Fredrick Thompson 1763-1842

4th Great Grandfather

Fredrick Thompson was born September 16, 1763 in Brunswick, Virginia to Scottish immigrants, maybe or maybe not*. Little is known of his early life in Virginia. On June 1, 1780 he entered the service as a Private for 3 months in Captain William Meredith's Company, Colonel Martin Armstrong's Regiment and was at the Battle of Gates Defeat. He again registered for another three months in Captain Benjamin Humphries Company under Colonel Joseph Phillips and was stationed at Salisbury, North Carolina. August 8, 1781 finds him again in service under Captain David Humphries Company, Colonel James Martin's regiment where he was engaged in skirmishes in North Carolina. (See Source 1 & Transcription below)

According to a North Carolina marriage bond dated December 24, 1784 he married Nancy Coker of Virginia. The bond was secured at a price of 50 pounds.

North Carolina Marriage Bonds

Together Fredrick and Nancy had the following children:

1. James F. Thompson (1785-1856); married Frances Ellen Austin
2. David Thompson (1787-1857); married Patience Drucilla Camp
3. Nancy Thompson (1788- ????); married Robert Ellison
4. John Thompson (1790-1850); married Mary "Polly" Lake
5. Lucy Thompson (1792-1883); married Paul Patrick
6. Alexander Thompson (1794-1842); married Nancy Luck
7. Charolette Thompson (1796-1876); married Eldom Flint Mitchell
8. Elizabeth Thompson (1798-????); married Sam Whaley
9. Martha "Faithy" Thompson (1802-1835); married Hiram David Casey

Transcribed Thompson Bible Letter

According to the 1790 Census (See Source 2) taken in  Surry, North Carolina there were 3 males <16 (James, David, John); 1 male >16 (Fredrick); 3 females ( Nancy, Nancy Jr., & an unknown).n 

In the 1800 and the 1810 Census the family is shown in Salisbury, North Carolina. (See Sources 3 & 4)

There are varying accounts of when the family moved from North Carolina to Georgia, by the 1820 Census (See Source 5) they were residing in Walton County. Fredrick received a pension for his service in the War as well as Bounty Land.

Walton County, Georgia Pension Rolls

They remained in Walton County, Georgia(See Source 6) until his death. Fredrick Thompson died on April 24, 1842 and was laid to rest in the family cemetery on his farm. He and his wife were later relocated to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Transcription of Fredrick Thompson's Pension Letter:

Pension application of Frederick Thompson W11618 Frances fn49NC 

Transcribed by Will Graves

State of Georgia, County of Walton

On this first day of July 1833 appeared in open court before the honorable Inferior Court of Walton County being a court of record Frederick Thompson a resident of Walton County & State of Georgia aged 69 years on the 16th day of September last past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That in the year 1780 he was drafted as one of the North Carolina Militia and as such drafted militia man he entered the service of the United States on the first day of June in the year last aforesaid under the following named officers, Griffith Rutherford General, Martin Armstrong Colonel, Joseph Winston Major William Meredith Captain, Daniel Meredith Lieutenant, Alexander Kerr Ensign Jesse Scott Sergeant – that he served this his first tour of three months being the period for which he was drafted & left the service regularly on the first of September 1780 & that he received his discharge from this tour of service by the hand of said William Meredith his Captain at a place called Richmond in Surry County State of North Carolina which discharge has long since been lost burned or destroyed that at the time he entered the service for said three months he resided in said County of Surry North Carolina that during said three months service he was engaged in one battle commonly called Gates defeat six miles from Camden in the State of South Carolina, that during said three months also he was present at the routing of a party of Tories at Coleson's [sic, Colson's Mill]1 near the mouth of Rocky River in North Carolina that during said three months tour he marched through the following sections of Country From the old Moravian town in North Carolina to Salem in said last named State thence to Salisbury thence to Colson's aforesaid thence he crossed to the north side of Pedee River a little above the mouth of Rocky River thence down on the North side of Pedee River to opposite of Cheraw Hill thence across the Pedee to its South side in pursuit of the British to a place called Rugeley's mill 12 miles above Camden in South Carolina where he Joined General Gates thence after the defeat he ran & marched as he could to the village of Charlotte Mecklenburg County North Carolina thence to Salisbury thence to Surry County North Carolina the place of his residence. And this deponent further declares that he volunteered into the United States Service as a North Carolina militia man for the space of other three months which last three months tour he faithfully served – that he entered said service as such volunteer at Richmond Surry County North Carolina on the eighth day of November 1780 under Benjamin Humphries Captain Joseph Phillips Colonel James Shepherd Major James Halk & George Dunn Sergeants that at this time he volunteered & entered the service for this three months tour he still resided in Surry County North Carolina that he was not engaged in any battle during said last three months tour that he marched from Richmond aforesaid to Salisbury where he was stationed to guard prisoners that had been taken at the battle of King's Mountain until he was marched the prisoners being taken along to Henry County in Virginia where being met by a relief & his term of three months having expired for which he had volunteered as aforesaid he was discharged on the ninth day of February 1781 which last discharge has also long since been lost burned or destroyed.

