John Maples

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 189.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 June 1983, p 119.

Notes:

William Abijah Maples came as a baby with his parents to Sevier County, Tennessee in 1805.

William Abijah Maples entered 30 acres of land in Richardson's Cove area on the watershed of Big East Fork of Little Pigeon River adjoining his old tract according to an entry dated 16 November 1824. Also he entered 300 acres of land on Birds Creek adjoining David C. McMahan and Daniel Emert according to an entry dated 15 April 1837.

William Abijah Maples was listed in the 1837 Tax List of Sevier County, Tennessee. His land was located in the Civil District No. 1&4 of Sevier County, Tennessee.

They were listed in the 1830 through 1870 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee and in the 1840 census listed as Abigah 2 males 0-5, 2 males 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40, 1 female 0-5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 30-40.

There is a record for settlement of the estate of Elizabeth Maples. Before the courthouse fire of 1856, John McMahan was appointed as administrator for the estate of Elizabeth Maples. Also, F. L. Emert was appointed as guardian for seven of the minor heirs of the estate of Elizabeth Maples at this time. There was a list of heirs of the estate of Elizabeth Maples ... N. L. King and wife, George Maples, Archible Maples, Will Maples - all received their shares prior to 17th day of June 1856; James M. Maples, 25th day of June 1860, David Maples, 25th day of June 1860, John Maples, 25th day of June 1860; Redman Maples, 25th day of Jun 1860; and Samuel Maples, 25th day of June 1860.

"E. M. G. Emert, constable of District 2, to bring to next court, Redman Maples, Samuel Maples, and Sarah Maples, poor children for the purpose of having them bound out." The date of this entry was 7 April 1856.

F. L. Emert, guardian of Redman Maples, Samual Maples, and Sarah Maples, renewed the security bond with Jas. D. Lawson and M. A. Rawlings 3 April 1860.

"On 24 November 1859 - Decree for Divorce: Abijah Maples vs. Rebecca Maples."

In the 1860 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee, William Abijah Maples was living with Calvin Fox's household. Also he was living with his son Redman Maples in the 1870 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee.

William Abijah probably died in the area of Big East Fork of Little Pigeon River.
----------
Reference:
"Clabo Family Tree", Gardner Clabo, p 38.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 188-189.
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 June 1983, p 8, 119.

William married Elizabeth McMahan 1824, Sevier County, Tennessee. Elizabeth (daughter of Archibald McMahan and Elizabeth Byrd) was born 1807, Buncombe County, North Carolina; died Abt 1855/1856, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Clabo Family Tree", Gardner Clabo, p 38.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 188.
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 June 1983, p 8, 119.

Notes:

Wilson Maples went with his parents from Pittsylvania County, Virginia to Pendleton District, South Carolina prior to 1790. There he lived with his parents until his marriage in 1801.

Wilson Maples and his family left Pendleton District, South Carolina for Sevier County, Tennessee in 1805. They settled in the area of the East Fork of Little Pigeon River.

Wilson Maples had bought 77 acres of land from James Mathis Sr. circa 1805/1806. This land was surveyed in 1807 and granted by State of Tennessee. It was located in the East Fork of Little Pigeon River area.

Wilson Maples also bought 69 acres of land at the same time. It was located in the East Fork of Little Pigeon River area and adjoined the lands of James Mathis Sr.

From RECORD OF COMMISSIONS OF OFFICERS IN THE TENNESSEE MILITIA 1796-1815, compiled by Mrs. John Trotwood Moore, Wilson Maples was appointed as a captain of 11th Regiment for Sevier County, Tennessee on 26 May 1812.

Wilson Maples served as a Captain of 11th Regiment for Sevier County, Tennessee from the date of appointment until he resigned. During the War of 1812, he served as a captain in the 5th Regiment of Tennessee militia commanded by Colonel Edwin Booth. He was drafted at Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee on or about 5 November 1814 for six months duty. On 25 December 1814, he was reassigned to Lookout Mountain (vicinity of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee) on account of sickness.

Wilson Maples died almost a year after he resigned from the position of captain. From deeds it is indicated that the said Wilson Maples had left a will at his death. He willed his wife, Sarah, the one half of the plantation during her lifetime or widowhood and willed that each of his children was to receive one-sixth part of the undivided interest in the other half of the plantation.

It is believed that Wilson Maples was buried in the McMahan Cemetery, Jones Cove. (A stone reads "W. M. 1845 (1815?)".)
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 185, 186.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.

