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John Watson Rhea Sr. (bef. 1770 - aft. 1842)

John Watson Rhea Sr. aka Ray
Born before in Virginiamap
Son of [father unknown] and [mother unknown]
[sibling(s) unknown]
Husband of — married 16 Dec 1791 in Amherst County, Virginiamap
Descendants descendants
Father of , , , , and
Died after after age 72 in Kentucky, United Statesmap
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Profile last modified | Created 22 Mar 2016
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Contents

Biography

John Watson RHEA, Sr. was born between 1760 and 1770 and died after 26 August 1842 and probably between 8 April 1843 and 1844. The names of his parents are currently unknown, but his father may have been or may have been connected in some way to William RHEA (born: 1715 in Ireland; died: 25 April 1802 in Bath County, Virginia). The name of his mother is currently unknown.

Birth

1820 - John RHEA was listed as the head of his own household in Scott County, Virginia.[1] The oldest free white male listed in that household was within the age bracket of over 45 years. Since this was also the only adult male listed in the household, it stands to reason that the individual was John RHEA. This would put his birth prior to 1775.
1830 - John "Ray" was listed as the head of his own household in Pike County, Kentucky.[2] He is believed to have been the individual who was enumerated within the household within the age bracket of 60 to 70 years of age. This would put his birth within the years of 1760 and 1770.
1840 - John RAY was not listed in 1840 census record, but his son, Linsey RAY has a male 70 to 80 years old in his household which is believed to have been John Watson RHEA.[3]

Death:

On 26 August 1842, a bond was given for the marriage between Richard MULLINS and Lucinda TACKETT in Pike County, Kentucky.[4] John W. RAY and John RAY, Sr. attested the letter signed by Francis TACKETT stating he had no issue with his daughter, Lucinda marrying Richard MULLINS.

The Tax lists of Floyd County, Kentucky and land records of Pike County, Kentucky indicate that a "John RAY of Floyd County, Kentucky" was alive 8 April 1843 to sell land, but not listed in the tax records of 1844 in Floyd County, Kentucky. It seems likely therefore that he died between 8 April 1843 and 1844.

On 30 September 1840, John RAY of Floyd County, Kentucky sold 50 acres of land on Indian Creek to James COOK of Pike County, Kentucky.[5] The certificate of sale of the land was presented to the court and acknowledgements were recorded of the grantor proven by oaths of William TACKETT and Richard HALL, witnesses to the deed on 22 February 1841.[5]
Checked Tax list of 1840 of Floyd County, Kentucky and did not see a listing for a John RAY on images 96 - 98 of 729. Note: on image 97 there was a listing for a Jesse RAY and a Daniel RAY.
In 1841, on image 127 of 729, there was listings for Linsey RAY, John RAY and Daniel RAY in Floyd County, Kentucky tax records.[6], John RAY was listed as owning 50 acres on Mud Creek valued at $75.
In 1842, on image 157 of 729, there was a listing for John RAY owning 50 acres on Mud Creek in Floyd County, Kentucky. There was an entry for a Lindsey RAY listed on Sandy River. Daniel RAY listed as living on Mud Creek.[7]
In 1843, Daniel RAY, Lindsey RAY and John RAY are listed in the Floyd County, Kentucky Tax lists.[8]
On 8 April 1843, John RAY of Floyd County, Kentucky sold 50 Acres on Robinson Creek in Pike County, Kentucky to John W. RAY.[9] The deed from John RAY to John W. RAY was produced and acknowledgement of John RAY was proven by oaths of Lindsey RAY and Thomas TACKETT, who were witnesses to the transaction on 10 June 1843.[9]
In 1844, the tax records of Floyd County, Kentucky list Daniel RAY and Lindsey RAY.[10] Lindsey RAY is listed as owning 50 Acres on Mud Creek. John RAY does not appear in this tax list.

