Return to Major Surnames of They Live Again

ALBERT GALLATIN PENNY (1806 – 1879) LOUISIANA

INCLUDING DETAILS OF ANCESTORS AND DESCENDANTS
November 2002 (rev 2)

Reprinted & Used with Permission by:
 

Penny Daigre Midboe

2125B North Monroe Street

Arlington, Virginia 22207

pennymidboe@erols.com

All comments or questions should be directed to Penny D. Midboe at the above email address. 
No modification of this document should be made without her permission. 

 

PATERNAL GRANDPARENTS: Probably Robert Penny and Rose Milraid. The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Church Records, Vol. 3, pp. 684-685 lists 1802 baptisms for Sara Penny (age 2), Emilie Penny (age 4), and Jacques Penny (age 5) at St. Francis of Pointe Coupee. James Penny, like most of the early settlers at the Plains (EBR Parish, La.), had received a Spanish land grant as Louisiana was at that time a Spanish colony (The Plains and the People: A History of Upper East Baton Rouge Parish by Virginia Lobdell Jennings, Pelican Publishing Co., 1998). Although conversion to Catholicism by the grantee was not mandatory, baptism of children in the Catholic Church was a requirement for those who accepted the Spanish land grants. St. Francis Catholic Church in Pointe Coupee Parish across the Mississippi River was the nearest Catholic church in the early 1800s. Parish priests often traveled to minister to people in outlying areas. Although an attempt was made to record documents in Spanish, residents in many areas of Louisiana were native French speakers because Louisiana had been originally settled by the French and was first a French colony. This almost certainly would have been the case in Pointe Coupee, so we must assume that the parish priest recording the above baptisms was attempting to record in Spanish from French and receiving information from the Pennys who were English-speaking. The 1802 baptismal records listed parents for all three children as “Jacques Penny and Marie Carnite”, paternal grandparents as “Robert Penny and Rose Milraid”, and maternal grandparents as “Joseph Carnite and Solomee Parish”. James in Spanish is normally written as Santiago, but as Jacques in French. French equivalents for Nancy or Lucy would have had to be inventive. “Abraham Lodeoll and Sarah Carnete” (certainly Abraham Lobdell and Sarah Kennard) were present as sponsors for Emilie. On the same day, 29 December 1802, “Abraham Lobdell and Sara Carnite” are listed as baptizing their children, Abraham 18 months old, and Marie age 4, at St. Francis of Pointe Coupee. Sponsors for both Penny and Lobdell children, “Jean Dragran and Marie Camil”, baptized three of their children (with “Abraham Lobdoll and Salomee Carnete”as sponsors for one) at St. Francis of Pointe Coupee less than two weeks earlier on 18 December 1802. All these participants were noted as residing at “Plaine de Buhler, New Feliciana”. This would indicate The Plains, a community in East Baton Rouge Parish just above Baton Rouge in the present-day vicinity of Zachary. An Internet correspondent, Susan Bonner Kennard has indicated that Joseph Penny rather than Robert Penny was the father of James Penny (1762-1845, father of Albert Gallatin Penny), but did not provide specific documentation. An application for DAR status based on James Penny’s service in the Revolutionary War filed by James Bogan was mailed to the writer. There was no date or DAR number evident on this form, but it gave Nat’l. Nos. 182906 and 185030 as references for the following information: James Penny was born 7/14/1762 in Edinburgh, Scotland and died in Louisiana in 1845. He married Lucy Kennard born 1769, died 1839, and married 1790. James Penny was the son of Joseph Penny of Edinburgh, Scotland who came to America in 1775. Evidently, this information came from two earlier applications for DAR status.

MATERNAL GRANDPARENTS: Cephas Kennard and Sarah (maiden name was Parish according to Diocese of B.R. Catholic Church Records, Vol. 2, p. 172 and Vol. 3, p. 684). However, as the reader will see from subsequent dates and records, Nancy “Lucy” Kennard (daughter of Sarah Parrish and mother of the subject of our study, Albert Gallatin Penny) was born in 1769, 2 years prior to the death of her mother’s first husband, Frederick William Shink, suggesting that her biological father was Shink. We have no date of Sarah’s marriage to Cephas Kennard and documents suggest the union was common-law, but Nancy “Lucy” Kennard seems to have been raised a Kennard. The possibility cannot be dismissed that Sarah and Frederick William Shink could have been estranged prior to his death or that Frederick William Shink could have been ill or disabled before he died, leading to Sarah’s union with Cephas Kennard. At any rate, from the above DOBR listing, it is apparent that Nancy considered Cephas Kennard her father.

Regarding the name “Cephas” which is used consistently in original documents identifying Kennard: It has been suggested that this is a variant of “Josephus” and at least one document has listed our Kennard ancestor as “Joseph”. However, John Landry Skolfield, a direct descendant, says: “Cephas is a variant of Simon or Peter which means rock. Josephus is a variant of Joseph as is Jose (and Che, Giuseppe, Iosep, Joey, Josep, Pepito, and about 20 more. When Kennard’s son John married Sullivan, the Spanish priest in Natchez recorded John’s father as Jose.”

From The Plains and the People: A History of Upper East Baton Rouge Parish by Virginia Lobdell Jennings, 1998, Pelican Publishing Co.): Maternal Grandparents – Cephas Kennard and Sarah (maiden name is Parrish according to DOBR Catholic Church Records, Vols. 2 & 3). Cephas Kennard, a native of New England (Diocese of B.R. Catholic Church Records, Vol. 3, p. 40) was in the Natchez District prior to 1774. He married the Widow Sarah Shunk (Shink). Cephas Kennard died in 1783 at Natchez, Mississippi and on 10 December 2020 Mrs. Kennard requested that an inventory be made of her property and stated that the plantation she lived on was the property of her first husband, Frederick William Shink, who died about 1771. He evidently died before this as her first child from her second marriage was born in 1769. There were two children by her first marriage: William Shunk and Euly Ann Shunk who shared in estate (Rec. of Nat. Dist. 1767 – 1805 by May Wilson McBee, Vol. III, p.21). Euly Ann evidently died first for William Shunk in his will named Nancy, Polly, and Sally Kennard, his half-sisters, as heirs. Cephas and Sarah Kennard (whose maiden name was Sarah Parish of Virginia) had four children:

A copy of genealogical information regarding the Davidson family was mailed to the writer. Although the name and publishing information for the reference was unfortunately not provided, a summary is included here: “Thomas I. Davidson, son of John Davidson and Ruth Clement was born on May 16, 2020 in Rowan Co., North Carolina and raised in Maury County, Tennessee. In 1798 or 1799 he came to Louisiana and settled near the mouth of the Amite River (in Sec. 26 T8S-R62), built a house and farmed. In November 1802 he went up to Natchez, Mississippi to visit John Kennard a longtime friend, and met and married his sister Mary Kennard on June 30, 1803. He returned to Louisiana with his new wife and in 1804 moved upriver to Sec. 43 T8S-R62 near Bayou Barbary and built a new home. In 1805 he applied for land grants for Sec. 43 and 50 of T8S-R6E and received them in 1807 and 1808. His livelihood was cattle farming and crop farming and he was an active member in the West Florida Rebellion of 1809 and 1810.” Thomas died 28 January 2021 leaving nine children (St. Helena Ph. Probate Rec. D-3): Joseph Kennard b. 1806 m. Elizabeth Carter (dau. of Bayness and Mary Carter), Elizabeth b. 1809, Tennessee b. 1807, John Gaston b. 1810, Albert b. 1812, Thomas b. 1815, Edwin Martin b. 1817 m. Ann K. Kinchen, Mary Emily b. 1819 m. Turner Raoul, and Sarah b. 1822.

There is much information on the Lobdell family as well as a number of allied families in The Plains and the People. A summary of salient points is included here: “Abraham Lobdell who settled at the Plains about 1797 descends from Simon and Persis Lobdell of Milford, Connecticut. Simon is listed as an ‘after Planter’ in 1645. He moved to Hartford before 1660 and then to Springfield, Massachusetts. There his two sisters lived and he acquired much property. He was keeper of the jail 1666-1674 and contributed liberally to the church. He married after 1660, returned to Milford by 1677 and died there prior to 1717. --- Simon and Persis Lobdell had a son Joshua and 4 daughters, Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, and Rebecca. --- Joshua Lobdell b. Dec. 23, 1671 at Springfield, Mass. Married Aug. 1695 at Milford, Mary Burwell b. Oct. 20, 1667, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Fenn Burwell --- Joshua II was a captain in the Westchester militia and served in the French and Indian Wars. He and Mary Reynolds Lobdell had seven children: Mary, Joshua III, Ebenezer, Jacob, Rachel, Daniel, and John --- Joshua III B. April 13, 2021 married about 1750 Sarah Scott B. Aug. 12, 1729 (History of Fairfield, Connecticut by D.H. Hurd, p. 456) --- Sarah Scott was the daughter of James Scott and Hannah Hyatt, daughter of Thomas and Experience Hyatt, and granddaughter of David Scott of Ridgefield, Conn. --- Abraham Lobdell, son of Joshua III and Sarah Scott Lobdell, was baptized at Salem, N.Y. Aug. 25, 1765. --- After the Revolution he and his brother James moved to Mississippi. James Lobdell remained there where his descendants are found today. After being flooded out several times, Abraham moved to the Plains, La. Abraham owned land in East Baton Rouge Parish, 3 ½ miles from the fort in 1797. In 1798 he married Sarah Paris Kennard of Natchez, who was living with her sister, Nancy Penny at the Plains (Probate 111 West Baton Rouge). On Nov. 17, 1803, he received a grant of land No. A36 that was near James Penny. --- On 17 Oct. 1810, Abraham bought 700 A plantation from Francis Watts’ estate in West Baton Rouge and in Jan. 1814 he sold his plantation at the Plains to John T. Scott and moved his young family to WBR. He prospered and acquired several large plantations; part of which later became Westover Plantation.”

Regarding the 1804 marriage of John Kennard and Mary Sullivan, it is significant that witnesses listed on the DOBR record (in Spanish) were “Patricio Solivan and Y.N. Penny” on p. 172 under “Canard”; on p. 460 where the same marriage is recorded under “Kennard” witnesses are listed as “Patricio Solivan and J.N. Penny”; and on p. 683 where the marriage is recorded under “Sullivan” witnesses listed are “Patricio Solivan and Y.N. Penny”. DOBR records also give the marriages of siblings of Mary Sullivan: Anna (parents not given) m. 2 Aug. 1795 at Natchez, Santiago (James) Simons (parents not given); and possibly Daniel, a Calvinist (parents not given) m. 26 Nov. 1795 at Natchez Catharina Favel, a Calvinist (parents not given); Juan (Patricio Solivan and Maria Doyle) m. 13 Oct. 1814 at St. Joseph’s in Baton Rouge Anna Loudan (Santiago and Elizabeta Young). DOBR records give children of John Kennard and Mary Sullivan: Eliza b. 7 July 1814, Fanny b. 17 April 1812, Joshua b. 4 July 1810, John b. 19 Jan. 1805, Mary b. 6 Nov. 1812, James (Santiago) b. 22 omitted 1817, Sarah b. 13 June 1816. In these DOBR records, grandparents of children of John Kennard and Mary Sullivan are listed as variously “Pat. GP: Josef of New England and Sarah Parrish of Virginia. Mat. GP: Patricio and Maria Deile of Ireland” and “Pat. GP: Josef and Sarah Parish of Virginia. Mat. GP: Patricio and Maria Doyle of Pennsylvania” and “Pat GP: Josef and Sarah Parish. Mat. GP: Jacobo Sullivan and Maria Sullivan”. For the 1819 baptism (St. Joseph’s in Baton Rouge) of one of the children of John Kennard and Mary Sullivan, Santiago (James), sponsors were Santiago Penny and Maria Lobdell. For another child, Sarah Kennard, baptized in 1816 at St. Joseph’s, sponsors listed were Thomas C. Stanard and Eliza Penny. John Kennard was an elder in the Plains Presbyterian Church, had several large tracts of land, and John and Mary had seven children (E.B.R. Ph. Probate Rec. 739) listed as John, Joshua, Ann (married Foster Bradford), Mary (married James Rhodes), Sarah (married Davis Rounsaville), Lydia (married James Christmas), and James.

Information provided by Kim Stracener Zapalac at Zapnyou@aol.com indicates that Patrick Sullivan and Nancy Dial/Doyle also had a son named Patrick. In addition, she notes that James Simons/Simmons’ parents were James and Ursula (Cleveland) Simmons and that James Jr. (married Nancy Anna Sullivan) had a sibling named Charles (and probably others as yet undocumented). According to Kim Zapalac many members of the Simmons family later moved to St. Landry, Calcasieu, and Rapides parishes, Louisiana along with Coles and Formans. Kim Zapalac has a genealogical website at http://users2.evl.net/~zapnyou that may be of interest to researchers descended from these lines. In addition, she is researching the McCullur/McCullough family (see Lucy Ann Penny/Samuel Skolfield under SIBLINGS below).

Two Kennard correspondents, Susan Bonner Kennard and Dorene Turner, kindly provided much helpful information on this family. Susan Bonner Kennard (jbobk@txucom.net) whose husband is descended from John Kennard (son of Joseph/Josephus/Cephas Kennard and Sarah Parrish Shink Kennard) has unfortunately lost a large part of the Kennard file on her computer so was in some cases unable to provide sources. However, she has researched the family for years and is a knowledgeable informant. She indicates that it appears that the head of the Kinnaird family in Scotland, first recognized by the British kings, was actually a Livingston. She is relatively certain that our Kennard line is descended from the early New Jersey line. She has noted a pattern of Kennards first in Livingston, New Jersey – then in Livingston, Kentucky or Tennessee – then in Livingston, Alabama – in Livingston, Louisiana – a finally in Livingston, Texas. Although she has not been able to document a connection between the two families in America, she believes a relationship may eventually be found in Scotland prior to the emigration to this country. Susan Bonner Kennard also indicated that Joseph (Cephas) Kennard was from Va. and died 1783 at Natchez, Mississippi – and that his wife, Sarah Parish, was also from Virginia. She also noted that Sarah Parish had married Frederick William Shink of Va. 28 May 1767; that they moved to Pennsylvania where their first child was born; and that Frederick died about 1771. Susan Bonner Kennard reported that John Kennard, born 1777, died in 1841 in East Baton Rouge Parish, La., that Sally Kennard was born c.1779, and that Mary Kennard was born c. 1780. Natchez Court Records Book A, p. 151-153 records that Mary Kennard’s mother, Sarah Parrish Shunk Kennard testified to the following: Mary Ann was a child by her first marriage to Fredrich William Shink (sic); Mary was born in 1771. Fredrich William Shunk apparently died in 1771 and Mary was raised as a Kennard. FamilySearch.com indicated that Mary Kennard married Thomas Davidson in 1804 in Rowan Co., N.C. according to Susan Bonner Kennard. Mrs. Kennard indicates that Sarah Parrish is listed as the daughter of Alexander Parrish and Jane Chatto on IGI, in Baltimore County Families 1659-1759, and in The Parrish Family by Scott Lee Boyd 1935. (Apparently, there are several books tracing the Parrish family listed online, but I do not have the titles or website address.) She reports that one of the books includes a lengthy descendancy record including Sarah’s marriage to Fredrich Wilhelm Shenk. Mrs. Kennard also indicates that Sarah Parrish, after her marriage, moved to Burke Co., Pennsylvania prior to moving to Mississippi with her husband Shenck. Presumably, this information is from one of the above listed Parrish books. Mrs. Kennard notes the following book has been a major source on early Kennard family history: Natchez Court Records, 1767-1805, Abstracts of Early Records compiled by May Wilson McBee, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1979. On page 21 appears the record of Book A, p.151, 10 Dec. 1783 which establishes Sarah (Canhard) widow of Sieur Canhard as widow of Frederick William Shink, dec’d. Daughter Mary Ann (Shink) is designated “of her first marriage” and another daughter Nancy is named. It states that she had two children by husband Frederick William Shink. It also notes that Frederick patented his Spanish land title (to land in Natchez) in Pensacola (which was the governmental center at the time). Page 461 of the same book records Book D, p. 477, Claim No. 1391: Mrs. Sarah Kenner, 250 A on Second Creek 9 mi. SE of Fort, Spanish patent – noting “Sarah Carter, late Kenner, wife of Jesse Carter”(more about this 3rd marriage later). Susan Bonner Kennard indicates that this book has literally dozens of pages that chronicle the family history, largely because of the number of times a claim had to be submitted due to political changes. Susan Bonner Kennard is of the opinion that Cephas Kennard may have had a marriage previous to Sarah Parrish Shenk, but further research is needed to provide documentation and specifics. She also notes that she has seen a copy of depositions in the estate of William Shenk, son of Sarah Parrish and Fredrich Shenk, and that this document gave her the clue that helped in finding Sarah’s third marriage. In the deposition by Sarah’s son, John, he indicates that he believes that his sisters had received a share of William’s estate. He further mentions that Jesse Carter was taking a herd of cattle to Kentucky to sell for Sarah. Mrs. Kennard then found documentation of the third marriage to Jesse Carter at the family history center in Longview, Texas. Susan Bonner Kennard also reported that Adams Co., Mississippi records indicate that Jesse Carter married the widow Cannard and show him mortgaging property with his wife Sarah.

Another Kennard descendant, Dorene Turner, has been very generous in sharing her time and findings and has graciously agreed to be a Parrish/Kennard consultant. Mrs. Turner found at the Virginia State Library in Richmond a marriage index 1624-1915 documenting that Alexander Parrish married Jane Chatto on Feb. 1, 1737 in Scott Lee Boyd’s book on the Parrish family (Sec. II, Chap. 4). She indicates that the Parrish/Chatto record was in the section of the book entitled “Maryland Marriages of Parrish Families” and is noted as having taken place at Bel Air Court House. Bel Air, Maryland is just northeast of Baltimore near where the Susquehannah River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Other early Parrish marriages listed as occurring in the Baltimore, Maryland area in this same book by Scott Lee Boyd are as follows: Edward Parrish m. Elizabeth Gill May 3, 1735; Jane Parrish m. Samuel Smith Dec. 31, 1743; John Parrish m. Elizabeth Thomas Jan. 2, 1733; Joseph Parrish m. Cassandra Talbot Aug. 28, 1753. And under “Baltimore City, Maryland” is listed the marriage of William Parrish to Rachel Harwood on Aug. 14, 1774. Doreen Turner also found Alexander Parrish listed several times in early records of Virginia. It is unclear whether this is the same Alexander Parrish who married Jane Chatto in Maryland. However, Mrs. Turner did find a copy of a Bedford Co., Virginia marriage bond for Sarah Parrish’s marriage to Frederick William Shenk dated May 28, 1767, signed by a William Parrish and Frederick William Shink (Marriage Index for Md., N.C., & Va., 1624-1915, Sec. IV, Ch. 7). Bedford Co. is in the area between Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia. A copy of the Bedford Co. marriage bond was obtained from the Bedford Co. Circuit Court. The document reads as follows (sic): “Know all men by these presents that we Frederick William Shunk & Alexander Parrish are held & firmly bound unto our sovereign Lord George the third by the grace of God of great Britain, france, and Ireland King Defender of the faith (unreadable word) of the sum of fifty pounds current money to which payment will truly to be made to our said Lord the King his Heirs & Successors we bind ourselves our and Each of our Heirs Expectors (then maybe an abbreviation for “administers”) & assigns jointly & severally (looks like “family”) by these presents seald (perhaps sealed) with ourselves and Dated This 28th day of May 1767. Whereas there is a marriage suddenly to be had & (abbreviation for “solemnized”?) between the above Bound Frederick William Shunk Bachelor & Sarah Parrish Spinster upon the Condition of the above Obligation is such that if there be no lawful cause to (unreadable word, maybe ‘Obstruct’) the said Marriage then the above Obligation to be Void else to remain in force. Signed: Fred. William Shunk, Alex. Parrish. Isham Talbot was witness.” Dorene Turner notes that much additional information on the Parrish family is available in Family Tree Maker, Family Archives, Marriage Bundle, CD #4, V4-02 and also at the following website: www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/1413/index.html.

In The Natchez District and the American Revolution by Robert Vaughn Haynes, University Press of Mississippi, 1976, an unsuccessful raid on Natchez in 1778 by American revolutionary James Willing is described. Willings and his party, on the Mississippi River, were ambushed by Anthony Hutchins and a group of British sympathizers in the White Cliffs area below Natchez on April 16. According to the book, “Cephas Kenard, one of Hutchins’ more ardent disciples, fired on the Americans, an action which touched off general fighting on both sides. The advantage, however, remained with the less exposed British sympathizers who hid behind trees and embankments. --- As Hutchins later informed Governor Chester, he and his men were so fortunate as to wound, kill, or take prisoner every one of them without the loss of one man on our side.”

Dorene Turner provided a copy of the inventory Sarah Parrish Shunk Kennard requested after Cephas Kennard died. It reads as follows: “On the tenth day of the month of December, one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-three. We, Philippe Trevino, Lt. Col. & Civil & Military Commandant of the Dist. of Natchez, at the request of Sarah Canhard, widow of the late Sieur Canhard, have attended at the Plantation & Dwelling of the said late Canhard, in presence of the undersigned witnesses, to proceed to an inventory of the Estate & Effects of the said Deceased, & to that end have appointed Wm. Vousden & John Ellis, appraisers, both residents of the Dist. aforesaid who have sworn in conscience & in honor to make a just appraisement of the same, & the said Widow Sarah Canhard, being also present & being sworn to conceal nothing, has exhibited the following Effects, of which we have taken an Inventory as follows:

First. A plantation, situated on Second Creek, containing two hundred & fifty arpents (250), established by her first husband, with two houses erected thereon, & twenty arpents fenced and in cultivation, which said plantation being the property of said deceased, he having obtained a Title for the same, which said title is at present at Pensacola, which said Plantation with the Buildings thereon, appraised to the sum of Two hundred and fifty dollars. $250

Item: Fifty three head of horned cattle, little and big, marked and running at large, said mark being in the manner following (drawing of the brand mark), appraised together to five hundred and thirty d. $530

Item: Forty hogs, little and big, marked on the ear, appraised together to sixty dollars $60

Item: Three mares with different marks, appraised with their Colts, to the number of seven, and a mule, to the sum of one hundred and ninety dollars. $190

Item: Two horses, of different marks, appraised together to fifty dollars. $50

Secondly: In a house on said Plantation was found one hundred and twenty bushels of corn, appraised to the sum of forty five dollars. $45

Item: In the dwelling House of the late Canhard was found the Effects following: Two beds and their mosquito bars, appraised together to the sum of sixty five dollars. $65

Item: Three chairs, one table, & one loom for cotton, appraised together to the sum of fifteen dollars. $15

Item: One trunk, in which were found the following effects; Two coats, two vests, three trowsers, three shirts, & other clothing of no value, appraised to the sum of twenty five dollars. $25

Item: Six Earthen Plates, ten ditto Pewter, and other small effects for the use of the children; appraised to the sum of five dollars. $5

Item: Two plows and their appurtonances, two axes, one hoe, one Drawing knife, and other small Plantation Tools, the whole appraised to twenty five dollars. $25

Item: One chest, containing the Widow’s clothing which we have left at her disposal.

Item: In the Kitchen, two pots, one Kettle, and other Kitchen utensils of little value, appraised to seven dollars. $7

Item: One wheel, two cards, and fifteen pounds of cotton, appraised to ten dollars. $10

Item: Eight hides and one Deerskin, appraised together to nine dollars. $9

Item: A Box, containing sundry Papers of importance in the settlement of the accounts of the Estate, which we have kept in possession, to be delivered to those who may be hereafter appointed to settle the said accounts of the Estate. At this time the Widow declared that whereas at the time of her marriage with the deceased Canhard, she was the widow of Frederick William Shunk, deceased in this Dist. about the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy one (1771) and no Inventory being taken at the time, nor marriage contract existing between herself and the deceased Canhard her second husband, she declares that the following effects belong to the issue of her first marriage, namely:

Twenty eight (28) cattle, little & big, belonging to two children of her first marriage, share and share alike, as also one mare and three colts belonging to one of her children, by the first marriage, named Mary Ann, being a gift to her from Colin Woods. The said animals are included in the present Inventory: and further that said Inventory include, another colt and three head of horned cattle belonging to her daughter named “Nancy” being the gift of Samuel Wells, which reduces the Estate to twenty two head of horned cattle and two mares and 3 colts.

And nothing more being found, we have closed the present inventory, the day and year before written, in presence of Messrs. Cachere and Patrick Foley, Witnesses, who have signed with the appraisers and me the commandant aforesaid. John Ellis, William Vousden, Cacher. Before me, Phillippe Trevino.

In Natchez Colonials 1716-1800: A Compendium of the Colonial Families of Southwest Mississippi by Johnnie Andrews, Jr., 1986, Pritchard, Al., p. 13: “Sieur Canhard – A former resident of Pensacola; spoken of as dead on 10 December 1783. #173. Sarah – His common-law wife. #173.” And on p. 15 of the same reference is found: “Jesse Carter – Married 10 January 1789. #173. Sarah - #173” and the next entry: “Joseph (Jesse) Carter – Died 30 January 1785. #173.” The relationship of this last named Carter is unclear. On p. 76 of Natchez Colonials is found the following entry: “Frederick William Shink – Died in 1771. #173. (Indented under Frederick to indicate wife) Sarah -#173. (Indented under Sarah to indicate children) Mary Ann - #173. Nancy - #173.”

In Natchez Land Claims, Book C, “p. 233. Claim No. 645. British gr. To John Row, 250 acres, on Second Creek, 14 mi. south of Natchez, b. by Anthony Hutchins and Cephas Kennard. Pensacola, 25 May 1779, by Peter Chester. // p. 238. Fort Panmure, at Natchez, 15 Oct. 1785. John Row , 250 acres on Second Creek, to William Vousdan, for $580. // p.239. Dec. 20, 1786. William Vousden to Abner Green, same land for $600. // File claimant, Abner Green, 15 March 1804. Wit: Anthony Hutchins, 27 July 1804. Certif. A-9 issued.” Also in Book C: “p.457. Claim No. 789. Spanish gr. To Jesse Carter, 800 acres near the Homochitto, 18 mi. south of the Fort, b. by vacant lands. N.O. 21 may 1791 by Miro. // p. 459. 24 May 1800. Jesse Carter of the township of Second Creek, Co. of Adams, Miss. Ter., and wife Sarah, to John Ellis, Major of Militia of said township, for $1200 paid, the above 800 acres. Signed by both. Wit: Patrick Foley, J.W.A. Lloyd. Prov. By Lloyd, 10 Sept. 1800 before Wm. Dunbar, J.P. // File. Claimant, John Ellis, 20 March 1804. Wit: Benet Truly, 15 Oct. 1804. Certif. A-431 issued to claimant, 11 July 1805. Claim as above.” Another entry in Book C reads, “p. 481. Claim No. 807. Spanish gr. To Patrick Sullivan, 245 acres, 28 miles NE of Fort, all sides vacant. N.O. 20 Aug. 1796 by Corondelet. p.483. 20 Feb. 1798. Patrick Sullivan of Villa Gayoso, Govt. of Natchez, to Ebenezer Rees, of Dist. of St. Catherine, for $245 paid, the above grant, on a br. of Coles Cr. Wit: Isaac Johnson, Edward Randolph, William Collins. The above deed was executed in my presence. Signed Isaac Johnson. // p. 484. 12 May 1801. Ebenezer Rees, of Adams Co., Miss. Ter. to David Ferguson and Melling Wooley, of Natchez, for $735 paid, 245 acres, as above. Signed Wit: Lym. Harding, Samuel Hancock. Prov. by Harding, 18 May 1801, before Roger Dixon, J.P. // p. 485. 23 Dec. 1802. John Pipes of Jefferson co., for $800 to Andrew Watkins, of same, 245 acres on Coles Cr., gr. as above, sold by Ferguson and Wooley to said John Pipes. Signed. Wit: Daniel James, D.H. Brazeale. Ack. before Abner Pipes, J.P. // File. Claimant, Andrew Watkins, 20 Mar. 1804. Wit: Henry Platner, 15 Nov. 1804. Certif. B-123, Feb. 5, 1807. as above.” In Natchez Land Claims, Book D, “p. 463. Claim No. 1390. British grant to John Boles, 100 acres on Second Creek, between the lands of Wm. Johnson and Wm. Joiner. Pensacola, 26 May 2020 by Chester. // p. 466. 30 Oct. 1777. John Bolls, taylor, of Natchez, and his wife Martha, to Robert Collingwood, for $100 the above tract. Signed John Bolls, Martha (X) Bolls. Wit: Nehemiah Carter, Wm. Williams. File. Claimant, Jesse Carter, 28 March 1804. Wit: Philander Smith, 9 Feb. 1805. Certif. A-355 issued to claimant. Jesse Carter, who was an actual settler in Miss. Ter. 27 Oct. 1795, claims 600 acres in Adams Co. by virtue of two grants, (1) for 100 acres granted by the British Govt. to John Bolls and by him conveyed to Robert Collingwood, and by him to Nehemiah Carter 27 Nov. 1777, being part of the land hereby claimed and the other was granted by the Spanish Govt. to Rachel Carter on 16 May 1791, both of which tracts are joined, and were conveyed by the said Nehemiah Carter and Rachel his wife, to the claimant 26 March 1804. 27 Nov. 1777. Robert Collingwood to Nehemiah Carter, lease and release, for $300, 100 acres gr. to John Boles, as above. Signed. Wit: Thomas Berwick, Isaac Mitchell. Manchac Dist. proved by Thomas Berwick before Stephen Watts, 20 Dec. 1777. // Deed. 26 March 1804, Nehemiah Carter and wife Rachel to Jesse Carter, for $350 paid, the above tract, about 7 miles south of Natchez, adjacent Henry Phipps, Samuel Phipps, John Ellis, Osborne Sprigg and Second Creek.. Signed N. Carter, Rachel Carter. Wit: John Ellis, Hugh Davis, William Brown..” Another entry in Book D reads as follows: “ P. 477. Claim No. 1391. Spanish grant to Mrs. Sarah Kenner, 250 acres on Second Creek, 9 mi. SE of Fort, b. by Samuel Hutchins, John White, and Abner Green. N.O. 21 May 2020 by Miro. // File. Claimant, Sarah Carter. 28 Nov. 1804. Wit: Philander Smith. Certif. A-354 issued 21 June 1805. Sarah Carter, late Kenner, wife of Jesse Carter, claims 250 acres on Second Creek by virtue of a complete Spanish patent as above. Plat shows tract almost triangular in form, Abner Green, John Hampton White, and Samuel Hutchins, having lands adjoining. This claim signed: Washington, 19 March 1804, by Jesse Carter for Sarah Carter. The original Spanish grant in the file is made out to Madame Sarah Kenner, as was the plat.” Also in Book D, John Shunk is listed as a witness in a land sale 6 March 2021 by Jacob Harmon to Silas Crane, the right to a plantation called the Fort land, 3 miles east of Natchez. Dorene Turner found handwritten land records identifying Sarah Carter’s property as Sec.43T6R3W and Jesse Carter’s property as S46T6R3 and S2T5R3W (no dates).

From Private Land Claims in Mississippi and Missouri by Fern Ainsworth: “The General Land Office was created in 1812 and responsible for the keeping of records and recording titles, and from that date has kept a record of more than seven million ownership titles to over one billion acres. These records settle conflicting claims, and much genealogical and historical data is included in the records. The General Land office is today known as the Bureau of Land Management, and still has the same responsibility as the former. To obtain copies of the claim for land, send name of Claimant and Docket number to: Federal Archives, Washington, DC 20408 (specify that it is a private land claim).” Heirs of Jesse Carter is listed as Docket #65 (Mississippi); Nehemiah Carter (BLM-048405, Pat. 1191246) is Docket # 62. Other Carter claims are listed in Mississippi as well – Matthew (61), Robert (63), William (64).

