C H A P T E R 10
The Descendants of John Ewing
John2 Ewing (Alexander1, RobertA)
Return to Table of Contents
Go to Chapter 6 Alexander Ewing father of John
Go to page: 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184
______________________________________________
GENERATION NO. 2
1. John Ewing {61} was born about 1725 in Ulster, Ireland. He was the son of Alexander Ewing {66}
and Rebeckah [———?———] {68}. John died between 25 Jan 1787, the date of his will and 5 Mar 1788, the
the date his will was recorded for probate in Montgomery County, Virginia. He was married but the name of his
wife has not been found..
Known children of John are:
+ 2. i. Eleanor Ewing {63}.
ii. Alexander Ewing {52}, born 10 Mar 1752, died 9 Apr 1822. This family is discussed in
chapter 12.
iii. William Ewing {64}, born 18 Jun 1764, died about 1852. This family is discussed in
chapter 11.
+ 3. iv. Elizabeth “Betsy” Ewing {65}, died after 1847.
The children are listed as they are mentioned in the will of John Ewing. Originally, we only had the death date for
William Ewing and, later, found his birth date in the pension request for Charles Cocke.
With Alexander being born in 1752 and William in 1764, there is enough time between the birth of the two sons
for about five children to be born. We believe that Eleanor and Besty were born after Alexander and before
William. That leaves the possibility of two or three additional children being born to John and his wife. If Eleanor
was 18 years old when she married and her first child, Jane, being born in 1772, then Eleanor would have ben born
about 1853 or 1854. See discussion in Cocke family later in this chapter.
We have never found any item of evidence that would indicate the name of the wife of John Ewing. It is believed
that he had only one wife. In all of the recorded deeds that we found that involved John as the seller and in John's
will, the wife is not mentioned. I have corresponded with people that indicated a name for John’s wife but they
could never supply a source.
After looking at all of the information for John Ewing, I am inclined to believe that his wife died after the last
child, William, was born, or maybe in child birth of William or another child that did not live. If that was the
case, then, I would think that John and his mother, Rebeckah, lived together and she helped raise the children.
Also, Rebeckah may have died about 1771 and that is when John decided to sell his goods and move to Virginia
from Cecil County, Maryland.
Some of the facts for this family are known, but, we are missing a number of facts that would complete this
family's information. Information from two deeds from Cecil County, Maryland is listed below. And, based on the
items mentioned in the deeds it would indicated that John is preparing for his move to Virginia. It is believed that
John Ewing was in Virginia by 1772.
Cecil County, Maryland Deed Book 9, pages 310-313
On 2 April 1761, John Ewing of Octoraro Hundred in the County of Cecil & Province of
Maryland Yeoman sold to Richard Gay of the same Place Blacksmith in consideration of three hundred and fifty
Pounds lawful Money of the Province of Pennsylvania assigns forever All that Tract or Parcel of Land situate lying
and being in Octoraro Hundred being part of Two Tracts of land called the Levell and the Levells Addition.
Cecil County, Maryland Deed Book 11, pages 523-525
On 5 April 1770, John Ewing of Cecil County & province of Maryland Farmer for and in
consideration of the sum of Eleven pounds thirteen Shillings & nine pence Current money of Pennsylvania to me
in hand paid by Jane Meek of the County and province aforesaid . . . do bargain sell release grant and confirm unto
the said Jane Meek . . . six Feather beds, one black cow, one black mare branded with the Letters W A and one
New Desk now remaining in the possession of the said John Ewing to have and to hold all . . . the said goods and
chattles above mentioned to wit three [six above] feather beds, one black cow, one black mare and one desk . . . Set
their Hands and Seals this fifth day of April in the Year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and seventy ~ ~ ~ ~
Signed Sealed and Deliver in presence of
Ed Mitchell ~ ~ ~ ~ John Ewing [Seal]
Cecil County, Maryland Deed book 12, page 75
Know all men by these presents that I John Ewing of the County of Cecil & province of Maryland
for and in consideration of becoming Special Bail and being liable to Dennis Dougharty Admr of Edward Means
Decd for a certain Debt and Cost accuring thereon upon an action brought in the County Court afsd by the said
Dennis Dougharty done by Patk and William Ewing of the County and province afsd have bargained Sold &
Confirmed and by these presents do bargain Sell and confirm unto the said Patk and William Ewing all the
household Stuff and implements of household and all these goods whatsoever mentioned in the Schedule here unto
annexed. . . I the said John Ewing have put them the said William & Patk Ewing in full possession by delivering
them one Desk in the name of all the said goods & chattles at the signing & delivery hereof. In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 12th day of March in the year of Christ 1771.
Witness present John Ewing [Seal]
Samuel Ewing
Michael Moran
[The following items must have been listed on the attached schedule referred to.]
