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BASIL BRASHEARS and PEGGY HORTON

         11/17/05 last update                      

by Charles Brashear,  5025 Old Cliffs Road,  San Diego, CA 92120 -1151

619/265-7674; 582-5513
brashear@mail.sdsu.edu

 

⁷11. Basil (Bazzel) Brashears, (^Back175), s/o Robert Samuel Brashears and Phoebe Nicks, b. 8 May 1781, in present-day Sullivan Co, TN, d. 10 Aug 1826, Sugar Grove Valley, Roane Co, TN; m. 31 Jul 1800, Knox Co, TN, Margaret "Peggy" Horton, b. 16 Apr 1776, died 24 Sep 1856.  Basil came to inherit Robert Samuel Brashears' land and family Bible.

Basil and Peggy had 9 children, which are recorded in the family Bible and in a law suit, Henry J. Welcker vs. Joseph Brashears, et.al., which settled the estate of the oldest son, Robert S. Brashears.

Roane County Deed Book A Abstracts, p. 83:  5 June 1802   Robert S. Brashears to Basavell (sic) Brashears for $100.  109 A on S. side of Clinch River at mouth of Gamels Branch.  "Being by Patent no. 605."   Wit. George McPherson  Jas. McPherson 

Basil and Margaret are buried in Brashears-Kreis Cemetery, Roane County, TN.

Children of Basil Brashears and Margaret "Peggy" Horton:

⁸1. *Robert S. Brashears, (^Back314) b. 1 Jun 1801, d. c1852 in Crawford Co, Arkansas; m. 3 Nov 1827 (Roane Co, TN), Esther Dearmond, and had 5 children; see below.

⁸2. Polly Brashears, (^Back315) b. 29 Dec 1802 (must have died early; name re-used for #7)

⁸3. *Basil Brashears Jr, (^Back316) b. 16 Dec 1804, d. c1839 in Alabama; m. c1834, Lucy Young, and had 2 children; see below.

⁸4. *Joseph Brashears, (^Back317) b. 29 Dec 1806, d. 2 Nov 1861; m. 25 Mar 1830, (Roane Co, TN), Mary "Polly" Dickey, b. 5 Jan 1811 and had five daughters; see below

⁸5. George Washington Camonel Brashears, (^Back318) b. 27 Dec 1807, d. 12 Apr 1840, unmarried; bur. Brashears Cem, Sugar Grove Valley

⁸6. Phoebe Brashears, b. (^Back319) 25 Nov 1809, d. 1839; no children.

⁸7. Mary Ann "Polly" Brashears, (^Back320) b. 1 Jan 1811, d. 23 May 1872; m. 8 Jul 1834,, (Roane Co, TN), Abner Hester, who deserted her.

⁸8. *Lorenzo Dow Brashears, (^Back321) b. 9 Sep 1813, d. 1 May 1889; m.1. 2 Mar 1838, (Roane Co, TN), Martha Nelson, and had 4 children; m.2. 20 Aug 1852, Martha Williams,, b. 1829 and had 5 more; see below.

⁸9. Margaret Brashears, (^Back322) b. 29 Apr 1816; m. 26 Nov 1840, (Roane Co, TN), Edward (NOT Edmund) Riggs, who deserted her. Margaret and her son are living with her mother in the 1850 Census of Roane Co, TN.

⁹1. Joseph Riggs, b. 1841 d:  12 Oct 1916 Roane Co. TN

Roane County Marriage records show a marriage for Joseph Riggs to Martha Hacker on 31 Jan 1866.   In the 1870 Roane Census, he is shown in household #179-178 as Joe Rigs 33, farm laborer $200, born TN.  There is also BARBY 27, keeping house, TN, and Margaret 4, Samuel 1.

I have no explanation for the name Barby, unless it is simply a mis-reading of Martha/Marthy.  No other marriage records for Joseph Riggs have been found.  He is buried in Riggs Cemetery in Roane County, along with some of his children, and other relatives, but a burial date and place for Martha has not yet been found.

