Geo Cash's Head Manuscript

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Geo.R. Cash

492 24^th St., W.

Bradenton, FL 33505

December 5, 1980

Dear Cousins,

After five years of collecting information, writing letters, and searching archives, I believe I have found about all that I can find about our ancestors named Head, Wininger and Gillian. While searching the Head line I have collected a great amount of data about Heads all over the country and I have been able to help other researchers, even some here in Bradenton. I have all that is known about the direct line of Martha E. Wininger, and I subscribe to a newsletter that will let me know if anything new is found. I also have a lot of information about the Gilliam family but no one seems to know the parents of Malenis, and I have not found a record that helps. As to the ancestor of William Head of Surry County, several people have worked on his line for years and no one has found a record, such as a will, that gives a hint as to his parents, unless we think that Brenda Head Fischler gave us a lead. Some day in some other North Carolina County we may find the answer. Within this year I had a letter from a Dr. Shelton of Indiana in reply to one of my ads about the Heads. The information just happened to fit into a family of one person in S.W.Va. and another in Maryland. Putting it all together after writing for a death certificate, I was able to establish the descendant of a son of our George Head Sr. down to the present. This week I had a letter from a friend I have known for 35 years, and he mentioned an ancestor of his that belongs to my Taylor line. Persistence, and the help of others researching the same lines may in time find some the answers that we need. I will keep all of you informed of any new findings.

Please read all of this and if you wish to add anything, or subtract something, please send a letter to all of us, and especially me.

Merry Christmas to all of you,

[signature] George Cash

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THE HEADS OF SCOTT COUNTY, VIRGINIA

PREFACE

In August of 1975 my brother and I went to Southwest Virginia to see whether we could locate any of our mother’s relatives. She, Katie Head, died in 1919 when I was seven and Marion was four so we did not have much to recollect. I did remember visiting her Uncle Henderson H. Head in Appalachia and hearing the name Speers Ferry. We, by chance, took the gravel road south from Speers Ferry and began asking questions of everyone we met. It was not hard to find Heads but we did not know enough at that time to be able to take advantage of what we heard.

A notice in the Gate City paper brought a phone call from Mrs. Fannie Kate Head McClanahan of Winter Park, Florida. A letter to the manager of a Bristol cemetery gave us the name and address of Mrs. Stella Head Barclay of Johnson City. Another letter from Mrs. Georgia Rhea Head Collier of Gate City brought copies of pages from the family Bible and other papers. These were all second cousins.

Subsequent trips to Scott County let us find the one-room school house where all of the Head children had gone to school years ago. We found the house where Katie had lived with her grandparents after her parents died, and the cemetery nearby where Heads were buried. Many of the older graves were marked only with field stones.

The information about the Surry County William Head came from Mr. John Harris Watts. He has written one book about the Heads and may include what we have here in the revised edition.

This account is double-spaced so that those who read it may add new information or may correct errors that I have made. I hope that this will encourage others of this line to send me additional information to be included in a revised copy.

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THE HEADS OF SCOTT COUNTY, VIRGINIA

In the years before 1740 only a few adventurers had passed through Cumberland Gap. The Indians used it in going from the southeast to the Ohio Country. In 1748 Sr. Thomas Walker and a few companians passed through it on a hunting expedition. In 1769 William Bean settled on the Watauga River and started the Watauga Settlement. The village of Wolf’s Hill, now Abingdon, was a few miles north in Virginia. In 1773 and Indian war party attacked a band of pioneers led by Daniel Boone and captured, tortured, and killed two of them including Boone’s son James. The route from North Carolina started at the Yadkin River country in what is now Surry County, North Carolina, and passed through Mt. Airy, Abingdon, Kingsport, Gate City, Clinchport, Rose Hill, and Cumberland Gap. The Holston and Clinch Rivers meander down the valleys of Virginia into Tennessee, and they had to be crossed.

There have been Heads in America since about 1622, most of them seem to have come from England to Virginia and to have spread from there up and down the coast. Some were wealthy, some came as indentured servants, and later some were released from prison and sentenced to come to America or other colonies.

As the population of a region reached an adequate level new counties were established. The region that is now Scott County was at first a part of Augusta in 1738, then Botetourt in 1769, Fincastle in 1772, Washington in 1776, Russell in 1785, Lee in 1792, and finally in 1815 Scott County was formed.

Those of us who know Scott County may wonder why our ancestors chose to settle in this rugged region when there were so many opportunities elsewhere. Even now it seems isolated and primitive, but it is beautiful, and they have in-door plumbing, and TV with tall antenna.

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The first family of Heads to come into this area was that of Anthony Head. He was granted 210 acres on the Wolf Creek branch of the Holston River on 22 February, 1774. Anthony died in 1786. His children were named when his estate was being settled.

1. Gavin Head, born 3 July 1772 in Virginia; died 1833-1836 in Saline County, Missouri. He married Katherine Hensley.

2. James Head

3. Millie Head, married Loving Bledsoe.

4. Elizabeth Head, born 1764, married Peter Livingston.

5. Mary Head, married Lewis Potts, or Pitts.

6. William Head, married Susanna Livingston before 1782.

7. Anthony Head, Jr.

8. Phoebe Head, married Samuel Livingston.

9. Joseph Head, married Mary Young 5 February, 1788.

The widow of Anthony Sr., Mary, married Isaac Baker, who owned with Col. Evan Shelby the part of James Patton’s grant of 120,000 acres on which Bristol now stands. Gavin Head, in 1791, owned 78 acres on Ketron’s Fork, a branch of Cove Creek and Reedy Creek. Anthony Jr., in 1796, owned 28 acres on Ketron’s Fork. Gavin and James were in this area for the 1810 census, and Joseph was listed on the supplement to the 1810 census. Of this family only James was listed on the 1820 census in Scott County. A Gavin Head, Alfred Head and James Head were in adjoining counties in Missouri in 1830. In 1817 Anthony and William Head were in Howard County, Missouri. We know of other families of Heads that were moving from Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina toward the West. Of this family apparently only James and his descendants continued to live in Scott County.

