Richard WHITAKER

Abt 1752 - 1838  (~ 86 years)

• Name	Richard WHITAKER
  	In legal documents he spelled his name Whiteaker.
  Born	Abt 1752	Frederick Co. MD
  	Other possibilities are Wales according to his grandson.
  Gender	Male
  _UID	CDFDA936E78348BFA469B23A8407826B8B7C
  Died	18 Oct 1838	Washington, Co. VA   [1]
  Notes	Richard Whitaker of North Carolina and Washington County, Virginia by Joye Boardman The significant portion of the information on Richard Whitaker and Rachel Bentley's descendants comes from Joye Boardman's book which is out of print. She kindly provided me her material via email with permission to post on this website. "For a time it was thought Richard Whitaker, born 1752, was a son of Richard,Sr. and wife, Elizabeth Cary of Halifax Co., NC. After careful and extended research from many different sources,this Richard is not a son of the Halifax County Whitakers. It is possible he is a relative of the large Whitaker family from Virginia and North Carolina but that must be researched further."  David Whitaker, son of Benjamin and grandson of Richard, tells in the History of Oregon, page 886, that "Grandfather Richard Whiteaker emigrated from Wales previous to the Revolution and settled in North Carolina, where he married Rachel Bentley and reared a family of five sons and four daughters. He was a participant in the Revolutionary war and lived to be eighty-two years of age." Richard may be the son of either Mark Whitaker or James Whitaker whose adjoining plantations lay southeast of the Bentley plantation on Bear Creek. Cheryl Duke's notes: The evidence is pointing in this direction for several reasons. No immigration record has been located o his coming from Wales, nor is there any record of his being an indentured servant. Given the patterns of families and neighbors migrating from one location to another,it was unusual for a man without any ties to come into an area and be readily accepted. Especially to marry into an extended family like the Bentley's. Also, a person needed to have farming and survival skills to settle on the frontier. Coming from Wales and settling in the wilderness, a person would need friends or family to help in the process of adjustment. With the Whitaker's and the Bentley's both being from counties in Maryland that were close to each other, there would probably be a comfort and connection that would make it easier to establish communication and being neighborly. So it is more likely that Richard is the son of James Whitaker, as the name Mark doesn't appear in the names of his son or his descendants. On the other hand, Mark Whitaker Jr.'s offspring do continue its use. Only DNA evidence will ultimately confirm what written records do not. Continuation of Joye Boardman's research NORTH CAROLINA COURT AND LAND RECORDS The Rowan County North Carolina Court Minutes dated 8 Aug 1778 list those persons who "refused of neglected" to take the Oath of Allegiance to the state. Included in the list for Capt. Lyon's District is the name Daniel Bentley, and the names of Bentleys neighbors: Mesheck Davis, John Willcockson, Snr., Mark Whitacre, Adam Hall Snr., Samuel Willcoxson and Israel Willcoxson being also on the list. From Civil Action Papers, Lincoln Co., NC Richard Whitaker vs Michael Buff. In same papers, Whitakers on a 1782 List of Rowan County property owners, summoned with regard to confiscation of their property: Alexander, Henry, James, Jiles, Richard. See Rowan County Register August 1988 by Jo White Linn. A list dated 3 November 1782 details the names of men living in Capt. Pearson's Company who were summoned by William Butler, constable, to show why their property should not be confiscated. Included in the 1782 list are the names of Anthony Pealor [Peeler], John Wilcockson, Danul [Daniel] Lewis, and "Richard Whitaker Runaway." "Runaway" simply meant the individual was no longer in the area. This was Richard Whitaker's case as he moved with Thomas Bentley's family in 1782 to Lincoln County, North Carolina, having married Thomas Bentley's daughter, Rachel Bentley. Note from Cheryl Duke: It appears the families were victims of claim jumping, In 1777, a confiscation act was passed during