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Rapid Index (Key name/birth date) •Allumbaugh, Garrett 1789 •Bane, Mordecai~1683 •Blake, David 1764 •Bobbitt, Isham 1754 •Boone, Squire 1696 •Brous, Peter 1783 •Burk, James ~1705 •Eckart, Victor ~1871 •Eckart, William~1815 •Eckart, Wm.F. 1843 •Eggers, Daniel 1752 •Eggers, Geo 1715 •Eggers, Landrine 1757 •Ellison, James 1776 •Ellison, Stewart 1809 •Frontier Alarms 1774 •Green, Garret ~1730 •Hogan, Humph ~1740 •Hogan, Humphrey ~1682 •Hogan, William 1777 •Jones, Lewis 1784 •Jones, Mathew 1813 •Jones, Samuel 1756 •Klaumann, Herm.1851 •Klaumann, Jn ~1818 •Morphew, Aaron 1796 •Morphew, James~1715 •Morphew, James~1750 •Morphew, James 1805 •Morphew, Jos. 1775 •Morphew, Silas~1752 •Morphew, Wm 1829 •Morphews, unknown •Murphy, Cal 1860 •Murphy, Garrett1850 •Murphy, Jas W 1876 •Murphy, Riley 1853 •Powell, Rowland ~1670 •Steelman, Chas I ~1705 •Steelman, Chas II ~1745 •Steelman, Jonath 1782 •Steelman, Peter ~1667 •Steyer, Andrew 1827 •Tatum, George ~1721 •Tatum, James ~1755 •Tatum, Nathaniel 1599 •Tatum, Nathaniel ~1670 •Tatum, Samuel ~1695 •Tatum, Samuel I ~1640 •Tatum, Samuel II ~1674 •Wadlows, Maryland •Wadlow, Thomas ~1710 •Wadlow, William ~1745 •Wilcockson,Geo1692 •Wilcockson, John 1720 •Wilcockson, Sam 1755 •Willcoxen, Squire 1778 |
CHAPTER 6G Samuel Wilcoxson (Wilcoxen, Willcockson, Wilcoxon, Wilcockson, etc.) Anna Jordan (Jordon)
NEW FOR 2003· ANNA JORDAN SIGHTING IN MARYLAND? · JENNINGS/BYBEE INFO FROM KAREN MORLAN · MORE OF JESSE WILCOXSON
Samuel Wilcockson, Sr. Born 24 Feb 1755. Birth date year conflicts with his brother, Daniel, Jr. Married 3 July 1775 in Rowan County, N.C. (bible record*), but the date may be later. Died 25 November 1825 or 16 September 1825 (bible record*) in Estill County, Kentucky. There is a burial site and date of death controversy. Samuel probably died in late 1826 or early 1827 – see below. Jonathan Willcoxson stated in 1861 that his grandfather, Samuel, died at 72 years of age. Parents: John Willcockson (1720 – 1782) and Sarah Boone (1724 – 1815)
Anna Jordan (Jordon) Born 7 June 1756 in Maryland (bible record* and confirmed by Jemima Brown in 1884 – granddaughter – see her letter at end of chapter). Died 21 March 1840 in Fulton County, Illinois. Reported buried in Old Salem Cemetery, Buckheart Township section 7, SE ¼, Fulton County. Parents: not known, but speculation exists below. 2nd Edition, Morphew/Murphy Story – J.R. Murphy, 10 April 2004
More research is needed for Samuel and Anna Willcockson and their children. Estill County’s George Wilcoxson is a mystery and may be a son. Greater precision is needed on the children’s birth dates. The above “* bible records” are said to be from the family bible of Isaac Aaron Willcockson, but some dates appear incorrect.
This chapter is divided into the following sections:
2. Their children and grandchildren 3. Old Wilcockson letters 4. Speculation on the origins of Anna Jordan 5. Census records
KENTUCKY IN 1775 AND 1785?
A Kentucky County, Virginia, preemption warrant states Samuel Wilcoxson was in Kentucky in 1775, developing property on an unnamed branch of Licking Creek. This description is thought to cover a large drainage basin south of Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. Shortly thereafter, Samuel Wilcoxson returned to North Carolina to live and raise his children (from a letter by James Calloway to Lyman Draper, related by Dorothy Wulfeck, “Wilcoxson and Allied Families” 1958).
Time-wise, the first settlements in all of Kentucky included Fort Harrod in 1774, and Fort Boonesborough, beginning in March 1775. Details for the 1775 land are found below in early Kentucky County Records.
Samuel Wilcockson returned to Kentucky in early 1785. Sarah Yates and Jemima Brown, two grandchildren of Samuel Wilcockson, Sr., stated that their mother, Sarah (Wilcoxson) Yates, was born at Fort Boone on 28 January 1785. Their letters stating this are found later in this chapter.
EARLY KENTUCKY COUNTY, VIRGINIA, RECORDS
10 January 1780, Commissioners for the Virginia Land Commission met at Bryants Station on Elkhorn Creek to adjust title to un-patented lands in the District of Kentucky:
“Wm. Hays Assee (assignee) of Sam’l Wilcoxon this day claimed a preemption of 1000 Acres of land at the State price in the District of Kentucky lying on a branch of Licking Creek joining the Lands said to be claimed by Wm. Moore on the South side by the Said Wilcoxon, marking and improving the same in the year 1775. Satisfactory proof being made to the Court, they are of Opinion that the said Hays has a right to a preemption of 1000 Acres of land to include the above location and that a cert. Issue accordingly. (Cert. issd for 1400 fees &c pd D.D.) (From “Certificate Book of the Virginia Land Commission, 1779-1780,” Kentucky Historical Society, 1981, page 122)
Preemptions required an individual to establish a claim, usually by blazing tree boundaries and by starting construction of a cabin.
From the Survey Books of Daniel Boone: “Surveyed for W. Hayes aSee (assignee) of Wilcoxson 1000 acres; begin at 2 hickorys, walnot, and white oke SE 20 n(?) to a huger tree and mulbury, E 450 n(?) to 3 Jaggrooo, thence NE 20 n to 2 Shuger trees and ash, N 305 n(?) to 2 honne Locus is a walnot and hickury, thence NW 10 n(?) Locus, thence W 450 n(?) to a hickury thence SW 20 poles to a black walnot – and Shuger Tree, thence to the begining.” The entry is undated, but is between two entries of 15 September 1784 and 29 September 1784. There is a symbol which is a bit like “n” that could either mean chains or some bigger unit of distance measurement, or something else. “n” is used here. (From Draper Manuscript Collection, courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society, Series C, Volume 26, unnumbered.)
Where is this Licking Creek or watercourse? Perhaps this helps: 17 January 1778 – “Danl Boon enters 400 acres in Kaintucky by virtue of a certificate and lying on ye waters of Licking Creek...about 20 miles N.E. of Boonsburgh....”
ROWAN AND WILKES COUNTY, N. C., 1755-1787+
One would expect Samuel Wilcoxson to be in the American Revolution, but no record has been found, yet. In the 1778, Samuel Wilcoxson filed for a North Carolina Land Grant #126 in the general area of Old Fields, Wilkes County (now Ashe County).
EARLY ROWAN AND WILKES COUNTY LANDS FOR SAMUEL WILCOXSON
Rowan County: Date purchased not known; date sold 16 July 1799. Samuel Willcockson of Rowan County sold to John Foster for 400 pounds, estimation of 200 acres, a parcel of land in Rowan County that Samuel Willcockson purchased of Zachariah Bartheson on Bartheson’s Creek...beginning of John Nails line, with premises and all appertinances. Witnesses were William Willcockson, Robert Foster, and Thomas Foster. Signed Samuel Willcockson and Ann (x) Willcockson. (Book 18, page 188). Location of Creek is thought to be near the Forks of the Yadkin River, but the actual date purchased may prove to be later than the grants below.
Wilkes County: 28 May 1778, Samuel Wilcoxen requested land entry #126 in Wilkes County, lying on the waters of New River about 3 miles above Old Fields, near the mouth of small branch and a little below on old Cabbin, running up New River, adjacent William Sherry. Grant date and number not known. A request to the North Carolina State Archives was returned with several later land grants (2002).
Wilkes County: 20 July 1778, Samuel Wilcoxen, requested land entry #247 on New River, in what is called Old Fields, beginning at the lower end of what is called Adam’s Bottom, with all improvements made by Adams for complement. Grant date and number not known.
Beginning in 1786, he filed for more land grants in Wilkes County and could be into land speculation. Census records place Samuel, Sr. in the Davie portion of Rowan County until at least 1787.