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For those who are interested in other Head families there are books to be found in many of the larger libraries. The most exhaustive is DESCENT OF HENRY HEAD IN AMERICA by Idress Head Alvord. Another is HEAD, COX, AND ALLIED FAMILIES by Eleanor Head Lynch. THE HEAD FAMILY by John Harris Watts is being brought up to date by the author. None of the printed sources has included the Heads who settled on the Clinch River. Researchers working on the Livingstons, Hensleys, and the Holston River Heads have provided the information given here about the Anthony Head family.

The 1790 census of Surry County, Salisbury District, North Carolina lists only two Heads as heads of families. The family of William Head showed one male over 16, three under 16, and five females. The family of George Head showed one male over 16, one under 16, and three females. A correspondent of John Harris Watts, Mrs. Brenda Head Fischler, gave him the following information.

She is descended from “Robin” Head who was born 11-30-1757 in Orange County, Virginia. He married Martha Elder in 1785 in Surry County, North Carolina, and died in Robertson Co., Tennessee in 12-25-1838. In this branch there is a tradition that Robert’s father was a George Head who came to America with a brother William. The legend goes on to say that “Uncle William” Head won a quarter of beef in a shooting match the day he reached his hundredth birthday.

The William Head of the 1790 census is known to have lived to be over ninety but there is no known proof that the two Williams are the same.

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Henderson H. Head, of the Scott County Heads left a sheet of paper with the following information on it.

J. George Head….Surveyor

H.G. Head

G. Leslie Head, Architect

The Heads of our family came from Newton Abbott District in Devonshire. The Family names are George, Thomas, Richard, and William, and on the female side, Mary, Elizabeth, and Jane. The family record goes back to 1760.

40 Banker St., Portman Square, London W.I.

We do not know where this information originated. A genealogist in Exeter, Devon, England has been contacted but has not been employed.

The William Head of Surry County is the earliest known ancestor of the Clinch River Heads. He was born 1740-1749 and died about 1836 in Surry County. He had a grant of 200 acres in 1780 and a grant of 640 acres in 1787. The name of his first wife is unknown. Their children were:

1. Elizabeth

2. Abraham, born 1774-1784, married 2 May 1800 to Elizabeth Brown, in Surry County. They appear to have been in Madison Count, Missouri in 1809 and in Gallatin County, Illinois in 1830.

3. George, born 1778 in Surry County, married “Ellender Cory” 10 May 1800. When she died, 30 October 1855, in Scott County Virginia, Her Husband, George Head, gave Her name as Eleanor Curry, and stated that her parents were Joseph and May Curry of Surry County, North Carolina.

4. Judy

5. James, married 31 August 1818, to Catherine Groce, or Grace, in Surry County.

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7. Benjamin, married 13 January 1816 to Fanny Speer, in Surry Co.

8. Fanny

9. Salley

William Head’s second wife was Sarah Curry, or Currey. They were married 16 April 1791 in Surry County. She was born in 1768 in North Carolina and died after 1850. Their children were:

10. Nancy, born 1794, married Jesse Stewart who was born in 1786. They were in North Carolina in 1850, and had children.

11. Mildred, married Stephen Shelton 4 November 1816 in Surry County. They were in Stokes County in 1847.

12. Mary, born 1802 in North Carolina, married James Lakey, or Leakey, on 13 August 18_4. They were in Surry County in 1850.

13. Joseph, born 1794-1800, married Polly Dial on 8 March 1819. She died after 1840 in Surry County. They had children.

14. John, born 1798, married Anna Shelton who was born in 1800. They were in Surry County in 1850, and had children.

15. Anthony, born 1800-1810, married Nancy Johnson on 2 August 1824. She was born 1800-1810 and died 1846-1850. He died in 1846 in Surry County. They had children.

16. Isaac, born 1800-1810, married Jane Deal, and died in 1847. She was born in 1798 in North Carolina. They were married 5 January 1821, and had children.

17. Martha (Patsy) was born 1819 in North Carolina.

18. Jane, born 1804 in North Carolina, married John Spears who was born 1804 in Ohio. They were in Surry County in 1850. They had children.

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1830: Anna, George, Ira, James, Joseph, and William Head were in Scott County. Alexander Head was in Carter County, Tenn. Uriah Head was in Washington County, Tenn.

1840: George Head Sr., George Head Jr., Ira Head, James Harvey Head, James Head (Anthony’s), and William Head were in Carter Co, Tenn.

The 1850 census was the first to list all members of a household. The age, place of birth, sex, literacy, and the value of property, were also given.

1850: George Head Sr. 72 from North Carolina

Eleanor 80 “ “

Nancy (Gilliam) 30 Virginia

Minerva A. 17 “

Martha J. 12 “

James Harvey Jr. 9 “

Nancy was the widow of James Harvey Head Sr.

George Head Jr. 35 William Head 44

Malinis (Gilliam) 35 Jane 44

Telitha 17 James 22

Malinda 10 John 17 not at Home at [?? unable to read]

Hezekiah 8 Polly 15

Richard 12 Nancy 6

June 3

Alsey Head lived close by with a Lewis family. Near the Heads lived the family of a blacksmith named Dezarne: Benjamin 39, Sarah 39 (both were from North Carolina), David 17, Frances J. 14, Louisa 12, Elizabeth 10, Hezekiah 9, Nancy 8, William 6, Margaret 1 month, and

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Frances 73.

The above families were all living in Robinett Valley in 1850. Other Head families, probably descendants of Anthony Head, were living in the Cove Creek area

James Head 70 from Virginia

Mary, or Marnie 70 “

and also

James Head 45 James M. Head 25

Ann 41 Mary 25

Thomas 17 John 8 months

Lucy 15

Nancy 13

George M. 10 Anthony Head 24

John 9 Mary 21

Enoch 7 William 3

Hiram 5 Phiba 2

Cynthia 10 months Belotta 1

From the 1820 census it appears that George Head Sr. had five sons and five daughters. The 1830 census lists George, Ira, Joseph, and William Head as heads of households. It also lists Anna, who may have been a widow of one of the Heads. The girls living in 1820 have not been identified. Minerva and Martha J. who were living with George and Eleanor may have been grandchildren. Jane, the wife of William Head died 25 August 1859. She was the daughter of James and Mary Barnett of Virginia.

