Chief Powhatan

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Paramount chief of Tsenacommacah, an alliance of Algonquian-speaking Virginia Indians

Notes:

Chief Powhatan (died 1618), whose proper name was Wahunsenacawh (sometimes spelled Wahunsonacock), was the paramount chief of Tsenacommacah, an alliance of Algonquian-speaking Virginia Indians in the Tidewater region of Virginia at the time English settlers landed at Jamestown in 1607.

Powhatan, who led the main political and military power facing the early colonists, was probably the older brother of Opechancanough, who led attacks against the English in 1622 and 1644. He was the father of Pocahontas, who eventually converted to Christianity and married the settler John Rolfe

Name[edit]

In 1607, the English colonists were introduced to Wahunsenacawh as Powhatan and understood this latter name to come from Powhatan's hometown near the falls of the James River near present-day Richmond, Virginia.[1]

Seventeenth-century English spellings were not standardized, and representations were many of the sounds of the Algonquian language spoken by Wahunsenacawh and his people. Charles Dudley Warner, writing in the 19th century, but quoting extensively from John Smith's 17th-century writings, in his essay on Pocahontas states: "In 1618 died the great Powhatan, full of years and satiated with fighting and the savage delights of life. He had many names and titles; his own people sometimes called him Ottaniack, sometimes Mamauatonick, and usually in his presence Wahunsenasawk." Many variants are used in texts:


Life[edit]

Little is known of Powhatan's life before the arrival of English colonists in 1607. He apparently inherited the chiefdom of about 4-6 tribes, with its base at the fall line near present-day Richmond. Through diplomacy and/or force, he had assembled a total of about 30 tribes into the Powhatan Confederacy by the early 17th century. The confederacy was estimated to include 10,000-15,000 people.[2]

In December 1607, English soldier and pioneer John Smith, one of the Jamestown colony's leaders, was captured by a hunting expedition led by Opechancanough, the younger brother of Chief Powhatan. Smith was taken to Werowocomoco, Powhatan's capital along the York River. Smith recounted in 1624 that Pocahontas (whose given name was Matoaka), one of Powhatan's daughters, kept her father from executing him. However, since Smith's 1608 and 1612 reports omitted this account, many historians have doubted its accuracy. Some believe that the event Smith recounted as a prelude to his execution was an adoption ceremony by which Smith was ritually accepted as subchief of the town of Capahosic in Powhatan's alliance.[3] As the historian Margaret Williamson Huber has written, "Powhatan calculated that moving Smith and his men to Capahosic would keep them nearby and better under his control."[1]

In January 1609, Smith recorded directing some of his men to build an English-style house for Powhatan at Werowocomoco, in exchange for food supplies for the hungry English colony.[4] Both sides looked for opportunities to surprise one another. Smith proceeded to Opechancanough's village. When ambushed, he held the chief at gunpoint before the warriors. When Smith returned to Werowocomoco, he found the house unfinished and the place abandoned. The men had deserted to the Powhatan side. At a village now called Wicomico in Gloucester County, the reconstructed ruins of what were traditionally believed to be the chimney and part of the building for Powhatan are known as Powhatan's Chimney.

Since 2003, state officials and researchers have concluded the likely site of Werowomocomo is further west along the York River at Purtan Bay. There archeologists have found evidence of a large residential settlement dating to 1200, with major earthworks built about 1400. They have found extensive artifacts, including European goods, which indicate likely interaction with the English in the early 17th century. In 2006 the Werowomocomo Archeological Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Excavations continue by a team headed by the College of William and Mary.

Powhatan made his next capital at Orapake, located about 50 miles (80 km) west in a swamp at the head of the Chickahominy River. The modern-day interchange of Interstate 64 and Interstate 295 is near this location. Sometime between 1611 and 1614, Powhatan moved further north to Matchut, in present-day King William County on the north bank of the Pamunkey River, near where his younger brother Opechancanough ruled at Youghtanund.

By the time Smith left Virginia in 1609, the fragile peace between colonists and Algonquians was already beginning to fray. Soon conflict led to the First Anglo-Powhatan War, and further English expansion beyond Jamestown and into Powhatan's territory. The English effectively destroyed two subtribes, the Kecoughtan and the Paspahegh, at the beginning of this war. Powhatan sent Nemattanew to operate against the English on the upper James River, though they held out at Henricus. With the capture of Pocahontas by Captain Samuel Argall in 1613, Powhatan sued for peace. It came about after her alliance in marriage on April 5, 1614 to John Rolfe, a leading tobacco planter. Rolfe's longtime friend, Reverend Richard Buck presided the wedding. Prior to the wedding, Reverend Alexander Whitaker converted Pocahontas and renamed her "Rebecca" at her baptism.


Whitaker (left, in white vestments) as portrayed in The Baptism of Pocahontas, 1840, by John Gadsby Chapman
Meanwhile, the English continued to expand along the James riverfront. The aged Powhatan's final years have been called "ineffectual" (Rountree 1990). Opechancanough became the greater Native power in the region. Upon the death of Wahunsunacock in 1618, his next younger brother Opitchapam officially became paramount chief. However, Opechancanough, the youngest brother, had achieved the greatest power and effectively became the Powhatan. By initiating the Indian Massacre of 1622, and attacks in 1644, he attempted to force the English from Virginia. These attempts met with strong reprisals from the English, ultimately resulting in the near destruction of the tribe.

Through his daughter Pocahontas (and her marriage to the English colonist John Rolfe), Wahunsunacock was the grandfather of Thomas Rolfe. The numerous Rolfe family descendants comprised one of the First Families of Virginia, one with both English and Virginia Indian roots. The modern Mattaponi and Patawomeck tribes believe that Powhatan's line also survives through Ka-Okee, Pocahontas' daughter by her first husband Kocoum.[5]

According to one legend, Chief Powhatan, returning homeward from a battle near what is now Philadelphia,[6] stopped at the Big Spring on Sligo Creek (present-day Takoma Park, Maryland near Washington, DC) to recuperate from his wounds in the medicinal waters there.[7] Modern historians have dismissed this tale as lacking credibility; nonetheless, a commemorative sculpture of Chief Powhatan has stood at the site since 1985.[8].

Biography

Powhatan was the father of Pocahontas. Powhatan had inherited the leadership of a few tribes, which he built into a loose empire controlling Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers. This corresponds to Eastern Virginia, most of Maryland, and Delaware. Each Powhatan tribe had its own village, with houses of bark over wooden frames. They planted corn and tobacco, hunted and fished. Every few years, the local land would be depleted, so they would abandon the old village and rebuild a few miles away.

In 1607, English colonists of the Virginia Company arrived, hoping to make their fortune. Initially, they built a wooden fort, James Fort, which gradually became the English colonial village of James Towne, or Jamestown. Relations in the early days were chaotic. On any given week, the settlers at James Fort could be fighting with one of Powhatan's tribes, while trading peacefully with others. Powhatan lived long, and allegedly had 100 wives, with one child by each. There were a dozen known children of his; Pocohantas was his favorite. King James had Powhatan coronated Emperor of Virginia. (This made Pocahontas a princess, theoretically outranking the English nobility when she visited England.)

John Smith wrote:

"What he commandeth they dare not disobey in the least thing. It is strange to see with what great feare and adoration all these people doe obay this Powhatan. For at his feet, they present whatsoever he commandeth, and at the least frowne of his browe, their greatest spirits will tremble with feare: and no marvell, for he is very terrible and tyrannous in punishing such as offend him." [1]

Appearance

John Smith described Powhatan as follows: "...their Emperor proudly [lay] upon a bedstead a foot high upon ten or twelve mats, richly hung with many chains of great pearls about his neck, and covered with a great covering of Rahaughcums [raccoon skins]. At his head sat a woman, at his feet another, on each side, sitting upon a mat upon the ground, were ranged his chief men on each side [of] the fire, ten in a rank, and behind them as many young women, each a great chain of white beads over their shoulders, their heads painted in red, and [he] with such a grave a majestical countenance as drove me into admiration to see such state in a naked savage." [2]

Family/Spouse: Unnamed Native American. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Pocahontas (born Matoaka, known as Amonute, and later known as Rebecca Rolfe, c. 1595 – March 1617) was a Virginia Indian[1][2][3] notable for her association with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief[1] of a network of tributary tribal nations in the Tsenacommacah, encompassing the Tidewater region of Virginia. In a well-known historical anecdote, she is said to have saved the life of an Indian captive, Englishman John Smith, in 1607 by placing her head upon his own when her father raised his war club to execute him.

Pocahontas was captured by the English during Anglo-Indian hostilities in 1613, and held for ransom. During her captivity, she converted to Christianity and took the name Rebecca. When the opportunity arose for her to return to her people, she chose to remain with the English. In April 1614, she married tobacco planter John Rolfe, and in January 1615, bore him a son, Thomas Rolfe. Pocahontas's marriage to Rolfe was the first recorded interracial marriage in North American history.[4]

In 1616, the Rolfes traveled to London. Pocahontas was presented to English society as an example of the civilized "savage" in hopes of stimulating investment in the Jamestown settlement. She became something of a celebrity, was elegantly feted, and attended a masque at Whitehall Palace. In 1617, the Rolfes set sail for Virginia, but Pocahontas died at Gravesend of unknown causes. She was buried in a church in Gravesend, but the exact location of her grave is unknown.

