Claude Paul WILLS

Other Events:

• Military: 5 Jun 1918, , Bell, Texas, USA; draft
• Census: 1920, , Tarrant, Texas, USA; ED 162, pg 1A
• Census: 1930, Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA; ED 74, pg 39A
• Census: 1940, Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA; ED 257-126, pg 14B
• Military: 1942, Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA; draft
• death certificate: 26 Oct 1954; M E Wills

Notes:

Military:
Claud Paul Wills of Prairie Dell, age 29, 22 Oxt 1887, Holland, Texas, is a day laborer for S A Wills. He has a wife and three children. He is tall and stout with gray eyes and dark hair.

Census:
Precinct 4
Claud P Wills Head M 33 Texas
Effie Wills Wife F 24 Texas
Claudie C Wills Dau F 7 Texas
Marvin F Wills Son M 5 Texas
Clarence O Wills Son M 3 Texas

Census:

Claude P Wills Head M 43 Texas
Effie B Wills Wife F 37 Texas
Claudia J Wills Dau F 17 Texas
Marvin E Wills Son M 15 Texas
Clarence O Wills Son M 14 Texas
Fannie P Halbert S-in-l F 24 Texas

Census:
Precinct 1, Ward 19
Claude P Wills Head M 52 Texas
Effie B Wills Wife F 45 Texas
Clarence O Wills Son M 24 Texas
Alice Doran Lodger F 25 Texas

Military:
Claude Paul Wills of Fort Worth, age 54, 22 Oct 1887, Holland Texas, works for Hugh Hightower. His contact is Mrs Effie Wills.

Claude married Effie Bell HALBERT about 1912. Effie (daughter of Andrew Jackson HALBERT and Mary Minerva WOOD) was born on 26 Apr 1892 in , , Texas, USA; died on 16 May 1960 in Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA; was buried on 17 May 1960 in Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Claudia J WILLS was born on 3 Nov 1912 in , , Texas, USA; died on 22 Apr 1987 in , Tarrant, Texas, USA.
2. Marvin Elton WILLS was born on 7 Aug 1914 in , , Texas, USA; died on 25 Dec 1955 in Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA; was buried on 27 Dec 1955 in Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, USA.
3. Clarence Oliver WILLS was born on 8 Aug 1915 in Holland, Bell, Texas, USA; died on 21 Jul 1970 in Burnet, Burnet, Texas, USA; was buried on 22 Jul 1970 in Eldorado, Schleicher, Texas, USA.

Other Events:

• Name: Alex Wills
• Military: 1861, , , Texas, USA; Capt Milton W Damron's Co, Co D, 18th Texas Calvary, CSA
• Military: Between Feb 1862 and 11 Jan 1863, , , Texas, USA; Co. D 18th Texas Cavalry, C.S.A. for 3 years
• Residence: Aug 1868, Conoley, Milam, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Milam, Texas, USA
• Census: 1880, , McCulloch, Texas, USA; ED 108, pg 14 (522B)
• Occupation: Abt 1880; freight driver
• Pension: 10 Feb 1900, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA
• Census: 4 Jun 1900, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA; ED 20, pg 15A
• Census: 1910, , Bell, Texas, USA; ED 8, pg 3B
• Census: 1920, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA; ED 7, pg 5B

Notes:

Family lore:
"Grandpa Wills was a "southern gentleman" from a wealthy family. He joined the Confederate Army and was taken prisoner. While in prison, he met William Senn, also a Confederate prisoner. When the men were released, they traveled together to Texas. Alex's father left all his lands to him when he died. "lying and being situated in Lleno County of the waters of the Lleno River about 90 miles on S. E. of the San Sabe Fort, known as Survey No 39, District No 10". But Alex loved to gamble. He lost most of it gambling. He was married and his wife sold what was left of the ranch and bought a rooming house near a RR track in Bartlett. Her business flourished."
Lived to the south of his father.
Died at Sarah's house.

(Research):Probate Records in Bell Co
Wills A W-024 x 1878 vDpg243,303

(Medical):At the time he filed for his pension, 7/14/1899, he had chronic diarrhea, a tumor on his leg, kidney problems, and a shoulder wound he received at Mansfield, Louisiana during the Civil War.

Military:
Capt. Milton W. DAMRON'S Company. Company D. 18th Texas Calvary. Enlisted in Fall of 1861. At the fall of Arkansas Post a part of this Company escaped and was thrown in with Company E. 17th Texas Consolidated Dismounted Cavalry, with Captain DAMRON commanding. A part of the original Company was captured and carried to Camp Douglass (Chicago) but, after several months, were exchanged and returned to the Confederate lines East of the Mississippi River and the Company was there reorganized. The following roll includes the names of men in all three of these organizations (but probably not all of them) and were furnished by Sam W. BISHOP, Wm. J. WHEAT, George FISHER, Sam H. COX, Henry C EDRINGTON, Jesse SUTTON, C.B. ROBERTS and others, some by each and each one acting separately. Alex is listed in the Granger line.

