James William Akin was the 3rd son of 8 sons of 13 children born to James Akin b.9 Dec 1781 in Chesterfield Co., VA & d.25 Jun 1832 in Cumberland Co., KY and Judith Baker b.30 Nov 1787 in Chesterfield Co., KY & d. 23 Nov 1839 in Cumberland Co., KY and who were married 18 Sep 1805 in Chesterfield Co., VA
While I am still researching my g-g-g grandfather, I will at least, supply the information I have found so far. I am involved in Y-DNA Testing to help further advance my research into the Akin family lineage and to accurately establish their history.
The birthdate on the gravestone is incorrect. The birthdate of James W. Akin is given in his sister's family bible, Hannah Francis Akin who married Robert William Norris & now owned by the Norris Family in Kentucky, and which they have graciously given me pictures of the Bible and Family Records from within. At one time, it was thought this bible belonged to James Akin & Judith (Baker) Akin, Jame's parents, however, the copyright in that bible is too late in time, after the parents were already dead. This Bible was reported incorrectly by R. N. Smith of Burkesville as being the James Akin & Judith Baker Bible.
I recently reviewed the Akin bible record and was astounded to discover that everyone has been reading the name of James W. Akin as James Watkin Akin. Seems, a fancy script "A" was used in the Akin name and it appeared at a glance to be Watkin. However, upon close examination and comparison to other entries, is is "not" Watkin. It is just James W. Akin, so it finally explains why he was sometimes using the name William, because his middle name was William and the reason one of his sons was named William.
9 Aug 2013 - Evidence has surfaced that the middle name of James W. Akin is definitely "William". I have proven the middle name of William in local survey work records.
Little is really known about James and alot of confusion over who his two wives actually were. However, I have uncovered & discovered some information to help piece this man's history together.
James was definitely a tobacco farmer in Cumberland County as evidenced by the many mortgage leans/deeds he used to acquire planting rights and finance money. In addition, it appears he occasionally was involved in land surveying in the Cumberland County area over the years from as early as the 1830's up to as late as 1866.
James W. Akin had at least 5 children by his 1st wife, who may have been Ruth Norris b. abt 1822 in KY or TN and who d.abt 1848 - 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY, most likely from complications of bearing their 4th child, Nancy Ellen. The only notation of James' first spouse being named Ruth Norris comes from the Death Certificate of his son, William Oscar Akin, provided by his daughter, Mary Susan Akin. I have never been able to prove a Ruth Norris lived during this period in Cumberland County.
Their Children were:
1. Edward Akin aka Ed b.abt 1836 (It is not known by me if this child survived)
2. Robert Samuel Akin b.4 May 1839 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.4 Jul 1902 in Van Alstyne, Grayson Co., TX.
Married: Elizabeth Laura Bouldin aka Betty abt 1861 - 1862 in Cumberland Co., KY.
3. Richardson aka Richard Franklin Akin b.10 Aug 1841 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.24 Apr 1919 in Glenfork, Adair Co., KY.
Married: Susan A. Morrison b.15 Sep 1852 & d. 8 May 1913 in Adair Co., KY and were married abt 1871 in KY. They had 5 children. Note: Born as Richardson, but used Richard as his first name.
4. William Oscar Akin b.5 Apr 1844 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.29 Jul 1938 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., MO
Married: Susan Ann Walker b.15 Aug 1844 in Rhea Co., TN & d.22 Oct 1939 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., Mo and who were married abt 1867, most likely in Burkesville,KY. They had 8 children.
5. Nancy Ellen Akin b.abt 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY.
Married: John S. Robinson b.abt 1827 in OH and d.bet 1880 & 1885 in Ainsworth, Washington Co., IA and who were married abt 1867. They had 6 children.
When James W. Akin lost his 1st spouse in 1850, his children were apparently taken in by other family members living close by. I have found where Richardson/Richard F. Akin, 9 yrs old at the time, was taken in by M.A.L. (Akin) Norris Family, Martha A.L. Akin being a sister of James. William Oscar Akin, who was 6 yrs old at the time, was taken in by the Phineas Webbin Akin Family. It also appears that Phineas took in Robert S. Akin, brother to William O. Akin and Richard F. Akin. Phineas was James W. Akin's older brother and both of them lived on Goose Creek, Cumberland Co., KY during this period of time and were farming Tobacco. I have yet to find who took Nancy Ellen Akin, who had just been born, or Edward, who I am not sure ever survived.
