The following chronological bibliography contains information found on the YOAKUM families during the period of research in identifying George YOAKUM. Some records were pulled from my VAN BEBBER files to go along with this to show the pattern that the VAN BEBBER and YOAKUM families always traveled together in this period. A study of the YOAKUM family could not be complete without researching the moving patterns of the VAN BEBBER families as they moved from GREENBRIER County to RUSSELL County, Virginia and then to CLAIBORNE County, Tennessee. It could be shown that where ever you find one of these five Powell Valley VAN BEBBER's, the others can not be far from them, as they always moved together. This pattern can be seen in other families of this time period.
----------
Nov 22, 1750; AUGUSTA County(later GREENBRIER); "GREENBRIER County
Deed & Will Records", printed by Larry SHUCK, Cincinatti, Ohio, page 3.
Felty YOCKHAM had 480 acres surveyed on Nov 22, 1750 in
AUGUSTA County, later GREENBRIER County, VA.
Apr 24, 1751; AUGUSTA County (later GREENBRIER); "GREENBRIER County
DEED & Will Records", printed by Larry SHUCK, Cincinatti, Ohio, page 3.
Mathias YOCKHAM had 330 acres surveyed on Apr 24, 1751
in AUGUSTA County, later GREENBRIER County, VA.
Also for this same time period are the following
surveys:
Frederick SEE had 480 acres surveyed on Apr 24, 1751.
George SEE had 360 acres surveyed on May 1, 1751,
adjacent to Arch'd CLENDINEN.
Arch'd CLENDINEN had 360 acres surveyed on May 1, 1751.
NOTE: These surveys are found among the very first
surveys in AUGUSTA County.
Aug 9, 1755; Roanoke, Virginia; Old land Surveys; 267 acres of land was surveyed on August 9, 1755 for Matthias YOAKUM on the north side of Roanoke above Arthur's bottom.
Nov 19, 1761; AUGUSTA County, VA; "Chronicles of the SCOTCH-IRISH
Settlement in VIRGINIA 1745-1800", by Lyman CHALKLEY, Gen. Pub.
Co., Baltimore, in three volumes.
Volume II, Page 93:
Valentine YOACUM, witness from BEDFORD.
Aug 16, 1763; AUGUSTA County, VA; "Chronicles of the SCOTCH-IRISH
Settlement in VIRGINIA 1745-1800", by Lyman CHALKLEY, Gen. Pub. Co.,
Baltimore, in three volumes.
Vol. III., Page 81:
AUGUSTA County Will Book No. 3, Page 275:
August 16th, 1763. Ann CLENDENNING's bond (with Felix
GILBERT, Wm. MYS) as administratrix of Archd.
CLENDENNING.
NOTE: It is known in historical accounts that
Archibald CLENDENNIN was massacred the same day with
Felty YOAKUM and Frederick SEA.
Mar 21, 1764; ibid;
Vol. II, Page 111-112:
AUGUSTA County, VA Order Book VIII, Page 395-396
(County Court Minutes):
(395) Charles LYNCH, as greatest creditor, qualified as
admr. of Valentine YOCUM.
(396) William and John CHANDLER, appraisers of YOCUM.
Charles LYNCY, as greatest creditor, qualified as admr.
of Frederick SEE.
Vol. III, Page 83:
Will Book 3, Page 318
21st March, 1764. Charles LYNCH's bond (with Wm.
THOMPSON, Alex. THOMPSON) as administrator of Valentine
YOACUM.
Will Book 3, Page 319
21st March, 1764. Chalres LYNCH's bond (with Wm.
THOMPSON, Alex THOMPSON) as administrator of Frederick
SEA.
August, 1764; ibid:
Vol. III, Page 107:
AUGUSTA County, VA. Will Book 4, Pages 184-185:
August, 1764: Valentine YOCON's estate appraised by
John CANDLER, Robt. BROOKS, Zachariah MOORMAN, Chas.
LYNCH, administrator.
August, 1764: Frederick SEE's estate appraised, by
above.
(NOTE: The records of these books clearly support the
idea that Valentine YOAKUM was the same as "Felty"
YOAKUM that was killed in the massacre of Muddy Creek,
along with Frederick SEA and Archibald CLENDENNING.)
This researcher has copies of the original records from
the GREENBRIER County Court House.
Nov 30, 1764; Military Papers of Colonel Henry BOUQUET in letters to General Thomas GAGE, dated from Fort PITT, November 30, 1764; Published in "Western Pennsylvania Historical Magazine", Volume 39 (1956), pages 187-203; article entitled: "Indian Captives Released by Colonel BOUQUET", by William S. EWING, curator of Manuscripts at that time at the Clements Library, University of Michigan
At the end of The French and Indian War, as a condition
of peace with the Ohio Indians, BOUQUET demanded the
release of prisoners held by the Delaware, Shawnee, and
Muncie Indians. By the Articles of Agreement concluded
in November 1764, the chieftans of these nations agreed
to cease hostilities against all British subjects; to
collect and deliver to BOUQUET's forces, all English
prisoners, deserters, Frenchmen, Negroes, and any othe
White people living among them; and finally to appoint
deputies from each Indian tribe authorized to treat for
peace for their respective nations with Sir William
JOHNSON, Crown Super-intendent of Indian Affairs in the
Northern Department.
BOUQUET was successful in bringing about the release
of about 200 prisoners. These prisoners were delivered
to him upon several different occassions from the
different Indian Nations. Among the lists we find the
following dates and names:
List D
Inclosed in BOUQUET to GAGE, November 30, 1764, GAGE
Papers, CLEMENTS Library, University of Michigan:
List of Captives taken by Indians in AUGUSTA County,
Virginia (later GREENBRIER) going home under the Care
of Col. McNEILL, Volunteers, with a Return of the
Necessaries delivered to them at Muskingum & Ft. PITT:
males:
#3. Geo: YOKEHAM 1 shirt, 1 leggins, 1 shoe pack
#6. Michael SEE 2 shirts, 1 blanket
#7. George SEE 1 shirt, 1 leggins, 1 shoe pack
females:
#15. Margar't YOKEHAM 1 legins, 1 shoe pack, 1 blanket
#20. Mary SEE 2 shirts, 1 leggins, 1 shoe
pack, 1 blanket, 1 pair of shoes
#21. Catherine SEE 1 shirt, 1 shoe pack
Fort Pitt Dec'r. ye 1st 1764 Received of Col BOUQUET
. . .(signed) John McNEILL
Indorsed: Return of Captives & Necessaries going to
Augusta County under the Care of Col'l McNeill's
Voluntiers Dec'r ye 1, 1764
------
List E
British Museum. Additional Manuscripts. 21655,f.249.
List of Prisoners going to Fort PITT under the Command
of Capt'n LEWIS Nov. ye 15, 1764.
males:
#16. Michael SEE
#17. George SEE
females:
#23. Margaret YOKEHAM
#28. Mary SEE
Camp at Muskingum Nov'r ye 15- 1764
Received from Capt'n LEWIS Ourry, A.D.Q.M.G. the above
Sixty Captives, which I am to deliver to the Commanding
Officer at Fort Pitt having Signed two Receipts of this
same Tenor & date
CHA's LEWIS
(Endorsed) List of Prisoners Sent by Captain LEWIS to
to Fort Pitt the 15'th November 1764.
------
LIST F
Inclosed in BOUQUET to GAGE, March 4, 1765, GAGE
Papers, CLEMENTS Library, University of Michigan.
List of Prisoner's delivered up by the Shawanese
Indians at Mackwayack and arrived at Fort Pitt 5'th
January 1765.
#5. Elizabeth YOAKIM, 12 years old; taken July 1763
from Green Bryar AUGUSTA County.
--------
LIST G
Inclosed in CROGHAN to GAGE, May 12, 1765, GAGE Papers,
CLEMENTS Library, University of Michigan.
List of the Prisoners delived'd up by te Shawanese
Nation of Indians at Fort Pitt the 10th May 1765.
(males)
#11. John SEA, age 7, taken at Catapin, Virginia;
a prisoner for 7 years.
List G (continued)
Women Deliver'd 10'th May 1765 by the Shawanese.
#2. Peggy SEA, age 19, taken from Green Bryer,
Virginia, a prisoner of 2 years.
#12. Sally SEA, age 10, taken from Green Bryer,
Virginia, a prisoner of 2 years.
#19. Jean CLANDINNON, age 5, taken from Green Bryer,
Virginia, a prisoner of 2 years.
#20. Sally YOKUM, age 5, taken from Green Bryer,
Virginia, a prisoner of 2 years.
#21. Mary SEA, age 7, taken from Green Bryer,
Virginia, a prisoner of 2 years.
General State of the prisoners deliver'd at Fort Pitt
10'th May 1765
Delivered by the Shawanese taken from Virginia
Men 20
Women 21
Delivered by ditto . . taken from Pennsylvania
men 1
Deliver'd by the Muncies taken from ditto
women 2
Total Delivered 44
Indorsed:
List of the prisoners Delivered up the Shawanese
Indians at Fort Pitt
10 May 1765
NOTE: A complete list of prisoners may now be found on
the internet at http://ps.superb.net/malec/bouquet.htm
-------
1774; BOUTETOURT County, VA; "EARLY ADVENTURES on the WESTERN WATERS",
by Mary B. & F.B. KEGLEY, Vol I, Page 22.
James JARRETT, grant of 216 acres in Mudy (MUDDY)
Creek, including old survey, adjacent Felty YOAKUM.
Circa July 1775; BOTETOURT County, VA; Payroll list of men who fought
at the Battle of Point Pleasant, Lord DUNMORE's War; BOTETOURT Militia;
Virginia State Archives; Misc Microfilm #78: The first line of the
microfilm reads:
"Public Service Claims, Pittsburgh, 1775",
page 155
(Matthew ARBUCKLE's Company)
(pd ARBUCKLE) Capt. Matthew ARBUCKLE - Botetourt -
By Allowance for Sundry . . œ6/2/4 (Matthews)
By fourth? Allw'ce for horse hire œ0/6/8 Ex'd.
James DAVIS, Botetourt
By Sundry Acct: pd œ15/19/6 (Matthews)
Memo. to see if 6 fee be deducted out of his
pay for a hide, it should not.
Isaac VANBEAVER (or his Widow Sarah) Botetourt
By 432? lbs Beef @ 12/6 œ2/14/0 (Matthews)
James DAVIS Jun'r. (Cooper) - Botetourt
By 262 1/2 Beef @ 12/6 œ1/12/2 3/4 (Matthews)
James JARRET - Botetourt
By Sundry & Acct.? œ6/18/8 (Matthews)
Page 174:
ARBUCKLES Compa Continued
William GRIFFEE 12 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ0/18/0
George YOKEM 10 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ0/15/0
George SEE 16 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ1/4/0
Page 176:
ARBUCKLES Compa Continued
George SEE 83 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ6/4/6
George YOKEM 83 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ6/4/6
Peter SHOEMAKER 51 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ3/16/6
John GRIFFITHS 83 Days Pay @ 1/6 œ6/4/6
Page 181:
(pd. VANBEBBER) Capt. John VANBEBBER 66 Days Pay
@ 6/0 œ19/16/0 Ex'd.
