Thanks so much for your assistance, sorry I have no understanding of this DNA stuff, wish I could just talk straight with someone to explain more, helps to talk about it but reading of it is hard for me to get thru it. On my line, I have excellent documentation at least to James, Sr. then additional back to Thomas, from there suspect to Thomas came over, a John and Thomas in 1634 on the ship Buena Ventura Old family story said that another brother stopped off on the way, to England to get his wife. Glad to share and hopefully one day it will all come together, maybe takes fresh minds and talents to do this, with computers, etc.
I use to have a lot more but lost it all in a crash years ago and never got it back. Had records on many Anderson's to present date from James forward, thru his different children's families, traced using Quaker records of Heiss and Hinshaw, census, cemetery, Indiana records, etc. Was fun to find someone who had never written or heard of and call and then be able to tell them their entire lineage that they did not know, ha. Well, wish we all had a more common link to put all these families together as I had done on my mothers, Hiatt side, but for some reason the Anderson's just have not seem as interested.
My Thomas probably had more then the 3 known sons, named James, John and Bartholomew. We probably could find more on all of these with a little research. I can send more of what I have if anyone interested. Some common history and stories with genealogies of contingent Quaker families also may help. Some of these families remained close for over 100 years, traveled the same route and attended the same Quaker churches, etc. There were many Anderson intermarriages with some of these families and so good if we could tie all these Anderson's together as well. Another interesting point for those who went to Carolinas, KY, etc. some of these same families were still together that way, as well as thru OH, IN, IA, KS, etc. There were many Quakers that had gone to South Carolina following the Battle of Guilford County Court House, then others who went with Boone into KY, some then on to TN and MO with these same Quaker families, many of whom if not all, joined other religions as the Methodist and Baptist. There was an attempt by some of the northern Quakers to bring their families back to the faith by establishing the Lost Creek MM in TN, those mostly had been in OH or IN, as also in my own Elijah Anderson situation, returning north shortly after. Lots of stories if we can tie these together too. Would be fun to chat with others on these stories too and perhaps start putting families together. Anyway, here are some notes on Thomas Anderson, glad to hear from anyone else too. Larry Anderson
Of the first Thomas I have 3 named sons and 3 unnamed daughters.
NOTES ON THOMAS
From notes of Opal Lousin, 3 Dec 1992. ..."In New Jersey Archives 1678, May 11, p. 129 there is a statement that at Tuckahoe Meeting House Stephen Durban married Rebeckah Anderson, relique of Thomas Anderson. We might keep this information in mind as it may come in handy sometime. The early churches were known as meeting houses and were not necessarily Quaker in religion as we have come to use the term. Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware were formed in 1682 and renamed from St. Jones and Morrekill District, also called Deale, respectively. Liber B, folio 61, Kent Co., Del. gives information about Thomas Anderson's death and papers filed 6th day of April 1708. I think this is the one we believe to be the father of Thomas who died c1734. An Elizabeth Brown was executrix of estate of John Brown who died in Kent Co., Del. with papers written up on 19th day of April 1708. Could John Brown and wife Elizabeth be the parents of Joshua Brown, father of Elizabeth who married James Anderson? I do not have papers on this. Betty, could you try to get any information about John and Elizabeth, his wife?"