Captain Joseph HEDGES was born around the year 1739 or so, the son of Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804) and Agnes POWELSON (1720-1800), and grandson of Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy (c.1670-1732) and his wife Catherine.
The Hedges were early settlers in the lower Shenandoah. Joseph is presumed to have either been born in the Monocacy Maryland farm lands just a few years after his grandfather's death, or on his father's farm on Tullis's branch of the Opequon in what is now Berkeley Co., WV. The question remains as to exactly when Jonas and Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES permanently moved to Virginia. He was in Virginia as early as 23 Jun 1738, and it is perhaps more likely that all of his children were born in what would become Hedgesville, WV.
------------------------------------------------
HEDGES Family Origins: Old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy
The known patriarch of our Hedges family in America was Joseph HEDGES (c.1670-1732), of English descent, often known by researchers as "Old Joseph HEDGES" or "Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy". He came over from the southwest of England (probably via London) in the late 1600's to the Wilmington, Delaware, area, then moved further inland to the area of Maryland northwest of where Washington DC would later be founded. The Monocacy Creek area is where they lived in the early 1700's and is not very far from the Antietam National Battlefield Park (a Civil War battlefield). This is currently in the bounds of Frederick County, MD, about 6 miles north of Frederick town, along the current route of U.S. Hwy. 15; the land was named "Hedge Hogg" and the house apparently referred to as "Monocacy Manor". Originally, the county borders in Maryland were different, and the land lay within the boundaries of Prince George County until 1748, which means deeds and records about this land before that date will be found in the Prince George County court records.
Joseph's wife was Catherine, whose maiden name is uncertain---it was long thought she was a STALLCOP, but it is more likely she was the daughter of Samuel LAND and Dorcas WALLIAM. Old Joseph HEDGES died in 1732 on his Monocacy Maryland estate. He was probably about 62 when he died. There is a website called "The Joseph Project" which deals with the difficulties researchers have had in tracking down real facts on him versus legends and family stories which have since proven to be at least partially inaccurate. Especially difficult has been the establishing of his parentage, but that seems to have been successful finally after many decades of guesswork. In a modern form of citing one's sources, The Joseph Project can be found here: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~hedges/index.htm
Our Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy really does seem to be the descendant of one Sir Philip HEDGES, who distinguished himself in battle and was knighted during the early 1480's, and died in 1487. One of his descendants---likely a great-grandson or great-great-grandson---was a man named William HEDGES, who was an Englishman who had lived for a time in Youghal, Ireland, then came back to southern England, near Berkshire or London. William's wife name was Mary, and they seem to be the actual parents of our old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy. The Irish connection would be approximately correct for the time of the English sale of Irish land during the time of Cromwell, and then the immediate decades after those original sales, where the 2nd generation of English landowners bought and sold the original parcels acquired in Cromwell's time of the 1650's.
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804), father of Capt. Joseph HEDGES
After living at Monocacy in Frederick County, Maryland for a while, our line of HEDGES ancestors moved just across the Potomac River to the panhandle area of what is now far northeast West Virginia---the town of Hedgesville was named after them---and were there during the Revolutionary War. This was all in old Berkeley County, Virginia, at the time, in a part of the colony that both George WASHINGTON and Thomas JEFFERSON later would help survey, and close to where a lot of Civil War battles would later be fought.
Our ancestor Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804) was one of two or three brothers who were the ones who had moved to the Hedgesville area, which at the time was in the bounds of Orange County, VA, and later part of Frederick County, before Berkeley County was formed. In fact, Jonas himself founded his "Hedges Villa" estate in 1746, later to be called Hedgesville, so he was the official founder.
Jonas's wife's maiden name was Agnes POWELSON (1720-1800), probably of Swedish descent, apparently the daughter of Jacob Hendrick PAUELSON (1672-____; son of Jacob PAUELSON) and maybe Jannetje ANDRIES. Agnes also seems to have been the sister of Hendrick PAWELSON (1698-____) and Rebecca POWELSON (1712-____, who m: John VAN METER, older half-brother of Abraham VAN METER, who married Jonas HEDGES's sister Ruth HEDGES). There is a book about them which I wasn't aware of until recently. It is called "Jonas Hedges (1716-1804) & Wife Agnes Powelson of Berkeley Co. VA (WV) and Their Descendants" by Joanne Eustice and Mackey Hedges, for the Hedges Family Association, 1995. (Hedges Family Association, c/o Joanne Eustice, 1534 North Kelly, Redlands, CA, 92374) I do not have a copy of that book, nor have I had the privilege of examining it yet.
Jonas & Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES had at least 4 sons and 5 daughters:
1) Benjamin HEDGES (1738-1805); m: Susan _____, and had many children.
2) Capt. Joseph HEDGES (c.1739-1828); m: Elizabeth RAWLINGS, and had 2 daus. & 3 sons [SEE BELOW]
3) Samuel HEDGES (c.1740-c.1807); m:1) Mary TABB; and m:2) Nancy Harris SAMUELS, having many children by each.
4) James HEDGES (c.1742-____).
5) Rachel HEDGES (c.1744-____).
6) Catherine HEDGES (c.1746-____); m: Mr. FRENCH, and moved to KY where both were killed by Indians.
7) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1748-____).
8) Jane HEDGES (c.1750-____).
9) Rebecca HEDGES (c.1752-____).
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES Settled on Tullis's Branch of the Opequon when it was still Orange Co., VA. In fact, he was in Orange Co., VA, (now Berkeley Co., WV) by 23 Jun 1738.
25 May 1742, Jonas HEDGES was appointed by the Court to view a road from Watkins Ferry on the Potomac River to Ashby's Bent on the Shenandoah River. He reported back to the Court on the 24th of June or July 1742 that they had marked trees from the "Chappell along over Mill Creek ...to Potomac."
c.1745 (no date on abstract) Jonas HEDGES paid guardian bond for Joanna and John VAN METER, children of John VAN METER (referred to as "uncle").
On 7 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a land grant of 261 acres on the south side of the North Mountain adjoining Joshua HEDGES.
......On 14 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about four miles from Watkins Ferry on both sides of the Waggon Road.
......On 7 Sept 1756. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about two miles from Watkins Ferry adjoining Carlyle.
(Land Patents, Frederick Co., VA, Book No. 2, pp 389-390 [West Virginia Dept of Archives & History, Charleston, WV]; Tullises Branch land now in Berkeley Co., WV)
(Land grants Frederick Co., VA [West Virginia Dept. of Archives & History, Charleston, WV], Jonas Hedges, Book No. 2, pp 414-419 [414-415] & pp 389-390, copy in Virginia State Library)
1757, Capt. Thomas SWEARINGEN returned his Muster Roll. Ordered that Jonas HEDGES of the Company commanded by Capt. SWERINGEN be fined Ten Shillings for absenting himself from one General Muster within (12) months last past. (Deed Book no 18, pg 20). Court Martial held Friday 27 Oct 1757 (Frederick Co Court, Winchester, VA) Colonial Military Service.
1760 Jonas witnessed the will of Aaron HARLAN.
1761 Jonas one of the executors of John HILYARD.
Henry BEDINGER vs. STRODE-O. S. 31; N. S. 11--Bill 1796. On 2 May 1763, James STRODE entered land in Northern Neck with Thomas RUTHERFORD, then a surveyor for Fairfax in Berkeley County. Jonas HEDGES deposes (in Berkeley) 10th March, 1798, that thirty-five years ago he showed the land to James Strode.
......2 May 1763, James STRODE enters 400 acres adjoining James DAVIS and Thomas ADAMS.
......20 Jan 1795, Copy of Deed: James STRODE and Elizabeth, his wife, of Norborne Parish, Berkeley County, to Henry BEDINGER. Proved in Berkeley, 20 Jan 1795.
--------------------------------------------
Will of Jonas Hedges, Martinsburg, West Virginia Will Book 3, pg 580-581
In the Name of God Amen. I Jonas Hedges of the County of Berkeley and State of Virginia being in perfect health and memory at present thanks be to God for the same calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament-- My soul I recommend into the hands of God that gave it and my body at my death to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my executor -- and as touching those things and estate whereof it has been pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and dispose of in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Agnes, one sorrel mare of in case the mare should die before my decease instead thereof the sum of ten pounds and her choice of any one of my cattle this to be her or to whom she may please to dispose them to. Likewise all the remainder of my moveable affects during her life and at her decease these to be sold the money equally divided among all my children.
Secondly I give my eldest son, Benjamin Hedges, one dividend of my moveable estate which is all allow him and his full share of my estate. And further I constitute and appoint my two sons, Joseph Hedges, and Samuel Hedges to be the executors of this my last will and testament ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my lat will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this ninth day of February 1787.
Witnessed by George Myles, Moses Harlan, and Tunas Newkirk. G. Miles handwriting proved by John Turner
[Probate]
At a court held for Berkeley County 27 Feb 1804 this last will and testament of Jonas Hedges deceased was proved by the oath of Tunes Newkirk one of the witnesses thereto and the hand writing of George Myles another witness thereto was proved by the oath of John Turner, Esqr., and ordered to be recorded -- and on the motion of Samuel Hedges one of the executors therein named, who made oath according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form giving security whereupon he together with Samuel Hedges and James Robinson entered into and acknowledged bond conditioned as the law directs.
Examined Teste D. Hunter CBC
Inventory filed March, 1804
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas's 2nd oldest son Joseph HEDGES (b: c.1739) was commissioned a Captain in the Virginia Militia during the Revolution---6 March 1776, to be exact---a Captain of Berkeley County. The HEDGES brothers and cousins in the Hedgesville area---along with many others---exemplified what the Founding Fathers and Framers of the Constitution meant when they put the 2nd Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Let me explain. The HEDGES, like many families, had what would sometimes be referred to as a "fortified house". Apparently, part or all of the house was made of stone walls and huge timbers---very strong---and sometimes these sections of the houses had flatter roofs and even parapets on the top wall edges for defensive firing positions, and some had swivel guns that could be mounted up there. All of these type of houses were the main house and dwelling place on the farm, and sometimes doubled as a tavern or inn where travelers could stop over for the night. But some of the outbuildings of these farms didn't just include a barn and a wellhouse and a smokehouse. Many of them included a small blacksmith forge, and a small stone building which was used as an arsenal, where gunpowder, shot, small arms, homemade grenades, edged weapons (bayonets, sabers, axes, pikes, etc.), and even sometimes larger arms were stored, such as swivel guns---sometimes a full-sized cannon was owned by private owners, very much like a private ship owner would have tons of defensive weapons on his ship. The best of these type of fortified houses were used as local rallying points in times of danger, and most men who had such places ended up being officers or commanders of their own militia companies, which were made up of their neighbors. These defensive weapons on a household estate were necessary especially in frontier areas, but it was considered the right of any man to defend his home and family against any assault or trespass, and was very much the kind of thing the Framers had in mind when they wrote "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." That is the 2nd Amendment, which recognizes that all people have the right to defend themselves against the attacks of others, including a tyrannical government, which was what they had in mind at the time, considering they had just fought for their independence against a tyrannical government (England).
After the War, Captain Joseph HEDGES moved a little further southwest, up the Opequon Valley, just inside the next county south of Berkeley, which is Frederick County, VA, northwest of Pugh Town (now Gainesboro). This move was made sometime between 1800-1810. Captain Joseph and Elizabeth bought a farm there, from John and Thomas FARMER, somewhere probably east of Timber Ridge Baptist Church (organized in 1809). This is where Captain Joseph and his wife Elizabeth died and are probably buried.
Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES (c. 1750-1824) was a younger daughter of Stephen RAWLINGS (c.1723-1783) and Mary Elizabeth TYLER (c.1730-1795). Stephen RAWLINGS was a tough old man and fought in the Illinois Campaign in the Revolutionary War under General George Rogers CLARK. The TYLER family is the same family as John TYLER, 10th President of the United States, and are ancestors of Harry S TRUMAN, the 33rd President of the United States.
--------------------------------
Captain Joseph HEDGES's Revolutionary War Officer's Commission, dated 6 March 1776:
The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia
To Joseph Hedges, Gentleman, By virtue of the power and Authority invested in us by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage and good conduct do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of the Militia of the county of Berkeley, and you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the trust reposed in you by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers under your Command. And we do hereby require them to obey you as their Captain. And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from the Convention, the Committee of Safety for the time being, or any superior Officers, according to the rules and Regulations established by the Convention.