Old Fields has a place in America Revolution history. There was a certain 250-300 pound patriot by the name of Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, who was a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina, and a hero in the Battle of King’s Mountain, and who was noted for hanging his Tory enemies on numerous occasions. In early 1781, Cleveland was captured by the Tory Captain William Riddle and a party of six to eight men at Old Fields on New River. Cleveland was then taken as a prisoner to Elk Creek and then on to a mountain top called Riddle’s Knob (now Watauga County), on his way to the Tory stronghold of Ninety-six, South Carolina. Twenty to Thirty patriot friends quickly picked up the kidnappers trail and rescued him the next morning. Shortly after, Captain Riddle was captured by others and taken to Mulberry Field Meeting House (now Wilkesboro) and hung. (From “King’s Mountain and Its Heroes, “ by Lyman C. Draper, 1881.)
In 1798, Samuel Willcockson and Squire Willcockson witness two Rowan County deeds from John Willcockson, Senior, to William Willcockson for 165 and 160 acres on Bear Creek, and proved in the 1805 court session.
In 9 November 1798, Abner Hay and “Samuel Wilcoxson, Senr,” were appointed Overseers to divide the Shallow Ford Road from Cap. Freelings Muster Ground to Elisha’s Creek. (From M.A. Payne, contents of manilla envelop labeled “Wilcoxson” and at top of paper, J.F. McCubbins, Clerk Superior Court, Rowan County, Salisburg, N.C.)
ASHE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ABOUT 1790 TO 1815
The Minutes of the Three Forks Baptist Church, near Boone, North Carolina for 1790-1800 included Samuel Wilcoxen, Sr., Anna Wilcoxen, Samuel Wilcoxsen, Jr., and Lyon Wilcoxen. Another list shows Squire Wilcoxen, but date is undetermined. In August 1793, James Chambers, Ebenezer Fairchild, and Samuel Wilcoxon were sent as delegates to the church assembly at Eaton’s Meeting House on Dutchman’s Creek, near Daniel Boone’s old home. The Three Forks Church has now its own website: http://www.carolinacuzins.org/threef.html .
ASHE COUNTY, N. C. DEEDS/GRANTS FOR SAMUEL WILCOXSON, SR.
11 August 1800: State of North Carolina Land Grant #584 to Samuel Wilcoxson, a tract of land 100 acres in Ashe County, lying on the South Fork of New River...to the SW corner of the land where he now lives...to the land of Shilling Hill Creek. Entered 11 August 1800, Patent date not available. (Ashe County Deed Book D, page 338)
27 December 1802: State of North Carolina Land Grant #583 to Samuel Wilcox, Sn, 150 acres in Ashe County, lying on Old Field Creek beginning at a white oak at James Fletcher's SW corner running north along said Fletcher's line.... Entered 27 December 1802. Patent date not available. (Ashe County Deed Book D, page 347)
27 December 1802: State of North Carolina Land Grant #591 to Samuel Wilcox, Sn. a tract of land containing 250 acres in Ashe County on Old Field Creek.... Entered 27 December 1802. Patent date not available. (Ashe County Deed Book D, page 348)
7 December 1804: State of North Carolina Land Grant #592 to Samuel Wilcox, Snr. 100 acres in Ashe County on South Fork of New river beginning at a white oak in his old line running east.... Entered 7 December 1804. Patent date not available. (Ashe County Deed Book D, page 339)
26 April 1805: Deed of Samuel Wilcockson to Barnet Owen, both of Ashe County, 100 acres in Ashe County...for 50 pounds, on waters of Deep Gap Creek...beginning with a chestnut near a black oak marked thus "S.W."...crossing a branch of Gap Creek. (Signed:) Samuel Wilcockson. Witnesses: Thomas Calloway, Luther Perkins. Entered November term 1805. (Ashe County Deed Book B, Page 362)
5 August 1805: State of North Carolina Land Grant #593 to Samuel Wilcox, Sn. a tract of 30 acres in Ashe County...to Philip's line.... Entered 5 August 1805. Patent date not available. (Ashe County Deed Book D, page 349)
12 November 1805: Deed of Samuel Wilcockson to Luther Perkins, both of Ashe County, 200 acres in Ashe County...on the waters of Gap Creek...bounding on Joseph Perkin's Old Field Line, across Gap Creek.... (signed) Samuel Wilcockson. Test: Thomas Calloway, James Jackson. Registered November 1805 term. (Ashe County Deed Book B, page 360.)
20 March 1815: Deed from Samuel Wilcoxon to Aaron Church, both of Ashe County, for 20 acres lying on the side of New River in the Doe Neck being all that part of a tract of 100 acres entered and deeded by said Wilcoxen beginning on the east and west line where it crosses the river turning west up said river, supposed to be 20 acres. Signed: Samuel Wilcoxan. Witnesses: George Wilcoxan, Elijah Wilcoxan. At the bottom of this deed recorded 17 March 1835 Ashe County. "Deed was duly proved before me by the oath of Isaiah Wilcoxan (who) was proved the lerature(?) of the other Samuel Wilcoxan and that he was dead and the signature of each of the __ witnesses & that George Wilcoxan his of the said subscribing witness is dead and Elijah Wilcoxan both (had) removed from the (county). The same be registered, 30 March 1835." Thos Little J.S. Clerk, Jonathan Stemfier, C.R. (Ashe County Deed Book V, page 392)
31 October 1815: Deed from Samuel Wilcockson of Ashe County to James Wilborn of Wilkes County, three tracts of land for $150, (a) 50 acres more or less lying on the South Fork of New River in Ashe County, granted by the state of Samuel Wilcockson and by him conveyed to Terry Mullins, and by him then to said Wilburn...line to a white oak below the mouth of Pine Swamp Creek to a white oak at the head of a spring and to the north side of the river. (b) one other tract lying on the South Fork of New River....beginning at the southwest corner of above said mentioned track where the said Wilcockson lives...to the bank of Shilling Hill Creek...except 20 acres lying on the north side of the said River where William Church now lives. (c) one other tract containing 10 acres...on the bank of said River and in the old line running up the meander of said river. (Signed:) Samuel Wilcockson. Witnesses: Soloman Ross, Charles Anderson, John P. Blume. Registered November 1815 term. (Ashe County Deed Book C, page 439)
ESTILL COUNTY, KENTUCKY 1816 - 1827
Why Samuel Wilcoxson settled in eastern Estill County, Kentucky is a good question when one sees the land. Samuel and his son Squire seem to follow similar path locations and after Samuel dies, Squire moves on to Illinois.
Estill County tax records have Samuel Wilcoxson on their lists from 1817 through 1827. In the year 1823, the tax record states Samuel lived on the Kentucky River and in 1825, he is on the North Fork of the Kentucky River. The general vicinity of St. Helens, Estill County is probably a fair estimate of the location, which is the junction of the Middle and North Forks of the Kentucky River. No deeds could be found. The question arises if some of these records belong Samuel, Junior, and the answer is that this son never came to Estill County (see his listing). At no time do the tax records indicate two Samuels or a Sr. and Jr.
During these years in Estill County, Samuel’s sons are nearby. Squire and Elijah Wilcoxson are there from 1816 to 1827. Alfred is listed from 1819 to 1825. Isaiah is listed once in 1819. There is a George Wilcoxson 1817, 1822 -1823, 1826-1827 and do not know where to place him in the family except most of the Wilcoxsons including George were living on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. Who is he? On 6 May 1824, “George Wilcox” filed a deposition for the Estill County divorce trial of Thomas Brinegar, Sr. versus Rachael Brinegar. A Polly Wilcox was also mentioned in this trial. In 1820, there is a Lonnie Wilcoxon, and 1827, a Lami Wilcockson on the Middle Fork. These last two names may be transcription misspellings when the main tax record was made.
In about 1820, one daughter, possibly Deborah, moved in with Samuel and Anna with several young children. Her first husband Daniel Jennings may have died.
In 23 April 1821 Samuel “Willcox” signs with his son Squire to give permission for “Martha Willcox” to marry Garrard Almbagh (Garrett Allumbaugh).
Samuel Wilcockson died 25 November 1825 or 16 September 1825 (bible record). One record states the burial is at Hill Top Cemetery, St. Helens, Lee County, Kentucky and the grave is described as “not an easy place to get to.” Another record states he is buried in a cemetery next to the St. Helen’s Grade School in Lee County, Kentucky. This is described as a fieldstone marker next to an Indian mound in a grove of old beech trees. The stone is inscribed as “Here Lies the Body of Samuel Willockson, born 1755, died NVR 1825. The date of death appears wrong, as his estate inventory is dated March 1827 and he was on the Estill County taxables until 1827.
This estate inventory of Samuel “Wilcockson” is dated March 1827 with Squire Wilcockson administrator, Estill County, Kentucky.