... ....."Some records to see about Delaware are: Rodney's Diary and Other 1) Rodney's Diary and Other Del. Records, 148 pgs. 2) Calendar of Kent Co., Del. 3) Probate Records 1680-1800 by Leon De Valinger 4) Charles Turner's "Some Records of Sussex Co., Del. 387 pgs. which contain many vital records. Consider for research for Thomas Anderson #14505 Pt. 1006 Govan, Lanark, Scotland 1689-1756 8 Sept 1710 Anderson, Thomas and Elizabeth Anderson (Elpeth) #14505 Pt. 1000 Gorbales, Lanark, Scotland 1771-1819 Old Numbers #14505 Pt. 1006 Govan, Lanark, Scotland 1689-1756 From Talbot County Marriage Records, 1668-1938, on film from MD Records M286. Wright Anderson, pg. 290, Peter p. 295, Thomas Atkinson 263-275 A Thomas Anderson signed certificate for a marriage 25d 5th mo 1683 for Henry Barratt to marry Mary Bates. Peter Anderson, son of James of Caroline Co. and Celia his wife, m. Elizabeth Atwell, dtr of John m. 19th day 3rd mo. 1823. Witness James Anderson Could this Thomas who married in 1710 be the father of James I, Bartholomew, John and three daughters and leave widow Elizabeth in Kent Co., Del.? If married in Scotland, why was his father (If Thomas who died in 1708) was the father living in Delaware ahead of Thomas who died in 1734? James I was still a minor in 1734. There is no point in checking the Perogative Court records unless and until we know more about them. Personally I think our Anderson's were from Sweden. The Swedes settled on the Delaware about the middle of the 1600's. It will be difficult to find the immigrant because of the common name but we can hope and try. Opal 3 Dec 1992 (Of this I differ totally as to my thoughts, Larry Anderson and stand by them coming from Scotland or Ireland)
ANDERSON from Talbot County marriage records 1668-1938 on film from Md. records M286 A Thomas Anderson signed a certificate for a marriage 25 d. 5th m. 1683 for Henry Barratt to marry Mary Bates. p. 263 Thomas Atkinson, son of Aaron & Ann, dec., his wife, m. Elizabeth Parvin, dtr. of Benjamin & Sarah Parvin, Talvot Co., Md. Third Haven MM, 1st mo. 19th d. 1804 p. 275 Thomas Atkinson of Easton, Talvot Co., son of Aaron and wife Ann, both dec. m. Rebecca E. Bartlett, dtr. of Richard and Rebecca m. in Third Haven MM 2th d. 12th month 1810. p. 275 Peter Anderson, son of James of Caroline Co. and Celia, his wife, m. Elizabeth Atwell, dtr. of John m. 19th d. 3rd mo. 1823; witness James Anderson.
See Sumner family History pb. 174: "The Anderson Family was among the Early Settlers in the area of the Hopewell Friends Meeting, Clearbook, Frederick Co., Va. Thomas Anderson's will probated 3-2-1747 listed 542 acres to his wife Jane, and Ch; James, Calvert and Mary (Anderson) Yeats. The Anderson's were later prominent in Highland Co., Ohio. Benjamin Anderson was a minister of the Methodist Church. a principle road running through the Fall Creek MM area, Rainsboro, Paint Twp., Highland Co., Ohio bore the name of Anderson Pike."
From a letter to Betty Holmes from Opal Lousin dtd. 6 Oct 1982: "The first Anderson of whom we have any knowledge is Thomas who died about 1740, leaving wife Elizabeth, and four sons and the dau. Our James was the eldest but not yet of age to inherit by primogenture the land Thos. had acquired. He was in Kent Co., Del.
In a note from Opal to Betty Holmes, 21 May 1983, she writes, " Try to find Scharf's History of Delaware.. It gives information about land grants, etc. which would be nice to have sometime. Also try to find Gust Skords' Swedeso on the Delaware" which I can't find. I feel sure that Anderson were from Sweden now. Will of Thomas Anderson In the name of God Amen, the 19th of December 1734, I, Thomas Anderson of the County of Kent upon the Delaware being sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be unto God and further calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament.
First I give and recommend my soul unto God that giveth and my body I recomment to the earth to be buried in a Christian like manner at the discreation of my Executor, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give and dispose of all follows: I give my plantation with all its appurtenances to my son, James, and his heirs forever by paying to his brothers Bartholomew and John 20 pounds each... after they come of age or he refusing to pay them this... sum, then let one of them have the plantation paying him the sum of 20 pounds. I leave my three daughters each of them when at age one cow.
