Forward This document is the product of years of research into the story of the Glaves/Gleaves Family in America. It primarily deals with the story of ten generations of the families of three brothers. It is the product of my research, as well as many other dedicated genealogists. As you will see, there are many unanswered questions that still remain about the Family history. The first of these questions is the original spelling of the Family name. Today, GLEAVES is by far the most prevalent. Within this document, whenever the Family surname appears in ITALICIZED-SMALL CAPITAL LETTERS, it is as the spelling appears in the referenced document. Whether it is GLAVES or GLEAVES, it is apparent we are all one family. Much of the documentation in this history comes from extracts of the original documents without viewing the actual court record. Where I have copies of the actual documents, I have attempted to make this known, so that others may request copies. There are so many people to thank for helping to pull this project together. Bob Allen helped with the early leads and the Turk and Allen families as well as Turk vs. Raferty. Lois Gleaves, George Wilkerson, and Jean Gleaves added valuable information to the William Gleaves line. Bill Gleaves and Bob Carver contributed their years of research to the Michael Gleaves family. Finally, I need to offer a special thanks to Bonnie Snow, who not only contributed information on the Glaves and Payne Families, but also encouraged me to undertake this project. I'm sure I have missed others who have contributed information and I assure them that it is my oversight and I hope they will forgive me for my lapse of memory. It is my intent that this will become an evergreen document, not intended to be published in book form, (I have a healthy respect for the copyright laws) but rather to be corrected and added to, as the family history evolves. I intend to distribute it in CD-ROM form, so the various branches of the Family tree can update this document with their own records. There is much more to be added to this Family history. I'm sure there are a numerous mistakes in my research. I only ask, that as others expand upon this work, they pass on to me corrections/additions to this manuscript. Thank you, to all the friends I have made along the way in developing this project. Enjoy Dennis Glaves dennis@glaves.org Table of Contents 1. Matthew Glaves ................................ 4 2. Mary Glaves Turk ............................. 15 3. William Gleaves ................................ 29 4. Michael Glaves ................................ 60 5. Elizabeth & Esther Glaves ................ 92 6. Matthew Glaves Jr. .......................... 94 7. The Mary Glaves Turk Line ............. 127 8. The William Gleaves Line ................ 134 9. The Michael Gleaves Line ................ 251 10. The Matthew Glaves Jr. Line ........... 288 11. Missing Pieces ................................. 345 12. Family Facts and Lists ..................... 351 13. Index................................................. 359 1 Matthew Glaves About 1725 - 1760 The known history of the Family begins in the New World. The lineage can be definitely traced back to 1760 in what was at that time, the American Frontier; Augusta County, Virginia. The patriarch, Matthew Glaves, is the earliest known direct ancestor of the family. Very little is known about Matthew's life, a single entry on the tax rolls is the lone record during his lifetime. Court records involving his wife and children do provide valuable insight and are covered in detail later in this chapter. Despite extensive research by several individuals, no authenticated documentation of Matthew's life has been found prior to 1760. Although we lack hard evidence, several versions of the family history, handed down over time, suggest that he was born in England and emigrated to America as a young man. Matthew's Roots: British Ancestry? A book by Mary B. Kegley, contains a biographical sketch of Matthew's oldest son, William. The sketch begins; "The Gleaves family of Cripple Creek were descended from the Gleaves of Cambridgeshire, England. William Gleaves, the first of the name to come to this part of Virginia, migrated to Pennsylvania and then down the valley of Virginia where he bought lands in 1770 as recorded in Augusta County records." The sketch, printed in its entirety in Chapter 3, makes no mention of William's father, Matthew. Glimpses of Wythe County Virginia Sometime prior to June 2, 1925, Dr. Edgar Lee Gleaves of Nashville, Tennessee took notes during an interview with J. Miller Turner as he recited in great detail, the family history of Michael Gleaves, Matthew's middle son. Mr. Turner was the great grandson of Michael Gleaves. Dr. Gleaves then compiled and subsequently updated a document titled The Gleaves Family. It begins: "The original family by the name of Gleaves came from Dillingham, England, to America, the exact date being unknown. Several years prior to the Colonial War they settled in Virginia near Roanoke where several descendants still live." If Mr. Turner was aware of the name of Michael's father, he did not mention it in the interview. Although it contains several inaccuracies, it provides fascinating detail and portions of the document are included in Chapters 4 & 9, which deal with Michael and his descendants. Coming to America Additional research into Matthew's early life in the New World has provided several possible connections, without the elusive, definite proof, researchers are seeking. Most reports list his older children being born in England, which would have him emigrating in the late 1740s or 1750s. Other than family oral history, there is no proof that any of Matthew's children were born before he came to America. It is quite possible that Matthew emigrated to America through the Port of Philadelphia. The Port was a very active during this period and processed more immigrants than the Port of New York. No record or ship's manifest has been found to document the exact date or location of Matthew's entry into the New World. It is even possible that Matthew's parents could have come to America before he was born. There are documented records of several individuals with the Family surnames coming to the colonies before 1700. It appears that they emigrated to Pennsylvania through the Port of Philadelphia (Chester County). * "George GLAVE (GLEAVE) of Knutsford" and his wife Ann Duncalfe of Hale Bowden Parish came to Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1682 aboard the ship "The Friends Adventure". George and Ann had been married in 1679 and came to the New World with their son, John, born September 14, 1680. George appears in the Bucks County Court Records in 1686 where he was fined 10 shillings for assaulting Edmund Bennett. More than 60 years transpire before the next entry is found. In 1752, a report of a wedding at the Concord Meetinghouse in Chester County, Pennsylvania lists among the guests, "Elizabeth GLEAVES" and "John GLAVES". If this were George and Ann's son, he would have been 72 years old at the time. Most families on the guest list are grouped with husband, wife and children appearing together. John and Elizabeth appear separately so may not have been husband and wife. There is no record of any Matthew Gleaves found associated with this family. The Pennsylvania Colony * A second "George GLEAVE" settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1683. He and his wife Isabella, along with their son George, arrived in Philadelphia in September of 1683 aboard the ship "Freindship". George and Isabella were indentured servants to John Hough for a period of four years and their son George until he turned 21. They eventually settled in Burlington County, Pennsylvania where he was a wheelwright by trade. George and Isabella both died prior to 1690 and their son George moved to Shrewsbury Parish, Kent County, Maryland. George married a woman named Sarah and the christening dates of their seven children are documented in local church records there. These seven named children were born between 1703 and 1725, although none were named Matthew. The Pennsylvania Colony * By 1700 the surname had spread to Lancaster County, Virginia. In 1699 the will of "Joseph GLAVE" was probated. It appears that he was a recent immigrant and unmarried as he lists his home as Cheshire, England and leaves all his possessions to his mother, Mary Hill. The Virginia State Library Website * Beginning in 1751, "Isaac GLAVES" (sometimes spelled GLEAVES) shows up in court documents in Lancaster and Bedford Counties, Pennsylvania. His is the only name uncovered at this time. Pennsylvania in 1780 None of these reports reference a Matthew in the family. The Most Likely Link The most promising clues to Matthew's origins begin in England, as family history suggests. Robert Allen, a very meticulous genealogist from California, has done the most detailed research of English court and church records pertaining to the family . He has uncovered the most promising link to Matthew's early years. His recently published paper, entitled, Ancestry and Descendants of Matthew Gleaves, Augusta County, VA and subsequent documents contain his findings. "Family tradition is that Michael Gleaves was born in Willingham, England (although the story says "Dillingham", England, but there is no such place). There are a lot of Gleaves from Williamham, England in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Research of Williamham, England records has discovered a Matthew Gleaves who married Amy __?__ and who was buried on 3/27/1709. He had the following children: Alice, baptized 1675, Ann, baptized 1688, Thomas, baptized 1/23/1680/81, and Elizabeth, baptized 1677." "Thomas, who was baptized 1/23/1680/81, married Anne Sneesby on 9/29/1718 and was buried on 6/22/1740. Thomas had the following children: Thomas, baptized 11/16/1720, Joseph, baptized 1/5/1724/25, Matthew (no information) and John, baptized 3/13/1734/35. Thomas wrote a will in 1740 in which he mentions his sons Thomas, John ('when age 21"), Mathew ("when age 21") and Joseph. This is the only Matthew Gleaves in Willingham in the right age bracket to have emigrated to America and died in Augusta Co., VA in 1760." Bill Gleaves has obtained a copy of the Thomas Gleaves' Will and reports that Matthew was to receive the sum of 150 pounds "at age 21 years". This would mean that the earliest he could have been born is 1720. The names "GLAVES" and "GLEAVES" appear in numerous records in several areas of England and to a lesser extent, in Ireland. At this point in time, there does not appear to be any hard evidence that would definitely link Matthew to a particular location, family or surname. As additional document sources come online through the Internet, this question may be answered. Today it remains an unsolved mystery. Several Pennsylvania court records appear more promising, although neither can be absolutely authenticated. In October of 1745, there are at least two documented records in Pennsylvania relating to an individual(s) named "Matthew GLEAVE". In a book about early Pennsylvania, there is a document entitled "Account of Servants Bound and Assigned Before James Hamilton, Mayor of Philadelphia". An entry dated October 12, 1745 states that "Matthew GLEAVE assigns John Marley (a servant from Ireland on the "Snow George) to serve four years, from September 22. Consideration 20 pounds, with customary dues." Emigrants to Pennsylvania A "Matthew GLEAVE" also appears in a book listing marriage records in Pennsylvania. While most entries have a complete date and list both spouses, Matthew's entry is dated "October __, 1745" and does not list a spouse. There is no explanation for the missing information. It is possible that a portion of the record was destroyed or the explanation may be that this Matthew took out a marriage license but never filed it after the ceremony. Either theory is plausible since they are consistent with the birth of his first child Mary, in 1746. There are reports that the license was actually taken out in Lancaster County, where Isaac GLAVES appears in 1751, although this author has not been able to document this fact. Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790 If either of these two entries pertain to our Matthew, then all his children would have been born in America. Augusta County, Virginia The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia was considered to be the frontier of the American Colonies during this period and Indian raiding parties were still common occurrences. This part of the Valley was settled by the Scotch-Irish and Germans, most of whom came from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware beginning in 1732. The colonial government encouraged them to settle in the Valley, partly to act as a buffer between the English settlements east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Indians to the west and north. A number of small farming communities sprang up throughout its 200-mile length. The Valley served as a natural migration route for settlers who could avoid crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains by entering the valley from the north in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Framed by the Blue Ridge on the east and the Appalachian Mountains on the west, it extends nearly the full length of the present day boundary between Virginia and West Virginia. At the southern end of the Valley, the Cumberland Gap would be used by Daniel Boone and others to spread the westward expansion of settlements into Tennessee beginning in the 1780s. Augusta County, Virginia was created in November of 1738, from Orange County. Until 1770, when Botetourt County was set off, Augusta was the largest county in the world, stretching to the Mississippi River on the west and north through Illinois and a corner of Wisconsin. The name Augusta was given to the county in honor of Princess Augusta, mother of George III of England. During the 1730-1750 timeframe, much of the land in the Valley was deeded by Lord Fairfax of Virginia to land speculators. In exchange for grants of hundreds of thousands of acres, these men agreed to attract settlers to the region. Much of the current County of Augusta embraces the boundaries of the Beverley Manor Grant obtained by William Beverley of Essex County, Virginia in 1736. This grant abuts portions of the Borden Grant to the south. The settlers, under the rule of the British Crown, were organized into the colonial militia. All male landowners were required to enlist in one of the companies of militia, which were formed in their local communities. The militia served two purposes; the first was for the protection of the settlers. A second important function was to provide the British government with a method of identifying taxable individuals within the colonies. The Glaves Family of Augusta County, Virginia The first known fact about Matthew Glaves Sr. is that he came to Augusta County, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley prior to 1760. "Matthew GLAVES" is listed on the County tax rolls for that year as delinquent with the notation "too poor" next to his name. No location of the property is given. There are undocumented reports that Matthew Sr. settled on the banks of the South River, which runs through present day Rockingham and Augusta Counties. The South River is formed when the South Fork of the Shenandoah River divides in Rockingham County near the present day town of Waynesboro. The area is known as Crimora and is on the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This description is consistent with the land dealings of Matthew Glaves Jr. in 1785. