History - Burleson County, TX - Porter Family History ***************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ***************************************************************** Submitted by: [multimodal@juno.com] ***************************************************************** Porter Family History My annotations to John M. Porter's work are signified by [ ] to identify the different writers. All references to living persons has been removed. "History of our family connection" by Captain John M. Porter, C.S.A. in 1872 from a copy made by Porter McKay in 1893. Comments in italics and spacing those of JT Lamkin, multimodal@juno.com, from the work of John A. Porter and others. I propose to write down the names and place of nativity of my ancestors, and group in some sort of form some facts which will be interesting only to our family. The family of PORTER's , CARSON and HELM are nearly related, and all of them are originally, I think of Scotch Irish descent, having, the older members, suffered the religious persecutions in England, and for that reason emigrated to America at an early date. [A] JOHN PORTER, [b. 1695-1715/18 near Belfast Ireland; d. 1925; [A4443] Frank D. JENNINGS, b. 7 January 1847; d. 1 January 1864; [A4444] Leonidas JENNINGS, d. Aug 1860.] [A445] [Sarah] Aurilla, 1st married Thomas DIXON afterwards [Capt John V.]SPROULL*.             [Issue: [A4451] John DIXON m. Betty SMITH. [A4452] Addie*, b. 4 Nov 18?; m. Frank H. GRUBBS; [A4453] Kate*, b. 5 April 1862; d. 7 April 1910; m. Joseph B. HENSLEY.] [A441] Frank P. CARSON, who is now in Louisville, Ky. In business. [---married Drucilla DUNCAN; issue: [A4411] Mary Harriet, b. 1853; d. 1921; m. Henry Wells HAND, b. 1838; d. 1913; [see JAP notes] [A4412] Bruce CARSON - died young; [A4413] Jane Bell m. Chas. A. DURRENBURGER; [A4414] Edward CARSON - died young] [A446] James CARSON who married [Elizabeth] a daughter of John HINES, and was soon after killed by being kicked by a horse. Rev. Alexander CHAPMAN, and [A42] Ann Porter CHAPMAN, raised a family and to "Life of Rev. Alexander Chapman", published in 1872. Reference is made for that family. By referring to — page again it will be seen that John and Polly PORTER had one [other] son, [A8] Francis, who was my grand father and it now remains to speak of him and his family. My information is that his mother [A] Polly died when he was of tender years, and he was raised under the care of his sister [A2] Flora EWING. Francis, my grand father was the youngest [son] of the family, I think, and was to young to take part in the war of the Revolution. His brothers older than himself were all soldiers in the contest, on the sides of the Colonies, and against the tyranny of Britain. [A8] FRANCIS PORTER [b. 1765 Prince Edward Co VA; d. 21/28 Oct 1821 of pneumonia Butler Co KY; m. 8 Jan 1788 P.E. or Campbell Co VA] married Sallie [Sarah]CARSON [b. 20 Nov 1766 P.E./Bedford Co.VA; d. 2 June 1854 Butler Co] who was daughter of James S. CARSON [b. 1736 Grayson Co VA; d.19 June 1814] and Mary [Ann HELM, b. 23 Oct 1743 Grayson Co VA; d. 18 Feb 1837 Henry Co TN; m. 1765] his wife whose maiden name was HELM. Francis PORTER and Sallie CARSON were married A.D. 17-- and removed to Kentucky about 1799 or 1800, and settled in Logan now Butler County ... on the Little Muddy Creek, near where his brothers, John and William, had previously settled, and about 1/4 mile from where Sugar Grove now is. --- It was but a short distance from one brother's house to the others, and they were situated in the shape of a triangle. He proceeded to open a farm with the aid of some negros, and soon was as I am informed in comfortable circumstances. Francis and Sallie PORTER raised eight children to years of maturity, viz:----Polly [Mary], Betsy [Ann], Sallie [Sarah], Margaret, James A., John M., Frank [Francis] and my father Nathaniel --[Some records indicate an additional son [A84] William, b. 25 May 1795.] [A81] Aunt Polly [b. 22 Nov 1778/88?; d. 4 March 1851; m. 20 Oct 1807] as I have said on page - married [A41] John [Porter] CARSON, and raised a family, whom I have already mentioned on page ---. Aunt Polly was a large fleshy woman, whom I remember well, --- and this impression made on my mind when I was a child can not easily be erased. --- The post office for the neighborhood was kept at their house, and I was often sent for the mail matter, and I rarely ever failed to see Aunt Polly and Uncle John, both good old people. There are too few such people in these late days.---They died not far from the same time---Aunt Polly died suddenly, I think with disease of the heart --I remember Pa at the time of her death was absent, and having been to Louisville, but think he arrived home in time for burial. Uncle John lived a short time and he too passed away and left Locust Forrest a sad and lonely place.