Sunday, February 26, 2012

First JONES Kentucky 1774


Virginia surveys and grants were a large part of the early settlement of Kentucky. A book compiled by Joan E. Brookes-Smith published in 1976, outline the earliest land grants pertaining to the rewards in the form of land for service during the French and Indian War. A picture of the cover is shown to the right. [The original records for these surveys and grants are filed in the Secretary of State's office.]

On page 107 of this index is the earliest JONES to have registered a land grant in this new territory. Gabriel Jones is his name. On an unknown fork of the Elkhorn, June 25, 1774, he makes a survey date [original survey No. 8104.] It is shown to be "Military & Fincastle Co, [Virginia] for 2,000 acres.

Of course, the Revolutionary War stepped in between this land granting process, and it was not until July 7, 1788 that "Robert Jones & Heirs" [grantee], had the land grant completed. [Original Book, #6, pp. 624-625.]

Wow, the summer of 1774. What a deal.

From: Master Index Virginia Surveys and Grants 1774 - 1791, compiled by Joan E. Brookes-Smith, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY. 1976.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

After 11,399 Views: The Top 10

The Jones surname, of interest to many, has a history important to many climbing their family's tree. Started July 31, 2010, this blog has discussed the origins and roots of this common surname. Reflecting more than 50 years of research into this surname, it presents the very beginnings. After 11,399 views, the top 10 post are listed. The title and date that they were written is listed. Use the "Blog Archive" to read each post. Enjoy... written by The Jones Genealogist, genealogy for generations.

1) JONES "Coat(s) of Arms" [Part I] - June 28, 2011.
2) How Do You Spell JOHN - Sept. 16, 2010.
3) JONES "Coat(s) of Arms" [Part II] Terms and Abbreviations - July 4, 2011.
4) Impact, The Act of Union 1536 - Feb. 24, 2011.
5) The Beginnings - July 31, 2010.
6) U.S. Census of 1790 and The Jones Surname - Sept. 12, 2011.
7) First JONES to Gray's Inn 1568 - Nov. 11, 2011.
8) Taking the surname JONES - Feb. 23, 2011.
9) Phonetic not Genetic - June 6, 2011.
10) Smith, Brown, Williams, Johnson, and Jones - Aug. 30, 2011.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

JONES and North Carolina 1693

An analysis of the 1790 census of the United States, shows that North Carolina had the highest number of JONES as "head of household" among the states recorded. [ See previous post: "U.S. Census of 1790 and The Jones Surname", of Monday, September 12, 2011.] A total of 558 "heads" with Virginia coming in second with 345. What's the deal?

North Carolina became formally organized after eight English entrepreneurs persuaded Charles II to grant them the area in 1663. This was after the France, Spain, and England had attempted some sort of earlier settlements. [ John White's settlement included. ] Albemarle County was the first formed in 1664 with an appointed governor, an appointed advisory council, and an elected general assembly. By 1670, this county had been divided in four precincts called: 1) Currituck, 2)Pasquotank, 3) Perquimans, and 4) Chowan. [Wow, try to pronounce those in rapid succession!]
This period of the "proprietors" ran into all kinds of problems, since they tried to run things after their own system in England. Rebellon, independent government, mismanagement, pirate activity, internal dissension, and Indian hostilities made it a very difficult settlement to manage. [The period of the proprietors lasted until 1729.]

It was April 25, 1693, that the will of Charles Jones is recorded. The "Legatees" were Sarah and Tabytha Alford. The "Executors were Thomas Symons, and John Meeds. The "Witnesses" were Elliner Meline, Jacob Denillard, and James Damerell. What a group of associated surnames this is! Anyone connected to this JONES family please post. I believe the will is recorded in the Perquimans precinct, but it is not identified in the reference.

References: Abstract of North Carolina Wills, by J. Bryan Grimes, E.M. Uzzell & Co., Raleigh, 1910. p. 189.

A very helpful text is North Carolina Genealogical Research, by George K. Schweitzer, Knoxville, TN, 1984.