And this deponent further declares that he again volunteered into the United States service as a North Carolina Militia man for a tour of other three months which he also faithfully served – that he entered said service for said last three months tour at Salem North Carolina on the eighth day of August 1781 under David Humphries Captain Griffith Rutherford General James Martin Colonel McGuire Major Benjamin Humphries Lieutenant Ratcliffe Boone Ensign David Riding & John Stillman Sergeants that at the time he entered the service for this last three months tour he still resided in Surry County North Carolina that he was regularly discharged from said last named tour of three months on the eighth day of November 1781 fifteen miles above Wilmington on Cape Fear River in North Carolina which last discharge has also long since been lost burned or destroyed – that during said last tour he was engaged in two skirmishes one in Randolph County North Carolina & one not far from Wilmington North Carolina but was not engaged in any battle – that during said last tour he marched from Salem aforesaid towards Wilmington leaving Fayetteville to the North thence down Cape Fear River to Elizabethtown on said River thence he marched & counter-marched in pursuit of the Tories through that section of North Carolina to within 12 miles of Wilmington in North Carolina where he was discharged the day & year aforesaid at a place called Clayton's field. And this deponent further declares that during the time of all & each of said three tours making in the aggregate nine months he was not engaged in any civil business or pursuit whatever. And this deponent further declares that it is out of his power to procure any testimony [indecipherable word] of his services aforesaid of the planned the two affidavits of Thomas Childers & Thomas Watson2 hereto annexed & herewith forwarded to the War Department.

And this deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State.

Sworn to in open Court. S/ F. Thompson S/ J. P. Lucas, Clk

[Henry Harden, a clergyman, and Aaron Stroud gave the standard supporting affidavit.]

Georgia, Walton County

Personally appeared before me one of the acting Justices of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid Thomas Childers who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he was well acquainted with Frederick Thompson during the revolutionary war that he knows of said Thompson's having be served a tour of three months as a volunteer in the North Carolina Militia to wit a tour from the eighth of November 1782 the eighth of February 1781 commonly known as the Salisbury tour under Benjamin Humphries Captain this deponent having been in said service during said tour with said Thompson.

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 26th  day of June 1833.

S/ John Hitchcock, JP S/ Thomas Childers

Georgia, Walton County

Personally appeared before me one of the acting Justices of the peace in & for said County Thomas Watson who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he was acquainted with Frederick Thompson during the revolutionary war that he knows of said Thompson's having served a tour of three months as a volunteer in the North Carolina Militia to wit a tour from the eighth of August 1781 to the eighth of November in the same year commonly known as the Wilmington expedition having been in the same month tour with said Thompson.

Sworn to & subscribed before made this the 27th  day of June 1833.

S/ Carter Hill, JP S/ Thomas Watson, X his mark

To the questions required to be put by the War Department Frederick Thompson answers in open Court as follows

To the first Interrogatory he answers

I was born in Brunswick County Virginia on the 16th  day of September 1763.

To the second he answers

I have & here it is in Court shown

To the third he answers

In Surry County North Carolina in North Carolina & Georgia I moved from Surry County North Carolina to Jackson County Georgia in 1800 in which County of Jackson & Walton I have resided ever since I now live in Walton County

To the fourth he answers

I was drafted the first time & volunteered the two other times I was not ever a substitute 

To the fifth he answers

I knew General Rutherford with the troops where I served & Colonel Martin Armstrong. They [sic, There] were several Continental & many militia regiments with us at Gates Defeat but I did not know by what names they were called I knew General De Kalb at Gates Defeat.

To the sixth he answers

I received three discharges one from each tour the first was handed me by Captain William Meredith the second was handed to me either by Colonel Philips or Captain Benjamin Humphries the third was handed me by Captain David Humphries all three were lost either at the time my father's house was burned or else in swimming the Yadkin River some time thereafter I never received any Commission.

To the seventh he answers

Five state the names of Eli Whaley, Job Smith Esqr. Thomas Bradley, Samuel Whaley, John Pepper, Wm Lewalling & Joel Johnston.

[Facts: Veteran died April 24, 1842 in Walton County, Ga.]

