Samuel Christy

Samuel Christy was born on 11 Sep 1819 in Indiana, United States.^1–3

He lived in Jasper Township, Fayette, Ohio, United States on 21 Sep 1850.^4–5

He sold land on 9 Oct 1850 in Fayette, Ohio, United States.⁶

Samuel H. Christy is listed as a 31 year old farmer on the 1850 census in Jasper, Fayette County, Ohio. Acording to the census, Samuel owned $541 in real estate and was born in Ohio. Also listed in the census was a 26 year old female, Lydia; a 7 year old female, Emily J; a 5 year old female Elmidia, a 3 year old female Rhoda E and a 2 year old male, Eli S. All were born in Ohio.

Samuel lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States on 1 Aug 1860.⁷

Samuel Christy was listed as a 40 year old male born in Indiana on the 1860 census. Samuel’’s occupation was farming. He owned $1600 in real estate and $200 in personal estate. Also listed in the household was Lydia, aged 36 and born in Ohio; Emily, female age 17 and born in Ohio; Rachel E, female age 15 and born in Ohio; Shela M, female age 8 and born in Ohio; Ebenezer, male age 7 and born in Indiana; Samuel M, male age 5 and born in Indiana; Lydia A, female age 2 and born in Indiana; and Hester female age 6/12 and born in Indiana.

He registered for the military draft  in Jul 1863 in Indiana, United States.⁸

He lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States on 6 Jul 1870.⁹

Samuel Christy was listed as a 51 year old farmer born in Ohio on the 1870 census living in Jefferson, Tipton County, Indiana. According to the census, he owned $2000 in real estate and $200 in personal property. Also listed in the household was a 34 year old female, Mary S.; a 17 year old male, Ebenezer; a 14 year old male, Milton; a 12 year old female Lyda; a 10 year old female, Esther; a 3 year old female, Samantha; an 1 year old male, George and a 7/12 year old female, Nancy. All besides Samuel were born in Indiana.

Samuel lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States on 22 Jun 1880.¹⁰

Samuel H Christy is listed a a 53 year old farmer and cabinet maker who was born in Ohio on the 1880 census living in Tipton County, Indiana. Also listed in the census was his 49 year old wife, Maria; a 24 year old son, George, an 11 year old daughter, Nancy, an 8 year old son, Henry and a 76 year old mother, Rachael.

He signed a will in 1887 in Tipton County, Indiana.¹¹

He lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States in 1900.¹²

Samuel Christy was listed as an 80 year old male farmer on the 1900 census living in Tipton County, Indiana. According to the census, Samuel was born Sept 1819 in Ohio. Also listed in the household was his wife, born Dec 1830 in Indiana, a son, Henry, born Feb 1872 in Indiana; a grandson, Vern Plough born March 1888 in Indiana; a grandson Hurshel born Aug 1890 in Indiana.

Samuel died on 24 Mar 1904 at the age of 84 in Clinton, Indiana, United States.^2–3,13

He was buried on 25 Mar 1904 at Hills Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickard, Clinton, Indiana, United States.^2–3

He had his will proved on 30 Mar 1904 in Tipton, Indiana, United States.¹¹

Samuel had his estate probated on 23 Nov 1904 in Tipton, Indiana, United States.¹¹

1st Wife – Lydia Gallimore

Samuel Christy and Lydia Gallimore were married on 3 Mar 1842 in Fayette, Ohio, United States.^14–16

Lydia Gallimore¹⁷, daughter of Isom Gallimore and Judith Bentley, was born on 25 Mar 1824 in Ohio, Kentucky, United States.^1,17–18

She lived in Jasper Township, Fayette, Ohio, United States on 21 Sep 1850.⁴

She lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States on 1 Aug 1860.⁷

Lydia died on 1 Feb 1864 at the age of 39 in Clinton, Indiana, United States.^18–19

She was buried after 1 Feb 1864 at Hills Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickard, Clinton, Indiana, United States.²⁰

2nd Wife – Mary Amos

Samuel Christy and Mary Susan Amos were married on 18 Nov 1866 in Clinton, Indiana, United States.^19,21–22

Mary Susan Amos^2,19,23 was born on 1 Aug 1837 in Indiana, United States.^2,24–25

She lived in Sugar Creek Township, Clinton, Indiana, United States on 27 Jul 1860.²⁵

She lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States on 6 Jul 1870.⁹

Mary died on 21 Oct 1872 at the age of 35.^2,24

She was buried at Hills Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickard, Clinton, Indiana, United States.²⁴

3rd Wife – Mariah Burk

Samuel Christy and Mariah Burk were married on 14 Oct 1871 in Clinton, Indiana, United States.^26–27

Mariah Burk² was born on 27 Dec 1830.^2,28

She lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States in 1880.¹⁰

She lived in Jefferson Township, Tipton, Indiana, United States in 1900.¹²

Mariah died on 18 Dec 1907 at the age of 76 in Sugar Creek Township, Clinton, Indiana, United States.^2,28

She was buried.²⁸

Samuel and Lydia were the parents of

• Emily Jane Christy (1843-1864)
• Rachel Elmeda Christy (1845-1927)
• Rhoda Elizabeth Christy (1850-1851)
• Eli Salathiel Chirsty (1848-1851)
• Shelamiah Christy (1850-1861)
• Ebenezer Christy (1853-1941)
• Samuel Milton Christy (1855-1924)
• Lydia Alice Christy (1858-1888)
• Esther Christy (1860-1924

Samuel and Mary were the parents of

• Samantha Christy (1867-1873)
• George Christy (1868-1938)
• Nancy Christy (1869-1934)
• William Henry Christy (1872-1906)

ENDNOTES:

1. 1860 U.S. Census, Clinton County Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, page 189, family 1384, Samuey H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 23 July 2022); NARA microfilm publication M653.

2. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online July 2017), memorial for Samuel Henry Christy (1819-1904), Find a Grave Memorial no. #13717296, created by Judy, citing Hills Baptist Church Cemetery, Pickard, Clinton County, Indiana; accompanying photograph by Judy, Samuel Henry Christy.

3. Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, Samuel H St G Christy, 1904; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online December 2018).

4. 1850 U.S. Census, Fayette County Ohio, population schedule, Jasper Township, Fayette County, Indiana, page 156, household 1293, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432.

5. U.S. Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880, Samuel Christy, 20 September 1850; database with images, Ancestry.com (ancestry.com : viewed online 23 July 2022).

6. Ohio, Fayette County. Deeds, v. P 1850-1853.  Film #292618 DGS 8141941. Samuel H. Christy, 9 Oct 1850 Vol. P: page 51 (image 35); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 24 July 2022.

7. 1860 U.S. Census, Tipton County, Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, page 189 Image 15 of 34, household 1425, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653

8. “U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865,”Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com:  accessed July 2017), card for Samuel H Christy, Sub dist No 88,Tipton County, Indiana; citing Consolidated Listsof Civil War Draft Registrations, 1863-1865, NM-65.

9. 1870 U. S. Census, Tipton County Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, page 15, household 110, Christy, Samuel; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication T132.

10. 1880 U.S. Census, Tipton County, Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, ED 135, page 44 Image 33 of 40, household 394, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017)

11. Indiana, Wills and Probate Records, 1789-1999, Samuel H. St. G. Christy, 1887; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 14 December 2021).

12. 1900 U.S. Census, Tipton County, Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, ED 124, Sheet 6 Image 11 of 32, family 115, Samuel Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 20 January 2022)

13. “By Star Special Service,” The Star Press (Muncie, Indiana), 26 March 1904, page 6; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 3 September 2020).

14. “Ohio, County Marriages, 1774-1993,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017), Lydia Galimore – Samuel H. Christy.

15. Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, Samuel H Christy – Lydia Galimore, 3 March 1842; database with images, (www.familysearch.org : viewed online October 2017).

16. Ohio, Fayette County. Marriage Records, v. A-C 1810-1855.  Film #292630 DGS 4016243. Samuel H Christy, 3 Mar 1842 Vol. B: page 197; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 23 July 2022.

17. Mrs. Rachel E. RIcketts, death certificate #2011237 (27 January 1917), Kansas State Board of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, Topeka, Kansas.

18. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online July 2016), memorial for Lydia Gallimore Christy (1824-1864), Find a Grave Memorial no. # 13717108, created by Judy, citing Hills Baptist Chruch Cemetery, Pickard, Clinton County, INdiana; accompanying photograph by Judy, Lydia Gallimore Christy.

19. 1870 U. S. Census, Tipton County Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, page 15, family 110, Samuel Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 23 July 2022); NARA microfilm publication T132.

20. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online July 2016), memorial for Lydia Gallimore Christy (1824-1864), Find a Grave Memorial no. # 13717108,

21. “Indiana, Marriage Index, 1800-1941,” Ancestry.com,  (www.ancestry.com : County Court Records at Williamsport, IN, Clinton County, Indiana, viewed onine (5 January 2022), Samuel H Christy.

22. “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019,” database with images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org : viewed onine 23 July 2022), Samuel H. St. G (or Y) Christy.

23. Indiana Marriages, 1845-1920 (Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2000), Book C-4, OS Page 524

24. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 5 January 2022), memorial for Mary Susan Amos Christy (1837-1872), Find a Grave Memorial no. #13717123, created by Judy, citing Hills Baptist Church Cemetery, Pickard, Clinton County, Indiana; accompanying photograph by Judy, Mary Susan Amos Christy.

25. 1860 U.S. Census, Clinton County Indiana, population schedule, Sugar Creek Township, Clinton County, Indiana, pae 143, family 1043, John C Amos.

26. “Indiana, Marriage Index, 1800-1941,” Ancestry.com,  (www.ancestry.com : County Court Records at Williamsport, IN, Clinton County, Indiana, viewed online (13 December 21), Samuel H Christy.

27. “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007,” digitized images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : viewed online 23 July 2022), Samuel H. Christy.

28. Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, Maria Christy, 18 December 1907; .

Two Samuels

Do you have ‘favorite’ lines in your tree? I’m referring to those lines that you have spent the most time researching compared to other lines. I have to admit that I do have at least one favorite line – my CRAWFORD line.

Thus, I might conclude that I did not do a very good job of researching my third great grandfathers for my other lines. However, when I look at the sourcing I added to these lines in comparison to what was available during that time, I did fairly well at adding sources. These sources included census records and published history and genealogies. While I made two trips to Salt Lake where I obtained quite a few deeds for my ancestors, I did not have time to search for these deeds for all of my lines.

So, when I began reviewing my information for Samuel H. Christy, I found that I don’t have any land records for Samuel, even though the census indicates he owned real estate in both Fayette County, Ohio in 1850 and in Tipton County, Indiana in 1860. [Samuel Christy in my Ancestry tree]

1850 U.S. Census, Fayette County Ohio, population schedule, Jasper Township, Fayette County, Indiana, page 156, household 1293, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432.

1860 U.S. Census, Tipton County, Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, page 189 Image 15 of 34, household 1425, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653

Unfortunately, the Tipton County, Indiana land records are locked and will have to be searched at a later date. However, the Fayette County, Ohio land records are available. Thus, I started searching for land records for Samuel Christy in Fayette County.

That initial search showed quite a few grantor records for Samuel Christy.

Fayette County Ohio, Grantor Index, A-K 1810-1913, Film 292607 DGS 7900590, page 224 (Image 129)

These first entries in the grantor index for Samuel Christy are a major clue to the existence of a second Samuel Christy owning land in Fayette County, Ohio. The clue is the date of the deeds. Since my Samuel H. Christy was born about 1819, he would not have been old enough to own let alone sell land in 1834. Thus, there has to be a second, older Samuel Christy.

Fortunately, there is one entry in the index for a Samuel H. Christy.

Fayette County Ohio, Grantor Index, A-K 1810-1913, Film 292607 DGS 7900590, page 224 (Image 129)

As a deed for the sale of land, Samuel’s wife must also sign the deed. Since the wife’s name on the deed is ‘Lydia Christy’ I believe this deed is for my ancestor, Samuel H. and Lydia (Gallimore) Christy.

Another clue is found by comparing the Oct 1850 deed for Samuel H Christy to the June 1851 deed for Samuel Christy. Both of these deeds are for land that was part of survey 1342. Thus, it is possible they are for the same Samuel Christy. The deed for Samuel H. Christy in Book P on page 51 appears to have been signed by Samuel H. Christy and Lydia Christy.

The 1851 Samuel Christy deed does not include a wife. The signature also indicates that Samuel Christy could not sign his name since it says ‘his mark’.

Thus, I believe my original conclusion that there are (at least) two men named Samuel Christy selling land in Fayette County, Ohio. Much additional research will be required to figure out who this second Samuel Christy is. For now I’m concentrating on my ancestor, Samuel H. Christy.

