Thursday, December 26, 2019

Lyon County, Kentucky Estate Administrators 1867


In the absence of a will or death certificate, the date an administrator of an estate was appointed is a good way to determine the approximate date of a person's death. However, if the decedent had no property at the time of his death, there would be no estate to be settled. When an administrator was appointed, he or she had to sign a bond with at least one other person signing as security for the faithful performance of his duties as administrator. The following information has been abstracted from Lyon County, Kentucky Court Order Book B (1866-1874). The letters and numbers at the end of each entry show where the information is located. For example, OB:20 refers to Order Book B, page 20. Order Book B is available at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives and at online at FamilySearch.org. It should be noted that pages 98 and 99 in the digitized version of Court Order Book B in FamilySearch are very faded with page 99 being impossible to read.

John R. Fleming (at the instance of G.L. Cobb) having refused and fail to give additional security, is removed as administrator of Martha J. Fleming  and estate to be delivered to James J. Glenn, Public Administrator.  28 Jan 1867.  [OB:20]

Anny McElhaney appointed administrator of estate of her late husband, A.Y. McElhaney dec'd. 12 Feb 1867.  [OB:28]

Clarisa Horn, widow of John M. Horn dec'd, filed written declination of her right to administer on the estate of her late husband.  J.J. Glenn, Public Administrator, to take charge of decedent's estate. 25 Mar 1867. [OB:35]

Administration de bonis non of P.S. Holloway's estate granted to J.C. Holloway. Surety: J.M. Freeman. 25 Mar 1867. [OB:35]

Administration on the estate of Dicy Jones dec'd granted to J.J. Layton.  22 Apr 1867.  [OB:39]

Written declination of G.M. White and M. Hogan to administer on estate of George White dec'd filed in open court, it appearing Mrs. Catharine White who was administrator of sd. estate has departed this life, now ordered that the estate of George White dec'd be confided to James J. Glenn, Lyon County Public Defender. 10 Jun 1867. [OB:57]

On motion of Mrs. Mary G. Boon, widow of Jacob Boon dec'd, administration of her husband's estate granted unto James H. Leech. Surety: John Leech.  13 Jun 1867. [OB:57]

On motion of N.T. Braswell, estate of Mr. Phelps Harmon dec'd confided to James J. Glenn, Public Administrator. 13 Jun 1867.  [OB:58]

Administration upon the estate of Caleb Winters dec'd granted to Wm. T. Jeffrey on the motion of Solomon D. Winters. Sureties: John L. Irvan, Solomon D. Winters. 8 Jul 1867.  [OB:59]
           
On motion of Dr. J. Elliott ordered that the personal estate of Jane Brown dec'd confided to James J. Glenn, Public Administrator of this county.  22 Jul 1867.  [OB:66]

On motion of F.A. Wilson, the personal estate of Wilbourn Rowland dec'd confided to James J. Glenn, Public Administrator of Lyon County.  22 Jul 1867.  [OB:67]

The personal estate of William Stone dec'd confided to James J. Glenn, Lyon County Personal Administrator.  23 Sep 1867.  [OB:80]

The personal estate of James T. Stone dec'd confided to James J. Glenn, Public Administrator, William Stone, who was administrator, being dead.  23 Sep 1867.  [OB:82]

Administration of estate of Christopher H. Smith dec'd granted Thomas Wall. Surety: D.D. Wall.  4 Oct 1867.  [OB:82]

On motion of B.F. Smith Esqr, the other heirs having declined by writing to administer upon the estate of E.J. Smith dec'd, administration upon decedent's estate granted unto James H. Leech. Surety: John Leech. 16 Nov 1867.  [OB:93]

On motion of F.A. Wilson, ordered that personal estate of Wm. H. Yates be confided to James J. Glenn, Public Administrator. 23 Dec 1867.  [OB:97]

Sarah E. Moneymaker, widow of William Moneymaker dec'd, having filed her written [word illegible] of her right to administer on the estate of her late husband, in favor of W.L. Crumbaugh [remainder of entry faded out].  23 Dec 1867.  [OB:98]

Published 26 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/ 

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Merry Christmas!


Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!