during the Revolutionary War, seizing the lands of Lord Granville for the state of North Carolina. Settlers on Granville lands had to reapply for a new state land grant to their farms, and many lost everything to claim jumpers. Also on this list were John, Henry, Alexander and James Whitaker, along with Jiles Whitaker listed as a runaway (meaning he was no longer in the area). Rowan County, North Carolina Tax Lists 1757-1800 Annotated Transcriptions, by Jo White Linn, 1995, Preface pp. xi - xv. "Because Rowan County lay within the Granville Proprietary and because the Granville Land Office snapped shut in 1763 and never reopened, there was no way for a person to gain title to vacant land for the fifteen year period until the State Land Office opened in 1778. Because many of the settlers who flooded into the area during the period could not gain title to land, their names do not appear in the deed records and cannot readily be confirmed by other records." "Conscientious objectors, such as Quakers, Moravians, Menonists, and Dunkers, and those who refused to swear allegiance to the State were charged a three fold tax." Mark Whitaker was listed on the list of those not taking the oath of allegiance, so if the family was percieved as being Loyalists or Tories, then they paid in money and enmity from Patriot neighbors. In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannah's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC. Rachel's sister Mary married Aaron Freeman according to the Rowan County records. "Freeman, Aaron to Mary Bently, 17 dec 1769, Bentamin Bently, bondsman, Thomas Frohock, wit consent from Thos. Bently for his daugher Mary, 17 dec 1769, Benjamin Bently, James Freeman, wit." Richard Whitaker was a very good friend of Aaron Freeman, and they named their sons Aaron, Benjamin & Thomas. On 1 September 1795 the widow Hannah Bentley and her son, Daniel, sold to George Savage and Catherine Bollinger the plantation on which Hannah lived. 1 September 1795. Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley of Lincoln County to George Savage & Catherine Bollinger, both of Lincoln County, for 20 pounds, a tract of land that Thomas Bentley bought of Thomas Welch in Lincoln County on the waters of Indian Creek on the south side of the creek, it being the plantation she [Hannah Bentley] now lives on. It being the land [25 acres] that was accepted [excepted] in the deed that Daniel Bentley made to Jacob Bollinger [doesn't give boundaries] Signed: Hannah Bentley (her mark), Daniel Bentley. Witnesses: Benj. Moore, Richard Whiteakker, William Yonts. Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 18, page 146. Richard and wife, Rachel, moved to Washington County, Virginia, from the Lincoln County area of North Carolina. This is where Richard resided until his death on 18 October 1838. WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA RECORDS Richard Whitaker came into Washington County, Virginia from North Carolina sometime around 1796.  [Ref: Washington County, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840].  Listed are Giles Whiteacre and Richard Whiteacre. Richard Whitiker  is listed with various spelling of the name from 1796 until his death. The 1810 Index to the Census of Virginia lists Richard Whitaker living next door to James Whitaker.  Isaac Whitaker is listed under a different household.   It can only be conjectured as to why Richard and his sons came into Washington County, Virginia; perhaps they were attracted to the salt deposits on the North Fork of the Holston River.  They evidently had means as they purchased land shortly after coming in the County. Dr. Joseph E. Williams, Professor at Emory & Henry College suggested they perhaps came for the salt at Saltville, VA. Benjamin Whitaker  stated he had 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Absalom Rufus Whitaker, grandson of Richard named seven brothers and three sisters in his Bible.  Why the others were not named remains a mystery. They could have been older or died as youngsters.  