James McKain Sr. (1739)

Born 1739 in Botetourt County, Virginia

Descendants

Died [date unknown] in Sumner County, Tennessee

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Biography

James was born in 1739.

Sources

The Donelson Voyage

On a bitterly cold day, December 22, 1779, 61 year old John Donelson leading a flotilla of some 30 to 40 flatboats, embarked on an epic 1000 mile voyage down the Tennessee River and up the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers to the "French Lick", the site of present day Nashville. This was the culmination of several years of extensive efforts to settle this wilderness area. This voyage is of particular interest to readers of this genealogy, since James McKain, Sr., his 14 year old son James McKain, Jr., and other members of the family were participants in this dangerous undertaking. The voyage is detailed in a journal kept by John Donelson. In this journal he listed the members of the expedition to include: James Cain (sic) and Peter Looney. (James McKain, Jr. in a interview years later confirmed his participation.)

The expedition began when Judge Richard Henderson of the Transylvania Company sent James Robertson in early 1779 to explore the Cumberland valley. With the resulting encouraging report, John Donelson was offered command of the flotilla to transport women, children2, and heavy baggage, and James Robertson was to move overland with the livestock. They met again on April 24, 1780 when the river travelers arrived at the selected site, today's Nashville.

The Cumberland Settlements

The Cumberland settlers realized that they needed an organized government, so on May 1, 1780 representatives from the eight stations (forts), which had been established, met at Nashborough. They signed and adopted articles known as "The Cumberland Compact" providing for a representative form of elected government in this area. Typical government duties were called for such as a militia, land purchases, and courts. James McKain, Sr. signed the Compact representing Mansker's Station. (These stations were small forts to which these isolated settlers could flee for protection when attacked by Indians. More than 75 people were killed by Indians in Sumner County alone from 1786 until the destruction of the Chickamagua towns in September of 1794. e. g. Issac Bledsoe was killed while working in his field, and his brother Anthony was killed in the door of his cabin.)

1783 A small settlement was begun on the west side of Big Station Camp Creek near Douglass Chapel by James McKain, James Franklin, Elmore Douglass, and Charles Carter. 1783, Jan. 18 James McKain appeared in the minutes of the second meeting of the Cumberland District Court. 1783, Apr. 1 James McKain sued William Graham in regard to a bed. Jordan Gibson and Isaac Neely as witnesses. 1783, Oct. 6 James McKain is elected constable at Mansker's Station. 1786, Apr. 17 "Winston, North Carolina3 (current Winston-Salem), in the tenth year of independence, 1786. For the sum of ten pounds, James McKain is granted 640 acres in Davidson County on Station Camp Creek beginning at a sugar tree on Elmore Douglas line, etc." 1787 Mar. The first Sumner County court was held on the first Monday in March 1787 in the home of John Hamilton on Station Camp Creek. James McKain, Sr. was appointed to mark out a road from Major Bledsoe's to the state line. He also recorded his stock mark as an underkeal, an overkeal, and a crop off of each ear. His brand was identified as "K". He was a juror several times in 1787. 1787 Apr. County Court: Richard Searcy, a minor orphan, be bound to James McKain until he arrives at the age of 21 years. 1788 James McKain was again a juror this year. Also he sued a local man for debts. Some entries mention a McKain Creek. i.e. "The people from McKain's down McKain Creek to the road, are to work on the road east of Station Camp Creek." 1789 Andrew Jackson, Esq. (later the U. S. president) obtained his license to practice as an attorney at law in Sumner County Courts. This year James McKain was again a juror and was sued for debt incurred in 1782 to an Arthur Gilbreath of Hawkins County, North Carolina (Tennessee). 1789 Apr. 8 County of Tennessee, State of North Carolina: James McKain sold 200 acres of his preemption on Station Camp Creek to Peter Looney for £200. (Could this be his step-son from Botetourt County, Virginia?) James began to buy and sell other properties, a process that seems continuous over the next several years. 1789 James McKain was taxed this year (£19 5 1/2 shillings) for the cutting of a road from the town of Clinch Mountain (Knoxville area) to the Cumberland Settlements. 1789 July 14 James McKain was granted the privilege of erecting a mill on the West Fork of Station Camp Creek within a quarter mile of where he lived. He was also appointed overseer of roads. 1790 This year James McKain, Sr. secured another land grant of 640 acres on the East Branch of Drake's Creek near Hendersonville in Sumner County. It appears that he got a total of three of these land grants. (Station Camp Creek, Drakes's Creek, and Bledsoe's Creek) Also this year, he served as a juror and secured the services of a bond servant in court proceedings. 1791 James McKain was again a juror and was a defendant in a suit where the opposing attorney was Andrew Jackson. James McKain and his attorney, John Overton, lost and James paid a settlement of £20. 1791 Nov. 8 From a report by Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, to President Washington that detailed all private claims so that the government could set up land offices in the proposed state of Tennessee: "An estimate of the redemptions laid off and allocated the settlers on the Cumberland River by the commissioner for paying off the lands granted the Continental Line............ ...... No. 184, James McKain, 640 acres, Davidson County, West Fork of Station Camp Creek."