Early life
Pocahontas's birth year is unknown, but some historians estimate it to have been around 1595 based on the accounts of Captain John Smith. In A True Relation of Virginia (1608), Smith described the Pocahontas he met in the spring of 1608 as being "a child of tenne years old".[5] In a letter written in 1616, he again described her as she was in 1608, but this time she had grown slightly to "a child of twelve or thirteen years of age".[6]

Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief of Tsenacommacah, an alliance of about thirty Algonquian-speaking groups and petty chiefdoms in Tidewater, Virginia.[7] Her mother, whose name and specific group of origin are unknown, was one of dozens of wives taken by Powhatan; each wife gave him a single child and then was sent back to her village to be supported by the paramount chief until she found another husband.[8]

Pocahontas's childhood was probably little different from that of most girls who lived in Tsenacommacah. She learned how to perform what was considered to be women's work, which included foraging for food and firewood, farming, and searching for the plant materials used in building thatched houses.[9] As she grew older, she probably helped other members of Powhatan's household with preparations for large feasts.[8] Serving feasts such as the one presented to John Smith after his capture was a regular obligation of the mamanatowick, or paramount chief.[10]

Names
At the time Pocahontas was born, it was common for Powhatan Native Americans to be given several personal names, to have more than one name at the same time, to have secret names that only a select few knew, and to change their names on important occasions. Bestowed at different times, the names carried different meanings and might be used in different contexts.[11] Pocahontas was no different. Early in her life she was given a secret name, Matoaka, but later she was also known as Amonute. None of these names can be translated.[12]

The name Pocahontas was a childhood nickname that probably referred to her frolicsome nature; according to the colonist William Strachey, it meant "little wanton".[13] The 18th-century historian William Stith claimed that "her real name, it seems, was originally Matoax, which the Indians carefully concealed from the English and changed it to Pocahontas, out of a superstitious fear, lest they, by the knowledge of her true name, should be enabled to do her some hurt."[14] According to the anthropologist Helen C. Rountree, Pocahontas "revealed [her secret name] to the English only after she had taken another religious—baptismal—name, Rebecca".[15]

Pocahontas's Christian name, Rebecca, may have been a symbolic gesture to Rebecca of the Book of Genesis who, as the mother of Jacob and Esau, was the mother of two "nations", or distinct peoples. Pocahontas, as a Powhatan marrying an Englishman, may have been seen by herself and by her contemporaries as being also, potentially, the mother of two nations.

Title and status
Pocahontas has been considered in popular culture to be a princess. In 1841, William Watson Waldron of Trinity College, Dublin, in Ireland, published Pocahontas, American Princess: and Other Poems, calling Pocahontas "the beloved and only surviving daughter of the king".[17] Indeed, Pocahontas was a favorite of her father's—his "delight and darling", according to the colonist Captain Ralph Hamor[18]—but she was not in line to inherit a position as a weroance, subchief, or mamanatowick (paramount chief). Instead, Powhatan's brothers, sisters, and his sisters' children all stood in line to succeed him.[19] In his A Map of Virginia John Smith explained how matrilineal inheritance worked among the Powhatans:

His [Powhatan's] kingdome descendeth not to his sonnes nor children: but first to his brethren, whereof he hath three namely Opitchapan, Opechanncanough, and Catataugh; and after their decease to his sisters. First to the eldest sister, then to the rest: and after them to the heires male and female of the eldest sister; but never to the heires of the males.

Mother
Pocahontas's mother's status would have been lowly. In his Relation of Virginia (1609), the colonist Henry Spelman, who had lived among the Powhatan serving as an interpreter, noted Chief Powhatan's many wives. Each wife gave the paramount chief one child, after which she not only resumed her status as a commoner but was also sent back where she had come from.[20]

The Virginia Company of London had long seen one of its primary goals as the conversion of Native Americans to Christianity. With the conversion of Pocahontas and her marriage to an Englishman–all of which helped bring an end to the First Anglo-Powhatan War–the company saw an opportunity to promote investment. The company decided to bring Pocahontas to England as a symbol of the tamed New World "savage" and the success of the Jamestown settlement.[49] In 1616, the Rolfes traveled to England, arriving at the port of Plymouth on June 12.[50] They journeyed to London by coach, accompanied by a group of about eleven other Powhatans, including a holy man named Tomocomo.[51] John Smith was living in London at the time and while Pocahontas was in Plymouth, she learned he was still alive.[52] Smith did not meet Pocahontas, but wrote to Queen Anne, the wife of King James, urging that Pocahontas be treated with respect as a royal visitor. He suggested that if she were treated badly, her "present love to us and Christianity might turn to ... scorn and fury", and England might lose the chance to "rightly have a Kingdom by her means".[6]

Pocahontas was entertained at various society gatherings. On January 5, 1617, she and Tomocomo were brought before the king at the old Banqueting House in the Palace of Whitehall at a performance of Ben Jonson's masque The Vision of Delight. According to Smith, King James was so unprepossessing that neither Pocahontas nor Tomocomo realized whom they had met until it was explained to them afterward.[52]

Although Pocahontas was not a princess in the context of Powhatan culture, the Virginia Company nevertheless presented her as a princess to the English public. The inscription on a 1616 engraving of Pocahontas, made for the company, reads: "MATOAKA ALS REBECCA FILIA POTENTISS : PRINC : POWHATANI IMP:VIRGINI¥", which means: "Matoaka, alias Rebecca, daughter of the most powerful prince of the Powhatan Empire of Virginia". Many English at this time recognized Powhatan to be the ruler of an empire, and they presumably accorded to his daughter what they considered appropriate status. Smith's letter to Queen Anne refers to "Powhatan their chief King".[6] Samuel Purchas recalled meeting Pocahontas in London, writing that she impressed those she met because she "carried her selfe as the daughter of a king".[53] When he met her again in London, Smith referred to Pocahontas deferentially as a "Kings daughter".[54]

Pocahontas was apparently treated well in London. At the masque, her seats were described as "well placed",[55] and, according to Purchas, John King, Bishop of London, "entertained her with festival state and pomp beyond what I have seen in his greate hospitalitie afforded to other ladies."[56]

Not all the English were so impressed. According to Helen C. Rountree, "there is no contemporary evidence to suggest ... that Pocahontas was regarded [in England] as anything like royalty." Rather, she was considered to be something of a curiosity and, according to one observer, she was merely "the Virginian woman".[19]

Pocahontas and Rolfe lived in the suburb of Brentford, Middlesex, for some time, as well as at Rolfe's family home at Heacham Hall, Heacham, Norfolk. In early 1617, Smith met the couple at a social gathering, and later wrote that when Pocahontas saw him, "without any words, she turned about, obscured her face, as not seeming well contented", and was left alone for two or three hours. Later, they spoke more; Smith's record of what she said to him is fragmentary and enigmatic. She reminded him of the "courtesies she had done", saying, "you did promise Powhatan what was yours would be his, and he the like to you." She then discomfited him by calling him "father", explaining Smith had called Powhatan "father" when a stranger in Virginia, "and by the same reason so must I do you". Smith did not accept this form of address because, he wrote, Pocahontas outranked him as "a King's daughter". Pocahontas then, "with a well-set countenance", said:

Were you not afraid to come into my father's country and caused fear in him and all his people (but me) and fear you here I should call you 'father'? I tell you then I will, and you shall call me child, and so I will be for ever and ever your countryman.[52]

Finally, Pocahontas told Smith that she and her fellow Native Americans had thought him dead, but her father had told Tomocomo to seek him "because your countrymen will lie much".[52]

Death

Statue of Pocahontas in Saint George's church, Gravesend, Kent, England
In March 1617, Rolfe and Pocahontas boarded a ship to return to Virginia; the ship had only sailed as far as Gravesend on the river Thames when Pocahontas became gravely ill.[57] She was taken ashore and died in John Rolfe's arms at the age of twenty-two. It is not known what caused her death, but theories range from smallpox, pneumonia, or tuberculosis, to her having been poisoned.[58] According to Rolfe, she died saying, "all must die, but tis enough that her child liveth".[59] Her funeral took place on March 21, 1617, in the parish of Saint George's, Gravesend.[60] The site of her grave is thought to be underneath the church's chancel, though since that church was destroyed in a fire in 1727 her exact gravesite is unknown.[61] Her memory is honored with a life-size bronze statue at St. George's Church by William Ordway Partridge.[62]

Pocahontas, Indian name Matoaka (1595?-1617), American Indian princess, daughter of Powhatan, ruling chief and founder of the Powhatan confederacy of Algonquian Indian tribes; born in Virginia. According to a legend, in 1608 she saved the life of Captain John Smith by holding his head in her arms as he was about to be clubbed to death by her father's warriors.

Many historians doubt the story, which is not found in Smith's detailed personal narrative written at the time. The story first appeared in Smith's Generall Historie of Virginia (1624).

In 1612 Pocahontas was captured by the English, taken to Jamestown, and baptized Rebecca.

In 1614 she married John Rolfe, one of the colonists, with the blessings of both the governor and her father. Eight years of peace between the Indians and the English followed the marriage.

In 1616 Pocahontas went to England, where she met the king and queen and was received with royal honor. She died on the eve of her return to Virginia and was buried in the chapel of the parish church in Gravesend, England. She and her husband had one son Thomas, from whom many prominent Virginians claim descent.

Biographic entry: B1510

"Pocahontas," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1993 Microsoft Corporation. PocahontasCopyright (c) 1993 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation

Pocahontas, the daughter of Native American Chief Powhatan, converted to Christianity in 1612, was baptized, fell in love with Jamestown colonist John Rolfe, and one year later married Rolfe. When she sailed to London with her husband, the English thought of her as an Indian princess. While waiting to sail back to America, she became ill with smallpox and died.

Culver Pictures, Inc.

"Pocahontas," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1993 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1993 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation

Birth:
Map & history of Werowocomoco ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werowocomoco

Died:
possibly of consumption (archaic name for tuberculosis)

Buried:
in the St. George's Church cemetery...

Pocahontas married John Rolfe, The Immigrant on 5 Apr 1614 in Jamestown, Virginia. John (son of John Eustace Rolfe, Sr. and Dorothea Mason) was born on 6 May 1685 in Heacham, Norfolk, England; died in 1621-1622 in Jamestown, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alt Death: 0___ 1680, Richmond, Virginia

Notes:

Thomas Rolfe, the son of John Rolfe and Pocahontas was born in Virginia in 1615 and was taken to England by his parents. When his mother died and his father returned to Virginia, im March 1616-17 he was left at Plymouth under the care of sir Lewis stukeley, who became so notoroious and generally detested for his treachery to Sir Walter Raleigh. Thomas Rolfe was afterwards removed to the care of his uncle Henry Rolfe, of London, who was a member of the Virginia Company. The boy remained with him for a number of years.

On August 23rd 1618 the Virginia Company wrote to Governor Argall in Virginia. "We cannot imagine why you should give us warning that Opechankano and the natives have given the country to Mr. Rolfle's child and that they reserve it from all others until he comes of years." It would appear from this that the Indians were supposed to have intended that Thomas Rolfe should succeed to the chieftanship of the Powhattans.

In October 1622 Mr. Henry Rolfe petitioned the Virginia Company requesting that he be paid out of the estate of his brother John Rolfe for having brought up the son of his brother and Pocahontas. In a grant of land in 1635 to Captain William Pierce the name of Thomas Rolfe appears among the head rights. This probably indicates the time that he came to Virginia. He was then about twenty years old.

