JOHN WITT OF BEDFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA

& HIS WIFE, KESIAH KILCREASE

OF EDGEFIELD COUNTY,

SOUTH CAROLINA

By: Elaine M. Perryman

 

 Researchers have long indicated that the wife of John Witt (son of Lewis and Ann (Mills) Witt), from Bedford County, Virginia was named Kizzie Ann Creasey. As of 9 Sept 2023, three hundred and nineteen public member Ancestry trees, with variations, continue to assert that she was the daughter of Thomas Franklin Creasey.[1] In truth, evidence to the contrary can be found in Thomas’ will.[2]  While his children are mentioned, no daughter named Kesiah, Kizzie or Ann is among them.

     Further complicating her reported ancestry, nearly one thousand researchers list their Ancestry trees with Thomas’ daughter Unis as Eunice “Kizzie Ann” Creasey.[3] The facts are that these women are two distinct individuals married to different John Witts. Unis Creasy, one of Thomas’ daughters, was married to John Witt, son of Benjamin Witt.[4] This older female is erroneously referred to as “Kizzie Ann,” despite no evidence if she had a nickname.

     Kesiah, the subject of this paper, has only been found with her given name as John’s wife in an 1818 sale of property in Logan County, Kentucky. [5] To identify Kesiah’s maiden name, one needs to first track her husband among the multitudes of John Witts from Bedford County.

 

 

TRACKING JOHN WITT

     In the year 1773, before America gained independence from Great Britain, a young boy of about seven years old named John Witt lived in his household in Bedford County, Virginia with his parents Lewis and Ann, along with his siblings.[6] Jesse, the oldest brother, was eleven years old, while his younger brothers Rowland and Robert were between two and three years of age. It’s possible they were twins, especially with both boys having a two-syllable name beginning with Ro, although without a tax roll taken for 1793, their birth years cannot be ascertained definitively. The youngest sibling, Mills, was approximately one year old, perhaps just beginning to walk.[7]

     The family resided on a 75-acre farm that his father Lewis Witt purchased from George Walton in 1771. The land, situated on the south side of the Otter River beginning at the mouth of Bear Branch, provided a backdrop for their daily lives. [8] An additional 15 acres of adjoining land was purchased from James Chastain in 1778 by Ann, after Lewis’ death.[9]  Within four years, John is the “man of the house” with his father deceased in 1774 [10] and his older brother enlisted with the Virginia militia on 1 March 1777 to fight against British forces. [11] His mother, Ann, probably struggles to care for the young children, with John taking on the responsibilities of hunting, fishing, and helping manage the farm.

     John’s paternal uncle [12] bearing the same name, appears in Bedford County and purchases two hundred acres in 1778 on the Little Otter River, situated about five miles from Ann Witt’s land.[13]  He likely provided additional family support to Ann, along with his wife Unis (Creasy) Witt. [14]

     In 1783, Jesse appears on the tax roll following his mother Ann.[15] He is back home to Liberty, Bedford County, after serving nearly three years in the Revolutionary War. Despite suffering as a cripple from war wounds and relying on crutches for the rest of his life, Jesse channels his physical limitations into a passion for education, particularly in the study of Divinity, as he is an avid Baptist. [16] According to his pension records, Jesse secured a bond in 1786 to marry Alice Brown.[17] He is a respected citizen in the town of Liberty and manages his farm to support his family. Jesse’s presence, along with his marriage to Alice and their availability to his mother, Ann, surely gives John the personal permission he needs to seek out his own adventures.

     John has long been considered a resident of Bedford County in public tree lineages, up until his appearance in Logan County, Kentucky in 1807. The presence of multiple individuals named John Witt in the county may have contributed to this confusion. However, a closer examination of the tax rolls, focusing on the cluster of families, reveals his absence from Bedford County almost two decades earlier.

     John is listed 12 June 1788, separately from his mother Ann, with one horse and is tithed as over 21 years, suggesting his birth year falls between 1766–1767. In the same year, Ann has three tithes for sons: Rowland, Robert, and Mills. In 1789, John and one of his brothers vanish from the Bedford County tax rolls, leaving Ann with only two marks in the 16–21 years column. Again, two tithes are marked in the same column in 1790. The identity of the absent brother from Bedford and whether he accompanied John remains uncertain, but Rowland, being closest in age, is the most plausible candidate to have joined him on his travels.[18]

     Furthermore, brother Robert married in August of 1790 [19] and appears tithed in his own household as over 21 years in 1791. Mills, the youngest male sibling, didn’t emerge independently until the 1794 tax roll, making his young age in 1788–89 the least likely to depart from his childhood home. Before long, we find that Rowland returned to Bedford County with his appearance in the 1792 tax rolls as over 21 years of age.

