William Joseph Parker (1904-1938): Bigamist Came to a Tragic End

Idella Scott Franklin married William Joseph Parker on 20 April 1928 in Hopewell, Virginia. They separated on 9 February 1931 and Idella was granted an absolute divorce decree on 30 March 1938 by the Richmond City Circuit Court. They had no children. The reason Idella sued for the divorce was desertion and bigamy.

The back of the divorce decree had the following handwritten information:

Idella Scott Franklin Parker and William Joseph Parker divorce decree;
courtesy of Ancestry.com

"This man was indicted in Pennsylvania on complaint from his wife for having married another woman in 1931 in Elkton, Maryland, and is also wanted in Maryland to answer charges there. This marriage took place after the desertion from the first wife."

Twelve days later William was dead. According to his death certificate, hee committed suicide by drinking ink solvent in Berks Prison.

William Joseph Parker obituary as published in
the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 14 April 1938;
courtesy of the Library of Virginia

William's parents were Joseph John Parker and Magnolia "Nolia" Melison Clayton. He was born in Belhaven, North Carolina, on 15 May 1904.

He was also married to Marian Ulshafer, daughter of Ralph Ulshafer and Rose Kirk. She was born on 3 October 1910 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She and William had one son. Was this the marriage that took place in Elkton, Maryland?

I have assumed he was in prison because he had been arrested for bigamy. Was that the reason he committed suicide?

_______________
Idella Scott Franklin was my third cousin once removed. We both descend from John W. Jennings, Sr. (1776-1858). John W. Jennings, Sr. >> John William Jennings, Jr. >> John Arias Jennings >> Maude Florence Jennings >> Idella Scott Franklin

Early-Muir Marriages: Robert Muir (1863-1927) and Janet Early (1868-1939)

Three children of my three times great uncle, Robert Orr Muir (1839-1917), married siblings. For the next three weeks, I will be exploring the similarities and differences between these three married couples. Each of the men were miners and each of the women were daughters of miners, yet each of the three couples made different choices when it came to immigration -- to stay in Scotland or leave.

The eldest of those three Muir siblings and the first to marry a child of Ralph Early[1] and Catherine McNair White was Robert Muir. He and his wife, Janet Early, also chose to immigrate to the U.S. when they were in their 50s.

The Early-Muir marriages; created using Microsoft PowerPoint

Robert Muir was born on 23 October 1863 in Birkenshaw, a village in Larkhall parish, Scotland, to Robert Orr Muir and Jane Paton Loudon. His father was a coal miner. Not long after Robert's birth, the family moved to Stonehouse where Robert was joined by two younger siblings, John and Elizabeth Hamilton. Between 1868 and 1869 the family moved back to Larkhall, where his mother gave birth to a fourth child. She died six days later of "congestion of the brain," which doctors now believe was scarlet fever or meningitis. Robert's youngest sister, died four months later. Young Robert was just five years old.

His father kept the his children with him and boarded at the home of a widow in Lesmahagow. He married Mary Shaw Watson on 23 June 1871 in Lesmahagow. Mary was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rennie) Shaw. She worked as a servant on the Auchenheath Farm and had two illegitimate children. She and Robert's father had nine children of their own during the course of their marriage.

Robert's family continued to move around south Lanarkshire and he joined his father in the mines when he finished his compulsory schooling at age 12. His step-brother, William, was killed in mining accident in 1878 at age 12.

On 13 July 1888, at the age of 24, Robert married Janet Early[1], daughter of Ralph and Catherine McNair (White) Early. She had been born on 29 February 1868 in Dalziel and like Robert her father was a coal miner. He died in 1881 when Janet was 13 and her mother remarried in 1884. Janet worked as a domestic servant at the time of their marriage.

Robert and Janet (Early) Muir had 12 children during the course of their marriage:

1. Robert Orr Muir born 26 July 1889 in Bothwell; died in 1970 in Hove, England; married Katie Kerr Morrison on 29 June 1912 in the Blythswood district of Glasgow
2. Alexander Muir born 9 March 1891 in Lesmahagow; died 7 March 1892 in Bothwell of convulsions
3. Catherine "Katie" White Muir born 26 February 1893 in Lesmahagow; died 3 December 1961 in the Kelvin district of Glasgow; married John Falconer on 25 November 1921 in Dalserf
4. Mary Shaw Muir born 31 March 1895 in Lesmahagow; died in 1969 in Motherwell and Wishaw; married Robert Stewart Struthers on 31 December 1919 in Larkhall
5. John Muir born 10 May 1897 in Lesmahagow; died 19 March 1938 in Larkhall; married Jeanie Hastie Hawthorn on 7 December 1922 in the Blythswood district of Glasgow
6. David Early Muir born 25 December 1898 in Lesmahagow; died 14 March 1900 in Lesmahagow of enteristis, and infectious intestinal disease
7. Nathaniel Muir born 24 June 1900 in Lesmahagow; died in December 1985 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; married Margaret Weir Nixon on 19 June 1925 in Wellsburg, West Virginia
8. Andrew Airlie Muir born 26 August 1902 in Lesmahagow; died on 19 October 1929 in Larkhall 
9. Thomas Muir (twin) born 16 November 1904 in Lesmahagow; died 23 February 1908 in Lesmahagow of measles and pneumonia
10. Ralph Earlie Muir (twin) born 16 November 1904 in Lesmahagow; died in May 1980; married Sarah Ann Roberts 22 October 1932 in Wellsburg, West Virginia
11. James Muir born 19 April 1906 in Lesmahagow; died 20 March 1981in Fulton County, Georgia; married Eleanor Henderson before 1930
12. Alexander McLure Muir born 12 March 1908 in Lesmahagow; died 1989 in Nottingham, England

Robert and Janet's son, John, enlisted in the British Army in 1916 and was called into service in 1917. He was wounded in action on 29 September 1918. 

On 29 August 1923, Robert Muir and his sons, Nathaniel and James, boarded the White Star Line's RMS Olympic in Southampton. They arrived in New York City on 5 September. Their destination was Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to a cousin of Robert's, also named Robert Muir. He was the son of Robert's uncle, Nathaniel Muir, and had immigrated to the U.S. in 1902.

Robert Muir's declaration of intent to become a naturalized
citizen of the U.S.; courtesy of Ancestry.com

Robert's wife, Janet, and her sons, Andrew, Ralph and Alexander, boarded the Anchor Line's SS California, in Glasgow on 6 January 1925. They arrived in New York on 15 January. They joined Robert, Nathaniel and James in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Son, Andrew, remained in the U.S. for a year and half before returning to Scotland aboard the Anchor Line's SS Caledonia. He was killed by mining accident in a stone fall. He never married.

Son, Alexander, lived with his brother, James, was unemployed in 1930 when the census was taken. He returned to Scotland on 30 April 1939 aboard the Anchor Line's SS Cameronia. His intended destination was to his sister, Katie's house.

