY

Ann E.                    5                 KY

Sarah E.                 2                 KY

Feilding Fletcher with his family in the 1850 Census in Bath County, Kentucky.

In 1860 he has returned to Bath County and continues there until his death.

1860 Bath, Kentucky

Fielding Fletcher 56 Farmer b. KY 960 acres

Elizabeth            54            b. KY

Elizabeth            19            b. KY

James                17 Field Hand b. KY

Ann                    14             b. KY

Feilding Fletcher with his family in the 1860 Census in Bath County, Kentucky.

1870 Bethel, Bath, KY

Fletcher, Fielding  65 Farm Laborer b. KY no acres

Elizabeth              65                       b. KY

Ann E.                  20                      b. KY

Fielding Fletcher with family in the 1870 Census in Bath County, Kentucky.

Fielding died 20 Dec 1878. His death record reports that he died of neuralgia:

Kentucky Death Records, 1852-1953

Fielding Fletcher, Age:73, Sex: M, Date of Death: Dec 20, 1878, Cause of death: Neuralgia, Place of death: Bath County, Names of Parents: James & Maggie Cole [See notes below]

 

He is buried in Gilead Cemetery. One transcript of the cemetery gives the following:

Bath County KY Cemetery Records, Stephen Cirgoleen

p. 105 Gilead Cemetery

Fletcher, Elizabeth, wife/ F. (age @71)-12 Dec 1877

Fletcher, Fielden (age @73)-20 Nov 1878

———————————————-

Determining Fielding’s Parents:

Fielding's death record lists his parents as “James & Maggie Cole.” The first possibility is that Fielding had changed his name by the time of his marriage, or that he was adopted by a Fletcher family and took the family name after his parents died. There are a David and Robert Cole living in Montgomery County KY for the 1810 Census. They are both in the 26-44 age group, so this is a distant possibility. However, it seems unlikely.

Secondly, it was worth considering whether this reference might mean James Fletcher and Maggie Cole (as a maiden name), but careful study showed that this is not likely. There was a James Fletcher living in Montgomery County at the time, and had a son the right age to be Fielding in the 1810 Census. However, James’ son was still at home in the 1830 Census when Fielding was enumerated in his own separate household. That means that James’ son could not be Fielding. 

After this, the only logical conclusion is that there was some error made in the death record. Perhaps the clerk who copied the reports into the book accidentally skipped over an entry and wrote the next person’s parents in the line. Another possibility is that the informant, in their distressed state after having lost a loved one, named their own parents instead of Fielding’s.

Besides James Fletcher, there are four other Fletchers in Montgomery County who were old enough to have been Fielding’s father—Gilson, Thomas, William and John. William Fletcher shows up in 1820 with a male 10-15 in his household, but he does not remain in the vicinity long enough to be a likely candidate. It seems likely that if Fielding’s family had moved out of the county or state, he would have moved with them rather than stay behind with no means of support.

Thomas seemed promising, since he lived on Flat Creek (where Hansford Hawkins, who married a daughter of Fielding Fletcher, lived). Thomas left a will at his death, in which he names only two daughters, and no sons. This eliminates Thomas as a possible father.

John lived in Montgomery County, on Lulbagrud Creek which empties into Hinkston Creek just south of Mt. Sterling. John is also listed on the 1802 tax list as having acreage on Somerset Creek. This would put him near Gilson Fletcher. However, that is a brief anomaly, in subsequent tax lists he is only listed as living on Lulbagrud Creek. John had one male the correct age to be Fielding (who would have been 15) for the 1820 Census. However, by the 1830 Census, when Fielding was enumerated in his own household, John has two males 20-30 in his household. It seems likely that the son in the 1820 Census was still living at home, and could not be Fielding.

The bulk of evidence points to Gilson Fletcher as the father. Fielding was married in 1825 in a church near the city of Mt. Sterling. Gilson lived on Somerset Creek which flowed through Mt. Sterling. Gilson lived very close the the church where Fielding was married. Fielding and Gilson both moved to Nicholas County KY by the 1850 Census. It is difficult to tell if they lived near one another (Fielding is household number 141, and Gilson is household number 224), they are the only Fletchers in the county. 

The tax records of Montgomery County KY point rather strongly to Gilson Fletcher as the most likely father. In 1825, Fielding Fletcher married and set up his household. This is the first year he appears in the tax list. He is not listed near any other Fletcher. In 1826, he doesn't appear at all. In 1827, there are two clusters of Fletchers. There are a William, John and James who cluster together. The second cluster includes Joston (Johnson), Gilson and Fielding. The fact that Fielding is found among Gilson and his sons suggests that he is a probable son of Gilson Fletcher.

