Samuel Croley

Source 1: The following is from a John Croley (contact information unknown):

Samuel Crowley, was the first man to die in the American Revolution, on Oct.10,1774, he and one other man, were sent out as scouts, he alone was killed. You will not find his name in history books, as being that first man, but we know it to be true, and there has been a movement in the last years, to honor him as such, and a website erected in his honor, I believe the website has lately disappeared.

For example, a Samuel Croley (~1742-1774) was the first American killed in the American Revolution. He died at Point Pleasant, now West Virginia, approximately October 10, 1774. The Virginia Colonial Militia was camped at the river awaiting the regular army before crossing the river as a combined force. Meanwhile, as Colonial frontiersmen awaited the regular Army, Shawnee, allied with British, crossed river away from Virginia Militia, intending to surprise outnumbered Virginians from behind, at dawn, and destroy them against the river. Samuel Cro(w)ley and his brother, both with experience as long hunters, had joined the militia as Scouts. When sent out in the night to reconnoiter, Cro(w)ley brothers encountered Shawnees forming for attack. One brother (perhaps it was James) rushed back to warn the militia; Samuel stayed to cover his brother and to delay, if possible, the impending attack. Virginia Militia was warned in time to turn their defenses away from the river toward the impended attack. As consequence, Shawnee did not storm into

rear of sleeping Virginia Militia, but rather rushed against concentrated fire of Virginia sharpshooters firing from protected positions. Despite their superior numbers, Shawnee were decisively defeated, which led to Virginia's

uncontested claim to her western county. What was Virginia's western county encompassed what is now Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. So if surprise attack of British- allied Shawnee had succeeded, Chicago would likely be part

of Canada. Granted, New Englanders mark the war as beginning in 1776, but in 1906 US Senate ruled Pt. Pleasant as first battle of Revolution. Moreover, Virginia militia at Point Pleasant were granted Revolutionary War pensions.

The popular history problem may simply reflect that New England literati wrote poems ("listen my children and you shall hear ...."), while Virginia literati wrote prose ("When in the course of human events ...."; and "in order to form a more perfect union ...") Sorry to ramble, but our Samuel Crowley of Washington Township may be "cousin" and possible namesake of the noted revolutionary war hero--especially given iron works history of Batsto. I would not suspect this Samuel Crowley as a descendant of Pt. Pleasant hero. Samuel Croley's children generally went west with their uncle Benjamin to

become early settlers in Tennessee and Kentucky, then Arkansas and Missouri, then some on to Oregon in 1830. But, I am not sure of all of the fatherless kids. One could have joined the New Jersey branch of the family. After Point Pleasant, Samuel's widow had some difficult years. Then, ten years after death of her husband, she bore only the only child of Alexander Martin, first American governor of North Carolina. (Alexander Martin's North Carolina plantation, Danbury, was just across state line from Cro(w)ley lands in Virginia. In any event, our Samuel may be related to the London Sheriff and iron monger who sent so many of his sons to America.. It seems clear that some of John Crowley's sons settled in places as diverse as Halifax, New Jersey and Virginia. However some researchers seem to confuse different people with the same name. For example several researchers credit Jeremiah with a living 120 years from birth near London, England to death in Ohio, buried in a special iron casket. The iron casket was found with the Crowley family crest and gules indicating the 7th son (Jeremiah), I am not sure that the same Jeremiah immigrated from England, fathered heroes of the American Revolution (Samuel, Benjamin, James, et al), served with Andrew Jackson at New Orleans and then died on the banks of the Ohio about 1820. Greenberry seems a rather unique given name. Some controversy exists as to whether the

fourth son of "Pt. Pleasant" Samuel Cro(w)ley was named Little Berry or Greenberry. If his name was Little Berry-- and there were subsequent Little Berry's in Kentucky, and perhaps Arkansas--it seems to me that there must have been a prior Greenberry. Or Little Berry could have been a nickname. There are several subsequent Greenberrys, in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas, but I know nothing else about how the name Greenberry came into the Cro(w)ley family.

Below is a bit of history regarding John's son, Jeremiah Crowley, who may or may not be related to that prolific family of Washington Township and the surrounding area.

Jeremiah Crowley

Many versions of Jeremiah Crowley's story in America seem to manifest the confusion of distinguishing related people with the same name. (Some versions credit him with living to the age of 130.) Still, it might be of note if the distinctive iron coffin of a Jeremiah Crowley was made in New Jersey rather than England, as generally presumed.

In the Ohio River floods of 1927, near Henderson Kentucky, the river banks were washed back for 200 feet, uncovering a hermetically sealed iron coffin. The coffin bore the Crowley family crest with rose gules indicating the 7th son, Jeremiah. Apparently accounts of the coffin were published in the Undertaker's Magazine and local newspapers. I have seen quotes from the magazine article, but not the original, which may have included pictures.

In the mid 18th century, Virginia Crowleys were long hunters, exploring present day Kentucky and Tennessee. According to family lore, similar in several branches of the family, a family patriarch was buried in a family iron coffin in 1814, on the banks of the Ohio, beneath a chestnut tree, after being killed by Indians.

Crowley Ironworks

This is supposed to have been one of the largest iron works in Europe at one point. This link points to a brief description of "The Law Book of the Crowley Ironworks". A prior version of the book was published in 1957 by

Durham, Andrews. I mention this only because of the prevalence of Crowleys in an area of South Jersey known for it's iron furnaces. This "law book" was created by Sir Ambrose Crowley and his son John. I believe it was John's son,

Jeremiah who became a Puritan and renounced the family Coat of Arms. Although one of Jeremiah's sons reclaimed the family Coat of Arms, and served as Sheriff of London, 5 to 8 other sons came to America.

