John Hammontree Sr (1723 - aft. 1787)

Born 9 Nov 1723 in North Farnham Parish, Richmond, Colony of Virginia, British Colonial America

Husband of Unknown (Unknown) Sarah Batty — married about 1741 in Virginia, British Colonial America

Descendants

Died after 1787 after age 63 in Cumberland, Virginia, United States

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Biography

John Hammontree, son of Jonathan and Mary, was born 9 Nov. 1723 in North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co, VA. John and his unknown wife were married about 1741 in the area of Richmond County. Their first child John (Jr.) was born about 1742. (John Hammontree Jr. was the father of William Hammontree, born on or before 1761. William's approximate year of birth is known in that he was at least 21 in 1782 when he appeared on the tax list in Cumberland County.) John Sr. and his wife appear to have been the parents of five sons, as well as probable unknown daughters. The family moved from Richmond County to Cumberland Co., VA sometime between 1747 and 1756. John seems to have been the progenitor of Hammontrees in early Cumberland and Buckingham counties. He was too old to serve in the Revolutionary War, but had three sons who enlisted in Cumberland County for military service. Among them was John Hammontree (1742–1778) who died in the Winter of Valley Forge. (John also had a nephew John Hammontree of Northumberland County (born 1759, son of David and Sarah) who served in the navy during the Revolutionary War aboard the Protector and the Tempest.) John Sr. and his unknown wife died in Cumberland County. John's wife died before 1787, John afterward.

Early family genealogists circulated the claim that John Hammontree's wife was Sarah Batty. This claim seems to have originated with Mary Ruth Hammontree Brown, one of the foremost early family genealogists. However, no documentation has been found to corroborate this claim. It seems that Mary Ruth was confused with the fact that John Hammontree’s brother David married Sarah Beetley (Bickley) in about 1755. Mary Ruth believed that David Hammontree's wife was Sarah Payne (a belief that has persisted with many online family trees), and thus she seems to have concluded that Sarah Beetley/Bickley was the wife of John Hammontree. This stems from the fact that Francis Bickley of Northumberland County named Sarah Hammontree as his daughter in his will of 1757, his name appearing on the will as Francis Beetley. The Bickley surname is found in period documents as Bickley, Beckly, Beakley, Beekley, and Beetley (Bell, "Bickleys of the Pamunkey River Watershed of Virginia in the 18th Century," The Virginia Genealogist (January–March, 1983): 48). In trying to make sense of this confusion, Mary Ruth seems to have concluded that the correct family surname was Batty, a name that was current in early colonial Virginia, though no members of the Batty family were known to live near the Hammontree family at the time. All the same, it is clear that Francis Bickley's daughter Sarah Hammontree was the wife of David Hammontree. David lived in Northumberland County where the Bickley family lived. David and Sarah named a daughter Sarah Million Hammontree in 1765, Million being the maiden name of Francis Bickley's wife Grace. David and Sarah's daughter Lukrese Hammontree Hamrick named a son Elisha Payne Beakly Hamrick in Northumberland County in 1775. David's wife is known to have been named Sarah, her name given with David's when the births of their children were recorded in the Northumberland County Register. After David's death, his widow Sarah Hammontree was executrix of his estate. Thus, after clarifying the fact that David Hammontree's wife was Sarah Beetley/Bickley, it is evident that the identity of John Hammontree's wife is completely unknown.

It is definitely the case that many online sources have confused Sarah Batty, Sarah Beetley, and Sarah Payne. These sources give the birth of Sarah Batty (alleged wife of John Hammontree) as 28 Feb. 1727. But this date is when Sarah Payne was born, the woman thought incorrectly to have married John's brother David. But with respect to John's wife, there is no direct evidence that a Sarah Batty ever existed at the appropriate time and place who might have married John. The name Sarah Batty seems to have resulted in confusion with the name Sarah Bickley/Beetley. As far as public records are concerned, there is no evidence to indicate the identity of John's wife, either her given or maiden name.

Only one document has been found that seems to pertain directly to John's wife. John's household in Cumberland Co., VA was enumerated in 1784 as having three persons. John's unknown wife seems to have been among them, though her name is not given in the enumeration. No other record as yet discovered in Richmond or Cumberland county refers to her.

Beyond the question of the identity of John's wife is the question as to when she died. Early family genealogists provided no indication as to when "Sarah Batty Hammontree" died, thus allowing apocryphal rumors to fill the void. The rumor somehow arose that John's wife died after 1800 in Tennessee. But based on evidence from Cumberland Co., VA, John's wife seems to have been alive in his enumeration in the Heads of Families census of 1784, though John seems to have been a widower in the subsequent census of 1787. His wife thus seems to have died in Cumberland Co., VA before 1787 (for citations, see below).

The births of John Hammontree and his known siblings were recorded in the Register of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia, 1672–1801. The original manuscript no longer exists, though a replacement was compiled during the early nineteenth century. This edition remains on file within the holdings of the Library of Virginia. This manuscript has been published in an alphabetized printed edition by George H. S. King. The following birth record appears in the edition by King (the letter "B." signifying birth):

B. HAMMONTREE, JOHN son of Jonathan and Mary Hammontree, 9 November 1723 (Richmond County North Farnham Parish Record, 1672 – 1801, 42; see King, Registers of North Farnham Parish, 1663 – 1814, and Lunenburg Parish, 84).

