|
Submitted by Rita Brown Sampson
Pioneer John Brown, and his wife, Elizabeth Wilson Brown, can be claimed as ancestors by countless people with Rockcastle County, Kentucky roots. According to their tombstones in the Hasty Cemetery at Bull Pen Branch, Level Green, Kentucky, John Brown was born July 9, 1774 and died December 7, 1830, and Elizabeth Brown was born March 29, 1783 and died September 17, 1856. No marriage record for John and Elizabeth has been found to my knowledge, but since their first child was born March 1, 1803, their marriage most likely took place in 1801 or 1802.
While most Brown family researchers agree that John most likely came to Kentucky from Virginia, as did his wife, Elizabeth Wilson, no one to my knowledge has successfully traced the family prior to John’s coming to Skagg’s Creek in Rockcastle County, Kentucky (Lincoln County prior to 1810). The idea of searching for the roots of someone with a name as common as John Brown, and with nothing more to go on than that he was probably born in Virginia, was considered to be like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Until recently, I agreed, and while I kept my eyes open for the Brown name while researching other family lines, I never seriously believed I would find anything specific enough to be used as a link to our John Brown. However, one day I found a reference in the book, Annals of Southwest Virginia, to a deed made in Montgomery County, Virginia by Jotham and Phebe Brown. Two facts struck me as relevant. One, the unusual name, Jotham, was used several times in our John Brown family, and two, according to Wilson family genealogists, Joshua Wilson, the father of Elizabeth Wilson Brown had come to Kentucky from Montgomery County, Virginia. Was it possible that this Jotham and Phebe Brown of Montgomery County were the parents of our John Brown? Perhaps John was acquainted with the Joshua Wilson family in Montgomery County, Virginia, and he came with them to Kentucky in the early 1800’s. With this theory in mind, my husband and I became genealogy detectives, collecting information from the internet, various libraries, the Lincoln County Courthouse, the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort, the Greene County, Tennessee Historical Society, the Montgomery County, Virginia Courthouse, and finally, the Library of Virginia in Richmond. While we did not find proof that John Brown of Rockcastle County was the son of Jotham and Phebe, we did find enough evidence to build a very strong case in support of that theory. We found that Jotham and Phebe Brown had a son named John. Montgomery County tax records indicate that he was the same age as our John Brown of Rockcastle County, and tax records and deeds show that the Joshua Wilson family and Jotham Brown families were neighbors in Montgomery County. In addition, John Brown, son of Jotham, disappears from the Montgomery County tax list, and a John Brown appears on the Lincoln County, Kentucky tax list at a date that would be consistent with the theory that he came with the Wilson family to Kentucky. Lincoln County marriage, tax, and land records clearly show a close association of John Brown with the Joshua Wilson family after his arrival in Kentucky. Finally, Greene County, Tennessee marriage, tax, census, court, and land records do not support the idea that a John Brown, son of Jotham, relocated there.
The fact that Jotham and Phebe Brown had a son named John is evidenced by the following deed settling the estate of Jotham Brown who died without leaving a will. The following excerpt lists his heirs.
This indenture made this sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred between Phebey Brown and Christopher Cooper and Salvanias Brown, John Willis and David Brown and John Brown, Leadey Brown, Elizabeth Brown and Mary Brown and Jotham Brown, Mirey Brown and William Brown, the heirs of Jotham Brown’s Estate who deceased without a will, all of Montgomery County and State of Virginia ….
Notice, also that Jotham and Phebe have a daughter named Elizabeth. This is interesting because an Elizabeth Brown married Joshua Wilson in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1802. John Brown made oath that Elizabeth was over 21 years of age. We know that John Brown was too young to be Elizabeth’s father. Therefore, it seems very likely that she was his sister or other close relative. Following is a typewritten copy of the marriage bond.
Know all men by these presents that we Joshua Wilson and John Brown are held and firmly bound unto James Garrard, governor of Kentucky in the sum of fifty pounds current money for the payment of which we bind ourselves our heirs. We jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated this 18th day of May 1802.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas a license is about to issue for a marriage intended between the above Joshua Wilson and Elizabeth Brown. Now if there is no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage then the above obligation to be void, else remain in full force and virtue. Witnesses Joshua Wilson (seal) John Brown (seal)
Lincoln County, VA This day personally appeared John Brown before me Jonathan Forbes a Justice of the Peace for said County and made oath that Elizabeth Brown of Lincoln County (who is desirous to enter into the Estate of matrimony with Joshua Wilson) is over the age of twenty-one years, given under my hand this 18th day of May 1802. Jon A. Forbes
Lincoln County I do hereby certify that satisfactory proof has been made before me that within named Elizabeth Brown is over 21 years of age. Witnesses my hand this 18th day of May Tho Montgomery D.C.L.C.C.
