Hillery Cason , Jr. son of Hillery Sr, William, James, Thomas, Thomas, was born 1779 in Pitt County, North Carolina, and died Abt. 1857 in Independence County, Arkansas. He married Mary Smith 1803 in Screven County, Georgia.
E. L. Williams has a photcopy of an original signature of Hillery Cason, Jr. He signed a paper involving a court case in 1826 in Tatnall County, Ga as a resident of Screven Co. These were original loose papers found in the attic of the Tattnall Co Courthouse. The document shows that Willoughby and Hillery were brothers.
Willoughby moved with Hillery, Jr and Dennis to Illinois, but returned to Georgia in 1829
Children of Hillary and Mary Smith-Cason are:
MARTIN CASON, b. 1805, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1871-1878, Independence County, Arkansas.
John, b. 1807, Screven County, Georgia.
Permelia , b. 1808, Screven County, Georgia; d. Abt. 1860, Independence County, Arkansas.
Susan, b. 1809, Screven County, Georgia.
Exaline, b. 1815, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1895, Spokane, Washington.
Eveline, b. 1817, Screven County, Georgia; m. JOHN B. TSCHARNER, November 27, 1836, Madison County, Illinois.
Hillery III, b. March 12, 1819, Screven County, Georgia; d. August 10, 1886, Portland, Oregon ( Lone Fir Cemetery).
Lucine, b. 1821, Screven County, Georgia; m. (1) LEWIS STEWART; m. (2) JOSIAH EAST, November 11, 1840, Madison County, Illinois.
Simeon, b. August 25, 1825, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1905-1909, Gainsboro, Independence County, Ark..
James, b. 1827, Screven County, Georgia.
Sarah, b. 1829, Screven County, Georgia.
William L, b. 1831, Madison County, Illinois; d. Abt. July 1854, Independence County, Arkansas. William L. Cason died in 1854 and his brother Simeon Cason was appointed as administrator of William's estate.
Per Permelia Cason Hillery's daughter which traveled with her family from Georgia to Ill. "Hillary Sr. was a slave owner in Georgia and owned a farm on the Savanah river, Midway between Savanah and Augusta. In mid 1800's sold slaves, farm and intergrated to Illinois settling in Madison County, Illinois with his brother Dennis and his family.
On that trip they saw the falling of the stars one night in November. The party were encamped on the banks of the Ohio and witnessed that awe inspiring sight."
Madison county, Illinois 1830 Federal Census reports:
Hillery Sr. Cason - Head of Household age between 50 & 60
1 female between 40 to 50. Mary, wife of Hillery Sr.
2 males ages 1 to 5,
1 male between 10-15,
1 male between 15 to 20,
1 male between 20 to 30,
1 female between 1 to 5,
1 female between 5 to 10,
1 female between 10 to 15,
1 female between 15 to 20.
9 children altogether
Next door to Hillery Jr., is Martin Cason-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20, Permelia Cason-East
Next door to Martin is Joseph East-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20.
Two doors down is Samuel Cason-Head of Household
(one)male 1 to 5, (two) 20 to 30.
(two) females 1 to 5, (one) 20 to 30.
Next door to Samuel is Dennis Casson-Head of Household, Dennis, brother to Hillery Sr.
(two) males 5 to 10, (one) 10 to 15, (Two) 15 to 20, (one) 50 to 60.
(one) female 10 to 15, (one) 40 to 50.
Next door to Dennis is Sebron Cason-Head of Household
(one) male 20 to 30.
(one) female 15 to 20.
June 20, 1836 Hillery Recorded land ownership bought 40 acres, price per acre $1.25 Total price $50.00 in Madison Co., IL description NESE Sale type FD.
Moved to Independence County Arkansas in 1838. Arkansas became the twenty-fifth state in 1836.
Land records in Arkansas:
CASON HILLERY Independence 27 14N 5W 40 1844/07/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 15 12S 29W 80 1859/07/01
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1860/04/02
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10 also John Cason Independence 1 14N 5W 40 1857/04/01
Martin Cason and Hillery Cason Assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E- YAH-HAM-BE-DECEASED
Hellary Cason, Charles M Hall, and John Young.
Cason John Independence 36 15N 5W 157.25 1857/04/01 Martin Cason and Hillery Cason ASSIGNEES OF IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E-YAH-HAM-BE DECEASED
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by George Varner and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
∼HILLERY & MARY (SMITH) CASON JR
(From Pitt Co NC//Settled in Screven Co GA, Madison Co Illinois & Independence Co Ark)
Parents of PERMELIA (CASON) EAST of Independence Co Ark
Permelia was the mother of Rev MARTIN ALONZO EAST of Sebastian Co Ark)
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These notes were compiled from material gathered by research & correspondence through the years. I am especially grateful to the following individuals whose research, records, stories & oral traditions, along with my own, helped us all gain a better understanding of Cason family heritage.
E.L. "Boe" Williams, Valdosta GA, Peggy Dailey, Belton MO, Anne Peterson, Batesville AR
William R. Cason, Atlanta, GA, Ruby Cason Iliff, Spokane WA, Lucille Pearce, Midland TX
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Hillery Cason Jr was born 3 Apr 1779 in Pitt County, North Carolina. He married Mary Smith about 1803 in Screven Co GA, who was born about 1783 in North Carolina.
Hillery & Mary, along with several of Hillery's siblings, left Pitt County, North Carolina about 1794 with parents, Hillery & Sarah Cason Sr, settling on the Savannah River in Screven County, GA. They were farmers and slave owners in both NC & GA. Hillery's father served with the NC militia during the Revolutionary War. Hillery Jr served in the War of 1812 while in Screven County.
More About Hillery Cason, Jr:
Ancestry: English
Military: 7 Sep 1813 (War1812)Ens., 259th Dist. Company, Screven Co GA Militia
Occupation: Farmer
Residence1: Pitt Co NC (1779-1794)
Residence2: Screven Co GA (1794-1829)
Residence3: Madison Co IL (1829-1844)
Residence4: Independence Co AR (1844-1857)
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by GEORGE VARNER and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
Received three hundred Dollars which is the witin Consideration money I Say Received by me in the presents of us the day and year within mentioned December 23 1809. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Recorded this 27 day of August 1810 by John F. Lovett C.S.C.S.C.
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From 'Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas", by Goodspeed: Excerpts from pages 649-650:
(QUOTE) "Simeon Cason is an enterprsing farmer of Independence County, Ark.
- - - - - -He was born in Georgia, August 25, 1823, and is a son of HILLARY and MARY (SMITH) CASON, natives of the "Old North State," the former's birth occurring April 3, 1779. Their marriage took place about 1803, and of thirteen children born to them (seven sons and six daughters) only two are living: Simeon, and a daughter, who is the wife of Jesse Ward, and now a resident of Washington. Hillary Cason was a member of the Baptist Church , and his wife was a Methodist. (ENDQUOTE)
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In 1829, Hillery Jr & his older brother Dennis took their families on an overland journey across the wilderness of northern GA, Tennessee and Kentucky to Madison County, Illinois. They settled in the Silver Creek area near Highland, about 30 miles east of St Louis.
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Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography (Hillery's Grandson):
(QUOTE) "My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Actually, the Casons moved to Illinois about 1829 and were enumerated on the 1830 census for Madison County, Illinois, not Washington County)
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About 1835, Hillery's oldest son Martin Cason & daughter Exeline Baltimore & their families went to Independence County, near Batesville in northeastern Arkansas. Their uncle Dennis Cason, along with several of his grown children & their families also made this journey. Martin Cason returned to Illinois about 1838, however, his sister, uncle & the others remained in Arkansas.
During the early 1840's, Hillery decided it was time to join his daughter & the other relatives in Arkansas. Hillery & Mary's grown children, Martin, John, Hillery III, Permelia East & their families as well as the younger unmarried children Simeon, William, James & Sarah also made the journey.
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More Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography:
(QUOTE) "My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
- - - - - - - - Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Per the 1840 census & other records, Hillery Cason, Martin Cason & Permelia (Cason) East were still in Illinois. They made the trip during the early to mid 1840's. As mentioned above, Martin Cason went to Arkansas about 1835, but returned to Illinois about 1838, before heading back to Arkansas with his parents & other relatives during that 1840's trip. Permelia Cason East, Hillery's daughter, remarried Dr John Morris in 1850)
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Hillery & Mary Cason's daughter Lucinda, who married Josiah East, remained in Lively Grove Township, Washington County, Illinois where her husband had settled. Another possible daughter was Eveline who married John Tscharner, but nothing more is known about them or where they ended up. Also, Mary Cason who married Seborn Cason, son of Dennis, was also a probable daughter. It seems likely that Seborn married his first cousin. Mary passed away during the 1830's and Seborn remarried before heading for Arkansas with his father.
