Branson/Cook Genealogy
Research Notes about Jarred Branson Senior and Branson allied Families
The Branson DNA Project
UPDATED DECEMBER 28, 2007
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TREES OF BRANSTON & CARDINALL FAMILIES - SUFFOLK, ENGLAND AND BRANSTON RECORDS IN AMERICA
SOME NEIGHBORS OFJARED BRANSON SR. AND HIS CHILDREN
SOME BRANSON DEED RECORDS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
A Project by Sandra Branson Young (oregongal9@aol.com)
And Other Researchers
| CAUTION ! |
| Any information, conclusions or theories presented in this narrative are not entirely verified and should not be assumed to be totally accurate. |
INTRODUCTION
The parentage of Jarred Branson Sr. who went to Gasconade Co., Missouri between 1824 and 1830, has not been proven. (I have formulated several theories). There is evidence linking him to several Branson families who lived near him in Virginia and Tennessee. These Branson families include:
1. Bransons who lived in St. Mary's and Charles Counties, Maryland, later Stokes, NC
2. Bransons who descended from Absalom Branson
3. Thomas L. Branson who married Jane/Jeane Painter
4. Lionel Branson
5. Joseph Branson, brother of Lionel Branson Sr.
6. There is also some evidence linking him to the Branscom/Branscomb family.Â
The information presented in this narrative is an attempt to reveal clues and patterns that might help researchers determine his heritage.  It also contains extensive documentation about other Branson individuals and others with similar last names, including the Branston family of Suffolk, England (and others allied with them).Â
It has been learned that the Hedge family of Burlington, NJ came from Suffolk, England and was in the ironworks business there. William Branson, descendant of Nathaniel Branson, was also in the ironworks business in Chester, PA. In Suffolk, England Edward Hedge (ancestor of the Burlington, NJ Hedges) married Judith Branston, daughter of John Branston. A Richard Hedge is mentioned along with John Branston in the 1600 will of John Goodwin of Suffolk, England. A John Bransdon is also mentioned with Richard Hege in 1681 Quaker records of Berkshire, England. The Burlington, NJ Hedge family was allied with Quakers who attended the same meetings that the Bransons attended in New Jersey. The Hedge family was allied with the Stockton, Shinn, Penn, Crispin, Birdsall, Stacey, Stokes and Branston families in or near Suffolk, England. The Branson family of Burlington, NJ was allied with many of these same families in America. Because of the similarity of the names BRANSTON and BRANSON, and because of their connections to the same families, their Quaker roots, and their involvement in the ironworks business, it makes sense to pursue the possibility that the Branstons were related to the Bransons. Thomas Branson was in St. Mary's, MD as early as 1650 and a Thomas Branston was mentioned in Maryland court documents with the father-in-law of Richard Shockley in 1666-1668. Thomas Branson married Amy and he was probably the ancestor of John Branson, Jr. whose descendants lived near allied families in Stokes, NC. John Branson, Jr. married Elinor Williamson Briscoe who may have been related to John Briscoe mentioned in land transactions with Thomas L. Branson in Frederick, VA. The Maryland Bransons may have been connected to the Suffolk, England Branstons and also to the Chester, PA and Burlington, NJ Bransons. A Gerrard Branson is found in early Maryland records and a Jarrett Branson was a descendant of the Maryland Branson family who died in the Civil War and lived in Illinois. The narrative about the Branston family begins on Page Two.
The following families were allied with Jarred and/or his children in Virginia, Tennessee and/or Missouri:Â Shockley, Pointer, McMillion/McMillan, Barbarick, Blanchet/Blansett, Haynes/Haines, Goad, David, Dillard, McGowan/McGown, Phelps, Jett, Carroll, Cock/Cocke/Cox, East, Stovall, Surrat/Surratt, Burgess, Bumpass, Massie/Massey, Sherrill, Crismon/Chrisman, Ousley/Owsley, Dodson, Margrave, White, Mayfield, Smith, Ward, and others.Â
In addition to the above families, Jarred and/or his sons and allied families were found in records with (or near) Doak, Beals/Bails, Carr, Dalton, Yeatts, Abshier/Abshire/Absher, Hammons, Whitlock, Penn, Lackey, Shelton, Keaton, Epperson, Adams, Allen, Sharp, Reynolds, Finney, Hawks, Ayres, Chapman, Mankin, Harris, Hall, Hughes, Kilgore, Coffee/Coffey, Taylor, May, Guynn/Gwynne, Baker, Kelley, Sizemore, West, Armstrong, Woods, Walton, Fry, Puckett, Moore, Sumner, McGivens, Newman, Witt, Boling, Botts/Bolt, Daniel, and others.Â
Other names of interest: Witcher, Borden, Lorton, Briscoe, Barber, Bird, Claypool, Hanson, Crispin, Thurston, Sevier, Clemons, Gatton, Scroggin, Clarke, Morris, Norton, Luckett, Hammocks, Acuff, Acord, Bolton, Dyer, Watson, Vadery, Pruitt/Prewitt, Lyon, Williamson, Gatton, Graves, Gardiner, Green, Rogers, McKee, Waggoner, Rust, Painter, Hite, Pready, Harrold, Noble, Lee, Jefferson, Crockett, Hutchins, Shinn, Birdsall, Hedge, Hawkins, Copeland, Loving, Beason, Stovall, Acuff, Cochran, Eddens/Eddings, and others.
Jarred and/or his sons were found in records in (or linked to) the following locations:Â Montgomery Co. VA, Patrick Co. VA, Carroll Co. VA, Wythe Co. VA, Washington Co. VA, Grayson Co. VA (?), Bledsoe Co. TN, Greene Co. TN (?), White Co. TN, Marion Co. TN, Hawkins Co. TN (?), Gasconade Co. MO, Maries Co. MO, Gentry Co. MO, Osage Co. MO, Buchanan Co. MO, and others.
Jarred has not been found in Revolutionary War, pension, passenger, immigration or Quaker records
Virginia City and County Formation Dates on Rootsweb
Botetourt County Division Formation Chart
(Please read the disclaimer).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lunenburg County, Virginia - later divided to form Pittsylvania County
The Lehew Family in Southwest Virginia
John and James Branson and their neighbors
Jarred Branson was a neighbor of Williams Penn's relatives in Patrick Co., VA
Some Information about the McMillan/McMillion Family of Southwest VA
Some Notes about Thomas Branson, Jost Hite, John & Gerard Briscoe and Lord Fairfax
Time Lines for Thomas Branson and Jarred Branson Sr.
John and Valentine Sevier and other Familiar Individuals
Two Branson Cousins on Opposing Sides in The Revolution?
John Branson of Lovels (Lovings) Creek, Carroll Co, Virginia
Jacob Lorton Connection to Levi Branson and Benjamin Borden
Jemima Lorton who married Absalom Branson
Timeline for Jarred Branson
Some Familar Names on the 1810 Grainger, Tennessee Tax List
Evidence of connection to Absalom Branson of Pittsylvania, VA
Some Branson Families of Early Virginia and Tennessee
Thomas L. Branson and Rev. Thomas Beals
EVIDENCE OF QUAKER CONNECTION TO JARRED BRANSON?
Unexplained Information
Claypool in Maries Co., Missouri
HENDRICKS COUNTY, INDIANA
JARRED AND THOMAS BRANSON SURETIES ON MARRIAGE BONDS
A THOMAS BRANSON TOOK OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
ANOTHER SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FAMILY WHO WENT TO MISSOURI - CHRISMAN
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Part of Lunenburg Co., Virginia Became Pittsylvania County in 1767 |
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| The 1749, 1750 and 1764 Lists of Tithables of Lunenburg Co., VA reveals many familiar names who were allied with Jarred Branson in later years in Montgomery, Patrick and Carroll counties and elsewhere. However, there are no Bransons on these lists, implying that Jarred and/or his parents did not go to that part of southwest Virginia. The Shockleys, Easts, Goodes (Goads?), Cocks, and other families allied with him were in Lunenburg during these years. Montgomery County was formed from Fincastle which was abolished and these records have been lost. Jarred's family may have been included in these lost records.
In documents Jarred stated that he arrived in Burks Fork (then in Fincastle/Montgomery Co.) in 1776, but where was he prior to that? This is the big mystery. We don't know if he went to Burks Fork from the north or from the south (North Carolina perhaps). The first documentation we have found for a Branson in Montgomery Co. was in 1777 when a Thomas Branson took the Oath of Allegiance there.
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| The Lehew family is connected to Lionel Branson. His daughter, Hannah, married Moses Lehew on April 15, 1800 in Frederick Co., Virginia. Moses was the son of Spencer Lehew and grandson of Peter Lehew of Frederick Co., Virginia. Some of Peter Lehew's descendants were living in Wythe Co., Virginia at about the same time as Jarred Branson was there (or near there). Jerard Branson (spelled Branston) was on the 1793 Wythe Co., VA Tax List along with James Branston, listed in the section that became Grayson County in that year. William Lehew (uncle of Moses Lehew) was on the 1800 Wythe Co., Virginia Tax List on the same list with John Dillard and Reuben Cox. William Lehew died 1811-1812 in Wythe Co., VA. His son Isaac was married in that county in 1823. Isaac's brother John died after 1830 and resided in Grayson Co., Virgina. This is another possible loose connection between Jarred Branson and Lionel Branson. Many Lehew families lived in Royal Front, Frederick (later Warren) Co., Virginia.