In Anglo-Americans in Spanish Archives: Anglo-American Settlers in the Spanish Colonies of America, Dorene Turner found Sarah Kennard listed in the Natchez District in 1782 and 1787 (p.141 and 155) and on Second Creek (in the Natchez District) in 1787 (p. 112). Of interest to our study is the fact that Abraham and James Lobdell are also listed in the Natchez District in 1786 and James Lobdell at Bayou Pierre (in the Natchez District) in 1792. Guillermo (William) and Samuel Kirkland are listed at Villa Gayoso (Natchez District) in 1792. In abstracts 1805 commissioners’ certificates recorded at the Register’s Office for the district “west of the Pearl River”, “Sarah Carter (late Kenner)” is found in June as the original grantee of 250 acres on Second Creek by Spanish land grant dated May 21, 2020 (No. 354, Vol. 2, p.157); Jesse Carter is listed with 500 acres on Second Creek originally granted to Rachel Carter by Spanish land grant dated May16, 1791 (No. 355, Vol. 2, p. 159); in July, John Ellis is listed as owning 800 acres “on the river Homochitto” originally granted by Spanish land grant to Jesse Carter (date cut off in copying). Note: Second Creek and Sandy Creek are branches of St. Catherine Creek (an eastern tributary of the Mississippi River not far below Natchez). Between the mouth of St. Catherine Creek and the Homochitto River (another eastern tributary of the Mississippi River) is the White Cliffs area. The Homochitto River is south of Natchez and St. Catherine Creek and not far above what is now the Miss./ La. line. Bayou Pierre is an eastern tributary of the Mississippi some miles above Natchez. The land grants documented above are also recorded in Early Settlers of Mississippi as Taken from Land Claims in the Mississippi Territory, Walter Lowrie, Ed., The American State Papers, Vol. 1.

In Early Inhabitants of the Natchez District by Norman E. Gillis (1963), Cephas Kennard is listed as having received an English land grant of 250 acres in Mississippi (then part of British West Florida) on March 4, 1777. Norman E. Gillis indicated that his publication was compiled from records in the English Public Record Office in London. Other inhabitants listed as having received English Land grants from 1768-1779 who may be significant to our study are as follows: Thomas Carter, 5 Dec. 1778, 150 acres; Thomas Scott, 23 Apr. 1779, 480 acres and Walter Scott, 6 Aug. 1778, 500 acres. Also of interest are the following names of heads of household listed in the 1792 Spanish Census of the Natchez District: James Bonner at Santa Catalina, Joseph Bonner at Santa Catalina, Moses Bonner Jr. at Santa Catalina, Moses Bonner Sr. at Santa Catalina, Will Bonner at Santa Catalina, Charles Carter at Santa Catalina, Jesse Carter at Second and Sandy Creek, Nehemiah Carter at Second and Sandy Creek, Robert Carter at Sandy Creek, James Foster at Santa Catalina, John Foster at Santa Catalina, Martha Foster at Santa Catalina, Samuel Foster at Villa Gayosa, Thomas Foster at Santa Catalina, William Foster at Santa Catalina, William Kirkland at Villa Gayoso, Samuel Kirkland at Villa Gayoso, James Lobdell at Bayou Pierre, Daniel Sullivan at Santa Catalina, Patrick Sullivan at Buffalo Creek, Patrick Sullivan at Villa Gayoso. Note: Santa Catalina is obviously St. Catherine Creek as confirmed by numerous other records. Not far from the Mississippi river, St. Catherine Creek splits into Second Creek (upper) and Sandy Creek (lower). Buffalo Creek is another eastern tributary of the Mississippi River between the Homochitto River and Bayou Sara (Louisiana).

In The Natchez Ledgers 1790-1791 is a list of notes taken for debts due various creditors. These included debts Nehemiah Carter and Jesse Carter owed to various creditors including John Eldergill, Adam Bingham, Patrick Foley, Justus and Richel King, Reed & Forde, Daniel Clark & Co., the Secretary’s Office, Monsantos & Gilbert, Grass & Ross, George Proffitt, and Grass & Rose. Of interest is the inclusion of the name “John Shunk” on debts owed Reed & Forde. Charles and Robert Carter were also listed as owing debts to several of the above creditors.

In the Adams County Minutes of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace 1799-1801, William Kenner (Kennard) appears to take and acknowledge testimony for the court. Perhaps he is an attorney or recorder. Nehemiah Carter and John Kennard appear frequently to give testimony and, in some cases as defendants. “Be it remembered that on the 5th day of June 1800 Nehemiah Carter Sr., Nehemiah Carter Jr., Lewis Shelton, Andrew White, Edward Hackett, John Kennard, Archibald Wood, Joseph Lindon, & James Clark came before us William Dunbar and Philander Smith two of the Justices assigned to keep the peace within the said County and acknowledged themselves to owe the Governor of the territory aforesaid or his successors in office, that is to say that each of the above named persons the sum of fifty dollars, to be levied on their several goods & chattels, lands & tenements, to the use of the said Governor or to his successors in office if the said persons shall fail in performing the conditions underwritten. ---.” Then: “ The Jurors of & for the County of Adams aforesaid, enquiring for the Body of the said county upon their Oath Present, that Nehemiah Carter late of the county aforesaid, Senior, Nehemiah Carter late of the same county, Junior, Joel Dyer late of the same county, Andrew White late of the same county, James Clark late of the same county, John Kennard late of the same county, Joseph Lindon late of the same county, Lewis Sheldon late of the same county, Edward Hacket late of the same county, and Andrew Wood late of the same county on the 5th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred with force & arms at the county aforesaid in and upon one Nathaniel Tomlinson, in and upon one Elizabeth Tomlinson, & in and upon one Luther Smith each of them then & there being in the peace of the Mississippi Territory and of the United States did make an assault on them the said Nathaniel Tomlinson, Elizabeth Tomlinson, & Luther Smith then & there did beat, wound & ill-treat and many other wrongs to the said Nathaniel Tomlinson, Elizabeth Tomlinson, & Luther Smith then & there did to the great Damage of the said Nathaniel Tomlinson, Elizabeth Tomlinson, & Luther Smith against the form & effect of the Statutes in such case made adopted and provided and against the peace and dignity of the Mississippi Territory and of the United States.” Then: “ At a Court of Quarter Sessions holden at natchez on Monday the fourth day of august 1800. Present William Dunbar, Thomas Wilkens, & William Kenner Esquires. Grand Jury Impannelled and sworn vizt Joseph Calvit, Foreman. Matthew McCollough, Israel Smith, James Bolls, Benjamin Belk, George Killian, John Burney, James Bosely, Simpson Holmes, Robert Ford, Richard King, William Price, William Ogden, John Bolls, Isaac Gaillard. Thomas Campbell received and sworn an attorney of this court. Evidence to the Grand Jury – John Walton, Michael Crozier, & James Andrews, & Augustini Francis. Recognizances received from William Dunbar Esquire. Joseph Lindon & Archibald Woods, Nathaniel Tomlinson & Luther Smith, Nehemiah Carter Sr., Nehemiah Carter Jr., Lewis Shelton, Andrew White, Edward Hackett, John Kennard, Archibald Woods, Joseph Lindon & James Clark. James Clark, Nehemiah Carter Jr., Edward Hackett, John Kennard, Luther Smith, Nehemiah Carter Sr., Lewis Shelton, Joel Dyer.” In Adams County Minutes of the County Court, Vol. 2, 1802-1804: “Ordered that Hampton White, Jesse Carter, Israel Smith, David Mitchell, Abner Green, William Conner, & Peter Presley (son or Sr.) do view and mark out the most convenient way for roads in what is called Carter’s District and make report thereof to Court.” And: “A report of a road from Natchez crossing St. Catherine’s Creek at Glascock’s bridge to E. Bonnell’s ford of the Homochitto was returned in these word to wit, In compliance with an order of the Honorable Court for May Term 1802 we the undersigned have proceeded to lay off and mark a road from Natchez crossing St. Catherine’s Creek at Glascock’s to E. Bonnell’s ford of the Homochitto In Testimony Whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names this tenth day of September A.D. 1802 Whereupon it is ordered that the said report be confirmed and that the said road be established.”

In Mississippi Court Records 1799-1835 is found the following: “ Shunk, William. May 7, 1802. Legatees: 3 sisters- Nancy, Polly, and Sally, and friend Jesse Carter who is partner in a cotton gin. Exrs: Jesse Carter, Nehemiah Carter Jr. Wit: William Nicholls, Thomas Pollard, Israel Smith.” In the same publication: “Carter, Jesse. Feb. 8, 1816. Legatees: Samuel Postlewaite as trustee for daughter. Lydia; George Poindexter Jr. (gr.son); daughter Eliza Trask wife of Israel Trask. Exrs: Israel E. Trask and daughters, Eliza and Lydia. Wit: Lyman Harding, William Walters, Isaac Carter.” Also the following is abstracted from records of Nehemiah Carter’s will: “Carter, Nehemiah. March 3, 1814. April, 1814. Of Wilkinson County, Indian Territory. Son Parsons (of Louisiana), son Isaac (youngest), son Jesse, daughters, Hannah Palmer, Phebe Phipps, Sally Hackett. 3 children of daughter Betsy Adams. Exr: son Jesse. Wit: Israel Smith, William Waters.”

In Natchez Court Records, Book A, p. 5, Cephas Kennard of Natchez is listed as owing John Blommart $14, date of note 12 Feb. 1774. Also in Book A the following is recorded: “ 15 Oct. 1785. John Row, planter of District, to William Vousdan, 250 arpents on Second Creek, 14 miles south of Natchez, as by Royal patent of his Brittanic Majesty, dated 25, May 1779, bounded on west by Anthony Hutchins, north by Cephas Kinnard, and otherwise vacant lands ---.” Another entry in Book A dated 1786 shows Jesse Carter and Nehemiah Carter as witnesses in the probate of Tacitus Gaillard. Also in Book A a land grant of Cephas Kennard is noted as bordering land on the west side of Second Creek conveyed by William Vousdan to Abner Green in Dec. 1786. In Natchez Court Records, Book B: “ 10 Jan. 1789. Thomas Irwin to Jesse Carter and Sarah Carter, his lawful wife, four Negro boys and two Negro wenches, for $2760 Mexican silver (terms) together with plantation, horses, cattle mortgaged for payment. Signed Jesse Carter, Sarah Carter, Thos. Irwin.” In Natchez Court Records, Book F on Aug. 15, 1781 Cephas Kinnard testifies in the suit of Hannah Vousdan vs. Emmanuel Madden regarding a number of bushels of corn. In Book F in the 1793 suit of Israel Smith vs. Arthur Cobb, which involves a fight at Second Creek in which Cobb lost his eye, both Sarah Carter and Jesse Carter testified. Also of interest is the fact that an A. Sloan signed and testified in this case (Ann Lucretia “Nancy” Penny, daughter of James Penny and Nancy “Lucy” Kennard, later married a Mongomery Sloan). And in Natchez Court Records, Book G, is the suit of William Vousdan vs. Cephas Kinnard regarding an outstanding debt for salt, drawing timber, and drawing a hogshead of tobacco dated 1779. Also in Book G is noted the suit of Louis Chachere vs. Cephas Kinnard on Nov. 5, 1784 regarding a $35 debt.

From The Order of First Families of Mississippi 1699-1817, Vol. 2, edited by Charles Owen Johnson: “Colonel Nehemiah Carter. He resided in Adams Co. and Wilkenson Co., Miss. From 1775 until his death in 1814. He was born in New Jersey ca. 1725 and died in Mississippi, possibly Natchez, in Mar. 1814; his will was dated 5 Mar. 1814 and was probated 5 Apr. 1814. He married Rachel Minthorn in New Jersey in 1763. She was born in New Jersey and died in Woodville or near Natchez, Miss. after 5 May 1795. Children of Nehemiah and Rachel (Minthorn) Carter: Ann Carter m. Thomas Landfair, Major Jesse Carter m. Mrs. Sarah Kennard, Parsons Carter b. 6 Mar. 1776 m. Ann Hays Dortch, Hannah Carter b. 25 Dec. 1764 m. Archibald Palmer, Isaac Carter m. (1) Elizabeth Lambert (2) Jane Floyd, Elizabeth Carter m. (1) Charles Adams (2) Solomon Swayze, Rachel Carter m. William Cunningham, Phebe Carter m. Henry Phipps, Sallie Carter m. Edward Hackett, Prudence Carter b. 1780 m. George King, Nehemiah Carter Jr.”

Of interest from The Journal of Mississippi History, Vol.III, by Ms. Hugo Newcomb, 1941: “One may be permitted to hope that Joseph A. Lloyd was not typical. Lloyd came to Mississippi in the entourage of Winthrop Sargent, who speedily withdrew his patronage from the teacher. Lloyd remained however as tutor in the families of Jesse Carter and Abner Green, and was subsequently tutor to the Surgets, the Bingamans, and others. He was by 1807 a confirmed drunkard, unable to govern himself in spite of the most fearful and protracted mornings after, recorded in his diary. He was sardonically amused to discover in the same drawing room one evening a drunken music master, a drunken dancing master, and a drunken schoolmaster.” Also in Vol. XL of the same reference, Jesse Carter is noted to be a major in the First Regiment of the Mississippi Militia.

Dorene Turner found information regarding Jesse Carter, the third husband of Sarah Parish, in The History of the Descendants of the Jersey Settlers, Adams County, Mississippi edited by Frances Preston Mills in the chapter on the Carter family. Jesse is identified as the son of Nehemiah Carter (thought to be descended from the first Nicholas Carter in America – refer to the Genealogical and Memorial History of the State of New Jersey for more on this subject). From The History of the Descendants of the Jersey Settlers: “Nehemiah Carter is known to have come to the Natchez District in 1775 with Caleb King. Natchez Court Records are replete with his doings, real estate deals, court suits, debts, opposition to the Spanish, quarrels with neighbors. His oath of allegiance to the United States is dated and signed ‘N. Carter’. Owen Johnson, as a genealogist of the Carter family does not verify his birth, marriage, or death dates, but Dr. John H. Hobgood of Crowley, La. designates these dates as follows: B. 1725, m. ca.1763, Rachel Minthorn dau. of Richard Minthorn of Morristown, New Jersey, d. 3 March 1814. Two of his children married second generation Jersey settlers: Betsy Carter Adams to Solomon Swayze, Prudence Carter to George King. When Nehemiah Carter died he was a wealthy man as shown by his will. His gifts of land and moieties designate his heirs. All the sons were bequeathed land, the daughters and granddaughters moieties, no doubt indicating that the daughters were already cared for by landed husbands.” Children of Nehemiah Carter and Rachel Minthorn: Parsons m. Ann Hays Dortch, Jesse m. widow Sarah Kennard, Prudence m. George King, Phebe m. Phipps, Sallie m. Hackett, Elizabeth (Betsy) m. (1) Charles Adams, Isaac, Rachel, Ann, Hannah, Nehemiah Jr. The book outlines the following regarding Jesse Carter: “Jesse Carter, son of Nehemiah Carter and Rachel Minthorn, m. the widow Sarah Kennard (Canhard); their home ‘Greenoak’ (now called Fair Oaks) is in Reid Smith and and John Owen’s The Majesty of Natchez; he d. prior to 21 April 1818. Fair Oaks is on the Natchez Pilgrimage of homes.” Children of Jesse Carter and Sarah Kennard are listed as: (1) Eliza (Betsy) m. Col. Israel Elliot Trask, d. near Woodville, Miss. 26 Dec. 1835 and (2) Lydia. “Lydia Carter, dau. of Jesse Carter and Sarah Kennard, b.1788-89, m. (1) George Poindexter, later Governor of Mississippi, 1804, divorced 1815; m. (2) Rev. Lewis Williams, 20 June 1820,Brimfield, Massachusetts. --- George Poindexter was a brilliant young lawyer, a leader in the Mississippi Territory. He ran the Jesse Carter Plantation, making it a model of successful farming. Unfortunately he was emotionally unstable and drank heavily. The Carter-Poindexter divorce was the scandal of the day. Family and friends did not blame Lydia. I found a letter in her praise in Claiborne’s History of Mississippi as a Territory. The letter was written to George Poindexter by a gentleman in Virginia (before the marriage): ‘You have drawn a valuable prize in the matrimonial lottery. Her great beauty is, as far as I can judge, her least recommendation, for she blends grace and intelligence with every amicable trait that adorns her sex. Only preserve yourself an evenness of temper.” From a book called Mississippi as a Province (no author or publication information provided) in an entry regarding the year 1808: “He (George Poindexter) had established his reputation in Congress as a man of talents, but was extremely unhappy. He had already separated from his beautiful wife, who had borne him two sons, and he publicly accused her of criminal relations with one who had been a favorite of both.” In an entry from the same book regarding George Poindexter: “1820-1-2, he discharged the duties of his office with his usual industry and ability. The labors and responsibilities of the office probably afforded him some relief, for this period of his life was full of sorrows. By his first wife, the beautiful Lydia Carter, he had a son (Albert), for whose education he provided. The divorced mother placed him at a school near Philadelphia, and the father agreed to defray all expenses. The teachers made no encouraging report, yet he was capable of writing this affecting letter: ‘Hamilton Village, Feb. 7th, 1821. Dear Father: I am very sorry I cannot please you in any way. I try my best. I have just left a school where I was not made to study, and I hope you will not expect so much from me here the first quarter. I do not think I can enter college for a year or more, no matter how I try; but if you will keep me at school I will try to do my best. Dear father, do you intend to put me upon the world, without either the care of a father or mother, or without any means of support? Do you intend I shall have no more education after this year? Please tell me what I am to expect. I have felt as any boy would when he has parents to take care of him, ever since your last hard letter. I hope you do not intend to let me enter into the world without some support. Mr. Dodge received a letter from you yesterday. He read it over to me. You spoke to him about locking me in a room, to compel me to learn. Dear father, I will try to learn without being locked up. Dear father, won’t you write to me? I have written to you many times, but have never received a letter from you. I still remain your affectionate son.’ This letter explains it all. The boy was not bright; but he had good materials in him. The harsh, exacting father placed a barrier between them, and he lived to see the boy, the very image of himself, a pauper, a vagabond, and a criminal. The unfortunate youth died in 1832.”

Also from a footnote in Mississippi as a Province: “The White Cliffs, now known as Ellis’ Cliffs (after Col. John Ellis, one of the most distinguished pioneers), twelve miles below Natchez, and one of the most picturesque points on the Mississippi. Once the residence of Terre Blanche, or White Earth, a noted chief of the Natchez. In the Spanish records I find the following, addressed to his Excellency Governor Miro: ‘The memorial of a few of the inhabitants of Second Creek, in behalf of themselves and others humbly showeth: That a piece of land, not exceeding 150 arpents, lying between Mr. Ellis’ line and the river, at the White Cliffs, poor, broken, and not desirable for cultivation, is nevertheless well adapted for stores, warehouses, and a public landing, and would be if used as such, a convenience to the public, and specially to your petitioners and their neighbors. Your memorialists therefore pray that no private claim may be allowed to cover it, but that your Excellency will order it set apart for the use of the Sovereign and of the public. Signed: Nicholas Long, Samuel Hutchins, Wm.Vousden, David Mitchell, Jesse Carter, Nehemiah Carter, Abner Green, Isaac Johnson, John Swayze, Israel Smith, Samuel Cooper, Joseph Dunn. Natchez, January 15, 1778.” There is a further note (presumably from the time of publication of the above book) indicating that The Governor issued the order on the back of the petition and also noting that the place had long since caved into the river. The Plains and the People by Virginia Lobdell Jennings also includes a section on the Nehemiah Carter family.

From Mississippi as a Province: “As far back as 1768 the king had issued an order, or mandamus, to the governor of West Florida to have surveyed and allotted to Amos Ogden, of New Jersey, a retired naval officer, 25,000 acres in one single tract. In 1772, Captain Ogden sold 19,000 acres of his claim, to Richard and Samuel Swayze, of New Jersey, at the rate of twenty cents an acre. They made reconnaissance of the district, and located the claim on the Homochitto River, in the present county of Adams. In the fall of the same year, the two enterprising brothers, with their families and a number of their kindred and friends, sailed from Perth Amboy for Pensacola; thence, by the usual lake route to Manchac, up the Mississippi, and then up the Homochitto to what is now known as Kingston. Samuel Swayze had been for a number of years a Congregational minister, and most of the adults who came with him were communicants. The faithful shepherd, as soon as he had provided a shelter for his wife and children, and planted cotton for their bread, gathered up his fold and organized his society, undoubtedly the first Protestant pastor and congregation in the Natchez district. Under many drawbacks, growing out of Indian depredations, and discouragements after the county passed into Spanish hands, this pious teacher and his kindred met together on the Sabbath, often in the swamp and canebrakes, for divine service. In 1780 the Indians became so troublesome and exacting that most of the settlers abandoned their homes and moved to the vicinity of Natchez. The venerable pastor settled on the east bank of St. Catherine on what was long afterwards known as Swayze’s old field on the left of the road from Washington to Natchez, and there he died in 1784. The Jersey settlement, begun in 1772, by men of intelligence, energy, and high moral character, became prosperous and rich; densely populated; highly cultivated; distinguished for its churches and schools; its hospitality and refinement. And, in the course of years, it sent its thrifty colonies into many counties, carrying with them the characteristics of the parent hive. The Farrars, Kings, Corys, Montgomerys, Pipes, Foules, Colemans, Jones, Callenders, Fowlers, Lases, Griffings, Hopkins, Nobles, Ashfords, and many others in Mississippi and Louisiana, are descended, in one branch or another, from the brothers Swayze.”

The home of Jesse and Sarah Parrish Shunk Kennard Carter, originally called Greenoaks and now known as Fair Oaks as mentioned above, is featured in The Majesty of Natchez by Reid Smith and John Owens, Pelican Publishing Company, 1986. The following information on the house is given: “Fair Oaks, circa 1800. Even though Fair Oaks has had three different names and far more owners, there was built into this 98-foot plantation house a special charm that has gone undisturbed for generation. Jesse Carter was a mere lad when his family forsook their Virginia origins and in the 1770s wandered southwestward into the Natchez country. Here young Jesse grew to manhood, obtained a major’s commission in the local militia, planted his first cotton and married Widow Sarah Canhard of Second Creek. All records, sketchy though they are, indicate that the spot Jesse Carter chose for his homesite was a 250 acre British land grant to Sarah’s first husband. From hand-hewn cypress and old sailing timbers it is believed that the Carters built a long, low rambling house which they named Greenoak. For a time Jesse and Sarah were to share their new home with their daughter, Lydia, and her illustrious husband, George Poindexter, one of the framers of the state’s first constitution and later Mississippi’s second governor. Greenoak’s name was changed to Woodbourn in 1836 when the house came under the hand of John Hutchins, son of Col. Anthony Hutchins, the first male child of British parentage born in what is now the State of Mississippi. Twenty years later Woodbourn finally became Fair Oaks with its purchase by Dr. Orrick Metcalfe, a medical graduate of Yale University. Since that time Fair Oaks has never left Dr. Metcalfe’s family.” Fair Oaks is located about 6.3 miles below Natchez on what is today U.S. Hwy. 61 South. The author obtained a later (1999) edition of The Majesty of Natchez. This was a bit puzzling because the author is now listed as Steven Brooke rather than Smith and Owens as above. This edition was by Pelican Publishing of Gretna, La. According to this book: “Reliable records indicate Fair Oaks – originally called Woodburne – was built in the Second Creek neighborhood by mercantilist Henry W. Huntington in 1822.” Sarah and Jesse Carter are not mentioned. According to notes from the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage: “Fair Oaks: 1822. Hwy. 61 S. This charming and inviting example of a Southern planter’s residence has regional characteristics of the Federal style. It has been in the possession of the same family since 1856 and contains heirloom furnishings. Private residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bazile R. Lanneau. National Register.” And from The Great Houses of Natchez by Mary Warren Miller, University Press of Mississippi: “The great length and high finish of the gallery at Fair Oaks render the house an outstanding illustration of the Mississippi planter’s house --- The gallery is deep and long enough to accommodate the outdoor living requirements of a large family. Because the gallery at Fair Oaks is just as important as any room in the house, it is made an integral part of the structure, set beneath the main roof as if it were a room whose walls have been replaced by slender columns and open railings. The gallery is trimmed as finely as an interior room, with baseboard, chair rail, and paneled wainscot. The hinged panels beneath the windows, called jib windows, increase ventilation and allow easy access between rooms of the house and the gallery. The original house was only one room deep with a rear gallery whose ends were enclosed by small cabinet rooms. Two rooms are located on each side of a room-sized entrance hallway with fireplace. The beautifully detailed, Federal style fanlight of the entrance doorway is repeated at the back of the center hall and between the hall and parlor. The floor plan of the house was elaborated by the early addition of a dining room at the back of the center hall. Although documents suggest the house was on the property in 1822, the broadness of the moldings indicate that Fair Oaks millwork dates as late as the early to mid-1830s.”

Jesse Carter’s will is found in the Adams Co., Miss. Will Book I, p. 147, 1816. Dorene Turner deciphered Jesse Carter’s will from a copy of the handwritten document. This is the transcription: “In the name of God amen. I, Jesse Carter of the County of Adams, in the Mississippi Terr.,do make this my last will & Test – in manner and Form, following that is today Impriones (?), I give grant, direct and requesth unto Samuel Postlethwait, Esquire of the County of Adams aforesaid all that tract of two hundred and fifty acres of land, situated on Second Creek in the County aforesaid, and conveyed to me by Geo. Poind. (George Poindexter is assumed), Esquire, by indenture bearing date the Second day of April last past, also the fourteen Negro slaves conveyed to me by the said Geo. P.by Bill of Sale of the same date, together with the increase of the Females of said Slaves, also one half of the residue of my Estate (after payment of my just debts) whether real or personal wheresoever situated. To Have and to hold, the said Premises and every part thereof in manner following, that is to say, whatever is of the reality, or of the nature of real Estate, unto the said Samuel Postlethwait, his heirs and assigns forever, and whatever is of the personality, or of the nature of personal Estate, unto the said Samuel Postlethwait, his Executors, Administrators and assigns forever, In Trust however, and for the use, intents, and purposes, hereinafter mentioned am I declared of and concerning said Premises, and every part thereof, and to none other, that is to say that my daughter Lydia be permitted to occupy and enjoy three fourth parts of said premises during her natural life, taking to her separate use the income, rents, (unreadable word) and profits, (unreadable word) and products thereof, whether she continues sole or becomes covert (?), any ___ ___ notwithstanding and whether covert or discovert (looks like covert and dicovert – perhaps means married or single?), that she have the full power and authority to dispose of the three fourth parts of said premises absolutely by last will & testament in writing duly made, as if she were a femsole (?), and in default of such last will and testament, that the same be conveyed and (unreadable word) to the right heirs.

Item. I will and desire that my said daughter Lydia have the care, custody and supervision of the Education of my grand son Geo. Poin, Junior, during his minority, and in order to enable her to maintain support and educate my said grandson, according to the articles of agreement entered into the third day of April just past, between me & the aforesaid George Poindexter, his Father, I will & direct, that my said daughter Lydia be permitted to take the rents, issues and profits, hire and income of the remaining one fourth part of all the before mentioned premises for the purposes aforesaid, during the minority of my said Grandson, and in case of her death, during said minority that said rents, issues, and profits, hire & income, be paid over to the legal Guardian or Guardians of my said Grandson, during such minority for the aforesaid purposes and when said Grandson shall arrive at the age of twenty one years, I will and direct, that the before mentioned fourth part of all the aforesaid premises be conveyed and (unreadable word) to him absolutely, and in case of his death before the age of twenty one years, that the same be for the use and go to my daughter Lydia, subject to the same trusts, powers, conditions, and limitations, herein before expressed, of and concerning the said three fourths parts of said premises, and in case of her death without such last will & testament, or before the death of my said Grandson if he dies before the age of twenty one years, then I will and direct that said one fourth part of said premises be conveyed and go to the right heirs of my said daughter Lydia.

Item: And I hereby will & direct that all or any part of the before mentioned (unreadable word), real or personal, be sold and conveyed either at public or private Sale, under the direction of all my executors, hereinafter named, or the survivors, or Survivor of them given in writing for that purpose, when they deem it expedient and the proceeds of such Sale or Sales, invested in Stock or other state (?), real or personal under such direction of my executors, hereinafter named, the Survivors or Survivor of them, to (unreadable word) however in the same manner, and for the Same uses and purposes, and subject to the same powers and limitations, (unreadable word) provided, and declared of, & concerning the before mentioned premises.

Item, as to the rest and residue of my Estate (after the payment of any just debts) both real & personal and wherever situated, I will, direct, and bequeath the same to my daughter Eliza Trask, wife of Israel Trask, Esquire, her heirs, Executors, Administrators, and assigns forever.

Item. In consideration of the long continued and faithful services of my Negro slaves, Bill Merton and Violet, his wife, I will that neither of them, nor her son Simon be mentioned or considered as my property, or a part of my Estate, but that my Executors take the most expedient, lawful ways, and to emancipate said three slaves, and each of them, and I request my said Executors to furnish said Negroes after their emancipation, with a small tract of land, sufficient and suitable for them, to cultivate for an honest subsistence.

Item. I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my esteemed Son in law, Israel E.Trask, Esquire, and my beloved daughters, Eliza and Lydia, Executors and Executrix, of this my last will and Testament. Hereby revoking all other and former wills, by me heretofore made. I publish and declare this my only and true last will & Testament, written on two sheets of paper. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the eighth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and sixteen. (Signed) Jesse Carter. Signed, sealed and published by the said Testator, as and for his last will & testament, in presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence, and in presence of each other, have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses, the words ‘that’ & ‘in’ being first underlined. (Signed) Lyman Harding, Wm. Walters, Isaac Carter.”

Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790 (reprint by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1984) documents several early Kennard marriages. Thomas Kennard married Mary Ecoff 11 March 1748. Elizabeth Kennard married Richard Ham on 6 July 1762. Menan Kennard married Elizabeth Cameron on 5 November 1763. Information on specific locations in Pennsylvania was not provided. Pennsylvania Vital Records, Vol. 1 (Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1983) indicates that George Kennard married Mary Hurley on 26 November 1757. In The History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans, (Everts and Peck Publishers, 1883, Philadelphia), Kennards are listed as pre-Revolutionary settlers in Sadsbury Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., but specific given names are not mentioned. Other early family names in Sadsbury township include Cooper, Moore, Pownall, Williams, Longhead, Sproul, Irvin, Heard, Morgan, Borland, Miller, Brooks, Smith, Chamberlin, Slokum, Brinton, Walker, Musgrave, Rockey, Townsend, Thompson, Whiston, and McGowan. It is noted that between the Indian Wars and the American Revolution “several companies of emigrants from Sadsbury and adjoining townships went to what is now Guilford Co., N.C. (near Rowan Co.) and since the development west from the Mississippi, many from this region have gone thither”. Also of interest in The History of Lancaster County is the following in the section on Salisbury township: “Margaret Hoar, widow of Wallingford, County of Berks, England, purchased 250 acres of land on Pequea Creek (border between Lancaster Co. and Chester Co.) from John Marlow, in 1728, and leased it to her son Robert who, with his wife Sarah, emigrated and settled on it. Their children were Benjamin, married Prudence Davidson; Jonathan, married Mary Kennard; Joseph, married Margaret Linvill; Margaret, married Mr. Wilson; Mary, married Mr. Brunton; Sarah, married Mr. Hoyt; and Rachel, married Mr. Blackley.”

According to an informal Kennard genealogy by Alta Kennard Patterson at the DAR Library (#89546) contributed to the library 3-13-1989 there is a Kinnaird House in Kinnaird Village, Larbert Parish, just north of Edinburgh, Scotland 4 ½ miles north of Falkirk. Mrs. Patterson also notes a Kinnaird Castle in another village called Kinnaird, near Perth, near Perth, Perthshire Co., Scotland. Alta Kennard Patterson also wrote a Kennard family book entitled Kennard/King/McCubbin/Knight and Their Kin. Mrs. Patterson indicated that three Kennard brothers were the original settlers in America: John who settled in Philadelphia, Joseph who settled in Kentucky, and Richard who settled in Kent County, Maryland. Mary Howard in a Kent Co., Md. will of 1730 left “Denbigh”, a tract of land, to her sons Richard Kennard Jr. and Nathaniel Kennard.

Possibly related is information found on the Kennard Family Genealogy Forum on Genforum online. A Nathaniel Kennard is noted to have married Ann Sandefur. Their son, James Jones Kennard, married Eleanor King. Children of James Jones Kennard and Eleanor King were:

*Charles Henry Kennard, b. 1809 Alabama, m. Mary Jane DuPree 1833 Lauderdale Co., Alabama, d. 1860 Rusk Co., Texas

*George Mortimer Kennard

*Nancy Mathilda Kennard

*Adeline Powers Kennard

*Mary Geraldine Kennard

*James Kennard

*Nathaniel William Kennard

*Eleanor Elizabeth Kennard

*Louisa Carolina Kennard

*Penelope Clarissa Kennard, b. 1806 N.C., d. 1834 Alabama

*Joseph King Kennard, b. 1802, m. Susan Ann Tomlin

*Sandifer E. Kennard

Also of interest is a listing from the Rusk County, Texas 1850 Census:

Charles H. Kennard, age 41, b. in Tenn.

Mary J., age 36, b. Alabama

Balzoria E., age 13, b. Miss.