Lincoln County I do certify that security is taken in my office according to law for a license to issue for a marriage intended between Joshua Wilson and Elizabeth Brown. Therefore you will solemnize the rites of matrimony between the said Joshua and Elizabeth according to the marriages of your church or society. Witnesses my hand this 18 day of May 1802. To any minister of the gospel or Justice of the Peace legally authorized to solemnize the rites of marriage. Thos Montgomery D.C.L.C.C.
The marriage records of Montgomery County, Virginia and Greene County, Tennessee (where many of the Jotham Brown family members migrated between 1802 and 1805) provide marriage records for most of Jotham Brown’s children. While I did find in my research of records of these counties, several marriage records with the names, John Brown and Elizabeth Brown, I did not find any that included the names of other Jotham Brown family members as witnesses, or in which John or Elizabeth married someone associated with the family by proximity, such as neighbors. Therefore, it seems very possible that these two children of Jotham and Phebe Brown could have traveled to Kentucky, either with, or to join, the Wilson family who had been their close neighbors in Montgomery County. A list of Jotham Brown’s children and their marriage records is included below.
Marriage Records of Jotham Brown’s Children:
Jane – married Christopher Cooper, October 20, 1786 in Botetourt County, Virginia (Documentation taken from Christopher Cooper’s Revolutionary War Pension file).
Sylvanus – married Ruth Johnston September 3, 1794 in Montgomery County, Virginia. Moses Johnston, father, Moses Brown, security and witness.
Esther – married John Willis, January 1, 1793 in Montgomery County, Virginia. Jotham Brown, father, Jotham Brown, security and witness,
David – married Anna Craig, August 4, 1795 in Montgomery County, Virginia. Benjamin Craig, father, Benjamin Craig, security and witness.
John –
Lydia – married William Crumley, October 1, 1807 in Greene County, Tennessee. William Crumley Jr., James Gibson, David Brown, Jotham Brown
Elizabeth –
Mary – married William Stapleton, December 6 or 16, 1803 in Montgomery County, Virginia. Jotham Brown, father, dec’d, security by Sylvanus Brown.
Jotham – married Peggy Maloney October 8, 1807, witnesses George Harmon, Christopher Cooper
Mirey
William – married Martha Blair, August 27, 1811, in Greene County, Tennesse. Witness, Sylvanus Brown
Examination of tax records and deeds for Montgomery County, Virginia, Lincoln County, Kentucky, and Greene County, Tennessee provides even more evidence that John Brown of Rockcastle County is possibly a son of Jotham and Phebe Brown. I have set this information up in a timeline format to provide documentation, as well as to provide a picture of what was happening each year. I am including, not only information concerning the Jotham Brown family, but also information on the Joshua Wilson family to show the close proximity of Elizabeth Wilson (wife of John Brown of Rockcastle County), to the Jotham Brown family in Montgomery County. It is important to notice the dates the taxes were taken. When the dates on the tax list are the same, or close, it indicates people are living in the same neighborhood. I have also included comments from time to time to point out things that I believe to be especially important.
1782: First Census of the United States: Frederick County, Virginia: List of Colonel Holmes; Jotham Brown 10 whites, 0 Blacks
1782 – 1787 Virginia Taxpayers Other Than Those Published by the U.S. Census Bureau by Augusta Fothergill and John Mark Naugle (Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1986) This book lists Jotham Brown in Botetourt County, Virginia and Joshua Wilson in Botetourt County, Virginia. This book does not give a specific year, indicating just that they were there at some time during the years between 1782 and 1787,
1783: “Catharine and Joshua Wilson moved from the Loudon County, Virginia area prior to 1783; their youngest child, Elizabeth, was born 29 March, 1783. They settled on Brush Creek, a branch of the Little River, west of Roanoke. They remained there until the late 1790’s.” (From an article in Virginia Appalachian Notes, V. 15, Issue E, August, 1991, page 91, entitled The Pioneer Daughter of Benjamin and Ruth Hough). Note: Pulaski County, Kentucky Death Records for 1856 states that Elizabeth Brown was the daughter of Joshua Wilson and Catharine Hough.