Published 24 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 20, 2019

Update on St. Vincent Academy Old Records

Thanks to Edward Wilson,  Director of Archives for the Diocese of Owensboro, word comes that the Archives has several attendance books as well as the registration books for St. Vincent Academy of Union County, Kentucky.  Several people have inquired on this blog about records of St. Vincent.  The website for the Diocese Archives is Here

Published 20 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Timeline of Sebree's Early Days


In 1896, W.Y. Allen, principal of Sebree School was asked to write a history of the town of Sebree, in Webster County, Kentucky. It was then published in the Earlington Bee on the 17 of December of that year on p. 4. This post is based on Prof.  Allen's history of Sebree.

1868:  Sebree founded; formerly known as Springdale.

1868:  L. & N. Railroad, which passes through Sebree,  completed.

1869:  J.H. Sizemore owned the first blacksmith shop.

1870:  Field Willingham built the first tobacco factory.

1870:  First church built by the Christians.  Now owned by Christians and General Baptists.

1872:  M.A. Pratt taught the first school.

1877:  James Caldwell owned the first livery stable.

1882:  The Methodist built a church on Charles Street.

1883:  A disastrous fire destroyed the north side of the business square on Main Street.

1885:  A Catholic church was built on Dixon Street.

1889:  A brick bank was built with a capital of $25,000.

1892:  Fire destroyed a tobacco factory and other business houses.

1894:  The Missionary Baptists built a church opposite the Methodist church.

1895:  Sebree Coal Company opened a mine.

1895:  A two-story courthouse built on Spring Street.

1896:  Fire burned the south side of the business square on Main Street.

As of this writing in 1896, Sebree can boast of a band. They have played for several fairs and rallies and went to Henderson when Hon. W.J. Bryan spoke.

Sebree's facilities for educating the children have increased, there is now a large, commodious building with modern improvements and is now under the principalship of Prof. W.Y. Allen of Madisonville, Ky.

Sebree is as good a health resort as can be found in this part of the state. Seldom will be found so many different kinds of water as are found here. The Chalybeate Spring, about a mile south of the depot, is a very healthful and thirst-quenching water. There are two hotels at the spring. Different kinds of water are found here, among which is an artesian well, said to be as healthful as the chalybeate.

 Published 19 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Suggestions For Christmas

Advertisement from The Crittenden Press, Friday, 8 December 1922, p. 5:


Published 17 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Livingston County African American Marriages 1873 - 1874


The marriages for  African American couples for 1873 and 1874 are found in Livingston County Marriage Register for Freedmen 1866-1896 and Bond Book 1A, Livingston County Clerk's Office. The following abbreviations are used in this post:   B: Bondsman, Reg: Register,  BB1A:  Bond Book 1A.  The number following Reg: and BB1A: are the page numbers in those books. For example, Reg:34-35 refers to Register pages 34-35 and BB1A:171 refers to Bond Book 1A, page 171.


Reuben Watts and Luranda Dunning married 1 Mar 1873 by E.G. Leeper, JP at Anice Thompson's. Wit: Newton Baker, Dunk Woods. (bond 26 Feb 1873) B: R.S. Boyd. [Reg:34-35, BB1A:171]

William Davis and Harriet Hibbs married 1 May 1873 by W.M. Jones, minister, at Nelson Hibbs'. Wit: Dave Duley, Elbert Davis.  (bond 30 Apr 1873) B: David Duley.  [Reg:36-37, BB1A:173]

Thomas George and Paulina Duley married 31 Jul 1873 by C.S. Jones at Smithland. Wit: Tobe Pippin, Clifford Dooms, Peter Patterson. (bond 31 Jul 1873) B: John Pippin.  [Reg:36-37, BB1A:175]

Neal Rollins and Fannie Hibbs married 19 Sep 1873 by W.T. Cowper, JP at Nelson Hibbs'. Wit: Ned Hibbs, Lewis Nelson, Elbert Davis.  (bond 17 Sep 1873) B: David Duley  [Reg:36-37, BB1A:177]

John Pippin and Lizzie Cowper  married 16 Oct 1873 by E.G. Leeper, JP at the Colored Church. Wit: Henry Green, Clifford Dooms, Jones Pippin, Daniel Myers.  (bond 16 Oct 1873) B: James Pippin [Reg: 36-37, BB1A:179]