 

WHERE DID JOHN JOURNEY?

     John’s lack of appearance in the tax roll of 1789 clearly indicates that he had removed from Bedford County, Virginia in the latter part of 1788 to 1789. Migration during colonial times was typically not a solo endeavor; a young John Witt would have needed family support to establish a new residency. John’s paternal grandfather was Benjamin Witt, and his grandmother was Marianne Chastain.[20] Marianne was the child of Jean (John) Chastain and grandchild of the immigrant and Huguenot, Pierre (Peter) Chastain.[21]  Her first cousin was Peter, son of Rene Chastain. The families maintained close ties, as evidenced in multiple documents. Rene Chastain, who migrated from Manakin town in the Virginia Colonies to Edgefield County, South Carolina, died there in 1786. His son, Peter, inherited land, money, and slaves for the plantation.[22] John would have found support from his cousin, Peter, landowner and sheriff.[23] In addition, a closer relation, John’s maternal Aunt, Elizabeth (Mills) (Learwood) Ripley resided in Edgefield County, along with her child, Ambrose Ripley.[24] Ambrose was the same age as John, and it’s reasonable to speculate that the cousins were also friends.[25]

     Confirming his journey from Virginia to South Carolina, John appears in the 1790 federal census in Edgefield County.[26] He is presumably listed with his wife, as the columns ticked were: a “white male sixteen years and over” and a “free white female.” Although no marriage record can be found, we can surmise he married between 1789 and 2 August 1790, the date reflected in the U.S. census reporting of the head of the family’s homeplace. It’s worth noting that the gathering of information extended nine months past the commencement of the enumeration date.[27]

     On 17 Jun 1799, John’s brother, Mills Witt, also spent some time in Edgefield County as he appeared as a witness for a land deed on Beaverdam Creek. His presence clearly provides further proof that this John is indeed the son of Ann (Mills) Witt.[28]

 

THE KILCREASE FAMILY

     The first hint of John’s wife’s family can be found in the first U.S. census. They are clustered in 1790 with William and Robert Kilcrease. [29]

Wm. Kilcrease               2, 1, 2, –, –

John Witt                      1, –, 1, –, –

Elizabeth Holmes          1, –, 1, –,10

Matthew Cochran          1, –, 2, –, –

Robt. Kilcrease              1, 2, 2, –, –,

     The Kilcrease family surname appears in documents with various spellings such as Kilcrease, Killcrease, Gilchrist, Gilcrease, Kilcreese, Gilcrist, and other variations. Colonial records with this surname date back to the early 1700’s and researchers generally agree that the Gilchrist ancestry originated in Scotland.

     In numerous documents, we consistently find a close association between the Kilcrease family and the Witts, indicative of a strong familial bond. There is a strong probability that William W. Kilcrease is one of Kesiah’s brothers, based on age, and as their close relationship will become apparent with a later reunion in Maury County, Tennessee. On 3 January 1793, in a land dealing involving John Kilcrease, we can observe the location of John Witt’s land near Beaverdam Creek. [Map 1].[30]

 

Map 1: S213190, Plat recorded in Charleston, Vol 31, p. 198

 

 Also, in 1795, John Witt served as a witness, alongside Robert Lyon (an unverified brother-in-law to William Kilcrease), for Obediah Kilcrease in his procurement of sixty acres of land from William Coursey. Witt’s land is indicated again. [Map 2]. [31]

 

Map 2

 

     To further demonstrate the alliance between Witt and the Kilcrease families, we discover in a land transaction that Obediah gifts his son, Abraham (Abram) 130 acres of land on a creek called Beaver Dam of Turkey Creek waters, mentioning in the release, “… whereof I sold a part thereof unto John Witt…” [32] While we cannot determine if Obediah is the father of Kesiah since there are other candidates such as Robert and Benjamin Kilcrease from the same era, we do know that Obediah is of parental age, as evidenced by his mention in a William Minter land transaction in 1772, “…bounding by land held by Obediah Kilcrease…” [33]

    Besides the 1790 census, we can also place William Kilcrease in the same area as John Witt, John Kilcrease, and Obediah Kilcrease. He is mentioned in 1795 as a witness for land secured by his father-in-law, James Lyon.[34] Moreover, in 1797, William Kilcrease purchased a property from Dempsey Hughes on Loyd’s Creek which adjoins John Kilcrease’s land.[35]

     Notably, a plat for Godfrey Jones shows another William Kilcrease property near Beaver Dam Creek, clearly indicating his proximity to John Witt. [Map 3].[36] The land was purchased on 12 Oct 1796, when James Lyon sold 400 acres of land on the branches of Beaverdam of Turkey Creek to his son-in-law, William Kilcrease. In 1799, William and his wife Franky (Lyons) Kilcrease entered a contract to sell the same property. They finalized the sale to Daniel Bronson on 28 January 1800 but remained in Edgefield County with representation in the 1800 U.S. census.[37]