Edmd. Pendleton, John Page, Thos. Lud: Lee, P. Carrington, W. Cabell, Js. Mercer
Given under our Hands at Williamsburg, this 6th day of March, Ann Domini 1776
(The original copy of the above is in the possession of Mrs. Dora H. Goodwyn, DAR No. 59261.)
---------------------------------------
Capt. Joseph HEDGES's Last Will and Testament.
It is undated, but made at least in 1824 or earlier, since some time that year his wife Elizabeth died there in Frederick Co., VA, and some time the same year their oldest son Joseph HEDGES, Jr., died in Bullitt Co., KY. In fact, it may have been made during or before 1811, if the death date of their youngest daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS, wife of David T. DAVIS, happened during that year, which is possible, since Joseph HEDGES, Jr., is said in the Will to live in Kentucky, which he did sometime in the year 1800 or 1801. In any event, Captain Joseph's Will which was probated in 1828 had never been amended to reflect these deaths, and therefore wife Elizabeth and son Joseph are still mentioned as legatees, as well as daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS.
Will of Joseph Hedges. Frederick Co VA County Court, Winchester, VA, Will Book 14, pp 489-90:
In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Hedges of Frederick County and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last will and testament revoking and declaring null and void all other and former will by me made. To my dearly beloved wife, Elizabeth, I will and bequeath the use and profits of all the property I may die possessed and the benefit of both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life.
.....To my daughter Agnes Burns wife of George Burns of Berkeley County I remark that having given her from time to time as much of my property as I could conveniently part with I cannot now add anything more only to enjoin on my wife to pay her a small balance which I promised her.
.....To my son Joseph of Kentucky I can't bequeath anything, not from want of parental affection, but because I have heretofore given him as liberally of my estate as my circumstances would justify.
.....To my son John I will and bequeath all the right I have, if any in law or equity to the tract of land on which he now resides which was purchased by him and myself from William Chenowith as I always intended that the sum I furnished for that purpose in addition to the expenses of his education constitute his share of my estate.
.....To my son Edward I will and bequeath the tract of land on which I now reside which I purchased from John and Thomas Farmer, my slave Peter and all my personal property which shall remain after the death of my wife and just payment of my just debts; but if he died not having issue my will is that in that case my land be divided to my said son Edward, shall be equally between the surviving children of lawful representatives.
.....To my daughter Elizabeth Davis I add nothing more in addition to what I have already given her having given her from time to time as much of my property as I intend for her.
.....Lastly I do constitute ordain and appoint my son John executor of this my last will and testament revoking as above any other will which I have made at any time anterior to the date hereof making and declaring as above the same to be null and void to all intents and purposes. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.
.....Joseph Hedges (Seal)
.....Signed Sealed Declared in the presence of Thomas Dent, Leroy W. Swift, Thomas E. Dent
[Probate]
At a court held for Frederick County the 6th of October 1828 this last will and testament of Joseph Hedges deceased was proved by the oaths of Thomas Dent and Thomas E. Dent, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
----------------------------------
Capt. Joseph and Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:
A.) Agnes "Anna" HEDGES (1775-1841); m: 10 Jul 1795 in Berkeley Co., WV, to George BURNS (c.1767-c.1841, a second-cousin, son of William BURNS and Joanna VAN METER, who was dau. of John VAN METER and Rebecca POWELSON). They had at least 3 sons & 4 daus.:
... 1.) William George BURNS (6 Aug 1796-c.1846); m:1) 1 Apr 1824 to Elizabeth KOWNSLAR; then m:2) 24 Feb 1834 to Anne DOWNEY (1801-1876), and they had at least 2 daus.:
....... a.) Elizabeth Owings BURNS ().
....... b.) Georgia Ann BURNS ().
William George BURNS disappeared c.1846 (?), bound for Oregon.
... 2.) Sarah Elizabeth BURNS (1797-1877), m: 8 Feb 1813 to John HITE (1784-1857), and had 4 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Arena HITE ().
....... b.) Mary Ann HITE ().
....... c.) Nancy Jane HITE ().
....... d.) Gillie Ann HITE ().
....... e.) George Burns HITE ().
....... f.) John Quincy HITE ().
... 3.) Johanna BURNS (1800-bef. 1841); m: 4 Dec 1817 to Jacob GORRELL.
... 4.) Joseph BURNS (1802-____).
... 5.) Nancy BURNS (30 Nov 1806-29 Nov 1844); m: 3 Jun 1824 to John S. LIGHT (28 Mar 1794-25 Jan 1868); they are buried in Platte Co., MO.
... 6.) John BURNS (c.1810-____); m: 2 Apr 1841 to Elizabeth COLLINS (28 Mar 1818-31 Jan 1909); she is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., WV.
... 7.) Ruth BURNS (c.1812 ?-____); m: John GLENN.
B.) Joseph HEDGES, Jr. (c.1775 - bef. 18 Nov 1824); m: 24 Nov 1798, in Berkeley Co., WV, to Elizabeth McMillian BRISCOE (30 Jun 1774 - 4 Nov 1837); moved to Bullitt Co., KY, circa 1800, where he became Sheriff of Bullitt County around 1822, dying while in that office in 1824, perhaps from one of the many fevers that burned through that region around that time. They had at least 3 daughters and 8 sons:
... 1.) Ellender "Nelly" HEDGES (4 Oct 1799 - 2 Nov 1869), m: 5 Jan 1829 to Joseph "Bigfoot" SWEARINGEN (14 Jun 1791 - 20 Jul 1860); they had 2 daughters:
....... a.) Elizabeth SWEARINGEN (1830-____).
....... b.) Susan SWEARINGEN (1836-____).
... 2.) George HEDGES (c.1800-____).
... 3.) William HEDGES (c.1801-aft. 1850), m: Lucinda COX (1815-____); had 5 sons & 4 daus.:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) Frances HEDGES ().
....... c.) Henry C. HEDGES ().
....... d.) Armilda HEDGES ().
....... e.) Mary HEDGES ().
....... f.) George HEDGES ().
....... g.) James HEDGES ().
....... h.) Eliza A. HEDGES ().
....... i.) Jonathan HEDGES ().
... 4.) Fanny M. HEDGES (c.1803-aft. 1850); m: James WRIGHT; had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) John C. WRIGHT ().
....... b.) James WRIGHT ().
....... c.) Joseph H. WRIGHT ().
... 5.) Wesley HEDGES (c.1806-aft. 1831).
... 6.) Samuel HEDGES (1808-aft. 1860); m: Elizabeth TRUNNELL (1810-____); had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) William Chidsey HEDGES (1842-1912)
....... c.) Briscoe HEDGES ().
... 7.) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1809-____); m: William CHIDSEY (1798-____); had 4 daus. and 4 sons: Susan CHIDSEY, Sarah CHIDSEY, Delia CHIDSEY, William CHIDSEY Jr., Rebecca CHIDSEY, John CHIDSEY [1st, d. as an infant], John CHIDSEY [2nd], & Frederick CHIDSEY.
... 8.) Rev. John Riley HEDGES, Sr. (c.1810-c.1869); m: 1) Mary Lucinda STALLINGS (1812-1857); had 5 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Elizabeth HEDGES ().
....... b.) Cynthia HEDGES ().
....... c.) Wesley HEDGES ().
....... d.) Rev. William Chidsey HEDGES (1839-1917).
....... e.) Martha Jane HEDGES ().
....... f.) John Riley HEDGES Jr. ().
....... g.) Emaline HEDGES ().
....... h.) David Riley HEDGES ().
....... i.) Sarah "Sallie" HEDGES ().
....... j.) Greenup Jewell HEDGES ().
Rev. John Riley HEDGES m:2) Mrs. Mary "Polly" (WEISE) BROWN (1813-aft. 1870), widow of William BROWN (1806-1852).
... 9.) Franklin HEDGES (c.1812-____).
... 10.) Joseph HEDGES, III (c.1816-____).
... 11.) Son HEDGES (c.1818-____).
C.) Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES (12 Jan 1776-5 Dec 1853); m:1) c.1810 to Judith CHURCHILL (c.1785-aft. 1814), and had at least 2 sons:
... 1.) Capt. John Churchill HEDGES (1812-1851).
... 2.) Owen Tudor HEDGES (1816-1863); killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES m:2) 29 Nov 1821 at Cedar Grove, Berkeley Co., VA/WV to Elizabeth Rawlings TURNER (1790-1855, a second-cousin), and had at least 2 more sons and 1 dau.:
... 3.) Dr. Charles Maurice Tallyrand HEDGES (1824-____).
... 4.) Matilda "Da" HEDGES (1829-1914).
... 5.) Decatur HEDGES (1832-1916); m:1) Mary Hugh BEALL (1835-1869), and had 3 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Mary Hugh Beall HEDGES ().
....... b.) Matilda Tomlinson HEDGES ().
....... c.) Gustavas Beall HEDGES ().
....... d.) Churchill HEDGES ().
....... e.) Dora Lee HEDGES ().
Decatur HEDGES m: 2) Martha McCUE, and had 3 daus.:
....... f.) Evalina McCue HEDGES ().
....... g.) Elizabeth Rawlings HEDGES ().
....... h.) Martha Moffett HEDGES ().
D.) Edward HEDGES (c.1784-c.1856); m: 25 Mar 1819 in Frederick Co., VA, to Mary DALBY (1798-14 Apr 1875). Edward inherited his parents' farm in the Pugh Town (Gainesboro) township of far northern Frederick Co., VA, and lived there the rest of his life, and was probably buried there.
E.) Elizabeth HEDGES (1787-1811); m: 20 Aug 1806 to David T. DAVIS (c.1780-Dec 1827); had 3 children.
... 1.) Joseph Hedges DAVIS (1807-14 Dec 1874); m:1) 19 Feb 1827 in Lewis Co., KY, to Patience ELSON (c. 1808-c.1857), and had 2 daus. & 3 sons:
....... a.) Mary E. DAVIS ().
....... b.) Franklin T. DAVIS ().
....... c.) David W. DAVIS ().
....... d.) George A. DAVIS ().
....... e.) Sarah DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS m:2) Mathilde _______ (c.1832-____), and had 4 daus. & 1 son:
....... f.) Eugenia DAVIS ().
....... g.) George DAVIS ().
....... h.) Elmira DAVIS ().
....... i.) Isabella DAVIS ().
....... j.) Angelina DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS worked on the great riverboats and was a riverboat pilot before 1850. He therefore lived successively in Concord, Lewis Co., KY (1830 & 1840 Census); Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH (1850 Census); and St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO (1860 & 1870 Census). He died of epithelioma, under quarantine at the City Hospital, and was buried in the old City Quarantine Cemetery, located 1-1/4 miles south of Jefferson Barracks, on the current site of Koch Hospital, Oakville, MO.
... 2.) [Child] DAVIS (c.1809-c.1809???).
... 3.) Eleanor Thomas DAVIS (2 Jan 1811-2 Dec 1893); m: 23 May 1833 in Lewis Co., KY, to Elijah MATHENY (16 Aug 1811-29 Jul 1896). They both died in Prairie City, Jasper Co., IA, the parents of 6 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Sarah Ann MATHENY ().
....... b.) David D. MATHENY ().
....... c.) Mary Elizabeth MATHENY ().
....... d.) John William MATHENY ().
....... e.) Daniel Clark MATHENY ().
....... f.) Harriet Eleanor MATHENY ().
....... g.) Margaret America MATHENY ().
....... h.) Hannah A. MATHENY ().
....... i.) Theodore Hamlin MATHENY ().
....... j.) Arzilla Frances MATHENY ().
....... k.) Allen Emery MATHENY ().
Eleanor and Elijah MATHENY are buried in Waveland Cemetery.
Family tradition says Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS died of "quick consumption", shortly after the birth of her third child, Eleanor DAVIS, born 2 Jan 1811. Eleanor was given to a black woman who nursed her until she was one. This would place her father Captain Joseph HEDGES's undated Last Will and Testament, probated in 1828, to have been made during or before 1811, which is entirely possible. Her widowed husband David T. DAVIS remarried twice more (to Betsy YOUNG on 19 Nov 1812 in Frederick Co., VA; and to Permelia BAYLESS on 15 Aug 1825 in Adams Co., OH), and was accidentally killed from a tree limb falling on him, around Christmas of 1827 in Adams Co., OH.
------------------------------------
A death date of 18 Sep 1828 has been submitted by one researcher as a precise date of death for Capt. Joseph HEDGES, but that has not been sourced or substantiated by this author. It does fit a death time frame of September 1828, with his Will being probated on 6 Oct 1828. The death date may have come from a Bible record or early family tradition; the search will continue to confirm this by valid source.