Elijah Crawford and Miss Mary Fort married 18 Dec 1873 by Lank Grissom at Sarah Fort's. Wit: Ben Clemens, Peter Barnett. (bond 18 Dec 1873)  B: Elbert Davis. Consent Birdsville, 17 Dec 1873: "Dear Sir, I authorize you to grant licens to Lige Crafford for my daughter Mary Fort." [signed] Sary Fort.  [Reg: 36-37, BB1A:181]

Osborn Williams and Rosa Leech married 8 Jan 1874 by C.L. Jones, minister, at her place of residence.  Wit: Mary Davis, Mary Baker, Ann Leech.  (bond 8 Jan 1874) B: Thomas George.  [Reg:38-39, BB1A:183]

Anderson Martin and Mrs. Belle Rowland married 19 Mar 1874 by Wm. Jones, M.G. at Livingston Church. Wit: George May, Andy Pringle.  (bond 7 Mar 1874)  B: Anderson Robertson.  [Reg:38-39, BB1A:185]

John Hibbs and Ellen Jennings married 15 Mar 1874 by Wm. Jones, M.G. at Little Bethel Church. Wit: Elbert Davis, Ned Rollins "on Hibbs farm."  (bond 12 Mar 1874) B: Nelson Hibbs.  [Reg:  38-39, BB1A:187]

Monroe Irvin and Ruthy Phillips married 3 May 1874 by Wm. B. Presnell, JP at the res. o f Jerry Phillips. Wit: Pink Wesson, Robert Calvert.  (bond 3 May 1874) B: Robert Calvert. [Reg: 38-39, BB1A:189]

James Robertson and Harriet Aydelott married 7 May 1874 at Smithland. Wit: Vincen Watts, Mrs. Mary Marshal, C. Noel. (bond 7 May 1874) B: Thomas George. (Reg:38-39, BB1A:191]

Byard Gardner and Miss Jane Dunning married 25 Jul 1874 by Rev. Charles Jones at Charles Jones'. Wit: S. Littlefield, Bedance Patterson, Ellen Jones. (bond 25 Jul 1874) B: James Robinson. [Reg:40-41, BB1A:193]

James Gray and Dicey Leeper married 12 Oct 1874 by C.L. Jones at Rev. C. Jones'. Wit: Nuten Baker, Kelly Knichols. (bond  12 Oct 1874) B: William Webb. [Reg:40-41, BB1A:195]

Published 12 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/


Thursday, December 5, 2019

Treasures Found in County Court Minutes 1852


I love county court minutes!  That is where you learn about all the business conducted by the county court - from the appointment of administrators and executors of estates to ordering men to work on the roads to anything else that needed to be recorded for posterity. Thank heavens, those long-ago county clerks recorded those appointments and events. It makes genealogical research so much more interesting.

Many years ago a long time researcher told me that if you want to know what is going on in a county to pull one of those big books of county court minutes off the shelf and read it page by page.  That is exactly what I did recently in the Caldwell County Clerk's Office in Princeton. I chose County Court Order Book H and found the following entries for 1852:


"Thomas Gregory came into court and made oath that Thomas Gregory dec'd who was reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier, died in Caldwell County, Kentucky on or about the 1st of June 1813, leaving Sally Gregory, his widow, who survived him, and remained a widow until her death in same county and state on the 7th day of March 1844, leaving the following children, to wit: Samuel Gregory, Joseph Gregory and Thomas Gregory, the above named being her only surviving children."  [p. 145,  18 Oct 1852]

"Drury C. Mitchusson, Lewis Martin and Bartus Satterfield came into court and made [oath] that Lucretia Kevil, wife of Drury C. Kevil, whose maiden name was Mitchusson, now of this county, is the sister and consequently one of the heirs of E.F. Mitchusson dec'd, late of the county of [blank] state of Texas."  [pp 148-149,  18 Oct 1852]

"F.H. Hynes made oath that Sarah Bledsoe, widow of William M. Bledsoe, a pensioner of the United States, died in Caldwell County Kentucky at the house of Samuel Hynes and that she left Emily J. Bledsoe her only surviving heir, a minor, all of which is ordered copied and certified to the proper Department in Washington that she may draw the pension and extra pay to which her parents were entitled." [p. 166,  18 Dec 1852]