The inventory includes: One bay mare, one sorrel horse, three cows and calf, one year old heifer, one note on Jacob Mellor leWealth paper, one rifle gun, two steel traps, one saddle, one great coat, one woman’s saddle, two bed furniture, one bedstead and chest with chairs, one loom, one big and one small wheel, two tin gallon kettle and bales, one pot, one dutch oven, one skillet, one grindstone, one pewter dish and ½ dozen plates, 1 pewter tea pot, one cudan mug, two delf candles, one set of cups and saucers, trimming tools, three chisels and hand saw, one auger and three chisels, two aws and saw, one spremting? saw, one bearshear plane and claws?, one broad asce?, one adse? And stand, one pail, one churn, four earthen crocks, three hogshead crocks, three barrels, one fielding tub, one table, one chest or base, two small runlits, one iron wedge, one frame, one hand mill and pick, one set of spools, one pair of stilyards, one half bushel, one basket, four tin cups, one set of __ and forks, one sachel, one graining knife, one __ stand, one pair hand chains and bridge, log chain, one __, one smoothing iron, one flask, one trumpet, one funnel, one horse whip, two trap springs, one old spectacle case, one jug of linseed oil, one canae oil, one side of seal leather, three planes.
Bill of sale estate items were sold to Samuel Plumer, George Wilcockson, Squire Wilcockson, John Alexis, Joseph Allen, Issac Sparks, Alfred Wilcockson, Thomas Pitman, Jacob Miller, John Miller, James McGuire, Thomas Bybee.
One mystery about the Wilcoxsons occurred in 1830. The 1830 U. S. Census of Estill County, Kentucky lists 3 Wilcoxen households: (1) Elijah Wilcoxen, (2) Sarah Wilcoxen (and her children), widow of Alfred Wilcoxen, and (3) Ann Wilcoxen, age 70 to 80. Ann (Jordon) Wilcoxen had 3 young males and 1 female age 30-40 living with here. Who was living with her?
“The Wilcoxens brought their aged mother (Anna) with them (to Fulton County, Illinois). I have the names of some of the first people to die up there in the Wilcoxen group and have not been able to locate their graves or the grave of the old mother, Anna, who by my calculations should have died around 1840 or before. I found a Wilcoxen family cemetery, but it doesn’t date back that far. It was a fairly large one and had only Wilcoxens and families connected to them.” From Norma Jean Haberman of Beardstown, Illinois.
Sarah Wilcoxson came to Fulton County, Illinois with Elijah Willcoxson, and she is listed separately in the county’s census in 1830. Sarah died in 24 March 1840.
CHILDREN OF SAMUEL AND ANNA WILCOXSON
Pat Frunzi reported: “Samuel Willcockson...his wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Jordon....of their union ten children were born, namely: Squire, Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Alfred, Jesse, Sarah, Francis, Mary, and Debbie.” (From “Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois,” 1890). This would indicate that the mysterious George was not their son, but is she right?
1. SQUIRE WILLCOXEN was born 16 March 1778 in North Carolina and died 1 May 1837 at Fulton County, Illinois. Squire married Sarah Tatum about 1799 in North Carolina. See next generation.
Applicable here is this item: In 11 December 1815, a law suite was filed in Estill County Court involving Samuel Smith versus Robert Trabue’s heirs. Smith claimed he had legally rented land/property from Trabue, who proceeded to rent the land to another party, who was Samuel Plummer. Legal notices went sent to “William Bryant,” “Hiram Bryant,” “Elijah Wilcox,” “Squire Wilcox,” and Jacob Brinegar, who were the current tenants of the disputed land. Wilcoxsons and Brinegar were represented by David Hagan, their legal council. The case came to court in November 1818 and was later appealed to the Kentucky Supreme Court in July 1830. Smith lost, and had to pay the plaintiff damages of “one cent.” (Kentucky Genealogist, Volume 17, Issue 1)
2. SAMUEL WILCOXSON, JR., was born 20 November 1780 in North Carolina and died 8 April 1859 at Farmerville, Collin County, Texas. Samuel married Martha Allen.
18 January 1800: The State of North Carolina Land Grant #68 was issued to Samuel Wilcoxen, Junior for 50 acres of land in Ashe County...to a sugar tree on Cutbirth's Mill Creek. Entered 18 January 1800 and patent 2 January 1801.
Samuel Wilcoxson, Jr. is on the muster rolls of the War of 1812 for the Eight Regiment, 5th Company, Ashe County Militia.
Known U.S. Census locations are:
1820 Ashe County, North Carolina U.S. Census: Samuel Wilcocks 1830-1850 Carter County, Tennessee: Samuel Wilcox, Samuel Wilcoxen 1860 Collin County, Texas: Presumed children only - David L. Wilcoxen, I. A. Wilcoxon, ? Daniel Wilcoxson, and ? Robert Wilcoxson.
Children – names incompletely compiled from several sources: (i) Isaac Aaron Wilcoxon (1816 Tn – 1864 Tx), who married Patsy Ann Bailey (1820 Tn – 1887 Tx.); (ii) David L. Wilcoxen (1820/21), who married Nancy __ (1820/21); (iii) Deborah Wilcoxson, (iv) Samuel Wilcoxson III, (v) Hiram Wilcoxson (1828/29), (vi) Katherine Wilcoxson (1831/32), (vii) William Hamilton (Tennessee Billy) Wilcoxson (1834/35), and perhaps others.
3. SARAH WILCOXSON was born 28 January 1785 and died 17 June 1858 at Wilkes County, N.C. (record confirmed by Sarah A. Yates - see letter). Sarah married on or before 1808 to Hugh Dobin Yates (~1777 to 13 July 1870, at age 93). Wilkes County has lost its early marriage records, which would be helpful. Other records state his wife to be Vicey Pond, and it is possible Hugh had another wife, either before or after Sarah Wilcoxson.
Known U.S. Census locations are:
1810, 1820, 1840, Wilkes County, North Carolina. 1830 Ashe County, North Carolina
One listing states Sarah Wilcoxson was born at Boone’s Fort, Kentucky, and this needs to be proven. Both Sarah A. Yates and Jemima Brown (daughters of Hugh Yates) state the same date and location in their letters to Lyman Draper in 1884.
Names of the children of Hugh Yates and Sarah Wilcoxson are a mess and errors are being discovered: (i) Jemima Yates*, who married William Phillips, and later __ Brown. (ii) John Daniel Yates (31 October 1811 – 26 June 1876), (iii) Cousanna Yates (1813), (iv) Frances Yates (1814), (v) Hugh Yates (1818), who married Sallie Miller, (vi) Sarah A. Yates* (April 1824), (vii) Elizabeth Yates (4 April 1824 – 8 April 1895), (viii Squire Allen Yates (4 April 1824 – 8 April 1895), who married Elizabeth Allen (4 April 1824 – 8 April 1895). (* See their letters at end of this chapter.)
4. ALFRED WILCOXSON was born about 1802 (variable range 1780-1803 to ~1828) in Carolina and had a marriage bond with Sarah Miller, 11 February 1818 at Estill County, Kentucky, signed by Samuel Willcockson and Jacob Miller (county bond record). On 29 January 1818, permission for their marriage bond was signed by Samuel Willcockson and Jacob Miller as...”my son Alford Willcockson and Sarah Miller intend married and we...grant (this). This document suggests both may be underage, and if so, Alfred’s birth date to be as late as 1803 or so.
Known census and county tax locations were:
1819 – 1825 Estill County, Kentucky tax records 1820 U.S. Census of Estill County, Kentucky: Alfred Wilcoxen 1830 U.S. Census of Estill County, Kentucky: Sarah Wilcoxen and family
In 1825, Estill County tax records noted Alfred was living on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. Estill County Court records for July 1828, found Alfred Wilcox and wife, failing to show as witnesses on a case of Thomas Bybee and wife versus Chambers and wife.
Alfred died about 1828-1829 and Sarah with her children appearing on the 1830 U.S. Census of Estill County. Shortly after this, the Sarah (Miller) Wilcoxson family left for Fulton County, Illinois. In 21 July 1831, Sarah married 2nd to James Cordell (or Caudell) in Fulton County, and before 1840, the Cordell and Wilcoxen children move on to Cedar County, Missouri. James Cordell and his wife, Sarah, later settle, possibly, in Kansas. James Cordell served in Captain Elijah Willcockson’s unit during the Black Hawk War. (This information is from 3 January 2002 e-mail of Larry Wilcoxen, who is a descendant of Alfred and Sarah Wilcoxson, and their son, Isaiah and Lauranna Wilcoxen.)
Larry Wilcoxen goes on to comment about the Wilcoxen spelling: “It seems that the spelling of my name, Wilcoxen, started when the family moved to Illinois. A couple of generations later, a branch of the family moved on to the southwest and began spelling it as Wilcoxson. It is funny how our families came from the same man, being Alfred, but yet we spell our last names differently. As late as 1938, (a cousin) wrote to my great grandpa, a letter, ...spelling the last name as Willcoxen, will two l’s. (e- mail 5 January 2002.)