THOMAS ANDERSON
To the worshipful the Justices of the Orphan's Court now sitting in Dover, the petition of Robert Catlin humbly showeth. Thay the pensioner was sited to the last Orpahns Court. To make up with said Estate of THOMAS ANDERSON, later of this County, deceased, but could not make up at that time and this is to inform said Anderson's sons from four years old and gave him schooling and he was taken at thirteen years old and bound from me and for the bringing up and schooling of said boy the petitioner prays an allowance of balance of said estate which I beg you take into your consideration and make an order as you in your wisdom shall think just and your petitioner in duty bound shall. Robert Catlin
Additional account of the administration of THOMAS ANDERSON'S estate exhibited and proved by Robert Catlin, Administrator, cause to allow August 27, 1746. To the balance due to the Estate of THOMAS ANDERSON as of account passed in the Orphan Court of three pounds seventeen shillings five pence in February the 26th 1745. And now the Administrator Robert Catlin at an Orphans Court held at Dover the 27th day of August causes an allowance for the following payment in settlement of the said estate ---
To cash paid Preston Berry as of account 11 sh. 6 pc. To cash paid Richard James 7 3 to cash for paying this account 13 To allowance for bringing up and maintaining John Anderson, one of the children, from the age of four years to the age of thirteen years. 2 lbs. -? sh. 8 pence 3 lbs. 17 sh. 5 pence The above account being sworn to said account is allowed Robert Catlin, the 27th day of August 1746. Richael Ridgeley
From the book, Historical Records of Old Frederick Co., Va. by Dr. Wilmer Kerns, publ. 1991 pg. 74 Anderson, Thomas born in Hampshire Co., Va. (Note, then it was Orange Co., Va.) About 1735 and died in Fairfield Co., Ohio in 1806. He married Elizabeth Bruce. Thomas parents were William and Rachel Anderson, among the first settlers along the Potomac, Hampshire Co., Va. Source, records submitted to DAR by descendants. From Opal Lousin: This is a copy of material for hte Anderson Reunion in 1981 when she and her husband, Max, came from Chicago to be with us.
ANDERSON LINEAGE
Thomas Anderson purchased from Thomas Berry, Nov. 1730, 150 acres called "Burberry's Lott" in Murderkill Hundred, Kent Co., Del. and died about 1734-39. His "will" names James, Bartholomew, John and wife Elizabeth Brown and three daughters unnamed.
James Anderson, son of Thomas, married Elizabeth Brown and was still a minor at the tie of his father's will in 1734. James inherited the land which he sold just prior to his death in 1761 for 240 pounds, his father having paid 35 pounds. The last was on an original grant of 5000 acres and the town of Vernon is on the old grant. James Anderson's wife, Elizabeth, was the daughter of Joshua Brown and wife Mary. She had brothers and sisters in Kent Co., Delaware also and we think she probably died about 1773 in Mispillion Hundred where they lived. Their children were James, our ancestor; William, Elizabeth Killingsworth, (wife of Nathaniel), Rebecca McNatt (wife of Richard), Ezekiel, Elijah, Major, Mary and Ann, at least.
James Anderson, our ancestor, married Ann Clifton, daughter of Thomas who must have been a big land owner and apparently wrote is own long "will", which was unusual in that day. James and Ann Anderson became interested in Nicholite religion which was even more strict than the Quaker religion at that time and freed the mulatto slave which she had inherited from her father, who by that time was a widower, so we do not know the name of his her mother. James Anderson must have been very popular among the people in his locality because we find his name on several wills, including that of Joseph Nichols, the founder of teh religion. After Nichols death the church broke up and the members joined two of the Quaker churches just over the border in Maryland. The family lived near Marshy Hope, Delaware. The children were John, James, Isaac, Daniel, Elijah, (our ancestor), Major, Eli, Ann Callay, at least. James died in 1791 and Ann died before 1807. Some of the sons are listed in the 1800 census of Mispillion Hundred in Delaware.
Our ancestor, Elijah Anderson, married Susanna Cain in Delaware and was possibly the one who got a land grant in Ohio in 1801. Because she was shown as Susanna Anderson, wife of Elijah, in her father's will distribution in 1795 it is possible that one or more of their children may have been born in Delaware. Susanna Cain's father was John and her mother was Triphana who survived her husband, and was still living in 1812. This was actually a distribution of assets rather than a "will" which sometimes discloses even more information than a "will".
