James Hawkins of Spotsylvania & Orange County, Virginia 1718-1786

 

By Teresa Martin Klaiber 2020

 

There is a slew of Virginia Hawkins researchers.  There is tons of information and documentation of many of the Hawkins families of Spotsylvania, Orange and surrounding counties in Virginia.  100% of researcher postings and publications either ignore James Hawkins or state he died young.  In actuality he lived approximately 68 years.  Yet there is so much more information this compiler needs to compile a proper biography.

 

James Hawkins birth is estimated, by this compiler, as 1718 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.  He is this compiler’s seventh great grandfather.  Some place his birth between 1720 – 1722.  I based the estimate on his appointment as constable 7 Nov 1739[i] placing him about 20 years of age.  I have mentioned him before in another article concerning his granddaughter, Lucy, wife of John Martin written May 2017.

 

James Hawkins is one of nine children of Nicholas Hawkins (1695-1754) and wife Elizabeth Long.  There is substantial evidence of Nicholas and Elizabeth’s life.    

 

James first appearance in court records appears to be the constable appointment replacing William Miller in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.  Miller received land from John Miller of Essex County,  his father, on the branches of the Massaponnax in 1737[ii].[iii]  The 1739 court order does not explain why he was replaced by Hawkins.

 

It is also about 1739 - 1740 that James Hawkins has a child (either male or female) who later becomes the parent of Lucy that marries John Martin. We can safely assume that if James Hawkins officially married, he did so in his 20’s.  While a few Parish records for St. George exist, the required marriages are lost.

 

James along with brother’s Nathan and Alexander Hawkins along with William Martin[iv] witness Nicholas Hawkins purchasing 200 acres in St. George Parish, Spotsylvania, 26 April 1743, from William Lindsey.[v][vi] The 200 acres was on the north side of the River Po.  The north side of the River Po fell within Essex prior to the formation of Spotsylvania.

 

On 4 Jun 1745 Nicholas Hawkins made a deed of gift to his son, James Hawkins, of 100 acres in St. George Parish along with the gift of one negro.[vii]  Crozier gives no further details but the Embry Spotsylvania Index describes the 100 acres as being on “Jarmanah” (Germanna) and Chiswells Mine Roads adjacent Francis Smith and Owen Thomas.  This may the 100 acres sold by John and Lucy Martin to James Marye[viii] simply described as on the Old Mine Road in April 1780.  To date this compiler has not seen a transfer of the 100 acres from James Hawkins.

 

James does not appear in Spotsylvania records for another seven years.  And we all know a lot can happen in seven years. When he does appear, he provided security for Nicholas Hawkins guardianship of Elizabeth Long, orphan of Samuel Long (July 1752).  By December Thomas Haydon[ix] stepped in as security, replacing James Hawkins.  There is no explanation in the change of security.

 

James Hawkins father died before May 1754 leaving sons Nicholas, Nathan and James “land each now lives on”[x] in his will in St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

 

James  (estimated age 43)  has granddaughter Lucy  born 3 December 1761.  At this point in research this compiler cannot determine if James is her paternal or maternal grandfather. DNA supports her Hawkins heritage.

 

James Hawkins appears again in records in a court case, when he and William Ellis provided bail for Nicholas Hawkins in Chew Jr. vs Hawkins Jr. 5 July 1758.[xi] William Ellis is the father of Elizabeth Ellis that married John Hawkins son of Nicholas Hawkins Sr. and Elizabeth Long.  The Nicholas Hawkins in the court case is the brother of James and John Hawkins.

 

Lucy, granddaughter of James Hawkins marries John Martin of Spotsylvania County, Virginia circa 1779.  Their first child, great grandson of James Hawkins, is James H. Martin born the following year.   Most likely this first son was named for James Hawkins and the middle initial H. is possibly Henry for the paternal great grandfather viz. Henry Martin.  Or could his middle name be Hawkins?  So many researchers like to tag middle names without written documentation. James shall be eternally James H. Martin without further evidence.

 

When James Hawkins was 66 he witnessed the deed of Mary Pollet along with his granddaughter Lucy and her husband John Martin.[xii]  James appears for jury duty 6 March 1787 in Spotsylvania County.

