Difference between revisions of "Family:Whitney, Francis (s1750-a1783)"

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He married, sometime before 1773, '''Rachel -----'''.
 
He married, sometime before 1773, '''Rachel -----'''.
 +
Noted Southwestern Virginia researcher, Gordon Aronhime, referred to Francis Whitney in one of his articles for the Bristol Herald Courier:
 +
"Lttle is known about Francis Whitney . He and his wife, whose name was Rachael - a fact known only to us by the chance that he and she were both sued in the early courts of Fincastle County - seem to have melted away into the mist of our earliest history." {{ref|3}}
  
−
In 1771, Francis Whitney appears on the list of tithables in Boutetourt Co., VA. ([[Archive:Whitney Whistler, Volume 5, Number 3]])
 
  
−
Note: In 1772, Fincastle County, VA is formed from Botetourt Co.
+
Note: Botetourt County Virginia was formed in 1769 from Augusta County Virginia
  
−
On 5 Jan 1773, "Francis Whitney" was given approval to erect a mill on the properties on which he lived, on the Holston River in Fincastle County, VA.{{ref|3}}
+
1771 A  List of Tithables  for Captain Campbell's Company; Francis Whitney paid one tithe {{ref|4}}
 +
   
 +
1772  A  list  of tithables in Capt. Campbells Company for 1772 taken by  R. D.; Francis Whitney paid  one tithe {{ref|5}}
 +
 
 +
On 12 Nov 1773 " On  the motion of Francis Whitney leave  is given him to build a mill on Mill  Creek, a branch  of the south fork of the Holston River on his own land, it  appearing to the court that it  will not be to the damage of any other person." {{ref|6}}
  
−
On 5 May 1773, a lawsuit was filed by Samuel Simpson against "Francis Whitney and Rachel Whitney, his wife" in Fincastle Co., VA.{{ref|4}}
 
  
−
On 7 Jul 1773, a lawsuit was filed by Samuel Simpson against "Francis Whitney" in Fincastle Co., VA.{{ref|5}}
+
Note: In 1772, Fincastle County, VA was formed from Botetourt Co.
  
−
On 13 Nov 1773, "Francis Whitney" was approved to "build a mill on Mill Creek, a branch of the south fork of Holston River on his own land".{{ref|6}}
+
"The first County Court for Fincastle County assembled at the Lead Mines on New River, in the present County of Wythe, on the 5th Day of January, 1773"
 +
On 5 Jan 1773 "Leave was given Francis Whitney and William Kennedy to erect mills of the properties on which they lived, on the Holston River." {{ref|7}}
  
−
On 3 Mar 1774, "Francis Whitney and Rachel Whitney his wife" did not appear in court in the case against them by Samuel Simpson, and a summons was issued.{{ref|7}}
+
On 5 May 1773, a lawsuit was filed by Samuel Simpson against "Francis Whitney and Rachel Whitney, his wife" in Fincastle Co., VA.{{ref|8}}
  
−
On 3 May 1774, a court case was filed by Ross & Trigg verses Francis Whitney & Thomas Woolsey.{{ref|8}}
+
On 3 Mar 1774, "Francis Whitney and Rachel Whitney his wife" did not appear in court in the case against them by Samuel Simpson, and a summons was issued.{{ref|9}}
  
−
On 5 May 1774, a jury included Francis Whitney and Jesse Bounds. ([[Archive:Whitney Whistler, Volume 5, Number 3|Whitney Whistler]] referencing Annals of Southwest Virginia Fincastle County Court, 5 May, 1774.)
+
On 3 May 1774, a court case was filed by Ross & Trigg verses Francis Whitney & Thomas Woolsey.{{ref|10}}p.26
 +
                                                 
 +
On 5 May 1774,  "At a court continued and held for Fincastle  County the fifth day of May one thousand  seven hundred  and seventy four.....James Rodgers Plaintiff      against Chas. Deverix  & J n . Redeford Defs } In Debt .......This day came the parties  and  by  their attornies  and therefore also a Jury (to-wit):   Anthony Winston, Jn Reed,  Jn  Douglas, Jonathan Jennings, Sml. Sipell, Wm. Sipell, Thos. Whitton, Roger Oaks, Wm. Davis, Wm. Pruet, Francis Whitney, and John Montgomery." {{ref|11}}
 +
 