1800 TAX LIST - WYTHE CO., VA (PARTIAL LIST)
John and James Branson and their neighbors Note the name James Branston on the 1793 Wythe, VA tax list with Jerard Branston.  There is also reference to a James Branson in 1783 Pittsylvania, VA and a Jan A. Branson in 1794 Grayson, VA. Also taxed in 1783 Pittsylvania, VA was George Yates and a George Yates was living on Big Reed Island near the close of the Revolution - this is also where a Jarret Branson owned land. George Yates later bought land at Johnson's Creek, Patrick, VA, as did Jared Branson. In the same year (1783) in Pittsylvania, VA, Thomas Shockley was listed on a tax change report. His family was allied with the family of Jared Branson. Joshua Cantrell was also listed and his granddaughter, Ann, married John Branson, grandson of Eli Branson Sr. The 1782 Land Tax List of Pittsylvania, VA contains many people whose families were linked to Jared Branson.  Note: in 1782 Absolom Branson was taxed in Pittsylvania, VA (per genealogy.com). We don't know if Absolom was related to Jared, but it is possible. A John Branson was on the Tithables Tax List of Loudoun Co., VA from the years 1768 to 1774. In 1769 James Branson was taxed there also. John Painter was also taxed there from 1769-1772 and his daughter Jane married Thomas L. Branson, son of John Day Branson. (Note: This may have been Jane's brother, John Painter Jr.) Therefore, the John Branson who was taxed was probably also a descendant of John Day Branson, namely the grandson John mentioned in his will in 1769. James is unknown and a possible missing link to the heritage of Jared. He could be a son of John who was taxed. Since he was taxed in 1769, he was probably born before 1749, and the same applies to John. John Day Branson was born in 1704 and reportedly his eldest son John was born 1724-1728. Since John Day Branson left half his plantation to his grandson John, and did not mention a son John, his son John may have died before 1769, or perhaps was not mentioned for other reasons.  Grandson John was probably born sometime between 1744 and 1748. James was probably born in the same date range, so James was possibly a brother of grandson John (but James was not mentioned in the will). A James Branson was found in Quaker records of Loudoun, VA. His eldest child was born in 1757, so James was probably born before 1738. He was likely the same James taxed in Loudoun in 1769 with John. James would be too old to be the son of "son" or "grandson" John, and John Day Branson did not have a known son named James. I suspect this James was perhaps a son of Joseph Branson who also had a son named John. 1793 Wythe Co, VA Personal Property Tax List - Index to the Tithables of Loudoun County, Virginia, and to Slaveholders and Slaves, 1758-1786 PITTSYLVANIA, VA MAILING LIST ARCHIVES Pittsylvania, VA Changes to Land Tax - 1783 1782 Tax List, Pittsylvania, VA
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Jarred Branson was a neighbor of Col. Abraham Penn's sons in Patrick Co., VA |
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| Col. Abraham Penn was the second cousin, 2 generations removed, of William Penn, famous Quaker founder of Pennsylvania (see below for more information about him and William Branson).  Phillip Stovall Penn (son of Col. Abraham Penn) married Louise Briscoe (daughter of John Briscoe and Charity Warren of Charles, MD and Pittsylvania, VA). (See below for more information about him). Another son of Col. Abraham Penn, Horatio Gates Penn, moved to Ralls Co., Missouri. Other Penn descendants moved to other counties in Missouri.
Col. Abraham Penn was found in records in Southwest Virginia as early as 1779. He was born Sept. 27, 1743 in Caroline Co., Virginia, son of Moses Penn and Katherine Taylor. He married Ruth Stovall March 3, 1767 in Amherst Co., Virginia. In 1787 Henry Co., Virginia James East and John Dillard signed a petition for Abraham Penn.  John Dillard was born c1751 in Amherst Co., Virginia. He was the uncle of Susan or Sarah Dillard who married Jarred's son, John Jefferson Branson Dec. 15, 1803 in Patrick Co., Virginia. John Dillard married Sarah Stovall, sister of Abraham Penn's wife Ruth. So John Jefferson Branson was indirectly connected to Abraham Penn by marriage only. Several members of the Dillard family also married into the Penn family. (see the section on the Dillard Family). No direct connections have been found between Jarred Branson and Abraham Penn. However, Mary Branson (daughter of Jarred Branson Jr.) married John Stovall on July 16, 1840 in Gasconade Co., Missouri. I have not yet found his ancestry, but he may have been related to Ruth and Sarah Stovall. Information on the LDS web site shows that he could have been born c1822 in Surry Co., North Carolina.  If you have information about John Stovall, please contact Sandra by email. Valentine Branson, son of Jarred Branson Sr., served as an ensign in Capt. Abraham Penn's (Junior) company in 1811, presumably in the War of 1812. Britt Stovall, brother of Ruth and Sarah, is also mentioned in court on the same day in a different matter. He was Sheriff of Patrick County at that time. Thomas Branson, Valentine's brother, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in May, 1810 in Patrick Co., VA along with Britt Stovall who was commissioned as a Major. PATRICK CO VA COURT RECORD PATRICK CO VA COURT RECORDS ComWealth vs. Margaret Overstouff, a Jury Swn. to wit, Major Hancock, Thomas Joseph Smith is recommended to the Executive as a proper & fit Person to serve /va/patrick/courts/cob11805.txt [0.852925] va/patrick/courts/cob21811.txt [0.875127] Index of the 1810 Patrick County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List 09 Apr 1787 (Henry Co VA DB1:530) [inserted between pp. 530-31] "A poll taken of a section of Delegates at Henry County Courthouse this 9th
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Some Information about the McMillan/McMillion Family of Southwest VA |
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| There were several McMillion/McMillan families who lived near Jarred Branson in Patrick, VA. Some of them also migrated to Gasconade, MO along with the Bransons (or at about the same time). The McMillans married into the Dillard, Daniel, Guynn, Branson and other families. There were apparently nine brothers in the same family who lived near the Bransons and some were mentioned in land transactions with the Bransons. Abram or Abraham McMillan was their father. I've attempted to find information about Abraham, but very little is available.  (SEE NEW INFORMATION BELOW) He was in Surry Co., NC in 1784-1787. His son Theophilus was married in Surry Co. Oct. 12, 1796 to Franky Bybee (research by others conflicts with the date and location of their marriage, but I located this information on Genealogy.com in Surry, NC Marriage Records.)
NEW INFORMATION POSTED 11/25/2007: Abraham McMillan was found on the 1784-1787 tax list of Surry, NC just across the border from Patrick, VA where Jared Branson lived. He was listed on the same page with Bowater Beals who married Lois Branson, daughter of Thomas L. Branson and Jane Painter. State Census of Surry, North Carolina, 1784-1787 Other research indicates that Abraham was born 1740/1750 in Halifax, VA. His wife was Elizabeth. His eldest son William was born c1770 in Pittsylvania, VA. He was listed as a taxpayer in Montgomery Co., VA in 1782 along with Jarred and Thomas Branson. In 1777 a Stephen McMillan was listed as a taxpayer in Pittsylvania, VA along with a John McMillon, Thomas, John and James Dillard, David and Thomas Shockley, Absolem Bransom, Abraham, Robert and William Goad, John, Joseph and Thomas East, and other familiar names. Abraham had a son Stephen, but he was not born until c1785, so the Stephen McMillon on the 1777 tax list in Pittsylvania could not be him. He was most likely a brother or father to Abraham. Pittsylvania, VA was formed 1767 from Halifax. The first year of Pittsylvania's existence a list of tithables was prepared. John McMillion was on that list along with Levy, Richard and James Shockley, John East, Charles Goad, Thomas Dillard Sr. and Thomas Dillard Jr., John McGown, and others. It is probable that these people were living in Halifax Co. before Pittsylvania was formed. Any information about these families prior to 1767 in Halifax, VA would be important to locate. I found a Stephen McMillan on the 1755 Orange Co., NC Tax List along with Thomas Branson. Levi and Eli Branson were on the 1772 Orange Co., NC Tax List. The Thomas Branson who was on the 1755 Orange Co., NC tax list was probably the father of Eli and Levi, and the one who married Rebecca Borden. They were also on records in early Augusta Co., VA along with Benjamin Borden and Jacob Lorton. I am currently trying to locate information about any of them, especially McMillans or Bransons who were in Halifax, VA or Orange Co., NC. If you have information about them, please contact Sandra by email. Spelling variations: McMillan, McMillon, McMillion, McMillian, McMilan, McMilon, McMilion, McMillen, McMullen, McMullion
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Some Notes about Thomas Branson, Jost Hite, John & Gerard Briscoe and Lord Fairfax |
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| From the records below it appears that Dr. John Briscoe owned land in Frederick Co, VA in 1736 that was part of Jost Hite's land. One year earlier, in 1735, Thomas Branson Junior (married Rebecca Borden) was granted land next to Jost Hite's land in the same county. In 1782 Gerard Briscoe was taxed on land once owned by Thomas Branson in Frederick Co., VA. Benjamin Borden, John Vanmeter, William Vestall, John Branson, Abraham Pennington and Robert Worthington were a few others who were granted land patents in the same year by Jost Hite.
Descendants of Jost Hite were linked to descendants of Jarred Branson Sr. and the Briscoes were linked to descendants of Jost Hite and John Branson of St. Mary's, MD. Frederick Co, VA borders with Maryland, and is very near Frederick Co., MD. Charles and St. Mary's, MD are close to Stafford and Westmoreland, VA. John Briscoe, Thomas Branson Jr., Richard Fawcett and Jacob Hite also did business with James Woods in Frederick Co., VA....as outlined below, Jacob Hite was also associated with the Claypool family and some members of that family were associated with William Branson in Philadelphia, PA. (see below). Thomas Branson Jr., John Branson, Benjamin Borden, Jost Hite and others are mentioned on October 3, 1734 in a Fairfax land suit in Frederick Co., VA as assignees of Isaac and John Vanmeter. Click the images below to read about Thomas Branson's meeting with Lord Fairfax about the land dispute.......
More information about some of Jost Hite's land transactions....click the image.
Isaac and John Vanmetre Land Grant assignees, 1730/1734 Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society - James Wood Family Papers Form your own opinions of this....it could be just another coincidence. Or - it could be that the Bransons of Burlington, NJ & Frederick, VA were related to the Bransons of St. Mary's and Charles, MD. The Claypools mentioned elsewhere also lived in early St. Mary's, MD.