Rhoda Ann Fletcher 1828-1911 (11011)

Rhoda A. Fletcher was born 4 June 1828 in Montgomery County, Kentucky. She was the second of nine children born to Fielding Fletcher and Elizabeth Sharpe. The Fletcher family lived near the border where four counties meet—Montgomery, Bath, Bourbon and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky. Rhoda lived in three of these counties during her lifetime, as well as Fleming which was just east of both Nicholas and Bath Counties. She also spent a brief time living in Missouri.

Rhoda’s father lived near Somerset Creek, which flowed from southern Montgomery County, and emptied into Hinkston Creek on the eastern border of the county.  

The church the family attended when Rhoda was a girl was near the city of Mount Sterling in Montgomery County. This was an historically important church. Rhoda was born during the Second Great Awakening (1790-1870), when religion was the most important topic of discussion. Kentucky was a hot spot for the the new Restoration movement, which some describe as the oldest ecumenical movement in America. John “Raccoon” Smith was a preacher at the church that Rhoda attended, and during her early childhood he became a leader in the movement in western Kentucky. Rhoda’s family was therefore heavily influenced by his preaching to embrace the new faith.

The Restoration movement wanted to do away with creeds and rituals that tended to divide christian churches. They tried to bring the church back to essentials upon which all christians could agree—faith in Christ, baptism by immersion for the remission of sin, and close adherence to scriptural teachings. John “Raccoon” Smith had united Rhoda’s parents in marriage just a few years before her birth. Rhoda was undoubtedly highly influenced by his preaching. 

While Rhoda spent her early life attending the Mt. Sterling church, when she was about nine years of age, her family moved to Bath County. They spent a brief period of years living in Bath County, near Flat Creek, before moving north into Nicholas County where they lived just south of the city of Carlisle. They still lived near the border between Bath County and Nicholas County, which is how Rhoda met and fell in love with Hansford Hawkins who was resident in the northern part of Bath County. They would have registered their marriage at the county courthouse in Carlisle, and married at the Old Concord Church just nine miles south of Carlisle. 

Hansford Hawkins to Rhoda Ann Fletcher 5 Jun 1849

[Nicholas County, Kentucky marriages 1799-1855 compiled by Robert E. & Phyllis J. Selby]

The following Bible record identifies the children of Hansford and Rhoda Fletcher:

HAWKINS FAMILY BIBLE RECORD

First owned by Hansford Hawkins. Now in possession of Mrs. Anna Donaldson, Flemingsburg, KY.

Copied by William M. Talley

Births

Hawkins, Hansford was born the 9^th day of Dec., 1820.

Fletcher, Rhodiann was born the 4^th day of June, 1828.

Their children:

Hawkins, William Woles was born the 12^th day of April, 1850.

Hawkins, Francis Ellen was born the 17^th day of June, 1852.

Hawkins, John Jefferson was born the 14^th day of Nov., 1854.

Hawkins, Mary Elizabeth was born the 19^th day of Sept., 1857.

Hawkins, Harvey Breckenridge was born the 17^th day of Apr., 1860.

Hawkins, Matilda Jane was born the 5^th day of Jan., 1868.

Hawkins, James Fielden was born the 9^th day of Jan., 1866.

Hawkins, Tones Madeson was born the 13^th day of June, 1869.

Hawkins, Clisty Emily was born the 3^rd day of Jan., 1873.

Deaths

Hawkins, Hansford died Oct. the 18^th, 1908.

Hawkins, Rhodiann died Jan. 8^th, 1911, aged 82 yrs., 7 mos., and 4 ds.

Hawkins, Hansford, of KY., and Rhodiann Fletcher, of KY., married on the 4^th day of June, 1849, at Nicholas County by John Dyle. In the presence of James M. Hawkins and Arch Prater.

(Note by J. F. Hawkins: “John Hawkins was father of Hansford. John is thought to have married a Rogers. John’s father came from Ireland.”)

Pasted from <http://www.kykinfolk.com/fleming/biblehawkins.htm> 

The blue dotted line traces the path that the family traveled while traveling from Bath County, Kentucky
to Adair County, Missouri, a journey of about 562 miles.

The family settled in Bath County, Kentucky after their marriage, where they lived for many years. In 1857, they moved to Adair County, Missouri, to take advantage of the land prices there. There three of their children were born. They stayed in Missouri for about ten years, through the terrible ferment of the Civil War. They returned to Kentucky shortly after the war ended, purchasing land in Poplar Plains, Fleming County, Kentucky. This was about twenty miles north of where they had lived after their marriage. 