10 Basons, Pewter, 8 Plates Do [pewter] 3 Dishes Do [pewter] 2 Pots Iron, 3 feather beds, 1 Desk, 20,000 lousts
[locoust] Pins 1 old waggon Irons, Two Chests, ~ ~ ~
Recorded the 20th day of March 1771 and examined.
Benjamin Young Clk
The 20,000 locoust pins mentioned above are most likely treenails. "A treenail is a very dry wooden peg used to
join timbers, esp. in shipbuilding: it swells from moisture and assures a tight joint" (according to Webster's
NewWorld Dictionary).
Will of John Ewing
Montgomery County, Virginia Will Book B, page 128
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. I John Ewing of the County of Montgomery and State of Virginia, being weak
in body but of perfect mind and memory (thanks be given unto God) calling unto mind the mortality of my Body
and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say
principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God who gave it, and my body
unto the Earth to be intered in a Christian manner at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the
General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching such worldly
estate wherewith it had pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, demise, and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form Viz.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Eleanor Cocke, my Brown Mare, with what I have already given her and no
more.
I give and bequeath to my Son Alexander my Desk and one young bay Mare and Colt.
I give and bequeath to my Son William, my Negroe man named Lab, and negroe woman named Kate.
I likewise give and bequeath to my Son William my tracts of Land lying in Powells Valley in the County of Russell
containing thirteen hundred acres, or thereabouts.
I also give and bequeath to my Son William one feather Bed and furniture, and one bay Mare four years old.
I give & bequeath to my Son William and Charles Cocke my Whip Saw and Cross Cutt. [This bequeath is stated in
different ways in some publications.]
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Betsy three Hundred Acres of Land of the above mentioned bequeathed to my
Son William, known by the name of Cockes Old Tract if she comes there to live, and if not to remain in the
possession of my Son William.
I also give and bequeath to my Daughter, Betsy one Bay Mare three years old next spring.
I give and bequeath to my grandson John Cocke Two hundred Acres of Land at the Mouth of Trading Creek,
including boath sides of said Creek for quantity.
I order my household furniture with all the remaining part of my personal estate to be equally divided between my
two Sons. I order my son William to pay to his Brother Alexander, the Value of Seventy Pounds in Horses at the
valuation of two indifferent men.
I likewise give and bequeath to my Son Alexander a Tract of Land on Elk Creek in Montgomery County
containing eleven Hundred Acres if obtained.
I order nominate constitute and appoint my two Sons Alexander and William Ewing my hole and sole Executors of
this my last will and Testament disannulling and making void all former and other Wills and Testaments by me
heretofore made, ratifying allowing and confirming none other than this my last Will and Testament. In Witness
Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal this Twenty fifth day of January in the year of
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven.
John Ewing (Seal)
Signed, Sealed, pronounced and declared by the said John Ewing as his last Will and Testament in the presence of
us, who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto Subscribed our names.
John Montgomery Senr
John Montgomery Junr
Samuel Montgomery
Robert Montgomery
Joseph Montgomery
At a court contd. & held for Montgomery county the 5th day of March 1788.
This Last Will & Testament of John Ewing, Deceased was presented in Court by William Ewing one of the
Executors therein named & proved by the oaths of John Montgomery Senr., John Montgomery Junr. & Samuel
Montgomery three of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Test
Abram Trigg, CMC
The above will was typed from a copy that was certified as being a true copy of the will of John Ewing as it
appears in the records of Montgomery County. The will of John tells me a lot about the kind of individual he
appeared to be. Based on the type of individual he appeared to have been is the reason that I do not think he would
have left his wife out of the dealings when he sold his land. If she was living, I believe she would have been asked
to give up her interest in the land when it was sold.
The author of Clan Ewing of Scotland is a descendant of John and he included several pages in his book about this
family. The following paragraphs are from Chapter XXVII of Clan Ewing of Scotland, page 284-299.
“One of those I was fortunate to know who recalled considerable of grandfather [William], was the late Dr.
Andrew T. Still, founder of osteopath. He was born, 1828, within three miles of grandfather's home in Lee
County. He was about 24 years old when grandfather died in or shortly after 1852. Some years ago I visited Dr.
Still at his famous institution at Kirkville, Missouri, and found him delighted to speak of grandfather, who he
recalled quite clearly, in the highest terms, as he did of our family in general. He frequently repeated that
grandfather was "one of the great men of his day." Of course he was considering grandfather's environment and
limited opportunity as compared to men of nation renown; and must have meant that, all things considered,
grandfather met life's responsibilities and opportunities with unusual courage and intelligence, thus contributing
very substantially to his day and generation.
