Vianna Jane Hedges
1828 - 1911 (82 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. Vianna Jane Hedges was born on 4 May 1828 in Fleming County, Kentucky (daughter of William Ribelin Hedges and Malinda Russell Cassity); died on 24 Jan 1911 in Pine Grove, Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried on 24 Jan 1911 in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cranston, Rowan County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Census: 1860, Rowan County, Kentucky
- Census: 1910, Pine Grove, Rowan County, Kentucky
Notes:
Story about Vianna in her grandson Lucian White's notes from newspaper article about Lucian's skills making dulcimer.
* * * * *
The Kentucky hills and its people, especially his grandmother Vianna Hamm, are what White likes to talk about most. “Oh,” he exclaimed, “every boy should have a grandmother like that to tell him stories.”
It was right after the Civil War when the southern general John Hunt Morgan paid his last visit to White’s grandmother’s hunting lodge, White said. Morgan used to come there before the war for recreation and hunting and White’s grandparent’s hospitality.
Grandfather Hamm had gotten a land grant to run the lodge and the area was excellent for hunting fox, white-tailed deer and the like. Also had good fishing, White said.
Well Morgan was one of those generals who never did surrender. He became leader of an outlaw band and would ride in, steal horses and loot a place at the drop of a hat. If there wasn’t any loot worth having or he met resistance in taking it, he’d have his men set all the buildings on fire.
When they came riding into his grandmother’s after her husband had died, she was down in a cellar along, White said. The outlaws were bent on stealing the horses from the corral but were unable to get them out. “For some reason the horses just ran around in the corral making a commotion.”
His grandmother ran up from the cellar and accosted the outlaws by herself. White said “John Hunt Morgan!” she shouted at the former general. “Is this the tanks you give me for slaving over a hot cookstove while you were out hunting?
Morgan just looked down from his big horse and motioned for his men to close the gate. “Come on boys,” he said. “her horse never were any good.” And they rode off.
* * *
Great Falls Tribune, Great Falls, Montana. Sunday, 20 April 1980. Section F, page 1.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185123536/vianna-jane-ham/hamm
Unmarked graveVianna married Albert Russell Cassity on 9 Jan 1852 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Albert (son of James Albert Cassity and Mary Ann Hedges) was born on 21 Jan 1828 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 13 Sep 1856 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Hargis Cemetery, Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Notes:
Married:
Children:
MHR gives marriage date as 10 February 1852.- Minera Cassity was born on 7 Feb 1851 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 20 Aug 1854 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- James Alva Cassity was born on 24 Sep 1853 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 1 Sep 1854 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Mary Samantha Jane "Mollie" Cassity was born on 2 Dec 1856 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 23 Mar 1933 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cranston, Rowan County, Kentucky.
Vianna married George Johnson Hamm on 11 Sep 1861 in Rowan County, Kentucky. George was born on 4 May 1808 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 10 Sep 1880 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:- Amelia Helena Hamm was born on 5 Jul 1862 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 24 Jan 1929 in Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky; was buried in Hart Cemetery, Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky.
- Malinda Roberta "Berta" Hamm was born on 25 Jan 1865 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 28 Aug 1924 in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky; was buried in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky.
- Cassandra Florence Hamm was born on 8 Dec 1872 in Triplett, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 26 Aug 1966 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cranston, Rowan County, Kentucky.
Vianna married Frank M. McEldowny on 5 Nov 1893 in Rowan County, Kentucky. Frank was born in 1835 in Kentucky; died before 1910. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Notes:
Married:
from member photo of document on ancestry.com. handwritten page from Marriage Records for Rowan County, Kentucky for 1893. Nov 5. M. F. McEldowney age 58, number of marriages - 3; and Vian Hamm, age 64, number of marriages - 3.
2. 
William Ribelin Hedges was born on 14 Mar 1798 in Montgomery County, Kentucky (son of Levi Hedges and Rosannah Ribelin); died on 28 Nov 1885 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1850, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1850, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1860, Rowan County, Kentucky
- Census: 1860, Rowan County, Kentucky
- Census: 1870, Cross Roads, Rowan County, Kentucky
Notes:
MHR note: Ida Cronkhite said (in pink letter of 28 December 1949) she thought that “Aunt Betty” Hopper (Eliz. B.1820) who was found with the William Ribelin Hedges family in the 1870 census, was a distant cousin through the Armstrongs. She cared for her mother who died when Betty was about 25 years old. Malinda Hedges needed help, so Betty made her home with them. She got board and room and one third of the wool. Betty was so shy she put on her sunbonnet before coming downstairs and few ever saw her face. Lonely widowers found her not only unresponsive, but unwilling to talk to them. When 81 and nearly blind, she fell downstairs and died shortly thereafter. She helped rear the second generation and “Uncle Will” said she'd been a second mother.