Children of Alfred Wilcoxson and Sarah Miller, probably all born in Estill County, Kentucky, include:
(1) Nancy Wilcoxen (1817/1818) married James Cordell on 21 November 1836 at Fulton County. (not the same Cordell family).
(2) George Wilcoxen (~1823 to ~1862 Nodaway County, Missouri) married Mary Swingle on May 20, 1847. When Isaiah Wilcoxen died, George purchased his land from the Nodaway estate sale. George enlisted in the Nodaway County Home Guards (Union) at St. Joe, Missouri on 28 May 1861 and discharged 2 October 1861
(3) Deborah Ann Wilcoxen (~1824), married Benjamin Franklin Cordell in 1844 in Cedar County, Missouri, later moving to Nodaway County, Missouri
(4) Isaiah Wilcoxen (~1825 to 1860) married Lauranna Spencer on 26 May 1850 in Cedar County, Missouri and moved to Nodaway County, Missouri.
5. ELIJAH WILLCOCKSON was born 24 July 1789 at Ashe County, N.C. and died 3 July 1860 at Fulton County, Illinois. Elijah is buried at Lewistown, Illinois, Cemetery. He married on 21 November 1811 to Charlotte Calloway and had 14 children.
Much more information about this line and the 1958 Dorothy Ford Wulfeck book, “Wilcoxson and Allied Families” are available at the website: http://www.stipak.com/willcockson/elijah/
Also on this same website are two valuable historical letters by Jermiah F. Willcoxen, written 28 March 1861 and 18 April 1861, postmarked Canton, Illinois, which give information on Willcockson history (from Lyman C. Draper, Draper Manuscript Collection of the Wisconsin Historical Society, Series C, Volume 24.
Several items to add:
Ashe County Deeds/Grants to Elijah Wilcoxan
13 December 1808: State of North Carolina Land Grant #648 to Elijah Wilcoxan, 100 acres in Ashe County beginning at Six Lynns at the head of Branch running south down the Swift Branch. Entry date not available. Patent date 13 December 1808.
10 March 1813: State of North Carolina Grant #808 to Elijah Wilcoxan 50 acres in Ashe County...(no useful land marks). Entered 10 March 1813. patent 24 November 1813. cc were: George Wilcoxan, Samuel Wilcoxan. C. Surveyor – Eli Cleveland. S. Surveyor – Thomas Calloway. 17 March 1835 Jonathan Stamfier, C.R.
20 March 1815: Elijah Wilcoxan deeded to Aaron Church, both of Ashe County, 50 acres in Ashe County for $60...no useful landmarks. Signed: Elijah Wilcoxan. Attest: William Church "x", George Wilcoxan "x." At the bottom of the deed is: This indenture of the within deed from Elijah Wilcoxan to Aaron Church was duly proven before me August __, absolutely William Wilcoxan Church D.I. therefore ordered to be registered, 17 March 1835 – Thos Little J.S. Ck D.E. by me Jonathan Stamfier, County Register. (Ashe County Deed Book C - page 446, S - page 88; and V - page 389) Comment: See the associated problem with Samuel Wilcoxson's March 1815 Ashe County Deed).
Estill County Order books in March 1822: “ordered that Elijah Wilcoxson and David W. Bullock be appointed surveyors of the road leading from the mouth of Middle Fork to the Petty (?) County Line.”
In 15 March 1826, Elijah Wilcockson of Estill County, Kentucky deeded for $1 to Thomas Bybee, 285 acres on the north side of the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River to the corner of David Hogan’s tract of land.
On 21 August 1826, Elijah Wilcockson, became an Estill County Constable in place of David Snowden who failed to renew his bond. Later on 18 August 1828, Estill County Court records gave leave to Elijah Wilcockson as a constable to renew his bond.
6. JESSE B. WILCOXSON. (1776,78+ ?) Who is our Jesse Wilcoxson? Did Jesse live to adulthood? Earlier records were very confused on him. The first Jesse Wilcoxson listed below has Hagan, Bybee, and Brinegar links to Squire, Elijah Wilcoxson, and is, in my opinion, the brother. Jeremiah F. Willcoxson stated to Lyman Draper in 1861 that his uncle, Jesse B. Willcoxen, of Madison County, Kentucky, was dead about 35 years. One must be aware that several Jesse Wilcoxsons were born during his era. So far, this is what has been found:
(A). Jesse B. Wilcoxson (born about 1775 and died 1827 or 1828) best appears to be the son of Samuel and Anna Wilcoxson. He was a blacksmith who lived south of Winchester, and became the metallurgist involved an early Silver Spring, Clark County silver mine of William McGuire, which proved worthless. Jesse’s will was finalized in the February 1828 Clark County Court (Kentucky), naming his wife, Sally Wilcockson, and one child, Suzeah Hawkins, and grandchild, Sally Ann Hawkins. Jesse Willcockson witnessed a will of Samuel Hall in Rowan County, North Carolina on 20 February 1793. He has a Clark County marriage bond in 6 February 1796 (county record) to Sarah (Sally) Hagans (born 1783/84 in North Carolina), and signed by Thomas Hagans, with witnesses of Thomas Briniger and Jean Grimes, and surety by Isaac Willcockson. Why Isaac Willcockson? This is probably the same Isaac Wilcoxon who appears on the 1795 tax rolls in nearby Madison County, and married 25 May 1797 to Rebecca White at Clark County, Kentucky, and later in 1818 moved to Howard County, Missouri. Is Isaac’s father – John Wilcoxson, Jr.? “Jesse Wilcox” was a commissioned officer from Clark County in the War of 1812-1814.
Locations for Jesse Wilcoxson in the U.S. Census and county tax records:
1796, 1797, 1799 Clark County, Kentucky, tax records 1830 – 1850, U.S. Census of Clark County, Kentucky: Sarah (Sally) Hagans Wilcoxen.
Their children: (i) Curiah, Caza*, or Cuzeah Wilcoxon, who married on 12 May 1822 Clark County to James R. Hawkins – surety Jesse Wilcockson. (ii) Jesse B. Wilcoxson* (1795/1800 to 1831 Clark County), who married on 6 February 1826 Clark County to Dolly Adams, daughter of Elizabeth Adams (consent). Two children include Tandy Wilcoxson, Lucy Wilcoxson Brown, and Margaret Wilcoxson (iii) Jane Willcockson*, who married on 24 July 1826 Clark County to Lowria Adams 24 July 1826 – surety Jesse Wilcockson. (iv) Squire G. Willcox(son)*, who married on 6 February 1826 Clark County to Agnes Palmer – surety Sarah Willcoxon. (v) David Wilcoxon (vi) Thomas G. Wilcoxon* (vii) Elvina G. Wilcoxon (Tate)* (viii) Samuel D. Wilcoxson* was born 1820-1825 and died between 1844-1846. He is listed in an 1829 document as Jesse's heir and married Martha Ann (Patsy) Brookshire Wilcoxson Hall after 1840. Children included Margaret E. Wilcoxson (22 June 1841 Clark County and Sarah Wilcoxson (~1844). Martha remarried to James Hall on 2 April 1846 at Clark County, Kentucky. (info from Pat Frunzi e-mail of 12 March 2004 and her info about Samuel D. Wilcoxson assisted with information from Ed Wehmeyer, email of 13 March 2004. "*" are known children living in 1829.) (ix) Elijah Wilcoxon (x) name unknown.
The following gives proof of these children: Clark County Deed, dated 29 October 1829, 17 acres on Stoner Creek to James R. Hawkins, Curiah Hawkins – late Curiah Wilcoxon; Jesse B. Wilcoxon; David Wilcoxon; _ Adams and his wife Jane – late Jane Wilcoxon; Elijah Wilcoxon, Squire TG. Wilcoxon, Thomas G. Wilcoxon; Elvina G. Wilcoxon, Smauel D. Wilcoxon – all being legal heirs of Jesse Wilcoxon, deceased. (Courtesy of Pat Frunzi, e-mail 23 November 2003).
Pat Frunzi believes this Jesse (~1780) to be the son of Samuel Wilcoxson, Sr. (1755), and sites considerable family interaction between the Clark and Estill County Wilcoxsons. (from Pat Frunzi e-mail January 2002).
(B). There is a Jesse Wilcoxson, born about 1800/05, who lived in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in 1820 and 1830 (census records). His line is not firmly established, but believe his father to be Daniel Wilcoxson, born 1775 in Wilkes County (from 1850 census record), who also lived in this county to at least 1850. Daniel Wilcoxson is probably the son of William Wilcockson, the youngest son of John Wilcockson + Sarah Boone. Other Wilkes County Wilcoxsons and possible brothers to this Jesse may be (i) Meredith Wilcoxson (1814/15), (ii) William Wilcoxson (1805/06), (iii) George Wilcoxson (1808/09), (iv) David Wilcoxson (1800/01) who lived next door to the subject, Daniel Wilcoxson in 1850, (v) Elijah Wilcoxen (born between 1800-1810), Isaac Wilcoxson, (born between 1790-1800).