Court Records from Richmond County, Virginia

There were a number of court cases in Richmond County, VA between John Hamontree (Hammontree) and George Tillery. In court 6 Apr. 1747, John Hamontree accused George Tillery of trespass, assault and battery. John sought damages for 20 pounds. An imparlance was granted the defendant till next court (Richmond County Order Book 12: 46). On the next court session of 7 Jul. 1747, George Tillery was called but failed to appear regarding the charge of trespass and battery. Judgment was awarded the plaintiff (Richmond County Order Book 12: 68). On 4 Aug. 1747, John Hammontree once again accused George Tillery of trespass, assault and battery. Tillery counterclaimed that Hamontree committed assault. The suit was set for trial at the next court session (Richmond County Order Book 12: 78). Then on 3 Nov. 1747, the case of John Hammontree vs. George Tillery was heard by a jury. The jury members were William Garland, Hugh French, Thomas Wright, William Hamond, John Raynolds, J. R. Purcell, Jeremiah Brown, Henry Tilson, Richard Lawson, John Branham, John Raines, and Charles Dodson. The jury found for the defendant. The plaintiff John Hamontree was ordered to pay court costs, though the plaintiff and defendant were each ordered to pay the expense of their own witnesses. John Hamontree was ordered to pay his witness William Harris one hundred twenty-five pounds of tobacco for attending court five days. George Tillery was ordered to pay his witness James Blackersly two hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco for attending court four days and for his travel two times 20 miles to and from court. Tillery was also ordered to pay his witness Thomas Dale one hundred pounds of tobacco for attending court four days (Richmond County Order Book 12: 94; references to John Hamontree regarding George Tillery are given in Richmond County Court Order Books, 1721 – 1752: An Every-Name Index, 74).

Public Records from Cumberland County, Virginia

John Hamontree (Hammontree) witnessed a deed in Cumberland County in March 1756. This is the first evidence of the Hammontree family having moved from Richmond County to Cumberland County. The deed reads as follows:

Page 267. March 20, 1756 from Peter Legrand of the Parish of St. Patrick and County of Prince Edward, to Thomas Brome of the Parish of North Farnham in the County of Richmond, for 60 £, 400 acres in the Parish of Southam in the County of Cumberland on Crooms Quarter Creek, bounded by James Cunningham, James Bolling, William Cox, being part of 800 acres formerly granted to Jacob Michaux by letters patent dated February 12, 1742. Signed -- Peter Legrand. Witnesses -- William Clark, Isaac Beacham, John (X his mark) Hamontree. At March 22, 1756 Court this deed was proved by the witnesses thereto and by the Court ordered to be recorded (Cumberland County, Virginia Deed Book 2, 1752–1760: 57). (Note that “Crooms Quarter Creek” is a frequent misreading of Grooms Quarter Creek.)

Cumberland County is near the middle of Virginia, its county seat in the city of Cumberland. Cumberland County was formed out of Goochland County in 1749, having been the portion of Goochland County that was south of the James River. (Goochland County was formed in 1728, the first county in Henrico shire.) The modern driving distance from Farnham, Richmond County to Cumberland, Cumberland County is about 117 miles. Cumberland is about 49 miles west of Richmond. Cumberland County is in the Piedmont area of Virginia, characterized by lakes and rolling hills. The area is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the west.

John Hammontree is mentioned a number of times in the Cumberland County Court Order Books. He is mentioned ten times in the Order Books 1749–1756 Part III, his name appearing most often in these cases as Hamontree. These court records have been abstracted by Shela S. Fretwell, Abstracts of Cumberland County, Virginia Order Books 1756 – 1762.

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 107, 27 August 1759

Andrew Edwards and William Edwards appeared in discharge of the recognizance entered by Andrew before Thomas Davenport, Gentleman, and on hearing the complaint agt. them and John Hamontree making oath and requiring security of the Peace agt. them, ordered Andrew and William be committed to the custody of the sherif until they shall give security (Fretwell 81).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 119, 24 September 1759

Andrew Edwards, Plaintif against John Hamontree, Defendant. } In Case, Dismis'd, the parties having agreed (Fretwell 85).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 169, 24 March 1760

John Hamontree, Plt. against Zachariah Harman, Deft. } In Case. Special imparlance granted the Deft (Fretwell 100).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 226, 29 July 1760

John Hamontree, Plt. against Zackariah Harmon, Def. } In Case. Continued at the motion & costs of the Def (Fretwell 117).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 247, 26 August 1760

John Hamontree, Plt. against Zackariah Harman, Def. } In Case. Further imparlance (Fretwell 123).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 254, 26 August 1760

On the motion of John Hamontree, a Witness for Martin Richardson against Thomas Broom, It is ordered that Martin pay him fifty pounds of tobacco for two daies attendance (Fretwell 125). Other witnesses for Martin Richardson granted similar motions were Adcock Hobson, Samuel Atkinson and Isaac Beacham. Witnesses for Thomas Broom granted similar motions were Andrew Edwards, William Edwards, Elizabeth Palmer and George Palmer.

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 270, 23 September 1760

John Hamontree, plt. agt. Zackariah Harman, Def. } In Case. The deft. saith the Wri[t] ought to abate because at the time he was attending the Court of Cumberland County as a witness for one Robert Moore in a suit then in the said county court depending between Robert Moore plt. and John Merryman, Defendant, [and] being thereto legally summon'd, the defendant is priviledged from all manner of arrests. Time is given the plaintif 'til the next court to consider thereof (Fretwell 129, insertions retained from source).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 335, 26 May 1761

John Hamontree, plt. against Zackariah Harmon, Def. } In Case. This day came the parties by their attorneys to continue their pleas which were begun in this court on the twenty fourth of March 1760. The deft. at the same court by Gideon Marr, his attorney, defended the Force & Injury &c. when &c. and then prayed leave to imparl until the next court. Leave was granted until a court was held the twenty third of September in the same year. The deft. prays and hath leave to consider the pleas of the plt. 'til the next court (Fretwell 149).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 359, 23 June 1761

John Hamontree, Plt. against Zackariah Harman, Def. } In Case. The Plt. is to recover damages to be ascertained on an Inquiry thereof by a Jury at the next court (Fretwell 156).

Order Book 1756 – 1762, p. 386, 28 July 1761

John Hammontree, Plaintif against Zackariah Harmon, Defendant. } In Case. This day came a Jury, to wit, Flamstead Ransone, John Hughes, Francis Barnes, Charles Burton, Jacob Mosby, Josiah Thompson, George Chambers, William Clarke, Randolph Richardson, James Aikin, Philip Dunford & Francis George Stegar, who say that the plaintif is to recover three pounds fifteen shillings & six pence besides costs (Fretwell 164).

