Isham Russell Chisum

Isham Russell Chisum was born December 18, 1812 in White County, TN to Elijah Kaufman and Elizabeth (Walling) Chisum. He was a Captain in the Civil War, commanding Co F. of the 3rd Texas Cavalry. Later, he commanded the 2nd Partisan Rangers.

Isham's great-grandfather was John Chisum (1704-1792). He married Ellender Gillington. She is also listed as Ellen Gillentine, Guillington, and a couple of other spellings. Her father, Nicholas Girlington, was born in Thurland Castle near Tunstall, England. He came to Virginia around the year 1700. The Girlingtons can be traced to Waleran De Gyrlyngton in 11th century Yorkshire.

About 100 years ago, some descendants of John Chisum stated that he was full blooded Cherokee. It was said that the Indian blood showed strong in the Chisums, and the White blood came from the Wallings. Some researchers say John Chisum was the great grandson of Richard Cheesome born in England in 1613. There is some controversy among researchers as to which story is true, and so far the paper trail hasn't proven either conclusively. Since several descendants were certain of the Cherokee ancestry so long ago, it seems likely that there was certainly some truth to that.

Sources: Nacogdoches County tax records

Gillington information from LDS website.

Cherokee by Blood by Jerry Wright Jordan vol. 8