1790: Montgomery County Tax List: A list of taxable property in the district of John Robinson, commissioner, formerly the upper district of Botetourt County and now the lower district of Montgomery.
May 24, Elliott Creek Joshua Wilson, O males 16 – 21
May 25, Little River and Brush Creek Christopher CooperJonah Wilson: one male 16 –21. Joshua Wilson: one male 16 –21 (It appears these two men may have been brothers as they both have males between the ages of 16 and 21 living in the household). Note: Christopher Cooper is Jotham Brown’s son-in-law. The date of the tax is the same, and both live on Brush Creek. Deeds show that Christopher Cooper and Joshua Wilson lived on adjoining property.
May 28 Terry’s Creek, S. Fk. Roanoke, head of Little River: Person charged with tax: Jotham Brown White males above 21 years of age: Jotham Brown Number of white males, ages 16 – 21: 2 Horses: 4 Slaves: 0 Note: John Brown of Rockcastle Co. was born July 9, 1774. This tax was taken in May 1790. John Brown of Rockcastle would have been fifteen years old at the time, not turning 16 until July of 1790, which would be consistent with what is recorded on this tax list. The two males, ages 16 – 21 would have been Sylvanus and David.
June 15 Little River, Terry’s Creek, S. Fk. LittleRiver, Pine Creek, Old Field Creek, Huckleerry and Beaver Creeks Moses Brown: No males ages 16 to 21 years. Note: I included Moses Brown here because he is the only other Brown who is consistently listed on the tax list in the same district as Jotham Brown. He is listed in 1790 – 1797, he is not listed in 1798 and 1799, and he is back on in 1800 - 1806 when I stopped checking the tax list. A Nimrod Brown, whom I believe is Moses son, comes on the tax list in 1805 and 1806. It is interesting to note that when checking the Lincoln County, Kentucky tax lists, I found a Moses Brown listed in 1799, one of the two years that Moses was not listed in Montgomery County. It seems likely that this is the same Moses Brown. The year 1799 was also the first year that the Wilson’s were listed in Lincoln County. Moses is listed only for that one year in Lincoln County and does not show up there again. Since Moses is not listed as a son of Jotham, it may be possible that he is a brother. This might be an important clue if someone wanted to research the parents of Jotham Brown.
1791: Montgomery County Tax List: List of taxable property within the district of Thomas Goodson, Commissioner.
May 12 or 13 Jotham BrownNumber of males, ages 16 – 21, is not legible. Note: If John Brown of Rockcastle, born in 1774, is the son of Jotham, the number of males, ages 16 – 21, should have been 3, since none of Jotham’s sons are listed independently.
1792: Montgomery County Tax List: List of taxable property within the district of Thomas Goods, Commissioner in county of Montgomery.
June 1 Jotham BrownNumber of males, ages 16 – 21: 2 June 1 Sylvanus Brown (son of Jotham)Note: Sylvanus goes on the tax list as a male above 21 years old. Two males ages 16 – 21 would now be David and John. Note: Dates listed on the tax list indicate proximity. For example, the fact that both Jotham and Sylvanus are listed as June 1 indicates they are close neighbors or same household.
1793: Montgomery County Tax List: May 21 Jotham BrownNumber of males, ages 16 – 21: 2 Note: Two males, ages 16 – 21, are still David and John. May 22 Sylvanus Brown (son of Jotham)May 21 Christopher Cooper (son-in-law of Jotham)May 22 John Willis (son-in-law of Jotham)
1794: Montgomery County Tax ListMarch 14 Jotham BrownNumber of males, ages 16 –21: 1 Note: This male, age 16 – 21 would be John. March 14 David Brown (son of Jotham)March 14 Sylvanus Brown (son of Jotham)March 14 Christopher Cooper (son-in-law of Jotham)March 14 John Willis (son-in-law of Jotham)March 14 Joshua Wilson Note: The tax date is the same indicating they live in the same neighborhood.