(pd. VANBEBBER) James DAVIS 66 Days Pay
@ 2/6 œ8/5/0; Deduct for a hide 6/0 œ7/18/2 Ex'd.
(pd. STEWART) William GRIFFITHS 62 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ4/13/0 Ex'd.
(pd J. VANBEBBER) James DAVIS 66 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ4/19/0 Ex'd.
(pd. STEWART) Isaac VANBEBBER 66 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ4/19/0 Ex'd.
(pd. John VANBEBBER) Peter VANBEBBER 66 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ4/19/0 Ex'd.
(pd. STEWART) Peter SHOEMAKER 62 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ4/13/0 Ex'd.
(pd. LOCKHEART July 6) George YOAKUM 35 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ2/12/6 pd.
(pd. W.McCOY) James DAVIS 66 Days Pay
@ 1/6 œ4/19/0 Ex'd.
(pd. LOCKHEART) James DAVIS 11 Days Lieut.
@ 5/0 œ2/15/0 pd.
-----------------------------------------
Col. Andrew LEWIS - Botetourt -----
By Sundry & Acct: œ69/11/3 |
By Allowance for his pay œ183/10/0 | Certificate
To 1 Mare œ8/16/.. , 2 Bullocks & 2 hides œ6/0/0
(pd. M. ARBUCKLE) Peter SHOEMAKER - Botetourt -
By 19 days pay as a Scout @ 5/ œ4/14/0
To 1 Mare 60/ œ3/0/0 Ex.d
(pd. M. ARBUCKLE) William GRIFFEE - Botetourt -
By 70 days pay as a Scout œ17/10/0 Ex.d
NOTE: The names above are those found in the VAN
BEBBER and YOAKUM family and also those names that at
some time had some type of affair or action with
them. Note the name William GRIFFEE/GRIFFITH and
that it is spelled both ways in this record. This
is probably the same William GRIFFEE that married
Sarah DAVIS/VAN BIBBER, the widow of Isaac VAN
BIBBER, I., who was killed in the Battle of Point
Pleasant. Also note the name James DAVIS and the
occurence of that name here and remember that Sarah
DAVIS/VAN BIBBER had a brother named James DAVIS.
The dates of this record are not found on the copies
in the possession of this researcher. There is a
date of July 6 beside some of the names on the
record. The battle of Point Pleasant was fought on
Oct 10, 1774 so this record may have been made around
July 1775, since it shows Isaac "VANBEAVER" as being
deceased on the payroll list.
NOTE 2: Of further interest to VAN BEBBER
researchers is the fact that John BANBEAVER, Peter
VANVEAVER, and Sarah BENBEAVER, the widow of Isaac
BENVEAVER, are shown in the CULPEPER County Militia
Records as being paid there for service in this War.
John and Peter served 83 days and Isaac served 53
days. CULPEPPER County is East of the Blue Ridge
Mountains and is the only county listed on that side
of the mountains as having furnished men to fight in
this war. Knowing that Isaac died on Oct 10 or 11,
1774, by simple math we can deduct that the VANBEBBER
brothers joined on or about August 18, 1774. The
exact dates of Lord DUNMORE's War is not known by
this researcher.
Oct 5, 1780; BOTETOURT County, VA; BOTETOURT County Marriage
Records; "BOUTETOURT County, Virginia Marriages,1770-1853",
by John VOGT and T. William KETHLEY, Jr., Iberian Publishing
Company, Athens, Georgia, Volumn I, Page 320.
George YOAKUM married Isabella TAYLOR on Oct 5, 1780
in BOTETOURT County, VA. Bondsman: Peter KEENEY;
Witness: David MAY (Clerk) and Peter KEENEY;
Father: George TAYLOR.
NOTE: This George YOAKUM has not been identified by
this researcher.
Jul 5, 1781; LINCOLN County, VA. (now Kentucky); Early
LINCOLN County Marriage Records
July 5, 1782: James RAY married Milly YOCUM.
NOTE: This James RAY is General James RAY, who was
a Captain in the LINCOLN County Militia and later was
ranked as a General and is seen in most all accounts
concerning him as General. He married Amelia "Milly"
YOCUM, the daughter of Matthias YOCUM, Jr. Later this
same year he would serve as Captain over the LINCOLN
County MILITIA where a George YOCUM and a Henry YOCUM
would serve under him. It is not believed by this
researcher that this is the same George YOAKUM that
lived in GREENBRIER County, VA at this time, as there
is a great distance between the two places.
Aug 22, 1781; GREENBRIER County, VA; GREENBRIER County
Court Minutes:
22 August 1781
Elizabeth YOAKUM with George YOAKUM and George WHALEY
acknowledged their bond, the penalty of œ1000 with
condition that the said Elizabeth YOAKUM shall keep her
peace towards the good citizens of this commonwealth
for and during the term of twelve months and one day
from this date hereof; especially towards Rebecca
PATTERSON.
Aug 13, 1782; GREENBRIER County, VA; GREENBRIER Baptist Church at Alderson, GREENBRIER Co. (now MONROE Co., VA), "William and Mary Quarterly", Vol VIII, Second Series, 1928, Pages 194 and following. "A book containing the marriages by John ALDERSON"
August the 13, 1782 - John SHOUMAKER with Elizabeth
YOULEKEM.
(NOTE: Elizabeth YOAKUM was the daughter of Valentine
"Felty" YOAKUM.)
Oct 23, 1782 thru Nov 22, 1782; LINCOLN County, Virginia (now Kentucky); "George Rogers CLARK and His Men, Military Records, 1778-1784", by Margery Heberling HARDING, published by the Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky. Thanks given to Mrs. Rose Anne KIRBY of Potomac, Maryland for finding and sharing this document with me.
Document 14, "A Pay Call of Capt James RAYS Company of
LINCOLN Militia in actual Service on an Expedition
against the Shanee Indians Under the command of George
Rogers Clarg Brigidear Jeneral - 1782". On this
payroll were the following names of interest to YOAKUM
researchers:
James RAY, Capt., entered service on
Octr. 23, 1782 and discharged Novr. 22, 1782, a total
of 31 days at 10 shillings per day = œ15/10/0
Henry YOCUM, ditto @ 9.6 pence per day = œ2/1/4
George YOCUM, ditto @ 9.6 pence per day = œ2/1/4
NOTE: This researcher believes that this George YOCUM
has been confused with the Powell Valley George YOAKUM
and someone has incorrectly put the military record of
the Kentucky George YOCUM on the tombstone of the
Powell Valley George YOAKUM and set it at his grave
site in Powell Valley at the Felix ROGERS Cemetery.
This researcher further believes that the two YOCUM
men found in this LINCOLN County Militia were brothers
and possibly sons of Matthias YOAKUM, I. and Eleanor.
Nov 18, 1782; GREENBRIER County Legislative Papers; "The Virginia
Genealogist", Volume 2, Page 168.
A Petition of persons who are settlers on lands
patented by others. The terms of the Act for settling
and adjusting titles requires that the composition
money be paid within six months or the land will revert
to the grantees. Because of the scarcity of money they
cannot meet that requirement. Among those settlers on
this petition was the name of George YOAKUM. Also
other names of interest to VAN BEBBER/YOAKUM
researchers was: Andrew DONNALLY, William GRIFFETT,
Mickal SEE, George SEE, John SEE, and possibly others.
NOTE: The fact that George YOAKUM, I., son of
Valentine YOAKUM, is found in GREENBRIER County in
November 1782 excludes him from being in LINCOLN
County, Virginia (Kentucky) in the LINCOLN County
Militia under the command of Captain James RAY.
1783-1784; GREENBRIER County; "GREENBRIER County Land Holders", page 9.
George YOCUM, is listed with 800 acres as an assignee
of Adonijah MATHEWS.
Jun 14, 1783; GREENBRIER County, Virginia; GREENBRIER County Militia;
George Rogers CLARK Papers, Vol. VI., Virginia State Library,
Ref. T-GV1P239.
"I hereby certify that George YOAKUM and Peter
VANBEBBER served as scouts from the 2nd day of May to
8th. day of June, both days included, in this county,
and found their own rations. Given under my hand this
14 day of June 1783. (signed) Samuel McCLUNG,
GREENBRIER County, 17 July, 1783"
(NOTE: George YOAKUM, listed above, had two brothers-
in-law named Peter VAN BEBBER. One Peter VAN BEBBER
was the son of Isaac VAN BIBBER and Sarah DAVIS and was
the brother of Martha "Patty" VAN BIBBER. George
married Martha "Patty" VAN BIBBER ca 1777. The other
Peter VAN BEBBER was the Peter who married Sarah
YOAKUM, strongly believed to be the sister of George.
This Peter was born 1757 and was Peter VAN BEBBER, III,
the son of Peter VAN BIBBER, II, and Margery BOUNDS.
So the above named Peter could be either of these three
Peter's listed here. Dr. H.C. SMITH, in his book
HISTORY of the YOAKUM FAMILY, page 298, used this
reference.)
June, 1785; GREENBRIER County, VA; GREENBRIER County Court Minutes
for June 1785; page 33:
"Certified that Sarah VAN BEBBER, wife of William
GRIFFEY, was 2 years Widow of Isaac VAN BEBBER,
Deceased, and had 7 children."
and Later in the minutes of June 21, 1785 on page 375:
"Ordered to be certified to the Audotor that Sarah VAN
BEBBER, now Wife of William GRIFFY, made sufficient
proof to the court that she was two years the Widow of
Isaac VAN BEBBER and that she had seven children in her
widowhood."
Jun 29, 1785; GREENBRIER County, VA; GREENBRIER Baptist Church at Alderson, GREENBRIER Co. (now MONROE Co., VA), "William and Mary Quarterly", Vol VIII, Second Series, 1928, Pages 194 and following. "A book containing the marriages by John ALDERSON"
June the 29, 1785 - Peter VENBEBBER with Eleanor
VENBEBBER
(NOTE: This is Peter VAN BEBBER, Sr., the son of
Isaac VAN BIBBER, I, and Sarah DAVIS; and
also this is Eleanor VAN BIBBER, the daughter
Peter VAN BIBBER, II, and Margery BOUNDS.
Jul 22, 1785; ibid.
July the 22, 1785 - Peter VENBEBBER with Sarah
YOLKECOME.
(NOTE: This is Peter VAN BEBBER, III., the son of
Peter VAN BIBBER, II, and Margery BOUNDS; and
also this is Sarah YOAKUM, the daughter of
Valentine YOAKUM, and sister to George YOAKUM.)
Dec 20, 1785; GREENBRIER County, Virginia; GREENBRIER County
Court Minutes, page 36:
"Mrs. GRIFFY, late Widow of Isaac VAN BEBBER, Deceased,
certified as pensioner, which her children, etc."
and later in the minutes on page 459:
Tuesday, 20 December, 1785
"Ordered that Mrs. GRIFFY, late Widow of Isaac VAN
BEBBER, Deceased, be certified to the Auditor of Public
Accounts as a pensioner which her children, etc."
NOTE: This researcher has reference to Sarah VAN
BEBBER/GRIFFY later in the court records on Apr 30,
1788 & Jun 29, 1788 concerning her pension and the
fact that she raised her children on her own without
help and was in need of the pension allowance given
her. The pension petition of Sarah VAN BEBBER/GRIFFEY
can not be found in the National Archives. QUESTION:
Was her pension a state pension or county pension?