Robert Muir died on 24 December 1927 of apoplexy at his home in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. He worked as a miner for Clyde Coal Company at the time of his death. He was interred at the Beallsville Cemetery in Beallsville, Pennsylvania. No stone marks his grave. His widow, Janet, lived with her son, James, who had recently married. Janet (Early) Muir died at her home in West Homestead on 21 April 1939 of a coronary occlusion. She was interred at an unknown cemetery in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

_______________
[1] The Early surname was spelled in a variety of ways in the records on ScotlandsPeople, including Airlie, Airley, Earlie, and Earley.

James Muir (1905-1974) or James Muir (1906-1981): Untangling Scots Immigrants

Muir is a common surname in Scotland. And because of the Scots convention for naming their children after grandparents and parents, there are many people running around Scotland with the same name, but when there are two men both named James Muir, born a year apart to parents named Robert and Janet, things get complicated, especially when they both immigrated to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. I am only related to one of them but which records belonged to which man?

Here's what many, many hours of research and burning through several credits on ScotlandsPeople has revealed:

James Muir (1905-1974)

• Born on 8 December 1905, Camlachie, Glasgow, Scotland
• Parents: Robert Muir and Janet Boag Morrison Speirs (married 30 August 1889 in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Scotland)
• Arrived in New York City on 28 October 1907 aboard the SS Caledonia, traveled with his mother and three older siblings
• Married Katherine Rolfe Davis, daughter of Frank Davis
• Known children:
• David James Muir (1928-1994)
• Martha Caroline Muir (1935-1998)
• One living daughter
• Lived in Homestead and Munhall, Pennsylvania
• Died in Jun 1974
• Last Social Security benefit payment was sent to an address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

World War II Draft Registration Card for James Muir (1905-1974);
courtesy of Fold3.com

This James Muir's ancestry is as follows:

Robert Muir (?-?) married Ann Ferrie (or Ferry)

> Robert Muir (c1836-1890) married Jane McColl

>> Robert Muir (1863-1933) married Janet Boag Morrison Speirs

>>> James Muir (1905-1974)

If you are an Ancestry.com subscriber, you may find the relevant record transcriptions on my public tree. 

James Muir (1906-1981)

• Born on 19 April 1906 in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
• Parents: Robert Muir and Janet Early (or Earlie) (married 13 July 1888 in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland)
• Arrived in New York City on 29 August 1923 aboard the RMS Olympic, traveled with his father and three brothers
• Married Eleanor Henderson, daughter of James Russel Henderson and Rosetta O'Neill
• Known children:
• Robert James Muir (c1933-1947)
• Douglas Errol Muir (1938-2003)
• One living daughter
• Lived in Homestead, Pittsburgh; Glenville, New York; and Georgia
• Died 20 March 1981 in Fulton County, Georgia
• Interred at Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Hickory Flat, Georgia

World War II Draft Registration Card for James Muir (1906-1981);
courtesy of Fold3.com

This James Muir's ancestry is as follows:

James Muir

> Robert Muir (c1800-1869) married Henrietta Brown

>> Robert Orr Muir (1839-1917) married 1) Jane Paton Loudon and 2) Mary Watson Shaw

>>> Robert Muir (1863-1927) married Janet Early (or Earlie)

>>>> James Muir (1906-1981

If you are an Ancestry.com subscriber, you may find the relevant record transcriptions on my public tree. This James Muir was my second cousin twice removed and I have a few DNA matches with his descendants.

50th Anniversary Commemoration of Gettysburg

Today is the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, considered the most important engagement during the Civil War.

From 29 June and 4 July 1913 a 50th anniversary reunion was held at Gettysburg. There had been numerous smaller reunions previously, but 1913 was the largest ever with over 53,000 men attending from 46 of the then 48 states, including over 8,500 Confederate Army veterans. The reunion was called the Gettysburg Battlefield Encampment. The Chief Surgeon of the U.S. said at the time, "never before in the world's history [sic] so great a number of men so advanced in years been assembled under field conditions." Not only was there concern about the men's health, people were also concerned there might still be lingering "unpleasant differences."

July 2 was Military Day; July 3, Civic/Governor's Day; and July 4 was National Day and included a speech by President Woodrow Wilson in which he said:

"We have found one another again as brothers and comrades in arms, enemies no longer, generous friends rather, our battles long past, the quarrel forgotten -- except that we shall not forget the splendid valor."

Photograph of attendees of the 1913 Gettysburg Battlefield Encampment;
courtesy of the Library of Congress

On 5 May 1913, Powhatan County, Virginia, supervisors said they would defray the cost of any ex-Confederate soldier who wished to attend the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Battle of Gettysburg. A committee was formed to determine which veterans wished to attend. Thirty-eight veterans from the county attended, including Joseph Sampson Jennings, who had served in the Powhatan Light Artillery Battery during the last year of the war. Powhatan County spent $325,000 to send their veterans to Gettysburg.

When the veterans assembled in 1919 to attend a reunion in Atlanta, only six were able or willing to go.

52 Ancestors #21: Mary (Mitchell) Beard: Another Chancery Court Success

Ancestor: Mary (Beard) Mitchell, four times great grandfather
Haplogroup: N/A

Mary Mitchell was born about 1755 in Bedford County, Virginia, to Robert "the Immigrant" Mitchell and Mary Enos. Her parents had moved from Pequea, Pennsylvania, with a group of fellow Presbyterians sometime before 1748, which was the year her father first appeared in a deed book for the area that became Bedford County.

Her father was a ruling elder of the Peaks of Otter Church, which had been established in 1761. He and her future husband, Samuel Beard, signed a marriage bond on 5 September 1778.

Samuel Beard and Mary Mitchell Marriage Bond; courtesy of Alison Woodard

The Beards were one of the founding families of the church, and Samuel was one of 102 men who signed a petition asking the House of Burgesses for permission to buy slaves to support the maintenance of a full-time minister. Mary's father and John Erwine purchased over 100 acres of land for the church.

Samuel Beard had recently returned from serving as a private for two years in the company led by Captain George (or Gross) Scrugg's company. His military service included wintering at Valley Forge between 1777 and 1778.

Mary and Samuel had their first child on 26 September 1779 but that baby died the same date. Their next child, James Harvey Beard, was born on 7 September 1780.

Two weeks after the birth of their second child, Samuel was sworn in as a captain in the Bedford County Militia.  He was called into emergency service in 1781 and fought at the Battle of Guildford Courthouse. When he returned home, six more children were born, though the one born in 1789 died shortly after birth.

Mary's husband died in October 1814 and she continued to live on his plantation. She was enumerated as the head of the household in 1830, living with a free white male between 30 and 39 years of age and five enslaved people. The free white male would not have been one of her children.

On 27 January 1840, Mary applied for a Revolutionary War pension due to her husband's military service. Her application was approved later that year, granting her a widow's pension for her husband's two years of service as a private with the Continental Army. When the 1840 census was taken, Mary was listed as a Revolutionary War pensioner and was blind.

She died on 28 July 1843. At the time of her death, the estate owned four slaves held in dower. Mary's eldest son, James Harvey Beard, wanted to sell them and distribute the proceeds among the heirs. However, he had lost track of two of his mother's heirs due to their move to Missouri. Harvey filed a bill of complaint with the Bedford County Chancery Court in an effort of locate the missing heirs.