1795 Montgomery County Tax List: John Goodson’s District May 5 Jotham BrownNumber of males, ages 16 – 21: 1 Note: The one male, age 16 – 21 would now be John.
May 6 David BrownNote: Sylvanus is not listed on the tax list. This may have been an oversight, since he shows back up in the next year, or he may have been gone during this year. May 9 Christopher CooperMay 6 John Willis
1796 Montgomery County Tax List: Note: Jotham Brown does not appear on the tax lists for Montgomery County for 1796 and he never shows up again. However, we know that he and his wife, Phebe, sell property on March 6, 1797 in Montgomery County, so he hasn’t died yet. Where is Jotham during this time? One possibility is that Jotham is off scouting, perhaps looking for a place to relocate his family, then returns to sell the land and collect his family, but dies before they are ready to leave. This practice seems to be consistent with history and also with what I have found happening in the Joshua Wilson family. Joshua is documented to be in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1800 (taxes, census, and deeds), but he is not listed on the Lincoln County taxes in 1801, and he is present in Montgomery County, Virginia on December 25, 1801 and February 2, 1802 when he and his wife, Catharine, sell their property there. They then return to Lincoln County to live.
April 23 David Brown (son of Jotham)April 23 John Brown (son of Jotham)Note: This is the first appearance of John Brown, son of Jotham, as an independent taxpayer. John Brown of Rockcastle County, Kentucky, was born July 9,1774, and the tax date is April 23, 1796. John Brown of Rockcastle County would have been 21 years, 9 and one half months of age, at the time of the tax list. This indicates an age match between the ages of John Brown, son of Jotham, and John Brown of Rockcastle County according to the birth-date inscription on his tombstone.
April 23 Christopher Cooper (son-in-law of Jotham)April 23 Joshua Wilson Jr. (brother of Elizabeth Wilson, wife of John Brown) Note: The tax dates are the same.
1797 Tax Lists of Montgomery CountyNote: John Brown is not listed on this year’s tax list. May 13 David BrownMay 13 Sylvanus BrownApril 11 Christopher CooperApril 11 Joshua Wilson Jr. April 11 Joshua Wilson May 13 John Willis
Deed made March 6, 1797 between Jotham Brown and Pheby to William Runels (possibly Reynolds as his name appears as a witness on other deeds).
This indenture made this sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven. Between Jotham Brown and Phebe his wife of Montgomery County and state of Virginia of the one part and William Runels of county and state of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Jotham Brown and Phebe his wife for and in consideration of the just and full sum of fifty pounds Virginia money to them in hand paid by the said William Runels the receipt whereof the said Jotham Brown and Phebey his wife… hath bargained and sold …the said William Runnels …. A certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres be it more or less in the boundary thereof being part of a greater tract containing one hundred and fifty acres by patton issued from Robert Brooks Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia bearing date July the thirteenth day in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and niney six and of the commonwealth twenty first year lying and being in the county that was Botetourt and now Montgomery on Brush Creek a branch of Little River and is bounded as follows to wit. Beginning at a white oak … to a forked birch on Daniel Neal’s line by the creek thence …. to said Daniel Neal’s corner … In witness whereof Jotham Brown and Phebey his wife … set their hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed Jotham Brown and Pheby Brown. No witnesses signed. Montgomery June Court 1796 This deed of bargain and sale from Jotham Brown and Pheby his wife to William Runnels was acknowledged in court the said Pheby being first privily examined as the law directs and ordered to be recorded. Charles Taylor
Deed made March 6, 1797 between Jotham Brown and Pheby to Joseph Moore
This indenture made this sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven. Between Jotham Brown and Phebe his wife of Montgomery County and state of Virginia of the one part and Joseph Moore of county and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Jotham Brown and Phebe his wife for and in consideration of the just and full sum of thirty pounds Virginia money to them in hand paid by the said Joseph Moore the receipt whereof the said Jotham Brown and Phebey his wife doth acknowledge… hath bargained and sold released and confirmed and by these presents doth fully, freely, and absolutely bargain and sell unto the said Joseph Moore and his assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land containing fifty acres be it more or less in the boundary thereof. Being part of a greater tract containing one hundred and fifty acres by patton issued from Robert Brooks Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia bearing date July the thirteenth day in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and niney six and of the commonwealth of Virginia twenty first year lying and being in the county that was Botetourt and now Montgomery on Brush Creek a branch of Little River and is bounded as follows to wit. Beginning at a double pine corner of Daniel Neal’s land thence south … to Terry’s corner … and thence with Terry’s line south … the beginning corner of William Runnel’s land … the said Jotham Brown and Phebe his wife doth covenant for them and their heirs with said Joseph Moore and his heirs and assigns … In witness whereof the said Jotham Brown and Phebey his wife interchangably set their hands and seals this day and year above written. Signed Jotham Brown and Pheby Brown. No witnesses signed.