Wilson married Sarah Rolen 6 Aug 1801, Pendleton County, South Carolina. Sarah was born Abt 1785, North Carolina; died 25 Oct 1858; was buried Pearl Valley Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

After Wilson Maples death Sara Rolen Maples remained widow until her death. She raised the children to full maturity on the farm of Wilson Maples.

Sarah Rolen Maples appeared as the head of household in the 1830 through 1850 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee. In the 1840 census the listing includes 1 male 30-40, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 50-60, 1 female 60-70.

Sarah Maples entered 100 acres of land adjacent to where she lived on the waters of Big East Fork of Little Pigeon River ... according to an entry dated 23 January 1826.

Sarah Maples was listed in 1837 Tax List of Sevier County, Tennessee.

There was a deed dated 27 March 1854 ... "Adempsey Maples to Archibald McMahan for $300 - tract on Big East Fork of Little Pigeon being the plantation whereon Wilson Maples lived at the time of his death and I the said Adempsey Maples being an heir at law --- siezed of 1/6 part of the undivided farm - also one other part of the above tract of land --- that Abijah Maples has to the named tract or parcel of land bin being an heir at law --- entitled to 1/6 part of the said farm - also one other part of the above same undivided farm it being the part which descended to Mahaly Robertson formerly Mahaly Maples her being an heir at law, I Adempsey Maples having bought the last two mentioned parts of Abijah Maples and Mahaly Robertson...69 acres."

There was a deed dated 27 March 1854 ... "Sharah Maples widow of Wilson Maples deceased to Archibald McMahan for $350 - quit claim and yield up to Archibald D. McMahan all right, title, etc., that I am in possession of to one half of the plantation whereon Archibald D. McMahan now lives in Richardson Cove according to the last will and testament of my deceased husband Wilson Maples which was willed to me during my lifetime or widowhood...containing 69 acres.

There was a deed dated 8 April 1854 ... "Anderson Williams and wife Mary, formerly Mary Maples, to Archibald McMahan, interest in 69 acres received by will from Wilson Maples, deceased."

Here is a brief summary of Sarah Maples' bounty land application files:

26 March 1855 - Sarah Maples deposed that she is a resident of Sevier County, Tennessee and that she is the widow of Wilson Maples, deceased who was a captain in the 5th Regiment of Tennessee Militia commanded by General Booth in the War with Great Britain. Said husband was drafted at Sevierville on about 5 November 1814 for six months duty; reassigned about 25 December 1814 to Lookout Mountain on account of sickness. States that she was married to the said Wilson Maples in Pendleton County, South Carolina 6 August 1801 by one Robert
Bowen Justic of Peace and her name before marriage was Sarah Rolan and her husband died at his residence in Sevier County, 27 November 1815 and she has never remarried.

3 November 1855 - On this appeared Sarah Maples aged about 65 years a widow of Wilson Maples, --- etc.

On 17 November 1857, Wilson Maples by his Guardian Sarah Maples asked for "Petition to sell land." Also, on 21 July 1858, Robert H. Hodsden appointed guardian for Sarah Maples widow of Wilson Maples deceased, having a life estate in said land. Court ordered all interest of Wilson Maples the said ward mentioned to be sold.

Sarah Rolen Maples was buried beside her husband Wilson Maples.

Sevier County Heritage lists Sarah as sister to "Davy" Crocket.

Notes:

Archibald McMahan is listed in the 1810 Census of Buncombe County, North Carolina. It is believed he migrated to Sevier County, Tennessee about 1811.

Archibald McMahan may have been a signer of a petition from "the district South of the rivers French Broad and Holston." The name appears on the petition as McGan, but is believed to be Archibald McMahan. This petition apparently includes the area of Jefferson County, South of the French Broad and perhaps part of the Cosby-English Mountain section of Cocke County, Tennessee.

Archibald obtained Grant #11578 for 25 acres in Sevier County, Tennessee dated 20 August 1825. He lived in the first district of Sevier County, Tennessee in the Jones Cove area.

Archibald McMahan is listed in the 1830 and 1840 Sevier County, Tennessee Federal Census. In the 1840 census, He is listed as Archibald McMahan, Sr. 1 male 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 70-80 and 1 female 60-70. In the 1850 Sevier County, Tennessee Census he is listed as a farmer living alone.

Archibald McMahan made his will 21 March 1852 a copy of which follows:

"I, Archibald McMahan of the County of Sevier, and State of Tennessee do hearby make and ordain this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others.