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| "Burlington, a provincial capital : historical sketches of Burlington, New Jersey, and neighborhood " United States: published c1945, 261 pgs. Author: De Cou, George."Thomas Branson, the progenitor of the family in Burlington County, settled in Springfield Township in early 1703. It is probable (possible) that he came from Virginia, as in his will, dated October 11, 1744, he bequeathed to his grandson Thomas a tract of land lying on Shenendoah River in Virginia "which I laid out to Thomas Alexander". The Alexanders were Scots-Irish and it may be that the Bransons came over with them late in the seventeenth century. However, tradition says that the Bransons originated in Wales, but I have not found any evidence to support this tradition. On March 12, 1708 he purchased 400 acres in Springfield Township, not far from the village of Jacksonville, from Thomas Ridgway, son of the pioneer Richard, for 120 pounds. This tract was part of the 600 acre plantation of Jacob De Cou, and it is of interest to note that Sarah Branson, a descendant of Thomas Branson, married Samuel Ellis De Cou, a descendant of Jacob De Cou, in 1847."FREDERICK, VA LAND RECORDS Thomas Branson, 12 Nov 1735 --- 850 acres at the head of the south branch of the Opeckon, nigh a cattail meadow, crossing a branch of Little Cacapon River, beginning at Jost Hite's two corner red oaks & walnut VPB#16 p385
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/BRISCOE/2002-05/1022079025 BARON HANS JUSTUS (JOST) HITE, b. 05 Dec 1685, Bonfeld, Alsace, Germany; d. 07 May 1767, Bunker Hill, Frederick, Virginia. Morgan Morgan founded the first permanent settlement in 1726 at Bunker Hill. In 1740, Morgan, Jacob Hite, [son of Jost Hite] and Dr. John Briscoe erected the first Episcopal church (Christ Church) in what is now West Virginia (formerly Frederick Co, VA). Occasionally services are held in this church today. Also the Tuscarora (organized in 1740 and built in 1803) and Tomahawk Presbyterian churches are both over 200 years old and still operating with active congregations. The first Baptist church (Mill Creek Church) was organized in 1743 in nearby Gerrardstown. 1759 Rent Rolls Frederick Co., VA show Shenandoah Valley pioneers and their descendants : a history of Frederick County, Virginia
VIRGINIA TAX LIST MARYLAND CENSUS FROM TAX LISTS LDS WEB SITE: Children of Edward Briscoe and Susannah (Slye) Gerrard:
Calendar of Wills, Vol 14, 1767-1772 Maryland State Archives PASSENGER AND IMMIGRATION LISTS
Some Interesting Marriages Mary Ann Branson, daughter of Jarred Branson (b. 1803), married William Jett, grandson of Phebe Chrisman. Phebe's grandmother was Magdelena Hite, daughter of Jost Hite. Jost Hite's great-grandson, James Hite, married Elizabeth Briscoe, daughter of John Briscoe and Eleanor Williamson of Charles Co, Maryland. John Briscoe was the grand-uncle of Gerard Briscoe. Gerard Briscoe's first cousin, John Briscoe, died 1799 in Pittsylvania Co., Virginia. Gerard's probable first cousin, one generation removed, (Eleanor Williamson Briscoe), married John Branson Jr. of St. Mary's, MD.
An Interesting Tax List 1836 Marion County TennesseeTax List NOTE: John Branson of St. Mary's, MD had descendants named Michael. They were allied with the Barber family in MD. Michael was also a name used in the family of Absalom Branson of Pittsylvania, VA. A Briscoe Branson was in Washington, VA (near Patrick and Pittsylvania) and he was possibly the son of Henry Branson who was born in Maryland.Â
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Time Lines for Thomas Branson/Jane Painter and Jarred Branson Sr. |
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| In an attempt to compare known locations of Thomas Branson with known locations of Jarred Branson Sr., time lines for both Thomas and Jarred are shown below. Keep in mind that Patrick Co., VA shares it's southern border with Wilkes and Surry Counties, North Carolina.
Since Thomas Branson and Jane Painter were married after the probable birth year of Jarred Sr., it is possible that Thomas was married prior to marrying Jane, however, no record has been found, and Thomas would have been about age 13-14 when Jarred Sr. was probably born (assuming Jared Sr. was born about 1753, which may not be correct - see section on Theories). It is also possible that Jarred went by a different first name and that may be why we cannot find him in any Oath of Allegiance records. We also cannot find him in any military pension/land warrant or service records. The fact that Thomas Branson and Thomas Beals were on the 1782 Montgomgery Co., VA tax list with Jarred is about the only clue we have linking Jarred to Thomas, and they were not listed near each other. TIME LINE FOR Jarred BRANSON SR.
TIME LINE FOR THOMAS BRANSON AND JANE PAINTER
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John and Valentine Sevier and other Familiar Individuals |
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| Records of the Virginia Colonial Militia reveal some familiar names...mentioned are Painters, Pointers, Seviers, Haines, Bransons, Sherrills, Beasons and others. Valentine Sevier is mentioned in Augusta County along with Edward and Thomas Pointer. Thomas Branson is mentioned in Frederick County along with John Painter Jr, Robert Painter and Robert Haines. Adam and William Sherrill are mentioned in Augusta County along with Valentine Sevier. Adam Sherrill was the probable grandfather of Alpha Sherrill who married Valentine Branson. Valentine Sevier is also mentioned in land records with Benjamin Borden on Shanndo River in Augusta County in 1765 as a grantor and on the James River in Augusta County in 1757 as a witness.
Valentine Sevier, the immigrant, was married to Johanna Goad, who was the daughter of John Goad and Katherine Jennings. John Goad's other daughter Mary, married John Cock and they were the parents of Andrew Cock who married Penelope Ward. Andrew and Penelope were the parents of Phariba Cock/Cox who married Andrew Branson, son of Jarred Branson Sr. John Sevier married Sarah Hawkins in Frederick County, VA in about 1761, placing him in that county where the Bransons lived. Also, John Sevier attended school in Fredericksburg, Virginia from 1755 to about 1757. Sarah Hawkins was born June 3, 1746 in Frederick Co, VA. The Seviers went back to Augusta, Virginia after the Indian Wars and went to Tennessee some time before Jarred Branson and his sons went there. John Sevier became the first Governor of Tennessee. One could draw some assumptions that creates a loose connection between the Bransons and the Seviers, since we know there were connections between the Bransons, Bordens, Goads, Haines, Sherrills, Pointers, Painters and others mentioned here. Jarred Branson Sr. named a son Valentine and he had a grandson named John Sevier Branson. John Sevier was a signor on a petition (see below) along with Adam and Samuel Sherrill in early TN. John Sevier's second wife was Catherine Sherrill, daughter of Samuel Sherrill and the grand aunt of Alpha Sherrill who married Andrew Branson. Samuel Sherrill served in the Revolutionary War as did John Sevier. We have found no record of Jarred serving in that war. John Sevier participated in the formation of the "Lost State of Franklin" which was located just south of the location where Jarred Branson owned land in Montgomery/Patrick County, VA which shares a border with Wilkes County, North Carolina. Sevier was a hero in the Battle of Kings Mountain which took place in 1780 near land owned by Jarred Branson, where he was listed on the tax records two years later. It is curious that I have been able to find so many allied individuals who served in the Revolutionary War, but I have been unable to find Jarred Branson. I have not even found that he took the Oath of Allegiance, unless he was going by a different name. He may have been unfit to serve for health reasons, or perhaps because of religious beliefs. (Or he may have been too young). The fact that Jarred seems to have been loosely connected to the Seviers, and the fact that the Seviers were in Frederick, VA where the Bransons lived, is a clue that Jarred was possibly connected to the Frederick, VA Bransons.
