“Bound for the Promise Land”

                           By Joan Cervenka Cobb, 1992

 

 

On July 25, 2000, I, Marian Brown, received permission to place the Isbell Section of this book on
our Isbell Website. If this is a part of your Isbell family, may I suggest that you consider buying a copy
of the book. Simply make a check in the amount of $41.00 and mail it to the following address:

Joan Cobb

3800 South County Rd. 1185

Midland, Texas 79906-6429

E-mail [email protected]

Please remember that “Bound for the Promise Land” is copyrighted. Joan Cobb did this book out of
the love for her family.

Let me be the first to say “Thank You, Joan” for sharing your book with all of us. I hope that everyone
who reads this will appreciate the labor of love and pride that you have so eloquently laced throughout
your book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    The Isbell Section of this book starts on page 322.

                               * ISBELL *

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will show
thee; thy elder and they will tell thee.” Deuteronomy 32:7

The Isbell family is closely allied with the Armstrong family of this book. Mary Elvira Isbell married
Junius Milton Armstrong in Upshur County, Texas in 1877. The Armstrong, Isbell and Coppedge
families are found living near one another in the 1880 census of Upshur County. This is an account of
Mary Elvira Isbell’s family history.

                            EARLY ISBELL FAMILY

The first Isbells of South Carolina—Georgia locality are believed to have come originally from Virginia.
The earlies Isbell we find in Virginia is Sandie (a nickname for Alexander) Isabell who came as a
headright of Lt. Col. Anthony Ellyott on the 14, July 1655. Sandie was one of 28 persons brought to
Virginia from England. Col. Ellyott got a patent for 1400 acres of land adjoining his own acreage on
Allen’s Creek (Nugent, Vol I, 309). He evidently received 50 acres of land for each of these people
that he transported to Virginia from England. On 23 March 1664, we find a John Isbell who came to
Virginia as a headright of Richard Renshaw who patented 300 acres in Gloucester (Nugent, Vol I,
532). There was also a John Woodson (Nugent, Vol. III, 70). However, our family line has not been
traced back to any of these early immigrants as yet.

Then we find that on 21 February 1720, William Isbell has land in King William County, Virginia, St.
John’s Parrish when Henry Webber patented 260 acres adjoining Isbell’s Land (Nugent, Vol III,
226). Perhaps this William Isbell could be the earliest of our family line, but definite proof has not been
found of that either.

Finally, we find Henry Isbell in Caroline County, Virginia, St. Margaret’s Parish, on 27, September
1727. Isaac Allen bought 50 acres of land adjoining Henry Isbell’s land for 5 Shillings (Nugent, Vol
III, 359). In the Court Minutes of Caroline County, we find that Henry Isbell is appointed Executor of
the estate of his neighbor, Isaac Allen, on 14 February 1733/34 (Caroline Or Bk Pt 1, 62 and
Cambell, 470). Again, there is strong, but not conclusive, evidence that this Henry Isbell (Sr) is of our
family line. It is the opinion of this writer that Henry Isbell Sr. was the grandfather of Pendleton Isbell
and the father of Henry Isbell, Jr. However, the first proven ancestor of our Isbell line is Pendleton
Isbell. Proof of Pendleton’s relationship is given under the Pendleton Isbell section in this book.

 

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                     EARLY FRANKLIN COUNTY, GEORGIA

        “Yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” III JOHN:12

Franklin County had been settled in the early 1700’s mostly by people of Scotch-Irish descent. These
settlers had come through the ports of Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They
them migrated, during the following years, down the slopes of the Alleghenies to the southern slopes of
the Blue Ridge Mountains. From there, they came into upper South Carolina and northern Georgia,
which was Franklin County at that time.

In the early 1800’s, settlers of Franklin County faced many different conditions. There were peaceful
times and times of trouble, both with the Indians and white men. Lawlessness was carried out by
members of both parties. White outlaws would rob and escape to Wofford’s Settlement. This was out
of the state’s jurisdiction. The Creek Indians lived below the Broad River, but would make raids into
Franklin County, which was Cherokee territory. They would steal horses and other things of value and
return to their territory. In 1806, Georgia passed a law that gave the State control over Wofford’s
Settlement.

When the war of 1812 was fought, the Cherokees and the frontiersmen were getting along with one
another. In fact, the Cherokees fought against the British and with the United States. A time of peace
followed the war and many of the forts constructed for protection of the settlers were no longer
needed. In October of 1814, however, a volunteer company of Cavalry was formed in Franklin
County for the protection of the people. Every man over 18 was a member and obligated to serve in
time of need. This early organization had 60 men as members equipped for service except for swords
and pistols.

In 1836, Georgia was notified by Florida that the Seminoles were on the war path and that the Creeks
were about to join them. The people of Franklin County were fearful that the Cherokees would also
join in the war. The volunteer militiamen prepared to protect the people. Distrust of the Indians and
retaliation grew until, finally, the United States decided to order the withdrawl of the Cherokees to
Oklahoma Territory. The “Trail of Tears” was the result and thousands of Indians died on the way to
their new home.

Franklin County was said to have 156 negro’s in 1790. Most of these were slaves, but this was a small
number compared to other Georgia counties of that time. Most of the farmers did their own work with
their own hands since they did not try to grow cotton on a large scale. Those who owned slaves
usually had only one or two Slaves as part of their possessions. James Isbell owned one slave, Alfred,
as indicated in his will.

Franklin County was quite large (see map) when it began in 1784, being formed from Cherokee
Lands. However, it was (continued on page 324)

                                     323

divided up into smaller counties as time went by. That area northeast of the Tugalo River was ceded to
South Carolina on 28 April 1787. Other counties took part of Franklin as they were formed: Jackson,
1796, Clarke, 1801, Madison 1811, Habersham, 1818, Hall, 1818, Hart 1853, Banks, 1858, and
Stephens, 1905. That part of Franklin County where the Isbell families lived, near Carnesville, is now
in Stephens County.

The Broad River and the Tugalo are the main arteries along which Franklin County was settled in the
late 1700’s. The Tugalo was said to be treacherous to cross. Cleveland’s Ferry was used to cross it
from Pendleton, South Carolina into Georgia. The Broad River was known in very early times as
Cherokeehaw or Cherokee Waters. The term did not refer to the Indians by that name, but meant
divided, turned aside or separated. A good translation might be divided waters or a river with several
branches. This was an accurate description of the Broad River. The three main branches are North
Fork(upper), Middle Fork (middle) and South Fork (lower) (Franklin County Historical Society,
36-37). These rivers played a part in the lives of the Isbell Family.

Bear Creek flowed southwest of Lavonia to meet the North Fork of Broad River. It was originally
called Yonah Creek, but the early settlers changed the name to Bear Creek. The Isbell family owned
land adjoining this creek. Isbell’s ferry was said to be on the Little Shoal Creek on the wagon road
from the ferry to Franklin Courthouse ( Acker, 370).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   (Scan and insert map on bottom of page 324 here.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     324

                             WILLIAM ISBELL, SR.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclestiastes 3:1

This writer is of the opinion that William Isbell, Sr. is the father of William Isbell, Jr. and Henry Isbell
Sr., but definite proof of this has not been found. In King William County, Virginia on 20 August 1702,
we find that WILLIAM ISBELL and William Holladay appraised some land (Bk3, 34). Also in 1702
is this record of King Wm. County, “Henry Slaughter form Maurice Roberts, both of King William,
Deed 1702. Witnesses: Caleb P. Saunders and Wm ISBELL” ( Va Hist Mag Vol 18, 111). Then we
also find, “1702---Robert Carew (Carey), now of New Kent, miller, to JOHN ISBELL, of King and
Queen. Witnessess--- Isabella Smith, Wm Bowles, Wm ISBELL. Assigned to Richard Marr.
Witness----Wm ISBELL, Thomas Fullilove. Bond 25-26” (VA. Historical Mag, Vol 31, Bk V, 343).
William Isbell Sr. is probably the father or brother of the John Isbell mentioned in this record.

On the Quit Rent Rolls of King William Co. for 1704 is WILLIAM ISABELL, 150 acres.

On 16 Jan 1722 in King William Co,. witnesses to a deed were James Cox, WILLIAM ISBELL and
WILLIAM ISBELL JR. (King Wm Bk1, 55). These records were found in the Wm and Mary
Quarterly, Vol 6, Ser 2, page 74. This seems to indicate that William Sr. was the father of William Jr.
and they are associated with the Cox family from very early days. Henry Sr., who in my opinion is the
son of William, Sr, married a daughter of James Cox. No further record of William Isbell has been
found at this time.

VIRGINIA COUNTIE RELEVANT TO FAMILIES IN THIS BOOK.

 

 

 

                (Please insert map and names of counties on page 325 here).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     325

 

                         Children of WILLIAM ISBELL, Sr.

WILLIAM ISBELL JR. is thought by this writer to be the eldest son of William Isbell, Sr, and his wife
whose name is unknown (perhaps Lewis). He was born in Birginia and had at least two sons, Henry
and Benjamin. He died in Caroline County, Va before 14 August 1760.

We know that William Isbell, Jr. is found in Caroline County, Va by 1737 where he is frequently in the
Court Order Books. He was first found on 16 March 1737/38 when trespass charges are filed against
him by Henry Rice and dismissed (Caroline Or Bk Pt 3,7). On 13 June 1740, we find, “Ordered that
John Evins pay Wm Isbell 160 pounds of tabacco for one day’s attendance and comin and going 45
miles as an evidence for him against Dyllard.” (Caroline Or Bk Pt 3, 97). On June 8 1744, William is
appointed to appraise the estate of Wm Baham (Caroline Or Bk Pt 2, 63).

Religious dissent was spreading in St Margaret’s Parish of Caroline County, Virginia in 1744-48. In
1747, Wm Conner was appointed warden of St Margaret’s Parish and he was a poor excuse of a
warden. However, his wife Margaret Conner, diligently made up for his lack of attendance to duty.
She was a busybody who lived in the great fork of the Mattapony River at the upper end of the parish.
A record number of 17 persons were reported for non- attendance at church by this woman in 1735.
Most of the people said that they could not attend because of heavy spring rains and high water.
However, Mrs. Conner convinced the court that if she could get to church, they could and fines were
assessed. In 1747, during William Conner’s tenure in office, no one was accused of missing church,
probably because of his wife’s watchfulness. However, some attended unwilingly. William Isbell seems
to have been one of her favorite targets. In 1744, William is fined 5 shillings or fifty pounds of tobacco
for failing to attend church for 2 months ( Campbell, 435). On 10 May 1745 and 14 Sept 1745,
William is fined 5 shillings for going to church drunk (Caroline Or Bk Pt 3, 17 and 42). The charge in
May read, “ We present Wm Isbell for going to church drunk last Sunday in St. Margaret’s Parish.”
The court stated inSeptember, “Upon the presentment of the Grand Jury against Wm Isbell it’s
ordered he be fined 5 shillings for 50 pounds of tobacco for going to church drunk last Sunday in St
Margaret’s Parish, for the use of the poor.” (Campbell, 97 and 443). Then on 22 Oct 1749 and 10
Nov 1749, he was fined 5 shillings for being drunk in church and swearing. Evidently the first fine for
non-attendance made William aware of his need to attend church whatever his condition of sobriety.
The laws governing worship were very strict and people eveded them quite frequently. Also, the Rev.
John Burnskill of St. Margaret’s Parish was said to be one of the most inapt rectors and the “poorest
excuse of a man to attempt to preach in the county’s 225- year history” (Campbell, 96-97).

 

On 10 Aug 1750, William is ordered by the court to assist in clearing a road (Caroline or Bk Pt 3, 1).
Each citizen had to do his part in clearing and maintaining roads in this day and time.

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In 1756, the economy was poor in Goochland, Hanover, Chesterfield, Charles City, Halifax and
Caroline Counties. An unpopular war of France, oppressive measures by the British and two years of
drought had taken its toll on the planters. There was a scarceness of cash to be used in trade. The
House of Burgesses passed an act to print 180,000 pounds in paper money. This money was backed
by annual taxes of a shilling per tithable and a shilling on each 100 acres of land. This money was good
for payment of all debts, but taxes had to be paid on tobacco. A section of the law called the “Two
Penny Act” shifted the rate of exchange between currency and tobacco from one and one half to two
pennies a pound. Prices rose 66 2/3 per cent and taxes increased six-fold. This did little to relieve the
plight of the people for any length of time. Because of the strain under which suits were filed in court.
Most of these were based on slander or assault and battery. Civil suits also clogged the docket, with
some planters giving up the fight to keep their property and taking the pauper’s oath. The people were
concerned with their own personal problems. They did not want to become involved in some of the
controversies and ignored summons to appear in court at will. To try to put a stop to this
non-appearance, the Caroline magistrates fined four absentee witnesses, William Isbell, William
Buckner, Dr. John Southerland, and Philip Johnston. They were fined 2000 pounds of tobacco each, a
huge sum, for contempt of court. The magistrates themselves were lackadaisical and often not enough
of them showed up at court for a quorum.

On 14 April 1757, in the Caroline Court Minutes is ,”William Isbell and Henry Isbell’s mortgage
indented to Humpy. Bell was proved by William Cown Gent. and Richard Briam.” (Pt 2, 37). This
would seem to indicate that William and Henry were father and son.

The first trial of Mordicai Abraham vs Taylor and Cowne took place on 14 Dec 1758. It was failure to
appear and give evidence for this trial that William Isbell was fined 2000 pounds of tobacco. The court
record on 10 Dec reads, “Wm Isbell, John Sourtherland, and Wm Buckner, evidences in the suit
between Mordicai Abraham and James Taylor and Co., failing to appear, it’s ordered they be fined
unless they show cause to the contrary” (Caroline Or Bk Pt 2, 23). On 10 Feb 1757 we see, “Wm
Isbell not able to attend, it is ordered he be excused” (Caroline Or Bk Pt 2, 26). On 15 June 1759,
depositions were taken from witnesses for the second trial. William Isbell, aged 50 and upward, is said
to have made his mark and was illiterate while his son, Henry Isbell, about 20 years, signed his name
with a flourish (Campbell, 442-43). This case concerned a slave sold to Mordicai Abraham by Mr.
Cowne. Abraham was urged not to buy the slave because he was sick. However, the only other slave
he wanted had been “pitched upon” by William Isbell. Abraham took the slave, he (continued next
page)

 

 

 

 

                                     327

said with the understanding that he would get his money back if the slave died. The slave died and
Taylor and Cowne did not reimburse him for his loss. Depositions were taken from some 14
witnesses, including William Isbell and Henry Isbell. The Court ruled that the plaintiff, Mordicai
Abraham, should be restored the money he paid for the slave and the defendants were to pay for the
costs of the former suit. They had to pay (in English pounds) 25.19.8, plus 30 shillings or 300 pounds
of tobacco and also 1650 pounds of tobacco for costs in the first suit.

These depositions give us some insight into the character of William Isbell. A Mr. Edmund Taylor, in
deposition, mad the following statement concerning William Isbell,

Isbell said he was angry with Cown and he had been an old customer with him and thought himself
slighted, which Cown appeased by saying there were other Negroes as valuable, on which Isbell
bought one, which relation Isbell gave to Taylor several times before Taylor discovered Isbell’s senses
were impaired by fits. ( Carolin Or Bk Pt 1, 19-31).

It is thought that he referred to fits of tember. William must have had a very hot temper as well as liking
to drink and curse. William Isbell Jr. certainly lived a colorful, but far from peaceful life.

Many of the planters in Caroline County ended their fight to survive economically in 1760. They were
already heavily in debt and another dry year made for another short crop. They did not have tobacco
certificates to pay the interest on their debts and the creditors foreclosed. It was during this time,
before 14 August 1760, that William Isbell died. In the spring of 1761 after William had died, a local
merchant, Phillip Taylor, attached the slaves of William Isbell in order to collect on the debt owed.
Creditors later attached personal property such as farm equipment, and household furniture in other
cases. In 1763, creditors even claimed crops growing in the fields, Then in 1764, the worst smallpox
epidemic in history of the county added to economic worries.

   I.The first son born to William Isbell, Jr. was probably Henry Isbell. This son was made
     administrator of William’s estate in 1760 and the guardian of his youngest brother, Benjamin.
   II.The second and youngest son of William Jr. was Benjamin Isbell, born about 1744. Before he
     died, William Jr. gave his youngest son, Benjamin, a slave. Henry Isbell another son, had to
     appear in court on 14 August 1760, to prove this gift (Caroline Or Bk Pt 1, 76) since Henry
     was both administrator of the will of William Isbell and the guardian of Benjamin.

 

Much controversy was going on in Caroline County during the mid- 1760’s. Virdicts rendered by
juries in that time were often just as biased in favor of the commmon plain people as the verdicts of the
magistrates were biased for great landlords (Campbell, 194).

                                     328

For example, a jury sent a great landlord, John Hoomes to jail for debt. Then a jury refused to convict
a small planter, George Wiley, and a crossroads trader, Henry Mills, for breaking out of debtor’s
prison. Debtors and prisoners not committed for felony or treason were often given liberty, on giving
security, to stay in a ten acre area around the prison, called, “Prison Bounds,” until discharged. The
court took notice of the fact that justice was being miscarried and angrily dismissed the jury that
released the common men, Wiley and Mills. The jury was composed of one rich merchant and 11
thrifty small planters. After this fiasco debtors began to escape from prison with regularity and went
unpunished because of lenient juries. Finally, the jailor was fired for getting drunk on the job and
allowing the inmates to just walk away. The new jailer only made matters worse, however. He was a
young radical and a staunch supporter of Patrick Henry. He indoctrinated the prisoner with his
liberalism and then allowed them to escape. Finally working men had to be hired to guard the prison.

Henry Isbell, Sr. is thought by this writer to be the second son of William, Sr. and his story is given in
the following section of this book.

 

 

Old puzzle made by a slave on the Allen Isbell farm in Franklin County, Georgia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    (please insert photo on bottom of page 329 here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                              HENRY ISBELL SR.

              “This shall be written for the generations to come.” Psalms 102:18

 

Research has led this writer to believe that Henry Isbell, Sr. is the father of Henry, Jr, and the brother
of William Isbell, Jr. In the early days of America, it was not always true that men listed as Senior and
Junior were father and son. Often, men with the same name in a locality were listed as Junior or Senior
simply because one was older than the other, Many times they were not even related, However in the
case of Henry Isbell, Sr. and Henry Isbell, Jr., they do seem to be father and son.

Henry Isbell Sr. is first found in Caroline County in 1727 or somewhat earlier (Nugent, Vol III, 309).
Also found in this same county at this same time was the James Cox family. The Cox family and the
Isbell family seem to have migrated to different counties in Virginia from an early time as will be shown
by the following records.

In 1733, Henry Sr. is a Road Supervisor in Caroline County Virginia (Caroline Of Bk Pt 2, 353 and
363) and is appointed Executor for the estate of his neighbor, Isaac Allen, On 14 Nov 1735, he is
serving on the Grand Jury in Caroline Co. and in Mary, 1735 he is Security for John Yarbrough, Jr.
(Caroline Or Bk Pt 2, 9, and 470). A number of records show orders given to his road gang in
1734-36. Henry Isbell served as a Constable of Caroline Co, until Mar 1737-38 when Peter
Claybrook took his place ( Caroline Or Bk Pt 3, 4 and Campbell, 361).

Henry Sr. was in Caroline County by 1727 and was there until about 1737 when he moved to Orange
County, Va. On 22 Feb 1738, Henry Isbell (Sr.) is ordered by the Court to help take an inventory of
the property of Edward Broader in Orange County (Or Co Deed Bk 11, 39-40) and again he did the
same thing for John and Thomas Foster on 27 Nov. 1740 (Or Co Deed Bk 11, 54-55).

In Orage County, on 26 October 1738 we find the following at Court held that day, “Revd Robert
Rose for view…900 acres…lying branches James River known by the name Buffaloe Meadows” (Or
Co Deed Bk 11, 37-38). Rev. Rose was a distinguished man, being a pastor, planter, and inventor.
He kept and published a diary. Since he was a garnishee for an attachment against the estate of Henry
Isbell, Jr. in Court, the Isbell must have been friends of Rev. Rose.

In Orage County Road Orders 1734-1749, we find Henry Isbell (Sr) mentioned at least 5 times, One
record states, “28 Feb 1739 Os p. 111 Henry Isbell, overseerof rd. from Tombstone to Col Willis
ordinary in the room of Zachary Taylor Gentleman. Hwy cleared and bridges repaired’ ( Miller, 43).
Another highway record on 27 Mar 1741 mentions James Cox. The Henry Isbell, Sr and James Cox
families were related since Henry Isbell, Sr, married a daughter of James Cox. On 16 Dec 1738,
Henry Isbell is given, as a son-in-law … (continued on next page)

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300 acres of land in the will of James Cox, who was the grandson of Zachariah Cox, famous in
Alabama and Tennessee history. Henry Sr., son-in-law of James Cox, was given the land on his wife’s
behalf as was customary in that time. The will of James Cox of St. Mark’s Parish of Orange County,
Virginia was written on 16 Dec 1738 (Orange Co Will Bk 1, 1735-1743, 72-74). James Co states
that he is very sick and weak, He then mentions his children John, Frances, James, Naomi, and
William Cox (eldest) then says. “To Henry Isbell three hundred acres of land which the said Henry
Isbell now lives on joyning to the line of Henry Reid and Captn. Gwin and Richard Sharps (?).” Henry
Isbell was a witness to the will, and it was presented into Court on 22, February 1739 where Henry
Reid and Henry Isbell gave oath when it was proved. Henry Isbell also served as an appraiser of the
estate and made an inventory with the help of Henry Rice and Robert Bickers, the total valuation being
69 pounds, 6 shillings, 6 pence.

Henry Isbell is on the Tithe List of Orange County for 1739 (Wm & Mary Quarterly, Vol 27, 25).

On 28 Jan 1741, we find Henry Isbell, Sr. and Zachary Taylor as witnesses to a deed in Orange
County, Va for William Cox, probably the son of James Cox. This Zachary Taylor was the grandfather
of the one who became the president of the the U.S. Evidently Henry Isbell and Zachary Taylor were
friends in Orange Co. (Deed Bk 5, 3-5). Henry witnessed another deed for William Cox on 25 Feb
1741 (Deed Bk 5, 24-25). Henry witnessed other deeds in Orange Co on 23 Nov 1737 and 28 May
1741.

Henry Isbell Sr, was in Orange County until the mid-1740’s. No definite trace was found of him after
that time. He may have died or moved elsewhere.

                       CHILDREN OF HENRY ISBELL, SR.

HENRY ISBELL, JR., the first son was born in Va and married Hannah (Boston). Details of his life
are given later in this chapter.

WILLIAM ISBELL was born in Va and married Anne Dillard about 1745/46. This couple had fifteen
children; they all reached adulthood except the youngest, Mary, who died at an early age. Anne Isbell,
the mother, died in 1829 at the age of 105 years. The first 8 children were born before William and
Anne were in Goochland Co. Va. These eight children were,

   I.George B. Isbell was born in 1746 and married Susanne Eubank.
   II.Joseph Isbell was born about 1748 and married Ann _____.
  III.Susannah Isbell was born in 1749 and married Jacob Mayo.
  IV.John Lewis Isbell married Hannah Ann Anderson.
  V.William Isbell married Mary Crenshaw.
  VI.Nancy Isbell married Stephen Mayo.
 VII.James Isbell married Elizabeth Coleman.
 VIII.Elizabeth Isbell married Nathaniel Smith.

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The Parish Register of Dover Church in Goochland County, Virginia, was begun in 1756 and kept by
William Douglas, Minister. It list children born to this couple after they moved to Goochland Co. The
marriage of William Isabel and Ann Dillard is listed as 5 March 1757 in this Register, but they were
married before this. This listing on page 109 was simply to show that they were man and wife since the
Register had not been kept earlier. Their children are listed on page 222 of this Register.

  IX.Christopher Isabel was the first child of William and Ann listed in the Register, born March 5,
     1757: Baptized 1757 Ap: 9. P. 50.
  X.Henry Isabel, born Oct 3, 1761; Baptized 1762 Mar 14. P 62.
  XI.Thomas Isabel, born Dec 23, 1762; Baptized Ap: 17, p.64.
 XII.Benjamin Isabel, born Mar 18, 1764; Baptized May 20, 1764. P. 67.
 XIII.Zachariah Isabel, born Dec 1, 1765; Baptized Feb:9, 1766. P. 73.
XIV.Sarah Isabel, born July 26, 1767; Baptized Nov 1, 1767. P. 79.
 XV.Mary Isabel, born Dec 3, 1770; Baptized March; 24, 1771. P89. Died young.

 

                            (From the Douglas Register)

 

A list was made at a Court held for Goochland County (Agreable to an Act of Assembly) for
Ascertaining the losses of the inhabitants of sd County by the British Army under the Commd of Earl
Cornwallis, Sept 27, 1782. On this list was Wm Isbell for 11 pounds, qo shillings (Va Genealogy Mag
Jul-Sept 1986, Vol 30 No 3, 217-218).