Mary E., age 11, b. Miss.

Louisa A., age 9, b. Miss.

Josephus G., age 7, b. Ala.

George T., age 5, b. Ala.

Taylor E., age 3, b. Ala.

Sarah A., age 1, b. Miss.

The relationship of these Kennards to the Kennard family of our study is undetermined, but the name Josephus is intriguing.

A correspondent on the Rootsweb message board gave the following line of descent: John Kennard, Sr. of Moreland Manor, Pennsylvania --- then John, Jr. --- then orphan John --- then Joseph (Rev. War soldier who moved to Kentucky) --- then George Washington Kennard --- then James Edward Kinnaird (Civ. War 1st Kentucky Vols.) --- then James Bradley Kinnaird. He also noted that there were three Maryland branches of Kennard headed by Richard, Sr.; Phillip; and Nathaniel.

In the Land Records of Baltimore County (now City) in Liber T.K. No. 312 Folio 176 is found a conveyance record dated Sept. 11, 1841 involving a lot on the N.W. corner of Barre and Sharpe Streets in Baltimore City. Mary Branson conveyed the property to William H. Kennard, Sr. in trust for the benefit of Baltis H. Kennard, Margaret L.B. Kennard (later Hilleary), William H. Kennard (then Jr.), Ann M. Kennard, George H. Kennard, and Sophia L. Kennard (later Webb). These were noted in the document to be children of William H. Kennard, Sr.

From an informal Kennard genealogy at the DAR Library entitled Families/Kennard/Hurd: John Kennard of the N.J. Line by Elmira Brock Hurd, 1993: “John Kennard was born about 1753, according to his affadavit when he applied for pension for Revolutionary War service at Somerset, Ohio (Perry Co.) the 25th of April 1818 ( Rev. War Pension Applications File No. S41723, National Archives, Washington, D.C.). In July1820 he swore he was 67 years of age, enlisted in Kingwood township, New Jersey, in the first year of the Revolutionary War. In another statement he swore he enlisted in November 1775 in Baptisttown for one year as a private. The following information is contained in a letter dated 24 January 1963, to Mrs. Teresa K. Nelson, Salt Lake City, from State of New Jersey, Department of Defense, Trenton: “John Kennard – Private, Captain Stout’s Company, 2nd Regiment, New Jersey Continental Line; enlisted November 6, 1775; mustered at Trenton Barracks, January 15, 1776, by Gunning Bedford, Deputy Mustermaster General; reenlisted November 1776, for the war. Reported sick at Camp Brandywine, September 2, 1777; discharged for physical disability in 1780. Resident of Hunterdon County, New Jersey; age 22 years; resided in Perry County (Ohio) in 1820”. This is followed by details of service. Elmira Hurd then continues, “After his discharge, Kennard lived in Pennsylvania where most, perhaps all, of his children were born. One son, James F. Kennard, is reported by descendants to have been born in Bedford Co., PA in 1781. William was born 1787 in Pennsylvania (census enumerations). The name John Kennard appears on a list of warrantees of land for 50 acres in Bedford Co. 17 September 1785, but according to a history of Bedford County, another Kennard family settled there prior to 1800. Since that family also used the first name “John”, it is not known which man received the warrant. Huntington County was formed from Bedford in 1787, and in the 1790 Federal Census Index, John Kennard is listed in Huntingdon County (1 male 16 & up, 3 males under 16, and 4 females). The 1790 index also shows a John Kinard in Northampton Co. and a John Kinnard in Chester Co., but neither of these enumerations conforms to our Kennard family, as we know the complement to have been at that time.” From John Kennard’s pension file it appears that his sister may have been Jemima Reed, wife of Amos Reed who had served in the same regiment as John Kennard, as both signed as relatives. Amos Reed and Jemima Kennard were married in 1780 in Bucks Co., PA – just across the state line from Hunterdon, N.J. where Kennard enlisted. Amos Reed and John Kennard indicated in the pension file that they were both shoemakers. John Kennard died in Perry Co., Ohio on 13 August 2020 according to Jacob Rush and Zebulon Kennard who swore they were present at his death. William Kennard was an administrator of the estate. The heirs of John Kennard were named in a Perry Co., Ohio deed dated 16 March 1825, Vol. B, p. 295: James Kennard and Catherine his wife, John Kennard and Susannah his wife, William Kennard and Kezia his wife, Zebulon Kennard and Melinda his wife, John Smith and Jemima his wife formerly Jemima Kennard, Frederick Swartz and Hester his wife formerly Hester Kennard, Adam Maxwell and Mary his wife formerly Mary Kennard, Abigail Cook formerly Abigail Kennard. Elmira Hurd also mentioned a publication called Kennard Connections published by Ms. B Kennard in Laurel, Md. that suggested that the parents of John Kennard (Rev. War soldier mentioned above) were James Kennard and Alice Jolly, but this was not based on definitive documentation. A Genforum posting on the Kennard Family Genealogy Board gave the following information. James Kennard, b. about 1722, d. Apr. 1777 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. He married Alice Jolly, daughter of James Jolly and Letisha Nelson. Jemima Kennard (daughter of James Kennard and Alice Jolly), b. 1746 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania, married in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania in 1780 to Amos Clausen Reed (b. 1737 in New Jersey, d. 1834 Belmont Co., Ohio), d. 1840 Belmont Co., Ohio. RootsWeb.com lists James Kennard as having been born about 1720 in Easton, Pennsylvania. However, it notes that about 1740 he immigrated from County Antrim, Ulster and that he had a brother named Nathaniel who settled around 1740 in Kent Co., Maryland. James was noted to have married Alice Jolly about 1745 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. James and Alice Kennard had the following children: James Kennard b. about 1744 in Maryland; William Kennard; Alexander Kennard; Abraham Kennard b. about 1747; Jemima Kennard b. 1746 Bedminster Township, Bucks Co., Pa.; Joseph Kennard b. 1747 in Bedminster Township, Bucks Co., Pa.; Benjamin Kennard b. 1751; John Kennard b. 1753 in Kingswood Township, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey. Further information regarding descendants is also available on this site.

In another informal Kennard genealogy in the DAR library entitled A Family Record: Kennard, Hugg, Collins, and Other Families compiled by Louise Kennard Haynes and Fanny Kennard Wilson, 1954, the following family history is given: “John Kennard, 1668-1689, was one of the first settlers of Haddam, Connecticut. He married Rebecca, daughter of Jared Spencer, in 1682. He died in February 1689 leaving John, 6 years old, and Elizabeth, 2 years old. His widow married John Tanner. The family moved to eastern Pennsylvania where Tanner was interested in William Penn’s settlement.” References noted for this information are: Genealogical Dist.of New England, Savage, Vol. 3 p. 10, Vol. 4 p. 147. First Settlers. Pennsylvania Archives 3rd Series, Vol. 3 p. 35. Old Rights Phila. Co. Proprietary Rights. Then the following line of descent is noted by the compilers of the genealogy:

1st generation – John Kennard m. Rebecca Spencer dau. Jared Spencer of Haddam, Conn.

2nd generation – John Kennard Jr. m.(1)______(2) Margaret Harwood, Sept. 1738

3rd “ - Samuel Kennard Esq. M. (1) Sarah Smith Cox, wid. of David Cox, dau.of Thos. Smith of Burlington, New Jersey (2) Elizabeth

4th “ – Samuel Kennard Jr. m. Eliz. Hugg, dau.of Joseph Hugg of Gloucester Co. 1784

5th “ – Joseph Hugg Kennard m. Beulah Elfreth Cox, dau.of Jacob Cox 1822

John Kennard Jr. (1683-2748/49, yeoman, lived in Moreland township in the northern part of Philadelphia. He owned 100 acres in Bucks Co., PA. References : Penn. Archives. Series 2, Vol. 9, p. 40. Records of Phila. Wills, Book 1, p.86, Ph. 3A, p.990. Phila. Deeds, Book 2, 1683-1809, Books L&R, p. 210. Phila. Deeds D, Book 19, p. 2. Register First Presbyterian Church, Phila., PA. John Kennard Jr.’s 1748/9 will (Rec. Phila. Wills Book 1, p. 86) names wife Margaret (2), sons Samuel, Joseph, Thomas, John, Anthony, daughter Mary Fry. Much more detail and information regarding subsequent generations is outlined in this summary available at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C.

Doreen Turner also provided another informal descent chart maintained by Bill Kinnaird, Unit 17, 5 Tenby Street, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia (as of March 2001), e-mail bill@kinnaird.net. This involved descendants of Edward Kennard (England, New Hampshire, Maine) b. abt. 1595 in Canterbury, Kent, England, d. in Canterbury, Kent. England (no name for wife provided). His son was listed as Edward or Michael Kennard b. about 1625 in Canterbury, Kent, England and died there (no information on wife provided). His son, Edward Kennard b. 1662 in Rochester, Kent, England, d. 2 April 2021 in Portsmouth, Rockingham, New Hampshire. His wife was Elizabeth Martyn (aka Martin) b. 31 July 2020 in Portsmouth, Norfolk (I assume England), m. 3 July 2020 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, d. after 6 Dec. (year?). Descendants of this Edward Kennard and Elizabeth Martyn migrated from New Hampshire to Maine. Two other sons of Edward or Michael Kennard (and apparently brothers of Edward who married Elizabeth Martyn) were listed as Joseph or Josephus Kennard and William Kennard. No dates or other identifying information was given. One would assume that they were born in the mid-1600s in Kent, England, but this is not specified. The Joseph/Josephus (Cephus) given name is of interest, but would be prior to the time period in which our Cephus Kennard who married Sarah Parrish (widow Shunk) would have been born.

PARENTS: James Penny and Nancy (Lucy) Kennard. James Penny was born 14 July 2020 (DAR 185029). According to The Plains and the People James came to Pennsylvania when he was 8 years old and settled in Lancaster Co. According to Lynette LeBlanc Kleinpeter who wrote The Kleinpeter Legacy, Hebert Publications, 1995, which includes a section on the Penny family, James Penny came to America with his father, Joseph Penny, in the spring of 1775. A James Penny found on Lancaster Co. tax lists for 1771, 1772, and 1773 was thought to be his father in one edition of The Plains and the People, but this was later revised when found to be in conflict with the 1802 Diocese of Baton Rouge baptismal record listing Robert Penny and Rose Milraid as paternal grandparents of children of “Jacques Penny and Maria Carnite”. Presumably, the Diocese of Baton Rouge information is more reliable as it was likely provided by James Penny.

In The History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania a William Penny is listed in the 1756 census of Drumore Township (on the Susquehannah River near the Maryland line). In the Assessors’ Return of Drumore Township, 1759, William Penny is listed as owning 200 acres. In the Drumore Assessment Roll for 1769 James Penny is listed as having 100 acres. The Drumore Township Return for 1780 lists Hugh and William Penny as owning 175 acres and James Penny is listed as a freeman. James and Joseph Penny are noted to be among early members of the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church near Drumore. The following information was obtained from Churches and Cemeteries of Lancaster Co., Penn. by A. Hunter Rineer, Jr. Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church at the intersection of Chestnut Level and River Roads, west of Pa. Rte. 272, near Hensel was founded in 1717. The first meetings were held in 1711 by itinerant missionaries. Around 1717 a log church was built near Centreville (now Hensel) on a chestnut tree-covered plain. The log church was possibly located on what is now called Morrison Graveyard at Site 5. In 1729 a second church was built on a site opposite the old cemetery on the road to Hensel. The name of the community changed from Mt. Pleasant to Chestnut Level when the church moved there. The present church, still in regular use, was built 1765 – 1767. Church records prior to the 1890s are either lost or illegible. The Old Chestnut Level Presbyterian Cemetery (c. 1717) is east of the church on the south side of River Road. The New Chestnut Level Presbyterian Cemetery adjoins the church. The mailing address for the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church is 1068 Chestnut Level Road, Quarryville, Pennsylvania 17566. From the Chestnut Level cemetery records:

William Penny died July 12, 1776, age 54, listed in old cemetery records.

Hugh Penny died May, 1808, age 61 yrs., 4 mos.

Annjuline Moore Penny, daughter of James and Hammah Penny, died Nov. 22, 1840, age 19 yrs., 10 mos., 16 days

Joseph Penny died Dec. 18, 1843, age 48 yrs., 5 mos., 7 days

Mary, Consort of Joseph Penny died Aug. 31, 1826, age 41yrs., 4 mos., 10 days

From http://www.rootsweb.com/~paslchs/clpceml.html the following gravesites are listed in Chestnut Level Cemetery:

PENNY, Annjuline Moore - dau of James and Hannah - died Nov. 22, 1840, age 19 yrs., 10 mos., 16 days

PENNY, Hugh - died May 29, 1809, age 61 yrs., 4 mos.

PENNY, Joseph- died Dec. 18, 1834, age 48 yrs., 5 mos., 7 days

PENNY, Mary - consort of Joseph - died Aug 31, 1826, age 41 yrs., 4 mos., 10 days

PENNY, William - died July 12, 1767, age 54 yrs.

From http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/tanzania/48/slchspg3/clpcemu.html were found the following additional names (stone numbers as listed on the website):

Stone #23 (son of James and Hannah) - PENNY, William Harvey - died Sept 21 , 18?(3)(5)1, age 22 yrs., 1 mo., 20 days

Stone #24 (father) - PENNY, James - died Oct. 25, 1858, age 70 yrs., 9 mos., 11days

Stone #25 (mother) - PENNY, Hannah LONG - died Feb. 2, 1874, age ??86 yrs., 10 mos., 14 days

Stone #26 (our Uncle) - PENNY, William - died March 16, 186?(2), age 77 yrs., 10 days

Stone #27 (son of ? & E.

Stone #24 (dau of Hugh & Ann) - PENNY,Hannah Margaret - died May 13, 2020 age 15 yrs., 6 mos., 29days

Stone #25 (dau of Hugh & Ann J.) - PENNY, Harriet S. - died Oct 27, 1869, age 26 yrs., 7 mos., 12 days

Stone #26 (Mother, wife of Hugh M.) - PENNY, Ann I. Long - born July 23, 1813, died March 23, 2021

Stone #27 - PENNY, Hugh M.- born Sept. 24,1844, died June 6, 1877, age 59 yrs., 8 mos., 12 days

The following website gives a very detailed history of the Wentz family, including interrelations of the Wentzs and the Pennys: http://www.wentzfamily.com/WentzBook/WentzBookCh6.htm

[Cemetery and website information above provided by Cindy Derr of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church and Carolyn Rowe crowe@rand.org. Carolyn Rowe is a descendant of James William Penny and Elizabeth T. Collins Brown noted in the section entitled SIBLINGS.]

Pennsylvania Marriage Licenses Prior to 1790 (reprint by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1984) lists a marriage between Thomas Penny and Elizabeth Davis on 23 October 1762. A McSparren biographical sketch in The History of Lancaster Co. (Drumore Township) indicates that James McSparren (1764 – 1827) married Eleanor Neel, daughter of Thomas Neel and Gresall Penny Neel. When James McSparren died in 1827, James Penny (Drumore Township) was appointed guardian of a minor son, Fleming McSparren. In 1839 Fleming McSparren spent a year in shipping of some kind on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers between Pittsburgh and New Orleans before returning to Lancaster Co., Penn. The Biographical Annals of Lancaster Co. published in 1903 included biographical sketches of several Pennys. Hugh Penny, described as a staunch Presbyterian and Democrat, was noted to be an original settler from Ireland to Lancaster Co., Penn. (local tradition holds that three Penny brothers originally came to the area from Ireland). Joseph Penny, a son of the original Hugh Penny, married Mary Long and had the following children: James C. (1819 – 1885) who married Mary Maria Wentz, Hugh, Hannah who married William Wentz, Sarah who married John Wentz, Mary Jane who married Thomas Wentz, and Harriet who married Steele Morrison. Hugh Penny (1812 – 1882), son of Joseph Penny, married Sarah Wentz in 1836. Their children included Mary M. who married Henry Peagan, Joseph, (Sarah) Adelaide who married Thomas Wilson, Maria J. who married Aldus Aument, William C. who married Mary Bockins, Hugh J. who married Lizzie Phillips, and Laura M. who married William Overholt. In Bridgens’ 1864 Atlas of Lancaster Co., Penn., p. 40, on the map of Drumore Township are lots owned by James Penny, Hugh Penny, and W. and H.M. Penny. Today in the area is Penny Road and an old stone farmhouse built in 1815 by the Calhoun brothers (whose sister was the great grandmother of Sarah Wentz who married Hugh Penny) and deeded in 1844 to Hugh and James Calhoun Penny. The information on the farmhouse was kindly provided by Frank Aument, a Penny descendent, his wife Hazel who lived in the old farmhouse until March 2001. The house is located at 1033 Penny Road, Holtwood, Pennsylvania 17532.

The History of Lancaster County notes that “Drumore was settled by Scotch-Irish as early as the year 1700”. There is a local tradition in Drumore continuing to the present day that Drumore was settled by interrelated Scottish families who emigrated first to Northern Ireland for a few years and then to Pennsylvania. In 1996 there was a twinning ceremony at the Belmont Hotel in County Down formally joining Drumore, Penn. and Dromore (original spelling of Drumore), County Down, in Northern Ireland with regular visits and cultural exchanges due to this tradition. However, to date, no records (genealogical or otherwise) have been uncovered actually documenting a connection between the two towns. Drew Nelson (23 Gallows Street, Dromore, County Down, Northern Ireland BT25 1BG) continues to be interested in any genealogical information related to this subject, but has found no records of Pennys or Kennards so far. Although the name James Penny is found in Drumore, Penn. records, there is no documentation of relationship to James Penny, father of Albert Gallatin Penny, at this point. The writer has not as yet discovered records of a Robert Penny in Lancaster Co. It is possible that the father of James Penny was not listed in early Lancaster Co. records as he was living in the household of a relative. The coexistance of Pennys and Kennards in nearby townships in colonial records of Lancaster County, Penn. is intriguing, but requires more research. It should also be noted that Frank Aument (noted above), a Penny descendant and long-term resident of the Drumore area of Lancaster Co., shared his impression that the Shanks and the Pennys were somehow related. He indicated that an old Shank homestead was located only a few miles from the Penny farmhouse just outside of Quarryville, PA and that the site was occupied by generations of Shanks until a few years ago when the last Shank resident died in his 90s.

James Penny served in the Revolutionary War – Capt. James Morrison’s Co. of 3rd Battalion of Militia of Lancaster Co., Penn. dated Dec. 17-26, 1776 – and also as a private in the 6th Battalion with Col. James Taylor in command (Penn. Ar. V. Series, Vol. V, p. 707). In The History of Lancaster Co., James Morrison is on the Drumore township tax list with a note that he was a Captain in the Revolutionary War in 1777. According to DAR 185029 by Zula Penny Morgan, James Penny’s residence during the Revolutionary War was Chester County, Pennsylvania. This is a county adjoining Lancaster Co., between Lancaster Co. and Philadelphia. Lynette LeBlanc Kleinpeter reports that James Penny “enlisted in the War of the American Revolution from Chester Co., Pennsylvania, and arrived in Captain James Morrison’s Company of the Third Battalion of the Militia at Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which organization was commanded by Colonel Thomas Porter. --- James Penny’s name appears on the company muster roll for the period of December 17 to December 21 of 1776. He was also listed as a private in the year 1780 in Captain James Clark’s Company 6th Battalion commanded by Colonel James Taylor.” (Records of Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisonburg, Pennsylvania; p. 707, Vol. 5, 5th Series.) John Landry Skolfield (a descendant of Lucy Ann Penny, daughter of James, and Samuel Skolfield) indicates that both James Penny and George Skolfield III (b. 1765 - from Chester Co., Penn.- ancestor of Samuel Skolfield) were recorded in 1780 as Drum and Fife in the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment. The author of this paper researched county archives in Chester Co., Pennsylvania in December 2001. The archivist there indicated that although young boys were not allowed to carry arms, many were able to join the fife and drum corps. It appears that James Penny at least began his service in the Revolutionary War in this capacity.

The author of this summary visited the Chester Co., Pennsylvania Archives and Record Services (601 Westtown Road, Suite 080, P.P. Box 2747, West Chester, PA 19380-0990) in December 2001. In Pennsylvania Births, Lancaster Co. 1723-1777 by John T. Humphrey, Humphrey Publications, Washington, DC, 1997 (note that Lancaster is the county adjoining Chester Co.), the following Shenk births were recorded (with the exception of two noted, all taken from the baptismal records of either the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, register beginning in 1730, or the Moravian Church, Lancaster, register beginning in 1743):

Andreas Schenck - 7 Sept. 1735 – fa. Andreas, mo. not given, (Luth.)

Anna Schenck – 5 May 2020 – fa. Geo., mo. Anna Marg., (Mor.)

Christine Schenk – 16 Jan. 1748 - fa. Georg, mo. Marg., (Mor.)

Elizabeth Schenck– 28 Oct. 1769 – fa. Michael, mo. Elisabeth, (Luth.)

Georg Fridrich Schenck – 27 Jan. 1769 - fa. Heinrich, mo. Catharina, (Luth.)

Joh. Georg Schenck – 13 Aug. 1739 – fa. Andreas, mo. not given, (Luth.)

Joh Martin Schenck– 12 Oct. 1737 – fa. Andreas, mo. not given, (Luth.)

Johann Schenck – 9 Mar. 1776 - fa. Thomas, mo. Catharina (Luth.)

Johannes Schenk – 16 Oct. 1733 - fa. Andreas, mo. not given, (Luth.)

Johannes Schenck – 16 Apr. 1774 – fa. Michael, mo. Elisabeth, (Luth.)

Michael Schenck – 15 Feb. 1771 – fa. Michael, mo. Elisabeth, (Luth.)

Anna Maria Schenk – 21 Mar. 1753 – fa. Joh. Georg, mo. Marg., (Mor.)

Catharina Schenk – 18 May 2020 – fa. Georg, mo. Marg., (Mor)

Catharine Schenk – 5 Feb. 1758 – fa. Joh.Geo., mo. Marg., (Mor.)

Christopher Schenk – 16 Sept. 1765 – fa. Geo., mo. Marg., (Mor.)

Eva Schenk – 9 Feb. 1752 – fa. Jacob, mo. Maria, (Trinity Luth., New Holland, PA)

Georg Friedrich Schenk – 18 Aug. 1760 – fa. Heinrich, mo. Catharina, (Luth.)

George Heinrich Schenk– 27 Aug. 1761 – fa. Heinrich, mo. Catharina, (Luth.)

Jacob Schenk – 16 Oct. 1775 – fa. Michael, mo. Elisabeth (Luth.)

Johan Philipp Schenk – 26 May 2020 – fa. Heinrich, mo. Catharina, (Luth.)

Johann Schenk – 30 Jan. 1777 – fa. Johann, mo. Maria Elizabeth, (Luth.)

Johannes Schenk – 18 May 2020 – fa. Joh. Georg, mo. Marg., (Mor.)

Magdalena Schenk – 7 Jun. 1768 – fa. Geo., mo. Mar. Marg., (Mor.)

Margaret Schenk – 31 Jan. 1767 – fa. Georg, mo. Marg., (Mor.)

Rosina Schenk – 29 Jan. 1770 – fa. Geo., mo. Maria, (Mor.)

Susannah Schenk – 20 Dec. 1762 – fa. Heinrich, mo. Catharina, (Luth.)

Not given Schenk – bp 15 June 2020 – fa. Heinrich, mo. not given, (Luth.)

Ann Magdalen Shenk – 10 Jul. 1755 – fa. Jacob, mo. Cath., (1st Reformed Ch.,Lancaster)

A son Shenk – 10 Aug. 1763 – fa. Georg, mo. not given, (Mor.)

A son Shenk – 10 Nov. 1764 – fa. Andreas, mo. not given, (Mor.)

In Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1713-1748 based on the abstracts of Jacob Martin the following was found:

Shank, Christian. March 1, 1726, 1732. Adm. to Henry Shank.

From Abstracts of Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania Wills, 1732-1785 (Family Line Publications): Note that this is the county adjoining Chester Co.

Shank, Michael. 23 Jan. 1744. 4 June 1744. Wife: Barbara Shank. Children: Michael and Barbara. Stepchildren: Franey, Elizabeth, Ann, Jacob, and John (last name not given). Executor: Barbara Shank. Strasburg Township.

Shank, John. 11 Sept. 1744. 4 Dec. 1744. Children: Michael, Christian, and Barbara. Executor: Michael Shank. Township omitted.

At the Chester County Historical Society (225 North High St., West Chester, PA 19380) was found an informal Shank genealogy entitled One Shank Ancestral Tree, Lancaster Township: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by J. Clayton Shank, Newtown Square, PA, 1963. The summary details descendants of John Shank (1789-1857), a minister for the Millersville Mennonite congregation and prosperous farmer in Lancaster Township, Lancaster Co. Also included is the line of descent from Rev. John Shank’s great grandfather, the Swiss pioneer John Shank who purchased land from the Penns in 1734 and developed the 150 acre plantation which became known as the Shank homestead. This land is on the west side of the Conestoga just below the original city of Lancaster. The summary indicates that the Shank emigrants to Lancaster Co, were Swiss and members of the Mennonite religion, known early on as Anabaptists or Swiss Brethren. It is noted that they held to a doctrine of non-resistance in their refusal to bear arms, rejecting worldly pleasures, accepting baptism after a profession of faith, dressing in plain garb, and abstaining from the swearing of oaths. In 1670 due to severe restrictions placed on the Brethren in Switzerland, many migrated to the Palatinate in southern Germany, and later to Pennsylvania in response to the opportunity provided by William Penn. According to the Shank genealogy, 1717/18 land surveys in Lancaster Co. (then called Chester Co. according to the summary) show Michael Shank and John Shank as owners of two tracts in Conestoga township, and that Michael Shank owned part of what is now the city of Lancaster. Also the 1718 assessment of heads of families and single men lists a Michael Shank, Sr., a John Shank, a Michael Shank, Jr., and a Christian Shank. Six years later another John Shank is added. The summary notes that family tradition holds that these Shanks in early Lancaster county were the descendants of the three Shanks – Hans, Christian, and Michael – mentioned in Ernst Muller’s history of Swiss Mennonites as living in Greisham, southern Germany in 1672 and as being refugees of the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The language of first emigrants to Lancaster Co. appears to have been German from records such as a surviving family Bible. More information is available through the library of the Chester Co. Historical Society (address above) through a copy of the full summary available on request.

From Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1748-1766 based on the abstracts of Jacob Martin:

Shanks, Samuel. June 19, 1755. W. Nottingham. Adm.to Sarah Shanks and William Cuming.

Kittera, James. West Fallowfield. Jan. 31, 1763. March 6, 1764. Provides for wife Margaret. To niece Elizabeth Fulton and her children 30 pounds. To Margaret daughter of James Leeke 6 pounds when of age. To Margaret Stuart 10 pounds. To Thomas Kittera 1/3 of estate at death of wife and the other 2/3 to Susanna Willson and Mary Ann Kinard. Executors: Wife Margaret and Thomas Kittera and John ___.

From Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1766-1778 based on the abstracts of Jacob Martin:

Newlin, Nathaniel. Concord. 5/25/1766. Nov. 14, 1766. Provides for wife Esther. To daughter Edith wife of Saml. Schofield 5 pounds. To daughter Jane wife of Isaac Pyle 4 pounds. To daughter Mary Dickenson 19 pounds. To son Nathaniel part of my plantation in Concord containing 116 acres, also the plantation adj. Purchased of my Uncle John Newlin containing 100 acres paying the legacies to my 5 daughters. To son Cyrus part of plantation in Concord containing 161 acres at 21 years of age, paying to daughter Tobitha 50 pounds. To daughters Abigail and Rebecca 50 pounds each at 21. To son Thomas part of my plantation in Concord containing 124 acres at 21. Executors: Wife Esther and son Nathaniel. Wit: Wm. Seal, John Palmer, Joseph Peirce.

Haines, Isaac. Goshen. 7/6/1766. Aug. 16, 1768. Provides for wife Catherine. To son Isaac 20 shillings having given him a plantation in Goshen. To son Ellis plantation containing 146 ¼ acres, also 20 shillings. To son Josiah remainder of plantation where I now live containing 133 acres. To daughter Sarah Haines case of drawers. To grandsons Isaac Yarnall and Hugh Derbrow 10 shillings at 21. All the remainder of personal estate

to wife and 3 daughters Hannah Eachus, Mary Martin, and Lydia Williams. Executors: Son Isaac and friend Geo. Ashbridge, Jr. Wit: Thomas Hoopes, Jr., Thomas Scholfield, Isaac Haines III.

Trego, William. Goshen. Aug. 1, 1768. Sept. 16, 1768. Provides for wife Margaret. To each of my grandchildren now living 1 shilling each. To Wm. McPherson and Phineas Eachus 1 shilling each. Remainder of personal estate to my daughters, Elizabeth and Mary Malin, Sarah Eachus, and Ann Hunt. The share of Sarah to be at the disposal of my Executors and not subject to any demand of her husband. To son Benjamin after decease of wife plantation whereon I now dwell in Goshen containing 100 acres paying 70 pounds to 3 daughters, Elizabeth, Mary, and Ann. Executors: Son Joseph Trego of Nantmeal and Geo. Ashbridge, Jr. Wit: Wm. Bane, Thomas Scholfield, Aaron Hoopes.

(Previous page unfortunately not recorded, but in a section of 1777 wills) witnesses were: Thomas Scholfield, Jona. Matlack, and Levis Janney.

From Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1778-1800 based on the abstracts of Jacob Martin:

Junkin, Benjamin – Easttown- Sept. 3, 1784. Dec. 20, 1784. Provides for wife Margaret. To son Samuel 40 shillings. To son David tract of land in Easttown conveyed to me by James Claypole containing 40 acres. To son John tract of land whereon I now live containing 100 acres, subject to certain legacies. To daughter Ann, wife of James Parkinson, 50 pounds, and to her oldest son 10 pounds. To daughter Mary, wife of Israel More 20 pounds. To daughter Susannah Junkin 40 pounds. Remainder to son John, also executor. Wit: David Jones, Daniel Smedley, Nathan Scholfield.

Patton, John. West Chester. Dec. 5, 1797. Feb. 24, 1798. Provides for wife Lucy. To son John all my houses, lots, etc. that lays on the northwest side of a road to be laid out, called the State Road, from Philadephia to York town, when 21. To son Matthew 2 acres bought of Thomas Ross and 4 acres on the opposite side of the Road, also 40 pounds at 21. If he should not have the capacity to take care thereof to remain in the hands of the executors in trust for him. To son Thomas remainder of my land, with the Tavern house at 21. Remainder to son John. Executors: Wife Lucy, Hugh Reed of Thornbury, Delaware Co., Thomas Ross. Wit: John Kinnard, John Hannum, Jr.

Lockhart, John. West Chester. Preceptor. Jan. 2, 1799. Feb. 4, 1799. Provides for wife Rachel. Executors to sell real estate, that is the plantation and Tavern called Indian King and house and lot in Chester when youngest son Henderson is 21, and money divided between wife Rachel and children, Phebe, Emma, John, and He___ in equal 1/5 shares. Executors: Wife Rachel,John and William Newlin. No record of letters. Wit: John Graves, John Kinnard.

Moore, Joseph. West Chester. April 22, 1799. Aug. 9, 1799. Provides for wife (not named). Executors to sell real estate and remainder divided among children, share and share alike, at 21, Joseph, Emmor, Jefferis, James, and Elizabeth Moore. Executors: Wife and Friends Joseph McClellan, Nathaniel Grubb. Letters to McClellan and Grubb, wife being deceased. Wit: Isaac Webb, John Graves, William Kinnard.

From the Tax Indexes for Chester Co., PA 1693-1730, 1740, 1750, 1765:

1750 – William Penny – no status listed – Londonderry.

1750 – Francis Schunck – no status listed – Vincent.

1750 – Simon Schunck – no status listed – Vincent.

1765 – Thomas Schoffield – Goshen.

1765 – George Skolfield – tenant as disclosed by tax notation – Charlestown.

From the Tax Index of Chester Co., PA – Vol. N-Z – 1747-1763 on microfilm (LDS#0387953):

1732 – Wm. Penny – E. Nottingham.

1735 – Wm. Penny – Londonderry

1737 – William Penny – Londonderry.

1739 - Wm. Penny – Nottingham.

1740 – Wm. Penny – Londonderry.

From the Tax Index of Chester Co., PA – Vol. I-V- 1747-1763 on microfilm (LDS#0387955):

1747-1763 – no Pennys listed (and there are no tax records at all for 1741-1746).

1762 - George Schofield – Inm. (inmate denotes property owner and head of household) –Haverford.

1756 – George Skofield – Haverford.