Several members of the Hammontree family appear in the Cumberland County Court Order Books during the Revolutionary War and shortly afterward. These Order Books have been abstracted by Roger G. Ward, Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books, August 1767 to December 1787. Following is a list of these entries, including entries not cited by Ward.

Order Book 1774 – 1778, p. 414, 25 August 1777

In distress Sarah Hammontree wife of John Hamontree soldier in the Continental Services (Ward 88). The complete text of this court entry reads as follows: It appearing that Sarah Hamontree wife of John Hamontree a soldier in the continental services is in distress. It is the opinion of the court that seven pounds & ten shillings is necessary for her relief to be placed in the hands of Captain Benjamin Wilson which is ordered to be certified to the treasurer. (The John Hamontree mentioned here and in the following two references was born about 1742, the son of John Hammontree born 1723.)

Order Book 1774 – 1778, p. 510, 24 August 1778

Sarah Hamontree, widow of John Hamontree, soldier in Continental Service at time of death, allowed 14 pounds paid to Benjamin Wilson for her (Ward 94–95). The complete text of this court entry reads as follows: Sarah, the widow of John Hamontree deceased who was a poor soldier in the continental service at the time of his death being in distress is allowed fourteen pounds to be paid to Benjamin Wilson for her use for one year from this time which is ordered to be certified to the treasurer.

Order Book 1779 – 1784, p. 126, 28 August 1780

Sallee Hamontree admin of John Hamontree (Ward 106).

On the motion of Sallie Hamontree who made oath according to law. Certificate is granted here for obtaining letters of administration of the estate of John Hamontree deceased giving security whereupon she with Jesse Thomas, her security, entered into bond according to law.

Ordered that Phinister Thomas, George Keeling, William Saunderson & John Jefferson or any three of them being first sworn do appraise in current money the slaves if any & personal estate of John Hamontree deceased & whereupon the appraisement to court.

Order Book 1779 – 1784, p. 421, 26 August 1783

On the motion of William Hammontree a witness for Walter King Cole against Betty Hill executrix of Thomas Sugett Hill deceased it is ordered that the said Walter King pay him one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco for six days attendance according to law. [Jesse Thomas was also a witness for Walter King Cole.]

Order Book 1779 – 1784, p. 476, 24 November 1783

John Hammontree father of Harris Hammontree produced a certificate signed 25 August 1783 by Ben Glenn late ?Lt W B certified that Harris Hammontree enlisted as a soldier for the defense of the western frontiers of Virginia agreeable to act of assembly passed at Williamsburg 3 May 1779 and was killed by the Indians 25 July 1781, said John right to the land, and that Dudley Hammontree an infant is heir of said Harris Hammontree (Ward 126).

Order Book 1779 – 1784, p. 531, 3 March 1784

John Hammontree, plaintif Against Martin Richardson, defendant. Jesse Thomas becomes special bail for the defendant who imparles at the next court and then to plead.

Order Book 1779 – 1784, p. 531, 23 March 1784

John Hammontree, plaintif, against Martin Richardson, defendant, In debt.

Jesse Thomas becomes special bail for the defendant who imparles at the next court and then to plead.

Order Book 1784 – 1786, p. 100, 27 July 1784

John Hammontree plaintiff against Martin Richardson defendant, In debt

By consent of parties it is considered by the court that this suit be dismissed and that the plaintiff recover against the defendant his costs by him in this behalf expended.

Order Book 1784 – 1786, p. 202, 28 February 1785

Sarah Hammontree exec of Harris Hammontree with security Jesse Thomas (Ward 135). On the motion of Sarah Hammontree who made oath according to law certificate is granted her for obtaining letters of administration of the estate of Harris Hammontree deceased in due form whereupon she with Jesse Thomas her security entered into & acknowledges bond according to law.

Order Book 1784 – 1786, p. 261, 29 March 1785

Motion of John Hammontree father of Harris Hammontree (Ward 137) (see below in discussion of Harris Hammontree).

Order Book 1784 – 1786, p. 402, 22 August 1785

Ordered that John Hammontree administrator of Harris Hammontree deceased do upon oath make up an account of his administration before Willis Wilson Cary Harrison James Austin & George Delong Gentlemen or any three of them to whom it is refered to state settle and examine the same and make a report thereof to court.

Order Book 1784 – 1786, p. 578, 27 August 1786

An account of the administration of the estate of Harris Hamontree deceased by John Hammontree administrator etc of the said Harris is returned and ordered to be recorded.

Order Book 1786 – 1788, p. 98–99, 28 August 1786

John Moore, John Ford, George Anderson, Clyborne Sims. For Bastardy within 12 months past: Suzannah Faulkner, Susannah Parker, Agness Smith. Edward Scruggs for living in adultery with Rhoda Hammontree within twelve months past. John Baker for profane swearing two oaths within two months last past, Ruebin Seay for profane swearing one oath within two months. For not setting up the rates of liquors within six months: William Evans and William Anderson, Archibald Wright, and also Bernard Gaines (Ward 155).

Order Book 1786 – 1788, p. 443, 27 November 1787

The Grand Jury presentment against Edward Scruggs in August 1786 for living in adultery with Rhoda Hammontree is dismissed by hearing the said Edward by his attorney (Ward 172). Rhoda Hammontree was the wife of William Hammontree. William was born about 1761, the grandson of John Hammontree born 1723 through his son John who died in the Winter of Valley Forge in 1778.

There are several references to the Hammontree family in the Cumberland County Court Order Books for the period after Roger Ward's volume of 1767 to 1787. These references occur from 1793 to 1803. References have been found only where listed in the indexes of the Order Books. The indexes have been checked through 1825. (Not all the order books are indexed.) Hammontree descendants appear again in the Order Books during the 1850s.

Order Book 19: 1792 – 1797, p. 133, September Court 1793

Ordered that the overseers of the poor Ni [Not important] bind out Isham Hammontree to Robert Davis according to law.

