Jesse Stith Sr (abt. 1765 - aft. 1813)

Born about 1765 in Colony of Virginia

Husband of Amy (Williams) Stith — married 9 Oct 1786 in Bedford County, Virginia

Descendants

Died after Mar 1813 after about age 48 in Cabell County, Virginia [uncertain]

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Honi Kleine [send private message] and Julie Adgate [send private message]

Biography

Surname

There is a bit of a dilemma and mystery over the proper spelling for the surname. We’ve run across a couple of variant spellings. Was it Stith or Stiff? One branch of the family kept the “original” spelling and the others “Americanized.” STIFF being the original form. Why some of the lines started using Stith is not known but there have been many Tax, Census and Death Records found in Virginia, Ohio and Indiana where both surnames were used for the same person. We'd be remiss not mentioning a 1789 Grand Jury Court Case heard in Bedford County which mentions Jesse's father John Stiff had been living in adultery with another man's wife and had a base born child.

Birth

There were two different theories on the parents for Jesse Stith or Stiff. One stated he was the son of the Charles City County John Stith and Rebecca Cocke . Documentation at those two profiles now proves that Jesse was NOT their son. The other theory stated that Jesse Stiff was the son of John Stiff and Frances and there is documentation to support that.

Jesse's birthplace of Virginia is listed on the 1880 Census of his daughter Elizabeth. Jesse's birthdate is uncertain but we have two good sources that show it probably occurred between 9 Oct 1765 and 27 Oct 1767. Since Jesse's father gave consent for his marriage 9 October 1786 we know Jesse was under 21 years of age at that time. 1786-21=1765 . Then we know secondly Jesse was a witness for a deed dated 27 October 1788. In order to be a witness, you had to be 21. 1788-21=1767. ^[1]

Other sources tell us Jesse was probably residing in Bedford County, Virginia about 1785. The surname Stiff and Stith are found in the 1784 tax list and 1788 tax list for Bedford County, Virginia. He was listed in the Bedford County, Virginia tax list in 1790. If he was at least twenty one then he was probably born by 1769 or before.^{[2][3] [4]}

Marriage

Jesse "Stiff" married Amey Williams in Bedford Co. in 1786.^[5][6] If he was at least twenty one at the time of his marriage he was born about 1765. ^[7]

Residence

Jesse Stith owned land in 1792 in Henry Co., VA.^[8]

He sold the land in 1794 in Henry Co., VA. ^[9]

His name was on the Stokes County, North Carolina tax list in 1795, 1797, 1799.^[10]

The 1800 census enumerated Jesse Stith residing in Stokes County, North Carolina. ^[11]

Deeds in Stokes County, North Carolina show he was granted land by 1801.^[12]

He continued purchasing land in Stokes County.^[13]

He sold to William Buckhannon 320 acres of land on 7 September 1807 for 51 pounds money of the State of North Carolina located on ?---man? Creek on both sides of Richland Branch in Stokes Co., NC. Part of the land (220 acres) was previously granted to Jesse Stith by the State of North Carolina on 30 November 1801. The other part of the purchase had been granted by the State of North Carolina to Joseph Bannon on 9 July 1794. The two tracts formed the land being purchased by William Buckhannon. Persons owning land adjoining the property in the boundary description included Richard ?Fonshurs? line; Fergusons corner; and Cooks line. The deed was signed Jesse (X) Stith, witnessed by Chas. Banner and Wm. Holbrook. It was presented to the Stokes County Court at the December Term 1807 and being proven by the oath of Charles Banner was ordered to be recorded.^[14]

A 300 acre tract in Stokes County, North Carolina was sold by Jesse Stith to Thomas Moore on 20 August 1808 for 200 pounds. The location was described as being on Camping Island Creek on the south side of the Dan River. The deed was signed: Jesse (X) Stith and witnessed by Samuel Welsh and James Welsh. Stokes County Court recorded the deed in the March Term 1817 with testimony of proof from Samuel Welsh. ^[15]

In 1811 Jesse Stith was having financial difficulties because he is found in the tax records of Stokes County, North Carolina on the Insolvent list. It was in 1811 that he sold several tracts of land in Stokes County, North Carolina, possibly to pay his debts.^[16]

Jesse Stith sold on 4 Nov 1811 to James Moore 100 acres in Stokes County, North Carolina described as located on the south side of the Dan River on the head of Ducking Shoal Creek. Signed: Jesse (X) Stith, witnessed Milton Ladd, John Evans. The deed was presented at the December Term of Court 1815, and proven by John Evans. ^[17][18]

Another land sale was made on 9 Nov 1811 from Jesse Stith to James Deering (the surname is also spelled Dearing in the same deed). For "200 pounds current money of the United States" 145 acres were sold described as "beginning at a post in Morgan Davisses old entry". Another person mentioned on the boundary included Samel Welsh. The deed was signed: Jesse (X) Stith and witnessed by Jno. Evans, Thomas Moore. It was proven by Jn Evans at Stokes County Court Dec 1818 and ordered recorded. ^[19]

Death

Jesse's death date has been reported as November 1811.^[20]

The 1811 death date may be wrong and here is why. According to a deed, he was in Stokes Co., NC on 9 Nov 1811 when he sold some land. ^[21] However this deed was not proven in Stokes Co Court until Dec 1818.