We know Martha was still alive as late as 1894, because the Roane Circuit Minutes, Vol. 10 page 197, are abstracted by Robert Bailey as follows: Martha M. Riggs vs Joseph Riggs   Dismissed   13 Jul 1894 .
"On motion of complainant by counsel this cause is now dismissed without prejudice and the court adjudges that Joseph Riggs shall pay the cost of this cause and execution may issue therefore."


Descendants of Joseph Riggs
(from the personal records of Mary Hutcheson, P. O. Box 593, Sequatchie, TN 37374

Joseph RIGGS 24 Nov 1841 TN d: 12 Oct 1916 in Roane Co. TN, Riggs Cem.
   +Martha M. HACKER b: 1847
  m: 31 Jan 1866 in Roane Co. TN

   1  Margaret RIGGS b: Abt. 1867
        +Benjamin J. HENDRICKSON   m: 19 Sep 1883 in Roane Co. TN

   2   Samuel Edward RIGGS b: 16 Dec 1869
    d: 30 Mar 1947 in Roane Co. TN, Riggs Cem.
        +Fairbie Ann Melvina OVERSTREET  d: 26 Nov 1945
     m: 13 Jan 1889 in Morgan Co. TN

       Walter Calvin RIGGS b: 18 May 1900 Whitlely Co. KY
       Johnie E. RIGGS b: 01 Jul 1892 Roane Co. TN
       Joe Gervel RIGGS b: 17 Jan 1894 Roane Co. TN d: 14 Oct 1894,  bur. Riggs Cemetery
       Laura Inez RIGGS b: 21 Aug 1895 Roane Co. TN d: 12 Apr 1965 in Hamilton Co. TN
        +Joseph La Fayette HUTCHESON
       Homer Severa RIGGS b: 17 Mar 1897 Roane Co. TN d: 13 Oct 1941, bur. Riggs             Cemetery, "TN Pvt. 383 Inf."
        Essie Okeril RIGGS b: 27 Feb 1899 d. 10 Mar 1920, bur. Riggs Cemetery, "F31C. USNavy"
       May RIGGS b: 24 Mar 1901
       Willie Delmer RIGGS b: 11 Aug 1903 Roane Co TN
       Ella Blaine RIGGS b: 03 Jan 1906
       Stella Frances RIGGS b: 15 Nov 1908 Roane Co. TN


   3  William F RIGGS b: Abt. 1871
   4  Mary E. RIGGS b: Abt. 1874
   5  Florence RIGGS b: Abt. 1876
        +A. S. MAY   m: 09 May 1897 in Roane Co. TN
   6  Ida RIGGS b: Abt. 1880
        +R. D. MAY   m: 14 May 1899 in Roane Co. TN

Henry J. Welcker )
vs. )
Joseph Brashears, et.al.)

Kingston, Roane County, Tennessee, Filed Sept 4, 1858:

To the Hon. T. N. Vandyke, Chancellor &c presiding in chancery at Kingston in Roane County &c.

Humbly complaining, showeth unto your Hon., Your Orator Henry J. Welcker of sd Roane County that on the ___ day of _______, 1857, he was duly appointed by the County Court of sd Roane County, administrator and received letters of administration on the estate of Robert Brashears [note: son of Basil] dec'd, formerly of sd County, but at the time of his decease, a resident of Crawford County, in the state of Arkansas, some 5 years since. Complt. has been unable to find any personal assets of his intestate in this State [Tenn.] and has no information of any either in this or any other State. Compl^t has been notified by scire facias of the existence of three unsatisfied judgments on the records of the Circuit Court of Bradley County, Tenn. against his intestate in favor of Thomas J. Mason of Roane who has also a decree for something over $100.00 in the Cancery Court of Monroe County. [NOTE: Thomas Jefferson Mason, of Bradley Co, was s/o Daniel Mason and Mary "Polly" Brashears, d/o Robert Samuel Brashears. Thomas J. Mason was, therefore, a cousin to the Robert S. Brashears of this petition, and must have lent him money at some time.)

