JOHN WAS BORN IN IRELAND AROUND 1730 AND DIED 1810 IN 2ND CREEK, MONROE CO., VIRGINIA. FIND A GRAVE FORCES ONE TO USE MONROE, WEST VIRGINIA. JOHN CAME TO THE COLONIES AROUND 1700 WITH HIS BROTHERS, ROBERT HUMPHREYS 1735- 1809 AND SAMUEL HUMPHREYS 1741-1821. THEY ALL SETTLED IN MONROE CO., VIRGINIA.
The origin of John I, the immigrant to the Colonies, is a point of some speculation, but there are several good possibilities and they all make interesting reading. In the mid-1700s there was a large movement of Irish immigrants into Western Virginia. # 1 below is given as an example of one such a Humphreys(James in this case). Apparently there were enough Irish settlers to have a whole district(THE IRISH CORNER DISTRICT) named after them as seen in the census records. In the period from 1760 to around 1800 there are some facts gathered from county records and indicate John Humphreys I was very likely our forefather.
Some of these supporting facts are given below:
1. From "History of West Virginia"--Lewis Gen 975.4, L589. "In 1760
Christian Peters came to Monroe Co. (Monroe Co.
was carved out of Greenbrier Co. around 1800) and the village of Peterstown takes its name from him. About 1780 came John Nickell,
Andrew Nickell and Robert Campbell each of whom obtained a large tract
of land on what is now known as the Pickaway Plains. They were soon joined by Archibald McDowell, Wm Pritt, Robert Knox and James Humphreys, all of whom were recently from Ireland.
2. Will of John Humphreys Will Book #1 page 180 Monroe Co., VA. 20 Sept. 1809. John leaves his land to children and names them: John,James, William, Samuel, Richard, Robert, Isabella, Elizabeth, Peggy,
Martha. Wife, Catherine, gets estate left to John by Catherine's father aslong as she does not marry. Court was presented the will on 16 Oct. 1810
indicating John probably died sometime during this year.
September the twentith--one thousand eight hundred and nine in the name of God Amen, I John Humphreys of the County of Monroe and the State of Virginia, knowing that all men must die and I being ?? getting frail of body but of perfect mind and memory; I do hereby bequeath my estate in the following manner.Viz; first I commend my Soul to God, who gave it, and my body to the earth from whence it came. I then bequeath to my son John one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son James one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son William one hundred and twenty five acres including to each of them their improvements and the balance of the land to my three younger sons, Samuel, Richard and Robert,Viz; one hundred and seventeen acres to each of them and Samuel who has his part between his brother William and the old improvements, and Richard and Robert who have the balance of the land,Viz; the old improvements to be equally divided between them, and my daughter Isabella to have twenty dollars, and Elizabeth and Peggy each of them is to have one hundred dollars all to be paid in property Equally by Samuel, Richard, and Robert, that twenty two pounds each: and Richard and Robert has also to pay to their sister Martha one hundred dollars each of them, to be paid in property three years after the youngest is of age; and my two youngest sons is to support their Mother and me in the needs and comforts of Life; and I bequeath to my loving wife Catherine the estate left to me by her father to be at her disposal as long as she lives single but if she marries, she is to lose the whole of it, and it is to be equally divided among my children and my personal estate, I hold in my own hand with my dwelling house and at my death it is to fall to my wife and at her death to fall to Richard and Robert that is the house to fall to them. I nominate my three sons Executors Viz; John, James and William. This I declare to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this day and year above written.
his
William Fenton John X Humphreys (seal)
John Cottle mark
James McDowell
In a court held for Monroe County the 16th October 1810 the last will and testament of John Humphreys deceased was presented in court by John, James & William Humphreys the executors therein named and proven by the oaths of John Cottle & James McDowell witness thereto and is ordered to be recorded.And on the motion of said Executors who made oath good together with Issac Hutchinson John Cottle James McDowell and Tristian(?) Patton their seconds enters into Bond according to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining Probate thereof in due form.
copy
testor
J. Hutchinson, CMC
John Humphreys
Will
Book 1 page 180
3. Greenbrier Co. Survey Record #3 page #183-- Feb. 14 1785.
4. Sims Index to Land Grants in WVA. lists John Humphries on 2nd Creek
for 815 acres in 1789, 302 acres in 1813 and 1035 acres in 1805. This grant of land was given for service in war.