Below is the deed where Samuel H. Christy and his wife, Lydia, sold land in Fayette County, Ohio.

Oct 5 1850 Christy Samuel H to David Cramer Book P page 51

Image 35 – page 51

Samuel H Christy
To Deed
David Creamer
$750 – 50 – 1342

Know all men that I Samuel H. Christy and
Lydia Christy wife of said Samuel H. Christy of the
County of Fayette and State of Ohio in consideration of
the sum of seven hundred & fifty dollars in hand paid
by David Creamer of the County & State aforesaid have bargained and sold
and do hereby grant bargain sell and convey unto the said David Creamer
his heirs and assigns forever, the following premises, situate in the County of Fay
ette in the State of Ohio and in Jasper Township and bound and described
as follows. Beginning at a stone & Hickory northwest corner to David Christy
thence S 142 poles to a large Elm the southwest corner to said Christy. Thence W
56 1/4 poles to a honey locust 7 elm corner to Samuel Fifth home thence N 142
poles to three elms & Bur oak corner to Fifth home. Thence E 56 1/4 poles to the begin
ning containing fifty acres of land be the same more or less being part of a
survey made in the name of Thomas Shaw No 1342. To have and to hold
said premises with the appurtenances unto the said David Creamer his he
irs and assigns and the said Samuel H. Christy & wife for themselves and
heirs do hereby covenant with said David Creamer his heirs and assigns that
they are lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid, and that the premises are
free and clear from all encumbrances whatsoever, and he will forever war
rant and defend the same with the appurtenances, unto the said David Cream
mer & his heirs and assigns against all lawful claims of all persons whom so ever
In Testimony whereof the said Samuel H. Christy and Lydia his wife have
hereunto set their hands and seals this fifth day of October the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Fifty.
Samuel H.. Christy (seal)
Lydia Christy (seal)

page 52 (image 36)
Signed sealed & Acknowledged
in presence of us
J. B. Creamer
David D. Christy

The State of Ohio Fayette county SS
Before e J. B. Creamer a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County personally appeared the
above named Samuel H. Christy and Lydia
Christy his wife and acknowledged the signing
and sealing of the above conveyance to be their voluntary act and deed; and the
said Lydia Christy being at the same time examined by me separate and apart
from her husband and the contents of said instrument made known to her by me
she then declared that she did voluntarily sign seal and acknowledge the same
and that she is still satisfied therewith; this fifth day of Octr A. D. 1850
J. B Creamer JP
Recd 20th Recorded 21st Nov 1850

Ohio, Fayette County. Deeds, v. P 1850-1853. Film #292618 DGS 8141941. Samuel H. Christy, 9 Oct 1850 Vol. P: page 51 (image 35); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 24 July 2022.

Disproving Same Alexander – Census Records

I’m struggling with ‘same name’ issues. Particularly in regards to Alexander Crawford. I believe there are two different Alexander Crawfords.

• Alexander Crawford who married Margaret McElwee in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1788 and likely lived in Pulaski County, Kentucky
• Alexander Crawford, son of Rev. James Crawford of Fayette County, Kentucky and grandson of Alexander Crawford and Mary McPheeters

Other researchers disagree with me. Thus, I’m on a quest to locate documentation to hopefully resolve this issue.

Today, I’m working with census records. Since these are all pre-1850 census listings, they can’t be depended upon to prove family relations. However, they can help establish places of residency.

Using the family information for Rev. James Crawford from the book Descendants of Alexander and Mary (McPheeters) Crawford, I can determine approximate ages for the various census years.

Name	Birth Year	Death Year	Sex	Age 1810	Age 1820	Age 1830	Age 1840
Rev James Crawford	1752	1803	m
Rebecca McPheeters	1755	1830	f	55	65	75
Martha Crawford	1775	1831	f	35	45	55
Alexander Crawford	1782	1845	m	28	38	48	58
Mary Crawford	1784		f	26	36	46	56
Elizabeth Crawford	1789	1845	f	21	31	41	51
Sarah Crawford	1801	1841	f	9	19	29	39
Rebecca Crawford	1805	1830	f	5	15	25	35

Using the above chart, I can then look at the census records for Fayette County and compare the tick marks to potential family members.

