Morrison, John

JOHN MORRISON

Born: 1741 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Resident: Hickman Creek, Fayette County, Kentucky

Died Jan. 26, 1814, Fayette County, KY. "Maj. John Morrison of this neighborhood "(Kentucky Reporter, January 29, 1814, p. 3)

Buried - Gravestone located in the Frankfort KY Cemetery

Married - Martha Campbell in 1756, Martha died on July 20, 1825, Buried: Unknown?

Died - "Mrs. Martha Morrison, relict of the late Major John Morrison, of Fayette county, [Mrs. M. was the first white woman in the town of Lexington, where she arrived in 1779]" (Kentucky Reporter, July 11, 1825, p3) -- note death date in paper before reported death date.

  • John had a stepfather named James Mitchell. John's dad (Robert Morrison) died a few weeks after his birth.

  • John was referred to as "Major" John Morrison. Fought in the "Tory" war as Cap't of Whigs, Captain in Revolutionary war 1776, Major in the KY Militia April 7, 1792.

Was Issued "Land-Office Military Warrant" for 200 acres of land for service in "the war as a soldier in the Virginia Continental Line." Certificate is dated June 24, 1783. Warrant ID number is 1139.0 Warrant was given for land in Kentucky. No record of it being used. Reasons could include reassignment to another, lost and replaced by another certificate, or many did not accept land gift because some veterans felt it was a patriotic duty to serve country. Other land grants registered after this date, see time line below.

TIME LINE

  • 1741 - John was born in Pennsylvania, his dad reportedly died the same year.

  • 1744 - His mother remarried, moved within 3 miles of Charlestown South Carolina.

  • 1755 - After his mother died, he started back to Pennsylvania to see his brothers and sisters

  • 1756 - Made it as far as Agingdon, VA, meet his wife and married (age 15). Went back to South Carolina. Had three children. Made way back to Virginia under siege from Indians and British (Reportedly killed five British soldiers who wanted to do harm to his wife Martha). See Tories War http.//home.webkorner.com/whigkid/ncrevweb/

  • Abt. 1775 - Moved about Virginia and Eastern Tennessee in battles against Indians and British (Kings Mountain and Holstead). Said to his wife, "Martha, I will never be a prisoner - death or victory is my motto" (133) (Above time line developed from Draper Manuscripts, Vol. 37, Pages 131-140, Harrodsburg Public Library)

  • Late 1770s - Moved to be near the protection of the Fort at Harrodsburg, KY, south of present day Lexington.

  • April 1779 - John builds a blockhouse in present day Lexington, KY, (about 320-330 West main) Blockhouse is corner of soon to be built Fort in Lexington.

  • In the autumn of 1779, a little company of which John Morrison and his wife were a part, removed from Harrodsburg, KY to the fort at Lexington (p.226) Mrs. Morrison was the first white woman settling in Lexington and their son was the fist child born in the town (p. 231). From History of Fayette County Kentucky (1882) by Robert Peter.

  • 1781 - 1782 - Many Indian attacks on the Fort and Lexington.

  • From the late 1770s to mid 1780s, John engaged in many battles against the Indians, some took him into Ohio where he was "shot through the side of the head and his ear shot all to pieces" (p. 136 Draper Manuscripts)

  • April 14, 1782 - John signature appears on petition to form town of Lexington, KY

  • June 15, 1784 - Land grant, Fayette County, KY, "400 acres joining his settlement" and "400 acres on the waters of the north fork of Elkhorn beginning about one mile and a half from Bryants station." (http//ajax.lva.lib.va.us)

  • Abt. 1784 - Moved 4 1/2 miles south of Lexington, lived there until John died.

  • December 2, 1785 - Land grant, Fayette County, KY, 400 acres on Fork Lick Creek, a branch of Hickstons Fork, emptying in on the south side. (http//ajax.lva.lib.va.us)

  • January 5, 1812 - Will in Fayette County, KY (see at right)

  • 1814 - John Died

Picture and article of the Morrison Home in Lexington

Historians write that John was a strong leader, well respected, and a "brave man" (Lexington 1779; Pioneer Kentucky by Bettye Lee Mastin and The History of Pioneer Lexington 1779-1806 by Staples)

  • John was in the original party that founded Lexington, KY. 1 He built several cabins one of which is still in use! John is listed as one of about 70 who secured lots in early Lexington (December 26, 1781) and was "required to pay proportionable part of the money necessary to build the public houses and expenses arising toward good order and regularity in the town." (USGENWEB)

  • The history of Lexington, KY includes many references to the Morrison's.

  • Mrs. Martha (Campbell) Morrison, of Fayette County, "was the first white woman ever in the town of Lexington, KY., where she arrived in 1779." (Kentucky Paper 1825 and Narrative of *Robert B. Morrison about his dad, Major John Morrison... Margaret I King Library, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Draper Manuscripts, Vol. 37, Pages 131-140.)