The Hedges were early settlers in the lower Shenandoah. Joseph is presumed to have either been born in the Monocacy Maryland farm lands just a few years after his grandfather's death, or on his father's farm on Tullis's branch of the Opequon in what is now Berkeley Co., WV. The question remains as to exactly when Jonas and Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES permanently moved to Virginia. He was in Virginia as early as 23 Jun 1738, and it is perhaps more likely that all of his children were born in what would become Hedgesville, WV.
------------------------------------------------
HEDGES Family Origins: Old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy
The known patriarch of our Hedges family in America was Joseph HEDGES (c.1670-1732), of English descent, often known by researchers as "Old Joseph HEDGES" or "Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy". He came over from the southwest of England (probably via London) in the late 1600's to the Wilmington, Delaware, area, then moved further inland to the area of Maryland northwest of where Washington DC would later be founded. The Monocacy Creek area is where they lived in the early 1700's and is not very far from the Antietam National Battlefield Park (a Civil War battlefield). This is currently in the bounds of Frederick County, MD, about 6 miles north of Frederick town, along the current route of U.S. Hwy. 15; the land was named "Hedge Hogg" and the house apparently referred to as "Monocacy Manor". Originally, the county borders in Maryland were different, and the land lay within the boundaries of Prince George County until 1748, which means deeds and records about this land before that date will be found in the Prince George County court records.
Joseph's wife was Catherine, whose maiden name is uncertain---it was long thought she was a STALLCOP, but it is more likely she was the daughter of Samuel LAND and Dorcas WALLIAM. Old Joseph HEDGES died in 1732 on his Monocacy Maryland estate. He was probably about 62 when he died. There is a website called "The Joseph Project" which deals with the difficulties researchers have had in tracking down real facts on him versus legends and family stories which have since proven to be at least partially inaccurate. Especially difficult has been the establishing of his parentage, but that seems to have been successful finally after many decades of guesswork. In a modern form of citing one's sources, The Joseph Project can be found here: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~hedges/index.htm
Our Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy really does seem to be the descendant of one Sir Philip HEDGES, who distinguished himself in battle and was knighted during the early 1480's, and died in 1487. One of his descendants---likely a great-grandson or great-great-grandson---was a man named William HEDGES, who was an Englishman who had lived for a time in Youghal, Ireland, then came back to southern England, near Berkshire or London. William's wife name was Mary, and they seem to be the actual parents of our old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy. The Irish connection would be approximately correct for the time of the English sale of Irish land during the time of Cromwell, and then the immediate decades after those original sales, where the 2nd generation of English landowners bought and sold the original parcels acquired in Cromwell's time of the 1650's.
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804), father of Capt. Joseph HEDGES
After living at Monocacy in Frederick County, Maryland for a while, our line of HEDGES ancestors moved just across the Potomac River to the panhandle area of what is now far northeast West Virginia---the town of Hedgesville was named after them---and were there during the Revolutionary War. This was all in old Berkeley County, Virginia, at the time, in a part of the colony that both George WASHINGTON and Thomas JEFFERSON later would help survey, and close to where a lot of Civil War battles would later be fought.
Our ancestor Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804) was one of two or three brothers who were the ones who had moved to the Hedgesville area, which at the time was in the bounds of Orange County, VA, and later part of Frederick County, before Berkeley County was formed. In fact, Jonas himself founded his "Hedges Villa" estate in 1746, later to be called Hedgesville, so he was the official founder.
Jonas's wife's maiden name was Agnes POWELSON (1720-1800), probably of Swedish descent, apparently the daughter of Jacob Hendrick PAUELSON (1672-____; son of Jacob PAUELSON) and maybe Jannetje ANDRIES. Agnes also seems to have been the sister of Hendrick PAWELSON (1698-____) and Rebecca POWELSON (1712-____, who m: John VAN METER, older half-brother of Abraham VAN METER, who married Jonas HEDGES's sister Ruth HEDGES). There is a book about them which I wasn't aware of until recently. It is called "Jonas Hedges (1716-1804) & Wife Agnes Powelson of Berkeley Co. VA (WV) and Their Descendants" by Joanne Eustice and Mackey Hedges, for the Hedges Family Association, 1995. (Hedges Family Association, c/o Joanne Eustice, 1534 North Kelly, Redlands, CA, 92374) I do not have a copy of that book, nor have I had the privilege of examining it yet.
Jonas & Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES had at least 4 sons and 5 daughters:
1) Benjamin HEDGES (1738-1805); m: Susan _____, and had many children.
2) Capt. Joseph HEDGES (c.1739-1828); m: Elizabeth RAWLINGS, and had 2 daus. & 3 sons [SEE BELOW]
3) Samuel HEDGES (c.1740-c.1807); m:1) Mary TABB; and m:2) Nancy Harris SAMUELS, having many children by each.
4) James HEDGES (c.1742-____).
5) Rachel HEDGES (c.1744-____).
6) Catherine HEDGES (c.1746-____); m: Mr. FRENCH, and moved to KY where both were killed by Indians.
7) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1748-____).
8) Jane HEDGES (c.1750-____).
9) Rebecca HEDGES (c.1752-____).
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES Settled on Tullis's Branch of the Opequon when it was still Orange Co., VA. In fact, he was in Orange Co., VA, (now Berkeley Co., WV) by 23 Jun 1738.
25 May 1742, Jonas HEDGES was appointed by the Court to view a road from Watkins Ferry on the Potomac River to Ashby's Bent on the Shenandoah River. He reported back to the Court on the 24th of June or July 1742 that they had marked trees from the "Chappell along over Mill Creek ...to Potomac."
c.1745 (no date on abstract) Jonas HEDGES paid guardian bond for Joanna and John VAN METER, children of John VAN METER (referred to as "uncle").
On 7 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a land grant of 261 acres on the south side of the North Mountain adjoining Joshua HEDGES.
......On 14 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about four miles from Watkins Ferry on both sides of the Waggon Road.
......On 7 Sept 1756. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about two miles from Watkins Ferry adjoining Carlyle.
(Land Patents, Frederick Co., VA, Book No. 2, pp 389-390 [West Virginia Dept of Archives & History, Charleston, WV]; Tullises Branch land now in Berkeley Co., WV)
(Land grants Frederick Co., VA [West Virginia Dept. of Archives & History, Charleston, WV], Jonas Hedges, Book No. 2, pp 414-419 [414-415] & pp 389-390, copy in Virginia State Library)
1757, Capt. Thomas SWEARINGEN returned his Muster Roll. Ordered that Jonas HEDGES of the Company commanded by Capt. SWERINGEN be fined Ten Shillings for absenting himself from one General Muster within (12) months last past. (Deed Book no 18, pg 20). Court Martial held Friday 27 Oct 1757 (Frederick Co Court, Winchester, VA) Colonial Military Service.
1760 Jonas witnessed the will of Aaron HARLAN.
1761 Jonas one of the executors of John HILYARD.
Henry BEDINGER vs. STRODE-O. S. 31; N. S. 11--Bill 1796. On 2 May 1763, James STRODE entered land in Northern Neck with Thomas RUTHERFORD, then a surveyor for Fairfax in Berkeley County. Jonas HEDGES deposes (in Berkeley) 10th March, 1798, that thirty-five years ago he showed the land to James Strode.
......2 May 1763, James STRODE enters 400 acres adjoining James DAVIS and Thomas ADAMS.
......20 Jan 1795, Copy of Deed: James STRODE and Elizabeth, his wife, of Norborne Parish, Berkeley County, to Henry BEDINGER. Proved in Berkeley, 20 Jan 1795.
--------------------------------------------
Will of Jonas Hedges, Martinsburg, West Virginia Will Book 3, pg 580-581
In the Name of God Amen. I Jonas Hedges of the County of Berkeley and State of Virginia being in perfect health and memory at present thanks be to God for the same calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament-- My soul I recommend into the hands of God that gave it and my body at my death to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my executor -- and as touching those things and estate whereof it has been pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and dispose of in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Agnes, one sorrel mare of in case the mare should die before my decease instead thereof the sum of ten pounds and her choice of any one of my cattle this to be her or to whom she may please to dispose them to. Likewise all the remainder of my moveable affects during her life and at her decease these to be sold the money equally divided among all my children.
Secondly I give my eldest son, Benjamin Hedges, one dividend of my moveable estate which is all allow him and his full share of my estate. And further I constitute and appoint my two sons, Joseph Hedges, and Samuel Hedges to be the executors of this my last will and testament ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my lat will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this ninth day of February 1787.
Witnessed by George Myles, Moses Harlan, and Tunas Newkirk. G. Miles handwriting proved by John Turner
[Probate]
At a court held for Berkeley County 27 Feb 1804 this last will and testament of Jonas Hedges deceased was proved by the oath of Tunes Newkirk one of the witnesses thereto and the hand writing of George Myles another witness thereto was proved by the oath of John Turner, Esqr., and ordered to be recorded -- and on the motion of Samuel Hedges one of the executors therein named, who made oath according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form giving security whereupon he together with Samuel Hedges and James Robinson entered into and acknowledged bond conditioned as the law directs.
Examined Teste D. Hunter CBC
Inventory filed March, 1804
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas's 2nd oldest son Joseph HEDGES (b: c.1739) was commissioned a Captain in the Virginia Militia during the Revolution---6 March 1776, to be exact---a Captain of Berkeley County. The HEDGES brothers and cousins in the Hedgesville area---along with many others---exemplified what the Founding Fathers and Framers of the Constitution meant when they put the 2nd Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Let me explain. The HEDGES, like many families, had what would sometimes be referred to as a "fortified house". Apparently, part or all of the house was made of stone walls and huge timbers---very strong---and sometimes these sections of the houses had flatter roofs and even parapets on the top wall edges for defensive firing positions, and some had swivel guns that could be mounted up there. All of these type of houses were the main house and dwelling place on the farm, and sometimes doubled as a tavern or inn where travelers could stop over for the night. But some of the outbuildings of these farms didn't just include a barn and a wellhouse and a smokehouse. Many of them included a small blacksmith forge, and a small stone building which was used as an arsenal, where gunpowder, shot, small arms, homemade grenades, edged weapons (bayonets, sabers, axes, pikes, etc.), and even sometimes larger arms were stored, such as swivel guns---sometimes a full-sized cannon was owned by private owners, very much like a private ship owner would have tons of defensive weapons on his ship. The best of these type of fortified houses were used as local rallying points in times of danger, and most men who had such places ended up being officers or commanders of their own militia companies, which were made up of their neighbors. These defensive weapons on a household estate were necessary especially in frontier areas, but it was considered the right of any man to defend his home and family against any assault or trespass, and was very much the kind of thing the Framers had in mind when they wrote "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." That is the 2nd Amendment, which recognizes that all people have the right to defend themselves against the attacks of others, including a tyrannical government, which was what they had in mind at the time, considering they had just fought for their independence against a tyrannical government (England).
After the War, Captain Joseph HEDGES moved a little further southwest, up the Opequon Valley, just inside the next county south of Berkeley, which is Frederick County, VA, northwest of Pugh Town (now Gainesboro). This move was made sometime between 1800-1810. Captain Joseph and Elizabeth bought a farm there, from John and Thomas FARMER, somewhere probably east of Timber Ridge Baptist Church (organized in 1809). This is where Captain Joseph and his wife Elizabeth died and are probably buried.
Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES (c. 1750-1824) was a younger daughter of Stephen RAWLINGS (c.1723-1783) and Mary Elizabeth TYLER (c.1730-1795). Stephen RAWLINGS was a tough old man and fought in the Illinois Campaign in the Revolutionary War under General George Rogers CLARK. The TYLER family is the same family as John TYLER, 10th President of the United States, and are ancestors of Harry S TRUMAN, the 33rd President of the United States.
--------------------------------
Captain Joseph HEDGES's Revolutionary War Officer's Commission, dated 6 March 1776:
The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia
To Joseph Hedges, Gentleman, By virtue of the power and Authority invested in us by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage and good conduct do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of the Militia of the county of Berkeley, and you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the trust reposed in you by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers under your Command. And we do hereby require them to obey you as their Captain. And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from the Convention, the Committee of Safety for the time being, or any superior Officers, according to the rules and Regulations established by the Convention.
Edmd. Pendleton, John Page, Thos. Lud: Lee, P. Carrington, W. Cabell, Js. Mercer
Given under our Hands at Williamsburg, this 6th day of March, Ann Domini 1776
(The original copy of the above is in the possession of Mrs. Dora H. Goodwyn, DAR No. 59261.)
---------------------------------------
Capt. Joseph HEDGES's Last Will and Testament.