Residence:
Little River

Census:
Precinct 2
G. A. WILLS Self M M W 39 TX TN TN Alex
S. E. WILLS Wife F M W 30 AL SC -- Sallie
D. E. WILLS Dau F S W 9 TX TX AL Donnie
D. A. WILLS Son M S W 7 TX TX AL Daniel
R. C. WILLS Son M S W 4 TX TX AL Ray
E. B. WILLS Dau F S W 2 TX TX AL ?

Pension:
#5957

Census:
Precinct 3
Wills, Alix head W M Oct 1841 58 M 32 TX MO GA
Sallie wife W F May 1849 57 M 32 AL AL AL
Ray son W M Aug 1875 24 S TX TX AL
Oscar son W M Jan 1883 16 S TX TX AL
Albert son W M May 1885 15 S TX TX AL
Claude son W M Oct 1888 11 S TX TX AL
Senn, FD SiL W M Feb 1876 24 M 1 NY Ger Ger
Beatrice dau W F Feb 1878 22 M 1 TX TX AL
Alex is a farm laborer, Sallie is a dressmaker, the older boys are day laborers.

Census:
Precinct 3
Alex Wills Head M 69 Texas
Sallie Wills Wife F 61 Alabama
Oscar Wills Son M 30 Texas
Claude Wills Son M 21 Texas

Census:

G A Wills Head M 79 Texas
Sallie Wills Wife F 69 Alabama

George married Sarah Elizabeth COOK on 8 Jun 1868 in Rogers, Bell, Texas, USA. Sarah (daughter of James P COOK and Eliza JOHNSTON) was born on 9 Mar 1850 in , Calhoun, Alabama, USA; died on 6 Mar 1937 in Thorndale, Milam, Texas, USA; was buried on 7 Mar 1937 in Davilla, Milam, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sallie Cook
• Residence: 1865, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA
• Residence: 27 Mar 1922, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA
• Pension: 4 Apr 1922, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA
• Census: 1930, Waco, McLennan, Texas, USA; ED 3, pg 6B
• Residence: 5 Mar 1937, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA

Notes:

Died at Beatrice's house.

The biography.

I am also researching Cook families who were in nearby Cleburne County, AL who do not appear to be related to these Cooks, but not sure yet. Just saw your query and had come across this estate settlement earlier today and thought you might like to see it, if you haven't already seen this one.
cteal@dnc.net

Birth:
or 9 March 1849 - I believe it would have to be 1850.

Pension:
#38120, for G A Wills' service.

Census:

Beatrice Senn Head F 52 Texas
Naomi Senn Dau F 24 Texas
Wiley W Senn Son M 22 Texas
James J Senn Son M 20 Texas
Sarah E Wills Mother F 80 Alabama

Notes:

Married:
or married 6/7/1868.

Other Events:

• Residence: 1825, , , Missouri, USA
• Census: 1830, , Clay, Missouri, USA; pg 290
• Residence: 1832, , Clay, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1840, , Harris, Texas, USA
• Census: 1846, , Refugio, Texas, USA
• Property: 5 Jul 1849, , Bell, Texas, USA
• Census: 9 Oct 1850, , Washington, Texas, USA; ppg 288B-289A
• Property: 6 Aug 1851
• Property: 5 Feb 1852
• Property: 4 Jun 1852
• Property: 16 Aug 1854
• Property: 9 Feb 1856
• Property: 28 Apr 1856
• Census: 9 Jul 1860, Holland, Bell, Texas, USA; pg 58 (324B), d/f #390/391
• Census: 20 Aug 1870, San Andres, Milam, Texas, USA; pg 306A
• Will: 2 Mar 1875, , Milam, Texas, USA
• Probate: 22 Mar 1875, , Milam, Texas, USA

Notes:

James and Amy moved to Tennessee then to Missouri in 1824. They brought their family to Texas from Clay Co., Missouri in 1840.
Was listed as James Wells in Harris Co, Texas for the 1840 Census.
Was listed as James Mills in the 1850 Washington Co. Census, pg 288b & 289a.
His homestead was later called the Roland Harrell or Upshaw place. A 640 acre grant in Milam District about 6 miles south of the Three Forks issued in 1844 and filed in Belton in 1852. Just west of Holland. He sold land to three of his sons-in-law: William Connell, A J Dallas, and James Hogan.
In 1857 he signed the petition to build a county courthouse and jail in Bell County.
James had 2 town lots in Salado, Bell County. In 1859, he purchased 5 shares of stock in the school at Salado Springs for $100 per share....
Farmer and slave-owner, and was a merchant at Holland.

The Darrs Creek tract bordered on the Dallas property.

1870 Milam Co, TX Census
page 209a - Franklin Wills age 16 and Charley Wills age 15 living with Gustav? and Christiana Hendricks.

There is nothing to prove the middle name of James B Wills. My grandmother told me it was Buchanan so I have always included it.

I've created a map to show the approximate location of his original tract which encompasses most of Holland. Copy and paste the following into a browser.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208151589043096547918.00047c60906d9ae37a48f&msa=0&ll=30.879613,-97.403369&spn=0.019779,0.027595"

Occupation:
Owner of Meat Market

Census:
James B Wills

Property:
Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - patent

James' orginal land grant included most of what is now Holland, Texas, ABS 161.