Rhoda (Fletcher) Hawkins in the household of son James Hawkins for the 1910 Census
in Poplar Plains District, Fleming County, Kentucky

Here Rhoda lived out the rest of her life in the Poplar Plains area. The family thrived there, and continued to grow. Rhoda lost her husband in 1908. Their son James Hawkins and family moved into the family estate, where Rhoda can be found in his household in the 1910 Census.  

On 9 January 1911, Rhoda died suddenly of natural causes at 82 years of age. She is buried in Gilead Cemetery in Bath County Kentucky. Rhoda Ann and Hansford Hawkins share a gravestone, which confirms her birth and death dates.

Paschal Davis 1757-1839 (11101110)

[Map is a detail from James Bowden, The History of the Society of Friends in America (Vol. II: Pennsylvania and New Jersey (London: W & F.G. Cash, 1854), opposite p. 1] 

Paschall Davis was born about 1757 in what was then Chester County (now Delaware County), Pennsylvania. He was the son of Isaac Davis (1721-1785) and Joanna Paschal (1727-1772), who were Quakers. In 1771, Isaac Davis, his wife and children requested a certificate of good character to transfer their membership from Haverford Monthly Meeting to Chester Monthly Meeting. 

By 1775, Paschal Davis had moved to Newlin Township in Chester County, Pannsylvania. Though the war had not yet begun, difficulties with the British military made life difficult for the colonists. Since Pennsylvania was dominated by the Quakers at the time, there was no compulsory military conscription. Some concerned citizens joined together as “Associators” to drill and prepare for war. Paschal Davis was among those who joined. He became a member of the Chester County Militia as a Private under Captain Joseph Luckey in the 7th Company. 

Serving in the militia would have cost Paschal his church membership, since Quakers are against war. It must have been a difficult decision to make, but it is clear that Paschal chose to serve in spite of this sacrifice. He never seems to have renounced his service before a church tribunal in order to be readmitted to church fellowship. No further mention of him is made in Quaker records.

In 1779, Paschal’s name appears on the Tax Roll for Newlin Township, Chester County, PA. Paschal is listed as a single Freeman:

Paschal Davis' name is listed on the right hand page, in the bottom right hand side, third from the bottom.

 Paschall Davis married Martha [Unknown Maiden Name] (1759-1850). Some believe that she was a daughter of Peter Hull of Augusta County, VA. This is highly unlikely for the following reasons:

• No Martha was mentioned in Peter Hull's will of 1817. It mentions a wife, Barbara; eldest son, Henry; son, Peter; daughter, Susannah Kinkead, wife of Thomas; daughter, Barbara Sitlington, wife of John; son, Adam; son, Jacob; son, William; son-in-law, William Harvey; and grandson, Mathew Harvey. (Abstracts from the Records of Augusta County, Virginia, Lyman Chalkley, Vol. II, page 240.) 
• Peter Hull Jr. (whose will was registered in 1817) was probably a contemporary with Martha, and not old enough to be her father. 
• The elder Peter Hull (Will registered in Augusta County in 1775) had unnamed children mentioned in his will, however, any Martha who would have been in Augusta VA in 1775 could not be Paschal Davis’ wife, since the Hull family was in Augusta VA before Peter Hull Sr. died in 1775. Paschal Davis was in Pennsylvania until at least 1781 (per tax lists), and he was probably married and having children before he moved to VA in 1790.
• Researchers who have studied the Hull family of Augusta VA do not list a Martha among the children of Peter Hull Sr. (d. 1775). 

Paschal and Martha had the following children:

1. Susannah Davis 1776-

2. Joanna Davis 1780-1862

3. Mary Francis "Polly" Davis 1784-1860 m. Thomas Williams

4. Deborah Davis 1788-

5. Jesse Davis m. Ann Williams [dau. of Hazael Williams]

In 1781, Paschal was taxed in New London Township (with Samuel Davis, who may be a cousin). He has 120 acres, 2 horse, 3 cattle, and a Grist Mill for milling grain:

Paschal Davis in New London tax list. His name appears on the left page, second after Samuel Davis.

Sometime between 1781 and 1790, the family relocated to Augusta County, Virginia.

Paschal Davis moved, with his family, from New London Township in Pennsylvania to Augusta County, Virginia
in the vicinity that would later become Bath County. The journey was about 272 miles in distance.

In 1790, Paschal appears on the Tax Roll in Augusta County, Virginia with 1 tithe [male over 21], and 3 horses. By this time, all of his known children had been born, but were still too young to be tithed. Bath County formed from Augusta in 1791. The area in which the Davis family was living was in the part that was separated to create Bath County, the family can be found in Bath County thereafter.