MHR Note: Letter from Melissa Lucinda Hedges, to her brothers, William R. Hedges, James A. Hedges and Levi M. Hedges and sister Philora (Allen) Hedges telling of their father's death. This letter was in the possession of Anna (Hedges) Bagley, Purdin, Missouri when Mary (Hedges) Reiner visited her in 1940. The heading “at home” refers to the home of William R. and Malinda R. Hedges on the bank of the Licking River at the mouth of the Bluebank, Fleming County, Kentucky, in the part of Fleming County.
At home, December 1, 1885.
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is with a sad heart I take up my pen to write the sad news of our dear father’s death. He departed this life Saturday, Nov. 28, at 25 minutes after six o’clock in the morning. After a serious illness of 12 day. He suffered more than tongue can tell. He lay in an unconscious state for several hours. He suffered greatly from the time he was taken. The doctor had to draw his water from him. Oh it was so hard to see him suffer so, but it had to be. Rose came to see him; staid several days then went home; came back after he was down. Ike got here after he was dead. Uncle Jesse staid with him all the time. We laid him in the old graveyard where sister Mary was laid, there to slumber till Gabriel’s trump and the voice of the Lord shall awaken the dead from the old churchyard.
I sent postals to you all when I found he was so bad, but I suppose it was not so any of you could come. He never talked about any of his children, but thought he could not live from the start. We done all we could for him but nothing done any good. He has done paid the debt we all have to pay and we can go to him; he cannot come to us; Oh how we miss him. Mother sits around and looks so sad. I can hardly bear it. She is not well. She send her love to you all.
My love to you all. Write soon as you all are very close together. I want this letter to be read by all. I would love to see you and talk to you face to face but we are far apart. Yes we are scattered – we are scattered, though a joyous band were we. Now this letter is for one and all of you. Write as often as you can.
You sister, M. L. Stenrod
1850 US census, enumerated 20 August 1850
Division 2, Fleming County, Kentucky
William R Hedges, age 52, farmer, real estate $3000
Malinda R, age 44
Addison W, age 24, farmer
Viana J, age 22
Peter T, age 19, laborer
Levi M, age 17, laborer
Rosannn S, age 14, attending school
Malissa L, age 12, attending school
William R, age 9, attending school
James A, age 6, attending school
Isaac A, age 4
Mary Ann Crouch, age 26
Peter L Crouch, age 2
William N Cassity, age 18, laborer
1860 US census, enumerated 15 Aug 1860
Rowan County, Kentucky
W R Hedges, age 62, farmer, real estate $3000, personal property $1060
Malinda R, age 54
Viana J, age 31
Malissa I, age 21
William, age 19
James, age 16
Isaac, age
Elizabeth Hopper, age 40, domestic
1870 US census, enumerated
Cross Roads, Rowan County, Kentucky
William Hedges, age 72, farmer, real estate $5000, personal property $1000
Malinda, age 64, keeping house
Melissa Demere, age 30, domestic servant
Malinda Demere, age 5
Elizabeth Hopper, age 50, at home
In the 1870 census, four household are listed next to each other: William Ribelin Hedges and three of his sons: Levi, William R. and James Hedges.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64939177/william-hedgesWilliam married Malinda Russell Cassity on 22 Dec 1822 in Rowan County, Kentucky. Malinda (daughter of Peter Thompson Cassity and Mary "Polly" Melissa Armstrong) was born on 14 Oct 1805 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 12 Sep 1887 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. 