(All of the preceding information courtesy of John Croley)

NOTE: I received an email that clarifies a bit of the above information:

"I am writing to inform you that Elizabeth Strong Croley/Crowley was not the mother of Alexander Martin's son. The actual mother was Elizabeth Lewis Strong, the widow of Thomas Strong who may well have died on a long hunt but we cannot say for sure what his fate was. Elizabeth Lewis Strong is discussed in the second edition (2007) of James Rolff's Strong Family of Virginia and Other Southern States.. The author's wife and co-author is a descendant of Elizabeth Lewis Strong. As it happens, I am a descendant of Samuel Croley/Crowley who died at Point

Pleasant.

Sincerely,

MB Koromzay"

Thank you for this information.

Source 2: The following is from Patrick County in the American Revolution (http://www.freestateofpatrick.com/revwar):

Patrick County Educator and Historian O. E. Pilson always believed that Samuel Crowley was the first from what is today Patrick County who sacrificed his life fighting for this country. Pilson considered his death to be the first death of the American Revolution as he died in 1774 in Dunmore's War. Crowley known as "Long Hunter" was a scout for Andrew Lewis when he came upon a group of Indians and lost his life died on October 10, 1774, at the Battle of Point Pleasant in present day West Virginia before the American Revolution in "Lord Dunmore’s War" in what was then Virginia. Crowley lived in present day Woolwine where the Smith River and Rock Castle Creeks come together in the triangle of land formed by the two streams. Today, it is almost entirely farmland not far from the junction of Elamsville Road and Route 8 about a mile from the Bob White Covered Bridge. Crowley is buried in the mass grave at the West Virginia State Park at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers in the powder magazine shown below. He is listed as Samuel Corley.

Source 3: The following is from http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2600009&id=I581380950

Halifax County, Virginia - Land Entry Book, page 281: On 31 Mar 1762, Samuel Crowley entered 200 acres on the Little Fork of Town Creek, beginning at the ford of said creek.

Samuel Croley was a long hunter, Indian fighter and scout. He volunteered at Pittsylvania County, VA for an expedition organized by The Governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore. This expedition became known as "Lord Dunmore's War." The Shawnee Chief, Cornstalk, and his allies were raiding the settlements in Virginia and Kentucky and retreating across the Ohio River. General Andrew Lewis of Botetourt County, VA with 1100 Virginia Volunteers marched to Point Pleasant, Virginia on the south bank of the Ohio River. Early on the morning of October 10, 1774 two Virginia scouts set out to hunt for deer. They had traveled about two miles when they discovered an Indian war party who had crossed the Ohio River the night before and were preparing for battle.

The Indians killed one of the hunters but the other escaped to spread the alarm in the camp. Chief Cornstalk's Shawnees were thoroughly defeated in the ensuing "Battle of Point Pleasant." Several researchers have speculated that Samuel Croley was the hunter who was killed. If this speculation can be proved, then Samuel Croley would be the first person killed in the Battle of Point Pleasant on 10 October 1774. Some historians claim that the Battle of Point Pleasant was the first battle of the Revolutionary War. If this fact is accepted, then Samuel Croley would be the first patriot killed in the Revolutionary War.

7 Oct 1777 - Pittsylvania County, Virginia - Account book 1:25:

Inventory of the estate of Samuel Crowley, Deceased: 1 - Roan mare, 22.00.0; 1 - Sorrell horse, 2.00.0; 2 - dishes, 3 basins, 5 plates, 2.00.0; 1 - box iron, 1 pr. briskin pot hooks, 0.17.0; hammer and half-inch auger, 0.11.0; 1 - weeding how, 1 old grubbing hoe; 1 - chest, 3 sh; Bible 5 sh; 1 - cotton wheel; 1 - spinning wheel; 1 - churn; 2 - piggins; 1 -pot; 1 - bed and rug; 2 - bed steads; 1 - hackle; Judgement against Thomas Hodges for 13.10.12; Total 40 pounds 13 shillings 12 pence. Appraised on 7 Oct 1777 by John Kendrick, Richard Reynolds and Joel Harbour.

Account Sales of the Above Estate: Thomas Foster, 1 horse -- 1.10.00; William Isham, 2 hoes, 1 auger and hammer -- 1.00.06; William Elkins, 1 flax wheel --00.12.00; Elizabeth Crowley, 1 bed and rug -- 1.10.00; Elizabeth Crowley, 1 pot -- 00.02.00; John Birch, 1 pot -- 00.07.00; John Kendrick, 1 mare -- 11.00.00; Elizabeth Crowley, chest and Bible -- 00.11.00, Elizabeth Crowley, 1 churn and 2 piggins -- 00.07.06; Total -- 27 pounds 5 shillings 6 pence.

Samuel Crowley did not leave a will, therefore, his land fell to James Crowley, his eldest son. Elizabeth Crowley had not released her one-third dower rights in this land purchased by Samuel Crowley. When the final 110 acres was sold, Elizabeth had to join with her son, James Crowley in conveying the land that had been her home for more than twenty years and moved with her sons to Wilkes County, Georgia.

14 Nov 1791 - Patrick County, Virginia - Deed Book 1:19. (Henry County was formed from Pittsylvania County in 1776 and Patrick County was formed from Henry County in 1790) Indenture between James Crowley and Elizabeth Crowley of Patrick County to John Breeden, Sr. and John Breeden, Jr. of the same county for $200 for 110 acres of land lying in Patrick County on Smith River and Rockcastle Creek . . . beginning at the mouth of said creek on a hickory tree, being Thomas Harbour's old line . . . to a Wahoo tree on the river, then crossing the river and down to a walnut tree on the river. . .