1757 – George Skofield – Haverford.

1758 – Geo. Skofield – Haverford.

1762 – David Schofield – freeman – Birmingham.

1762 – George Shofield – inmate (property owner and head of household) – Charlestown.

1763 – Geo. Schofield – inmate (see above) – Charlestown.

1763 – Thomas Scholdfield – Marple.

1768 – Thomas Schofel – inmate (see above) – Springfield.

From the Tax List of Chester County (Penn.) for 1768, Family Line Publications, Westminster, Maryland:

In Charles Town George Scoffield, taylor – no acres, 1 horse, 1 cow, no sheep, no servants.

In Goshen Thomas Schoffield, blacksmith – 150 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, 6 sheep, no servants.

From Tax Indexes for Chester Co., PA, 1775, 1785, and 1799:

1775 – George Scoffield – Charlestown Township – listed as an inmate (means property owner and head of household).

1775 – William Schofield –Pikeland Township – listed as a freeman or singleman.

1775 – Thomas Scholfield – Goshen Township – status not listed.

1775 – William Sholfield – Charlestown Township – listed as freeman or singleman.

1775 – Isaac Shunck – Pikeland Township – listed as inmate (property owner and head of household.

1775 - Cunrad Shunk – Vincent Township – no status listed.

1775 – Simon Shunk – Vincent Township – no status listed.

1785 – Nathan Scholfield – Goshen Township – listed as a tenant as disclosed by tax notation.

1785 – George Scholfield – Charlestown Township – listed as an inmate (property owner and head of household).

1785 – William Scholfield – Charlestown Township – listed as inmate (property owner and head of household).

1785 – Peter Shunck – Pikeland Township – no status listed.

1785 – Isaac Shunk – Pikeland Township – listed as inmate (property owner and head of household).

1785 – Simon Shunk – Vincent Township – no status listed.

1799 – John Kinnard – Goshen Township - no status listed.

1799 - William Kinnard – Goshen Township – no status listed.

1799 – Nathan Schofield – East Bradford Township – no status listed.

1799 – William Schofield – Tredyffrin Township – no status listed.

1799 – Peter Shunk – Pikeland Township – no status listed.

1799 – Simon Shunk – Pikeland Township – listed as freeman or singleman.

From Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Land Records, 1729-1750 and Land Warrants, 1710-1742 by Marsha Martin: (Note that this is the county adjoining Chester Co.)

Michael Shanks is listed as a 1740/41 neighbor of “land located on a branch of the Conestoga Creek in Lancaster Co.” owned by Land Oswald.

B-579 – This indenture – 28 Nov. 1748 – Margaret Good widow of Peter Good of Lancaster Co., yeoman dec’d, Jacob Good eldest son of said dec’d, Michael Prennaman and Anne his wife daughter of the dec’d, Christian Shank and Barbara his wife another daughter of the dec’d, John Stover and Margaret his wife daughter of the dec’d, Elizabeth Good and Mary Good daughter of Peter Good youngest don of dec’d to John Good of Lancaster Co., yeoman another son of Peter dec’d, 5/ for 165A. Land is located on the east side of Pequea Creek, neighbors – Samuel Roger, now or late of William Middleton. Peter directed before his death verbally, in front of several witnesses, how he wanted his land to be divided among his heirs. It was confirmed in his will dated 6 Oct. 1745, John is to have the 165A. This is the same tract that Caspar Wiser and wife Catherine granted by indenture dated 27 Apr. 1738 to Peter Good the father in fee---Margaret (M) Good, Jacob (I), mark has another line through the center of the I, Good, Michael Prennaman, Anna (O) Prennaman, Christian Shank, Barbara (X) Shank, John Stover, Margaret (w) Stover, Elizabeth (X) Good, Mary (m) Good --- Ack’d 10 May 2020 Thomas Cookson ---Rec’d 10 Dec. 1748 no name ---Cert’d deed was recorded Benjamin Longnecker.

B-580 – This indenture - 13 Nov. 1748 – Margaret Good widow of Peter Good of Lancaster Co., yeoman dec’d, Jacob Good eldest son of dec’d, John Good another son of dec’d, Michael Prennaman and Anna his wife daughter of the dec’d, John Shaffer and Margaret his wife and daughter of the dec’d, Elizabeth Good and Mary Good daughter of dec’d younger son Peter , to Christian Shank who intermarried with Barbara daughter of the dec’d, 5/ for 203A. Land located on east side of Pequea Creek, neighbors – William Sharrat, John Good, Samuel Boyers. Before his death Peter directed verbally in front of witness how he wanted his land divided among his heirs. Later he wrote his wishes in German, it being his will. Will was proved on 6 Oct. 1745. Peter wanted Christian Shank and Barbara to have 203A, which is part of a 250A tract that was granted to Peter by James Hamilton of the city of Philadelphia on 5 May 1739. --- Margaret (m) Good, Jacob (I) mark has line through center, Good, John Good, Michael Prennaman, Anna (O) Prennaman, John Shaffer, Margaret Shaffer, Elizabeth (X) Good, Mary (m) Good --- Sealed and delivered in the presence of Samuel Bonde, George Smith ---Ack’d 10 Dec. 1748 Thomas Cookson ---Rec’d 10 Dec. 1748 no name ---Cert’d deed was recorded Benjamin Longnecker ---Deed was delivered to Jacob Good 20 Dec. 1750.

B-582 – This indenture – 29 Nov. 1748 – Margaret Good widow of Peter Good late of Lancaster Co., yeoman dec’d, Jacob Good eldest son, Michael Prennaman and Anna his wife and daughter of dec’d, Christian Shank and Barbara his wife and daughter of dec’d, John Stover and Margaret his wife and daughter of dec’d, Elizabeth and Mary Good daughters of Peter younger son of dec’d to John Good of Lancaster co., yeoman and son of dec’d, 5/ for 50A. Tract located on east side of Pequea Creek, neighbors – none mentioned. Peter Good the father died seized of 250A. Before his death he stated verbally in front of several witnesses how he wanted his land divided among his heirs. Later he wrote his will in German stating the same. John was to have 50A. The other heirs in consideration of 5/ paid by John grant their shares in the 50A. Land was granted to Peter by James Hamilton on 5 May 2020 in fee. ---Margaret (M) Good, Jacob (I) mark has a line through center, Good, Michael Prennaman, Anna (O) Prennaman, Barbara (X) Shank, Christian Shank, John Stover, Margaret (M) Stover, Elizabeth (X) Good, Mary (X) Good --- Sealed and delivered in the presence of Samuel Bond and George Smith ---Ack’d 10 Dec. 1748 no name ---Cer’d deed was recorded Edwin L. Reinhold.

From Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, Vol. 3, 1745-1753 by Carol Bryant:

Deed. On 13 Apr. 1752 John White late of the City of Philadelphia, but now in Croydon in the county of Surrey in Great Britain, merchant, by John Swift of the City of Philadelphia, gentleman and attorney for John White, to James Dysart of Londonderry, yeoman. Whereas William Penn, Jr., late of London but then in Dublin in Ireland, Esquire, by deed dated 3 & 4 May 2020 granted to John White a tract in Chester County containing 5000 acres, being the said tract surveyed to William Penn, Jr., the son of William Penn, governor, by his 1st wife, recorded in Philadelphia, Book G, Vol 7, page 440. Whereas John White by Letter of Attorney dated 31 July 2020 & recorded in Philadelphia Book D2, vol. 3, page 34, appointed his nephew, John Swift his lawful attorney to sell the said 5000 acres being in Chester County bounded by a tract called Sir John Fagg’s Manor, land of John Criswell, John Dougherty, John Fleming, John Black, William Penny, John Ross, James Glasgow, Robert Criswell, William Porter, Nathan Dix, John Dix, John Simpson, Allen Simpson, James Young & James Gland. Now John Swift attorney for John White, for 75 pounds grants to James Dysart all that tract bounded by land surveyed to Stephen Cornelius, land of David Fleming, Henry McCadden, William Armstrong & land surveyed to John Henderson, containing 144 ½ acres. Signed John Swift. Delivered in the presence of Thomas Wilson & John Starr. Recorded 23 June 1752. (H8:345).

Deed. On 14 May 2020 John White, late of the City of Philadelphia, but now of Croydon in the county of Surrey in Great Britain, merchant, by John Swift of the City of Philadelphia, gentleman & attorney for John White, to Stephen Cornelius of Londonderry, yeoman. Whereas William Penn, Jr. late of London but then of Dublin in Ireland, Esquire, by deed dated 3 & 4 May 2020 granted to John White a tract in Chester County containing 5000 acres, being the said tract surveyed to William Penn, Jr., the son of William Penn, governor, by his 1st wife, recorded in Philadephia, Book G, vol. 7, page 440. Whereas John White by Letter of Attorney dated 31 July 2020 & recorded in Philadelphia Book D2, vol. 3, page 34, appointed his nephew, John Swift his lawful attorney to sell the said 5000 acres being in Chester County bounded by a tract called Sir John Fagg’s Manor, land of John Criswell, John Dougherty, John Fleming, John Black, William Penny, John Ross, James Glasgow, Robert Criswell, William Porter, Nathan Dix, John Dix, John Simpson, Allen Simpson, James Young & John Gland. Now John Swift attorney for John White, for 133.3 pounds grants to Stephen Cornelius a tract in Chester County bounded by land of Job Ruston, Robert Criswell, David Fleming, Robert Patterson, Hugh Miller & Robert McKee, containing 213 ½ acres. Signed John Swift. Delivered in the presence of James Dysart & Lewis Gordon. Recorded 26 June 1752. (H8:351).

Mortgage. On 14 Sept. 1752 Jeremiah Thompson of Londonderry, farine, to John Richardson of the County of New Castle & Christian Hundred, merchant. Whereas John White late of the City of Philadelphia but now of Croyden in Great Britain, merchant, appointed John Swift of the City of Philadelphia, his lawful attorney, who granted to William Penny & Elizabeth his wife a tract in Londonderry bounded by the Manor line, land surveyed to John Ross & surveyed to Henrey McAdams, containing 116 acres. William Penny & Elizabeth his wife granted the 116 acres to Jeremiah Thompson. Now Jeremiah Thompson for 90 pounds grants to John Richardson the said 116 acres. Jeremiah Thompson to pay John Richardson 90 pounds plus interest , to be paid in full on 14 Sept. 1754. Signed Jeremiah Thompson. Delivered in the presence of James Ogilby, Richard Richardson & Mary Richardson. Recorded 26 Sep 1752. (H8:383).

From Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, Vol. 5, 1758-1765 by Carol Bryant:

Mortgage. On 16 Dec. 1762 John Salkeld of Wilmington in the County of New Castle on Delaware, yeoman, to David Scholefield of Birmingham, yeoman. John Salkeld stands bound to David Scholefield for 212 pounds conditioned on payment of 106 pounds plus interest on 13 May next, John Salkeld to better secure said debt granted to David Scholefield tract of land in West Caln bounded by land of Peter Babb, John Salkeld, Sr., land late of John Salkeld, dec. & land of Samuel Love containing 100 acres. Signed John Salkeld. Delivered in the presence of Henry H. Graham & E. Price, Recorded 27 Dec. 1762. (M12:503).

Sheriff’s Deed. On 14 Feb. 1764 John Fairlamb, Sheriff of Chester County to Abraham Smith of East Caln, yeoman. David Scholefield in the Court of Common Pleas recovered against John Salkeld, Jr. of Wilmington in the County of New Castle on Delaware, yeoman, a debt of 212 pounds & 45 shillings damages to be levied on the lands of John Salkeld, Jr. John Fairlamb for 131 pounds granted to Abraham Smith a tract of land in West caln bounded by land of Peter Babb, John Salkeld, Sr., land of late John Salkeld, dec., land of Samuel Love & John Love containing 100 acres. Signed John Fairlamb, Sheriff. Delivered in the presence of Isaac Lewis, Henry Lewis & Morris Thomas. Recorded 5 June 1764. (N13:329).

From Revolutionary War Soldiers from Chester County, PA compiled by Chester County Historical Society volunteers:

Penney, Hugh – pp. 708/769 – PA V: 5 Ser: V

Penney, James – pp. 707/769 – PA V: 5 Ser: V

Penney, Joseph – pp. 707/768 – PA V: 5 Ser: V

Penney, William – pp. 708/769 – PA V: 5 Ser: V

Schoffield, Thos. – pp. 611 – Note: See Schofield – PA V: 5 Ser: V

Schofield, Thomas – pp. 674 – Note: See Schoffield – PA V: 5 Ser:V

Schofield, William – Lieutenant – PA V: Ser: - other ref: DAR Vol. 29, P99;41, P 227;42, P 275;43, P27;115, P100;119, Pnote:

Scholfield, George – pp. 603/619 – PA V: 5 Ser: V

Schoofield, Thomas, Jr. – pp. 663 – PA V: 5 Ser:V

From the History of Chester County, PA from an 1877 centennial address regarding the soldiers who fought at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War (p. 99-100): “The names of privates, unfortunately, are not so easily ascertained, but I am ready to furnish evidence that the following-named men, living within a circuit of four miles of Valley Forge, served at one time or another in the Revolutionary War: --- William Schofield, James Schofield, George Schofield ---.” Also in this book (on p.108) George Scolfield of Charlestown Township is listed as applying to the authorities for reimbursement for damages or losses by British troops during the Revolutionary War. On a list in the above-named book (p.112) of officers and men from the county who served in the war of independence and were wounded, taken prisoners, or otherwise disabled, who had pensions or allowances granted: Lieut. William Schofield, Tredyffrin Township: Captain Federick Vernon’s company, Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania line, then commanded by Col. Francis Johnson. Also from the History of Chester County, PA (on p.199), William Penny is listed on a 1741 resurvey of “persons who have presumed to settle on William Penn’s Manor”. This property was described as being on the west side of Fagg’s Manor which “embraced all the upper portion of Upper Oxford and a small portion of Lower Oxford.” On p. 262 in records of the Goshen Baptist Church Joseph H. Kennard is listing as having been among several who preached up until 1827 when a regular preacher was accepted.

In the Naturalization Records Index 1769-1906 available online at http://www.chesco.org/archives is found record of a William Kinnard who migrated from Great Britain who petitioned for citizenship in 1798. Details for requesting copies of naturalization records are included online.

While researching Chester County, PA records, I noticed that the name of a Rose Family repeatedly appeared. It occurred to me that the “Rose Milraid” listed as mother of James Penny of Louisiana in the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Church Records could have been “Mildred Rose”. On the chance that this connection is later discovered, I recorded the following records on the Rose family.

From Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, Vol. 1, 1681-1730 by Carol Bryant:

Deed. On 1 Feb. 1709/10 John Wade of Essex house in Chester, yeoman, and Alexander Rose of Chester, joyner, to George Sincock of Chester, hatter, a tract in Chester bounded by the land of Samuel Bishops, Bridge Street, Essex Street, and land of Gaein Stevenson. John Wade sold said land but did not convey to Alexander Rose who created a house and sold the house to George Simcock for 112 pounds. Signed John Wade and Alexander Rose. Delivered in the presence of John Simcock and Gaein Stevenson. Recorded 13 Mar. 1710. (C3:125)

From Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania 1713-1748 based on the abstracts of Jacob Martin:

Taylor, Israel. Mattinicuck Island. Chirurgeon. Nov. 17, 1725. Apr. 16, 1726. A. 191. Directs burial by wife in burial place appointed by me in my orchard where several of my children lieth. Bequeaths the whole of the island above mentioned to the 3 sons that now liveth with me, viz. Christopher, Benjamin, and Israel, to be divided as will directs. To son Samuel tract of land in township of Strasburg containing 1300 acres. To son Thomas 100 pounds. To daughter Dinah Cartmell 50 pounds. To daughter Sarah Heal 1 pound. To daughter Ellen, Martha, and Hannah 100 pounds each at 21 or married. To daughter Mary Sandeland, the debts (97 pounds) I paid for her husband Jonas Sandelands. Executors: sons Christopher, Benjamin and Israel. Witnesses: James Dicken, Jonn Rose, John Wright.

From the Tax lists of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Vol. N-Z, 1693-1740 (LDS#0387953):

1739 – Moses Rose – Londonderry

1739 – James Rose – Londonderry

1739 – John Rose – Londonderry

1740 – Adam Rose - Fallowfield

From Tax Index of Chester Co., PA, I-V, 1747-1763 (LDS#387955):

1747 – Aquila Rose – Freeman – W. Nottingham.

1749 – Aquilla Rose – Free – W. Nottingham.

1750 – Aquilla Rose – W. Nottingham.

1753 – Aquila Rose – W. Nottingham.

1754 – Aquilla Rose – W. Nottingham.

1756 – Aquilla Rose – W. Nottingham.

1757 – Equilla Rose – W. Nottingham.

1758 – Wm. Rose – Inmate (prop.owner and head of household) – W. Nantmeal.

From Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania 1778-1800 based on the abstracts of Jacob Martin:

Mendenhall, Samuel. Concord. Sept. 23, 1776. Codocil: Sept. 23, 1776. Sept. 8, 1787. Provides for wife Mary. To son Benjamin during life, two pieces of land, part of the plantation whereon I now dwell (des), containing 43 acres, 78 perches, and at death to his children. To son Amos, two other parcels of land (des), containing about 5 ½ acres, also a lot where he hath built a coal house and 70 pounds. To daughter Sarah 80 pounds. To daughter Edith wife of Joseph Cheney 50 pounds. To son Abnet 100 pounds, and to be put to a trade. To daughter Beulah 50 pounds at 18. To son Samuel all remainder of real and personal estate when of age. Caleb Peirce and George Brinton to be guardians of minor children. Executors: Son Amos and James Gibbons. Wit: Mary Rose, Robert Fleming, Phineas Bond.

On June 13, 2020 in Philadelphia George Skolfield III boarded the ship “Lydia” bound for New Orleans according to John Landry Skolfield (this ship list is published in Le Raconteur, journal of Le Comite des Archives de la Louisiane, Vol.XIII, Nos. 3 and 4, Dec. 1993). Perhaps this was the approximate time that James Penny came to Louisiana. James Penny bought land (with a John Carltey) at Fort Bute at Bayou Manchac, La. as early as 1788 and they sold the land the same year (Records of Spanish West Florida, Vol. 1, p. 137). James Penny was in the Natchez, Miss. and Baton Rouge, La. areas around 1790 according to The Plains and the People. According to the American State Papers, 1834, Vol. 3 by Duff Green, James Penny was already in Louisiana by 1785. He received two land grants from the Spanish governors of Louisiana (as La. was under Spanish rule in 1785) and began cultivation in 1785. Governor C. de Grandpre granted him Section 89 which amounted to 105 acres. He also was granted Section 71 which had 426.15 acres by Governor G. de Lomas. This tract was cultivated until 1811. This is the same tract where his home was located and where he was buried (above information from Descendants of Robert Penny website on TheyLiveAgain.com). James Penny married Nancy Kennard at Natchez according to The Plains and the People and according to Richard Fox (Descendants of Robert Penny website on www.theyliveagain.com) in 1790 at Baton Rouge. Nancy’s sister, Sarah, married Abraham Lobdell (a James Lobdell was listed at Bayou Pierre in the 1792 Spanish Census of the Natchez District) and both couples moved to St. John’s Plains just above Baton Rouge. (The above information is from The Plains and the People.) According to Richard Fox (above website): “ James Penny first lived in a one-room log house and later built a large house that stood on high pillars. He appears as head of household in the 1820 census with a total of 7 white males, 6 white females, and 21 slaves. The 1831 tax list reveals that he had better than 1800 acres and owned 31 slaves. The following copy of the will of James Penny was provided by Richard Fox and is available online at www.theyliveagain.com/Documents/willofjamespenny.htm: “Being possessed at this time of good health and in possession of my rational faculties, I do by this my last will and testament make the following disposition of all my Property real and personal of which I shall be owner at the day of my decease, viz.: First after all my just debts are paid, it is my will that all my property be equally divided amongst my seven children, Elizabeth Stanard, Robert Penny, Albert Penny, Joseph Penny, Nancy Sloan, David Penny, and Lucy Skolfield. It is my further will that my slaves Harriet, aged about fifty and Lucy, aged about sixty years at my demise shall be free and any of my children that they shall claim to stay with, shall build them a comfortable cabin, give them a bit of land to work during their lives and treat them kindly, being well understood that said slaves are emancipated and enfranchised for their long and faithful services. In witness of this my last and only olographic will, I hereto set my hand and subscribe my name this fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. (Signed) James Penny (An added paragraph:) I do by this my codicil set free and emancipate my slave Sam aged sixty years for his long and faithful services, said emancipation to take place immediately after my decease. I also charge my children never to sell Dick out of the family. In witness whereof I hereunto set and subscribed my name this eighth day of February in the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty six. (Signed) James Penny”. According to information on the tombstones in the Penny Cemetery, East Baton Rouge Parish, La., James Penny lived 1762-1845 and (Nancy) Lucy Kennard lived 1769-1839 and married James Penny in 1790. The cemetery is located south of Plains, La., west of Old Scenic Hwy. on the property of W.J. Decker. According to Richard Fox, a descendant of James and Lucy Kennard through their son Joseph, the burial site is located on the old James Penny property near where the Penny home was situated. This property passed to the J.W. Decker family around 1935-36. The small graveyard is reached by the following directions: Go north from Baton Rouge on Hwy. 61 about 9 miles to the Magnolia Church, turn left on Carney Road, go ½ mile, turn right (north) and go ½ mile to the cemetery. The graves are under a massive (sixteen feet around) oak tree named the Henry Watkins Allen Oak, that in 1935 was listed as one of Louisiana’s largest. There are tombstones and a bronze marker placed by the Long Leaf Pine Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution from Shreveport, Louisiana and the John James Audubon Chapter of the DAR from Baton Rouge in a special ceremony honoring James Penny as a Revolutionary soldier. There is an article in the DAR Magazine (Dec. 1961, p. 697) describing the dedication ceremony and luncheon with the governor of Louisiana and mayor of Baton Rouge following the ceremony.

SIBLINGS: The Plains and the People lists the following as children of James Penny and Nancy (Lucy) Kennard:

Elizabeth Penny who married Thomas Stanard who was the coroner of East Baton Rouge Parish (Spanish West Florida Records, Vol. XIX, p. 625). In a deposition given by Samuel Skolfield, 14 Sept. 1860, he testifies that the Stanards had 3 children: (1) Hugh C. Stanard, (2) John Stanard, (3) Lydia Stanard who married Mr. Grear and had 2 children, A.S. Grear and Eliza Grear.

Robert Penny who married Mathildy Burns on 6 June 2020 ( East Feliciana Marriage Record Book X). Robert Penny may have lived near Memphis for a while. Two children are known to have survived him – Willis T. Penny and Franklin Penny. Three other children are buried with their parents (see below) – Marian, Ann, and Lucy Ann. Street and Carrie were also names given in the past to Mrs. Jennings as children of Robert and Mathildy Penny, but these have not been documented. From 1839 to 1849 Robert Penny owned the Highland Plantation in Baton Rouge just outside the south gates of Louisiana State University near Highland Road today. On or adjacent to his land was the Catholic burial ground used by families of the Highlands. Robert Penny added his own family cemetery. Today called Highland Cemetery, this burial ground was restored 1976 – 1978 and marked with a historical plaque. Penny burials at this location include:

(Information on Highland Cemetery from Louisiana Genealogical Register, Vol. XXXIX, No. 2, June 1992.)

Albert Gallatin Penny (1806 –1879, see separate listing below)

Ann Lucretia “Nancy” Penny who married Montgomery Sloane (Nancy (“Anna” in records related to the succession of James Penny detailed below) died prior to June 1882, leaving 3 children: (1) Larna Sloan, a minor, (2) Algeron Dudley Sloan, a minor, and (3) Maria Louise Sloan, emancipated by marriage to Charles Robertson of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Sloans lived in St. Louis, Missouri. (EBR Ph. Probate 300). Fredreica Speyer, a correspondent from the Sloan GenForum Board gave the following information which suggests a possible connection, but is not yet proven: Catherine “Cady” Sloan b. about 1729 in Londonderry, Ireland married (1st) Hugh Montgomery b. 1720 in Londonderry, Ireland. Their children were: Nancy Ann Montgomery b. 1751 in Rowan Co., North Carolina; Rebecca Montgomery b. about 1752; Hugh Montgomery b. about 1755; and Rachel Montgomery b. about 1767. Catherine Sloan’s 2nd marriage was said to be to John Cleveland (brother of Benjamin Cleveland) b. about 1755. Catherine and John were married in Wilkes Co., North Carolina. Catherine Sloan is believed to be a sister to David Sloan and William Sloan who both married in Wilkes Co., N.C. William Sloan married Mary “Polly” Perkins (her 2nd husband was Josiah Foster). Catherine Sloan’s parents were: William Sloan b. before 1709 in County Down, Ireland and Elizabeth (maiden name unknown). It should be remembered that many Scottish immigrants migrated to Ireland before coming to America. North Carolina was a significant early site for these Scotch-Irish immigrants.

David H. Penny (1813 – 6 Nov. 1885). Gloria Boelens of Opelousas, La. has kindly agreed to be a consultant for this line at gboelens@asbank.com. She provided a copy of David Penny’s emancipation application as well names and dates of descendants. On 26 January 1832 David H. Penny filed for emancipation in East Baton Rouge Parish court. Robert Penny, Joseph Penny, Willis Thornton, Thomas C. Stanard, Sam G. Skolfield, and James Penny, undertutor, were called to attend as members of a family meeting regarding this issue. Thomas Stanard provided security. David Penny petitioned the court for emancipation stating that he was above the age of 19 years and “that owing to the situation of an infirm father from advanced age” he was requesting adult status by the court. David H.Penny married (1st) Lucinda Eugenia Nash on 9 July 2020 (Rec. of St., Archives of Diocese Joseph Cathedral of Baton Rouge). They had one child, Melinda b. 1834, d. 20 Aug. 1882. Melinda married Hiram R. Monteith 27 April 2020 (this information provided by Mrs. John Havard Boelens of Opelousas, La.). David Penny married (2nd) Emeline Jane Scott ,daughter of Robert Scott and Martha Kirkland Scott, on 2 Dec. 1836 (E. Feliciana Ph. Marriage Record Book A, p.37). An East Feliciana Parish marriage bond for the marriage between David H. Penny and Emmeline J. Scott dated 8 Dec. 1836 listed Albert G. Penny as security for $500. David H. Penny and Albert G. Penny signed along with witnesses John Morgan and J.W. Taylor. Names and dates of birth of the children of this marriage (determined from the East Baton Rouge census records) are as follows: (1) Martha Elizabeth “Mattie” Penny b.1838, married James Knox, (2) Mary b. 1840, married Levi Spiller, (3) Anna Augusta “Gussie” b. 1842, married Samuel H. Faulkner, (4) James Scott Penny b. 1844, (5) Emma Gertrude b. 1846, married Dr. Singletary, (6) Robert Dudley Penny b. 1848, (7) David Barbee Penny b. 1851, (8) Hila Scott Penny, (9) William Pike Penny, (10) Julia Read Penny, married Robert Knox, (11) Jesse Kirkland Penny, (12) Elvira, age 17 in 1870. Emeline Jane Penny died 14 Feb. 1890, age 68 (tombstone Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge). David Penny died 6 Nov. 1885, age 65 (Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge).

Lucy Ann Penny (1814 to 1891) who married Samuel Skolfield (listed in 1850 EBR census). A direct descendant, John Landry Skolfield, has kindly agreed to act as a Skolfield consultant and has detailed records on this family including ancestors and descendants. He may be contacted at <jskol@airmail.net> or by mail at 526 Park Ave., Mandeville, La. 70448-4915. John Landry Skolfield shared the following information. Samuel Skolfield b. 29 Jan.1796, d. 20 Mar. 1866, was the son of George Skolfield III (1765-1808) and Margaret McCullough (ca. 1768-1833). Many members of the Skolfield family are found in the 1600s in the towns of Rochdale, Bury, and Middleton near Liverpool, England. Ancestors of the Skolfields subject of our study migrated first from England to Cork, Ireland, then to Maine and Pennsylvania. George Skolfield III grew up in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, the son of George Skolfield II and Rebecca Drawer. George Skolfield III is recorded in 1780 as Drum and Fife (as is James Penny) at age 15 in the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment during the Revolutionary War; his service is not documented. On 13 June 1788, he boarded the ship “Lydia” in Philadelphia bound for New Orleans. Several of the passengers settled in the Baton Rouge area. However, the first record we have of George Skolfield III in Louisiana is a 1791 land claim in St. Helena Parish with his wife Margaret McCullough. Margaret McCullough (ca. 1768-1833) was the daughter of Alexander McCullough. The McCulloughs were a Scotch-Irish family, Margaret’s great grandfather, another Andrew McCullough, was born about 1760 in County Derry, Ireland; his wife was Mary Davison. All four of their sons emigrated to America. Margaret’s grandfather was John McCullough, wife unknown. Margaret’s father, Alexander McCullough, married Ann Woods, probably in or near Salisbury in Rowan Co., North Carolina. Margaret was born in Rowan Co., N.C. In 1773 two groups of Scotch-Irish departed Salisbury, Rowan Co., N.C. bound for Louisiana to take advantage of free land being offered by the Spanish government in what was then known as West Florida. In 1774 Alexander McCullough filed land claims north of Baton Rouge. This tract is noted on the historic “William Wilton map of 1774”. In 1777 Alexander McCullough filed several claims near Bayou Manchac, just south of Baton Rouge on the Mississippi River. In 1779 he and his brother, Matthew McCullough, were noted as being among the first settlers on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain between Bayou Lacombe and the “River Tangipaho”. Margaret McCullough wed first William Canty and second George Skolfield (ca. 1789). George and Margaret Skolfield lived first in Iberville Parish near the St. Gabriel Church (Bayou Manchac area); then shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 moved to the Baton Rouge area and then to the now American area north of Baton Rouge known as West Florida. On 22 Feb. 1831, Samuel Skolfield, son of George and Margaret Skolfield, took oath as East Baton Rouge Parish Auctioneer. On 9 June 1831, Samuel married Lucy Ann Penny, daughter of James Penny and Lucy Ann “Nancy” Kennard. Around 1833/34 the family moved to Booneville in central Missouri to take advantage of a Federal land grant awarded to veterans of the War of 1812. Samuel was the Cooper Co., Missouri Clerk of Court during the 3 years required for homesteading. The family then sold their land in Missouri and returned to the Baton Rouge area in 1837. Samuel then became Assessor, Treasurer, and Tax Collector for Baton Rouge. He then became Recorder for East Baton Rouge Parish, a post he held for 17 years. During the early stages of the Civil War when it became apparent that Baton Rouge would be occupied by Union forces, the seat of Louisiana government was moved for a while to Opelousas. Samuel and his family moved to Opelousas then returned to Baton Rouge at the close of the Civil War. Samuel then became a partner in the firm of Sloan and Skolfield. Both Samuel and Lucy are buried in Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge. Children of Samuel and Lucy Skolfield: (1) Eliza Brooks Skolfield b. 30 Aug. 1832, married James Bogan d. 15 June 1868, (2) Benjamin Franklin Harney Skolfield b. 16 May 1834, married 1st Ann L. Nash 2nd Louisiana Hooper, d. 16 Mar. 1905, (3) James Penny Skolfield b. 2 Mar. 1836, married Anna Eliza Hooper, d. 3 June 1905, (4) Oliver Perry Skolfield b. 18 June 1838, married Katherine M. “Kate” Miller, d. 17 Mar. 1887, (5) Lelia Ann Skolfield b. 5 April 1840, d. 21 Oct. 1842 of “congestive fever”, (6) Samuel Wood Skolfield b. 21 Dec. 1842, married Zoe Ida “Pinkie” Killian, d. 14 June 1904, (7) William Branch Skolfield b. 22 Dec. 1845, never married, d. 26 July 1885, (8) Marian Skolfield Gordon Seaman b. 18 Mar. 1848, married 1st Samuel Freyd Gordon 2nd John Cole Seaman, d. 3 June 1932, (9) Thomas Moore Skolfield b. 5 Aug. 1852, never married, d. 2 Sept. 1887.

Additional information provided by John Skolfield (jskol@airmail.net) is found in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA “flat file” #147; Probate for Skolfield, Jesse; May 8, 1822. According to this document, Jesse Skolfield, brother of Samuel, married, had a daughter, his wife deserted the family, and Jesse died in 1822. In 1822 Samuel Skolfield was appointed tutor to Jesse’s daughter, Ann Eliza Skolfield. Before moving to Missouri in 1833 to homestead, Samuel had the tutorship transferred to Margaret Skolfield, his widowed mother living on her plantation, 540 acres near the Comite River and the Greenwell Springs-Baton Rouge Road. The homestead required a three year stay to earn the land and Samuel was to resume tutorship of Ann Eliza on his return. However, Margaret died on October 19, 2020 on her plantation. From Missouri, Samuel Skolfield seems to have attempted and failed to have his brother-in-law, Montgomery Sloan, act in his place. Margaret’s assets were auctioned January 25, 2021 and Albert G. Penny accepted by signature conveyance of some item and David H. Penny signed as a witness.