 

Map 3: S213192, Plat recorded in Columbia, Vol 37, p. 497

 

   John had doubtlessly started his family in Edgefield County as he is also listed in the 1800 U.S. census as having three white males “under ten” and two white females “under ten.” He and his presumed wife Kesiah are checked in the “twenty–six and under 45” column.[38]

     By 1807, John Witt had relocated to Logan County, Kentucky, [39] where he reunited with his brother Robert Witt [40] while William Kilcrease had removed to Maury County, Tennessee.[41] John and Kesiah remained in Logan County for over a decade before selling their property.[42]

 

MAURY COUNTY, TENNESSEE

      The first evidence linking John Witt to Tennessee emerges from his mother’s estate settlement.[43] The list of seven heirs includes Agatha Lavender (recorded as Agnes by her mother, Ann Witt, in her will), Millie Whitton, Jesse Witt, John Witt, Elizabeth Calvert (deceased, with her share divided between her five children), Rowland Witt, and Robert Witt. Ann Witt’s child, Mills Witt, had already received his portion prior to her death, as specified in the will.

     Agnes was deceased by the time of the settlement and her allocation was divided by her eight children. Thirty–seven dollars and three cents were entered for her son Charles Lavender. The next entry was for the same amount to her son Cuff Lavender “by his attorney Charles Lavender under power of attorney.”  Every disbursement was either paid outright or directed to their respective attorneys. Notably, Charles Lavender, son of Agnes, acted as attorney for his siblings and was specifically designated as such for Pleasant and Elizabeth Crews (Agnes’ daughter) and his uncle John Witt, in October 1818.

     By locating Pleasant Crews in the 1820 U.S. federal census, we can find an unindexed John Witt on the same page.[44]John’s household is enumerated with one male 10 to 16, a male (likely John) 45 and over, one female up to 10, one female 10 to 16, 3 females 16 to 26 and a female (Kesiah), 45 and up in the column.

 

LINKING JOHN AND KESIAH WITH WILLIAM IN TENNESSEE

     John’s presence in Maury County is further evidence that Kesiah is linked with William Kilcrease.[45] On 4 May 1822, at an inventory sale of deceased James Hays’ estate,[46] attendees included the widow, Betsy Kilcrease, William Kilcrease, John Kilcrease, Davis Kilcrease, Andrew Mills, Thomas Caldwell, and others. John Witt who was present, purchased one cow and had a $100 note on himself. Witnesses to the transaction were William Kilcrease, Jesse Overton, and Nathaniel Luminan.

     Their land holdings were situated near each other. On, 3 December 1807, William received a land grant for preference, comprising three hundred acres of land on the north side of Duck River on Walley’s Creek and the Eastern branch of Rutherford Creek in Maury County, Tennessee. [47] Similarly, John Witt’s land was described in 1840 when he sold his property to Cornelius Pain, “…on the headwaters of the double branches on Eastern branch of Rutherford’s Creek…” [48]  Also, a deed involving Fleming Simmons, son-in-law to William Kilcrease, clearly shows William and John Witt’s lands adjacent to each other.[49]

 

AUTOSOMAL DNA BETWEEN WITT AND KILCREASE OF EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA

     An established consensus among genealogists holds that autosomal DNA can be traced back at least 6–8 generations. It does not differentiate between male and female lines. Consequently, both the paternal and maternal lines of each test subject must be explored to discern the origin of DNA contributions, and each generation's placement in a family tree should be verified through conventional research methods.

     Providing sufficient evidence for an autosomal DNA connection becomes challenging when numerous generations have passed with the copulation of so many family surnames. Nonetheless, there is compelling evidence suggesting the presence of 18th-century Kilcrease DNA within the lineage of Witt family descendants. Multiple Kilcrease/Gilchrist autosomal DNA matches from Edgefield County, South Carolina, documented on Ancestry.com, align with descendants of John and Kesiah Witt known as “Private C” and “Private W.”[50]

     Additionally, a triangulation involving “C” and “W” with “Lezlie Bibeau” and “Tracie Bailey” (descendants of John and Kesiah through Robert L. Witt) matches with Angela Hammond, who traces her ancestry to Arthur Minor Kilcrease (1765–1832) of Edgefield County, SC. Arthur is possibly the brother of William Kilcrease, based on geographical location and historical timeline. Also, "W" has a 12 cM match with user “Liz Morin,” whose family tree contains Elizabeth “Betsy” Kilcrease Hays (1796–1859), daughter of William and Frances Kilcrease. [51]

 

KESIAH KILCREASE WITT

     In conclusion, despite the widespread belief in John Witt's Bedford County, Virginia marriage to a Kesiah Ann Creas(e)y as indicated by Ancestry public member trees, no direct evidence supports this claim. However, the cumulative circumstantial evidence strongly indicates that Kesiah Witt was indeed a Kilcrease from Edgefield County, South Carolina. The close association of the two families in the county, exemplified by their clustered land purchases and reinforced by Kilcrease-Witt autosomal DNA, supports this assertion. Furthermore, their continued interaction as family in Maury County, Tennessee, following their reunion provides additional weight to this argument.

