Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 21:57:40 PST From: Claire Abshire Kolaites To: ABSHERS@pet.wfubmc.edu Subject: abshers Lytle Absher line Hi Bill, The only thing I have on the line you're asking about is as follows. I'm sorry I didn't write down the book citation, which I found in the library in Sacramento. Maybe someone else can give the citation, I'd sure appreciate it. Here goes, maybe it will tell you something new, if you haven't already seen it. Cousin Claire "ABSHER COAT OF ARMS" by John W. Ward Charleston, South Carolina (pages 53 - 60) HERALDIC DESCRIPTION OF ABSHER ARMS - Argent, three stags' heads sable, attired, gules. Crest - On a mount vert, a ram, passant, argent, horned and hoofed or. So far, the author has been unable to definitely establish his grandfather, Lytle or Litle Absher's, ancestors. According to Litle's Civil War pension record, he was born in Allen County, Kentucky, June 14, 1823. In searching the census and tax records of Allen County from 1815 to 1850, we find a John Abshire or Absher, a William Absher, Abraham Absher, and a Jacob Abshear, who married Polly Welty in 1806. We also find Mary Absher and children listed here. Any of these could have been Litle Absher's parents. They all lived on Middlefork Creek, near the P.O. of New Roe, Kentucky, and that is where Litle Absher was born. We have no definite proof, but this group of Abshers probably came from Franklin County, Virginia, to Kentucky. In searching the census records, we find a Ludwig Abshire to be the oldest one of the clan in Franklin County, Virginia. There was also a William Abshire, a Christian Abshire, and an Abraham Abshire in this county. The latter was in the Revolutionary War and he drew a pension for his services. It is evident from the given names of the above that they were of German ancestry. Litle Absher had the following brothers and sisters: Harlan, John Rumsey, William Henry, Samuel, Relda (Cline), Patience (Parks), Susan (Graves), and Puss (Turner). John Rumsey Absher was born in Allen County, Kentucky, July 7, 1831, and died August 26, 1913, in Sumner County, Tennessee. His wife, Nellie (maiden name unknown), was born November 10, 1833, and died 1872. They are both buried in the Mount Olive Cemetery, near their home in northeast Sumner County, Tennessee. Lytle Absher's brothers and sisters, who migrated to Marion, Williamson County, Illinois, in the 1850's, stayed there the rest of their lives. They were: Relda, Harlan, Samuel S., Henry, Patience, Puss, and Susan. Relda Absher married John Cline and lived and died in Marion, Illinois. [No dates.] John Cline was a druggist in Marion, Illinois, in the early part of the nineteenth century. The 1860 census of Williamson County, Illinois, lists the following: Harlan Absher, a farmer, age 38, was born in Kentucky. His wife, Paulina Absher, age 37, was also born in Kentucky. Their children were: William, age 18; John W., age 17; James H., age 15; Rebecca, age 12; Louisa, age 11; Sarah, age 10; Washington, age 8; Stephen, age 7; Samantha, age 4; Susan R., age 3; Albert, age 1; and an infant (female), age two (2) months. William was born in Kentucky, but the other children were born in Illinois. The 1860 census of Williamson County, Illinois, lists Samuel S. Absher, a farmer age 22, born in Kentucky, and his wife, Eliza A. Absher, age 22, born in Illinois. No other dates are available. The 1860 Williamson County census lists Charles L. Parks, a farmer, age 24, born in Illinois, and his wife, Patience L. Parks, age 22, born in Kentucky. Their only child was Wesley E., age two (2) months, born in Illinois. Henry Absher, Patience L. Parks's brother, age 19, was born in Kentucky. Patience Absher married Charles L. Parks after she moved to Illinois. She was born June 1, 1836, in Allen County, Kentucky. She died in Marion, Illinois, October 26, 1912. She is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. William Henry Absher was born in Allen County, Kentucky, January 18, 1840. He died February 15, 1904, in Marion, Illinois. He is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery. Susan Absher was born in 1828, in Allen County, Kentucky. She married Eli Graves, who was about the same age. They first lived in Sumner County, Tennessee, as they are listed there in the 1850 census. They later moved to Illinois. No other data is available on them. Puss Absher married a Mr. Turner. No other data is available on her. It is assumed that they lived and died in Marion, Illinois. Litle and Mahala evidently began housekeeping in Allen County, Kentucky, because Litle is listed as owning 100 acres on Middlefork Creek, in 