"Jesse Ritch made oath that William Ritch died in Caldwell County on or about the 30th day of August 1835 at his residence in sd. county and that his wife had died previously, Viz, about the [blank] day of April 1835 and that Willis Ritch who has filed his declaration for bounty land, for services performed by his father under the act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers passed Sept 28th 1850, is the only heir of sd. William Ritch dec'd and is a non-resident of sd. county and state and a minor at the filing of his declaration."  [p. 169,  20 Dec 1852]

"Enoch P. George made oath that Ezekiel Rogers, who formerly lived in this county, died on or about the 31st day of August 1849, leaving Catharine Rogers, his widow, who died in this county on or about the 15th of April 1852, leaving as heirs Emily Rogers, Ann Rogers and Elizabeth Rogers; that Ezekiel Rogers during his lifetime was known and reputed, not by his neighbors but by his own declarations, to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, but for what length of time he cannot say." [p. 170,  20 Dec 1852]

Published 5 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Tombstone Tuesday - Fred Brown




Fred Brown
July 9, 1895
Dec. 28, 1928

Buried 29 December 1928 in Freedom Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Note the Woodman of the World emblem on his tombstone.  The tombstone was photographed 25 March 2015.

According to his death certificate, [1] Fred Brown was the son of Robt. C. Brown and Laura Ellen Gill, both of whom were born in Kentucky.  

Fred Brown registered for the military draft on 5 June 1917 in Crittenden County. [2] When he registered he stated he was married and was employed in farming for John M. Wilson.

In 1920 Fred Brown and his wife, Lela B. Watson Brown, were enumerated in Crittenden County.[3]  By 1930, Lela Brown, and her children Eugene Brown, Robert W. Brown, Bonny M. Brown, and her mother, India Watson, were living with Lela's father in law, Robert C. Brown. [4] Lela Watson Brown would later marry two more times before her death in 1983.[5]



[1] Kentucky Death Certificate #977 (1928), Fred Brown, Ancestry.com.
[2] U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards 1917-1918, Fred Brown, Ancestry.com.
[3] 1920 Crittenden County, Kentucky census, Roll T625_562, p. 5B, E.D. 52, Fred and Lela B. Brown, Ancestry.com.
[4] 1930 Crittenden County, Kentucky census, P. 10A, E.D. 0002, Robert C. Brown household, Ancestry.com.
[5] Find A Grave Memorial #58652175, Lela Watson Brown McEuen Sisk, born 1 May 1898; died 13 Jan 1983.

Published 3 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 29, 2019

Webster County, Kentucky Divorces 1869 - 1870


The following entries have been abstracted from Webster County, Kentucky Circuit Court - Civil Orders, vol. 1 (1867-1872), which is available on FamilySearch.org. To order copies of the case files, which contain details of the law suit, go Here

11 Feb 1869, p. 195:  Louisa Lamb, plaintiff,  vs B.F. Lamb, defendant.  Plaintiff is divorced from defendant and restored to all the rights and privileges of an unmarried woman. Each party is to have all property which they owned at the date of their marriage not disposed of during their covenant.  Plaintiff's maiden name of Louisa Shelton restored to her.

18 Aug 1869, p. 278:  Felix G. Doris, plaintiff,  vs Eliza Ann Doris, defendant.  Bonds of matrimony hereto existing between the parties is hereby dissolved and plaintiff is divorced and he is restored to the rights and privileges of an unmarried man. Plaintiff is to pay costs of this action.

18 Aug 1869, p. 278:  Elizabeth Price, plaintiff, vs Geo. W. Price.  Bonds of matrimony dissolved  and plaintiff is restored to rights of an unmarried woman and her maiden name of Elizabeth James. Plaintiff is to have exclusive custody and control of her three children, Sarah H., George W. and Daniel W. Price, to the total exclusion of their father. Each party restored to all property acquired through each other by reasons of their marriage not disposed of by them. Plaintiff to pay costs of this suit.

16 Feb 1870, p. 296:  Lafayett Johnson, plaintiff, vs N. Johnson, defendant. Bonds of matrimony dissolved and he is restored to the rights of an unmarried man.