The possibility exists that Sarah and her new husband,
William GRIFFEY, later joined some of her children in
CLAIBORNE County, Tennessee.
Mar 22, 1786; GREENBRIER County, Virginia; GREENBRIER County Court
Minutes, page 463:
Wednesday, 22 March, 1786
Peter VAN BEBBER is appointed guardian of Mathew VAN
BEBBER, John VAN BEBBER, Nancy VAN BEBBER, James VAN
BEBBER, and Isaac VAN BEBBER whereupon the said Peter
with John STUART, his security, came into court and
took the oath required and entered into and
acknowledged their bond in the Penalty of 500 pounds
with conditions as the law directs.
NOTE: This researcher interprets the above document to
mean that older brother, Peter VAN BEBBER, who was
married to his first cousin, Eleanor VAN BEBBER, in
1785, was now being made guardian to his younger
siblings. Note also that his sister Martha VAN BEBBER
is not named because she is already married in 1786 to
George YOAKUM and had several children of her own by
this date. This researcher further believes that this
would name the seven children of Isaac VAN BEBBER and
Sarah DAVIS.
May 10, 1786; RUSSELL County, Virginia, Law Order Book One, Page 4: John VAN BEBBER is appointed Lieutenant of the RUSSELL County Militia.
NOTE: This is John VAN BEBBER, the younger brother of
Martha VAN BEBBER/YOAKUM. This is the first record of
this family in lower Southwest Virginia. They
evidently moved there while it was still WASHINGTON
County, to be there for the organization of RUSSELL
County.
Aug 19, 1786; GREENBRIER County, Virginia, Deed Book 1, pages 17-18.
Adonijah MATHEWS, a merchant, for 3345 Pounds:16:5,
owed Jeremiah PARKER, Richard PARKER, & Jeremiah
WARDER, of Philadelphia, PA, 480 Acres on Muddy Cr.
where George YOKUM lately lived.
1787-1788; Lower District of RUSSELL County, Early VA Tax List: John VAN BEBBER, Peter VAN BEBBER, and George YOAKUM each paid taxes for one white male over age 21.
Dec 31, 1787; RUSSELL County, Virginia; Calendar of Virginia State
Papers, Volume IV, January 1785 to July 1789, Pages 375-376. A letter
from Arthur CAMPBELL, Andrew COWAN, Samuel EDMISTON, Daniel BOONE and
Thomas CARTER address to Governor RANDOLPH. Letter is dated
Dec. 31, 1787.
"Sir: If is is found next Spring that a war with the
Indians is unavoidable, we are of the opinion that Two
Companies of Rangers, of 50 men each, will be necessary
to protect the frontiers of WASHINGTON, MONTGOMERY, and
RUSSELL. Those allotted to range, so as to be a
safeguard to the Inhabitants of MONTGOMERY, to be
stationed on the West side of the Greaty Kanhaway,
where the Greenbrier Road crosses to Kentuckuy, and on
Sandy River where the said road crosses that river.
Those for the defense of the other two counties might
be stationed: 1st. A detachment at Park's Springs, in
Powell's Valley; another at YOAKUM's Station, where the
waggon road crosses the Powell's river; a third in the
Rye-Cove, and the remainder in the neighborhood of
Castle-woods, the New-Garden or Richlands."
(NOTE: The above is important in the establishment of
an approximate date of YOAKUM Station in the RUSSELL/
LEE County area of Virginia.)
1788; RUSSELL County Property and Land Tax; William WEBB's
List; Poll Tax.
George YOKIM paid taxes in 1788 for 1 White Poll in the
UPPER District of RUSSELL County, Virginia.
Sep 18, 1788; RUSSELL County, Virginia, Law Order Book One, Page 123: John VAN BEBBER is paid 100 lbs. of tobacco for killing one old wolf. George YOAKUM is paid 400 lbs. of tobacco for killing four old wolves.
1789-1793; Lower District of RUSSELL County, Early VA Tax List; "List taken by Samuel RITCHIE, 1789". John VAN BEBBER, Peter VAN BEBBER, James VAN BEBBER and George YOAKUM paid taxes each for one white male over age 21.
1790; MADISON County, VA (now Kentucky); U.S. Census of 1790: There is a George YOCUM and family are living in MADISON County, VA (Kentucky) at this time.
February, 1790; RUSSELL County, VA, Law Order Book One,
Page 185:
John VAN BEBBER is shown to be Lieutenant of the RUSSELL County
Militia.
1792; RUSSELL County, Virginia Personal Property and Land Tax List, Lower District; Land Taxes, John CARTER, Commissioner.
George YOLKAM, assignee of T. CAMPBELL, 400 acres.
Aug 7, 1792; RUSSELL County, VA., Deed Book One, Page 232.
John VAN BEBBER witnessed a deed of 254 acres of John
CAMPBELL to Nathaniel HIX of RUSSELL County. Nathaniel
HIX was the step father-in-law of John VAN BEBBER,
having married Jean SCOTT/CRISMAN, the widow of Isaac
CRISMAN. John married Margaret CRISMAN, the oldest
daughter of Isaac CRISMAN and Jean SCOTT.
Aug 1792-Dec 1793; Powell Valley, RUSSELL County, VA;
Calendar of Virginia State Papers (preserved in Richmond, VA.)
In August, 1792, the Virginia Governor directed the
commanding officer of WASHINGTON County, VA to draft 25
men and send to Powell Valley for relief there.
Instead Col. Arthur CAMPBELL directed Liet. WILLOUGHBY
to enlist those "that lived in the valley" and they
never left their homes:
Nath'l HIX, Serg't. - Served 2 mos, 6 days.
Henry HOVER, Corp'l. - Served 2 mos, 17 days.
James VANBIBBER, Private - Served 3 mos, 5 days.
Vincent HOBBS, Private - Served 2 mos, 17 days.
George YOCKIM, Private - Served 2 mos, 22 days.
Nimrod CRISMAN, Private - Served 2 mos, 24 days.
John HOVER, Private - Served 2 mos, 0 days.
(NOTE: All the above people were involved in VAN
BEBBER/YOAKUM family history.)
Aug 28, 1792; RUSSELL County, Law Order Book 2, Page 23:
John VAN BIBER and James VAN BIBBER are ordered to be
treble taxed for failing to report their taxable
property.
Sep 25, 1792; RUSSELL County, Law Order Book 2, Page 25:
John VAN BIBBER witnessed a deed for Nathaniel HIX;
Nathaniel HIX was the step father-in-law of the wife
of John VAN BIBBER.
Oct 25, 1792; An Act for dividing RUSSELL County into RUSSELL and LEE Counties; Petition of RUSSELL County residents living in the Powell Valley area. This petition was made up probably sometime during the year 1792. The act passed Oct 25, 1792.
Among this long list of names were the following men:
Elisha WALLEN, Isaac CHRISMAN, Gabe CHRISMAN, Alexander
SCOTT, John HOOVER, George YOKUM, John VANBIBBER, James
VANBIBBER, John HOOVER, Jr., Henry HOOVER, Homer O.
CHRISMAN.
December 13, 1792; From a 1793 Pay Abstract for a Detachment of Militia from Washington County, December 13, 1792; the following men were taken from the list, among others; being ordered into service under the command of Captain Andrew LEWIS.
Mathew WILLOUGHBY, Lieutenant, enlisted Aug 15, 1792
Served 3 mos, 18 days; Total Pay: $93.60.
Nath. HIX, Serg't, enlisted Sep 8, 1792, Served 2 mos,
6 days; Total Pay: $15.40.
Henry HOOVER, Corp'l, enlisted Sep 8, 1792, Served 2
mos, 17 days; Total Pay: $15.40.
James VANBIBER, Private, enlisted Aug 27, 1792, Served
3 mos, 5 days; Total Pay: $17.41.
George YOKAM, Private, enlisted Sep 3, 1792, Served 2
mos, 22 days; Total Pay: $15.03.
Vincent HOBBS, Private, enlisted Sep 8, 1792, Served 2
mos, 17 days; Total Pay: $14.12.
Nimrod CHRISMAN, Private, enlisted Sep 8, 1792, Served
mos, 24 days; Total Pay: $15.40.
John HOOVER, Private, enlisted Sep 24, 1792, Served 1
mo, 0 days; Total pay: $5.50.
Stephen KEEWOOD, Private, enlisted Oct 1, 1792, Served
1 mo, 2 days; Total Pay: $5.87.
1793; RUSSELL County; Tax lists for the lower district of RUSSELL County, Virginia.
George YOKUM was on the tax list in the lower district
of RUSSELL County, Virginia in 1793.
July, 1793; RUSSELL County, Law Order Book 2, Pages 90-91.
In this list of names of persons being paid for killing
wolves, there appears the names: James VAN BIBBER,
Peter VAN BIBBER, and John VAN BIBBER. John VAN
BIBBER's name appears twice.
Nov 6, 1793; Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Volume VI, Pages 623,
646, and 684.
A Letter, dated Nov 6, 1793, from A. LEWIS (he was
Colonel Andrew LEWIS) to Lieutenant Matthew WILLOUGHBY,
Fort LEE:
In this letter there is a discussion of the pay and
duties of men that were assigned for the protection of
WASHINGTON County. Among the men named in this letter
as having served from their homes were: George YOAKUM,
James VAN BEBBER, Nimrod CHRISTIAN(sic), John HOOVER,
Rob't HOWARD.
In his return letter, dated Nov 23, 1793 (page 646)
Matthew WILLOUGHBY discusses his march to YOAKUM
Station and also discusses meeting at the home of
Henry HOOVER, who lived near YOAKUM Station. In this
letter he discusses his enlisting men of the area
for duty and among those named were: George YOCUM,
Robert HOWARD, James VAN BEBBER, Nimrod CHRISTMAN,
Nathanial HIX, and Henry HOOVER.
The above named mens rate of pay were discussed in a
letter written on Dec 13, 1793 (page 686).
Mar 3, 1794; LEE County, VA, Deed Book 1, Page 54.
Peter VAN BIBBER and Robert HOWARD witnessed the Last
Will and Testament of John HOOVER. Peter VAN BEBBER
testified as a witness when the will was probated,
also, on July 14, 1795.
April 1794; LEE County, VA; "HISTORY of SCOTT COUNTY", by Robert M. ADDINGTON, Regional Publishing Company (Baltimore), 1977, "The Indian Attack upon the Families of Peter and Henry LIVINGSTON", pages 115-123. Also: "HISTORY of SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, 1746-1786, WASHINGTON COUNTY, 1777-1780", by Lewis Preston SUMNERS, J.L. HILL Printing Company, 1903, Pages 433-443.
In an interesting account by eye witnesses taken upon
the attack of the family of Peter and Henry LIVINGSTON
by Cherokee Chief BENGE and others, the story is told
of how the LEE County Militia tracks down and kills
this marauding Indian leader near Big Stone Gap,
Virginia. Among those in the group that helped save
the lives of the some of the frontier women were:
George YOAKUM, John VAN BEBBER, Peter VAN BEBBER, James
VAN BEBBER. The group was led by Vincent HOBBS and
John VAN BEBBER. The highlight of the account gives
the details of Vincent HOBBS killing Chief BENGE with
the assistance of John VAN BEBBER.