Marriage records of Scott County list the following early marriages:

Joseph Head – Linda Gearhart 1829

George Head – Melinda Hensley 1835

George Head – Linnis Gilliam 1837

James M. Head – Mary Minich 1843

Anthony Head – Mary A. Morgan 1845

The following is copied as it was written from a deed recorded

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in the Scott County courthouse:

“… for and in considering of the said James H. Head Jr. taking good care of me his good (grand) father and my daughter Nancy his mother as long as we live, and paying the burriel expenses of us doth grant, bargain, and sell unto the said James H. Head a certain tract of land being in the county of Scott and the state of Virginia on the north side of Clinch River on the West side of Mill Branch bounded as follows: Beginning on a Beach on the East side of Mill Branch, thence N 40 poles to a double black oak on the East side of a ridge, thence S 50 W 120 poles to a hickory and chestnut on top of spur of the Big Ridge, ______, Williams Corners, then N 65 W with the said Williams line to a large poplar on the south side of a hollow _______Williams and _____ Sloans Jr. corner, thence S 115 poles to a little ash on the West side of Sloan’s spring branch, then S 50 W to a leaning black oak and a chestnut on a spur of said ridge by a path, then S40 E 65 poles to a white oak on Andrew Tailers line, then E32 poles to a black oak, black haw, black walnut, and red bud at a ledge of rocks, thence S40 poles to a black gum, Tarters corners, thence S 9 E with the said Tarters line 100 poles to a stake so as to run Eastward with the top of the river knobs to the open line of John Johnson 9000 acres survey, thence N 8 W with said line to the West fork of Mill Branch, then up said branch as it meanders to the beginning, containing two hundred acres more or less---(after the decease of myself and my daughter, Nancy Head)

He also gave him everything else that he had, so there was no need for a will. The deed was recorded 4 March 1861.

Who were the sons and daughters of George Head Sr.? It seems reasonable, since all of these were in Clinch River area in 1840, to assume that George Head Jr., Ira Head, James Harvey Head Sr., and William Head were brothers. The other had died or moved out of the county. The daughters’ names may be on death certificates in some county offices. Family Bibles may exist that will clear up some of the mysteries that involve the Head women.

George Head Jr. was born in August in 1815. He married Malinis Gilliam 12 January 1837. She may have been the daughter or niece of William (born 1787 and Nancy (born 1795) Gilliam who were neighbors. George bought 150 acres from Joshua Gilliam in March, 1854. He was a farmer and belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church. There are other

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deeds that indicate that he was a trader, as were most of the men. The obituary of his daughter Malinda states that he was kept in office for about 30 years. He was a constable, elected by the court to serve from 1871 to 1904, according to the obituary. I do not know the date of his death nor the place of his grave. He may be buried in the family cemetery on the farm once owned by his son Hezekiah, but the grave is not marked. Nothing else is known about Malinis.

Their children were Levi, Malinda, Hezekiah, Mary, Aron, Telitha, and Lydia.

Levi was born 13 October 1838 and died -----. He married Lulu (Elizabeth) Gilliam. Elizabeth’s father, Joshua Gilliam, on 3 March 1892, sold two hundred and thirty-two acres, for one hundred dollars to his ‘darter’ Elizabeth. It was sold at that price in return for her taking care of Levi and his (Joshua’s) wife Margaret as long as they lived. It was to be hers ‘unto the fourth generation’ of her heirs . The land had a boundary in common with ‘the old George Head line’. Their children were (1) James Patton Head, born ----, died ----. He married Jennie Peters in 1891. Their son, Jessie Claude Head lives (1978) at 1609 Stratford Road, Kingsport, Tn. (2) Jasper Head. (3) Teke, Tivis, or Finis, Head. (4) Mary Head, who married Baxter Bledsoe. Their daughter, Fannie, married Wilborn Williams. (5) Rachel Head, never married. (6) Julia Head, born 1893, was living in Kingsport in 1975. She married -----Williams. Their daughter, Glennie Ruth Williams, works (1975) in the Parks-Belk store in Kingsport. (7) General Head, born -----, died November 1964. He married Martha Benton. Their children were Raleigh B., John Catron, Bertha Lou, and twins, Elizabeth Maude and Charles Earl. Bertha Lou, no Mrs. J.L. Jones, Rt. 2, Box 207, Clinchport, Va., helped me obtain this information about Levi’s family.

Malinda Head was born 25 December 1841 and died 27 July 1926.

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She married first Isaac Peters. Their children were James M. Peters, born 23 November 1869 and Joseph H. Peters, born 15 June 1878. James married -----, and one of their daughters married Henry Cox and they own and live on the farm once owned by Hezekiah Patton Head. Joseph never married. He was president of the Gate City bank for many years. Malinda later married General R. Johnson of Missouri. They had no children. After he died she returned to Scott Co. and spent the rest of her life there. The esteem in which she was held is shown in this quotation from her obituary. “No higher tribute (can) be paid to a mother than was shown by all the people of her section and the fact that Circuit Court here, including the Judge and Bar and the three banks of Gate City closing together with about sixty of the business men of Gate City attending the funeral services. This is as fine a tribute as paid any mother in our midst in death.” I could have included the entire obituary as an illustration of the way it was done years ago.

Mary Head was born 1 October 1854. Aron Head was born 5 November 1856. Lydia Head was born 11 May 1856. Telitha Head, born about 1838, married Heaburn Neely, and died about 1933. I have no other information about these four.

Hezekiah Patton Head was born 22 April 1843, and died 13 June 1912. He married Martha E. Wininger who was born 3 October 1842 and died 4 March 1901. Hezekiah, familiarly known as Kiah, or Karr, Head was a farmer in the same area as his father and grandfather had been. His old homeplace still stands. The house is built of logs but has now been modernized. It is high on a hill overlooking a narrow valley. Only one other house is in sight – across the valley. There is a family cemetery about a hundred yards away. The newer graves are marked

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but there are many with only field stones to show where long-forgotten others lie.