There was also Susan Cason who married Hugh Pearce 1829 in Madison County, Illinois. I corresponded with a descendant of Susan's about 20 years ago. At that time, this descendant, among other researchers, were of the belief that Susan was a daughter of Hillery and Mary Cason. Hugh Pearce had a brother named Robert Bartlett Pearce who married Gincey Cason in Independence County, Arkansas during the 1830's. Gincey was the daughter of Hillery's brother Dennis, named after her mother Gincey (Dennis's 2d wife). Both Hugh & Susan Pierce and Hugh's brother Robert left Madison County Illinois during the 1830's, settling in Arkansas about the same time as Dennis Cason.. After Robert Pierce's marriage to Gincey, both Pierce families settled in Sevier County, Arkansas. It seems very possible that Susan and Gincey were sisters, both being daughters of Dennis. IF ANYONE CAN CLEAR THIS UP, PLEASE ADVISE
Hillery & Mary Cason both died during the late 1850's while residing in the Gainsboro area east of Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas. Their burial sites have never been located.
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Marriage Records of Madison Co IL:
5 Mar 1828 - PERMELIA CASON married JOSEPH EAST
26 Mar 1829 - MARY CASON married SEABURN CASON (Seaburn son of Dennis)
11 Sep 1834 - EXELINE CASON married MORTIMER W. BALTIMORE
27 Nov 1836 - EVELINE CASON married JOHN B. TSCHARNER
11 Nov 1840 - LUCINE CASON married JOSIAH EAST
6 Mar 1842 - HILLARY CASON III married Delila Insminger
30 Jul 1829 - SUSAN CASON married HUGH A. PEARCE
18 Jun 1833 - SEBORN CASON married EUNICE HARRISON (Seborn son of Dennis)
Marriage Records of Independence Co AR:
14 Jun 1837 - GINCEY CASON married ROBERT PEARCE
30 Nov 1848 - SARAH CASON age 19 married CHARLES H. SNEED age 28
31 Jan 1850 - EXELINE BALTIMORE age 35 marr JESSE WARD age 52
(Note: Gincey daughter of Dennis Cason. Sarah & Exeline daughters of Hillery Cason)
1830 - Federal Census (Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON 20111001/1111001 pg 178
MARTIN CASON 00001/0001 (Hillery Jr's oldest son) pg 178
JOSEPH EAST 00001-0001 (Wife Permelia daughter of Hillery) pg 178
DENNIS CASON 02120001/0010001 (Hillery's brother) pg 178
Samuel Cason 10002/20001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Sebron Cason 00001/0001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Hugh A. Pearce 0001/00001 (Wife Susan Cason dau of Dennis or Hillery?) pg 179
JAMES EAST 001200001-00100001 (Father of Joseph East) pg 179
John Conner pg 171 (Possibly the one who married Dennis Caon's daughter Jane)
20 June 1836 (Federal Land Purchase, Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON
NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 11 Twp 4N Range 6W (40 acres)
Tax Lists (Independence Co AR) 1835 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 001 Ruddell Township
1838 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 020
(Don's Note: Hillery's son Martin Cason evidently went to Arkansas w/sister Exeline Baltimore & their uncle Dennis Cason about 1835, however, Martin returned to Madison Co IL by 1840, then journeyed back to Independence Co Ark during the 1840's with his parents and siblings.)
Tax List (Independence Co AR)
1836 - WILKINSON BALTIMORE, pg 001 Ruddel Township
1839 - M.W. BALTIMORE, pg 31
(Don's Note: Hillery's daughter Exeline with husband Mortimore Wilkinson Baltimore. They did not return to Illinois with Martin Cason)
1835 - 1839: Tax Lists (Independence Co Ark)
DENNIS CASON//John B.//Samuel//Sebron (1835 Black River Township, pg 001)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory/Sebron//Bunyon(1836 pg 002)
DENNIS CASON//Sebron//Bunyon (1838 pg 020)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory//Samuel//Sebron (1839 pg 032)
(Hillery's brother Dennis & his sons had moved to Arkansas during mid 1830's. Bunyon was John Bunyon)
1840 - Federal Census (Highland Precinct, Madison Co IL)
HILLARY CASON 011110001/00110001 pg 79
MARTIN CASON 00001/12001 pg 073 (Hillery's son)
JOHN CASON 110001/00011 pg 73 (Hillery's son)
JOSEPH EAST 120001-10001 (married Permelia Cason, dau of Hillery) pg 72
John B. Tschnar 000001/00001 (married Eveline Cason, probable dau of Hillery) pg 78
1840 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR, Black River Twp)
John B(Bunyon) Cason 100010001/10001 pg16 (Father Dennis was in this household)
Hillery Cason pg16//Samuel Cason, pg17//Sebron Cason, pg 17 (Sons of Dennis)
John Conner pg 17 (Married Dennis's daughter Jane)
Federal Land Purchase (Independence Co AR)
10 Jul 1844 - CASON, HILLERY//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON, MARTIN//Section 33/Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON SIMEON//Section 33//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres) (Martin Cason & Hillery Cason assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH Rep of E-YAH-HAM-BE Deceased)
1 May 1854 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34/Twp 14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Cason & Hillery Cason)
1 Mar 1855 - CASON, SIMEON//Section 35//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Morris)
1 Mar 1856 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: Hallery Cason, Charles M Hall & John Young)
1 Apr 1857 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N/Range 5W (157.25 Acres)
1 Jul 1859 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34//Twp14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
1 Jan 1861 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 6W (80 Acres)
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1850 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR)
CASON, Hillery, born NC, age 74, Farmer $400 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #997, pg 384)
Mary, born NC, age 67
William 18 IL (son)
Charles Sneed 27 AR (ShoeMaker)
Sarah Sneed 22 GA (daughter of Hillery & Mary Cason, married Charles Sneed)
Charles H Sneed 4 months AR
CASON, SIMEON, born GA, age25, Farmer $600 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #998, pg 384)
Sarah J/20/AR
WARD, JESSE born MD age 52 Farmer $460 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #915, pg 377)
Exeline 36 GA
Francis Baltimore 17 IL Farmer
Noel 13 AR//Mary E 11 AR// Augusta 7 AR//John 5 AR (All Baltimore's)
(Don's Note: Exeline was daugher of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, MARTIN, born GA, age 45, BrickMason, $2000(Batesville, Fam #1131, pg 394)
Ann E/39/TN
Mary A E 18 IL//Mathina 15 AR//Levina 11 IL//Oliver B 7 AR//Simeon 5 AR
Sarah 3 AR//Whitmill 1 AR
(Martin was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, JOHN born GA, age 43 BrickMason $3000 (Batesville, Fam #1143, pg 394)
Martha 37 IL
Benjamin F 15 IL //Susan 9 IL//Elenid 7 AR//Laura 5 AR//Martha 4 mo AR
(John was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, HILLERY, 29/GA BrickMason, $2000 (Batesville, Family #1152, pg 395)
Delila 24 GA
Maranda 6 AR/Mary J 5 AR/William 2 AR/Maria E 4 months AR
CALVIN EAST, born IL, age 19, Plasterer (Nephew, son of Permelia)
JAMES CASON born GA age 23 Plasterer (Brother)
(Note: The head of household was Hillery Cason III, the son of Hillery Jr. He moved to Portland, Oregon soon after this census)
E. L. Williams has a photcopy of an original signature of Hillery Cason, Jr. He signed a paper involving a court case in 1826 in Tatnall County, Ga as a resident of Screven Co. These were original loose papers found in the attic of the Tattnall Co Courthouse. The document shows that Willoughby and Hillery were brothers.
Willoughby moved with Hillery, Jr and Dennis to Illinois, but returned to Georgia in 1829
Children of Hillary and Mary Smith-Cason are:
MARTIN CASON, b. 1805, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1871-1878, Independence County, Arkansas.
John, b. 1807, Screven County, Georgia.