Malinda Russell Cassity was born on 14 Oct 1805 in Montgomery County, Kentucky (daughter of Peter Thompson Cassity and Mary "Polly" Melissa Armstrong); died on 12 Sep 1887 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky. Notes:
MHR note: Stories told by Ida M. (Hedges) Cronkite to Miriam Hickman. Malinda, daughter of Peter and Mary (Armstrong) Cassity married William Ribelin Hedges. "They used to say 'she lifted the limb of a tree it took two men to lift.' This is the true story. She and a small boy with his mother were hurrying to get home from a storm. Part of a tree blew down and caught the boy and pinned him down. Malinda lifted till the mother could drag him out. Next day two men went to clear the road and it took two men to lift it from the ground. This was my father's mother and he told me he had seen her lift an anvil off the block with one hand. She could weave four yards of jeans then walk four miles up hill to spend the night with a neighbor. When she was seventy, she was still spinning and weaving. The year she was eighty-two, 1887, your grandmother came with her to Illinois. They were two days on the train. There were four sons, two grandsons, and one granddaughter to visit, all in Vermilion County, but hard trips between in horse and buggy days. Then a train to Montezuma, Indiana to visit two nieces. Then to Louisville, Kentucky, where the youngest son met her with a lumber wagon to take her over a corduroy road sixteen miles to his home. Back again to Louisville and then the train on home at the mouth of Blue Bank on the Licking River near Farmers, Kentucky.
"About a week later she heard there was to be preaching at Slaty Point. This was about three miles away. There she had gone to church all her life. They had no conveyance but hadn't they always walked? So she went. At the church she got sick and they took her to the nearest neighbor and a day or two later she died. She was eighty-two years old. At the age of seventeen she went from her father's home to her husband. She moved from the old house to the new and lived sixty-five years on the same farm."
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64939547/malinda-russell-hedgesChildren:
- Mary Ann Hedges was born on 26 Nov 1823 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 22 Sep 1854 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Addison W. Hedges was born on 13 Feb 1826 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 9 Aug 1863 in Rockwall, Rockwall County, Texas.
- 1. Vianna Jane Hedges was born on 4 May 1828 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 24 Jan 1911 in Pine Grove, Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried on 24 Jan 1911 in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cranston, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Peter Thompson Hedges was born on 29 Jan 1831 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 12 Jun 1924 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 15 Jun 1924 in Forest Grove Cemetery, Canton, Lewis County, Missouri.
- Levi Marion Hedges was born on 30 May 1833 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 28 Jan 1907 in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas; was buried in Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.
- Rosannah Sarah Hedges was born on 1 Nov 1835 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 27 May 1924 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 30 May 1924 in Siloam Cemetery, Bluestone, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Melissa Lucinda Hedges was born on 17 Mar 1838 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 3 Mar 1899 in Farmers, Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Slaty Point Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- William Riley Hedges was born on 10 Mar 1841 in Farmers, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 25 Oct 1925 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 26 Oct 1925 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri.
- James Alva Hedges was born on 14 Sep 1843 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 3 Nov 1921 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 5 Nov 1921 in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman, Douglas County, Illinois.
- Isaac Armstrong Hedges was born on 4 Mar 1846 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died in 1930 in Santa Paula, Ventura County, California.
Generation: 3
4. 
Levi Hedges was born on 24 Nov 1775 in Frederick County, Maryland (son of William Hedges and Elizabeth Dern); died on 1 Apr 1847 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Old Crain Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Census: 1800, Montgomery County, Kentucky
- Census: 1820, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1830, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1840, Fleming County, Kentucky
Notes:
MHR note: Levi used to have family worship at their home and he loved to sing. He sat on his porch the evening before his death and watched the sun set, and sang his favorite song:
The day is past and gone,
The evening shades appear:
Oh, may we all remember well
The night of death draws near.
We lay our garments by,
Upon our bed to rest.
So death may soon disrobe us all
Of what we now possess.
He was taken suddenly in the night by an attack of acute indigestion and was gone.
MHR note: Levi Hedges worked as a blacksmith, tanner, carpenter, and of course, farmed also.
MHR note:
Levi's father, William, had stated in his will that his son Andrew could keep the plantation Hedgehogg is he could, which Andrew did by buying out the other two sons, Levi and William.
1800 tax list. Montgomery County, Kentucky. Levi Hedges.
Census 1820. Fleming County, Kentucky. In 1820, the age brackets indicate that Levi's household included 11 people: Levi (age 45); Rosannah (age 40); William (age 22); Monroe (age 17; Addison (age 13); Jesse (age 10); Levi (age 6; David (age 3; Jonathan (age 1); Mary Ana (age 20); [possibly Elizabeth age 16]; and Sarah (age 8).