Census:
Reel No: M432-918 Enumerated By E. D. Little, 78/78
42 Mills J. B. 55 M Farmer 5,000 Tenn
1 Mills Anna 48 F Tenn
2 Mills Wilson 24 M Farmer Tenn
3 Mills Archibald 11 M Mo X
4 Mills Alexander 7 M Texas X
5 Mills C H 15 M Germany X

Property:
Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - bought from James G Connell

Property:
Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - sold to James C Armstrong

Property:
Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - sold to William Connell

Property:
160 acres on Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - sold to A J Dallas

Property:
160 acres on Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - sold to James L Hogan

Property:
160 acres on Darrs Creek, Bell Co, Texas - sold to Daniel S Wills

Census:
Belton PO
Wills Jas. B. 63 M . farmer 10,040 4,072 Tennessee
Wills Amy 60 F . . . . Virginia
Wills Archibald 21 M . farming . . Missouri
Wills Alex 18 M . farming . . Texas

Census:
San Andres PO
Wills, James 72 M W Farmer Tennessee
Elizabeth 58 F W House keeper Georgia
Brooks, Emma 17 F W Texas
Stowham, Henry 24 M W Farming Texas
Chappel, Geo 50 M W Work on farm Alabama

Will:
STATE OF TEXAS
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
COUNTY OF MILAM
That I, James B Wills, of the County and State aforesaid, being of sound mind and aware of the uncertainty of life and my approaching desolution, have this day willed, bequeathed, and demised and by these presents do will, bequeath, and demise unto my son, G. A. Wills, for the love and affection I bear him, one tract or parcel of land lying and being situated in Llano County on the waters of the Llano River about 90 miles S.E. of the old San Sabe Fort, known as Survey No. 39 in District No. 10, by virtue of Fisher's and Miller's Colony Certificate No. 23, issued by Joseph T. Portis, Commissioner of said Colony on the 9th day of May 1850 to Henrick Herring and transferred by said Herring to me on the 4th day of November 1853; more particularly described in letters patent No. 355, issued to me from the land office on the 16th of June 1859. Also one tract of land lying and being situated as above mentioned tract and issued on the same certificate and the same time and described in letters pattent No. 356 issued from the land office on the 17th day of June A.D. 1859. Also one other tract lying and being situated as above mentioned tracts and issued on the same certificate and at the same time and described in letters pattent issued to me from the land office June 17th, 1859 and numbered 357. Also one other tract lying and being situated as above mentioned tracts and issued on the same certificate and on the same day and described fully in letters pattent No. 358 issued to me from the land office on the 17th day of June A.D. 1859. Also two town lots lying in the town of Salado, Bell, County, Texas, and known and described on the town plat as lots No.
[page 2]
2 and No. 12 in Bock No. 15 deeded to me by E.S.C. Robertson the 6th day of February A.D. 1862. Said G. A. Wills to have and to hold said described, to his heirs and assigns forever in fee simple.
In testimony thereunto set my hand a seal useing scroll for seal this 25th day of January A.D. 1873.
his
James B. Wills
mark

Probate:
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF MILAM
Before me, the undersigned, authority, this day personally appeared R. P. Henderson, one of the subscribing witnesses to the above will and on oath says that he signed the wll as a witness of James B. Wills, the testator, and that he saw him sign the same which he declared in the presence of witnesses to be his last will and testament. Affiant further states that the testator was at the time he signed the said will over the age of twenty-one years and of sound mind. He further states that J. K. P. Shelton signed the same at the request of the said testator and that boath of the witnesses were avove fourteen years.
his
R. P. Henderson
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 day of March A.D. 1875.
J. Nabours, D.C. M.C.
Filed for record March 22, 1875 at 5 o'clock P.M. and was duly recorded the same day at 5 o'clock P.M.
J. Nabours, D.C.M. C.

James married Amy W SHACKELFORD on 3 Jan 1816 in , Rutherford, Tennessee, USA. Amy (daughter of Daniel SHACKELFORD and Tabitha NANCE) was born in 1800 in , , Virginia, USA; died before 1871 in , , Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Shackelford

Notes:

Married:
married by Benjamin W. Lane.

Other Events:

• Census: 1 Jul 1850, , Calhoun, Alabama, USA; pg 814
• Property: 1 Jun 1858, , Fayette, Alabama, USA; AL2900__.486
• Census: 19 Jul 1860, , Calhoun, Alabama, USA; pg 115
• Tax List: 1868, , Bell, Texas, USA
• Property: 26 Oct 1870, , Bell, Texas, USA; 1280 acres

Notes:

His patent in Fayette County, Alabama, was located northeast of Vernon, actually in Lamar County. It straddled Reedy Creek and Yellow Creek, just south of Boman Road, almost centered on the joining of these two creeks, and extending past Yellow Creek Road in the southeast and Beaver Creek Road in the northwest. I don't believe he ever lived at this property and probably sold it or traded it for the property in Texas.