Permelia , b. 1808, Screven County, Georgia; d. Abt. 1860, Independence County, Arkansas.
Susan, b. 1809, Screven County, Georgia.
Exaline, b. 1815, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1895, Spokane, Washington.
Eveline, b. 1817, Screven County, Georgia; m. JOHN B. TSCHARNER, November 27, 1836, Madison County, Illinois.
Hillery III, b. March 12, 1819, Screven County, Georgia; d. August 10, 1886, Portland, Oregon ( Lone Fir Cemetery).
Lucine, b. 1821, Screven County, Georgia; m. (1) LEWIS STEWART; m. (2) JOSIAH EAST, November 11, 1840, Madison County, Illinois.
Simeon, b. August 25, 1825, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1905-1909, Gainsboro, Independence County, Ark..
James, b. 1827, Screven County, Georgia.
Sarah, b. 1829, Screven County, Georgia.
William L, b. 1831, Madison County, Illinois; d. Abt. July 1854, Independence County, Arkansas. William L. Cason died in 1854 and his brother Simeon Cason was appointed as administrator of William's estate.
Per Permelia Cason Hillery's daughter which traveled with her family from Georgia to Ill. "Hillary Sr. was a slave owner in Georgia and owned a farm on the Savanah river, Midway between Savanah and Augusta. In mid 1800's sold slaves, farm and intergrated to Illinois settling in Madison County, Illinois with his brother Dennis and his family.
On that trip they saw the falling of the stars one night in November. The party were encamped on the banks of the Ohio and witnessed that awe inspiring sight."
Madison county, Illinois 1830 Federal Census reports:
Hillery Sr. Cason - Head of Household age between 50 & 60
1 female between 40 to 50. Mary, wife of Hillery Sr.
2 males ages 1 to 5,
1 male between 10-15,
1 male between 15 to 20,
1 male between 20 to 30,
1 female between 1 to 5,
1 female between 5 to 10,
1 female between 10 to 15,
1 female between 15 to 20.
9 children altogether
Next door to Hillery Jr., is Martin Cason-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20, Permelia Cason-East
Next door to Martin is Joseph East-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20.
Two doors down is Samuel Cason-Head of Household
(one)male 1 to 5, (two) 20 to 30.
(two) females 1 to 5, (one) 20 to 30.
Next door to Samuel is Dennis Casson-Head of Household, Dennis, brother to Hillery Sr.
(two) males 5 to 10, (one) 10 to 15, (Two) 15 to 20, (one) 50 to 60.
(one) female 10 to 15, (one) 40 to 50.
Next door to Dennis is Sebron Cason-Head of Household
(one) male 20 to 30.
(one) female 15 to 20.
June 20, 1836 Hillery Recorded land ownership bought 40 acres, price per acre $1.25 Total price $50.00 in Madison Co., IL description NESE Sale type FD.
Moved to Independence County Arkansas in 1838. Arkansas became the twenty-fifth state in 1836.
Land records in Arkansas:
CASON HILLERY Independence 27 14N 5W 40 1844/07/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 15 12S 29W 80 1859/07/01
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1860/04/02
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10 also John Cason Independence 1 14N 5W 40 1857/04/01
Martin Cason and Hillery Cason Assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E- YAH-HAM-BE-DECEASED
Hellary Cason, Charles M Hall, and John Young.
Cason John Independence 36 15N 5W 157.25 1857/04/01 Martin Cason and Hillery Cason ASSIGNEES OF IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E-YAH-HAM-BE DECEASED
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by George Varner and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
∼HILLERY & MARY (SMITH) CASON JR
(From Pitt Co NC//Settled in Screven Co GA, Madison Co Illinois & Independence Co Ark)
Parents of PERMELIA (CASON) EAST of Independence Co Ark
Permelia was the mother of Rev MARTIN ALONZO EAST of Sebastian Co Ark)
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These notes were compiled from material gathered by research & correspondence through the years. I am especially grateful to the following individuals whose research, records, stories & oral traditions, along with my own, helped us all gain a better understanding of Cason family heritage.
E.L. "Boe" Williams, Valdosta GA, Peggy Dailey, Belton MO, Anne Peterson, Batesville AR
William R. Cason, Atlanta, GA, Ruby Cason Iliff, Spokane WA, Lucille Pearce, Midland TX
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Hillery Cason Jr was born 3 Apr 1779 in Pitt County, North Carolina. He married Mary Smith about 1803 in Screven Co GA, who was born about 1783 in North Carolina.
Hillery & Mary, along with several of Hillery's siblings, left Pitt County, North Carolina about 1794 with parents, Hillery & Sarah Cason Sr, settling on the Savannah River in Screven County, GA. They were farmers and slave owners in both NC & GA. Hillery's father served with the NC militia during the Revolutionary War. Hillery Jr served in the War of 1812 while in Screven County.
More About Hillery Cason, Jr:
Ancestry: English
Military: 7 Sep 1813 (War1812)Ens., 259th Dist. Company, Screven Co GA Militia
Occupation: Farmer
Residence1: Pitt Co NC (1779-1794)
Residence2: Screven Co GA (1794-1829)
Residence3: Madison Co IL (1829-1844)
Residence4: Independence Co AR (1844-1857)
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by GEORGE VARNER and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
Received three hundred Dollars which is the witin Consideration money I Say Received by me in the presents of us the day and year within mentioned December 23 1809. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Recorded this 27 day of August 1810 by John F. Lovett C.S.C.S.C.
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From 'Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas", by Goodspeed: Excerpts from pages 649-650:
(QUOTE) "Simeon Cason is an enterprsing farmer of Independence County, Ark.
- - - - - -He was born in Georgia, August 25, 1823, and is a son of HILLARY and MARY (SMITH) CASON, natives of the "Old North State," the former's birth occurring April 3, 1779. Their marriage took place about 1803, and of thirteen children born to them (seven sons and six daughters) only two are living: Simeon, and a daughter, who is the wife of Jesse Ward, and now a resident of Washington. Hillary Cason was a member of the Baptist Church , and his wife was a Methodist. (ENDQUOTE)
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In 1829, Hillery Jr & his older brother Dennis took their families on an overland journey across the wilderness of northern GA, Tennessee and Kentucky to Madison County, Illinois. They settled in the Silver Creek area near Highland, about 30 miles east of St Louis.
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Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography (Hillery's Grandson):
(QUOTE) "My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Actually, the Casons moved to Illinois about 1829 and were enumerated on the 1830 census for Madison County, Illinois, not Washington County)
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About 1835, Hillery's oldest son Martin Cason & daughter Exeline Baltimore & their families went to Independence County, near Batesville in northeastern Arkansas. Their uncle Dennis Cason, along with several of his grown children & their families also made this journey. Martin Cason returned to Illinois about 1838, however, his sister, uncle & the others remained in Arkansas.
During the early 1840's, Hillery decided it was time to join his daughter & the other relatives in Arkansas. Hillery & Mary's grown children, Martin, John, Hillery III, Permelia East & their families as well as the younger unmarried children Simeon, William, James & Sarah also made the journey.
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More Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography:
(QUOTE) "My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
- - - - - - - - Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Per the 1840 census & other records, Hillery Cason, Martin Cason & Permelia (Cason) East were still in Illinois. They made the trip during the early to mid 1840's. As mentioned above, Martin Cason went to Arkansas about 1835, but returned to Illinois about 1838, before heading back to Arkansas with his parents & other relatives during that 1840's trip. Permelia Cason East, Hillery's daughter, remarried Dr John Morris in 1850)
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Hillery & Mary Cason's daughter Lucinda, who married Josiah East, remained in Lively Grove Township, Washington County, Illinois where her husband had settled. Another possible daughter was Eveline who married John Tscharner, but nothing more is known about them or where they ended up. Also, Mary Cason who married Seborn Cason, son of Dennis, was also a probable daughter. It seems likely that Seborn married his first cousin. Mary passed away during the 1830's and Seborn remarried before heading for Arkansas with his father.