Compl^t wants to further show your Hon. that one Bazil Brashear, dec'd, died in Roane County 25 or 30 years ago, leaving 8 heirs and children at law, to wit: 1st Compl^t's intestate [i.e. Robert S. Brashears], 2nd Bazil Brashear, Jr, also since deceased in Alabama, 3rd Phoeba Brashear, since dec'd without issue in Roane County, 4th Joseph Brashears, a citizen of Roane County, 5th Polly, who intermarried with Abner Hester, and is now of Roane, her said husband having abandoned her, 6th Campbell Brashears, dec'd since without issue, 7th Peggy, or Margaret, who intermarried with (Edward) Riggs of Roane, who has since abandoned her, 8th L(orenzo) D(ow) Brashears of Roane.

Compl^t intestate left five heirs and children: Louisa, Elmyra, Saraphrine, Robert S. and Margaret S. Brashears, all of Arkansas, the last 2 being minors and without guardians in this state.

Bazil Brashears Jr, dec'd, also left one child and heir: James Brashears of (Maury) County, Tenn.

Bazil Brashears, Sr. at his death was seized in fee & possessed of a tract of land lying in Roane Co, in District No. 14 on the North bank of Clinch River adjoining the lands of Jacob Carmichael, and others, a copy of a survey of which is herewith made exhibit A & prayed to be taken as part of this bill. Which survey of land has never been partitioned, as Compl^t is informed and believes, but has been held in common, the widow having lived upon it until her death some years since. Compl^t is also informed that Joseph Brashears has purchased several of the interests. Compl^t was the owner, as heir of his father, of one undivided eighth, & as heir of his dec'd brother Campbell and sister, Phoeba, of one undivided sixth part of each of their shares, making his entire interest one undivided sixth part of the whole. Compl^t knows of no other debts against said estate than those of Mason, and believes there are no others.

The premises considered, Compl^t prays that all the heirs hereintofore named and Thomas J. Mason be made parties defendants to this Bill by due process as to the residents and publication as to the non-residents, that guardian ad-litem be appointed for the minors, that they all be required to answer according to the usual practice.

Compl^t further prays, that any other creditors who may be discovered or present their claims may be made parties also, and on the final hearing he prays that the interest of his intestate in said land may be sold for the payment of the foregoing debts & any other that may be filed & duly processed & established & Complt. says for further & general relief and as in duty bound &c.

Humls(?) Henry J. Welcker

Sol.

(Copied Feb 7, 1974, from loose papers found in the attic of the Roane County Court house, by Snyder E. Roberts.)

The petition was apparently granted, for portions of the land were sold to John Dearmond, brother of Esther (Dearmond) Brashears. When Joseph died in 1861, his portion was apparently divided among his sons-in-law: Benjamin Franklin Roberts, Deadrick Kreis, Churchwell Hester, and Absalom Cooper. (Brashear Island came to be called "Cooper's Island" on some later maps.) The little empire created by "The Patriarch of Sugar Grove Valley" had crumbled.

ROBERT S. BRASHEARS and ESTHER DEARMOND

⁸1. Robert S. Brashears, (^Back314), s/o Basil Brashears and Margaret "Peggy" Horton, b. 1 Jun 1801, d. before 1854; m. 3 Nov 1827, Esther Dearmond (or DeArmond), b. 9 Feb 1803, d/o James Dearmond (3 Jul 1771-1 Mar 1831) and Susan Shadden Dearmond (Sep 1786-18 Feb 1869) (Ref: Wells, Hist Roane Co, p.168.) On 20 Jan 1838, when the Tennessee Legislature designated Cleveland, TN, to be the county seat of the newly formed Bradley County, Robert S. Brashears was already an established businessman there and was appointed a Justice of the Peace to serve on the county court. (East Tenn. Hist. Soc. Publ. #44, 1972, p.15)

In Sept 1839, Robert S. Brashears and Levi Truhitt of Bradley County sued John and Susan Dearmond, executors of the last will of James Dearmond, whose will was dated 1831. Apparently the estate was not settled then, for on 2 Nov 1854, Esther Brashears, formerly Dearmond and widow of Robert S. Brashears, and her brother Andrew J. Dearmond, sold jointly their interest in their father's estate to their brother John Dearmond. (Roane Co, TN Deeds, Book M. p.286)