 

Hawkins died between 26 February 1786 and 27 April 1786.  His will was written in St. Thomas Parish, Orange County, Virginia.  He gave all his real and personal property To Thomas Stevenson “for the trouble I have given at his house …” and two slaves to his granddaughter Lucy Martain wife of John Martain of Spotsylvania County, Virginia.  Witness to the will were James Stevenson, John Stevenson and Johnny Scott.[xiii]

 

This compiler wonders how long James resided with Thomas and Mary Hawkins Stevenson[xiv]/Stephenson.  Mary Hawkins Stevenson was the niece of James Hawkins. Her father was Nathan Hawkins who had married Catharine Ann Haydon[xv] and brother to James.

 

James Hawkins will was submitted to court by John Martin and Thomas Stevenson, acting as executors 27 April 1786.[xvi]  Johnny Scott and James Stevenson gave testimony.  A final inventory was made 28 December 1786, consisting of Negroes Boson and Hannah, one feather bed and furniture.  The inventory was presented by John Martin as one of his executors.  There is no mention of remaining lands.

There is virtually no court record hinting at the personal life of James Hawkins. Was he married? Did he have other children? If so were all deceased and only one grand child remaining by the time of his death?  Was Lucy raised by her grandfather?  Any one with documentation, or incite concerning this missing generation please feel free to contact the compiler: deliverancefarm@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

[i] Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Order Books 1738-1749, page 63, 1739; Clerk's Office, Courthouse, Spotsylvania, Virginia.

[ii] The Hord Family of Virginia: A Supplement to the Genealogy of the Hord family, p. 49

[iii] Wm. Millers mother has said by some to be Mary Hawkins but there is no documentation to prove.

[iv] Martin, William s/o Henry and Jane Martin

[v] Crozier, Wm Armstrong. Virginia County Records Volume I Spotsylvania County 1721-1800. Genealogical Publishing, Baltimore, MD. 1978

[vi] Lindsey purchased the 200 acres from Larkin Chew in 1722 from Chew’s grant. Larkin Chew sold 300 a in St. George Parish to Henry Martin in 1724.

[vii] Virginia, Spotsylvania. Dbk D

[viii] William Armstrong Crozier, Virginia County Records Volume I Spotsylvania County 1721-1800 (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1978), page 352.  Embry gives further details.

[ix] Thomas Haydon daughter Margaret m Benj. Leavell.  Edward Leavell b 1755 s/o Benj and Margt. married Elizabeth Hawkins d/o Nathan and Catherine Ann Haydon Hawkins.

[x] Virginia, Spotsylvania, Wbk B p 198

[xi] Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Order Books , 1758; Clerk's Office, Courthouse, Spotsylvania, Virginia.

[xii] Mary married 1 a Penny, 2 John Skeaths, 3 John Pollett. Va dbk K p 254.  The property ended up in hands of her son John Penny.

[xiii] Virginia, Orange Wbk 3 page 105

[xiv] Stevenson’s later migrate to Madison County, KY

[xv] Catharine Ann Haydon d/o James Jarvis Haydon and wife Mary Jones

[xvi] Orange County, Virginia, Minute Books film 007897259, vol 2 p 355, 27 Ap 1786; , .

HANNAH

Teresa Martin Klaiber Feb. 2020

Everyone begins their genealogy journey with a simple lined chart.  My journey started, as a child, when mother shared my baby book. The very first page was the chart, which she had filled out, showing three generations.  By the time I was married my chart was a bit longer, filled with names and dates.  Those blank lines can be addicting, like adding puzzle pieces, but something is still missing; the heart of the people, their story.

Blogs, in today’s world, give me a chance to write the stories I learned along my genealogical journey.  After all we are a combination of who came before us. We are honoring their memory.  We should celebrate their accomplishments and learn from their errors.

As I write, today, it is drizzling, similar to the day I visited Hannah Collins Clayton.  We were driving from someplace to someplace when I realized it would be just a short side trip to Smith Cemetery in Wesley Township, Washington County, Ohio.  Hubby nodded and I swear I heard a groan and felt rolling eyes from the backseat gallery of sons, who were forced to visit many cemeteries as they grew up.

The cold granite stone stood tall among many, honoring Hannah and husband Alexander Clayton.  The symbolic drapery is said to be the veil between life and death graces their stone adding elegant dignity.  As I stood in the drizzle, I thought about how they had laughed, made mistakes, lived lives with all its up’s and down’s.  I promised to learn more about Hannah’s story.

Hannah has not been a common given name in our direct family.   Hannah which means favour or grace.  Recently another Hannah graced us with our fifth grandbaby which drew me back to my 3^rd great grandmother.  Hannah born 6 August 1802 in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania who died 17 June 1883 in Bartlett, Wesley township, Washington County, Ohio.