There was also Susan Cason who married Hugh Pearce 1829 in Madison County, Illinois. I corresponded with a descendant of Susan's about 20 years ago. At that time, this descendant, among other researchers, were of the belief that Susan was a daughter of Hillery and Mary Cason. Hugh Pearce had a brother named Robert Bartlett Pearce who married Gincey Cason in Independence County, Arkansas during the 1830's. Gincey was the daughter of Hillery's brother Dennis, named after her mother Gincey (Dennis's 2d wife). Both Hugh & Susan Pierce and Hugh's brother Robert left Madison County Illinois during the 1830's, settling in Arkansas about the same time as Dennis Cason.. After Robert Pierce's marriage to Gincey, both Pierce families settled in Sevier County, Arkansas. It seems very possible that Susan and Gincey were sisters, both being daughters of Dennis. IF ANYONE CAN CLEAR THIS UP, PLEASE ADVISE
Hillery & Mary Cason both died during the late 1850's while residing in the Gainsboro area east of Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas. Their burial sites have never been located.
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Marriage Records of Madison Co IL:
5 Mar 1828 - PERMELIA CASON married JOSEPH EAST
26 Mar 1829 - MARY CASON married SEABURN CASON (Seaburn son of Dennis)
11 Sep 1834 - EXELINE CASON married MORTIMER W. BALTIMORE
27 Nov 1836 - EVELINE CASON married JOHN B. TSCHARNER
11 Nov 1840 - LUCINE CASON married JOSIAH EAST
6 Mar 1842 - HILLARY CASON III married Delila Insminger
30 Jul 1829 - SUSAN CASON married HUGH A. PEARCE
18 Jun 1833 - SEBORN CASON married EUNICE HARRISON (Seborn son of Dennis)
Marriage Records of Independence Co AR:
14 Jun 1837 - GINCEY CASON married ROBERT PEARCE
30 Nov 1848 - SARAH CASON age 19 married CHARLES H. SNEED age 28
31 Jan 1850 - EXELINE BALTIMORE age 35 marr JESSE WARD age 52
(Note: Gincey daughter of Dennis Cason. Sarah & Exeline daughters of Hillery Cason)
1830 - Federal Census (Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON 20111001/1111001 pg 178
MARTIN CASON 00001/0001 (Hillery Jr's oldest son) pg 178
JOSEPH EAST 00001-0001 (Wife Permelia daughter of Hillery) pg 178
DENNIS CASON 02120001/0010001 (Hillery's brother) pg 178
Samuel Cason 10002/20001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Sebron Cason 00001/0001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Hugh A. Pearce 0001/00001 (Wife Susan Cason dau of Dennis or Hillery?) pg 179
JAMES EAST 001200001-00100001 (Father of Joseph East) pg 179
John Conner pg 171 (Possibly the one who married Dennis Caon's daughter Jane)
20 June 1836 (Federal Land Purchase, Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON
NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 11 Twp 4N Range 6W (40 acres)
Tax Lists (Independence Co AR) 1835 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 001 Ruddell Township
1838 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 020
(Don's Note: Hillery's son Martin Cason evidently went to Arkansas w/sister Exeline Baltimore & their uncle Dennis Cason about 1835, however, Martin returned to Madison Co IL by 1840, then journeyed back to Independence Co Ark during the 1840's with his parents and siblings.)
Tax List (Independence Co AR)
1836 - WILKINSON BALTIMORE, pg 001 Ruddel Township
1839 - M.W. BALTIMORE, pg 31
(Don's Note: Hillery's daughter Exeline with husband Mortimore Wilkinson Baltimore. They did not return to Illinois with Martin Cason)
1835 - 1839: Tax Lists (Independence Co Ark)
DENNIS CASON//John B.//Samuel//Sebron (1835 Black River Township, pg 001)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory/Sebron//Bunyon(1836 pg 002)
DENNIS CASON//Sebron//Bunyon (1838 pg 020)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory//Samuel//Sebron (1839 pg 032)
(Hillery's brother Dennis & his sons had moved to Arkansas during mid 1830's. Bunyon was John Bunyon)
1840 - Federal Census (Highland Precinct, Madison Co IL)
HILLARY CASON 011110001/00110001 pg 79
MARTIN CASON 00001/12001 pg 073 (Hillery's son)
JOHN CASON 110001/00011 pg 73 (Hillery's son)
JOSEPH EAST 120001-10001 (married Permelia Cason, dau of Hillery) pg 72
John B. Tschnar 000001/00001 (married Eveline Cason, probable dau of Hillery) pg 78
1840 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR, Black River Twp)
John B(Bunyon) Cason 100010001/10001 pg16 (Father Dennis was in this household)
Hillery Cason pg16//Samuel Cason, pg17//Sebron Cason, pg 17 (Sons of Dennis)
John Conner pg 17 (Married Dennis's daughter Jane)
Federal Land Purchase (Independence Co AR)
10 Jul 1844 - CASON, HILLERY//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON, MARTIN//Section 33/Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON SIMEON//Section 33//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres) (Martin Cason & Hillery Cason assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH Rep of E-YAH-HAM-BE Deceased)
1 May 1854 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34/Twp 14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Cason & Hillery Cason)
1 Mar 1855 - CASON, SIMEON//Section 35//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Morris)
1 Mar 1856 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: Hallery Cason, Charles M Hall & John Young)
1 Apr 1857 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N/Range 5W (157.25 Acres)
1 Jul 1859 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34//Twp14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
1 Jan 1861 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 6W (80 Acres)
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1850 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR)
CASON, Hillery, born NC, age 74, Farmer $400 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #997, pg 384)
Mary, born NC, age 67
William 18 IL (son)
Charles Sneed 27 AR (ShoeMaker)
Sarah Sneed 22 GA (daughter of Hillery & Mary Cason, married Charles Sneed)
Charles H Sneed 4 months AR
CASON, SIMEON, born GA, age25, Farmer $600 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #998, pg 384)
Sarah J/20/AR
WARD, JESSE born MD age 52 Farmer $460 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #915, pg 377)
Exeline 36 GA
Francis Baltimore 17 IL Farmer
Noel 13 AR//Mary E 11 AR// Augusta 7 AR//John 5 AR (All Baltimore's)
(Don's Note: Exeline was daugher of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, MARTIN, born GA, age 45, BrickMason, $2000(Batesville, Fam #1131, pg 394)
Ann E/39/TN
Mary A E 18 IL//Mathina 15 AR//Levina 11 IL//Oliver B 7 AR//Simeon 5 AR
Sarah 3 AR//Whitmill 1 AR
(Martin was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, JOHN born GA, age 43 BrickMason $3000 (Batesville, Fam #1143, pg 394)
Martha 37 IL
Benjamin F 15 IL //Susan 9 IL//Elenid 7 AR//Laura 5 AR//Martha 4 mo AR
(John was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, HILLERY, 29/GA BrickMason, $2000 (Batesville, Family #1152, pg 395)
Delila 24 GA
Maranda 6 AR/Mary J 5 AR/William 2 AR/Maria E 4 months AR
CALVIN EAST, born IL, age 19, Plasterer (Nephew, son of Permelia)
JAMES CASON born GA age 23 Plasterer (Brother)
(Note: The head of household was Hillery Cason III, the son of Hillery Jr. He moved to Portland, Oregon soon after this census)
Hillery Cason , Jr. son of Hillery Sr, William, James, Thomas, Thomas, was born 1779 in Pitt County, North Carolina, and died Abt. 1857 in Independence County, Arkansas. He married Mary Smith 1803 in Screven County, Georgia.
E. L. Williams has a photcopy of an original signature of Hillery Cason, Jr. He signed a paper involving a court case in 1826 in Tatnall County, Ga as a resident of Screven Co. These were original loose papers found in the attic of the Tattnall Co Courthouse. The document shows that Willoughby and Hillery were brothers.
Willoughby moved with Hillery, Jr and Dennis to Illinois, but returned to Georgia in 1829
Children of Hillary and Mary Smith-Cason are:
MARTIN CASON, b. 1805, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1871-1878, Independence County, Arkansas.
John, b. 1807, Screven County, Georgia.
Permelia , b. 1808, Screven County, Georgia; d. Abt. 1860, Independence County, Arkansas.
Susan, b. 1809, Screven County, Georgia.
Exaline, b. 1815, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1895, Spokane, Washington.
Eveline, b. 1817, Screven County, Georgia; m. JOHN B. TSCHARNER, November 27, 1836, Madison County, Illinois.
Hillery III, b. March 12, 1819, Screven County, Georgia; d. August 10, 1886, Portland, Oregon ( Lone Fir Cemetery).