In the 1787 Va census for Goochland Co, the numbers listed in the census indicate #1While males
16-21; #2-Blacks above 16; #3-Blacks under 16; #4-Horses and Mules; and #5-Cattle. Isbells listed
under this Per Property Tax in Goochland were James Isbell—Self, 0,0,2,1,0: Thomas D. Isbell,--
Self, 0,0,0,0,0; William Isbell, Sr.—Self, 0,8,7,12,33: Henry Isbell –Self, 0,0,0,1,0,: and Zachariah
Isbell—Self, 0,0,0,0,0. William Isbell must have had 15 slaves, 12 horse and mules and 33 head of
cattle. The 1800 Goochland Tax List was set up to indicate by the first number being white males over
21—the second number was horses owned—the third number was slaves over 16—the fourth number
was slaves 12-16. In the 1800 Goochland census three Isbells are listed, William Isbell, Jr.is listed
1-2-7-1; William Isbell is listed 1-8-12-2, and Benjamin Isbell 1-1-1-0(Va Genealogy Mag Jan-Mar
1981 Vol 25, No 1, 10). William Isbell who married Anne Dillard died in Goochland in 1807.

JAMES ISBELL was the third son born in Va and he married Frances Tompkins Livingston in about
1747. He was first in Orange Co Va on 23 May 1754 where he bought 200 acres for 18 pounds from
Matthew Gayle and his wife, Judeth of Spotsylvania Co. James Isbell is listed as a Planter. This deed,
was witnessed by Zachery Taylor, John Mallory and (continued on next page)

 

 

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Stephen Smith (Or Co Deed Bk 12, 226-228). On 28 Mar 1771 in Orage Co, Charles Walker and
Margaret of Orange Co sold James Isbell of Albemarle Co 320 acres for 15 pounds (Of Co Deed Bk
15, 316-18). Then on 13 Jan 1779, James Isbell and Francis, his wife of Albemarle Co sold 275
acres for 200 pounds to Thomas Wells of Colbert Co MD. This was witnessed by Thomas Isbell,
James Isbell, Jr., Levingston Isbell, and William Sims (Or Co Deed Bk 17, 157-59). James and
Frances moved to Wilkes Co. NC just before 1780. Their children were:

   I.John Isbell, born 27 September 1748
   II.Milly Isbell, 2 April 1750
  III.Livingston Isbel, born 17 November 1751; died 1785. He married Ann “Nancy” Martin and
     they had 4 daughters.
  IV.Thomas Isbell, born 27 June 1753, who married Discretion Howard in 1781.
  V.Francis Isbell, born 12, February 1755.
  VI.Edith Isbell, born 17 November 1756.
 VII.Mary Isbell, born 21 August 1758.
 VIII.James Isbell, born 3 April 1760.
  IX.Elizabeth Isbell, born 19 October 1762
  X.William Tompkins Isbell, born 19 September 1765.

 

According to Katherine White, all six of their sons fought at King’s Mountain (White, 192). James
Isbell died 2 November 1780 in Wilkes Co NC, a sucicide, being in a confused state of mind.

ZACHARIAH ISBELL was the fourth son of Henry Isbell, Sr. He wandered from place to place so it
is difficult to keep up with him. He was in Orange Co VA and then later was commissioner at the
formation of Bedford Co Va in 1754. He was appointed a trustee for Bedford Co VA in 1755 (VA
Genealogist, Vol 19, No 4, 431). He was instrumental in founding New Bedford, Virginia and served
as the first sheriff of Bedford County. In the records, he is sometimes called Zachary and at other times
Zachariah. He later was in Halifax Co.Va and then went to SC about 1757/59 and stayed about 10
years. He is found in Old Craven Co. SC where he was granted several tracts of land before the
Revolution.

   1.8 March 1763, 250 Acres on Sandy River.
   2.8 March 1763, 50 acres on Sandy River.
   3.16 Dec 1766, 200 acres on Sakuda River.
   4.10 Sept 1768, 100 acres in Craven County.

Zachariah was a tax collector and Justice of the Peace in Craven Co SC in 1765 (Andrea Collection,
Reel 24, File 441). By 1771, he and his son Zachariah Jr. are found in Surry Co. NC. Before 1777,
Zachary and his son Zachariah, Jr. went into what was western NC and was appointed one of the first
magistrates for the Watauga settlement.

Capt Zachariah Isbell was in Wilkes Co NC in 1778 where he gave a deposition (Wilkes Ct Min Bk
Vol II, 3). In Burke Co. NC on 4 Feb 1779, James Mc Kinny bought 100 acres both sides of Hunting
Creek between Zackry Isbels and Richard Perkens (Burke Co Deeds #1697, 562). Zachariah, his
son Zachariah, Jr. and Godfrey Isbell his nephew,

                                     333

went to Tennessee (Washington Co) together about 1779/80. They brought a group of men from
Tennessee to fight at King’s Mountain on 7 October 1780. Zachariah, Jr. was probably the one who
served as a lieutenant in company of Col. John Sevier, but Katherine White states that Zachariah, Sr.
was there also. The “Mountain Men” soundly defeated the British in this one hour battle. Zachariah and
his son, Zachariah, Jr. went back to Tennessee, but Godfrey stayed in North Carolina.

 

 

(Please insert here BATTLE OF KING MOUNTAIN MAP 7 OCTOBER 1780).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     334

                       HENRY ISBELL, JR. AND HANNAH

                    “Unto thy seed will I give this land.” Genesis 12:7

 

Much research has been carried out to try to prove the parentage of Pendleton Isbell. Many
researchers incorrectly say that he was the son of James and Frances Tompkins Isbell. This family has
a very complete Bible record of the children born to this couple and Pendleton was not one of them.
Other researchers looked for his parents in South Carolina since a Henry Isbell was there by 1744.
However, Pendleton was born in Virginia, and records do not substantiate this lineage either. Others
say that the father of Pendleton and Godfrey was Zachariah Isbell who went from Virginia to
Tennessee in the late 1770’s. No proof has been found for this lineage either. So one must look
elsewhere for Pendleton’s parents.

In Court Order Books of Charlotte County, VA, we first find Pendleton mentioned on 3 May 1774
(Order Bk 4, 51). Pendleton and Heny Isbell (Jr) were witnesses for William Davis in his suit against
Thomas Foster, but no relationship is mentioned. On the same date, James Isbell and Henry Isbell
served on juries, Because of this and several other pieces of circumstantial evidence, this writer
believes that James and Pendleton were the sons of Henry, Jr., but this is not stated in this document.

We next find Pendleton as a witness of the will of James Isbell in Charlotte County, VA (Will Bk 1,
145-146) on 7 October 1775. Henry (Jr.) and Hannah Isbell werw also witnesses to this will,
Althought no relationship is given, it is strongly believed by this writer that James was the son of Henry
and Hannah and the brother of Pendleton Isbell. Later in Charolotte County VA Order Book 2, 382,
Henry Isbell is said to be the father of James. James willed his estate to his sister, Mary, wife of Isaiah
Moody and Mary, his wife, and James Gilliam. (See will in Appendix). Pendleton is only mentioned in
Charlotte Co these two times.

James Isbell’s will was presented to the Court by one of the executors, Isaiah Moody, on 3 Feb.1777.
Mary the wife of Isaiah Moody was also an executor. The third executor was James Gilliam who was
the husband of Marth Isbell, James Gilliam had married Martha Isbell in Lunenburg Co. Va., on 1 Dec
1761 with Henry Isbell and James Gilliam Standing surety (Matheny, 51). This seems to indicate that
Martha was another child of Heny and Hannah Isbell and another sister to James Isbell and that James
had his two brothers-in-law as his executors. In later years, Levingston Isbell, the son of Pendleton
Isbell, named one of his children Martha Gilliam Isbell.

James Isbell left his meager estate to his sister, Mary Mood, wife of Isaiah Moody. The circumstances
of James death are unknown, but when he wrote his will in 1775, he stated that he was in perfect
health and memory. (See Will in Appendix).

 

                                     335

An inventory of his estate is given (Charolotte Co. Va. Will Bk 1, 162).

In obedience to an order of Court dated February 1777, we subscribers first being sworn to appraise
the estate of James Isbell dec’d and return the following account.

1 watch…………………………………………6____

a suit of clothes………………………………...8____

1 cow with calf and yearling…………………...6.10.0

1 sythe and cradle………………………………. 15.0

1 Broad axe……………………………………… 14.0

Plane, irons, chisels, etc…………………………. 14.3

1 Razor and a book………………………………. 6.0

1 Ten ant Saw…………………………………… 10.0

23.9.3

c

3 June 1777 Maynard Harris

John Slone

Jos. Friend

At court held for Charlotte County the 7th day of July 1777 The within written Inventory and
Appraisement of the Estate of James Isbell dec’d was this day returned and ordered to be recorded.

Thomas Read, Clk.

Truly Recorded

 

In another instance, Henry Isbell, a Justice (Calendar of State Papers, Vol I, 261), was certified to
supply one bushel of salt (valued at 4 pounds 10 shillings) to Mary Moody, wife of Isaiah Moody
because her husband was away in the war and she was in desperate circumstances. On the same page
Mackeness Goode, Gentleman, was given 14 pounds 5 shillings by the State for sundry provisions he
had given to Mary Moody, wife of Isaiah Moody, a soldier in the service of this state (Charlotte Co.
Ord Bk 4, 124).

Henry Isbell, Sr. and Rev. Robert Rose were garnishees in Court in Orange County for an attachment
against the estate of Henry Isbell, Jr. for a debt; the suit was brought against him by zachary Taylor,
grandfather of the U. S. President. In law, a garnishee is a person who has money or other property of
a defendant in his possession and is ordered not to dispose of it pending settlement of the lawsuit. This
record does not state that Henry Sr. and Henry Jr. are father and son, but it would seem very probable
that they were since Herny Sr. had in his possession property of Henry Jr.—3 Lbs, 14 shillings, and 4
pence, a wig, and garters—that he brought to court in order to pay plaintiff. It does not seem that he
would have had possession of this property had he not been the father of Henry ,Jr., who was then
living in Amelia County (Orange Co. Ct Ord Bk #, 36).

On 28 Jan 1741, we find Henry Isbell, Sr. and Zachary Taylor as witnesses to a deed in Orange
County, Virginia (continued on next page).

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William Co. This Zachary Taylor was the grandfather of the one who became president of the United
States. Evidently Henry Isbell and Zachary Taylor were friends in Orange Co (Deed Bk 5, 3-5).
Henry witnessed another deed for William Cox on 25 Feb 1741 (Deed Bk 5, 24-25). Henry was
witness to other deed in Orange County on 23 Nov 1737 and 28 May 1741. The Isbell’s moved in
higher circles of society in Orange County with Zachery Taylor and Rev. Rose.

We find deed records that prove that Henry and Hannah were husband and wife in Amelia,
Lunenburg, Charlotte and Halifax Counties of Virginia. On 15 Jan 1741 and September 1742, Henry
Isbell, Jr. is a witness to deeds in Amelia County (Deed Bk 1, 67 and 76). On 16 April 1744 in
Amelia County, Henry and Jannah Isbell bought 150 acres from John Burton on the south side of
Neals Branch for 5 pounds (Deed Bk 2, 15). On 20

September 1745, Henry and Hannah sold 150 acres on U S Flat Creek and Neal’s Branch to James
Chapel for 15 pounds. Hannah relinquished her dower rights (Deed Bk 2, 35). In Amelia Deed Book
4, page 108, land is mentioned as adjoining the Isbell line on 27 May 1752. Again on 24 May 1753,
and 24 January 1760, land sold by William Ray of Nottoway Parish adjoins that of Henry Isbell (Deed
Bk 5, 7 and Bk7, 19). On 28 November 1754 and 2 May 1760, land adjoins that of Henry Isbell
(Deed Bk 5 30 and Bk 7, 38). Evidently, Henry, Jr, continued to own land in Amelia County even
though he is found in Lunenburg County by 1748. Henry Isbell, Jr. is often found in the Court Records
of Amelia County 1744-1745 as a juror and in trying to collect debts owed him. This writer found
some 16 entries concerning Henry Isbell, Jr. during this time.

Henry Isbell, Jr. paid a tithe in Lunenburg County in 1748 (Bell, 74) and on 11 November 1749, the
vestry made an order allowing Henry Isbell 1000 pounds of tobacco as Clerk of Little Roanoke
Church ( Episcopal Church of England). The records show that he received 1000 pounds of tobacco
as pay for his job one year and then it was raised to 1200 pounds for 5 years and then to 1500
pounds when he also served as Sexton of this church as well as Clerk (Bell, 35, 331-33, 337, 339,
342, 345, 351, 354). In 1748, 1749 and 1750, Henry paid 1 tithe in Lunenburg County and in 1764,
Henry paid 4 tithes on 500 acres of land in St. James Parish of Lunenburg (Bell, 74, 87, 147, 265).
For many years taxes were levied only on persons, not on property. A “tithable” was generally a male
of 16 year of age and servants of that age of both sexes. Later the tithe was levied on each 100 acres
of land also. The colonial pound was not the pound sterling. The pound was 20 shillings, the shilling
was twelve pence, equivalent to $3.33 1/3 and 16 2/3 cents respectively. Henry Jr. was a magistrate in
Lunenburg Co. and may have been one in Orange and Amelia Couties as well ( note wig and garters
presented in Orage Co. Court as his property).

On 26 September 1748 in Lunenburg Co., a suit is settled in court between John Twitty and Richard
Witton. Twitty agrees to give Witton 400 acres “ he formerly agree to sell Henry (continued on next
page).

 

                                     337

Isbell Jr. on Blackston’s Creek for 12 pounds (Lun Co. Or.Bk 3, 12)

On 7 July 1752, Henry Isbell, Jr. bought 190 acres of land on both sides of Twitty Creek from George
Walton for 40 pounds in Lunenburg County (Evans, Bk 3, 9). On 2 October 1753, Henry Isbell and
wife Hannah, of Cumberland Parish in Lunenburg County sold 393 acres of land to Samuel Comer for
80 pounds; Lunenburg Co. same parish, where Isbell lately dwelt. This indicates that Henry was living
in Lunenburg County. On this same day, in Court, Henry Isbell, Jr. exhibited a letter written by
Godfrey Jones to Henry isbell, Sr. on August 8, 1752 asking Henry Isbell Sr. to make a deed for “that
land I bough of you and you will oblige you humble servant.” (Lun Deed Bk 3, 38-39). This writer
thinks that Henry, Jr. would not have had this letter in hand, had he not been representing his father,
Henry Isbell, Sr.

On 5 February 1754, Benjamin Hawkins of Nottoway Parish in Amelia County sold to Henry Isbell of
Cumberland Parish in Lunenburg County 55 acres for 55 Shillings on the lower side of Twitty Creek,
starting at Lipscomb’s corner on “Isbell’s now hills line” (Lun Co Or Bk 3, 43-44). On 7 October
1755 Daniel Malone and wife and James Sullivan of Cumberland sold to Henry Isbell Jr of same
Parish 228 acres on branches of Twitty Creek for 31 pounds 10 shillings (Lun Co Or Bk 4, 31). Then
by 18 March 1760, it seems that Henry has changed Parishes since he and his wife Hannh, sold 228
acres to Thomas Bedford, all of Cornwall Parish, for 97 pounds 10 shillings. This was the same land
that he bought in 1755 for 31 pounds 10 shillings--- a nice profit (Lun Co Or Bk 6, 17). Then by 7
April 1760, Henry Isbell Jr. bought 411 acres from Thomas Covington, all of Cornwall Parish, on both
side of Twitty Creek for 200 pounds (Lun Co Or Bk 7, 13) and on 26 September 1760, Henry Isbell
was granted 991 acres of land on both sides of Twitty Creek by King George II for the consideration
of the sum of 3 pounds (see copy of this grant in appendix). Henry may have been granted this land
through the inheritance of his wife. The land was first granted to Hugh Boston living in Orage County,
On 7 April 1761, Henry bough 184 acres from David Gwun for 177 pounds on Mill Pond Creek (Lun
Co Or Bk 7, 16). We then find, Matthew Marrable, on 6 May 1761, to Henry Isbell, 10 pounds,
1759 acres (by deed 7 August 1759) on Ward’s Creek, from hill above Mill Dam of said Mathew,
formerly David Gwin’s mill (Lun Co Or Bk 7, 21). This Matthew Marable publishe in the July 22,
1773 issue of Rind’s “Virginia Gazette” the following announcement:

I herby inform the public that as soon as I can settle my affairs I intend to leave this country; and enabel
myself to purchase elsewhere, resettle myself, and to prosecute the mercantile business with more
ease, and to a greater extent then hitherto it hath been in my power, I propose selling the following
lands, viz.

Then follows a long list of lands he wishes to sell. Included in the list is “Part of the estate of Henry
Isbell   (continued on next page)

                                     338

 

Jr. in Charlotte” (Wm & Mary Quarterly, Vol 4, Ser 2, 1924, page 279-283).

Henry Isbell now owns some 3000 acres or more in Lunenburg County. On July 3, 1765, he
witnessed a deed in Lunenburg County that states he is of Charlotte County (Lun Co Or Bk 10, 27).
This is because the land fell in the new county when Charlotte was formed. On 3 January 1770, Henry
Isbell is listed as one of the securities for Joseph Williams, Gentleman of Lunenburg County (Lun Co
Or Bk 11. 47). (“Gentleman was a vague term implying a certain social or official distinction according
to the property held and the family conections one had. Becoming a sheriff, justice or vestryman
acquired the title of Gentleman for a person). Henry Isbell is listed as Surety for several marriages
while in Lunenburg County also (Matheny, 3, 96, 108). Henry Isbell, Jr. continues to be found in the
records of Lunenburg until June 1765 when he is found in Charolotte County. This is because the new
county of Charlotte was formed from Lunenburg County in 1765 and Henry Isbell Jr’s. land fell in the
new county. On 4 November 1771, Godfrey Isbell (thought to be another son of Henry Isbell, Jr.) and
Henry Isbell Jr. are defendants in a suit brought by Alexander Spiers and Co. Godfrey is ordered to
pay cost of the Plaintiffs about their suit. Henry Isbell was found not to be an inhabitant of this county.
Therefore the Suit abates as to him (Charlotte Or Bk 3, 14). It appears that Henry came to be with his
son, Godfrey, in court. Henry is found in the records of Charlotte County until 1785.

During “The Great Awakening.” Henry and Hannah became members of the Meherrin Baptist Church
in Lunenburg County, which was organized on 27 and 28 November 1771

The names of the 108 originial members were recorded and Henry Isbell and Hannah Isbell were
among them (Virginia Genealogist, Jul- Sept. 1977, Vol 21, No 3, 225-226). On 2, April 1722,
Henry was put under censure of the church for not appearing to answer accusations of hard
threatening, breaking Prison, etc. Later he is appoined by the church to settle disputes of other
members so he must have been back in good standing until 19 November 1775, “Our brother Heny
Isbell was laid under censure of the church for writing and purporting a piece of against the scotch
illegally.” This was evidently a very liberal religious document that he wrote. He was also censure for
collering W. Jamison and in the billying making some wicked harsh expressions. On 10 December
1775, Henry Isbell charged James Arnold with fraud, but Arnold was cleared of the charges. John
Williams and James Watking were appointed to settle the dispute. Arnold was contrite, but Isbell
“came under admonition and reproof for his harsh rigid asn censouious spirit.” On 30 April 1776,
Henry Isbell was laid under the great sentence of excommunication because of his continued argument
with Arnold (Meherrin Church Minutes). Henry was evidently a harsh stubborn man who did not like
to be crossed or corrected and was quite volatile. However, he was also probably quite intelligent
since he got in trouble for the paper he wrote.

 

 

                                     339

 

In 1783/84 Henry Isbell, Jr. fell on bad time and lost almost all that he owned. He sold most of land
and moved to Halifax County where he was until the 1790’s. In the early 1790’s, a Henry Isbell is
appointed administrator of the estate of a Henry Isbell. It is believed that Henry Isbell Jr. died and his
son, Henry III, who served in Capt. Ballard’s company during the Revolution and later died in
Kentyucky, administered his estate. We do not know what became of Hannah Isbell,

During the early days before the Revolution, most stores and shops were generally owned by British
men. They kept book on those owing them money. These claims are believed to be against Henry III,
son of Henry Jr., and against Christopher Isbell who is evidently a cousin or brother of Henry Isbell Jr.
At one time Henry Jr. was quite wealthy and could not have been insolvent as stated. In the British
Mercantile Claims we find the following concerning the Isbells.

 

   1.Claims of Buchanan, Hastie and Company for debts contracted at their Charlotte store. Page
     133 Henry Ishbell, 40 pounds 17.2 ½. Has always been insolvent and ought never to have been
     trusted. Page 134. Christopher Isbell. 16 pounds 17.7 ½. He ought not to have been trusted
     and was insolvent in 1783.
   2.Claim of the surviving partners of James and Robert Donald and Company for debts contracted
     at their store in Mecklenburg County

     PAGE 140 Henry Isbell. 18 pounds 8.9. and 10 pounds 3.10. Was insolvent about the time of
     contracting the debt. He was so at the close of the war. He has been so until the time of his
     death.

(Va. Genealogist October-December 1982, Vol26, No4, 301 and 303).

3. Claims of Alexander Spiers, John Bowman and Co. for debts contracted at their store

in Halifax Co. Va. Page 78, Henry Isbell. About the time of contracting the debt he

was insolvent and was so until the time of his death. (Va Genealogist July-

September 1982, Vol 26, No 3, 202).

 

We have found Henry Isbell, Jr, to be in Orage County prior to 1741; then in Amelia County from
1741 to 1745; in Lenenburg County from 1747 to 1765; in Charlotte County (without moving) from
1765 to 1785 and in Halifax County 1785-90. Since Henry and Hannah Isbell were the only Isbell
family in this area during this time of 1757 when Pendleton was born that could have been his parents,
it is strongly believed that Henry and Hannah Isbell were the parents of Martha, Mary, Godfrey,
James, Daniel, Pendleton, and Henry Isbell III.

 

 

 

 

                                     340

 

                    CHILDREN OF HENRY, JR. AND HANNAH

The children of Henry, Jr. and Hannah were born between 1741, when we know that they were man
and wife, and 1759 which is the date of birth given by the youngest child, Henry Isbell III, in his
pension application papers. The exact order of their birth is not known and only the birth date of
Pendleton Isbell is certain.

MARTHA ISBELL was born in Virginia and she married James Gilliam in Luenburg Co. Va. on
December 1, 1761. Henry Isbell (Jr) was Surety for this marriage (Matheny, 51). The will and
inventory of James Gilliam is found in the Appendix of this book. He evidently died in 1794. Martha
lived for some 5 years after James, dying about 1799 in Charlotte Co. Va. An inventory of her estate
is also shown in the appendix of this book. This couple had six sons and four daughters.

   I.Elizabeth Gilliam married Stephen Mayo.
   II.Fanny Gilliam died at an young age.
  III.Robert Gilliam died in Charlotte Co.Va.
  IV.Salley Gilliam married William Theweat
  V.Allen Gilliam died in 1830 in Charlotte Co., Va..
  VI.John Gilliam died in Charlotte Co. Va..
 VII.Amey Gilliam died in Charlotte Co. Va..
 VIII.William Gilliam
  IX.Thomas Gilliam died in Maury Co. Tenn.
  X.Harrison Gilliam died in Rutherford Co. Tennessee in 1808.

 

MARY ISBELL was born in Virginia and she married Isaiah Moody. She is a proven child of Henry
Jr. and Hannah. She had a hard time while Isaiah was away fighting in the Revolutionary War, In at
least two instances listed in the Charlotte Court Minutes, she had to have supplies provided by others
when she was desperate. Her brother, James Isbell, left his estate to Mary in 1777.

GODFREY ISBELL was born in Virgiania and was married to Hannah (Last name unknown). He is
first found in Charlotte County, Virginia in 1771 when a suit is brough against he and Henry Isbell, Jr.
for a debt (Charlotte Or Bk 3, 14). In the Anderson County South Carolina Deeds on 13 February
1794, Godfrey Isbell of Franklin County, Georgia sold 100 acres on the Tugalo River branch waters in
South Carolina to James Alexander. No dower was given at that time, but later the dower
relinquishment by his wife, Hannah was added. Her last name was not given and is not known
(Anderson Co. South Carolina Deeds Bk G, 145-146). Godfrey and his wife moved a number of
times so it is sometimes difficult to find them.

Godfrey , wandered down to South Carolina for a while and then went into Tennessee with Zachariah
Isbell, his uncle. Zachariah and Godfrey brought a group of men from Tennessee to fight in the battle of
King’s Mountain on 7 October 1780 during the Revolutionary War. This was a very decisive battle of
the war and was won by the mountain men, including Godfrey, Zachariah, Pendleton, James, Francis,
Livingston,

                                     341

Thomas and William Isbell (White, 192). Godfrey was a captain under Sevier and at a militia meeting
on 19 March 1780, those present were Colonel John Sevier, Major Jonathan Tipton, Captains
Godfrey Isbell, John McNabb, James Stinson, William Trimble, and Joseph Trimble, and Lieutenant
Landon Carter acting in the absence of Captain Valentine Sevier. It was ordered that 100 men be
raised agreeable to the command of General Rutherford to serve in South Carloina. These men were at
Musgrove’s Mill as well as King’s Mountain (White, 192). The battle at Musgraove’s Mill, South
Carolina took place on 18 August 1780 in a skirmish that preceded the battle at King’s Mountain, An
attempt was made to overcome the Loyalists in the rear of Ferguson’s main force. This group under
the command of Colonels Elijah Clarke and Isaac Shelby failed to surprise the enemy at Musgrove
Mill on the Enoree River. However, in a defensive position, they repulsed an attack and killed 63
Loyalist, wounded 90 and captured 70. There rebels lost only 4 killed and 8 wounded in this battle.