Killeen, Texas, ABS 161

I would love to know more about these other children.

(Research):Usry, John M.; "Early Waco Obits"; 1980; Cook, James, CSA, 1st ST Cemetery
"Index to Early McLennan Co, Texas Deaths", p110

Census:
District 30?, hh #216
James P Cook M 23 South Carolina
Eliza Cook F 22 South Carolina
Sarah E Cook F 9/12 Alabama
James Johnston M 27 South Carolina
I believe the date on this census is actually Jany 1 1851

Property:
"the south half of the North West quarter of Section two in Township fifteen of Range fifteen West in the District of Lands subject to sale at Tuscaloosa, Alabama containing eighty acres and thirty nine and a half hundredths of an acre" [this property is now in Lamar County, see notes]

Census:

James P Cook M 35 S. C.
Elmina Cook F 34 S. C.
Missouria Cook F 11 Ala
James Cook M 9 Ala
Martha Cook F 9 Ala
Sofia Cook F 3 Ala
Margret A Cook F 0 Ala

Property:

County: Bell
Abstract Number: 161
District/Class: Milam 1st
File Number: 1665
Original Grantee: James Cook
Patentee: James Cook
Title Date:
Patent Date: 26 Oct 1870
Patent No: 262
Patent Vol: 18
Certificate: 1
Part Section:
Survey/Blk/Tsp:
Adj County:
Acres: 1,280.00
Adj Acres:
Remarks:

I don't know if this is our James. It was originally received in Matagorda County in 1838 by H.L.? Cook, then surveyed and patented in Bell County in 1870 and finally filed in 1879. I don't know who H L Cook is and it's possible that this is not our James P, although he lived in this area.

James married Eliza JOHNSTON on 1 Mar 1849 in , Calhoun, Alabama, USA. Eliza (daughter of Daniel JOHNSTON and Margaret ???) was born on 21 Feb 1827 in , Laurens, South Carolina, USA; died on 20 Jan 1855 in , Calhoun, Alabama, USA; was buried on 21 Jan 1855 in Duck Springs, Etowah, Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Benton County, was renamed Calhoun County in 1858.

Other Events:

• Residence: 1773, , Montgomery, Virginia, USA
• Military: Abt 1781, , Montgomery, Virginia, USA
• Occupation: Abt 1783; blacksmith
• Residence: 1783, , , Tennessee, USA
• Residence: Abt 1792, , Rutherford, Tennessee, USA
• Property: 5 Sep 1805; (sold) 124 ac on Stewart's Creek to Robert Ross, husband of Nancy Wills
• Census: 1810, , Rutherford, Tennessee, USA; pg 13
• Residence: 1820, , Clay, Missouri, USA
• Pension: 20 Nov 1832, , Clay, Missouri, USA; , Revolutionary War # 517198
• Census: 3 Sep 1850, , Ray, Missouri, USA; pg 317, hh #496

Notes:

I do not know for certain that the James Wills who is the father of my James B Wills is the James who married Lillian BUT my grandmother told me that the B stood for Buchanan.

Moved to Montgomery Co. Va. in 1773. Served in the Rev. War toward the end. Moved to Davidson Co. TN along with several of the Buchanans in 1783.
James and Lillian Buchanan Wills and James B's siblings...plus some of the Shackelfords went to Missouri in 1820.
One researcher on this line who is now deceased thought that he was probably an orphan who came with the Buchanans to Va., because they came from Chester Co. Penn. also.
From Ireland?
Lived with David Wills in 1840.
Lived with John Clevenger in 1850.

On August 10, 1803 James Wills signed a petition favoring forming Rutherford Co. from Davidson Co. and Williamson Co.
James Wills served on the first Rutherford County court jury in the town of Jefferson on July 2, 1804.
Robert Ross and Nancy Wills, on 28 Nov 1804 applied for a marriage license. James Wills was surety. Note: Robert Ross is my grandfather - know where he is buried.
In the July Term 1811 James Wills was appointed as one of five executors of the estate of James Morton. On October 5, 1813 James Wills was mentioned in the estate of James Freeman. [Roy Newsom roy s newsom @ msn . com]

Page 1 JAMES WILLS - May 13, 1796
This indenture made 7 Dec 1795 between Edward Bradley of the State of Kentucky of one part and James Wills of Davidson County of the other part. Edward Bradley conveyed unto James Wills a tract of land containing 117 3/4 acres in Davidson County, being part of my Preemption on Stones River adjoining Jas. Todd's line being Archibald Buchanan's corner being McMurry's corner, William Moore's corner. Test: Richard Cook. Signed by Edward Bradley by Jno. Overton, Att. Apr Term 1796.
Davidson Co. Deed From The Register's Office, General Records Volume D.