1st, I give and bequeath to my son David McMahan two negro slaves named Frank and Tibby.

2nd, I give and bequeath to my son Redmond McMahan one slave named Thomas.

3rd, I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Large one slave named Nancy.

4th, I give and bequeath to my son William McMahan one slave named Simon.

5th, I give and bequeath to my son Archibald McMahan one slave named Jane.

6th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Emitt one slave named Mary.

7th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Anna Roland one slave named Betsy.

8th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Duggan one slave named Winny.

9th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Susan Howard one slave named Lucy.

10th, I give and bequeath to my son James McMahan one slave named Carter.

11th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Maples during her natural life one slave named Henry and after her death to the heirs of her body.

I will and bequeath to my daughter Anna Roland my slave named Aggy to be taken good care of during said Aggy's lifetime and the said Aggy after my death may take what property she claims about my house that belongs to her, and also to take a cow and calf claimed by said Aggy.

I will and bequeath my slaves Jack and Charity to my son William McMahan to take care of them during their life.

I will and bequeath Rebecca McMahan, wife of Archibald McMahan Jr., and to George McMahan, illegitimate children of my son George McMahan one slave named James to be divided equally between them.

I hereby appoint David McMahan and Robert H. Henderson my executors to this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof, here unto set my hand and seal this 21st day of March 1852

Witnesses: his
George McMahan Archibald X McMahan
John McKisack mark

In addition to the foregoing I will and bequeth to the children of my deceased daughter, Sally Howard, three hundred dollars to be divided equally between them.

I will and bequeath that my real estate and the balance of my personal assets be sold and the proceeds be divided equally between sons David McMahan, Redmond McMahan, William McMahan, James McMahan, and Archibald McMahan and my daughters Jane Large, Nancy Emit, Anna Roland, Susan Howard, and to my daughters Mary Duggan and Elizabeth Maples, I will one half as much of my real estate and balance of my personal estate as is willed to the above named heirs, half a share with the above heirs.

In testimony whereof I herunto set my hand and affix my seal this 21st day of March, 1852.

Witnesses: his
George McMahan Archibald X McMahan
John McKisack mark

I do hereby revoke that part of my will appointing David McMahan one of my executors and do hereby appoint Fedric Emit and William McMahan in conjunction with Robert H. Hodsden my executors to carry out this my foregoing will and testement.

In addition to the foregoing will, I will and bequeath to my grand-daughter Martha McMahan, daughter of Wilson McMahan one hundred dollars to be paid her out of the proceeds of my personal property by my executors, and revoke enough of the foregoing will to carry the same into effect. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my seal this 11th day of May 1852.

Witnesses: his
George McMahan Archibald X McMahan
John McKisack mark

A stone in Pearl Valley Cemetery reading "A. McMahan born 17-- Died 27 February, 1853" is believed to be Archibald McMahan's resting place.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 188.
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Cliff Manis
T. D. W McMahan records, Johnny Scott Large, p 63.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 July 1983, p 4, 7.
Smoky Mountain Historical Society Newsletter, David Templin, 1981, Vol 7, No 2, p 13.
"The Virginia Genealogist", Vol 27, No. 1, p. 149.
Mrs. H. S. Surface, 401 Surface Drive, Tazewell, VA 24651, 540-988-3581.
Barbara Byrd Williams, Box 105, Kenbridge, VA, 23944 (804) 676-1258.

Archibald married Elizabeth Byrd 28 Sep 1793, Grayson County, Virginia. Elizabeth (daughter of George Byrd and Mary) was born Abt 1777; died Abt 1844; was buried Pearl Valley Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth place may be North Carolina or Virginia.
----------
Reference:
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 188.
"The Townsend Heritage", Kathy Townsend, 1984, p 50.
Cliff Manis
T. D. W McMahan records, Johnny Scott Large, p 63.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 July 1983, p 4, 7.
"The Virginia Genealogist", 1983, Vol 27, No. 1, p 149.

Notes:

The Maples family originally came from France to England and from there to Virgnia.

William Maples came with his brother Josiah Maples to East Tennessee in the early 1800's. Josiah Maples settled in Sevier County, Tennessee and William Maples settled in Grainger County, Tennessee.

On 14 April 1763, William Maples bought 200 acres of land for 30 Pounds on the branches of Robinson's Fork of Meherrin River adjoining the lands of Robinson and Johnson from Josiah Ship and his wife Anne in Lunenburg County, Virginia.