     The absence of Kesiah in the 1830 U.S. census, coupled with John’s presence in the 1840 census followed by his absence by 1850, suggests Kesiah's likely death was between 1820 and 1830, and John's between 1840 and 1850.[52]

 

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     [1] Ancestry, “Public Member Family Trees for Kizzie Ann Creasy,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/categories/42/ : accessed 9 Sept 2023), Search terms: “Kizzie Ann Creas(e)y,” “born 1770,” and “Bedford County, Virginia.”

     [2] Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 2, 1802–1803, pp. 6–7, “Thomas Creasey”; imaged, “Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652–1900,” database with images, Ancestry (: accessed 9 Sept 2023) > Bedford > Will Books, Vol 2 1802–1803, Vol 3 –44, 1803–1817 > images 63–64 of 408.

     [3] Ancestry, “Public Member Family Trees for Kizzie Ann Creasy,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/categories/42/ : accessed 9 Sept 2023), Search terms: “Kizzie Ann Creasy,” “born 1770,” and “Bedford County, Virginia.” [Same search terms for Kizzie Ann born 1770 yields Eunice “Kizzie Ann” listed as born 1756].

     [4] Prince Edward County, Virginia, “Tithable Records, 1750–1787,” Benjamin Witt, John Witt, Absalom Witt, 10 June 1760; imaged at Library of Virginia, copy of original provided by LV to Elaine Perryman, 22 November 2022, upon request. Also, Prince Edward County, Virginia, “Miscellaneous Papers,” Typescript tax and poll rolls, p. 19 for John Witt, 10 June 1760; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3W-R9ZF-5 : accessed 10 October 2022), digital film > 7832038 > image 281 of 323. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, Deed Book, pp 476–477, 13 February 1795, John Witt, Unis, his wife; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X6TG  : accessed 10 Sept 2023) > digital film 7846226 > image 36 of 378. [Spousal relationship]. [Also, John, son of Benjamin is uncle to John, son of Lewis].

     [5] Logan County, Kentucky, Deed Book F, 1817-1819, pp. 168-69; John and Kesiah Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-2SM3-Y : accessed 14 April 2022) > digital film 8192734 > image 90 of 545.

     [6] Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 4, 1811–1817, pp. 276–77, “Ann Witt”; imaged in ”Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652–1900,”  database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/62347/images/007643952_00149 : accessed 4 April 2022) > Bedford >  Will Books, 4–6, 1811–1828 > images 149-50 of 656.[ Ann’s will provides the names of their children]. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 5, 1817–1823, index, search pp. 195–97”, “Ann Witt, List of Sales” in ”Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652–1900,”  database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/1676814:62347 : accessed 4 April 2022) > Bedford >Will Books, 5–6, 1817–1828 > images 118–19 of 511.[ Account provides 7/7 heirs because 8^th child Mills already received his share].

     [7] Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1788,” pp.11, 12, March 26, June 12,  John Witt, John Witt, Ann Witt; imaged at FamilySearch  (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X964-R : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 139–40 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1789,” p.11, 30 May, Ann Witt; imaged at FamilySearch  (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X967-6 : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 157 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1790,” p.15, 9 July, Ann Witt; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X96S-6: accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 181 of 706.  Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1791,” pp. 19–20, 31 March, imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X969-8 : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7846308 > images 209–10 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1792,” pp. 23–24, 28 May, 31 July, Ann Witt, Robert Witt, Roland Witt; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X9FQ-P : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 256–57 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1794,” p. 24, 3 June, 7 June, Robert Witt, Roland Witt, Mills Witt; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X9FF-D : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 283 of 706. (Ann not listed). [Tax Rolls indicate approximate age of children].

     [8] Bedford County, Virginia, Deed Book 4, 1771–1773, pp. 47–48, 6 March 1771, George Walton, Lewis Witt, imaged at FamilySearch; (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKN-1SJW-6 : accessed 5 September 2023), digital film > 8151903, images > 72–73 of 357.

     [9] Bedford County, Virginia, Deed Book 6, 1778–1780, pp. 12–13, 15 February 1778, James Chastain, Ann Witt, imaged at FamilySearch; (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQQ-V9MC-2 : accessed 5 September 2023), digital film > 7842541, image > 339 of 557.