In 1793, Paschal purchased acreage on the Bull Pasture River in Bath County, Virginia from George Benson for 10 pounds [Bath County, VA Deed BK 1 p. 110].

In 1794, Paschal witnessed the will of Mathias Benson. Martha was also a witness, and this is one of the sources we have for her first name.

From "Abstracts of the Wills and Inventories of Bath County, Virginia, 1791-1842", By Jean Randolph Bruns, pg. 6:pg. 48 - Will of Mathias Benson, Sr. (X) of the Cowpasture, dated Dec. 1, 1794.

Beq: to sons George, Errowin [Erwin] and Babel $1 or 6 shillings and no more

to daughter Elizabeth Pullin $1 and no more affirm gift of slave to Gust to Babel'

to wife Nelly land on dry branch, a branch of Jackson River, and balance of estate, including Negro woman named Patience, boys Harry and Joseph and wench Nanney

Wit: William Sherard, Paschall Davis and Martha Davis Probated February 1795 Court Exec: Wife

[Mary Francis (Davis) William’s daughter married a Pullin as well. The Pullins were also  neighbors to the Rough family in Bath County VA.]

Paschal was a neighbor to the Benson family, but there may have been related to them as well given that Paschal was a witness to the wills of both Mathias and his wife Nelly Benson. 

On the 7th of July 1801, Paschal sold 58 acres of land in Bath County, to James Botkin:

Paschal and Martha DAVIS to James BOTKIN. 58 acres on both sides of Bullpasture, but mostly on the east side, adjoining Hinds and Parrot; patented 1 June 1784 to John Miller, who conveyed to John McAlister, who conveyed to William Wilson, who conveyed to Pascal Davis. Consideration: £50, VA. Signed: Pascholl Davis, Martha Davis. Witnesses: none. 

Acknowledged in court by both, 7 July 1801. No delivery shown. Recorded: 3:246-247. [Bath County VA Bk 3, pp. 246-247]

Will Book 1 Bath County VA:

p. 473 Power of attorney by Joseph Backhouse to James Davis to convey to Paschal Davis land in Bath. Wit: Charles Erwin, Joseph Erwin, Hamelton Benson. Also signed by Hannah Backhouse

[Charles Erwin lived on the Bullpasture and married Dorothy Stuart. Erwin Patterson (and so the Erwins as well) was associated with the Williams family of Augusta VA, who later married into the Davis family.]

p. 429 Will of Nelly Benson of the Cowpasture dated July 7, 1808 Wit: John Devericks, Paschall Davis and James Davis (son of Paschal) Probated June 1809 Court Exec: son Mathias and grandson Hambleton Benson Beq: to grandsons…

In 1810, the census finds Paschal still in Bath County, VA. The children had all grown, so census records show only Paschal and Martha in the household.

1810 Census Bath County VA:

Pascal Davis 1 m over 45, 1 f over 45, 1 slave 

Paschal Davis in the 1810 Census in Bath County, Virginia. Note that son James
 is enumerated just two households away.

1820 U. S. Census Bath VA:

Paschal Davis in the 1820 Census in Bath County, Virginia. Note that son James is listed
right above him.

Paschal Davis died in 1829, and was buried near his home on Davis Run, near the Bull Pasture River, in Bath County, Virginia. 

Mary F. Davis 1784-1860 (1110111)

Mary F. Davis lived on the lovely Bull Pasture River in
what was then Bath County, Virginia (now Highland)
with her husband and children.

There are several reasons for believing that Mary F. Davis is the daughter of Pascal Davis. -Paschal Davis appears on census records, and land records as a neighbor to Thomas Williams (Mary's husband).
-Mary & Thomas Williams named a son Paschal Davis Williams.
-In addition, Mary F. Williams is buried in the family plot on the Davis family property, near her son Paschal Davis Williams.
All of this makes it highly likely that she was born Mary Francis Davis, daughter of Paschal and Martha Davis.

She was born 9 Jan 1784, according to her grave marker. She was probably born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where her father can be found in a tax list as late as 1781. The Davis family moved to Bath County, Virginia by about 1790, when Paschal Davis purchased acreage near the Bull Pasture River, adjacent to Thomas Williams. 

In about 1790, Mary F. Davis traveled with her family from Chester County, Pennsylvania to Bath County, Virginia (now Highland County), a distance of about 298 miles. Much of this journey she may have traveled by foot.