On 8 Jul 1860, the heirs of Robert S. Brashears, Louisa and Elmira Brashears, of Crawford Co, Arkansas, sold their interest in lands belonging to their grandfather, Bazel Brashears, to John Dearmond. (Roane Co, TN Deeds, Book N, p.481)

Children of Robert S. Brashears and Esther Dearmond:

⁹1. Louisa Brashears, moved to Crawford Co, AR
⁹2. Elmira Brashears, moved to Crawford Co, AR
⁹3. Saraphrine Brashears
⁹4. Robert S. Brashears, Jr.
⁹5. Margaret S. Brashears

 

BASIL BRASHEARS JR and LUCY YOUNG

⁸3. Basil Brashears Jr, (^Back316), s/o Basil Brashear and Margaret "Peggy" Horton, b. 16 Dec 1804, d. c?1839 in Alabama; m. 20 Feb 1834 (Shelby Co, AL), Lucy Crunk Young, b. 24 Oct 1816, d. 11 Mar 1839, Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, d/o James Young and Nancy Crunk. (ref: Elizabeth Whitten, 720 Giles Drive NE, Huntsville, AL 35801 & IGI M526023)

In the early 1830's, Basil Brashears Jr got into financial difficulties in Roane County and moved away. Three "loose papers" from the Roane County Historical Society Archives (Thanks to Jerry Adkisson of Harriman, TN, for Xerox copies): On 28 Dec 1830, he signed a note to Azariah Cooper, with Absalom Adkisson as his security:

... We or either of us do promise to pay Azariah Cooper __X__ Fifty nine dollars in par money for value received of him as witness our hands and seals this 28th day of December, 1830.

B Brashears
Absalom Akisson

NOTE: Ab seems to have forgotten the "d" in his name on this occasion, though he usually spelled his name correctly.

Basil apparently failed to pay, and Absalom Adkisson was forced to pay. In 1832, Absalom Adkisson sued Basil Brashears for the debt and won judgment:

The State of Tennesse,

To the Sheriff of Roane County, Greetings, you are hereby commanded that the goods and chattles, lands and tenements of Bazel Brashears in your county, you cause to be made the sum of Sixty Six Dollars, twenty eight and three-fourths cents, which Absalom Adkisson, lately in the County Court, held for the County of Roane, recovered against him for damages and costs, by motion, whereof the said Bazel Brashears is convict and liable as appears of record; and have the said money ready to render before our said Court, at a Court to be held for the county aforesaid, at the Court-house in Kingston on the 4th Monday of April next; and have you then there this writ; WITNESS, Henry Brazeale, Clerk of said Court at the Office the 4th Monday of January, Anno Domini, 1832 and of American Independence the 56th.

/s/ Henry Brazeale, Clk

 

A. Adkisson vs. B. Brashears

26 Jany to April Term, 1832

"Came to hand 26th Jany 1832, J. Byrd, Shff"

"No goods or chattels found in my county. Levied on two tracts of land, one in the fork of Clinch and Emory River, containing seven hundred acres of land, more of less, and the other one, the south side of Clinch, adjoining land with the widow McKamy and William ___?__ in Roane County, having descended to Bazel Brashears as one of the heirs of Bazel Brashears, deceased, this 16th Jan 1832" J. Byrd, Shff.

"Sold the two tracts of land as described to Absalom Adkisson on the 23 April 1832 for $73.87 ½ cents, he being the highest and best bidder, the 23 April 1832," J. Byrd, Shff.

 

Actually, it seems that Basil had already left the county. He appears in Madison Co, AL, records about this time, where he found his wife, and where he and his wife died in 1839.

From The Huntsville (AL) Democrat, 16 Mar 1839, as reported in Marriage, Death, and Legal Notices from Early Alabama Newspapers, 1819-1893, compiled by Pauline Jones Gandrud, p.328: "Died on the 11th instant at the residence of her father near this village, Mrs. Lucy C. consort of Mr. B. Brashiers and daughter of Mr. James and Mrs. Nancy Young, in her 23rd year; left husband and only son."

That obit would suggest that Basil lived some time after her. If he had died at the same time, wouldn't there have been a double obit?