“Some of my informants had the impression that great-grandfather [John] was born in Scotland. Others
understood that he was born in Ireland of Scotch parents; and one or two thought him a native of either Bedford or
Prince Edward. Upon the whole my opinion is that he was not American-born. However, without exception the
evidences agree that great-grandfather was closely related to Samuel and Joshua Ewing, descendants of Joshua
Ewing, through his son Capt. Patrick Ewing of Cecil County, Maryland; and the kinship is recognized by the
descendants of all these families to this day. [This kinship is trough Patrick’s wife, a Porter and a Ewing
descendant.]
“Many old persons who knew our family traditions, such as General G. P. Fulkerson of Cumberland Gap, Virginia-Tennessee, and several descendants of Robert and Charles Ewing of Bedford County, in recent years living in
Missouri and elsewhere, have written me very positively of the close relations between my great-grandfather and
Robert and Charles Ewing, all three of whom were contemporaries and who lived, at least at the time of great-grandfather's death, comparatively not far apart. As we have seen, Nathaniel Ewing in the Courier-Journal article,
written earlier than 1846, says this Robert and Charles were cousins of the children of William Ewing of Scotland-Ireland. In addition to this, the relation is further shown by striking family resemblances and the fact that the
traditions are that each of these families descended from a Scotch ancestor who bore a coat of arms. When the
reproductions of these arms used in one way or another by members of each of these families are compared with
the old Ewing arms belonging to some of the Glasgow-Loch Lomond Ewings before 1565, the fact that our
American reproductions are based upon those ancient Scotch arms is seen to be beyond question. As has elsewhere
been said, the American emblazonment often discloses slight innovations or unwarranted changes, and colors and
tinctures all too often suffered sadly at the hands of the novice; but, as the representative illustrations given in this
work show, there is no question of the relation between what we may term the American reproduction and the
Scotch emblazonment of the oldest Ewing arms.
“Hence, while we do not know the exact degree or relation between my great-grandfather and the other Virginia
pioneers of our name who were his contemporaries, Robert and Charles of Bedford, James of Prince Edward,
George, the son of Nathaniel, the immigrant to Cecil County, William of Rockingham, and James the founder of
the Pocahontas family, and the others, we are sure the relationship was close, brothers in some cases, uncles and
nephew in others, near cousins in yet others, and in some cases fathers and sons. There is very strong evidence
that great-grandfather, John, was a half-brother of Nathaniel, and a brother of Joshua and the other children of
William Ewing of Scotland-Ireland by the second wife. Some charts show the John of that family as settling in
Kentucky; others take him "West;" finally yet others send him to live and die in Pennsylvania. As best I have been
able to follow all these other clues, I am of opinion they confuse him with a John of another generation, Amos
Ewing of Cecil County certainly did, and from that source much error regarding that John certainly has resulted.
“There were John Ewings, some identified and other not so certainly distinguished, in Virginia from the earliest
times of the other founders of these Virginia families. Unfortunately I am not sure--though I have a very decided
opinion--which was my ancestor until we come to the period of the early hunters and explorers in Powell Valley, in
what was once in turn in Augusta, Fincastle, Washington, and other counties and now in Lee. One of the earliest
explorers in that valley was John Ewing. That was several years before the Revolution. We have traditions that he
was renowned for skill and bravery. Charles Ewing of the Bedford family, we have seen, was one of the "long
hunters" of that day, hunting through and beyond Powell Valley.
“Through that fertile and always splendidly charming valley, watered by Powell River, along the eastern base of
the rugged Cumberlands, probably first seen by the whites in 1750, led an old Indian trail, known as the Warrior's
Path. From the Clinch River it crossed the Powell Mountains, led down the center of the valley, and crossed the
Cumberlands at Cumberland Gap. The dim trail was followed by Gist in his early explorations into what is now
Kentucky, and later traveled by Capt. William Russell, whose daughter married Alexander Ewing
of Tennessee,
Daniel Boone, and other pioneers into the regions westward of the Cumberlands. Boone marked it as a road for
the wagons of Colonel Henderson when he went out from North Carolina to found in 1775 ill-fated Transylvania
west of the Cumberlands. Already the echoes of the coming Revolution were reverberating on either side of the
valley; and Henderson's scheme failed. But that "road," out by Abingdon, then by Bristol (as we now know those
places), over the ridges and mountains into the valley, and out through Cumberland Gap, came to be, the
Revolution over, one of the most traveled and one of the most famous of early American roads. Long known as the
Hunters' Path, then as the Old Wilderness Trail, then as the Old Wilderness Road, its annals are among the most
interesting which tell us of the first real expansion of English-speaking America. (See the Author's Pioneer
Gateway of the Cumberlands, in manuscript as this book goes to press.)