Mary F. Davis married her neighbor, Thomas Williams, about 1804. They had the following children:

1) Jacob Williams b. abt 1805 VA, d. 1848 Bath County VA

2) Margaret Williams b. abt 1807 VA, d. unknown, m. Thomas Pullen 2 Dec 1829

3) James Williams b. 1809 VA, d. 7 Feb 1881 Pawnee, Smith, Kansas, m. Sarah Rough  2 Aug 1832 Bath County VA

4) John Williams b. abt 1813 VA, d. unknown

5) Mary "Polly" Williams b. abt 1816 VA, d. unknown, m. George Rough 17 Sep 1835 Bath County VA

6) Peter B. Williams b. abt 1818 VA, d. unknown

7) Pascal Davis Williams b. Aug 1824 VA, d. after 1900 Highland County VA m. Elizabeth Redner 

24 Dec 1845 Augusta County VA

8) Martha Jane Williams b. abt 1826 VA, d. after 1880 Preston, WV, m. William Rough 12 Jan 1842 Bath County VA

9) Sarah "Sally" Williams b. abt 1828 VA

Mary Williams in household of son, Paschal Williams, in Highland County, Virginia in 1850 Census.

She appears with her son Pascall Davis Williams' family (house number 277) in the 1850 Census. 

The 1850 Census in Highland County VA list the family:

Paschal Williams 34 g farmer Bath

Elizabeth 27 Augusta

Mary M. 3 Highland

John S. 6/12 Highland

Margaret Rouk 23 Bath b. 1827

James P. Rouk 4/12 Highland

Margaret J. Rouk 16 Bath b. 1834

Mary Williams 74 Pendleton b. 1776

Mary F. Williams entry in the 1860 Mortality Schedule in Highland County, Virginia.

Virginia, Deaths and Burials Index, 1853-1917

Name:	Mary Williams
Birth Date:	abt 1784
Death Date:	1859 [Should be 1860, since it was Jan]
Death Place:	Bull Pasture, , Virginia
Death Age:	75
Occupation:	Housekeeper
Race:	White
Marital Status:	Married [Should be Widow]
Gender:	Female
Spouse Name:	Thos. Williams
FHL Film Number:	31997

Mary F. Williams tombstone reads: born- Aug 4, 1784; died- Jan 9. 1860; Age- 75yrs 5mo 5d Written on Tombstone "Precious in the cite of the Lord, is the Death of his saints". Buried [in Davis Family Cemetery] next to her are son, Paschal Davis Williams & [his] 1st wife, Elizabeth S. This cemetery has many unmarked graves, is unkept and not fenced, and is part of a cattle pasture. [Nan143777added this on 19 Mar 2012 

Pasted from <http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/37372191/person/19143916596/media/bc2a84b1-c6a8-456b-bacf-527718e4d4ce?pg=32768&pgpl=pid>]

Thomas Williams 1773-1848 (1110110)

Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia

Thomas Williams was born about 1773 (census range actually give us between 1771-1775), in the vicinity of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Though his parents have yet to be identified, it is likely that Thomas is one of the Williams family who lived in Augusta County, Virginia from as early as the 1750s. There are three reasons for this conclusion. 

The first reason is that the only possible progenitors in Bath County at the time that Thomas lived there have been eliminated as possible fathers (see notes). The second reason is that the people with whom Thomas Williams associates came to Bath County by way of Augusta County, Virginia. Yet a third reason is that Thomas’ children claim, in later census records, that their father was born in Virginia. If he had been part of the Elisha Williams family, he would have had to be born in Maryland, since they did not arrive in Virginia until 1792, some 19 years after Thomas’ birth.

Thomas moved to Bath County by the 29th day of November 1794, when a deed record shows that he purchased land on the Bullpasture River. Bath County formed in 1790. He shows up on the tax lists of Bath County VA from as early as 1795, about the same time that the Elisha Williams family arrives. Thomas would have been about 21 at the time that he purchased land. He would not have appeared in tax records before that. 

He married Mary F. "Polly" Davis, probably around 1804. They had the following children:

1) Jacob Williams b. abt 1805 VA, d. 1848 Bath County VA

2) Margaret Williams b. abt 1807 VA, d. unknown, m. Thomas Pullen 2 Dec 1829

3) James Williams b. 1809 VA, d. 7 Feb 1881 Pawnee, Smith, Kansas, m. Sarah Rough  2 Aug 1832 Bath County VA

4) John Williams b. abt 1813 VA, d. unknown

5) Mary "Polly" Williams b. abt 1816 VA, d. unknown, m. George Rough 17 Sep 1835 Bath County VA

6) Peter B. Williams b. abt 1818 VA, d. unknown

7) Pascal Davis Williams b. Aug 1824 VA, d. after 1900 Highland County VA m. Elizabeth Redner 

24 Dec 1845 Augusta County VA

8) Martha Jane Williams b. abt 1826 VA, d. after 1880 Preston, WV, m. William Rough 12 Jan 1842 Bath County VA

