Jesse Dillon Sr. (abt. 1749 - 1833)

Born about 1749 in Cumberland County, Virginia

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 12 Jun 1833 at about age 84 in Franklin County, Virginia, USA

Problems/Questions Profile managers: William Dillon [send private message], Scott Grant [send private message], and Richard Martin [send private message]

Biography

Jesse Dillon was, by most accounts, born in Cumberland Co., VA about 1749 and died in Franklin County in 1833. His early life is still being investigated but he was living in southern Bedford Co, VA by 1782. That part of Bedford became Franklin Co. in 1786.

Jesse married Mary Elizabeth Blankenship, born about 1759 and died in 1842 in Franklin County. They probably married c. 1770-1776. They settled near Fox Trap Branch just east of Burnt Chimney in Franklin Co. Jesse is shown on the Settlement Map of Franklin Co. as a resident in 1773, near the Crossroads area (this area would have been Bedford Co. in 1773). The Settlement Map also shows a “Dillon Mill” immediately adjacent to Jesse and it is likely he was the owner.

Fox Trap Branch is a tributary of Blackwater River, which was the southern boundary of Bedford Co. until 1786. It's important to keep this in mind as individuals living north of the river would be recorded in Bedford while those living on the south side of the river would have been in Henry Co. until 1786. Jesse was a fairly large land owner and he had property on both sides of Blackwater River, as well as other places during the course of his life. This probably explains why we see Jesse in Bedford Co. records in the early 1780's and his father, James, in Henry Co. at the same time - they simply lived on opposite sides of the river.

Jesse was a successful farmer and miller. He was also a slave owner. He and his wife raised several children and they had many descendants, often with very large families.

Jesse's date of death is given here as 12 June 1833. The tombstone photo does appear to include the date 1833 but much of the rest is illegible in the photo. His inventory was recorded on August 16, which would be consistent with a June death. However, there is one deed made by Jesse and wife on August 3 (see below). Possibly, the sale was agreed to a bit earlier than the date on the deed and that record is actually a posthumous one.

Jesse Dillon's Estate

Jesse died intestate with a considerable number of slaves and several tracts of land. There are two sets of records from Franklin County Chancery Court of particular interest, although the substantial amount of detail prevents duplication here. Both records are available at the Library of Virginia website.

Library of Virginia, Chancery Case # 1835-003, John W. Lumsden vs David Sink and Wife etc., September 1833, This case originates with a debt owed by David Sink to John Lumsden. Lumsden sued the estate of Jesse Dillion, knowing that Sink had married Delilah Dillion, a daughter of Jesse, who would be entitled to part of Jesse’s estate. The suit says Jesse died intestate leaving the following “living” children: Asa Dillion; Arthur Dillion; Henry Dillion; Jesse Dillion, Jr.; William Dillion; John Blankenship and Mary Ann (Dillion); Jacob Fowler and Martha (Dillion); Fanny (Dillion) Pasley, widow of Robert Pasley, Jr.; Robert Pasley and William Pasley, Jr., children of William Pasley, Sr. and Elizabeth (Dillion). The suit also names 16 slaves valued at $5450, some belonging to Jesse's widow. Samuel Hale and John D. Booth were named as Administrators of Jesse’s estate.

Library of Virginia, Chancery Case # 1840-006, John Blankenship and Wife vs Asa Dillon Etc. The suit originated in March 1836 to stimulate the administrators of Jesse Dillon to settle the estate, so that Blankenship could get his share. It became apparent that Jesse had made several advancements in land, slaves and property to various children beginning over 40 years prior to the suit. It was alleged that some of those distributions were unequal. The case includes 106 pages of images, and names the same heirs as Case # 1835-003. Jesse's "aggregate estate" was valued at $13,936.44, of which $13,700.59 was available for distribution.