The Norris Family and Akin Families all lived very close to each other according to the Federal census. In addition, there were many Lawsons living in District 1 of Cumberland County, during this period of time.
I believe the 2nd spouse of James W. Akin was Mary Ann Lawson b.abt 1822-1828 in Tennessee & d.abt 1888 in Barry Co., MO. A marriage record certainly points to the fact they were married on 1 Jan 1852 in Cumberland Co., KY.
It appears that after James W. Akin married Mary Ann Lawson, the family was reunited.
How, When, and Why are questions regarding James W. and his 2nd spouse ending up in Barry Co., MO. after 1885. They would have been quite old to make a trip that far. Besides that, the 1870, 1880 Federal Census, and the 1885 Iowa Census indicate they were still living in Ainsworth Co., IA after leaving Cumberland Co., KY after 1866. In addition, it is supported by the fact they also had members of their family living with them at the time in Iowa. Could the answer be that Nancy Ellen Akin, their daughter, after losing her husband, John S. Robinson abt 1880-85 may have decided to move to Missouri, to be closer to more family? She would have been extremely burdened with not only rearing her children but also caring for her aging parents. That appears to me what most likely happened.
Ainsworth County, IA is about 425 miles from Barry Co., MO and was a pretty straight shot, at least to Springfield, MO. It is possible passenger railroad transportation was becoming more available during this 1885-1890 period into the area. A wagon trip would have been quite a haul, but a gravestone does exist with James W. and Mary Ann Akin on it in Barry Co., MO.
Note: I must advise the reason marriage records are difficult to find in the Cumberland County area during this period. Most of the Marriage records were burned in a Courthouse fire. While other documents were safe, the marriage records were stored in a different area of the courthouse and were destroyed up to about 1880 or so.
Last Update made to his memorial: 11/20/2020
____________________________________________________________
Many Thanks to Joan Viney for allowing me to manage this memorial.
____________________________________________________________
While I am still researching my g-g-g grandfather, I will at least, supply the information I have found so far. I am involved in Y-DNA Testing to help further advance my research into the Akin family lineage and to accurately establish their history.
The birthdate on the gravestone is incorrect. The birthdate of James W. Akin is given in his sister's family bible, Hannah Francis Akin who married Robert William Norris & now owned by the Norris Family in Kentucky, and which they have graciously given me pictures of the Bible and Family Records from within. At one time, it was thought this bible belonged to James Akin & Judith (Baker) Akin, Jame's parents, however, the copyright in that bible is too late in time, after the parents were already dead. This Bible was reported incorrectly by R. N. Smith of Burkesville as being the James Akin & Judith Baker Bible.
I recently reviewed the Akin bible record and was astounded to discover that everyone has been reading the name of James W. Akin as James Watkin Akin. Seems, a fancy script "A" was used in the Akin name and it appeared at a glance to be Watkin. However, upon close examination and comparison to other entries, is is "not" Watkin. It is just James W. Akin, so it finally explains why he was sometimes using the name William, because his middle name was William and the reason one of his sons was named William.
9 Aug 2013 - Evidence has surfaced that the middle name of James W. Akin is definitely "William". I have proven the middle name of William in local survey work records.
Little is really known about James and alot of confusion over who his two wives actually were. However, I have uncovered & discovered some information to help piece this man's history together.
James was definitely a tobacco farmer in Cumberland County as evidenced by the many mortgage leans/deeds he used to acquire planting rights and finance money. In addition, it appears he occasionally was involved in land surveying in the Cumberland County area over the years from as early as the 1830's up to as late as 1866.
James W. Akin had at least 5 children by his 1st wife, who may have been Ruth Norris b. abt 1822 in KY or TN and who d.abt 1848 - 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY, most likely from complications of bearing their 4th child, Nancy Ellen. The only notation of James' first spouse being named Ruth Norris comes from the Death Certificate of his son, William Oscar Akin, provided by his daughter, Mary Susan Akin. I have never been able to prove a Ruth Norris lived during this period in Cumberland County.