--- [A86] Aunt Betsy [Elizabeth] Ann [b. 15 Sept 1799; d. 15 March 1868] lived to the age of about 70 years, and never married---She was a pious good woman of fine intellect, and of much reading, As long as my grand mother Sallie lived she remained with her at the old homestead, and after which she lived at Sugar Grove, with Pa's family. Her death occurred 1868, and she was laid away in the old burying ground, in which so many of the names repose. Her good deeds live after her. [A87] Aunt Sarah Sallie [b. 3 Oct 1802; d.>1872] first married [1820] Jas. ROYSTER, and moved to Texas. She raised one son, [A871] Thos. F. ROYSTER, who was in Kentucky in 1866.---After the death of Uncle ROYSTER, she married Maj. Ben J. [sic;I.] WHITE, who died about 1865 or 1866.--- In the Spring of 1869 I went to Texas and brought her to Kentucky, and since that time she has made her home in Sugar Grove— [A88] Aunt Margaret PORTER [b. 20 July 1806; d. 27 June 1857 Butler Co] married Henry G. MITCHELL, and lived afterwards till her death in Edmondson County at Chamelion Springs. She was an intelligent good woman, and left a warm memory behind her, [but no issue]. [A82] My Uncle James A. PORTER [b. 5 Jan 1791; d. ca 1820] was my father's oldest brother. He never married. He was after his arrival at manhood, engaged in business at the Saline Salt Works in Illinois. A negro man ran away from him and fled to the State of Ohio. He went in pursuit of him, and I think found him perhaps at, or near Cincinnati, and took passage on a steam boat for Louisville, after which he was never heard of more. It was supposed he was murdered, and his body perhaps buried in the Ohio river. No information satisfactory has ever been, and will I suppose never be ascertained concerning his fate. The supposition was he was killed, by persons in the effort to rescue the negroe slave. He never returned to his parental roof, and the secret of his taking off will never be known, till the day which shall make all things known. [A83] My Uncle John M. PORTER [b. 6 Feb 1793; d. ca. 1830] was older, than Pa, but younger than Uncle James. He never married. About the year 1830, he went to the now State of Texas, then a province of Mexico, or perhaps the Republic of Texas. He remained there sometime on business of some sort, and became owner by grant of 1/4 of a league of land, about 1100 acres, and was making his arrangements to return, when he was taken sick of Cholera, and died. He died in Velasco on the coast and was buried there. He too died away from his home and relatives. He was a good man, and has only gone before as did brother James, who was also ready. [A89] Francis A. PORTER [b. 26 July 1809; d. 1833] my uncle, was the youngest brother of the four and died at the homestead in the year 1833, aged about 24 years. He lies buried in the old family grave yard awaiting the resurrection of the last day to go up, and enjoy the glories for which he was prepared. He never married. [A85]My own dear father Rev. Nathaniel PORTER [b. 8 Feb 1797; d. 11 Oct 1871; m. 1st 1826; m. 2nd 3 Feb 1836] was born in Prince Edward County Virginia, February 8th. A.D. 1797. His father removed from that County to Kentucky about the year 1800, and settled on the Waters of Little Muddy Creek, as I have said on page --, the same place on which my brother Frank lives, at this date, 1872. Here my father was raised, and here he grew to manhood. My information is that my grand father's family and perhaps most, if not all the connections were in their religious views, Presbyterians. My grand father and grand mother Porter were both members of that Church. About the time of my father's arrival at mature years the great revival of religion called the revival of 1800 was sweeping over the Western Country--Kentucky and Tennessee being then Western States truly; for beyond them in the West emigration had not gone to any extent. This revival although begun perhaps in 1800 continued for some years. In the year 1810 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church took its origin and my grand father's family favored that Church, but did not, I think, unite with it for prudential reasons likely, which cannot now be known. They however were friendly to the revival party and my information is several of their children professed religion, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.