Historical Note

Among the several tracts of land bought and sold by Jesse was one of about 250 acres on both sides of Gills Creek. Part of this tract ultimately became the James Burroughs farm, which became the birthplace of Booker T. Washington, now a National Monument. The 207-acre Burroughs farm consisted of two purchases James Burroughs made from his brother Thomas Burroughs -- 177 acres in 1850 plus an additional 30 acres in 1854. Jesse Dillon, Sr., had sold Thomas Burroughs 170 acres of this land in 1833 for "$900 and one grey horse". There is no evidence Jesse Dillon ever lived on the property and it was probably purchased with the intent of passing it down to his sons. Jesse had acquired the land in 1786 from John Jones, who had in turn purchased it from Peter Holland.

Sources

• Franklin County, Virginia, A History, by Marshall Wingfield, page 5; On 8 June 1782, Jesse Dillon was one of the signers of a petition to form Franklin Co.

• Bedford County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1805, Binns Genealogy, 2009; Jesse Dillion was recorded in 1782, 1784 and 1785 with one tithe, several horses and cattle, and one slave in 1785. No Dillon's are present after 1785 (Franklin Co. formed 1786).

• Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; Jesse Dillion/Dillin/Dillian appears almost every year from 1786-1803. During most of these years the county was divided into 2 districts (North/South) and Jesse was living in the northern district - north of the Blackwater River.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, p. 108-109; 2 October 1786, John Jones to Jesse Dillon, 250 acres on both sides of Gills Creek. Calls given but no neighbors or landmarks. No wit.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, p. 255; 7 February 1787, Peter Blankenship of “Mgumry” [sic – Montgomery] Co. to John Stuart of Franklin Co., 68 acres on a north branch of Black Water, adjoining James McKensey, John Jones, Winston and Dillon. Wit: William Nolen, John Jones, David Stuart.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, p. 346; 4 February 1788, James Dillion to Jesse Dillion, 140 acres on the north side of Black water, where the said Jesse Dillion now lives near the mouth of Fox Trap Branch on the north side of Blackwater River, adjoining James Dillion, Jesse Dillion’s own plantation. Wit: Hezekiah Blankenship, William Dillion, John Divers.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 95; 2 April 1790, Meshack Perdue and Nelly his wife to Daniel Perdue, 100 acres on Blackwater River adjoining Dillion’s line. Note: Nelly Perdue was Jesse Dillon's sister.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 107; 12 November 1789, William Cochran to Samuel Cochran, 105 acres on north side of Blackwater River adjoining McKinsey, Jesse Dillin, mouth of Fox Trap Branch. Wit: John Arthur, Peter Blankenship, Jonathan Price.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 389; 4 June 1792, Shadrack Blankenship to Thomas Parker, 67 acres on north side of Blackwater River on Fox Trap Branch adjoining McKinsey, Dillion, Price, Winston, Cavanaugh, Jones and Perdue.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 514-516; 4 February 1793, Edmund Winston to Jesse Dillon, 430 acres on Fox Trap Branch, a Branch of Blackwater River adjoining Stuart, being land conveyed by deed 4 September 1786 from Daniel Stuart to Edmund Winston which deed was taken for the benefit of William Mead and by him sold to Jesse Dillon. Wit: Joseph Price, Thomas Holland, Michael Gilbert.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 293; 16 November 1795, Jonathan Price and Sarah to John Rupe, 160 acres on branches of Blackwater River adjoining Jesse Dillions line. Wit: Stephen Sink, David Price, Sally Price.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 3, page 364; 3 September 1796, Thomas Parker to John Blyburn [sic - Plybon], 75 acres on a branch of black water adj. McKinsey, Jesse Dillion, Price and Winston.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, p. 289-290; 1 October 1797, Daniel Stuart and Am his wife to Evan Price, 160 acres on branches of Blackwater River adjoining Jesse Dillion.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 4, page 214-215, 27 April 1799, Jesse Dillon witnessed a deed from James Dillon to William Dillon for 250 acres, location uncertain.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 4, page 276; 27 April 1799, James Dillon to Jesse Dillon, 100 acres, location uncertain.