A fragment of family history in Basil's handwriting was sent me by Elizabeth Whitten. It includes "Lucy Crunk Young was born Oct 24, 1816," and "Lucy C. Brashers departed this life on the 11th day of March 1839 monday morning." Also: "William E. Colier Brashears was bornd the 23 of March 1835. Brother James Bazil Brashear was Bornd the 23 March 1837. Father was bornd the 16 of December 1804. /s/ B. Brashears."

Roane Co, TN Deeds, Book N, p.396, dated 16 Aug 1858: James B. Brashers of Murry (i.e., Maury) Co, TN, to Joseph Brashears, of Roane Co, TN, "I have an undivided interest in my grandfather, Bazzel Brashears, dec'd, estate, embracing his late residence which descends to me as the only child and heir at law of Bazzel Brashears (Jr.) dec'd, who was a son of sd Bazzel Brashears dec'd & brother of Phoebe and Campbell Brashears who have heretofore departed life intestate unmarried ... for $500 ... all my right and interest to Joseph Brashears."

/s/ James B. Brashears.

Children of Basil Brashears Jr and Lucy Crunk Young:

⁹1. William E. Colier Brashears, b. 23 Mar 1835, d. young, bef. 1839

⁹2. James Bazil Brashears, b. 23 Mar 1837, Limestone Co, AL, d. 22 Mar 1907, Pulaski, Giles Co, TN; m.1. 28 Feb 1855, at Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, Martha Williams, m.2. 5 Feb 1861, Maury Co, TN, Julia Ann Rains, (or Julia M. E. Rains), b. 27 Jun 1842, Perry Co, TN. James enlisted in Maury Co, TN, in 48th TN _?_, Capt Love's company, and served two years. Julia A. Brashear applied for a Confederate Pension in Giles Co, TN (application #1518). The pension application says James had 2 sons and an unspecified number of daughters, all dead except one son:

¹⁰x. William Andrew Wilkerson Brashears,

From The Southern Advocate, (Huntsville, AL), 7 Mar 1855, as reported in Marriage, Death, and Legal Notices from Ealry Alabama Newspapers, 1819-1893, compiled by Pauline Jones Gandrud, p.552: "Married on 28th by James H. Poor, Esq, Mr. James Beshers (Barshears) to Miss Martha Williams, all of this county."

Any further info, anyone?

JOSEPH BRASHEARS and MARY DICKEY

⁸4. Joseph Brashears, (^Back317), s/o Basil Brashears and Margaret "Peggy" Horton, b. 29 Dec 1806, d. 2 Nov 1861, m. 2 Mar 1824, Mary "Polly" Dickey, b. 5 Jan 1811, d. 23 May 1872. In 1860, Joseph and Mary are HH #275-239, Roane Co, TN, with their four youngest daughters still at home.  Mary is buried in Brashears-Kreis Cemetery. 

⁹1. Sarah J. Brashears, b. 11 Apr 1833, d. 5 Jul 1869; m. 28 Apr 1854, Benjamin Franklin Roberts, and had 7 children.

⁹2. Margaret E. Brashears, b. 18 Aug 1836, d. 20 Jun 1873; m. Deadrick Kreis,

⁹3. Mary Ann Brashears, b. c1840-42; m. Churchwell Hester, b. 1842, d. c1900, s/o Abner Hester and Mary Ann "Polly" Brashear.

⁹4. Emily S. Brashears, b. 10 May 1844, d. 25 May 1871, bur. fam. cem.

⁹5. Elizabeth C. Brashears, b. 1846-48; m. 1865, Absalom Cooper

 

MARY ANN BRASHEARS and ABNER HESTER

⁸7. Mary Ann "Polly" Brashears, (^Back320), d/o Basil Brashears and Margaret "Peggy" Horton, b. 1 Jan 1811, d. 23 May 1872; m. 8 Jul 1834 (Roane Co, TN, bondsman: Edward Dickey), Abner Hester, who deserted her. Abner Hester, s/o William Hester and Christina Riggs, b. 1807, d. 1891, m.2. 21 Mar 1859, Sarah Lilvey. Abner and Polly had six children:

⁹1. Bassil Hester, b. 1835, d. 14 Apr 1865, bur. Pest Cem, Nashville, served in Co. B, 5th Tn Inf Vols in Civil War; m. Rebecca McKinney, b. c1836, Roane Co, TN, d/o Elisha McKinney and Mary Howard. Barbara McCoin, 312 Seven Oaks Trail, Knoxville, TN 37922-3401 has more on McKinney, Hester, Dickey, and Adkisson families.