Jan 8, 1795; KNOX County, Territory South of the Ohio;
"Knoxville Gazette"; Copy in Lawson-McGhee Library, Knoxville, TN.
Jan 8, 1795: William BLOUNT, Governor of the Territory Sourth of the
Ohio, issued a proclamation commanding the people of Powell Valley
to vacate their homesteads, which proclamation they are said to
have obeyed. (See Old Speedwell Families, by EDWARDS and DAVIS,
Southern Historical Press, 1980.
NOTE: This tells this researcher that at least by
1794 pioneer settlers had their eye on Powell Valley
in that part that became Tennessee and were trying to
settle on it and make their home there.
1795; LEE County, VA, Personal Property and Land Book:
Peter VAN BEBBER and James VAN BEBBER paid taxes for
one white male each, over age 16. George YOAKUM paid
taxes fo two white males over age 16. His oldest
child, Isaac, was 17 in 1795 and would account for the
second male in his household. It is noted here for the
record that John VAN BEBBER was not listed on this tax
list. It is possible that he was already in Tennessee
before this tax list was made.
July 14, 1795; LEE County, VA; Deed Book 1, Page 54.
Peter VAN BEBBER proves the last will and testament of
John HOOVER in open court in LEE County, VA.
June 13, 1796; LEE County, VA, Deed Book 1, Page 259-160.
George YOAKUM and Patty, his wife, of LEE County, VA
sell to Joseph SPENCER, of LEE County, vA, 300 acres of
land on the south side of Powell's River, for the sum
of 160 pounds.
(NOTE: This sale was most probably in preparation for
the move to GRAINGER County, TN.)
Sep 13, 1796; GRAINGER County, TN, Quarterly Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 12.
"Ordered that a Jury be appointed to View a road the
nearest and best wasy from TURNER's Ferry on Holston
river To Powder Spring Gap in Clinch Mountain and from
there to YOKHAM,s Station in Powell Valley To Witt:
Elijah CHISM, John BUNCH, William RUSSELL, John HORNER
Nicholas COONTZ & Thos. McBROOM."
(NOTE: From these last two entries, you can see that
YOAKUM Station was built sometime between these dates,
or probably was even built before the first date of
June 13, 1796. At any rate, it was an important
landmark in the year of Tennessee statehood. It is
also a well established fact that the YOAKUM family and
VAN BEBBER families traveled together.)
Feb 6, 1797; Knoxville, KNOX, Tennessee; Roulstone's Knoxville Gazette and Weekly Advertiser; "Letter written by Captain Richard SPARKS and Captain John WADE of the 3rd Regiment US ARMY to the citizens residing in Powell Valley on lands which the Indian Claim is not extinguished, Feb 2, 1797" In this letter the citizens of Powell Valley are asked to meet at YOCUM's Station on Feb 20, 1797 to discuss their circumstances of living on the Indian lands, and the fact that according to U.S. law they were compelled to leave this area until new treaties could be made with the Indians. In a series of letters written thru the Knoxville Gazette it seems this trouble concerning their removal went on thru October 2, 1798, when a new treaty with the Cherokee Nation was finally settled at Tellico Block-house. From reading the letters written back and forth from the Powell Valley citizens and Governor John Sevier, it seems they were compelled to move at least temporary, but if they did it can not be determined by the Court Minutes of GRAINGER County, Tennessee, which county they were living in at this time. QUESTION: What is the earliest date of these settlers into Powell Valley and how many families were forced to temporarily leave? For more information see Old Speeedwell Families, by EDWARDS and DAVIS.
March Term Court, 1797; GRAINGER County, TN, Quarterly Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 25.
"Ordered that John BUNCH, John HORNER, William RUSSELL,
Joseph RHEA, Elijah CHISUM, John VAN BIBBER, and George
YOKHAM, be Appointed to View a road the Nearest and
best way from TURNER's Ferry on Holston River, to
YOKHAM's Station in Powell Valey and make report."
Apr 12, 1797, GRAINGER County, TN; "COMMISSION BOOK of GOVERNOR
John SEVIER - 1796-1801", page 20.
Peter VEN BEBER(sic) is commissioned as Lieutenant
in the Regiment of GRAINGER County, during good
behavior.
NOTE: After reading these minutes it appears that the
Powell Valley citizens in and around YOAKUM's Station
did not leave during the Indian problems but did keep
a County Militia ready for whatever events may take
place. "during good behavior" would mean good behavior
of the Indians.
Jun 13, 1797, GRAINGER County, TN. Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 32.
"The order for Viewing the Road from TURNER,s ferry on
Hoston River To the Powder Spring Gap, from thence to
YOKHAM's Station in Powels Valley, Be Renewed and
Continued."
Oct 1'st Saturday, 1797; GRAINGER County, TN; DAVIS Creek Primitive
Baptist Church Minutes; First organizational meeting of this Church.
Peter VAN BEBBER, John VAN BEBBER, and George YOAKUM
are petitioners for the organization of the DAVIS Creek
Primitive Baptist Church. They, along with James VAN
BEBBER, sign as Charter members of the church on the
same day. (This Church is still is existence today and
just celebrated its bicentennial birthday, and this
researcher was fortunate to visit on that day.)
Nov 1, 1797; GRAINGER County, TN; "COMMISSION BOOK of GOVERNOR John
SEVIER - 1796-1801", Page 20.
John BENBEVER(sic) and twelve other men commissioned
Justices of the Peace in and for the County of
GRAINGER, during good behavior.
July 15, 1798; GREENBRIER County, VA.; The Narrative of Col. John
STEWART of GREENBRIER; taken from the "WILLIAM and MARY QUARTERLY"
Magazine, Vol. XXII, Page #229 (Received by Earl QUINTRELL from
Virginia State Library and Archives.
"Copied by the clerk, John S. CRAWFORD, from the
Records of GREENBRIER County at the request of Judge G.
A. VINCENT, Fairmont, West Virginia.
MEMORANDOM-- 1798, July 15th (By John Stuart).
. . . .
. . . The Indians breaking out again in 1763 came up
the Kanawha in a large body to the number of sixty and
coming to the house of Frederick SEA on Muddy Creek,
were kindly entertained by him and Felty YOLKCOM; not
suspecting their hostile design were suddenly killed &
their famileys, with many others made prisoners: then
proceeding over the mountain they came to Archibald
CLENDENENS, who like SEA & YOLKCOM, entertained them
untill they put him to death, his family with a number
of others living with him being all made prisoners or
killed, not any one escaping except Conrad YOLKCOM who
doubting the design of the Indians when they came to
CLENDENENS took his horse out under the pretense of
hobbleing him at some distance from the house--soon
after some guns were fired at the house and a loud cry
raised the people, whereupon YOLKCOM taking the alarm
mounted his horse and rode off as far as where the
Court House now stands, and there beginning to ruminate
whither he might not be mistaken in his apprehension,
concluded to return and know the truth but just as he
came to the corner of CLENDENENS fence some Indians
placed there, presented their guns and attempted to
shoot him, but their guns all missing fire (he thinks
at least ten) he immediately fled to Jackson's river
alarming the people as he went, but few were willing to
believe him, the Indians pursued after him and all that
fell in their way were slain untill they went on CARRs
Creek now in ROCKBRIDGE County, so much were people in
them days intimidated by an attack of the Indians that
they suffered to retreat with all their Booty, and more
prisoners than there was Indians in their party. . . .
(Other related reading of this subject may be found in:
1. "EARLY SETTLERS in GREENBRIER COUNTY, VIRGINIA",
Excerpts From the Jurnal of Dr. Thomas WALKER, which
appears in the "THE VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND
BIOGRAPAHY", Vol. XIX, year ending Dec 31, 1911.
2. "PIONEER DAYS of ALLEGHANY COUNTY by W. A.
McALLISTER, WARM SPRINGS, VIRGINIA", found in "THE
VIRGINIA MAGAZINE of HISTORY and BIOGRAPHY", pages
254 and subsequent, found at the Virginia State
Library and Archives.
3. THE ALLEGHENY FRONTIER - WEST VIRGINIA BEGINNING,
1730-1830", by Otis K. RICE, University Press of
Kentucky Press, Lexington: 1970, Pages 56-57.
4. "The MUDDY CREEK MASSACRE", as described by James
NUGEN, Redding CA, 96002; submitted into the
"VANDERPOOL NEWSLETTER, Vol. 10.1, by Myra D.
Vanderpool GORMLEY, 8402 57th Street West, Tacoma, WA
98467
Sep 11, 1798, LEE County, VA, Deed Book 1, Pages 159-160.
George YOAKUM, and Patsy, his wife, of HAWKINS County,
TN, sell to Enos SOUTHERLAND, of LEE County, VA, 52
acres of land in LEE County on the South side of
Powell's River for the sum of Forty Pounds. This deed
mentions a conditional corner made between "VAN BEBBER"
and Stephen JONES.
Sep 11, 1798, LEE County, VA, Deed Book 1, Page 179.
George YOCKUM, and Paty, his wife, of HAWKINS County,
TN, sell to Carr BAILEY, of LEE County, VA, 131 acres
of land on both sides of Powell River and containing
YOCUM's Old Station, for the sum of 100 pounds.
Sep 11, 1798, LEE County, VA, Deed Book 1, Page 173.
George YOCUM, and Patey, his wife, of HAWKINS County,
TN, sell to James HOOF of LEE County, VA, 100 acres of
land lying on the south side of Powell's River, for the
sum of 40 pounds. Witenessed by John HOOVER.
(NOTE: Was George YOAKUM and Martha "Patty", his wife,
waiting for a final end to the Indian problems before
selling all their LEE County lands?)
Feb 18, 1799, GRAINGER County Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 82
"John VAN BIBBER and Isaac LANE Two of the Justices
named in the Commission of the Peace for this County
Came in to Court and Qualified according to law."
1799, GRAINGER County Tax List; Early Tax Records.
John VAN BIBBER, Esquire, takes a list of Taxes and
taxable Property in the Bounds of Captain William
BOWMAN's Company. Among those on the list were: John
VANBEBBER, James VANBEBBER, Peter VANBEBBER, Robert
HOWARD and George YOAKUM. George YOAKUM paid taxes on
two white males over age 21. According to the
birthdate of Isaac YOAKUM, Feb 23, 1778, and who is the
oldest son; Isaac YOAKUM turned 21 years of age on Feb
23, 1799 and would be the second male in this tax list.
1799, GRAINGER County Petition
The following named were taken from a petition in
GRAINGER County of 1799: George YOAKUM, Isaac YEOKUM,
John YEOKUM, Valentine YEOKUM.
1799, GRAINGER County Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 98-99.
John VAN BIBBER is appointed to a road surveying party
to review a road down the lower end of Powell Valley to
lower end of GRAINGER County at Cross Mountain.
1800; Kentucky Census for 1800:
In the 1800 Census there is a George YOCUM and family
living in MONTGOMERY County. Six other YOCUM families
are listed in this county.
May 3, 1800, GRAINGER County, TN; DAVIS Creek Primitive Baptist
Church Minutes; Edited by Lawrence Edwards, 1968.
