Abijah Ownby

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 90, 211.

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 88, 90, 189, 211.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 298.

Jacob married Sarah E. Maples 12 Nov 1865, Sevier County, Tennessee. Sarah (daughter of William Abijah Maples and Elizabeth McMahan) was born 7 Jun 1848, Tennessee; died 10 Jun 1936; was buried Cane Creek Cemetery, Monroe County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 88, 90, 189, 211.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 June 1983, p 119.
"Mountain Ways Two", Gene Aiken, 1986, p 295.

Notes:

lthough of an age when he did not have to serve in the Civil War, James S. Ownby was reluctant for his oldest son, John Ownby, to serve alone. So he enlisted with his son in the Union Army in Company A, 6th Tennessee Infantry and in Company B, 2nd Tennessee Cavalry.
----------
References:
"Smoky Mountain Clans", Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 161.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 67, 88.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 298, 300.

James married Sophia Evans Abt 1843, , Sevier County, Tennessee. Sophia (daughter of Jacob Evans and Martha Ogle) was born 15 Feb 1826, Tennessee; died 2 Mar 1910; was buried Glades Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sophia Evans Ownby and her youngest son, Samuel, were mentioned in Jacob Evans' will.

Sevier County Heritage lists birth as 15 February 1922.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans", Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 161.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 67, 88.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 298, 300.

Notes:

William Abijah Maples came as a baby with his parents to Sevier County, Tennessee in 1805.

William Abijah Maples entered 30 acres of land in Richardson's Cove area on the watershed of Big East Fork of Little Pigeon River adjoining his old tract according to an entry dated 16 November 1824. Also he entered 300 acres of land on Birds Creek adjoining David C. McMahan and Daniel Emert according to an entry dated 15 April 1837.

William Abijah Maples was listed in the 1837 Tax List of Sevier County, Tennessee. His land was located in the Civil District No. 1&4 of Sevier County, Tennessee.

They were listed in the 1830 through 1870 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee and in the 1840 census listed as Abigah 2 males 0-5, 2 males 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40, 1 female 0-5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 30-40.

There is a record for settlement of the estate of Elizabeth Maples. Before the courthouse fire of 1856, John McMahan was appointed as administrator for the estate of Elizabeth Maples. Also, F. L. Emert was appointed as guardian for seven of the minor heirs of the estate of Elizabeth Maples at this time. There was a list of heirs of the estate of Elizabeth Maples ... N. L. King and wife, George Maples, Archible Maples, Will Maples - all received their shares prior to 17th day of June 1856; James M. Maples, 25th day of June 1860, David Maples, 25th day of June 1860, John Maples, 25th day of June 1860; Redman Maples, 25th day of Jun 1860; and Samuel Maples, 25th day of June 1860.

"E. M. G. Emert, constable of District 2, to bring to next court, Redman Maples, Samuel Maples, and Sarah Maples, poor children for the purpose of having them bound out." The date of this entry was 7 April 1856.

F. L. Emert, guardian of Redman Maples, Samual Maples, and Sarah Maples, renewed the security bond with Jas. D. Lawson and M. A. Rawlings 3 April 1860.

"On 24 November 1859 - Decree for Divorce: Abijah Maples vs. Rebecca Maples."

In the 1860 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee, William Abijah Maples was living with Calvin Fox's household. Also he was living with his son Redman Maples in the 1870 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee.

William Abijah probably died in the area of Big East Fork of Little Pigeon River.
----------
Reference:
"Clabo Family Tree", Gardner Clabo, p 38.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 188-189.
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 June 1983, p 8, 119.

William married Elizabeth McMahan 1824, Sevier County, Tennessee. Elizabeth (daughter of Archibald McMahan and Elizabeth Byrd) was born 1807, Buncombe County, North Carolina; died Abt 1855/1856, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Clabo Family Tree", Gardner Clabo, p 38.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 188.
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 June 1983, p 8, 119.

Notes:

John Ownby lived with his parents in Rutherford County, North Carolina, later Buncombe County, North Carolina.

In 1833, John Ownby and his family migrated to Sevier County, Tennessee from Buncombe County, North Carolina. They made their home in the Glades community, 2nd Civil District of Sevier County, Tennessee. Here John Ownby lived until his death.

John Ownby and his family were listed in the 1840 and 1850 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee. Listed as John Ownsby in 1840 census.

