Mark Whitaker

Notes:

Christopher Richards (cmrichards@blueyonder.co.uk) has done the best research on Mark and his ancestors to this point. Here is his reasoning for the Maryland Mark Whitaker to be the same as the one baptized in Thornhill, Yorkshire, England.

1. The spelling is the same as in the Thornhill registers
2. The naming patterns used for his children are the same as the naming patterns for his presumed ancestors.
3. Mark seems to be of some status when he arrived in New England. So were his presumed father and grandfather in Yorkshire.
4. The dates fit.
5. Mark of Thornhill's younger siblings died young but he seems to have survived.
6. Mark Whitaker (and all spelling variants) is not a common name but there is a group of Mark Whitakers in the Dewsbury are in the seventeenth century.

But these are all reasons for making the identification - they do not prove that Mark of Maryland is the same man as Mark of Thornhill.

However, the Mark Whitaker of Maryland was an educated man as evidenced by his position in St. George's Parish and status in society. Records show that he worked for the St. George's Parish as a vestry clerk in 1724, 1725 and 1726.

He went to Cambridge. The records of his matriculation are as follows:

Whiteacre, Mark
Adm. sizar at EMMANUEL, Nov. 27, 1693. Of Yorkshire. S. of Thomas, of Thornhill. Bapt. Nov. 8, 1677. ' Matric. 1697. (J. B. Peace.)

[Note: "Sizar" is an undergraduate at Cambridge University, receiving financial help from the college and formerly having certain menial duties.]

Emmanuel was the seminary school for Church of England Priests/ministers.

--------

Why did Mark Whitaker immigrate? The educated and religious class in England had a secure life and had little desire to leave that life for one of danger and struggle. On the other hand, England was desperate to secure educated and church trained immigrants to the Colonies. We may never know the reason. His father, Thomas, died in 1684 and we don't his mother's name or death at this time. His only surviving sibling, George, died in 1698. With no surviving family and possible inducements from the Church of England for a responsible position in a church in the colonies, Mark may have decided to immigrate. There may not have been many opportunities for church positions in Thornhill or Dewsbury or advancement may have been limited. We may never know the true reason, but the Colonies may have offered an opportunity he couldn't refuse.

In the period of 1670-1700, the Colonial Parish Church was both the church and the local government. The vestry house was used to hold civil trials, as a jail, record wills and deeds and keep records of business transactions with England. Church records show Mark was a Vestryman. Crops, primarily tobacco, were harvested and shipped to England. The merchant would pay the church and the funds would be dispersed to the farmers after debts were settled. This position required an educated and a trusted man by the inhabitants. Many deed and wills were witnessed by Mark, another indication of trust in the man.

----------

Beaumont W. Whitaker, "The Whitaker Family of Baltimore County, Maryland, 1677-1767" Maryland Historical Magazine, Volume 79 (Summer 1984), pages 165-182

"Baltimore County Families, 1659-1759"

He appears in the Tax rolls of Spesutia Hundred for 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705 and 1706.

Mark Whitaker & Elizabeth his wife, Baltimore Co., MD (Ellerton) 500 acres, 1 Nov. 1725, Reference PL6/143; ILA/636 Emerson, Anne & Rachel: Baltimore Co., MD (Ellerton), 500 acres; 1 Nov. 1725.

3 Mar 1713, Robert & Sarah West, planter, of Baltimore Cp., Maryland to Mark Whitaker, planter, of same, 2,500 pounds of tobacco, 100 acres...Deer Creek. Signed Robert (X) West. Wit: John Miles and Gregory Farmer.

3 Mar 1713, John & Mary Miles, carpenter, of Baltimore Co., Maryland to Thomas Cullin, shoemaker, of same, 100 acres. Signed John Miles. Wit. Mark Whitaker and Gregory Farmer.

3 Aug 1715, John & Mary Miles, of Baltimore Co., Maryland to Robert Hawkins, planter, of same, 2,800 pounds of tobacco, 100 acres. Signed John Miles and Mary (X) Miles. Wit: James Isham and Mark Whitaker.

June 1718 Mark Whittaker appointed overseer of the rolling road from Deer Creek to the rolling house of John Hall, Esq., and the other roads from said creek to the main road through the county or to the water.

14 Aug 1718, Robert West, planter, of Baltimore Co., Maryland to John Hall, gentleman, of same, 78 acres...Dear Creek. Signed Robert (X) West. Wit: John Deavor, Marke Whiteaker and Thomas Bucknell.

1722, Thomas & Mary Tully, gentleman, of Baltimore Co., Maryland and Jane Thomas, of Anne Arundel Co., Maryland to Samuel Howell, of Baltimore Co., Maryland, 24 lbs., formerly owned by Richard Freeborne, deceased of Baltimore Co., Maryland. Signed Thomas Tolley, Mary Tolley and Jane Thomas. Wit: Mark Whiteaker and John Stokes.

20 Jul 1725, Samuel & Mary Brown, planter, of Baltimore Co., Maryland to John Durbin, gentleman, of same, 200 acres...head of Bush River...except part sold to Charles Whiteacre. Signed Samuel Brown. Wit: Mark Whiteakers and Thomas Jones.

----------

WITNESS TO DR. EVANS' WILL

Page 101. Evan EVANS, D. D.. St. George's Parish, Baltimore CO; 25 may 1721;
10 Nov 1721. To Rev. Geo. ROSS, of New ___ ___, for preaching funeral sermon, 2 guineas; eldest son of only dau. Mary (wife of Rev. Thos. LOYD, of Denbigh CO, England), proceeds from sale of 2 tracts of manatiane, Philadelphia CO, PA, viz. 600 A. "Rhydyearn" and 400 a. "Trevaglnys"; sd au. Failing male issue, to her eldest dau, rs. Int. of proceeds for use of wife Alice, during widowhood, to revert t hrs of dau. Mary as afsd; wife Alice, rents & profits due from living at Sutterton, CO Lincoln, and 1/3 int. in mortage on est. of Wm. ROBINSON, Esq, CO Denbigh, during life; dau Mary afsd, res. Of sd. Mortage, w/reversion of third beq. Wife; Mr. Charles READ, mercht, in Philadelphia, 5 lbs; Edw. HALL & Roger MATHEWS, exs, personalty. Test. Directs he be buried a n. end of the altar table in st. George's Church. Test: Mark WHITAKER, Chas. BAKER, Obidiah PRICHARD.
Maryland Calendar of Wills: Volume 5

PROBATE

Prerogative Court Abstracts 1728-1734
MARK WHITAKER 15.452 BA (Baltimore) L50,186 June 14, 1729 Apr.18, 1730 Appraisers: Antel Deaver, Richard Deaver
Creditors: Jon. Middlemore, Tim Keen
Next of Kin: Flowers Swift [husband of Elizabeth; son-in-law of Mark Whitaker] Administrex: Elizabeth Taylor. widow of Mark Whitaker. She married Francis Taylor.Mark Whitaker died intestate.

CHURCH HISTORY

St. George's Episcopal Church is also known as Spesutia Church is located in Perryman, Harford County, MD. Detailed church records exist going back to the 17th century. It is the oldest Episcopal parish in MD.

Founded in 1761, the original wooden church was built in what is now part of Aberdeen Proving Grounds, about 2 miles away from its current site. In 1718 the parish moved to the current location with the present church constructed in 1851. It is the third to be built on the site. The cemetery dates from 1718 when the second church was built on the same site.

Source: Maryland Historical Society, "The Migrations of Baltimore Town."
http://www.mdhs.org/migrations-baltimore-town

Rev. S. W. Crampton, in 1851, published an account of St. George's Parish, in which he states, " The first Church stood near Michaelsville, at a place called "Gravelly." Here are the almost obliterated remains of the Log Church where the first founders of this Parish worshiped, while the sunken graves on every side mark their last earthly resting places. A bridge near this locality called 'Church Bridge,' corroborates this evidence."

In the journal of Freeborn Garretson in 1809, he wrote, "As the country became more settled and probably with a desire
to reach a less miasmatic region, James Philips, Esq., the
ancestor of the Philips already mentioned in the epitaph, gave in 1718, two acres of ground to the vestry of St. George's Parish, at what is now known as " Spesutia Church," and about that year, six years after the decadence of Old Baltimore, the remains of the dead with their tombstones were probably removed to the new burial ground about seven miles westwards.

The monuments in the Spesutia ground are of a historical
character, representing generation after generation. Among the names I recognized, was that of Giles, a family recorded among the earliest settlers of Baltimore County. Edward Giles married Cordelia, daughter of James Philips.

There is belonging to the vestry of this parish a parchment
Registry of births, marriages and deaths, and the first name recorded is John Cook, son of John Cook, born at Bush River, 25th September, 1681. The record of Vestry Acts is unfortunately lost."

-----------------

The St. George's Parish Vestry House, also known as Spesutia Vestry House, is a small structure of Flemish bond brick construction dating to about 1766. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Although it was built after Mark Whitaker served as vestry clerk, the building he used was a meeting place to conduct parish business and to perform certain civil duties, particularly the monitoring of the moral codes of the day and the administering of justice for violations in colonial Maryland. Vestry Houses were often used as schoolhouses, school being conducted by the clergyman or a member of his family, or someone else hired by the parish for the purpose.

According to an article in the Baltimore Sun, the church had its final service in December 30, 2012.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/publications/the-aegis/ph-ag-st-georges-0102-20121230-story.html

A Pentecostal congregation now uses church, but churchyard remains Maryland diocesan property of the Episcopal Church.

AREA HISTORY

Harford County Maryland was explored in 1608 by Captain John Smith of the Virginia Colony, when he mapped the upper country and its islands and shores. Colonel Nathaniel Utie came from Virginia to explore the upper bay region and find a place to settle around 1649, and he was granted an island located a few hundred yards south of Havre de Grace. He named it Spesutie, using the Latin Spes-Utie, meaning Utie's Hope. The spelling was later changed to Spesutia. When the Church of England became the established church in Maryland, Spesutie Parish was divided into St. George's and St. John's Parishes. The Spesutia Church of St. George's Parish was erected near Perryman, where it still stands today. Until 1773 it was part of Baltimore County.

Source: THE MIGRATIONS OF BALTIMORE TOWN, Maryland Historical Society

http://www.mdhs.org/migrations-baltimore-town


In 1659, Baltimore County was established, including not only Harford, Cecil and Kent, but all the Western Shore north and northwest of Anne Arundel County. Baltimore County was divided into Hundreds. The site of our present Baltimore City was in Deptford Hundred (then Patapsco Hundred), Gunpowder, Middle River, and that part on Bush Neck up to the Susquehanna River was known as the "Baltimore Hundreds."

The " Hundreds" included so many able-bodied men, and
their history would furnish a most interesting chapter extending back to their introduction into England by Alfred the Great, derived by him from Denmark, where they yet exist. "Old Baltimore" was, in 1674, "New Baltimore." It became old when its Court House was removed to Forster's Neck, on Gunpowder River, in 1700, at which time the ground probably reverted to the original proprietor.