1850. They moved with their children to Williamson County, Illinois, in 1858. They went in covered wagons, pulled by oxen. Several round trips were made in this manner. They were living in Illinois when Litle Absher enlisted in the Union Army, August 12, 1862. He served as 1st Sgt., Co. H. 128 Illinois Inf. He was discharged due to disability, March 17, 1863, at Cairo, Illinois. THE CIVIL WAR PENSION APPLICATIONS OF LITLE ABSHER AND HIS WIDOW MAHALA DURHAM ABSHER National Archives, Washington, D. C. Litle M. P. Absher was born in Allen County, Kentucky, about 1823/1824; he married August 13, 1846, in Sumner County, Tennessee, Mahala T. Durham at the home of her father, by Freeman Senter, M. G. She was born about 1828. Litle Absher and his wife lived in Sumner County, Tennessee, until 1858, when they migrated to Illinois and lived near Marion Town in Williamson County. There Litle Absher enlisted August 12, 1862, in the Civil War, at Marion, Illinois, and served as 1st Sgt., Co. H. 128 Ill. Inf. He was discharged on disability March 17, 1863, at Cairo, Illinois. After the war he lived in Williamson County, Illinois, until 1866 when he returned to Sumner County, Tennessee, 20 miles from Gallatin and 40 miles from Nashville, where he was a farmer. Litle Absher is described as 5 feet 11 1/2 inches tall, fair complexion, grey eyes and dark hair. The soldier applied for a pension on May 24, 1880, which was allowed by certificate 243731, $2 p.m. from Mar. 13, 1863, and $4 p.m. from Aug. 5, 1881. On January 19, 1881 his post office address was Gallatin, Sumner County, Tenn. He died in Sumner County, Tenn., on October 24, 1888. Two children are mentioned in the application: Mary Ardelia and Litle Asberry Absher (also referred to as Litle R. Absher). Both were over 16 years of age at the death of the father. Mahala Absher, the soldier's widow, residing at New Roe, Allen County, Ky., applied for a widow's pension on July 16, 1890, which was allowed on Cert. 299093, at $8 p.m. from July 18, 1890. On Dec. 12, 1898 she was living in Adolphus, Allen County, Kentucky, and on April 10, 1900, when he was 72 yrs. old, her post office address was the same. At that time she was living with her son described as Litle R. Absher. However, Litle Asberry Absher attested Mahala's mark to her deposition and it is assumed that he is her son. Mahala Absher died Sept. 12, 1916, at which time her post office address was Portland, Tennessee. Mary Ardelia, daughter of Mahala and Litle Absher, was born about 1848, probably in Sumner County, Tennessee. She married Solomon Travelstead, who was born about 1844, a farmer, living in Corinth, Sumner County, Tennessee, on April 11, 1900, when they deposed concerning Mahala's claim for a pension; Solomon Travelstead had lived apparently in Sumner County, Tennessee, until he was 7 years old in 1851, when his parents moved to Illinois. They lived about 30 miles in Williamson County, Illinois, from the place to which Litle Absher later moved in 1858. Solomon Travelstead served in the Civil War Union Army, as Pvt., Co. E. 15 Ill. Vol. Inf. He returned to Sumner County, Tennessee, some time after the war, probably in 1866, when Litle Absher and his family returned to that state. J. W. Durham, born about 1833, and I. N. Durham, born about 1826, were present at the marriage of Mahala Durham and Litle Absher in Sumner County, Tenn., on Aug. 13, 1846. No relationship to Mahala Durham is shown, but they are her contemporaries. They were both living in New Roe, Allen County, Kentucky, in 1889. After the Civil War, Lytle lived in Williamson County, Illinois, until 1866, when he and his family returned to Tennessee. Lytle was always an ardent Democrat and after the war he was severely "beaten up" because he cast the only Democratic vote in his Illinois voting precinct. When the Absher family moved from Illinois to Tennessee in 1866, they purchased a 200 acre farm in the 13th district of Sumner County. This was not too far from the James Durham homestead and it was near the Allen County, Kentucky, line. The stream that flows in front of the house is still known as the "Absher Branch." LITLE ABSHER was born the 14th day of June 1823 MAHALA ABSHER the wife of Litle Absher was born the 13th day of January 1828 MARY ARDELE ABSHER was born the 30th day of May 1847 JAMES MADISON ABSHER was born the 30th day of November 1848 LYDIA FRANCIS ABSHER was born the 4th day of March 1852 WILLIAM MARION ABSHER was born the 23rd day of June 1854 JOHN RUMSEY ABSHER was born the 12th day of October 1856 GEORGE CRITTON ABSHER was born the 10th day of March 1861 MAHALA MELVINA ABSHER was born the 4th day of January 