Nathaniel Parker (1724 - aft. 1811)

Born 1724 in Hampshire, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Scott) Parker — married about 1764 (to before 1784) in Oldtown, Skipton District, Allegany County, Maryland [uncertain]

Husband of Mary (Ramsey) Parker — married 4 Dec 1791 (to 12 Nov 1802) in Sumner County, TN.

Descendants

Died after 4 Jun 1811 after age 87 in Greenfield, Sumner, Tennessee, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Steven Hall [send private message]

MYTHS BUSTED

The mother of Nathaniel Parker and his siblings

There is strong evidence that the mother of Robert Parker, Richard Parker, Nathaniel Parker, Elizabeth (Parker) Nall, & Catherine (Parker) Foreman was not the Elizabeth Parker referenced in John Parker's Sep 1760 Hampshire Co., VA will, but was Catherine Pearson, daughter of Robert Pearson of Nottingham, Burlington County, New Jersey whose 1751 will lists these previously referenced children of John Parker 1700-1760 as his grandchildren. See Origins of John Parker This document changes the birth order as shown in many trees to match Robert Pearson's 1751 will and the 1765 deed of partition for John Parker 1700-1760's estate.

NOTE on conflict between 2 different Nathaniel Parkers

Until November 2016 this WikiTree profile had at least two different, distinct and unrelated Parker lines (Elder John Parker yDNA (FG #5) line and the Nathaniel Parker and his father John Parker yDNA Parker (FG #18) line. Only 5 of 25 markers match and 23 of 25 need to match to be related. It was the yDNA FG#18 Nathaniel Parker who migrated from Hampshire County, VA. to Greenfield, Sumner County, TN. circa 1790 as documented below:

Additionally most family files suggest the wife of this Nathaniel Parker was Ann Clayton and that she was born about 1726 although they provide no supporting documentation. A Wikipedia chart shows the percentage of decline of ovarian reserve related to increasing age. Using the 1726 birth year, then statistically any of the Sumner County, TN. children listed as born after 1771 are unlikely to be a child of Ann Clayton. For most families who are actually descended from the Nathaniel Parker of Sumner County, TN who died in 1811 it means that Nathaniel Parker, Jr born 1775; Isacc Parker born 1776; Mary Parker born 1779; Aaron Parker born 1781; and Robert Parker born 1783 are statistically unlikely to be children of Ann Clayton as she would have been 49, 50, 53, 55 and 57 years old when they were born and her ovarian reserve would have been depleted.

Note, neither Nathaniel Parker's 1811 will or the 1851 letter written by Nathaniel Parker's 1st cousin Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott reference: Francis Parker, Moses Parker or Daniel Parker who along with their possible brother the Elder John Parker belong to Parker yDNA Family Group # 5..

For further documentation see: There were 2 Nathaniel Parkers in Hampshire County, VA., but only one migrated to Sumner County, TN. circa 1790.

BIOGRAPHY

ORIGIN

In a Sept 20, 1902 letter published in Parker in America on page 572 A.J. Hibbett, a grandson of Nathaniel Parker's son Thomas Parker, wrote:

"I am trying to trace the ancestry of my gr.grf., Nathaniel Parker, who lived in Hampshire Co., W.V. (now Mineral County, W.V.), and came to this county (Sumner, Tenn.) some time from 1780 to 1790. His father or grf. was John Parker who owned land on Patterson creek in Hampshire county. My grf., Thomas Parker, s. of Nathaniel, m. Susan, a dau. of William and Sarah Rogers of Hampshire Co. This William was a s. of Mathew Rogers of above county."

This is reinforced by the 1828 Francis & Pamelia (Parker) Duffy family bible which states: Susana Rogers wife of Thomas Parker was born 11th April 1773; she was the daughter of William Rogers and Sarah his wife. Susana was born in Hampshire County, Virginia

BIRTH YEAR & DEATH YEAR CONFLICT

Jay Guy Cisco’s 1909 book Historic Sumner County, TN. states: Nathaniel Parker born about 1730 in Hampshire County, VA, migrated to Greenfield, Sumner County, TN and died there in 1803 and was buried near the old Morgan Fort. Among his sources was a g-grandson Hon. John H. DeWitt. What Cisco missed in his interviews was the M.B. DeWitt Family bible that states Nathaniel Parker was born in 1724, and that the Nathaniel Parker that Cisco wrote about did not die in 1803 but dated his Will 25 February 1811; and it was probated in March 1812. One of Nathaniel Parker’s last known acts was the deeding of land to his son Thomas Parker on 4 June 1811. There are no other Nathaniel Parker Sumner County, TN. Wills that predate this one..