• Franklin County Deed Book 5, pages 302-303, 2 May 1806, Daniel Arrington and Elizabeth his wife to Jesse Dillion, one certain Tract or parcel of Land in Franklin County on the Branches of Gills Creek, containing one hundred and eight acres...

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 5, page 572-573, 17 September 1807, Robert Ellis and Sarah his wife of Sumner County and State of Tennessee to Jesse Dillion of Franklin County and State of Virginia, 230 acres on the south branch of Gills Creek adj. Talbot, Pickleman, Aquila Greer, and Divers.

• Franklin County, Virginia. Will Book 1, page 311 and 335; 22 January 1807, Jesse Dillon witnessed the will of John Starky and assisted in the inventory and appraisement of Starky’s estate.

• 1810 Federal Census, Franklin County, Virginia; Jesse Dillon, Sr., 10001/02001-4; 1 male <10; 1 male >45 (Jesse Dillon, Sr.); 2 females 10-15; 1 female >45 (Mary Blankenship Dillon); 4 slaves.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 6, page 293-294; 4 November 1811, James McKinsie and Cassa his wife to John Plyborn, 145 acres on Blackwater River adj. Jesse Dillion.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 6, page 365-366, 19 February 1813, Jesse Dillion and Elizabeth his wife to Henry Dillion, for the natural love and affection which we bare to the sd. Henry Dillion, 200 acres on both sides of Gills Creek adj. Jesse Dillion Senr., John Hook, Thomas Holland, Thomas Arrington, Daniel Ferguson, Asa Dillion, and Christopher Divers.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 8, p. 108; 19 February 1818, Jesse Dillon, Sr. to Asa Dillon, for natural love and affection for my son, 150 acres on Gills Creek adjoining Ferguson, Saunders, Thomas Ferguson, Christopher Divers, Aquilla Divers and Henry Dillon.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 8, p. 150-151; 7 July 1818, Edwin Price and Susan his wife to Daniel Ferguson, Jesse Dillon and George D. Saunders. Lot No. 56 in the town of Lawrence in Franklin Co.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 8, p. 150-151; 7 July 1818, Edwin Price and Susan his wife to Daniel Ferguson, Jesse Dillon and George D. Saunders. Lot No. 52 in the town of Lawrence in Franklin Co.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 8, p. 212-213; 4 September 1818, Jesse Dillon, Sr. and Betsy his wife to Jesse Dillon, Jr., for 100 pounds, 230 acres on south branch of Gills Creek adjoining Talbot, Aquilla Greer and Divers.

• 7 August 1820 Federal Census, Franklin County, Virginia; Jesse Dillon, Sr., 001101/10101-6; 1 male 16-18; 1 male 16-25; 1 male >45 (Jesse Dillon, Sr.); 1 female <10; 1 female 16-25; 1 female >45 (Mary Blankenship Dillon); 2 slave males <14; 2 slave males 26-44; 2 slave females <14; 2 slave females 26-44; 1 slave female >45; 6 persons engaged in agriculture.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 11, p. 486-487; 25 November 1826, Asa Dillon and Elizabeth his wife to Jesse Dillon, Sr., 200 acres adjoining Pleasant Saunders, Sutherland Ross, Henry Dillon, Aquilla Divers, and Thomas Ferguson.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 12, p. 374-376; 17 February 1829, Deed of Trust, Jesse Dillon, Junr. to William Pasley; Jesse Dillon, Jr. in debt to Jesse Dillon, Sen. for $1195 and also in debt to Lydia Plyburn for $96.37; 230 acres known by the name of Ellis’ old place adjoining Daniel Arrington and others and also Jesse Dillon Jr. present residence; 105 acres adjoining Jesse Dillon Sen. & others known as Plyburn’s old place; one negro woman named Mary about 24; one negro woman Crecy about 20 and her child Bob 1 year old; livestock, tools and some small debts owed to Jesse, Jr.; my interest in the Estate of John Plybon deceased. Wit: Snellin Dillon, John Plybon, Henry Dillon Jr., William Dillon.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 13, p. 541-542; 27 October 1829, Samuel Beckner and Margaret his wife, Jacob Beckner and Elizabeth his wife, Lewis Oyler and Mary his wife, Jesse Dillon and Elizabeth his wife to Mark Perdue, 177 ¼ acres adjoining Jesse Dillon. “it is understood that 160 acres of said land is subject to the widow Rupes dower and the said Jesse Dillon conveys 174 acres and no more”.