Order Book 20: 1797 – 1801), p. 200, 25 March 1799

Hammontree against Folchner, Continued

Order Book 20: 1797 – 1801, p. 422, 25 November 1800

Rhody Hammontree Plaintiff On a petition against William Folchner (perhaps Faulkner], Judgement for six pounds 7 and costs

Order Book 21: 1801 – 1803, p. 212, July Court 1802

Ordered that William W. Barker pay unto Dudley Hammontree two dollars and twelve cents for four days attendance, as a witness for him against William Saunderson Sr.

Ordered that William Saunderson pay unto Louanna Scruggs ten dollars and sixty five cents for five days attendance as a witness for him Atf [At the suit] William W. Barker.

Order Book 21: 1801 – 1803, p. 431, August Court 1803

Dudley Hammontree who was found in recognizance to appear here this day on a charge of begetting a bastard child on the body of Judith Bell who made oath in court that the said Dudley Hammontree was the father of said child whereupon it is ordered by the court that the said Dudley Hammontree pay to the overseer of the poor of Amelia County the sum of thirty dollars per annum from this date for eleven years to come for the purpose of maintaining the said Bastard child and that he appear here and give security for the performance of this order or that the Sheriff commit his body to prison for the same.

The Virginia Revolutionary War Public Service Claims Court Booklets describe the procurement of livestock, grain and other commodities on behalf of the local militias, the Virginia Army, and the Continental Army. Military or county officials gave receipts to citizens whose goods were purchased or impressed by the military. John Hammontree appears in the Public Claims for Cumberland County on two occasions. In Nov. 1780, John Hamentree sold 12 ½ bushels of wheat to the war effort for 2 pounds 10 shillings. The receipt was issued by Ben Wilson, State Commissioner. In May 1781, John Hammontree sold 12 ½ bushels of wheat to the war effort for 250 (currency and denomination not specified) (Abercrombie and Slatten, Virginia Publick Claims: Cumberland County, 17, 50).

George and Harris Hammontree were members of the Cumberland County Militia and served as soldiers in the American Revolution. Garland Evans Hopkins writes as follows in a history of Cumberland County: "Many members of the county militia went out in the service to win distinction as officers and privates. Among the Revolutionary soldiers mentioned in the Order Books and Committee of Safety minutes are: George Hammontree, … and Harris Hammontree" (The Story of Cumberland County Virginia: 51).

Children of John Hammontree and Unknown Wife

John Hammontree was the known father of Harris, and the probable father of John, Alexander, William, and George. The birth order of these children is uncertain. John's children are enumerated as follows:

1) John (Jr.) was born about 1742 in Richmond County. He served in the Revolutionary War as a private in the Company of Capt. Hughes Woodson, 10th Virginia Regiment, in the Brigade of Gen. George Weedon, part of the Division of Major General William Alexander, "Lord Stirling." John's regiment fought in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Monmouth before encamping at Valley Forge, PA. Winter quarters were established there on 19 Dec. 1777. John died during the Winter of Valley Forge on 24 Feb. 1778 (see online Valley Forge Muster Roll; military service records are available from the National Archives). John's wife was Sarah, her maiden name unknown. Sarah Hammontree is mentioned in the Cumberland County Court Order Books as the wife and widow of John Hammontree, these court records referring to John as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Sarah appears in Cumberland County records as Sally Hammondier in 1782, Sarah Hammondre in 1784, and Sarah Hamentree in 1787. There were three unnamed children enumerated with her in 1782 and 1784, but none in 1787.

John (Jr.) and Sarah are usually thought to have been the parents of two sons, William and John (III), and also an unknown child.

William Hammontree was born about 1761. He witnessed the will of Thomas Suggitt Hill in 1781, and then appeared on the Cumberland County tax list in 1782 and 1784. He must have been at least 21 to appear on the tax list, and thus his inclusion there in 1782 places his birth no later than 1761. He married Rhoda, her maiden name unknown. Rhoda was born about 1765. William died at least before 1810, when his widow Rhoda Hammondree was listed in the Cumberland County census as head of household. But he seems to have died before November 1800, when his apparent widow Rhody Hammontree filed suit against William Folchner in Cumberland County court. Rhoda's household in the 1810 census may have included multiple families. William and Rhoda's children seem to have included Job M. born about 1783; James, born about 1784; Mary "Polly," born 1791/96; Alexander, born about 1799; and Elizabeth, born about 1800. John M., born about 1808, may have been another son or else the son of Job M. Hammontree. Alexander, James, and Joseph Armontree (Hammontree) were all listed as heads of households in the 1820 census of Buckingham County. They lived in New Canton. The name Joseph is never found elsewhere and thus probably referred to Job. Rhoda appears to have been the female 45+ living with him in the 1820 census. (Buckingham County is adjacent to Cumberland County.) Rhoda appears in the censuses of 1830 and 1840 living with her son Job. She seems to have died between 1840 and 1850 in Buckingham County. John M. Hammontree moved from Buckingham County back to Cumberland County in 1831, where he lived in the community of Ca Ira. He remained there through the 1880 census. The Gray Church is all that remains of this abandoned tobacco community, which thrived during the 1840s and 50s.