The children of Elijah and Susanna Cain Anderson were Reuben, who married Hannah and for some reason he was dropped form the Quaker Church and they moved to near Crawfordville, Ind. Susanna, who married a man named Andrews, was in Clark Co., Ohio in 1829. Mary and our ancestor Elijah Jr., Elijah Sr. was very active in the Quaker church in Ohio and helped get he meeting going at Greene Plain MM which was located at or near Selma, Ohio, Clark Co. was part of Greene and Clinton Co., Ohio. So he may not have moved bodily to be able to attend this meeting which was set off from Caesars Creek MM where he originally attended. Many of his brothers came to this same general area soon after and can be found in censuses. The Greene Plain MM was split three ways with the Anderson's going with the Anti-slavery group which was part of the cause that eventually their records do not appear in the Quaker records for research.
About the time that Reuben and Hannah Anderson went to Montgomery Co., Ind. our ancestor Elijah Jr. went to Morgan Co., Ind. and married Rosa Ann Bray, the daughter of Abijah Bray and Isabella Scott, in about 1837. Also at about that time one of their uncles, Eli and wife and family went from Clinton Co., Ohio, to the same place and eventually they moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa where the parents, Eli and Mary are buried in an old Quaker Cemetery near the first Quaker Meeting House for that area and their childrnes records appear in the Iowa Yearly meeting records. Abijah Bray and their children's records appear in the Iowa Yearly Meeting records. Abijah Bray and wife Isabella and their children Allen Richard (oldest), Seth, Ibby, Martin, John, Kezia, Ruth and Sarah went at the same time as Elijah Anderson, Jt. and wife Rosa Bray Anderson and their children Allen Richard and Susanna who had been born in 1839 and 1837 respectively to henry Co., Iowa where they stayed a short while in 1840, returned to Morgan Co., Iowa where possibly a son Daniel was born in 1841 if the Quaker records are accurate, and returned again to Mahaska or Jefferson Co., Iowa in the spring of 1842. Soon after we find in the records the children of Abijah Bray are referred to as "orphans" and so far no other records can be found as to the dates of their deaths.
Some of the Bray children stayed in the Quaker Church, some were disowned for marrying out of unity (mou) or the church, etc. and later joined another church with Seth and wife and family going to Kansas. Elijah and Rosa Anderson were living in Pleasant Grove twp. Mahaska Co. except that in the 1850 census record only Rosa's name is shown as living there with her children including a son named George R., and a son in law, William Durbin and a son Napolean Foscett were added to the census of Joseph Foscett in 1856 in Union Twp, Mahaska Co., Iowa, see notes under Rosa Ann Bray, etc.
NOTE from David Anderson, 377 Cheryl Ct. White Rock, N.M. 87544 I noticed that Thomas Anderson bought his land from a Thomas Berry in Kent Co., Delaware. Later the name Berry shows up among the Nicholites. Also among the Quaker Migrants to Indiana from Maryland. I found a reference in Skordas to a Thomas Anderson and a Thomas Berry who came to Maryland in 1634. Anderson and Berry were both indentured servants as I recall. I cannot find my xerox of that page. (from Larry, check the ships passenger list of 1634, Buena Venture)
Notes according to Clara, Thomas was baptized 23 Nov 1679, in Antrim, Ireland. Clara has the father of Thomas as John Anderson.
Oral history states that Thomas was a descendant of an Ulster Scot family (a lowlander Loyalist protestant Scot) who was part of a group sent in from Scotland by King James in early 1600's to colonize Ulster (Northern Ireland). This Scottish heritage is supported by the inventory of Mathias Anderson (great grandson) recorded in White Co., TN, which includes a lesson book of "Scots Lesson".
A possibility that Thomas and or his son, James Sr., may have been Quakers, 2 articles in the Delaware Genealogical Society Journal written by Jane Gray Buchanan (Oak Ridge, TN) and published in April 1993 and October 1993.
sent by David Anderson, via email; an Anderson cousin: 10 Jan 2010
Dear distant kin,
In my own Family Tree DNA matches I have three matches at the 67 marker level, and all three are three points off of a perfect match with me.