Page 35 JAMES WILLS - Aug 1, 1796
This indenture made 4 June 1796 between James Todd of Davidson County of the one part and James Wills of same place of the other part. James Todd conveyed unto James Wills a tract of land containing 29 acres in Davidson County on the western bank of Stones River. Test: Benjamin Walker. July Term 1796.
Davidson Co. TN Deed Volume D

Page 123 Power of Attorney.
Aug 31, 1798 I, Edward Bradley of Bourbon County, Kentucky appointed John Overton, Jr. of Nashville my attorney to convey a deed for 117 acres and 3/4 out of my Preemption Right on Stones River, to James Wills of the same place. This 9 June 1792. Wit: Robert Mosley and Squire Grant.
Davidson Co. TN Wills and Inventories Volume 2

James Wills June 11, 1801 page 290
Indenture made & concluded July 25, 1800. Edward Bradley on December 7, 1795, by an indenture conveyed a part of his preemption to James Wills and there is a mistake in the deed. Therefore, Edward Bradley, now to correct the mistake, conveys 1/4 of his preemption to James Wills. Beginning at a marked sapling on James Todd's east boundary being Archibald Buchanan's southwest comer, then south with Todd's line 95 poles to a stake on Charles Hall's line, formerly Moore's, then east 142 poles to a white oak on said Hall's line being a corner to James Mulherin by agreement with John Hoggatt and said Wills, then north five degrees west along a dividing line made by said Mulherin to a sugartree and red bud in Archibald Buchanan's line, then with said line to the beginning. Containing 87 acres, 103 poles.
Rutherford Co. TN Deed Book D

Page 290 JAMES WILLS - June 11, 1801
This indenture made 25 July 18OO between Edward Bradley of the State of Kentucky of the one part and James Wills of Davidson County of the other part. Edward Bradley conveyed unto James Wills, by attorney John Overton, on 7 Dec 1795, a part of his Preemption Right upon Stones River to James Wills and whereas there appears to be mistakes in the said deed as to the quantity mentioned and in the length of one of the lines. Now to rectify the said mistakes to do away the said deed is to the mistakes aforesaid, one fourth part of my Preemption Right clear of dispute and adjoining James Todd's line being Archibald Buchanan's corner and Charles Hall's line formerly Moores' and being a corner made by James Mulherin by agreement of John Hoggatt. Said land containing 87 acres. Wit: William Dickson and Jessee Wharton. Apr Term 1801.
Davidson Co. TN Deed Book E.

Page 6, Doc. Mo. 6 - James Wills to Jesse Clark, for 130 acres of land. Indenture made 2 April 1804. Land containing 130 acres in Rutherford County on Stewarts Creek, waters of Stones River. Beginning at a Spanish oak running west 240 poles to a white oak it being Joseph Mosley's beginning corner, thence south 75 poles to an elm, thence east 80 poles to a white oak, thence down the various courses of the branch in to Stewarts Creek, down the various courses of the creek to beginning.
Witness: Samuel McBride Signed: James Wills Registered April Term 1804.
Rutherford Co. TN Deed Book A

Page 87, Doc. No. 109 - James Wills to Robert Ross for 124 acres. Indenture made 5 September 1805 between James Wills of Rutherford County and Robert Ross of same place. Land being in Rutherford County on Stewarts Creek a branch of Stones River, land being the south east of James Will's tract conveyed by deed to Robert Ross. Witness: James Gillespie Signed: James Wills
Archibald B. Still Registered October 1805
Rutherford Co. TN Deed Book A

Page 504, Doc. No.513 - James Wills to George Buchanon for Deed, this indenture made 15 August 1813 between James Wills of Rutherford County and George Buchanon of same place for a certain tract of land in Rutherford County on the waters of Stewarts Creek of Stones River. Beginning at said Buchanon's north east corner, thence south 189 poles, thence west 11 poles, thence north east to beginning. Witness: George Wills and William Wills.
Signed: James Wills Registered 22 May 1817
Rutherford Co. TN Deed Book K

Page 18, Doc. No. 25 - John Buchanan to Radford Gunn for 253 acres. This indenture made 15 March 1814 between John Buchanan of Davidson County and Radford Gunn of Rutherford County for a tract of land in Rutherford County on the east side of Stewarts Creek. Beginning at a post oak on Moses Phillip's north boundary line and being the north east corner of the original survey and runs south 137 poles to a hickory John Davis' corner, thence west with his line 335 poles to a sugar tree said Davis1 other corner on Bowen's east boundary line, thence north with Bowen's line 13 poles to a red oak said Bowen's north east corner on the east bank of Stewarts Creek, thence west 2 poles to the middle of the creek, thence down the middle of said creek with its different meanders to Moses Shelby's south boundary line, thence east with his line 244 poles to beginning, it being part of a tract of land granted by the State of Tennessee to John Davis and John Buchanan for 640 acres dated on the 28 January 1810 and No. 1944. Witness: Burwell Gannaway, Daniel Bowman and Jas. Wills.
Signed: John Buchanan Registered 1 April 1814
Rutherford Co. TN Deed Book K

John Moseley to James Wills for Deed. This indenture made 23 September 1815 between John Moseley of Rutherford County and James Wills of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County and on the waters of Stewarts Creek containing 70 acres. Beginning at the original corner of Col. Samuel Moseley's preemption of 640 acres, thence 140 poles, thence north 82 poles, thence west 42 poles, thence south 2 poles, thence west 98 poles, thence south 80 poles to beginning. Witness: John F. Cooke, Ingram B. Collier and Arthur Puckett.
Signed: John Moseley
Registered 22 May 1820