Source: Tennessee Records: Bible Records and Marriage Bonds by Jeanette Tilotson Acklen; Genealogical Publishing Company, Dec. 1, 2009 pages 179-180: Family bible of M.B. DeWitt whose ancestor Nancy Caroline Parker married John Johnston Hibbett. Nancy Caroline Parker was the daughter of Thomas Parker, and the granddaughter of Nathaniel Parker. "His father, Nathaniel Parker, was born in Virginia in 1724. Nathaniel Parker, died in 1811, in Sumner County, TN."

A second Family Bible - the Francis Duffy Family Bible reinforces Nancy Caroline Parker as the daughter of Thomas Parker born 29 Feb 1768, and granddaughter of Nathaniel Parker and his wife Elizabeth.

MARRIAGES

The 1828 Francis & Pamelia A. (Parker) Duffy family bible states:

Thomas Parker was born 29th February A.D. 1768; he was the son of Nathaniel Parker and his wife Elizabeth

Nathaniel Parker's 1st wife is reinforced by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott's 1851 letter to his children outlining their ancestry where in he states:

My father's sister Elizabeth (Scott)', intermarried with Mr. Nathaniel Parker. He owned a beautiful well-kept cultivated farm and mills, two or three miles above the town of Frankfort on Patterson's creek, in Hampshire County, Virginia.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott in his 1851 letter confirms that the Nathaniel Parker who married is aunt Elizabeth Scott and the Nathaniel Parker who married Mary (Ramsey) Bledsoe were one and the same by stating:

After the decease of my aunt, Mr. Parker with the residue of his sons and daughters, their families removed to the state of Tennessee, where he intermarried with the widow of Col. Bledsoe deceased, but report says they did not live happily together.

They did not live happily together is reinforced by the publishing In the Knox Gazette dated 29 November 1794 where Nathaniel Parker stated that his wife Mary had left his bed and board and warned all persons that he would not be responsible for her debts or contracts. On November 21, 1800 Mary Parker sued for divorce from Nathaniel Parker. On November 12, 1802 a trial was held. The jury found that Mary Ramsey Bledsoe had not been mistreated by Nathaniel Parker any worse than she treated him and that Nathaniel had forced the defendant from his house. Twelve days later, on November 24 1802, the court entered it's final decree. The court awarded her separate bed and board and awarded her separate maintenance in the amount of $200 per annum to be paid quarterly. See: Legal Papers of Andrew Jackson by Andrew Jackson - Univ of Tenn Press 1987 and More Tales of Tennessee by Louise Littleton Davis 1998

Will

In the name of God, Amen. I, Nathaniel Parker, Sr., of Sumner County and state of Tennessee, being weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, blessed be God for all his mercies, do make, ordain and establish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say.

First, I return my soul to the God who gave it, and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named.

Second, I give and bequeath to my son Robert, his heirs and assigns, the following described part of the tract of land whereupon I now live, to include my dwelling house and orchard, to begin at Hugh Rogan's southeast corner, thence south to a stake opposite the middle of my land that leads to my mill, thence east to David Shelby's line north with the same to the corner, thence east to Isaac Bledsoe's line, thence with it north to Isaac Parker's corner, thence with said Isaac Parker's lines passing a spring to Hugh Rogan's line, thence with it south to the aforesaid place of beginning. Third, it is my will and desire that all the rest and residue of the said tract of land whereupon I now live, with the mill and other improvements thereupon, together with all my horses, horned cattle and cogs, and my following named negroes, to wit, Burrough, Ned, Sawney, Pegg and her two children named Levi and Squire, Charlotte and her two children called Malinda and Isaac, shall be sold at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named, and the proceeds, after the payment of my just debts and funeral charges, I give and bequeath to my sons John Parker, Thomas Parker, Richard Parker, Isaac Parker, Nathaniel Parker, and Robert Parker to be equally divided amongst them, share and share alike.