Source 4: From http://www.kinquery.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I561&tree=MRD

• Samuel Crowley was killed by an Indian force lead by the Shawnee Chieftain Cornstalk, very early morning, at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers in the day-long Battle of Point Pleasant. That day, Colonel Andrew Lewis' 1,100 Virginia militiamen decisively defeated a like number of Indians and this action broke down the power of the Indians in the Ohio Valley and quelled a general Indian war on the frontier. The battle also prevented an Indian alliance with the British, one of which could have caused the Revolution to have a different outcome as well as having altered the entire history of the United States. In 1908, Congress rewrote history by recognizing the claim the Point Pleasant was the first battle of the American Revolution. It also passed a bill to aid in the erection of the monument at Point Pleasant. Samuel Crowley's name is inscribed on this monument and has been proved by historians to be the first man to die in the Revolutionary War. He is also the man from whom Mary Crowley Kimsey named her first son.
• In 1768 Samuel honed his skills as an expert Indian Scout and woodsman when he left his family at home and went on a "Long Hunt". The proceeds of the hunting bought 213 acres in Henry County from Palatin Shelton.
• That 1768 "Long Hunt" is described in Wilderness Calling, The Hardeman Family in American Westward Movement, 1750-1900, by Nicholas Perkins Hardeman, The University of Tennessee Press, 1977, p. 7:
• In 1768, the year of Creek, Hard Labor, and Fort Stanwix Indian Treaties, eighteen year old Thomas Hardeman joined a group of "Long Hunters" and trappers in an expedition deep into the forbidden zone beyond the Proclamation Line. The cluster of woodsmen, which included Ben and Samuel Crowley, crossed the mountains into the valleys of the Holston and Powell rivers. These prototypes of the legendary mountain men, called long hunters because they stayed in the back country for months and even years at a time, went as far west as the Cumberland Basin and the sight of present Nashville...
• In Elizabeth Strong Crowley 1780 Petition No. 745 to the House of Delegates in which she was granted additional pension money for her husband's death, Samuel's widow describes him as being 'one of the Spies in the Expedition in the year 1774-- undertaken by General Lewis at the Point against the Indians, and that her husband was then killed...'
• Other Notes:
• Samuel Crowley was the first to die in the Revolution, 10 Oct 1774, at Point Pleasant, West Virginia. (58th Congress 2nd Session, Report No. 457) Congressional Record Vol. XLII, 1908 (His name there on the document there.) Journals of the house of Burgesses of Virgina, 1773-1776, Pg. 211, Ref: A petition of Elizabeth Crowley ...(further on Pg. 263, last 3 Pars. (and 1st. of Pg. 264 and last Par. of Pg. 274.
• Samuel Crowley's estate was appraised by Richard Joshua Reynolds who served with James Crowley at the Battle of Guilford in 1781. Reynolds went into the snuff and cigar business, his company was called the, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
• SUBMITTED BY: Robert Dean Wood - Great-grandson of Samuel Crowley #7
• DATE: 20 November 2002
• Samuel Crowley b. 1742, in Virginia, d. 10 Oct. 1774 may well be the first soldier to die in the American Revolution since the U.S. Congress declared the Battle of Pt. Pleasant VA now W.VA to be the first battle of the American Revolution. No. 10, Jeffrey Crowley in Sue Crowley's Crowley Progenitors was the father of Benjamin and Samuel Crowley. Their mother is Effie Nearne. Jeffrey's will was probated in Feb 1762. This is where our story begins. Our major source is Jack Grantham of TX. He did not discover the line before Jeffrey, but he filled in many of the details. Sue Crowley has breached his brick wall for us!
• Jack Grantham's research is well supported by authentic sources. The present day Crowleys reunite annually in Williamsburg, KY. Family records confirm Jack Grantham's and other Crowley researchers' sources. Grantham says these Crowleys bred, traded, raised, and raced horses. Jeffrey owned a racetrack known as Jeffrey's Path and raced horses there and at other tracks. Jeffrey also grew peaches and made peach brandy for sale to inns and ordinary houses all over Virginia. From these the Crowley family's prominence grew.
• Benjamin and Samuel grew up able to ride, shoot, hunt, race and trade with the best. Living on the frontier, they also traded with the Indians and learned Indian languages. They used these talents to spy on the Indians in time of war.
• Benjamin and later brother Samuel became Long Hunters in the 1760's and made a small fortune in skins. Benjamin rode with the Boones, Finleys, Callaways and introduced Samuel to them during their trips to Kentucky. Virginia law required all able bodied males to join the militia at age 16. Benjamin fought in the French & Indian Wars. Samuel joined him later in the Botetourt County, Virginia Militia.
• Benjamin Crowley married Sarah Strong. Samuel married her sister Elizabeth. The Strongs were another prominent VA family. By 1774, Samuel and Elizabeth Crowley had 7 children. He was age 33 then.
• In 1774, the Botetourt County, Militia was called up by Gov. Dunmore for service against the Shawnee of Ohio, to be joined by the Virginia British Regulars. They were to meet and assemble at Point Pleasant where the Great Kanawha meets the Ohio River (a natural trap). Samuel Crowley was detached from the Botetourt County Militia and assigned to Commander Lewis as a scout and Indian Spy (Virginia Ranger). Grantham has found evidence that our Samuel Crowley was sent out early the morning of 10 Oct 1774 with another man, Robertson, to search for Indians.