---Pa was one of the number, he having professed religion at Mount Moriah Church in Logan Co. Kentucky in the year 1819, under the preaching of Rev. Robert Donnell. In the year 1820 he preached himself under care of Logan Presbytery, as a Candidate for the Ministry. This was at Red River Church in Logan County, Kentucky. He was licensed to preach at Little Muddy in 1823, and ordained at the same place in 1829. Thus it will be seen he was more than fifty years a minister of the gospel of the Son of God. He married in 1826 [A421] Martha [Patsey] Ann CHAPMAN [b 1808; d 1829] daughter of Rev. Alexander CHAPMAN. My brother [A851]Francis A. PORTER [b. 28 July 1827; d. 5 March 1876 or 2 April 1877; m. 2 Dec 1858 [P*] Mary Ann ALEXANDER, b. 1835; d. 1894 Paris TX Issue: [A8511][P*] James Dabney PORTER, b. 1859; d. March 1889 Paris TX; unmarried; [A8512][P*] Mattie P., b.1862; d. 1892; m. ca 1855 John P. DOWNER moved to Paris TX; [A8513][P*] John Alexander PORTER, b. 14 January/September 1863; d. 15 Sept 1928; unmarried [named for Capt. JMP]; [A8514] Sally May, b. 186?; d. 1878; unmarried; [A8515][P*] Mary Frances (Fannie), b. 1867; unmarried; [A8516] Infant Anna Belle 1869; [A8517] Infant William Avalette 1870; [A8518][P*] Virginia Caroline (Carrie), b. 1871; unmarried; [A8519][P*] Frank A. PORTER, b. 1874] and sister [A852] Sarah Ann [b. ca.1829; d. 1854; unmarried] who died in 1854 were the children of this marriage. Sister Sarah Ann was deaf and dumb and otherwise so much afflicted and helpless, and died at the age of 25 years. My father married a second time in 1836, to my mother [P*] Sarah Elizabeth HELM [b. 1818 Butler Co KY; d. 1872 Butler Co KY] daughter of Moses and Nancy [OWEN] HELM, both natives of Virginia, the former, I think of Campbell, the latter of Bedford County. The children of my father's second marriage were sister Mary Thomas [Molly], born in 1837[?]; Myself, born in 1839; a brother, born in 1842, and died a short time afterwards not named; Sister Nancy Virginia [Jennie], born in 1844; brother James Avalette born in 1846, and died in 1848 aged about 2 years; Sister Martha Cullie born in 1848; Sister Elizabeth Margaret Alice [Lizzie] born in 1851; brother Nathaniel Anthony, born in 1853; and the youngest brother [William] Edward, who was born in [26 Aug] 1856 and died at the age of 2 months [on 15 Oct 1856]. In all there were nine [?] of us, three of whom I have said died in infancy. Avalette was a bright boy, whom I remember well, but was soon called away to rest with those little children whom Jesus called unto him, and blest. The other two died when quite young and before they could talk. [A853]Sister Mary Thomas [b. 1 Jan 1838 Butler Co KY; d. 6 Oct 1883 Warren Co KY; m. 4 April 1861] the oldest was partially educated at Winchester Tennessee, and in the year of 1861 she married William P[orter] BEARD [b. 29 Feb 1828 Sumner Co TN; d. 15 Aug 1903 Warren Co KY] and they and their children now live in Little Muddy neighborhood, in Butler County. [Moved to Smiths Grove, Warren Co, 1880. Issue: [A8531] [P*]Martha? Florence, b. 15 March 1862; d. 14 March 1927 Slater MO; bur. Sedalia MO; m. 27 Dec 1892 [P*]Rev. C.C. RUSSELL , b. 18 May 1862 Andrew Co MO; d. 22 Dec 1937 Marshall MO; bur. Sedalia MO; m. 2nd 21 Nov 1928 [P*] Hattie Hough; parents of; [A85311][P*]Mary Beard, b. 29 April 1894; d. 31 Aug 1895 Sedelia MO [A85312][P*] Margaret Porter, b. 30 Dec 1895; d. 1991?; m. 24 June 1925 [P*] Joe CROSS, b. 1890; [A85313][P*] Richard Beard RUSSELL, b. 20 Sept 1897 Carmichael PA; d. 4/5 Feb 1932 St. Louis; m. 14 Oct 1925 [P*]Florence Pearl HEIN, b. 20 July 1901 Union MO; d. 17 January 1986 St. Louis; bur. Union MO] [A8532] Isabella (Ibbie) Ann [b. 27 March 1864; d. 25 Feb 1958; m. 9 Jan 1906] married William ALLEN - [no issue]; [A8533] Virginia Helen [b. 19 March 1866; d. 31 Aug 1866] [A8534] Iva May [10 June 1867; d. 10 Feb 1875] [A8535] Morton Porter BEARD [6 Aug 1869; d. 13 Oct 1873] [A8536] Thomas Houston BEARD, b. 2 April 1872; d. 26 April 1956; m. 1st 27 Jan 1921, 1st married Mayme WOOTTEN, d.1913?, 2nd married Mary HOBSON. No issue. [A8537] Richard [ Edgar BEARD; b. 21 July 1875; d. 30 March 1957; m. 8 Dec 1906 Mabel KIRBY, d Oct 1948. [A85371] William K. BEARD, b. 12 Jan 1908; d. 1975; unmarried [A8538] William Leroy BEARD, b 31 July 1879; d 27 Nov 1883] [A854] [Capt.John Moses [Morrison?] PORTER C.S.A., b. 14 Sept 1839; d. 26 June 1884; m. 1866] In the year 1866 I married Miss Mary Bell BURCH [b. ca. 1844; d. 11 July 1868, of Hart County, Kentucky] who died July 11th. A.D. 1868, at Sugar Grove , leaving a daughter, [A8541] Minnie Bell [b. 11 July 1868; d. 13 Aug 1945; m. Harry JEFFERSON] who is the light of my life, and in features very much like her dear mother. [Issue: [A85411] Elizabeth, b. 11 July 1888; d. 18 Dec 1971; m. 2 June 1910 Gradison VAUGHAN and [A85412] John Porter JEFFERSON, b. 17 May 1891; d. 13 May 1928; unmarried.] [A856][P*] Sister Nancy Virginia, Jennie [b. 5 Feb 1843 or 6 Feb 1844; d. 5 Dec 1886 Auburn