(C). Jesse B. Wilcox is on the 1830 U.S. Census of Franklin County, Kentucky, which shows a male and female 60-70 (born 1760-1770), or may refer to the 2nd eldest male, and a rather large family, with perhaps a married son(s) or daughter(s) living with him. This Jesse appears to be the son of David Wilcockson, who married 1st to Ellender Boone (1766-1799) and 2nd Janet Pemberton. David Wilcockson was said to be at Boonesboro and is on the 1796 Clark County, Kentucky, tax record. David’s 1815 will names one of his sons to be Jesse Wilcoxson, but there is no Isaac is listed. David (1747/50) was the son of George Willcockson (1720’s), who was a brother of John (1720) + Sarah (Boone) Wilcockson (1724).
(D). There is another Jesse Wilcoxson, born 1800-1810, on the 1830 U.S. Census of Giles County, Tennessee, adjacent his brothers Isaac, David Jr. and his father, David Wilcoxson, Sr., born 1744. David Sr. is said to be the son of John + Sarah (Boone) Wilcockson.
7. ISAIAH WILLCOXSON (WILLCOXSEN) was born 25 February 1796. There is also another listing, giving the birth date as 2 Feb 1796 at Wilkes County, North Carolina. One record states he died 20 Feb 1870 at Ashe Co., N.C., and another source states he died on Meadow Branch, Carter County, Kentucky. More work is needed to define this individual.
Probable locations are:
1819 Estill County, Kentucky tax records: Isaiah Wilcoxen 1820 Ashe County, North Carolina, U.S. Census: Isaiah Willcockson 1830 Ashe County, North Carolina, U.S. Census: Isiah Wilcockson 1840 Ashe County, North Carolina, U.S. Census: Isaiah Wilcox 1850 and 1860 not yet found.
The long span of children’s birth dates for Isaiah raises questions as to the reliability of the source(s), or that some birth dates are guesswork. Names and dates of children vary.
Isaiah Willcoxson married 1st to Frances “Fanny” Greer (1814) and had 10 children: (1) Docia “Dicy” Willcoxson (1815-1892), (2) Martin Willcoxson (1817), (3) William Willcoxson ((1818 - 1909), (4) Samuel Willcoxson (1821 Carter County, Kentucky), (5) Jacintha “Cynthia” Willcoxson (1824), who married Jesse Greer , (6) Arah “Ary” Willcoxson (1824-1866), who married Morgan Patrick, (7) Sydney “Cindy” Willcoxson (1827), who married Henry T. Miller, (8) Malinda Willcoxson (1828), (9) Nancy Matilda Willcoxson (1830-1894), who married Solomon Mullins, (10) Deborah Willcoxson (1835-1865), who married James Richardson.
Married 2nd to Sarah Mullins and had 8 children: (1) Ducenia Willcoxson (1848), who married Owen Trivett, (2) Louisa Willcoxson (1851), (3) Andrew Jackson Willcoxson (1856 – 1921 Carter County, Kentucky), (4) Hiram Willcoxson (1858), (5) Caroline G. Willcoxson (1870), (6) Thomas Jefferson Willcoxson (1862), (7) Isaiah “Izer” Willcoxson (1865), (8) Catherine Willcoxson (1868), (8) Carline G. Willcoxson (1870).
8. FRANCES WILCOXSON was born about 1788 (range 1784-1800) in North Carolina. The 1800 census is suggestive of the birth date range.
9. MARY WILCOXSON was born about ? (range 1784-1800) in North Carolina.
10. DEBORAH WILCOXSON was born 3 March 1801 at Ashe County, N. C, and died 8 April 1872 at Fulton County, Illinois and is buried at the Salem-Wilcoxen Cemetery. Married 1st about 1816/17 to Daniel Jennings (born ? to > September 1820). Married 2nd on 14 May 1823 at Estill County, Kentucky (county record) to Thomas T. Bybee (20 September 1798 Clark County, Kentucky to 4 October 1872) Thomas Bybee had previously married on 2 April 1818 in Clark County, Kentucky to Rachael Hagans, with David Hagan posting the marriage bond. Thomas married a 3rd time in August 1873 to Matilda Smith.
Karen Morlan has kindly shared her research on the family lines of Deborah Wilcoxson, and my appreciation goes out to her for making this history so much better.
Thomas Bybee had previously married to Rachael Hagans. “The History of Fulton County,” 1879, stated that when he asked his father for a $5 loan to get married, he was refused. In 15 March 1827, Thomas Bybee purchased 285 acres of land in Estill County, Kentucky from Elijah Wilcockson. He settled in Liverpool Township of Fulton County in the winter of 1829 and between 1836-1854 filed for a dozen land grants. When Thomas Bybee died in 1872, he left an estate worth $281,000, said to be made from farming and livestock, the highest estate amount in Fulton County to that date.
When both Thomas and Deborah died, the Fulton County Ledger of Canton, Illinois reported:
Deborah Bybee “was born 30 March 1801 in the State of North Carolina, and was married to Thomas T. Bybee about the year 1826, in the State of Kentucky. In company with her husband she moved to Fulton County, Illinois about 1830, and settled on the farm on which she died, where she continued to live until her death. She was known and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.” (dated 19 April 1872, page 2, courtesy of Karen Morlan, e-mail of 14 January 2003)
Thomas Bybee “died at his residence in Buckheart Township, Thursday afternoon, 4 October 1877...aged 79 years and 14 days. T. Bybee was born in Clark County, Kentucky on 20 September 1798. Married Rachel Hagans, by whom he had two children, David and James. Married his second wife in Estill County, Kentucky – Debby Willcoxen, sister of the late Capt. Elijah Willcoxen. By her, he had two children, Lavina and Polly Ann, the former the first wife of W. H. Smith Esq. of Banner Township.”
“Mr. Bybee came to Fulton County, Illinois in the fall of 1829, and camped on the bluff in Liverpool Township, near where the road runs down to Jacob Maus. The next spring, he settled on the south end of the premises on which he has since lived, and where he died. On the 8th day of April 1872, his second wife died and in August 1873, he married Miss Matilda Smith of Virginia, a half sister of W. H. Smith (William) Esq.... Mr. Bybee commenced the world a poor man; but managed by industry and economy to amass a handsome property....” (Courtesy of Karen Morlan e-mail 14 January 2003)
Known census locations for Thomas Bybee and Deborah Wilcoxson:
1820 Estill County, Kentucky: Thomas Bybee (his 1st marriage) 1820 Estill County, Kentucky: Deborah and possibly her husband with her parents. 1830 Estill County, Kentucky 1835 Fulton County, Illinois 1850 – 1870 Fulton County, Illinois
Children by several marriages were:
Deborah Wilcoxson and Daniel Jennings had the following children (from Karen Morlan e-mail 14 January 2003):
(i) James Sylvester Jennings, Sr. (7 April 1821 Kentucky to 27 April 1859 Fulton County, Illinois and buried at Bybee Cemetery, Banner Township, Fulton County) married 4 November 1843 at Lewiston, Fulton County, Illinois to Mary Ann Bauman (~1827 Ohio to ~1858/60 Fulton County, Illinois). In 1850 they were living in Buckheart Township. In 1860, their daughter, Deborah Ann Jennings, (~1857/58) and son, James Sylvester Jennings, Jr., were living with the Samuel Bauman family. Eli A. Bauman took in John William Jennings. Isabell lived with Charlotte Bauman Fisher. Karen Morlan is the senior genealogist for this family line and is a descendant of James S. Jennings, Jr.
Children of James S. Jennings, Sr. and Mary Ann Bauman: (1) Isabelle Jennings (14 February 1847 Fulton County, Illinois to 11 December 1926 Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois) married 1st on 18 November 1869 Fulton County to James Ballard (1845 Il), and 2nd to Roy L. Storey (22 February 1863 to 25 January 1922 Galesburg, Il.), (2) James Sylvester (Buzz) Jennings (5 August 1851 Liverpool Township, Fulton County to 24 January 1936 Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon) married on 12 April 1885 at Fulton County to Sara Ellen (Sadie) Havens (31 July 1865 Topeka, Mason County, Il. to 17 December 1937 Forest Grove, Washington County, Oregon) , (3) John William Jennings (5 May 1855 Fulton County, Illinois to 25 June 1929 Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Il.) married on 31 August 1880 Appanoose County, Iowa to Helen Husted, (4) Deborah Ann Jennings (1858 Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois to ?).
(ii) Elijah Jennings (27 November 1817 Estill County, Kentucky) married on 28 November 1837 to Elizabeth Farris in Fulton County, Illinois. They lived first in Liverpool Township of Fulton County about 1-2 miles west of today’s Little America. In 17 March 1847, he had a land grant in the north-central Liverpool Township.