In the 1810 census for Fayette County, Kentucky (where Rev. James Crawford lived), I was able to find a Rebecka Crawford as the head of household on the census with 12 total people in the household:

• Free white males 26-44: 1 – son – Alexander Crawford – age 29
• Free white females 10-15: 1 – daughter Rebecca Crawford – wrong age – she would have been 5
• Free white females 16-25: 3 – daughters Sarah age 9, Elizabeth age 21, Mary age 26
• Free white females 45 and over: 1 – Rebecca Crawford
• Number of slaves: 6
• number of household members under 16: 1
• Number of household members over 25: 2
• number of household members: 12

In the 1820 census for Fayette County, Kentucky, I was able to find Alexander Crawford listed as a 26-44 year old male head of household.

• Males 26-44 — 1 – Alexander age 38
• Females 16-25: 2 – sisters Sarah age 19 / Rebecca age 15
• Females 26-44: 2 – sister Mary age 36 / Mother Rebecca age 65
• Slaves – Males 26-44: 2
• Slaves Female under 14:5
• Slaves Female 14-25: 2
• number of persons engaged in agriculture: 3
• Free White persons over 25: 4
• total free white persons: 6
• Total Slaves: 9

Alexander Crawford again appeared as the head of household in the 1830 census for Fayette County, Kentucky.

• Males 40-49: 1- Alexander age 48
• Females 20-29: 1 – sister – Rebecca age 25
• Females 30-39: 2 – Sisters Sarah age 29, Mary age 46
• Females 70-79: 1 – Mother Rebecca age 75
• Free colored persons Females 24-35: 1
• Slaves Males 24-35: 1
• Slaves Males 36-54: 1
• Slaves Females under 10: 3
• Slaves Femlaes 10-23: 2
• Slaves Females 24-35: 2
• Free white persons 20-49: 4
• Total Free white persons: 5
• Total Slaves: 14
• Total free colored persons: 1

The 1840 census of Fayette County, Kentucky also lists Alexander Crawford as a head of household.

• Males 50-59: 1 – Alexander age 58
• Females 30-39: 1 – Sister Rebecca age 35
• Females 40-49: 1 – Sister Sarah age 39 or Mary age 56
• Free colored persons – males 36-54: 1
• Slaves males under 10: 9
• Slaves males 10-23: 2
• Slaves Males 36-54: 1
• Slaves Females under 10: 7
• Slaves Females 10-23: 2
• Slaves Females 36-54: 2
• Persons employed in agriculture: 4
• No. white persons over 20 who cannot read and write: 1
• Free white persons 20-49: 2
• Total free white persons: 3
• Total free colored persons: 1
• Total slaves; 23
• Total all persons – free white, free colored, slaves: 27

The above census records support an Alexander Crawford living in Fayette County, Kentucky between 1820 and 1840. Although there are a few discrepancies, the tick marks appear to line up with the Rev. James Crawford family structure. Thus, there is support – but not definitive proof – for the theory that the Alexander Crawford in these census records is the son of Rev. James Crawford.

If there are two separate Alexander Crawfords, then there should be a second set of census records. I used the information I had compiled on the family of Alexander Crawford of Pulaski County, Kentucky to create a similar table showing ages of the family members in the various census records.

Name	Birth Year	Death Year	Sex	Age 1810	Age 1820	Age 1830
Alexander Crawford	1767	1823 / 1838	m	43	53	63
Margaret McElwee	1766	1832	f	44	54	64
Adams Crawford	1789	1869	m	21	31	41
Andrew Crawford	1791	1878	m	19	29	39
Martha Crawford	1801		f	9	19	29
John A. Crawford	1803	1838	m	7	17	27
Shelby Crawford	1805	1870	m	5	15	25
Harrison Crawford	1808	1870	m	2	12	22

Unfortunately, the census records for Alexander Crawford in Pulaski County, Kentucky are more difficult to line up with these known family members. In the 1810 census, this could be explained if one of the sons and his family was also living in the household

• Free males under 10: 4 – ? grandsons?
• Free males 10-15: 3 – sons John, Harrison, Shelby
• Free males 16-25: 1- son Adams or Andrew
• Free males: 45 and over: 1- Alexander
• Free females under 10: 1 – unknown
• Free Females 10-15: 2 — ? granddaughters?
• Free females 10-15: 2 – unknown
• Free females 16-25: 1 – daughter Martha or wife of Adams or Andrew
• Free females 26-44: 1 – wife Margaret
• Number of household members under 16: 10
• Number of household members over 25: 2
• Number of household members: 14

The 1820 census of Pulaski County, Kentucky showing an Alexander Crawford is even more confusing. If this is the same family, then Alexander likely has at least one if not two daughters-in-law living with him along with several grandchildren.