Hezekiah served as a private in 1^st Co. B, 21^st Battalion, Virginia Infantry, until it was disbanded, and he served as a private in Co. I. 64^th Virginia Mounted Infantry. His record shows that he was AWOL once because he was ill and once because he had no horse. He did get back into good standing, however.

He was a Justice of the Peace. The Scott County paper had this to say about him when he died.

SQUIRE H. P. HEAD DEAD

Splendid Citizen Buried Saturday by Masonic Fraternity

On last Thursday, June 13, H.P. Head…died at his home below Speers Ferry. His death is deeply regretted by all who knew him, for Scott County had no better man nor better citizen. Everybody loved and admired “Uncle Kire Head” as he was familiarly called… He was buried Saturday by the Masonic Fraternity from the Rye Cove, Clinchport, Gate City, and Flat Rock Lodges.

Hezekiah P. Head was born in Scott County, Virginia, April 22, 1843; died June 13, 1912, and was therefore a little over 69 years of age. His father and mother were George and Malenis Head, who were among the best citizens of our country before the Civil War. He is survived by only one sister of this family, Mrs. Malinda Johnson, widow of General R. Johnson of Missouri, and mother of J. H. Peters, cashier of The Peoples National Bank at this place. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, his grandparents having been among the Watauga and North Carolina settlers who took an active part in the Revolution.

Being a young man when the Civil War came and feeling he could best serve his native Southland, he joined the Southern Army, but like all good citizens was glad to see peace restored and his country saved. Just after the war he was married to Miss Martha E. Wininger, with whom he lived happily until her death a few years ago. To this marriage the following children were born: Elbert Head, deceased Mrs. Paralee Head Darter, Surgoinsville, Tennessee; George B. Head, Bristol Tennessee – Virginia; W.P. Head, Willow, Kentucky; and H.H. Head, Bristol. They are among the very finest business men of this section; they are highly esteemed and very successful. A few years ago Mr. Head was again married, to Miss Sallie A. Johnson, and to this marriage one daughter, Portia, now five years old, was born. Mr. Head early in life joined the Missionary Baptist Church, was one of the strong men of his church and always lived a most consistent Christian life. He was a successful business man and accumulated a good estate, and was careful, honest and straightforward in all his business affairs. He was looked upon as the leading man of his community. He stood for good citizenship and was himself a fine example of what a good citizen should be. Everybody was his friend, for he

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had no enemies. No person ever went to his home without receiving the most friendly consideration and sharing his hospitalities….

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could have the same sort of obituary to leave to our children?

The children of Hezekiah and Martha Head were (1) Elbert R.; (2) Nancy M., born 24 April 1869, and died 11 Jan. 1871; (3) Phillip, born 10 Oct. 1870 and died 19 Nov. 1881; (4) William Jeff, born 8 March 1872 and died 11 Jan. 1882; (5) Paralee; (6) George B.; (7) Wilburn Patton (8) Julia C., born 31 Jan. 1880 and died in 1893, and (9) Henderson H. Head.

Elbert R. Head was born 11 July 1867 and died 3 Sept. 1898. He was married to Sallie Taylor in 1887. Her parents were John Cooley Taylor and Catherine Lane. This line is developed in THE DESCENDENTS OF NIMROD TAYLOR. He was a merchant in partnership with a Neeley. Sallie died 20 Nov. 1892 at the age of 25 and Elbert lived to be 31. Their only child, Kate M. Head, was 11 years old at his death. She was left a farm and other assets. Hezekiah was appointed as the administrator of the estate.

Kate M. Head married John Bascom Cash 6 Feb. 1906. They had three sons, Howard Emory, George Rangely, and Marion Lawrence Cash. The family lived in Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, and in Norton, Virginia. She contracted tuberculosis and while she was in Catawba Sanitarium in Roanoke, Va., she died of meningitis. She is buried on East Hill Cemetery in Bristol.

Kate Head, and all of the Head youngsters, attended Flat Rock school. This was a one-room school located on the bank of the Clinch River. The river came out of its banks in a flood in 1976 and washed the building off its foundation, and left it beyond repair. The seats were pews as in a church. Some desks had been added in the in the

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past fifty years or so such as were used when I was in grade school. Names had been carved over names until there was little room left to write. I am sure that I saw the name ‘Head’ a number of times. I have heard of a picture taken of the student body about the turn of the century. Perhaps I can get a copy of it. Kate was left enough money to be able to go to Shoemaker College in Bristol/Gate City. The college was actually an academy. It must have been while she was there that she met J.B. Cash. I have been told that they were married in the home of her uncle, George B. Head, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. They joined East Hill Avenue Methodist Church in 1908. (Tennessee Ernie Ford was a member of that church.) The Cash family genealogy has been written by Don Cash of San Diego, California.

Paralee Head, born 6 Jan. 1874, died in Sept. 1933. She married Stephen A. Darter, born 1868, 13 April 1893. They had two sons, Elbert H., born 28 Oct. 1894, died 13 June 1917, who married Mary Epperson. They had one son, Elbert Jr. Paralee’s second son was Hiram Darter, died 1963, who married Pearl Looney. They had no children. The Darter-Tarter-Daughters family genealogy has been published.

George B. Head, born 2 Feb. 1876, died ----1914. He married Cosby Quillen, a daughter of C. Patton Quillen. They had one daughter, Stella Mae, born 5 July 1909, in Bristol, Tennessee.

Stella graduated as Valedictorian from Tenn. High School and with honors from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol. She continued her music study and received a Concert Diploma in Piano from Virginia Intermont. In 1931 she was married to Frank Hunt Barclay, son of a Presbyterian Minister. Frank received his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Tenn. in 1957, and retired in 1973 as Professor of [unable to read] Tenn. State University, Johnson City, Tenn., after

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26 years there. She taught music at Holston High School in Sullivan County, Tenn. from 1936 to 1969 when she retired to become just a housewife.