George YOAKUM and Samuel WEAVER asked to inquire of
Peter VANBEBBER concerning his non-attendance of
church.
May 21, 1800, GRAINGER County Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 145.
"Ordered that George YOCUM be Appointed overseer of the
road from the Haw Branch to the Glaces at John ARTHERS
---"
Jun 7, 1800, GRAINGER County, TN; DAVIS Creek Primitive Baptist
Church Minutes.
George YOAKUM reports to the Church that Peter
VANBEBBER does not attend because he does not like the
preaching. (NOTE: This is the last reference of
George YOAKUM in these church minutes and the last
reference I have found concerning George YOAKUM while
he was still living.)
1800, GRAINGER County Court Minutes, Book 1, page 135.
John VAN BIBBER, Esquire, is appointed Tax Assessor
from Captian SKIDMORE's Company to Captain HALAINs?
Company.
Post Oct 28, 1800; GRAINGER County, TN, Tombstone Inscription; Felix ROGERS' Cemetery, Speedwell, Powell Valley, TN.
In
memory of
Georg Yoakum
who departed
this life the 28th
of October 1800
agede 45 years
& 8 mo.
(NOTE: Using simple math above we find that George
YOAKUM would have been born in February, 1755. This
tombstone is the original tombstone for George YOAKUM.
The DAR has placed a new stone in front of this stone
which has incorrect birthdate and military information
concerning this George YOAKUM.)
1801, GRAINGER County, TN. Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 173.
John VAN BIBBER is appointed to take a list of Taxable
Property in the bounds of GRAINGER County for the year
1801 and make a return to the court to May Sessions,
1801. His list was to be in the bounds of Captain VAN
BIBBER's Company. (NOTE: John VAN BIBBER was Captain
VAN BIBBER.)
May 18, 1801, GRAINGER County Court Minutes, Book 1, Pages 174-175.
"At a Court Began & held in & for the Conty of Grainger
at the Court house in Rutledge on the third Monday of
May A.D. 1801 - it being the Eighteenth day of Said
Month--
Present James GRANT Noe JARNAGAN )
William HANKINS John VAN BIBBER ) Esquire-
.....
Ordered that Martha YOKUM & Isaac YOKUM have the
right of Administration on the Estate of George YOKUM
Deceased who-- Gave John VAN BIBBER & Robert HOWARD
their Securities in the Sum of Five thousand Dollars &
were qualifyed Accordingley let Letters of
Administration Issue ---
Isd. 20th June 1801- "
(NOTE: It is clear to this researcher that the Martha
YOKUM listed above is Martha "Patty" VAN BEBBER, the
daughter of Isaac VAN BEBBER and Sarah DAVIS, and the
widow of George YOAKUM, I., Deceased. Also, Isaac
YOAKUM is the oldest child of George YOAKUM, I, and
Martha "Patty" VAN BEBBER/YOAKUM.)
May 23, 1801, GRAINGER County Court Minutes, Book 1, page 192.
"Ordered that the following Person be appointed as
inspectors to the Ensuing Election at YOAKHAM's Sttion
in Powells Valley for Governor, Representative to
Congress, and Members to the General Assembly of the
State of Tennessee: Frances VICY, John VAN BEBBER, and
Spencer GRAYHAM.
Issued 4th June 1801."
(NOTE: In October, 1801, CLAIBORNE County was formed
from GRAINGER County and Powell Valley then fell in
this newly created County. John VAN BEBBER was
appointed a county commissioner in the new county.)
June 1802; CLAIBORNE County, TN., Court Minutes for June 1802,
Book 1, page 50.
"William GRIFFETH was appointed Constable, who gave for
his securities John VAN BEBBER & Robert HOWARD & was
sworn in Open Court to support the Constigution of hte
United States & of the State of Tennessee -& took the
oath of office in Open Court."
NOTE: This William GRIFFETH is found in several other
documents connected with the VAN BEBBER's. Is it
possible that this is the same William GRIFFEE/GRIFFITH
that married Sarah DAVIS/VAN BIBBER, the widow of Isaac
VAN BIBBER, I., who died at Point Pleasant on Oct 10,
1774?
1803, GRAINGER County Petition, "Early Tennessee Tax Lists", by
Mary Barnett CURTIS, pages 69-70.
The following named were taken from a petition in
GRAINGER County of 1799: George YOAKUM, Isaac YEOKUM,
John YEOKUM, Valentine YEOKUM. Also on this list were
John, James, and Peter VAN BEBBER, among other known
citizens of Powell Valley.
Jun 8, 1803, CLAIBORNE County, TN, Court Minutes, Book 1, Page 136.
"Isaac YOKUM
&
Marthy YOKUM
vs.
Arthur MARKUM
George HOVER
...... "
(NOTE: The outcome of this lawsuit is not made clear.
It is most likely in relation to the administration
of the estate of George YOAKUM, deceased.)
July, 1803, AUGUSTA County, VA.; Case in Court: Jane ROGERS
vs. ROGERS et als.; abstract found in Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish
Settlements, by Lyman CHALKLEY, Vol II, page 93.
Jane DAVIS vs. ROGERS et als.
Jane is daughter of Archibald CLENDENNIN who was killed
by Indians in GREENBRIER in 1763 with all his children
except oratrix. Before his death he purchased the
settlement of George SEE. Archibald's widow Ann
married John ROGERS. Jane is the widow of _____ DAVIS.
.... John ROGERS says he married Widow of Archibald
CLENDENNIN in 1767. Davis and Jand married in
1774...... CLENDENNIN was killed on 15th of July,
1763. John EWING of Gallia County, Ohio, deposes:
Jane... was born January or February, 1758.
On 15th July, 1763, Jane and deponent (John EWING) were
taken prisoner by Indians and carried away. They were
kept in the same nation, but not together, except on
their journey to Pittsburg, where they were liberated
14th May, 1765. John Ewing was 16 years old when he
was taken prisoner.
Aug 10, 1805; CLAIBORNE County, Deed Book A, Page 211.
George YOAKUM, II., witnesses a deed of Thomas ADKINS
selling 100 acres to James GRIFFIN for $265.00. The
land was situated on Powell Valley. This is the first
record of George YOAKUM, II., in CLAIBORNE County in
my records. He will be seen many times after this
entry.
Apr 18, 1806; CLAIBORNE County, Deed Book A, page 410, registered
July 7, 1807.
Robert TIVIS of Madison County, KY, agent for Col Thos.
HART, deeds to John VAN BEBBER and Peter VAN BEBBER, of
CLAIBORNE County, TN, 3250 acres of land for the sum of
$3250.00. The land lay in the lower part of lot B of
HENDERSON and Companys Powells Valley Survey. Although
the deed was made out to John VAN BEBBER and his
brother, Peter VAN BEBBER, it is very evident that the
whole of the land was actually owned by John VAN
BEBBER, as proven in deeds made out later by John VAN
BEBBER.
May 3, 1807; CLAIBORNE County; Deed Book A, page 411, registered
July 8, 1807.
John VAN BEBBER sells to Peter VAN BEBBER, his brother,
215 acres of land in lot B of HENDERSON's Survey, for
the sum of $600.00. It was noted that Peter VAN
BEBBER's name was originally on the deed to John VAN
BEBBER as co-owner of this land, but this deed makes it
clear that the original deed purchased for the land was
actually owned by John VAN BEBBER only.
Aug 1, 1807; CLAIBORNE County; Deed Book A, page 74, registered
Sep 22, 1807.
John VAN BEBBER of CLAIBORNE County sells 160 acres to
George YOAKUM, II., of CLAIBORNE County for the sum of
$525.00. The land lay in lot B of HENDERSON's survey.
Aug 20, 1807; CLAIBORNE County; Deed Book A, page 195, registered
Sep 22, 1807.
John VAN BEBBER of CLAIBORNE County sells 212 acres of
land to Isaac YOAKUM, of CLAIBORNE County for the sum
of $525.00. The land lay in lot B of HENDERSON's
survey.
Sep 18, 1807; CLAIBORNE County, TN; Deed Book B, page 55-56,
registered Nov 7, 1808.
John VAN BEBBER of CLAIBORNE County, TN sells 417 acres
to Moses DAVIS of CLAIBORNE County, TN for the sum of
$500.00. The land lay in lot B of HENDERSON's survey.
The deed was witnessed by William GRIFFITH and George
YOAKUM.
Feb 23, 1808; CLAIBORNE County, Tn; Court Minutes:
John YOAKUM is found delinquent in paying his tax
for a stray beast @ $6.00.
Oct 25, 1808; GREENBRIER County, VA; Deed Book 4; page 41,
A Power of Attorney from George YOAKUM of CLAIBORNE County, TN to
James JARRETT of GREENBRIER Countym, VA. The record makes note of
another Power of Attorney made by Martha YOAKUM to George YOAKUM in
CLAIBORNE County, TN on Oct 15, 1808.
"Know all men by these present that I George OAKUM of
CLAIBORNE county, State of TEnnessee have made ordained
constituted and appointed and by these present do make
ordain constitute and appoint James Jarrett of
GREENBRIER County and jState of Virginia, my true and
lawful attorney for me and in my name but to my use, to
ask demand sue for and recover teh third of a certain
tract of land lying and being in the County of
GREENBRIER, State of Virginia, on the waters of Muddy
Creek adjoining the lands of James JARRETT and others
known by the name of YOAKUM Tract supposed to contain
five hundred acres, to recover and receive from certain
persons who will be appointed by the Court of
GREENBRIER County to divide the above named tract I
also authorize the said James JARRETT, by a Power of
Attorney received by me from Martha YOAKUM who is
entitled to her dower in said tract bearing date 15th.
October 1808 to recover the above named property from
said Commissioners as fully and effectively, to all
intents and purposes if I were personally present
herein testifying whatsoever my said attorney shall
lawfully do or cause to be done in or abouve the
premises. In witness whereof I have set my hand and
afixed my seal.
(signed) George YOAKUM
F.B.(?) HUNTER
James CLAYPOOL
At a court held for GREENBRIER County the 25th. day of
October 1808 this Power of Attorney was presented in
Court and acknowledged by George YOAKUM a party to and
ordered to be recorded.
Oct 11, 1810; CLAIBORNE County; Deed Book D, page 64/65
Peter YOAKUM is the witness to the sale of a slave
by Agnes BRADFOR to Thomas McLAIN.
Feb 21, 1812; CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes, Page 3:
Jesse YOAKUM is on the Tax list with 1 poll and 100
acres - @ $1.00.
This Jesse YOAKUM can be seen from this date thru the
1830 CLAIBORNE County Census, where he was enumerated
with his family.
May 1812; CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes, page 31
George YOAKUM and Peter YOAKUM are securities for the
court case of John McIVER vs William MADDY.
Post 1812; CLAIBORNE County; DAVIS Creek Baptist Church Minutes,
Membership Enumeration taken 1812 and after.
On this membership appears the name Valentine YOAKUM,
of whom the Henderson King YOAKUM Bible refers to as
Felty YOAKUM. Research has shown that Valentine
married Charlotte/Lottie REYNOLDS. In this same
membership record is shown the name Lotty YOAKUM in one
column and later on she is referred to as Charlotte
YOAKUM.
Feb 1814, CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes.