1836. Died Jan. 5, 1945 LITTLE ASBERRY ABSHER was born the 30th day of June 1865 MARGRIT IZABEL ABSHER was born the 3rd, day of May 1869 Litle Absher and Mahala Durham was married the 13th day of August 1846 Asberry Absher and Ella Perdue was married July 9th, 1888. George Absher and Lizzie Braswell was married Dec. 24th, 18--. Lytle Absher died Oct-28th, 1888. New York American Bible Society. Instituted in the year 1871. Bible is in possession of Mrs. Floy Spears, Celina, Tennessee. MARY ARDELIA ABSHER Mary Ardelia Absher was born in Tennessee, May 30, 1847, and died February 6, 1919. She married Solomon (Travelstead) Street, February 18, 1864. He was born December 10, 1842, and died January 12, 1923. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War as a Pvt. Co. E. 15 Illinois Vol. Inf. After the war they moved back to Sumner County, Tennessee. Both of them are buried in the Durham family cemetery on the old James Durham farm. Their children were: George Washington, born June 4, 1868; Lytle, born March 11, 1870; James F., born June 2, 1872; Martha Ella, born September 24, 1873, married Luke Perdue December 27, 1891; Willie, born August 23, 1875; Jasper, born Mary 25, 1877; Carrie, born April 17, 1881, married James Ausbrooks; Ima, born March 27, 1884; Asbury, born November 20, 1886, married Ada Perdue; Gussie, born October 30, 1888, married Herman Perdue; and Zella, born November 1, 1892, married Henry Staggs. All of the children are dead except Carrie, Asbury, and Zella. [No dates.] JAMES MADISON ABSHER James Madison (Bob) Absher was born in Tennessee, November 30, 1848, and died November 22, 1932. He married Sarah Barber [no dates]. After her death he married Lillar Ganes Chaney. To this first union was born the following children: Sina Bell, married a Mr. Carr; Minnie, married a Mr. Byford, and she died June 6, 1931; John R.; Mattie, married a Mr. Chaney, died January 1, 1958; William Lytle, born November 2, 1884, died June 1, 1951; Grover Cleveland, died May 3, 1942; Emily Pearl, born September 12, 1885, married a Mr. Scott and lives near Franklin, Kentucky; Herman, died June 30, 1944; Branche, born about 1890 and lives in Modesta (sic), California; and Eva Lena, born July 6, 1898 and died March 12, 1956. She married a Mr. Rea. LYDIA FRANCIS ABSHER Lydia Francis Absher was born in Williamson County, Illinois, March 4, 1852 and died January 16, 1933. She married William Porter Denning, January 21, 1873. He was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, November 16, 1853 and died June 8, 1937. They are both buried in the Fairfield Cemetery, Sumner County, Tennessee. They had the following children: John Bates, born November 3, 1873 and died February 28, 1958; Cora Belle, born June 4, 1876 and died March 21, 1911. She married Craig Benson. They had one daughter Mayme; Iva Lee, born September 23, 1877 and died September 15, 1898; Mary Alice, born January 15, 1879 and died December 27, 1961. She married a Mr. Baulch of Gallatin, Tennessee. Mary Alice was a school teacher; Edna Robert, born October 11, 1880 and died July 12, 1894; Rufus Porter, born February 3, 1884 and died August 31, 1910; Mattye Ruth, born November 14, 1885, married E. Brady Anglea and lives in Sumner County, Tennessee; William Vernon, born January 24, 1889, and lives in Atlanta, Georgia (retired school teacher); and Vera Fordye, born August 23, 1895 and died December 12, 1953. She married Jack Anglea. WILLIAM MARION ABSHER William Marion Absher was born June 23, 1854. He married Francis Parks, in Springfield, Illinois. They had two daughters, Goldie, born about 1892, and Vivian, born about 1895. He owned a restaurant in Frankfort, Illinois, and presumably died there in the 1930's. JOHN RUMSEY ABSHER John Rumsey Absher was born October 12, 1856, in Tennessee and died accidentally about 1923. He married Ada Hayse, about 1894 in Foss, Oklahoma. John R. Absher was a physician and druggist. He graduated from one of the medical schools of Nashville, Tennessee in about 1886. He first practiced medicine in Sumner County, Tennessee, and then he moved to Foss, Oklahoma. Here he practiced medicine and owned a drug store. John R. and Ada Absher has three children: Kenneth Bryan, born about 1898; Goree, born about 1903; and Lawson, born about 1906. GEORGE CRITTON ABSHER George Critton Absher was born in Illinois, March 10, 1861. He married Lizzie Braswell of Turner's Station, Tennessee, December 24, 1882 [?]