KY] married in the year 1862, [11 Dec] to Elden Hugh SLOSS [b. 25 June 1833;          d. 8 June 1875; m. 1st ?; m. 2nd] of Logan County, where she and her family live at this time. When they were married I was absent in the army of the Confederate States, and of course not at home. The war was then waging hotly. [Issue: [A8561] Mary, b. 6 Nov 1863; d. 23 Aug 1904; m. 2nd 16 Apr/Dec 1889 to Herschel Porter McCORMICK, b 28 Oct 1864; d. 10 Feb 1927 [A85611] Virginia, b. 18 Oct 1890/1; d. 10 Feb 1988 [A85612][P*] Ruth, b. 29 Nov 1894; d. 28 Feb 1990; m. 12 May 1927 Claude Draper POTTINGER b. 22 June 1888; d. [A85613] James Irvine McCORMICK, b. 15 Sept 1896; d 1 Sept 1922; unmarried [A85614] Eldon Sloss McCORMICK, b. 17 April 1900; d. 14 Jan 1989; m. 6 June 1934 Aileen Cecil Rapley, b. 29 Oct 1909; d. 23 Sept 1984 [A856141] Aileen M. McCormick, b. 20 June 1936 [A856142] James Rapley McCormick, b. 12 Aug 1939, d. 3 Nov 1990; m. 29 Apr 1961 Joy Levene McKeehan, b. 21 Jul 1938] [A8562] Anna, b. 10 Aug 1865; d. 10 Jul 1940; m. 1 Jan 1889 Frank Hutt PARKER, b. 20 Aug 1860; d. 30 Sep 1939 [A85621] Elizabeth Sydnor, b. 24 March1892; d. 20 Apr 1958 [A85622] Nancy Virginia, b. 5 June 1897; d. 22 Oct 1984; m. 23 June 1917 Lewis John WEBER, b. 6 Sept 1888; d. 10 May 1978 [A856221] Nancy Eyre b 3 Jan 1920; d 26 March 1998 [A856222] John Thompson WEBER, b 24 Oct 1921 [A85623] Frances Hutt, b. 10 July 1901; d. 15 June 1956; m. 11 April 1925 in Los Angles Chester Leland STODDARD b. 9 Aug 1904; d. Dec 1968 [A85624] Richard Porter PARKER, b. 27 Oct 1905; d. 10 Jan 1938; m. 1st 3 Oct 1925 Nellie BRAMBLETT, b. 28 May 1906; d. 27 Nov 1974; m. 2nd 1935 Myrabelle BROWN [A8563] Zue Porter, b. 5 Nov 1867; d. 27 Apr 1933 [A8564] Mortimer Porter SLOSS, b. 29 Nov 1869; d. 20 Sept 1898 or 89 [A8565] Jane Porter, b. 16 Nov 1872; d. 18 Sept 1966 [A8565] Eldon Hugh SLOSS, b. 18 July 1875; d. 19 April 1922 in Denver CO; bur. in Auburn KY] [A858] Sister Cullie [Martha, b. 1848; d. 5 June 1906 ; m. 1872] was married in 1872 to Felix [Griser/Grider] McKAY, and they at this time live in Sugar Grove. When I left home in 1861 for the army she was a little girl, when I came back in 1865, she was grown. [Issue: [A8581] J. Porter McKAY, [A8582] Sam? McKAY [A8583] Hershall A McKAY, [A8584] Grider McKAY, [A8585] Silas McKAY, [A8586] Francis/Frank McKAY.] [A859] Sister [Elizabeth Alice] Lizzie [b. 1851; d. 13 Feb 1896; unmarried] is at this time living at Sugar Grove. She too was small when I entered the army, and I came home to find her full grown. How great are the changes brought about in four years! [A850] Brother [Nathaniel] Nat [b. 1853; d. 1910; unmarried] is now about 19 and is attending school. He was an amateur soldier boy. Soldier at home, during the war, about 6 to 10 years of age, and amused himself in donning belt and buckle, and going through evolutions, as soldiers--- About the year 1844. Pa began mechanizing at his residence, Sugar . This is about as far back as I can remember. He caused to be built in his yard, a store house, which still stands and for a long time, till 1865 sold goods in it, and was successful at the business. In 1865 [A855?] and 1856 he built a new dwelling at Sugar Grove, and about the same time he in connection with brother Frank and Uncle Owen Helm, built the new store house, at a cost of about $1800. They did business together for some years, until the war came on. After the war had begun, they were unable, on account of being southern in their sentiments to obtain goods by purchase, in as much as most merchants before being allowed to buy goods were required to make proof of loyalty and obtain permits to do so. After the war was over, goods were sold at Sugar Grove either by Pa. alone or by a firm of which he was a member, up to his death. His ministry began as I have said in the year 1820, and continued to the close of his life in 1871, for more than fifty years. The first years of his ministry were devoted to a good extent of riding, what was called a "Circuit". This work embraced several counties, such as Ohio, Daviess, Breckenridge, Grayson, Hancock, and others bordering on the Ohio river. He also preached extensively in the counties of upper Green River. He was for a long time the stated preacher at Little Muddy, Old Union in Warren County, Concord, Harmony, Red River Logan Co., Mt. Olivet, Morgantown, Point Pleasant, and perhaps other churches at different times, and we have reason to believe, and know that his labors resulted in great good to the honor and glory of God. His preaching contained the purity of the Gospel delivered in its simplicity such a gospel as reached the wants of the people. Some "diaries" kept by him during the early years of his ministry are very interesting, containing the text from which he preached, and in some instances an epitom of his sermons. My father was punctual in attending the Judications of the Church, such as Presbyteries, Synods, and upon several occasions the General Assembly.