• Unbeknownst to the Militia, Governor Dunmore had made an agreement with Shawnee Chieftain Cornstalk to let Cornstalk make a surprise attack on the Militia while he held back his Regulars. Without the Militia to protect them, the settlers west of the Appalachians would have to withdraw from Indian Territory as agreed to in the Treaty of 1763. As the Indians were about to make their surprise attack, Crowley and Robertson came into view. A Shawnee warrior fired and mortally wounded Crowley, while Robertson raced back giving the alarm. We won that battle. So it may very well be that Samuel Crowley was the first American to die in our War of Independence.
• Samuel Crowley was the only Virginia Ranger recognized by the Virginia House of Burgesses for his sacrifice. His wife Elizabeth Strong Crowley received a widow's pension for the care of her seven children.
• Elizabeth Crowley stayed in Virginia until 1791 growing peaches and making brandy until her children were old enough to travel and she could sell her land. Her oldest son James and the Widow Crowley signed over the deed and left to make a 900 mile journey first by wagon over the famed Wilderness Road and then by river down to join with Benjamin and Sarah Crowley in Oglethorpe County, GA.
• The Samuel Crowley story is then carried on by his seven children:
• Effie married Jeremiah Burnett, Jr.
• Agnes married Thomas Perry
• James (b. 1763) married 1786 Mary McClain
• Mary ( b. abt. 1765, d. 1835) married James Kimsey
• John (b. 1768) married (1) Elizabeth McClain (sister of Mary)
• Littleberry I or Greenberry and sometimes called Benjamin. (b. 1773, d. 1816) married Mary Polly Gibson.
• William (b. 1774, d. ca. 1875) married ?? Ch.: Littleberry II.
• Brothers Littleberry I and James migrated from Georgia to Powell Valley, TN in 1803. Records also show brother William as deed witness by 1808 in Tennessee. Campbell County, TN. court records show a petition signed by Littleberry I, Wm., James, John and Jeremiah Croley in 1813. Mary Ann Croley married Burgess Siler about 1825 and they settled in Whitley County, KY where many of their Croley Descendants still live. Samuel Crowley's name is on two monuments at Tue Endie Wei Park (Shawanese for "place mingling two waters") where the Battle of Point Pleasant was fought. He was buried with the officers and other scouts assigned to the Commander who were killed or mortally wounded in battle. The graves are under an enormous black granite disc slanted to read the inscriptions. His name is misspelled Samuel Corley. However examination of the rolls shows there was no Corley, but there were two Croley names. One was Sam Croley and the other was his nephew James Crawley. Evidently the stone engraver got his o's and r's reversed. An 85-foot tall stone monument a short distance away has several bronze plaques telling about the battle and listing who died. One of them says Samuel Croley, Militia, unit unknown.
• Samuel Crowley is buried under the Pt. Pleasant Battlefield Powder Magazine. The rolls are contained in numerous books about the closing war of the French and Indian Wars and the opening battle of our War of Independence. Battleday Celebrations are held annually at Pt. Pleasant with parades, Governors luncheons, Governor's Ball and Memorial Services. Samuel Cro(w)ley is represented in the Parade of Warriors.
• Samuel and his wife Elizabeth purchased two hundred and ten acres of land on Sandy River in Virginia. Sometime between 1770 and 1772 Samuel and Elizabeth moved to Smith River, Henry Co., VA.
• Many historians consider the Battle at Point Pleasant the first battle of the American Revolution.
• Just after the Boston Tea Party of 1773, the British passed the Coercive Acts that closed the port of Boston and revoked Massachusetts Colony’s Charter. Then the British passed the Quebec Act that extended Quebec’s borders south to the Ohio River and west to the Mississippi River. Several American Colonies lost their claim to land previously owned.
• Indian tribes along the Ohio River began attaching settlements in Virginia. Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia sent two military units to defend against these attacks. One was, his own Army, and the being Col. Andrew Lewis’ Militia of 1122 men. These two units were to join up at Point Pleasant but Lord Dunmore delayed his troops in hopes that Chief Cornstalk would wipe out Col. Lewis and his militia. This tactic failed and Chief Cornstalk was defeated.
• Among the causalities was Samuel Crowley, a member of the Virginia Rangers appointed spy against the Shawnee’s and Chief Cornstalk.
• SAMUEL CROWLEY, born about 1741, based on fact Samuel was not listed on the militia list in French and Indian War, meaning he had not reached the minimum age of 16 for militia service. He was killed by the Indians on the 10th day of October 1774 at the Battle of Point Pleasant (Lord Dunmore's War). Samuel married about 1759-60 to Elizabeth Strong, born 21 July 1744 in Hanover Co, Va; died 1798 in Georgia, possibly in Jackson County? (Tax Digest of Ga; The 1799 Tax List of Grainger Co, Tn, Powell Valley, shows Elizabeth's two sons, William Crowley, taxed with 1 poll and one black, possibly his mother's slave and John Crowley, 1 poll) (Research of Jack C. Grantham & Helen Crowley & Norman Reynolds).