Then on 10 June 1764, William Maples was listed as one tithable with this 200 acres of land in Lunenburg County, Virginia.

On 17 January 1774, William Maples bought 354 acres of land for 65 Pounds on the Burches Creek, part of Midway River adjoining the land of Colonel Edmunds and Wilkins from Thomas Richards and Thomas Dodson Jr. in Halifax County, Virginia.

On 20 August 1775, William and Prudence Maples sold 54 acres of land for 20 Pounds on the draught of Midway River to Thomas Ware in Halifax County, Virginia. This was part of the above purchase.

On 24 March 1777, William Maples sold 200 acres of land for 45 Pounds on Robinson's Fork of Meherrin River to John Hightower of Lunenburg County, Virginia. This was the land bought in 1763.

On 10 July 1777, William Maples sold 300 acres of land for 115 Pounds on the Burches Creek, part of Midway River adjoining the lands of Colonel Nicholas and Thomas Ware in Halifax County, Virginia. Also his wife Prudence relinquished her right of dower. This is the rest of the 1774 purchase.

William Maples received a patent for 263 acres of land on both sides of north fork of Cherrystone Creek adjoining the lands of John Donelson in Pittsylvania County, Virginia from the Commonwealth of Virginia on 16 November 1779.

In 1782 Tax List of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, William Maples was listed with his wife and their ten children. He was taxed for his ownership of 263 acres of land.

On 16 August 1784, William Maples sold for 100 Pounds 163 acres of this land on both sides of the north fork of Great Cherrystone Creek adjoining the lands of William Bynum and John Donelson to James Johnson of Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

Then on 15 November 1785, William Maples sold the other 100 acres of land on both sides of north fork of Great Cherrystone Creek to James Willis of Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

William Maples and his family apparently migrated to Pendleton District, South Carolina prior to 1790. In 1790 Federal Census for Pendleton District, South Carolina, William Maples and his wife were listed with one male over 16 years, three males under 16 years, and three daughters in the household. John Maples, the eldest son, was married and listed as living next door in this census.

William Maples and his wife Prudence came to East Tennessee and settled in Grainger County from South Carolina before 1804. He was listed with 50 acres of land in Captain Thomas James Company in the 1804, 1805, 1806 Tax Lists of Grainger County, Tennessee.

William married Prudence 1763/1764, Lunenburg County, Virginia. Prudence was born Abt 1745/1750, Lunenburg County, Virginia. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Place of birth not confirmed.

Prudence was listed in the 1810 Federal Census of Grainger County, Tennessee.

Chris Maples states family rumor indicates Prudence was a slave but we have no proof.
----------
Reference:
Christopher Maples, hoosierdaddy2000@hotmail.com, 18 August 1999.

Notes:

It is believed Archibald McMahan left his home in Ireland and came to America about 1746 to seek his fortune in the wilderness of the new world. Archibald McMahan, then 16 years of age, landed in either the state of Virginia or North Carolina.

His great grandson Sanders McMahan said "Archibald 'the elder' was born in Scotland and he went to Ireland, met Mary McNulty and married there, then came to America through port of Washington North Carolina and settled Buncombe County, North Carolina.

There is debate over Archibald's given name. Some believe Archibald and Redmond are one in the same, but both names have not been found to be used together. We now believe they were brothers.

During Archibald's lifetime he accumulated quite a bit of wealth and at the time of his death he owned seventeen slaves.

It is not clear where Archibald McMahan was buried. Some say he was buried in McMinnville or Morrison, Tennessee.
----------
Reference:
"McMahan Family Tree", Glenn F. McMahan, 10 March 1932, p 1.
T. D. W McMahan records, Johnny Scott Large, p 63.
Rosa Lee Downey notes, 16 July 1983, p 1-2, 4.
Ann Turner, 2 January 1995.
"Yancy County, Buncombe County Heritage"
Kay McMahan Noska, 1407 Alvin Ave., El Campo, TX 77437, 14 January 1997.

Archibald married Ann McNulty 1768, Montgomery County, Virginia. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
Kay McMahan Noska, 1407 Alvin Ave., El Campo, TX 77437, 14 January 1997.

Notes:

Left Grayson, VA around 1800.
----------
Reference:
"The Virginia Genealogist", 1983, Vol 27, No. 1, p 149.

George — Mary. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"The Virginia Genealogist", 1983, Vol 27, No. 1, p 149.