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia It is not known if Matthew Sr. came to Augusta County with other family members, although this appears unlikely. No other occurrence of the names "GLAVES" or "GLEAVES" appears in court records other than those of his children. A single entry in May of 1770 names "David GLASE" on a land patent. This author is inclined to think this to be a misspelling of "Glass", of which there were several in the County during this period. As reported earlier in this chapter, there is no documented record of Matthew's marriage, although the Pennsylvania marriage license appears to be highly plausible. Indeed, no other records of the family appear until 1771, more than 10 years after the initial Augusta County tax entry. Up until this point we know nothing about his wife or children. In 1771, things begin to change. 1771 On March 22, 1771, Augusta County Court Order Book #14 contains an entry where a "William GLAVES is appointed guardian ad litem for Esther GLAVES, orphan of Matthew GLAVES, deceased." A guardian ad litem was a person of legal age appointed to litigate a cause of action for a minor child or incompetent person. At this point there is no information as to William's relationship to either Matthew or Esther. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Lyman Chalkley's three-volume Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800 (Rosslyn, Va., 1912-1913) is the most often quoted reference work that contains abstracts taken from the Augusta County court records. This work is not without serious flaws. The document was reviewed before publication by the Daughters of the American Revolution, who found that the abstracts contained an abundance of transcription errors, erroneous dates, misspelled names, material omissions, and other serious mistakes. They concluded that the abstracts were "condensed to the point of mutilation" and that many entries misrepresented the contents of the original documents. It was also pointed out that Chalkley had abstracted only some of the records that pertained to persons and families in which he was interested. "Publication of the abstracts could easily lead to the erroneous conclusion that the absence in the abstracts of information about a person or a family meant that there was no information on the person or family in the county court's records". Despite this criticism, Chalkley published his Extract and it serves as principal resource for research in Augusta County, Virginia. For many years, researchers had no other clues to the Matthew Glaves family. These two small references were the only records of the origins in Augusta County. Only recently, has Bob Allen, a Turk family researcher, uncovered an error that sheds additional light on our ancestors. Turk vs. Raferty Chalkley reports a lawsuit titled Turk vs. Rafferty under "County Court Judgments, March 1772, Vol. I, p. 365". The case involved a dispute over the estate of "Matthew GROVE". Bob Allen obtained a copy of the original records in the Augusta County, Virginia Courthouse that Chalkley viewed in writing his abstract of this lawsuit. The actual record reveals that the family involved in the lawsuit is "GLAVE", not "GROVE". Although the document is quite lengthy and overly verbose, the key points are listed below. Most documents from this time period were drafted using little or no punctuation and sometimes-random capitalization. This document is no exception to that trend. This author has attempted to transcribe this text exactly as it appears in the original lawsuit. You will notice that the spelling of the name appears with and without the "S". Turk & wife v Raferty & wife "George the Third by the Grace of God of great Britain France & Ireland King Defender of the Faith To the Sherif of Augusta County Greeting we command you that you summon Thomas Raferty and Esther his wife To appear before the Justices of our said County Court at the Court House of the County on the third Tuesday in next month to Answer a Bill in Chancery (illegible) whereby Thomas TURK and Mary his wife, William GLAVE and Elizabeth GLAVE, and Michael GLAVE, Esther GLAVE and Matthew GLAVE. Infants by William GLAVE their guardian of this they shall in no wise omit under the penalty of 100 (pounds)" "To The Worshipful his Majesties. Justices of the County Court of Augusta (illegible) on Chancery Humbly Complaining their (illegible) of the Worships Your orator, Thomas TURK and Mary his wife, William GLAVES, Elizabeth GLAVE, Michael GLAVE, Easter GLAVE, and Matthew GLAVE, infants by William GLAVE their guardian -- That sometime on or about the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty your orators' father Matthew GLAVES departed this life intestate without making any disposition of his estate or effects and who at the time of his death was possessed of a very considerable personal estate. Orators having been informed consisting of Horses, Cattle, Hog's, Sheep, Household goods, and all kind of implements of Husbandry. That upon the Orator's father's death their mother Esther, since intermarried with Thomas Raferty the Defendants hereafter named possessed herself of the whole estate (your orators then being infants of very tender years) without ever taking out Letters of administration, soon after which before she disposed of the same intermarried with the other Defendant Thomas Raferty by virtue of which intermarriage he took the whole of your Orators estate into his custody and possession and used possessed and disposed of the same without ever rendering any account to either of your orators or to this worshipful Court. Your Orators Mary TURK and William GLAVES since having come of age have often and in a friendly manner requested him so to do as such on his own account as on behalf of his infant brothers and sisters...." Although there is no record of a judgement, this single document provides a wealth of information about the Matthew Glaves family. It establishes Matthew's approximate date of death and names his wife Esther and his children. It tells us that Matthew died intestate, having no will. The document mentions "horses, cattle, pigs and household items", but no land. The family had probably settled on unclaimed land but had not had the necessary survey done in order to patent it and gain title. The actual lawsuit was dated August 20, 1771, although the case was not heard until the following March. A copy of the actual complaint in Turk vs. Raferty reveals how Lyman Chalkley could have interpreted the surname as "GROVE". The actual document is 2 1/2 legal pages in length. During the Colonial period, the death of a husband required that a guardian be named for any minor children, even if the wife were still alive. The English Laws of Primogeniture were still in force in the Colony of Virginia at this time. Under this law, unless a will stipulated otherwise, the entire estate passed to the oldest son, in this case William. It was not until 1790 that a wife in Virginia was entitled to a third of her husband's estate, now known as her Dower Rights. The guardian (or guardians) was to ensure that the children's portion of the estate was managed properly until they reached majority. In many cases the guardian was a relative. The lawsuit claims that Esther never appeared before the court to have a guardian named for her children. Mary and William are listed as "having come of age" meaning they were no longer considered minors by the court. Male children reached the age of majority at 21 and females at 18. According to the bible of James Turk, his mother, Mary Gleaves, was born on June 12, 1746, meaning that she was 25 at the time of lawsuit. If William was named as Guardian for his sister, Esther in 1771 the latest he could have been born would be 1750. If third child Elizabeth, was still a minor when the lawsuit was filed in August of 1771, the earliest she could have been born would be 1753. Boys over the age of fourteen and girls over the age of twelve were allowed to choose their own guardians and many court records reflect this action. Younger children had guardians appointed by the Court. It appears from the 1771 entry that Esther had not yet turned twelve since William was appointed, not chosen by her. This would place her birth year as 1759 or after. The one question remaining is whether William's being named "Guardian ad litem" would have negated her ability to choose. The "ad litem' entry was not very common in court records. The Matthew Glaves Family If Matthew's children are listed in the lawsuit according to age, we can make a fairly accurate guess as to when they were born. Born Mary June 12, 1746 (Turk Family Bible) William 1747 - 1750 Elizabeth After 1753 Michael After 1753 Esther Late 1750s Matthew Late 1750s or early 1760s It is not known if there are any other errors or omissions in Chalkley's volumes that deal with the Matthew Glaves family. Until someone publishes a more complete extract, we may never know. Esther About 1728 - after 1808 The early life of Matthew's wife Esther has been a mystery and the subject of a good deal of research with very limited results. If Esther were born in 1730, she would have been just 16 when her oldest child, Mary, was born in 1746. It is likely that she was born sometime before that date, although no proof exists. The Mitchell Controversy Esther's maiden name is unknown, although a number of researchers list her as "Esther Mitchell". Thusfar, nothing can be found that would clearly identify her as a Mitchell. There was a Mitchell family in Augusta County in the mid-1700s and John Mitchell was a prominent citizen appearing in numerous court records. John appears on early maps of the Beverly Patent owning 609 acres in the southern end of the grant in an area known as Greenville. John Mitchell was in the Augusta County area as early as 1743 when he is listed in Orange County Court Records (Parent County of Augusta) as turning in a "wolf's head". There must have been some form of bounty paid for destroying predators. A second record that may pertain to another John Mitchell appears November 21, 1754 in a simple entry; "John Mitchell indented servant to John Hanna". There is no other evidence to suggest that our John Mitchell was an indentured servant. Orange County Court Records If Esther was the daughter of John Mitchell, the 1743 entry places them in the area early enough for her to marry Matthew Glaves prior to the birth of their oldest daughter Mary in 1746. Now comes a curious entry that has yet to be explained by those discounting the family connection. John Mitchell made his will September 23, 1780 and died in 1783. His will lists several individuals named Russell receiving inheritances as well as an "Esther Turk". Esther is positively identified when later in the will the following appears; "THOMAS Turk, father of Esther, is to control her legacy until she is of age". Thomas was the husband of Mary Glaves, oldest child of Matthew and Esther. There is no explanation included in the will documenting what, if any, relationship the younger Esther had to John Mitchell. Esther would have been about 13 years old at the time the will was written. There were three witnesses on John Mitchell's will, John Reaugh, Margaret Kirk and Mary Turk. It would appear that Mary is Mary Gleaves-Turk, wife of Thomas and daughter of Matthew and Esther Glaves. Turning to the other two witnesses, "John Reaugh" appears to be John Rhea who married Margaret Turk, daughter of Thomas and Mary around this same time. Rhea family records list the surname with both spellings. If this is in fact the case, could "Margaret Kirk" actually be Margaret Turk? The signature on the will is definitely "Kirk". If there is any connection between Esther and John Mitchell, he made no mention of it in his will. Esther had remarried and moved to Washington County, Virginia during the previous decade. John Mitchell's connection to the Thomas Turk family remains a mystery but provides researchers with countless interesting connections that only heighten the Mitchell controversy. Augusta County, Virginia Will Book #6 Life after Matthew As reported earlier, Esther remarried after the death of Matthew. Augusta County Court Records show that she and "Thomas Rafferty" were married on June 6, 1762. This marriage and the 1772 lawsuit are the only known references to Thomas Rafferty in Augusta County. Sometime in the late 1760s or early 1770s, Thomas and Esther moved further south to Washington County, Virginia on the North Carolina border. They were among the earliest settlers of the area and the "Thomas Raferty Family" is listed as being in the county previous to 1772. He is listed with other heads of families in Rev. Charles Cummings' Congregation at Sinking Spring, a Presbyterian Church. Historical Sketches of the Campbell, Pilcher and Kindred Families The first great migration to Washington County was from the Augusta County area, so it is presumed they traveled with others to this new region. If this report is true, then they had already left Augusta County when Turk vs. Raferty was filed. Thomas Rafferty died testate in Washington County, Virginia in 1780. His will, dated October 21, 1779, mentions "his wife", although Esther's name does not appear on the document. It also mentions "daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret" with no last names given. Esther made a motion to become the Administrator, with the will annexed on March 20, 1780. Esther's oldest son, William Gleaves, by now living in nearby Montgomery County, was one of the securities for the administrator's bond. Washington County Virginia Will Book 1 On January 9, 1786, Esther Rafferty received a Land Grant in Washington County from the Commonwealth of Virginia. "Know ye that by virtue of a certificate in Rights of Settlement given by the Commissioners for adjusting the titles of unpatented lands in the District of Washington and Montgomery and in consideration of the Ancient Compensation of two pounds sterling paid by Esther Rafferty into the Treasury of the Commonwealth, there is granted...a certain tract of land containing four hundred acres...on a branch of the Southfork of the Holstein River, called Mill Creek adjoining Francis Whitney and John Gross' land." The grant goes on to describe the boundries of the property measured in "poles". The Grant was signed Patrick Henry, who was the Governor of Virginia at the time. It's not clear if he actually signed the document or if some other official signed for him. It was somewhat unusual for a woman to receive a Land Grant although not unheard of. A scanned copy of this and many other documents pertaining to Virginia family land records may be found on the Virginia State Library Internet site at: http//image.vtls.com/. The Library of Virginia Land Records On March 14, 1786, in Washington County, Virginia, Esther married for the third time, to Elias Woolman. It is unclear how long they remained in Washington County since upon Elias Woolman's death in 1795, his widow, Esther, was granted her motion to be the Administrator of the estate in Augusta County, Virginia. The motion was granted on December 15, 1795. It is unclear if Elizabeth and Elias had returned to Augusta prior to his death or if she traveled there subsequently. Most of her children had moved away from the area more than ten years previously. The only known family members remaining in Augusta County at that time were her daughter and son-in-law, Thomas and Mary Turk. Augusta County Court Records, Order Book #23 By now, Esther had outlived three husbands. Researcher, Bob Allen reports the last direct link to Esther. It occurred when she executed a Power of Attorney in Buncombe County, North Carolina on April 19, 1797. The document was later recorded in Washington County, Virginia on February 19, 1799. Present day Buncombe County is in the Asheville, North Carolina area, some distance from Washington County, Virginia. No explanation for her being in this area has been offered by any Family Researcher. Esther appeared to be still living on August 3, 1808 when her son-in-law, Thomas Turk, Sr. wrote his Will in Augusta County, Virginia and provided therein for her support; "I desire that my wife's mother, Esther Woolman shall have a decent support out of my estate during her natural life or widowhood". Augusta County Court Records Records pertaining to Esther's death or final resting-place have yet to be found. It does not appear that she was estranged from her children, so she may have lived close to one of them in her last years. Esther would have been about 70 years old when Thomas Turk wrote his will. This author suspects, without any proof, that she likely lived her final days in Augusta County, Virginia, near her daughter. This detail; along with her maiden name remain mysteries. The Children Of Matthew and Esther The children and grandchildren of Matthew and Esther are documented in detail in Chapters 2-6. These three generations span the first one hundred years of the Family's presence in the New World. As you will see, many unanswered questions remain for others to discover. 