"He afterwards," says Stith, "became a person of fortune and distinction in the Colony." In 1641 he petitioned the Governor for permission to visit his aunt "Cleopatre and his Kinsman Opecancanough." In 1646 as "Lieutenant Thomas Rolfe" he was granted Fort Chickahominy and 600 acres adjoining on condition of keeping a guard there. Between that date and 1663 he patented a number of other tracts of land. There is recorded in Surry Country, in 1673, a deed dated June 20, 1654, from Thomas Rolfe to William Corker, conveying 120 acres in Surry, lying between "Smiths fort old field" and "the Devils' Woodyard," which was the property of Thomas Rolfe "by gift from the Indian King." It appears from various depositions recorded in surry that he at one owned the plantation called "Smiths fort," 1200 acres, at the mouth of Gray's Creek which he sold to Thomas Warren.

One of the deponents states that he was present in 1654 with Mr. Thomas Rolfe in Mr. Warren's "fifty foot brick house" on "Smiths Fort" plantation soon after it was completed.
Warren's "Fifty foot brick house" is still standing, the oldest brick dwelling in Virginia to which a date can be assigned. The farm still called "Smiths Fort" now belongs to a prosperous negro farmer. In addition to the old house there is much of interest in the neighborhood. On John Smith's map of Virginia may be seen at the mouth of Gray's Creek opposite Jamestown, the inscription "The New Fort", Smith states that on 1608 or 1609 he built a fort as a place of refuge in case of being compelled to retreat from Jamestown "on a convenient river upon a high commanding eminence." It has been suggested foolishly, that this fort was the "Old Stone House" on Ware Creek in the upper part of James City County; but any retreat to this place would have been through dense forests which afforded ample cover for the Indians. It seems there can be no doubt that the fort Smith refers to was the "New Fort" on Gray's Creek, and that this was on the "Smith's Fort" tract. About a half mile from the brick house referred to is a high bluff, about the middle of a long bend in Gray's Creek. On the opposite side are wide marshes, and ravines at the sides of the bluff make it something of a promontory. Across the rear of the bluf traces of trenches can be distinctly seen, though the covering of leaves makes them, in the photograph, less distinct than they really are. There can be little doubt that we have here the remains of Smiths "New Fort."

Thomas Rolfe's wife is said (though there is no proof of the correctness of the statement) to have been a Miss Poythress, and he had an only child, Jane, who married in 1675 Col. Robert Bolling and died in 1676. Among the James City records (now destroyed) was the following deed, communicated to the "Southern Literary Messenger" by the once well-known Virginia antiquary, Richard Randolph: "This Indenture made 1st October 1698 between John Bolling of the County of Henrico and parish of Varina, Gent, son and heir of Jane late wife of Robert Bolling, of Charles City County, Gent, which Jane was the only child of Thomas Rolfe, dec'd, conveying to William Brown, of the parish of Wilmington, in the County of James City, one thousand acres of land commonly called the Fort on Chickahonimy River, as per patent granted to Thomas Rolfe (this was fort Chickahominy granted him in 1646).

Thomas Rolfe probably died in James City County, so the records in regard to his will death &c. have been destroyed along with all of the records of that County.

Thomas Pepsironemeh Rolfe (January 30, 1615 - 1680) was the only child of Pocahontas by her English husband, John Rolfe. His maternal grandfather was Wahunsunacock, the chief of Powhatan tribe in Virginia. Thomas Rolfe (and his two marriages) made it possible for following generations, both in America and in England, to trace descent from Pocahontas.[2]

Early life[edit]

Thomas Rolfe was born in Virginia in 1615.[3] He was named after Governor Sir Thomas Dale, who accompanied Thomas Rolfe and his parents on their trip to England aboard the Treasurer in 1616.[4] He was a year old during this voyage, and (being half Native American) was not necessarily immune to the diseases and hardships of the voyage. Thomas survived, but a year later in spring 1617 was stricken with a severe fever, as was his mother.[5]

Just as the Rolfe family was preparing to re-embark on the George ship commanded by Samuel Argall, Rebecca (Pocahontas) died, possibly of consumption.[4] Thomas was left in Plymouth, England with Sir Lewis Stukley, and was later transferred into the care of his uncle, Henry Rolfe.[5] His father, however, sailed without him to Virginia (after being persuaded by Admiral Argall and other members of the journey that his son was too sick to continue the voyage) and this was the last time that the father and son saw one another.[6] Thomas remained in his uncle's care in Heacham until he reached roughly 20 years of age, by which time his father had already died.[2] As Henry raised Thomas, he felt he deserved compensation from his brother, and therefore petitioned the Virginia Council in October 1622, claiming entitlement to a portion of John Rolfe's land.[7] It is assumed that Thomas returned to Virginia in 1635, and there is no further mention of Rolfe's whereabouts or doings until 1641.[8]

Once established in Virginia again, Thomas fostered both his reputation as a plantation owner, and as a member of his mother's lineage.[2]

Family[edit]

As Rolfe was a child of an Englishman and a Native American woman, some aspects of his life were particularly controversial. He expressed interest in rekindling relations with his Native American relatives, despite societal ridicule and laws that forbade such contact. In 1641, Rolfe petitioned the governor for permission to visit his "aunt, Cleopatra, and his kinsman Opecanaugh".[7]

Rolfe married Elizabeth Washington in September 1632 at St James's Church in Clerkenwell and they had a daughter named Anne Rolfe in 1633. Elizabeth died shortly after Anne's birth. Anne Rolfe married Peter Elwin (Elwyn) and through that line many people claim descent from Pocahontas and John Rolfe.

He later married a woman named Jane Poythress, who was the daughter of Captain Francis Poythress, a prosperous landowner in Virginia.[8] They had a daughter together (who was named Jane after her mother).[9] Thomas left his daughter with his cousin Anthony Rolfe to claim his inheritance. In 1698, Thomas Rolfe's grandson John Bolling (Jane's son) released to William Browne his rights in the land, in a deed in which Bolling is identified as "...son and heir of Jane, late wife of Robert Bolling of Charles City County, Gent., which Jane was the only daughter of Thomas Rolf, dec'd..."[10] As confirmed by the 1698 deed quoted above, his daughter Jane married Robert Bolling. Robert Bolling and Jane Rolfe Bolling had one child; their son John was born January 26, 1676.

Land[edit]

While Thomas did receive land from his father, it is believed that a fair amount of his land came from the Native Americans, as well. There were rumors in 1618 that when Thomas came of age, he would inherit a sizable portion of Powhatan territory; this information was transmitted through Argall to London, stating, "'Opechanano and the Natives have given their Country to Rolfe's Child and that they will reserve it from all others till he comes of yeares...." (Mossiker). Thomas's step-grandfather, named Captain William Peirce, received a grant of 2000 acres of land on June 22, 1635 for the "transportation of 40 persons among whom was Thomas Rolfe".[7] He then listed Thomas as heir to his father's land. Prior to March 1640, Thomas took possession of this land which was located on the lower side of the James River.[9]

Thomas also inherited a tract of some 150 acres on June 10, 1654 in Surry County, across from Jamestown; the land was described in a later deed as "Smith's Fort old field and the Devil's Woodyard swamp being due unto the said Rolfe by Gift from the Indian King".[7]

The year after the 1644 Indian attack on the colony, four forts were established to defend the frontier: Fort Henry, Fort Royal, Fort James, and Fort Charles. Fort James was to be under the command of Thomas Rolfe as lieutenant as of October 5, 1646. He was given six men, and was instructed to fight against the Native Americans—his own people;[5]

And it is further enacted and granted, That left.[Lieutenant] Thomas Rolfe shall have and enjoy for himselfe and his heires for ever ffort James alias Chickahominy fort with fowre hundred acres of land adjoyning to the same, with all houses and edifices belonging to the said forte and all boats and amunition at present belonging to the said ffort; Provided that he the said Leift. Rolfe doe keepe and maintaine sixe men vpon the place duringe the terme and time of three yeares, for which tyme he the said Leift. Rolfe for himselfe and the said sixe men are exempted from publique taxes.[11]

Then, on October 6, 1646, Thomas was put in charge of building a fort at Moysenac, for which he received 400 acres (160 ha) of land. This fort was located on the west side of Diascund Creek.[9]

Several years later, Rolfe patented 525 acres on August 8, 1653, "...lying upon the North side of Chickahominy river commonly called and known by the name of James fort...", apparently including the 400 acres he had received in 1646.[12] This James Fort land was repatented by William Browne on April 23, 1681.[10] The tract was described in the patent as "formerly belonging to Mr Thomas Rolfe, dec'd", thus establishing that Rolfe had died before that date.

Death[edit]
The last recorded mention of Thomas Rolfe exists in a land patent from September 16, 1658.[8] While some sources claim that Thomas died in 1680, others claim that the exact year is unknown.

Legacy[edit]
Many non-Native people in the United States claim descent from Pocahontas through her son, Thomas Rolfe, and Thomas's daughter, Jane. Moreover, many people in Great Britain also claim descent from Pocahontas through Thomas's daughter, Anne, by his wife Elizabeth Washington.

The birth of Thomas Rolfe, as he was both white and Native American, reinstated peace between the Powhatans and the European settlements. Early in his career as deputy governor, Argall reported in a letter published within the Virginia Company Records that Powhatan "goes from place to place visiting his country taking his pleasure in good friendship with us laments his daughter's death but glad her child is living so doth opachank".[6]

Pocahontas and Rolfe had one child, Thomas Rolfe, who was born in 1615 before his parents left for England. Through this son, Pocahontas has many living descendants. Descendants of many First Families of Virginia trace their roots to Pocahontas and Chief Powhatan, including such notable individuals as Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, wife of Woodrow Wilson; George Wythe Randolph; Admiral Richard Byrd; Virginia Governor Harry F. Byrd; fashion-designer and socialite Pauline de Rothschild; former First Lady Nancy Reagan; actor Glenn Strange; and astronomer and mathematician Percival Lowell.

Her "blood" was introduced to the Randolph family of Virginia via the marriage of her great-great-granddaughter, Jane Bolling, to Richard Randolph.[63]

Colonial American Figure. His mother was Pocahontas whose father was Chief Powhatan of a federation of the Algonquian Indian tribes of the tidewater region of Virginia

The father of Thomas Rolfe was John Rolfe, a member of the House of Burgess & credited with establishing the planting of tobacco in Virgina Colony.

Thomas was born in the Virginia Colony, probably on Smith's plantation at Jamestown. His mother, Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, gave up her native birth name and took the Christian name of Rebecca when she married John Rolfe.

Thomas' parents' marriage was as much a political action as an action of affection. In John's petition to the Governor for permission to marry Pocahontas, he stated both reasons.