Montgomery June Court 1796 This deed of bargain and sale from Jotham Brown and Pheby his wife to William Runnels was acknowledged in court the said Pheby being first privily examined as the law directs and ordered to be recorded. Charles Taylor
1798 Montgomery County Tax Lists:
April 21 David BrownApril 21 Sylvanus BrownApril 21 John BrownApril 21 Christopher CooperApril 21 John WillisNote: I did not find anyone with the Wilson name listed on the same day as any of the Jotham Brown family members.
April 28, 1798: Deed from Christopher Cooper to Joshua Wilson Jr.
This indenture made this twenty-eighth day of April one thousand seven hundred ninety-eight between Christopher Cooper and Jane his wife of the county of Montgomery and State of Virginia of the one part and Joshua Wilson Jun. of the county and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds to the above said Christopher Cooper and Jane his wife in hand paid the receipt whereof the said Christopher Cooper and Jane his wife doth hereby acknowledge hath granted, bargained, and sold and by this presents doth grant bargain and sell … the above said Joshua Wilson Jun. one certain parcel or tract of land situated, lying, and being in the county of Montgomery and State of Virginia on Brush Creek water of Little River it being part of the tract of land said Cooper now lives on and being on said Brush Creek where William Terry’s line crosses said creek then up said creek to the mouth of a small branch where the path crosses from Wilson’s to Cooper thence up said branch to a small ash sapling at the fork ….near a west course to William Terry’s line …. Witnesses Present: Isaac Renfro, Lydia Brown, her mark Signed: Christopher Cooper, Jane Cooper, her mark.
1799 Montgomery County Tax Lists
March 29 John BrownMarch 29 David BrownMarch 29 Sylvanus BrownMarch 29 Christopher CooperMarch 29 John WilsonNote: This is the only Wilson that I found listed on a date that was the same as that of any of the Jotham Brown family members. April 3 John Willis
1799 Lincoln County, Kentucky Tax List: Note: This is the first appearance of the family of Joshua Wilson on the Lincoln County tax list. There was no John Brown on the Lincoln County tax list.
May 13 Joseph Wilson, 400 acres, Scagses Creek, Lincoln County Jonas WilsonMay 13 Joshua Wilson Note: This is most likely Joshua Sr. rather than Joshua Jr., since there is only one Joshua Wilson listed. Further evidence that Joshua Sr. was in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1800 is a deed recorded in Montgomery County in which Joshua Wilson of Lincoln County sells one-eighth part of an inheritance from his wife, Catharine’s, brother in 1800.
1800 Montgomery County Tax ListsMarch 21 David BrownMay 2 John BrownNote: This is the last listing of John Brown on the Montgomery County tax lists. Note that the other sons of Jotham Brown continue to be listed in Montgomery County until much later.
May 2 Christopher CooperMay 6 Sylvanus Brown
Deed made May 16, 1800 between the Jotham Brown heirs and Benjamin Craig. For the sum of two hundred dollars, the Jotham Brown heirs sell to Benjamin Craig a parcel of land containing one hundred four acres being part of a greater tract containing two hundred acres granted by patton issued by Robert Brooks, Esquire, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia on the twelfth of July one thousand seven hundred ninety six unto Jotham Brown, lying and being in the County of Montgomery on the head of Terry’s Creek a branch of Little River. Witnessed by William Terry, David Craig, David Brown, John Peden Signed by: Phebe Brown, Christopher Cooper. Salvanes Brown, John Willis, David Brown, John Brown, Lydia Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Mary Brown Deed ordered to be recorded in Montgomery December Court 1800.