Children of Elijah Jennings and Elizabeth Farris are: (1) Lavina Jennings (1842), (2) Deborah Jennings (1843), (3) Elizabeth Jennings (9 July 1848 St. David, Buckheart Township, Illinois to 9 March 1932 Canton, Fulton County, Illinois) married on 1 March 1866 Fulton County to David William Evans (6 July 1843 Licking County, Ohio to 18 February 1931 Canton, Fulton County, Illinois), (4) John F. Jennings (1850) married Francis E. __, (5) James B. Jennings (14 April 1854 to 27 December 1903 Walnut Cemetery, Banner Township, Fulton County, Illinois), (6) Charlotte Jennings (1857), (7) Elijah D. Jennings (10 August 1859 Fulton County, Illinois to 12 October 1903 Banner Township, Fulton County) married 1st to Nancy Couch and 2nd to Ella __.
Deborah Wilcoxson and Thomas Bybee had the following children:
(i) Lavinia Bybee (12 February 1823 to 3 October 1839), who married on 24 May 1839 Fulton County, Illinois to William H. Smith (4 February 1819). William H. Smith later became Thomas T. Bybee’s co-worker in business in Fulton County, Illinois. He also was a Supervisor, Town Clerk, Trustee, and Justice of the Peace. After Lavina died in 1839, and William H. Smith remarried on 19 November 1840 to Elizabeth Carolina Willcockson (1824 to 4 April 1863 and daughter of Elijah Willcockson + Charolotte Calloway) and had 11 children.
(ii) Mary Ann Bybee (17 March 1826 Clark County, Kentucky to 21 February 1914 and buried Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Fulton County., who married on 25 September 1839 Fulton County, Illinois to Peter Bauman (1813 to 29 January 1891 at age 77 years, 8 months and 2 days and buried Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Illinois). They had 12 children including Mrs. H. Homer, Mrs. Debbie McGehee, Mrs M.A. Rogers, Mrs. Charles Cline and Elmer Bauman. In 1860, Peter and Mary Ann Bauman lived next door to Thomas T. Bybee and in Canton City, Fulton County, Illinois.
Thomas Bybee and Rachael Hagans had the following children:
(i) David Bybee (30 January 1819 Clark County, Kentucky to 10 December 1883 at Fulton County, Illinois), who traveled to California in 1850, but settled in Fulton County, Illinois. (ii) James H. Bybee (~1821)
OLD HISTORICAL WILCOXSON LETTERS
A. Letter by Sarah A. Yates, 25 March 1884, to Lyman Draper, postmarked Gap Creek, North Carolina, answering questions. The Microfilm photos clip off the left edge with some lettering and words being lost. From Draper Manuscript Collection, courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society, Series C, Volume 9, #60. Topics included are: Big Siege of Boonesborough 1778; Lewis’ Bear Fight; Big Lump; Daniel’s Gap.
Lyman C. Draper – Dear Sir: I received your (letter) of enquiry; in due time, I am going to (give) you the best information that I am able.
Question 1: As to my grandfather, John Yates and Boone, we heard my father say that Boone and grandfather used to muster together at the old muster ground five miles west of where old Wilkesboro now stands. The name of the muster ground was at that time, I am not able to describe, (but) in this day and time, it bears name of Huysiz Muster Ground. As to the militia, I am not able to give those names.
Question 2: As my mother’s maiden name, it was Willcox – Sarah; (grand)father’s name was Samuel Willcox. His wife’s name was Ann Jordan. Boone was my uncle. Mother was born January 28, 1785 (at) Daniel Boone’s Fort in Kentucky. She died __ 17, 1858, age 73 years, 4 months, and 20 days.
Question 3: As to Boone killing any of the Indians, after his, (I) have heard my mother say that after the __ was over, that Boone and his men discovered the river running muddy, and Boone said to his, Indians have been heard in the night and took __ from the fort to the river and are going to mine (to) our fort and dig under the fort and kill (us). Then Boone and some of his best men __ and cut a large white oak and made them (a) wooden cannon, and sunk them a pit just to the depth that they expected the Indians (to) come from the river. Boone loaded his cannon with powder and other materials; and sure enough, (soon) his men heard the Indians digging and laboring, and shortly the earth began to shake. Then Boone and his men touched (a) match to the wooden cannon and such screams and yells were hardly ever heard - the great jar of the wooden cannon breaking the earth in on the Indians and killing (and) wounding them without number.
Question 4: As to Lewis’ and his bear fight, I have heard my father talk some about Lewis being a bear hunting and shooting a bear and wounding it. Before Lewis could reload his gun, the bear caught him and dreadfully wounded (him). Lewis belonged in some of the eastern counties below Wilkes, 50 or 60 miles. As to his and Boone’s hunting com(panions), I am not able to give their names.
Question 5: As to Boone and my grandfather (John) Yates hunting together, (I) never heard my father say anything about their hunting exploits.
Question 6: As to the locality of the Big Lump, I am very well acquainted with that mountain. It is a very large round-up mountain, very high; as high as the Blue Ridge. Boone had a camp north of the of the top of the Big Lump in a large gap of the Blue Ridge and it is called Daniel’s Gap, this day.
Question 7: As to telling you about Boone’s name being cut on trees, it would have been grown out long days before now. I have heard recently Boone’s name being cut in a rock considerable distant from where I live. My health has been very poor all the Winter and Spring. So I am not able to go around but very little, but live and able to get to ride around. I will go and (check) whether that is true or not about Boone’s name being cut in that rock. I am 60 years of age this day of April __. Very respectfully, your friend from S.A. Yates.
B. Letter of Sarah Yates, __ 17, 1884, Gap Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina, to Lyman Draper. Draper Historical Collection, courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society, series C, Volume 9, #62. The left edge continues to be clipped off in the original microfilm. Topics are: Boone kills the Indian who decoyed as a Turkey Gobbler. (Condensed).
Lyman C. Draper – Dear Sir: I am going (to) give you my relationship to Colonel Daniel Boone. My grandfathers sister’s son that made Boone my mother first cousins and I Boone’s second (cousin)s. Grandfather Wilcox and Boone’s father all (em)igrated from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, settled on the South Yadkin River in Rowan County. (I) cannot give the date when they settled there. If I ever expected to have been called on for any __ information as this, I could have learned enough from my mother to fill out a large __, but she is gone, and I never thought of (being) called on for any such information.
I am going to tell you what I head (my) mother said that she heard her father rel(ate) about Boone while they were living in the f__ --. they heard a turkey gobbling and one of the men went out to kill it, and he never returned (any) more. In a few days, they heard the turkey again, and another man went to kill it, (he) never returned. Boone said to the others (at) the fort: “That’s an Indian decoying and killing our men. If he gobbles any more, I will go and try __ myself. Sure enough, the turkey came in and commenced gobbling. Boone said: “Boys, (I) will go and try him.” Boone took up his favor(ite) gun and went out, and the turkey was gobbling mighty freely and Boone concealed himself in a hollow tree, and the turkey kept gobbling, and Boone he yelped; in a few minutes. Boone discovered an Indian coming, sliding on his butt and gobbling very fre__ and Boone yelped and the Indian came sliding up, as sly as death. Boone kept concealed in the hollow tree. He let the Indian come near enough until he could (see) the Indian wink his eyes, then Boone took deliberate aim at the Indian, and shot him in the breast. The Indian had fine ornaments in his nose and also ears. Very respectfully your friend. S.W. Yates
C. Letter of Sarah Yates __, 17, 1884 to Lyman Draper. Draper Historical Collection, courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society, Series C, Volume 9, #62/3. The original microfilm continues to clip off the left edge of the letter. Topics: Daniel’s Gap; Big Lump; Route over the Mountains, Boone’s Rock in Watauga County; Isria (Israel) Wilcox killed by a decoy Indian – 1778.
Mr. Draper: I have been ill and not able to write for some time. Just got able to write.
Question 1: As to my grandfather. His full name was Samuel Wilcox and he (had) a brother of the name of Isria Wilcox. (He) was in Boone’s Fort at the same place and time (as) my grandfather. You said you wished to know (whether) grandfather was in Boone’s Fort, when it was (attacked) by the Indians. I suppose he was, for (what) my mother always told me. My grandfather __ in Kentucky near Lexington, when he died, I suppose his age was about 77 years, and he has (been) dead about 53years.
As to Daniel’s Gap, (it’s on the extreme top of the Blue Ridge, and the (top of) the Blue Ridge is the line between Wilkes and Ashe County.
As the Big Lump, in Wilkes County, and it is as high as the (Blue) Ridge.
As for the old trail-way in old times, it led from the Yadkin River west to Daniel’s Gap; a distance of 20 miles, thence (to) Daniel’s Gap northwest to Stone Mountain, a distance of 30 miles. Then on through Tennessee to __h River – thence on to Kentucky. I suppose (this) was the main trail-way that Boone traveled (when) he left the Yadkin River.