A sale was held on 23 December 1843 of the personal property included in the estate of Mary (Mitchell) Beard.

Record of the estate sale of Mary (Mitchell) Beard in the Bedford County
Will Books; courtesy of Ancestry.com

This is my entry for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. The theme for this week was "Military," which I did not follow.

Using the Ancestral Reference Numbering System, Mary (Mitchell) Beard is Ancestor numbers 73 on my family tree:

73 Mary Mitchell born about 1755 in Bedford County, Virginia, to Robert "the Elder" Mitchell and Mary Enos; died 28 July 1843 in Bedford County; married Samuel Beard, son of Adam and Elizabeth Beard and Revolutionary War veteran, on 5 September 1778 in Bedford County.

72.1 Unnamed son, born and died on 26 September 1779 (mentioned in his mother's pension application).

36 James Harvey Beard, born 7 September 1780 in Bedford County; died in October 1869; married 1) Mary "Polly" or "Molly" McMullen/McMullin, daughter of Matthew McMullen and Margaret, maiden name unknown, on 21 June 1811 in Bedford County, and 2) Rhoda Parker, daughter of James Parker, on 24 October 1850 in Bedford County. Veteran of the War of 1812.

72.2 Elizabeth "Betsy" Beard, born 22 Jun 1782 in Bedford County; died in 1863; married Rufus Thomas on 18 May 1815 in Bedford County.

72.3 Robert Mitchell Beard, born 17 Jul 1784 in Bedford County; died 19 January 1837 in Franklin County, Virginia; married Nancy C. Webb, daughter of Theodorick Fitzgerald Webb, Sr., and Sarah Huff.

72.4 Nancy A. Beard, born 24 Jul 1786 in Bedford County; died 4 February 1864; married Mitchell Ewing, a widower previously married to Phoebe Cox, on 25 March 1805 in Bedford County.

72.5 Frances G. Beard, born about 1788 in Bedford County; died before 1850; married William Claytor Mitchell, son of Samuel Mitchell and Margaret "Peggy" Claytor.

72.6 Unnamed daughter, born and died on 9 March 1789 (mentioned in her mother's pension application).

72.7 Mary "Polly" E. Beard, born 1795 in Virginia; died 7 November 1863 in Holliday, Missouri; married Bird S. Webb, son of Theodorick Fitzgerald Webb, Sr., and Sarah Huff. Removed to Missouri after 1837.

In her pension application, Mary (Mitchell) Beard only named six children: unnamed son, Harvey, Betsy, Robert, Nancy, and unnamed daughter. However, as proved by Bedford County Chancery court case 1852-049, Mary and Samuel had two additional daughters: Frances G. (Beard) Mitchell and Mary "Polly" E. (Beard) Webb.

_______________
Sources:

1810 US Census (database with images), FamilySearch, Samuel Beard, Bedford, Virginia; citing p. 3, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 67, FHL microfilm 181427 (accessed 16 Apr 2016).
Ackerly, Mary Denham and Parker, Lula Eastman Jeter. Our Kin: The genealogies of some of the early families who made history in the founding and Development of Bedford County, Virginia, (Lynchburg, VA: J. P. Bell Company, Inc., 1930), page 14.
Bedford County Court Order Books, Bedford County, Virginia, Samuel Beard, Ensign, 1780, citing Order Book 9, transcribed by Earle S. Dennis, Deputy Clerk.
Bedford County, Virginia, Wikipedia (accessed 15 Mar 2018).
Clemens, William Montgomery (editor). The Mitchell Family Magazine, (New York, NY: William M. Clemens), Vols. 1-2, January 1916 to April 1917.
Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War, 1775-1784 (database and images), Fold3.com, Samuel Beard 5th Virginia Regiment, citing NARA microfilm publication M881 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 0979, 30 images (accessed 25 May 2014).
Court Case Involving the Slaves of Mary (Mitchell) Beard, The, Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 15 Mar 2018).
Daughters of the American Revolution, Genealogical Research Service database, Ancestor A008084, Samuel Beard, 
Capt. Gross Scruggs Line, Virginia (accessed 23 May 2014).
Dennis, Earle S. and Smith, Jane E. (compilers). Marriage Bonds of Bedford County, Virginia, 1755-1800, (Bedford, VA: Earle S. Dennis and Jane E. Smith, 1932), page 3.
Ewing, Presley Kittredge and Ewing, Mary Ellen (Williams). The Ewing Genealogy and Cognate Branches: A Survey of the Ewings and their Kin in America, (Houston, TX: Presley K. Ewing, 1919), pages 8-9, 40-41.
George Washington Spoke to Him, Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 15 Mar 2018).
James Harvey Beard (1780-1869): A Long Life Lived, Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 7 May 2018).
Johnston, Sarah Hall (editor and compiler. Lineage Book National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, (Washington, DC: NSDAR, 1916), page 44.
Proving James Harvey Beard's Father, Tangled Roots and Trees (access 15 Mar 2018).
Rider, Fremont (editor). The American genealogical-biographical index American genealogical, biographical and local history materials, (Middletown, CT: The Godfrey Memorial Library, 1952), volume 11, page 300.
Samuel Beard (1750-1814): Revolutionary War Veteran, Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 7 May 2018).
Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements and Rosters (transcription), RevWarApps.org, Pension Application of of Samuel Beard, W4131, transcribed and annotated by Leon C. Harris (access 24 May 2014).
Viemeister, Peter. From Slaves to Satellites: 250 Years of Changing Times on a Virginia Farm, (Bedford, VA: Hamilton's, 1999), pages 14-15, 20-24.
Viemeister, Peter. Historical Diary of Bedford, Virginia, USA from Ancient Times to U.S. Bicentennial, (Bedford, VA: Hamilton's, 1993), page 9.
Virginia Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983 (database and images), Ancestry.com, Mary Beard, 3 Nov 1843, Bedford County, Virginia (accessed 15 Mar 2018).
Virginia Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983 (database and images), Ancestry.com, Samuel Beard, 3 Nov 1843, Bedford County, Virginia (accessed 15 Mar 2018).

Robert "the Elder" Mitchell (c1714-1799): A Devoted Presbyterian

Robert Mitchell (bef 1689-?): The Immigrant
James Harvey Beard (1780-1869): A Long Life Lived
Samuel Beard (1750-1814): Revolutionary War Veteran
Peaks of Otter Presbyterian Church Land

Peaks of Otter Presbyterian Church Petition

Why John and Mary (Boyd) Mitchell Are Not the Parents of Robert Mitchell (c1714-1799)

Robert Mitchel, the Elder

Revisiting Daniel Mitchell, Patriot

Kidnapped by Indians

Daniel Mitchell, Patriot

52 Ancestors #20: Robert "the Elder" Mitchell (c1714-1799): A Devoted Presbyterian

Ancestor: Robert "the Elder" Mitchell, five times great grandfather
Haplogroup: R-M269

Robert "the Elder" Mitchell was born about 1714 in Londonderry (now Derry), Ireland, to Robert "the Immigrant" Mitchell and his wife, Mary Innes. According to David Dobson's Scots on the Chesapeake, Robert's family arrived in Philadelphia in 1723. Other sources, primarily written by grandchildren or great grandchildren, put the date of immigration closer to 1735. We know that two of Robert's brothers, Daniel and James, also sailed with their parents.