Their Children were:
1. Edward Akin aka Ed b.abt 1836 (It is not known by me if this child survived)
2. Robert Samuel Akin b.4 May 1839 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.4 Jul 1902 in Van Alstyne, Grayson Co., TX.
Married: Elizabeth Laura Bouldin aka Betty abt 1861 - 1862 in Cumberland Co., KY.
3. Richardson aka Richard Franklin Akin b.10 Aug 1841 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.24 Apr 1919 in Glenfork, Adair Co., KY.
Married: Susan A. Morrison b.15 Sep 1852 & d. 8 May 1913 in Adair Co., KY and were married abt 1871 in KY. They had 5 children. Note: Born as Richardson, but used Richard as his first name.
4. William Oscar Akin b.5 Apr 1844 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.29 Jul 1938 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., MO
Married: Susan Ann Walker b.15 Aug 1844 in Rhea Co., TN & d.22 Oct 1939 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., Mo and who were married abt 1867, most likely in Burkesville,KY. They had 8 children.
5. Nancy Ellen Akin b.abt 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY.
Married: John S. Robinson b.abt 1827 in OH and d.bet 1880 & 1885 in Ainsworth, Washington Co., IA and who were married abt 1867. They had 6 children.
When James W. Akin lost his 1st spouse in 1850, his children were apparently taken in by other family members living close by. I have found where Richardson/Richard F. Akin, 9 yrs old at the time, was taken in by M.A.L. (Akin) Norris Family, Martha A.L. Akin being a sister of James. William Oscar Akin, who was 6 yrs old at the time, was taken in by the Phineas Webbin Akin Family. It also appears that Phineas took in Robert S. Akin, brother to William O. Akin and Richard F. Akin. Phineas was James W. Akin's older brother and both of them lived on Goose Creek, Cumberland Co., KY during this period of time and were farming Tobacco. I have yet to find who took Nancy Ellen Akin, who had just been born, or Edward, who I am not sure ever survived.
The Norris Family and Akin Families all lived very close to each other according to the Federal census. In addition, there were many Lawsons living in District 1 of Cumberland County, during this period of time.
I believe the 2nd spouse of James W. Akin was Mary Ann Lawson b.abt 1822-1828 in Tennessee & d.abt 1888 in Barry Co., MO. A marriage record certainly points to the fact they were married on 1 Jan 1852 in Cumberland Co., KY.
It appears that after James W. Akin married Mary Ann Lawson, the family was reunited.
How, When, and Why are questions regarding James W. and his 2nd spouse ending up in Barry Co., MO. after 1885. They would have been quite old to make a trip that far. Besides that, the 1870, 1880 Federal Census, and the 1885 Iowa Census indicate they were still living in Ainsworth Co., IA after leaving Cumberland Co., KY after 1866. In addition, it is supported by the fact they also had members of their family living with them at the time in Iowa. Could the answer be that Nancy Ellen Akin, their daughter, after losing her husband, John S. Robinson abt 1880-85 may have decided to move to Missouri, to be closer to more family? She would have been extremely burdened with not only rearing her children but also caring for her aging parents. That appears to me what most likely happened.
Ainsworth County, IA is about 425 miles from Barry Co., MO and was a pretty straight shot, at least to Springfield, MO. It is possible passenger railroad transportation was becoming more available during this 1885-1890 period into the area. A wagon trip would have been quite a haul, but a gravestone does exist with James W. and Mary Ann Akin on it in Barry Co., MO.
Note: I must advise the reason marriage records are difficult to find in the Cumberland County area during this period. Most of the Marriage records were burned in a Courthouse fire. While other documents were safe, the marriage records were stored in a different area of the courthouse and were destroyed up to about 1880 or so.
Last Update made to his memorial: 11/20/2020
____________________________________________________________
Many Thanks to Joan Viney for allowing me to manage this memorial.