“John Ewing, my great-grandfather, saw for himself the rich valley lands as he passed up and down the old
Hunter's Path. He knew Henderson and of his ambitious plan to found Transylvania, a supply station for which
was to be in the center of Powell Valley. He was acquainted with the movement headed by Russell and Boone to
settle Kentucky in 1775, destined to a bloody repulse in the Valley's midst. With the keen eye of a thrifty Scot he
saw the rapidly approaching value, as well as the scenic beauty, or the rich lands of Powell Valley. His judgement
proved more accurate than he dreamed.
“Shortly after its discovery an important part of the valley was claimed under one of the immense royal grants,
which we noticed in our study of our West Virginia kinsmen. But permanent settlements within the Valley were
not attempted until 1775. Before surveys could be made and deeds issued, the Revolution swept British authority
from Virginia; and so it came that the early titles were founded upon the settlement, preemption, and purchase
laws enacted by the independent sovereignty of Virginia; and the claims under those laws were determined by the
commission which heard the "claims to lands on the western waters."
“Before the valley could be permanently inhabited the Indian allies of the British drove the settlers back as far east
as where now are Bristol and Abingdon. But they returned to the Valley at least as early as 1779, and with them
grandfather, William Ewing. But his father, John, appears not to have gone back to the valley to reside. An old
man, John died in Montgomery County before March 5, 1788. But he did not forget to press his claims to the
valley lands which he had selected before the Revolution.
“In the list of those found by this commission as entitled to lands in the district of Washington and Montgomery,
which district included Powell Valley, now in Lee County, Virginia, and, in fact, reaching far down into
Tennessee, which I found in the Land Office, are the names of John and Samuel Ewing, who are certified as
entitled to 400 acres by right of settlement and to 500 acres under the preemption law. That list, duly signed by the
commission, is dated September 8, 1781. The old survey book, which I examined, in the clerk's office at
Abingdon, has the record of an entire certificate, signed by the commission, dated August 10, 1781. In each record
John and Samuel Ewing were awarded 400 acres by right of settlement and 500 under the preemption law. From
the Abingdon record it is seen that the settlement was made in 1775 by Charles Cox. Cox assigned to John and
Samuel Ewing; and Samuel assigned his interest to great-grandfather, October 10, 1783. The certificate of record
in Abingdon describes this land as ‘on the north side of Powell River, known by the name of Dump's Cabon, or the
Big Spring.’ The land was surveyed and the grant issued; but apparently the grant did not issue until 1794, six
years after great-grandfather had died! From the survey description I recognize the land. It lies about three miles
from the old William Ewing home, in the midst of Powell Valley, where father was born and where I, in turn,
came into existence. Through the once dense woodlands which covered in part it and other lands of my ancestors.
I have often chased the fox, brought down the squirrel, or bagged innumerable quail The deed of 1794, which
certainly conveys title to 400 acres, thus identified as in Powell Valley, recites that it is made "in right of settlement
given by the commissioners for adjusting the titles of unpatented lands in the district of Washington and
Montgomery and the consideration of the ancient compound of two pounds sterling."
“But prior to the deed of 1794, great-grandfather acquired title to other land in Powell Valley. For instance, by
"land office treasury warrant No. 1902, dated November 21, 1781," he acquired 400 acres "adjoining his settlement
survey." and on both sides of "Wading" (Trading) Creek, on north side of Powell River; and "by land office
treasury warrant No. 10729" dated January 25, 1782, he acquired title to 440 acres "adjoining his settlement;" and
by another treasury warrant he became entitled to 815 acres "adjoining his settlement;" and the beginning corner of
which was near "the old station camp." So I am not sure whether the "schedule" duly signed by the
commissioners, dated September 8, 1781, which I found in a secluded nitch in the Land Office, is a duplicate of the
"certificate" issued August 10, 1781. The commissioners may have made two reports, as they certainly did as to
some other districts. But the question is not so material, since great-grandfather apparently made no attempt, after
the earliest settlers were chased from the valley as a result of the Revolution, to therein reside. Some of the earlier
deeds were of record in the Land Office before November 26, 1787. On that day Colonel Arthur Campbell, one of
the best known military militia figures of that day, and who lived not far from great-grandfather, receipted the
Land Office, for deeds to lands in Powell Valley, for the purpose of delivering to the owners, among those
instruments being great-grandfather's deeds to the 440 and the 500-acre tracts; and for grandfather's deed to 815
acre tract. Many similar entries regarding other people are on the old records. They suggest lack of mail facilities,
the long, bad roads out from Richmond to the distant Virginia sections, and absence of many things we now enjoy.