• Free white males under 10: 2 – ? grandsons
• Free white males 10-15: 2 – ? grandsons
• Free white males 45 and over: 1 – Alexander Crawford
• Free white females under 10: 1 – ? granddaughter
• Free white females 10-15: 1 – ? granddaughter
• Free white females 16-25: 2 – daughter Martha Crawford and 1 daughter-in-law or 2 daughters-in-law
• Free white females 45 and over: 1 – Margaret McElwee Crawford
• Free white persons under 16: 6
• Free white persons over 25: 2
• total free white persons: 10
• Total all persons: 10

A search of the 1830 Pulaski County, Kentucky census for Crawford does not include an Alexander Crawford in the results.

This study of Kentucky census records does support

• an Alexander Crawford living in Fayette County, KY at the same time as an Alexander Crawford lived in Pulaski County, KY.
• the Rev. James Crawford family unit living in Fayette County under the name of Rebecka Crawford in 1810 and Alexander Crawford in 1820, 1830 and 1840.

Since the Pulaski County, Kentucky census records are hard to match up with the family unit of Alexander Crawford and Margaret McElwee, it is hard to conclude that the Alexander Crawford shown in these records is the husband of Margaret McElwee.

Thus, I need to locate more records to support my position that these are two different Alexander Crawfords.

Same Alexander?

Do you struggle with ‘same name’ issues in your genealogy research? I know that over the years I have struggled to either separate two people or prove that the records I found apply to my ancestor and not to someone else of the same name.

My newest struggle is with someone that I currently can’t even connect to my tree. I found an Alexander Crawford who married Margaret McElwee in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1788. This marriage is one of four Crawford marriages that occurred in early Lincoln County:

• 1788 – Alexander Crawford married Margaret McElwee
• 1791 – Mary Crawford married James Sellers
• 1793 – James Crawford married Martha Knight
• 1796 – Sarah Crawford married William David Sellers

My ancestor, James Crawford married Sally Duggins in 1799 in Garrard County, Kentucky. Garrard County was formed from Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1796 — the year Sarah and William Sellers were married.

Thus, these 5 Crawford couples were married in the area of 1788 Lincoln County, Kentucky within an 11 year time period. Based on the marriage bonds and some land records, it is believed that Mary, Sarah and the James that married Martha Knight are all children of Rebekah Crawford who purchased land in Garrard County from George Douglas.

Since my ancestor, the James Crawford who married Sally Duggins, lived in the same area as the James Crawford who married Martha Knight, it is thought that they are somehow related, possibly cousins.

So that leaves Alexander Crawford. Is Alexander a sibling to Mary, James and Sarah? Or, is he possibly a sibling to my James Crawford?

In hopes of proving that Alexander Crawford is a sibling to one of these two families, I’ve done some research on Alexander. Although I haven’t done extensive research on Alexander, I have established a basic timeline for him.

Birth	abt Jan 1767	Augusta County, Colony of Virginia, British Colonial America
Tax	1789	Lincoln, Kentucky, United States
Tax	1800	Pulaski, Kentucky, United States
Residence	1810	Somerset, Pulaski, Kentucky, United States
Residence	1820	Somerset, Pulaski, Kentucky, United States
Death	7 Jul 1823	Pulaski, Pulaski, Kentucky, United States9
Burial	1823	Mount Pleasant Baptist Cemetery, Pulaski, Pulaski, Kentucky, United States

Since my goal was to figure out whether this Alexander Crawford was related to any of the other Crawford families in early Garrard County, Kentucky, I started looking at trees hoping to find someone with parents for Alexander Crawford.

And I found several trees showing Rev. James Crawford and Rebecca McPheeters as the parents of Alexander. This lineage would make the Alexander Crawford who married Margaret McElwee a grandson of Alexander Crawford and Mary McPheeters.

Although Rev. James Crawford may have been an itinerant minister, he did not live in the Garrard County area. Instead he raised his family in Fayette County. Thus, I decided to look at information about the descendants of Alexander and Mary (McPheeters) Crawford to see if the Alexander Crawford of Pulaski County was a grandson.