9) Sarah "Sally" Williams b. abt 1828 VA

Thomas Williams in the 1810 Census in Bath County, Virginia

1810 Census Bath County VA:

Thomas Williams 2 m under 10 [James & Jacob), 1 m 26-44 (Thomas), 2 f under 10 (Margaret & Mary), 1 f 26-44 (Mary) (b. 1766-1784) (p. 14)

Thomas purchased land in Bath County VA in 1811:

Bullpasture River in Highland County, Virginia

Thomas WILLIAMS – GRANT 63 p. 389 & 390 - 35 acres - Bath County: James Barbour Esq Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia To all To whom these presents shall come Greeting: Know Ye that by virtue of two Land Office Treasury Warrants to wit: 30 acres by No 4674 issued Nov 13 1810 and 5 acres by No 892 issued the 29th day of November 1794 there is granted by the said Commonwealth unto Thomas Williams a certain tract or parcel of land containing thirty five acres by survey bearing date the 31st day of October 1811 situate in the County of Bath on the waters of Bull Pasture joining to the land of John & Edward Stuarts and bounded as followeth to wit: Beginning at a white oak and hickory north twenty five degrees west forty one poles to three black oak saplings to corner to Paschal Davis north sixty degrees east twenty eight poles to a dogwood and white oak south sixty degrees east one hundred and thirty two poles to a white oak corner to Stuarts south ten degrees west thirty poles to a white oak and pine and thence north seventy degrees west one hundred and twenty poles to the beginning with its appurtenances To have and To hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances to the said Thomas Williams and his heirs forever. In Witness whereof the said James Barbour Esq Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia hath hereunto set his hand and caused the lesser seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond on the thirty first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirteen and of the Commonwealth the the thirty seventh --- 

Jm Barbour -------- I Mervin Boyd Williams checked the record in Richmond, Virginia in June 1957 and found this unusual description of the Property: "Starting at a white oak on the side of a hill by an ash and a hickory sprouts to two chestnuts near a white oak". Later 131.60 acres was added to make it a 186.60 acre farm. It is located near cow pasture in Highland county, then Bath county Virginia. Near McDowell. it was deeded to Richard L Williams Richmond Virginia no relation November 1, 1963. 

[Note that the neighbor Paschal Davis, who is named in this deed, was father-in-law to Thomas Williams.]

Thomas Williams in the 1820 Census in Bath County, Virginia

1820 US Federal Census, Bath VA

Thomas Williams 2 m under 10 (John & Peter), 2 m 10-15 (James & Jacob), 1 m 45 and over (Thomas), 1 f under 10 (Unknown), 2 f 10-15 (Margaret & Mary), 2 f 16-25 (servants?), 1 f 26-44 (Mary), 2 Engaged in Agriculture

From Abstracts of the Wills and Inventories of Bath County, VA 1791-1842:

WB 2, p. 388 14 Sep 1821

Settlement of estate of William Morris, Robert Morris, executor. Submitted Sept. 14, 1821 by Charles L. Francisco, William McClintic, Ro Kincaid. Debits and credits: Doctor McDowell, Benjamin Thomson, James J. Mayers, William Keyser, John Conrod, John Trotter, Edwin B. Smith, Thomas Williams, John Morris, Benjamin Morris, John McDuff, William Elliot, Isabella Elliot, Alexander McClintic, Patrick Milhollen, William Milhossen, Ed Morris, estate of Richard Morris.

WB 3 p. 25 2 Apr 1822

Sale of estate of Robert Carlyle Sr., Apr. 2, 1822, Andrew Sitlington and Robert Carlyle, adm. Buyers: Robert Carlyle Jr., Edward Stewart Jr., William Stewart, Alexander and William Benson, Daniel Shobe(?), James Camp, Joseph Douglass, Martin Moyers, Adam and Peter Hull, Thomas Williams, Andrew and John Sitlington, John Cleek, John Devricks, John Devericks Jr., Betsy and George Carlyle, Peter Hanger Jr., Jotham Rice, Joseph Wallace, John Hicklin

[Note neighbors Stewarts, Hulls, Carlyles and Sitlingtons who also appear near him in census records.]

Thomas Williams 1830 Census in Bath County, Virginia

1830 US Federal Census Thomas Williams, Bath VA

1 m 5-9 (Pascal), 1 m 10-14 (Peter), 1 m 15-19 (John), 2 m 20-29 (James & Jacob), 1 m 50-59 (Thomas), 1 f under 5 (Sally), 1 f 5-9 (Martha), 1 f 10-14 (Unknown), 1 f 40-49 (Mary)

[Margaret was married before this, in 1829.]