1810 Federal Census Washington Co., VA. Richard Whitaker is listed with 1 free white male, 10-16 [Thomas}, 2 males 16-26 [Benjamin & Moses], 1 male, 45 or older, [himself], 2 free white females under 10, [Mary & Elizabeth], 1 female, 10-16, [Catherine], 1 female 26-45, [Rachel] Nov 25, 1814 Washington Co VA [Deed Bk 6, page 21; page 319 in DB index]  Richard Whitechor  [Whitaker] and his son, Moses  purchased two [2] tracts of land belonging to Charles Thurman and his wife, Barbara, all of Washington Co VA for $600. containing 113 acres, patent bearing date of 10 Sept 1787 and 50 acres, patent bearing date of 5 Nov 1798, lying on both sides of the North Fork of the Holston River. The 113 acres begins at a beech tree in an island corner to John Lee and crossing the river and a corner to John Lee on the south side of Little Mountain. p.6 1815 SW VA Tax Assessments : Julius Davenport, one farm on the North Fork Holston River joining Richard Whitarker. 1820 Census Name: Rickard Whitecar [Richard Whitaker] Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Washington, Virginia Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820 Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2 Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1 Free Colored Persons - Males - 14 thru 25: 1 Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 1 Free White Persons - Under 16: 1 Free White Persons - Over 25: 2 Total Free White Persons: 5 Total Free Colored Persons: 1 Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 6 1822 Washington County VA:  Richard and John Whitaker  witnessed the will of Rev. Isaac Chapman in 1822, the year Chapman died.  Richard went bond to settle his estate which was settled in 1825. 1824  Washington County VA Deed Book 8, 1822..25, pages 300/301  between John Logan, one and William S. & John Logan, Richard Whitaker, William Apperson, Jacob Morrell, Trustees of Maiden Springs Meeting House and lot-land and tract conveyed to John Logan to Henry's corner Jan 1804.  Recorded 20 July 1824. 1830 Census Name: Richard Whitaker Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Washington, Virginia Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 2 Free Colored Persons - Males - 10 thru 23: 2 Free Colored Persons - Males - 24 thru 35: 1 Free Colored Persons - Males - 36 thru 54: 2 Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 3 Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 23 Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: 8 Slaves - Males - 55 thru 99: 1 Slaves - Females - Under 10: 5 Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 2 Slaves - Females - 36 thru 54: 1 Free White Persons - Under 20: 3 Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1 Total Free White Persons: 7 Total Slaves: 43 Total Free Colored Persons: 5 Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 55 WILL Will Book, page 158 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA dated Jan 13, 1834, probated May 25, 1840.... My wife, Elizabeth to have 1/3 of the land the rest of her natural life. [Elizabeth Blair Chapman married Richard in 1829 and was in his household in 1830 CV Census]   My three grandchildren, Ruth E. Whitaker, Mahala Whitaker and James G. Whitaker to receive the other 2/3 of said estate. [NOTE: These three grandchildren were children of his daughter Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry.  See 1830/1840 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Census] p7   At my wife's death, the plantation is to be sold and equally divided among my three grandchildren.   My son, Moses, to get $1.00   My son, Benjamin, the $40.00 which I owe him.   I appoint James Whitaker my Exor.   Signed: Richard Whitaker  Witnesses: David Campbell, Michael S. Fleenor and John L. Taylor, Bond $1000. Security by N. Snead. REFERENCES The following are the references from Joye Boardman's book Richard Whitaker of North Carolina and Washington County, Virginia along with contributions from fellow Whitaker researchers and related families. Washington County, Virginia Birth, Death, Marriage, Deed Records 1810 Index to Washington Co.Virginia Census 1810 Federal Census Washington County, Virginia Census. Hayter/Litton Cemetery, Washington Co.VA. Washington Co., VA Death Register Obiturary: Hettie Woodward, Chess F. Woodward, and