Two of us, Allen Augustus Anderson and myself, David Craig Anderson, have now found our common ancestor, (Deaf) John Anderson sometime of Pickens County SC, also living in Habersham County, GA. An interfamily law suit with scads of depositions helped put everyone in the proper spot. John Anderson was born about 1750-52, perhaps in Lexington Virginia, though the birth place is not yet proven beyond a reasonable doubt. His death was in 1840 in or near Pickens SC.
Allen is descended from John Anderson's son Isaac, and I am descended from another son, perhaps James, though possibly Abram. Allen is 5 generations removed from John Anderson, and I am 6 generations removed. It is a moment of excitement to have established the hard connection.
Since each of you are also three points away from a perfect match with me, the question is, are you each three points away from Allen, and from each other?
3 from from Allen ____yes _____no 3 from each other ____yes ____no
I think we are apt to find a common ancestor either in John Anderson, or his father or grandfather perhaps. Lets try and close the loop.
Thanks,
David Craig Anderson Stone Mountain, Georgia
Allen Augustus Anderson aaanderson1930@yahoo.com William LeRoy Anderson anderson7oct@comcast.net Mr. Larry Dean Anderson Sr. larryandy@aol.com David Craig Anderson dcasr@bellsouth.net
Dear Distant Cousins: 3 Feb 2011
I would love to compare and share, love to see these lines go together to fill in so many lost branches. Years ago I had spent a long time piecing together records from my James Anderson, Sr. going forward, tracing Quaker, Census, Indiana Records of marriages, births, deaths, etc., as well as other states and had followed many branches forward to present day, some I had found thru KY, IA, KS, etc. and found in phone books, that was about 20 years ago, but had all on my computer but had a disc failure, those days had the 5 1/2 inch floppy, there were probably over 20 discs that were backups of that file in a set, I had 3 sets but when I tried to restore, every set had a bad disc and none would restore. I was frustrated at that and tried only after that to restore my direct lines and some of the notes I had with them. But I do recall many from those who had gone south through Georgia and direct records of many who had gone from OH and IN to KY, some were mentioned in the Lost Creek MM, off hand, there were families of Isaac and Elijah who were there, some of those returned north, some went into KS before the Civil War. My grandfather knew some who had come from GA and said they had talked and compared notes to find relationships and to Bloody Bill Anderson of the Civil War notorious band. All interesting, probably have some of the notes, records, etc. somewhere but so many boxes of things I have no idea where it is now, wish only had someone of interest to go thru these thousands of letters and records again. Am very interested though if there are some who are working and interested in this. Sincerely, Larry Anderson Larry Anderson son of Glenn Anderson and Ruby Hiatt, s/o Arthur Anderson and Ethel Robbins, s/o George Henry Anderson and Fannie Shields, s/o Allen Richard Anderson and Hannah Welch, s/o Elijah Anderson, Jr. and Rose Anna Bray, s/o Elijah Sr. and Susannah Cain, s/o James Jr. and Ann Clifton, s/o James Anderson Sr. and Elizabeth Brown, s/o Thomas Jr. and Elizabeth, and believe off hand he is the son of Thomas Sr. and another Elizabeth. I have families of all these, at least their children and some generations of those cousins but not sure how far I now have them forward.I will include notes in case anyone interested, some notes on families are very extensive so can browse and see if anyone is interested in further, if we can get anywhere on these families it takes a unified effort. For 30 years I had acted as the head of the National Hiatt/Hiett/Hyatt Family Organization and we were able to amass one of the largest singular data bases of any family in America, my records on all my branches and cousins is in excess of 390,000 and those were all personally input none from any online service, which anyway mostly had come from my records anyway. I also found that in many cases the early Anderson's (Quakers) were intermarried to many well known other Quakers, such as Hiatt, again a fruitful basket of information to fill in information. James Anderson, Jr. for example, witnessed and signed wills and documents for my Hiatt sides and both Hiatt and Anderson named generations after each other, such as James Hiatt, James Anderson Hiatt, Etc. and followed families from East Coast to Kansas and some south together following the Battle of Guilford Court House and some into SC. The clues of one family helps with the other. I will send some extensive notes, not sure what it all is now, in a follow up so this is not so cumbersome, if it helps let me know and I can send anything else I have if it is of interest to anyone. Sincerely Larry Anderson
In a message dated 7/20/2011 8:41:09 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, mafarr28@peoplepc.com writes:
Larry, all these stories (at least this one has references to the state/county record books/pages to verify the information) are interesting, but for tracing ydna are not as important as the simple Anderson-line lineage charts back in time to the objective - locating the common ancestor of all.