5.. Directions to ruins of John's home came from Virginia Yates letter
#3. ---From Union take road to right at Organ Cave and go 3
miles--Henry Humphreys house on right and about 100 yards is
foundation and chimney.
6. One account gives John as growing up near Dublin, Ireland. Then he
landed in PA., came to Augusta Co., VA, met and married Catherine Dickison, then moved to Greenbrier Co. where he became a prominent member of the community.
7. Virginia census and Tax list 1783-1786 and 1787 Greenbrier Co. Census 1800 Monroe Co. Tax list Greenbrier Co. Census 1810 Monroe Co.
8. West Virginia Revolutionary Ancestors by Anne Reddy--Gen 975.4 R246 1973. Complies the names of patriots who rode express, transported prisoners, the sick, provisions, and manufactured firearms. See page 40.
9. 1782 and 1796 property tax list for Greenbrier Co. After 1799 part of GB co. became Monroe Co. and John appears in 1799 tax list.
"History of Monroe Co. gen 975 g11 Chap. 8 gives grand jury service in 1780 and 1791. Also a constable in 1797.
Quote from obit of Blanche Humphreys in Charleston Gazette, Sept. 17, 1988.
"Her great-grandfather, John Humphreys, was one of the builders of Greenbrier Co., having settled near Second Creek at an early date. He was with General Lewis at the Battle of Point Pleasant, and when the first grand jury for Greenbrier Co. was drawn in 1780, he was among those called to sit upon the "state of the county". Her great-grandfather should be great-great grandfather.
Second Creek flows into the Greenbrier river from the southeast instead of from the north. the point at which the creek and river merge is about 8 miles downstream from Ronceverte and 4 miles upstream from Ft. Springs. Alderson, where Muddy Creek joins the Greenbrier River, lies another 15 miles down stream from Second Creek's mouth. Robert and John lived about 15 to 20 miles apart.
John did his duty as a citizen, neither he nor his brother served miltarily in the American Revolution.
Hardesty's the West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, Jim Comstock, Editor 1974, Vol. 6 page 173 says John Humphreys was the contributor of one blanket to the army on November 21, 1781 for which he was reimbursed in the amount of 10 schillings. Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution depends upon the applicant's proving her direct line of descent from any one who served the revolutionary cause in any capacity- military, civil or patriotic. Louise Morrison interviewed Blanvhe Humphreys who was a descendant of John Humphreys. She laughed and commented " I slid into the DAR on John's blanket. It seems amusing to us now, that small contribution our ancestor made to the cause of freedom, but consider what one blanket meant in revolutionary days. Sheep had to be raised. Flax had to be planted, cultivated and harvested to provide fibers needed to give the wool strength and durability. The fleece had to be shorn from the sheep, washed, carded, spun into thread, and dyed all by hand. The flax had to be hacked, bleached, spun and dyed all by hand. Finally the fabric had to be woven on clumsly hand looms into narrow strips and sewn into blankets that were course and scratchy but warm and serviceable. One blanket represented a tremendous investment of time and energy on the part of a woman already struggling under an incredible load of child bearing and primitive home making. There was nothing to be ashamed of in "sliding into the DAR on John's blanket.
John Humphreys appears to have been an exceptionally prosperous settler. Men were judged by their peers and taxed by the Virginia government according to the number of horses and cattle they owned, not the amount of land, other livestock or cast they possessed. In 1782 John Humphreys name was on the list of county tithables in Monroe County then Greenbrier County, as the owner of 12 horses and 18 head of cattle. On these assets he paid $6.41 in taxes, far more than the average settler was required to pay, since most of them qwned only 1 or 2 horses and 1 or 2 cows.
In 1799 John Humphreys again appeared on the Monroe County tax list with 2 tithables in his house hold. One of course was John himself, but the second could have been one of his 3 younger sons, James, William or Samuel. To be tithiable a young man had to be 18 years of age or older.
in 1800, John Humphreys, Sr, and John Humphreys, Jr. were qualified as registered voters in Monroe County, Va.
In the 1810 census John's age was reported as "over 45" which he certainly was ,being by then between 70-75. Census were taken as a rule in mid summer when it was easiest to get about the countryside. Late in 1810 after the census was taken, John Humphreys came to the end of his life. His will is recorded in Monroe Co., W. Va, will book 1 page 180. His widow, Catherine Humphreys out lived her husband but there is nothing in records to reveal her death date.