Taken from "Findagrave.com"

*I still need to do more research on his parents. Apparently I had the wrong ones listed so until I can confirm it with certainty they will not be named. Sorry for any confusion!!!!

Sources:

1. Veteran's Administration; Washington, D.C. July 28, 1934 by A.D. Hiller
2. Year: 1790; Census Place: Surry, North Carolina; Series: M637; Roll: 7; Page: 512; Image: 298; Family History Library Film: 0568147
3. Year: 1800; Census Place: Salisbury, Guilford, North Carolina; Roll: 31; Page: 639; Image: 596; Family History Library Film: 337907
4. Year: 1810; Census Place: Salisbury, Rowan, North Carolina; Roll: 43; Page: 343; Image: 0337916; Family History Library Film: 00181
5. 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Walton, Georgia; Page: 216; NARA Roll: M33_10; Image: 117
6. 1830 US Census; Census Place: Walton, Georgia; Page: 125; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 21; Family History Film: 0007041

William Cornelius 1754-1842

4th Great Grandfather - Paternal Side

The formatting is off near the end of this post. Try as I have, it's just going to have to be that way!

Out of the 89 members of William Cornelius DNA Circle on Ancestry, I match 17 known 4th Cousins.

William was the son of Moses and Ann Dodson Cornelius. He was born in Virginia, probably in the Richmond area as this was where his mother’s family owned property. After Moses died, Ann married George Phillips (her 1^st cousin) and he was pronounced guardian over William and Jeptha. The family lived in Henry and Pittsylvania Counties, Virginia (see Ann Dodson blog post) before moving to Greenville, South Carolina where on June 5, 1774 he married Lettice Cargill. (Her parents are still waiting to be discovered but are rumored to be John Cargill and Rachel Tinsley.) Over the next 32 years William and Lettice would have 10 children together.

The children of William and Lettice Cargill Cornelius were:

1. Ann Cornelius (1776-1847), married Cornelius Cargill III
2. F. Ilsie “Jesse” Cornelius (1778-1850), married ?? Marsh, 2nd Sarah Biggs  
3. Elizabeth “Betsey” Cornelius (1781-1842), married Calvin Waid
4. Moses Cornelius (1784-1846), married Cythia Bynum
5. Aaron Cornelius (1786-1852), married Eleanor Fortner
6. William "Billy" Abner Cornelius (1789-1864), married Bethia Robbins
7. Champion Cornelius (1792-1871), married Jane Bailey
8. Beverly Cornelius (1794-1880), married Nancy Euphemia Smith
9. Lettice Cornelius (1797-1856), married Alexander Cook
10. Tabitha Cornelius (1800-1852), married Ruben Hayes

On July 15, 1776 William enlisted in Kingsbury’s Company, North Carolina Artillery as a Matross for the duration of the War. They were camped near York, PA and he was reported as wounded and released from service in June 1778. Further research is needed to determine which campaigns he was active in.

Military Roll

In 1779, William, Jeptha, and his mother sell their interest in 202 acres in Pittsylvania County, Virginia for 100 pounds to Daniel Kreyder (See Source 1). They are also found to be on the Rent Roles that year.

The census for 1790 (See Source 2) shows William living in Greenville, South Carolina with 9 people in the dwelling, William Cornelius Head of Household, males >16 - 1 (William); males <16 - 4, (Jesse, Moses, Aaron, Billy); females <16 - 4 (Lettice  Anne, Elizabeth, ???).  On the same census there is a Cornelius Cargal (possibly Lettice’s brother) who lives 3 domiciles away and further on is Jeptha Cornelius (William’s brother) with 4 persons living there.

The 1800 census for Greenville, South Carolina (See Source 3):  William Cornelius Head of Household, males under 10 - 3 (Champion, Beverly, Billy); males 10-16 - 2 (Moses, Aaron); males 45 - up -1 (William); females under 10 - 2 (Lettice, Tabitha); females 26-45 - 1 (Lettice).

In the 1810 Greenville County, South Carolina census,(See Source 4):  William "Cornealons" Head of Household, males under 10-1 (Abner); males 10-16 - 1 (Beverly); males 16-26 - (Probably Champion, Billy); males 45 - up - 1 (William ); females 10-16 - 2  (Lettice, Tabitha); Females 45 - up = 1 (Lettice).

The older children married in South Carolina before the family moved to Tennessee.  While there they lived in the 12th District. William sold this land to John B. House in March, 1825 before moving to Blount County, Alabama where he had received Bounty Land for his service in the Revolutionary War. 