BATTLE OF KINGS MOUNTAIN ROSTER (PARTIAL) SOURCES COPIES OF MUSTERS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY. Virginia Colonial Soldiers, Courts Martial Records, Page 338 Page 353 - AT A COURT MARTIAL HELD 10 OCT, 1761: English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records, Forks of Rappahanock, Page 118 PAGE 345: FREDERICK COUNTY SEPT. 2, 1755 Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776, Lord Dunmore's War, 1774, Page 87 AUGUSTA COUNTY MILITIA, 1742 Valentine Sevier found in: Valentine Sevier found in: Annals of Augusta County, Virginia, from 1726 to 1871 Some Signors on the Petition of the Inhabitants of Washington District, John Sevier: John SEVIER, Gen., (Valentine SEVIER, Valentine , Don DE XAVIER) was born
Two Branson Cousins on Opposing Sides in The Revolution? I have no idea if it's true, but I found a message in the Carroll Co, VA mailing list archives stating that Jarret Branson informed the Montgomery County authorities that certain individuals were Tories. There are many records about Eli Branson who left the patriots and went to England, returning later as a Captain in the British Army to fight against the patriots. He is mentioned on several occasions in records of the Battle of Kings Mountain, as is Captain Valentine Sevier. Since we don't know if Jarred was related to Eli, we cannot assume they were members of the same family on opposing sides, however, it is possible. We have found no evidence that Jarred Branson served in the military during the Revolutionary War. CARROLL, VA MAILING LIST ARCHIVES King's Montain and Its Hereos: History of the Battle of King's Mountain , Page 104 The Battle--October 7th, 1780. |
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John Branson of Lovels Creek, Carroll County, Virginia |
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In April, 1859 John A. Branson received a land grant for 373 acres on Lovels (Lovings) Creek, Carroll County, Virginia. I initially thought this John was the grandson of Jarred Branson Sr. and son of John Jefferson Branson, but I no longer believe this.  (New Information). Mentioned in the survey of this land is property owned by neighbors Penn, Ott, Guynn, Smith and Fleming. This is interesting because a Garret Branson owned land on the headwaters of Lovings Creek in September, 1809, which it is believed he sold before moving to Tennessee. At that time it was located in Patrick County, which later became Carroll County. In Patrick County Court documents, Garret Branson is appointed surveyor of a road extending to Abram Penn's store. Therefore, it appears that John bought land near the same location with some of the same neighbors that his probable earlier relative owned. New Information Posted 11/25/2007 (Click an image for a larger view)
va/patrick/courts/cob21811.txt [0.875127] rootsweb.com |
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John Branson was born cir 1807 in Virginia, according to census records. He married Sally Surrat May 17, 1827 in Patrick, VA. Surety on the marriage bond was Jesse Mankin. Jesse Mankin was also the surety on the marriage bond for Jarred Branson Jr. and Frances East in 1807, Patrick, VA. In the 1840 Federal census, a Joel Mankins is listed near John Branson, Vincent Surrat (Sally's brother or half-brother), and two McMillan families. Jesse, John and Hezekiah Mankin were listed on the 1810 Tax List of Patrick, VA along with Andrew, Gerrard, John, Thomas and Valentine Branson, and other allied families. 1840 Census - Patrick, Virginia John Branson (111011-210001) - Image 19 Vincent Surat (000001-2001) - Image 18 NEXT LINE: Richard Haines (0010001-10001) - Image 18 NEXT LINE: Joel Mankins (000001-0000000001) - Image 18 - son of Jesse Mankins? NEXT LINE: Nathaniel McMillan (000021001-000020001) - Image 18 - brother of Dudley McMillan NEXT LINE: Dudley McMillan (00112001-00221001) - Image 18 - brother of Stephen McMillan who m. Ruth DillardJohn and Sally Branson were listed in Patrick, VA in 1850 near Joseph, John and Nathaniel McMillan.1850 Census - Southern District, Patrick, VA HH #782 John Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1807, age 43, farmer Sarah Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1807 Augustin Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1833 Catharine Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1839 Eliza Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1832 Greenbury Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1845 John Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1836 Mary Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1842 Nancy J Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1843 Stuart Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1828 Susan Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1834 Thomas Branson Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1846 Vincent Surratt Southern District, Patrick, VA abt 1803, age 47, laborer SAME PAGE: HH #784 - Joseph McMilon, 46, blacksmith, and family HH #785 - John McMilon, 47, farmer HH #785 - Nathaniel McMilon, 71, $300 and Anna, 73In 1860 they are listed in Lovels Creek, Carroll Co, Virginia. In 1870 they are listed in Fancy Gap, Carroll Co, VA. Also in Fancy Gap were several McMillan families.1860 Census - Not Stated, Carroll, Virginia Post Office: Lovels Creek John Branson 53 VA Sarah Branson 53 NC Augustus S Branson 24 VA John W Branson 22 VA Greenbery Branson 16 VA Eliza J Branson 25 VA Mary A Branson 21 VA Kitty M Branson 18 VA Nancy Branson 17 VA Thomas J Branson 13 VA Andrew Branson 11 VA1870 Census - Fancy Gap, Carroll, VA HH #307 John Branson, 63, farmer, $460, $650, VA Sarah, 62, NC Nancy E, 25, VA Thomas J, 23, VA Rufus M, 19, VA Samuel Amburn, 63, farm laborer, VA HH #308 Greenberry G. Branson, 26, farmer, VA Elizabeth, 19, VAGreenberry Branson was the fourth known child of John and Sally (Surrat) Branson. He was located in census records in 1900 in Carroll Co, Virginia with wife Elizabeth and mother-in-law, Rachel Shockley. Rachel was the widow of Legrand Shockley who was the son of John Floyd Shockley and grandson of Meredith Shockley. They were part of the same family who married into the Branson family in Gasconade and Maries Co., Missouri. The McMillan families mentioned above were also part of the McMillan family who married into the Branson family of Missouri. Living next to them in 1900 was Patrick Surrat, who was probably the nephew of Sally.1900 Census - Pine Creek, Carroll, Virginia HH #23 Patrick Surrat, Head, April 1845, 55, M, VA VA VA , farmer Mariah, wife, July 1863, 36, m 18yrs, 8 children-7 living, VA VA VA Adinia E, dau, April 1884, 16, VA VA VA Flory E, dau, May 1886, 14, VA VA VA James P., son, May 1888, 12, VA VA VA Sarah J, dau, July 1890, 9, VA VA VA Thomas, son, Sep 1892, 7, VA VA VA Edith L., dau, Feb 1898, 2, VA VA VA Benjamin F, son, Mar 1900, 3/12, VA VA VA All white HH #28 Greenberry Branson, head, June 1845, 55, m 30 yrs, VA VA VA, Day Laborer Elizabeth, wife, May 1850, 50, m 30 yrs, 2 children-2 living, VA VA VA Rachel Shockley, moth-inlaw, Oct 1825, 74, widow, 2 children-2 living, VA VA VA All whiteSarah "Sally" Surrat (Surratt) was born cir 1807 in VA. She was the daughter of Elisha Surrat who was born cir 1763 in North Carolina. This family's ancestors came to America from France and settled in Prince Georges, Maryland before this branch moved to North Carolina and then to Virginia. Sally was the first cousin, 1 generation removed, of the infamous Mary Surratt who was hung as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.John Branson's son, John Wesley Branson, died of typhoid fever in the Civil War September 15, 1863. He fought for the Confederacy. This is of interest because his cousins who went to Missouri fought for the Union.CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS Name: John W Branson , Enlistment Date: 06 August 1861 Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Side Served: Confederacy State Served: Virginia Birth Date: 23 May 1839 Unit Numbers: 785 785 785 Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 06 August 1861 Enlisted in Company E, 29th Infantry Regiment Virginia on 06 August 1861. Reenlisted in Company E, 29th Infantry Regiment Virginia on 15 April 1862 Promoted to Full Sergeant on 30 June 1862 Absent without leav on 11 December 1862 Promoted to Full Private on 15 December 1862 (Reduced to ranks) Died of disease Company E, 29th Infantry Regiment Virginia on 15 September 1863 in Richmond, VA |
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Jacob Lorton Connection to Levi Branson and Benjamin Borden |
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| Many researchers believe that Jemima Lorton who married Absalom Branson was the daughter of Israel Lorton of Augusta, VA. (Jacob Lorton was his son). Others don't agree that she was Israel's daughter. Israel Lorton left a will and Jemima was not named in it. It is believed she was linked with Robert Lorton who was the son of the Rev. War hero, Thomas Lorton. Jemima may be the daughter of Thomas. However we found a record with three familiar names in 1761-1763 in Augusta Co, Virginia.
CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 |
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Jemima Lorton who married Absalom Branson |
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| After extensive research I came to the conclusion that Jemima was not related to the Augusta, Virginia Lortons – the head of which was Israel. People have Jemima and a Robert b 1747 (Rev war hero) as children of Israel, Jr – but postings will tell you this isn’t true. Robert was from Charlotte Co, VA and died in Greene Co, IL. He married Tabitha Gannaway. He could be the son of Thomas Lorton and the widow Elizabeth Moss – but she wasn’t their mother.
They lived in Amelia and Prince Edward. Thos Lorton/Lawton bought land in 1736 in Amelia. He was of Goochland. He sold it in 1783 and went to Charlotte Co. I researched ALL these counties to find where Absalom met Jemima – hoping to find Jarred and nada.
Here is an interesting tad though. Israel Lorton b 1700 died Augusta 1752 is erroneously listed as father to 3 boys – Jacob that married Lydia Elwich/Elswick. This is a son of his. Israel Jr b 1727 Augusta – also his son and left a will AND Thomas b 1725 MARYLAND married in 6/31/1745 in Amelia to Mrs. Eliz Moss.
As I recall, Thomas was a colonel – a Rev hero also. So Jemima should have been in Amelia when she met Absalom and Jarred Branson (if he was related) should have been in Amelia with him. UNLESS…being away at war the wicked step-mother Moss shipped Jemima back to grandma in Maryland to be raised. In which case Jemima could have met Absalom in Maryland.
We found an interesting record from St. Mary's County, Maryland in the year 1764. A Thomas Lorton was listed on the same estate papers with Jonathan Branson, Phillip Briscoe and Mary Barber. (These are people associated with John Branson of St. Mary's, MD). So this places a Thomas Lorton in the same general area in MD. Maryland Probate Records, 1674-1774 Absalom Branson was on the 1782 Pittsylvania VA census along with some other families who were linked to Jarred Branson....and also with John Briscoe. 1782 Census of Pittsylvania County, Virginia |
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Timeline for Jarred Branson |
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| Branson was known to have many variations in spelling. Also census takers were close to illiterate and did everything phonetically so it is whatever they heard with their ears. Jarred was in census and deeds as Jerord, Garratt, Jarett and all kinds of variations. Knowing his location and the oddity of the name has allowed me to trace him.
I have drawn a timeline. I also keep track of people by location. Washington formed from the abolishment of Fincastle in 1777 which is a major problem because of lost records. Jarred’s timeline starts 1782 in Washington co, Va. Or his land borders Montgomery, VA. There are two purchases – in Burks Fork and later on Big Reed Island. An article in a book says he disappeared in between for a few years. In 1790 Wythe Co. was carved from Montgomery Co.. In 1793 his land is in Wythe and then in 1794 this same land turns into Grayson, co. Jarred sold this land in 1798. A record of it appeared apparently in his new county – Patrick Co. but the land was in Montgomery Co.. In 1842 this land will be Carroll Co. Jarred never lived in Carroll because it wasn’t a county when he was there – he had left. By 1815 he is in Bledsoe, TN and in 1830 Jarred and his sons are in Gasconade Co, MO – all except Thomas who remains in TN. Gerord, Thomas, Valentine and grandson William are listed as owners of land by 1824 in Marion Co, TN – Marion was formed in 1817 from Cherokee land. Bledsoe was formed in 1807 from Roane. Marion is right below Bledsoe so perhaps it was the same land. In 1782 Montgomery/Washington it appears that Thomas connected with the Quakers and Beals appeared on the tax year that one year. I don’t think he and Jarred lived near one another or may have even known one another – frankly I think it is a pure coincidence. What I find more interesting is the appearance in 1793 on the Wythe list of a James Branson – this one near Jerard both spelled as Branston. In the following year when it was Grayson a Jan A. Branson appears. In 1800 a Thos Braston. I cannot find anything on the James. He could be a son – he wasn’t mentioned in Jarred’s estate but he could have died. He could be a brother. One more interesting Maryland piece. It is assumed that Thomas and Michael in Charles Co, MD were also sons of Thomas and Ann Barber – but there is no proof – I think it is again a case of people looking around for what is available at the time and tying them together rather than considering they were separate immigrants. In Maryland court documents in 1707 there was a Garrett Branson. So it’s entirely possible that Thomas that married Barber came over with a brother named Garrett.