JOHN HUMPHREYS I AND WIFE CATHERINE ARE MY 4TH GREAT GRANDPARENTS.
CONTRIBUTED BY: RON https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/46863311
The origin of John I, the immigrant to the Colonies, is a point of some speculation, but there are several good possibilities and they all make interesting reading. In the mid-1700s there was a large movement of Irish immigrants into Western Virginia. # 1 below is given as an example of one such a Humphreys(James in this case). Apparently there were enough Irish settlers to have a whole district(THE IRISH CORNER DISTRICT) named after them as seen in the census records. In the period from 1760 to around 1800 there are some facts gathered from county records and indicate John Humphreys I was very likely our forefather.
Some of these supporting facts are given below:
1. From "History of West Virginia"--Lewis Gen 975.4, L589. "In 1760
Christian Peters came to Monroe Co. (Monroe Co.
was carved out of Greenbrier Co. around 1800) and the village of Peterstown takes its name from him. About 1780 came John Nickell,
Andrew Nickell and Robert Campbell each of whom obtained a large tract
of land on what is now known as the Pickaway Plains. They were soon joined by Archibald McDowell, Wm Pritt, Robert Knox and James Humphreys, all of whom were recently from Ireland.
2. Will of John Humphreys Will Book #1 page 180 Monroe Co., VA. 20 Sept. 1809. John leaves his land to children and names them: John,James, William, Samuel, Richard, Robert, Isabella, Elizabeth, Peggy,
Martha. Wife, Catherine, gets estate left to John by Catherine's father aslong as she does not marry. Court was presented the will on 16 Oct. 1810
indicating John probably died sometime during this year.
September the twentith--one thousand eight hundred and nine in the name of God Amen, I John Humphreys of the County of Monroe and the State of Virginia, knowing that all men must die and I being ?? getting frail of body but of perfect mind and memory; I do hereby bequeath my estate in the following manner.Viz; first I commend my Soul to God, who gave it, and my body to the earth from whence it came. I then bequeath to my son John one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son James one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son William one hundred and twenty five acres including to each of them their improvements and the balance of the land to my three younger sons, Samuel, Richard and Robert,Viz; one hundred and seventeen acres to each of them and Samuel who has his part between his brother William and the old improvements, and Richard and Robert who have the balance of the land,Viz; the old improvements to be equally divided between them, and my daughter Isabella to have twenty dollars, and Elizabeth and Peggy each of them is to have one hundred dollars all to be paid in property Equally by Samuel, Richard, and Robert, that twenty two pounds each: and Richard and Robert has also to pay to their sister Martha one hundred dollars each of them, to be paid in property three years after the youngest is of age; and my two youngest sons is to support their Mother and me in the needs and comforts of Life; and I bequeath to my loving wife Catherine the estate left to me by her father to be at her disposal as long as she lives single but if she marries, she is to lose the whole of it, and it is to be equally divided among my children and my personal estate, I hold in my own hand with my dwelling house and at my death it is to fall to my wife and at her death to fall to Richard and Robert that is the house to fall to them. I nominate my three sons Executors Viz; John, James and William. This I declare to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this day and year above written.
his
William Fenton John X Humphreys (seal)
John Cottle mark
James McDowell
In a court held for Monroe County the 16th October 1810 the last will and testament of John Humphreys deceased was presented in court by John, James & William Humphreys the executors therein named and proven by the oaths of John Cottle & James McDowell witness thereto and is ordered to be recorded.And on the motion of said Executors who made oath good together with Issac Hutchinson John Cottle James McDowell and Tristian(?) Patton their seconds enters into Bond according to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining Probate thereof in due form.
copy
testor
J. Hutchinson, CMC
John Humphreys
Will
Book 1 page 180
3. Greenbrier Co. Survey Record #3 page #183-- Feb. 14 1785.
4. Sims Index to Land Grants in WVA. lists John Humphries on 2nd Creek
for 815 acres in 1789, 302 acres in 1813 and 1035 acres in 1805. This grant of land was given for service in war.
5.. Directions to ruins of John's home came from Virginia Yates letter
#3. ---From Union take road to right at Organ Cave and go 3
miles--Henry Humphreys house on right and about 100 yards is
foundation and chimney.