11 Aug 1870, p. 366:  Jesse L. Benton, plaintiff, vs Mary E. Benton, defendant.  Defendant summoned and failed to appear. Plaintiff released from bonds of matrimony and restored to all rights of an unmarried man. Each party is restored to all property not disposed of at the commencement of this suit.

11 Aug 1870,  p. 367:  S.T. Satterfield, plaintiff, vs Mary A. Satterfield, defendant. Defendant is a non-resident summoned 60 days before filing of this suit and failed to appear. S.T. Satterfield divorced from defendant and restored to all rights of an unmarried man. All property not disposed of at commencement of this suit to be restored to parties.

11 Aug 1870, p. 378:  Susan Price, plaintiff, vs G.J. Price, defendant. Motion of  plaintiff for the care and custody of her children, it appearing defendant is in possession of Nancy, John, Sarah and Nancy and he is not the proper person to have custody of them. Sheriff to take possession of children and restore them to the custody of the plaintiff.

Published 29 Nov 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/



Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving!


Published 28 Nov 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Illinois Marriages of Kentucky Couples 1923


Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Illinois has long been a popular destination for Kentucky couples wanting to get married. Illinois marriage laws were such that the couple could cross the river, get married and be home again before the parents were even aware the couple had tied the knot. These marriages were usually reported in the weekly Hardin County newspaper, the Independent. The following marriage notices are from 1923.

Clarence Nesly and Miss Verna Holloman, both of Marion, Ky, were married at E'town Monday January 8th. Esq. James Manhart officiating.  [11 Jan 1923, p. 3]

Mr. Vick [1] of Marion, Ky and Mrs. Rose Frayser were married recently in Shawneetown. We wish them much joy.  [18 Jan 1923, p. 2]

Married at the Birch Hotel, Sunday, February the 18th, Della Watson of Carrsville, Ky, and Miss Ethel Riley of Livingston [County], Ky. Rev. E.W. Scarber officiating.  [22 Feb 1923, p. 2]

On Sunday Goebel Pearson, age 21 and Miss Arley Singleton, age 18, both of Lola, Ky, came over to Elizabethtown and after securing the necessary permit from county clerk Hurford, called into service Police Magistrate J.A. Oxford, who pronounced them husband and wife.  [1 Mar 1923, p. 2]

Oscar Day, aged 22, and Miss Martha Yoles, age 18, both of Caseyville, Ky, were united in marriage at Elizabethtown, Ill., Friday March 23rd, J.A. Manhart, Esquire officiating.  [29 Mar 1923, p. 1]

James McDonald, age 55, and Lillie Lowless, aged 31, both of Carrsville, Ky, were married by Rev. Scarber Sunday, March 25th.  [29 Mar 1923, p. 1]

Marriage License since our last report:  Albert Lane, age 27, of Carrsville, Ky and Lemma Vick, age 19, of Carrsville, Ky.   [3 May 1923, p. 3]

Marriage Licenses:  Herman Bigham, age 21, of Sturgis, Ky and Nannie L. Dean, 19, of Sturgis, Ky. Also Floyd King, age 28 of Marion, Ky and Mildred Kaylor, age 21 of Rosiclare, Ill.  [17 May 1923, p. 2]

George Nichols, age 24 of Rosiclare, Ill., and Bessie Monroe, age 18, of Lola, Ky, were married at the County Clerk's office, Tuesday evening, July 17th. Police Magistrate J.A. Oxford officiating.  [19 Jul 1923, p. 2]

Weddings of the Week:  Wm. Shadowens of Crittenden [County], Ky, and Miss Flora Scarbough of Tiline, Ky, were married by Police Magistrate J.A. Oxford Sunday, August 12th, also W.E. Woodsell of Marion, Ky and Miss Clyde Orren of Lexington, Ky, Squire Oxford officiating.  Ray Lynch of Crittenden [County], Ky and Miss Carrie Rogers of Tolu, Ky were married at the County Clerk's office, E'town, Saturday evening, August 11th, Judge E.N. Hall officiating.  [16 Aug 1923, p. 2]




[1] 1930 Hardin County, Illinois census, Cave-In-Rock, p. 1, E.D. 0002, Ancestry.com. Lee E. Vick, age 59, born Kentucky, wife Rosie J. Vick, age 56, born Illinois, son Carl C. Frayser, age 34 and daughter-in-law Georgia Frayser, age 21. Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index 1916-1947 shows his name as Leonidas Vick at the time of his death on 20 Dec 1937 at the age of 65.