⁹2. Louisa Hester, b. 17 Nov 1836, d. 8 Jan 1895; m. Robert S. Roberts, a grandson of Robert Samuel Brashear. Robert S. Roberts served in Co. E, 1st Tn Inf Vols in the Civil War.

⁹3. Margaret Hester, b. 1838; m. Basel Roberts, b 20 May 1839 Roane, TN, on  3 Apr 1858 in Roane Co.  Died in Dent Co., MO

⁹4. Christina Hester, b. 1840; m. George Barley,

⁹5. Churchwell Hester, b. 1842, d. c1900, served in Co. I, 1st Tn Inf Vols in Civil War; m. Mary Ann Brashears, d/o Joseph Brashears and Mary "Polly" Dickey.

⁹6. Lewis Wilker Hester, b. 15 Apr 1847, d. 22 Jun 1914, Roane Co, TN, served in Co. I, 9th Tn Cav. Vols in Civil War; m. 16 Apr 1869, in Roane Co, TN, Mary C. Ladd, b. 1854, d. 1936, Roane Co, TN.

¹⁰1. John Churchwell Hester, b. 18 Jun 1871, Roane Co, TN, d. 28 Mar 1952, Roane Co, TN; m. 27 Dec 1892, Roane Co, TN, Fannie Lee Wright, b. 17 Feb 1874, Roane Co, TN, d. 26 Dec 1915, Roane Co, TN.

¹⁰2. S.S. Walker Hester, (fem) b. c1872

¹⁰3. Lewis Hester, b. c1873

¹⁰4. Ada Hester, b. c1874

¹⁰5. Joe Hester, b. c1875

¹⁰6. Myrtle Hester, b. 27 Feb 1893, d. 20 Oct 1903

 

LORENZO DOW BRASHEARS and MARTHA NELSON / MARTHA WILLIAMS

⁸8. Lorenzo Dow Brashears, (^Back321), s/o Basil Brashears and Margaret "Peggy" Horton, b. ? Sep 1813, d. 1 May 1889; m.1. 2 Mar 1838, Martha Nelson,, sur: Rufus S. Keith, "by John E. Nelson, JP", Marr Bk 1, p.1; m.2. 20 Aug 1852, Martha Williams,, sur: H.W. Smith, "by R.S. Roberts, JP" Marr Bk 2, p.241.

Lorenzo's birth is registered twice in the RSB Bible, as the 16th and 26th Sep 1813. His gravestone in Emory Gap Cem says 13 Sep 1813.

Lorenzo left a will, dated 14 Apr 1889, signed with X; Witnesses _____ Hankins, and J. S. Frich. He gives one thousand dollars in cash-- after burial expenses-- "to my two sons [looks like] Jeff (Joseph?) and B. F. Brashears for them to have as their right, provided they take care of me and provide for me till my death and also their mother. With an understanding that they first pay out of the amount the sum of one dollar to each one of my children: Samuel, John, Robert, William, Elizabeth, Nancy J., James M., Henry J. Brasshears." This leaves out Mary, b. 1852; perhaps she died young. Lorenzo died very shortly thereafter (1 May 1889), and Martha J. Brashears is listed as widow of Lorenzo Dow Brashears in the 1890 Census of Surviving Veterans. Lorenzo served as a private in Co. B, 5th Tenn Inf from 25 Feb 1862 til 30 Mar 1865, 3 yrs, 1 mo, 3 days.

Lorenzo’s first wife, Martha Nelson, b. 1820, d. 1848, was a d/o John E. Nelson and Mary "Polly" Daley (or Dayton?). John E. Nelson bought goods at the estate sale of Robert Samuel Brashear in 1816. Some of their Brashear grandchildren were living with the widow, Polly Nelson, in 1850 and 1860.