2 The Family of Mary Gleaves Turk June 12, 1746 - March 2, 1835 Mary appears to be the oldest child of Matthew and Esther Glaves. She is the only one of the six children whose actual birthdate is known. Family history would have her born in England and emigrating to America with her parents at an early age. The James Turk Bible establishes her birthdate but does not provide a clue as to the location. As discussed in Chapter One, it is also possible that she, and her brothers and sisters were all born in the New World. No records have been found pertaining to Mary's life prior to her marriage. We know from Augusta County tax records that her family was in the Shenandoah Valley no later than 1760. The first time she appears in Augusta County, Virginia court records is 1771. Mary Turk and her husband, along with her brothers and sisters, are litigants in the Turk vs. Raferty lawsuit over her Father's estate. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Unlike her brothers, Mary appears to have lived most of her life in Augusta County. There are no known records of Mary Gleaves Turk or her husband Thomas occurring anywhere else. For a more complete description of early Augusta County refer to Chapter 1. Mary was the second wife of Thomas Turk Sr., a second-generation member of one of the earliest families to settle in the Shenandoah Valley. Thomas and Mary were married on April 1, 1766 in Augusta County, Virginia. There is no known official record of the marriage, although it is recorded in a family bible. Some family records give the location of the marriage as the town of Staunton, although there is no proof. At the time of their marriage, Mary was 19 years old and Thomas more than twice her age, at approximately 48. James Turk Bible Mary Turk was part of the controversy over her Mother's, possible connection to the John Mitchell family. When Mitchell made his will in 1780, Mary was one of the witnesses. The will, proved in the Augusta County Court in 1783, also lists an "Esther TURK" as one of the beneficiaries. Mary and Thomas had a daughter, born about 1767, named Esther, and the will identifies Thomas as her Father. Mary's mother was also named Esther, although in 1780 her married name was believed to be "Rafferty". For more detail of this issue, see the section on Esther Glaves in Chapter 1. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia The Turk Family of Augusta County, Virginia Mary's husband, Thomas was the son of Robert and Margaret Turk. His mother's maiden name is unknown. Robert Turk was a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian from Ulster Province, Northern Ireland. He is believed to have emigrated to Boston with his family sometime around 1720. Turk family researchers claim that Robert paid the passage for his family to come from England and was not an indentured servant. Sometime before the late 1730s, Robert moved his family to Virginia and obtained land through the Orange County Court under a procedure known as "Headrights". Headrights were grants of 50 acres per "head" granted by the Colony of Virginia to males over 16 who were willing to clear land in undeveloped areas of the state. On February 28, 1739, Robert Turk entered an application in the Orange County Court of Common Pleas. This Headrights function served as the only real immigration record during this time period. The entry lists the following individuals: "Robert Turk, Margrot, Jane, John, Ann, Thomas, James & William Turk". Next to the entry is a notation "from Ireland". Orange County Court Records Turk Family records suggest that Robert patented land in Orange County even before that date. There are reports of records dated as early as September 6, 1736. We do know that Robert Turk had obtained a tract of land from William Beverley at least partially within the boundaries of the Beverley Manor Patent. The tract of land consisted of 1313 acres. It is reported that Robert paid the sum of 40 pounds for the property. Since Beverley did not get around to recording these grants until 1745, the actual date is unclear. Family records list the transaction as occurring in 1739 as does one of the maps of early settlers in the area. The map on the following page shows the location of the property within Beverley Manor. Beginnings Beyond the Mountains The Congregation of the Triple Forks of the Shenandoah Most of the settlers in this part of the Valley were Scotch Irish Presbyterians who wasted little time in setting up their churches. The Congregation of the Triple Forks of the Shenandoah, established two meeting houses in 1740; Tinkling Spring and the Augusta Stone, both served by Reverend John Craig. The Virginia Colony, although somewhat tolerant of other religions, was an English Colony. All dissenting churches were called "Meeting Houses" while the word "Church" applied only to the Church of England The first Tinkling Spring Meeting House, built in 1744, was a log cabin measuring twenty-four by fifty feet. The original members of the Congregation were assessed 12 shillings each to build it. Church records list "Turk" among those families. Several of Robert's children were baptized there including Thomas, although no date is given. The Tinkling Spring: Headwater of Freedom The map above is of the eastern portion of the Beverley Patent, about 1760. The 118,000 acres of the Patent ran generally from the northeast to the southwest. Robert Turk's name appears in the northeast corner with the number "1313" underneath. The number represents the acreage purchased from William Beverley in 1739. The area was known as Crimora. It appears that the South River ran through the property and a portion of the property may actually be located outside of the Beverley Patent. The map also shows "Turk's Gap" which was a passage over the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains that appears on USGS maps today. "Turk's Run" is a stream running from the mountains into the South River, it has been renamed. The Tinkling Spring Meeting House is located to the Southwest. This is the land inherited by Thomas Turk Sr from his Father. A November 1747 Augusta Court entry confirms that Robert settled the land prior to 1741. That year, Robert was brought to court by a group of church trustees from the Tinkling Spring Congregation for failure to pay his portion of the Pastor John Craig's salary for the years 1741-46. The amount due was one Pound per year. They attached a copy of the mutual obligations between the Congregation and their Commissioners. Robert eventually paid the debt. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia By May 21, 1747 we know he had settled the family homestead. On that date the following Augusta County Court entry was recorded. "Road to be repaired from Alexr. Thomson's to top of Ridge leading to Louisa,..... with the tithables from the So. Mountain.....by Ro. Turk's" ...A map on the previous page shows that the location of the Turk homestead is consistent with roadwork described above. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia The dirt road on the right side of this picture is Robert Turk Lane, located in the Crimora area of Augusta County. It runs a quarter mile eastward from Rockfish Pike and stops just short of the South River. In the background, Turk Mountain rises on the other side of the river. This is the land shown on the preceding map settled by Robert Turk. When Robert Turk died in 1772 he left his entire estate to his son, Thomas Sr. A second son, James received just one shilling. There is no mention of Robert's wife Margaret, sons John and William or daughters Jane and Ann. Signing the will as one of the witnesses is Thomas' daughter "Elizabeth GLEAVE" who had married William Gleaves two years earlier. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Thomas Turk Sr. March 1718 - 1809 Family records have the birth of Mary's husband Thomas occurring in 1718. There are conflicting reports concerning Thomas' date of birth with at least one record placing it as 1710. A declaration made by Thomas in a 1798 court case, Estill vs. Ramsey, in which he states his age as 88 has led to the confusion. Thomas could not write so whoever transcribed his statement may have made a mistake. In either instance it appears he was born in Ireland. In this case, family records appear to be more accurate than other reports. James Turk Bible During the 1740-50s, the sons of Robert Turk, James and his younger brother, Thomas, were beginning to make their own marks. Thomas is believed to have been a farmer and landowner, since no records have been uncovered listing any other occupation. The earliest report of Thomas acquiring land occurs in 1741 when his father deeded 437 acres to him. 437 acres is exactly one third of 1,313, the total acreage of the tract of land Robert had obtained from William Beverley in 1736. It is not known if Robert gave a similar share to his son James. Orange County Court Records There is a report that Thomas appeared in Augusta County Court acquiring land in March 1751. He supposedly received "400 acres on the South river adjoining Christian Clayman's line and Thomas Kenley". A man named "Christian Clemmons" appears on the map of the Beverley Patent with his lands located just north of the Patent boundary. This author does not doubt the authenticity of this claim, but has not yet located this entry. The earliest documented record of Thomas acquiring land on his own is a Patent dated September 10, 1755. On that date he filed Patent #31 for "226 acres on the south side of the South River of Shanando". On the same day his father filed for 100 acres "On both sides of the south river of Shanando". Copies of these and other Patents may be viewed online at the Library of Virginia website. Patents were issued by the Colony of Virginia to pass title to unclaimed lands. After the Revolution, Land Grants were issued in their place. Theoretically, the land was the property of the George the Second, King of England. Patents were issued by applying directly to the Colonial Capital in Williamsburg. This first Patent was most likely for unclaimed land north of the Beverley Manor Patent. Robert Dinwiddie, Colonial Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, granted the patent. Thomas paid "the Sum of Fifteen Shillings of Good and Lawful Money" for the Patent. This appears to be a much better deal than his father got in 1739 when he paid 40 pounds sterling for 1,313 acres, a portion of a Patent granted to William Beverley in 1736. Virginia Patent Book 31, pages 607-608 From 1755 through 1797, this author has found 12 patents and grants issued to Thomas Turk Sr. totaling over 3,300 acres. On a single day, August 31, 1789, he received four land grants totaling 1,210 acres. His brother James filed several patents as well. In each case, Thomas had to have a survey done and this description was included in the document transferring ownership. These surveys included direction (including degrees), distance (measured in poles), natural landmarks and the names of owners of adjoining property. Many of the parcels are described as lying on the banks of the South River between it and the South Mountain. The South Mountain appears to have been renamed, as the one that appears on maps today is 40 miles south of Crimora in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The grants continue to list Augusta County after Rockbridge was formed in 1778, so it appears the properties were in the Crimora area, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains and near his father's original settlement. This author believes the South Mountain referred to in these land grants is in fact, present day Turk Mountain, renamed sometime after 1800. Thomas Turk's Marriage to Margaret In 1747, six years after acquiring land from his father, Thomas married for the first time. He would have been about 29 years old at the time. Although not recorded in court records, it is believed to have occurred in Augusta County, Virginia. His marriage was to a woman named Margaret, although her maiden name is unknown. Some researchers identify her as Margaret Kerr. This author knows of no documentation of this surname. Margaret died sometime around 1762. Thomas and Margaret appear in Augusta County Court in March of 1756. Turk vs. Walker involved a lawsuit against Moses Walker and Agnes his wife. No details on the case or its outcome have been uncovered. The couple returned in the same court on August 16, 1758 when Thomas and Margaret sell land to Thomas' brother, James Turk. The land is described as "320 acres on South river, Shando; corner to land formerly Bloodworth's crossing the cranberry swamps. Christian Clemance's land". This is most likely the land believed to have been acquired from "Christian Clayman" in 1751. James paid 50 pounds for the property. Augusta County Court Records In August of 1762, James Turk and his wife Mary returned the favor selling land to Thomas. "250 acres on South river of Shanandoe below Humble's land". The price paid was 40 pounds. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Thomas Turk's Militia Record Several sources detail Thomas' involvement in the Augusta County Militia during a period of almost 30 years. In August 1756 Thomas is listed as a private in Captain James Allen's Company. Captain Allen's son would later marry one of Thomas' daughters. He is also reported to have been a private in Captain William Louis' Company in 1757. Thomas was court-maritaled by Captain Louis for missing a general muster, date unknown. He is further documented as being a member of Captain Thomas Rankin's Company 1780-83. His youngest brother-in-law, Matthew Glaves Jr. was also a member of Rankin's Company during this same period. Daughters of the American Revolution Application #63861 Thomas probably was enrolled in other units during the missing years, as participation was mandatory. Very possibly, these records were lost over the years. There is no record of Thomas participating in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). He would have been almost 60 years old at the time it began. No evidence has been uncovered to date that would document Captain Rankin's Company being involved in any military engagements during this period. There is a family report that Thomas served as a private in Captain Alexander's Company in 1778. This author has not found the record, as of yet. Augusta County Tax Records document Thomas' participation in the militia after 1783. He and Thomas Jr. are found throughout the 1780s in various companies. Augusta County Tax Records The Gleaves & Turk Connection Thomas and Margaret had at least three children during this first marriage. While they are not direct descendants of the Matthew Glaves line, each has connections to the family that needs to be explained to help the casual reader understand the intermarriages that occurred during this period. Jane Turk (1747/48-1845) The oldest child of Thomas and Margaret, Jane married Robert Allen on May 18, 1768. Robert Allen was a Revolutionary War soldier and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. He died about 1789. After her husband's death, Jane emigrated to Kentucky in 1798 with 7 sons and 4 daughters and settled in Cumberland County, in the Marrowbone Valley, on Allen's Creek. Robert had explored this land previously and hoped to move his family there. He died before he could realize his dream, so Jane fulfilled his vision. Nathan Allen (1781-1871) was one of the sons of this marriage. In 1810 he married Sarah "Sallie" Gleaves in Wythe County, Virginia. Sarah was the daughter of William Gleaves and his mother's sister, Elizabeth Turk-Gleaves. Sarah was Nathan's cousin. Sarah and Nathan are profiled in the next chapter. It is through Nathan Allen's Bible that the birthdates of Sallie and her siblings have been documented. Wythe County, Virginia Marriage Records Elizabeth "Betty" Turk (1753-1840) Elizabeth was the middle child of Thomas and Margaret. It is through her marriage that the families of her brother and sister first connect with the Gleaves family. In 1770, Elizabeth married William Gleaves, the brother of her father's second wife, Mary. This made her stepmother her sister-in-law as well. Elizabeth's life is profiled in the next chapter. Thomas Turk Jr. (1755-1833) The youngest child of Thomas Sr. and Margaret, Thomas Jr. was also a Revolutionary War veteran. Thomas married Ann Rhea in 1777. Thomas and Ann lived most of their lives in Augusta County, although they later moved to Tennessee, where they both died. Thomas is listed on a 1792 Augusta County Land Grant with his sister, Jane Allen (widow of Robert Allen). The land, 400 acres, "Near the South Mountain on the waters of the South River" would be near the lands patented by his father and grandfather. Virginia Grants Book 26, page 407 Thomas and Ann Rhea-Turk had at least four children; the youngest was Thomas Turk III (1782-1826). On December 24, 1802, in Wythe County, Virginia, he married Margaret "Peggy" Gleaves, another daughter of William Gleaves and his father's sister, Elizabeth Turk-Gleaves. Again, Thomas III and Peggy were cousins. Thomas and Peggy are profiled in the next chapter under the section dealing with the children of William and Elizabeth Gleaves. Wythe County, Virginia Marriage Records Thomas Turk's Marriage to Mary Gleaves During the period of the late 1760s there were very few court entries regarding Thomas Turk. Margaret had died by 1762. As previously reported, Thomas married for a second time on April 1, 1766. His bride was Mary GLEAVES, a woman less than half his age. They soon began a second family, with Mary giving birth to their first child in 1767. This marriage was not recorded with the Augusta County Court although it is documented in family records. James Turk Bible A single court entry has been found during the latter part of the 1760s. A November 18, 1767 entry lists a number of men being issued "hemp certificates"; Thomas was among them. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia 1772 1772 was a very busy year for the Turk family; they reappear in Augusta County Court with gusto. In March, Thomas and Mary were involved in the Turk vs. Raferty lawsuit detailed in the previous chapter. The next month, in April, James Turk sued his father Robert, to recover monies James had paid for his daughter Elizabeth's education in Carolina. In August, Thomas sued his brother James over a 1758 agreement where Thomas had apprenticed his daughter Elizabeth, to James. From the lawsuit we learn that Elizabeth was only five years and two months old at the time she was apprenticed. By November, Robert had died leaving his son Thomas the entire estate with his brother James receiving a single shilling. In many cases a single shilling was given to heirs who had been provided for, prior to the father's death. It was also used as a way to insure that those children out of favor did not contest the will by claiming that their father forgot them when he drafted the document. The exact reason in this case remains a mystery. It is not known if James was truly alienated from his father. Thomas had received property from his father previously, so it is quite possible that bad blood existed between James and his father because of the lawsuit. Augusta County Court Records Sometime that same year Thomas deeded land to his son Thomas Jr. "condition, Love and Affection". There may have been a problem with the deed since Thomas Jr. was only 17 years old at the time and still a minor. In May of 1792 a court proceeding was conducted to clear up the matter. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia The Thomas Turk Family During this period, Thomas and Mary prospered on there own as he acquired more land and livestock. Between 1767 and 1780 family records indicate that they had at least five children. By the early 1780s, Virginia began collecting a tax on the personal property of its residents. The tax exists today on cars, boats, etc. The 1784 Augusta County Personal Property Tax roll lists Thomas Turk Sr. owning 13 slaves, 17 horses and 41 cattle. It appears that Thomas and Mary Turk are the first known slave owners in the family. Virginia State Library On May 26, 1789, Alexander Long entered a "Writ of Slander" against Thomas in the Augusta Court. While we do not know the details, we do know that Long was a physician and a lady named Mary Wallace was also involved. The verdict was for the plaintiff, although no details of any damages paid by Thomas exist In the 1790s Thomas was involved in a number of land disputes, not all as a litigant, but rather as a historical expert. It seems that as a younger man Thomas had done some work as a surveyor's assistant. Many of the early surveys done to support patents were inaccurate and disputes arose as land changed hands or was divided. In Kennerley vs. John Allison, April 7, 1795 "Thomas Turk Sr. deposes, about sixty years ago he, Thomas, carried the chain upon survey of a tract for William Russell". His testimony helped clear the title for the Russell family. Augusta County Court Records Thomas Turk's Will "Thomas Turk my Father was born In The Year of Our Lord in 1718 - Mary Gleaves, my Mother was born the 12th Day of June 1746-Thomas and Mary were married April first 1766 - And he Departed this life the 22nd Of June 1809." The James Turk Bible Thomas Turk's will was written on August 3, 1808 in Augusta County, Virginia. Some family records also list this date as his date of death, although the actual date was in 1809. He would have been at least 90 years old when he died. The exact date is listed in the James Turk Bible. The will was proven to be authentic in the Augusta Court on July 24, 1809. It mentions a number of individuals by name including, "wife Mary", and "wife's mother Esther Woolman". Among those receiving an inheritance are two namesake grandsons, "Thomas Turk McCullough" and "Thomas Turk Rhea". All of his living children from both of Thomas' marriages are mentioned in the will, with daughters listed by their married names. The estate was to be divided between Mary and her children, "daughters Esther Johnston, Betsey Coger, Rebecca Anderson," (two daughters, Mary McCollough and Margaret Rhea appear to have died previously) and "son James Turk". The children from Thomas' first marriage to Margaret; "Jane Allen, Betty GLAVE and Thomas Turk" (Jr.) each received the sum of one shilling. As previously discussed, this was usually done in cases where heirs had received their share of their father's estate before his death. We know that Thomas had already given land to Thomas Jr. in 1772, but there is no record of what, if anything, he gave to Jane or Betty. Thomas could not write and signed his will with his mark. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Mary's Life after Thomas Mary was provided for in her husband's Will. She was about 62 years old at the time of Thomas' death. There is very little information about her after his death. She probably lived with one of her children during this period. As previously discussed, her mother, now Esther Woolman, may have been with her during part of this period. Mary's death is recorded in her son's bible as March 2, 1835, living almost 30 years after Thomas died. There is no known record of her remarrying and given her age, it is unlikely that she did. "Mary Turk Departed this Life on Monday Morning the Second of March 1835 aged Eighty Nine Years Three Months and Twenty Days" The James Turk Bible The Turk Legacy The Turk family had a significant impact in the vicinity of the Northeast corner of the Beverley Manor Patent during the latter half of the 18th Century; Robert was one of its earliest settlers. Thomas and James, expanded the family lands and Thomas Jr. was a Revolutionary War hero. Although later generations moved away, the family legacy remains even today. The U.S. Geological Survey lists a number of geographical features bearing the Family Name. Because of their locations, there is little doubt that they are named for members of the Robert Turk family. Most are in present day Augusta County, east of Staunton and north of Waynesboro. All of the features described below are today, within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park. They appear on two USGS maps titled Crimora and Waynesboro East. http://mapping.usgs.gov/www/gnis/MapServer * Turk Gap: This appears to be the same feature that appears on the 1750 map of the Beverley Manor Patent. It is a passage over the Blue Ridge Mountains. * Turk Mountain: Part of the Blue Ridge Chain and is just south of Turk Gap. This mountain appears to formerly named South Mountain * Turk Mountain Overlook: Appears to be a feature on Skyline Drive, a road that runs the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for over 70 miles. Another name for the road is the Blue Ridge Parkway. * Turk Branch: The "Turk's Branch" on the 1750 map was on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been renamed. This stream is on the eastern slope in Abermarle County. It appears that the stream begins very near Turk's Gap. * Turk Branch Trail: Runs along Turk Branch on the East Side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Children of Thomas and Mary Turk Mary and Thomas had at least five children that lived to adulthood. Their names are recorded in a bible belonging to their son, James Turk. The records in the bible are incomplete with regard to other vital statistics on most of the children. This bible and Thomas Turk's Will offer the most information on the family. All of the children appear to have been born in Augusta County, Virginia. Documentation of the children born into Thomas' first marriage appears to be much more extensive than the information located so far on Mary's children. 1) Mary "Polly" Turk About 1746 - Before 1809 Little is known about Mary's life. Her birth and death dates are not known. Researchers have her marrying Thomas McCollough on August 31, 1802. The marriage of Polly Turk to Thomas McCullough is recorded. Augusta County Marriages Mary appears to have died prior to 1808, when her Father had his will drafted. The married names of the other daughters appear in the will as well as the names of two grandsons; "Thomas Turk McCollough and Thomas Turk Rhea". Both grandsons appear to have lost their mothers before that date. 2) Rebecca Turk Before 1780 - After 1821 Rebecca is believed to have been married twice, first to James Anderson on January 14, 1803 and then to Hugh Glen on November 13, 1821. Both marriages are reported to have occurred in Augusta County, Virginia, although no court record has been found. Rebecca had five children with James Anderson and their names are known, but not the dates of birth. There are no children recorded from her second marriage and it is unlikely that any existed since she would have been over 40 at the time. This author does not have any information regarding Rebecca's date and location of death, nor similar information about either of her two husbands. 3) Margaret Turk About 1770 - Before 1809 Little is known about Margaret's life. Some researchers list her nickname as "Mary", although she had a sister by that name. There are also those who list her as marrying John S. Rhea although no date is recorded. Margaret appears to have died prior to 1808, when her Father had his will drafted. The married names of the other daughters appear in the will as well as the names of two grandsons; "Thomas Turk McCollough and Thomas Turk Rhea". Both grandsons appear to have lost their mothers before that date. Documents in the possession of the Rhea family list John Rhea as marrying a daughter of Thomas Turk without naming her. Thomas' son from his first marriage, Thomas Turk Jr. also married a Rhea; Ann in 1777. Bob Allen reports that John was found living in Bath County, Virginia in 1814. This author does not possess a copy of this record and cannot comment further. 4) Esther Turk About 1767 - About 1845 Esther adds further mystery to her grandmother's maiden name. Several researchers suggest that Esther; the wife of Matthew Glaves Sr. was a Mitchell. This author is not aware of these researchers offering any proof to substantiate this claim. While still a child, Esther is mentioned in the will of a man named John Mitchell. Mitchell wrote his will on September 23, 1780 and lists "Esther Turk" among his heirs. Esther is positively identified when later in the will the following appears; "Thomas Turk, father of Esther, is to control her legacy until she is of age". Esther's mother, Mary Gleaves Turk is also listed as one of the witnesses. The relationship of the Thomas Turk family to John Mitchell, if any, remains a mystery. Augusta County, Virginia Will Book #6 Esther married James Robertson Johnston (before 1766 - after 1806) on December 19, 1786 in Augusta County, Virginia. She would have been about 19 at the time. James was the son of Zachariah and Ann Robertson Johnston. Very little is known about James and Esther's lives after their marriage. Family records identify the names of 10 children born into this union. Augusta County Marriages There are a number of Virginia land grants issued in the name James Johnston beginning in 1789. Two of the patents are in Augusta County and given the location, very likely pertain to our James Johnston. On August 31, 1789 James patented "200 acres On both sides of Pine run and between Beverley's line and the South Mountain". This land would have been just outside the Beverley Manor Patent in the Crimora area near the Turk homestead. The second patent was dated July 28, 1797, was for "34 acres On the South side of the Middle River joining the lands of the said Johnston and the widow Henderson". The remaining six patents occur in other counties and may or may not pertain to our James Johnston. Virginia State Library This author has not found any data pertaining to James' Will or the resting-place of either James or Esther. . 5) Elizabeth "Betsy" Turk June 1778 - After 1808 There are conflicting reports as to Betsy's date of birth, with some listing it as June 1768. All agree that she married James Coger in July of 1797 in Augusta County, Virginia. This author believes the 1778 date of birth is more plausible since women tended to marry early. Court records indicate that Thomas Turk Sr. had to give his consent to the marriage, meaning Elizabeth was under 18 at the time. This would call into question the 1778 date of birth as well. The actual record lists her husband as "James Conger". James Johnston, husband of her sister Esther posted the marriage bond. Augusta County Marriages Little is known of James and Betsy's lives other than the names of four children. Betsy is reported to have died in Mercer County, Kentucky although no date is given. 