Godfrey served as a juror in Wilkes County North Carolina on 6 and 7 March 1781 and 3 Sept 1781
and was foreman of the Grand Jury on 5 December 1781 (Wilkes Ct. Min). He is a Bondsman for the
marriage of Thomas Isbell and Discretion Howard in Wilkes County on 18 December 1781. Godfrey
is found on the 1782 Tax Roll for Wilkes County, North Carolina in Captain Demoss’ District.

In the Burke County, NC Heritage book, mention is made of Godfrey and Pendleton Isbell in story #
172 about Nicholas Chapman, it states as follows.

John Chapman, Sr. and his fmaily lived in Baltimor Co. MD and Loudoun Co. Va. prior to their
settlement on the northwest Carolina frontier (Rev. file W18895). They made their move to Rowan
County in 1765—later boundary changes to accommodate the formation of new counties placed the
Chapmans in Surry County, and later in Wilkes Co. NC. It was in Wilkes county during the Early
years of the American Revolution that John Chapman, Sr. was shot and killed by Godfrey and
Pendleton Isobel, and that fact that Nicholas was fatherless by 1780 is recorded in his pension file
(S8193).

No record of a trial concerning this event has been located by this writer, It is said by some
researchers that John Chapman was cutting wood on the Isbell land when shot. It is said that John
Chapman’s son filed suit against Godfrey after the Revolution concerning the matter and Godfrey’s
lawyer advised him to hide. John Chapman was an outspoken Loyalist and they were not popular at
this time. There may have been a group of men involved in the incident. For lack of evidence, Godfrey
and Pendleton were not tried. This document is said to state that Godfrey and Pendleton were
brothers. If anyone has located this document, this writer would certainly like to hear from them.

Godfrey and Pendleton went to Pendleton District SC. About 1787/88 with a group led by Captain
Benjamin Cleveland who had also been at King’s Mt. Godfrey had 402 acres of land on Kees Creek
of Tugalo River in South Carolina, the (continued next page).

 

                                     342

deed being recorded on 14 September 1787. Godfrey’s land was surveyed by Idis Milwee according
to a note in the Andrea files. His brother, Pendleton had 100 acres in the same area on the same date.

Godfrey is then found in the 1790, first U.S> census, in 96th (Pendleton) District of South Carolina
living near his brother, Pendleton Isbell. On 23 Jan 1794, we find him appointed as an appraiser of the
estate of Robert Ralston (late of Pendleton) deceased (Lucas, 5).

About 1795, Godfrey moved to Madison County, Kentucky and was there for a while before he went
to Wayne County Kentucky, then into Tennessee and finally into Alabama where he died about 1816.
Proven children of Godfrey and Hannah were Nancy Isbell who married James Brooks in Wayne Co.
Ky. And Jabas/Jabez Isbell. Circumstantial evidence points to others being children of this couple also.
They were Robert, who married Sarah (Robinson) and he died in Anderson Co. SC. In 1836;
Thomas; Polly; who married William Turpin; Jeptha Vining who died in Al. James Milton and Daniel.
Thomas Isbell, a possible son of Godfrey, who lived in Wayne County Ky. wAs called the meanest
and most handsome man known.

JAMES ISBELL was born in Virginia and died about 1767/77. James is a proven child of Henry, Jr.
and Hannah. This is proven by a record in the Charlotte Order Book 2, page 382 which states that
Henry Isbell was the father of James Isbell. James left a will in which he left his estate to his sister,
Mary Moody ( See will in Appendix).

DANIEL ISBELL was born in Virgina and married Franka Land in Wilkes County, NC. He and
Franks moved to Madison Co. Kentucky about 1794 and he was killed there by Thomas Lawhorn in
1797(Note: the second wife of Pendleton Isbell was named Lawhorn). Daniel served in the
Revolutionay War as a fifer in a company led by Isaiah Moody, his brother-in-law. Franka later
married a Mr. Tilly.

PENDLETON ISBELL was born in 1757 in Virginia and married Sarah Henderson. Details of his life
are in later chapter of this book. Pendleton Isbell did not name any of his children after his father,
Henry. It would seem that he and his father probably did not get along well. Henry would seem to have
been a hard person to live with. Pendleton did name one of his daughters Hannah after his mother.

HENRY ISBELL (III) was born about 1759 according to his pension application (S35461). Henry III
served in Captain Ballard’s Co., Col. Francis Eppes’ VA Regiment, in the Revolutionary War, joining
in Mecklenburg Co. in the spring of 1776. This is the same unit that Pendleton Isbell joined, He served
in this unit one year. He re-enlisted as a private in Captain John Brent’s Company, Col Robert
Lawson’s Virginia Regiment from two years. He fought in the battles of Brandywine, Germantwon and
Mormouth.

A Henry Isbell was given permission to build a Grist Mill in Wilkes Co. North Carolina, on his own
land on King’s Creek in 1783. It was to be a public mill (Wilkes Co. North Carolina Ct. Minutes, Vol
I, 33). He is probably Henry, the son

                                     343

Henry Isbell, Jr. and Hannah. After Henry,Jr. and Hannah moved to Halifax County, Virginia about
1785, two Henry Isbells are found in the court records. The young son, Henry (III), was in trouble a
great deal ---cursing, gambling, and debts; one tme he was placed in stocks. He seemed to take after
his uncle, William Isbell, Jr. He did not remain in Wilkes County North Carolina for a very long time.
He went back to Halifax County, Virginia and lived there until about 1805. He then went to Kentucky
and applied for a pension in 1818 while in Bullit County Kentucky. In 1820, he was 61 years old and
resided in Jessamine County, Kentucky. Jessamine County is next to Madison County, Kentucky
where Godfrey and Daniel Isbell lived. In his application for a pension, Henry states that he was from
Charlotte County, Virginia.

 

An accounty of Chrishtopher Isbell is included here for the reader’s information since he possibly could
have been another child of Henry Jr. and Hannah. However, he was more likely a brother or a counsin
to Henry Jr. Record about him are very uncertain. Christopher Isbell was born in Virginia and he his
thought to have married Elizabeth Burdett, daughter of William Burdett, although this has not been
proven. It seems that Christopher fell on hard times and on 14 December 1759, three surit of
attachment are filed on him in Caroline County. Phillip Taylo said he owed him 32 pounds 7 sh 8
p.;William Bowler said he owed him 7 pounds 1 sh, 2 p.; William Spiller said he owed him 23 pounds
9 sh 2 ½ p. The sheriff attached two negroes and sundry goods to be sold to settle these debts(
Caroline Of Bk Pt 1, 55). Then on 8 April 1762 in the Caroline Order Books, we find this in Part 2,
page 65.

 

Edmund Taylor agt. Wm Burdett, Christopher Isbell and Elizabeth, his wife. Chancery. This day came
the parties by their counsel and the bill, the defendant’s answers and the several depositions taken in
this cause being read, the Court are of the opinion and doth decree and order that the defendants join
in making sufficient deed to convey the fee simple estate of the land in the bill mentioned to the
complaintant on a judgement obtained by the defendant Elizabeth in ejectment for the land. Then on 9
July 1762, we find in the Halifax County Deed Book 4, page 82). William Burdett of Amelia Co. To
son, William Burdett Parrot, for natural love and affection, 200 acres on both sides of Snow Cr., a
branch of Pigg River, part of the tract of 270 acres, which 70 acres Elizabeth Isbell is to have life in it,
then return to said Willialm Burdett Parrot and his heirs…No husband to have any title to said 70
acres, nor said Elizabeth Isbell “Without she go live on it”….my son not to hinder her from a place to
set her house, after he make first choice to set his house……270 acres part of a patent dated 16
August 1765….All woods, underwoods,…Signed William Burdett.

It would seem that Christopher not only had financial (continued on next page).

 

                                     344

 

 

trouble, but family trouble as well.

An interesting, but umprove notation is found in the Andrea Collection, Reel 24, File 441 Concerning
the Isbell’s. It reads’ “ 1745 or 55 the birth of child to Henry Isblel in Prince Frederick Winyah so
thought Henry might be ther father of Pendleton 1757. Godfrey was a brother. Philadelphia sister to
Henry. I think Henry moved back to Virginia.” No one by the name of Philadelphia has been located
by this writer.

 

The first Isbell in records of South Carolina are said to have been of th Parish Pegister of Prince
Frederick Episcopal Church of Old Craven County, Virginia. This bit of research was sent into the
Andrea file by Sarah Lillie Wells Isbell who married Lurht Allen Isbell, son of Alvin Dean Isbell.

 

All of the evidence offered here to prove that Henry, Jr. and Hannah Isbell are the parents of
Pendleton is circumstantial, Likewise, no actual document has been located to prove that Godfrey and
Pendleton are brothers. However, this write thinks that these strong circumstances point to this
conclusion, Henry Jr. and Hannah were the only Isbells in Virginia that were the right age at the time
Pendleton was born, 1757, to be his parents.

 

 

 

Note inserted by Marian Brown. There are signatures of Pendleton Isbell, James Isbell,

Her

Jabez Isbell, James J. Isbell and Sarah X Isbell in the orginial copy of this book.

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     345

 

                              PENDLETON ISBELL

                                  (1757-1829)

“ The Lord seeth not as man seeth” for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh
on the heart.”

I Samuel 16:7

According to a family Bible owned by Mrs. T.R. Isbell and photocopied for the Georgia Archives
September 17, 1962, Pendleton Isbell was born February the 6th in the year of our Lord 1757.
According to Daughters of the American Revolution records, Pendleton was born in Hanover County,
Birginia, He is listed in the “Virginians in the Revolution” (Gwathmey, 410) and in the New York
Historical Society Colletcions under “Return of Virginia Men.” Also the following was published in the
25 March 1829 issue of the Pendleton, South Carolina “Messenger” indicating that he was born in
Virginia:

 

Died on the _______ instant, Mr. Pendleton Isbell Sr. aged about 75 years. He was a native of
Virginai and a regular soldier throughout the Revolutionary War, and a strickly honest man (Lucas,
30).

The first mention of Pendleton is in the Court Records of Cahrlotte County, Virginia in 1775 when he
witnessed the will of James Isbell. Also witnessing the will were Henry Isbell and his wife Hannah.
They are probably the parents of Pendleton Isbell and are definitely parents of James Isbell.

As shown on the same Bible page as Pendleton is Sarah Isbell, his wife, who was born November the
15th in the year of our Lord 1758. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas Henderson and his wife,
Frances, of Laurens County, South Carolina (Isbell, 37). Thomas Henderson came from Pittsylvania
County Virginia to Wilkes County, North Carolina and is listed in the 1782 tax list in Captains Sloan’s
district in Wilkes County. Just before the Revolution was over, they moved into the Warrior Creek
Section of Laurens County, South Carolina. They belonged to a Separatist Baptist Group and
migrated with them to SC. He and Frances reared a family of 6 girls and 3 boys. These children were:
Sarah Henderson who married Pendleton Isbell, Mary Henderson who married William Cockerham,
Charles Henderson who married Edy Montgomery, Frances who married William Dodd, Annie
Henderson who married Rev. Isaiah Stephens, John Henderson who married Barbara, Elizabeth
Henderson who married Mary, John Henderson ( a girl) who married John Vaughnn, and a daughter
who married Randolph Cook (Scrapbook, Laurens, SC, 211).

Sarah and Pendleton were married 1 January 1782 in Wilkes County, North Carolina (Wilkes Co.
Mar Rec in NC Archives). The bondsmen for this marriage were Aaron Pinson and Thomas Shurley
(Holcomb, 98). This marriage bond shows the years 1781 for the marriage and the family Bible shows
1782. It is thought that the clerk mistakenly put the year 1781 (continuted on next page).

                                     346

because he was not yet accustomed to writing the new year of 1782 on January 1st of a new year.
Pendleton is shown on the tax roll in Wilkes County, NC. Court Minutes on 8 April 1783, “David
Gordon Vs Paniton Isbell” (Vol1, 33). On 24 October 1786 in the Wilkes County Court Minutes is,
P.20,”Letters Admr granted Charles Henderson on Estate James Henderson, decd. Thos Isbell and
Pendleton Isbell, Securities, p.198, Administration Bond Charles Henderson 50 pds Specie As
Admin. Estate Thomas Henderson, dec’d. Thomas Isbell and Pendleton Isbell, bondsmen” (Vol II, 20
and 198).

Pendleton was on a jury in Wilkes County on 24-25 October 1787 and 29 October 1788.

Research indicates that Pendleton lived in Wilkes Co. until late 1789 when he went to Franklin County
Georgia area with a group led by Benjamin Cleveland. Ben Cleveland purchased land on both sides of
the fork where the Tugaloo and Chouga Rivers met. At this time all this land was in Franklin County,
but later part of it was ceded to South Carolina. Pendleton is listed in the Reconstructed 1790 Census
of Georgia and is shown in Pendleton, SC in 1800---1820. A large part of Franklin County Georgia
became Pendleton District in 1798. The Isbell changed states without moving from their home.

Pendleton and Sarah had nine children; Elizabeth, Mary, James, Livingston, Daniel, Hannah, John,
Pendleton, Jr., and Sarah. The first son, James, carried forward our line; then James’s son Allen Isbell
carried the line forward to his youngest child, Mary Elvira Isbell, and thus to the Armstrong Family
when she married Junius Milton Arnstron in 1877.

 

                               AFTER THE WAR

Pendleton was discharged from the army in February, 1780 at Morristown, New Jersy. He did not
return to his home in Virginia, but went ot Wilkes County, North Carolina where he had relativies.
Pendleton and Sarah were married in Wilkes County, North Carolina in January 1782. They lived in
Wilkes County through 1788, as their first four children werw born in Wilkes County. Volume II of the
Court Minutes of Wilkes County show that Pendleton was a bondsman along with Thomas Isbell on
the administration Bond of Charles Henderson on the Estate of Thomas Henderson in the amount of
50 pds. On 24 October 1786 (page 198). Pendleton gave an oath on a deed from Thomas Henderson
to DAvid Mcgee for 100 acres on 26 October 1786 (pg 20). On the same date, Pendleton and
Thomas Isbell were securities on Orders of Administration granted to Charles Henderson on the Estate
of James Henderson deceased (pg 20). Pendleton is also shown to be ajuror in Wilkes County on
24-25 October 1787 and on 29 October 1788 (pg 32, 33, 42). So we know that Pendleton was in
Wilkes County through October of 1788.

In 96th District Plat Book(Southside of Saluda), Volume B, page 219 on Roll No. C1893 in the South
Carolina Department of Archives and History, we find a plat showing

 

                                     347

the location of 100 acres of land owned by Pendleton Isbell and 402 acres owned by Godfrey Isbell.
This land was located on Kee’s Creek in 1784-1488. The Lower Ninety-Six District at that time was
the area from the Savannah River and the Saluda River to the point where the Saluda connect to the
Edisto River and then on the Atlantic (Bratcher, front and p. 45). The date this land wsa recorded by
these two men was 14 September 1787.

In the Andrea Collection in South Carolina State Library is a listing as being from the Historical
Collection of Georgia, Habersham Chapter DAR, page 217, “ Pendleton and Sarah date 1789 of
South Carolina sell their interest in certain slaves in Franklin County, Georgia” (Deed book for
Carnesville, Reel 24, File 442).

Pendleton’s fifth child, Daniel, was born 23 February in Pendleton County, South Carolina. They must
have moved to the Tugalo River area of Franklin County, Georgia around 1789. This area was ceded
to South Carolina in 1787 and became Pendleton County in 1798 and Pickens County in 1825. They
remained in Pendleton District for the remainder of their lives. Sarah Isbell, his first wife, died in South
Carolina on 14 April 1827 (Isbell, 38). Her gravesite has not been difinitely determined, although some
say Fair Play, South Carolina.

Pendleton and Satah bought 200 acres of land in Franklin County, Georgia on the waters of Big
Eastanolle Creek ( Called Big Shoal Creek) adjoining the land of John Cobb, Pulliam, and Payne on
15 August 1787. This land was purchased from Thomas Gilbert and his wife Hannah for 50 pounds.
On 19 January 1789, they sold this 200 acres to Lewis Sanders of South Carolina for 20 pounds (
Acker, 3 and 5). It is not known why they sold the land after only a short time, not whey they sold it
for so much less than they paid for it. Perhaps they needed the money rather urgently at the time, On
the 8th April 1796, Pendleton bought 200 acres on the South Fork of Beaverdam, water of ht Tugalo
River for 75 pounds. This land adjoined by that of William Fortune and Thomas Harrison, Sr. (Willie,
203,259,345). On 11 August 1804, when William Harrison bought 200 acres in this area, his land was
said to border Pendleton Isbell, so we know that Pendleton was still here at that time ( Willie, 345). At
this time Franklin County, Georgia encompassed a large protion of what is now northwestern South
Carolina. The acreage bought by the Isbells was n the area of what was later Pendleton District, SC. A
map in the book “Settlement of Pendleton District, SC, 1777-1800” by Fredrick Van Clayton shows
the location of Penleton’s land on the North Fork of Cane Creek (pg. 41). When Jehu Reed bought
75 acres bordering Pendleton’s land in 1801, it was said to be a part of the grant to Joshua Eckels in
1794 (Willie, 259).

Most of the early settlers in Franklin County, Georgia were soldiers from the Revolutionary War who
received bounty land in payment for their war services. In Franklin County the bounties were awarded
to the heads of families (headright) and were made according to the man’s militarty (continued next
page)

                                     348

rank. Although it is not thought that Pendleton received such a bounty, he did settle in this area. One of
the post important roads in that time was from Pendleton, South Carolina to Carnesville, Georgia.
Transportation across the Tugalo River was furnished by Cleveland’s Ferry and this is the road that
most early settlers of this region used.

Pendleton probably traveled this road and his son James Isbell surely must have used it when he took
his family to the area of Carnesville, Georgia to live.

Under the Revolutionary Claim Act of 18 March 1818, Pendleton applied for a pension which was
granted. Amr. Joseph Grisham of Pendleton sent Pendleton Isbell’s papers to the Secretary of War,
John C. Calhoun, On November 8, 1819. In the letter Mr Grisham states about Pendleton Isbell, “He
is a man you saw at Clugg Hall.” He was placed on the Pension roll on 6 April 1820 and received
$8.00 per month beginning on the 20th of May 1818. He also received $220 in arrears payments back
to 4th of March 1820. In his application, Pendleton stated that due to reduced circumstances, he was
poor and in need of support by his country. Several neighbors testified that this was true, and that he
was a respectable and honest man. (Pen No. 16653). This was the first act by Congress that allowed
pensions to men who had served, but had no disability. However they had to prove they were in need
of assistance. Due to financial difficulties and charges that applicants were feigning proverty, it became
necessary for Congress to enact remedial legislation 1 May, 1820 (Index of Rev. War Pension Appl,
page X). This act by Congress caused Pendleton to be dropped from the Pension roll (Ervin, 24). This
caused Pendleton to go to the court and prove that he was in need of assistance in October, 1819. An
act of Congress on 1 March 1823 restored pensions to many who had been removed. Pendleton was
probably restored at this time because the judge ruled that he had proven his need of assistance. Later
acts of Congress in 1828 and 1832 did not require applicants to prove need.

From the testimony given when Pendleton applied for his pension, we learn the names of several of his
“near neighbors.” They were Samuel Earle and Capt. John Harris, Robert and Sarah Holland and
Samuel Isbell (thought to be the grandson of Pendleton, son of Levingston Isbell) testified that they
visited him in his home. Also from earlier land transactions, we learn that some of his neighborn were
William Fortune, Thomas Harrison Sr., William Harrison, Jehu Reed, Payne, and John Cobb.

Pendlton also tried to be placed upon the pension list of South Carolina. His petitions said, To the Hon
the President and Member of the Senate, The Speaker of the House of Representatives of South
Carolina: The Petition of Pendleton Isbell Humbly showeth That your petitioner has lived about forty
years in theis District that he is now seventy years of age, that for two years past he has been severly
affected with rheumatick pains so much so as to (continued on next page)

 

 

                                     349

 

be unalbe to work or other ways provide for his family and that he has not sufficient property to keep
them from suffering, that his wife is sixty-nine year of age and is hereby infirm of that age, therefore
pray your Honorable body to grant him such relief as in your wisdon you may think proper. Find us in
duty bound your petitioner will we pray.

    Pendleton Isbell

We do certify the above statement to be in our opinion correct given under our hand this 11th
November 1826.

Samuel Earle

Jonathan Reeder

Frederick Moss

Benjamin McGee

John Burton certified for P. Isbell with this statement, Personally came before me after being duly
sworn deposseth and saith that he was acquainted with Pendleton Isbell in the Revolutionary War
aandthat he knew him to be a active soldier in the war in “The Battle of King’s Mountain”, he also was
a captain of a company in the war and was sometimes a lieutenant and I believe him to be respected as
such sworn to and submitted before me this 4th day of November 1826.

Jno Barton

I Clerk this is to Sertifi that the above affidavit is correct.

William Guest

The Report of Committee on pensions on the petition of Pendleton Isbell, against not to be granted
Debember 1826. ( Audited Acct. No. 39571/2 A, Frs. 266-272, Roll No. 77, South Carolina Dept.
of Archives and History). Although Pendleton Isbell was denied his petition, the document gives us
proof of his service at King’s Mountain.

 

Pendleton Isbell went before the Court in Franklin County, Georgia and signed an affidavit for William
Guest stating that William was a soldier under me as Captain of a Company in the Revolution and was
in the Battle at King’s Mountain. Also six men, including Pendleton signed an affidavit in Pendleton
District of South Carolina stating that Captain William Guest had resided in that District since 1785
served on the Frontier as a spy when the Indians were occasionally doing mischief, and and as a Militia
Captain, and had the character of an industrious man. He was now in need of help in supporting his
family comfortably , and should receive favorable attention from his country. Two of the signatures on
this document are blurred, but those legible

 

 

                                     350

seem to be Samuel Earle, Pendleton Isbell, Capt., Jonathan Reeder, and J.C. Kilpatrick (Compt Gen
Accts. Audited, SC—AA 3173-A, 141-142).

Pendleton married for a second time in March, of 1828 in Pendleton District, South Carolina (now
Anderson District, 1853) to Margaret Lawhon (Certificate No. 3229). Robert Hollard and his wife
Sarah Testified that Robert married them when he was a Magistrate. At the time of this marriage,
Pendleton was 71 years of age and Margaret was 55. Since Pendleton died in March, 1829, this
marriage only lasted for one year. Under the act of 3 February 1853 and 28 February 1855, all
restrictions pertaining to marriage were removed and widows of Revolutionary War soldiers who had
served at least 14 days are were in any engagement could be eligible for life pensions. Several people
testified in court when Margaret applied for the pension that she treated Pendleton kindly during the
time of their marriage. On the 7th November 1856, Margaret gave Power of Attorney to Samuel Isbell
of Anderson District, South Carolina in order for him to apply for and receive arearages of money due
her under the Act of Congress of #rd February 1853. These arearages dated from 4th March 1848 to
3rd February 1853. Samuel Isbell wrote to the Commissioner of Pensions in Washington. D.C., on 20,
January 1857 and sent documents requesting these back payments. It is not known whether she
received money as a result of this or not.

ON 19th October 1816 Pendleton Isbell was one of the men appointed by the Court in Anderson
County, S.C. to take an inventory for the estate of Benjamin Hollard deceased. Helping with the
inventory was John C. Kilpatrick, John Hunt and John Harris, Jr. The Jury list for the fourth Monday
of October 1828 in the Pendleton District Court of Common Pleas included Pendleton Isbell. This is
one of the last times he is found in records before his death in March of 1829.

The estate settlement for Pendleton Isbell, Sr. is found in Box 1, No. 7 in Pickens County, South
Carolina Estate Records. The estate was administrated on 25 May 1829 by Thomas W. Harbin and
Pendleton Isbell (Jr.) bound unto Jas. H. Dendy, Ordinary for $400. Sale of the property was made
3rd July 1829. Buyers were John Huges, Drury Hutchins, Pendleton Isbell, Foster Bailey, Adam
Richards, John Miller, Mary Isbell, Vincent Brown, Jonathan Reeder, William B. Honeycut, Charles
Whitworth, Peter L. Barton, Osburn Cleveland, Stephen Howard, Frederick Moss, Thomas Guest,
Henry Brown, Thomas W. Harbin, Morgan Harbin, Obahiah Brown, John Miller and Allen Guest (GA
Genealogical Magazine, Sp-Sum 1976, 205). Estate expenditures dates were 2 August 1830:

Paid to Margaret Isbell in behalf of husband, Daniel, now in confinement 29th January 1830 $25.27.

Paid to David Huggins and wife Elizabeth, July 11, 1830 $25.27.

Paid to Samuel Mullings and wife Hannah, August 2, 1830 $25.27.

Paid to Moses Huges and wife Sarah, November 20, 1830 $25.27

 

 

                                     351

Paid to Drury Cocheran and wife Mary, 6th January 1829 $25.27

Paid to Stephen Garrett (Maret)? $25.27

Witness: Noah Looney

Two items of interest in the above settlement might be noted. (1). Daniel Isbell, husband of Margaret,
had been declared a lunatic and had become the guardian of his brother, James Isbell. (2) Stephen
Garrett must have been a nephew since Elizabeth Henderson, sister of Sarah Henderson (first wife of
Pendleton), married a Jesse Garrett. It is not known why he was included in the division of property.