If you have more than 3 non-matching ydna markers, it is probably impossible to find the common ancestor within U.S. Colonial history, but must either give up or search records across the 'pond'. I, myself, have concentrated on getting exact, correct lineage data back to my immigrant from Scotland/Ireland in 1730s. That is what is most important to me - accuracy of the exact line.
You can start by just comparing your nearest ydna matches' proved family line with yours. In your case, perhaps that person is Joe (results at Ancestry). He has very good proof documentation back to his John b.ca.1715?-d.1779 GA. If you do not have your line proved back as far as he does, just concentrate on working with him to find your common ancestor, and forget about those who are not close matches for the time being.Allen can do the same with the documentation of Benjamine, whatever it is, who is his closest ydna match (I think, but need the markers). Mary Alice - I do lineage proof document work for a heritage organization and know from experience it can be done!!! Have to do the research tho, not just following old stories produced by someone else. ________________________________________ PeoplePC Online A better way to Internet http://www.peoplepc.com
David Craig Anderson dcasr@bellsouth.net
Added FROM FILE SENT BY CHARLES ANDESON, 5 NOV 2012
Descendants of Thomas Anderson
Generation No. 1
1. THOMAS1 ANDERSON died 1734 in Kent Co., DE. He married ELIZABETH. She died in Kent Co., DE.
Notes for THOMAS ANDERSON:
Thomas Anderson purchased from Thomas Berry, Nov 1730, 150 acres called "Burberry's Lott" in Murderkill Hundered, Kent Co., DE and died around 1734-1738. His "will" names James, Bartholemew, John, and his wife Elizabeth, and three daughters unnamed. -Opal Louisin
Thomas is the earliest progenitor of this Anderson family found so far.
The first reference found to date was in 1730, when he bought 150 acres of a 600 acre tract called Burberry's Lott in Murderkill Hundred, Kent Co.DE.
All children except James Sr. were minors when Thomas died. Elizabeth married Robert Catlin who raised the children and petitioned the court to dispose of the estate for the support of the children. James Sr. mother
was probably NOT Elizabeth.
Oral history states that Thomas was a descendent of an Ulster Scot family ( a lowlander Loyalist protestant Scot) who was part of a group sent in from Scotland by King James in the early 1600's to colonize Ulster
(Northern Ireland). This Scottish heritage is supported by the inventory of Mathias Anderson (great grandson) recorded in White Co. TN, which included a book of "Scots Lessons".
A possibility that Thomas and/or his son James Sr. may have been Quakers.
-2 articles in the Delaware Genealogical Society Journal written by Jane Gray Buchanan (Oak Ridge,TN)and published in April, 1993 and October 1993.
Child of THOMAS ANDERSON and ELIZABETH is:
2. i. JAMES SR2 ANDERSON, b. Bet. 1690 - 1710, Talbot Co., MD/DE.
RE: Will of JAMES BROOKS
Evidently James Brooks made a will about 1713 which must have been lost or misfiled because the statement appearing in Kent Co., Del. file F-1-29 seems to show some controversy about the terms of the will on 26 June 1727. Therefore, as to when James Brooks died and who was his wife I do not know at this time.