Martha's Will, see at right

  • Note on Martha: Not much is recorded on woman in these times. One can assume though, that Martha was a strong person and supportive wife. While John was frontiering, Martha was taking care of the children and providing for the home surrounded by a hostile environment. Being the first white women residing in Lexington must have taken lots of patience, courage, and bravery. On a side note, Martha's maiden name of "Campbell" was a popular last name in Southwestern Scotland. One source lists nine different Archibald Campbell's at different times (1513-1761) serving as Dukes or Earls of the area called Argyll. I would guess it is from this region (Campbeltown, Scotland) that our Morrison's emigrated.

  • Also, from the Draper narrative, the question was written, "How many had my father?" Robert B Morrison answered, "9 Archibald who was wounded at Fort Meggs, Dead. John Campbell Morrison was a Capt. In Dudley Defeat. Killed. David C. Morrison, died with fever 5 years since youngest sister Nancy. Jane, Nancy, & Polly all dead. Sarah, a widow, & Martha Morrison, my youngest sister both living on my father's old farm 4 miles from Lexington, KY. With me, makes the no. 9 in all." (I presume this was written sometime after 1828 or abt. 1844. The writer, *Robert B. Morrison, said he was 59 at the time of the writing.)

  • From Fayette County Records Vol 2 (Cook and Cook 1985) P 292 and 294... Indenture, John and Martha Morrison to Archibald Morrison of the same county, for 5 pounds, a tract on the waters of Elkhorn in Fayette County, about three miles northeast of Lexington, being 200 acres... part of land patented to Morrison. Recorded July 10, 1797. Historians note that while settlers around Lexington were discouraged by Indian attacks thus driving down land prices, John continued to purchase and trade land in and around Lexington.

Children of John and Martha:

• Jane b. 1775 Married Nathaniel Hodge or Hodges.

• Mary "Polly" b. Dec 22, 1777 d. 1842. ~Marry married a man named Hanna **Abt May 24, 1820

• John C. (b. Abt 1780) "Believed to be Captain who fell at Dudley's Defeat in 1813." There is a marker that bears his name at the Frankfort, KY Cemetery. John was the first white child born in the fort at Lexington, KY, and books record him as the "First native of

Lexington" (p. 28, History of Lexington). He was a bachelor.

• Sarah "Sally" b. Oct 1, 1781 d. Oct 12, 1855. **~Married Charles Campbell June 23, 1815. Records indicate that later separated.

• Archibald b 1783 d. July 1, 1828. ~Some records say this Archibald married first Mary Stone and later Catherine Coffman. According to the will, this is incorrect and may be confused with Archibald's son Archibald II).

• David C. b. 1784 d. 1837. Married **1. Nancy Irvine, **2. ~Married Margret Clark Dec 28, 1824, **3. Married

Sarah H. Young. Residence was Hickman Creek, Fayette County, KY. Children from 2.: William C., Robert S., James David.

• Nancy b.? d. ? Married a Hays (Is husband Robert C. Hays, who bought land with 2nd Archibald, Clark Co MO?)

• *Robert B. b. Jan 31, 1785 (~1784 or **1782?) d. abt March 12, 1850 in Butler Co. KY. Bachelor. Was county clerk in Butler County, KY. Mr. Draper sent letters to numerous people asking for their family history. Robert replied concerning his father, John. "Draper Manuscripts."

• **Martha "Patsy, b. 1787 d. Oct 15, 1860. Will dated March 16, 1859 and recorded 1860. Married a Spinster?. Residence: Old Stone-Morrison house in Lexington, KY.

~ Information from "Unidentified Manuscript in Family History Room, Frankfurt, KY"

**Some Early Morrison Families by Theron V. and Louise Morrison.

Compiled by Carl Crabtree Email: carlietree@gmail.com

Will of John Morrison

b. 1741 d. January 26, 1814 (Note: ^ means illegible word)

In the name of God, amen. I John Morrison of Fayette County in the State of Kentucky being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life do make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner and from following.

Item 1st: give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Martha the farm and premises on which I now live, together with all the stock and farming utensils and also two Negro men Robert and Isaac, and two Negro girls Susan and Kelly, and their children during life ^ Mother's natural life time. Or, otherwise my will and desire that my wife Martha in case she thinks proper may take a child's part dispose of it as she thinks best at her death. It is further my will and desire that my daughter

Polly, Sally, and Patsy be supported on the premises aforesaid during my said wife Martha's lifetime, incase my said daughters remains single.

Item 2: I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Sally, Polly, and Patsy and my son David C. whatever to each of my aforesaid daughters and son one horse saddle and bridle with one hundred dollars. It is also my will and desire that all the household furniture belonging to my said house be equally divided among my daughter Polly, Sally, and Patsy at the death of my wife Martha.

Item 3: I bequeath unto my daughter Polly, Sally, and Patsy and my son David five hundred dollars each to be paid by my ^ out of my monies arising from my estate within six months of my death.

Item the fourth: I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane who intermarried with *(?) Nath. Hodge, one Negro girl Lucy, which she now has in her possession, and increase during my daughter Jane's natural lifetime, and after her death the said girl Lucy and her increase (descend?) to her heirs forever.