Lucine, b. 1821, Screven County, Georgia; m. (1) LEWIS STEWART; m. (2) JOSIAH EAST, November 11, 1840, Madison County, Illinois.
Simeon, b. August 25, 1825, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1905-1909, Gainsboro, Independence County, Ark..
James, b. 1827, Screven County, Georgia.
Sarah, b. 1829, Screven County, Georgia.
William L, b. 1831, Madison County, Illinois; d. Abt. July 1854, Independence County, Arkansas. William L. Cason died in 1854 and his brother Simeon Cason was appointed as administrator of William's estate.
Per Permelia Cason Hillery's daughter which traveled with her family from Georgia to Ill. "Hillary Sr. was a slave owner in Georgia and owned a farm on the Savanah river, Midway between Savanah and Augusta. In mid 1800's sold slaves, farm and intergrated to Illinois settling in Madison County, Illinois with his brother Dennis and his family.
On that trip they saw the falling of the stars one night in November. The party were encamped on the banks of the Ohio and witnessed that awe inspiring sight."
Madison county, Illinois 1830 Federal Census reports:
Hillery Sr. Cason - Head of Household age between 50 & 60
1 female between 40 to 50. Mary, wife of Hillery Sr.
2 males ages 1 to 5,
1 male between 10-15,
1 male between 15 to 20,
1 male between 20 to 30,
1 female between 1 to 5,
1 female between 5 to 10,
1 female between 10 to 15,
1 female between 15 to 20.
9 children altogether
Next door to Hillery Jr., is Martin Cason-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20, Permelia Cason-East
Next door to Martin is Joseph East-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20.
Two doors down is Samuel Cason-Head of Household
(one)male 1 to 5, (two) 20 to 30.
(two) females 1 to 5, (one) 20 to 30.
Next door to Samuel is Dennis Casson-Head of Household, Dennis, brother to Hillery Sr.
(two) males 5 to 10, (one) 10 to 15, (Two) 15 to 20, (one) 50 to 60.
(one) female 10 to 15, (one) 40 to 50.
Next door to Dennis is Sebron Cason-Head of Household
(one) male 20 to 30.
(one) female 15 to 20.
June 20, 1836 Hillery Recorded land ownership bought 40 acres, price per acre $1.25 Total price $50.00 in Madison Co., IL description NESE Sale type FD.
Moved to Independence County Arkansas in 1838. Arkansas became the twenty-fifth state in 1836.
Land records in Arkansas:
CASON HILLERY Independence 27 14N 5W 40 1844/07/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 15 12S 29W 80 1859/07/01
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1860/04/02
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10 also John Cason Independence 1 14N 5W 40 1857/04/01
Martin Cason and Hillery Cason Assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E- YAH-HAM-BE-DECEASED
Hellary Cason, Charles M Hall, and John Young.
Cason John Independence 36 15N 5W 157.25 1857/04/01 Martin Cason and Hillery Cason ASSIGNEES OF IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E-YAH-HAM-BE DECEASED
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by George Varner and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
∼HILLERY & MARY (SMITH) CASON JR
(From Pitt Co NC//Settled in Screven Co GA, Madison Co Illinois & Independence Co Ark)
Parents of PERMELIA (CASON) EAST of Independence Co Ark
Permelia was the mother of Rev MARTIN ALONZO EAST of Sebastian Co Ark)
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These notes were compiled from material gathered by research & correspondence through the years. I am especially grateful to the following individuals whose research, records, stories & oral traditions, along with my own, helped us all gain a better understanding of Cason family heritage.
E.L. "Boe" Williams, Valdosta GA, Peggy Dailey, Belton MO, Anne Peterson, Batesville AR
William R. Cason, Atlanta, GA, Ruby Cason Iliff, Spokane WA, Lucille Pearce, Midland TX
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Hillery Cason Jr was born 3 Apr 1779 in Pitt County, North Carolina. He married Mary Smith about 1803 in Screven Co GA, who was born about 1783 in North Carolina.
Hillery & Mary, along with several of Hillery's siblings, left Pitt County, North Carolina about 1794 with parents, Hillery & Sarah Cason Sr, settling on the Savannah River in Screven County, GA. They were farmers and slave owners in both NC & GA. Hillery's father served with the NC militia during the Revolutionary War. Hillery Jr served in the War of 1812 while in Screven County.
More About Hillery Cason, Jr:
Ancestry: English
Military: 7 Sep 1813 (War1812)Ens., 259th Dist. Company, Screven Co GA Militia
Occupation: Farmer
Residence1: Pitt Co NC (1779-1794)
Residence2: Screven Co GA (1794-1829)
Residence3: Madison Co IL (1829-1844)
Residence4: Independence Co AR (1844-1857)
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by GEORGE VARNER and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
Received three hundred Dollars which is the witin Consideration money I Say Received by me in the presents of us the day and year within mentioned December 23 1809. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Recorded this 27 day of August 1810 by John F. Lovett C.S.C.S.C.
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From 'Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas", by Goodspeed: Excerpts from pages 649-650:
(QUOTE) "Simeon Cason is an enterprsing farmer of Independence County, Ark.
- - - - - -He was born in Georgia, August 25, 1823, and is a son of HILLARY and MARY (SMITH) CASON, natives of the "Old North State," the former's birth occurring April 3, 1779. Their marriage took place about 1803, and of thirteen children born to them (seven sons and six daughters) only two are living: Simeon, and a daughter, who is the wife of Jesse Ward, and now a resident of Washington. Hillary Cason was a member of the Baptist Church , and his wife was a Methodist. (ENDQUOTE)
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In 1829, Hillery Jr & his older brother Dennis took their families on an overland journey across the wilderness of northern GA, Tennessee and Kentucky to Madison County, Illinois. They settled in the Silver Creek area near Highland, about 30 miles east of St Louis.
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Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography (Hillery's Grandson):
(QUOTE) "My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Actually, the Casons moved to Illinois about 1829 and were enumerated on the 1830 census for Madison County, Illinois, not Washington County)
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About 1835, Hillery's oldest son Martin Cason & daughter Exeline Baltimore & their families went to Independence County, near Batesville in northeastern Arkansas. Their uncle Dennis Cason, along with several of his grown children & their families also made this journey. Martin Cason returned to Illinois about 1838, however, his sister, uncle & the others remained in Arkansas.
During the early 1840's, Hillery decided it was time to join his daughter & the other relatives in Arkansas. Hillery & Mary's grown children, Martin, John, Hillery III, Permelia East & their families as well as the younger unmarried children Simeon, William, James & Sarah also made the journey.
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More Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography:
(QUOTE) "My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
- - - - - - - - Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Per the 1840 census & other records, Hillery Cason, Martin Cason & Permelia (Cason) East were still in Illinois. They made the trip during the early to mid 1840's. As mentioned above, Martin Cason went to Arkansas about 1835, but returned to Illinois about 1838, before heading back to Arkansas with his parents & other relatives during that 1840's trip. Permelia Cason East, Hillery's daughter, remarried Dr John Morris in 1850)
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Hillery & Mary Cason's daughter Lucinda, who married Josiah East, remained in Lively Grove Township, Washington County, Illinois where her husband had settled. Another possible daughter was Eveline who married John Tscharner, but nothing more is known about them or where they ended up. Also, Mary Cason who married Seborn Cason, son of Dennis, was also a probable daughter. It seems likely that Seborn married his first cousin. Mary passed away during the 1830's and Seborn remarried before heading for Arkansas with his father.
There was also Susan Cason who married Hugh Pearce 1829 in Madison County, Illinois. I corresponded with a descendant of Susan's about 20 years ago. At that time, this descendant, among other researchers, were of the belief that Susan was a daughter of Hillery and Mary Cason. Hugh Pearce had a brother named Robert Bartlett Pearce who married Gincey Cason in Independence County, Arkansas during the 1830's. Gincey was the daughter of Hillery's brother Dennis, named after her mother Gincey (Dennis's 2d wife). Both Hugh & Susan Pierce and Hugh's brother Robert left Madison County Illinois during the 1830's, settling in Arkansas about the same time as Dennis Cason.. After Robert Pierce's marriage to Gincey, both Pierce families settled in Sevier County, Arkansas. It seems very possible that Susan and Gincey were sisters, both being daughters of Dennis. IF ANYONE CAN CLEAR THIS UP, PLEASE ADVISE
Hillery & Mary Cason both died during the late 1850's while residing in the Gainsboro area east of Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas. Their burial sites have never been located.