     [10] Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 1, 1763-1787, pp. 211-12, Lewis Witt’s appraisement, 23 May 1774; FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89P6-2FS3 : accessed 25 September 2022) > digital film 007645309 > images 146–47 of 563. Also,Bedford County, Virginia, Chancery Court Record 1785–011, Chancery Court file, ADMX OF Lewis Witt vs. John Cooper; imaged “Chancery Records Index,” Library of Virginia, Virginia Memory (https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/ : accessed 4 April 2022), Search terms: “Bedford,” and “Index Number 1785–011,” 13 images.

      [11]  State of Virginia, County of Bedford, “Southern Campaigns Revolutionary War Pension Statements & Rosters,” Jesse Witt, 1 March 1777, Pension Application, W6524, transcribed by C. Leon Harris, revised 9 Oct 2014, imaged at Revwarapps; (http://www.revwarapps.org/w6524.pdf : accessed 6 Sept 2023).

     [12] See citation 4 above.

     [13] Bedford County, Virginia, Deed Book 8, 1787–1791, pp. 186–187, 9 April 1778, William Mead, John Witt, imaged at FamilySearch; (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-2N55 : accessed 5 September 2023), digital film > 7846225, image > 112–113 of 534.

     [14] Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1783,” p. 30, line 5, John Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X96N-L : accessed 5 May 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 45 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1784,” p. 39, line 27, John Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X96F-J  : accessed 5 May 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 69 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1785,” p. 36, line 16, John Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X96X-V : accessed 5 May 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 94 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1786,” p. 27, line 13, John Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X96D-P : accessed 5 May 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 110 of 706. Also, Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1787,” p. 14, May 16, June 9 (barely legible), John Witt, Anna Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X967-4 : accessed 5 May 2022) > digital film 7846308 > image 123 of 706. [John Witt, son of Benjamin] Also, Bedford County, Virginia, Deed Book 12, 1806–1809, p. 40, February 1805, John Witt, Frazier Oatey, Unice Witt, recorded 25 February 1806; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQN-Y99W : accessed 5 September 2023), digital film > 7846228, image > 261 of 446. Also, see citation 4 (above).

     [15] Bedford County, Virginia, “Personal Property, 1783,” p. 29, August 1783, Jesse Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-X96N-D : accessed 5 September 2023) > digital film 7846308 > image 44 of 706.

     [16] J.B. Jeter, “The Life of Rev. Daniel Witt, D.D., of Prince Edward County, Virginia,” Richmond, J.T. Ellyson, 1875, pp. 1–276, imaged at Library of Congress, (https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcmassbookdig.lifeofrevdanielw00jete/ : accessed 5 September 2023).

     [17] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington D.C., Jesse Witt (Pvt., Capt. Lambert’s Co., Va. Line, Rev. War.), widow “Alice or Alcy,” pension file W6524, bond of Jesse Witt to wed Alcy Brown, 6 May 1786, transcript certified 29 March 1843 by Robt. C. Mitchell, Clerk, Bedford County, Virginia; imaged in “U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, 1800–1900,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/82968:1995 : accessed 7 January 2023) > W > Wilson, Jonathan – Wood, Zephaniah > Witman, Abraham – Wizer, Michael, image 579 of 1049; the provider does not provide a citation to the original file, which should  be held at the National Archives.

      [18] Campbell County, Virginia, Register of Marriages, p. 178, line 3, 31 January 1793, Roland Witt, Sally Duvall, imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89XF-V6P9 :accessed 6 November 2023) > Film 7578854 > image 358 of 847. Also, Campbell County, Virginia, Marriage bond, Rowland Witt and Sally Duvall, 1793, received by U.S.P.S. from Valerie P. Younger, Circuit Court Clerk to Elaine Perryman on 27 November 2023, [Does not list birth year as claimed by other researchers. Birth order from Ann Witt’s will, census and tax rolls (citation 7 which indicates 1771–72.]

     [19] Bedford County, Virginia, “General Index to Marriage Bonds, A-Z, Husbands, 1754–1870,” W section, p. 45, line 2, 18 August 1790, “Witt, Robert,” wife Nancy Reese, Isaac Wade surety; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BK-RQMS-X: accessed 22 June 2022) > digital film 7725159 > image 310 of 607

     [20] Bob Baird, Bob’s Genealogy Filing Cabinet, Southern and Colonial Genealogies, The Early Generations (https://genfiles.com/witt/john-witt-c1645-by1715/ : accessed 16 September 2019), for “John Witt (c1645–by1715), Children, William Witt, (2.2) Benjamin Witt.” Also, W. Mac. Jones, ed., the Douglas Register: Being a Detailed Record of Births, Marriages, and Death Together with Other Interesting Notes, as Kept by the Rev. William Douglas from 1750 to 1797 (Richmond: J. W. Fergusson & Sons, 1928), 385, for Marianne Witt b. 19 March 1732; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89CL-YQFP : accessed 11 August 2022) > digital film 7412573 > image 200 of 218. [According to Jones’ Foreword (image 6), Douglas arrived in the parish in 1750 and found no earlier register. At the request of parents, he recorded the names and dates of children born prior to his arrival].                              