. They first lived in Tennessee and then moved to Oklahoma in the early 1900's. George and Lizzie Absher had the following children: Lindauer, born about 1884; Norman, born about 1887; Clarence, born about 1881; Mae, born about 1898; Arthur, born about 1900; and George Jr., born about 1904. MAHALA MELVINA ABSHER Mahala Melvina (Darlie) Absher was born in Illinois, January 4, 1863, and died January 5, 1945. She married John Denning [no dates]. He was born April 26, 1862 and died May 2, 1940. They lived in Sumner County, Tennessee. Their children were: Oma, married Kirk Draper; Estelle, married Hershell Dorris; Floy, born March 17, 1894, married (1) Mode Denning, (2) Payton Spears; Nuba, married Kermit Kennedy; Jim, married Maude Brackin; Hobart, married Beaulah Gant; Newt, married Murriel Marsh; and Art [single]. MARGRET IZABEL ABSHER Margret Izabel Absher was born May 3, 1869, in Sumner County, Tennessee. She married Albert Clark, in Gallatin, Tennessee. They did not have any children. She died in Franklin, Kentucky, in the early 1950's. LYTLE ASBERRY ABSHER Lytle Asberry (Berry) Absher, the youngest son of Lytle and Mahala, was born June 30, 1865, while the family was living in Williamson County, Illinois. He married Ella Harriet Perdue, July 9, 1888. She was teaching school when they married. After their marriage they both went back to school at Middleton Kentucky College. Then they both taught school for a few terms. After Litle Absher died, October 28, 1888, his son, Asberry purchased the the (sic) old home place. There he and his young wife began housekeeping. At this time, Mahala Absher and her youngest daughter, Isabel, came to live with the L. A. Abshers. Mahala lived with them until she died, September 16, 1916. About 1895 Asberry and Ella moved to Adolphus, Allen County, Kentucky. It was while they lived here that their first child, Eulah Mauree, was born March 1, 1897, in Scottsville, Kentucky. Some time about the turn of the century the Abshers moved just immediately across the Tennessee line, to Sugar Grove, Sumner County, Tennessee. Here L. A. Absher was a storekeeper, a farmer, the railroad agent, the express agent and the postmaster, all at the same time. It was here, at Sugar Grove, Tennessee, that their son, Lee Alton Absher, was born, January 26, 1905. In 1906, L. A. Absher and his family moved to Portland, Tennessee. There they purchased a 150 acre farm, just north of the town of Portland, from Bert Borne. This farm contained most of the present Maple Hill Cemetery. It was the original home site of Thomas Buntin. In about 1907 L. A. Absher established his first general merchandising store in Portland, Tennessee. He was first in a partnership with his father-in-law, John D. Perdue, in a firm known as Perdue and Absher. This store was in a wooden, frame building, which faced the railroad and was diagonally across the street from the present depot. L. A. Absher continued in the merchandising business in Portland until about 1918. His last general store was known as Enders and Absher, and was a partnership with Raymond W. Enders. They had an enormous trade and business. In addition to being in the mercantile business, L. A. Absher owned several farms, which he often bought and sold. He was one of the first directors of The Farmers Bank, of Portland, Tennessee (1912). He was a member of the Sumner County School Board. He belonged to several fraternal orders, but he took an active part in the Masons, Knight Templars, and the Al Menah Shrine of Nashville, Tennessee. He was a Baptist, and a Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Portland, Tennessee. He was an ardent, life long Democrat. The author's mother, Ella Perdue Absher, died July 2, 1938. After the death of his wife, Lytle A. Absher married, September 3, 1940, Mrs. Ida Gilbert Gibson, who was born July 12, 1866 and died March 22, 1947. He died May 27, 1949, and is buried along with his first wife in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Portland, Tennessee. PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY OF: L. ALTON ABSHER, M.D. 3501 Broadway, N. E. Knoxville, Tennessee FROM: "WHO'S WHO IN TENNESSEE" Absher, Lee Alton, physician and surgeon, 3501 Broadway, N. E., Knoxville. Born January 26, 1905, at Sugar Grove, Sumner County, Tennessee, he is the son of Lytle Asberry and Ella Harriet (Perdue) Absher; the grandson of Lytle and Mahala (Durham) Absher and John Daniel and Missouri Ann (Mayes) Perdue; and is of German and Scotch-Irish and French descent: on the paternal side from William Durham who moved from Warren County, North Carolina in 1809 to Sumner County, Tennessee; on the maternal side from Daniel Perdue who came to Sumner County, Tennessee in 1814 from Franklin County, Virginia. He graduated at Sumner County High School, Portland, Tennessee, in 1921 and from the University