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Marriage Records of Madison Co IL:
5 Mar 1828 - PERMELIA CASON married JOSEPH EAST
26 Mar 1829 - MARY CASON married SEABURN CASON (Seaburn son of Dennis)
11 Sep 1834 - EXELINE CASON married MORTIMER W. BALTIMORE
27 Nov 1836 - EVELINE CASON married JOHN B. TSCHARNER
11 Nov 1840 - LUCINE CASON married JOSIAH EAST
6 Mar 1842 - HILLARY CASON III married Delila Insminger
30 Jul 1829 - SUSAN CASON married HUGH A. PEARCE
18 Jun 1833 - SEBORN CASON married EUNICE HARRISON (Seborn son of Dennis)
Marriage Records of Independence Co AR:
14 Jun 1837 - GINCEY CASON married ROBERT PEARCE
30 Nov 1848 - SARAH CASON age 19 married CHARLES H. SNEED age 28
31 Jan 1850 - EXELINE BALTIMORE age 35 marr JESSE WARD age 52
(Note: Gincey daughter of Dennis Cason. Sarah & Exeline daughters of Hillery Cason)
1830 - Federal Census (Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON 20111001/1111001 pg 178
MARTIN CASON 00001/0001 (Hillery Jr's oldest son) pg 178
JOSEPH EAST 00001-0001 (Wife Permelia daughter of Hillery) pg 178
DENNIS CASON 02120001/0010001 (Hillery's brother) pg 178
Samuel Cason 10002/20001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Sebron Cason 00001/0001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Hugh A. Pearce 0001/00001 (Wife Susan Cason dau of Dennis or Hillery?) pg 179
JAMES EAST 001200001-00100001 (Father of Joseph East) pg 179
John Conner pg 171 (Possibly the one who married Dennis Caon's daughter Jane)
20 June 1836 (Federal Land Purchase, Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON
NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 11 Twp 4N Range 6W (40 acres)
Tax Lists (Independence Co AR) 1835 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 001 Ruddell Township
1838 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 020
(Don's Note: Hillery's son Martin Cason evidently went to Arkansas w/sister Exeline Baltimore & their uncle Dennis Cason about 1835, however, Martin returned to Madison Co IL by 1840, then journeyed back to Independence Co Ark during the 1840's with his parents and siblings.)
Tax List (Independence Co AR)
1836 - WILKINSON BALTIMORE, pg 001 Ruddel Township
1839 - M.W. BALTIMORE, pg 31
(Don's Note: Hillery's daughter Exeline with husband Mortimore Wilkinson Baltimore. They did not return to Illinois with Martin Cason)
1835 - 1839: Tax Lists (Independence Co Ark)
DENNIS CASON//John B.//Samuel//Sebron (1835 Black River Township, pg 001)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory/Sebron//Bunyon(1836 pg 002)
DENNIS CASON//Sebron//Bunyon (1838 pg 020)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory//Samuel//Sebron (1839 pg 032)
(Hillery's brother Dennis & his sons had moved to Arkansas during mid 1830's. Bunyon was John Bunyon)
1840 - Federal Census (Highland Precinct, Madison Co IL)
HILLARY CASON 011110001/00110001 pg 79
MARTIN CASON 00001/12001 pg 073 (Hillery's son)
JOHN CASON 110001/00011 pg 73 (Hillery's son)
JOSEPH EAST 120001-10001 (married Permelia Cason, dau of Hillery) pg 72
John B. Tschnar 000001/00001 (married Eveline Cason, probable dau of Hillery) pg 78
1840 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR, Black River Twp)
John B(Bunyon) Cason 100010001/10001 pg16 (Father Dennis was in this household)
Hillery Cason pg16//Samuel Cason, pg17//Sebron Cason, pg 17 (Sons of Dennis)
John Conner pg 17 (Married Dennis's daughter Jane)
Federal Land Purchase (Independence Co AR)
10 Jul 1844 - CASON, HILLERY//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON, MARTIN//Section 33/Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON SIMEON//Section 33//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres) (Martin Cason & Hillery Cason assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH Rep of E-YAH-HAM-BE Deceased)
1 May 1854 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34/Twp 14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Cason & Hillery Cason)
1 Mar 1855 - CASON, SIMEON//Section 35//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Morris)
1 Mar 1856 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: Hallery Cason, Charles M Hall & John Young)
1 Apr 1857 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N/Range 5W (157.25 Acres)
1 Jul 1859 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34//Twp14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
1 Jan 1861 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 6W (80 Acres)
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1850 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR)
CASON, Hillery, born NC, age 74, Farmer $400 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #997, pg 384)
Mary, born NC, age 67
William 18 IL (son)
Charles Sneed 27 AR (ShoeMaker)
Sarah Sneed 22 GA (daughter of Hillery & Mary Cason, married Charles Sneed)
Charles H Sneed 4 months AR
CASON, SIMEON, born GA, age25, Farmer $600 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #998, pg 384)
Sarah J/20/AR
WARD, JESSE born MD age 52 Farmer $460 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #915, pg 377)
Exeline 36 GA
Francis Baltimore 17 IL Farmer
Noel 13 AR//Mary E 11 AR// Augusta 7 AR//John 5 AR (All Baltimore's)
(Don's Note: Exeline was daugher of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, MARTIN, born GA, age 45, BrickMason, $2000(Batesville, Fam #1131, pg 394)
Ann E/39/TN
Mary A E 18 IL//Mathina 15 AR//Levina 11 IL//Oliver B 7 AR//Simeon 5 AR
Sarah 3 AR//Whitmill 1 AR
(Martin was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, JOHN born GA, age 43 BrickMason $3000 (Batesville, Fam #1143, pg 394)
Martha 37 IL
Benjamin F 15 IL //Susan 9 IL//Elenid 7 AR//Laura 5 AR//Martha 4 mo AR
(John was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, HILLERY, 29/GA BrickMason, $2000 (Batesville, Family #1152, pg 395)
Delila 24 GA
Maranda 6 AR/Mary J 5 AR/William 2 AR/Maria E 4 months AR
CALVIN EAST, born IL, age 19, Plasterer (Nephew, son of Permelia)
JAMES CASON born GA age 23 Plasterer (Brother)
(Note: The head of household was Hillery Cason III, the son of Hillery Jr. He moved to Portland, Oregon soon after this census)
E. L. Williams has a photcopy of an original signature of Hillery Cason, Jr. He signed a paper involving a court case in 1826 in Tatnall County, Ga as a resident of Screven Co. These were original loose papers found in the attic of the Tattnall Co Courthouse. The document shows that Willoughby and Hillery were brothers.
Willoughby moved with Hillery, Jr and Dennis to Illinois, but returned to Georgia in 1829
Children of Hillary and Mary Smith-Cason are:
MARTIN CASON, b. 1805, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1871-1878, Independence County, Arkansas.
John, b. 1807, Screven County, Georgia.
Permelia , b. 1808, Screven County, Georgia; d. Abt. 1860, Independence County, Arkansas.
Susan, b. 1809, Screven County, Georgia.
Exaline, b. 1815, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1895, Spokane, Washington.
Eveline, b. 1817, Screven County, Georgia; m. JOHN B. TSCHARNER, November 27, 1836, Madison County, Illinois.
Hillery III, b. March 12, 1819, Screven County, Georgia; d. August 10, 1886, Portland, Oregon ( Lone Fir Cemetery).
Lucine, b. 1821, Screven County, Georgia; m. (1) LEWIS STEWART; m. (2) JOSIAH EAST, November 11, 1840, Madison County, Illinois.
Simeon, b. August 25, 1825, Screven County, Georgia; d. 1905-1909, Gainsboro, Independence County, Ark..
James, b. 1827, Screven County, Georgia.
Sarah, b. 1829, Screven County, Georgia.
William L, b. 1831, Madison County, Illinois; d. Abt. July 1854, Independence County, Arkansas. William L. Cason died in 1854 and his brother Simeon Cason was appointed as administrator of William's estate.
Per Permelia Cason Hillery's daughter which traveled with her family from Georgia to Ill. "Hillary Sr. was a slave owner in Georgia and owned a farm on the Savanah river, Midway between Savanah and Augusta. In mid 1800's sold slaves, farm and intergrated to Illinois settling in Madison County, Illinois with his brother Dennis and his family.