Marriage and Move to Bedford County, Virginia

Robert "the Elder" married Mary Enos in 1736 probably in New Castle County, Delaware. She was the daughter of Richard and Susannah Enos and had been baptized on 17 August 1718 at the Old Swedes Church in Newcastle County.

Under the leadership of the Caldwell family, a large contingent of Presbyterian families moved to Bedford County shortly before 1748.[1] They likely took the Great Wagon Road, perhaps when it was yet so narrow only horses could be used for travel. I believe Robert and Mary (Enos) Mitchell were members of that party. His brothers, Daniel and James, married Caldwell women. We know those brothers were in Bedford County by 1754 when Robert, Daniel and James Mitchell were ordered to work on the county roads. Perhaps they were members of the same party.

Robert "the Elder" Mitchell's family tree from Stith Thompson's book entitled
Shipley, Mitchell, and Thompson Families; courtesy of Ancestry.com

Robert Mitchell was a founding member of the Peaks of Otter Presbyterian Church in 1761 and was a ruling elder during his lifetime. He signed a 1774 petition along with 101 other church members to the House of Burgesses, requesting permission to buy slaves to work church land in order to support a full-time minister. The congregation purchased four slaves to work land purchased by Robert Mitchell and John Erwine. We know about the land from a 1769 Chancery Court case. And from book, The Ewing Family Genealogy with Cognate Branches, we learn more about those enslaved:

"The records of Bedford County, disclose a deed, dated 28 July 1783, recorded 25 August, of which Robert Ewing was the first signer, and from its vigorous style, probably the author, conveying certain slaves or their issue to be used for supporting a regular minister, and for such other church purposes as the elders and a majority of the congregation might agree upon."

Robert's brother, Daniel Mitchell, named Robert his executor when he wrote his will on 13 Jun 1775. It was proved in October of that same year.

In 1785 Robert was the security for a bond his son, James, executed to purchased 500 acres of land.

In 1780 the Virginia Legislature passed "An act for procuring a supply of provision and other necessaries for the use of the Army." The governor was empowered to appoint commissioners in every county to carry out the terms of the legislation. Receipts, or certificates, were issued to people who provided supplies. According to the Library of Virginia's Catalog, Robert Mitchell of Bedford County was issued two public service claims certificates. He is a patriot in good standing with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and listed in Abercrombie and Slatten's Virginia Revolutionary War Public Services Claims.

Last Will and Testament

Robert wrote his will on 23 April 1781:

In the name of God, Amen. I, Robert Mitchell, of Bedford County and Province of Virginia being of perfect mind and memory do make this my last will and Testament and first my lawful debts to be discharged. To my well beloved wife, Mary, I give the plantation I now live on during her life or widowhood. At the end of either, I give it to my son, Samuel. Also to my wife, Mary, I give all my moveable estate to be disposed of at her desiration. To my son, Daniel, I give one hundred acres of land where he now lives. To Robert and Stephen, I give the remainder of the upper parcel of the tract I bought off Hylton. To Josiah Campbell, the lower half of the same tract. My wife, Daniel and Samuel, I [illegible] my executory to see to the execution of this my last will which I do declare to be my last will revoking all others by me heretofore made as witnessed my hand, twenty third day of April one thousand seven hundred and eighty one.

Robert Mitchell (signed and sealed)

Witnesses:

John Dowdy (his mark)
James Freeman
James Davis

At a court held for Bedford County the 25th February 1799 this last will and testament of Robert Mitchell, deceased, was proved by the oath of John Dowdy and James Freeman, witnesses whose names are thereto subscribed, and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Daniel Mitchell and Samuel Mitchell, executors therein named who made oath thereto, certificate is granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form on giving security whereupon they together with Jesse Leftwich and Stephen Preston their security entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of five hundred dollars conditioned for the said executors due and thoughtful administration of said deceased estate and performance of his will.

Teste,

Ja. Steptoe, Clerk, Bedford County

An inventory of Robert "the Elder" Mitchell's estate was filed with the county court on 28 July 1800. Usually, if I read a reference to books at all in estate inventories, their titles are not mentioned. But Robert's estate inventory included several book titles, some of which I have been able to identify:

• Isaac Watts, Horae Lyricae, Poems, Chiefly of the Lyric Kind (1709) or Psalms of David" Imitated in the Language of the New Testament and Apply'd to the Christian State and Worship (1719)
• Isaac Watts, A Guide to Prayer (1716)
• James Dunham's The Unsearchable Riches of Christ (1764)
• Thomas Dyche, A New General English Dictionary (1735)
• [Westminster] Confessions of Faith (1646)
• David Bostwick, A Fair and Rational Vindication of the Right of Infants to the Ordinance of Baptism (1765)

Snippet of the appraisement of Robert "the Elder" Mitchell's estate
including several book titles; courtesy of Ancestry.com

Robert "the Elder" Mitchell and his wife, Mary Enos, were said to have had 13 children yet he only mentioned five in his will. The only son not mentioned but known to be a son was Rev. James Mitchell, who at the time of his father's death was the minister at Peaks of Otter Church. The church owned land and slaves to provide for the maintenance of their minister as mentioned earlier. Perhaps this was why James was not mentioned in his father's will.

From Sketches of Virginia

Rev. William Foote described Robert "the Elder" Mitchell in Sketches of Virginia:

"...was born in the north of Ireland, but immigrated to America while yet a youth. He is reputed to have been a man of vigorous intellect and devoted piety, well instructed in religion, and a devoted and thorough Presbyterian. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Enos, was, it seems, of Welsh extraction. She, like her husband, was an eminently pious Presbyterian. This excellent pair resided in Bedford County, for many years and were members, the husband being a ruling elder, of the church, of which their son was pastor. They both lived to a good old age. He lived to be 85; of her age I am not informed. They had 13 children, of whom not one died less than 70 years old. The Mitchel family seems to have been remarkable in former times for piety and longevity. Robert Mitchel it seems was converted while yet a boy. The immediate means of his awakening was the fact of overhearing his great-grandmother, at her secret devotions, praying for him. She was then more than 100 years old; she lived to the age of 112. We may add -- that this Robert Mitchel, tradition says, was very fond of music, and did much to promote singing in the congregation. He talked of Derry and the affairs of that noted town, and the sufferings of the Mitchel family in that famous siege. The peculiar dialect of his countrymen was marked in his speech. He was an elder worthy of double honor."

This is my entry for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. The theme for this week was "Another Language," which I did not follow.