of Tennessee received B.S. in 1927 and M.D. in 1928. In August of 1931, he married Della Cathey of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, who is now deceased. In 1938 he moved to Midland, Texas and entered practive of medicine. He became part owner of Western Clinic Hospital until he entered the United States Army in 1942. Engaged in the practice of Medicine and Surgery, he is a member of the Staffs of: Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital, University of Tennessee Memorial Hospital, East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, and Saint Mary's Memorial Hospital, all of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is Chief, Division of General Practice, Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital; and their Executive Staff; and member of American Academy of General Practice; Southern Medical Association and American Medical Association. His memberships include: Scabbard and Blade; Sigma Nu; Alpha Kappa Kappa; Sigma Nu Alumni Club; President; Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; and Cherokee Country club. He is a member of the Tennessee Society of the Sons of the Revolution. He served in World War II as Major, U. S. Army Medical Corps and received: European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with One Bronze Star, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and the Selective Service Medal. Dr. Absher is a Democrat and a member of the Arlington Baptist Church. -PHOTOCOPY OF MARRIAGE LICENSE OF LYTLE ABSHER AND MAHALA DURHAM -MILITARY RECORD AND REPORT OF SEPARATION CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE FOR LEE A. ABSHER -Picture of Lytle A. Absher and Ella Perdue Absher -Picture of Eulah Absher Hester -Picture of Lee Alton Absher -Picture of gravestone of Lytle A. Absher -Picture of gravestone of Ella P. Absher -Picture of Absher headstone in Maple Hill Cemetery -Picture of gravestone of Litle Abshere -Picture of gravestone of Mahala Abshear Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 22:53:39 PST From: Claire Abshire Kolaites To: ABSHERS@pet.wfubmc.edu Subject: abshers Citation Thanks Judy! And can you believe I typed that whole darn thing out? *LOL* >From: JCawley101@aol.com >Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 01:23:11 EST >To: abshers@pet.wfubmc.edu >Subject: abshers Abshers Lytle Absher line > >Claire, >I Think the citation is; >Some Early Settlers of Upper Sumner County, Tennessee > >Compiled by the late Lee Alton Absher, M.D. >Knoxville, Tennessee >1966 Bill, My only sugestion at this point is to get the early tax list of Ky. and see what Absher's were living there. I do know that in the Allen Co., Ky., Day Book 1826-1837 page 11 Febuary (note spelling) 1827 Nancy Absher is appointed administratrix of John Absher deceased upon her entering into bond in the penalty of $1000 with John Barnhart her security whereupon they entered into bond and certificates is granted to her. On page 83 same book Susannah Barnhart widow of John Barnhart this day appeared in Court and relinquished her executorship annd on the application of Nancy Absher daughter of John Barnhart. Letters of administration is granted hher upon siad estate, upon her entering into bond in the penalty of $500 with Anthony Travelstreet, Thomas Harrison and William Harrison her securities. It is possible that this family is related somehow to Lytle and Harlan and brothers and sisters. I don't know who many children John and Nancy had. Maybe this will help some. Judy Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 21:11:04 -1000 (HST) From: "David W. Morgan" To: BILLHAR777@aol.com Subject: Re: abshers Abshire/Absher Bill, I have edited this document you sent me, and maybe it will be readable to the list, so I will send it now. I knew I wouldn't be able to read a document ending in .wps, so I saved it as absher.txt There was some garbarge at the top I had to delete, and I tried to take all of the tabs out. Let me know if all the information is still there. If you can read it. There is some really interesting stuff here. It looks like to me that John Rumsey Absher is the son of Mary Absher. He is an heir. That is the most likely way. Plus, I think it was Mary that was listed on a census in Allen county with 15 children. Can't remember which one, though. The mind is the first to go. The Bery Absher below is probably Berrymam Absher. Berryman was a name handed down in my family. This is what Bill tried to send *************** 1815: A person named J. (John below?) Absher has land surveyed in Allen Co., KY. 1820: Allen Co. census records shows a person named John Absher, over 45, with a wife, over 45, and a family consisting of 1 male and 1 female between 16-26, 1 male and 1 female between 10-16, and 3 males and 2 females under 10. 