6) James Turk May 13, 1780 - April 8, 1862 As is the case with most male children during this timeframe, there is more information about James, than about his sisters. James appears to have lived his whole life in the Augusta County area. His death is recorded as having occurred at Mossy Creek, Rockingham County, Virginia. Rockingham borders Augusta to the north and the county line is very close to the northern boundary of the Beverley Manor Grant. James married Elizabeth Armstrong on July 3, 1800 in Augusta County, Virginia. She was the daughter of William Armstrong. Augusta County Marriages "James Turk May 13 1780 - Elizabeth Armstrong August 5th 1782 .James and Elizabeth were Married July 3th 1800" The James Turk Bible Virginia land records include three land grants filed by James. All three are dated July 6, 1818 and totaled 70 acres. All parcels are described as "On the south side of the South River". These small parcels were most likely located between larger tracts claimed earlier by the family and others. Virginia State Library "Elizabeth J. Turk Wife of James Turk Departed this Life on Monday Morning of July 24th 1837 Aged 54 Years Eleven Months and Nineteen Days" The James Turk Bible More About Mary & Thomas' Family The story of the Mary Gleaves Turk Family continues later in this manuscript. Additional generations are chronicled in Chapter 7. Detailed maps of Kentucky and Missouri documenting areas settled by the descendants of Matthew Glaves Sr. appear in Chapter 12. 3 The Family of William Gleaves About 1748 - 1820 William was the second child and oldest son of Matthew and Esther Glaves. Records involving William list him at various times under four different spellings of his last name, although it is clear that the most predominant spelling was "GLEAVES". The extensive documentation makes it clear that these records all pertain to one person. William is thought to have been born in England, although there is no proof of this. In 1932, a Daughters of the American Revolution application by Estelle Howe Winkler (National # 262024) claimed William was born in Ireland. As proof, Ms. Winkler submitted a "Verbatim copy from a family bible now owned by Taylor Gleaves, Roanoke, VA". The application does not state the name of the original owner of the Bible. The copy lists William and Elizabeth and their children giving birthdates for all except William. This author does not know if this Bible exists today. Ms. Winkler's application contained a number of facts that we know today to be incorrect. There is also at least one researcher who lists William's middle name as "Benjamin". While this may be correct, this author knows of no historical document that confirms this assertion. No records pertaining to William's life have been uncovered prior to him becoming an adult. The earliest entry referencing William appears in the Augusta County, Virginia Court records. On August 20, 1770 "William GLAVES" purchased 164 acres on the South River of the Shenendoah from John Lewis of Albermarle, Virginia for the sum of 40 pounds. The document was filed with the court in March of 1771. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Augusta County Court Order Book #14 contains an entry dated March 22, 1771, where "William GLAVES, is appointed guardian ad litem for Esther GLAVES, orphan of Matthew GLAVES, deceased". While the subsequent 1772 lawsuit, Turk vs. Raferty establishes that William was also named guardian for all his younger siblings, no record has been found documenting the event. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia The last documented record of William in Augusta County appears to be the first instance where the extra "E" appears in the family surname. On January 24, 1775, "William GLEAVE", apprenticed his youngest brother, "Matthew GLAVE", to a wheelwright named John Finley. Both William and Matthew's signatures appear on the document and are remarkably similar. William had already left Augusta County by 1775, so his signature may be a forgery. It is not clear if either brother could read or write at this time. While there is no record of the document being filed with the court on that date, it was entered into the record as part of the lawsuit GLAVES vs. Finley in March of 1794. This lawsuit is explained in detail in Chapter 6, which details the life of Matthew Glaves. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Elizabeth Turk 1753 - 1840 William married Elizabeth Turk in Augusta County, Virginia on May 3, 1770. He would have been approximately 22 years old and Elizabeth about 17. There does not appear to be any public record documenting this event, although it is recorded in the James Turk Bible. Elizabeth, born in 1753, was the daughter of Thomas Turk Sr. and his first wife, Margaret. In 1758, her father indentured her to his brother, James. Although the details of the agreement are not known, a subsequent lawsuit established Elizabeth's age at the time of the indenture as 5 years and 2 months. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Four years before William and Elizabeth's marriage, William's older sister Mary, became Thomas Turk Sr.'s second wife. This made Thomas Turk both William's brother-in-law and his father-in-law. Likewise, Elizabeth's stepmother became her sister-in-law as well. A more detailed account of the Turk family is contained in the previous chapter. Elizabeth appears in one additional Augusta County Court entry when her Father's will is probated in August of 1808. She is listed as "Betty GLAVE". Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia Southward to the Cripple Creek Valley Sometime in the early 1770s William and Elizabeth left Augusta County for the area 150 miles further down the Shenendoah Valley, known today as Wythe County, Virginia (pronounced With). There is no record of William selling the land he acquired previously in Augusta County. Wythe County was not created until 1790, so the earliest entries appear in a variety of counties as they were subdivided. The area settled by William was located in Botetourt County until 1773, Fincastle until 1780, and Montgomery until 1790. Settlers began arriving in the early 1770s and many of them were Scotch-Irish and German immigrants, who like William, were looking for free land. The first documented record of William in the Wythe area occurs in 1772 when "William GLEEVES" is listed in a member of Captain Herbert's company of the Botetourt County Militia. The list is not dated. Captain Herbert's list for the previous year does not include William. Early Adventurers on the Western Waters This would mean that William and Elizabeth moved south shortly after the Turk vs. Raferty lawsuit was heard in March of that year. If this date is correct, the only children of William and Elizabeth born in Augusta County, Virginia would be their oldest son, Thomas born March 18, 1771 and possibly Matthew, born November 9, 1772. It appears that William's middle brother, Michael came with him, or shortly thereafter, as he appears on militia rolls by 1774. The militia organization was very important to the community and William was heavily involved. "It was from this group that men were selected to serve as scouts, Indian spies, fort and frontier protectors and from this group that taxes were levied, road workers selected and overseers were appointed. Educated men of the community were officers and leaders." Early Adventurers on the Western Waters William settled on land adjoining a watercourse known as Cripple Creek. A Montgomery County land entry some years later reads; "William GLAVIS, assignee of Roger Oats, 200 acres on Mill Creek, branch of Cripple Creek, settled 1772". The entry is not clear as to who settled the land in 1772, but it would be consistent with William's arrival to the Cripple Creek Valley. This entry appears to legally transfer title to William for lands he had settled in 1772. Early Adventurers on the Western Waters The minutes of the April 4, 1776 meeting of the "Fincastle County Committee of Safety" appointed three men to make a list of the inhabitants for militia rolls. They were "to go as low on Cripple Creek as William GLEEVES'S and return the lists to the County Lieutenant Certify'd". Montgomery County, Virginia; The First 100 Years "William GLAVES" is listed as a member of the first Grand Jury ever empanelled in Montgomery County, during the Court's May term, in 1779. There is no record of who was the defendant or the charge they considered. Hardesty's Historical and Geographical Encyclopedia William & The War of Independence During the Revolutionary War each county was required to keep a list of those individuals who took the Oath of Allegiance to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Between September 30, and December 5, 1777, James McCorkle recorded names from several militia companies for this purpose. The Preamble reads as follows: "We whose names are hereunto subscribed do swear or affirm that we renounce and refuse all allegiance to George third King of Great Britain, his heirs successors and that, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Commonwealth of Virginia as a free and independent State and that I will not at any time do or Cause to be done any matter or thing that will be make known to some one Justice of the Peace for the said State all treasons or traiterous Conspiracies which I now or hereafter shall known to be formed against this or any of the United States of America." Appearing on the list of nearly 90 names is; "William GLAVES" with the notation "of Thompson's Company". Militia of Montgomery County, Virginia; 1777-1790 As referenced above, the earliest report of William's militia service appears in 1772, in Captain Herbert's Company, in what was then Botetourt County. He showed up on lists of thithables throughout the 1770s. In 1779, he was recommended for the rank of second lieutenant in Captain Francis' Company and on November 7, 1781, an entry in the Montgomery County Court records reads: "Ordered that William GLAVES be recommended to his Excellency the Governor as a proper person to serve as first lieutenant...in Captain Newell's Company". Seventeen years later, on March 13, 1798, Wythe County Court records show "William GLEAVES qualified as Captain, 35th Regiment, 17th Brigade of the Militia of Virginia". Annals of Southwest Virginia While all three brothers served in county militia units during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), William Gleaves is the only one of the three brothers who appears to have served in the regular army (Continental Line) during that period. The Daughters of the American Revolution recognize William for his service as a private in Captain Thomas Hamilton's Company, 1st Virginia Regulars. Payroll records show his service was from December 1, 1779 to July 31, 1780. It is not clear why an officer in the militia would choose to enlist as a private in the regular army, as the record suggests. Some have suggested that this could have been another William Gleaves, although no evidence found so far corroborates this theory. War Department Payroll #1996107 & #1856474 William may not have spent much time with his unit, if at all. In December 1779, General George Washington dispatched 1,400 Continentals including the 1st Virginia Regiment, to aide in the defense of Charleston, South Carolina, against the impending British siege. The city fell on May 12, 1780 and the continental troops, including the 1st Virginia Regiment, surrendered in what was the most significant victory in the British Southern Campaign. There is no evidence, yet uncovered, that would suggest that William ever went to Charleston. If William was present at Charleston, he somehow avoided capture and made his way back to Virginia. We know that by July, he was back in Montgomery County, Virginia. A letter from a Colonel Preston to Captain Isaac Taylor, dated July 13, 1780, directed Taylor to lead an expedition to disarm the Tories (British Loyalists) at several locations along the New River in Montgomery County. He was "to have the assistance of William GLAVES, Lieutenant, and John Ward, Coronet. They were to immediately engage 30 men each, to find a good horse fit for service and proceed up the New River and to disarm all the Tories that resided in the four companies of militia there". Early Adventurers on the Western Waters Some family genealogists place William and his brother Michael at the Battle of King's Mountain, October 7, 1780. This author is reasonably sure that Michael was not present since he participated in the Battle of Shallow Ford one-week later. This author has not found evidence to confirm William's participation in this battle either. The Battle of Guilford Courthouse William Gleaves is however documented in several sources, as participating at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina, on March 15, 1781. A number of Virginia militia units, including companies from Montgomery County participated in the battle. They were joined by units from North Carolina and some regular soldiers from the Continental Line. The force some 4,000 men strong, was under the Command of General Nathaniel Greene. The British Army, under the command of Lord Charles Cornwallis was inferior in number (about 2,000 men) but vastly superior in training and experience. The battle was a tactical victory for the British, but the losses were too heavy and proved to be a turning point in the Southern Campaign. The American Revolution was similar in many ways to the Viet Nam War. The British were superior in manpower in their regular army, better equipped and better trained. The Americans on the other hand, had the advantage of the home field and the resources of the civilian population. The British had some success in enlisting the support of Tory Loyalists, but the vast majority of the citizens backed the Continental Army and the Militia units that supported them. It became a war of attrition and despite their tactical victories, the British could not crush the resistance to the Crown or the resolve of the people. In the end the English forces were just worn down. A Militia roll of Captain James Newell's Company dated April 5, 1781 lists "William GLEAVES". This is probably his unit that participated in the battle. North Carolina Biographical Sketches of Soldiers and Patriots in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse On May 8, 1782 "William GLEAVES" was among a group of men who appeared in Montgomery County Court and "produced sufficient proof to this Court that they ought to be paid 10 pounds for provisions furnished themselves when on Duty in North Carolina to join General Green". Annals of Southwest Virginia 1769-1800 There is no record of William or his brother Michael ever applying for a pension based on their service in the Revolutionary War, although both brothers are mentioned in several applications by others. Ewing, John. S. 31015 "3 April 1833. Logan Co., Ky. John Ewing of said county, aged 72, declares he was born in Prince Edward Co., Va., in June 1761. The foregoing is extracted from his father's family record. When he was ten years of age his father re-moved to Montgomery Co., Va., to that part which is now Wythe County. Here he continued until he entered service in 1778. He volunteered in a company of militia under Capt. Henry Francis and Lt. William GLAVES. They rendezvoused at the lead mines in said county and marched to the head waters of Yadkin River on the northern boundary of North Carolina. Ccl. Crocket and Gen. William Campbell were in command. They dispersed the Tories who had collected in the neighborhood. A captain of the Tory party was taken and hanged under one Coxe's gate, for the Tories had assembled in Coxe's settlement, as it was called. After they did the work assigned them they returned home. He served thirty days In 1780 he entered service in a company of militia (volunteers) commanded