Using the Ancestral Reference Numbering System, Robert "the Elder" Mitchell is Ancestor numbers 146 and 152 on my family tree:

146 and 152 Robert "the Elder" Mitchell born about 1714 in Derry, Ireland, to Robert "the Immigrant" Mitchell and Mary Innes; died before 25 February 1799 in Bedford County, Virginia; married Mary Enos, daughter of Richard and Susannah Enos in 1736 likely in New Castle County, Delaware. Immigrated with his parents, perhaps as early as 1723, to Philadelphia. His parents settled in Pequea, Pennsylvania. By 1748 Robert "the Elder" Mitchell, along with his brothers, Daniel and James, had removed to Bedford County. Robert and Mary (Enos) Mitchell were thought to have had 13 children.

Proved Children

146.1 Frances Mitchell born about 1742 in Pequea; died after 1820; married Benjamin Hodges Jr. 24 Aug 1783 in Bedford County (not mentioned in her father's will, but marriage bond stated he was her father).

146.2 Susannah Mitchell born in 1744 in Pequea; died in 1813; married Josiah Bedford Campbell in 1762 in Virginia; removed to Fayette County, Kentucky, in 1789 and moved to Mercer County, Kentucky, by 1800. (mentioned in father's will)

146.3 Stephen Mitchell born 29 January 1749 in Pequea; died about 1806 in Carroll County, Virginia; married Keturah "Kitty" Wade, daughter of Jeremiah Wade and Charity Ballinger, on 8 March 1783 in Bedford County. (mentioned in father's will)

76 Daniel Mitchell born before 1765 (probably about 1750) in Lunenburg County, Virginia; died before 1831; married Margaret Bryan in 1772 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. (mentioned in father's will)

146.4 Robert Harvey Mitchell born 1752 in Virginia; died in 1818 in Mercer County, Kentucky; married Mary Witt on 18 April 1799 in Bedford County. (mentioned in father's will)

146.5 Samuel Mitchell born about 1758 in Virginia; died 15 March 1835 in Bedford County, Virginia; married 1) Siner Pullen on 20 Dec 1785 in Bedford County and 2) Margaret "Peggy" Claytor, daughter of Samuel Claytor and Ann Rogers, on 6 September 1791 in Bedford County. (mentioned in father's will)

Children Proved by DNA

I have 60 DNA matches to tests I manage who share Robert "the Elder" Mitchell as the common ancestor through nine of his children:

DNA matches with Robert "the Elder" Mitchell as the common ancestor
by his children; created using Microsoft Excel

146.6 Rev. James Mitchell born 29 January 1747 in Pequea; died on 27 February 1841 in Bedford County; married Frances Blair Rice, daughter of Rev. David Rice and Mary Blair, on 19 December 1782 in Bedford County.

73 Mary Mitchell born about 1755 in Bedford County; died 28 July 1843 in Bedford County; married Samuel Beard, son of Adam and Elizabeth Beard, 5 Aug 1778 in Bedford County. (Robert Mitchell and Samuel Beard signed a marriage bond.)

146.7 Margaret Mitchell born in 1762 in Bedford County; died on an unknown date; married Adam Beard, son of Adam and Elizabeth Beard, 29 July 1790 in Bedford County.

146.8 Martha Ann Mitchell born in 1767 in Bedford County; died after 1820; married widower Samuel Claytor, son of Alvin Claytor and Sarah Rust, 25 October 1788 in Bedford County.

Unproved Children

I suspect the following two people are also children of Robert "the Elder" Mitchell and Mary Enos, but have been unable to prove them to date. If anyone has more information, please contact me.

146.9 Enos Mitchell born about 1744 in Pequea; died on an unknown date; married an unknown woman had issue; served in the Revolutionary War (per DAR application)

146.10 John Mitchell born about 1759 in Bedford County; died after 1839; married Elizabeth Hardwick, daughter of Robert Hardwick on 2 January 1784 in Bedford County.

A Word about David Mitchell (1737-1817)

Many, many, many trees list this David Mitchell as the eldest child of Robert "the Elder" Mitchell and Mary Enos. I believe this to be in error for a couple of reasons:

1. He served in the Pennsylvania Militia nearly 30 years after his parents and siblings had removed to Virginia. He would have been the only child to have remained in Lancaster County, and he would have been left there by his parents when he was just 11 years old.
2. His military and burial records indicated he was born in Scotland. His parents were married in 1736 in America, likely Delaware. 

_______________
[1] Robert Mitchell first appeared in the deed books of Lunenburg County, part of which became Bedford County, in 1748.

Sources:
(I am not including source citations for DNA matches which prove I am descended from Robert "the Elder" Mitchell as the template provided by Evidence Explained on their blog post of 6/17/2012 requires listing the names of living people.)

Bedford County Order Book 1A, page 146.
Burr, Horace. Early Church Records of New Castle County, Vol. 2, Old Swedes Church, 1713-1799, (Berwyn Heights, MD: Heritage Books, 2007), page 18.
Dobson, David. Scots on the Chesapeake, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1992), page 112 (accessed on 24 Jul 2016)
Ewing, Presley Kittredge and Ewing, Mary Ellen (William). The Ewing Genealogy with Cognate Branches: A Survey of Ewings and Their Kin in America, (unknown location: Presley K. King, 1919), page 43.
Family Data Collection - Births, (database) Ancestry, Mary Enos, birth 17 August 1718, Wilmington, Newcastle, Delaware (accessed 23 May 2015)
Family Data Collection - Deaths, (database) Ancestry, Robert Mitchell, 25 February 1799, Bedford (accessed 23 May 2015).
Family Data Collection - Marriages, (database) Ancestry, Robert Mitchell and Mary Enos, 1736, probley DE (accessed 23 May 2015).
Foote, William Henry, Rev. Sketches of Virginia, (Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott & Co., 1856), pages 133-141.
Genealogical Research Service, (database) DAR.org, A201246, Robert Mitchell, Bedford County, Virginia (accessed 11 Oct 2016).
James Logan (Statesman), Wikipedia (accessed 3 May 2018).
Kaminkow, Jack and Kaminkow, Marion. A List of Emigrants from England to America, 1718-1759, (Genealogical Publishing Co., 1989), page 158 (accessed 24 Jul 2016).
Revolutionary Publick Service Claims, (database), Library of Virginia, Robert Mitchell, Bedford County (12 Oct 2016).
Robert Mitchell, the Elder, Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 1 May 2018).
Samuel Beard (1750-1814): Revolutionary War Veteran, Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 4 May 2018).
The Duffy Papers, RootsWeb (accessed 25 Oct 2016).
Thompson, Stith (Compiler). Shipley, Mitchell and Thompson Families, (Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, 1964), pages Mitchell i-ii, Mitchell 1-16.
Virginia Chancery Court Records, 1782-1969, (database and images) Library of Virginia, Bedford County 1769-003, John Erwine, Robert Mitchell v. John Hardiman and John Richards (accessed 24 Feb 2018).
Virginia Chancery Court Records, 1761-1969 (database and images), Library of Virginia, Daniel Mitchell, James Mitchell v. Jeremiah Hylton, 1809-012 (accessed 10 May 2018)
Virginia Chancery Court Records, 1761-1969 (database and images), Library of Virginia, Executors of Robert Mitchell v. Jeremiah W. Hylton Etc, 1808-011 (accessed 10 May 2018)
Virginia Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983 (database and images) Ancestry.com, Robert Mitchell, 1781 Will, Bedford County; citing Will Book Vol. 1, 1763-1787, page 239 (accessed 28 Nov 2017).
Virginia Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983 (database and images) Ancestry.com, Robert Mitchell, Estate Inventory, 1800; citing Will Book Vol. 2, 1788-1802, page 275 (accessed 28 Nov 2017).
Why John and Mary (Boyd) Mitchell Are Not the Parents of Robert Mitchell (c1714-1799), Tangled Roots and Trees (accessed 1 May 2018).