When still an infant, Thomas went to England with his parents, where his mother died about seven months later. His father left him there to be raised in guardianship, while he returned to business interests in Virginia.

Since Thomas spent his childhood in the white society of England and the Virginia Colony, he thought of himself as an Englishman. When he reached adulthood, history recorded that the Virginia Governor granted Thomas permission to meet his Native American uncle, Opechancanough. Nothing was noted of the outcome of this meeting, however.

He served as a lieutenant in the English military, and was granted land at Fort James. By the time he died, his estate showed he held more than one deed and land grant, so he was a man of means in Colonial Virginia.

He married Jane Poythress, and their only child, Jane, married Colonel Robert Bolling. The Bollings had a son, John. He had seven children.

Some researchers suggest Thomas died at age 61 in 1674/75; However a property event dating 23 Apr 1681, lands of Thomas Rolfe, deceased, known as "the Fort Land" were divided and sold - so he was clearly gone before 23 Apr 1681; His only grandson, John Bolling, signed over some of his land in 1698 to a William Brown.

Bibliography:

The Association for the Preservation of Virginia, copyright 1997,2000 at website antiquitieshttp://www.apva.org/history/jrolfe.html

Colonial National Historic Park Jamestown, Historic Briefs: Thomas Rolfe by Megan Snow, NPS Intern from William and Mary
May 2003 at website
http://www.nps.gov/colo/Jthanout/ThomasRolfe.htm

Brown, Stuart E., Lorraine F. Myers, and Eileen M. Chappel. Pocahontas' Descendants. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1994.

Stanard, William. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Volume 21. New York: Kraus Reprint Corporation, 1968.

Early Virginia Families Along the James River: Their Deep Roots and Tangled Branches, Volume III, page 73 (distribution of lands after 1680)

Died:
on Kippax Plantation...

Kippax Plantation was located on the south bank of the Appomattox River in what is today the City of Hopewell in southeast Virginia . Kippax Plantation was the home of Colonel Robert Bolling (1646-1709). Bolling married Jane Rolfe , who was the granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe . Their only child, John Bolling was born at Kippax in 1676, and settled nearby at Cobbs Plantation, just west of Point of Rocks across the Appomattox River in what is now Chesterfield County . While Jane's father Thomas Rolfe (1615-1675) never lived at Kippax Plantation, it is believed that he was buried there.

Kippax Plantation is considered to be a well-preserved archaeological site that is also well documented. Archaeologist Donald W. Linebaugh , of the University of Kentucky , located the remains of Col. Bolling's house in Hopewell, Virginia in 2002.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippax_Plantation

Buried:
on Kippax Plantation...

Kippax Plantation was located on the south bank of the Appomattox River in what is today the City of Hopewell in southeast Virginia . Kippax Plantation was the home of Colonel Robert Bolling (1646-1709). Bolling married Jane Rolfe , who was the granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe . Their only child, John Bolling was born at Kippax in 1676, and settled nearby at Cobbs Plantation, just west of Point of Rocks across the Appomattox River in what is now Chesterfield County . While Jane's father Thomas Rolfe (1615-1675) never lived at Kippax Plantation, it is believed that he was buried there.

Kippax Plantation is considered to be a well-preserved archaeological site that is also well documented. Archaeologist Donald W. Linebaugh , of the University of Kentucky , located the remains of Col. Bolling's house in Hopewell, Virginia in 2002.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippax_Plantation

Thomas married Jane Poythress in 1640-1644 in Hopewell, Hopewell City, Virginia. Jane (daughter of Captain Francis Poythress and Mary Frances Sloman) was born in 1620-1630 in Jamestown, Virginia; died in 0Jan 1680 in Charles City County, Virginia; was buried in Hopewell, Hopewell City, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Death: 0___ 1676, Hopewell, Hopewell City, Virginia

Notes:

Jane Rolfe (October 10, 1650 – 1676) was the granddaughter of Pocahontas and English colonist John Rolfe , (credited with introducing a strain of tobacco for export by the struggling Virginia Colony ). Her husband was Colonel Robert Bolling who lived from 1646-1709. Robert and Jane had one son John Fairfax Bolling (1676 - 1729).
Pocahontas, who adopted the Christian name of Rebecca,[1][2] married John Rolfe on April 5, 1614 in Jamestown . Rolfe's longtime friend, Reverend Richard Buck presided the wedding.[3] They had one child, Thomas Rolfe , who was born in Virginia on January 30, 1615.
She was born in Varina, Henrico County, Virginia on October 10, 1650 [4] to Thomas Rolfe and his wife, Jane Poythress whose English parents were Francis Poythress and Alice Payton.[5][6][7]
In about 1675, Jane married Robert Bolling of Prince George County , Virginia . Their son John was born on January 27, 1676. Jane is said to have died shortly afterward.[4]
John Bolling married Mary Kennon, daughter of Richard Kennon and Elizabeth Worsham of Conjurer's Neck.[4] The couple had six surviving children, each of whom married and had surviving children.[8] As a result, many Americans are today able to claim descent from Pocahontas through her great-grandson, John Bolling.
Rolfe's interment was near her father in the Kippax Plantation , but her birth year was never engraved on her headstone

Buried:
On Kippax Plantation...

Kippax Plantation was located on the south bank of the Appomattox River in what is today the City of Hopewell in southeast Virginia . Kippax Plantation was the home of Colonel Robert Bolling (1646-1709). Bolling married Jane Rolfe , who was the granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe . Their only child, John Bolling was born at Kippax in 1676, and settled nearby at Cobbs Plantation, just west of Point of Rocks across the Appomattox River in what is now Chesterfield County . While Jane's father Thomas Rolfe (1615-1675) never lived at Kippax Plantation, it is believed that he was buried there.

Kippax Plantation is considered to be a well-preserved archaeological site that is also well documented. Archaeologist Donald W. Linebaugh , of the University of Kentucky , located the remains of Col. Bolling's house in Hopewell, Virginia in 2002.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippax_Plantation

Jane married Colonel Robert Bolling, The Immigrant(Henrico County, Virginia). Robert (son of John Bolling and Mary Clarke) was born on 26 Dec 1646 in All Hallows Barking Parish, London, Middlesex, England; was christened on 26 Jan 1647 in All Hallows-by-the-Tower, Barking Parish, London, England; died on 17 Jul 1709 in Hopewell, Hopewell City, Virginia; was buried in Old Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
on Kippax Plantation...

Kippax Plantation was located on the south bank of the Appomattox River in what is today the City of Hopewell in southeast Virginia . Kippax Plantation was the home of Colonel Robert Bolling (1646-1709). Bolling married Jane Rolfe , who was the granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe . Their only child, John Bolling was born at Kippax in 1676, and settled nearby at Cobbs Plantation, just west of Point of Rocks across the Appomattox River in what is now Chesterfield County . While Jane's father Thomas Rolfe (1615-1675) never lived at Kippax Plantation, it is believed that he was buried there.

Kippax Plantation is considered to be a well-preserved archaeological site that is also well documented. Archaeologist Donald W. Linebaugh , of the University of Kentucky , located the remains of Col. Bolling's house in Hopewell, Virginia in 2002.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippax_Plantation

Jane married Reverend James Clack, Sr., The Immigrant in 1695 in (Ware Parish, Gloucester, Virginia). James (son of William Clack and Mary LNU) was born in 1658 in Devizes, Wiltshire, England; died on 20 Dec 1723 in Ware Parish, Gloucester, Virginia; was buried in Ware Episcopal Church Cemetery, Gloucester, Gloucester County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 29 Apr 1727
• Probate: 0Oct 1729, Henrico County, Virginia

Notes:

Besides his business as a merchant Major Bolling was an extensive planter, and also took an active part in public affairs. He was a justice of Henrico in 1699, and in 1707, when he is styled Captain. He appears to have lived in Charles City County in early life, as there is recorded in Henrico, a deed, dated August 1697, from Bartholomew Fowler, gent., of James City Co., to John Bolling, gent., of Charles City Co., conveying 100 acres in Henrico called Varina. It is believed that John Bolling was already in possession of land here inherited from his ancestor John Rolfe.

Major John Bolling was a member of the House of Burgesses for Henrico County at the sessions of October 1710, Nov. 1711, Jan. 1712, Oct 1712, Nov. 1713, Nov. 1714, April 1718, May 1723, and may 1726 (Col. Va. Register).

"Cobbs" is on the left bank of the Appomattox in the County of Chesterfield. It is on quite a high bluff just below a bend in the river. Several wooded islands in front, the hills of Prince George across the river and the distant steeples of Petersburg show an extent of view which explains why John Bolling chose it as a plalce to build his home. The house at "Cobbs," a large frame building was destroyed by fire years ago. A rather crude drawing of it has been preserved.
In the fields near the house site fragments of wine bottles lettered "J. Bolling Cobbs," and "T. Bolling Cobbs" have been ploughed up. All the old tombs have been destroyed.

The will of John Bolling was dated April 29, 1727, and proved in Henrico October 1729. He gives his wife Mary the plantation called Cobbs, (600 acres) which he lived on, for her life; also his household stuff stock of horses, cattle,& c. & c. To "Mr. John Fleming who lately married my daughter Mary," 1207 acres over against Licking [Licking Hole Creek, now in Goochland], five acres, and a sum of money. States that he promised a portion of 430 (english pounds) to his daughter Mary. To his daughter Elizabeth Bolling 1200 acres adjoining the land given to John Fleming, and 200 (english pounds) in money. Gives land at Flat Creek, and certain slaves to be divided between his daughters Martha and Ann. To his grandson Richard Randolph 100 (english pounds). All remainder of estate to his son John. Major John and and Mary Bolling had issue:

+2. I. - John 5, b. Jan. 20, 1700; d. Sept. 6, 1757; married (I) Elizabeth, Lewis, Gloucester Co. she d. s. p., marrried (II) Aug. 1, 1728, Elizabeth Blair.
+3. II. - Jane 5, born 1703, died 1766; married Col. Richard Randolph, of "Curles," Henrico County.
+4. III. - Mar 5 born 1711, died Aug. 10, 1744; married Jan. 20, 1747, Col. John Fleming, of Goochland County. See "Fleming Family," p. II. (She is called "2d daughter" in Fleming Bible).
+5. IV. - Elizabeth 5, born 1709 ( ), died -; married Dr. William Gay, of Henrico and Chesterfield counties.
+6. V. - Martha 5, born 1713, died October 23d, 1749, married in 1727 ( ) Thomas Eldridge, of Henrico and Sussex Counties.
+7. VI. - Anne 5, born __, died 1800 married James Murray of "Athol Braes,' Amelia County.