     [21] Cumberland County, Virginia, Will Book 1–2, pp. 230–232, John Chastain, proved 25 January 1762: imaged, “Wills and Probate records, 1652–1900,”      Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/62347/images/007675920_00135 : accessed 9 Sept 2023) > Cumberland > Will Book, Vol 1–2, 1749–1792 > image 135–136 of 543.

     [22] Abbeville County, South Carolina, Loose probate files, box 20, pack 4521, “Estate of Ramey (Rene) Chastain, Dec’d (1786)”; imaged, “South Carolina, U.S., Wills, and Probate Records, 1670–1980,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/1165860:9080 : accessed 7 January 2023) > Abbeville > Probate Records, Boxes 19–20, Packages 390–455, 1782–1958 > images 481–85. Also, Edgefield County, South Carolina, “Common Pleas Court Minutes, 1785–1790,” p.309, Peter Chastain, 1790; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLK-X34N-R : accessed 31 October 2022), digital film > 8196338 > image 166 of 381. Also, 1790 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Not stated,” p. 509, middle column, line 35, Peter Chastain.

     [23] Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 11, 1794–1795, pp. 354–358, recorded 3 October 1794, Peter Chastain to Edmond Holleman; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-LS4S-H  : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 8140722 >  images 609–611of 639. Also, Abbeville, South Carolina, “Land Plats, 1784–5, p. 169, 17 Dec 1784, Peter Chestien; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSK7-BSNH-P : accessed 10 September 2023) > digital film 8139531 > image 211 of 586. Also, 1790 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Not stated,” p. not given, middle column, line 34, Peter Chastain. Also, Edgefield County, South Carolina, “Minutes of Court, 1785–1790,”, p. 298, 17 October 1789, Peter Chastain, imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLK-X34J-Q : accessed 21 Jul 2023) >digital film 8196338 > image 161 of 381. [Peter Chastain, sworn in as deputy sheriff]

     [24] 1790 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Not stated,” p. 513, first column, line 8, John Ripley. Also, For the Amherst and South Carolina documents that chronicle Elizabeth, her husbands, and her children, see E. S. Mills, “William Mills (c1695–1755) of Goochland, Albemarle & Amherst Counties, Virginia; Spouse Mary [—?—]: Research Notes,” a work-in-progress last updated 23 February 2022; archived at E. S. Mills, Historic Pathways (https://www.historicpathways.com/download/MillsSouthsideVirginialiteraturesurvey.pdf : accessed 9 Sept 2023 under the Research tab. [Elizabeth Shown Mills has done extensive research on the Mills family and is posted on this site]. Also, South Carolina, Department of Archives & History, Will Graves, transcribed and revised 4 Apr 2017, Southern Campaign Revolutionary War Pension Statements & Rosters, John Mills (alias John Ripley), S9024, transcription imaged at (http://www.revwarapps.org/w6524.pdf) [Establishes step-father John Ripley’s move from Virginia to SC]

     [25] 1850 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, Edgefield District p. 87B, line 33, Ambros Ripley. Also, Edgefield Advertiser, Edgefield, South Carolina,  26 October 1854, Obituary of Ambrose Ripley and his wife Mary, p. 3, first column; imaged at Library of Congress, Chronicling America (https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026897/1854-10-26/ed-1/seq-3/ : accessed 10 Sept 2023).[Location and age of Ambrose Ripley] Also, Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 9, 1793–94, pp. 68-82, 25 November 1793, Frederick Holmes to Kevan Taylor & Murren (merchants), “…182 acres of land on the heads of Marshall’s branch and 118 acres of land on the branches of Beaver Dam a branch of Turkey Creek… for a total of 300 acres…” imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-LSW1-7 : accessed 24 Jul 2023) digital film 8140722 > images 39–46.[Witnesses: Burges White and Ambrose Ripley (son of Elizabeth (Mills) (Learwood) Ripley recorded 4 Jan 1794]. [Holmes was a neighbor of John Witt].

     [26] 1790 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Not stated,” p. 570, middle column, line 20, John Witt.