Published 21 Nov 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Childress Cemetery - Caldwell County, Kentucky


Childress Cemetery is located between Otter Pond and Cobb in Caldwell County, Kentucky. This cemetery was recorded by the late Glenn Martin of Princeton, Kentucky on 14 October 1975 and was given to me by Mr. Martin in the mid-1990s.

Sarah J. wife of C.H. Thompson
Born March 8, 1849
Died Dec. 7, 1893

Nancy I.  wife of B.F. Ethridge 
Born March 26, 1847
Died Dec. 25, 1875 
Age 27 years  8 mos.

William Childress
Born July 13, 1827
Died April 27, 1871

William Childress, Sr. 
Born Oct. 11, 1785
Died Nov. 8, 1865

Nancy Childress wife of
William Childress, Sr.
Born April 14, 1792
Died Dec. 8, 1864

Martha E. Daughter of
R.C. & M. Childress
Born Feb. 20, 1861
Died Feb. 17, 1864

Floyd, son of
B. & M.J. Davis
Born Feb. 17, 1889
Died Feb. 27, 1889

Necie Pearl, daughter
of B. & M.J. Davis
Born Aug. 12, 1897
Died Sept. 7, 1899 
[on same stone as Floyd Davis]

Mary Hattie Davis
Born July 13, 1895
Died Dec. 27, 1901

Clint Davis
Born Dec. 21, 1899
Died Nov. 1, 1902

Thomas E. Childress, Father
Born Sept. 15, 1857
Died Jan. 28, 1900


Published 14 Nov 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Livingston County, Kentucky Guardian Appointments 1869


A guardian was appointed when a person was unable to act for himself or was a minor (under the age of 21 years). The parents may or may not have been living. At the age of 14, a minor could choose his own guardian with the court's approval. If under the age of 14, the county court appointed the guardian.  In 1869 the appointment of a guardian was recorded in the county court order books (minutes) as well as in a separate guardian bond book. The following information has been abstracted from Livingston County, Kentucky Guardian Bond Book C (1863-1878) and County Court Order Book M. The notation in brackets refers to the county court order book and the page number. For example, M:539 refers to county court order book M, page 539.

E.S. Sills and J.B. Sills, over the age of 14 and infant heirs of J.J. Sills dec'd, chose A.J. Donakey as their guardian. Sureties: J.W. Donakey, W.P. Peek, W.T. Champion. 4 Jan 1869. [M:539]

A.J. Donakey was appointed guardian to Martha Sills, infant heir of J.J. Sills. Sureties: W.T. Champion, W.P. Peek, J.W. Donakey.  4 Jan 1869.[M:539]

W.P. Smullen was appointed guardian to Joanna Martin, Lewis Martin and Mary Martin, infant heirs of Wm. Martin dec'd. Sureties: G.G. Rappolee, K.B. Johnson.   4 Jan 1869. [M:541]

John C. Harris, Andrew J. Harris, Louisa J. Harris and Mary E. Harris, each over age 14 and the infant heirs of R.B. Harris dec'd, chose W.T. Champion as their guardian. Surety: J.W. Cade.   6 Jan 1869.  [M:544]

W.T. Champion was appointed guardian to Martha E. Cobb, under the age of 14. Surety: J.W. Cade.  6 Jan 1869. [M:544]

Kate Davis, infant orphan of T.M. Davis dec'd, selected Chas. B. Davis as her guardian, she being over age 14. Surety: Emily Davis.  16 Jan 1869.  [M:545]

Chas. B. Davis was appointed guardian to Frank Davis, under age 14 and the infant orphan of T.M. Davis. Surety: Emily Davis.  16 Jan 1869.  [M:545]

Martha W. Johnson, infant orphan of Levi Johnson dec'd, being over age 14, selected H.C. Byard as her guardian. Surety: S. Littlefield. 1 Mar 1869.  [M:555]