Major John Fairfax Bolling (January 27, 1676 to April 20, 1729) was a colonist, farmer, and politician in the Virginia Colony.

He was the second son and only surviving child of Colonel Robert Bolling and Jane (Rolfe) Bolling. His maternal grandfather was Thomas Rolfe, the son of Pocahontas and John Rolfe.

John Bolling was born at Kippax Plantation, in Charles City Co., Virginia a site which is now within the corporate limits of the City of Hopewell. He made his home at the Bolling family plantation "Cobbs" just west of Point of Rocks on the north shore of the Appomattox River downstream from present-day Petersburg, Virginia. (Cobbs was located in Henrico County until the area south of the James River was subdivided to form Chesterfield County in 1749).

John Bolling married Mary Kennon, daughter of Richard Kennon and Elizabeth Worsham, in December 29, 1697 at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. They had at least six children whose names appear in John Bolling's will:

Jane Bolling (1698-1766), married Colonel Richard Randolph.
John Bolling Jr. (1700-1757), married 1. Elizabeth Lewis; 2. Elizabeth Bland Blair.
Elizabeth Bolling (b. 1709), married William Gay.
Mary Bolling (1711-1744), married John Fleming.
Martha Bolling (1713-1737), married Thomas Eldridge.
Anne Bolling (1718-1800), married James Murray.
Another child may be a daughter of John Bolling and Mary Kennon not named in his will:

Penelope (c. 1700-1776), married Captain Christopher Clark, and had a son Bolling Clark, two grandsons Bolling Clark, a grandson Bolling Clark Anthony, and several other descendants named "Bolling," "John Bolling," or, indeed, "Rolfe Bolling."

Penelope may alternatively have been the daughter of Edward, the son of Arthur Johnston, and Elizabeth Walker. Indeed, this is the more likely of the two possible origins of Penelope, as a birth record of daughter Penelope has survived. In this case, the various descendants of Penelope named Bolling would have been named in honor of a member or members of the Bolling family.

Major Bolling served in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1710 until his death in 1729. In 1722, he opened a tobacco warehouse in what is now the 'Pocahontas' neighbourhood of Petersburg. William Byrd II of Westover Plantation is said to have remarked that Major Bolling enjoyed "all the profits of an immense trade with his countrymen, and of one still greater with the Indian."

John and Mary Bolling's descendants are the only American descendants of Pocahontas, and include Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, wife of U. S. President Woodrow Wilson, Percival Lowell, who mathematically discovered Pluto, Harry Flood Byrd and Richard Evelyn Byrd, the Randolphs of Roanoke, Nancy Reagan, and John McCain.

Tomb Redicovered
On Sunday, 5-15-2011 William Busby rediscovered John Bolling's crypt! Here is his description of the burial site: "I happened on a large stone marker and above-ground crypt surrounded by a stone wall. It is by itself on a rural property near the Appomattox River here in Virginia. It is for "Colonel Jno. Bolling of Cobbs" who died in 1729. The marker is in good condition, though somewhat darkened. In addition to the usual gravestone information, it has a rather lengthy inscription in a script style that I was unable to read from the other side of the protective stone wall. I am not an expert on 18th Century burials but this grave site strikes me as unusual. The above-ground stone crypt is somewhat larger than a coffin. The grave site, is on a hilltop high above the Appomattox with no apparent water table problems. It has a great view of the river (and I-295). The protective stone wall appears to be the same vintage as the rest of the site."

"This is in Chesterfield County in a small residential area on Cobb's Point, near Point of Rocks and west of Hopewell. It is just north of the Appomattox and a short distance west of I-295. I am quite sure this would have been on his own land. Some distance away near someone's front yard and facing Enon Church Road there is a small historical marker stating this was the site of Cobb Hall owned by Colonel Bolling, a great grandson of Pocahontas."

I want to specially thank Mr. Busby for his taking the time to photograph and share this information here and to post his great photos.

Birth:
Their son John Bolling was born January 26, 1676. Jane is said to have died shortly after the birth...

Buried:
Inscription:
Around this stone lie the remains of
COL. JNO. BOLLING OF COBBS
Great-grand-son of
ROLFE AND POCHAHONTAS
B. 1676 ----D. 1729
He was prominent in his day. Represented his County (Chesterfield) in the
House of Burgesses and was long Lieutenant an office of great dignity
and importance. Being the only great-grand-child of Pocahontas he was
the ancestor of all who derive their lineage from her.

John married Mary Kennon on 29 Dec 1697 in Prince George County, Virginia. Mary (daughter of Dr. Richard Kennon, Sr. and Elizabeth Worsham) was born on 29 Jan 1676 in Conjurers Neck, Henrico County, Virginia; died on 29 Jun 1727 in Cobbs, Henrico County, Virginia; was buried in Cobbs Cemetery, Enon, Chesterfield County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Captain James Clack was born about 1690 in Ware Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. He died on Jun 29 1757 in Near Lawrenceville, Brunswick County, Virginia. James Clack lived the first half of his life in Gloucester County before moving west to Brunswick County prior to 1745. There he lived on his plantation near the county seat of Lawrenceville, in St. Andrew's Parish.

He must have been quite prosperous as he left thirty-seven slaves in his will, a considerable number for that time and place. He was married to Mary Sterling in 1720.

Mary Sterling was born in 1699 in Fredericksville, Gloucester County, Virginia. She died about May 1 1763 in St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia. Children were:

i. Jane Clack was born on Jan 9 1721 in Gloucester County, Virginia. She died in 1792.
ii. Mary "Molly" Clack was born in 1724.
iii. Stirling Clack was born in 1725 in Gloucester County, Virginia. He died before Mar 26 1751 in Lawrenceville, Brunswick County, Virginia.
iv. James Clack was born in 1727 in Gloucester County, Virginia.
v. Colonel John Clack was born in 1729 in Gloucester County, Virginia. He died in 1784.
vi. Sarah Clack.
vii. Elizabeth "Betty" Clack was born in 1733 in Gloucester County, Virginia. She died in 1771.
viii. William Clack was born on Oct 16 1736 in Brunswick County, Virginia. He died in 1802.
ix. Dorothy "Dolly" Clack was born in 1739. She died in 1763.
x. Moses Clack was born in 1741.

James married Mary Sterling in 1719-1720 in Gloucester County, Virginia. Mary (daughter of John Sterling and Mary Martin) was born on 23 Apr 1700 in Gloucester County, Virginia; died on 23 May 1763 in St. Andrew's Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Richard Randolph. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Click on the following link to view John's antecedents & siblings ... http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:John_Clack_%281%29

John represented Servier County when the Tennessee State Constitution was written...

1796 Tennessee State Convention

It will be noticed that at this date there were only three middle Tennessee counties, the three last named. Their population was 11,924, of which 2,466 were slaves, and twenty-six free negroes.

The convention was organized by the election of William Blount, president; William McLin, secretary, and John Sevier, Jr., reading and engrossing clerk. John Rhea was appointed door-keeper. On motion it was ordered that the next morning's session commence with prayer, and that a sermon be delivered by Reverend Samuel Carrick. After resolving on the second day that $1.50 per day and $1.00 for every thirty miles traveled coming to and returning from the convention, was sufficient for each member's service; , the following individuals-two members from each county-were named as members of a committee to ,draft a constitution

Blount County: Daniel Craig and Joseph Black.
Davidson County: Andrew Jackson and John McNairy.
Greene County: Samuel Frazier and William Rankin.
Hawkins County: Thomas Henderson and William Cocke.
Jefferson County: Joseph Anderson and William Roddye.
Knox County: William Blount and Charles McClung.
Sullivan County: William C. C. Claiborne and John Rhea.
Sumner County: D. Shelby and Daniel Smith.
Sevier County: John Clack and Samuel Wear.
Tennessee County: Thomas Johnson and William Fort.
Washington County: John Tipton and James Stuart.

After completing the labor which had brought it together, the convention adjourned February 6, 1796, the session having lasted twenty-seven days.

The constitution adopted was declared by Thomas Jefferson the .least imperfect and most republican system of government which had been adopted by any of the American states. But he must have arrived .at that conclusion hurriedly. It was unrepublican and unjust. It was framed by landowners-and that meant the land speculators. Consider the monstrous provision that all lands should be taxed equal and uniform in such manner that no one hundred acres should be taxed higher than any other, except town lots, which should not be taxed higher than two hundred acres of land each. (The principle was later adopted (in the Constitution of 1834) of taxing lands as well as other property according to their value.) The bulk of the best lands were in the hands of a few men and located nearest Nashville, Knoxville, Jonesboro and other villages; this system of taxation enabled them to hold the lands. More than that, the general assembly, whose members were nearly all drawn from the leisure class and who had the time to be -candidates and the means to be successful, was given despotic powerit elected all judges, state attorneys and justices of the peace. The wealthy class could readily go to the seat of government and see that magistrates (who composed the county court) acceptable to them and their interests were appointed.

The time has never been when the masses could afford not to keep an eye on their public servants.

References:

Tyler, Lyon Gardiner. Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography . (New York, New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co., c1915).

Clack, John, was a burgess from Brunswick county in the place of Edmund Goodrich, who had accepted the office of sheriff, in the sessions of November 1, 1759, and of 1760 and 1761. Married Mary Kennon, and left issue. He was a brother of sterling Clack (q. v.).

Retrieved from ""

John married Mary Kennon in 1743 in (Gloucester County, Virginia). Mary (daughter of Richard Kennon and Agnes Bolling) was born on 29 Jan 1728 in Gloucester County, Virginia; died in 0___ 1794 in Brunswick County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Frances married John Jones(Virginia). John was born in (Virginia). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military: Revolutionary War Patriot

Notes:

SPENCER and MARY CLACK

The Clack family was very well researched by Tommie Hazelwood Clack (1882-1989). She was a school teacher and a strong believer in evidence! Her research was thorough and accurate, according to all the documents she uncovered relating to the Clack family. She, and JA Sharp, wrote an article on Spencer Clack that was accepted by the Tennessee Historical Society and printed in Echoes, May 1958. I cannot write anything any better nor more complete, so I will transcribe her article here:

"Spencer Clack, Revolutionary soldier, settled in Sevier County, Tennessee, in 1788 or 1789. Little is known of his military service except that he was a lieutenant of a Virginia (Henry County) militia company in 1782/83; Captain Tully Choice was company commander. He was born March 28, 1746.