1792 Again we find a similar pattern of activities. James McKain, Sr. sold land, served as a juror, and was a defendant in a lawsuit. 1793 James McKain, Sr. died in the fall of this year. It appears that he may have been sick and wished to clear his accounts, for during this year he sold four parcels of land totaling 1048 acres, including 378 acres sold to James McKain, Jr. 1793 May 14 James McKain of Sumner County sold to James Lauderdale of Virginia (perhaps this is a nephew) 640 acres on Bledsoe's Creek near Cumberland Spring for £300. 1793 July 25 James McKain of Sumner County sells to Zacheriah Green for £132: 1 negro wench 1 bay horse 6 head of cattle 2 feather beds household furniture 3 year old calves 1 rifle gun.

1793 July 25 "Know all men by these present that I, James McKain Senior of Sumner County and Territory South of the Ohio for a valuable consideration to me in hand paid by James McKain Junior of the county of territory aforesaid hath given, granted, and sold and hath went unto the aforesaid James McKain Junior, a certain skewball (skewbald) stud horse seven years old last spring and also one pair of millstones...where of I have unto set my hand and seal this 25th of July year 1793. James McKain Senr" 1793 Two lawsuits were filed against James McKain, Sr. One was to last against the estate of James McKain, Sr. and his heir James McKain, Jr. until July of 1800. An idea of the extent of James McKain, Sr.'s land dealings might be enhanced by this chart as revealed for tax purposes:

James McKain, Sr. James McKain, Jr. Year Acres Polls Acres Polls 1787 1544 2 220 1 1788 1544 2 220 1 1789 904 3 220 1 1790 1534 3 220 1 1791 3352 2 220 1 1792 2887 3 --- - 1793 640 2 378 1 1794 --- - 366 1 Can you imagine what 3352 acres of land, that near Nashville, might be worth today!

(Note: In 1793, Reason Bowie bought 640 acres of land on Station Camp Creek where Jim Bowie, inventor of the Bowie Knife and hero of the Alamo, was born.)

James McKain, Jr.

James McKain, Jr. was born in 1766 in Botetourt County, Virginia and as a young lad accompanied his father on the Donelson Voyage of 1779 - 1780.

1787 James McKain, Jr. married Elizabeth Eaton4, daughter of Amos Eaton of Eaton's Station. 1787 James McKain, Jr. is a juror. 1788 James McKain, Jr. is a juror. Prudence (Prudy) McKain5, James Jr.'s daughter, is born.

1789 James McKain, Jr. served as a juror. James McKain, Jr. filed two suits for debts, but he lost both. Andrew Jackson was the opposing attorney in the second suit.

In the late fall, James McKain, Jr. was a member of a scouting party led by Colonel James Winchester. Near Smith's fork, a tributary of Caney Fork in Dekalb County6 an Indian ambush turned into a series of small skirmishes. In his fight, James McKain, Jr. shot and killed the harelip Indian Chief called Ne-ussee (Moon)7. James was later quoted as saying; "that he had bullets in his rifle, that he aimed at Moon and fired and that Moon fell pierced by two bullets.

1790 James McKain, Jr. again served as a juror, was appointed road overseer, and took the oath as a Captain of a Militia Company. 1791 This year James Jr. again served as a juror, is mentioned as Captain McKain. 1791, Aug. 1 Thirty civil and military officers of the Mero District (Middle Tennessee) directed a petition to President George Washington asking his aid against the depredations and murders committed by the Indians. Among the signatories was James McKain of Sumner County. 1791, Oct. James McKain, Jr. was fined 8 shillings in court for breach of the peace. This must have been a brawl, for three others were also fined at this court session. 1792 Captain McKain resigned his militia commission. 1793, Oct. James McKain, Jr. entered bond as administrator of the estate of James McKain (Sr.). 1794 James McKain, Jr. administrator and heir of James McKain, Sr. now enters a series of court suits as defendant against claims on the estate, but now Andrew Jackson is his attorney. 1794, Jan. 7 This is a particularly interesting case. The plaintiff, Jason Thompson, won the case but was awarded damages of only one penny. Also a court sale of the estate's personal property was made, and debts were paid. An interesting sidelight happened in court concerning what I assume was James Jr.'s sister. "William Cage and John Dawson entered into bond in the sum of 200 dollars for the indemnification of the county of all charges and expenses that may accrue in consequence of Jane McKain having a base born child."