William Wills to (from) Thomas A. Harris for Deed. This indenture made 27 November 1815 between William Wills of Rutherford County and Thomas A. Harris of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County. Beginning at an oak marked T.R., thence west 50 poles, thence north 62 poles to Archibald Harris' south boundary line, thence east 50 poles, thence south 62 poles to beginning. Containing 19 acres and 24 poles, it being a part of a 640 acre survey granted to Colonel Samuel Moseley, deceased. Witness: John Moseley, James Smith, James Wills and George Wills.
Signed: Thomas A. Harris
Registered 13 May 1820

William Wills to James Wills for Deed. This indenture made 18 March 1820 between William Wills of Rutherford County and James Wills of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County and on the waters of Stewarts Creek and adjoining James Wills' tract of land on the east. Beginning on James Wills' old east boundary line marked as a corner of the said William Wills' tract that he got from James Wills running south 66 poles to Robert Ross' north east corner, thence east 65 poles on Elliotts' east boundary line, thence south 66 poles to the bank of a branch, thence west to the beginning. Containing 26 1/2 acres.
Signed: William Wills
Registered 24 April 1820

James Wills to William Wills for Deed. This indenture made 13 March 1820 between James Wills of Rutherford County and William Wills of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County and on the waters of Stewarts Creek, a part of said James Wills' tract. Beginning on the east side of said creek at the mouth of a branch that empties into the creek a few yards above the mouth of the spring branch where William Wills now lives running eastwardly up said branch to a line made by Colonel Christmas for Clement Hall, thence east to James Wills' old east boundary line marked as a corner for the said William Wills' tract and also for B. Wills' tract, thence north 148 poles to an oak marked TE on Colonel Samuel Moseley's south boundary line, thence west 50 poles, thence north 82 poles to the channel of creek, thence west 25 poles, thence south to the creek, thence up said creek to beginning. Containing 140 acres.
Signed: James Wills
Registered 24 May 1820

James Wills to Thomas Harwell for 123 1/2 acres. This indenture made 13 March 1820 between James Wills of Rutherford County and Thomas Harwell of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County and on Stewarts Creek. Beginning at a walnut running east 62 poles to the center of the channel of Stewarts Creek, thence down the middle of the channel of said creek 168 poles, thence north 16 degrees west to another tree on the west bank of said, thence down the middle of the channel of said creek to Bobitt's corner, thence west 50 poles, thence north 48 poles, thence west 120 poles to the west boundary line of the original survey and Thomas Washington's east boundary line, thence with his line south 2 degrees west 210 poles to beginning. Witness: William Wills, Millington Smith and Robert Ross.
Signed: James Wills
Registered 8 May 1821

James Wills to James Bobbitt for 123 1/4 acres. This indenture made 3 April 1820 between James Wills of Rutherford County and James Bobbitt of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County and on Stewarts Creek. Beginning at a corner for said Bobbitt's tract by General L. Nolen on James Wills' west boundary line and on Jesse Clarke's south boundary line, thence east 118 poles and 10 links to the bank of a branch, thence down said branch with its meanders to the creek 132 poles, thence up said creek in the middle of the channel 151 poles on the west bank of said creek, marked as a corner for Thomas Harwell, and the said Bobbitt, thence west 50 poles, thence north 48 Poles, thence west 117 poles to the west boundary line of the original survey and Thomas Washington's east boundary line, thence north 2 degrees west to beginning. Witness: Lucket Davis and David Ledbetter.
Signed: James Wills
Registered 8 May 1821

James is #98 in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)'s Patriot Index.

(Research):Chester Co, PA
Middletown Tax List 1729 Thomas Wills
Whiteland Township Tax List 1729 Michael Wills
West Fallowfield 1753 taxlist David Wills
Uwchland landowners 1774 Peter Wills

Census:

Males: 3 under 10 ( Jas B, David, X)
2 16-26 (Archibald, Geo?)
1 over 45 (James)
Females: 2 under 10 (Susan?, Margaret)
1 10-16 (Mary)
1 16-26, maybe Nancy, a sibling or relative, she would have been 22)
1 over 45 (Lillian)

Pension:

The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Rev. War Pension claim S.17198, based upon the military service of James Wills, in that war.
James Wills was born July 17, 1763 in Chester Co., PA. where he resided until he was about 10 years of age, then moved to Montgomery Co., Va.
While residing in Montgomery Co., Va. he enlisted early in 1781 and served at various times on short tours, about 7 months and 29 days in all, as a private under Lieutenant Daniel Howe, Capt. James Burns, and Col. William Preston in the Va. troops.
In the fall of 1783 he moved to the state of Ky., where he resided until 1820, then moved to Clay Co., MO, of which place he was a resident when he was allowed pension on his application executed Nov. 20, 1832.
In 1832, son James B. Wills was living in Clay Co., Mo, the name of his mother is not given and there are no further data as to family.
The above is the history of the soldier named James Wills, who resided in the state of MO at the time he received his pension, that is found on the Rev. War records of this office.
It is signed A.D. Hiller, Assistant to Administrator. [Jan Wallace]