Margaret Isbell is listed in the 1850 census of Pickens County, S.C. living with Clarissa Isbell, The
census reads: Clarissa Isbell, age 52 with estate of $1000; Nancy, age 25; Emily, age 22; James, age
21; William, age 19; Eliza, age 14; Margaret Isbell, age 76. All are listed as being born in S.C. except
for Margaret and she was listed as being born in N.C.. Clarissa Isbell was the widow of Pendleton
Isbell, Jr.

Margaret Isbell applied for a widow’s pension under the Act of Congress of 3 February 1853. She
was 80 years old at this time, still living as a widow in Pickens (formerly Pendleton) District, South
Carolina, probably still with Clarissa Isbell. Her pension was granted to commence on 3rd February
1853 (W5308) for $80 per annum. On August 6th, 1855, Margaret was granted Bounty Land of 160
acres under the Act of March3, 1855 (Warrant #34930). Under this act, a person could receive a
second warrant and add up to 160 acres if other acreage had been received by a prior warrant. Since
Margaret received 160 acres, we know that Pendleton had not received a previous warrant from the
government of the United States. Margaret died shortly after receiving this land.

 

                                   Conclusion

 

Pendleton Isbell fought for his country’s freedom in the Revolutionary War and worked hard after the
war to make a living for a large family. He undoubtedly told many stories about his war experiences to
his family. In her application for a pension before the Court on 1st November 1853, his second wife,
Margaret Lawhorn, testified that she was not married to Pendleton during the war, and could not state
anything of the consequences of his services. She had in her possession a document that showed
Pendleton received $96 per annum pension and had the reputation of having faithfully served his
country in the Revolutionary War. This tells us that Pendleton did like to talk about his war
experiences. She also gave the court the original certificate given to her husband by the Secretary of
War. We are indebted to Pendlton and his family for helping us to be the free people we are today.

 

                                     352

 

                       CHILDREN OF PENDLETON ISBELL

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

Proverbs 20:11

The first child born to Pendleton and Sarah Isbell was ELIZABETH ISBELL, born 22 February,
1783 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. She was married to David Huggins. Elizabeth died prior to
1829.

The second child was MARY ISBELL, born 18 December 1784 born in Wilkes County, North
Carolina. Mary married Drury Cockerham who was born about 1780 in Virginia. Drury saw
Revolutionay War Service. Mary died prior to 1829 in Pickens County, South Carolina. Drury moved
to Monroe County, MS by 1831 and was in Tippah County MS in the 1840 census. He moved to
Alabama and married a second time (Cockerham Family History by Paul B. Murff in “ Fifty
Families”).

JAMES ISBELL was the third child and first son born to this family. HE was born on 10th August
1786 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married Nancy Cauthorn. The details of his life are given
in a separate section of this book. It is through him that our family line is carried forward.

The fourth child and second son born to this family was LEVINGSTON ISBELL, born 7th March
1788 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married Mary “Polly Rowan, daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth Rowan in the early 1800’s. His wife was born 30 June 1788 and died 1 September 1858.
Levingston died intestate on 29 August 1823 in Pickens County South Carolina leaving a widow with
8 children, 4 of them under the age of eight. The eldest child was 17 year old and the twins were 1
year. The estate was settled in SC in 1850. Family stories say that he died from a fall from his own
barn loft while sleep walking. His obituary was in the 17th September 1823 “Pendleton Messenger.”
They had the following children.

   I.Pendleton Isbell, born April 15, 1806 in South Carolina and married Susana Cleveland,
     daughter of Jeremiah Cleveland and Obedient Callaway on 18 March 1824. She was born 16th
     February, 1806 in SC and died 1 December 1888. Pendleton died 30 November 1873 and is
     buried in Polk County Georgia. He fought in the Civil War with 8 of his sons and 3 of his
     grandsons. This family had 15 children. Susana’s youngest son brought her to Texas after her
     husband died.
   II.Elizabeth Isbell, born about 1810, married George Keese.
  III.Martha Gilliam Isbell, born 24 May 1811 in South Carolina, married John Garner.
  IV.Samuel R. Isbell, born February 1813, married Ellen King.
  V.Rebecca Isbell, born about 1815, married David D. Davis.
  VI.James M. Isbell, born about 1820, married Elizabeth.
 VII.Benjamin Franklin Isbell, born 1822, married Elizabeth Garner, sister of John Garner.
 VIII.John Milton Isbell, born 1822, married Nancy Blair 14th October 1847 in Franklin County
     Georgia. He is listed in the 1810 and 1820 census of Pendleton, SC.

The wife of Levingston Isbell, Mary, was later married to a Cockerham.

                                     353

The fifth child was DANIEL ISBELL, born 23 February 1790 in Washington District, SC. He married
Margaret “Peggy” Jolly, daughter of Wilson Jolly (1756-1829) and Mary Montgomery (1760-1857).
She was born in 1796 and died 2 September 1884 at 88 years of age. In the 1830 census of Franklin
County Georgia, Daniel is living next door to James Isbell (1786) and is shown to have a wife and 6
children. The names of 3 children are known.

   I.William F. Isbell, born 1824 in SC is found in the 1850 Franklin County Georgia census with his
     wife Margaret. His mother is also living with the family and a granddaughter, Mary M. Leathers,
     age 7. Wm F. later moved his family to Rockwall Co. Texas.
   II.Edith Rebecca Isbell born 12 June 1828---died August 5,1875, married Asa Leathers.
  III.Robert B. Isbell is listed in the 1850 Franklin County Georgia censeu as being 25 years of age,
     born in SC and having married within the year. His wife Elizabeth is 17, born in SC.

 

Daniel Isbell was declared a lunatic on 2 November 1829 and was made a guardian of his brother,
James Isbell (Acker, 159). It is not known just what his mental problem was, but everyone was
declared a lunatic in those days who had any sort of mental problems. This would explain why his wife
was living with her son and why she signed for his share of the inheritance when Pendleton, his father
died. Daniel died some time after 1840.

 

The sixth child was HANNAH ISBELL, born August 15, 1792 in Pendleton SC. She was named
after Pendleton’s mother Hannah Isbell. She married Samuel Mullins.

 

The seventh child was JOHN ISBELL, born 27,September 1794 in Pendleton SC. John died at the
age of 1 year on 29th September 1795.

 

The eighth child was PENDLETON ISBELL, JR., born 25, March 1796 in Pendleton SC. He was
married to Clarkey. His will was proved on 2 November 1846 in Pickens County, SC.. He left his
property to his beloved wife, Clarkey; his daughters, Lucinda, Arminda, Nancy Mariah, Sarah Emiline,
and Elizabeth Almarinda; and his sons James Sidney and William Lawhorn.

 

SARAH ISBELL was the ninth and last child born to this family and was named after her mother,
Sarah Henderson. She was born 11 November 1797 in Pendleton, SC. On 19 November 1826, she
married Moses Hughes. Sarah died on 6th August 1859 and is burind in the Spring Creek Cemetery
near Banner, MS.

                                     354

                          PENDLETON ISBELL FAMILY

 

Pendleton Isbell   Born: 6th February 1757, Hanover County Virginia.

Died: March 1829, Pendleton District, SC.

Married: 1st January 1781, Wilkes County NC.

Sarah Henderson   Born: 14 November 1758, Wilkes County NC.

Died: 14 April 1827, Fairplay, SC.

2nd Wife:Margaret Lawhon, Married March 1828.

Born about 1793.

Died about 1856.

 

The following children were born to Pendleton and Sarah Isbell:

   1.Elizabeth Isbell born 22 February 1783 in Wilkes County NC. Died prior to 1829. Married
     David Huggins.

 

   2.Mary Isbell born 18 December 1784 Wilkes County NC. Died prior to 1829 Pickens County
     SC. Married Drury Cockerham, who was born around 1780 in Virginia.

 

   3.James Isbell, born 10 August 1786 Wilkes County NC. Died 4 January 1862 Franklin County
     Georgia. Mariried around 1805 to Nancy Cauthorn.

 

   4.Levingston Isbell, born 7 March 1788 Wilkes County, NC. Died 29 August 1823 Pickens
     County SC. Married in the early 1800’s to Mary “Polly” Rowan.

 

   5.Daniel Isbell, born 23 February 1790 Pendleton, SC. Married Margaret Jolly.

 

   6.Hannah Isbell, born 15 August 1792 Pendleton, SC. Married Samuel Mullins.

 

   7.John Isbell, born 27 September 1794, Pendleton SC. Died 29 May 1795 Pendleton, SC.

 

   8.Pendleton Isbell, Jr. born 25 March 1796 Pendleton SC. Will dated 1846. Married Clarkey.

 

   9.Sarah Isbell born 11 November 1797 Pendleton SC. Died August 6, 1859 Buried Spring
     Creek Cemetery near Banner MS. Married 19 November 1826 Moses Hughes.

 

 

 

 

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               PENDLETON ISBELL IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

                     “And the land had rest from war.” Joshua 14:15

 

Pendleton Isbell served as a private in the Revolutionry War. As an eighteen year old, he enlisted in the
Continential Army for one year on 7th October 1775, serving in Robert Ballard’s Company, 1st
Virginia Regiment, command by Colonel James Read. On 7th September 1776, he re-enlisted for 3
years, 1st May 1777, Pendleton transferred to Morristown, New Jersey to the Commander-in Chief’s
Guard, commanded by Captain Caleb Gibbs. He was at Valley Forge with General George
Washington. He was in the Battle of Brandwine, Delaware on 11 September 1777, and the Battle of
Germantwon, Pennsylvania 4th October 1777. He was sick and absent June and July of 1778. He
re-enlisted and was furloughed one hundred and ten days, 18 January 1779. He was shown to have
deserted at Morristown, New Jersey on 1 February 1780 after an illness of one year. He applied for
and received a pension of $8.00 a month (Pension No. 16653 and Godfrey, 192). His widow,
Margaret Lawhorn, had the original document given to Pendleton by th Secretary of War and
surrendered this in Court in 1853. Desertion did not have the same meaning in that time that it does
today. Had he truly deserted, he would not have been granted a pension. In his testimony, under oath,
before the Court when he applied for his pension, Pendleton stated:

 

In the autumn of the year 1775 he enlisted as a private soldier in the army of the United States in the
Company of Captain Robert Ballard of the 1st Virginia Regiment in the Virginia line for one year that
he served in the said Company, Regiment and Line about eleven months when he re-enlisted for three
years and served in the same Company, Regiment, and Line for one year and was afterward detached
to form a guard for General Washington in which Guard he served under Captain Caleb Gibbs until he
was regularly discharged in 1779 and that his discharge is lost. He said that he was unable at this time
to offer any additional evidence; that most of the persons cognizant of the facts are dead and those
who may be living are widely dispersed and none reside near him.

From this testimony given in Greenville District Court on 20 May 1818, one would conclude that
Pendleton was discharged in 1779 and could not have been a deserter in 1780 at all as stated on his
record. In “The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard” by Godfrey he states:

I assume that the matter of desertion was no major matter as seemingly there were some pensions
extended. Desertion at the time of planting and harvesting were not uncommon.

On 4th December 1779, Washington’s Guard arrived at Morristown, New Jersey and pitched their
tents . The following Thursday, they moved into the huts that they had

 

 

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built. Genral Washington set up headquarters in the Ford Mansion and the men were in a meadow
immediately southeast of the Mansion. Here the men endured the hardships of one of the severest
winters theretofore known to the memory of man (Godfrey,71). It is believed by this writter that
Pendleton’s enlistment was up in 1779 and he simply packed his few belongings, got on his horse and
started south. By his own testimony, he said that he was discharged in 1779. The severity of the
weather was not conducive to re-enlistment. Pendleton did not return to his home in Virginia, but went
to Wilkes County, North Carolina where several of his relatives lived. He joined the North Carolina
militia and served honorably in it, fighting as a Captain at King’s Mountain under Colonel Benjamin
Cleveland. He enlisted as a Captain from Salisbury District, No.882 and 83 in the NC Militia (Roster
of NC Soldiers, 192, 193). The militia was a volunteet organization, and would not be listed as regular
army service. Col. Cleveland’s men were known as “Cleveland’s Devils” to the Tories. The Whigs
called them “Cleveland’s Bull Dogs” and “Cleveland’s Heroes.” When the call was made for aid in the
campaign against Ferguson, Colonel Cleveland gathered about 350 men together at Rendezvous
Mountain in Wilkes County. Most of the men were from Wilkes County and many of them were from
the old Brier Creek neighborhood. From Rendezvous Mountain they marched to Quaker Meadows,
joined other patriots and went on to King’s Mountain where they won a great victory.

The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard was an elite unit formed at the request of General George
Washington. On 30 April 1777, General Washington wrote from Morristown, New Jersey to Colonel
Spotwood, directing him to form a company of men for his Guard. These men were to take care of
Washington’s baggage, papers and other metters of public import during his campaign. Four men were
to be sent from each regiment with the artillery and riflemen excepted.

Very specific requirements were given for these men and since Pendleton was accepted, we have
some idea about his size and character. The men were to look welll and be nearly even in size----no
man was to exceed 5’10” or to fall short of 5’9”; be sober, young, active and well made, of good
character, and have pride of appearing clean and soldierlike. They were to be natives of this country (
although this requirement was kept secret) and were to be men of some property. They were the “
flower of the pick” of the American Army.

There were four sergeants, four corporals, one fifer and forty-seven privates under the command of
Captain Caleb Gibbs when the unit was first organized. Later, more men were added with the major
command being Caleb Gibbs. The Guard was known by a number of names including “
Commander-in-Chief’s Guard,” “His Excellency’s Guard,” Washington’s Life Guard” ( by the
soldiers), and “Washington’s Body Guard.” The Guard served from 30 April 1777 to 6 June 1783. It
has been said that the silent and unwritten record of the (continued on next page).

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organization are buried in the oblivion of the grave (Godfrey).

The Guard first reported for duty on 1 May and was completed on 6 May 1777. These men were
given a certificate of the last pay they had drawn in their battalions and were paid from the Guard from
then on. They were to bring no uniforms, nor arms and no one was to report who was not perfectly
willing to serve in the Guard. Elijah Fisher kept a diary about his service in the Life Guard. On March
19, 1778 he wrote:

There were orders that there should be three Men sent from each Reg’t to join His

Excelence Gen. Washington’s Life Guard and Seth Lovil was sent out of our

Company but after being there a fue Days and Did not like to be there he said,

But I sepose that he was afeared that the Reg’t would go to Rhode Island which

They did afterward and he could not go with them and he come back to the

Company and I was sent in the room of him.

The Guard and the Main Army remained in winter quarters in Morristown, New Jersey until 4 O’clock
in the morning of the 31st of May. They removed down to Middlebrook and established headquarters
there that day.

The uniforms consisted of a dark blue coat, collared, faced, cuffed and lined with buff, with then large
gilt buttons on each lapel. The vest was red, high cut, single breasted with twelve smaller gilt buttons;
buckskin breeches fitting to the shape, with five small gilt buttons at the ankle, and strapped under
black shoes; white bayonet and body belts; black stock and tie for the hair; and a black cocked hat
bound with white tape (Godfrey, 42-43;68-69).

An eyewitness account is given by a wagon driver named Burnett during the war about seeing General
George Washinton twice on the road with his life guard with him and will never forget while he retains
his memory the polite bow that the general made to the poor wagoners as he passed them (Dann,
372).

There is still a Commander in Chief’s Guard today, which is, Company A, Third U.S. Infantry which is
stationed at Fort McNair. This unit was formed in preparation for the American Revolution
Bicentennial (1975-83) and remains so today. They are not a continuation of the Old Guard that
Penleton was in, however, because that unit was a part of the Continential Army. This Army, after
winning the Revolution , was disbanded by Congress in June 1784. The “descendents” of the
Continential Army today are the National Guard ( From letter received from the Department of the
Army, Old Guard Museum, Fort Myer, Virginia, 16 August 1989).

                          THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

The Amercian Revolution was suddenly thrust upon a people who were not prepared for war.
Volunteers with little organization and little finance were raised into a fighting force, Two problems that
arose were how to pay the soldiers….

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and how to get them to remain in the service long enough to be well trained as professionals. The basic
pay for these men barley covered their clothing needs and the cost of a gun with which to fight.

Since land was abundant, it was promised in return for three years of faithful service. Bounty Land
Grants were applied for by the heirs of both Pendleton Isbell and William Shackelford as later shown
in this book.

The oath taken by Washington and the men who joined the Continential Army was as shown below or
similar to this one.

I, George Washington Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the Untied Sates of America do
acknowledge the Untied States of America, to be FREE, Independent and Sovereign States, and
declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great
Britain; and renounce, refute and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I swear that I will to
the utmost of my power, support, maintain and defend the said United States, against the said King
George the Third, his heirs and successors and his or their abettors, assistants and adherents, and will
serve the United State in the office of Commander-in-Chief as aforesaid which I now hold, with
fidelity, according to the best of my skills and understanding.

                           BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE

Pendleton Isbell was a twenty year old private who took part in the battle of Brandywine, Delaware,
11 September 1777. The purpose of this battle was to keep the British from marching on Philadelphia,
then serving as the nation’s capitol. The American army cut timber on the bank of Red Clay Creek to
use in order to place obstructions on all the public roads and highways to keep the British from
reaching Philadelphia (Dann,147). The American had a force of 10,000 to 15,000 men. After
approximately 700 were killed or wounded and 400 captured, the Americans retreated, leaving the
British to occupy Philadelphia (Neagles, 18).

                          BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN

The intricate plan for the counterattack called for a dawn attack by concentric columns covered by
diversionary attacks near Germantown, Pennsylvania. Excellent march discipline and intelligence
enabled the leading Continentail Brigades to overrun the British 2nd Battalion of the Light Infantry and
drive back other units. One astonished German Officer exclaimed that he had just seen something that
he had never seen before---- the English in full flight. Confusion and staunch British defense of the
stone Chew House robbed the attack of its momentum and Washington withdrew. The British spent
the next month and half dislodging the defenders of….(continued next page)

 

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the fortifications on the Delaware River below Philadelphia (Wright, 118).

During one point in the Battle of Germantown, two American groups became confused by a heavy fog
and began firing upon each other. The British counterattack resulted in the death of approximately 152
men, the wounding of 521, and 400 were missing. As a result of this battle, Washington’s army was
forced to spend the winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, withdrawing to winter quarters 17
December 1777. The army had to cope with shortages of supplies, clothing, and food as well as the
severe cold (Neagles, 19).

Pendleton Isbell spent this winter at Valley Forge.

Also taking part of this same battle on 4 October 1777, was a thirty-nine year old second lieutenant by
the name of William Shackelford (born 1738). Lt. Shackleford was serving in Captain Thomas
Thweatt’s Company, Fourteenth Virginia Regiment, Colonel Charles Lewis, commanding. During the
battle, Lt. Shackleford was wounded. He lived for about seven weeks, until 23 November 1777,
when he died form his wounds (Peterson, 150 and Heitman, 490). An eyewitness account is given
about the America hospital after the Battle of Germantown:

After the Battle of Germantown, the declarant had occasion to enter the apartment called the
hospital, in which the wounded were dressing and where the necessary surgiacl operations were
performing and there beheld a most horrid sight. The floor was covered with human blood; amputated
arms and legs lay in different places in appalling array, the nournful memorials of an unfortunate and
fatal battle, which in deed it truly was (Dann, 150-51).

It is sad to read such an account and to know that Lt, Shackleford was probably a part of the terrible
scene in the hospital. The nature of his injuries is not known. This gives us some idea of the great price
that was paid to make America a free nation. Some Revolutionary War heroes are remembered as
saying;

“If you are victorious and our country emerges free and independent form the contest n which
she is now engaged, but the end of which we are not permitted to see, bury us in our beloved State,
and engrave our names on the monument you shall erect over us, as victims who willingly surrendered
their lives as a portion of the price paid for your liberties; and our departed spirits will never murmur,
nor regret the sacrifices we made to obtain for you the blessing we hope you may enjoy” (Blessington,
255).

 

                    Winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

 

The strike Washington made at Germantown was somewhat successful, but after the battle, he
quartered his troops at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania from 19 December 1777 to 19 June 1778. He is
said to have had 11,000 to 11,500 troops that he

 

 

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quartered for the winter at Valley Forge on the West bank of the Schuykill River, 22 miles northwest
of Philadelphia, which was occupied by the British. Valley Forge was considered a defensible site with
farm supplies near by and on leading trade routes and he could keep an eye on the British. However,
this was one of the harshest winters ever experienced and only Washington’s leadership held the unit
together. The “Life Guard” wintered in wooden huts built behind the stone house owned Isaac Potts
where Washington headquartered. Washington ordered small huts to hold 12 men be built for all the
men at Valley Forge. Washington lived in a tent until the huts were complete and the men could move
in. Only then, did he move into the Potts house.

About 3000 men died at Valley Forge and in nearby hospitals where the sick were sent for treatment.
Washington had these men buried quietly at Valley Forge, while others were buried in nearby areas
when they died in hospitals, many in unmakred graves. Washington feared that British spies would
inform General Howe of the terrible conditions and the General might attack him, knowing that he was
weak (Worley,ix). The American Army was suffering from semi-starvation, bitter cold, lack of
clothing, mismanagement in the commissary and transportation department, public criticism and
Congressional neglect.

During this terrible time, there was one bright spot, however. A Prussian officer, Baron Friedrich Von
Steuben, gave the troops valuable training in maneuvers and in more efficient use of their weapons.
Despite hundred of deaths and terrigle disease, the Army was reorganized and emerged in June of
1778 as an efficient, well-disiplined fighting force. This contributed to Washington’s success at
Monmouth, New Jersey on 28 June 1778. France joined in helping with the financial aid in 1778 also.
In 1777, there were some 34,820 men in the Continential Army, but in 1778 there were only 32,899
(Worley, viii). Theres were better trained troops.

Pendleton Isbell suffered with Washington through this terribel winted at Valley Forge as a
member of “The Life Guard.”

                      THE BATTLE OF KING’S MONUTAIN

Toward the last of the fighting in Virginia, General Washington reduced the number of his guards.
Pendleton was discharged in February, 1780 at Morristown, New Jersey and must have made his way
to Wilkes County, North Carolina, There were a number of Isbell’s living in the area that were related
to him ( Armstrong, 109). It was here that he joined the volunteer Army that fought at King’s
Mountain. Although he served as a private in the Life Guard, his experience stood him in good stead in
the volunteer army as he was made a captain (Roster of Soldiers from NC, 392-93 and Historical
Collections of the Georgia DAR Vol 1, 143).

The Battle at King’s Mountain was fought entirely by volunteers and reminds one of the 300 brave
Spartans under (continued on next page)

                                     361

the command of Leonidas who in 480 BC defended the pass of Thermopylae. All 300 were killed and
were buried where they fell. Or it could remind one of the Crimean War when 600 Light Dragoons,
Lancers and Hussars rode into “the Valley of Death” at Balaklava on 25 October 1854. They rode on
horseback against cannon and many Cossacks and Russians fell to their sabers. This is aptly described
in the famous “Charge of the Light Brigade” by Tennyson. No where else in the history of America
does one find an instance of a thousand frontiersman coming together of their own free will to form
themselves into a volunteer Army (White, 3). These volunteers had little besides their trusty Dechard
rifle and its accessories, a bit of parched corn for food, and their sure-footed horses. Although they
knew little about warfare, they did know how to keep the Indians and Tories away from their homes.

An English sharpshooter colonel by the name of Patrick Ferguson sent word to these people that
unless they joined up with him and the king, he would march his army over the mountains and hang
every one of them. As you know, this did not set well with these early settlers and they determined to
“take care of Col. Ferguson.” This they did succeed in doing very effectively.

King’s Mountain took place at a time when the American cause was becoming desperate. The
Americans in the South had met failure after failure. About two months prior to Kind’s Mountain, the
Americans were trying to harass the British at Musgrove’s Mill, The Americans fell into a trap, but did
manage to escape and took all their prisoners from the battle with them. They were chased to the Blue
Ridge Mountains by Col. Ferguson, It was from here that he sent the insolent letter saying that he
would hang those who did not join him. This letter led to his ruin and defeat.

The volunteers sent a letter on 4 October 1780 to General Gates, commander in the South, They
informed him that they had about 1,500 good men from Washington, Surry, Wilkes, and Burke
counties of North Carolina and Washington County, Virgina and expected about 1000 more in a few
days from South Carolina. They stated that since they had called up the Militia without benefit of
orders from anyone in the Sates, that they needed a commander to come and take charge of this worth
group. This commander needed to be able to enforce proper discipline on this undisciplined Militia
without “disgusting the soldiery.” They promised to give every assistance in their power to this
commander and suggested General Davidson or Col, Morgan for this post. They also stated that they
were in need of ammunition, Co. McDowell carried the letter and would wait for an answer before
returning. This letter was signed by Benj. Cleveland, Isaac Shelby, John Sevier, Andw. Hampton,
Wm. Cambell, and Jo. Winston.

At the close of the same day the letter was written, Shebly nominated Cambell to be temporary
commander. The next two days were spent in picking out the best horses and

 

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best men with rifles. They took Ferguson’s trail with 910 mountain men. Others with poor horses or on
foot were told to follow. Their advance was rapid and in thirty-six hours, they never got off their horses
but once. They were joined at Cowpens by 60 men from Lincoln County under Col. Hambright, and
an equal number from South Carolina under Major Chronicle and a band under Col. Williams, also
from South Carolina. They ignored a large body of Tories on their way to join Co. Ferguson, It was
raining persistently and the men had to wrap their rifles and ammunition in blankets, sacks or hunting
shirts to keep them dry, while the men were drenched by the cold downpour. They had little to eat
besides parched corn and when they did go into battle against Ferguson, they did so without any rest.