 +
27 Dec 1774 Loyal Land Company survey, 220 acres, Francis Whitney. {{ref|12}} Additional information on the Gordon  Aronhime index card  for Francis Whitney gives  the  location of this land on  Mill Creek, South Fork of the Holston River, Plat  Book 156. {{ref|13}}
  
 
Note: In 1776/77, Fincastle Co., VA was discontinued and the land split into Montgomery Co., Washington Co., and Kentucky Co. (later to become Kentucky).
 
Note: In 1776/77, Fincastle Co., VA was discontinued and the land split into Montgomery Co., Washington Co., and Kentucky Co. (later to become Kentucky).
  
−
On 27 May 1777, "At a Court held for Washington County May 27th 1777", "Ordered that Francis Whitney be surveyor of the Road from the ford of the River below his mill to the upper ford of dry Run and that William Campbell Gent give him a List of Tithables. - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 963
+
On 27 May 1777, "At a Court held for Washington County May 27th 1777", "Ordered that Francis Whitney be surveyor of the Road from the ford of the River below his mill to the upper ford of dry Run and that William Campbell Gent give him a List of Tithables {{ref|14}}
 +
 
 +
On 19 Aug 1777 On jury Ken  Wolsey in suit by Jerry ? Briton {{ref|15}} (Aronhime card 94)
  
−
On 18 Nov 1778, "At a Court continued and held for Washington County November 18th, 1778", "The presentments of the Grand Jury returned yesterday is as followeth ... Francis Whitney the same [for selling liquors without licence & above rates] ... James Berry & Francis Whitney the same [for not having the road he is surveyor of in good repair]. - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1006
+
On 18 Nov 1778 "The presentments of the Grand Jury returned yesterday is as followeth VIZ John Leatham for selling liquor without a licence and above rates...Jesse Bounds the same...Francis Whitney the same...... John Edmondson for not having the road he is surveyor of in good repair...James Berry & Francis Whitney the same . (Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, by Lewis Preston Summers  p. 1006) {{ref|16}}
  
−
On 19 May 1779, "At a Court continued and held for Washington County May 19, 1779", Same against Francis Whitney N. Sumn, - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1027
+
On 19 May 1779, "At a Court continued and held for Washington County May 19, 1779", Same against Francis Whitney N. Sumn, {{ref|17}} - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1027
  
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On 17 Aug 1779, "At a Court continued and held at the Court House of Washington County August 17th, 1779", Ordered that Hugh Cole be surveyor of the Road in the Room of Francis Whitney - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1041
+
On 17 Aug 1779, "At a Court continued and held at the Court House of Washington County August 17th, 1779", Ordered that Hugh Cole be surveyor of the Road in the Room of Francis Whitney [[ref|18}}- Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1041
  
−
In 1782, "Francis Whitney" was taxed in Washington County, VA with 1 tithe, 4 horses, and 23 cattle.{{ref|9}}
+
In 1782, "Francis Whitney" was taxed in Washington County, VA with 1 tithe, 4 horses, and 23 cattle.{{ref|19}}
  
−
On 2 Jul 1782, a deed was recorded which mentions Francis Whitney, as follows "Esther Rafferty...400 ac...Commissioners Certificate...on a branch of the South Fork of Holstein River called Mill Creek...Beginning on Francis Whitneys line...corner to John Gross...corner on Frathas Walls land...on Walls line crossing Mill Creek...on a ridge by the Iron Mountain...on the south fork of Mill Creek"{{ref|10}}
+
On 2 Jul 1782, a deed was recorded which mentions Francis Whitney, as follows "Esther Rafferty...400 ac...Commissioners Certificate...on a branch of the South Fork of Holstein River called Mill Creek...Beginning on Francis Whitneys line...corner to John Gross...corner on Frathas Walls land...on Walls line crossing Mill Creek...on a ridge by the Iron Mountain...on the south fork of Mill Creek"{{ref|20}}
  