Census 1830. Fleming County, Kentucky. In 1830, the age brackets indicate that Levi's household included 8 people: Levi (age 55); Rosannah (age 50); Monroe (age 27); Addison (age 23); Jesse (age 20); [possibly Levi age 16]; David (age 13); Jonathan (age 11); [possibly James age 10]; Sarah (age 18), and Louvina (age 7).
Census 1840. Fleming County, Kentucky. In 1840, the age brackets indicate that Levi's household included 5 people: Levi (age 65); Rosannah (age 60), Sarah (age 28); Louvina (age 17), and a female aged 5 to 9.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64938628/levi-hedges
Mary Hedges Reiner visited the cemetery in November 1950 when it was known as the Graham Cemetery. Two Flemingsburg High School boys went with her to hunt for headstones and they found them completely covered with earth. She took photographs of the two stones.Levi married Rosannah Ribelin in 1795 in Kentucky. Rosannah (daughter of William Ribelin and Mary Ann Kiher) was born on 2 Sep 1780 in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina; died on 29 Sep 1848 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Old Crain Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
5. 
Rosannah Ribelin was born on 2 Sep 1780 in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina (daughter of William Ribelin and Mary Ann Kiher); died on 29 Sep 1848 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Old Crain Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky. Notes:
MHR note: Rosannah (Ribelin) Hedges was the neighborhood nurse and midwife. There is a story told of a black servant who came to take her to attend a birth in the home of his master. He rode a horse and led one with a side saddle. The river was in flood, and she was swept out of her saddle in the dark. The servant caught her and held her head above water until the horses swam to the shallow water and they went on. She attended to her duties as midwife and next morning the water was down so she could go home.
She told fortunes with tea leaves.
Levi Hedges left Maryland and came to Kentucky probably around 1795. That is also the year that he met and eloped with Rosannah, the oldest daughter of William Ribelin (who had moved his family to Kentucky from Yadkin Valley, North Carolina). Levi was about nineteen and she was not quite fifteen years old. Her father threatened to scratch her name from the family Bible, but he did not do so as Mary Hedges Reiner saw the family Bible of William Ribelin (probably in the 1950's) in the Historical Society in Lexington and Rosannah's name was still there.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25751032/rosannah-hedges
Mary Hedges Reiner visited the cemetery in November 1950 when it was known as the Graham Cemetery. Two Flemingsburg High School boys went with her to hunt for headstones and they found them completely covered with earth. She took photographs of the two stones.Children:
- William R. Hedges was born in 1796 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died in 1796.
- 2. William Ribelin Hedges was born on 14 Mar 1798 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 28 Nov 1885 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Mary Ann Hedges was born on 7 Sep 1800 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 28 Oct 1838 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Hargis Cemetery, Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Rosanna Hedges was born about 1803 in Fleming County, Kentucky.
- Monroe Hedges was born on 11 Feb 1803 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 18 Oct 1899 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried in Mount Jackson Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.
- Addison W. Hedges was born on 27 May 1807 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died about 1875.
- Jesse Hedges was born about 1810 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 29 May 1894 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in New Hope Presbyterian Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky.
- Sarah Hedges was born on 3 Sep 1812 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 16 Jul 1892 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cranston, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Levi Hedges was born in 1814 in Fleming County, Kentucky.
- David R. Hedges was born about 1817 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 27 Oct 1878 in Fleming County, Kentucky.
- Jonathan Kiher Hedges was born on 31 Jul 1819 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 15 Nov 1912 in Smoot, Greenbrier County, West Virginia; was buried in Andrew Chapel Cemetery, Williamsburg, Greenbrier County, West Virginia.
- James Hedges was born about 1820 in Fleming County, Kentucky.
- Louvina Jane Hedges was born on 18 Jul 1823 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 14 Jul 1891 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Gilead Cemetery, Bath County, Kentucky.
6. Peter Thompson Cassity was born on 19 Jun 1775 in Virginia; died on 12 May 1862 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1810, Flemingsburg, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1820, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1830, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1850, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Census: 1860, Rowan County, Kentucky
Notes:
MHR note: Peter Thompson Cassity's parents were William Cassity and Nancy Thompson.
LKH note: I have not yet found documentation of William and Nancy (Thompson) Cassity.