Thus, I turned to the book, Descendants of Alexander & Mary McPheeters Crawford: Pioneer Settlers of Augusta County, Virginia by Amanda Crawford Arbogast Forbes and Lucetta Crawford Smmis. This book identifies the children of Rev. James Crawford as

• Mary Crawford – died unmarried
• Martha Crawford (1775-1831) married Charles McPheeters
• Alexander Crawford (1782-1845)
• Elizabeth Crawford (1789-1845) married Joseph Galloway
• Sarah Crawford (1801-1841) unmarried
• Rebecca Crawford (1803-1833) unmarried

p. 205.

Also in the book is some information from the Fayette County, Kentucky will of Alexander Crawford.

p. 206.

Comparing the information I have compiled for the Alexander Crawford of Pulaski County, Kentucky with the information in the book about descendants of Alexander Crawford and Mary McPheeters, I don’t believe these two Alexander Crawfords are the same person.

However, I am basing my conclusion on one book. Since that isn’t sufficient evidence to convince others, more research is needed to support my conclusion. Perhaps in the process, I will stumble on something that leads to information connecting the Alexander Crawford of Pulaski County to the Crawfords of Garrard County.

Sources for Alexander Crawford who married Margaret McElwee:

        1. Dodd, Jordan R., Kentucky Marriages Early to 1800 (: Precision Indexing Publishers, ), p. 49.

        2. “Family Tree”, database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016), Alexander Crawford / Margaret McElwee Family; undocumented and unnamed family tree submitted by wendyhar, [contact information for private use]; Crawford Tree.

        3. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 3 September 2020), memorial for Alexander Crawford (1767-1823), Find a Grave Memorial no. #186274065, created by Sandra Lytch, citing Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky;, Alexander Crawford.

        4. Kentucky, Lincoln County. Tax Books, 1787-1875.  Film #DGS 007834472. Alexander Crofford, 1789 : image 104; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 September 2020.

        5. “Kentucky, Tax Lists 1799-1801,” database online, Genealogy Publishing Company, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online August 2019), Alexander Crawford.

        6. “Kentucky, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes ndex, 1810-1890,” database, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2019), Alexander Crawford.

        7. 1810 U.S. Census, Pulaski County, Kentucky, population schedule, Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky, image 16, Crawford Alexander; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online August 2019).

        8. 1820 U.S. Census, Pulaski County, Kentucky, population schedule, Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky, image 7, Alexr Crawford; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online August 2019).

        9. “Family Tree,” database, Ancestry.com, Alexander Crawford / Margaret McElwee Family.

        10. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 3 September 2020), memorial for Alexander Crawford (1767-1823), Find a Grave Memorial no. #186274065,

        11. “Family Tree,” database, Ancestry.com, Alexander Crawford / Margaret McElwee Family.

        12. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 3 September 2020), memorial for Alexander Crawford (1767-1823), Find a Grave Memorial no. #186274065,

Todd to Crawford Deed Fayette County Kentucky

Fayette County, Kentucky County Court, Deed Book B, 1786-1807
FS Film 1490705 item 3 DGS 8201383
Image 481 – Index C
Crawford Jas Todd [?] D 57

Image 532 – Deed on page 57 – 14 March 1780 Levi Todd and Jane his wife to James Crawford

Page 57

This Indenture made this fourteenth day of Marcy
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty
between Levi Todd and Jane his wife of the county of
[Fay]ette and Commonwealth of Virginia of the one part and James
[Cra]wford of the aforesaid county and Commonwealth of the other part
[wi]tnesseth that the said Levi Todd and Jane his wife for an
[in] consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds
[between] them paid have granted bargained and sold and bye these pre-
[sen]ts do grant bargain and sell unto the said James Crawford
[a] certain tract of land on which he now lives, on the waters of
[the] East fork of Hickman being part of said Levi Todds pre-
[em]ption granted him by patent estimated to contain one hun
[dre]d and fifty acres or more or less (a plat of which is hereto an
[nex]ed) bounded as follows, Beginning at a large white oak
[nev]er before cornered for the above mentioned Levi Todds preemp
[tion], running thence North sixty degrees west two hundred and
[twen]ty poles with the heirs of Hugh McNary deceased to a small
[whi]te oak corner about 3 1/2 poles from a small branch and near
[Wa]lnut Hill meeting house : running thence north East one hun
[dre]d and twenty eight poles to a red oak corner and a red oak
[an]d white oak growing from one stock, thence running South
[six]ty degrees East one hundred and sixty five poles to a white
[?] corner thence South twenty degrees West with Daniel Mosebey
[on]e hundred and twenty six poles to the Beginning to have & to
[ho]ld the said tract of land with all its appurtenances unto the
[sai]d James Crawford his heirs and assigns forever to his and
[?] only proper use and behoof. And  the said Levi Todd and
[Ja]ne his wife do for themselves their heirs executors and administrators
[?] covenant and agree with the said James Crawford his heirs
[and] assigns that he or they may at any time and at all times here
[af]ter continue enter in and upon the aforesaid tract of land
[a]nd premises and the same freely and fully and quietly