 
In 1782, Francis Whitney and Elijah Whitney are listed in the Washington County, Virginia Tithables, Colonel William Edmonson s Precinct. Probably they are the same Francis and Elijah Whitney who show up obtaining land in Christian County, Kentucky. Many of the
 
In 1782, Francis Whitney and Elijah Whitney are listed in the Washington County, Virginia Tithables, Colonel William Edmonson s Precinct. Probably they are the same Francis and Elijah Whitney who show up obtaining land in Christian County, Kentucky. Many of the
 
surnames (and quite a few complete names) that surround them in this list also appear in Christian County, Kentucky in 1799, including the Edmonsons.([[Archive:Whitney Whistler, Volume 5, Number 3|Whitney Whistler]].
 
surnames (and quite a few complete names) that surround them in this list also appear in Christian County, Kentucky in 1799, including the Edmonsons.([[Archive:Whitney Whistler, Volume 5, Number 3|Whitney Whistler]].
  
−
On 30 Sep 1783, land was assigned to Francis Whitney, as follows "Francis Whitney, assignee of Frathias Mall...132 ac...Commissioners Certificate...on the south side of the south fork of Holston River...Beginning on Mill Creek...April 26, 1782 - Matthias Wall, assignee of Thomas McNeil, assignee of John Gross...150 ac...on Mill Creek, branch of the south fork of Holston River, surveyed for Thomas McNeil on December 28, 1774, includes improvements, actual settlement made in 1775...August 31, 1781 - Assigned to Francis Whitney on September 30, 1783. Signed: Frathias Wall."{{ref|11}}
 
  
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Francis Whitney was mentioned in the following land record "Joseph Cole, Jr., assignee of Matthew Bishopp & c - 100 ac - Commissioners Certificate - on the north side of the South Fork of Holstein river - beginning in Sinclair's patent line - corner to Nathaniel McClure - September 13, 1785...Matthew Bishopp, assignee of Joseph Bishopp, assignee of Francis Whitney, assignee of Barney Kertley - 100 ac - on the south fork of Holstein - 77 ac surveyed March 12, 1774 for Matthew Bishop, includes improvements, actual settlement made in 1772 - August 30, 1781...Assigned to Joseph Cole, August 6, 1784. Signed: Matthew Bishop." {{ref|12}}
+
1783 Whitney, Francis,  Paid one tithe; no horses or cattle
 +
(Washington County VirginiaTaxables 1782-1787 p.57)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
On 26 April 1783 Surveyed for Francis Whitney who was the assignee of Frathias Wall 132 acres of land in Washington County by virtueof a Certificate from the Commissioners for  the District of Washington & Montgomery Counties....lying on the South side of the South Fork of the Holston River....beginning at 2  white oaks & black oak...to a large white oak by a small spring....to a hiccory & poplar on  Mill  Creek. Sig: Davud Carsibm D. S.; Robt. Preston, S.W.C.
 +
 
 +
We the Commissioners  for the District of Washington and Montgomery Countiesdo  certify that Matthias Wall assee, of Thomas McNeil who was assee. of John Gross is entitled to 150 acres of Land lying in Washington County on mill Creek  a branch of the South Fork of the  Holston river, surveyed for Thomas McNeil  the 18th Dec 1774 by virtue of an Order  of Council dated 16 Dec 1773, to include his improvements, he having proved to the Court....actul settlement made in the year  1775 (dated) 31 Aug
 +
1781 Teste: James Reid  C.C.C.  Commissioners: Jas Cabell, H  arry Innes, N. Cabell.(Washington County Virginia,Surveys  & commissioners Certificates, 1781-1797, p.  218)
 +
 
 +
On 2 july 1782  A deed was recorded which mentions Francis Whitney, as follows "Esther Rafferty...400 ac...Commissioners Certificate...on a branch of the South Fork of Holstein River called Mill Creek...Beginning on Francis Whitneys line...corner to John Gross...corner on Frathas Walls land...on Walls line crossing Mill Creek...on a ridge by the Iron Mountain...on the south fork of Mill
 +
Creek"
 +
 