Birth:
James Drew-Whitaker and Christopher Richards were the sources for this information.

Christened:
Source: Thornhill Registers: Yorkshire Parish Registers,
Edited by John Charlesworth,1907, Vol 1 Page 202.

"Marke the sonne of Mr Thomas Whiteakers junior of Thornhill bapt 8 Nov 1677"

He was baptized by Rev. John Savile rector of St. Michael All Angels (1671-1701).

---------------
Source: West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1512-1812
Name Marke Whiteaker
Father Thomas Whiteaker
Baptism 8 Nov 1677 - Thornhill, St Michael and All Angels
Vital 8 Nov 1677 - Thornhill, St Michael and All Angels, Yorkshire, England

Name:
He spelled his name Marke Whiteakers when he signed documents.

Buried:
Memorial Marker and photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=81096764&ref=acom

Inscription:
MARK WHITEAKER
MARK WHITAKER
1677 - 1729

Marke was christened "8 Nov 1677 the sonne of Mr. Thomas Whiteakers junir of Thornhill by Dewsbury, Yorkshire England."'

He was admitted "sizar"[an undergraduate at Cambridge University receiving financial help from the college and formerly having certain menial duties] to Emmanuel college, Cambridge University on 27 Nov 1693 and matriculated in 1697.

Mark first appears on the 1702 tax rolls of Spesutia Hundred: present day Harford County MD.

3 mar 1713: Mark Whitaker planter, bought from Robert West for "2500 pounds of good tobacco" 100 acres in a tract called Westwood.

Vestry records say "1726 by an order to Mark Whitaker for his "sallery being clk of the vestry . . . . "

Mark died 1 May 1729, his grave is lost to time.


Died:
Now in Harford Co. MD, formed in 1773 from Baltimore Co..

Mark married Catherine Teague 13 May 1705, Maryland. Catherine was born Between 1690-1695, Teggs Delight, Cecil Co. MD; died 15 Nov 1717, St. George Parish, Baltimore Co. MD. [Group Sheet]

Mark married Elizabeth Empson 13 Feb 1717, St. George Parish, Baltimore Co. MD. Elizabeth (daughter of James Empson, III and Rebecca) was born 1700, St. George Parish, Baltimore Co. MD; died 1746, Rowan Co. NC. [Group Sheet]

Elizabeth married Flower Swift 13 May 1755, St. George Parish, Baltimore Co. MD. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Petitioners Seeking Creation of All Saints' Parish, 1742
(Through Division of Prince George's Parish)
list of about 50 names includes:
Flower Swift (married Elizabeth Whitaker daughter of Mark & Eliz. Empson Whitaker)
Mark Whiteacar
Thos Whiteacar
John Wilcoxon, Sen
John Wilcoxon, Jun

LAND AND COURT RECORDS

In Baltimore County Court Procedures, Book HWS#6, p, 151 is: Thomas Whitaker, orphan aged 17, in June 1729 petitioned the Court that he had left his step-mother [Elizabeth Empson] and wanted to live with his uncle Thomas Mitchell. [Thomas Mitchell was Thomas' uncle, the husband of his mother Catherine Teague's sister Ann]

The reason for this petition is explained by futher court action a few months later. Elizabeth Empson/Emson, widow of Mark Whitaker married Francis Taylor 6 Oct 1729 in Baltimore County, Maryland (I.S. No. K, p. 109). A record at St. George's Parish, Maryland, June 1733, reads: "Francis Taylor is indicted for not taking care of Mark Whitaker's orphans.

Thomas Whitaker was listed in the 1733 list of "taxables" in Prince George County, MD.

Thomas Whiteacre, on Feb. 25, 1739, sold the 100 acre Westwood tract given to him by his father Mark Whitaker, to Robert West for 2500 pounds of tobacco

Thomas Whitaker and his brother,Mark Whitaker, Jr., owned land bordering Kittoctin Creek in Prince George County, MD.

The two brothers were listed as the overseers of the road from Catoctin to South Mountain in 1741. (When Frederick County was created in 1748 their holdings on Kittoctin Creek were in Frederick County.)

In 1750 in Frederick County MD, Thomas Whitaker sold "Goose Bill" to Nicholas & Charlotte Fink.

In 1755, Thomas Whitaker was a juror in Frederick County. In 1762, both Mark and Thomas were involved in the signing and disposition of Edward Johnson's will.

Cecil County, Md. Land Records, Vol. I 1674-1810:
Thomas Whitaker from Nicholas White et ux, Vol. 8, p. 107 (A Nicholas White is named in the 1764 road order through Reedy Creek NC settlement)

Mark Whitaker as a co-administrator of the Edward Johnson will's provisions filed an accounting in 1765.

In 1770, according to the March Court Minute Book for Frederick County, MD, Mark Whitaker, Jr., and Thomas Whitaker, served as Grand Jurors. The Frederick County, MD, paper trail fades at this point in time.


WILL
In the name of God amen; this (none written) day of March in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand and seven hundred and eighty seven

I Thomas Whitticar of the County of Surry and State of North Carolina being in perfect mind abd memory though in weak lingering state of health and knowing that it is alotted for all men to once to die, do make and ordain this to be my last Will & Testament.

And first I recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave me, and my body to be buried in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named. And as to my worldly goods wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with I dispose of in Manner and form following.

Imprimis. I lend unto my beloved wife Mary all the land and plantation thereon, on the East side of the Creek, from *Harvey's line up to the mouth of; thence up the meanders od said **Spoons branch to my back line, meaning all the land to the East and North of said Creek and branch within my living during her natural life.

Item, I also lend to my beloved wife Mary all my stock of (illegible) and all my household furniture and all my moveable estate of what nature and kind soever during her natural life.

Item, I give and bequeath to my son Mark Whitticar all the land and plantation theron on the East side of Creek from **Harvey's line up to Spoons branch to my back line meaning all the land I now lend to my beloved wife which land & plantation he is not to take any possession of until my beloved the death of his mother, at which time he his heirs & soforth is to have possession to him & his heirs forever.

Item, I give and bequeath to said son Mark, the one half of my stock, household furniture and moveable estate after his mother's decease to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret the one half of my stock, household furniture and moveable estate to take possession thereof after her mother's decease to her & her heirs forever; mind the stock household furniture and moveable estate of what nature or kind soever there is at my wifes decease is to be equally divided between my sd. son Mark & my daughter Peggy.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son Jonathan Whitticar all the rest of my tract of land not to heretofor given my son Mark meaning all the land West & South of the Creek & Spoons branch to take full possession thereof at my decease to him and his heirs forever.

Item. As to the rest of my children namely Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy, and Jane I conceive have had as much of my estate as I am able to give them. However my will and desire is that each of them have five shillings each in money over and above what has been given them heretofore to them and their heirs forever.

Lastly I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Mary & my sons Mark and Johnson executors of this my last Will & Testament,

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the day & date above written

his
THomas T Whitticar (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed acknowledged &
pronounced in the presence of

John Harvey

his
Mark M Whitticor the elder
mark

J. Williams Jurat

Thomas married Mary Wilson. Mary (daughter of Thomas Wilson and Priscilla) was born ca 1715, Prince George Co. MD; died Bef 1795, Surry Co. NC. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Petitioners Seeking Creation of All Saints' Parish, 1742
(Through Division of Prince George's Parish)
list of about 50 names includes:
Flower Swift (jwdw note: married Elizabeth Whitaker daughter of Mark & Eliz. Empson Whitaker)
Mark Whiteacar
Thos Whiteacar
John Wilcoxon, Sen
John Wilcoxon, Jun

LAND AND COURT RECORDS

Frederick County, MD

1733 Thomas Whitacre is on a list of taxables

1734 Thomas Whitaker had no tobacco burnt

1740 Prevention was surveyed for Thomas Wilson and Thomas Whitaker

1740 Delight surveyed for Mark Whitaker and Thomas Wilson

1742 Mark Whitaker and Thomas Whitaker petition for new parish of Episcopal Church (also Jnh Johnson, Thos. Johnston, Thomas Jones)

1744 Will of Thomas Wilson bequeathed his land Prevention to Thomas Whitaker

1745 Thomas Whitaker petitioned the Court that a certain Robert Evans has stopped the road (tumbles loggs into the road)

19 May 1750, Thomas Whitaker of Frederick County sells 50 acres of "Prevention" for 50 pounds to Nicholas Fink, Mary wife of Thomas Whitacre, released dower page 20

1750 Mark & Thomas Whitaker were overseers for the road from Shenandoah Mountain to Catoctin Mountain

Recorded 15 May 1753, Mark Whitecaire of Frederick Co., MD sold 50 acres, part of a tract called "Delight" to Andrew Balus. His wife, Abigail gave her consent.

14 Feb 1756 James Whitaker recorded stray mare on Feb 17 page 86

7 Nov 1759 Mark Whitaker recorded stray before Peter Bainbridge page 87

11 Dec 1759 Mark Whitaker recorded stray before Peter Bainbridge page 90

20 Nov 1760 William Johnson of Frederick Co. MD sells to Mark Whitaker for 50 pounds of 50 acres "Exchanged" standing at a little spring, a draught of Kitoctin. Elizabeth, wife of William, released dower. Page 114

13 Dec 1762 Peter Butler sells for 50 pounds 5 shillings for 53 acres of part of tract "Zen" on Kitoctin Creek at mouth of valley near a road that leads to Mark Whitaker to John Cary. Mary, wife of Peter, released dower. Page 66

20 Dec 1762 Mark Whitaker recorded stray before Peter Bainbridge Page 68

Recorded 19 Apr 1764, Mark sold a track called "Exchange" to Conrad Moser. Again Abigail gave her consent.

15 Jul 1765 Mark Whitaker sells 114 acres of "Resurvey on Nutt Spring" for 225 pounds to Stephen Ramsburgh. Abigail, wife of mark, released dower. Page 90

NORTH CAROLINA RECORDS

On January 13, 1755 Lord Granville granted Mark Whitaker 396 acres on Abbots Creek adjoining lands of Thomas Beal (per Rowan Co. NC Deed Book III, page 106)

On January 29, 1755 Lord Granville granted Mark Whitaker, a planter, four 10 shillings, 640 acres on Abbots Creek adjoining Moses TEAGUE (Rowan Co. NC deed book 3, page 152).

These are the earliest Whitaker records found at this point in Rowan Co. N.C.. The area was located just south of Lexington in what is now Davidson Co. Moses Teague is Mark, Jr.'s Whitaker's first cousin.

The above grants to Mark, Jr. appear to have been part of a settlement of Maryland families (friends and neighbors, who migrated to NC in the mid-1750-60s) on Granville grants in the Reedy Creek area of Rowan.

Mark Whitaker, formerly of Frederick Co., MD, now of Rowan Co., NC gives Power of attorney to his friend John Cary, of Frederick Co., MD. Recorded 23 June 1767.