John Hammontree (III) was born about 1768. He lived in Franklin Co., TN. There is no proof of his parentage, though he is generally thought to have been the son of John Hammontree (Jr.) and wife Sarah of Cumberland Co., VA. Details of John's marriage are unknown. John (III) appears in the 1820 Franklin County Census as John Hamintree, age 45+, placing his birth at 1774 or before. He seems to have been widowed in the 1820 census, his son's young family living with him. John then appears in the 1860 Franklin County Mortality Schedule as having died of old age in September 1859. According to the mortality schedule he was 80 at the time of death, born in Virginia. This mortality schedule places his birth at about 1779, significantly later than does the 1820 census. The census seems more reliable, given that his son was born in 1795. Some genealogists have given John's birth as about 1769, making him about 18 when he did not appear in the household of his apparent mother in the 1787 Cumberland County tax list. However, John appears to have been the John Hamontree (Hammontree) who was named in the Delinquent Taxpayers List of Cumberland Co., VA in 1789, owing a tax of 1 shilling. To have owed tax in 1789, John must have been born no later than 1768,, making him 21 in 1789. The tax record shows that John had moved to North Carolina (Clay, "Some Delinquent Taxpayers, 1787–1790," Virginia Genealogist (July–September, 1977): 168). John's son John (IV), born about 1795 in Virginia, married Mary about 1818, her maiden name unknown. There was a John Hammontree who witnessed the will of Matthew Robinson in Franklin Co., TN on 12 Nov. 1831. The will was also witnessed by James Robinson. The will was proven in court on 4 Apr. 1832. The John Hammontree who witnessed this will might have been the John born 1769 or else the John born 1795. John and Mary had a son John J. born May 1830. Mary was widowed sometime after 1850 and living with her son John J. in the 1860 Franklin County Census. This John J. Hammontree born in 1830 fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. He served as a sergeant in the 34th Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry. John was married twice, firs to Francis Evans Blake, with whom he had seven children, and then to Jemima Bean Roleman. John died in 1901. His second wife Jemima was buried in the Beach Hill Church Cemetery in northwest Franklin County. Her gravestone reads: MIMA BEAN, WIFE OF JOHN HAMMONTRA, JAN. 25, 1844–JAN. 12, 1928. John and his first wife Francis lived near Fall Lick Creek in Awalt, Franklin County. This area is very near Tim's Ford Lake. This hydroelectric dam and reservoir was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1970. (John J.'s apparent sister Nancy M. Hammontree married Wilson D. "Dee" Wiseman on 24 Jan. 1850 in Franklin Co., TN. They were the parents of ten children. Dee's mother Rachel, wife of John Wiseman (1777–1866), is claimed by some online sources to have been a Hammontree, though this proposal is entirely speculative and seems to go against DNA evidence. John's son William Larkin Hammontree moved to Ellis Co., TX and then to Phoenix, while his son Samuel moved to Ellis Co., TX and then to Los Angeles. The Hammontree surname did not continue in Franklin County thereafter (see Vivia Hammontree Strang, Fall Lick Creek and Hammontree Roots: Franklin County, Tennessee).

2) Alexander "Alex" Hammontree was born about 1747, probably in Richmond Co., VA. He seems to have been a son of John Hammontree of Cumberland Co., VA (1723–aft. 1787). No documentation has been found connecting him to his parents, wife or children. The only document for his life concerns the circumstances of his death. According to probate records in Blount Co., TN, Alexander died before 23 Mar. 1812. His apparent brother William was born about 1750, and died in 1815. Alexander's death in 1812 can thus serve to approximate his birth at about 1747.

Alexander and his unknown wife were the likely parents of at least one child: Jeremiah (Sr.), born about 1774 in North Carolina, married Sarah Holloway, died 22 Aug. 1814 in Blount Co., TN.

3) William (Sr.) was born about 1750 in Virginia, possibly in Richmond or Cumberland county. His wife was Patsy, her maiden name unknown. William and Patsy were married about 1769 in Virginia. (Many online family trees claim that Patsy's maiden name was Hawkins. This claim is highly speculative and lacks substantive support. The claim seems to have originated from confusing Patsy with her daughter-in-law Sarah "Sally" Hawkins, the wife of William and Patsy's son John.) William and Patsy first lived in Virginia before moving to North Carolina between 1773 and 1775. William purchased 213 acres from John Dudderow in 1791 and 15 acres from Andrew Friday in 1797, both in Lincoln Co., NC. William and Patsy lived in the community of Hardins, originally in Tryon County but then formed into Lincoln County in 1779, and now in Gaston County. William sold the Lincoln County farm on 7 Nov. 1800 to Andrew Friday and moved to rural Maryville, Blount Co., TN. The family lived on Baker's Creek, about fifteen miles southwest of Maryville. The area later became known as Greenback, now situated in Loudon County. William made his will on 26 Jul. 1815 in Blount County, and died sometime afterward. Patsy died sometime after 1815. Patsy's name appears only once in period documents. Her name was miscopied from William's will into the Blount County Will Book as "Patsey" (Blount County Will Book 1, 1799 – 1858: 65–66; see Moore, Records of Blount County Wills 1799 – 1858, 58). However, her name appears as "Patsy" on William's original will of 1815 (available in the Blount County Records Management and Archives).

William and Patsy were the parents of ten children, the first two born in Virginia, the others in Lincoln Co., NC. All the children were named in William's will of 1815. These children were: Nancy, born 1770, married Mark Fielding "Mark" Edwards (1767–bef. 1820), died before 1840 in Maury Co., TN; Harris, born about 1773, died probably before 1830 in Blount Co., TN; John W., born about 1775, married Sarah "Sally" Hawkins (abt. 1773–Feb. 1859), died 9 Aug. 1840 in Blount County; James (Sr.), born 1778, married Nancy Holloway (abt. 1779–10 Aug. 1860), died 12 May 1831 in Blount County; Betsy, born about 1782, died sometime after 1815; Frances "Fanny," born about 1785, died sometime after 1815; William Jr., born 1787, married first to Jane Curtis (1790/800–abt. 1830), married second to Leah Coker Davis (2 Dec. 1801–7 Jul. 1885), died 31 Aug. 1868 in Hamilton Co., IL; Jacob Asbury "Jacob," born 3 Apr. 1790, married Jane (abt. 1799–aft. 1880), died 21 Jul. 1865 in Slagle, Polk Co, MO; David, born 27 Mar. 1795, married Rachel Hart (abt. 1810–11 Sep. 1891), died 17 Nov. 1862 in Ball Play, Monroe Co., TN; and Jesse, born about 1797, married first to Ruth A. Gallehorn (abt. 1806–bef. 1870), married second to Bertha C. (1804–aft. 1870), died 1872 in Pickens Co., GA.