1794 Thomas Sharp "Big Foot" Spencer, a friend of James Jr. and a famous "Long Hunter", was killed in ambush near Crab Orchard. James contends that he was killed by white men. 1795, Apr. 7 James McKain, Jr. pleaded guilty in court to a charge of assault and battery and paid a fine of 3 dollars. 1795, May 4 James McKain, Jr. sold 20 acres on Station Camp Creek. 1795 Jenny McKain, probably another sister of James Jr., married Gabriel Black. 1796 James McKain makes numerous court appearances concerning administration of the estate and suits against the estate. 1796, Jun. 1 President Washington signed the statehood bill, thereupon making Tennessee the 16th state. 1796, Nov. 16 Samuel McKain was born, probable son of James McKain, Jr. 1797 James McKain, Jr. was a bondsman for the administrator of a will. 1798 James McKain, Jr. served as a juror, was sued and paid a $25 debt, and himself sued a renter of his lands for non-payment. He also entered the real estate business this year by buying 367 acres for $367 and selling it in two parcels for $840. This year there were 1279 free taxable inhabitants of Sumner County. 1799 This year James McKain, Jr. filed and won a court suit for non-payment of debt and twice served as bondsman for the court. 1800 James McKain, Jr. sold 16 acres on Station Camp Creek and defended the final suit against the estate of James McKain, Sr. 1801 James McKain, Jr. served as both a juror and a court bondsman. 1802 The town site of Gallatin was surveyed and the sale of lots by the county commissioners commenced in the spring. Joseph McKain & Co., merchants held a two story house at No. 12 Market (Main) Street in Nashville. (Perhaps a relative.)

1803 James McKain, Jr. bought lot No. 9 (containing 60 poles of land) in the town site of Gallatin for $49. This year he again served as a juror and a court bondsman. Again James Jr. entered court, along with three others, on an assault and battery charge. He pled guilty and paid a fine of one dollar. Also this year James Jr. filed suit against Daniel Miles for non-performance of a contract. 1803, Feb. 19 James Franklin, Jr. married Prudy McKain (Prudy would be 15 years old at this time). James McKain, Jr. was wedding bondsman. 1804 James McKain, Jr. served as a juror and both prosecuted and defended court suits. This year he purchased 640 acres in Sumner County on Goose Creek for $400. Taxes this year were: 6-1/4 cents on every free poll, 12-1/2 cents on every town lot, 50 cents on every stud horse, 6-1/4 cents on each 100 acres.

1805 James McKain was a marriage bondsman and a defendant in a court suit. He also finished the suit against Daniel Miles. Daniel Miles was to have built on lot 9 in Gallatin, a two story dwelling house, 34 by 22 feet, for James McKain, Jr. Miles was to furnish foot thick logs hewn to seven inches thick, shingles, sawn rafters, and under flooring. McKain was to furnish finished planks, nails, hauling, victuals, and lodging for Miles. Miles was to finish this building within six months from the first day of August, 1802. Miles did not build the house, was found guilty, and fined. 1806, 1808, 1809 In these years James McKain, Jr. was mentioned as a marriage bondsman. 1810 James McKain, Jr. sold lot 9 in Gallatin for $90. 1811, 1812, 1815, 1816 James McKain, Jr. served as a marriage bondsman and sold lands on Station Camp Creek and Goose Creek. 1850 In the 1850 census, James McKain, Jr., 84 years of age, was found living in the household of Prudence Franklin, age 62, his daughter. 1857 James McKain, Jr died this year at the home of Dr. James Franklin, his grandson. The gravesite no longer exists. As late as 1912, James McKain, Jr.'s chair, powder horn, hunting knife, and family bible were still in the possession of his great-grandchildren (Franklins) who were then living in the house where he died. Samuel McKain