They attend the First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tenn. She was named Woman of the Year in the First Presbyterian Women of the Church in 1975. They have travelled all over the United States including Alaska, and in all the Canadian Provinces, including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

Wilburn Patton Head, born 27 Jan 1879, died 22 July 1922, married Molly Ellen Stephenson, born -----, died 12 March 1971, on 26 Jan. 1905. They had four daughters: Fanny Kate, Maudy Lee, Lena Mae, and Bettie Ray. Fanny Kate furnished this information about her father as well as the rest of the information about his family.

“My father attended Shoemaker College and William and Mary College but did not graduate. His occupation was in several fields. He owned and operated 2 different merchandise stores. One in Appalachia, Va. until 1907, at which time he sold to (this I am not sure of) George Head who later sold to Uncle Henderson H. Head when he (Uncle George) became ill, and no longer able to work. Uncle Heady owned and operated until his death. My father, with my mother’s brother bought from her father (J.W. Stephenson) 2000 acres of timber land in Lee County, Ky. Grandfather with his Partners had operated a logging camp there. Daddy, with Uncle Tom S. shared in the operation which contained a logging operation, a large store with Post Office and telegraph office, farming, cattle and sheep raising. In about 1915 they divided the farm with my father obtaining the half with the store and the business offices. Uncle Tom, a short time later, moved his family to Berea, Ky. where the children had better opportunities for higher education. In late 1916 Daddy rented his business out for farming, cattle raising, and Elbert Darter (Aunt Paralee’s son) operated the store and Post Office until his death, and we moved to Richmond, Ky., a town with good High Schools and a college. We were well established in Richmond when Cousin Elbert died, consequently Daddy had to find someone else to manage store and P.O., yet he continued to manage or supervise the farming. Daddy also owned spirited horses, and it was while, in 1922, he was up on the mountain top grazing land, while he was counting the cattle to be shipped to market that his horse kicked him in the stomach---paralyzing him and he died before reaching a doctor. He left no will, Mama bought the farm from the heirs, continuing to operate the farm for a number of

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years, and since sold all of it, keeping the mineral rights to the mountain range. Mama attended Shoemaker College and Sullins College, lacking one year of graduating.”

Fanny Kate Head McClanahan born 8 Nov. 1905, married Herbert C. McClanahan 21 March 1931. Herbert was born 27 Feb. 1908 in Carlisle, Ky. He retired from the U.S. Public Health Service as a supervisor in the USPHS Hospital in Lexington, Ky. His parents were Hargis McClanahan and Nettie Clarke Allen. Fanny Kate completed 3 ½ years at the Eatern Kentucky University, and married. She had taught school 2 ½ uears. After the birth of their son, and after recuperating from a heart ailment she went to work as a Social Worker with the Dep’t. of Childrens’ Services and Adoptional Agency of Ky. They now live in Winter Park, Florida. Their son, Billy Lee, graduated from High School in 1950, and attended Eastern Ky. University, graduating with honors and as persident of his class. He received an assistantship in the field of radiation zoology at the University of North Carolina, teaching part time and working toward his Ph.D. After one year he was received with honors into the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, from which he graduated in the upper 5^th of his class, in 1959. He was inducted into the Air Force in his third year at dental school, and was stationed at McCoy Air Base in Orlando. He is now practicing in Orlando.

Dr. Billy Lee McClanahan, born 14 March 1932, married Jimmy Sue Bateman, born 8 Aug. 1933, on 27 June 1954 in Borbourville, Ky. (They were divorced 17 Feb 1977 in Winter Park) They had four sons: William Kevin, born 6 Sept. 1959; Michael Lee born 1 June 1961; James Patrick, born 10 Jan. 1965; Sean Herbert, born 16 Oct 1968.

The second daughter of Wilburn P. Head was Maudy Lee, born 22 Oct 1907, died 14 Feb. 1975. She was an honor student in high school and college. She finished high school at 16 and obtained her A.B. at 19.

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She earned a Masters degree and lacked one class of having her Ph.D. She taught for thirty years. She married David Lloyd Williams and had three daughters. Jane Ellen Williams, born 12 Nov. 1935, married ----Scott. They were divorced. They have one daughter and an adopted son. She teaches school in Whittier, California.

Ann Lloyd Williams, born 2 May 1939 married ----Elioff. She has five children and lives with her husband in Westminister, California.

Nancy Lee Williams, born 1 Jan. 1942, married Duke Snyder, and lives in Sarasota, Florida. They have two boys and two girls.

The third daughter of Wilburn P. Head was Lena Mae, born 13 May 1909. She completed high school and graduated from Fugazzi Business College in Lexington, Kentucky. She held responsible positions with the Lexington Gas Co. for many years. Her last employment was with the Physics Department of the University of Kentucky, until her retirement in May, 1975. She married and divorced J.E. Hall, 1931-1932 and then was married to Victor Howard in 1936 until his death in 1966. She lives in Winter Park, Florida.

Betty Ray, born 27 Oct. 1913, completed three years of high school and then worked for twenty-one years with the Richmond, Ky. Telephone Co. She married first in 1934. After he died she married again and they divorced. She was married J.P. Chastain about 1959. He died in 1972. She lives in Sarasota, Florida.

The ninth child of Hezekiah Patton Head was Henderson H. Head, born 10 July 1882, died 27 Nov. 1936. He married Amanda Cress, 10 July 1914. He was a merchant in Appalachia, Virginia. They had one son and three daughters: Henderson H. Jr., Georgia Rhea, Wanda Lee, and Mable Walker Head.

Georgia Rhea Head was born 17 Nov. 1918 in Appalachia, Va. She graduated from Appalachia High School and attended Radford

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College. She dropped out after her father died. She was associated in business with a sister-in-law in a dress shop and worked in the treasurer’s office of the Interstate Railroad during World War 2. She married Andrew Jackson Collier, born 28 July 1915 in Osaka, Va., on 26 Dec. 1937. He played four years of football in Appalachia High School and served in the Navy during W.W.2. His father was Creed Flanary Collier, and his mother was Ethel Stewart Collier. Georgia Rhea and Jack own and operate JACK’S FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE COMPANY in Gate City, Va. They had three daughters: Linda Kay, Daryl Louise, and Debra Jean.