1840 Census, Roane Co. John E. Nelson is listed next to L. D. BRAZEALE 20001-00001.  I believe this should be L. D. Brashear. The 1840 Tax list has L. D. Brashear, and no L. D. Brazeale.  Pat McD.

1850 Census, Roane Co, Saml. Brashears in hh of Polly Nelson
1850 Census, Roane Co. John E. 10, William 7 "Ebrishers" in hh of William Silvey and Angeline [Nelson]
1850 Census, Roane Co., in  Household #1218, Robert (Robin?) Davis 23 and Sarah M. 17, is Robert Breashears 7 TN

1860 Census, Roane Co, #260-231: Robert Brashears, 17; William, 15; in hh of Mary Nelson
1860 Census, Roane Co, #274-238: John Brashear, 22; Elizabeth, 30; Geo. W., 12; Phillip, 10; Rebecca, 8; James, 6; Joseph, 4; Mary E., 2 ?are these Elizabeth’s children by a previous marriage?);

Lorenzo was obviously named for the famous (and crazy) Methodist preacher, Lorenzo Dow, who was reported to be able to raise the devil with his fire and brimstone preaching. He flourished in the 1805-1811 period in middle Tennessee and along the Natchez Trace. He kept a detailed journal of his travels and preaching and published a book, History of a Cosmopolite, which went into many editions. "We had a cry and shout, and it was a weeping, tender time," he wrote of one of his meetings. Some other times of "cry and shout" almost resulted in riot. Once, preaching on "Judgment Day," he put a little Negro boy in the top of a pine tree. There, at the cue from Dow, he was to blow loudly on a horn. When Dow had worked his listeners to the proper fervor and spoke of Gabriel trumpeting the world's end, the little black boy dutifully let loose a resounding blast. Panic ensued. Then, when the hoax was discovered, the indignant started to mob the preacher. Dow was equal to the occasion. "And now, Brethren," he shouted over the tumult, "if a little Negro boy blowing on a tin horn can make you feel so, how will you feel when the last day really comes?" (see The Devil's Backbone, the Story of the Natchez Trace, by Jonathan Daniels, p.147-55).

Lorenzo Dow Brashears had a heavy, electric name to carry. Does anyone know anything about his life and personality?

The end-papers of the Robert Samuel Brashears Bible are "littered" with Lorenzo’s practicing his name in fancy calligraphy.

Family of Lorenzo Dow Brashears and Martha Nelson:

91. Samuel Brashears, b. c1837 (13 in 1850), bur. Riggs Cem. (no dates) "Co. G, 1st TN Inf." Samuel is listed in the 1890 census of surviving Veterans as a private, who enlisted 9 Aug 1861, discharged 17 Sep 1864, after 3 yrs, 1 mo, and 8 days of service. He is listed as a victim of Lung disease and varicose veins. Believed to be the Saml. Brashear, age 13, living with his grandmother, Polly Nelson, in 1850. Samuel Brashear m. 29 Dec 1863, Roane Co, TN, Delilah May. 

  In 1870, 15th District, #190-188 is Sam Beashears 30 TN and Adelia 25; in #192-190 is Bob Bushears 25 TN, Mary 20. 

 In 1880, Sam Brashears, 41 (ED229, p.17), with wife, Sarah_____ ("second wife?), and Mary Brashears, 8 "1/2  Cousin." all b TN.    [Meaning not known?]   