Fourth, I give and bequeath to my daughter Betsy Collier, during her natural (?) negro girl Fan. And after her decease, I give the said girl Fan, and (?) to my said daughter Betsy's daughter called Betsy, her heirs and assigns forever.

Fifth, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Thompson, her heirs and assigns, my negro boy Edmond, and no more of my estate, real or personal.

Sixth, I give and bequeath to my second wife's daughter Nancy Parker, one dollar and no more of my estate, real or personal.

Lastly, I nominate and appoint my sons Thomas Parker and Isaac Parker, Executors of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made, ratifying this and only this as and for my last will and testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 25th day of February 1811.

Test: Hugh Rogan

Nathaniel Parker, Sr. Sumner Co., TN WB 1:156

Side Note: Hugh Rogan, the witness to Nathaniel Parker's 1811 Sumner Co. TN. will, married Nancy Duffy in Ireland. Nancy Duffy was an aunt of Francis Duffy who married Pamelia A. Parker on 18 Nov 1824 Sumner Co., TN. She was Nathaniel Parker 1724-1811 granddaughter, daughter of his son Thomas Parker 1768-1846 who married Susana Rogers,

CHILDREN

The 25 Feb 1811 will establishes 8 of his 10 children as:

01 - John Parker (*) born 1765; died before 20 Feb 1831 Shelby Co., KY, ;married 1st Mary Rogers, 2nd Sally Collier.

02 - Thomas Parker born 29 Feb 1768 Hampshire Co., VA.; died 8 Aug 1846 Hadensville, Todd Co. KY. with burial in the Hibbetts Cemetery, Sumner Co. TN.; married Susana Rogers.

03 - Richard Parker born 20 Sep 1770 Hampshire Co., VA.; died 9 Feb 1838 Sumner Co., TN.; married Nancy Rogers.

04 - Isaac Parker born 1776 Hampshire Co., VA.; died 2 Mar 1846 Sumner Co., TN with burial in the Bryson Cemetery, Sumner Co., TN; married Agnes Bartlet. The will of Isaac Parker names Thomas Parker as his brother, and has J.J. Hibbetts as a witness to his will. J.J. Hibbetts married Thomas Parkers daughter Nancy Caroline Parker

05 - Nathaniel Parker, Jr born 17 Mar 1775 Hampshire Co., VA.; died 15 Jan 1857 Sumner Co., TN. with burial in the Bethpage Cemetery, Sumner Co., TN.; married 1st Sally Ramsey, 2nd Lucretia Penny. NOTE: While the headstone says he died in 1857, his estate sell was held on 12 & 13 Feb 1857 (FamilySearch) and his death notice was published in the April 1857 Nashville Christian Advocate.

06 - Robert Parker born 1783 Hampshire Co., VA.; died 1870 Sumner Co., TN.; married Martha Patsy Martin.

07 - Elizabeth 'Betsy' (Parker) Collier born 1766 Hampshire Co., VA.; died after 1826 Shelby Co., KY.; married Michael Collier who died before June 1826 Shelby Co., KY.

08 - Mary 'Polly' (Parker) Thompson born 1779 Hampshire Co., VA.; died 1828 Davidson Co., TN.; married William Thompson May 1800 Sumner Co. TN.

The missing two children were:

09 - Aaron Parker died before March 1805 Sumner County, TN

10 - Susannah Parker born 1764 Hampshire Co, VA.; died before 1805 Jefferson County, KY.; married Charles Beeler in Hampshire Co. VA. and they migrated to Jefferson Co, KY. in the late 1780's. Her stepson John C. Beeler 2nd marriage was to Thomas Parker's daughter Elizabeth. John C. Beeler listed for himself and brothers in Nathaniel Parker's 29 July 1814 Settlement of Estate .

And by Aaron Parker's son of Nathaniel who died without issue before March, 1805. His nuncupative will which was proven in court on that date named all his siblings, except for Susannah (Parker) Beeler.