Land Warrent from North Carolina

On 4 September 1825 he bought an additional 40 acres in Township 12 South, Range 1 East, Section 36 of Blount County. 

The 1830 Census (See Source 5) shows William and Lettice as both being over 70 years old. They had 9 slaves working for them at the time: males 70-80 - 1 (William), females 70-80 - 1 (Lettice) male slaves 10-24- 5; male slaves 24-36 - 1; female slave under 10 - 1; female slaves 10-24 - 2; female slave 24-36 - 1. Lettice dies in 1834 and is buried not far away from their cabin in the family cemetery.

William Cornelius Grave Site - Oneonta, Alabama

There were 2 white males living on the farm, as per the 1840 Census (See Source 6), plus 6 slaves: Head of household W. Cornelius Jr, male 20-30 1; 1, male 80-90 - 1(William); male slave

10-24 - 1; female slaves 10-24 - 2; female slave 24-35 - 1. 

William departed this life on 27 July 1842 and was laid to rest beside Lettice on the homestead not

very far from his cabin along with his wife, some of their children, and at least one grandchild.He left

a will which describes the distribution of his estate including his 16 slaves. (See Source 7)

Corner stones of William Cornelius Cabin

Another view of the Corner Stones

Sources:

1. Pittsylvania County, Virginia Deed Book 8, Page 526-527
2. Year: 1790; Census Place: , Greenville, South Carolina; Series: M637; Roll: 11; Page: 95; Image: 74;
3. Year: 1800; Census Place: Greenville, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 252; Image: 489; Family History Library Film: 181422
4. Year: 1810; Census Place: Greenville, South Carolina; Roll: 62; Page: 522; Image: 00120; Family History Library Film: 0181421
5. Year: 1830; Census Place: , Blount, Alabama; Roll: ; Page: .
6. Year: 1840; Census Place: Eastern Division, Blount, Alabama; Roll: ; Page: .
7. 19 Sep 1842; Blount County, Alabama, USA; familysearch.org - Alabama, Probate Records, 1809-1985 Blount Minutes 1820-1845 - images 197-198 

Additional Sources:

1. Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M246, 138 rolls); War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, Record Group 93; National Archives, Washington. D.C.
2. familysearch.org - Alabama, Probate Records, 1809-1985 Blount Minutes 1820-1845 - images 197-198
3. United States. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records. Automated Records Project; Federal Land Patents, State Volumes. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/. Springfield, Virginia: Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, 2007.
4. Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M246, 138 rolls); War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, Record Group 93; National Archives, Washington. D.C.
5. Blount County Museum; Oneonta, Alabama
6. Blount County Courthouse; Oneonta, Alabama
7. Francis Cornelius Douglas
8. Ken Cornelius
9. Charles "Chip" Cornelius
10. Robert Johnston, Jr.

Paul Patrick, II 1790-1841

3rd Great Grandfather - Paternal Side

Within the Paul Patrick DNA Circle on Ancestry, I match 36 out of 61 members with various amounts. I am using Paul Patrick II in the title for the purpose of this blog only since he was named after his grandfather.

Paul Patrick born on April 11, 1790 in Wilkes County, Georgia to Alexander and Elizabeth Thompson Patrick, one of their seven children. The Patricks were farmers, as Paul grew up to be, living in around the area of Wilkes and Walton Counties. They attended a protestant church. On September 3, 1815 Paul married Miss Lucy Thompson, who no doubt was a cousin by some degree, in Johnson County, Georgia by Reverend Allen Turner.

Lucy Thompson Patrick's Pension Application showing marriage date.

Lucy was the daughter of Frederick and Nancy Coker Thompson (see February blog post). Together they had the following children:

1. Luke Patrick (1816-1862); married Emiline Cythia Davis
2. James Patrick (1817-1880); married Louvenia Sturdivant
3. Ezekial R. Patrick (1817-1888); married Martha E. Williams
4. William "Frederick" Patrick (1822-1902); married Francis A. Austin
5. Nancy Patrick (1824 - ????); without occupation, never married on 1870 Census
6. Elizabeth Patrick (1827-????); married Mr. Brown or Goins?
7. Drucilla Patrick (1831-1911); married William Alfred Austin
8. Lucy Patrick (1834-1860); married William W. Austin (probably cousins to W. A. & Francis)

Paul was a participant in the War of 1812. He mustered in as a Private between August 26th and September 2, 1813 at Camp Hope located in Twiggs County, Georgia. He was in the 1st Regiment of the Harris Georgia Militia under Captain Wilson McKinney. During the time he was enlisted, The Battle of Autossee (See WikiPedia) would have been the mostly likely place for him to be deployed to since it consisted of Georgia militia. Paul was discharged at Milledgeville, Georgia on or about March 17, 1814 having served his time.