Mark bought 298 acres on Weaver's Creek, joining Caleb Osborne and James Whitaker,12 Mar 1780 (Rowan Co., NC Deed Book 29,p.444)

Mark and half brother James Whiteaker lived side by side before the Revolutionary War near Peeler (also known as Weaver Creek) in what is now present day Davie Co., NC. James had land on Weavers Creek next to Mark Whiteaker on Anthony's Creek. From Weldon Whitaker,"But I have plotted out old land deeds and found that Weavers Creek is the same as present day Peelers Creek and near to the west is Anthony's Run."

Vol 2 of "inhabitants of Frederick County Maryland" lists Mark Whitaker as recording a patent for "The Resurvey on Nut Spring" of 114 acres. Peden's "More Marylanders to Carolina" recites that Mark Whitaker "formerly of Frederick County, but now of Roan Co, N.C." granted power of attorney on June, l767. Granting John Cary power to settle affairs in Frederick Co. This power of attorney is published in Liber K folio ll0 of land records.

Mark married Abigail Johnson 06 Feb 1743, All Saints Parish Frederick Co. MD. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Need more research to substantiate this line as the ancestors of Richard Whitaker of Washington, Co. VA.

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the father of Richard Whitaker, but the evidence suggests it is highly likely he is. Richard probably would not have been mentioned in his father's will as Richard was established in North Carolina with the Bentley Family while his father, James had migrated to Kentucky. This is a work in progress.

MARYLAND RECORDS

James Whiteaker bought 50 acres "Stony Batter, September 1743, Baltimore County, Maryland
LGB/690, LGE/164

James Whiteacre bought 50 acres " Whiteacre's Chance", June 12, 1749, Baltimore County, Maryland
TI4/167, BYI1/254

James Whitaker bought 525 acres "Stony Batter", December 18, 1755, Frederick County, Maryland
BC/313, BC9/393

14 Feb 1756 James Whitaker recorded stray mare on Feb 17 page 86

May 12, 1758, Frederick County, Maryland Land Record F.443
Made between James Whitaker of Frederick County and Province of Maryland Planter of the one part and Beale Owings of Baltimore County and Province of Maryland of the other part for part of a tract of land called Stony Batter containing 270 acres of land for 75 pounds. Prudence wife of James Whitaker relinquished her right of dower in said land.

Deed was recorded May 19, 1758, Frederick County, Maryland Land Record F.447
Made between James Whitaker of Frederick County and Province of Maryland Farmer of the one part and Joseph Wells of Baltimore County, and Province of Maryland Farmer for a part of a tract of land called The Resurvey on Stony Batter containing two hundred and forty seven acres of land.
Prudence wife of James Whitaker released dower.

Deed was recorded March 26, 1795 made "between James Whitacre of Madison County and State of Kentucky farmer of the one part and Joseph Wells of Frederick County and State of Maryland Framer of the other part for "all the remainder of a Tract of Land lying and being in Frederick County and State of Maryland and known by the name of The resurvey on Stoney Batter", excepting that part conveyed by "James Whitacre to a certain Beale Owings:.
The wife of James Whitacre was not a part to this deed. No acreage is given. Frederick County, Maryland Land Deeds W.R. 13-142

NORTH CAROLINA RECORDS

James moved his family to Rowan County, NC in around 1761-62, and his half-brothers Thomas and Mark also moved to the area at about the same time or shortly after.

Granville grant to James Whitaker, 695 acres on Anthony's creek on the forks of the Yadkin
Rowan County, North Carolina Land Deeds, 21 December 1761

James and half brother Mark Whiteaker lived side by side before the Revolutionary War near Peeler (also known as Weaver Creek) in what is now present day Davie Co., NC. James had land on Weavers Creek next to Mark Whiteaker on Anthony's Creek. From Weldon Whitaker,"But I have plotted out old land deeds and found that Weavers Creek is the same as present day Peelers Creek and near to the west is Anthony's Run."

James Whitaker served on Grand Jury, 20 October 1762.
Rowan County, North Carolina Court

July 14, 1764, On Motion of John Dunn Ordered that a road be laid out the Neares & Best way from John Howards Ferry to the road from Bethabara to Salisbury near Reedy Creek, running up from said ferry in the fork to Boon's Road & persons following appointed to lay of said road: John Roberts, Edward Turner, Nicholas White, Edward Williams, Isaac Holdman, Capt. Avinton Felps, Mathew Sparks, William Sparks, Francis Taylor [James' step father], Thomas Jones, James Whitaker.

Abstracts of Deeds of Rowan Co, NC 1753-1785, Jo White Linn
p.90; DB 6/482 17 Sep 1767 Mathew Sparks and wife Sarah to William Haden for £150, 172 acres in the fork of the Yadkin R adjacent William Sparks grant of 4 Apr 1767. Wit: Benjamin Taylor [possible step brother], James Whitaker.

James applied for a license to operate an "Ordinary" [tavern] in Oct. of 1767

James Whitacre, Sr. to William and Thomas Frohock, 695 acres , 14 August 1777, proved by John Lowery
"The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 230
James Whitacre, Sr. to William and Thomas Frohock on Anthony's Creek on forks of Yadkin. Rowan County Land Deeds, 14 August 1777

William and Thomas Frohock to James Whitaker, 290 acres on Anthony's Creek. Rowan County Land Deeds, 12 October 1777

April 6, 1778, Joseph Williams, 250 acres bounded by James Whitaker, Samuel Busey's old line on a former survey, line of James Carson, Decd. and for compliment, including his improvement. "Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

Case Jury , 7 May 1778, John Mitchell vs James Whitacre (£ 18.2.9 and costs) "The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 152

August 5, 1778, Mark Whitaker, 300 acres on Weavers Creek adjoining Caleb Osborn's deeded land on one side and James Whitaker on the other side."Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

August 5, 1778, John Rowland, 250 acres on waters of Weavers Creek and Adjoining James Whitaker's deed land, Benjamin Bently, Anthony Pealor, and Mark Whitaker.
"Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

September 25, 1778, John Huntprater, 300 acres adjoining James Whitaker."Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789"

September 28, 1778, Thomas Frohock and William Frohock, in right of John Frohock, Decd., 640 acre in forks of Yadkin River, begining at a White Oak where James Whitaker's line crosses Waggon Road near the Whitstone Branch, running across its head to Carson's line, down his and Whitaker's line and including his and Standrage's old improvements.
"Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789

October 6, 1778, Humphrey Marshall, 400 acres in the forks of Yadkin adjoining James Whitaker, Thompson, Henry Hillyard, and widow Murphy, including Prater's improvement.
"Rowan County, North Carolina Vacant Land Entries, 1778 - 1789

Capt. Lyon's District, Rowan County, North Carolina Tax List of 1778:
Alexander Whitacre
James Whitaker
John Whitacre
Mark Whitacre
Mark Whitacre, Jr.
Richard Whitacre
Thomas Whitacre

6 November 1779, William and Thomas Frohock to James Whitaker, 290 acres, 19 October 1779, ackn. "The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 230"

Rowan County, North Carolina 1782 List of Men Facing Confiscation of Property:
Alexander Whitaker
Henry Whitaker
James Whitaker
Jiles Whitaker
John Whitaker
Richard Whitaker

7 August 1788, William Raney vs James Whitaker and wife £ 8.
"The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 5, page 168

6 November 1788, John L. Beard vs James Whitacre. Guilty £ 10 and costs. "The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 184

KENTUCKY RECORDS

James Whiteaker appears on the Madison County, Kentucky tax lists for the years: 1794, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1805, 1806 and 1807.

Birth:
Shown in the St. George's Parish Register, on the same page as Rachel McElroy born August 7, 1713, daughter of John & Francis Mackelroy, is James Whitaker born February 8, 1721 son of Mark and Elizabeth Whitaker, and Peter Whitaker born May 6, 1716, son of John and Ann Whitaker

Source: Register of St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church, pages 215

Died:
He was on the Madison County, KY dole the last few years and that stopped with the 1809 payment. [Source: Gary Whitaker garywmail@charter.net]

James married Prudence Giles 1740. Prudence (daughter of John Giles and Sarah Welsh) was born 1720, Maryland; died 1777, Madison Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Need more research to substantiate this line as the ancestors of Richard Whitaker of Washington, Co. VA.

In Rowan County, 1773 an Epson Whitaker moved that Court bind out his children, "he being a lunitick." Motion rejected, his wife, on petition was granted care of her children.

Notes:

Need more research to substantiate this line as the ancestors of Richard Whitaker of Washington, Co. VA.

Notes:

Mark was a well-known Methodist minister and circuit rider on the Western frontier (Holston district) of VA/NC/KY in the late 1700s for Bishop Francis Asbury. He is mentioned in early texts about this period.

Russell County Court Orders show that, at the May1803 term of the Court, Mark M. Whitaker presented papers to show his ordination into the Ministry. He was granted the right to perform the rites of marriage ceremony in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and he posted bond as required by law. He must have moved to Russell County during the tax year 1802-1803, because he is not on the 1802 or prior personal tax list of Russell County.

Mark Whitaker purchased 100 acres of land on the south side of the Clinch River in Russell County, VA in October 1805 from William and Nancy Tabor. This land was part of a tract of land granted to James Fraley by patent dated 3 April 1779.

Mark Whitaker apparently died prior to February 1815, because his 100 acres is listed as "the estate of Mark Whitaker" on the Federal tax list of land for Russell County, VA for 1815. The index of Russell County Court Orders of this period do not show an entry concerning the estate of this Mark Whitaker.

The following article was taken from "The Journal of the Magoffin County Historical Society."
Volume 12, Summer 1990, No. 2.

SOME NOTES ON THE WHITAKER FAMILY

By C. E. Shepard.

It appears that the Whitaker Families of the Floyd - Magoffin areas of eastern Kentucky are descended from Mark M. Whitaker who died in Russell County, Virginia prior to February 1815.

Russell County Court Orders show that, at the May1803 term of the Court, Mark M. Whitaker presented papers to show his ordination into the Ministry. He was granted the right to perform the rites of marriage ceremony in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and he posted bond as required by law. He must have moved to Russell County during the tax year 1802-1803, because he is not on the 1802 or prior personal tax list of Russell County.

Mark Whitaker purchased 100 acres of land on the south side of the Clinch River in Russell County, VA in October 1805 from William and Nancy Tabor. This land was part of a tract of land granted to James Fraley by patent dated 3 April 1779.

Mark Whitaker apparently died prior to February 1815, because his 100 acres is listed as "the estate of Mark Whitaker" on the Federal tax list of land for Russell County, VA for 1815. The index of Russell County Court Orders of this period do not show an entry concerning the estate of this Mark Whitaker.

The County Court recommended on 3 December 1816 to the Governor of Virginia that Francis Whitaker be appointed to the position of Cornet in the Troop of Cavalry of Russell County to replace James Caldwell who resigned. Cornet is the officer who carries the colors.