• 1830 Federal census, Franklin County, Virginia; Jesse Dillon, Sr., 0000000001/001001001; 1 male 70-79 (Jesse Dillon, Sr.); 1 female 10-14; 1 female 30-39; 1 female 60-69 (Mary Blankenship Dillon); 3 slave males <10; 2 slave males 10-23; 2 slave males 36-54; 3 slave females <10; 2 slave females 10-23; 2 slave females 24-35; 1 slave female 36-54.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 13, p. 495-496; 1 January 1833, Jesse Dillon Sr. and Elizabeth his wife to Thomas Burroughs, 170 acres, being the tract where Asa Dillon resided being on both sides of Gills Creek adjoining Aquilla Divers, Henry Dillon, Philip Divers and George D. Saunders. Wit: Benjamin Booth, Solomon Pasley, William ___, John ___.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 13, p. 445-446; 7 January 1833, Jesse Dillon, Sr. to Obadiah Perdue, 100 acres being a tract conveyed by James Dillon to Jesse Dillon, Sr., adjoining John Bowman (Bousman?) and Isaiah Perdue on Foul Ground Creek. Wit: William Dillon, Mark Perdue, Snellin Dillon.

• Franklin County, Virginia, Deed Book 13, p. 493; 4 June 1833, Jesse Dillon, Sr., for natural love and affection which I have to son William Dillon, 184 acres on waters of Blackwater River, being the same on which William at present resides. Wit: Austin Starky, John Starky, Mark Perdue.

• Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 13, p. 545-546; 3 August 1833, Jesse Dillion, Sr. and Elizabeth his wife to Arthur Dillion, 133 ¼ acres on waters of Blackwater River, adjoining Mark Perdue, William Dillon. Wit: Mark Perdue, Edward Perdue, George Bousman.

• Franklin County, Virginia Will Book 4, p. 336-339; 16 August 1833, An Inventory of the property of Jesse Dillion Sr. Decd appraised on the 16 August 1833. List of items includes names of 15 slaves: Joseph; James; Randolph; Mary & her 3 children: Jack, Eliza and James; Mariah & her 4 children: Rachel, Janny, Bowker and Tabb; Creesy; Stephen; Creesa (aged 57 years). Appraised by John D. Taylor, Mark Pedue, Thomas Ferguson. Wit: Samuel Hale and John D. Booth admrs of Jesse Dillion Decd. At a Court held for Franklin County the 4th day of August 1835 this inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Jesse Dillion Sr. Decd was returned and ordered to be recorded.

• Franklin County, Virginia Will Book 4, p. 356-359; 5 September 1833, A List of the Property of belonging to Jesse Dillion Decd by the Administrators Samuel Hale and John D. Booth the 5th September 1833; [List of items sold; no slaves sold but some (Jim, Jack, 1 girl and 2 boys) mentioned as “hired”]; At a Court held for Franklin County the 7th day of September 1835 this account of sales of the Estate of Jesse Dillion Sr. Decd was returned and ordered to be recorded.

• Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 11 July 2018), memorial page for Jesse Dillon, Sr (1749–12 Jun 1833), Find A Grave Memorial no. 123515647, citing Dillon Cemetery, Franklin County, Virginia, USA ; Maintained by Betty Sink Moore (contributor 48154016) . https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/123515647/jesse-dillon

Thank you to Scott Grant for creating WikiTree profile Dillon-565 through the import of Scott Grant Ancestors_2013-01-23.ged on Jan 23, 2013.