Census:
District 75? 15? 13?
John Clevenger M 52 Virginia
Margaret Clevenger F 50 Tennessee
Sarah Clevenger F 18 Missouri
Margaret Clevenger F 16 Missouri
James Clevenger M 15 Missouri
Richard Clevenger M 14 Missouri
Robert Clevenger M 8 Missouri
John Clevenger M 5 Missouri
James Wills M 87 Virginia
Sarah Clevenger F 22 Tennessee
Caroline Clevenger F 4 Missouri
Angeline Clevenger F 1 Missouri

Buried:
His tombstone says:
James
Wills
Blacksmith
VA Militia
Capt Burns Co
Revolutionary
War
Jul 17 1763
Aug 17 1855

James married Lillian BUCHANAN about 1790 in , , Virginia, USA. Lillian (daughter of Archibald BUCHANAN and Agnes BOWEN) was born about 1770 in , Washington, Virginia, USA; died after 1820. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

died 8/17/1855, Clay Co, MO?

Notes:

Married:
probably in Washington County

Other Events:

• Census: 1840, , Platte, Missouri, USA; pg 140
• Census: 1850, , Platte, Missouri, USA; pg 829 (415B)
• Census: 1850, , Platte, Missouri, USA; Slave Schedule, pg 238
• Will: 27 Dec 1851, , Platte, Missouri, USA; Daniel Shacelford

Notes:

SHACKELFORD CLAN MAGAZINE
February 1951 Vol 6. No 10
Also in Ray County, Mo., in 1838, was one Daniel Shackelford, whose wife was Tabitha. This Daniel Shackelford married Tabitha Nance, in Henry County Virginia, October 29th, 1798. And he was a son of Henry and Mary Shackelford, who died in Henry Co, Va., 1806. Henry and Mary Shackelford, of Henry Co, Va., had the following children: Susannah, John, William, James, Daniel, Samuel and Henry. We are not certain that the above is the order of birth, but those were the daughter and sons of Henry.
Now since the son of Daniel was in Ray County, Mo., 1838, we would like to know if the John, whom we are now discussing, was of the same branch of the family? He was not a son of Daniel unless Daniel was married a second time. Daniel was married 1798, and this John was born 1795.
But Daniel had a brother John who died in Henry County, Va., 1815., and he had a son John. Query? Could the John in Ray County, Mo., be the son of John, of Henry County, Va? Should any one be able to confirm this one way or another we will be forever grateful.

Census:
1 male 60-70 [cir 1775]
1 female 50-60 [cir 1785]

Census:
1 male aged 36

Census:
Carroll Township
Danl Shackleford M 80 Virginia
Tabitha Shackleford F 67 Virginia

Will:
In the name of God Amen
I Daniel Shacelford of the County of Platte & State of Missouri being poorly of body but of perfect mind & memory do ordain this the following disposal of all my worldly goods - both real & personal to be my last will & testament. I give & bequeath all my worldly goods personal & real estate to my wife Tabitha during her life to support her on after all Just Debts are paid. It is my will & wish that James G. Williams after my death shall take my negro boy Jack & my land on which I now reside & the balance of my property & manage it for my wife Tabitha & after her death for the property left to be equally divided between Amy Wills; Nancy Oliphant,s children: James Oliphant, Mary Gideon, Jasper Oliphant, Newton Oliphant, Manerva Oliphant, Susan Sercey; Reuben Shackleford,s children: Elizabeth Nance, James Shackleford, John Shackleford, William Shackleford, Arena Stiles, Caroline Shackleford, Tabitha Shackleford, Reuben Shackleford, Daniel Shackleford; Sally Wills; Polley Williams. it is also my Will & wish that Susan M Brigand shall have five dollars of my estate after the death of my Wife Tabitha. it is also my will & wish that my boy Jack shall have the privilege of choosing his master & the man whom he chooses shall have him at the approved price. In testimony of this being my will & testament I assign my name & affix my seal
this the 29 day of December
1851 Daniel Shackleford

Witnesses:
T L DBerry
Alexander Breckenridge
Samuel H Oliphant

Daniel married Tabitha NANCE on 29 Oct 1798 in , Henry, Virginia, USA. Tabitha (daughter of Reuben NANCE and Amy WILLIAMSON) was born in 1783 in , , Virginia, USA; died after 1859. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, , Platte, Missouri, USA; pg 42, f/d 305/293

Notes:

Census:
Carroll Township
J G Williams M 57 North Carolina
Mary Williams F 50 Virginia
Tabitha Shackelford F 77 Virginia
Alexander Wills M 32 Missouri
Mary Wills F 12 Missouri
Sarah Wills F 11 Missouri
James Wills M 10 Missouri
William Wills M 7 Missouri
Alice Wills F 6 Missouri

Other Events:

• Property: 5 Aug 1837, *, Benton, Alabama, USA; AL3020__.205
• Census: 1840, *, Benton, Alabama, USA; pg 48
• Census: 18 Dec 1850, *, Benton, Alabama, USA; pg 795
• Property: 1 Jul 1853, White Plains, Calhoun, Alabama, USA; MW-0654-330 from Jonas Phillips
• Census: 13 Jul 1860, , Calhoun, Alabama, USA; pg 105
• Census: 1870, , Calhoun, Alabama, USA; pg 49

Notes:

1830 (not Beaufort, Fairfield, Greenville or Marion) possibly Spartanburg pg 242,284; or Laurens pg 29 (225).