Robert Mitchell (bef 1689-?): The Immigrant 
Peaks of Otter Presbyterian Church Land

Peaks of Otter Presbyterian Church Petition

Why John and Mary (Boyd) Mitchell Are Not the Parents of Robert Mitchell (c1714-1799)

Memories of John Campbell Smith: Grandparents
Robert Mitchel, the Elder

Revisiting Daniel Mitchell, Patriot

Kidnapped by Indians

Daniel Mitchell, Patriot

52 Ancestors #18: Matthew McMullin (bef 1765-c1816): Court Cases Tell the Tale

Ancestor: Matthew McMullin/McMullen, four times great grandfather
Haplogroup: R-M269

My four times great grandfather Matthew McMullin (or McMullen) was a gift that DNA testing provided a year ago when a match contacted me, who was a long-time McMullin researcher. His tree provided the name of my "new" four times great grandfather. Previously, Matthew's daughter Mary "Molly" or "Polly" McMullin, first wife of James Harvey Beard, had been a brick wall.

Matthew's parents are said to be Robert McMullin (c1710-1789) and Susannah, maiden name unknown. I have not yet begun to research those parents. If Robert and Susannah were Matthew's parents, then it is likely he was born in York County, Pennsylvania, as his father lived there about the time of his birth. His parents or grandparents are believed to have emigrated from Ireland. I do not know when Matthew married, or the maiden name of his wife, whose given name is said to be Margaret. I do know, based on the 1810 census, he was born before 1765; and, based on probate records, died before 25 January 1816. His estate was probated in Bedford County, Virginia, and three ensuing Chancery Court cases in Bedford and Botetourt counties provided a wealth of information about his descendants.

Click image to enlarge.
Extended family of Matthew McMullin, Sr.; created using
Microsoft PowerPoint

In 1786, Matthew McMullin lived in York County, Pennsylvania, according to the state's Septennial census. He was also enumerated in the first federal census of 1790 in York County and was one of 21 men named McMullin heading up households in the county. There were seven people in Matthew's household and no slaves. Slavery had been abolished in the state in 1780, but through gradual emancipation:

"That all Persons, as well Negroes, and Mulattos, as others, who shall be born within this State, from and after the Passing of this Act, shall not be deemed and considered as Servants for Life or Slaves; and that all Servitude for Life or Slavery of Children in Consequence of the Slavery of their Mothers, in the Case of all Children born within this State from and after the passing of this Act as aforesaid, shall be, and hereby is, utterly taken away, extinguished and for ever abolished."[1]

According to the History of York, Pennsylvania, Scot-Irish settlers began arriving in the Pennsylvania about 1715:

"At the time of its settlement, the population of Pennsylvania by immigration, principally from Germany and the north of Ireland, was increasing at a rate of 5,000 to 6,000 a year. That of the Scotch-Irish began about 1715, and the number annually increased to such an extent that the Provincial Secretary in writing to the proprietaries, says 'It looks as if Ireland is to send all her inhabitants, for the last week not less than six ships arrived, and every day two or three ships arrive also. The common fear is they crowd where they are not wanted'."

Some time after 1790 but before 1793, Matthew moved his family to Virginia. He may have first lived in Botetourt County, likely having taken the Great Wagon Road. The road was the most important frontier road in the western Piedmont during the eighteenth century. It began in Philadelphia, crossed westward to Gettysburg, turned south to Hagerstown, Maryland, continued south to Winchester, Virginia, and through the Shenandoah Valley, continuing on through North Carolina into South Carolina and Georgia. It was originally a Native American hunting trail called the Warrior's Path. Colonists began using it in the mid 1700s. At first the path was so narrow only a horse-mounted rider could use it, becoming more impassable as travelers entered the wilderness of Virginia. But as the settlers made their way along the road, they cut trees, found suitable fords to cross rivers, and worked around obstacles until wagons could use the route.

After the move to Virginia, Matthew, Sr.'s children began to marry:

• Jane to Joseph Withrow between 1790 and 1793 in Botetourt County
• Elizabeth to William Gilkerson on 23 December 1794 in Botetourt County
• Matthew, Jr. to Mary "Polly" Wysong on 18 August 1801 in Botetourt County
• Samuel to Elizabeth Weaver on 27 January 1803 in Franklin County
• Mary "Molly" or "Polly" to James Harvey Beard on 21 June 1811 in Bedford County
• Robert married Hester "Hetty" Beales on 12 October 1813 in Botetourt County

In 1810 Matthew's household was enumerated in Bedford County, Virginia. There were five people in the household and two "other free persons." He and his wife, Margaret, were over 45 years of age. My assumption is the 16- to 25-year-old female was daughter Mary, who would marry the next year and the two 26- to 44-year-old males were their sons, Daniel, Robert or William. Robert did not marry until after the 1810 census was taken and Daniel died unmarried so they are good possibilities. I have not been able to find a trace of son, William, except in the Chancery court cases; one of which stated he died unmarried and without issue before his brother, Matthew, Jr.

His daughter, Jane (McMullin) Gilkerson, had moved with her husband and children to Mercer County, Kentucky, where they were enumerated in the 1810 census.  Jane likely died some time before 1820 as she was not enumerated in that census. Her widower and several children eventually removed to Parke County, Indiana.

Daughter, Elizabeth (McMullin) Withrow had eight children in Virginia before moving with her family to Washington County, Kentucky, in 1811. She had two more children there before she died some time before 1822. Her widower and several children removed to Sangamon County, Illinois.

Son, Samuel, may have moved first to Kentucky, but married again in 1824 in Wayne County, Indiana. According to his headstone, he died in 1838 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

Click image to enlarge.
Analysis of the 1810 census for the Matthew McMullin, Sr. family group;
created using Microsoft Excel

Based on the Chancery cases, I believe the McMullin, Sr.'s children lost touch with their siblings who moved away from Bedford County.

Probate

Matthew McMullin, Sr. died some time before 27 January 1816 when an inventory and appraisement of his estate was recorded at the Bedford County court house. He died intestate and the court appointed his son Matthew, Jr. administrator of the estate, which was not completely settled until after the death of Matthew McMullin, Jr. in 1828. The final account was submitted to the court on 28 January 1828 by the administrator of Matthew Jr.'s estate.

Bedford County, Virginia, Will Books 4-6, 1811-1828; courtesy of Ancestry.com

In the final account of Matthew, Sr.'s estate is this item:

"1 February 1816: To cash paid to John Deardoff and others for furnishing two coffins one for M. McMullin, Sr. and the other for his wife @ $5.00 each."