The 1820 census of Russell County lists only Martha Whitaker. In her household are: 1 male under 16 years of age; 1 male 16 years of age and under 26 years of age; 1 female under 16 years of age; and one female over 45 years of age.

The 1830 census of Russell County lists only Mark R. Whitaker. He is between 20 and 30 years of age. His wife is between 20 and 30 years of age. They have one son under the age of 5 years. No Whitakers are listed in the 1840 Russell County census. No Whitakers are listed in my type written copy of the 1850 census of Russell County, VA.

Mark R. Whitaker posted a performance bond as Constable in Russell County, VA 2 July 1833. He died in 1833. Appraisers were appointed to appraise his estate at the October 1833 term of the Russell County Court. The appraisal and sale bills were returned to the Court and recorded in 1836. Robert W. Smith was appointed administrator of Mark R. Whitaker's estate.

There was a Moses Whitaker in Russell County, VA in January 1846. He was appointed guardian to John Litton, son of Solomon Litton, deceased.

In November 1853 William P. Whitaker of the State of Illinois purchased from Mary Smith of Scott County, VA all her interest in the land of her father in Russell County, VA.

In a deed of the same date, 3 November 1853, William H. Smith of the State of Illinois, attorney for William P. Whitaker of the State of Illinois, conveyed to George Gose of Russell County, VA 25 acres of land on the south side of the Clinch River, being the interest of two rights in 100 acres left to the heirs of Mark Whitaker, Sr., deceased. This indicates, if correct, that at that time there were at least eight living heirs of Mark M. Whitaker, Sr.

A deed dated 24 November 1854 from Frances A. Whitaker, Johnston Whitaker, James O. Whitaker, Morgan Puckett and Susan, his wife, and James Mays and Metildy, his wife, all of Floyd County, KY to George Gose of Russell County, VA land on the south side of the Clinch River in Russell County, VA containing 68 acres, being their respective parts in a tract of land that their father, Mark Whitaker, Sr., deceased, possessed at the time of his death. This deed was signed by Frances A. Whitaker, James O. Whitaker and Johnston Whitaker. It was not signed by Morgan and Susan Puckett or James and Metildy Mays. Nor were there dowry releases for the wives of the three sons. This deed does not stipulate the number of shares intended to be conveyed. If one were to assume that the number to be conveyed is five shares, the per share acreage is 13.6. Based on this assumption, the number of shares were 7.35 because the whole estate contained 100 acres. We can only assume that the number of acres is not correct. And was probably copied wrong at the time of recording.

Only the second of these three deeds reveals the number of living heirs of Mark Whitaker, Sr. In specifying that 25 acres represented two shares in the estate, this deed shows that there were eight heirs to the estate. The number of acres in the third deed confuses the issue. If we assume that this deed represented five shares of eight, the acreage should be sixty two and one half acres. If we assume that Mark R. Whitaker was a son of Mark M. Whitaker and that the male listed in the 1830 census was a son of Mark R. Whitaker and that this son died without issue prior to the time of this deed, then all but one of the children of Mark M. Whitaker are revealed by these records. Seven are named in the deeds.

Martha, widow of Mark M. Whitaker, moved to Floyd County, Kentucky prior to 1840.

There are many questions left unanswered by these records. At first glance, one would assume that: 1. Mark M. Whitaker who died about 1814-1815 left a widow and nine children, 2. That Mark R. Whitaker, Jr. died in 1833 leaving no legal heirs, and 3. That the amount of land to be conveyed in the one deed is in error and not sixty eight acres. Based on these assupmtions then, a trial list of the children of Mark M. Whitaker would be as follows:

1. Frances A. Whitaker
2. Johnson Whitaker
3. James O. Whitaker
4. William P. Whitaker of Illinois
5. Mary Whitaker, married__________Smith and a widow by 1853 and resident of Scott County, Virginia. She may have been the wife of Robert W. Smith, which could account for the fact that he was appointed as one of the administrators of the estate of Mark R. Whitaker, called Mark Whitaker, Jr.
6. Mark R. Whitaker, deceased prior to October 1833 without heirs, leaving eight brothers and sisters to divide his father's estate.
7. Susan Whitaker, married Morgan Puckett in 1822
8. Matilda Whitaker, married James Mays
9. Another daughter, probably the wife of George Gose, since there is no deed in the index to show how he acquired the other one eighth share of the land, if indeed he did acquire it. A check to determine how he or his estate disposed of this land might answer this question.

One must bear in mind that errors occur in indexes so that they quite often do not cover everything in the record. Oftimes deeds did not get recorded even if they were presented to the proper officials. Loose files in clerks offices sometimes contain these unrecorded records. For one who wishes to clear up some of these questions, there are searches which can be done. Russell County Tax List both real and personal are available at the Virginia State Archives. These cover the time period from the formation of the county through at least 1840 and probably much later. A page to page check of the Russell County Court records might reveal information not listed in the index. A complete abstract of the deeds of George Gose as a grantor could reveal whether or not his wife was a daughter of Mark M. Whitaker.

Because of these deeds listed above, We can say with no doubt that seven of the children of Mark M. Whitaker, Sr. were: 1. Francis A. Whitaker. 2. James O. Whitaker. 3. Johnston Whitaker. 4. William P. Whitaker. 5. Mary Whitaker, married ______Smith. 6. Wusannah Whitaker, married Morgan Puckett. 7. Matilda Whitaker, married James Mays in 1830.

There is doubt concerning the two others previously listed. Nothing is the records found says that Mark R. Whitaker was a son of Mark M. Whitaker. Senior and junior in those days meant only the elder and the younger respectively. They were probably father and son, but they could just as well have been uncle and nephew. Tax lists might show Mark R. Whitaker as a son and that he was living on his father's estate.

My personal opinion is that the nine children listed above were the children of Mark M. Whitaker and his wife Martha.

******************
ED NOTE: Martha Whitaker, widow of Mark M. Whitaker, was recorded in the 1840 census of Floyd Co. KY but was not listed in the 1850 census. It is presumed that she died in the interim. A descendant, Les Risner, recalls stories told by his grandparents of Martha Whitaker who was called "Patsy." She was a school teacher and was buried on the Stephen Arnett Cemetery located across the river from the old Swampton stone building school on a cemetery that was reportedly plowed up in the 1930's. Buried there also would be members of the Stephen Arnett (son of David, brother of Middle Fork Reuben Arnett) family and the Benjamin Howard - Nancy Arnett family.

--------------------------------------------------------------

SKETCHES OF WESTERN METHODISM

By Rev. James B. Finley. Edited by W.P. Strickland. D.D. R.P. Thompson, Printer, 1855

Digital Edition 08/03/96 By Holiness Data Ministry.

Page 7 Chapter 2

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. WILLIAM BURKE

Page 10

The first preachers that visited that country was in the year 1783. It was then called the Holston country. The head waters of the South Fork of the Holston extended as far east as Wythe and the borders of Grayson counties, extending west as far as the Three Islands. In this tract of country the first preachers began their operations. They were Jeremiah Lamber, Henry Willis, MARK WHITAKER, Mark More, and Ruben Ellis, the elder. The district included Salisbury and Yadkin circuits in North Carolina, Holston in the west. In 1787 the Holston circuit was divided into two circuits, Holston and Notachucky and Philip Bruce appointed elder. Two new preachers were sent Jeremiah Masten and Thomas Ware -- in 1788. Two new circuits were made out of the old one. The Holston circuit embracing all the settlements on the south forks of Russell, in Virginia, and Blount county, in the Western territory. French Broad included all the settlements west and south of the main Holston to the frontiers bordering on the Cherokee nation. West New river was this year made a circuit, and Greenbriar added, which was composed of the new settlements on Greenbriar river, and part of the head waters of the James river, Edward Morris elder.

Page 11

In 1791 MARK WHITAKER was presiding elder, and Charles Hardy and John West were on the West New River circuit. Charles Hardy located this year, and the last part of the year I succeeded him. John West remained with me on the circuit till the Holston conference on the 15th of May, 1792.

Page 23

I now enter upon a new era in the history of western Methodism. I consider this the proper place to give a description of the men and means employed in the establishment and progress of Methodism in this western country, and the difficulties and hardships encountered in the work. As early as the year 1785 the first traveling preachers visited the Holston country, their names were Richard Swift and Michael Gilbert. The country at this time was new and thinly settled. They met with many privations and sufferings, and made but little progress. The most of the country through which they traveled was very mountainous and rough, and the people ignorant and uncultivated, and the greater part a frontier exposed to Indian depredations. They were followed by MARK WHITAKER and Mark Moore, who were zealous, plain, old-fashioned Methodist preachers, and calculated to make an impression. Their labors were successful, and they were instrumental in raising up many societies. MARK WHITAKER in particular was a strong man, and maintained Methodist doctrine in opposition to Calvinism, which was the prevailing doctrine of that time. He laid a good foundation for his successors, and was followed by Jeremiah Matson and Thomas Ware, and after them in succession Joseph Doddridge, Jeremiah Able, John Tunnell, John Baldwin, Charles Hardy, John McGee, and John West. Under God these men planted the standard of the cross in the frontier settlements of the French Broad, and numerous societies were raised up, so that in 1791 the societies numbered upward of one thousand.

Page 24

After the conclusion of the Indian war, in the spring of 1795, there was a great influx by immigration. Some of the traveling preachers married and settled in the country. James O'Connor settled on Watauga, MARK WHITAKER near Jonesboro, Stephen Brooks in Green county, and many others, both preachers and members, settled in different sections, and some new preachers were raised up, and the work was enlarged, new circuits were formed, and some useful and talented young men entered into the traveling connection.

INSCRIPTION ON HIS MEMORIAL

This memorial is a testament for the life you lived. We honor you for your dedication to your family and to the Methodist ministry.

That life began, as the son of Thomas and Mary Wilson Whitaker, between 1750 and 1760. Thomas Whitaker?s parents were Mark and Catherine Teague Whitaker from Saint George?s Parish, in present Harford Co. MD. Your grandfather was probably from Thornhill in Yorkshire, England.

Thomas and Mary moved to ?the forks of the Yadkin? in Surry Xo. NC, where you grew to manhood. Your service for God and Methodism started about 1780 to 1783. Francis Asbury admitted you as an itinerant preacher in 1785 and you served: Roan-oak 1785, Holston 1786-88-89, Amelia 1787, and Tar River 1790. You established many churches. One was at Bickley?s Mill in 1786. Today this church is the Fort Gibson United Methodist Church one mile north of this memorial.

Asbury had divisions in the southern districts over church doctrine. In 1791 you were appointed presiding elder in charge of the seven southern districts, stretching from east TN to the Atlantic. With your guidance the divisions were united. You ?laid a good foundation? for the church.

?Riding the circuit challenged brave men.? One-half died before the age of thirty and one-third before they served five years. Riding in darkness and light, sleet and rain, accidents and disease, and facing Indian dangers all took their toll. In 1793 you ?located, weakened in body and spirit.?