• "Chronology of Samuel Crowley and Elizabeth Strong 1762 Mar 31 - Halifax Co, Va - Land Entry Book, p.281 Samuel Crowley entered 200 acres on the Little fork of Town Creek beg. at the ford of said creek 1762 Nov 1 - Halifax Co, Va - Will Bk O:180 Will of John Turner written; Proved: 21 June 1764 by the witnesses: Archibald Thompson, Samuel Crowley, James Strong; Security Bond: Merry Webb and Samuel Crowley; 1765 Feb 25 - Inventory & Appraisement - p.197: Nine horses, etc; taken by John Talbot, Patrick Shields, Samuel Shields 1764 Sep 20 - Halifax Co, Va - Land Entry Book, p.328 John Pope entered 400 acres on branch of South fork of Sandy Branch between lines of Charles Clay, Wm. Rickle, & Samuel Crowley. Transferred to Thomas Flowers on 23 Oct 1778. 1765 Nov 22 - Halifax Co, Va - Land Entry Book, p.351 -Benja. Crowley entered 400 acres on the Rocky Branch beg. at an old line, thence up the branch on both sides... -Paletiah Shelton entered 400 acres on the north fork of Sycamore Creek adj. Thomas Harbours lines 1767 - Pittsylvania County [created from Halifax Co, Va] - A partial list of Tithes taken by Peter Perkins. Benjamin Crowley - 1 tithe, 1 black, 48 acres - Negro Peter (Peter formerly belonged to Jeffrey Crowley Samuel Crowley - 1 tithe, 210 acres Randolph Gibson - 1 tithe, 1 black; 100 acres (brother-in-law of Ben & Sam Crowley) 1767 Feb 4 - Halifax Co, Va - Deed Bk 6:271 John Pope & his wife of Halifax to Randolph Gibson of the same.. 20 lbs for 100 acres on both sides of the south fork of Sandy River beg. at Michel's corner.. along Calloways line.. crossing Glady Fork... Calloway's old line.. part of the survey of land granted to Thomas Calloway.. All houses, gardens, orchards, woods.. /s/ John Pope & Rachel (+) Pope.. Wit: James Cox, Peter Manning, John Strong, James Strong, John (+) Pain, Samuel (S) Crawley.. [Note: James Cox, father of Lavinia Cox who married Samuel Burnett, son of Jeremiah and Effie Crowley Burnett and grandson of Samuel Crowley and Elizabeth Strong, all of Patrick Co, Va. Samuel Burnett & Lavinia Cox parents of Capt. Jeremiah Burnett, father of Samuel Burk Burnett of Denton Co, Tx who purchased his starter herd of cattle from his cousin Isham Crowley, son of James Crowley & Mary McClain). 1768 Aug 26 - Halifax Co, VA - Entry Book, p.433 Benjamin Crowley entered 400 acres on the south fork of the Little fork called the Brushey fork 1770 Nov 29 - Pittsylvania Co, Va - Deed Bk 2:21-22 (1770-1772) Palatiah Shelton & Mary his wife of Pittsylvania to Samuel Crowley of same..70 lbs for 130 acres lying on Smith’s River at a place known by the name of Mouth of Rockcastle Creek.. Beg. at a white walnut on said River south to a White Oak.. to two White Oaks.. to a Spanish Oak & Hickory Hornbean . to a Locust.. to a Hickory up Peeping Creek [Peeping changed to Rockcastle Creek].. to a Wahwho Tree thence down said Smith River..Formerly Irvin River to the first station.. /s/ Palatiah Shelton, Mary (M) Shelton.. Wit: Richard White.. 1770 Nov 29 - Received of Samuel Crowley 70 pounds current money of Virginia in full for the within 130 acres.. /s/ Palatiah Shelton.. Mary his wife relinquished dower rights.. Samuel did not leave a will, therefore his land fell to James, his eldest son. Elizabeth had not relinquished her dower in this land and joined as grantor. In 1789, James Crowley sold a portion of the property to Adam Turner, and was criticized as being one in which the purchaser took advantage of the WIDOW & THE FATHERLESS] 1772 Feb 25 - Pittsylvania Co, VA Samuel Crowley & Elizabeth his wife of the Parish of Camden and County of Pittsylvania to George Young of the same..60 lbs for 210 acres on both sides of the south fork of Sandy River which was formerly granted to said Young on 15 July 1760... [George Young had sold this land to Samuel Crowley in a prior transaction; it was the land of Samuel & Elizabeth when Peter Perkins made his list of those who dwelt along the Sandy River (Perkins listed twice in error.. the deed placed Samuel near the home of Benjamin & next to the Strong brothers. It was during the time when the Strongs and Crowleys were side-by-side neighbors, that Thomas Hardeman remembered them, and spoke of the Crowley brothers and their trip together into Powell’s Valley and the Holston country. George Young went to Georgia with the Strongs; his will mentions Mary Crowley Gibson. 1774 Oct 10 - Samuel Crowley killed very early in the morning at Battle of Point Pleasant 1775 Feb Court - Pittsylvania Co, Va - County Court Records - Bk 2:423 - Estate of Samuel Crowley, dec’d On the motion of Elizabeth Crowley Widow of Samuel Crowley, deceased Certificate for obtaining Letters of Administration of all and singular the Goods and Chattels, rights and credits of the said Samuel Crowley which was his at the time of his death is granted her, she having first taken the oath at law prescribed and together with John Strong her security entered into Probate and acknowledged the same. On the Motion of Elizabeth Crowley, Administratrix and etc., of Samuel Crowley deceased it is ordered that John Kendrick, Richard Reynolds, Joel Harbour and Joseph Harbour or any three of them (being first sworn before a Magistrate of this Court as the law directs) do value the personal estate and Negroes (if any) of the said decedent in current money and return an appraisement thereof to the Court [I wonder if this Richard Reynolds family was connected to the Benjamin Crowley daughter who m. __ Reynolds]. 1775 Jun 10 - Elizabeth Crowley’s Petition to House of Burgess: mother of “several small children.” “Resolved, that the sum of twenty five Pounds be paid to Elizabeth Croley, widow, and that ten pounds, per annum, for the term of ten Years, be paid to the Churchwardens of the parish of Camden, in the County of Pittsylvania, for the use of the said Elizabeth Croley, during her Widowhood, and her Children by Samuel Croley, and for the use and towards the maintenance of the said Children after the death or marriage of their Mother.” [1780 Nov 23 - Henry County, Virginia Legislative Petition - (Relief of herself and her “numerous family of small children. The word “numerous” does not mean, 1, 2, or even 3 children - more like 7 to 10; she was allowed 500 pounds for present relief)]. 