Thomas's patent was south and west of the property that he and Nancy eventually made their home. There are no roads through it now but it was east of Cottaquilla Creek, centered vertically just about where White Plains Rd intersects Hwy 9 in the north and, from the satellite view, the north-south fence lines seem to mostly maintain the original boundaries. The property straddled the ridge.

Their second property was just north of White Plains straddling what is now Stone Ridge Trail South at Cottaquilla Mountain and included the southern three of the four properties now on the east side of the Trail. The west side property line looks to be directly south of the intersection with Stone Ridge Trail North.

(Research):Calhoun Co, AL, Land Patents
COOK, THOMAS K 34 14S 9E HUNTSVILLE 80.06 1837/08/05
COOK, WILLIAM H 35 12S 8E HUNTSVILLE 40.06 1848/05/01
COOK, AMOS W 34 12S 8E HUNTSVILLE 39 1849/08/10
COOK, AMOS W 35 12S 8E HUNTSVILLE 40.06 1849/08/10
COOK, WILLIAM H 34 12S 8E HUNTSVILLE 40.06 1859/01/01
COOK, WILLIAM H 35 12S 8E HUNTSVILLE 40.06 1860/04/02

Thomas's patent was just north of White Plains straddling what is now Stone Ridge Trail South at Cottaquilla Mountain and included the southern three of the four properties now on the east side of the Trail. The west side of the property looks to be directly south of the intersection with Stone Ridge Trail North.

There is a William Harris Cook (1813-1892) buried at City Cemetery in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Property:
"The East half of the North West quarter of Section Thirty four in Township Fourteen of Range nine in the district of lands subject to sale at Mardisville Alabama containing Eighty acres and six hundredths of an acre." [see notes]

Census:
Thos K Cook
3 males <5 [1835-1840] ?, Emisiah, Cornelius
1 male 5-10 [1830-1835] Thomas E
1 male 10-15 [1825-1830] James P
1 male 20-30 [1810-1820]
1 male 30-40 [1800-1810] Thomas K
1 female 5-10 [1830-1835]
1 female 10-15 [1825-1830] Nancy F
1 female 30-40 [1800-1810] Nancy P
311-11, -11--1

Census:
District 30, hh #77
Thomas K Cook M 49 South Carolina
Nancy P Cook F 46 South Carolina
Nancy Cook F 24 South Carolina
Thomas Cook M 15 Alabama
Emiriah Cook M 12 Alabama
Cornelius Cook M 10 Alabama
James Reece M 14 Alabama

Property:
"South West quarter of the North East quarter ^and the North West quarter of the South East quarter of Section twenty seven in Township fourteen of Range nine, In ^the District of Land subject to sale at Lebanon, Alabama containing Eighty acres and Thirty hundreds of an acre." [the clerk left out a couple of words and had to squeeze them in, denoted by carats (^), see notes].

Census:
hh#702
Thomas K Cook M 60 South Carolina
Nancy P Cook F 57 South Carolina
Emozire Cook M 23 Alabama
Cornelus Cook M 20 Alabama
John Meadows M 22 Georgia
The county was renamed.

Census:
hh #366
Thomas Cook M 70 South Carolina
Sarah Cook F 57 South Carolina
Emily Jones M 19 Alabama
Ragon Jones M 22 Alabama
Sharlett Cook F 59 North Carolina
The Jones children's names are backwards, looking like James Emily and James Ragon. Sharlett is a black housekeeper. Most of the household numbers are marked out, I'm not sure if Sharlet lives with the Cooks, or is a separate household. There is a very large black community here.

Thomas married Nancy P ??? about 1825 in , , South Carolina, USA. Nancy was born in 1804 in , , South Carolina, USA; died in 1867-1870 in , , Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Abt 1834, , , Alabama, USA

Notes:

Federal Land Records
JOHNSTON DANIEL R 24 15S 6E HUNTSVILLE 159.76 1884/12/05

JOHNSTON DANIEL R 24 15S 6E HUNTSVILLE
0 1884/12/05

JOHNSTON DANIEL R 24 15S 6E HUNTSVILLE
0 1884/12/05

Benton County was formed in 1832 from former Creek Indian land and renamed Calhoun in 1858.

Daniel married Margaret ??? in 1807 in , Newberry, South Carolina, USA. Margaret was born on 21 Jul 1785 in , , South Carolina, USA; died on 26 Sep 1852 in *, Benton, Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]