1820: Allen Co. Census records also show a person named Jacob Absher (a son of John above?), between 26-45, with a wife, same age group, 1 male and 2 females between 10-16, and 1 male under 10. 1815-1824: Allen Co. Tax tables list a "John Abshear-200 acres on Drake's Creek" Jan-Feb 1827: A person named John Absher dies-a Nancy Absher (unmarried dau, dau-in-law, or wife?) is appointed administratrix of his estate. (a John Barnhart is her security) (pg 11, Allen Co. Day Book for 1826-1837) Sep 1830 A Nancy Absher (same as above?), dau of John Barnhart, is appointed administrator of Barnharts's estate replacing Susannah Barnhart, his widow. (Thomas and William Harrison and Anthony Travelstreet are securities). (pg 83?, Allen Co. Day Book for 1826-1837). May, 1839: A couple named William and Nancy Absher buys land in Allen Co., KY 1842-1843: Harlan Absher moves to Illinois (White Co.). Nov 1846: Little Abshear gets 100 acre land grant on Drake's Creek. (Allen Co.) Jan 1847: A Mary Absher buys land "belonging to the estate of William and Nancy Absher at Allen Co. Sheriff's sale. 1851 (appx): Lytle Absher moves to Illinois. 1854 (appx): Lytle Absher returns to Kentucky. 1856: Litle Absher buys 50 acres in Allen Co., KY from his brother, John R. (Rumsey) Absher (John remained in the KY/TN area when the other siblings moved to Illinois) (a part of property line corners on land of a William Absher, and another corners on land of a Bery Absher) Oct 1857: John R. (Rumsey) Absher sells "his interest in land of Mary Absher (dec'd)". (Allen Co.) Oct 1857: Litle and Mahala Absher sell 50 acres, bought in 1856 from John, to H. D. Snow. (Allen Co.) Bet 1857-1860 Lytle Absher returns to Illinois. 1860: Lytle and Harlan are living next door to each other in Williamson Co., Illinois census. 1866: Lytle returns to Sumner Co., TN (just across border from Allen Co. KY) Note: Names have been spelled as they appeared on the cited record, where applicable. Names not yet directly associated with the family are referred to in the abstract, *** Date: Sat, 06 Feb 1999 16:01:17 PST From: Claire Abshire Kolaites To: Abshers@pet.wfubmc.edu Subject: abshers REVISED Some background accd to L. Binnie Hi cousins, *sheepish grin* I pressed "send" without using spell check. Now ya'll can see what a lousy typists I am *LOL* This is the corrected version. Please just trash the first version. Thanks, Claire -------------------------------------------------------------------- "ABRAHAM ABSHIRE OF VIRGINIA AND SOME OF HIS INDIANA DESCENDANTS" By: Lester H. Binnie, 303, River Cove Lane, North Manchester, Indiana 1982 (#33 of 50 printed copies) Pages 1-4. (Note: I believe that Lester Binnie is now deceased.) BACKGROUND Peter Ipsher obtained a patent for 200 acres of land from the New Grant, situated on Johns Creek, a Tributary of Craigs Creek, in what was then Augusta County, Virginia, on 29 May 1760. AUGUSTA COUNTY DEED BOOK 11, p. 326. In 1769 the Johns Creek area became part of the newly organized Botetourt County, and in 1851 it became a part of present Craig County. According to a recent highway map, Johns Creek enters Craig Creek in the vicinity of Craig Springs about 25 miles northwest ot (sic) Roanoke. It appears that Peter Ipsher died before the patent to his land was issued; as, Augusta County court records show that Eve Apinger or Apingher became Administratix of Peter Apinger's estate on 17 February 1760. She signed with an X. The inventory of Peter Abshire's effects was recorded in Augusta County on 18 August 1761. Following the names of the appraisors: Robert Montgomery, Robert Rowland and David Luney the following statement appears: "This inventory or appraisement of the estate of Peter Appinger, deceased, being returned into the court is ordered to be recorded." The inventory lists two horses and five colts, thirteen cattle, farm and household equipment and no slaves. AUGUSTA COUNTY WILL BOOK 3, pp. 56-57. The 200 acres of land, described as lying on both sides of Johns Creek, was in the possession of Ludwick Ipshire, son of Peter, and was sold by him to Israel Christian for 50 pounds on 8 March 1763. AUGUSTA COUNTY DEED BOOK 11, p 326. In April 1764, Col. Andrew Lewis was authorized to employ 450 men for the defense of the Virginia Frontier. Among this group was a company of Militia under the command of William Christian, son of Israel Christian, This company was recruited from those living on the Roanoke and the James Rivers, Craig Creek and Catawaba. Of