It is undated, but made at least in 1824 or earlier, since some time that year his wife Elizabeth died there in Frederick Co., VA, and some time the same year their oldest son Joseph HEDGES, Jr., died in Bullitt Co., KY. In fact, it may have been made during or before 1811, if the death date of their youngest daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS, wife of David T. DAVIS, happened during that year, which is possible, since Joseph HEDGES, Jr., is said in the Will to live in Kentucky, which he did sometime in the year 1800 or 1801. In any event, Captain Joseph's Will which was probated in 1828 had never been amended to reflect these deaths, and therefore wife Elizabeth and son Joseph are still mentioned as legatees, as well as daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS.
Will of Joseph Hedges. Frederick Co VA County Court, Winchester, VA, Will Book 14, pp 489-90:
In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Hedges of Frederick County and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last will and testament revoking and declaring null and void all other and former will by me made. To my dearly beloved wife, Elizabeth, I will and bequeath the use and profits of all the property I may die possessed and the benefit of both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life.
.....To my daughter Agnes Burns wife of George Burns of Berkeley County I remark that having given her from time to time as much of my property as I could conveniently part with I cannot now add anything more only to enjoin on my wife to pay her a small balance which I promised her.
.....To my son Joseph of Kentucky I can't bequeath anything, not from want of parental affection, but because I have heretofore given him as liberally of my estate as my circumstances would justify.
.....To my son John I will and bequeath all the right I have, if any in law or equity to the tract of land on which he now resides which was purchased by him and myself from William Chenowith as I always intended that the sum I furnished for that purpose in addition to the expenses of his education constitute his share of my estate.
.....To my son Edward I will and bequeath the tract of land on which I now reside which I purchased from John and Thomas Farmer, my slave Peter and all my personal property which shall remain after the death of my wife and just payment of my just debts; but if he died not having issue my will is that in that case my land be divided to my said son Edward, shall be equally between the surviving children of lawful representatives.
.....To my daughter Elizabeth Davis I add nothing more in addition to what I have already given her having given her from time to time as much of my property as I intend for her.
.....Lastly I do constitute ordain and appoint my son John executor of this my last will and testament revoking as above any other will which I have made at any time anterior to the date hereof making and declaring as above the same to be null and void to all intents and purposes. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.
.....Joseph Hedges (Seal)
.....Signed Sealed Declared in the presence of Thomas Dent, Leroy W. Swift, Thomas E. Dent
[Probate]
At a court held for Frederick County the 6th of October 1828 this last will and testament of Joseph Hedges deceased was proved by the oaths of Thomas Dent and Thomas E. Dent, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
----------------------------------
Capt. Joseph and Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:
A.) Agnes "Anna" HEDGES (1775-1841); m: 10 Jul 1795 in Berkeley Co., WV, to George BURNS (c.1767-c.1841, a second-cousin, son of William BURNS and Joanna VAN METER, who was dau. of John VAN METER and Rebecca POWELSON). They had at least 3 sons & 4 daus.:
... 1.) William George BURNS (6 Aug 1796-c.1846); m:1) 1 Apr 1824 to Elizabeth KOWNSLAR; then m:2) 24 Feb 1834 to Anne DOWNEY (1801-1876), and they had at least 2 daus.:
....... a.) Elizabeth Owings BURNS ().
....... b.) Georgia Ann BURNS ().
William George BURNS disappeared c.1846 (?), bound for Oregon.
... 2.) Sarah Elizabeth BURNS (1797-1877), m: 8 Feb 1813 to John HITE (1784-1857), and had 4 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Arena HITE ().
....... b.) Mary Ann HITE ().
....... c.) Nancy Jane HITE ().
....... d.) Gillie Ann HITE ().
....... e.) George Burns HITE ().
....... f.) John Quincy HITE ().
... 3.) Johanna BURNS (1800-bef. 1841); m: 4 Dec 1817 to Jacob GORRELL.
... 4.) Joseph BURNS (1802-____).
... 5.) Nancy BURNS (30 Nov 1806-29 Nov 1844); m: 3 Jun 1824 to John S. LIGHT (28 Mar 1794-25 Jan 1868); they are buried in Platte Co., MO.
... 6.) John BURNS (c.1810-____); m: 2 Apr 1841 to Elizabeth COLLINS (28 Mar 1818-31 Jan 1909); she is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., WV.
... 7.) Ruth BURNS (c.1812 ?-____); m: John GLENN.
B.) Joseph HEDGES, Jr. (c.1775 - bef. 18 Nov 1824); m: 24 Nov 1798, in Berkeley Co., WV, to Elizabeth McMillian BRISCOE (30 Jun 1774 - 4 Nov 1837); moved to Bullitt Co., KY, circa 1800, where he became Sheriff of Bullitt County around 1822, dying while in that office in 1824, perhaps from one of the many fevers that burned through that region around that time. They had at least 3 daughters and 8 sons:
... 1.) Ellender "Nelly" HEDGES (4 Oct 1799 - 2 Nov 1869), m: 5 Jan 1829 to Joseph "Bigfoot" SWEARINGEN (14 Jun 1791 - 20 Jul 1860); they had 2 daughters:
....... a.) Elizabeth SWEARINGEN (1830-____).
....... b.) Susan SWEARINGEN (1836-____).
... 2.) George HEDGES (c.1800-____).
... 3.) William HEDGES (c.1801-aft. 1850), m: Lucinda COX (1815-____); had 5 sons & 4 daus.:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) Frances HEDGES ().
....... c.) Henry C. HEDGES ().
....... d.) Armilda HEDGES ().
....... e.) Mary HEDGES ().
....... f.) George HEDGES ().
....... g.) James HEDGES ().
....... h.) Eliza A. HEDGES ().
....... i.) Jonathan HEDGES ().
... 4.) Fanny M. HEDGES (c.1803-aft. 1850); m: James WRIGHT; had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) John C. WRIGHT ().
....... b.) James WRIGHT ().
....... c.) Joseph H. WRIGHT ().
... 5.) Wesley HEDGES (c.1806-aft. 1831).
... 6.) Samuel HEDGES (1808-aft. 1860); m: Elizabeth TRUNNELL (1810-____); had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) William Chidsey HEDGES (1842-1912)
....... c.) Briscoe HEDGES ().
... 7.) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1809-____); m: William CHIDSEY (1798-____); had 4 daus. and 4 sons: Susan CHIDSEY, Sarah CHIDSEY, Delia CHIDSEY, William CHIDSEY Jr., Rebecca CHIDSEY, John CHIDSEY [1st, d. as an infant], John CHIDSEY [2nd], & Frederick CHIDSEY.
... 8.) Rev. John Riley HEDGES, Sr. (c.1810-c.1869); m: 1) Mary Lucinda STALLINGS (1812-1857); had 5 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Elizabeth HEDGES ().
....... b.) Cynthia HEDGES ().
....... c.) Wesley HEDGES ().
....... d.) Rev. William Chidsey HEDGES (1839-1917).
....... e.) Martha Jane HEDGES ().
....... f.) John Riley HEDGES Jr. ().
....... g.) Emaline HEDGES ().
....... h.) David Riley HEDGES ().
....... i.) Sarah "Sallie" HEDGES ().
....... j.) Greenup Jewell HEDGES ().
Rev. John Riley HEDGES m:2) Mrs. Mary "Polly" (WEISE) BROWN (1813-aft. 1870), widow of William BROWN (1806-1852).
... 9.) Franklin HEDGES (c.1812-____).
... 10.) Joseph HEDGES, III (c.1816-____).
... 11.) Son HEDGES (c.1818-____).
C.) Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES (12 Jan 1776-5 Dec 1853); m:1) c.1810 to Judith CHURCHILL (c.1785-aft. 1814), and had at least 2 sons:
... 1.) Capt. John Churchill HEDGES (1812-1851).
... 2.) Owen Tudor HEDGES (1816-1863); killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES m:2) 29 Nov 1821 at Cedar Grove, Berkeley Co., VA/WV to Elizabeth Rawlings TURNER (1790-1855, a second-cousin), and had at least 2 more sons and 1 dau.:
... 3.) Dr. Charles Maurice Tallyrand HEDGES (1824-____).
... 4.) Matilda "Da" HEDGES (1829-1914).
... 5.) Decatur HEDGES (1832-1916); m:1) Mary Hugh BEALL (1835-1869), and had 3 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Mary Hugh Beall HEDGES ().
....... b.) Matilda Tomlinson HEDGES ().
....... c.) Gustavas Beall HEDGES ().
....... d.) Churchill HEDGES ().
....... e.) Dora Lee HEDGES ().
Decatur HEDGES m: 2) Martha McCUE, and had 3 daus.:
....... f.) Evalina McCue HEDGES ().
....... g.) Elizabeth Rawlings HEDGES ().
....... h.) Martha Moffett HEDGES ().
D.) Edward HEDGES (c.1784-c.1856); m: 25 Mar 1819 in Frederick Co., VA, to Mary DALBY (1798-14 Apr 1875). Edward inherited his parents' farm in the Pugh Town (Gainesboro) township of far northern Frederick Co., VA, and lived there the rest of his life, and was probably buried there.
E.) Elizabeth HEDGES (1787-1811); m: 20 Aug 1806 to David T. DAVIS (c.1780-Dec 1827); had 3 children.
... 1.) Joseph Hedges DAVIS (1807-14 Dec 1874); m:1) 19 Feb 1827 in Lewis Co., KY, to Patience ELSON (c. 1808-c.1857), and had 2 daus. & 3 sons:
....... a.) Mary E. DAVIS ().
....... b.) Franklin T. DAVIS ().
....... c.) David W. DAVIS ().
....... d.) George A. DAVIS ().
....... e.) Sarah DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS m:2) Mathilde _______ (c.1832-____), and had 4 daus. & 1 son:
....... f.) Eugenia DAVIS ().
....... g.) George DAVIS ().
....... h.) Elmira DAVIS ().
....... i.) Isabella DAVIS ().
....... j.) Angelina DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS worked on the great riverboats and was a riverboat pilot before 1850. He therefore lived successively in Concord, Lewis Co., KY (1830 & 1840 Census); Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH (1850 Census); and St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO (1860 & 1870 Census). He died of epithelioma, under quarantine at the City Hospital, and was buried in the old City Quarantine Cemetery, located 1-1/4 miles south of Jefferson Barracks, on the current site of Koch Hospital, Oakville, MO.
... 2.) [Child] DAVIS (c.1809-c.1809???).
... 3.) Eleanor Thomas DAVIS (2 Jan 1811-2 Dec 1893); m: 23 May 1833 in Lewis Co., KY, to Elijah MATHENY (16 Aug 1811-29 Jul 1896). They both died in Prairie City, Jasper Co., IA, the parents of 6 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Sarah Ann MATHENY ().
....... b.) David D. MATHENY ().
....... c.) Mary Elizabeth MATHENY ().
....... d.) John William MATHENY ().
....... e.) Daniel Clark MATHENY ().
....... f.) Harriet Eleanor MATHENY ().
....... g.) Margaret America MATHENY ().
....... h.) Hannah A. MATHENY ().
....... i.) Theodore Hamlin MATHENY ().
....... j.) Arzilla Frances MATHENY ().
....... k.) Allen Emery MATHENY ().
Eleanor and Elijah MATHENY are buried in Waveland Cemetery.
Family tradition says Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS died of "quick consumption", shortly after the birth of her third child, Eleanor DAVIS, born 2 Jan 1811. Eleanor was given to a black woman who nursed her until she was one. This would place her father Captain Joseph HEDGES's undated Last Will and Testament, probated in 1828, to have been made during or before 1811, which is entirely possible. Her widowed husband David T. DAVIS remarried twice more (to Betsy YOUNG on 19 Nov 1812 in Frederick Co., VA; and to Permelia BAYLESS on 15 Aug 1825 in Adams Co., OH), and was accidentally killed from a tree limb falling on him, around Christmas of 1827 in Adams Co., OH.
------------------------------------
A death date of 18 Sep 1828 has been submitted by one researcher as a precise date of death for Capt. Joseph HEDGES, but that has not been sourced or substantiated by this author. It does fit a death time frame of September 1828, with his Will being probated on 6 Oct 1828. The death date may have come from a Bible record or early family tradition; the search will continue to confirm this by valid source.
Captain Joseph HEDGES was born around the year 1739 or so, the son of Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804) and Agnes POWELSON (1720-1800), and grandson of Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy (c.1670-1732) and his wife Catherine.