William's property on Baker's Creek in Blount County consisted of 128 acres. His name appears on his 1807 property survey #323 as William Hammingtree. The chain bearers for the survey were Alexander McCollum and Harris Hammingtree. Alex McCollum and Harris Hammingtree were also chain bearers for property survey #1366 for William Russell. Harris Hamington (Hammontree) was a chain bearer for survey #307 for Alexander McCollum and for #822 for George Wallace. Wallace's property was assigned to William's sons James and John Hammontree in 1808. These properties were all on Baker's Creek in Blount County. These surveys were made by Josiah Patty, Deputy Surveyor, and registered on 17 Jun. 1807 (Fox, Surveyors Entry Book – District South of French Broad & Holston, 39, 41, 85 and 133). The original surveys are contained in the volume Surveyors Entry Book for the District South of French Broad and Holston, September 1806 – July 1807, May 1814, Robert Wear, Surveyor General. This manuscript is in the Knox County Archives, Knoxville.

William and Patsy's sons James and John Hammontree were jointly assigned 297 ¾ acres on Baker's Creek on 23 Feb. 1808. The assignment was made by Samuel Handley, agent for George Wallace. Witnesses were J. Wilkinson and John Gardiner. James and John Hammontree received title to this property on 26 May 1810 in Tennessee Land Grant #1363 (Tennessee Land Grants, Book 2: 466; see Sistler, Tennessee Land Grants, I: 390). The land grant states that James and John's property was bordered by William Hammontree and Alexander McCollum. Alexander McCollum was married to Phoebe Hammontree, an apparent granddaughter of William and Patsy. The neighboring properties of William Hammontree, James and John Hammontree and Alexander McCollum were all located about three miles northeast of the community of Morganton in southwest Blount County. This area is now situated in Greenback, Loudon County. Alexander McCollum's son Joseph Burton McCollum built a house in the 1850s on his father's original property. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and then restored and renovated in 2010. This home is located at the intersection of Morganton Road and Cabe Road in Greenback, TN, about two miles southwest of Greenback.

James, William, and Jacob Hammontree served as privates in the East Tennessee Militia in the War of 1812. James and William (both listed as Hamontree) served in Capt. Joseph Duncan's Company in the Regiment of Col Samuel Bunch, attached to Col. Ewen Allison. The Company's payroll was for 10 Jan. 1814 to 21 Jul. 1814. Jacob Hammontree served in Capt. James Gillespie's Company in the Regiment of Col. Samuel Wear. The payroll period for this Company was from 23 Sep. 1813 to 31 Dec. 1813 (these records are on file at the National Archives; see Burns, History of Blount County, Tennessee, 1795–1955, 304, 306). William and Jacob were certainly sons of William and Patsy though there is some uncertainty whether James was their son or not. James, the son of William and Patsy, died in 1831. The gravestone for James Hammontree who fought in the American Revolution says he died in 1850. The grave is in the Craig's Chapel Cemetery in Greenback. If the gravestone is correct, then the identity of this James Hammontree is unknown.

4) George was born about 1756 in Virginia. Cumberland County records indicate that he served as a private in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War (Hopkins, The Story of Cumberland County Virginia, 51). No additional information for George has been found.

5) Harrison "Harris" was born about 1758 in Cumberland County. He was married to Sarah "Sally," her maiden name unknown. Harris and Sally were the parents of Dudley, born about 1781. (Dudley had been a family surname in Cumberland County at the time. An appraisement of the estate of Richard Dudley was submitted to the Cumberland County Court in 1750. The Dudley family has a great number of DNA matches to the Hammontree family.) Harris enlisted in the American Revolution on 12 Feb. 1778, twelve days before the death of his older brother John. Like his brother John, Harris was present at the winter encampment at Valley Forge. Harris served as a private in Capt. William Cunningham's Company, part of the 1st Virginia Regiment under the command of Col. Richard Parker, in the Brigade of Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, and in the Division of Major General William Alexander, "Lord Stirling." The June and July pay records indicate his pay was docked due to illness. The August pay record gives his name as Harrison Hammontree, the others as Harris. His first tour of duty ended in November 1778 (see military records from the National Archives; see also the online Valley Forge Muster Roll). In his second tour of duty, Harrison Hammontree received military pay on 8 Oct. 1779 (Auditor's Account Book III, 1779 – 1780, on file at the Library of Virginia). Finally, during the last year of the Revolutionary War, Harris served as a soldier in defense of the western frontier of Virginia against Indians. As a civilian, Harris appears on the Cumberland County tax list for residents prior to 1789.

John Hammontree, father of Harris Hammontree, filed a certificate in Cumberland County Court on 24 Nov. 1783 declaring that Harris had been killed by Indians on 25 Jul. 1781. Harris' widow Sarah Hammontree was made executrix of his estate on 28 Feb. 1785 with Jesse Thomas providing security (Cumberland County Order Book 1784 – 1786, 202). A month later on 29 Mar. 1785, the following entry appeared in the court records:

On the motion of John Hammontree father of Harris Hammontree deceased It is ordered that the order made at the last court granting Sarah Hammontree administration of the estate of the said Harris to be null and void and the said John made oath according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration of the estate of the said Harris giving security whereupon he with Edward Scruggs his security entered into bond according to law. (Cumberland County Order Book 1784 – 1786, 261). (Edward Scruggs was the son of Drury and Mary Scruggs; see the will of Drury Scruggs, 1782.)

In this action, the court recognized Dudley as the rightful heir of Harris, as opposed to Sarah (Harris' widow). In doing so, the court placed Dudley and his inheritance into the custody of his grandfather. The court records entitled the case as "The Estate of Harris Hammontree in Acct. with John Hammontree Admr. dr." The suffixes after John's name signify "Administrator" and "Dr." (Both John and his brother Reuben were referred to as "Dr.") The estate of Harris Hammontree consisted of 4 shirts, 1 suit made of Virginia cloth, 2 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of stockings, 1 broad ax, and pay for sawing 2200 feet of plank for laying floor. Also there was a military warrant in the hands of Col. Edward Carrington, and a Certificate for service in Virginia State for 49 pounds, 4 shillings and 8 pence. The court record concluded the matter of Harris' estate as follows:

In obedience to an order of Cumberland Court to us directed for the purpose of settling the administration of the Estate of Harris Hammontree dec'd. with John Hammontree administrator do find his acc'ts. on oath to be thirteen pounds nineteen Shillings with Credit of eight pounds Seventeen Shillings a balance of five pounds two Shillings Still remaining due he also produced a Certificate for service due to the deceased for forty nine pounds four shillings and eight pence as by the above acc't. will fully appear Certified under our hands this 19th of Feb'y. 1786.

