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Abner was born about 1738 in Goochland County, Virginia Colony [estimate from children's births]. He was the son of John Witt and presumably Lucy (Unknown) Witt (abt.1720-aft.1782). Because of the estimated 8 years before the next Witt child was born, it's possible Abner's mother was someone other than Lucy. Abner passed away before 1823 in Hamilton County, Tennessee (or possibly Rhea Co., which is adjacent and also along Sale Creek).
In 1741 Abner's grandfather, William Witt, deeded certain acreage in Goochland County to Abner's father, John Witt. This is where Abner grew up and met and married his wife Anna about 1758. Shortly after 1785, Abner left Virginia with his brothers, John Jr. and George, and settled in North Carolina/Tennessee, acquiring land in Greene County and Hawkins County. (This area became Knox County, Tennessee in 1792.) Although the grants, totaling 500 acres, were registered in 1793, the land was surveyed and entered about 1790.
In 1804 and 1806 Abner appears on the Tax List records in Knox County. No records have yet been located for Abner after 1806.
In November 1806 Abner is reported to have gone alone into the Caney Fork region of Cumberland in Middle Tennessee. He returned about August 1807. In December 1807 he then moved into the area which would become Hamilton County[1] to join two of his sons-in-law, Robert Gamble and Robert Patterson. In 1823, in a deposition given by Robert Patterson after the death of Abner Witt, Patterson said he had been acquainted with Abner Witt “since 1787 or 1788, with Soloman Reed since about the time of Blount's Treaty with the Cherokee Indians where Knoxville now stands.”[2]
No marriage record has been found. Abner married Anna (possibly Churchill) about 1758 in Albemarle County, Virginia Colony. Marriage year is based on birth of daughter Elizabeth Witt, born about 1759. There has been disagreement on the surname of Abner's wife, with some researchers maintaining she was Anna Luttrell. The general consensus seems to be she was a Churchill[3] (See Note #2 below.). The gaps in the ages of children, also leaves the possibility of multiple marriages.
The children of Abner Witt needs additional research. The following seven have been attributed to him, but duplicates of two children in the source suggest caution is needed[4]
Abner served during the Revolutionary War from Amherst County, Virginia, along with six of his brothers (Charles, John, Littleberry, George, Elisha, and William) and his son Lewis.[8]
No death record or burial site has been found. Most researchers state he died in 1823 in Rhea County, Tennessee. If he did die in 1823, it would have been in Hamilton County which was formed from the southwestern portion of Rhea in 1819.
The only reference I have found to any support for this death date is a quote in Wilson, John, Hamilton County Pioneers - The Witt Family. If anyone has documentation for birth or death, please let me know: Holly Witt.
1758 Abner married Anna in Albemarle County, Virginia Colony.
1773 Aug 20: Abner Witt of Amherst County to Edward Carter and Ro. Trent, a deed of trust to secure debt of L 126-5-7; 100 acres where I live. Lines: Alex. Reid, Jr.; John Lackey; slaves (3); cattle. Witnesses: Wm. Loving; Chas. Witt; Littleberry Witt; Jos. Grayson. Margin: Delivered to Wm. Loving.[9]
1774 Mar 4 142: Abner Witt of Amherst Co. sold 96 acres in a mountain cove on a branch of Rockfish River to Jno.Witt, Sr.; L 20. Lines: Jas.Lackey; Jno.Lackey. Wits.: Jno.Witt, Jr.; Geo.Witt; Littleberry Witt.[10]
1777 July 5 433: Abner Witt of Amherst Co. sold 100 acres on a branch of Rockfish River to Jno.Witt, Sr. L 40. Lines: Jno. Lackey. Wits.: Jno.Witt,Jr.; Chas.Witt; Littleberry Witt. Order delivered to Littleberry Witt. [11]
1779 Abner was sworn into jury duty in Amherst County in November 1779. [8]
1783 Heads of families, Federal Census 1790, Amherst County, VA; Abner Witt, 7 whites, 4 blacks.[12]
1784 The following petition was recorded in Amherst County courts: "Oct. 4, 1784, Abner Witt heir at law to Charles Witt a Continental Soldier who died in the Army. (O.B. 1782-1784, p. 403.)"[8]
1785 Heads of families, Federal Census 1790, Amherst County, VA; Abner Witt, 9 persons, 1 dwelling[13]
1793 29 July 1793 granted 250 acres "on the south side of Halston River beginning on the north side of the ridge that divides the waters runs into Caoux (?) Creek from those running into Inman's Creek .... " in Hawkins County, North Carolina (later Tennessee) "... for and in consideration of the sum of Ten Pounds for every hundred acres hereby granted, paid into our Treasury, by Abner Witt."[14]
1793 29 July 1793 granted 250 acres "... on the south side of Holston river on Cedar fork of Sinking Creek.... " in Greene County, North Carolina "... for and in consideration of the sum of Ten Pounds for every hundred acres hereby granted, paid into our Treasury, by Abner Witt."[15]
1794 16 June 1794: ... Jas. Littrell, acting as attorney for Abner Witt “of Knox Co. and territory South of Ohio River” [Knox Co., TN] to Jos. Roberts for £70... E.S. Mills. VA Court Orders, 1745–1800. Pg. 17[16]
1804 Tennessee, Early Tax List Records; Capt. Looney's Co., Knox County, Tennessee: Witt, Abner 150 acres, between 2d & 3d Ck.; Witt, Abner, 45 acres , Grasey Valey; Witt, Abner, 200 acres, Inmans Creek; Witt, Abner, 17 acres, joining Joseph Greer.[17]
1806 Tennessee, Early Tax List Records; 12. Captain Lonas' Company, Knox County, Tennessee: Witt, Abner, 151 acres. Footnote #175 attached to entry [NOTE that Huguenot and Mannikentown information is now considered incorrect by the Huguenot Society based on a 2005 investigation]: "... moved to Knox County and lived there until 1806, when he moved to Jackson County, Tenn.; returned to Knox County for a year or two; then moved to Rhea County and settled on Sale Creek, where several of his sons and sons-in-law had preceded him. Allen, "Leaves from the Family Tree," loc. cit., Dec. 17. 1933."[18]
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Abner is 23 degrees from Herbert Adair, 22 degrees from Richard Adams, 19 degrees from Mel Blanc, 21 degrees from Dick Bruna, 15 degrees from Bunny DeBarge, 31 degrees from Peter Dinklage, 18 degrees from Sam Edwards, 16 degrees from Ginnifer Goodwin, 17 degrees from Marty Krofft, 12 degrees from Junius Matthews, 13 degrees from Rachel Mellon and 18 degrees from Harold Warstler on our single family tree. Login to find your connection.