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Some Familiar Names on the 1810 Grainger, Tennessee Tax List |
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| 1810 Census Index - Grainger, TN http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/Tenn_1810.htm William Hanes 101-101 Jonathan Branson Samuel Wagoner (next to Jonathan Branson) Peter Hammack (next to Samuel Wagoner) Lemuel Branson William Maples Stephen Goard 2201-2201 (Goad?) John Hammack Isom Shockley Cain Acuff Richard Acuff William Acuff David Watson Robert Watson John Acuff James Acuff Henry Acuff Talton Carrel Samuel Dodson Thomas Shockley Richard Shockley Reuben Dalton Reuben Dalton #2 Valentine Dodson Colby Rucker 01001-12001 John Coffee 3001-101 David Cockram William Watson John Cocke Thomas Boulton 0001-01 William Cocke William Haines |
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Evidence of connection to Absalom Branson of Pittsylvania, VA |
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| There is evidence that Booker Shockley who was listed next to John Branson and near Jarred Branson in the 1830 census of Gasconade, Missouri, was the grandfather of William Gilbert Shockley who supposedly married Amanda "Mandy" Branson, daughter of Benjamin Branson. Benjamin was supposedly a descendant of Absalom Branson of Pittsylvania, Virginia. This information was gleaned from an old message board posting and the marriage has not been verified. However, Mandy Shockley, a widow, was located in the 1910 and 1920 censuses in Grainger, TN. We believe we've found her in the 1900 census with a husband named Gil or Gilbert, but the census image is very dark and muddled and difficult to read. We also don't know if she was a descendant of Absalom Branson, although her father Benjamin was listed near Absalom's son Hezekiah in Grainger, TN.
There is some other information that a descendant of Absalom was living near Valentine Branson in 1850 Gentry, Missouri. UPDATE JULY 28, 2006: We know there were connections between Jarred Branson and the Shockley family in VA, TN and MO. And we know there were connections between descendants of Absalom Branson and the Bolton family. Absalom Branson Junior's son, David, married Susannah Bolton, daughter of Thomas Bolton and Jemima Hammock. Susannah Bolton, the niece of Rebecca Bolton, married Levi Shockley of Franklin and Pittsylvania, VA. Levi was the son of James and Margaret Shockley, and great-grandson of Richard Shockley and Ann Boyden. This Shockley family is the same family closely aligned with Jarred Branson and his descendants. There are some who believe that Levi Shockley's first cousin, Sarah, married Jarred Branson, however this has not been proven. Levi Shockley was on the first list of tithables of Pittsylvania Co., VA along with other familiar names....there were also deeds between David Shockley and the Boltons in 1786 Franklin Co., VA. David Shockley was Levi's brother. Absalom Branson is also mentioned in these Franklin Co., VA court records in the year in 1788 and 1789. FIRST LIST OF TITHABLES OF PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, YEAR 1767 An old Virginia court : being a transcript of the records of the first court of Franklin County, Virginia, 1786-1789, with biographies of the justices and stories of famous cases We don't know the heritage of Absalom, however, others report that he was born in England. Absalom was born c1740. His father is recorded by some as Absalom Sr. born 1690-1712 of Nottingham, England. Another internet message lists an Absalom, Moses and Ware Branson who came to America with William Penn. Moses settled in PA, Ware settled in NY and Absalom settled in VA. William Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania and was one of the leading Quakers of that time. If Absalom Sr. came to America with William Penn, that would probably be in the year 1682 on the ship "Welcome". Since Absalom Branson Sr. was supposedly born after 1689, it is impossible that he came with William Penn in the year 1682. However, he may be an ancestor of Absalom Sr. or perhaps he came on a subsequent trip with William Penn, since Penn traveled back and forth between PA and England at least twice. We have found records of William Branson, son of Nathaniel Branson as early as 1693 in Pennsylvania. So it's entirely possible that Absalom was related to the Bransons of Burlington, NJ, Frederick, VA and Chester, PA who came from Berkshire, England and were mostly Quakers. According to Egle's Notes and Queries of Pennsylvania, William Branson and his sons-in-law were relatives of William Penn. If William was a relative, it was probably through marriages of his daughter(s) or perhaps more directly through marriage(s) in England. According to the book "The Ancestry of Abraham Lincoln", Nathaniel Branson of England purchased 1250 acres of land in America from William Penn that was conveyed to William Branson in 1707. Mordecai Lincoln of Chester, PA quitclaimed land to William Branson of Chester Co., PA in 1725. Mordecai Lincoln was the gr-gr-grandfather of Pres. Abraham Lincoln. Pres. Abraham Lincoln's great-grandfather, John Lincoln, bought land at Linville Creek from the McKays. Linville's Creek is also at or near the location where Thomas Branson Jr., John Branson, Jacob Chrisman and Jost Hite received land grants in 1734. HOPEWELL FRIENDS HISTORY 1734-1934 Frederick County, Virginia William Branson bought the site of Reading Furnace by deed dated Feb. 28, 1723 and was the partner of Samuel Nutt and Mordicai Lincoln--the great-grandfather of Abraham Lincoln. Branson bought out Lincoln in 1725 becoming the principal owner. Book: "The ancestry of Abraham Lincoln", Page 69 Page 180 - "Know all men that I Mordecai Lincoln of Coventry in the County of Chester, for and in consideration of the sum of ..... etc., do forever quitclaim to William Branson, merchant of Philadelphia, his heirs and assigns, one full and undivided third part of the one hundred and six acres of land, according to articles of agreement made between Samuel Nutt of the one part and the said Mordecai Lincoln of the other part, together with all singular the Mynes and Minerals, Forges, Buildings, Houses, Lands and Improvements whatsoever thereunto belonging. Dated 14 December, 1725.  (NOTE: The Nutt family was allied with the Branson family). William Penn died in Berkshire, England (where 1605 Nathaniel Branson lived) and he was close to Bernhardus Vanleer who married Mary Branson, daughter of William Branson and Mary Tate? (also married Sarah?) of PA. Mary's sister Elizabeth married Lynford Lardner and another member of the Lardner family married into the Penn family. Obviously, the early England and PA Bransons were closely connected to William Penn.
According to the following web site, Serena Branson, daughter of Hezekiah Branson, was born April 22, 1816 in Claiborne, TN. That's close to the time that John Sevier Branson was born in that county.  Ten years difference.
The fact that Claiborne, Grainger and Campbell, TN are next to each other is another poss. hint that our Bransons were linked to the Absalom group.  This area is close to SW Virginia and lots of families lived in both areas or moved back and forth. Campbell, TN is where the wife of John Sevier Branson was born (Martha Jane Ousley).
James Branson, possible great-grandson of Absalom Branson, was listed in the 1850 Census in Montgomery Co., Missouri which is next to Gasconade County. Living nearby was a Noble family (see above). In 1840 James was in Lincoln Co, Missouri (next to Montgomery Co.) and in 1830 he was listed in Pittsylvania, VA. From census records, it appears he had at least three children - Nancy, Michael and Frances.  Frances married James Edward Eddens. The Eddens family was listed in Lincoln Co, Missouri in 1880 and living with them was Nancy Branson, sister-in-law, who appears to be the same Nancy who was in the 1850 household of James Branson. If you have further information on these families, please contact Sandra. 1840 Census (Lincoln is next to Montgomery) 1850- census (next to Gasconade) - Page 185 1850 Census - Page 186 1860 Census - Hurricane, Lincoln, Missouri 1880 Census
Michael Branson b. c1805 VA, son of Asa Branson and Nancy Allen Jefferson (and grandson of Absalom Branson Jr.), had children born in TN 1836-1841 according to the 1860 census. I found him in Hamilton, TN in 1840...Thomas Kilgore who was listed as a Marion, TN landowner in 1824 was on the same page. I think he was the brother of Rebecca Kilgore who m. Adam Sherrill. I think she was the grandmother of Alpha Sherrill who m. Valentine Branson. By 1860 Michael had gone to Sullivan, Indiana. His father Asa and his brother Isaiah were also there. At least two Mahan females married into the Absalom Branson family...that's why I listed the A. Mahan. 1840 Census - Hamilton, Tennessee 1860 census - Curry, Sullivan, Indiana 1860 census - Jackson, Sullivan, Indiana 1860 Census - Jackson, Sullivan, Indiana  |
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ANOTHER SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FAMILY WHO WENT TO MISSOURI - CHRISMAN |
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| Jacob Chrisman and Magdalena Hite were mentioned along with Lionel and Amos Branson in Southwest Virginia and Hardy, West Virginia.