Hannah Collins married Alexander Clayton (s/o John Calvin Clayton). They both grew up in Perry County, Ohio, attending Unity Presbyterian Church.  I located their marriage 3 May 1832.[i]  I was a bit surprised to realize she did not marry until she was 29 years old. 

Hannah’s father died either shortly before their marriage or immediately following.[ii], She appears with her married name on partition records for Benjamin Collins, just four months after her marriage to Alexander.  Maybe she had been his caregiver?

Through the wonderful network of genealogists, a letter copied by B. F. Carroll, surfaced and was shared which sheds some light about Hannah W. Collin’s as both a caregiver and her late marriage to Alexander Clayton.

Elizabeth Carroll Hayden wrote me in February 2002: "I found a 2nd manuscript written by my great grandfather [B. F. Carroll] .... He also copied a letter she had written to family back in Pennsylvania. It was written to her cousin John McAlister[iii]...."

"Respected Friends: - I embrace the present opportunity of informing you that I am in a reasonable state of health at the present, for which I have reason to be thankful. It is a long time since I have heard anything from you or any of our friends in that part of the country and I know but little of the situation of my friends and therefore have but little to write.

My brother and sisters are or have been all married and left me alone with my father and mother, who are now old and frail. Sister Jane is a widow with five sons who live with her and manage the farm. James has three living and two dead. Sally has three living and three dead. Polly had three living and one dead. Remember me to my friends in that county. especially to your son Hugh as I can remember more about him than any of the rest. I wish you would write to us and let us know how you are coming on and our friends generally in that country, and invite Stephen George if you have an opportunity to write us.

No more at present
Your affectionate friend
[signed] Hannah W. Collins

As I continue to write the drizzle has now turned to rain and the story is not the one I had hoped to write.  Hannah has seen much grief with the death of six nephews and nieces and a brother-in-law, along with being left as care giver for her failing parents.

With Hannah’s information, even though the letter was undated, knowing that Jane’s husband, Thomas Beard died circa 1826 we can surmise the approximate time Hannah sat down to write.  Benjamin Collins, Hannah’s father, does not appear on the 1830 census and it is believed he died about 1829-30.  Thus, the letter was written between 1826 and 1829/30. 

The records of Unity Presbyterian Church state Hannah’s mother, Mary Collins, was deceased by 1 April 1835.  She is believed to be the elderly female listed in David Carroll’s household in 1830.  David Carroll had married Hannah’s sister Elizabeth. Another sister had married Thomas Carroll.  Thus, if Hannah acted as a caregiver, by 1830, she had some relief and help.

Meanwhile, Alexander Clayton had purchased 60 acres of land in adjoining Morgan County in 1825 from Moses Goodin,(s/o Moses Goodin, who had married Alexander’s grandmother Mary, after the death of grandfather Thomas Clayton). About the same time, Alexander’s father sold Moses Goodin land in Clayton township. Alexander lost money when he sold the property in Deerfield Township, Morgan County, two years later.   Within three months, January 1828 he partnered with John Huston for a town lot in New Lexington.  He sold his undivided half the next year for $400.00 to Joseph R. Thomas of Putnam, Muskingum County, Ohio.[iv]  He now was doing better and had enough to support Hannah who he married in May 1832.

After their marriage Hannah became pregnant, already 33 years old, and had her first child, Elizabeth 5 June 1835 in Perry County.   Shortly after, the Clayton’s packed up and moved to Washington County, Ohio.

They already had family residing in Washington County.  Alexander’s great uncle Joseph Clayton had died 7 May 1829 and was buried in Smith Cemetery, Wesley Township.  Alexander’s great aunt by marriage would be laid to rest in Smith Cemetery when she died in May 1840.

Alexander and Hannah Collins Clayton resided near Plymouth and Bartlett in Wesley Township where she, as his wife, signed several deed transactions as Hannah W. Clayton.  Alexander farmed, she kept house and gave birth to three more children, all sons: David Elzy Clayton 17 Jul 1837, James Allen Clayton 4 Feb 1840 and Isaac Calvin Clayton 17 April 1843.  Hannah was 41 years old when baby Isaac was born, dubbing him a “late in life” child.

Could Hannah Collins Clayton be gripped with yet more death and sadness?  Yes.  Her brother James Collins died 7 January 1849 in Logan County, Ohio, just 55 years old.  Sister Jane Collins Beard would follow him to the grave 20 July 1850, in Perry County.

Where does a woman find strength, except in God, when it storms around her? The cloak of death would again touch Hannah.  This time with more heartbreak. Daughter, Elizabeth died at the age of 18[v] and was also laid to rest in Smith Cemetery in 1853.   