the 130 men listed in this company, the name of Christ Apshere appears as number 129. The family names Ipshire, Apinger and Apingher disappear from the records. They are replaced by Abshear, Abshere and Abshire. These are found attached to the names of Ludwick (Luke), Christian and Abraham, all believed to have been sons of Peter Ipsher. It is believed that Peter Ipsher was killed by the Indians. The most important conflicts during the French and Indian War occurred during the period 1754-1763, and Indian raids were experienced on the west side of the Blue Ridge including Augusta County. The ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA, 1726-1871, by James A. Waddell, 1912, refers to these raids and to Dr. Hale's narrative, which, it is claimed, may or may not substantiate an Indian raid on the upper James River in about 1761. In the ATLAS OF ELKHART COUNTY, INDIANA, 1874, by Higgins and Beldin, Co., Chicago, p. 30, there appears a statement by Hiram Abshire, grandson of Abraham Abshire. Hiram stated that his "great-grandfather was murdered by the Indians in Virginia." By 1770 the Johns Creek area had become a part of the newly organized Botetourt County. The LIST OF TAXABLE AND EXEMPTED MEN, BOTETORT COUNTY, VIRGINIA, 1770-1777, does not contain any Abshire names. It is speculated that by that time they had moved south along the colonial Carolina Road, now essentially Federal Highway 220, to that part of Bedford County which became Franklin County in 1785-1786. However, Howard D. Abshire of Boones Mill, Virginia, in material supplied to the a (sic) author, indicates that the route followed by the Abshires from the present site of Roanoke was southeast to Buzzards Rock Road, then south through Windy Gap and via what is now highway (sic) 116. Route 116 is now known as the Jubal Anderson Early Highway. THE BEDFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA, LIST OF TAXABLE PROPERTY AND TITHES FOR 1782 shows the following: "Abshear, Ludwick, age 21 or over, no slaves, three horses, nine cattle, one tithe above the age of 16. Abshear, Abraham, age 21 or over, no slaves, three horses, five cattle, one tithe over age 16. Abshear, Christian, age 21 or over, no slaves, three horses, five cattle, one tithe over age 16." Since only one tithe was indicated in each case, one might presume that there were no male children over age 16 in these households. However, of the pages examined by the author only one instance was noted in which more than one tithe was reported in any family! Ludwick, ABraham and Christian Abshire appear in the 1786 TAX LIST FOR 1786, FRANKLIN COUNTY, VIRGINIA. The county was formed from Bedford, Henry and Patrick Counties in 1785-1786. Christian Abshire does not appear in the Franklin County records after that date, and he is said to have removed to Burke County, North Carolina. According to research done by Mrs. W.O. (Ruby) Absher, North Wilksboro, N.C., Christian and Jacob Absher were living in the area when Burke County was organized in 1777. Some of her material appeared in the JOURNAL PATRIOT, North Wilksboro, 12 March 1970. Ludwick and Abraham Abshire continued to live in Franklin County and died there. Their graves have not been found. There are two old cemeteries; the first about a mile east of Boones Mill, the second about a mile north of the first. These were visited in 1981 by W.C. Jones of Roanoke, Virginia. He reported that there were very few stones having inscriptions and no proof that either Ludwick or Abraham were buried there. The oldest stone found with an inscription shows: "Giles W.B. Abshire, born 22 Jan. 1826, died 26 June 1911 Delila J. Denton, wife, born 8 Mar. 1835, died 29 Mar. 1908 Married 28 Dec. 1850." Ludwick Abshire, hereafter referred to as Luke, was probably born in 1742 or earlier provided he was of age when he sold land in Augusta County in 1763. He is said to have married Christina McGrady, probable daughter of Laughlin McGradah who appears in the 1782, Bedford Co. Tax List, above, McGrady is said to have moved to Wilks County, North Carolina. Luke Abshire died ca. 1822. The inventory of his estate was in court on 15 Jan. 1823, and included 11 slaves as well as other personal property. The slaves alone were valued at $3,400. Abraham Abshire died on 28 July 1842 as judged by his pension records. The value of his personal property was only $58.50 Abraham named only two of his 15 or 16 children in his will, and for that reason it was necessary to identify the children of Luke in order to aviod (sic) confusing them with the children of Abraham. Lukes (sic) children have been identified through the use of Franklin County court