“But those old records are interesting for the light which they afford regarding the close business relations which
must have existed between this John and Samuel Ewing; and between George and Samuel, who, under the award
of September 8, 1781, were held entitled to land by right of settlement on "both sides of Clinch River and Copper
Creek." (Land Office Deed Book 30, 296.) This George and Samuel, who settled on Copper Creek, were we are
reasonably sure, sons of George of Wythe County. Then, among other things, grandfather and Robert Sims, who
married grandfather's sister Betsy, as stated in Johns will, entered into an agreement April 11, 1797, regarding the
tract of land in Powell Valley, which the will called "Cocke's old place," and Joshua Ewing was one of the
witnesses. That agreement was acknowledged before the Lee County court (Lee D.B. 1, 201), and was evidently
witness in that county. This Joshua Ewing was clearly the brother of Samuel Ewing, both of whom lived in the
valley about fifteen miles west of grandfather's home. Then the deed dated 1799, under which grandfather and
Sims for his wife, as we shall see, partitioned this John Ewing land, is witnessed by Samuel Ewing and Charles
Carter. Charles Carter was the son-in-law of Samuel Ewing, of the Maryland family, Joshua's brother, this Samuel
Ewing being the first sheriff of Lee County, Virginia, where this land lay.
“Cumulative with the tradition of near kinship of grandfather with the Cecil County earliest immigration, from
which this Joshua and this Samuel descended, and with the other early Ewings of Virginia, the descendants of this
day, who know our traditions, recognize the relationship.
“That this John Ewing took some substantial part in the patriot armies of the Revolution, during its earliest days, is
supported by some tradition. More than one John Ewing of Virginia served the American cause in that war. Some
of them are identified; others are excluded from the consideration because the records disclose decease later than
great-grandfather; and the meager records of others leave it quite possible that one of them could have been great-grandfather. But, to have had grandchildren over twenty-one in 1788, indicates that at the outbreak of the
Revolution he was much beyond what, in this day, we regard as military age. But it is well known that in that
epochal day old men fought for our independence.
“However, long on the advance picket line of civilization, though not "a backwoods man" in the usual sense, there
is no doubt of the truth of the traditions that great-grandfather contributed his share, important and far-reaching, to
the battle of civilization against the savages and to overcoming the dangers met at every point by the westward
expansion.”
______________________________________________
GENERATION NO. 3
2. Eleanor Ewing {63} was born about 1753/1754. She was the daughter of John Ewing {61}. She
married Charles Cocke {4324} about 1771/1772. He was born 12 Nov 1750. Charles died after Jan 1838, when
he made an application for a pension.
Return to parents
Known children of Eleanor are:
+ 4. i. Jane Cocke {6098}, born 1772, died 1851.
5. ii. John Cocke {4380}.
6. iii. Charles Cocke {4381}.
7. iv. William Cocke {4382}.
+ 8. v. Ellender Cocke {6218}, born 26 Nov 1788. .
John, Charles, and William Cocke were named in the will of their grandfather, John Ewing. In late 1998 contact
was made with a descendant of Ellender Cocke and we learned about Jane and Ellender.
With Jane being born in 1772, and probably the first child born to Eleanor and Charles, we can estimate when her
mother, Eleanor, may have been born. Knowing that Alexander, a brother to Eleanor, was born in March 1752,
we can estimate that Eleanor would have to be born about 1750 or late 1753 or early 1754. If Eleanor was about
18 years old when she married and Jane was born within a year, then she was most likely born after Alexander, her
brother.
In Clan Ewing of Scotland on page 292, we find : "The grandson, John Cocke, who received 200 acres of land at
the mouth of and on both sides of Trading Creek, on the south bank of which I was born, was evidently over
twenty-one at the date of the will. The fact is corroborative of the tradition that great-grandfather was well
advanced in years at his death."
John Ewing was 63 years old when he died about 1788. It is not really possible for John Cocke to have been
twenty-one or over when his grandfather wrote his will in 1787. It appears that John Cocke might be the second
child and would most likely have been born about 1774. Therefore, he would have only been about 13 or 14 years
old when John Ewing wrote his will.
Fincastle County, Virginia. At a court continued and held for Fincastle County the 8th day of September 1773.
Ordered that Saml Newell do pay unto Chas. Cocke seventy five pounds of Tob.[acco] for three daies (sic) [days]
attendance at this court as a witness for him against Evan Williams. Ordered that Saml Newell do pay unto Eloner
(sic) Cocke one hundred pounds of Tob.[acco] for four daies (sic) attendance at this court as a witness for him
against Evan Williams.
With Eleanor Ewing Cocke serving as a witness, as indicated above, we know that she was married before
September 1773 and would have been in Virginia at least a few months.
Washington County, Virginia. At a court held for Washington County June 20th 1780. Ordered that Charles
Cocks (sic) be recommended to his Excellency the Governor as a fit and proper person for Captain of the Militia of
the County of Washington and that Joshua Bucher Lieutenant and Hugh Campbell Ensign.