An interesting story about John Ownby at the time of his death was told by his grandson, Samuel Ownby. It is:

"...Mother told me this story and I don't think my mother would tell me something that wasn't true. Mother said that the day before Grandfather Ownby died he walked from his house to the store, that he told the people in the store that he would die about that same time on the following day. The next day at about the time he had told them this, he layed down on the bed, talked as fast as he could, telling his family how to live, what to do, etc., then turned his face to the wall & died."
----------
References:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p 1.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 66.
Wiley Emmett Koon, Jr., 15 July 1995.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 298.

John married Mary Jane "Granny" Coone 17 Feb 1812, Rutherford County, North Carolina. Mary (daughter of Nicholas Koon and Mary DeWalt) was born 1793, Rutherford County, North Carolina; died 1881, Greenbrier, Sevier County, Tennessee; was buried Plemons Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Mary Koone Ownby, known to all as "Granny Coone", lived with her children until her death.

Roger Gardner lists birth as 1796.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 66, 67.
Wiley Emmett Koon, Jr., 15 July 1995.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 298.
"Benedict Kuhn (Coon, Koon, Koone) Immigrant & His Descendants", Roger L. Gardner, D.C., 1 March 1998, p 4.

Notes:

Bride: M Coon
Groom: John Ownby
Bond Date: 17 Feb 1812
County: Rutherford
Record #: 01 245
Bondsman: George Coone
Witness: Jas O Lewis
Bond #: 000135547

North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868

Notes:

Martha and Jacob gave the land for the Lebanon Baptist Church in the Glades. They left a joint will which is recorded in Will Book I, page 247, Sevier County Courthouse. Their daughter, Sophia Ownby, and her son, Samuel, are mentioned in it. The will was probated in April 1878.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans", Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 158.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 52, 298.

Jacob married Martha Ogle Abt 1823, , Sevier County, Tennessee. Martha (daughter of Thomas J. Ogle and Sophia Bosley) was born 1807, Sevier County, Tennessee; died 1885; was buried Glades Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Martha and Jacob gave the land for the Lebanon Baptist Church in the Glades. They left a joint will which is recorded in Will Book I, page 247, Sevier County Courthouse. Their daughter, Sophia Ownby, and her son, Samuel, are mentioned in it. The will was probated in April 1878.

Samuel Ownby told of his grandmother's love of the mountains. His parents, James and Sophia Evans Ownby along with his grandparents, Martha and Jacob Evans had moved to Copperhill, Tennessee. Martha yearned for the mountains so much, she started walking home. Jacob and James rode after her and finally persuaded her to stay until they made their harvest that year. She held them to their promise and they returned that fall to the Smokies.

Census records verify the story above mentioned. They are listed in the 1850 Federal Census of Gilmer County, Georgia, right near the state line of Tennessee and Georgia.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans", Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 158.
"Sevier County, Tennessee and Its Heritage", 1994, p 52, 298.

Notes:

Wilson Maples went with his parents from Pittsylvania County, Virginia to Pendleton District, South Carolina prior to 1790. There he lived with his parents until his marriage in 1801.

Wilson Maples and his family left Pendleton District, South Carolina for Sevier County, Tennessee in 1805. They settled in the area of the East Fork of Little Pigeon River.

Wilson Maples had bought 77 acres of land from James Mathis Sr. circa 1805/1806. This land was surveyed in 1807 and granted by State of Tennessee. It was located in the East Fork of Little Pigeon River area.

Wilson Maples also bought 69 acres of land at the same time. It was located in the East Fork of Little Pigeon River area and adjoined the lands of James Mathis Sr.

From RECORD OF COMMISSIONS OF OFFICERS IN THE TENNESSEE MILITIA 1796-1815, compiled by Mrs. John Trotwood Moore, Wilson Maples was appointed as a captain of 11th Regiment for Sevier County, Tennessee on 26 May 1812.

Wilson Maples served as a Captain of 11th Regiment for Sevier County, Tennessee from the date of appointment until he resigned. During the War of 1812, he served as a captain in the 5th Regiment of Tennessee militia commanded by Colonel Edwin Booth. He was drafted at Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee on or about 5 November 1814 for six months duty. On 25 December 1814, he was reassigned to Lookout Mountain (vicinity of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee) on account of sickness.