--- Sometimes as a delegate from Logan Presbytery, and sometimes as a mere visitor. He loved the Church meetings. He attended the meeting of Logan Presbytery at Pleasant Hill Warren County, Kentucky in August 1871, and went home unwell. He was soon after seriously sick, and died on Monday Morning October 9th. 1871, about 10 o'clock. He died of inflamation of the stomach and bowels. He suffered a great deal in his sickness, yet bore it with Christian fortitude, and died in possession of his faculties unimpaired, almost Seventy-five years old. There never was a better father. Nor better man and Christian. He was medium stature, about 5 feet 10 inches high. And weighed 130 pounds when in health. He was kind to his servants, to the poor and suffering, and to all. He was successful in business, and but for his liberality would have been in possession of a handsome estate. He left what is far better than worldly wealth, namely a good name. He owned a large body of land embracing near 1200 acres at and around Sugar Grove, the name given by himself to his homestead many years before his death. My mother was the second daughter, and fourth child of Moses and Nancy HELM, as I have said on page —. She survived my father only a few months, when she too was called to join the angels above. She died of Congestion at Sugar Grove on Wednesday June 6th. 1872 at about 4 o'clock in the evening, after only twentyfour hours sickness. She was not thought to be dangerous till a short time before her death, None of the children were at home except Lizzie, and Nat, and Nat was at work on the farm and did not get to her bed side till after her death. Sister Mary arrived just in time to see her die. I was in Bowling Green and did not hear of her death till about 11 O'clock that night. Cullie was in Hart County, but was sent for, and got home in time for the funeral. Sister Jennie was also at her home, and did not hear of the sickness till told of her death. It was a sad meeting when all of us got home, and found no mother living. Her funeral was preached by Rev. R. A. Read, and she was laid away by the side of our dear father in the Little Muddy burying ground. My mother was a good woman, an intelligent mother, and a true Christian. She and Pa had a great interest in the happiness and welfare of their children. I can never know, nor can anyone else ever know the anxiety and trouble she experienced for safety during the time I was absent in the army in 1861--2--3--4--& --5. I sometimes think it is owing to her prayers for me that I survived the dangers and hardships and came back home. It is my desire and prayer that I may be ready to meet her and my father when the hour of departure draws nigh together with my dear Belle, who went a short time before to the glory land. Peace be to the graves wherein they rest. My brother [A851] Frank married Miss Mary A. ALEXANDER December 2nd. 1858, and lives now in 1872 on the farm settled by my grand father Francis PORTER. [HELMS and CARSONS] Moses HELM [b 8 Oct 1777; d 1847; m 1802] my mother's father was born, I think, in Campbell County Va. [sic] In the year 1777 and moved to Kentucky in the year 18-- and settled about 1 mile from my grand father PORTER's on the farm Uncle Owen now lives on. He married Nancy OWEN [b. 1777; d.1863/4] my grand mother on the maternal side in the year 18--, and their family consisted as follows:- James M. HELM, my mother's oldest brother, who married Mary Elizabeth JAMES, and raised a family of whom Thomas M. HELM is the oldest now living. Uncle Jimmie lived a number of years in Morgantown and carried on the tanning business. He then moved to a farm on Green River in the Big Bend, and died during the war in the year 186-. The next was my aunt Mary Ann who married Thomas N. BERRYMAN, and who died in 1865 leaving one son, Thomas Helm BERRYMAN, who is now in Missouri with his father who is married again. The next is my Uncle John B. HELM who married [[A372] Nancy Porter Carson] a daughter of [A43] William and [A37] Anna CARSON. He lives near Little Muddy Church, his wife, Aunt Nancy died in 1861. [A85] My mother [Sarah E] was the next and fourth child. Thomas HELM was the next, who died when he was about 15 years old. Aunt Martha Janes was the next. She married in 184- William A. MOODY of Logan County, where they now live. They have of six boys , and one girl. William D. HELM, was the next who died when about 22 or 23 years old. I remember him well, though I was small, when he died. Frank