I am sure she was still mourning when news reached her that sister Mary Collins Pugh had died in Van Buren County, Iowa 14 November 1859 followed by the shock that sister Anne Collins Carroll had died the 28^th of the same month in New Lexington, Ohio.  In fact I wonder if she might not have known about Anne’s death before finding out about Mary.

In her late 50’s, the Civil War would touch their lives. All three of her son’s volunteered to serve the Union cause.  David Elzy saw service in Company G of the 92^nd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  James Allen joined Company D of the 148^th as did Isaac Calvin Clayton.  Not all was gloom.   In January 1865 they celebrated the marriage of youngest son, Isaac Calvin Clayton to Anna Jane Graham in Wesley Township. Three months later they travelled to Morgan County 11 April 1865 for the marriage of James Allen Clayton to Sarah J Ellis.  On the road again they travelled to New Lexington for the wedding of David Elzy Clayton to Harriett Griffith 27 February 1866.

Knowing their sons were safe after the war she enjoyed the birth of 16 grandchildren. As a grandmother, myself, I know it is the ultimate joy in life and it comforts me to know Hannah found joy after facing so many deaths in her lifetime.  I wonder if she thought about the footprint she would be leaving for her descendants. Would she leave a little of the fortitude of endurance during the sad occasions that happen in life?   She would have one last death to face before facing her own demise.  Her steadfast, providing, husband, Alexander died 12 April 1879 and was laid to rest in Smith Cemetery.  Hannah’s death would follow four years later on 17 June 1883.

Hannah W. Collins Clayton was the youngest of seven known children of Benjamin Collins and wife Mary McAlister Collins.  Born 6 August 1802 in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania she would also be considered a “late in life” baby.  Her father was an Ensign in the  2^nd Lost Creek regiment of the militia in Mifflin County.[vi]   Hannah was around eight years old when they migrated from Mifflin County to Perry County, Ohio.  I hope that she enjoyed a happy, carefree childhood, as all children should.  The Stephen George[vii] mentioned in her letter, was a teacher, circa 1810, on Lost Creek about 1 ½ miles from McAllisterville.  It is easy to visualize him teaching Hannah her letters.

She was the granddaughter of Hugh McAlister born in Ireland circa 1731 who settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and became a prominent pioneer in the Lost Creek Valley of Cumberland County, now Juanita County.  Hugh enlisted in the French & Indian Wars at the age of 22.  He was at Fort Duquesne in 1755, the year after it was built.  Today we know the area as Pittsburgh. 

The next time I visit Hannah Collins Clayton, I will understand that she is at peace among those that went before her.  That above all she honored those she loved.

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times,
the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived
while I was strong.
Continue my heritage,
I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely
the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest.
Remembering all,
how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions,
no matter how small.
Go on with your life,
don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly,
so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes
we’re together again.”
– Author Unknown

---

[i] Ohio, Perry Mbk 1 p 134

[ii] Ohio, Perry dbk E p 224

[iii] John McAllister, John McAlister, William McAllister and Stephen George all appear on the same p. Fermanagh twp., Mifflin County, PA 1820

[iv] Ohio, Perry dbk D 196 & D 199

[v] 7 Jun 1853

[vi] Thomas Lynch Montgomery, Pennsylvania Archives Sixth Series (N.p.: Department of Public Instruction, 1907), Volume V page 400.

[vii] History of that part of Susquehanna & Juaniata Valley…p. 841

Richard & Elijah Adams part of Local History

Compiled by Teresa Martin Klaiber

Over the past several years the Adams family has crossed my desk, involved in different venues, more than a few times.

Richard and Elijah Adams were sons of Pleasant Adams [1803-1884] who died in Carter County, Kentucky. Pleasant had a total of 16 children and many descendants. At least 14 of them were alive and able to attend his funeral along with their families.

Richard Adams [b. 3 Jan 1829 in what was then Lawrence County, KY] married Sarah Elizabeth Devore 1 July 1855 in Carter County and settled in Flatwoods, Greenup County which became Boyd County in 1860. That alone is a mouth full.

Caught in the swirl of the Civil War, trying to establish a living farming, Richard Adams became indebted to William M. Baldwin. In a petition of equity filed in Greenup County, Kentucky one Alfred Hastings had been granted a judgment against Baldwin. In order to avoid sale of Baldwin's property, the sheriff had made arrangements for a settlement. The problem was that William M. Baldwin had been within the lines of the Rebel Government "voluntarily" for some time. Thus the county turned to Adams, who was indebted to Baldwin, to meet the judgment of Hastings. No further action seems to have occurred and Richard settled into a life in Flatwoods, Boyd County.