From Abstracts of the Wills and Inventories of Bath County, VA 1791-1842: 

WB 4 p. 493 Delinquent tax list for 1838

Daniel Aimes, R. Saul and Polly Berry (adj. John Cleek and George Revercomb), Nehemiah Bush and William Green, Anthony Curtney, Joseph Coberly (adj. Thomas Williams and E. B. Williams), Richard Curry (adj. S. Ruckman), Philip Carbery (adj. Jones), James Curry Est. (adj. McGloughlin and Sproule), Lewis Eisinminger, Isaac Gregory (adj. Camp and Lightner), Richard Hill (adj. William Gatewood) William Harbert, Est., Ferdinand Fairfax, James A. Lewis, James May, Daniel McGloughlin Est. (adj. Thomas Campbell), James B. McAvoy, William Carpenter, John Pots, William Matheny, A. and James Matheny, Rober Mills (bought of C. Kirkpatrick), Samuel Neal (adj. A. Lightner), Allison Newton, James Price and Robert Scott (adj. Adam Dickinson), John R. Peters, Jacob Potts (adj. John and Samuel Corbitt), Robert Patton, John Phillips, Peter Quidnor, Nicholas Seybert, Stephen Stilwell, Edward Warren, Joshua Woods, William Westerfield, Benjamin Woods, Robert Young

[Robert Patton, also on this list, was a neighbor to the Williams family who were in Augusta in the 1750s.]

Between 1840-50: 1S39. A1626. Protest against petition asking for removal of county seat from Warm Springs and alleging that public buildings are dilapidated. This is untrue; jail and courthouse are both in excellent condition. Nothing can be gained by removal. William Stewart, Harvey Hicklin, James Davis, Alexander Reed, Thomas Williams, James Williams and 67 others 

Thomas Williams in the 1840 Census in Bath County, Virginia

1840 US Federal Census in Bath County VA:

Tho Williams  1 m under 10 (Pascal), 1 m 15-19 (Peter), 1 m 20-29 (John), 1 m 60-69 (Thomas), 1 f 10-14 (Sally), 1 f 15-19 (Martha), 1 f 50-59 (Mary)

[Margaret and Polly had married, James and Jacob were enumerated separately.]

Thomas Williams wrote his will in 1840:

The Will of Thomas Williams:

I Thomas Williams of the County of Bath and state of Virginia being weak of body, but sound of mind and memory, and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs, do now make my last will and testament in the following manner, to wit-

In the first place I wish to commit my soul to God, the the [sic] author and giver of the same.

2ly- I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Polly Williams one third of the plantation in which I now reside together with the following property (vis) One Cow, first choice, all the sheep which I have now in my possession, all the Hogs which I now have in my name, together with the house hold and kitchen furniture, this property to be at her disposal.

3rdly- I give and bequeath unto my son James Williams all the land I have in possession or claim to being on the west side of still new ridge, beginning on James Davises line & running with the top of said ridge, a strait line, to the corner of a field now on the possession of my son Jacob Williams, and with that fince down the ridge to the meadow, leaving Jacob Williams what is called the lick spring, thence running a north west course, with the fence of a small field now in the possession of Jacob Williams, which is growing in Rye, thence with the foot of the old meadow, a strait line crossing the bottom to the main road, leading down the river. Thence running with the fence as it now stands, as far as it runs, and in the same direction along the top of the Bank to the division line, between my self & Charles Stuart, this land I will and bequeath unto James Williams his heirs & assigns forever.

4thly- I will and bequeath unto my son Jacob Williams all the residence of the Home plantation, in the south west side of the division line above described, to him and his heirs forever.

5thy- I request my two sons James & Jacob Williams to sell all the property I have not otherwise disposed for the purpose of a living a fund for the payment of my just debts and of any balance should remain to be equally divided between them – and if this sum should not be sufficient to defray my debts, I bind them equally for the payment of the residue of the same.

6thy. I leave and bequeath unto my daughter Martha a two year old Heifer, and the first calf of the said Heifer, if any, to my daughter Sally Williams, and their support on the plantation during the time the [they] remain single. 

7thy- I bequeath unto my daughter Margaret Pullen one dollar.

8thy- I bequeath unto my son John Williams one dollar.

9thy- I leave and bequeath unto my son Peter B. Williams fifteen dollars and bind my two sons, James & Jacob Williams to pay him the same –

10thy- I leave and bequeath unto my son Paschal D. Williams a two year old a filly-(a bay)

11thy- I leave and bequeath unto my daughter Polly Rough Two Dollars, this to be paid by Paschal D. Williams.

12thy- I constitute my son James Williams & Joseph Layne my executors to this my last will & testament – Given under my hand & seal this 6th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty. 