records including the following: Peter Abshire and others vs. George Wright and others, 3 Feb. 1823. Smith vs. Abshire and others, 1 Jan. 1837. The will of William Abshire, Book 4, p. 389, in court on 4 Dec. 1837, in which he named some of his siblings. A death report filed by James L. Abshire and recorded in the Register of Deaths, Franklin County, Virginia. James reported that his father, Abraham, a son of Luke, died on 17 Dec. 1867, age 87 years of a sore leg. This report can not be certified because the present officials believe the law, in use only a few years, was not reliable as it depended on voluntary reporting. This data was obtained by Gertrude C. Mann of Rocky Mount, Virginia. A biographical sketch of Abraham Abshire, 1800-1892, grandson of Luke, found in the WABASH COUNTY, INDIANA, HISTORY, 1884, by Helm, p. 420 >From the above sources the children of Luke, order of birth is uncertain in some cases, were as follows: 1. Peter, married Nelly Doran, Marriage Bond, 19 Aug. 1787. 2. John, married Elizabeth Binnion, M.B. 21 Sept. 1796, moved to Lee County, VA. 3. Edward, married Dianna Short, M.B. 17 Nov. 1790. The inventory of his estate was in court on 3 June 1822. He was the father of Abraham, 1800-1892, who moved to Roann, Indiana. 4. Polly, wife of George Wright Jr. 5. Jacob, married Sarah (Boone) Noftsinger, inventory of his estate in court, 22 Nov. 1848. 6. Nancy, married Phelemon Smith, M.B. 10 Feb. 1795. Administrative papers in his estate, 14 Oct. 1824. 7. Elizabeth, married John Wright, M.B. 8 Feb. 1800. 8. Susanna (Suky) married John Ferguson, M.B. 1 Jan. 1810. 9. Catherine (Kitty), married John Showalter, M.B. 4 Oct. 1813. 10. Abraham, b. ca. 1782, married Phebe Wright, M.B. 3 Feb. 1814. 11. Isaac, b. ca. 1770, married Joanna Wright, M.B. 3 April 1809. 12. William, a minor heir at his father's death, his will in court, 4 Dec. 1837. ------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope this is helpful to some of you. *smile* -Claire Abshire Kolaites Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 22:23:58 EST From: JCawley101@aol.com To: abshers@pet.wfubmc.edu Subject: abshers Abshire/Absher 1840 Allen Co., Ky Absher, Berryman males; 1--20-30 females; 2 under 5, 1- 5-10 1-20-30 Absher, Mary males; 2 under 5, 1--5-10 2----15-20 females; 2 5-10, 2--10-15 2- 30-40 Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 23:02:59 EST From: JCawley101@aol.com To: abshers@pet.wfubmc.edu Subject: abshers Abshire/Absher Early Tax Lists of Warren Co., Kentucky Abshear, Abraham 1805-1806-1807 Abshear, Christian 1804-1805 Abshear, Christopher 1806-1807 Abshear, Jacob 1804-1806-1807 Abshear, James 1797 Abshear, John 1797-1799-1800-1802-1803-1804-1805-1806-1807 Abshear, Thomas 1806 Abshear, William 1807 Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 00:11:05 EST From: JCawley101@aol.com To: abshers@pet.wfubmc.edu Subject: abshers Abshire/Absher Allen County, Kentucky, 1840 Census Absher, Nancy males; 1--5-10 females; 1--70-80 Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1999 22:23:12 EST From: HAbsher390@aol.com To: ga394@juno.com, dbrown@atlantic.net, vaj@injersey.com, dmorgan@efn.org, e_absher@hotmail.com Subject: Fwd: Genealogy Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1999 21:25:03 EST From: HAbsher390@aol.com To: Forkridge@aol.com Subject: Genealogy ABSHER/ABSHIRE MARRIAGE Husband Wife Co./St. Date Abshire, Abraham Susannah Vinson...Franklin Co., Va. Jan 15, 1801 Abshire, Abraham Phebe Wright...Franklin Co., Va. Feb 3, 1814 Abshire, Abraham Hannah Nafe...Franklin Co., Va. Feb 1, 1827 Abshire, Ambrose Charlotte Wright..Franklin Co., Va. Jan 23, 1827 Abshire, Ammon Cynthia Wright..Franklin Co., Va. May 26, 1840 Abshire, Andy Calley Payne... Franklin Co., Va. May 25, 1819 Abshire, Edward Dinah Short...Franklin Co., Va. Nov 23, 1790 Abshire, George Lucinda Angel... Franklin Co., Va. Jan 11, 1836 Abshire, Isaac Joanna Wright...Franklin Co., Va. Apr. 3, 1809 Abshire, Jabez L. Susan D. Turner...Franklin Co., Va. Dec 22, 1802 Abshire, Jacob Pharaby Teel...Franklin Co., Va. Apr 10, 1851 Abshire, James Elizabeth Overholts..Franklin Co., Va. Mar 6, 1804 Abshire, James Elizabeth Teel... Franklin Co., Va. May 4, 1848 Abshire, John Elizabeth Binnion... Franklin Co., Va. Sept 21, 1796 Abshire, John Rhoda M. Bond...Franklin Co., Va. Sept 29, 1826 Abshire, John Sarah Ann Mitchell...Franklin Co., Va. Oct 2, 1843 Abshire, Nelson Polly Wright...Franklin Co., Va. Jan 8, 1822 Abshire, Peter Nelly Doran...Franklin Co., Va. Aug 21, 1787 Abshire, Randolph Mary A. Angel...Franklin Co., Va. Sept 28, 1840 Abshire, William Sally Lyon...Franklin Co., Va. Nov 1, 1850