____________________________________________________________
James William Akin was the 3rd son of 8 sons of 13 children born to James Akin b.9 Dec 1781 in Chesterfield Co., VA & d.25 Jun 1832 in Cumberland Co., KY and Judith Baker b.30 Nov 1787 in Chesterfield Co., KY & d. 23 Nov 1839 in Cumberland Co., KY and who were married 18 Sep 1805 in Chesterfield Co., VA
While I am still researching my g-g-g grandfather, I will at least, supply the information I have found so far. I am involved in Y-DNA Testing to help further advance my research into the Akin family lineage and to accurately establish their history.
The birthdate on the gravestone is incorrect. The birthdate of James W. Akin is given in his sister's family bible, Hannah Francis Akin who married Robert William Norris & now owned by the Norris Family in Kentucky, and which they have graciously given me pictures of the Bible and Family Records from within. At one time, it was thought this bible belonged to James Akin & Judith (Baker) Akin, Jame's parents, however, the copyright in that bible is too late in time, after the parents were already dead. This Bible was reported incorrectly by R. N. Smith of Burkesville as being the James Akin & Judith Baker Bible.
I recently reviewed the Akin bible record and was astounded to discover that everyone has been reading the name of James W. Akin as James Watkin Akin. Seems, a fancy script "A" was used in the Akin name and it appeared at a glance to be Watkin. However, upon close examination and comparison to other entries, is is "not" Watkin. It is just James W. Akin, so it finally explains why he was sometimes using the name William, because his middle name was William and the reason one of his sons was named William.
9 Aug 2013 - Evidence has surfaced that the middle name of James W. Akin is definitely "William". I have proven the middle name of William in local survey work records.
Little is really known about James and alot of confusion over who his two wives actually were. However, I have uncovered & discovered some information to help piece this man's history together.
James was definitely a tobacco farmer in Cumberland County as evidenced by the many mortgage leans/deeds he used to acquire planting rights and finance money. In addition, it appears he occasionally was involved in land surveying in the Cumberland County area over the years from as early as the 1830's up to as late as 1866.
James W. Akin had at least 5 children by his 1st wife, who may have been Ruth Norris b. abt 1822 in KY or TN and who d.abt 1848 - 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY, most likely from complications of bearing their 4th child, Nancy Ellen. The only notation of James' first spouse being named Ruth Norris comes from the Death Certificate of his son, William Oscar Akin, provided by his daughter, Mary Susan Akin. I have never been able to prove a Ruth Norris lived during this period in Cumberland County.
Their Children were:
1. Edward Akin aka Ed b.abt 1836 (It is not known by me if this child survived)
2. Robert Samuel Akin b.4 May 1839 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.4 Jul 1902 in Van Alstyne, Grayson Co., TX.
Married: Elizabeth Laura Bouldin aka Betty abt 1861 - 1862 in Cumberland Co., KY.
3. Richardson aka Richard Franklin Akin b.10 Aug 1841 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.24 Apr 1919 in Glenfork, Adair Co., KY.
Married: Susan A. Morrison b.15 Sep 1852 & d. 8 May 1913 in Adair Co., KY and were married abt 1871 in KY. They had 5 children. Note: Born as Richardson, but used Richard as his first name.
4. William Oscar Akin b.5 Apr 1844 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.29 Jul 1938 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., MO
Married: Susan Ann Walker b.15 Aug 1844 in Rhea Co., TN & d.22 Oct 1939 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., Mo and who were married abt 1867, most likely in Burkesville,KY. They had 8 children.
5. Nancy Ellen Akin b.abt 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY.
Married: John S. Robinson b.abt 1827 in OH and d.bet 1880 & 1885 in Ainsworth, Washington Co., IA and who were married abt 1867. They had 6 children.
When James W. Akin lost his 1st spouse in 1850, his children were apparently taken in by other family members living close by. I have found where Richardson/Richard F. Akin, 9 yrs old at the time, was taken in by M.A.L. (Akin) Norris Family, Martha A.L. Akin being a sister of James. William Oscar Akin, who was 6 yrs old at the time, was taken in by the Phineas Webbin Akin Family. It also appears that Phineas took in Robert S. Akin, brother to William O. Akin and Richard F. Akin. Phineas was James W. Akin's older brother and both of them lived on Goose Creek, Cumberland Co., KY during this period of time and were farming Tobacco. I have yet to find who took Nancy Ellen Akin, who had just been born, or Edward, who I am not sure ever survived.