6. One account gives John as growing up near Dublin, Ireland. Then he
landed in PA., came to Augusta Co., VA, met and married Catherine Dickison, then moved to Greenbrier Co. where he became a prominent member of the community.
7. Virginia census and Tax list 1783-1786 and 1787 Greenbrier Co. Census 1800 Monroe Co. Tax list Greenbrier Co. Census 1810 Monroe Co.
8. West Virginia Revolutionary Ancestors by Anne Reddy--Gen 975.4 R246 1973. Complies the names of patriots who rode express, transported prisoners, the sick, provisions, and manufactured firearms. See page 40.
9. 1782 and 1796 property tax list for Greenbrier Co. After 1799 part of GB co. became Monroe Co. and John appears in 1799 tax list.
"History of Monroe Co. gen 975 g11 Chap. 8 gives grand jury service in 1780 and 1791. Also a constable in 1797.
Quote from obit of Blanche Humphreys in Charleston Gazette, Sept. 17, 1988.
"Her great-grandfather, John Humphreys, was one of the builders of Greenbrier Co., having settled near Second Creek at an early date. He was with General Lewis at the Battle of Point Pleasant, and when the first grand jury for Greenbrier Co. was drawn in 1780, he was among those called to sit upon the "state of the county". Her great-grandfather should be great-great grandfather.
Second Creek flows into the Greenbrier river from the southeast instead of from the north. the point at which the creek and river merge is about 8 miles downstream from Ronceverte and 4 miles upstream from Ft. Springs. Alderson, where Muddy Creek joins the Greenbrier River, lies another 15 miles down stream from Second Creek's mouth. Robert and John lived about 15 to 20 miles apart.
John did his duty as a citizen, neither he nor his brother served miltarily in the American Revolution.
Hardesty's the West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, Jim Comstock, Editor 1974, Vol. 6 page 173 says John Humphreys was the contributor of one blanket to the army on November 21, 1781 for which he was reimbursed in the amount of 10 schillings. Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution depends upon the applicant's proving her direct line of descent from any one who served the revolutionary cause in any capacity- military, civil or patriotic. Louise Morrison interviewed Blanvhe Humphreys who was a descendant of John Humphreys. She laughed and commented " I slid into the DAR on John's blanket. It seems amusing to us now, that small contribution our ancestor made to the cause of freedom, but consider what one blanket meant in revolutionary days. Sheep had to be raised. Flax had to be planted, cultivated and harvested to provide fibers needed to give the wool strength and durability. The fleece had to be shorn from the sheep, washed, carded, spun into thread, and dyed all by hand. The flax had to be hacked, bleached, spun and dyed all by hand. Finally the fabric had to be woven on clumsly hand looms into narrow strips and sewn into blankets that were course and scratchy but warm and serviceable. One blanket represented a tremendous investment of time and energy on the part of a woman already struggling under an incredible load of child bearing and primitive home making. There was nothing to be ashamed of in "sliding into the DAR on John's blanket.
John Humphreys appears to have been an exceptionally prosperous settler. Men were judged by their peers and taxed by the Virginia government according to the number of horses and cattle they owned, not the amount of land, other livestock or cast they possessed. In 1782 John Humphreys name was on the list of county tithables in Monroe County then Greenbrier County, as the owner of 12 horses and 18 head of cattle. On these assets he paid $6.41 in taxes, far more than the average settler was required to pay, since most of them qwned only 1 or 2 horses and 1 or 2 cows.
In 1799 John Humphreys again appeared on the Monroe County tax list with 2 tithables in his house hold. One of course was John himself, but the second could have been one of his 3 younger sons, James, William or Samuel. To be tithiable a young man had to be 18 years of age or older.
in 1800, John Humphreys, Sr, and John Humphreys, Jr. were qualified as registered voters in Monroe County, Va.
In the 1810 census John's age was reported as "over 45" which he certainly was ,being by then between 70-75. Census were taken as a rule in mid summer when it was easiest to get about the countryside. Late in 1810 after the census was taken, John Humphreys came to the end of his life. His will is recorded in Monroe Co., W. Va, will book 1 page 180. His widow, Catherine Humphreys out lived her husband but there is nothing in records to reveal her death date.
JOHN HUMPHREYS I AND WIFE CATHERINE ARE MY 4TH GREAT GRANDPARENTS.