Clark County, Arkansas. In 1820, the Arkansas Territorial Legislature directed the sheriffs of Arkansas' counties
to conduct a bi-annual census, beginning in 1823. The census' before 1829 had been lost or destroyed. In the 1829
Sheriff's Census for Clark County listed under Antoine Township, we find Charles Cocke, Jester Cocke, and
Charles S. Cocke.
Jester Cocke was born about 1773 in Virginia. He was listed as being 77 years old on the 1850 census for Clark
County, Arkansas with his wife and six of his ten children. It is doubtful that Jester is a son of Charles since Jester
was not mentioned in the will of John Ewing. John Ewing mentioned three Cocke grandchildren in his will and it
would appear that John would not have left his oldest grandson out of his will.
Charles Cocke was not found on the 1840 census for Clark County, Arkansas. We could not find any reference to
him in the published cemetery and obituaries for Clark County. Due to his age, it is possible that he might have
died in Virginia after he made his trip to apply for a pension.. Most likely his wife preceded him in death.
It is interesting to note that Charles Cocke apparently traveled from Clark County, Arkansas to Lee County,
Virginia to make an application for a pension at the age of almost 88 years.
The following information is taken from the pension file of Col. Charles Cocke:
“At a Court begun and held for Lee County, at the Courthouse thereof on the 15th day of January 1838. The
following declaration was made in order to obtain the pension benefits of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of Virginia, Lee County, to wit:
“On the 15th day of January 1838 personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Lee County; now sitting,
Col. Charles Cocke, resident of Clarke County in the State of Arkansas, aged eighty-eight years the 12th day of
November next, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in
order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
“That about the month of July in the year 1780, he was commissioned by the Governor of Virginia as a Captain of
Militia, in the then county of Washington in the said State of Virginia, over a company of Rangers in the Regiment
at the time commanded by Col. Arthur Campbell, the number of which, the declarant has now forgotten. That he
was stationed, with the company under his command, during the balance of that year, and in 1781 at the Rocky
Station Fort, in the then county of Washington, but now county of Lee, on the old Kentucky Trace, on the
Southwestern frontiers of Virginia.
“That during that time, which embraced a period of about eighteen months, the declarant with some part of his
command, was in constant service, either in acting as Spies, in pursuit of the savages, or in guarding the fort. That
being himself very active and enterprising, and from his infancy accustomed to the woods, and well acquainted
with the Indian character and wily arts, he always himself, when spying was to (have) selected two or three men of
his command, on whom he could most depend for that service, and with them acted himself as a spy, entrusting the
protection of the fort to his subordinate and the majority of the company. That during this service, the declarant
several times pursued the savages when they would make incursions into the settlements, murdering the
inhabitants and stealing their Property, and on several occasions he was engaged in bloody skirmishes with the
Indians; and can say with certainty that he killed several of them himself on those occasions. That he too, was
many times in the most imminent danger, when sometimes alone, and at other times with but one or two
individuals in company, and but for his activity and his thorough knowledge of the Indian habits and character, he
must often have fallen a victim of their savage ferocity. This mode of life, and duty continued from the year 1780
until Sinclair's defeat which the declarant thinks was in 1790. But his duties were not so incessant after 1781, as
the settlements were growing more populous, other Stations were erected, and Major Andrew Lewis, Captain
Hawkins and others were sent out with aides. Major Lewis with his Command visited this declarant's Station in
1782, which was the only aid he received before the close of the Revolution in 1783. When Major Lewis was here
in 1782 the declarant joined him in an expedition some distance down in what is now the State of Tennessee,
toward the Cherokee towns, but although they were often in the immediate vicinity of the savages, they had at that
time no engagement with them. But the declarant has but little doubt that this boldness and show of increased
strength intimidated the savages and made them more cautious, and less frequent, in their incursions to the
settlements. So that subsequently up to the end of the Revolutionary War, although the declarant was continued in
his command as a guard at the fort, yet his duties were not so laborious, as previously, nor duties still continued for
some years, during which, he had several active, short campaigns, previous to his appointment to the command of
the Rocky Station Fort, he was on an expedition of about six weeks against the Tories on New River who were
about embodying to destroy the lead mines. This service he performed as a Private soldier under the command of
Captain Henry Campbell, and previous to this, he was on an expedition against the Northwestern Indians in a
company commanded by Capt. William Herbert, in a Regiment commanded by Colonel, then Major Christian.
“Col. Christian with his command was near to Point Pleasant, at the mouth of Kanawha, when Col. Lewis defeated
the Indians at that place. This service was performed in 1774 as well as the declarant now recollects, and he was
engaged about six months or upwards, commencing in May, and ending the latter part of November following.