92. John E (or D.)  Brashears, b. c1840 (10 in 1850, hh of Wm. and Angeline Nelson Silvey) );  A John D. Byrshears was enrolled and mustered Nov 2, 1861 at Camp Calvert, age 21 (muster roll dated 31 Dec 1861); Co. G, 1st Tenn Inf.   Samuel enlisted in this unit 21 Aug 1861, at Kingston, and Robert enlisted same day as John D.   Another muster roll shows John Brashears enrolled Nov 21, 1861, Loudon, KY, same unit, age 22.  If these are the same (and they look like variations of one enrollment), John was born between 14 and 31 Dec, 1840.  John E. Brashears is on the 1890 census of Civil War veterans, Anderson County, TN.  NOT the same as the John H. Brashears who was in Co. E. 1st Tenn Inf., from 20 Aug 1861 to 17 Aug 1864, who was ten years older.   (see more below)

93. Robert Brashears, b. c1843 (17 in 1860, in hh of his grandmother, Mary Nelson; 38 in 1880); bur. Pleasant Hill Cem. (no dates) "Co. I, 1st TN Inf", married Mary E. _______, b c 1850 (30 in 1880).   

        Irdell Brashears b c1871 (9 in 1880)
        Martha L. Brashears, b c1873 (7 in 1880)
        Sarah E. Brashears, b c1875 (5 in 1880)
        John W. Brashears, b c1879  (1 in 1880)

94,  William Brashears, b. c1845 (15 in 1860, hh of his grandmother, Mary Nelson; 35 in 1880, "Boarder, Nephew" in hh of Angeline Silvey). bur. Brashears Cem. (no dates) "Co. H, 3rd TN Inf.  In 1880, it seems William and all of the children were with relatives.  The 1890 census of surviving Veterans lists him as a drummer, who enlisted 10 Feb 1862, discharged 23 Feb 1865, after 3 yrs and 13 days of service. His listing is alongside Joseph Liles, husband of his aunt, Mary E. Nelson Liles.  Married Margaret Cox.

101. Lucinda "Cindy" Brashears, b. 19 Sep 1866, d. 16 Apr 1945 (Oliver Springs Cem.); m.1. E. V.  Stripling, m.2. Hose Prier,

102. Martha Brashears . b c1869 (11 in hh of _____Phillips, in 1880)

103. Mary "Molly"   Brashears, b c1875 (5, niece in hh of uncle Michael and aunt Nancy May in 1880)

104. William G. "Willie" Brashears, b. 3 Jul 1876, d. 18 Jul 1945; m. Odessa Almeda Hendrickson, b. 22 Apr 1881, d. 1943 (in hh of uncle Robert in 1880)

111. Virgil E. Brashears, b. 4 Feb 1902
¹¹2. Sada E. Brashears, b. 27 Apr 1904
¹¹3. Hattie E. Brashears, b. 13 Jun 1905
¹¹4. Mary R. Brashears, b. 11 Jun 1907
¹¹5. May E. Brashears, b. 24 Mar 1908
¹¹6. James Carl Brashears, b. 1 Feb 1914, owned RSB Bible in 1974.
¹¹7. Maggie O. Brashears, b. 15 Aug 1915
¹¹8. Mildred Matts Brashears, b. 7 Feb 1918

105. Joseph Henry Brashears,

106. Nellie Brashears, m. George Giles, son of Columbus "Lum" Giles (1856-1920) and Mary Ledford Giles. 

Lorenzo and his first four sons were all in the Civil War. This first family was much older than his second: Lorenzo m.2. 20 Aug 1852, Martha J. Williams, b. 1829, d/o Benjamin and Cizire (sic) Williams, of Roane Co, TN. Benjamin Williams was s/o Samuel Williams and Susannah Ligon of Cumberland Co, VA.

Family of Lorenzo Dow Brashears and Martha J. Williams:

95. Elizabeth C. Brashears, b. c1854 thought to have married Logan/Laten  T. Jenkins. A descendant is Becky at bachart@halcyon.com   In 1880 they have a son, John Henry Jenkins, age 7.  

96. Mary Brashears, b. c1855; ?d. young: not mentioned in will.

97. Nancy J. Brashears, b. 1857; m. _____ Chambers

97. Joseph F. Brashears, b. 1858

98. James M. Brashears, b. 1860

99. Benjamin Franklin Brashears, b. 1864

10?1. Hollie Brashears, b. 8 Jan 1895, d. 28 Nov 1979, lived at Kingston. "Holly M. Breashears" and his wife, Bessie E. (7 Jan 1902-20 Jul 1986) share a stone in the Swan Pond Methodist Cem, Roane Co, TN.