 +
On 30 Sept 1783 "I assign my right of Certificate to Francis Whitney" Sig: Frathias Wall
 +
(Washington County Virginia,Surveys  & commissioners Certificates, 1781-1797, p. 218) ref|21}}
  
 +
Francis Whitney was mentioned in the following land record "Joseph Cole, Jr., assignee of Matthew Bishopp & c - 100 ac - Commissioners Certificate - on the north side of the South Fork of Holstein river - beginning in Sinclair's patent line - corner to Nathaniel McClure - September 13, 1785...Matthew Bishopp, assignee of Joseph Bishopp, assignee of Francis Whitney, assignee of Barney Kertley - 100 ac - on the south fork of Holstein - 77 ac surveyed March 12, 1774 for Matthew Bishop, includes improvements, actual settlement made in 1772 - August 30, 1781...Assigned to Joseph Cole, August 6, 1784. Signed: Matthew Bishop." {{ref|22}}
 +
 +
 +
Any written records of Francis Whitney's active presence in Southwestern Virginia seem to abruptly stop about 1785. He is still mentioned later as an adjacent land owner:
 +
 +
1791 April 19  Samuel Kithcart  to Samuel Eakin  for 110 Pounds on  South Side of the South Fork Holston River granted by the Commonwealt to said Samuel Kithcart
 +
assignee of Francis whitney by Patent 26 june 1786  containing  132 a.
 +
(Washington Co. VA Deed Book 1, p. 227) 
 +
Note:  This  appears to be the same piece  of land  Francis Whitney acquired  from Frethias Wall  in  1782.                   
 +
                                         
 +
12 Sept 1798  David Phillips and wife Elizabeth to jonathan Phillips $400 100ac. mill Creek. Adjacent: John Jones, Francis Whitney, Mrs. Rafferty, Elijah DeBusk. Washington Co. VA: Deed Book 2: 1797-1802 p, 155.
 +
                                       
 +
And then, it seems that this Francis Whitney, who apparently was never too shy about leaving  his name on land, tax, and court records in Southwestern Virginia,  just "disappears into the mist..'" as  Gordon Aronhime so colorfully wrote.
 +
 +
All of the above stated information/documentation for the Whitney's in Southwest Virginia may well be all that will ever be  found. A fire set by Union troops burned the Washington County courthouse on 15 December 1864. Lost were the county court minute books, 1786-1819, and 1821-1832. Also destroyed were the chancery records for 1777-1835.
 
There were no known children of Francis and Rachel (-----) Whitney, though it is possible that they did have children.
 
There were no known children of Francis and Rachel (-----) Whitney, though it is possible that they did have children.
  
Line 74: Line 112:
 
2. {{note|2}}  
 
2. {{note|2}}  
  
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3. {{note|3}} [[Archive:History of Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786, Washington County, 1777-1870]].
+
3. {{note|3}}Article: Aronhime, Gordon, Holston and Clinch:  Down by the old Mill, Bristol Herald Courier, 12/08/1963.
 +
 
 +
4. {{note|4}}(Botetourt County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Recorded in Tithable Book, Volume  1, Page  35)
 +
 
 +
5. ((note|5}}Botetourt County  Circuit  Court Clerk's Office, Recorded in Tithable Book,  Volume 1, page  77.
 +
 
 +
6. {{note|6}}Botetourt Court Records, Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers, p.166.
 +
 
 +
7. {{note|7}}Summers, Lewis Preston, Annals of Southwestern Virginia 1769-1800, Genealogical Pub. Co.,1970 Vol 1,Page 132
  
−
4. {{note|4}} [[Archive:Fincastle County, Virginia (Kentucky) Court Records]].
+
8. {{note|8}} Fincastle County Court, Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p.628)
  
−
5. {{note|5}} ibid.
+
9. {{note|9}}Ibid
  
−
6. {{note|6}} [[Archive:Botetourt County Virginia Court Records]].
+
10  {{note|10}} [http://nefamilies.com/fam/history.aspx?x=123 CHRONOLOGY OF REVEREND THOMAS WOOLSEY & SARAH PIERCE]], citing "Annals of Southwest Virginia", Book: 975.5 H2sl; 1774 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA.
  