by Capt. James Newel, Lt. William GLAVES and Ens. John Whitlock (who did not go with them). They rendezvoused at a place on the south' side of New River called Harberd's Ferry, at the mouth of Poplar Camp Creek. Here they were placed under Colonels Preston, Crockett and Cloyd. They marched across the mountains into Guilford Co., N.C., where they were joined by Gen. William Campbell who had about eighty men under his command. They marched to the Court House of Guilford County. They were ordered from Guilford Court House to the neighborhood of Gen. Greene's army but did not join his army, which was then on the waters of Haw River. They had previous to this dispersed a parcel of Tories not far from Guilford Court House. Gen. Pickens from Georgia joined them about this time. They contemplated capturing Ccl. Tarleton but a Tory deserted from our army and gave information of the contemplation and Tarleton left his camp in the night and crossed Haw River at the High Rock Ford. They pursued him until they met Col. Lee who informed them that they must retreat for they were in the immediate neighborhood of the main British army under Lord Cornwallis. They accordingly crossed Haw River and encamped in the vicinity of Gen. Greene's army. The morning after they reached the camp Gen. Greene sent his aide to them and advised them to send their horses home as it was probable they would soon come to a general engagement with the British. They complied with his directions and were ordered to Whitsell's Mills on the Reedy Fork of Haw River. Here they formed the line of battle and met the army of Lord Cornwallis. They formed near the old mills and fired two rounds and were then ordered to retreat as they were by this time almost surrounded by the overwhelming army of Cornwallis. On the retreat an old Irish man named Buckhannon took shelter in the old mill and fired upon and killed an Englishman as he came down the hill on the opposite side of the river. They were defeated and dispersed. They had orders from their officers in the event of a defeat to rendezvous at Guilford Court House. They there rallied and were ordered homeward. He was out thirty or forty days." Virginia Revolutionary Pension Applications, Vol. 35 Copenhaver, Thomas. R. 2311 "6 May 1834. Lincoln Co., Mo. Thomas (X) Copenhaver of said county, aged 71, declares he entered service in Aug. 1780 under Capt. William GLAVES for two months. He resided in Montgomery Co., Va., and was a volunteer. They rendezvoused at the Lead Mines in Montgomery County and marched into North Carolina to Hoozier Town where he was taken sick and left behind. They were to keep in subjugation the Tories who had nearly overrun North Carolina. The company was discharged in North Carolina and many of the men came back by way of Hoozier Town and he returned with them." Virginia Revolutionary Pension Applications, Vol. 23 The Family Grows and Prospers The 1780s were a busy time for William and Elizabeth. During this period many of their children were born and William acquired a number of tracts of land. His elevation to an officer's rank in the militia leads us to believe that he was becoming a respected leader in the community. Bob Carver's research finds that William became a Justice of the Peace in Wythe County sometime after 1790. This author does not have that documentation and cannot establish an exact date. In 1781, Montgomery County records show that "William GLEAVES" was appointed to be the Overseer for the road "from Lapsely's shop to Michael Lees'". Early Adventurers on the Western Waters On April 2, 1782 William filed three Public Service Claims in Montgomery County Court. "William GLEVES came into Court and made satisfactory proof that he furnished Captain Campbell's Company of light horse Militia of Montgomery County with sixteen diets, sixteen sheves of Oats, 200 pounds of Beef, and the Washington Militia sixteen Diets, corn and hay for Eight horses one night, also Twenty-four Diets for a Company of patrollers under Sergt. Brumit, the whole amount 5 pounds, 2 Shillings". Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, Commissioner's Book Captain Isaac Campbell's Company was sent to North Carolina and participated in the Battle of Shallow Ford, October 4, 1780. One, of two lieutenants listed as participating in that battle was William's brother, "Michael GLEAVES". The details of the battle appear in the chapter on Michael. www.cbiinternet.com/shallowford/soldiers On September 11, 1782, an entry in Montgomery County, Virginia Court Records grants "William GLAVES" a Commissioner's Certificate for an additional 300 acres of land on Mill Creek, branch of Cripple Creek. The entry just above it granted a certificate to "Michael GLAVES for 200 acres on branch of Cripple Creek, adjoining William GLAVES' line". Early Adventurers on the Western Waters The Montgomery County personal property tax records from 1782 list "William GLAVES" and his brother Michael. To this day, Virginia collects a personal property tax on cars, boats etc. In the 1700s the tax was on slaves, horses and cattle. The 1782 rolls show William owning 2 slaves, 20 horses and 33 head of cattle. Montgomery County, Virginia Tax Records Kentucky? One of the more interesting land acquisitions by William did not occur in Montgomery County, Virginia. On March 13, 1783, a deed was recorded in Fayette County, Virginia where William acquires 562 acres. Under the column where the watercourse the property is located, is entered the word "none". At that time, Fayette County was part of the Kentucky District of Virginia. The three counties in the District became the state of Kentucky in 1792. Virginia had opened the area to settlers in 1779 with the passage of "The Land Law" which allowed individuals to claim free land. Old Kentucky Entries and Deeds There is no record of William ever traveling to Fayette County, which was hundreds of miles from his home. Just over a month after the deed was filed, William is recorded in Montgomery County. On April 23rd and again on June 21st in 1783 "Lieutenant William GLAVES" is listed as one of the militia officers present at court martials conducted in the County. After the Revolutionary War, the Federal Government and several states, including Virginia, awarded bounty lands grants to citizens and soldiers for services rendered. Most bounty grants went to soldiers in the Continental Line. Virginia gave its grants for lands in Kentucky. The person holding the certificate located unclaimed land and redeemed his grant for the title to the property. Over 30,000 such grants were issued. While these grants are well documented, there is no record of William receiving one. Many who obtained these rights, sold them to others. This could possibly be the case, although not likely, since the name of the person redeeming the certificate for land was recorded. A more likely scenario is that someone redeemed their grant and returned to Virginia, selling the property to William as a normal land sale. During this time, Fayette County included most of Northern Kentucky, including lands that would become Pendleton County, where William's youngest brother, Matthew Jr. settled two years later. When Matthew died in 1800, his will stated that his 500 acres of land on the Licking River was to be divided between his three sons. Years later when the estate was settled, each son received 187 acres of land. This author believes it to be only coincidence that William owned a tract of 562 acres and his brother one of 561 acres. Matthew appears to have purchased his homestead from a man named Moody. If William sold or gave the land to his brother, no record of this transaction has yet been found. Pendleton County Order Book The Post War Years By the mid 1780s, William was continuing to acquire more land. Between 1785 and 1810, William obtained tracts through Commissioner's Certificates, Land Grants or Bounty Warrants associated with his service during the Revolutionary War. He acquired no less than ten additional tracts of land totaling 2,035 acres. All the tracts are listed as being "on the waters of Cripple Creek". All the deeds are in the name of "William GLEAVES". These deeds and those of some of his descendants may be viewed on the Virginia State Library Internet site: http://image.vtls.com/ The Library of Virginia Land Records William Gleaves Sr.'s signature as it appeared on a document giving his consent for his daughter Esther to marry Asa Finley, dated August 18, 1806, Wythe County, Virginia. It is very different than the one that appears on his brother Matthew's apprenticeship in 1775. William's son, William Jr. also signed the document as a witness. Gleaves Knob William and Elizabeth helped settle the Cripple Creek Valley. Several court entries refer to the "Gleaves Branch" of Cripple Creek. Although that name does not exist today, there is a geographic feature that still bears William's name. Just North of the original family homestead is a summit rising 2,827 feet above sea level that bears the name "Gleaves Knob". This hill appears on the USGS map titled "Cripple Creek". William's Will William and Elizabeth Gleaves had eleven children born between 1771 and 1792. Three of their older sons moved to Davidson County, Tennessee around 1800, near land settled by William's brother Michael. Some daughters married and moved westward as well. Those living at the time of William's death were all mentioned in his will. The details of his will are listed in the biography that follows. Sketches of the lives of the children are included later in this chapter. When he died in 1820, William was a very prosperous man. Family records place his age at the time of his death as 72. An inventory of his estate included notes held on the Bank of Washington in Lebanon Kentucky. Sons, Absalom and James T. Gleaves certified the Inventory. Elizabeth lived another 20 years, passing away in 1840. Her will was probated on August 14, 1840. William and Elizabeth are buried in the family cemetery at Cripple Creek on land still owned by their descendants. William's grave has been marked and recorded by the Daughters of the American Revolution. A marker initially presumed to be the tombstone of his brother Michael is also located there. This appears rather to be a memorial honoring Michael, since he died in Davidson County, Tennessee in 1811. Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Wythe County, Virginia Gleaves, Old Wythe County Family The following biography, by Mary Hegley, was printed in a local Wythe County, Virginia newspaper in 1985. This author's copy does not note the name of the paper. The article was included in her book entitled: "Glimpses of Wythe County". Although much of the information in repetitive to subjects already covered or profiles of William and Elizabeth's children that appear later in this chapter, it is included here to document as completely as possible the lives of William and Elizabeth (Turk) Gleaves. "The Gleaves family of Cripple Creek were descended from the Gleaves of Cambridgeshie, England. William Gleaves, the first of the name to come to this part of Virginia, migrated to Pennsylvania and then down the valley of Virginia where he bought lands in 1770 as recorded in Augusta County records. In 1771 he was appointed guardian ad litem for Ester Gleaves (spelled Glaves in the records), an orphan of Matthew Gleaves deceased. At this time he was probably still living on the South River of the Shenandoah. In 1772 he was listed as a tithable (taxable) in William Herbert's Company of militia and this date probably represents the approximate date of his arrival in what is now Wythe County. In 1779, he served on a jury of Montgomery County, and went on the bond of Samuel Doak, the tax collector. In the same year he was recommended to the Governor of Virginia as a second lieutenant in Captain Francis' Company of Militia. In 1781 he was recommended as a first lieutenant in Captain James Newell's Company with William Dean as second lieutenant and Robert Sayers as ensign (an officer rank in the militia). The following year he took the oath as lieutenant. In April of 1782 he reported to the court that he had furnished Captain Campbell's Company of light horse militia with 16 diets (meals), corn and hay for eight horses for one night, and 24 diets for a company of patrollers under Sergeant Brummit. For provisions for himself when he was on duty in North Carolina he was paid ten shillings in addition to five pounds for the diets, 200 pounds of beef, and 16 sheaves of oats. For several months in 1779 and 1780 he served in the First Virginia Regiment (the regular army) and is always recognized as a Revolutionary War soldier. Although there does not appear to be any documentation, he is said to have been at the Battle of Kings Mountain. In 1797 he was a captain in the Wythe County militia. William Gleaves was born about 1748 and married Elizabeth Turk. They raised their family on the homestead on Cripple Creek east of the present town on land located on the south side of the creek and the present Route 619. Gleaves owned several tracts of land and the knob in view of his home was named Gleaves Knob in his honor. He owned about 1900 acres of land in the same vicinity. On March 20, 1820 his will was signed and a few months later on June 13th, was probated by the court. He left the house and all the Negroes to his wife for her lifetime. His daughter Nancy was to have certain Negroes and stock. Son Thomas was to have a Negro boy, and his daughter Polly Porter was to have $100 and daughter -in-law Margaret, the wife of William Gleaves Jr. who was already deceased, was to $100 for the use of the children, Thomas H., Polly and Eliza Gleaves. The daughter Elizabeth Ramsey, was to have $33.33, and son Absolum and his daughters Margaret Turk, Ester Finley and Salley Allen were each to have a Negro girl. Following the death of his wife Elizabeth, the Negroes were to go to son James T. Gleaves, who was also to have all the lands where the elder Gleaves lived, with the land adjoining. In return for the land James T. was to pay his sisters each the sum of 25 pounds, the currency of the day. He was also to support his mother and sister Nancy during her single life. The daughter Nancy never married and left her will probated in 1855. She left Negroes to sons of her brother James T. (Samuel C., George Wythe, James T. Jr., and Robert). James T. Gleaves married Malvina Crockett in 1822. Margaret married Thomas Turk, probably some relative. Sally married Nathan Allen, and William Jr. Married Margaret or Peggy Finley. Absolum married Cathy Holsey and Polly was the wife of Andrew Porter, son of the pioneer Robert Porter, Sr. Elizabeth Gleaves, the widow of William Sr., left a will that was probated in 1840. She disposed of the Negroes to her daughters and left Nancy a bureau and her daughter-in-law Malvina a china press. Two pieces of gold were given to Polly Porter and Nancy Gleaves, and her wearing apparel (seldom mentioned in wills) was not to be sold. Samuel C. Gleaves, grandson of the first William was a physician and served as medical director for General Floyd during the war. His brothers George Wythe, Andrew Jackson and Robert were to divide the homeplace, but Andrew died young and his share passed to Robert. In 1874 there was an inclusive survey made for Robert and the homeplace included at that time 1,670 acres in fourteen separate tracts. Robert's descendants own a large portion of the original estate. The family cemetery is located on the premises." The story of William and Elizabeth is similar to many families during the Colonial Period. They endured hardships, opened a new frontier, and helped give birth to a Nation. We are fortunate that their lives were so well documented. The Children of William and Elizabeth Gleaves William and Elizabeth had 11 children over a 21-year period. Many continued in the frontier spirit of their parents joining the western movement. The map that follows chronicles the known migrations of the William Gleaves Sr. family. The bible belonging to their son-in-law, Nathan Allen, provides the most complete documentation of the dates of birth of their children. The children are listed below in chronological order. The map above shows the migration of the William Gleaves Family. Four sons and three daughters moved from Wythe County, Virginia beginning in 1797. 