Isaac YOAKUM and Valentine YOAKUM serve as jurors.
Feb 7, 1815; CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes; Page 14
Peter YOAKUM is shown on the delinquent tax list
for 1 poll @ $.50.
May 1815, CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes.
Moses DAVIS, George YOAKUM, Valentine YOAKUM, and
Daniel SOWDER, Plaintiffs, vs. William NORVELL,
Defendant.
Jesse YOAKUM was among those appointed to serve in the
jury for the next term of court.
Feb 7, 1816; CLAIBORNE County Deed Book D, page 405.
George YOAKUM, II, and Gwin NEAL, both of CLAIBORNE
County, TN. purchased 500 acres from Walter EVANS for
$112.50. The land appears to be situated near
Tazewell, CLAIBORNE County, TN., where the county seat
lies. It is evident from later county records that
George YOAKUM sold his property in Powell Valley and
moved to Tazewell, TN. On the 13th of Feb, 1816 George
YOAKUM purchased the undivided half of 900 acres from
Walter EVANS. Later he is seen purchasing Town Lots in
the city of Tazewell, where he worked.
Aug 13, 1817; CLAIBORNE County, TN. Claiborne County Court
Minutes; August 13, 1817, page 387.
Robert YOAKUM was appointed Constable in the Bounds of
William DOBBS Company.
Robert YOAKUM may be seen in the records of CLAIBORNE
County, TN from this date forward until his death in
1824.
1818; Census of BOND County and MADISON County, Illinois, 1818;
"Illinois Historical Collections", page 59 & 128.
Page 59:
174 - McWILLIAMS, Alexander
1 white male over 21
3 other white inhabitants.
175 - YOKEM, James
2 white males over 21
5 other white inhabitants.
176 - YOKEM, Martha
1 white male over 21
6 other white inhabitants.
177 - YOKEM, John
1 white male
8 other white inhabitants.
(NOTE: The area they lived in at this time is probably
that part of BOND County that later became MONTGOMERY
County, Illinois.)
Page 128; MADISON County, Illinois
430 - YOAKUM, Peter
1 white male
3 other white inhabitants
Aug 14, 1820; CLAIBORNE County, TN, Court Minutes, August
Term, 1820, page 112.
George YOAKUM, II. was named as a Justice of the Peace
in CLAIBORNE County by the Governor.
Oct 15, 1821; MONTGOMERY County, IL, Court Minutes, Oct 15, 1821. John YOAKUM appears as a juror. He is found many times hereafter in the MONTGOMERY Court, Illinois Court records.
May 1823, CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes.
George VAN BEBBER, Jesse YOAKUM, Valentine YOAKUM, and
Isaac OWENS are appointed to view the layout of a road
and report back to court.
May 14, 1823, CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes, page 242.
George YOAKUM witness the Sale of a Slave.
This is the last entry in CLAIBORNE County in my
records for George YOAKUM, II.
Aug 1823, CLAIBORNE County Court Minutes.
George VAN BEBBER, Jesse YOAKUM, Valentine YOAKUM, and
Isaac OWENS give their report to the court concerning
their layout of a road in Powell Valley.
Apr 22, 1828; Philadelphia, MONROE Co., TN; Taken from the Cadet
Application Papers of Henderson King YOAKUM in the National Archives.
Henderson was the son of George YOAKUM, II., and Mary Ann MADDY.
1828, 22 April - Letter from George YOAKUM, Philadelphia,
Tennessee, to The Honorable Secretary of War.
Sir: My son Henderson K. YOAKUM, having obtained
from the President of the United States, through your
department, a Conditional Dadet Warrent dated the 24th.
ult. appointing him a Cadet in the service of The
United States, this is to notify your department that I
yield my most cordual assent to his signing the usual
articles by which he will bind himself to serve the
United States five years unless sooner discharged.
With high respect, I am, Sir, Yr. Most Obt. Serv't
(S) George YOAKUM
Sep 4, 1828; ROANE County Deed Book B, Page 38; January 1829
Last Will and Testament of Valentine YOAKUM.
The Last Will and Testament of Valentine YOAKUM was written
and signed by Valentine in ROANE County on Sep 4, 1828. He names
his wife in the will as Charlotte YOAKUM. The Will was recorded
in ROANE County Will Book B in January 1829, which means that
Valentine died between September 1828 and January 1829. The will
was signed by Robert CANNON and William REYNOLDS. The will does
not name his many children but only his wife, Charlotte YOAKUM.
1830 U.S. Census; CLAIBORNE County, Tennessee
Page 138
Jesse YOAKUM (living in the Speedwell area)
1 Male 5-10; 1 Male 10-15; 3 Males 15-20; 1 Male 40-50
1 Female 10-15; 1 Female 20-30; 1 Female 50-60
Page 141
Isaac YOAKUM (living in the area of VanBebber Springs)
2 Males 10-15; 1 Male 15-20; 1 Male 20-30; 1 male 50-60
1 Female 50-60
1830 U.S. Census; ROANE County, Tennessee
Page 24
Sharlotte YOAKUM
1 Male under 5; 2 Males 5-10; 1 Male 10-15; 2 Males 15-
20; 1 Male 20-30
1 Female 5-10; 2 Females 10-15; 1 Female 15-20; 1
Female 40-50.
Page 26
Peter YOAKUM
2 Males 5-10; 1 Male 10-15; 2 Males 15-20; 1 Male 40-50
2 Females under 5; 1 Female 5-10; 1 Female 30-40
1830 U.S. Census; MONROE County, Tennessee
Page 101
George YOAKUM
1 male 5-10; 1 male 10-15; 1 Male 15-10; 1 Male 50-60
3 Females under 5; 1 Female 10-15; 1 Female 15-20;
1 Female 30-40
Sep 12, 1831; MONTGOMERY County, Ill; Federal Land Sales in Illinois,
Record ID #188393:
John YOCUM, of MONTGOMERY County, purchased 80 acres of
land, a Federal Sale, @ $1.25/acre.
Aug 26, 1834, CLAIBORNE County, TN., Deed Book K, Pages 458-459.
"This indenture made the 26th day of August in the year
of our of our Lord Eighten hundred and thirtyfour
between, Isaac YOAKUM and his wife Mary YOAKUM, and
Thomas DAVIS, heirs of Aaron DAVIS DEceased of the one
part and Harmon DAVIS one of the heirs of the said
Deceased of the other part all of the county of
Claiborne and state of Tennessee, Witneseth that the
said Isaac YOAKUM and his wife Mary YOAKUM and Thomas
DAVIS for and in consideration of sixty dolllars to
them paid the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged
hath and by these presents doth grant bargain sell
convey & confirm unto the heirs of the said Harmon
DAVIS and his heirs and assigns forever a Certain tract
of land situate on Lot D of Henderson & Co's grant in
Powels Vally being part of the tract which Aaron DAVIS
Deceased lived and died on . . . . "
Apr 9, 1836; MONTGOMERY County, Ill.; Federal Land Sales of
MONTGOMERY County, Ill.; Record ID # 184067:
John YOAKUM, of MONTGOMERY County, purchased 30 acres
of land in MONTGOMERY County.
post Dec 2, 1840; Salisbury Township; SANGAMON County, Illinois; BATTERTON Cemetery, Tombstone Inscription of David BATTERTON.
David BATTERTON, son of Amor BATTERTON of Salisbury
township is believed to have married Nancy YOAKUM, the
daughter of George YOAKUM, I, and Martha VAN BEBBER.
David BATTERTON
Nov 5, 1796
Dec 24, 1840
Also buried here are Priscilla BATTERTON/YOAKUM, wife
of William YOAKUM; and at least two children of David
BATTERTON and Nancy YOAKUM. This William YOAKUM was
the son of James YOAKUM, and grandson of George and
Martha YOAKUM.
Circa 1843; Jeffersonville, MONTGOMERY County, Kentucky;
Lyman DRAPER Papers,"George YOKUM interview", found on the
internet at http://www.swcp.com/~dhickman/articles/
yokum.html:
In this interview George YOKUM gives his date of birth
as Dec 3, 1763 and his father as Jacob YOCUM and his
grandfather as Matthias YOCUM. He gives lots of good
information on the YOCUM family and their experiences
in Kentucky. He further gives his military experiences
after arriving in Kentucky and the information he gives
excludes him from being the George YOCUM that fought
with Captain James RAY in 1782. A pension application
can be found on this George YOCUM and further infor-
mation can be found in the depositions of this appli-
cation. He was denied a pension because he did not
serve long enough.
post Apr 9, 1848; MONTGOMERY Co., Illinois; Notes of Randy BLACK on John YOAKUM. Randy BLACK is a descendant of John YOAKUM. John YOAKUM died intestate on April 9, 1848 in MONTGOMERY Co., Illinois. NOTE: This researcher believes this John YOAKUM was the son of George YOAKUM, I., and Martha VAN BIBBER.
Aug 4, 1848; MONTGOMERY Co., IL; Probate Court Journal,
book F, Page 62; Administration of property of John YOAKUM, deceased,
Aug 4, 1848.
"The sale of Property and personalty as held 4 August,
1848. John KILLPATRICK asked for administration of the
estate and the widow and son relinquished their rights
of administration. Joshua PRESTON was security."
March 1, 1850; CLAIBORNE County, TN; Pension Application of Parkey BERRY/YOAKUM/DAVIS in applying for pension on the service record of her deceased husband, Thomas DAVIS.
post Sep 21, 1850; RAY County, MO; YOAKUM Cemetery, Taitsville, RAY County, Mo., Tombstone Inscription of Anna BERRY/YOAKUM, wife of Jesse YOAKUM:
Anna BERRY YOAKUM Died 21 September 1850 aged 71 years, 8 months, and 3 days
NOTE: Using arithmatic, I see Anna to be born January
18, 1779. She was several years older than her
husband, Jesse YOAKUM. She was the daughter of
Thomas BERRY and a sister of Parkey BERRY that
married Robert YOAKUM, the brother of Jesse.
Oct 16, 1853, "DRAPER MANUSCRIPTS 23C108", Wisconsin Historical
Society; Madison, Wisconsin, "Letter from Isaac VAN BIBBER, III,
of Danville, MO. to Lyman C. DRAPER. The letter was dated Oct 16, 1853.
Danville, Mo. Oct 16, 1853
Mr. Draper, Dear Sir
Yesterday received your note of the ______
in which you requested me to give you some of the
memories of my parents and grand parents, which I will
do. So far as my memory serves me at present my
grandfather VAN BIBBER was born in Maryland twelve
miles from Baltimore and before he married, him and his
two brothers emigrated to GREENBRIER County, Virginia.
Their names as follows: my grandfather Isaac -
Mathias, and James.
(NOTE: Isaac had sons named Mathias and James but
did not have brothers with these names. His brothers
were named Peter, II., and John. They were children of
Peter VAN BEBBER, I., and his wife Anna Henrietta ___.)