Richard's 1/2 brother Elijah was only 13 years old [b. 26 January 1849] and still living in Carter County during the court battle. Elijah would grow up and stay in Carter County for many years. He was residing with his father, Pleasant in 1880 but we can assume that the family communicated with Richard Adams family. After Richard's wife died in 1871, he had married Margaret Crooks and the family resided in Upper Ashland.

Much as been written about the murder of the Gibbons children in Ashland, Kentucky, Christmas Eve, 1881 that would become known nationally as the Ashland Tragedy. Three men were arrested. The accused [Ellis, Neal, Craft] were transported to Maysville. On 11 January they were returned to Ashland where the Grand Jury had already been appointed. Among the 16 on the Grand Jury sat Richard Adams. The Jury sat for 5 long days before returning an indictment for conspiracy and murder on Neal and Craft. The Grand Jury was dismissed and another appointed for Ellis a week later.

The papers went wild, the residents far and wide talked and were enraged. Without a doubt the Adams family had much to talk about. Ellis was lynched. As time moved forward National Guard came from Louisville to Catlettsburg to protect Craft and Neal. There was a change of venue to Carter County which upset the people more. There was a delay and the prisoners were to be taken to Lexington for their own protection. The people were furious. The steamboat Granite State commanded by Capt. William Kirker would take the prisoners and National Guard on their journey 1 November, 1882.

A train arrived in Catlettsburg bearing two hundred men and boys from Ashland some with old shotguns and pistols. They demanded the surrender of the prisoners and were refused. The Guard dragged a cannon on board and started down river. It is said a telegram notified Ashland that the Granite State had left and would soon be passing Ashland. Citizens gathered on Front Street and along the bank of the Ohio River. Among those watching was Richard Adams.

Richard gave his testimony of what he saw that day in the 16 November 1882 Ashland Daily Newspaper:

"A number, perhaps twenty-five or thirty, went on the ferry-boat, but some ten or fifteen came back off the boat before she pushed out. the ferry-boat pushed out, but she did not go very fast. The steamer whistled. I saw no signal from the ferry-boat. I was on an elevated place and could see both boats, and was not excited. The steamer had almost passed the ferry-boat, which ran out a piece with the bow down the river. The boats were 150 to 260 yards apart. I heard two or three reports of small guns, then a volley from the steamer, which drove everything from the bow of the ferry-boat back, and for a while the smoke was so thick that I could not see the ferry-boat. The next volley fired by the military was on the people standing where Col. Reppert was killed. I got down on my knees in the ditch and as I raised up another volley was fired. I then heard some one say there was a man dead. I saw Mrs. Serey after she was wounded. I did not see Col. Reppert until after the second volley was fired. Half the balls seemed to strike the bow of the ferry-boat."

When the smoked cleared 21 had either died or were injured. Col. Lewis W. Reppert who Richard Adams spoke of was shot through the heart and died that day. He was buried in Ashland, Cemetery. Mrs. Jackson Serey was shot in the shoulder and breast and struggled with her wounds for some time.

Was Elijah Adams in Ashland when these awful events happened? He certainly had first hand information from his brother. Elijah Adams has been credited with writing what is probably the first version of a ballad, Ashland Tragedy. The ballad does not include the story of the fateful day with the Granite State. Ballad historians continue to debate who wrote what. One story says that Elijah got his story from James Hunter "a resident of Ashland." Actually I find James Hunter residing in Carter County. It is more likely that Elijah Adams got most of his information from his own brother.

At least one account states that Elijah Adams was "sometimes called Professor Adams" stating that he had taught school in his day. Census records show him as a farmer and even as a grocery store salesman but if he taught school, other than music,I have not located a record as of this writing.

Elijah Adams would become well known for yet another tragic ballad and story. In 1892 Lottie Yates was murdered in Carter County by her estranged husband Austin Porter. Yet another mob scene in Eastern Kentucky ensued and Porter was hung from a bridge. Elijah Adams wrote the Ballad of Lottie Yates. When Elijah Adams died 11 January 1916 in Mason County, West Virginia his talent for music was finally acknowledged on his death certificate with a simple entry under occupation "Music teacher."

Elijah's brother Richard lived for a little over two more years and died 8 April 1918 at Oakview in Ashland, Boyd County, Kentucky.