 

The Battle of King’s Mountain, 7 October 1780, only lasted one hour. It was a battle between
Americans of opposing ideologies (Neagles, 20). Ferguson was really the only Britian there. Ferguson
had his army of Tories stationed on the flat summit of a low ridge. Ferguson was killed and his army
wiped out---157 Tories were killed while only 28 rebels died. This group of mountain men had won
one of the greatest victories of the Revolution, yet they came very near being reprimanded by the
Continental Congress for going after Ferguson without permission. Had they failed, there would have
been trouble, but “all’s well that ends well,” so in time the central government, Virginia and North
Carolina gave official recognition to these brave men and their leaders. It is thought that Penleton and
Godfrey Isbell were brothers, but no definite proof of this has been located. They both fought at
King’s Mountain, Pendleton with Cleveland and Godfrey with Sevier. Other Isbell’s in the battle were
James, Francis, Livingston, Thomas, William and Zachary (White, 192) Zachary was anearly Watauga
settler and was a justice of Washington in 1778 and a signer of the Haifax petition.

 

As the battle ended, the men dad no time to bask in praise for they had to rush back home. The
Indians who were on the march to destroy their settlements. At King’s Mountain, they annihilated an
army much larger than they were and then rushed home to fight off the Indians. These men were truly
heroes in every sense of the word.

 

               LATER REVOLUTIONARY WAR ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

A large gnarled old oak tree stands behind the Courthouse in Wilkesboro, North Carolina today. It is
very battered and has certainly seen it’s better days, but is still alive. It is called “The Tory Oak” and is
said to have been used during the Revolution to hang Tories. The plaque under this tree reads:

 

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                                THE TORY OAK

 

On the limbs of this tree Tories were Hung During the American Revolution by Colonel Ben Cleveland
and others. Plaque placed by Rendezvous Mountain Chapter DAR.

 

In Joan Cobbs original book there is a photograph of the Tory Oak. I did not

Include it here because my copy is very poor. (Marian Brown)

 

 

Not far from this oak is the restored log cabin home of Robert Cleveland, Robert was the brother to
Col. Benjamin Cleveland who led forces form the Wilkes County region to fight at King’s Mountain.
This home of Robert Cleveland ws built in the 1770’s in Purlear in western Wilkes County. Robert
was a gentleman farmer and had a family of 17 children. The upstairs is one long room, like a
dormitory where his many children must have slept. The home was moved to Wilkesboro and restored
behind the old jail. The old jail has been made into a museum. Also near the Courthouse is a very
battered concrete statue of Benjamin Cleveland with his sword drawn.

 

 

In the years of 1775-1783, the new states had very little hard cash, Paper money was printed by the
individual states and Continental Congress, but neither had sufficient bullion or specie in their treasury
to back up this money. The phrase, “Not Worth a Continental” grew out of the lack of public faith in
this money. It took 800 Continental dollars to equal 1 dollar in gold and people were hesitant to take
them in payment for goods because by the following week it might take 1000 Continentals to equal 1
dollar in Gold. The states still had enemy troops to fight and had soldiers to pay, as well as weapons,
ammunition, food, clothing, and transportation to provide for the soldiers. Faced with this situation,
North Carolina resorted to a complicated sustem of credit notes. In place of hard (continued on next
page)

 

 

 

 

 

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cash, soldiers were issued vouchers or certificates promising that they would be paid a specified
amount of cash sometime in the furture.

Pendleton Isbell received such vouchers from North Carolina for services of himself and his Company
for the amount of 141 pounds, 6 shillings, Specie. The vouchers could be easily issured for any amount
and deferred actual payment until some furture time. They could be written by any military officer or
state and local officials empowered to write them. Few of the vouchers were actually redeemed by the
person that they were issued to in the beginning. They vouchers could be applied to payment of taxes,
as land entry fees or in payment of private debts. The voucher would simply endorsed, similar to a
check in our day, and passed on to someone else. They usually were used several times before anyone
received hard cash for them. Pendleton received his vouchers from the Auditors of the Salisbury
District (which included Wilkes County) in January of 1782. It is not know just how he used his
vouchers since part of the cash was for the soldiers of his Company.

Some official determined that the canceled vouchers would be needed later to prove how much war
debt North Carolina had incurred during the war. Therefore, rather than being destroyed, the vouchers
had one, two, or three holes cut through the document and were then kept. This would protect the
state in case any of the vouchers were stolen. Of course many names were destroyed on the vouchers
as a result, but many are preserved. There are some 200 boxes of these with 200 per box. So there
are probably over 40,000 legible vouchers still in the North Carolina Archives, filed in alphabetical
order.

Military Land Warrants and Grants were also issued to veterans of the Continental Line. North
Carolina laid off a section of land in her western area for this “militart reservation.” This land is now in
the middle of Tennessee. These tracts varied in size from 640 acres to as much as 12,000 acres. Heirs
of soldiers killed in the war could receive land also. As with the vouchers, many did not choose to go
to this area and take possession of the land, so they would sign their warrant over to someone else.
Many times they changed hands several times before someone actually went to the area, picked out
land, had it surveyed and took possession. Copies of these surviving military land warrants, grants and
surveys are found in the office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina in Raliegh or in the
Tennessee State Archives in Nashville, Tennessee. No record has been located proving that Pendleton
received any such grant. It is not believed that he did since his Continental Line of service was from
Virginia. North Carolina did not issue land warrants for Militia Service.

The women suffered greatly during the war also. The only news they received from their men was
when a mounted messenger galloped into their area with news from the army. Often women were
called upon to help care for the wounded (continued next page)

 

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soldier. The people were asked to pledge not to eat mutton in order to save the sheep for wool. They
were asked to pledge not to drink tea also.

The first direct tax was imposed on the colonies was the stamp Act. Parliament levied a tax on legal
and commercial documents as well as newspapers and pamphlets. They all had to carry a special
stamp. It is said that many marriages were speeded up to avoid paying the stamp. The people resisted
by boycotting British goods and by sending petitions to the King and Parliament. The people were
unable to pay the tax and they had no representation in Parliament. This led to the “no taxation without
representation” slogan. The protest tactics and constitutional principles established during the Stamp
Act crisis laid the groundwork for the American Revolution.

The men who fought in the American Revolution fought for the common good, peace and well-being of
all; they stood firm and unselfish for the right; they stood tall against all opposition and were not afraid
to sacrifice themselves if need be. It is the rememberance of such men as these that makes tears well
up in the eyes as one sees the American flag pass in a parade. These men showed genuine patriotism.
Let us do the same!

 

 

 

 

 

  (INSERT PHOTO OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S PERSONAL FLAG)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Washington’s personal flag or The Valley Forge flag had thirteen white six-pointed stars on a
dark blue field. Some historian believe that this was the design for the blue canton on our United States
Flag.

 

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Due to circumstances beyond my control I can not copy the photographs on page 367 well enough to
include them here. I will try my best to read the Plaques and transcribe them. (Marian Brown)

   1.The first photograph is the present-day “Command-in Chief’s Guard” marching in Virginia.
   2.Plaque on monument atop of King’s Mountain that reads: To Commemorate the Victory of
     KINGS MOUNTAIN, October 7, 1780. Erected By the Government of the UNITED
     STATES to the Establishment of Which the Heroism and Patriotism of Those Who Participated
     in This Battle so Largely Contributed.
   3.Statue of Benjamin Cleveland near the Courthouse in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
   4.Kings Mountain Monument.
   5.Burial Place of Col. Ferguson on King’s Mountain.
   6.Plaque on Kings Mountain Monument reads: On this field the patriot forces attacked and totally
     defeated an equal force of Tories and British Regular Troops. The British commander Major
     Patrick Ferguson was killed and his entire force was captured after suffering heavy loss. This
     brillant victory marked the turning point of The American Revolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                         THOMAS HENDERSON FAMILY

                (Parents of Sarah Henderson who married Pendleton Isbell)

Thomas Henderson b. d. 1806 Laurens SC.

Married: Ca 1757

Frances “Frankey” b. d. 1811 Laurens SC.

Lived in Warrior Creek area of Laurens County, SC.

CHILDREN:

1. Sarah Henderson b. 15 nov. 1758

d. 14 April 1827, Pendleton SC.

m. 1 January 1782, Wilkes Co. NC.

Pendleton Isbell b. 6 February 1757 Hanover Co. Virginia

d. March 1829, Pendleton SC.

2. Mary Henderson b. ca 1760.

3. Charles Henderson b.December 1764.

d. January 1850.

m. 11 November 1782 Wilkes Co NC.

Edy Montgomery b. d. 9 September 1842 Laurens SC.

Children: Nathan, James, William, Thomas, Charles Jr., Elizabeth (Coker)

Polly (Peak), and Canada.

4.Frances Henderson b. ca 1766.

William Dodd-----husband.

5. Ann Henderson b. ca 1767

d. prior to 1813.

Rev. Isaiah Stephens------husband.

6. John Henderson b. ca 1768

Barbara------wife.

7. Elizabeth Henderson b. 10 February 1769

8. Nathan Henderson

Mary-------wife.

9. Daughter Henderson

John Vaughn-----husband.

10. Daughter Henderson

Randolph Cook-----husband

Information from “The Scrapbook, A History of Laurens County, page 211.

     4 August 1806. Estate of Thomas Henderson dec’d to be administered by Charles Henderson.
     Securities Robert Coker and Charles Allen (C. Elliott, 59).
     19 August 1806. Estate Sale of Thomas Henderson Dec’d. Purchasers: Salathiel Shockley,
     Frankey Henderson, Jos. Goss, John Henderson, Thos. Oakley, Stephen Gow, Chas. Allen,
     Wm Coson, Wm Gray, Wm Fowler, Thos Gow, James Walker, Chas Henderson, Jacob
     Nabours. Adm: Chas Henderson ( C. Elliott, 60).
     (No Date). Appraisal of estate of Frances Henderson dec’d by Chas Smyth, John F. Wolff and
     Colville Abercrombie. 16 July 1811, Estates sale, Adm: Jesse Garrett. 4 July 1813. Re Grances
     Henderson dec’d Adm: Jesse Garrett Final Return (C. Elliott, 77 and 82).

                                     368

                                JAMES ISBELL

                                  (1786-1862)

              “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

James Isbell was the third child and the first son born to Pendleton and Sarah Isbell. He was born 10
August 1786 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, His birth is recorded in the Isbell Family Bible
(Georgia State Archives) and in the International Genealogical Index of North Carolina. An official
record of his marriage has not been located, but his wife, Nancy Cauthorn, is listed next to him in the
1850 and 1860 census of Franklin County, Georgia as his wife. Nancy was born 19 March in the year
of our Lord 1789 in NC. Her father was William Cauthorn of Wilkes County, North Carolina (Isbell,
38) and later of Franklin County, Georgia (Trogdon, 35). William Cauthorn is on the tax roll for
Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1782 in Captain Kee’s District. In the 1784-87 North Carolina
State Census, he is listed along with one male under 21 and one female. The date of the marriage of
James and Nancy was around 1805 but no record has been found.

 

                       CHILDREN OF JAMES AND NANCY

James and Nancy had 13 children born to them: Sarah, John, Allen, Washington, Clarky, Elizabeth,
Peggy Mariah, Jabez Priestley, Levingson Littleton, Nancy, James Livingston, “The Happy Childe,”
and Pendleton Franklin. John and Pendleton both died on Christmas Day., John in 1881, and
Pendleton Franklin in 1862 (Isbell, 38).

SARAH ISBELL, the first child, was born 16 February 1806 in South Carolina. She was married to
William Henry Hardy on 29 March 1829 in Franklin Co. Georgia (Acker, 52). William Henry, the son
of Henry Hardy, was born 31 March 1805 in NC and he died 11 May 1892 and is buried in Camp
Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Lee County, MS. Sarah died 12 September 1864 and is buried
beside her husband. At age 7, William Henry was a messenger for General Jackson in the War of
1812. He is listed in the 1850 Franklin Co. Ga. Census, 45 born in NC; his wife, Sarah is 44 born in
SC; Mary A. is age 20 born SC; Nancy E. age 18 born Ga; Winney Aage 16 born in GA; Jasper, 14
born in GA; Elizabeth 6/8 born in Ga; Harwell, 5 born in Ga; Lucinda, age 4 born in Ga; Sarah age 4
born in Ga; and James 2 born in Ga. W.H. Hardy moved to Ponotoc Count, MS after 1854 where he
was a farmer. This couple had three sets of twins. Their children were as follows.

 

   I.Mary Ann Hardy (b 18 Dec 1829 in Ga) married Frank Branyan and had 4 children; died in
     Arkansas.
   II.Martha Ann Hardy (twin) (born 18 Dec 1829 in Ga).
  III.Harriet M. Hardy (born 17 June 1831 in Ga).
  IV.Nancy Emily Hardy (b. 27 June 1832 in Ga). Married James

 

                                     369

Wade.

  V.Winnie Angeline Hardy (b 7 June 1834 in Ga) married Albert Gallatin Randle on 20 August
     1854 in Franklin Co., Ga died 23 July 1911; buried Zion Hill Cemetery in Union County, MS.
  VI.John A. Hardy (b 2 April 1836 in Ga) unmarried; served in CSA, Co. K, 32 MS Infantry; died
     13 November 1862, Estille Springs, Tennessee.
 VII.Henry F. Hardy (b 11 June 1838 in Ga) unmarried; died 7 April 1844.
 VIII.Elizabeth “Lizzy” Jane Hardy (b 22 April 1841 in Ga) married 8 September 1868 to Thomas
     Zachariah Swann and they had 9 children; died 29 January 1921.
  IX.Margaret M. Hardy (twin) (b 22 April 1841 in Ga) married William Dove Pannell; died in
     Arkansas.
  X.Howell Hardy (b 15 April 1843 in Franklin County Georgia); unmarried; died, September 8th,
     1862, Okolona, MS Hospital.
  XI.Sarah Hardy (b 5 February 1845 in Ga) married Christopher Columbus Gibson and had 1 son;
     died, 1st June 1912; buried Zion Hill, Union County MS.
 XII.Lucinda Hardy (twin) (b February 5, 1845 in Ga) married George Adair and had seven
     children.
 XIII.James G. Hardy (b 12 November 1847 in Ga) married 1at to Sarah Bell Hardy and 2nd to
     Lummus, had 1 daughter by first wife. William Henry Hardy married a second time to Jane E.
     Robins (Lee Co MS Mar Bk 1, 244). They were seperated or divorced and had no children.

 

The second child, JOHN ISBELL, was born 11 november 1807 in Pendleton District, South Carolina.
He was married to Elizabeth Cockerham on the 10 February 1833 in Franklin county, Georgia by
William Burroughs, Justice of the Peace (Acker, 71). William Cockerham came to Virginia as early as
27 September 1729 at the same time that Henry Isbell was there (Nugent Vol III, 359). The Isbell
family and the Cockerham family were acquainted from early days in Virginia. William Cockerham
married Mary Henderson, the sister of Sarah Henderson, who married Pendleton Isbell. Drury
Cockerham who was born about 1780 in Virginia, married Mary Isbell, the daughter of Pendleton
Isbell. Drury moved to Monroe Co. MS by 1831; was in Tippah Co MS in 1840 census; then moved
to Alabama where he married a second time. Children of Drury’s first marriage were Adella, Martha,
Nancy, John, and Elijah.

On 11 June 1736, in Caroline County, Va. Order Book Pt 2, page 43-44, there is this notation: “On
the petition of Henry Isbell, it’s ordered John Crenshaw, Daniel Cockerham, John Butler, Edward
Baber, Thomas Birch, Joseph Yarbrough and Abraham Yarbrough be added to Isbell’s gang to assist
him in keeping the road in repair.

The John Isbell family is listed in the 1860 Monroe Co. Mississippi census. John died 25 December
1881, Christmas Day, at the age of 74. Elizabeth died in 1873. The children of this couple were:

I. Laura Frances Isbell, born in Georgia who married Leonard Randall on 9th March 1852.

                                     370

II. William Terel Isbell (b 1837 in Ga) married 1st Mary Boyd and 2nd Mary Isbell.

  III.Artancey “Nicie” Isbell (b 30 June 1839 in MS); died 3 January 1895.
  IV.Alex Franklin Isbell (b November 1841 in MS).
  V.Clarkey Isbell (b 29 November 1843 in MS); died August 29, 1917.
  VI.Charline Isbell (b 26 June 1847 in MS); died 21 June 1918.
 VII.James Peter Isbell (b 10 September 1849 in Monroe County MS); died 19 July 1899, buried in
     the Cockerham Cemetery in Monroe County; Married 1st Martha Virginia Estes in September
     of 1875, she died 15th October 1879, 3 children; 2nd he married Jane L. Nelland on 2 January
     1884; three children.
 VIII.Lizzie Clementine Isbell (b 29 April 1852 in MS); died 28 November 1914 (Underwood, 410).

 

ALLEN ISBELL was the third child, born July 8th, 1810 and his life is dealt with in detail in another
part of this book.

WASHINGTON ISBELL, the third son and fourth child, was born the 15th August 1812 in
Pendleton, South Carolina. HE died the 11 August 1829 at the age of 16 years. Nothing futher in
known about him.

CLARKY ISBELL, the fifth child, is thought to be named after her aunt Clarkey who was married to
Pendleton Isbell, Jr., a brother of James Isbell. She was born the 30th June 1814 in Pendleton, South
Carolina. On the 18 August 1833, she was married to Thomas Wilkerson ( Wilkenson) in Franklin
County by James Stovall, Justice of the Peace (Acker, 73 and Vol 3, 132 of Franklin Co). Thomas
was the son of Elisha Wilkerson, one of the earliest settlers in Franklin Co., and his wife Lucy
Abernathy. In 1840 Franklin County, Georgia census, Thomas Wilkerson is listed in the 267th District
along with James and Allen Isbell and also William Shackelford. Thomas Wilkerson was with the
“Currahee Rangers” from Franklin County Geoaria, Georgia Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.
His record reads: Musician August 24, 1861. Roll for August 31 1864 shows him absent without
leave. No later record (Henderson, Vol. III, 63). They are listed in the 1850 and 1860 Franklin
County Georgia census, living in the Carnesville area. He is a farmer with an estate of $ 6,000. They
are not shown to have had any children. Clarky died 2nd June 1897 at the age of 82.

ELIZABETH ISBELL, the sixth child, was born the 18th August 1816 in Pendleton, South Carolina.
She was married to P.F. Burgess (27 February 1816-28 May 1881) and they had a daughter, Mary
W. Burgess, born 22 May 1841 who married Green Thomas Spires on 7th October 1856. Elizabeth
died 12 October 1856.

PEGGY MARIAH ISBELL, the 7th child was born 11 August 1818 in Pendleton, SC. She died 29th
November 1832 at the age of 14.

JABEZ PRIESTLY (PRESLEY) ISBELL, the fourth son and eighth child of James and Nancy was
born 10 February 1821 in Franklin County Georgia. He is listed living with

                                     371

his parents in the 1850 census, being listed as John P. Isbell. Jabez joined the Franklin Rangers as a
private the 25th October 1863. He was discharged at Dalton Georgia 4 April 1864 with a disability
(Henderson, Vol IV, 73). Jabez married Lucy Edwards ( born 26 February 1834) on September 22,
1853 and they had 8 children. The names of the children listed in the 1870 Franklin County, Georgia
census were Charles F. age 16, Nancy J. age 13, James F. age 10, Allen age 7, and John afe 5. Jabez
was 49 and Lucy was 36 in this same census and he was working as a farmer. On this same page of
census, is his mother Nancy, age 87, and living next door. Jabez died the 7th August 1881 in Franklin
County, Georgia. He is buried in the Isbell Family Cemetery. This is a plot located back in the woods,
now in Stephens County, Georgia, The stone marking the grave of Jabez is a large black rock with the
inscription scratched into it by hand. The stone reads “ Jabez P. Isbell, born Feb 10, 1821, died
August 7, 1883, Age 62yr. 5mo. 27days.” Lucy lived for a number of years after Jabez died. She is
also buried in this same cemetery next to Jabez. Her stone is a modern purchased stone, but the top
half has been broken off. However, the broken piece is still there and it reads “Mrs Lucy, wife of J.P.
Isbell, born Feb26, 1834, died December 18, 1906, She was a kind and affectionate wife, a fond
mother, and a friend to all. The children born to Jabez and Lucy were:

   I.Charles Franklin Isbell (b 16 July 1854 in Franklin Co. Ga), married 23 October 1873 to
     Elizabeth Dickson, daughter of Willis Dickson and Nancy Cleveland; died 11 January 1906;
     buried Liberty Hill Baptist Church, now Stephens Co. Ga. In 1900 census, Charles is 46; has
     wife, Claracy C. age 48; Willie age15, John B. 11; Sallie 8, Thomas P. age 21; Josie, 19
     daughter-in-law.
   II.Nancy Jane Isbell (born 1856 in Franklin Co Ga., married W.J. Dickson (brother to Elizabeth
     listed above) 21 August 1873; died 1914, buried in Isbell Cemetery in Stephens Co. Ga. Her
     stone reads: “ Nancy Jane, Wife of W.J. Dickson, 1856-1914, On thee our found and tender
     thoughts will ever dwell.” Nancy Jane Dickson was the grandmother of Earl Aderhold how
     helped us locate the Isbell Cemetery.
  III.James F. “Jim” Isbell (b17 September 1859 Franklin County Ga.) married 12 October 1880 to
     Elizabeth Crawford; died 6 August 1890, buried Liberty Hill Baptist Church.
  IV.Allen Isbell (b October 1862 Franklin County Ga.) married 6 December 1883 to Mary
     Elizabeth Purcell; he died 8 July 1929, buried Liberty Hill. Children in 1900 census were Lela,
     Essie, Amer, Sarah, Lola. Allen’s mother Lucy Edwards Isbell was living with them also.
  V.Elisha Isbell (b 20 October 1862 Franklin Co. Ga.) (must have been a twin to Allen); died 14
     July 1863 at 8 months, 24 days; buried in the Isbell Family Cemetery, Stephens Co. Ga.
  VI.John Robert Isbell (b 9 August 1865 in Franklin Co. Ga.) married Ida Smith 13 May 1886;
     died 20 April 1915, buried Liberty Hill.

 

 

                                     372

 VII.Clarkie E. Isbell (b 1869) Married Jess Wilkerson; buried in Isbell Cemetery.
 VIII.Amanda Isbell (b 25 September 1876) married Dave Stamey and had no children; died 14
     August 1919, buried Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

 

The ninth child was LEVINGSTON LITTLETON ISBELL who was born the 17 May 1823 in
Pendleton, South Carolina. He died when on 8 months old on February 1, 1824.

The tenth child born to James and Nancy was a daughter, NANCY ISBELL, born 3 February 1825.
She is mentioned in James’ will as being the wife of Wilburn Smith. Wilburn Thomas Smith and his
brother, Alfred M., came to Franklin County, Georgia in the early 1800’s from Buncombe County,
North Carolina. Their father was Gabriel Smith. Both of these young men served in the Confederate
Army. Wilburn was in Company H, 24th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Army of Northern
Virginia, Franklin County “Currahee Rangers.” His record reads: Private December 8, 1862.
Captured at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864. Transferred from Point Lookout, MD. To Elmira, NY.
July 17, 1864. Released June 16, 1865 (Henderson, Vol III, 68). Wilburn T. Smith was born 29
January 1819 and died January 1, 1894 in Franklin County, Georgia, married Nancy Isbell (Trogdon,
405).

The Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, where Wilburn T. Smith was taken prisoner, was a fierce one.
The army of the Potomac (Federal) had 108,000 men to the Confederate’s 59,000. However, the
Federals suffered terrible losses---some 7,000 to the Rebels 1500 because three Corps of the
Yankees were going straight into the Confederate forces. It is said that the advance only lasted about 8
minutes. In that short period of time more men fell bleeding than in any other time throughout the Civil
War (Boatner, 163). Cold Harbor represented a terrible failure of Federal leadership. The lines
remained stationary across from one another for 10 days. This was the great battle that Lee won in the
field. The Federals were able to replace their losses almost immediately, but the South was unable to
replace their losses. After this battle, Wilburn Smith was taken to Point Lookout, the Federal Prison in
Maryland where the Potomac runs into Chesapeake Bay. This prison was established in 1863 with no
barracks. All the prisoners were enlisted men and lived in tents. Water was scarce here and had to be
imported after the shallow wells in the area became polluted. Almost 20,000 men were held there at
times and the tents were very crowded. The men were badly treated by those in charge.