The Norris Family and Akin Families all lived very close to each other according to the Federal census. In addition, there were many Lawsons living in District 1 of Cumberland County, during this period of time.
I believe the 2nd spouse of James W. Akin was Mary Ann Lawson b.abt 1822-1828 in Tennessee & d.abt 1888 in Barry Co., MO. A marriage record certainly points to the fact they were married on 1 Jan 1852 in Cumberland Co., KY.
It appears that after James W. Akin married Mary Ann Lawson, the family was reunited.
How, When, and Why are questions regarding James W. and his 2nd spouse ending up in Barry Co., MO. after 1885. They would have been quite old to make a trip that far. Besides that, the 1870, 1880 Federal Census, and the 1885 Iowa Census indicate they were still living in Ainsworth Co., IA after leaving Cumberland Co., KY after 1866. In addition, it is supported by the fact they also had members of their family living with them at the time in Iowa. Could the answer be that Nancy Ellen Akin, their daughter, after losing her husband, John S. Robinson abt 1880-85 may have decided to move to Missouri, to be closer to more family? She would have been extremely burdened with not only rearing her children but also caring for her aging parents. That appears to me what most likely happened.
Ainsworth County, IA is about 425 miles from Barry Co., MO and was a pretty straight shot, at least to Springfield, MO. It is possible passenger railroad transportation was becoming more available during this 1885-1890 period into the area. A wagon trip would have been quite a haul, but a gravestone does exist with James W. and Mary Ann Akin on it in Barry Co., MO.
Note: I must advise the reason marriage records are difficult to find in the Cumberland County area during this period. Most of the Marriage records were burned in a Courthouse fire. While other documents were safe, the marriage records were stored in a different area of the courthouse and were destroyed up to about 1880 or so.
Last Update made to his memorial: 11/20/2020
____________________________________________________________
Many Thanks to Joan Viney for allowing me to manage this memorial.
____________________________________________________________
While I am still researching my g-g-g grandfather, I will at least, supply the information I have found so far. I am involved in Y-DNA Testing to help further advance my research into the Akin family lineage and to accurately establish their history.
The birthdate on the gravestone is incorrect. The birthdate of James W. Akin is given in his sister's family bible, Hannah Francis Akin who married Robert William Norris & now owned by the Norris Family in Kentucky, and which they have graciously given me pictures of the Bible and Family Records from within. At one time, it was thought this bible belonged to James Akin & Judith (Baker) Akin, Jame's parents, however, the copyright in that bible is too late in time, after the parents were already dead. This Bible was reported incorrectly by R. N. Smith of Burkesville as being the James Akin & Judith Baker Bible.
I recently reviewed the Akin bible record and was astounded to discover that everyone has been reading the name of James W. Akin as James Watkin Akin. Seems, a fancy script "A" was used in the Akin name and it appeared at a glance to be Watkin. However, upon close examination and comparison to other entries, is is "not" Watkin. It is just James W. Akin, so it finally explains why he was sometimes using the name William, because his middle name was William and the reason one of his sons was named William.
9 Aug 2013 - Evidence has surfaced that the middle name of James W. Akin is definitely "William". I have proven the middle name of William in local survey work records.
Little is really known about James and alot of confusion over who his two wives actually were. However, I have uncovered & discovered some information to help piece this man's history together.
James was definitely a tobacco farmer in Cumberland County as evidenced by the many mortgage leans/deeds he used to acquire planting rights and finance money. In addition, it appears he occasionally was involved in land surveying in the Cumberland County area over the years from as early as the 1830's up to as late as 1866.
James W. Akin had at least 5 children by his 1st wife, who may have been Ruth Norris b. abt 1822 in KY or TN and who d.abt 1848 - 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY, most likely from complications of bearing their 4th child, Nancy Ellen. The only notation of James' first spouse being named Ruth Norris comes from the Death Certificate of his son, William Oscar Akin, provided by his daughter, Mary Susan Akin. I have never been able to prove a Ruth Norris lived during this period in Cumberland County.