HELM another son died young. David Owen HELM [4th], another uncle married Miss Lydia A. BOADLEY who died in 1870, leaving three sons and one daughter. He lives at the place my grand father lived on. Robert Jordan HELM was the youngest son and died in 1868 aged about 31 years. He never married, and for some years previous to his death was engaged in the mercantile business. He was about 2-1/2 years older than myself. My grand father Moses HELM died in 1847 leaving an estate of land and slaves. My grand mother died in 1863, during the war. I remember going to her home one night, in March 1863 on one of the "scouts" into Kentucky, during her sickness and cautiously going to the door and knocking, and when it opened found my mother, Sister Mary and others there. I could not stay long, but had to leave after getting something to eat and some fire. I mention this [on page 104 of the typed version]in my account of the war in another book which I have written. Uncle Jordan OWEN of Hart County [m Ruth TINSLEY] is my grand mother's only living brother. The OWEN family were Welsh in their origin. They came to Virginia early, and my great grand father OWEN was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, on the side of the Colonies, and took part in many of the battles of that war. He was at Yorktown at Cornwallis' surrender. He married a lady of the name of WALKER who was my grand mother's mother. [Other siblings of Jordan and Nancy OWEN: Sallie m Samuel HENSLEY; issue Margaret m 1st HATCHER; m 2nd GATEWOOD; Elizabeth m JAMES in VA; Patsy m WALDRON; David OWEN, d 1841 unmarried.] The families of Helm, Porter and Carson have been for a long time identified by marriage and relationship. My paternal great grand mother was Mary HELM who married in 17— James CARSON. They were the parents of my grand mother PORTER Pa's mother. The names of the children of James and Mary CARSON were Sarah [b. 20 Nov 1766] who married my grand father [A8] Francis PORTER. Thomas CARSON [b. 2 Feb 1769; d. 7 Nov 1825; m.1st 22 Aug 1793; m. 2nd 6 June 1814] known as "Saddler Tommie" who was father to James D. CARSON now living in Woodbury; [William CARSON, Thomas D. CARSON; and Mary, wife of [A14] Dr. Francis PORTER.] Peggy [CARSON, b. 5 July 1775] who married Miller LEE, and whose descendants live perhaps in Mississippi, William [CARSON] who lived and died in Trigg County Ky. [A21] Betsy[CARSON] who married William PORTER son of the William who settled in Butler County. Moses CARSON [b. 3 April 1783] who remained in Virginia where he was raised, and Polly [CARSON] who married DINWIDDIE, and who now lives in West Tennessee, near McKenzie Station. To speak of each of the above named children of James and Mary CARSON will now for a few pages occupy us. The first of whom is Sarah, who was my grand mother she having married Francis, Frank, PORTER in the year 17--. My recollection of my grand mother PORTER is very distinct. I was a good sized boy some 12 or 14 years when her death occurred. She was at my earliest recollection of her very old and extremely nervous or affected with palsy. I can call to my mind her form and figure as it was then sitting in her accustomed seat in the corner with her pipe in hand engaged in smoking of which she was fond. On an arm of her chair was her tobacco bag of checked cotton home made cloth, and near by her cane which she used as a means of support when she arose to walk. She frequently walked about her yard and garden, and upon a few occasions I remember she walked to Pa's house 1/4 of a mile from her house. She was a small woman, and scrupulously nice in her manners, and business habits were in perfect accord with system, and order. She was the true type of Virginia women, and had always much to tell of her young days, and her recollection of the war of the Revolution. She died aged about Eighty six years. James CARSON and Polly [Mary] had a son named Thomas CARSON, known as "Saddler Tommie" his trade being that of a saddler. He married a lady of the name Dinwiddie in Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky, and settled on Little Muddy Creek about four miles below where the four PORTER brothers settled. The farm now in 1872, being owned by James D. [Dinwidde?] CARSON his son. James D. CARSON married first Miss TYLER of Morgantown, who was the mother of Thomas Woodville CARSON at one time clerk of the Butler Court, but who died in early life some years ago at Morgantown, and James T. CARSON, now living in Louisville, Ky., and Mary Ann CARSON, Cousin "Pop" more generally called, who died in Woodbury in 1871. Uncle Saddler Tommie had an older son Thomas D. CARSON who now lives in Louisville, with his daughter Bina CARTER, wife of John A. CARTER. His other