MHR note: Peter Thompson Cassity was named after his grandfather's name, Peter, and his mother's maiden name, Thompson.
MHR note: Peter Cassity was a preacher (or elder). He officiated the marriages of several of his grandchildren.
1810 US census
Name: Peter Cassidy
Flemingsburg, Fleming, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 3
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Number of Household Members Under 16: 7
Number of Household Members Over 25: 2
Number of Household Members: 9
1820 US census, enumerated 7 August 1820
Name: Peter Cassidy
Fleming, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 18: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 3
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 6
Free White Persons - Under 16: 5
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 10
1830 census
Name: Peter Cassity
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Eastern Division, Fleming, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 2
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 5
1850 US census, enumerated 20 August 1850
Division 2, Fleming County, Kentucky
Peter Cassity, age 74, farmer, real estate $1200
Mary, age 78
Albert R, age 22
Rosanah, age 17
Martin M, age 14
Albert, Rosanah, and Martin are the children of Peter and Mary's son and daughter-in-law, James Albert Cassity (1797-1845) and Mary Ann (Hedges) Cassity (1800-1838).
Buried:
MHR note: Peter T. and Mary have stones in Three Lick Cemetery on an oak-covered hill, 6.5 miles beyond the Farmer Kentucky rail road station. A great many graves in that cemetery are unmarked. Some had been enclosed in a rail fence which has crumbled and rotted away.Peter married Mary "Polly" Melissa Armstrong on 20 Sep 1796 in Clark County, Kentucky. Mary was born on 10 Feb 1779 in Augusta County, Viriginia; died on 29 Sep 1860 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
7. Mary "Polly" Melissa Armstrong was born on 10 Feb 1779 in Augusta County, Viriginia; died on 29 Sep 1860 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky. Notes:
MHR note: Parents are Robert Armstrong and Mary Russell.
LKH note: I have not yet found documentation for Robert and Mary (Russell) Armstrong).
MHR note: Letter from Ida Cronkhite dated 17 May 1951.
Family legend: Mary Russell. A young Irishman named Russell, married a young widow with a small daughter. After Russell had fathered three sons and a daughter, he decided to go to America. his step-daughter would receive a small inheritance at 18. There were still some months to go. So he went on, with the three sons, and the wife and the two daughters would follow. This was the days of sailing ships, three months to cross, three months for a letter to come back. The letter came from Chillicothe, Ohio.
The inheritance was duly paid in gold. Then Mrs. Russell and her two daughters started to join her husband. This would perhaps bring the time to three years, and don't ask any more details, for that is all I have. On board, the oldest died at sea ad was buried at sea. And when Mrs. Russell and her daughter, Mary got to Chillicothe, Ohio she was told her husband was long dead and the three sons "bound out". Two had been taken farther into the wild west (Indiana?) but she found the youngest and tried to buy him back. His guardian refused to let him go. So she stole him and left gold to pay for his time and the all three went away from there.
Mary Russell was one of the girls who helped go to the spring till they filled all available vessels in case the Indians attacked. And Rebecca (Anderson) Maxwell Crawford helped. Mary Russell married Isaac Armstrong. When Mary (Armstrong) Cassity met Elizabeth (Crawford) Vawter at the home of P. T. Hedges in Fleming County, Kentucky to view their great-grandson, T.A. [Thaddeus A. Hedges], they told what each had heard of that time, from their mothers. Zane Grey used it in a novel. I don't know where the fort was.