This leads me to believe Margaret McMullin died around the same time as her husband. The couple may have died of a disease which required they be cared for before their death. Again, from the final estate account:

"20 January 1816:  To cash paid 3 gallons whiskey when several people was waiting on the sick and digging graves."

Chancery Court Cases

After Matthew McMullin Sr.'s death, each of his children inherited a share of his land. His son, Matthew, Jr., bought his siblings' shares (though this was contended by the heirs of his brother, Robert) and then sold the tract to William R. Jones in two separate transactions. Jones paid some money down and was to pay off the rest of the land in a series of annual payments. Matthew, Jr. was to provide Jones clear title to the land before then. However, before Jones made the first annual payment, Matthew, Jr. died.[3] William R. Jones was appointed administrator of Matthew Jr.'s estate.

Jones filed a bill of complaint in the Bedford County Chancery Court in 1832. He sued Matthew, Sr. and Matthew Jr.'s heirs for clear title to the land he had agreed to purchase from Matthew, Jr. On 29 May 1834, Daniel McMullin, filed suit in Botetourt County against William R. Jones, administrator of his brother's estate, for payment of the land Matthew, Jr. had purchased from him after their father's death. He received a judgment against Jones in October 1835. However before Jones paid him as directed by the court, Daniel McMullin died. His administrator and brother-in-law, James Harvey Beard, filed a bill of complaint in Bedford County against William R. Jones and all the heirs of Matthew, Sr. and Matthew, Jr. to collect on the payment Jones was directed to make to Daniel McMullin by the Botetourt County courts.

The three cases took until 1845 to resolve. And after reading 121 pages of court files, I have no idea what the final decree ordered. The case in Botetourt County has not yet been digitized but the two cases heard in Bedford County were pure gold for a genealogist as they laid out three generations of Matthew McMullin, Sr.'s family.

A Word about Mary "Molly or Polly" McMullin

Mary McMullin was a daughter of Matthew McMullin, Sr. and his wife, Margaret, and my three times great grandmother. She was born between 1781 and 1790 likely in York County, Pennsylvania. She married James Harvey Beard on 21 June 1811 in Bedford County, Virginia. Harvey and Mary had four known sons before she died, which was sometime before 1850, when Harvey married for the second time. I know as little about her as I did when I took over our family genealogy research from my father. However, I have learned a great deal about her family and I am sure there is more to learn as I continue my research.

This is my entry for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. The theme for this week was "Close-up," which I did not follow.

Using the Ancestral Reference Numbering System, Matthew McMullin is Ancestor number 74 on my family tree:

74 Matthew McMullin, Sr., born before 1765 likely in York County, Pennsylvania ; died before 27 January 1816; married Margaret, maiden name unknown.

74.1 Elizabeth McMullin likely born in Pennsylvania on an unknown date; died before 1822 in Washington County, Kentucky; married Joseph Withrow in between 1790 and 1793 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Removed to Washington County, Kentucky, where her husband remarried after her death.

74.2 Daniel McMullin born between 1784 and 1794 likely in Pennsylvania; died between October, 1835 and 25 December 1836 likely in Virginia; unmarried and without issue.

74.3 Jane McMullin born before 1784 likely in Pennsylvania; died before 1820 likely in Mercer County, Kentucky; married William Gilkerson on 23 December 1794 in Botetourt County, Virginia. They later removed to Mercer County, Kentucky

37 Mary "Molly or Polly" McMullin born between 1790 and 1794 likely in Pennsylvania; died before 1850 likely in Bedford County, Virginia; married James Harvey Beard, son of Samuel Beard and Mary Mitchell, on 21 June 1811 in Bedford County.

74.4 Matthew McMullin, Jr.,  born after 1776 likely in Pennsylvania; died before 22 September 1828 likely in Bedford County, Virginia, perhaps on 4 July 1828; married Mary "Polly" Wysong, daughter of Feidt "Fayette" Wysong and Elizabeth Phemach, on18 August 1801 in Botetourt County.

74.5 Robert McMullin perhaps born after 1784 likely in Pennsylvania; died before 1 February 1816 when his estate was appraised in Botetourt County; married Hester "Hetty" Beales, daughter of Jonathan Beales, on 12 October 1813 in Botetourt County.

74.6 Samuel McMullin born 31 August 1782 likely in Pennsylvania; died on 8 September 1838 in St. Joseph County, Indiana; married 1) Elizabeth Weaver, daughter of Jacob Weaver, on 27 January 1803 in Franklin County, Virginia, and 2) Susannah Walters on 9 March 1824 in Wayne County, Indiana.

74.7 William McMullin likely born in Pennsylvania; died before his brother Matthew McMullin, Jr., unmarried and without issue.

_______________
[1] 1780: An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania (accessed 27 April 2018)
[2] This date is from a biographical sketch of Joseph Withrow in History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois, and is likely not correct as Matthew McMullin's family was enumerated in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1790.
[3] Bedford County Chancery case 1845-017, page 9, stated Matthew McMullin, Jr.'s death date was 4 July 1829, but this cannot be correct as an inventory and appraisement was filed with the Bedford County court on 22 September 1828.

Sources:

1780: An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania (accessed 27 April 2018)
1790 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Matthew Mcmullan, Mixed Township, York, Pennsylvania, United States; citing p. 407 NARA microfilm publication M637, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, roll 9, FHL microfilm 568149 (accessed 11 Mar 2017).
1810 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Joseph Withrow, Washington, Kentucky, United States, citing p. 338, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 8, FHL microfilm 181353 (accessed 27 Apr 2018).
1810 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Matthew Mc Mullen, Bedford, Virginia, United States; citing p. 14, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 67, FHL microfilm 181427 (accessed 11 Mar 2017).
1810 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Matthew Mcmullen, Bedford, Virginia, United States; citing p. 15, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 67, FHL microfilm 181427 (accessed 11 Mar 2017).
1810 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Samuel M Mullin, Franklin, Virginia, United States; citing p. 302, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration) roll 68, FHL microfilm 181,428 (accessed 12 Feb 2018).
1810 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, William Gilkison, Mercer, Kentucky, United States; citing p. 314, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 7, FHL microfilm 181352 (accessed 18 Feb 2017).
1820 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Daniel Mcmullen, Northern District, Bedford, Virginia, United States; citing p. 44, NARA microfilm publication M33 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 133, FHL microfilm 193692 (accessed 15 Feb 2018).
1820 US Census (database and images), FamilySearch, Harvey Beard, Northern District, Bedford, Virginia; citing p. 34, NARA microfilm publication M33, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 133; FHL microfilm 193692 (accessed 16 Jun 2014).
1820 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Matthew Mcmullen, Northern District, Bedford, Virginia, United States; citing p. , NARA microfilm publication M33 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 133, FHL microfilm 193692 (accessed 11 Mar 2017).
1820 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, William Gilkerson, Mercer, Kentucky, United States; citing p. 97, NARA microfilm publication M33, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 26, FHL microfilm 186186 (accessed 11 Mar 2017).
1830 US Census (database and images), FamilySearch, Harvey Beard, Bedford, Virginia; citing 124, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 194, FHL microfilm 29673 (accessed 16 Jun 2014).
1830 US Census (database and images), FamilySearch, Joseph Withrow, Sangamon, Illinois, United States, citing 148, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 24, FHL microfilm 7649 (accessed 30 Apr 2017).
1840 US Census (database and images), FamilySearch, Harvey Beard, Southern District, Bedford, Virginia; citing p. 271, NARA microfilm publication M704, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 550, FHL microfilm 29683 (accessed 16 June 2014).
1840 US Census (database and images), FamilySearch, Jos Withrow, Sangamon, Illinois, United States, citing p 41, NARA microfilm publication M704, (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 69, FHL microfilm 7644 (accessed 30 Apr 2017).
1850 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Mary Dickinson in household of Daniel Dickinson, Lee county, Lee, Virginia, United States; citing family 1469, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration) (accessed 23 Nov 2017).
1850 US Census, (database and images) FamilySearch, Hetta Mc Mullen in household of Eads Eads, Lee county, Lee, Virginia, United States, citing family 1191, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration) (accessed 23 Feb 2018).
1860 US Census, (database and images) Ancestry, Mary Dickinson in household of Daniel S Dickinson, Lee County, Virginia, United States; citing p. 823, NARA microfilm publication M653 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration), roll 1357, FHL microfilm 805357 (accessed  7 Apr 2017).
Franklin County, Virginia Marriage Bond Index, 1786-1858, (database) Ancestry, Samuel Mcmullen and Elizabeth Weaver 27 Jan 1803, Franklin, Virginia; citing page 156 (accessed 12 Feb 2018).
Gibson, John (editor). History of York County, (Chicago, IL: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886), pages 15-20, 35-161 (accessed 27 Apr 2018).
Great Wagon Road, NCpedia (accessed 27 Apr 2018).
Great Wagon Road, Wikipedia (accessed 27 Apr 2018).
History of Slavery in Pennsylvania, Wikipedia (accessed 27 Apr 2018).
Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007, (database and images) FamilySearch, Samuel Mcmullen and Susannah Watters, 9 Mar 1824; citing Wayne, Indiana, United States, various county clerk offices, Indiana, FHL microfilm 1838642 (accessed 10 Dec 2017).
Kentucky County Marriages, 1797-1854, (database and images) FamilySearch, Joseph Withrow and Susan Landers, 11 Jun 1822; citing Washington, Kentucky, United States, Madison County Courthouse, Richmond, FHL microfilm 241382 (27 Apr 2018).
Kentucky County Marriages, 1797-1954, (database and images) FamilySearch, Joseph Withrow and Susan Sandres, 05 Jun 1822; citing Washington, Kentucky, United States, Madison County Courthouse, Richmond, FHL microfilm 241382 (accessed 27 Apr 2018).
Massie, Evelyn Booth. Gilkerson (Gilkison/Gilkeson) Genealogical History & Archives, (Chelsea, MI: BookCrafters, 1996), pages 634-635.
Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863 (database and images) Ancestry, Matthew McMullen, Warrington, York, Pennsylvania, 1786 (11 Mar 2017).
Power, John Carroll. History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois: Centennial Record, (Springfield, IL: Edwin A. Wilson & Company, 1876), pages 781-782.
US, Find A Grave, 1600s-Current, (database and images), FindAGrave, Hettie Easter McMullin, (1785-1857), Jonathan Bales Cemetery; citing Memorial No. 41309049 (accessed 11 Apr 2018).
US, Find A Grave, 1600s-Current, (database and images),  FindAGrave, Samuel McMullen (1782-1838), Mount Pleasant Cemetery; citing Memorial No. 15938376 (accessed 11 Feb 2018).
US, General Land Office, 1776-2015, (database) Ancestry, Joseph Withrow, 1 May 1826, Springfield, Illinois, citing Document 762 (accessed 30 Apr 2018).
US, General Land Office, 1776-2015, (database) Ancestry, Samuel McMullen, 15 Mar 1837, La Porte, Indiana, citing Document 83 (accessed 12 Feb 2018).
Virginia Chancery Court Records, 1786-1961 (database and Images), Library of Virginia, Bedford County, 1832-067, Jones v. McMullin, Admrs (accessed 3 Jan 2018).
Virginia Chancery Court Records, 1786-1961 (database and images), Library of Virginia, Bedford County, 1845-017, Admr of James McMullen v. Admr of Matthew McMullen etc. (accessed 3 Jan 2018).
Virginia Deaths and Burials, 1853-1917, (database) FamilySearch, Hettie Easter Bales McMullin, burial Edds Mill, Lee, Virginia, United States of America, Jonathan Bales Cemetery; citing record ID 41309049, FindAGrave (accessed 11 Apr 2018).
Virginia Deaths and Burials, 1853-1917, (database) Ancestry, Mary Dickinson, 1861, Lee Co., father Fayette Wys...lg; citing FHL microfilm 32441 (accessed 3 Apr 2017).
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) Ancestry, Mary Mcmullin and Henry Beard, 21 Jun 1811, Bedford, Virginia (accessed 16 Jun 2014).
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) FamilySearch, Matthew Mcmullin and Polly Wysong, 18 Aug 1801; citing Botetourt, Virginia, reference p. 122; FHL microfilm 30734 (accessed 3 Apr 2017).
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) FamilySearch, Robert McMullin and Easter Beals, 11 Oct 1813, citing Botetourt Co., Virginia, reference p. 215, FHL microfilm 30734 (accessed 3 May 2017).
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) FamilySearch, Samuel Mcmullen and Elizabeth Weaver, 27 Jan 1803; citing Franklin County, Virginia, reference p. 65; FHL microfilm 31523 (accessed 11 Feb 2018).
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) FamilySearch, William Gilkinson and Jane Mcmullin, 23 Dec 1794; citing Botetourt, Virginia, reference b1 p8 n224; FHL microfilm 30731 (accessed 13 Feb 2018).
Virginia, Select Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) Ancestry, M. Mcmullin father of Minerva Dickinson married Frederick S Miles, 3 Jul 1854, Lee Co, Virginia; citing FHL microfilm 32441, line 37 (accessed 3 Apr 2017).
Virginia, Select Marriages, 1785-1940, (database) Ancestry, Matthew Mcmullon father of Minerva Miles married D Jno W Carmack, 9 Sep 1866, Lee Co, Virginia; citing FHL microfilm 32441, page 16 (acccessed 3 Apr 2017).
Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1938, (database and images) Ancestry, Matthew McMullin, Sr. Estate Inventory and Appraisement; citing Bedford County Will Book 4, page 239 (accessed 23 Jan 2018).
Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1938, (database and images) Ancestry, Matthew McMullin, Sr. Estate Account; citing Bedford County Will Book 7, page 24 (accessed 23 Jan 2018).
Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1938, (database and images) Ancestry, Matthew McMullin, Jr. Estate Inventory and Appraisement; citing Bedford County Will Book 7, page 75 (accessed 23 Jan 2018).
York County Pennsylvania Militia 1777, Journal of the American Revolution (accessed 27 Apr 2018).