The Chrisman family was in Frederick, VA and the New River area of Virginia and some went to Osage/Maries/Gasconade, MO. Chrismans married Haines, Jetts and Bransons. Jacob Chrisman the elder died in Frederick, VA. Jetts married Bransons and Pointers and some lived in Missouri near our Bransons. Abraham Chrisman died ca. Oct 1798 in Montgomery Co., VA (where Jared Branson Sr. lived). Abraham was the son of Jacob Chrisman and Magdalena Hite. Abraham's grandson, Nathaniel, was born in Montgomery Co., VA July 7, 1789. This Chrisman family was closely related to the Chrisman family who went to Gasconade/Maries Co., Missouri at about the same time that Jared went there, and married into his family. This is also the same Chrisman family who married into the Lionel Branson family. Mary Catherine Branson, daughter of William Branson and Anna Fravel (granddaughter of Lionel Branson Jr.), married Isaac Chrisman, grand-nephew of the above mentioned Abraham Chrisman. I believe this is one of the most important clues we have providing a possible link between Jared Branson Sr. and Lionel Branson. 1782 Montgomery County, Virginia Land Tax List Jacob Chrisman was on the Hampshire, VA Tax List with Amos Branson in 1781-82. Hampshire County was considered part of the New River region in VA, as was Montgomery/Grayson/Patrick/Henry/Carroll where Jarred lived.. Amos was the son of Lionel Branson and Rachel Rogers of Frederick, VA. Also on the list was Joseph Haines and Joseph Haines Jr. He could be Joseph Haines who married Mary Wright. He was 1st cousin 1 X removed of Bethany Haines. (see below). According to the LDS web site, a Joseph Haines was born c1778 of Reed's Creek, Hampshire Co., VA who married Naomi Henkel. If you have any information about him, please contact Sandra by email. Also in 1781-82 Hampshire, VA were several Forman families, including relatives of Rebecca Forman who married Gerrard Edge, parents of Mary Edge who married Joseph Branson (brother of Lionel). Several Rogers families were also there, including Ezekiel Rogers, probably the nephew of Rebecca Rogers who married Lionel Branson Sr. NOTE: Hampshire Co. was formed 1753 from Frederick Co. Hardy Co. was formed 1785 from Hampshire Co. The 1781-82 Hampshire County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List (Partial List) Amos Branson was also mentioned along with Jacob Chrisman, Abraham Hite (son of Jost) and John Forman in the following 1782 Hampshire, VA document...note also the names Rudolph and Martin Shobe, Leonard, George and Michael Stump, Joseph, Solomon and Garret Vanmeter, Abraham Innskeep and Moses Hutton. These are names you will find elsewhere in this narrative. NOTE: Abraham Innskeep was related to Mary Ann Innskeep who married Jonathan Branson, son of Lionel Branson Jr. A Glimpse of the Past, the Harness Family History , Page 94 Records for Joseph Branson were also found. He filed a will in 1780 in Hampshire Co., VA. I believe he was the brother of Lionel Branson Sr. If you have information about him, please contact Sandra by email. HAMPSHIRE CO, VA WILL OF JOSEPH BRANSON - HAMPSHIRE CO. At a court continued and held for Hampshire County the 9th day of August Will Book 1-22 Anna Maria Chrisman, daughter of Jacob Chrisman and Magdalena Hite, married Peter Stephens Jr., son of Hans Peter Stephens and brother of Keziah Stephens who married Anna's brother Abraham. As mentioned earlier, Abraham was in Montgomery Co., VA at about the same time as Jared Branson Sr. Anna Maria had children born in Wythe Co., VA at about the same time that the Bransons were there. Some of the Stephens family later went to Wayne Co., KY and then to Cooper Co., MO. John Stephens and Joseph Stephens were mentioned in land records of 1793 Wythe Co., VA. Claypool in Maries Co., Missouri According to the West Virginia Archives, Jacob Chrisman settled at Lost River a few years before Lionel Branson went there. Mary Catherine Branson, granddaughter of Lionel Branson, marred Isaac Chrisman (b. 1810), grandson of Jacob Chrisman and Magdalena Hite. Another granddaughter of Jacob and Magdalena, Phoebe Chrisman, married Joseph Jett. Phoebe was the daughter of Abraham Chrisman who died 1798 in Montgomery, VA (where Jarred Branson is recorded from 1782 to 1796). Lost River is located in Hardy Co., West Virginia (formerly Virginia, formed from Hampshire Co. in 1786). Obviously, Jacob Chrisman knew Lionel and Amos Branson. Lionel had five known children and also one unnamed infant born about 1757 in Hardy Co., Virginia. It's possible this unnamed infant was Jarred Branson Sr. (see page three - theory number two) Jacob Chrisman was in Frederick Co., VA at the same time as Thomas Branson (see rent rolls for the year 1746 below). Early Records: Hampshire County Virginia WEST VIRGINIA ARCHIVES PAT PATTERSON'S WEB SITE: REUBEN W. CLAYPOOL LIVING IN MARIES CO., MISSOURI: Jesse Claypool sold land to Lionel Branson Jr. in 1794 in Hardy Co., West Virginia. Jesse Claypool was the uncle of Leah Claypool who married Isaac Chrisman, son of Jacob Chrisman and Magdalena Hite, and father of Isaac Chrisman (b. 1810) who married Mary Catherine Branson (probable granddaughter of Lionel Branson Sr.). This is evidence of a possible long relationship between Lionel Branson (and his son) and the Chrismans, extending from 1765 when Lionel Sr. first was recorded at Lost River until at least 1794 when this land sale was made in Hardy, WV, a time span of nearly 30 years. Leah Claypool's brother George had a grandson named Reuben W. Claypool who resided in Jefferson, Maries, Missouri in 1860 (see below). He was listed in household number 630 two households away from James Carroll. This is the township where Andrew Jackson Branson (b. 1844 s/o David Branson) resided in 1870 along with several Shockley families. In 1870 James and Lydia Carroll resided in Jackson, Maries, MO next to Jesse Chrisman and family. James died before 1880 and his widow (Lydia) was living next to Isaac Chrisman (b. c1831) in 1880 Jackson, Maries, MO. It's apparent that Reuben and Lydia Claypool were closely connected to the Carroll and Chrisman families. Reuben Claypool was born in Warren Co., KY where his father George is listed in 1820 to 1840. George was the son of John Claypool of Lost River, Hardy Co., WV. Also listed there is a George Carroll in 1810, a Catherine and John Carroll in 1820 and 1830. The Carroll family married into the Branson family of Gasconade/Osage/Maries, MO. The fact that Reuben Claypool, the nephew of Leah Claypool, was living near Branson and allied families in Maries Co., MO suggests a further connection between the Bransons of Missouri and Lionel Branson who was linked to the Claypools in Hardy Co., WV. Lionel Branson is mentioned in Hening's Statues at Large, (records of Virginia Laws beginning in early 1600's) along with John and Phillip Briscoe (see above). Lionel Branson (Junior?) served in the Revolutionary War (Virginia line) as an Ensign in the Company of Captain Thomas Buck of Frederick and Shenandoah Cos., VA. Amos Branson also served as an Ensign in the Revolutionary War, Virginia line. J. M. Claypool was a Deacon in the Linn Church of Osage Co., MO in about 1856 along with Deacon Tackett (Tacketts married into the Shockley and Pointer families). Joseph Claypool was living in Grainger, TN in 1830 near Reuben Dalton who married Nancy Shockley, daughter of 1755 Thomas Shockley. Joseph was probably the grandson of 1701 James Claypool. ANOTHER REUBEN CLAYPOOL AND HIS BROTHERS While I was researching William Hedge of Montgomery, VA, I traced his son to Hendricks Co., Indiana. His son George Hedge was there in 1850 along with wife Priscilla (Meredith) and ten children. He was also there in 1840. Also in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840 were Reuben, David, John and William Claypool, Jacob, Thompson and William Farmer, Robert Harvey, Edward and Samuel Pointer. David Claypool was Leah Claypool's brother. He was from Lost River, Hardy, VA (where Lionel Branson and Jacob Chrisman lived). Thompson Farmer was born c1802 in Montgomery, VA. He married Pauline Hedge, daughter of William Hedge of Montgomery, VA. I believe he may be related to the Thomas Farmer who was a surety on the marriage bond of Valentine Branson in Patrick, VA.  NOTE: This Reuben Claypool was the first cousin, 1 generation removed, of the Reuben Claypool who was in Maries, MO). Robert Harvey was a descendant of Gov. Thomas Harvey who died 1699 in Perquimans, NC. This family was apparently from Warwickshire, England. It is not known if they were related to Elizabeth Harvey who married John Day. There were some marriages of familiar individuals that took place in Hendricks, Indiana. Rebecca Hodgson married Jesse Branson there on March 7, 1878. Rebecca was the second cousin, 1 generation removed, of Elizabeth Hodgson who married Robert Branson (grandson of Thomas L. Branson and Jane/Jeane Painter). She was the granddaughter of Jesse Hodgson and Mary Wilson (Mary Wilson was born in Grayson, VA where Jared Branson Sr. may have lived). Jesse Branson was born c1856 in Ohio and was the great-grandson of David Branson and Sarah Antrim. He was also the 2nd great-grandson of Moses Branson and Sarah Borrodail of Burlington, NJ. (see also Joseph Branson). Jesse Branson was in Hendricks, IN in 1860 living with his parents. Jesse Branson was the great-grandson of David Branson and Mary Kenworthy.  Mary was probably a descendant of Joshua Kenworthy whose probable sons John and Thomas Kenworthy who were listed on the 1782 Montgomery, VA Tax List along with Jared and Thomas Branson. Also in Hendricks, IN in 1860 and 1870 was Jonathan Ellis Branson, son of Aquilla Branson and Lydia E. Ellis of Belmont, OH. Other Branson marriages in Hendricks, Indiana include other descendants of William Branson and Elizabeth Osmond. Hendricks, Indiana was a location where several families with familiar names lived in 1830 (see below), including Reuben Claypool, John Pointer, Lemuel or Samuel Shockley and Joseph Faucett. John Pointer was the son of Edward Pointer who was in Hendricks, IN in 1840. Samuel was also his son.  Edward was born c1787 in Kentucky and I have been unable to identify his parents, however I found an Edward Pointer, age 45+, in Garrard, KY in 1810 who could be his relative. Research by others indicates that some of the Pointers in Garrard, KY were related to William Pointer who married Sally Chapman. This William Pointer was possibly the one who signed a petition in 1782 Montgomery, VA where Jared Branson Sr. lived and could be the William Pointer who was in Hampshire, VA in 1810, where Lionel Branson and Jacob Chrisman resided. In the 1810 Federal Census, the older Edward Pointer was in Garrard, KY with William and Vincent Pointer. I have been unable to identify Lemuel/Samuel Shockley. He was possibly in Barren, KY on land records in 1816-17 along with Samuel and David Shockley. He may be the son of David and Susannah Shockley. David was born c1753 and was the son of Solomon Shockley who was in Pittsylvania, VA. Solomon was also (reportedly) the father of Sarah Shockley, whom some believe married Jared Branson Sr. (no proof has been found). I have found instances in other research where the names Lemuel and Samuel have been transcribed incorrectly, so Samuel and Lemuel may be the same person. If you have information about Lemuel Shockley born 1780-1790, please contact Sandra by email. Thompson Farmer was also in Hendricks, IN in 1840 and he was from Montgomery Co., VA where Jarred Branson Sr. previously lived. Thompson Farmer may have been related to Thomas Farmer who was surety on the marriage bond for Frances East and Jarred Branson Jr. Thompson Farmer married Pauline Hedge, daughter of William Hedge and Lucy Godbey, on May 12, 1828 in Montgomery Co., VA. Also in Hendricks, Indiana was Joseph J. Coffin, first cousin (1 gen. removed) of Nathan Coffin who married Elizabeth Branson, daughter of Joseph C. Branson and Elizabeth Piggott of Chatham Co., NC. Joseph C. Branson was the son of Levi Branson and Mary Maynor.  