John W. Bell, infant heir of Levi Bell dec'd, chose David L. Bryant as his guardian. Surety: W.M. Threlkeld. 5 Apr 1869.  [M:558]

Geo. G. Rappolee was chosen guardian by Eliza, Emaline and Ben Egan Dunlap, all over age 14 and infant heirs of R.A. Dunlap. Rappolee was appointed guardian to Susan E., Andrew J. and Mary Dunlap, infant heirs of R.A. Dunlap, dec'd.  Surety: J.L. Hibbs.  5 Apr 1869.  [M:560]

Geo. C. Rappolee was appointed guardian to Leonara Hammons, infant heir of Geo. Hammons dec'd.  5 Apr 1869.  [M:561]

James W. Kayse was appointed guardian to his son, William J. Kayse, who is under the age of 14. Surety: Phillip Grassham. 5 Apr 1869.  [M:561] 

Aleander[sic] Hodge was selected by Mary C. Weller & Sarah P. Weller as their guardian. Surety: Octavius Hodge. 6 Sep 1869.  [M:597]

With the written consent of the mother of the children, O.G. Evertson was appointed guardian to Thurston W. Evertson, John R. Evertson and Lizzie Evertson, infant children of H.W. Evertson dec'd. Surety: Jos. Bridges.  6 Dec 1869.  [M:617]

 Published 7 Nov 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Bastardy Case and Name Change


On the 18th day of September 1827 Eliza Bruff made oath before a Justice of the Peace in Livingston County, Kentucky, that she had been delivered of a female bastard child on September 14th,  1826 at the home of Hazle Leorns. [1]  She charged that Allen Hodge, labourer of the same county, had gotten her with child.[2]

In discharge of the warrant and, with William Pippin as his security, Hodge made arrangements for the support and maintenance of the child. Hodge agreed to pay notes of $25 yearly in 1829, 1830 and 1831 and also paid in hand to Eliza $29 and a note for $25 in 1828. The money was to be paid upon the condition that Eliza would agreed that the prosecution for bastardy would be dropped and would do everything within her power to have same dismissed. If she did so and the child lived, Hodge would pay the sums of money. If this did not happen, the notes would be void.  Each party agreed to keep the agreement.

The details of this agreement are not mentioned when it was recorded in the county court minutes. It stated only "by written agreement of the parties filed here in Open Court, same is ordered to be dismissed." [3]

Allen Hodge died before 8 November 1836 when Joseph Watts was appointed guardian to Julia Allen  Hodge, "heir of Allen Hodge, dec'd."[4]  

Eliza Bruff, who had charged  Hodge with fathering her child, was deceased by 6 Dec 1841 when "Cassander Bruff, heir and infant  of Eliza Bruff dec'd, being over 14 years of age appeared in Open Court and made choice of Jeremiah Crammer as for [sic] her guardian. " [5]  If Cassander was over age 14, she was born before 1827. Remember Eliza's child by Allen Hodge was born in September 1826.

Cassander/Cassandra  took the Hodge name as when she married Jeremiah Crammer just three days after Jeremiah was appointed her guardian, she gave her name as Cassandra Hodge.[6] No further record of Jeremiah and Cassander/Cassandra Crammer has been found, but the Hodge name continues in Livingston County today.

Jeremiah Crammer chosen guardian of Cassander Bruff
6 December 1841


Return of Marriage of Jeremiah Crammer and Cassandra Hodge
9 December 1841


Click on above documents for an enlarged view



[1] This surname is all but illegible. It could be Corn.
[2] Livingston County Clerk's Loose Papers (1827), Livingston County Clerk's Office, Smithland, Kentucky. Warrant served on Allen Hodge 19 Sep 1827.
[3] Livingston County Order Book G, p. 276,  1 Oct 1827.
[4] Livingston County Order Book I, p. 35, 8 Nov 1836.
[5] Livingston County Order Book I, p. 360,  6 Dec 1841.
[6] Kentucky, County Marriage Records, 1783-1965, Ancestry.com. Jeremiah Crammer married Cassandra Hodge 9 Dec 1841 Livingston County, Kentucky.