1777 Oct 7 - Pittsylvania Co, Va - Account Bk 1:25 Inventory of Estate of Samuel Crowley, Deceased 1 Roan mare, 22 .00.0 1 sorrell horse, 2.00.0 2 dishes, 3 basins, 5 plates, 2.00.0 1 box iron, 1 pr briskin pot hooks, .17.0 hammer and half-inch auger .11.0 1 weeding hoe, 1 old grubbing hoe, 1 chest 3 sh BIBLE 5 sh 1 cotton wheel 1 spinning wheel 1 churn 2 piggins 1 pot 1 bed & 1 rug, 2 bed steads 1 hackle, Judgment against Thomas Hodges for 13.10.12 Total 40.13.6 Appraised on 7 Oct 1777 by John Kendrick, Richard Reynolds & Joel Harbour Account Sales of The Above Estate Thomas Foster, 1 horse..................... 1.10.00 William Isham, 2 hoes, 1 auger & hammer.1.00.06 William Elkins, 1 flax wheel............... . 12.00 Elizabeth Crowley, 1 bed & rug 1.10.00 Elizabeth Crowley, one pot 2.00.00 John Birch (BURKE), 1 pot ................. 07.00 John Kendrick, 1 mare...................... 11.00 Elizabeth Crowley, chest & BIBLE ..... 11.00 Elizabeth Crowley, 1 churn & 2 piggins .... 7.06 Total.................................... 27.05.06 1777 Oct 10 - Pittsylvania Co, Va - Men who signed the Oath of Allegiance to support the Revolution & renouncing all allegiance to George III, King of Great Britain & giving allegiance to the Commonwealth of Virginia:(Quarterly of the Virginia Genealogical Society, Vol 23:3). 1778 Henry Co, VA - Tax List Elizabeth Crowley (widow of Samuel) Randolph Gibson 1779 Henry Co, VA - Tax List: Elizabeth Crowley [widow of Samuel] John Crowley [son of Elizabeth &Samuel] Randolph Gibson (Gibson m. Mary Crowley, dau of Jeffrey & Effie Crowley). Thomas McKain 1780 Henry Co, VA - Tax List - Taxes due 20 Feb 1780; List returned, 2 May 1780 Randolph Gibson Thomas McKain 1780 Mar 23 - Henry Co, VA Court Order Bk Valentine Mayo was given permission to construct a water grist mill on Rockcastle Creek "he being the owner of both sides." [O.E. Pilson, now dec’d, formerly a historian of Henry Co, Va, and a Harbour desc., said he remembered a large mill which was located about a half mile up Rockcastle Creek from the Old Crowley Place and this mill was once operated by the Houchins family who were Harbour descendants; Valentine, father of Thomas Mayo, the father of 2 daughters who married Crowleys; Valentine also father of 2 daughters who married 2 Burnetts; Valentine died 1791 in Wilkes Co, Ga; Benjamin Crowley named in estate). 1780 - Pittsylvania Co, Va Benjamin Crowley’s claim for supplies for Revolutionary War Soldiers 1780/85 - Elizabeth Crowley married Jeremiah Burnett III (1761-1848); (Mrs. Addie Louks Lehman, formerly of San Diego, now deceased, questioned Elvina Wiley, a grand-daughter of Anna Hall Burnett, wife of Isham Burnett. Elvina said her grandmother told her that her mother-in-law was Effie Crowley. Isham Burnett, b. 1795 Patrick Co, Va; d. 17 Oct 1849 in Johnson Co, Mo; m. 1818 in Patrick Co to Anna Hall, b. 11 Aug 1801 Patrick Co; d. 18 Sep 1898 in Johnson Co, Mo) James Franklin, who served in the company with Samuel Crowley and James Crowley, at the Point on the 10th of October in 1774, was a witness to the will of Sarah Henry, mother of Patrick Henry. This is the same James Franklin who, as a militia officer commanded the Amherst County unit in which Jeremiah Burnett served during the Revolution and it was James Franklin who married Ann Crews and who was the uncle of the step-children of William Crowley, grandson of Jeffrey and Effie Crowley. 1787 Apr 8 - Henry Co, VA - Abstracts of Deed Books III & IV of Henry Co, 1784-1792 by Lela Adams A poll taken at the Courthouse for Abraham Penn: #7-James Crowley 49. Valentine Mayo 85. Nehemiah Prather 1787 Henry Co, VA - Tax List B Elizabeth Crowley - 1 male, 3 horses; 3 cattle - "not tithable" JAMES CROWLEY - "0" tithes; 1 horse JOHN CROWLEY - 1 male; 1 horse; 3 cattle - "not tithable" Jeremiah Burnett JR - "0" tithes; 4 horses Jeremiah Burnett SR - "0" tithes; 3 males 16-21; 1789 - Henry Co, VA - Death Register - Vol 1 (1853-1874), line 04 Jeremiah Burnett (IV) was born [Death Reg. said born in Patrick Co]; d. 25 May 1873 at Horse Pasture, of gravel; consort: Elizabeth Burnett; son of Jeremiah (III) & Effaniah. Informant: Thomas Spencer. Part II 1789 Feb 23 - HENRY CO, VA - Deed Bk 3:484-5 - Recorded: 23 Feb 1789 Indenture between James Crowley of Henry Co, to Adam Turner of the same.. 40 lbs for 20 acres in Henry County on both Sides of Smith’s River, beginning on a Hickory on the River Bank and up to a black oak on the old line and along the old line to 2 white oaks.. South to a Spanish Oak and hickory on the river. thence crossing the river & up to a hornbeam.. North to a locust.. North to a hickory on the river.. thence down it as it meanders to the first station. /s/ James (X) Croley. Wit: Francis Turner, Richard Pilson, James Turner.. [John Cox, Clerk of Henry County Court; brother of James Cox who had 2 daughters who married Burnetts]. 1789 Feb 12 - Received full satisfaction for the within sum of 40 lbs.. Elizabeth Crowley, the widow of Samuel, had not relinquished her dower rights in the land purchased by Samuel. When the final 110 acres was disposed of, Elizabeth had to join with her son in conveying the remainder which had been their home for more than 20 years; a tax lien remained on this property until after 1814. 1790 Wilkes Co, Ga Tax List Benjamin Crowley Charles Crowley John Crowley Preston Thornton Randolph Gibson John Gibson Thomas Edwards Nathan Edwards 1791 Tax List of Patrick Co, Va Elizabeth Crowley - 2 free white tithes 16-21 James Crowley 1791 - Wilkes Co, GA Estate of Valentine Mayo, deceased; Benjamin Crowley appraiser for estate. 