James Stockton was also in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840. James was a descendant of Richard Stockton and the Stockton family of Burlington, New Jersey (Quakers).  He was also the first cousin (1 gen. removed) of Newberry Stockton who was in Kentucky near Elijah Bates. John Crismon was also in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840. He was born 1770-1780. There was also a John Crisman in Union, Indiana in 1830. He was born in the same year-range as the one in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840, so it was most likely the same person. I have been unable to identify him. If you have information about this John Crismon, please contact Sandra by email. Also in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840 were several Vestal families. The Vestal family were Quakers from Fredericks Co., VA who married into the Coffin and Branson families. Elvira Catherine Vestal married Benjamin Franklin Branson, son of Eli Branson. Her parents are not yet known. If you have information about her, please contact Sandra by email. Obediah Mendenhall and several other Mendenhall families were in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840. Obediah was the son of Richard Mendenhall and Susan Harris. The Mendenhalls were Quakers who were members of some of the same monthly meetings as the Bransons. Lucy (Godbey) Hedge and her sons John and David were in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840. They were from Montgomery Co., VA where Jared Branson Sr. previously lived. Lucy was the widow of William Hedge who was born 1784-1794. I have been communicating with a descendant of this family and his ancestry has been not discovered. Lucy and William were married March 4, 1804 in Montgomery, VA. Lucy was the daughter of William and Zannah Godbey. (see more about this family elsewhere in this narrative). Joel Hodgson was in Hendricks, Indiana in 1840 along with other Hodgson families. The Hodgson family is mentioned elsewhere in this narrative. Reuben Claypool was in Hendricks, Indiana. He married Isabel Adair in that county on March 13, 1827. He was the son of David Claypool of Hardy Co., VA/WV. He was the nephew of Leah Claypool who married Isaac Chrisman and Isaac married Mary Catherine Branson, daughter of William Branson, granddaughter of Lionel Branson Jr. of Lost River, Hardy, VA/WV. So we have yet another set of families from Hardy, VA and Montgomery, VA who migrated to the same location AND a location where Branson records were found. These families were probably acquainted with Lionel Branson Sr. and his sons.  Leah Claypool's grand-nephew was in Maries, MO with descendants of Jared Branson Sr. (who previously lived in Montgomery, VA), and Leah's relatives were in Hendricks, IN with connected individuals from Hardy and Montgomery, VA. It is evidence of a connection between some of the families in Hendricks, IN and some in Maries, MO. It is also another loose connection between Jared Branson Sr. and Lionel and/or Joseph Branson. (See Some Theories) Poynter/Pointer Families in Hendricks, Indiana 1844 Tax List for Hendricks County, Indiana Index to 1844 tax list for Hendricks County, Indiana (PARTIAL LIST) Hendricks County, Indiana 1830 Federal Census 1840 Census HENDRICKS, INDIANA MARRIAGES Central Missouri Counties History As noted above, Jacob Chrisman, Amos Branson (son of Lionel Sr.), Joseph Haines and Joseph Haines Jr. were listed on the 1781-1782 Hampshire Co., VA Personal Property Tax List. I'm not certain which Haines families these were.  If you have information about Haines/Haynes families of Hampshire, VA, please contact Sandra by email. Hardy County, WV Land Documents Jesse and Elizabeth Claypool Land Sale, 1794 THIS INDENTURE made this twentieth Day of Anthony Miller Jesse Claypool, seal 1860 census - Jefferson, Maries, Missouri SOME DESCENDANTS OF JACOB CHRISMAN AND MAGDALENA HITE WHO SETTLED IN MISSOURI NEAR THE BRANSONS: Joseph Chrisman, 3rd great-grandson of Jacob, d. 1936 in Osage, MO Chrismans lived in Russell, VA, Hampshire, VA, Hardy, VA/WV, Frederick, VA, Montgomery, VA, Tennessee and Missouri. Bransons, Claypools and Chrismans are found on the list of Wills and Appraisements and the list of Estate Settlements for Hardy Co., WV. Names found on Lists of Wills and Appraisements for Hardy County Genealogical Records: Early West Virginia Settlers, 1600s-1900s VIRGINIA COLONIAL RECORDS Virginia Vital Records #1, 1600s-1800s
CHRISMAN, HITE AND CLAYPOOL - 1750'S HAMPSHIRE/ROCKINGHAM/FREDERICK, VA Hite, Jacob Chrisman and James Claypool are all mentioned in reference to Linvil's Creek. James and William Claypool were petitioners for a road from Brock's Creek to Fredericksburg, VA in 1755. Jacob Chrisman of Frederick Co., VA purchased 500 acres from William Linvil 1750-1751 which Linvil purchased from Hite on Linvil's Creek. In 1761 Jacob and Magdalena Chrisman deed 376 acres on Linville's Creek to George Chrisman, part of a greater tract, corner of John Chrisman's property. Four years later Lionel Branson appears in this region, probably from Frederick Co., VA. In 1767 300 acres of this tract is sold to Mary and Francis McBride by Jacob Chrisman. Francis McBride married Anna Marie Chrisman, daughter of Jacob Chrisman and Magdalena Hite.  In 1771 the McBrides sold 200 acres to Thomas Hood of Frederick, VA on Linvill's Creek and in this record we see that the original tract granted to Jacob Chrisman was 1500 acres. (Note: Josiah Boone mentioned in this record is probably the one who married Hannah Hite. Josiah was the son of George Boone, the uncle of the famous Daniel Boone. According to the LDS web site, they were married c1750 probably in Opequon Creek, Virginia. This is where the Chrisman/Hite wagon train traveled to when they migrated from Pennsylvania to Virginia in 1731/1732. Hannah was apparently part of the Jost Hite family). CLAYPOOLS AND WILLIAM BRANSON OF PHILADELPHIA, PA Another note of interest about the Claypools: John Claypool (b. 1752 in Burlington, New Jersey) married Elizabeth Griscom, aka the famous Betsy Ross. John was the son of William Claypoole and Elizabeth Hall. William Claypool was born Oct. 12, 1710 in St. Mary's, Maryland. William Claypool was the son of James Claypoole and Helena Mercer and he was William's nephew . So we have yet another allied family who resided in St. Mary's, MD, Burlington, NJ, Frederick, VA and the New River Region of VA.  Some of the early Claypool family were Quakers associated with the famous Quaker, William Penn. (Source: History Of Philadelphia 1609-1884 > 13 > The Quaker City 1701-1750). James Claypool's earliest ancestor from England died in Philadelphia, PA - he was also James Claypool. Prior to 1747 the Quaker's resisted service in the military, but this ended in 1747 when William Penn lost control over the governmental affairs of the city and Benjamin Franklin (also a Quaker) prevailed over him. Two of the men who were given authority to raise money for defense were Benjamin Franklin and William Branson.  James Claypool was listed as an Ensign in the new military of Philadelphia on December 6, 1747. In 1749 the British Parliament passed legislation to suppress iron manufacturers in the colonies.  William Branson owned an ironworks furnace company in Philadelphia and in 1750 he participated in a plan to warn others if attempts were made to shut the factories down. William Branson was one of the first members of the Baptist Church headed by Rev. Ebenezer Kinnersley. William participated in the incorporation of the Philadelphia Christ Church on May 15, 1746. On Oct. 27, 1749 Elizabeth Branson and Lynford Lardner were married in this church. Several Claypools were also married in this church. Another note of interest: The Bransons of St. Mary's, MD were Baptists. James Claypoole was a Secretary of the Society of Friends and was appointed a Commission of the Land Office in 1684 by William Penn.  James Claypoole and William Branson both had dealings with William Penn. JACOB CHRISMAN AND ABRAHAM LINCOLN AT LINVILLE'S CREEK Abraham Lincoln bought land at Linville's Creek in 1772 that was previously owned by Jacob Chrisman and Francis McBride. Click the images for a larger view...
Immigration of the Irish Quakers into Pennsylvania 1682-1750 Part II. The Migration of Irish Friends to Pennsylvania II. Inducements that led the Irish Friends to PA Page 55 A history of Pennsylvania Biographical annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania : containing genealogical records of representative families Joseph Claypoole is mentioned below along with some Bordens in PA.... 1739 Sep: "New Jersey Archives, First Series, Volume XI, Newspaper Extracts Volume I, 1704-1739" Some Passenger and Immigration Records of Interest:
CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 CLAYPOOL, BRANSON AND CRISPIN MENTIONED IN NEW JERSEY & PENNSYLVANIA RECORDS The Harvey book : giving the genealogies of certain branches of the American families of Harvey, Nesbitt, Dixon, and Jameson, and notes on Silas Crispin, son of William, was appointed Surveyor General and sailed for America with his father William, Jon Beryar and Christopher Allen, who had been appointed commissioners to go to Pennsylvania and purchase land from the Indians and select a site to lay out a great NOTE: Joseph HAINES and Bethanah (Bethany) HAINES were 1st cousins 1 time removed. Their common ancestors were Richard HAINES and NOTE: William Holloway married first Martha Branson, daughter of William (Jacob?) Branson and Elizabeth Osmond and granddaughter of Thomas L. Branson and Elizabeth Day. William Holloway's second wife was Phebe Crispin, great-great granddaughter of Silas Crispin Sr. THE HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, CHAPTER III, WILLIAM PENN BECOMES PROPRIETOR, 1673 TO 1682 History of Chester County, 1881. pp.144-156. See More Information about these families at..... SUMMARY: Because of all the connections between Lionel and Amos Branson and Jacob Chrisman, Jacob Hite and James Claypool, and because of the connection between William Branson of Pennsylvania and James Claypool the elder, and because Reuben Claypool was living in Maries Co, MO in 1860, and because Joseph Claypool was living near Reuben Dalton in 1830 Grainger, TN - it would be easy to draw some assumptions from this. However, further proof is needed to draw a connection between Jarred and Lionel Branson. Was Jarred the unnamed infant born in 1757? Perhaps so, perhaps not. |
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A THOMAS BRANSON TOOKÂ OATHÂ OF ALLEGIANCE IN MONTGOMERY, VA 1777 |
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| In 1777 a Thomas Branson took the Oath of Allegiance against Great Britain in Montgomery County, VA. Other familiar names appear on the list of soldiers, however, Thomas Branson does not. Included on the list of soldiers were: Thomas Shockley, Thomas Dillard, Andrew Cox, Abraham Goad Jr. and Jacob Lorton. A name on the pensioner's list is curious: John Blanson. I don't know if it was misspelled or if it was correct. I found Moses Branson of Gloucester, NJ incorrectly indexed as Moses Blanson, so it's possible this John Blanson was actually John Branson. It does not give the year of the pension.