Service Record

In the 1820 U.S. Census (See Source 1), Paul is listed in Walton County, Georgia with 3 males <10 years old (Luke, James, Ezekiel); 1 male 26-44 years old (Paul); 1 female 16-25 years old (Lucy); and one male slave aged 14-25. 

In the 1830 U.S. Census (See Source 2), they are still living in Walton County with 1 males <5 years old (Frederick); 3 males 10-14 years old (Luke, John, Ezekiel); 1 males age 40-49 years old (Paul); 1 female <5 years old (Nancy); and 2 females 30-39 (Lucy and unknown) 0 slaves.

In the 1840 U.S. Census (See Source 3), they are living in the Cutoff  District of Walker County, Georgia with 1 male 10-14 years old (unknown); 1 male 15-19 years old (Frederick); 1 male 20-29 years old (Ezekiel); 1 male 50-59 years old (Paul); 1 female 10-14 years old (Drucilla); 1 female 14-19 years old (Elizabeth); 1 female 30-39 years old (Nancy); and 1 female 40-49 years old (Lucy).

Paul Patrick died on July 22, 1841 in Cutoff, Walton County, Georgia. He and wife Lucy are buried in the Thompson Family Cemetery located in Bethleham, Georgia.

Sources:

1. 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Walton, Georgia; Page: 220; NARA Roll: M33_10; Image: 119
2. 1830 U S Census; Residence date: 1830 Residence place: Walton, Georgia, United States
3. Year: 1840; Census Place: Cutoff District, Walton, Georgia; Roll: ; Page: 

John H. Hutsenpiller 1783-1851

4th Great Grandfather - Maternal Side

July is "Patriots Month" for me as I hope to highlight some of the men that fought for our country's freedom. I have 14 documented Patriots that range from the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812 which was a continuation of the former. Their services vary as do their circumstances.

John H. Hutsenpiller was born in Hampshire, Virginia on November 5, 1783 to Jacob and Elizabeth Huber Hotsenpillar. He was the youngest of their four boys. As best as I can tell, John immigrated to Gallia, Ohio along with his brother Abraham around 1803. John was apparently educated as he was able to read and write.

John married Rachel Stokesbury on May 20, 1810 in Highland County, Ohio (See Source 1). They had the following children:

1. George Hutsenpiller 1811-1880; married unknown
2. Hillias Hutsenpiller 1814-1880; married Sophronia Lindsey
3. Minerva Hutsenpiller (circa 1815 - death date unknown)

During the War of 1812, John enlisted as a Private in Key's Regiment, Captain Jones' Company of the Ohio Militia on July 29, 1813 and was discharged as a Sargent Major on September 8, 1813. Further research is needed to see if John was actually engaged in battle. (See Sources 2 & 3)

Rachel died in 1821. John then married Martha Montgomery on March 16, 1826. Together they had the following:

1. Henry C. Hutsenpiller (1832 - death date unknown)
2. Mary Hutsenpiller (circa 1833 - death date unknown)

The 1830 Census (See Source 4) shows John living in West Liberty, Highland County Ohio with the following inhabitants listed:

Males - <5 years old - 1(Henry), 10-14 years old - 1(Hillias), 15-19 years old - 1(George), 40-49 years old - 1(John)

Females - <5 years old - 1(Mary), 10-14 years old - (Minerva)1, 30-39 years old - 1(Martha)

Martha died before May 20, 1833 because John marries a widow with 3 sons, Mrs. Isabella Murphy Hays (See Source 5). Together they had the following son:

1. John Murphy Hutsenpiller (1834-1888) married Emeline

John bought 2 parcels of land totaling 200 acres in Ohio in 1835.

In May of 1837, he was appointed Post Master (See Source 6) for Buford, Ohio a town named for his wife's parents.

The 1840 Census (See Source 7) shows the following people living in Clay, Highland County, Ohio:

Males 5-9 years old - 1(John M.), 10-14 years old (Henry), 50-59 years old (John H.)

Females 10-14 years old - 3(Mary, Minerva, and unknown ), 20-29 years old - 1(unknown), 40-49 years old, (Isabella).

By the 1850 Census (See Source 8), John, Isabella, and John M. are living in Pike County, Illinois with a real estate value of $1,500. In the 1850 Non Population Schedule (See Source 9), taken on June 1, 1850 John had 30 lbs of wool, 40 improved acres, 80 unimproved acres, 6 horses, 3 milch cows, 7 other cattle, 4 sheep and 50 swine for a value of $276.00. He was producing 78 bushels of wheat and 600 bushels of Indian corn.