On that trip they saw the falling of the stars one night in November. The party were encamped on the banks of the Ohio and witnessed that awe inspiring sight."
Madison county, Illinois 1830 Federal Census reports:
Hillery Sr. Cason - Head of Household age between 50 & 60
1 female between 40 to 50. Mary, wife of Hillery Sr.
2 males ages 1 to 5,
1 male between 10-15,
1 male between 15 to 20,
1 male between 20 to 30,
1 female between 1 to 5,
1 female between 5 to 10,
1 female between 10 to 15,
1 female between 15 to 20.
9 children altogether
Next door to Hillery Jr., is Martin Cason-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20, Permelia Cason-East
Next door to Martin is Joseph East-Head of Household, Son of Hillery Sr.
(one) male 20 to 30, (one) female 15 to 20.
Two doors down is Samuel Cason-Head of Household
(one)male 1 to 5, (two) 20 to 30.
(two) females 1 to 5, (one) 20 to 30.
Next door to Samuel is Dennis Casson-Head of Household, Dennis, brother to Hillery Sr.
(two) males 5 to 10, (one) 10 to 15, (Two) 15 to 20, (one) 50 to 60.
(one) female 10 to 15, (one) 40 to 50.
Next door to Dennis is Sebron Cason-Head of Household
(one) male 20 to 30.
(one) female 15 to 20.
June 20, 1836 Hillery Recorded land ownership bought 40 acres, price per acre $1.25 Total price $50.00 in Madison Co., IL description NESE Sale type FD.
Moved to Independence County Arkansas in 1838. Arkansas became the twenty-fifth state in 1836.
Land records in Arkansas:
CASON HILLERY Independence 27 14N 5W 40 1844/07/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 15 12S 29W 80 1859/07/01
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1860/04/02
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10
CASON HILLARY Little River 22 12S 29W 40 1861/05/10 also John Cason Independence 1 14N 5W 40 1857/04/01
Martin Cason and Hillery Cason Assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E- YAH-HAM-BE-DECEASED
Hellary Cason, Charles M Hall, and John Young.
Cason John Independence 36 15N 5W 157.25 1857/04/01 Martin Cason and Hillery Cason ASSIGNEES OF IL-LA-TE-MAH REP OF E-YAH-HAM-BE DECEASED
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by George Varner and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
∼HILLERY & MARY (SMITH) CASON JR
(From Pitt Co NC//Settled in Screven Co GA, Madison Co Illinois & Independence Co Ark)
Parents of PERMELIA (CASON) EAST of Independence Co Ark
Permelia was the mother of Rev MARTIN ALONZO EAST of Sebastian Co Ark)
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These notes were compiled from material gathered by research & correspondence through the years. I am especially grateful to the following individuals whose research, records, stories & oral traditions, along with my own, helped us all gain a better understanding of Cason family heritage.
E.L. "Boe" Williams, Valdosta GA, Peggy Dailey, Belton MO, Anne Peterson, Batesville AR
William R. Cason, Atlanta, GA, Ruby Cason Iliff, Spokane WA, Lucille Pearce, Midland TX
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Hillery Cason Jr was born 3 Apr 1779 in Pitt County, North Carolina. He married Mary Smith about 1803 in Screven Co GA, who was born about 1783 in North Carolina.
Hillery & Mary, along with several of Hillery's siblings, left Pitt County, North Carolina about 1794 with parents, Hillery & Sarah Cason Sr, settling on the Savannah River in Screven County, GA. They were farmers and slave owners in both NC & GA. Hillery's father served with the NC militia during the Revolutionary War. Hillery Jr served in the War of 1812 while in Screven County.
More About Hillery Cason, Jr:
Ancestry: English
Military: 7 Sep 1813 (War1812)Ens., 259th Dist. Company, Screven Co GA Militia
Occupation: Farmer
Residence1: Pitt Co NC (1779-1794)
Residence2: Screven Co GA (1794-1829)
Residence3: Madison Co IL (1829-1844)
Residence4: Independence Co AR (1844-1857)
23 Dec 1809 - Screven Co GA Deeds, Book I, pg 45-46 (Hillery Cason to John Black)
Georgia Screven County: This Indenture made the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine between HILLERY CASON of the State and County aforesaid and JOHN BLACK of the aforesaid State and County of the other part witnesseth that the said Hillery Cason for and in consideration of the Sum of three hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the Said John Black at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents doth grant bargain sell a lein Release and Confirm unto John Black his heirs and assigns all these Two tracts or parcels of Land Containing in the hole five hundred and fifty acres one of Said tracts containing two hundred acres the other tract containing three hundred and fifty acres originally granted unto the said Hillery Cason the Two Hundred Acre tract granted on the thirty first of November in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven the three hundred and fifty acre tract granted twenty fourth November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven. Each of Said tracts situate lying and being in the State and County aforesaid the first mention tract bounded on all sides vacant and the last mentioned tract bounded Northwardly by lands Supposed Howels and vacant land Southwardly by Said Hillery Cason and vacant land Northeastardly by vacant land Southwestwardly by GEORGE VARNER and vacant and westwardly by lands Supposed Lowthers. Each tract Surveyed by James Oliver having such shapes marks and terms as appears by the plats of same together with and Singular the rights members and appertenances thereof whatsover to the said tracts or parcels of land belonging or in anywise appertining and also the entrest right title entrest claim or demand of the said Hillery Cason his heirs and assigns aforesaid of into or out of the same to have and to hold the said tracts or parcels of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with their and every of their Rights members and appertenences unto the Said John Black his heirs and assigns to their only proper use and behoof forEver in feesimple in Witness whereof the said Hillery Cason and Mary his wife hereunto set these hands and seals the day and year first above writen in the presents of us. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Mary Cason (Her Mark)
Received three hundred Dollars which is the witin Consideration money I Say Received by me in the presents of us the day and year within mentioned December 23 1809. Alexander Douglass, William Black J.P.
Hillery Cason (Signed)
Recorded this 27 day of August 1810 by John F. Lovett C.S.C.S.C.
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From 'Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas", by Goodspeed: Excerpts from pages 649-650:
(QUOTE) "Simeon Cason is an enterprsing farmer of Independence County, Ark.
- - - - - -He was born in Georgia, August 25, 1823, and is a son of HILLARY and MARY (SMITH) CASON, natives of the "Old North State," the former's birth occurring April 3, 1779. Their marriage took place about 1803, and of thirteen children born to them (seven sons and six daughters) only two are living: Simeon, and a daughter, who is the wife of Jesse Ward, and now a resident of Washington. Hillary Cason was a member of the Baptist Church , and his wife was a Methodist. (ENDQUOTE)
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In 1829, Hillery Jr & his older brother Dennis took their families on an overland journey across the wilderness of northern GA, Tennessee and Kentucky to Madison County, Illinois. They settled in the Silver Creek area near Highland, about 30 miles east of St Louis.
*****************
Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography (Hillery's Grandson):
(QUOTE) "My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Actually, the Casons moved to Illinois about 1829 and were enumerated on the 1830 census for Madison County, Illinois, not Washington County)
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About 1835, Hillery's oldest son Martin Cason & daughter Exeline Baltimore & their families went to Independence County, near Batesville in northeastern Arkansas. Their uncle Dennis Cason, along with several of his grown children & their families also made this journey. Martin Cason returned to Illinois about 1838, however, his sister, uncle & the others remained in Arkansas.
During the early 1840's, Hillery decided it was time to join his daughter & the other relatives in Arkansas. Hillery & Mary's grown children, Martin, John, Hillery III, Permelia East & their families as well as the younger unmarried children Simeon, William, James & Sarah also made the journey.
*****************
More Excerpts from Martin Alonzo East's autobiography:
(QUOTE) "My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
- - - - - - - - Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane." (ENDQUOTE)
(Don's Note: Per the 1840 census & other records, Hillery Cason, Martin Cason & Permelia (Cason) East were still in Illinois. They made the trip during the early to mid 1840's. As mentioned above, Martin Cason went to Arkansas about 1835, but returned to Illinois about 1838, before heading back to Arkansas with his parents & other relatives during that 1840's trip. Permelia Cason East, Hillery's daughter, remarried Dr John Morris in 1850)
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Hillery & Mary Cason's daughter Lucinda, who married Josiah East, remained in Lively Grove Township, Washington County, Illinois where her husband had settled. Another possible daughter was Eveline who married John Tscharner, but nothing more is known about them or where they ended up. Also, Mary Cason who married Seborn Cason, son of Dennis, was also a probable daughter. It seems likely that Seborn married his first cousin. Mary passed away during the 1830's and Seborn remarried before heading for Arkansas with his father.