For this last service the declarant supposed the act of Congress made no provision, and he mentions it, for the
purpose only, of showing that his early life was one of activity and danger. But he also supposes that from the time
he took command of the Rocky Station Fort, about the 1st of July, 1780, to the end of the Revolutionary War, he
will be entitled to a pension as a Captain which rank he held during that time, commanding at the same Fort.
“The declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares
that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. His post office address is Greenville, Clarke
County Arkansas.
Charles Cocke
“Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first before written.
Teste: W. S. Morrison, D. C.
“Virginia, Lee County, to wit:
“This day William Yeary personally appeared before the Court of Lee County and made oath that his father, when
the affiant was about ten years of age, moved to Rocky Station Fort, then in Washington, but now in Lee County,
Virginia, in the year 1780. That Col. Charles Cocke was then a Captain over a company of Rangers, in command
of the said Fort, in which he continued for many years. And was then, and has ever since been reputed to be, a
brave and vigilant officer. That it was then said he was in many Indian skirmishes. That he himself had killed
several Indians, and was a most cunning and active spy. The affiant was born on the 4th day of February, 1770 and
now resides in the said county of Lee and further saith not.
William Yeary
“Sworn and subscribed in open court on the 15th day of January, 1838.
Teste: W. S. Morrison, D. C.
“Virginia, Lee County, to wit:
“On this 15th day of January, 1838 personally appeared William Ewing in open court, before the Court of Lee
County, and made oath in the year 1782 he came to the Rock Station Fort, then in Washington, but now in Lee
County aforesaid, at which time Col. Charles Cocke was then in command of a company of Rangers at said Fort as
a Captain, for several years after the affiant came to it, and that the affiant was in several expeditions with him,
against the Indians. The said Cocke was always esteemed a brave and vigilant officer, and although in command,
a vigilant, unremitting and active spy. The affiant is now nearly seventy-four years of age, being born the 18th day
of June, 1764 and has resided in the county of Lee ever since its establishment. And further this affiant saith not.
William Ewing
Sworn to and subscribed in open court on the 15th day of January, 1838.
Teste: W. S. Morrison, D. C.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Charles Cocke’s pension request indicated he was living in Arkansas. Based on a couple of deeds, it appears that
Eleanor and Charles Cocke went to Kentucky before moving to Arkansas.
Wayne County, Kentucky, Deed Bood A, page 69, dated 29 Feb 1804, we find:
Charles Cocke and wife Ellender sell to Robert Bentley.
Wayne County, Kentucky, Deed Book A, page 37, dated 27 March 1812, we find:
Charles Cocke and wife Ellender sell to Jacob Nanhoser.
23 April 1818 Recorded 27 April 1819, page 60. Power of Attorney: I Charles S. Cocke of Wayne do appoint
Charles Cocke late of the county my lawful attorney to sell all my property in Wayne at public auction, or private
sale. . . and to settle all my accounts whatever due me paying my just debts . . . .
Witness: /s/ Charles S. Cocke
G. Gholson
Jester Cocke
The 1830 Census for Clark County, Arkansas, Antoine Township lists a:
Charles Cocke, 1 male age 70-80; 1 female age 70-80; 5 slaves
The above deed information, power of attorney, and census information was received in November 1998 from a
descendant of Charles Cocke.
3. Elizabeth “Betsy” Ewing {65}. She was the daughter of John Ewing {61}. Elizabeth died after 1847
in Lee County, Virginia. She married Robert Sims {4743}. The children for Betsy and Robert were found on a
home page for Melissa Kelly on the Internet in 1998. Return to parents
Known children of Elizabeth are:
9. i. Ellenore “Elly” Sims {5860}, born 1788, died after 10 Mar 1856.
10. ii. Alice Sims {5861}, born 4 Sep 1790, died 4 Sep 1873.
11. iii. John Sims {5862}, born 6 Feb 1794, died 6 Jan 1877.
12. iv. Elizabeth Sims {5863}, born 6 Feb 1794 in Lee County, Virginia. She married William
Adams {5869} 1 Mar 1821. He was born 13 Nov 1795 in Ireland. William died before
1863 in Lee County, Virginia. Elizabeth died 26 Sep 1872. She is possibly a twin to
John.
13. v. Robert Sims {5864}, born 1795 in Lee County, Virginia, died before 4 Sep 1877.
Farmer, lived with siblings William and Margaret about 1850. Unmarried
14. vi. Lucy Sims {5868}, born about 1801, died after 1887 in Boone County, Indiana.
15. vii. Margaret Sims {5865}, born 1804 in Lee County, Virginia, died after 1881 in Lee
County, Virginia.
16. viii. William Sims {5866}, born 1806 in Lee County, Virginia, died after 5 Aug 1881 in Lee
County, Virginia.