The Hedges were early settlers in the lower Shenandoah. Joseph is presumed to have either been born in the Monocacy Maryland farm lands just a few years after his grandfather's death, or on his father's farm on Tullis's branch of the Opequon in what is now Berkeley Co., WV. The question remains as to exactly when Jonas and Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES permanently moved to Virginia. He was in Virginia as early as 23 Jun 1738, and it is perhaps more likely that all of his children were born in what would become Hedgesville, WV.
------------------------------------------------
HEDGES Family Origins: Old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy
The known patriarch of our Hedges family in America was Joseph HEDGES (c.1670-1732), of English descent, often known by researchers as "Old Joseph HEDGES" or "Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy". He came over from the southwest of England (probably via London) in the late 1600's to the Wilmington, Delaware, area, then moved further inland to the area of Maryland northwest of where Washington DC would later be founded. The Monocacy Creek area is where they lived in the early 1700's and is not very far from the Antietam National Battlefield Park (a Civil War battlefield). This is currently in the bounds of Frederick County, MD, about 6 miles north of Frederick town, along the current route of U.S. Hwy. 15; the land was named "Hedge Hogg" and the house apparently referred to as "Monocacy Manor". Originally, the county borders in Maryland were different, and the land lay within the boundaries of Prince George County until 1748, which means deeds and records about this land before that date will be found in the Prince George County court records.
Joseph's wife was Catherine, whose maiden name is uncertain---it was long thought she was a STALLCOP, but it is more likely she was the daughter of Samuel LAND and Dorcas WALLIAM. Old Joseph HEDGES died in 1732 on his Monocacy Maryland estate. He was probably about 62 when he died. There is a website called "The Joseph Project" which deals with the difficulties researchers have had in tracking down real facts on him versus legends and family stories which have since proven to be at least partially inaccurate. Especially difficult has been the establishing of his parentage, but that seems to have been successful finally after many decades of guesswork. In a modern form of citing one's sources, The Joseph Project can be found here: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~hedges/index.htm
Our Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy really does seem to be the descendant of one Sir Philip HEDGES, who distinguished himself in battle and was knighted during the early 1480's, and died in 1487. One of his descendants---likely a great-grandson or great-great-grandson---was a man named William HEDGES, who was an Englishman who had lived for a time in Youghal, Ireland, then came back to southern England, near Berkshire or London. William's wife name was Mary, and they seem to be the actual parents of our old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy. The Irish connection would be approximately correct for the time of the English sale of Irish land during the time of Cromwell, and then the immediate decades after those original sales, where the 2nd generation of English landowners bought and sold the original parcels acquired in Cromwell's time of the 1650's.
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804), father of Capt. Joseph HEDGES
After living at Monocacy in Frederick County, Maryland for a while, our line of HEDGES ancestors moved just across the Potomac River to the panhandle area of what is now far northeast West Virginia---the town of Hedgesville was named after them---and were there during the Revolutionary War. This was all in old Berkeley County, Virginia, at the time, in a part of the colony that both George WASHINGTON and Thomas JEFFERSON later would help survey, and close to where a lot of Civil War battles would later be fought.
Our ancestor Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804) was one of two or three brothers who were the ones who had moved to the Hedgesville area, which at the time was in the bounds of Orange County, VA, and later part of Frederick County, before Berkeley County was formed. In fact, Jonas himself founded his "Hedges Villa" estate in 1746, later to be called Hedgesville, so he was the official founder.
Jonas's wife's maiden name was Agnes POWELSON (1720-1800), probably of Swedish descent, apparently the daughter of Jacob Hendrick PAUELSON (1672-____; son of Jacob PAUELSON) and maybe Jannetje ANDRIES. Agnes also seems to have been the sister of Hendrick PAWELSON (1698-____) and Rebecca POWELSON (1712-____, who m: John VAN METER, older half-brother of Abraham VAN METER, who married Jonas HEDGES's sister Ruth HEDGES). There is a book about them which I wasn't aware of until recently. It is called "Jonas Hedges (1716-1804) & Wife Agnes Powelson of Berkeley Co. VA (WV) and Their Descendants" by Joanne Eustice and Mackey Hedges, for the Hedges Family Association, 1995. (Hedges Family Association, c/o Joanne Eustice, 1534 North Kelly, Redlands, CA, 92374) I do not have a copy of that book, nor have I had the privilege of examining it yet.
Jonas & Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES had at least 4 sons and 5 daughters:
1) Benjamin HEDGES (1738-1805); m: Susan _____, and had many children.
2) Capt. Joseph HEDGES (c.1739-1828); m: Elizabeth RAWLINGS, and had 2 daus. & 3 sons [SEE BELOW]
3) Samuel HEDGES (c.1740-c.1807); m:1) Mary TABB; and m:2) Nancy Harris SAMUELS, having many children by each.
4) James HEDGES (c.1742-____).
5) Rachel HEDGES (c.1744-____).
6) Catherine HEDGES (c.1746-____); m: Mr. FRENCH, and moved to KY where both were killed by Indians.
7) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1748-____).
8) Jane HEDGES (c.1750-____).
9) Rebecca HEDGES (c.1752-____).
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES Settled on Tullis's Branch of the Opequon when it was still Orange Co., VA. In fact, he was in Orange Co., VA, (now Berkeley Co., WV) by 23 Jun 1738.
25 May 1742, Jonas HEDGES was appointed by the Court to view a road from Watkins Ferry on the Potomac River to Ashby's Bent on the Shenandoah River. He reported back to the Court on the 24th of June or July 1742 that they had marked trees from the "Chappell along over Mill Creek ...to Potomac."
c.1745 (no date on abstract) Jonas HEDGES paid guardian bond for Joanna and John VAN METER, children of John VAN METER (referred to as "uncle").
On 7 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a land grant of 261 acres on the south side of the North Mountain adjoining Joshua HEDGES.
......On 14 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about four miles from Watkins Ferry on both sides of the Waggon Road.
......On 7 Sept 1756. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about two miles from Watkins Ferry adjoining Carlyle.
(Land Patents, Frederick Co., VA, Book No. 2, pp 389-390 [West Virginia Dept of Archives & History, Charleston, WV]; Tullises Branch land now in Berkeley Co., WV)
(Land grants Frederick Co., VA [West Virginia Dept. of Archives & History, Charleston, WV], Jonas Hedges, Book No. 2, pp 414-419 [414-415] & pp 389-390, copy in Virginia State Library)
1757, Capt. Thomas SWEARINGEN returned his Muster Roll. Ordered that Jonas HEDGES of the Company commanded by Capt. SWERINGEN be fined Ten Shillings for absenting himself from one General Muster within (12) months last past. (Deed Book no 18, pg 20). Court Martial held Friday 27 Oct 1757 (Frederick Co Court, Winchester, VA) Colonial Military Service.
1760 Jonas witnessed the will of Aaron HARLAN.
1761 Jonas one of the executors of John HILYARD.
Henry BEDINGER vs. STRODE-O. S. 31; N. S. 11--Bill 1796. On 2 May 1763, James STRODE entered land in Northern Neck with Thomas RUTHERFORD, then a surveyor for Fairfax in Berkeley County. Jonas HEDGES deposes (in Berkeley) 10th March, 1798, that thirty-five years ago he showed the land to James Strode.
......2 May 1763, James STRODE enters 400 acres adjoining James DAVIS and Thomas ADAMS.
......20 Jan 1795, Copy of Deed: James STRODE and Elizabeth, his wife, of Norborne Parish, Berkeley County, to Henry BEDINGER. Proved in Berkeley, 20 Jan 1795.
--------------------------------------------
Will of Jonas Hedges, Martinsburg, West Virginia Will Book 3, pg 580-581
In the Name of God Amen. I Jonas Hedges of the County of Berkeley and State of Virginia being in perfect health and memory at present thanks be to God for the same calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament-- My soul I recommend into the hands of God that gave it and my body at my death to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my executor -- and as touching those things and estate whereof it has been pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and dispose of in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Agnes, one sorrel mare of in case the mare should die before my decease instead thereof the sum of ten pounds and her choice of any one of my cattle this to be her or to whom she may please to dispose them to. Likewise all the remainder of my moveable affects during her life and at her decease these to be sold the money equally divided among all my children.
Secondly I give my eldest son, Benjamin Hedges, one dividend of my moveable estate which is all allow him and his full share of my estate. And further I constitute and appoint my two sons, Joseph Hedges, and Samuel Hedges to be the executors of this my last will and testament ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my lat will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this ninth day of February 1787.
Witnessed by George Myles, Moses Harlan, and Tunas Newkirk. G. Miles handwriting proved by John Turner
[Probate]
At a court held for Berkeley County 27 Feb 1804 this last will and testament of Jonas Hedges deceased was proved by the oath of Tunes Newkirk one of the witnesses thereto and the hand writing of George Myles another witness thereto was proved by the oath of John Turner, Esqr., and ordered to be recorded -- and on the motion of Samuel Hedges one of the executors therein named, who made oath according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form giving security whereupon he together with Samuel Hedges and James Robinson entered into and acknowledged bond conditioned as the law directs.
Examined Teste D. Hunter CBC
Inventory filed March, 1804
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas's 2nd oldest son Joseph HEDGES (b: c.1739) was commissioned a Captain in the Virginia Militia during the Revolution---6 March 1776, to be exact---a Captain of Berkeley County. The HEDGES brothers and cousins in the Hedgesville area---along with many others---exemplified what the Founding Fathers and Framers of the Constitution meant when they put the 2nd Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Let me explain. The HEDGES, like many families, had what would sometimes be referred to as a "fortified house". Apparently, part or all of the house was made of stone walls and huge timbers---very strong---and sometimes these sections of the houses had flatter roofs and even parapets on the top wall edges for defensive firing positions, and some had swivel guns that could be mounted up there. All of these type of houses were the main house and dwelling place on the farm, and sometimes doubled as a tavern or inn where travelers could stop over for the night. But some of the outbuildings of these farms didn't just include a barn and a wellhouse and a smokehouse. Many of them included a small blacksmith forge, and a small stone building which was used as an arsenal, where gunpowder, shot, small arms, homemade grenades, edged weapons (bayonets, sabers, axes, pikes, etc.), and even sometimes larger arms were stored, such as swivel guns---sometimes a full-sized cannon was owned by private owners, very much like a private ship owner would have tons of defensive weapons on his ship. The best of these type of fortified houses were used as local rallying points in times of danger, and most men who had such places ended up being officers or commanders of their own militia companies, which were made up of their neighbors. These defensive weapons on a household estate were necessary especially in frontier areas, but it was considered the right of any man to defend his home and family against any assault or trespass, and was very much the kind of thing the Framers had in mind when they wrote "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." That is the 2nd Amendment, which recognizes that all people have the right to defend themselves against the attacks of others, including a tyrannical government, which was what they had in mind at the time, considering they had just fought for their independence against a tyrannical government (England).
After the War, Captain Joseph HEDGES moved a little further southwest, up the Opequon Valley, just inside the next county south of Berkeley, which is Frederick County, VA, northwest of Pugh Town (now Gainesboro). This move was made sometime between 1800-1810. Captain Joseph and Elizabeth bought a farm there, from John and Thomas FARMER, somewhere probably east of Timber Ridge Baptist Church (organized in 1809). This is where Captain Joseph and his wife Elizabeth died and are probably buried.
Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES (c. 1750-1824) was a younger daughter of Stephen RAWLINGS (c.1723-1783) and Mary Elizabeth TYLER (c.1730-1795). Stephen RAWLINGS was a tough old man and fought in the Illinois Campaign in the Revolutionary War under General George Rogers CLARK. The TYLER family is the same family as John TYLER, 10th President of the United States, and are ancestors of Harry S TRUMAN, the 33rd President of the United States.
--------------------------------
Captain Joseph HEDGES's Revolutionary War Officer's Commission, dated 6 March 1776:
The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia
To Joseph Hedges, Gentleman, By virtue of the power and Authority invested in us by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage and good conduct do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of the Militia of the county of Berkeley, and you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the trust reposed in you by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers under your Command. And we do hereby require them to obey you as their Captain. And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from the Convention, the Committee of Safety for the time being, or any superior Officers, according to the rules and Regulations established by the Convention.
Edmd. Pendleton, John Page, Thos. Lud: Lee, P. Carrington, W. Cabell, Js. Mercer
Given under our Hands at Williamsburg, this 6th day of March, Ann Domini 1776
(The original copy of the above is in the possession of Mrs. Dora H. Goodwyn, DAR No. 59261.)
---------------------------------------
Capt. Joseph HEDGES's Last Will and Testament.