Whether Thomas resided in Montgomery, VA in 1777, or was there on religious or other business, we don't know. However, this is the earliest record found for a Branson in Montgomery, VA. 1777 just happens to be the year that Montgomery County was formed from Fincastle, Botetourt & Pulaski Counties. Fincastle no longer exists and records have been lost. The Thomas Branson who took the Oath of Allegiance in 1777 Montgomery, VA could be another Thomas. It is known that Lydia Borden died 1799-1800 in Fincastle/Botetourt, VA, which were both part of the precursor to the New River region.. She was the sister-in-law of Thomas L. Thomas Branson took Oath of Allegiance in Montgomery, VA. He was not on the list of soldiers. So we know Thomas was in Montgomery, VA as early as September 30, 1777) |
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JARRED AND THOMAS BRANSON SURETIES ON MARRIAGEÂ BONDS |
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| Jarred Branson and Thomas Branson served as sureties on two Blanchet marriages in Patrick Co, VA, along with Joshua Haines. It is not known which Jarred and which Thomas this was. Since Thomas, the son of Jarred Sr. was age 21 in 1799, it could be him. Joshua Haines was the son of Bethany Haines.
PATRICK, VA MAILING LIST ACHIVES |
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| One Branson researcher asked a question that has not been answered or explained. Most information about Jarred Sr. shows that he was born between 1753 and 1754, although I've never seen the source for that information. However, Thomas Branson did not marry Jane/Jeane Painter until 1760. Of course, it's possible that Jarred was born later than we suspect, or perhaps Thomas was married prior to his marriage to Jane. Or, Jarred may not be their son at all.
Jarred Branson Sr. has not been found in Quaker records. This may be an indication that he was not related to Thomas and Jane/Jeane. It may also be an indication that he did not follow the Quaker religion. In the Quaker records, there are many notations of Bransons, Painters and Haines who were disowned for marrying outside of the discipline.  A lot of the Quaker records have been lost. Or, perhaps Jarred was using a different first name. This is what we know for sure - The marriage date of Thomas and Jane - March 2, 1760 If Jarred was their son he could have been born in December, 1760, however the census was usually taken in the Summer, so he would be only age 69. There is a second record for a Jarrett Branson on another page in the 1830 census and he was age 60-70 <1760-1770>. He was listed near Rev. Thomas Shockley. I do not know of a Jarrett Branson born 1760-1770. It's possible that this is a duplicate record for Jarred Sr., however, the family profile is different from the one on the other page and it does not mention Senior or Junior.  (see further information about this) Thomas and Jane were married in 1760 and their first known child was born 1764. This 4-year gap is unusual, unless any earlier child/children died young. If the above second record for Jarret Branson in 1830 Gasconade, MO was for Jarred Sr. it indicates a birth year range of 1760-1770. His first son was born 1776/1777 so Jarred Sr. could have been born about 1761, making him age 16-17 when his son John was born. In 1782 when he appeared on the Montgomery, VA tax list, it would make him about age 21. A Thomas Branson took the Oath of Allegiance in 1777 in Montgomery, VA, and this Thomas could be Jarred's father. It is not known if he was the Thomas who married Jane Painter. NOTE: Thomas Garred Branson had a son Jarred born c1803 who could be the head of household listed as Jarret Branson on page 163 and age 15-20, however other information indicates that he never left Marion Co., TN. I tend to think this was a duplicate record for Jared Branson Sr. NOTE: John Dodson who was in Gasconade, MO in 1830 may be the father of Rebecca Jane Dodson who married John Taylor Branson, son of Andrew Daniel Branson in Gasconade, MO. He may also be a descendant of John Dodson who was on the 1793 Wythe, VA Tax List with Jared Branson. According to research done by others, John Dodson married Nancy Jane Standiford. His grandfather, John Dodson, reportedly died in White Co., TN. 1830 Census - Gasconade, MO |
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EVIDENCEÂ OF QUAKER CONNECTION TO JARRED BRANSON? |
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Bethany Haines and wife Mary were parents of Robert Haines who is recorded in the Encyclopedia of Quaker Genealogy for his marriage to Esther (Hiatt) Wright in Frederick, VA in 1780. Bethany was also reportedly the father of Luster Haines who married Mary Ann Branson, d/o Jarred Sr. Luster's brother Archibald named a son Luster also and this Luster married Susannah Branson, d/o Jarred Jr.Â
The older Luster married Mary Ann Branson Jan, 1811 in Patrick, VA. The younger Luster married Susannah Branson May 1, 1837 in Gasconade, MO.
Bethany Haines followed the same migratory path of the Quaker Bransons: Burlington, NJ > Frederick, VA. His descendants were later living near and married into the family of Jarred Sr and Jarred Jr.Â
Some of this needs to be verified - I got some of it from the internet.
Since this Haines family was Quaker and apparently followed the same migratory path of the Quaker Bransons....and was in the same counties with Jarred in VA and MO, I wonder if this was just a coincidence?
Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy: Virginia
[p.361] RECORDS 1767, 2, 12. HAINES, Robert, Frederick Co., Va., born the last 3rd day in the 9mo-1736, son Bethany & Mary Haines; marry at Opeckan meetinghouse, Esther WRIGHT, widow, Frederick Co., Va., born 1-4-1731 died 3-6-1778 Ch: Allen born 2- 3-1768 died 24- 4-1768 John born 22- 8-1769 marry married marrying marriage Robert marry (2) 12-4-1780 at Crooked Run meetinghouse, Margaret SMITH born 16-9-1764 Ch: Noah born 6- 2-1781 Mary born 6- 7-1782 Ann born 18-11-1783 died 13-10-1784 Amos born 14- 6-1785 Robert born 31-11-1787 Enos born 12- 1-1792 Margaret born 31-11-1793Â 1830 Census
Joshua Haynes Senr. Not Stated, Patrick, Virginia Arch Haynes Not Stated, Patrick, Virginia 1840 CENSUS
Archabald Hains Not Stated, Gasconade, Missouri Cornelius Hains Not Stated, Gasconade, Missouri Luster Hains Not Stated, Gasconade, Missouri http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/o/o/Catlyn-K-Moorvartian/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0400.html More About Bethanah (Bethany) Haines and Mary Unknown: Children of Bethanah (Bethany) Haines and Mary Unknown are: Children of Bethanah (Bethany) Haines and Morning Unknown are: |
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OTHER HAINES - BRANSON MARRIAGES |
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| David Haines married Elizabeth Ann Branson. She was the granddaughter of Thomas Branson and Jane/Jeane Painter. David Haines was the first cousin of Bethany Haines, 3 generations removed.
Another cousin of Bethany Haines - Ruth Ann Haines - married Joseph Branson of Burlington, NJ. I don't know which Joseph he was, but he was born c1804. |
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| A record was located linking Thomas L. Branson with Rev. Thomas Beals who was on the 1782 Montgomery, VA Tax List with Jarred and Thomas Branson. Rev. Beals was later in Grayson, VA where Jarred's group also lived. John Bowater Beals (nephew of Rev. Thomas Beals) married Lois Branson (daughter of Thomas L. Branson and Jeane Painter). David Branson, son of Thomas L. Branson and Jeane Painter, was married in Greene, TN in 1799. We have suspected that our Bransons were in early Greene, TN and this information makes sense. Jeane Painter Branson died 1811 in Highland, OH. Therefore, she probably went to Ohio with Rev. Beals after Thomas Branson died in about 1795.
Here is the information.... THOMAS BEALS THOMAS AND JARRED BRANSON |
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| The map below depicts some of the counties where Branson groups lived in early Virginia. Those who were part of the John Day Branson group lived in the northern part of Virginia, mainly in Frederick County. Those who were part of the Jarred Branson group lived in the southern part of Virginia in Patrick, Montgomery and Carroll Counties. Some researchers believe that Jarred was a grandson of John Day Branson, in fact, this is widely believed to be the case - a son of Thomas L. Branson and Jeane Painter. However, we have been unable to find any proof of this, and we have found no records indicating that Jarred was in or near Frederick County. (see updated information above)
Click the graphic for a larger view.
So far the earliest record found for Jarred Branson is a mention on the tax list of Montgomery County, VA in the year 1782. Listed with him was a Thomas Branson. Some believe this Thomas may be the son of Thomas L. Branson and Jeane Painter, however, he was born in 1772 making him only age 10 in 1782, so this is highly unlikely. This Thomas was most likely Thomas L. Branson who married Jane/Jeane Painter. Many researchers indicate that Jarred's children were born between the years 1775 and 1785 in Burks Fork, Carroll Co, Virginia, however, Carroll County was not formed until 1842 from Grayson County. Grayson was formed 1793 from Wythe. Wythe was formed 1790 from Montomgery. Montgomery was formed 1777 from Fincastle County (which no longer exists). Other records for Jarred Branson have been found in Patrick County which is next to Carroll County. Here are a few we've found.... ROOTWEB.COM: va/patrick/deeds/deedbk01-places.txt ROOTSWEB.COM - /va/patrick/courts/cob11805.txt http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/patrick/courts/cob21810.txt va/patrick/courts/cob21811.txt [0.875127] rootsweb.com  |
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A Note of Interest In 1811 Gerrard (Jarred) Branson was appointed surveyor of a road in Patrick Co, VA. My grandfather Ira Lee Branson was the great-great-grandson of Jarred. Ira was a road-builder from the time he was very young, running road crews in Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon and California. He became the Sonoma County, California Roadmaster. It seems this occupation ran in his family from way back. (Sandra) |
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