Cary Harrison

George Keeling

W. Wilson

At a Court held for Cumberland County 27th March 1786.

This account with the report thereupon was returned and ordered to be recorded. Teste, Miller Woodson Clk. (Clerk) (Cumberland County Will Book 2, 1769 – 1792: 390–91; see Reynolds, Cumberland County Will Books 1 and 2, 81; Torrence, Virginia Wills and Administrations, 1632 – 1800, 190).

An application was submitted by the estate of Harris Hamantree/Hamontree/Hammentree to the State of Virginia for a Revolutionary War bounty land grant. The application was rejected, even though other records show that Harris was in fact eligible to receive such a land warrant (see under Hamantree and Hamontree in H. J. Eckenrode, Virginia Soldiers of the American Revolution, 1: 198–99; see under Hamantree, Hammentree, Hammontree and Hammourhre in Gwathmey, Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution, 340–41, 343). An inquiry concerning this application received the following reply: "A search of the Rejected Claims records reveal that the claim for Harris Hamantree is noted as missing from the file as of April 22, 1950." Other records show that Harris Hammentree was on the list of those allowed a bounty land warrant but who did not receive it. Harris was listed as a private in the Continental service and allowed a land warrant of 200 acres, including 100 additional acres for service in addition to 18 months (Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Records, 1: 191–92).

In addition to these five sons, John and his unknown wife were most likely the parents of unknown daughters. Isham may also have been their son, or else their grandson. Isham Hammontree was referred to in the Cumberland County Court Order Books of September 1793. He was born roughly between 1745 and 1770.

William Hammontree witnessed the will of Thomas Suggitt Hill in Cumberland County on 21 Nov. 1781, as did William and Andrew Edwards (Cumberland County Will Book 1749 – 1782, 294–95). William Hammontree was the great-grandson of Jonathan and Mary, and the grandson of John Hammontree born 1723 through his son John. Thomas Suggitt Hill's wife and daughter were both named Betsy, as shown in his will. Elizabeth Hill was listed in 1782 and 1784 Cumberland County Personal Property tax lists. (Jonathan Hammontree witnessed the will of Edgcomb Suggitt on 5 Jan. 1753 in Richmond County, see above under the heading, "First Generation: Jonathan and Mary Hammontree").

Dudley Hammontree, son of Harris and Sally, served in the Virginia Volunteer Militia, Regiment 5, during the War of 1812.

Tax Lists and Censuses

Early tithe lists exist for Cumberland County from 1751 to 1781. These lists have not been published or indexed (Cumberland County Circuit Court, Cumberland County (VA) Lists of Tithables.Richmond: Library of Virginia, 3 boxes).

Virginia tax law was revamped after the Revolutionary War in 1782. Personal property tax lists exist for Cumberland County from 1782 and following. None of the early years are available in printed form except 1787.

According to Garland Evans Hopkins, the Cumberland County personal property tax lists prior to 1789 includes the following: Sally Hammondier, Sarah Hammondre, John Hammondree, Harris Hammontree (Cumberland County: Tax Petitions Since 1776, 30). Hopkins seems to have relied in part though not in whole on the list of Heads of Families as compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau. Some of the spellings/misspellings Hopkins uses agree with the Census Bureau rather than the original tax lists.

The Governor's Office of Virginia commissioned a List of Inhabitants from 1782 to 1785. The list included thirty-nine counties and the independent city of Williamsburg. The counties were to compile the list at least every other year. Cumberland County was included in this listing in 1782 and 1784. This material has been published by the U.S. Census Bureau as part of the reconstructed 1790 Virginia Census. (The original Virginia Censuses of 1790 and 1800 were destroyed during the War of 1812.) The List of Inhabitants as compiled by the Governor's office was referred to by the Census Bureau as Heads of Families. Because the List of Inhabitants was arranged roughly in alphabetical order, the information in the reconstructed census (Heads of Families) provides no indication as to who one's neighbors were, unlike typical census information.

The information for Cumberland County in the 1782 and 1784 Heads of Families as compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau seems to correspond closely to the information in the 1782 and 1784 Cumberland County Personal Property tax lists. But the correspondence is not exact. The order of the names is different in the two sources, though both are roughly alphabetical. The spellings also differ, and not all the names in the tax lists appear in Heads of Families.

In the 1782 Heads of Families of Cumberland County, Sally Hammondier was listed as head of family. Her household consisted of 4 white souls (U.S. Bureau of the Census, Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States, 15). This person appears to have been Sarah/Sally Hammontree, the widow of John Hammontree (born about 1742) who died during the Winter of Valley Forge. Sarah Hamontree (Hammontree) appeared in the 1782 tax list as owning 7 cattle. Her tax that year was 1 shilling 9 pence. In 1784, Sarah Hammondre was listed as head of family, her enumeration consisting of 4 white souls, 1 dwelling on the property and the number of other buildings on the property not specified (U.S. Bureau of the Census, Heads of Families, 67). The Sally Hammondier of 1782 seems to be the same person as the Sarah Hammondre of 1784; both were heads of families having 4 white souls. The widow of John Hammontree who died at Valley Forge was referred to in Cumberland County court records as Sarah and Sallie. ("Sally" was commonly used as a nickname for "Sarah.") This John and Sarah seem to have been the parents of William born about 1761 and John born about 1769. William, John and an unknown child seem to have been the three others living with Sarah/Sally in 1782 and 1784. William Hammontree appeared on the tax lists of 1782 and 1784, though he still might have been living with his mother. He was not enumerated separately in the Heads of Families. He appeared on the 1782 tax list as William Hamontree in 1782 as 1 white soul, having 1 horse and 5 cattle. His tax was 13 shillings 3 pence. He appeared in the 1784 tax list as William Hammontree, 1 white soul. He owned 2 horses and 2 cattle. His tax was 14 shillings 6 pence. William seems not to have been married in these tax records.