His obituary gave his birthplace as Loudoun County, Virginia, but this could not be accurate for Loudoun County was not partitioned from Fairfax County until 1757 and no Clack records as early as Spencer's birth were found in either of these counties.

Spencer Clack did, however, live in Loudoun County and witness there in 1770 the will of Thomas Beavers; also Loudoun County was probably where he married Mary Beavers in 1766. He sold his lands in Loudon County in 1777 and moved southward to Henry County about 1778 where he purchased land in the latter county. In 1786 when Franklin County, Virginia, was formed from parts of Henry and Bedford Counties, he became one of the first justices of the new county and in 1787 he sold his Franklin County lands, just before his westward trek to Sevier County, Tennessee.

No conclusive proof of the parentage of Spencer Clack has been offered, although various attempts to do so have been made by descendants and genealogists. It does seem certain, however, that he descended from Rev. James Clack, English-born rector of Ware Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, from 1679 to 1723.

Monument located on the lawn at the Sevierville Courthouse; picture taken 2004.

The Spencer Clack home in Sevier County was located on the right bank of Little Pigeon River, immediately below the junction of the East Fork and West Fork of that river. Here in 1808, Spencer obtained an occupant grant from Tennessee for 442 acres; most of this land was on the north bank of the East Fork directly opposite to the town of Sevierville or the Forks-of-Little-Pigeon, as this frontier settlement was known.... Near his home Spencer operated one of Sevierville's first mills, also a cotton gin and woolcarding machine.

Spencer Clack was prominent in the affairs of the Forks-of-Little-Pigeon (Sevierville) Baptist Church from the time of its formation in 1789 until his death. For many years he served as church clerk.

In addition to his church activities he was interested in education and politics. He was an early trustee of Nancy Academy, Sevier County's first school and gave money for its support.

He was one of the five Sevier County delegates to the Knoxville convention of 1796, which drafted and adopted Tennessee's first constitution and he was a signer of that document. He also represented Sevier County in the lower house of the first three Tennessee legislatures, 1796-1802 and in 1801 he served on the legislative committee "to prepare a device and motto" for the Great Seal of Tennessee.

Neither the Spencer Clack Bible nor the Spencer Clack Will have been found; therefore the writers will list only those who were unquestionably children of Spencer and Mary Beavers Clack. Perhaps, in this way, the confusion and error of other Clack descendants and genealogists may be avoided. Good proof exists for the following Clack Children:

1) Martha Clack's marriage to Josiah Rogers occurred in Franklin County, Virginia, in 1786; they apparently came to Sevier County with the Clacks.

2) Rawliegh [Rolly] Clack was first married to Mary Randles in 1791 and after her death he married second to Martha Kerr in 1816; this marriage took place in Sevier County. Sixteen children resulted and about 1820 Rawliegh and family moved down the Tennessee River to Rhea County, where he died in 1842. [note: this is the line from which Tommie Clack descends]

3) Rhoda Clack married James Randles in 1791; they raised a family of twelve on Boyd's Creek in Sevier County. Randles died in 1816, while on a trip to Virginia for salt and was buried somewhere in Washington County, Virginia.

4) Catherine Clack was married in 1794 to Rev. Elijah Rogers, early and well known Baptist minister in East Tennessee; they raised five sons and five daughters at their Sevier County home near the mouth of Little Pigeon, on the French Broad River.

5) Frances Clack was married (1) to Mordecai Gist; after his death she married (2) John Mynatt of Knox County, Tennessee.

6) Mary Clack married William Miller; they left Sevier County at an early date and settled in Meigs County, Tennessee, where she died in 1860.

7) Malvina Clack married Major Beavers; they left Sevier County for Talladega County, Alabama, soon after the War of 1812.

There were doubtless other Clack children but the writers do not believe that Spencer Clack, Jr, John Clack and Nancy Clack were the children of Spenser and Mary Beavers Clack as some published accounts claim....

Spencer Clack's death occurred July 9, 1832 and he was buried in the old Baptist cemetery at Sevierville; the original flat limestone rock with unique carving of Spencer's face and the initials, "S.C." still marks his grave. [note: the original stone is very badly worn and when I visited the gravesite in 2004, there was a large chunk missing from the upper right side and I could only make out the numbers 17. A flat stone had been placed at the grave, and is pictured here].

Mary Beavers Clack died August 14, 1840 and was buried by the side of her husband. At the time of his death a contemporary described Spencer Clack as a 'pious... worthy Christian, kind and affectionate... an excellent neighbor, remarkably even and unruffled in temper.'"

Mrs. Puryear also did very well with her research into Spenser Clack. From her book, "Hollis Pioneers Kin and Kin to Kin," she quotes from several books and articles, including Tommie H. Clack and JA Sharp. In particular, "Family Chronicles and Kinship Book," by Octavia Zollicoffer Bond, is extensively quoted, as is "Virginia Soldiers of 1776, V-2" by Augusta Fothergill.

In her book, the author writes: "It is probable that the mother of John and Spencer Clack was a Spenser and that their father was a son of Rev. James Clack of Ware Parish, Modern-day monument marks the grave site of Spencer Clack in Sevierville Gloucester Co., Va. Their father appears to be identified with the Capt. Clack of whom Mr. Thomas Jett wrote in 1770 to a correspondent, as then being in New York. (Va. Mag. of Hist. & Biog. Vol. 17) but of whom no more is known. Spenser was an ancient and honorable name in the Old Dominion of Virginia. (see Va. Mag. of Hist. & Biog.. V-2, p-33).

Mary Beavers, born 1745, was a descendant of Chevalier Robert de Beauvilliers, of Amelia and Loudoun Counties, Va. The name was shortened to Beavill and later changed to Beavers when French names became unpopular during the French and Indian Wars... Thomas Beavers, died 1779, married Martha ___. Their son, Capt. James Beavers, Captain of Loudoun County Militia in the American Revolution, married ____. Their daughter, Mary Beavers, married, 1766, Hon. Spencer Clack."

From fellow researcher, G. Ronald Herd, comes a transcription of the obituary of Spencer Clack: Knoxville Register issue of 18 July 1832

"Departed this life at his late home, Sevierville, Tennessee, on Monday evening, July 9, 1832, Spencer Clack, Esq. at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 11 days. He was one of the pioneers of the west, being one of the first settlers on Little Pigeon River. He was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, March 28, 1746.
He early took part in the politics of Tennessee, being a member of the convention that assisted in framing the constitution and for many years afterwards a respected member of the state legislature under the constitution he had aided in framing.

He was a pious and worthy Christian of the Baptist faith and died in full faith, believing that there was an everlasting rest prepared for him. He was kind and affectionate in his family and also an excellent neighbor, remarkably even and unruffled in temper, which made his intercourse with the world quite pleasant. He was benevolent and kind to all especially the poor.
Few men have ever lived so completely fortified by courteous principles amidst the vexation and turmoils of life as did the subject of this sketch. He left an aged partner, besides numerous offspring to lament the vacancy occasioned by his death in Tennessee."

Spencer Clack and Family

The text contained in this article is from a Web document that was formerly available at the Sevier County Library's Web site. The document is no longer on-line, but it was located in an Internet Archive. The actual source and transcriber were not identified in the document, nor was there any indication of whether the extraction was complete. Some minor, obvious corrections were made to the text because it appeared to have been mechanically converted (OCR).
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Spencer Clack (1746-1832) by Miss Tommie Clack, Abilene, Texas; and J. A. Sharp, Sevierville, Tenn.

Spencer Clack, Revolutionary soldier, settled in Sevier County, Tennessee, in 1788 or 1789. Little is known of his military service except that he was a lieutenant of a Virginia (Henry County) militia company in 1782-83; Captain Tully Choice was company commander. He was born, March 28,1746. His obituary gave his birthplace as Loudoun County, Virginia, but this could not be accurate for Loudoun County was not partitioned from Fairfax County until 1757, and no Clack records, as early as Spencer's birth, were found in either of these counties.
Spencer Clack did, however, live in Loudoun County, and witnessed there, in 1770, the will of Thomas Beavers; also, Loudoun County was probably where he married Mary Beavers about 1766. He sold his lands in Loudoun County in 1777 and moved southward to Henry County, Virginia about 1778, when he purchased land in the latter county. In 1786, when Franklin County, Virginia, was formed from parts of Henry and Bedford Counties, he became one of the first justices of the new county, and in 1787 he sold his Franklin County lands, just before his westward trek to Sevier County, Tennessee.

No conclusive proof of the parentage of Spencer Clack has been offered, although various attempts to do so have been made by descendents and genealogists. It does seem certain, however, that he descended from Rev. James Clack, English-born rector of Ware Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, from 1679 to 1723.

The Spencer Clack home in Sevier County was located on the right bank of Little Pigeon River, immediately below the junction of the East Fork and West Fork of that river. Here, in 1808, Spencer obtained an occupant grant from Tennessee for 442 acres; most of this land was on the north bank of East Fork directly opposite to the town of Sevierville, or the Forks-of-Little Pigeon, as this frontier settlement was known. The Chandlers and Walkers, Clack descendents, later owned the same place and the old Clack home was located on the same site as the later Chandler-Walker home. Near his home Spencer operated one of Sevierville's first mills, also a cotton gin and wool-carding machine.

Spencer Clack was prominent in the affairs of the Forks-of-Little Pigeon (Sevierville) Baptist Church from the time of its formation in 1789 until his death. For many years he served as church clerk. In addition to his church activities he was interested in education and politics. He was an early trustee of Nancy Academy, Sevier County's first school and gave money for its support. He was one of the five Sevier County delegates to the Knoxville convention of 1796, which drafted and adopted Tennessee's first constitution and he was a signer of that document. He also represented Sevier County in the lower house of the first three Tennessee legislatures, 1796-1802, and in 1801 he served on the legislative committee "to prepare a device and motto" for the Great Seal of Tennessee.

Neither the Spence Clack Bible record nor the Spence Clack will have been found; therefore, the writers will list only those who were unquestionably children of Spencer and Mary Beavers Clack. Perhaps, in this way, the confusion and error of other Clack descendents and genealogists may be avoided. Good proof exists for the following Clack children: Martha, Rawleigh (Rolly) (b. 1772), Rhoda (b. 1776), Catherine (b. 1778), Frances (b. c1783), Mary (b. 1785) and Malvina.