John (*)', Thomas, Richard, Isaac, Nathaniel, Robert Parker, Elizabeth Colyer and Mary Thompson

The list of the above 10 children is reinforced by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott who wrote a letter to his children (bot. of page 8 (doc page 10)) on the 31st Oct. 1851 outlining their genealogy. In the letter he stated:

"My aunt had three daughters and seven sons by him, namely, Susannah, Elizabeth and Polly (aka Mary), John (*), Thomas, Richard, Aaron, Robert, Isaac and Nathaniel."

Justice Scott went on to state:

Susannah intermarried with Charles Buler (Beeler). More than sixty years since they removed and settled at Maristick (Mann's Lick - a 1790-1820 salt works) a few miles from Louisville Kentucky. (Betsy) Elizabeth (Parker) intermarried with Col. Michael Collyer (Collier) and John (Parker) with Miss Sally Collier, grand-son and grand-daughter of old Col. Thomas Cresap. These two families many years since removed and settled in Shelby County, Kentucky.

* - Page 482 of Parker in America has a Oct 11, 1904 letter written by Ernest H. Parker of Nashville, TN. wherein he states:

John (Parker), son of Nathaniel, lived at Shelbyville, KY.

This is reinforced by the above statement by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott's 1851 letter to his children (bot. of page 8 (doc page 10)) wherein he stated:

Elizabeth (Parker) intermarried with Col. Michael Collyer (Collier) and John (Parker) with Miss Sally Collier, grand-son and grand-daughter of old Col. Thomas Cresap. These two families many years since removed and settled in Shelby County, Kentucky.

Shelbyville, Ky. is the county seat of Shelby County, KY which is where Justice Thomas Scott said John Parker (married Sarah Collier) and his sister Elizabeth Parker (married Michael Collier) migrated to..

INVENTORY & SETTLEMENT of Nathaniel Parker's estate

The Inventory of Nathaniel Parker, dec'd was taken 7 March 1812 by Thomas Parker and Isaac P. Parker.

Sumner Co., TN Inventories, Settlements, and Guardian Accounts, p. 116

The Estate Sale was recorded in April, 1812. Slaves were bought by Robert Parker, Isaac Parker, Richard Parker, and Nathaniel Parker. Other items were bought by these and Thomas Parker, B. Parker, Henry Bledsoe and Isaac Bledsoe.

29 July, 1814--Settlement of estate of Nathaniel Parker dec'd. List of legatees: Nathaniel, Robert, John, Isaac, Thomas, Richard Parker and John C. Beeler (step-son of Nathaniel Parker's daughter Susannah and husband of Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Nathaniel Parker's son Thomas Parker) for himself and brothers...grandchildren of Nathaniel Parker. Sumner Co., TN DB 7:162

November, 1816--Another Settlement of Nathaniel Parker estate. Robert Parker is owed $17.50. Money is owed to Mark Marshall and John C. Beeler. The Executor has $1,016.38. Legatees are Nathaniel, Robert, John Parker, John C. Beeler, Isaac, Thomas and Richard Parker.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Nathaniel Parker is on a list of persons who furnished supplies to the Continental Army in Hampshire Co VA (now WV) and his descendents are eligible for membership in the DAR/SAR. See the Virginia State Library.

See copy of 'A Glimpse of the Past, the Harness Family History, Page 94.

Nathaniel Parker owned 5,362 acres in Sumner Co TN

1810 tax list of Sumner Co TN: Nathl Parker, Capt Lauderdale's List

Excerpt from Jay Guy Cisco's 1909 Historic Sumner County, Tennessee

"Nathaniel Parker was born in Hampshire, VA, about 1730 (M.B. DeWitt Family bible that states Nathaniel Parker was born in 1724). He served under Washington in the attack of the French at Duquesne. He also served under Captain Jack against the Indians. He was fond of adventure as were most men of this day, and wandered through the wilderness of Pennsylvania and Northwest Virginia fearless of Indian foes. He may be classed with the long hunters as he spent much of his time hunting and exploring; being out often by himself for long periods of time. He made several journeys from his native State to the Cumberland country and back.

"While in Sumner County, he spent most of his time at Greenfield. Before the Indian troubles ceased, he removed his young children (his wife being dead) to Sumner Country and built a house near Greenfield. That house is still standing and is occupied by Mr. Robert Bryson. Some years after the death of Colonel Anthony Bledsoe, Mr. Parker married the widow, he being 63 at the time and she 60 years of age. He died in 1803 (M.B. DeWitt Family bible that states Nathaniel Parker died in 1811.) and was buried near the site of the old Morgan Fort on land now belonging to a Mr. Johnson.