     [27] United States of America, “Act of First Congress,” 1 March 1790, pp. 101–103, Sess. II, Ch.  2, Section 1 and Ch. 3, Section 6; imaged at National Archives (https://www.archives.gov/files/research/census/1790/1790censusact.pdf : accessed 7 Sept 2023)

     [28] Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 17, 1793–94, pp. 474–-78, 17 June 1799, Mills Witt, witness; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-L9J9-X :accessed 24 Jul 2023) digital film 8140724 > images 242–243 of 614.

      [29] 1790 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Not stated,” p. 570, middle column.

     [30] South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Archives and History, S213190, Charleston, Volume, 31, p. 198, (https://www.archivesindex.sc.gov : accessed 28 Sept 2024) under search terms Kilcrease, John.

     [31] Edgefield County, South Carolina, “Deed Book 14, 1797,” pp. 410–412, Indenture, 10 January 1795, William Coursey to Obediah Kilcrease sixty acres of land for ten pounds sterling. Recorded 13 Oct 1797, witnesses Robert Lyon, John Witt, imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS73-M333-1 : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 7856780 > images 214–215 of 900. [6 May 1793 grant to Edward Vann then transferred to William Coursey, 16 June 1793,] [Plat diagram shows the 60 acres purchased joined Obediah’s existing property with John Witt’s land.] [Robert Lyon I the son of James Lyon, father-in-law to William Kilcrease]

     [32] Edgefield County, South Carolina, “Deed Book 18, 1799–1800,” pp. 430–433, 3 April 1799, Obediah Kilcrease to young son, Abraham (Abram) Kilcrease, imaged at FamilySearch ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-L9NH-C : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 8140724 > images 549–550 of 614.

     [33] Edgefield County, South Carolina, “Land Plats no. 37, 1799–1800,” pp. 440, 7 April 1772, William Minter, Obediah Kilcrease; imaged at FamilySearch ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSK7-1SGZ : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 8139515 > image 489 of 678. [In 1797–1800 roll].

     [34] Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 12, 1795–1796, pp. 93–94, 12 March 1795, 150 acres on the branches of Beaverdam Creek and Turkey Creek waters, William Coursey to James Lyon (Wilkes, Georgia), imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS73-SSN1-D : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 7856779 >  images 51–52 of 679 [William Kilcrease, witness][William married daughter, Frances Lyon].

     [35] Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 18, 1799–1800, pp. 388–390, 1 November 1797, Dempsey Hughes (of Washington County, Georgia to William Kilcrease (Edgefield County, South Carolina), 50 acres on branch of Loyd’s Creek, a branch of Stephen’s Creek and bounding with John Kilcrease land, imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-L9N6-C  : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 8140724 >  images 528–529 of 614

     [36] Edgefield County, South Carolina, “Land Plats No. 37, 1797–1800,” p. 497, 4 March 1800, Godfrey Jones land plat shows neighbor William Kilcrease land on Beaver Dam Creek., imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSK7-1SVW : accessed 3 Sept 2023) digital film 8139515 >  image 505 of 678. Also, South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Archives and History, S213192, Columbia Series of State Plat Books (https://www.archivesindex.sc.gov : accessed 12 Sept 2023) under search terms Jones, Godfrey.

     [37] Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book Vol. 13, 1796–97, pp. 344–45; William Kilcrease, James Lyon; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS73-SSXJ-4 :  accessed 30 October 2022) > digital film 7856779 > images 621–21of 679.[James Lyon, presumed father-in-law to William Kilcrease] Also, Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 18, 1799–1800, pp. 55–59; William Kilcrease and “Franky” his wife to Daniel Brunson; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-L9J3-F : accessed 30 October 2022) > digital film 8140724 > images 353–55 of 614. Also, 1800 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Benjamin Barrett,” p. 143, line 1, William Kilcrease.

     [38] 1800 U.S. census, Edgefield County, South Carolina, District “Joseph Dawson,” p. 168, line 3, John Wit.

     [39] Logan County, Kentucky, “Personal Property, 1807,”p. 24, line 34, John Witt, August, 1807; imaged at FamilySearch ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-C9XG-F : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7834476 > image 508 of 1012. Also, Logan County, Kentucky, Deed Book B, 1806–1813, pp. 238–39; John Witt, imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4T-MSWQ-W : accessed 14 April 2022) > digital film 7900780 > image 134 of 632.

     [40] Logan County, Kentucky, “Personal Property, 1810”, p. 39, line 34, Robert Witt, January 1811; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-C9NS-P : accessed 19 June 2022) > digital film 7834476 > image 685 of 1024 and Logan County, and Kentucky, Deed Book C, 1806–1813, pp. 240–41; Robert Witt; imaged at FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4T-MSWJ-T: accessed 14 April 2022) > digital film 7900780 > image 465-6.