You settled near Jonesborough, TN. Somewhere on the long crooked road you traveled, you met the great love of your life. The marriage to Martha ?Patsy? occurred between 1793 and 1795 and to that union three children were born in TN.

In 1802 your small family moved to Castle?s Woods, the first settlement in present Russell Co. VA. 100 acres was purchased in 1805 on the south side of the Clinch River, being part of an original purchase by Frederick Fraley in 1769. On this land your family increased by four more children.

Your work for God was not finished and you pastored the families of Castle?s Woods. The Indian conflicts were over and the early families of Alley, Bickley, Bush, Castle, Cowan, Dickenson, Fraley, Hamlin, Horton, Moore, Osborne, Porter, Robinson, and Smith were growing. Their young you married. Their babies you baptized. Their old you commended to the earth. Their souls you led to God. Your strong faith, sound principles and fierce love of family were known to all who heard you preach and minister to their needs.

You died in 1811 or 1812 and your grave is lost to time. Your beloved Martha ?Patsy? raised your children and lived another forty years. She has a memorial in Magoffin Co. KY near where she is buried. Our dear reverend Mark Whitaker, we are proud of you; we admire you and are honored we belong to you.

With love, your descendants. 2006

Mark married Martha Harvey. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker, but the evidence is showing he likely is. So this is a work in progress.

6 November 1779, William and Thomas Frohock to James Whitaker, 290 acres, 19 October 1779, ackn
"The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 230

Deed prvd: James and Eliz Whitacre to James McColloh 290 acres September 1782 proved by Robert Johnston.
"The Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions" Rowan County, North Carolina", Book 4, page 366

5 September 1782, James Whitacre to James McCulloh (Elizabeth Whitaker makes her mark)
Rowan County Land Deeds

James married Elizabeth. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

Wife was Isabell Jane Ackliln.

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

Alexander married Mary McCarty 13 Sep 1779, Rowan Co. NC.. Mary was born 1750. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

John married Elizabeth ca 1764, North Carolina. Elizabeth was born 1745. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

Tennessee Census, 1810-91
Name: Giles Whiteacre
County: Anderson County
Year: 1805
Record Type: Tax list

Information on Giles Whitaker is from John Weldon Whiteaker's book, Whit[eakers of Claiborne County, TN.

Private in the Washington Co., N.C. Milita commanded by Captain James Scott from Aug. 31 to Dec. 1793. [This could also be his nephew Giles Whitaker, son of Richard.

Giles Whitaker evidently went into Claiborne County, TN in the early 1800's. He is found on Thursday, May 16, 1816 serving Jury duty. [Ref: Claiborne Co., TN County Court Clerk's Minute Book, 1815-1817, page 267].

Giles lived and died c 1831 in Claiborne Co. TN. Rice Whitaker was the administrator of the estate of Giles Whitaker.

Giles married Mary Ann Rice 1778, Tennessee. Mary was born , Tennessee; died 24 Jun 1835, Harrison Co. IN. [Group Sheet]

Giles married Nancy ca 1809, Laurel Co. KY. Nancy was born 1772, Virginia; died ca 1850, Claiborne Co. TN. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

Died:
Alternate place of death is Muhlenberg Co. KY

Henry married Elizabeth Shelton 24 Dec 1822, Butler Co. KY. Elizabeth was born 1788, Henry Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as the brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

There are several Mark Whitakers, some think Mark, the son of James and Prudence, died in 1845 in Butler Co. KY and was not the husband of Catherine Boone.

Married Catherine Boone
North Carolina Marriage Collection, 1741-2004
about Mark Whitaker
Name: Mark Whitaker
Gender: Male
Spouse: Catherine Boon
Spouse Gender: Female
Marriage Date: 1 Mar 1780
Marriage County: Rowan
Marriage State: North Carolina
Source Vendor: North Carolina State Archives

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900
about Mark Whitaker
Name: Mark Whitaker
Gender: Male
Birth Place: NC
Birth Year: 1750
Spouse Name: Catherine Boone
Spouse Birth Year: 1760
Marriage
Year: 1780
Marriage State: NC

They had the following children:
Rebecca, Nancy, John E., Pauline or Perlina, Mary, Judith Julia, Sarah, Martha Charity, Benjamin James, and Mark.

Birth:
Marriage record indicates he was born in NC, most likely Hunting Creek, Rowan Co. NC.



Died:
Alternate DOD 13 Jun 1837

Other Events:

• _UID: CDFDA936E78348BFA469B23A8407826B8B7C

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
 

Birth:
Other possibilities are Wales according to his grandson.

Name:
In legal documents he spelled his name Whiteaker.

Richard married Rachel BENTLEY Abt 1782, North Carolina. Rachel (daughter of Thomas BENTLEY and Hannah) was born 1750, Frederick Co. MD; died Bef 1810, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Richard married Elizabeth Blair CHAPMAN 1829, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

He is not yet proven as a brother of Richard Whitaker. So this is a work in progress.

Johnson married Susannah Howard 27 Feb 1824, Floyd Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Francis married Margaret. [Group Sheet]

Susannah married Morgan Puckett 29 Jun 1822. [Group Sheet]

Mark married Susan. [Group Sheet]

James married Lurana Fletcher 08 Jan 1829, Floyd Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Matilda married James Mays 26 Nov 1830, Floyd Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Mary married Robert W. Smith. [Group Sheet]

William married Prudence Harvey. Prudence was born 1770, Rowan Co. NC; died 1850, Pulaski Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Kentucky, Land Grants, 1782-1924
Grantee: Giles Whitaker
Number of Acres: 50
Survey Date: 29 Sep 1813
County: Pulaski
Watercourse: Buck Cr
Book Number: 14

Giles married Margaret Mills. Margaret was born ca 1775; died 1860, Laurel Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Died:
Source: John Weldon Whiteaker; wgf161@sbcglobal.net

Giles married Sarah Elizabeth. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: D2EBDD95688F4B25A8B92ACDB1F1C897EFD6

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker  reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research by  John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Private in the Washington Co., N.C. Milita commanded by Captain James Scott from Aug. 31 to Dec. 1793. [Although this could be his Uncle Giles Whitaker]

Washington Co., VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840 - Giles is listed in 1796, 1797,  No Whitakers listed in 1798.  Giles is last listed in Washington Co. VA in 1799.
 
1798 Lee Co., VA Tax List:  Giles Whiticar with one white male over 16 years, 1 horse, mare, colt or mule.  [Ref: Lee Co., VA Personal Property Tax List  1795-1807.]

Giles Whitaker does not appear in Lee Co., VA after 1800.  On Sept 25, 1800  Giles Whiteaker of Lee Co., VA sells one hundred ninety two acres of land in Lee  Co, located on the north side of Carrs Old Survey to John Davis of Lee Co., VA for eighty  pounds.  [Ref: Lee Co., VA Deed Book 1, page 197.] 



Died:
Need to investigate this DOD and place. It is the same for his Uncle Giles Whitaker so the information may have been confused with his data.

Other Events:

• _UID: 867442942739447A900A4732A0DA92C6D3E7

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children. Five sons and four daughters. Other research by  John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

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.

Burial: Mouth Of Stillman Cemetery, Marion, Ogle Co. Illinois

When Isaac Chapman died c 1823, his will was witnessed by Richard Whitaker and John Whitaker. 

John Whitaker is listed in the Washington Co., VA Personal Property Tax  List 1782-1840 for the years 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813,1816, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1823, and 1839.

John Whitaker son of Richard Whitaker and Rachel Bentley, married Hannah Yaunch about 1824 in Perry Co., KY.  [Ref: Portrait & Biographical Album, Ogle Co., IL, 1886, page 616/617.

There is a town in Letcher Co., KY named "Whitaker" and just to the west of this town is "Bentley Hollow" and a couple of miles northeast of this town in "Yonts" Creek, according to Weldon Whiteaker.

John married Nancy OWENS. [Group Sheet]

John married Hannah YAUNCH ca 1824, Perry Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 005C8C0513364628809CC9879EDF0C8F2800

Notes:

Washington Co., VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840 - Issac is listed 1809, 1812, 1813, 1814.
 
1810 WCV Census - Isaac Whitaker with 2 males under 10, 1 male 45 and up, a female under 10, 2 females 10-16, 1 female, 16-26, 1 female 45 and up.
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Deed Book 5, Aug 26, 1813 between Isaac Whitacre  [Whitaker] and Granville Henderson, Wythe Co, VA $675.70 & 1/2 cents personal property.

Other Events:

• _UID: A83A2F134419468ABAD03F571343A52E9A82

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children. Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Born c 1787/1790..[60 years old in 1850 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Census

James processed and sold salt from his property on the Elk Horn Branch of the North Fork of the Holston River, three miles east of Saltville. Apparently Alexander inherited the farm. James, Sr.'s land extended toward other Whitaker property which included Broadford to Big Tumbling, a stream cascading down from Laurel Bed Lake to end up in the town of Saltville. Professor J. Williams of Emory and Henry College, said the Whitakers operated a barge from Smyth Co. VA to Kingsport, TN carrying salt.

CENSUS RECORDS

1810 Census Washington Co. VA has 1 male 16-25 (presumably James) living beside Richard Whitaker.

1840 United States Federal Census
Name: James Whitaker
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Smyth, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 4
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 11
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 11

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: James Whitaker
Age: 60
Birth Year: abt 1790
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 60, Smyth, Virginia
Gender: Male
Family Number: 347
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
James Whitaker 60
Elizabeth Whitaker 56
Alexander Whitaker 25 [student]
Jane Whitaker 22
Jeremiah Whitaker 20 [laborer]
Joseph Whitaker 17 [laborer]
Susannah Whitaker 15
Elizabeth Whitaker 14
Thomas Whitaker 11

PROPERTY RECORDS AND TAX LISTS

Washington Co, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840  James Whitaker first shows up in the 1810 Tax List.  He is listed each year through 1832.  [Note: It was about this time he purchased property in Smyth Co., VA.]

Aug 15, 1816 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Deed Book 6, page 363, Index p 312.. Deed was made selling to James Whitacre from James Dolen, Jr, both of Washington Co.VA for $250. "and which I purchased from William Mitchell and which was conveyed to me by Robert Whitley by indenture, bearing date of 3 August 1804, being in Washington Co.VA adjoining the land of Charles Scott, Jacob Lyon and Mrs. Elizabeth Russell and supposed to contain 100 acres." proven 15 April 1817.

Sept 12, 1834 Smyth Co., VA Deed Book 1, page 334 Deed between William C. Preston of the state of South Carolina and James Whitaker of Smyth Co., VA for $800. conveying to James Whitaker 245 acres on the North Fork of Holston River, part of the land once sold and conveyed to Elizabeth Russell to Jacob Lyon. Recorded June 16, 1835.