I think Mary Brooks mentioned as his daughter was later married to Joshua Brown and their daughter was Elizabeth who married James Anderson,
I. Mary Brown, widow of Joshua Brown, received her 1/3 in the settlement of Joshua's estate in either 1764 or final disposition August 1773. By 1733 there were evidently four children born to Joshua and Elizabeth Brown because
Benjamin Brooks, brother of Mary Brooks mentioned herein left some estate to Joshuaway Brown's four children.
Because of this will of Benjamin Brooks I strongly believe the parents of Elizabeth Brown were Joshua and Mary (Brooks) Brown.
Will of Benjamin Brooks
Dated February 7, 1733
Kent Co., Del. A-6 pg. 4
To Rachel Brooks, a large bible
Arter Brooks Something about weaving
Mary Brooks, dtr. of Arter, deceased
Joshuaway Brown's four children
John Brooks
Benjamin Brooks
Wife Jeane, George Nixon, friend or executor
Witnessess: Daniel Nock, Patience Millson, Sarah Jenkins
This was nearly impossible to read. It must have been in somewhat print in teh index to wills that I had from the National Gen. Soc. Library or I would not have known about the Brooks family, to make this connection with the Brown
family.
Possibly more proof of Mary Brooks the mother of Elizabeth (Brooks) Brown could be obtained if one were to find the wills of the other children of James Brooks, i.e. Arthur, Elinor, James Jr., John and Moses Brooks. (The last three
probably being the youngest children or possibly the oldest because they were to get only five shillings.)
Information sent by Opal Lousin, Sept. 1989.
James Brooks, F1-29, Kent Co., Del. Will dated 26 June 1727 in Kent Co., Del.
To son John, Arthur, Benjamin, Elinor, Mary Brooks, James Brooks, Jr., John and Moses.
Because Benjamin, the son, left something to Joshua Brown's 4 children, and Joshua Brown's wife was Mary, I assume she was this Mary Brooks. (Opal Lousin)
Concerning Will of James Brooks of Kent County F-1-29
Kent County Sup. Dell. SS Personally came before me the Subscriber one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of Kent on Delaware and Deputy Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Admin. within teh
said County Michael Lowber of the same County Yeoman aged fifty years or thereabouts and on his solemn affirmation allowed of by Law did Declare and Say that he wrote the Will of James Brooks late of the County afst. decd. and was
present at and witness to his Signing Sealing and publishing the same as his the said James Last Will and Testament and that this affirmation wife Unity Lowber together with Mary Lenton were also present at the Same time and
witnessess thereof and that they all three Viz. he this affirment the said Unity and the said Mary did afterwards to wit one time in teh year of our Lord 1713 prove the said will before Thomas Bedwell, Esq. the then Deputy Register
or Commissionary for the County afst. and this affirmant further saith that he vary well Remembers that in the said Will the Testator did devise and bequeath unto his son John one Moiety or half part of all that Tract of Land whereon he
then Lived called Newline Situate in Murtherkill hundred in the County afst. containing by Estimation about Six hundred acres of land and the other half to four other of his Children Viz. Arthur, Benjamin, Elinor and Mary Brooks to be
Equally Divided betwixt them and to beunto Ym. Respectively their heirs and assings forever (to the best of his Rememberance) and unto his Son James Brooks Junr. the afst. John Brooks and Moses Brooks Each of them five Shillings and all the Residue of his personal Estate to be Equally Divided betwixt his four Children Arthur, Benjamin, Elinor and Mary Brooks and the said Arthur to be Sole Exrs. and further this Deponent at present Saith not. Kent County Sup. Dell affirmed the 26th of June Anno Dom. 1727
Coram me Benjamin Shurmer D. Reg. Michael Lowber
Unity Lowber wife of the afst Michael Lowber one of the Witnesses above sd. aged 50 years or thereabout being now present and having heard Read to her all and Singular the pariculars contained in the above Deposition Do on her Solemn affirmation declare that the same in Every Article thereof is True.
Kent County Sup. Dell. Affirmed 26 June Anno Dom. 1727 her
Coram me Benjamin Shurmer Dep. Regr. Unity X Lowber
Verified B. Jones Offisser mark
Was referred to as Colonel James Shields because of his service in the War of 1812, the Indian campaigns and the Civil War.