−
7. {{note|7}} [[Archive:Fincastle County, Virginia (Kentucky) Court Records]].
+
11. {{note|11}}
  
−
8. {{note|8}} [http://nefamilies.com/fam/history.aspx?x=123 CHRONOLOGY OF REVEREND THOMAS WOOLSEY & SARAH PIERCE]], citing "Annals of Southwest Virginia", Book: 975.5 H2sl; 1774 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA.
+
12. {{note|12}}Library of Virginia, Land office records,Loyal Land Company
  
−
9. {{note|9}} [[Archive:The 1782 Washington County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List|The 1782 Washington County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List]].
+
13. {{note|13}} Library of Virginia, Gordon Aronhime Index Card #93 for Francis Whitney.
  
−
10. {{note|10}} [[Archive:The Washington County Surveyors Record 1781-1797]].
+
14. {{note|14}}of Tithables. - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 963
  
−
11. {{note|11}} ibid.
 
  
−
12. {{note|12}} ibid.
 
  
 
----
 
----

Revision as of 01:50, 11 April 2008

Francis Whitney's Locations

{{{2}}} Use buttons to pan and zoom, click on the markers to view details.

Francis Whitney, parentage unknown, but perhaps the same man as Francis Whitney, son of Joshua Whitney, born say by 1750, but perhaps much earlier[1] died after 1783.[2]

He married, sometime before 1773, Rachel -----. Noted Southwestern Virginia researcher, Gordon Aronhime, referred to Francis Whitney in one of his articles for the Bristol Herald Courier: "Lttle is known about Francis Whitney . He and his wife, whose name was Rachael - a fact known only to us by the chance that he and she were both sued in the early courts of Fincastle County - seem to have melted away into the mist of our earliest history." [3]


Note: Botetourt County Virginia was formed in 1769 from Augusta County Virginia

1771 A List of Tithables for Captain Campbell's Company; Francis Whitney paid one tithe [4]

1772 A list of tithables in Capt. Campbells Company for 1772 taken by R. D.; Francis Whitney paid one tithe [5]

On 12 Nov 1773 " On the motion of Francis Whitney leave is given him to build a mill on Mill Creek, a branch of the south fork of the Holston River on his own land, it appearing to the court that it will not be to the damage of any other person." [6]


Note: In 1772, Fincastle County, VA was formed from Botetourt Co.

"The first County Court for Fincastle County assembled at the Lead Mines on New River, in the present County of Wythe, on the 5th Day of January, 1773" On 5 Jan 1773 "Leave was given Francis Whitney and William Kennedy to erect mills of the properties on which they lived, on the Holston River." [7]

On 5 May 1773, a lawsuit was filed by Samuel Simpson against "Francis Whitney and Rachel Whitney, his wife" in Fincastle Co., VA.[8]

On 3 Mar 1774, "Francis Whitney and Rachel Whitney his wife" did not appear in court in the case against them by Samuel Simpson, and a summons was issued.[9]

On 3 May 1774, a court case was filed by Ross & Trigg verses Francis Whitney & Thomas Woolsey.[10]p.26

On 5 May 1774, "At a court continued and held for Fincastle County the fifth day of May one thousand seven hundred and seventy four.....James Rodgers Plaintiff against Chas. Deverix & J n . Redeford Defs } In Debt .......This day came the parties and by their attornies and therefore also a Jury (to-wit): Anthony Winston, Jn Reed, Jn Douglas, Jonathan Jennings, Sml. Sipell, Wm. Sipell, Thos. Whitton, Roger Oaks, Wm. Davis, Wm. Pruet, Francis Whitney, and John Montgomery." [11]

27 Dec 1774 Loyal Land Company survey, 220 acres, Francis Whitney. [12] Additional information on the Gordon Aronhime index card for Francis Whitney gives the location of this land on Mill Creek, South Fork of the Holston River, Plat Book 156. [13]

Note: In 1776/77, Fincastle Co., VA was discontinued and the land split into Montgomery Co., Washington Co., and Kentucky Co. (later to become Kentucky).