Also provided by John Skolfield (skol@airmail.net) is information from a register of some sort found in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA records. The document is on pages 163-164 of the register and is listed as E.B.R. #154, recorded December 23, 1865. Samuel Skolfield died 3 months later on March 20, 1866. In the document Samuel and his wife Lucy Ann Penny Skolfield attest that a lot she bought April 10, 2021 for $1,200 and a lot she bought September 19, 1849 for $490 were bought by Lucy from her “paraphernal” funds received by her from the successions of her parents and that the balance of the $4,935.63 paraphernal funds were used for the purchase by Samuel on June 9, 2020 of a lot with improvements. This last lot was their Baton Rouge residence at the corner of Main Street and St. Hypolite Street (now 6th St.). This document notes that Lucy Ann Penny Skolfield’s mother died in 1837 and her father, James Penny, died in 1841.

Of additional interest to Skolfield/ McCullough descendents is the fact that Kim Stracener Zapalac at Zapnyou@aol.com is researching the McCullough family and has a web site at http://users2.ev1.net/~zapnyou/.

Joseph Penny (1807-10 Jan.1883 according to Penny Bible) was the father of nineteen children from 2 marriages. Richard Fox indicates that Joseph was born 7 September 2020 at Ashland Plantation in Louisiana. Mrs. Zula Penny Morgan, a daughter of Joseph, contributed a description of her father to Mrs. Jennings. She indicated that he was a kind, quiet man, who was very religious. His first marriage was filled with domestic problems and during his second marriage he suffered financial problems. He was well-educated and taught his children long passages from the classics which he loved and could recite with great feeling. He lived at Ambrosia (in the area of the Plains, upper East Baton Rouge Parish) in the home that later became A.Z. Young’s home and then the Heaths’. It was dismantled in 1938. After the Civil War he moved to a large plantation southeast of Ambrosia (Safety Dale) and there his second family was born and raised. Mrs. Jennings noted in The Plains and the People that a Mrs. Hathaway was residing on a portion of the plantation in the 1990s and had many family records. Joseph married (1st) Ann Mathilda White, daughter of Alexander A. White and Elizabeth Lilley. From The Plains and the People: “Lt. Col. Alexander A. White entered the U.S. Army in Tennessee as 2nd Lt., 7th Infantry in 1808. He made rapid advancement and entered the Battle of New Orleans as a major. He was brevetted Lt. Col. Dec. 23, 1814 for gallantry at the Battle of New Orleans. He came south with reinforcements from Tenn. And went to the Plains to rest his men and horses. There he met Elizabeth Lilley. He refers to her as Lydia, but in legal records she is called Elizabeth Lilley, daughter of Thomas Lilley. They had a plantation in West Baton Rouge.” Also from The Plains and the People: “ Perhaps the most outstanding and influential pioneer of the Plains was Thomas William Lilley. His origin is unknown. --- Thomas Lilley first appears in Louisiana records in 1790 when he acquired a tract of land four miles north of the Fort of Baton Rouge. His earliest deed to property in the Plains was number 73 on the old land map, and he may have lived there for the first few years. He claims cultivation and habitation of this plantation since 1793. He also had other large tracts of land and by 1808 was called the Syndic of Springfield so he was evidently living by then on his plantation No. 81 that was known as Springfield plantation. He was very active in the Rebellion of West Florida. He was sheriff of East Baton Rouge before 1815 --- He owned a store at the Plains that was in the vicinity of Springfield Road where he owned property. --- About 1789 he married Eunice Smith of Natchez (1769-1816) ---She was the daughter of Hannah Bates and Elnation Smith of Granville, Mass. There were eight children of the union: Edith, Ann, George P., Elizabeth, Mary, Thomas Wright, Eunice and Samuel.” The Plains and the People includes an extensive section on the Smith family and ancestors. Returning to Joseph Penny and Ann Mathilda White, Ann was separated from her husband at the time of her death in 1842 and left eight daughters (EBR Ph. Probate 811): (1) Mary Mills Penny b. 1883, d. 1857 at the Plains, married Luther Ronaldson, (2) Harriet Penny b. 1845 (1850 census) married William Loudon. Harriet died leaving 5 small children who were taken to Miss. to live with their aunt and uncle, Judge and Mrs. Pharr of Yazoo Co., (3) Elizabeth “Zula” Penny married Judge Washington Pharr of Yazoo Co., Miss. (no heirs), (4) Elvira “Eliza” Penny b. 1838, (5) Alice Eunice Penny b. 1840, died 1859, buried with her infant, married Isaac Simpson Taylor, nephew of Zachary Taylor, (6) Anna Leah Penny (never married), Jane Penny (died young), Mathilda Penny (died young).

Joseph Penny married (2nd) Ann Carl, the daughter of Henry Carl. According to The Plains and the People Jonas Carl b. 1761, d. 1829 at Springfield Landing (at the Plains, La.), and is buried in Netterville Cemetery. He came to Louisiana from Upper Canada and perhaps stopped on his journey south at Lake St. Anne in Missouri Territory as he claimed 1600 acres there in 1803. He was in Baton Rouge by 1808 and purchased a number of lots in Square Three there. These he sold to Isaac Townsend on 1 May 1815 (No. 299 Notarial Acts). In the Records of Spanish West Florida, Vol. III, p. 162, he gives surety to his son-in-law Samuel Jennings. This suggests that he or his wife Rachel may have been previously married as known of their known daughters married a Jennings. Jonas and Rachel Johnson (daughter of Phoebe Brown and Jeremiah Johnson Jr.) lived in the vicinity of Springfield Landing and had seven known children: Phoebe, Eliza Ann, Eunice, Sarah, Henry, John, and Judith Carl. Returning to Joseph Penny and Ann Carl, at the time of the marriage he was 40 and she was 20-22. He was a planter and like most of the planters raised, ground, and refined his own sugar cane. In 1880 life was financially hard for the family. For a small fee he would show area farmers how to make sugar. One of his sons hunted in ‘the devil swamps’ for meat. Earlier the “Yankee soldiers had taken everything and then came the carpetbaggers.” At the time of the birth of his last child, Zula, he was 58 or 59 years old and in his later years lost his eyesight. Zula recalled that ‘I attended the old Presbyterian church near our home. My father took me there because he never forgot that we were Scottish Covenanters.’ She further recalls that he taught her Scottish history and Scottish songs. Joseph and Ann had 11 children: (1) Wannita b. 1863, d. 31 July 2020 (Penny Bible), buried in Grove Hill Cemetery in Dallas,Texas, married T.L. James, (2) Lucy Ann Penny b. 24 May, 1848, d. 1 Nov. 1926 (Penny Bible) m. 1st Dr. Dudley Sloane and 2nd Dr. William A. Hannah of Hollandale, Miss., (3) Joseph Penny, 1851-1934, never married, (4) Frederick Dorrance Penny married Ella Virginia Trudeau, (5) Susie G. Penny b. 5 March 1863, d. Oct. 1919 (Penny Bible), married James Carpenter, (6) James Smiley Penny b. 1846 (census record), (7) Samuel Penny b. 1850, d. 1857 (Plains Cemetery), (8) Zula Penny b. 1866, married F.E. Morgan of Ruston, La., (9) Eliza “Mittie” Penny married Gilbert Ayers, (10) Mamie Penny married William Eccles, d. 1904 (Penny Bible), (11) Henry Penny, died as an infant. Richard Fox, a descendant of Joseph Penny, has a Penny genealogical website at http://www.theyliveagain.com/. His mailing address is: P.O. Box 877587, Wasilla, AK  99687 and his e-mail address is rfox52@mtaonline.net>. Richard Fox indicates that Joseph Penny died 10 October 2020 in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana at age 76 and was buried in the Plains Cemetery in upper EBR Parish. Henrietta Caranna, great granddaughter of Mary Ann "Mamie" Penny and James William Alexander Eccles, is a descendant of Joseph Penny through his marriage to Ann Carl. She has kindly agreed to act as a consultant for this line. Her address is 2116 20th St., Gulfport, Mississippi 39501, hecaranna@aol.com. The following information was submitted by Henrietta Eccles Caranna:

MARY ANN PENNY was born November 28, 2020 in Zachary, Louisiana and died June 26, 2020 in Gulfport, Mississippi. She married JAMES WILLIAM ALEXANDER ECCLES on January 24, 2021 in Zachary, Louisiana. James William Alexander Eccles was born June 03, 2020 in Zachary, Louisiana and died before 1900 in Louisiana, place and date unknown. His parents were JOHN JOHNSON ECCLES and MARGARET McCARTNEY. The parents of John Johnson Eccles were JOHNSON ECCLES and MARY ANN CHIDESTER. Johnson Eccles was listed in the Louisiana census records as John Eccles, but legal documents at the East Baton Rouge Parish Courthouse have determined his legal name to be Johnson Eccles. He was born October 13, 2020 in North Carolina, according to information obtained from the Family History Center records in Salt Lake City, Utah. Johnson Eccles first appeared in Louisiana in the 1820 Louisiana census in St. Mary Parish, and from then on he apparently lived in Zachary, Louisiana. His date of death and burial site have not been determined.

James William Alexander Eccles (found as a child in LA census records as William Eccles) and Mary Ann Penny were married and lived for many years in Zachary, Louisiana. They were married there in 1878 and should be enumerated in the 1880 Louisiana Census, but have so far remained unfound.

The previous two generations of Eccles produced only two living male heirs and two living female heirs. Between the years 1878 and 1893, James William Alexander Eccles and Mamie Penny Eccles had six children, three males and three females. The first two were born in White Castle, Louisiana in 1878 and 1880, and the others were born in Zachary, Louisiana between the years 1882 and 1893.

It is believed that James William Alexander Eccles died around 1896. The family story is that he had tuberculosis and lived in a small house behind the family home. The location of this residence is unknown and the place where he died is unknown, although it is believed to be in White Castle, Louisiana. He did not move to the Gulf Coast, as was stated in "The Plains & the People."

Because there is no 1890 census we don't know where the family was living that year; but in the 1900 Louisiana census, on Leona Street in White Castle, Iberville Parish, Louisiana, Mary Eccles, 42, is listed as head of the household. Living with her that year are Susie, age 21, Willie (female), age 19, Carl (Marion Carl), age 11, Morgan (Frank Morgan), age 9, and Joseph, age 6.

The 1910 Louisiana census for Iberville Parish lists Mary Eccles, 52, living with her son Joseph, 16. Carl and Susie had both married in 1909, he to Medora Boudreaux and she to Valery Ledoux. Morgan was a musician and made music his career. He and Carl both played for dances in and around Zachary and Baton Rouge. Morgan enlisted for a short time in the services during World War I, then traveled with the Ringling Bros. Circus as a musician in the band for many years before returning home to live with his mother, Mamie Penny Eccles, and his sister, Susie Ledoux. He never married.

In the 1920 Mississippi Census we find Mary Eccles, 62, living in Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi with only her son Morgan Eccles. Living nearby (their back yards across the alley from each other) is her son Carl with his wife, Medora Boudreaux, and their children Dudley, Marian and Dorothy.

Mary Ann Penny Eccles lived the latter years of her life in what was known as Mississippi City, Mississippi, which is now part of Gulfport, Mississippi. Her daughter Susie, who had married Valery Ledoux, returned to live and care for her mother in her later years; and Morgan also lived with them. A walk out the back door of the family home and through the yard brought you to a smaller building which was a grocery store operated by the family, which was later converted into a home for Morgan.

Mary Ann Penny Eccles died in 1948 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi with her children Susie Ledoux and Frank Morgan Eccles. Her son Carl, and his wife Medora, are buried nearby.

William Penny, perhaps died young. Not listed as an heir.

Henry Penny, perhaps died young. Not listed as an heir.

James Penny. Not listed as an heir. (Died before 1834 according to Richard Fox on Descendants of Robert Penny on They Live Again website).

(See The Plains and the People for more extensive information on the children of James Penny and Nancy “Lucy” Kennard). According to the 29 December 2020 Diocese of Baton Rouge baptismal record which presumably refers to children of James Penny and Nancy “Lucy” Kennard (see discussion above), there was a Jacques (James?) born about 1797, an Emilie (Spanish spelling – perhaps Elizabeth?) born about 1798 and a Sara born about 1800. If James Penny and Nancy “Lucy” Kennard were married in 1790 there were certainly children born in the 1790s. However, epidemics at the time such as cholera and yellow fever often took the lives of several members of a family. Perhaps this explains the lack of information on some of the Penny children. The DAR application of James Bogan (no date or DAR # on my copy) refers to Nat’l. No. 182906 (a previous DAR application) to verify the following as children of James Penny: Lucy Ann, Albert, Henry, Dave, Ann Lucretia, Joseph, James, William, and Sarah.

It should also be noted that there was another Penny family who lived in the Zachary area. Some years ago Mrs. C.W. Machost of Zachary tried to determine the relationship of the two families. Tradition had it that Mrs. Machost’s grandfather came from Pennsylvania and lived with the Joseph Penny family. It is not clear whether this was an actual familial relationship or if the Penny name was adopted. However, this Mr. Penny was known to have married Elizabeth T. “Betsy” Collins Brown. Elizabeth T. Collins was said to have been born 16 April 2021 and to have married William Brown on 28 Dec. 1821, having 2 sons, John W. Brown b. 15 Mar. 1825 and William L. Brown b. 15 Nov. 1826 (married Miss H.V. Pilkenton). She married second Mr. Penny and had a number of children. (The above information is from The Plains and the People). Another researcher, Lynette LeBlanc Kleinpeter, in The Kleinpeter Legacy, Hebert Publications, 1995, gave the following history regarding this family. James William Penny, born in Tennessee in 1802 married Elizabeth Brown on 12 Dec. 1834 (Wilkerson Co., Miss. Marriage Book F). In 1840 James William Penny was listed as a ginwright in the East Feliciana Parish, La. census. He was also listed as head of household in the 1850 East Feliciana Parish census, born in Pennsylvania (rather than Tennessee – from a rootsweb printout of the census - Penn. and Tenn. would be easy to confuse in handwritten records), still working as a ginwright. James Penny’s wife, Elizabeth T. Betsy Collins Brown, was born 16 April 2021 in Tennessee. She was the daughter of Daniel Collins and Dicie Scott. She was the paternal granddaughter of Captain Joseph Collins who was born in 1709 and died 27 Aug. 1759 in Virginia and his wife Susannah _________. Daniel Collins and Dicie Scott were married in 1806. Dicie Scott was married first to John Lipscomb who was born about 1780, the son of Thomas Lipscomb who was born about 1750 and died in 1850, and his wife Gillie Whitlock. The mother of Dicie Scott Lipscomb Collins was Dicey ________ who married first to Dicey’s father, John Scott, and second to Jonas Sikes. Mrs. Kleinpeter gave the same information as Mrs. Jennings regarding Elizabeth T. Collins’ first marriage to William Brown and the sons of that marriage. Children from the second marriage to James William Penny are listed as follows: (1) Lavinia Scott “Dicie” Penny b. 5 Oct. 1835, d. Jan. 1864, m. 1st Robert Sumpter Gerald and 2nd W.W. Pilkington, (2) Mary Ann Penny b. 12 Aug. 1838, (3) Sarah E. Penny b. 26 May 1840, (4) Joseph Welsh Penny b. 28 June 1843, d. 18 Sept. 1925, married Mary Kennedy 1874. It should be noted that Carolyn Rowe crowe@rand.org is a descendant of James William Penny and Elizabeth T. “Betsy” Collins Brown and is interested in exchanging with other descendants of this line.

According to the East Feliciana Parish, La. Census of 1850 Albert was 44 years old in 1850 which would establish his birthdate as 1806. He was probably born at the Plains, just above Baton Rouge. In By These Stones by Virginia Lobdell Jennings, 1977, (a history of the First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge), it is recorded, “On Saturday, May 26, 1827, Mr. Chase, who had continued to preach in Baton Rouge on occasion, preached a preparatory sermon and baptized Mrs. Sarah Walker, Albert Penny, and Mrs. Mary Parsons. The courthouse was crowded the next day, May 27, 1827, for the foundation sermon delivered by Dr. Chamberlin. Following the sermon, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was observed – the first time the sacrament had been celebrated in Baton Rouge by a Protestant minister. --- At the conclusion of the service, the congregation was formally organized as The First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, and thus became the first organized Protestant church in the community. --- Those who joined the church for the first time were Albert Penny, Mrs. Mary Parsons, Mrs. Sarah Walker, Mrs. Elizabeth Stannard, Mrs. Elizabeth Lilley, and Mrs. Mary Kinner.” Virginia Lobdell Jennings mailed the author a list of the 1827 charter members of the First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge. The names are as follows: Parmalee A. Walker (the 1st church elder), Sylvester G. Parsons, Richard Kinner, Josiah Alexander, Mrs. Mary A. Avery, Mrs. Jane Searles, Mrs. Mary Sear, Mrs. Rachel Carle, Mrs. Margaret Tuttle.

According to East Feliciana Marriage Records (process verbal of marriage): “ Be it remembered that by virtue of a license issued by the Clerk of the District Court of the Parish of East Feliciana, La., I, L.P. McCauley J.P. have celebrated the marriage between Albert G. Penny and Sarah A. Weston according to the law this 21st day of December, 1831”. Witnesses listed were John Croft, W.C. Whitaker, and Richard T. Christmas. In the 1998 edition of The Plains and the People, Virginia Jennings indicates that Albert Penny married the sister of Emeline Scott (who married Albert’s brother David). Emeline Scott’s parents were noted to be Robert Scott and Martha Kirkland Scott. In subsequent legal documents the wife of Albert G. Penny was consistently listed as Sarah Ann Kirkland. A later edition of The Plains and the People (I am not sure of the date as I have only been able to obtain a copy of the Penny pages) lists the 1831 marriage between Sarah A. Weston and Albert G. Penny and no longer describes her as the sister of Emeline Scott. The Weston surname given for Sarah on the record her 1831 marriage to Albert G. Penny is also problematic. Perhaps Sarah Ann Kirkland was the widow of a Weston. The 1830 Louisiana Census for East Feliciana Parish lists a Sarah A. Western as head of a household containing 1 male under 5, 1 male 20-30, 2 females 20-30. It is uncertain whether this was a misspelling of Weston or in any way related. Further research in East Feliciana records may provide clarification. East Feliciana, Louisiana: Past and Present by H. Skipwith, 1892, indicates that Kirklands and Westons were among the pioneer settlers from the Carolinas of the Second Ward described as in the Redwood Creek and Olive Branch Church area. Today this location is just northeast of Slaughter, La. on the opposite side of Zachary from the Plains, home of the Pennys. Scotts and Kirklands are listed on Redwood Creek in the 1820 Census of Heads of Household, Feliciana Parish, La.

Of interest to descendants of the Baillio line of Rapides Parish, La. is the presence of Kirklands in the early days of that parish. According to The Baillio Family by Catherine Baillio Futch “Jesse Kirkland was one of the early recipients of land grants in Rapides parish and was a neighbor of Pierre Baillio II”. A daughter of Pierre Baillio II and Magdelaine Emelie Lacour (of Kent House now on the historic register in Alexandria, La.), Celeste Baillio (b. 7 Oct. 1795, d. 27 August 2020), married second Edward Kirkland (b. 28 Nov. 1796, d. 4 Jan. 1826) who was the son of the above-mentioned Jesse Kirkland and Sarah Hay. There was one child born of this marriage, Jeanetta Kirkland, b. 27 Dec. 1818. Jeanetta Kirkland married Josiah Seth Stafford, eldest son of Leroy Stafford and Rachel Providence Audebert. This information is also from The Baillio Family.

Information from Truman Kirkland contacted through Genforum Kirkland board:

*East Feliciana Parish records – 16 July 1838 – (torn)---tutor Mrs. Nancy Kirkland and her undertutor Benj. Hendricks, both having lately died, that he (Robert Bonner?) is the only male relative of said minor residing in La. Daniel Waddill and Albert G. Penny all are related by marriages. That said minor owns considerable property --- (torn).

*East Feliciana Parish records – 19 July 1838 – A family meeting consisting of Albert G. Penny, Albert C. Carter, Joseph Fuqua, Dan’l Waddill, Thomas W. Scott, and R.W. Harris, ask that a tutor be appointed for Sarah Ann Raiford, minor child of Thomas Raiford, dec’d. Asks that Thomas W. Scott appt. tutor and Robert Bonner undertutor of Sarah Ann Raiford.

*East Feliciana Parish records – Dec. 1839 – Rec’d of Thomas W. Scott $900 in settlement of his account at tutor of my wife, Sarah Ann Raiford. Signed M.(?)L. Reid.

*Truman Kirkland indicates that Sarah Ann Kirkland’s (wife of Albert G. Penny) parents were Philip Raiford Kirkland, born and died in East Feliciana Parish, who married Mary W. Fuqua, having the following children:

John Gayoso Kirkland

Ann Lavina Kirkland married C.V. Nash

Mary Ellen Augustus Kirkland (posthumous child)

Archelaus Kirkland (Louisiana Soldiers in the War of 1812 compiled by John Bennett Pierson – Kirkland, Archelaus 1 Lieutenant 12 and 13 Cons. Reg’t., La. Mil. (originally under Kirkland, Archibald).

Sarah Ann Kirkland married Albert Gallatin Penny

Martha Raiford (Kirkland?) married Daniel Waddill – children were: 1. Daniel D. Waddill, Jr. 2. Thomas D. Waddill 3. William May Waddill 4. Abel W. Waddill 5. Martha Ellen Waddill.

*Parents of Philip Raiford Kirkland: Jesse Kirkland born 7 May 2020 Fairfield Co., South Carolina, died E. Feliciana Parish, La., married Nancy Raiford (believed to be daughter of Phillip Raiford – no proof). Children of Jesse Kirkland and Nancy Raiford:

In the General Index to Conveyances for East Feliciana Parish is found a record of a partition (Book D, p. 124) dated 17 January 1834. The vendee was listed as Sarah Ann K. Penny et. al. and the vendor as “ William D. Kirkland estate of”. Also noted in the conveyance book were several slave sales listing Albert G. Penny as vendee in 1836 and 1838 – a partition on 15 April 2021 (Book I, pp. 256-258) listing Sarah A. Penny and husband as vendee and Sarah Weston et. al. as vendor (this document unfortunately could not be located; perhaps it would have provided some clue to the Kirkland/Weston puzzle) – a partition dated 9 December 2020 (Book J, pp. 261-263) listing Sarah A.K. and A.G. Penny as vendee and Richard T. Christmas and wife as vendors – and a sheriff’s sale (Book O, pp. 8-10) dated 5 February 1853 listing Sarah A.K. Penny as the vendee and Albert G. Penny as the vendor.

A copy of the 17 January 2021 East Feliciana Parish slave partition was obtained. “---appeared Mrs. Nancy Kirkland Mother (looks like could be either ‘widow’ or ‘mother’, but I assume it is ‘mother’ as she is identified later in the text as mother of William I. Kirkland, deceased), Philip R. Kirkland, Jesse I. (?) Kirkland, Elizabeth W. (?) Scott wife of Thomas H. Scott, Martha K. Waddill wife of Daniel Waddill, and Sarah Ann Penny wife of Albert G. Penny ---“. These individuals were noted to be the legal forced heirs of the late William I. (?)Kirkland, ‘late of this parish and deceased’ who had requested an amicable partition of the Negroes belonging to his estate. Numerous slaves were listed by name and age. Mrs. Nancy Kirkland was noted to be the mother of the said William I.(D.?) Kirkland deceased.

A copy of the East Feliciana Parish partition dated 9 December 2020 was also obtained. This was described as a suit of Sarah A. Kirkland and husband A.G. Penny vs. R.T. Christmas and wife. This involved the partition of numerous slaves listed by name, age, and value. The total value was assessed at $3475.00.

A copy of this 1853 East Feliciana Parish sheriff’s sale was obtained. In this document Sarah Ann Kirkland was noted to be the wife of Albert G. Penny. However, although difficult to read, it appears that the sheriff’s sale was “at the suit of Sarah Ann Kirkland wife vs. (looks like a date) Albert G. Penny husband”. Property was seized which included farm animals, fodder, buggies, wagons, etc., a large number of slaves listed by name and age, and 330 acres bounded on the north by Hawsey and Flynn, east by Mrs. Ann Bell, and south and west by the lands of Mrs. Sarah Ann Penny being the same purchased by the said Penny of Mrs. Sturges (?). All the above is described as “the property of the defendant Albert G. Penny husband”. This is followed by several unreadable words and then “ to public sale according to law, Sarah Ann Kirkland wife of said Albert G. Penny became the purchaser thereof for the prices (2 unreadable words) of $8,490 cash, subject also to the payment of the special mortgage of (unreadable name - first name starts with an M, last name starts with a V) hereafter named for $3,800”. There are also a number of names of people who appear to be creditors as sums and dates of expected payment are listed–Edwin T. Merrick , Mary Kepler wife of Lewis Sturges, Lillian (?) E. Scott widow of Winfield Scott Kellar, and Adler & Levi. It appears that Sarah Ann Kirkland is buying the seized property of her husband Albert G. Penny at a sheriff’s sale. Whether this was a mutually cooperative situation to protect assets or an adversarial situation is unclear.

The 1840 East Feliciana Parish Census lists A.G. Penny as having 2 males under 5, one male 40-50, 2 females between 5-10, one female 20-30, and one female 30-40. Perhaps the census taker marked the adult male in the wrong column as A.G. Penny would have been 34 in 1840. Ages of female minors also do not agree with children listed in the 1850 EF census. Was Sarah’s mother perhaps living with Albert G. and Sarah A. Penny in 1840?

East Feliciana Marriage Index, p. 153 – “Know all men by their presents (sic) that J.A.J. Foster as principal and A. G. Penny as security, all of the parish aforesaid are held and firmly bound (?) unto F. Hardesty Clerk of said Parish and his assigns, in the sum of five hundred dollars lawful money of the United States to which payment will and truly to be made as bound (?) ourselves, our heirs and family by their presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 14th day of March 1848.

Whereas the above bound J.A.J. Foster has applied to the Judge of the Parish aforesaid for a license to enter into the bonds of matrimony with Ann L. Penny, which license will be granted on the execution of this bond. Now the condition of the above obligation is such that if there is no legal impediment to the celebration of the marriage in contemplation as aforesaid and the same shall be solemnized according to the laws and usages of the State of Louisiana, then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force. Witness: F. Hardesty, Clerk – Recorded July 12, 2020 – Signed: James A.J. Foster and A.G. Penny

The 1850 East Feliciana Parish Census lists A.G. Penny (farmer, age 44, male, born in La.) as the only member of family #202 and on the adjoining property, family #203 lists the following members:

Sarah A. Penny – age 42 – female – born in Louisiana

Laura – age 15 – female – born in Louisiana

Jesse – age 11 – male – born in Louisiana

Sarah – age 9 – female – born in Louisiana

A.H.S. – age 5 – male – born in Louisiana

Mary – age 2 – female – born in Louisiana

Philip Lloyd, overseer – age 23 - male – born in Louisiana

William Penny – age 13 – male – born in Louisiana

Also in the 1850 East Feliciana Parish Census, a William D. Foster, age 26, carpenter, born in Louisiana, is listed with wife, Sarah, age 18, born in Louisiana. As will be seen later in this summary in Pointe Coupee #6301 of 1860, a partition of slaves among the heirs of Sarah Ann Penny, daughter Laura Penny married a William Foster. It is uncertain whether this is the same William Foster. Ann L. Penny (daughter of Sarah Ann Penny and A.G. Penny) had married James A.J. Foster in 1848 (above), but this family was not listed in the 1850 East Feliciana Parish Census.

East Feliciana Land Records listed by RootsWeb show Albert G. Penny as owning 404.24 acres in East Feliciana Parish in 1852. It does not appear to necessarily indicate a sale at that time, but rather to be a record from the Bureau of Land Management. Codes are provided that appear to determine the precise location of the land, but it seems that a key of some sort would be required for exact identification.

On 16 October 2020 (East Feliciana Partitions and Family Meetings 1850 –1856) a family meeting was convened to make decisions on behalf of the minor children of the deceased Sarah A. Penny, wife of Albert G. Penny. Those attending were Thomas W. Scott, Sverson (or Iverson) G. Gayden, George L. Gayden, Willis T. Penny, and Willian Fergus Kernan substituted in the place of Joseph Penny who was not in attendance. They were described as the relatives and friends of the minors Laura Penny, Jesse K. Penny, William K. Penny, Sarah E. Penny, Albert H.S. Penny, and Mathilda K. Penny, children of the late Sarah A. Penny, wife of Albert G. Penny who was described as “the petitioner for the family meeting and the natural tutor of the children”. The under tutor for the minors was listed as M.G. Brown. This family meeting was noted to be part of the succession of Sarah A. Penny (E. Feliciana No.1745). It was determined that a sale of the property was absolutely necessary (about 1047 acres and 12 slaves, mules, oxen, sheep, and a second-hand carriage). It was noted that at the time of the inventory there had been a sugar mill and machinery on said land that had since been destroyed.

East Feliciana Probate Record # 1745 - Succession of Sarah A. Penny – This is a lengthy series of documents that basically involves a contest between an alleged large creditor of the estate, Solomon Bloom (of the commercial firm of A. Levi, Adler, and Co. that had operated out of Clinton, La.) and Ann Lucretia Penny Foster and her husband James A.J. Foster for administration of the estate. It includes numerous petitions, oppositions, and counter-oppositions and involves many individuals who claim to be creditors of the estate or are otherwise involved. It appears that the final resolution of the case was in the Supreme Court of Louisiana in New Orleans. The author of this summary has not yet attempted to determine whether the La. Supreme Court record is still extant, but I include some detail of the East Feliciana proceedings in case some of these facts may be relevant to future genealogical inquiry.

Filed Jan. 3, 1855 – Petition of Michael Frank of said parish to be appointed administrator of the estate of Sarah Ann Penny. He indicates that Sarah Ann Penny “departed this life on or about the first of July 1853 leaving a considerable estate --- that the said estate is largely in debt.” He represents that as a creditor of the estate he requests appointment as administator.

Filed Jan.4, 1855 – Petition of Solomon Bloom, a member of the commercial firm of A. Levi, Adler, and Co. being composed of A. Levi, Solomon Bloom, Solomon Adler, and Samuel Kahn and doing business in the Parish of East Feliciana, requesting appointment as administrator of the estate. It is represented that Sarah Ann Penny, lately of the parish and now deceased, is indebted to the above firm in the amount of $4897.73 – that for the purpose of securing the full and final payment of said amount, Sarah Ann Penny did mortgage and “hypothecate” to the said firm of A. Levi, Adler, and Co. “one certain tract of land containing 676 acres of land on Redwood Creek, being the land on which Nancy Kirkland, deceased, resided, and which was at said time worked as a sugar plantation by the said Sarah A. Penny and husband, with the dwelling house, sugar house, machinery and fixtures attached – and also a certain other tract containing 330 acres, bounded north by Hawsey Flynn, east by Mrs. Ann Bell, and south and west by the first named tract, also fifty five slaves the names and ages of which are fully set forth in the annexed copy of the said act of mortgage (unreadable) before John A. White, Recorder of said parish on the 23rd day of February 1853 and duly recorded on the 9th of March 1853, all of which will more fully appear by reference to the annexed copy of said Act of Mortgage.” It further represents that a Michael Frank of said parish lately “pretended to be a creditor of the estate” and has applied for a letter of administration of said estate. Solomon Bloom opposes appointment of Michael Frank and represents that as a much larger creditor he should be appointed. Solomon Bloom requests that an inventory be completed and that Henry Hawford, Notary Public, be commissioned to do the inventory.

Filed Jan. 10, 1855 – James A.J. Foster opposes the applications of M. Frank and Solomon Bloom for administration of the succession for the following reasons: (1) said estate is not in debt to either of the applicants and (2) the opposer having married Ann L. Penny, a forced heir and daughter of said Sarah deceased, is entitled to administration of the estate in preference to Frank and Bloom. Foster therefore requests that he be appointed administrator of the estate.