Their Children were:
1. Edward Akin aka Ed b.abt 1836 (It is not known by me if this child survived)
2. Robert Samuel Akin b.4 May 1839 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.4 Jul 1902 in Van Alstyne, Grayson Co., TX.
Married: Elizabeth Laura Bouldin aka Betty abt 1861 - 1862 in Cumberland Co., KY.
3. Richardson aka Richard Franklin Akin b.10 Aug 1841 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.24 Apr 1919 in Glenfork, Adair Co., KY.
Married: Susan A. Morrison b.15 Sep 1852 & d. 8 May 1913 in Adair Co., KY and were married abt 1871 in KY. They had 5 children. Note: Born as Richardson, but used Richard as his first name.
4. William Oscar Akin b.5 Apr 1844 in Cumberland Co., KY & d.29 Jul 1938 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., MO
Married: Susan Ann Walker b.15 Aug 1844 in Rhea Co., TN & d.22 Oct 1939 in Aurora, Ozark Twp, Barry Co., Mo and who were married abt 1867, most likely in Burkesville,KY. They had 8 children.
5. Nancy Ellen Akin b.abt 1850 in Cumberland Co., KY.
Married: John S. Robinson b.abt 1827 in OH and d.bet 1880 & 1885 in Ainsworth, Washington Co., IA and who were married abt 1867. They had 6 children.
When James W. Akin lost his 1st spouse in 1850, his children were apparently taken in by other family members living close by. I have found where Richardson/Richard F. Akin, 9 yrs old at the time, was taken in by M.A.L. (Akin) Norris Family, Martha A.L. Akin being a sister of James. William Oscar Akin, who was 6 yrs old at the time, was taken in by the Phineas Webbin Akin Family. It also appears that Phineas took in Robert S. Akin, brother to William O. Akin and Richard F. Akin. Phineas was James W. Akin's older brother and both of them lived on Goose Creek, Cumberland Co., KY during this period of time and were farming Tobacco. I have yet to find who took Nancy Ellen Akin, who had just been born, or Edward, who I am not sure ever survived.
The Norris Family and Akin Families all lived very close to each other according to the Federal census. In addition, there were many Lawsons living in District 1 of Cumberland County, during this period of time.
I believe the 2nd spouse of James W. Akin was Mary Ann Lawson b.abt 1822-1828 in Tennessee & d.abt 1888 in Barry Co., MO. A marriage record certainly points to the fact they were married on 1 Jan 1852 in Cumberland Co., KY.
It appears that after James W. Akin married Mary Ann Lawson, the family was reunited.
How, When, and Why are questions regarding James W. and his 2nd spouse ending up in Barry Co., MO. after 1885. They would have been quite old to make a trip that far. Besides that, the 1870, 1880 Federal Census, and the 1885 Iowa Census indicate they were still living in Ainsworth Co., IA after leaving Cumberland Co., KY after 1866. In addition, it is supported by the fact they also had members of their family living with them at the time in Iowa. Could the answer be that Nancy Ellen Akin, their daughter, after losing her husband, John S. Robinson abt 1880-85 may have decided to move to Missouri, to be closer to more family? She would have been extremely burdened with not only rearing her children but also caring for her aging parents. That appears to me what most likely happened.
Ainsworth County, IA is about 425 miles from Barry Co., MO and was a pretty straight shot, at least to Springfield, MO. It is possible passenger railroad transportation was becoming more available during this 1885-1890 period into the area. A wagon trip would have been quite a haul, but a gravestone does exist with James W. and Mary Ann Akin on it in Barry Co., MO.
Note: I must advise the reason marriage records are difficult to find in the Cumberland County area during this period. Most of the Marriage records were burned in a Courthouse fire. While other documents were safe, the marriage records were stored in a different area of the courthouse and were destroyed up to about 1880 or so.
Last Update made to his memorial: 11/20/2020
____________________________________________________________
Many Thanks to Joan Viney for allowing me to manage this memorial.
____________________________________________________________
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