Parentage:

His parents are currently unknown. His location in Amherst County, Virginia in 1791 would point towards him possibly living in or around that area. Since the 1790 census record has been destroyed, we cannot look to see which families with that surname were in that area.
The heads of families in Amherst County, Virginia in 1783 and 1785[11] revealed the following individuals with the same or similar surnames to the profiled:
1783 - William RAY (1 White), Moses RAY (5 Whites, 1 African American) [p. 47]
1785 - Moses RAY (6 White Souls), William RAY (6 White Souls) [p. 84]
The Chancery Records of Augusta County, Virginia state that there was a listing in 1805 (Index No. 1805 - 045) for the defendant which was listed as Heirs of William Rhea, Etc. against Plaintiff: John RHEA. It is not known if this is the same individual as the profiled.

Residences, Before Marriage:

1790 - Presumed Destroyed, but he was believed to have lived in Virginia as he married in 1791 in Amherst County, Virginia.

Marriage:

John Watson RHEA, Sr. was married on 16 December 1791 in Amherst County, Virginia to Rutha ROBERTSON.[12]

Spouse:

Rutha ROBERTSON was born about 1771 and died between 1820 and 1830 - based upon the household enumeration it has been determined that this individual was not listed in the 1830 U. S. census record household of her husband.[2] Since it appears that she was enumerated in the 1820 U. S. census record, it is believed that she died between the 1820 and 1830 census years. She was the daughter of Squire ROBERTSON and an unknown mother. Some researchers state her mother was Nancy MOORE.

Birth Information for Rutha ROBERTSON:

1810
1820 - Rutha ROBERTSON was believed to have been a member of the household of John RHEA in Scott County, Virginia[1] and listed within the age bracket of 26 to 45 Years. This individual was the wife of record of this individual and no other marriage records have been found for John Watson RHEA, Sr.

Death Information for Rutha (ROBERTSON) RHEA:

Rutha (ROBERTSON) RHEA appears to have disappeared between the 1820 and 1830 census records. In 1820 she is believed to have been a member of her husband, John RHEA's household in Scott County, Virginia.[1] There is an adult female enumerated within that household in the age bracket of 26 to 45 years. Since Rutha was the wife of record for John RHEA and no other marriage records have been located for John Watson RHEA, Sr., it is believed that Rutha was the adult female who was 26 to 45 years. By the 1830 U. S. census record,[2] there is no mention of any adult females in the household of her husband and as such it is believed that she probably died between the census years of 1820 and 1830.

Residences, After Marriage:

1800 - Presumed Destroyed, but he was believed to have lived in Virginia.
1810 -
1820 - Scott County, Virginia[1]
1830 United States Federal Census Record[2]
John Ray was listed as the head of his own household in Pike County, Kentucky. He is believed to have been the individual who was enumerated within the household in the age bracket of 60 to 70 Years of age. [Estimated Birth Years: 1760 to 1770]
1840 -
John RAY appears on the Tax lists of Floyd County, Kentucky from 1841 to 1843.

Children of John Watson RHEA and Rutha ROBERTSON:

  1. Milly RHEA (Born: About 1792; Died: 3 April 1852 in Pike County, Kentucky); Married: 17 March 1813 in Virginia (probably in Scott County, Virginia) to Hugh McCOWAN (Born: About 1785 in Virginia; Died: After 1870)
  2. Spicey RHEA (Born: About 1795; Died: after 1880); Married: 18 May 1817 in Scott County, Virginia to Samuel HALL[13] (Born: about 1798; Died: 12 February 1885 in Floyd County, Kentucky)
  3. Lindsey RHEA (Born: About 1805; Died: After 1860); Married: 30 December 1824 in Scott County, Virginia to Nancy STURGEON
  4. John Watson RHEA, Jr. (Born: About 1807 in Virginia; Died: 10 November 1874 in Floyd County, Kentucky); Married: 30 May 1833 in Pike County, Kentucky to Rebecca TACKETT
  5. Benjamin RHEA (Born: About 1812 in Virginia; Died: Unknown); Married: 23 February 1830 in Pike County, Kentucky to Sally JONES[14], [15]
  6. Nancy RHEA (Born: About 1813; Died: Unknown); Married: 21 January 1830 in Pike County, Kentucky to William YONTS,[16], [17] the son of William YONTS, Sr. and an unknown mother.