Filed Jan. 17, 1855 – Petition and opposition of Mrs. Ann L. Penny alias Foster, present wife of James A.J. Foster, both residents of the State of Mississippi herein joined, authorized, and assisted by her said husband represent that they were lawfully married in the said parish (E. Feliciana) – that Ann L. Penny is the daughter of Mrs. S.A. Penny deceased – that she is the oldest child and heir of Sarah A. Penny and the only one of her children competent to administer upon her estate. She denies that Michael Frank or Solomon Bloom have any claim to the estate and asks that their petitions be rejected. She requests that she be appointed administrator and James A.J. Foster co-administrator.

Filed Jan. 24, 1855 – Solomon Bloom represents that on Jan.18 he had been duly appointed administrator of the estate – that there has not been within the last year an inventory of the property and it is necessary to enable your petitioner to give bond and security that an inventory be done. He again requests that Henry Hawford, Notary Public, be appointed to complete the inventory. On the same day the court ordered that Henry Hawford be commissioned to complete the inventory.

Filed Jan. 29, 1855 – Another petition by Solomon Bloom for an inventory of the estate, now requesting that Henry Hawford be assisted by Dr. William H. Atkinson and William Young or by Dr. A.C. Huff and Albert Carter. On the same day the court ordered that the inventory be completed by Henry Hawford with the assistance of Atkinson and Young, or in default of both or either, Huff and Carter.

Filed Apr. 19, 1855 – The petition of Mrs. Ann L. Foster authorized by husband James A.J. Foster representing that she has been lately appointed administrator of the estate by the judgment of the Supreme Court – that she is a resident of the State of Mississippi and unable to give security required by law in the Parish (E. Feliciana) – wherefore she tenders Robert W. McRae and John P. Watson of the Parish of Pointe Coupee as securities on her bond.

Received and filed June 16, 2020 – Solomon Bloom, “an applicant of said estate and a creditor in the sum of $10,930” opposes the Ann L. Foster’s appointment as administrator of the estate. He represents that he was appointed, that Ann L. Foster and husband appealed to the Supreme Court in New Orleans, that by decree of said Supreme Court the judgement of the district court was reversed and the administration given to Foster and wife on the condition that they appeared in person and took the oath of office of administration, gave bond, and previous to departing from this state they appointed an agent to represent them. He avers that Ann L. Foster was not in the State of Louisiana at the time of filing her application for letter of administration and has not been in the state since – that she has never taken any oath according to law to administer this estate and that the only oath taken was before one Edwards who represents himself as a Justice of the Peace of Concordia Parish – that he only agent appointed by said Foster and husband was William B. Rourk of East Feliciana who was appointed by act passed before Robert W. Wood in the State of Mississippi on Apr. 23, 1855 – and that the letters of administration were not granted to said Foster until Apr. 27 – and further that William B. Rourk on May 12, 2020 filed in the E. Feliciana Recorder’s Office his written refusal to accept said agency. Solomon further represents that, more than ten days having elapsed since the filing of the decree of the Supreme Court, and Foster and wife having failed to comply with the law, have forfeited all claims to administration of the estate. Bloom requests that a rule be taken upon Ann L. Foster and husband to show cause why the letter heretofore granted them should not be cancelled and why “your mover”(Bloom) should not be appointed administrator. He requests that a curator ad hoc be appointed to represent them upon whom service shall be made. On June 11 (must be a mistake as it is in response the opposition dated June16) the court ordered that E.P. Ellis, Esq. Be appointed curator ad hoc to represent said absentees, Ann L. Foster and husband.

Filed Nov. 10, 1855 - Exception by James A.J. Foster and wife represented by counsel in their capacity of administrators. They request dismissal for the following reasons: (1) That they have never been legally notified or cited of said demand personally or through an agent, (2) proceedings to remove an administrator cannot be commenced by a rule to show cause and that, as no rule has been obtained or served, they are not bound to answer, (3) Bloom has made no showing that he is a creditor, and (4) the petition is informal and defective in that it did not set out the place of residence of the petitioner. The Fosters ask that Bloom’s petition be dismissed and they be allowed to go on in the discharge of their duties as administrators.

Received and filed Nov. 9, 1855 – Tableau presented by Ann L. Foster and husband as administrators of the estate. They represent that the inventory of the goods and effects of the said estate amounts to $41,453 to which is to be added amount of the notes taken for the sale of the personal property at the succession sale to the amount of $1379 as free (full?) inventory and process verbal of sales in said succession. Petitioners further represent that there are no funds at present in their hands belonging to said estate to enable them to pay the debts of the same, but that the aforesaid notes for the purchase money of the personal property sold at said sale and one half the adjudication bonds of the same for real estate, etc. will be due on Dec. next with which they will be allowed to pay the following: (1) a promissory note in favor of Mary Sturges for $6.41, (2) law charges of said estate to A. Hawford for making an inventory of the estate which amount to $37.50, and (3) to Henry Skipwith, Clerk of Court for his fees taxed as costs in said estate amounting to $75.10. Petitioners pray that after due notice and legal delays, the account statement of debts and tableau of distribution may be homologated by a judgement of the court. On Nov. 10, 1855 the court ordered that due and legal publication be made of the filing of the account.

Filed Dec. 3, 1855 – Opposition by Charles Knox of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Knox represents that Albert G. Penny in his own right and the estate of Sarah A. Penny are justly indebted to him in the amount of $1219 with interest and in the further sum of $1918. For details he refers to suits #1869 and #1870 of your honorable court entitled Charles Knox vs. A.G. Penny – that since the inception of these suits, Ann Lucretia Penny and her husband have become administrators of the estate of Sarah A. Penny, deceased, and said administrators have failed to include the above debts in the statement of debts and tableau of distribution and have refused to acknowledge the petitioner as a creditor though demanded to do so. He requests that the court order the administrators to amend the said account to acknowledge him as a creditor in the said amount.

Filed Dec. 14, 1855 – Opposition of Ann Gleason and Margaret McManus, residents of said parish. They represent that they have instituted suit against said Foster and wife for a debt due them for the sum of $227.30. They ask that the court order the administrators to amend their account.

Filed Dec. 24, 1855 – Opposition by Abraham Levi, Bennoit Adler, and Solomon Bloom, commercial firm lately doing business in the town of Clinton under the name A.Levi, Adler, and Co., the interest of Bennoit Adler, deceased, being now held by Abraham Levi. They represent that the estate of Sarah A. Penny, represented by Ann L. Foster and husband is justly indebted to them for $8238.75. They then outline debts for goods, wares, and merchandize tallied separately by year for 1852, 1853, 1854, and 1855. They represent that the goods, wares, and merchandize were sold to Sarah A. Penny for the use and benefit of herself, her children, and her estate, her husband Albert G. Penny being totally insolvent during said time and she being separated in property from him. (This explains the separate residences in the E. Feliciana census of 1850.) They further represent that cash was advanced to Sarah A. Penny for the use of herself, her children, and her separate estate, said Albert G. Penny at said time having no property. The opposers further aver that for the purpose of securing the said firm in the payment of the account, the said Sarah A. Penny, with the consent of her husband. Albert G. Penny, did mortgage and hypothecate to the said firm one tract of land containing 676 acres and 55 slaves as described in a certain act of mortgage passed before John C. White, recorder of said parish on Feb. 23, 1853. The opposers then represent their opposition to the homologation of the estate as the administrators have failed to acknowledge this debt of the estate.

Filed Dec. 24, 1855 – Petition of Abraham Levi, Solomon Bloom, Solomon Adler, and Samuel Kahn, doing business as a commercial firm in the town of Clinton under the name of A. Levi, Bloom, and Co. They represent that the estate of Sarah A. Penny, administered by Ann L. Foster and husband, is indebted to the petitioners in the sum of $4950 for an account rendered from Mar. 3, 1854 to Jan. 1, 1855 – that the goods, wares, merchandize, and cash advances as charged in said account were furnished to Sarah A. Penny for the benefit of herself, her children, and her separate estate, her husband Albert G. Penny being insolvent with no property and she being separated in property from him. The mortgaging of the property to the above firm on Feb. 23,1853 is again represented. The petitioners aver that Ann L. Foster and husband have refused to acknowledge this debt in their account of debts of the estate. They request that the administrators be duly cited to answer the petition and that the account be amended to include the $4950 with a privilege upon the proceeds of the sale of the plantation and upon the sale of the Negroes. They also requested that service be made on W.D.L. McRae, agent and attorney in fact for said administrators.

Filed Jan 9, 2021 – Opposition of Augustus C. Huff, resident of E. Feliciana. He is opposing the account and tableau presented by Ann L. Foster and husband as they have failed to acknowledge a debt due him of $365. He represents that at various times during the year 1855, the opposer, in his character as practicing physician, visited the children and slaves of the said deceased and prescribed, furnished, and administered medicines. He is opposing the above account and tableau as his fees have not been acknowledged.

Received and filed Jan.18, 1856 – Opposition by Catherine F. Gair herein suing in her capacity of tutrix of the minor children, the issue of her marriage with Janus Gair, deceased, and in this capacity administering the estate of said Gair, deceased, and Calom (?) D. Bowman, both residents of E. Feliciana. They are opposing the account and tableau filed by Ann Foster and husband on Nov. 9, 1855 for the reason that they are creditors of the account – Bowman in the sum of $315.75 with interest and Gair in the amount of $784.25 with interest – together with the costs of suit # 2007 “on the docket of this court” entitled C.D. Bowman and C.F. Gair, tutrix vs. A.G. Penny, individually and as tutor. They ask that the administrators be ordered to include this debt in the account and tableau of distribution.

Received and filed Jan. 18, 1856 – Opposition by Slack (?), Day, and Stauffer, residing and transacting business in the City of New Orleans, of the account and tableau of distribution of Ann L. Foster and husband filed on Nov. 9, 1855. They claim that they are owed $1145.98, $3.00 cost of protest, and the costs of suit #1463 of the docket of this court. They request that this debt be recognized in the account and tableau.

Filed Jan 21, 2021 – Opposition of Thomas W. Scott of said parish. He represents that the account and tableau filed by Ann L. Foster and husband did not represent $561.56 owed to him. He indicates that on or about April 23, 1844, Albert G. Penny and Sarah A. Penny

were justly indebted to William D. Boyle, attorney, in the sum of $1500 as a fee for services rendered in the suit of Penny and wife vs. M. (or maybe T) Weston and wife and known on the docket of this court as No. _____, Old Series _____. (The numbers appear to be obliterated which is interesting because, although a listing of this suit was found on an index as , it was not found when requested at the Office of the Clerk of Court in Clinton.) Thomas Scott further represents that by means of the services of said W.D. Boyle, the said Sarah A. Penny received a large amount of property consisting principally of Negroes, said property now forming a part of the estate of Sarah A. Penny – that to pay the costs of W.D. Boyle, the said Penny acting as agent for his wife, he being at said time without any property, made and executed his promissory note in the favor of W.D. Boyle for the sum of $1500 – which said note was discounted in the Branch of the Union Bank of La. at Clinton and the amount of the same placed to the credit of Boyle – that the petitioner (Thos. Scott) and Wm. (?) Bowman were the securities of Penny upon said notes – that he same was renewed from time to time, the petitioner being the security, until the note was reduced to $561.50 when the same was taken by A. Levi and Adler for and on account of S.A. Penny, and the note of your petitioner as security for Albert G. Penny acting as the agent for S.A. Penny. He requests that Ann L. Foster and husband, administrators, be ordered to include this debt in their account and tableau of distribution.

Filed Jan. 26, 1856 – Answer of Ann L. Foster and James A.J. Foster to above oppositions. The Fosters deny generally and specially (specifically?) the allegations in opposers’ petitions, oppositions, and suits and plead “the prescription of three and five years and prescription generally.”

Filed Jan. 25, 1856 (it appears that this was entered in the court record immediately after the above entry which is dated a day later – it seems to have been recorded almost 3 weeks after the actual citation which resulted) – Opposition of Franklin Hardesty who represents that the estate of Sarah A. Penny is legally indebted to him in the amount of $202.21 for services provided in her lifetime in his capacity as Clerk of Court in East Feliciana. He represents that Albert G. Penny acknowledged on Oct. 11, 1848 that this amount was owed and promised interest and has continuously since that time acknowledged this debt. Franklin Hardesty represents that the suits that resulted in this debt greatly benefited Sarah A. Penny in the acquisition of considerable property now a part of the succession. He notes an additional sum due him of $10.12. The petitioner asks that the administrators be cited to show cause why these charges should not be paid by estate. Service of this petition was accepted and citation served Jan. 7, 1856.

Filed Jan. 24, 1856 – Opposition by Abraham Levi, Solomon Adler, Solomon Bloom, and Samuel Kahn, commercial firm under the name A. Levi, Bloom, and Co. The firm is claiming another debt against the estate in the amount of $32.61 for lumber charged to the account of Sarah A. Penny and used to the benefit of her plantation and furnished from Sept. 29, 1854 to Oct. 12, 1854. They represent that at the time her husband Albert G. Penny was totally insolvent and she was separated in property from him. The petitioners request that the Tableau of the estate be amended to include this debt.

Filed Jan. 25, 1856 – Opposition of Ann L. Foster and James A.J. Foster, her husband. Before answering to the opposition of A. Levi, Adler, and Co., the Fosters are requesting that this petition be dismissed for the reason that the firm has not made a true and faithful showing of their transactions with Sarah A. Penny during the years 1852, 1853, and 1854. The Fosters represent that the above firm bound themselves to act as commission merchants of the said Sarah A. Penny by a written contract dated Feb. 23, 1853 and faithfully sell all her produce whether sugar or cotton raised on the plantation during the years 1853 and 1854 and to make faithful returns of their account of sales of said produce – that the said firm during the years 1853 and 1854 received large amounts of produce from the plantation in sugar, molasses, “sero or sirup”, and cotton that they have made no return of their sales of the said produce nor in any manner accounted to the said estate for the same. Respondents aver that the said commercial firm have no right to oppose the amount filed in this succession except that they allege and show themselves to be creditors of a balance of account against said succession for the years aforesaid and that they can maintain no action against the estate until they make a full and final showing of all credits to said estate for the years 1853, 1854, and 1855 in transactions with said firm – wherefore they pray that the said opposition be dismissed. Should the court order the said objection then for answer the respondents deny each and every allegation and aver that the said firm is actually in debt to the estate in the amount of $9640. This figure is arrived at by a long tally that includes large numbers of barrels of molasses, hogsheads of sugar, barrels of syrup, and bales of cotton outlined for each of the years above. Respondents again plead the prescription of three years to the said account of said commercial firm. This is followed by a court order to let publication be made according to law filed April 11, 1856.

Filed June 9, 2020 – Answer of defendants James A. J. Foster and wife, administrators, to the application of Solomon Bloom. The Fosters represent that Bloom has no right to the administration of the estate for the following reasons - that they are the duly appointed administrators of the estate and that the same is nearly brought to a close - that there is no necessity for any other administrator – that the same would be attended with a careless expense to the estate – that the said Solomon Bloom is totally incompetent in law to be appointed to said office to the exclusion of the respondents, the said Ann L. Penny being a daughter and forced heir – that the said Bloom is “an alien” (not a U.S. citizen) – that he is asking to obtain this office with the purpose to defraud the heirs by representing himself as a large creditor when he is really indebted to the estate – that he was once appointed to said office by said court which was afterwards accused (?) on an appeal – that while acting in said capacity he totally forfeited his bond and oath by colluding with one A. Levi to aid and assist him against the interests of the said succession – that while respondents were acting in that capacity the said Bloom colluded by his attorneys and conspired with their agent William B. Rourk whom they had appointed as the law requires to represent them in their absence and induced him to renounce the said agency and then unbeknown to these respondents commenced this proceeding against them to remove them from office by the appointment of a curator ad hoc – that his whole conduct relating to the said proceeding and said estate is stamped with fraud and an attempt to get some advantage. Respondents specially deny that the said Bloom is a creditor of said succession and that by the illegal behavior described above he forfeited his bond and is justly liable to respondents for damages in the sum of $10,000 which respondents hereby plead against any claim Bloom may set up against said estate. Respondents aver that this claim for damages is now pending in suit #2101 of the docket of this court against the said principal and surety entitled A. Levi vs. A.G. Penny, Foster and wife intervention in which they confidently expect to obtain a judgment for the amount claimed above and that Bloom cannot be a creditor, but rather a debtor of said estate – that this suit cannot be tried till after the final termination of the suit. Respondents aver that they are duly and legally qualified and left an agent legally appointed to represent them and that soon after their departure Bloom and his attorneys interfered with the duties of said agent and by acts of intimidation caused him to renounce his office, then proceeded to appoint another agent to represent them by an act of procuration, to wit, W.D. McRae. Then the Fosters ask that if the court should be of the opinion that they cannot hold the office, that there must be a new appointment, that they oppose Bloom in that capacity – and that George L. Sawyer, a creditor of said succession in the amount of $3000 also joins the respondents in their opposition to Bloom. (Sawyer is the attorney that the Fosters have used throughout the proceedings.) The said Sawyer represents that he is a resident of the Parish of Concordia, La. and if the Fosters are not accepted as administrators he avers that he is entitled to the office in preference to Bloom as he is a creditor and a citizen of the United States.

Filed June 10, 2020 – Motion for a rule. Solomon Bloom moves the court to strike out of the answer of the defendants all that part of said answer which contains an unconventional (?) demand for damages alleged against Bloom upon the ground that said re-conventional (?) demand is illegal being in no manner whatsoever connected with the contest for the administration of the estate and also on the ground that the alleged damages can in no manner be pleaded as an offset to the acknowledged debt due Bloom for $10,000 and upwards. Bloom also moves to strike out all of that answer in which the incompetency of Bloom is discussed upon the ground that these matters have been passed in judication and cannot now be pleaded anew.

Filed June 30, 2020 – Amended answer of Ann L. Foster and husband. They aver that Bloom alleges that he is creditor of said estate for the sum of $10,000 and that on (date blank), 1855 they filed a statement of debts and tableau of distribution in which the said Bloom was not acknowledged as a creditor for any amount, that Bloom filed an opposition with the court, that on the trial of which opposition at the January term of this court 1856 the said firm obtained a judgment for $247.34 and also $20.00 on a separate opposition, that from the said judgment for the sum of $247.34 the firm appealed, which appeal is now pending in the Supreme Court, that said administrators have plead a large amount in re-convention (?) to said demand which they will also plead in the Supreme Court and fully believe and expect the same will be allowed – that in order to satisfy the said firm against all claims against said succession, before the final disposition of the Supreme Court, the administrators aver that they are ready to pay and fully satisfy all that is due on said judgment and will tender the said amount to the said firm according to law, and that they are also ready and willing to deposit for the security of said firm the said amounts in court subject to the order of the same, as a final disposition of the said suit in the Supreme Court, that said deposit will be made on the condition that the said Bloom will withdraw this proceeding and cease to harass and perplex them in discharge of their duties as administrators – that at the time of instituting this proceeding the said firm was largely indebted to the estate in consequence of a large amount of notes which they had received from said estate and which they have restored except for some forty or fifty dollars only since the condition of the aforesaid judgment liquidating the amount of this claim against said estate. They further aver that they are entitled to show the liability of the said Bloom in damages to the said estate as surety on several sequestration bonds set out in the original answer not as an offset or re-convention, but for the purpose of showing his incompetency to fill the office – that to the said statements of debts and tableau of distribution there are numerous oppositions of sundry creditors some of whom have obtained judgments against the said estate whose claims are now pending in the Supreme Court on appeal, all of whom are anxious to have the administrators go on and close the settlement of the debts and affairs of the estate and that they cannot be disturbed in the discharge of their duties by one who has no legal claim against the said estate. Filed June 29, 2020 for a hearing.

Filed July 2, 2020 – Motion for a rule on co-administrators to show cause. The applicant Bloom interposes a plea of Res Judicata to all that portion of defendants’ answer and amended answer in which the said defendants and administrators attempt to call in question the rights of S. Bloom the applicant for the administration of the succession of S.A. Penny upon the grounds that the said Bloom is not a creditor, that question having been raised on the exceptions heretofore filed which have been passed upon by this court and has also been finally determined by a decree of the Supreme Court heretofore rendered in this case. The said Bloom therefore prays for the court to file the plea of Res Judicata as a bar to any investigation of the relation of debtor and creditor between the said Bloom and said succession. No order follows this motion.

On 27 July 2020 (Parish of Pointe Coupee Louisiana Marriage Records #495)--- “Personally appeared Mr. A.G. Penny and Miss Celia Adams of the parish aforesaid, who expressed a desire to be united in the holy bonds of matrimony, and having produced the license required by law, and there appearing no legal objection to said marriage; I the said minister of the Gospel, did this day unite the said parties in marriage, in the presence of these undersigned witnesses, and pronounced them husband and wife according to the laws of the State of Louisiana. In testimony whereof the parties have here unto set their names together witnesses and me the said John A. Smylie, minister of the Gospel, this 27th day of July 1858. Signed: A.G. Penny, Celia Adams, John A. Smylie, W.C. Wilson (looks like M.D. following his name), P. Smith.”

Pointe Coupee #5515 of 1859 – slave sale: “---Personally came and appeared Madam Celia Adams wife of Albert Gallatin Penny of the parish of Pointe Coupee, State of Louisiana, together with her said husband ----.” This involved a sale by Celia Adams of slaves Louisa Griff about 24 years and her child Adda aged 2 ½ to Daniel Levy on 19 Jan.1859.

Pointe Coupee #6008 of 1859 – slave sale: Mrs. Celia Adams wife of Albert G. Penny, residents of the parish appeared together for a sale of slaves belonging to Celia Adams to Parker Smith of the parish on 5 Dec. 1859. This involved a Negro woman named Rachel, about 38, and her daughter Ella and her son Albert.

Pointe Coupee # 2508 of 1860 – petition of Albert G. Penny to be confirmed tutor to his minor children – Feb. 4, 1860. “---The petition of Albert G. Penny of the parish of Pointe Coupee respectfully represents that he is the father of Albert H. S. Penny, Sarah Eliza Penny, Mathilda K. Penny, minor children of his marriage with Sarah A. Kirkland. That he wishes to be confirmed their natural tutor ---.” Attached is a Pointe Coupee document on the same day which states that Albert G. Penny has been “duly appointed and confirmed natural tutor to his minor children Albert H., Sarah E., and Mathilda K. Penny.

Pointe Coupee #6267 0f 1860 – recording of succession sale of estate of Sarah A. Penny (seems to be related to East Feliciana #3388 – or perhaps 3588): “---In the matter of the suit of Ann L. Foster vs. A.G. Penny tutor. Be it remembered that on this 14th day of February 1860 (recorded in Pointe Coupee 22 Feb. 1860) – recorded that the deputy sheriff repaired”to the plantation lately belonging to Sarah A. Penny, deceased, about 12 miles from Morganza for the purpose of making a public sale of the moveable property depending on the said above succession. When and where after having advertised the sale of the aforesaid property in the Pointe Coupee Democrat, a newspaper published in this parish of Pointe Coupee, announcing that the said sale would be made at the plan (plantation?) aforesaid on the day between the hours----.” The property included many mules, blacksmith tools, oxen, calves, wagons, various farm tools, fodder, furniture, household implements, etc. The buyers included J.K.(maybe R.)Penny, William Foster, William Gates, C.F. McRae, J.J. Elliott, P.P.(?) Sugg, and F. Hitchcock.

Pointe Coupee #6301 0f 1860 – partition of slaves between heirs of Sarah Ann Penny: “---Be it remembered that on this seventh day of Feb. 1860, I, J. John Morbius Recorder of the parish of Pointe Coupee duly commissioned and sworn acting (unreadable word) Notary Public – in and for the same, by virtue of an order to me directed by H. Skipwith, Clerk of the Seventh Judicial District Court in and for the parish of East Feliciana for the purpose of making a partition in kind of the Negro slaves belonging to the succession of Mrs. Sarah Ann Penny, deceased, situated in the parish of Pointe Coupee – did then and there proceed to make said partition having first notified according to law Mrs. Ann L. Penny and her husband James A.J. Foster, Jesse K. Penny, William K. Penny, Mrs. Laura Penny and her husband William Foster, Sarah E. Penny by her special tutor (looks like Dr.) William C. Wilson, Henry A.S. Penny by his special tutor James M. Motlow (?), Mathilda K. Penny by her tutor Albert G. Penny, all of the aforesaid parties being the forced heirs of the said Mrs. Sarah Ann Penny, deceased.” Two expert appraisers were present and the slaves were divided up into 7 lots, each containing about 6 to 8 slaves, each lot amounting to $7000 to $7750 in value. The slaves were enumerated by name and age and young children appear to have been kept with their mothers. “The lots having been completed and ready to be drawn for – and the said parties being present except William K. (or R.) Penny herein represented by his agent and attorney in fact Jesse K. Penny and Mrs. Laura Penny duly represented by her husband William Foster. I the said Recorder proceeded to cause the said heirs Mrs. Ann L. Penny aided by her husband James A.J. Foster, Laura Penny herein represented by her husband William Foster, Jesse K. Penny and William K. represented by his agent and attorney in fact Jesse K. Penny all majors - and Sarah E. Penny duly represented by her special tutor James M. Motlow (maybe Morrow) – and Mathilda K. Penny represented by her tutor Albert G. Penny to draw for said lots, and having written on slips of paper, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh – and having (unreadable word) the number of each lot as marked on the slips of paper and placed in a hat ----.”

Pointe Coupee # 52 of 1861 – Jonathan Ellsworth vs. Celia Penny and her husband Albert G. Penny. Dispute over ownership of a tract of land in Section 59,Township 3 South, Range 9 East in South Eastern Land District of Louisiana West of the Mississippi River as well as other land and for recovery of $5000 in damages. Filed May 27, 1861. Citations were issued to Celia Adams ,wife of A.G. Penny and to Albert G. Penny on June 10, 1861, with each having personal service on June 15, 1861. No further proceedings were filed between June 15, 2020 and Nov. 22, 1866 when Albert G. Penny was again served with a citation in his capacity as Testamentary Executor of the late Celia Penny. On Mar. 7, 1867, notices were served on H.R.Bradford and A. Provosty, attorneys, to stop all proceedings as the matter had been compromised between the parties. The case was dismissed by Judge W.H. Cooley on June 19, 2020 at plaintiff’s cost.

Pointe Coupee #7013 of 1862 – sale of slave by Celia Adams, wife of A.G. Penny, to E.R. Adams – filed 25 Feb. 1862. Celia Adams and Albert G. Penny both appeared personally and were noted to be residents of the parish. A Negro man Bill was sold to Celia Adam’s nephew Elijah Robertson Adams. Celia Adams, A.G. Penny, and E.R. Adams signed in the presence of witnesses William K. Penny and T. (?) McBoyd. Celia Adams was the sister of Elijah Adams who married Morella Robertson (deceased by 1862). Elijah Adams and Morella Robertson were the parents of the above Elijah Robertson Adams.

Pointe Coupee Suit # 149 of 1862 – James Cotton vs. Mrs. Celia Penny and husband – filed April 23, 1862. Suit for the amount due of $216.56 for his share of 1861 cotton crop ginned by Celia Adams and her husband at plaintiff’s cotton gin. This petition is the only pleading in the record. No citations issued. No pleadings by defendants. No disposition either by judgement or dismissal.

Pointe Coupee Suit # 179 of 1863 – James Cotton vs. A.G. Penny – filed April 7, 1863. Suit for damages in the amount of $2000 alleging that Albert Penny, on or about the 12th day of April, 1862, unlawfully shot a slave named Harry belonging to James Cotton and the slave ultimately died of the wound. Citation was served on A.G. Penny personally on April 10, 1863. No answer was filed and no other proceedings of any kind indicate how this was resolved. Note: The time period is during the Civil War.

From A History of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana by Brian J. Costello, 1999 in an entry regarding Civil War events at Pointe Coupee in 1863: “The Confederates then returned to harass Federal shipping operations on the Mississippi, setting up three batteries at Red River Landing and one at James M. Cotton’s plantation near Raccourci. The batteries fired upon numerous ships ---. The federals returned in kind, mercilessly shelling the homes of Eugene Tircuit, Adam Schexnayder, and the Buquoi family at Raccourci.”

In 1871, Albert G. Penny applied to the Southern Claims Commission for reimbursement from the U.S. government for losses incurred during the Civil War as a result of property taken or destroyed by Union troops. This document, #9700 of the Southern Claims Commission Files, was found at National Archives in Washington, D.C. According to Southern Loyalists in the Civil War: The Southern Claims Commission by Gary B. Mills, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1994, claims were reviewed between 1871 and 1880. Claims were to be accepted only from those who (1) held American citizenship, (2) resided in a state that seceded, (3) could document loyalty to the federal government throughout the conflict, and (4) had suffered official confiscation of goods. Albert G. Penny’s claim was barred on the grounds that he had not been loyal to the federal government. Here is some of the information found in this claim. In 1871 Albert G. Penny listed his residence as Alexandria, Rapides Parish, La. He was claiming for the amount of $2980 for mules and horse forage confiscated by Union troops. He noted that at he time of the incident on the last day of August, 1864, large amounts of fodder and forage, eight mules, and one carriage horse were taken from his residence at the time which was described as Morganza, Parish of Pointe Coupee, Louisiana on the Mississippi River and (unreadable – perhaps something like “Latenache” – this is a bayou that runs from the Raccourci area - or maybe “Petitioners”) Plantation. He indicates that the property was taken or furnished for the use of a portion of the United States Army known as General H.T.(?) Banks Army commanded by General N.P. Banks, U.S. Army. He then goes on to claim that he remained “loyally adherent to the cause and the Government of the United States during the war ---.” He signed Albert G. Penny, Claimant in the Parish of Rapides on 2 November, 1871. One of the witnesses was Alphonse Baillio. The following list and names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove loyalty: William L. Brown, Moses Soutter (?), Moses Kemp, Doctor John G. Archer, Hercules Penny – all residing in Pointe Coupee Parish. The following letter signed by A.H. Mason which appears to have been dated January 7, 2021 (maybe 1875) was attached to the claim and appears to have been the basis for the claim being barred.

“Deposition of Alexander H. Mason. Who being duly sworn deposeth and says: I am forty seven (47) years of age. I reside in New Orleans, Louisiana. I have no occupation at present. I am acquainted with Albert G. Penny of Rapides Parish, Louisiana. I first made acquaintance in the spring of 1863, at his house. I visited him to purchase supplies for the Confederate Army, which I did and paid him in Confederate money, he expressing him self (sic) as perfectly satisfied with receiving Confederate money for them. He always expressed him self as a warm and true Southern man and often in my presence wished the Confederates success. Have often heard him denounce the Federals. At this time I was Chief Commissary of Maj. Gen’l. Walker’s Division. In the spring of 1864, I was stationed at Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana as Chief Commissary of the District and remained there until February 1865. Frequently saw and conversed with Albert G. Penny, he always expressing him self as a strong and warm Southern man. The entire public certainly regarded and looked upon him as a true Southern man. Signed A.H. Mason.

Pointe Coupee # 259 of 1865 – Succession of Celia Adams, wife of A. Penny – petition to probate will – Sept. 7, 1865. A. G. Penny petitions the court representing that Celia Adams, his wife, died lately in this parish, and left a will contained in a sealed (unreadable). He requests that this will be executed. He notes that the only heirs of the deceased residing in the parish are Elijah Adams and Lidie Ann Adams, a minor. There was also a petition dated Sept. 7, 1865 by Albert G. Penny for an inventory of the estate. Witnesses J.G. Archer, James R. Gayle, _ LeJeune, and _ Provosty were called to court Oct. 2, 1865 in the matter of the succession of Celia Adams, wife of A.G. Penny. The process verbal and the proving of the will took place on that day. Celia Adams date of death was noted to be Aug. 11, 1865. Celia Adams willed that her husband, Albert Gallatin Penny, have usufruct of her property (providing for her niece, Lydia Ann Adams, until she married). After the death of Albert Gallatin Penny the inheritance would go to Lydia Ann Adams and her heirs with William K. Penny to be executor. The will was written Nov. 3, 1862 at Village Grove Plantation. Celia noted that she was very feeble of body, but sound in mind at that time. Albert Gallatin Penny was appointed testamentary executor. An inventory of the estate was completed Sept. 23, 1865. Albert G. Penny was noted to be residing in Celia Adams late residence at that time. The property was described as situated in Pointe Coupee, fronting the Mississippi River, bounded above by the land of Jonathan Ellsworth, ----Jacob Fisher, and below by _ Porche ---James Cotton, and in the rear by Mr. or Mrs. Brown containing about 337 acres, being the same tract of land which the deceased purchased from Elijah Adams by notorial act from before Samuel Buck N.P. (? hard to read) on the 15th of November, 1849. Furniture and household goods were inventoried as well as 16 head of cattle and farm equipment. The total value of the property was assessed at $774.25. A final account was made on Sept. 15, 1869 of debts and assets with what appears to be $800 in assets, $336.90 in debts, and $468.40 in ordinary claims as best I can make out from the handwritten record. Albert G. Penny petitioned the court for “homologation” of the final account on Oct.5, 1869 and this was completed on Oct.15, 1869.