     [41] Maury County, Tennessee, “Tennessee, p.433, Grant No. 17; 1807–08, William Kilcrease; imaged in Ancestry(https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/460195:3658 : accessed 2 November 2022) > Tennessee, U.S. Early Land Registers, 1778–1927 > 236 of 1181. Also, Williamson County, Tennessee, “Personal Property, 1807,”p. 191, William Kilcrease, tax, no land registered.; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4T-X92F-M : accessed 9 November 2022) > digital film 7901115 > image 103 of 760.

      [42] See citation 5 above.

     [43] Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 5, 1817-1823, search terms: pp. 195-97; imaged in Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/1676814:62347 : accessed 4 April 2022) > Virginia, U.S. Wills and Probate records, 1652–1900 > images 118–19 of 511.

     [44] 1820 U.S. census, Maury County, Tennessee, Columbia Township, p. 57/110, line 30, John Witt (not indexed, barely legible); imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYB9-SVPD : accessed 5 July 2022) > image 3 of 6.

     [45] 1820, U. S. census, Maury County, Tennessee, District Not Stated, p. 55B, lines 13–15, William Kilcrease, John Kilcrease, Davis Kilcrease. Also,1820 U.S. census, Maury County, Tennessee, Columbia Township, p. 57, line 30, John Witt (not indexed, barely legible).

     [46] Maury County, Tennessee, “Marriage Records 1808–1918,” Betsy Kilcrease and James Hayes; Imaged at Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1169/images/VRMUSATN1780_070614-00193 : accessed 5 November 2022) >Tennessee, U.S. Marriage Records, 1780–2002 > Maury > 1808–1918 > image 194 of 836 and Maury County, Tennessee, “Will Book C-1,” pp 385–87, Inventory of the property of Hays deceased, by John and Davis Kilcrease; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-25C2-R9 : accessed 5 November 2022) > digital film 4776149 > images 633–34 of 714.

     [47] Maury County, Tennessee,  imaged at Ancestry, p. 433, Grant No. 17, 1807–1808 (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/460195:3658, accessed 9 November 2022) > Tennessee, U.S. Early Land registers, 1778–1927 for William Kilcrease > Series 03, Plats and Surveys> 1807–1808 >image 236 of 1181

     [48] Maury County, Tennessee, Deed Book X1, 1840–42, pp. 220-21; John Witt and Cornelius Pain, 24 September 1840; imaged atFamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS54-43L5-X : accessed 14 April 2022) > digital film 8265229 > image 119 of 651.

     [49] Maury County, Tennessee, Deed Book N1, 9 July 1829, pp. 419; Flemmon Simmons, John Witt and William Kilcrease, 24 September 1840; imaged at FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4T-MTFL : accessed 14 April 2022) > digital film 7901313 > image 216–217 of 557.[Simmons was married to Wm. Kilcrease daughter, Mary Polly in 1810].

     [50] “AncestryDNA results for “ Private C” database report, AncestryDNA, (withheld by the author) accessed 9 November 2023 with search term: Kilcrease), predicting 5^th–8^th cousin genetic match with users:  “Haylee Humphrey,” with a 15 centimorgans match, identifies Robert Kilcrease (1757–1807) of Edgefield County SC through his son James Kilcrease (1793–1864) as an ancestor, “Morningglorywv1951,” with 22 cM’s  and “Diane Smith,” with 14 cM’s through Robert’s son, John Kilcrease, Sr.,(1805–1855), “Allen Patterson,” with 21cM’s identifies John Gilchrist (1758–1829) of Edgefield County, SC as an ancestor, “Timothy Goodman,” with14 cM’s as a descendant of Arthur Gilchrist/Kilcrease (1753–1792). Also, “AncestryDNA results for “Private W”,” database report, AncestryDNA, (withheld by the author): accessed 9 November 2023 with search term: Kilcrease), predicting 5^th–8^th cousin genetic match with users, same as “Private C”: “Angela Hammond,” 14 cM’s, “Timothy Goodman,” 14 cM’s, and others.Pointedly W has a 12 cM match with “Liz Morin”, her tree contains, Elizabeth “Betsy” Kilcrease Hays (1796–1859), daughter of William Kilcrease.

     [51] Maury County, Tennessee, “Tennessee, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1779–2008,” Frances Mrs Kilcrease, 1849, pp. not stated ; Imaged at Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9176/images/004727861_00005 : accessed 9 November 2023) > Tennessee, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1779–2008 > Maury > Estate Records, Kilcrease, Frances Mrs > image 5–18 of 3167. [shows the relationship of William and Frances Kilcrease as parents of Betsy Kilcrease whose son Davis Kilcrease Hays is Frances’ administrator].

     [52] 1830 U.S. census, Maury County, Tennessee, District, “Not Stated”, p. 387, line 25, John Witt and 1840 U.S. census, Maury County, Tennessee, District, “33^rd Civil District”, p. 93, line 19, John Witt.