Deed made May 16, 1800 between the other Jotham Brown heirs and son David. For the sum of one hundred dollars, the other Jotham Brown heirs sell to David Brown, a parcel of land containing forty four acres in the county of Montgomery ,and being on the head of Terry’s Creek, a branch of Little River. Also part of the land obtained by Jotham Brown by patton in 1796. Same witnesses as deed above. Signed by same Brown heirs with the exception of David Brown.
Lincoln County, Kentucky Tax List 1800: Jonas Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Joshua Wilson, Joshua Wilson Note: There are now two Joshua Wilson’s on the tax list, indicating that both Joshua Sr. and Joshua Jr. are in Kentucky,
Deed filed in Montgomery County, Virginia, July 8, 1800: Joshua Wilson of Lincoln County, Kentucky sells to Thomas Lee of Grainger County, Tennessee a one-eighth part of a certain tract of land lying and being in Montgomery County state of Virginia on the waters of Little River. (Inheritance from Catharine Huff Wilson’s brother, John Huff, who died leaving no children. The land was divided between his brothers and sisters, and the deed names the following: Catharine, married to Joshua Wilson, Sarah married to Cornelius Reed, Joseph Huff, Stephen Huff, Elizabeth, married to John Wilson, Charity married to James Renfro, and Jerusha married to Thomas Lee. Property settlement filed October 1799).
1801 Montgomery County Tax Lists:Note: John Brown does not show up on the Montgomery County Tax Lists this year, although his brothers and brother-in-law are still there.
May 18 Sylvanus BrownMay 23 David BrownMay 23 Christopher Cooper
1801 Lincoln County Kentucky Tax List: May 23: Jonas Wilson May 24: Joseph Wilson, 500 acres, Lincoln County, Rockcastle Watercourse, For whom surveyed; Valentine Harmon. May 24: Joshua Wilson Note: Again, there is only one Joshua Wilson, most likely Joshua Jr. since Joshua Sr. and wife Catharine sell land in Montgomery County, Virginia on December 25, 1801.
Deed made December 25, 1801 between Joshua and Catharine Wilson and William Blair
This indenture made this twenty-fifth day of December one thousand eight hundred and one between Joshua Wilson and Caty his wife of Montgomery county and State of Virginia of the one party and William Blair of the said county … the said Joshua Wilson and Caty his wife for and in consideration of one hundred and twelve pounds to them in hand paid by the said William Blair the receipt whereof …. A certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred and fifty acres being and lying in Montgomery County on the waters of Brush Creek Roanoke adjoining the land of Christopher Cooper and John Cooper and being a part of a survey of two hundred acres of which John Cooper claims a right to fifty acres to wit beginning at a white oak … the dividing ridge so as to include that part of the survey that Brush Creek waters is on with all the advantages belonging there to the said William Blair his heirs and assigns forever … Signed in the presence of Patience Terry and Margaret Reynolds Signed Joshua Wilson, his mark, and Catharine Wilson At Montgomery March Court 1802 deed ordered to be recorded.
Deed made December 25, 1801 between Joshua Wilson and Caty his wife and William Blair …. For and in the consideration of the sum of thirty pounds … unto the said William Blair, his heirs and assigns forever a certain mill on Brush Creek known by the name of _______ Mill … with a liberty to build a dam and to pan the water to the ford of the creek with the fall of the water one hundred yards down the creek below the dam and the lane on the south side of the creek to dig arrears and whatever land the said Blair may want for to build on and convenient boards about the same with land to support his dam and rear forever with a right to cut any prime timber that the said Blair may want either for building or sawing that is on my land and take it away at any time without being interrupted … the said William Blair and his heirs assigns forever to have and to occupy and prosper and enjoy the said mill seats and privileges to the said William Blair and his heirs forever….. Signed Joshua Wilson and Catharine Wilson Witnessed by William Richards and William Reynolds At Montgomery March Court 1802 This deed of Bargain and sale from Joshua Wilson and Catharine his wife to William Blair was acknowledged in court by Joshua Wilson and ordered to be recorded. Teste: Charles Taylor
1802 Montgomery County Tax Lists April 2 David BrownApril 2Sylvanus Brown April 2 Christopher CooperNote: This is the last time Christopher Cooper shows up on the Montgomery County tax list. He is on the tax list for April 2, 1802, sells four hundred acres on April 14 and apparently leaves for Greene County, Tennessee after that date.