CONTRIBUTED BY: RON https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/46863311
JOHN WAS BORN IN IRELAND AROUND 1730 AND DIED 1810 IN 2ND CREEK, MONROE CO., VIRGINIA. FIND A GRAVE FORCES ONE TO USE MONROE, WEST VIRGINIA. JOHN CAME TO THE COLONIES AROUND 1700 WITH HIS BROTHERS, ROBERT HUMPHREYS 1735- 1809 AND SAMUEL HUMPHREYS 1741-1821. THEY ALL SETTLED IN MONROE CO., VIRGINIA.
The origin of John I, the immigrant to the Colonies, is a point of some speculation, but there are several good possibilities and they all make interesting reading. In the mid-1700s there was a large movement of Irish immigrants into Western Virginia. # 1 below is given as an example of one such a Humphreys(James in this case). Apparently there were enough Irish settlers to have a whole district(THE IRISH CORNER DISTRICT) named after them as seen in the census records. In the period from 1760 to around 1800 there are some facts gathered from county records and indicate John Humphreys I was very likely our forefather.
Some of these supporting facts are given below:
1. From "History of West Virginia"--Lewis Gen 975.4, L589. "In 1760
Christian Peters came to Monroe Co. (Monroe Co.
was carved out of Greenbrier Co. around 1800) and the village of Peterstown takes its name from him. About 1780 came John Nickell,
Andrew Nickell and Robert Campbell each of whom obtained a large tract
of land on what is now known as the Pickaway Plains. They were soon joined by Archibald McDowell, Wm Pritt, Robert Knox and James Humphreys, all of whom were recently from Ireland.
2. Will of John Humphreys Will Book #1 page 180 Monroe Co., VA. 20 Sept. 1809. John leaves his land to children and names them: John,James, William, Samuel, Richard, Robert, Isabella, Elizabeth, Peggy,
Martha. Wife, Catherine, gets estate left to John by Catherine's father aslong as she does not marry. Court was presented the will on 16 Oct. 1810
indicating John probably died sometime during this year.
September the twentith--one thousand eight hundred and nine in the name of God Amen, I John Humphreys of the County of Monroe and the State of Virginia, knowing that all men must die and I being ?? getting frail of body but of perfect mind and memory; I do hereby bequeath my estate in the following manner.Viz; first I commend my Soul to God, who gave it, and my body to the earth from whence it came. I then bequeath to my son John one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son James one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son William one hundred and twenty five acres including to each of them their improvements and the balance of the land to my three younger sons, Samuel, Richard and Robert,Viz; one hundred and seventeen acres to each of them and Samuel who has his part between his brother William and the old improvements, and Richard and Robert who have the balance of the land,Viz; the old improvements to be equally divided between them, and my daughter Isabella to have twenty dollars, and Elizabeth and Peggy each of them is to have one hundred dollars all to be paid in property Equally by Samuel, Richard, and Robert, that twenty two pounds each: and Richard and Robert has also to pay to their sister Martha one hundred dollars each of them, to be paid in property three years after the youngest is of age; and my two youngest sons is to support their Mother and me in the needs and comforts of Life; and I bequeath to my loving wife Catherine the estate left to me by her father to be at her disposal as long as she lives single but if she marries, she is to lose the whole of it, and it is to be equally divided among my children and my personal estate, I hold in my own hand with my dwelling house and at my death it is to fall to my wife and at her death to fall to Richard and Robert that is the house to fall to them. I nominate my three sons Executors Viz; John, James and William. This I declare to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this day and year above written.
his
William Fenton John X Humphreys (seal)
John Cottle mark
James McDowell
In a court held for Monroe County the 16th October 1810 the last will and testament of John Humphreys deceased was presented in court by John, James & William Humphreys the executors therein named and proven by the oaths of John Cottle & James McDowell witness thereto and is ordered to be recorded.And on the motion of said Executors who made oath good together with Issac Hutchinson John Cottle James McDowell and Tristian(?) Patton their seconds enters into Bond according to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining Probate thereof in due form.
copy
testor
J. Hutchinson, CMC
John Humphreys
Will
Book 1 page 180
3. Greenbrier Co. Survey Record #3 page #183-- Feb. 14 1785.
4. Sims Index to Land Grants in WVA. lists John Humphries on 2nd Creek
for 815 acres in 1789, 302 acres in 1813 and 1035 acres in 1805. This grant of land was given for service in war.