Research Progress

The 1790 United States Federal Census Records from Virginia were lost and as such cannot be transcribed. . A reconstructed “Heads of Family” Index for the State of Virginia was taken from the 1785 to 1787 tax lists.
The 1800 United States Federal Census Records from Virginia were lost and as such cannot be transcribed.

1810 United States Federal Census Record of "Head of Household

1820 United States Federal Census Record of John RHEA in Scott County, Virginia</b>[1]
  • This section was not a part of Evensham or Kezletown townships in Scott County, Virginia. Those townships were listed separate of this section.
The Head of the Household for this census enumeration was found indexed at Ancestry.com as "John Rhea" on 16 October 2016.
Transcription of the 1820 Census Household of John RHEA in Scott County, Virginia
Name of the Head of the Household: John RHEA
Full household transcription: 0 - 2 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 3 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Ages of Free White Male Individuals Enumerated in this Household: 2 Free White Males Aged 10 - 15 Years, 1 Free White Male Aged Over 45 Years
Ages of Free White Female Individuals Enumerated in this Household: 2 Free White Females Under 10 Years, 1 Free White Female Aged 26 to 45 Years
Ages of Other Free Individuals Enumerated in this Household: No other Free individuals enumerated
Ages of / Number of Slaves: No Slaves Enumerated
Other Information Recorded: 3 Individuals listed as being Engaged in Agriculture
End of Transcription of the 1820 Census Household of John RHEA in Scott County, Virginia.
Hypothesis of the identity of the individuals included within the 1820 Census Household of John RHEA in Scott County, Virginia:
Free White Male Aged Over 45 Years - [Estimated Birth Years: Before 1775], Believed to have been John Watson RHEA [Sr.], born estimated 1770.
Free White Female Aged 26 to 45 years - [Estimated Birth Years: 1775 - 1794], Believed to have been Rutha ROBERTSON, born estimated 1771.
Free White Male Aged 10 to 16 Years - [Estimated Birth Years: 1805 - 1810], Believed to have been John Watson RHEA, Jr., born estimated 1807.
Free White Male Aged 10 to 16 Years - [Estimated Birth Years: 1804 - 1810], believed to have been Benjamin RHEA, born between 1810 and 1815.
Free White Female Aged Under 10 Years - [Estimated Birth Years: 1810 to 1820], Believed to have been Nancy RHEA / RAY, born estimated 1813.
Free White Female Aged Under 10 Years - [Estimated Birth Years: 1810 to 1820], This individual has yet to be identified.
End Hypothesis of the identity of the individuals included within the 1820 Census Household of John RHEA in Scott County, Virginia.

1830 United States Federal Census Record of John RAY[2]

The Head of the Household for this census enumeration was found indexed at Ancestry.com as John Ray on 13 October 2016.
Transcription of the 1830 Census Household of John Ray in Pike County, Kentucky:
Name of the Head of the Household: John Ray
Full household transcription: 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | pg | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | Total: 2 Individuals | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 | End of Line
Ages of Free White Male Individuals Enumerated in this Household: 1 Free White Male Aged 20 to 30 Years, 1 Free White Male 60 to 70 Years
Ages of Free White Female Individuals Enumerated in this Household: No Free White Females Enumerated in this household
Ages of Other Free Individuals Enumerated in this Household: No Other Free Individuals Enumerated in this Household
Ages of / Number of Slaves: No Slaves were enumerated in this household.
Other Information Recorded: Total Number of Individuals for this household was recorded as 2 individuals. No individuals that were enumerated in this household were Deaf and Dumb, Blind or Foreigners not naturalized
End of Transcription of the 1830 Census Household of John Ray in Pike County, Kentucky.
Hypothesis of the identity of the individuals included within the 1830 Census Household of John Ray in Pike County, Kentucky:
Free White Male Aged 60 to 70 Years - [Estimated Years Birth Range: 1760 to 1770], Believed to have been John Watson RHEA / RAY, Sr.
Free White Male Aged 20 to 30 Years - [Estimated Years of Birth Range: 1800 to 1810], Believed to have been John Watson RHEA / RAY, Jr. (born: about 1807)
End of the Hypothesis of the identity of the individuals included within the 1830 Census Household of John Ray in Pike County, Kentucky.