1) Thomas Gleaves March 18, 1771 - 1849 Thomas is the oldest child of William and Elizabeth and the only one definitely born in Augusta County, Virginia. His parents moved to the present day Wythe County area when he was less than two years old. Sometime prior to 1797, Thomas moved to Davidson County, Tennessee near present day Nashville, Tennessee. His uncle, Michael Glaves had settled there in the late 1780s and had acquired significant property in the region. Michael is detailed in the next chapter. Several Wythe County historical sources list a number of families that moved to Davidson County in this same timeframe. Two of Thomas' brothers also moved to the Nashville area, although it appears that Thomas moved to Tennessee before they did. The first record of "Thomas GLEAVES" in Tennessee is his marriage to "Sally Smith" in March of 1797, although researchers differ on the exact date. The Marriage Bond was issued 13 March 1797 in Davidson County, Tennessee. Early Middle Tennessee Marriages Some family researchers have identified Thomas as "Thomas Harvey Gleaves". Thomas' younger brother, William Jr. had a son named Thomas Harvey Gleaves, although his adult life was spent in Missouri. This author has not found any documents that confirm this middle name. "Thomas GLEAVES" first appears in court records in April 1805, when he is mentioned in his Brother Matthew's Will. Matthew's Will is included in its entirety later in this chapter. The court appointed Thomas as Administrator of the estate and on May 30th of that same year, he filed an inventory of Matthew's possessions, which included his bible. On January 9, 1813 he reported to the Court that Matthew's land in Kentucky had been sold for $690 of which $615.45 was due the estate. Davidson County Will Books From about 1810 until 1831 it becomes more difficult to positively document Thomas, since his Uncle Michael Glaves had a son by the same name, born in 1789. Although both were in the same area, the other Thomas appears to have lived in Wilson County adjacent to Davidson. In some instances, Thomas is listed as "Thomas Gleaves, Sr." and his cousin as "Thomas Jr.". During this period these designations for unrelated individuals with the same name were fairly common. In most instances it referred to their age, but in some cases, the "Sr." title was awarded based on an individuals status in the community. The other Thomas died in 1831 and is profiled in the next chapter. "Thomas and Absalom GLAVES" (his brother) are listed among the buyers at the estate sale of William Stuart recorded February 19, 1810. "Thomas GLAVES" appears again on November 8, 1813 at the sale of the estate of George W. Payne. This second entry may pertain to the other Thomas although not likely due to his young age. A third entry for "Thomas GLEAVES", January 23, 1816 regarding the estate of Benjamin Seabourne is also inconclusive. Davidson County Will Books On November 12, 1821 "Thomas GLEAVES" appeared in Court selling 48+ acres to Benjamin Castleman for the sum of $112.50. This author is quite confident that this is the subject of this sketch, since Thomas' son "William B. GLEAVES" sold Benjamin Castleman an additional 37+ acres ten years later on May 10, 1831. Davidson County Deed Book Q page 406 Several entries in 1827 list a "Thomas GLEAVES" although limited detail makes it impossible to identify the Thomas referred to. A court entry dated November 28, 1828 deals with what appears to the County's support for a widow and her family. "Absalom GLEAVES, Thomas GLEAVES and James R. GLEAVES, (Thomas' Son) Commissioners to set apart one years provisions for Drusilla Johnson and her family". Davidson County Will Book Thomas died sometime in 1848/1849 at approximately 88 years of age and his will was recorded on March 22, 1850. The will was dated December 5, 1846 and delivered to the Davidson County Court during its April Term in 1849. The will is quite lengthy and mentions all of his children. Wife Sally is not mentioned and had probably died before the will was written. Thomas appears to have been a fairly wealthy man since he bequeathed several large tracts of land to his sons. At least 15 slaves are mentioned by name in his will. While most of his property was given to specific children, one provision directed a sharing by his descendants. "Item #11: I give to all my children the use in common of my still and tubs and not to be sold" Some of his sons received more than a proportionate share of his holdings and Thomas appears to have felt compelled to explain this in his will. "Item 17: I have given to Felix R. and Benjamin F. Gleaves more than the rest of my children in consideration of their trouble and kindship in running and taking care of me in my old age." Davidson County, Tennessee Court Records Sarah "Sallie" Smith (About 1776 - Before 1846) Davidson County marriage records identify Sallie as marrying a "Thomas GLEAVES" in March of 1797. The Matthew Gleaves Will (included in the next section) positively identifies her as the wife of his brother Thomas, son of William Gleaves. There is no known documentation identifying Sallie Smith's family, although some family records give her birthdate as 1776, location unknown. Matthew's will also identifies two other individuals; his cousin, Matthew Gleaves Jr. (son of Michael Glaves) and a woman named Betsy Smith. If any relationship to Betsy exists, it is not documented in the will. This author believes there is a high probability that Betsy is a younger sister of Sallie's. Five years later Cousin Matthew and Betsy Smith married in Davidson County, August 19, 1809. Matthew's will does not identify any land he owned in Davidson County so it is possible that he was living with Thomas and Sallie at the time of his death. According to researcher Robert Milnor Gleaves, there is a letter from James Turk Gleaves, brother of Thomas Gleaves, which states that Sally "Smith" was the daughter of Felix Robertson. This either means that Thomas was married twice or that Sally Robertson was first married to a Mr. Smith before she married Thomas Gleaves. This author has not seen the letter and can offer no further information on this subject. Bob Gleaves tends to discount this information as being incorrect. The exact date of Sallie's death is not known. Sallie is not mentioned in Thomas Gleaves' will, so she is assumed to have died before it was written in 1846. The youngest child of Thomas and Sallie Gleaves was born in 1819. A will written on January 10, 1822 by a man named Ezekial Smith offers some interesting possibilities to consider. The will, contested by a son from the family of his second wife, is somewhat confusing, although several facts are clear. Eziekiel willed land to his "sons" with each being mentioned by name"...on White's Creek...within the boundary of Stull's run off". The Will goes on to mention several women by their married names but does not identify which, if any, are daughters. One mentioned is "Elizabeth GLEAVES". ` Davidson County Will Book This author believes that Elizabeth Gleaves mentioned here is Betsy Gleaves, the wife of "Cousin" Matthew. Cousin Matthew's Father, Michael Gleaves left land on White's Creek to a son in his will and had dealings with several members of the Stull family. If Sallie Smith Gleaves and Betsy were sisters, Sallie is not mentioned in the Ezekial Smith will and may have died between 1819 and 1822. No proof, just a theory. 2) Matthew Gleaves November 9, 1772 - October 8, 1804 Matthew is the second child born to William and Elizabeth. The location of his birth is uncertain, since his parents moved from Augusta County to what was then Botetourt County, sometime in 1772. His father appears on militia rolls there in 1772 although no date is given for this record. Matthew made the migration to Davidson County, Tennessee around 1800, as did his brother Absolam. We know he did not arrive at the same time as Thomas (before 1797) since documents place him in Wythe County after that date. On June 4, 1798, a man named James Bebber wrote his will in Wythe County, Virginia. Two of the men signing the will as witnesses are "Matthew GLEAVES and Absolum GLEAVES". Early Adventurers on the Western Waters III Matthew's life ended shortly after the move to Tennessee at the age of 31, the cause of his death being unknown. His date of death is listed in family records as October 8, 1804. His will, dated November 27, 1803, was entered in Davidson County on April 3, 1805. It provides valuable insight into the family. An exact copy is included here. The Will of Matthew Gleaves "I Matthew Gleaves of the County of Davidson and the State of Tennessee in a Good State of health and memory do make this my Last will and Testament. Viz I leave to my brother Thomas all my Horses and Cattle and all the little debts that is due me in this Neighborhood and that Sixty Dollars that is in my Fathers hands I Allow it to be Divided Equally Betwixt my Brothers and Sisters that lives in Virginia Also I leave to my Sister in-Law Sally Gleaves wife of Thomas Gleaves my Negro Boy Green If he is not Redeemed she may keep him During her life and then to remain to her Children Afterwards only I Allow Brother Absolom Eighty five Dollars out of the price in Good Property Also I allow that Land in Kentucky to be Sold and the Price to be Divided Equally Betwixt my Father and Mother Sisters and Brothers I Allow my Cousin Matthew Gleaves twenty Dollars out of the Price of it Also I allow Betsy Smith Ten Dollars out of the Price of my Big Steer paid by Thomas Gleaves I do Renounce and Disdain all Other wills by me made" November the 27th 1803 Witness Matthew Gleaves Junr Signed: Matthew Gleaves The following appears to have been added by the Davidson County Court when the will was proven to be authentic. "The Execution of which will as Above Recited was in Court held for the County of Davidson January Sessions 1805 Proven to be the Act and Deed of the said Matthew Gleaves Senr by the Oath of Matthew Gleaves Junr a Subscribing Witness thereto, the said Matthew Gleaves Junr being a Legatee in said Will having first came unto Court and Acknowledged a Release of any Legacy or Benefit in said Will" Davidson County Will Book 3, page 4 The will confirms that the three brothers all settled in Tennessee as well as linking the Smith women to specific family members. His brother Thomas entered an inventory of Matthew's estate into court records. Among the items listed is one that may give a clue to Matthew's occupation; "a set of hatters tools". Other items mentioned included; "fourteen head of cattle, two horses, one bed and furniture, A certificate for two months service at Natchez, (Mississippi) as a private in Captain F. Robertson's Company (no date given), a silver watch, Knife and Tomhock, one bible and one razor". Neither Matthew's will nor the inventory mentions any land owned in Tennessee. It is possible that had not acquired any yet and was living at the time with his brother Thomas. Davidson County Minute Book Several researchers believe Matthew married a woman named Elizabeth Pate, giving the date of the marriage as the same day he wrote his will. There is no mention of a wife or children in his will and this author tends to discount these reports. When Matthew's father, William wrote his will, he listed all living children and the widow of son William Jr. If Matthew had been married, his widow is not mentioned in William's will. 3) Mary "Polly" Gleaves December 13, 1774 - About 1832 The third child of William and Elizabeth, Polly, married Andrew Porter Sr. (1773-1853) in Wythe County sometime around 1790. No record of the marriage has been found. The names of the nine children from this marriage are known, although not all of their dates of birth. Andrew may have been the only child of Robert Porter (1740-1781) and his wife Margaret Ewing (about 1735-after 1803) since no other children have been identified. They settled in the Cripple Creek area about 1775. They had lived in the general vicinity even earlier, since Andrew is reported to have been born in Fincastle County, April 4, 1773. At that time, Cripple Creek was a part of Fincastle County. Robert Porter has been documented for his service to the new Country during the Revolutionary War and is recognized for his participation by the Daughters of the American Revolution. At the time of his Father's death, Andrew was less than 10 years old. Some of the family property passed to him shortly thereafter, but because of his age, it was controlled by a guardian, William Ewing, a relative of Margaret's. In 1782 Andrew, as heir to Robert Porter, entered several Commissioner's Certificates (through William Ewing) for land that his father had settled. He was eventually granted a certificate for 400 acres on both sides of Cripple Creek. Early Adventurers on the Western Waters III Sometime before 1803, Andrew's mother Margaret, moved to Blount County, Tennessee. It is not clear if she had remarried. In 1803 she is listed as living in Blount County when she deeded to Andrew an additional 50 acres on the Thorn Branch of Cripple Creek. In 1811, Andrew again appears in Wythe County Court records in conjunction with his father's will. He filed a lawsuit against the heirs of William Ewing over the handling of a Bounty Warrant granted to his father for his war service. According to Andrew, William Ewing used the Warrant to enter a tract of 100 acres in his own name. The land changed hands several times and Andrew's lawsuit eventually became Porter vs. Gannaway. In 1817, Andrew's father-in-law, William GLEAVES testified in his behalf. Andrew eventually won his case and recovered 86 of the 100 acres in question. Wythe County Court Records Over the years of their marriage, Andrew and Polly's holdings grew beyond the land reported in this sketch. Polly is mentioned in her father's will written in March 1820. William Gleaves' Will states "To my daughter Polly Porter I bequeath the sum of one hundred dollars for hir use arising from the proceeds of the sale". Polly's brothers and sisters each received a specific slave as well, but for some reason, she was left out. William may have already provided for Andrew and Polly. Polly died before her mother but since Elizabeth Turk Gleaves wrote her will in 1830, she is mentioned in it as well. Andrew outlived Polly Gleaves by more than 20 years. Family records report Polly's death as occurring on November 11, 1832. It does not give a location although it is assumed to be Wythe County. There are no details as to how she died, but we know she would have been 57 at the time. Andrew remarried a woman named Mary and outlived her as well. The year following Polly's death, Andrew conveyed nearly 1,000 acres of land to his son Stephen Porter. He retained use of his house and other buildings on the land. Andrew had previously given land to his son Andrew Jr. that included the land from the Porter vs. Gannaway court case. Early Adventurers on the Western Waters III Andrew wrote his will on June 22, 1850 and died March 9, 1853. Andrew was buried in the Porter Family Cemetery on his farm. Although there is no record, it is assumed that Polly was buried there as well. 4) William Gleaves Jr. September 27, 1777 - Before 1820 William's life is not well documented. We know he was born on Cripple Creek, when it was still part of Montgomery County, the fourth child of William and Elizabeth. There are no known records of his formative years. The first legal