17. ix. Jane Sims {5867}, born about 1808 in Lee County, Virginia, died in Lee County,
Virginia.
______________________________________________
GENERATION NO. 4
4. Jane Cocke {6098} was born 1772. She was the daughter of Charles Cocke {4324} and Eleanor Ewing
{63}. Jane died 1851. She married Gabriel E. Chrisman, Jr. {6188} in Lee County, Virginia. He was born 7 Oct
1767 in Hampshire County, Virginia. He was the son of Isaac Chrisman {6147} and Jane Scott {6145}. Gabriel,
Jr. died 11 Aug 1852 in Andrew County, Missouri.
Return to parents
Known children of Jane are:
18. i. Elijah Flanary Chrisman {6112}, born in Lee County, Virginia, died 8 Mar 1848 in
Jackson County, Missouri.
19. ii. John Chrisman {6108}, born 1789 in Lee County, Virginia, died 1838 in Missouri.
20. iii. Isaac Chrisman {6127}, born 4 Aug 1791 in Lee County, Virginia. He married (1)
Elizabeth Martin Stephens {6144}. She was the daughter of Isaac Stephens {6183} and
Rebeckah Havens {6185}.
Isaac married (2) Sarah Jane Yeary {4015} 1808. She was the daughter of
William Yeary {6184} and Elizabeth McCarty {6186}.
Isaac died 1873.
21. iv. Charles Chrisman {6117}, born 3 Sep 1793 in Lee County, Virginia. He married
Elizabeth Yeary {6132}. She was the daughter of William Yeary {6184} and Elizabeth
McCarty {6186}.
Charles died 1844 in Jackson County, Missouri.
22. v. Joel D. Chrisman {6101}, born 7 Nov 1795 in Lee County, Virginia. He married (1)
Lavina Davis {2651}.
Joel married (2) Mary Sproul {6154}. She was known as "Polly". Joel died 16 Aug
1875 in Dayton, Yamhill County, Oregon.
23. vi. Isabel Chrisman {6115}, born 13 Jan 1799 in Lee County, Virginia. She married Isaac
Crabtree {6138}. Isabel died 22 Jan 1848 in Jackson County, Missouri.
24. vii. Gabriel Chrisman {6106}, born 13 Jan 1799 in Lee County, Virginia. He married
Cynthia Parsons {6152} about 1820. She was the daughter of Samuel Parsons {6153}.
Gabriel died 22 Jan 1848 in Jackson County, Missouri.
25. viii. Abraham Chrisman {6130}, born 22 Dec 1801 in Lee County, Virginia. He married (1)
Susannah Pennington {6181}. She was the daughter of Edward Pennington {6182} and
Marthanee Flanary {6179}.
Abraham married (2) Phoebe Harris {6180} 4 May 1847 in Franklin, Missouri.
Abraham died 1850 in Sacramento, California.
26. ix. Walker Chrisman {6109}, born 2 Feb 1803 in Lee County, Virginia, died 14 Apr 1877
in Yamhill County, Oregon.
27. x. Nimrod Chrisman {6110}, born 8 Feb 1805 in Lee County, Virginia. He married
Rebecca Flanary {6099}. She was the daughter of James Flanary {6191} and Rachel
Benham {6206}. Nimrod died 19 Nov 1859 in Jackson County, Missouri.
28. xi. Jane Chrisman {6215}, born 8 Feb 1805 in Lee County, Virginia.
29. xii. Campbell Ewing Chrisman {6146}, born 15 Dec 1810 in Lee County, Virginia. He
married Phoebe Flanary {6155}. She was the daughter of John Flanary {6125} and
Polly Ervin {6156}. Campbell died 26 Nov 1884 in Lane County, Oregon.
Gabriel, Jr. also married (2) Lucinda McGill {6104} 11 Jun 1854.
8. Ellender Cocke {6218} was born 26 Nov 1788. She was the daughter of Charles Cocke {4324} and
Eleanor Ewing {63}. She married John Lee Dibrell {6207} about 1804. He was born 1777. He was the son of
Charles Lee Dibrell {6196} and Martha Burton {6208}. John died about 1861.
Return to parents
Known children of Ellender are:
30. i. Martha Burton Dibrell {6197}, born 1805, died 1831.
31. ii. Wilmouth Watson Dibrell {6198}, born 1808, died 1888.
32. iii. Charles Cox Dibrell {6195}, born 1810, died 1882.
33. iv. Anthony Way Dibrell {6205}, born 1814, died 1875.
34. v. Andrew Jackson Dibrell {6200}, born 1815, died 1840.
35. vi. Joseph Burton Dibrell {6209}, born 1818, died 1883.
36. vii. Elizabeth Dibrell {6204}, born 1824.
Return to beginning of chapter
Return to Table of Contents