The 1787 list of Heads of Families for Cumberland County shows Sarah Hamentree (Hammontree) as living alone and as owning six cattle. Her itemization was described as "not tithable" (Schreiner-Yantis and Speakman, The 1787 Census of Virginia, 1: 337). This Sarah Hamentree appears to have been the same person as Sally Hammondier in 1782 and Sarah Hammondre in 1784. Her three apparent children living with her in the earlier censuses were not enumerated with her in 1787.

John Hammontree, son of Jonathan and Mary, does not appear in the Cumberland County tax lists of 1782 or 1784.

John Hammondree (Hammontree) appears in the 1784 Heads of Families enumeration. His enumeration includes 3 white souls. The number of dwellings and other buildings on the property was not specified (U.S. Bureau of the Census, Heads of Families, 67). The three persons enumerated in John's household included John, presumably his wife, and an unknown person. It is possible that this third person was their orphaned grandson Dudley Hammontree. Dudley's mother Sally was briefly made executrix of her husband's estate in February 1785, whereupon this order was countermanded by the court at John's request a month later. Dudley was legally given into John's custody in March 1785.

The 1787 Heads of Families for Cumberland County shows John Hamentree (Hammontree) and James Robenson (Robinson) enumerated in the household of Alexander Trent. John Hamentree and James Robenson were shown as not owing taxes. The date May 28 appears next to James Robenson's name. Alexander Trent's itemization included 1 white male between age 16 and 21; 18 blacks over 16; 24 blacks under 16; 13 horses, mares, colts, and mules; and 76 cattle. Trent's inventory was noted as "not tithable" (Schreiner-Yantis and Speakman, 1: 339). (Cumberland County was divided into precincts in 1786.)

Brent Wiseman, a Hammontree family researcher, writes as follows:

This entry seems to suggest Alexander Trent was a very wealthy landowner…. It would appear this is the Alexander Trent III (1729-1793) who represented Cumberland County in the House of Burgesses from 1765-1771 (where he would have been a contemporary of Thomas Jefferson). His residence was at "Barter Hill" on the Willis River. He evidently later relocated to Campbell County, Va. This Alexander inherited his Cumberland County land from his father, Alexander Trent II.

The property of Alexander Trent and Trent's Mill is on the Willis River a few miles north of the city of Cumberland. The area is near Trent's Mill Road, Horn Quarter Lane, Bear Creek Lake State Park, and the Cumberland State Forest.

John Hammontree was listed in the 1787 Heads of Families list as not owing taxes; that is, he was too old to be taxed. Thus he could not have been the John Hamontree (Hammontree) on the Delinquent Taxpayers List in 1789. This John owed 1 shilling and had moved to North Carolina. The John who moved to North Carolina was probably a grandson, born about 1768. This was probably the John Hammontree who was later in Franklin Co., TN.

No property records have been found for John Hammontree in Cumberland County, though that does not suggest he did not own property there. It was common for residents to buy and sell property without bothering to register the deeds at the courthouse. Everyone knew and agreed on where the boundaries were. A practice of the Anglican Church of the time was to hold periodic land processions where the congregation would proceed through the parish to ensure that the boundaries were unmoved and known to all. It is common to find deeds of the time where a person acquired a piece of property only for there to be no record of when that same property was ever disposed of. The practice of registering deeds at the courthouse seems to have been hit or miss. The Hammontree surname does not appear in indexes of the Cumberland County deed books as either grantor or grantee. However, these indexes do not include neighbors, so perhaps researchers will eventually discover deeds on which John Hammontree is mentioned as a neighbor. John Hammontree witnessed a deed on Grooms Quarter Creek in 1756, and then was an apparent widower in the household of Alexander Trent in 1787. These locations were near each other, about three miles north of the center of Cumberland. This seems to have been where John and his family lived.

The only reference in period documents to John's wife is presumably the fact that John was listed in the 1784 Census as head of household, his household consisting of 3 individuals, apparently himself, his wife, and their fatherless grandson. The fact that John was no longer head of household in the 1787 Census, but had moved in with Alexander Trent, suggests that his wife died sometime between the two censuses. It was customary at the time for widowed individuals to move in with other families, especially near relatives. John is not mentioned in period documents after 1787. He seems to have died shortly thereafter.

There is no evidence to support the rumor that John's wife died after 1800 in Tennessee. This claim was not advanced by early genealogists but seems to have developed later from an unknown source. John Hammontree and his wife had two daughters-in-law named Sarah Hammontree. If credible evidence is eventually discovered that there was a Sarah Hammontree who moved from Virginia to Tennessee around 1800, then such a reference would probably refer to one of them, especially to Sarah the widow of John Hammontree who died at Valley Forge (1742–1778). This couple is believed to have had a son John who moved to Franklin Co., TN, and thus the Sarah Hammontree who was born about 1742 might very well have moved with her son to Tennessee.

John's unknown wife seems to have died in Cumberland Co., VA between 1784 and 1787. John seems to have died there after 1787. No additional information for them has been found.

John was born about 1723. He passed away after 1787. ^[1]

No biography yet.^[2] Can you add information or sources?

Sources

1. ↑ Unsourced family tree handed down to Denny Carlisle.
2. ↑ Hammontree-257 was created by Barbara Greene through the import of Barbara_Jones_Ancestors.ged on Jun 17, 2017. This comment and citation should be deleted after a short biography has been added and primary sources have been cited.

• This material has been excerpted from Hammontree Genealogy: From Jonathan and Mary to Willaford and Ellen (Internet Version, Revised 2016).