It is undated, but made at least in 1824 or earlier, since some time that year his wife Elizabeth died there in Frederick Co., VA, and some time the same year their oldest son Joseph HEDGES, Jr., died in Bullitt Co., KY. In fact, it may have been made during or before 1811, if the death date of their youngest daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS, wife of David T. DAVIS, happened during that year, which is possible, since Joseph HEDGES, Jr., is said in the Will to live in Kentucky, which he did sometime in the year 1800 or 1801. In any event, Captain Joseph's Will which was probated in 1828 had never been amended to reflect these deaths, and therefore wife Elizabeth and son Joseph are still mentioned as legatees, as well as daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS.
Will of Joseph Hedges. Frederick Co VA County Court, Winchester, VA, Will Book 14, pp 489-90:
In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Hedges of Frederick County and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last will and testament revoking and declaring null and void all other and former will by me made. To my dearly beloved wife, Elizabeth, I will and bequeath the use and profits of all the property I may die possessed and the benefit of both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life.
.....To my daughter Agnes Burns wife of George Burns of Berkeley County I remark that having given her from time to time as much of my property as I could conveniently part with I cannot now add anything more only to enjoin on my wife to pay her a small balance which I promised her.
.....To my son Joseph of Kentucky I can't bequeath anything, not from want of parental affection, but because I have heretofore given him as liberally of my estate as my circumstances would justify.
.....To my son John I will and bequeath all the right I have, if any in law or equity to the tract of land on which he now resides which was purchased by him and myself from William Chenowith as I always intended that the sum I furnished for that purpose in addition to the expenses of his education constitute his share of my estate.
.....To my son Edward I will and bequeath the tract of land on which I now reside which I purchased from John and Thomas Farmer, my slave Peter and all my personal property which shall remain after the death of my wife and just payment of my just debts; but if he died not having issue my will is that in that case my land be divided to my said son Edward, shall be equally between the surviving children of lawful representatives.
.....To my daughter Elizabeth Davis I add nothing more in addition to what I have already given her having given her from time to time as much of my property as I intend for her.
.....Lastly I do constitute ordain and appoint my son John executor of this my last will and testament revoking as above any other will which I have made at any time anterior to the date hereof making and declaring as above the same to be null and void to all intents and purposes. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.
.....Joseph Hedges (Seal)
.....Signed Sealed Declared in the presence of Thomas Dent, Leroy W. Swift, Thomas E. Dent
[Probate]
At a court held for Frederick County the 6th of October 1828 this last will and testament of Joseph Hedges deceased was proved by the oaths of Thomas Dent and Thomas E. Dent, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
----------------------------------
Capt. Joseph and Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:
A.) Agnes "Anna" HEDGES (1775-1841); m: 10 Jul 1795 in Berkeley Co., WV, to George BURNS (c.1767-c.1841, a second-cousin, son of William BURNS and Joanna VAN METER, who was dau. of John VAN METER and Rebecca POWELSON). They had at least 3 sons & 4 daus.:
... 1.) William George BURNS (6 Aug 1796-c.1846); m:1) 1 Apr 1824 to Elizabeth KOWNSLAR; then m:2) 24 Feb 1834 to Anne DOWNEY (1801-1876), and they had at least 2 daus.:
....... a.) Elizabeth Owings BURNS ().
....... b.) Georgia Ann BURNS ().
William George BURNS disappeared c.1846 (?), bound for Oregon.
... 2.) Sarah Elizabeth BURNS (1797-1877), m: 8 Feb 1813 to John HITE (1784-1857), and had 4 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Arena HITE ().
....... b.) Mary Ann HITE ().
....... c.) Nancy Jane HITE ().
....... d.) Gillie Ann HITE ().
....... e.) George Burns HITE ().
....... f.) John Quincy HITE ().
... 3.) Johanna BURNS (1800-bef. 1841); m: 4 Dec 1817 to Jacob GORRELL.
... 4.) Joseph BURNS (1802-____).
... 5.) Nancy BURNS (30 Nov 1806-29 Nov 1844); m: 3 Jun 1824 to John S. LIGHT (28 Mar 1794-25 Jan 1868); they are buried in Platte Co., MO.
... 6.) John BURNS (c.1810-____); m: 2 Apr 1841 to Elizabeth COLLINS (28 Mar 1818-31 Jan 1909); she is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., WV.
... 7.) Ruth BURNS (c.1812 ?-____); m: John GLENN.
B.) Joseph HEDGES, Jr. (c.1775 - bef. 18 Nov 1824); m: 24 Nov 1798, in Berkeley Co., WV, to Elizabeth McMillian BRISCOE (30 Jun 1774 - 4 Nov 1837); moved to Bullitt Co., KY, circa 1800, where he became Sheriff of Bullitt County around 1822, dying while in that office in 1824, perhaps from one of the many fevers that burned through that region around that time. They had at least 3 daughters and 8 sons:
... 1.) Ellender "Nelly" HEDGES (4 Oct 1799 - 2 Nov 1869), m: 5 Jan 1829 to Joseph "Bigfoot" SWEARINGEN (14 Jun 1791 - 20 Jul 1860); they had 2 daughters:
....... a.) Elizabeth SWEARINGEN (1830-____).
....... b.) Susan SWEARINGEN (1836-____).
... 2.) George HEDGES (c.1800-____).
... 3.) William HEDGES (c.1801-aft. 1850), m: Lucinda COX (1815-____); had 5 sons & 4 daus.:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) Frances HEDGES ().
....... c.) Henry C. HEDGES ().
....... d.) Armilda HEDGES ().
....... e.) Mary HEDGES ().
....... f.) George HEDGES ().
....... g.) James HEDGES ().
....... h.) Eliza A. HEDGES ().
....... i.) Jonathan HEDGES ().
... 4.) Fanny M. HEDGES (c.1803-aft. 1850); m: James WRIGHT; had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) John C. WRIGHT ().
....... b.) James WRIGHT ().
....... c.) Joseph H. WRIGHT ().
... 5.) Wesley HEDGES (c.1806-aft. 1831).
... 6.) Samuel HEDGES (1808-aft. 1860); m: Elizabeth TRUNNELL (1810-____); had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) William Chidsey HEDGES (1842-1912)
....... c.) Briscoe HEDGES ().
... 7.) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1809-____); m: William CHIDSEY (1798-____); had 4 daus. and 4 sons: Susan CHIDSEY, Sarah CHIDSEY, Delia CHIDSEY, William CHIDSEY Jr., Rebecca CHIDSEY, John CHIDSEY [1st, d. as an infant], John CHIDSEY [2nd], & Frederick CHIDSEY.
... 8.) Rev. John Riley HEDGES, Sr. (c.1810-c.1869); m: 1) Mary Lucinda STALLINGS (1812-1857); had 5 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Elizabeth HEDGES ().
....... b.) Cynthia HEDGES ().
....... c.) Wesley HEDGES ().
....... d.) Rev. William Chidsey HEDGES (1839-1917).
....... e.) Martha Jane HEDGES ().
....... f.) John Riley HEDGES Jr. ().
....... g.) Emaline HEDGES ().
....... h.) David Riley HEDGES ().
....... i.) Sarah "Sallie" HEDGES ().
....... j.) Greenup Jewell HEDGES ().
Rev. John Riley HEDGES m:2) Mrs. Mary "Polly" (WEISE) BROWN (1813-aft. 1870), widow of William BROWN (1806-1852).
... 9.) Franklin HEDGES (c.1812-____).
... 10.) Joseph HEDGES, III (c.1816-____).
... 11.) Son HEDGES (c.1818-____).
C.) Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES (12 Jan 1776-5 Dec 1853); m:1) c.1810 to Judith CHURCHILL (c.1785-aft. 1814), and had at least 2 sons:
... 1.) Capt. John Churchill HEDGES (1812-1851).
... 2.) Owen Tudor HEDGES (1816-1863); killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES m:2) 29 Nov 1821 at Cedar Grove, Berkeley Co., VA/WV to Elizabeth Rawlings TURNER (1790-1855, a second-cousin), and had at least 2 more sons and 1 dau.:
... 3.) Dr. Charles Maurice Tallyrand HEDGES (1824-____).
... 4.) Matilda "Da" HEDGES (1829-1914).
... 5.) Decatur HEDGES (1832-1916); m:1) Mary Hugh BEALL (1835-1869), and had 3 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Mary Hugh Beall HEDGES ().
....... b.) Matilda Tomlinson HEDGES ().
....... c.) Gustavas Beall HEDGES ().
....... d.) Churchill HEDGES ().
....... e.) Dora Lee HEDGES ().
Decatur HEDGES m: 2) Martha McCUE, and had 3 daus.:
....... f.) Evalina McCue HEDGES ().
....... g.) Elizabeth Rawlings HEDGES ().
....... h.) Martha Moffett HEDGES ().
D.) Edward HEDGES (c.1784-c.1856); m: 25 Mar 1819 in Frederick Co., VA, to Mary DALBY (1798-14 Apr 1875). Edward inherited his parents' farm in the Pugh Town (Gainesboro) township of far northern Frederick Co., VA, and lived there the rest of his life, and was probably buried there.
E.) Elizabeth HEDGES (1787-1811); m: 20 Aug 1806 to David T. DAVIS (c.1780-Dec 1827); had 3 children.
... 1.) Joseph Hedges DAVIS (1807-14 Dec 1874); m:1) 19 Feb 1827 in Lewis Co., KY, to Patience ELSON (c. 1808-c.1857), and had 2 daus. & 3 sons:
....... a.) Mary E. DAVIS ().
....... b.) Franklin T. DAVIS ().
....... c.) David W. DAVIS ().
....... d.) George A. DAVIS ().
....... e.) Sarah DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS m:2) Mathilde _______ (c.1832-____), and had 4 daus. & 1 son:
....... f.) Eugenia DAVIS ().
....... g.) George DAVIS ().
....... h.) Elmira DAVIS ().
....... i.) Isabella DAVIS ().
....... j.) Angelina DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS worked on the great riverboats and was a riverboat pilot before 1850. He therefore lived successively in Concord, Lewis Co., KY (1830 & 1840 Census); Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH (1850 Census); and St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO (1860 & 1870 Census). He died of epithelioma, under quarantine at the City Hospital, and was buried in the old City Quarantine Cemetery, located 1-1/4 miles south of Jefferson Barracks, on the current site of Koch Hospital, Oakville, MO.
... 2.) [Child] DAVIS (c.1809-c.1809???).
... 3.) Eleanor Thomas DAVIS (2 Jan 1811-2 Dec 1893); m: 23 May 1833 in Lewis Co., KY, to Elijah MATHENY (16 Aug 1811-29 Jul 1896). They both died in Prairie City, Jasper Co., IA, the parents of 6 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Sarah Ann MATHENY ().
....... b.) David D. MATHENY ().
....... c.) Mary Elizabeth MATHENY ().
....... d.) John William MATHENY ().
....... e.) Daniel Clark MATHENY ().
....... f.) Harriet Eleanor MATHENY ().
....... g.) Margaret America MATHENY ().
....... h.) Hannah A. MATHENY ().
....... i.) Theodore Hamlin MATHENY ().
....... j.) Arzilla Frances MATHENY ().
....... k.) Allen Emery MATHENY ().
Eleanor and Elijah MATHENY are buried in Waveland Cemetery.
Family tradition says Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS died of "quick consumption", shortly after the birth of her third child, Eleanor DAVIS, born 2 Jan 1811. Eleanor was given to a black woman who nursed her until she was one. This would place her father Captain Joseph HEDGES's undated Last Will and Testament, probated in 1828, to have been made during or before 1811, which is entirely possible. Her widowed husband David T. DAVIS remarried twice more (to Betsy YOUNG on 19 Nov 1812 in Frederick Co., VA; and to Permelia BAYLESS on 15 Aug 1825 in Adams Co., OH), and was accidentally killed from a tree limb falling on him, around Christmas of 1827 in Adams Co., OH.
------------------------------------
A death date of 18 Sep 1828 has been submitted by one researcher as a precise date of death for Capt. Joseph HEDGES, but that has not been sourced or substantiated by this author. It does fit a death time frame of September 1828, with his Will being probated on 6 Oct 1828. The death date may have come from a Bible record or early family tradition; the search will continue to confirm this by valid source.
The Hedges were early settlers in the lower Shenandoah. Joseph is presumed to have either been born in the Monocacy Maryland farm lands just a few years after his grandfather's death, or on his father's farm on Tullis's branch of the Opequon in what is now Berkeley Co., WV. The question remains as to exactly when Jonas and Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES permanently moved to Virginia. He was in Virginia as early as 23 Jun 1738, and it is perhaps more likely that all of his children were born in what would become Hedgesville, WV.