Thomas (his  X mark) Williams

Signed and sealed in the presence of 

Chs. Stewart

John P. Beath

Highland County Court March Trm 1849

The last will & Testament of Thomas Williams deceased, was proved by the oaths of Charles Stuart and John P. Beath witnesses thereunto, and is ordered to be recorded. And on this motion of James Williams one of the executors therein named who made oath thereto, and together with Joseph Layne his security, entered into and acknowledged this Bond in the penalty of $180.00 conditioned as the Law requires- certificate is granted to him for obtaining a probate of the same will in due form.

Teste

1. Stephenson jr Clk

A Copy Teste A. Stephenson jr Clk

 --------------------------------------------------------< {} >----------------------------------------------------

In 1847, he was still alive, and prepared the following mortgage, in which he sold the land that had originally been intended for James and Jacob Williams to Pascall D. Williams. Pascall had already compensated his brothers for their portion of the land, and was now paying his parents for it. 

Highland County Va

September the 7^th 1847

Knew all men by these presents that I Thomas Williams & Mary his wife are held & firmly bound unto Paschal D. Williams in the sum of seven hundred dollars to which payments will truly to be made we hereby bind ourselves jointly our executors and family by these presents. In testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our hands and affixed our seals this the 7^th day of September 1847

Thomas (his X mark) Williams

Mary (her X mark) Williams

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the said Thomas William [sic], & Mary his wife do on or before the first day of September next ensuing the date hereof make, enter, acknowledge or cause to be done, all and every such act or acts, deed or deeds, conveyance or conveyances as shall be needful, or necessary for conveying assuring & confirming unto the said Paschal D. Williams his heirs and assigns a good firm absolute and indefensible estate of inheritance in fee simple clear of all encumbrances with special warranty deed to a certain parcel of land lying & being in the county of Highland & joining the lands of James Davis & Charles Stuart being the said land on which the said Thomas Williams & Mary his wife now reside & including the dwelling of James Williams & Paschal D. Williams containing one hundred & seven acres more or less with its appurtenances and if in the meantime the said Thomas Williams and Mary his wife their heirs or assigns shall permit and suffer the said Paschal D. Williams his heirs & assigns peacefully & quietly to have hold and enjoy the said messuage or tract of land with its appurtenances, then the above obligation to be void also to remain in full force & virtue

Thomas (his X mark) Williams

Mary (her X mark) Williams

Attest

James Rowe

William Rowe

George Rowe Sr.

-------------------------------------------------------< {} >---------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Williams' Will was probated in March of 1849. The Chancery Court records show that he had passed away in 1848. The three witnesses to the above deed were sons-in-law to Thomas Williams. All were sons of Peter Rough-Rowe, and had married Williams sisters.

Inventory of Thomas Williams estate taken 1849.

It is not known where Thomas Williams is buried, though he may have been buried in the Paschal Davis cemetery, where his wife was buried.

NOTES:

Thomas Not Part of Elisha Williams Family

All other individuals with the surname of Williams in Bath County, Virginia at the time that Thomas Williams lived there are descended from one individual. The progenitor Elisha Williams came to Bath County with his family about 1794 from Maryland. He brought with him a large family, including several adult sons. One of these sons was named Thomas S. Williams. 

This Thomas S. Williams can be found living next door to his father Elisha Williams (b. 1728) in the 1810 Census. Probate records in Bath County VA show that Thomas S. Williams died in 1814 leaving a widow named Ann, who is believed to be Ann (Beckwith) Williams. It is known that Elisha Williams (b. 1728) had a son named Thomas Swearingen Williams in MD who was born about 1764. This son Thomas married Ann Beckwith, a first cousin. The marriage is confirmed by Ann's mother's will, which names Ann Beckwith's spouse as Thomas Swearingen Williams. This evidence suggests that the Thomas who died in Bath County in 1814 was the son of Elisha Williams (b. 1728). 

Census records make it clear that there are two separate Thomas Williams living in Bath County. Yet, since Elisha Williams had a known son named Thomas, it is highly unlikely that he would have a second son named Thomas. This eliminates him as a potential father. Elisha has a couple of sons who were also old enough to have fathered Thomas, yet they too have been eliminated as possibilities through probate records.

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There is a marriage record for a Thomas Williams in Augusta County VA early on:

28 Jan 1794 Thomas Williams to Betsey Robertson by Rev. Wm. Wilson, but it may not be him.

Don't confuse Thomas Williams of Bath County VA who married Mary F. Davis from Pendleton County VA, with the one who lived in Amelia County VA and married Mary Baldwin as other researchers have done. They are not the same man. These men can be found in census records from 1810-1840 in their own respective counties.