May 15, 1838 Recorded Smyth Co., VA Land Grant Book. James Whitaker and Solomon McReynolds by virtue of part of a land office exchange treasury warrant for 20,000 acres No 2622, dated Dec 19, 1832, which warrant was obtained in exchange for Warrant No 1089 and issued to John McKettera Jan 3, 1795 enters 420 acres of land in Smyth Co. on Beaver Creek, a branch of the North Fork of the Holston River adjoining a 1600 acre survey made in the name of William King on the east; a 425 acre survey in the name of the Robert Preston on the south and southwest; a 100 acre survey made in the name of William King and the lands of Issac Poston on the north.

1840 ..James Whitaker named executor of Richard Whitaker's will. He and his son-in-law, John P. Ayres were at the sale of personal property of Richard Whitaker, Jr. [Will Book 8, page 194/195.]

Sept 28, 1841 Smyth Co, VA Deed Book 3, page 134..An indenture made bet. John Scott of the first part and James Whitaker, Jr of the second part and James Whitaker, Sr of the third part. Whereas the said John Scott is justly indebted to the said James Whitaker, the sum of $100. to be paid Jan 1, 1842, the same being for two hundred bushels of salt, the said John is willing and desirous to secure. Debt is paid with one black horse, 3 years old, one rifle gun and crop of corn & oats. [Recorded Smyth Co. Virginia.]

Sept 19, 1846 Deed Book 5, page 62, Smyth Co., VA. James Whitaker and Elizabeth deeded land to John P. Ayers on the North Fork of the Holston River, dated 21 July 1848.

Washington Co, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840 - James Whitaker is listed 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813,1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829 1830, 1831, 1832. [Ref: Jack Hockett]

MARRIAGE RECORDS

James married his second wife, Nancy McReynolds on Dec 15, 1832 in Smyth Co., VA Nancy McReynolds, born c 1804 [Smyth Co. Marriage Index 1832-1853 Book A, page 1]  

James married his third wife, Elizabeth Johonson on Feb 24, 1843 in Smyth Co., VA [MR Book A, page 18]

WILL AND ESTATE

At the time of his death he was living on the Elkhorn Branch of the North Fork of the Holston River in Smyth Co., a few miles east of Saltville, in Rich Valley. 

His will is dated Aug 4, 1854, with Codicil #1, dated Dec 7, 1854 and Codicil #2, dated Jan 18, 1856.

Children named in his will probated 19 Feb. 1856, recorded in Will Book 2, pp. 9-12, Smyth Co., VA, were Alexander, John, James, Jeremiah, Joseph, Thomas C., Polly, Jane, Elizabeth, and Susannah. Feb 19, 1856. In his will another child is listed: Rachie D. Johnston, who is probably a daughter of third wife, Elizabeth from a previous marriage.

March 29, 1856, Book 2, page 60, Smyth co., VA  Sale Bill of James Whitaker's estate is dated Mar 29, 1856 and the Appraisement dated May 21, 1856. Sale Bill Recorded May 21, 1856 in Will Book 2, page 664, Smyth Co., VA. [Ref: Family and Court Records of Washington and Smyth Co.,  VA.  Research by Joseph E. Williams, Emory, VA and Census records of WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA.

It is possible James, Jr. sold his share of the land and moved to Tazewell Co. VA.

Where James, Sr. and Elizabeth Johnson Whitaker are buried are not known at this time.,

James married Elizabeth PARSLEY 6 Feb 1810, Washington, Co. VA. Elizabeth (daughter of Moses Parsley and Obedience (Biddy) Ryburn) was born Abt 1790, Saltville, Washington Co., VA; died 27 Jul 1832, Washington, Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

James married Nancy MCREYNOLDS 15 Dec 1832, Smyth Co. VA. Nancy was born 1804; died 22 Mar 1840. [Group Sheet]

James married Elizabeth JOHNSON 24 Feb 1843, Smyth Co. VA. Elizabeth was born Abt 1791, Washington, Co. VA; died 15 May 1853, Smyth Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 2538EFF61BB54D74896391A55C88F54D1B24

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children. Five sons and four daughters. Other research by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel[Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Nov 25, 1814 WCV [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

Moses and his father bought the first 113 acres which lay on both sides of the North Fork of the Holston River a few miles from Hayters Gap near present-day Tumbling Creek.

CENSUS U S 1820 Washington cty VA next page as father Richard & James, same page as Aaron.

May 15, 1839...Chancery Execution Book A, Page 182, Moses Whitaker and wife and others VS Samuel Bowman and others over the estate of Mary's father Esaias Bowman. This cause came on the 15th day of May 1839 to be heard upon the bill, the answer of Uriah Bowman and the verdict of the jury rendered upon the issues to ascertain whether the paper in the bill mentioned is the last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and was argued by counsel, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the specifications and conditional order has been returned executed on Samuel Bowman, Benjamin Bowman, Esaias Bowman and Aaron Bowman more than four months before the commencement of this term, and they still failing to appear and answer, the bill as to them is taken as confessed..and it also appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the order of publication, awarded at the rules in the Clerk's office against the defendants, Absalom Bowman and George Washington Bowman, has been duly posted and published, and they still failing to appear and answer, the bill as to the, is taken for confessed..and Wm. S. Logan, Sheriff of Washington County, to whom the estate of Esaias Bowman, deceased, with the bill annexed, was committed to be administered having consented that this cause might be heard and determined at this term..it is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed, that the paper in the bill mentioned purporting to be the last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and which bears date on 24 Aug of 1837, and which was admitted to record in the county court of Washington County on 23 day of Oct 1837, is the true last will and testament of Esaias Bowman, deceased, and therefore, it is further ordered and decreed the plaintiffs ill be dismissed and that the defendants recover their costs by them about their defense in this behalf expended.
 
May 17, 1839..Chancery Execution Book A, page 14, Samuel, Benjamin, Uriah, Absalom, Aaron and George W. Bowman VS Moses Whitaker and Polly, wife, and Sheldon Thompson and Anny, his wife.  Decree May 1839 for $56.63 defending suit in chancery. Levied forthcoming bond taken and forfeited.

Nov 23, 1846..page 4  Minute Book 8, WASHINGTON CO. VA Moses Whitaker appointed overseer of road leading to Russell County, VA through Hayters Gap.

Aug 13, 1850 Washington Co. VA Census  67th Dist. HH 453/453  Moses Whitaker,55, Farmer, born NC, Polly, 51, born TN, Anne, 32, Wm, 28, Calvin, 26, Lydia, 24, Moses, 19, Rufus, 17, Julia, 14, Adaline, 11.

Oct 9, 1852 Deed Book 21, WASHINGTON CO. VA  Page 240/41..James C. Hayter, Tabitha, wife, one and Moses Whitaker, other..$40.00 land both sides NFHR; 95 acres, formerly belonging to James Fuller, Sr. dec. which by death willed to his children and heirs, 9 of them. Tabitha is one. 27 Dec 1852.

Moses purchased land with his father, Richard from Charles Thurman and his wife, Barbara. In 1855, Moses purchased 200 acres of land from Andrew J. Hayter, Washington County, Virginia. Deed Book 22, page 345.  This land in Poor Valley, on the south side of Clinch Mountain to the top of Piney (Little Mountain). This was land Andrew Hayter and his wife  Talitha Fullen had inherited from her father, James Fullen, Sr.

March 28, 1855 Deed Book 22, page 345 Andrew Hayter and Sally (Woodward) wife, to Moses Whitaker, $1,095...land in Poor Valley willed to him by Esau Hayter, father and mother Sarah Elizabeth Allison.

Sept 16, 1858..WASHINGTON CO. VA DB 24..Moses Whitaker and Calvin Whitaker $40.00, both sides of NFHR, 95 acres about, being a tract of land which formerly belonged to James Fullen, Sr., deceased..descended to his children and heirs, 9 of them..Land conveyed to Moses Whitaker by James C. Hayter and Tebitha, wife Oct 27, 1852. 16 Sept 1858 adm. to record.

1860 WASHINGTON CO. VA Census..HH #62.. Moses, 61, Polly, 55, Rufus, 25, Elizabeth, 20, Caroline, 4, Jane 8 months. They are living next door to daughter, Lydia Whitaker Litton.

The Whitakers lived on his property and farmed until his death on September 14, 1875. He is buried in a cemetery on his property, now called the Hayter-Litton Cemetery near Hayters Gap, Virginia. His stone is marked Moses Whitaker, "Father."  Next to Moses is buried his daughter, Lydia E. Whitaker Litton.  Her stone reads Lydia E. Litton, daughter.

March 31, 1871 Will written - Nov 1875,,WASHINGTON CO. VA Will Book 19, page 3..Will of Moses Whitaker:
 
Daughter, Lydia E. Litton to get land purchased from Andrew J. Hayter.  The land is not to be under control of Mr. Litton if he is still alive.  (Mr. Litton was a soldier and died in Utah and did not return.)
 
Deceased daughter, Julina O. Ferrell, her children who are my grandchildren; Moses and Arkansas P. and William Ferrell, a tract of land on the North Fork Holston River near David Worley's homeplace.
 
Daughter, E. A. Davenport, wife of Henry Davenport, lands on south side of Clinch Mountain purchased by me from W.Y.C. White and $400.00.

Son, Calvin, $300.00.

Granddaughter, Ellen, wife of David Worley, $100.00.
 
Granddaughter, Helen Woodward, wife of Newton, $100.00.

Granddaughter, Julina O. Webb, wife of Newton Webb, $100.00.
 
Children of my son, Moses Whitaker, Jr and his wife, Ann, now living in Washington County, Arkansas, $300.00.
 
Absolum Rufus Whitaker, my son, $100.00 All he gets of my estate. This was written in large letters and underlined.
Daughter, Lydia E. Litton, son, Calvin, and the three children of my son, Moses and his wife, Ann, now living in Arkansas what ever I am entitled to as heir of my deceased son, William, who died in the state of Illinois.  This be equally divided among them.

Lydia, Calvin and the children of Moses to have all my personal property to be divided equally.

Clementine Litton to have a bay mare called "Sal".
 
Written March 31, 1871, signed Moses X. Whitaker. Witness: Alexander Little, Branson Little, A. Little, Teste H. Davenport, W. J. Henderson. Securities for Bond $4000.00..James C. Hope, David Worley and F. N. Webb.
 
Dec 4, 1875.Sale bill of personal property of Moses Whitaker. Appraisement of the Personal property of dec...1 red cow, 1 Dun cow, 1 red & white cow and calf, 2 calves, 7 head of hogs, 1 cupboard, 2 iron kettles, 1 churn and lard can, 2 steel traps, 1 half bushel, pitcher, wash tin cup, 1 falling leaf table, 1 bureau, 1 clock and 1 book, 24 stacks of hay, two off south and half on southern, 2 bed steads at 3 each, 1 old still, 1 broad axe and old irons., 6 Windsor chairs, 2 split bottom chairs, 1 old kettle and oven, 1 old anvil, 1 small falling leaf table, 1 cupboard, 1 pot trumble, Fire dogs, 1 old vise and 17 Harrow teeth. Henry Davenport, Adm of Appraisement; Witnessed by Andrew J. Taylor, Branson Little and John C. Johnson.