------------------------------------------------
HEDGES Family Origins: Old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy
The known patriarch of our Hedges family in America was Joseph HEDGES (c.1670-1732), of English descent, often known by researchers as "Old Joseph HEDGES" or "Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy". He came over from the southwest of England (probably via London) in the late 1600's to the Wilmington, Delaware, area, then moved further inland to the area of Maryland northwest of where Washington DC would later be founded. The Monocacy Creek area is where they lived in the early 1700's and is not very far from the Antietam National Battlefield Park (a Civil War battlefield). This is currently in the bounds of Frederick County, MD, about 6 miles north of Frederick town, along the current route of U.S. Hwy. 15; the land was named "Hedge Hogg" and the house apparently referred to as "Monocacy Manor". Originally, the county borders in Maryland were different, and the land lay within the boundaries of Prince George County until 1748, which means deeds and records about this land before that date will be found in the Prince George County court records.
Joseph's wife was Catherine, whose maiden name is uncertain---it was long thought she was a STALLCOP, but it is more likely she was the daughter of Samuel LAND and Dorcas WALLIAM. Old Joseph HEDGES died in 1732 on his Monocacy Maryland estate. He was probably about 62 when he died. There is a website called "The Joseph Project" which deals with the difficulties researchers have had in tracking down real facts on him versus legends and family stories which have since proven to be at least partially inaccurate. Especially difficult has been the establishing of his parentage, but that seems to have been successful finally after many decades of guesswork. In a modern form of citing one's sources, The Joseph Project can be found here: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~hedges/index.htm
Our Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy really does seem to be the descendant of one Sir Philip HEDGES, who distinguished himself in battle and was knighted during the early 1480's, and died in 1487. One of his descendants---likely a great-grandson or great-great-grandson---was a man named William HEDGES, who was an Englishman who had lived for a time in Youghal, Ireland, then came back to southern England, near Berkshire or London. William's wife name was Mary, and they seem to be the actual parents of our old Joseph HEDGES of Monocacy. The Irish connection would be approximately correct for the time of the English sale of Irish land during the time of Cromwell, and then the immediate decades after those original sales, where the 2nd generation of English landowners bought and sold the original parcels acquired in Cromwell's time of the 1650's.
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804), father of Capt. Joseph HEDGES
After living at Monocacy in Frederick County, Maryland for a while, our line of HEDGES ancestors moved just across the Potomac River to the panhandle area of what is now far northeast West Virginia---the town of Hedgesville was named after them---and were there during the Revolutionary War. This was all in old Berkeley County, Virginia, at the time, in a part of the colony that both George WASHINGTON and Thomas JEFFERSON later would help survey, and close to where a lot of Civil War battles would later be fought.
Our ancestor Jonas HEDGES (1716-1804) was one of two or three brothers who were the ones who had moved to the Hedgesville area, which at the time was in the bounds of Orange County, VA, and later part of Frederick County, before Berkeley County was formed. In fact, Jonas himself founded his "Hedges Villa" estate in 1746, later to be called Hedgesville, so he was the official founder.
Jonas's wife's maiden name was Agnes POWELSON (1720-1800), probably of Swedish descent, apparently the daughter of Jacob Hendrick PAUELSON (1672-____; son of Jacob PAUELSON) and maybe Jannetje ANDRIES. Agnes also seems to have been the sister of Hendrick PAWELSON (1698-____) and Rebecca POWELSON (1712-____, who m: John VAN METER, older half-brother of Abraham VAN METER, who married Jonas HEDGES's sister Ruth HEDGES). There is a book about them which I wasn't aware of until recently. It is called "Jonas Hedges (1716-1804) & Wife Agnes Powelson of Berkeley Co. VA (WV) and Their Descendants" by Joanne Eustice and Mackey Hedges, for the Hedges Family Association, 1995. (Hedges Family Association, c/o Joanne Eustice, 1534 North Kelly, Redlands, CA, 92374) I do not have a copy of that book, nor have I had the privilege of examining it yet.
Jonas & Agnes (POWELSON) HEDGES had at least 4 sons and 5 daughters:
1) Benjamin HEDGES (1738-1805); m: Susan _____, and had many children.
2) Capt. Joseph HEDGES (c.1739-1828); m: Elizabeth RAWLINGS, and had 2 daus. & 3 sons [SEE BELOW]
3) Samuel HEDGES (c.1740-c.1807); m:1) Mary TABB; and m:2) Nancy Harris SAMUELS, having many children by each.
4) James HEDGES (c.1742-____).
5) Rachel HEDGES (c.1744-____).
6) Catherine HEDGES (c.1746-____); m: Mr. FRENCH, and moved to KY where both were killed by Indians.
7) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1748-____).
8) Jane HEDGES (c.1750-____).
9) Rebecca HEDGES (c.1752-____).
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas HEDGES Settled on Tullis's Branch of the Opequon when it was still Orange Co., VA. In fact, he was in Orange Co., VA, (now Berkeley Co., WV) by 23 Jun 1738.
25 May 1742, Jonas HEDGES was appointed by the Court to view a road from Watkins Ferry on the Potomac River to Ashby's Bent on the Shenandoah River. He reported back to the Court on the 24th of June or July 1742 that they had marked trees from the "Chappell along over Mill Creek ...to Potomac."
c.1745 (no date on abstract) Jonas HEDGES paid guardian bond for Joanna and John VAN METER, children of John VAN METER (referred to as "uncle").
On 7 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a land grant of 261 acres on the south side of the North Mountain adjoining Joshua HEDGES.
......On 14 Nov 1754. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about four miles from Watkins Ferry on both sides of the Waggon Road.
......On 7 Sept 1756. Jonas HEDGES received a grant of 352 acres about two miles from Watkins Ferry adjoining Carlyle.
(Land Patents, Frederick Co., VA, Book No. 2, pp 389-390 [West Virginia Dept of Archives & History, Charleston, WV]; Tullises Branch land now in Berkeley Co., WV)
(Land grants Frederick Co., VA [West Virginia Dept. of Archives & History, Charleston, WV], Jonas Hedges, Book No. 2, pp 414-419 [414-415] & pp 389-390, copy in Virginia State Library)
1757, Capt. Thomas SWEARINGEN returned his Muster Roll. Ordered that Jonas HEDGES of the Company commanded by Capt. SWERINGEN be fined Ten Shillings for absenting himself from one General Muster within (12) months last past. (Deed Book no 18, pg 20). Court Martial held Friday 27 Oct 1757 (Frederick Co Court, Winchester, VA) Colonial Military Service.
1760 Jonas witnessed the will of Aaron HARLAN.
1761 Jonas one of the executors of John HILYARD.
Henry BEDINGER vs. STRODE-O. S. 31; N. S. 11--Bill 1796. On 2 May 1763, James STRODE entered land in Northern Neck with Thomas RUTHERFORD, then a surveyor for Fairfax in Berkeley County. Jonas HEDGES deposes (in Berkeley) 10th March, 1798, that thirty-five years ago he showed the land to James Strode.
......2 May 1763, James STRODE enters 400 acres adjoining James DAVIS and Thomas ADAMS.
......20 Jan 1795, Copy of Deed: James STRODE and Elizabeth, his wife, of Norborne Parish, Berkeley County, to Henry BEDINGER. Proved in Berkeley, 20 Jan 1795.
--------------------------------------------
Will of Jonas Hedges, Martinsburg, West Virginia Will Book 3, pg 580-581
In the Name of God Amen. I Jonas Hedges of the County of Berkeley and State of Virginia being in perfect health and memory at present thanks be to God for the same calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament-- My soul I recommend into the hands of God that gave it and my body at my death to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my executor -- and as touching those things and estate whereof it has been pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and dispose of in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Agnes, one sorrel mare of in case the mare should die before my decease instead thereof the sum of ten pounds and her choice of any one of my cattle this to be her or to whom she may please to dispose them to. Likewise all the remainder of my moveable affects during her life and at her decease these to be sold the money equally divided among all my children.
Secondly I give my eldest son, Benjamin Hedges, one dividend of my moveable estate which is all allow him and his full share of my estate. And further I constitute and appoint my two sons, Joseph Hedges, and Samuel Hedges to be the executors of this my last will and testament ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my lat will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this ninth day of February 1787.
Witnessed by George Myles, Moses Harlan, and Tunas Newkirk. G. Miles handwriting proved by John Turner
[Probate]
At a court held for Berkeley County 27 Feb 1804 this last will and testament of Jonas Hedges deceased was proved by the oath of Tunes Newkirk one of the witnesses thereto and the hand writing of George Myles another witness thereto was proved by the oath of John Turner, Esqr., and ordered to be recorded -- and on the motion of Samuel Hedges one of the executors therein named, who made oath according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form giving security whereupon he together with Samuel Hedges and James Robinson entered into and acknowledged bond conditioned as the law directs.
Examined Teste D. Hunter CBC
Inventory filed March, 1804
--------------------------------------------------
Jonas's 2nd oldest son Joseph HEDGES (b: c.1739) was commissioned a Captain in the Virginia Militia during the Revolution---6 March 1776, to be exact---a Captain of Berkeley County. The HEDGES brothers and cousins in the Hedgesville area---along with many others---exemplified what the Founding Fathers and Framers of the Constitution meant when they put the 2nd Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Let me explain. The HEDGES, like many families, had what would sometimes be referred to as a "fortified house". Apparently, part or all of the house was made of stone walls and huge timbers---very strong---and sometimes these sections of the houses had flatter roofs and even parapets on the top wall edges for defensive firing positions, and some had swivel guns that could be mounted up there. All of these type of houses were the main house and dwelling place on the farm, and sometimes doubled as a tavern or inn where travelers could stop over for the night. But some of the outbuildings of these farms didn't just include a barn and a wellhouse and a smokehouse. Many of them included a small blacksmith forge, and a small stone building which was used as an arsenal, where gunpowder, shot, small arms, homemade grenades, edged weapons (bayonets, sabers, axes, pikes, etc.), and even sometimes larger arms were stored, such as swivel guns---sometimes a full-sized cannon was owned by private owners, very much like a private ship owner would have tons of defensive weapons on his ship. The best of these type of fortified houses were used as local rallying points in times of danger, and most men who had such places ended up being officers or commanders of their own militia companies, which were made up of their neighbors. These defensive weapons on a household estate were necessary especially in frontier areas, but it was considered the right of any man to defend his home and family against any assault or trespass, and was very much the kind of thing the Framers had in mind when they wrote "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." That is the 2nd Amendment, which recognizes that all people have the right to defend themselves against the attacks of others, including a tyrannical government, which was what they had in mind at the time, considering they had just fought for their independence against a tyrannical government (England).
After the War, Captain Joseph HEDGES moved a little further southwest, up the Opequon Valley, just inside the next county south of Berkeley, which is Frederick County, VA, northwest of Pugh Town (now Gainesboro). This move was made sometime between 1800-1810. Captain Joseph and Elizabeth bought a farm there, from John and Thomas FARMER, somewhere probably east of Timber Ridge Baptist Church (organized in 1809). This is where Captain Joseph and his wife Elizabeth died and are probably buried.
Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES (c. 1750-1824) was a younger daughter of Stephen RAWLINGS (c.1723-1783) and Mary Elizabeth TYLER (c.1730-1795). Stephen RAWLINGS was a tough old man and fought in the Illinois Campaign in the Revolutionary War under General George Rogers CLARK. The TYLER family is the same family as John TYLER, 10th President of the United States, and are ancestors of Harry S TRUMAN, the 33rd President of the United States.
--------------------------------
Captain Joseph HEDGES's Revolutionary War Officer's Commission, dated 6 March 1776:
The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia
To Joseph Hedges, Gentleman, By virtue of the power and Authority invested in us by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage and good conduct do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of the Militia of the county of Berkeley, and you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the trust reposed in you by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers under your Command. And we do hereby require them to obey you as their Captain. And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from the Convention, the Committee of Safety for the time being, or any superior Officers, according to the rules and Regulations established by the Convention.
Edmd. Pendleton, John Page, Thos. Lud: Lee, P. Carrington, W. Cabell, Js. Mercer
Given under our Hands at Williamsburg, this 6th day of March, Ann Domini 1776
(The original copy of the above is in the possession of Mrs. Dora H. Goodwyn, DAR No. 59261.)
---------------------------------------
Capt. Joseph HEDGES's Last Will and Testament.