1796, Nov. 16 Samuel was born in Sumner County, Tennessee. 1812 War of 1812: In 1812, the southern states and territories still had numerous Indians, mostly Creeks, Chocktawas, Chickasaws, and Cherokees. In 1813, with the backing of the British, hostile Creeks massacred 550 men, women, and children at Fort Mims, Alabama Territory. Also settlers on the Duck River in Tennessee were murdered. The Tennessee legislature called for volunteers to be led by Andrew Jackson and his able cavalry commander, John Coffee. This consisted of 1500 militia infantry under Jackson and 600 mounted volunteers under Coffee. 1813, Sep. 24 At Gallatin, Samuel enlisted as a private in Captain William Edwards' company of Mounted Riflemen in the 2nd Regiment of West Tennessee Volunteer Militia, commanded by Colonel Newton Cannon, Coffee's Division. He enlisted for a term of three months and 16 days, for which he was paid $8 per month, plus $43.20 allowance for a horse, and $4.50 for subsistence. These men traveled 274 miles to Huntsville, Western Territories (Alabama) where they were mustered in and out of service. 1813, Nov. 3 While camped on the Coosa River in Alabama, Jackson dispatched Coffee and his cavalry to fight the Creeks at Tallushatchee. Coffee divided his command as he approached the Indian fortified town. The right wing consisted of cavalry and the left wing consisted of mounted riflemen under Colonel Cannon. A small detachment drew the Indians out to fight, and then the two wings fell on the flanks of the Indians. The Indians suffered 200 killed, while Coffee had 5 killed and 41 wounded. Samuel was in this battle according to his pension application. 1813, Nov. 7 A fortified camp of friendly Indians at Talladega asked for help against an imminent attack of hostile Creeks. Under the command of Jackson, infantry and cavalry marched rapidly. With the infantry in the center and the cavalry and mounted riflemen on the wings, Jackson drew the Indians into battle where 290 Indians were killed with the loss of 15 killed and 15 wounded from the Tennessee troops. Samuel was in this battle according to his pension application. There were further battles in this campaign, but Samuel's enlistment was soon up. 1814, Sep. 1 Samuel McKain volunteered at Gallatin as a Sergeant in Captain Robert Moore's Company of Mounted Gunmen in the 2nd Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers commanded by Colonel Thomas Williamson, General Coffee's Division. 1814, Oct. 3 General Coffee mustered 2000 men at Fayetteville and began a march south. 1814, Oct. 22 After a trip of 470 miles they reached Camp Gaines near Mobile, Alabama Territory. Thence they rode to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, arriving in 16 days. 1814, Dec. 20 Coffee's men arrive in New Orleans after riding 135 miles from Baton Rouge in three days. General Jackson had sent an urgent appeal from New Orleans, " Come quick, the British are coming". A contemporary description of Coffee's men:

"They are not very military in appearance. They wear woolen hunting shirts, slouched hats or cap of skins of raccoons or foxes, with a belt of untanned deer skin in which stuck hunting knives. But they were admirable soldiers and remarkable for endurance and the ability to take care of themselves."

1814, Dec. 23 As a delaying tactic, Coffee's men (veterans of the Creek War) attacked the British encampment south of New Orleans during a foggy night. 1600 Americans fought 3000 British in hand to hand combat. The Americans suffered 95 killed or wounded with the British having 400 killed or wounded. This attack successfully delayed the British attack on New Orleans, allowing General Jackson time to carefully prepare his position, a mud and cotton bale line of defense. 1815, Jan. 8 In the famous Battle of New Orleans, 9000 British attacked the 5000 Americans awaiting the assault in their prepared positions. Coffee's men held the left of the American line away from the Mississippi River. Cannon fire met the British at 500 yards. At rifle range the cannons stopped to clear the air. The riflemen waited until they could see the belt buckles of the British and opened fire. As one American fired, he would step back to reload and another would take his place. This steady fusillade tore apart the approaching British line. The accuracy and massed fire of Coffee's men drove the British back from that end of the line before Jackson could ride over to see. The British retreated with a loss of most of their officers and 2000 troops killed. Jackson lost 7 killed and 6 wounded. One Tennessee sharp-shooter killed a retreating Redcoat at 300 yards, who was making obscene gestures at the defenders. 1815, Apr. Coffee's men returned to Nashville along the Natchez Trace where they were discharged. Samuel's bounty land application states that he fought in the Battle of New Orleans, and his Company disbanded in the Choctaw Nation on the way home. Samuel married Elizabeth Mayberry.

1818 Iredell McKain, their son, was born. 1820 Malissa McKain was born. 1823 Samuel buys 43 acres from Edward Douglass. 1823, Mar. 15 Houston McKain was born. 1835 Samuel buys 32 acres from Norwal Douglas. 1837, Jan. 20 The Gallatin newspaper, "the Union", had an article about a dinner to be given to Tennessee troops fighting the Indians (Seminole War) when they return. Attending to the arrangements was Colonel S. McKain. 1838 John McKain was born. Census records at this time indicated that three other daughters and an older man were living with them, but names were not given. 1839 Samuel bought 160 acres of land in Yalobusha County, Mississippi (Coffeeville). 1840 The 1840 census mentions Samuel, his family, and two slaves. 1841, Sep. Samuel McKain posts bond as the administrator of the estate of S. Hamilton. 1849 Samuel sells 67 acres, and from the description they appear to be on Station Camp Creek. Also this year he sells an adjoining 43 acres with the reservation that: "A thirty foot strip is not to be cultivated, for that is where the graveyard is located".

• http://tngenweb.org/sumner/mckain.htm

https://tnahgp.genealogyvillage.com/middletn/donelsons-voyage.html https://sites.rootsweb.com/~tnsumner/black.htm Captain James McKain in the U.S. Census Reconstructed Records, 1660-1820