Calvin Whitaker bought the chairs (all 8 of them), Lydia Litton, bought 1 bedstead, 1 old still, among other things; a Mrs. Akers bought the kettle and oven.

18 May 1876..WASHINGTON CO. VA..In the Clerk's office of this County Court of Washington County, the foregoing Appraisement of the personal property of Moses Whitaker, dec. was delivered and admitted to record.
 
Henry Davenport, Administrator of will for Moses Whitaker..In account with the estate. To amount in hands of Administrator $284.63..By amount paid L. Baugh on fees..$21.25 leaving balance of $263.38. Received from Margaret Burke debt $27.00. Paid $67.78 to attorneys, White & Buckanan for A.S. Gregg, guardian of C.H. and E.J. Whitaker. Paid attorneys $135.55 for William Whitaker. Paid $119.89 to Daniel Trigg, Trustee of William K. Heiskell. Paid $25.00 to Leonidas Baugh for claims & fees. Paid Lydia Litton and Calvin Whitaker 1/3 of amount received from Margaret Burke. Leaving a balance to the estate of $75.54.

Who is Margaret Burke? Could this have been a sister to Moses Whitaker? 

Also this estate received money from a lawsuit...from Campbell and Trigg, attorneys on debt vs H. C. Gibbons and White..$1300.00; amount received from same debt $588.81; amount received from Sheriff on same debt..$340.00. The people named in Moses Whitaker's will were paid..S.N. Honaker, Trustee for Julia O. Webb, $40.00; David Worley and wife, Newton Woodward and wife were each paid $50.00.

Buried:
Grave location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=WHIT&GSfn=M&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=48&GScntry=4&GSsr=81&GRid=46430950&

Moses married Mary (Polly) BOWMAN. Mary (daughter of Esias BOWMAN and Ann Cawood) was born Abt 1805, TN; died 10 Feb 1870, Washington Co. VA; was buried , Esaias Bowman's Farm, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: F21A6F41DE23413A9B42A0BDBF7F77143B14

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker  reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by  John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Information on Giles Whitaker is from John Weldon Whiteaker's book, Whit[e]akers of Claiborne County, TN. 

Washington Co. VA Personal Property Tax Lists - 1782-1840: Aaron Whitaker is listed for the years 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, [Middle Fork] and another Aaron listed for [North Fork], same for 1823,  1824, North Fork, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1830. 1830 is the last year Aaron is listed. 

CENSUS U S 1820 Washington Co VA next page as father Richard & James; same page as Moses.

Appears on the Poll-list for Hennepin District in Putnam Co., Ill in 1831. [Ref: Weldon Whitaker]

1850 Putnam Co., Ill Census - Aaron Whitaker, 57, b. Va, farmer; Sarah, 47; Benjamin, 20, Mary A., 18, John Young, 16, farmer; Elizabeth Whitaker, 16, Ruth, 14; Maria, 12; Matilda, 8; Francis M., 7.  All children born Illinois. George Young, 12 in household.

1860 Putnam Co., Ill. Census, Magnolia Township

Burial: Friends Cem, Magnolia, Putnam, Illinois

Aaron married Sarah Abt 1815, Washington, Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 040FA7E7AAB5484DAE5066456954BFD18B8E

Notes:

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."

Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb, and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Joye Boardman notes she knows nothing of Thomas Whitaker except he was named as a son of Richard Whitaker in the bible of Absolom Rufus Whitaker.  She does not find him in the Personal Property Tax Lists of WASHINGTON CO.VA 1782-1840.

[Note: I don't believe this Thomas is Thomas Hargis Whittaker born Jan. 16, 1788 in Virginia and died Jan. 16, 1869 in Greene Co. TN who married Jemima Edgemon. Joseph Whitaker and Obedience (Biddie) Perdue of Wythe Co. VA are the likely parents of Thomas Hargis. Here is the best source for this line:

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~auntsissie/thomaswhitakerdeed.html

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=69155094]

Other Events:

• _UID: 7B2593F0A7E64000B33AE4AC66CB8BDD0619

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by  John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Washington County, Virginia Deed Book 20, page 26 In 1827 Polly Hayter, Richard Whiteaker and Adam Fudge, Jr. went bond for the estate of William Hayter, deceased, with Polly Hayter as the administrator. We know Richard Whitaker was the father-in-law of Adam Fudge, Jr. More than likely this Polly Hayter was the daughter of Richard and widow of William Hayter.

Age reference 1860 Washington Co. VA Census.

1850 Washington Co.VA Census:  Harry Webb, Farmer, worth $475., Mary, 40; Joseph, 14; William, 12.  If Mary's age is correct here she would have been born in 1810. Joye Boardman thinks the 1860 Census is correct.
 
1860 Washington Co.VA Census: Harry Webb, 73, Polly, 64, William 23; David, 21.1 Living next door is Joseph Webb, 24 and wife, Mary, 24.

Washington Co.VA Deed Book 18, page 73-74, confirms Mary Whitaker Hayter married Mr. Webb.

Mary died after 1880 in WASHINGTON CO.VA. [Information from Norma Hite,Abingdon, VA.]

Mary married William HAYTER. William (son of Esau HAYTER and Sarah Elizabeth ALLISON) was born 20 Feb 1764; died 26 Dec 1827. [Group Sheet]

Mary married Harry WEBB Abt 1835, Washington Co. VA. Harry was born Abt 1787. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 59DF856889194628B2B1DB00E333F979FBEB

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

(Source - Lang, Herbert O; Himes, George Henry, History of Willamette Valley, 1885, pg 699)

"Born in North Carolina in 1796, and removed to Virginia at an early age. Went to Illinois in 1836, and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1848; settled in Polk County. His occupation was farming. He married Miss Mary Hyter in 1823. Their children numbered eleven, of whom David J., Rachel, Ellen, Benjamin, Maria and George survive".


LAND RECORDS

22 Dec 1834...Washington Co.VA Deed Book 12, pages 128/9.. between Benjamin Whitaker, acting exr. of LW&T of Esau Hayter, one part & Whitley Fullen, $18.50, land in Poor Valley both sides of Valley Creek, 200 acres to Esau Hayter deceased, by the Commonwealth patent of 4 Oct 1820..also other tract in Poor Valley both sides of Valley Creek, 600 acres, patent 4 Oct 1820..reserving from this last mentioned tract so much thereof as is devised by the said Esau Hayter, dec to Andrew Hayter by LW&T...25 March 1835 acknowledged and recorded pp. 129-30, Ind. between Benjamin Whitaker, etc..& William Hayter $13.55 land WNFHR, etc..waters of Wolf Creek north of Israel Hayters. Ackn. 25 March 1835.
 
22 Dec 1834.. Washington Co..VA Deed Book 12, pages 130-1..between Benjamin Whitaker, etc. & Harry Webb.  $3.25, land waters of Valley Creek and land where Esau Hayter, dec., resided..to Esau Hayter by Commonwealth Patent 01 Apr 1820..ack 25 Mar 1835.
 
22 Dec 1834.. Washington Co.VA Deed Book 12..page 130/1..between Benjamin Whitaker and John Litton, $10.00 land north side River Mt. in the Poor Valley and on waters of Tumbling Creek and Valley Creek, 50 acres, patent to Esau Hayter, 04 Oct 1820.  Recorded 25 March 1835.
 
16 July 1836, Washington Co. Deed Book 12 page 371/2...between Benjamin Whitaker & Polly, wife & Whitley Fullen $450.00, land in Poor Valley, 211 acres..land willed and bequeathed to said Polly by LW&T of her father, Esau Hayter, dec., 13 Dec 1826, same tract sold and conveyed by Abram Hayter to Esau Hayter, dec...02 Dec 1820..recorded 31 Aug 1836.

Apr 19, 1851..Washington Co.VA Deed Book 20, page 268/9..Between Harry Webb and Mary, wife, one and Margaret Hayter, $25.00 land, waters of Valley Creek adj. land where Esau Hayter, dec. resident ... Apr 1820 patent..and transferred to Webb by Benjamin Whitaker, acting ex. of Esau Hayter, deceased.

June 17, 1861.. Washington Co..VA Deed Book 25, page 408/9..Whitley Fullen, one and Julius McNew Jr & James P. McNew, WASHINGTON CO.VA, 2nd part.$800., land in Poor Valley...same track of land which was bequeathed to Polly Whitaker by LW&T of her father, Esau Hayter, 13 Dec 1826, ...sold and conveyed by Abram Hayter to Esau Hayter, dec. 2 Dec 1820, except 15 acres and a Salt Lick which was reserved in the devise to the said Polly Whitaker, and from Benjamin Whitaker and Polly, to said Whitley Fullen. 31 March 1862.

MIGRATION

1836...Benjamin and his family left Virginia and moved to Lee County, Illinois, staying in this country for eleven years where three more children were born.

1848...The family left Lee County, Illinois, and crossed the plains in a covered wagon to Oregon, taking with them eight yoke of oxen, three wagons and his carpenter tools, two plows and harrow teeth that were made of inch square iron. They also took with them the family bible and a few books and some of the family relics, which they prized. The family also brought with them the staples for some months provisions, and thus equipped the pioneer, Benjamin Whitaker, and all he held dear on earth cut loose from civilization to cross the plains, which were infested with savage beasts and little less savage Indians (Ref: History of Oregon, Page 886). They found a home for themselves in the mild climate of the beautiful and rich Willamette Valley in Oregon. They arrived at Foster's Farm on October 5th and on the 11th reached Polk County and the following spring purchased the Dr. Boyle donation claim of 640 acres of choice land. The price paid was $250.00 which was less that forth cents an acre. On the property Benjamin raised his family and resided until his death in his seventy-sixth year.

Early Oregonian Search

Whiteaker, Benjamin
Date of Birth 28 May 1796
Place of Birth NC
Occupation farmer
Date of Death 02 Jul 1883
Place of Death Airlie, Polk Co., OR
Place of Burial Whiteaker Cemetery, Polk Co., OR
Mother Bentley, Rachel
Date of Arrival bef 30 Mar 1849
Father Whiteaker, Richard

Marriage Information
Hayter, Virginia Mary 18 Sep 1823 Washington Co., VA

Associated Records
Land Claim Donation Polk Co., OR OC 1241
Probate Estate Polk Co. 0682

Associated Persons
Bentley, Rachel Mother
Hayter, Virginia Mary Female 16 Oct 1808 Spouse
Whiteaker, Richard Father

Census Events

1850 Federal OR Polk Co. 55yrs
1860 Federal OR Polk Co. 63yrs
1870 Federal OR Polk Co.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 US Census
Name: Benj Whitiker [Benjamin Whiteaker]
Age: 55
Birth Year: abt 1795
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Polk, Oregon Territory
Gender: Male
Family Number: 121
Household Members:
Benj Whitiker 55
Mary Whitiker 42
David Whitiker 25
William Whitiker 24
Ellen Whitiker 18
Joseph Whitiker 15
Benjn Whitiker 12
Maria Whitiker 9
Washington Whitiker 7
Mary Whitiker 4
Baby Whitiker 9 months

1860 Census
Name: B Whitaker
Age in 1860: 63
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1860: Independence, Polk, Oregon
Gender: Male
Post Office: Independence
Household Members:
B Whitaker 63
Mary Whitaker 53
I R Whitaker 23
G W Whitaker 17
Mary Whitaker 13

Name: Benjamin Whitcher [Benjamin Whiteaker]
Age in 1870: 73
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1870: Monmouth, Polk, Oregon
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Monmouth
Household Members:
Benjamin Whitcher 73
Mary Whitcher 63
George Whitcher 26

WILL

Will of Benjamin Whitaker and Probate

July 16, 1872...Polk County, Oregon...In the name of God amen, I Benjamin Whitaker of the County of Polk and the state of Oregon and of the age of seventy five years and being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament in names as falls to wit.
 