April 2 John Willis
Deed dated February 2, 1802; This indenture made this second day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two between Joshua Wilson and Catharine his wife of the one part and James Townsley of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Joshua Wilson for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred forty seven pounds 181 paid by this James Townsley the receipt to the said Joshua Wilson doth hereby acknowledge hath bargained and sold … unto the said James Townsley his heirs a certain tract piece or parcel of land situated lying and being in the county of Montgomery on Brush Creek a branch of Little River containing two hundred and sixty eight acres adjoining the land of Christopher Cooper and William Reynolds. Beginning at two white oaks on the north side of the creek … against all persons whatsoever will defend excepting the claim of William Blair to whom is reserved a mill seat on the creek and priviledge to make use of any pine timber which may be useful toward building the same ….. No witnesses signed
Deed dated April 1802: This indenture made this the 14th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two between Christopher Cooper and Jane his wife of the county of Montgomery and state of Virginia of the one part and Samuel Huff late of the county of Augusta of the other part witnesseth that the said Christopher Cooper and Jane his wife for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds current money of Virginia to them in hand paid the receipt they do hereby acknowledge have given granted bargained and sold unto the said Samuel Huff and his heirs three different tracts or parcels of land situated lying and being in the county of Montgomery on Brush Creek a branch of Little River. Containing in the whole four hundred more or less each bounded as follows to wit the old survey of two hundred acres Begins at an Ash ….. to a forked white oak corner to Wilson’s….to John Cooper’s corner …. Sealed in the presence of H. Smith, Wm Reynolds, Caty Cooper, Pheby Brown (her mark). Signed Christopher Cooper and Jane Cooper (her mark) At Montgomery May Court 1802 This deed of bargain and sale from Christopher Cooper and Jane his wife to Samuel Huff was proven by the oath of Humphrey Smith, William Reynolds. Caty Cooper, three of the witnesses and ordered to be recorded.
May 18, 1802: First record of John Brown in Lincoln County, Kentucky with the Joshua Wilson family, when he verifies the age of Elizabeth Brown and witnesses her marriage to Joshua Wilson.
1802 Lincoln County, Kentucky Tax List: All on June 23: Joshua Wilson, Joshua Wilson ( 500 acres on Scaggs Creek), Jonas Wilson, Stephen Wilson, John Brown Note: Both Joshua Wilson Sr. and Jr. are back in Lincoln County, along with John Brown, who has either married already or will marry, Joshua’s youngest daughter, Elizabeth. From this point on, the connection between John Brown and the Joshua Wilson family is well documented in Lincoln County and Rockcastle County land records, which I am including in the timeline for anyone who is interested.
1803 Montgomery County Tax List:
Sylvanus Brown Daniel Brown with 1male, 16 – 21. David Brown David BrownNote: There is a Daniel Brown who hasn’t been in Montgomery County before and there are now two David Brown’s instead of one as there has been before. This indicates another Brown family group has entered Montgomery, and they also have a David. John Willis
1803 Lincoln County, Kentucky Tax List: All on the 22nd of June: John Brown, Joseph Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Joshua Wilson, Joshua Wilson Jr., Jonas Wilson
1804 Montgomery County Tax Lists Sylvanus Brown David Brown Jotham BrownJohn Willis
1804 Lincoln County, Kentucky Tax List: John Brown, Joseph Wilson (400 acres, Rockcastle watercourse), Joshua Wilson, Jonas Wilson, Joshua Wilson Jr. (or Sr., I couldn’t tell), 107 acres Scaggs Creek, Stephen Wilson
1805 Montgomery County Tax Lists John Willis Note: Sylvanus, Jotham, and one David are gone, indicating that all of Jotham’s family has now gone except Esther and John Willis who continue to live in Montgomery County until after his death in 1818.
Note: I am no longer including the Lincoln County tax records as the presence of John Brown and the Wilson family is well documented in Lincoln/Rockcastle County.
I am including the following land records found in Lincoln County, Kentucky for anyone who is interested. ________________________________________________________________________
Lincoln County Court Order Books Lincoln County: March Term 1805
John Brown claims two hundred thirty-five acres of vacant land in Lincoln County for settling and improving the same; and satisfactory proof being made, it is ordered that certificate issue according to his location. Beginning in these words January twelfthe A.D. 1804 Lincoln County this is certify that John Brown has located two hundred thirty five acres of land on the North fork of Skagses Creek according to the general act of assembly of Kentucky and Improving the said lands that he located the same lands joining a certain Avis and Kincaid and the beginning of said lands of John Brown. Begin …. The said lands beginning thence as for Quantity.