1791 Nov 14 - Patrick Co, VA - Deed Bk 1:19 Indenture between James Crowley and Elizabeth Crowley of Patrick County to John Breeden Sr and John Breeden Jr of the same.. $200 for 110 acres lying in Patrick on Smith River and Rockcastle Creek.. Beg. at the mouth of said creek on a hickory tree, being Thomas Harbour’s old line.. the east side..to a Wahoo Tree on the river, then crossing the river and down to a walnut tree on the river.. south along the said Harbour’s old line to Adam Turner’s conditional line on a black oak tree.. 1791 Nov 14 - the within indenture together with the receipt on the back was acknowledged by James and Elizabeth Crowley to be their acts & deed and Mary, the wife of James relinquished her dower rights to the land mentioned. 1791 Nov 14 - Patrick Co, Va - Deed Bk 1:19 (1791-1801) [Note: The following deed for 110 acres & the previous sale of 20 acres to Adam Turner disposed of the entire 130 acres that Samuel Crowley purchased on Smith River before he died. James, the eldest son of Samuel & Elizabeth Crowley, joined with his mother Elizabeth in the sale of 110 acres to John Breden. The widow Elizabeth had 1/3 Dower rights. Mary [nee McClain], the wife of James, also relinquished her dower right in the 110 acres. It was this land transaction which cheated the widow and the fatherless orphans]. -JAMES & Elizabeth Crowley [his mother] to JOHN BREDEN SENR & JOHN BREDEN JUNR. of Patrick Co.. 200 pounds paid by said Bredens.. for 110 acres lying in Patrick on SMITHS RIVER & ROCKCASTLE CREEK.. beg at mouth of said creek on a HICKORY TREE being THOMAS HARBOURS OLD LINE.. the east side.. thence the same line as it meanders up the creek to a MAYPOLE TREE.. NE to a WHITE OAK NE to a RED OAK.. W to a BLACK OAK.. NE to a WHAUWHOO TREE ON THE RIVER.. Thence crossing the river & down as it meanders to a WHITE WALNUT TREE ON THE RIVER.. SE to a WHITE OAK.. South along the said HARBOURS OLD LINE to ADAM TURNERS CONDITIONAL LINE on a BLACK OAK TREE.. West along the said CONDITIONAL LINE to a HICKORY TREE on the said RIVER.. Up the river as it meanders to the first station at the mouth of said creek To have & to hold the said tract of land with all & singular the appurtenance there unto belonging unto the said John Breden Senior & John Breden Junior..their heirs & assignees forever. Received full satisfaction for the within contracts given this day... The within written indenture together with the Receipt on the back was acknowledged by the with in named James & Elizabeth Crowley to be their respective act & deed & Mary, the wife of said James being privately examined as the law directs, relinquish her right of dower in & to the land & premises mentioned in the within indenture & which was ordered to be recorded [Note: the above land was purchased in 1770 from Palatiah Shelton and the same land which Jeremiah Burnett & Effie were to purchase at a later time] Elizabeth Crowley identified herself on the legislative petitions concerning the family of Samuel Crowley was slain on 10 October 1774 The above land has an unpaid tax bill on it. It was more than a decade later and long after Jeremiah Burnett & Effie became the owners of this land, before anything was done to erase the tax default from this homestead of Elizabeth Crowley. Removal of the tax lien is in the record and it was many years after Breeden took over the property. 1792 Feb 13 - Patrick Co, VA - Deed BK 1:35 This day George Mabry Jr came before the Court & made oath that he heard JAMES KIMSEY sayd that John Breeden Sr and Richard Pilson was damb'd rogues. They wanted to rong (sic,wrong) the Widow and The fatherless out of their right and said Breeden was drove for horse stealing his teeth knocked out for lying and was [a] damned old convict and he had his pedigree in his pocket and pulled out his papers to show his pedigree but turned off and did not do it and also told [the] said Breeden to bring home the deer skin his son stole from Jeremiah Burnett and [that] he could prove it by Cap't Matthew Small which Capt. Small deny'd when ask'd and afterwards said KIMSEY asserted that the above accusation was a lye.. The said PILSON came the same day and made oath that he heard part of the above and heard it all proved and also heard said KIMSEY acknowledge it to be a lye. The said FRANCIS TURNER ESQ heard the above all proven & heard said KIMSEY acknowledge it to be lye. At a Court held for Patrick County on 13 Feb 1792: This is to certify that we, the arbitrators do agree that the SLANDER that JAMES KIMSEY has abrade JOHN BREEDEN SR with the said KIMSEY and his family to be a lye and pay all lawful cost. The suit is ___ by us the 13 Dec 1791 /s/ RICHARD PILSON, GEORGE MABRY, FRANCIS TURNER, JONAH ISOM, WILLIAM ISOM [William Isom and John Breeden Sr., served with Samuel Crowley at the Point] There is no question that the WIDOW AND THE FATHERLESS mentioned in the slander suit is Elizabeth Crowley AND HER ELDEST SON JAMES. 1793 - Wilkes Co, Ga - Tax list of Capt. James Luckie’s District Elizabeth Crowley, wd., 1 Slave James Kimsey, land adjoining James Crowley Littleberry Crowley - Defaulter William Crowley - Defaulter 1797 - John Crowley, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Strong Crowley: A member of Davis Creek Baptist Church in Powell Valley, Grainger/Claiborne Co, Tn 1799 Grainger Co, TN - Tax List John Crowley - 1 white poll (males 21-50); no land, no blacks William Crowley - 1 white poll, no land, 1 black poll; [It is conjected that William now had his deceased mother’s slave that she reported on the 1793 Georgia Tax List]. 