Linda Kay was born 10 Nov. 1939 in Appalachia, and married George Owen Sample 1 Aug. 1970. She graduated from Carson-Newman College and took her Masters at East Tennessee State University in psychology. She is (1976) a guidance counselor at Greenville Middle School. George graduated from the University of Tennessee and is a systems analyst with the Magnavox Corp. in Greenville. He is a deacon in the First Baptist Church. Linda teaches in Church School, serves as librarian, and sings in the choir.

Daryl Louise, born 30 Sept. 1949, died 6 Sept. 1956, in Pound, Virginia. She is buried in the American Legion Cemetery in Big Gap, Virginia.

Debra Jean Collier, born 21 Aug. 1953, graduated in 1975 from Radford College with a degree in business education. She is now (1976) a secretary in the public relations department of the U.S. Independent Telephone Association. 1983 – Executive Assistant – Comsat – Washington, D.C.

The son of Henderson H. Head, Henderson H. Jr. (Buddy), was born ----1922. He married Eloise Bond 15 June 1947. He is a flight engineer with Pan American Airlines. He lives in Miama Springs, Florida, and

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and commutes to Los Angeles, California. They have two children, Frank and Kimberley. 1983 – Now retired.

Wanda Lee Head, born 24 April 1924 in Appalachia, Virginia, married Thomas Edgar Brock of Laurinburg, South Carolina, 29 March 1946 in Wise, Va. He is the son of William Joseph Brick and Hattie Inman Brock. They live in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, on a beautiful farm. They had three children: Tommy Lee, born 15 Feb. 1947, who has a Master’s degree from Appalachian State in Boone, N.C.; Vivian Diane, born 15 Sept. 1950, is married to a service man and is working (1976) in a hospital in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; Robert Henderson, born 23 Nov. 1954, works in Mt. Airy.

Mabel Walker Head, born 8 Jan. 1926, in Appalachia, Va., married Fred Rudolph Sherman, 11 Oct. 1947, in Norton, Va. His parents were Belt Sherman and Cornelia Yeary Sherman. They live in Xenia, Ohio. Their four children are Cynthia Lee Sherman, who lives in Texas; Freddie Lee Sherman, married and living in Wyoming; Jamie Lynn is married. She and Mable’s son, Rodney Dean, both live in Xenia. Rudy is with the Frigidaire Co.

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William Head and His Descendants

1806 –

William Head was one of five sons of George Head Sr. and Eleanor Curry Head. The other sons were George Jr., James Harvey Sr., Ira, and the husband of Anna, who in 1830 had two boys five to 10, one girl under five, and was listed as the head of the household. There were five sisters of William also. One of the sisters may have been Matilda Head who married Neri Williams, 26 January 1837. The initial basis for the conclusion that the above relationships hold is that they lived in the same neighborhood, fairly close to each other, and on or very near to the Clinch River. The other group of Heads, descendant of Anthony Head who died in 1736, lived on or near the North Fork of the Holston River. Census records give numbers to the households as they are visited. Marriage and death records sometimes name the parents of those concerned. Wills and Cemetery records may establish relationships.

The 1850 census recorded the family of William Head as follows:

William Head 44 farmer

Jane 44

James 22

Polly 15

Richard 12

Nancy 6

June 3

Another possible daughter, Asley Head, 17, was listed with several other girls residing next door with Thomas Lewis who may have been conducting a school for young ladies.

Jane died 24 August 1859. The information given by her husband at her death states that she was born on the Clinch River; that she died of fever and that she was then 54 years, 6 months, and 6 days of age. Her parents were named as James and Mary Barnett of Virginia. (Scott Co. Death Register)

Marriage Book 2 of Scott County shows that a William Head, 45, and Sarah Lyons, 25, were married April 2, 1868. His parents were George and Ellen Head and hers were Samuel and Mary Lyons. Did William lie about his age or was there another George and Ellen or Elleanor?

The same marriage book also lists the marriage of John Head and Polly Ann Falin on February 21, 1855. His age was 22 and hers was 15. His parents were William and Jinney (Jane) Head, and hers were Michael and Barbara Falin. John Head should have been listed with some family for the 1850 census, perhaps not in Scott County.

The family of John Head and Mary (Polly) Ann Falin Head has been compiled by Dr. Philip Shelton of 1802 McDowell, Vincennes, Indiana.

Ø John Head born 1833 in Scott Co., Va. married 21 Feb. 1855; died in 1865. Bushwhacked at Natural Tunnel in Civil War.

Ø Mary (Polly) Ann born 12 Dec. 1839 or 1840 in Scott Co.; died 7 Jan. 1928. Her parents were Michael Falin and Barbara Robinett. She married 2^nd James Pannell.

Ø Carr Head born 1852; died 13 Jan. 1935; married Sarah Pamer.

Ø Nancy Ann Head born 15 July 1855 (or 3 May 1860 by Scott Co. Records); died 10 April 1913 in Hawkins Co., Tn. and buried in ??-amy Cemetery in Hawkins Co. She married 2^nd Yancy Moore 1 September 1886.

Ø Mary Head born 11 May 1858, married Thomas Hounshell of Rogerville, Tennessee.

Ø Michael F. Head born 21 July 1861 in Scott Co., died 20 March 193?. He married Rebecca Flanary 6 March 1879 and 2^nd,

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Mary Lewis Shepherd, 24 August 1915 in Lee County, Va.

Ø Rose Ann Head born 23 June 1865, married Pemberton Lee Justes on 6 July 1902, and died 16 Dec. 1941 in Sullivan Co., In. She was born and married in Scott County.