John died November 23 1851 and was buried in the Petty Highlands Cemetery located in Martinsburg, Illinois.

War of 1812 Widow's Pension Card

Sources:

1. Highland County, Ohio Marriage Records
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_in_the_War_of_1812
3. Original data: National Archives and Records Administration. Index to the Compiled Military Service Records for the Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War of 1812. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M602, 234 rolls
4. 1830 US Census; Census Place: West Liberty, Highland, Ohio; Page: 48; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 133; Family History Film: 0337944
5. War of 1812 Pension Application Files Index, 1812-1815
6. U.S., Appointments of U. S. Postmasters, 1832-1971
7. Year: 1840; Census Place: Clay, Highland, Ohio; Roll: 403; Page: 92; Image: 187; Family History Library Film: 0020168
8. Year: 1850; Census Place: Township 6 S 4 W, Pike, Illinois; Roll: M432_124; Page: 197A; Image: 523
9. Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880

William Cargill Cornelius (1852-1908)

Great grandfather - Paternal Side

When I started this blog, I knew it would be a challenge to accomplish my goal. I did not take that challenge lightly. It has taken me this long to come to a point that I might write again after one of life's obstacles. I will endeavor to "catch up" over the remaining course of the year.

William Cargill Cornelius was the 4th child of  Cargill and Nancy C. Blackwood Cornelius  He was born on the family farm in Walker County, AL in August of 1852. By 1870 the family had moved to Winston County, AL on a new farm with 11 children at home. Apparently William did not attend school during his early years since he could not read or write as some of his sibling could. On 30 August 1877 at 25 years old he married Mary Elizabeth Patrick who had moved to Blount County from Walton County, Georgia. By 1880 they were living on a farm with their first and only daughter, Emma Ida Cornelius. There were 15 tilled acres plus 145 acres of unimproved woodland all worth around $320 including implements. He spent $15 in 1879 on repairs to his dwelling. There were an estimated value of $75 of farm products produced. He owned 1 Milch cow who had a calf in 1879 and produced 50 pounds of butter, 8 swine, 6 poultry, and produced 24 dozen eggs.

Before 1886, the family had 4 children and moved to Ferris, Texas accompanied by Mary Elizabeth’s family. There were other relatives already living in the Mt. Peak area of Ellis County, TX. William and Mary’s last 2 sons were born in Texas in 1895 and 1898. It is recorded on the 1900 Census Delta County, Mary bore 8 children but only 6 were living. It is unknown where these were born but it is likely in Texas since they moved around the time James Emanuel was born in Alabama. One should also note that Emma Ida was married in Ellis County, TX.

Children of William Cargil and Mary Elizabeth Patrick Cornelius:

1. Emma Ida Cornelius (1878-1961); married Luther Berry Hobson
2. Albert W. Cornelius (1880-1946); married Josephine “Josie” Ozella McKinley*
3. John Luther Cornelius (1883-1955); married Carrie Edna - last name unknown
4. James Emanuel “Manuel” Cornelius (1886-1957); never married and lived only with family members
5. Professor “Fess” Cornelius (1895-1975); married Dartha “Dorothy” Esther  Hembree
6. Thomas “Tom” E. Cornelius (1898-1979); married Bella Mae Ketchum

There are no more records to date of William but family lore places them in or around Ardmore, OK before his death. It is rumored that William was working on a road crew away from home when he complained of a severe stomach ache and sent for quinine but before it could be administered had died of a heart attack. There is a William C. Cornelius buried in Payne, OK even though attempts have been made this has not been verified.

*Note: Rumored to be related to William McKinley but no attempt has been made to verify at this time.

---

[1] 1860; Census Place: Eastern Division, Walker, Alabama; Roll: M653_26; Page: 870; Image: 108;

[2]  Year: 1870; Census Place: Township 12, Winston, Alabama; Roll: M593_45; Page: 554A; Image: 812; Family History Library Film: 545544.

[3] https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FQ9F-H9H; Blounty County Marriage Records, Book xxxxx, page 411

[4] Year: 1880; Census Place: Beat 5 and 22, Blount, Alabama; Roll: 2;

[5] Census Year: 1880; Census Place: Township 11, Blount, Alabama; Archive Collection Number: M279; Roll: 27; Page: 22; Line: 01; Schedule Type: Agriculture.

[6] Probate records of Cargle Cornelius, Blount Co. AL files.

[7] Year: 1900; Census Place: Justice Precinct 3, Delta, Texas; Roll: 1627; Page: 22B; Enumeration District: 0036;

[8] Original data: Lawson Cemetery, Payne County, Oklahoma.