record pertaining to William Jr. is his marriage to Margaret "Peggy" Finley, September 16, 1802 in Wythe County. Wythe County Marriages 1790-1850 Margaret "Peggy" Finley Margaret was born about 1780, although the location is not known. She was the daughter of William Finley Sr. and Mary Pettus. The family had also come from Augusta County, Virginia where Margaret's uncle, John Finley, was a wheelwright. John Finley had a young apprentice in 1775 named Matthew Glaves, William Gleaves' uncle. This apprenticeship is covered in detail in Chapter 6. Both of Margaret's parents had died before she married William. Margaret's father died in December 1801 or January 1802 and her mother sometime prior to that. Margaret appears in her father's will and received "a sorrel mare". Her sisters each received a mare as well. About this same time, several of Margaret's brothers were venturing westward, into Kentucky and claimed land in the Christian County area. Likewise, three of William's brother's were migrating through the Cumberland Gap into the Davidson County, Tennessee region. William and Margaret chose Kentucky and sometime after their marriage, joined Margaret's brothers, Dabney and Asa Finley in Christian County. Christian County, Kentucky Asa Finley would return to Wythe County and in 1806, marry William's younger sister, Esther. Esther was underage and her father had to give his written consent to the marriage. William Jr. also signed the document as a witness. This single document bears the signatures of both William Sr. and Jr. as well as Asa Finley. Asa and Esther returned to Christian County after the marriage and before 1810. It is possible that this is when William and Margaret made the journey to their new home. Wythe County Marriages The signature of William Gleaves Jr. when he witnessed his father's consent for his sister Esther to marry Asa Finley, August 18, 1806 There is a good possibility that William and Margaret did not leave Wythe County until sometime after Asa and Esther. In 1808 William's father conveyed 430 acres to him in Wythe County. He in Peggy in turn conveyed the land to Joseph Bell and Andrew Kincannon that same year. William and Margaret did not have to reside in the County to complete these transactions, although if they had already left, his father could have sold the land and sent the money to them in Kentucky. Wythe County Court Records The 1810 census finds William and Margaret living in Christian County, Kentucky. All three of their children had been born and William is listed as owning three slaves. Margaret and the children are not named in the census, only counted in age groups. Only the head of household was listed by name until the 1850 Census. 1810 Kentucky Census Records William died sometime in 1811. This author has not found any record of his Will. His wife Peggy and her brother, Asa Finley were named Administrators of his estate. A sale of William's estate was conducted and a list of items sold was entered into the Christian County Court records: A typed copy of the items sold and the names of the buyers is almost four pages long. It begins "The following articles of the said Estate was this day exposed to publick sale". The document ends with a statement by the administrators. "We Asa Finley and Peggy GLEAVES, administrators of the estate of William GLEAVES, deceased, do hereby certify that this list contains a true account of the proceeds of the sale of the above estate this 11th day of October 1811". Under Dower Rights, Peggy was entitled to a third of the proceeds of the estate sale. She had to bid on any items she wanted to keep for herself. Many items were reclaimed this way. Among the items purchased by Peggy were: 1 looking glass (50 cents), 2 beds and furniture ($112), 1 bee hive ($1), 1 cow and calf and bell ($9.50), 33 hogs ($27), 1 pewter dish ($5) and 1 crop of corn in the field ($5). Peggy's brothers purchased a number of items as well. Some of the more valuable items were appraised prior to the sale and included three slaves, "Judith ($330), Spencer ($350) and Will ($450)". There was no mention of any land owned by William in either the appraisal or the sale. Christian County, Kentucky Estate Records 1797-1816 Peggy appears on the County Tax Rolls at least until 1817. In that year she is listed as owning three slaves and two horses but owning no land. It is likely that she and her children were living with the family of one of her brothers. Christian County Tax Lists 1814-1817 Peggy and the children are mentioned in her father-in-law's will made in March of 1820. "To my daughter-in-law Margaret Gleaves formerly wife to William Gleaves dead. I deviseth the sum of one hundred dollars for the use of hir children (to-wit) Thomas H. Gleaves, Polly Gleaves and Eliza Gleaves". The Will of William Gleaves Sr. William Jr. would have been no more than 34 years of age at his death. It is presumed that he died in Christian County, Kentucky. Details regarding Margaret after 1820 are at best, sketchy. About 1818, her brothers, Dabney and Asa, left Christian County with their families, headed for Missouri. Details of their lives in Saline County, Missouri are presented later in this chapter relating to Asa's wife, Esther Gleaves. Two of William and Margaret's children show up in Lafayette County, Missouri as early as 1825. It is possible that Margaret and her children made the trip with her brothers. There are reports that Margaret married for a second time to a man named Holman sometime before 1837. This author has no other details on this subject. We do know that she eventually made the trip to Missouri. Margaret is reported to have died on January 2, 1859 in Lafayette County, Missouri. She would have been more than 80 years old at the time. 5) Elizabeth Gleaves October 2, 1779 - After 1820 Elizabeth was born on Cripple Creek, in what was at the time, Montgomery County, Virginia, the fifth of eleven children. Wythe County was not formed until 1790. Her date of birth is documented in family records. Nathan Allen Bible There is a marriage record in Wythe County where a "Betsey GLAVES" married George Eller Jr. on May 16, 1799. Elizabeth would have been 20 years old at the time, so this could be her. The nickname and the misspelling of the last name have caused family researchers to question this entry. The only person known to use the spelling of the family name without the "E" in Wythe County was Michael Glaves, Elizabeth's uncle. Every other occurrence in Wythe County where the name is recorded as Glaves appears to be a spelling error. Michael Glaves had left Wythe County for Tennessee by 1783. Wythe County Marriages 1790-1850 Little is known about George Eller Jr. since this appears to be the only time he shows up in Wythe County. Adding to the confusion, is the will of Elizabeth's father, William Gleaves Sr. Written in March of 1820, it lists all his living children as beneficiaries. Elizabeth appears in the document as "Elizabeth Ramsey". No mention is made of her husband's first name. The Will provides: "To my daughter Elizabeth Ramsey I bequeath the sum of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents", the lowest amount received by any of the children. William's personal property was to be sold and the money divided among seven of his nine living children. The two oldest daughters: Polly Porter and Elizabeth Ramsey were left out of this division. The Ramsey Connection There is no proof that Elizabeth indeed is the woman marrying George Eller Jr. in 1799 although it appears likely. This would mean that Elizabeth was married at least twice. Additionally, there is no document that positively identifies the Christian name of Elizabeth Gleaves-Ramsey's husband. This Author believes the most likely candidate is a pioneer named Josiah Ramsey. Josiah Ramsey first appears in present day Wythe County in 1762 when he claimed land on Reed Creek. There are entries in Augusta County as early as 1748 pertaining to a Josiah Ramsey, although there is no proof that these are the same person. Ramsey Mountain, near the present day town of Max Meadows, is named for him. In 1773 he recorded his mark for cattle and hogs as "a crop in the left ear". Over the next 30 years, Josiah appears in numerous entries serving on juries, appraising estates and as a Road Viewer. In 1774, "Josiah Ramsey of Reed Creek" served 43 days with Captain Walter Crockett. This was one of the Militia Companies that fought at the Battle of Point Pleasant. See Chapter 4 for more details of this engagement and the involvement of Michael Glaves. There is no record of a marriage for Josiah during this period although it is clear that he had a wife and children. Her name is not known but children born of this marriage are documented in his Will. A Wythe County Court entry from 1802 is the first time a wife of Josiah is identified. "Josiah and Elizabeth Ramsey" sold 206 acres to John Bishop and 64 acres to James McGavock. Again, in 1810, "Josiah and Elizabeth Ramsey" sold 440 acres to his son Joseph Ramsey "on the north and south of the Reed Creek". Wythe County Deed Books 3 & 4 Josiah Ramsey wrote his will May 21, 1805 and it was probated August 13, 1811. He mentions several grown sons and daughters and his wife, "Elizabeth Ramsey". Wythe County Will Book 2 We know that the Ramseys and Gleaves must have had some dealings together since a relative of Josiah Ramsey conveyed a slave to her brother's family in 1839. Records reveal that the slave was "Calvin Gleaves, age about 2 years". Early Adventurers on the Western Waters III There is no documentation that clearly identifies this Elizabeth Ramsey with the Gleaves family. If this were the same person, then it would provide several additional facts. First, Elizabeth's marriage to George Eller Jr. in 1799 was a very short one. Elizabeth would have married a second time by 1802. Since there are no known records of George after the wedding, he could have died before 1802. If this is the Elizabeth Ramsey mentioned in William Gleaves Sr.'s will, her second marriage would have lasted only about 10 years. She would have remained the "Widow Ramsey" until at least 1820. There is no known record of Elizabeth's death or any children born into her marriage(s). Future researchers may solve this riddle, but it cannot be answered here. 6) Absalom Gleaves September 3, 1781 - September 18, 1834 Absalom was born in the Cripple Creek Valley during the American Revolution, the sixth child of William and Elizabeth Gleaves. Like his brothers and sisters, there is no documentation of his formative years. His birth is recorded in family records in the Nathan Allen Bible. The first reference to him in any material way occurs when he is 17 years old and witnesses the Will of James Bebber on June 6, 1798. Early Adventurers on the Western Waters III Catherine Halsey About 1784 - July 5, 1866 Just short of his 22nd birthday, Absalom married Catherine Halsey on August 18, 1803. The marriage occurred in Wythe County, Virginia. Catherine was the daughter of James and Sarah (Heldrith) Halsey. The family name appears in records under numerous different spellings, although this appears to be the correct one. James Halsey first appears in local records in 1782 but may have come to the area earlier. James died sometime around 1785 and Sarah remarried in 1789. There is no information on James' Will, if one existed. Tennessee Migration Absalom's older brother, Thomas had moved westward and married in Davidson County, Tennessee by 1797. The lure of free or cheap land may have enticed Absalom and Catherine to seek these greener pastures as well. A number of families from Wythe County migrated through the Cumberland Gap, to Davidson County during this period. Sometime shortly after their wedding in 1803, they joined this migration. They most likely traveled with others, although no records have been found. Absalom's older brother, Matthew also came to Davidson County about the same time and may have been a member of their party. Brother Matthew Gleaves made his Will on November 27, 1803 and it was entered into Davidson County court records April 3, 1805. Absalom is mentioned but Catherine is not. The will, that appears earlier in this chapter, appears to make it clear that Absalom was in Tennessee when it was written. The will reads: "I allow Brother Absolom Eighty five Dollars out of his Price in Good Property". Davidson County Will Book 3, page 4 "Thomas (his brother) and Absalom GLAVES" are listed among the buyers at the estate sale of William Stuart recorded February 19, 1810. "Absolom GLEAVES" is listed among the buyers at the estate of Jesse Thomas on November 27, 1816. Davidson County Will Book Absalom's Military Exploits "Absalom GLEAVES" is listed as a member of Captain Creel's Militia Company in 1812. Also listed on the rolls are his cousin, "Michael GLEAVES" and a "Thomas GLEAVES" (unclear if this is his brother or cousin). All three are privates. Of note, another private listed; Andrew Jackson, the future president. Pioneers of Davidson County During the War of 1812, Absalom is listed as being a private in "Rangers, United States Volunteers". No record has been found dealing with this unit or any military engagements they were involved in. War of 1812 Muster Rolls, Ancestry.Com Absalom is mentioned in his father's will in 1820, although his name appears to be recorded incorrectly. This author has only a typed copy of the document prepared by an unknown researcher and has not reviewed a true copy of the will, if one exists. The entry reads; "To my son Abraham GLEAVES I bequeath my negroe girl Sharlotte with hir increase". His brother James T. who still lived in Wythe County received the bulk of the estate including all land. The Will of William Gleaves Absalom appears to have lived his life in Davidson County, although several entries bearing his name appear in nearby Wilson County, home to other family members. The first entry, dated April 14, 1815 reads; "Absolum GLEAVES of Davidson County to Jacob Woodrum 128 acres on Stoner Creek". The book Wilson County History lists Jacob Woodrum as one of the earliest settlers on Stoner's Creek. Also on this list is a "Thomas GLEAVES". Since no date is given, it is difficult to know for sure which Thomas Gleaves this entry refers to, although it is most likely Absalom's older brother. Wilson County, Tennessee Deed Book E, page 521 The second entry is a more serious matter. Quarterly Court minutes from Wilson County contain an entry from the June Term, 1828 (p. 475) which reads; "Absolum Gleaves found guilty of assault and battery. He submitted himself to the mercy of the Court". No other reference to this event has been found, so the details remain a mystery. History of Wilson County Absalom was active in his community and appears in a number of sources in varying capacities. Several are listed here. Reverend Gleaves? There is at least one report that Absalom may have received a calling to the ministry. Catherine Halsey's sister, Sarah, married a man named Jacob Harkreader. An article entitled The Harkreader Family of Middle Tennessee contains the following: "Jacob and Sarah named two of their children for Sarah's sister and her husband, Catherine Halsey who married Absolum Gleaves (Methodist preacher in Wilson Co., Tennessee)". Middle Tennessee Journal of Genealogy and History Vol XII There is also a record of two weddings performed by Absolom in 1825 and 1826. The individuals that were married do not appear to be related to him. Both marriages are documented in the John Hays Bible. The Hays family also lived in Davidson County. No church records have been found by this author to document this information. Tennessee Bible Records and Marriage Bonds On March 15, 1827 four members of the family are among a group of men signing a document establishing the dower rights of a widow named Penelope Overton. The Gleaves men are "Thomas GLEAVES (his brother), Abs