Martha Clack's marriage to Josiah Rogers occurred in Franklin County, Virginia, in 1786; they apparently came to Sevier County with the Clacks. Rawleigh Clack was married (1) to Mary Randles in 1791, and after her death he was married (2) to Martha Kerr in 1816; this marriage took place in Sevier County. Sixteen children resulted and about 1820 Rawleigh and family moved down the Tennessee River to Rhea County, Tennessee, where he died in 1842. Rhoda Clack married James Randles in 1791; they raised a family of twelve on Boyd's Creek in Sevier County. Randles died in 1816, while on a trip to Virginia for salt, and was buried somewhere in Washington County, Virginia. Catherine Clack was married, in 1794, to Rev. Elijah Rogers, early and well known Baptist minister in East Tennessee; they raised five sons and five daughters at their Sevier County home near the mouth of the Little Pigeon, on the French Broad River. Mary Clack married William Miller; they left Sevier County at an early date and settled in Meigs County, Tennessee, where she died in 1860. Frances Clack was married (1) to Mordecai Gist; after his death she married (2) John Mynatt of Knox County, Tennessee. Malvina Clack married Major Beavers; they left Sevier County for Talladega County, Alabama, soon after the War of 1812.

There were doubtless other Clack children, but the writers do not believe that Spencer Clack, Jr. John Clack and Nancy Clack were children of Spencer and Mary Beavers Clack, as some published accounts claim. However, there is a well established tradition that there was a son, Micajah Clack, who was "killed by lighting." And there may have been a daughter named Rebecca Clack, but again we must rely only upon tradition for proof. Also, in 1789, one Sarah Clack (b. c1773) married William Henderson in the "Forks of Little Pigeon," as shown by bounty land papers in the National Archives; they migrated to St. Louis County, Missouri, about 1840. We believe that this Sarah Clack, heretofore unknown to present generations of Clack descendents, was another daughter of Spencer and Mary.

Spencer Clack's death occurred, July 9, 1832 and he was buried in the old Baptist Cemetery at Sevierville; the original flat limestone rock with the unique carving of Spencer's face and the initials, "S.C.", still marks his grave. Mary Beavers Clack died, August 14, 1840, and was buried by the side of her husband. At the time of his death a contemporary described Spencer Clack as a "pious… worthy Christian, kind and affectionate. . .an excellent neighbor, remarkably even and unruffled in temper."

Military:
CLACK, SPENCER <../search_adb/?action=full&p_id=A022403>
<../search_adb/?action=full&p_id=A022403>
Ancestor #: A022403 <../search_adb/?action=full&p_id=A022403>
Service:
VIRGINIA Rank(s): LIEUTENANT, PATRIOTIC SERVICE
Birth:
3-28-1746 FAIRFAX CO VIRGINIA
Death:
7-9-1832 SEVIERVILLE SEVIER CO TENNESSEE
Service Source:
VA MAG OF HIST & BIO, VOL 11, PP 90,92; ABERCROMBIE & SLATTEN, VA REV PUB CLAIMS, VOL 2, PP 511,512
Service Description:
1) 1ST LIEUTENANT IN CAPT WILLIAM RYAN'S CO
2) FURNISHED SUPPLIES, HENRY CO

Buried:
in the Church in the Forks Baptist Cemetery...

Spencer D. Clack h/o Mary Beavers.

This cemetery was established in 1789 to serve as a final resting place for those who attended a log Baptist Church. The church was destroyed in the Civil War . In 1979 Sevierville honored the dead by establishing a small park preserving a handful of stones including a marker for the grave of Lt. Spencer Clack. No records exist for the other graves in this cemetery, which no longer exist.

Spencer married Mary Beavers on 2 Nov 1766 in Loudoun County, Virginia. Mary (daughter of Captain James Beavers and unnamed spouse) was born on 12 Jan 1745 in Colony of Virginia; died on 14 Aug 1840 in Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee; was buried in Forks of the Little Pigeon Cemetery, Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Joel Halbert(Virginia). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Frances married John Calvin Mynatt(Sevier County, Tennessee). John (son of William Cummings Mynatt and Lydia Lyon) was born on 31 Jul 1780 in Commonwealth of Virginia; died on 23 Apr 1867 in Knox County, Tennessee; was buried in Mynatt Cemetery, Halls, Knox County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hanna married William T. Hill, Jr.(Virginia). William (son of William T. Hill, Sr. and Susan Smithers) was born in 0___ 1737 in Caroline County, Virginia; died in 0Feb 1785 in Surry County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"John got a land grant #30830 of 204 acres in Knox Co.,TN on 17 June 1867"...

John married Frances Watkins "Fanny" Hall on 9 Dec 1841 in Knox County, Tennessee. Frances (daughter of William Nelson Hall and Nancy Nelson) was born on 24 Oct 1819 in Knox County, Tennessee; died on 23 Dec 1892 in Knox County, Tennessee; was buried in Mynatt Cemetery, Halls, Knox County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military: Revolutionary War Patriot

Notes:

Birth: Dec. 22, 1759
Death: Apr. 5, 1849

Thomas Hill, father of Abner Hill, Revolutionary soldier from North Carolina, is buried in Anderson Cemetery, Doyle, Tenn., as are many other members of the Hill Family.


Family links:
Spouse:
Catherine Shropshire Hill (1760 - 1854)*

Children:
Elijah Hill (1784 - 1854)*
James Murray Hill (1786 - 1815)*
Jehu Hill (1788 - 1863)*
Abner Hill (1788 - 1873)*
William Hill (1790 - 1846)*
Winkfield Hill (1792 - 1851)*
Jane Hill Bates (1792 - 1853)*
Thomas Hill (1797 - 1880)*

*Calculated relationship

Inscription:

PVT LEEK'S CO
MARTIN'S, N.C. REGT
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
1849

Burial:
Anderson Cemetery #02
White County
Tennessee, USA

Created by: Tom Childers
Record added: Aug 18, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 57320351

end

Notes for Thomas Smithers Hill:

When the Revolutionary War began in 1776, Thomas was 16 years old. He entered military service as a private in June 1776. In his first 3 month tour he was sent to quell trouble with Indians on the Tennessee River. Five years later, in 1781, he served another 3 month tour on an assignment to prevent the British from crossing the Dan River. At about this time, one of the last major battles of the Revolution was unfolding nearby at Guilford Court House, but apparently Thomas did not participate directly in this battle. Finally, he was sent once again to East Tennessee to serve his final tour to protect an area in Hawkins County from Indians.

More About Thomas Smithers Hill:
Burial: Unknown, Anderson Cemetery.
Military service: 1776, Revolutionary War, Private in Capt John Leak's Co. of Col James Martin's Regt NC.

end

White County, Tennessee, Queries

HILL, SHROPSHIRE, ANDERSON, BATES

Please share any info on family of: Thomas HILL 1759-1849 and Catherine SHROPSHIRE 1760-1854.

Children:

Elijah b 1784,
James b 1786,
Abner b 1788,
Jane b 1789 m Robert BATES,
William b 1790,
Winkfield b 1792 m Patsy ANDERSON,
Hannah b 1796,
Cynthia b 1799,
Thomas, Jr. b 1804.

This HILL family came from NC, arrived in White Co. abt 1810. Thomas Hill, Sr collected Rev War Pension in White Co. and died there.

Abner HILL was 'messsenger' of Sinking Creek Baptist Church 1810.

Who did the children marry?

How was John SHROPSHIRE related to Catherine SHROPSHIRE HILL?

Was Thomas HILL, Sr related to the Richard HILL noted in early Deed Records Books of White Co.?

Thanks!

Kathleen Hill -- 2206 Bataan Road, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
jak.ish@verizon.net
Submitted on Fri May 11 00:39:06 MDT 2001

end

Buried:
Inscription:

PVT LEEK'S CO
MARTIN'S, N.C. REGT
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
1849

Thomas married Catherine Shropshire on 17 Jul 1783 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Catherine (daughter of Wingfield Shropshire, II and Jane Jones) was born on 9 Sep 1760 in Rockingham County, North Carolina; died on 11 Feb 1854 in Doyle, White County, Tennessee; was buried in Anderson Cemetery #02, White County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Minerva Cordelia Shell on 30 Sep 1869 in Knox County, Tennessee. Minerva (daughter of William M. Shell and Sarah Adeline Gammon) was born on 6 Dec 1849 in Knox County, Tennessee; died on 20 Apr 1913 in Knox County, Tennessee; was buried in Mynatt Cemetery, Halls, Knox County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Wagon Maker

Notes:

More About Elijah Hill:

Occupation: 1850, Waggon Maker as per 1850 Census at 5th District, Van Buren Co., Tennessee.

Elijah married Sarah Catherine Cummings in 1808. Sarah (daughter of Elder Joseph Cummings, Sr. and Rosannah Medley) was born in 0___ 1786 in Henry County, Virginia; died in 0___ 1864 in Cummingsville, Van Buren County, Tennessee; was buried in Old Laurel Creek Cemetery, Van Buren County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military: War of 1812 - KIA

James married Eleanor Comis Cummings(Virginia). Eleanor (daughter of Elder Joseph Cummings, Sr. and Rosannah Medley) was born in 0___ 1794 in Commonwealth of Virginia; died on ~ 1862 in (Van Buren County) Tennessee; was buried in Sparkman Cemetery, Van Buren County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Robert Patrick Bates. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Winkfield married Martha Patricia "Patsy" Anderson in 0___ 1816 in White County, Tennessee. Martha (daughter of Robert Anderson and Elizabeth Jarvis) was born in 0___ 1798 in North Carolina; died on 26 Aug 1858 in Doyle, White County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cynthia married Gillington Chisholm in 1817 in White County, Tennessee. Gillington (son of Obediah Chisum and Mary Ann Cardwell) was born on 29 Jan 1796 in Barren County, Kentucky; died on 31 Mar 1872 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee; was buried in Chisholm Cemetery SW 60, Schweizer, Simpson County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
of the "Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918"