1799 Oct 31 - Patrick Co, Va - Deed Bk 1:628 John Breden Senr, [& wife Jane, nee Napier] of Patrick to Jeremiah Burnett of said County.. $200 lbs for 150 acres on Smith River & Sycamore Creek.. Beginning at a white oak on S. side.. thence new lines S to a Locust.. S to a White oak -North to a chestnut.. North to a Hickory.. North to a Spanish oak.. South to a Chestnut on Sycamore Creek.. thence down the same to Smith's River.. thence down the river as it meanders to the beginning with all woods, ways & water & water courses, fences, trees, orchards, house & all other pertaining or in any wise belonging thereunto, to have & to hold the same to him the said Jeremiah Burnett, his heirs & assigns forever against me, my heirs, my wife Jane & her heirs or either of us or our heirs & all & every other person or persons whatsoever either in law or equity, recovering, claiming or having & just right title or estate therein, but do by these presents forever warrant & defend the land & premises above mentioned to the said Jeremiah Burnett, his heirs & successors.. 1801 Oct 29 - Patrick Co, Va - Deed Bk 2:69 Jeremiah Burnett Jr. & Effiniah his wife to Adam Turner.. $1000 for 153 acres on Smith's River: Beginning at a White oak on south side 120 poles thence New Lines..S. to a Locust.. S to White Oak.. N. to Chestnut..N to a Hickory.. N to a Spanish oak..S to a chestnut on Sycamore Creek thence down the same to Smith's River..thence down the river as it meanders into Purays [Puseys] thence along the same S to a gum.. N to a white oak - new lines. W to a white oak. W to a hickory on the river.. thence down the same as it meanders to the beg. With all woods, ways, water, fences, trees, orchards, houses... 1801 Oct 29 - Patrick Court Order Bk 1 Effaniah Burnett, wife of Jeremiah Burnett, relinquished her right of dower 1802 Jan 11 - Patrick Co, Va - Deed Bk 2:100 John Breden Jr of Patrick Co..to Jeremiah Burnett JR of said Co.. $830.34 paid to Breden by Burnett for 110 acres on Smith’s River & Rockcastle Creek beginning at the mouth of said Creek on a Hickory Tree - Being Thomas Harbour's old line - thence the line as it meanders up the creek to a maple tree on the creek..the east side.. thence N 80 degrees E 70 poles to a white oak tree - N 13 degrees E 40 poles to a red oak tree W 45 poles to a black oak tree - N 16 degrees E 28 poles to a whaawhoo tree on the river - thence crossing the river & down it as it meanders to a white walnut on the river - thence up S 1/2 deg. E 58 poles to a white oak tree - thence S. along the said Harbours old line to Adam Turners conditional line on a black oak tree on said river - thence up the same as it meanders to the first station at the mouth of the creek. Also one other parcel of land lying on the south side of Rockcastle Creek - beginning at a mulberry tree on the S. side of the creek in the meadow of Lackeys line - to a Hornbeam in Adam Turners line - to a white oak - thence new line - to an Ash at the mouth of said creek & up the same as it meanders to beginning to have & to hold the said two tracts of land with all & singular the appurtenance there unto belonging unto the said Jeremiah Burnett JR., his heirs & assigns forever & the said land & premises to the said Jeremiah, his heirs & assigns against all manner of claims of any person or persons whatsoever by these presents, the said John Breden doth & forever will warrant & defend. Wit: Daniel (x) Fain, Benjamin (x) Hart, Samuel Staples [Jeremiah Burnett purchased the Crowley place where Elizabeth, Effie, James, Mary, Agnes, Littleberry and William had lived in their youth, much of it next door to Jeremiah and Effie Burnett..This is part of the same property that Samuel Crowley had purchased from Shelton in 1770]. 1802 Jan 28 - Patrick Co, VA - Deed Bk 2:109 John Breeden Sr by his certain indenture of possession hath conveyed to John Breeden Jr one tract of land lying in Patrick of 110 acres and whereas Jane Breeden, wife of said John Breeden Sr cannot conveniently come into Court...doth freely relinquish dower in above land. John Breeden Sr did not live long after the sale to Burnett, but died in Jan/Feb 1802. Bennet Houchins was a witness to John Breeden's will (Patrick Co, Will BK, p.43). The Houchins family operated a mill on Rockcastle Creek 1802 Feb Court - Patrick Co, Va - Will Bk _:43 Will of John Breeden Sr Probated.. Sons: John Jr, Andrew, Isaac, Joseph and James. Widow Jane qualified as Executrix and posted Bond. Surety: Jesse Corn who also was one who appraised the estate. Wit: Bennet Houchins [Houchins family operated a mill on Rockcastle Creek] [John Breeden served with Thomas McClain in George Rogers Clark Expedition; Breeden also served at Point Pleasant when Samuel was killed; Men who served under Evan Shelby in 1779: John Breeding Jr (The Quarterly, Spring 1985, of The Mountain Empire Genealogical Society, Vol IV:27)]. 1804 Nov 1 - Patrick Co, Va - Deed Bk 2:463 - Trust Deed [Mortgage] Joseph Reynolds to James Turner - whereas said Reynolds stands justly indebted unto JAMES CROLEY for 85 lbs, 10 shilling, 6 pence.. said Reynolds being desirous to pay the said JAMES CROLEY & Reynolds having a legal right to 345 acres by survey, being land said Reynolds got of James Patterson; . Also 262 acres adj. Capt. Turner & Jeremiah Burnett Junior [1761-1848] - Crowley & Reynolds will truly perform the trust & confidence reposed in him... Wit: William Adams, James Farrell. 1815 Aug Ct - Patrick Co, VA - Court Orders The following tracts and pieces of land, “...for reasons appearing to this Court, in compliance with the Act of Assembly, concerning insolvency...”: Elizabeth Crowley, 110 acres [a tax lien still being held on the 110 acres] Henry Reynolds - 70 acres Luke Foley - 346 acres William Pilson 150 acres John Kendrick 164 acres William Harris 122 acres Thomas Morrison, insolvent for non-payment of taxes, released John Smith 156 acres for non-payment" per June Bork.