5.. Directions to ruins of John's home came from Virginia Yates letter
#3. ---From Union take road to right at Organ Cave and go 3
miles--Henry Humphreys house on right and about 100 yards is
foundation and chimney.
6. One account gives John as growing up near Dublin, Ireland. Then he
landed in PA., came to Augusta Co., VA, met and married Catherine Dickison, then moved to Greenbrier Co. where he became a prominent member of the community.
7. Virginia census and Tax list 1783-1786 and 1787 Greenbrier Co. Census 1800 Monroe Co. Tax list Greenbrier Co. Census 1810 Monroe Co.
8. West Virginia Revolutionary Ancestors by Anne Reddy--Gen 975.4 R246 1973. Complies the names of patriots who rode express, transported prisoners, the sick, provisions, and manufactured firearms. See page 40.
9. 1782 and 1796 property tax list for Greenbrier Co. After 1799 part of GB co. became Monroe Co. and John appears in 1799 tax list.
"History of Monroe Co. gen 975 g11 Chap. 8 gives grand jury service in 1780 and 1791. Also a constable in 1797.
Quote from obit of Blanche Humphreys in Charleston Gazette, Sept. 17, 1988.
"Her great-grandfather, John Humphreys, was one of the builders of Greenbrier Co., having settled near Second Creek at an early date. He was with General Lewis at the Battle of Point Pleasant, and when the first grand jury for Greenbrier Co. was drawn in 1780, he was among those called to sit upon the "state of the county". Her great-grandfather should be great-great grandfather.
Second Creek flows into the Greenbrier river from the southeast instead of from the north. the point at which the creek and river merge is about 8 miles downstream from Ronceverte and 4 miles upstream from Ft. Springs. Alderson, where Muddy Creek joins the Greenbrier River, lies another 15 miles down stream from Second Creek's mouth. Robert and John lived about 15 to 20 miles apart.
John did his duty as a citizen, neither he nor his brother served miltarily in the American Revolution.
Hardesty's the West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, Jim Comstock, Editor 1974, Vol. 6 page 173 says John Humphreys was the contributor of one blanket to the army on November 21, 1781 for which he was reimbursed in the amount of 10 schillings. Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution depends upon the applicant's proving her direct line of descent from any one who served the revolutionary cause in any capacity- military, civil or patriotic. Louise Morrison interviewed Blanvhe Humphreys who was a descendant of John Humphreys. She laughed and commented " I slid into the DAR on John's blanket. It seems amusing to us now, that small contribution our ancestor made to the cause of freedom, but consider what one blanket meant in revolutionary days. Sheep had to be raised. Flax had to be planted, cultivated and harvested to provide fibers needed to give the wool strength and durability. The fleece had to be shorn from the sheep, washed, carded, spun into thread, and dyed all by hand. The flax had to be hacked, bleached, spun and dyed all by hand. Finally the fabric had to be woven on clumsly hand looms into narrow strips and sewn into blankets that were course and scratchy but warm and serviceable. One blanket represented a tremendous investment of time and energy on the part of a woman already struggling under an incredible load of child bearing and primitive home making. There was nothing to be ashamed of in "sliding into the DAR on John's blanket.
John Humphreys appears to have been an exceptionally prosperous settler. Men were judged by their peers and taxed by the Virginia government according to the number of horses and cattle they owned, not the amount of land, other livestock or cast they possessed. In 1782 John Humphreys name was on the list of county tithables in Monroe County then Greenbrier County, as the owner of 12 horses and 18 head of cattle. On these assets he paid $6.41 in taxes, far more than the average settler was required to pay, since most of them qwned only 1 or 2 horses and 1 or 2 cows.
In 1799 John Humphreys again appeared on the Monroe County tax list with 2 tithables in his house hold. One of course was John himself, but the second could have been one of his 3 younger sons, James, William or Samuel. To be tithiable a young man had to be 18 years of age or older.
in 1800, John Humphreys, Sr, and John Humphreys, Jr. were qualified as registered voters in Monroe County, Va.
In the 1810 census John's age was reported as "over 45" which he certainly was ,being by then between 70-75. Census were taken as a rule in mid summer when it was easiest to get about the countryside. Late in 1810 after the census was taken, John Humphreys came to the end of his life. His will is recorded in Monroe Co., W. Va, will book 1 page 180. His widow, Catherine Humphreys out lived her husband but there is nothing in records to reveal her death date.