Shortly after they went to Virginia, Isaac went
south into North Carolina and there married a planter's
daughter by the name of DAVIS. I have heard my father
speak of hard feelings that arose between DAVIS and his
son-in-law about matters of religion. DAVIS and his
family belonged to the high church of England and VAN
BIBBER called himself a convert from that Church which
DAVIS knew nothing about at the time. My grndfather
and grandmother were married which caused a great deal
of dis-satisfaction and ill feelings between DAVIS and
his son-in-law, which lasted during the life-time of my
grandfather; My grandfather being an old side Baptist
preacher. After his death, his fatehr-in-law came over
and had his grandchildren Christened high Church men,
with the exception of the three oldest Nancy, Patty,
and Peter, who obstinately refused to belong to the
high Church of England.
John, James, and Isaac (my father) were
Christened- my grandmother still belonging to that
Church now. My father always gave his birth as Oct.
12th 1771 and was born in gREENBRIER County. He died
Sept 30th 1840 at his son-in-law's, G. W. BURT,
CALLOWAY County, MO. His father was killed by Indians
on big Canhawa, in 1772. In 1842, there was an old man
who stayed at my house by the name of GLAZE, moving
with his son-in-law from Powell Valley, Tennessee, and
he had in his possessions an old family Bible that he
stated to me that he bought at HOWARD's Sale - my
father's brother-in-law's Sale, it having been my
grandfather's Bible. In it I saw the record of my
grandfahter's marriage and the births of his chidlren,
in his own handwriting, I suppose. I then copied the
dates. Isaac, (my grandfather), was born (1768?). My
grandmother, after the death of my grandfather, married
a man by the name of GRIFFEN, and my fahter, being the
youngest, went to live with his Uncle James DAVIS, a
wealthy tobacco planter in North Carolina. He remained
there until he was grown. He then returned to see his
relations, and fell in with Colonel Andrew LEWIS and
three of Andrew LEWIS sons, Louis WETSEL, who were
bound for Big Kanawha, the frontier of Virginia, in
defence of their Colonel, being the brother of Capt.
Charles LEWIS, who was mortally wounded in the same
engagement that my grandfather fell and died in thirty
hours after he was carried from the Battleground.
. . . . . etc. etc ...
NOTE that the above named six of seven known children
did not name a child Margaret VAN BIBBER.
ca mid 1800's; Bible Record of Franklin YOAKUM, son of George YOAKUM, II. and Mary Ann MADDY. Grandson of George YOAKUM, I., and Martha VAN BEBBER.; "TENNESSEE BIBLE RECORDS and MARRIAGE RECORDS", published in 1980 by Jeanette Tolloston ACKLEN, pages 152-154.
"The given names of the YOAKUM's in the City of New
York are not known, but Valentine, a son of one of
them, moved to South Potomac on Potomac on Peach Creek.
After he married, Valentine YAKUM (1721), youngest of
seven sons, moved to Muddy Creek, Greenbrier County,
Virginia, and settled YOAKUM Station (1771). He was
there tomahawked by the Shawnee Indians. With him were
his wife and children - all killed but young George,
who was swift of foot and of great strength, killing
three Indians with a frying pan handle, which he jerked
from one as he passed through. He was afterwards in
Battle of Point Pleasant. At 25 years of age he
married the daughter of Isaac VAN BIBBER, who fell in
that battle. George YOAKUM, I., continued to live at
Muddy Creek, Virginia, until he became father of three
sons, the youngest of whom was George II, when they
moved to Powells Valley.
(This was written by Franklin YOAKUM (born 1819), son
of George YOAKUM and Mary Ann MADDY, and given to him
to him by his father, George YOAKUM I - now the
property of Chas. H. YOAKUM of Los Angeles,
California.)"
ca mid to late 1800's; Bible Record of Henderson King YOAKUM, son of George YOAKUM, II., and Mary Ann MADDY. Grandson of George YOAKUM, I., and Martha VAN BEBBER; "TENNESSEE BIBLE RECORDS and MARRIAGE RECORDS", published 1980 by Jeanette Tolloston ACKLEN, pages 153-154.
"George YOAKUM, II, born July 30, 1783, in County of
Greenbrier, Virginia, died March 31, 1841, at
Madisonville, Tennessee; married Mary Ann MADDY, May
27, 1809, at YOAKUM's Station, CLAIBORNE County,
Tennessee; she was born November 25, 1792, died April
27, 1848. My Grandfather, George YOAKUM I, with the
VAN BEBBER's, his brothers-in-law, established that
station about 1790. George YOAKUM I, was killed in a
bear hunt in the Cumberland Mountains. He was buried
near the station.
My father and Mother (George YOAKUM II and Mary Ann
MADDY) are buried in Madisonville, Tennessee, MONROE
County, in Church yard of Methodist Church.
Martha Aurelia YOAKUM born October 9, 1827, in
Madisonville, Tenn.; married James Askew WRIGHT, May
25, 1848. Martha died Aug 19, 1852, in Sweetwater,
Tenn., and is buried beside her parents, George II. and
Mary Ann YOAKUM.
George YOAKUM of YOAKUM's Station in Powells Valley,
Tenn., built a fort fourteen miles of Cumberland Gap
and named it YOAKUM's Fort. He married Margaret VAN
BIBBER and had seven children.
Isaac YOAKUM; married ____________ DAVIS.
Peter YOAKUM; married Sally STINNIT, of Powells Valley
Feltz (Felty) YOAKUM; married Sally REYNOLDS, of West
Illinois.
Robert YOAKUM; married _____________ BERRY, of
Tennessee.
Margaret YOAKUM (called Peggy); married ____________
CONDRA, of Powell's Valley.
Nancy YOAKUM; married ____________.
George II, born July 30, 1783; married Mary Ann MADDY
in 1807. . . ."
(NOTE: The Remainder of the Bible record goes on to
give good chronological date information on the
children of George YOAKUM II and Mary Ann MADDY. It is
evident by dates given in the Bible entries that
someone other than Henderson YOAKUM, who died in 1856
in Texas, wrote some of the information given in this
record.
May 4, 1854; RAY County, MO; Deed Book K; Pages 147-148 and 444-445.
Two deeds, the first dated May 4, 1854 and the second dated
Nov 24, 1855.
These two deeds name the heirs at law of Jesse YOAKUM,
deceased. Jesse was the son of George YOAKUM, I., and
Martha VAN BEBBER. He married Anna BERRY. The deeds
identify the following children of Jesse and Anna
YOAKUM: Alvis YOAKUM, Isaac YOAKUM, William YOAKUM,
Catharine YOAKUM, and Jesse T. YOAKUM.
post July 21, 1857; CLAIBORNE County, TN.; YOAKUM Cemetery,
Speedwell, CLAIBORNE County, TN.
Tombstone for Isaac YOAKUM reads:
In memory of Isaac YOAKUM.
Was born February 25, 1778
Died July 21, 1857
aged 79 years, 5 months, and 1 day.
post August 27, 1857; SANGAMON County, Ill.; Salisbury Cemetery, Salisbury Township, SANGAMON County, Ill., Tombstone Inscription of Mathias YOAKUM:
Mathias YOAKUM
Born 1800
Died 1857
(NOTE: from the referenced "Histyory of Early Settlers
of SANGAMON County, Illinois", we read:
"Matthias YOAKUM, brother of William and James YOAKUM,
was born either in Virginia or CLAIBORNE County,
Tennessee." . . ."Matthias YOAKUM died August 27,
1857..."
Aug 20, 1873; MONTGOMERY Co., IL; "Hillsboro Democrat,"
Aug 20, 1873, by A.H.H. ROUNTREE.
"John YOAKUM raised a large family, he was a
wheelwright, millwright, carpenter, cooper, loom maker,
and everything else of a kindred nature. Besides
having made and used what was an early necessity, a
kind of handmade mill for grinding corn and other
grains. It is also understood that Mr. YOAKUM also ran
a forge and worked some in iron, perhaps in guns also.
He was likewise a carpenter and skilled in a kind of
business long played out, htat of carrying up a corner
of log building. He was also a great and successful
hunter and a jolly good fellow around camp fires, full
of yarns of which he ws very fond, and with all was a
good story teller after the old patriarchal style. It
was not known if he ever held an office."
post 1870; MONTGOMERY County, IL.; "Woman's Story of Pioneer Illinois",
by Mrs. John TILSON (no date listed in my source to show publication date.)
John YOAKUM came from "YOAKUM's Station, LEE County,
VA., to YOAKUM's Station, CLAIBORNE County, TN, then to
Hillsboro, MONTGOMERY Co., Ill. in 1817 or 1818"
"On your father's (John TILSON) quartersection, a
squatter had made whas was then termed an
'improvement', said improvement consisting of a few
acres enclosed by a rail fence, with a cabin and a
smokehouse in the center. The squatter made his
appearance, expected to be paid well for all his
improvements . . . The lord of the soil was no less a
man that Commodore YOAKUM, the best hunter, the life of
corn-shuckings, the best 'corner man' at a log cabin
raising . . .
"At his meeting - hard shell Baptists, no one could
raise their voice louder in the hymnes, 'Old Grimes'
being his favorite tune. Being so clever and handy
while he always maintained an air of command, the boys
had honored him with the title of Commodore, which
seemed to amuse and please him exceedingly. The
commodore was a large black-eyed TENNESSEEAN. He had
had a grand or greatgrandfather who had been a large
landowner and slaveholder, and that circumstance, with
the fact that the tract where his ancestors resided had
been distinguished and still bore the name of YOAKUM
Station, combining with his large development of
esteem, rendered our Commodore, in his own estimation,
second to no man."
NOTE: Considering the statement that John YOAKUM's
grandfather or great grandfather was a large landowner
and slaveholder and resided at YOAKUM Station shows
that the information here is second hand information.
John YOAKUM is too old to be a grandson of George
YOAKUM, I., and Martha VAN BEBBER. Considering this is
probably a family tradition handed down and told in
this story, I still feel he was the son of George
YOAKUM, I.
1876; SANGAMON County; "History of the Early Settlers of SANGAMON County, Illinois", by John Carroll POWER, Springfield, Illinois, Edwin A. WILSON & CO., 1876:
"William YOAKUM was born in 1791 in Virginia, and
when he was an infant his parents moved to CLAIBORNE
County, Tennessee, where his father died. His mother
moved her family, about 1810, to MADISON County, near
Edwardsville, Illinois. They moved next to MONTGOMERY
County, and then to SANGAMON County, arriving June 10,
1819, at the north side of Richland Creek, in what is
now Salisbury Township. William YOAKUM was married in
1821 to Sarah SIMMONS. They had eight children . . . .
Mrs. Sarah YOAKUM died in 1863, and William YOAKUM was
married January, 1868, to Mrs. Letitia HENDERSON, whose
maiden name was RICE, and lives near Salisbury,
Illinois. The mother of William, James and Matthias
YOAKUM died in Salisbury Township.
Matthias YOAKUM, brother to William and James
YOAKUM, was born either in Virginia or CLAIBORNE
County, Tennessee, came to SANGAMON County, Illinois in
1819. He married Elizabeth McHENRY, and had eight
children . . . Matthias YOAKUM died August 27, 1857,
and his widow lives in MENARD County, Illinois . .
1874.
James YOAKUM, brother to William and Matthias, was
born in Virginia or CLAIBORNE County, Tennessee, and
came with his mother to SANGAMON County. He married
Julia OWENS, land had eleven children in MENARD County,
Illinois. . . . James YOAKUM died in MENARD County,
Illinois."