First, I give and bequest to my wife, Polly Whitaker the sum of $100.  Second, It is my will that the farm that I now own in Walla Walla County, Washington Territory inherited by me from my son William and the south half of my half of my donation land claim in Eight South Rouge in the County of Polk, and state of Oregon shall be sold and the proceeds equally divided among all of my heirs to wit. David, Whitaker, Rachel McGee, Benjamin Whitaker, Joseph R. Whitaker, Elen Levens, Mariah Ogden, George Whiter and Ellen Collins. Third, it is also my will if there should be any other property at my death it be divided among my heirs.  Fourth, it is my will that if Elen Collins is not of age at my death, that my executors shall hold in trust for said Ellen Collins, all that she may inherit from my estate until she is of lawful age and then pay it over to her taking her receipt and if she should die before she is of age her share shall be equally divided between my lawful heirs. Will witnessed July 16, 1872.

July 2, 1873..County Court of Polk County, State of Oregon..In the matters of the last will and testament of Benjamin Whitaker, deceased... To the Hon. Court of said County, Isaac Levens respectfully show unto the court that Benjamin Whitaker, a resident of said Polk Co., Oregon, died in said county and state on the second day of July AD 1873., that said deceased left a last will and testament; and that he therein appointed and designated  Levens and George Whitaker his exec.  The estate consists of real estate and personal property of about $3180.00 dollars and the legal heirs are David J. Whitaker, aged 48, Rachel McGee, age 41, Ellen  Levens, age 40, Joseph R. Whitaker, age 37, Benjamin Whitaker, age 35, Mariah Ogdon, age 33, George Whitaker, aged about 30 and Ellen Collins, aged 10 years.  David Whitaker, residence, Walla Walla County; Rachel's residence, same place; Ellen Levens residence Polk Co., Joseph Whitaker, residence Polk Co.; Benjamin Whitaker, Polk Co.; Mariah Ogdan residence, Rice County, Minnesota; George Whitaker, Polk Co.; Ellen Collins, Polk Co.  Ack. in court July 7, 1873.

OBITUARY

Obituary (published in a paper in about 1882)

"Never having noticed anything relative to the death of "Old Mrs. Whiteaker" in the papers, I thought it due to herself and her friends that something of her domestic history should be given publicity, while yet some of her old pioneer associates still survive her, and some of whom regarded her with that high esteem which respected worth always merits. This thought was suggested by my wife, who in years past has been the recipient of Mrs. Whiteaker's unbounded hospitality, and who frequently recalls to mind one incident in early life, when that hospitality was most generously extended, and most thankfully accepted. The remembrance of those pioneer days can never be obliterated from the memory, either by time or circumstances. Let the pioneer retrospect the past; call to mind his early associates, and attempt to number his survivors. He will find but few living of the many with whom he was familiar in those early days, and with whom he felt a degree of intimacy amounting almost to that of consanguinity.

In 1852, now about thirty years ago, my wife and self, with our two little ones, were coming from Yamhill, when we were caught in a very heavy rain storm. We were in an open wagon and pretty well drenched when we stopped at Mr. Whiteaker's house. Driving up to the fence, we were met by Mr. Whiteaker, who in loud tones exclaimed: "Hello! What the devil are you doing here? Get out of the wagon and come in the house; you are as wet as the devil." Well, we did as requested, and soon a blazing fire restored warmth to our chilled frames. Mrs. Whiteaker took my wife in charge, and she was quickly clothed in habiliments more congenial to the female sex than a water-saturated piece of calico. And now, after the lapse of thirty years, the kindly feelings manifested upon that occasion by Mr. and Mrs. Whiteaker are remembered by us with the most lively emotions of respect and regard; and more, not only the kindness and hospitality manifested upon that occasion entitled them to our highest regard, but during many years thereafter we received many manifestations of their kindly disposition towards us, that makes the remembrance thereof pleasing reminiscences of the past. But today where are they? Gone to that mysterious realm from which there is not return, and to which we are all hastening.

Mr. Whiteaker was a man of very jovial and merry disposition. Upon one occasion ex-Gov. Whiteaker called upon him and made inquires to ...whether or not there was any relationship between them. Mr. Whiteaker remarked: "I do not claim kin with every scalawag that comes along, but as you are a pretty good looking man, and appear to have some sense, if you can show that we are kin, I'll acknowledge the corn." This was many years ago, and it occurs to my mind as one of the many incidents that go to show the natural tendencies of his disposition, for upon many occasions have his sallies of wit caused much merriment. For his associates: yet, withal, he was a man of strict integrity, of unbounded hospitality, and his rule was to do as he would be done by. How often do the hearts of the old settlers, when calling to mind the struggles and toils incident to pioneer life, bound with a fresh impulse at the remembrances of the social equality, the generous dispositions and disinterested sympathy which characterized them in the intercourse with each other. Almost isolated from civilized life, bound together in a common destiny, each felt the other a warmer friendship that is much of the characteristic of society of the present day. The onward march of time is fast removing from the scenes of active life the "Old Pioneers." Soon the last one will have obeyed the dreaded summons, and the recollection of their hardy toil and struggles in the advancement of civilization will be but a matter of history.

In the death of Mrs. Whiteaker the ranks of the pioneers number one less of that noble band of women who braved the dangers of the wilderness with a heroic devotion to life's duties, worthy a remembrance in the hearts of all who survive her. There is naught in the remembrance of her domestic life but what should bring consolation to all her surviving friends and relatives.

Mrs. Whiteaker was born in Washington County, Virginia, in 1808. Her maiden name was Mary B. Hayter, she married to Benjamin Whiteaker in 1823. They went to Illinois in 1836, where they resided about eleven years. They then came to the conclusion that they would cross the plains to Oregon. In 1848 they bade adieu to friends and started on the perilous trip with sanguine hopes, that with patience and perseverance they would reach the goal of their desires and build upon them up a happy home, where peace, plenty and contentment might bless them through life's pilgrimage. In October,1848, they settled in Polk County where they made a continued residence up to the time of their death, known and respected by all their neighbors as kind , genial, and hospitable in all life's associations.

On the 1st day of December, 1882, Mrs. Whiteaker yielded up her spirit, to God who gave it, serenely and calmly, with the precious hope of ascending. ... She leaves seven children, to whom she leaves the priceless legacy of an honored name, and whose memory will be long cherished by all who knew her, for to have known her was to have formed a deep-seated friendship, and her friendship was indeed a boon, as was indicated by the warmth of her heart and a generosity that was without limit. She is gone and we are left to linger for yet a brief hour before we join the vanished numbers of the pioneers that were."

Burial: Whiteaker Cem, Independence, Oregon
The Whiteaker Cemetery is located on the Bengamin Whiteaker D.L.C.in Township 8S, Range 5W, Section 11. It is a private family cemetery about .01 of an acre in size. All known burials are related to the Whiteaker family. It is about three miles northwest of Monmouth, Polk,County, Oregon. The cemetery has been abandoned to nature. It was last read by Addie Dyal Rickey in 1973.

Tombstone Inscription:
Benjamin Whiteaker
Died
July 2, 1873
aged
76 Y's & 11 M's

Buried:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Whiteaker&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=39&GScnty=2231&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=41235580&df=all&

www.polkcountycemetery.com/whiteaker

Benjamin married Mary (Polly) HAYTER 18 Sep 1823, Washington, Co. VA. Mary (daughter of Esau HAYTER and Sarah Elizabeth ALLISON) was born 27 Oct 1808, Washington Co. VA; died 11 Dec 1882, Polk Co. OR; was buried , Whiteaker Cemetery, Polk Co. OR. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: BBA06950B5C5497FAEE4B695342B172BD4A5

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by  John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Never married. She had three children who were named in her father, Richard Whitaker's will.

1830 Washington Co. VA Census - Elizabeth is head of household with 1 male child, 2 females.

1840 Washington Co. VA Census - Elizabeth head of household  with her children.

Elizabeth married . Unknown [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 34D7365DD2444764B91DC5DB91BF608409D1

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Adam, Catherine and their children followed her brother, Benjamin Whitaker to Illinois.  In the Fall of 1835 they emigrated to Putnam County, Illinois where they
remained until the fall of 1836.  They stayed in this area until March 7, 1847, when they joined Benjamin and family and headed west on the Oregon Trail crossing the continent to Polk County, Oregon where Adam secured a farm and engaged in its operation.  Mr. Fudge took a donation claim on the Territorial road between Salem and Corvallis consisting of 640 acres. Their trip west began by crossing the Missouri River at St. Joseph and then proceeded by way of Platte River, Soda Springs, Green River, Snake River, the Barlow Toll Road through the Cascade Mountains, Grande Ronde Valley, across the Blue Mountains at the present site of Pendleton, and finally arrived in Polk County, Oregon.

Adam died in an accident in 1848.  Catherine is 45 years old and left with 10 children, ages from 20 thru 5 years.

1850 Census Oregon Territory Polk County
Fudge (Whitaker) Catharine age 45
Fudge, David age 22
Fudge, John age 19
Fudge, Elizabeth age 20
Fudge, James age 11
Fudge, William age 10
Fudge, Julia age 9
Fudge, Susan age 9
Fudge, Amanda age 7
Fudge, Adam age 5

Catherine made the donation claim her home and with the exception of two years spent in Washington, until her death in 1867 spent her time in Oregon.  Catherine died at the age of 62 years.
 
1860 Census of Polk County, Oregon Territory lists Catherine, age 54, along with her sons.  Catherine died after 1860 in Clatsop County, Oregon.

Info on DOB and DOD comes from Polk Co. Oregon Pioneer Cemeteries.

Tombstone Incription:
Catherine
wife of
A Fudge
Died
Aug. 26, 1868
Aged
64 Y's 3 M's 22 D's

Catherine married Adam FUDGE, Jr. 30 Sep 1824, Washington, Co. VA. Adam (son of Adam FUDGE and Elizabeth GARMEN) was born Bef 1780, Halifax Co. NC; died 4 Jul 1849, Clatsop Co. OR. [Group Sheet]