Dr. Philip Shelton is descended from Nancy Ann Head Pannell and Yancy Moore. Her first husband was John C. Pannell. Yancy Moore’s first wife was Jane Walker. He was born 7 Oct. 1843 and married first on 18 June 1862. He died 26 June 1905. Their daughter, Goldie Myrtle Moore, born 25 May 1888, died 21 March 1965, married Philip Henry Shelton, born Nov. 1886 in Scott County, on 22 Dec. 1907. He died 10 June 1970 in Indiana. Their son, Burl Huber Shelton married Katherine Mae Williams, and they are the parents of Sr. Phillip N. Shelton.

Mary (Polly) Ann had one son by her second marriage: Thomas J. Pannell, born in 1872, married Sarah Catherine Gray on 28 July 1989, and died about 1951. She also had a daughter, Rose Ann Head, according to Hannah Reyholds, who, along with Mrs. Harrell Head sent me the following information. Hannah Reynolds’ address is: 421 Doris Ave., Pennington Gap, Va.

Michael F. Head and Rebecca Flanary had the following children:

Ø Thomas Head (m.) Cornie Maness

Ø Robert L. Head, married Hannah Carter

Ø John M. Head (m.) Annie Riddle

Ø Laura Head (b.) 1893 (d.) 1904

Ø Michael Head, Jr., married Mattie A. Carter

Ø Patton Head by his second wife

Ø Omie Head

The descendants of Michael Head Jr. are given here as they were sent by Mrs. Harrell Head. She did not include any dates and my last letter was returned, so I do not have her address.

Mike Head Jr. and Mattie A. Carter had:

Ø Rutherford B. Head and Addie Pace Head had a son, R. J. Head, who married Jean ______, and they had Brenda, Marsha, R.J. Jr., and Lisa.

Ø Hassie Head and H.F. Pannell had a son, jack R. Pannell, who married Betty White, and they had Timothy, Melethia, and Sharon.

Ø Trumon Head and Roberta Adams had a daughter, Mattie Jane, who married Larry Starnes, and they had a son, Billy. They, Trumon and Roberta, also had a daughter, Inez, who married Joe Green. They had Kelli Green.

Ø Orie Head Matthews married 1^st Emery Matthews and 2^nd Frank C. Dean and they had Billie Jean Matthews who married Ernest B. Craig, and they had Clifford Lee and Kimberly Lynn. They also had Larry Wayne Matthews who married Patricia Foley, and they had Larry, Phillip David, and Christia Kay. They also had a daughter, Diane Dean (m.) James Hatcher.

Ø Harrell Head and 2^nd wife Eva Mitchell had a son, James H., who married _____ and they had Carla Sue Head. Their daughter, Mary Kay, married Allen E. Mowell and they had Rick and Chris. Another daughter, Carolyn Ann, married Kermit Allen and they had Kevin Thomas in Kimberly. Their son, Thomas Mike, married Donna Stickler and they had a daughter, Carman Renee. Harrell Head 1^st wife was Mable Turner.

Ø Shirley Head and Albert E. Mellons had a daughter, Donna Lora, who married Patton Mosley, and they had David and Scott Mosley. Their son, Norman Lee Mellons, married Anita Black. They had a son, Duane, and a daughter, Tina. Tina (m.) Donnell Moble 6-16-1989 (Div.) 6-3-91. Tina married 2^nd Kenneth [unable to read—sentence cut off from copier].

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THE CURRY CONNECTION

George Head Sr. married Ellender Cory 10 May 1800 in Surry County, North Carolina. At the death of his wife on 30 October 1855 George Head Sr. stated that her maiden name was Eleanor Curry, and that her parents were Joseph and May Curry of Surry County, North Carolina. George’s father married, second, Sarah Curry 16 April 1791 in Surry County. She was born in 1768 in North Carolina, and died after 1850.

A correspondent mentions Charity Curry, born 21 September 1787 in North Carolina, who married James R. Weddle about 1804, probably in Lee (now Scott) County, Virginia. Their first six children were born there and the next seven were born in Hawkins County, Tennessee. These people came the area about the same time that our George and Eleanor did but there is no indication that they were related. There were some Currys in the area before 1800.

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THE GILLIAMS

The Head family Bible shows that George Head, Jr. married Malenis Gilliam 12 Jan. 1837 or 1838. The 1850 census gives her age so as to show that she was born in 1815. Their eldest daughter was 17 at census time in 1850. The Bible and some family records spell the name variously as Gillum, Gillam, and Gilliam. After 1890 or so the spelling generally was ‘Gilliam’. In 1850 there were 21 Gilliam families listed in the Scott and Russell Co. censuses. The oldest were Patsy Gilliam, age 75, William G., age 63, Jesse 61, Joseph, 50, and James Sr., 50. All of these lived rather close to the Heads. Levi Head married Elizabeth, the daughter of Joshua Gilliam. Joshua sold 150 acres to George Head, Jr. in 1854. Joshua and William Gilliam had sons named Ira and William H. William had a son named Martin.

Robert E. Lamb Jr. of Columbus, Georgia has traced his ancestry from Richard Gilliam, born between 1770-1780, died after 1840. Their son, John Gilliam, was born 1805 in Russell Co., Va. He married first Martha Elliot, and died 27 Sept. 1888, at Wise, Va. Their children were Lilburn, William Elliot, Ira, Martin, Mahala, John, Martha, Rebecca, and Margaret. The similarity of names indicates a close relationship to other Gilliams. One of the sons of the William Gilliam who lived between the two George Heads was named Elbert, and so was a Head grandson.

I have eleven pages copied from Johnson’s History of Wise County telling about Johnny Gilliam who was born in (now) Scott Co. in 1804 and died in Wise Co. in 1888. Johnny’s father, Richard, fought in the battle of King’s Mountain under the command of Col. Campbell. He is probably related to Malinis. Time may tell.

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James Head

James Head, a son of Anthony, died 16 October 1857. His death certificate, signed by his son Anthony, stated that James was born in Rich Valley, Washington County, Virginia, and that his wifes’ name was Mary, and that his parents’ names were unknown. His age was given as 76. A Mary Head died in October 1864 and was buried by friends. She was 80.

The 1810 census showed 1 male under 10, 1 male 26 to 45, 3 females under 10, and one female 26 to 45 in his family.