Item 5th: I give and bequeath to my son Archibald Morrison one dollar besides what I have already given him.

Item 6th: It is further my will and desire that after my just debts are first paid and after the death of my wife Martha, that the remaining part of my estate be sold by my Heirs as they may think proper, and be equally divided amongst my daughter Jane, Nancy, Sally, Polly, and Patsy, and my sons John and David C. I do herby appoint my beloved wife Martha and my son Robert Morrison and John C. Morrison my sole executors of this my last will and testament, herby

revoking all former wills by me made declaring this to be my last will and testament. My testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal this 8th day of January one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

in the presence of Daniel Bryan Samuel Bryan, John Morrison, Louis Bryan.

*Not clear what the two-letter word is before "Nath" is. But, is up for considerable speculation.

Earlier deeds show John had sold them various farm animals and goods. (From: "Ancestry of William F. Hodge").

Probated in 1814

Partial Listing of Estate inventory One white calf (3.50), one DO* ($2.50), one red calf ($3.50), one yearling ($11.00), one black steer ($11.00), one black heifer ($11.00),Â… [22 cattle listed in all] One Rome Mare ($40.00), DO ($30) DO small DO ($25)Â… [6 horses listed] -- *DO means Ditto

Kettle ($11) One coffee mill and ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ($2.50) 7 feather beds at $40 each 2 trunks at $3.00 each One bureau $15 Two dinning tables at $7.50 each One riffle gun ^ and ^ $15 1 Silver watch $20 Fifty one head of sheep @ 2.25 each One Negro* man ^ $450 One DO woman Robin $400 One DO women Molly $350 One DO women Susan $300 One DO boy George $200 --

* Negro was not capitalized on will, spell check does though.

Approximate value of estate as listed was over $2400

From: Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY (11-15-02) Page 201-203 252-255

Will of Martha Morrison

I Martha Morrison of Fayette County in Kentucky, being of sound mind but feeble health, and wishing to provide for the disposal of my worldly effects after my death, do make this my last will and testament, revoking all others formerly made.

First:

I emancipate my two slaves, Nelly aged about 62 years, and her son George aged about 42 years; and I bequest to Nelly two-hundred dollars and to George one hundred dollars, to enable them respectively to establish themselves in a free state. I direct my Executors as soon as the crop growing on my place at my death is made and secured, to take the necessary steps for securing Nelly and George the benefit of the freedom and legacies herby given them.

Second:

I give the strand of curtains around my own bed to my niece Mrs. Nancy B Gaines, and my wearing apparel to her and my niece Mrs. Elizabeth M. New equally.

Third:

I give to my nephew James David C. Morrison two hundred dollars, on his coming of age.

Fourth:

I give to my nephew William and Robert S. Morrison, eldest sons of my brother David C Morrison, one-half-dozen silver tablespoons, one-half-dozen desert spoons, and a ladle (that are now in my possession) to be divided equally between them.

Fifth:

All of the residue of my property of every kind remaining after payment of my debts, and funeral expenses, and after satisfying the foregoing legacies, I direct shall be sold and converted into money, and the proceeds kept at interest, and made productive for four years after my death.

On the sale of my land, my executor shall exercise I decision, not to sell until a fair price can be had for it, either at public or private sale, at such time, or at such times as he may think best, Until it is sold, he shall rent it out so as to make it productive.

The income arising from the land, and from the proceeds of the sales of all the property herby directed to be sold, the said executors shall lay from time to time as it accrues, in equal forlicious, to my nephews William and Robert S. Morrison before named; and if either shall die, the whole to the survivor. At the expiration of four years from my death, he shall pay over the principle of the fund to said two nephews equally, or if either be dead, to the survivors. But if both should die before the four years expire, the Whole principle shall be at once divided equally among all my other nephews and nieces who may be living at my death, omitting however all the children of Archibald Morrison’s second marriage except Sarah E Weathers, she alone of the children of that marriage is to be entitled to come into this division.

But if either of my nephews should marry before the time expires then his portion of the funds cancel if he should be the survivor, the whole of it shall be paid over to him, and belong to him absolutely; and the trusts, for keeping it, and the limitations over, shall cease.

Sixth:

I reserve out of this disposition of my land, the grave yard thereon now enclosed with a stone wall; which reservation I make for the use of all my relations who may wish to burry their dead there, with the free of access to it for them all at all times. I also reserve so much of the land as is now occupied as a burying ground for slaves; and I direct my executor in my sale to take the necessary steps for effectuating these reservations.

I direct my Executor to put ? equitable? head and foot stones at the graves of my self and either of my said two nephews who may die.

Seventh:

I appoint my friend John Cark my Executor and direct that he be allowed to qualify without security.

Signed and published this 16th day of March 1859. Martha Morrison

Witnessed by Fleetwood Smith, S.S. Wilson

Note: Copied from a copy from an Unidentified Manuscript in Family History Room, Frankfurt, KY