Wilson Maples died almost a year after he resigned from the position of captain. From deeds it is indicated that the said Wilson Maples had left a will at his death. He willed his wife, Sarah, the one half of the plantation during her lifetime or widowhood and willed that each of his children was to receive one-sixth part of the undivided interest in the other half of the plantation.

It is believed that Wilson Maples was buried in the McMahan Cemetery, Jones Cove. (A stone reads "W. M. 1845 (1815?)".)
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 185, 186.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.

Wilson married Sarah Rolen 6 Aug 1801, Pendleton County, South Carolina. Sarah was born Abt 1785, North Carolina; died 25 Oct 1858; was buried Pearl Valley Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

After Wilson Maples death Sara Rolen Maples remained widow until her death. She raised the children to full maturity on the farm of Wilson Maples.

Sarah Rolen Maples appeared as the head of household in the 1830 through 1850 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee. In the 1840 census the listing includes 1 male 30-40, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 50-60, 1 female 60-70.

Sarah Maples entered 100 acres of land adjacent to where she lived on the waters of Big East Fork of Little Pigeon River ... according to an entry dated 23 January 1826.

Sarah Maples was listed in 1837 Tax List of Sevier County, Tennessee.

There was a deed dated 27 March 1854 ... "Adempsey Maples to Archibald McMahan for $300 - tract on Big East Fork of Little Pigeon being the plantation whereon Wilson Maples lived at the time of his death and I the said Adempsey Maples being an heir at law --- siezed of 1/6 part of the undivided farm - also one other part of the above tract of land --- that Abijah Maples has to the named tract or parcel of land bin being an heir at law --- entitled to 1/6 part of the said farm - also one other part of the above same undivided farm it being the part which descended to Mahaly Robertson formerly Mahaly Maples her being an heir at law, I Adempsey Maples having bought the last two mentioned parts of Abijah Maples and Mahaly Robertson...69 acres."

There was a deed dated 27 March 1854 ... "Sharah Maples widow of Wilson Maples deceased to Archibald McMahan for $350 - quit claim and yield up to Archibald D. McMahan all right, title, etc., that I am in possession of to one half of the plantation whereon Archibald D. McMahan now lives in Richardson Cove according to the last will and testament of my deceased husband Wilson Maples which was willed to me during my lifetime or widowhood...containing 69 acres.

There was a deed dated 8 April 1854 ... "Anderson Williams and wife Mary, formerly Mary Maples, to Archibald McMahan, interest in 69 acres received by will from Wilson Maples, deceased."

Here is a brief summary of Sarah Maples' bounty land application files:

26 March 1855 - Sarah Maples deposed that she is a resident of Sevier County, Tennessee and that she is the widow of Wilson Maples, deceased who was a captain in the 5th Regiment of Tennessee Militia commanded by General Booth in the War with Great Britain. Said husband was drafted at Sevierville on about 5 November 1814 for six months duty; reassigned about 25 December 1814 to Lookout Mountain on account of sickness. States that she was married to the said Wilson Maples in Pendleton County, South Carolina 6 August 1801 by one Robert
Bowen Justic of Peace and her name before marriage was Sarah Rolan and her husband died at his residence in Sevier County, 27 November 1815 and she has never remarried.

3 November 1855 - On this appeared Sarah Maples aged about 65 years a widow of Wilson Maples, --- etc.

On 17 November 1857, Wilson Maples by his Guardian Sarah Maples asked for "Petition to sell land." Also, on 21 July 1858, Robert H. Hodsden appointed guardian for Sarah Maples widow of Wilson Maples deceased, having a life estate in said land. Court ordered all interest of Wilson Maples the said ward mentioned to be sold.

Sarah Rolen Maples was buried beside her husband Wilson Maples.

Sevier County Heritage lists Sarah as sister to "Davy" Crocket.

Notes:

Archibald McMahan is listed in the 1810 Census of Buncombe County, North Carolina. It is believed he migrated to Sevier County, Tennessee about 1811.

Archibald McMahan may have been a signer of a petition from "the district South of the rivers French Broad and Holston." The name appears on the petition as McGan, but is believed to be Archibald McMahan. This petition apparently includes the area of Jefferson County, South of the French Broad and perhaps part of the Cosby-English Mountain section of Cocke County, Tennessee.

Archibald obtained Grant #11578 for 25 acres in Sevier County, Tennessee dated 20 August 1825. He lived in the first district of Sevier County, Tennessee in the Jones Cove area.