John married Estelle Lavenia Smith on 28 Dec 1909 in Knox County, Tennessee. Estelle (daughter of Dr. J. Worth Smith and Harriett Elizabeth "Hattie" Harris) was born on 14 Apr 1888 in Knox County, Tennessee; died in 0Mar 1965 in Knox County, Tennessee; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lavina married Squire Johnson in 0___ 1830 in (White County) Tennessee. Squire (son of Charles Allen Johnson and Nancy Adeline Whitely) was born on 22 Feb 1811 in (Tennessee); died on 6 Sep 1872 in (Van Buren County) Tennessee; was buried in Laurel Creek Cemetery, Van Buren County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married George W(ashington) "Squire" Sparkman(Van Buren County) Tennessee. George (son of Thomas Bryant "Bryant" Sparkman and Eleanor Comis Cummings) was born on 18 Jan 1824 in Van Buren County, Tennessee; died on 22 Apr 1887 in (Van Buren County) Tennessee; was buried in Dodson Cemetery, Van Buren County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Stockley D. Rowen Johnson on 12 Jul 1850 in White County, Tennessee. Stockley was born on 13 Feb 1824 in White County, Tennessee; died on 20 Jan 1910 in White County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her family name cited in; "The Fred Clark Book of Cemeteries of White County, Tennessee", Vol. I p. 6

end

Birth: Feb. 24, 1822
Death: Jul. 24, 1891

d/o Winkfield & Martha "Patsy" Anderson Hill


Additional children:

Alexander Winkfield 03 July 1838 White County, TN
William Andrew Jackson 5 Dec 1841 White County, TN
James Wayman 29 Nov 1843 White County, TN
Joseph Madison 12 Dec 1848 White County, TN
George Monroe 9 Feb 1852 White County, TN
Levi Eliphalet 28 June 1860 White County, TN



Family links:
Parents:
Winkfield Hill (1792 - 1851)
Martha Patricia Anderson Hill (1798 - 1858)

Spouse:
Levi Jarvis Kerr (1814 - 1897)

Children:
Francis Marion Kerr (1840 - 1890)*
Thomas Jefferson Kerr (1845 - 1913)*
Benjamin Franklin Kerr (1850 - 1915)*
George Monroe Kerr (1852 - 1852)*
Martha Leannah Kerr Goddard (1854 - 1885)*
Noah Lafayette Kerr (1862 - 1924)*

Siblings:
Catherine Hill Kerr (1822 - 1891)
Elizabeth Hill Sanderson (1825 - 1894)*
Cinthia C. Hill Smith (1829 - 1900)**
Martha Jane Hill Real (1831 - 1920)*
Hannah B Hill (1833 - 1835)*

*Calculated relationship
**Half-sibling

Burial:
Anderson Cemetery #02
White County
Tennessee, USA

Created by: Jenifer Crone
Record added: Dec 10, 2011
Find A Grave Memorial# 81774752

end

Catherine married Levi Jarvis Kerr in 0___ 1837 in (White County) Tennessee. Levi was born on 11 Mar 1814 in Tennessee; died on 26 Sep 1897 in Doyle, White County, Tennessee; was buried in Anderson Cemetery, White County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Arminda Dobbs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: David Vertner Sevier. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jane Sevier. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military: CSA Veteran

Notes:

Biography

Obadiah Chisholm was born on June 26, 1832, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, his father, Gillington, was 36 and his mother, Cynthia, was 32. He married Sarah Jane Womble on December 18, 1855. They had six children in 15 years. He died on April 20, 1895, in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas,, at the age of 63.

Children

Orrie Anna Chisholm 1856–
Arthur Campbell Chisholm 1858–1924
John Gillington Chisholm 1861–1934
James Charles Chisholm 1863–
William Edward Chisholm 1868–
Mary Jane Chisholm 1871–
Obadiah Chisam in the 1850 United States Federal Census

Name: Obadiah Chisam (Obadiah Chisum] [Obadiah Chisholm] Age: 18 Birth Year: abt 1832 Birthplace: Alabama Home in 1850: District 6, Franklin, Alabama, USA Gender: Male Family Number: 745

Household Members:
Name Age
Gillington Chisam 54
Cintha Chisam 50
Elizabeth Chisam 16
William Chisam 21
Obadiah Chisam 18
Mary Chisam 14
Edmond Chisam 12
Obediah Chisum in the 1860 United States Federal Census

Name: Obediah Chisum Age: 28 Birth Year: abt 1832 Gender: Male Birth Place: Alabama Home in 1860: Western Division, Franklin, Alabama Post Office: Frankfort Family Number: 49 Value of real estate: View image

Household Members:
Name Age
Obediah Chisum 28
Jane Chisum 22
Aura Chisum 4
Arthur Chisum 2
Obedeih Chesholm in the 1870 United States Federal Census

Name: Obedeih Chesholm [Obediah Chisholm] Age in 1870: 37 Birth Year: abt 1833 Birthplace: Alabama Home in 1870: Township 3 Range 9, Lawrence, Alabama Race: White Gender: Male Post Office: Courtland Value of real estate: View image

Household Members:
Name Age
Obedeih Chesholm 37
Sarah J Chesholm 34
Ireanna Chesholm 13
Arthur C Chesholm 11
John Chesholm 9
James C Chesholm 7
Willie E Chesholm 2
Obadiah Chism in the 1880 United States Federal Census

Name: Obadiah Chism Age: 48 Birth Year: abt 1832 Birthplace: Alabama Home in 1880: Beat 1, Lafayette, Mississippi Race: White Gender: Male Relation to Head of House: Self (Head) Marital Status: Married Spouse's Name: Sarah J. Chism Father's Birthplace: Kentucky Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee Neighbors: View others on page Occupation: Carpenter

Household Members:
Name Age
Obadiah Chism 48
Sarah J. Chism 42
Orrice Chism 22
Arthur C. Chism 21
John G. Chism 19
James C. Chism 17
Willie E. Chism 12
Military

Obediah Chisholm in the Alabama, Civil War Soldiers, 1860-1865

Name: Obediah Chisholm
Military Branch: Cavalry
Regiment or Unit: 11th Alabama Regiment
Company Unit: H
Enlistment Info: Private
Pension Received?: Yes
Remarks: Pension application filed by Sarah J. Chisholm, widow, witnessed by P.N.G. Rand and David W. Hicks.
Author: Pension record card Marengo County; Alabama pension number 28539.

Obadiah Chisholm in the Alabama, Civil War Soldiers, 1860-1865

Name: Obadiah Chisholm
Remarks: Exempt from military service as Member Court of County :Commissioners, Franklin County.
Author: Governor's correspondence 18
O Chisholm in the U.S., Civil War Prisoner of War Records, 1861-1865

Name: O Chisholm
Side: Confederate
Roll: M598_124
Roll Title: Selected Records of the War Department Relating to :Confederate Prisoners of War, 1861-1865
Obediah Chisholm in the Alabama, Texas and Virginia, Confederate Pensions, 1884-1958

NAME: Obediah Chisholm
APPLICATION DATE: 20 Mar 1908
APPLICATION PLACE: Marengo
SPOUSE: Sarah J Chilsolm
DEATH DATE: 20 Apr 1895
PENSION FILE NUMBER: 19475
APPLICATION TYPE: Widow
Died

Obadiah Chisholm in the U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current

Name: Obadiah Chisholm
Death Date: 20 Apr 1895
Cemetery: Evergreen Cemetery
Burial or Cremation Place: Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas, USA
Has Bio?: N
URL: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-..
Will

Obadiah Chesholm in the Arkansas, Wills and Probate Records, 1818-1998

Name: Obadiah Chesholm
Probate Date: 6 Apr 1895
Probate Place: Washington, Arkansas, USA
Inferred Death Year: Abt 1895
Inferred Death Place: Arkansas, USA
Item Description: Will records, vol C-E, 1889-1915
Sources

Source Citation
Year: 1850; Census Place: District 6, Franklin, Alabama; Roll: M432_5; Page: 224A; Image: 643 Source Information Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=8054&h=18359277&ssrc=pt&tid=7818728&pid=433415522&usePUB=true

Source Citation
Year: 1860; Census Place: Western Division, Franklin, Alabama; Roll: M653_10; Page: 675; Image: 137; Family History Library Film: 803010 http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=7667&h=7307698&ssrc=pt&tid=7818728&pid=433415522&usePUB=true

Source Citation
Year: 1870; Census Place: Township 3 Range 9, Lawrence, Alabama; Roll: M593_22; Page: 162A; Image: 327; Family History Library Film: 545521 http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=7163&h=12761993&ssrc=pt&tid=7818728&pid=433415522&usePUB=true

Source Citation
Year: 1880; Census Place: Beat 1, Lafayette, Mississippi; Roll: 652; Family History Film: 1254652; Page: 226A; Enumeration District: 076; Image: 0455 http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=1880usfedcen&h=8600584&tid=7818728&pid=433415522&usePUB=true&rhSource=7163

Source Information
Ancestry.com. Alabama, Civil War Soldiers, 1860-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Civil War Soldiers. Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=alcivilwarsoldiers&gss=angs-d&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Obediah+&gsfn_x=0&gsln=Chisholm&gsln_x=0&MSAV=1&msbdy=1832&cp=0&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ikq&pcat=39&fh=0&h=197047&recoff=5+6&ml_rpos=1

Source Information
Ancestry.com. Alabama, Civil War Soldiers, 1860-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Civil War Soldiers. Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama.http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=alcivilwarsoldiers&gss=angs-d&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Obediah+&gsfn_x=0&gsln=Chisholm&gsln_x=0&MSAV=1&msbdy=1832&cp=0&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ikq&pcat=39&fh=2&h=197034&recoff=5+6&ml_rpos=3

Source Information
Ancestry.com. U.S., Civil War Prisoner of War Records, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=civilwarpow&gss=angs-d&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Obediah+&gsfn_x=0&gsln=Chisholm&gsln_x=0&MSAV=1&msbdy=1832&cp=0&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ikq&pcat=39&fh=0&h=835891&recoff=4+5&ml_rpos=1

Source Citation
Alabama Department of Archives and History; Montgomery, Alabama; Confederate Pension Applications, 1880-1940; Collection #: Microfilm in the Research Room; Roll Description: Childre, Wade H. - Clark, Henry http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=TexasConfederatePensions&h=2410131&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt&ssrc=pt_t7818728_p433415522_kpidz0q3d433415522z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

Source Information
Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=FindAGraveUS&h=88469242&tid=7818728&pid=433415522&usePUB=true&rhSource=8638 also linked to https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=21596714&ref=acom

Source Citation
Probate records; Author: Arkansas. Probate Court (Washington County); Probate Place: Washington, Arkansas Source Information Ancestry.com. Arkansas, Wills and Probate Records, 1818-1998 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=USProbateAR&h=1872043&tid=7818728&pid=433415522&usePUB=true&rhSource=8054

end

Family/Spouse: Jane Womble. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Brice Hamilton. Brice was born in 0___ 1834. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Nathan Fuqua. Nathan was born in 1836. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Ann Hall. Mary was born in 0___ 1845. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]