March 23, 1878; CLAIBORNE County, TN.; Pension application
deposition of Parkey BERRY/YOAKUM/DAVIS for penion money due
her for the service of her deceased husband, Thomas DAVIS.
National Archives, Washington, D.C.
In Parkey's deposition she testifies that she was first
married to Robert YOAKUM on Jan 1, 1820 and that he died on
Jan 29, 1824 and then she married Thomas DAVIS on Jun 28, 1827
in CLAIBORNE County and that Thomas DAVIS died on Jun 29, 1849
at their home in Pleasant, CLAIBORNE County, TN., and that she
had not since remarried.
NOTE: Thomas DAVIS was the son of Aaron and Rachel
DAVIS and his sister, Mary DAVIS, was the wife of Isaac
YOAKUM, the oldest child of George YOAKUM and Martha
VAN BEBBER. Thomas DAVIS was a veteran of the War of
1812.
post 1880; Salisbury Cemetery, Salisbury Township, SANGAMON County, Illinois; tombstone inscription of William YOAKUM, son of George YOAKUM, I., and Martha VAN BEBBER.
William YOAKUM
1789
Apr 17, 1880
ca 1904; SANGAMON County, Illinois; In further documentation I received two biographies from Mrs. Ruby VENGLARCIK, taken from the Fort Wayne, Indiana library. From the book: "Past and Present of SANGAMON County", the biobraphical sketches of two grandchildren of George and Martha can be found. These biographies read in part:
Page 257 and 258:
George H. YOAKUM-- George H. YOAKUM... was born in
this county, June 27, 1829, a son of William and Sarah
(SIMMONS) YOAKUM. The father was born in GREENBRIER
County, Virginia, in 1789, and was a son of George
YOAKUM. The latter removed with his family to Tennessee
when William was a child and in that state resided
until his death. His wife survived him and reared her
family, caring for them as best she could and making
for them the sacrifices that only a mother can. In
1810 she removed to Illinois, locating in MADISON
County. Subsequently, however, she removed to
MONTGOMERY County and in 1819 she came to what is now
Salisbury township, SANGAMON County...... William
YOAKUM accompanied his mother on her various removals
and with her came to SANGAMON County. Here he was
married in 1821 to Sarah SIMMONS, who was born and
reared in Kentucky..... He passed away in 1880 at the
advanced age of ninety-one years and his wife died on
the 5th of December, 1865....
Pages 493 and 494 show the following sketch on Thomas C. YOAKUM:
Thomas C. YOAKUM-- . . . Mr. YOAKUM of this
review, was born in MENARD County, Illinois, August 14,
1840, and now lives in Salisbury township, SANGAMON
County, his home being on section 29... he is a son of
Mathias YOAKUM, a native of Tennessee, born in 1798.
The grandfather, George YOAKUM, removed with his family
from Virginia to Tennessee, where he spent his
remaining days. His widow afterward came to Illinois
with her family, arriving in this state in 1810. She
settled in SANGAMON County, but afterward established
her home in MENARD County. Mathias YOAKUM was reared
to manhood in MENARD County, and after attaining his
majority he wedded Miss Elizabeth McHENRY, a native of
Virginia, who came to Illinois with her parents, who
first located in the southern part of this state but
subsequently settled in MENARD County. At the time of
his marriage Mr. YOAKUM took his bride to a farm in
that county and continued its cultivation until his
death in 1855...
(NOTE: SANGAMON County was not formed until 1821 from
MADISON and BOND Counties.)
1907; CLAIBORNE County, TN; Letter written by George M. YOAKUM,
son of Aaron YOAKUM, to his brothr Robert YOAKUM.;
"A HISTORY of the YOAKUM FAMILY", by Dr. H.C. SMITH, page 299:
"I am the son of Aaron YOAKUM and the grandson of
Isaac YOAKUM. I am now 60 years of age. I do not
remember the name of my great grandfather. The names
of my grandfather and his brothers were:
Isaac,
George,
Jesse,
Robert, and
Felt.
George left Powells Valley and went to Tazewell. Jesse
sold out and went to missouri. Felt to some point in
Middle Tennessee and I do not know what afterward
became of him. The YOAKUM's here are descendants of
Robert and Isaac, those of Texas of George and those of
Missouri of Jesse. The home of Jesse can still be seen
in Missouri. My brother was there and went to the old
home. It is my impression that the descendants of Felt
also went West. I have never met or herd of them in
Tennessee. My grandfather and his brothers owned
jointly several thousand acres of land in Powells
Valley around YOAKUM's Station. The old block house
was located 14 miles southwest of Cumberland Gap on the
farm now owned by the RUSSELL Brothers, signs of which
can yet be seen. Near it is an old graveyard. My
grandfather Isaac died about 55 years ago. I know that
he was over 80 at the time of his death. The land they
owned was part of the old HENDERSON Co. grant."
(NOTE: Dr. SMITH's book, listed here as a reference in
this letter, contains lots of YOAKUM Family informa-
tion, however research has shown that the book contains
many many mistakes and most of the research is not
documented or at least does not name the source.)
1933, "The Compendium of American Genealogy", Vol. V, Page 586, 1933.
The following information was printed in this edition
of printed genealogies. This researcher believes there
may be some merit in the source and that it probably
derived from descendants in the state of Illinois.
Unfortunately, the original source is not given.
I. George YOAKUM, married Martha VAN BEVER.
A. John YOAKUM (1781- ), probably of TN, married
Rachel WEAVER, daughter of Smuel WEAVER , of
VA, and Nancy.
1. Martha YOAKUM (1816-1902), married 1837 to
Alexander McWILLIAMS (1813-1870).
1942, "The Compendium of American Genealogy", Vol VII, 1942, Page 645.
The following information does not give its source, but
is evident that its original source goes back to the
Henderson and Franklin YOAKUM Bibles.
I. Valentine YOAKUM, NY, to Muddy Creek, Greenbrier
Co., VA (now WV).
A. George YOAKUM (1758- ), in Batttle of Point
Pleasant, married Margaret VAN BIBER, daughter
of Isaac VAN BIBBER, who was killed in the
Battle of Point Pleasant.
1. George YOAKUM, II. (1783-1841), to Powell's
Valley, Claiborne Co., TN. Built YOAKUM's
Station, Probably 1790. He married Mary
Ann MADDY, in 1807.
a. Henderson YOAKUM (1810-1856), married
1833 to Evaline CANNON (1813-1887).
May 27, 1972; Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee; Letter written by
Mrs. Hazel AUSMUS DAVIS, concerning the tombstones erected at the
Felix ROGERS Cemetery. This is important information concerning
the dates and names on the gravesite of Margaret YOAKUM:
"George YOAKUM, I., is buried in Felix ROGERS Cem. less
that a mile from Ft. YOAKUM which he established. The
ruins of the old fort can still be seen. The Felix
ROGERS Cem. is located in CLAIBORNE Co, Tenn. At the
time George YOAKUM I, was buried The County was still
GRAINGER Co. CLAIBORNE County was nor formed until
1801. There is another tombstone beside George YOAKUM,
I, whom we believe to be his wife Margret VAN BEBBER
YOAKUM. The inscription was so dim we weren't able to
read it, or to read enough of it to be positive."
NOTE: Considering what Mrs. DAVIS has said, we can now
see that the name and dates on the tombstone could have
read something entirely different than what they
printed on her tombstone. I don't question the name
Margaret, but I do question the dates of 1754 and 1794.
Sep 8, 1972; CLAIBORNE County; "The DAUGHTERS of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION", March 1973 issue. DAR Markers placed on the grave site of George YOAKUM and Margaret YOAKUM in the Felix ROGERS Cemetery, Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN.
On Sep 8, 1972, members of the Reverend Phillip AUSMUS
Chapter of the DAR met at the Felix ROGERS Cemetery and
placed DAR monuments on the grave site of George
YOAKUM, I., and Margaret YOAKUM. The source of the
dates and information on the stones are not given.
Margaret YOAKUM is unidentified at this time by this
researcher. Could she be the mother of George YOAKUM,
I.? The Revolutionary War record of George YOAKUM, I.,
given here is not for this George YOAKUM. Evidently,
the information pertains to one of the cousins of
George that lived in LINCOLN County, Kentucky and
served in the LINCOLN County Militia, part of the
Illinois Regiment. This George YOAKUM, I., has never
been documented as having been in LINCOLN County,
Kentucky. Where did the dates concerning Margaret
YOAKUM come from? Was there an older marker there that
was taken up and replace by this one? If so, then it
seems evident that she did not die in this area of
Powell Valley, so she would have had to be removed here
later after the family moved here in 1796.
GEORGE YOCAAM VIRGINIA PVT CAPT RAYS CO LINCOLN MIL REVOLUTIONARY WAR JAN 15 1758 OCT 28 1800 ----------
MARGRET VANBEBBER YOAKUM 1764 - 1794
(NOTE: The original marker for George YOAKUM still
remains with conflicting birth date. The DAR article
states that George and Margaret were husband and wife.
It identifies Margaret as being the daughter of Isaac
Michael VAN BEBBER. It further states that George
fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant, Virginia on
Oct 10, 1774, where Isaac VAN BEBBER was killed. The
children listed for George and Margaret were: Isaac,
born 1778 and married Martha DAVIS; Peter, married
Sally STINNETT; Felty, married Sally REYNOLDS and
moved to Illinois; Robert, married Miss BERRY;
Margaret, married a Mr. CONDRA; Nancy, married but the
name is lost; George, II., married Mary Ann MADDY of
Tennessee. It is evident that the source of most
information given here was the Henderson King YOAKUM
Bible record.)
(NOTE 2: Concerning the above named Company. General
James RAY married Amelia "Milly" YOCUM, the daughter of
Matthias YOAKUM, Jr. They were married about 1781 and
had two sons, William and Jesse, and then Millie died
on Dec 1, 1783. At this time of the Revolution, the
area of Kentucky was in that part of Virginia known as
the Illinois country. Counties in those days would
have county militias. At that time the Illinois
Regiment was made up of those counties that were in the
territory of Illinois and those counties of Virginia
that were formed from the Kentucky County. James Ray,
at the time of the Battle of Blue Lick, was a Captain
in the Lincoln County Militia; Illinois Regiment. The
George YOCAAM listed on the stone above has to be a
member of this county militia that was organized in
what is now LINCOLN County, Kentucky. It is known that
Matthias YOAKUM, Sr., and many of his children and
grand children settled in this area in about 1779.
For more information see: "The Family and Fortune of
General James RAY, Pioneer of Fort HARROD", by Kathryn
Harrod MASON, published in KENTUCKY GENEALOGY, pages
235 and subsequent.
Information concerning the SEE family was obtained from:
"VANDERPOOL NEWSLETTER", in the article "The Muddy Creek Masacre", written by James NUGEN, 20350 Hole-in-One Drive #115, Redding CA 96002.
The History and Genealogy of the SEE and Related Families, 1674-1968, by Joe B. SEE, 1968, and a copy is in the West Virginia State Archives in Charleston, WV.
Records of Hal McCAWLEY; ------------------------ Steve Smith 213 Reagan Street Cumberland Gap, TN 37724 bgood@centurynter.net
November 20, 1997
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