On 17th July 1864, Wilburn Smith was transferred to the Federal Prison in Elmira, New York. This
prison was started in May of 1864 with barracks on the Chemung River; only enlisted men were held
here. When the exchange of prisoners was halted, this prison proved to be quite inadequate. The
barracks could only hold 10,000 prisoners and the remainder had to stay in tents, even in the coldest
of winter. The death rate was about 5 % per month and sickness, (continued on next page)

 

                                     373

 

 

including small pox, was extremely high. Ten per cent of the men had no blankets and food was skanty
and spoiled. One man who was held at this prison said that it was nearer Hades than any place could
be made by human cruelty. He said the prison was in the ben of the River and surrounded by a high
board enclosure. Sentinels walked on a platform near the top and a dead line of about 20 feet was on
the inside of the boards. If anyone ventured near the dead line, he was killed or wounded. Ice and
snow covered the prison form 6 December 1864 to 15 March 1865. Some of the men were in very
open shacks some seventy or eighty feet long with only one stove to each shack. The men were in
bunks three tiers high with two men to each bunk and one blanket was allowed for each man. For even
a small infraction, a man was sent to the guardhouse where he had to wear a “barrel shirt,” or they
were tied up by their thumbs for hours at a time. The men were given a small piece of bread and a
small piece of pork or pickled beef in the morning. In the evening, they were given a small piece of
bread, a tin plate of soup which sometimes had rice or potatoes in it. They were not allowed to have
money, but could make rings and such to exchange for tobacco---they could not exchange for food.
After Lee surrendered in April of 1865, things did not improve at the prison. They began to liberate
men at 300 per moth in May (By Dr. G.T. Taylor in Confederate Veteran, Vol 20, 327). Wilburn
Smith remained here until 16th of June 1865 when he was released. He must have suffered greatly at
both Point Lookout and Elmira.

 

Wilburn Smith farmed in what is now known as the Big Smith District of Stephens County, Georgia.
Wilburn was an unusually large man and he was called “Big Smith”. He was one of the earliest Justices
of the Peace for the 215 Militia District and it soon became known as Big Smith District. The children
of Wilburn and Nancy were: Sebrie who married M.D. Harbert; Susan who married William Harbert;
Judy who married William Camp; Martha Ann who married Mike Camp; Frances who married Jessie
Jaynes; Jane who married John Smalley; and Mary who married James Vickery.

Wilburn and Nancy are buried in the Smith Cemetery in the Rock Creek Community, Harberts Place,
Stephens County, Georgia. His marker reads: Wilburn T.Smith, 1819-1894” and Nancy’s reads
“Nancy Isbell Smith, wife, 1825-1905” (Trogdon, 502)

The eleventh child was JAMES LEVINGSTON ISBELL who was born the 7th July 17827 in
Franklin County, Georgia. His brother Levingston Littleton had died at 8 months of age and the name
Levingston was still to be carried on. On the 24 March 1850, he married Mary Ann Smith in Franklin
County Georgia ( Vol %, 55 Franklin Co. Marriages). They were married by Jno. G. York CCO.
James L. died on the 9 April 1854 at the age of 27, He had two daughters, Nancy Jane and Ludia
Ann who are mentioned in their grandfather’s will. He is listed in the 1850 Franklin County Georgia
census as James M. and his wife is listed as Martha, living next door to his parents.

 

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The twelfth child was born and died on 26 June 1830. It is not know if it was a boy or a girl. They
simply entered it in the family bible as “The Happy Childe.”

 

P.F. (PENDLETON FRANKLIN) ISBELL, the youngest child, was born 15 August 1831 in
Franklin County, Georgia. He is listed in the 1860 census of Franklin Co. Ga., living next door to his
parents. He is listed as Pelton, age 29, farmer, born in Ga., his wife is Catherine, age 25, born in SC;
and they had Pleasant, age 5, born in Ga., Nancy F., afe 2 born in Ga., and Clarky A., age 5 months,
born in Ga. Pendleton Franklin Isbell is listed as a member of Company C, 9th Battalion, Georgia
Infantry, Army of the Tennessee, C.S.A., Franklin County Georgia, Franklin Rangers as a Private on
10 May 1862 and appears on the bounty pay roll for this unit 1 June 1862. It is not known whether he
died in the Civil War or not, but his death did occur during that time, December 25th, 1862. Also
serving in this same Confederate military unit at the same time were four of Pendleton'’ nephews, the
sons of Allen Isbell, James and Nancy’s son. They were William F. and James J., who were twins;
Richard M.; Alvin Dean and Thomas P. (Henderson, Vol IV, 67). The young men were, of course, the
grandsons of Nancy and James. Thomas Wilkerson and Wilburn Smith, the sons-in-law of James and
Nancy were also in the Confederate Army. This made a total of nine members of the Isbell Family in
the Confederate Army. William F. Isbell died in the hospital in 1862 while a member of the Franklin
Rangers and Thomas P. was killed in the war. Since Nancy’s husband died in January 1862, this was
a very sad year for the family, with Nancy losing her husband in January, her grandson sometime after
May 1862, and her son, Pendleton F., on Christmas Day.

The Civil War made life difficult for these families. Nancy’s son, Allen, and his family, lived next door
to James and Nancy so they surely supported one another. However, the worry about the young men
still away fighting must have been almost unbearable at times. Also, according to the records of the
Liberty Hill Baptist Church in this area, small pox was raging in the settlement form December 1862
through March 1863 (Hayes, 8).

After the war, the people tried to start life anew, but they were treated like conquered people by the
victors and had very few rights. The northern troops had scavenged all the livestock and the
smokehouses were empty. It is said that salt was obtained by boiling the dirt from the floors of the
smokehouse; the water was poured off and allowed to evaporate. A small residue of salt would be left
(Trogdon, 37). These tenacious people continued to work and bring their families and farms back from
the ravages of a terrible war. No wonder most of them died when they reached their fifties. They were
worn out from child bearing disease and hard, hard work.

 

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James Isbell lived in Pendleton district, South Carolina for a number of years before moving to Franklin
County, Georgia. It is know that most of his children were born here (IGI SC). He first came to this
area with his father and mother as a young child. Franklin County Georgia encompassed a large area
when it was first formed on 25 February 1784. The northern portion was ceded to South Carolina in
1787 and in 1798, Pendleton District was formed from the larger Washington District. James’ father
Pendleton Isbell, is listed in the 18180 and 1820 Pendleton District South Carolina census. The family
may have changed states in 1787 without moving because of the boundary changes.

 

We first find James mentioned in the Franklin County Georgia Court records; James Isbell was
appointed guardian of Daniel Isbell, lunatic on 2 November 1829. James is listed in the Franklin
County, Georgia census 1830-1860. Probably, the family moved to Franklin county, Georgia, near
Carnesville, around 1822-24. James is listed as paying taxes in Franklin County, Georgia in the years
1832-1839 ( Franklin County Tax Digest).

 

James Isbell owned a considerable amount of land which he and his family farmed. A deed dated 8
August 1823 shows that William Boatwright of Franklin County, Georgia sold James Isbell of
Pendleton County, South Carolina 200 acres of land for $700. This land was known as lots #10 and
#11 in the 5,000 acre tract of Academy land. William Cauthorn, James’ father-in-law, signed a
document attached to this transaction. William Cauthorn was a justice of the peace and certified one of
the witnesses to the deed. Also on the 6 July 1825, James bought 100 acres in Franklin County for
$330 at a Sheriff’s sale. This was lot # 18 of the Academy land (Acker, 455). Also mentioned on
page 370 of Acker’s book, a deed mentions a piece of land on Little Shoal Creek and the wagon road
from Isbell’s Ferry to Franklin Court House. It is thought that this ferry was probably run by our Isbell
Family.

 

A lottery to dispose of the lands of the Cherokee Nation was held 22 October 1832 after completion
of the survey of this land. Settlers who went to this area were still in danger from the angry Cherokees.
White residents in the Cherokee Nation could enroll in the 1832 Gold and 1832 Land Lotteries. To
qualify for a draw, one must be a white male of 18 years or upward, be a citizen of the United States,
and be an inhabitant within the state of Georgia for at least 3 years immediately preceding the drawing.
These persons were entitled to one draw. Also heads of families could have one additional draw in
consideration of their family. Revolutionary War veterans were given an extra draw and were indicated
by the letters “RS” after their name. The drawings were held at Milledgeville, Georgia, which was the
capital of the state at that time, and there were many happy winners.

                                     376

 

The names of registrant were placed in one large drum and another contained land lot number, district,
and section descriptions. A clerk sat at the table and recorded the names of the winners drawn from
the drums and the land won in the Fortunate Drawers books. Commissioners in charge of the lottery
supervised the drawings while spectators shared in the great excitement (Warren, V). After a person’s
name was drawn, he had to pay a fee of $18 per grant. James Isbell of Franklin County was the lucky
winner of two lots!

He drew land lot #1135 in the 2nd District of the 3rd Section of Cherokee County (this included all the
Cherokee land). He also drew lot #91 in the 24th District of the 2nd Section of Cherokee County. Lot
# 1135 contained 160 acres and lot # 91 contained 40 acres. The registration papers for these tracts
were made out the 7th day of november 1838 and show James Isbell living in Royster’s District of
Franklin County, Georgia (Smith, 167). Copies of these documents were obtained from the Georgia
Department of Archives and History. Plats showing the locations of these tracts of land are shown in
James F. Smith’s book, “The 1832 Cherokee Land Lottery of Georgia.”

 

                            CHURCH AFFILIATION

 

Tugalo Baptist Church is the oldest church in the area that is now Stephens County, Georgia and is the
area where the Isbell family lived. This church had 108 member in 1789 and John Cleveland was the
pastor. The Tugalo Association was organized in 1818 and the church was represented. James Isbell
was the representative from Tugalo Baptist Church in 1827 (Trogdon, 140-41). The church must have
later become inactive because no other records are available until 1874 when it was reconstituted. The
Tugalo cemetery contains some of the oldest graves in the county. It is believed that the Isbell family
later went to the Liberty Hill Baptist Church. There are many Isbell buried in the Liberty Hill cemetery
and there are still members there today by the name of Isbell (Hayes, 73). Cynthia Isbell, wife of Allen
and daughter-in-law of James Isbell, moved her letter from this church when she moved to Texas in
1870.

 

                        DEATH OF JAMES AND NANCY

A copy of James Isbell’s will was also obtained from the Georgia Archives (See copy in Appendix).
James made his will on the 27th day of September 1859. HE stated that he was old and infirm and
knew that all men must die. He left to his two grandaughters, Nancy Jane and Ludia Ann, 250 acres of
land upon his death and that of his wife. They were the daughters of James L., his son who died in
1854. If these granddaughters were to die having no children, the land was to be equally divided
between his sons P.F. Isbell and Allen Isbell, Jabez Isbell and his daughter Nancy who married
Wilburn Smith. He willed to his son, Allen, the land on (continued next page)

                                     377

 

 

which Allen then lived plus a tract of land on Bear Creek and also 100 acres of land adjoining Kay
Adkins. To his son P.F., he left the land on which he (James) now lives which had already been
deeded to him and one negro boy about 12 years of age name Alford. He asked that the remainder of
his property, both real and personal, be equally divided between his three sons, P.F., Allen, J.P., and
his daughter Nancy Smith. Pendleton F. Isbell was appointed as Executor. He signed the will in the
presence of Thomas Morris, W.R. Hunter, and James W. Payne (Will Book 1848-1865, 212-213).

 

James Isbell died in Franklin County, Georgia on the 4th day of January 1862. After visiting the Isbell
Cemetery, this writer strongly believes that he is buried in the Isbell Family Cemetery in what is now
Stephens County, Georgia. This writer went to this burial area in 1987. There are a number of graves
that are marked only by stones placed in the graound to mark the head and foot of the grave. There
are two graves that are above ground, being constructed of rocks piled up in order to make a box-like
covering for the body. The larger of these graves has a hand made stone with James L. Isbell
scratched on it. It is not known whether this is James Isbell’s grave or that of his son James Levingtson
Isbell who died in 1854. The other grave made of rocks above the ground is shorter, but no name is
on it. The only other graves with names are those of Jabez Isbell and his wife Lucy. It is not known
why these two graves are buried above ground while all the others are buried in the ground. One
explanation might be that they died in the winter and the ground was frozen, making it difficult to dig.
James Levingston died in December and James Isbell in January so this have been either of them.

 

James’ wife, Nancy, lived another 10 years until 26 August 1872. She is listed next door to her son
Jabez in the 1870 Franklin County census. It is thought that she too is buried in the Isbell plot. A map
showing the approximate location of this Isbell burial ground is shown in “The History of Stephens
County,” but it will probably be necessary to enlist the aid of local residents to find it, as it is across a
corn patch and back in the woods. The woods are so thick and the graves so overgrown that it is
almost dark here on a bright sunny day. Although it is peaceful, the “smell and feeling” of death is here.
One of the rock graves above the ground has a rock missing, making the grave open. This writer could
not bear to look inside.

 

These brave people are truly a part of the development of the state of Georgia and the United States.
We owe them a great debt. They came to the area when it was still in danger from the Indians. Lived
through the sufferings of the Civil War and made a worthwhile life which they passed on to you and
me. I, for one, am very grateful!

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                            JAMES ISBELL FAMILY

James Isbell   B. 10 August 1786 Wilkes County, North Carolina.

D. 4 January 1862, Franklin County, Georgia.

Married; ca 1805.

Nancy Cauthorn  B. 19 March 1789 Wilkes County, North Carolina.

D. 26 August 1872.

Children: (1). Sarah Isbell B. 16 February 1806, D. 1892.

Married: 29th March 1829

William Henry Hardy, B. 31st March 1805 North Carolina

D. 11th May 1892 MS.

(2). John Isbell B. 11th November 1807.

D.25th December 1881.

Married: 10th February 1833

Elizabeth Cockerham D. 1873.

(3). Allen Isbell B. 8th July 1810 Pendleton South Carolina

D. 1869 Franklin County, Georgia.

Married 1st 27th January 1833 Franklin Co. Ga.

Sarah Burton B._____ D. ca 1837.

Married 2nd 11th January 1838 Franklin Co. Ga.

Cynthia Shackelford B. 18 January 1816 South Carolina.

D. 6th January 1874 Upshur County, Texas.

(4). Washington Isbell B. 15th August 1812, Pendleton, South Carolina.

D. 11th August 1829.

(5). Clarky Isbell B. 30th June 1814 Pendleton, South Carolina.

D. 6th June 1897.

Married: 18th August 1833,Thomas Wilkerson.

(6).Elizabeth Isbell B. 18th August 1816 Pendleton, South Carolina.

D. October 12th, 1856.

Married: P.F. Burgess

(7). Peggy Mariah Isbell B. 11th August 1818 Pendleton, South Carolina.

D. 29th November 1832.

(8). Jabez Priestly Isbell B. 10 February 1821 Pendleton, South Carolina.

D. 7th August 1883 Franklin County, Georgia.

Married: 22nd September 1853

Lucy Edwards B. 26th February 1834, D. 18 December 1906.

(9). Levingston Littleton Isbell B. 17th May, 1823 Pendleton SC.

D. 1st Feb 1824.

(10). Nancy Isbell B. 3rd February 1825, D. 1905 Stephens Co. Ga.

Wilburn T. Smith B.29th January 1819 Buncombe County, Ga.

(11). James Levingston Isbell B. 7th July 1827 D. 9th April 1854.

Married: 24 March 1850 Franklin County, Ga.

Mary Ann Smith

(12). “The Happy Childe” B. & D. 26th June 1830.

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(13). Pendleton Franklin Isbell B. 15th August 1831

D. 25 December 1862.

 

     Two of James and Nancy’s children, John and Pendleton, died on Christmas Day.
     See the text for children born to these families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(insert photo of Cinnie and Ethel Armstrong with cousin Jay Isbell.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                ALLEN ISBELL

                                  (1810-1869)

“ For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the
Lord: and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lords.”
Romans 14:7-8

Allen Isbell was the third child and second son to James and Nancy Isbell. According to the Isbell
Bible (Georgia Archives), he was born July the 8th in the year of Our Lord 1810. The International
Genealogical Index for South Carolina lists the place of his birth in Pendleton District, South Carolina.
Allen first married Sarah (Sallie) Burton, daughter of John Burton, on the 27th Day of January 1833 in
Franklin County, Georgia (Acker, 71 and Franklin Co. Marriage Book 1827-1835, 116). They had
two children, Martha Harriett Ann Isbell born in 1834, and John, born about 1835. John must have
died at an early age, but Martha is listed living with Allen and his second wife in the 1850 Franklin
County Georgia census. John Burton, grandfather of Martha Harriett Ann, made his will in which he
gave an equal share to the heirs of Sarah Isbell. To be equally divided among the heirs of her body
(Franklin Co. Wills and Appraisements 1824-1849, 75-76; See copy of will in Appendix). When
John Burton died in 1843, Allen Isbell was appointed Martha’s guardian to handle her heir ship in this
estate. On 6th April 1852, Allen petitioned the Court that he had fully closed the heir ship of his minor
guardian, Martha H. A. Isbell, and asks to be dismissed (Ct of Ordinary Min, Dr 183, Box 53,
Franklin County Georgia). Since Martha married T. W. Crump on 17th November 1851, she was no
longer a Minor nor living with Allen Isbell when he made this petition and her husband could see to her
business affairs.

Secondly, Allen was married to Cynthia Shackelford on the 11th day of January 1838 in Franklin
County, Georgia by Drury Hutchins, Minister of the Gospel (Franklin Co. Marriage Bk. 1834-1850,
45,46). Cynthia was born 18th January 1816 in South Carolina to William Shackelford and his wife,
Sarah Rogers (Harllee, 837). Allen and Cynthia had eight children: William F. and James Jackson,
twins; Richard A.M., Alvin Dean, Thomas P., Joseph Priestly, Newton J. and Mary Elvira. The last
child Mary Elvira, carried forward our family line and was married to Junius M. Armstrong in 1877.

Allen was born in Pendleton District of South Carolina and moved to Franklin County, Georgia with
his mother and father, James and Nancy Isbell, about 1824 when he was about 15 years old. There
was a road from Pendleton, South Carolina across the Tugalo River on the Cleveland Ferry, and on to
Carnesville in Franklin County, Georgia at this time (Trogdon, 32). This is the route that the family must
have used to come to the Tugalo River area of Georgia. James bought land in this area and his sons
helped to farm it. In his will, James left the land that Allen was residing on to Allen as well as 100

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acres and another tract of land on Bear Creek. Allen and his family lived here and raised their family.
This area was visited by this writer in the fall of 1987. It is hilly, red, sandy, Georgia farm land. Much
of it is still wooded with small plots cleared for raising corn and small crops. The wooded areas are
used for cattle grazing. Several of the old storage buildings on the Isbell place looked as thought they
could have been there when Allen lived on the land. It was necessary to walk across a dreid up corn
field to reach the Isbell Cemetery in the woods behind the rather new frame house on Akins Bridge
Road where C.M. Pace lived in 1987.

 

This writer and her husband were on Akins Bridge Road trying to locate the Isbell Cemetery in the fall
of 1987. We had a map from “The History of Stephens County,” but we kept going up and down this
well paved road and could see no where to turn off to a cemetery. Finally, we stopped at a small
country store to ask directions. The pripretor was looking at the map and trying to help, but he was not
familiar with the cemetery either. Sitting nearby, under a large shade tree, was a pick up with a small
bird dog puppy in the back of it. About the time we were going to leave a car drove up and let a young
man out. As he walked toward the pick-up truck, the store owner called, “Come here, Joe, and see if
you can help these folks.” Joe came over and the problem was explained. Joe said “I hunt all over
these hills and I only know of one such burial place in the woods. I can take you to it if you will follow
my pick-up.” We followed him around to a “pull off area” beside Akin Bridge Road. We got out and
walked about a quarter mile across a sandy, dry, hot corn patch to the edge of some woods. Sure
enough, there was a small burial plot there with several graves. As wee checked the markers, the
puppy that had come along fell into on eof the graves that had sunk several feet into the ground. The
pup would run up the side of the grave and fall back in. After several futile attempts to get out, Joe
scooped up the whining pup and rescued him. Unfortunately, all the graves had the name “Randall” on
them and was not our Isbell burial place. Joe said, “I don’t know of any other, but my wife’s
grandfather has lived here for many years and I’ll bet he will know.” We followed the now familiar
pick-up to a small house and waited while Joe went in. Soon an old man with a cane came out and
visited with us. He did not know where the Isbell Cemetery was but he said, “Earl Aderhold will know
where it is.” So once again, we followed Joe Richardson around to another area. As we were going
down the highway, Joe slowed beside a man walking alongside the road. As it turned out, he was Earl
Aderhold and was on the way to check on his cows that were in a wooded area just across the road
from where we were. When asked for directions he replied,”Of course, I know where it is. My
grandmother was an Isbell and our family has a burial plot in the same area.” (Nancy Jane, the
daughter of Jabez P. Isbell, who married W.J. Dickson was his grandmother).

It was now near two o’clock in the afternoon and we had (continued on next page).

 

                                     383

 

had no lunch. However, we gladly followed Earl across another hot, dry corn patch to the edge of the
woods. Ducking under overgrown branches, our eyes began to adjust to the darkness and we began
to see a number of graves. This time we were at the correct place. We owe Joe and Earl a debt of
gratitude for assisting us in locating the resting place of our ancestors.

                                THE CIVIL WAR

 

                   “There is a noise of war in the Camp.” Exodus 32:17

 

The Isbell sons enlisted first in the 9th Georgia Infantry Battalion which was organized in the winter of
1861-62 with five companies. They were sent to Tennessee and also served in the Kentucky
campaign; they then were assigned to Gen Rain’s Brigade that fought at Murfreesboro and suffered 12
casualties. In the spring of 1863, the 9th merged with the 37th Georgia Infantry Regiment, with Major
Joseph T. Smith commanding (Crute, 90).

As noted in the records of the Isbell sons given previously in this book they were transferred to Co. F.
of the 37th Georgia Infantry on May 6, 1863. This Regiment was organized in the spring of the year
1863. The 3rd and 9th Battalions of the Georgia Infantry were consolidated to form the 37th. Many of
the men were from Franklin, Murry, Jackson, Elbert and Hall counties in Georgia (Crute, 106). This
unit was assigned to The Army of the Tennessee to Gen. Bate’s, Tyler’s and J.A. Smith’s Brigade.
The fought from Chickamauga to Atlanta. They endured Hood’s winter campaign and were active in
North Carolina. Half of the 391 men lost in the battle at Chickamauga were from the 37th Georgia. In
December of 1863, the 37th totaled 416 men and 265 arms. Very few surrendered on 26th April
1865. The field officers for this unit were Col. A.F. Rudler, Lt. Co. Joseph T. Smith, and Majors Jesse
J. Bradford, Meredith Kendrick, and R.E. Wilson.

In the “Confederate Veteran,” a Mr.H. McCorkle who was a lieutenant in the 37th Georgia, wrote
about the hardships suffered in the area of Murfreesboro. He states that the weather was extremely
cold on December 12 and the men were poorly clothed. He was given charge of a group of eighty
men. Not one of the men had any shoes and many did not have a blanket. Lt. McCorkle was to march
the men six miles to a station where there was wood for fires. They were to stay there until the weather
moderated. On the morning of the 15th , their divisions began to file by on the way to Nashville. These
barefoot men fell in without a complaint and with no orders to do so. Many died in the next battle.
Lt.McCorkle called them the “invincible eighty.” (Confederate Veteran Vol XII, 441). This gives an
idea of some of the hardships endured by these men. Not everything about the war was about hardship
however. Another man wrote about an incident when the 37th was in (continued on next page)

                                     384

 

 

Tyler’s Brigade at Dalton, Georgia. It seems there was a man in the Regiment named Eberhart who
had some good friends in Georgia. These friends sent him a box of good things from home. A man
called “Dock” in Co. H., of the 25th Tennessee wa a forager of unequaled ability. He was so
successful that no other duties were required of him. One day Dock was in town by the depot and saw
tow men in a box car looking for some boxes that they had brought to friends. Dock sent a man after a
wagon and put his plan into motion. He assisted the men in looking for their boxes which could not be
found. When the wagon arrived, Dock asked the men to help him load his box since he had helped
them look for theirs. They obliged and a large box with the label side down was rolled into the wagon.
Dock hurriedly left after thanking the men for their kind assistance. Back at camp, all the men unloaded
and opened the large box as quickly as possible. O, My! It contained sausage, ham, turkey, pies,
cake, butter, brandy, whiskey, and eggnog already made. The men were incredibly rich. They
knocked the box to pieces and burned it. A taste of good things was given to every man in the
company. The writer of this article begged the pardon of Comrade Eberhart a thousand times.
However, he could not possibly have enjoyed the contents or needed it more than the men who got it
(Confederate Veteran, Vol, II, 371).

 

                            CHURCH AFFILIATION

When the search for my Isbell family was started, the only think this writer had for a clue was a copy
of Cynthia Isbell’s church letter which was given to me by my grandmother, Anna L. Ray and it reads
as follows:

Georgia,

Franklin County,

Liberty Hill Church, this is to certify that our beloved sister Cinthey Isball is a member in full fellowship
with us and is hereby dismissed from our church as such when joined to aney other church of the same
faith and order. Done in conference this 22nd October 1870. Thomas Burgus, moderator Cobb Taylor
CClk.

At the time my search began, it was not known what denomination Libertyhill Church was. Several
inquiries were sent to Franklin County, Georgia, and much serching was don at the library. Finally, in
June of 1987, a letter was received from Mrs. H.M. Pulliam of Covington, Georgia who told me
Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Stephens County that had been in Franklin County) and the correct
church was finally located. This beautiful modern red brick building trimmed in white wood, sits on a
hill overlooking the cemetery which is immediately across the road from the church. Many Isbells are
buried in this cemetery. The first thing you see as you drive off the side of Liberty Hill Road and look at
the cemetery are several tall markers with Isbell on them.