Archibald McMahan is listed in the 1830 and 1840 Sevier County, Tennessee Federal Census. In the 1840 census, He is listed as Archibald McMahan, Sr. 1 male 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 70-80 and 1 female 60-70. In the 1850 Sevier County, Tennessee Census he is listed as a farmer living alone.

Archibald McMahan made his will 21 March 1852 a copy of which follows:

"I, Archibald McMahan of the County of Sevier, and State of Tennessee do hearby make and ordain this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others.

1st, I give and bequeath to my son David McMahan two negro slaves named Frank and Tibby.

2nd, I give and bequeath to my son Redmond McMahan one slave named Thomas.

3rd, I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Large one slave named Nancy.

4th, I give and bequeath to my son William McMahan one slave named Simon.

5th, I give and bequeath to my son Archibald McMahan one slave named Jane.

6th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Emitt one slave named Mary.

7th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Anna Roland one slave named Betsy.

8th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Duggan one slave named Winny.

9th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Susan Howard one slave named Lucy.

10th, I give and bequeath to my son James McMahan one slave named Carter.

11th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Maples during her natural life one slave named Henry and after her death to the heirs of her body.

I will and bequeath to my daughter Anna Roland my slave named Aggy to be taken good care of during said Aggy's lifetime and the said Aggy after my death may take what property she claims about my house that belongs to her, and also to take a cow and calf claimed by said Aggy.

I will and bequeath my slaves Jack and Charity to my son William McMahan to take care of them during their life.

I will and bequeath Rebecca McMahan, wife of Archibald McMahan Jr., and to George McMahan, illegitimate children of my son George McMahan one slave named James to be divided equally between them.

I hereby appoint David McMahan and Robert H. Henderson my executors to this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof, here unto set my hand and seal this 21st day of March 1852

Witnesses: his
George McMahan Archibald X McMahan
John McKisack mark

In addition to the foregoing I will and bequeth to the children of my deceased daughter, Sally Howard, three hundred dollars to be divided equally between them.

I will and bequeath that my real estate and the balance of my personal assets be sold and the proceeds be divided equally between sons David McMahan, Redmond McMahan, William McMahan, James McMahan, and Archibald McMahan and my daughters Jane Large, Nancy Emit, Anna Roland, Susan Howard, and to my daughters Mary Duggan and Elizabeth Maples, I will one half as much of my real estate and balance of my personal estate as is willed to the above named heirs, half a share with the above heirs.

In testimony whereof I herunto set my hand and affix my seal this 21st day of March, 1852.

Witnesses: his
George McMahan Archibald X McMahan
John McKisack mark

I do hereby revoke that part of my will appointing David McMahan one of my executors and do hereby appoint Fedric Emit and William McMahan in conjunction with Robert H. Hodsden my executors to carry out this my foregoing will and testement.

In addition to the foregoing will, I will and bequeath to my grand-daughter Martha McMahan, daughter of Wilson McMahan one hundred dollars to be paid her out of the proceeds of my personal property by my executors, and revoke enough of the foregoing will to carry the same into effect. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my seal this 11th day of May 1852.

Witnesses: his
George McMahan Archibald X McMahan
John McKisack mark

A stone in Pearl Valley Cemetery reading "A. McMahan born 17-- Died 27 February, 1853" is believed to be Archibald McMahan's resting place.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 188.
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Cliff Manis
T. D. W McMahan records, Johnny Scott Large, p 63.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 July 1983, p 4, 7.
Smoky Mountain Historical Society Newsletter, David Templin, 1981, Vol 7, No 2, p 13.
"The Virginia Genealogist", Vol 27, No. 1, p. 149.
Mrs. H. S. Surface, 401 Surface Drive, Tazewell, VA 24651, 540-988-3581.
Barbara Byrd Williams, Box 105, Kenbridge, VA, 23944 (804) 676-1258.

Archibald married Elizabeth Byrd 28 Sep 1793, Grayson County, Virginia. Elizabeth (daughter of George Byrd and Mary) was born Abt 1777; died Abt 1844; was buried Pearl Valley Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth place may be North Carolina or Virginia.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 188.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Cliff Manis
T. D. W McMahan records, Johnny Scott Large, p 63.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 July 1983, p 4, 7.
"The Virginia Genealogist", 1983, Vol 27, No. 1, p 149.