page 58

and enjoy with all its appurtenances forever, and that the
premises aforesaid are and shall remain free of and from
all former or future gifts grants bargains sales dower judge
ments executions and incumbrances whatsoever by the said
grantees or any other person or persons done or permitted
and also that they do and will warrant and forever defend
the said land and premises from themselves their heirs and
the claim of all persons whatsoever. In witness whereof the
said Levi Todd and Jane his wife have hereto set their
hand and seals the day and year above written
Levi Todd (seal)
Jean Todd (seal)
Signed Sealed & acknowledge in presence of
Eli Cleveland
Thos Hall
William McNary

Plat

Fayette County March Com 1786
This deed was produced in court proved by
the oaths of Eli Cleveland Thomas Hall and William
McNary subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded
Test Levi Todd Co Com

Fayette County December Court 1804
This indenture of bargain and sale from Levi Todd
and Jean his wife to the late Revd James Crawford was pro
duced in Court and is ordered to be again recorded agreeably
to law the former record having been destroyed by fire
Test David Todd DC

Same Name Issue with Ancestry Hints

Is something causing Ancestry’s hinting system to merge people of the same name?

I’m in the process of trying to disprove several Crawford men as the father of my James Crawford of Preble County, Ohio. Today, I’m trying to work on Rev. James Crawford (1752/3 to 1803) of Fayette County, Kentucky. I’ve found James Crawford [LZN5-SCD] in some of the Fayette County, KY records on Family Search. However, I have yet to find anything that would link James to his children. Thus, I decided to see if the Ancestry tree hints would help.

I’ve had Rev. James Crawford along with several other Crawford families from early Kentucky in my tree for quite some time. Thus, I expected to find legitimate hints. Instead, I found a lot of hints for other James Crawfords, whom I also have in my tree. At first, I just assumed that other researchers had confused some of these Crawford families in their trees. However, when I looked at the hints for Ancestor Member trees, I realized that I was ONLY seeing member trees for a DIFFERENT James Crawford.

All of the suggested trees were for James Crawford married to Rebecca Anderson. These trees also had Alexander Crawford and Mary McPheeters as the parents of James Crawford. When I looked at the hints I ignored, there were some hints that pertained to James and Rebecca of Indiana.

In addition, there were hints for James Crawford of Fleming County, Kentucky. This James Crawford married Sarah VanSandt.

Thus, it appears that multiple trees are merging these various James Crawford families.

Since the hints, suggested trees, and suggested member connects link to these other families, I’m beginning to think some computer algorithm is suggesting that these James Crawfords are the same individual versus separate men. I’m also curious as to why my search didn’t generate any hints for the trees that contain Rev. James Crawford. 

When I searched Public Member Trees for James Crawford with a death date of 1803 in Fayette County, Kentucky, I did find several trees — trees that should have been suggested in my original hint search.

What I also discovered, is that there is no agreement about Rev. James Crawford’s wife and/or parents in these various trees.

I don’t know whether I can influence these results, but I am going to try by .

• Contacting the various tree owners for James and Rebecca Anderson and James and Sarah Vansandt to see what data they might have indicating that these James Crawfords are the same individual
• Contacting the various tree owners for Rev. James Crawford to find out what data they might have for his wife and/or his parents.

On a positive note, when I did a search for James Crawford, died 1803 in Kentucky, the search found images for the correct James. Unfortunately, that same search did not find member trees for the correct James.

My question to the blogging community: Have you noticed people of the same name being combined by the Ancestry hint system? If so, would you have any idea what is causing the issue?