On 27 May 1777, "At a Court held for Washington County May 27th 1777", "Ordered that Francis Whitney be surveyor of the Road from the ford of the River below his mill to the upper ford of dry Run and that William Campbell Gent give him a List of Tithables [14]

On 19 Aug 1777 On jury Ken Wolsey in suit by Jerry ? Briton [15] (Aronhime card 94)

On 18 Nov 1778 "The presentments of the Grand Jury returned yesterday is as followeth VIZ John Leatham for selling liquor without a licence and above rates...Jesse Bounds the same...Francis Whitney the same...... John Edmondson for not having the road he is surveyor of in good repair...James Berry & Francis Whitney the same . (Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, by Lewis Preston Summers p. 1006) [16]

On 19 May 1779, "At a Court continued and held for Washington County May 19, 1779", Same against Francis Whitney N. Sumn, [17] - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1027

On 17 Aug 1779, "At a Court continued and held at the Court House of Washington County August 17th, 1779", Ordered that Hugh Cole be surveyor of the Road in the Room of Francis Whitney [[ref|18}}- Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 1041

In 1782, "Francis Whitney" was taxed in Washington County, VA with 1 tithe, 4 horses, and 23 cattle.[18]

On 2 Jul 1782, a deed was recorded which mentions Francis Whitney, as follows "Esther Rafferty...400 ac...Commissioners Certificate...on a branch of the South Fork of Holstein River called Mill Creek...Beginning on Francis Whitneys line...corner to John Gross...corner on Frathas Walls land...on Walls line crossing Mill Creek...on a ridge by the Iron Mountain...on the south fork of Mill Creek"[19]

In 1782, Francis Whitney and Elijah Whitney are listed in the Washington County, Virginia Tithables, Colonel William Edmonson s Precinct. Probably they are the same Francis and Elijah Whitney who show up obtaining land in Christian County, Kentucky. Many of the surnames (and quite a few complete names) that surround them in this list also appear in Christian County, Kentucky in 1799, including the Edmonsons.(Whitney Whistler.


1783 Whitney, Francis, Paid one tithe; no horses or cattle (Washington County VirginiaTaxables 1782-1787 p.57)


On 26 April 1783 Surveyed for Francis Whitney who was the assignee of Frathias Wall 132 acres of land in Washington County by virtueof a Certificate from the Commissioners for the District of Washington & Montgomery Counties....lying on the South side of the South Fork of the Holston River....beginning at 2 white oaks & black oak...to a large white oak by a small spring....to a hiccory & poplar on Mill Creek. Sig: Davud Carsibm D. S.; Robt. Preston, S.W.C.

We the Commissioners for the District of Washington and Montgomery Countiesdo certify that Matthias Wall assee, of Thomas McNeil who was assee. of John Gross is entitled to 150 acres of Land lying in Washington County on mill Creek a branch of the South Fork of the Holston river, surveyed for Thomas McNeil the 18th Dec 1774 by virtue of an Order of Council dated 16 Dec 1773, to include his improvements, he having proved to the Court....actul settlement made in the year 1775 (dated) 31 Aug 1781 Teste: James Reid C.C.C. Commissioners: Jas Cabell, H arry Innes, N. Cabell.(Washington County Virginia,Surveys & commissioners Certificates, 1781-1797, p. 218)

On 2 july 1782 A deed was recorded which mentions Francis Whitney, as follows "Esther Rafferty...400 ac...Commissioners Certificate...on a branch of the South Fork of Holstein River called Mill Creek...Beginning on Francis Whitneys line...corner to John Gross...corner on Frathas Walls land...on Walls line crossing Mill Creek...on a ridge by the Iron Mountain...on the south fork of Mill Creek"

On 30 Sept 1783 "I assign my right of Certificate to Francis Whitney" Sig: Frathias Wall (Washington County Virginia,Surveys & commissioners Certificates, 1781-1797, p. 218) ref|21}}