children by ? BARNETT are Ida, married MILLER and Barnet, died unmarried. William CARSON is another son of Uncle Tommie who now lives, and for years has lived in West Tennessee with his children I am not familiar enough to give names. A daughter of the same married [A44] Thomas E. CARSON. Her name was Jane or "Ginsey" and they are parents of Frank P. CARSON in Louisville. Another daughter, Polly [Mary], see page --, married [A14] Francis D. PORTER and raised a family all being daughters except one son, [A141] Thomas Carson PORTER who married [A422_?] Ann CHAPMAN daughter of Thos. C. CHAPMAN, and grand daughter of Rev. A. CHAPMAN, and they now live in Elm, Johnson Co, Missouri. Their [Francis & Polly PORTER] daughters also live in Missouri. One of whom, [A142] Betsy Jane married Thompson LEWIS. [A143] Octavia married a man named ------, one is unmarried I think, named [A144]Carrie. [A412] Caroline CARSON, d/o [A41] John CARSON and [A81] Polly PORTER married JB CHAPMAN s/o Philip CHAPMAN, Sumner Co TN and Mary Barnet BENNETT, also went to Johnson Co MO. One daughter, [A4122] Paulina, married Ebenezer B. LUNDY. As noted above see www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/7447. JB and Ann CHAPMAN's grandfathers were brothers. Sarah, another daughter of Saddler Tommie married Warren W. HINES and they have raised a family of sons and daughters, and now live in Bowling Green. Their oldest daughter married James K. CLARKE. Mary B. HINES married Dr. Henry O. JONES. Agnes and Francis are unmarried. The sons of Sarah and Warren HINES are Thomas H. HINES, James M. HINES and Eddie HINES. Another daughter of Uncle Saddle, Cousin Agnes married Mr. Thos. L. S. PROCTER, and lived at Procter's Mill on Gasper River in Logan County, Ky. Their children are Charles, Monroe, Clay and Taylor, twins, Delia who married NICKOLS and Ben. By referring to page — it will be seen that James and Mary CARSON raised a daughter named Peggy, who married a man named Miller LEE who after emigrating from Virginia to Ky. And remaining a time removed perhaps to Mississippi, as to their descendants I am in possession of no information. William CARSON, see page — was a son also of James and Mary CARSON, he married ---------, and lived after comming to Trigg County near Cadiz KY. I was once at his house, and saw him when he was an old man. I was a small boy at the time but I remember he was a tall old man, feeble with age, yet in possession of clear facilities. His hair was white, and his appearance betoken that he would soon pass away. He died a few years afterwards leaving children, and grand children descendants. A suit arose after his death in regard to his estate which was litigated in the Court of Appeals in Ky, and which is reported in one of the books I believe in one of Metcalfe's Reports on the decisions of that court. I can not now call to mind which volume of the four. By referring to page— it will be seen that another of James and Mary CARSON's children was named Betsey, who married [A11] William PORTER son of [A1] William PORTER who was uncle to my father. They moved to Missouri and I am in possession of no further information about their family and descendants. Moses CARSON, b. 3 April 1783, see page --, was another child of James and Mary CARSON. He did not move to Kentucky, but remained in Virginia and lived perhaps on the old homestead. He died, if dead at this time, recently. His family I am ignorant of. Polly, another one, married a DINWIDDIE and now lives in 1872 in Tennessee near McKenzie Station. Her children and grand children live in the same section, and all are as I am informed in good circumstances. I have now given all the facts in my possession concerning the names and families of our connection and regret that I can not go further back than I have done in these pages. If what is here put down shall prove of any benefit to any of our family ore be interesting even to them to look over and read, all desired will have been attained. A record ought to be kept and the want of it has been felt by me in preparing these pages up to the time of course in which we all now live. And I desire to add that it will be profitable for some one say 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 years from this time to continue the record and note the events and changes, and trace the descendants so as not to lose sight of them entirely. For instance take our family, my own brothers and sisters, and what a number of branches there may be a half a century from now. Then I say it is well, and Itrust will be thought proper by some one to carry out the record. There may be and there may not be any great achievements to record, but there will always be something worth writing, if it is only