JOHN HUMPHREYS I AND WIFE CATHERINE ARE MY 4TH GREAT GRANDPARENTS.
CONTRIBUTED BY: RON https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/46863311
The origin of John I, the immigrant to the Colonies, is a point of some speculation, but there are several good possibilities and they all make interesting reading. In the mid-1700s there was a large movement of Irish immigrants into Western Virginia. # 1 below is given as an example of one such a Humphreys(James in this case). Apparently there were enough Irish settlers to have a whole district(THE IRISH CORNER DISTRICT) named after them as seen in the census records. In the period from 1760 to around 1800 there are some facts gathered from county records and indicate John Humphreys I was very likely our forefather.
Some of these supporting facts are given below:
1. From "History of West Virginia"--Lewis Gen 975.4, L589. "In 1760
Christian Peters came to Monroe Co. (Monroe Co.
was carved out of Greenbrier Co. around 1800) and the village of Peterstown takes its name from him. About 1780 came John Nickell,
Andrew Nickell and Robert Campbell each of whom obtained a large tract
of land on what is now known as the Pickaway Plains. They were soon joined by Archibald McDowell, Wm Pritt, Robert Knox and James Humphreys, all of whom were recently from Ireland.
2. Will of John Humphreys Will Book #1 page 180 Monroe Co., VA. 20 Sept. 1809. John leaves his land to children and names them: John,James, William, Samuel, Richard, Robert, Isabella, Elizabeth, Peggy,
Martha. Wife, Catherine, gets estate left to John by Catherine's father aslong as she does not marry. Court was presented the will on 16 Oct. 1810
indicating John probably died sometime during this year.
September the twentith--one thousand eight hundred and nine in the name of God Amen, I John Humphreys of the County of Monroe and the State of Virginia, knowing that all men must die and I being ?? getting frail of body but of perfect mind and memory; I do hereby bequeath my estate in the following manner.Viz; first I commend my Soul to God, who gave it, and my body to the earth from whence it came. I then bequeath to my son John one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son James one hundred and twenty five acres, and to my son William one hundred and twenty five acres including to each of them their improvements and the balance of the land to my three younger sons, Samuel, Richard and Robert,Viz; one hundred and seventeen acres to each of them and Samuel who has his part between his brother William and the old improvements, and Richard and Robert who have the balance of the land,Viz; the old improvements to be equally divided between them, and my daughter Isabella to have twenty dollars, and Elizabeth and Peggy each of them is to have one hundred dollars all to be paid in property Equally by Samuel, Richard, and Robert, that twenty two pounds each: and Richard and Robert has also to pay to their sister Martha one hundred dollars each of them, to be paid in property three years after the youngest is of age; and my two youngest sons is to support their Mother and me in the needs and comforts of Life; and I bequeath to my loving wife Catherine the estate left to me by her father to be at her disposal as long as she lives single but if she marries, she is to lose the whole of it, and it is to be equally divided among my children and my personal estate, I hold in my own hand with my dwelling house and at my death it is to fall to my wife and at her death to fall to Richard and Robert that is the house to fall to them. I nominate my three sons Executors Viz; John, James and William. This I declare to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this day and year above written.
his
William Fenton John X Humphreys (seal)
John Cottle mark
James McDowell
In a court held for Monroe County the 16th October 1810 the last will and testament of John Humphreys deceased was presented in court by John, James & William Humphreys the executors therein named and proven by the oaths of John Cottle & James McDowell witness thereto and is ordered to be recorded.And on the motion of said Executors who made oath good together with Issac Hutchinson John Cottle James McDowell and Tristian(?) Patton their seconds enters into Bond according to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining Probate thereof in due form.
copy
testor
J. Hutchinson, CMC
John Humphreys
Will
Book 1 page 180
3. Greenbrier Co. Survey Record #3 page #183-- Feb. 14 1785.
4. Sims Index to Land Grants in WVA. lists John Humphries on 2nd Creek
for 815 acres in 1789, 302 acres in 1813 and 1035 acres in 1805. This grant of land was given for service in war.
5.. Directions to ruins of John's home came from Virginia Yates letter
#3. ---From Union take road to right at Organ Cave and go 3
miles--Henry Humphreys house on right and about 100 yards is
foundation and chimney.