Francis Whitney was mentioned in the following land record "Joseph Cole, Jr., assignee of Matthew Bishopp & c - 100 ac - Commissioners Certificate - on the north side of the South Fork of Holstein river - beginning in Sinclair's patent line - corner to Nathaniel McClure - September 13, 1785...Matthew Bishopp, assignee of Joseph Bishopp, assignee of Francis Whitney, assignee of Barney Kertley - 100 ac - on the south fork of Holstein - 77 ac surveyed March 12, 1774 for Matthew Bishop, includes improvements, actual settlement made in 1772 - August 30, 1781...Assigned to Joseph Cole, August 6, 1784. Signed: Matthew Bishop." [20]


Any written records of Francis Whitney's active presence in Southwestern Virginia seem to abruptly stop about 1785. He is still mentioned later as an adjacent land owner:

1791 April 19 Samuel Kithcart to Samuel Eakin for 110 Pounds on South Side of the South Fork Holston River granted by the Commonwealt to said Samuel Kithcart assignee of Francis whitney by Patent 26 june 1786 containing 132 a. (Washington Co. VA Deed Book 1, p. 227) Note: This appears to be the same piece of land Francis Whitney acquired from Frethias Wall in 1782.

12 Sept 1798 David Phillips and wife Elizabeth to jonathan Phillips $400 100ac. mill Creek. Adjacent: John Jones, Francis Whitney, Mrs. Rafferty, Elijah DeBusk. Washington Co. VA: Deed Book 2: 1797-1802 p, 155.

And then, it seems that this Francis Whitney, who apparently was never too shy about leaving his name on land, tax, and court records in Southwestern Virginia, just "disappears into the mist..'" as Gordon Aronhime so colorfully wrote.

All of the above stated information/documentation for the Whitney's in Southwest Virginia may well be all that will ever be found. A fire set by Union troops burned the Washington County courthouse on 15 December 1864. Lost were the county court minute books, 1786-1819, and 1821-1832. Also destroyed were the chancery records for 1777-1835. There were no known children of Francis and Rachel (-----) Whitney, though it is possible that they did have children.


Notes

Francis Whitney lived on Mill Creek, a branch of the South Fork of the Holston River, near "Iron Mountain". The Iron Mountains currently run through what is now the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. This range is close to the Holston River approximately between Holston Mill, VA and Sugar Grove, VA.

One researcher reports that there is a potential land record connection between Francis Whitney of Washington Co., VA and a Jeremiah Whitney in central Virginia. Could these Whitneys be related to Joshua Whitney who had sons named Francis and Jeremiah?

There is a possible familial relationship between Francis Whitney and Elijah Whitney of Washington County, Virginia. Both men are listed on early tax lists for Washington County, VA.

Although there is no evidence to support it, the following may have been children or otherwise related to Francis due to their proximity in Washington Co., VA:

If Francis was the same person as the Francis Whitney who shows up in Orangeburg South Co., SC in 1790, then the following might have been sons or otherwise close relatives as well:

References

1. ^  Purely an estimate.

2. ^ 

3. ^ Article: Aronhime, Gordon, Holston and Clinch: Down by the old Mill, Bristol Herald Courier, 12/08/1963.

4. ^ (Botetourt County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Recorded in Tithable Book, Volume 1, Page 35)

5. ((note|5}}Botetourt County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Recorded in Tithable Book, Volume 1, page 77.

6. ^ Botetourt Court Records, Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers, p.166.

7. ^ Summers, Lewis Preston, Annals of Southwestern Virginia 1769-1800, Genealogical Pub. Co.,1970 Vol 1,Page 132

8. ^  Fincastle County Court, Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p.628)

9. ^ Ibid

10 ^  CHRONOLOGY OF REVEREND THOMAS WOOLSEY & SARAH PIERCE], citing "Annals of Southwest Virginia", Book: 975.5 H2sl; 1774 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

11. ^ 

12. ^ Library of Virginia, Land office records,Loyal Land Company

13. ^  Library of Virginia, Gordon Aronhime Index Card #93 for Francis Whitney.

14. ^ of Tithables. - Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, p. 963


Copyright © 2007, Tim Doyle and the Whitney Research Group

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