In the early days of Indiana history, James and his cousin, John Tipton, took a contract to clear the trees and stumps for what was to be the capitol ground at Corydon. It was the first territorial, and later the first state, capitol.
Though he never held public office, those who did wished for his support. In 1832, John Vawter, himself an important man in Jennings County and seeking a seat in the Indiana House of Representatives, wrote to James' cousin John Tipton, at the time a United States senator, asking for Tipton's help in that regard. He wrote, "I would take it as a favour if you would write Major James Shields on my behalf, as he would do anything for you. He may be for me, but wish to secure his interest certain."
James, son of William and Margret, was commonly known as Colonel James, born in the fort in severe County, Tenn. Aug. 1794, Deanie in his 15th year when the family came into IN, settling near Brewersville. Later he entered the land and now known as the farm of James the Mc Cam in Hunts and Creek before IN became estate. He gave his military title because of his activities in the war of 1812 and the Indian campaign. He was married twice, first to Sarah J. Mc Causland, who died in 1834. William Preston, Mary Ellen, John Tipton, Eliza J., Nancy Ann and James Seviere were their children. His second wife was Martha Mc Castle and, in the he Wilson. The children were Charles, Sarah T., in Diana a less is, generally caller Alice D. There were two other children, Harvey and Winnifred, who died young.
James with his cousin John Tipton took contract in early days of Indiana history to clear the trees and stumps from what was to be the capital ground that Corydon. In fact it was the first territorial and later the state capital. James was a Democrat and a Baptist. One of his daughters, Nancy Ann married Henry Wise in 1843; he was killed at Chickamauga while fighting with the Union Army. She too was loyal to the Union. In June 1864 James and Nancy Shields Elliott visited Colonel James Shields in Indiana after a happy greeting, Nancy Ann, the daughter asked if they were loyal to the Union. Upon being assured that they were, she arose with tears flowing, she said she wanted to shake hands with them again, as the she had given the treasurer of her life, her husband, for the cause. With three sons in the Union Army, Nancy, sister Col. James, took him aside and advised him not to mention politics or the war during the visit or Jimmy, her husband, would not stay overnight in his home. Although a fiery-fighter, he took her advice. For other descendants of Colonel James Shields, see history a of J. A. Shields.
James was married twice and apparently was divorced from his first wife, Sarah J. McCausland, in about 1834 because she did not die until 1900. (John A. Shields, an early genealogist, had presumed Sarah's death.) Sarah's obituary mentions Colonel James Shields as her husband and lists their six children. He married his second wife, Martha McCaslin, on 23 March 1835. Martha is listed as his spouse in the War of 1812 Pension List (WC-6983, SO-26252), published in 1840.
During the Civil War, James was a member of a Home Guards company at Vernon, Indiana when Confederate General John Morgan made his raid into that section of the state. He actively engaged in opposition and was wounded and knocked from his horse in the battle. He was a prisoner for a short time but was released because the Confederates had no means of confining prisoners.
Research for the above: History of Jennings County, Indiana, published 1956; The Shields Family by John Arthur Shields, December 1917; Jennings County Order Book 1822-37, page 22; Jennings County, Indiana, Marriage Records;" "Threads of the Past" by Margaret R. McDonald, Galleon Press; List of War of 1812 Pensioners, page 1579; the "Tipton Papers" vol II, pp. 569-570.
Apparently, Sarah divorced from James about 1834 rather than dying, as John A. Shields and Mary Coleman supposed. Her obituary appeared in the North Vernon Sun 23 March 1900. It said, "Mrs. Sarah Shields, wife of James Shields, died at Vernon, Indiana, leaving six children. Col. Shields was among the first settlers of this county and died in 1875. The six children--all living and in good health, at at average of 77 years: William P. of Campbell Township.; Mrs. Louise Sullivan of Vernon; Mrs. Mary Newby and Mrs. H. A. Wise of North Vernon; Dr. J. T. Shields Seymour and Dr. J. S. Shields of Frankfort."