John was born in 1760. John Rhea ... He passed away in 1842.[18]

Sources

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "United States Census, 1820," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:1TFV-GZN : accessed 2 August 2022), Household of John Rhea, Scott, Virginia, United States; citing p. 197 (stamped), p. 438 (penned), line 4, NARA microfilm publication M33, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 139; FHL microfilm 193,698.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "United States Census, 1830," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:1TV7-BSV : 20 February 2021), Household of John Ray, Pike, Kentucky, United States; citing p. 367, line 4, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 40; FHL microfilm 7,819.
  3. ↑ "United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:2:1TLX-6TN : 4 October 2021), Household of Lynsey Ray, Pike, Kentucky, United States; citing p. 270, NARA microfilm publication , (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll ; FHL microfilm 7,831.
  4. ↑ Clyde Runyon, "Marriage Bonds of Pike County, Kentucky 1822 - 1865," (by Author : Belfry, Kentucky, 1984), p. 125, file 733, Richard Mullins and Lucinda Tackett, bond 26 August 1842.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Pike County, Kentucky, "Deeds, v. A - B (1820 - 1845)," v. B, p. 167 - 168, John Ray to James Cook, 30 September 1840; digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-VSMN-W?cat=111955 and https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-VSMV-8?i=567&cat=111955 : 24 January 2020); citing Pike County Courthouse, Pikeville, Kentucky; FHL microfilm 839,456, images 567 and 568 of 727.
  6. ↑ Floyd County, Kentucky, "Tax Books 1793, 1837, 1840 - 1860," year: 1841, entries for John Ray, Daniel Ray and Linsey Ray; digital images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-C3TY-F?i=126&cat=155177 : accessed 24 January 2020); citing Kentucky State Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky; FHL microfilm 7,975, image 127 of 729.
  7. ↑ Floyd County, Kentucky, "Tax Books 1793, 1837, 1840 - 1860," year: 1842, entries for Daniel Ray, John Ray and Lindsey Ray; digital images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-C3TR-R?i=156&cat=155177 : accessed 24 January 2020); citing Kentucky State Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky; FHL microfilm 7,975, image 157 of 729.
  8. ↑ Floyd County, Kentucky, "Tax Books 1793, 1837, 1840 - 1860," year: 1843, entries for Daniel Ray, Lindsey Ray and John Ray; digital images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-C3TG-2?i=184&cat=155177 : accessed 24 January 2020); citing Kentucky State Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky; FHL microfilm 7,975, image 185 of 729.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Pike County, Kentucky, "Deeds, v. A - B (1820 - 1845)," v. B, p. 303 and 304, John Ray to John W. Ray, 8 April 1843; digital images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-VSMD-4?i=634&cat=111955 and https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-VSMS-2?i=635&cat=111955 : accessed 24 January 2020); citing Pike County Courthouse, Pikeville, Kentucky; FHL microfilm 839,456, images 635 and 636 of 727.
  10. ↑ Floyd County, Kentucky, "Tax Books 1793, 1837, 1840 - 1860," year: 1844, entries for Daniel Ray and Lindsey Ray; digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-C3TG-L?i=208&cat=155177 : accessed 24 January 2020); citing Kentucky State Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky; FHL microfilm 7,975, image 209 of 729.
  11. ↑ Amherst County Heads of Families 1783