The family ghost story. Isaac Armstrong's (it could have been Robert Isaac Armstrong, probably Robert Armstrong) were making up the maple syrup. There was much work, and it called for many hands. There was no beet or cane sugar in those days. Elder berry bushes furnished spouts to carry the sap, after they were cut in suitable lengths and the pith pushed out. They had a pot, many buckets, so they chopped logs about two feet long, split in half and with hatchet and fire they made a trough to set under the spout. Every morn they collected the sap from the trees and carried it to the kettle (or the kettles, if they had more than one) and boiled till it was "just right" for syrup or sugar. This lasted a week or ten days, till the leaf buds swelled, to spoil the flavor. So all hands helped. Mary Armstrong and her brothers (Robert Armstrong and James Armstrong) and cousins, Isabell and George Steele, from 20 miles away, and those who lived near. Today was the last day, and the boys said tonight would be rainy, dark of the moon, and they hadn't had a coon hunt yet. The sap was all in, and plenty of wood, and Polly and Ibby could finish the boiling for they were going hunting, for tomorrow they would all go home. When the syrup was finally done, it was dark, and half a mile from the house through the woods. Indians didn't trouble much any more, and bears and panthers not often. Polly picked up a stout stick and assured Ibby there was nothing to fear. Presently they heard a groan and saw a white "something" beside the path. Ibby said, "let's go" . Polly said it might be a sick horse. Ibby fled toward the house, but Polly drew near. Again the strange groan and a flounder. Polly said "Be you devil or what you may, I'll give you one lick" and struck with all her strength and fled. Next morn the boys were cross, and did not seem to have anything to report from the coon hunt and scattered home. A year later they again assemble. "Bob" (either a cousin or brother) asked Polly to cut his hair. She asked "how come that scar on your head?" "If you won't get mad, I'll tell you". He had been the ghost. "And you almost killed me".
This was my great-grandmother Polly [Mary] Armstrong (b.10 Feb 1779, Virginia; d.29 Sept. 1860, Rowan County, Kentucky) married Peter Thompson Cassity (b. 19 June 1775, Virginia; d.12 May 1862, Rowan County, Kentucky. Her brothers were James Armstrong (b.1758, d.1830) and Robert Armstrong.
MHR note:
James Armstrong was the brother of Polly who married Peter Thompson Cassity who is our ancestor. He is buried in 3 Lick Cemetery, on a hill near the old log house of William Ribelin Hedges, and I saw his stone when there the first time but he had died so much earlier than Polly that I didn't recognize the possibility of his being her brother, and didn't copy the inscription, and when I went back the next time, the stone had disappeared, but the people next door denied all knowledge of having anything to do with its removal, tho I think they had removed it to plant tobacco there.
Buried:
MHR note: Peter T. and Mary have stones in Three Lick Cemetery on an oak-covered hill, 6.5 miles beyond the Farmer Kentucky rail road station. A great many graves in that cemetery are unmarked. Some had been enclosed in a rail fence which has crumbled and rotted away.Children:
- James Albert Cassity was born on 24 Jun 1797 in Bath County, Kentucky; died on 9 Jul 1845 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Hargis Cemetery, Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Isaac Russell Cassity was born on 23 Mar 1799 in Bath County, Kentucky; died on 2 Sep 1864 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Siloam Cemetery, Bluestone, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Mary Cassity was born on 18 May 1801 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died in 1847 in Greenup County, Kentucky.
- William T. Cassity was born on 2 Jan 1803 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 21 Jan 1868 in Linn County, Missouri; was buried in Grantsville Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri.
- 3. Malinda Russell Cassity was born on 14 Oct 1805 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 12 Sep 1887 in Rowan County, Kentucky; was buried in Three Lick Cemetery, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Armstrong Russell Cassity was born on 21 Jul 1807 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 24 Sep 1881 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Linn County, Missouri.
- Alvah Russell Cassity was born on 4 Jul 1809 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 10 Nov 1860 in Linn County, Missouri; was buried in Cassity Cemetery, Linn County, Missouri.
- Peter Thompson Cassity was born on 15 Apr 1811 in Bath County, Kentucky; died on 25 Sep 1889 in Milan, Sullivan County, Missouri; was buried in Shatto Cemetery, Milan, Sullivan County, Missouri.
- Nancy Cassity was born on 9 Nov 1813 in Bath County, Kentucky; died in 1870 in Missouri; was buried in Sunnyside Cemetery, Ewing, Fleming County, Kentucky.
Generation: 4
8. William Hedges was born in 1742 in Frederick County, Maryland (son of William Hedges and Ann Price); died in 1777 in Frederick County, Maryland. Notes:
MHR note: William Hedges was 1st Lieut., 4th Co., 33rd battalion, Maryland Militia. Captain Christopher Stull under the command of Col. Charles Beatty. Maryland Historical Magazine, v.4, p379-380.
Will, 19 April 1777. Pro. 6 May 1777.