There was also Susan Cason who married Hugh Pearce 1829 in Madison County, Illinois. I corresponded with a descendant of Susan's about 20 years ago. At that time, this descendant, among other researchers, were of the belief that Susan was a daughter of Hillery and Mary Cason. Hugh Pearce had a brother named Robert Bartlett Pearce who married Gincey Cason in Independence County, Arkansas during the 1830's. Gincey was the daughter of Hillery's brother Dennis, named after her mother Gincey (Dennis's 2d wife). Both Hugh & Susan Pierce and Hugh's brother Robert left Madison County Illinois during the 1830's, settling in Arkansas about the same time as Dennis Cason.. After Robert Pierce's marriage to Gincey, both Pierce families settled in Sevier County, Arkansas. It seems very possible that Susan and Gincey were sisters, both being daughters of Dennis. IF ANYONE CAN CLEAR THIS UP, PLEASE ADVISE
Hillery & Mary Cason both died during the late 1850's while residing in the Gainsboro area east of Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas. Their burial sites have never been located.
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Marriage Records of Madison Co IL:
5 Mar 1828 - PERMELIA CASON married JOSEPH EAST
26 Mar 1829 - MARY CASON married SEABURN CASON (Seaburn son of Dennis)
11 Sep 1834 - EXELINE CASON married MORTIMER W. BALTIMORE
27 Nov 1836 - EVELINE CASON married JOHN B. TSCHARNER
11 Nov 1840 - LUCINE CASON married JOSIAH EAST
6 Mar 1842 - HILLARY CASON III married Delila Insminger
30 Jul 1829 - SUSAN CASON married HUGH A. PEARCE
18 Jun 1833 - SEBORN CASON married EUNICE HARRISON (Seborn son of Dennis)
Marriage Records of Independence Co AR:
14 Jun 1837 - GINCEY CASON married ROBERT PEARCE
30 Nov 1848 - SARAH CASON age 19 married CHARLES H. SNEED age 28
31 Jan 1850 - EXELINE BALTIMORE age 35 marr JESSE WARD age 52
(Note: Gincey daughter of Dennis Cason. Sarah & Exeline daughters of Hillery Cason)
1830 - Federal Census (Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON 20111001/1111001 pg 178
MARTIN CASON 00001/0001 (Hillery Jr's oldest son) pg 178
JOSEPH EAST 00001-0001 (Wife Permelia daughter of Hillery) pg 178
DENNIS CASON 02120001/0010001 (Hillery's brother) pg 178
Samuel Cason 10002/20001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Sebron Cason 00001/0001 (Son of Dennis) pg 178
Hugh A. Pearce 0001/00001 (Wife Susan Cason dau of Dennis or Hillery?) pg 179
JAMES EAST 001200001-00100001 (Father of Joseph East) pg 179
John Conner pg 171 (Possibly the one who married Dennis Caon's daughter Jane)
20 June 1836 (Federal Land Purchase, Madison Co IL)
HILLERY CASON
NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 11 Twp 4N Range 6W (40 acres)
Tax Lists (Independence Co AR) 1835 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 001 Ruddell Township
1838 - MARTIN CASON Independence County AR pg 020
(Don's Note: Hillery's son Martin Cason evidently went to Arkansas w/sister Exeline Baltimore & their uncle Dennis Cason about 1835, however, Martin returned to Madison Co IL by 1840, then journeyed back to Independence Co Ark during the 1840's with his parents and siblings.)
Tax List (Independence Co AR)
1836 - WILKINSON BALTIMORE, pg 001 Ruddel Township
1839 - M.W. BALTIMORE, pg 31
(Don's Note: Hillery's daughter Exeline with husband Mortimore Wilkinson Baltimore. They did not return to Illinois with Martin Cason)
1835 - 1839: Tax Lists (Independence Co Ark)
DENNIS CASON//John B.//Samuel//Sebron (1835 Black River Township, pg 001)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory/Sebron//Bunyon(1836 pg 002)
DENNIS CASON//Sebron//Bunyon (1838 pg 020)
DENNIS CASON//Hillory//Samuel//Sebron (1839 pg 032)
(Hillery's brother Dennis & his sons had moved to Arkansas during mid 1830's. Bunyon was John Bunyon)
1840 - Federal Census (Highland Precinct, Madison Co IL)
HILLARY CASON 011110001/00110001 pg 79
MARTIN CASON 00001/12001 pg 073 (Hillery's son)
JOHN CASON 110001/00011 pg 73 (Hillery's son)
JOSEPH EAST 120001-10001 (married Permelia Cason, dau of Hillery) pg 72
John B. Tschnar 000001/00001 (married Eveline Cason, probable dau of Hillery) pg 78
1840 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR, Black River Twp)
John B(Bunyon) Cason 100010001/10001 pg16 (Father Dennis was in this household)
Hillery Cason pg16//Samuel Cason, pg17//Sebron Cason, pg 17 (Sons of Dennis)
John Conner pg 17 (Married Dennis's daughter Jane)
Federal Land Purchase (Independence Co AR)
10 Jul 1844 - CASON, HILLERY//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON, MARTIN//Section 33/Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
CASON SIMEON//Section 33//Twp 14N//Range 5W (40 Acres) (Martin Cason & Hillery Cason assignees of IL-LA-TE-MAH Rep of E-YAH-HAM-BE Deceased)
1 May 1854 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34/Twp 14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Cason & Hillery Cason)
1 Mar 1855 - CASON, SIMEON//Section 35//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: John Morris)
1 Mar 1856 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N//Range 5W (40 Acres)
(Remarks: Hallery Cason, Charles M Hall & John Young)
1 Apr 1857 - CASON, JOHN//Section 36//Twp 15N/Range 5W (157.25 Acres)
1 Jul 1859 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 34//Twp14N//Range 6W (40 Acres)
1 Jan 1861 - CASON, MARTIN//Section 27//Twp 14N//Range 6W (80 Acres)
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1850 - Federal Census (Independence Co AR)
CASON, Hillery, born NC, age 74, Farmer $400 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #997, pg 384)
Mary, born NC, age 67
William 18 IL (son)
Charles Sneed 27 AR (ShoeMaker)
Sarah Sneed 22 GA (daughter of Hillery & Mary Cason, married Charles Sneed)
Charles H Sneed 4 months AR
CASON, SIMEON, born GA, age25, Farmer $600 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #998, pg 384)
Sarah J/20/AR
WARD, JESSE born MD age 52 Farmer $460 (Ruddel Twp, Fam #915, pg 377)
Exeline 36 GA
Francis Baltimore 17 IL Farmer
Noel 13 AR//Mary E 11 AR// Augusta 7 AR//John 5 AR (All Baltimore's)
(Don's Note: Exeline was daugher of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, MARTIN, born GA, age 45, BrickMason, $2000(Batesville, Fam #1131, pg 394)
Ann E/39/TN
Mary A E 18 IL//Mathina 15 AR//Levina 11 IL//Oliver B 7 AR//Simeon 5 AR
Sarah 3 AR//Whitmill 1 AR
(Martin was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, JOHN born GA, age 43 BrickMason $3000 (Batesville, Fam #1143, pg 394)
Martha 37 IL
Benjamin F 15 IL //Susan 9 IL//Elenid 7 AR//Laura 5 AR//Martha 4 mo AR
(John was son of Hillery & Mary Cason)
CASON, HILLERY, 29/GA BrickMason, $2000 (Batesville, Family #1152, pg 395)
Delila 24 GA
Maranda 6 AR/Mary J 5 AR/William 2 AR/Maria E 4 months AR
CALVIN EAST, born IL, age 19, Plasterer (Nephew, son of Permelia)
JAMES CASON born GA age 23 Plasterer (Brother)
(Note: The head of household was Hillery Cason III, the son of Hillery Jr. He moved to Portland, Oregon soon after this census)
Gravesite Details
Donald E McKinney Jr ( Researcher)
Family Members
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Records on Ancestry
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