Aaron Reynolds 1753 - 1833

5th Great Grandfather - Maternal Side

Life has gotten in the way so please excuse this incomplete story and references. I will attempt at a later date to update.

Aaron was the son of  Captain William and Elizabeth Mossom Reynolds born on November 1, 1753 in Stafford County, Virginia. Aaron was a surveyor under Daniel Boone on an early trip into Kentucky around 1767. He also helped to build Fort Boonesbourough between 1773 and 1774.

Aaron was a unique character. The Draper Manuscripts describe Aaron as a, ”youth of 18 or so. Depending on the writer, Aaron has been described as either an impetuous young man with energy and colorful speech or a rough, foul mouthed youth.  Whatever Aaron’s character was, he is considered a hero by many standards.

Aaron was probably among the first settlers who had a disastrous beginning from the Yadkin Valley in 1773. This group had been set upon by Indians while attempting to cross the Cumberland Gap. Because of this Indian attack the party of settlers turned back and waited till the following spring to again return to Kentucky. This time the pioneers were successful and began work building the fort.

The story most often told in the annals of history has two parts. One begins with Aaron’s trip up the Ohio River to a meeting with Gen. George Rogers Clark and ends at the battle of Blue Lick Springs. Aaron then fades into the pages of history to be resurrected whenever stories are told of Kentucky involvement in the Revolutionary war.

Aaron Reynolds was a member of the Kentucky Militia as were all able bodied men of that time. Because regular soldiers were needed to fight the Revolutionary War in the east Kentucky had formed the Militia as defense against the British forces. These British forces enlisted the aid of the Indians and were making a last ditch effort to try and drive the upstart Americans back across the mountains. After several attacks on the various outlying settlements most of the Militia had gone to a meeting with Gen. George Rogers Clark on the upper Ohio River at Scioto. This meeting was to plan for the defense of the Kentucky settlers.

Aaron Reynolds was in the company of Capt. Robert Patterson who is described by history as a gallant but pious man. Aaron was well known for his explosive and descriptive language. Capt. Patterson offered Aaron a quart of his good whiskey if Aaron would refrain from swearing till they reached the meeting on the banks of the Ohio. When at last the weary soldiers stood on the banks of the Ohio Aaron claimed his prize. Capt. Patterson allowed that Aaron’s language had indeed improved but not enough to warrant a whole quart of whiskey. Encouraged by the older men Aaron swore his language would “Grace a bench of Bishops”.  Capt. Patterson acceded to the older men’s wishes and gave Aaron his whiskey. The Captian would soon have cause to be very grateful to the young  Pvt. Aaron Reynolds.

As the Militia was returning home word came that Bryans Station was under attack by Simon Girty and his renegades. Simon Girty was born Scot-Irish in Pennsylvania but lived with the Indians and preferred their lifestyle.  

The small band of Kentucky Militia hurried to the aid of the settlers and by the time the militia arrived Simon and the Indians had taken a position in the cornfield surrounding the main house. The Militia set up position in the opposite cornfield and a dialog developed between them. Simon had  much say about what would happen if the settlers did not surrender. Simon hollered to the settlers they had better give up because their hides would soon be drying on the roof by sundown if they didn’t. The militia hollered that Kentucky was to the rescue. Simon boasted that no rag-tag Kentucky outfit could whip him and his braves. He had artillery coming and they would blast the settlers out. Simon invited the militia to show themselves instead of hiding. Out of the cornfield,  Aaron, the mighty swearer arose. Aaron hollered back that he did not need artillery that he had two cur dogs, one named Simon and one named Girty and they would eat the hides of Simon and his “yeller Sons- of- bitches. “  The settlers inside roared with laughter.  Simon hollered  that this was no time for jokes, he would soon blast the settlers. It is not clear exactly what happened but according to the onlookers in the house, “All hell broke loose”. There was a lot of cornstalk and grass waving, dogs barking, men hollering and shots fired. It seems Aaron had released his dogs and true to his threat the dogs had attacked the Indians. The attackers fled. There was much discussion among the settlers whether to follow the renegades or wait for the arrival of Col. Benjamin Logan who was coming with about 400 men. The decision was made to follow, sure that Col. Logan was only hours away.

Another account of the story goes: A young man of the garrison, Aaron Reynolds, is said to have met the proposal in true backwoods style. He assured the renegade leader that he was well known and despised by all of them, that they had no fears of his artillery, and that if any of his followers entered the fort that they would not deign to use rifles to oppose them but would drive them out with switches. He dared Girty to remain another day, for by that time their own reinforcements were promised and then not a single one of his followers should escape.