The 1850 census listed James Head, 73, and his wife Mary, 72. Nearby, according to numbers assigned to households, lived three more Head families.

James Head 45

Anna 41

Thomas 17

Lucy 15 married Jesse M. Johnson 6 March 1862

Nancy 13 married James M. Johnson 8 February 1855

George M. 10 married Barbara Falin, 23, 26 August 1860

John 9

Enoch 7 born on Copper Ridge; died 4 December 1862

Hiram 5

Cynthia A. 10 months

Scott County Marriage Register, Book 2, states that Barbara Falin was the daughter of David and Elizabeth Falin and that George M. was the son of James and Anna Head.

James M. Head 25

Mary, or Marny, 25

John 8 months The next three, born after 1850, were

Squire A. born 4 November 1855

Arena born 4 November 1858

James A. born December 1862

James M. Head married mary Minich on 23 November 1848.

Anthony Head 24

Mary 21 Anthony Head married Mary A. Morgan 8 April 1845.

Wm. P. 3

Phiba 2

Belotta 1 born later were

Eliza born 10 Auguest 1854

Martha J. born 14 Novemeber 1856

Arena born 11 May 1858

The first James Head was granted letters of administration for the estate of Mary Baker, the widow of Anthony Sr. who had married Isaac Baker. James and Mary had a daughter Elizabeth who married William Dixon 15 March 1824. William was a son of John and Susannah Dixon. James gave them some land on Cove Creek. They were parents of a son, John Dixon. Elizabeth died and William married Hannah Hensley in 1828. The family moved to Indiana in 1830-1831. When John became of age he sold the land to a Fleenor in 1846. On 16 October 1854 Nicholas Fleenor and his wife Nancy sold the land to James M. Head. On 7 June 1877 James M. Head filed the land as his homestead.

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On 13 April 1868 Anthony P. Head reported the birth of a grand daughter, not named, by Phebe D. Head, and a father not named. On 17 May 1865 he again reported the birth of a child, Mary C. Head. The mother was Lettie Z. Head and the father was not named.

Joseph Head

Joseph Head married Mary Young 5 May 1778. He was listed in the Personal Property and Land Book of Lee County, Va. in 1795, 1796, and 1799. In 1814 he had 1100 acres on the North Fork of Powell’s River, and 413 ½ acres in Turkey Cove.

In November 1817 Joseph Head, Anatha Head, and Agnes Head were involved in various suits against Ezekial Hobbs. The 1850 census of Holt County, Missouri shows that Agnes Head was living with the family of Ezekial Hobbs. Her age was given as 62.

Another Joseph Head married Lydia Gearhart on August 13, 1829. He may have been a son of Joseph Head and Mary Young.

In February 1825 Joseph’s estate was commited to the sheriff, and James Head was appointed administrator of the estate. His bond was for $2000.

(The information about the Holston River Heads is included to show who does not belong to our line although they were in the area at the same time and some of you know of Will Arch Head of Big Stone Gap who belonged to that line.)

Sources:

Scott County Marriage Records, Book 1 and Book 2

Scott County Death Records

Census Records

Mrs. Wm. Muench of Tampa, Fl.

John Harris Watts

Mrs. Nanon L. Carr’s letters

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Head Miscellany

A George Head married Malinda Hensley in 1835.

An Anthony Head was in Pulaski County, Arkansas Territory, on the Tax Roll, in 1829.

Gum Hill Cemetery contains the graves of C.L. Head, 1834-1907, and Antney Head, 1830-1897.

Alexander Head was in Carter County, Tenn. in 1830.

William Head was in Carter County in 1840.

William Head was in Washington County, Tenn. in 1850.

William Head was in Greene County, Tenn. in 1850.

Adam M. Head was in Carter County in 1850.

James Head in 1825, J. Head in 1837, and Isaac Head in 1850 were involved in suits in Scott County.

The 1850 census of Russell County, Va. lists:

Nathan T. Head 29

Mary 28

James M. 9

Archer 8

Martha 6

Alvira 5 All of these were born in Russell County.

Mary 3

Elizabeth 1

Mary M. 50 born in Halifax Co., Va.

John Harris Watts lists:

Ø William Arch Head, born 15 Nov. 1867; died 7 Feb. 1932 in Big Stone Gap, Va.; married ______ in Clinchport, Va.; lived in Big Stone Gap.

Ø Estelle Mason born 1893 in Clinchport

Ø Lillian Belle born 1897

Ø Jacquelin born 1907 in Big Stone Gap

Estell married a Richmond. They had a daughter who lived in Washington.

Stephen Head was assessed a personal property tax in Russell County in 1793.

Will Arch Head was known by the Clinch River Heads as a merchant in Big Stone Gap, Va. No relationship between the families was known. Out of curiosity I sent for his death certificate and found that he was a son of George M. Head and Barbara Falin. His wife’s name was Emma F. ______. He was born 15 October 1867 and died 7 February 1932.

This with the above marriage record shows that he belonged to the Holston River Heads and was descended from Anthony. If there is a connection between the two groups it was at least two generation back before Anthony.

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Many of the early settlers in the colonies paid for their passage by agreeing to serve as indentured servants for a period of years. After that time was passed the former servant could take his place in the community and rise to as high a position as his abilities would allow. Many of them took advantage of the opportunity to move to the frontier and accept a grant of land or to buy land or to homestead.

England sentenced so many people to prison in the 1700-1770 period for minor offenses and for political or religious reasons that their prisons were crowded, and they began to send them to the various British Colonies. We know that Australia received many, and that Georgia received a share of them.

The book CONVICTS IN AMERICA states that James Head was sentenced in May, 1761. John Head was sentenced to 14 years and transported in October 1730 on the FORWARD to America. Robert Head was sentenced, and transported in October 1732 on CAESAR to America. William Head was transported in 1767 or 1769 on JUSTITIA. The FORWARD, Captain Daniel Russell; P.R.O. Ref. T 53 series, 30/118.

Remember that Henderson H. Head left a note with the address 40 Banker St., Portman Square, London, W.I.