Since another deed dated 11/4/1811 wasn’t proven until 1815 we are left to wonder about the exact death date for Jesse.^[22]

Jesse still owned 400 acres in Stokes Co. on 11/9/1811. For right now we conclude he died between Nov 1811 and 1818. However there is some new evidence. Cabell County, Virginia tax list 1813 shows Jesse Stith,Ser., Jesse Stith Jr, John Stith, James Stith and Thomas Stith were residing in Cabell County, Virginia. So Jesse Sr died after 1813 and possibly in Cabell County, Virginia.

His wife Amy is not found head of household in a census until 1820 in Fairfield County, Ohio. ^[23] "Eminy" Stith was listed on the 1818 tax list for Cabell County, Virginia and since that name phonetically is very close to "Amy" we believe she is in all likelihood the widow of Jesse Stith, Sr.

Research

Here is a little background on the Stiff family. They first entered Bedford Co. per LVA Land Grant Records in 1784 [26]

Here's a deed where they were buying property. Name Stiff is used [27]

Here's one in 1788 Bedford involving James Stiff [28]

There were two Jesse Stiffs in Bedford County, Virginia marriage records. One, the son of John Stiff married Amey Williams in 1786 and the other Jesse was the son of James,Sr and married in 1812.

By 1790, the Stiffs had begun to migrate. While some stayed in Bedford Co., some went into Bath Co. and Jesse had headed south into Henry Co.

Jesse was born in 1765.

Sources

1. ↑ 27 Oct 1788 Luke Ray TO Sarah Warren – Articles of Agreement, 80 Acres…Jonathon Sander’s line…Elk Creek…Spring Branch…to children of Sarah Warren...Polly Lewis and Thomas Lewis…Wit: Simmons Everett, Nathan Dabney, Jesse Stith [1]
2. ↑ VA, Bedford Co. Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1805 [2] 1790A Image 180
3. ↑ 1784 Bedford County, Virginia tax list. On left had side, you will see a James Stiff. On right hand side you will see Richard Stith and son Joseph Stith..
4. ↑ 1788 Bedford County, VirginiaTax List--At top Joseph Stith --go down 3 and you’ll see Jesse Stiff at the bottom is Widow Stiff
5. ↑ Amy Williams m. Jesse Stiff on Oct. 9, 1786 in Bedford Co., VA. Bondsmen were Jesse Stiff & Thomas Williams. Consent given by John Stiff for Jesse to marry Amey. Since his father gave consent that would mean Jesse wasn’t 21. By extension that would mean he was born after Oct 9, 1765 and with what we now know, probably in Bedford Co. [3]
6. ↑ ministers bond by James Mitchell. On Left hand side clear at the bottom Jesse Stiff to Amey Williams.[4]
7. ↑ Bedford County, Virginia Marriage Bonds [5]
8. ↑ Indenture Deed Jesse Stith from John Richardson, 1792, Henry Co., VA Book 5 Pp 27-28. FHL Film # 0031967 - Henry County, VA, Deed Book 5 (1792-1797) This Indenture made this 1st day of September 1792 of our lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety two between John RICHARDSON of Worth [?] County & State of Georgia of the one part & Jesse STITH of Henry County & State of Virginia of the other part Witnesseth that the said John RICHARDSON for and in Consideration of the sum of twenty pounds Lawfull money of Virga. to him in hand paid the receipt he doth hereby acknowledge hath bargained and sold unto the said Jesse STITH a certain tract or parcel of land Lying and being in the County of Henry on Marrowbone Creek it being the place John RICHARDSON last moved from containing by Estimation one hundred and nine three acres be the same more or less and bounded as followeth to wit, Begining on a poplar formerly John HARDMANs corner on a branch thence new line North forty three degrees East twenty eight poles to a white oak. North forty nine degrees West one hundred and fifty eight poles crossing a branch to a Chesnut South ten degrees West fifty eight poles crossing a branch to a Cestnut South ten degrees East fifty four Poles to a red oak South twelve degrees West about thirty poles to Washington LANIERs new Corner Chesnut thence with his new line to the head of a branch thence down the same as it meanders to Washington LANIERS old line near his fence thence with his line to the aforesd creek thence up the same as it meanders to the mouth of a branch thence up the same as it meanders to the first Station. To have and to hold the aforesaid one hundred and ninety three acres of land to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Jesse STITH and to his heirs & assigns forever and the said John RICHARDSON for himself his heirs Executors Administrators & Assigns doth Covenant with the said Jesse STITH his heirs & assigns that he the said RICHARDSON will forever warrant and defend the above mentioned land and premises unto the said Jesse STITH and to his heirs and assigns forever from the sd RICHARDSON and from his heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns and from all other persons Laying any Claim thereto will forever Warrant and by these presents Defend In Whereof the said John RICHARDSON hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above Written. Signed & Sealed in presence of Test. Jesse WITT John (his X mark) RICHARDSON S.S. Daniel GOLDSBY Stephen A. _________son Memorandum that on the 1 day of Septr 1792 The within named John RICHARDSON had quiet and Peacable of the within mentioned land and premises and Delivered the same unto the Within named Jesse STITH according to the true meaning and intent of the within written deed Witness my hand.... Test........... Jesse WITT John (his X mark) RICHARDSON Daniel GOLDSBY
9. ↑ Henry Co., VA Deed dated 8 Nov 1794 Jesse Stith of Henry Co. to Charles Farris of the same for the sum of fifteen pounds sells and conveys 90A. of land on the branches of Marrowbone Creek, joins Washington Lanier, Samuel Lanier, dec'd, Blizzard Magruder. It being where Jesse Stith now lives and being part of the tract patented to John Richardson. The land is now in possession of said Charles Farris. Signed: Jesse (X) Stith. Wit Washington Lanier, James Taylor, Archibald (X) Farris.
10. ↑ Stokes County, North Carolina Tax Lists, Capt Blackburn's District. FHL Film # 007761992, Image 222, 261, 348 [6]
11. ↑ Census 1800 in Stokes Co., NC. p 611 Stith, Jesse 3 males under 10; 1 male 10-16; 1 male 26-45; 1 female under 10; 2 females 10-16; 1 female 26-45
12. ↑ NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 4 Pg. 37 Image 310 11/30/1801 Jesse Stith FROM NC Grant 220 acres…Richard Fransher’s corner…Ferguson’s line [7]
13. ↑ Stokes County, Deeds copied from Family Search microfilm by Jim Bartholomew.
    • [8]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 4 Pg. 85 Image 345 -- 1/15/1802 Jesse Stith FROM John Sizemore 100 acres on Tower fork waters…Bennett’s Line…
    • [9]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 4 Pg. 449 Image 630 -- 7/26/1804 Jesse Stith FROM William Miller 100 acres on Waters of Camp Island Creek ..John Bailey’s Line…
    • [10]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 5 Pg. 19 Image 14 -- 10/4/1804 Jesse Stith FROM Joseph Banner 100 acres on Waters of Nealman Creek both sides of Richland Branch
    • [11]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 4 Pg. 521 Image 681 -- 2/5/1805 Jesse Stith FROM John Brown 100 acres Waters of Camp Creek…Wit: Jn Furgeson, Jn Stith
    • [12]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 5 Pg. 113 Image 91 -- 11/29/1806 Jesse Stith FROM NC Grant 100 acres on Waters of Camping Island…Shobers corner
    • [13]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 5 Pg. 150 Image 123 -- 12/12/1806 Jesse Stith FROM Payton Newman 145 acres South side of Dan River…Morgan Davis…Samuel Welch
    • [14]NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 5 Pg. 390 Image 304 -- 12/10/1810 Jesse Stith FROM Mathias Pennagar 300 acres both sides of Ducking Shoal Creek…John McAnally…Wit: Elizabeth and Saml Welsh
14. ↑ North Carolina, Stokes Co. Grantor Deed Book 5 Pg. 190. FHL Film 007560573 , Image 157. [15]
15. ↑ Stokes County North Carolina Deed Book 5 Pg. 750. FHL Film # 007560573. Image 593. [16]
16. ↑ NC, Stokes Co. Tax Records, 1790-1819 [17]