Dorothy Woodward Montgomery. Dorothy Ann Callahan Serber, Damascus, VA...Information of Callahan family. Reserach on Callahan Family by D. B. Callahan, Saltville, VA. Marriage Records, Smyth Co., VA. Camp Chase, Ohio Register, Death Record, Grave # 1581. Russell County, Virginia Census, Birth Records Washington County, Virginia Wills Research: On Richard Whitaker and James Whitaker by Joseph E. Williams, Emory, VA. Marriage Records Washington Co., Virginia Research by Thomas Colley, Hancerville, AL Research by Jack Hockett, St. David's, PA Marriage record research by Linda Gilley, Bristol, TN. Research by Joye Boardman, Palm Coast, FL Research by Charles Nelson, Alexandria, VA Poston Research, Jack Hockett, Thomas Colley Whitaker Cemetery, Independence, Oregon..Stones copied in 1973 by Mrs. James L. Dyal. Pinckney's Map of Lee County, Illinois Williamette Valley Genealogical Society State Library, Salem, Oregon The Oregon Argus, Oregon City, Oregon Frank T. Gilbert, Historical Sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties. Hiram Ogden's Description of the Trip across the Plains (2700 Miles). County Court House, Walla Walla, WA Polk Co Census, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1889, 1900, 1910. Oregon Donation Land Claims Book 1, 1241 Book V, #1241 Pacific Christian Advocate Newspaper History of Willamette Valley, 1885   by H. O. Long Photographs sent by Bette Hardinge, Palmdale, California History of Oregon Lyman's History of Walla Walla County, Vol 1, Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Walla Walla, WA Court record, Polk Co., Oregon Marriage Records Probate Records, Walla County, WA. 1870 Washington Territory, Waitsburg Township Census Birth, Marriage, Death Records, Wills Washington Co.VA; Russell Co., VA. Research by Betty Hardinge, a great-great-great granddaughter of Benjamin Whitaker. Bette died in Florida in 1994 from a heart attack. J. Gareth Pearson - Information on Benjamin Whitaker line. Research sent to me on Martha Ann Snodgrass by Mildred Elaine Wilburn Spencer, Houston, Texas.   Updated all along Corrections and Additions send to: Joye Boardman 396 445-8343 7 Waldron Place Palm Coast, Florida 32164   [2, 3]
  Person ID	I810	Master File
  Last Modified	7 Jul 2016

  
  

  Father	James Whitaker,   b. 08 Feb 1721, St. George Parish, Baltimore Co. MD ,   d. Aft 1809, Madison Co. KY  (Age 88 years)
  Mother	Prudence Giles,   b. 1720, Maryland ,   d. 1777, Madison Co. KY  (Age 57 years)
  Married	1740
  Family ID	F6593	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 1	Rachel BENTLEY,   b. 1750, Frederick Co. MD ,   d. Bef 1810, Washington Co. VA  (Age < 60 years)
  Married	Abt 1782	North Carolina   [3]
  Children	1. Giles WHITAKER,   b. Bef 1782, Rowan Co. NC ,   d. ca 1831, Claiborne, Co., TN  (Age > 49 years)   2. John WHITAKER,   b. Abt 1782, Rowan Co. NC ,   d. 17 Mar 1872, Ogle, IL  (Age ~ 90 years)   3. Isaac WHITAKER,   b. 1783, Rowan Co. or Lincoln Co. NC   4. James S. WHITAKER, Sr.,   b. 1790, Lincoln Co. NC ,   d. Feb 1856, Smyth Co. VA  (Age 66 years)   5. Moses X. WHITAKER,   b. 1791, Lincoln Co. NC ,   d. 14 Sep 1875, Washington, Co. VA  (Age 84 years)   6. Aaron WHITAKER,   b. Bef 1793, Lincoln Co. NC ,   d. Aft 1860, Putnam Co. IL  (Age > 68 years)   7. Thomas WHITAKER,   b. Bef 1795, Lincoln Co. NC + 8. Mary (Polly) WHITAKER,   b. ca 1795/1796, Lincoln Co. NC ,   d. Aft 1880  (Age ~ 85 years)   9. Benjamin WHITEAKER,   b. Aug 1796, Lincoln Co. NC ,   d. 2 Jul 1873, Independence, Polk Co., OR  (Age ~ 76 years)   10. Elizabeth WHITAKER,   b. 1797, Lincoln Co. NC   11. Catherine Rachel WHITEAKER,   b. 4 May 1804, Washington, Co. VA ,   d. 26 Aug 1868, Astoria, Clatsop Co., OR  (Age 64 years)
  Family ID	F52	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 2	Elizabeth Blair CHAPMAN
  Married	1829	Washington Co. VA   [2]
  Family ID	F111	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Sources

  [S15] Nancy A. Nash Material, 1997. [S25] Descendants of Richard Whitaker, Jr. and Rachel Bentley, Joye Boardman. [S27] Thomas Bentley of Frederick County Maryland and Old Rowan County, NC. and His Descendants, James W. Miller, Jr., (Self published, web 2006).