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Liberty Hill Baptist Church is located about five miles south of Toccoa on the road from Carnesville to
Toccoa on the Elberton Railroad. It is in Stephens Count, but when it was constituted in the year of
our Lord February 9th 1856, it was in Franklin County (Hayes, 5). In 1856, the first building was
erected here. It was torn down in 1886 to make room for the wooden church which was used for the
next 50 years. This second building burned on the 11 March 1934. A brick veneer building was
constructed to take its place, but unfortunately, it also burned only a few day before it was occupied,
26, February 1935. The modern building that is seen today took the place of this burned up building.

 

Cynthia Isbell attended the first small church erected in 1856. It is not known whether Allen was a
church member. One source said that there were 30 members while another said 50. Among the early
members were Pressley Isbell, Lucy Isbell, and James Isbell. James Isbell was appointed to go with
another brother to visit on a discipline case in 1857. In 1859, the membership was 84 white, one
colored. The first pastor was John A. Davis, followed by T.G. Underwood, William Kelley, and
Thomas Burgess. Thomas Burgess was pastor when Cynthia called for her church letter.

 

These were hard times in the church both for disciplinary reasons and others. No conference was held
in December 1862 because of “ the smawl pock raging n the settlement;” none in January, February,
or March 1863 for the same reason. In December 1868 and January 1869 the church dealt with
several young people for dancing. The church decided in May, 1870 to exclude a member belonging
“to this church that makes and sells harden spirits for gain fo revealing the thoughs (those) who may
belong to Masonick institution after due labors upon the parts of the church” (Hayes,8). Discipline in
Baptist churches has certainly changed from that day and time.

 

 

 

 

(Small photograph of Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Stephens County, Georgia).

 

 

 

 

 

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Page 387 has four photographs of different Isbell’s buried at Liberty Hills Baptist Cemetery, in
Stephens County Georgia.

 

The first photograph is of 3 tall and beautiful tombstones with the Isbell surname in raised letters at the
bottom of the bases. ( I Marian Brown have no idea who’s graves these are. I will however try to
locate the information to include here later).

 

The second photograph is of J.J. Isbell’s grave with the following inscription;

 

J.J. Isbell, born Dec 3, 1838 died September 16, 1890.

 

The third photo has the following inscription:

Mrs. Anna M. Isbell born March 8, (or18) 1843, died May 25 1918.

 

The fourth and final photograph on this page is of Alvin Dean Isbell and his wife’s grave. I can not read
the inscriptions on these tombstones. (Marian Brown)

 

I will try to obtain copies of the original photographs to scan and place on our Isbell web site. I
apologize for any problems this may cause. (Marian Brown)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                THE CHILDREN OF ALLEN AND CYNTHIA ISBELL

        “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.”

                                  Proverbs 4:1

The first children born to Allen and Cynthia were twin boys born on the 3rd of December

1838 in Franklin County. Georgia. They were named for their grandfathers, William Shackleford and
James Isbell, as was custom of many families in that time. WILLIAM F. ISBELL and JAMES J.
ISBELL, the twins, are liste with the family in the 1859 census as being 10 years of age and in the
1860 census as being 21 years old. The only other record of William F. is found concerning his being
in the Civil War as a member of Company C, the 9th Battalion of 37th Georgia Infantry. The record
simply states: Private May 10, 1862. Died in hospital in 1862 ( Henderson, Vol IV, 67). It is not know
whether he died from wounds, disease or whatever. It is not known where he is buried.

The 9th Infantry Battalion was organized during the winter of 1861-62 and had five companies. This
unit was sent to Tennessee, serving in the campaign into Kentucky; later was assigned to General
Rain’s Brigade. They fought at Murfreesboro and reported 12 casualties. During the spring of 1863,
the 9th was merged with the 37th gEorgia Infantry Regiment with Major Joseph T. Smith in command,
Army of the Tennessee (Crute, 90). The 37th fought from Chickamauga to Atlanta. A man in
Company G. of the 37th tells about an incident at Murfreesboro in 1865. A sergeant noticed a man
drop behind a log rather than face the hell of Yankie bullets being directed toward the men. The
sergeant reported this man suspected of “skulking” whose innate fear of battle could not be overcome,
to his lieutenant. The lieutenant fearless of the enfilading fire, ran back some two hundred yards and
drug the coward from under the log. With dire threats, he drove him forward into the thickest of the
battle (Confed Vet Vol 38, 25). The 37th lost fifty per cent of their 391 men at Chickamauga in 1863.
Before this battle one man said of conditions: “The rations were scanty and bad, the wood was hard to
get, flies and lice equal to those of Egypt abounded, and the weather was exceedingly hot” (Confed
Veteran Vol 33, 101). The Isbell boys were in fierce battle with nature and the enemy as well. William
F. Isbell must have died soon after he enlisted in 1862.

JAMES JACKSON ISBELL, the other twin, is listed as being in the same Civil War unit as William F.
although he enlisted in March before William enlisted in May. This unit was known as Franklins
Rangers. James’ record reads: Private March 4, 1862. Transferred to Co F. 37th Reg’t. Ga. Inf. May
6, 1863. Roll dated December 31, 1864, last on file, shows him absent, Provost Guard at
Augusta,Georgia. Surrendered at Greensboro, N.C. April 26, 1865 (Henderson Vol IV, 67).

James J. Isbell married Anna Margaret Looney who was born 18th March 1843, daughter of Martin
Luther Looney and Marium Cleveland, 18 September 1867 in Franklin County, Georgia. His wife was
born (continued on next page)

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in Hart County, Georgia. They were married 18 September 1867 in Franklin County Georgia. The
1870 Franklin County, Georgia census shows them to have one son, Martin, age 1. The family is living
next door to the Martin Looney family, thought to be the father of Anna Margaret, wife of James J.
Isbell. The Upshur County, Texas census for 1880 shows them to have the following children: Martin,
age 11; James N., age 7; Maud M., age 4; and Nora L., age 1.

 

When he was about 32 years of age, James J. Isbell and his wife and children; his brother, Newton; his
sister, Mary E.; and his mother Cynthia, moved to Texas. This was late in 1870 or 1871 after the
death of his father, Allen Isbell in 1869. James J. was made executor of Allen’s will and was also
guardian of his siblings, Newton and Mary. He stated to the court that it was necessary to sell all the
property owned by Allen in order to carry out the terms of the will. The will itself has never been
located, but all the transactions concerning it have been found (See Appendix). The court agreed with
this plea by James J.Isbell and the property was sold.

The Isbells probably moved to Texas by wagon train or by a water route. Probably they went by
wagon to Savannah, Georgia where they boarded a boat. The boat then went to around Florida to
New Orleans, up the Mississippi to the Red River, up the Red River to the Big Cypress Creek and to
Jefferson, Texas. At Jefferson, they again went by wagon on to Upshur County, Texas. This route was
often used in those early days and Jefferson was quite a bustling city. Since Richard M. Isbell, brother
to James J., was already living in Upshur County, Texas at this time, the family must have gone to join
him there and probably used the same route he did to get there. Richard probably went to Jefferson
and brought them on to Upshur County in his wagon unless they had one of their own on the boat.
James J. and Anna had six children.

   I.Martin Allen Isbell, born 17 September 1868 in Wetumpka, Alabama, married Theodocia
     Dashra W.; he died in 1941 and is buried in the Eastonolle Baptist Church Cemetery in
     Stephens County Georgia.
   II.Mary Elizabeth Isbell, born 7 September 1870 in Franklin County Georgia; died 30 August
     1873 and is buried in the New Coffeeville Cemetery in Upshur County Texas.
  III.James Newton Isbell, born 30 October 1873 in Upshur County texas, married Emma, his first
     cousin, the daughter of Richard M. Isbell, about 1897; J.N Isbell and Emma had a son and a
     daughter, Fred N. Isbell (28 August 1898- June8, 1900) and Lillie Isbell. Fred died as a child
     and is buried in the Coffeeville Cemetery. J.N. and Emma seperated and she later married a Mr.
     Keller while J.N. is daid to have married Emma’s sister. J.N. Isbell died 29th March 1937 and
     is buried in the New Coffeeville Cemetery.
  IV.Maud Maxville Isbell was born in 1876 in Upshur County Texas. She married Green R.
     Rumsay; she died in 1962 and is buried in Tom’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Stephens
     County Georgia. Their son, Broughton

                                     389

Rumsay, married Frances Josephine Burgess and they had a child, June Willete Rumsay.

  V.Nora Talala Isbell was born 25 March 1877 in Upshur County, Texas.
  VI.Anna Belle Isbell was born 7 February 1881, in Franklin Co. Georgia.

 

James J. Isbell was living in Texas on the 24th December 1877 as his sister, Mary E., married Junius
M. Armstrong in his home on that day (Armstrong Family Bible). His family is still living in Upshur
County when the 1880 census was taken and are neighbors to the Coppedge and Armstrong families.
James Isbell is listed on page 442 of the 1880 census while Mary A. Coppedge, widow of William L.
Coppedge, and James Harvey Armstrong are listed on page 443. On page 444, we find Charles C.
Coppedge listed.

Sometime after the 1880 census was taken on 12 July and before his daughter, Anna Belle, was born
on 7 February 1881, he and Anna moved back to Franklin County, Georgia. On 28 December 1880,
J.J. isbell and his wife, Margaret A., traded their land in Upshur County Texas to N.A. Dortch for land
in Franklin County Georgia. J.J. had 120 acres on the waters of the Big Cypress Creek in Upshur
which was part of the Jacob Lagrove Headright. He traded for 115 acres in Franklin County, Georgia.
(Upshur Deed Bk W, 589). N.A. Dortch later moved to Hopkins County, Texas.

This writer searched for J.J. and Margaret Isbell’s graves among the other Isbell’s in Upshur
Cemeteries, but did not find them. Their graves were finally located side by side in the Liberty Hill
Baptist Church Cemetery in what is now Stephens County, Georgia. (it was Franklin County until
1905). These two graves are near the center of the cemetery adn not located near the road with the
other Isbell graves that are very easy to locate when one drives up to the cemetery. The graves are not
listed in the Stephen'’ County index of the cemetery, but they are there. A picture was made of these
stones. James’ stone reads “J.J. isbell, born December 3, 1838, Died September 16, 1890, He is at
rest”. His wife’s stone reads “Mrs Anna M. Isbell, born March 18, 1843, Died May 25, 1918, Here
isone whois sleeping in faith and love. With hope that is measured in heaven above.” James died when
he was 52 years of age while Anna lived for another 20 years after his death. She was 75 years old
when she passed away. The family is found in Franklin County in the 1900 Soundex and in Stephens
County in the 1910 Soundex.

In the New Coffeeville Cemetery in Upshur County, Texas is a grave for one of James’ and Anna’s
children who died at an early age. It reads “Mary E. daughter of J.J. and A.M. Isbell, Born7
September 1870;Died 30 August 1873.” In this same cemetery is a stone for James J. Isbell’s son,
James N. Isbell, who remained in Upshur County. James N. Isbell and his family are living next door to
Richard M. Isbell Family in the 1900 Upshur County census. This is a modern stone that reads “J.N.
Isbell; October 30, 1873; March 29, 1937; Pause friends as you pass by, As you are now so once
was I, As I am now you must (continued next page)

                                     390

 

 

prepare in life in death to follow me.” Nearby, among the other Isbell graves is the grave of J.N.
Isbell’s son. It reads “Fred N., son or J.N. & A.E. Isbell, Born August 23, 1898; Died : June 8th
1900.” This would have been the son of James N. and his wife, Emma, and the grandson of James J.
Isbell.

When we were at the Liberty Hill Baptist Cemetery in Georgia, there was a new grave there with a
profusion of flowers on it. However, a most unusual thing was noted. At the head of the grave, among
the flowers was a red telephone. There must have been a story behind this, but this writer could not
guess what it was.

In 1850 Franklin County, Georgia census, a son by the name of Robert A.M., 9 years of age is listed
in Allen’s family. No Richard M. is listed with the family in 1850. In the 1860 census, Robert is not
listed with the family, but Richard M. is listed as being 18 uears of age. This discrepancy is due to the
census taker incorrectly listing the name as Robert in 1850. There was no son named Robert in the
family.

Richard Monroe Isbell was born 14 July 1841 (according to his death certificate) and was the third
son of Allen and Cynthia. Richard was also a member of the franklin Rangers along with his brothers.
His record reads: Private May 10, 1862. Transferred to Co. F., 37th Reg’t Georgia Inf. May 6th,
1863. Surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina April 26th 1865 (Henderson Vol IV, 67).

According to a letter written by the eldest son (John R.) of Richard M. Isbell in 1951, richard first
married Laura Harris, daughter of Allen Bailey Harris and hiswife Winnie Gordon, in Georgia about
1861. They had one son, John R. Isbell who was born 15th July, 1862. When Laura died, Richard
married her sister, Harriett A. Harris in Georgia. Other sister to Laura and and Harriett were Sarah
who married Kage Smitherson; Sue, who married John Hainey and a sister named Julia. Brothers were
John, Will, Park, and Sammie (Affidavit of John R. Isbell). In 1870 Upshur County, Texas census,
Richard was married to Harriet A..They had three children listed; John age 10; Allice, age 3; and
Thomas, age 1. Since the first two children were born in Georgia, he must have married Harriett in
Georgia about 1865 and they moved to Alabama (according to John R. Isbell) for a while and then to
Texas about 1869. Early documents held by David Williamson, great grandson of Michael Ragsdale
and written by Ruth Armond Ragsdale when she was about 90 years of age, read;

“It is belived that the Ragsdale family did not make this trip alone to Texas, but that other Georgia
neighbors and friends made up a party to come on the boat. Among those believed to have come at
this time were the Andrew Gordon’s, Rich Isbells, Newman Dortch, Ledbetters and other friends from
Georgia. Richard and his family came to Upshur County, Texas in 1869 with a group organized by
Michael J. Ragsdale who came from Georgia to Texas by water---Savannah to New Orleans, up the
Mississippi River to the Red River to Big Cypress Creek to (continued next page)

                                     391

Jefferson, Texas. The 1880 Upshur census no longer lists Allice or Thomas Isbell, but shows the
following children, John R., age 17; Ella, age 9; Lela, age 8; Eva, age 6; Sallie, age 4; and Lula, age 2.

On 14th December 1869, R.M. Isbell bought 100 acres on the waters of Big Cypress Creek from
Permelia Baker for $300 down and a promissory note of $200. This tract was part of the Jacob
Lagrove Headright 2nd Class Certificate No. 57 issued by the State of Texas in Sabine County
(Upshur Deed Bk M, 174-75). This land was the land where he and his family lived in Upshur County.
In another land transaction, the heirs of Stantaud Mattox and his wife Mary Mattox, (parents of
Richard Isbell’s third wife, Elizabeth Jane Mattox) sold 290 acres to A.A. Mattox on 15 March 1887.
Each of the heirs received $75, making the total price $600. (Upshur Deed Bk4, 97-98). Richard M.
and his wife received $ 150.

The headstone for Harriet, his second wife, in the Coffeeville Cemetery reads “H.A. Isbell, Born 20th
May 1841, Died 22 August 1884” (Hogg, 36). A stone there which reads

“L.A. Isbell, Born September 7, 1867, Died May 6, 1876” is thought to be the grace of the daughter,
Allice, mentioned above. Also there is a stone for Lula which reads “L.F. Isbell, Born June 26, 1878,
Died October 21 1888” and one for Sallie which reads; “S.E. Isbell, Born September 29, 1876, Died
September 30, 1888.” There is also a stone that reads “A.B. Isbell, died August 1884, age 3 months.”
It is not know whose childthis was. All these markers were homemade from red sandstone and the
inscriptions were scratched into them by hand using some sort of template. It is interesting to not that
the letter “S” is printed backward whenever it occures and no template was used. Someone, probably
Richard and /or James Isbell, had lovingly made each of these markers.

On the 5th day of February 1885 (Texas Pension No. 41075 and Upshur Marr Bk D, 9), Richard
married Elizabeth Jane Mattox who was born 1 April, 1848 in Georgia, the daughter of Permelia
Groggins and Starling Mattox, as his third wife. In the 1900 Upshur census, Richard and E. Jane are
listed as having been married for 15 years and the following children are listed: Eva, age 24; and Ethel,
age 9; The 1910 Upshur census shows Richard to be 69, Elizabeth 61, Ethel L., dau age 19; Emma,
dau age 27; and Lillie, G-dau age 8 years. Ethel L. was born by Richard’s third wife. Emma was
Richard’s daughter by his second wife who married “Jay” (J.N.) Isbell, son of J.J. Isbell, her first
cousin. They had two children, Fred and Lillie. Fred Isbell died and Jay and Emma seperated so she
was living with Richard at the time of the 1910 census. Jay later married Emma’s sister and Emma later
remarried also. Another daughter born to Richard asn E. Jane, his third wife, was Iris Isbell. Iris
attended the school for the Deaf in Austin, Texas. She married Millard Dyer on September 28th, 1904
(Upshur Marr Bk F, 186).

On 11 Oct. 1906, J.N. Isbell bought 112 acres located on the Watkins Headright and 73 acres
located on the George Martin survey in Upshur County from J.L. Dillon et al. He

 

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paid $300 down made a vendor’s lien for the remainder at 10% interest (Upshur Deed Bk 15, 413).
Then on November 21, 1901, J.N. Isbell bought 100 acres of land on the J.T. Smith Headright survey
in Upshur County about 10 ½ miles N.E. of Gilmer, from W.M. Downs and his wife, C.C.Downs.
Again, he paid $300 down and made a not for the remainder of the $500 at 10% interest. Emma must
have received this tract of land when they divorced because on 23, February 1909, she sold (as a
feme sole) this 100 acres to J.W> Oliver for $700 to be paid in 4 vendor’s note at 10% interest (Deed
Bk 25, 417-18). Emma (still a feme solo) released the property to Oliver after he had paid all the
notes on 5 December 1911 (Deed Bk 25, 457).

According to the Texas Widow’s Pension Application No. 41075, Richard died the 12th of October
1920 in Upshur County, Texas. His tombstone in the New Coffeeville Cemeter in Upshur County
simply states: Richard M. Isbell, Co F 37th Ga. Inf, C.S.A. No other dates are given. Richard’s stone
is a more modern marker, while all those of his family are the homemade sand stone type. Richard
probably lovingly made the others himself.

Richard’s widow applied for a pension the 21st of July 1925 and it was approved on July 22, 1925 to
be allowed from June 1, 1925. Richard had applied for and received a pwnsion on December 21,
1909 and this showed his service record. A son-in-law of Mrs, Isbell, T.N. Owen, filed for a
Mortuary Warrant in August 1926, stating that Mrs. R.M. Isbell died on the 11 day of August 1926.
An Isbell daughter, Ethel L., was married to T.N. Owen, and he is buried near the Isbell graves in the
Coffeeville Cemetery. His stone reads: “Thoams N. Own, Born 20th Feb 1858; Died 15 April 1941.”

Richard had the following children:

   I.John R. Isbell (15 July 1862), by his first wife, Laura Harris, daughter of Allen B. Harris and
     Winnie Gordon who were married 7 Feb 1857 in Anderson District of S.C. The Harriss later
     moved to Pickens County, S.C. According to the 1910 census, John R. Isbell was born in S.C.,
     but came to Texas with his father in 1869. He married Lula Lee Wilcox on 18 January 1886 in
     Upshur County, Tx (Bk D, 62). Lula Less was born 22 Dec. 1867 in Alabama. John R. is living
     near his father in the 1910 Upshur Co. census; Richard is Family # 101 and John R. is family #
     104 on page 67. John R. died 30 November 1952 and is buried in the Walnut Creek Cemetery
     in Upshu County. His wife died 30 May 1939 and is buried beside her husband. On each of
     their stones is written, “Await dearly beloved the ultimate reunion.”

          Their children were:

  A.Ina Isbell, born 7 Feb.1887, died 22 Jan 1972, never married.
   B.Richard Henry (Dick), born 12 Mar 1889; married Emma Moughon (7October 1896---15
     October 1972) on November 24, 1923 (Upshur Marr Bk I, 639). They had a (continued next
     page).

 

                                          393

 

 

 

               daughter, Thelma Joyce Isbell, who married Otis J. Phillips on 15 November 1955
               (Upshur Marr Bk P, 327); Richard Henry died 13 August 1963.

  C.Roger Wash (Buck), born about 1891 and never married.
  D.John D., born about 1894; married Ann and had one son, John D. Jr. All four children were
     born in Texas.

 

          Richard had 7 children by his second wife, Harriet.

   II.L. Alice Isbell was born 4 September 1867 in Georgia and died 6 May 1876 in Upshur Co. at
     the age of 8 years. She is buried in the Coffeeville Cemetery in Upshur Co. Texas.
  III.Thomas Isbell was born in Upshur Co. Tx. About 1869. No further record on him has been
     found after the 1870 census when he was 1 year old.
  IV.Ella I. Isbell was born in Upshur Co. Tx. About 1871. She married A.W. Troller on 13
     December 1888 in Upshur Co. (Bk D, 219).
  V.Lela Isbell was born in Upshur County Tx. About 1873. She was 8 years old and living with the
     family in the 1880 census. No further record of her is known.
  VI.Eva Isbell was born in December 1875 in Upshur County. She is listed living with her parents in
     the 1900 census and is single and 24 years old. A boarder is staying at their home by the name
     of Burt Hammond (B. May 1862) who is 38 years old and single. She married L.B. Hammond,
     who must have been this boarder, on 20 March 1903, in Upshur County (Bk F, 23).
 VII.Sallie E. Isbell was born 29th September 1876 in Upshur County. In the 1880 census as 4
     years of age. She died on 30 September, 1888 at the age of 12 years. She is buried in the
     Coffeeville Cemetery.
 VIII.Lula F. Isbell was born 26 June 1878 in Upshur Co. She is listed with the family in the 1880
     census as 2 years of age. She died on 21 June 1888 at the age of 9 years She is buried in the
     Coffeeville Cemetery.

 

          Richard had at least two daughters and perhaps three, by his third wife, Elizabeth Jane.

  IX.Ethel L. Isbell was born in June 1890 in Upshur County, Tx., and was listed with the family in
     the 1900 census as 9 years of age. She is listed in the 1910 census as 19 years of age and
     single. She married Thomas N.Owen.
  X.Iris Isbell married Millard Dyer in Upshur County on 28th September 1904. Nothing further is
     know of this daughter except that Hazel Sartin, daughter of Junius Armstron, told this writer that
     Iris attended the School for the Deaf in Austin, Texas. A check of the records there show there
     was a student by that name who attended there. Hazel Sartin said that Uncle Rich played the
     violin and told Hazel that he would like for her to have his violin since she was so interested in
     music. However his daughter Iris got the violin (continued next page).

                                     394

and Hazel got his walking cane.

  XI.Mayette Isbell is thought to perhaps be another daughter by Richard’s third wife. According to
     Mr. Eunice Coppedge, Mayette married J.N. Isbell after he divorced Emma Isbell, sister of
     Mayette.

ALVIN DEAN ISBELL was the fourth son of Allen and Cynthia. He was born 18 July 1843 and he
too, was a member of the same Franklin Rangers as his brothers. He enlisted at the same time as his
brother, James J. Isbell, March 4th, 1862. William F., Richard M. and his uncle P.F. Isbell enlisted on
May 10, 1862. His records reads: Private Mch4, 1862. Transferred to Co F, 37th Reg’t Ga. Inf. May
6, 1863. Roll dated Dec. 31, 1864, last on file shows him absent, Provost Guard at Augusta, Ga.
Surrendered at Greensboro, N.C., April 26, 1865 (Henderson Vol IV, 67).

Alvin Dean is said to have been married twice, but the name of his first wife is unknown. HE married
Lucy Annette Waters daughter of Jessee and Rhoda Cauthorn Waters who was born 14 April 1846.
They were married 13 November 1867 in Habersham County Georgia. The couple had eight children.

   I.Thomas Richard Isbell, born 18 February 1869 in Franklin County Georgia, married Martha
     Emily Phillips (Nov. 8, 1873---16 October 1968) * August 1894; Thomas died 15 May 1949,
     buried Taccoa City Cemetery in Taccoa Georgia. Their children were Marie A. Isbell (b 10
     September 1895); John Dean (b 3 November 1897); married Elizabeth Ragsdale 12 Dec
     1922; Arie Irene Isbell (b 16 December 1899) married Col. C. Boyd Moss on 24 October
     1925; Mary Sadie Isbell (b 13 June 1902) married Robert Walter Acree on 11 July 1922;
     Thomas Richard Isbell, Jr., (b 27 October 1905) married Clyde Miller on 22 November 1926;
     Julia Virginia Isbell (b. 31 May 1908) married J.J. Norton; Dorthy Elizabeth Isbell (b 6 March
     1911) married J.H. Booth’ Martha Emily Isbell (b 21 April 1913) married E.J. White; Sarah
     Frances Isbell (b6 April 1916); and Christine Isbell (b. 7 April 1919---19 August 1920.
   II.James Newton Isbell, born 17 November 1871; married Lula F. Ayers (24 March 1872---9
     June 1957) on 4 January 1899; died 27 April 1934 and is buried in the New Hope Baptist
     Cemetery in Stephens County, Georgia. A son, Roy Dean was born December 1899.
  III.Sarah Letitia Isbell born 23 July/August 1872; married Robert Moore; died Carnesville
     ,Georgia 30 May 1957.
  IV.Freeman Chester Isbell was born 19 July 1874 in Franklin Co. Georgia; married Ila Whiten (b.
     July 1878) in April 1895;died 25 November 1927. Son, Alvin D. Born December 1895.
  V.Jesse Epson Dean Isbell, born 27 January 1877 in Franklin County Ga., married Mary Eloise
     Matheson; died in 1952, buried Taccoa City Cemetery Stephen Co. Georgia. No issue.
  VI.Rhonda Pinina Isbell, born 29 April, 1880 in Franklin Co. Ga. Married Ernest McKay.
 VII.William Earnest Isbell, born 29 April 1881/82; married Mary Acree; died 25 December 1905.
 VIII.Luther Allen Isbell, born 21 April 1885/86; married Sarah (continued)

                                     395

 

     Lillie Wells 7 October 1908. One daughter, Mildred Isbell married Co. Earnest W. Posse,
     U.S.Army.