19 August 1782… The Militia caught up with the Indians at Blue Lick Springs, located in present day Robertson Co. In what history has described as an ambush masterminded by the British, The battle lasted about fifteen minutes and ended in bitter defeat  for the Kentucky Militia.  Some of the most able leaders and over half of the men were killed and many were wounded.  The survivors had made it back to the river where Aaron found his Captain Patterson stranded on foot too weak to swim across. Aaron had lost his horse but had managed to secure another. Aaron dismounted, put the officer on the horse and sent it across the river. Aaron attempted to swim but weighed down by heavy buckskins he had sat down to remove them and was captured by Indians. Left with only one guard Aaron escaped and ran on foot back to the fort where his story was received with disbelief until the other survivors began to return and confirmed the story. Daniel Boone was one of the survivors.

According to material from the Draper Manuscripts Capt. “Patterson rewarded Aaron with 200 acres. Aaron settled down, joined the church and married his childhood sweetheart. Later Aaron moved to Webster co. when it opened up because it was getting too crowded”.

According to many researchers Aaron returned to Tn. Where he died about 1832 in Giles Co. The application for pension would seem to support this. Tn. Marriage records say Aaron married Mattie Davis 1808 in Maury Co. This suggests Mattie was a 2^nd wife.

Married Caty Chambers on 13 August 1784 in Orange County, Virginia (See Source 1).

Sources:

"Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR46-TLC : 5 December 2014), Aaron Reynolds and Caty Chambers, 13 Aug 1784; citing Orange, Virginia, reference P14; FHL microfilm 33,031.

"United States Registers of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJD5-VTDQ : 24 May 2014), Aaron Reynolds, 30 May 1813; citing p. 46, volume 019, , , , United States, NARA microfilm publication M233 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 10; FHL microfilm 350,316.

https://archive.org/stream/georgerogersclar19clar/georgerogersclar19clar_djvu.txt

"The Journey Begins" by Ruth Johnson, date unknown.

DNA - Bigby (Chapman)

3rd Great Grandfather - Paternal Side

Yes, it is like trying to nail Jello to a tree. Rather than bore you with all the statics involved I hope you will bare with me as I try to explain. I have been working with DNA for about 2 years and am far from any expert on the subject. I thought it would be fairly easy to find Clara Chapman's parents since there doesn't seem to be a record of the 3 Chapman kids until they got married. It would be very easy if all of my siblings and cousins had taken a DNA test, but instead I have relied on mine & Hank's. This has opened some mysterious  doors one of them being a family by the last name of Bigby. I am fairly certain that Clara's grandfather was Thomas Wilson Bigby (1806-1861) though I am not 100% certain who her grandmother is.

The bigger the number of matching centimorgans (cMs) and segments usually tells you how closely you are related, then by traditional genealogy you can find the common ancestor. Most of my "New Ancestor Discoveries" not already listed in my tree are distant aunts and uncles. I thought that was the case with Thomas Bigby and didn't pay much attention to it until he kept coming up in "Shared Matches" with known relatives of the Hembree's. My "AH HA!" moment happened when a descendant of Uncle Johnny's and also a descendant of Aunt Belle's kept pulling up matches with the Bigby Clan. These same matches did not come up under Hembree.

Here are my match numbers:

1. J.C. - 2,637 cMs/across 63 segments
2. D.B - 338/14 Matches up through Clara Chapman (Uncle Johnny's son)
3. L.D. - 76/17 Matches up through Thomas Whitfield Bigby & David Taylor Bigby, sons of Thomas Wilson Bigby
4. A.D. - 65/3 Matches up through David Taylor Bigby, son of Thomas Wilson Bigby
5. A.B. - 50/3 Matches up through David Taylor Bigby, son of Thomas Wilson Bigby
6. J.R. - 33/3 Matches through Belle Chapman
7. W.S. - 36/3 Matches through Thomas Whitfield Bigby, son of Thomas Wilson Bigby

There are others who match but to a lesser degree through Thomas Wilson Bigby's father which is what is expected. This is still a work in progress and as other relatives test their DNA it will give a clearer picture.

Thomas Wilson Bigby was born February 22, 1806 in Tennessee as part of a large Cherokee family. He married Margaret Catherine Adair about 1830. They were removed from Tennessee to Adair County, Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears though they came by train in the early part of the removal process.

By the 1851 Miller Roll, Thomas and Catherine had 10 children, one of which was our grandparent though I have not been able to nail down. Thomas died on October 16, 1861 in Stillwell, Oklahoma.

Sources:
Ancestry.com
Family Tree DNA