"Nathaniel Parker had seven sons. The three eldest, John (*), Thomas and Richard married sisters, Misses Rogers, members of the same family as General George Rogers Clark. The eldest, John, never came to Tennessee. The other sons were: Nathaniel, Jr., Isaac, Aaron and Robert. From these sons of Nathaniel Parker have descended many prominent people of Sumner County and elsewhere. George W. Parker was a lawyer of eminence at Gallatin. He went to Missouri where he died. "

See: Origins of Parker Family text in Historic Sumner County, TN..

* - Page 482 of Parker in America has a Oct 11, 1904 letter written by Ernest H. Parker of Nashville, TN. wherein he states:

John (Parker), son of Nathaniel, lived at Shelbyville, KY.

This is reinforced by the above statement by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott's 1851 letter to his children (bot. of page 8 (doc page 10)) wherein he stated:

Elizabeth (Parker) intermarried with Col. Michael Collyer (Collier) and John (Parker) with Miss Sally Collier, grand-son and grand-daughter of old Col. Thomas Cresap. These two families many years since removed and settled in Shelby County, Kentucky.

Shelbyville, Ky. is the county seat of Shelby County, KY which is where Justice Thomas Scott said John Parker (married Sarah Collier) and his sister Elizabeth Parker (married Michael Collier) migrated to.

SOURCES

LINKS TO OTHER SOURCES

'There were 2 Nathaniel Parker's in 1782 Hampshire Co., VA. But only 1 of them shows in Sumner Co. TN records'

Parker Family text in Jay Guy Cisco's 1909 book 'Historic Sumner County, Tennessee'

Origin of the Parker Family text in Historic Sumner County, TN.'

DOCUMENTS

1782 Hampshire Co. VA Enumeration - Nathaniel Parker w/ 10 people in household. (NOTE there's also a Nathaniel Parker Sr. but there's no proof that senior was his father, an uncle or just another older unrelated individual.)

1784 Hampshire Co., VA Enumeration - Nathaniel Parker w/ 10 people in the household.

1790 Sumner County, TN. Probate Records, WB1, p. 9 - Edward Douglas given Power of Attorney by Nathaniel Parker of Hampshire County, VA. for the purchase of land in Sumner County, TN. (FamilySearch)(Ancestry)

1790 Sumner County, TN. - Tax List (Ancestry)(FamilySearch)

1796-1803 Sumner County, TN. Index to Deeds - Nathaniel Parker to sons Thomas, Isaac P., Aron, Robert Richard, Nathaniel Jr. (Ancestry)(FamilySearch)

1811 Sumner County, TN. - Will of Nathaniel Parker (Ancestry)(FamilySearch)

1812 Sumner County, TN. - Nathaniel Parker Estate Inventory/Sell (Ancestry)(FamilySearch)

DAR / SAR

Sons / Daughers of the American Revolution (SAR/DAR) profile for Nathaniel Parker Ancestor # A087729 NOTE: A letter of correction was sent in December 2015 to the SAR/DAR with documentation showing that Nathaniel Parker 1st wife was Elizabeth Scott versus Ann Clayton as the DAR web site stated.

UPDATE: As of 26 Sep 2018 the DAR web site now states it can't determine if Nathaniel Parker's 1st wife was Ann Clayton or Elizabeth Scott. Previously they stated his wife was Ann Clayton. They also state that they can't determine if Susannah Parker married John Daughhettee or Charles Buler (should be Beeler). Previously they'd stated Susannah married John Daughhettee. And they now state the John Parker born 12-17-1755 and died in 1801 King &Queen Co. VA IS NOT the son of the Nathaniel Parker in this profile.

As of October 2018 a submission to the DAR is in process via Nathaniel Parker's son Robert Parker. The DAR registrar is using the 1851 Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Scott's letter as well as the 1828 Francis & Pamelia (Parker) Duffy family bible to validate Elizabeth Scott was the mother of Nathaniel Parker's first ten children.