Published 31 Oct 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 24, 2019

J.E. and Nancy Wilson of Smithland, Kentucky




J.E. Wilson
Born Octr 22
1805
Died March 18th
1850
Unveil thy bosom faithful lamp
Take this new treasure to thy trust
And Give these sacred relics room
To slumber in the silent dust



Nancy
Consort of
J.E. Wilson
Born Jany 1st
1812
Died April 16th
1850
We laid beneath the grave's cold sod
Thy frame so lately ached with pain
But soon the joyful trump of God
Shall call it back to life again

Buried Smithland Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Tombstones photographed 30 August 2018.

The above J.E. [John E.] Wilson has often been confused with my ancestor, also named John E. Wilson, who lived on Crooked Creek in what is now Crittenden County. Until 1842, when Crittenden County was created from Livingston County, both men lived in Livingston County and both were married to women named Nancy. However, there are many differences between them. My ancestor lived in the part of Livingston County that is now Crittenden County and died 1853 in Crittenden County. The other John E. Wilson lived in Smithland and is buried in Smithland Cemetery.

J.E. Wilson, who is buried in Smithland Cemetery, shows up in Livingston County by 18 March 1830 when he married Nancy Hagey, daughter of John and Catherine Hagey.[1]

John E. Wilson obtained a license to keep a tavern at his house in Smithland for one year in July 1831[2] and, in 1836, he was granted a license for a tavern on Lot #7 at the corner of Mill and Front Streets, along the river front in Smithland.[3] There is no indication that Wilson's taverns were in the same location.

Wilson was also active in the community and was a Smithland town trustee in 1841 when a parcel of land was conveyed by Benjamin and Sterling M. Barner to the Smithland town trustees.[4]
John E. Wilson wrote his last will and testament 23 March 1850.[5] In  his will, he left one-third of his estate to his wife, Nancy, and, at Nancy's death, it was to go to his daughter, Ann Elizabeth Wilson. John E.'s brother, Henley, was appointed executor of the estate.

Note the date of death and compare it with the death date on his tombstone. Obviously, one of these dates is incorrect, but which one?  A check of the yearly tax lists shows that Wilson appears on the 1848 and 1849 tax lists, but, in 1850, Henley Wilson, Executor of J.E. Wilson dec'd, is listed with one town lot worth $5000.[6]  So, it is obvious John E. Wilson died 1849-1850 and that is as close as we may get to his actual death date.  It is of interest, too, that Nancy Wilson's death date is given as just one month after her husband's. Did they die of the same disease?

There are some unanswered questions about this couple. More research is definitely needed.



[1] Joyce M. Woodyard. Livingston County, Kentucky Marriage Records, Vol. 1 (Oct 1799-July 1839), (n.p., 1992), 105. John and Catherine Hagey signed a consent note permitting their daughter, Nancy, to marry John E. Wilson.
[2] Livingston County, Kentucky Court Order Book H, p. 41, 4 July 1831.
[3] Ibid, p. 325, 4 April 1836.
[4] Livingston County, Kentucky Deed Book GG, p. 61, 19 May 1841, recorded 20 May 1841.  Benjamin and Sterling M. Barner  to William Gordon, Gideon A. Haydock, John E. Wilson, John C. McGraw and William Smith, town trustees..
[5] Livingston County, Kentucky Will Book B, p. 127, dated 23 March 1850 and recorded 1 April 1850.
[6] 1848, 1849, 1850 Livingston County, Kentucky Tax Lists. On the 1850 list Henley Wilson, Exec. of J.E. Wilson dec'd, was shown with 1 town lot worth $5000, the same as was listed for John E. Wilson in 1848 and 1849.


Published 24 Oct 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Smithland Cemetery Tour Book Available Now





Walking/Driving Tour Book of Smithland Cemetery is available now for a $5.00 donation or $6.00 if mailed. A number of  tombstones in this historic cemetery are featured with photographs. The book is available at the Log Cabin research center in Smithland or at Smithland City Hall. It can be ordered, also, by mail from the Livingston County Historical and Genealogical Society at PO Box 138, Smithland, Kentucky 42081. For more information on this book, contact the Society at 270-928-4656 week days between the hours of 1-4 p.m. or  Katherine Boswell at 270-928-4495.

Published 20 Oct 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/