6. One account gives John as growing up near Dublin, Ireland. Then he
landed in PA., came to Augusta Co., VA, met and married Catherine Dickison, then moved to Greenbrier Co. where he became a prominent member of the community.
7. Virginia census and Tax list 1783-1786 and 1787 Greenbrier Co. Census 1800 Monroe Co. Tax list Greenbrier Co. Census 1810 Monroe Co.
8. West Virginia Revolutionary Ancestors by Anne Reddy--Gen 975.4 R246 1973. Complies the names of patriots who rode express, transported prisoners, the sick, provisions, and manufactured firearms. See page 40.
9. 1782 and 1796 property tax list for Greenbrier Co. After 1799 part of GB co. became Monroe Co. and John appears in 1799 tax list.
"History of Monroe Co. gen 975 g11 Chap. 8 gives grand jury service in 1780 and 1791. Also a constable in 1797.
Quote from obit of Blanche Humphreys in Charleston Gazette, Sept. 17, 1988.
"Her great-grandfather, John Humphreys, was one of the builders of Greenbrier Co., having settled near Second Creek at an early date. He was with General Lewis at the Battle of Point Pleasant, and when the first grand jury for Greenbrier Co. was drawn in 1780, he was among those called to sit upon the "state of the county". Her great-grandfather should be great-great grandfather.
Second Creek flows into the Greenbrier river from the southeast instead of from the north. the point at which the creek and river merge is about 8 miles downstream from Ronceverte and 4 miles upstream from Ft. Springs. Alderson, where Muddy Creek joins the Greenbrier River, lies another 15 miles down stream from Second Creek's mouth. Robert and John lived about 15 to 20 miles apart.
John did his duty as a citizen, neither he nor his brother served miltarily in the American Revolution.
Hardesty's the West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, Jim Comstock, Editor 1974, Vol. 6 page 173 says John Humphreys was the contributor of one blanket to the army on November 21, 1781 for which he was reimbursed in the amount of 10 schillings. Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution depends upon the applicant's proving her direct line of descent from any one who served the revolutionary cause in any capacity- military, civil or patriotic. Louise Morrison interviewed Blanvhe Humphreys who was a descendant of John Humphreys. She laughed and commented " I slid into the DAR on John's blanket. It seems amusing to us now, that small contribution our ancestor made to the cause of freedom, but consider what one blanket meant in revolutionary days. Sheep had to be raised. Flax had to be planted, cultivated and harvested to provide fibers needed to give the wool strength and durability. The fleece had to be shorn from the sheep, washed, carded, spun into thread, and dyed all by hand. The flax had to be hacked, bleached, spun and dyed all by hand. Finally the fabric had to be woven on clumsly hand looms into narrow strips and sewn into blankets that were course and scratchy but warm and serviceable. One blanket represented a tremendous investment of time and energy on the part of a woman already struggling under an incredible load of child bearing and primitive home making. There was nothing to be ashamed of in "sliding into the DAR on John's blanket.
John Humphreys appears to have been an exceptionally prosperous settler. Men were judged by their peers and taxed by the Virginia government according to the number of horses and cattle they owned, not the amount of land, other livestock or cast they possessed. In 1782 John Humphreys name was on the list of county tithables in Monroe County then Greenbrier County, as the owner of 12 horses and 18 head of cattle. On these assets he paid $6.41 in taxes, far more than the average settler was required to pay, since most of them qwned only 1 or 2 horses and 1 or 2 cows.
In 1799 John Humphreys again appeared on the Monroe County tax list with 2 tithables in his house hold. One of course was John himself, but the second could have been one of his 3 younger sons, James, William or Samuel. To be tithiable a young man had to be 18 years of age or older.
in 1800, John Humphreys, Sr, and John Humphreys, Jr. were qualified as registered voters in Monroe County, Va.
In the 1810 census John's age was reported as "over 45" which he certainly was ,being by then between 70-75. Census were taken as a rule in mid summer when it was easiest to get about the countryside. Late in 1810 after the census was taken, John Humphreys came to the end of his life. His will is recorded in Monroe Co., W. Va, will book 1 page 180. His widow, Catherine Humphreys out lived her husband but there is nothing in records to reveal her death date.
JOHN HUMPHREYS I AND WIFE CATHERINE ARE MY 4TH GREAT GRANDPARENTS.
CONTRIBUTED BY: RON https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/46863311