Frederick County, Maryland, Wills, Box 9, Folder 8 - Will of William Hedges. Written 19 Apr 1777. Probated 6 May 1777. To wife Elizabeth, the plantation whereon I now live, being one moiety or half part of a tract of land called Hedge Hog containing 129 acres. Sons Andrews, John, William & Levi.
http://mosesrawlings.freeservers.com/hedges.html
Will of William Hedges
made 19 April 1777, probated 6 May 1777.
Frederick County, Maryland
Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland. Box 9, Folder 8.
In the name of God amen. I William Hedges of Frederick Co., and Province of Maryland being weak of Body but of perfect Mind and memory thanks be given therefore calling to mind the uncertainty of this Life, and that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following Viz:
I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God that gave it and my Body to the Earth to be buried in Christian Like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named.
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth the plantation whereon I now live, being one Moiety or half part of a Tract of Land called Hedge Hog containing one hundred and twenty nine acres, and also my moveable Estate of what Nature or kind soever, during the term or terms she remains my Widow, but in case she should marry before my son Andrew should arrive to the age of twenty-one years, it is my Will and I do order that the said Plantation or half part of the Tract aforesaid be rented out for the highest price that can be got for the same, and the money be paid to my sons Andrew, John, William and Levi equally divided share and share alike, as they respectively arrive to the age of twenty one years my wife Elizabeth her thirds excepted both in Real and personal Estate notwithstanding.
Item. It is my Will and I do order that my Children, namely Andrew, John, William and Levi be bound by my Executors, unto such Trades as they shall choose, when they respectively arrive to age of fifteen years with a provise in each of their indentures for the Person to whom they are bound to learn them to read write and case accompts to said Trade and also to find them sufficient meat, drink, wasting apparel, Lodging and physic.
Item it is my Will and I do order that my Wife Elizabeth during she remained my Widow, keep my children namely Andrew, John, William and Levi upon my said Plantation, and maintain them, without deducting any share or part of my said Estate bequeathed them for clothing and maintaining them.
Item It is my will and I do order that after the death of my wife Elizabeth or after her marriage and my Son Andrew arriving to the age of twenty one years that he keep the Plantation whereon I now live and before as before mentioned in this my Will the said Plantation or parcel of Land first to be valued be two indifferent Persons, and the valuation of said Land to be divided into four equal parts, each of my said Sons hereinbefore named to have an equal share of the same excepting Son Andrew who is to keep said Land if he chooses, to have the sum of fifty Pounds current Money in my moveable Estate but in Case that my moveable Estate should not be sufficient for to raise that Sum it is my Will and I do order that the said sum of fifty pounds be allowed and taken out of the said Plantation or parcel of Land without deducting any more of his part than the rest of my Children namely John, William and Levi, but in case by said Son Andrew should not choose or be unable to pay the residue of my Sons before named their proportionable part of the valuation of the Land aforesaid, it is my Will and I do order that my said Plantation or parcel of Land be exposed to public sale by way of Vendue to the highest Bidder and the money arising by such sale to be equally divided between my Sons Andrew, John, William and Levi, my Wife Elizabeth her Thirds expected.
And I hereby nominate and appoint my said Wife Elizabeth Hedges and William Dern Executors of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all other Wills heretofore by me in any ways made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and testament. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Affixed my Seal this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred seventy seven.
William Hedges (seal)
Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said William Hedges as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us.
Joseph Hedges Tobias Butler John Julian
Birth:
MHR note: August or September 1742
Died:
MHR note: April or May 1777William married Elizabeth Dern about 1763. Elizabeth was born about 1745. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
9. Elizabeth Dern was born about 1745. Notes:
MHR note: Elizabeth married a 2nd time ? August 1782 to ?(Phillip) Smith who paid a substitute in Revolution, Michael Smith (Maryland Historical Magazine, v.6, p261.)
Children:
- Andrew Hedges was born on 30 Mar 1768 in Frederick County, Maryland; died in 1812 in Frederick County, Maryland.
- John Hedges was born about 1770; died in AS CHILD.
- William Hedges was born on 12 Aug 1773.
- 4. Levi Hedges was born on 24 Nov 1775 in Frederick County, Maryland; died on 1 Apr 1847 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Old Crain Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky.
10. William Ribelin was born on 3 Jul 1759 in Rowan County, North Carolina; died on 4 Nov 1822 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Census: 1800, Montgomery County, Kentucky
- Census: 1810, Montgomery County, Kentucky
- Census: 1820, Montgomery County, Kentucky
Notes:
MHR note: Exact copy of the William Ribelin family Bible record presented by the Frankfort Chapter N.S.D.A.R. through Miss Rebecca Gano.