As to the (rock) that Boone’s name is said to be cut in – rock is in Watauga County, North Carolina. If you wish, (I’ll) make (an) inquiry about it; (or) you can write to Riley Hodges, Esq., Watauga County, N.C., Triplett’s Post Office.
I am going to relate to you a circumstance that happened to my grandfather’s brother. Is(ria) Wilcox while they were in Boone’s Fort. They (heard) a turkey gobbling, as they supposed. Isria Wilcox says to the other boys in the Fort, “”I will go kill that turkey,” and away went Wilcox and never (seen) any more. It was an Indian gobbling (like) a turkey, and he killed Wilcox. (*Lyman Draper inserts a note mentioning that Daniel Bryan stated Israel Wilcox, in May 1780, was killed by the Indians afterward.) Wilcox wore a cap that had a large ivory button. In the space of two or three days this same Indian came to the bank of the river about 300 yards from the fort and climbed up a sycamore tree and patted his butt at the people in the Fort. He had Wilcox’s cap with the ivory button, on his head. He made it a regular business for several days and the boys got to shooting at the Indian. This made him very sancy(?) There was an Irishman in the Fort who said, “Just let me try him one pop.” Then loading his gun, he shot the Indian, who fell into the river.
I am not very well; I must close, ever your best friend. If I can be of any service to you by writing, I am willing to give you any information that I can. God bless you! Very Respectfully Yours, S.A. Yates
D. Letter of Sarah A. Yates, August 12, Gap Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina, to Lyman Draper. Draper Manuscript Collection, courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society, Series C, Volume 9, #63. More letters and words are clipped off on the left margin of the original microfilm. Topic: Route out of North Carolina for Daniel Boone; Wilcoxsons, Indian difficulties for Boone in North Carolina.
Lyman C. Draper – Dear Sir and good friend: I received copy of “King’s Mountain” and was well pleased with it. I am under all good obligations to you for your favor of such a nice book. I am at a loss in that the receipt did not reach you for the gift....
You say you want more information about the route which Daniel Boone traveled when he left North Carolina. In the best information that I can give you, he started not very far from the mouth of __ Fork on the Yadkin River and traveled near a __ corse the trail way led through Daniel’s Gap, __ of the big Lump, then near north-west near the town of Jefferson now stands; then on __ west of north down Buffalo Creek near Tree Top Mountain, supposed to be the stairs that (others) write about; then on nearly west crossing Stone Mountain – no other name of I know; then on near west near where James Corro __ stands in Tennessee, Washington County. Boone had stepping place some where not very far from __ Corro on a large Creek and it goes by the __ of Boone’s Creek, yet and then he went to __h River and stayed there a while before he went (on to) Kentucky.
As to my grandfather Willcox, his wife was Samuel, and Daniel Boone’s mother was sister (*Draper noted an error here). That’s the way the relationship took place. When grandfather Willcox removed from Pennsylvania, him and the Boones came to North Carolina and settled in Rowan County on what is called the South Yakin River some distant from __. As to their settling in the Valley of Virginia two years, I never heard my mother say anything about that. ...Mocksville is the county seat of the county which was taken off Rowan County. I suppose that Boone removed from South Yadkin, (moving) on up west and settled again on the Y__ River in what is now Wilkes County, somewhere near the mouth of Lewis Fork. This is supposed to be the place from which Boone started to his beloved Kentucky Country.
As to Boone’s expeditions, he hunted all through the different counties of Wilkes, Ashe, Watauga, Caldwell.
As to Boone having difficulties with the Indians in North Carolina, I never (heard) my mother say anything about that. All his trouble took place mostly in Kentucky and there, I had related to you in former letters. Dear friend, I shall have to close for this time, being hardly __, but if I am spared to live, and you want anything that I can give, I will be back to that I can. These lines have me in a fable. May God bless you, my friend. Truly yours. S.A. Yates.
E. Letter of Mrs. Jemima Yates Phillips Brown, 28 July 1884, written with the help of Thomas S. Bouchills, 28 July 1884, Idlewild, North Carolina to Lyman Draper. Draper Manuscript Collection, courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society, Series C. Volume 9, #68F. Some parts are omitted. What Bouchills wrote is valuable, but he has difficultly sorting out family relationships which he doesn’t understand, or that Mrs. Brown, in her advanced aging, is confused. Errors and aids will be pointed out with parenthesis, (i.e. should be Sarah). The nick-name “Sally” is probably correct, but is better understood with the given name of Sarah. The confusing numerical calculations are an attempt to establish how long her grandfather was at Boone’s Fort, which is important to her claim that her mother was born there.
Dear Sir: Mrs. Jemima Brown received a communication from you which she desires me to reply and furnishes me various crude and incomplete narratives, as she remembers them. Mrs. Brown’s age is 75 years and she is the mother of 22 children, all by her first husband William Phillips. Mrs. Brown is the daughter of Hugh Yates and his wife Sally, who was Sally Wilcoxon, daughter of Samuel Wilcoxon, who was brother to Daniel Boone’s Mother (should be sister) - and accompanied Boone to Kentucky, where his (Samuel Wilcoxon’s) daughter Sally was born in Boone’s Fort, on the Kentucky River. Boone’s mother’s maiden name was also Sally Wilcoxon (surname should be Morgan) and aunt (should be grandmother) to Mrs. Brown’s grandmother. Now, Mrs. Brown’s grandmother – Samuel Wilcoxon’s wife – came from Maryland in the first place. Her maiden name was Anne Jordan. His daughter Sally Wilcoxon married Hugh Dobin Yates; was the another of a number of children, and died in Wilkes County, North Carolina, just before the late Civil War Commenced, or 23 years ago – say twenty three years and she was “going on 75 years or in her seventy fifth year where she died – 23 or more years since – this would make it 97 or 98 years since her birth in Boones Fort in Kentucky – if she had nearly completed her 75 year it would make the time fully 98 years.
Hugh Yates died July 13, 1870, age 93. Mrs. Brown says his age was supposed to be greater than ninety three – as “Grandpa had his age put back on account of the war.” What war days not appear(ant). This is as near as Mrs. Brown can fix the date of Boon’s Settlement in Kentucky. She does not know how long they had been in the Fort before the birth of her (grand) mother. (Brown continues with other topics, including):
...About the wooden cannon, I can add but little to the former statement. It appears that the Indians were mining the Fort from the river bank. This was discovered by the muddy (water) of the river below. The wooden cannon made of white oak log, well banded, was placed in a counter mine, and well charged with powder and various missiles. The progress of the mines was watched until they were heard digging and talking, and when they finally cut through in(to) the counter mine, the cannon was fired off, killing everyone of the Indians in the mine. Mrs. Brown say, “after a two day battle, __ __ __ were picked up at the stone wall (?) (*L. Draper notes this is a mistake.)
...Mrs. Brown’s recollection is not as good as we could wish. She says she used to hear her uncles, the Wilcoxons, tell their stories until she would get scared and leave the house to avoid hearing more. (Mrs. Brown then proceeds to relate more tales of Daniel Boone.)
SPECULATION ON ANNA JORDAN IN EARLY YEARS
At this time, we only know Anna Jordon was born in Maryland and nothing about her before her marriage. The following Maryland records exist but beware they may likely belong to be another line.
Maryland records show a John Jordan married on 3 May 1752 at Saint Lukes (Episopal) Parish, Church Hill, Queen Anne’s County, to Mary Ann Jackson. The next entry may be a different individual.
Abstract of Will: John Jordan, Somerset County, plantar, Dated 12 Jan. 1777 and 13 May 1777. To son, John Jordan, all lands, stock, house, and tenements, 200 pounds and half of household goods and chattels. To cousin Betty Sumers, 10 pounds. To daughter Anna Jordan, remaining part of cash, household goods and chattels except a debt due of L-102.11.9, to be divided between said daughter Anna and son John. Wit: Wm White; Wm. Moore; Stephen White. 41.340.
Comment: The daughter’s name in the will is written as “Anna Jordan,” which suggests she wasn’t yet married and raises doubts about being our Anna. The reader needs to know that this will does exist. The original will needs to be reviewed for the exact wording to see if the meaning changes. Also, if church records still exist, there might be more information about this Anna.
Pat Frunzi takes another view of the Jordon family mystery. She found records at the Dutchman Creek Meeting House (Rowan County, North Carolina) mentioning an Ann Jourden on 5 June 1774 and Ann Jorden on 2 August 1776. Pat speculates that Samuel Wilcoxson didn’t marry Anna Jordan until after the 1776 date. More detailing by Pat is found on the Message Board: Willcockson Forums at http://stipak.com/willcockson/forums/index.htm
CENSUS RECORDS FOR SAMUEL AND ANNA WILCOXSONAND CHILDREN
August 8, 1778: Nonjurors in Captain Lyons District, Rowan County, North Carolina: Samuel Willcoxson John Willcoxon, Sr.