Signed: John Brown
________________________________________________________________________
March Term 1805
Joshua Wilson now here in court relinquishes his claim to two hundred acres of vacant land in Lincoln County.
________________________________________________________________________
March Term 1805
Joshua Wilson claims two hundred acres of land in Lincoln County aforesaid for settling and improving the same and that satisfactory proof being made to the Court of his settlement and improvement it is ordered that a certificate issue for the same according to his location which follows in these words (to wit). Joshua Wilson by settlement enters two hundred acres of land on the head of Little Brush Creek. Beginning at two white oaks William Carson’s south corner thence northwest till it strikes Alexander’s line and with the same till it strikes the fork thence up the fork till the head thence to the beginning.
Lincoln County Survey Book
February 24, 1806 Surveyed for John Brown 180 acres of land by virtue of part of a certificate No.granted by the County Court of Lincoln in March 1805. Lying in said county of Lincoln on the west fork of Scaggses Creek including his improvements, and bounded as follows. Beginning ata white oak, dogwood, and gum on Samuel Ayres Line, thence west 50 poles to a white oak and poplar, thence N. 30 W. 74 ……….to two white oaks on a line of Robert Wares 1000 acre survey … Samuel Ayres corner thence along his line S. 15 E. 292 poles to the beginning.
John Shanks D.S. Jon A. Forbes S. L. G. S. C. men ) Jn. O Taylor, Jas. Wilson Jn.o Brown marker and director
Lincoln County Survey Book
February 25, 1806, Surveyed for Joshua Wilson Jr. 200 acres of land by virtue of a certificate No granted by the County Court of Lincoln in March 1805 lying in said County of Lincoln on the head of Little Brush Creek , and bounded as follows (to wit), Beginning at the S.W. corner of Robert Ware’s 1000 acre survey at two white oaks …. Three white oaks on Alexander’s line … William North’s line …… on Robert Ware’s line thence along said line West 35 poles to the beginning. S. Chairmen: Jn. o Brown, Jan. A Durman Joshua Wilson Jr. marker and director
John Shanks D.S. Jon. A. Forbes S.L. C.
1806 February (surveyed 180 acres)
John Brown enters 235 acres of land by virture of a certificate granted at the March Term of the Lincoln County Court 1805 on the North fork of Scaggs Creek joining a certain Aivvs Jrns Kincaid and the beginning of said lands of John Browns. Begins (vvl, the said lands beginning thence as for quantiy.
Joshua Wilson Jr. enters 200 acres of land by virtue of a certificate granted at the March Term of the Lincoln County Court 1805. Beginning on the head of Little Brush Creek at two white oaks William Carson’s south corner thence N.W. till it strikes Alexander’s line and with the same till it strikes a line of the land called Col. Knoxes thence with the same S. C. for quantity.
As you can see from the land and tax records, the connection between John Brown son of Jotham, and the Joshua Wilson family who came to Skagg’s Creek, in Lincoln County in the early 1800’s is clear. When that information is combined with the use of the family name, Jotham (John Brown named a son Jotham, that son Jotham named his son Jotham W., and John Brown’s son, Wilson, named a son Jotham), the evidence seems compelling that John Brown of Rockcastle County is the son of Jotham and Phebe Brown. I also noticed in the Rockcastle County census records for 1860 that John Brown’s daughter, Nancy, who married William Adams, named a son, William Johnston. Johnston is the maiden name of Phebe, wife of Jotham. I also noticed that John Brown, himself, had a son named William J. Could he also be William Johnston? This would indicate another connection with the Jotham Brown family. As I said before, I found no evidence in Greene County, Tennessee to lead me to believe that Jotham’s son, John, went there with the rest of the family. While there were mentions of John Brown in the Greene County records, none seemed connected to this family. John Brown is, after all, a very common name.
Although I found no proof that John Brown of Rockcastle County was the son of Jotham and Phebe, I am satisfied, for now, with the circumstantial evidence. I hope, however, that others will not be content with this research, and will continue to look for clues that may eventually dispel any doubts one way or the other.
Rita Brown Sampson, July 2003
|