1810 census
Name: William Ribelin
Montgomery, Kentucky
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1
Number of Household Members Under 16: 3
Number of Household Members Over 25: 2
Number of Household Members: 7
1820 census
Name: William Ribland
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Montgomery, Kentucky
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 2
Free White Persons - Under 16: 1
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 4
Notes: MHR
From Willit T. Summers Spears to Mary Hedges Reiner, February 1977: This account is from a copy of a letter by Jennie E Gano (Jan Elizabeth Jameson Gano), born Oct 3, 1857.
"The RIBELIN's" "The ancestor of the RIBELIN's in Kentucky was WILLIAM RIBELIN, who came to Kentucky with DANIEL BOONE some time in 1783. He and his wife, MARY ANNE, were with BOONE at the time in the Fort at Boonesboro, sharing the dangers and hardships of pioneer life. Later he bought land about five miles from Mt. Sterling in what was then Fayette Co. VA., now Montgomery Co. KY.
We have the bond for a deed to land purchased by him from Charles Morgan, dated March 10, 1787. There are a number of old deeds but this one is the oldest proof we have of his settlement in KY. The story of his coming with BOONE in 1783, is a family tradition of which no written proof has been found to date.
This WILLIAM RIBELIN was a grandson of WILLIAM RIBELIN who came to Charleston, South Carolina from Germany when he was 21 years old, bring a small box filled with gold. You have seen the box many times as we have it now.
WILLIAM RIBELIN, who came to KY, (our great-great grandfather), was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and present at the capture of Lord Cornwallis. His discharge from the army was in the family for many years, but now is lost. He died in Montgomery Co. KY, in 1822, and is buried in a family burying lot near his old brick house where he lived on Slate Creek. (Note by M.H.R: He died Nov 4, 1822 in Fleming Co. KY, a farmer and shoemaker. I doubt that his house was brick.) (Further note by M.H.R: Fleming Co. KY., Circuit Court file No. 8721, Dec 18, 1810. A certain ELISHA HURD owned 350 A. which is described in an article between said HURD and one, WILLIAM RIBELIN, to whom said HURD, on the day aforesaid sold said land). On Nov 4, 1822, said RIBELIN departed this life."
William married Mary Ann Kiher on 5 Nov 1779 in Rowan County, North Carolina. Mary was born on 6 May 1759 in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina; died on 23 Jan 1842 in Fleming County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
11. Mary Ann Kiher was born on 6 May 1759 in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina; died on 23 Jan 1842 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Notes:
Married:
LKH note: North Carolina, index to marriage bonds. William Ribelin and Mary Kiher bond date 29 October 1779, Rowan County, North Carolina. Bondsman: Martin Ribelin. Witness: Jo Brevard.Children:
- 5. Rosannah Ribelin was born on 2 Sep 1780 in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina; died on 29 Sep 1848 in Fleming County, Kentucky; was buried in Old Crain Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky.
- Susannah Ribelin was born on 16 Feb 1782 in North Carolina; died on 4 Sep 1854; was buried in Rice Cemetery, Carroll County, Kentucky.
- Mary Ribelin was born on 15 Oct 1784.
- Catharine Ribelin was born on 7 Oct 1786 in Kentucky; died on 18 Apr 1866; was buried in Edens Chapel Cemetery, Hillsboro, Fleming County, Kentucky.
- John Ribelin was born on 16 Oct 1788 in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina; died on 23 Feb 1856 in Gallatin County, Kentucky.
- William Ribelin was born on 3 July 1790.
- Martin Ribelin was born on 16 July 1793; died after 1822.
- Elizabeth Ribelin was born on 10 January 1795.
- Joseph Ribelin was born on 29 Nov 1797; died after 1822.
- David Ribelin was born on 10 Mar 1800 in Montgomery County, Kentucky; died on 14 May 1848 in Morgan County, Illinois.
- Infant Ribelin was born about 1802; died about 1802.
- Sarah Ribelin was born on 11 Jun 1805 in Kentucky; died on 3 Dec 1888 in Decatur County, Indiana; was buried in Old Westport Cemetery, Westport, Decatur County, Indiana.