1787 Census for Forks of the Yadkin, Davie County area, Rowan County, North Carolina: Saml Wilcockson: 3 males up to 21 or 50+; 1 male 21-50; 3 females, all ages
1800 U.S. Census for Ashe County, North Carolina: Names and dates are added, but should be considered purely speculative at this time.
Wilcox, Samuel: 1 male and 1 female, age 45+; Samuel Sr. and Anna, his wife 1 male and 1 female 16-26; Samuel Jr. and his wife, Martha 1 male and 2 females 10-<16; Elijah, Sarah, Francis or Mary 3 males and 1 female 0-<10; Jesse, George?, Francis/Mary, 1 male Deborah and possibly Alfred haven’t been born yet, and Squire is listed below. Isaiah may be married in Clark County, Ky.?
Wilcox, Squire: 1 male + 1 female 16-<26
1800 U.S. Census for Wilkes County, North Carolina
Wilcoxson, William: 3 females 0-<10; 2 males + 2 females 10-<16; 2 males 16-<26; 1 female 26-<45; 1 male 45+
Wilcoxson, Daniel: 2 males 0-<10, 1 male + 1 female 16-<26.
1810 U.S. Census for Ashe County, North Carolina: Samuel Wilcox: 1 male and 1 female 45+; 2 males and 1 female 10-<16); 1 male and 1 female 16-<26;
1810 U.S. Census of Wilkes County, North Carolina: Hugh Yates: 1 male + 2 females 0- <10; 1 female 16-<25; 1 male 26-<45
1810 U.S. Census of Clark County, Kentucky: Jesse Wilcockson: 2 males + 2 females 0-<10; 1 female 10-<16, 1 male + 1 female 26-<45, 1 female 45+
1815 Ashe County, North Carolina, tax list: Samuel “Wilcox,” Squire “Wilcox,” and Samuel Willcockson.
1816 Estill County, Kentucky year tax list: Squire Wilcoxson, Elijah Wilcoxson 1817 Estill County: Wilcoxson; Squire, Elijah, George, Samuel 1819 Estill County: Wilcoxen; Alfred, Squire, Elijah, Samuel, Isaiah
1820 U.S. Census for Clark County, Kentucky: Jesse Wilcoxin – 3 males 0-<10; 1 male + 2 females 10-<16; 1 male + 2 females 16-<26; 1 male + 1 female 26-<45.
1820 U.S. Census for Ashe County, North Carolina:
Wilcocks, Samuel: 3 males + 2 females 0-<10, 1 male + 1 female 10-<16, 1 male + 1 female 26-<46.
Willcockson, Isaiah: 2 males + 1 female 0-<10, 1 male + 1 female 16-<26.
1820 U.S. Census for Wilkes County, North Carolina: Hugh Yates: 3 males + 3 females 0-<10; 2 females 0-<16; 1 male 16-18; 1 male 16-<26 (same previous entry); 1 male + 1 female 26-<45
1820 U.S. Census for Ravenna Township, Estill County, Kentucky (first, 3th, 4th adjacent each other:
Wilcoxen, Samuel: 1 male and 1 female 45+; 2 males 0-<10; 1 male 10-<16; 1 male and 1 female 16-26; 1 female 25-<45 (pg 45).
Wilcoxsen, Squire: 2 males + 2 females 0-<10; 1 male + 2 females 10-<16, 2 females 16-<26; 1 male 16-<26; 1 female 26-<45.
Wilcoxen, Alfred: 1 female 0-<10; 1 male and 1 female 16-<26 (pg 45)
Wilcoxen, Elijah: 3 males and 3 females 0-<10; 1 male and 1 female 26-<45 (pg 45)
Bybee, Thomas: 1 male 0-<10; 1 male and female 16-<26 (pg 45)
Brinegar, Thomas: 1 male + 1 female 0-10; 1 male 10-<16; 1 male + 2 females 16-<26; 1 male + 1 female 45+ (pg. 45)
1821 Estill County: Wilcoxon; Elijah, Samuel, Lonnie, Alfred 1822 Estill County: Wilcoxson; Squire, Alfred, Elijah, George 1823 Estill County: Wilcoxson; Samuel on Kentucky River, George on the Middle Fork, Alfred on the Middle Fork, Elijah on the Middle Fork 1824 Estill County: Wilcoxen: Samuel; Wilcox, Alfred; Willcoxon, Elijah; Wilcox, Squire 1825 Estill County: Wilcoxson; Elijah on Middle Fork of Kentucky River; Alfred; Squire – Hillbo; Samuel on the North Fork 1826 Estill County: Wilcockson; George, Squire, Samuel 1827 Estill County: Wilcockson, Squire on South Fork, Lami on Middle Fork; Elijah on Middle Fork; George, Alfred, Samuel. Records thereafter not sought . 1830 Estill County: Wilcoxson, Elijah
1830 U.S. Census for Estill County, Kentucky:
Wilcoxen, Elijah: 2 males + 2 females 0-<5; 1 male + 1 female 5-<10; 1 male + 1 female 10-<15; 1 male + 1 female 15-<20; 1 female 30-<40; 1 male 40-<50.
Wilcoxen, Sarah: 1 male + 1 female 0-<5; 2 males 5-<10; 2 females 10-<15; 1 female 30-<40. The next listed is:
Wilcoxen, Ann: 1 male 0-<5; 1 male 5-<10; 1 male 10-<15; 1 female 30-<40; 1 female 70-<80.
Bybee, Thomas: 1 female 0-<5; 1 male + 1 female 5-<10; 2 males 10-<15; 1 male + 1 female 20-<30; 1 male 30-<40
1830 U.S. Census of Clark County, Kentucky: Sally Wilcoxen – 1 male 5-<10, 1 male + 1 female 10-<15, 2 males 15-<20, 1 female 40-<50.
1830 U.S. Census of Ashe County, North Carolina:
Hugh Yates: 1 female 0-<5; 1 male + 1 female 5-<10; 1 male + 1 female 10-<15; 1 male + 1 female 15-<20; 1 male + 1 female 40-<50.
Isiah Wilcockson: 2 males 10-<15; 1 male 30-<40, 2 females 0-<5; 3 females 5-<10, 1 female 10-<15, 1 female 30-<40.
1830 U.S Census of Carter County, Tennessee:
Samuel Wilcox: 2 males 0-<5; 1 male + 2 females 5-<10; 2 females 10-<15, 2 males 15-<20, 1 female 40-<50, 1 male 50-60.
John Wilcox: 1 male 0-<5; 1 female 5-<10; 1 male 10-<15; 1 male 15-<20; 1 female 20-<30, 1 male 30-<40.
1830 U.S. Census for Fulton County, Illinois: Wilcoxen, Squire; 1 female 5-<10; 2 males 15-<20; 1 male 20-<30, 1 male and 1 female 50-<60.
1840 U.S. Census of Clark County, Kentucky: Sally Wilcoxon – 1 male 15-<20, 2 males 20-<30, 1 female 50-<60
1840 U.S. Census of Wilkes County, North Carolina:
Hugh Yates: 1 female 10-<15; 1 male + 1 female 15-<20; 1 male 20-<30; 1 male + 1 female 50-<60.
Isaiah Wilcox: 3 females 0-<5; 2 females 5-<10; 3 females 10-<15; 1 male + female 40-50.
1840 U.S. Census of Fulton County, Illinois:
Wilcockson, Elijah: 1 male and 2 females 5<10; 2 males and 1 female 10-<15; 1 female 15-<20; 1 male and 1 female 40-<50
Wilcoxen, S.J: 1 male and 1 female 15-<20, 1 male 20-<30, 1 male 30-<40; 1 female 50-<60. This is Sarah Wilcoxen, wife of Squire, deceased 1837.
1850 U.S. Census of Clark County, Kentucky: Sarah Wilcoxon 66, born North Carolina. Only one in household. (Wife of Clark County’s Jesse Wilcoxson, deceased)
1850 U.S. Census of Fulton County, Illinois:
Bybee, Thomas, 52, farmer, Ky; Debra 49, N.C; Also in household: Abigal Mecker, 15, Ill.
1850 U.S. Census of Carter County, Tennessee: Wilcoxen, Samuel, 70, born North Carolina; Martha 68, born North Carolina; William H. 15, Hiram 21, William H. 15, Katherine 18.
1860 U.S. Census of Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois
Thomas Bybee 61, farmer, Kentucky; Debbie Bybee 59, North Carolina; Henry Snyder 30, farm hand, Tennessee; John Snyder 21, farm hand, Tennessee.
1870 U.S. Census of Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois (Page 356)
Thomas Bybee 71, farmer, Kentucky; Deborah Bybee 70, Illinois
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