Pointe Coupee Act of Marriage #833 of 1865 – marriage of A.S. Penny and Lidie Ann Adams – license obtained Dec. 18, 1865. It appears that Albert G. Penny paid the sum of $500 in Dec. 1865 as a marriage bond for Albert Street Penny who was “about to contract marriage with Lillie Ann Adams.” The marriage took place on 21 Dec. 1865 in Pointe Coupee between Lydia Ann Adams and A.S. Penny and was performed by John Rowland, Rector of St. Stephen’s (Episcopal) Church at Williamsport, Pointe Coupee. Witnesses were Gov. Brown (maybe G.W. Brown), W.K. Penny, _ R. Gayle.

Of interest are other Penny marriages in Pointe Coupee: 1873 Amelie Penny to Jean Baptiste Phillipe, 1880 Julienne Penny (noted as daughter of Maurice Penny and Elvira Edmond) to Bruno Antoine, 1885 Felice Penny (daughter of Gaston Penny and Felicie Penny) to Ben Franklin, 1889 Laura Penny to Homer Aguillard. However, to date, no relationships have been established.

Pointe Coupee document attached to succession of Celia Adams dated Dec.3, 1866. “On motion of E. Phillips, attorney for Arthur Adams and on showing to the court that he is a creditor of the estate of Celia Adams. It is ordered that A.G. Penny, testamentary executor of said estate, do show cause on the first day of the next term of this court, why the property belonging to the said estate should not be sold for the payment of said debt according to law.”

Pointe Coupee #7819 of 1867 – sale of land by Albert S. Penny (Albert Street Penny) to Jesse K. Penny – recorded in Pointe Coupee Mar.1867 – the record is very faded, but it looks like the sale could have actually taken place in 1865. Albert Street Penny appeared with his wife Lidiann Adams, residents of the parish, sold for $5000 “a certain tract of land being in the aforesaid parish known as section number 59 in township number (unclear – maybe three) in range number 9 east of the Eastern land District west of the Mississippi River, bounded on the north by lands of J.D. Lacour and Olive Richard, on the east by the Missisippi River, on the south by lands of James Cotton, on the west by lands of Brown and Cotton. Also all the mules and horned cattle and all the appertinances (sic) thereto belonging to have and to hold the said described property unto the said Jesse K. Penny-.” Albert G. Penny (father of the 2 brothers) relinquished his “right as usufruct” in the property. The document was signed by L.A. Adams, A.S. Penny, A.G. Penny, J.K. Penny.

Pointe Coupee # 7820 of 1867 – compromise between Albert G. Penny and Albert Street Penny – Mar. 7, 1867. Albert G. Penny, Albert Street Penny, and Lydiann Adams wife of Albert Street Penny appeared. This seemed to involve transfer of a certain section of the property described above in # 7013 to Olive Richard. It was described as being a portion of Section 59, Township 3, Range 9 east of South Eastern Land District west of the Mississippi River. It describes markers such as pecan trees and seems to be on Raccourci Levee at or very near the Mississippi River. Olive Richard was present and accepted the compromise. Apparently, there was some kind of land dispute having something to do with John Ellsworth the former claimant. The tract retained by Olive Richard was known as the old Jacob Fisher tract, lying north of the Raccourci Levee.

Pointe Coupee Suit # 1021 of 1867 – Auguste Provosty vs. A. G. Penny, Testamentary Executor – filed May 15, 1867. Auguste Provosty was the attorney representing Celia Adams Penny in the suit in which Jonathan Ellsworth sued her over a large tract of land. This suit was on a promissory note signed by Celia and A.G. Penny on June 15, 2020 in the amount of $500 for value received with 8% interest from date until paid, payable on June 15, 1862. Original note filed in record. Citation was served in Pointe Coupee on Albert G. Penny, who had personal service on May 20, 1867. No answer or other proceedings were subsequently filed. A default judgement was rendered against Albert G. Penny for the amount sued plus interest and an order of seizure ordered by Judge W. H. Cooley on June 22, 1867. A Notice of Judgement dated July 3, 1867 was served on Albert G. Penny personally in Rapides Parish on July 19, 1867. A Writ of Seizure and Sale was issued on June 15, 1861.

Pointe Coupee petition (seems to be a part of #259 succession of Celia Adams Penny) of Jesse K. Penny for an injunction to stop a sheriff’s sale dated Sept. 26, 1867. Jesse K. Penny described himself as a resident of the parish and noted that he had bought a tract of land from Mr. Albert S. Penny on Mar. 7, 1867, fronting on the Mississippi River, bounded above by the land of Jonathan Ellsworth, below by land belonging to W.L.V.(?) Porche and James Cotton and in the rear by land belonging to Mr.or Mrs. Brown containing about 250 acres. This land had been seized by the sheriff of Pointe Coupee and was advertised for sale on Sept. 25, 1869. Judge Cooley granted the injunction upon plaintiff giving bond and security in the sum of $250. An attached document noted that Arthur Adams was the creditor on the property, Albert G. Penny was the executor for the estate of Celia Adams. J.K. Penny, J.B. Anderson, and W.K. Penny signed.

Further information on the family background of both Celia Adams and Lydia Ann Adams was provided by a descendant of Lydia Ann Adams. Her great great grandmother, Mary Barbara Kornbacher, daughter of Lydia Ann Adams and second husband Edward Emile Kornbacher, had documented family names and dates from a list she brought with her when she moved from Morganza, Pointe Coupee Parish to Mobile, Alabama. This move was apparently necessitated by the sudden death of her husband leaving her with a number of small children to raise. This list provided the basis for a handwritten summary Mary Barbara Kornbacher completed prior to her death in 1957. According to this summary Elijah Adams (Sr.) came to West Feliciana from Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi and built a plantation called Live Oak in Weyanoke near St. Francisville. Elijah Adams (Sr.) married Celia Cobb, daughter of Arthur Cobb and Susannah Lnu (sp?). The location of the marriage is not yet documented, but descendants indicate that it could have been in North Carolina (Arthur Cobb’s birthplace); Watauga Settlement, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; or Woodville, Mississippi. The children of Elijah Adams (Sr.) and his wife Celia were: Charlotte, Arthur, Lydia (married 1st Philip Lewis Alton and 2nd John Whittaker), Susan, Frederick, Sarah, Celia, and Elijah (Jr.). Elijah (Sr.) died in 1816 in West Feliciana, preceded by his wife Celia Cobb and his father-in-law Arthur Cobb. At the time of Elijah’s 1816 death, the oldest child Charlotte was married to Amos Webb. The other children appear to have been minors at that time as the family is in possession of many documents related to guardianship. Elijah Adams Jr. (b. 8 April 1811, d. 10 September 2020) married Maisell (Morella) Robertson (b. 18 April 1821, d. 12 November 2020) on 15 June 1839.The children of Elijah Adams (Jr.) and Maisell are noted to be Celia Adams (no dates), Elijah Robertson Adams (b. 11 April 2021), Frederick A. Adams (b. 14 January 2021), and Lydia Ann Adams (b. 20 July 2020 in Pointe Coupee, d. 8 September 2020). The 1850 Pointe Coupee Census shows Elijah Adams (Jr.) as 38 years old and living in the same household as Elijah (age 10), Frederick (age 6), Lydia (age 4), and Celia Adams (age 40). This 40 year old Celia appears to be the Celia Adams who married Albert Gallatin Penny (not to be confused with Celia, daughter of Elijah Adams Jr., above). Four year old Lydia in the 1850 census seems to be the Lydia Ann Adams who later (Pointe Coupee Act of Marriage #833 of 1865 above) married Albert Street Penny (son of Albert Gallatin Penny and his first wife Sarah Ann Kirkland). Apparently, prior to Celia Adams’ 1858 marriage to Albert Gallatin Penny she was living with her brother and his children, perhaps at Village Grove Plantation at Raccourci where Celia and Albert Gallatin Penny later lived. Mary Barbara Kornbacher’s information indicates that Lydia Ann Adams married first Albert Street Penny who died according to these records on 21 November 1868. Children of Albert Street Penny and Lydia Ann Adams were listed as Jesse Carlson Penny and William Kirkland Penny. Lydia Ann Adams married a second time on 24 February 2021 to Edward Kornbacher.

Based on records related to the succession of Sarah Ann Kirkland Penny indicating that James A.J. Foster and Ann L. Penny Foster were at that time living in Mississippi, the 1860 Mississippi Census was reviewed. In the 1860 Mississippi Census for Natchez, Adams County, James A.J. Foster (age 32, farmer, born in Miss.) was found. His wife was listed as Anne (or Anna) L., age 28, born in Louisiana. The children (all born in Mississippi) were: Mary Ann (age 11), Sarah K. (age 10), Laura P. (age 7), William J. (age 2), Clara (age 5), Amelia (age 2). Listed near James A.J. Foster (next household in the census which often indicates next door) was the household of James Foster, age 45, a physician, with wife Elizabeth, age 42, and Jane (age 23), James (age 21), and John (age 20), all household members born in Mississippi. The ages do not suggest that James and Elizabeth Foster were parents of James A.J. Foster, but there may have been a relationship. Also in the 1860 Mississippi Census, Natchez, Adams County, is found the household of William P. Foster, age 23; Louisa Foster (difficult to read, possibly is Laura), age 20; W.A. Foster, age 4; J.K. Penny, age 25; and Sarah E. Penny, age 18. It appears that at least by 1860 Jesse K. Penny and Sarah E. Penny (children of Albert Gallatin Penny and Sarah Ann Kirkland) were living with their sister Laura (Louisa?) and her husband and 4 year old son in Natchez. All household members were recorded as having been born in Mississippi, but an error of this kind would not be uncommon. Next door to this household was listed William J. Foster (age 62, farmer, born in Miss.), Mary (age 42, born in Canada), Erastus B. (age 17, born in Miss.), Mary J. Brashing (sp.? – age 18, born in La.), Samuel J. (age 16, born in La.), Ezeldon E. (age 14, born in La.). This could have been the household of William P. Foster’s father, but this is undocumented. In the 1870 U.S. Census for Natchez, Adams Co., Mississippi are found: James Foster age 31, farmer; Amanda, age 29; Daniel, age 1; Thomas, age 3; Mary, age 6; Mason, age 3; all household members recorded as born in Miss. Also on the 1870 U.S. Census for Natchez, Adams Co., Miss. is the following Foster household: William Foster, looks like age 76, but difficult to read; Mary, age 26; Martha, age 20; Andrew, age 20; and Joldy Claiborne, black male, age 17 (may have been the overseer); all household members listed as born in Miss. It should also be noted that a Genforum correspondent indicated that a Samuel Foster was in partnership with his son-in-law, William Earhart, in a dry goods business in Natchez, Miss. She reported that William Earhart was born in 1803 in Adams Co., Miss. and married Jane Foster, daughter of the above Samuel Foster. The relationship of these Fosters is undetermined.

Pam Bettis, descended from a Lorena Foster (a daughter of Laura Penny and William P. Foster) provided the following information. In the 1880 U.S. Census for Adams Co., Miss. is listed this household:

William P. Foster, 43 years of age, white male, farmer, born in Miss. (father born in Miss., mother born in West Canada)

Laura, age 45 years of age, white female, born in Louisiana (father and mother born in Louisiana)

Jesse P., age 19 years, son, white male, born in Mississippi

Annie, age 18 years, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Olive, age 16 years, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Lorena, age 14 years, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Laura, age 13 years, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Harry, age 9 years, son, white male, born in Mississippi

Ella, age 6 years, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Elf, age 4 years, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Maud, age 2 months, daughter, white female, born in Mississippi

Lorena Foster was born on 5 September 2020 in Adams County, Mississippi. Lorena married Charles Edward Katzes( Kates, 'Cates) on 7 January 2021 in Roxie, Franklin County, Mississippi. Charles Edward Katzes’ parents have not yet been identified.

Children of Lorena Foster and Charles Edward Katzes:

Earnest, born 4 Oct. 1886 in Roxie, Franklin County, Mississippi; married Carrie Phipp on 4 Aug 1915; died 10 March 1952 (place of death or burial unknown).

Wilbur Foster, born 26 April 2020 in Roxie, Franklin County, Mississippi; married Myrtle Saran on 26 March 1916; date and place of death unknown.

Camelle, born 22 June 2020 in Roxie, Franklin County, Mississippi; married. H. V. Viccinalli; died on 22 Nov. 1984 (place of death unknown).

Ethel, born 26 July 2020 in Roxie, Franklin County, Mississipi; married Leland Saxon; died in 1962 (place of death unknown).

Edward William, born 21 Dec. 1903 in Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi; married Irma Wilkinson on 11 Sept 2020 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Irma was the daughter of Charles Brannoc Wilkinson and Elizabeth Vivian Case. Edward died June 1990. Irma died 1 May 1943. They had only one child, Gloria Maxine Katzes (Kates, Cates) born 17 Nov. 1928 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Bernice, born 18 Sept. 1906 in Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi; married Brannoc C.Katzes on 5 Jan. 1930, no date of death is given.

The above information provided by Pam Bettis (LPBettis@aol.com) was derived from the 1900 census for Franklin Co., Miss. (in which the name is spelled “Kates”) and from the Katzes family Bible owned by Bernice Wilkenson of Baton Rouge, LA.

The 1870 Louisiana Census for Pointe Coupee Parish revealed William K. Penny (30 year old white male planter, born in La.) listed next to Lydia A. Penny (22 year old white female, keeping house, born in La.) on the census, indicating that the households were next door. Perhaps they both lived on Village Grove plantation at Raccourci in separate houses. In William’s household was a 30 year old white male laborer named (looks like) James Masson or Massau born in England (difficult to read, but last 4 letters definitely “land”) and apparently his 2 year old son, James Masson or Massau, a white male born in La. In Lydia’s household were Jesse C. Penny, age 4, born in La. and William K. Penny, age 2, born in La. This confirms the information from Mary Barbara Kornbacher above indicating names of children of Albert Street Penny and Lydia Ann Adams Penny.

A.G. Penny married Eleanora Henderson in Rapides Parish in 1866. Eleanora was the daughter of John Brown and Clara Layssard (The Baillio Family by Catherine Baillio Futch, 1961) of Rapides Parish. Eleanora was the widow of Harry Henderson. A copy of the marriage bond was obtained from the Clerk of Court for Rapides Parish and reads thus:

“Know all men by these presents that we Albert G. Penny as principal, and Landry Baillio as security, are held, and firmly bound unto the Governor of the State of Louisiana in the sum of Five Hundred Dollars for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally by these presents. Dated at Alexandria. La., the 28th day of Feby A.D 1866. Whereas a License has been this day issued by the Clerk of the District Court in and for the Parish of Rapides to unite in the Bond of Matrimony the above bound Mr. Albert Gallatin Penny and Mrs. Eleanora L. Henderson. Now therefore, the condition of the above obligation is such that if there should exist no legal impediment to this alliance, then the said obligation to be null and void, else to remain in full force and vertue (sic). Signed in presence of: W.W.Whittington Jr., Clerk C. (presumably Clerk of Court). Signatures of: A.G. Penny and Landry Baillio.

Rapides Parish Clerk of Court also provided a copy of the marriage license which reads as follows: “To the Rev. I. P. Bellier, a minister of the Gospel in and for the Parish of Rapides: Greetings. You are hereby licensed and permitted to unite in the Bonds of Matrimony, according to law & established rules, Mr. Albert Gallatin Penny and Mrs. Eleanora L. Henderson. Given under my hand and seal of office as Clerk of the District Court in and for the Parish of Rapides the 28th day of Feby. AD 1866. Signed: W.W. Whittington.” Below this on the same page reads: “Be it remembered that on the 12th day of March 1866, Mr. A.G. Penny and E.L. Henderson (widow) appeared before me the Catholic priest of Alexandria in and for the Parish of Rapides, together with the undersigned witnesses, all of full age and resident in the said parish, and that then and there said Mr. A.G. Penny and E.L. Henderson having produced the license required by law, signified their desire and intention, before us the said minister and witnesses, to be united in the State of Matrimony. Whereupon, after due proclamation made and no impediment being suggested, they the said parties were by me the said minister in the presence of the said witnesses Joined in Wedlock according to the laws of Louisiana, and by me the said minister duly pronounced Husband and Wife. In Testimony whereof the parties to the said marriage here unto affix their signatures together with me the said minister.” Unfortunately, the rest of the page was cut off in copying and neither the signatures of the parties or witnesses were shown. However, the original of this document is available in the office of the Clerk of Court of Rapides Parish.

The children of Eleanora Brown by her first marriage to Harry Henderson were:

The birth order of these children is not known and there may have been other siblings. The above information is from The Baillio Family. Of interest is the fact that Eleanora Brown’s daughter from her first marriage to Harry Henderson, Clara Henderson Jarreau, married second Jesse K. Penny, believed to be the son of Albert Gallatin Penny from his first marriage to Sarah Ann Kirkland. There was one known daughter, Hattie Penny (The Baillio Family). The following notice of the death of Clara Henderson (Jarreau) Penny is found in the Alexandria Town Talk:

“DIED: Mrs. Clara Henderson Penny, age 80, on Saturday, January 10, 1942, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Penny Golden, at Goldonna, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. She was the sister of the late Frank D. Henderson of Boyce, Louisiana and the mother of Joseph Jarreau of Lodi Plantation.”

The following information regarding the parents of Eleanora Brown is known. Her mother, Clara Layssard was the daughter of Etienne Marafret Layssard, known as Bolon, and Marguerite Claire LaCour (daughter of Jean Baptiste LaCour and Marianne Leonard). Etienne Marafret Layssard (Bolon) is often referred to as Etienne Marafret Layssard II as his parents were Etienne Marafret Layssard and Helene Fazende (daughter of Jacques Fazende and Helene de Moriere). Etienne Marafret Layssard and Marguerite LaCour married Sept. 1791 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Morganza, La. Marguerite’s sister, Magdelaine Emilie LaCour, married Pierre Baillio II who is also in the author’s direct line. Eleanora’s father, John Brown, was born 27 January 2021 and died 19 November 1847. He came to Louisiana from England with his brother in the early 1800s. He settled at Pine Island, across Bayou Rapides from Kent Plantation, the early home of the Baillio family in Rapides Parish. He married Clara Layssard (b. 16 August 2020 d. 3 July 2020) on 21 April 1808. (All of the above information is from The Baillio Family).

Of interest is the fact that two brothers of Eleanora Brown (also children of John Brown and Clara Layssard) both married Irma Rosalie LaCour. Dufossat Brown of Rapides Parish married Irma LaCour in 1845. She then married second his brother, William L. Brown, in 1857. This information is from LeDoux: A Pioneer Franco-American Family by LaVerne Thomas III, 1982, Polyanthos, Inc. As is clear from Persac’s 1858 Map of Plantations on the Lower Mississippi River, William Brown’s property at Raccourci in Pointe Coupee Parish was adjacent to the plantation of Celia Adams on which Albert Gallatin Penny lived with his second wife, Celia Adams. It seems likely that Albert Gallatin Penny met his third wife, Eleanora Brown Henderson, while she was visiting her brother, William Brown, at Raccourci. The 1860 Louisiana Census lists William L. Brown (age 35, planter, born in La.), Irma (age 31), George (age 15), Dufourchar (age 12), Mary (age 11), Clarissa (age 9), Claire A. (1 yr., 2 mos.). The 1860 Louisiana Census lists A.G. Penny (age 54, planter), Celia (age 50), Mathilda K. (age 10), A.H.S. (age 15), Lydia McAdams (age 14).

The Baillio Family by Catherine Baillio Futch, lists the children of John Brown and Claire Layssard Brown as: (1) John Brown Jr. b. 31 July 1809, d. 20 May 2020 (2) Stephen Brown b. 9 Sept. 1812, d. 23 Sept. 1819 (3) Marrafret Brown b. 26 July 1817, d. 28 Mar. 1820 (4) William L. Brown b. 10 July, 1821 (5) Clara Amelie Brown b. 20 Dec. 1823, married Landry Baillio (6) Emily C. Brown b. 12 Aug. 1825, married Charles Pinkney Hagewood (7) Lafurcher Brown (this must be Dufossat as all other brothers except William died young) b. 27 July 2020 (8) Elenora Lora Brown b. 6 Sept. 1829, married Albert Gallatin Penny. There have been strong connections between Rapides Parish and the Raccourci area in Pointe Coupee going back to at least the late 1700s involving particularly the LaCour and Jarreau families. Perhaps this was related to the fact that Raccourci was at the point where the Red River joined the Mississippi River making for frequent contact through trade.

The 1870 Louisiana Census for Rapides Parish, La., Alexandria Post Office, Rapides Ward lists the following: Brown, Clara L. (hard to read the age, perhaps 80); Penney, Albert (age 60); Penney, Elnora (age 40, keeping house); Penney, looks like Phelia or Amelia, but more likely Mathilda (age 17); Henderson, Clara (age 15, at school); Henderson, Martha L. (age 13, at school); Penney, Elnora E. (age 3); Penney; Ada P. (age 2). Apparently at that time Albert Gallatin Penny and Elenora Brown Henderson Penny were living with Elnora’s elderly mother, Claire Layssard Brown, with their children from previous marriages and 2 young daughters of their own.

The following record was obtained from the office of Carolyn C. Jones Ryland, Rapides Parish Clerk of Court, Alexandria, Louisiana:

Succession of Clara L. Brown – Rapides Parish, La. Succession #199 - spelling and punctuation as in the original document.

“State of Louisiana Parish of Rapides. Wee the undersigned heirs of Clara L. Brown Deceased have have (repeated twice) this day mutually agreed to divide the land and improvements as here in after Stated that the Land is to be equally divided between the four undersigned heirs. It is agreed that Mrs. Penny has the land where the old dwelling house stands with the following houses. the old dwelling house and also the houses that are in the yard and the house that P. Jarreau is now liveing in and also the one that Old Hophia (maybe Hopkins) is now liveing in. It is agreed that Mrs. Hagewood has the land where her house now Stands withe houses that are in her yard and also the Old Portion of the house that D.W. (maybe D.N. or D.M.) Brown is now is now liveing in and the known as the overseers house. It is agreed that Mrs. Clara A. Baillio and the heirs of D.M Brown have the land on the extreme back part of the Plantation the line running from the Bayou to the line of Mobieus. Mrs. C.A. Baillio to have the land on the extreme Back part of the Plantation with the following houses to wit the house that J.H. (or J.A.) Hopson is now liveing in and the one that is next to it and also the house that Scott Morris is now living in and all so the house that old allens is now living in and that Old Abe is liveing in.

The heirs of D.M. Brown are to have the Piece of land that is between the land of Mrs. C. A. Baillio and the lands of Mrs. Penny and Mrs. Hagewood with the following houses to wit the house that B. Jarreau is now living in and the house that McGibbins is now living in and the house that E. Hobbs is now living in and the one that Albert Lessard (this name is hard to read) is now living in and the one that Harry Brown is now living

This 21st day of June 1878. witnesses Authorsea (maybe the word is authorized – not sure whether it is the signature of a witness – other signatures are as follows) E.L. Penny by A.G.Penny, J.H. Hopson, E.C. Hagewood, J.T. Penny (not sure of initials, but clearly Penny), D.W. Brown, P.S. Jarreau, Clara A. Baillio”

(Then on a divided section of the paper, but with an apparent cross mark over ---) “4 heirs Equally divided into 4 equal plots (parts?). Mr. Moebius admin of Mrs. (maybe Wm.) Brown’s est. agent with the heirs to take 200 (2nd digit may be something else) arpents & give a govt claim of the Estate of Mrs. Brown and letter to his instruct. usiligny & Zelopine (these look like names – perhaps lawyers filing? – very hard to read – these names are probably incorrect – then below is another word that could be a signature of could say Thursday. Written over all of this section – making it hard to read is ---) Filed in evidence April 8th 1879 (then a word that looks like a signature ---) H. Rausdell (?)”

(Mailed with the copy of the succession were 3 pages entitled Reasons for Judgement. There is no document number, but it is noted as part of the Clara L. Brown succession)

“Reasons for Judgement

Succession of Clara Brown

On application of Emily Hagewood

For administation and opposition of Defourcher Brown

Mrs. Emily Hagewood one of the descendants of Clara Brown, alleging that M. Layssard testamentary executor of the deceased has died without fully administering the estate, that debts are due by the succession and that an administrator of it is necessary, prays to be appointed dative testamentary executrix of the succession. Defoucher Brown, another of the descendants of Clara Brown, opposes the appointment of the applicant on the ground that an administration is not necessary for the reason that no debts are due by the succession and that the heirs have accepted it purely and simply, and are now in possession. He prays that if an administration be deemed necessary, it be given to him instead of the applicant. It seems that after the death of M. Layssard, the heirs divided the property among themselves by private act of partition. The evidence discloses that debts are due by the succession. The decisions of the Supreme Court, and more particularly of the present Supreme Court in 30 Augual (probably August), decide that heirs may legally come into possession of an estate before it is entirely administered. But I cannot find a case in all the decisions where during the administration of a succession by which debts were due, that heirs have been placed in possession except by order of the Court which had charge of the estate. The heirs can apply to be put in possession and it will be granted, subject to the right of the creditors to demand that they give security for the debts. This right of the creditors is granted for their protection, and their demand for security is barred after a certain time. But if the heirs take possession privately of a succession which is under the supervision and control of the Probate Court, what opportunity have the creditors to enforce their legal right to demand security? After the death of M. Layssard the heirs of Clara Brown should have applied to this Court to be put in possession of the estate. Unless required by creditors, they would have been entitled to possession without giving security for the debts. This remedy is still open to them whenever they choose to demand it. But in the meanwhile, I consider that the law requires an administrator to be appointed to represent the succession. I am of the opinion however that the opponent in this suit is better fitted to fill that capacity than the applicant. It is therefore ordered that the application of Mrs. Emily Hagewood be dismissed and that Defoucher Brown be permitted to qualify as dative testamentary executor according to law. It is further ordered that the succession pay the costs of this suit. (Signed) J.R. Thornton, Parish Judge”

The author of this Penny summary, Penny Daigre Midboe, who is a great, great granddaughter of Clara Layssard Brown, will attempt to provide the most likely identification for individuals named in this document. This information is taken from The Baillio Family by Catherine Baillio Futch (Claitor’s Publishing, Baton Rouge, 1961, 2nd printing 1983), LeDoux: A Pioneer Franco-American Family by LaVerne Thomas III (Polyanthos, New Orleans, 1982), and U.S. census records for Rapides Parish:

Clara L. Brown – This is Clara Layssard, daughter of Etienne Marafret Layssard II (Bolon) and Marguerite Clair LaCour. Clara was born April 16, 2021 and died July 3, 1873. On April 21, 2020 she married John Brown (Jan. 27, 1788-Nov. 18, 1847).

Mrs. Penny – This is Elenora “Lora” Brown, daughter of Clara Layssard and John Brown. She was born Sept. 6, 1829 and died Sept. 26, 1887. Elenora married first Harry (Harrison?) Henderson and 2nd in 1866 Albert Gallatin Penny (1806- June 15, 2020). In the 1870 U.S. Census for Rapides Parish, Alexandria Post Office, Rapides Ward in the household of Clara l. Brown (listed as head of household - looks like age 80) were Elenora (age 40) and Albert Penny (age 60), Mathilda Penny (age 17 - the first name is difficult to read, but is almost certainly Mathilda from A.G. Penny’s marriage to Sarah Ann Kirkland), Clara Henderson (age 15 – Elenora’s daughter from her 1st marriage to Harry Henderson), Martha L. Henderson (age 13 – from Elenora’s first marriage), Elnora E. Penny (age 3 – child of A.G Penny and Elenora Brown), Ada P. Penny (age 2 – child of A. G. Penny and Elenora Brown).

P. Jarreau – I believe this is most likely Peter St. Juste Jarreau who married Mattie or Martha Henderson (above), daughter of Elenora Brown and her 1st husband Harry Henderson. Another daughter of Elnora Brown and Harry Henderson, Clara Henderson (b. circa 1862), married Jean Baptiste Bernard Jarreau (b. 1842, d. Sept. 9, 1875), brother of Peter St. Juste Jarreau (1852-1935). Parents of these Jarreau brothers were Claire Zulma Baillio (daughter of Auguste Baillio and Felonise Layssard) and Joseph Bernard Jarreau.

Old Hophia (Hopkins?) – See Old Abe below.

Mrs. Hagewood – This appears to be Emily C. Brown (b. Aug. 12, 1825, another daughter of John Brown and Clara Layssard), who married Charles Pinkney Hagewood. Their daughter Cora Hagewood married her cousin Hugh Lynch Baillio (son of Landry Baillio and Clara A. Brown who was another daughter of John Brown and Clara Layssard) – see Mrs. C.H. Baillio. Hugh Lynch Baillio was born Aug. 6, 1815 and died May 5, 1914. Cora Hagewood was born Sept. 30, 1856 and died Jan. 4, 1883. Cora Hagewood and Hugh Lynch Baillio married Aug. 26, 1879.

Mrs. Clara A. Baillio – This is Clara Amelia Brown (b. Dec. 20, 1823, d. Dec. 17, 1891), daughter of John Brown and Claire (Clara) Layssard. Clara A. Brown married Landry Baillio (b. 1806 or 1807, d. Aug. 3, 1875), son of Pierre Baillio and Magdeleine Emelie Lacour. Clara A. Brown and Landry Baillio married on Jan. 16, 1838.

D.M. Brown – I believe this is a son of Dufoucher Brown (sometimes Dufossat – Catherine Baillio Futch lists him as Lafourcher, but I believe this was perhaps a misreading of a handwritten document). Dufourcher Brown was a son of John Brown and Clara Layssard. In Ledoux (p. 759) he is listed as Dufossat Brown (son of John Brown and Clara Layssard) who was the 1st husband (m. 1845) of Irma Rosalie Lacour, daughter of Nicolas Lacour and his 3rd wife Clarisse Boisdore. Ledoux includes no Lafourcher in the list of children of John Brown and Clara Layssard. It is interesting that Irma Rosalie Lacour married 2nd in 1857 the brother of Dufossat Brown (and another son of John Brown and Clara Layssard), William L. Brown. William Brown and Irma Lacour lived on land that had come through the Lacour family at the Raccourci section of Pointe Coupee Parish, near present-day Morganza. A sister of Dufossat and William Brown, Elenora Brown (see Mrs. Penny above) , apparently met her 2nd husband Albert Gallatin Penny, at Raccourci where he had a plantation adjacent to William Brown and wife Irma Lacour. Dufossat Brown had apparently died by 1857 when Irma Lacour married his brother William. Dufossat Brown had a son named Dufossat Brown who married Anais DeGruy in 1872. I believe this is the D.M. Brown listed in the document as I have not found other Browns with given names starting with the letter “D” in U.S census records for Rapides Parish. An interesting clarification regarding the name “Dufossat” is included in LeDoux (p.503). He notes that the Soniat du Fossats were related to the Fazendes. Etienne Marafret Layssard I married Helene Fazende (daughter of Jacques Fazende, councilor of the Superior Council of La. during the colonial period, and Helene de Moriere) in 1745 in New Orleans. Etienne Marafret Layssard I and Helene Fazende were the parents of Etienne Marafret Layssard II (Bolon) who married Marguerite Clair Lacour. Children of Marguerite Claire Lacour and Bolon Layssard were: Claire (1792-1873 – m. John Brown 1808), Felonise (1795-1826 – m. Auguste Baillio before 1810), Marafret (1797-1878 – m. Anne Marie Pamela Casterede 1828), twins b. 1802 – perhaps died young), Armeline (b. 1804 – perhaps died before reaching adulthood), Cirelle (1808-1829 – never married), Euranie (1810 – perhaps died before reaching adulthood).

Mr. Mobieus – According to Ledoux (p. 759) Ida Brown (b. 1858 – A daughter of William Brown and Irma Lacour) married John Moebius (b. 1851) in 1876. John Moebius was noted to be the son of John Moebius (1820- 1871) and Elizabeth Philomene de St. Vrain (b. 1827). John Moebius was a native of Germany, the son of Herman Heinrich Moebius and Wilhelmina Hirsh. His wife was a native of St. Louis and daughter of Charles George de St. Vrain and Eulalie Bouis. Moebius came to Pointe Coupee Parish shortly before his marriage in 1843. Mr. Moebius above must be the son who married Ida Brown.