    1797 Image 261 No acres

    1799 Image 348 No acres

    1811 Image 890 300 acres

    1811 Image 922 listed as Insolvent

17. ↑ Stokes County North Carolina Deed Book 5 Pg. 585. FHL Film # 007560573. Image 472[18]
18. ↑ NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 5 Pg. 377 Image 293 5/19/1811 Jesse Stith FROM John McAnnally Waters of Dan River and Head of Ducking Shoal Creek..formerly belonging to Charles McAnally decd…agreeable to Will [19]
19. ↑ Stokes County, North Carolina Deed Book 6 Pg. 230. FHL Film # 007560573. Image 154. [20]
20. ↑ From the research of Ob Stitch and Julia Galvin. In November of 1811, a man named John "Jesse" Stith, who lived in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Martinsville, Virginia, passed away. Jesse was only about 51 years old. When he died, he left behind his wife Amy and several children. The oldest was likely his son John, who was probably 22 at the time. There was also his son Jesse, aged 16, and two girls. Many of their children had already passed away. The year after her husband Jesse died, Amy and her four children traveled through the Appalachians – probably by way of the Cumberland Gap, which had been a popular thoroughfare for a generation by then – and settled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. They arrived with many others, as the European-American population of Kentucky doubled from 1800 to 1820.[21][22]
21. ↑ NC, Stokes Co. Deed Book 6 Pg. 230 Image 154 [23]
22. ↑ Stokes County North Carolina Deed Book 5 Pg. 585. FHL Film # 007560573. Image 472[24]
23. ↑ 1820 Amey Stith OH, Fairfield Co., Pleasant [25]

See Also:

• [29]History of West Virginia, In Two Parts By Virgil Anson Lewis, 1889. p. 680.