The Alvin Dean Isbell family is listed in the Franklin County, Georgia census in 1870, 1880, and 1900.
Alvin Dean Isbell was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and he and Lucy are buried in the
church cemetery. His marker reads, “A.D. Isbell, born 18 July 1843, Died 9 August 1896.” Her
marker reads, “Lucy A. Isbell, Wife of A.D. Isbell B.14 April 1846, Died 9 January 1903, O let us
think of all she said, And the kind advice she gave, And let us do it now she’s dead, and sleeping in her
lonely grave.” Alvin Dean Isbell was 53 years of age at his death while his wife was 56.

THOMAS P. ISBELL was born 28 September 1846 and was killed in the Civil War.

JOSEPH PRIESTLY ISBELL was born 24 Jaunary 1849 in Franklin County Georgia.

SAMUEL L.M. ISBELL is another son, said to have been born about 1852. He must have died at an
early age as no futher information if found on him.

NEWTON J. ISBELL was born 19 July 1854 in Franklin County, Georgia. He was 14 years old
when his father, Allen, died in 1869. He was not old enough to be considered a man, but was old
enough to choose his own guardian. He went to court and requested that his oldest brother, James J.
Isbell be appointed as his guardian (See Appendix). He came to Texas with James J., his mother, and
his sister in 1870. Newton married Pricillia M. Hawkins (Aunt Cissy) in Upshur County, Texas on
28th May 1880 (Pool, 24). On 30 October 1875, N.J. Isbell bought 158 acres for $400 from A.J.
Hathcox and his wife, S.E. Hathcox. This land was 12 miles south of Gilmer, part of the Rolly Glasco
and J.T. Smith Headright Survey (Upshur Deed Bk S, 356).

     The children of Newton J. Isbell were as follows:

   I.Alta S. Isbell, born 23 April 1881 in Upshur Co. Tx.; married Olive Autrey 28 April 1915; died
     5 March 1947 at the age of 66 yrs, 10 months, and 11 days in Natches, MS.; buried
     Coffeeville Cemetery in Upshur County, Texas.
   II.Tom Roy Isbell, was born 13 March 1883 inUpshur County; married Cora Belle Melton (20
     Mov 1891---10 October 1961). On 26 January 1908 (Upshur Marr Bk F, 556); died 1963,
     buried in Coffeeville Cemetery.
  III.Truman D. Isbell, born 29 August 1884; married Gussie Smith 14 Dec. 1915; died 2 July 1963,
     buried in Coffeeville Cemetery.
  IV.Newton Jasper Jr. Isbell, born about 1886 and lived in Ft. Worth.
  V.John R. Isbell bonr 8, November 1888; died 12 July 1956. Buried Coffeeville Cemetery. He
     ran a small grocery store in the Boxwood Community which was in a tin building that had no
     windows, only a small bulb for light. David Williamson remembers going there with his father
     and would watch as his father and Johnny Isbell “dickered” over the price of groceries. Johnny
     (continued next page)

 

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Would wet the end of his pencil with his tongue as he wrote things down.

  VI.James Coy Isbell born 26 July, 1889, died 31 July 1925, buried Coffeeville Cemetery.

 

 

The probate minutes of Upshur County (Bk1, 719) show that on 1 April 1891 when he was 35 years
old, Newton J. Isbell was declared a “lunitic” and sent to the asylum at Terrell, Kaufman County,
Texas where he remained until he died. Everyone who had any type of mental problem in those days
was declared a lunatic. He may have had some disorder that could have been easily treated in today’s
time. However, this left his wife of 11 years with young children to care for alone. The court declared
that Newton J. was of unsound mind, the he should be restricted, that he is 35 years old and a cative
of Georgia, he had one continuious attack beginning on 24 December 1890 and growing worse.
Insanity is not hereditary in his family, he owned about 160 acres of land worth about $800 and that no
one was liable for his support. This was signed by 6 jurors. It is not know just how his family managed
after he was commited.

 

Newton J. Isbell and his wife are buried in the New Coffeeville Cemetery nearer the front than the
other Isbell’s who are back against the trees. His stone is a gray granite and reads: “N.J. Isbell, July
19, 1854, October 26, 1923.” His wife’s marker is a more modern granite stone which reads “Priscilla
M. Isbell, September 15, 1860, May 26, 1943.” There is another stone near the old Isbell graves at
the back of the cemetery that is almost identical to Priscilla’s. It is the grave of James N. Isbell, son of
James J. Isbell. These two stones must have been placed at about the same time. A gray granite stone
near that of Newton Isbell and matching his reads “Coy Isbell, July 26, 1889, July 21, 1925.” This
was one of the sons of Newton and Priscilla. Another son, Tom Roy Isbell, hiw wife, Cora Belle (20
November 1891—10 October 1961), and a daughter, Katie Belle (6 May 1912---4 September
1912) are also buried in the Coffeeville Cemetery. Truman D. (1884-1963) and John R.(1888-1956)
are buried in the new part of the Coffeeville Cemetery started in 1945. The obituary for the daughter,
Alta, states that she was to be buried in the family plot in the Coffeeville Cemetery.

Mary Elvira Isbell was the nineth child born to Allen and Cynthia Isbell, and the only girl bron to this
couple. She was born 2 December 1858 in Franklin County, Georgia just before the Civil War. At the
time of her father’s death in 1869, Mary was 10 years old. The Court appointed her oldest brother,
James J. Isbell to be her guardian (See Appendix). She came to Texas with his family and evidently
lived with them until her marriage in 1877 since she was married in James’ home (Armstrong Family
Bible). Her mother, Cynthia, also lived with them until her death in 1874. Further information about
Mary Elvira will be given after she became the wife of Junius M. Armstrong in the Armstrong section
of this book.

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Page 398 of Joan Cobb’s book contains more photographs of Isbell graves. Unfortunately, they will
not scan well enough to include here. The photographs are of the Coffeeville Cemetery in Upshur
County, Texas.

1st photo is of the entrance gate at Coffeeville Cemetery.

 

2nd photo is of various Isbell graves.

 

3rd photo is of Allice and Cynthia Isbell graves.

 

4th is a close up of Cynthia Isbell’s grave.

 

5th is close up of Sallie Isbell’s tombstone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note inserted here by Marian Brown:

 

I will try to locate some better photographs of these graves and include them at a later date. If anyone
already has taken the time to photograph these tombstones and you have good quality photos, I would
dearly love to have a copy to include here in the book and on the Isbell website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     398

 

 

                            ALLEN ISBELL FAMILY

 

Allen Isbell     B. 8th July 1810 Pendleton District, S.C.

                         D.1869 Franklin County, Georgia.

                         Married 27 January 1833 Franklin Co. Ga.

1st Sarah (Sallie) Burton

Children:

1. Martha Harriett Ann Isbell, born ca 1834 Franklin Co., Georgia.

Married: 17th November 1851, T.W. Crump

2. John Isbell B. ca 1835 Franklin County, Georgia.

D. young.

2nd Cynthia Shackleford, B. 18 January 1816 South Carolina.

D. 6 January 1874, Upshur County, Texas

Married 11th January 1838 Franklin Co. Ga.

Children:

   1.William F. Isbell, b. 3 December 1838, Franklin Co., Georgia.

               d. 1862.

               2. James J. Isbell, b. 3 December 1838, Franklin Co., Georgia.

               Married 18th September 1867, Franklin Co. Ga.

                Anna Margaret Looney, b. 18 Mar. 1843, Franklin Co. Ga.

               d. 25th May 1918 Stephens

               3. Richard Monroe Isbell b. 14th July 1841 Franklin Co. Ga.

                              d.12 October 1920 Upshur Co. Texas.

Married:1st Laura Harris, in Georgia.

                              2nd Harriet A. Harris, sister to Laura.

                              3rd Elizabeth Jane Mattox in Tx. Feb 6,1885.

4. ??? ( There is not a number 4 on this page?) Marian Brown

5.Alvin Dean Isbell b. 18 July 1843 Franklin County, Georgia.

d. 9 August 1896, Franklin County, Ga.

     Married 13 Nov.1867, Habersham Co. Ga.

Lucy Annette Waters b. 14th April 1846.

d. 9th January 1903, Franklin Co, Ga.

6. Thomas P. Isbell b. 28th September 1846, Franklin Co. Ga.

d. at a young age.

7. Joseph Priestly Isbell b.24 January 1849 Franklin Co. Ga.

8. Newton J. Isbell b. 19th July 1854 Franklin Co. Ga.

d. 26th October 1923 Kaufman Co. Tx.

Married 28 May 1880 Upshur Co. Texas.

Priscilla M. Hawkins b. 15th Sept.1860- d. 26 May 1943.

9. Mary Elvira Isbell b. 2 December 1858 Franklin Co. Ga.

d.22 December 1930 Hopkins Co. Texas.

Married; 24 Dec. 1877, Upshur Co. Tex.

Junius Milton Armstrong b. Oct 1856 Tenn.- d.1941 Hopkins Tx

                                     399

 

                          BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS

Allen Isbell was given power of attorney by his brother-in-law, James L. Shackelford, of Neshoba
County, Mississippi on 7th november 1855. Allen was to convey all of James’ rightitle and possession
to the said estate of his late brother, Richard Shackleford, of Dekalb County, Georgia to the heirs and
assigns of Joshua Mabry deceased of Franklin County, Georgia (Franklin Deed Bk AB, 1852-56,
251-251a). Allen was also given the power of attorney by two of his brothers-in-law, Francis M.
shackelford and Moses Whitesides, of Benton County Alabama on the 11 day of October, 1855.
Allen was to convey their interest in 370 acres of land on Hunters Creek sold by Richard Shackleford
to Joshua Mabry, deceased. The Mabry heirs were to receive title to the land upon payment of the
remainder of the purchase price (Franklin Deed Bk AB, 1852-56, 251-251a). Since Allen lived in
Franklin County where the land was located, he was empowered to act in this matter.

In 1789 Pendleton and wife Sarah Isbell of South Carolina sold their interest in certain slaves in
Franklin County, Georgia. This is found in a Deed Book from Carnesville According to page 217 in
the Georgia DAR book, Vol 1.

                        DEATH OF ALLEN AND CYNTHIA

The actual will of Allen Isbell was not located, but all the papers pertaining to the probate of the will
are in hand, having been obtained from the Georgia Archives (Appendix). Allen died some time shortly
before July 1869 in Franklin County, Georgia. His son James J. Isbell was made executor of the will.
On the 12th day of July 1869, appraisers were appointed to appraise the estate of Allen Isbell. Those
men appointed were James S. Wheeler, Elgin Kay, J.P. Isbell, and Benjamin Vandiver. On August 1,
1870, James J. made application in the Court of Ordinary to sell the land left by Allen. During
September, 1870 term of the wourt, Cynthia Isbell, the widow, relinquished all her rights to the land in
order for it to be sold. The court agreed that the will could not be carried out without selling the
property.

Involved in this sale was 211 acres on Bear Creek and North Broad River, a lot of land adjoining T.P.
Wilinson and others containing 30 acres, a lot of land where the testator lived containing 40 acres and
100 acres in the woods adjoining T.P. Wilkinson, J.S. Wheeler and others. In November 1870 the
land sold thusly” 246 acres to T.P. Wilkinson---being 211 and 35 acres for $1,270; 40 acre tract to
J.S. Wheeler---home place for $351; and 65 acre tract in woods to T.P. Wilkinson for $36; The total
amount received for the land was $1,657. All of the personal property was sol for $435.58 (See
Appendix). James paid all the bills against the estate which included $1.90 for the funeral expense for
Allen’s funeral. It is belived that Allen is buried in one of the unmarked graves in the Isbell plot in
(continued on next page).

                                     400

 

the woods on the land which he had owned. He was 59 years old at this death.

James J. was appointed guardian over his brother, Newton, at Newton’s request, and also over his
sister Mary Elvira, who was not of age to choose a guardian. This took place in September and
November of 1870, respectively.

The family of James J. and Cynthia and her two minor children, Newton and Mary E., then packed up
and moved to Upshur County, Texas. Cynthia’s son, Richard M. Isbell, and his family were already
living in Upshur Count at this time, near Ore City. One of the things brought to Texas by Cynthia was
an old metal puzzle, which is a series of rings that can be taken off a bar and put back on if one knows
how. Annie Armstrong Ray had this puzzle and gave it to her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and
Arthur Hunsinger. She said that the puzzle was made by a slave on the Isbell farm around 1858. Arthur
can still work the puzzle.

Cynthia lived near Coffeeville, Texas with her son James J. Isbel until 6 January 1874 when she died at
the age of 58 years. She is buried in the New Coffeeville Cemetery in Upshur County, Texas. Her
grave is near the trees at the back of the cemetery along with a number of others in the Isbell family.
Her headstone is handmade from red sandstone and the inscription is scratched into the stone by hand
using some sort of template. The did not have a template for the letter “S” and it is just scratched into
the stone. The inscription reads “C.M. Isbell, Born Jan 18, 1816, died Jan 6, 1874.” The stone is out
of the ground with a block of concrete still attached to the bottom of it. It sits at an awkward angle
beside the stone of L.A. Isbell which is also out of the ground. O, how this author longed for a shovel
when I was there so that these stones could be placed back in the ground. My husband and I had
searched all over Franklin County, Georgia for Grandmother Isbell’s grave so it was quite an
emotional experience to finally locate her resting place. This is a very pretty, peaceful burial ground in
the edge of the woods. In the spring a beautiful red bud tree blooms at the entrance. In the fall, the
foliage is quitepretty and a hickory nut tree drops nuts in the old part of the cemetery across the road.
Although she is a long way from Georgia, Cynthia Isbell has a peaceful resting place.

                               CONCLUSION

The Isbell family made a great contribution to the early settlement and freedom of the United States.
Pendleton Isbell fought in the Revolution and the Isbell men fought for what they believed to be right
during the Civil War and the families survived the hard times after this conflict. The women worked
hard along side the men and raised large families, teaching them good Christian moral principles on
wich to base their lives. We all owe a debt to these early pioneers and to the heritage that they left us.

                                     401

 

                            SHACKELFORD

“We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and
experience; hope.” Romans 5:3-4.

The Shackelford family is allied to the Ray/Armstrong line through the marriage of Cynthia Shackelford
to Allen Isbell January 11, 1838, Franklin County, Georgia. Mary Elvira Isbell, the daughter of Cynthia
and Allen, married Junius M. Armstrong. Several references to the Shackelford famiy may also be
found in the Isbell history given in this book.

                     (The above information taken from page 402).

 

James L Shackelford was born about 1813 and married Elvira Payne on the 28 September 1837 in
Franklin county, Georgia. They were married by M.W. Vandiver, a Minister of the Gospel (Acker,
93). James L. Shackelford is liste in Franklin County in the 1840 census in the 267th District. Also
listed in the same district were William Shackelford, his father, and James and Allen Isbell. Allen Isbell
is the James Shackelford’s brother-in-law and James Isbell is the father of Allen. In the 1850 Franklin
County census, James L. Shackelford is listed as being 37; his wife Elvira is 38; son Richard is 10; son
David H. is 7; daughter Mary E. is 4; and daughter Nancy is 1; living in the 32 District. As mentioned
before, James L. also gave power of attorney to Allen Isbell on the 7th November 1855 in the
settlement of the estate of his brother, Richard Shackelford. At this time James L. Shackelford was
living in Neshoba County, Mississippi.

                     (The above portion taken from page 419-420.).

 

Cynthia Shackelford the 8th child of William Shackelford (1769 Hanover VA.) and Sarah Mariah
Rogers (1770).

Cynthia was born 18th January 1816 in South Carolina. She died January 6, 1874 in Upshur County,
Texas. Married 11 Januay 1838 in Franklin County Georgia, to Allen Isbell who was born 8th July
1810 in Pendleton District South Carolina and died in 1869 in Franklin County, Georgia. Cynthia and
Allen Isbell had the following children;

James J., William F., Richard Monroe, Alvin Dean, Thomas P., Presley, Newton J., and Mary Elvira.

                     (The above information taken from page 421).

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SHACKELFORD AND ISBELL FAMILY

“Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of
calamity’ for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother for off.”

Proverbs 27:10

The Shackelford and Isbell families are so connected that it is difficult to read about one and leave off
the other. Many questions have arisen as this author worked on these two family lines. Parhaps others
can find the answers in later research.

WHEN DID THE TWO FAMILIES FIRST BECOME ACQUAINTED?

Roger Shackelford came to Gloucester, Virginia about 1658 to 1660 from England. In 1664, a John
Isbell came to Gloucestor from England as a headright of Richard Renshaw. Did these eatly settlers
know one another? They probably did.

DID WILLIAM SHACKELFORD, SR. AND PENDLETON ISBELL KNOW ONE ANOTHER
WHILE SERVING IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR?

The Revolutionary War Soldiers were both from Virginia. Pendleton Isbell is known to have been born
in Virginia (some say Hanover County) in 1757. William Shackelford, Sr. was born in Hanover
County, Virginia in 1738. Although there was a difference of some 19 years in their ages, they could
have known one another. It is known that Pendleton was in Charlotte County, Va. by 1775, and went
to Mecklenburg County where he joined Captain Ballard’s Company of the 1st Virginia Regiment in
1775. When William Shackelford enlisted in Captain Thomas Thweatt’s Company of the 14th Virginia
Regiment in 1776. When William Shackelford made his will on 31 March 1776, he was living in
Halifax County, Va.

By the time of the Battle of Germantown, on 4 October 1777, Pendleton was in Washington’s Guard
and Willam was a Lieutenant in the 14th Va. However, they were both at this battle serving in v ery
different capacities. Some Americans became confused in the fog during this battle and fired on one
another. Lt. Shackelford was seriously wounded during this battle. “Truth is stranger than fiction”---
could it have been? Did their paths cross?

DID THE SHACKELFORDS AND ISBELL KNOW ONE ANOTHER IN FRANKLIN
COUNTY, GEORGIA OR PENDLETON DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA?

William Shackelford , Jr., was born in Hanover County, Va in 1769. He later lived in Pendleton
District of South Carolina in 1800, on a lot near the courthouse. Pendleton Isbell came to Franklin
County, Georgia (Penleton District was in this county until 1787 when it was ceded to South (
continued next page)

                                     422

 

 

Carolina and became Pendleton District in 1798) around 1787. Pendleton Isbell remained in this area
until his death in 1829. Surely, the two families must have crossed paths here since the population was
not that great at that time.

In 1810, William Shackelford, Jr., was still in Pendleton, South Carolina, but some time before 1820,
he has moved to Franklin County, Georgia. James Isbell, the son of Pendleton, came to Franklin
County, Georgia sometime around 1822-24. William Shackelford, Jr. and James Isbell both drew land
in the 1832 Land Lottery in Georgia. In 1838, Cynthia Shackelford, daughter of William, Jr., married
Allen Isbell, the son of James Isbell. Now we knoe that the families have met!

In the 1840 Franklin County Georgia census (page 314-315), we find living in the 267th District,
Willialm Shackelford, James L. Shackelford, Allen Isbell, James Isbell and Thomas P. Wilkerson, the
husband of Clarky Isbell, daughter of James.

DID THE TWO FAMILIES WORK TOGETHER IN PENDLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA AND
LATER IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, GEORGIA TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE FOR THEIR
FAMILIES?

This can be answered with a resounding, YES!

DID THE TWO FAMILIES HAVE SONS WHO FOUGHT IN THE CIVIL WAR ?

Yes, for the Confederacy.

DID SOME OF THE FAMILIES LATER COME TO TEXAS?

Mary Elvira Isbell, the daughter of Allen Isbell and Cynthia Shackelford, married in Upshur County,
Texas and later settled in Hopkins County, Texas. Martha M. Whitesides who married Henry W.
Wolf, and was a step daughter of Ann Shackelford ( daughter of William Shackelford, Sr.) settled in
Hopkins County, Texas also. Others of these two families also came to Texas as stated in the
foregoing text.

The migration patterns for these two families were very similar and quite typical of that era. Their
westward migration began in Gloucester County, Virginia to King and Queen County, Virginia to
Hanover County, Virginia. From there, they moved westward to western Virginia and to North
Carolina; then to northwestern South Carolina and to northern Georgia, migrating down the slopes of
the Alleghenies to the southern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was easier to travel from this
direction than to come up from the port of Charles Town and cross the low country swamps and the
difficult terrain leading to upper South Carolina (Neuffer VolXIV, 41). From Georgia, they went to
eastern Texas by boat and Wagon.

                                     423

                     LIFE OF JUNIUS MILTON ARMSTRONG

               (Taken from Shooks Chapel Methodist Church Bulletin, 1931)

Junius Milton Armstron was born near Agusta, Arkansas 1856. His parents moved to Upshur County
in the Murray League Community---moved to Hopkins County Texas in 1893 on December 14th
where he still resides.

Was married to Mary E. ISBELL December 24th, 1877. To this union eight girls and one boy was
born, the boy having died in infancy; the girls still survive, wife died December 22, 1930. If she had
lived two more days, they would have been married for 53 years.

Was elected Sunday School teacher in 1884, has taught except for a few months until the present
time--- was always on time and knew his lesson---joined the Methodist Church, August 12, 1886---
served as steward more than thirty years---joined a class agreeing to read a chapter in the Bible each
day in 1887 and up to date has not missed a day, which being more than fifty years, has not said a
word in the presence of man that could not have been said in the presence of woman---has a diary of
life for more than 43 year, has not used whickey, tobacco or coffee nor has he ever wasted tme or
money and is still able to work now being 75 years old.

Yet he feels that if he is saved will be throught the goodness and mercy of God.

(The above taken from page 472.)

 

 

                            WILL OF JOHN BURTON

Franklin Co. Georgia Wills and Appraisments 1824-1849, page 75-76.

Georgia )

Franklin County ) I John Burton of the State and County aforesaid bein in a

low State of health but in sound mind and memory do make constitute and ordain this my last will and
Testament in manner and for to wit.

First I Recommend my Soul to God who gave it and my body to a decent burial at the discretion of my
friends as to my Estate both Real and Personal to be disposed of as follows. Item I I give and
bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Burton five negroes viz James, Juda, Solomon, Mary, Billy also
the house and plantation on which I now reside with all the woodland belonging to the said Tract
containing four hundred acres more of less, three choice horses with the waggon and yoke of oxen and
stock of all kind, the plantation tools, household and kitchen furniture together with the corn and fodder
and stock of provisions that may be on hand at my death and the next years cop of corn to have and
enjoy during her natural life and at her death to be disposed of as my property which is as follows.

Item second. After all my just debts are pay’d the remainder of my property both real and personal to
be divided equally among my children and grand children in the following manner.

Item third. I give and bequeath to my grandson Benjamin A. BURTON his Fathers distributive share
an equal part with the rest of my children.

Item fourth. I give and bequeath unto the Heirs of Rhoda AYERS her distributive share an equal part
with the rest of my children to be equally divided among the heirs of her body.

Item 5th. I give and bequeath to the Heirs of Mary D. PINSON her distributive share an equal part
with the rest of my children to be equally divided among the heirs of her body.

Item 6. I give and bequeath to Susan ADDERHOLD her distributive share an equal part with the rest
of my children to be equally divided among the heirs of her body.

Item 7. I give and bequeath to the Heirs of SARAH ISBELL her distributive share an equal part with
the Rest of my children to be equally divided among the heirs of her body.

Item 8. I give and bequeath to John H. BURTON one half of his distributive share with the rest of my
children and his Daughter Evelina E. HARRISON the other one half making in all one equal part.

Item 9. I give and bequeath to Abraham BURTON his distributive share an equal part with the Rest of
my children.

Item 10. I give and bequeath to Peter E. BURTON his distributive share an equal part with the Rest of
my children.

Item 11. I give and bequeath to Martha A. BURTON her distributive share an equal part with the Rest
of my children to be equally divided among the heirs of her body at her death.

Lastly I noinate and appoint my son Peter E. BURTON my sole Executor and Mary BURTON my
wife my sole Executress to this my last will and testament

Signed sealed and acknowledged in the presence of John BURTON (LS)

her

Barsheba X Burton Roberson Adams H.F. Chandler

Mark

 

Georgia )

Franklin County ) Court of Ordianry July Term 1842.

Personally appeared in open Court Barshaba BURTON who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that
she was the within named John Burton sign and seal the within will for the purpose therein mentioned
when in his proper mind and that the deponent subscribed the same as a witness and saw Robinson
Adams and Herny F. Chandler do so likewise.

Sworn to this 4th July 1842

Thos King Cl O

her

Barsheba X BURTON

Mark

(The above will was taken from pages 474 and 475.)

Also on this page there is a small map showing the outline of the 991 acre tract of land granted to
HENRY ISBELL of Lunenburg County, Virginia the 6th September 1760.

Isbell index for "Bound for the Promise Land coming soon". Also a
couple
of other wills from Joan's book regarding this side of the Isbell
family.

Sincerely,
Marian Brown