It is undated, but made at least in 1824 or earlier, since some time that year his wife Elizabeth died there in Frederick Co., VA, and some time the same year their oldest son Joseph HEDGES, Jr., died in Bullitt Co., KY. In fact, it may have been made during or before 1811, if the death date of their youngest daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS, wife of David T. DAVIS, happened during that year, which is possible, since Joseph HEDGES, Jr., is said in the Will to live in Kentucky, which he did sometime in the year 1800 or 1801. In any event, Captain Joseph's Will which was probated in 1828 had never been amended to reflect these deaths, and therefore wife Elizabeth and son Joseph are still mentioned as legatees, as well as daughter Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS.
Will of Joseph Hedges. Frederick Co VA County Court, Winchester, VA, Will Book 14, pp 489-90:
In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Hedges of Frederick County and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last will and testament revoking and declaring null and void all other and former will by me made. To my dearly beloved wife, Elizabeth, I will and bequeath the use and profits of all the property I may die possessed and the benefit of both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life.
.....To my daughter Agnes Burns wife of George Burns of Berkeley County I remark that having given her from time to time as much of my property as I could conveniently part with I cannot now add anything more only to enjoin on my wife to pay her a small balance which I promised her.
.....To my son Joseph of Kentucky I can't bequeath anything, not from want of parental affection, but because I have heretofore given him as liberally of my estate as my circumstances would justify.
.....To my son John I will and bequeath all the right I have, if any in law or equity to the tract of land on which he now resides which was purchased by him and myself from William Chenowith as I always intended that the sum I furnished for that purpose in addition to the expenses of his education constitute his share of my estate.
.....To my son Edward I will and bequeath the tract of land on which I now reside which I purchased from John and Thomas Farmer, my slave Peter and all my personal property which shall remain after the death of my wife and just payment of my just debts; but if he died not having issue my will is that in that case my land be divided to my said son Edward, shall be equally between the surviving children of lawful representatives.
.....To my daughter Elizabeth Davis I add nothing more in addition to what I have already given her having given her from time to time as much of my property as I intend for her.
.....Lastly I do constitute ordain and appoint my son John executor of this my last will and testament revoking as above any other will which I have made at any time anterior to the date hereof making and declaring as above the same to be null and void to all intents and purposes. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.
.....Joseph Hedges (Seal)
.....Signed Sealed Declared in the presence of Thomas Dent, Leroy W. Swift, Thomas E. Dent
[Probate]
At a court held for Frederick County the 6th of October 1828 this last will and testament of Joseph Hedges deceased was proved by the oaths of Thomas Dent and Thomas E. Dent, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
----------------------------------
Capt. Joseph and Elizabeth (RAWLINGS) HEDGES's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:
A.) Agnes "Anna" HEDGES (1775-1841); m: 10 Jul 1795 in Berkeley Co., WV, to George BURNS (c.1767-c.1841, a second-cousin, son of William BURNS and Joanna VAN METER, who was dau. of John VAN METER and Rebecca POWELSON). They had at least 3 sons & 4 daus.:
... 1.) William George BURNS (6 Aug 1796-c.1846); m:1) 1 Apr 1824 to Elizabeth KOWNSLAR; then m:2) 24 Feb 1834 to Anne DOWNEY (1801-1876), and they had at least 2 daus.:
....... a.) Elizabeth Owings BURNS ().
....... b.) Georgia Ann BURNS ().
William George BURNS disappeared c.1846 (?), bound for Oregon.
... 2.) Sarah Elizabeth BURNS (1797-1877), m: 8 Feb 1813 to John HITE (1784-1857), and had 4 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Arena HITE ().
....... b.) Mary Ann HITE ().
....... c.) Nancy Jane HITE ().
....... d.) Gillie Ann HITE ().
....... e.) George Burns HITE ().
....... f.) John Quincy HITE ().
... 3.) Johanna BURNS (1800-bef. 1841); m: 4 Dec 1817 to Jacob GORRELL.
... 4.) Joseph BURNS (1802-____).
... 5.) Nancy BURNS (30 Nov 1806-29 Nov 1844); m: 3 Jun 1824 to John S. LIGHT (28 Mar 1794-25 Jan 1868); they are buried in Platte Co., MO.
... 6.) John BURNS (c.1810-____); m: 2 Apr 1841 to Elizabeth COLLINS (28 Mar 1818-31 Jan 1909); she is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., WV.
... 7.) Ruth BURNS (c.1812 ?-____); m: John GLENN.
B.) Joseph HEDGES, Jr. (c.1775 - bef. 18 Nov 1824); m: 24 Nov 1798, in Berkeley Co., WV, to Elizabeth McMillian BRISCOE (30 Jun 1774 - 4 Nov 1837); moved to Bullitt Co., KY, circa 1800, where he became Sheriff of Bullitt County around 1822, dying while in that office in 1824, perhaps from one of the many fevers that burned through that region around that time. They had at least 3 daughters and 8 sons:
... 1.) Ellender "Nelly" HEDGES (4 Oct 1799 - 2 Nov 1869), m: 5 Jan 1829 to Joseph "Bigfoot" SWEARINGEN (14 Jun 1791 - 20 Jul 1860); they had 2 daughters:
....... a.) Elizabeth SWEARINGEN (1830-____).
....... b.) Susan SWEARINGEN (1836-____).
... 2.) George HEDGES (c.1800-____).
... 3.) William HEDGES (c.1801-aft. 1850), m: Lucinda COX (1815-____); had 5 sons & 4 daus.:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) Frances HEDGES ().
....... c.) Henry C. HEDGES ().
....... d.) Armilda HEDGES ().
....... e.) Mary HEDGES ().
....... f.) George HEDGES ().
....... g.) James HEDGES ().
....... h.) Eliza A. HEDGES ().
....... i.) Jonathan HEDGES ().
... 4.) Fanny M. HEDGES (c.1803-aft. 1850); m: James WRIGHT; had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) John C. WRIGHT ().
....... b.) James WRIGHT ().
....... c.) Joseph H. WRIGHT ().
... 5.) Wesley HEDGES (c.1806-aft. 1831).
... 6.) Samuel HEDGES (1808-aft. 1860); m: Elizabeth TRUNNELL (1810-____); had at least 3 sons:
....... a.) Joseph HEDGES ().
....... b.) William Chidsey HEDGES (1842-1912)
....... c.) Briscoe HEDGES ().
... 7.) Elizabeth HEDGES (c.1809-____); m: William CHIDSEY (1798-____); had 4 daus. and 4 sons: Susan CHIDSEY, Sarah CHIDSEY, Delia CHIDSEY, William CHIDSEY Jr., Rebecca CHIDSEY, John CHIDSEY [1st, d. as an infant], John CHIDSEY [2nd], & Frederick CHIDSEY.
... 8.) Rev. John Riley HEDGES, Sr. (c.1810-c.1869); m: 1) Mary Lucinda STALLINGS (1812-1857); had 5 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Elizabeth HEDGES ().
....... b.) Cynthia HEDGES ().
....... c.) Wesley HEDGES ().
....... d.) Rev. William Chidsey HEDGES (1839-1917).
....... e.) Martha Jane HEDGES ().
....... f.) John Riley HEDGES Jr. ().
....... g.) Emaline HEDGES ().
....... h.) David Riley HEDGES ().
....... i.) Sarah "Sallie" HEDGES ().
....... j.) Greenup Jewell HEDGES ().
Rev. John Riley HEDGES m:2) Mrs. Mary "Polly" (WEISE) BROWN (1813-aft. 1870), widow of William BROWN (1806-1852).
... 9.) Franklin HEDGES (c.1812-____).
... 10.) Joseph HEDGES, III (c.1816-____).
... 11.) Son HEDGES (c.1818-____).
C.) Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES (12 Jan 1776-5 Dec 1853); m:1) c.1810 to Judith CHURCHILL (c.1785-aft. 1814), and had at least 2 sons:
... 1.) Capt. John Churchill HEDGES (1812-1851).
... 2.) Owen Tudor HEDGES (1816-1863); killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Dr. John Rawlings HEDGES m:2) 29 Nov 1821 at Cedar Grove, Berkeley Co., VA/WV to Elizabeth Rawlings TURNER (1790-1855, a second-cousin), and had at least 2 more sons and 1 dau.:
... 3.) Dr. Charles Maurice Tallyrand HEDGES (1824-____).
... 4.) Matilda "Da" HEDGES (1829-1914).
... 5.) Decatur HEDGES (1832-1916); m:1) Mary Hugh BEALL (1835-1869), and had 3 daus. & 2 sons:
....... a.) Mary Hugh Beall HEDGES ().
....... b.) Matilda Tomlinson HEDGES ().
....... c.) Gustavas Beall HEDGES ().
....... d.) Churchill HEDGES ().
....... e.) Dora Lee HEDGES ().
Decatur HEDGES m: 2) Martha McCUE, and had 3 daus.:
....... f.) Evalina McCue HEDGES ().
....... g.) Elizabeth Rawlings HEDGES ().
....... h.) Martha Moffett HEDGES ().
D.) Edward HEDGES (c.1784-c.1856); m: 25 Mar 1819 in Frederick Co., VA, to Mary DALBY (1798-14 Apr 1875). Edward inherited his parents' farm in the Pugh Town (Gainesboro) township of far northern Frederick Co., VA, and lived there the rest of his life, and was probably buried there.
E.) Elizabeth HEDGES (1787-1811); m: 20 Aug 1806 to David T. DAVIS (c.1780-Dec 1827); had 3 children.
... 1.) Joseph Hedges DAVIS (1807-14 Dec 1874); m:1) 19 Feb 1827 in Lewis Co., KY, to Patience ELSON (c. 1808-c.1857), and had 2 daus. & 3 sons:
....... a.) Mary E. DAVIS ().
....... b.) Franklin T. DAVIS ().
....... c.) David W. DAVIS ().
....... d.) George A. DAVIS ().
....... e.) Sarah DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS m:2) Mathilde _______ (c.1832-____), and had 4 daus. & 1 son:
....... f.) Eugenia DAVIS ().
....... g.) George DAVIS ().
....... h.) Elmira DAVIS ().
....... i.) Isabella DAVIS ().
....... j.) Angelina DAVIS ().
Joseph Hedges DAVIS worked on the great riverboats and was a riverboat pilot before 1850. He therefore lived successively in Concord, Lewis Co., KY (1830 & 1840 Census); Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH (1850 Census); and St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO (1860 & 1870 Census). He died of epithelioma, under quarantine at the City Hospital, and was buried in the old City Quarantine Cemetery, located 1-1/4 miles south of Jefferson Barracks, on the current site of Koch Hospital, Oakville, MO.
... 2.) [Child] DAVIS (c.1809-c.1809???).
... 3.) Eleanor Thomas DAVIS (2 Jan 1811-2 Dec 1893); m: 23 May 1833 in Lewis Co., KY, to Elijah MATHENY (16 Aug 1811-29 Jul 1896). They both died in Prairie City, Jasper Co., IA, the parents of 6 daus. & 5 sons:
....... a.) Sarah Ann MATHENY ().
....... b.) David D. MATHENY ().
....... c.) Mary Elizabeth MATHENY ().
....... d.) John William MATHENY ().
....... e.) Daniel Clark MATHENY ().
....... f.) Harriet Eleanor MATHENY ().
....... g.) Margaret America MATHENY ().
....... h.) Hannah A. MATHENY ().
....... i.) Theodore Hamlin MATHENY ().
....... j.) Arzilla Frances MATHENY ().
....... k.) Allen Emery MATHENY ().
Eleanor and Elijah MATHENY are buried in Waveland Cemetery.
Family tradition says Elizabeth (HEDGES) DAVIS died of "quick consumption", shortly after the birth of her third child, Eleanor DAVIS, born 2 Jan 1811. Eleanor was given to a black woman who nursed her until she was one. This would place her father Captain Joseph HEDGES's undated Last Will and Testament, probated in 1828, to have been made during or before 1811, which is entirely possible. Her widowed husband David T. DAVIS remarried twice more (to Betsy YOUNG on 19 Nov 1812 in Frederick Co., VA; and to Permelia BAYLESS on 15 Aug 1825 in Adams Co., OH), and was accidentally killed from a tree limb falling on him, around Christmas of 1827 in Adams Co., OH.
------------------------------------
A death date of 18 Sep 1828 has been submitted by one researcher as a precise date of death for Capt. Joseph HEDGES, but that has not been sourced or substantiated by this author. It does fit a death time frame of September 1828, with his Will being probated on 6 Oct 1828. The death date may have come from a Bible record or early family tradition; the search will continue to confirm this by valid source.
Family Members
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