to write down the names of the descendants. I hope what I have written will not be unproductive of good, and that it will stimulate some who come after me to have a care to preserve the names and memory of their ancestors. Bowling Green, Ky. John M. Porter December 19 A.D. 1872. [shortly after the death of his mother] NOTES * Among the papers of JAP received by JTL is an unsigned, undated document entitled, THOMAS CARSONS FAMILY RECORD This is the record of Thomas Carsons sisters & brothers in Campbell County Virginia. Elizabeth Carson born March 13th 1743 Ezekial Carson " December 25 1744 Isbel Carson " January 16 1746 John Washburn Carson born Nov 8 1748 Mary Carson " Feb 8 1750 Ann Carson " March 13 1753 Susanah Carson " Oct 9 1755 Sarah Carson " Dec 26 1757 Thomas Carson " February 18 1760 Thomas Carson and Ann Porter were married Dec 23 1782 John P. Carson was born Nov 28 1783 Ann D Carson (married Rev A Chapman) June 6 1785 William Carson " " May 14 1787 Thomas E Carson " " Dec 27 1789 ----- 0 ----- Of the first group: Susanah married [A1] William Porter Thomas married [A4] Ann Porter Of the second generation: [A41] John P. Carson married [A81] Polly or Mary Porter [A43] William Carson married [A37] Nancy Ann Porter In a biographical sketch of [A372] Oliver C. Carson in Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle. Perrin, & Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886. Warren County - the following information about the Carsons is found. Grandfather Thomas came to Baltimore MD from Ireland about 1765, where he [they?] remained a short time and then moved to Virginia. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Thomas and family moved to Kentucky in 1805, and settled in what was then Logan County. In a letter by JMP dated 15 April 1875, he states that [A372] Oliver C. Carson believed the Irish father of the above family was lost at sea during the crossing. However, the LDS files have a John Carson, b. abt 1717 Sumner Co TN; d. <25 May 1762; m. abt 1742 Ann DIXON, b. abt 1721 Bedford Co VA. In that John Carson's will he made bequests of land in Buckingham Co VA to his sons, Ezekiel, John and Thomas Carson. These are the only males on the above list. One of the witnesses was James Carson. The will was exhibited in Bedford Co VA court by his wife, Anne Carson on 25 May 1762. In a letter by O.S. Porter of the [A6] Oliver Porter Georgia line dated 5 Feb 1896, he states that Polly Porter died in Virginia and [A] John married a Mrs. ___ Carson. John Porter's will dated 1 Jan 1781 includes a bequest to his beloved wife Ann, not Polly or Mary, and a daughter Ann. There is a daughter [A4] Anna by Polly, but there is an Ann Carson as well. * There is new evidence that David Beard, b. 1745 in VA; d. 11 January 1815 in Sumner Co TN. married Isabel [Isabella] Carson, above. They were the parents of Thomas Carson Beard, b. 31 Aug 1784 in Bedford Co VA; d. 27 July 1850 in Sumner Co TN, who married Nancy Hall, b. 4 July 1792; d. 7 June 1845; m 21 March 1816 in Rutherford Co TN. This couple's sixth child, William Porter Beard, b. 29 Feb 1828; d. 15 Aug 1903 in Smiths Grove, Warren Co KY, married [A853] Mary Thomas Porter. If correct, three of the Carson siblings listed play a role in Porter genealogy. If the Mrs. Carson that John Porter may have married was the mother of the above siblings, and Isabella became Isabella Carson Porter it would explain the appearance of the Porter in William Beard's name. * In a communication from Sarah Shaw Tatounova in March 1998, she writes that James Carson, father of Saddler Tommie, was John Carson's brother. A James Carson witnessed John Carson's 1762 will. * In a letter dated 26 April 1894 [A8513] John Alexander Porter [JAP] stated his intention to update the Porter history begun by JMP. In a genealogical form dated 9 April 1926 he stated that he had compiled 168 genealogical tables on the Porters and allied families. He added that the record was going to press in 60 days, but if it did no copies have been located. He and his two sisters died unmarried. It appears that the editor may be in possession of many of JAP's documents through Margaret Porter Russell Cross. Among the papers is correspondence with Oliver S. Porter of Covington, GA and Katie Porter Barnett of Madison GA regarding the proposed book. * In 19— Olive Swann Porter, wife of [A6--] ---- wrote a monograph entitled, "A Genealogical Record of the Porter Family of England and America" about the [A6] Oliver Porters. There is much material in this four page document regarding the Porter family history in England and Ireland, but little documentation. * Reference to JAP notes are correlated to his "List of families of which mimeograph plats should be made."