  12. ↑ Ancestry.com, "Virginia, Select Marriages, 1785 - 1940," database online, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 October 2016), entry for John W. Ray - Ruthe Robertson, married 16 December 1791 in Amherst County, Virginia; citing "Virginia, Marriages, 1785 - 1940." Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013; [FHL Film Number 30273, p. 70].
  13. ↑ Scott County, Virginia, "Marriage Registers, v. 1 - 4 (1815 - 1931)," V. 1, p. 4, Samuel Helt and Spicy Ray, 8 May 1817; digital images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99CR-3VWG?i=7&cat=269689 : accessed at the Family History Center on 29 January 2020); citing University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; FHL microfilm 337,187, image 8 of 588.
  14. ↑ Marriage Bonds of Pike County, Kentucky, 1822 - 1865</i> (Belfry, Kentucky : C. Runyon [Privately published], 1984), p. 52, File no. 282. [Marriage License of Benjamin RAY and Sally JONES issued 23 February 1830, "with oral consent of John Linton, guardian of said Sally, and necesary certificate from John Ray, Father of Benjamin. Bond signed by Benjamin Ray (by mark) and by John Linton. Letter of consent for Benjamin Ray and Sally Jones to marry; signed by John Ray (by mark) and witnessed by John Linton and H. C. Harris. Married February 23, 1830 by Wm. Campbell JPPC."
  15. ↑ "Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-24569-22285-30?cc=1804888 : 30 June 2016), 004263473 > image 75 of 718; Madison County Courthouse, Richmond.
  16. ↑ Clyde Runyon, Marriage Bonds of Pike County, Kentucky, 1822 - 1865 (Belfry, Kentucky : C. Runyon [Privately published], 1984), p. 24, File no. 149 [Listed in Marriage of William Elswick, Jr. and Polly Mayhon is following: "(In this file is also the following fragment of a marriage bond) Bond signed by John Ray and Wm Yants for marriage of William Yants Jr. and Nancey Ray. Bond dated January 12, 1830"] and p. 53, File no. 289 [License (partly gone) issued January ___, 1830 by James Honaker for marriage of William ____ and Nancy Ray, with oral consent of William Yants and John Ray, fathers to said Wm. and Nancy. Bond (only a scrap left), dated January 28, 1830, by William Yants and John Ray. William Yants and Nancy Ray married 'on the 21st of this Instant. . . ' by Thos. Reynolds JPPC."]
  17. ↑ "Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-24569-22285-30?cc=1804888 : 30 June 2016), 004263473 > image 75 of 718; Madison County Courthouse, Richmond.
  18. ↑ A source for this information is needed.
See Also:
Clue Sources:

Acknowledgements

  • This profile was originally started by Mary Imler on Monday, February 10, 2014.




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Comments: 2

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Pamela (Henderson) LeCroy
Rhea-645 and Rhea-751 appear to represent the same person because: Daughter Frances mentioned as daughter: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29916014/frances-gearhart-trout
posted on Rhea-751 (merged) by Pamela (Henderson) LeCroy
Jeanne Howell
Ray-2592 and Rhea-645 appear to represent the same person because: Same person, same wife. Surname spelled both as Rhea (1850) and Ray. Father used Rhea spelling.
posted by Jeanne Howell

Featured National Park champion connections: John is 14 degrees from Theodore Roosevelt, 21 degrees from Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, 16 degrees from George Catlin, 12 degrees from Marjory Douglas, 20 degrees from Sueko Embrey, 16 degrees from George Grinnell, 25 degrees from Anton Kröller, 17 degrees from Stephen Mather, 23 degrees from Kara McKean, 16 degrees from John Muir, 17 degrees from Victoria Hanover and 17 degrees from Charles Young on our single family tree. Login to find your connection.

R  >  Rhea  >  John Watson Rhea Sr.