J.H. (or J. A.) Hopson – Mary Olivia Baillio (b. around 1847, d. November 6, 2020), a daughter of Landry Baillio and Clara Amelia Brown married James Alexander Hopson (1833-1900). They had one son, James Alexander Hopson Jr. (1868-1951).

Scott Morris – No record found.

Old Allens- No record found.

Old Abe – The fact that no first name is given may indicate that Old Abe was formerly a slave of the one of these families. In the Baillio Family (p. 149) a family tradition regarding Hugh Lynch Baillio (son of Landry Baillio and Clara A. Brown - see Mrs. Hagewood above) is noted. Apparently the Landry Baillio plantation home was shelled when the Union gunboats came up the Red River and part of it was destroyed by fire. The house was looted, the cotton gin burned, crops destroyed, and livestock and poultry killed. Hugh Lynch Baillio, a small boy at the time, is said to have been hidden by one of the slaves and his wife in their cabin and to have lived with them for some period. Sometime after the war the family divided up the plantation and Hugh Lynch Baillio settled there. It is noted that the 2 slaves who saved him lived in a cabin on his farm on Brown’s Bend until they died. These may have been some of the individuals noted by first name only. Brown’s Bend, the old John Brown property, is the land being discussed in the succession of Clara L. Brown. This was apparently directly across Bayou Rapides from Kent Plantation (the home of Pierre Baillio and Magdeleine Emelie Lacour, parents of Landry Baillio). Catherine Baillio Futch reports a family tradition that Brown’s Bend (sometimes called Island Plantation) came down to the family from the Layssards.

Mrs. C H. Baillio – I believe this is Cora Hagewood Baillio above, daughter of Emily C. Brown and Charles Pinkney Hagewood. Cora Hagewood married her cousin Hugh Lynch Baillio, son of Landry Baillio and Claire A. Brown. The grandparents of both Cora and Hugh Lynch Baillio were John Brown and Clara Layssard.

B. Jarreau – This is perhaps P. Jarreau, although the handwritten record clearly looks like a “B”. Clara Henderson, daughter of Elenora Brown and her first husband Harry Henderson, married 1st Jean Baptiste Bernard Jarreau about 1875 (see P. Jarreau above). Jean Baptiste Bernard Jarreau died Sept. 9, 1876 (shortly before the Clara l. Brown succession above which was not completed until a few years after her death which occurred on July 3, 2020). The only child of Clara Henderson and Jean Baptiste Bernard Jarreau was Joseph Harrison Jarreau (b. Mar. 18, 1877, d. Feb. 8. 1901). Given this information, I am assuming that “B. Jarreau: most likely denoted P. Jarreau.

McGibbins – No record found.

E. Hobbs – No record found.

Albert Lessard – I was unable to clearly identify this individual. Marafret Layssard (1797-1878), a son of Etienne Marafret Layssard II (Bolon) and Marguerite Claire Lacour, married in 1828 Anne Marie Pamela Casterede (b. 1809) of New Orleans. She was the daughter of Jean Marie Casterede and Henriette Dufanchan DeGruny. Included in the list of children of Marafret Layssard and Anne Marie Pamela Casterede are the following children with possibly similar names: Louis Arthur Layssard (b. 1840, d. 1882), Adolphe Layssard (b. about 1845), and Alexander Layssard (b. 1844, presumably died by 1878 as not listed as heir in father’s succession).

Harry Brown – I have not been able to locate a Harry Brown. If he was a son or grandson of John Brown and Clara Layssard, I have not been able to find a listing.

J. Penny – This is undoubtedly Jesse K. Penny. He was a son of Albert Gallatin Penny from his first marriage to Sarah Anne Kirkland (Sarah Anne Kirkland perhaps first married a Weston as this is the surname given in the 1831 East Feliciana Parish marriage record, but all subsequent documents verify that her maiden name was Sarah Anne Kirkland). In the 1850 U.S. census for East Feliciana Parish Jesse was listed as 11 years old and having been born in Louisiana. This would indicate that Jesse was born around 1839. Jesse K. Penny was the 2nd husband of Clara Henderson (see Mrs. Penny, P. Jarreau, and B. Jarreau above), daughter of Elenora Brown from her 1st marriage to Harry Henderson. The parents of both Clara Henderson and Jesse K. Penny married in 1866. After Clara Henderson’s first husband, Jean Baptiste Bernard Jarreau, died in 1876, Clara Henderson married Jesse K. Penny (apparently by 1878 according to the Clara L. Brown succession). The 1880 U.S. census for Rapides Parish (Ward 1, Alexandria) shows Elenora Penny, age 53, head of household living with Eleanora Penny (daughter - age 14), Ada Penny (daughter - age 13), Jesse K. Penny (son-in-law – age 40), Clara A. Penny (wife, presumably of Jesse listed above her – age 25), Joseph Jarreau (grandson, age 3).

Marafet Layssard – This is almost surely the son of Etienne Marafret Layssard II (Bolon) and Marguerite Claire Lacour. Marafret was born May 1, 2020 and died Jan. 6, 1878. In 1828 he married Anne Marie Pamela Casterede (1808-1871) of New Orleans who was the daughter of Jean Marie Casterede and Henriette Dufanchar (perhaps Duforcher) DeGruny. Note under D.M Brown above that Dufossat Brown (son of Irma Rose Lacour and Dufossat Brown – and grandson of John Brown and Clara Layssard) married Anais DeGruy in 1872. Whether there is a relationship between Henriette DeGruny and Anais DeGruy is not known.

In the 1880 Louisiana Census for Rapides Parish, La. the household is listed as having the following members: Eleanora Penny (age 53), Eleanora Penny (daughter, age 14, born in La.); Ada Penny (daughter, age 13, born in La.); Jesse K. Penny (son-in-law, age 40, born in La.); Clara A. Penny (wife – presumably of Jesse K. Penny, age 25, born in La.), Joseph Jarreau (grandson, age 3, born in Louisiana). Eleanora Brown Henderson Penny’s mother, Clara Layssard Brown, is now deceased (see succession of Clara L. Brown above) and husband, Albert Gallatin Penny, appears to have died. She is now living with her daughters from the marriage to Albert Gallatin Penny as well as Clara, her daughter from her first marriage, who is recently widowed and remarried to Jesse K. Penny (son of Albert Gallatin Penny and Sarah Ann Kirkland Penny). Three year old Joseph is Clara’s son from her first marriage.

According to Catherine Baillio Futch in The Baillio Family, “Albert Gallatin Penny died on June 15, 2020 in his 73rd year of his age and Eleanora Penny died September 26, 2020 in her 58th year of her age”. She does not mention a location, but Rapides Parish would be expected as Albert signed Clara Layssard Brown’s succession in 1878 and Eleanora was still living in Rapides Parish in 1880. However, no succession records could be located in the office of the Rapides Parish Clerk of Court. Virginia Lobdell Jennings in The Plains and the People indicated that Albert and Nellie Penny in old age moved to the Gulf Coast with Mattie Knox.The author contacted Virginia Lobdell Jennings directly, who was unable to recall the source of that information. Neither Albert Gallatin Penny nor Elenora Brown Henderson Penny are found in records of the Old Rapides Cemetery in Pineville, La. where many of Elenora’s relatives are buried. At this point, place of death and location of burial are undetermined for both Albert Gallatin Penny and Eleanora Brown Henderson Penny. Searches for succession or probate records have been conducted in the following offices of clerks of court: Rapides Parish, LA; Grant Parish, LA; East Baton Rouge Parish, LA; West Baton Rouge Parish, LA; West Feliciana Parish, LA; Washington Parish, LA; St. Tammany Parish, LA; Tangipahoa Parish, LA; Pointe Coupee Parish, LA; and Harrison Co., MS. No probate records have been discovered to date.

The oldest child of Albert Gallatin Penny and Eleanora (Lora) Brown Henderson Penny was Elenora Penny born 14 Dec. 1866 in Rapides Parish. Her father, Albert Gallatin Penny, was age 60 at the time of her birth. Elenora E. Penny married first Michael Welch Baillio on 26 Feb. 1884 in Rapides Parish. Michael Welch Baillio was the son of Landry Baillio and Clara Amelie Brown (daughter of John Brown and Clara Layssard). The grandmothers of Elenora Penny and Michael Welch Baillio were sisters. Landry Baillio was the son of Pierre Baillio II and Magdelaine Emilie LaCour as mentioned above. Michael Welch Baillio was first married on June 20, 2020 to Mary Jane Moore who died in childbirth about a year after the marriage. Elenora Penny and Michael Welch Baillio had 5 children: William Michael Baillio (1885-1955), Clarence Francis Baillio (b.1888), Hattie Baillio (1890-1893), Welch Peter Baillio (1893-1952), and Jewell Jerome Baillio (1896-1960). Michael Welch Baillio was the constable of Alexandria, La. from Apr. 19, 1892 to July 19, 1897, when he was shot and killed in what was termed as an unprovoked attack for which the attacker paid the death penalty. Several years after the death of her first husband, Elenora Penny married second Henry Jewell Daigre on June 6,2020 in Rapides Parish. Henry Jewell Daigre (b.6 Feb.1869 d. 23 Aug. 1937) was the son of Henry Louis Daigre and Sarah Corrine Ringgold. Elenora Penny and Henry Jewell Daigre had 5 children: Henry Albert Daigre b.5 Apr. 1902, Blanche Agnes Daigre b. 1 May 1904, Helen Corrine Daigre b. 9 Oct. 1907, Penny Ambrose Daigre (my father, known as Ambrose) b. 2 Sept. 1910, and Louis Joseph (Joe) Daigre b. 6 May 1913. Elenora Penny Daigre died 14 Apr. 1943. (Above information from The Baillio Family.) She is buried in the Old Rapides Cemetery next to her first husband, Michael Welch Baillio (Rapides Cemetery Records).

The following history of Eleanora Penny’s marriage to Michael Welch Baillio, his death, and Eleanora’s subsequent remarriage to Henry Jewell Daigre was provided in the form of a 1980 college term paper written on family history by a great grandson of Michael Welch Baillio and grandson of Clarence F. Baillio. Michael Welch Baillio was constable of Alexandria. On Monday, July 19, 2020 at 6:30 PM he was shot and killed by Joseph P. Timberlake in a bar at the corner of Front and Jackson streets in Alexandria while serving a writ of seizure. A New Orleans newspaper (dated April 16, 1898, the day Timberlake was hanged for the murder) gave many details of the murder and subsequent execution of Timberlake. Apparently, Michael Welch Baillio was shot once above the navel and lived for 1½ hours following the injury. The article also indicated that Eleanora Baillio, the widow of Michael Welch Baillio, sent the following message to Timberlake before he was hanged: “As I hope to be forgiven, I do forgive from my heart.” Although there was a copy of this article included in the term paper, the specific name of the newspaper was not visible. In the term paper, the author noted that Clarence had been 9 at the time of his father’s death and 12 when his mother remarried. He indicated that Clarence and his older brother Willie (William Michael Baillio) had not adjusted well to their mother’s remarriage to Henry Jewell Daigre. According to the paper, Clarence and Willie felt they were given too much responsibility, disciplined for minor offenses, and were resentful that their mother signed over most of the land they considered to be their inheritance to their stepfather. Apparently, much of this land was subsequently sold by Henry Jewell Daigre. Due to these family conflicts, Clarence and Willie moved to Alexandria, La. where they found work at a sawmill. While working at the sawmill they met two sisters, Lessie and Nellie Ducote, daughters of Ulysse R. Ducote and Florence Jeansonne, who had moved to Alexandria from Cottonport. Willie married Nellie in 1909 and Clarence married Lessie on April 20, 1910. Clarence subsequently suffered serious kidney damage from an injury at the sawmill. After consulting with doctors, it was recommended that he go to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. His stepfather, Henry Jewell Daigre, provided the money for the trip to New Orleans and accompanied him on the train where it was necessary to place him in the baggage car on a cot. Presumably, this resulted in at least a partial reconciliation. In New Orleans, Clarence had one of the first successful kidney surgeries (performed by Dr. Rudolph Matas at Touro Infirmary) in the United States. Clarence remained in the hospital for nine months. After recovering, Clarence did not want to return to the sawmill and found work in a rope factory in Cargyle, Arkansas. After a few years, the family moved again, finally settling in Marshall, Texas where Clarence worked for the Southwestern Power Plant. Further information on descendants in this line is available in The Baillio Family by Catherine Baillio Futch.

Further research is needed to determine the history of Ada (age 13 in 1880), the younger daughter of Albert Gallatin Penny and Eleanora Brown Henderson Penny. The Rapides Parish Clerk of Court was contacted to request a search for either marriage or succession records for Ada Penny and no records were found. However, in a listing of abstracts (1931-1940) from The Era Leader, a newspaper published in Franklinton, Washington Parish, LA was found: “April 14, 1932 – John Wilkes Fussell of Ponchatoula, died Tuesday at the age of 47 years. Survived by his wife, Mrs. Ada Penny Fussell, and two sons, Otis and John Fussell, a sister, Mrs. Sandy Bickham of Taft, Texas. Burial was in the Fisher cemetery by his mother and father.” From another abstract in this listing: “Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Bickham of Taft, Texas were called here last week by the death of Mrs. Bickham’s brother, William Fussell, whose body was brought from Baton Rouge to here and was buried in the Fisher cemetery. His mother is Mrs. Roan Fussell of the 9th Ward.” From the Rootsweb site for Washington Parish, LA, Ada Penny was found in a listing of Washington Parish marriage records from 1897-1919. According to this listing Ada Penny married John Wilks Fussell on Jan. 22, 1908. If this is Ada Penny, daughter of A.G. and Eleanora Penny, she would have been 41 years old at the time of her marriage. If the age listed in the obituary for John Wilkes Fussell is correct, he would have been 23 at the time of the marriage. Marriage records were requested from the Washington Parish Clerk of Court. A copy of the marriage license was obtained which reads: “To Rev. W.R. Harrell: You are hereby authorized and empowered to unite in Holy Wedlock Mr. John Wilks Fussell and Miss Ada Corrine Penny, and when you have done so, return duplicate thereof within thirty days to this office as the law directs. Given under my hand officially, this 22nd day of Jan. 1908. Signed: O.H. Carter by Clerk of Court. This is to certify that on this 22nd day of Jan. 1908, I, the undersigned, have under the above License, joined in Holy Wedlock Mr. John Wilks Fussell and Miss Ada Corrine Penny in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, who have, together with me and the parties contracting this Marriage Relation, signed this process verbal. Winesses signed: eyerre (?) fussell, E.A.Fussell, Alvah Simmons. Parties signed: J. W. Fussell, Ada Corine Penny. Minister signed: W.R. Harrell, Officiating.” None of the signing witnesses were familiar to the author of this summary. Further documentation is needed to conclusively determine whether this Ada Penny is indeed the daughter of A.G. and Eleanora Penny.

Deborah Bankston Normand at DebNormand@aol.com, a Fussell descendant indicates that John Wilkes Fussell was the son of Roan F. Fussell and Jemima Stafford. John Wilkes Fussell had a brother named Henry Louis Fussell. John Wilkes Fussell is buried in the Fisher Methodist Church Cemetery in Washington Parish, Louisiana, as are Henry Louis Fussell and Roan Fussell. Ms. Normand notes that much information is available on the Fussell family at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/la/washingt.htm at USGenWeb Archives, Washington Parish. Ms. Normand reports that Roan Fussell (John’s father) and William Fussell (John’s paternal grandfather) were slaveholders. There is a slave list on the Washington Parish website noted above mentioning both. She reports that Roan Fussell had two brothers who died in the Civil War, one at the second battle of Bull Run and one at the siege of Atlanta. In addition, she notes that an early ancestor in the family, Nicholas Fussell was a bookseller in London in the early 1600s. He had a book printed entitled “The History of the Defenders of the Catholique Faith” written by Christopher Lever. He sold his books under the “sign of the Ball” in St. Paul’s churchyard in London. Ms. Normand acquired a microfilm of the book noted above and indicates that the “Catholique” in the title refers to the universal sense of church and not to the Roman Catholic faith. His son, Nicholas, came to America and was married in Virginia about 1666.

The following was found in a list of marriage and death notices in the Louisiana Genealogical Register, December 1983, p. 371:

“Wednesday, July 14, 1880: Married in New Orleans by Rev. Hugh Miller Thompson, on July 7, 1880, at the residence of Henry Leckie, DR. CHARLES R. YOUNG of Houston, Texas to MISS MAUDE K. PENNY of Rapides Parish, La. “

Could this have been Mathilda Penny, youngest daughter of Albert Gallatin Penny and Sarah Ann Kirkland? In the East Feliciana Census of 1850 she was listed as Mary and noted to be two years old. This would establish her birth date around 1848, making her age 32 in 1880. Neither Jesse nor Clara Henderson Penny is listed in the 1870 Louisiana Census Index, although we know Clara did not die until 1942 (see obituary above). William K. Penny was documented in Pointe Coupee Parish records as late as 1869 and is listed on the 1870 Louisiana Census Index as residing in Pointe Coupee. Virginia Lobdell Jennings in The Plains and the People indicates that William Penny was a captain in the Confederate Army and that Albert S. Penny was a private, Co. F. 14 La. Infantry. A William K. Penny is found in the 1890 Special Census of Veterans in Jefferson Co., Mississippi. Jefferson Co. is located just above Adams Co., Mississippi. No record of a marriage of William K. Penny has been discovered to date, but further information may be found in Jefferson Co., MS. The following Penny marriages in Rapides Parish which require further clarification include: Addie Penny married M.B. Brister on 17 Nov. 1887, Clara Penny married Joseph Reichareadter on 16 Aug. 1905, James L. Penny married Effy M. Hathorn on 21 Nov. 1899. However, it should be noted that there is a Penny family that has resided in the Oakdale area (Allen Parish) just south of Alexandria, La. for several generations that appears to be unrelated. This Penny family is descended from Thomas Penny who came to St. Tammany Parish, La. in the 1700s. His son, Welcome Nathaniel Penny married Eliza Corkern. According to Mike Penny (pennylsu@bellsouth.net), a descendant of this line, the connection with Oakdale is said to go back to some of the children of Welcome Nathaniel Penny and Eliza Corkern. Mike Penny’s great grandfather from that generation was William Harvey Penny who married Jane Mizell.

In The Plains and the People, as previously noted Virginia Lobdell Jennings indicates that in old age Albert Gallatin Penny lived on the Gulf Coast with Mattie Knox and Nellie Penny, but does not provide sources for this information. This researcher has found nothing to document this. One would assume that the Nellie Penny mentioned was A.G. Penny’s third wife, Eleanora, and that Mattie was Mathilda K. Penny, youngest child of Albert Gallatin Penny and Sarah Ann Kirkland Penny. There was a Mattie Knox who was the daughter of Albert Gallatin Penny’s brother David H. Penny and his wife, Emeline Jane Scott (daughter of Robert Scott and Martha Kirkland). Information on this Mattie is included in case future research reveals a more significant connection. “Mattie” or Martha Penny b. 1838 married James Knox. (The Plains and the People.) In West Baton Rouge Families by the West Baton Rouge Genealogical Society, Landmark Publishing, 1999, it is noted that Mattie Penny was the 2nd wife of James Christie “Jimmie” Knox, son of Sarah Lewis and her first husband James Knox. The senior Knox family seems to have lived in both East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge parishes. A full history of the Knox family is provided in West Baton Rouge Families, but there appear to be a number of connections with families related to the Pennys by marriage (Raiford, Burns, Bryan, Sullivan) that deserve further exploration. Of particular note is the fact that Sarah Lewis’ maternal grandmother was Grace Raiford who married Revolutionary War soldier Simon Hirons and that Sarah Lewis grew up and married James Knox in South Carolina (see above Kirkland genealogy).

See above under SIBLINGS (Lucy Ann Penny and Samuel Skolfield) East Baton Rouge Parish document #154, recorded December 23, 1865, and included in pages 163-164 of a register of some sort. This document indicates that Nancy “Lucy” Kennard Penny died in 1837 and James Penny died in 1841. However, the estate does not seem to have been fully resolved until 1886 as recorded below in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA documents.

#1471 Probate, 17th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of La. – Succession of James Penny, filed January 20, 1883. This record contains a number of documents which I will present in the order in which they were found in the Office of the Clerk of Court, East Baton Rouge Parish, La. First, is the authorization of agents to conduct an inventory of property dated 20 February 1883. The property was noted to be located in the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Michael Manuary (?) and S. Kellum, appraisers, were appointed to conduct the inventory in the presence of John Sastramike (very difficult to read) and B.F. Bryant, competent witnesses in the claim of indemnity of the (unreadable) of said deceased against the government of the United States for 600 arpents of land situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge as reported by MS (Mississippi?) commissioner James O. Corby (Cosby?), No. 21. “B”(later this report was identified as dated 7 June 2020 - or perhaps 1813). Register of claims in the District west of Pearl River in La. founded in surveys & orders of surveys etc. which in the opinion of the commissioner should be confirmed and found in American State Papers, Vol. 3, p. 45. Appraised in the sum of $1511 with signatures of above-named appraisers and C.D. Favrot, Notary Public. On 20 February 1883, George W. Buckner, District Attorney, was appointed administrator of the estate of James Penny, deceased. This document was signed by B.F. Bryant, Clerk of the 17th Judicial Court (EBR Parish). In the next document in the record dated 6 January, 1886, E.F. Russell is sworn in as judge in the matter of the succession of James Penny after Honorable J.M. Burgess, preceding judge, recused himself. Then there is a succession of documents (perhaps attachments) filed with the EBR court, all dated May or June 1882, in which various heirs relinquish their rights to the James Penny property to David H. Penny, noted to be a son of James Penny. For the sake of brevity, I include only the names and relevant excerpts:

Joseph Penny – “one of the heirs of James Penny, deceased, and resident of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, in consideration of the sum of one dollar to us in hand paid by my respected brother, David H. Penny of the same parish, and for other good and sufficient considerations to me assured by my said brother, hereby convey and deliver to him the said David H. Penny all my right, title, (unreadable), and claim in and to a certain tract of land containing 600 acres confirmed to my father James Penny, as appears from the official report of such consideration found in the American State Papers, Duff Green addition (edition?), 3rd Vol., p.49, Report No. 21, but never located and surveyed. June 1882.

Joseph Penny Jr. – declares that he is a resident of the parish and a witness to the “foregoing document”. June 21, 1882.

Lucy Skolfield – “born Penny, one of the heirs of James Penny, deceased, and a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana in consideration of the sum of one dollar to us in hand paid by my respected brother David H. Penny of the same parish --- To have and to hold the same unto David H. Penny and to his heirs and assigns forever.” Signed Lucy Ann Skolfield. June 1882.

Thomas M. (?) Skolfield – “of said parish --- personally came and appeared --- witness to foregoing document.” “Mrs. Lucy Ann Skolfield” written on the side of this page. June 14 (or 17) 1882.

Children of Elizabeth Stanard - “Know all men by these presents that we, the sole heirs and legal representatives of Elizabeth Stannard, born Elizabeth Penny & deceased, daughter of James Penny, deceased, in consideration of the sum of one dollar --- certain tract of land --- confirmed to our grandfather James Penny.” As above, the heirs relinquish their succession claims to David Penny. The signatures are difficult to decipher, but look like John (?) H. Stanard, E.L. Woodside, and C.C. Bird (Bind?). May 1882.

John Stanard – “on this 15th day of May, 1882 --- personally appeared John Stannard to me well known who witnessed (?) the within document.

____ Sloan – “State of Mississippi, County of Washington – Be it known that on this 19th day of May 1882 before me the undersigned Notary Public in aforesaid county & State, personally appeared __ (maybe G.,D., or S.)Sloan ---.” Again is relinquishing claim to the property involved in the succession of James Penny.

State of Mississippi, Washington County – The Clerk of Court of this county certifies that R.J. Malone, elected Justice of the Peace of above county witnessed the above document. June 19, 1882.

Louise Robertson – “State of Missouri, City of St. Louis – Be it known that on this 27th day of June 1882 before me the undersigned a notary public in the aforesaid State & County, personally came Mrs. Louise Robertson, born Sloan, & her husband ___ (almost totally unreadable – maybe Charles D.) Robertson, who executed the foregoing deed of conveyance & acknowledged the same to be their acts and deeds for the purpose therein set forth. In testimony whereof I herewith set my hand and affix my official seal of office in the day and year last herein written.”

Children of Anna Sloan – “ know all men by these presents that we the heirs & legal representatives of Anna Sloan, deceased, born Anna Penny, a daughter of James Penny, deceased, in consideration of the sum of one dollar in hand paid to us by respected uncle ---- hereby convey and set over to him the said David H. Penny ----certain tract of land containing 600 acres confirmed to our grandfather James Penny --- but never located and surveyed. Signed A.D. Sloan, Mrs. Louise Robertson born Sloan, A.D. Robertson. May 1882.

Now follows a document dated Jan. 5, 1886 – “Succession of James Penny. In the district court for the judicial district,& for East Baton Rouge Parish. On motion of George W. Buckner, administrator of said succession, now suggesting to the court that all the property of said succession, not administered, is a demand against the United States for 600 arpents, equal to 510 and 42/100 acres of scrip (/) due for an unlocated land claim confirmed to James Penny – that a compromise has become proper and necessary with attorneys retained long since, in said claim by heirs of said Penny, through whose skill & labor said demand has been allowed in Washington by the United States; that the contingent fee agreed on with said attorneys by said heirs, was ½ the scrip; that a small contingent fee in scrip will also be due to the attorney since retained in Washington city by this administrator; that the scrip cannot be advantageously located by this succession, but can be readily and advantageously sold at private sale:- It is now, here, ordered by this court, that the administrator be , is hereby empowered by himself or his said attorney in Washington, to receive said scrip, to assign it in the customary form, to deliver to said attorneys heretofore employed by said heirs, or to their representatives, & to the attorney of this administrator, 270 and 42/100s acres of said scrip, to sell and deliver the (unreadable) thereof, at private sale, for cash, at the rate current at the time, & to deposit the proceeds in this court , with a report of his proceedings under this order.” This was apparently served on David H. Penny as a note is attached, “I accept service said copy legal delays and formalities on this with no judgment.” Jan. 5, 1886. Signed D.H. Penny.

There is then a difficult to read document dated January 6, 2021 that appears to be a statement by Judge Burgess that he is recusing and assigning the case to Elisha Russell, Judge ad hoc. E. F. Russell, Judge ad hoc orders, “Let the foregoing motion be granted as prayed for. January 6, 1886. Signed E.F. Russell, Judge ad hoc, 17th Judicial District of La.

This is followed by a document that is badly torn at the top of each of two pages. However, it reads, “To the Hon. Judge of the ___Judicial District Court ___. The Petition of Geo.___ Parish ___duly ___ represent that James Penny died in this parish many years ago and his succession opened and administered. That said dec’d. left seven children to wit. Elizabeth Stanard, Robert Penny, Albert Penny, Joseph Penny, Nancy Sloan, David H. Penny, & Lucy Skolfield. That most of these children are dead some leaving heirs, many of the having released their interest in the property now to be administered de bonis non, to David h. Penny and at his special request petitioner now applies to Your Honor to be appointed administrator de bonis of the estate of James Penny dec’d. That the only property to be administered is the right (?) of indemnity against the United States Government for a certain land claim pertaining to the said succession for 600 arpents in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, reported by Commissioner James O. Cosby in his report ___(torn)___ 1813 numbered 21 in his ___(several lines unreadable) ___Government in favor of the heirs of James Penny exist and in order to prosecute said claim it is absolutely necessary to appoint an administrator. Wherefore petitioner prays that by virtue of his office & the law in such cases the (unreadable word) of the estate being under $500 he be appointed administrator of the succession of James Penny dec’d. that an order (unreadable word) for an Inventory that an attorney ad hoc be appointed to represent the heirs who reside out of the State. For all (unreadable) and that all things be done as the law requires. Signed Geo. W. Buckner, Dist. Atty. No readable date on this petition or on the attached order appointing Geo. W. Buckner, District Attorney, as the administrator of the estate of James Penny dec’d.

Then in a document dated Jan. 6, 1886, “It is now here ordered by this court that the Administrator is hereby empowered by himself or his said attorneys in Washington to receive said scrip, to assign it in the customary form to deliver to said attorneys heretofore employed by said heirs, or to their representatives, or to the attorney of this administrator 270 and 42/100s acres of said scrip, to sell and deliver the residue thereof at private sale in Washington for cash, at the rate current at the time & to deposit the proceedings in this court, with a report of his proceedings under this order. Let the foregoing motion be granted as prayed for Jan. 6, 1886. Signed E.F. Russell, Judge of the 17th Judicial Dist. of La.”

At National Archives in Washington, D.C. are found records regarding the distribution of James Penny’s property in Louisiana. They are as follows:

State of Louisiana

Parish of Baton Rouge

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish and State, David H. Penny, an old and well known citizen of the said Parish, who in being sworn, made the following statement, viz.--- That he is 71 years of age and the son of James Penny, deceased. That sometime in the year AD 1882 (? last number blurred) he employed E.R. Mason, Esq. then of Hope Villa in said Baton Rouge Parish, to prosecute a claim of indemnity under Act of June 20th 1858 in favor of the estate or heirs of the said James Penny, affiants (?) father. That at the time of such employment he did not inform the said mason that Mr. R.H. (or K.) Bradford or any other attorney was or had been employed to prosecute said claim. That until the said Mason recently advised him, that said Bradford claimed to represent said Estate, or heirs the matter of his employment (the said Bradford) by his brother Joseph, had passed from his mind. That although residing in this Parish during his whole lifetime he has not so far as he can now recollect heard anything from the said Bradford in reference to this or any other claims. That after the said mason informed him that he had not been able to reach all the heirs (there being quite a number of minor Grandchildren living in different State) I concluded on the advice of Mr. Mason and with the concurrence of other of the heirs, to authorize Mr. Buckner the District Attorney of this Parish to open the succession of my said father and to apply to the United States Government for certificate of location. That his brother Joseph and nearly all the heirs of his said father who are of full age assigned their respective interests in said indemnity claim to him, this affiant, some years since and that had he obtained assignments from the said minor heirs; it was not his purpose to prosecute such claim in his own name through the aid of the said Mason. That his brother Joseph died during the present year (1883), that some time prior to his death, ___ ___ ___ (3 unreadable words) of his arrangement with Mr. Bradford, made he thinks as early as 1858 to prosecute the indemnity claim, but that he had not heard from said Bradford for many years and that he the said Bradford had not carried out or performed his (rest of page unreadable – looks like just one word –but could be more).

State of Louisiana

Parish of East Baton Rouge

Clerk’s Office

I Benj. F. Bryan Clerk of the 14th (17th?) Judicial District Court in and for the Parish and State aforesaid and as such Custodian of the Probate Records of said Parish do hereby certify that James Penny departed this life in the Parish of East Baton Rouge and that his succession was opened in the year 1840 and that it appears from the records of said succession that he left at his death surviving him seven children to wit. – Elizabeth Stanard, Robert Penny, Albert Penny, Joseph Penny, Nancy Sloan. David Penny, and Lucy Skolfield who were his only surviving heirs and representatives. In witness whereof I herewith set my hand and affix the seal of said court of Baton Rouge this 25th day of May AD 1882. Signed B.F. Bryan, Clerk.

There follows a letter from Washington, D.C. with the following letterhead: Drummond & Bradford, Attorneys and Counselors at Law, Le Droit Building, Cor. 8th and F Streets, next to Interior and Post Office Departments, Practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, in the Court of Claims, and before all Departments, Bureaus, and Commissions in Washington, giving special attention to Land and Patent Cases. At the top of the page: Willis Drummond, Late Com’r. Gen. Land Office and Robert H. Bradford, Late of New Orleans Bar. The letter is dated Saturday, 30 Jany., 1886 (last # could be 8), from Washington, DC and addressed to the Comm. Of the genl. land office(division D): interior department: present. The body of the letter goes as follows: In the Louisiana sens or senp (?) case of James Penny, deceased, we file herewith: 1. A certified copy of the petition of Geo. W. Buckner, district atty. of the judicial dist. of La., to the judge of the district court of the parish of East Baton Rouge, praying to be appointed administrator of Penny’s succession de bonis non (or perhaps now); of the order of court of 17 Feby., 1883, appointing him accordingly & of his letters of administration of 20 Feby., 1883.

2. Five certificates of location in said claim, namely no. 435A for 160 acres, no. 435B for 160 acres, no. 435C for 80 acres, no. 435D for 80 acres, and no. 435E for 30.42 acres, making in all 510.42 acres issued by the U.S. sur. (surveyor?) genl. of La. on 1 March, 1884, and approved by the acting comm. of the gen’l. land office on 14 March 2021 & locatable by “James Penny or his legal representatives.”

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